Category: Australian News

This week I will travel to Malaysia and India to advance Australia’s bilateral relationships and promote Australia’s interests in a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.

My visit to Malaysia will reaffirm our shared priorities under our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

I look forward to holding introductory meetings with members of the new Malaysian Government, including the Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Economy.

These meetings will focus on advancing our significant trade and economic links, cooperation on defence and regional security, and the close ties between our peoples.

Australia is committed to working with Malaysia to support ASEAN’s vital contribution to regional peace and security.

This will be my first visit to India as Foreign Minister, and I look forward to meeting my counterparts at the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi.

Australia strongly supports India’s G20 Presidency and welcomes India’s ambitious, action oriented G20 agenda, under the theme ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’.

I look forward to working with my counterparts on how we can address contemporary international challenges, including strengthening the multilateral system, food and energy security, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

While in New Delhi, I will also attend the 2023 Raisina Dialogue, India’s premier forum for addressing the most challenging issues facing our regional and global community.

This year is an important milestone in Australia’s bilateral relationship with India, with many high-level Ministerial visits between our two countries.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell and Minister for Resources Madeleine King will travel to India over the next month, and later this year Australia looks forward to hosting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he attends the Quad Leaders’ meeting.

Today the Prime Minister led a Cyber Security Roundtable, focused on the whole-of-nation effort required to protect Australians and our economy, with the aim of making Australia the most cyber secure nation by 2030.

We invited leaders from the public service and our intelligence agencies, and independent experts from business, industry and civil society, to share their expertise and experience.

We discussed ideas including incentivising best practice cyber behaviours, growing Australia’s cyber security sector and raising national cyber awareness, to shape a new strategy.  One that will give Australian businesses and families confidence, stability and security, in the face of rapidly evolving threats.

The Albanese Government also announced it will establish a Coordinator for Cyber Security, supported by a National Office for Cyber Security within the Department of Home Affairs, to ensure a centrally coordinated approach to deliver Government’s cyber security responsibilities.

Input from today’s roundtable will inform the development of Government’s 2023-2030 Australian Cyber Security Strategy.  That Strategy will be led by the Minister for Home Affairs and Cyber Security, Clare O’Neil, the first Cabinet Minister to hold the portfolio of Cyber Security.

The Cyber Security Strategy Expert Advisory Board, appointed by Minister O’Neil, has released a public discussion paper seeking feedback on the development of the 2023-2030 Australian Cyber Security Strategy.

The Prime Minister and Minister O’Neil thank today’s leaders for their roundtable input, and encourage all Australians to share their views in the discussion for a safer cyber world.

The discussion paper can be found here.

Prime Minister, the Hon Anthony Albanese MP said:

“Strengthening Australia’s cyber security is a fundamental priority for our government because we recognise it is essential to the way every Australian lives and works and trades and learns and communicates.”

“This is a fast-moving, rapidly-evolving threat and for too many years, Australia has been off the pace. Our government is determined to change that. “

“I want to thank those who participated in the Roundtable for their innovative ideas, considered feedback and constructive approach to addressing the cyber security challenges facing our nation.”

“For businesses these days, cyber security is as important and essential as the shop having a lock on the door.  We need all Australian businesses to be able to protect themselves and – just as importantly – protect their customers.”

the Minister for Cyber Security, the Hon Clare O’Neil MP said:

“Getting our cyber security settings right will take time, and Australians should be prepared for more cyber incidents in the coming years. However, it is clear that Australians expect more from businesses holding their sensitive data, and Government has a central role to play to ensure everyone is pulling their weight.”

“As a nation, we cannot sleepwalk into our cyber future. I want Australia to be the world’s most cyber secure country by 2030. I believe that is possible, but it will take a concerted effort from industry and Government alike.”

“Industry needs to put cyber security at the heart of its business decisions and practices, and Government needs to walk the talk and work with industry as genuine partners to build a nationally consistent approach.”

“Today’s roundtable demonstrated the potential for a truly national approach. I want to thank those who attended the roundtable for their willingness to contribute to Australia’s cyber security, and for their constructive feedback on the direction of the 2023-2030 Australian Cyber Security Strategy.”

As we welcome home Australia’s Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) from Türkiye, we acknowledge their extraordinary efforts in responding to the devastating earthquakes.

The DART demonstrated the commitment and professionalism that our international partners have come to expect from Australia.

Leading search and rescue efforts in difficult and dangerous conditions, the team used high-tech equipment to search through the rubble of unstable and collapsed apartment blocks.

