Category: Australian News

The Australian Greens have said Labor’s decision to adopt part of their ‘GP for free’ plan shows pressure works, and that voting Greens will help keep Dutton out and get Labor to act.

Earlier today Labor announced an $8.5 billion investment in Medicare to help more people access bulk-billed GP visits.

This follows the Greens’ own ‘GP for free’ election pledge that the party has been campaigning for since October last year, in which the party said it would triple the bulk billing incentive for all appointments, support the trainee GP workforce and build 1,000 clinics with free access to doctors, dentists and psychologists.

Leader of the Australian Greens, Adam Bandt, said this would make a huge difference for people struggling to afford healthcare. 

He called on the Prime Minister to recall Parliament this week while Estimates is on to legislate the policy before the election, to ensure it is Dutton-proofed and not held ransom to the outcome of the election.

Mr Bandt added that legislating in this term of Parliament to commence before the election would represent a significant achievement, and lay the foundation in the coming minority Parliament to get dental into Medicare.

A core message of the Greens’ plan for minority government is taxing big corporations and billionaires to pay for essential services, including getting dental into Medicare and making it free to see the GP.

Leader of the Australian Greens, Adam Bandt MP:

“Greens pressure works. 

“In a wealthy country like ours everyone should be able to see a GP, psychologist, dentist or nurse with their Medicare card.

“It’s good Labor has adopted part of our plan to help people see the GP for free.

“Now let’s make it law before the election.

“The Prime Minister should recall Parliament this week so we can legislate and Dutton-proof this policy.

“There’s no reason to hold this reform ransom to the outcome of the election.

”Then next Parliament, we can get dental into Medicare.

“By voting Greens, we keep Dutton out and get Labor to act.”

The Greens have urged the Albanese Government to stand up to Donald Trump’s ‘bully boy’ tactics following a White House Executive Order threatening countries who want a fair share of tax from the big tech giants.  

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

“Australia must not cower to the bully-boy tactics of Donald Trump and his tech bro oligarchs. Big tech corporations need to pay their their fair share of tax in Australia, and for the journalism they profit from.

“We are seeing the rise of the extreme right in the US fed by Musk, Trump and the toxic tech platforms. Australia must stand strong for our national interest and stand up for democracy.

“Pandering to the tech bullies won’t serve Australia’s interests or ensure public interest journalism is protected. These big tech giants will never do the right thing by their users, journalists or the community unless they are forced to. 

“Whether it’s paying for the journalism they use, or their dangerous algorithms that are used to generate massive profits from hate and abusive content and scams, these corporations must be held accountable. 

“Donald Trump is not our President and his extreme, tech oligarchy should not dictate Australian policies or regulation.”

Senate estimates tomorrow will feature Communications Department officials and ACMA, among others.

Today marks three years since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

For three years, Ukraine has bravely resisted Russia’s illegal and immoral war of aggression.

Australia mourns the loss of life of Ukraine’s citizens and defenders, and the generational toll of Russia’s brutality.

Australia continues to stand with Ukraine.

We have committed over $1.5 billion to help Ukraine defend itself, including more than $1.3 billion in military support through vital equipment for the battlefield and the training of Ukrainian forces.

Australia has been clear since day one that Russia, and those enabling its illegal invasion, will face consequences.

The Australian Government has today imposed further targeted financial sanctions and travel bans on 70 persons, and targeted financial sanctions on 79 entities.

This constitutes Australia’s largest sanctions package since February 2022.

The new sanctions target individuals propping up Russia’s illegal administrations in eastern Ukraine and Crimea, including so-called “ministers”, judges and prosecutors, and individuals responsible for conflict-related sexual violence and the forced deportation of Ukrainian children.

The sanctions also target persons and entities involved in deepening military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, including the deployment of North Korean troops to the battlefield.

Deepening Russia-North Korea military cooperation is a dangerous expansion of Russia’s war, with serious consequences for European and Indo-Pacific security.

Targets in Russia’s defence, transport and finance sectors, and those spreading disinformation to undermine Ukraine and governments around the world, have also been sanctioned.

Australia has now imposed a total of more than 1,400 sanctions in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The Government has taken decisive action to ensure Australians are not inadvertently fuelling Russia’s war economy.

Today we have further tightened trade bans on Russia by prohibiting the supply of commercial drones and components, including the provision of related services.

