Category: Australian News

An independent review into the leak of sensitive data from the Department of Finance has found that Minister Gallagher’s department “appears to have twice breached the same confidentiality provisions that it now asks suppliers to abide by.”

The review, commissioned after two leaks of confidential and commercially sensitive supplier information under Labor within a three month period, found that “the two breaches taken together are also likely to meet the threshold for a significant non-compliance with the Finance law in relation to the general duties of officials under the PGPA Act.”

In relation to the second breach, in which information was sent to 239 suppliers, the Report states that 15 suppliers are yet to execute the Department’s Confidentiality Undertaking Deed Polls. The Report refers to Deed Polls as “a critical part of the containment strategy to ensure that the information contained in the Supplier Matrix was not further disclosed”.

Senator Hume called on Minister Gallagher to explain why a second breach could have occurred so soon after the first, and why her department did not consider whether a broader procedural or policy review was necessary after the first breach.

“Not only should this not have happened in the first place, but there remain 15 businesses that received the commercially sensitive information who have not returned the required paperwork to ensure the information leaked is protected.

“It has been more than a month since the second of two incredibly serious leaks of confidential and commercially sensitive information, and some recipients of this information have yet to provide the appropriate assurances to the Government. What is Katy Gallagher doing about this?

“Labor has been so focused on enforcing standards of behaviour on suppliers of services, but have now fallen short of their own standards twice. Yet again, it’s ‘do as I say’ not ‘do as I do’ from this Labor government,” she said.

“Minister Gallagher should focus on giving government suppliers certainty that confidential information leaked on her watch will not damage them commercially,” Senator Hume concluded.

The Albanese Government must release a key report into the massive Optus outage which saw nearly 2700 calls fail to get through to the triple zero emergency line.

Communications Minister Michelle Rowland has been sitting on the Bean Review into the national Optus outage since 21 March.

A parliamentary inquiry into the Optus Network Outage has stalled while it waits for the Minister to release the report now on her desk.

As part of its terms of reference, the Senate inquiry is examining the steps taken by the Federal Government to ensure proper access to the triple zero service during the outage.

It was originally supposed to report to Parliament on 28 February, but that date was pushed back to 9 May while they waited for the Bean Review to be released so they could consider that report as part of its investigation.

The Committee is expected to recall Optus and call Telstra, ACMA and the department, particularly given new information about the scale of calls that didn’t get through to the triple zero service.

It is well past time for Minister Rowland to release the Bean Review.

The Greens have responded to Labor’s kite-flying on the subject of recognition of Palestinian statehood – which Labor almost immediately began to walk away from – by saying people are no longer fooled by Labor’s smokescreen strategy of mouthing words while failing to take any practical action.

The Greens have called for Labor to immediately recognise Palestine as well as ending Labor’s support for the invasion and ending all military and weapons exports to Israel, saying there was no barrier to doing these things straight away. 

When parliament resumes, the Greens will also move a motion which challenges Labor to follow through on recognising Palestine.

This is the second time in the space of a week that Labor’s media announcement has lacked a commitment: Labor has not committed to recognising Palestine, just as they did not commit to the mandatory supermarkets code recommended in the interim Food and Grocery Code of Conduct Review 2023–24 on Monday. The Greens argue that on a variety of fronts Labor is seeking to deploy a cynical “smokescreen” to appear to be doing something, while in practice offering no reprieve, no hope and no action.

Greens Leader Adam Bandt MP:

“People see through Labor’s smokescreen and they aren’t falling for it. 

“Talk is cheap while people are getting slaughtered in their tens of thousands and Labor continues to support the invasion of Gaza and military exports to Israel.

“There’s no barrier to acting right now. Labor should immediately recognise Palestine, end their support for the invasion and end all military exports to Israel.

“When parliament resumes the Greens will move a motion for the parliament to recognise Palestine and we call on Labor to act, not just talk.

“Twice this week Labor has ‘announced’ something without actually committing to do it, first on supermarket prices, and now on recognising Palestine. Labor’s false hope smokescreens won’t fly and won’t fool an electorate that wants the government to start using its power to tackle the big issues facing us.”

Labor’s proposed merger reforms are weak and inadequate, and show how much the party is in the thrall of big business, the Greens say.

“This is becoming a well established pattern for Labor – giving themselves a huge pat on the back for doing the bare minimum and caving into big business demands,” Greens Economic Justice Spokesperson Senator Nick McKim said.

“Labor is just not doing enough.”

“This is Labor yet again failing to take the necessary steps to tackle the market dominance which is allowing the supermarket duopoly to gouge prices.”

“This reform will not give the ACCC the tools they need – and have asked for – to stop further concentration of market power.”

”This will not reverse the onus of proof for the substantial lessening of competition test, which means the default will remain to approve mergers.”

“The Treasurer has not substantially changed the test for assessing mergers, for example by including consideration of national market share – something which has been revealed to be critical to the misuse of market power by the supermarket duopoly.” 

“This is yet another example of Labor dancing to the tune of big business, instead of doing what is right by consumers.”

