Category: Australian News

The Albanese Government has breached its own rules for deploying Australian Defence Force personnel to conflict zones when it sent forces to the UAE earlier this month. 

The Memorandum on Government Conventions Relating to Overseas Armed Conflict Decision Making was adopted by the Albanese Government on 27 November 2024. It sets out the rules establishing what the Government must do when it “deploys the ADF in a major military operation as a party to an armed conflict overseas.” 

The requirements include providing an unclassified written statement to both Houses of Parliament outlining the objectives of the deployment, the orders made, its legal basis and setting aside a day of debate in Parliament.

The rules clearly state this must be done within 30-days of the deployment, which was announced on March 10, 2024. The Albanese Government has failed to do any of this and this sitting week is its last chance to comply. 

The Greens wrote to the Albanese Government last week seeking it adhere to these rules in the deployment of a E-7A Wedgetail, some 85  Australian personnel and missiles to the UAE in the middle of the war in Iran. The letter from the Greens can be found here, and the Government’s reply here. 

Senator David Shoebridge, Greens Spokesperson for Defence and Foreign Affairs, said:“The Albanese Government after refusing to support war powers reform in the last Parliament, put forward this memorandum instead. Now they have failed to meet even this extremely low standard. 

“A key requirement of the memorandum is that the Government must provide the legal basis for the deployment of Australian military forces. Labor has now refused to do this, almost certainly because there is no lawful basis for Australia joining this war. 

“The Memorandum also requires regular reports, public statements on the aims and a day of debate in Parliament. All of that has been scrapped so Albanese could be first in line to support Trump. 

“The violence that is spreading through the Middle East, the resulting chaos here in Australia, all of it shows why these decisions need to be under public scrutiny. It absolutely proves how dangerous it is for Australians to be sent into a war zone by a handful of government ministers who have never said no to Trump or the US. 

“The response from the Defence Minister is embarrassing for Labor. The idea that the deployment to the UAE is in any way comparable to the sending forces to Poland is ridiculous. Poland is not an armed conflict zone, as the Gulf is today, which is what this Memorandum is based on. 

“The Labor Government treats the public with contempt when it comes to foreign policy. They ram through a secret defence committee that excludes the public, then demand we applaud them for it. They cheer in Trump’s war and now refuse to tell the public why.

“The war parties of Labor, the Coalition and One Nation aren’t protecting the Australian public with their reckless support of this illegal and damaging war. 

“Labor’s refusal to even debate the war, their refusal to meet their own low standards of transparency, proves once more that they are delivering for their masters in Washington, not their voters in Australia.”

File

Attachment	Size
Marles_letter.pdf	335.89 KB
letter_-_waters___shoebridge_to_albanese__wong___marles_re_adf_deployment_and_parliamentary_oversight-1 (1).pdf (1).pdf	513.57 KB

The Fair Work Commission’s decision today to scrap unfair junior rates for young adults aged 18-20 is a big win for our workers.

The Greens have long campaigned for removing the discriminatory practice of imposing junior rates on Australia’s young workforce.

The real wages of workers have gone backwards as inflation has soared, leaving our young workers behind in a cost-of-living crisis.

The Greens welcome the FWC’s decision for young adults. However, its exclusion of 16-17 year olds is disappointing.

Greens spokesperson for finance, employment and workplace relations Senator Barbara Pocock:

“Scrapping unfair junior rates is a big win for young workers. For too long 18-20 year olds have been doing the same work as their 21 year old colleagues but for less pay.

“Rising inflation is eroding real wages, pushing young workers further behind in the cost-of-living squeeze.

“Low-paid workers are already facing an uphill battle as wages have failed to keep up with the inflation. 

“The Greens believe workers’ pay should reflect their skills, not their age. We need to continue to raise the wages of under-18s who do the same work for less pay.

“It’s not fair that a 16 year old fast food worker earns $16.60 per hour less than their 21 year old colleague doing the same job. 

“Junior pay rates guarantee an endless supply of cheap labour for employers willing to exploit the skills and talents of young people newly entering the workforce.”

