Category: Australian News

The Government’s decision to drop provisions for million dollar fines for bankers who cheat their customers shows the major banks have bought a political outcome through donations to the Labor Party, the Greens say.

“Labor is trying to create a financial accountability regime that does not hold bankers accountable,” Greens Economic Justice spokesperson Senator Nick McKim said.

“This is contrary to the agreement they struck with the Greens, and it shows that the banks have bought an outcome with $400,000 in donations to the Labor Party in the lead up to the 2022 election.”

“Clearly Labor cares more about donations than they do about integrity.”

“Late last year, Minister Jones used the fig leaf of small mutuals and customer owned banks as an excuse for reneging on their deal.”

“But now we learned that was just more nonsense and they have no intention to fine any bankers at all.”

“The Greens will be moving amendments in the House and the Senate to include civil penalties of up to $1.1 million for executives who breach their accountability obligations.”

Donations to the ALP in the 2021-22 Financial Year:

• Westpac: $115,000
• ANZ:$ 50,000
• CBA:$ 80,400
• NAB:$ 60,500
• Macquarie: $96,000

The Greens have condemned the Labor Party for betraying refugees and people seeking asylum trapped in Nauru and PNG, after voting against the Greens’ legislation to evacuate them to safety in Australia.

“Today’s vote is a shameful abdication of moral responsibility by the Labor Party,” said Greens Immigration and Citizenship Spokesperson Senator Nick McKim.

“Labor’s decision to oppose this bill, which is consistent with their own policy, shows that they are more interested in playing politics than in saving lives.”

“They have let down the refugees they exiled a decade ago and shown themselves to be morally bankrupt.”

“The Greens will not rest until all refugees and people seeking asylum are brought to safety in Australia.

“We urge the Labor Party to join us in this mission and take responsibility for the humanitarian crisis they helped create.”

The Greens note today’s announcement of Status of Women Report Card, but a mere distillation of existing data is inadequate, we need actions and funding to improve women’s lives. We also need new data gathered on unmet demand for women’s safety services and a real time count of women killed by domestic violence.

Greens leader in the Senate and spokesperson on women Senator Larissa Waters said:

“A report card is an inadequate response from the government, when they have the power to fund programs that would actually improve women’s lives.

“The women’s safety sector has repeatedly called for a $1B per year investment to ensure funding meets demand. The Government’s October budget response was nowhere near this amount, leaving frontline services about $700m short. 

“A woman is still murdered each week in this country. Real time data on that tragic national statistic – treated with the prominence that the road toll is treated – would  force us to face the reality of family and domestic violence.

“Women on low wages or income support are especially vulnerable without the resources to escape violent situations. Yet this government persists with the cruelty of keeping income support payments like JobSeeker below the poverty line, and has the audacity to cry poor while dishing out hundreds of billions in tax cuts and investment property perks for the rich.

“Earlier this week they had the chance to amend their Paid Parental Leave bill and pay super on paid parental leave, costed by the government at $200 million, they chose not to. 

“Accountability on the status of women is welcome, but actions to improve women’s lives would be better than a mere distillation of all the data we already know.” 

Labor’s decision to oppose Greens legislation to evacuate refugees and people seeking asylum to safety in Australia – despite the bill being consistent with ALP policy – is an abject moral failure, the Greens say.

“Labor’s decision to oppose the Bill is devastating for the people still trapped in PNG and Nauru,” Greens Immigration and Citizenship Spokesperson Senator Nick McKim said.

“Labor has put its flawed political calculus above the lives of refugees it sent into exile a decade ago.” 

“This Bill is entirely consistent with the policy Labor took to the last election. For Labor not to vote for it is an abject moral failure and a rejection of the values of its voters.”

“Labor has a moral responsibility to end this humanitarian crisis.”

“They sent people to Nauru and Manus Island in the first place, and ten years later around 150 people still remain in limbo.”

“We have worked in good faith to find a way through for the toxic refugee politics that the two major parties have created.”

“The only barrier to this solution is now the courage of Labor MPs and Senators.”

The Reserve Bank’s record tenth consecutive interest rate rise is a clear indication that the central bank is out of control and needs to be reined in, the Greens say.

“The RBA’s response to a problem it doesn’t understand with a solution that doesn’t suit is a form of institutional madness,” Greens Economic Justice spokesperson Senator Nick McKim said.

“The RBA itself has found that inflation is being primarily driven by supply side shocks and corporate profiteering, and has admitted that there is very little that monetary policy can do to offset supply shocks.”

“It has also said that the monthly CPI indicator suggests inflation has peaked.”

“Yet despite all this, the RBA continues its relentless interest rate rises.”