On a preliminary analysis, the Greens’ concerns with Labor’s proposal are:

• It has not reversed the onus of proof on ‘substantially lessening of competition’ test. 
• The Treasurer has not set the threshold for mergers that will need approval from the ACCC before proceeding. 
• The ACCC has no call-in power for mergers below the threshold.
• The Treasurer has said the ‘vast majority of mergers’ will be excluded from the threshold.
• The Treasurer has not said whether supermarkets will be captured by the threshold, or how these changes will address the supermarket duopoly’s market power. 
• The Treasurer has not substantially changed the test for assessing mergers.

Today Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek has announced her proposed decision to refuse a development in Toondah Harbour’s globally significant Ramsar wetlands.

Greens spokesperson for the Environment, Senator Sarah Hanson-Young:

“This is a huge win for the local community and environment groups that have been fighting for a decade against this development. Building a commercial development on protected wetlands should never have been proposed in the first place.

“This project rejection is an important first step in protecting endangered wildlife from extinction, including the endangered eastern curlew shorebird, dependent on this precious wetland. 

“Australians expect the Environment Minister to protect endangered wildlife, and decisions like this should be the norm, not the exception. To protect our endangered wildlife long term, we need strong new environment laws that stop destruction of critical habitat once and for all.”

Queensland Greens Senator, Larissa Waters:

“Dredging 40 hectares of Ramsar-listed wetlands for a canal estate with luxury high-rise residences no one can actually afford, makes no sense, except to the private profits of mega property developers like Walker Corporation.

“The community have made their voices heard, why keep them waiting with a ‘proposed rejection’?

“We are calling on Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek to finally, reject this dodgy project once and for all, and save Toondah Harbour.”

Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, Greens Spokesperson on the Arts and Chair of the Senate Inquiry into the National Cultural Policy said:

“The Albanese Government’s own Soundcheck report released today has highlighted that there is a lack of funding, grants and support available for the festivals sector from government.

“Festivals are an important part of the arts and live music ecosystem. Festivals support jobs not only for artists but also in hospitality, tourism and trades as well. 

“It is not a surprise to hear festival organisers say that extreme weather and insurance are among their biggest challenges. 

“We have known for some time that extreme weather events and climate change are making it harder and more unpredictable to put on large scale events. The first thing the Albanese Government could do to support the sector is assist in underwriting insurance for festivals. 

“I have recently written to the Minister for the Arts to ask that the Government commit to a funding and support package for festivals in the May Budget. This is not just about the big name, corporate backed festivals, but more importantly, it’s about supporting local and independent festivals.”

The Senate Inquiry into the National Cultural Policy will investigate the issues surrounding festivals at a hearing on Tuesday 16th April.

The CEOs of Coles and Woolworths will next week face the Greens-led Senate inquiry into supermarket pricing.

“They’ll have to answer for price gouging shoppers and putting the squeeze on farmers,” Greens Economic Justice spokesperson and Committee chair Senator Nick McKim said.

“They’ll have to explain how they are raking in billions in profits while millions of Australians are struggling to put food on the table.”

“People have spoken about skipping meals, being forced to dumpster dive and missing out on other essentials.”

“We’ve heard from farmers and suppliers who have been sent to the wall because of Coles’ and Woolworths’ abuse of market power.”

“It’s time for the CEOs to front the Senate and face the music.”

“They will need to explain why they are in denial of their market dominance and have fought any regulation that threatens their power over shoppers and farmers.”

The programs for next week’s hearings can be found here.

The Australian Government is pleased to recommend to His Excellency, the Governor-General, a number of senior command changes within the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Subject to the Governor-General’s consideration and approval, the changes will take effect in July 2024.

The Vice Chief of the Defence Force, Vice Admiral David Johnston, AC, RAN will be appointed as the new Chief of the Defence Force. Vice Admiral Johnston joined the ADF in 1978 and has demonstrated outstanding leadership as the Vice Chief of the Defence Force since 2018. His experience in command and the strategic design of the integrated force will be critical to embedding the outcomes of the Defence Strategic Review.

The Government extends its deepest gratitude and thanks to retiring Chief of the Defence Force, General Angus Campbell AO, DSC. General Campbell joined the ADF in January 1981 and has had a distinguished career, leading the nation through regional and global security challenges. He has been at the forefront of driving organisational and cultural change to enhance the ADF as a modern, highly capable, integrated force centred on its people and Defence values.

Air Marshal Robert Chipman, AO, CSC, will be appointed as the new Vice Chief of the Defence Force. Appointed as the Chief of Air Force in July 2022, Air Marshal Chipman has provided excellent and considered leadership of the Royal Australian Air Force over the past two years.

Air Vice‑Marshal Stephen Chappell, DSC, CSC, OAM, will be appointed on promotion as the Chief of Air Force. Air Vice‑Marshal Chappell is currently the Head of Military Strategic Commitments and is well placed to lead Air Force and its people at this critical time.

