Category: Australian News

Today we announce that an elected Dutton Government will commit to developing the Greater South East Irrigation Scheme (GSEIS) in Tasmania.

The GSEIS is a critical project for Tasmania that will provide water security and reliability to farmers and boost the region’s economy.

This project will employ over 200 Tasmanians in construction and support almost 470 ongoing jobs.

The $300 million scheme will be funded by $150 million from the Coalition, along with $75 million each from the Tasmanian Liberal Government and Tasmanian Irrigation.

This is in stark contrast to the Albanese Government who has provided no funding the GSEIS and has cut $5.9 billion in funding to water infrastructure projects.

The project will source water directly from Lake Meadowbank in the Derwent Valley, and supply more than 37,000 ML of water, in what’s traditionally been one of Tasmania’s lowest rainfall areas.

This commitment will boost previous investments made by the Tasmanian and Federal Governments, by integrating and expanding existing irrigation schemes and creating an integrated water grid for the region.

Only a Coalition Government is committed to making sure Australian farming stays strong and successful for generations to come.

At a time when skyrocketing student debt is making the cost-of-living crisis worse, the Greens have announced an election plan to wipe all student debt, unshackling almost 3 million people from their debts and allowing people to keep more of their paycheck. Since Labor came to office, total student debt has soared to over $81 billion¹, and student debt has risen by 16%. 

The Greens have relentlessly pushed the Albanese Government to deliver desperately needed student debt relief since they came to power, and the pressure has worked in securing changes to indexation as well as recent commitments to raise the minimum repayment income and cut student debt by 20% after the election. 

However, Labor’s plans still fall short of what’s needed- Labor’s indexation tweaks still lock in student debt hikes every year. 80% of a lifetime of debt is still a lifetime of debt. All student debt should be wiped. 

The Greens’ plan to wipe all student debt, part of the party’s ‘Robin Hood’ reforms, will be paid for by taxing big corporations that are profiting off price gouging during a cost of living crisis. For someone who has an average student debt and who earns an average income, the Greens’ plan would result in a debt of $27,600 being wiped and a saving of $5,500 a year²– enough to cover more than six months’ worth of groceries³. 

The latest ATO data shows that almost 57,000 Australians have a student debt of more than $100,000 compared to less than 23,000 in 2018-19⁴. Meanwhile, the number of people with a student debt of more than $50,000 has doubled over the last five years, from 7% to 14%. The Greens’ policy will wipe these massive, stifling debts which take years to pay off and make it easier for so many to save money, start a family and get ahead. 

Wiping student debt will also make it easier for people to buy their first home. Recent analysis from the NAB shows that having an average student debt reduces the borrowing capacity of a person on a $120,000 salary by $90,000⁵.  

The Greens plan to wipe student debt has been independently costed by the PBO. Based on this analysis, the plan would have a fiscal impact of $74 billion over the decade. Wiping student debt will overwhelmingly benefit young people and women, with recent parliamentary library data showing that 71% of student debt is owed by people below the age of 35 and 59% of student debt is owed by women. 

The policy will be announced by Deputy Greens Leader and Higher Education Spokesperson Senator Mehreen Faruqi and Greens candidate Samantha Ratnam in the key Greens target seat of Wills on Monday. The Greens are running a massive people-powered campaign in Wills, where less than 1 in 10 people need to change their vote for the Greens to win the seat. Greens volunteers have already knocked on over 20,000 doors in Wills. 

Student debt is a key concern for voters in Melbourne electorates like Wills. Melbourne is bearing the brunt of the student debt crisis, where more than 650,000 people owe a staggering $19.4 billion in student debt. This is higher than any other capital city. Student debt will also be a key concern for voters in the Prime Minister’s home city of Sydney, where more than 615,000 people owe almost $19 billion in student debt. 

With a minority Parliament looming, the Greens say wiping all student debt is a key policy demand for the Party this election and will be on the table and pushed in any minority Parliament negotiations after the next election. 

