Category: Australian News

Australians should have the legal right to work from home at least two days a week where it is practical and reasonable, according to federal Greens spokesperson for employment and workplace relations Senator Barbara Pocock.

Under the new Greens policy, employers would be required to positively consider reasonable requests to work from home at least two days a week, provided working from home was not at odds with the inherent nature of a workers’ role. 

Flexible work arrangements, such as the ability to work from home, have enabled millions of workers, many of them women, to balance care responsibilities with paid work. Legislating the right to work from home, where it is sensible and doable, will not only protect women’s access to the labour market and economic equality gains, it will also increase workforce participation and ultimately boost productivity.

Greens Leader and spokesperson on Women, Larissa Waters

“The Prime Minister supports Victorian Labor Premier Jacinta Allen’s push for legislating work from home two days a week. Now he has a chance to work with the Greens in federal parliament to make this a reality for those Australians whose jobs it suits.

“We know that for millions of Australians, especially women, the ability to work from home provides the flexibility they need to balance work with the other important things in their lives, including care. Many men are also looking for this flexibility, and it will help them be more involved in care responsibilities, and reduce commute time and cost for workers everywhere.

“In the same way that the Greens worked with Labor to establish the very successful Right to Disconnect, we want to work together to establish a reasonable right to work from home that will increase productivity and flexibility in workplaces.

“Given that most workers in Australia are covered by federal workplace law, it makes sense to create this right at the national level. We need a sensible, national approach.

Australian Greens spokesperson for employment and workplace relations, Senator Barbara Pocock:

“Working from home is not possible in all roles but where it is practical, workers should have a reasonable right to work from home for up to a couple of days a week. They should not be at risk of having that right arbitrarily removed when it is working in practical ways that boost productivity and help workers. 

“Women shouldn’t have to give up their careers to have a family. By improving work from home rights, we’re protecting women’s rights to work while caring for their families. This isn’t just a win for women, workers and families, it’s a win for our economy.

“The ability to work from home has many benefits, not only for women and carers – it also reduces the time spent on commuting, improves work-life balance, increases emotional and physical wellbeing, and boosts workforce participation and productivity.

“The Productivity Commission has found that working from home not only reduces breaks and sick days, it can be less distracting than working on-site, which can lead to improved productivity. Similarly, OECD research shows that working from home—especially in hybrid models—can boost productivity and employee well-being, provided businesses invest in digital tools and smart management practices.

“The Greens want to see real improvements in the conditions and rights of Australian workers that reflects the modern workplaces of 2025 and beyond. The Prime Minister has already acknowledged the benefits of working from home. Now he has an opportunity to work with the Greens to enshri

At a time when dialogue and diplomacy are needed more than ever, the Netanyahu Government is isolating Israel and undermining international efforts towards peace and a two-state solution.

This is an unjustified reaction, following Australia’s decision to recognise Palestine.

We will continue to work with partners as we contribute international momentum to a two-state solution, a ceasefire in Gaza and release of the hostages.

Australia welcomes different races, religions and views, united by respect for each other’s humanity and for each other’s right to live in peace.

We safeguard our communities and protect all Australians from hate and harm.

The Australian Government will always take decisive action against antisemitism.

The Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC) has confirmed in a letter to Greens MP Sue Higginson that it will investigate whether the conduct of police officers involved in the response to the assault, manslaughter and death of Ballina woman, Lindy Lucena, amounted to serious misconduct or serious maladministration.

Greens MP and spokesperson for justice, Sue Higginson said:

“This is a significant and necessary step towards justice for Lindy Lucena, her family and her community. On the night Lindy was violently assaulted and later died, a witness called triple-0 to report the incident just minutes from the Ballina Police Station. It took 55 minutes for police to respond and, when they did, they remained in their vehicle and failed to properly investigate the location,”

“The NSW Police have already interfered with justice for Lindy by refusing to declare her death a critical incident. This decision denied an immediate investigation with any oversight into the circumstances of the police failure of Lindy. When police fail in their duty in such serious circumstances, it should not be for police to investigate police to decide if their conduct was appropriate or not,”

“The NSW Police Force’s own Domestic and Family Violence Policy commits to a timely and professional response. Lindy got neither of these and it was clearly as a direct result of the actions of the police officers involved. This is why the LECC’s role is so important and I’m glad that they have agreed to undertake this investigation,”

“It shouldn’t come down to the family and loved ones of people who are failed by the police, or who are made victims by the police, to have to demand these types of investigations. Where police have had a role in the death of anyone, there should be an automatic and strong investigation by a truly independent and well-resourced watchdog,”

“My thoughts remain with Lindy’s family, friends and the Ballina community as they continue to seek justice for a loving mother, sister and local woman.”

