Category: Australian News

The Albanese Labor Government is delivering vital support to Australia’s critical minerals sector by providing up to $475 million in additional finance to develop the Eneabba Rare Earths Refinery project in Western Australia.

This project is Australia’s first integrated rare earths refinery and will support 900 jobs at its peak during construction, and an additional 250 secure, well-paid jobs once operational.

This investment will boost global rare earths supply chain resilience, while unlocking Australian deposits of key critical minerals which are essential in a range of defence and renewable energy technologies like electric vehicles, wind turbines and mobile phones.

Australian company Iluka Resources is delivering the project which ensures more value is captured onshore, and more Australians benefit from our unique minerals endowment.

This additional support reinforces Australia’s commitment to supporting secure and sustainable critical minerals supply chains, making us an indispensable part of the global net-zero economy.

The Government’s support ensures Iluka will deliver additional outcomes to maximise project benefits in Australia’s national interest including additional commitments from Iluka to diversify supply chains and deliver broader community benefits aligned with the new Future Made in Australia Act.

The support will be provided by Export Finance Australia (EFA) through the Government’s $4 billion Critical Minerals Facility (CMF).

Australia’s rare earths refining sector will also benefit from the Critical Minerals Production Tax Incentive which will provide a tax offset for eligible critical minerals processing costs.

The Albanese Government’s commitment to a Future Made in Australia is all about seizing the vast economic and industrial opportunities from the global net zero transformation and strengthening our economic resilience.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“Critical minerals are the building blocks for a clean energy future and we are determined to seize this economic opportunity to support local businesses and local jobs.

“A strong resources sector means a healthy economy and good, well paid local jobs.

“We will back WA’s resources sector, through our plan for a Future Made in Australia and our Production Tax Credits.”

Minister for Trade and Tourism, Don Farrell

“Our Government is committed to becoming a renewable energy superpower, not just to tackle the global challenge of climate change but also to harness the opportunity to create significant high paying, secure jobs for Australians.

“Our country is blessed with an abundance of critical minerals and the Albanese Labor Government wants Australians to benefit from this emerging sector.”

Minister for Resources and Minister for Northern Australia Madeleine King

“Supporting our critical minerals and rare earths industry is about Australia taking responsibility to lead on critical minerals globally.

“Not only are critical minerals and rare earths key to the energy transition, they are essential to the defence industry and our national security.

“We stand at an important moment in time where the world wants what we have and we just happen to have the most advanced mining sector in the world.”

The Australian Greens have said Labor has again capitulated to the big corporations after the federal government refused requests to consider the climate impacts of three proposed coal mining projects.

The ‘reconsideration requests’ were made by the Environment Council of Central Queensland, represented by lawyers from Environmental Justice Australia. However, it was revealed today that the government has rejected those requests.

The three proposed coal mine projects – Boggabri, Caval Ridge and Lake Vermont Meadowbrook – will now await a final decision by the government without a prior assessment of their climate harm.

The refusal to assess climate risk comes a week after Labor caved to big mining corporations and refused to agree with the Greens on laws to protect nature and forests.

The Greens say Labor must reject these projects if it is serious about climate change.

If the three projects are approved, Idemitsu’s Boggabri coal project in NSW would produce 242.86 million tonnes of carbon emissions, BHP Mitsubishi’s Caval Ridge coal project in central Queensland would produce 473 million tonnes, and Jellinbah Group’s Lake Vermont coal project in Queensland would produce 347 million tonnes.

Leader of the Australian Greens, Adam Bandt MP:

“Twice in two weeks, Labor is doing the bidding of the coal and gas corporations. 

“Emissions are higher under Anthony Albanese than Scott Morrison, Labor has approved 28 new coal and gas projects since coming to power, and the government has pushed setting 2035 climate targets back until after the next election.

“Scientists say new coal and gas must be stopped to protect Australia from dangerous climate change. Pacific leaders are demanding Australia stop approving new coal and gas to give their islands a fighting chance.

“Labor is too afraid to stare down the coal billionaires and polluters, and as a result climate pollution is up, new coal and gas mines are getting approved and our communities are at risk from worsening fires, floods, and extreme weather. 

“Anthony Albanese and Tanya Plibersek must immediately reject these three new coal projects.”

Senator Sarah Hanson-Young is Greens spokesperson for the Environment & Senator for South Australia:

“This is the latest reminder that Labor has failed to fix Australia’s broken environment laws

“The Environment Minister’s job is to protect the environment, not cave in to the fossil fuel and logging lobby. The Albanese Government should reject these coal mines and work with the Greens to fix our broken environment laws.

