Category: Australian News

Education Minister Jason Clare has set a debt trap for struggling university students after dramatically weakening his ‘support for students’ scheme which fails to deliver the safeguards he promised, Shadow Minister for Education Sarah Henderson has warned.

“The support for students scheme, adopted under the cover of darkness the week before Christmas, is now so weak that universities have no obligation to proactively identify and support students at risk of failing their studies,” Senator Henderson said.

“By axing the safeguards offered by the 50 per cent pass rule, Labor has set a debt trap for thousands of vulnerable students and shown a reckless disregard for the cost-of-living pressures so many young Australians are facing.

The former Coalition government’s 50 per cent pass rule protected students, failing more than 50 per cent of their subjects after enrolling in eight or more units, from leaving university with large student debts and nothing to show for it.”

Under the rule, failing students who faced losing their Commonwealth supported place (CSP) could apply for an exemption on compassionate grounds or move to a restricted study plan such as part-time study or a changed course structure. As revealed in a Senate inquiry into the Higher Education Support Amendment (Response to the Australian Universities Accord Interim Report) Bill 2023, the vast majority of students did not lose their CSP.

“Minister Clare’s claims that more than 13,000 students were ‘hit’ with the rule is a blatant misrepresentation,” Senator Henderson said.

“On the evidence available, most failing students made changes to their university studies to help them succeed, as the policy intended.

“After releasing draft guidelines which were onerous and unworkable reflecting the government’s lack of consultation, Minister Clare has done an about-face and introduced a farcical ‘support for students’ scheme which fails to deliver any additional support for students.

“This is a policy shambles from a floundering minister which is why the opposition opposed the scheme from the beginning.

“Under the draft guidelines, higher education providers were required to implement a policy which ‘must include’ processes to identify and support students at risk of failing their studies including those in need of targeted literacy and numeracy support.

“The final version has been dramatically watered down, with universities now only required to publish on a website ‘information describing’ their current set of student support policies.

“Under the scheme, universities are no longer required to report on the academic outcomes of students requiring support including HECS loans accrued for failed units of study.

“There are no minimum standards of support that universities must provide including for those who are victims of sexual violence or suffer mental health challenges. The scheme has also been delayed until 1 April 2024, with reporting dates for policy outcomes pushed back to the first quarter of 2025.

“While universities have a range of policies to support students, they are not doing enough to stop vulnerable students falling through the cracks. Only 41 per cent of undergraduates are completing their four-year degree in that time, with 21 per cent dropping out altogether.

“For indigenous students, it’s much worse – the four-year completion rate is just 26 per cent while more than a third drop out.

“Labor’s scheme also does nothing to safeguard students from inadequate or bad university policies. It is all puff and no substance from Minister Clare who is not tough enough to hold the universities to account, further underlining how this government is failing to put students first,” Senator Henderson said.

Revelations that the Albanese Government is sitting on a request for more coal shipments from Australia are another sign of Labor’s unreliability hurting Australia’s reputation.

Given Australia provided coal to help with Ukraine’s energy needs ahead of their last winter, a commitment made by the previous Coalition Government, the Albanese Government should have offered months ago to continue this support.

Having failed to be proactive, the least the Albanese Government could have done was to give a quick yes when Ukraine was forced to ask in early December for this assistance to continue.

Due to the Albanese Government’s tardiness there’s every chance Ukraine’s winter could be over before Australian energy assistance can arrive.

As late as it is, the Albanese Government should immediately commit to continue crucial energy support to Ukraine, whose war to defend their sovereignty from Russia’s illegal invasion is also a significant test of democratic nations’ resolve to defend international rules.

Under Labor, Australian support for Ukraine had already slowed, with our nation no longer being the leading non-NATO contributor.

This is a further blow to Australia’s international reputation for being willing to act in defence of our values and principles, with the Albanese Government also in recent months:

Failing to provide a naval ship requested by the United States to join an international effort to keep the Red Sea open to freight in the face of attacks from Iranian backed Houthi rebels.