Senator Mehreen Faruqi, Deputy Leader of the Australian Greens & Higher Education Spokesperson: 

“Wiping student debt will put money back in the pockets of people who desperately need it to make ends meet, pay rent or save for a deposit for their first home. 

“With everything from rents to grocery bills through the roof, wiping all student debt will make a real, tangible difference to so many people doing it tough. 

“The Greens have a plan to take on the price-gouging corporations and coal and gas giants to make them pay their fair share of tax and wipe all student debt so you keep more of your weekly paycheck. 

“The Greens are the only party fighting to wipe all student debt so you have more money to spend on the things you need. 

“Student debt can’t be fixed because student debt shouldn’t exist. All student debt should be wiped. If Anthony Albanese can go to uni for free, so should everyone else.” 

Samantha Ratnam, Greens candidate for Wills:

“Whether it be spiralling student debts or unrestrained rent rises, young people are being totally let down by Labor and their inadequate, bandaid solutions. 

“So many people in Wills tell me that their student debt is holding them back. Wiping student debt will make life better for so many people. 

“It’s hard enough for first home buyers in Wills to get a foot in the door without student debt making it even harder. 

“People in Wills know that they can’t keep voting for the same two parties and expecting a different result. Only the Greens will wipe your student debt, so you can keep more of your paycheck.”

References 

¹ https://data.gov.au/dataset/ds-dga-ce4c58ec-c930-4a05-8a37-f244d960e5f8…

² Greens estimates based on ATO withholding rates 

³https://www.news.com.au/finance/business/retail/aussies-paying-nearly-1… 634cdb8c788a4a1cdb81a7f1fd88d4e 

⁴https://www.smh.com.au/national/the-number-of-australians-with-student-…. html 

⁵https://www.theage.com.au/politics/federal/relaxing-lending-rules-to-he…

Today on Remembrance Day, as we observe the minute of silence in all its solemnity, we think of that moment 106 years ago as the guns fell still across Europe.

There, in that profound silence that belonged equally to the dead and the living, stood the hope that the world would never know such conflict again.

Although it was not realised, we hold on to hope with the same determination we hold on to memory.

We think of every Australian who has answered the call through the decades.

We think of everywhere they have gone across the world to confront the unimaginable as it became reality.

From trench to desert to jungle to sea, every place they stood and every place they fell is mapped out in our hearts in an atlas of loss and sacrifice.

We remember every name. Every face. Every future lost and every future changed forever.

And we think of the many who were cast into the ranks of the unknown soldier as they were torn from life.

Every young Australian denied the chance to grow old.

We remember every one of them. All who served then — and all who serve now.

We have seen what horrors Australians have defeated. We have seen the difference Australians have made in the world.

We thank all serving members of the Australian Defence Force. And we thank all veterans. Just as they stepped up for us, we must step up for them.

During that minute of silence, let our hearts fill with their names, their faces, their voices. Think of all they were, and all they could have been.

Every Remembrance Day, we carve this sacred moment out from the noise of the world so that we can hear them.

We will not let them fade. Lest we forget.

As Australians gather today to honour our veterans for Remembrance Day, the late Private Richard Norden will be awarded a Victoria Cross for Australia for his gallantry during the Battle of Fire Support Base Coral in Vietnam in 1968.

The Governor‑General, Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, has announced that His Majesty The King has given approval for the award of the Victoria Cross for Australia to be bestowed to Private Norden.

The Victoria Cross for Australia is the highest military honour that can be awarded in the Australian honours system. Private Norden has been recognised for the most conspicuous acts of gallantry in action in the presence of the enemy.

On 14 May 1968, Private Norden’s platoon came under heavy fire during the Battle of Fire Support Base Coral. Using his initiative and demonstrating a depth of care for his mates, Private Norden rescued a wounded soldier and recovered the body of another, with little cover and under intense enemy fire.

His actions also secured the enemy position and avoided the potential for further casualties of platoon members.

