Category: Australian News

A team of Australian disaster experts will be sent to New Zealand to assist with the response and recovery in the wake of ex-Tropical Cyclone Gabrielle.

A state of emergency has been declared in New Zealand, after heavy rain caused devastating flooding on the north island.

An impact assessment team, made up of 25 expert officers from Queensland Fire and Emergency Services and contributions from other jurisdictions, will be deployed to regional areas of New Zealand within the next 24 hours to assist Fire and Emergency New Zealand with the response.

Should New Zealand require any further assistance in the coming weeks, Australia remains ready to assist.

More than 70 emergency responders were also recently despatched to Turkiye, where they are currently assisting with the response and recovery in the aftermath of a deadly earthquake.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong said:

Our close relationship with New Zealand has meant we have been able to mobilise assistance quickly in response to this disaster.

Whether it be as far away as Turkiye or as close as New Zealand, we stand ready to do our part to help our international counterparts in times of distress.

Emergency Management Minister Murray Watt said:

We are sending some of our best response and recovery experts to help our friends in New Zealand.

Unfortunately, over the past few years we have become experts in flood response and recovery, and these teams will be of great help to the New Zealand authorities.

In the wake of our Black Summer bushfires, the New Zealand government moved quickly to provide assistance here on the ground. Their crews also supported our State Emergency Services during the recent floods.

Our neighbours have been there for us, and we are more than willing to return the favour in their hour of need.

This week, the South Australian Labor government has given South Australia Police the power to immediately strip motorists of their licence upon detection of prescribed drugs, which will affect patients using medicinal cannabis.

Thousands of patients who have been prescribed medicinal cannabis by their General Practitioner are in the firing line, with no consideration given to these South Australians who have been able to access medicinal cannabis as a treatment option since 2016.

To address this, I am introducing the Statutes Amendment (Medicinal Cannabis Defence) Bill 2023 to the Legislative Council next week.

My Bill allows for a complete defence for medicinal cannabis users when THC is detected in the person’s fluid or blood when:
• The person has a valid doctor’s prescription for the medicine containing THC;
• The person is not involved in dangerous or reckless driving; and
• An officer cannot establish impairment in the person.

My Bill is based on existing rules in Tasmania, which allow for the detection of THC at the roadside for medicinal cannabis patients so long as the motorist is not impaired while driving.

South Australia does not currently have a restricted list of medical conditions for which medicinal cannabis is prescribed. It is rightfully left to doctors and patients to establish the best treatment options. Medicinal cannabis can be accessed for conditions including paediatric and adult epilepsies, multiple sclerosis, and various types of pain, and to treat side effects from chemotherapy and HIV/AIDS therapy.

Before Monday, a positive roadside drug test would result in a driver retaining their licence until its suspension by a Magistrate.

Law-abiding medicinal cannabis patients now face heightened anxiety when getting behind the wheel as the South Australian government threatens them with immediate loss of licence with no regard to their capacity to drive. Not to mention the isolation that will add to our mental health crises for those too scared to drive while undergoing treatment.

The government needs to support my common-sense Bill to ensure patients are not stripped of their licence through no wrongdoing of their own.

With the eyes of the world on Brisbane, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk are delivering the important infrastructure that will be at the heart of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games and leave an enduring Games legacy.

The Queensland Government will fund the $2.7 billion redevelopment of the Gabba while the Federal Government will provide $2.5 billion for the Brisbane Arena development. Sixteen new or upgraded venues will receive close to $1.87 billion in co-funding on a 50/50 basis between the two governments.

This significant agreement will help Brisbane run a Games that will do Australia proud and leave a substantial legacy long after the closing ceremony.

Brisbane Arena is planned to be built within the Roma Street precinct with easy access for people of all mobilities to the city’s rail and bus network.

It will host Olympic and Paralympic swimming, and water polo finals, completing the list of venues that will put 16 Olympic sports within walking distance of each other.

The Gabba redevelopment, along with Cross River Rail and the Brisbane Metro will anchor a major urban renewal of Woolloongabba delivering more housing, more jobs, and better connectivity.

Access to the railway network provides fast, clean, green and easy connectivity to the rest of the south-east region.

Importantly, all venues provide city building capacity with economic and social benefits lasting well beyond 2032.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said all of Australia is backing Brisbane 2032.

“The 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games will be the largest event that’s ever been held in Queensland.”

“The Australian Government has worked cooperatively with the Palaszczuk Government to secure infrastructure projects that will have a long-term and transformational impact on Queensland as we count down to 2032.”

“My Government is ensuring that every dollar that is invested has lasting benefits, not just for Brisbane but for all Queenslanders and all Australians.”

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said it is important to remember no project is built solely for the few weeks of Games competition.