Diminishing Australia’s strong support for Israel’s right to self-defence by voting for an inadequate ‘ceasefire’ motion at the United Nations, which if adopted would only allow Hamas terrorists the opportunity to rearm and repeat their terror attacks against civilians.

Dragging its feet compared with likeminded nations on the implementation of sanctions, including against Hamas leaders and human rights abusers.

Failing to raise at the highest levels Australian concerns at the actions of Chinese PLA naval vessels endangering Australian Navy lives.

When Australia should be standing up to be counted, the Albanese Government is increasingly failing to act, showing weakness instead of strength.

Happy New Year Australia.

I hope you’ve had the chance to celebrate with friends and loved ones.

There’s no doubt 2023 was a challenging year.

Yet, right around our country, Australians rose to meet those challenges – as they always do.

We achieved a great deal as a nation – and we achieved it together.

That is the Australian spirit.

In these times of global uncertainty, it’s worth reflecting on what we have as a nation.

We are a people of optimism, determination and, above all, fairness.

We have the unique privilege of being home to the oldest continuous culture in the world.

And our society has been enriched and enlarged by people of every faith, background and tradition.

We have so much to cherish.

Let that guide us in 2024 as we make the greatest country on Earth even better.

All the very best to you and loved ones for a safe and happy year.

The thoughts of Australians are with the people of Japan at this difficult time. We are saddened to see the loss of life and destruction following yesterday’s earthquakes. As close friends, we stand ready to support Japan to provide any necessary assistance”.

Queensland’s residential care system for children needs an overhaul to prevent it from being a breeding ground for crime and long-term welfare dependency.

One Nation candidate for Keppel James Ashby said changes were also needed to ensure qualified carers were supported to remain in the system.

“There are about 11,000 children in residential care in Queensland, partly due to the foster care system being on the verge of collapse,” Mr Ashby said.

“For many of these kids, it costs Queensland taxpayers between $500,000 and $1 million to care for them. Some of them are forced to stay in hotels due to a shortage of residential care homes.

“The system is under a lot of strain. Carers are almost powerless to work closely with children to foster an environment of trust with appropriate behavioural boundaries, and in many cases are unable to prevent kids from leaving a home and roaming the streets. Qualified carers are leaving the system and are being replaced with others, some of whom are unqualified and inexperienced or who are in it for the good pay ($120,000 starting salary) rather than good outcomes.

“Well-intentioned child safety requirements also prevent the development of a normal home environment where these kids can learn basic life skills. They have virtually nothing to do but sit around watching TV or playing games.

“Children who’ve been in the system for a while have learned how to game it and weaponise it, threatening carers with accusations of assault or worse in order to get their way or excuse poor behaviour. Discipline goes out the window. And unless they’re eligible for an ‘independent living’ arrangement, once these kids reach 18 they’re effectively on their own, often without prospects.”

Mr Ashby called for suitably qualified residential care house managers to be given greater autonomy in managing the care of kids in their charge.

“These highly qualified and experienced carers are the ones on the ground working daily with these children yet they have virtually no say in the management of kids’ programs and activities,” he said. “It should be these people – who know individual kids best – who should be planning their care.

“Carers entering the system should also be required to successfully complete appropriate training before coming into contact with kids. At the moment, because of a shortage, carers are being placed in charge of kids before their training is complete.

“Sadly, there will always be some parents unsuited to the role of parenting. We must have a sustainable and effective system of state care, but high demand coupled with well-intentioned but impersonal bureaucracy is threatening the system’s viability and delivering less-than-optimal outcomes.

“We all want what’s best for our kids. One Nation will work to introduce reforms to Queensland’s youth justice and residential care systems to better protect community safety and produce positive outcomes for our state’s vulnerable young people.”

The Albanese and Miles Governments have announced a fourth round of support to help recovery and resilience for Far North Queensland communities impacted by Ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper.