The team of 72 personnel comprised representatives from Fire and Rescue NSW, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, ACT Fire and Rescue, New South Wales Departments of Health and Public Works, NSW Ambulance, NSW Police, representatives from the National Emergency Management Agency and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

The Australian Defence Force also made a valuable contribution by transporting personnel and equipment to and from Türkiye.

Deployment of the DART was part of Australia’s $18 million humanitarian assistance package.

Australia’s ongoing assistance will continue to help our partners in Türkiye and Syria provide lifesaving assistance, including deliver food, tents, blankets, clean water and sanitation and other services.

In Türkiye, Red Cross and Red Crescent partners, as well as NGOs through the Australian Humanitarian Partnership, are delivering this support with a focus on protecting those made most vulnerable by the earthquakes, in particular the protection of women and girls.

In Syria, assistance is being provided to the United Nations Population Fund to deliver maternal and child health services and protect women and girls without safe housing, and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

Ongoing recovery and reconstruction in Türkiye and Syria will be significant. The Australian Government will continue to assess where it can best assist in addressing additional needs.

Local communities have experienced widespread loss, tragedy and hardship. We extend our condolences to all those who continue to be affected in Türkiye and Syria.

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

“From New Zealand to Türkiye, Australians have again stepped up to help our international partners in times of need.

“I am proud of the tireless efforts of DART team members who have supported responses to these natural disasters. As a result of their work in Türkiye, many families can now lay their loved ones to rest.”

Minister for Emergency Management, Senator the Hon Murray Watt said:

“Through practical assistance and significant technical capability, their deployment provided comfort and support to affected communities and local authorities in Türkiye.

“Our team has experienced relentless devastation and tragedy in the disaster zone. Their work is incredibly important.”

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

“I welcome Australia’s Disaster Assistance Response Team home – their dedication, expertise and professionalism were on full display.

“Under the most difficult of circumstances they have worked tirelessly with local Turkish authorities on search and rescue efforts, delivering supplies and supporting an international effort to save lives.”

The Greens will introduce a Bill to remove the arbitrary 20% cap on Commonwealth funding for public schools’ Schooling Resource Standard.

Speaking at the Australian Education Union’s National Conference, Australian Greens spokesperson for Schools Senator Penny Allman-Payne said today that she would introduce the legislation to end the buck passing between state and federal governments. 

The announcement comes after the Government extended the current National School Reform Agreement locking in underfunding for public school students for another twelve months.  

Greens Schools spokesperson Senator Penny Allman-Payne said:

“Australia now has one of the most privatised school systems in the developed world.

“This is a critical juncture where the governments of Australia will, in effect, decide whether they are committed to public education or not. It is no exaggeration to say that public education faces an existential threat if we do not turn this around. 

“Whether the federal government wants to admit it or not – and judging from Jason Clare’s recent comments, it’s the latter – this will cost money. You cannot rebuild public education in this country without investing serious sums in public schools.

“The money is there waiting to be used. There’s a quarter of a trillion dollars being wasted on the Stage 3 Tax Cuts for the rich that could be spent on public schools.

“Inequity in our education system will not be fixed by tinkering at the edges of the next National School Reform Agreement. We need to see a wholesale shift away from funding private schools, and reinvestment in our public education system.”

Background: 

The Australian Education Act 2013 was amended under the Coalition Government to state that the Commonwealth would contribute 20% towards meeting public schools’ Schooling Resource Standard, with states and territories making up the rest. Meanwhile, the Commonwealth meets 80% of private school SRS funding, and states 20%. 

The NSRA sets out the school funding arrangements between the Commonwealth and the states and territories. The current NSRA, which was due to expire at the end of 2023, locks in underfunding for government schools. Under the current agreement public schools will have to wait until at least 2027 just to receive 95% of their Schooling Resource Standard (although the capital depreciation loophole will actually see that number closer to 91%), which is the bare minimum level of funding students require to achieve minimum achievement benchmarks.

The Australian Government welcomes the nomination of Her Excellency Judge Hilary Charlesworth for re-election as a Judge of the International Court of Justice.

Judge Charlesworth has been nominated by the independent Australian National Group, a body of eminent Australian jurists who serve as members of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague.

Judge Charlesworth is an eminent scholar and jurist who has served on the court since 2021 and made an exceptional contribution to international law. She is an outstanding candidate for re-election.

Judge Charlesworth is the first Australian woman elected to the Court and only the fifth female permanent judge in the Court’s 78-year history.

She is currently a Member of the Curatorium of the Hague Academy of International Law.

