Category: Australian News

Senator Mehreen Faruqi, Deputy Greens leader and spokesperson for Higher Education, has reacted to reports that over 1,000 jobs could be at risk at universities nationwide due to the government’s reckless international student cap legislation, which is before the senate.

Senator Faruqi: 

“Labor’s disastrous plan to introduce international student caps is wreaking havoc in the sector before they’ve even come into effect.

“If the prospect of more than 1000 uni job cuts across many universities during a cost of living crisis isn’t enough to convince the Albanese Government that international student caps are a catastrophic mistake, nothing will. 

“Rampant casualisation, wage theft and unsustainable workloads were already crushing staff, and now more than 1000 university workers stand to lose their jobs because of Labor.

“Labor should dump its disastrous international student caps bill and get rid of Ministerial direction 107 right now.

“What universities need is a boost in funding and an overhaul of governance to prioritise staff and students in every decision, not these politically motivative crackdowns on international students.”

Australia will provide a further $10 million in humanitarian assistance to conflict-affected civilians in Lebanon.

Around 800,000 people have been displaced in Lebanon by the conflict between Israel and Hizballah. Emergency shelters have been overwhelmed and humanitarian workers killed.

Australia’s humanitarian assistance will be delivered through United Nations partners to address immediate and emerging needs, including access to food, shelter, healthcare and other critical services.

This will support international efforts, including through the International Conference in Support of Lebanon’s People and Sovereignty, convened in Paris overnight.

Since 7 October 2023, we have committed $94.5 million in humanitarian assistance to support civilians impacted by conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon and to respond to the refugee crisis in the region worsened by those conflicts.

Australia has been clear in its call for ceasefires in both Lebanon and in Gaza. We continue to call for all parties to uphold international law and protect civilians and humanitarian workers.

We continue to advise Australians not to travel to Lebanon. Australians in Lebanon should leave. Australians in Lebanon can register on DFAT’s Crisis Portal or by calling the Australian Government’s 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305.

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong:

“The conflict in Lebanon is taking a heavy toll on civilians, including women and children, with around 800,000 people having now been displaced.

“Australia and our partners continue to press for ceasefires in Lebanon and in Gaza. This additional contribution will help those in urgent need, through access to food, shelter and healthcare.”

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

“Civilians and humanitarian workers must be protected, and humanitarian personnel must be able to access all individuals in need of assistance.”

“Australia’s humanitarian funding will provide critical services for people displaced or affected by these conflicts and help protect the most vulnerable.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has today joined other Pacific leaders to mark the first deployment of the new Pacific Police Support Group, part of the Pacific Policing Initiative (PPI), backed by Australia and endorsed by Pacific Island Forum leaders in August 2024.
 
More than 40 police officers from 11 Pacific countries are part of this deployment, providing security support for Samoa’s hosting of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.  The deployment includes officers from Pacific partners trained at the PPI’s Pinkenba training hub in Brisbane.
 
The Pacific Police Support Group is a new multi-country police capability ready to respond to emergencies or assist during major events, at the request of a Pacific Island Forum Government.
 
Australia has committed approximately $400 million over five years to ensure the Pacific Policing Initiative delivers on the agreement by leaders that the security of the Pacific is the shared responsibility of the Pacific family.
 
The PPI is a Pacific-led initiative designed to strengthen policing capacity and coordination in the region. The PPI has three pillars – regional police training Centres of Excellence, the Pacific Police Support Group and a Pacific Policing Development and Coordination Hub, based in Brisbane.
 
In marking this first deployment, Prime Minister Albanese confirmed that Australia will support the establishment of four regional Centres of Excellence under the PPI. The Centres of Excellence will be purpose-built to train police from across the region in a range of specialist capabilities.
 
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:
 
“Samoa is the first Pacific island country to host CHOGM. Australia is proud to join our Pacific family to provide police and security support for Samoa as host.
 
