Category: Australian News

The Australian Greens Leader, Adam Bandt, has said Labor’s latest offer to embrace carbon capture and storage won’t help tackle the climate emergency, saying you don’t end the climate wars by surrendering.
“You don’t end the climate wars by surrendering,” Greens Leader Adam Bandt said.
“We need a plan to get coal out of the system, not to lock it in.
“The Liberals don’t care about climate change, so holding out for bipartisanship is just a recipe for inaction.”
“An energy plan premised on the unicorn technology of carbon capture and storage is doomed to failure.”
“It’s a red letter day for coal in Australia and a terrible day for the climate. Queensland ports recorded a record export, NSW revealed that their plans were based on the world ignoring the Paris Agreement and now the ALP and Liberals want to keep coal in the system for longer.
“The Liberal, National and Labor parties accept millions of dollars in donations from coal, oil and gas companies. Today’s news demonstrates that fossil fuel interests continue to have too much influence on our politics.
“After repealing the carbon price, it’s clear to anyone paying attention that not having a plan for coal is indeed the Liberals’ plan, and today Labor offered to sign on to it too.” Bandt said.

Federal Labor will today call for a Royal Commission into the Morrison Government’s illegal Robodebt scheme so a disaster like this never happens to the Australian people again.
Millions of Australians were targeted for four long years by this Government, in a bid to artificially boost the budget bottom line with up to 740,000 unlawful debts.
The Prime Minister himself was the architect of this cruel scheme designed to extract $1.5 billion in unlawful debts from the Australian people.
A Royal Commission would shed light on critical questions that might otherwise go unanswered, including:

• Who came up with the idea for the scheme and what due diligence was done, what advice was obtained, prior to its implementation?
• When did the Government first learn that its Robodebt scheme was unlawful?
• Did the Government settle legal challenges, and choose not to appeal adverse AAT determinations in order to avoid a court ruling that the scheme was unlawful?
• How was such a fundamentally – and obviously – flawed scheme allowed to continue for as long as it did?
• In total, how much has the failed scheme cost the Australian taxpayer?
• In total, how many debts have been issued under the illegal Robodebt scheme?
• How many Australians have been harmed by the Robodebt scheme?
• How many Australians have taken their own lives after being pursued by the Government, or by debt collectors paid by the Government, for debts under the illegal Robodebt scheme?

A Royal Commission could also make recommendations – including for law reform – on the sole use of “data matching” and automated processes.
Australians deserve the truth. Australians deserve action to stop this from happening again.
The Morrison Government is all spin and no delivery. Whether it’s Robodebt, allowing criminals to steal people’s superannuation or the HomeBlunder package, then never deliver and it’s Australians that feel the painful consequences.
The Government has continued to hide from scrutiny and refused to answer basic questions about the scheme. Only a Royal Commission will ensure they are held to account.
 

As new infections increase again with many happening at workplaces, the Greens say there is new urgency to give every worker 14 days COVID sick leave, especially for the millions of Australians without any sick leave at all.
The ACTU has backed national sick leave, the Greens have a bill before parliament for 14 days’ COVID sick leave and the Greens will raise the issue at the COVID Senate committee hearings tomorrow.
“Unfortunately, we’re seeing that this pandemic is not conquered yet. Making sure workers can take sick leave when they need to is an important public safety measure,” Greens Leader, Adam Bandt said.
“3.3 million Australians are without sick leave. In addition to being a terrible situation for those individuals and their families, it’s a public health risk and makes it harder to contain the spread of the coronavirus.
“Working people need to know that they’ll be supported if they self-isolate. We shouldn’t have people facing the choice between having no income or risking their and the community’s health.
“The government should step in and help employers meet the cost. This modest but vital provision could be easily funded with a sliver of the $60 billion dollar overestimate for JobKeeper.
“Some states are assisting workers, but there remains no provision for the rest of the country.
“The Greens believe that all workers should have sick leave during the crisis,” Bandt said.

