Category: Australian News

The Albanese and Minns Governments are today announcing emergency financial assistance to help residents in the State’s north-east severely impacted by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

The jointly funded package will provide emergency financial assistance of $180 for individuals or up to $900 per family to cover essential costs such as food, clothing, medicines and emergency accommodation.

The Personal Hardship Assistance Grant for individuals and families is part of a range of support aimed at helping people recover.

To be eligible for the grant individuals must reside in one of the declared affected Local Government Areas of – Armidale, Ballina, Bellingen, Byron, Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, Dungog, Glenn Innes Severn, Kempsey, Kyogle, Lismore, Lord Howe Island, MidCoast, Nambucca Valley, Port Macquarie-Hastings, Richmond Valley, Tenterfield and Tweed.

Further, individuals must have:

• Been subject to evacuation orders (Category red emergency warning) or
• Experienced power outages of more than 48 hours.

Applicants must demonstrate they have suffered hardship as result of the disaster, making them unable to meet immediate needs.

Applications will open on Wednesday 12 March and will be open until 8 April 2025.

These payments are part of the Albanese and New South Wales Governments’ ongoing commitment to helping residents rebuild their lives following the severe impacts of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

Impacted community members are encouraged to visit New South Wales Government Recovery Assistance Points which will be operating in key locations from the end of this week.

To find out where these will be and about other support available go to www.nsw.gov.au/cyclonealfredrecovery to find out supports and assistance available.

In addition the Albanese Government has activated the Disaster Recovery Allowance for communities directly affected by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

This allowance offers up to 13 weeks of income support for eligible workers and sole traders, depending on their personal circumstances, who have suffered a loss of income as a direct result of the event.

For more details on the Disaster Recovery Allowance go to Services Australia website at: servicesaustralia.gov.au/natural-disaster-support.

Other support available to communities as a result of Tropical Cyclone Alfred can be found www.nsw.gov.au/cyclonealfredrecovery

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

 “We are working with the Minns Government to get this money out the door as quickly as possible.

“My message to those affected is my Government has got your back.”

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns

“It has been tough going for the communities impacted by TC Alfred. In particular those families who have been without power for days or required to leave their homes under evacuation orders have faced huge challenges.

“We know these communities are concerned about the cost of re-stocking the fridge, or replacing damaged goods.

“This payment will go a bit of the way to providing some immediate relief for hardship experienced.” 

Minister for Emergency Services Jenny McAllister

“This payment will help provide some immediate assistance after a very tough week for Northern New South Wales.

“We’re acting quickly to make financial assistance for impacted individuals and families available.

“We know recovery will take some time, but we are here for the long haul.”

New South Wales Minister for Planning Paul Scully

“Through this financial assistance, we aim to ease the burden of immediate costs like food, clothing, and accommodation, helping individuals and families get back on their feet as quickly as possible.

“Eligible residents in the affected areas can apply for the financial assistance package starting Wednesday, March 13.

“We encourage those in need to apply through Service NSW online or in person, and we are committed to making sure this support reaches those who need it most, as soon as possible.”

New South Wales Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib

“Our hearts go out to the people of this region who have done it particularly tough but continuously shown their resilience and spirit in recent years.

“These payments in partnership with the Albanese Government will help the community by ensuring we get immediate financial relief to where it’s needed.

“We will continue to work alongside our agencies and service partners to provide the community the help and support they need to recover.”

Today I announce the appointments of four career diplomats to lead Australia’s posts in Dublin, Tarawa, Ulaanbaatar and Hanoi.

I am pleased to confirm the following appointments:

• Ms Chantelle Taylor as Australia’s Ambassador to Ireland.
• Mr Mark Foxe as Australia’s High Commissioner to the Republic of Kiribati.
• Mr Leo Zeng as Australia’s Ambassador to Mongolia.
• Ms Gillian Bird PSM as Australia’s Ambassador to Vietnam.

