Month: April 2023

Hearing from Young Australians in the Newcastle-Hunter Region

The Albanese Government is ensuring the voices of young people are heard on the issues that matter to them.

Today, young representatives, aged 16-25, from the Newcastle Hunter region will have their say at the Newcastle Youth Forum.

The Newcastle Youth Forum will be an opportunity to engage directly with the Minister for Youth, Dr Anne Aly and local Federal Members Sharon Claydon MP and Meryl Swanson MP, about the big issues that are facing young people at a local and national level.

Young Australians are best placed to provide advice on creative solutions that work for them to help solve issues that they care about. 

The Youth Forum builds on the work the Albanese Government is already doing to restore trust with young Australians in our political and government institutions.

This work includes re-establishing the Office for Youth, a dedicated unit within government to improve and harmonise policies impacting young Australians, and appointing the Youth Steering Committee made up of 15 diverse young people from across the nation to help shape our Government’s Youth Engagement Model.

Additionally, the Government has appointed 40 young Australians to five Youth Advisory Groups providing advice across matters in a range of portfolios, including Climate Change and Energy, Indigenous Australians, Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Industry and Science and Social Services.

These exciting initiatives are ensuring two-way conversations with young Australians on the issues that matter most to them, making sure they have a genuine platform to shape the future of our nation. 

MINISTER FOR YOUTH DR ANNE ALY said:

“We’re ensuring young people have a genuine seat at the table, to be really listened to and to effect the change that is important to them.”

“We know that a government that not only works for young people, but also with them, will be far more effective – delivering a better future for all of us.”

MEMBER FOR NEWCASTLE SHARON CLAYDON MP said:

“There are so many young Novacastrians who want to see things improve for their generation, our community, and the future of our planet. The Albanese Labor government is ensuring the voices of young Novacastrians are heard at the highest level.”

“We know that young people are best place to help shape real solutions on the issues that matter to them. That’s why these discussions in Newcastle today are so important.”

MEMBER FOR PATERSON, MERYL SWANSON MP said:

“We’re empowering young Australians, making sure we are engaging them in two-way conversations.”

“Young Australians in Paterson want to be a part of shaping the solutions that work for them.”

Fee-Free TAFE supports the next generation of the Hunter’s workforce

New data reveals strong enrolments in Fee-Free TAFE and vocational education courses across New South Wales, thanks to a landmark agreement between the Australian and New South Wales Government.

The Australian Government partnered with the NSW Government to invest $319 million in the state, as part of a 12-month Skills Agreement, to deliver up to 120,000 Fee-Free TAFE and vocational education places in 2023.

New figures show that about 65,000 students have enrolled in TAFE NSW under the Fee-Free initiative, highlighting the demand for education and training.

Hunter students enrolled in Fee-Free TAFE courses save thousands of dollars on their course fees, helping relieve the cost of living pressures. For instance:

  • A student studying a Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) will save up to $8,220.
  • A student studying a Diploma of Information Technology (Cyber Security) will save up to $4,060.
  • A student studying a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care will save up to $4,970.
  • A student studying a Certificate III in Electrotechnology (Electrician) will save up to $3,960.

We also know that clean energy industries are the future for our workers, and include solar installation, large-scale renewable projects, electric vehicles, green hydrogen, and renewable manufacturing.

That’s why the Australian Government is spending $95.6 million over nine years to support 10,000 New Energy Apprenticeships.

There are currently 6,635 apprentices in training in the Hunter, including New Energy apprentices who commenced from 1 January 2023, who can receive up to $10,000 over the course of their apprenticeship to assist with the cost of living.

Whether in the care sector, agriculture, hospitality and tourism, construction, or technology, it remains vital that we continue to deliver skills training in an effective and accessible way.

Minister for Skills and Training Brendan O’Connor said:

“Fee-Free TAFE is focused on identified priority courses in areas experiencing skills shortages right now. These courses will lead to jobs needed most by employers.”

“The Albanese Government is spending $95.6 million over nine years to support 10,000 New Energy Apprenticeships.”

“They could be electricians rewiring homes for rooftop solar, batteries and efficient appliances, or machinists and metal fitters maintaining gearboxes at offshore wind farms.”

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon MP said:

“The courses offered through Fee-Free TAFE align directly with areas where we need thousands more workers, but importantly offer a critical value-proposition, in this current economic climate, where financial barriers are removed.”