LECC Letter to Sue Higginson attached.

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The Minister for Families and Communities has confirmed in Budget Estimates Hearings today that the out of home care service provider that was subject of a forensic audit under Project Mareeba is Allambi Care. Out of home care service providers are responsible for ensuring vulnerable young people in NSW can be kept safe and secure where they cannot safely remain at home.

Greens MP and spokesperson for Youth Justice, Sue Higginson said:

“The report from Project Mareeba is sober reading, and the discovery that Allambi Care has engaged in the significant misuse of public money is a shocking revelation, but unsurprising. We have been watching the out of home care system outsourced, privatised and falling further into crisis for a long time now,”

“This provider receives some $70 million each year in public monies in order to provide care for some of the most vulnerable young people in NSW, this report reveals serious issues including a property investment scheme for senior employees that is profiting from money intended to support children,”

“Out of home care providers in NSW are a critical part of our program of supporting young people, there are many good providers that are compliant with the rules and who deliver critical services. It’s fundamental that organisations who are acting in bad faith are stopped and held to account,”

“I acknowledge that Minister Washington has been pursuing this much-needed greater oversight and is working to reform a system that was left in crisis by the former Coalition Government, but I am keen to hear how she will be ensuring that good faith organisations, particularly Aboriginal Controlled Community Organisations will not be punished for the wrongs committed by other providers. It is Aboriginal Controlled Community Organisations who are carrying the biggest load in this system because of the overrepresentation of First Nations children in the system,”

“This system needs to be accountable and safe, but we cannot allow critical services for vulnerable young people to be compromised by quick solutions that demand a one size fits all solution. This is a good step, but it’s just one of many,” Ms Higginson said.
For media contact: Dan Reid on 0421 926 233

Background:

Following the System Review into OOHC, the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) engaged KordaMentha Forensic to conduct a forensic audit on a particular non-government OOHC provider (a non-ACCO ‘not-for-profit’ receiving +$70 million per year) to investigate specific issues identified through the system review process. The forensic audit found various issues of non-compliance and misuse of funds, including:

• An unapproved financial scheme to personally benefit senior executives
• This provider established a government-funded property investment scheme for senior staff, including the CEO
• 12 properties have been purchased by senior executives, then rented back to the provider with a guaranteed 20% market premium, funded by the NSW OOHC program
• General ownership/upgrades/maintenance costs were then incorrectly charged to DCJ instead of the investment property owners, for example:
  • rates,
  • water charges,
  • storm water upgrades,
  • building repairs/upgrades immediately after the purchase of property but before use in the OOHC program, including replacing hot water systems, new air conditioning systems, new blinds, new carpet, floor repairs, painting the entire house.
• The provider has admitted these costs should have been borne by the property owners, but offered no explanation why OOHC funds were misused, instead.
• Significant undeclared financial conflicts of interest
• Unapproved subcontracting arrangements
• Instances where the provider did not provide the necessary information to support the audit or assess compliance
• The use of an accounting treatment that misrepresented the true financial position of the agency
• Provider has represented itself to be in ‘deficit,’ while they were likely in surplus
• Separately, $30 million in term-deposits were identified by the audit team

Today we announce the appointment of Ms Jane Duke as Australia’s next Ambassador to Counter Modern Slavery, People Smuggling and Human Trafficking.

Ms Duke’s appointment highlights the Albanese Government’s ongoing commitment to working with partners as we strive to eradicate all forms of modern slavery.

Ms Duke will play a leading role in driving international cooperation, including close collaboration our region, to strengthen responses to modern slavery.

She will also be fundamental in promoting Australia’s work as Co-Chair of the Bali Process – the preeminent regional consultative forum for addressing the abhorrent crimes of people smuggling, human trafficking and related transnational crime.

Ms Duke is a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and was most recently Assistant Secretary, Southeast Asia Maritime Branch.

She has previously served overseas as Consul-General, Los Angeles; Ambassador to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Jakarta; Deputy Head of Mission, Australian High Commission, Kuala Lumpur; and Counsellor (Immigration), Australian Permanent Mission to the United Nations, Geneva.

The Albanese Government has worked hard to enhance our efforts to counter modern slavery. Last year, we established Australia’s first Anti-Slavery Commissioner to support victims, raise awareness, and help businesses address risks in their supply chains.

