Category: Australian News

New data today from Domain’s First Home Buyer Report shows affordable homes are out of reach for average first-home buyers in all Australian cities.

The report finds that in the past five years, the cost of entry-level houses has increased by 68%, with units having risen by 30%, while wages have only increased by 21%.

The Greens say Labor’s policies are to blame – the 5% deposit scheme and tax breaks for wealthy property investors, such as the CGT discount – are fuelling investor demand, pushing house prices through the roof.

Greens spokesperson for finance, housing and homelessness Senator Barbara Pocock:

“The Great Australian dream of owning a home is dead thanks to Labor.

“Under Labor, house prices only go one way — up, and first-home buyers don’t stand a chance of getting into the market.

“Labor is the government of house price increases. Its 5% deposit scheme and tax breaks for property hoarders are fuelling investor demand.

“Labor has killed any chance of home ownership for younger people, unless they’re lucky enough to win the generational lottery.

“Labor has turned the housing crisis into a game of Monopoly — and first-home buyers are losing out.

“Without tackling the root causes of the housing crisis – which are the tax breaks for wealthy property hoarders and the lack of social and affordable housing – house prices will continue to spike, and banks will continue to rake in the profits.”

With negative gearing back on the political table following the Greens campaign to end investor lending, momentum for tax reform is growing.

The Greens have long campaigned for winding back the most inequitable tax concessions, particularly negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount, to minimise investor demand.

The Greens call on the government to seize this moment with the budget just around the corner to deliver ambitious tax reform to tackle Australia’s deepening housing crisis.

Greens spokesperson for finance, housing and homelessness Senator Barbara Pocock:

“The Greens campaign to end unfair handouts for wealthy property investors has forced negative gearing reform back onto the table.

“Unfair tax discounts just make housing more expensive and give billions to super-wealthy property investors. Ending these tax concessions will help more people have a roof over their head.

“Massive tax breaks for wealthy property investors are cooking our housing system. Negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount let cashed-up investors outbid everyday Australians — and young people and first-home buyers are the ones paying the price.

“Australia’s housing system is rigged for the wealthy; it’s a system designed to drive up the cost of housing, generating enormous wealth for the 1%.

“During the Greens-led inquiry into CGT discounts expert after expert said wealthy property investors shouldn’t get these massive handouts.

“This next budget is a huge opportunity for the government to deliver bold, ambitious tax reform that puts renters and home buyers first.”

The Victorian Greens have slammed Labor for putting children as young as fourteen at risk of life in prison, calling it a prime example of how the Government has lost its way and set its priorities backwards.

The new laws allow children as young as fourteen to receive life sentences. The Greens warn they will do nothing to make communities safer and will, in fact, increase reoffending.

All the evidence shows early contact with the criminal justice system and longer, harsher sentences worsen long-term outcomes. Like Labor’s bail laws, these changes will disproportionately harm First Nations communities.

The Greens say that Labor trying to liken their approach to cities around the world that have successfully reduced crime is misleading and false. 

Cities around the world that have successfully reduced violence have not relied on tougher sentencing. They adopted whole-of-system public health approaches – investing in early intervention, youth services, housing, healthcare and community support to address the drivers of crime before harm occurs.

Meanwhile in Victoria, crime prevention funding has been cut in recent years, public housing stock has been demolished, and frontline homelessness, mental health and drug and alcohol services are overwhelmed.

Peak bodies including VCOSS, Homelessness Victoria and the Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association have warned that services cannot meet rising demand, with homelessness services turning people away and long waitlists for treatment.

Victorian Greens justice spokesperson, Katherine Copsey:

“Labor’s doubling down on failed policies that won’t make the community any safer. All the evidence shows longer, harsher sentences worsen long-term outcomes. And just like Labor’s bail laws, these changes will disproportionately harm First Nations communities.

“Labor isn’t taking lessons from the evidence overseas, they’re taking lessons from the Liberals. Literally copy-pasting this policy from the Liberals in Queensland. 

“Labor is doing the opposite of what has worked overseas by cutting prevention, frontline healthcare services, and public housing, all to pay for costly punitive policies that don’t work.