The package, estimated to cost $64 million will be cost-shared 50-50 by the Federal and State Governments. It will support recovery for FNQ’s vital tourism industry, farmers, small businesses and not for profits. It includes:

• $25 million in Extraordinary Recovery Grants for primary producers.
• $25 million in Extraordinary Recovery Grants for small businesses and not-for-profits.
• $9 million in Local Recovery and Resilience Grants for eligible councils.
• $5 million for Tourism Recovery  in the region.

A range of previously announced financial and recovery DRFA assistance is also available to affected local governments and communities across the Far North.

These measures include Personal Hardship Assistance payments, Structural Assistance Grants, disaster loans and freight subsidies, and funding to help reconnect essential services and replace household contents.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“This $64 million package provides positive news for the Far North following so much heartbreaking devastation,” Prime Minister Albanese said.

“The grants will put money directly into the hands of the employers and providers of the region, while the tourism package is going to help this part of Queensland shine once more.

“Eligible councils can use their Recovery and Resilience Grants, not only to build back from Jasper, but to bring forward works that will strengthen their region against future severe weather.

“Recovery from this event will be a huge undertaking and this support is just the first phase of the assistance that we know will be required. My government is working with Queensland to determine what broader help is needed.”

Queensland Premier Steven Miles said:

“The Queensland Government stands shoulder to shoulder with communities in Far North Queensland,” Premier Miles said.

“This initial extraordinary funding provides significant assistance to Queenslanders at the heart of our economy – farmers, small business owners and tourism operators.

“If we can get our FNQ industries and businesses firing again, that drives recovery for the whole region, safeguarding local jobs and attracting visitors back.

“Through the Queensland Reconstruction Authority, we’ll continue working with councils, state agencies and the Commonwealth to develop further exceptional circumstances DRFA packages that shape and progress recovery.”

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt said:

“This funding provides reassurance that we are committed to standing by Queensland communities to help with recovery, as long as it takes. 

“This package will help Queensland communities bounce back, and I’m particularly pleased that farmers and primary producers will get support to help their businesses recover.

“We will continue to work with our Queensland state colleagues to provide support during this challenging period.”

Quotes attributable to Minister responsible for the Queensland Reconstruction Authority Nikki Boyd:

“This is just the very early stage of recovery assistance that we are going to provide to Far North Queensland,” Ms Boyd said.

“There will be many challenges ahead, but I am confident that we have the people, the capacity, and the will, to put this important region back on its feet.”

More information on the $64 million extraordinary DRFA package:

Extraordinary Recovery Grants for primary producers – $25 million

• Eligible primary producers who have suffered direct damage from TC Jasper and flooding can apply for grants up to $75,000.
• Grants will assist with short-term recovery needs including pasture rehabilitation, fodder, replacing livestock, and repairs to infrastructure and equipment.
• Grants will be administered by the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA).

Grants are available in the following LGAs: Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Cook, Douglas, , Hinchinbrook, Mareeba, Tablelands.

Extraordinary Recovery Grants for small businesses and not-for-profits – $25 million

• The package will provide eligible small businesses and not-for-profits with support for services and recovery-related projects.
• Small business grants will be administered by the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training.
• Not-for-profit grants will be administered by the Department of Treaty, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Communities and the Arts.

Grants are available in the following LGAs: Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Cook, Douglas, Hope Vale (for small businesses), Mareeba, Tablelands, Wujal Wujal, Yarrabah.

Local Recovery and Resilience Grants – $9 million

• Available to councils significantly impacted by TC Jasper.
• Funding will help address localised economic, social and community recovery needs and support future resilience measures.
• Grants will be administered by the Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA).

Grants are available to the following LGAs: Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Cook, Douglas, Hope Vale, Mareeba, Tablelands, Wujal Wujal and Yarrabah.

Tourism Recovery – $5 million

• The package includes the Infrastructure and Business Support program that aims to provide immediate hardship assistance to eligible tourism businesses.
• The Visitor Incentive Initiative will provide incentives for visitors to return to impacted regions through discounted flights and accommodation.
• The program will be administered by the Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport and Tourism and Events Queensland.

