Category: Australian News

• Joint statement with:

• The Hon Richard Marles MP, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Defence
• Rt Hon Winston Peters, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs
• Hon Judith Collins KC, Minster of Defence

01 February 2024

TEXT BEGINS

1. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence the Hon Richard Marles MP and Minister for Foreign Affairs Senator the Hon Penny Wong hosted New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Rt Hon Winston Peters and Minister of Defence Hon Judith Collins KC on 1 February in Melbourne for the inaugural Australia – New Zealand Foreign and Defence Ministerial Consultations (ANZMIN 2+2). Ministers also met separately for their respective Defence Ministers’ Meeting and Foreign Ministers’ Consultations.
2. Ministers were welcomed onto the lands of the Wurundjeri people by Wurundjeri Elder, Uncle Andrew Gardiner. All four principals acknowledged the enduring connection to Country of Australia’s First Nations peoples, and the importance of indigenous perspectives and experiences in addressing shared challenges.
3. The meetings took place in the context of the most challenging strategic environment in decades. Ministers welcomed the establishment of the 2+2 mechanism as a step to further strengthen the Australia-New Zealand alliance to address challenges in close partnership.

The Australia-New Zealand Alliance

4. Australia and New Zealand share close bonds of history and geography, liberal democratic values, regional and global interests and strategic outlook. Ministers noted the enduring nature of the ANZUS Treaty, which continues to underpin the strategic relationship between the two countries, 72 years after it was signed, and formalises the commitments we have to each other as allies.
5. Ministers affirmed their shared commitment to strengthen the Australia-New Zealand alliance to address evolving geostrategic challenges. They recognised a reinforced security alliance is crucial for safeguarding our national interests and contributing to the peace and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific.
6. Ministers agreed all elements of both countries’ tools of statecraft need to be harnessed in support of our collective interests. Our strategic circumstances require whole-of-government and whole-of-nation coordinated and focused statecraft, of which diplomacy and defence are both core elements.
7. Building on our Anzac history, Ministers committed to increasing integration between our military forces, including through common capability, exchanges of senior military officers and increased participation in warfighting exercises. Recognising the importance of the Pacific to both countries, Ministers agreed to continue efforts, in conjunction with Pacific countries, to strengthen regional cooperation and interoperability. Ministers also committed to enhancing joint deterrence efforts, including through joint exercises and training.
8. Ministers discussed the AUKUS trilateral partnership and agreed it made a positive contribution toward maintaining peace, security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. Ministers acknowledged Australia’s commitment to responsible nuclear stewardship and the highest non-proliferation standard in relation to its acquisition of conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines under AUKUS. The Ministers welcomed the AUKUS partners’ ongoing engagement with the International Atomic Energy Agency as the relevant international authority to ensure robust safeguards and verification measures.
9. Ministers also welcomed the Quad’s commitment to an open, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific region and its positive and practical agenda to support Indo-Pacific countries’ priorities and needs. Australia will continue to engage close partners, including New Zealand, to ensure our efforts are mutually reinforcing and complementary.
10. Beyond the bilateral links, Ministers reaffirmed the value of the Five Eyes partnership as a crucial enabler of intelligence sharing and security co-operation among trusted partners and expressed shared interest for a Five Eyes Defence Ministers’ Meeting later this year.
11. Ministers acknowledged their shared commitment to realising a world without nuclear weapons, and are seized of the urgent need for progress on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, including as States Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty (Treaty of Rarotonga). They recognised the importance of strengthening the international disarmament and arms control regime, and also expressed support for interim disarmament measures such as nuclear risk reduction and enhanced transparency and accountability, in the context of the challenging arms control environment.