“A climate trigger and an end to native forest logging is desperately needed if we are to stop the worst impacts of the climate crisis.

“The Greens will make this election a referendum on nature and a rejection of the coal and gas lobby.”

The Federal Labor Government has issued a notice today confirming that the Boggabri Coal Mine Modification 8 will not be assessed for the impact it will have on climate change as part of its assessment under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act. The notice comes 5 days after the NSW Labor Government received the first Annual Report from the State’s Net Zero Commission that stated new coal mines “pose a major challenge” to reducing emissions in line with the law.

Greens MP, environmental lawyer and spokesperson for the Environment, Planning and Climate Change, Sue Higginson, said “Labor is lost when it comes to acting on climate change and protecting the environment. We have already hit 1.5 degrees of global heating, we are not on track to meet our emissions reduction targets here in NSW and now federal Labor refuses to consider the impacts of climate change from the continuation of mining coal on the environment,”

“Climate change is the single biggest threat that we face, and is a primary driver of the biodiversity and extinction crises, and yet Labor still refuse to consider the impacts on the climate from waving through massive new coal expansions,”

“The decision by Labor to disregard the impacts of the Boggabri Coal mine on climate change has cleared the path for the project to be approved before the new year, a truly terrible outcome for our emissions reduction targets in NSW,”

“If the mine is approved for expanded operations, an additional 62 million tonnes of coal will be dug up and burnt in Australia and overseas. Labor cannot expect to be trusted when they say they want to act on climate while pushing ahead massive mines like Boggabri to be expanded,”

“It’s not too late for the NSW Labor Government to take action and to halt this project from going any further. NSW has the power to intervene and stop projects from going ahead where there is a clear need to do so. If tens of millions of tonnes of additional greenhouse gas emissions generated from expanded mines isn’t a good reason, while we face another summer of record breaking heat waves, then Labor shouldn’t be taken seriously when they say they want to act on climate change,” Ms Higginson said.

Australian Greens announce plans for Federal expansion of drug checking to help save lives.

The Australian Greens are announcing a plan to establish a drug testing agency that would run a number of drug testing sites in capital cities and regional hubs and provide free testing services at Australian music festivals. This also includes additional funding to the Department of Health and AgedCare to coordinate data collection, analysis and communication of results of the drug tests.

Large numbers of Australians have consumed or actively consumed alcohol and other drugs with nearly half of the community using an illicit substance at some point.

13.6% of Australians aged 14 and over have used MDMA/ecstasy, which is the most common drug present at existing pill testing sites.

Drug checking and pill testing is a common sense and health based approach to minimise the risk of drug use and has the support of the public health sector including the Public Health Association andAustralian Medical Association.

Quotes attributed to Senator Jordon Steele-John, Greens Spokesperson for Health and Mental Health

“Nearly half of our community has taken an illicit substance at some point in their life and the use of these drugs in our community is inevitable, it is our job to minimise risk and harm not criminalise and stigmatise.”

“At the moment the biggest danger facing young people using drugs at festivals isn’t the substance itself but a failure of government policy that doesn’t allow people to be able to check what is in that drug and access education and medical services when needed.”

“We have a system designed to criminalise and stigmatise people who take drugs in our community which has led to tragic outcomes. It is time we listen to the community and the experts and implement common sense approaches to minimise harm and risk.”

“The Greens plan will see drug testing sites set up in capital cities and regional hubs across the country through the establishment of a federal drug testing agency. This agency would also be responsible for providing free testing services at music festivals.”

“Nearly half of our community has taken an illicit substance at some point in their life and the use of these drugs in our community is inevitable, it is our job to minimise risk and harm not criminalise and stigmatise.”

“At the moment the biggest danger facing young people using drugs at festivals isn’t the substance itself but a failure of government policy that doesn’t allow people to be able to check what is in that drug and access education and medical services when needed.”

“We have a system designed to criminalise and stigmatise people who take drugs in our community which has led to tragic outcomes. It is time we listen to the community and the experts and implement common sense approaches to minimise harm and risk.”

“The Greens plan will see drug testing sites set up in capital cities and regional hubs across the country through the establishment of a federal drug testing agency. This agency would also be responsible for providing free testing services at music festivals.”