Further information on disaster assistance can be found at www.qld.gov.au/disasterhelp or www.disasterassist.gov.au.

The Albanese Government is delivering additional financial support for people directly impacted by the devastating floods in Far North Queensland.

From 2pm AEST, Wednesday 20 December, applications for the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) and Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA) will open for people who live and work in the Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Cook, Douglas, Hope Vale, Mareeba, Tablelands, Wujal Wujal and Yarrabah Local Government Areas (LGAs):

• The AGDRP is a one-off payment of $1000 per eligible adult and $400 per eligible child who have suffered a significant loss as a result of the floods, including a severely damaged or destroyed home or a serious injury.
• The DRA provides up to 13 weeks of federal income support to assist eligible employees or sole traders who experience a loss of income as a direct result of a major disaster.

Equivalent financial assistance is available to eligible New Zealand citizens holding ‘non-protected Special Category’ and ‘subclass 444’ visas.

People will soon be able to check their eligibility and how to claim on the Services Australia website.

The easiest way for people to claim is online through myGov.

If people need help to claim, they can call the Australian Government Emergency information line on 180 22 66. If they want to speak to someone in their language, they can also call the Centrelink multilingual phone service on 131 202.

People in the Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Cook, Douglas, Hope Vale, Mareeba, Tablelands, Wujal Wujal and Yarrabah LGAs can also pause or change their Centrelink debt repayments using the Money you owe service online in either their Centrelink online account, or Express Plus Centrelink mobile app.

Alternatively, they can call 1800 076 072.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“The devastation we have seen over the past few days in Far North Queensland has been horrific.

“My Government stands with the people of Queensland now during the response and will continue to do so through the recovery phase of this disaster.

“This will deliver emergency support to help families get back on their feet in the coming days.”

Minister for Government Services, Bill Shorten said:

“This is a shocking time for these storm and flood impacted communities, especially at Christmas. While we know Queenslanders are resilient, there’s no doubt the road to recovery will be tough.

“I encourage those in the impacted areas to check their eligibility for disaster assistance available through the Services Australia website.

“If you can’t get online or you need help with a claim, Services Australia staff are available to assist. You can call 180 22 66 to speak with a staff member.”

Minister for Emergency Management, Murray Watt said:

“As the floodwaters from Tropical Cyclone Jasper recede, the Albanese Government is getting on with the job of providing more assistance to areas in need.

“Already, we have provided initial financial assistance in conjunction with the Queensland Government and now we are activating more support.

“We are making this financial help available now because the economic impact of disasters like these are felt long after the flood water has gone. 

“There are still tough days, weeks and months ahead for many people, and the recovery process will take some time.”

Senator for Queensland, Nita Green said:

“The past week has been incredibly tough on people up here in Far North Queensland.

“But we are tough people and we will get through this.

“These payments will help those affected to pay for the things they need after suffering significant losses, while the DRA is a modest payment to help people who’ve temporarily lost their income.

“And ahead of Christmas, this assistance will be vital for those who have lost so much.”

The Albanese Government has pledged $265 million at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees-led Global Refugee Forum (GRF) in Geneva to support refugees and to sustain humanitarian assistance in protracted crises.

As the world faces a deepening crisis with more than 114 million people displaced across the globe, Australia is working to take a leading role in international resettlement efforts.

In response to the ongoing displacement crisis, Australia will provide:

• $235 million to support displaced Rohingya and communities in need in Myanmar and Bangladesh.
• $20 million to support people in Afghanistan and those displaced to neighbouring countries.
• $10 million to support people in Sudan and those displaced to neighbouring countries.

At the GRF, Australia reaffirmed its commitment to the Global Compact on Refugees, enhancing refugee self-reliance, and expanding access to third country solutions through resettlement and complementary pathway places.

