Category: Australian News

The Albanese and Miles Governments have announced a fourth round of support to help recovery and resilience for Far North Queensland communities impacted by Ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper.

The package, estimated to cost $64 million will be cost-shared 50-50 by the Federal and State Governments. It will support recovery for FNQ’s vital tourism industry, farmers, small businesses and not for profits. It includes:

• $25 million in Extraordinary Recovery Grants for primary producers.
• $25 million in Extraordinary Recovery Grants for small businesses and not-for-profits.
• $9 million in Local Recovery and Resilience Grants for eligible councils.
• $5 million for Tourism Recovery  in the region.

A range of previously announced financial and recovery DRFA assistance is also available to affected local governments and communities across the Far North.

These measures include Personal Hardship Assistance payments, Structural Assistance Grants, disaster loans and freight subsidies, and funding to help reconnect essential services and replace household contents.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“This $64 million package provides positive news for the Far North following so much heartbreaking devastation,” Prime Minister Albanese said.

“The grants will put money directly into the hands of the employers and providers of the region, while the tourism package is going to help this part of Queensland shine once more.

“Eligible councils can use their Recovery and Resilience Grants, not only to build back from Jasper, but to bring forward works that will strengthen their region against future severe weather.

“Recovery from this event will be a huge undertaking and this support is just the first phase of the assistance that we know will be required. My government is working with Queensland to determine what broader help is needed.”

Queensland Premier Steven Miles said:

“The Queensland Government stands shoulder to shoulder with communities in Far North Queensland,” Premier Miles said.

“This initial extraordinary funding provides significant assistance to Queenslanders at the heart of our economy – farmers, small business owners and tourism operators.

“If we can get our FNQ industries and businesses firing again, that drives recovery for the whole region, safeguarding local jobs and attracting visitors back.

“Through the Queensland Reconstruction Authority, we’ll continue working with councils, state agencies and the Commonwealth to develop further exceptional circumstances DRFA packages that shape and progress recovery.”

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt said:

“This funding provides reassurance that we are committed to standing by Queensland communities to help with recovery, as long as it takes. 

“This package will help Queensland communities bounce back, and I’m particularly pleased that farmers and primary producers will get support to help their businesses recover.

“We will continue to work with our Queensland state colleagues to provide support during this challenging period.”

Quotes attributable to Minister responsible for the Queensland Reconstruction Authority Nikki Boyd:

“This is just the very early stage of recovery assistance that we are going to provide to Far North Queensland,” Ms Boyd said.

“There will be many challenges ahead, but I am confident that we have the people, the capacity, and the will, to put this important region back on its feet.”

More information on the $64 million extraordinary DRFA package:

Extraordinary Recovery Grants for primary producers – $25 million

• Eligible primary producers who have suffered direct damage from TC Jasper and flooding can apply for grants up to $75,000.
• Grants will assist with short-term recovery needs including pasture rehabilitation, fodder, replacing livestock, and repairs to infrastructure and equipment.
• Grants will be administered by the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA).

Grants are available in the following LGAs: Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Cook, Douglas, , Hinchinbrook, Mareeba, Tablelands.

Extraordinary Recovery Grants for small businesses and not-for-profits – $25 million

• The package will provide eligible small businesses and not-for-profits with support for services and recovery-related projects.
• Small business grants will be administered by the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training.
• Not-for-profit grants will be administered by the Department of Treaty, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Communities and the Arts.

Grants are available in the following LGAs: Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Cook, Douglas, Hope Vale (for small businesses), Mareeba, Tablelands, Wujal Wujal, Yarrabah.

Local Recovery and Resilience Grants – $9 million

• Available to councils significantly impacted by TC Jasper.
• Funding will help address localised economic, social and community recovery needs and support future resilience measures.
• Grants will be administered by the Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA).

Grants are available to the following LGAs: Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Cook, Douglas, Hope Vale, Mareeba, Tablelands, Wujal Wujal and Yarrabah.

Tourism Recovery – $5 million

• The package includes the Infrastructure and Business Support program that aims to provide immediate hardship assistance to eligible tourism businesses.
• The Visitor Incentive Initiative will provide incentives for visitors to return to impacted regions through discounted flights and accommodation.
• The program will be administered by the Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport and Tourism and Events Queensland.

