Month: August 2025

This week, the Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles, Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong, and Minister for Pacific Island Affairs Pat Conroy, will travel to the Pacific as Australia continues to strengthen ties with our nearest neighbours.

The Deputy Prime Minister will travel to Papua New Guinea to discuss the deepening defence ties between our two countries, and Australia’s support for PNG’s security priorities.

During the visit he will meet with Prime Minister the Hon James Marape MP, Deputy Prime Minister the Hon John Rosso MP, and Minister for Defense the Hon Dr Billy Joseph MP.

After travelling to PNG, the Deputy Prime Minister will join Minister Wong and Minister Conroy in the Republic of Vanuatu – building on our enduring partnership.

While in Vanuatu, they will meet Prime Minister, the Hon Jotham Napat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Economic Management the Hon Johnny Koanapo, and other senior ministers.

The Ministers will also travel to Tanna, the home island of Prime Minister Napat, to progress discussions on the proposed Nakamal Agreement – a bilateral initiative to elevate our partnership.

This visit builds on the increasing tempo of Ministerial exchanges and visits between Australia and Vanuatu in both directions over the past six months.

The Foreign Minister will then travel to the Republic of Fiji to attend the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Foreign Ministers Meeting. As a founding member of the PIF, Australia strongly supports the Forum’s role in strengthening regional unity and pursuing our shared vision for a peaceful, stable, prosperous and unified region.

As a Pacific nation, Australia is a partner the region can count on; it is in our interests to foster a resilient region that enables all our economies to grow and prosper together.

Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles:

“Australia deeply values our relationships with our Pacific family as we work together to strengthen ties and deepen security partnerships.

“In Papua New Guinea, I look forward to meeting my counterparts to discuss the growing integration and cooperation between our defence forces, including through negotiations for a bilateral defence treaty, as announced in February this year.

“In Vanuatu, custom, culture and tradition will provide a vibrant backdrop to our discussions around the Nakamal agreement and Australia looks forward to using this concept to strengthen our ties.”

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Penny Wong:

“Our visit to Vanuatu highlights the respect, shared values and cultural and spiritual connections that are the platform for deepening the partnership between our countries.

“It is a privilege to be joining Pacific Islands Forum foreign ministers in Suva, to come together to make decisions for our region.

“Australia is working with the Pacific family to advance our shared priorities and shape a peaceful, stable and prosperous Blue Pacific.”

Minister for Pacific Island Affairs, Pat Conroy:

“I look forward to working with the Vanuatu Government to strengthen our close economic, development and security partnership.

“As partners, we overcome challenges together – Australia is a partner Vanuatu can count on.”

The Albanese Government’s two-way arms trade with Israel is failing to meet the basic requirements of either morality or international law. 

Denials by the Albanese Government that the arms trade with Israel even exists are clearly a weak attempt to mislead the public to avoid taking material action. 

Australia, like all nations, is obliged to act to prevent genocide and war crimes. This includes ending the export of armoured steel, critical materials and F-35 weapons parts to Israel’s weapons industry and military.

Germany has now become the latest in a series of countries that include the UK, Canada, Spain, Italy, Brazil, the Netherlands and many more, that have either completely or partially ended their arms trade with Israel. Australia now stands alone with Donald Trump’s US in not taking action. 

Right now the clear obligation on Australia means it must cease assisting Israel’s indiscriminate and disproportionate use of force and mass starvation in its unlawful assault on Gaza.

Greens Senator and Defence and Foreign Affairs Spokesperson, David Shoebridge, said:

“Watching Defence Minister Richard Marles refuse to answer basic questions about Australia’s export of weapons parts and defence material to Israel is excruciating.

“The Australian public knows that the Albanese Government is permitting the export of armoured steel, F35 weapons parts and other critical materials to Israel and wants it to stop.

“If the Albanese Government stopped the export of F-35 fighter jet parts to Israel, then their F-35 fleet would be grounded.

“Labor’s false claims that F35 fighter jet parts and other material exported to Israel are not ‘weapons’ is in gross breach of international law, including the 2014 Arms Trade Treaty that Australia is a party to.

“International law is crystal clear, parts of weapons are weapons. 

“Germany has stopped weapons exports to Israel, so why on earth won’t Labor stop Australia sending them?

“Australia is a key part of the F35 fighter jet program. We are the only place in the world that makes parts like the bomb bay doors and we operate as one of the few regional distribution hubs.

“Two years of hollow talking points from the Albanese Government aren’t washing with the public anymore as we watch a genocide in real time.

“Australia’s supply of F-35 weapons parts to Israel has recently been described as the ‘direct facilitation of war crimes’ by Josh Paul, former Director of Congressional and Public Affairs, Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, in the US State Department.

“If Australia applied the same sanctions regime to Israel for its illegal war in Gaza as it is applying to Russia for its illegal war in Ukraine, these exports would have already ended. Instead, the Albanese Government is actively choosing to continue the two-way arms trade with Israel.”

Documents forced out of the National Anti-Corruption Commissioner under FOI show the Commission has been actively concealing critical information about its investigation of the Robodebt scandal from the Australian public.

