Category: Australian News

The Reserve Bank’s decision not to reduce interest rates will needlessly hurt mortgage holders and put more Australians out of work, the Greens say

“The RBA’s decision today increases pressure on Treasurer Jim Chalmers to step in and provide relief,” Australian Greens Economic Justice spokesperson Nick McKim said.

“Australian mortgage holders have done nothing to cause inflation yet they are being smashed by high interest rates.”

“There are any number of things Treasurer Jim Chalmers could do, but he is again just wringing his hands and doing his ashen-faced theatrical performance.”

“Labor could put in place a excessive profits tax on corporations, freeze rents and  make price gouging illegal. All of these things would actually put downward pressure on inflation.”

“But Labor’s refusal to act means that the RBA feels compelled to leave interest rates higher for longer.” 

“The Greens saved section 11 in the Reserve Bank Act precisely so the Treasurer of the day could override the RBA when necessary. Now is the time.”

“High interest rates have no impact on international supply chains, climate change or wars on the other side of the world. What they do is harm people who have no responsibility for current rates of inflation.”

While in Cairns and Townsville Greens Senator for Queensland Larissa Waters demonstrated how the Greens plan to require the big banks to offer a discount mortgage could benefit all Far North and North Queensland homeowners, 

The ‘HomeKeeper’ low rate mortgage would be mandated via legislating requiring the big banks to offer a mortgage rate option of just 1% above the cash rate, protected to save the average mortgage holder $90 each week.  The big banks could still offer other products and there would be no compulsion on anyone to switch to a HomeKeeper mortgage.

Greens Senate leader Larissa Waters, Senator for Queensland

“We’re in a housing crisis everywhere, but Cairns and Townsville are the hardest hit outside of Southeast Queensland, with the worst levels of housing stress.

“In Townsville, rents have skyrocketed by 35%, and house prices have increased 61% in the last five years.

“Meanwhile, bank profits are also skyrocketing—they raked in $17.6 billion last year alone off people’s home loans. For decades they have been massively profiteering while people are really hurting.

“That’s why the Greens are taking on the big banks. We’ve announced ‘HomeKeeper,’ a plan to legislate low-rate mortgages—just 1% above the cash rate.

“We’ve seen policies like this work in Portugal, France and Chile.

“This could save the average mortgage holder in northern Queensland about $90 a week or $4,000 a year. It’s time to stop big corporations and banks from ripping us off and making the housing crisis worse.

“It is immoral that people are being forced out of their homes to protect the profits of big corporations. In a wealthy country like ours, everyone should have a secure home.

“Big banks pocket an estimated $176 a week—or $200,880 over 30 years—from profits on the average home loan, according to The Australia Institute.

“The Greens are here to fight for you, to take on the big banks, and to deliver a cheaper mortgage.

The attack on the Adass Israel Synagogue was an atrocious act.

Antisemitism has no place in Australia and we unequivocally condemn it.

Today the Albanese Government committed $32.5 million to the Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ) to further enhance security at Jewish community sites including synagogues and schools.

This significant funding increase comes in addition to the $25 million grant to the ECAJ announced in October 2023, and funding for Jewish community sites under the Albanese Government’s $50 million Securing Faith-Based Places grant program.

These additional funds will support the ECAJ, in collaboration with Community Security Groups and the National Council for Jewish Community Security, to address risks faced by the Jewish community in light of the increase in antisemitism in Australia.

The new funding will enhance security resources for Jewish schools, pre-schools and other communal facilities used by the Jewish community through:

• risk and threat assessments
• critical incident planning
• minor security infrastructure works including the installation or upgrade of security camera systems, access controls, security lighting, fences and gates, detection and alarm systems
• security monitoring
• security guidance and training
• crisis management support and coordination, and
• security guard services.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“The Jewish community has made an extraordinary contribution to the strength and success of our nation, over generations.

“This grant of $32.5 million will enable the community to provide support and security on the basis of priorities established by the community themselves.

“Antisemitism is disgraceful, and I unequivocally condemn it in all its forms.

“Every Australian has the right to be proud of who they are and to feel welcome, safe and supported in Australia.”

Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus

“There is no higher priority than community safety for the Albanese Government.

