Category: Australian News

• Joint statement with:

The Foreign Ministers of Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the UK.

The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, the EU Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management and the EU Commissioner for the Mediterranean.

19 May 2025

Whilst we acknowledge indications of a limited restart of aid, Israel blocked humanitarian aid entering Gaza for over two months. Food, medicines and essential supplies are exhausted. The population faces starvation. Gaza’s people must receive the aid they desperately need.

Prior to the aid block, the UN and humanitarian NGOs delivered aid into Gaza, working with great courage, at the risk of their lives and in the face of major access challenges imposed by Israel. These organisations subscribe to upholding humanitarian principles, operating independently, with neutrality, impartiality and humanity. They have the logistical capacity, expertise and operational coverage to deliver assistance across Gaza to those who need it most.

Israel’s security cabinet has reportedly approved a new model for delivering aid into Gaza, which the UN and our humanitarian partners cannot support. They are clear that they will not participate in any arrangement that does not fully respect the humanitarian principles. Humanitarian principles matter for every conflict around the world and should be applied consistently in every warzone. The UN has raised concerns that the proposed model cannot deliver aid effectively, at the speed and scale required. It places beneficiaries and aid workers at risk, undermines the role and independence of the UN and our trusted partners, and links humanitarian aid to political and military objectives. Humanitarian aid should never be politicised, and Palestinian territory must not be reduced nor subjected to any demographic change.

As humanitarian donors, we have two straightforward messages for the Government of Israel: allow a full resumption of aid into Gaza immediately and enable the UN and humanitarian organisations to work independently and impartially to save lives, reduce suffering and maintain dignity. We remain committed to meeting the acute needs we see in Gaza. We also reiterate our firm message that Hamas must immediately release all remaining hostages and allow humanitarian assistance to be distributed without interference. It is our firm conviction that an immediate return to a ceasefire and working towards the implementation of a two-state solution are the only way to bring peace and security to Israelis and Palestinians and ensure long-term stability for the whole region.

The Australian Government welcomes the adoption of the World Health Organization (WHO) Pandemic Agreement.

The Agreement is a significant step towards strengthening pandemic prevention, preparedness and response.

The Agreement takes account of lessons learnt during the COVID-19 pandemic and supports collective action to address pandemic threats, including by strengthening multi-sectoral disease surveillance and access to vaccines.

While the Agreement has been adopted by the World Health Assembly, there are further steps remaining to finalise technical details. Australia will only commence our treaty making process after the Agreement opens for signature, which is not expected until at least mid-2026.

Once the Agreement has entered into force, Australia and our region will be better positioned to reduce pandemic risks and respond swiftly if a pandemic occurs, saving lives and mitigating the impacts on our economies. Australia will retain full sovereignty in making public health decisions which promote the interests of Australians.

Australia is proud to have served as Vice-Chair of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body for the Pandemic Agreement, representing our diverse Western Pacific region.

This outcome reaffirms the value of multilateral solutions to shared global challenges.

Australia will continue to play our part to ensure the international community is better prepared to respond to future pandemics

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong:

“We need international cooperation on health to help keep Australia, our region, and the world safe. The adoption of the WHO Pandemic Agreement demonstrates the value of the international community working together to find solutions to shared global challenges.”

Minister for Health and Ageing, Minister for Disability and the NDIS, the Hon Mark Butler MP:

“The next pandemic is not a matter of if, but when. We have a collective responsibility to protect public health in all of our countries. The adoption of the WHO Pandemic Agreement is an important step forward.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has concluded his first international engagements since being re-elected.

Following successful meetings with President Prabowo Subianto in Indonesia, the Prime Minister joined Catholics and world leaders at the Vatican to represent Australia at the Papal Inauguration of His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV.

Prime Minister Albanese had the honour of a private audience with His Holiness to mark this momentous occasion for Catholics around the world and for those of faith in Australia.

Prime Minister Albanese formally invited His Holiness to Australia for the International Eucharistic Congress in Sydney in 2028.

Prime Minister Albanese met a range of other world leaders including President Zelenskyy of Ukraine and President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, as well as having a number of informal discussions with world leaders.

Prime Minister Albanese also met Prime Minister of Singapore Lawrence Wong during a stopover in Singapore on the way back to Australia.

The two Prime Ministers shared their perspectives on the regional and global outlook, and recommitted themselves to a substantive upgrade of the Australia-Singapore Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“I was so pleased to again make Indonesia my first bilateral leaders’ meeting after the election.

“I am proud of the enduring friendship between our two nations and look forward to working closely with my friend President Prabowo on our shared priorities across security and defence, trade and investment and more.

“It was an honour to represent Australia at the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV.

