Category: Australian News

It is with deep appreciation for his tireless contribution to our national interests over the last three years in Washington that we today announce the Hon Dr Kevin Rudd AC will conclude his posting as Australia’s Ambassador to the United States at the end of March 2026.

Dr. Rudd has decided to accept the role of global President of leading international relations think tank, the Asia Society, which has recently become vacant and which Dr. Rudd headed between 2021-2023. Dr. Rudd will also head the Society’s Centre for China Analysis.

Dr Rudd is one of the world’s most eminent and sought-after experts on China and US–China relations.

Dr Rudd has delivered concrete outcomes for Australia – during both Democrat and Republican Administrations – in collaboration with our closest security ally and principal strategic partner.

We thank Dr Rudd for his exceptional service as Ambassador and as a former Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Australia.

Since Dr Rudd commenced in March 2023, he has led the Australian Embassy’s work to advance Australia’s interests in the United States, including by:

• Securing US Congressional authorising legislation for AUKUS, with full bipartisan support, as well as full presidential endorsement from both the Biden and Trump Administrations.
• Negotiating and concluding the Critical Minerals and Rare Earths Framework Agreement with the US, which is now being implemented across multiple mining and processing projects to the benefit of both countries – and forms the basis for US agreements with others partners, including the G7.
• Securing agreement to negotiate a bilateral critical technology agreement that will unlock billions of dollars in new US investment in Australian data centre, AI and Quantum projects – in addition to the $25 billion already secured in investment from Microsoft and Amazon Web Services during Dr. Rudd’s tenure.
• Turbocharging US engagement with Australia’s superannuation industry, including by convening the Australian Super Summit in Washington DC in 2025 and again in March 2026, elevating Australia’s capital pool and strengthening Sydney’s credentials as the next financial services centre of the Indo-Pacific.
• Working to secure Julian Assange’s return to Australia in 2024.
• Introducing Global Entry and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) services for all Australian travellers to the US as of 2024-25, significantly reducing processing and waiting times at US international and domestic airports for registered participants.
• Developing personal and working relationships across the Trump and Biden Administrations, Republican and Democrat congressional leadership, and key stakeholders in the defence, intelligence and corporate communities.

We also recognise the outstanding work of Ms Therese Rein. We thank Therese for her invaluable contribution to advancing Australia’s interests in the US.

Ambassador Rudd will conclude his posting on March 31, 2026. An announcement regarding Australia’s new Ambassador to the United States will take place in due course.

The Foreign Ministers of Australia, Canada and the European Union issued the following statement:

“We commend the bravery of the Iranian people as they stand up for their dignity and their fundamental right to peaceful protest. 

“We strongly condemn the killing of protestors, the use of violence, arbitrary arrests, and intimidation tactics by the Iranian regime against its own people. 

“Iran must immediately end the use of excessive and lethal force by its security forces including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Basij against protestors. Too many lives – over 40 to date – have already been lost.

“The Iranian regime has the responsibility to protect its own population and must allow for the freedom of expression and peaceful assembly without fear of reprisal.”

Acting Leader of the Australian Greens and Arts & Communications spokesperson Sen. Sarah Hanson-Young said:

Like a lot of South Australians today, I am deeply disturbed the Adelaide’s beloved Writers Festival has been ruined by this terrible decision.

The decision to drop Palestinian writer Randa Abdel-Fattah from Adelaide Writers Festival is deeply concerning and should be reversed.

Freedom of expression and the exchange of ideas are what makes writers festivals what they are.

Engaging in respectful, thoughtful debate and challenging ideas and opinions is the whole purpose of an event like this.

Censorship and shutting down diverse voices, including Palestinian voices is the antithesis of an open, free and respectful democracy.

South Australia has a proud history of our arts festivals and supporting artist freedom of expression. This craven decision will leave our state and our reputation as the festival state in tatters.

The Greens will continue to advocate for artists to do their work free of political interference and pressure.

As both a regular panelist and supporter of the AWW I am extremely disappointed and saddened that the Adelaide Festival board has made this decision. It is a bad decision and should be reversed.

The Victorian Greens have expressed deep concern as bushfires burn out of control in Victoria, with the State Control Centre warning of more extreme heat in the coming days and an escalating risk to lives and homes in areas facing catastrophic fire danger ratings.

An emergency bushfire near Longwood has forced evacuations, with homes and livestock feared lost after the fire rapidly expanded overnight under dangerous conditions.

The Greens said their thoughts were with everyone being asked to leave their homes today, as communities face an anxious and uncertain wait while extreme fire conditions continue. 

The unfolding crisis underlines the urgent need for strong preparedness, properly resourced fire services, and serious action to reduce the severe climate risks presented by both the Victorian and federal Labor governments’ continued burning of coal and gas. 

