Category: Australian News

The Albanese Government welcomes the findings of the independent review of the Foreign Arrangements Scheme, led by Ms Rosemary Huxtable AO PSM.

The Government has accepted all 23 recommendations of the review. We are taking action to strengthen, clarify and streamline the Scheme in line with the review’s recommendations.

The Foreign Arrangements Scheme is a key part of the Government’s broader resilience strategy, protecting critical sectors of Australian society from foreign interference.

The Scheme has been successfully deployed to raise foreign policy awareness with state and territory governments, local governments and universities, and to ensure arrangements between them and foreign entities support Australia’s national interest.

The Government is committed to reforming the Scheme to ensure it remains effective and responsive to an increasingly complex international environment. These reforms will:

• sharpen the Scheme’s focus on arrangements that pose higher foreign policy or national security risks
• reduce the regulatory and compliance burden for low-risk engagements.

Changes to the Foreign Arrangements Scheme will help ensure Australia can continue to engage globally while safeguarding our national interests, and will support the creation of economic and cultural links that are consistent with our foreign policy.

The report of the independent review of the Scheme and the Government response can be found on the Foreign Arrangements Scheme website.

The Victorian Greens’ Bill to make housing a human right will be debated in Parliament today, putting Labor to the test after its MPs have 16 times declared on the record this term that housing is a human right.

The Greens’ Bill would enshrine the internationally recognised right to adequate housing into Victoria’s Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities, meaning all future laws and government decisions, departments and bodies like police and courts would have to comply with and uphold this right. 

The Greens say if Labor believes the right to housing is a human right, they will vote with their values and support the bill. If the bill passes it could influence government decisions like Labor’s plan to demolish and privatise all 44 public housing towers, which is set to displace more than 10,000 residents. 

The Bill is backed by housing, human rights and legal experts including Australian Lawyers for Human Rights, and former Supreme Court Justice Kevin Bell AO KC, and comes just weeks after he told a parliamentary inquiry into the government’s plan to demolish the towers that it breaches the right to housing under international law. Bell told the inquiry:

“If the right to housing were incorporated in the Charter, the government would have to go about this kind of project differently, and that’s a very good thing.”

Victorian Greens spokesperson for Public and Affordable Housing, Gabrielle de Vietri:

“Labor says housing is a human right, but they’re demolishing people’s homes in the middle of a housing crisis. You can’t have it both ways, it’s a total contradiction.”

“If Labor votes against this Bill, they’ll be admitting their policies are at odds with the basic right to housing, and that they care more about property developers than people who need a safe and secure home.”

The Victorian Greens have condemned the deeply disturbing scenes yesterday of far-right extremist violence, including the storming of Camp Sovereignty where people were ambushed and assaulted. 

There is absolutely no place for this disgusting racism and hate in our community, or anywhere. The Greens stand in solidarity with First Nations people, multicultural communities and the broader community in stamping out racism and demanding stronger action to tackle racism and the rise of far-right extremism.

The Victorian Greens have long warned about the rise of far-right extremism and secured Victoria’s first parliamentary inquiry into the issue in 2021. This inquiry made clear recommendations to respond to the online recruitment and radicalisation of mostly young men who were being preyed on by these groups online.

The Victorian Greens say that unfortunately the response from the Labor Government at the time failed to meaningfully commit to the long-term resourcing of the targeted interventions required to stop this hate from spreading, but that now is the time for urgent action.

Leader of the Victorian Greens, Ellen Sandell: 

“The storming of Camp Sovereignty by far-right extremists assaulting people and committing awful acts of violence are deeply disturbing. 

“First Nations people are leading a movement for truth and justice that makes our whole community stronger, and this racist attack is an attack on all of us. 

“Far-right extremism has been growing for years, preying on and radicalising young men online. The Greens’ inquiry set out a clear roadmap to stop this hate from spreading, but it wasn’t taken seriously enough. Now is the time for real, long-term investment to tackle extremism at its roots.”

Victorian Greens spokesperson for Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism, Anasina Gray-Barberio: 

“These vile, racist attacks on First Nations and multicultural communities are terrifying, and a stark reminder why we must stand together against hate. As a migrant, I know the strength and resilience of our communities, and I know our diversity is what makes Victoria stronger.”

“For too long, this Labor Government has failed to take the safety of multicultural communities seriously. Our safety should be a priority, and we should never be expected to shrink ourselves just to feel safe. We deserve better, to live proudly in who we are, in a community free from hate and fear.”

I condemn the racist anti-immigrant march in Darwin today – This march was organised by neo nazis interstate.

I am livid that the hateful messaging from bad-faith actors is being imported here, although it appears it was a tiny turn out. The messaging it sent was still dangerous, and I had many constituents from migrant backgrounds contact me during the week, fearful for their safety. I want to reiterate to all those in our community from different backgrounds, you are welcome here, you are valued, and you are respected.