“His Holiness’ message about peace and social justice is one that resonates not only with Catholics, but with everybody around the world.

“It was good to meet European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

“We reiterated our shared commitment to concluding a free trade agreement which delivers real benefit for the economies of Australia and Europe.

“I assured President Zelenskyy of Australia’s ongoing and steadfast support for Ukraine. Australia will continue to stand by Ukraine.

“During the stopover in Singapore, I met Prime Minister Wong following both countries’ recent elections.

“Australia’s prosperity and economic future are linked with Southeast Asia.

“I look forward to further discussing with Prime Minister Wong my Government’s focus on expanding Australia’s comprehensive strategic partnership during our Annual Leaders’ Meeting later this year.”

Deputy Leader of the ACT Greens Jo Clay:

“On the crossbench, the ACT Greens have effectively pushed the government to balance the needs for housing and the environment.

“The Greens have pushed the government to progress work on the Missing Middle since early 2023. Two months ago we got the Government to move faster and release the guidelines issued today. 

“Not long after, we secured Government commitment to set an urban growth boundary to prevent needless sprawl.

“Just days ago we heard from the ACT’s Commissioner for Sustainability and the Environment report that decades of prioritising new suburbs over infill in planning Canberra’s urban environment has seen a rapid decline in the state of our natural environment.

“We need more homes in Canberra, and we can build them without paving over our precious environment.

“The Missing Middle Design Guidelines released today are an important start to publicly discuss how Canberra will build more homes across our existing suburbs.

“We need the right kinds of homes in the right places. With more town houses, terrace houses and three-storey apartments, more people will live close to the things they need and want in their lives such as parks, schools, work, shops and public transport.

“It gives us a greater housing diversity to meet the needs of the growing number of people who are making Canberra their home.

“But it is just a start. To get this right we need people living in Canberra to be part of this process so we build a city together that best supports the way people live within our current footprint without impacting our marvellous bush capital.”

The guidelines and public consultation is available on the ACT YourSay website.

On Wednesday 30 April 2025 the CLP introduced knee-jerk changes to the Youth Justice Act and the Bail Act in response to the tragic killing of Linford Feick in Nightcliff. 

The NT Greens unequivocally oppose the CLP government’s racist and inhumane tough on crime agenda, and condemn their deliberate weaponisation of this incident to progress this agenda. The NT Greens continue to advocate for justice reform that is evidence-based, respects human rights, and focuses on prevention. This includes adequate funding for bail support services and community-led programs that work to address offending behaviours. Our party’s full justice policy is available here.

In parliament, the Member for Nightcliff, Kat McNamara MLA, chose not to oppose the reforms, for reasons detailed in their speech, available here. This decision does not represent the policies of the party. 

The NT Greens appreciate the uniquely complex position that Mx McNamara was in and are confident that they will continue to be a strong representative for Greens values and policies in their parliamentary term. We are committed to fully supporting them.

Where the actions of a Greens representative in public office do not adhere to our policies, including where an elected representative votes against Greens policies according to, in their opinion, their duty to their constituents, the elected representative is required to provide their reasons to a party meeting. 

Our party will convene a member meeting on Monday 26 May 2025 to discuss the matter with our membership and determine a pathway forward. As noted, Mx McNamara continues to have the full support of the NT Greens. 

The NT Greens are committed to establishing a formal mechanism for elected representatives to draw on the knowledge and experience of the NT Greens to inform decision-making that is consistent with the Greens’ policy platform, and the expectations of the party membership. We acknowledge that as a new parliamentary party in the Territory, this mechanism has not yet been in place for Mx McNamara.  

The Native Title Tribunal has handed down a decision that extinguishes the land rights of the Gomeroi People in order to allow multinational gas giant Santos to proceed with its coal seam gas project in the Pilliga Forest. The NSW Labor Government’s support for the project, despite strong and sustained opposition from Traditional Owners and the community, has been labelled a profound betrayal of cultural heritage, environmental integrity and climate justice. 

Greens MP and spokesperson for the environment and First Nations justice, Sue Higginson, said the decision prioritised fossil fuel profits over the rights of First Nations people, the protection of sacred Country, and the future of the environment and climate. 

Sue Higginson said:

“This result has completely failed the Gomeroi, demonstrating the severely broken system for land rights, and it’s a victory for corporate fossil fuel interests. The Gomeroi People have consistently and clearly opposed this project for over a decade. More than 23,000 public submissions were made against the Narrabri Gas Project, compared to only 300 in support. A wide coalition of unions, scientists, farmers and community members have stood with Gomeroi Traditional Owners to stop Santos. This outcome shows how little the rights of First Nations communities matter when profit is on the table.” 

