Category: Australian News

The Victorian Greens have called on the Premier to ensure that police sniffer dog squads are not present during the summer festival season, as it’s announced that Beyond the Valley will be the first festival with life-saving pill testing services. 

The Police Commissioner confirmed that sniffer dogs would be expected to operate alongside pill testing at festivals, following a line of questioning from the Greens at the Public Accounts and Estimates Committee (PAEC) hearings last week.

The Victorian Greens spokesperson for drug harm reduction, Aiv Puglielli says that festival-goers deserve clarity and reassurance that they’re not going to be targeted by police and sniffer dogs for using a life saving health service. 

The Victorian Greens Drug Harm Reduction spokesperson, Aiv Puglielli: 

“The Summer festival season is just around the corner and we know that we need pill testing up and running in order to save lives. 

“For pill testing to work, festival goers need confidence to use this life saving service without fear of being targeted by police and sniffer dogs. 

“The Premier needs to pick up the phone to the Police Commissioner and ensure young people and festival goers have clarity and reassurance about how police will be interacting with pill testing and the people using the service. 

“We know that people are likely to drop all their drugs at once when they see sniffer dogs. That is not safe. 

“Sniffer dogs do not save lives, pill testing does.” 

The first Pasefika-Samoan MP to sit in the Victorian Parliament Anasina Gray-Barberio will give her inaugural speech to Parliament this evening, entering the chamber as over one hundred Samoan singers sing a traditional Samoan song. 

Newly elected Greens MP Anasina Gray-Baberio will give her inaugural speech this evening Wednesday 27 November at 6.00pm. 

The singers will however have to sing from the corridors outside the chamber because the other parties refused to support a motion allowing the cultural practice of singing to occur inside the public gallery inside the Parliament chamber, as is common practice in other Parliaments such as in Aotearoa New Zealand

Ms Gray-Barberio said that the decision not to allow cultural singing in the public gallery, as occurs in other Parliaments, was really disappointing as this is a significant cultural tradition for the Samoan community. 

Greens MP for Northern Metropolitan, Anasina Gray-Barberio: 

“As the first Pasefika-Samoan person to be entering this Parliament, this is an incredibly significant moment and it’s important for me to be able to practice my culture and have my community here for this moment. 

“It’s disappointing that before even getting started, I’m being denied the chance to practice a small part of my culture. The Parliament is supposed to be a place for all Victorians, and I would’ve hoped our Parliament in Victoria could accommodate different cultures in this place, and it’s disappointing to see the community denied this. 

“But we only need to look at the powerful moments from the Parliament in Aotearoa New Zealand in recent weeks to know that the tide is changing. 

“Despite not being able to have the community in there with me tonight, I know they’re behind me. I’m entering this job with my culture at the forefront. To represent the voices that too often go unheard. Let’s get to work.” 

Tomorrow, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon Richard Marles, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong, and Minister for Trade and Tourism, Senator the Hon Don Farrell, will meet with Singaporean counterparts for the Singapore-Australia Joint Ministerial Committee (SAJMC).

The SAJMC is an opportunity to increase cooperation under our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, including across defence and security, trade and investment, the green and digital economies, science and innovation, education and the arts.

Ministers will also meet Singapore’s Prime Minister, Mr Lawrence Wong, and conduct separate bilateral meetings. The Deputy Prime Minister will meet with his counterpart, Dr Ng Eng Hen, the Foreign Minister will meet with Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, and the Minister for Trade will meet with counterpart Deputy Prime Minister Mr Gan Kim Yong. 

Singapore is one of Australia’s closest partners, and next year we celebrate 60 years of bilateral diplomatic relations. We share an interest in a region that is peaceful, stable and prosperous.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, The Hon Richard Marles MP:

“Singapore is one of Australia’s closest defence partners, providing longstanding access for our ships and aircraft in the region.

“Singapore has also conducted military training in Australia for more than 30 years, supporting both of our armed forces, and providing significant economic opportunities for Australia.

“I am pleased the recent expansion of the Shoalwater Bay Training Area in Queensland will create more opportunities for our armed forces to train together and increase our interoperability.

“The bilateral relationship between Singapore and Australia is built upon shared values, deep trust and a commitment to the stability and security of the Indo-Pacific region.”

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong:

“Our partnership with Singapore is grounded in trust and respect.