Previously, she has been the Harrison Moore Chair in Law and Laureate Professor at Melbourne Law School and a Distinguished Professor at the Australian National University.

She has been President of the Australian and New Zealand Society of International Law, as well as a member of the Executive Council of the Asian Society of International Law and the American Society of International Law.

She is a graduate of the University of Melbourne and has a Doctor of Juridical Science from Harvard Law School.

The International Court of Justice election will take place at the United Nations headquarters in New York in late 2023.

Today marks one year since Russia launched its illegal and immoral full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

We mourn the incalculable losses that Ukraine has endured.

We honour the unwavering resolve and strength of the Ukrainian people as they stand up to Russia’s continued aggression.

We are proud to stand with Ukraine as it defends its people, its territory, and its sovereignty.

Today, on this most sombre occasion, the Australian Government is announcing additional military assistance to Ukraine and further costs on Russia, including additional sanctions.

The Australian Government will provide additional Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) to Ukraine. These systems provide a battlefield intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability for the Ukrainian Armed Forces as they continue to fight.

Additionally, today in the United Kingdom the first rotation of around 200 Ukrainian recruits will graduate from military training supported by Australian Defence Force personnel as part of Operation Kudu, Australia’s contribution to a UK-led multi-national training program.

The Australian Government has imposed further targeted financial sanctions and travel bans on 90 persons, and targeted financial sanctions on 40 entities. The new sanctions targets include Russian ministers with responsibilities spanning energy, natural resources, industry, education, labour, migration and health.

We are imposing sanctions on persons and entities engaging in activities of economic and strategic significance to Russia or that threaten the territorial integrity or sovereignty of Ukraine. This includes new listings of those perpetuating the Kremlin’s mistruths to shore up support for President Putin and key players in Russia’s defence industry: 

• Kalashnikov Concern, one of Russia’s largest arms manufacturers
• Submarine developer Admiralty Shipyards
• Aviation company Tupolev
• Missile designer Makeyev Rocket Design Bureau,
• Infantry fighting vehicle producer Kurganmashzavod.

Australia has now imposed more than 1,000 sanctions in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Overnight, Australia also joined 140 other member states to support a resolution calling for a just peace in Ukraine at an Emergency Special Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

We again call on Russia to withdraw its forces from Ukrainian territory and end this war.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“This is a most sombre occasion for the people of Ukraine. One year on from Russia’s unprovoked, unjustified and unlawful full-scale invasion, the costs of Russia’s aggression are incalculable.”

“In the face of Russia’s aggression, the Ukrainian people—led so resolutely by President Zelenskyy—have displayed extraordinary strength and courage. We continue to stand with Ukraine.”

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said:

“In response to requests, Australia is providing more Uncrewed Aerial Systems to the Ukrainian Government; this support will provide a battlefield intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability to the Ukrainian Armed Forces as they continue to fight against the unwarranted aggression of Russia.”

“This announcement coincides with the first graduation of Australian-trained Ukrainian soldiers as part of a UK-led multinational training effort to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. They leave with skills and knowledge that will save lives when they take up the fight against Russia.”

Foreign Minister Penny Wong said:

“Australia is imposing additional sanctions, targeting those in the Russian Government who are helping prolong this war, those financing this war, and those spreading mistruths to justify this war.

“Australia’s sanctions regime against Russia is our largest. This reflects our support for the people of Ukraine and for the fundamental norms of sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

The Albanese Government is delivering on a commitment to build the skills and capabilities to take advantage of Australia’s transition to a clean energy future with a $10 million investment at the University of Wollongong.

The funds will establish an Energy Futures Skills Centre located at the university, with a second investment of $2.5 million to upgrade equipment and teaching aids, creating a Renewable Energy Training facility at the Wollongong TAFE.

The two facilities will work together to help build the energy workforce of the future, using state-of-the-art teaching laboratories and upgraded equipment to provide real world examples of clean energy technology for teaching and research.

This investment will deliver teaching programs to re-train and upskill workers for a career in clean energy and clean manufacturing.

This investment will add to other initiatives to build a clean energy future, including installing community batteries, mandating local content in new infrastructure to modernise the electricity grid, and developments through the National Reconstruction Fund.

Making the change to renewable energy will bring new economic opportunities, while helping reduce power bills, and ensuring a better future for the people of the Illawarra and the nation.

Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese said:

“Renewable energy not only means more affordable and reliable energy over the long term, it means greater economic opportunity in the regions that have always powered Australia.

“That’s why we are skilling the workforce needed to power Australia’s future with renewable energy.”