Fee-Free TAFE represents opportunity for workers in our local Hunter region, both in existing industry and those preparing for emerging occupations.

NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Tim Crakanthorp said:

“The Minns Labor Government has been elected to return TAFE to the heart of the vocational education system.

“We have started to work closely with Minister O’Connor and the Albanese Government to support TAFE. Fee-Free TAFE is critical to that success.”

RELEASE OF THE DEFENCE STRATEGIC REVIEW

Today the Albanese Government has released the public version of the Defence Strategic Review (the Review), the Government’s response to the Review, and the National Defence Statement 2023.

Commissioned in the first 100 days of Government, the Review sets the agenda for ambitious, but necessary, reform to Defence’s posture and structure.

The Government’s response to the Review sets out a blueprint for Australia’s strategic policy, defence planning and resourcing over the coming decades.

The Albanese Government has agreed, or agreed in-principle with further work required, to the public Review recommendations, and has identified six priority areas for immediate action:

  • Acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines through AUKUS to improve our deterrence capabilities;
  • Developing the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) ability to precisely strike targets at longer-range and manufacture munitions in Australia;
  • Improving the ADF’s ability to operate from Australia’s northern bases;
  • Initiatives to improve the growth and retention of a highly skilled Defence workforce;
  • Lifting our capacity to rapidly translate disruptive new technologies into ADF capability, in close partnership with Australian industry; and
  • Deepening of our diplomatic and defence partnerships with key partners in the Indo-Pacific.

Realising the ambition of the Review will require a whole-of-government effort, coupled with a significant financial commitment and major reform.

The Government is making the hard decisions necessary to cancel or reprioritise Defence projects or activities that are no longer suited to our strategic circumstances, as outlined in the Review.

The Albanese Government’s response to the Review includes specific directions to Defence with immediate effect, while establishing a methodical and comprehensive process for long-term and sustainable implementation.

To inform this, the Government has accepted the Review’s recommendation for an inaugural National Defence Strategy in 2024, which will be updated biennially.

The National Defence Strategy will encompass a comprehensive plan of Defence policy, planning, capabilities and resourcing, including reprioritisation of the Integrated Investment Program, in line with the recommendations of the Review.

The Albanese Government will work with industry, the community and stakeholders to implement the work and the recommendations of the Review.

We thank His Excellency Professor the Hon Stephen Smith and former Chief of the Defence Force, Sir Angus Houston for their work.

The public version of the Defence Strategic Review is available at: Defence Strategic Review.

Prime Minister of Australia, the Hon. Anthony Albanese MP said:

“My Government commissioned the Defence Strategic Review to assess whether Australia had the necessary defence capability, posture and preparedness to best defend Australia and its interests in the strategic environment we now face.

“We support the strategic direction and key findings set out in the Review, which will strengthen our national security and ensure our readiness for future challenges.

“The Government will continue to invest in our capabilities and invest in our relationships to help build a more secure Australia and a more stable and prosperous region.”

Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon. Richard Marles MP said:

“The Defence Strategic Review, and the Government’s response, is about maintaining peace, security and prosperity in our region.

“There are a lot of tough decisions which need to be made, but in doing so, we are making them in the best interest of our Defence Force and our nation.

“Work to implement the Review starts today, ensuring our ADF and our Defence personnel has the capability they need to keep Australians safe.”

GREENS TO FIGHT TO KEEP GOVERNMENT INTEREST RATE POWER

Greens Leader Adam Bandt and Treasury spokesperson Senator Nick McKim have said the Greens will fight the proposal to remove the Treasurer’s power to overrule the RBA’s decisions to set interest rates.

The government has given in-principle support to Recommendation 1.1 of the RBA Review released this week, which proposes removing the democratic safeguard that currently exists in Section 11 of the Reserve Bank Act 1959.

Greens Leader Adam Bandt said:

“It seems Labor wants to use this review to further shirk its responsibility to deal with the housing crisis. Labor needs to keep the government’s power to override the Reserve Bank’s interest rate decisions, especially in a crisis.

“In the middle of a housing and rental crisis, there is a real risk the Reserve Bank is going to ruin lives and undermine our collective future with further rate rises. 

“If Labor washes its hands of the inflation problem and outsources it to the Reserve Bank, it risks more pain for people already doing it tough.

“Tackling the cost of living and housing crises needs more government intervention, not less.

