Category: Australian News

This op-ed was published in Stock and Land and The Weekly Times in April 2025. 

From the orchards of my family’s farm in western Victoria, I learned the values of hard work and community. Running a farm while raising a family has never been easy – today, it’s harder.

Now, as a working mum myself, I’ve traded red soil for the red benches of the Australian Senate, but I still know the juggle that so many rural families face – trying to earn a living, care for our kids, and keep our communities strong.

But for too many families, the biggest challenge isn’t just the rising cost of childcare – it’s that there’s no childcare available at all. A 2024 study by Victoria University found that nearly one in four Australians live in a childcare desert – areas where more than three children are vying for every available place. In rural and remote areas, the numbers can be even worse.

This is a national crisis. Leaving early learning to the market has failed. Parents, especially women, are locked out of work. On farms, that means lost productivity, fewer hands at harvest, and more pressure on already-stretched households.

This isn’t just a family issue – it’s economic. The Australia Institute estimates that fixing early childhood education could boost the economy by $168 billion.

The government has made some steps, scrapping the punitive activity test and announcing more funding for new centres. But the “three-day guarantee” means little to families if their local services have closed or have years-long waitlists.

Early education is essential infrastructure. Like roads and schools, it’s what keeps our communities strong. We need urgent investment to expand services in rural and remote areas. We need public funding for not-for-profit providers – those that consistently deliver high-quality care. And we need support for educators.

This isn’t just about fixing a broken system; it’s about investing in the future. If we want young families to stay on the land, grow our food, and build vibrant communities, we need to give them the support they need from day one.

Researchers tell us that 90% of a child’s brain development occurs before five. Last week, a report by the Mitchell Institute found that even the first three years of learning are crucial at ‘levelling the playing field,’ especially for disadvantaged kids.

We cannot keep leaving this critical window of development to a postcode lottery.

This election, in what’s likely to be a minority Parliament, the Greens will push for free, universal childcare – just like primary and secondary school.

Our kids, our farms, and our future depend on it.

The Greens have named Senator Barbara Pocock as the party’s new housing spokesperson, in recognition of her significant achievements in the last term of parliament in winning rights for workers and fighting back against government privatisation by stealth.

Housing is a key issue for the Greens, who are committed to continuing their growth as the party for renters and first homebuyers. Labor’s hands off approach continues to make the housing crisis worse, with money secured by the Greens in the last term the only significant funding currently working to help build social and affordable housing.

The promotion recognises Senator Pocock’s significant wins in challenging areas that, like housing, require structural reforms, not just tinkering around the edges. This places her in good stead to continue the transformative housing agenda that the Greens fought in the last term with Max Chandler-Mather. 

Senator Pocock will also take on the portfolios of workplace relations and continue with finance and the public sector.

Senator Barbara Pocock:

“I am delighted to be taking on the portfolio of housing and homelessness alongside workplace relations, finance and the public sector. 

“I am thrilled to pick up the baton from the hands of Max Chandler Mather whose tireless work put the 31% of people who rent in our country as well as those who face runaway rents and insecure housing, at the centre of our country’s politics.

“Housing remains a key campaign for the Greens into the 48th parliament. In Australia, the crisis for renters and those trying to purchase their first home continues to get worse and there are 37,800 people experiencing chronic homelessness across Australia, living precarious lives without safe housing. Lack of housing is a runaway engine driving inequality in our country and it’s a major force for intergenerational inequality across the nation.

“In the last term of Parliament, I successfully fought for the right to disconnect, for stronger industrial protections for workers, and to stop the growing drain of consultants on the public service. Stopping the housing crisis requires big changes, not just more of Labor’s tinkering around the edges. 

“I intend to do everything I can, alongside my Greens’ colleagues, to fight for renters, first home buyers and those experiencing homelessness, to address the ongoing crisis that is the result of poor policies from the major parties over the past quarter century. 

“There is plenty of work to do, but we are ready and willing to take on the challenge and we know what needs to be done. We need to cap rents to enable first home buyers to get into the market while addressing the unfair tax advantages that give wealthy property investors extraordinary advantages in the housing market. We must improve the supply and development of affordable and social housing to help end homelessness and provide people with support and a safe place to live. 

