Category: Australian News

The latest monthly inflation data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics confirms inflation is still homegrown, too high and sticky.

Headline CPI came in above market consensus at 3.5 per cent, while core inflation remains stubbornly high at 3.8 per cent. Fruit and vegetable prices have seen their highest rise since December 2022.

Since the election, the price of everything has gone up 10 per cent.

Under Labor, gas is up 33 per cent, electricity is up 14 per cent (even after taxpayer funded rebates) and rents are up 16 per cent.

Australia remains well and truly at the back of the pack among advanced economies.

This year, inflation has fallen in every major advanced economy. In Australia, it hasn’t.

Rate cuts are on the cards in other economies while in Australia the RBA has said they are not expecting any cuts this year.

Despite a worrying spike in imported inflation, homegrown inflation continues to outstrip imported inflation – at three times the pace.

These figures confirm that Labor is still failing to address the source of the inflation challenge. Labor’s attempts to manipulate the headline inflation rate are only temporary masks for the real issue.

This is a cost of living con job from a Labor government only putting band aids on bullet wounds.

This means Australians are still paying more at the checkout, the petrol pump, and on their bills due to Labor’s failed economic management.

Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor said the figures were the consequence of a Treasurer who is fighting everything but inflation.

“Inflation in Australia is homegrown, and it is stubborn. Australia is at the back of the pack and families are paying the price.

“Labor has had three budgets and two years to get this under control, instead they have spent more time fighting the Opposition than fighting inflation.

“Labor promised prices would be back under control by July this year. Instead, we have seen prices since the election rise by double digits – over 10 per cent. Inflation is running the economy, not Labor.

“Australia is in an entrenched GDP per capita and productivity recession, with no plan for productivity and no rate relief in sight. Australians’ living standards are collapsing by levels not seen in other advanced economies.

“Families and small businesses are losing hope and confidence.

“A Peter Dutton led Coalition government will get Australia back on track with a back to basics economic agenda. We will deliver strong economic management that fights inflation and boosts productivity.

“We will be absolutely focused on restoring Australians’ way of life.”

The implications of the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) 2024 Electricity Statement of Opportunities advice are clear – Australia’s energy market is on a knifes-edge.

AEMO’s report confirms that most of the eastern states – Victoria, NSW and South Australia – are at risk of blackouts from this summer, and reliability gaps are set to deepen over the decade.

This is a direct consequence of Labor’s all-eggs-in-one-basket renewables only approach which aims to kill gas and force the premature closure of 24/7 baseload power stations.

Under Labor’s policy settings, with 90% of our baseload power will be forced out of the grid by 2034.

You cannot power the country on wishful thinking, nor rely on the same government which promised a $275 cut to household power bills, to keep the light on.

AEMO’s report admitted the extension of the Eraring coal plant is what’s keeping the lights on, proving that Labor’s failed energy policy is making them more reliant on coal, not less.

The Market Operator also admitted there is no wriggle room in Labor’s ideological renewable-only rollout. If projects aren’t delivered in line with Labor’s unrealistic timeline, the lights will go out unless there are further extensions of coal or a greater reliance on gas.

To meet Labor’s goal, nearly seven gigawatts of new renewable generation must be installed every year to 2030. In stark contrast, last year only 1.3 gigawatts achieved financial close.

The gap between promise and performance is widening, yet Labor continues to claim the transition is on track.

Labor has deliberately sought to cover up how close Australia came to a full-blown energy crisis this winter because it knows their ideological policies are to blame. It is only getting worse as energy demand increases and supply decreases, which eventually leads to rolling blackouts.

Labor is trying to blindfold Australians as it drives the economy towards an energy catastrophe.

Keeping contracts secure and developers accountable are just some the ways the ACT is instilling confidence in off-the-plan home buyers, a recent review has confirmed.

The review of the Civil Law (Sale of Residential Property) Act 2003 confirmed the effectiveness of 2021 reforms that safeguard buyers from unfair contract cancellations. Under the reforms, sellers must obtain the buyer’s consent, or a Supreme Court order, before they can cancel contracts under sunset or delay-event clauses.

Attorney-General Shane Rattenbury said the reforms are working as intended based on the review, which included extensive public consultation.

“Buying a home can be a daunting and complex process in itself; buyers shouldn’t need to contend with unfair contract cancellations as well,” said the Attorney-General.  