“As we prepare to mark a decade since we launched our ambitious Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, Australia and Singapore are charting the course for the next phase of our relationship.

“We are working together to foster peace, stability and prosperity in our region.”

the Minister for Trade and Tourism, Senator the Hon Don Farrell:

“Singapore is one of Australia’s closest trade and investment partners.

“As the region’s financial, trading and energy hub, Singapore plays a key role for Australian businesses seeking to deepen their engagement in Southeast Asia.

“Through Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040, we are expanding Australian trade and investment to build shared prosperity.

“As a bloc, Southeast Asia is projected to become the world’s fourth-largest economy, with a potential consumer market that is 10 times larger than Australia by 2040.”

Speaking on the impasse between the major parties on Electoral Reform Greens Senate leader and democracy spokesperson Senator Larissa Waters said:

“We’ve seen the big party stitch up on electoral funding reform crumble today. 

“The Greens were ready to pass the transparency aspects of this legislation having long campaigned to get the influence of big money out of politics.

“We want more transparency so the public can see who’s paying for what outcome, who’s paying to try to seek influence.

“With the deal reportedly dead between the two big parties who were very ready to scratch each other’s back, the onus is now on the government to come and talk to the Greens and the crossbench about genuine electoral reform.

“Frankly, the government should have been talking more earnestly with us all along. However, it’s pretty clear that they will now need to do that.

“We will continue to fight to clean up democracy so that it works for people, not just large political donors. 

“We will always fight to make sure that corporate donors and fossil fuel companies and weapons manufacturers can’t buy the policy outcomes that suit them ahead of the interests of the Australian public. 

“We are very keen to continue to try to work on improving our democracy, and we could have passed those transparency measures today. There is theoretically still time, although there’s a lot on the agenda.

“But we need to make sure that those other funding reforms were not simply a stitch up for the two big parties, and that is certainly what they looked to be. 

“We need an inquiry into those provisions, or failing that, the government can go back to the drawing board and come and talk in an appropriately open fashion with the Greens and the crossbench.

“Then we can actually get reforms that will kick big money out of politics and protect democracy for the people, not just the two big parties.

The Greens have accused Labor and Peter Dutton of giving gambling ads to every Australian family this Christmas after voting against a Greens amendment to ban gambling ads in the Senate late last night.

The Greens moved an amendment to ban gambling ads on tv, radio and online during debate over the Communications Legislation Amendment (Regional Broadcasting Continuity) Bill 2024.

Sarah Hanson-Young is Greens spokesperson for communications, Senator for South Australia:

“Labor’s giving gambling ads this Christmas when they could have backed the Greens amendment last night to ban them before the holidays. 

“Labor and Dutton have failed families on gambling ads. Addiction, family breakdowns and financial hardship will be worse this summer in Australia because the Albanese Government has sold out to Sportsbet.

“The facts are clear: Australians lose more per capita to gambling addiction than any nation on earth. Expert evidence and 70% of Australians support a full gambling ad ban, but Labor and Liberal are addicted to the donations, dinners and dirty deals with the gambling lobby.

“Instead of acting on the well established recommendations to ban gambling ads, they have rushed through a knee-jerk social media ban without evidence or due process. 

“The Greens will move our Ban Gambling Ads Bill when Parliament returns in February and the Prime Minister and Peter Dutton should stop selling out to Sportsbet and support it.”

The Greens have condemned Labor and the Liberals for smashing the Social Media Age Ban Bill through parliament this week. 

The Greens had urged the Albanese Government to allow for proper consultation and scrutiny of Labor’s legislation, with many experts including health professionals, saying the blunt ban would have serious negative consequences for young people and recommending other measures to make social media safer for everyone.

Sarah Hanson-Young is spokesperson for Communications & Senator for South Australia:

“It is a disgrace that Labor teamed up with Peter Dutton to ram the social media age ban bill through the parliament this week.

“Parents are rightly concerned and we all agree something needs to be done to make tech platforms safer, but this was not the way to do it. 

“There is no excuse for rushing this bill through and racing Peter Dutton to the bottom – it won’t even commence for 12 months.

“It is a sham bill that’s been through a sham process. It is a piece of legislation that doesn’t do what the PM or Peter Dutton say it will do – it won’t make young people safer online and doesn’t make social media safer for anyone. 