Coordination on global strategic issues

12. Ministers reaffirmed their steadfast commitment to the multilateral system and rules-based trading system, underpinned by a stable framework of rules, norms and standards. Australia and New Zealand will continue to work together to shape a peaceful and secure world, where disputes are settled through institutions, and where the sovereignty of all states – including those in our region – is respected, and human rights are promoted and protected. Ministers opposed economic coercion in all its forms and recognised the importance of multilateral institutions and norms which promote free, fair, and open international trade. Ministers recognised that multilateral institutions need to evolve to better deliver for our region, and reiterated a shared commitment to amplifying Pacific voices in the multilateral system. New Zealand Ministers reaffirmed their support for Australia’s candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the term 2029–2030.
13. Ministers welcomed the commitment of Parties at the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change COP28 to accelerate action in this critical decade and look forward to increased global action in 2024 and beyond. Ministers welcomed the key outcomes of COP28, including the outcome of the first Global Stocktake, fund for loss and damage and funding arrangements, the framework on the Global Goal on Adaptation, and the decision to establish a Youth Climate Champion. Ministers would like to thank the UAE Presidency for their strong leadership in achieving the UAE Consensus.
14. Ministers reflected on the devastating loss of innocent Israeli and Palestinian life in the Hamas-Israel conflict and expressed their condolences to all families and communities affected by the violence. Ministers unequivocally condemned Hamas’s terror attacks on Israel on October 7, the appalling loss of life and the heinous acts of violence perpetrated in those attacks, including sexual violence. Ministers stressed that Hamas must release all remaining hostages immediately and unconditionally.
15. Ministers stressed that in defending itself, Israel must respect international law, including international humanitarian law. Civilians and civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, must be protected. They expressed ongoing alarm at the diminishing safe space for civilians in Gaza and reiterated that the price of defeating Hamas cannot be the continuous suffering of all Palestinian civilians.
16. Ministers expressed their deep concern at the scale of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and ongoing risk to all Palestinian civilians. They reaffirmed their support for the General Assembly’s call in December for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, to enable urgent safe, unimpeded and sustained humanitarian access to Gaza, safe passage for civilians, and the release of hostages. They reaffirmed that any sustainable ceasefire cannot be one-sided, and that Hamas must release all hostages, stop using Palestinian civilians as human shields, and lay down its arms.
17. Ministers noted that the devastating crisis underscores the need for a political solution to the long-running conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. Ministers reiterated their support for Palestinian aspirations for self-determination and a state of their own. Ministers reaffirmed their firm commitment to a just and enduring two-state solution, where both Israelis and Palestinians can live securely within internationally recognised borders. They agreed there must be no forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza, physical re-occupation of Gaza, any reduction in territory, or any use of siege or blockade. They emphasised that there is no role for Hamas in the future governance of Gaza and that the territory must no longer be used as a platform for terrorism.
18. Ministers noted the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) ruling on provisional measures in South Africa’s case against Israel. Ministers expressed their respect for the independence of the ICJ and the critical role it plays in upholding international law and the rules-based order, and noted that decisions of the ICJ are binding on the parties to the case. Ministers expect Israel to act in accordance with the ICJ’s ruling, including to enable the provision of basic services and humanitarian assistance.
19. Ministers expressed concern about the risk of a wider regional escalation, and urged all actors in the region to work towards containing the conflict. They condemned ongoing Houthi attacks in the Red Sea as illegal, unacceptable and profoundly destabilising and called on the Houthi to cease immediately their attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea. Ministers expressed their support for the US and UK-led coalition’s defensive strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen since 12 January 2024 to degrade their capability to attack. They discussed their respective contributions towards maritime security in the Red Sea, including deployments to the US-led Operation Prosperity Guardian and the US-led coalition undertaking military action against Houthi targets in Yemen and the Red Sea, noting both countries’ steadfast commitment to taking action to support international rules and freedom of navigation.
20. Ministers once again condemned in the strongest terms Russia’s illegal and immoral invasion of Ukraine almost two years since it began. Ministers reiterated their support for a comprehensive, just and durable peace in Ukraine in accordance with the UN Charter. They noted their ongoing commitment to supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Ministers acknowledged the global impacts of the war, including on food and energy security in the Indo-Pacific region. Ministers called on all those with influence on Russia, particularly China, to exert this now to convince Russia to end its illegal war.