Today committee chair and Greens spokesperson for Children, Anasina Gray-Barberio handed down the interim report for the Inquiry into the Early Childhood Education and Care Sector in Victoria. The Greens-led inquiry has already resulted in better outcomes for child safety. 

The inquiry received 99 written submissions and has held 5 days of public hearings so far.

This interim report released today gives an update on the evidence heard by the committee on issues such as quality of services, the growth in private, for profit-providers, child safety and well-being, and cultural safety for First Peoples.

Since the inquiry was established, the national and state governments have made several important changes including improvements to working with children checks, establishing a new regulator, a national early childhood worker register, new offences and penalties, and a CCTV trial in certain centres.

These welcome steps are thanks to advocacy from the Greens and the community.

The select committee will continue its work with further hearings in May before presenting a final report by the end of July.

Victorian Greens spokesperson for Children and Committee Chair, Anasina Gray-Barberio:

“This Greens-led inquiry has already been effective in getting the state and federal governments to act on child safety. We’ve seen tangible outcomes including improvements to working with children checks, establishing a new regulator, new offences and penalties and a CCTV trial in certain centres.” 

“Families deserve real answers, and this is exactly what the Greens-led inquiry is providing. 

“We’ve heard too many stories of children being harmed while 

The major parties have colluded to lock in a weak cash mandate that leaves Australians vulnerable to exclusion, the Greens say.

The Competition and Consumer (Industry Codes—Cash Acceptance) Regulations 2025 only applies to large supermarkets and fuel retailers, meaning most essential service providers are not required to accept cash.

“People should be able to use cash for essential goods and services across the economy, not just at a handful of big retailers,” said Greens Economic Justice spokesperson Senator Nick McKim

“Cash matters for inclusion, choice, access to essentials, and basic resilience when digital systems fail.”

“These regulations are far too narrow. They let most corporations off the hook while pretending to solve the problem.”

Consumer groups have warned the rules hit older Australians, people on low incomes, and regional communities hardest.

A disallowance motion that would have forced Labor to introduce a broader cash mandate was defeated by the combined votes of the major parties today.

“Yet again the Labor and Liberal parties have voted together to protect their corporate mates, and let most big corporations off the hook.”

The Coalition will strongly oppose any move by the Albanese Government to increase the size of the Australian Parliament, warning it would come at significant cost to taxpayers at a time Australians are already under severe financial pressure.

Analysis from the Parliamentary Budget Office shows that expanding the Parliament could cost taxpayers more than $620 million, including salaries, staff, travel and office costs.

Leader of the Opposition Angus Taylor said the Government had its priorities completely wrong.

“At a time when Australian families are tightening their belts, the last thing they should be asked to fund is more politicians,” Mr Taylor said.

“This is a Government that cannot manage the economy, cannot control spending, and now wants to make Australians pay for a bigger Parliament.

“This is more spending, more bureaucracy, and more pressure on the budget at exactly the wrong time.

“We will protect Australians’ way of life and restore their standard of living, and that starts with living within our means.”

Leader of The Nationals Matt Canavan said the proposal showed how out of touch the Government had become.

“People in regional Australia are doing it tough. They are paying more for fuel, groceries and power,” Senator Canavan said.

“They do not want more politicians in Canberra. They want practical help with the cost of living.

“Now is the time to tighten the belt, not expand the bureaucracy.

“This Government is focused on itself. The Coalition is focused on Australians.”

The Coalition is calling on the Prime Minister to immediately rule out any expansion of the Parliament and instead focus on Australia’s declining living standards and cost of living crisis.

Key facts:
· Research shows strong correlation between global oil prices and Australian corporate insolvencies over the past 25 years
· Record 14,722 insolvencies in 2024-25 primarily attributed to COVID hangover rather than oil prices
· Oil price projections of $90-100 USD per barrel expected to create a Multiplier Effect on existing business pressures
· Oil impacts business failures through four channels: transport costs, raw material prices, reduced consumer spending, and interest rate pressure
· Government’s temporary fuel excise cut deemed insufficient for long-term crisis management, with calls for more sustained support measures
 