“Housing and homelessness will remain a key campaign and focus for the Greens as the crisis gets exponentially worse for every day that the government fails to act appropriately. We are determined to end Australia’s shameful housing and homelessness crisis. I look forward to taking on this portfolio as I continue to build on Max’s work to fix the housing crisis.”

The Minns Labor Government and Sydney Roosters are today launching the second annual Emergency Services Match to be held on Sunday June 22nd where the Roosters will take on the North Queensland Cowboys at Allianz Stadium.

The Emergency Services Match celebrates and recognises the contribution of emergency services personnel, first responders, medical professionals and volunteers from NSW’s eight emergency services agencies.

Recognising the work of emergency service agencies, workers and volunteers is particularly important following the floods on the Mid-North Coast and in the Hunter this over the last few weeks.

The thousands of brave personnel who responded to these floods risked their own lives to save others, performing over 800 rescues and responding to over 8,500 calls for assistance.

Thousands of personnel also remain on the ground now assisting in the clean-up of homes and communities. They have completed over 12,000 damage assessments and cleaned up over 18,000 cubic metres of waste.

The match will again bring together the NSW Police Force, NSW Ambulance, Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Rural Fire Service, Surf Life Saving NSW, NSW State Emergency Service, Marine Rescue NSW and VRA Rescue NSW – all of whom responded to flooding this month.

Following NSW Police as last year’s inaugural spotlight agency, the Rural Fire Service (RFS) will lead a pre-game show, showcasing their extraordinary capabilities and honouring their volunteers who work tirelessly to keep our communities safe.

The show will feature RFS vehicles and equipment, a volunteer parade and a special live performance paying tribute to their services.

Driver Avenue will again be a hive of activity pre-game with all participating emergency services offering interactive displays, equipment and family friendly activations.

Ahead of the NRL match, NSW Police and Australian Firefighters will go head-to-head again in a curtain-raiser.

Emergency services staff, first responders, medical professionals and volunteers are invited to attend, as the Roosters and rugby league community unite to celebrate our frontline heroes.

Premier for New South Wales, Chris Minns said:

“This match is an important opportunity to recognise the bravery and dedication of our emergency services volunteers and personnel.

“Day after day they put the community first just like we’ve recently witnessed on the Mid-North Coast and in the Hunter with the floods and clean-up response.

“This is an important occasion to celebrate our emergency services agencies and to show them how much they’re appreciated.”

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“Community is at the core of everything we do, and NSW emergency service agencies work tirelessly to keep people safe under difficult circumstances.

“After last month’s devastating floods on the Mid North Coast this is a great way to recognise the contribution of the NSW SES and NSW RFS in supporting local communities during the worst of their times.”

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

“Sports has a unique power to unite communities, and the Emergency Services match is a wonderful way to showcase and honour our community heroes.

This is an outstanding initiative by the Roosters that continues to shine a light on the volunteers who continually put the community first, just as we’ve seen with the rescue and clean-up efforts in Northern NSW following the recent floods.”

Venues NSW CEO Kerrie Mather said:

“This match is an opportunity for the rugby league community to come together to celebrate and thank our emergency services volunteers for the role they play in rebuilding communities and keeping people safe.

“Fans are encouraged to arrive early, soak up the whole event experience and to learn more about our emergency services agencies and the bravery of their people.”

Sydney Roosters CEO Joe Kelly said:

“Our goal last year was to celebrate all eight emergency service agencies and create a marquee event recognising our frontline heroes. Thanks to the buy-in and commitment from the emergency service organisations and the NSW Government, we exceeded all initial expectations last year.

“It’s a privilege to continue working alongside all the emergency service agencies to organise this special annual event.

“We’re thrilled to spotlight NSW RFS, who are doing an incredible job preparing a spectacular pre-game show. It’s fitting that we also recognise NSW SES, which celebrates 70 years of service this year.”

