Category: Australian News

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.”

The latest quarterly emissions update has revealed emissions are still going up and remain higher under Anthony Albanese than when Scott Morrison left office, as the Greens call on Labor to stop backing coal and gas.

The data reveals emissions have risen year on year from 446.2 to 446.4 million tonnes.

The update also shows that emissions were higher in the year to December 2024 (446.4 Mt) than they were in the year to June 2022 when the Morrison Government left office (440.6 Mt).

These damning figures follow Labor’s decision earlier this week to approve the climate-wrecking North West Shelf dirty gas extension to 2070, effectively killing the prospect of achieving net zero by 2050.

Labor approved over 30 new coal and gas projects in its last term. 

The Australian Greens have said to have any chance of a safer climate, Labor must stop approving new coal and gas projects and start rapidly cutting emissions.

Leader of the Australian Greens, Senator Larissa Waters:

“Climate emissions are still going up and are higher under Anthony Albanese than under Scott Morrison.

“And just this week, Labor approved the climate-wrecking North West Shelf dirty gas extension to 2070.

“Two climate tests so far – and Labor’s failed both.

“During the last term of parliament, Labor approved over 30 new coal and gas projects, and it doesn’t look like they’re slowing down any time soon.

“The Greens will keep fighting for strong climate action, and an end to new coal and gas.”

The Australian Government welcomes the adoption of the World Health Organization (WHO) Pandemic Agreement.

The Agreement is a significant step towards strengthening pandemic prevention, preparedness and response.

The Agreement takes account of lessons learnt during the COVID-19 pandemic and supports collective action to address pandemic threats, including by strengthening multi-sectoral disease surveillance and access to vaccines.

While the Agreement has been adopted by the World Health Assembly, there are further steps remaining to finalise technical details. Australia will only commence our treaty making process after the Agreement opens for signature, which is not expected until at least mid-2026.

Once the Agreement has entered into force, Australia and our region will be better positioned to reduce pandemic risks and respond swiftly if a pandemic occurs, saving lives and mitigating the impacts on our economies. Australia will retain full sovereignty in making public health decisions which promote the interests of Australians.

Australia is proud to have served as Vice-Chair of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body for the Pandemic Agreement, representing our diverse Western Pacific region.

This outcome reaffirms the value of multilateral solutions to shared global challenges.

Australia will continue to play our part to ensure the international community is better prepared to respond to future pandemics

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong:

“We need international cooperation on health to help keep Australia, our region, and the world safe. The adoption of the WHO Pandemic Agreement demonstrates the value of the international community working together to find solutions to shared global challenges.”

Minister for Health and Ageing, Minister for Disability and the NDIS, the Hon Mark Butler MP:

“The next pandemic is not a matter of if, but when. We have a collective responsibility to protect public health in all of our countries. The adoption of the WHO Pandemic Agreement is an important step forward.”

NSW Parliament’s Law and Justice Committee has just handed down its report into the NSW Labor Government’s proposed changes to workers compensation entitlements. This follows a mammoth hearing just last Friday where the Committee heard from almost 40 witnesses across nine and a half hours of evidence. 

The evidence contained in the report details near universal opposition to the major elements of the government’s proposed reforms from witnesses and stakeholders. 

The inquiry into the government’s legislation follows only two years after the Committee conducted a fulsome and comprehensive inquiry into the drivers and impacts of workplace psychological injuries resulting in compensation claims. The majority of recommendations, including key prevention and management recommendations, from that report remain unfulfilled. Despite the NSW Labor government agreeing or agreeing in principle to all of those recommendations, many of the elements of the government’s proposed reforms are in direct contradiction to those recommendations. 

Abigail Boyd, Greens Spokesperson for Treasury, Work Health and Safety, and Industrial Relations: 

“The evidence received by the committee in our one-day hearing painted a damning picture of what the government proposes to do to injured workers in this state. 

“Everything we heard pointed to just how ill-conceived and incomprehensibly cruel the Minns Labor Government’s proposed curtailment of support for psychologically injured workers is – these reforms will be actively harmful to thousands of injured and deserving people. 

“The government’s inability to present coherent modelling and financial analysis of either the scheme liabilities or the impact of these proposed changes is cause for great concern. Projected future rates of growth of psychological injury are based on heroic assumptions that only an actuary could love, and a highly motivated one at that. It’s on these shaky projections that the supposed crisis the government claims to be responding to is based. 