“The government needs to wake up and take action to save renters and mortgage holders from being smashed by the RBA’s dogmatic interest rate rises.”

“Instead of continuing to sit on its hands, the government should tax corporate super profits and the super wealthy then work with us to freeze rents, raise income support, and put dental and mental health into Medicare.”

“The RBA’s actions are exacerbating inequality and causing hardship for those who can least afford it.”

“The Greens call on the Treasurer to take immediate action to address the economic crisis caused by the RBA’s misguided policies, and to start putting the interests of everyday Australians first.”

Today we are pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Justin Mohamed as Australia’s inaugural Ambassador for First Nations People.

Mr Mohamed will lead the Office of First Nations Engagement in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Together they will work in genuine partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to progress Indigenous rights globally, and help grow First Nations trade and investment.

Elevating the perspectives of First Nations people – this land’s first diplomats – enables deeper engagement with many of our closest partners including the Pacific family.

This new position ensures, for the first time, that Australia will have dedicated Indigenous representation in our international engagement.

Mr Mohamed is a Gooreng Gooreng man from Bundaberg, Queensland and brings a strong connection to community.

Currently Deputy Secretary of Aboriginal Justice in the Victorian Government, Mr Mohamed has worked for decades in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, social justice and reconciliation, in roles spanning the Aboriginal community, government and corporate sectors.

He was previously Chief Executive Officer for Reconciliation Australia, Chairperson of the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, and has represented Indigenous organisations internationally, including at the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.

Mr Mohamed will commence as Ambassador in April.

Justin Mohamed said:

“I am honoured to be appointed as the inaugural Ambassador for First Nations People and excited about the opportunities ahead to embed First Nations voices and knowledge into Australia’s foreign policies and trade.

“I am looking forward to sitting down and listening to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across the country, as we develop foreign policies that have First Nations People’s knowledges, voice and connection to country front and centre.”

One Nation leader Senator Pauline Hanson will join former Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce, former Labor minister Gary Johns and veteran broadcaster Alan Jones in Tamworth this month to launch a bipartisan campaign for the NO vote in the coming referendum on the voice to Parliament.

Senator Hanson said opposition to the proposed voice was increasing as concerns grew over revelations it would have much more power than the Albanese government has let on, and was only the first step towards permanently dividing and separating Australia on race and the creation of an Aboriginal state.

“Labor has repeatedly downplayed the powers and scope of the voice despite increasing evidence it has the potential to hold Parliamentary supremacy hostage in the High Court,” she said.

“More recently however, advocates for the voice have revealed just how powerful they want it to be. In fact they anticipate the High Court will play a prominent role in deciding – and expanding – its powers.

“Make no mistake, black nationalism activists will not stop with the voice. They will continue until they have their own nation within Australia, one which the rest of us pay for and one which has sovereignty over the rest of us.

“Advocates have also come clean that this is precisely why they want to enshrine this race-based voice in the Constitution.

“They do not believe all Australians should have an equal say in how their country is governed. They believe that Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders should have more power than the vast majority of the Australian people, based solely on race. They saw how the corrupt Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission was abolished in 2004 and they don’t want that to happen to their voice.

“Anthony Albanese refuses to reveal planned details like this because he knows the Australian people won’t like them. Fortunately, sensible opposition to the voice has been raising these and many other problems for months now. We could easily be heading into a series of constitutional crises which could effectively make Australia ungovernable until they’re sorted out.

“Tamworth will host the first of many speaking events bringing these hard facts to people all over Australia. I have always fought for equality among all Australians, which is why I oppose the voice in all forms and why I’m pleased to play a role in this vital campaign for the NO vote.”

The Tasmanian Government’s allocation of an additional $5.1 million to the Abalone Industry Reinvestment Fund is welcome, but must now be backed up by Federal funding. 

Federal funding will be critical for the containment and management of the invasive sea urchin and ensuring the recovery of our abalone and rock lobster fisheries habitat. 

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

“Long-spined sea urchins have been range-shifting down our east coast with climate change over recent decades, decimating southern ocean marine ecosystems and fisheries in their wake, yet virtually nothing has been done by the federal government to research, manage or mitigate this risk.

“At the last federal election both influential recreational and commercial fishing groups called for federal government attention and assistance on this critical problem. The state government can only do so much, it’s time the federal government acted. 

“I initiated a Senate inquiry into the spread and impacts from the invasive long-spined sea urchin, and evidence presented at the inquiry’s hearings so far suggests the need and strong appetite for state and federal government cooperation on this most challenging issue.

“Scientific modelling predicts that by 2050 half of lutruwita/Tasmania’s reefs will be turned into urchin barrens if we don’t take immediate action on climate change mitigation and adaptation measures.