Further information on disaster assistance can be found at www.qld.gov.au/disasterhelp or www.disasterassist.gov.au.

The Albanese Government is delivering additional financial support for people directly impacted by the devastating floods in Far North Queensland.

From 2pm AEST, Wednesday 20 December, applications for the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) and Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA) will open for people who live and work in the Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Cook, Douglas, Hope Vale, Mareeba, Tablelands, Wujal Wujal and Yarrabah Local Government Areas (LGAs):

• The AGDRP is a one-off payment of $1000 per eligible adult and $400 per eligible child who have suffered a significant loss as a result of the floods, including a severely damaged or destroyed home or a serious injury.
• The DRA provides up to 13 weeks of federal income support to assist eligible employees or sole traders who experience a loss of income as a direct result of a major disaster.

Equivalent financial assistance is available to eligible New Zealand citizens holding ‘non-protected Special Category’ and ‘subclass 444’ visas.

People will soon be able to check their eligibility and how to claim on the Services Australia website.

The easiest way for people to claim is online through myGov.

If people need help to claim, they can call the Australian Government Emergency information line on 180 22 66. If they want to speak to someone in their language, they can also call the Centrelink multilingual phone service on 131 202.

People in the Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Cook, Douglas, Hope Vale, Mareeba, Tablelands, Wujal Wujal and Yarrabah LGAs can also pause or change their Centrelink debt repayments using the Money you owe service online in either their Centrelink online account, or Express Plus Centrelink mobile app.

Alternatively, they can call 1800 076 072.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“The devastation we have seen over the past few days in Far North Queensland has been horrific.

“My Government stands with the people of Queensland now during the response and will continue to do so through the recovery phase of this disaster.

“This will deliver emergency support to help families get back on their feet in the coming days.”

Minister for Government Services, Bill Shorten said:

“This is a shocking time for these storm and flood impacted communities, especially at Christmas. While we know Queenslanders are resilient, there’s no doubt the road to recovery will be tough.

“I encourage those in the impacted areas to check their eligibility for disaster assistance available through the Services Australia website.

“If you can’t get online or you need help with a claim, Services Australia staff are available to assist. You can call 180 22 66 to speak with a staff member.”

Minister for Emergency Management, Murray Watt said:

“As the floodwaters from Tropical Cyclone Jasper recede, the Albanese Government is getting on with the job of providing more assistance to areas in need.

“Already, we have provided initial financial assistance in conjunction with the Queensland Government and now we are activating more support.

“We are making this financial help available now because the economic impact of disasters like these are felt long after the flood water has gone. 

“There are still tough days, weeks and months ahead for many people, and the recovery process will take some time.”

Senator for Queensland, Nita Green said:

“The past week has been incredibly tough on people up here in Far North Queensland.

“But we are tough people and we will get through this.

“These payments will help those affected to pay for the things they need after suffering significant losses, while the DRA is a modest payment to help people who’ve temporarily lost their income.

“And ahead of Christmas, this assistance will be vital for those who have lost so much.”

The Albanese Government has pledged $265 million at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees-led Global Refugee Forum (GRF) in Geneva to support refugees and to sustain humanitarian assistance in protracted crises.

As the world faces a deepening crisis with more than 114 million people displaced across the globe, Australia is working to take a leading role in international resettlement efforts.

In response to the ongoing displacement crisis, Australia will provide:

• $235 million to support displaced Rohingya and communities in need in Myanmar and Bangladesh.
• $20 million to support people in Afghanistan and those displaced to neighbouring countries.
• $10 million to support people in Sudan and those displaced to neighbouring countries.

At the GRF, Australia reaffirmed its commitment to the Global Compact on Refugees, enhancing refugee self-reliance, and expanding access to third country solutions through resettlement and complementary pathway places.

Australia’s Humanitarian Resettlement Program has been increased to 20,000 places, the highest core intake in over a decade, and we are committed to growing skills-based pathways. Australia is also working to support other countries to establish and grow their own resettlement programs.

The Australian Government recently established a Refugee Advisory Panel to Government to ensure those with lived experience can advise Australia’s settlement programs.