“Real safety starts with stable housing, access to healthcare and mental health support and it means acting now to prevent harm before it happens. We need Labor to stop playing politics with community safety and do what actually works.” 

Member for Ballina Tamara Smith MP has this week distributed an electorate-wide postcard encouraging residents to slow down and look out for wildlife across the Northern Rivers.

“Our region is home to remarkable wildlife found nowhere else in the world. Yet increasing habitat loss, extreme weather and ongoing development mean many native species are under growing pressure,” Ms Smith said.

“Protecting wildlife isn’t just the job of governments or rescue groups. It’s something we can all contribute to, simply by being alert and taking care on our roads.”

The postcard also highlights Ms Smith’s Wildlife Rescue Directory, launched late last year. The directory brings together contact details for local wildlife rescue organisations across the electorate, helping residents quickly identify the right group to contact when an animal is injured or in distress.

“Our community cares deeply about the native animals that share this region with us. That care is reflected in the extraordinary network of volunteer wildlife rescuers and carers working tirelessly across the Northern Rivers,” Ms Smith said.

“We are incredibly fortunate to have such a strong and dedicated rescue network locally.”

Ms Smith said injured and deceased wildlife on local roads remains an all-too-common sight.

“Too often, people simply don’t know who to call. In an emergency, minutes matter, and it can be overwhelming trying to find the right contact,” she said.

“The Wildlife Rescue Directory removes that uncertainty. It’s a practical tool that can be saved to your phone, so help is there when it’s needed most.”

“A small moment of awareness on the road can save a life. Looking out for wildlife is something each of us can do, and together those small actions make a real difference.”

Member for Ballina Tamara Smith MP has this week distributed a Community Safety information postcard to targeted suburbs across the electorate following reports of rural property crime in parts of the region.

“In recent months, my office has heard from local residents and farmers who have experienced incidents such as property damage and theft,” Ms Smith said.

“While we are fortunate to live in a safe community, even isolated incidents can have a significant impact, particularly in rural areas where properties are more remote and neighbours may be a distance away.”

Late last year, Ms Smith attended a meeting with the Richmond Police District alongside rural residents and farmers to discuss concerns and practical prevention strategies.

“I heard directly from community members about the financial and emotional toll these incidents can take,” she said.

“My message is simple. I want to ensure residents know where to report suspicious activity, how to stay connected with local police, and what practical steps can help protect their properties.”

Ms Smith said strong communication between residents, police and government is central to community safety.

“Prompt reporting, clear information and community awareness all play an important role in prevention and response,” she said.

“Everyone deserves to feel safe in their home and workplace. This is about making sure people know they are supported and have the information they need.”

The Minns Labor Government has been left exposed after the Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism admitted under questioning that she does not know where ISIS brides returning to New South Wales will be residing.
 
During Supplementary Budget Estimates today, the Minister confirmed she had “no idea” which police districts would be affected by the repatriation of five adult female ISIS members and seven children to NSW.
 
Despite holding the Counter-terrorism portfolio, the Minister conceded she is not a decision-maker in the process and is merely being briefed, while responsibility rests elsewhere within government and with bureaucrats.
 
Shadow Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Anthony Roberts, said the admission that the Minister is not in control of processes is deeply concerning.
 
“Community safety must always come first, particularly when dealing with individuals returning from conflict zones with links to ISIS,” Mr Roberts said.
 
“It beggars belief that the Police Minister does not know where these individuals will be settled, or which communities will be directly impacted.”
 
“The people of New South Wales deserve transparency and confidence that appropriate security and counter-terrorism measures are in place. Instead, we have a Minister who admits she is not across critical operational details.”
 
Mr Roberts said the Government must clarify who is making these decisions and what safeguards are being implemented to protect local communities.
 
“On an issue as serious as ISIS repatriation, being ‘briefed’ is not enough.”
 
“The Police Minister should be leading from the front, not sitting on the sidelines.”

Australia welcomes the Pacific Islands Forum announcement that Fiji and Tuvalu will bring the world to the Pacific as part of the pre-COP climate events to be held later this year.

