Category: Australian News

Today we will host New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters MP and Defence Minister Judith Collins KC MP for our annual Australia-New Zealand Foreign and Defence Ministerial Consultations (ANZMIN 2+2) in Canberra.

These dialogues are an opportunity to shape our cooperation to respond to the demands of our region, including how we strengthen our Alliance.

Australia and New Zealand have a uniquely close bond and are working together across a range of foreign affairs, defence, economic and cultural interests.

In the face of growing strategic challenges, working in partnership with New Zealand to strengthen regional stability and energy security has never been more important. 

In addition to the 2+2 meeting, the Australia-New Zealand Defence Ministers’ Meeting and Foreign Ministers’ Consultations will also be held in Canberra.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Collins will also visit the Australian War Memorial in recognition of our enduring ANZAC spirit.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles:

“Australia and New Zealand are fundamentally aligned across the challenges we face and are working together to advance our shared interests and those of our region.

“We are strengthening our defence partnership to become an increasingly integrated Anzac force in support of our shared interests and our common values.

“I look forward to discussing how we can further strengthen our defence and security Alliance.”

Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong:

“Australia and New Zealand’s relationship is built upon generations of deep friendship, democratic values and a common outlook as Pacific countries.

“The trans-Tasman relationship is more important than ever as we work with our Pacific neighbours to respond to global developments and create a more peaceful, stable and prosperous region.

“We extend a warm welcome to our Kiwi counterparts – I look forward to discussing how we can deepen our cooperation to advance our shared interests and those of our region.”
 

Greens MLA Laura Nuttall will today move a motion calling for a $20 million annual funding increase and greater funding security to community organisations that provide essential services to the Canberra community.  

 “Everyone knows that we’re in a cost of living crisis, but right now the government is failing to support the organisations who help those most in need”, said Miss Nuttall. 

“So many Canberrans are struggling and need help, and the government leaves it to the community sector to provide this support. But right now this sector simply doesn’t get the funding or funding security they need. 

“Organisations which provide things like food relief, mental health and homelessness support, family, domestic and sexual violence crisis services and services run by and for women, LGBTIQA+ folks, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people with a disability are supporting more Canberrans who are increasingly dealing with more complex issues.

“But right now, they’re forced to do so with insufficient funding, meaning they often have to choose which key services to cut.

“Too often, community groups are also held back by a lack of funding security. We’ve heard genuine fear from community organisations who don’t know if their contracts will be renewed until the last possible minute. 

“Systemic underfunding also has a brutal impact on the workers, who pour their heart and soul into helping people at the toughest point in their lives, and do so without the pay and protections of their peers in the public sector.

“That’s why my motion calls on the government to seriously consider providing a $20 million funding boost to the sector every year over the forward estimates. It calls on the government to account for the real costs of delivering these services, to ensure decisions on funding renewal are made at least 6 months in advance, to seek parity between community and public sector workers’ protections  and to make sure the community sectors’ buildings are climate-resilient and disaster-proof. 

“While many see Canberra as a wealthy city, the reality is that many are only one missed paycheck or rent or interest hike away from needing to rely on the community sector for help.” 

The Greens have secured support across the Legislative Assembly to ensure the next climate change strategy is fit-for-purpose, and to increase funding in the next budget for environment groups in the territory.

On Tuesday afternoon the Greens also won support to ensure that Canberrans who would struggle to afford the shift to renewable energy will not be left behind, making this a leading priority in the territory’s ongoing transition to clean power.

Leader of the ACT Greens, Shane Rattenbury:

“Over the past year, Labor has dragged its feet on delivering a credible strategy to cut emissions in the territory. Thanks to the Greens, we now have the clearest picture yet of what the next climate strategy will actually include, and it sets a much higher bar.

“But Labor saying they’ll do it is one thing, delivering on promises is another entirely, and Canberra deserves action, not just words.

“The ball is now firmly in Labor’s court.

“The Greens have given them a nudge, and secured agreement that supporting environmental groups and helping Canberrans who can least afford the transition will be considered in the next budget and climate strategy.

“We want them to listen to what the community has been asking for and consider their duty of care to future generations, and their enabling of fossil fuel companies to quietly buy social licence with sponsorships and advertising.

“The Greens have now set the bar Labor has to reach to show if they’re serious about real climate action. Canberrans are counting on us to push for a clean, fair future, and the Greens are not backing down.

“The motion that passed today also emphasises the need for Labor to make sure the next phase of climate action is not a challenge for individuals alone.

“Governments and industry need to fix big systems to make it easy for our community to cut emissions and live a good life amid climate change impacts.

