Category: Australian News

Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, Greens spokesperson for communications and Chair of the Senate Inquiry into Triple 0 service outage:

“This is a damning report of the culture within Optus, their contractor Nokia and the entire Triple 0 system. It is deeply concerning to see laid bare how many mistakes were made along the way and how Optus did not have the processes in place to manage such a failure.

“Optus’ failures were systematic and widespread. Optus failed at every step – they failed to keep their customers safe and failed to ensure the public and government were informed. The company prioritised its own interests over the needs and concerns of its customers and stakeholders.

“For too long, Optus has put profits ahead of safety and its customers. The company must face serious consequences for its failure.

“The Government must now review Optus’ licence and licence conditions. Going soft on the telco is not an option.

“The Government must lead an urgent review into the camp-on provisions that also failed in this incident. It is simply not good enough to have calls taking 40-60 seconds to connect and this needs urgent action.

“The Triple 0 system is clearly not fit for purpose and requires a serious overhaul, to ensure it both works and is trusted by all Australians. Big telcos like Optus view the delivery of emergency service calls as a chore, not as an essential service.

“The ACMA has failed to hold these big companies to account. It’s an open secret that ACMA is a light touch on industry, putting public safety at risk. It’s time for a root and branch review and new leadership of the regulator.

“Optus and Singtel representatives will be called back before the Senate inquiry early 2026.”

The Greens would welcome positive reform to eradicate dangerous hate speech but will closely review Labor’s proposal to ensure it does not unreasonably restrict free political speech.

Greens Justice and Foreign Affairs spokesperson, David Shoebridge:

“There is a case for targeted measures to address genuine hate crimes linked to violence or the promotion of violence. 

“We have seen the dangers of racist vilification and dog whistling that compels people to violence. We saw it in the 2019 Christchurch mosque shootings and again on Sunday at Bondi, it must be stamped out.

“However, the lessons from the UK and other jurisdictions is that simply banning organisations can lead to more division.

“In an open society there must be scope to freely criticise the actions of state actors that engage in acts of violence or discrimination.

“Simply outlawing criticism is not an answer to complex international issues.

“We are committed to working constructively on positive reforms and have always resisted efforts from the Coalition to water down existing anti-vilification laws.

“Any action the federal parliament takes must also be consistent with the constitutional limitation that prevents any parliament from unreasonably restricting free political speech.”

Greens Deputy Leader and spokesperson for Anti-Racism and Higher Education, Mehreen Faruqi:

“This tragic attack in Bondi has brought to the fore the urgent need to address antisemitism and racism comprehensively. We continue to call on the government to fully fund and implement the National Anti-Racism Framework, which is a roadmap to tackling systemic and structural racism.

“We must not head down a path where academic freedom and freedom of speech on university campuses are compromised. That will not make anyone safer. We can and must address Antisemitism, Islamophobia and all forms of racism in our society without criminalising debate or peaceful protest.

“It is deeply shameful that there are conservative politicians and media who are weaponising this tragedy to continue pushing a hateful political agenda and demonising peaceful protesters at a time when the whole country is grieving. This is a time for people to come together in care, support, and solidarity and for political leaders to take action to protect communities.”

A joint statement of support from Australia’s Chief Medical Officer, Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, Chief Allied Health Officer, and Chief Psychiatrist.

We join our fellow Australians in condemning the terror attack at Bondi Beach. We extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends who have lost loved ones in this atrocity. 

We acknowledge and thank the first responders, including paramedics and police who bravely acted to save lives and help those seeking safety. 

We acknowledge and thank the health professionals and citizens who were at the beach and lent their support to care for the victims and shelter and support the survivors. 

We acknowledge and thank doctors, nurses and other health professionals, who worked through the night and those who continue to treat the wounded at hospitals across Sydney. 

And we acknowledge and thank all our nation’s health professionals who will today, and in the days ahead, be counselling and supporting Jewish patients and colleagues, and the many other people across Australia who are deeply impacted.

The health professionals of our nation need to stand united against terrorism and in support of the people who need our assistance. 

Events like these can be unsettling and challenging. They can cause a range of emotions for those involved, and also for us as health professionals, our patients, our colleagues and our friends and families. It is important that we support one another during such times.

