Category: Australian News

The Victorian Greens have expressed solidarity with teachers considering industrial action, saying the Allan Labor Government’s $2.4 billion cut to public schools has pushed educators to breaking point.

Victorian teachers are now the lowest paid in Australia, with many able to earn around $15,000 more simply by crossing the border to New South Wales – nearly $300 a week at a time when housing, groceries and everyday costs are soaring.

The bulk of the $2.4 billion of funding that Labor has delayed would have gone towards boosting school staff and increasing staff salaries. 

The Victorian Greens secured an inquiry into public school funding which will begin at the beginning of this year. 

Victorian Greens spokesperson for Education, Dr Tim Read: 

“If you want to know why over 300 teaching positions are vacant, you can ask Jacinta Allan’s Labor Government. It’s no wonder when all teachers have to do is cross the border to NSW to get an extra $15k a year, that’s a pretty enticing argument. 

“The problem will only get worse unless we increase teacher salaries to match their NSW counterparts. Inflation and cost of living are soaring and our teachers deserve better, instead they’re being locked into the lowest salaries in the country. 

“Labor likes to call Victoria the education state, but right now they’re funding schools to fail. We can do better by our teachers, and by our kids.”

Greens spokesperson for communications and Senator for South Australia, Sarah Hanson-Young:

“It’s becoming clearer and clearer Australia needs an overhaul of the triple zero system. It is failing to keep up with changing technology and failing to deliver the most basic of essential services.

“It is a system that is clearly out of date, that relies on whether someone in an emergency has the right phone in their hand – putting people’s lives at risk.

“Sadly, and most worryingly, it’s the most vulnerable who are at the most risk – the elderly and the poorest in our community.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has concluded his first visit to Timor-Leste as Prime Minister.

In Dili, he met His Excellency President Dr José Ramos-Horta and His Excellency Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão.

The Prime Minister also addressed the Parliament of Timor-Leste, a great honour for Australia.

Prime Minister Albanese and Prime Minister Gusmão signed a joint declaration establishing Parseria Foun ba Era Foun, which is Tetum for a New Partnership for a New Era.

The declaration is the first of its kind between our two nations and cements our growing economic, security and development partnerships.

Parseria is a demonstration of our shared commitment to:  

• an open, stable and prosperous region;
• cooperation, consultation and mutual respect for national sovereignty; 
• support Timor-Leste’s nation building priorities; and 
• strengthen community links. 

Prime Minister Albanese announced an Economic Cooperation Package for Timor‑Leste, which includes a further $8.2 million to support its participation in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the World Trade Organization.

The package also includes an $80 million Private Sector Development Program to support Timor-Leste’s economic diversification and private sector growth through access to credit, business services and marketing support. 

In addition, the Prime Minister announced a new $220 million Human Development Initiative to support the delivery of inclusive and high-quality health, education and disability services across Timor-Leste.

The Australian Government committed to allocate ten per cent of Australia and Timor-Leste’s combined future upstream revenue from the Greater Sunrise project, once finalised, to the Timor‑Leste Infrastructure Fund.

Timor-Leste President Ramos-Horta presented the Prime Minister with the Grand Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste in recognition of his contribution to strengthening ties between Australia and Timor-Leste and commitment to the prosperity of the Timorese people. 

Prime Minister Albanese:

“This marks a new era of cooperation between our nations.

“It reflects our longstanding friendship and sets out our shared vision for the future.

“It was an honour to visit Timor-Leste at this important moment in its history following its accession to ASEAN.

“Australia will continue to work with Timor-Leste to ensure this delivers peace, stability, and prosperity for the Timorese people and our shared region.”

Assistant Minister for Defence, Peter Khalil, will today officially open the new MQ-4C Triton facilities at RAAF Base Tindal in the Northern Territory, marking a major milestone for the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and delivering a significant boost to Australia’s air and maritime surveillance capabilities.

Delivered under the $355.7 million Remotely Piloted Aircraft System Facilities Project, RAAF Base Tindal will serve as the home of the Royal Australian Air Force’s MQ-4C Triton aircraft.

The aircraft will be launched at Tindal and flown by Air Force pilots from a ground station at RAAF Base Edinburgh in South Australia. The remotely piloted aircraft system allows the Triton to operate at higher altitudes and remain airborne for longer periods than a traditional piloted aircraft, providing persistent surveillance across Australia’s maritime approaches. 

Designed by BVN and constructed by Sitzler Pty Ltd, the project commenced in May 2023 and includes a purpose-built hangar, working accommodation, upgraded airfield pavements and supporting infrastructure to enable sustained Triton operations.