“Instead of shifting towards social democracy, Labor’s change further entrenches neoliberalism.”

Greens Treasury spokesperson Nick McKim said:

“Instead of getting rid of his existing power to set interest rates, the Treasurer should be using this power right now to help renters and mortgage holders by freezing interest rates.

“The Greens will vigorously oppose this fundamentally anti-democratic policy.

“This safeguard was put in place by Ben Chifley and kept in place by Robert Menzies.

“But Jim Chalmers has swallowed the technocratic kool-aid.

“If the Section 11 safeguards are removed the government would have no recourse over an RBA board that goes rogue.

“Removing democratic oversight would be the final capitulation to neoliberal groupthink and would totally cede monetary policy to the central banker’s club that has done nothing to stop rising inequality or the breakdown of the planet’s climate.”

DIRECT PATHWAY TO AUSTRALIAN CITIZENSHIP FOR NEW ZEALANDERS

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, the Minister for Home Affairs and the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs have today announced a new direct pathway to Australian citizenship for eligible New Zealand citizens.

Changes in 2001 made it more difficult for New Zealanders in Australia to attain citizenship.

Today we have announced that from 1 July 2023, New Zealand citizens living in Australia will have a direct pathway to Australian citizenship.

All Special Category Visa holders will be able to apply directly for citizenship without becoming permanent residents first, as long as they meet a four-year residence and other eligibility requirements.

This is a fair change for New Zealanders living in Australia, and brings their rights more in line with Australians living in New Zealand. This is consistent with our ambition to build a fairer, better managed and more inclusive migration system.

Many New Zealand citizens choose to live and contribute to Australia, so it is reasonable they have the opportunity to become Australian citizens and enjoy the rights and obligations that come from citizenship.

Prime Minister Albanese said:

“Australia and New Zealand have a deep friendship, which has been forged through our history, shared values and common outlook.

“As we mark the 50th anniversary of the Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement, I look forward to strengthening our relationship.”

“We know that many New Zealanders are here on a Special Category Visa while raising families, working and building their lives in Australia. So I am proud to offer the benefits that citizenship provides.”

Minister Clare O’Neil said:

“Australians and New Zealanders share a special bond and it’s important that we reflect that in the way we treat New Zealand citizens who choose to make Australia home.

“Today’s changes will strengthen ties with our closest neighbour, and will mean the many people already living and working in our communities can enjoy the benefits of citizenship.

“Anthony Albanese is ensuring the deep, strong connection between our two countries is reflected in how we treat Kiwis living in Australia.”

Minister Andrew Giles said:

“Australia is a country built on citizenship. It is only fair the opportunity to become an Australian Citizen is made easier for our closest friends and allies.

“This announcement will make a significant difference to the lives of people already living and working and in our communities.”

MONTEVIDEO MARU FOUND

The shipwreck of Australia’s largest loss of life at sea has been discovered, more than 80 years after it sunk.

Japanese merchant vessel the SS Montevideo Maru was sunk on 1 July 1942 off the coast of the Philippines after setting sail from the former Australian territory of New Guinea. 

The ship was carrying approximately 1,060 prisoners from around 16 countries, including 850 Australian service members from Rabaul. The ship was not marked as a Prisoners of War transport. 

The number and identity of those on board the Montevideo Maru was not fully revealed until after the war, but the location of the shipwreck has remained a mystery.  

81 years after its final voyage, the resting place of the Montevideo Maru has been discovered. 

The search was led by not-for-profit Silentworld Foundation, deep-sea survey specialists Fugro, and supported by Defence. 

At over 4000m depth, the wreck is deeper than the RMS Titanic, and it’s hoped the discovery will bring relief to the families of the Australians on board. 

Prime Minister, the Hon Anthony Albanese MP said:

“At long last, the resting place of the lost souls of the Montevideo Maru has been found.”    

“We hope today’s news brings a measure of comfort to loved ones who have kept a long vigil.”

“The extraordinary effort behind this discovery speaks for the enduring truth of Australia’s solemn national promise to always remember and honour those who served our country. This is the heart and the spirit of Lest We Forget.”

Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Richard Marles MP said:

“For 81 years, hundreds of Australian families have waited for news of this shipwreck. It is my great privilege to confirm their loved ones have been found.” 

“Finding the Montevideo Maru has been a remarkable effort by a passionate team of researchers and the Silentworld Foundation, supported by dedicated Defence personnel.”