Support is also available from:

• Medicare Mental Health phone service on 1800 595 212 or visit the Government’s Medicare Mental Health website to find mental health services and resources
• Lifeline on 13 11 14, text 0477 13 11 14 or access its services online including chat
• Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or access its services online
• Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 or access its services online
• Nurse Midwife Health Program Australia 1800 001060
• Doctors’ Health Line 1800 006 888
• the Transcultural Mental Health Line on 1800 648 911
• 13 YARN: 13 92 76 – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Crisis Support
• Dr4Drs on 1300 374 377
• The Essential Network (TEN) Black Dog Institute | Better Mental Health.

The Coalition has established a dedicated Taskforce on Antisemitism, Extremism and Counter-Terrorism in response to the escalating threat posed by antisemitism and violent extremism in Australia.

Leader of the Opposition Sussan Ley said the taskforce would bring urgency and discipline to confronting a threat that endangers the lives of Australians. 

The taskforce has been established with three clear priorities:

• First, it will drive the full implementation of the government’s own Antisemitism Envoy’s report which has sat gathering dust on the Prime Minister’s desk.
• Second, the taskforce will focus on strengthening Australia’s counter-terrorism response. This work will examine weaknesses and emerging risks across intelligence coordination, law enforcement powers, border integrity and the monitoring of individuals on terror watchlists.
• Third, the taskforce will undertake direct and ongoing engagement with Jewish community leaders, organisations and institutions to ensure their security needs are understood and addressed. 

The Leader of the Opposition said the country needs leadership and action, not delay. 

“The Prime Minister has said he will do whatever it takes. That means doing the hard work, not delaying it like the government has done to date,” the Opposition Leader said. 

“That must start with implementing the Antisemitism Envoy’s report in full, not shelving it or watering it down.

“ASIO has been clear. Antisemitism represents the greatest threat to loss of life in Australia, and when our intelligence agencies issue warnings of that magnitude, political leaders have a duty to act.

“No Australian should feel unsafe practising their faith, sending their children to school or gathering as a community.

“Jewish Australians should never have to look over their shoulder in their own country. Restoring safety and confidence is non-negotiable.”

The establishment of the taskforce follows the terrorist attack at Bondi Beach targeting members of the Jewish community celebrating Chanukah. 

The taskforce is also being formed in the context of the atrocities of October 7 in Israel and a sustained series of domestic incidents directed at Australia’s Jewish community over the past two years. 

These incidents have included public landmarks turned into symbols of antisemitic hate, university campuses occupied by those preaching hatred, Jewish students harassed and ostracised, homes vandalised, childcare centres targeted and synagogues firebombed, including one attack orchestrated by a foreign terrorist state.

“For too long, antisemitism has been allowed to grow in plain sight,” Ms Ley said. 

“What we saw at Bondi is the consequence of failing to confront extremism early and decisively.”

“Australians deserve more than words. They deserve action, protection and leadership.”

The taskforce held its formation meeting yesterday and will meet with the Antisemitism Envoy later today.

“The Coalition stands ready to support any serious and effective action that strengthens counter-terrorism, disrupts extremists and protects lives,” the Opposition Leader said 

“This taskforce will bring focus, discipline and urgency to confronting antisemitism and violent extremism, because the delay we have seen from the government has had real consequences.”

Taskforce membership

• Opposition Leader Sussan Ley
• Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Michaela Cash
• Shadow Minister for Home Affairs, Senator Jonno Duniam
• Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Bridget McKenzie
• Shadow Minister for Finance, Senator James Paterson
• Shadow Minister for Education, Julian Leeser
• Shadow Attorney-General, Andrew Wallace

A free community event will be held at Foreshore Park next month to celebrate the completion of a key element of the Harbour Foreshore Masterplan. 

Work is almost finished on the new kiosk and assessable public toilets, which are housed in an architecturally striking building and scheduled to open in late January. 

An artist’s impression of the new kiosk and amenities building in Foreshore Park.

The new kiosk will be run by local operators Thomas and Nova Carias-Cox, who have been serving up tasty treats at the Sunnyboys kiosk at Dixon Park Beach for the past three years. 

