Category: Australian News

The Senate this morning passed a bill to reinstate human override in aged care assessments, handing Labor another humiliation over its disastrous aged care reforms.

Labor’s aged care algorithm is consistently underassessing care need and priority, leaving older people with serious conditions like MND without even the bare minimum support. Under Labor’s reforms there is no ability for a human assessor to override an incorrect or inappropriate algorithmic decision.

The legislation that passed the Senate today, co-sponsored by the Greens, Coalition and Senator David Pocock, would protect the discretion of an assessor to make professional determinations about care.

In a bid to get ahead of the parliamentary defeat it knew was coming, Labor announced some minor changes to the algorithm this morning. But these would only allow for human override in “outlier” cases.

This is the second defeat Labor has suffered in the Senate over its aged care reforms. A vote last year forced the government to release more home care packages.

Greens Older People Spokesperson Senator Penny Allman-Payne

“Labor’s aged care reforms are unravelling, with another humiliating defeat on the floor of the Senate today.

“Piece by piece, the parliament is forcing this Labor government to unwind its disastrous reforms, yet they keep pretending everything’s okay.

“How can older Australians trust Labor when they still act like the system is working fine?

“Minister Rae is clearly out of his depth and older people are paying for it, some with their lives.”

The Australian Greens are calling on the Federal Government to take stronger action against fraud within the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), following the release today of the Joint Standing Committee on the NDIS’s final report into the Integrity of the Scheme.

The Greens say the inquiry has made clear that provider fraud continues to undermine the integrity of the NDIS, divert public funds away from essential supports, and cause significant harm to disabled people and their families. The report also demonstrates that efforts to combat fraud must be targeted at those exploiting the Scheme, not at participants who rely on it.

The party says protecting the integrity of the NDIS and protecting the rights of disabled people must go hand in hand.

Senator Jordon Steele-John, Australian Greens spokesperson for the NDIS and member of the committee, said:

“Today’s report makes clear that fraud in the NDIS is a serious issue, but the Government has been too focused on targeting participants instead of the providers who are exploiting the Scheme for profit.

“Every dollar stolen through fraud is a dollar that should have gone towards supporting disabled people to live with dignity and independence.

“Disabled people deserve an NDIS that is both protected from fraud and designed around their rights, not one where they are treated with suspicion because governments have failed to crack down on those actually exploiting the system.

“We need a fraud response that is evidence-based, properly resourced and focused on those committing the fraud, not one that creates fear and unnecessary barriers for disabled people accessing the supports they need.

“The Greens are calling on the Government to strengthen provider regulation and enforcement, improve whistleblower protections, and ensure stronger accountability across the disability sector.

“The Government must move beyond politicising fraud in the NDIS and start working constructively with disabled people, disability organisations and the broader sector to strengthen the Scheme.

“That means investing in effective compliance, holding dishonest providers accountable, supporting whistleblowers, and preserving the choice and control that sits at the heart of the NDIS.”

The Greens say new analysis showing Australian gas corporations are expected to receive an additional $18 billion windfall over the next year reinforces what has become increasingly clear: global conflict is delivering extraordinary profits to multinational gas companies while Labor continues to refuse to make them pay their fair share.

The USA and Israel’s war on Iran, and instability around the Strait of Hormuz, has sent global gas prices soaring, strengthening the case for a minimum 25 per cent gas export tax.

Greens’ resources spokesperson, Senator Steph Hodgins-May:

“This confirms what many suspected: multinational gas corporations are set to make enormous windfall profits from a global conflict, while Australians continue to be ripped off.

“These war-driven windfall profits are about to arrive, and Labor is still refusing to make the gas giants pay what they owe.

“Multinational gas corporations are set to pocket an extra $18 billion from Australian gas exports off the back of Trump’s bloody war on Iran, while Australians continue to be ripped off.

“Australians did not ask for this illegal war. But if the government had the courage to stand up to the gas lobby and introduced a 25 per cent gas export tax in May’s Budget, billions of dollars from this windfall could be flowing back into lower energy bills, stronger public services and real cost-of-living relief instead of into offshore profits.

“Instead, these extraordinary profits will largely flow offshore while Australians get short-changed from the resources they own.

“Every day Labor delays is another day multinational gas corporations make blood-soaked profits from resources Australians own, while families are told there’s no money for the services they rely on.

“The momentum for a gas export tax is only growing. It’s not going away. Now is the time for Labor to stop protecting the gas lobby and start delivering Australians a fair return for the gas they own.”

UNESCO has revealed its draft decision that the World Heritage Committee not recommend the Great Barrier Reef for inscription on the World Heritage “In Danger” List. 

If Labor is serious about protecting the Great Barrier Reef it will reject Woodside’s Browse project, which is being reviewed by the Minister after a historical legal intervention secured a reconsideration request due to the impact of the project’s emissions on the Great Barrier Reef. 