We were also recognised as one of 33 countries to achieve a Tier One ranking in the US Department of State 2024 Trafficking in Persons Report.

We thank former Ambassador Lynn Bell for her contribution and commitment to Australia’s mission to counter modern slavery, people smuggling and human trafficking.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong:

“Modern slavery knows no borders, which is why our ambassador’s role in engaging the international community is critical to our efforts to combat these abhorrent crimes.

“Human trafficking and modern slavery affect more than 50 million people worldwide.

“Australia remains committed to eradicating all forms of modern slavery, working internationally through our world-first ASEAN-Australia Counter Trafficking program and as a leader in the Bali Process, and at home through the establishment of our nation’s first independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner.”

Attorney-General Michelle Rowland:

“Modern slavery deprives victims of their dignity, fundamental rights and freedoms, and the Government has been clear that there is no place for these exploitative and sickening crimes.

“The Government is taking action to continue the fight against modern slavery, including through strengthening the Modern Slavery Act, building on our existing wide-ranging efforts to stamp out these practises.

“I congratulate Ms Duke on her appointment and look forward to working with her as we strive towards combatting modern slavery in all its forms.”

The Students in Northmead can look forward to making the most of new world-class public school facilities, following a recently-completed upgrade at Northmead Creative and Performing Arts High School, while a major upgrade of Northmead Public School is now underway.

The projects are part of the Minns Labor Government’s work to rebuild public education after a decade of Liberal and National neglect, with a record school infrastructure pipeline delivering new and upgraded schools to ensure every child has access to a world-class education at their local public school.

Acting Education Minister Courtney Houssos officially opened the new commercial-grade kitchen and other upgraded facilities at Northmead Creative and Performing Arts High School, before visiting Northmead Public School to mark the start of construction on a major upgrade that will replace demountables with permanent classrooms and return much needed playground space to students.

The new commercial kitchen at Northmead Creative and Performing Arts High School is equipped with industry-standard appliances meeting updated Vocational Education and Training (VET) requirements, providing students with a modern learning environment to support food technology studies.

The high school upgrade also delivered a new multipurpose room within the school library, along with a brand new toilet block and change room facilities.

The upgrade underway at Northmead Public School will replace demountable classrooms with four new permanent classrooms and two new special program rooms, and deliver refurbished administration facilities.

The construction contract for the Northmead Public School project has been awarded, with the project due for completion in 2026.

As part of the NSW Government’s plan to rebuild public education, the 2024-25 Budget is delivering record education funding, including $3.6 billion for new and upgraded schools in Western Sydney.

This targeted investment in schools in Western Sydney will ensure growing communities get access to a world class public education.

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:

“These important upgrades are part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to ensuring every child has access to the best educational facilities, no matter where they live.

“The new commercial kitchen at Northmead Creative and Performing Arts High School will give students hands-on experience in an industry-standard environment, ensuring they are well prepared for careers in hospitality and beyond.

“Replacing demountables with permanent classrooms is a key priority of the Minns Labor Government after the Liberals and Nationals made them a permanent fixture, crowding out playgrounds in too many schools across growing suburbs in Western Sydney.”

Northmead Creative and Performing Arts High School Principal Narelle Vazquez said:

“This upgrade will significantly enhance hands-on learning opportunities for our students, broadening the curriculum options to include Commercial Cookery and help them to prepare for real-world experiences in the hospitality industry.

“These state-of-the-art facilities are designed to enhance learning and foster creativity in the kitchen.

“We look forward to seeing our students thrive in this new learning environment, which offers them the opportunity to develop their culinary skills and passion for cooking.”

Northmead Public School Principal Elisa Baker said:

“We are thrilled to mark this milestone for our school community. This upgrade will give our students modern, permanent learning spaces that foster growth, curiosity, and success for years to come.

“Creating environments where students and teachers can thrive is an investment in our children’s future, which is why the start of construction is such an exciting moment for us.

“We look forward to watching the project take shape and seeing the positive impact it will have on our students, staff, and the wider community.”

With fire in their bellies and pride on their shoulders, the NSW Waradas are ready to make their mark at the 2025 First Nations Netball Tournament, kicking off in Melbourne on Wednesday 20 August.

After a breakout campaign in 2024 that saw the young side finish third overall-missing a win over Queensland by just one goal-the Waradas are heading into this year’s tournament with unfinished business and a clear target: go all the way.

Preparation has been intense, focused, and fast. With a limited window to bring the squad together, the team has wasted no time building cohesion on and off the court.