The national security of Australia is paramount at all times.
We understand from briefings from the relevant federal agencies that all levels of government, critical infrastructure and the private sector are being targeted by a sophisticated state-based cyber actor.
We support our security agencies and their efforts to address this serious and growing threat. We urge all Australians, Australian businesses and other organisations to listen to the advice that the Australian Cyber Security Centre provides to the public.
Individuals and business can visit www.cyber.gov.au to access up to date information and advice. We urge everyone to be proactive and vigilant when it comes to cyber security.
We acknowledge the first-class work of our intelligence and defence authorities and thank them today, and every day, for their hard work to protect our nation.
We take today’s news extremely seriously and we will continue to work with the Government to ensure Australia’s national security, including cyber security, is not only maintained but strengthened.

The Morrison and McGowan Governments will support construction jobs across Western Australia by jointly investing an additional $223 million to deliver shovel-ready infrastructure projects and urgent road safety upgrades.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said further investment in infrastructure would play a critical role in the Commonwealth’s JobMaker plan and help the West Australian economy as it recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Partnering with state and territory governments to invest in more major infrastructure projects across Australia is a key part of our JobMaker plan to rebuild our economy and create more jobs,” the Prime Minister said.
“This funding injection means we have brought forward or provided additional funding in excess of $1 billion Western Australian in the past eight months.
“This package builds on the fast tracking of $868 million for infrastructure in Western Australia which we announced last November, locking in priority upgrades that will bust congestion, improve safety and boost jobs at a time we need it most.”
Finance Minister Mathias Cormann said the Australian Government’s $176 million contribution builds on its nationwide $100 billion, 10-year infrastructure pipeline.
“Federal funding for this package has been drawn from the recently announced $1.5 billion allocation to priority shovel-ready projects and targeted road safety works.
“We are continuing to work closely with all levels of Government making decisions to create jobs and support our economic recovery,” Senator Cormann said.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Government had worked closely with State, Territory and Local Governments to identify shovel-ready projects to help reinvigorate the economy and get money flowing into jobs and businesses as soon as possible.
“In Western Australia, this will see us investing in critical shovel-ready projects along the Great Eastern and Bussell Highways, Exmouth Road and Toodyay Road while simultaneously delivering a dedicated road safety package for life-saving improvements right across regional WA,” Mr McCormack said.
“Overall this package is estimated to support more than 1,000 jobs during construction, which is absolutely fantastic news for locals and communities across the state.
“By investing in critical infrastructure projects across the country, we are doing more than just supporting local jobs and businesses at this critical time. We are investing in our future beyond COVID-19 by delivering lasting infrastructure which will kick-start our economic recovery and benefit Australians for years to come.”
Western Australia Premier Mark McGowan said the Regional State Road Safety Improvement Program would see the two Governments invest $100 million across the state to deliver improvements over the next year.
“The Road Safety Improvement Program will widen, seal or install audio-tactile line markings on more than 20 regional routes right across the state to reduce run-off-road crashes,” he said.
“These works will improve road safety, saving lives and bolstering the resilience of the state’s road networks, which is absolutely critical for our regional roads.
“The package will immediately help support economic activity and WA jobs, and is another sign of the State and Commonwealth Governments working collaboratively in the interests of Western Australians.”
Senator Cormann further said that bringing forward these key infrastructure projects is part of $13.8 billion in infrastructure funding for Western Australia that the Federal Government has committed to transport infrastructure projects to date.
“The Federal Government is committed to projects that get West Australians home sooner and safer. But particularly as we look to grow the West Australian economy on the other side of the COVID-19 crisis, we want to guarantee work for local trades and keep money flowing through local businesses throughout the construction phase and beyond,” Senator Cormann said.
Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said the funding injection would also deliver shovel-ready fixes to Thomas Road.
“For Perth motorists that includes creating dual lanes for an extra kilometre between the Kwinana Freeway and Nicholson Road and a much-needed intersection upgrade,” Mr Tudge said.
“Thomas Road is used by around 19,000 vehicles every single day and this funding means shovels will be in the ground sooner to support local jobs and the economy.”
Western Australian Minister for Transport Rita Saffioti said the funding injection would support local jobs, businesses and the economy while providing lasting infrastructure to help the state bounce back as COVID-19 restrictions ease.
“This funding injection will help us start work on even more critical regional road infrastructure including the dualling of Bussell Highway, upgrades to key tourism roads in Exmouth and key freight roads through Toodyay.
“These projects will support our local regional economies, creating and supporting local jobs whilst also improving safety.”
The jointly funded package is supported by investments from the Commonwealth ($176 million) and WA Government ($47 million).