Australia is staring down the barrel of a major healthcare crisis, with a projected shortage of 10,000 general practitioners over the next decade. This looming gap is expected to hit regional and remote communities the hardest, especially in states like Tasmania where an aging population is increasing demand for medical care. According to Lee Hanson, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Tackling the GP shortage will require coordinated efforts, including stronger backing from both state and federal governments for a university-linked teaching hospital with outreach campuses.

Hanson also highlights the need for creative incentives to get young doctors into the bush. One Nation’s proposal aims to do just that by offering three-year contracts to newly qualified doctors in exchange for wiping out their HECS-HELP student debt. The policy argues that this would be a smarter, more effective use of taxpayer money—one that helps attract and retain much-needed medical professionals in areas that are too often left behind. The idea is simple: invest where the need is greatest to shore up the future of rural healthcare. 

The Albanese and Minns Governments are delivering more funding to help communities recover from the recent severe flooding across the state.

This will include damage caused by East Coast severe weather and flooding in May and damage caused by Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

This funding will provide direct support for residents, farmers, small businesses and non-profit organisations and includes help for people who have lost their homes.

Support has been made available under the joint Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), with the new funding to provide immediate and longer-term assistance for individuals, families and communities affected by flooding.

Support includes:

• Grants of up to $25,000 for eligible small businesses (with fewer than 20 employees) and non-profit organisations to help clean up and restore their business.
• Grants of up to $25,000 for eligible primary producers directly impacted by flooding to help with clean-up and getting their operations back on track.
• Grants of up to $10,000 for eligible rural landholders to assist with clean-up, repairs and recovery work, including fixing damaged fences, infrastructure or equipment affected by East Coast severe weather and flooding.
• A $5 million program to clear drainage on private land following Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
• A $180 hardship payment for individuals, capped at $900 for households of five or more, to help cover essential items like food, clothing and medicine following the recent flood event.

This package is part of ongoing efforts to support flood-hit communities as they recover and rebuild.

The impacts of flooding on primary producers across the Mid North Coast and in the Hunter are serious. Flood impacted farmers and primary producers are being asked to complete the NSW Government’s Primary Industries Natural Disaster Damage Assessment (PiNDDA) survey, once it is safe for them to do so which will inform future recovery.

The primary producer recovery grant of up to $25,000 supports the clean-up and the immediate recovery needs of primary producers and small businesses.

The NSW Government will continue to monitor the needs of impacted communities and will work with the Commonwealth on any additional assistance that may be necessary.

Recovery grants for primary producers, small businesses and not-for-profit organisations will be available in the local government areas of Armidale, Ballina, Bellingen, Byron, Central Coast, Cessnock, Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, Dungog, Glen Innes Severn, Kempsey, Kyogle, Lake Macquarie, Lismore, Lord Howe Island, Maitland, MidCoast, Muswellbrook, Nambucca, Newcastle, Port Macquarie-Hastings, Port Stephens, Richmond Valley, Singleton, Tenterfield, Tweed, Upper Hunter and Walcha.

Grants for rural landholders will be available in the local government areas of Armidale, Bellingen, Central Coast, Cessnock, Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, Dungog, Kempsey, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, MidCoast, Muswellbrook, Nambucca, Newcastle, Port Macquarie-Hastings, Port Stephens, Singleton, Upper Hunter and Walcha

Information on how to apply will be made available over coming days at www.nsw.gov.au/floodrecoveryupdates.

Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese:

“We know how tough this period has been for so many across New South Wales, and this funding is about making sure people get the support they need to recover and rebuild with dignity.

“This is a clear example of the Australian and NSW Governments working together to deliver real help on the ground where it’s needed most.

“Whether it’s helping families get back into safe housing, or supporting local businesses and farmers to clean up and keep going, we’re standing with communities every step of the way.”

Premier of NSW Chris Minns:

“This funding ensures people get the support they need now, whether it’s a roof over their head, financial assistance or help rebuilding.

“The funding package recognises that people are doing it tough.

“We are making sure there’s money for cleanup, to help farmers, and helping businesses get back on their feet. 