Australia’s official delegation to the GRF includes one of its members Mr Danijel Malbasa, an advocate, writer, lawyer, and a former Yugoslav refugee, who co-delivered Australia’s National Statement.

the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong said:

“We are seeing the largest displacement crisis unfolding in modern history, with more than 114 million people displaced globally.

“Our humanitarian assistance is part of a broader effort to address the causes of displacement and find durable solutions.

“Through our partners, Australia will deliver vital support to vulnerable people displaced by conflict.”

the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, the Hon Andrew Giles MP said:

“Our pledges aim to ease pressure on host countries and demonstrate our commitment to responsibility sharing, in recognition of the shared global challenge of displacement.

“Through our pledges, Australia is firmly committed to supporting refugees globally and the communities that host them at a time where there are more people forcibly displaced than ever before.

“The Albanese Government is committed to working with others globally to find practical, and sustainable solutions for the increasingly complex situations driving displacement, such as through the adoption of machine-readable refugee travel documents”.

the Minister for International Development and the Pacific, the Hon Pat Conroy MP said:

“Australia is deeply concerned by the unprecedented number of displaced people around the world.

“We are making an important contribution to the humanitarian response in partnership with other countries and international organisations at the Global Refugee Forum.”

Australia will extend and expand its commitment to the training of recruits from the Armed Forces of Ukraine as part of Operation Kudu, throughout 2024.

Since January, Australian soldiers have helped to train more than 1,200 recruits as part of the UK-led and based multinational training mission to support Ukraine’s national defence following Russia’s illegal and immoral invasion.

The most recent rotation of approximately 70 Australian Defence Force (ADF) instructors for 2023 this week returned to Darwin from the United Kingdom.

Over the next 12 months, the number of deployed ADF members will increase to 90 personnel, per rotation, with Australia’s role expanded to include a junior leadership training program, focusing on areas such as foundation warfighting skills including urban and trench warfare, combat first aid, explosive hazard awareness and marksmanship.

More than 30,000 Ukrainians have trained to become soldiers since June 2022 as part of the wider UK-led and based training program supported by personnel from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Lithuania, the Netherlands and, most recently, Romania.

This ongoing contribution is part of the Albanese Government’s steadfast support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Australia has committed approximately $910 million in overall assistance to Ukraine including $730 million in military support.

Acting Prime Minister, the Hon. Richard Marles MP said:

“Our ADF personnel are providing critical skills to Ukrainian recruits as part of Operation Kudu to support Ukraine to defend against Russia’s ongoing invasion.

“We are proud to expand Australia’s support for Operation Kudu, a mission that cements international solidarity for Ukraine.

“Our growing commitment to the multinational training mission affirms our pledge to provide meaningful and relevant support to the government and people of Ukraine.”

Foreign Minister, Senator the Hon. Penny Wong said:

“Almost two years since Russia launched its illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Australia remains steadfast in our commitment to shaping a world in which no country dominates, and no country is dominated.

“Training members of Ukraine’s Armed forces is an important way that Australia is empowering Ukraine to end the war on its own terms.

“Australia is proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with the brave Ukrainians who are defending their people, their territory, and their sovereignty.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will welcome the Prime Minister of New Zealand, The Rt Hon Christopher Luxon, to Australia on 20 December 2023.

This will be Prime Minister Luxon’s first official overseas visit.

The early engagement between the two leaders demonstrates the closeness of the Australia-New Zealand partnership.

The leaders will meet in Sydney to discuss how to continue deepening ties between the two countries and our shared vision for a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“Australia and New Zealand are not just friends, we are family. Our close relationship is underpinned by our rich history and generations of community, business and government links.

“I look forward to welcoming Prime Minister Luxon and working together to advance the unique Australia-New Zealand relationship.”

The US National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA) 2024, which passed the US House and Congress, does not guarantee Australia the sale of nuclear-powered submarines as part of the AUKUS deal. 

The Bill instead clarifies that any possible transfer of nuclear submarines from the US to Australia is contingent on Australia operating within US national interests. 

