Category: Australian News

The Australian Greens have urged the Albanese Government to urgently lift income support recipients out of poverty and put an end to the punitive ‘mutual’ obligations program.

Re-appointed Greens Social Services spokesperson Senator Penny Allman-Payne urged the government to prioritise raising the rate of income support, given the focus on domestic violence prevention by Minister Tanya Plibersek.

As Sex Discrimination Commissioner Anna Cody has said: “Raising JobSeeker and related payments to liveable levels in the federal budget would help lift about half a million women out of poverty. Bolstering women’s economic security is crucial to giving them the means to leave and remain free of violence.”

Australian Greens spokesperson for Social Services, Senator Penny Allman-Payne:

“Raising the rate of income support is a moral, economic and social necessity. Every day that the rate is not raised is another day of unconscionable suffering for those below the poverty line.

“Minister Plibersek has said that she wants to focus on women and reducing domestic violence while she holds the portfolio of social services. If that is true, nothing would improve women’s safety and security more than raising the rate of income support above the poverty line.

“Labor’s own economic advisory committee has called on them to raise the rate. Labor knows this is the right thing to do. Any politician who thinks the current rate is adequate should try to pay rent, eat, and generally survive on $20,000 per year.

“I also strongly urge the Government to end the brutal and wasteful mutual obligations system.

“Australia’s current system of privatised employment services and mutual obligations is a labyrinthine system of ticket clippers, including donors to the Labor party. It’s preposterous and it needs to come to an end.

“The minister could switch off the mutual obligations meat grinder with a snap of her fingers. I’d strongly encourage her to do so.”

Queensland Greens Senator Penny Allman-Payne was reappointed to the following portfolios:

• Primary & Secondary Education
• Social Services (incl. Government Services & Employment Services)
• Older Australians
• Transition, Regional Development & Northern Australia
• Sport

The Greens have cautiously welcomed the deferral of the major parties’ Aged Care Act to 1 November, which will provide a brief reprieve for older people facing increased fees to access aged care. 

Labor previously joined forces with the Coalition to block Greens amendments that would have stopped older people being slugged more for their care and created criminal penalties for bad providers, a reform Labor promised before the 2022 election.

Greens spokesperson on Older People, Senator Penny Allman-Payne:

“There are serious questions for the new minister to answer, including how much more older people are going to have to pay for aged care? 

“Costs are going to go up for older people because of these changes, and while a deferral is welcome, we need to see a plan from the Minister to protect older people – because right now, there is none. 

“Under the reforms passed by Labor and the Coalition, many older people will now be required to pay more without any enforceable rights to quality care.

“The Royal Commission offered a blueprint to reform a broken aged care system by putting the rights of older people at its heart, but Labor instead teamed up with the Coalition and the for-profit aged care industry to pass new laws that will bolster the bottom lines of providers at the expense of older Australians.

“Despite all of the shocking witness testimony about the appalling treatment many older people have suffered in this broken market-based system, Labor is simply doubling down.

“If greater reliance on a user-pays model is the answer, then we’re asking the wrong questions. Older people aren’t commodities. It should be an obligation of any moral society for the Government to guarantee high-quality care for all. 

“The Greens will continue to push for a phasing out of for-profit providers and for an aged care system that puts the rights of older people first.”

The Victorian Greens have condemned the Labor Government for failing to fund the operation of 28 high-security crisis units for women and children fleeing family violence – leaving them empty during a worsening housing and domestic violence crisis.

Despite $7.8 million in federal funding for construction, the State Labor Government refused to provide the $3.9 million needed to run the units in 2025–26. The Sanctuary model, run by Safe Steps, has a 98% success rate and saves the state money compared to using motels.

Victorian Greens spokesperson for Family and Domestic Violence, Anasina Gray-Barberio: 

“It’s unconscionable that in the middle of a family violence crisis, Labor refuses to fund crisis units that could save lives.

They can find nearly a billion dollars for prison beds, but not a fraction of that to protect women and children fleeing violence. What kind of cruel priorities are these?

