Category: Australian News

A new report from Canines for Wildlife has revealed the critical importance of maintaining habitat connectivity for Koala populations. The report, provided to Jaliigirr Biodiversity Alliance, examined the Koala population in the Bellingen-Coffs Harbour area and demonstrated the genetic health of the Koalas was reliant on a wide geographic range with healthy habitat connections through public and private land, and across barriers created by human infrastructure.

Greens MP and spokesperson for the environment Sue Higginson said “Koalas need a landscape approach to habitat protection that provides healthy pathways between population hubs. This means that a piecemeal approach to protecting forests cannot protect healthy Koala populations from threats like logging and infrastructure,”

“Acoustic monitoring research relied on by the Forestry Corporation and the logging industry to guess Koala numbers has been debunked. This new report goes further and shows just how important it is for the Government to protect habitat across land tenures, and in a way that connects forests across the landscape,”

“The community have been waiting for 18 months for the Minns Labor Government to act on their promise to create a Great Koala National Park in the Bellingen-Coffs Harbour area, while seeing an increase in industrial logging across critical areas of Koala habitat. This new report shows just how dangerous this approach is to the Koala population in the area,”

“The logging lobbyists are working overtime to push the Government to create a Koala Park that is a fraction of what was promised, and want logging to continue in areas within the park. If the Minns Labor Government caves to the logging industry, so much more habitat connectivity will be destroyed, putting this significant Koala population at greater risk of extinction,”

“Rather than walking backwards on their promise to protect Koalas, NSW Labor should be heeding the calls from experts and communities to go further and faster in protecting more habitat at a landscape level. Without a scientific approach to conservation, Koalas will remain as political footballs that will be driven to extinction by compromise and political failure,” Ms Higginson said.

Dr Mehreen Faruqi, Deputy Greens Leader and Senator for New South Wales, is excited to announce the preselection of Omar Sakr as the Greens candidate for the federal seat of Blaxland currently held by Labor Education Minister Jason Clare.

An award-winning Arab Australian poet who was born and raised in western Sydney to Arab and Turkish Muslim migrants, Sakr will bring a desperately-needed, authentic community voice in parliament.

Senator Mehreen Faruqi:

“I’m so proud and excited to see Omar running for the Greens in Blaxland. Omar will bring the authenticity of western Sydney and its rich multicultural community into the halls of parliament. And that’s exactly what we need.

“It’s never been clearer that the two major parties have lost touch with the community as they prioritise corporate interests while millions struggle to make ends meet in this cost of living crisis. That’s why it’s so important that voices like Omar are in parliament – voices from the community that fight for the community.

“Western Sydney has been taken for granted for far too long. Mortgage and rental stress is high, it’s getting harder to see a GP for free, and public schools are underfunded. 

“The Greens have a plan to make corporations pay their fair share of tax to fund things we all need like affordable homes, fully funded public schools and making sure people can see their GP for free.

“Labor does not care about western Sydney. Labor’s inaction on Israel’s genocide in Gaza has traumatised Arab and Muslim communities in western Sydney, and they teamed up with the Liberals to pass horrific anti-migrant laws. 

“With people like Omar alongside me, we can keep fighting even more strongly for marginalised communities who have been left behind.

“We can’t keep voting for the same two parties and expect different results. There is a better way. If you want change, vote Greens.”

Omar Sakr:

“I’m running for election as a Greens candidate in the seat of Blaxland, where I live with my family, because I’m disgusted and horrified by the Labor government’s refusal to sanction Israel in accordance with international law, as it carries out a genocide in Palestine. This “friend” of the government has killed and maimed hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, to say nothing of the indiscriminate bombing that killed 4,000 in Lebanon, where my mother was born and where some of our relatives still remain.

“Labor and the Liberals are united in their disregard for the rights and lives of Arab and Muslim people, they are united in attaching Australia to the US’s doomed and ruinous forever wars in the Middle East, which we don’t need to have any part in, nor should we. 

