Category: Australian News

The Australian Government will provide an additional $5 million in practical humanitarian assistance to the people of Vanuatu, following Tuesday’s tragic earthquake.

This support builds on the Australian Government’s initial $2 million package and will assist the next phase of the Vanuatu Government’s emergency response.

It includes $2.5 million for medical care for those injured, and to supply water, sanitation and hygiene products and services.

Assistance will also be directed to NGOs through the Australian Humanitarian Partnership (AHP) consortium to address the distinct needs of vulnerable community members and to the Australian Red Cross, who in partnership with the Vanuatu Red Cross will deliver services and supplies including shelter, first aid and non-food items.

An Australian Medical Assistance Team (AUSMAT), with 16 members will depart tomorrow. They will continue to support local health services to address critical injuries. The team has been drawn from across Australia, and we thank them for their contribution, especially over Christmas.

The 64-member Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART), which has been assisting with search and rescue efforts, and the six-person AUSMAT team that were deployed on Wednesday will return to Australia tomorrow.

The Royal Australian Air Force will conduct two further flights to Port Vila today. Commercial flights are now resuming.

Australians should be proud of the emergency rescue and medical teams that deployed less than 24 hours after the earthquake. We are grateful to all of those involved in Australia’s response for their work.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is continuing to provide consular assistance where needed to Australians present in the affected region.

Australians in need of emergency consular assistance should contact the Australian Government 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre (+61 2 6261 3305 from overseas or 1300 555 135 in Australia).

Senator Mehreen Faruqi, Deputy Leader of the Australian Greens and spokesperson for Higher Education, has reacted to Labor’s replacement of Ministerial Direction 107 with Ministerial Direction 111. 

Senator Mehreen Faruqi:

“Finally, the worst of MD107 which was throttling the tertiary education sector, is gone but Labor is using the same flawed international student caps that were thoroughly rejected by the Senate and the sector for their new MD111. This shows that the heart of the issue remains unchanged.

“This might be a small reprieve for a sector that has been crushed for too long, but implementing international student caps by stealth through a ministerial direction is sneaky and does not tackle the issues universities face.

“Labor continues to dog whistle and blame international students and migrants for the housing crisis they did not cause. The Albanese government should be ashamed of competing with Dutton’s Coalition in the terrible race to see who wins on punching down on migrants the hardest.” 

Senator Mehreen Faruqi, Deputy Leader of the Australian Greens and spokesperson for Anti-Racism and Higher Education, has reacted to the interim report on racism in universities.

Senator Mehreen Faruqi:

“The findings that racism is pervasive in universities doesn’t come as a surprise but it still makes for devastating reading. Like the rest of society, racism is rife in universities.

“Universities should be places that lead the way and set an example for how to be anti-racist but instead staff and students experience the trauma and distress of systemic racism in their institutions.

“A genuine interrogation of institutional racism at each and every university is essential so they confront the legacies of imperialism, racism and white privilege in academia. 

“Evidence that international students are facing exclusion, a lack of support and feeling unwelcome is particularly disturbing. It should be a wake up call for Labor and the Liberals to stop their racist dog whistling and scapegoating for political advantage that is harming communities.

“Universities must foster a culture of being actively anti-racist, accountable for racist behaviour and norms, and support for First Nations people and culturally and racially marginalised people. Only then can we build an anti-racist campus.

“This report is another piece of evidence in a list that grows longer and longer about how entrenched racism is in this country across all sectors. The time to hide behind nice words like ‘social cohesion’ and ‘harmony’ is over. We need to fully confront racism and call it for what it is.

“Today must be the day the government commits to fully funding and implementing the National Anti-Racism Framework.”

Today I travelled to Kyiv to express Australia’s unwavering solidarity with the people of Ukraine and announce further support to assist them in response to Russia’s brutal, illegal war.

Australia has unequivocally condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and provided more than $1.5 billion in assistance to Ukraine since the full-scale conflict began in February 2022.

In Kyiv, I met with Ukraine’s Prime Minister Shmyhal, Foreign Minister Sybiha, Defence Minister Umerov and Deputy Energy Minister Roman Andarak and announced that the Albanese Government is building on our commitment to Ukraine with the following:

• Australia will provide $66 million to the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development, to assist with Ukraine’s vital recovery and reconstruction efforts.
• Australia will also contribute $10 million in assistance to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund to provide heat and electricity for Ukrainians.

