Category: Australian News

Acting leader Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said today:

“We welcome the Prime Minister’s decision to call a Federal Royal Commission into Antisemitism, Social Cohesion and National Security and Intelligence Agencies, to be led by former High Court Justice, the Hon Virginia Bell AC, as Commissioner.

“A balanced, careful and powerful Royal Commission is a chance to learn hard lessons while minimising divisive politics in crafting a national response to the anti-Semitic Bondi mass shooting.

“The strongest national response will be based on bringing together multicultural Australia to reinforce our values of tolerance, democracy and respect.

“This inquiry must clearly distinguish between the strengths and pillars of our diverse multicultural society and the narrow destructive forces of extremism.

“The Royal Commission must tackle anti-semitism and all forms of racism, including confronting Islamophobia and other extremist elements as part of the Commission’s social cohesion mandate.

“There are deep concerns about the coordination and response of national security and intelligence agencies and we welcome this public examination of them including current oversight arrangements.

“The Greens will continue to work constructively with the Government to ensure our communities are safe and free of hate and prejudice.”

Shane Rattenbury, Leader of the ACT Greens:

“The ACT Parliament’s fiscal sustainability review must consider the cost of the climate crisis – its impact on the health and wellbeing of the community and how, if not addressed, this will continue to blow out the ACT Budget.

“We must consider the health costs of climate inaction. If we don’t, many more Canberrans will be harmed from the impacts of extreme weather events, and we risk a situation where there’s no resources to deliver support and services when they are most needed.

“Just last year, the ACT Labor Government raked up a $387 million overspend on the hospital and a budget deficit totalling around $1.5 billion – $500 million more than forecast. Our hospital bill will continue to rise unless the government starts to deliver preventative initiatives.

“Just yesterday, an ANU report found 1 in 15 visits to the emergency department in Canberra are due to extreme heat or cold. That’s almost 7% of presentations which could have been prevented through climate mitigation and preparation measures.

“Canberrans living below the poverty line are at greatest risk of extreme weather events, like bushfires and heatwaves.

“There are many Canberrans who are sweltering in poorly insulated homes, and that number skyrockets for renters and public housing tenants. Many public housing tenants are already living with chronic health conditions or disabilities so are at a greater risk of harm.

“Coupled with one of the lowest GP bulk-billing rates in the country, many households struggling to pay bills or put food on the table cannot afford to see the doctor. Instead, people become so unwell they need to be hospitalised and take much longer to recover.

“The climate crisis fuels inequality, but it doesn’t have to be this way – it just needs ambition and action. But under Labor we’ve seen climate action stalled and the health response focused on the emergency department, rather than helping people before they become that unwell.

“Inaction is inhumane, and it’s costly. We need initiatives that help all Canberrans prepare and become more resilient in the face of climate-driven weather extremes.

“The inquiry must consider how initiatives like improving heating and cooling in buildings, more public places to shelter from extreme weather events, and more bulk-billed GP appointments will make life better for many Canberrans and ease pressure off emergency and crisis services.”

The Albanese Labor Government will establish a Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion in response to the Bondi terrorist attack.

The Government has asked Former High Court Justice the Hon Virginia Bell AC to serve as Commissioner.

Ms Bell has the deep experience and expertise to conduct her inquiry in such a way that meaningfully examines the impact of antisemitism on the daily life of Jewish Australians – and works to promote social cohesion.

The Government has asked Commissioner Bell to report before the end of the year, and to ensure this inquiry does not prejudice any future criminal proceedings.

The Royal Commission will cover four key areas, as set out in the Letters Patent.

1. Tackling antisemitism by investigating the nature and prevalence of antisemitism in institutions and society, and its key drivers in Australia, including ideologically and religiously motivated extremism and radicalisation.
2. Making recommendations that will assist law enforcement, border control, immigration and security agencies to tackle antisemitism, including through improvements to guidance and training within law enforcement, border control, immigration, and security agencies to respond to antisemitic conduct.
3. Examining the circumstances surrounding the antisemitic Bondi terrorist attack on 14 December 2025.
4. Making any other recommendations arising out of the inquiry for strengthening social cohesion in Australia and countering the spread of ideologically and religiously motivated extremism in Australia.

To ensure this is a truly national Royal Commission, all States and Territories will be asked to join the Commission.