“Antisemitism has no place in Australia. We all have a responsibility to fight against it.

“This announcement builds on previous support for the Jewish community, including funding for increased security, criminalising doxxing and banning the Nazi salute and hate symbols.”

• About the PM

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and President of Nauru, His Excellency David Waiau Ranibok Adeang MP, today signed the Nauru-Australia Treaty in Canberra.  

The Nauru-Australia Treaty builds on the deep foundations of Australia and Nauru’s bilateral relationship, and will help secure Nauru’s long-term economic resilience and security.

Through the treaty, Australia will ensure Nauruans have ongoing access to vital banking services and to the international financial system. The Commonwealth Bank of Australia will provide banking services in Nauru, including a physical presence, following the departure of Bendigo Bank next year.

As Nauru’s largest economic, security and development partner, Australia will also provide the Nauru Government with fiscal certainty to invest in its future. Australia will provide $100 million in budget support over five years, to support Nauru’s long-term investments for the well-being of its people.

Recognising that our security is best assured by working together, under the treaty, Nauru and Australia have committed to mutually agree to any engagement in Nauru’s security, banking and telecommunications sectors, and to consult on any engagement in other critical infrastructure. Nauru has also committed that third party engagement in critical infrastructure will not be used for security purposes. 

In recognition of our shared responsibility for security in the Pacific, Australia will provide $40 million over five years to support Nauru’s policing and security, including through support for recruitment, training and infrastructure.  

The Nauru-Australia Treaty will enter into force as soon as possible in 2025, following domestic treaty-making processes in both countries.

The Nauru-Australia Treaty and joint leaders’ statement is available at: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Nauru

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“I’m delighted to join President Adeang today in signing the Nauru-Australia Treaty. 

“The Nauru-Australia Treaty will strengthen Nauru’s long-term stability and economic resilience.

“This treaty is an agreement that meets the needs of both of our countries, and serves Australia’s and Nauru’s shared interests in a peaceful, secure and prosperous region.” 

Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong

“Building a stronger Pacific family is a priority for the Albanese Government, and central to Australia’s national interests.

“Through this treaty, we are supporting Nauru’s long term stability, security and prosperity.”

Minister for International Development and the Pacific Pat Conroy

“As Pacific countries, our interests are intertwined. This significant step in our bilateral relationship formalises the longstanding cooperation between Australia and Nauru and elevates the connection between our two nations.

“This Treaty delivers on the priorities of both nations by strengthening Nauru’s economy and backing-in Pacific-led security responses to our region’s needs.”

The Greens’ election plan to protect our iconic Great Barrier Reef would dedicate over $4 billion in new funding to protect this World Heritage icon and mega-employer. The Greens call to ban new coal and gas will save the Reef from its biggest threat, the climate crisis.

Greens Senator for Queensland, Larissa Waters:

“New coal mines have been approved like confetti by both Labor and Liberal federal governments, despite climate being the biggest threat to the Reef and the 60,000 people whose livelihood depends on it.¹

“Just weeks ago, the Australian Institute of Marine Science confirmed that parts of the Great Barrier Reef have experienced its worst coral loss in 39 years. We know that with over 2 degrees of global warming, we will lose 99% of the coral cover of the Reef – and we are on track to exceed that temperature without a rapid transition to clean energy.

“Only strong political action on the climate crisis can secure a future for the Great Barrier Reef, and that’s why the Greens, backed by scientists, continue to say no new coal and gas.

“We also need to improve catchment health, and that means working with farmers to reduce run-off which also saves them money. The Greens would allocate $2 billion to improve water quality to meet the 2050 Water Quality Improvement Plan goals, incentivising farmers to use more sustainable land management practices and get us on track to meet 2025 and subsequent water quality targets.

“The Greens would commit $1 billion to 2030 towards implementation and progression of the recommendations of the 2022 Joint World Heritage Centre/IUCN Reactive Monitoring Mission to the Great Barrier Reef.

“The Reef also needs a strong protector, so this announcement would see the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority’s funding increase by $270 million over 9 years with greater independence and stronger powers.

