Category: Australian News

With the passing of Graham Richardson, we have lost a giant of the Labor Party and a remarkable Australian.

He served as NSW Labor General Secretary. At 33, he arrived in Federal Parliament as the then youngest ever Senator and went on to serve as a Minister in the Hawke and Keating governments.

He served as Minister for Social Security, for Transport and Communications, and for Health – but it was his impact as Minister for the Environment he will be most remembered for. As Minister, he championed the protection of our natural environment, including saving the Daintree.

The scale of his achievements is indisputable, yet he was characteristically self-effacing. As he once put it, “My memory won’t be around for very long, but the rainforests of north Queensland will be around forever.”

Richo’s life was often colourful, and sometimes controversial, but what lay at the heart of it was his sense of service, underpinned by his powerful blend of passion and pragmatism. He gave so much to our party, to our nation and to the natural environment that future generations will cherish.

Graham left the Parliament but he never left politics. He remained a thoughtful, perceptive and engaged observer, commentator and source of counsel and insight to so many, across the political spectrum.

Despite the considerable health challenges he faced later in life, Richo remained an active part of the national discourse, sharing a lifetime of wisdom with Australian audiences right up until the end.

He loved and lived all of what politics can be: service, calling, art and craft.

Of all the promises he made, the most powerful was to his wife, Amanda, when he told her that he planned to live until their son Darcy completed his HSC exams.

Richo kept his word.

I spoke with Amanda this morning to express my condolences. She and Darcy and all of Richo’s family are very much in our hearts.

I also express my deepest sympathies to all who loved Richo, and to everyone in the Labor family who is today mourning the loss of a friend, mentor and inspiration.

May his efforts for the people of Australia be remembered, and may he rest in peace.

The Australian Government will provide an additional $10 million in humanitarian assistance to support civilians in Sudan, where the world’s largest humanitarian and displacement crisis is taking place.

More than 30 million people are in need of urgent support due to the ongoing conflict. This includes approximately 11 million people who are internally displaced, and another three million people who have fled to neighbouring countries.

Australia’s assistance will be directed through United Nations and NGO partners. It will provide food, clean water and shelter, and support to victim survivors of gender-based violence.

Australia welcomes the release of US$20 million from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to respond to urgent humanitarian needs in Sudan. Australia is a longstanding donor to the CERF, contributing $11 million each year.

Australia has now provided over $60 million to the crisis in Sudan since 2023, with a particular focus on women and girls.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong:

“Australia is horrified by reports of mass killings, sexual violence and deliberate attacks on civilians in El Fasher, Sudan.

“We condemn the atrocities committed by the Rapid Support Forces and call for an immediate end to the violence and unhindered humanitarian access, including Australia’s additional support announced today.

“We will continue to work with partners to help the people of Sudan, particularly women and girls, to access food, nutrition, clean water and shelter.

“All parties must uphold their obligations to protect civilians and respect international law.”

International Development Minister Anne Aly:

“We are appalled by the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation in Sudan, including the credible reports of indiscriminate violence against unarmed civilians in El Fasher.

“Australia continues to call for the protection of civilians and humanitarian personnel, consistent with international law.

“The suffering in Sudan is catastrophic. Australia’s humanitarian assistance will help deliver lifesaving support to the people most in need.
“We know the atrocities unfolding in Sudan are having a profound impact on the Sudanese community in Australia. We continue to call for immediate and permanent cessation of hostilities and an urgent return to negotiations.”

Member for Ballina Tamara Smith MP is calling on locals to nominate an outstanding older person for the NSW Seniors Festival Local Senior of the Year Awards, celebrating the invaluable contributions of seniors across the Ballina electorate.

“Our older community members are the quiet heroes who hold so much of our social fabric together,” said Tamara Smith MP, Member for Ballina.

“We are fortunate to have so many seniors in our local community who are generous with their time, energy and commitment. From volunteering in local organisations to mentoring younger generations and supporting neighbours, seniors contribute immeasurably to the strength, kindness and resilience of our region.”