Dennis Richardson’s Independent Commonwealth Review into Australia’s federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies will become part of the Commission and he will support its work, with delivery of an Interim Report by the Commission in April.

The Government’s focus in the aftermath of the antisemitic Bondi terrorist attack has been on urgent and immediate action.

That’s why we have:

• Adopted recommendations from the Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism, Jillian Segal.
• Brought together National Cabinet to fast-track tougher gun laws.
• Delivered new resources to our law enforcement agencies to help prevent further attacks.
• Established the Richardson Review – to quickly identify any gaps in the work of the national security bodies.

When Parliament returns the Government will also introduce new laws to criminalise hate speech and hate preachers, as well as deliver tougher gun laws.

A Royal Commission is not the beginning or the end of what Australia must do to eradicate antisemitism, protect ourselves from terrorism or strengthen our social cohesion.

That is an ongoing national effort, for all of us.

Because an attack on Jewish Australians, is an attack on all Australians.

The Albanese and Crisafulli Governments have today committed an additional $38 million towards large-scale disaster recovery efforts for flood affected communities across north-west Queensland.

Targeted investments will be made across programs and projects that will assist the recovery of flood affected farmers and communities, including:

• $21.5 million for primary producer Disaster Recovery Grants up to $75,000.
• $11.5 million for critical repairs and increased flood resilience at Cloncurry Airport.
• $5 million increase to the previously announced emergency fodder package.

Primary producer recovery grants up to $75,000 are available to impacted farmers in Carpentaria, Cloncurry, Croydon, Flinders, McKinlay, Richmond and Winton Shires, including upfront payments of $10,000.

The Cloncurry Airport Recovery and Renewal Package will see $11.5 million of works rolled out to repair the damaged airstrip and increase the airport’s capacity to accommodate larger aircraft.

Another $5 million investment will grow the region’s Coordinated Emergency Fodder Support Package to $7 million, helping primary producers keep their stock fed in Carpentaria, Cloncurry, Flinders, McKinlay, Richmond and Winton.

This $38 million commitment from the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments is being made through the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Primary producers applying for Disaster Recovery Grants can visit www.qrida.qld.gov.au or phone 1800 623 946.

Farmers needing fodder support should contact their local council immediately.

For the latest disaster information, all Queenslanders can visit www.disaster.qld.gov.au, with around the clock support also available via the Queensland Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“This funding will provide immediate support to flooded communities that are hurting now and will set them up for success in the future.

“These disaster packages will make sure flood affected Queenslanders can recover and importantly build back stronger.

“We want all Australians to know that their government has their back.”

Acting Queensland Premier Jarrod Bleijie:

“We’ve got boots on the ground across the north and north-west to inform our recovery and the support we’re providing.

“It doesn’t matter what we’re up against, we’ll continue delivering for Queensland.”

Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers:

“I’m back in Cloncurry again for the second time in 13 months, this time with the PM and Minister McBain, and we have a simple message.

“We know the people, communities and industries of regional Queensland play a crucial role in our country and its economy and we are here for them every step of the way.

“These floods have been devastating for farming families in Queensland’s north and central west, there’s no other way to put it, and as a Queenslander I know how important this help will be in regions like this one.”

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain:

“It’s our job to be there for all Australians, no matter what disasters we face, and this major investment speaks to that responsibility.

“Recovery is a long road and it takes time to reach the end, but today we’re telling Queenslanders that we’ll get there together.”

Queensland Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy:

“The local knowledge of our mayors and industry bodies is crucial to the shape of these support measures.

“For our farmers, communities and families, we’ve listened and we’re getting on with the work.”

Paddling at the beach at Broulee this summer holidays, I can’t help being reminded of the last time I kayaked.

It was in Newcastle for Rising Tide 2025 – but then I was surrounded by hundreds of other kayakers chanting at a passing coal ship.

The energy was high – kids splashing in the shallows, drummers providing protesters with a beat to chant to, the Oldies Rising crew helping people into kayaks, and young people cruising down the art raft water slide into the ocean.

This joyous event brought people together from around the country to call on the Federal Labor Government for real climate action, with three key asks:

1. Immediately cancel all new fossil fuel projects.
2. Tax fossil fuel export profits at 78% to fund community and industrial transition and pay for climate damage.
3. End coal exports from Newcastle – the world’s largest coal port – by 2030.