“It’s been a very short turnaround from when we started on court to tournament, but they’re going really well,” said Mardi Aplin, General Manager of Performance and Pathways at Netball NSW.

Athletes have been training once or twice a week at Netball Central, backed by individual strength, conditioning and fitness programs delivered outside of team sessions.

The Waradas Team Announcement

“It shows the level of commitment and professionalism expected – and delivered – by this group,” Aplin said.

With many players already connected through previous programs and competitions, team culture has come naturally – and it’s already showing on court.

“We’ve had hit-outs against the ACT and the 21U Tongan team preparing for the World Youth Cup,” Aplin shared. “Those games helped us lock in combinations, confirm positions, and get match-ready. The team looked strong and connected.”

These practice games provided more than preparation – they lit a competitive spark.

One of the most powerful moments in the Waradas’ journey came last week, when players were presented with their official team dresses – not by coaches or officials, but by a family member or family friend.

“It makes it a really personal celebration,” said Aplin. “We invited the Netball NSW Aboriginal Advisory Group and Alison Tucker-Munro from the Black Swans to speak with the group. Alison talked about the deep pride in wearing the NSW dress and honouring your culture.”

That moment brought the team together and set the tone for what’s to come – representing not just NSW, but Country, family and future generations.

The Waradas will face a gritty seven-game schedule over four days, with each match running 4 x 10-minute quarters. It’s a high-intensity format that demands both mental resilience and physical grit.

“A week at Nationals is intense for anybody, let alone someone who hasn’t experienced it before,” Aplin said. “You need the physical engine, yes – but the mental toughness is what gets you through.”

Now, with a year’s worth of experience, stronger preparation, and a fierce sense of purpose, the Waradas are determined to go further.

“We have high expectations,” Aplin said. “We’ve done the work. Now it’s about backing ourselves – physically, mentally, and culturally – to step up and perform across the whole tournament.”

NSW Waradas – 2025 First Nations Tournament Draw
Location: Melbourne
Match Format: 4 x 10-minute quarters, 3-min breaks (Q1 & Q3), 5-min halftime
Round 1 – Wed 20 Aug, 11:30am: NSW v NT
Round 2 – Wed 20 Aug, 6:30pm: NSW v SA
Round 3 – Thu 21 Aug, 9:00am: NSW v VIC
Round 4 – Thu 21 Aug, 7:45pm: NSW v TAS
Round 5 – Fri 22 Aug, 12:45pm: WA v NSW
Round 6 – Sat 23 Aug, 10:15am: NSW v QLD
Round 7 – Sat 23 Aug, 5:15pm: NSW v ACT
Finals – Sun 24 Aug

The Albanese Labor Government recognises 50 years since the Gurindji land handback, a turning point in the struggle for Aboriginal land rights.
 
On 16 August 1975, Labor Prime Minister Gough Whitlam poured soil into Vincent Lingiari’s hands, during an official handover ceremony which formally granted the Gurindji people a lease to a parcel of land at Wave Hill cattle station.
 
It would become an iconic image of land rights and a defining moment in Australian history.
 
Almost a decade earlier, on 23 August 1966, 200 Gurindji, Mudburra and Warlpiri stockmen, domestic workers and their families, led by Vincent Lingiari, had taken a stand.
 
They led a walk-off from Wave Hill station against injustice, not just about their pay and working conditions but about their land.
 
The Wave Hill Walk-Off continued for nine years, during that time the strikers moved back to their traditional Country at Daguragu (Wattie Creek), closer to their sacred sites.
 
The lengthy campaign was a significant milestone in the Aboriginal land rights movement.
 
Their courage helped pave the way for the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) 1976 Act, Commonwealth legislation enabling First Nations people in the NT to claim land rights for Country where traditional ownership could be proven.
 
Next week, the annual Freedom Day Festival will bring people together on Gurindji Country to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the handback and the anniversary of the Wave Hill Walk-Off.
 
The 2025 Freedom Day Festival, a celebration of land rights, self-determination and community, will be held at Kalkarindji August 22 – 24.
 
Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese:
 
“Today we remember a mighty victory and we honour those who fought and won their long battle for justice.
 
“Even now, when we hear the word Gurindji we picture the endless blue of the outback sky and the vivid red earth trickling from Gough’s hand into Vincent’s. 
 
“That iconic image stands as an enduring tribute to the courage, determination and solidarity of a proud people.
 
“Yet as Gough said to Vincent on this historic day: “Your fight was not for yourselves alone”.
 
“There is more to do to ensure traditional owners can unlock the economic potential of their land and build the long term prosperity that will see their communities thrive.
 