“The Pilliga Forest is a place of immense cultural, spiritual and environmental significance. It is the largest inland native forest in eastern Australia, a critical recharge zone for the Great Artesian Basin, and home to threatened species. Santos plans to drill up to 850 coal seam gas wells across this landscape. The environmental risks are well-documented and irreversible. Once the Pilliga is fractured by this project, it cannot be undone.” 

“The conditions that have been imposed are wholly insufficient to prevent damage and are insulting in the context of what is being lost, again highlighting how broken and limited the system is. Requiring that the gas be used for domestic supply does not stop the destruction of Country. Enhanced cultural heritage protections do not reverse the fact that sacred sites will be placed under industrial pressure. A ranger program cannot substitute for land rights and self-determination. These conditions do not meaningfully address the Gomeroi People’s deep and consistent objections. They greenwash the result and give political cover to a dangerous fossil fuel project.” 

“The NSW Labor Government has actively supported this project and must be held accountable. They had the power to stop this and chose not to. By siding with Santos, they have chosen fossil fuel profits over First Nations justice. They have ignored cultural significance, community opposition and climate science. This is not the public interest. It is a political failure and a moral failure.” 

“This project should never have been approved and it is not too late to stop it. The Federal Government has the power to revoke environmental approvals. The NSW Government can withdraw its support. Communities will not stand by while Country is destroyed. I stand with the Gomeroi People. The community stands with the Gomeroi People. The fight to protect the Pilliga is far from over.” 

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will depart on the first international visit of his second term to meet with world leaders from 14 May to 20 May 2025.

Prime Minister Albanese will travel to Jakarta, Indonesia from 14 to 16 May 2025 to meet His Excellency Mr Prabowo Subianto, President of the Republic of Indonesia.

Indonesia was also Prime Minister Albanese’s first bilateral visit following his election in 2022.

The Prime Minister will be joined in Jakarta by Minister for Foreign Affairs Senator Penny Wong and Minister for Home Affairs Tony Burke MP.

Prime Minister Albanese and President Prabowo will discuss the close relations between Australia and Indonesia, and how our countries can deepen our partnership.  

The Prime Minister will then travel to the Holy See to attend the inauguration of Holy Father Pope Leo XIV, Bishop of Rome, on Sunday 18 May 2025.

Since 1973, the diplomatic relations between Australia and the Holy See have helped foster strong links with the Catholic Church, including its humanitarian efforts around the globe, and the five million Australians of the Catholic faith.

During his visit to Vatican City, Prime Minister Albanese will meet with a number of other world leaders also in attendance.

Prime Minister Albanese will invite Pope Leo XIV to Australia for the 54th International Eucharistic Congress in 2028.

On Tuesday 20 May, the Prime Minister will meet His Excellency Mr Lawrence Wong, the Prime Minister of Singapore, before returning to Australia.

Singapore is one of Australia’s closest partners, with a friendship anchored in strategic trust and deep cooperation, and a shared regional and global outlook.

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles will be Acting Prime Minister while Prime Minister Albanese is overseas.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“My first overseas visit after my Government’s re-election reflects our enduring commitment to some of our closest partners in the region.

“I am honoured to be a guest of President Prabowo Subianto. There is no country more important to Australia than Indonesia. We have a long history of cooperation and friendship, celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations last year.

“Together we are setting an ambitious agenda to deepen our ties.

“It is also a great honour to represent Australia at Pope Leo XIV’s inauguration — a historic occasion for the Catholic Church.

“The event will connect Catholics around the world, and the millions of Australians of Catholic faith, as they celebrate and welcome the new Bishop of Rome and Pontiff to amplify his message of peace and social justice for all humanity.

“I look forward to reinforcing Australia’s strong relationship with the Holy See under Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate.

“I look forward to meeting Prime Minister Wong. The close partnership between Australia and Singapore is underpinned by our shared interest in an open, stable and prosperous region.”

The Australian Government is appalled at the sham trial and 13-year sentence given to Australian man Oscar Jenkins.

As a full serving member of the regular Armed Forces of Ukraine, Mr Jenkins is a prisoner of war.

The Australian Government has made clear to Russia that Mr Jenkins must be given the protections afforded to him as a prisoner of war. Russia is obligated to treat him in accordance with international humanitarian law, including humane treatment.

We continue to hold serious concerns for Mr Jenkins. We are working with Ukraine and other partners, including the International Committee of the Red Cross, to advocate for his welfare and release.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade continues to provide consular support to Mr Jenkins’ family.

The Greens federal party room has unanimously elected Senator Larissa Waters as the new leader of the Australian Greens.

The leadership ballot was uncontested.