Today, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon Richard Marles, and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong, will travel to Auckland, for the second Australia–New Zealand Foreign and Defence Ministers’ Consultations (ANZMIN).

Australia and New Zealand have a uniquely close relationship. Trans-Tasman cooperation has never been stronger, with close alignment in our strategic, foreign and trade interests and deep links between our people.

ANZMIN is an important opportunity to strengthen our partnership and discuss evolving international and regional security and strategic issues. 

Ministers will also meet their respective counterparts for a bilateral Defence Ministers’ Meeting and Foreign Ministers’ Consultations during the visit.

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

“I look forward to reconnecting with Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters, and again meeting with my close colleague, Defence Minister Judith Collins, in New Zealand.

“ANZMIN is a valuable opportunity to reflect on our deep and longstanding alliance while discussing ways to increase cooperation in support of a peaceful, prosperous and resilient region.”

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong:

“Australia and New Zealand are family. Working together has never been more important as we confront the global economic and geostrategic challenges that affect both our countries.

“Our meeting will be an opportunity to discuss our joint interests in the Pacific and opportunities for greater collaboration into the future – because we are stronger when we work together with our Pacific neighbours to create a region that is peaceful, prosperous and resilient.”

The Greens today unveil a transformative election policy ensuring that women can get free contraceptives, removing financial barriers to reproductive health.

Larissa Waters, Greens Leader in the Senate and Spokesperson on Women, said:

“We are in a cost-of-living crisis and in the face of financial stress and gender inequality, the Greens will take to the election a commitment to provide women with free access to contraceptives.

“There are 4.8 million women in Australia using contraceptives, and making them free would save women hundreds of dollars a year and empower women to make decisions about bodily autonomy despite a difficult financial climate. 

“Oral contraceptives can cost hundreds of dollars annually, especially the modern pills with fewer side effects, and long acting reversible contraceptives are in the hundreds, leaving many women to cut corners and use cheaper options, or go without contraception.

“The Greens policy would eliminate the PBS co-payment, and subsidise non-PBS listed contraceptives plus the cost of inserting IUDs, as well as creating a contraceptive counselling MBS item so that all parts of the process will be free to the patient.

“Our policy would make sure people can access the contraception that works for them, regardless of their bank balance and whether they live in the city, the country, or are studying on a visa.

“Many countries already provide free contraceptives, like France, the UK, Ireland, British Columbia and multiple Scandinavian countries.

“Studies from countries that offer free contraceptives show that more young people use it when cost isn’t a barrier, leading to fewer unintended pregnancies and greater reproductive choices.¹

“With abortion rights in Queensland potentially under threat it has never been more important to ensure women are able to avoid unwanted pregnancies.

“Almost two years ago, I initiated the federal Senate inquiry into universal access to reproductive healthcare. It included a recommendation that contraceptives should be more affordable and accessible. The Greens are committed to that – and now it’s time for the government to respond to the 36 consensus recommendations from that report and fund free contraceptives for women.

“The Senate inquiry showed that cost and lack of information are major barriers preventing people from getting the best contraceptive method for their needs.

“The Greens policy addresses those gaps by funding a separate MBS item for contraceptive counselling, and also and directly supports recommendations from the inquiry to subsidise the non-hormonal copper IUD.

“The Greens are committed to empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their reproductive health without further financial strain.

BACKGROUND

The Greens will:

• Provide $250m per year (ongoing, indexed by CPI) to make TGA approved non-PBS contraceptives free, including subsidising the non-hormonal copper IUD.
• Remove the PBS co-payment to make PBS listed contraceptive methods free.
• Cover the schedule fee for reproductive procedures to make contraceptive insertion and removal free.
• Introduce a new Medicare item for contraceptive counselling, including training for all prescribers.

Link to full Senate Inquiry report Ending the postcode lottery: Addressing barriers to sexual, maternity and reproductive healthcare in Australia

REFERENCES

1. Long-Acting Reversible Contraception Free of Charge, Method Initiation, and Abortion Rates in Finland. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5844404/

The Greens will seek to legislate against banks charging exorbitant fees to customers for withdrawing their own money.

“The cost-of-living is smashing people across the country, with households struggling to cover basics like food and bills,” Greens Economic Justice Spokesperson Senator Nick McKim said.

“The last thing they need is another expense when they’re just trying to take out money to pay for their weekly grocery shop.”

“The government cannot let banks price-gouge customers. People shouldn’t pay for the privilege of accessing their own money.“

“The Big Four banks just posted collective profits of more than $30 billion. This is greed at an unprecedented scale.”