Protecting Australia’s economy, national security and sovereignty is the Government’s top priority.
Based on advice provided to the Government by our cyber experts, the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC), Australian organisations are currently being targeted by a sophisticated state-based cyber actor.
This activity is targeting Australian organisations across a range of sectors, including all levels of government, industry, political organisations, education, health, essential service providers, and operators of other critical infrastructure.
We know it is a sophisticated state-based cyber actor because of the scale and nature of the targeting and the tradecraft used.
The Australian Government is aware of and alert to the threat of cyber-attacks.
The ACSC has already published a range of technical advisory notices in recent times, to alert potential targets and has been briefing States and Territories on risks and mitigations.
Regrettably, this activity is not new – but the frequency has been increasing.
Our objective is to raise awareness of these specific risks and targeted activities and tell you how you can take action to protect yourself.
Cyber security is a shared responsibility of us all. It is vital that Australian organisations are alert to this threat and take steps to enhance the resilience of their networks.
All Australian organisations who might be concerned about their vulnerability to sophisticated cyber compromise can take three simple steps to protect themselves:

• Patch your internet facing devices promptly – ensuring any web or email servers are fully updated with the latest software.
• Ensure you use multifactor authentication to secure your internet accessible infrastructure and cloud-based platforms.
• Become an ACSC partner to ensure you get the latest cyber threat advice so you can take the earliest possible action to protect yourself online.

The ACSC and the Department of Home Affairs has published a more detailed technical advisory with advice for Australian businesses and organisations to protect themselves, which is available here.
The ACSC has also been actively working with targeted organisations to ensure that they have appropriate technical mitigations in place and their defences are appropriately raised.
The Government’s 2016 Cyber Security Strategy – backed by a $230 million investment over four years – has strengthened Australia’s cyber security foundations, stimulated private sector investment in cyber security and positioned Australia as a regional cyber security leader. The Government will release a new Cyber Security Strategy in the coming months, which will include significant further investments.
The Government also invested a further $156 million to build cyber resilience and expand the cyber workforce as one of our election commitments and we invested additional funding for a whole-of-government cyber uplift program.
The work of the Government’s Critical Infrastructure Centre and Trusted Information Sharing Network has also been focussed on the threats to critical infrastructure and other systems of national significance.
But there is more to do and we must do this work together – cyber security is a whole of community effort – government, industry, and individuals.
The risks are present and will continue to be present. That is why these investments are necessary and the protections we put in place necessary. The Australian Government will continue to do everything to keep Australians safe.
The Government encourages organisations, particularly those in the health, critical infrastructure and essential services, to take expert advice, and implement technical defences to thwart this malicious cyber activity.
Further information on how you can protect yourself and your business from cyber threats is available at www.cyber.gov.au.

The Australian Greens have today announced that Lidia Thorpe will be the next Senator for Victoria, following a massive state-wide ballot of the Victorian Greens membership.
Lidia Thorpe, Aboriginal leader, activist and Gunnai-Kurnai/Gunditjmara woman will be sworn into Parliament in the coming months to fill the casual vacancy soon to be left by Senator Richard Di Natale.
Victoria Greens Co-Convenors Effy Elden and Ella Webb said thousands of members took part in the vote over two weeks, with Lidia Thorpe securing a decisive victory.
“We are delighted to announce the next Senator for the Victorian Greens, who was elected directly by our membership at the culmination of a fantastic grassroots preselection process. We are proud to be the only progressive party in Victoria whose members currently have a genuine say in their parliamentary representation.
“The Victorian Greens have over 3,600 members who were eligible to cast their vote in the state-wide preselection. With 65% choosing to participate, they have delivered a clear and decisive result in selecting Lidia.
“We look forward to seeing Lidia Thorpe join our fellow Victorian Greens MPs Adam Bandt & Janet Rice, as well as the rest of our federal team in parliament later this year.”
Building upon her work as the Member for Northcote, Lidia has a strong track record of fighting for environmental and social justice that benefits the whole community.
“It’s an incredible honour and a huge responsibility to be chosen by Greens members as the next Senator for Victoria. I won’t let you down,” Lidia Thorpe said.
“It’s so important for kids growing up today in places I grew up to know they can do what I’ve done. Kids in the Commission flats, or out in country towns, or single mums, or survivors of domestic violence. This isn’t out of your reach.
“I’m ready to fight for the issues we all believe in – climate, injustice, inequality. Now more than ever, we need to not accept the old ways – this is our chance to build back better, and I’m ready to bring us together to get it done.”
Leader of the Australian Greens, Adam Bandt MP said he was thrilled to be able to work with Lidia in the federal parliament.
“Parliament is due for a shake up, and Lidia’s fearless advocacy for economic and social justice will strengthen the case for a Green New Deal and provide a voice for so many people that have been let down by politics,” Adam Bandt MP said.
“From being the first Aboriginal woman elected to Victorian parliament, to winning renters rights, forestry protections and LGBTIQ support, Lidia has an incredible track record of fighting for change.
“With an escalating inequality and climate crisis, there has never been a more important time to make sure the Greens reach new communities to speak with everyone in this country and leave no one behind.
“I’m proud I’ll be working alongside Lidia in Canberra. She’ll be an incredible addition to the Australian Greens team.”