“Let the milestone we look back on today, inspire us for the journey ahead.”
 
Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy:
 
“The Wave Hill Walk-Off laid the foundation for Aboriginal land rights across the Northern Territory and the country.
 
“This year’s Freedom Day Festival will reflect on 50 years since the Commonwealth, through Prime Minister Gough Whitlam, recognised the Gurindji people, through Vincent Lingiari.
 
“The formal handover of land to the Gurindji people – and the soil passing from one hand to another – is a defining moment in the Aboriginal land rights movement and Australian history.”

The Albanese Government is delivering on its promise to boost Adelaide’s housing supply with the completion of another 40 new DHA homes in Angle Park.

The 40 three-bedroom townhouses in the Northwest Quarter estate, built by local builder Burbank Homes, will bring additional Defence families into the Angle Park community in coming weeks.

The new completions come on top of 14 homes built in the Stage One precinct in 2023, with another 31 new build-to-rent properties expected to be complete in coming months. These total 85 properties will support Defence personnel living in the region. 

In addition, 102 lots have been sold to private owners, supporting a mix of Defence and non-Defence tenants living alongside each other.

The area was selected as it is conveniently located less than half an hour from both RAAF Base Edinburgh and the Osborne Naval Shipyard, and offers Defence families easy access to Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Adelaide’s CBD.

Defence members and families have already settled into the estate’s Stage One properties, and the DHA housing and private properties will ensure posted families can build connections with the local community. 

Around 150 local workers were employed in the construction of the new properties.

Minister for Defence Personnel, the Hon Matt Keogh MP: 

“This is a win for Defence families and a win for Adelaide’s housing supply.

“Whether it’s directly building new houses or crowding in private construction investment, it all helps to take the pressure off Defence families looking for a home.

“The Northwest Quarter is booming, with ADF families and non-ADF families working and living side-by-side to build up a thriving local community.

“We remain dedicated to increasing Defence capability across the country; providing our personnel with quality, secure housing in convenient locations plays a vital role in attracting and maintaining our workforce to support this capability.”

Defence Housing Australia Managing Director, Andrew Jaggers: 

“DHA is proud to deliver another housing development that fosters engagement between ADF members and the wider community.

“It’s rewarding to stand here today in acknowledgement of 40 new Angle Park Northwest Quarter properties entering DHA’s portfolio to support growth plans for the ADF and the required capability in the Adelaide region.

“DHA remains dedicated to meeting the needs of our ADF members, and we now turn our attention to completing the next 31 properties at Northwest Quarter through our leasing business model to create long-term and rewarding opportunities for investors.” 

The Greens will move to establish a Senate Inquiry into the safety and quality of early childhood education and care as soon as Parliament resumes, after what they and the sector have described as a failure to act with urgency on a system in crisis.

Australian Greens spokesperson for early childhood education and care, Senator Steph Hodgins-May, says years of neglecting the system has left children at risk and families without confidence.

In the last sitting week, the Greens supported a Bill allowing government subsidies to be cut from centres that repeatedly fail to meet quality standards. But Senator Hodgins-May told the Senate these were “band-aid fixes” that would do little to lift quality:

“Tinkering with the subsidy system will not keep our children safe. We need more than reactive tools to act after harm occurs — we need leadership to prevent that harm in the first place.”

The proposed inquiry would examine the regulatory system, workforce, and whether the current subsidy model supports high-quality care. It would aim to deliver recommendations to keep children safe and also inform long-term reforms towards universal early learning — a goal the Government has outsourced to Deloitte at a cost of millions and a delay of years.

The push comes as a rapid review into Victoria’s early learning system is completed and a NSW parliamentary inquiry is underway. The Greens say a Senate inquiry would bring this work together nationally to keep kids safer in every state and territory.

Australian Greens spokesperson for early childhood education and care, Senator Steph Hodgins-May:

“We’ve tried repeatedly to work with this government on what should be a once-in-a-generation reform of early learning, but with no sign of urgency to fix this broken system, we’re taking matters into our own hands.

“This morning, the Prime Minister couldn’t offer a real plan for fixing the childcare crisis — just another round of patchwork meetings while children remain at risk and families keep paying the price. It’s not good enough.

“A Senate Inquiry will shine a proper light on a system in crisis, expose the conditions enabling abuse and neglect, and make strong recommendations for real reform.

“The sector and families are calling for change now. The Prime Minister says he wants childcare to be the legacy he’s remembered for –  we urge him to work with the Greens to make this vision a reality.”