Category: Australian News

“This is a very distressing situation for families of those involved and for staff and other patients at the Adult Mental Health Unit. My thoughts are with the family of the deceased. 
 
“These sorts of incidents are also felt deeply by the health services staff who are extremely dedicated to caring for their patients, and I know many will be struggling with this news today. 
 
“Canberra Health Services is doing everything to ensure that patients and staff within the AMHU are supported at this time.
 
“As this is a matter for the police, I will make no further comment at this time.”

The ACT Government is launching public consultation on the future of the ACT Seniors Card Program.

More than 77,000 Canberrans aged over 60 benefit from the government concessions and local business discounts offered through the ACT Seniors Card Program.

“We are committed to fostering an age friendly city and we know that cost of living pressures are impacting older Canberrans. The purpose of this consultation is to ensure the Seniors Card Program is accessible and provides useful benefits to older Canberrans,” said Minister for Seniors, Emma Davidson.

“This is an opportunity for people to share how the card can be easier to use, what benefits they would like to see added and how their experience with the card has been.

“We also want to hear from businesses on their experiences as partners to the program and changes they’d like to see.”

As part of the broader review of the Seniors Card Program, McGrathNicol has been engaged to review the program and identify ways it can be improved.

Consultation closes February 2023.

For more information about the consultation and to have your say visit: www.yoursayconversations.act.gov.au/seniors-card

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese today joined ASEAN and New Zealand counterparts to announce the substantial conclusion of negotiations to upgrade the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA) in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Once implemented the upgrade will strengthen and improve the trade agreement to ensure it is fit for the future for businesses and trade in the region. It will provide a stronger foundation for Australian businesses to expand their economic engagement with Southeast Asia.

The upgraded trade agreement, once in force, will benefit Australian businesses through new chapters and provisions, including on micro, small, and medium sized enterprises, trade and sustainable development and education services. The upgraded agreement will also include enhanced provisions on electronic commerce, competition, customs procedures and trade facilitation, trade in goods, rules of origin, trade in services and investment.

The pandemic has highlighted the importance of focusing on trade facilitation to support businesses and secure supply chains. The upgrade will support traders to conduct business in the region, particularly when it comes to completing documentation – everything from origin certification to invoicing requirements.

The upgrade will also offer more opportunities for regional cooperation on issues such as the environment and climate change. ASEAN is a growing partner, particularly in renewable energy, as we work together to meet our climate objectives

Reports in today’s media suggest the government is considering a windfall tax on the coal and gas giants, which is a key part of the Greens’ plan to freeze electricity prices and support households and businesses to get off expensive and dirty gas.

Greens Leader Adam Bandt MP has welcomed the reports, saying the Greens campaign to push for tax on the record profits of coal and gas corporations is working and that the plan has overwhelming support amongst the public.

The Greens’ costed plan would freeze power bills for 2 years at pre-Ukraine crisis levels, funded by a temporary tax on the windfall profits of coal and gas corporations. A median household would save as much as $776.

Mr Bandt wrote to the Prime Minister this week urging him to adopt the Greens’ plan, which has been costed by the Parliamentary Budget office and would raise an additional $25b in revenue, which could be used to help households and businesses get off gas.

Greens Leader Adam Bandt MP said:

“These greedy coal and gas giants are the vampires of the 21st century, sucking the life out of our economy while killing the planet and its people. They are making record profits while paying barely any tax. Government needs to intervene and rein in these greedy energy corporations.

“We welcome what seems to be a shift by the government and Treasury towards the Greens plan to freeze power bills and support households and businesses to get off gas, funded by fairer taxes on the coal and gas giants.

“Coal and gas corporations are driving up power bills and profiteering from people’s pain.

“We’re in a cost-of-living crisis and instead of asking everyday people to pay more, Labor should freeze power bills and put a windfall tax on greedy coal and gas corporations.

“Other countries have had the guts to stand up to these greedy coal and gas corporations. Even the conservatives in the UK introduced a windfall profits tax, and we should too.”

Background

The Australia Institute released polling this week showing an overwhelming majority of Australians (86%) support a government intervention in the gas industry, either through export controls, a windfall profits tax, or both

In a letter from Minister for Resources, Madeleine King to Greens Senator Barbara Pocock, it is revealed that despite the ongoing court case against the Barngarla Determination Aboriginal Corporation (BDAC), preparatory works will be going ahead starting next week.

In Senate estimates last night, Senator Pocock pushed the Senator representing the Minister for Resources, Tim Ayres, for answers around the future of the Kimba Site.

SA Labor does not support the dump, the SA people do not support the dump and have not been properly consulted, the Traditional Owners have unequivocally opposed it at every opportunity. The Government is continuing to spend $50 000 per week of taxpayer money in legal costs for something with no social license.