I also visited the site of Australia’s Embassy in Kyiv that was closed by the Morrison Government in 2022, where I was updated on the progress of work to enable the full return of Australia’s diplomatic presence.

The Albanese Government has always said we would reopen our Embassy in Kyiv when it is safe to do so. I was pleased to announce we are reopening the Embassy.

From next month, Australia’s Ambassador as well as our Deputy Head of Mission will return to Kyiv.

During my visit, I met families at ‘Save Ukraine’ – a community organisation that supports vulnerable Ukrainian families and children that have been damaged by this terrible conflict where I told them Australia will contribute $80,000 to help facilitate their work.

What happens to Ukraine matters to Australians. Ukraine’s fight against Russia has consequences for our national security and the security of the Indo-Pacific.

Today and every day, Australia stands with Ukraine against Russia’s aggression.

Media note: More information on these announcements can be found on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website. Imagery is available via Dropbox.

China has today notified Australia that full resumption of live rock lobster trade can recommence.

The Australian Government welcomed this notification which followed agreement between Prime Minister Albanese and Premier Li in October 2024 to resume live rock lobster trade by the end of this year.

This is a major win for our hard-hit live rock lobster industry and follows sustained engagement and advocacy by government and industry. We thank the Australian live rock lobster industry for its patience and resilience as we worked to reinstate market access.

This outcome demonstrates the value of the Government’s patient, calibrated, and deliberate approach towards stabilising Australia’s relations with China.

This announcement opens the door for Australian exporters to supply the world’s best lobsters once again to this important market. The resumption of live rock lobster exports to China is expected to have substantial economic benefits and deliver job security for fishing communities in regional areas.

When the Albanese Government came to office, Australian exporters faced impediments on exporting wine, barley, coal, cotton, timber logs, oaten hay, copper ores and concentrates and red meat into China – around $20 billion worth of Australian products. The removal of restrictions on lobster marks the resolution of all outstanding impediments to trade from that period.

The Australian Government will continue with its calm and consistent approach to the China relationship – where we cooperate where we can, disagree where we must, and engage in the national interest.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“This outcome affirms the calm and consistent approach taken by the Albanese Government in the stabilisation of our bilateral relationship.

“As a result of the Albanese Government’s deliberate, patient and calibrated approach, approximately $20 billion worth of trade impediments on Australian exports have been removed.”

Foreign Minister Penny Wong:

“Today’s announcement shows the Albanese Labor Government’s approach to this consequential relationship is delivering for Australians and for our national interest.

“We said before the last election that we would work to stabilise the relationship with China, without compromising on what is important to Australians, and that is what we have done.”

Trade and Tourism Minister Don Farrell:

“This is a fantastic outcome for the Australian lobster industry and for Chinese consumers who will be able to enjoy delicious Australian live rock lobster in time for Lunar New Year celebrations.

“It is in Australia’s national interest to have a constructive relationship with our largest trading partner and to have Australia’s top exports purchased by China’s consumers.

“The Government will continue to support Australian businesses sell their world-class products on the global stage.”

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins:

“This outcome comes at a critical time for the Australian live rock lobster industry.

“We are continuing to stabilise trade with China to get greater return for our hard-working fishers and other primary producers.”

Today, the Coalition has launched a new webpage – Health Facts – to combat Labor’s desperate lies on health.

It has become clear that a desperate Albanese Labor Government is attempting to reheat their disgraced Mediscare campaign in an attempt to distract from their failures.

We are setting the record straight.

While Labor is focused on lies and scaremongering, we are focused on the facts.

Our Health Facts webpage relies on real data to demonstrate the Coalition’s strong track record on ensuring Australians have affordable and timely access to healthcare, including through increased funding into Medicare, hospitals and medicines.

Labor is relying on lies and spin.

The facts are undeniable. The Coalition always has and always will invest in Medicare.

Under the Coalition, funding into Medicare increased year-on-year from $18.6 billion under Labor in 2012–13 to more than $30 billion in 2021-22.

This led to record high bulk billing rates and a stronger Medicare system for all Australians. Across the Coalition’s time in Government, the average bulk billing rate was 86.15%. Under Labor it is 78.75%

The Coalition also increased hospital funding by 86%, doubled the number of Medicare-subsidised mental health sessions Australians can access, and made more than 2,900 new or amended medicines listings on the PBS.

Since Labor has come into government, the GP bulk billing has plummeted by 11%, out-of-pocket costs have reached the highest level on record, and the Government has cut Medicare mental health support in half.