“What we’ve witnessed this week is boomers trying to tell young people how the internet should work. Yet these boomers clearly have no idea how young people engage with the internet. 

“This bill might make oldies feel like they’ve done something but in reality it only delivers a false sense of security. Young people will be pushed to darker spaces on the web and regional, marginalised and vulnerable kids will be further isolated. 

“Instead, the parliament should have supported the Greens’ duty of care amendment, and implemented measures that address the dangerous and predatory business models of the tech giants. 

“The passage of this law is a world-leading failure by the PM and Peter Dutton.” 

Senator Hanson-Young’s speech in the Senate last night here. 

The Greens say the federal government must immediately suspend all mutual obligation requirements after it was revealed that the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations had been incorrectly cancelling some Centrelink payments.

The discovery by DEWR that they had incorrectly cancelled payments following a third financial penalty under the Targeted Compliance Framework prompted the department to pause these cancellations in July while it undertakes further inquiries. The Targeted Compliance Framework forms the foundation of mutual obligations.

Greens Social Services spokesperson, Senator Penny Allman-Payne:

“The news today that DEWR has paused some payment suspensions because of their incorrect application should be the final nail in the coffin for the failed mutual obligations scheme.

“Income support recipients are already forced to survive on poverty payments that are among the lowest in the OECD. Robbing them of the meagre payments they rely on is unconscionable.

“Australia’s income support payments are among the lowest in the OECD, but even these tiny poverty payments can be taken away by unaccountable, profiteering job providers for the most inconsequential breaches.

“The privatised employment services system has produced nothing but failure and harm while enriching private providers who hound people for their payslips and push people into pointless training sessions.

“The Greens will continue to push for Work for the Dole and the Targeted Compliance Framework to be abolished, and for the provision of employment services to be returned to the Commonwealth.”

The Australian Government will provide $5 million in humanitarian assistance to support the Philippines’ recovery efforts following a devastating series of tropical cyclones.

The Philippines has recently endured a wave of destruction with six cyclones hitting the country within a month.

Tropical Cyclone Trami, locally known as Kristine, brought widespread flooding and landslides, claiming nearly 350 lives and displacing more than 700,000 people.

Just days later Super Typhoon Man-yi, locally known as Pepito, struck affecting 3.9 million people, killing 12, and disrupting recovery efforts that were underway.

Australia’s assistance will include essential services delivered through humanitarian partners including the United Nations, non-government organisations and local community organisations.

Our partners work in close coordination with local government and local organisations to support those most in need with shelter, water sanitation and hygiene, food security, and health services.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong:

“The Filipino people have shown extraordinary resilience in the face of back-to-back natural disasters. As friends and partners, Australia is pitching in to help in their time of need.

“Our assistance will help ensure families have food, clean water and the crucial resources needed to begin rebuilding their lives.”

Minister for International Development and the Pacific Pat Conroy:

“Our thoughts are with the people who have lost loved ones and the hundreds of thousands who have been displaced or impacted by the recent tropical cyclones. Some communities have been hit multiple times. 

“Australia’s humanitarian funding will provide essential services including shelter, water sanitation and hygiene, and early recovery support.”

The Australian Government has today announced Mr David Shankey will be appointed as the inaugural Chief Executive Officer of the Net Zero Economy Authority.

The appointment comes as the Government’s Future Made in Australia legislation passes Parliament, a major step forward in making Australia indispensable to the global net zero transformation.

Mr Shankey brings significant senior leadership experience in energy and climate policy and a track record of delivering future-focused reforms with local communities front and centre.

The Net Zero Economy Authority will ensure Australian workers, industries and communities share the benefits of the net zero transition.

The Authority is central to the Government’s vision for a Future Made in Australia, and ensuring the regions that power the nation will do so for decades to come.

The Authority will work with communities, state, territory and local governments, regional bodies, unions, industry, investors and First Nations groups to take advantage of the opportunities presented by global decarbonisation.

As Deputy Director-General at Queensland’s Department of Energy and Public Works, Mr Shankey led the development of the state’s 10-year Energy and Jobs Plan.

Mr Shankey will work closely with Dr Iain Ross AO, Chair of the Net Zero Economy Authority.

The Chief Executive Officer and Chair will be supported by an independent Board, which will be appointed shortly.