These diplomatic appointments will advance Australia’s interests, to keep Australians safe, strengthen our economy and uphold the international rules that protect us all.

The Australian Government is investing in all elements of our national power, including relationships with regional and global partners, to shape the world we live in for the better.

I thank the outgoing ambassadors and high commissioner for their important contributions.

This International Women’s Day the NSW Government is commemorating the military service of Australian women in conflict and peacekeeping, and as partners and spouses in military families, with a special commemoration at the Anzac Memorial.

The commemoration, to be attended by the Minister for Veterans David Harris and Minister for Women Jodie Harrison, will include a star ceremony in the Hall of Memory paying tribute to the service and sacrifices of women who have served, defence spouses, family members and women in civilian organisations that support the defence and veteran communities.

Throughout history women have long played a significant role in the Australian military, from serving as nurses in the Boer War in the 1890’s, to the formation of the women’s auxiliary forces during the Second World War and their current roles on the front lines.

NSW is home to 14,923 female veterans, according to the 2021 Census, which for the first time asked questions relating to military service.

Currently, 3,876 women from NSW serve in the regular Australian Defence Force and 1,183 in military reserves. Australian War Widows NSW estimate there are 14,000 war widows in NSW.

The commemoration starts at 10.30am today.

Minister for Veterans David Harris said:

“International Women’s Day is an opportunity for us to honour every woman who has served this nation, in wartime and in peace.

“Women have played an important role assisting in the defence of our country for over a century. Wherever Australians served, women have been there alongside their comrades, beginning in 1899 when the NSW Army Nursing Service Reserve was formed.

“Women provided invaluable services as nurses and as part of the Volunteer Aid Detachments during and after the Great War, followed by the formation of additional women’s specific services.

“In the modern Australian Defence Force women have continued to play a crucial role, currently they make up over 20 percent of the serving defence force personnel.”

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“International Women’s Day is about celebrating the achievements of women and girls, and how they’ve overcome barriers to gender equality. Women have held vital roles in the Air Force, Army and Navy, demonstrating that women can fill ‘traditionally’ male posts.

“Women have always played a significant role in the defence of the nation. From carrying out nursing duties on frontlines and undertaking war work on the home front, to serving as members of the Australian Defence Force and making invaluable sacrifices as military spouses and family members.

“I would like to thank and acknowledge all women who have contributed to the defence of our nation.”

Interim First Nations Aged Care Commissioner Andrea Kelly has released a report to Government, recommending a series of critical reforms to improve aged care for older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. 

Ms Kelly’s report, titled ‘Transforming Aged Care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’, outlines a range of key findings and recommendations about the barriers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people face to accessing aged care and the changes that need to be made for the system to meet their needs.

These findings were based on feedback received from older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, their families and communities, service providers and peak bodies. 

The report makes clear that the aged care system does not currently meet the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and needs urgent reform. Importantly, it also outlines a path forward for a culturally safe, community-led aged care system based on thousands of hours of conversations with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. 

Recommendations from the report include:

• committing to a transformation plan, co-designed with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and informed by the Priority Reforms under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap
• establishing a permanent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commissioner and supporting office that is independent and can hold the aged care system to account
• an additional 27 urgent actions the Government should commit to as a priority.

In recognition of this important work and the Government’s commitment to improving aged care outcomes for older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, Minister for Aged Care Anika Wells has extended Ms Kelly’s role as Interim First Nations Aged Care Commissioner until June 2026. 

Ms Kelly was originally appointed in January 2024 and will use the next 18 months to establish an office for a permanent Commissioner and continue to advocate for older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Ms Kelly has also released a Community Booklet that was informed by older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who met with Ms Kelly to share their experiences with aged care.

Read the Interim First Nations Aged Care Commissioner’s report and her illustrated booklet for community.

Interim First Nations Aged Care Commissioner Andrea Kelly:

“The recommendations in my report are clear. I call on the Australian Government to accept and act on them.