“I also acknowledge the generous support from the Philippines authorities in permitting this search.”

“These Australians were never forgotten. Lost deep beneath the seas, their final resting place is now known. This remarkable discovery is a reflection of who we are as a nation and remarkably close to our day of national commemoration; Anzac Day. We will remember them.”

Chief of the Australian Army Lieutenant General Simon Stuart said:

“The Australian soldiers, sailors and aviators who had fought to defend Rabaul had enlisted from across the country to serve, met a terrible fate at sea on the Montevideo Maru.” 

“Today we remember their service, and the loss of all those aboard, including the 20 Japanese guards and crew, the Norwegian sailors and the hundreds of civilians from many nations.”

“I want to thank the Silentworld team and the dedicated researchers, including the Unrecovered War Casualties team at Army, who have never given up hope of finding the final resting place of the Montevideo Maru.” 

“A loss like this reaches down through the decades and reminds us all of the human cost of conflict. Lest We Forget.”

director of Silentworld, John Mullen said: 

“The discovery of the Montevideo Maru closes a terrible chapter in Australian military and maritime history.” 

“Families waited years for news of their missing loved ones, before learning of the tragic outcome of the sinking. Some never fully came to accept that their loved ones were among the victims. Today, by finding the vessel, we hope to bring closure to the many families devastated by this terrible disaster.”

“I would like to express my gratitude to all of the dedicated Silentworld team involved in this expedition, to the outstanding Fugro crew and technical team on board the Fugro Equator, and to the Australian Department of Defence for their unwavering support.”

“I am proud to be the citizen of a country that never forgets or stops looking for those lost in the course of duty, no matter how many years may pass.”

GREENS TO FIGHT TO KEEP GOVERNMENT INTEREST RATE POWER

Greens Leader Adam Bandt and Treasury spokesperson Senator Nick McKim have said the Greens will fight the proposal to remove the Treasurer’s power to overrule the RBA’s decisions to set interest rates.

The government has given in-principle support to Recommendation 1.1 of the RBA Review released this week, which proposes removing the democratic safeguard that currently exists in Section 11 of the Reserve Bank Act 1959.

Greens Leader Adam Bandt said:

“It seems Labor wants to use this review to further shirk its responsibility to deal with the housing crisis. Labor needs to keep the government’s power to override the Reserve Bank’s interest rate decisions, especially in a crisis.

“In the middle of a housing and rental crisis, there is a real risk the Reserve Bank is going to ruin lives and undermine our collective future with further rate rises. 

“If Labor washes its hands of the inflation problem and outsources it to the Reserve Bank, it risks more pain for people already doing it tough.

“Tackling the cost of living and housing crises needs more government intervention, not less.

“Instead of shifting towards social democracy, Labor’s change further entrenches neoliberalism.”

Greens Treasury spokesperson Nick McKim said:

“Instead of getting rid of his existing power to set interest rates, the Treasurer should be using this power right now to help renters and mortgage holders by freezing interest rates.

“The Greens will vigorously oppose this fundamentally anti-democratic policy.

“This safeguard was put in place by Ben Chifley and kept in place by Robert Menzies.

“But Jim Chalmers has swallowed the technocratic kool-aid.

“If the Section 11 safeguards are removed the government would have no recourse over an RBA board that goes rogue.

“Removing democratic oversight would be the final capitulation to neoliberal groupthink and would totally cede monetary policy to the central banker’s club that has done nothing to stop rising inequality or the breakdown of the planet’s climate.”

Visit to New Caledonia and Tuvalu

This week I (Penny Wong) will travel to New Caledonia and Tuvalu for the first time as Foreign Minister to listen first-hand to their priorities and build on our close relationships.

The Albanese Government has shown its strong commitment to working with the Pacific family to deliver Pacific priorities, including action on climate change and recovery from Covid-19.

This visit will be my tenth to the Pacific as Foreign Minister and fulfills the Government’s commitment to visit all 17 of our fellow Pacific Islands Forum members.

Australia’s longstanding relationship with New Caledonia spans people, economic and commercial ties, environmental protection, as well as strong defence cooperation with French authorities in New Caledonia.

I will meet the High Commissioner of the French Republic in New Caledonia Mr Louis Le Franc, and President of the Government of New Caledonia Mr Louis Mapou.

I am honoured to have the opportunity to address the Congress of New Caledonia on Australia’s regional vision and the value of New Caledonia’s regional engagement since it became a full member of the Pacific Islands Forum in 2016.