“The Greens will seek to overrule this when Parliament returns.”

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.”

the 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.”

Today Australia has made its first investment under the Australian Government’s $2 billion Southeast Asia Investment Financing Facility, announced by Prime Minister Albanese at the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit in March this year.

Australia has approved a $75 million (US$50 million) equity investment in the Singapore Government’s Financing Asia’s Transition Partnership (FAST-P) initiative, which aims to support the region’s clean energy transition.

This undertaking is a major step forward in the government’s implementation of Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040. It demonstrates our commitment to practical action that benefits Australia and the region.

As the region transitions towards a clean energy future, Australia and our businesses have much to offer. By working with Singapore and international partners, it will spur increased opportunities for Australian businesses to engage in Southeast Asia’s renewable energy transition.

Our participation alongside Singapore and other international partners will also contribute to bridging critical gaps in Southeast Asia’s sustainable infrastructure financing, including in areas like renewable energy and storage, electric vehicle infrastructure, sustainable transport, and water and waste management.

This investment builds on our existing green economy cooperation with Singapore under our Green Economy Agreement and Comprehensive Strategic Partnership while supporting diverse and resilient clean energy supply chains.

Australian exporters and businesses operating in Southeast Asia will be in a prime position to take up these opportunities, with a range of new government programs across the region. For more information about the Australian Government’s support for business in Southeast Asia visit: Austrade, Export Finance Australia Southeast Asia and Investment Deal Teams.

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong:

“Deepening Australia’s engagement in Southeast Asia’s green energy transition and infrastructure development is an investment in our shared prosperity, security and economic future.

“This commitment is a major step forward in our implementation of Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040, and it demonstrates our commitment to practical action as a reliable partner for the region.”

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

“Investing in Southeast Asia to meet the region’s energy transition needs will open opportunities for Australian businesses, driving greater exports and partnerships right across this region.

“One in four Australian jobs rely on trade, with nearly half a million Australian jobs linked to trade with Southeast Asia.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Mr Gan Kim Yong, Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen and Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan hosted the 14th Meeting of the Singapore-Australia Joint Ministerial Committee (SAJMC) today. Australia was represented by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles, Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong and Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell.

The Ministers reaffirmed the strong and longstanding bilateral relations, underpinned by shared strategic perspectives and economic complementarities. They welcomed the good progress made across all six pillars of the Singapore-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), namely economics and trade, defence and security, science and innovation, people-to-people, digital economy and green economy. In particular, they welcomed the good progress in implementing the Singapore-Australia Green Economy Agreement, including the development of workplans with partners under the Green and Digital Shipping Corridor to accelerate maritime decarbonisation and digitalisation. The Ministers also welcomed the completion of the Shoalwater Bay Training Area expansion this year, which marks a significant milestone in the bilateral defence relationship.

The Ministers agreed that Singapore and Australia can further enhance business connections, trade and investment, including through Singapore to the rest of the region as part of Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040. The Singapore Ministers welcomed Australia’s investment of US$50 million to Singapore’s Financing Asia’s Transition Partnership (FAST-P) initiative to provide blended finance for green and transition projects through its Southeast Asia Investment Financing Facility.

The Ministers had a substantive discussion on the next phase of the CSP, and, building on the strategic trust and shared interests, looked forward to an ambitious and pathfinding agenda particularly in the areas of defence, supply chains, green economy, renewable energy and health. The Ministers tasked officials to finalise the slate of initiatives to be launched in 2025 in conjunction with the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and the 10th anniversary of the CSP.

The Ministers also had a free-flowing and useful exchange of views on regional and global developments. They reaffirmed their commitment to uphold ASEAN Centrality, and continue working together to support the tangible implementation of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific. They also reaffirmed their support for the rules-based multilateral trading system, as embodied by the World Trade Organization, which provides the predictability and stability for our region’s growth and development.

Following the 14th SAJMC meeting, the Ministers issued a Joint Communique on the key outcomes. The full text of the Joint Communique is appended.

.     .     .     .     .

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

SINGAPORE

3 DECEMBER 2024

.     .     .     .     .