The Indo-Pacific region

21. Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to an open, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific, where sovereignty is respected, and internationally agreed rules and norms are adhered to.
22. Ministers agreed to coordinate on economic engagement and trade diversification in Southeast Asia supported by the comprehensive regional trade architecture and the region’s growth trajectory, consistent with Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040 and New Zealand’s commitment to step up and deepen engagement with Southeast Asia.
23. Ministers expressed serious concern over developments in the South China Sea and an intensification of destabilising activities, including the continued militarisation of disputed features; unsafe and unprofessional behaviour at sea and in the air; and other dangerous actions by military, coast guard vessels and maritime militia. Ministers emphasised the obligation of all states to adhere to international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and underscored the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation and overflight. They further emphasised the importance of the peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law and reiterated that the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award is final and binding on the parties.
24. Ministers also expressed serious concerns about the situation in the East China Sea – they shared an intention to remain in close communication about the situation there and expressed strong opposition to any destabilising or coercive unilateral actions that increase tensions in the area, undermining peace and stability.
25. Ministers welcomed dialogue between the United States and China and called for countries to put dialogue at the core of international and regional engagement. The Ministers emphasised the importance of promoting open channels of communication between all the major powers, and practical measures to reduce risks of misunderstanding and miscalculation, and prevent conflict in the Indo-Pacific.
26. Ministers reaffirmed the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and their shared opposition to unilateral changes to the status quo. They called for the peaceful resolution of cross-Strait issues through dialogue without the threat or use of coercion. They also reiterated their will to continue deepening relations with Taiwan in the economic, trade, and cultural fields as well as enhancing development coordination in the Pacific.
27. Ministers expressed grave concerns about human rights violations in Xinjiang. They also expressed deep concerns about the erosion of religious, cultural, educational and linguistic rights and freedoms in Tibet, and the continuing systemic erosion of Hong Kong’s autonomy, freedom, rights and democratic processes, including through the imposition of national security legislation.
28. Ministers strongly condemned the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s (DPRK) repeated ballistic missile and satellite launches, as well as its export of ballistic missiles to Russia for use in Ukraine, which undermines Indo-Pacific security and violates multiple UN Security Council resolutions. Ministers called for the complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation of the DPRK. They urged the DPRK to comply with its obligations under UNSC resolutions, return to dialogue, and prioritise the wellbeing of its people.
29. Ministers recognised the threat faced by both nations of foreign interference and information manipulation, including disinformation, and the challenge these pose to the Indo-Pacific region more broadly. Ministers reiterated their shared vision for a peaceful, prosperous and resilient region where sovereignty is respected, and nations are free from deceptive or corruptive foreign influence. In a year when a significant portion of the world’s population will participate in elections, Ministers underlined the need for resilient, robust, and transparent institutions and processes, both domestically and internationally. Ministers committed to Australia and New Zealand deepening their cooperation on security challenges, to sharing information and best practice, and building collective resilience. The establishment of ANZMIN 2+2 exemplifies this cooperation and commitment.
30. ASEAN plays a central role in shaping a stable, peaceful, prosperous and rules-based region. Ministers reaffirmed their support for ASEAN centrality and the ASEAN-led architecture, and underlined their commitment to the principles outlined in the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific and their practical implementation.
31. Ministers acknowledged the third anniversary of the military coup in Myanmar and their deep concern for the deteriorating situation. Ministers reaffirmed Australia and New Zealand’s commitment to supporting the desire of Myanmar’s people for inclusive and genuine democracy. Ministers called on the Myanmar military regime to immediately cease violence, release those arbitrarily detained, provide full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access and create space for meaningful and inclusive dialogue. Ministers affirmed their strong support for ASEAN-led efforts and the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus and encouraged the international community to work together in a pragmatic and constructive way to support an end to the violence in Myanmar.
32. Ministers agreed to coordinate closely on the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) accession process to ensure the high standards of CPTPP are maintained as the Agreement continues to grow. New Zealand and Australia will also work together with other CPTPP Members on the General Review of the CPTPP with a view to making sure it remains relevant to enhancing trade and investment between parties. 
33. Ministers welcomed plans to intensify discussions on significant international issues in our region involving our think tank and academic communities. Ministers noted the importance of expert dialogue beyond government to build capacity to strengthen our response to global challenges.

