Category: Australian News

Today, I met Wang Yi, Director of the Chinese Communist Party Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, in the margins of ASEAN-related meetings in Jakarta, Indonesia.

We had a constructive discussion about the bilateral relationship and the value of ongoing dialogue under our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

I reiterated Australia’s position on a range of issues, including trade impediments, consular cases, human rights and Hong Kong.

In the context of ASEAN meetings, we discussed the importance of the institutions, rules and norms that underpin sovereignty, security and prosperity in the region. I conveyed Australia’s clear views on security in the Pacific and Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.

As we agreed at the Foreign and Strategic Dialogue in December, Australia will continue to work with China to grow the bilateral relationship, navigate differences and engage in the national interest.

See the meeting with China’s Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs Wang Yi opening remarks by Senator the Hon Penny Wong.

This week’s report in the Courier-Mail about a man torching his home north of Brisbane – perhaps with himself inside it – because he could no longer afford his mortgage payments is a tragic story that should be a wake-up call for decision-makers with control of monetary policy in Australia.

Recently-announced changes to the operations of the Reserve Bank gloss over the immediate – and, in this case, devastating – impact its decisions have on the finances of every Australian home and business.

The RBA’s only direct mechanism for controlling inflation is interest rate rises. In this current crisis, it does not appear to be working because we are also experiencing a shortage of workers in the Australian economy: higher unemployment is also an effective break on inflation.

The most significant factor in Australia’s inflation is energy costs. The first electricity bills following a 25% increase in electricity costs across Queensland from 1 July are now going into people’s inboxes. These costs are rising because cheaper, reliable generation from coal and gas is being prematurely closed down, creating an energy shortage, and energy grids are being upgraded to accommodate the intermittent input of wind farms and household solar panels.

It’s no coincidence that the 300% rise in household energy bills over the past 20 years followed the large-scale penetration of renewables in the national grid over the same period. And what for? To save the world from carbon dioxide emissions? It hasn’t worked – global emissions are still going up. All of our energy and pain have been for nothing.

And now it’s costing lives. It’s not climate change that is the killer – it’s climate change ideology.

The Albanese Government has agreed to a major defence export deal with Germany, signing an in-principle agreement for Australia to supply more than 100 Boxer Heavy Weapon Carrier vehicles, built in Brisbane.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese witnessed the signing of the agreement by Ambassador to Germany Philip Green and Mr Benedikt Zimmer, State Secretary, Federal Ministry of Defence, during his visit to Berlin.

Once finalised, the deal would see Rheinmetall leverage its production capacity at its Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence in Redbank, Queensland to supply the vehicles to Germany.

The deal represents one of Australia’s largest ever defence export contracts, worth over $1 billion to the Australian economy in the production and supply of vehicles, supporting approximately 1,000 local Australian jobs and providing a significant boost to our sovereign defence industry.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“This is one of the biggest defence sales in Australia’s history and is worth over $1 billion to the Australian economy in the production and supply of these vehicles.

“The agreement will boost Australia’s sovereign defence industry, secure local jobs and contribute to Australia’s economic growth.

“This deal secures well-paid jobs in Queensland and across the country.”

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said:

“The Defence relationship between Australia and Germany is growing significantly, and we are excited about this in-principle agreement for Rheinmetall to build Boxers for the German Army in Brisbane.

“This is a significant investment for our local defence industry; securing local jobs and contributing to Australia’s economic growth.

“I look forward to seeing this significant deal between our two countries continue to progress.”

Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy said:

“We are excited that Boxers made in Brisbane, using Australian suppliers, will be used by the German Army.

“This export opportunity highlights the world-leading skills and capabilities within Australia’s defence industry.

“This deal will support hundreds of well-paid, high skill jobs and grow the defence relationship between Australia and Germany.”

Prime Minister Albanese met with Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin today to advance the Australia-Germany relationship.
 
The leaders held positive discussions on boosting trade and investment, climate action and clean energy, and our defence and security cooperation.
 
The Australia-Germany relationship has never been stronger, and our economic partnership is increasingly important for Australia’s future prosperity and job creation in a time of global uncertainty.
 
Bilateral talks focused on drawing our countries closer, delivering growth, and investment opportunities from a prospective Australia-EU Free Trade Agreement.
 
Clean energy cooperation is at the core of the Australia-Germany relationship. Prime Minister Albanese outlined to Chancellor Scholz our ambition to become a renewable energy superpower and the commercial opportunities to help Germany decarbonise its industry. They discussed bilateral work underway to build and strengthen supply chains in both critical minerals and clean hydrogen.
 