Private Norden’s service to his country continued when he returned to Australia and became an Australian Capital Territory police officer. He died at the young age of 24 following a traffic accident while he was on duty.

The Governor-General’s Office will work with Private Norden’s family to finalise plans for the investiture ceremony.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“Private Richard Norden is a true Australian hero. His exceptional bravery epitomises the spirit of our veterans, who we thank for their service.

“Private Norden demonstrated extraordinary courage and selflessness by putting his own life at risk to save and protect his fellow comrades.

“Remembrance Day is a chance to honour those who have served our nation – and Private Norden is one of the finest. Lest We Forget.”

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles:

“Private Richard Norden’s bravery during the Battle of Fire Support Base Coral exemplifies the values we hold as Australians – those of tremendous courage and mateship.

“Under fire from the enemy, Private Norden did not hesitate as he moved forward to help his fellow wounded soldiers.

“The awarding of the Victoria Cross for Australia is our highest military honour and I am pleased to see Private Norden recognised with this honour today.”

Minister for Veterans Affairs Matt Keogh:

“Private Norden personified the ANZAC spirit – disregarding his own safety to put his mates first.

“I want to acknowledge and thank the veteran community for your advocacy for the appropriate recognition of Private Norden.

“I’m so glad that especially today we can acknowledge Private Norden’s gallant actions with the Victoria Cross for Australia.

The Albanese Labor Government wants to see a sustainable salmon industry that supports workers and their families right into the future.

We are also committed to protecting the environment.

That’s why we’re investing more than $28 million in new measures to boost water quality and improve environmental conditions at Macquarie Harbour.

These measures will build on existing environmental and species conservation interventions in Macquarie Harbour, which plays an important role in Tasmania’s $1 billion aquaculture industry.

Of the funding, $21 million will be committed to improving and scaling up oxygenation in Macquarie Harbour.

Oxygenation will help offset the effects of human activities, while other aspects of the program focus on sediment remediation and research on the effects of historical mining.

Another $5 million will expand the current Maugean Skate breeding program’s work on hatching eggs and raising juvenile skates for release.

This will help sustain the Maugean Skate population, while environmental conservation efforts work to improve its habitat.

$2.5 million will be committed to skate population and environmental monitoring, compliance as well as community engagement.

This includes engagement with the nearby community of Strahan, and environmental monitoring to better understand the ecosystems and health of Macquarie Harbour.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“The Tasmanian salmon industry is the backbone of many regional communities and it’s essential we support the thousands of jobs it creates right across the state.

“To do that it’s essential we have a sustainable industry, which supports workers and the environment.

“That’s exactly what this will help to do, making sure we have a sustainable salmon industry and deliver stability for workers and their families into the future.”

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins

“The Albanese Labor Government backs Tasmania’s salmon industry which supports thousands of jobs across the state.

“That’s why I’m pleased to announce these measures today to increase efforts to improve the health of Macquarie Harbour.

“These measures will protect our state’s unique environment and support sustainable salmon farming in Macquarie Harbour.

“Tasmania’s independent environmental regulator has already confirmed oxygen levels in Macquarie Harbour are rising, and the Albanese Labor Government is pleased to be supporting measures to continue these improvements.”

Senator for Tasmania Anne Urquhart

“The Tasmanian Salmon Industry delivers good, well-paid jobs for workers, and supports families and regional communities across Tasmania. From fish farms on Macquarie Harbour in Strahan to processing facilities in Devonport, there are hundreds of local jobs that rely on this industry.

“Today’s announcement is about delivering a strong future for fish farming in Macquarie Harbour. We know that engineered oxygenation has worked overseas, and a trial already underway in Macquarie Harbour is showing increasing levels of dissolved oxygen.

“The current oxygenation trial by the Australian Government’s Fisheries Research and Development Corporation and Salmon Tasmania is supporting conservation efforts for the Maugean Skate.
“Their work provides the evidence-base for this additional Federal Government investment which will protect the industry and the Maugean Skate.