The new facilities strengthen Defence’s Cooperative Program with the United States Navy and support the 2024 National Defence Strategy, which prioritises enhancing northern bases and investing in uncrewed systems to expand Australia’s intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities across the air and space domains.

Since 2022, the Albanese Government has invested over $2.8 billion in strengthening the ADF’s presence across Northern Australia, with 43 projects either completed or underway. Over $166 million in contracts for the Triton facilities project were awarded to Northern Territory businesses, including $7.5 million to Indigenous subcontractors, delivering a significant economic contribution to the region.

Assistant Minister for Defence, Peter Khalil:

“The completion of these facilities at Tindal is a critical step in strengthening our northern defence capability and is yet another example of our commitment to deliver the priorities outlined in the 2024 National Defence Strategy.”

“This suite of new infrastructure will enable the ADF to operate advanced uncrewed aircraft from Australia’s north, enhancing persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance along our maritime boarders and across the broader region.”

“The project also deepens Australia’s Cooperative Program with the US Navy, by ensuring our forces can operate seamlessly together in support of regional stability.”

“Investing in critical infrastructure and advanced capabilities across our northern bases is critical to ensuring Australia is ready to face whatever challenges arise in the future.”

Federal Member for Lingiari, Marion Scrymgour:

“This project has delivered real benefits for the Territory, supporting local businesses, creating jobs and building skills that will continue to benefit the region well into the future.

“Working closely with local industry and Indigenous contractors has been central to this project, ensuring the investment strengthens not only Defence capability but also the local economy.

“RAAF Base Tindal is a valued part of the local community, and these new facilities will support the men and women who live and work here as they carry out their vital role.”

Special Envoy for Defence, Veterans’ Affairs & Northern Australia, Luke Gosling:

“The completion of the MQ-4C Triton facilities at RAAF Base Tindal reflects the Northern Territory’s central role in Australia’s national security. It recognises the work of our Defence personnel, the importance of our northern bases, and the strength of our local Defence industry in keeping Australians safe.

“This investment gives the ADF a powerful new capability to see further, stay airborne longer and maintain constant situational awareness. It will significantly strengthen our maritime surveillance and ensure Australia is better prepared to respond to emerging security challenges across the Indo-Pacific.”

More than 2,000 jobs will be created in Western Sydney following a $508 million investment from the Albanese Government in two major capital works projects that are critical to Australia’s national security.

The two projects – part of the Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) plan – include the redevelopment of base facilities and the construction of new explosive ordnance storage at Orchard Hills.

Hansen Yuncken has been contracted to deliver upgrade works to Defence Establishment Orchard Hills, including for security and infrastructure and new training and working facilities at a value of $298 million, with expected construction completion in early 2029. This project is expected to create 600 direct employment opportunities for engineers, plant operators, and construction tradespeople.

ADCO Constructions will provide guided weapons and explosive ordnance storage buildings at a value of $210 million, with construction expected to be completed in late 2027, creating 300 direct jobs.

There are also indirect supply chain employment opportunities for 1,400 personnel in roles including steel and concrete production, material supply, fabrication, office fit-out, design, and logistics. The two projects are expected to contribute around $500 million directly into the NSW and Western Sydney economy by providing business for local subcontractors, suppliers, materials, labour and services.

The two separate contracts include Indigenous workforce, apprentice training and women in construction targets, as well as procurement commitments, designed to ensure significant economic benefits flow to the local community. 

The Orchard Hills base currently employs approximately 700 people, including contractors and Defence personnel. This work, part of the Government’s commitment of up to $21 billion under the GWEO plan, support the commitment in the 2024 National Defence Strategy to increasing Australia’s guided weapons and explosive ordnance capability. 

Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Pat Conroy MP:

“The Albanese Government is delivering a defence future made in Australia and creating thousands of well-paid jobs for locals with this major investment in infrastructure that is critical to our national security.

“This is part of the Albanese Government’s commitment to establish a sovereign missile manufacturing industry which will make Australia more self-reliant and ensure the ADF has what it needs to keep Australians safe.” 

The Victorian Greens have expressed solidarity with teachers considering industrial action, saying the Allan Labor Government’s $2.4 billion cut to public schools has pushed educators to breaking point.

Victorian teachers are now the lowest paid in Australia, with many able to earn around $15,000 more simply by crossing the border to New South Wales – nearly $300 a week at a time when housing, groceries and everyday costs are soaring.

The bulk of the $2.4 billion of funding that Labor has delayed would have gone towards boosting school staff and increasing staff salaries. 