“It’s harder and harder to distinguish between Labor and the Liberals these days, but there is a clear difference in the Greens, who have stood on their principles, and who continually champion justice, which is why I’m honoured to have been preselected by my local Greens group and to represent this party. 

“I want a better, fairer society for my children to grow up in, one with a sustainable future, quality education, accessible housing and healthcare that encompasses all of the mind and body, not just the parts deemed cheapest to cover.

“Blaxland has the highest mortgage stress rate in the country and I’m one of the people experiencing that. Most of my family are struggling under extreme rental stress as well. And this is why I’m getting involved, we need serious change and we need it now. 

“Blaxland deserves a federal MP who actually represents them. They won’t get that in a Labor or Liberal MP, but they will get that in me.”

The Reserve Bank’s decision not to reduce interest rates will needlessly hurt mortgage holders and put more Australians out of work, the Greens say

“The RBA’s decision today increases pressure on Treasurer Jim Chalmers to step in and provide relief,” Australian Greens Economic Justice spokesperson Nick McKim said.

“Australian mortgage holders have done nothing to cause inflation yet they are being smashed by high interest rates.”

“There are any number of things Treasurer Jim Chalmers could do, but he is again just wringing his hands and doing his ashen-faced theatrical performance.”

“Labor could put in place a excessive profits tax on corporations, freeze rents and  make price gouging illegal. All of these things would actually put downward pressure on inflation.”

“But Labor’s refusal to act means that the RBA feels compelled to leave interest rates higher for longer.” 

“The Greens saved section 11 in the Reserve Bank Act precisely so the Treasurer of the day could override the RBA when necessary. Now is the time.”

“High interest rates have no impact on international supply chains, climate change or wars on the other side of the world. What they do is harm people who have no responsibility for current rates of inflation.”

While in Cairns and Townsville Greens Senator for Queensland Larissa Waters demonstrated how the Greens plan to require the big banks to offer a discount mortgage could benefit all Far North and North Queensland homeowners, 

The ‘HomeKeeper’ low rate mortgage would be mandated via legislating requiring the big banks to offer a mortgage rate option of just 1% above the cash rate, protected to save the average mortgage holder $90 each week.  The big banks could still offer other products and there would be no compulsion on anyone to switch to a HomeKeeper mortgage.

Greens Senate leader Larissa Waters, Senator for Queensland

“We’re in a housing crisis everywhere, but Cairns and Townsville are the hardest hit outside of Southeast Queensland, with the worst levels of housing stress.

“In Townsville, rents have skyrocketed by 35%, and house prices have increased 61% in the last five years.

“Meanwhile, bank profits are also skyrocketing—they raked in $17.6 billion last year alone off people’s home loans. For decades they have been massively profiteering while people are really hurting.

“That’s why the Greens are taking on the big banks. We’ve announced ‘HomeKeeper,’ a plan to legislate low-rate mortgages—just 1% above the cash rate.

“We’ve seen policies like this work in Portugal, France and Chile.

“This could save the average mortgage holder in northern Queensland about $90 a week or $4,000 a year. It’s time to stop big corporations and banks from ripping us off and making the housing crisis worse.

“It is immoral that people are being forced out of their homes to protect the profits of big corporations. In a wealthy country like ours, everyone should have a secure home.

“Big banks pocket an estimated $176 a week—or $200,880 over 30 years—from profits on the average home loan, according to The Australia Institute.

“The Greens are here to fight for you, to take on the big banks, and to deliver a cheaper mortgage.

The attack on the Adass Israel Synagogue was an atrocious act.

Antisemitism has no place in Australia and we unequivocally condemn it.

Today the Albanese Government committed $32.5 million to the Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ) to further enhance security at Jewish community sites including synagogues and schools.

This significant funding increase comes in addition to the $25 million grant to the ECAJ announced in October 2023, and funding for Jewish community sites under the Albanese Government’s $50 million Securing Faith-Based Places grant program.