“Stopping the formation of new urchin barrens is critical to the recovery of federally endangered Giant Kelp forests. Funding for pest urchin removal could be part of an EPBC recovery plan for this marine habitat.

“The Greens call for a federally coordinated funding approach to managing climate invasive marine pests through a Great Southern Reef Research Centre of Excellence. The Great Barrier Reef rightly receives billions of dollars in funding to help tackle the invasive crown of thorns starfish. A $40m commitment to a Great Southern Reef Research Centre of Excellence would be just a drop in the ocean in comparison.” 

The Australian Government will today deploy HMAS Canberra following a request from the Government of Vanuatu.

The 230-metre long Landing Helicopter Dock has completed loading equipment, stores and personnel and will sail from its homeport of Sydney to Vanuatu to provide support to the country following Tropical Cyclones Judy and Kevin.

The Ship and more than 600 ADF personnel will bring a versatile set of capabilities to support the Whole-of-Government response to the cyclones, led by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

The deployment of HMAS Canberra follows two Royal Australian Air Force aircraft which have already reached the Vanuatu capital of Port Vila.

A C-17A Globemaster has delivered a 12-person Rapid Assessment Team and Australia’s initial humanitarian assistance, which includes, shelters, water purification supplies and other essential items for impacted communities.

Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Richard Marles MP said:

“HMAS Canberra has a significant capacity to provide ship-to-shore connections via its Landing Craft and three embarked Australian Army CH-47 helicopters, fresh water and has its own hospital facilities.

“The ADF personnel on board bring recent experience from other relief efforts in the region over the past two years and Defence is proud to support a member of the Pacific family.”

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

“Our close partnership with Vanuatu means we have been able to mobilise assistance quickly and contribute to the Government of Vanuatu’s immediate requests following Tropical Cyclones Judy and Kevin.

“With HMAS Canberra we are providing more humanitarian supplies and much needed logistical support. This shows our continued commitment to the Pacific family.”

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

“The Pacific family can rely on Australia to work with them in times of crisis.”

“The deployment of HMAS Canberra follows two RAAF aircraft and Australia’s rapid assessment team, who are supporting the Government of Vanuatu to assess the impacts of these cyclones.

An Australian-backed global treaty to conserve the world’s high seas and ensure they are used sustainably has been agreed to at the United Nations.

The Albanese Government is delivering on its commitment to see a Nature Positive Australia and a Nature Positive World.

The treaty builds on the Government’s work at the Montreal Biodiversity COP where Australia led negotiations for a high-ambition Global Biodiversity Framework – protecting 30 per cent of the oceans by 2030.

Australia’s leadership and cooperation with like-minded countries has seen the new Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdictions treaty (High Seas Treaty) agreed overnight.

The new treaty creates stronger protections for our oceans and increases opportunities for international collaboration, including on marine science and marine protected areas (MPAs) on the high seas.

The treaty:

• creates a framework to establish Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) on the high seas,
• puts in place a rigorous environmental impact assessment process to achieve nature positive outcomes,
• ensures that the interests and contribution of Indigenous Peoples and local communities are recognised,
• and puts in place a regime to regulate the use of marine genetic resources.

High seas make up 60 per cent of the Earth’s surface and there is a growing interest in using the marine resources found in them.

As a member of the High Ambition Coalition, Australia like many other countries, including Pacific Island countries, sought and achieved a highly ambitious treaty.

The formal adoption of the treaty text will take place in the coming months.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Senator the Hon Penny Wong said:

“The new global oceans treaty is a remarkable milestone to protect the world’s oceans.

“This outcome is particularly significant for the Blue Pacific Continent – the basis of livelihoods and food security for many in the Pacific family.

“The Albanese Government is delivering on its election commitment to protect the world’s oceans.

“Australia’s support has also enabled Pacific participation in the historic negotiations.”

Minister for the Environment and Water the Hon Tanya Plibersek MP said:

“The High Seas cover 60 per cent of the world’s surface. International cooperation to protect and manage them is vital. This treaty will give us a huge boost towards meeting our global biodiversity goal of protecting 30 per cent of our earth’s oceans.

“Australians know how important marine protected areas are in our own country – sanctuaries for marine life to grow and flourish. This treaty puts a framework in place to establish Marine Protected Areas in the high seas, leading to stronger protections for oceans around the world.

“Since coming to office the Albanese Government has been a leader on the world stage in ocean protection – from our role at the UN Oceans Conference last year to our strong leadership in seeing the high-ambition Global Biodiversity Framework signed in Montreal last December.

“Australia is proud to have joined with other nations in working tirelessly to achieve an ambitious oceans treaty. Our oceans need stronger environmental protections world-wide and this will help to deliver that.”