The beautiful diversity in Nightcliff is one of the many things that makes this place so special. Myself, my staff and my office have zero tolerance for hateful, racist or bigoted speech or actions.

And to state the obvious, if you aren’t a First Nations person, you’re an immigrant here. We all live on stolen Aboriginal land.

Your problems with the housing market and the cost of living aren’t caused by migrants, they’re caused by billionaires and the two major parties working for corporate vested interests instead of everyday people.

Stop buying the Sky News propaganda and start laying the blame where it belongs. Don’t be misled by divisive rhetoric that scapegoats’ migrants for problems created by corporate greed and failed housing policy.

We need working class solidarity if we’re ever going to rid our political systems of corporate vultures and billionaires.

In solidarity,

Kat McNamara MLA – Member for Nightcliff

There are serious concerns about the viability of the Government’s proposed social media age ban following the release of findings from the age assurance trial report. The report has identified significant risks including mass surveillance, biometric data collection, increased Big Tech control and systematic bias against vulnerable groups that may very well outweigh any potential benefits of the policy.

These findings should have the Government reconsidering the viability and appropriateness of age verification technology as a tool for protecting young people online, with the prospect the current approach could cause more harm than good to the very children it aims to protect with the December deadline for implementation looming. 

Senator Shoebridge, Greens Digital Rights Spokesperson:

“The age assurance trial report makes the case against a social media age ban. The risks it identifies including mass surveillance, biometric data collection, Big Tech control, and systematic bias against girls and People of Colour, which clearly outweigh any potential benefits.

“The government’s report on age assurance tech admits ‘implementation depends on the willingness of a small number of dominant tech companies’ meaning we’d be handing even more power to Big Tech to decide who gets online access. Labor surely understands this is bad!

“The age assurance trial findings accidentally prove the social media age ban is unworkable and it is time to rethink this flawed approach.

“The Australian newspaper has come out hard today against our inquiry into age verification and the social media age ban and got it completely backwards. 

“The inquiry isn’t about helping Big Tech, it’s exposing how Labor’s rushed age ban will hand power to the very companies that are exploiting kids.

“The Greens don’t agree the choice is between Big Tech or Murdoch controlling our public spaces and debate, it is the community who should have both control and rights including privacy.  

“The real question is why Labor and the Murdoch media are so afraid of parliamentary oversight of this ban?” Senator Shoebridge said. 

Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, Greens Media and Communications spokesperson:

“The age assurance trial report shows the huge amount of resources that this government is putting into trying to find a way to make it technically feasible to lock young people out of social media. 

“The time, money and resources that are being put into this would be much better spent on holding the big tech platforms to account to make their spaces safer for people of all ages.

“We shouldn’t be spending the next few years playing whack-a-mole and trying to plug all the technical holes in this, we should be investing in the guard rails that makes online spaces safer for everyone.

“The inquiry that I will chair into the age verification processes will continue the conversation with experts about how we hold big tech accountable for protecting all of their users.

Today I announce the appointments of three career officials to lead Australia’s diplomatic missions in Islamabad, Lisbon and Papeete.

I am pleased to confirm the following appointments:

• Mr Tim Kane as Australia’s next High Commissioner to Pakistan
• Dr Helen Cheney as Australia’s next Ambassador to Portugal
• Ms Greta Whyte as Australia’s next Consul-General in French Polynesia

Australia’s diplomatic network enables us to promote our interests in peace, security, trade, investment and other areas of cooperation.

Australia takes the world as it is and seeks to shape it for the better – these diplomatic appointments will deepen Australia’s connections abroad and increase our ability to influence where it matters.

I thank the outgoing High Commissioner, Ambassador, and Consul-General for their important contributions.

A fleet of 26 new rescue jet skis will be patrolling beaches across the state this summer, following a record investment from the Minns Labor Government in Surf Life Saving NSW.

With the warmer months approaching, which will see increased swimmers across NSW beaches, the Government is delivering on its commitment to boost community safety and surveillance along the coast.

This jet ski boost brings the state’s fleet up to 56, ensuring rapid responses to emergencies across New South Wales beaches all year round.

They will be delivered ahead of the volunteer patrol season commencing on 27 September, with communities set to benefit including:

• Illawarra and South Coast: Bulli, Stanwell Park, Kiama/Kiama Downs, Gerringong, Broulee, Batemans Bay, Pambula
• Mid and North Coast: Lennox Head, Kingscliff, Kempsey, Crescent Head, Urunga, Crowdy Head, Fingal Rovers, Sawtell
• Newcastle and Central Coast: Newcastle Harbour, Umina, Mereweather, Toowoon Bay
• Sydney: Newport, Cronulla, Warriewood, Palm Beach, Bilgola, Malabar

Last year jet skis were used in 260 rescues performed by volunteer lifesavers, saving critical time during emergency incidents.