“But even if you are to believe that there is to be some catastrophic blowout in costs from psychological injuries, the answer is not to pretend those injuries don’t exist – we have to focus on stopping people getting injured at work in the first place and, if they are injured, doing everything we can to get them quickly back on their feet. Anything less is not only dangerous to workers’ lives and morally wrong, it’s also an incredibly naive way to manage the State’s longer-term finances, dependent as they are on a productive and resilient workforce. 

“The proposal to increase the threshold for accessing long-term support to a level that would require a worker to be rendered essentially catatonic or in need of permanent around-the-clock professional care was identified by experts as being particularly cruel and without basis or justification. If allowed to go through, these changes will cost lives.” 

This morning, a Victorian Greens request to urgently debate the Albanese Labor Government’s decision to approve the extension of the North West Shelf gas project in the Victorian Parliament was denied.

The Victorian Greens used a tool that allows MPs to bring matters of urgent public importance forward for debate in the Parliament at short notice – arguing that as the state faces worsening drought and NSW reels from once-in-500-year floods, the project’s 6.1 billion tonnes of emissions will fuel climate chaos impacting every Victorian, harming public health, driving up insurance costs, and endangering future generations.

The request was denied. In response, the Greens say: if Labor approving a climate bomb with projected emissions of up to 6.1 billion tonnes isn’t a matter of urgent public importance, then what is?

It comes on the same day that state Labor has made comments boasting of billions of dollars in new gas investment in Victoria this year alone.

The Greens have accused the Victorian Labor Government of following in Albo’s footsteps, saying that Labor is guilty of ‘climate betrayal’ at both levels of government.

The North West Shelf Project will release more emissions than every coal-fired power station in Australia combined, locking in fossil fuel use until 2070 – decades beyond the climate deadlines set by the IPCC and Paris Agreement.

The Victorian Greens say that the Parliament shouldn’t be avoiding scrutiny and debate on such an important matter that will impact every Victorian.

Leader of the Victorian Greens, Ellen Sandell:

“Woodside’s massive new gas project is a climate bomb – the equivalent of opening 12 new coal-fired power stations. Labor’s approval of this disastrous project will blow our climate targets, supercharging floods, bushfires and extreme weather already hitting Victorians. If that’s not a matter of urgent public importance for Parliament to debate, I don’t know what is.”

“It’s incredibly disappointing to see Labor here in Victoria boasting about new gas projects the day after their federal Labor colleagues approved Woodside’s climate disaster. Future generations will never forgive Labor for this climate betrayal”

As communities across the Mid North Coast and Hunter grapple with the aftermath of catastrophic flooding, NSW Greens MPs Tamara Smith and Sue Higginson have called on the NSW Government to urgently abandon its ongoing support for policies that fuel climate disaster, including coal and gas expansion and native forest logging.  

Tamara Smith MP, Member for Ballina and Greens NSW spokesperson for Disaster Relief said:

“No sooner have the people of the Northern Rivers marked the third anniversary of the devastating 2022 floods, than communities just south of us are facing another deadly climate-driven disaster,” 

“Some flood levels in the Hunter and Mid North Coast have exceeded those of 1929. These are not one-in-100-year events – they are our new reality, and they demand a serious response from Government.”  

Tamara Smith expressed her deep concern for affected residents, saying: 

“My heart goes out to those who have lost loved ones, the nearly 800 families who cannot return to their homes, to the townspeople and business owners whose lives have been upended, to the farmers who have lost stock and crops, and to the SES workers and volunteers holding these communities together. No one is untouched by this disaster.”  

Sue Higginson MLC, Greens NSW spokesperson for Climate Change, said the disaster must be a turning point for government action on climate.  

“The science has long warned us that climate change would drive more frequent and more intense flooding across the East Coast of NSW. We are now living that warning, and yet the Minns Government continues to approve new coal and gas projects, and allows the ongoing destruction of climate-critical native forests.”  

“The peer-reviewed attribution report produced by ClimaMeteras the floods were going on, demonstrate that the intensity of the floods were a direct result of human activity and climate change. The fact that the NSW Government approved the extension of a large coal mine during these climate fuelled floods, is a reckless act of harm against all communities living on the front lines of the climate crisis,” 

“The Government is committing acts of climate negligence. Every day they delay real action is another day it fails the people of NSW.”  

Both MPs have called for: 

• An immediate end to new coal and gas approvals in NSW. 
• A moratorium on native forest logging to protect carbon stores and natural flood mitigation. 
• Urgent review of planning and housing approvals in flood-prone regions. 
• Increased funding and permanent support for disaster preparedness and community resilience programs. 