Australia has also joined the Climate Club, joining the G7 and other high ambition countries, a German initiative to further international climate action. Membership in the club will complement Australia’s climate objectives, green economy opportunities and allow us to bring our unique regional perspectives to global emissions reductions action.
 
The Prime Minister also witnessed the signing of an in-principle arrangement for Australia to supply over 100 Rheinmetall Defence Australia Boxer Heavy Weapon Carriers to Germany, starting in 2025. This will be one of the biggest defence sales in Australia’s history – and is worth north of $1 billion dollars to the Australian economy in the production and supply of these vehicles.
 
This deal will boost Australia’s sovereign defence industry, secure local jobs and contribute to our economic growth, with the vehicles being produced in Redbank, Queensland.
 
The leaders affirmed a shared commitment to supporting Ukraine following Russia’s invasion. Australia and Germany are united in our belief that we have a collective responsibility to contribute to a safe, secure and stable world.
 
At the conclusion of the visit, Prime Minister Albanese extended an invitation to Chancellor Scholz to visit Australia as a Guest of Government in 2024.
 
Prime Minister Albanese said:
 
“Australia and Germany have never been closer, and I have been honoured to visit Berlin and to meet with Chancellor Scholz today.
 
“We discussed ways to draw our countries even more closely together, with a focus on trade, clean energy, defence and regional security.
 
“Australia and Germany are forging ahead and seizing the exciting opportunities of clean energy transition while delivering new jobs and export opportunities for both countries.
 
“We have also made a significant step forward on defence cooperation, which will support jobs and industry in Australia.”

Australia is steadfast in supporting Ukraine to defend itself against Russia’s illegal and immoral invasion. Ensuring Ukraine can receive international assistance is a crucial part of that.

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) will deploy a Royal Australian Air Force E-7A Wedgetail aircraft to Germany for approximately six months from October to help protect a vital gateway of international humanitarian and military assistance to Ukraine. This deployment includes up to 100 crew and support personnel.

The deployment of the E-7A Wedgetail will integrate with the efforts of our partners, including the United States, and support the multi-layered protections in place for assistance into Ukraine.

The aircraft will provide early warning in the event of any threats outside of Ukraine against the gateway for humanitarian and military assistance.

ADF personnel or assets will not enter Ukraine throughout this deployment and the aircraft will not be involved in the current conflict in Ukraine. The E-7A will operate outside of Russian, Belarusian and Ukrainian airspace.

We thank the German Government for hosting the aircraft and our personnel for the duration of the deployment. 

The deployment demonstrates Australia’s commitment to support our allies and partners in upholding the international rules-based order.

The Albanese Government continues to work with the Government of Ukraine and our international partners to provide assistance and calls on Russia to immediately withdraw from Ukraine. 

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“Australia calls on Russia to withdraw its military forces from Ukrainian territory and immediately end this illegal invasion, which has caused terrible damage and loss of life in Ukraine.

“We strongly support Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and are providing ongoing humanitarian and military assistance.”

Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles said: 

“The deployment of the E-7A Wedgetail as an additional early warning capability will help ensure that vital support flowing to Ukraine by the international community is protected. 

“Australia is committed to ensuring Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity prevails against Russia’s assault on the rules-based order.”

Foreign Minister, Penny Wong said:

“Australia’s E-7A Wedgetail deployment is a further demonstration of our support for Ukraine.

“Australia stands with Ukraine to empower its people to end Russia’s illegal, immoral war.”

Rental Pain Index Reveals Pressure Points Across Australian States

A recent analysis of the Australian rental property landscape reveals that Queensland (QLD), South Australia (SA), and New South Wales (NSW) are currently experiencing the greatest rental pressure, according to data released by Suburbtrends.

Kent Lardner, Founder of Suburbtrends, states, “The Rental Pain Index, a metric that measures the financial strain of renting, is highest in QLD, followed by SA and NSW. This suggests that tenants in these states are feeling the greatest ‘rent pain’ at present.”

The analysis focuses on the top 25 results per state, comparing factors such as the percentage of advertised rentals, vacancy rates, average 12-month rental increase, and average rent as a percentage of income. QLD not only leads the pack in rental pain but also boasts the largest average 12-month rental increase at a staggering 16.33%.

Kent explains, “The significant increase in rental prices over the past year in QLD is a clear contributor to the heightened rental pain felt by residents. Similar trends are observed in SA and WA, where rental prices have risen by approximately 15.95% and 15.37%, respectively.”