“Labor stands on the side of jobs, and we also stand on the side of sustainability. These two things aren’t contradictory; they go together.”

The Australian Government has launched a landmark new initiative supporting non-government organisations (NGOs) working on transformative development projects across our region.

The Indo-Pacific NGO Blended Finance Accelerator will help NGOs pioneer new approaches to financing sustainable development in our region.

The $10 million Accelerator will increase the scale and impact of initiatives that promote gender equality and climate resilience, with a particular focus on the Pacific.

In recent years, NGOs have led the way in establishing development impact bonds, advancing climate and carbon credit projects, strengthening microfinance, and raising funds for impact investments. But they often face unique barriers preventing them from scaling these innovative solutions.

This initiative provides vital support to strengthen the role of NGOs in blended finance transactions, enabling them to design, pilot and scale innovative projects—as impact managers, technical assistance providers and, where suitable, fund managers.

By providing direct financial support, the Accelerator will help NGOs overcome the structural barriers they face and expand their impact.

For more information on Australia’s blended finance efforts, visit: Blended Finance | Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong:

“The Australian Government partners with NGOs to improve the lives and livelihoods of our neighbours, of those in our region and beyond.

“These partnerships with NGOs exemplify Australian generosity but they are also integral to Australia’s national interest.

“By investing in the ability of organisations to scale and sustain blended finance projects, we are helping to drive long-term change in areas like gender equality and climate resilience across the Indo-Pacific – and shape a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.”

Minister for International Development and the Pacific Pat Conroy:

“The Indo-Pacific NGO Blended Finance Accelerator will equip NGOs with the tools they need to lead and innovate—bringing ingenuity and commitment to some of our region’s biggest development challenges.

“This commitment represents an evolution in the working relationship the Albanese Government has with our international development NGO partners and I look forward to seeing real and lasting impact delivered through this exciting new initiative.”

The Albanese Government will legislate 16 as the minimum age for access to social media, following endorsement by National Cabinet today.

The decision follows extensive consultation with young people, parents and carers, academics and child development experts, community, industry and civil organisations, First Nations youth, and state and territory governments.

The Albanese Government will introduce legislation in the next Parliamentary sitting fortnight.

The Bill puts the onus on social media platforms, not parents or young people, to take reasonable steps to ensure fundamental protections are in place.

The Government will continue to work closely with stakeholders in the lead up to the commencement of the law, with a lead time of at least 12 months following the Bill’s passage to give industry, governments and the eSafety Commissioner time to implement systems and processes.

We will also use this time to develop guidance for parents, carers and children ahead of the change.

The Bill builds upon the Australian Government’s work to address online harms for young people, including the $6.5 million age assurance trial, establishing an online dating apps code, legislating new criminal penalties for non-consensual sexual deepfakes, and quadrupling base funding for the eSafety Commissioner.

The Government will ensure young Australians retain access to services that primarily provide education and health services, and work constructively with stakeholders to ensure that only services which meet the strict criteria under eSafety’s powers are able to be accessed by children under 16.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese: 

“Social media is doing social harm to our kids. I’m calling time on it.

“We need to do everything we can to keep our kids safe, and wherever I go in Australia, I know one of the biggest issues worrying mums and dads is the impact social media is having on their children’s well being.

“I want Australian parents and families to know we’ve got their backs.

“In the next Parliamentary fortnight we will introduce legislation into the Parliament to make 16 the minimum age to access social media.

“I want to thank the Premiers and Chief Ministers for their engagement and support on this issue.

“This is a national challenge that requires national leadership. That’s what our Government is stepping up to deliver.”

Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland MP:

“Introducing a minimum age for social media access is about protecting young people – not punishing or isolating them – and letting parents know that we are in their corner when it comes to supporting their children’s health and well being.

“Our decision to set the minimum age at 16 years is based on extensive consultation with experts, parents and young people. It strikes a balance between minimising harms experienced by young people during a critical period of development.