Chair of City of Newcastle’s Asset Advisory Committee Cr Declan Clausen said the new facilities will enhance the experience of visiting Newcastle’s premier city park and major events space. 

“The Harbour Foreshore is a major drawcard for Novocastrians and visitors from across the region and beyond,” Cr Clausen said.  

“Our adopted masterplan was guided by feedback from the community and represents a shared vision for this precinct, which will activate and connect public spaces between the city and the harbour’s edge. 

“As the first project to be delivered under the masterplan, the completion of the new kiosk and accessible amenities will be a key milestone in City of Newcastle’s ongoing revitalisation of this area, providing a more convenient, comfortable and accessible experience for those visiting Foreshore Park.” 

The new amenities building is adjacent to Foreshore Park’s new regional level accessible playspace and waterplay area, which is currently under construction and expected to be completed by late next year.  

It includes unisex ambulant toilets, a parent’s change room, and a changing places facility that provides suitable facilities for people who cannot use standard accessible toilets. 

A bespoke concrete table and bench seating, along with low concrete walls, provide a mix of formal and informal seating options while a new footpath will help connect this space with existing footpaths in Foreshore Park for improved access. 

The Foreshore Park projects are supported by the NSW Government, Variety the Children’s Charity, the Touched by Olivia Foundation and the Newcastle Port Community Contribution Fund. 

State Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said the NSW Government was committed to supporting projects that provide enhanced public spaces for all members of the community. 

“Foreshore Park is a fantastic community space both for major events and for everyday enjoyment,” Mr Crakanthorp said. 

“These new amenities will provide high-quality, accessible public infrastructure for all Novocastrians to use. 

“It is great to see the new kiosk fall into the hands of local operators and I can’t wait to grab a bite to eat at Sunnyboys Park.” 

The kiosk, which will be known as Sunnyboys Park, will offer a family-friendly menu that reflects the relaxed waterside location of Foreshore Park, including fish and chips, hamburgers, sandwiches, ice creams, refreshments and coffee. 

Thomas and Nova Carias-Cox have grown up working in their family businesses and currently operate three Morning Market Coffee locations in Whitebridge, Newcastle West and Warners Bay, along with Sunnyboys kiosk at Dixon Park.  

“We’re genuinely excited to be taking on Sunnyboys Park at the Foreshore – it’s a special space in an incredible location, made even better by the new inclusive playground opening later next year,” Mr Carias-Cox said.  

“We love the idea of creating a relaxed, welcoming spot where families can spend time, kids can play and everyone can enjoy great food and coffee in the heart of the park.  

“We’re really looking forward to becoming part of the Foreshore community and bringing this space to life.” 

The completion of the project will be celebrated with a free community event, which will be held at Foreshore Park on Saturday, 31 January 2026. 

Visitors will be able to enjoy family-friendly activities, live music, treats and coffee.   

More information will be available closer to the event via the project page on City of Newcastle’s website.

The Australian National Imams Council (ANIC), the Council of Imams NSW and the Australian Muslim community unequivocally condemn the horrific shootings in Bondi.

These acts of violence and crimes have no place in our society. Those responsible must be held fully accountable and face the full force of the law.

Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and all those who witnessed or were affected by this deeply traumatic attack. We acknowledge the pain, fear, and distress felt across the community and extend our sincere compassion and support to all who are grieving.

We urge the community to remain vigilant, exercise caution, and support one another during this challenging time.

This is a moment for all Australians, including the Australian Muslim community, to stand together in unity, compassion, and solidarity, rejecting violence in all its forms and affirming our shared commitment to social harmony and the safety of all Australians.

Last night’s horrific antisemitic attack at Bondi Beach is a reminder that the heinous scourge of antisemitism and extremism is a growing threat around the world, and that our peace-loving community in Australia is not immune.

As we reach out today to our Jewish friends and neighbours to check on their wellbeing and to provide our support at this terrible time, our hearts are completely broken.

We recognise and thank our courageous emergency services for the work they did last night, and the incredible bravery of bystanders whose actions saved many lives. We join to wholeheartedly endorse the statement of the Australian Greens below.

