Category: Australian News

Today, Cleanbill released its Blue Report measuring the availability of bulk billing GPs across the country. 

The report demonstrates that:

• Almost 80% of available Australian GP clinics no longer offer bulk billing to adults. 
• The average out-of-pocket cost to see a GP is $43.38 per visit.

 The community and general practitioners are at breaking point. The lack of action on bulk billing is harming our community and is putting pressure on an already strained health system.

The Greens have a bold plan that will improve the health of our community, and bring down the cost of living. Including: 

• Triple the bulk-billing incentive for all: The Greens will ensure everyone, and not just specific cohorts, can access a bulk-billed GP appointment in private practice by tripling the bulk-billing incentive for everyone with a Medicare card. 
• Free Local Healthcare Clinics in WA: The Greens will establish at least 96 new Free Local Healthcare Clinics across Western Australia with government-employed healthcare professionals providing free services. 

Senator Jordon Steele-John, Greens Spokesperson for Health

“With rising out-of-pocket costs and shrinking bulk billing availability, something has got to give.

“It’s disgraceful that we’re in a cost of living crisis where people are choosing between going to the doctor, paying rent and putting food on the table.

“The Greens have a bold plan that will improve the health of our community, and bring down the cost of living. We’re committed to getting back to going to the GP for Free, including increasing the bulk-billing incentive and establishing 1000 Free Local Healthcare centres across Australia.

“These new clinics will be staffed with General Practitioners, Dentists, Psychologists and Nurse Practitioners so Australians can get the healthcare they need when they need it.”

Today, Cleanbill released its Blue Report measuring the availability of bulk billing GPs across the country. 

The report demonstrates that bulk-billing rates are tanking and costs are increasing; the average out of pocket cost to see a GP in WA is $42.66 per visit.

In a cost-of-living crisis, the lack of action on bulk billing is causing harm to the community and is putting pressure on an already strained health system.  The community and general practitioners are at breaking point.

The Greens have a bold plan that will improve the health of our community, and bring down the cost of living. Including: 

• Triple the bulk-billing incentive for all: The Greens will ensure everyone, and not just specific cohorts, can access a bulk-billed GP appointment in private practice by tripling the bulk-billing incentive for everyone with a Medicare card. 
• Free Local Healthcare Clinics in WA: The Greens will establish at least 96 new Free Local Healthcare Clinics across Western Australia with government-employed healthcare professionals providing free services. 

WA Senator Jordon Steele-John, Greens Spokesperson for Health

“The West Australian healthcare system is at breaking point. With rising out-of-pocket costs and shrinking bulk billing availability, something has got to give.”

“The Greens plan will see at least 96 new public and free healthcare clinics across Western Australia.”

“These new clinics will be staffed with General Practitioners, Dentists, Psychologists and Nurse Practitioners so West Australians can get the healthcare they need when they need it.”

“I’ve spoken to thousands of people across the electorate and people have shared with me that they’re suffering because of the current cost of healthcare. I’ve heard from parents who are deciding between putting food on the table or going to the doctor. It’s clear this is a crisis. 

“New data shows that in the Perth CBD, the average out-of-pocket cost to see the GP is nearly $50 and rising. This is not only putting people’s health at risk, it is completely unsustainable with those effects found later down the line in overwhelmed emergency rooms.

“I’ve spoken to nurses working at Royal Perth Hospital who feel completely overwhelmed and undervalued. They’ve shared that emergency admissions are on the rise but resources aren’t keeping up. 

“The Greens Plan for Perth includes building 6 new free healthcare clinics. This will mean our community can access General Practitioners, Dentists, Psychologists and Nurse Practitioners without worrying about the out-of-pocket cost.  

Tim Costello is right – we’re all about to lose to vested interests.

Labor has abandoned its long-awaited reforms despite over 70 per cent of Australians wanting a full gambling ad ban.

I’m one of those 70 per cent.

I have a 10-year-old and the idea that she may be exposed to gambling ads on YouTube, Spotify and other channels horrifies me.

And it’s not just in the Federal Parliament.

The Tasmanian government backflipped on pokies reform. In NSW, pokies reform has stalled.

Here in the ACT, Labor withdrew its own amendments to reduce pokies and continued to block the cashless gaming system proposed by the Greens Minister, despite academics and harm reduction experts supporting those reforms.