New analysis released today by Halo Advisory has identified a stark correlation between global oil prices and the rate of corporate insolvency appointments in Australia. The findings, drawn from ASIC insolvency records, RBA cash rate data, and ABS statistics, suggest that the current volatility in the Middle East could be the “Tipping Point” for thousands of SMEs already struggling with inflationary pressures.
The report highlights a consistent trend spanning over two decades: as the price of a barrel of oil climbs, business failures follow in a predictable wave. This analysis identifies that each of the three major oil price surges of the past 25 years—the 2000 spike to $28.50/bbl, the 2006–2008 run to nearly $97/bbl, and the sustained $108–$111/bbl period from 2011 to 2013—was accompanied by a meaningful rise in Australian insolvency appointments in the same or immediately following year.
The 2026 “Multiplier Effect”
While the record 14,722 insolvencies in 2024–25 represent the highest figure in the 25-year dataset, the surge was primarily a “COVID hangover” rather than oil-driven. During 2020–22, insolvency volumes were artificially suppressed to historic lows by JobKeeper, ATO debt forbearance, and safe harbour provisions. The current surge represents a “catch-up” of deferred failures now meeting the reality of higher interest rates and intensified ATO enforcement.
However, with oil prices projected to remain at $90–$100 USD per barrel over the coming months, Brent crude is set to become the primary “Multiplier Effect” on top of these existing pressures.
“The data doesn’t lie. Every major peak in oil prices has preceded a surge in business collapses,” says Greg Bartels, Director of Halo Advisory. “We are currently seeing Brent Crude jump from a 2025 average of $71.91 to a forecasted $85.00+ in 2026. This isn’t just about the cost of filling up the delivery van; it’s about the massive inflationary shock that ripples through the entire supply chain”.
Why Oil is the “Lead Indicator” for Failure
According to Bartels, oil is a “non-discretionary” cost driver that transmits almost immediately into business cash flows, unlike interest rates which operate with a lag of 12 to 24 months. The mechanism works through four simultaneous channels:
· Transport and Logistics: Freight and delivery companies pass on fuel surcharges almost immediately, raising input costs for every business in the supply chain.
· Raw Material and Input Prices: Oil is a base component for plastics, packaging, chemicals, and fertilizers. A sustained price spike flows through to virtually every manufactured good within weeks.
· Consumer Spending Contraction: As households absorb higher fuel costs at the pump, discretionary spending on retail, hospitality, and services contracts—directly cutting revenue for the SMEs most represented in insolvency data.
· Interest Rate Pressure: Rising oil prices serve as a primary driver of headline inflation, which can force central banks to maintain or increase high interest rates to curb rising costs, further squeezing business margins.
“Small businesses are the ‘Canaries in the Coal Mine’ of the economy, and they’re beginning to show signs of real stress,” adds Bartels. Specifically, the construction and food services sectors, which accounted for over 40% of all external administrations in 2023–24, face structurally higher fuel exposure relative to their margins.
The “Triple Threat” and Government Action
Australian SMEs are currently facing a “Triple Threat”: the unwinding of pandemic-era support, persistently high interest rates, and now a geopolitical fuel spike. Halo Advisory acknowledges the Federal Government’s recent announcement to halve the fuel excise and reduce the heavy vehicle road user charge to zero for three months as a positive step in the right direction. However, while this provides immediate relief, the underlying data suggests that fuel prices are likely to remain elevated well beyond this short-term window.
To mitigate the long-term crisis, Halo Advisory urges the government to look beyond this temporary measure and consider further targeted responses:
· Extended or Trigger-based Relief: Moving towards relief measures that activate automatically during sustained price spikes to provide ongoing certainty for transport-dependent SMEs.
· ATO Forbearance and Interest Reform: Finding a middle road between enforcement and collecting the $34 billion in outstanding SME tax debt. This includes potentially reintroducing tax deductibility for interest charges on ATO tax debts.
· Addressing Director Liability: In 2024–25, 85,000 Director Penalty Notices (DPNs) were issued—a 136% increase on the previous year—making directors personally liable for business debts.
“While the excise cut provides a temporary breather, the ‘cushion’ of cash flow will disappear again the moment it expires if global prices remain high,” Bartels concludes. “We expect the remainder of 2026 to be one of the most challenging periods for SME survival on record”.