Every night these units sit empty is a night someone sleeps in fear. That should haunt every person in Labor who was responsible for this decision. They should be ashamed.” 

The Greens look forward to working constructively with Treasurer Jim Chalmers to make sure the proposed tax on the superannuation accounts of the wealthiest Australians is as strong and fair as it can be.

“Over time Australia’s superannuation system has become less about providing a dignified retirement for working people, and more of a vehicle for wealth accumulation. This needs to change,” Greens Economic Justice Spokesperson Senator Nick McKim said.

“The Greens want to ensure that very wealthy Australians pay their fair share of tax, so that governments can do more to support people who need it.”

“Obviously we have not yet seen the legislation or regulations that Dr Chalmers intends to introduce.”

“We look forward to constructive discussions with the Treasurer to make sure the legislation is as strong and fair as it can be.”

“We have no intention of negotiating through the media or giving a running commentary on those discussions.”

Greens Deputy Leader & spokesperson for Anti-Racism Senator Mehreen Faruqi has responded to the Albanese Government’s establishment of the Office for Multicultural Affairs, which will sit within the Department of Home Affairs, stating that it highlights the neglect of anti-racism.

Senator Faruqi said:

“The Australian Human Rights Commission has called on the government to commit to a whole-of-society anti-racism agenda, but the Government continues to bury its head in the sand.

“Skindeep versions of multiculturalism put the onus on communities to shut up, get along and be grateful when anti-racism requires those with power, like politicians, to stop harming the marginalised. 

“Suffice to say, any office that sits within the Home Affairs Department, with its racialized border control regime and over policing communities of colour, will undermine anti-racism work. 

“Just this week, we saw neo-Nazis openly gathering in Melbourne with their sickeningly racist calls. The need for dedicated, well-resourced anti-racism work has never been more urgent.

“The national anti-racism framework must be fully funded and implemented as a matter of priority and urgency.

“The major parties deliberately neglect, and deny racism while hiding behind whitewashed tokenism. All this does is bury the truth, harm the marginalised and entrench white privilege.

“The Greens are the only party with an anti-racism portfolio, and the only party with a plan to build an anti-racist country.”

The Albanese Government must act in response to the US abusing its veto power on the UN Security Council by being the sole vote against a ceasefire and aid motion for Gaza.

The US vetoed the resolution proposed by all 10 non-permanent Security Council members that sought an immediate ceasefire, to allow aid to enter Gaza and the return of hostages. The final vote was 14-1 in favour, but lost due to the US veto.

Tens of thousands of civilians in Gaza have been killed by Israeli forces as part of the ongoing genocide, with a series of killings of people lining up for food aid occurring over recent days. 

Senator David Shoebridge, Greens Spokesperson on Defence and Foreign Affairs, said: “Fear of Donald Trump must not gag the Albanese Government at this time. The Albanese Government has been taking its talking points from the US throughout the genocide, this has got us no closer to peace. 

“The most meaningful response to the US veto would be for Australia to join the growing list of nations imposing direct sanctions on the Israeli war industry. 

“The sanctions regime imposed on Russia after its invasion of Ukraine provides a ready template. This includes sanctions on critical military resources such as aluminium and armoured steel and an immediate halt to the two-way arms trade.

“The far-right Netanyahu government has shown that it can just brush off the stern letters and concerned statements that have flowed from the Albanese government these past 18 months. 

“Meaningful action right now would include the cancellation of the $1 billion arms contract with Israeli weapons manufacturer Elbit Systems as part of ending the two-way arms trade.
 
“Unfortunately, we have seen the Albanese Government time and time again try to appease the US instead of being a force for peace in the world. This must stop now.”

On World Environment Day, the Minns Labor Government is proud to announce the Nungatta feral predator-free area in South-East Forest National Park is now complete, providing a safe-haven for some of NSW’s most vulnerable native species.

Covering 2,000-hectares, the project will protect more than 13 threatened native species such as the eastern pygmy-possum, yellow-bellied glider and powerful owl and allow for the reintroduction of up to nine locally extinct mammals.