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

“Creating jobs in the regions where people live will mean a better future for those who want to stay where they grew up, near their families and communities while they build their lives.

“This is an exciting opportunity for the Illawarra’s future jobs, industries and technology.”

Minister for Skills and Training Brendan O’Connor said:

“After a decade of neglect, putting the skills and research that will drive renewable investment in the regions that can take advantage of the opportunity will grow jobs and local business 

“This investment sets up Wollongong to develop the skills to be a leader in the energy transformation of the coming years and decades.”

A major upgrade to Peakhurst Park in southern Sydney has been officially opened by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

The valuable community sport and recreation facility received a $473,662 upgrade thanks to funding from the Australian Government and Georges River Council.

The project delivered new turf, a full sub-surface drainage system and a 120,000-litre water storage tank supplying an irrigation system for the entire field.

The upgrade will help reduce ground closures due to wet weather, and improve the quality and safety of the playing surface for up to 80,000 players using the park each year.

The works supported around 30 construction jobs, with Georges River Council expecting a further eight potential ongoing jobs as a result of the project.

Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese said:

“This is a great example of how investment in local sporting infrastructure can benefit entire communities, for improving health and providing places for people to connect with each other.

“These upgrade works have created a quality, local environment that will encourage increased use of this important sporting site for Peakhurst and the St George area.

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

“The Australian Government is committed to investing in economic prosperity by providing access to funding for capital works for community and economic infrastructure.

“I look forward to continuing to partner with councils and local communities to create jobs, build opportunity and unlock economic growth and productivity.”

The Australian Government is delivering on our election commitment to invest $40 million in critical safety upgrades for six Shoalhaven roads.

This project will improve safety by delivering a range of road works, including rehabilitation, re-surfacing, widening and intersection upgrades on:

• Culburra Road, between Wollumboola and Culburra Beach ($14 million)
• Forest Road, east of the Princes Highway ($8 million)Callala Bay Road ($6 million)
• Callala Beach Road ($5 million)
• Worrigee Intersection ($5 million)
• Callala Bay Intersection ($2 million)

This builds on other Government investments in the region, including $155 million towards the Nowra Bridge, $32.8 million towards the Far North Collector Road Network in Nowra and $97 million towards the Nowra Bypass – Planning project.

The Australian Government will work closely with Shoalhaven City Council, which will deliver the project, to determine the scope of works, construction timeframes and ensure works get underway as soon as possible. 

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said: 

“Nothing is more important than getting people home safe at the end of each and every trip, whether it’s a quick duck down to the shops, the regular school run, or a longer haul.

“That’s why we are investing $40 million to improve safety along six crucial roads and intersections in the Shoalhaven region, which will make an incredible difference for motorists in the region.”

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

“This package delivers on an election commitment and is yet another example of how our Government is here to walk the walk when it comes to delivering the infrastructure Australians need to get home sooner and safer.

“Not only will this project deliver lasting infrastructure upgrades that will bolster road safety for the Shoalhaven region, it will support much-needed jobs and economic stimulus during construction.

“It will also provide a welcome long-term boost for the region, as better road networks are critical for connecting people to services and employment, as well as businesses to customers and markets.”

Fiona Phillips MP said:

“Locals know how badly our pot-holed local roads need fixing.” 

“I’m proud the Albanese Government is investing $40 million to assist Shoalhaven City Council fix local roads.”

“This will make a difference to the lives of people who live in the Shoalhaven region, improving journeys and getting people back home to their families safely.”

Greens Deputy Leader and International Aid & Global Justice spokesperson Senator Mehreen Faruqi has urged the Australian Government to co-sponsor a UN resolution from Vanuatu requesting an International Court of Justice (ICJ) advisory opinion on climate change.

Last year, the Greens urged Australia to support Vanuatu’s initiative for an ICJ opinion, and Australia now supports this. Vanuatu and other countries have now called on countries to go a step further and join as co-sponsors of this resolution.

Senator Faruqi said:

“This is Australia’s opportunity to back climate justice on the world stage.

“If the Albanese government is serious about delivering climate justice and supporting the Pacific, they should put Australia’s name on this resolution. We should also commit to publicly advocating for its success when it comes up for consideration at the UN. 

“The time for nice-sounding words is over. We need clear and unambiguous commitments from Australia to show solidarity with our Pacific neighbours who are facing the worst threats from climate change.

“An ICJ advisory opinion could be a powerful way of driving countries to take stronger climate action. 

“Climate justice also means the government stopping new coal and gas.”