Category: Australian News

Federal and NSW Labor will commit $25 million to an Emergency Operations Precinct in Moruya, including a much needed Emergency Operations Centre.
In a region stretching from Batemans Bay to the Victorian border, thousands of locals face bushfires and floods every year. They deserve to be protected by governments who plan ahead, prepare for the worst and respond quickly when disasters strike.
The Emergency Operations Precinct, to be based in Moruya, would include an Emergency Operations Centre to ensure the community is better prepared and protected from future bushfire and flood risks.
Currently, disaster response in the region is coordinated from separate sites, including a temporary facility in the local RSL hall.
A single, purpose-built operations centre will help local emergency services personnel plan for and respond to disasters more efficiently, potentially saving lives and properties across the region.
Reviews into the tragic 2019/2020 Black Summer bushfires have shown a purpose-built emergency services precinct is needed.
Federal Labor Leader, Anthony Albanese said, “Thousands of Australians who face bushfires, floods and cyclones every year deserve to be protected by a Federal Government who plans ahead and invests to keep them safe.
“These investments will literally save lives, not to mentioned the taxpayers’ funds that have to be spent on recovery and repairs when disasters hit.”
“In remembering the horrific summer of 2019/2020, we owe it to this community to ensure all possible resilience and protection efforts are taken to prevent those same experiences ever tearing a community apart again,” said NSW Labor leader Chris Minns.
“We may not be able to control natural disasters, but we do have the ability to minimise their impact and to ensure coordinated responses.”
Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips said, “For more than eight years the message from local residents, Eurobodalla Shire Council, emergency services workers and volunteers has been, whilst much loved, the Moruya RSL Hall is not fit for purpose as an emergency management centre.
“Labor’s commitment will ensure that locals are better protected from the natural disasters we know are coming.”
Dr Michael Holland, NSW Labor candidate for Bega said, “This precinct will be critical in providing support to emergency services and the community the next time natural disasters strike.
“But, it should not have to take a by-election for the NSW Government to act. This community deserves better”.
Labor’s commitment stands in stark contrast to the Morrison Government’s failure to plan for future disasters.
In 2019, the Morrison Government established a $4 billion Emergency Response Fund (ERF), which has since earned over $750 million in interest, but has not built a single disaster prevention project.
Only Labor will build a better future for disaster prone communities.

The Morrison Government will invest an additional $1 billion in protecting the Great Barrier Reef, while supporting 64,000 Queenslanders and their jobs which drive the Reef economy.
New funding will back world leading marine science, the deployment of new climate adaptation technology, major investments in water quality programs, and state of the art on-water management practices to reduce threats from Crown of Thorns Starfish, protect key species and prevent illegal fishing.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the new investment would extend the Federal Government’s investment under the Reef 2050 Plan to more than $3 billion.
“We are backing the health of the reef and the economic future of tourism operators, hospitality providers and Queensland communities that are at the heart of the reef economy,” Prime Minister Morrison said.
“This is already the best managed reef in the world and today we take our commitment to a new level.
“Funding will support scientists, farmers and Traditional Owners, backing in the very latest marine science while building resilience and reducing threats from pollution in our oceans and predators such as the Crown of Thorns starfish.”
The additional $1 billion package over the next nine years includes:

• $579.9 million for water quality – working constructively with land managers to remediate erosion, improve land condition and reduce nutrient and pesticide runoff.
• $252.9 million for reef management and conservation – additional support for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority to reduce threats from Crown of Thorns Starfish (COTS), implement advanced health monitoring systems and the prevent illegal fishing.
• $92.7 million to research and deploy world leading reef resilience science and adaptation strategies.
• $74.4 million for Traditional Owner and community-led projects including species protection, habitat restoration, citizen science programs and marine debris.