Shadow Minister for Health, Senator Anne Ruston said that the Labor Party will spend the upcoming election campaign telling lies about health, but the Coalition has a proud record on supporting Australians’ access to essential healthcare.

“In fact, it was Peter Dutton as Health Minister who established Australia’s $20 billion Medical Research Future Fund, which has led to life-saving new medical developments for Australian patients,” Senator Ruston said.

“The irony is that it has literally never been harder or more expensive to see a doctor than under the Albanese Labor Government.

“We know that Australians can feel the truth of Labor’s health lies in their hip pockets every time they go to pay the bill at their doctor’s reception desk. But now they also have this clear and consolidated resource to fact check Labor’s shameful scare tactics.

“It is incredibly disappointing that this webpage is necessary, but it is clear that Labor does not care about the facts.

“Instead of taking action to tackle the rising unaffordability of essential healthcare, the Albanese Government is lying to Australians. It’s disgraceful.

“Australians cannot afford three more years of Labor, or their lies.”

Today’s budget update has shown the enormous cost of another three years of Labor.

Australians are suffering through the worst collapse in living standards on record and we’ve had 7 consecutive quarters of a family recession.

There is nothing in this budget update that will restore what has been lost under Labor.

There is no light at the end of the tunnel for Australia in today’s budget update.

Labor has turned a $15.8 billion surplus into $143 billion of deficits, with no plan to return the budget to balance for a decade.

Today’s statement shows Labor is the biggest spending government outside of wartime or a global crisis.

At a time when inflation is still too high, Jim Chalmers and Anthony Albanese have added an additional $347 billion in spending since the election.

Labor is spending $12 for every $1 saved, just in this budget update.

This will mean higher debt, higher taxes, higher inflation, and higher interest rates for longer.

There is now $233 billion of red ink in our nation’s finances over the next four years, with rising debt, and higher interest payments on that debt.

Also in this update, we’ve seen new migration figures. They show Labor has completely failed to manage immigration in this country.

One person is arriving to live in Australia every 46 seconds.

There’s been 1.3 million migrants during this term of Parliament, 700,000 more than expected at the election due to Labor’s mismanagement.

If Labor gets another term, migration will hit 2 million in total with no plan for housing and infrastructure.

What we have seen today is that the picture for another three years of Labor is a painful disaster for Australians.

And Labor takes no responsibility for its economic and fiscal mismanagement – every day it has yet another person to blame and yet another excuse.

The only thing Jim Chalmers does more than spin is spend.

Australians simply can’t afford another three years of Labor.

Australia’s initial humanitarian assistance to support recovery efforts following yesterday’s devastating Port Vila earthquake will arrive in Vanuatu this afternoon.

Assessments following the 7.2-magnitude earthquake are ongoing, but extensive damage has occurred to buildings in and around Port Vila, and hospitals are under significant pressure as medical staff treat those injured.

In response to requests from the Vanuatu Government, Australia has deployed a $2 million immediate response package, which includes a 64-person Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) and two canines, to undertake urban search and rescue operations.

The Australian DART team will work alongside local authorities to recover people trapped within buildings, conduct safety assessments and remove hazardous materials.

An Australian Medical Assistance Team (AUSMAT) has been deployed to support health authorities treat the injured and to assess further needs.

A five-person Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) Crisis Response Team and a Liaison Officer from the National Emergency Management Agency will also be deployed to assist Australia’s consular and humanitarian response.

Nine additional Australian Federal Police members will arrive in Port Vila today in addition to the six members already posted to Vanuatu working alongside the Vanuatu Police Force with the emergency response.

These members will assist with command and control to assess how to respond to the incident, setting up emergency communications and drone operations, and undertaking disaster victim identification.

Australia will also provide support to the Vanuatu Government’s National Disaster Management Office to assist in managing the emergency response.

These teams have deployed via a Royal Australian Air Force C-17 Globemaster III and C-130J Hercules, with the Australian Defence Force ready to provide further support as needed.

DFAT is aware of a number of Australians in the affected region and is providing consular assistance to those in need.

Australian citizens and permanent residents in Vanuatu can register with DFAT’s registration online portal to receive important information and updates and should read the latest travel advice at https://www.smartraveller.gov.au

Australians in need of emergency consular assistance should contact the Australian Government 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre (+61 2 6261 3305 from overseas or 1300 555 135 in Australia).