Acting Leader of the Victorian Greens, Dr Sarah Mansfield: 

“Our thoughts are with everyone being asked to leave their homes today. It’s so scary for these communities who face an anxious and uncertain wait while extreme fire conditions continue. We know that for many of these communities, the devastation of the Black Summer bushfires remains front of mind.

“We’re deeply grateful to the career and volunteer firefighters risking their lives in brutal conditions to protect people and homes, but they deserve more than our thanks and must be properly resourced to do their jobs safely.”

“Victoria needs stronger preparedness, properly resourced fire services, and real action on climate change to keep communities safe. Labor has made clear choices that have put Victoria at risk – cutting bushfire capacity and approving at least five major fossil fuel gas projects in the past nine months that pour fuel on the climate crisis driving these dangerous conditions.”

“Victoria is facing the most dangerous fire conditions since Black Summer, a stark reminder that our summers are becoming more intense and unpredictable and that we must do more to prepare and protect communities.”

Acting leader Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said today:

“We welcome the Prime Minister’s decision to call a Federal Royal Commission into Antisemitism, Social Cohesion and National Security and Intelligence Agencies, to be led by former High Court Justice, the Hon Virginia Bell AC, as Commissioner.

“A balanced, careful and powerful Royal Commission is a chance to learn hard lessons while minimising divisive politics in crafting a national response to the anti-Semitic Bondi mass shooting.

“The strongest national response will be based on bringing together multicultural Australia to reinforce our values of tolerance, democracy and respect.

“This inquiry must clearly distinguish between the strengths and pillars of our diverse multicultural society and the narrow destructive forces of extremism.

“The Royal Commission must tackle anti-semitism and all forms of racism, including confronting Islamophobia and other extremist elements as part of the Commission’s social cohesion mandate.

“There are deep concerns about the coordination and response of national security and intelligence agencies and we welcome this public examination of them including current oversight arrangements.

“The Greens will continue to work constructively with the Government to ensure our communities are safe and free of hate and prejudice.”

Shane Rattenbury, Leader of the ACT Greens:

“The ACT Parliament’s fiscal sustainability review must consider the cost of the climate crisis – its impact on the health and wellbeing of the community and how, if not addressed, this will continue to blow out the ACT Budget.

“We must consider the health costs of climate inaction. If we don’t, many more Canberrans will be harmed from the impacts of extreme weather events, and we risk a situation where there’s no resources to deliver support and services when they are most needed.

“Just last year, the ACT Labor Government raked up a $387 million overspend on the hospital and a budget deficit totalling around $1.5 billion – $500 million more than forecast. Our hospital bill will continue to rise unless the government starts to deliver preventative initiatives.

“Just yesterday, an ANU report found 1 in 15 visits to the emergency department in Canberra are due to extreme heat or cold. That’s almost 7% of presentations which could have been prevented through climate mitigation and preparation measures.

“Canberrans living below the poverty line are at greatest risk of extreme weather events, like bushfires and heatwaves.

“There are many Canberrans who are sweltering in poorly insulated homes, and that number skyrockets for renters and public housing tenants. Many public housing tenants are already living with chronic health conditions or disabilities so are at a greater risk of harm.

“Coupled with one of the lowest GP bulk-billing rates in the country, many households struggling to pay bills or put food on the table cannot afford to see the doctor. Instead, people become so unwell they need to be hospitalised and take much longer to recover.

“The climate crisis fuels inequality, but it doesn’t have to be this way – it just needs ambition and action. But under Labor we’ve seen climate action stalled and the health response focused on the emergency department, rather than helping people before they become that unwell.

“Inaction is inhumane, and it’s costly. We need initiatives that help all Canberrans prepare and become more resilient in the face of climate-driven weather extremes.

“The inquiry must consider how initiatives like improving heating and cooling in buildings, more public places to shelter from extreme weather events, and more bulk-billed GP appointments will make life better for many Canberrans and ease pressure off emergency and crisis services.”

The Albanese Labor Government will establish a Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion in response to the Bondi terrorist attack.

The Government has asked Former High Court Justice the Hon Virginia Bell AC to serve as Commissioner.

Ms Bell has the deep experience and expertise to conduct her inquiry in such a way that meaningfully examines the impact of antisemitism on the daily life of Jewish Australians – and works to promote social cohesion.

The Government has asked Commissioner Bell to report before the end of the year, and to ensure this inquiry does not prejudice any future criminal proceedings.

The Royal Commission will cover four key areas, as set out in the Letters Patent.

1. Tackling antisemitism by investigating the nature and prevalence of antisemitism in institutions and society, and its key drivers in Australia, including ideologically and religiously motivated extremism and radicalisation.
2. Making recommendations that will assist law enforcement, border control, immigration and security agencies to tackle antisemitism, including through improvements to guidance and training within law enforcement, border control, immigration, and security agencies to respond to antisemitic conduct.
3. Examining the circumstances surrounding the antisemitic Bondi terrorist attack on 14 December 2025.
4. Making any other recommendations arising out of the inquiry for strengthening social cohesion in Australia and countering the spread of ideologically and religiously motivated extremism in Australia.