Fiji will host the pre-COP meetings, while Tuvalu will have a special leaders’ component – ensuring that Pacific priorities are front and centre in global climate negotiations, a critical priority for our region. In addition, Palau will host a special climate event as part of the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in August. Pre-COP is expected to be held in October and will act as a springboard to launch outcomes in the annual UN climate conference.

It is an unprecedented opportunity to bring the world to the Pacific, to experience climate impacts and solutions firsthand.

Through Pre-COP and our Negotiations Presidency, Australia and the Pacific will play a critical role in COP31. Australia will also provide operational and logistical support for the Pacific event.

Türkiye will host COP31 and a World Leaders Summit in Antalya in November 2026.

Australia acknowledges the role of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Chair, Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, the PIF Troika and the PIF Secretariat for facilitating the Pre-COP decision-making process.

Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong:

“Pacific countries have long been leaders on climate action, and their voices are central to shaping the global response.

“Hosting these COP meetings is an opportunity for the global community to hear directly from the people of the Pacific.

“Australia will work closely with our Pacific partners to support a successful Pre-COP as part of our shared effort to address the climate challenge.”

Australian Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen:

“Our region is at the frontline of the climate crisis, where the effects of climate change are real and immediate.

“Hosting pre-COP in Fiji, with a leaders’ component in Tuvalu,  will bring a global focus to the most pressing challenges facing our region and support investment in solutions which are fit for purpose for our region.

“Leading the COP31 negotiations in partnership with the Pacific will strengthen our ties with our closest neighbours, raising our region’s profile in support of shared prosperity, stability and security.”

Australian Minister for Pacific Island Affairs Pat Conroy:

“Pacific nations are bearing the brunt of the devastating effects of climate change but have contributed the least to it.

“Pre-COP will be an unprecedented opportunity for the world to listen to the Pacific and understand the existential threat climate change poses for the region.

“Hosting the Pre-COP and a leaders’ event in the Blue Pacific is an opportunity for the region to work together on this critical issue and bring global attention to their leadership”.

The NSW Government has rejected 20 of the 22 recommendations from the Parliamentary Inquiry into Public Toilets, accepting only two recommendations in principle.

According to Greens MLC Dr Amanda Cohn, who chaired the inquiry, it’s an unusually dismissive response.

The inquiry was the most comprehensive examination of public toilet provision to be conducted in New South Wales. It heard from 60 witnesses across five public hearings, and produced six findings and 22 recommendations aimed at modernising a regulatory framework the committee found to be “not fit for purpose.”

The inquiry recommended a significant overhaul of public toilet regulation in NSW, including development of a statewide public toilets strategy and establishment of benchmark standards for provision, accessibility and inclusive design. The committee’s report was supported by consensus by Labor and Liberal MPs.

“The inquiry found, for example, that toilets should be designed using universal design principles so they are accessible and usable by people with a disability, older people, and people with prams. Another recommendation was the inclusion of baby change tables.”

“It is deeply disappointing to see such a sweeping rejection of the committee’s work,” Dr Cohn said.

“The inquiry demonstrated overwhelmingly that public toilets are failing large parts of the community and excluding them from public life as a result.”

“The Government had an opportunity to act on strong, cross-sector evidence and tripartisan recommendations to improve public health, inclusion and dignity. Instead, it has chosen to back the status quo of poorly regulated and inadequate public toilet provision.”

The committee’s findings highlighted that inadequate access to public toilets disproportionately affects people with disability, people who experience incontinence, people who menstruate, LGBTQIA+ communities, people experiencing homelessness, First Nations people, and those living in rural and remote areas.

Advocates are calling on the NSW Government to reconsider its response and engage seriously with the inquiry’s findings to ensure public toilets across the state meet the needs of the whole community.

advocates who provided submissions to the inquiry

Megan Spindler-Smith, Acting CEO of People with Disability Australia, said: “People with disability shared deeply personal experiences with this inquiry about planning their whole day around toilet access, facing humiliating and undignified situations, or staying home because accessible facilities simply are not available. Seeing those voices and lived experiences met with inaction is deeply disappointing. Safe and truly accessible public toilets and Changing Places facilities are rights-supporting and rights-affirming and are a basic requirement for people with disability to live, work and participate in community life. The NSW Government cannot keep passing the buck to local councils, it must show leadership and deliver a statewide public toilet strategy that guarantees consistent, accessible facilities across NSW.”