“For example, the Gabba has hosted sport for more than a century and is home to cricket and AFL most weeks of the year,” the Premier said.

“It must be upgraded to maintain our competitiveness for international sport and events.

“Brisbane Arena will provide a new indoor entertainment centre – something Brisbane’s CBD has not had since the demolition of Festival Hall in 2003.”

Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said the projects will be fiscally responsible and are in accord with the International Olympic Committee’s ‘New Norm’.

“Brisbane 2032 will be another opportunity to show what Australia can do, but more than that, it will provide a lasting benefit for Australia.”

“Better infrastructure, and building in a lower emissions environment, will not only mean the best for the athletes of the world, but that communities will have great spaces and places to use into the future.”

“I look forward to working cooperatively with Queensland on these important projects.”

Deputy Premier Steven Miles said the Games are forecast to deliver $8.1 billion in economic and social benefits to Queensland and more than $17.6 billion to Australia.

“Queensland’s population is booming, and the Games legacy will be infrastructure to cater for this growth and ensure our Queensland lifestyle in the coming decades.

“Infrastructure like Brisbane Arena and The Gabba have benefits that reach far beyond the next nine and a half years, delivering jobs and investment.

“The Gabba revitalisation will transform Brisbane providing an opportunity for more housing and an active travel corridor to South Bank and the CBD.”

The Australian and Queensland Governments are also investing in the SEQ City Deal which will deliver social, environmental and economic benefits for communities in the region and support the delivery and legacy of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Brisbane Arena

1. New 17,000 seat CBD indoor entertainment venue
2. Proposed Roma St location to be serviced by new Cross River Rail Brisbane Underground and existing train and bus services; and will be close to Suncorp Stadium
3. Hosts 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Swimming and Water Polo
4. Construction planned to start 2027. Completion 2030.

Gabba Stadium

1. New 50,000 seat stadium
2. Olympic and Paralympic Athletics and Ceremonies
3. New Pedestrian walkway linking to new Cross River Rail and Brisbane Metro
4. Two minute Cross River Rail access to Brisbane CBD
5. Construction planned to start 2026. Completion 2030.

Additional Venues

1. Upgrade 9 existing venues: 
   1. Wyaralong Flatwater Centre and Precinct – Rowing
   2. Sunshine Coast Stadium – Football
   3. Brisbane Aquatic Centre and Precinct – Aquatics (including diving, artistic swimming and water polo preliminaries)
   4. Barlow Park (Cairns) – Football
   5. Toowoomba Sports Ground – Football
   6. Brisbane International Shooting Centre – Shooting
   7. Sunshine Coast Mountain Bike Centre – Mountain Biking
   8. Anna Meares Velodrome and BMX Track – Track, BMX Racing
   9. Queensland Tennis Centre – Tennis
2. Construction of 5 news venues: 
   1. Breakfast Creek (Brisbane) Indoor Sports Centre – Basketball and Wheelchair Basketball
   2. Chandler Indoor Sports Centre – Gymnastics and Wheelchair Basketball
   3. Sunshine Coast Indoor Sports Centre – Basketball
   4. Moreton Bay Indoor Sports Centre – Boxing
   5. Redlands Whitewater Centre – Canoe
3. Temporary International Broadcasting Centre
4. Logan Indoor Sports Centre as a potential training or competition venue
5. Minor upgrades to existing competition and training venues.

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong and Papua New Guinea Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon Justin Tkatchenko BEM OL MP will tomorrow co-chair the 29th Australia-Papua New Guinea Ministerial Forum in Canberra.

As neighbours, friends and equals, the relationship between Australia and Papua New Guinea is profoundly important to both countries.

Foreign Ministers will be joined by nine Australian Ministers and sixteen Papua New Guinea Ministers, speaking to the breadth and depth of our partnership.

Ministers will discuss our economic relationship, strategic cooperation for security and stability, and social and human development.

The Ministerial Forum follows the Annual Leaders’ Dialogue between Prime Minister Albanese and Prime Minister Marape in January, supporting their ambitious vision for the bilateral relationship.

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

“In the face of global challenges affecting our region, Australia and Papua New Guinea are working together with new energy in the interests of a safe, peaceful and prosperous Pacific.

“I look forward to working with Minister Tkatchenko and other Ministers to advance our modern partnership at the Australia-Papua New Guinea Ministerial Forum.”

Minister for Trade and Tourism, Senator the Hon Don Farrell said:

“Australia and Papua New Guinea share an ambition to boost our business, trade and investment relationships.

“We will continue to work together to ensure a mutually beneficial bilateral economic partnership and bolster two-way trade and investment.”

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

“Australia and Papua New Guinea are the closest of neighbours and dearest of friends. Our relationship is built on deep economic and security cooperation, underpinned by ties through culture, churches, labour mobility and of course sport.