“If you know a senior who goes above and beyond whether through their community service, creativity, innovation or simple acts of care now is the time to nominate them for this well-deserved recognition.”

Previously known as the NSW Seniors Local Achievement Awards, the Local Senior of the Year Awards highlight the diverse ways older people enrich our communities.

Nomination forms are available from all MPs’ offices across NSW and must be submitted by Friday 16 January 2026.

Successful recipients will be recognised during the NSW Seniors Festival 2026, which runs from 2–15 March 2026.

Jenny Miller and Kath Madgwick, the mothers of Rhys Cauzzo and Jarrad Madgwick, who each took their own lives after receiving an illegal and inaccurate Robodebt notice, are in Canberra today to again call for accountability for Robodebt and an end to the targeting of welfare recipients by government.

To date, not a single Minister or public official has been held accountable for the scheme described as one of the worst failures of public administration in memory.

Madgwick and Miller will visit the Parliament to see their change.org petition with over 15,000 signatures tabled into the Parliament by the Greens spokesperson for Social Services, Senator Penny Allman-Payne, and will stand alongside Greens Senators to call for accountability and justice for Robodebt.

Targets of Robodebt and their families who had put their faith in the Robodebt Royal Commission, the NACC, and the government, have become frustrated by a lack of accountability for Robodebt and the continuation of unlawful punishment of welfare recipients.

In their call for accountability, Madgwick and Miller have called for NACC Commissioner Brereton to be dismissed from his position, for the sealed chapter of the Royal Commission to be released, and for the Robodebt Royal Commission to be fully implemented.

Labor have failed to implement key recommendations despite having previously agreed ‘in principle’ to all of the recommendations, including crucially:

• Reinstating the 6 year limit of recovery of debts
• Establishing a duty of care for the Department of Social Services that prioritises the needs of social security recipients while administering the law,
• Restricting the kinds of decisions which can be made or automated without human oversight
• Better protections for people experiencing hardship from receiving compliance notices.

During Senate Estimates earlier this year, Services Australia were revealed to still be chasing billions of dollars in decades-old welfare debts, dating as far back as 1979, and contrary to the Royal Commission.

A Private Members Bill to implement the outstanding recommendations has been introduced by Senator Allman-Payne in the Senate and crossbench MPs Andrew Wilkie and Helen Haines in the House.

In echoes of Robodebt, the Government continues with its punishing ‘mutual obligations’ regime, under which privatised job agencies have issued over 2 million payment suspensions to JobSeekers in the past year, despite damning advice the Targeted Compliance Framework which underpins the system may not be lawful. 

An estimated 310,000 Centrelink recipients had their payments unlawfully cancelled under the mutual obligations system. In recent Estimates, neither the Minister nor public servants could defend the lawfulness of the system under which payment suspensions continue to this day with little oversight.

Extract from statement by Jenny Miller:

“We are yet to have the names released, we are yet to see justice and accountability for the gross misconduct of those in public office and as far as I’m concerned the NACC is eroding any semblance of public faith in the Australian Government. 

Time has come, many 100000’s were affected by the Robodebt failure, yet here we are, still waiting.”

Extract from statement by Kath Madgwick:

“The conduct of the NACC is wholly unacceptable, and we demand transparency, accountability and justice for all of those impacted by Robodebt.

We also demand that all the Robedebt recommendations be adopted by the Department and that all programs delivered by the Government have a Duty of Care to the people they serve.

We are in 2025, not in the Dark Ages. The prolonging of the NACC’s investigations and the perceptions of conflicts of interest are further harming those who have been hurt enough.

We demand that Paul Brereton be dismissed from his position and that an independent Commissioner with no ties to the ADF be appointed to the position.

The above action is the only way for the Government to gain trust from the general public.”

Senator Penny Allman-Payne, Greens spokesperson for Social Services:

“How much longer do people like Jenny and Kath have to wait for justice from Robodebt?”