“The Great Barrier Reef is a biodiverse wonderland supporting countless miraculous species, and providing a livelihood for 60,000 Queenslanders. The Greens will always fight to protect it.”

Greens spokesperson for healthy oceans, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson:

“The Great Barrier Reef as we have been lucky enough to know it in our lifetime is fighting for survival due to extreme ocean warming from the burning of fossil fuels.

“In order to give the Great Barrier Reef the best chance of recovery we must be crystal clear about the magnitude of what needs to be done, and pull out all stops and make this global wonder as resilient as possible.

“That’s why in addition to major investment, the Greens are pushing for the ongoing destruction, caused by repeated marine heatwaves on the Great Barrier Reef, to be declared a national emergency.

“If a bushfire had burned for thousands of kilometres along the east coast of Australia, annihilated World Heritage habitat, decimated wildlife and impacted communities and the economy, a national emergency declaration would have already occurred.

“Marine heatwaves shouldn’t be treated differently to other extreme weather events simply because their terrible impacts are underwater – the devastation that continues to unfold on the Great Barrier Reef more than meets the criteria for a national emergency. The Albanese Government is kidding itself if it denies it.

“Governments can’t continue to throw cash at monitoring the Great Barrier Reef to its death. We are in a climate and environmental crisis and things need to be done differently – but if you want change, you have to vote for it.”

The Greens will:

• Take the climate action needed to protect the Great Barrier Reef by ending new coal and gas
• Commit $4.17bn in additional funding to protect the Great Barrier Reef, including:
  • Fund $2 billion to prioritise the delivery of the 2050 Water Quality Improvement Plan and regional Water Quality Improvement Plans. This funding will be front-loaded with $250 million to urgently prioritise initiatives to fully meet the 2025 water quality targets;
  • Commit $1 billion to 2030 towards implementation and progression of the recommendations of the 2022 Joint World Heritage Centre/IUCN Reactive Monitoring Mission to the Great Barrier Reef, in addition to other Great Barrier Reef spending already committed. This would include Federal funding to compensate operators of the Queensland Coral Fishery (QCF) who currently hold licences to harvest coral within or adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park;
  • Allocate $150 million over 5 years to establish a research and innovation fund to determine protected species population estimates; bycatch reduction devices; and research protected species resilience to climatic and environmental changes;
  • Invest an additional $750 million in a Land Restoration Fund;
  • Provide the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority with $270 million over 9 years to support delivery of greater independence and stronger powers, including to regulate coastal development.

New wanding laws that that target the illegal possession of knives, aim to reduce knife crime and boost community safety come into effect in NSW today.

Under the powers, modelled on Queensland’s Jack’s Law, police will be able to use handheld scanners – or electronic metal-detecting ‘wands’ – to stop and scan individuals without a warrant at designated areas.

From today, a senior police officer of the rank of Assistant Commissioner or above can turn on wanding powers to be used in a designated areas including:

• Public transport station (including bus, train and tram stations) and surrounds.
• Public transport vehicles within two scheduled stops of a designated public transport station
• Shopping precincts
• Certain sporting venues
• Other public places, designated by regulation, including special events and places that are part of the night-time economy.

Senior police officers will be able to declare these zones for up to 12 hours, with an option to extend that timeframe if specific criteria are met.  

Importantly, wanding powers can be turned on for areas where there have been issues related to knife crime or knife possession offences where one of the following have occurred in the last 12 months:

• At least 1 offence committed by person armed with knife or weapon.
• At least 1 serious indictable offence involving violence.
• More than 1 offence of knife possession or prohibited weapon possession.

These reforms build on the NSW Government’s continued efforts to address knife-related crime and strengthen the safety and security of communities across NSW, including:

• Doubling the maximum financial penalty for selling a knife to a child under 16 to $11,000 and introducing a custodial sentence of up to 12 months;
• Creating a new offence prohibiting the sale of a knife to a child aged 16 or 17 without a reasonable excuse, with exceptions for young people needing knives for legitimate purposes such as work or study;
• Doubling the maximum penalties for various knife-related offences;
• Supporting high-impact police operations like Operation Foil, which targets knife crime and anti-social behaviour. In its latest phase, from April 11–13, 2024, police seized 51 knives and weapons and charged 145 individuals with weapon-related offences. Over the past year, almost 4,000 knives have been confiscated in public places.