Environment Minister Sussan Ley said the record level of investment in the Reef was being driven by the best science and engagement with local communities and industries, and through working with Traditional Owners.
“From breakthrough science in coral seeding and restoration, to improved water quality, the latest on water management and compliance systems, as well as the protection of native species, we are working across every aspect of the reef,” Minister Ley said.
“Our farmers, tourism operators, and fishers are our reef champions and we are supporting them through practical water and land based strategies that will contribute significantly to the health of the reef.”
Federal Member for Leichhardt and Special Envoy for the Great Barrier Reef Warren Entsch said the Morrison Government was working hand in hand with Reef communities.
“The people in Cairns and Far North Queensland care about the Reef more than anyone,” Mr Entsch said.
“Our tourism operators, local communities and Traditional Owners are invested in the health of the Reef and this funding supports their commitment and the future of the world’s greatest natural wonder.
“The Reef is an amazing place for people to visit and, particularly as local businesses start to recover, I encourage people to come up and see that for themselves.
“This funding will help us keep it that way and ensure that we remain the best Reef Managers in the world.”

Rating agency S&P Global has affirmed Australia’s AAA credit rating, citing Australia’s strong economic recovery from the pandemic and track record of sound economic and fiscal management.
Australia remains one of just nine countries to hold a AAA credit rating from the three major rating agencies.
After balancing the Budget for the first time in 11 years, Australia entered the crisis from a position of strength that provided it with the capacity to respond to the crisis.
S&P attributes this to the fact that “Australia’s budget improved in recent years on the back of tight fiscal discipline, strong labour market conditions, and high commodity prices. The general government budget was effectively balanced…”
Since the onset of the pandemic, the Morrison Government has committed $337 billion, or 16.3 per cent of GDP, in direct economic and health support.
This has supported household and business confidence and spending at time of extreme uncertainty and helped ensure that Australia’s economy recovered sooner than any major advanced economy.
Reflecting Australia’s strong economic recovery, the unemployment rate in Australia fell to 4.2 per cent in December, its lowest rate in more than 13 years.
S&P is confident that the government will continue to secure Australia’s economic recovery, noting that “Australian governments have demonstrated a willingness to implement reforms to sustain economic growth and ensure sustainable public finances and have a strong track record from managing past economic and financial crises.”
Sustainable public finances is key to retaining our AAA credit rating and only the Coalition has a strong track record of fiscal discipline and repairing the Budget.
Australia cannot afford the threat of a high taxing and big spending Labor Government who at the last election proposed $387 billion of higher taxes and sought to divide Australians with their class war rhetoric.

To continue our unprecedented investment into improving the mental health of all Australians, the Morrison Government is investing a further $44 million to increase access and reduce wait times at headspace services for young people aged 12 to 25 years.
Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt said both mental health and suicide prevention remains one of our Government’s highest priorities.
“One in four young Australians are affected by a mental health illness every year and as we continue to battle COVID-19 it’s more important than ever that we prioritise mental health,” Minister Hunt said.
“The disruption to normal life caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has had profound impacts on young Australians and we are ensuring that they can access the mental health supports they may need to help them get back on track and minimise longer-term impacts.”
“These grants form part of the Morrison Government’s headspace Demand Management and Enhancement Program – an investment of $152 million over 7 years from 2018. Through three funding rounds to date, this program has supported 28 PHNs and 86 headspace services to reduce wait times and invest in capital and infrastructure.”
Australia’s headspace centres, for young people aged 12 to 25 years, are a single-entry point for holistic, wrap around mental health services. Services provided through headspace centres are a safe place to turn to, somewhere young people can get professional help, peer support and feel comfortable enough to tackle their challenges in a way that is right for them.
The Government encourages Primary Health Networks (PHNs) across the nation to apply for up to $1.8 million each in wait time reduction grants. In addition, grants of up to $940,000 are available for capital and infrastructure improvements to existing headspace services.
Together, the grants will:

• increase access to high quality and more timely youth-friendly mental health support
• enhance the quality of service experience for young people
• boost the physical capacity of headspace facilities and enhance the accessibility of services through refurbishment or relocation.

Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, David Coleman said these new grants added to the Government’s significant support for headspace around the nation.
“Our Government is providing unprecedented funding and support for mental health, investing a record $2.3 billion in the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan” Minister Coleman said.
“There is nothing more important than the mental health of our young people. headspace makes a real difference in the lives of young people across Australia, and this funding will help to increase access to these important services.”
Australians looking for support throughout the COVID-19 pandemic can also access the Beyond Blue Coronavirus Wellbeing Support Service any time via telephone at 1800 512 348 or online at coronavirus.beyondblue.org.au.
Anyone experiencing distress can seek immediate advice and support through Lifeline
(13 11 14), Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800), or the Government’s digital mental health gateway, Head to Health.
If you are concerned about suicide, living with someone who is considering suicide, or bereaved by suicide, the Suicide Call Back Service is available at 1300 659 467 or www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au.
Guidelines for grant applications are available on the GrantConnect website: www.grants.gov.au

Tasmania’s economy is set for a major $57.4 million boost after the Morrison Government approved a significant upgrade to the nation’s oldest Australian Army barracks. The Anglesea Paterson Project includes significant upgrades to infrastructure and facilities at Hobart’s Anglesea Barracks, as well as a new facility and redevelopment of defence infrastructure in Launceston. The improvements in Anglesea, an investment of $17.7 million, will ensure the Barracks continues to provide a safe and functional environment for base personnel. Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said the Morrison Government was committed to significant investment across Tasmania to support current and future Defence capabilities. “This is a huge win for Tasmania, particularly the small businesses that stand to reap the benefits of this significant $57.4 million investment,” Minister Price said. “It is expected that 80 per cent of the work will go to local industry, maximising opportunities for local businesses and giving the economy a real shot in the arm. “The Anglesea Paterson Project will also deliver a new cadet facility in the northern suburbs of Launceston, worth $15.8 million and a significant commitment in the Launceston City Deal. “Australian Defence Force reserves and cadets at Youngtown Depot in South Launceston will benefit from an $11.2 million investment to upgrade facilities there. “With additional contract costs, our total investment comes to $57.4 million, which is wonderful news for the Tasmanian economy. “The construction workforce across the projects is predicted to be an average of 30 personnel, with a peak of around 80 workers per day across sites.” Defence has worked closely with the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications to develop this project. Defence will also provide a new 1800 Defence Call Centre at Anglesea Barracks to Support the Defence Customer Service Network, enabling continuity of the 1800DEFENCE service in Tasmania. The expanded call centre facility will create five new jobs, allowing for an increase in capacity and will provide a contemporary environment consistent with modern day practices. Construction work on the project is due to start in early 2022 and is expected to be completed in mid-2023. Works will occur across Anglesea Barracks and Youngtown Depot.

WITH AN ELECTION and UNESCO’s ruling on the Great Barrier Reef looming, the Federal Government has announced $1 billion for the Reef, which the Climate Council has labelled as more “golden Band-Aid” spending.  Prime Minister Scott Morrison is set to announce $1 billion will go towards improving water quality, reef management and research for the Great Barrier Reef today in Cairns.  The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority has warned that the Reef is dangerously close to experiencing another mass bleach event, which would be an unprecedented and catastrophic fourth in six years. Climate Councillor, ecologist and Distinguished Professor of Biology at Macquarie University, Professor Lesley Hughes said: “Unless you are cutting emissions deeply this decade the situation on the Reef will only get worse. This is essentially like using a bunch of Band-Aids to try and mend a broken leg.”  “Any additional funding for the environment in Australia is welcome, as it is severely under-resourced. However, handing out cash for the Great Barrier Reef with one hand, while funding the very industry – fossil fuels – that’s driving devastating climate impacts like marine heatwaves and coral bleaching, means they are adding to the very problem they are claiming they want to fix.”   “Only a month ago we saw the greenlight given to the Morrison Government’s polluting, unnecessary, taxpayer funded pet project – the Kurri Kurri gas power station. “I have been working as an ecologist and watching the Great Barrier Reef decline for 30 years now. How many more times do we need to say it? Climate change is the number one threat to the Great Barrier Reef and coral reefs globally. The only way to protect the Reef from this threat is to move rapidly away from fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas.”  Scientists recognise that climate change is the greatest threat to the Reef. The Federal Government’s woefully inadequate 2030 target of 26-28% reduction in emissions, if adopted globally, would lead to up to 4°C warming, which scientists warn no coral reefs can survive. “The Morrison Government wants to convince UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee that the Reef is not “In Danger”, even though it clearly is. This cash helps the Morrison Government look good on this issue, but we are not seeing the concrete steps that would give us confidence that they are serious about protecting the Reef.”  Last year, successful political lobbyings saw the Reef narrowly dodge being placed on UNESCOs ‘In Danger’ list. “How much longer must the Reef – one of the world’s most iconic and significant ecosystems – suffer at the hands of this Federal Government’s climate failings?”