Partnering in the Pacific

34. The prosperity and security of Australia and New Zealand are inextricably bound to that of the Pacific. Ministers reaffirmed the commitment of both countries to work alongside Pacific countries as part of the Pacific, in support of our shared interests and aspirations. As such, Ministers tasked officials to reconvene quickly in 2+2 format to coordinate more closely on partnering and delivering for the region.
35. Ministers reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to the regional architecture with the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) at its apex. They highlighted the importance of ‘PIF Centrality’ and working through the PIF and other Pacific-led regional organisations to deliver on regional priorities as articulated in the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent and its Implementation Plan. They further recognised the importance of amplifying Pacific priorities globally. To this end, Australia and New Zealand are committed to supporting the PIF Chair, bolstering Pacific engagement and advocating for Pacific interests in multilateral fora. Ministers committed to continue working with other partners, including through the Partners in the Blue Pacific, to ensure we are listening and responding to Pacific priorities, and delivering for the region. 
36. PIF Leaders have recognised climate change as the single greatest existential threat to the Blue Pacific, and the single greatest threat to the livelihoods, security and wellbeing of the peoples of the Pacific. Australia and New Zealand are committed to amplifying the collective Pacific voice, and to taking action to address climate change and its impacts, at home, in the Pacific, and globally. Ministers agreed to work in close alignment as we work with the Pacific. They welcomed the outcomes of the inaugural Australia-New Zealand Climate and Finance Ministers’ 2+2 held in Wellington on 8 June 2023 and the scope for cooperation as both countries reduce emissions, build resilience to the impacts of climate change, and continue their energy transitions.
37. Ministers noted Pacific priorities for more targeted climate financing solutions that respond to specific needs of the region, are committed to contributing capital to the Pacific Resilience Facility as a Pacific-led Facility that will build climate and disaster resilience, and welcomed Australia’s commitment to contribute a foundational AUD $100 million. They agreed on the critical need to collaborate in support of Pacific needs and priorities – including adaptation to the adverse impacts of climate change and addressing loss and damage, stronger energy security, climate-resilient infrastructure, and better access to climate finance. Ministers agreed to work together to support Tuvalu’s Coastal Adaptation Project (TCAP), a key climate change priority under Tuvalu’s long-term adaptation plan. Australia is contributing AUD $16.9 million to the next phase of TCAP, which is critical to protect the lives, livelihoods and culture of Tuvaluans in the face of climate change.
38. Ministers highlighted the Revitalised Pacific Leaders’ Gender Equality Declaration. Ministers agreed that an appropriately resourced, coordinated and inclusive approach to gender equality and social inclusion and human rights will help achieve the vision for a resilient Pacific Region of peace, harmony, security, social inclusion and prosperity.
39. Building on the PIF Leaders’ approval of the Pacific Quality Infrastructure Principles, Ministers agreed for Australia and New Zealand to continue to advocate to and engagement with the World Bank and Asian Development Bank to promote transparent, high-quality development. This includes the use of competitive procurement focused on value for money and strong development outcomes, with a focus on generating local employment and benefits, social and environmental outcomes, and strengthened climate resilience.
40. Ministers agreed to continue working together to ensure the long-term viability of retail banking across the Pacific. Ministers acknowledged close cooperation on the upcoming Pacific Banking Forum would be important for banking services to continue, thereby facilitating regional trade and flows of remittances and investment.
41. Ministers reflected on the long tradition of collective Pacific responses in meeting regional security needs, including under the Biketawa Declaration and the expanded concept of security under the Boe Declaration on Regional Security. They agreed that transparent, inclusive decision-making with regional partners was critical to addressing regional priorities, with the PIF leading the region. Ministers reaffirmed support for a regional approach to security in the Pacific and committed to deepen cooperation to support regional peace and security.
42. Ministers noted the strong Pacific-led regional support to Solomon Islands’ successful hosting of the 2023 Pacific Games, and Australia and Fiji’s support to New Zealand in the wake of TC Gabrielle. Ministers discussed how Australia and New Zealand can collaboratively support the new Pacific Policing Initiative on ready response being led by the Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police, and committed to strengthening Pacific policing through enhanced support for equipment, training and infrastructure. Ministers also noted they look forward to working alongside the South Pacific Defence Ministers’ Meeting (SPDMM) members to develop new regional initiatives, including the Defence Pacific Response Group. New Zealand will host SPDMM in Auckland later this year. They also agreed to continue close cooperation to enhance and promote regional cyber resilience with our Pacific partners.
43. Ministers reaffirmed their longstanding commitment to provide humanitarian assistance to the Pacific if needed following disasters, and to improve regional disaster preparedness and response capabilities in partnership with Pacific countries. Ministers discussed Australia’s contribution of AUD $53 million and New Zealand’s planned support to the Pacific Community to implement the Pacific Humanitarian Warehousing Program, which aims to save lives by enabling Pacific-led responses either immediately before or in the first 48 hours following a disaster.
44. Ministers looked forward to Samoa hosting the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in October 2024, the first time a Pacific island country has hosted CHOGM. They looked forward to standing with Samoa to welcome Commonwealth leaders to the Pacific, and to hold a successful meeting under the theme ‘One Resilient Common Future: Transforming our Common Wealth’. New Zealand and Australia commit to providing support to Samoa’s hosting of CHOGM, including through security and operational assistance.
45. New Zealand looks forward to hosting the second ANZMIN 2+2 in 2025.

Political donations data published today by the Australian Electoral Commission shows that while the government may have changed at the last election, donor influence and our dodgy donation laws remain the same. 