“That means tackling one of our biggest sources of emissions – transport – by accelerating the shift away from petrol cars, expanding electric vehicle charging, and making it easier for people to get around by public transport, walking and cycling.

“It also means planning properly for the phase-out of fossil fuel gas, investing in climate adaptation and disaster readiness, and being honest about the ACT’s broader climate footprint, including all the indirect causes of polluting greenhouse gas emissions.”

“Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ active inflation agenda has ensured that the trajectory of interest rates is upwards while the rest of the world is headed downwards”, said Shadow Treasurer, Tim Wilson today.

Mr Wilson’s comments follow the announcement of the Reserve Bank of Australia today to increase rates by a quarter of a percent from 3.85 per cent to 4.1 per cent.

“Twelve months ago the Treasurer said Australia had turned the corner on inflation and interest rates, but ABS data shows that the Treasurer doesn’t understand that by pouring debt petrol on the inflation fire he is stoking it”, Mr Wilson said.

“The Treasurer will blame international factors, but Australia’s inflation problem was reported in the December data from Canberra, not March in Tehran”.

“Jim Chalmers’ job was to put out the inflation fire, by keeping it alight it means Australia will be doubly hurt”.

“Australians are living the consequences of the Treasurer’s inflation denial. When Australians pay their mortgage or go to the supermarket, they feel the consequences of Jim Chalmers’ active inflation agenda whether he acknowledges it or not”.

“The rest of the developed world has experienced declines in inflation and interest rates, Australia is a standout in having rates rising before the outbreak of the Iranian conflict”.

“Under Jim Chalmers, living standards have gone backwards, uniquely in the developed world. And with inflation outstripping wages, and costs continuing to rise Australians don’t have to ask if they’re getting poorer – they’re living it”.

“With the Federal Budget less than two months away, Australians are getting poorer and the only response from Jim Chalmers is inflation, higher interest rates and new taxes”.

“Australians desperately need hope, and that will only come with a change of government that stops pouring debt petrol on the inflation fire”, Mr Wilson said.

The Prime Minister convened National Cabinet today to address fuel security and supply chain resilience in Australia in response to the conflict in the Middle East.

First Ministers were provided a situation update from the Director General of the Office of National Intelligence Kathy Klugman and the Director General of Security and Head of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Mike Burgess.

Leaders agreed that while Australia is well prepared and current supply is secure, the nation must be prepared for all scenarios.

Leaders reinforced their commitment to prioritise securing fuel supply for Australian industry and households, while also shielding Australians from higher prices. Leaders acknowledged that the longer the conflict in the Middle East goes on, the more significant the impact will be for global supply chains, fuel prices, and the wider economy.

The conflict in the Middle East is an unprecedented shock to global energy markets. The International Energy Agency has called it the biggest in history. Already Australians are feeling the consequences at the bowser.

Leaders reiterated their collective mission is to protect Australians from the economic consequences of the global conflict and to ensure continued fuel security, while building economic resilience for the long term. Australia is well placed to do both.

The Commonwealth will appoint Anthea Harris as Fuel Supply Taskforce Coordinator to support coordination across governments and sectors.

Anthea Harris is formerly the CEO of the Australian Energy Regulator and the former Chief Executive Officer of the Energy Security Board. Prior to this, she was Deputy Secretary of the Energy Group within the Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning.

The Fuel Supply Taskforce Coordinator will be responsible for the following: 

• Leading a new Fuel Supply Taskforce that will be established in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet in Canberra.
• Driving coordination between the Commonwealth and the States and Territories on fuel security and supply chain resilience.
• Providing consistent, coordinated updates to the Commonwealth and States and Territories on our fuel supply outlook as well as our domestic fuel distribution.
• Act as a single convening point for fuel supply and forward planning.

Leaders agreed that national coordination is essential to support States and Territories using the powers and plans they have in place regarding fuel distribution.

The Commonwealth Government is responsible for national fuel security and supply and will work with States and Territories to support distribution within their jurisdictions.

Leaders reiterated that Australia is in a good position at present and does not have an overall fuel shortage at this time. However, there are some shortages in specific areas due to an increase in demand in those locations. 

National Cabinet Leaders agreed that every Australian can play a part in helping right now by only purchasing the fuel that they need.

Leaders urged all Australians to consider others in need and not to over buy. That is not the Australian way.

Leaders agreed that the best outcome is to ensure Australia is over prepared. Today’s announcement reinforces that approach.

Since the conflict commenced two weeks ago the Commonwealth government has taken swift action on fuel to: 

• Release up to 20 per cent of our diesel and fuel reserves to help address regional shortages.
• Temporarily amend national fuel standards to keep more Australian-made fuels onshore.
• Crack down on petrol companies price gouging.