These additional funds will support the ECAJ, in collaboration with Community Security Groups and the National Council for Jewish Community Security, to address risks faced by the Jewish community in light of the increase in antisemitism in Australia.

The new funding will enhance security resources for Jewish schools, pre-schools and other communal facilities used by the Jewish community through:

• risk and threat assessments
• critical incident planning
• minor security infrastructure works including the installation or upgrade of security camera systems, access controls, security lighting, fences and gates, detection and alarm systems
• security monitoring
• security guidance and training
• crisis management support and coordination, and
• security guard services.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“The Jewish community has made an extraordinary contribution to the strength and success of our nation, over generations.

“This grant of $32.5 million will enable the community to provide support and security on the basis of priorities established by the community themselves.

“Antisemitism is disgraceful, and I unequivocally condemn it in all its forms.

“Every Australian has the right to be proud of who they are and to feel welcome, safe and supported in Australia.”

Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus

“There is no higher priority than community safety for the Albanese Government.

“Antisemitism has no place in Australia. We all have a responsibility to fight against it.

“This announcement builds on previous support for the Jewish community, including funding for increased security, criminalising doxxing and banning the Nazi salute and hate symbols.”

• About the PM

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and President of Nauru, His Excellency David Waiau Ranibok Adeang MP, today signed the Nauru-Australia Treaty in Canberra.  

The Nauru-Australia Treaty builds on the deep foundations of Australia and Nauru’s bilateral relationship, and will help secure Nauru’s long-term economic resilience and security.

Through the treaty, Australia will ensure Nauruans have ongoing access to vital banking services and to the international financial system. The Commonwealth Bank of Australia will provide banking services in Nauru, including a physical presence, following the departure of Bendigo Bank next year.

As Nauru’s largest economic, security and development partner, Australia will also provide the Nauru Government with fiscal certainty to invest in its future. Australia will provide $100 million in budget support over five years, to support Nauru’s long-term investments for the well-being of its people.

Recognising that our security is best assured by working together, under the treaty, Nauru and Australia have committed to mutually agree to any engagement in Nauru’s security, banking and telecommunications sectors, and to consult on any engagement in other critical infrastructure. Nauru has also committed that third party engagement in critical infrastructure will not be used for security purposes. 

In recognition of our shared responsibility for security in the Pacific, Australia will provide $40 million over five years to support Nauru’s policing and security, including through support for recruitment, training and infrastructure.  

The Nauru-Australia Treaty will enter into force as soon as possible in 2025, following domestic treaty-making processes in both countries.

The Nauru-Australia Treaty and joint leaders’ statement is available at: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Nauru

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“I’m delighted to join President Adeang today in signing the Nauru-Australia Treaty. 

“The Nauru-Australia Treaty will strengthen Nauru’s long-term stability and economic resilience.

“This treaty is an agreement that meets the needs of both of our countries, and serves Australia’s and Nauru’s shared interests in a peaceful, secure and prosperous region.” 

Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong

“Building a stronger Pacific family is a priority for the Albanese Government, and central to Australia’s national interests.

“Through this treaty, we are supporting Nauru’s long term stability, security and prosperity.”

Minister for International Development and the Pacific Pat Conroy

“As Pacific countries, our interests are intertwined. This significant step in our bilateral relationship formalises the longstanding cooperation between Australia and Nauru and elevates the connection between our two nations.

“This Treaty delivers on the priorities of both nations by strengthening Nauru’s economy and backing-in Pacific-led security responses to our region’s needs.”

The Greens’ election plan to protect our iconic Great Barrier Reef would dedicate over $4 billion in new funding to protect this World Heritage icon and mega-employer. The Greens call to ban new coal and gas will save the Reef from its biggest threat, the climate crisis.