These calls go to the heart of our biggest contribution to climate change – our fossil fuel exports.

Including emissions from exported fossil fuels, Australia, a country with only 0.3 per cent of the global population, controls 5 per cent of global emissions.

That is our biggest opportunity to tackle the climate crisis, but the Albanese Government won’t touch it.

I attended Rising Tide with my ACT Greens colleagues, all of us decked out in broad-brimmed hats, sunscreen and huge grins. If you didn’t look at the police hovering close by, it really did feel like a festival.

Beyond a series of yellow buoy markers were three different kinds of police boats, including the ominous, black balaclava-clad marine forces-style zodiacs, plus a handful of police jet skis for good measure.

All waited threateningly for those who dared stray past the buoys into the marine exclusion zone and risk arrest.

Things were calm until I heard sudden chanting through megaphones: “Go, reds go! Reds, go!”, and suddenly there were dozens of people beyond the buoys.

A coal ship was coming and the protesters were determined to stop it.

This was the third time I’d heard the ‘red’ signal at this year’s Rising Tide.

This year, Rising Tide’s strategy and execution sharpened.

There were multiple arrestable actions in waves across the weekend.

Swimmers weren’t part of the original plan until just days before the event, but the idea was quickly incorporated into the strategy.

Greenpeace took one coal ship into their own hands out at sea, leaving protesters free to focus on other incoming ships.

In total, 10 coal ships were rescheduled, three turned around, and eventually the port was closed for the weekend.

Almost the same number of people were arrested, despite over 1,000 more attendees, but many more coal ships were stopped and delayed than last year.

Police activity was notably different, with people being given ample opportunity to return to the beach before they were arrested, and less antagonism and confrontation on the beach and at camp.

People suspect this is an attempt to take the wind out of our sails by giving us fewer arrests to draw attention to.

It didn’t work.

In 2026, Rising Tide is ‘levelling up’, transitioning from civil disobedience to civil resistance.

Rising Tide describes this as “commencing waves of sustained, escalatory and disruptive actions”.

This is a warning sign to governments and industry that the status quo is not accepted by a growing constituency, and people are increasingly willing to do something about it.

This is because people are worried about their survival and the future of the planet.

Stakes are high.

In the first term, the Albanese Government approved 27 new coal and gas projects.

There have been four already this term, including the North West Shelf climate bomb that will pollute for decades, well beyond the net zero target of 2050.

Here in the ACT, previously a nation-leading jurisdiction on climate, Labor has announced it will miss its interim climate targets and struggle to meet net zero by 2045. There have been no new climate change policies announced yet to remedy this.

It’s hardly surprising that people are resorting to direct action and peaceful protest.

People are losing faith that governments will take the necessary steps to phase out the fossil fuel industry.

Amongst the overwhelm of organisations asking for people to sign onto their calls, engage and donate – Rising Tide provides a unique flavour of activism that is both effective, and inclusive.

Rising Tide has something for everyone – the oldies and youngens, the people hanging out to get arrested, and the families wanting to contribute by sitting on the beach and cheering them on.

Rising Tide is a true people-powered movement and it’s not backing down.

Governments in Australia have been put on notice – as the climate crisis escalates, so will we.

This article was originally published in The Point

Australia must uphold international law and oppose US attacks on Venezuela and the kidnapping of its President and his wife.

The US attack on Venezuela and the kidnapping of its President and his wife is a gross breach of international law and continues the world on a dangerous path of lawless aggression.

Australia has a stake in an international order underpinned by international law, peace and non-aggression and this latest US attack is a fundamental breach of these principles.

Trump’s assault on Venezuela provides comfort to Vladimir Putin for his aggression in Ukraine, cover for a potential Chinese attack on Taiwan and sets an extremely dangerous precedent.

Greens Foreign Affairs spokesperson Senator David Shoebridge said:

“Lawlessness without consequences helps dictators, tyrants and aggressors. It places the world on a very dangerous footing.”

“This US war is not about self-defence, like so many before it, this is a war about resources, oil and dominance.

“Donald Trump is taking dystopian steps to divide the world into zones where major powers dominate, where international law and decency take a back seat to power and greed. This can only happen when middle powers like Australia ignore, or worse support, the US when they flaunt international law.