Premier Chris Minns said:

“I know that these new laws will be inconvenient for people – but we can’t take chances when it comes to public safety.

“These new laws which start this week are about ensuring the public feels safe, and secondly and perhaps most importantly, to change the culture.

“To send a strong message to young people in particular, if you’re going to go out at night, don’t take a knife with you because there’s a very good chance, you’ll be wanded or scanned at a New South Wales train station.

“I have no doubt that these reforms will save lives, because people will think twice about carrying a knife with them.”

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said:

“Knife crime devastates families and communities, with the tragic consequences played out far too often.

“These new powers give police further capability and resources to quickly detect concealed knives before someone has the chance to use them.

“Police work tirelessly to keep us safe and this reform allows them to continue this important work. I want the community to have the confidence that this government is committed to giving the NSW Police Force all the tools required to combat violent crime.”

The attack on the Adass Israel Synagogue was an atrocious act.

Antisemitism has no place in Australia and we unequivocally condemn it.

Today the Albanese Government committed $32.5 million to the Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ) to further enhance security at Jewish community sites including synagogues and schools.

This significant funding increase comes in addition to the $25 million grant to the ECAJ announced in October 2023, and funding for Jewish community sites under the Albanese Government’s $50 million Securing Faith-Based Places grant program.

These additional funds will support the ECAJ, in collaboration with Community Security Groups and the National Council for Jewish Community Security, to address risks faced by the Jewish community in light of the increase in antisemitism in Australia.

The new funding will enhance security resources for Jewish schools, pre-schools and other communal facilities used by the Jewish community through:

• risk and threat assessments
• critical incident planning
• minor security infrastructure works including the installation or upgrade of security camera systems, access controls, security lighting, fences and gates, detection and alarm systems
• security monitoring
• security guidance and training
• crisis management support and coordination, and
• security guard services.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“The Jewish community has made an extraordinary contribution to the strength and success of our nation, over generations.

“This grant of $32.5 million will enable the community to provide support and security on the basis of priorities established by the community themselves.

“Antisemitism is disgraceful, and I unequivocally condemn it in all its forms.

“Every Australian has the right to be proud of who they are and to feel welcome, safe and supported in Australia.”

Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus

“There is no higher priority than community safety for the Albanese Government.

“Antisemitism has no place in Australia. We all have a responsibility to fight against it.

“This announcement builds on previous support for the Jewish community, including funding for increased security, criminalising doxxing and banning the Nazi salute and hate symbols.”

The Australian Greens have today launched a plan to require the big banks to offer a discount mortgage called HomeKeeper to all homeowners, including first homebuyers and owner-occupiers.

This would be delivered via legislating a cap on the profit a big bank can make on this mortgage product. The big banks could still offer other products and there would be no compulsion on anyone to switch to a HomeKeeper mortgage.

About HomeKeeper

• The Greens plan empowers the ACCC and APRA to together have the independent power to stop banks ripping people off, and ensure the big banks don’t unnecessarily overcharge
• HomeKeeper mortgages would be set at a regulated ceiling of no more than 1% above the cash rate. All of the big 5 banks would be required by regulations to offer HomeKeeper
• This discount HomeKeeper mortgage would be available to any owner-occupier whether or not they are a first home buyer
• People with a current mortgage on their home would be able to transfer into HomeKeeper at their own choice
• HomeKeeper would not be available for investment property mortgages, commercial premises or holiday homes
• Support would be provided to smaller banks so that they could offer a similar low-rate product without being financially disadvantaged

Overview: bank profits on mortgages

For decades the major banks have made enormous profits price-gouging on people’s mortgages, even when interest rates were low.

According to modelling by The Australia Institute, big bank profits on the average home loan sit around $9,130 in the first year and $200,880 over the lifetime of a 30-year loan.

The Australia Institute estimates that equates to $176 per week, or $761 a month of an average mortgage repayment is going directly to big bank profits.

With the HomeKeeper mortgage, the interest rate would be 1% above the RBA cash rate, the big banks would make a more reasonable profit and mortgage-holders would have more in their pockets for other expenses.