Greens Senator for Queensland, Larissa Waters:

“New coal mines have been approved like confetti by both Labor and Liberal federal governments, despite climate being the biggest threat to the Reef and the 60,000 people whose livelihood depends on it.¹

“Just weeks ago, the Australian Institute of Marine Science confirmed that parts of the Great Barrier Reef have experienced its worst coral loss in 39 years. We know that with over 2 degrees of global warming, we will lose 99% of the coral cover of the Reef – and we are on track to exceed that temperature without a rapid transition to clean energy.

“Only strong political action on the climate crisis can secure a future for the Great Barrier Reef, and that’s why the Greens, backed by scientists, continue to say no new coal and gas.

“We also need to improve catchment health, and that means working with farmers to reduce run-off which also saves them money. The Greens would allocate $2 billion to improve water quality to meet the 2050 Water Quality Improvement Plan goals, incentivising farmers to use more sustainable land management practices and get us on track to meet 2025 and subsequent water quality targets.

“The Greens would commit $1 billion to 2030 towards implementation and progression of the recommendations of the 2022 Joint World Heritage Centre/IUCN Reactive Monitoring Mission to the Great Barrier Reef.

“The Reef also needs a strong protector, so this announcement would see the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority’s funding increase by $270 million over 9 years with greater independence and stronger powers.

“The Great Barrier Reef is a biodiverse wonderland supporting countless miraculous species, and providing a livelihood for 60,000 Queenslanders. The Greens will always fight to protect it.”

Greens spokesperson for healthy oceans, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson:

“The Great Barrier Reef as we have been lucky enough to know it in our lifetime is fighting for survival due to extreme ocean warming from the burning of fossil fuels.

“In order to give the Great Barrier Reef the best chance of recovery we must be crystal clear about the magnitude of what needs to be done, and pull out all stops and make this global wonder as resilient as possible.

“That’s why in addition to major investment, the Greens are pushing for the ongoing destruction, caused by repeated marine heatwaves on the Great Barrier Reef, to be declared a national emergency.

“If a bushfire had burned for thousands of kilometres along the east coast of Australia, annihilated World Heritage habitat, decimated wildlife and impacted communities and the economy, a national emergency declaration would have already occurred.

“Marine heatwaves shouldn’t be treated differently to other extreme weather events simply because their terrible impacts are underwater – the devastation that continues to unfold on the Great Barrier Reef more than meets the criteria for a national emergency. The Albanese Government is kidding itself if it denies it.

“Governments can’t continue to throw cash at monitoring the Great Barrier Reef to its death. We are in a climate and environmental crisis and things need to be done differently – but if you want change, you have to vote for it.”

The Greens will:

• Take the climate action needed to protect the Great Barrier Reef by ending new coal and gas
• Commit $4.17bn in additional funding to protect the Great Barrier Reef, including:
  • Fund $2 billion to prioritise the delivery of the 2050 Water Quality Improvement Plan and regional Water Quality Improvement Plans. This funding will be front-loaded with $250 million to urgently prioritise initiatives to fully meet the 2025 water quality targets;
  • Commit $1 billion to 2030 towards implementation and progression of the recommendations of the 2022 Joint World Heritage Centre/IUCN Reactive Monitoring Mission to the Great Barrier Reef, in addition to other Great Barrier Reef spending already committed. This would include Federal funding to compensate operators of the Queensland Coral Fishery (QCF) who currently hold licences to harvest coral within or adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park;
  • Allocate $150 million over 5 years to establish a research and innovation fund to determine protected species population estimates; bycatch reduction devices; and research protected species resilience to climatic and environmental changes;
  • Invest an additional $750 million in a Land Restoration Fund;
  • Provide the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority with $270 million over 9 years to support delivery of greater independence and stronger powers, including to regulate coastal development.

New wanding laws that that target the illegal possession of knives, aim to reduce knife crime and boost community safety come into effect in NSW today.

Under the powers, modelled on Queensland’s Jack’s Law, police will be able to use handheld scanners – or electronic metal-detecting ‘wands’ – to stop and scan individuals without a warrant at designated areas.