Both the big parties accept huge sums of money from dirty industries with a track record of trying to buy favourable policy outcomes. February 1st is the one time of the year we get to find out just how much these powerful industries are paying for their influence over the government.

Greens leader in the Senate and spokesperson on democracy Senator Larissa Waters said:

“Different government, same political donors running the show. Democracy is still for sale.

“Today’s data once again shows that money talks, with more than $12 million in donations pocketed by the big political parties in the last financial year. 

“Fossil fuel companies and their lobbyists are still donating to both big parties, and in return the Albanese government continues the bipartisan tradition of giving $10 billion of public money every year in fossil fuel subsidies, turbo charging climate destruction.

“Big money from property developers, the banks, the big four consultants and grocery giants  might explain why there is so little reform to help ordinary people with the cost of living crisis.

“The Greens will continue to push for a ban on donations from industries seeking to influence government policy – like coal and gas, the banks, big pharma, the pokies and alcohol lobby, tobacco, and weapons manufacturers. 

“We’ve had to wait a whole year, and today’s data only shows the tip of the iceberg. More than a third of all donations fall below the $14,500 disclosure threshold, and many ‘membership fees’ and cash-for-access event fees are not classed as donations so they stay hidden from public view.

“Where are the reforms the government promised for more transparency and real-time disclosure?

“Labor’s promises for electoral reform to deal with misinformation, dark money, and improve transparency, are all hollow while we see no proposed reforms, and hear rumours they are stitching up rules with the Liberal party which would prop up the flagging two party system.

“Propping up the dying two party system is not electoral reform, it’s a rort.

“All year Labor has used the JSCEM process as an excuse for rejecting Greens and crossbench private members’ bills for electoral reform on topics like truth in political advertising, donation reform and transparency, and jamming the revolving door that sees pollies – including our finally retiring ex-PM – walk out of parliament house and straight into a cushy lobbying gig.

“And yet here we are again on 1 February getting our annual donation data dump, and there’s still zero detail on how they plan to work with the parliament to deliver improved transparency and integrity to our elections. 

“The Greens have been campaigning for decades to clean up our democracy. It’s time for Labor to come to the table and work with us to ensure politicians work in the public interest, not the interest of their donor mates.”

Greens Deputy Leader and Animal Welfare spokesperson Senator Mehreen Faruqi is calling on the Labor government to get animals off the MV Bahijah and reject the application to send it back to sea. The ship sits off the coast of Western Australia and the animals have been onboard the ship for almost a month.

Senator Faruqi said:

“Leaving sheep and cattle on the MV Bahijah in the scorching summer heat is animal torture. Sending them back out on another long journey is absolutely unacceptable. 

“There are more than 15,000 sheep and cattle sweltering off the coast of WA. Minister Watt must get these animals off the ship and reject the application to send them back to sea. 

“The Minister has the power to get the animals off this ship right now, and must do so immediately. 

“The government already made one gross error by approving this trip through a conflict zone. There is no room to make another mistake when it will be the animals that suffer the consequences. 

“Animals are sentient beings, but they have been treated as fodder for profit by the live export industry and governments.

“Labor must legislate an end date now and start the shut down of live exports. Sheep can’t wait for the next term of government.”

The Greens say Labor must eliminate dodgy accounting tricks from new bilateral deals on school funding, with states and territories currently able to include 4% in non-school spending in their public school funding share.

This Morrison-era trickery means that yesterday’s WA deal will only deliver 96% of minimum funding to the state’s public schools, locking in underfunding for the next six years.

The Greens support calls for an increase of the Commonwealth share of public school funding from 20% to at least 25%, and introduced a bill last year to establish a 25% funding floor.

Greens spokesperson on Education (Primary & Secondary), Senator Penny Allman-Payne said:

“Labor’s announcement yesterday on WA public school funding shows that pressure from the Greens, unions, teachers, parents and carers is working.

“But let’s be really clear: this is not a deal for full funding. It’s not even a deal for minimum funding. It’s a deal which locks in underfunding until 2029 for 300,000 WA schoolkids.

“Labor can’t be taken seriously on public school funding while they perpetuate a Morrison-era sleight of hand that shortchanges our most disadvantaged kids. 

“Labor needs to be honest and transparent with parents, carers and teachers and they need to close this loophole in the next bilateral agreements.

“They should also support our bill to axe the 20% Commonwealth funding cap and replace it with a 25% floor.

“Public schools have waited long enough for 100% SRS funding. Let’s just get it done.”