“Two months since the Pacific Policing Initiative was endorsed by Pacific leaders, we are seeing it deliver for the region at CHOGM 2024.
 
“The Pacific Policing Initiative will play an important role in promoting regional security across the Pacific region.
 
This is about Pacific security, delivered by the Pacific, in support of Pacific sovereignty.”

The Australian Government is bolstering Africa’s ability to withstand the escalating impacts of climate change and combatting food insecurity through a new Africa-Australia Partnership for Climate Responsive Agriculture.

To be announced at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting where climate change is a major focus, the Partnership will use Australian expertise to support the climate resilience of farming communities in Africa. 

Delivered by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) over a six-year period, the first year of $11.9 million in funding will contribute to the development of new bilateral research projects and training programs, in close collaboration with local partners. 

ACIAR is already supporting impactful research in Eastern and Southern Africa, including the improvement of sustainable crop and livestock systems, and forest management practices as well as plant biosecurity to stimulate commercial options for smallholder farmers.

The Partnership will allow ACIAR to expand its operations into Northern and Western Africa, as well as deliver capacity development and innovative partnerships across the continent.

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong: 

“Through innovative partnerships and Australian know-how, we are helping build a future where communities are fed, economies are stronger and the environment is protected. It’s about securing a better, more resilient future for all.

“This initiative will help address food insecurity in regions most exposed to climate change’s devastating impacts.

“It is another example of the Albanese Government’s commitment to helping our partners across the world in the fight against climate change and our work to shape the world for the better.”

Minister for International Development, the Hon Pat Conroy MP:

“Investing in Africa’s food security through climate-responsive agriculture is also an investment in Australian farmers and those throughout our region who are facing similar climate impacts.

“This will help secure lives and livelihoods for decades to come.”

Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon Tim Watts MP: 

“Australia is a trusted partner in agricultural innovation and this Partnership will further deepen our economic and research ties with Africa.

“By sharing expertise and resources with African nations, we are helping to build resilient communities that can withstand the interconnected challenges of food security and climate change.”

An extraordinary warning from some of the nation’s foremost marine scientists about the plight of the endangered Maugean skate has left Minister Plibersek with nowhere to hide.  

For years scientists have sounded the alarm on the toxic impacts of Atlantic salmon farming in the Maugean skate’s last known habitat of Macquarie Harbour – and now over 250 days have passed since the Minister was compelled to make a decision on the fate of the industry operating there.

It’s time the Minister made a decision: will she do her job as Environment Minister and protect the Maugean skate, or will she cave to the Atlantic salmon farming industry?

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

“The toxic Atlantic salmon farming industry has been frantically trying to undermine existing scientific conservation advice regarding the skate – but enough is enough. 

“Today’s bold statement from scientists sends a powerful message to the Environment Minister: will she do her job and protect the skate or cave to the vested interests of powerful and greedy corporations?  

“The writing is on the wall for the Atlantic salmon industry: it has no future in Tasmania.

“Warming oceans from climate change is the single biggest threat to this toxic industry, and shocking new data revealing the volume of dead fish removed from the skate’s last remaining home in Macquarie Harbour proves this point.

“Fish farming mortalities will only get worse with climate change, so why are we risking the extinction of the endangered skate when this industry itself is surely facing extinction? 

“The survival of the Maugean skate is a political decision. Minister Plibersek has the power to act and she needs to listen to these eminent scientists, not the spin from a profit driven, self-interested Atlantic salmon farming industry”.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and The Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer KCB KC MP, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, met today on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Apia, Samoa.

This was the first meeting between the two leaders since the election of the Starmer Government.

The Prime Ministers discussed Australia’s and the United Kingdom’s modern and dynamic relationship, underpinned by close personal ties and strong security, trade and investment links.

The two leaders considered how the two countries could step-up their work together to meet common challenges and to realise new opportunities.