“Without significant change including an equity-based approach, the aged care system will not meet the current or projected growth in demand of aged care services for older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. I have outlined a plan to achieve this, which starts with genuine partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

“I am hopeful the reforms underway will incorporate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander experiences and perspectives to meet their needs.

“I would like to thank all the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, their families and communities, service providers, advocates and representatives who I met with throughout the year.”

Minister for Aged Care Anika Wells:

“I welcome the report and its findings. The Government is actively considering the recommendations and how they can be taken forward

“I am pleased to extend Ms Kelly in the role of Interim First Nations Aged Care Commissioner until June 2026. Ms Kelly will continue to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices and perspectives are incorporated in the reforms currently underway.”

Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy:

“Ms Kelly’s commitment to making older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s voices heard is evident in the pages of this report.

“Older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are the heart of our communities, and it is important that we treat them with the respect and dignity that they deserve as they age.” 

Indigenous land or heritage claims such as those threatening Mount Panorama at Bathurst will be halted, and all existing claims reviewed as part of One Nation’s policy to achieve equal rights and treatment for all Australians, regardless of race.

One Nation leader Senator Pauline Hanson said the claim on McPhillamy Park at Bathurst was a contrived farce and should be immediately rejected.

“The Aboriginal corporation making the claim has been trying to make the location—home to one of Australia’s most iconic sporting events—a sacred site for years,” Senator Hanson said.

“They were successful in hoodwinking Sussan Ley into blocking a go-kart track on the site, and this latest claim is based on them scattering the remains of a former director at the site, after gaining permission from the local council in 2022. It’s a sick joke. It’s a complete farce. It should be immediately rejected.”

“Claims for land based on Aboriginal mythology should have no more validity than a claim for land based on the tooth fairy.”

“This group and others are trying to lock Australians out of their own country not for genuine cultural or heritage reasons, but out of racist hatred and pure, naked greed. One Nation’s policy will restore equality for all Australians. Equal rights for all citizens, and special rights for none, is the only fair approach to law in a free representative democracy.”

“Under our policy, no new submissions will be accepted while all existing claims under native title or cultural heritage laws will be reviewed. We’ll amend the Native Title Act to insert a sunset clause. Attempts to rename Australian places with Indigenous words will be rejected. Taxpayers will no longer pay for ‘Welcome to Country’ ceremonies or similar rituals. An individual’s Indigenous heritage will no longer confer any undue advantage in applying for a loan, a job, a course of education, or accessing health services.”

“Being Indigenous does not make a person exceptional; being Australian makes a person exceptional.”

“Australians overwhelmingly rejected Indigenous exceptionalism at the 2023 referendum. The Albanese Labor government has failed to heed this lesson or accept any responsibility for its failures, including blocking a billion-dollar gold mine in New South Wales due to an Indigenous claim—by the same group threatening Mount Panorama—based on a mythical bee.”

“Like bureaucratic red tape and environmental green tape, Indigenous heritage black tape holds our nation hostage only because we let it. One Nation will finally put a stop to it and achieve true equality for all Australians regardless of race.”

The Greens will implement a Big Tech Tax to ensure companies like Meta, Google, Microsoft and Amazon are paying their fair share to support the Australian communities and consumers that spend billions on their services.

The policy is expected to bring in approximately $11.5b in revenue over the medium term, according to independent analysis from the Parliamentary Budget Office. 

Under the proposal, revenue in excess of $20 million earned from digital services in Australia will be taxed at a rate of 3%. Digital services include advertising, online marketplace services, user data, social media and cloud services.

To be captured under the tax, platforms would need to make more than €750 million in worldwide revenue. 

Sarah Hanson-Young is Greens spokesperson for Communications & Senator for South Australia:

“Companies that trade in Australia need to pay tax on the money they make in Australia. Global tech giants are making billions of dollars in revenue in Australia while paying very little in tax. 

“Parliamentary Budget Office analysis of digital service revenue shows that in 2022-23 alone, Google raised more than $8.7billion, Amazon almost $6b, while Microsoft and Uber both earned over $2.9b.