“The people of Venezuela deserve the right to live in peace and elect their government, the actions of the US today will put these basic rights further out of reach. We have seen time and time again that the true victims of US regime change operations and wars are always civilians.

“Australia must urgently reassess its relationship with the US, which was previously sold on shared values of democracy and an international rules-based order. That relationship, if it ever truly existed, is now in tatters.

“This is a moment in time to start removing US troops and bases from Australia and to gain military and economic independence from the US, not to double down on AUKUS.

“This illegal and illegitimate attack on Venezuela demonstrates how dangerous it is to have a large US military presence in Australia with thousands of troops under the direct control of any foreign government, let alone Donald Trump.”

As 2025 comes to a close, on behalf of all our Parliamentary colleagues and the people of Australia, we extend our deep gratitude and warm wishes to the serving members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and their families for another year of exemplary service. 

This Christmas we thank all of those serving both at home and abroad. Your hard work, service and sacrifice is deeply valued.

From the high seas of the Indo-Pacific to the deserts of the Middle East, the skies of Europe to our country’s most remote regions – across the domains of land, sea, air, space and cyber – our ADF personnel have worked every day to keep Australians safe and secure. 

This year, as we saw the global rules‑based order come under increased pressure, the ADF has stepped up.

• Over 3,100 Ukrainian personnel have now graduated from ADF-delivered training in the United Kingdom; and ADF personnel deployed to Europe to protect humanitarian and military corridors into Ukraine as they battle Russian invasion under Operation Kudu.
• ADF personnel supported evacuation efforts in the Middle East to airlift Australians and their families to safety.  
• More than 40,000 personnel from 19 countries and two observer nations took part in our biggest ever Exercise Talisman Sabre – demonstrating how we integrate closely with international partners and respond to a rapidly evolving strategic environment.
• The ADF built closer ties with our Pacific neighbours and ASEAN partners, patrolled the waters of our shared region, helped build naval capability and supported the peace and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific. 

In 2025 our ADF personnel also served at home during some of the most challenging times for Australians. During natural disasters – including this year in the Northern Rivers, across Queensland and beyond – the ADF supported communities, helped search for missing persons, and supported emergency services in their vital work. 

From our outback towns, our northern borders and our garrison towns and cities, the ADF are an invaluable part of many Australian communities and part of the very fabric of our nation. They embody the best of Australia and Australians.

We acknowledge the selfless sacrifice and the separation from family and loved ones while on deployment, especially at Christmas. Service is experienced by the entire family, and our ADF families are an integral part of defending our nation. Thank you for your support for your loved one to serve, and your sacrifice.

At this time of year in particular, we encourage everyone to check in with their friends and families. Support services are available, including through Open Arms.  

People are the ADF’s most important capability. It is an honour to be the ministerial team who have the privilege of overseeing the work of the Australian Defence Force, to be the ministers responsible for facilitating this mission of great service, and whose leadership and courage we hope to emulate.

We thank you and we wish you a safe and peaceful holiday season.

Merry Christmas.

Exercise Christmas Hop 2025 has brought Christmas cheer to some of Queensland’s most remote communities, helping children and families celebrate the festive season.

The annual initiative reflects Defence’s commitment to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and sharing goodwill during the holidays.

Australian Defence Force personnel visited communities including Mornington Island, Doomadgee, Weipa, Normanton, Kowanyama, Cloncurry, Badu Island, Horn Island, Masig Island, Pormpuraaw, Aurukun, Longreach and Burketown.

A Royal Australian Air ForceC-27J Spartan and C-130J Hercules aircraft played a key role in delivering toys, sporting equipment, education resources and apparel, generously donated by organisations across the country. The exercise was supported by the Australian Army’s 51st Battalion, Far North Queensland Regiment, working alongside Air Force crews to make the deliveries possible.

These donations were coordinated in partnership with the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC), which has worked with Defence since 2021 to bring joy to children in regional and remote areas. 

The AOC plays a central role in sourcing and coordinating donations from organisations nationwide, ensuring communities receive high-quality goods that promote education, sport and wellbeing. This partnership demonstrates a shared commitment to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and making Christmas special for families in remote locations.

Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles:

“Exercise Christmas Hop is about spreading joy and supporting communities in Far North Queensland during the festive season.