JOINT COMMUNIQUÉ OF THE 14TH MEETING OF THE SINGAPORE‑AUSTRALIA JOINT MINISTERIAL COMMITTEE, 3 DECEMBER 2024

Mr Gan Kim Yong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry

Dr Ng Eng Hen, Minister for Defence

Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Foreign Affairs

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

Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs

Senator the Hon Don Farrell, Minister for Trade and Tourism

1. Singapore and Australian Ministers met in Singapore for the 14th Meeting of the Singapore-Australia Joint Ministerial Committee (SAJMC) on 3 December 2024. The Ministers reaffirmed the longstanding friendship and ambitious Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) between Singapore and Australia, underpinned by strategic trust and shared interests. They acknowledged the unique nature of the SAJMC’s 3+3 Ministerial mechanism to both countries, and the key role it has played in strengthening bilateral cooperation over more than two decades.

2. The Ministers welcomed the significant progress made under the CSP since its inception in 2015 as set out in the 10-year CSP Roadmap, with more than 110 initiatives completed across its six pillars. The Ministers reaffirmed the strong commitment on both sides to continue strengthening and expanding bilateral cooperation for an ambitious, pathfinding and forward-looking next phase of the CSP, as both countries approach the 10th anniversary of the CSP and the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2025.

3. Recalling the commitment that the Leaders made at the 9th Singapore‑Australia Annual Leaders’ Meeting (ALM) in Melbourne in March 2024, the Ministers welcomed the good progress that both countries have made in developing the slate of initiatives for the next ten-year phase of the CSP. The Ministers tasked officials to finalise the slate of initiatives for the next phase of the CSP, to be launched by the Leaders at the 10th ALM in Singapore in 2025. The Ministers agreed that both countries should continue to adopt a long-term perspective for the initiatives, recognising that some shared strategic objectives might require more time for fruition. The Ministers called for a level of ambition for the next phase of the CSP commensurate with the high level of trust and proven reliability as strategic partners.

Economics, Trade and Investment

4. The Ministers reaffirmed the close and longstanding bilateral and regional economic partnership that both countries share, as well as the strong trade and investment partnership between Australia and Singapore. They noted that both countries are among each other’s top trading partners and that bilateral trade volumes continued to grow under the Singapore-Australia Free Trade Agreement which celebrated its 20th anniversary in July 2023. The Ministers welcomed Australia’s commitment to enhance business connections, trade and investment into Southeast Asia, including through Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040 and the Future Made in Australia agenda. The Ministers recognised the importance of two-way investment in accelerating the region’s clean energy transition. The Ministers also acknowledged Singapore and Australia’s close cooperation in advancing the ASEAN-Australia New Zealand FTA (AANZFTA) upgrade and looked forward to its entry into force.

5. The Ministers reaffirmed the importance of developing resilient supply chains, including through discussions under the Singapore-Australia Supply Chains Working Group which has strengthened cooperation in the areas of food, energy security, connectivity and crisis response. The Ministers were pleased to note continuing collaboration on food security under the bilateral Food Pact, and looked forward to further progression of a simplified transhipment protocol for Australian meat and meat products which will enhance trade flows through Singapore to other markets. The Ministers also welcomed Australia’s commitment to remaining a reliable supplier of energy to Singapore, including gas, in line with both countries’ commitments towards net-zero transition. The Ministers agreed that Singapore and Australia should elevate cooperation on climate, energy transition and energy security. Following the release of Australia’s Aviation White Paper in August 2024, the Ministers looked forward to further discussions between aviation officials on reviewing the bilateral Air Services Agreement, with a view to achieve further air services liberalisation.

6. The Ministers noted that Singapore and Australia are partner economies in various multilateral fora such as the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF), Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and welcomed Australia assuming the role of Chair of the CPTPP in 2025. They reaffirmed their support for the rules-based multilateral trading system, as embodied by the WTO, which provides the predictability and stability our region relies on for growth and development and welcomed the recent accession of Timor-Leste to the WTO. The Ministers welcomed continued cooperation between Australia and Singapore to advance necessary reforms and rule-making at the WTO to better equip the organisation to address current and emerging global trade challenges, including by restoring a fully functioning dispute settlement system as soon as possible. They also agreed on the importance of integrating the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement into the WTO legal framework, as well as prompt entry into force of the Agreement on Electronic Commerce, WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies and conclusion of negotiations for further disciplines on overcapacity and overfishing. They also reaffirmed the importance of maintaining open and predictable trade links and developing resilient global supply chains for mutual prosperity and growth in an increasingly volatile geopolitical environment. The Ministers looked forward to further discussions to support rules-based trade in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. The Ministers welcomed the progress made on implementing the RCEP Agreement, including establishing the RCEP Support Unit and finalising the Accession Procedures, and affirmed both countries’ commitment to the remaining work to ensure that the RCEP Agreement remains relevant and inclusive. The Ministers also welcomed IPEF’s cooperative efforts to deliver concrete solutions to shared challenges, including supply chain resilience, decarbonisation, and supporting regional anti-corruption measures and tax initiatives to boost commerce, trade and investment.