The request followed comprehensive new evidence directly linking the project’s emissions to coral deaths on the Reef.

The World Heritage Committee will make its final decision at a meeting in South Korea from 19-29 July. 

Greens spokesperson for healthy oceans, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson: 

“As long as Labor remains content with ripping open new coal and gas projects that are cooking our oceans, the Great Barrier Reef is at risk of losing its World Heritage values forever.

“The Albanese government is still gambling with the future of the Great Barrier Reef. Labor’s pathetic climate target is consistent with warming above 2°C, which experts warn will cause the loss of 99% of coral reefs. 

“Make no mistake that a deliberate decision is repeatedly being made by Labor to put the profits of fossil fuel companies over the health of our planet. Including the survival of one of the greatest natural wonders in the world that this government is the guardian of. 

“Improvements to federal environmental laws that now apply to the deforestation of Great Barrier Reef catchments was a key factor in UNESCO’s decision. The only reason these changes exist is because the community and the Greens fought for them.

“The future of the Great Barrier Reef remains perilous under Labor’s watch. The only thing that will truly protect the World Heritage values of the Great Barrier Reef is immediate climate action, which means the Albanese Labor government ending its reckless support of new fossil fuels.”

Access to the very latest cancer therapies, including treatments for some of the most aggressive forms of the disease, has been expanded across NSW with the official opening of the early phase clinical trials unit at Royal North Shore Hospital this week.

The early phase unit of the NORTH STAR VNP Cancer Trials Centre, provides a dedicated facility to meet the needs of patients and their carers, and the specific requirements of early phase clinical trials.

The new unit marks an exciting development in cancer care in NSW, and follows broad consultation with clinicians, researchers, pharmaceutical companies and the community.

Initial clinical trials are underway, providing opportunities for patients with lung and brain cancer to receive specialised treatment close to home. Further trials will open for a broader range of cancers.

The unit was made possible following a transformative $20 million gift from the late Kay Van Norton Poche AO and her husband Greg Poche AO. The pair also donated $20 million to the leading Memorial Sloane Kettering Cancer Centre in New York to realise their vision of offering life-changing new treatments to a larger share of the community.

NSW Health has provided the ward space and infrastructure for the unit.

Investigators from Royal North Shore Hospital and the cancer centre in New York are partnering on international clinical trials, giving patients in Australia access to the latest breakthrough medications, and providing crucial multi-centre data for the trials.

The new unit marks an exciting development in cancer care in NSW, and follows broad consultation with clinicians, researchers, pharmaceutical companies and the community.

Minister for Medical Research David Harris said:

“The early phase unit will help progress vital cancer research and accelerate the development of improved treatments for cancer by extending our understanding of the complex disease and the most effective therapies.

“This specialised facility is also expected to help patients across New South Wales, with a focus on fostering partnerships with hospitals in rural and regional communities.

”I acknowledge the continued generosity of the Poche family in making this facility possible.”

NSW Health Deputy Secretary Clinical Innovation and Research Dr Jean-Frédéric Levesque said:

“This early phase clinical trials unit is an important step towards broadening access for patients and removing the need to travel long distances for care.

“By accelerating clinical trials in NSW and connecting researchers to the world- renowned Memorial Sloane Kettering Cancer Centre in New York, this facility will make a meaningful difference to cancer research.”

Northern Sydney Local Health District Chief Executive Anthony Schembri said:

“Northern Sydney Local Health District has been at the forefront of research and clinical care for more than a century, dedicated to diagnosing, preventing and treating diseases and improving community health.

“This exciting new early phase clinical trials unit will build on that expertise, increasing our capacity to deliver the very latest therapies, and broadening our knowledge and experience in this rapidly changing field.”

NORTH STAR Medical Director and Royal North Shore Hospital oncologist Professor Stephen Clarke said:

“Encouragingly, the facility will not only strengthen our clinical trial expertise, but will provide valuable training and career development for the health workforce in northern Sydney.

“The early phase unit will be an integral part of the broader NORTH STAR Van Norton Poche Cancer Trials Centre which is offering valuable clinical trial opportunities across the local health district.”

The Minns Labor Government must abandon its reckless three strikes drug driving policy after the Roads Minister admitted cannabis use impairs driving and was unable to explain the medical evidence underpinning Labor’s changes.
 
In an extraordinary interview with 2GB’s James Willis this morning, Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison refused to name a single doctor, road trauma specialist, scientist or medical expert who supported the 50ng/mL limit or the decision to allow multiple detections before penalties applied.
 
The Minister also claimed that the 50ng/mL limit has been in place ‘for years’ despite NSW Police stating the threshold remains zero.
 
Leader of the Opposition Kellie Sloane said Labor’s experiment with road safety will risk lives.
 