The NDAA states that nine months before a submarine can be transferred a future US President, whoever that may be at the time, must ensure Australia would only use them “consistent with United States foreign policy and national security interests.” If this is not guaranteed, then no submarines will be transferred.

The Bill also provides that the President must certify that the provision of U.S. nuclear submarines to Australia will not cause a capability gap for the U.S. Navy. 

Given the US currently cannot build enough nuclear submarines to meet its own needs, let alone Australia’s, this is almost certainly a poison pill for the AUKUS deal.

Greens spokesperson for Defence, David Shoebridge, said: 

“This Bill is an unmasking moment, because it is now written in black and white, Australia can either have an independent foreign policy or US nuclear submarines, but it cannot have both.”

“This Act does not guarantee Australia nuclear submarines, there are so many get out of jail free cards written into this legislation for the US.

“To meet the demand for US and AUKUS submarines the US needs a five-fold increase in its nuclear submarine building industrial base and there is no credible plan to get it even close to this. 

“Ultimately this Bill is a media moment not a structural solution, because it kicks the real problems down the road for future administrations to deal with. 

“The immediate danger for Australia is not that we will receive hugely expensive nuclear submarines, but that we will surrender any pretence of an independent foreign policy to Washington,” said Senator Shoebridge. 

The Albanese Government has pledged $265 million at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees-led Global Refugee Forum (GRF) in Geneva to support refugees and to sustain humanitarian assistance in protracted crises.

As the world faces a deepening crisis with more than 114 million people displaced across the globe, Australia is working to take a leading role in international resettlement efforts.

In response to the ongoing displacement crisis, Australia will provide:

• $235 million to support displaced Rohingya and communities in need in Myanmar and Bangladesh.
• $20 million to support people in Afghanistan and those displaced to neighbouring countries.
• $10 million to support people in Sudan and those displaced to neighbouring countries.

At the GRF, Australia reaffirmed its commitment to the Global Compact on Refugees, enhancing refugee self-reliance, and expanding access to third country solutions through resettlement and complementary pathway places.

Australia’s Humanitarian Resettlement Program has been increased to 20,000 places, the highest core intake in over a decade, and we are committed to growing skills-based pathways. Australia is also working to support other countries to establish and grow their own resettlement programs.

The Australian Government recently established a Refugee Advisory Panel to Government to ensure those with lived experience can advise Australia’s settlement programs.

Australia’s official delegation to the GRF includes one of its members Mr Danijel Malbasa, an advocate, writer, lawyer, and a former Yugoslav refugee, who co-delivered Australia’s National Statement.

the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong said:

“We are seeing the largest displacement crisis unfolding in modern history, with more than 114 million people displaced globally.

“Our humanitarian assistance is part of a broader effort to address the causes of displacement and find durable solutions.

“Through our partners, Australia will deliver vital support to vulnerable people displaced by conflict.”

Qthe Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, the Hon Andrew Giles MP said:

“Our pledges aim to ease pressure on host countries and demonstrate our commitment to responsibility sharing, in recognition of the shared global challenge of displacement.

“Through our pledges, Australia is firmly committed to supporting refugees globally and the communities that host them at a time where there are more people forcibly displaced than ever before.

“The Albanese Government is committed to working with others globally to find practical, and sustainable solutions for the increasingly complex situations driving displacement, such as through the adoption of machine-readable refugee travel documents”.

the Minister for International Development and the Pacific, the Hon Pat Conroy MP said:

“Australia is deeply concerned by the unprecedented number of displaced people around the world.

“We are making an important contribution to the humanitarian response in partnership with other countries and international organisations at the Global Refugee Forum.”

The Australian Government proudly endorses Ms Natasha Stott Despoja AO for re-election to the United Nations (UN) Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).

Ms Stott Despoja was first elected to CEDAW in 2021 and is the first Australian to serve on the Committee in almost 30 years.

CEDAW — a body of 23 independent experts — monitors the progress of UN member states’ efforts to eliminate all forms of discrimination against women.

Minister for Women, Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher, commended Ms Stott Despoja’s lifelong contribution to progressing gender equality and eliminating violence against women.