Documents obtained by Greens Senator David Shoebridge through FOI, after a lengthy battle, reveal that former High Court Justice Jeffrey Nettle found that each of the six individual Robodebt referrals “raises a corruption issue”. 

These critical initial findings were deliberately hidden by the NACC in its public statement when it announced the embarrassing U-turn it was compelled to take on the Robodebt referral. 

The findings are contained in a draft media release that was later edited by embattled Commissioner Brereton, and others in the NACC, to remove any reference to former Justice Nettles’ critical conclusions. Commissioner Brereton involved himself in this matter despite his publicly declared conflict of interest in the Robodebt investigation and the findings of the independent Inspector of the  NACC he should have no involvement in the Robodebt referral. 

The draft media release released under FOI is here. 

Greens Senator and Justice Spokesperson David Shoebridge said: 

“This is exactly the kind of secretive, anti-transparency behaviour that undermines public confidence in our integrity institutions

“The NACC stumbled at the first hurdle in the Robodebt matter and then, even after an independent expert recommended they properly investigate, they hid the full details of this recommendation. 

“What makes this even more outrageous is that these revelations only came to light through a hard-fought Freedom of Information battle that the Greens found with the NACC to hide the truth. 

“An anti-corruption body fighting to keep key information secret really isn’t worthy of the name. 

“This institution continues to privilege the powerful persons accused of misconduct at the expense of the many Australians whose lives were harmed by Robodebt. 

“Commissioner Brereton’s continued involvement in the Robodebt matter, even after being found to have engaged in officer misconduct, is unacceptable and further destroys public trust in the NACC. 

“This is on top of Commissioner Brereton’s serious conflict in continuing to retain a position of Major General in the Defence Force while heading a Commission that is reviewing some 120 Defence referrals. 

“Australians deserve better. They deserve an anti-corruption commission that operates in sunlight, not shadow and that can recognise a conflict of interest when it is staring it in the face.”

Documents forced out of the National Anti-Corruption Commissioner under FOI show the Commission has been actively concealing critical information about its investigation of the Robodebt scandal from the Australian public.

Documents obtained by Greens Senator David Shoebridge through FOI, after a lengthy battle, reveal that former High Court Justice Jeffrey Nettle found that each of the six individual Robodebt referrals “raises a corruption issue”. 

These critical initial findings were deliberately hidden by the NACC in its public statement when it announced the embarrassing U-turn it was compelled to take on the Robodebt referral. 

The findings are contained in a draft media release that was later edited by embattled Commissioner Brereton, and others in the NACC, to remove any reference to former Justice Nettles’ critical conclusions. Commissioner Brereton involved himself in this matter despite his publicly declared conflict of interest in the Robodebt investigation and the findings of the independent Inspector of the  NACC he should have no involvement in the Robodebt referral. 

The draft media release released under FOI is here. 

Greens Senator and Justice Spokesperson David Shoebridge said: 

“This is exactly the kind of secretive, anti-transparency behaviour that undermines public confidence in our integrity institutions

“The NACC stumbled at the first hurdle in the Robodebt matter and then, even after an independent expert recommended they properly investigate, they hid the full details of this recommendation. 

“What makes this even more outrageous is that these revelations only came to light through a hard-fought Freedom of Information battle that the Greens found with the NACC to hide the truth. 

“An anti-corruption body fighting to keep key information secret really isn’t worthy of the name. 

“This institution continues to privilege the powerful persons accused of misconduct at the expense of the many Australians whose lives were harmed by Robodebt. 

“Commissioner Brereton’s continued involvement in the Robodebt matter, even after being found to have engaged in officer misconduct, is unacceptable and further destroys public trust in the NACC. 

“This is on top of Commissioner Brereton’s serious conflict in continuing to retain a position of Major General in the Defence Force while heading a Commission that is reviewing some 120 Defence referrals. 

“Australians deserve better. They deserve an anti-corruption commission that operates in sunlight, not shadow and that can recognise a conflict of interest when it is staring it in the face.”

The Greens say Labor’s outsourcing of the Early Education Service Delivery Prices Project to Deloitte falls short of actual progress towards real reform to make early education universal and high-quality.

The Greens have been calling for a shift away from the troubled childcare subsidy funding model for months, and took a bold plan to the last election to establish an independent national commission to do just that. The commission would enforce national quality standards and lead the transition to universal, free, high-quality early learning by providing expert research, evaluation and policy advice.

Australian Greens spokesperson for early education and care, Senator Steph Hodgins-May:

“Our early learning sector is in crisis. The shocking headlines of abuse and neglect we’re seeing as recently as today are just the latest reminder of why the reforms educators and families have been calling for for years are so urgent.

“In typical fashion, Labor is funnelling public money to the private sector to fix problems of its own making. We know the marketised approach to childcare does not work. If the government genuinely wants to move towards universal early education, they should stop outsourcing and start working with us to make it happen.