The current cash rate is 4.35%. The RBA lists the owner-occupier variable housing rates as 6.3% (new loans) and 6.4% (outstanding loans), giving a margin of 1.95% (new loans) and 2.05% (outstanding loans) above the cash rate.¹ 

The latest average new mortgage size is $589,560,² meaning for a new mortgage holder, a reduction in their interest rate from 6.3% to 5.35% would be equivalent to almost four interest rate cuts by the RBA, with a saving of up to $357 per month, or up to $4,284 per year. For someone with an $800,000 mortgage, the cut of almost a percentage point would be equivalent to monthly savings of up to $484 and annual savings of up to $5,814.

Rates of mortgage stress

Almost 1.5 million Australians are currently at risk of mortgage stress. The number of Australians ‘At Risk’ of mortgage stress has increased by 680,000 since May 2022 when the RBA began a cycle of interest rate increases. Official interest rates are now at 4.35%, the
highest interest rates have been since December 2011, over a decade ago.

Comment attributable to Greens spokesperson for Treasury Senator Nick McKim

“For too long, big banks have been ripping people off by charging interest rates well above the cash rate.

“The Big Four Banks are crushing mortgage holders. They are currently making billions of dollars in profits ripping off struggling mortgage holders by overcharging them on their mortgage.

”For the average home loan, $761 per month is pure profit for the major banks.

“To stop the price gouging and profiteering, the Australian Greens can today announce our new policy HomeKeeper: a discount mortgage for homeowners.

“This policy will reduce the costs of mortgages for everyone by limiting the amount at which banks can rip people off.

“No one should have to pay more than 1% over the current cash rate, it’s immoral that people are being forced out of their homes while banks are making billions in profits.

“This policy will stop big banks charging more than is absolutely necessary to provide a mortgage product to people struggling to keep a roof over their heads, and it will stop the Big Banks’ super-profits made from mortgages.

“After the next election we’ll almost certainly have a minority parliament and this is part of the Greens plan to work with Labor to help renters and people with mortgages.

“If you want change, you have to vote for it, and the first step is to vote for someone who is fighting for you.”

• ¹ Reserve Bank of Australia, Lenders’ Interest Rates.
• ² Australian Bureau of Statistics, Lending Indicators, September 2024.

• Joint statement

06 December 2024

1. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Rt Hon Winston Peters MP and Minister of Defence Hon Judith Collins KC MP hosted Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence the Hon Richard Marles MP and Minister for Foreign Affairs Senator the Hon Penny Wong on 6 December in Auckland for the second Australia – New Zealand Foreign and Defence Ministerial Consultations (ANZMIN). Ministers also met separately for a Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and a Defence Ministers’ Meeting.

The Australia-New Zealand Alliance

2. Ministers acknowledged the strength of strategic alignment that characterises the trans-Tasman partnership, as family, neighbours, and formal allies. They reaffirmed that in the face of growing geostrategic challenges, Australia and New Zealand remained steadfast in their commitment to act together as allies to safeguard national interests and advance peace, stability and prosperity in the region and beyond.  Ministers reiterated their commitment to the Australia-New Zealand alliance, underpinned by the 1951 ANZUS Treaty. Ministers noted the value of ANZMIN as an important element of the bilateral architecture, supporting Australia and New Zealand’s ability to harness all tools of statecraft to respond to the sharpening challenges presented by the most complex and challenging strategic environment in decades.
3. Defence Ministers signed the updated Australia-New Zealand Joint Statement on Closer Defence Relations (CDR), setting out contemporary objectives for our bilateral defence relationship. The CDR reaffirms Ministers’ commitment to modernising the Australia-New Zealand alliance, strengthening defence cooperation and to an increasingly integrated ‘Anzac’ force.