“It’s been years since the Robodebt Royal Commission yet virtually nobody has been held to account, and the changes needed to prevent more tragedies have been left to languish.”

“Robodebt was designed to punish, extort, and villainize innocent people with little to give. How sick that the actual villains, the rich and powerful figures that designed and operated Robodebt seem to be getting away with no consequences.”

“Not only have Labor failed to implement the recommendations from the Robodebt Royal Commission, they’ve built a toothless and shadowy NACC that hides corruption rather than exposing it, and they’re continuing to unlawfully take food off the tables of welfare recipients who have done nothing wrong.”

“Labor rightly talked a big game against Robodebt when Scott Morrison was in charge. But in government they’ve failed to deliver, and they’re still treating welfare recipients like criminals.”

“It’s past time Labor did the right thing and ended these crusades against poor people.”

Senator David Shoebridge, Greens spokesperson for Justice: 

“The NACC was forced to investigate Robodebt. Fifteen months later there have been no public hearings, no updates, no accountability. This silence is destroying public trust.

“Robodebt victims deserve to see justice, not sit on the sidelines while the NACC does whatever it does in total secrecy.”

The Australian Greens say the UN’s new Emissions Gap Report released Tuesday is a stark reminder that both major parties are failing to listen to science and meet the ambition required to avoid climate catastrophe.

The report states that the world will fail to limit the rise in global temperatures to 1.5 °C, with a likely breach in the next decade. The report’s evidence supports calls for more ambitious emissions reduction targets.

Assistant Climate and Energy Spokesperson Senator Steph Hodgins-May:

“The new Emissions Gap Report from the UN is another indictment on Labor’s climate inaction.

“Time and time again, we see science sounding the alarm for world leaders to take emissions reduction seriously, only for them to slam the door shut.

“Labor ignores the deadly findings of their own Climate Risk Assessment. Will they ignore the United Nations and take findings from the international community as a suggestion?

“Our country could be a renewable energy leader, but instead, both major parties are in a race to the bottom to appease the likes of Woodside and Santos.

“Meanwhile, the PM is happy to tie our political fate to the US, fuelling the military conquests of a climate denialist with critical minerals and powering one of the world’s largest polluters in the process.

“Labor needs to take science seriously and commit to the required emission targets that will secure a safe future for people and planet.

The Greens will oppose the government’s so-called environmental law reform bills in the House of Representatives when it is voted on this week.

Greens spokesperson for the environment Senator Sarah Hanson-Young:

“In its current form we cannot support this package and will be voting against it in the House of Representatives. It has been written for the mining and forestry lobby and does nothing to guarantee protection for our environment.

“These laws have been criticised by every major environment and climate group, but welcomed by the likes of BHP, Chevron and the BCA. This shows exactly who the laws are written for.

“It is now up to the Prime Minister to decide if he wants to again let mining and logging lobbyists and their political representatives like Roger Cook run the show, or if he wants to protect nature, forests and our climate.”

Cattle and sheep sales across Armidale and Guyra are entering a new era, with a $10 million upgrade transforming the region’s saleyards into modern, efficient and sustainable selling centres.

The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are continuing work to support recovery efforts with investments from the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund, delivered under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

The Armidale and Guyra Saleyards redevelopment received $9.78 million from the Commonwealth and NSW Governments.

Boosting the economic development of the livestock and agricultural sector to continue the growth of the NSW’s primary industries GVP is a major focus for both the Albanese and Minns Governments.

This project has modernised the ageing selling centres, and improved the operational efficiency, safety for users and onsite sustainability.

At Armidale Saleyards, sustainability has been a key focus, with the installation of a solar energy system, a wastewater reuse network and a new water tank, all designed to reduce operating costs and environmental impact.

Additional improvements include the construction of bull pens, a dedicated sales platform, new administration and canteen buildings and expanded parking, which all make the facility more accessible and user-friendly.