“We are honoured to host the Australia-Papua New Guinea Ministerial Forum which is an opportunity to ensure our partnership grows to reflect contemporary opportunities and challenges.”

The RBA Governor has today admitted under vigorous questioning by Senator Malcolm Roberts that the sheer volume of money spent during the last 3 years of reckless government intervention has driven our current inflationary problems.

In the exchange, Dr. Lowe was asked about the unexpected rise in inflation, which reached a 30-year high of 7.8% in the December quarter. During the ABA Australian banking association conference that both he and I attended, Dr. Lowe predicted that inflation would peak at 4.2% in March ’22.

We asked why Dr. Lowe was surprised by the inflation when several individuals, including myself, had previously warned the Reserve Bank and the government about the possible significant inflation that could arise due to the sheer volume of money being splashed around the economy.

Dr. Lowe responded that although the expansion of the money supply, low-interest rates, and government support during the pandemic has contributed to inflation, the entire story is not complete as at least half or even three-quarters of the increase in inflation is due to what went on in Europe and the supply-side disruptions.

That might be where the ‘meeting of the minds’ between One Nation and Governor Lowe departs. His concession at Senate Estimates is a start in the long process of accountability for Australia’s rapidly deteriorating economy.

What every reasonable Australian accepts is that, to quote Governor Lowe, “The expansion of money supply, low-interest rates and government support during the pandemic has driven inflation”.

Governor Lowe was then asked if the public was paying the price for the Reserve Bank’s support of the government’s wasteful management of COVID using lockdowns and other restrictions, which necessitated the money creation.

Dr. Lowe clarified that the Reserve Bank did not create money at the government’s request. Hard to accept, but that was his response. However, the Governor admitted, in terms, that while it wasn’t directed he print money the cash creation was in response to the government’s actions during the early stages of COVID management of destroying our economy, closing the borders and shutting down businesses. If the economy wasn’t in the drain because Scomo & Co told us we had to hide in the cupboard then RBA wouldn’t have printed. A startling admission indeed.

The board of the Reserve Bank consisting of nine individuals decided to create money, he informed the committee, and they had meetings with the government. Most Australians would be shocked if at those meetings the government didn’t pressure the bank to print money, but that fight for accountability remains ongoing.

If you are sceptical of Governor Lowe’s reliability on economic management, your concern may be well placed. Let’s not forget his promise that rates would stay low until 2024 and while it may have been foreseeable, the fact is Australians who relied on the Governor’s promise will likely go broke because they relied on his advice.

One Nation will not rest until every detail of this sticky, shocking mess is unraveled.

Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong has just admitted in Senate Estimates that nuclear-capable bombers can rotate through Australia without breaching international obligations, under questioning from the Greens.

Australian Greens Senator and Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Jordon Steele John said: 

“Australians have resisted the nuclearisation of our military for decades and now the Albanese government is letting the Americans do it for us.

“Nuclear capable B-52 bombers have no place on Australian bases, on Australian shores or in Australian airspace. They are an offensive weapon that will destabilise our region.

“The decision for the Australian Government to allow American B-52s into Australia is another clear example of successive major party governments selling out Australian interests for the Americans.

“Whether it be the AUKUS pact, the coverup of how Australia became involved in the illegal US invasion of Iraq or this newest escalation in the force posture agreement. When it comes to the US, there is no Australian interest this government has not been willing to sell out.

“Australia needs to deeply reevaluate our relationship with the United States and pursue an independent, peaceful and cooperative foreign policy,” Senator Steele John said.

Australian Greens Senator and Defence Spokesperson David Shoebridge said: 

“It is highly alarming that Australian military facilities are being made available for the US to launch its nuclear capable bombers.

“The fact that we are allowing Australian military facilities to host US nuclear bombers should alarm all Australians who are concerned  with our collective safety.

“This decision not only makes us a nuclear target, it further erodes our sovereignty.

“The US has made it clear it won’t tell anyone when their B52’s are nuclear armed or not. This leaves Australia in the dark about our role in the USA’s global nuclear strategy.

“This decision directly contradicts the Defence Minister’s claims that our relationship with the US does not undermine Australia’s sovereignty.

“This will further destabilise our region and force Australia into an unwitting role in the global nuclear weapons threat,” Senator Shoebridge said.

Greens forests spokesperson, Senator Janet Rice has called on state and federal Labor governments to commit to ending native forest logging immediately and ensure a just transition for forestry workers that are about to face an uncertain future, with Australia’s largest white paper producing plant, set to close. 

Greens spokesperson for forests, Senator Janet Rice said: 

“The end of white paper production at the Maryvale paper mill shows the writing is on the wall for Victoria’s native forest logging industry.