Australia and the UK agree that the transition to net zero represents economic opportunity. The Albanese and Starmer Governments believe private capital and the power of government can be leveraged to shape a clean energy future in the interests of working people. The transition paves the way for new industries, new technologies, new job opportunities and a revitalisation of each nation’s industrial base.

To this end, the Prime Ministers agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation on climate change and energy by negotiating a dynamic new partnership. The Australia–UK Climate and Energy Partnership will focus on the development and accelerated deployment of renewable energy technologies, such as green hydrogen and offshore wind, to support the economic resilience and decarbonisation goals of both countries.

The partnership will also build upon the two countries’ long-standing cooperation on international climate action, including on renewable energy and climate finance.

The Prime Ministers agreed the Minister for Climate Change and Energy of Australia and the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero of the United Kingdom will take this important work forward.

The two leaders also announced grant recipients under the Australia-UK Renewable Hydrogen Innovation Partnership Program. Under this program, the two Governments will support six cutting-edge projects focused on industrial decarbonisation.

On trade and investment, Prime Ministers discussed gains under the ambitious Australia-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement. The United Kingdom’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership later this year will also present new opportunities for the region.

Discussions on defence and strategic cooperation focused on working together to ensure the AUKUS partnership delivers for the security and stability of the Indo-Pacific and beyond. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to negotiating a bilateral treaty, as announced by Defence Ministers in September 2024, to develop the SSN-AUKUS submarine for both nations. 

The Prime Ministers also reaffirmed their commitment to an approach that sets the highest non-proliferation standards and to sustaining peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, respectful of sovereignty and rules.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“Australia and the UK are longstanding partners, with common values and aligned strategic interests. It was great to congratulate Prime Minister Starmer in person after his election win in July.

“We had a productive discussion, including agreeing to negotiate a new climate and energy partnership. This partnership will ensure we maximise the economic potential of the net zero transition, and build on our long-standing cooperation on international climate action and shared commitment to reach net zero emissions by 2050.

“We share a vision for a modern and transformed Australia-United Kingdom relationship, which delivers tangible benefits and prosperity to both our nations and the Indo-Pacific.”

Prime Minister Keir Starmer

“The UK and Australia share many things in common, including our governments’ determination to improve the lives of working people, drive economic growth and ensure cleaner, more affordable energy.

“This partnership underscores our commitment to powering up the UK with clean energy projects that will benefit communities across the country.

“Together, we’re delivering better futures for our two countries, whether that’s through protecting our national security with projects like AUKUS or delivering on our net zero commitments.”

The Victorian Greens have responded to the Allan government’s plan to fast-track high-rise apartment blocks and remove stamp duty for investors, saying that proceeding without guaranteeing any new public and genuinely affordable housing will simply funnel more profits to wealthy developers while Victorian suffer through more housing stress.

The Greens said that while they welcome more housing near transport and services, without policies to require building genuinely affordable homes in these zones, Labor’s plans will simply let developers get away with building more expensive penthouses, and young people will not benefit.

The Greens say that fast-tracking the plans of wealthy property developers and providing short-term stamp duty concessions for property investors without forcing them to build any public and genuinely affordable homes will actually make the housing crisis worse.

The Greens have been calling for inclusionary zoning to ensure that 50% of these new activity areas are public and genuinely affordable housing for the people who need them the most.

Greens spokesperson for Public and Affordable Housing, Samantha Ratnam:

“If Labor wants to fundamentally reshape our city, they need to do it in a way that creates housing that teachers, nurses and young people can actually afford, but right now Labor is just giving incentives to wealthy property developers to build expensive houses that won’t solve the housing crisis.

“We’re in the worst housing crisis we’ve seen in decades and property developers are building expensive houses, hoarding land and keeping homes empty.

“If Labor actually cared about building homes that young people can afford, they’d require developers to build genuinely affordable and public homes in these zones, rather than just allowing developers to build expensive luxury apartments.

“Labor must commit to building more public and affordable housing – not just expensive luxury apartments.”