Foreign Affairs, Defence and Security

7. The Ministers underscored the value of the longstanding defence and security cooperation between Singapore and Australia, which has deepened under the CSP and contributes to a stable and peaceful region. Singapore acknowledged Australia’s longstanding and continuing support for the Singapore Armed Forces’ (SAF) training in Australia and welcomed the completion of the Shoalwater Bay Training Area expansion, which was a signature element of the CSP. The Ministers also acknowledged Singapore’s longstanding and continuing support for Australia’s aircraft, ships and personnel transiting through Singapore, and reaffirmed both countries’ strong commitment and contributions to the Five Power Defence Arrangements and the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus, which are crucial to strengthening regional peace and stability. The Ministers commended the efforts to increase exercise complexity during the recent bilateral joint Exercise Trident 2024, which included a defence science and technology integration activity. The Ministers agreed to build on the success of the CSP to further strengthen the defence relationship in the next phase of the CSP, in areas such as support for expanded access to facilities in each country, and professional cooperation between both militaries.

8. On security cooperation, the Ministers noted the strong ongoing cooperation on counterterrorism, cyber security, transnational and organised crime, border security, national resilience, and emergency management. They looked forward to the conclusion of more arrangements between Singapore and Australia to further strengthen and broaden cooperation on homeland safety and security under the next phase of the CSP. The Ministers acknowledged progress on key initiatives for security cooperation, such as the Australia-Singapore Security Dialogue, the MOU on Cooperation in Security Matters, and the Border of the Future Partnership. The Ministers underscored their commitment to deepening strategic dialogue and coordination.

9. The Ministers highlighted their cooperation on arms control, non-proliferation and disarmament and its importance to international security. They reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to strengthening the global nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament regime with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons as its cornerstone and to supporting the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) vital role in verifying the fulfilment of States’ nuclear non-proliferation obligations.

10. The Ministers acknowledged Australia’s commitment to responsible nuclear stewardship and setting the highest non-proliferation standard in relation to its acquisition of conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines under AUKUS, and welcomed the AUKUS partners’ ongoing engagement with the IAEA. They acknowledged Singapore’s offer to host Australia’s conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines for port visits once ready.

People-to-People Links

11. The Ministers underscored that strong people-to-people ties were an important foundation for the bilateral relationship. They welcomed continued cooperation on arts and culture, including through a stronger focus on regional engagement through the Australia-Singapore Arts Group, as well as discussions on the mutual recognition of professional qualifications between our professional bodies. The Ministers also welcomed efforts to strengthen bilateral education and research cooperation in the next phase of the CSP. The Ministers highlighted the positive people-to-people links and broader benefits flowing to both countries from Australia’s deployment of over 4,600 scholars to Singapore under the New Colombo Plan (NCP) Scholarships and Fellowships programmes since 2014.

12. The Ministers reaffirmed the close and substantive exchanges between our public services, and looked forward to productive discussions between our senior public service leaders at the 9th Singapore-Australia Public Service Roundtable, which Singapore will host in January 2025. They also welcomed early discussions to enhance public sector cooperation.

Science and Innovation

13. The Ministers noted the strong collaboration between Singapore and Australia in science, technology and innovation. They welcomed enhanced science and innovation cooperation through the inclusion of Singapore as a priority country in Australia’s Global Science and Technology Diplomacy Fund and the good progress in collaboration under the Master Research Collaboration Agreement between the Singapore Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). This includes the A*STAR-CSIRO Research-Industry (2+2) Partnership grants programme, and the Singapore‑Australia Bilateral Programme on Innovations in Food for Sustainability (IF4S). The IF4S aims to develop opportunities and individual research projects in the thematic areas of production of new or novel ingredients, consumer acceptance of complementary protein/novel foods, and food side stream/waste valorisation. The Ministers further noted the award of grants under the 2nd call of the IF4S and the 2nd call of the 2+2 Programme.