The ACT Greens are calling for two months of free public transport in Canberra during this extraordinary fuel crisis following similar moves by the Tasmanian and Victorian governments.

“Canberrans are at a loss with the rapid increase in the costs of fuel and questions over whether fuel will even be available at the pump,” said Andrew Braddock, ACT Greens Spokesperson for Transport.

“Free public transport will reduce fuel demand and save thousands of dollars for those who are struggling to put food on the table,” said Mr Braddock.

“In the middle of a fuel crisis, it’s the least the government can do.”

Last week, ACT Labor and the Canberra Liberals teamed up to vote against free public transport funded by a 25% tax on gas exports.

“This was a sensible, climate conscious solution which would’ve brought immediate relief to all Canberrans. Instead, the major parties ganged up to vote this down, putting the needs of Canberrans firmly behind their own.

“It’s time for the ACT Government to rise to this moment and join the growing number of states around Australia making public transport free during the fuel crisis.”

“In uncertain times like these, ACT Labor shouldn’t be looking out for their mates in the fossil fuel industry. They should be empathising with Canberrans and working to ease their cost-of-living pressures.

“If we can afford fare-free Fridays, we can afford two months of free travel during this fuel crisis.

“Public transport in the ACT has been under-done for decades. It needs a significant amount of investment, and a commitment from the Government to get the network moving.

“We can start that here and now with free public transport for the period of the crisis, and permanently for students, seniors and other concession-holders who need ongoing cost of living relief.

“The Commonwealth should also be chipping in. If they can drag the chain on renewable energy, while signing us up to an illegal war in Iran, they can help pay for the consequences faced by Australians.”

The Australian Greens push to tax gas exports at least 25% is gaining momentum, with a newly won Select Committee to look at taxing Australia’s oil and gas, setting the ground for changes in the May budget.

The Select Committee will be chaired by Greens spokesperson for resources, Senator Steph Hodgins-May, who will seek to dismantle the gas industry’s excuses for not paying billions in taxes despite soaring windfall profits. .

At a time of instability and rising pressure on Australia’s energy security, the inquiry will examine how fairer taxation of gas exports could deliver billions in public revenue to ease the cost of living and reduce reliance on imported fuels.

Recent polling shows strong and growing support across the political spectrum for making gas corporations pay more for selling Australia’s resources.

Greens Leader Senator Larissa Waters:

“Gas corporations are ripping us all off and paying virtually no tax. While people are struggling to pay bills and seeing the cost of living go through the roof, gas corporations shouldn’t get a free ride.

“For years rich gas corporations have got most of their gas for free, shipped it overseas for maximum profit, and now they’re making eyewatering profits off the back of the war.

“The free ride is over. People are fed up with gas industry greed and Labor’s refusal to tax gas corporations to fund cost of living support. This is money that should be helping people pay the bills and have what they need to live a good life.

“This Inquiry will put the rich tax-dodging gas corporations under the microscope, dismantle their excuses for paying no tax, and build momentum for fairer tax in the upcoming budget.”

Senator Steph Hodgins-May:

“This inquiry into a gas tax comes at a crunch moment. The gas cartel is poised to cash in on global conflict while Australians are being smashed with rising bills at home.

“A 25 per cent tax on gas exports could raise $17 billion a year. Money that could slash power bills, fund free public transport, and fast-track electrification so we can end our dependence on gas for good.

“This Inquiry will interrogate the outdated talking points of gas corporations, expose how they avoid paying their fair share of tax, and recommend how we get to a tax system that benefits Australians, not greedy gas corporations.”

“It is a moment of reckoning for Labor. Will they stand up to vested interests and make gas corporations pay or will they let them continue to write the rules?

The Prime Minister convened a virtual National Cabinet meeting today to discuss Australia’s national, coordinated response to support our fuel security and supply chain resilience in light of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

First Ministers acknowledged the conflict is contributing to heightened volatility in global energy markets, with flow-on impacts for domestic supply chains and prices. Leaders noted the situation remains dynamic and evolving, underscoring the importance of governments being well-prepared for a range of potential scenarios.