“This review shows our 2021 reforms are making a real difference by improving the fairness and transparency in the market. We’ve listened to the community, and we’re pleased to see these reforms have delivered increased protections for homebuyers.”

Key findings of the review include:

1. The reforms have led to a decrease in the number of rescissions, providing greater certainty for buyers.
2. Consumers and industry stakeholders generally agree the changes have improved protections for buyers.
3. There is a desire for further protections, including enhanced pre-settlement inspections and clearer communication about delays.

The government will consider these recommendations as part of its ongoing commitment to a balanced and equitable property market.

“We value the feedback we’ve received from the community and will continue to monitor the effectiveness of these reforms,” said Attorney-General Rattenbury. “We’re also exploring additional measures to further strengthen consumer protections and ensure a fair playing field for both buyers and sellers.”

The Listening Report – Public consultation on unfair contract recission terms is available here: https://yoursayconversations.act.gov.au/download_file/11633/3316

Minister for Community Services, Seniors and Veterans Emma Davidson today tabled the ACT’s first ten-year strategy for volunteering in the ACT Legislative Assembly.

The ACT Government and VolunteeringACT have co-developed the ACT Volunteering Strategy 2024-34 and the first Action Plan 2024-2027. It outlines how the ACT Government and the community sector will work together to better support volunteers.

Minister Davidson said the Strategy is the first of its kind for the ACT and recognises the value volunteers add to make Canberra a more beautiful and liveable place.

“Canberra is such a kind, connected and caring community which is why its no surprise we have one of the highest rates of volunteering in Australia,” Minister Davidson said.

“Every week, hundreds of people generously give their time to help others whether that be in aged care, disability, community services, environment, the arts, health, education, emergency services, recreation or sport.

“The Volunteering Strategy and First Action Plan respects the invaluable contributions volunteers provide all over our community and aims to genuinely support them so we can continue to work a fairer, healthier and more equitable Canberra.

“The action plan aims to increase awareness and numbers of volunteers, promote the benefits and value they add to our community, improve cross-sector collaboration and training and make volunteering more inclusive and accessible.”

“The Strategy and Plan were co-designed with VolunteeringACT and reflects a joint, whole-of government and community sector commitment to support our volunteers and encourage volunteering activities across the Territory.

“We couldn’t do this without the community sector. Their insights and input over the past two years has produced a Strategy that will genuinely support our volunteers and provide more opportunities for people to volunteer across our city.”

Chief Executive Officer Jean Giese, Volunteering ACT

“I am delighted to be launching this Strategy alongside Minister Davidson, and sharing our cross-sector vision for how we will work in partnership over the next decade to ensure ACT volunteers and volunteer-involving organisations receive the recognition, support and investment they need to continue making the amazing contributions they make to the life of our city and region.

“I would also like to acknowledge the countless individuals and groups who gave their time to help us develop the Strategy over the past few years – in particular our Volunteering Strategic Advisory Group members and Community Services Directorate colleagues.

“We could not have reached this huge milestone without their expertise, knowledge and continued support throughout our co-design journey.

“We look forward to continuing our partnership with the ACT Government to progress the actions and expanding our engagement with the ACT volunteering sector and wider stakeholders including Ministerial Councils, and we are excited to be supporting our government colleagues to hold the first annual ACT Volunteering Strategy round table.”

Minister for Corrections and Justice Health Emma Davidson:

This is a very distressing situation for the family involved, staff and other people in the Alexander Maconochie Centre. My thoughts are with the family, friends and community of the deceased. 

Every death is a tragedy and felt deeply across the community. I recognise many people will be struggling with this news today.

ACT Corrective Services is providing support to people within AMC and the family involved. The matter has been referred to the ACT Inspector of Correctional Services and Worksafe as required by law.

As this is a matter for the police, I will make no further comment at this time.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Prime Minister of Tuvalu, the Hon Feleti Teo OBE, today announced the entry into force of the Australia-Tuvalu Falepili Union Treaty.

The Falepili Union Treaty was signed at last year’s Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting in the Cook Islands, responding to Tuvalu’s request of Australia to help safeguard the future of Tuvalu. The Treaty covers three main areas of collaboration: climate cooperation, mobility with dignity, and shared security.