It’s honestly insulting to the community. The lack of action on gambling ads. The backflipping on pokies reform and now, for Canberra, the backing of developments in our city that don’t meet community needs, including affordable housing options for the many Canberrans struggling to pay their bills.

Canberra’s horseracing industry is asking the ACT Government to rezone their land at Thoroughbred Park so they can profit from a $2 billion property development.

It’s a great idea to rezone that land for housing. It’s on light rail and only 5 km from our city’s centre. In fact, we could put a whole suburb there with public and affordable housing, community facilities, schools and parks – something the Greens proposed months ago.

But that’s not the deal on the table.

The only deal on the table is the one by the Canberra Racing Club, which is a joint venture with the ACT Government to add 3000 apartments on the side of their racetrack – no parks, no playgrounds, no community facilities and no schools, despite those in the area already at 94 per cent capacity.

Does this development mean we may see some affordable housing options for people who are struggling to keep a roof over their heads? That’s uncertain.

Despite us living in an urgent housing crisis, Treasury documents released under freedom of information have indicated no homes in this proposal will be affordable. The Labor Government is yet to make a commitment about this one way or the other.

Various people have asked if the government will compare the two options, but they’ve been told no by the Chief Minister’s office.

Labor and the Liberals have actively voted against community consultation, considering various options for the site and publishing the results. This seems unbelievable.

This comes from an industry with declining membership that’s running deficits year after year, that provides most economic value to the ACT through gambling ads (according to a report commissioned by the Canberra Racing Club), and receives 27 times more in public funding than they generate in the ACT betting tax and only donate $50,000 yearly to a local charity despite receiving $8 million of public funding.

And this is all hidden behind closed doors.

You wouldn’t know you’re getting a dodgy deal simply because this conversation is not happening publicly.

But the Greens are trying to change that. You deserve to know what’s happening in your city. You deserve to have a say, and you deserve to know that the people you elected are working transparently and in good faith.

Even the public funding between the ACT Government and the racing industry is done through multi-year deals, which until recently weren’t even published – not through public tenders, grants or annual processes, which most other non-government entities seeking public funding have to do. In fact, each year, the horseracing industry receives more public funding than the Canberra Raiders, ACT Brumbies, Canberra United and all our community sports programs combined.

They’re the only non-government member of a steering committee making recommendations to government about whether to rezone Thoroughbred Park and whether government should enter into a property deal with them. The only public information I’ve found about this process so far came from my parliamentary questions and FOI requests.

So yes, rezoning for housing is a great idea. But it’s all hushed, and there is no genuine community consultation and involvement. The only plan being considered is that of the Canberra Racing Club, which has no experience in property development. So you could ask, what are the chances of us getting a development that will deliver for Canberra’s growing population?

My asks to the Labor Government are simple: let people have a genuine say, plan for the growing community, and show some leadership to ensure there are housing options for everyone in Canberra, not just those who can afford the private market.

Jo Clay is the Deputy Leader of the ACT Greens and a Member for Ginninderra in the Legislative Assembly. This article was originally posted on the Riot ACT.

The Albanese Government is building Australia’s future by delivering infrastructure that connects regional communities and eases the everyday lives of locals. 

We’ve listened to the people of Shoalhaven, and today we are announcing $5 million for the Nowra Riverfront Precinct – a new mixed-use hub that will reconnect Nowra city centre with the Shoalhaven River waterfront.

The new precinct will transform Nowra for locals and visitors alike, shaping the future of the town and strengthening its role as the civic and tourism centre for the Shoalhaven region.

It will create an integrated space, incorporating parklands, accommodation, areas for commercial and social activities, as well as active transport links.

Today’s investment is supporting a precinct masterplan, detailed designs for the central open space, drainage, an access road, and a business case. It will help complete the planning, while early delivery of public space improvements will encourage private investment and renewal of the surrounding area.

This project showcases the Government’s commitment to listening to, and working with, local communities, and addressing regional needs.

It is funded through the Albanese Government’s regional Precincts and Partnership Program, which provides investment to transform regional, rural and remote places. For more information, visit: infrastructure.gov.au/regional. 

For more information on the Nowra Riverfront Activation, visit: Nowra Riverfront Activation (NRAT) | Get Involved Shoalhaven.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“My Government is building Australia’s future, today announcing we will deliver $5 million to create the Nowra Riverfront Precinct.

“This project will transform Nowra and create a space that can be enjoyed by the local community and tourists for years to come.”

Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King

“The Nowra Riverfront Precinct has been a long-held vision of the Shoalhaven City Council, so I’m thrilled to be part of a government that believes in regional communities and is turning their dream into a reality.

“Precincts like this not only give the community a space to gather and visitors a space to enjoy, but they transform towns by boosting local economies and shaping the everyday lives of locals.

“This new riverfront precinct, which will be beautifully integrated into Nowra, and will cement its role as the community and tourism hub of the Shoalhaven region.”

Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips

“As a long-time local, the Shoalhaven Riverfront has always held great personal significance to me. It’s where I grew up riding my bike from the farm to the Nowra Pool. It’s where I married, where I regularly swam with my family and community, and it’s where I fought so hard along with our community to save Nowra’s community swimming pool.

“I’ve never lost sight of that as part of a revitalised riverfront. That’s why I’ve been fighting every single day to continue riverfront revitalisation for our community.

“To say I’m thrilled with this funding announcement today is an understatement. It is a pivotal piece in the puzzle of the always-longed-for revitalised riverfront.

“A revitalised Nowra Riverfront will mean huge benefits for our community with improved liveability and wellbeing options as well as being good for tourism, local businesses and jobs.”

Shoalhaven City Council Mayor Patricia White

“We are excited to be able to continue to progress this project with the NSW Government’s Nowra Riverfront Advisory Taskforce towards delivery as it presents a significant and long desired opportunity to shape the future of Nowra and strengthen its role as the civic, community, tourism and recreational hub for the Shoalhaven region.

“This funding will allow us to complete planning investigations and finalise the masterplan designs for the flagship riverfront park, and conduct further community consultation and a business case to facilitate investment in this foreshore precinct.”

Acting leader of the Australian Greens, Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, says that the Prime Minister must use his current visit to Western Australia to stare down the gas lobby, instead of sucking up to them prior to the federal election.

Gas is as dirty as coal, and has been the fastest growing sector of Australian emissions. Its continued expansion is a major contributor to the climate crisis, and several major gas projects are in the 32 new coal and gas projects approved by Labor in this term.

Despite being rich donors to Labor and Liberal, Australia’s gas industry is a serial non-payer of tax, employs few people, and ships most of the country’s gas overseas – which also pushes up domestic power prices.

Lines attributable to Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, Acting Leader of the Australian Greens:
“The climate fires burning in California should be a catastrophic warning for Australia. The images are harrowing and remind us all how bad things can get.

“This isn’t the future of the climate crisis, it is today’s reality thanks to global heating supercharged by opening new and more coal and gas mines.

“What Australians really find triggering is the Labor Party approving new coal and gas mines in the midst of a climate crisis – and spending time cosying up to the gas industry before an election.

“In the middle of winter in LA, people are fleeing their homes and fleeing for their lives. Every time we open new coal or gas mines, the intensity of these climate risks gets worse.

“The Prime Minister is in WA today and rather than sucking up to the fossil fuel industry, the Prime Minister should stare down the gas lobby.

“Anthony Albanese must use his visit to WA to stare down the fossil fuel industry, refuse to take their dirty donations, and to fight for Australia’s environment and the safety and the future of this country.

“We’ve had fires in Australia already this summer, including the devastating fires in the Grampians. Australians deserve political leaders to keep them safe, and that means we have to stop making the climate crisis worse.”

The Greens have called on the PM and Communications Minister to outline their plan for holding the tech giants to account and creating safer online environments for all, following Meta’s announcement it will withdraw 40k fact checkers.

Greens Acting Leader and Spokesperson for Communications Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said:

“The Albanese Government has failed to rein in the power of the big tech platforms. Trolling, abuse, lies and mis truths were already rampant on social media and will now be in free fall.

“The Government had an opportunity to create a safer online space for all of us by tackling the dangerous algorithms and business practices that fuel outrage and hate on social media. Instead, they just banned young people which does nothing to address the root of the problem.

“Since Meta’s announcement the Communications Minister has pointed to public interest journalism as the solution. But when you have the Murdoch Media pedalling mis and disinformation dressed up as news, it’s no better than the platforms of the billionaire tech bros.

“Whether it’s X or Facebook, or Sky News on YouTube, the Albanese Government needs tell Australians how it will stop the billionaires profiting off social discourse.

“With the Federal Election possibly just weeks away, Australians are about to be bombarded with lies and culture wars ignited by Peter Dutton and the nasty Liberal Party. Strong laws that hold the tech giants, Murdoch Media and political parties to account is needed now, before Dutton is able to roll out Trump’s entire playbook.”