“Unions believe about 200 people may become unemployed as a result of this closure. The mill should have been supported to transition away from woodchips from native forests well before now, for example, by using supplies of logs from eucalypt plantations from western Victoria and Tasmania that are currently being exported. 

“Instead, workers will be left with the stress of job loss, in the midst of a cost of living crisis, wondering about their future.

The state government saw this coming but they chose to continue denying reality. With this woeful oversight by the state government, it’s time the federal government step up, commit to ending native forest logging across the country and ensure a just transition for workers.

“Recent supreme court cases have proven illegal logging and multiple breaches of state environment laws by VicForests, resulting in native forest logging operations grinding to a halt.

“Native forest logging is a dying industry and there’s no way around it. 

“Labor has a choice. They can either begin a fair transition for workers, or they can keep their head in the sand and leave more workers stranded.

“The Greens will keep fighting to secure meaningful climate and environment legislation, which must include saving what remains of Australia’s native forests and stopping the extinction of the iconic species that call these forests home.”

The Albanese Government will contribute an additional $8 million dollars to Australia’s response to the devastating earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria, bringing the total to $18 million.

This funding will provide lifesaving assistance, with a focus on protecting those made most vulnerable by the earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria. It will also support ongoing search and rescue efforts.

In Türkiye, we will contribute an additional $4.5 million. This includes $2 million to Australian NGOs through the Australian Humanitarian Partnership to deliver lifesaving assistance, with a focus on protecting those made most vulnerable by the earthquakes. Remaining funds will support ongoing search and rescue efforts and other emerging needs arising from this crisis.

In Syria, $3.5 million will be provided to the United Nations Population Fund to deliver maternal and child health services and protect women and girls without safe housing. This is in addition to the $3 million that Australia has committed to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

We extend Australia’s deepest sympathies to families and communities that have lost loved ones in the earthquakes, including families here in Australia.

The earthquakes have also exacerbated the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Syria, where years of conflict have driven millions from their homes.

In addition to the earthquake response, the Australian Government will provide $15 million through trusted partners to assist conflict-affected Syrians and their host communities in Syria, Lebanon and Jordan.

Imagery of the Australian Government’s Disaster Assistance Response Team in Türkiye is available at: https://multimedia.dfat.gov.au/fotoweb/albums/Y-agmMww5crkgPyn/

Senator the Hon. Sarah Henderson will become the Shadow Minister for Education. I know Sarah will continue her outstanding advocacy and dedication to the cause in the shadow education portfolio, just as she has in the shadow communications portfolio.

I am pleased to announce the Hon. David Coleman MP will return to the Coalition frontbench to become the Shadow Minister for Communications. David has been a fine contributor for the Coalition, and as a former minister, I know he will take up this role with his customary diligence.

These new appointments will strengthen the Coalition’s representation in critical portfolio areas. I look forward to continuing to work with Senator Henderson and Mr Coleman as they carry out their new roles.

I again thank the Hon. Alan Tudge MP for his service to the Coalition team since his election in 2010. He departs the parliament with the Coalition’s best wishes for his future endeavours.

My strong Coalition team will continue their hard work and their unity in holding the government to account.

I can assure all Australians that the Coalition will continue to focus on delivering positive plans and policies for the future of our country in 2023 and in the lead-up to the next election.

Today, the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister received the final Defence Strategic Review (DSR) report.

Authored by former Minister for Defence, His Excellency Professor the Hon. Stephen Smith and former Chief of the Defence Force, Sir Angus Houston, the Defence Strategic Review is an independently led examination of Australia’s defence force posture, force structure and capabilities.

Conducted over six months, the DSR was informed by engagements with more than 150 individuals and experts including Defence officials, Australian Defence Force personnel, defence industry, national security think tanks and academics, representatives from the states and territories and interest groups.

In addition, the Leads of the Review received over 360 submissions from the general public, interested parties, organisations and state and territory governments.

The Albanese Government will now take the necessary time to consider the Review and its recommendations.

Prime Minister, the Hon Anthony Albanese MP said:

“The Defence Strategic Review will help prepare Australia to effectively respond to the changing regional and global strategic environment and ensure Defence’s capability and structure is fit for purpose and delivers the greatest return on investment.”

Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Richard Marles MP said:

“The Defence Strategic Review is an ambitious and extensive examination of our strategic circumstances and will underpin our Defence policy for decades to come.”

“Australia must be resolute in its responsibility to safeguard our region and keep adversaries further from our shores.”

“I thank His Excellency Professor the Hon. Stephen Smith and former Chief of the Defence Force, Sir Angus Houston, for their dedication and commitment to the task, and producing a body of work which will inform key decision making for government.”