14. The Ministers welcomed the establishment of the Australia-Singapore Venture Exchange Programme (VEP) to support deep-tech start-ups in emerging industries to engage with the innovation ecosystems in both countries and access to complementary research capabilities to accelerate industry development. They welcomed the success of the inaugural cohort focused on Future Food, and the call for Expressions of Interest for a second round of the programme to commence in February 2025.

15. The Ministers welcomed the good progress between CSIRO and the Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) of Singapore under the Australia-Singapore Low Emissions Technology (ASLET) initiative for the maritime and ports sector. The Ministers noted the conclusion of the inaugural ASLET call for proposals, and looked forward to the announcement of successful applicants.

16. The Ministers welcomed the expansion of cooperation on health with the signing of the MOU on Health Cooperation in August 2023, which recognises the common healthcare challenges that Singapore and Australia face and the opportunity to collaborate on pandemic prevention and the establishment of public health agencies. They welcomed the establishment of a regular Health Policy Dialogue on topics of mutual interest.

Digital Economy

17. The Ministers reaffirmed the need to support the growth of the digital economy, given the new opportunities it presents. The Ministers affirmed their shared commitment to support the digital transformation of our economies by implementing the Singapore-Australia Digital Economy Agreement through collaborations in new areas of interest.

18. The Ministers welcomed enhanced bilateral cooperation on artificial intelligence, cyber and critical technologies (including emerging technologies), online safety, anti-scams, data privacy, as well as misinformation and disinformation.

19. The Ministers welcomed increased partnership between Australia and Singapore to promote best practices in subsea cable deployment, maintenance and repairs, leveraging our respective expertise and experience. 

Green Economy

20. The Ministers reaffirmed both countries’ shared commitment to deepen cooperation and accelerate ambitious climate action. They affirmed the need to work closely to deliver practical outcomes that help to accelerate efforts to decarbonise economic activities, including manufacture and trade of low emissions products, cross-border carbon capture and storage and the development of regional supply chains for low-carbon hydrogen and associated liquid fuels.

21. The Ministers welcomed significant progress in implementing the Singapore-Australia Green Economy Agreement (SAGEA), noting the development of workplans with action partners under the Green and Digital Shipping Corridor (GDSC) initiative, and the award of grants under the 2nd cycle of the Asia Climate Solutions Design Grant. The Ministers noted the business-to-business collaboration currently underway to co-innovate products, services and solutions that drive trade in emerging green industry sectors. They recognised the importance of the Go Green Co-Innovation Programme (GGCIP) in supporting this collaboration and welcomed the second round of GGCIP grant funding that will see new business partnerships announced in by mid-2025. The Ministers further noted the signing of the Mutual Recognition Agreement between Good Environmental Choice Australia and the Singapore Environment Council on paint, cement and concrete ecolabelling. The Ministers welcomed Australia’s intention to join Singapore’s “Financing Asia’s Transition Partnership” (FAST-P) initiative to provide blended finance for green energy transition projects under its Southeast Asia Investment Financing Facility.

22. The Ministers welcomed the jointly-developed Ten Principles to Guide the Development of Cross Border Electricity Trade (CBET), which was announced at the 9th ALM in March 2024. The Ten Principles will underpin the architecture for bilateral CBET trade between Singapore and Australia and could help inform the development and adoption of standards and norms in deepening regional energy connectivity. They reaffirmed the shared commitment to harmonise the two countries’ systems to support this new area of trade. This includes the application of trade agreements, the law of the sea, safeguarding cross-border electricity infrastructure, developing standards and interoperability, harmonising permitting, establishing governance arrangements and renewable energy certification. They noted the architecture would form an important part of Australia’s support for the region’s green energy transition, including the realisation of the ASEAN Power Grid.

Regional Cooperation and Global Developments

23. The Ministers exchanged views on regional and global developments. The Ministers acknowledged the central role of ASEAN and the ASEAN-led regional architecture, including the East Asia Summit, ASEAN Regional Forum and ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus and reaffirmed their commitment to uphold ASEAN Centrality. They expressed their support to continue working together to support the practical implementation of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP), through tangible projects under the four priority areas of the AOIP. This would help realise the AOIP’s vision for an open, inclusive and rules-based regional architecture that upholds international law, as well as the ASEAN-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The Ministers also welcomed the establishment of the ASEAN-Australia Centre, which will build on the Australian Government’s commitment to deepen engagement with Southeast Asia and deliver programmes across four pillars of Southeast Asia literacy, economic linkages, education and cultural connections. The Ministers welcomed the Quad’s steadfast support for ASEAN centrality and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific, including through its positive and practical agenda to support regional countries’ priorities and needs, and explored opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation.