Senator Tim Ayres used the ongoing court case to dodge Senator Pocock’s questioning throughout estimates. He stated that the Government would respect and not pre-empt the outcome of the case. Despite this, it’s clear initial works will be proceeding as early as next week as per Minister King’s Letter.

It’s clear the process of site selection was mishandled. The Labor government now has the opportunity to halt works and review the decisions made previously, to show the Kimba community and the Barngarla people that they are committed to proper consultation and respecting first nations voice and rights.

From Senator Pocock:

“Minister for Resources, Madeleine King, has today informed me that preparatory works will be starting on the Kimba Site next week. Although it is not construction of the facility yet, this is a significant escalation that goes against reassurance in last nights estimates that court proceedings will be respected.

“Throughout estimates questioning last night, Senator Tim Ayres repeatedly stated that they would respect and not pre-empt the outcome of the court case. The letter I received right before estimates is a direct contradiction to this statement.

“I am deeply concerned that these preparatory works are going ahead.

“The site selection process was done without proper community consultation. This is a terrible decision inherited from the previous government. Labor can still turn this around. They must stay true to their word and immediately halt all works.

Letter from Minister King 
Estimates Recording (Final question from Barbara at 21.18 – 21.29)

This weekend Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is attending the 2^nd Annual ASEAN-Australia Summit and the 17^th East Asian Summit (EAS) in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

The Prime Minister’s attendance at the summits demonstrates the Government’s commitment to deepening our engagement with Southeast Asia and addressing the shared challenges facing our region. 

At today’s 2^nd Annual ASEAN-Australia Summit, the Prime Minister reiterated Australia’s commitment to working with ASEAN to address shared challenges including food and energy security, climate change and regional stability. 

The Prime Minister and ASEAN Leaders issued a Joint Statement on Cooperation under the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) outlining their aspirations for the region Australia shares with ASEAN – one that is stable, peaceful, resilient and prosperous.

During the Summit, the Prime Minister articulated his Government’s commitment to deepening engagement with Southeast Asia including through the appointment of eminent Australian business leader, Nicholas Moore, to lead development of the Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040, which will set out a pathway to strengthen Australia’s economic engagement with the region.

The Prime Minister also proposed to ASEAN leaders that Australia host a Commemorative Summit in 2024, to mark the 50^th anniversary of Australia’s dialogue partnership with ASEAN. Australia was ASEAN’s first dialogue partner in 1974.

At tomorrow’s East Asia Summit, the Prime Minister will reaffirm Australia’s steadfast support for ASEAN centrality and ASEAN-led architecture, and discuss key strategic issues with regional leaders, including Russia’s war in Ukraine, the region’s energy transition and climate action, and food security. 

Alongside the Summit, Prime Minister Albanese is also holding bilateral meetings with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, Prime Minister Chinh of Vietnam, Prime Minister Phankham of Laos and Foreign Minister Kuleba of Ukraine.

The Prime Minister will travel next to Bali, Indonesia to attend the G20 Bali Summit.

Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese said:

“The Indo-Pacific, with ASEAN at its centre, is pivotal to global prosperity and security. I was pleased to meet with Australia’s regional neighbours here in Phnom Penh to discuss the challenges we face and our shared ambitions for our region.”

“My Government is committed to working with our Southeast Asian regional partners on the issues that matter to us all – food and energy security, a net zero future and our collective prosperity and resilience.’

“I thank Prime Minister Hun Sen for his hosting of these Summits. ASEAN and Australia are neighbours and friends, linked by both geography and choice.”

“Deepening engagement with Southeast Asia is a key priority for my Government. We want to maximise the significant trade, investment and other economic opportunities for Australia and our region, and enhance our people-to-people ties.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh of Laos have today announced their intention to elevate the bilateral relationship between Australia and Laos to a Comprehensive Partnership.

The announcement followed their meeting in Phnom Penh on the sidelines of the 2^nd Annual ASEAN-Australia Summit and East Asia Summit and is part of the Government’s strategy to deepen Australia’s engagement in Southeast Asia.

Australia and Laos enjoy a 70 year unbroken relationship that is built on mutual respect and understanding. The elevation of the relationship will explore further areas for bilateral and regional cooperation, including on energy, climate and transnational crime

The two Prime Ministers asked their Foreign Ministers to develop a plan to strengthen cooperation in accordance with the new Comprehensive Partnership.

The leaders also discussed developments in trade and investment, a shared commitment to a stable, peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific region and Australia’s appreciation for Laos’ role as our ASEAN Country Coordinator.

Prime Minister Albanese said:

“Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh and I had a fruitful discussion today here in Phnom Penh.

“We spoke of the growing closeness of our two countries and plans to continue our constructive relationship with a formal Comprehensive Partnership.