Guyra Saleyards has also undergone significant redevelopment. The sheep selling yards have been completely replaced, cattle yards relocated and upgraded watering systems installed. Road improvements, fencing upgrades and the completion of an effluent pond round out the works.

Together, these modernised facilities enhance livestock care, improve safety for users and streamline business operations—attracting more buyers and sellers and stimulating the local economy.

The Armidale and Guyra Livestock selling centres are owned and operated by Armidale Regional Council.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain:

“The redevelopment of Armidale and Guyra Saleyards will provide a big boost to the local economy and help keep these busy saleyards running even more efficiently.

“By partnering on funding, the Albanese and Minns Governments are helping ensure the Armidale region can continue to grow its agricultural economy and recover from the impacts of past floods and other disruptions.

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty:

“The Minns Government supports smart investments that deliver economic development to our agricultural sector and local communities. Modernising the saleyards at Armidale and Guyra is delivering long-term benefits for producers, buyers and the wider community.

“Annually, around 40,000 cattle go through the Armidale Saleyards, while 130,000 sheep are sold at Guyra, highlighting the importance of these facilities to our livestock sector.

“By delivering this infrastructure we’re not only improving day-to-day operations with better efficiency and sustainability but strengthening the backbone of local economies and securing the future of our livestock trade.

“These upgrades reflect our commitment to regional development and animal welfare and will make a real difference for everyone who relies on these facilities.”

Minister for Recovery, Janelle Saffin:

“Saleyards are important to local economies and the agricultural industry that plays such a key part of regional and rural communities.

“We are committed to building back better and supporting communities in disaster recovery.

“It is a great example of the three levels of government working effectively together on community resilience and economic development in our regions.”

Armidale Regional Council Mayor Sam Coupland:

“The completion of this project represents a major step forward for the region’s third-largest industry.

“Agriculture is a cornerstone of our local economy and these upgrades ensure our saleyards are fit-for-purpose, future-ready and supportive of our producers, agents and transport operators.” 

“This investment will help drive economic growth, improve safety and support sustainable practices across the sector.”

Guyra Saleyards Coordinator and Director of APL Guyra Armidale Sam Sewell:

“The upgrades have received some very positive feedback from producers so far. 

“It’s great to see producers again wanting to come along on sale days to see their lambs sold, catch up with fellow producers and just experience the atmosphere that has been created by the upgraded establishments.

“These upgrades firmly position the Armidale region as a key hub in Australia’s livestock industry, laying the groundwork for sustained economic growth and innovation in agricultural trade for years to come.”

Staff from the Environment Protection Authority will walk off the job in Parramatta today in protest at the Minns Labor Government’s plan to axe hundreds of roles.
 
The lunchtime protest sends a clear message. The people who test the water we drink, monitor air quality, and respond to asbestos and contamination are being thrown aside. These are the workers who protect NSW households every day, and now they are being treated as expendable.
 
Under Chris Minns the EPA faces $20 million in cuts and 370 roles delimited.
 
Labor said before the election that jobs were safe. The truth is the opposite. So many of our public sector people who believed Labor’s promises have been duped.
 
The anger felt at today’s protest reflects what is happening right across the public sector.
 
The government workforce feels betrayed and ignored. Morale has plummeted. Staff are burnt out and tired of being told everything is fine while their jobs disappear.
 
Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said this is a government that talks about integrity but hides behind spin while gutting from our agency designed to protect the environment.
 
“When workers who protect our environment are walking off the job, you know Labor has lost control. Chris Minns has turned his back on the people who keep NSW safe,” Mr Speakman said.
 
Shadow Minister for Energy, Climate Change and Environment said EPA culture was being destroyed, and staff were already looking for work elsewhere.
 
“EPA staff have contacted me sharing their concerns that these cuts will ‘strip the organisation of experience and knowledge’. In the EPA staff members own words “you actually invested in us, Labor are cutting…” said Mr Griffin.
 
When the EPA is gutted, toxic sites go unchecked, pollution risks rise, and public safety is compromised. Labor’s cuts aren’t just reckless, they’re dangerous.
 