“Degrees should cost students zero dollars,” Greens spokesperson for Education, Senator Mehreen Faruqi, said this morning in response to the “government’s pathetic uni fee hikes”.
“Arts graduate Minister Tehan’s jobs rhetoric is empty. He’s part of a Government that would rather throw a tantrum at humanities students and slam them with higher fees than do the hard work of creating jobs across the economy.
“The government’s juvenile Murdoch-driven loathing of students and the humanities is on clear display today. Education isn’t just about getting you a job – it’s a public good and it’s certainly not about punishing students who wish to study humanities and the law.
“This is the government recognising the abject failure of their 2018 funding freeze and crawling back with their tail between their legs and another disastrous approach to uni funding.
“We need free TAFE and uni for all students to meet rising demand during the recession and ensure access to education for all throughout their lives. Anything short of that won’t do.
“Our unis are in crisis with rolling cuts to jobs and courses around the country. Without a substantial funding increase thousands more jobs will go and education quality will suffer,” she said.

The Morrison Government will leave millions of Australians behind when JobKeeper is scrapped on September 27.
In just 100 days any JobKeeper recipient unable to return to work as a result of the continuing pandemic, or the economic damage it has caused, will be back to Centrelink to join the unemployment queue.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he would give Australians the economic lifeline they will need in the many months ahead to make it through and to get on this bridge we’re building together to the other side.
In 100 days he is determined to push them off that bridge.
When the pandemic began, the Prime Minister told us we were all in this in together.
“Our JobKeeper plan sees every Australian worker the same way, no matter what you earn. There is not more support for some than there is for others. That is not the Australian way. If one person falls on a hard time, if anyone falls on a hard time, it’s the same hard time. We’re all in this together.” Scott Morrison 30 March, 2020
His message today is “In 100 days – you are on your own”

Labor’s support of the Morrison Government’s plans to fast-track approvals for major projects risks permanent destruction of our environment and the future of our native wildlife, the Greens say.
Greens Spokesperson for the Environment Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said:
“Labor is teaming up with the Morrison Government to green light environmental destruction.
“It is very naïve of Labor to think the process for environmental approvals won’t be shoddier as a result of this deregulation plan.
“The government has not laid out any plans to improve the standards by which these decisions will be made.
“The truth is this deregulation plan will mean corners are cut, state laws that are even weaker than the already weak federal environmental laws will apply and our environment will be worse off for the sake of corporate profits.
“The government isn’t just planning on cutting the time of assessment, it’s cutting vital checks meaning projects are approved regardless of the damage to the environment.
“Over the last 20 years only 2 per cent of projects under the EPBC Act have been knocked back. Labor’s support for the government’s plan will risk even more destruction.
“Australia has one of the worst extinction rates in the world and this shameful statistic was created on the watch of Labor and Liberal governments.
“We need stronger protections for our environment, not weaker ones. And we need a real opposition, not the Labor Party that keeps siding with environmental vandals.
“Australians will be extremely disappointed that Labor is sacrificing the environment and native animals in favour of mining profits and big developers.”