Partnering in the Pacific

4. Recognising that the peace and prosperity of all countries and territories in the Pacific are interconnected, Ministers reaffirmed their deep commitment to working in partnership with our fellow Pacific countries. Ministers reiterated their ongoing support for Pacific-led architecture, with the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) at the heart of Pacific regionalism. As fellow founding members of the PIF, they recognised Australia and New Zealand’s roles in contributing to a stronger Pacific family, upholding common values and norms, and to advancing the Pacific’s priorities set out in Pacific Leaders’ 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent and its Implementation Plan. They underscored the importance of supporting the PIF Chair and the principle of engaging on issues through talanoa. They welcomed Samoa’s successful hosting of a uniquely Pacific Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in October, with support from New Zealand and Australia.   
5. Ministers recognised that climate change remained the single greatest threat to Pacific countries. Australia and New Zealand were committed to amplifying Pacific voices and to working in close alignment in response to climate change impacts. Ministers reiterated support for the Pacific Resilience Facility as a Pacific-led solution, to which Australia and New Zealand had pledged significant contributions. New Zealand reaffirmed its strong support for Australia’s bid to host COP31 in 2026 in partnership with the Pacific.
6. Ministers noted their enduring commitment to provide humanitarian assistance to the Pacific in response to disasters. They discussed Australia and New Zealand’s aligned approach to humanitarian and disaster relief in the Pacific, and reaffirmed the importance of cooperating closely and supporting Pacific-led responses to humanitarian crises. They acknowledged the importance of the region working together on these challenges, including through the sharing of expertise across Pacific civilian agencies and Pacific militaries. Ministers agreed the Pacific Response Group, as endorsed at this year’s South Pacific Defence Ministers’ Meeting, would be a valuable regional asset to support effective responses to disasters. 
7. Ministers recognised the long history of Pacific-led approaches to peace and security challenges, noting Pacific Leaders had affirmed that the region had the will and capability to address shared security concerns from within. States from outside the region should engage in the Pacific in ways that respect and strengthen regional norms and institutions and respond to Pacific priorities. They recognised the importance of enhancing cooperation, including through regional security architecture such as the South Pacific Defence Ministers’ Meeting. Ministers agreed to continue to work together with Pacific countries to strengthen regional security meetings as an avenue to advance regional priorities. They also looked forward to progressing implementation of the Pacific Policing Initiative, as endorsed by PIF Leaders in August.
8. Ministers noted with concern China’s recent testing of an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile terminating within the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone, conducted without adequate advanced notice to all countries affected in line with best practice. Ministers reiterated their expectations, and those of Pacific Leaders, that the region remain peaceful, stable, prosperous and secure.
9. Ministers underscored Australia and New Zealand’s commitment to infrastructure investment in line with the Pacific Quality Infrastructure Principles and recognised our significant shared investments estimated at AUD150 million. They agreed that Australia and New Zealand would continue to engage with the World Bank and Asian Development Bank to advance transparent, responsive and high-quality development, in line with the Pacific Quality Infrastructure Principles, including value-for-money procurement processes and providing opportunities for local participation, skills development and employment. Ministers highlighted Australia and New Zealand’s joint support to expand vital undersea telecommunication cable connectivity in the region, with new connections to Tuvalu and Tonga scheduled to be ready for service in 2025.
10. Ministers welcomed the increased focus on ensuring a resilient and stable Pacific banking system. They reflected that the Pacific Banking Forum in July and the Pacific Banking Forum Roundtable in October had built consensus on the actions required to bolster banking services across the region, including through the forthcoming World Bank Pacific Strengthening Correspondent Banking Relationships Project.