Guidance on the operation of these bans can be found on the sanctions guidance webpage.

Once again, Australia calls on Russia to immediately end its war and adhere fully to its obligations under international law, including in relation to the protection of civilians and treatment of prisoners of war.

Working with Ukraine and our partners, Australia supports a just and lasting peace for Ukraine.

The Albanese Labor Government will provide tax relief for Australia’s distillers, brewers and wine producers.

Currently brewers and distillers get a full refund of any excise paid up to $350,000 each year. The Government will increase the excise remission cap to $400,000 for all eligible alcohol manufacturers. The Government will also increase the Wine Equalisation Tax (WET) producer rebate to $400,000.

Adjusting the taxation arrangements will back an important local industry as well as supporting regional tourism, investment and job creation. Currently around 1,500 brewers and distillers and 3,000 wine producers access these tax incentives.

The proposal will apply from 1 July 2026.

In addition to the tax relief, the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) will be providing Australian distillers, brewers and wine producers with additional support to help them grow their exports in high priority overseas markets.

This support includes the opportunity to join in trade missions, expert advice and connections to help our small and medium size exporters tap into fast growing markets, including in Southeast Asia and beyond.

The tax relief is estimated to decrease tax receipts by $70 million over five years from 2024-25.

the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“To build Australia’s future, we need strong small and medium sized businesses generating jobs and economic opportunity for Australians.

“This common sense measure will back thriving local industries and open the way for growth.”

the Treasurer Jim Chalmers:

“We’re pleased to have found room in a tight budget to provide some tax relief for a really important industry creating jobs and opportunities around Australia.

“Brewers, distillers and winemakers play a large role in many local economies and this support will help them invest and grow.”

the Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell:

“Supporting small distillery, brewing and wine businesses is not just about producing exceptional products – it’s about creating jobs, fostering local economies, and building a better Australia.

“By boosting our export support for these businesses, we are helping fast-track their success in international markets which will create even more jobs at home.”

The Australian Greens have announced today that they would establish a Minister for Disability within the Federal Cabinet, and establish an Office for Disability and a Department of Disability.

The Department of Disability would be responsible for coordinating Federal disability services and would take responsibility for implementing the recommendations of the Disability Royal Commission.

Senator Jordon Steele-John, Australian Greens Spokesperson for Disability

“From the cost of housing to groceries to transport and healthcare – disabled people, our families, and support workers are being pushed to the brink right now. We need cross-government action to urgently improve the lives of disabled people across the
country.

“The creation of a Cabinet Minister for Disability and the establishment of a Department of Disability would ensure it is clear who is responsible for urgently improving the lives of disabled people in this country.

“In Australia, we have a Federal Minister for Women, a Minister for Young People, but no Federal Minister for Disabled People. States and Territories have a Minister for Disability, but the major parties have refused to create a Federal Government Ministry.

“Around 1 in 6 people in Australia identify as disabled. These millions of Australians deserve to have a Federal Government Minister responsible for disability issues. This role would be responsible for the NDIS, and the Quality and Safeguard Commission
and would ensure there are significant reforms undertaken across government including in housing, transport, healthcare and education.

“We know there’s much work to do to improve the lives of disabled people. Disabled people continue to be excluded, exploited and neglected.

“Something has to change, we need better leadership, ideally this role should be held by someone with lived experience of disability.”

In an astonishing display of avoidance, the Premier panicked when asked a simple question from the Greens during Question Time yesterday. 

The Victorian Greens spokesperson for Public and Affordable Housing, Gabrielle de Vietri asked if the state had plans to build a single genuinely public home at the sites where the towers are going to be demolished. 

Ms de Vietri made it explicitly clear that her question referred to public housing, not social housing. 

Despite the clear distinction, the Premier’s initial response referred to social housing anyway, and when pulled up on a point of relevance to address public housing specifically, the Premier refused to get up again and finish her answer. 

Ms de Vietri says that the performance the Premier gave just to avoid her question is extremely telling that her government clearly doesn’t have any plans to build more public housing at the tower sites, despite the plan wiping out a total of 7000 public homes. 

It comes the same week after the Housing Minister Harriet Shing also explicitly avoided answering the question about public housing in an article in The Age that exposed that ministers within Labor’s own ranks think the plan to demolish the towers has ‘no justification’.