In Tuvalu, I will meet with acting Prime Minister Ampelosa Tehulu and his cabinet colleagues to discuss Australia’s ongoing partnership and development support for Tuvalu’s social, economic and security priorities.

Tuvalu is on the front line of climate change, and I will reiterate Australia’s commitment to climate action, including our bid to co-host COP31 with other Pacific countries in 2026.

A strong and united Pacific Islands Forum is central to supporting a region that is peaceful, prosperous, and resilient.

Youth take over city for week of celebrations

Young people are gearing up to take over Wheeler Place and Museum Park this Saturday with pop-up skate ramps, live music, market stalls, art exhibits and workshops to kick off Youth Week 2023 celebrations.

City of Newcastle (CN) is hosting and supporting an exciting program of youth-led events, designed and delivered by young people, that highlight the contribution young people make to the community, as part of the state-wide event which runs until 30 April.

Together with the NSW Department of Community and Justice, CN has provided funding towards three events that will take place during Youth Week to promote cultural diversity, social inclusion, arts and culture, mental health and wellbeing.

CN will open the doors to the City Administration Centre for an Open Day, by invitation only, providing local high school students with the opportunity to learn more about civic engagement and Council services and facilities. Whilst opportunities for creative and cultural expression, as well as social connection and wellbeing will be the focus of the Civic Takeover and Young N’ Cultured events.

Visit What’s On Newcastle for more information on Newcastle Youth Week events.

Newcastle Youth Week events and activities:

Civic Takeover
Wheeler Place and Museum Park
Saturday 22 April 2pm – 6pm
All ages, free event, no bookings required

Pop down to Wheeler Place and Museum Park this Saturday for an afternoon of live music from emerging local performers, market stalls, a youth art exhibition, an artist-led sculptural workshop and pop-up skate ramps. Civic Takeover is presented in partnership with Newcastle Art Gallery, Skate Connection, Newy Youth Markets and Tantrum Youth Arts.

Young N’ Cultured
University of Newcastle, Callaghan Campus
Friday 28 April, 4pm – 6pm
All ages

Come celebrate diversity and join the sharing of vibrant cultures and knowledge with an evening enriched by the sounds, colours, and spirit of cultural songs, dance and storytelling. Presented in partnership with University of Newcastle, Young N’ Cultured showcases both traditional and contemporary talents embodied across Newcastle’s multicultural communities.

Mark Speakman elected new NSW Liberal Leader

Mark Speakman has been elected as the new leader of the NSW Liberal Parliamentary
Party and will lead the Party to the 2027 NSW election.


Mark grew up in Caringbah, in the Cronulla electorate he has represented since 2011 and
where he has lived most of his adult life. He has two children, Kate and Matt, with Caroline.
He holds a Bachelor of Laws (first class honours and the university medal) and a Bachelor of
Economics from Sydney University as well as a Master of Law (first class honours) from
Cambridge University. Mark was appointed Senior Counsel after a successful legal career
before entering NSW Parliament.


In the previous Coalition Government, Mark served as Attorney General, Minister for the
Environment and Heritage, and Minister for Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence. As
AG he led major legal reforms in domestic and sexual violence (including sexual consent law
and coercive control law), improving community safety and modernised defamation law. As
Environment Minister he led NSW’s early adoption of net zero by 2050, as well as container
deposit scheme legislation. He also served as Leader of the House.


“The NSW Liberals have delivered more than a decade of unprecedented economic success
and investment for our state. Our government left NSW with two triple-A credit ratings, low
unemployment and strong economic management that allowed us to support for families,
businesses and the wider community,” Mark said.


“From vouchers that have been helping family budgets, to programs that have helped small
businesses survive repeated economic shocks, to transformation of infrastructure and
frontline services, the Coalition government left NSW stronger and more prosperous than it
was in 2011.


“In challenging times we will continue to work hard for the people of NSW and keep fighting
for the needs of communities from Albury to Port Macquarie, and from Vaucluse to Broken
Hill.


“After 12 years in opposition, Labor have only been able to achieve minority government on
an extraordinarily narrow platform. We intend to operate as a constructive opposition –
offering support where it is warranted, and holding the Government to account where they
fail the community.”


Damian Tudehope and Natalie Ward have been elected as the Leader and Deputy Leader in
the Legislative Council.