Supporting the jet skis, new Emergency Response Beacons (ERBs) backed up by drones, are keeping an eye across our states beaches. The beacons are installed on beaches and allow for emergency services to be called during emergencies.

When the current rollout is complete, there will be 64 ERBs in operation, following recent installations on the South Coast at Racecourse Beach, Tabourie Creek and The Farm at Killalea State Park. Further units are planned for installation in the Illawarra, Sydney, the Far South Coast and the North Coast.

The Minns Labor Government is working to build a better New South Wales and is making meaningful investments to boost the capacity of Surf Life Saving NSW, and the safety of our beaches.

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“Our investment in jet skis and Emergency Response Beacons means lifesaving services are within reach all year round, including during the cooler winter months when regular patrols wind down.”

“Eagle-eyed beachgoers on the South Coast may notice new beacons at Racecourse Beach, Tabourie Creek and The Farm at Killalea State Park, which brings the number to 58 beacons now delivered across NSW, with more due to be installed soon.”

“With 260 rescues last year, jet skis have proven to be another critical part of our coastal safety network. Fast, agile and highly effective in surf conditions, they allow lifesavers to get people out of trouble quickly.”

“Our record investment in technology and equipment is a welcome boost for our volunteers who will soon hit the beaches and I would encourage anyone who wants to be involved in surf life saving to contact their surf club.”

Surf Life Saving NSW CEO Steve Pearce said:

”Our volunteers have continued to respond to emergency callouts throughout winter, highlighting the commitment of our members to protecting lives along the coast, whenever and wherever we’re needed.”

“The support of the NSW Government to provide funding for rescue equipment is vital to ensure the safety of both the public and our volunteers.”

For beach information, including safety tips, patrolled beaches and the location of ERBs, visit: www.surflifesaving.com.au or download the Beachsafe app.

In exciting news for the Northern Beaches community, the Minns Labor Government has announced the project scope and timeline for the new athletics track at the Sydney Academy of Sport.

The details were released at an athletics community briefing at the venue on Thursday.

The $6.7 million project will deliver a new World Athletics (WA) compliant synthetic athletics track with a moisture resilient track surface, new asphalt subbase, drainage and stormwater system upgrades, and accessibility improvements.

The Minns Labor government has also released the project timeline, with track designs scheduled to be completed by October 2025, a track builder appointed by November 2025, construction commencing in December 2025 and the track scheduled to reopen during the third quarter of 2026.

While the new track is being constructed the temporary grass athletics track at the Sydney Academy of Sport will continue to be available to the athletics community.

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

“Today’s announcement is fantastic news for the Northern Beaches athletics community.

“It gives both them and the Minns Labor Government a start and finish line, and we are aiming to cross it in record time.

“The new world-class athletics track at the Sydney Academy of Sport will be the home of athletics on the Northern Beaches and the birthplace of Olympic dreams.”

Member for Wakehurst Michael Regan said:

“If the Sydney Academy of Sport Athletics Track project was a hurdle race, we’d have just cleared the second hurdle. There’s still a long way to go, but we now know how long the race is.

“The community has shown it has the stamina to go the distance and will definitely be there at the finish to celebrate the track’s completion.”

Member for Pittwater Jacqui Scruby said:

“Today’s announcement is a huge budget win for Pittwater, with $6.7 million secured for the Sydney Academy of Sport Athletics Track.

“We’ve been waiting for a finish line since the track was closed and it’s a relief to know it’s in sight.

“Our athletes have been resilient and resourceful, but now we need swift delivery of this project, so they can finally return to the world-class track they deserve.”

The rebuild of Tumbulgum Public School following the devastating 2022 floods has reached a major milestone, with the delivery and installation of new building modules.

Students and staff gathered this week to watch as cranes positioned the 22 modules that will make up the new school onto flood resilient steel structures.

Manufactured offsite for rapid onsite assembly, these modules will fast-track the delivery of the school’s new library, administration area and modern classrooms.

The project at Tumbulgum Public School includes restoring the old school bell and incorporating select pieces of the school’s signage and plaques, ensuring the school’s history remains part of its future.

The elevated and flood-resilient school will also include a canteen, outdoor landscaping, and a playground.

The rebuild is expected to be completed and ready for students and teachers to use later this year.

Since 2022, 16 flood-damaged schools have been repaired or rebuilt in the Northern Rivers, including Blakebrook Public School which opened to students this term.

Construction is also underway at nearby Condong Public School, while construction is expected to begin on Lismore South Public School in the coming weeks.