Energy Ministers and officials are working closely to coordinate fuel supply updates around the country including through the National Oil Supplies Emergency Committee.

The National Coordination Mechanism has convened several discussions with industry and states and territories.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs is engaging key international counterparts to help ensure the continued flow of fuel and diesel shipments to Australia from our trade partners.

The Australian Government will be announcing more measures to prepare the nation for supply chain challenges over coming days and weeks.

This media statement has been agreed by First Ministers and serves as a record of meeting outcomes.

Anthony Albanese MP
Prime Minister 

Chris Minns MP
Premier of NSW

Jacinta Allan MP
Premier of Victoria

David Crisafulli MP
Premier of Queensland

Roger Cook MLA
Premier of Western Australia

Peter Malinauskas MP
Premier of South Australia 

Jeremy Rockliff MP
Premier of Tasmania

Andrew Barr MLA
Chief Minister of the Australian Capital Territory

Lia Finocchiaro MLA
Chief Minister of the Northern Territory

The Albanese Government has appointed Anthea Harris as Fuel Supply Taskforce Coordinator – a new role, supporting the work governments around the country are doing to ensure Australia is overprepared and quick to respond when facing fuel and other supply chain challenges arising from the conflict in the Middle East.

The Fuel Supply Taskforce Coordinator will be responsible for the following: 

• Leading a new Fuel Supply Taskforce that will be established in the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.
• Driving coordination between the Commonwealth and the States and Territories on fuel security and supply chain resilience.
• Providing consistent, coordinated updates to the Commonwealth and States and Territories on our fuel supply outlook as well as our domestic fuel distribution.
• Supporting State and Territory governments to get fuels to their regions where they are in demand, and act as a single convening point for fuel supply and forward planning.

The Commonwealth Government is responsible for national fuel security and supply, and will work with States and Territories to support distribution within their jurisdictions.

This is a cross portfolio coordination role, ensuring the decisions of Government are implemented quickly and smoothly.

With shortages in specific areas due to an increase in demand in some locations, and further supply chain challenges expected throughout coming weeks and months, Ms Harris’s taskforce will lead coordination work to ensure the best outcomes for Australians and Australian businesses.

Anthea Harris is formerly the CEO of the Australian Energy Regulator and the former Chief Executive Officer of the Energy Security Board. Prior to this, she was Deputy Secretary of the Energy Group within the Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning.

Australia is well prepared for the challenges coming from the Middle East conflict, and our fuel supply is currently secure.

Since the conflict commenced two weeks ago the Commonwealth government has taken swift action to: 

• Release up to 20 per cent of our diesel and fuel reserves to help address regional shortages.
• Temporarily amend national fuel standards to keep more Australian-made fuels onshore
• Crack down on petrol company price gouging.

This appointment is the next step in shielding Australia from the worst of the economic challenges coming from the Middle East.

The Australian Government will be announcing more measures to prepare the nation for supply chain challenges over coming days and weeks.

the Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese

“I want to reassure Australians – Australia is well prepared.

“Our fuel supply is currently secure – but I want us to be over-prepared.

“Anthea Harris is the right person to lead the work across governments ensuring fuel supply remains resilient and challenges coming from the Middle East are dealt with here in the Australian way – looking after each other and facing problems together.”

Minister for Climate Change and Energy of Australia, Chris Bowen

“Australia has entered this period of global uncertainty better prepared than before – our fuel reserves are now held onshore, we’ve invested in our refineries, and we’ve acted quickly to address localised supply shortages.

“Since the conflict commenced two weeks ago the Albanese Government has taken swift action to release up to 20 per cent of our diesel and fuel reserves to help address regional shortages, temporarily amend national fuel standards to keep more Australian-made fuels onshore, and crack down on petrol companies ripping off Australian consumers.

“Today’s announcement of the eminently qualified Fuel Supply Taskforce Coordinator is the next step in preparing and responding to the supply chain challenges coming from overseas.”

The Australian Koala Foundation (AKF) is still fighting for a national Koala
Protection Act (KPA), grounded in a simple principle: the rule of law must
protect Australia’s wildlife.

For four decades the Foundation has argued that the Koala, and all other
species that call these forests home, deserve their own dedicated legislation
— a law strong enough to properly safeguard habitat and ensure that the
species survives for future generations.

In 2000, Deborah Tabart OAM, chair of the Australian Koala Foundation,
convened a national legal summit bringing together Australian and
international lawyers, scientists and conservation organisations to examine
whether existing environmental laws could adequately protect the Koala. At
the time they evaluated 22 different documents from State jurisdictions and
by and large all agreed they were not working.