“The Greens have already put forward a sector-backed plan for an independent early learning commission to act as a watchdog and to drive the transition to universal, high-quality early learning, just like primary and secondary school.

“While the Prime Minister inches towards progress at glacial speed, families, educators and the sector are pleading for legacy reform and strong national leadership to give our kids the start to life that they deserve.”

Australian Greens spokesperson for the public sector, Senator Barbara Pocock:

“On such a fundamental piece of policy such as this, why wouldn’t we keep the design and architecture in the public sector? This move contradicts the Strategic Commissioning Framework by outsourcing policy formulation to an external workforce like Deloitte. This is a key example of core work that must be done by the public service. We should have the capability. ”

“This contract with Deloitte is worth at least $7.5 million. Labor has previously said it wants to reduce its outsourcing of public service work to the Big Four consulting firms yet, once again, this government is choosing to outsource rather than invest in the public sector.”

Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology Anoulack Chanthivong officially launched this year’s National Science Week at the University of Wollongong (UoW) today.

New South Wales is set to transform into a vibrant hub of scientific activity this week, with more than 90 public events across the state showcasing the global impact of scientists and their work.

This year, UoW has assumed the important role of host institution, responsible for ensuring the smooth running of National Science Week. Their provision of grant funding to the many science outreach organisations involved is integral to the work of countless scientists and researchers across the state.

UoW is also the home base of Inspiring Australia NSW and Science Space, two of the official partner organisations responsible for making this year’s National Science Week such a success.

In Sydney, major events have already taken over some of the city’s most popular public spaces, including Science in the Scrub at Western Sydney Parklands and Science in the Swamp at Centennial Parklands on Sunday, which featured live demonstrations and ‘Meet a Scientist’ stalls where visitors could ask expert researchers all their curly questions.

In the classroom, schools across NSW will host workshops, guest speakers, and activities that bring science to life to inspire the next generation of scientific innovators.  

In the regions, Science Week will see events in all corners of the state, from expert talks in Port Macquarie diving into the science behind saving lives at sea, to Bundanon’s Science Week Symposium, exploring the hidden ecologies of the Shoalhaven.

Supported by the NSW Government in collaboration with the Commonwealth Government through Inspiring Australia, National Science Week is Australia’s largest celebration of science and technology.

The full NSW National Science Week event program can be found on the National Science Week website, where events can be searched by location, topic, date or format.

Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“The Minns Labor Government is proud to be launching National Science Week at the University of Wollongong, celebrating its role as a leading institution in innovative STEM research and funding for New South Wales.

“National Science Week is one of the most exciting events in the calendar, sparking curiosity among young and old.

“It’s a unique chance for everyone to gain a new appreciation of how scientific work improves our everyday lives.

“By making science accessible to all, we can inspire future generations and foster a culture of innovation and curiosity.

“The NSW 2025-26 Budget included $80 million to bring the Minns Government’s Innovation Blueprint to life.

“A key component of the $80 million in funding for the Innovation Blueprint is $20 million to establish an Emerging Technology Commercialisation Fund, which will help us better capitalise on our world-leading scientific research sector.”

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

“National Science Week is the perfect occasion to celebrate our achievements and showcase the incredible scientific talent we have right here at home.

“The events across Sydney, the Illawarra and beyond give the public the opportunity to connect with the exciting work our talented scientists are producing here in NSW.”

Member for Wollongong Paul Scully said:

“National Science Week is an excellent opportunity to showcase the groundbreaking work being done in our region, which puts us at the cutting-edge scientific advancements.

“Putting research and science in the spotlight this week at the University of Wollongong will help to inspire future generations and make sure important advancements driven by science and technology continue to receive the support they need.”

Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Wollongong Max Lu said:

“I thank Minister Chanthivong for his leadership in science engagement throughout NSW. We are delighted to host the launch of National Science Week at UOW Science Space, and are committed to promoting science awareness, fostering the exchange of ideas, and championing innovation both within NSW and across Australia.

“This event welcomes enthusiastic young learners who are passionate about science. 

“UOW is one of the leading universities in Australia where students are empowered to excel academically and grow intellectually.”

Australia welcomes the commitment made at the Extraordinary General Border Committee (GBC) Meeting in Kuala Lumpur on 7 August to fully and effectively implement the ceasefire agreement between Cambodia and Thailand, including the establishment of an ASEAN-led observer mechanism.

The meeting is an important step towards de-escalating tensions and supporting a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.

Australia commends ASEAN’s efforts, and the leadership of Malaysia as ASEAN Chair, to facilitate the ceasefire.

We strongly support ASEAN’s leadership including the Special Meeting chaired by Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia on 28 July 2025 and the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Statements of 27 and 31 July 2025.

Australia urges both Cambodia and Thailand to honour the ceasefire, uphold their obligations under international law, exercise maximum restraint, and continue to resolve the dispute through peaceful means consistent with the UN Charter, ASEAN Charter, and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia.

We commend the GBC Meeting as a practical representation of ASEAN’s role in reducing the risks of misunderstanding and miscalculation, managing crises, and preventing disputes from escalating into conflict.