Interestingly, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and Tasmania (TAS) were found to have the highest average percentage of advertised rentals, suggesting a high turnover of rental properties. The ACT also has the highest vacancy rate, with over 2.22% of properties sitting empty for 21-days or more.

Despite these findings, Kent stresses the importance of broader context: “While these numbers give us a snapshot of the current state of affairs, it’s crucial to remember that the rental market is complex and ever-changing. Factors such as economic conditions, population growth, and housing policies all play a role.”

Suburbtrends is committed to providing the most accurate and up-to-date insights into the Australian rental market to help both renters and property investors make informed decisions.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will travel to Europe to meet with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin on July 10 before attending the NATO Leaders’ Summit in Vilnius, Lithuania from 11 – 12 July.
 
Australia and Germany are firmly united as strategic partners and close friends. The Prime Minister and Chancellor Scholz will discuss deepening cooperation between Australia and Germany in a range of areas including trade and investment, the clean energy transition, and defence.
 
Australia shares a commitment to peace and security with NATO allies and partners. At the NATO Leaders’ Summit Australia will advocate for our region’s strategic priorities and advance Australia’s security, economic and trade agenda.
 
This is the second time Australia has been invited to attend the Summit as an Indo-Pacific Four partner, along with Japan, the Republic of Korea and New Zealand.
 
Prime Minister Albanese said:
 
“It’s important that I attend the NATO Leaders’ Summit. Australia’s presence at this forum is firmly in our national interest as we work together towards a peaceful and stable world.
 
“Alongside our NATO allies, Australia continues to demonstrate our unwavering support for Ukraine, and our condemnation of Russia’s illegal and immoral invasion.
 
“I am honoured to accept an invitation to visit Germany and meet with Chancellor Scholz. Australia and Germany are close partners and friends. Australia wants to deepen our cooperation to address shared challenges and ambitions.”

Today I will travel to Timor-Leste to meet with newly appointed Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão and his government, and to reaffirm Australia’s deep and broad friendship with our close partner.

During the visit I will also meet with President José Ramos-Horta and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Bendito Freitas.

Australia and Timor-Leste are close neighbours, friends and partners. These deep bonds form the foundation on which we can build our futures together. We are equal stakeholders in an open, stable and prosperous region.

From economic development, through to assisting Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN, Australia is committed to supporting Timor-Leste as a sovereign, secure and resilient nation.

We cooperate across a wide range of sectors, including health and human development, education and skills, and defence and security.

This cooperation reflects the deep reservoir of respect, friendship and solidarity between the Timorese and Australian people.

This will be my second visit to Timor-Leste as Minister for Foreign Affairs.

All Australians join the family of Constable Anthony Woods in mourning. He was a young man cruelly robbed of his future. A husband, son, brother and uncle taken from his loved ones. An Australian who went to work and never came home.

Like all police officers, Constable Woods knew the risks his job entailed. Yet he bravely performed his duties, putting himself in harm’s way so others could be safe.

The hearts of all Australians go out to his wife, Emily, and all his family. We grieve with his friends, his workmates, and the broader police community, whose every member feels each loss so very deeply.

May Constable Woods rest in peace.

A funding agreement is now in place for the Australian Government’s $55 million election commitment towards upgrading international terminal facilities at Newcastle Airport.

The funding will support construction of an upgraded international terminal to increase the capacity, efficiency and effectiveness of international passenger and border processing at Newcastle Airport.

This will bolster air transport links and connectivity opportunities for the Hunter.

Transforming Newcastle Airport into an international gateway will generate significant economic benefits for local and regional tourism and trade sectors.

The terminal works at Newcastle Airport are scheduled for completion in 2024.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“My Government wants to see regional centres like Newcastle grow and prosper into the future.”

“We are ensuring that every dollar that is invested has lasting benefits for the Hunter region.”

“We understand how important tourism is to the Hunter. And these upgrades will connect the region, and its incredible products, to the rest of the world.”

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

“Making Newcastle Airport an international gateway will unlock greater opportunities for local tourism while better connecting residents to the world.”

“The project will also support significant employment and economic stimulus during and after construction, providing even more of a boost for the Hunter.”

Qthe Member for Paterson, Meryl Swanson said:

“We are getting on with the job of delivering on our $55 million election commitment to contribute to the upgrade of international terminal facilities at Newcastle Airport.”

“The upgraded international terminal will be transformational for the whole Hunter region – for the aviation sector, for local tourism and for communities.”