At the time, the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act
1999 had just come into force. After two days of discussions, participants
encouraged the Australian Koala Foundation to allow the new legislation an
opportunity to operate before pursuing separate Koala-specific law, a
decision that has been met with much regret from the Foundation.

Why? Because more than two decades later, the results are clear. Bob
Brown, then a Senator, did identify and support such a law in 2014 but in
2016, the “big” conservation groups, thinking that Labor would win the
election, decided to abandon “species specific legislation” and the rest of
course is history, says Tabart. The Koala went from Vulnerable to
Endangered in this time.

One of the most significant weaknesses of the EPBC Act is that land clearing
does not automatically trigger federal protection, even though it is
recognised as a threatening process. Only the Federal Environment Minister
has the power to trigger that Act. The current minister is Murray Watt, the
sixteenth person to hold the role since Tabart joined the Australian Koala
Foundation in 1988, nearly 40 years ago. A Koala Protection Act would
remove Ministerial approval and also “Permits to Take” which is by and
large a “licence to kill”.

In practice, projects are frequently “called in” or granted “controlled action”
status. This means developments may proceed while further environmental
information is gathered, a process that can allow large areas of Koala
habitat to be cleared while assessments continue.
For the Koala, time lost often means habitat lost and as a result suffering
illness including chlamydia.

AKF believes that Australia must now consider stronger environmental
accountability. Around the world there is increasing discussion about new
legal frameworks, including the concept of Ecocide — recognising severe
environmental destruction as a crime.

The idea that the law evolves to protect what humanity values is not new.
Following the atrocities of World War II, the Nuremberg Trials established
legal principles that led to the international recognition of Genocide and
Crimes Against Humanity.

Last week also marked International Women’s Day, a moment to reflect on
individuals whose leadership helped shape the modern world. Deborah
Tabart OAM recognises and honours the legacy of Eleanor Roosevelt, a
former First Lady who championed global peace in the years following
World War I through international efforts that eventually evolved into the
United Nations.

Many suggest the international system she helped inspire is now struggling
to manage a world where “might over right” is again being tested. Some
argue the UN Charter must evolve to meet the realities of the twenty-first
century — and there is confidence that dedicated leaders around the world
are working towards that goal.

The same principle applies to environmental protection. When laws are no
longer strong enough to protect what matters, they must be strengthened.
The call for stronger environmental protection also comes at a time when
citizens are increasingly engaged in planning decisions that affect wildlife
habitat. Submissions to the South-East Queensland Regional Plan have
highlighted ongoing concerns about land clearing, habitat fragmentation
and long-term planning for wildlife across Queensland.

Younger conservationists are now raising many of the same questions that
have been asked for decades — about clearing limits, planning horizons and
the continued loss of primary Koala habitat.

The Australian Koala Foundation believes the answer is clear: Australia
needs a law designed specifically to protect the Koala and its habitat across
the nation.

A Koala Protection Act would ensure that the survival of the Koala is not left
to flawed planning systems but safeguarded by enforceable national
legislation.

The Australian Koala Foundation remains confident that such a law will be
achieved.

Because when people speak clearly enough, the law ultimately follows.

About the Australian Koala Foundation

The Australian Koala Foundation (AKF) is the principal non-profit, non-government organisation dedicated to the effective management and conservation of the Koala and its habitat. Our proudest achievement is the recent finalisation of mapping the entire geographic range of the Koala, via our Koala Habitat Atlas mapping methodology. The AKF is also dedicated to a Koala Protection Act.

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

“The cancellation of Bluesfest today is another devastating blow to Australia’s music community and a stark warning about the fragile state of our arts sector.

“For more than three decades, Bluesfest has been one of Australia’s most iconic music festivals, attracting world-class artists, supporting local performers, and drawing tens of thousands of visitors to regional communities.

“Countless arts organisations, venues, and festivals are being pushed to the brink in this cost of living crisis. 

“Without urgent and sustained investment, more events that support Australian musicians and creatives will disappear.

“The arts are a vital part of Australia’s cultural identity. Live music and festivals create jobs, boost tourism, support small businesses, and provide a platform for emerging Australian artists.

“The cancellation of yet another music festival today should be a wake-up call. 

“Governments at all levels must provide stronger funding and policy support for the arts sector; from festivals and venues, to the artists and crews who bring Australian music to life.

A Senate inquiry hearing into the job and program cuts at the CSIRO, Australia’s leading scientific research agency, has revealed low morale for our scientific community and a grim future for essential science in the face of the climate crisis.