Today marks the 40th anniversary of Australia’s universal health insurance system — Medicare.

Since 1 February 1984, Medicare has been the world-class foundation of our modern health system.

Its architects were some of our nation’s distinguished leaders — notably the Hon Dr Neal Blewett AC, the late Professor John Deeble AO and the late the Hon Bill Hayden AC.

On the 40th anniversary, we acknowledge and remember their contribution to delivering a major social reform — a simple, fair and affordable insurance system, that helps all Australians.

Medicare gives Australian citizens and permanent residents access to a wide range of health and hospital services at no cost or low cost. Through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, the cost of medicine for most medical conditions is also heavily subsidised.

Because of Medicare, Australia’s health system is one of the best in the world. Australia ranks highly among OECD countries for many key indicators, including life expectancy.

The way Australians access Medicare has changed since the opening of the first Medicare office at Bankstown on 1 February 1984.

Cheques and physical paperwork are no longer our main way of doing business – today Medicare processes almost half a billion services a year, with most claims made on the spot at the doctor’s.

Australians go online to access and manage their Medicare account through myGov, and My Health Record helps to securely store all their health data.

The Labor Party built Medicare and it is the Labor Party that will continue to ensure it serves all Australians in the future.

the Prime Minister said:

“Every day, everywhere I go, people talk to me about healthcare and how important it is to their lives.

“We are so lucky to have a system like Medicare in this country and we owe a great debt to people like Gough Whitlam and Bob Hawke who fought so hard to deliver it.

“My Government is delivering on its commitment to strengthen Medicare and make it easier and cheaper to get quality healthcare, by tripling the bulk billing incentive and making medicines cheaper.”

Minister for Health, the Hon Mark Butler said:

“As we mark the 40th anniversary of Medicare, it is also vital that we keep strengthening Medicare to work towards ensuring Australians can access the right care, at the right place and the right time.

“In 2023, Australians saved more than $250 million on the price of their medicines, with even greater savings expected in 2024.

“It was a Labor Government that built Medicare and it is only a Labor Government who will continue to protect and strengthen Medicare”

Minister for Government Services, the Hon Bill Shorten said:

“Medicare’s 40th anniversary is a nationally significant milestone. It’s a time to reflect on how far we’ve come and look ahead to what’s next.

“To celebrate, we’re releasing a commemorative Medicare card design. If you’re due to get a replacement card between 1 February and 31 December 2024, it’ll be a special 40-year anniversary edition. All digital Medicare cards will also be updated with the new design from 9 February.

“Evolving over the last 40 years from paper forms and fax machines to today’s digital claims, Medicare continues to streamline and adapt service delivery for both customers and health providers.

“In the last year alone, Services Australia processed over $77 billion in Medicare-related payments and took nearly 11 and a half million calls for Medicare-related enquiries.”

With most students returning to school around the country today, Australian parents have sent a clear message to Labor to end school funding inequality, with new survey data showing that 70% believe government funding should be stripped from private schools while the public system remains underfunded.

Half of all parents surveyed believe that private schools should receive no government support at all.

Only 1.3% of public schools in Australia currently receive their bare minimum funding, which means 2.5 million students are returning this year to under-resourced schools that are not able to deliver them the education they deserve.

Meanwhile, 98% of private schools receive more government funding than they are supposed to.

The Lonergan Research poll of 1005 Australian parents of public and private school children, commissioned by the Greens, also found:

• 3 in 5 parents, including 48% of private school parents, believe the Australian school system is designed to benefit wealthier families
• two thirds of parents, including 52% of private school parents, think that private schools that receive public funding should not be able to charge fees
• Three quarters of parents, including 54% of private school parents, said that private schools receiving government funding should not be able to pick and choose which students they accept
• 69% of parents believe that private schools have too much money

Greens spokesperson on Education (Primary & Secondary) Senator Penny Allman-Payne said:

“This poll shows that Australian parents know that the school system is inherently unfair and that public schools are copping a raw deal.

“Even parents of private school kids acknowledge that the system is rigged in their favour.

“Under Labor and the Coalition, elite private schools have for decades been subsidised with billions of dollars of government largesse, while the public system – which is responsible for educating more than 80% of our most disadvantaged kids – has languished. Labor’s own review into the school system called out this shocking disparity. 

“While the richest schools in the country are building gleaming monuments to their privilege, schools in our poorest and most remote communities slide further and further into decline.  