A 25-kilometre-long feral-proof fence now surrounds the area, following the completion of works. It is patrolled at least three times a week, with additional patrols after storms or fires.

More than 40 remote cameras are constantly monitoring the area, to detect any potential incursions by feral animals such as feral cats or foxes.

The Minns Labor Government is proud to see the completion of Nungatta, which one of ten feral predator-free areas established by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and the first of its kind on the South Coast. It was chosen from more than 35 potential sites due to its suitable habitat for reintroduced species.

The critically endangered smoky mouse became the first species to be reintroduced into the area, in September 2024. Since then, 79 smoky mice have been released and ecologists recently detected the first juvenile smoky mice known to be born in the area.

The long-footed potoroo, eastern bettong, eastern quoll and New Holland mouse are expected to be reintroduced in the coming years.

Feral predator-free areas are a critical tool in preventing further extinctions and promoting the recovery of species most at risk of predation by feral cats and foxes. Across Australia, feral cats alone are estimated to kill more than 1.5 billion native animals every year.

The program represents one of NSW’s most significant threatened species restoration initiatives, and is funded by the NSW Environmental Trust and NPWS.

For more information on feral predator-free areas visit the Feral predator-free areas project web page.

Minister for the Environment, Penny Sharpe:

“The opening of Nungatta demonstrates the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to protecting andrestoring our environment, including native animals and their habitats.

“The team at National Parks along with the Saving our Species program has already successfully reintroduced the critically endangered smoky mouse, and with the fence now complete, Nungatta will be a safe haven to even more threatened species.”

Member for Bega, Dr Michael Holland:

“We are proud to host one the state’s ten feral predator-free areas, which is the first of its kind on the South Coast of NSW. This area of bushland was chosen because of its suitable habitat for reintroduced species.

“It’s wonderful to know this safe area will help bring locally extinct species back to this corner of the state.”

The Minns Labor Government’s highly successful primary school fishing education program which has introduced more than 70,000 students to the joys of fishing, is set to expand into NSW high schools from today.

The Get Hooked fishing primary schools’ program was launched in 2008 under the Iemma Labor Government.

Since then, more than 750 primary schools in NSW have taken part in program, learning from education officers and Fishcare volunteers about responsible fishing and environmental awareness.

The program integrates practical fishing skills with environmental education through subjects like Biology, Environmental Science, and Physical Education, helping students learn and take care of our water ways and resources.

The new high school program includes curriculum-aligned units – Fishing in NSW; Understanding Fish Habitat; Conserving Fish Habitat with lesson plans, activities and assessments tailored to year 7 to 10 students.

This expanded program also delivers additional benefits to the community by educating students on sustainable fishing practices, including habitat conservation and biosecurity, to protect the environment for the future.

Additionally, the program also promotes the health and social benefits of recreational fishing to teenagers and encourages inclusive participation across ages and genders.

From the North Coast, to Bega, out to the Far West, 67 high schools have already shown interest in the high school program, showing a demand across the public, private, and independent education sectors.

The program is proudly supported with funding from the NSW Recreational Fishing Trust.

High schools can get involved by registering for the free program and gain access to four online learning units designed to support sustainable fishing education.

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

“The Get Hooked high school program will support the next generation of fishers.

“The Minns Government is committed to providing children with lifelong skills throughout their school years and the Get Hooked program will now give high school students a chance to experience to the joys of fishing.

“The Get Hooked program has thrived in NSW primary schools over the past 17 years and I look forward to seeing the next generation of avid fishers grow within our geography, science and marine studies classrooms.”

“Each year, about 100 schools and over 5,000 students from both public and independent primary schools across NSW join the primary school program. Now, it’s being expanded to include high school students.

“This is a great example of how money from the NSW Recreational Fishing Licence Fee is being used to support projects that benefit the fishing community.