“This initiative reflects the strong connection between our Defence Force and remote communities, and highlights the generosity of Australians who help make Christmas special for every child.”

Minister for Defence Personnel, Matt Keogh: 

“ADF personnel are driven by a desire to serve our nation. For some ADF service means being away from their families and loved ones at Christmas, so they understand the importance of bringing some Christmas cheer to our remote communities.

“Well done to all the Defence members who took part in this year’s Operation Christmas Hop, and thank you everyone who donated so generously or helped behind the scenes.”

Commander Air Mobility Group, Air Commodore Benjamin Poxon:

“Exercise Christmas Hop delivers real outcomes for remote communities, while ensuring our aircrew and support personnel are trained to operate in remote areas.

“Exercise Christmas Hop balances meaningful community engagement with airlift training opportunities for the Royal Australian Air Force.”

The NSW Parliament is the first state Parliament to pass essential gun control laws following the anti-Semitic mass shooting at Bondi Beach and it now needs to be followed by legislative action across the country. 

These laws were made stronger by a Greens amendment that will keep firearms out of the hands of people investigated for terrorism related offenses and are a much needed gun safety win for the community.

In a deeply political act, the NSW Labor Party also attached a broad ranging attack on the right to protest to the gun laws, in a move that many informed commentators described as unconstitutional. 

The attack on protest will not not make Australia safer, and is part of a broader false political narrative linking the actions of the appalling two terrorist shooters to a global movement to end violence, oppose a genocide and demand justice. The Greens and millions of Australians who join us in the peace movement, reject these attacks on protest, humanity and global justice.

Greens Justice Spokesperson and Senator for NSW, David Shoebridge:

“The Greens welcome the passage of tougher firearm laws in NSW to stop hoarding of high-powered weapons in our suburbs and acknowledge the hard work of gun safety advocates for decades that has helped achieve this.

“The Greens unanimous amendment strengthens the laws by making it clear no one investigated for terrorism, or living with or linked to proscribed people, should be granted a firearms permit. Guns are a privilege, never a right in our society.

“What we now need is concerted national action so that all states and territories meet, or better, NSW gun safety changes and the Federal government to show leadership with a generous gun buyback and an urgent national firearms register.

“The attacks on free speech and protest that NSW also passed are divisive and dangerous politics from Labor, with most informed observers saying they are likely unconstitutional.

“Peaceful rallies against a genocide, to protect children and call for a just peace have been an essential safety valve in our society for decades, giving dissent and humanity a legitimate and powerful political outlet. These blatantly political attempts by Labor and the Coalition to stop peaceful protest are dangerous, ill-considered and likely to fail in the High Court.”

Greens Deputy Leader and Senator for NSW, Senator Mehreen Faruqi:

“While these are welcome and necessary steps on gun reform following the horrific violence in Bondi, these important advances are being overshadowed by the Minns’ Labor government’s deeply troubling move to restrict peaceful protest. 

“The Palestine justice movement and anti-genocide protests, made up of hundreds of thousands people and including many Jewish community members, have consistently and loudly opposed antisemitism and all forms of racism. Smearing it is a distortion of reality and it is reckless and dangerous. 

“This is a time when unity, solidarity and meaningful leadership are needed, not authoritarianism nor the undermining of democracy, which depends on our right to assemble, to speak out, and to protest.”

Leader of the Australian Greens, Senator Larissa Waters:

“NSW’s firearm reforms should be the impetus for state and federal action on gun control. As a nation we can  build on the last gun buy-back, strengthen our gun laws to keep communities safer, and at the same time tackle antisemitism, racism and radicalisation.

“We need to take action to stop antisemitism, racism, radicalisation and gun violence, to stamp out both the hateful ideologies and dangerous weapons used to commit the horrific Bondi attack. 

“The Greens will work across parliaments to ensure communities are safe from gun violence with fewer dangerous weapons, a national firearms register and strict limits on gun numbers, and we will always defend the right to peaceful protest. 

“Falsely conflating those legions of Australians who peacefully marched against violence in Gaza with the criminal actions of radicalised individuals is a dangerous path. Australians want peace and justice at home and abroad, and the NSW restrictions on democratic rights to peacefully protest take the wrong lesson from this horrific  terror attack. Community and political unity is what is needed right now.