Victoria has the least amount of public housing and spends the least on public housing out of any state in the country. 

Despite a ballooning public housing waitlist, the Victorian Labor Government is planning to demolish 7000 public homes across the 44 public housing towers. 

To date, the Victorian Labor Government hasn’t committed to a single public home being rebuilt at the tower sites. 

Victorian Greens Renters’ Rights spokesperson, Gabrielle de Vietri:

“We’ve seen Labor continuously dance around this question, and yesterday the Premier just flat out refused to answer it. What that tells me is that they have absolutely no plan to build a single public home at the tower sites. 

“We’re in the middle of a housing crisis where the public housing waitlist is ballooning out of control. We should be building more public housing, not less, but this Labor government is selling off public land and knocking down the public housing we already have, it makes no sense. 

“There’s absolutely no evidence to back up the demolition of the towers and Labor knows it. It’s no surprise that the Premier can’t answer simple questions when the wheels are clearly falling off this disastrous plan.”

WA’s youth justice system is broken, likely to increase reoffending and causing devastating harm, with the deaths of two children in detention in the last 18 months.

The Greens (WA) are calling for the system to be completely overhauled with a massive increase of government funding for justice reinvestment, alongside preventative and therapeutic programs for young people to keep them out of prison.

The Greens plan includes:

1. Closing Unit 18 at Casuarina Prison by 30 June 2025.
2. Raising the age of criminal responsibility to 14.
3. The creation of a new lead agency for Youth Justice that is separate from Corrective Services, as per recommendations by the Coroner, Inspector of Custodial Services and in line with every other State and Territory.
4. $120 million to develop a Youth Justice Strategy and invest in preventative and therapeutic programs to keep young people out of prison and supported in their community.
5. A commitment to fast-track delivery of the Marlamanu on-country diversionary program in the Kimberley and an additional $100 million to work with First Nations to progress similar facilities in the East Kimberley, Pilbara, Goldfields, Mid West and South West regions.

WA Greens MLC Dr Brad Pettitt:

“Western Australia’s justice system is broken; it is harming kids, not helping them to thrive. 

“Over the course of 2024, WA locked up almost 750 children with evidence suggesting almost all of those kids have some kind of neurological disability. We can’t keep doing the same thing and expecting a different result!

“After the tragic deaths of two young people that could, and should, have been avoided the time has come to acknowledge the system is not working for kids and commit to systemic reform with a focus on rehabilitative and therapeutic measures that divert at-risk young people away from the criminal justice system before it is too late.

“Unit 18 is a maximum security facility designed to hold 124 adult prisoners yet right now it holds just a handful of young people while the rest of our adult prisons, including Casuarina, are at breaking point.

“At an average cost of more than $1.1 million per year for every young person in Unit 18, there is simply no benefit to keeping this facility open. Imagine if we invested this money instead into diversion and prevention as a matter of priority, helping to break the cycle of reoffending before kids are locked up.

“Right now the administration of justice reinvestment is piecemeal, with various programs run by the Justice, Communities and WA Police. That’s why we’re calling for a dedicated agency to take the lead on youth justice and develop a holistic, statewide strategy for reform.

“At the end of the day, the Greens want to see increased investment in prevention and early intervention, place-based community services and diversionary programs for young people, both as a gross figure and a proportion of overall spending, that is based on what the evidence says is needed.

“Incarceration should be a last resort; especially for kids. Both major parties are so blinkered by wanting to appear ‘tough on crime’ that they refuse to listen to the experts, to the community and to the overwhelming and growing body of evidence nationally and internationally that this approach does not work.”

WA Greens First Nations spokesperson and Legislative Council candidate, Clint Uink:

“Jailing is failing and here in Western Australia, more than two-thirds of the kids who interact with the criminal justice system are First Nations, WA Labor are desperately failing to support and nurture kids who are falling through the cracks.

“There is no justification for locking up kids as young as 10 years old, which is why the Greens are reiterating our call for the age of criminal responsibility to be raised to at least 14 years of age.

“But more than that, we are calling for urgent reform of the justice system that puts the health and wellbeing of our kids first, and recognises that incarceration of children is not making our community safer.