Johann Bell, Chair, Recreational Fishing NSW Advisory Council said:

“The success of the Get Hooked program in primary schools has sparked a passion for fishing and conservation in countless students. Expanding into high schools is an exciting next step that will inspire the next generation of recreational fishers.”

Ryan Decker, Science Teacher, St John Bosco College said:

“Over the past few years, St John Bosco College has partnered with Fishcare and the Get Hooked team through Fishing for Sport.

“This collaboration has helped students develop a passion for fishing, build lasting bonds, and gain skills in fishing safety, handling, and species identification.

“As a Marine Science teacher, I’m excited to integrate aspects of the new High School Program into my lessons, empowering students with the skills and resources to become responsible stewards of the marine environment and deepen their appreciation for marine activities like fishing.” 

Senator Mehreen Faruqi,  Australian Greens Deputy Leader and Higher Education Spokesperson has responded to news that two University of Melbourne students have been recommended for expulsion and two for suspension for taking part in a pro-Palestine demonstration at the university last October.

This development is an example of increasing protest restrictions at campuses throughout Australia, and coincides with Israel’s escalating aid blockade of Gaza and a UN warning that Gaza’s entire population is at risk of famine.

Senator Mehreen Faruqi: 

“The tide is finally shifting inch by inch, with France, the UK and Canada all threatening sanctions on Israel due to the escalating genocide in Gaza. But Australia is going the opposite way, with universities shamefully doubling down against Palestine activists and insisting on being on the wrong side of history.

“Universities like the University of Melbourne should cease the disciplinary witch hunts on brave student activists and issue a public apology for the McCarthyist crackdown on staff and students speaking out for a free Palestine.

“From draconian anti-protest policies and police interventions to surveillance, suspensions and disciplinary actions, university management have used every trick in the book to stifle activism and they should unreservedly apologise for this.

“Since the genocide in Gaza began, students and staff at universities have led the way in rallying against Israel’s atrocities, and they continue to pay the price. 

“Universities should stop sanctioning students and start divesting from the major arms manufacturers which contribute to and profit from Israel’s slaughter of Palestinians.

“The Greens will always stand with the courageous students holding their universities to account for their moral cowardice when it comes to Israel’s genocide in Gaza.”

The Fair Work Commission’s 3.5% increase is good news for workers, but there is still more work to be done to restore the purchasing power of the minimum wage for the almost 3 million workers on low pay. This is especially justified in view of new evidence that raising the minimum wage has had no impact on inflation over the last 35 years, new data finds, despite arguments from business groups to the contrary.

The real wages of award workers have gone backwards over the last four years, falling short of adequately compensating low paid workers for increases in living costs.  

The Greens will continue to support union proposals for wage increases for minimum and award wage workers and to help address systemic gender pay inequality.

Senator Barbara Pocock:

“Given the evidence that minimum wage rises have had no impact on inflation over the last thirty-five years, it is disingenuous for business to use this argument against workers, and gives the Fair Work Commission a stronger incentive to raise the rate.” 

“The FWC’s increase of 3.5% will help low paid workers, but there is still further to go to make up for the reality of long term losses in real wage rates. These workers are still struggling through a cost of living crisis and continue to have to make ends meet on a low wage. 

“Today’s decision by the FWC is good news for women as it goes some way to addressing the wage gap in feminised care sectors, which have historically been undervalued and under-compensated.

“Low paid workers are already facing an uphill battle as wages have failed to keep up with the cost of living. We need to continue to raise the minimum wage to a liveable level and give people a chance to get ahead. The widening gap between the increasing incomes of those at the top of the labour market which have been increasing rapidly and those at the bottom creates a strong case to look after those on low pay. These are the people who keep our economy and care system in particular functioning: we all depend on them. They deserve decent pay that keeps up with their costs.

“The FWC should prioritise the needs of Australia’s lowest paid workers, not the wealthy top end of town. We need to call out the real perpetrators of inflation – big corporations pursuing big profits – instead of holding back low paid workers. Profits are driving inflation not wages and this decision puts further pressure on workers who are trying to make ends meet on a low wage.”