Following confirmation of the Federal Executive Council of the preceding statutory appointments by the Governor General, other senior ADF appointments will also change in early July 2024. The Chief of the Defence Force, in consultation with the Secretary of Defence, Mr Greg Moriarty, AO, and ADF chiefs has recommended to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the following senior appointments:

Rear Admiral Justin Jones, CSC, will replace Lieutenant General Greg Bilton, AO, CSC, as the Chief of Joint Operations. Rear Admiral Jones is currently the Deputy Chief of Joint Operations.

Major General Susan Coyle, AM, CSC, DSM, will replace Lieutenant General John Frewen, AO, DSC, as the Chief of Joint Capabilities. Major General Coyle is currently the Commander of Army’s Forces Command.

Lieutenant General Gavan Reynolds, AO will complete his term as the inaugural Chief of Defence Intelligence. The Chief of Defence Intelligence position will rotate to a civilian appointment with the replacement to be identified in due course.

The Government extends its sincerest gratitude to General Campbell and Lieutenant Generals Bilton, Frewen and Reynolds, and to their families, for their longstanding commitment to defending the nation, their service to country and their lasting contribution to the ADF.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“I’d like to congratulate all personnel for accepting these appointments, and leading the Australian Defence Force with the values and tenets the Australian public expect of our military leaders.

“I look forward to working with you to plan and deliver a more integrated and focused Defence Force.

“’I’d personally like to thank General Campbell for his service over many years.

“General Campbell has served our nation with great distinction, during a period of significant strategic change and cultural reform.”

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles

“It is an honour to announce these senior appointments who will lead the Australian Defence Force during a period of increasing strategic competition and remain focused on delivering on key defence priorities and outcomes.

“I’d like to thank General Campbell who has been a pivotal Defence leader through thoughtful, necessary and difficult change. He oversaw the drawdown of Australian troops in the Middle East region and reorientation of our military focus to the Indo-Pacific. He has been a strong advocate for operational accountability, strengthening our alliance and regional relationships, supporting the wellbeing of ADF personnel and maximising the power and effectiveness of an integrated force.

“I thank General Campbell, and all outgoing senior ADF leaders, for their service to our nation. I also want to acknowledge their families, and thank them for their commitment and their sacrifice.”

Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin (Rtd) will serve as Special Adviser to the Australian Government on Israel’s response to the Israel Defense Forces strikes which killed Zomi Frankcom, and six of her World Central Kitchen colleagues.

Air Chief Marshal Binskin served as Chief of the Australian Defence Force from 2014 to 2018, and prior to that, as Vice Chief of the Defence Force, and Chief of Air Force. In 2020, he Chaired the Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements and he is currently Chair of the Civil Aviation Authority and the Pacific Security College.

His experience and expertise mean ACM Binskin is eminently qualified to provide the Australian Government advice on the sufficiency and appropriateness of steps taken by the Israeli Government.

ACM Binskin will engage with Israel and the Israel Defense Forces on the response to the attack which killed Zomi and her colleagues. Australia has made clear to the Israeli Government our expectation and trust that this engagement will be facilitated.

This work will include examination of:

• Arrangements for the investigation of this incident.
• IDF policies and procedures for operational incidents.
• Measures taken to hold those responsible to account.
• If further investigation is warranted.
• Measures adopted to prevent such incidents happening again.

The Special Adviser will provide advice to the Australian Government regarding any further representations or actions that could be taken to ensure a full and transparent investigation and to hold those responsible to account.

The Australian Government has been clear that we expect full accountability for these deaths. The appointment of ACM Binskin will ensure the family of Zomi Frankcom, and the Australian people can have confidence in this process.

On World Health Day, Australia is investing up to $45.5 million in six new initiatives to strengthen health systems across the Pacific and Southeast Asia.

Our support recognises that improving health systems is vital to ensuring our region is resilient against current and future health challenges, including those posed by climate change.

Among the new initiatives are training for essential health workforce skills, including critical care, nursing and midwifery, and support to improve disease surveillance and response, including tackling the increasing challenge of antimicrobial resistance.

The package also includes funding to strengthen health information systems, so that health workers have the data they need to manage health services, including having the right medicines in stock.

In addition, we are supporting greater inclusion of people with psychosocial disabilities, working with their representative organisations to increase access to quality, rights-based mental health services.

The activities will draw on Australian and international expertise, including from Alfred Health, Australian National University, Beyond Essential Systems and mSupply Foundation, CBM Australia, University of Technology Sydney, and University of Sydney.

Today’s announcement is part of Australia’s Partnerships for a Healthy Region initiative, which works with governments and civil society organisations in the Pacific and Southeast Asia to build resilient, equitable and inclusive health systems.

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong:

“Australia is working with governments and civil society organisations in the Pacific and Southeast Asia to build more resilient health systems, better equipped to handle current and future health challenges, including those posed by climate change.”

“Access to quality, effective and inclusive health services is everyone’s right. A healthier region benefits all of us and underpins our shared success, prosperity and stability.”

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

“Australia is a longstanding and committed partner for our region’s health. This World Health Day, we are reaffirming that commitment with a substantial package of support.

“Working with partners with deep local connections and long-term relationships in health is a critical way to deliver sustainable results.”