“The Marlamanu on-country diversionary program in the West Kimberley was first proposed in 2017 and this Labor government promised it would be completed in 2023, yet here we are two years on and construction has not even begun.

“The current system causes incredible harm by isolating kids from their community and support networks – we want to see the Marlamanu program fast-tracked and further programs across the state rolled out as a priority.

“Young people need culturally-appropriate support to break the cycle of reoffending. Torturing children in solitary confinement in a maximum-security adult prison is a recipe for disaster. Jailing is failing us all; there is a better way, we’re calling for the courage to choose it.”

New statistics from Cleanbill show that not a single GP clinic in Brisbane is taking in new bulk-billing patients. 

Federal Member for Brisbane, Stephen Bates, has today launched a campaign to get Labor to act on the health crisis — calling for the bulk-billing incentive to be tripled for everyone with a Medicare Card and to establish more bulk-billing Urgent Care Clinics in Brisbane.

The 2025 Cleanbill report released this month shows that Brisbane is one of just fifteen federal electorates in Australia which have no available bulk-billing clinics for new patients.

Brisbane constituents pay the highest average out-of-pocket fee for seeing a GP in Queensland at $50.62 per consultation. 

The complete absence of any new bulk-billing availability is a massive burden on our healthcare system, with Brisbane residents now facing a crisis of access and affordability for primary healthcare. 

This morning, Stephen wrote to federal Health Minister Mark Butler — alongside his Greens colleagues Elizabeth Watson-Brown and Max Chandler-Mather — calling on him to adopt the Greens’ plan to tripe the bulk-billing incentive, and to establish new bulk-billing Urgent Care Clinics here in Brisbane at this year’s budget.

Stephen Bates MP, Federal MP for Brisbane

In a rich country like ours, no one should be putting off a medical appointment because it’s too expensive to see the GP. But that’s exactly what’s happening here in Brisbane.

People are putting off seeing a GP until they have a laundry list of conditions to talk about — or they’re putting it off entirely. That’s putting more pressure on emergency rooms at a time our hospitals are already struggling.

I’ve had 1,300 locals reach out to my office needing help to access healthcare since I was elected three years ago.

They’ve told me they are skipping appointments and delaying receiving crucial test results because they simply can’t afford the out of pocket cost.

GPs being harder to access means more people turning up at emergency rooms for care they could have gotten earlier elsewhere. GPs being more expensive means people are spending less on preventative healthcare like going to the dentist or keeping up with physical therapies. This is squeezing our whole health system and driving us towards a dark place where only the richest few can afford the care they need.

I got involved in politics after a working holiday in the USA, where my friends and I had to raise money to make sure a coworker could afford the insulin she needed.

I made a promise to myself that I’d do everything I could to stop Australia from going down that same dark path. 

But the Cleanbill statistics released this month show a total collapse of access to affordable health services in Brisbane.

The thousands of Brisbane locals who can’t afford to see their local GP anymore need to have access to healthcare outside of the emergency department. It’s just common sense.

The Albanese Government will invest $13.6 million towards the St George Illawarra Dragons Community and High Performance Centre (CHPC) – a world-class precinct and facility which would create significant legacy for sporting teams, fans and the Illawarra community into the future.

This Federal investment will allow the Dragons’ existing facilities to come together under one roof at the University of Wollongong’s Innovation Campus and allows for new opportunities for the Club’s elite and junior representative programs, as well a community partnership programs.

Critically, the new CHPC will enable increased female participation in sport, with an additional 6,000 women expected to play in the region over the next decade.

Community and High Performance Centres across the country have formed the pathways for so many athletes to go on to major national and international success.

The collaboration between the University of Wollongong and the St George Illawarra Dragons for the CHPC aims to deepen engagement with the wider Illawarra community through partnerships, programs, collaboration and learning.

The Albanese Government’s investment, alongside funding from the NSW Government and the St George Illawarra Dragons Club will deliver:

• Two full-sized NRL playing fields.
• Equitable male and female player facilities.
• Medical and treatment facilities.
• High-performance gym and sport science areas.
• Lecture theatre and meeting rooms.
• Community classroom and program spaces including an internal ‘grandstand’.
• Office space for football, community and administration staff, as well as for community partners.
• Communal function rooms.
• University of Wollongong research collaboration space.
• Allied Health area.