While Australia is in a secure position currently, it’s the responsibility of all governments to plan ahead for every scenario. First Ministers today agreed to the National Fuel Security Plan to coordinate a consistent response across the Commonwealth, states and territories.

The plan outlines how governments will work together to keep Australia open and the economy moving. First Ministers noted that early voluntary action, coupled with new supply measures, can defer or mitigate the need for stronger measures.

Every Australian can play a part to make sure fuel continues to get to those who need it the most. Our collective approach is guided by four levels of action.

Today the National Cabinet is announcing Australia is currently at level “Keeping Australia moving”, having transitioned through “Plan and Prepare”.

The four stages are as follows: 

1. Plan and prepare 
2. Keeping Australia moving 
3. Taking targeted action
4. Protecting critical services for all Australians

The plan outlines the indicative settings at each level, with roles and responsibilities allocated across governments and industry partners.

Minister Bowen provided an update on Australia’s supply outlook. The Fuel Supply Taskforce Coordinator, Anthea Harris, provided an update on the progress of the Fuel Supply Taskforce. Leaders noted the newly formed Fuel Supply Coordinators group has met twice and will continue to meet twice weekly. Leaders agreed the Fuel Supply Coordinators will be critical to ensure alignment of effort across all levels of government, especially for cross-border considerations.

Leaders reinforced their commitment to securing fuel supply for Australian industry and households, while also shielding Australians from higher prices. Leaders acknowledged 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 National Cabinet will continue to assess whether higher levels of action are needed and will plan accordingly. Any shift in level will be signalled by the National Cabinet, including through consultation with relevant industries and sectors, to ensure additional measures are well-designed and work efficiently.

First Ministers concluded by noting that as their governments work through the immediate challenges, they must all build fuel and energy resilience to shield the Australian community and industry from future global shocks. At the heart of this is unlocking affordable and sovereign energy to underpin Australian industry, lower power prices, and maintain Australia’s status as a trusted and reliable energy exporter.

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

Following a meeting of the National Cabinet today convened by the Prime Minister, the Australian Government will halve the fuel excise on petrol and diesel for three months.

The halving of the fuel excise will reduce the cost of fuel by 26.3 cents per litre.

This will reduce the cost of a 65L tank of fuel by nearly $19.

The spike in fuel prices as a result of the war in the Middle East is hurting Australians and causing financial stress. This will help to provide some relief.

The halving of the fuel excise will commence from April 1 and run to 30 June.

Further, the Albanese Government will reduce the Heavy Vehicle Road User Charge to zero for three months to help truckies continue their vital work for our nation. The Government will also defer the next scheduled increase in the Heavy Vehicle Road User Charge by six months.

Australians are encouraged to use public transport wherever possible to help conserve fuel for the regions, and we welcome existing moves to cut the costs of public transport.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) will continue to monitor fuel prices to help ensure that the lower excise rate is fully passed on at the bowser.

While Australia’s fuel supply outlook remains secure in the near term because of the actions the Albanese Government has taken, the longer this war goes the worse the impacts will be.

We are acting now to prepare and shield Australians.

Since the conflict commenced four weeks ago the Albanese Government has taken swift action on fuel. We have: 

• Passed new laws to double penalties for petrol companies for price gouging
• Appointed a national Fuel Supply Taskforce Coordinator and Taskforce
• Released 20 per cent of Australia’s petrol and diesel fuel reserves, targeted at regional areas
• Changed fuel standards to get more fuel flowing
• Changed diesel standards so Australia’s refineries can supply more diesel
• Tasked the ACCC to ramp up fuel price monitoring and issue on-the-spot fines.
• Engaged with international partners to keep supply flowing, including securing a supply agreement with Singapore.
• Introduced laws to make sure companies pay truckies fairly when fuel prices spike
• And introduced legislation to underwrite the purchase of fuel by the private sector.

Today National Leaders also agreed and released a National Fuel Security Plan.

The Prime Minister, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister Bowen continue to engage key international counterparts to help ensure the continued flow of fuel and diesel shipments to Australia from our trade partners. We will continue to keep Australians updated on these discussions and developments.

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