The Greens NSW Convenors and all Green NSW State MP’s

Joint Statement from the Australian Greens

The first night of Chanukah was meant to be a joyous celebration – instead last night has become one of the darkest days in our nation’s history and a national heartbreak. 

This morning we grieve for the fifteen innocent people who have been robbed of their lives, and send our deepest condolences to their community and loved ones who have woken in mourning.

We send love to the dozens of people who remain in care, and hope for their swift recovery. Australia is with each of you.

Our heart is with the Jewish community who are grappling with this mass shooting, grieving loved ones, and are again fearing for their safety. Antisemitism has no place in our community, and we join all Australians in rejecting this appalling act of hatred.

This terror attack on the Jewish community is an attack on all of us. This reprehensible act of antisemitic violence is not who we are. We are a nation of many peoples who open the door to those in need, and pull together in crisis. 

Our nation is the first responders who risked their lives to keep people safe, the heroic man who intervened to stop a gunman, and the many people from all faiths who came together to shelter others and open their arms to those grieving.

We will hold each other tightly in the coming days and weeks, and show care and compassion. The antisemitic hatred of these men will not divide us.

– Senator Larissa Waters, Senator Mehreen Faruqi, Senator David Shoebridge, on behalf of all Australian Greens MPs

As the nation reels from the horror of the mass shooting at Bondi Beach, parliaments state and federal must act to stop high powered firearms proliferating in our suburbs and towns.

Decisive national action delivered world leading gun control after the Port Arthur Tragedy, but in the decades since gun numbers have crept back up, with NSW passing more than 1 million registered guns last year.

The horrific antisemitic mass shooting at Bondi Beach was in part made possible by firearms laws that gave these violent men access to multiple high-powered firearms.

Loop holes need to be closed, character checks need to be mandatory and repeated, and hundreds of thousands of high powered firearms need to be removed from homes, suburbs and communities across the country.

The broad direction of gun law changes proposed by the PM and NSW Premier is positive, but the details matter, and the reforms must include tough new laws that take guns out of our communities including:

• Rapid implementation of the National Firearms Register
• Strict limits on the number of firearms people can own with a maximum of three, except in exceptional circumstances
• Prohibitions on accessing high-powered hunting rifles unless clear pressing need is established
• A fresh national buy-back scheme to remove high powered and excess firearms from the community
• Strict prohibitions on rapid-fire firearms including the Adler A 110 lever action shotgun and similar weapons
• Time limited gun licences with ongoing character checks for all gun owners
• Removal of recreational hunting as a “genuine reason” for a firearm licence

Sue Higginson NSW Greens MP and Spokesperson for Justice said:

“New South Wales has a gun problem that we must now confront. We have over 1.1 million guns in this State, more than there were prior to the Port Arthur Massacre. For every 7 people in Australia, there is 1 gun, and there is a frightening concentration of guns in the outer suburbs of Sydney,”

“It’s unfathomable that a young man had been examined by ASIO for his association with terrorism, and yet his father was able to obtain a gun licence and register six firearms. That is a system that is not working and it needs fixing,”

“We must limit the number of guns a person can have, we need stricter controls on who can have them and we need to draw a line in the sand and remove recreational hunting as a genuine reason to own a firearm,”

“The Greens in the NSW Parliament stand ready to work with the Minns Labor Government to progress this urgent gun reform. But it must be real reform based on safety. It is time for us as politicians to unite and stand up to the strong arm and influence of the gun lobby. The tragic and brutal killings in Bondi must not be in vain, this tragedy must save future lives,”

Senator David Shoebridge, Australian Greens Justice Spokesperson said:

“We have been waiting decades for a national firearms register and are told it will still take three more years and not be operational until 2028. That is far too long.

“A single national firearms database is an important missing tool for national crime agencies to track and investigate gun movements and dangerous gun owners.

“There is no excuse for this being delayed to 2028 the Federal government must show leadership and if necessary compel the states to get on board so it can be operational next year.

“The Greens have fought for over a decade to limit the number of guns in our suburbs with strict limits on gun numbers and clearer restrictions on the most dangerous weapons.