“It is deeply hypocritical for the Minister to claim her top priority is road safety when she is allowing drug driving despite experts warning it will result in more body bags,” Ms Sloane said.
 
“20 experts have said there is no scientifically agreed level of THC which reliably indicates impairment, if the Minister has medical evidence to the contrary she should release it or abandon this reckless change to road safety.”
 
Shadow Minister for Roads Mark Coure said it was concerning Minister Aitchison saw no need to increase roadside drug tests given the new laws would see more drivers with drugs in their system on NSW roads.
 
“Throughout the interview the Minister repeatedly argued the reforms were about fairness for medicinal cannabis users yet failed to explain how allowing drivers with THC in their system makes NSW roads safer,” Mr Coure said.
 
“The Minister cannot simultaneously admit cannabis impairs driving while weakening the laws designed to keep impaired drivers off our roads.”

The Albanese Labor Government is delivering real change for Australians, with a suite of cost-of-living measures starting on 1 July 2026, including more tax cuts, a full six months of Paid Parental leave, strengthening Medicare and more hospital funding. 

Starting 1 July 2026, the Albanese Labor Government is:

• Giving every taxpayer another tax cut, as part of our plan to deliver a series of five tax cuts and ultimately save the average worker up to $2800 a year.
• Expanding Paid Parental Leave to a full six months, helping new parents spend more time at home with their newest family member.
• Backing minimum wage and award wages increases, to boost the pay of 3 million workers.
• Permanently extending the $20,000 instant asset write-off for small business.
• Banning supermarket price gouging with a new mandatory Food and Grocery Code that prohibits very large retailers from charging prices that are significantly excessive.
• Making Medicare Urgent Care Clinics a permanent part of Australia’s health system, to help deliver patients the best care and take pressure off hospitals.
• Injecting an additional $25 billion into public hospitals, to help states deliver care.
• Expanding services at our Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinics to include menopause and perimenopause.
• Improving patient outcomes by requiring pathology and diagnostic imaging providers to upload test results to My Health Record.
• Opening a new National Environmental Protection Agency, the first in Australia’s history.
• Setting up a new Veteran Wellbeing Agency, to improve outcomes, access and wellbeing.
• Introducing payday super, so workers start earning returns sooner and reducing the chances super will go unpaid.

The Albanese Labor Government will keep working to deliver more cost-of-living help and build a more productive economy, a better tax system, and a fairer housing market to help Australians.

the Prime Minister: 

“My Government is focused on delivering real change for Australians – that means a full six months paid parental leave for new parents, making it easier for first home buyers to get into a home, and major investments in Medicare including making Urgent Care Clinics permanent.

“From 1 July we’re cutting taxes again for over 14 million taxpayers, and our combined tax cuts mean an Australian worker on average earnings will be up to $2,800 better off every year.

“We’ve also backed in a pay rise for 3 million minimum and award wage workers – because we know every bit of help matters.”

the Treasurer, Jim Chalmers: 

“We’re delivering cost of living relief and we’re delivering real change in the tax system to help first home buyers.

“We are cutting taxes five times in three ways, helping Australians earn more and keep more of what they earn.

“Whether it’s tax cuts for every taxpayer, higher wages for workers or support for small businesses through the instant asset write off, we’re delivering more help that will make a meaningful difference to people under cost of living pressure.”

the Health Minister, Mark Butler: 

“Our initiatives to strengthen Medicare are changing the face of frontline care delivery and helping keep costs down for Australians – good for their health and good for their hip pockets.

“From July 1 under our Government, Medicare Urgent Care Clinics are here to stay, women have greater access to Menopause and Perimenopause support, and Australian patients can more freely access their pathology results, through My Health Record.

“We haven’t just stopped the Medicare freefall under the previous government, we have reversed it and strengthened it – dramatically.”

Amanda Rishworth, Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations:

“From today, millions of Australian workers will see a real boost to their pay with the minimum wage rising above $1,000 a week for the first time.

“We backed a real wage increase because we are focused on supporting working people and easing cost‑of‑living pressures.

“Labor is delivering higher wages, tax cuts for every taxpayer, and stronger workplace protections, because we want workers to earn more and keep more of what they earn.”

the Social Services Minister, Tanya Plibersek:

“Labor’s changes to Paid Parental Leave mean working parents get more time off and more money when they welcome a new arrival into their family.

“It was a Labor Government that introduced Paid Parental Leave in this country, and now it’s the Albanese Labor Government expanding it to a full six months of leave.

“Labor will keep delivering real change that helps Australian families.”

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing from the state’s north.

Luke Timbery, aged 25, was last seen at a hotel on Beaumont Street, Hamilton, about 7pm on Wednesday (1 July 2026).

When he could not be contacted or located, officers attached to Newcastle City Police District was notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Police hold concerns for his welfare as he requires regular medication.