The Indo-Pacific region

11. Ministers reaffirmed Australia and New Zealand’s firm commitment, including through working with other partners, to support a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific, where sovereignty is respected, and internationally agreed rules and norms are adhered to.  They agreed Australian and New Zealand defence forces would continue to lift their cooperation to advance common interests in the Indo-Pacific region, including to uphold the international rules-based system.
12. Ministers committed to continue to work together to support, and lift engagement with, Southeast Asia, as an integral part of the Indo-Pacific. Ministers agreed to continue to coordinate on economic engagement and trade diversification in Southeast Asia including through Australia’s work to implement its Southeast Asia Economic Strategy and New Zealand’s commitment to step up and deepen engagement with Southeast Asia. Ministers looked forward to the entry into force of the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA) Upgrade which would empower traders with new rules to grow services, investment and digital trade.
13. Ministers highlighted the central role played by ASEAN in shaping a stable, peaceful, prosperous and rules-based region. Ministers reaffirmed their support for ASEAN centrality and the ASEAN-led architecture, and underlined their commitment to the principles outlined in the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific and their practical implementation.
14. Ministers welcomed the Quad’s commitment to an open, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific and the practical contribution the Quad was making to issues of importance to the countries of the region. They agreed Australia would continue to engage close partners, including New Zealand, to ensure efforts were mutually reinforcing and complementary.
15. Ministers expressed serious concern over developments in the South China Sea and the intensification of destabilising activities. This included the militarisation of disputed features, interference with the exercise of rights and freedoms afforded states under UNCLOS, and instances of unsafe and unprofessional behaviour by China’s military, coast guard vessels and maritime militia, including towards the Philippines. Ministers also expressed serious concerns about the situation in the East China Sea.
16. Ministers emphasised the obligation of all states to adhere to international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. They underscored the fundamental importance of the peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law and reiterated that the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award is final and binding on the parties. Ministers reaffirmed their shared commitment to promoting stability and security in the region’s vital international waterways and to continuing to work with Indo-Pacific partners to build capability and strengthen interoperability, including through Multilateral Maritime Cooperation Activities.
17. Ministers reaffirmed the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and their shared opposition to unilateral changes to the status quo. They called for the peaceful resolution of cross-Strait issues through dialogue without the threat or use of force or coercion. They also reiterated their will to continue deepening relations with Taiwan in the economic, trade, and cultural fields as well as enhancing development coordination in the Pacific.
18. Ministers reiterated their deep concern at the escalating violence and deepening humanitarian crisis in Myanmar. They reaffirmed Australia and New Zealand’s commitment to supporting the people of Myanmar’s desire for a return to an inclusive democracy. Ministers strongly condemned the regime’s violent repression of its people, including the continued bombardment of civilian infrastructure. They reiterated calls on the regime to immediately cease violence, release those arbitrarily detained, allow safe and unimpeded humanitarian access, and to return Myanmar to the path of inclusive democracy through genuine and inclusive dialogue. Ministers reaffirmed their full support for ASEAN’s central role in finding a peaceful resolution to the crisis, including through the work of the ASEAN Chair and Special Envoy, consistent with the Five-Point Consensus. They also reaffirmed the important role of the UN, including the Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Myanmar, and the international community.
19. Ministers strongly condemned North Korea’s development of nuclear weapons and ballistic missile technology and reaffirmed their commitment to the complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula, consistent with UNSC resolutions. They urged the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) to comply with its obligations under UNSC resolutions.
20. Ministers underscored the importance of continued dialogue between the United States and China, including as a means of responsibly managing strategic competition. They reemphasised the importance of promoting open channels of communication, transparency, and practical measures to reduce risks of misunderstanding, miscalculation, escalation and conflict in our region.
21. Ministers affirmed the importance of partnerships contributing to regional security and stability, including the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) and AUKUS. They also welcomed further cooperation between the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member states and its Indo-Pacific Partners (IP4), and agreed that the Five Eyes partnership remained a vital part of the shared security architecture.
22. Ministers acknowledged Australia’s commitment to responsible nuclear stewardship and the highest non-proliferation standard in relation to its acquisition of conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines. The Ministers also welcomed the AUKUS partners’ ongoing engagement with the International Atomic Energy Agency. The Ministers noted consultations were continuing on opportunities for collaboration on advanced non-nuclear capabilities under AUKUS Pillar II.
23. Ministers expressed grave concerns about human rights violations in Xinjiang, and about the erosion of religious, cultural and linguistic rights and freedoms in Tibet. They also shared grave concerns about the continuing systemic erosion of Hong Kong’s autonomy, freedom, rights and democratic processes, including through the imposition of national security legislation.