The Minns Labor Government is committed to rebuilding flood-affected schools in the Northern Rivers region, ensuring schools are built back better with flood resilience for local students and local communities.

Funding to rebuild nine extensively flood-damaged schools, including Tumbulgum Public School, has also been provided by the Infrastructure Betterment Fund, which is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:

“The arrival and installation of these new modules is a huge step forward in rebuilding Tumbulgum Public School and having visited the school in July I know how exciting this will be for all of the students and staff.

“The new school has been specially designed to be flood-resilient, giving students, teachers, and the community confidence that learning can continue no matter what challenges arise.

“Students have been learning from Tumbulgum Public School for more than 150 years. The Minns Labor Government is committed to building back stronger, ensuring we provide the foundation for many more generations of education in this beautiful community.”

Minister for Recovery and the North Coast Janelle Saffin said:

“It’s fantastic to see the rebuild progressing at Tumbulgum Public School and to share in the students’ excitement as they see their new classrooms coming together.

“Rebuilding schools like Tumbulgum is a central part of the recovery work we are doing to create more resilient communities following the 2022 floods.

“We are building back stronger, ensuring our kids can thrive in schools that meets their educational needs in a resilient and safe environment.”

Tumbulgum Public School Relieving Principal Genevieve Esgate said:

“We are thrilled to see the new school buildings coming together at Tumbulgum Public School.

“Our students are buzzing with excitement and curiosity as their future classrooms are assembled, and we are eagerly looking forward to moving into our new buildings later this year.

“Our students and community have shown incredible resilience and adaptability throughout this journey, and these new facilities will be a wonderful celebration of everyone’s perseverance.”

New rules for council meetings will soon be in place as the Minns Labor Government spearheads a change of culture to boost transparency and community confidence in local government.

A new Model Code of Meeting Practice for local councils has been released today and will come into effect in councils from 1 January 2026.

The changes to the Model Meeting Code are part of the broader set of reforms the Minns Labor Government is progressing to improve confidence, trust and transparency across NSW councils.

Changes to the code have simplified the way meetings are conducted, ensure disorder is dealt with more effectively, that councillors make decisions in full view of the communities they represent, and dignity is returned to council chambers.

All councils will need to adopt a code of meeting practice that contains the mandatory provisions of the updated Model Meeting Code by 31 December 2025.

Key changes to the Model Code of Meeting Practice include:

• Preventing councils from holding private councillor briefing sessions to discuss matters that should be considered in the public domain at committee and council meetings (unless they are confidential)
• Encouraging councils to hold public forums preferably before committee meetings, or if they choose council meetings, to enable community engagement in local matters
• Expanding the powers of the mayor to remove councillors from meetings for acts of disorder
• Expanding the powers of the mayor to remove members of the public if they disrupt council meetings
• Requiring information considered at closed meetings to be made public after it ceases to be confidential
• Requiring councils to give reasons when making decisions on planning matters that depart from staff recommendations (as recommended by ICAC)
• Promoting neutrality in the role of the general manager
• Requiring council and committee meetings to be live streamed to give the community and media access to council decision making, and to require those videos to be public for at least the rest of the council term, or 12 months in the case of a meeting in an election year

The changes to the Meeting Code are part of a broader suite of reforms by the Minns Labor Government to improve conduct and accountability and rebuild public trust in councils.

A new Code of Conduct for councillors is being finalised as well as associated legislative changes, which will see significant changes to how misconduct is dealt with in local government.

Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig said:

“The council chamber should be a place of dignity, where debate and decision making takes place in full view of the community.

“Making decisions on behalf of communities is the very role of a councillor, and all councillors should never lose sight of this core responsibility.

“These changes should ensure that, in a council chamber or committee meeting, mechanisms are in place to prevent the derailing of meetings and overshadowing the important work of local government.

“Council and committee meetings must be effective, transparent and genuine, and strive for outcomes to benefit the community.

“Under the new code, mayors should be given the power to take immediate action against disorderly councillors. This should lessen the need for councils to resort to the broken code of conduct process and instead address misbehaviour immediately in the council chamber.

“I know not everyone will agree with these changes, but most people in this state would agree action is necessary to improve transparency, increase community confidence and faith in local government.

“They will make councillors more visibly in control of their councils to ensure they – as democratically elected representatives of their communities – drive the vision for their local area.”

The new Model Code of Meeting Practice is available here: https://www.olg.nsw.gov.au/councils/governance/model-code-of-meeting-practice/model-code-of-meeting-practice-for-local-councils-in-nsw/

Extensive consultation was undertaken on the proposed changes, all submissions received have been published here: https://www.olg.nsw.gov.au/councils/governance/model-code-of-meeting-practice/reforms-to-the-model-code-of-meeting-practice/