Luke is described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, about 175cm tall, of medium build, with brown hair.

He is known to frequent the Narooma, Kianga, Dalmeny, and Nowra areas.

Anyone with information into his whereabouts is urged to contact Newcastle City Police District or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Seven adults will face court following unauthorised protests in the state’s north last week.

About 6.30am on Friday 26 June 2026, officers from Newcastle City Police District responded to multiple locations within the Newcastle Local Government Area regarding trespass and unauthorised protest activity.

Police were told six protestors allegedly entered a rail corridor at Mangrove Road, Sandgate, with the intention of stopping a coal train.

Security guards intercepted the group, with police later arresting two of the protestors.

A short time later, police arrested a further two protestors attempting to leave the area on Riverside Drive, Mayfield West, while another protestor was arrested attempting to leave the scene in a motor vehicle.

About 10am the same day, officers arrested a 66-year-old woman outside a building on Hunter Street, Newcastle, after police intercepted a group of protestors allegedly attempting to gain access inside the premises.

Following inquiries – about 2pm later that day – a 23-year-old man attended Waratah Police Station where he was subsequently arrested.

The seven individuals arrested were conveyed to either Waratah or Newcastle Police Station.

Those arrested included:
an 18-year-old man – charged with cause obstruction to railway locomotive or rolling stock and enter enclosed non-agricultural lands – interfere with business
a 54-year-old man – charged with cause obstruction to railway locomotive or rolling stock and enter enclosed non-agricultural lands – interfere with business
a 22-year-old woman – charged with cause obstruction to railway locomotive or rolling stock and enter enclosed non-agricultural lands – interfere with business
a 20-year-old woman – charged with cause obstruction to railway locomotive or rolling stock and enter enclosed non-agricultural lands – interfere with business
a 23-year-old man – charged with cause obstruction to railway locomotive or rolling stock and enter enclosed non-agricultural lands – interfere with business
a 62-year-old man – charged with cause obstruction to railway locomotive or rolling stock and enter enclosed non-agricultural lands – interfere with business, and
a 66-year-old woman – issued a Court Attendance Notice for enter enclosed non-agricultural lands – interfere etc business.

The first five individuals were all granted conditional bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court on Thursday 6 August 2026, while the 62-year-old man was refused bail and appeared before Bail Division – Court 2 on Saturday 27 June 2026, where he was granted conditional bail to appear before Newcastle Local Court on Thursday 6 August 2026. The 66-year-old woman will appear in the same Court on Thursday 23 July 2026.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Prime Minister of Vanuatu, Jotham Napat, signed a new treaty, the Vanuatu–Australia Nakamal Agreement, in Canberra today.

In Vanuatu, the Nakamal is the traditional meeting place where the community and its leaders consult and make decisions with mutual respect, trust and understanding.

The Nakamal Agreement elevates the partnership between Australia and Vanuatu, deepens integration between our people, strengthens the collective security of our region, and supports Vanuatu’s development aspirations and economic transformation.

Australia and Vanuatu share history and close cultural connections between our Melanesian, South Sea Islander and First Nations communities. Honouring and strengthening these ties is at the heart of the Agreement and will be among our earliest actions.

As Vanuatu’s longstanding primary policing partner, Australia will provide additional training and equipment to the Vanuatu Police Force, as well as greater maritime security, infrastructure, intelligence cooperation and cyber support.

Reaffirming regional leaders’ commitment that Pacific security is the shared responsibility of Pacific Islands Forum members, Vanuatu has committed to prioritise policing cooperation with Pacific Islands Forum members. Vanuatu will not allow any foreign military base or infrastructure in its territory, and will keep its critical infrastructure free from militarisation, foreign interference or unauthorised access. Vanuatu will consult Australia when it considers third party engagement in its critical infrastructure.

The Nakamal Agreement formalises Australia’s longstanding support to Vanuatu in response to major natural disasters. Vanuatu has committed to come to Australia, New Zealand and France first for humanitarian assistance.

Recognising the existential threat posed by climate change, Australia and Vanuatu will work together to transition to renewable energy sources, including by supporting on-grid and off-grid renewable energy solutions for Vanuatu’s communities.

We will work to make it easier for our people to move between our two countries through enhanced mobility arrangements and border systems, and will establish a new traineeships program to boost Vanuatu’s domestic workforce and skills.

The Nakamal Agreement will enter into force as soon as possible, following domestic processes in both countries.

The Nakamal Agreement is available at: Vanuatu – Australia Nakamal Agreement

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“The Nakamal Agreement is an important step in our long-standing partnership with Vanuatu.

“Initiated at Vanuatu’s request, this agreement elevates and strengthens the relationship between our countries – we are committing to walking forwards together.

“Prime Minister Napat’s visit to Australia to sign the Nakamal Agreement is a demonstration of our shared commitment to shaping our countries and our region for the better.”