We are working closely with France and New Zealand under the FRANZ Arrangement on damage assessments and to coordinate our ongoing assistance and support the Vanuatu Government-led response.

Imagery will be available via Dropbox.

Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles:

“Australia stands ready to assist the Vanuatu Government as required in this critical time.

“Australia’s connection with the government and people of Vanuatu is strong and we will continue to work with them in this time of need.”

Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong:

“We send our deepest condolences following this dreadful tragedy.

“My message to the people of Vanuatu is Australia is here to help. This immediate package of support will ensure those in urgent need receive lifesaving assistance.”

Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus:

“The Australian Federal Police has a proud history of working with their Vanuatu Police Force colleagues.

“The AFP Members living and working in Vanuatu are already assisting with the emergency response and the additional officers will provide additional valuable expertise at this dark time.”

Acting Minister for Emergency Management Catherine King:

“The Australian Government is supporting the Government of Vanuatu during this devastating disaster, including rapidly deploying a Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) to support emergency response and early recovery efforts on the ground.

“Their work over the coming days will be incredibly important as they provide practical assistance and significant technical capabilities to support communities and local authorities during these difficult times.”

Acting Minister for International Development and the Pacific Matt Keogh:

“Our thoughts are with the people who have lost loved ones and those displaced by yesterday’s devastating earthquake.

“We stand ready to provide further assistance to the people of Vanuatu as the extent of damage becomes clear.”

Today I travelled to Kyiv to express Australia’s unwavering solidarity with the people of Ukraine and announce further support to assist them in response to Russia’s brutal, illegal war.

Australia has unequivocally condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and provided more than $1.5 billion in assistance to Ukraine since the full-scale conflict began in February 2022.

In Kyiv, I met with Ukraine’s Prime Minister Shmyhal, Foreign Minister Sybiha, Defence Minister Umerov and Energy Minister Galushchenko and announced that the Albanese Government is building on our commitment to Ukraine with the following:

• Australia will provide $66 million to the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development, to assist with Ukraine’s vital recovery and reconstruction efforts.
• Australia will also contribute $10 million in assistance to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund to provide heat and electricity for Ukrainians.

I also visited the site of Australia’s Embassy in Kyiv that was closed by the Morrison Government in 2022, where I was updated on the progress of work to enable the full return of Australia’s diplomatic presence.

The Albanese Government has always said we would reopen our Embassy in Kyiv when it is safe to do so. I was pleased to announce we are reopening the Embassy.

From next month, Australia’s Ambassador as well as our Deputy Head of Mission will return to Kyiv.

During my visit, I met families at ‘Save Ukraine’ – a community organisation that supports vulnerable Ukrainian families and children that have been damaged by this terrible conflict where I told them Australia will contribute $80,000 to help facilitate their work.

What happens to Ukraine matters to Australians. Ukraine’s fight against Russia has consequences for our national security and the security of the Indo-Pacific.

Today and every day, Australia stands with Ukraine against Russia’s aggression.

The Australian Greens have called today’s mid-year budget update a wasted opportunity to tackle the skyrocketing cost of living at a time when many are at breaking point.

The Greens say Labor could have used the Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO) handed down today to add dental and mental health into Medicare, and stop the $176 billion in tax breaks that make it impossible for renters to buy their first home.

Labor could have used it to get rid of subsidies for polluting fossil fuel giants.

Any of these would have given people across the country good news before Christmas and the new year. 

Instead, Labor has refused to take the bold action needed to improve people’s lives for the better.

Australian Greens Treasury spokesperson, Senator Nick McKim:

“Labor has predictably missed the chance to make big corporations pay their fair share of tax so more can be done to help people who are really struggling to pay the bills.

“In a wealthy country like ours, no one should be going without or struggling to afford the basics. After decades of Labor and Liberal governments, people are paying too much while one in three big corporations pay no tax. This Budget update is more of the same.

“This Budget update was an opportunity to do something meaningful to help with cost-of-living. We could have had dental into Medicare, but instead we’ve got massive hand outs to fossil fuel corporations that are driving the climate crisis.”

Leader of the Australian Greens, Adam Bandt MP:

“Labor and Liberal spend more on tax handouts to wealthy property investors than people struggling to buy their first home.

“It’s clear Labor won’t act on the housing and rental crisis unless pushed. 

“With a minority government likely, the Greens will keep Peter Dutton out and get Labor to wind back handouts for wealthy property investors, make big corporations pay tax and use that money to build homes people can afford.”