“Ms Stott Despoja is a fierce advocate for the progression of women’s human rights and the advancement of women’s representation in decision-making institutions domestically and internationally,” Minister Gallagher said.

“She is an influential global leader for gender equality, advocacy she will take into a second term on the committee and to her representation of Australia and advocacy for women’s human rights across the globe.”

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong, affirmed Australia’s commitment to eliminating discrimination against women at home and abroad.

“Gender equality is at the centre of the Australian Government’s international and domestic policy agenda,” Minister Wong said.

“Ms Stott Despoja’s continued service on the Committee will strengthen Australia’s advocacy for women’s human rights as we work collaboratively with CEDAW to achieve gender equality globally and at home.”

Labor’s Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook prioritises Labor’s political strategy over Australians crushed by the cost of living crisis.  

“Despite millions of Austalians struggling to afford food and rent, Labor has conformed today it will continue with $317 billion in Stage 3 Tax Cuts for politicians, billionaires and the wealthy,” Greens Economic Justice spokesperson Senator Nick McKim said. 

“There are plenty of decisions that can be made to help people with the bare essentials of life without driving up inflation like a rent-freeze, putting dental and mental health into medicare and providing free childcare.”

“Labor is boasting about a bulging bottom line while renters are being smashed by spiralling rent increases and mortgaged home owners are struggling with record rate rises.” 

“Under Labor’s ‘Liberal-Lite’ policies, more people are living in tents and skipping meals. Meanwhile property speculators are supercharging their wealth and corporations are making record profits from price gouging.” 

Tax concessions for property investors will cost a colossal $39 billion this year alone. Over the decade Labor are giving away $90 billion in fossil fuel subsidies.

“Labor claim they are reducing spending to fight inflation, but they are more than happy to spend big by giving massive tax concessions to their corporate and billionaire mates, while forcing more and more everyday Australians below the poverty line.” 

“Budgets are about choices, and once again, Labor are prioritising big corporations and billionaires over millions of Australians struggling to afford food and rent.”

Australia, Canada, and New Zealand mourn every Israeli and Palestinian innocent life which has been lost in this conflict and express our condolences to all families and communities affected by the violence.

We unequivocally condemn Hamas’ terror attacks on Israel on October 7, the appalling loss of life, and the heinous acts of violence perpetrated in those attacks, including sexual violence. We condemn Hamas’ unacceptable treatment of hostages and call for the immediate and unconditional release of all remaining hostages.

We recognise Israel’s right to exist and right to defend itself. In defending itself, Israel must respect international humanitarian law. Civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected. We are alarmed at the diminishing safe space for civilians in Gaza. The price of defeating Hamas cannot be the continuous suffering of all Palestinian civilians. 

We remain deeply concerned by the scale of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and ongoing risks to all Palestinian civilians. Safe and unimpeded humanitarian access must be increased and sustained.

The recent pause in hostilities allowed for the release of more than 100 hostages and supported an increase in humanitarian access to affected civilians. We acknowledge the persistent diplomatic efforts of the United States, Qatar, and Egypt to broker this pause, and we regret it could not be extended.

We want to see this pause resumed and support urgent international efforts towards a sustainable ceasefire. This cannot be one-sided. Hamas must release all hostages, stop using Palestinian civilians as human shields, and lay down its arms. 

There is no role for Hamas in the future governance of Gaza.

We support Palestinians’ right to self-determination. We oppose the forcible displacement of Palestinians from Gaza, the re-occupation of Gaza, any reduction in territory, and any use of siege or blockade. We emphasize that Gaza must no longer be used as a platform for terrorism. We reaffirm that settlements are illegal under international law. Settlements and settler violence are serious obstacles to a negotiated two-state solution.

We recommit ourselves to working with partners toward a just and enduring peace in the form of a two-state solution, where Israelis and Palestinians can live securely within internationally recognised borders.  

We remain concerned about the impact of the conflict spilling across the region and urge all governments in the region to work towards containing the conflict. We call on the Houthis to cease immediately their attacks on international shipping and crew operating in the Red Sea.

We condemn rising antisemitism, Islamophobia, and anti-Arab sentiment in our countries and around the world and remain firmly committed to combatting prejudice, hatred, and violent extremism.