Greens Leader Senator Larissa Waters will be ably supported by a team of proven performers:

• Senator Mehreen Faruqi will remain in the role of Deputy Leader
• Senator Sarah Hanson-Young will be the Greens Manager of Business
• Senator Nick McKim will be Party Whip
• Senator Penny Allman-Payne will be Party Room Chair and Deputy Whip

Larissa Waters was elected to federal parliament in 2011 after a career as an environmental lawyer working on high profile cases protecting biodiversity, world heritage-listed sites, stopping native species extinctions and broadening environmental impact assessments.

Larissa has held various portfolios in the Greens, most notably the women’s portfolio and climate spokesperson in the Senate.

In the women’s portfolio, Senator Waters established the Issues related to menopause and perimenopause senate inquiry which gave voice to legions of women and resulted in cheaper  menopause treatments being included on the PBS. She also instigated the Universal access to reproductive health senate inquiry to protect Australia’s abortion rights from global threats under the first Trump administration, which highlighted the lack of accessibility and affordability of abortion and the need for free contraception.

A strong advocate for women’s rights in the workplace, Larissa made history in 2016 as the first MP to breastfeed in federal parliament. Larissa was also the first person to say the word perimenopause in the federal parliament in 2023.

Larissa is the single mum to two school-aged kids and resides in Meanjin/Brisbane.
Portfolio allocations are decided by the Greens Leader, and will be allocated at a later date.

Greens Leader Senator Larissa Waters:
“I call today for politics with heart – for a progressive parliament that gets outcomes for people and genuinely tackles the problems we’re all facing.

“This parliament could achieve real progress: climate and environment action, dental into Medicare and free childcare.

“The Greens will be firm but constructive in our approach with the Labor government, and work for outcomes that help improve peoples’ lives and protect nature and the climate.

“Voters across this country delivered the Greens the sole balance of power in the Senate and we take that responsibility really seriously.

“Labor will have a choice: work with the Greens for climate action and dental into Medicare, or work with the Liberals to keep opening up new coal and gas and tinker around the edges of the housing and cost of living crises.

“I thank my party room colleagues for their unanimous support today, and I also want to pay tribute to Adam Bandt for his leadership and dedication to our movement over the last 15 years.”

Greens Deputy Leader Senator Mehreen Faruqi:
‘I’m delighted to get the trust of my colleagues to continue on as the deputy leader with Larissa as leader.

“I’m really excited that for the first time there are two women at the helm of our Greens ship and we are ready to start the work our members, voters and the community have given us to do.

“Migrant and multicultural communities in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne have backed us for speaking the truth and standing against the genocide in Gaza.

“To the right wing media, the billionaires, the big corporations and the Albanese Government this is my message: We will not be taking a step back on climate action, on the environment, on housing and on Palestine. People want us to fight for them and the planet, and that is exactly what we will be doing.

“This moment demands more from us, not less. The planet is burning, inequality is deepening, and young people cannot afford a Government that tinkers around the edges as their future disappears.

“We will deliver the hope, courage and transformation this moment demands.

“People have voted for the Greens to hold the sole balance of power in the senate and we will not let them down.

Former Greens Leaders Bob Brown, Christine Milne, Richard Di Natale and Adam Bandt offer their sincere congratulations to Queensland Senator Larissa Waters, new leader of the Australian Greens.

We are delighted that Larissa has stepped up to take the leadership baton and she has our full support and encouragement.

“Larissa is a dedicated Environmental lawyer, feminist, mother and an all round warm, caring person of integrity. She is a team player and is exactly the right person to lead The Greens as we drive serious climate and Nature policy. The Parliament is dominated by fossil fuel corporate interests and who better to take them on than Larissa?” said the first woman to lead the Greens, former Senator Christine Milne.

“The world is facing an existential crisis in which extinction is happening before our eyes, and collapse characterises ecosystems from the Great Barrier Reef and Ningaloo to our native forests. With the Albanese Government saying it intends to address our weak and outdated Nature laws, it is critical that there is a strong Greens voice injecting the dire state of the natural world into the debates. Larissa will do that splendidly,” said Bob Brown.

“Larissa has fifteen years experience in Parliament working hard to strengthen our democracy, create a more just society and uphold the rights of women. She was a terrific Deputy during my time as Leader and I always appreciated her policy expertise, and her sheer hard work,” said Richard Di Natale.

“As Australia faces a growing climate crisis and as inequality gets worse, Larissa’s integrity, intelligence and strong sense of justice are just what this country needs,” said Adam Bandt

Larissa is a great role model for women in politics. She broke new ground when she became the first woman in Australian history to breastfeed a baby on the floor of the Senate. As a Greens leader, she will inspire another generation of young women to consider entering politics to drive environmental and social change.