This protest is a warning. The public sector is breaking under Labor’s cuts, and the government is pretending not to notice.

Four Australian‑developed quantum technology clocks have been successfully trialled in the United States, as part of the Albanese Government’s $2.7 million investment towards these AUKUS Pillar Two capabilities.

Held over a six-week period in Washington D.C., the trials saw Adelaide‑based QuantX Labs and the University of Adelaide each contribute two quantum clocks, which were tested by AUKUS partners under various environmental conditions to evaluate their performance and potential for defence applications, including communication and navigation systems.

Quantum clocks are used to assure the synchronisation of communications networks, detect GPS spoofing and jamming, and provide reliable position, navigation and timing in contested environments.

Integrating this technology into AUKUS partners’ militaries will enhance the Australian Defence Force’s ability to operate in environments where GPS navigation is unreliable or unavailable.

These world‑leading clocks have been developed in Adelaide through $2.7 million in Australian Government contracts, in conjunction with the Defence Science and Technology Group, and sovereign industry and academic partners. This is part of the Albanese Government’s increased investment in advanced capabilities, including up to $3.8 billion over the next decade in the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator.

The outcomes of the quantum clock trial will be shared among AUKUS partners to inform analysis of how quantum clocks may be used in future defence operations.

Quantum technology will play a vital role in the future of the Australian Defence Force, as identified in the 2024 National Defence Strategy and the Defence Innovation, Science and Technology Strategy.

Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Pat Conroy MP:

“Australian industry has long been at the forefront of quantum technology.

“This collaboration harnesses expertise and experience from AUKUS partners and leverages emerging technologies to deliver the capabilities our militaries need.

“Through AUKUS Pillar II, we are achieving capability development faster than any one of our nations could achieve alone.”

The Albanese Government is pleased to announce a strategic contract that paves the way for Australian battery technology to be used in the AUKUS submarine design, supporting local innovation and hundreds of jobs.

South Australian-based PMB Defence is partnering with BAE Systems in the United Kingdom to enable the potential integration of its advanced nickel zinc battery system into the design of the future conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines. PMB will also supply battery technology for other Royal Navy submarines.

The contracts between PMB and BAE, valued in excess of $34 million, have already seen PMB add 20 staff to its workforce in South Australia with the company anticipating adding more jobs as it scales up to meet production requirements. These new jobs add to the 450 positions already created at BAE and ASC as a result of the AUKUS program. 

This is another significant milestone in the AUKUS partnership and underscores the importance of collaboration across our respective industrial bases in delivering future submarine capability. It follows extensive collaboration between the Australian Submarine Agency, PMB Defence, and UK Ministry of Defence stakeholders, and has accelerated entry of Australian products into UK and US submarine supply chains.

PMB is a world-leading manufacturer of submarine battery systems, producing the main storage batteries for the Collins-class submarines, which have been in operation with the Royal Australian Navy since 1996. If successful through the design phase, it is expected these batteries would be built at PMB’s facility in South Australia – supporting a sovereign, local workforce.

The future SSN-AUKUS submarines are being developed trilaterally, based on the UK’s next generation design that incorporates technology from all three nations, including cutting-edge US submarine technology, such as propulsion plant systems and components, a common vertical launch system and conventional weapons. AUKUS partners will also develop a joint combat system, as an expansion of the existing US-Australian combat system. 

Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy:

“The Albanese Government will always back Australian innovation and this strategic contract reinforces the fact that Aussies are world leaders when it comes to defence technology.

“Australian industry is our greatest strategic asset. The contract for the AUKUS design, which comes on the back of work PMB has secured for other Royal Navy submarines, will create dozens of new well-paid high-skilled jobs for locals, on top the hundreds at BAE and ASC that AUKUS has already delivered. 

“AUKUS is expected to create around 20,000 direct jobs over the next 30 years, and the Albanese Government is committed to making it easier for Australian industry to tap into a multi-billion-dollar, multi-decade opportunity.”