“Climate change is not a future threat – it is here, and it is destroying lives,” said Tamara Smith.  

“To pretend these floods are simply freak weather events is wilful ignorance. The NSW Government must face reality and take responsibility.”  

Upgrades to the Light-to-Light Walk in Beowa National Park on Yuin Country, near Eden are now complete and open to the public, with the multi-day walk showcasing everything that makes the South Coast special. The works are part of a $14.9 million investment in the National Park.

Commencing in March 2023, the upgrade and restoration work stretches from Boyds Tower to Green Cape Lighthouse. Works include new and re-routed sections of the previous walk, as well as two new purpose-built campgrounds at Mowarry Point and Hegartys Bay.

These new campgrounds feature 10 new timber camping platforms and toilets to accommodate walkers on the upgraded track. 

Significant work has also been completed to repair damage after the 2019/2020 bushfires, including track repair, Boyds Tower precinct renewal, Green Cape precinct car park and Bittangabee Campground upgrades.

The funds for the upgrades and restoration work are jointly provided by the Regional Growth – Environment and Tourism Fund program and NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.

The 32km Grade 4 Light-to-Light walk can be tackled on your own, or on a guided tour. Several local companies offer guided tours which include stories of the area’s rich cultural history and ensure you don’t miss a thing along the way.  

Before embarking on any long distance or multi-day hike, it’s important to hire a personal locator beacon and to fill in a trip intention form. Further advice on hiking safety is available via the NPWS bushwalking webpage. 

Further upgrade works are planned this year for the Green Cape Lighthouse precinct accommodation located at the southern end of the walk. Information on the Light-to-Light Walk is available via the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service website.

Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast, Ryan Park:

“The Light-to-Light Walk is one of the crown jewels of the South Coast, and these upgrades ensure it remains a world-class experience for visitors.

“This investment reflects the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to sustainable tourism, regional jobs, and providing people with better access to nature and the stories of Country that make this place so special.”

Member for Bega, Dr Michael Holland:

“The Light-to-Light Walk is poised to bring great economic benefits to the region whether it is accommodation providers, tour companies, restaurants or cafes, we welcome visitors from across Australia and abroad to come and take in the beauty of the South Coast.”

The delivery of a modern, low carbon, low waste, climate resilient health system is at the heart of a new Roadmap launched by NSW Health.

The NSW Health Net Zero Roadmap is a first for NSW Health and sets out how the NSW public health system plans to reach zero emissions by 2050 while delivering quality, value, innovation and equity.

The Roadmap aligns closely with Future Health: guiding the next decade of care in NSW 2022-2032, setting the strategic priorities for the next decade and, in particular, the commitment to an environmentally sustainable footprint for future healthcare.

The Roadmap outlines six strategic priority areas which will support NSW Health to meet the ambitious net zero target, including:

• Healthcare – transitioning to modern high quality, low carbon models of care.
• Land and buildings – decarbonising design, construction, use and disposal of buildings and being stewards of land and waters
• Energy and water – improving air quality and health by using natural resources in sustainable ways
• Supply Chain – reducing environmental and financial supply chain costs through the purchase of goods and services and drive circularity
• Travel and transport –improving air quality and health by shifting towards active modes of transport, electrifying NSW Health transportation, and exploring new ways to deliver care remotely
• Food services –sustainable sourcing, production and provision of high quality, healthy food for patients, whilst minimising food waste

For more information on the plan visit the NSW Health website.

Minister for Climate Change, Penny Sharpe: 

“The NSW Health Net Zero Roadmap shows action is being delivered across the whole of government to deliver on our Net Zero targets.

“I commend NSW Health for their leadership to reduce the effects of climate change.”

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“The NSW Health Net Zero Roadmap will help us meet the ambitious goal of reaching zero emissions by 2050, all while clinicians and health care workers continue to deliver high quality care to the community.

“I’m grateful to everyone involved in the Roadmap’s development, taking a strategic and active approach to reducing waste and emissions, while maintaining and improving our high standards of care.

“The health of the planet is deeply linked with public health and this Roadmap will support a healthier and more sustainable community.”

NSW Health Secretary, Susan Pearce AM:

“The healthcare sector has historically been a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, and we all need to play our part to create a cleaner and more sustainable future.

“To that end, NSW Health staff are implementing innovative programs, technologies, policies and practices towards the NSW Government’s net zero targets.”