Since the Treaty was signed in November 2023, both governments have undertaken domestic consultation processes to confirm support for the Falepili Union.

With the treaty now in force, our two countries will work together to open our special mobility pathway in 2025. The pathway will enable up to 280 Tuvaluan citizens per year the choice to live, work or study in Australia.

As the relationship between Australia and Tuvalu strengthens, we are also working closely to deliver on our shared vision of ensuring Tuvaluans can remain in their homeland with enhanced development cooperation, and by building security and prosperity for generations to come.

From today, and for the first time ever, Australia is obliged to respond when Tuvalu calls for assistance in the face of a major natural disaster, health pandemic or military aggression. Tuvalu, in turn, will mutually agree any new third-party engagement on defence and security-related matters with Australia.

The Albanese Government has made climate change a central pillar of Australia’s partnerships in the Pacific. In a world-first for a legally binding agreement, the Falepili Union recognises that Tuvalu’s statehood and sovereignty will continue, notwithstanding the impacts of climate change-related sea level rise.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“Australia recognises the unique challenges facing Tuvalu, which is why addressing climate change is central to the Falepili Union.

“I am honoured to announce the entry into force of the Falepili Union – it is a proud and historic moment for our two countries.

“This Treaty demonstrates that Australia will always respond to Pacific needs, while respecting sovereignty and delivering Pacific-led solutions to our shared challenges.

“The Falepili Union responds to Tuvalu’s request to safeguard its future.

“Australia shares a vision for a peaceful, stable, prosperous and unified region.

“We have listened, learned, and are working together on Pacific-led, Australian-backed solutions.

“It shows our Pacific partners that they can rely on Australia as a trusted and genuine partner.

“We are stronger together and in these challenging times, we can count on each other to ensure our region remains safe and secure.”

Prime Minister Feleti Teo:

“Although, the Falepili Union Treaty was signed by my predecessor, I am honoured to announce the ratification by Tuvalu of the Treaty after extensive public consultations on it by my administration after it came to office in February this year.

“Today also marks the entry into force of the Treaty after both parties confirmed their ratification of the Treaty.

“The Treaty is ground-breaking in Tuvalu’s foreign relations.

“For the first time, there is a country (Australia) that has committed legally to come to the aid of Tuvalu, upon request, when Tuvalu encounters a major natural disaster, a health pandemic or military aggression.

“Again, for the first time there is a country (Australia) that has committed legally to recognise the future statehood and sovereignty of Tuvalu despite the detrimental impact of climate changed-induced sea level rise.

“An objective that I will pursue tirelessly for more countries to provide the same legal assurances.

“I expressed profound gratitude for the new elevated, integrated and comprehensive partnership between Tuvalu and Australia that is grounded on the Tuvalu customary value of Falepili that connotes good neighbourliness, respect and duty of care.”

Coles making $1.1 billion in profits during a cost of living crisis shows the corporate supermarket duopoly needs to be broken up and price gouging needs to be made illegal, the Greens say.

“Coles is cashing in on a crisis, showing complete contempt for the people who are struggling the most,” Greens Economic Justice Spokesperson Senator Nick McKim said.

“This is corporate greed at its ugliest, and it’s happening because Labor refuses to rein in these corporate giants.”

“Coles’ $1.1 billion profit is a sick joke for the millions of Australians struggling to afford food and groceries.”

“They are price gouging as food prices continue to drive Australia’s stubbornly high inflation numbers.”

“The Greens won’t stand by while corporate giants like Coles bleed Australians dry. It’s time to break up the supermarket duopoly and make price gouging illegal.”

With planning for a new more than $1 billion northside hospital well underway, the first of several services currently based at the North Canberra Hospital campus will be relocated to make way for future demolition works. 

The Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) the ‘Cottage’ program will move to Canberra’s south and benefit from a new purpose-built facility in Lyons. 

The Cottage is a day program for young people with moderate to severe mental health issues that impact their ability to attend school. The program has been successful in supporting young people to make functional gains, and build their confidence and capacity to return to school or vocational programs.

The planned relocation of the Cottage represents the first step needed to prepare this site for demolition and then construction of a new northside hospital, this work is part of the northside hospital enabling works which received a $27.5 million investment in the 2024-25 ACT Budget.