Today’s latest Quarterly Energy Dynamics report from AEMO shows a renewables surge in the energy mix and demonstrates the urgent need for Australia to fully exploit its global lead in rooftop solar by rewiring households to be fully electric. AEMO’s data for Q4 2021 shows the boom in rooftop solar, along with large-scale wind and solar farms is reducing the cost of electricity and squeezing out coal and gas generators. Dr Saul Griffith, founder & Chief Scientist of Rewiring Australia, said households could better share in the economic benefits of trends in energy technology if we moved quickly to rewire our homes with electric heating, electric water heating, electric cooking, and electric cars. “Australia’s global lead in generating clean, renewable energy from our home rooftops is admirable but to really drive home this advantage we need to fully exploit our lead. When Ash Barty wins the first set of a match she doesn’t sit back and allow her opponent to ace her for the next two sets. “If we press this advantage now, Australian households can smash household energy costs by $5000 a year and drive a one-third reduction in domestic carbon emissions. “We are spending $1 billion to save the Great Barrier Reef while spending many more billions destroying it by supporting fossil fuels. While I can’t complain about more money for reef research and support, this is blatant hypocrisy. We should be investing in more renewable energy and storage, demand side electrification, and prioritising green manufacturing for future export industries. “Today’s report from AEMO shows almost 35 per cent of Australian energy was generated from renewable sources for the three months to December 31. But that clean energy needs to heat our water, cool our homes, power our cars and cook our food to fully take advantage of our lead. If we decarbonise our homes and cars we will all be wealthier and enjoy the benefits of cleaner air. A fully electric Australia that gets off fossil fuels will keep the same comforts but use about half the energy, with none of the energy emissions. This win-win from electrification is clear. “With just a little foresight, Australia can lead the world in fully electrifying our homes and then export that technology and expertise to the world. But this won’t happen by itself. We need to make it really straightforward for households to swap a fossil fueled appliance or vehicle with one powered by clean energy. We should change our planning and permitting laws to prioritise all electric households and businesses, and start training the installation and maintenance workforce for this electrified future now. “With modest public investment in our homes, cars, and communities, we can electrify everything without sacrificing our way of life. If we embrace this shift now, we can enjoy cheaper, cleaner, healthier energy, and win the global decarbonisation race.”

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) will deploy aircraft and personnel to Guam and the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands, to conduct Exercise Cope North 22 with the United States Air Force (USAF) and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (Koku-Jieitai) from 2 to 18 February, 2022.
The trilateral exercise is focused on increased interoperability of the RAAF, USAF and Koku-Jieitai, through combined tactics, techniques and procedures for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations and Large Force Employment.
The RAAF Task Unit Commander, Group Captain Andrew McHugh, said Cope North 22 will be an excellent opportunity to further enhance interoperability between the tri-lateral forces.
“We are very pleased to be heading back to Guam for Cope North 22 which will provide invaluable experience for our personnel and enhances the effectiveness of the RAAF,” Group Captain McHugh said.
“Through Cope North 22, we are focused on deepening relationships and strengthening engagement with the USAF’s Pacific Air Force and the Koku-Jieitai, to contribute to our shared vision of an open, inclusive and resilient Indo-Pacific.”
The RAAF will deploy the E-7A Wedgetail, C-27J Spartan, KC-30A multi role tanker transport and F-35A Lightning II, alongside a contingency response squadron focused on HADR training.
“Cope North 22 will enhance the tri-lateral forces’ capability for HADR in the Indo-Pacific, ensuring a highly effective and professional response, when needed,” Group Captain McHugh said.
“We are committed to developing an intelligent and skilled workforce with exercises such as Cope North providing the opportunity to operate as a combined force with the United States and the Japan, and ensure our people can deliver air power when required.”
Exercises remain critical to preparedness of the Australian Defence Force. RAAF personnel deploying for Exercise Cope North 22 have been fully vaccinated for COVID-19 prior to their departure and will comply with all directions as required.