“If Labor is genuine about leaving no one behind then fully funding public schools is a great inflation-neutral way to reduce the cost burden on families and give our kids a brighter future.

“The new National School Reform Agreement and bilateral deals are being negotiated right now. With Labor in power federally and in every mainland state and territory they have absolutely no excuse not to deliver 100% of the Schooling Resource Standard to every public school by January 2025.”

School polling table

Lonergan methodology statement

Today’s so-called “deal” between the federal and WA Labor governments on school funding looks more like a stitch-up for public school kids than an end to the inequality crisis in our schools, the Australian Greens say.

Greens spokesperson on Education (Primary & Secondary), Senator Penny Allman-Payne said:

“There is no new deal for full funding of public schools in WA, or anywhere else in the country for that matter.

“What’s been announced today is an agreement to make an agreement to keep public schools underfunded into the future.

“States and territories are able to claim 4% in non-school costs as part of their contribution to public school funding. That means that even if this deal-to-make-a-deal produces actual funding reforms, the WA school system will only receive 96% of its bare minimum funding. 

“If this is the model that the federal education minister is looking to roll out to the rest of the country then Labor is leaving 2.5 million public school kids short changed. Again.

“To fix the teacher shortage crisis, ensure all schools have the resources they need, and end schooling inequality, Labor must deliver 100% full SRS funding to all public schools by the start of the next National School Reform Agreement, in January 2025.”

Australia is investing $5 million to help Timor-Leste and the Pacific prepare for and respond to the early impacts of El Niño.

Our region is experiencing the effects of climate change and, in 2024, climate-related hazards and disasters are expected to intensify. The El Niño system brings extremely dry conditions to some areas of the region and wild weather to others.

In Timor-Leste, drought is impacting agriculture, freshwater availability and food security. Countries in the Pacific are facing similar challenges due to increased cyclone activity and flooding.

Australia is supporting the pre-positioning of non-food items, water conservation and storage, establish water systems and support food security. We are doing this as part of our partnership with the Australian Red Cross and the Australian Humanitarian Partnership, which works with communities.

This responds to our Timor-Leste and Pacific partners’ calls for early action, and concrete support to address the impacts of climate change. It will protect people’s lives and livelihoods, reduce costs and allow communities to recover better and faster from disasters.

Australia also welcomes the release of USD2 million from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund to respond to El Niño-related drought in Timor-Leste.

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

“Climate change threatens the livelihoods, security and wellbeing of Timor-Leste and the Pacific.

“In partnership with the Pacific and Timor-Leste, we stand with our region to meet the challenges of climate change and El Niño.”

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

“By investing in locally led early response systems, we aim to reduce the humanitarian impacts of any disasters that face the Pacific and Timor-Leste. This delivers on Australia’s commitment to help Pacific partners and communities adapt to the impacts of climate change.

“Australia’s support to build resilience to crises is closely aligned with the Pacific’s ambitions and commitments, including under the Boe Declaration and the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.”

The Albanese Government is investing up to $70 million to develop the Townsville Region Hydrogen Hub in north Queensland, creating regional jobs and supporting Australia’s future as a renewable energy powerhouse.  

The project delivers on the Government’s election commitment to establish a hydrogen hub in North Queensland.

It will create at least 200 direct job opportunities for local electricians, plumbers, fitters and concreters during construction, as well ongoing jobs in technical and engineering roles.

The initial stage of the hub will produce 800 tonnes of green hydrogen per year, enough to fuel over 40 heavy vehicles a year. It will ramp up to around 3,000 tonnes for domestic supply, and ultimately in excess of 150,000 tonnes for export.

The hub, led by Edify Energy, will produce green hydrogen for use by local industry and in zero-emissions transport. It will also deliver a 17.6 MW domestic production facility with integrated renewable energy generation and battery storage.

Edify and its partners – including Siemens Energy, Queensland TAFE, James Cook University and Townsville Enterprise Limited – will work with industry bodies to provide education and training to ensure Townsville’s workforce is skilled and ready to develop and sustain the region’s hydrogen industry.

Construction will begin next year and be complete in 2026, with initial commercial operations scheduled to start in 2027.

The project has over $137 million of combined investment. The Commonwealth’s contribution is up to $70 million, including $20.7 million from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency. The remaining funding is being sourced from industry and the German Government.

This Australian-German collaboration brings together Germany’s expertise in hydrogen technology and Australia’s potential to be a world leader in the production and export of renewable hydrogen.

