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.