“Social media has a social responsibility for the safety of their users, and this legislation is one way they’re being held to account – with significant penalties for any breaches.

“This measure is a key component of our work across the online safety space and will enable young people to use the internet in a safer and more positive way.”

National Cabinet met virtually today to discuss the Australian Government’s proposed social media legislation.

First Ministers agreed to the Commonwealth legislating a minimum age of 16 to access social media.

Setting the minimum age at 16 will protect young Australians from the harms that come with social media, and will support mums, dads and carers to keep their kids safe.

This move builds on National Cabinet’s work at its 1 May and 6 September 2024 meetings where an investment of $6.5 million was agreed to trial an age assurance pilot to protect children from harmful online content.

It will also assist in accelerating action to end gender-based violence in a generation, and implement the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022–2032.

The Commonwealth intends to introduce legislation to Federal Parliament before the end of the year. The legislation will come into force no earlier than 12 months after Royal Assent.

This media statement has been agreed by First Ministers and serves as a record of meeting outcomes.

Last night in Senate Estimates, it was revealed that the Albanese Government ‘lapsed or amended’ 16 military permits to Israel from Australia due in part to the “very high number of civilian casualties” in the ongoing conflict.

It was also revealed that 59 of the 65 military export permits that were active with Israel as of June 2024 were for “goods and technologies designed or adapted for use by armed forces or goods that are inherently lethal.” The remaining 6 permits are for “dual-use goods” that are used by both civilians and militaries.

Over the past year, there has been persistent misinformation and gaslighting from the Albanese Government on the two-way arms trade with Israel. Minister Marles falsely claimed that Australia’s exports were all “dual use” and that Australia has not exported “a piece of military equipment” to Israel. Minister Wong’s statement that we have only exported “non-lethal” parts to Israel has now also been proven untrue.

The Albanese Government’s review is still not finalised, and more export permits may be cancelled. In the meantime, Australia is continuing to provide military exports to Israel, some of them part of the two-way arms trade with Israel, where Australia receives the weapons back.

Senator David Shoebridge, Greens Spokesperson from Defence, said: “This is a victory for the millions of Australians who, for a year, have been calling on the Albanese Government to take steps to end the arms trade with Israel.

“Over the past year, tens of thousands of innocent people have been killed across the Middle East, with an ongoing genocide in Gaza. In the face of this horror, we now have confirmed that the Albanese government has been permitting the export of military and inherently lethal equipment to Israel.

“After a year of gaslighting and denying that there is a two-way arms trade with Israel, the Albanese Government, under the clouds of a US election, has finally cancelled 16 military permits to Israel.

“The Albanese Government has no credibility in claiming there is no arms trade with Israel while also permitting Australia to export military and inherently lethal goods.

“The Government’s position doesn’t make sense because it is not supposed to, it is designed to silence critics and hide Labor’s complicity in a genocide.

“Cancelling 16 military permits to Israel is a much-needed first step, but why has it come a year late?

“It’s time to end the two-way arms trade with Israel in full.”

Senator Mehreen Faruqi, Deputy Leader of the Australian Greens and spokesperson for Higher Education, has called on Labor to bring in a bill right now to fulfil their promise of wiping 20% of student debt like they have done for fee-free TAFE places today. 

Senator Faruqi: 

“If Labor can introduce legislation for fee-free TAFE places today, why can’t they bring in a bill right now to fulfil their pledge to wipe some student debt.

“People are hurting right now, they need student debt relief right now, not next year.

“Not only is Labor delaying their promised changes to student debt, they are making them uncertain by tying them to the result of the next election.

“There’s no reason to wait. Student debt relief shouldn’t be dangled like a carrot on a stick and held ransom to the next election results. We have the numbers in the parliament to lock in these changes right now.

“We’ve kept the pressure on Labor and it’s clear they are worried more than ever before about people voting Greens. 

“Let’s keep up the pressure for wiping all student debt and making TAFE and uni free.”