“For a natural disaster of this size and scale, we’re going to be with these communities for the long haul.” 

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain:

“This significant funding commitment will deliver vital, practical support on the ground to help individuals, businesses and entire communities begin the long road to recovery after the devastating impacts of recent floods.

“We’re working hand in hand with the NSW Government to ensure that recovery assistance is delivered efficiently to those who have been hardest hit and need help getting back on their feet.

“From hardship payments to clean up grants for primary producers and small businesses, this comprehensive package is focused on providing meaningful, targeted support that makes a real difference in people’s daily lives.”

NSW Minister for Agriculture, Regional NSW and Western NSW Tara Moriarty: 

“These grants, subsidies, and payments will help farmers and their families cover costs associated with clean-up and recovery, so they can get back to operating as soon as possible. 

“We know it will be some time before the full extent of damage is known, so making these grants and subsidies available now will provide certainty to farmers as the impact continues to be evaluated.

“We encourage all farmers to submit full damage assessments to inform further assistance, if needed.

“The Rural Assistance Authority staff will available via the 1800 678 593 hotline to answer questions about the available support and to help people lodge their applications.

“Please lodge applications for this funding at the RAA website at http://www.raa.nsw.gov.au/ and call the hotline if needed.”

NSW Minister for Recovery and Small Business Janelle Saffin:

“This is about making sure that communities get the helping hand they need right now and the support they need so they can begin the long journey to recovery.  

“We will keep working closely with our people in local governments, service providers and community organisations to ensure support reaches those who need it most.” 

Wednesday 4 June

• From 8am to 1pm, buses replace trains between Newcastle Interchange and Telarah or Muswellbrook.
• The 08:29 Newcastle Interchange to Dungog will not run. Catch the 08:48 Newcastle Interchange to Telarah train and change at Maitland for a bus towards Dungog.
• Buses also replace the 10:02 Dungog to Newcastle Interchange service.
  
• Replacement buses for trackwork may be affected by driver shortages. We are doing all we can to minimise the impact to your journey and provide a safe service, however cancellations or delays may occur.
• Plan your trip before you travel for up-to-date real time information. You can also subscribe to planned trackwork alerts.

Bus routes
1HU Newcastle Interchange, all stations to Telarah and return
4HU Maitland, all stations to Dungog (in that direction only)
7HU Warabrook Station to University shuttle bus
15HU Maitland, all stations to Muswellbrook (in that direction only)
19HU Dungog, all stations to Maitland, Victoria Street, all stations to Beresfield, Warabrook, all stations to Newcastle Interchange (in that direction only)
28HU Muswellbrook, all stations to Maitland, Victoria Street, all stations to Beresfield, Warabrook, all stations to Newcastle Interchange (in that direction only)

City of Newcastle is seeking feedback about the proposed use of community land by Rising Tide for its People’s Blockade event in November. 

Rising Tide has applied for a licence to utilise Hamilton North’s Richardson Park from 25 November to 2 December 2025, and Camp Shortland from 28 November to 1 December. 

Under the Local Government Act, a public notice is required for events that occupy community land for longer than three consecutive days. 

Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge said it is important for the community to have their say on the event.  

“I know that there are strong views in the community about Rising Tide’s People’s Blockade and the associated protest activity, so we are seeking clear feedback during the public notice period,” Cr Kerridge said.  

“Councillors will then consider the proposed event after the close of the public notice period. This could include possible camping and activation of Richardson Park, and consideration of a concert in Camp Shortland.  

“Council intends to consider this matter with several months’ notice prior to the planned event to give organisers and the community a level of certainty.” 

City of Newcastle manages community land on the behalf of the NSW Government and licences events in line with the Local Government Act. 

The process includes providing the community with an opportunity to have their say through public notification of the planned activities on site. 

Rising Tide’s application includes the erection of temporary structures, amusement rides, live performances and amplified sound at both Camp Shortland and Richardson Park, along with the provision for camping at the Hamilton North site.    

The community can have their say by emailing their feedback to events@ncc.nsw.gov.au from tomorrow until 5pm on Monday, 30 June. 