The St George Illawarra Dragons’ CHPC project is due to be completed in 2026.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“My Government understands the important role that community sporting facilities play in the quality of life for Australians.

“Our investment of $13.6 million to the St George Illawarra Dragons’ Community and High Performance Centre will provide a base for the Dragons to deliver the next chapter for the Illawarra.

“The Centre will include world-class high-performance training, administration and community facilities as well as community programs to foster even greater rugby league talent.

“This project will help build a better future for the Dragons, University of Wollongong and the Illawarra community.”

the Minister for Sport, Anika Wells:

“The Albanese Government is determined to bridge gender sporting gaps and this investment in the Dragons new facility will help more women and girls have access to more sport.

“Having equitable male and female player facilities is what women in professional sport deserve.”

the Member for Whitlam, Stephen Jones:

“Sport is a major part of family life across the region, and the St George Illawarra Dragons are an integral part of the Illawarra community.

The Albanese Government is backing our region by investing in a world-class facility and community programs that families across the Illawarra will enjoy.

Kids across the Illawarra will now have access to the best facilities that will grow their love for the game of rugby league, while building resilient and healthy communities.

The Illawarra has a top-notch university and this investment will grow the Illawarra and our regions even further.”

the Member for Cunningham, Alison Byrnes:

“The St George Illawarra Dragons’ Community and High-Performance Centre will be a game-changer for the Illawarra, providing pathways for inclusive sporting opportunities, and upgrades to our much-needed community and sporting infrastructure.

“This state-of-the-art facility supported by the Albanese Labor Government will foster greater participation in sport – particularly for women and girls – while also supporting First Nations communities, Pasifika groups, and people of all abilities.

“With a strong focus on health, education, and community engagement, the CHPC will connect people through sport, learning, and resilience-building programs in partnership with the University of Wollongong.”

St George Illawarra Dragons CEO, Ryan Webb:

“On behalf of the Dragons, I’d like to sincerely thank Prime Minster Albanese and the Federal Government for believing in our vision and helping this project to become a reality.

“This Community and High Performance Centre will bring all our staff, coaches and male and female players together under one roof in a state-of-the-art facility that will take our preparation to the next level.

“The CHPC will also provide a significant boost to the local community via access to the NRL fields and community and education program spaces.”

I am pleased to announce the recipients of the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations grants round for 2024-25, and new appointments to its Advisory Board.

The Foundation is providing 29 grants to support cooperation and engagement between the people of Australia and China. These programs are focused on building capability in Australian industry, boardrooms, community and institutions to foster engagement in a risk-informed way.

The initiatives receiving grants are listed on the Foundation’s website and include: 

• Long-term investment in Australia’s China capability, through scholarships and exchange programs for students, and training and mentoring programs for Australian businesses, academics and members of the public sector.
• Research, dialogue and cooperation in the priority areas of climate change, sustainable agriculture and decarbonisation.
• Celebrating Chinese-Australians with initiatives sharing the stories of those making powerful contributions to our communities.
• Through the convening power of sport, education and the arts, building understanding of Australia in China, and supporting stronger people-to-people connections.

Today I also announce the appointment of Advisory Board members for the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations.

The Advisory Board helps guide the Foundation in its work to promote and coordinate enhanced cooperation between Australia and China, in support of Australia’s national interest.

I am pleased to appoint Ms Wendy Huang, Publisher and Managing Director, 1688/Chinese Herald Australia to the Advisory Board.

I am pleased to confirm that Mr Rowan Callick, Dr Yin Cao, Ms Wesa Chau, Dr Courtney Fung, Mr Douglas Gautier AM, Ms Marina Go AM, Dr Jade Little, Professor Sharon Lewin AO, Mr Richard McGregor and Professor Rory Medcalf AM have been reappointed to the Advisory Board.

I am also delighted Ms Marina Go AM has accepted my invitation to become Chair of the Foundation in June 2025.

I pay tribute to outgoing Chair Ms Pru Bennett for her contribution to the Foundation as Chair since 2020.

I also thank outgoing Board Members Professor Brian Schmidt AC and Professor Duncan Lewis AO DSC CSC for their valuable support to the Foundation over recent years.

I look forward to the Foundation’s continued work to strengthen engagement with China in Australia’s interest and to reinforce social cohesion by partnering with Chinese-Australian communities to showcase their contributions.