“It’s time the tech giants and the billionaire tech bros paid their fair share back to the Australian community. 

“A tech tax would raise approximately $11.5 billion over the medium term which could be invested in essential public services, like dental into Medicare and cost of living relief.

“We know this works overseas and it can work here. At least 12 other countries already have a Digital Services Tax including the UK, Canada, France, Italy, Spain, Austria, Portugal.

“A digital services tax is the first step in reining in the astronomical power that big tech companies currently wield. Not only are they making super profits, they are harvesting and selling the personal data of millions of Australians and ripping off Australian journalists and creators.

“These big foreign owned corporations make huge profits off Australians and resist regulation at every turn. It’s time they paid their fair share of tax.

“With a power sharing Parliament likely, the Greens will push for this policy after the election.

“We need to stand up for our national interest against Donald Trump’s billionaire oligarchs like Zuckerberg, Musk, and Bezos.”

The Greens have called on SA Premier Peter Malinauskas to extend free public transport for ticket holders during the Adelaide ‘Mad March’ festival season, including the Fringe, Adelaide Festival, WOMAD and Adelaide Writers Week.

Free public transport for festival ticket holders – similar to that afforded sporting events like the AFL and Cricket at Adelaide Oval – would have significant benefits for the South Australian economy and arts sector. The Greens have also urged the Premier to rename the Adelaide Cup public holiday on March 10 to Adelaide Festivals Day.

Sarah Hanson-Young is Greens spokesperson for the Arts and Senator for South Australia:

“Adelaide is at its best during our March festival season and free public transport for ticket holders should be a no-brainer. This is a win-win for our economy and the arts.

“I have written to Premier Malinauskas and urged him to consider our proposal that anyone coming in to see a show or event at the Fringe, Adelaide Festival, WOMAD or Writers Week can travel for free. 

“It is also time to change the name of Monday’s public holiday from ‘Adelaide Cup Day’ to ‘Adelaide Festivals Day’. The long weekend that hosts the Adelaide Festival, the Adelaide Fringe and WOMADelaide is the crescendo of Mad March. 

“Plenty more people are participating in the festivals this weekend than those going to the Adelaide Cup. It’s not even a Group 1 race anymore – it was downgraded years ago, while the Fringe alone is now the largest arts festival in the country. 

“Backing our arts festivals and encouraging audiences to attend more performances and events via public transport has a range of cultural, economic, and environmental benefits.

“We know that free public transport works and has proven immensely popular during the Adelaide Test Cricket, and of course for AFL football including the Gather Round. Given the huge contribution of the arts and festivals to our city, it makes sense to offer the same level of support to locals and visitors who are attending these hugely successful cultural events.

“The arts make an enormous contribution to the South Australian community, directly employing over 13,500 South Australians; not to mention the economic multiplier effect for jobs in hospitality, tourism and so many other small businesses. Making public transport free would add further value to our thriving cultural economy.

“Our festival season is a huge drawcard for South Australia, and we are already known as the Festival State. It’s time we recognised this properly with free public transport for ticket holders and by renaming the public holiday Adelaide Festivals Day.”

Robert Simms MLC is Greens spokesperson for Transport

 “The Fringe and festival season are enjoyed by many South Australian families. In the middle of an economic crisis, the exorbitant costs of car parking can make a visit to the city very expensive.”

 “The city is well serviced by public transport ⁠— the State Government should make this free for the duration of the festival season to reduce costs and ease congestion on our roads.”

 “The festival season should be open and accessible to all South Australians regardless of their bank balance.”

This week the Greens’ Queensland Senators, MPs and Councillors have been working around the clock to provide information, fill sandbags, distribute emergency kits, and knock on doors in communities susceptible to damage and flooding to offer assistance.

However, the Greens say while keeping communities safe right now is their number one priority, we must listen to the climate scientists who this week are warning that the climate crisis is supercharging catastrophic weather events, including tropical cyclones.