24. The Ministers looked forward to working together to support Timor-Leste in its preparations to join ASEAN, including through the provision of capacity-building assistance. The Ministers were encouraged by Timor-Leste’s continued commitment to implement the Roadmap for accession to ASEAN, adopted at the 42nd ASEAN Summit.

25. The Ministers acknowledged that Singapore, Australia and the broader region face heightened geostrategic uncertainty and threats to the international rules-based order and that all states have a role in maintaining the conditions for peace and averting conflict. The Ministers welcomed open lines of communication between the United States and China to that end, and to enable cooperation on global challenges and areas of common interest. They underlined the importance of an open, inclusive, and resilient Indo-Pacific region, where international rules and norms are upheld and all countries, big and small, can decide their own future free from coercion. They noted the need to work together to enhance stability across the Indo-Pacific region, where sovereignty is respected and differences are resolved peacefully in accordance with international law. This includes promoting open channels of communication to reduce the risks of misunderstanding and miscalculation and prevent conflict in our region. The Ministers highlighted the link between prosperity and security, and reaffirmed the importance of maintaining and promoting peace, security, stability, safety and freedom of navigation and overflight, and other internationally lawful uses of the sea, and unimpeded lawful maritime commerce, including in the South China Sea (SCS). The Ministers emphasised the imperative for peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) without resorting to the threat or use of force.

26. The Ministers expressed serious concern over behaviour that increased the risk of miscalculation and unilateral actions that had the potential to destabilise and challenge the status quo, such as the continued militarisation of disputed features. They also affirmed the need to respect states’ ability to conserve, sustainably develop, and effectively manage their maritime natural resources in accordance with international law, in particular UNCLOS. The Ministers noted the work towards the conclusion of a substantive and effective Code of Conduct in the SCS and emphasised the importance of any Code being consistent with international law, particularly UNCLOS, and not prejudicing the legitimate rights and interests of all nations including those not party to these negotiations. Both Singapore and Australia emphasised the primacy of UNCLOS, which sets out the legal framework within which all activities in the oceans and seas must be carried out. They welcomed the adoption by consensus of Agreement under UNCLOS on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ) and reaffirmed their commitment to the Agreement. They welcomed Singapore’s leading role as President of the BBNJ Agreement’s negotiating conferences and Australia’s leading role as Co-Chair of the Agreement’s Preparatory Commission.

27. The Ministers expressed deep concern over the worsening humanitarian, security and economic situation in Myanmar. They denounced the continued acts of violence in Myanmar against civilians and public facilities, and called for the immediate cessation of such acts. The Ministers strongly urged the Myanmar military regime to end indiscriminate violence, engage in inclusive dialogue with all stakeholders, release those unjustly detained, and facilitate safe and unimpeded access for humanitarian assistance in line with ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus (5PC). The Ministers reaffirmed their strong support for ASEAN-led efforts and the swift and full implementation of the 5PC. They also reaffirmed the important roles of the UN, ASEAN, and external partners in facilitating a peaceful resolution of the crisis in Myanmar.

28. The Ministers reiterated their condemnation of Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, which is a violation of the UN Charter and of international law. This conflict has serious implications for security, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. The sovereignty, political independence and territorial integrity of all countries must be respected. Both sides expressed serious concern over reports of the transfer of weapons and dual use goods to Russia, and reports of the deployment of DPRK military personnel to aid Russia’s war against Ukraine. They called on Russia to withdraw its military forces from the territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders as part of delivering a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine as soon as possible. In addition to the loss of life and damage, the Ministers noted that the war is also exacerbating the global crisis in food and energy security, including in the Indo-Pacific region.

29. The Ministers expressed their grave concern at the dire humanitarian situation and loss of lives in Gaza and the broader Middle East following the 7 October 2023 terrorist attacks by Hamas. The Ministers called for an immediate ceasefire to facilitate the urgent delivery of humanitarian aid, for the safe, immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, and the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure. The Ministers emphasised that all parties must adhere to international law, including international humanitarian law, and reiterated calls on Israel to allow and facilitate the rapid, safe and unimpeded flow of lifesaving humanitarian relief to civilians in Gaza, and for all aid workers to be protected to enable their lifesaving work. The Ministers underscored their support for a negotiated two‑state solution consistent with the relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions. This is the only viable path for achieving a comprehensive, just, and durable peace.