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) is supporting the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)-led effort to support the Government of Tonga following the eruption of Tonga’s Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai underwater volcano on 15 January.
The ADF contribution, named Operation TONGA ASSIST 22, includes air reconnaissance using P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, airlift support using C-17A Globemaster III and C-130J Hercules transport aircraft, as well as the deployment of HMAS Adelaide with embarked supplies, helicopters and Army engineer contingent.
HMAS Adelaide docked today, 26 January 2022, in Nuku’alofa harbour to commence delivery of humanitarian assistance to Tonga, in a contactless and COVID-safe manner.
HMAS Adelaide’s Commanding Officer, and commander of the tri-service contingent on board, Captain Stuart Watters spoke about the effort to assist Tonga which can be viewed at the vision link below.

A Labor Government will deliver $440 million to schools for better ventilation, building upgrades, and mental health support, as part of a new plan to help Australian kids bounce back after COVID.
Labor’s plan including the Schools Upgrade Fund and Student Wellbeing Boost will make sure our schools are better prepared, not just for this term but for the future.
The Morrison-Joyce Government doesn’t have a plan for next week, let alone next year. Labor won’t make that mistake.
Schools will be able to access grants from a Schools Upgrade Fund to improve air quality with measures such as better ventilation, building more outdoor classrooms, replacing boarded-up windows and doors and buying air purifiers. Funding will be available for other much needed school upgrades as well.
Parents are worried sick about sending their kids back to school. Scott Morrison’s delays getting a COVID vaccine for young people means many students will be more exposed returning to class.
Because COVID is an airborne disease, experts say better ventilation and cleaner air will reduce transmission and prevent outbreaks. Labor’s plan for ventilation upgrades will help achieve that, protecting our kids, and school staff.
Funding will also be available for school upgrades including new and refurbished school buildings and trades training centres. Making sure our schoolkids have access to terrific facilities will help get their education back on track after all the COVID disruptions. We know it’s been hard for P&Cs to fundraise over the last two years, with the usual sausage sizzles, cakes stalls and fetes cancelled due to the pandemic.
Labor will also provide schools with extra funding to get children’s mental health and wellbeing back on track with a Student Wellbeing Boost. This will mean more school counsellors and psychologists, and extra funding for camps, excursions, as well as sporting and social activities that improve kids’ wellbeing. Labor will also have the education department conduct a rapid review of the impact of COVID on students with disability, so they get the support they need.
Every Australian school will benefit. Labor will work with state and territory governments and school systems to distribute the funding based on need. Schools will get a big say in how to use the extra money to best help their kids. Labor’s plan will also fund a free, expert developed, voluntary mental health check, that schools could choose to use to help quickly identify students who may need extra support.
The past two years have been hard for all Australians. But our kids have suffered a unique loss.
They’ve been robbed of some of the simple joys of growing up – school camps, team sports, playground friendships, and sleepovers.
Remote learning, exam chaos, and now the delays in supplying paediatric vaccines, have turned what should be some of the best years of their lives into a bit of a nightmare.
Many are struggling with their mental wellbeing.
Researchers at the Australian National University found more than 60 per cent of parents said their children’s mental health and wellbeing had gone downhill during COVID. A 2021 Mission Australia Youth Survey found more than 60 per cent of young people said their education had been negatively impacted by COVID.
Labor doesn’t want any Australian child held back because of the pandemic.
When you’re struggling with stress or anxiety, you’re missing out on learning.
Labor’s plan for extra mental health support will help lighten the load for schoolkids and their parents, and get kids’ wellbeing, learning, and development back on track.
We’ve heard nothing from Scott Morrison about a plan to keep our kids COVID-safe at school.
I suppose that shouldn’t surprise us.
This Prime Minister never shows leadership. Every problem is someone else’s fault.
But our kids are paying the price.
Parents know what a big toll COVID is taking on our kids. Labor’s plan is exactly what they need to help them bounce back, at school, and in life.
Today’s announcement builds on Labor’s other plans for education including 20,000 extra university places, 465,000 free TAFE places, and making early learning cheaper for working families.