From today, a senior police officer of the rank of Assistant Commissioner or above can turn on wanding powers to be used in a designated areas including:

• Public transport station (including bus, train and tram stations) and surrounds.
• Public transport vehicles within two scheduled stops of a designated public transport station
• Shopping precincts
• Certain sporting venues
• Other public places, designated by regulation, including special events and places that are part of the night-time economy.

Senior police officers will be able to declare these zones for up to 12 hours, with an option to extend that timeframe if specific criteria are met.  

Importantly, wanding powers can be turned on for areas where there have been issues related to knife crime or knife possession offences where one of the following have occurred in the last 12 months:

• At least 1 offence committed by person armed with knife or weapon.
• At least 1 serious indictable offence involving violence.
• More than 1 offence of knife possession or prohibited weapon possession.

These reforms build on the NSW Government’s continued efforts to address knife-related crime and strengthen the safety and security of communities across NSW, including:

• Doubling the maximum financial penalty for selling a knife to a child under 16 to $11,000 and introducing a custodial sentence of up to 12 months;
• Creating a new offence prohibiting the sale of a knife to a child aged 16 or 17 without a reasonable excuse, with exceptions for young people needing knives for legitimate purposes such as work or study;
• Doubling the maximum penalties for various knife-related offences;
• Supporting high-impact police operations like Operation Foil, which targets knife crime and anti-social behaviour. In its latest phase, from April 11–13, 2024, police seized 51 knives and weapons and charged 145 individuals with weapon-related offences. Over the past year, almost 4,000 knives have been confiscated in public places.

Premier Chris Minns said:

“I know that these new laws will be inconvenient for people – but we can’t take chances when it comes to public safety.

“These new laws which start this week are about ensuring the public feels safe, and secondly and perhaps most importantly, to change the culture.

“To send a strong message to young people in particular, if you’re going to go out at night, don’t take a knife with you because there’s a very good chance, you’ll be wanded or scanned at a New South Wales train station.

“I have no doubt that these reforms will save lives, because people will think twice about carrying a knife with them.”

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said:

“Knife crime devastates families and communities, with the tragic consequences played out far too often.

“These new powers give police further capability and resources to quickly detect concealed knives before someone has the chance to use them.

“Police work tirelessly to keep us safe and this reform allows them to continue this important work. I want the community to have the confidence that this government is committed to giving the NSW Police Force all the tools required to combat violent crime.”

The attack on the Adass Israel Synagogue was an atrocious act.

Antisemitism has no place in Australia and we unequivocally condemn it.

Today the Albanese Government committed $32.5 million to the Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ) to further enhance security at Jewish community sites including synagogues and schools.

This significant funding increase comes in addition to the $25 million grant to the ECAJ announced in October 2023, and funding for Jewish community sites under the Albanese Government’s $50 million Securing Faith-Based Places grant program.

These additional funds will support the ECAJ, in collaboration with Community Security Groups and the National Council for Jewish Community Security, to address risks faced by the Jewish community in light of the increase in antisemitism in Australia.

The new funding will enhance security resources for Jewish schools, pre-schools and other communal facilities used by the Jewish community through:

• risk and threat assessments
• critical incident planning
• minor security infrastructure works including the installation or upgrade of security camera systems, access controls, security lighting, fences and gates, detection and alarm systems
• security monitoring
• security guidance and training
• crisis management support and coordination, and
• security guard services.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“The Jewish community has made an extraordinary contribution to the strength and success of our nation, over generations.

“This grant of $32.5 million will enable the community to provide support and security on the basis of priorities established by the community themselves.

“Antisemitism is disgraceful, and I unequivocally condemn it in all its forms.

“Every Australian has the right to be proud of who they are and to feel welcome, safe and supported in Australia.”

Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus

“There is no higher priority than community safety for the Albanese Government.

“Antisemitism has no place in Australia. We all have a responsibility to fight against it.

“This announcement builds on previous support for the Jewish community, including funding for increased security, criminalising doxxing and banning the Nazi salute and hate symbols.”