Public toilets researcher and expert Katherine Webber said: “While the NSW Government response agrees that public toilets are an essential component of urban infrastructure, their response fails to acknowledge the connection between public toilets and the health and wellbeing of people in NSW. Subsequently, it is disappointing that the NSW Government has decided not to take a leadership role in public toilet policy at this time.”

Labor Premier Chris Minns has escalated his targeting of peaceful and legitimate protest with an announcement that a dedicated, permanent, and heavily armed police unit will be used to target protests and public demonstrations.

Greens MP and spokesperson for Justice Sue Higginson said:

“This announcement has explicitly and deliberately misconstrued the political expression through protest as dangerous and extremist, akin to vile mass murders and terrorist events. The Premier has got to quit this Chris Minns is making a habit of deploying state violence against political opponents and the community at large, this is dangerous to our democracy,”

“Creating dedicated police forces who will be rapidly deployed in the community with high calibre and rapid fire weapons will not prevent people from engaging in protest, all it will do is put everyone at far greater risk of violence, harm, and death,”

“Seeking to arrest your way to some twisted vision of social cohesion is frankly fascist, and yet this NSW Labor Government seem determined to take every bad step when it comes to caring for and healing our communities,”

“Just a few weeks ago, I was standing with Jewish People, Muslim People, First Nations People, Queer People and tens of thousands of caring and compassionate people in the community. This wonderful gathering for peace was socially cohesive, non-threatening, and determined to express their political views. Chris Minns incited Police to attack, and assault that community, and he has now announced that he wants this to be a permanent fixture of our democracy, he should be ashamed,”

“Premier Chris Minns is escalating the conflicts between the community, and he is signing the guns that will be deployed in response to peaceful gatherings. It’s time for NSW Labor to reign in their authoritarian leader, and take responsibility for the damage he is doing to their movement and our community,” Ms Higginson said.

The Consumer Price Index released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics today shows inflation is out of control, confirming Pyro Jim’s reckless spending is pushing the cost of living higher for Australian families.

Inflation was 3.8 per cent in January, leaving Australian households paying even more for the basics while the Treasurer continues to pour fuel on the fire through reckless spending and rising debt.

Domestic inflation is running even higher at 4.9 per cent – Labor’s cost of living crisis is well and truly homegrown.

As all Australians know by now, Labor has been papering over the true crisis it has unleashed in Australia’s energy system. With the expiry of temporary energy rebates, today’s numbers reveal the true cost of Labor’s failed energy policy. Electricity prices are up 32 per cent in the past year alone.

Australian families with kids also know the cost of going back to school and childcare hit hard this year. Out-of-pocket childcare costs are up 11 per cent in the past year despite Labor’s claims of fixing the system.

This never-ending cost of living crisis is unique to Australia, with inflation running hotter here than in every major advanced economy.

After nearly four years of Labor, Australians are paying more for almost everything:
 Insurance is up 39%.
 Energy is up 38%.
 Rents are up 22%.
 Health is up 18%.
 Education is up 17%.
 Food is up 16%.

Shadow Treasurer Tim Wilson said Australian families feel the pressure every time they pay for groceries, fuel or the household bills.

“Today’s figures confirm what Australians already know, Pyro Jim’s spending is keeping inflation higher for longer,” Mr Wilson said.

“Government spending is at its highest level outside a recession in 40 years and Labor’s debt is racing towards one trillion dollars.”

“Australians are paying around $50,000 a minute just to service Labor’s debt, money that adds demand to the economy and keeps pressure on prices.”

“At a time when Australians need relief, Labor is making inflation stick.”

“Under Labor, living standards have fallen, with Australia recording the biggest drop in household disposable incomes in the developed world.”

“Until Pyro Jim gets spending under control, Australians will keep paying through higher prices, higher mortgages and weaker living standards.”

“As Liberals, we stand for lower inflation, lower interest rates and lower taxes.”

The Coalition will restore disciplined economic management and fight to bring down costs for Australian families.

When Labor spends, you pay.