Mr Shankey’s appointment follows a competitive, merit-based recruitment process.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“Australia is one of the best placed countries on earth to achieve the energy transition. We are home to every metal and critical mineral essential to net zero.

“That’s why it’s so important we have a plan for a Future Made in Australia.

“Our workforce is skilled and valued, our safety standards are the highest in the world and we have a proven track record as a reliable producer and exporter of energy and resources.

“The Net Zero Economy Authority is key to unlocking our potential as a renewable energy superpower, and ensuring Australia’s regions and workers realise the benefits of the emerging global net zero economy.

“I congratulate David Shankey on his appointment, and look forward to working with him as inaugural Chief Executive Officer of the Authority.”

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen

“These regions will see enormous benefits flowing from a pipeline of well-paid jobs now and in the coming years as our industries and power systems transition to renewables. NZEA ensures they aren’t left to sit on their hands waiting for jobs that might or might not eventuate under the Coalition’s nuclear scheme in twenty years’ time.

“This is a good for Australia’s future. But it’s great for workers, our industries, and the regions they both help thrive.

“David Shankey has the right experience and approach to make sure the Net Zero Economy Authority delivers on the potential available as our regions transform to take advantage of the global push to decarbonise.”

Assistant Minister for a Future Made in Australia Tim Ayres

“The establishment of the Net Zero Economy Authority and the Albanese Government’s Future Made in Australia plan provides us with an unprecedented opportunity to strengthen our regional centres.

“By building the industrial capability to solve national challenges – like the transition to net zero – we will create secure and meaningful jobs in our regional communities as power stations close and industries change. 

“The work of the Net Zero Economy Authority is enabling the investment in the people and the places now, in order to build a Future Made in Australia.

“We welcome David Shankey as the Authority’s Chief Executive Officer – I look forward to working with you to support our regions.”

The Australian Greens are deeply concerned about the impact of hasty changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

The Government has recently announced changes that will significantly reduce disabled people’s access to music and art therapies.  

The Greens are calling for the NDIS to establish its Evidence Advisory Committee prior to implementing wholesale changes to the therapies that are widely utilised by participants. The EAC will have a role in providing advice on the evidence base for therapeutic supports accessed through the NDIS, including assessment of outcomes and value.

Senator Jordon Steele-John, Greens Spokesperson for Disability Rights and Services:

“I am deeply concerned about the changes that are being rushed through by the NDIA. 

“I have heard from NDIS participants that being able to undertake art and music therapies is very meaningful to them and that they have seen improvements in their wellbeing, their motor skills, and their capacity to communicate with others. 

“Engaging in any type of therapy requires significant time and energy. Nobody wants those therapies to succeed more than us, as disabled people. Implying that disabled people are purposefully engaging in therapies to waste time and money – greatly disrespects our agency.

“I have heard from providers that they feel like the rug has been pulled out from under them. They are shocked by this significant change to their industry and are demanding that these changes do not proceed.

“Defining all music and art-based therapy as “not evidence-based” is yet another ignorant assumption about disability support, made by this government.

“Disabled people are tired of this Labor government’s untested ignorant assumptions, defining the supports we can receive, without the opportunity for meaningful consultation.

“The NDIS Review recommended the establishment of an Evidence Advisory Committee (EAC) to examine and evaluate evidence. This committee won’t be established until mid-2025. The Greens are calling for the government to properly assess the therapies available through the NDIS, rather than this rushed job that meets their budgetary goals while leaving disabled people worse off.”

Background: 

• The NDIA is enabled to make these decisions based on the legislation that was passed by the major parties in October 2024. The changes to music and art therapy will not come back to the parliament. 
• Music & art Therapy is currently funded through the Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living category, meaning that providers of music & art therapy can charge up to $193.99 an hour under the NDIS pricing guide.
• Yesterday (26/11/24) the NDIA & Bill Shorten announced that art & music therapy will now only be available through the Community Participation Budget, meaning providers can charge up to $67.56 for one on one session, or $193.99 for a group session.
• This will be enforced through a new Operational Guideline that will be released on 2 December 2024, and will come into effect on 1 February 2025
• For people who have art or music therapy as a stated support in their plan, they can continue to access it as normal (and providers can still charge them the higher rate).
• The stated reason for the change is that there isn’t sufficient evidence that art & music therapy can help participants improve or maintain their functional capacity.