“It is wrong that there are thousands of high powered hunting rifles as well as dangerous fast action rifles and shotguns all across Sydney and other cities and towns.

“Limits on gun numbers, restrictions on high powered weapons and bans on rapid fire actions must be implemented urgently.”

Senator Larissa Waters, Leader of the Australian Greens said:

“In the wake of the Port Arthur tragedy, governments collectively took action. So too should we in this moment, and I welcome indications from the Prime Minister and NSW Premier they are considering gun law reform.

“This moment is beyond politics – our resolve to act is a test for our common humanity, and I hope that all of parliament will join together to ensure that no one can walk the streets of Sydney or any Australian city with a high powered gun.

“The Greens will work with the government to pass reforms through federal and state parliaments to tighten the rules around gun ownership. This is not America and we must work both to eradicate anti-semitism and racism and to reduce unnecessary guns in our community”

Following questions from ACT Greens Deputy Leader Jo Clay in Annual Reports, it was revealed that the ACT Labor Government has developed a draft report to consider lethally managing Canberra’s wombat population with little evidence or ecological base.

Ms Clay said it’s extremely unlikely that the community will support farmers killing wombats, especially without a solid ecological and animal welfare evidence base showing that it’s necessary.

“This report in its current state paves a pathway for the ACT Labor Government to reclassify wombats as a controlled native species which would legally allow for wombats to be shot and killed,” Ms Clay said.

“Some famers have concerns about wombat management in the ACT amongst and we need to carefully consider those and work with farmers to find solutions that are humane and effective,” Ms Clay said.

“Farmers haven’t been supported by government to try non-lethal methods properly – that must be the first step.

“What is concerning in this draft is that everything is anecdotal. The Government itself noted there’s no formal assessment into the impact or nuisance wombats cause to landholders – it’s all word of mouth and only 3 of our 381 farmers have been consulted.

“If the government is going to allow farmers to kill wombats, they need good and valid evidence that it’s necessary. At the moment, we don’t even have a clear idea of the wombat population levels, nor the extent of issues posed by wombats.

“There is also no analysis of what education or training in non-lethal management methods have been provided to rural landholders.

“We are still early in this process. The ACT Greens expect the government to properly engage, value and reflect the input of wildlife carers and First Nations people too – we need to recognise their dedication and expertise in this area.”

Ms Clay has requested a formal briefing with the ACT Government regarding this report.

Last night’s horrific antisemitic attack at Bondi Beach is a reminder that the heinous scourge of antisemitism and extremism is a growing threat around the world, and that our peace-loving community in Australia is not immune.

As we reach out today to our Jewish friends and neighbours to check on their wellbeing and to provide our support at this terrible time, our hearts are completely broken.

We recognise and thank our courageous emergency services for the work they did last night, and the incredible bravery of bystanders whose actions saved many lives. We join to wholeheartedly endorse the statement of the Australian Greens below.

The Greens NSW Convenors and all Green NSW State MP’s

Joint Statement from the Australian Greens

The first night of Chanukah was meant to be a joyous celebration – instead last night has become one of the darkest days in our nation’s history and a national heartbreak. 

This morning we grieve for the fifteen innocent people who have been robbed of their lives, and send our deepest condolences to their community and loved ones who have woken in mourning.

We send love to the dozens of people who remain in care, and hope for their swift recovery. Australia is with each of you.

Our heart is with the Jewish community who are grappling with this mass shooting, grieving loved ones, and are again fearing for their safety. Antisemitism has no place in our community, and we join all Australians in rejecting this appalling act of hatred.

This terror attack on the Jewish community is an attack on all of us. This reprehensible act of antisemitic violence is not who we are. We are a nation of many peoples who open the door to those in need, and pull together in crisis. 

Our nation is the first responders who risked their lives to keep people safe, the heroic man who intervened to stop a gunman, and the many people from all faiths who came together to shelter others and open their arms to those grieving.

We will hold each other tightly in the coming days and weeks, and show care and compassion. The antisemitic hatred of these men will not divide us.

– Senator Larissa Waters, Senator Mehreen Faruqi, Senator David Shoebridge, on behalf of all Australian Greens MPs