The Victorian Greens warn that the Allan government must guarantee public and affordable housing otherwise their skyrise plan will do nothing to fix the housing crisis and will only make housing more expensive and further lock out young people.

Labor’s high-rise plan doesn’t ensure any public and affordable housing at the sites and today property developers are saying they would force apartment prices up by at least 15 per cent – making housing affordability even worse.

The Victorian Greens say that this is exactly why we need to ensure public and affordable homes in these new activity zones, otherwise this plan is going to drive up prices and make it even harder for young people and essential workers to find somewhere to live.

The Victorian Greens have been calling for inclusionary zoning that would ensure that at least 50% of new housing are public and affordable homes In these new zones.

The Greens are also calling for structural reform of the tax system which currently locked young people and workers out of buying a home – like getting rid of negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount.

Leader of the Victorian Greens, Ellen Sandell:

“Today property developers made it clear that Labor’s plan is to build more expensive luxury apartments. Developers want to build apartments that are at least 15% more expensive than now – that’s the opposite of what we need!”

“We need more genuinely affordable and public homes that young people, nurses, and everyday workers can afford – not expensive luxury apartments.”

Quotes attributable to Greens spokesperson for Public and Affordable Housing, Samantha Ratnam:

“Labor must commit to more public and genuinely affordable homes in these new activity zones otherwise they’re not doing anything for young people struggling through the worst housing crisis in decades.”

“Labor is intent on enabling wealthy developers and corporations to cash in on luxury apartments and it’s only going to make things worse.”

“Labor can’t knock down thousands of public homes and only offer expensive apartments in return.”

Today I announce appointments of five highly qualified individuals to lead Australian posts in Alofi, Funafuti, Ottawa, Paris and Rome.

Australia’s engagement with the world is driven by our diplomats. Their ability to build influence and advocate for Australia is critical to promoting our national interests abroad.

I am pleased to announce the following appointments:

• Ms Olivia Phongkham as Australia’s High Commissioner to Niue.
• Mr David Charlton as Australia’s High Commission to Tuvalu.
• Ms Kate Logan as Australia’s High Commissioner to Canada.
• Ms Lynette Wood as Australia’s Ambassador to France.
• Ms Julianne Cowley as Australia’s Ambassador to Italy.

I thank the outgoing high commissioners and ambassadors for their contributions to advancing Australia’s national interests.

Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla have concluded an historic visit to Australia.

The Royal visit was The King’s first visit to Australia as Sovereign.

It showcased the very best of modern Australia, including our strong communities, scientific innovation and rich cultural diversity.

In Canberra, Their Majesties honoured fallen Australians at the Australian War Memorial, visited Parliament House and learned more about Australia’s unique environment and the impact of climate change on our ecosystems at the National Botanic Gardens.

The spectacular Fleet Review of the Royal Australian Navy, the visit to the Sydney Opera House and the community barbecue in Western Sydney were highlights of Their Majesties’ Sydney visit, and gave them the opportunity to meet a wide range of Australians.

The King and Queen’s visit focused attention on important work being done in our community to improve the lives of everyday Australians.  

The King met the Australians of the Year at the ground-breaking Melanoma Institute, and met Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community representatives to hear about a range of community projects at the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence. The King also visited a sustainable NSW Homes community housing project which will soon provide 75 affordable homes to people in Sydney’s inner-west.

The Queen assisted volunteers at OzHarvest to prepare meals and spent time hearing from women’s safety advocates about their vital work at Government House.  

To mark the Royal visit, the Australian Government made a $10,000 national contribution to Greening Australia on behalf of all Australians. Greening Australia is a national not-for-profit committed to restoring Australia’s diverse landscapes and protecting biodiversity in ways that benefit communities, economies, and nature.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“It was an honour to welcome The King and Queen to Australia for this historic visit, the first by a Sovereign since Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 2011.

“Their Majesties met a range of extraordinary Australians who demonstrated the best of our great country.

“I look forward to meeting The King again in Samoa for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.”