Now the first procurement process for the Northside Hospital Project is complete. Billard Leece Partnership Pty Ltd has been appointed as the successful tenderer and design partner for the new CAMHS facility on the Lyons site.

Over the past year, the ACT Health Directorate has been working with clinical services on the North Canberra Hospital campus to understand current and future accommodation needs and explore suitable alternative locations for those services that will have to move over the next few years. 

Billard Leece Partnership Pty Ltd will now progress the detailed design of the new CAMHS facility so that it supports the needs of staff, patients and their families.

More information on the Northside Hospital Project is at builtforcbr.act.gov.au.

Minister for Mental Health Emma Davidson:

Community-based models of care ensure Canberrans have access to support they need when and where they need it.

The relocation of The Cottage to Lyons will be more accessible for young people with a mental illness. This will be a more appropriate setting than being on a hospital campus for a community mental health service supporting transition back to school. The new location is in an area already familiar to many of us who live nearby as a nurturing environment for children and young people, with schools, after-school recreation activities, and other services nearby.

The CAMHS Childhood Early Intervention Program and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy Program will also relocate. This first of these programs is delivered through the school system to support schools and families with identifying and responding to early signs of mental health issues in primary aged children, and the second is an intensive individual and group therapeutic intervention for young people presenting with moderate to severe mental health issues.

We look forward to working closely with staff, clinicians and consumers to help us design this new facility.

This media releases was originally published on the ACT Government website.

Senator Mehreen Faruqi, Australian Greens Deputy Leader and spokesperson for Higher Education has responded to Labor’s announcement that international student commencements will be capped at 270,000 in 2025. 

Senator Mehreen Faruqi: 
“Today is a bad day for university independence, student choice and, of course, for international students wishing to study in Australia. 

“Labor and Minister Clare have arrogantly ignored the near unanimous opposition from  the higher education sector and are charging ahead with this terrible policy.

“The weak Albanese government is playing right into the fear mongering, dog whistling, racist agenda of the Coalition and putting migrants and international students in the firing line. It is disgraceful.

“If Minister Clare wants to do something about our universities, how about fully funding them, wiping student debt and dumping the disastrous job-ready graduates policy. 

“After almost a decade of Coalition attacks, universities still can’t get a break. Labor has proven to be a woeful disappointment.

“The Government needs to stop micromanaging universities and start funding them properly.” 

The Victorian Greens have secured key reforms that will stop property investors from hoarding homes to use as short stay accommodation, and instead make homes available for renters and first home buyers to live in. 

In negotiation with the government, the Greens’ reforms will combine the 7.5% property investor levy in the Short Stay Levy Bill 2024 with stronger powers for Councils and owners’ corporations to limit or ban short stay accommodation in their communities. The reforms are due to come before Parliament this week. 

Under the new changes, local governments will have the power to regulate short stay accommodation in their area – including restricting the number of short stay properties in any area, the number of days a property can be listed, introducing amenity and safety standards or banning short stay accommodation altogether. Local governments will also now have access to a register of short stay properties in their area to help them enforce any  regulations. 

The Greens also secured powers for owners corporations, which will have the power to prohibit short stay accommodation in their apartment buildings. 

The Greens have also ensured that people who list a short-stay in their primary residence  through platforms like Airbnb are exempt from the levy. This would mean those who want to temporarily let out a room in a house, or put their place up temporarily while on holiday would not be subject to the levy.

The Greens spokesperson for Renters’ Rights, Gabrielle de Vietri says that these reforms will free up homes for renters and first home buyers and that they’re essential measures we need to be taking to stop property investors hoarding homes in the middle of the worst housing crisis in living memory. 

Victorian Greens spokesperson for Renters’ Rights, Gabrielle de Vietri: 

“In the middle of a housing crisis, it’s not right that 48,000 entire homes are on Airbnb across the state. This pushes up property prices, locks out first home buyers and takes homes away from renters. 

“We’ve negotiated significant reforms that will stop investors hoarding homes for profit. The Greens reforms will combine a property investor levy with new powers for councils and owners corporations to ban or limit short stay accommodation in their communities.

“We know that communities across Victoria are sick to death of property investors snapping up homes to cash in on Airbnb while locals struggle to find somewhere to live. 

“These reforms are going to make more homes available for renters and first home buyers to live in. We know that pressure works, and we will keep fighting for a rent freeze.”