To ensure this is a truly national Royal Commission, all States and Territories will be asked to join the Commission.

Dennis Richardson’s Independent Commonwealth Review into Australia’s federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies will become part of the Commission and he will support its work, with delivery of an Interim Report by the Commission in April.

The Government’s focus in the aftermath of the antisemitic Bondi terrorist attack has been on urgent and immediate action.

That’s why we have:

• Adopted recommendations from the Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism, Jillian Segal.
• Brought together National Cabinet to fast-track tougher gun laws.
• Delivered new resources to our law enforcement agencies to help prevent further attacks.
• Established the Richardson Review – to quickly identify any gaps in the work of the national security bodies.

When Parliament returns the Government will also introduce new laws to criminalise hate speech and hate preachers, as well as deliver tougher gun laws.

A Royal Commission is not the beginning or the end of what Australia must do to eradicate antisemitism, protect ourselves from terrorism or strengthen our social cohesion.

That is an ongoing national effort, for all of us.

Because an attack on Jewish Australians, is an attack on all Australians.

The Albanese and Crisafulli Governments have today committed an additional $38 million towards large-scale disaster recovery efforts for flood affected communities across north-west Queensland.

Targeted investments will be made across programs and projects that will assist the recovery of flood affected farmers and communities, including:

• $21.5 million for primary producer Disaster Recovery Grants up to $75,000.
• $11.5 million for critical repairs and increased flood resilience at Cloncurry Airport.
• $5 million increase to the previously announced emergency fodder package.

Primary producer recovery grants up to $75,000 are available to impacted farmers in Carpentaria, Cloncurry, Croydon, Flinders, McKinlay, Richmond and Winton Shires, including upfront payments of $10,000.

The Cloncurry Airport Recovery and Renewal Package will see $11.5 million of works rolled out to repair the damaged airstrip and increase the airport’s capacity to accommodate larger aircraft.

Another $5 million investment will grow the region’s Coordinated Emergency Fodder Support Package to $7 million, helping primary producers keep their stock fed in Carpentaria, Cloncurry, Flinders, McKinlay, Richmond and Winton.

This $38 million commitment from the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments is being made through the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Primary producers applying for Disaster Recovery Grants can visit www.qrida.qld.gov.au or phone 1800 623 946.

Farmers needing fodder support should contact their local council immediately.

For the latest disaster information, all Queenslanders can visit www.disaster.qld.gov.au, with around the clock support also available via the Queensland Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“This funding will provide immediate support to flooded communities that are hurting now and will set them up for success in the future.

“These disaster packages will make sure flood affected Queenslanders can recover and importantly build back stronger.

“We want all Australians to know that their government has their back.”

Acting Queensland Premier Jarrod Bleijie:

“We’ve got boots on the ground across the north and north-west to inform our recovery and the support we’re providing.

“It doesn’t matter what we’re up against, we’ll continue delivering for Queensland.”

Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers:

“I’m back in Cloncurry again for the second time in 13 months, this time with the PM and Minister McBain, and we have a simple message.

“We know the people, communities and industries of regional Queensland play a crucial role in our country and its economy and we are here for them every step of the way.

“These floods have been devastating for farming families in Queensland’s north and central west, there’s no other way to put it, and as a Queenslander I know how important this help will be in regions like this one.”

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain:

“It’s our job to be there for all Australians, no matter what disasters we face, and this major investment speaks to that responsibility.

“Recovery is a long road and it takes time to reach the end, but today we’re telling Queenslanders that we’ll get there together.”

Queensland Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy:

“The local knowledge of our mayors and industry bodies is crucial to the shape of these support measures.

“For our farmers, communities and families, we’ve listened and we’re getting on with the work.”

Paddling at the beach at Broulee this summer holidays, I can’t help being reminded of the last time I kayaked.

It was in Newcastle for Rising Tide 2025 – but then I was surrounded by hundreds of other kayakers chanting at a passing coal ship.

The energy was high – kids splashing in the shallows, drummers providing protesters with a beat to chant to, the Oldies Rising crew helping people into kayaks, and young people cruising down the art raft water slide into the ocean.

This joyous event brought people together from around the country to call on the Federal Labor Government for real climate action, with three key asks:

1. Immediately cancel all new fossil fuel projects.
2. Tax fossil fuel export profits at 78% to fund community and industrial transition and pay for climate damage.
3. End coal exports from Newcastle – the world’s largest coal port – by 2030.

These calls go to the heart of our biggest contribution to climate change – our fossil fuel exports.