Townsville is part of over $500 million in Commonwealth funding for hydrogen hubs in regional centres like Gladstone, Bell Bay, Kwinana, the Pilbara, Port Bonython and the Hunter.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“Investing in Townsville’s hydrogen industry is investing in Australia’s future.

“The global shift to clean energy and decarbonised economies is a huge economic opportunity for North Queensland.

“We are determined to grasp this opportunity and are investing half a billion dollars into regional hydrogen hubs all around Australia.”

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said:

“Renewable hydrogen is a game changer, opening the door to green metals, green fertiliser, green power and supporting industrial decarbonisation.

“The whole world needs renewable hydrogen, and regional Australia is ready to provide it.

“With its port, expertise in exports and access to Queensland’s abundant solar resources, Townsville is ideally placed to help power the world with Australian renewable energy and create jobs in regional Australia.”

• $1.73 billion commitment for full delivery of Rockhampton Ring Road
• Rockhampton Ring Road construction started in November 2023
• Includes critical connections to the local road network

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Premier Steven Miles today celebrated construction progress on the $1.73 billion Rockhampton Ring Road – a project that is now fully funded by both levels of government.

The commitment will deliver the full 17.4 km Rockhampton Ring Road, with an increased Australian Government commitment of $1.2 billion and an increased Queensland Government commitment to $530 million.

This transformative project for Central Queensland will increase connections to key precincts in the city and improve access, travel times to critical services including the hospital and emergency services, and road safety.

The ring road alignment opens up new travel routes to key leisure, retail, education and defence facilities.

The Rockhampton Ring Road project is a once in a lifetime opportunity to build capability within the regional workforce, with an extended pipeline of road infrastructure construction that provides opportunities for apprentices and trainees, engineers and technical services to be engaged on this significant infrastructure build.

Construction on the first $280 million package of works started in November 2023. Both contractor joint ventures mobilised to site in November to start construction at key work locations in Parkhurst and on Rockhampton-Ridgelands Road in West Rockhampton.

Construction on this phase of the Rockhampton Ring Road is expected to take up to two years to complete.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said: 

“Late last year the Australian and Queensland governments confirmed construction would be underway on the Rockhampton Ring Road by the end of 2023, and here we are two months into construction to deliver this essential infrastructure project for Central Queensland.

“This significant investment by the Australian and Queensland governments is a long-term, visionary project for Queensland’s biggest highway, the lifeline for the state of Queensland that will unlock future economic growth, build flood resilience, reduce travel times, improve road safety and support jobs.”

Queensland Premier Steven Miles said:

“The Rockhampton Ring Road will be a critical new artery for Central Queensland, and the broader Bruce Highway.

“It means a safer and quicker drive for locals and more productive travel for our transport sector, moving freight around the State.

“When complete, big trucks will avoid 19 sets of traffic lights through the middle of Rockhampton, which has long been regarded as the pinch point for travel on the Bruce Highway. That is critical for Queensland’s economic growth.

“I’m proud that our governments have come together to fully fund the Rockhampton Ring Road – to create jobs, local supply chain opportunities, and better connections for the region.”

Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said:

“The Australian Government’s commitment to fund and deliver ensures that Rockhampton and the Central Queensland region can maximise both the economic and human benefit from the project, building capability and skills in the region.

“I am delighted that this will support industries and keep freight moving throughout Queensland.”

Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Bart Mellish said:

“Finalising the agreement between the Australian and Queensland government to fund the full cost of the Rockhampton Ring Road, is testament to the commitment the Miles Government has to regional Queensland.

“The Rockhampton Ring Road will transform Rockhampton.

“Increased connections to key precincts in the city will improve access and travel times to critical services including the hospital and emergency services, open up new travel routes for the defence services, the leisure, retail and education precincts, and move through-freight out of the city, decreasing conflicts between heavy vehicles and commuter traffic, improving road safety and the ambience of the city.”

Extra background information:

To maximise local engagement, Local Buy targets are embedded in the contract, and throughout the contract development process the importance of engaging local businesses and resources has been prioritised with the contractor joint ventures.

Within less than 10 weeks of possession of site, local sub-contractor engagement on the Rockhampton Ring Road project is already tracking well with 47 of the 68 contracts awarded to date going to local businesses.

The target for local engagement on this first construction package is more than 80 per cent of sub-contract value awarded to local business. While its early days for construction delivery, on South Package 1 contract value awarded to local businesses is already at 85 per cent.

Further opportunities for engagement on the project will be available as the delivery strategy for the full scope of the project is confirmed and further packages of work are released to the market.