“This is a sign of the growing substance of our relationship and our commitment to expanding and strengthening cooperation.

“I look forward to continuing to work alongside our Laos partners as we strive towards our shared goals for the region.”

Australia is contributing $50 million to the Pandemic Fund—a new global Financial Intermediary Fund to improve future pandemic prevention, preparedness and response.

The Pandemic Fund is the culmination of global efforts to ensure the world learns lessons from COVID-19.

It is an historic agreement designed to improve preparedness capabilities, to allow swifter and more coordinated responses to future pandemic threats. It will also provide additional, long-term financing to help strengthen national, regional and global pandemic preparedness and response.

The Pandemic Fund is hosted by the World Bank and draws on the technical expertise of the World Health Organization. It addresses gaps in pandemic financing and responds to the recommendations of high-level independent review processes including the:

• WHO-commissioned Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response
• G20 High-Level Independent Panel on Financing the Global Commons for Pandemic Preparedness and Response.

Australia is one of the founding donors of the Pandemic Fund which has current contributions totalling over US$1.4 billion.

This complements Australia’s $838 million support for regional and global vaccine access, including:

• $623 million to fund COVID-19 vaccine procurement and targeted support to national vaccine roll-outs
• $215 million to the COVAX Facility’s Advance Market Commitment.

Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese said:

“There is a clear consensus that the world needs to be better prepared to respond to future events—shared global finance is a big part of that.

“I welcome the Indonesia G20 presidency’s leadership in establishing the Pandemic Fund and look forward to shaping future pandemic plans.”

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Penny Wong said:

“Indonesia has played a vital leadership role in delivering this important initiative to strengthen global health governance.

“Australia will play its part to promote a global response to pandemic preparedness and response efforts, and to ensure a strong focus on the needs of our region.”

Treasurer, Jim Chalmers said:

“The world was not prepared for COVID-19. We can’t afford to be unprepared next time. This is one of the most important investments we can make in limiting the impact of future pandemics.”

“A number of independent reviews have identified the absence of long-term financing for pandemic prevention, preparedness and response as a major gap.”

“A properly funded global response is an important step towards protecting Australians and our economy in any future global pandemic.”

Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mark Butler said:

“Viruses don’t discriminate—so any future pandemic plans can’t be made in isolation.

“This Fund will go a long way to strengthening global surveillance and reporting systems.” 

The Australian Government has reviewed and relisted 27 persons and 36 entities for counter-terrorism financing sanctions due to expire in 2022, as part of our commitment to preventing terrorism at home and abroad.

The sanctions constrain terrorists and terrorist entities from obtaining arms, funds, and other material support which is crucial to the conduct of terrorism activities and attacks.

It is a serious criminal offence, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and substantial fines, to use or deal with assets of, or make assets of any kind available to, listed persons or entities.

The sanctions will next be reviewed in 2025.

Australia also lists 256 persons and 91 entities subject to the United Nations’ ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida counter-terrorism sanctions regime.

The 2022 review was undertaken in line with Australia’s obligations under United Nations Security Council Resolution 1373 (2001), affirming Australia’s commitment to international frameworks and a rules-based order.

Australia is committed to our domestic and international obligations to suppress terrorism and will freeze the assets of those involved in terrorist activities.

A consolidated list of sanctions is available on the Department of Foreign Affairs website: Consolidated List | Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (dfat.gov.au)

NSW pharmacist Felix Chan has been sentenced to two years imprisonment yesterday by the Queanbeyan District Court after pleading guilty to defrauding taxpayers of almost $290,000 by lodging false Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) claims.

Mr Chan was found to have made 99 false or misleading PBS claims between 1 January 2018 and 31 July 2020 for the supply of pharmaceutical benefits which were not provided to patients.

Appearing in court on 29 August 2022, Mr Chan pleaded guilty to three counts of offences resulting in a fraud value of $288,595. The pharmacist has since repaid the entire amount.

This outcome is a culmination of the strong collaboration between the Department of Health and Aged Care and the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions (CDPP), after investigating information obtained using the department’s tip-off line.

In the past 12 months, the department has received a significant number of tip-offs of suspected non-compliance or fraud of Government health payments. It shows that Australians are willing call out those in the health care sector who try to defraud taxpayers. 

The Department of Health and Aged Care takes allegations of Medicare non-compliance by health care providers very seriously and all tip-offs are examined in accordance with the Department’s compliance assessment procedures.

The Department has a strong health provider compliance program that’s protects Australia’s health payments system through the prevention, identification and treatment of incorrect claiming and fraud by health care suppliers.

Any concerns can be referred to the Department’s tip-off form at www.health.gov.au/fraud-tip-offs and will be reviewed.