Australia’s Humanitarian Resettlement Program has been increased to 20,000 places, the highest core intake in over a decade, and we are committed to growing skills-based pathways. Australia is also working to support other countries to establish and grow their own resettlement programs.

The Australian Government recently established a Refugee Advisory Panel to Government to ensure those with lived experience can advise Australia’s settlement programs.

Australia’s official delegation to the GRF includes one of its members Mr Danijel Malbasa, an advocate, writer, lawyer, and a former Yugoslav refugee, who co-delivered Australia’s National Statement.

the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong said:

“We are seeing the largest displacement crisis unfolding in modern history, with more than 114 million people displaced globally.

“Our humanitarian assistance is part of a broader effort to address the causes of displacement and find durable solutions.

“Through our partners, Australia will deliver vital support to vulnerable people displaced by conflict.”

the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, the Hon Andrew Giles MP said:

“Our pledges aim to ease pressure on host countries and demonstrate our commitment to responsibility sharing, in recognition of the shared global challenge of displacement.

“Through our pledges, Australia is firmly committed to supporting refugees globally and the communities that host them at a time where there are more people forcibly displaced than ever before.

“The Albanese Government is committed to working with others globally to find practical, and sustainable solutions for the increasingly complex situations driving displacement, such as through the adoption of machine-readable refugee travel documents”.

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

“Australia is deeply concerned by the unprecedented number of displaced people around the world.

“We are making an important contribution to the humanitarian response in partnership with other countries and international organisations at the Global Refugee Forum.”

Australia will extend and expand its commitment to the training of recruits from the Armed Forces of Ukraine as part of Operation Kudu, throughout 2024.

Since January, Australian soldiers have helped to train more than 1,200 recruits as part of the UK-led and based multinational training mission to support Ukraine’s national defence following Russia’s illegal and immoral invasion.

The most recent rotation of approximately 70 Australian Defence Force (ADF) instructors for 2023 this week returned to Darwin from the United Kingdom.

Over the next 12 months, the number of deployed ADF members will increase to 90 personnel, per rotation, with Australia’s role expanded to include a junior leadership training program, focusing on areas such as foundation warfighting skills including urban and trench warfare, combat first aid, explosive hazard awareness and marksmanship.

More than 30,000 Ukrainians have trained to become soldiers since June 2022 as part of the wider UK-led and based training program supported by personnel from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Lithuania, the Netherlands and, most recently, Romania.

This ongoing contribution is part of the Albanese Government’s steadfast support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Australia has committed approximately $910 million in overall assistance to Ukraine including $730 million in military support.

Acting Prime Minister, the Hon. Richard Marles MP said:

“Our ADF personnel are providing critical skills to Ukrainian recruits as part of Operation Kudu to support Ukraine to defend against Russia’s ongoing invasion.

“We are proud to expand Australia’s support for Operation Kudu, a mission that cements international solidarity for Ukraine.

“Our growing commitment to the multinational training mission affirms our pledge to provide meaningful and relevant support to the government and people of Ukraine.”

Foreign Minister, Senator the Hon. Penny Wong said:

“Almost two years since Russia launched its illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Australia remains steadfast in our commitment to shaping a world in which no country dominates, and no country is dominated.

“Training members of Ukraine’s Armed forces is an important way that Australia is empowering Ukraine to end the war on its own terms.

“Australia is proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with the brave Ukrainians who are defending their people, their territory, and their sovereignty.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will welcome the Prime Minister of New Zealand, The Rt Hon Christopher Luxon, to Australia on 20 December 2023.

This will be Prime Minister Luxon’s first official overseas visit.

The early engagement between the two leaders demonstrates the closeness of the Australia-New Zealand partnership.

The leaders will meet in Sydney to discuss how to continue deepening ties between the two countries and our shared vision for a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“Australia and New Zealand are not just friends, we are family. Our close relationship is underpinned by our rich history and generations of community, business and government links.

“I look forward to welcoming Prime Minister Luxon and working together to advance the unique Australia-New Zealand relationship.”