Following the recent earthquake in Vanuatu, the Australian Government will provide further assistance to support the restoration of essential services and infrastructure.

The $10 million package will focus on the education, health and transport sectors, addressing critical Vanuatu Government priorities. It will be delivered through local systems and partners to ensure local ownership and long-term sustainability.

Australia’s assistance will also help strengthen Vanuatu’s resilience against future disasters and support vulnerable groups including women, children and people with disability.

It builds on Australia’s initial $7 million package of practical humanitarian assistance for Vanuatu’s initial earthquake response, which included emergency supplies, funding to humanitarian partners, and the deployment of Australia Assists personnel, Australian Medical Assistance Teams and a Disaster Assistance Response Team.

The 7.3-magnitude earthquake, which took place on 17 December 2024, claimed 14 lives and impacted an estimated 80,000 people.

We stand in solidarity with the Government of Vanuatu and the ni-Vanuatu people during this difficult time.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong:

“Australia and Vanuatu share a deep and enduring partnership. We are family and we will always be there for Vanuatu in times of need.

“This recovery package will help accelerate the tireless efforts of the ni-Vanuatu people to rebuild and recover from the tragic impacts of the earthquake.”

Minister for International Development and the Pacific Pat Conroy:

“The Vanuatu people have shown extraordinary resolve and resilience in the face of persistent disasters. Australia will continue to show resolve in our support for Vanuatu.

“Australia is committed to supporting the resilience and prosperity of all ni-Vanuatu. Our humanitarian and recovery assistance will help ensure Vanuatu rebounds strongly.”

The Greens have renewed calls for a cap and freeze on rents as new independent analysis reveals that unlimited rent increases over recent years have eroded renters ability to save for a house deposit.

The independent analysis conducted by the Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO) looks at housing deposit affordability for an average renter, consistent with methodology used by the Reserve Bank of Australia, and finds that a cap and freeze on rents would drastically reduce the time it takes a renter to save for a deposit.

The PBO analysis outlines that if rents continue to climb at the rate they have in 2022-2023, it will take the average renter 65.6 years to save for a house deposit by 2030.

The PBO canvased different rent control policies and found that that time would drop drastically if a rent cap and freeze were introduced.

Rents have skyrocketed in the last two years, and while the increases have slowed in the last quarter, the annual increase is still more than twice what it was before the pandemic.

Even if rent increases slowed to their 10 year average, the analysis finds that renters who can only afford to save 10% of their income would still find themselves saving for 15 years.

Rental affordability is at a 20 year low, and renters need the government to step in now. Sixteen countries across Europe have some form of rent control, while the ACT has enjoyed it since 2019.

The Greens will centre rent reform as part of their policy platform in the lead up to the Prahran by-election as rents have skyrocketed in Prahran and 55% of the population are renters.

Victorian Greens spokesperson for Renters’ Rights, Gabrielle de Vietri:

“It’s almost impossible to save if you’re renting right now – you’re probably struggling to pay for groceries let alone a house deposit. This study makes the assumption that renters can currently save, but without rent controls, the possibility of that ever materialising into a home of their own becomes a distant dream.”

“We only need to look back over recent years to know that as long as landlords are able to jack up the rent as much as they like – they will.”

“Right now, renters know that it’s basically impossible to save for a house deposit and this is proof that with a rent cap and freeze, we can change that.”

Greens’ candidate for Prahran, Angelica Di Camillo:

“Renters make up 55% of our electorate and people in Prahran know just how hard it’s become to be a renter here as prices have skyrocketed.”

“We’re in the middle of a cost of living crisis where renters are being hit hardest with every rent increase pushing people further and further into financial stress.”

“It’s clear that we need to cap and freeze rents so that people have a chance at finding any kind of stability or even actually owning their own home.”

Construction is now underway on the highly anticipated Alkimos Aquatic and Recreation Centre in Perth’s north, delivering key infrastructure for local communities to enjoy now and into the future.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese joined Federal Member for Pearce Tracey Roberts and Mayor of Wanneroo Linda Aitken to officially turn the sod to mark the start of works today.

Alkimos has been identified as a key area of development in the Northern Coastal Growth Corridor of the City of Wanneroo, with the expected growth identifying the need for significant community infrastructure that will meet current and future demand.