The Australian Greens have today launched a plan to require the big banks to offer a discount mortgage called HomeKeeper to all homeowners, including first homebuyers and owner-occupiers.

This would be delivered via legislating a cap on the profit a big bank can make on this mortgage product. The big banks could still offer other products and there would be no compulsion on anyone to switch to a HomeKeeper mortgage.

About HomeKeeper

• The Greens plan empowers the ACCC and APRA to together have the independent power to stop banks ripping people off, and ensure the big banks don’t unnecessarily overcharge
• HomeKeeper mortgages would be set at a regulated ceiling of no more than 1% above the cash rate. All of the big 5 banks would be required by regulations to offer HomeKeeper
• This discount HomeKeeper mortgage would be available to any owner-occupier whether or not they are a first home buyer
• People with a current mortgage on their home would be able to transfer into HomeKeeper at their own choice
• HomeKeeper would not be available for investment property mortgages, commercial premises or holiday homes
• Support would be provided to smaller banks so that they could offer a similar low-rate product without being financially disadvantaged

Overview: bank profits on mortgages

For decades the major banks have made enormous profits price-gouging on people’s mortgages, even when interest rates were low.

According to modelling by The Australia Institute, big bank profits on the average home loan sit around $9,130 in the first year and $200,880 over the lifetime of a 30-year loan.

The Australia Institute estimates that equates to $176 per week, or $761 a month of an average mortgage repayment is going directly to big bank profits.

With the HomeKeeper mortgage, the interest rate would be 1% above the RBA cash rate, the big banks would make a more reasonable profit and mortgage-holders would have more in their pockets for other expenses.

The current cash rate is 4.35%. The RBA lists the owner-occupier variable housing rates as 6.3% (new loans) and 6.4% (outstanding loans), giving a margin of 1.95% (new loans) and 2.05% (outstanding loans) above the cash rate.¹ 

The latest average new mortgage size is $589,560,² meaning for a new mortgage holder, a reduction in their interest rate from 6.3% to 5.35% would be equivalent to almost four interest rate cuts by the RBA, with a saving of up to $357 per month, or up to $4,284 per year. For someone with an $800,000 mortgage, the cut of almost a percentage point would be equivalent to monthly savings of up to $484 and annual savings of up to $5,814.

Rates of mortgage stress

Almost 1.5 million Australians are currently at risk of mortgage stress. The number of Australians ‘At Risk’ of mortgage stress has increased by 680,000 since May 2022 when the RBA began a cycle of interest rate increases. Official interest rates are now at 4.35%, the
highest interest rates have been since December 2011, over a decade ago.

Comment attributable to Greens spokesperson for Treasury Senator Nick McKim

“For too long, big banks have been ripping people off by charging interest rates well above the cash rate.

“The Big Four Banks are crushing mortgage holders. They are currently making billions of dollars in profits ripping off struggling mortgage holders by overcharging them on their mortgage.

”For the average home loan, $761 per month is pure profit for the major banks.

“To stop the price gouging and profiteering, the Australian Greens can today announce our new policy HomeKeeper: a discount mortgage for homeowners.

“This policy will reduce the costs of mortgages for everyone by limiting the amount at which banks can rip people off.

“No one should have to pay more than 1% over the current cash rate, it’s immoral that people are being forced out of their homes while banks are making billions in profits.

“This policy will stop big banks charging more than is absolutely necessary to provide a mortgage product to people struggling to keep a roof over their heads, and it will stop the Big Banks’ super-profits made from mortgages.

“After the next election we’ll almost certainly have a minority parliament and this is part of the Greens plan to work with Labor to help renters and people with mortgages.

“If you want change, you have to vote for it, and the first step is to vote for someone who is fighting for you.”

• ¹ Reserve Bank of Australia, Lenders’ Interest Rates.
• ² Australian Bureau of Statistics, Lending Indicators, September 2024.