Including emissions from exported fossil fuels, Australia, a country with only 0.3 per cent of the global population, controls 5 per cent of global emissions.

That is our biggest opportunity to tackle the climate crisis, but the Albanese Government won’t touch it.

I attended Rising Tide with my ACT Greens colleagues, all of us decked out in broad-brimmed hats, sunscreen and huge grins. If you didn’t look at the police hovering close by, it really did feel like a festival.

Beyond a series of yellow buoy markers were three different kinds of police boats, including the ominous, black balaclava-clad marine forces-style zodiacs, plus a handful of police jet skis for good measure.

All waited threateningly for those who dared stray past the buoys into the marine exclusion zone and risk arrest.

Things were calm until I heard sudden chanting through megaphones: “Go, reds go! Reds, go!”, and suddenly there were dozens of people beyond the buoys.

A coal ship was coming and the protesters were determined to stop it.

This was the third time I’d heard the ‘red’ signal at this year’s Rising Tide.

This year, Rising Tide’s strategy and execution sharpened.

There were multiple arrestable actions in waves across the weekend.

Swimmers weren’t part of the original plan until just days before the event, but the idea was quickly incorporated into the strategy.

Greenpeace took one coal ship into their own hands out at sea, leaving protesters free to focus on other incoming ships.

In total, 10 coal ships were rescheduled, three turned around, and eventually the port was closed for the weekend.

Almost the same number of people were arrested, despite over 1,000 more attendees, but many more coal ships were stopped and delayed than last year.

Police activity was notably different, with people being given ample opportunity to return to the beach before they were arrested, and less antagonism and confrontation on the beach and at camp.

People suspect this is an attempt to take the wind out of our sails by giving us fewer arrests to draw attention to.

It didn’t work.

In 2026, Rising Tide is ‘levelling up’, transitioning from civil disobedience to civil resistance.

Rising Tide describes this as “commencing waves of sustained, escalatory and disruptive actions”.

This is a warning sign to governments and industry that the status quo is not accepted by a growing constituency, and people are increasingly willing to do something about it.

This is because people are worried about their survival and the future of the planet.

Stakes are high.

In the first term, the Albanese Government approved 27 new coal and gas projects.

There have been four already this term, including the North West Shelf climate bomb that will pollute for decades, well beyond the net zero target of 2050.

Here in the ACT, previously a nation-leading jurisdiction on climate, Labor has announced it will miss its interim climate targets and struggle to meet net zero by 2045. There have been no new climate change policies announced yet to remedy this.

It’s hardly surprising that people are resorting to direct action and peaceful protest.

People are losing faith that governments will take the necessary steps to phase out the fossil fuel industry.

Amongst the overwhelm of organisations asking for people to sign onto their calls, engage and donate – Rising Tide provides a unique flavour of activism that is both effective, and inclusive.

Rising Tide has something for everyone – the oldies and youngens, the people hanging out to get arrested, and the families wanting to contribute by sitting on the beach and cheering them on.

Rising Tide is a true people-powered movement and it’s not backing down.

Governments in Australia have been put on notice – as the climate crisis escalates, so will we.

This article was originally published in The Point

Australia must uphold international law and oppose US attacks on Venezuela and the kidnapping of its President and his wife.

The US attack on Venezuela and the kidnapping of its President and his wife is a gross breach of international law and continues the world on a dangerous path of lawless aggression.

Australia has a stake in an international order underpinned by international law, peace and non-aggression and this latest US attack is a fundamental breach of these principles.

Trump’s assault on Venezuela provides comfort to Vladimir Putin for his aggression in Ukraine, cover for a potential Chinese attack on Taiwan and sets an extremely dangerous precedent.

Greens Foreign Affairs spokesperson Senator David Shoebridge said:

“Lawlessness without consequences helps dictators, tyrants and aggressors. It places the world on a very dangerous footing.”

“This US war is not about self-defence, like so many before it, this is a war about resources, oil and dominance.

“Donald Trump is taking dystopian steps to divide the world into zones where major powers dominate, where international law and decency take a back seat to power and greed. This can only happen when middle powers like Australia ignore, or worse support, the US when they flaunt international law.

“The people of Venezuela deserve the right to live in peace and elect their government, the actions of the US today will put these basic rights further out of reach. We have seen time and time again that the true victims of US regime change operations and wars are always civilians.

“Australia must urgently reassess its relationship with the US, which was previously sold on shared values of democracy and an international rules-based order. That relationship, if it ever truly existed, is now in tatters.

“This is a moment in time to start removing US troops and bases from Australia and to gain military and economic independence from the US, not to double down on AUKUS.

“This illegal and illegitimate attack on Venezuela demonstrates how dangerous it is to have a large US military presence in Australia with thousands of troops under the direct control of any foreign government, let alone Donald Trump.”