Building Australia’s Future is about so much more than bricks and mortar. It is about creating a better life for Australians. Projects like this create communities.

The project involves the construction of a regional level aquatic and multi-purpose facility, and will include:

• three indoor pools, including a learn to swim and free form leisure pool
• health suite including spa, sauna and steam room
• outdoor 50 metre competition pool
• multi-use indoor sports courts with spectator seating
• gymnasium and fitness suite
• cafeteria
• occasional childcare space
• community facilities, including meeting and consulting rooms.

The facility will provide a key space for the community to meet, socialise and participate in recreation activities including volunteering, building a foundation for social cohesion.

It is expected that the project will support 250 jobs during construction and will create another 42 ongoing jobs once complete.

The nearly $88 million project has been made possible with a commitment of $30 million from the Albanese Government, $12.6 million from the Cook Government and $45.3 million from the City of Wanneroo.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“Strong communities need good quality community infrastructure. That’s why my Government is building Australia’s Future and investing in these important local facilities.

“The Alkimos Aquatic and Recreation Centre will become a hub for the Wanneroo community and support more than 250 local jobs during construction.

“This is on top of our commitment to deliver $200 million for more local housing and community infrastructure in regional Western Australia.”

the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King:

“It’s so exciting to see construction begin on the Alkimos Aquatic Centre – a result of the funding partnerships in place for this terrific community facility in Perth’s north.

“I look forward to seeing works continuing to progress, which will support a real jobs and economic boost for Wanneroo while delivering this centre.”

WA Sport and Recreation Minister, David Templeman:

“This is a fantastic project that will benefit the residents of our northern corridor for generations to come.

“The Cook Government is taking Western Australia to the next level and this project is part of that vision.”

Federal Member for Pearce, Tracey Roberts:

“This project is a demonstration of our Government’s ongoing commitment to providing new and improved infrastructure for the electorate of Pearce that will encourage the community to thrive, both economically and socially.

“My commitment to this project has been unwavering. I have fiercely championed and advocated for the new Alkimos pool during my tenure as Mayor of the City of Wanneroo and as the Federal Member for Pearce.

“Today this exciting sod-turning event marks the commencement of construction of the facility, that will feature swimming pools, fitness areas, sports courts, and family gathering spaces.

“This new build will not only serve as a hub for learn-to-swim programs, physical activity but will also foster social connections among residents, strengthening the fabric of our community and will become a much loved and valued community asset.”

the Mayor of the City of Wanneroo, Linda Aitken:

“I’m pleased to be able to share the exciting news with the residents of the city’s northern suburbs, many of whom advocated for the new facility.

“We are committed to providing sport and recreation facilities that enable our residents to lead healthy and active lifestyles, no matter where they live in our city.

“The centre has been a high priority for the city since 2018, and it is important that we are able to deliver a state-of-the-art facility to suit the needs of our growing community well into the future.”

With the Prime Minister kicking off the unofficial campaign for the 2025 Federal Election this week, the Greens are calling for the ABC to be declared the official host of the leaders’ debate and for the Greens’ leader to be included in the leaders’ debates.

Greens acting leader and spokesperson for communications Senator Sarah Hanson-Young urged the Prime Minister to name the ABC as the official leaders’ debate host and commit to legislating the policy to ‘Dutton-proof’ it.

“When parliament returns in February, the Greens will move for the ABC to be designated as the official host of the Federal Election leaders’ debate,” Senator Hanson-Young said.

“This is a simple and common-sense proposition; our national broadcaster should be the home of our national election debates.

“When it comes to our democracy and a fair and balanced leaders’ debate, we can’t leave it to the Murdoch Media.

“Voters deserve to be able to watch the debate for free on TV and online and for it to be moderated by the most trusted media outlet in the country.

“Unlike the commercial networks, the ABC is governed by a charter that demands that it act independently and with the best interests of the Australian people in mind.

“Election debates should be about providing information to Australian voters, not about securing ratings for billionaire media moguls.

“At the last election, we saw a sitting prime minister refuse to appear in a debate on the national broadcaster and instead participate in debates that were behind paywalls or on commercial networks.

“Australians pride ourselves on our free and fair elections. As we see the erosion of democratic institutions around the world, making the ABC our national election host broadcaster is an important step in preventing the wider spread of misinformation.

“Given neither major party looks able to win a majority, it is more important than ever that the Greens are included in the leaders debate because it will be the Greens holding both Labor and Liberals to account.”