Following this process and in line with a request from the Lord Mayor, City of Newcastle will prepare a report for the elected Council to consider the event authorisation. 

City of Newcastle has a long-held commitment to the environment, sustainability and leading the community to take collective action to overcome the challenges of a climate change.  

This includes formally declaring a climate emergency, committing to the Paris Agreement and adopting a target of net zero emissions from City of Newcastle’s operations by 2030. 

The Albanese and Rockliff Governments are proud to mark a historic milestone for Tasmania, with the official opening of the new Bridgewater Bridge – the largest transport infrastructure project in the state’s history.

The $786 million project represents a significant investment in Tasmania’s future, delivering modern infrastructure that improves connectivity, enhances freight and passenger movement, and supports economic growth across the state.

The Australian Government contributed $628.8 million to the transformative project, with the Tasmanian Government contributing the remaining $157.2 million. The new bridge has been delivered on time and on budget.

The new four-lane bridge will deliver faster, more reliable travel times for commuters, freight operators and locals, significantly reducing bottlenecks on this key section of the highway network.

The new bridge is the fifth to be built across the River Derwent at Bridgewater and symbolises the next chapter in the evolution of this critical transport link.

It replaces ageing infrastructure with a state-of-the-art structure that will serve the people of Tasmania for decades to come. 

The 1.2-kilometre-long crossing will improve safety for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists, with new interchanges, a 3-metre-wide shared path and modern safety features.

The bridge also includes improved access for marine traffic, with a higher clearance and no lift span, reducing delays and improving efficiency for both road and river users.

It has been designed to support growth throughout the region and has been built with a vision towards the future of the state.

Since construction began in October 2022, the project has supported around 1000 jobs, more than 25 per cent of which were employees from the local area.   

Thanks to targeted employment and training programs, the project has created pathways for apprentices, trainees and people new to the civil construction industry to gain real-world experience on a nationally significant construction site.

This ensures the state’s workforce is equipped for the pipeline of future Tasmanian infrastructure projects.

The new bridge will open to traffic from tomorrow (Monday, 2 June) with all four lanes operating at 80 km/h.

Works across the project site will continue over coming weeks, including landscaping, construction of the new roundabout linking Old Main Road and Gunn Street, and removal of the temporary bridge and barges.

For more information about the project and to see the latest flythrough footage, visit the project website at bridgewaterbridge.tas.gov.au.

Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese

“My Government is building Australia’s future by investing in transformative transport infrastructure like the Bridgewater Bridge.

“We have worked with the Tasmanian Government to deliver a landmark project that will improve safety, deliver a better commuter experience, and boost productivity in this great state.

“The Bridgewater Bridge is about more than meeting the needs of Tasmanians today – it’s about making sure that Tasmanians have the world class infrastructure they deserve for generations to come.”

Premier of Tasmania Jeremy Rockliff

“This is a bridge built by Tasmanians for Tasmanians, and is something that everyone in the State can be proud of.

“The Bridgewater Bridge has been talked about for decades, but together with every person involved in this project, we have delivered it.

“The new Bridge is a testament to what we can achieve in Tasmania when we work together.

“Major infrastructure projects like this inspire, support our economy, upskill our people, and build a better Tasmania: now and for the future.

“I want to acknowledge the Federal Government for working with us to deliver this inter-generational infrastructure for Tasmania.”

Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King

“The first Bridgewater Bridge opened in 1848, and today we’re opening the fifth, marking a historic milestone in the history of Tasmania.

“Investing in major infrastructure projects doesn’t just keep people and goods moving, it provides an ongoing boost to local economies through more efficient and effective transport.

“We are proud to partner with the Tasmanian Government and local industry to deliver this important project which will improve safety, support economic growth and leave a lasting legacy for future generations.”

Tasmanian Minister for Infrastructure Kerry Vincent

“This bridge stands as a testament to what can be achieved when we work together.

“It is more than just concrete and steel. It is a once-in-a-generation project and a symbol of what the future holds for Tasmania.