The Australian Greens are working with communities to prepare for the impact of Cyclone Alfred as they call for stronger climate action to prevent future climate disasters.

Globally we have just sweated through our hottest year on record, with annual sea surface temperatures for the Australian region their warmest on record. 

Marine heatwaves accelerate evaporation, and can intensify storms and cyclones. 

Climate change is also increasing the destructive power of tropical cyclones, including the windspeed, rainfall and rapid intensification, as well as coastal flooding from storm surges that are more destructive as a result of rising sea levels. 

Warming oceans are also increasing the likelihood of cyclones shifting further south, like this cyclone.

Meanwhile coal and gas companies are reaping massive profits while increasing others’ misery.

To prevent these climate disasters from becoming more frequent and intense, the Greens say governments must take stronger climate action, which means no new coal and gas.

Leader of the Australian Greens, Adam Bandt MP:

“Please listen to the authorities and if you need help, reach out.

“All our elected representatives in Queensland are focused on helping their communities prepare, and it’s right that federal and state governments are doing the same. Right now everyone needs to listen to the authorities to stay safe, and that includes governments listening to the climate scientists. 

“As we hope for the best and prepare for the worst, the priority right now is making sure people are as ready as possible to deal with this cyclone that was supercharged by coal and gas. Over 30 new coal and gas projects have been approved in this Parliament alone, which is just making it harder for us all to prepare and protect people. More coal and gas puts more people in more danger.

“Governments need to be helping people right now, but they also need to stop approving the coal and gas mines that are making these disasters worse.

“Governments have a responsibility to keep people safe – now and in the future.”

Today I am pleased to announce a pilot program that will harness the knowledge and experience of Asian Australians to deepen our understanding of our region and make Australia stronger and more influential in the world.

Australia’s diversity is one of our strengths – it gives us broader perspectives, deeper connections and a better ability to engage with our region on issues that matter to all Australians.

The Asian Australian Voices pilot program will equip professionals with the training and skills to contribute to public life.

The program will help to ensure Australians with deep expertise and personal experience of our region are part of the national conversation on the economic, security and diplomatic challenges and opportunities shaping our future.

It will also ensure we are using our strengths to Australia’s advantage, building Australia’s Asia literacy and creating a pipeline of senior Asian-Australian representation in civic life.

In partnership with Asia Society Australia, this initiative is a collaboration between DFAT’s National Foundation for Australia-China Relations, Centre for Australia-India Relations, and ASEAN-Australia Centre.

It reflects the Albanese Government’s commitment to ensuring all Australians can contribute to our engagement with the world.

Details about the pilot program can be found here: Asian Australian Voices.

The Greens have welcomed comments by former secretary of the federal Department of Education, Dr Michele Bruniges, examining disadvantage in Australian schools.

Greens spokesperson on Primary and Secondary Education, Senator Penny Allman-Payne:

“Dr Bruniges’ work on disadvantage in schools confirms that public schools are doing more and more of the heavy lifting in terms of educating disadvantaged students.

“Our current system of schooling is hollowing out many of our public schools, particularly in growth areas, and forcing parents to make tough decisions for their kids.

“It’s not a real choice for parents when both the local private and public school receive taxpayer money, but only one is expected to cater to disadvantaged kids.

“I strongly welcome a national conversation about disadvantage in schools and I thank Dr Bruniges for her work with all sectors on this research.

“We need to start asking all schools that receive public money to cater to the needs of the public. That could mean a serious conversation around common standards or catchment areas for any school that receives taxpayer funding.

“In my view, every proportional increase in private school enrollments is a public policy failure, especially when they are publicly funded schools too.

“I was a public school teacher for over 25 years, and I know that the vast majority of parents and carers would prefer to be able to send their kids to a properly resourced local public school.

“Australia’s future relies on public education. Only the Greens fully support public schools – we’ll fund them, build them, and make them free for all kids.”