The Victorian Greens secured an inquiry into public school funding which will begin at the beginning of this year. 

Victorian Greens spokesperson for Education, Dr Tim Read: 

“If you want to know why over 300 teaching positions are vacant, you can ask Jacinta Allan’s Labor Government. It’s no wonder when all teachers have to do is cross the border to NSW to get an extra $15k a year, that’s a pretty enticing argument. 

“The problem will only get worse unless we increase teacher salaries to match their NSW counterparts. Inflation and cost of living are soaring and our teachers deserve better, instead they’re being locked into the lowest salaries in the country. 

“Labor likes to call Victoria the education state, but right now they’re funding schools to fail. We can do better by our teachers, and by our kids.”

The Consumer Price Index released by the Australian Bureau of Statistic today shows inflation surged over Christmas, confirming that under Labor the cost of living is getting worse, not better for Australian families.

The data shows inflation accelerated to 3.8 per cent in December, leaving Australian households paying more at exactly the wrong time of year.

After nearly four years of Labor, Australians are paying more for everything:

• Insurance is up 39 per cent.
• Energy up 38 per cent
• Rents up 22 per cent
• Health up 18 per cent
• Education 17 per cent
• Food is up 16 per cent

Housing and rents are now a key driver of inflation, and Labor’s housing and migration settings are worsening supply pressures and feeding the cost of living crisis.

For families facing back to school costs, this is a serious blow. 

Parents are paying more for uniforms, textbooks, lunches, transport, groceries and power, while mortgage repayments continue to bite.

Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said the figures confirmed what families are feeling every day.

“Families are doing everything they can, but under Labor the cost of living is getting worse, not better,” the Opposition Leader said.

“This is not abstract economics, it is the weekly shop, the power bill and the mortgage, and families are paying more because this government refuses to get its spending under control.

“Every extra dollar families are paying at the checkout or on their power bill is a reminder that Labor has lost control of the economy.

“Hardworking Australians expect their government to ease pressure, not add to it, but under Labor the cost of living crisis is deepening.”

Deputy Leader and Shadow Treasurer Ted O’Brien said the ABS data showed inflation was being driven by government policy.

“While the Treasurer is desperate to shift the blame, there is no doubt this Jimflation crisis is homegrown,  Mr O’Brien said.

“With inflation in services and non-tradables both accelerating, the blame lies squarely with the government.”

“Government spending is growing 13 times faster than the Coalition budgeted for and has reached its highest level outside recession in 40 years. 

“This government is competing with everyday Australians for goods and services, pushing up the price of everything.

“This renewed inflation will further erode real wages, increase income tax burdens and add pressure to interest rates.”

The December quarter trimmed mean inflation figure, the measure the Reserve Bank watches most closely, jumped to 3.4 per cent, well above the Reserve Bank’s most recent forecast.

The Reserve Bank has already made clear that rate cuts are off the table and today’s result raises the real risk of another interest rate increase when the Board meets on Tuesday.

The average mortgage holder is already paying around $21,000 a year more in interest than under the Coalition, and that burden could rise even further.

After nearly four years of Labor, Australians were promised relief but are being asked to brace for more pain.

When Labor spends, Australians pay.

The first of four MC-55A Peregrine – Australia’s inaugural airborne Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Electronic Warfare (ISREW) aircraft – has arrived, marking a major milestone in strengthening the nation’s sovereign defence capability.

The Albanese Government is pleased to announce the first MC-55A arrived at RAAF Base Edinburgh, South Australia, late last week. Modelled on the Gulfstream G550 airframe and extensively enhanced by L3Harris Technologies, the MC-55A is a long-range, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft designed to deliver multiple sources of intelligence in support of Defence operations.

This advanced capability reinforces Australia’s national defence posture and contributes to deterrence. Integrated within a focused and agile force, the MC-55A ensures the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) is ready to detect, disrupt, deter, and if necessary defeat threats – underpinning the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) commitment to readiness and resilience.

The MC-55A will be a key component of Australia’s broader ISR enterprise, complementing platforms such as the P-8A Poseidon and MQ-4C Triton, and forming a critical link in the nation’s sovereign network of surveillance and electronic warfare assets.

Operated by Number 10 Squadron, the MC-55A Peregrine will be based at RAAF Base Edinburgh, South Australia.

the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon. Richard Marles MP:

“The introduction of the MC-55A Peregrine represents a significant step forward in strengthening Australia’s ability to monitor and protect its strategic interests, including key maritime approaches.

“This capability will integrate seamlessly with allied and partner systems, enabling the Air Force and ADF to share intelligence with security partners like the United Kingdom and United States – reinforcing our collective security and enhancing regional stability.”

Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon. Pat Conroy MP:

“This investment strengthens Australia’s sovereign intelligence, surveillance, and electronic warfare capability and ensures our Defence Force is prepared for the challenges of tomorrow.”

Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Stephen Chappell DSC, CSC, OAM: 

“The introduction of the MC-55A to Air Force’s fleet will ensure we have a critical enabler for advanced ADF capabilities and, as identified in the 2024 Integrated Investment Program, provide important intelligence information to support ADF missions.  

“The MC-55A Peregrine is more than an aircraft—it is a strategic capability that reinforces our ability to protect national interests in an increasingly complex security environment.”

Today, we welcome Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manele, Tongan Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua, Palaun President Whipps and the Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Baron Waqa to Australia for a meeting of the PIF Troika in Brisbane.

The Albanese Labor Government will strengthen our commitment to backing Pacific-led climate solutions by investing a further $550 million for the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP).

At the invitation of the PIF Secretariat, Minister Bowen will join the PIF Troika, consisting of the current PIF Chair (Solomon Islands), incoming Chair (Palau) and outgoing Chair (Tonga), to discuss progress on arrangements for a special pre-COP hosted in the Pacific.

Minister Bowen will sign a Memorandum of Understanding on a Renewable Energy and Climate Partnership with Tonga, and meet with President Whipps to discuss climate solutions and progress of the Palau-Australia Renewable Energy Partnership.

Minister Wong will welcome Lord Prime Minister Fakafanua for his first visit to Australia since his election as Prime Minister in December 2025, and since Australia and Tonga committed to elevate our partnership through the Kaume’a Ofi agreement.

Minister Wong will also meet with Prime Minister Manele to discuss Australia’s commitment to our economic, development and security partnership with Solomon Islands.

In discussions with President Whipps, Minister Wong will confirm Australia’s support for Palau to deliver a successful and impactful PIF Leaders meeting later this year.

The AIFFP, Australia’s major critical infrastructure provider, is already delivering 58 projects across 11 countries, including ports, airports, renewable energy infrastructure and undersea cables. For more information visit: The Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP)

Foreign Minister Penny Wong:

“Australia is backing Pacific-led climate solutions – investing in the Pacific Resilience Facility and in new energy partnerships.

“At a time of major global uncertainty, Australia’s additional $550 million investment will deliver further critical infrastructure projects, with a particular focus on digital infrastructure development.

“As a founding member of the PIF, Australia is a reliable partner for the Pacific, working to shape a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.”

Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen

“We are bringing the world to the Pacific to see climate impacts and solutions through the COP process.

“Climate action remains the greatest lever to protect the livelihoods, security and wellbeing of the people of the Pacific.

“Today Australia and Tonga strengthened our collaboration on renewable energy and climate action, delivering on Pacific priorities to cut emissions while cutting the cost of energy.”

The Greens are calling for an end to new coal and gas projects as record temperatures are set to hit Victoria today and Australia is forecast to be the hottest place on earth.

The Victorian town of Ouyen is expected to hit 49 degrees, which would set a new record for Victoria while Melbourne is forecast for 45 degrees. 

With a total fire ban, regional communities are anxiously watching for new fires as an out of control fire burns in the Otways. 

Meanwhile over the last 9 months, Victorian Labor approved 5 new coal and gas projects. Labor cleared fossil fuel giant ConocoPhillips to start drilling the Otway Basin early last year, and hit gas in November.

Labor continues to fast-track new fossil fuel projects in Victoria. In December alone, the Allan Labor government opened parts of Gippsland and the Otways for gas drilling, a day before the Albanese government opened five new areas for offshore exploration.

The Greens say with Labor opening up new coal and gas projects, we should expect to see more extreme heat days and unpredictable weather. 

Acting Leader of the Victorian Greens, Sarah Mansfield. 

“Every week since the start of this year, Victorians have experienced a catastrophic climate event. In my electorate, along the Great Ocean Road the same communities have faced devastating fires, floods, and now fires again. Yet just offshore from them last month, Labor has approved multiple new gas projects in the Otway Basin. Labor’s disconnect is astounding.

“It’s unconscionable that Labor is continuing to approve new coal and gas. What we’re experiencing is what climate scientists have warned us about for decades – it’s terrifying that those warnings have become our reality, and with Labor’s new coal and gas projects in the pipeline, things will only get worse. 

“Meanwhile, the fossil fuel corporations who are causing this are being allowed to rake in billions while CFA volunteers risk their lives to protect communities and we’re left to clean up the mess. It’s completely unjust.