“I want to thank the local community for their patience and understanding during the construction period.

“The resilience of the local community and the travelling public are what has made this landmark of national significance a success.”

The Victorian Greens have condemned the Victorian Labor Government for giving the tick of approval for Viva Energy’s floating gas terminal in Corio Bay.

The Greens have been campaigning alongside local communities since 2022 to put an end to this dangerous, polluting, unnecessary project.

Labor’s decision has shown complete contempt for the Geelong community, climate experts, and environmentalists who overwhelmingly oppose a gas import terminal in Corio bay.

In the same week that Victorian Labor approved this massive floating gas terminal, Federal Labor signed off on Woodside’s North West Shelf – set to emit 6.1 billion tonnes of carbon.

The Greens say these decisions expose Labor as climate hypocrites: a total betrayal, being bought by the fossil fuel industry instead of listening to future generations.

The floating gas terminal not only presents massive health and climate risks, but it will also likely require dredging to accommodate the LNG tankers which will absolutely devastate the beautiful local marine environment.

The Greens say that there is absolutely no reason for this project to go ahead and any justification is a total sham as over 80% of Australia’s gas is exported, an important terminal will actually result in Victorians buying back Australian gas at a higher price.

Greens Member for Western Victoria and Deputy Leader, Dr Sarah Mansfield:

“This is absolutely devastating news. Victorian Labor have turned their backs on our bay environment, on the health and safety of communities in Geelong, and on our climate. They have failed to listen to thousands of community members, environment groups, and experts, instead selling out to the fossil fuel lobby. It’s unforgiveable.

With the North West Shelf and now this massive floating gas terminal – this week Labor has really torched what little climate credibility they had – they may as well be the Coalition at this point.”

the Leader of the Victorian Greens, Ellen Sandell:

“First the Federal Labor Government approves Australia’s biggest fossil fuel project in WA, now the Victorian state Labor Government has approved a huge floating gas ship in Victoria. These are both massive fossil fuel projects that are fuelling the climate crisis and it shows that Labor simply does not give a stuff about climate change”.

The Australian Greens echo the calls from the UNESCO World Heritage Committee for the Queensland and Australian governments to take drastic measures in protecting the Great Barrier Reef. 

For 13 years the committee has warned the reef could fall onto the ‘In Danger’ list after multiple bleaching events in the past decade. 

Now, they may have issued their final warning with a draft decision ahead of the committee’s July meeting in Paris, with grave fears for the future of the Reef.

We know climate change is the greatest threat to the reef, with UNESCO highlighting water pollution and unsustainable fishing as the most damaging local threats.

With sole balance of power in the Senate this term, the Greens will continue to fight for strong climate action, including pushing for no new coal and gas, and for our oceans to be protected.

Leader of the Australian Greens and Senator for Queensland, Larissa Waters:

“If this week has proven anything it is that neither of the major parties are committed to net zero. 

“If they continue to wave around net zero as a fig leaf while still approving coal and gas, the Great Barrier Reef will continue to suffer.

“UNESCO has been warning since 2012 that the Reef could be placed on the ‘In Danger’ list, and while the major parties have been racing to the bottom on climate policy, 50% of the Reef’s coral cover has been lost.

“The Coalition can’t even say the term climate change, let alone what they mean by net zero and Labor has just approved a massive carbon bomb in the North West Shelf.

“If Labor wants to talk about mandates, they should keep in mind the one they have to address the climate crisis. 

“It seems the Greens are the only ones committed to ensuring the next generation, our kids and grandkids, have a liveable planet.

“More than 60,000 people rely on the Reef for employment and yet the government, which talks a big game about climate and jobs, is prepared to let an entire industry die while it lets its fossil fuel donors dig and burn their way to climate catastrophe.

“Queenslanders and Australians have had enough of governments ruling for the billionaires and doing favours for big corporations.

“Rising global emissions caused by the burning of fossil fuels are boiling our oceans and killing the Great Barrier Reef. 

“Until the Albanese Government commits to ending new coal and gas this destruction will continue.”