Damning evidence to the committee today showed:

• A push to privatise research funding at CSIRO, with implications for the nature of CSIRO’s research agenda.
• Further jobs cuts (up to 350) are expected at CSIRO, on top of the 800 positions already slashed in the past 18 months.
• Low morale among the workforce at CSIRO with staff left devastated by the dehumanising approach to job and program cuts without consultation.
• Inadequate government funding of Australia’s leading scientific research agency, which is unable to keep up with inflation costs of research.
• An economic and human life cost from “adapting blindly” to the climate crisis as a result of lack of funding.
• Shrinking career opportunities for scientists as a result of dwindling funds and employment opportunities at CSIRO and universities.

Greens spokesperson for finance, public sector, workplace relations and employment and Senator for South Australia, Barbara Pocock:

“The Greens secured this inquiry in response to job cuts and funding pressures. The inquiry has revealed the real-world implications of inadequate public funding for science and on our ability to face the climate crisis and future health challenges.

“I’ve heard evidence today from a range of different scientists who have shared the alarming consequences of funding cuts. In the midst of a climate crisis and after a global pandemic, Labor is pouring billions into submarines instead of the fundamental research needed to adapt to and tackle these global challenges.

“At a time when science investment should be growing, our leading research agency is cutting hundreds of jobs to stay afloat. These aren’t just numbers — they’re skilled workers essential to Australia’s scientific future. Our science needs long-term continuity of funding and should be at least in line with the OECD average of 2.7% of GDP.

“CSIRO workers are facing relentless uncertainty about their jobs and research. These are dedicated scientists, and losing their expertise would be a serious blow.

“In the face of a worsening climate crisis, the work of the CSIRO is vitally important to Australians and our future generations. We should be strengthening our research capacity, not murdering its capability slice by painful slice. 

“The Greens are calling on the government to properly resource CSIRO to ensure the long term critical science and knowledge we need to keep our nation safe and prosperous. We heard evidence that, once lost, it will be difficult if not impossible to rebuild these research capabilities.”

Greens spokesperson for science and Senator for Lutruwita/Tasmania, Peter Whish-Wilson:

“Cutting CSIRO staff and science programs, especially within the Environmental Research Division in Hobart, shows the Albanese Labor government does not truly value environmental science or the scientific community in Tasmania.

“From the high personal cost being imposed on each and every scientist being told their life’s work is no longer important and required, through to institutional reputational damage and the negative message this sends to young career scientists — it’s a very difficult time and it doesn’t have to be this way.

“You can’t gut the critical role scientists play at CSIRO and then turn around and say you support early career research programs, that just doesn’t make sense.

“It is deceitful for the government to say job cuts are necessary due to budget constraints when it can find hundreds of billions of dollars for nuclear submarines and subsidies for fossil fuel companies. 

“It is clear that science is no longer a priority for this government.”

Today, the Albanese Labor Government, with the support of the Liberals, handed security agencies a veto over what information can be given to Royal Commissions into the Bondi attack and how that evidence can be used.

The Royal Commissions Legislation Amendment (Protections for Providing Information) Bill 2026, is meant to respond to a recommendation from the Interim report of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, but only partially implements this.

The Veterans Royal Commission found that members of the Defence Force and security agencies did not feel free to give evidence to the Royal Commission because of fear of prosecution for breaches of secrecy provisions. As the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion begins this protection is clearly essential, and it is not being given by Labor’s proposals.

This Bill does not give the protection recommended by the Royal Commission into Veteran Suicide. It only gives current and former members of security agencies protection from prosecution if they give evidence to the Royal Commission in accordance with arrangements negotiated between the security agency and the Royal Commission. The Bill also provides that the Royal Commission can only use such information in accordance with arrangements agreed to by the security agency.

Senator David Shoebridge, Greens spokesperson on Justice, said: “You cannot have the security agencies deciding what evidence is given to the Royal Commission about their own activities. This Bill lets the fox run the hen house.

“The horror we saw at Bondi was a national tragedy. This Royal Commission must be able to closely scrutinise the role of Commonwealth security agencies before and after this racist attack. This cannot happen when those same agencies are looking over the commission’s shoulder.

“The Greens have long called for the protection of whistleblowers, including those inside security agencies who want to provide information to Royal Commissions or the Parliament.

“There must be proper protections for brave truth tellers, and agencies can’t hide from scrutiny behind secrecy clauses where this stands in the way of uncovering fundamental problems.

“This Bill goes nowhere near the protections needed for witnesses to the Royal Commission who look at David McBride in jail and are right to be worried what will happen to them if they tell the truth.”