Collaborating to address global challenges

24. Ministers reaffirmed Australia and New Zealand’s commitment to multilateralism and the rules-based international system, as fundamental underpinnings of peace, security and prosperity in an increasingly complex and disrupted world. They emphasised their opposition to economic coercion in all its forms and recognised the importance of multilateral institutions and norms that promote free, fair, and open international trade.
25. Ministers highlighted Australia and New Zealand’s shared commitment to the Paris Agreement and underlined that a rapid and effective global response to climate change was needed in this critical decade. To this end, they welcomed the ambitious and comprehensive outcomes of the second Australia-New Zealand Climate and Finance Ministers’ Meeting in July.
26. Ministers noted Australia and New Zealand had a long history of cooperation on Antarctica and Southern Ocean issues. They remained firmly focused on strengthening the Antarctic Treaty System, which protects Antarctica as a natural reserve for peace and science. Upholding the principles of the Antarctic Treaty together and working with others, was more important than ever.
27. Ministers welcomed the announcement of a ceasefire in Lebanon and acknowledged the efforts of the parties involved in the negotiations. Ministers called for the terms of the agreement to be implemented fully in order to break the cycle of violence and enable displaced civilians to return to their homes on both sides of the border.
28. Ministers noted that the breakthrough in Lebanon demonstrates the value of diplomacy and called on parties to uphold the ceasefire. Ministers underscored the importance of de-escalation in the region and a ceasefire in Gaza. They remained unequivocal in their condemnation of Hamas and the taking of hostages, and called for Hamas to release all remaining hostages immediately. They respected Israel’s right to defend itself, but noted the right of self-defence was not unconstrained and needed to comply with international law, including international humanitarian law. Ministers expressed alarm at the humanitarian situation in Gaza and called on Israel to do more to enable safe, rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access. They underlined that civilians, as well as humanitarian and health workers must be protected.
29. Ministers noted alarm at the treatment of UN Agencies by Israel. UN Agencies remain essential to the humanitarian response in Gaza. As the UN Security Council has stated, UNRWA remains the backbone of all humanitarian response in Gaza. No organization can replace or substitute UNRWA’s capacity and mandate to serve Palestinian refugees and civilians in urgent need of life-saving humanitarian assistance. The UN system had an important role to play in the future of the region, and needed to be allowed to do its job, as mandated by the Council and UN members states. They further called on parties to take steps toward a two-state solution and refrain from action that undermined it, including illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories.
30. Ministers once again condemned in the strongest possible terms Russia’s illegal and unprovoked full-scale invasion of Ukraine. They condemned the deployment of DPRK troops in support of Russia’s war of aggression, which represented a dangerous expansion of the conflict. Ministers agreed deepening military cooperation between Russia and the DPRK had significant implications for security in the Indo-Pacific, and that New Zealand and Australia would continue to assist Ukraine to exercise its right to self-defence as enshrined in Article 51 of the UN Charter. Ministers discussed the need to ensure the international community holds Russia to account. They expressed concerns that Russia’s recent changes to its nuclear doctrine presented risks of further escalation and miscalculation. Ministers called on all those with influence over Russia, particularly China, to exert it now to end Russia’s illegal war to avoid actions that support Russia and its industries to re-build military capabilities.
31. Ministers reiterated their shared commitment to realising a world without nuclear weapons, and were seized of the urgent need for progress on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, including as States Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty (Treaty of Rarotonga). They noted the importance of strengthening the international disarmament and arms control regime in the current challenging environment, including through measures such as nuclear risk reduction and enhanced transparency and accountability.
32. Australia looks forward to hosting the next ANZMIN 2+2.

The Australian Greens have demanded Prime Minister Albanese rule out the use of national interest exemptions to sidestep environment laws for the benefit of salmon farms in Macquarie Harbour.

“This would be an outrageous abuse of power and the Prime Minister needs to immediately rule it out,” Greens Senator for Tasmania Nick McKim said.

“After his capitulation to logging and mining interests last week, Mr Albanese is now dancing to the tune of multinational salmon farming corporations.”

“Protecting mutinational corporate profits and driving an ancient species to extinction is most certainly not in the national interest.”

“Whenever there is a choice between protecting nature or enhancing corporate profits, Labor can be relied on to side with the big polluters.”

“Mr Albanese is trying to use what are essentially emergency powers to respond to natural disasters to protect corporate interests.”

“He is in a dangerous race to the bottom with Peter Dutton when it comes to trashing the environment.”

“Mr Albanese needs to learn that he can’t outflank Dutton to the right on nature and that trying to do so will lead to extinction for the Maugean skate.”