Category: Australian News

Today I announce the recipients of the Council for Australian-Arab Relations (CAAR) grants program for 2023-24.

The CAAR grants program aims to strengthen collaboration between Australia and the Middle East and North Africa region by advancing areas of shared political, economic, and social interest and building a greater appreciation of each other’s cultures and values.

Projects under the CAAR grants program are focused on the areas of innovation and sustainability, health and sport, social cohesion and gender equality, and arts and culture.

The ten successful projects for 2023-24, which will receive a share of $452,000 in funding, include:

• Workshops for Early Childhood teachers in Saudi Arabia to promote gender equity when teaching science, technology, engineering and mathematics, hosted by the University of New England.
• A partnership with Fred Hollows Foundation to broker linkages between St John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital Group and Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology will improve the delivery of eye health services and lay the foundation for the early recovery phase in Gaza and future eye health missions in the broader region.
• A training and leadership camp in Qatar focused on building leadership skills for Muslim youth footballers, organised by the Bachar Houli Foundation.
• A project promoting circular entrepreneurship between Australian and Arab entrepreneurs through the establishment of a Blended-Living-Lab, run by James Cook University in collaboration with Abu Dhabi University (United Arab Emirates) and King Abdul Aziz University (Saudi Arabia).

More information about the CAAR, the grants program and the full list of successful grant recipients can be found on the CAAR website.

A Unesco recommendation not to declare the Great Barrier Reef be placed on a list of World Heritage sites “in danger” is a triumph of lobbying and spin over science.

The recommendation – to be considered by the World Heritage Committee next month – goes against a 2022 decision by the IUCN and World Heritage Centre scientific committee, to recommend the reef be placed on the “in danger” list. 

Greens spokesperson for healthy oceans, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson: 

“The burning of fossil fuels is literally cooking our oceans and degrading marine ecosystems across the globe, and nowhere else has this been more politicised than on the Great Barrier Reef. 

“Only two years ago the IUCN and World Heritage Centre scientific committee recommended the Great Barrier Reef be placed on the “in danger” list largely due to devastating climate impacts. Yet the Australian Government lobbied against this recommendation and has continued to rip open new coal and gas mines. 

“The Unesco recommendation not to declare the Great Barrier Reef be placed on a list of World Heritage sites “in danger” is a triumph of lobbying and spin over science.

“Successive governments have lobbied hard and splashed cash on the Great Barrier Reef to buy political cover instead of treating the root cause of this magnificent ecosystem’s decline; which is rising emissions from burning fossil fuels.

“The Albanese government has previously claimed it’s ‘on track’ to have national climate targets in line with keeping global heating to 1.5C, but we know this is completely disingenuous. 

“No amount of conservation efforts to protect the Great Barrier Reef will shield it from the impacts of new coal and gas projects.

“The world will continue to watch the plight of the Great Barrier Reef moving forward, and as a custodian of this great natural wonder the Albanese government should remember this next time it inevitably looks to approve another fossil fuel project.”

The Greens have negotiated amendments to the Therapeutic Goods and Other Legislation Amendment (Vaping Reforms) Bill 2024 and will support the legislation’s passage through the Senate.

As a result of Greens negotiations, we have secured significant changes to the government’s prescription only legislation that risked criminalising people for possessing vapes for personal use. The changes include:

1. Vapes will be available from a chemist as a Schedule 3 pharmacist-only medication for adults over 18 years old, rather than requiring a prescription from a GP. These will be plain packaged and properly regulated vapes. Data of vape purchasers will not be recorded.
2. GPs can continue to prescribe therapeutic vapes, and a prescription will be the only pathway for vapes for people under 18 if they are deemed clinically appropriate. 
3. Possession of personal use quantities of any form of vape will not be subject to criminal charges. There will be an 8-month personal possession amnesty period. Commercial quantities sold by retailers other than pharmacies will be unlawful.
4. As this is world-leading legislation, there will be a review of this legislation after three years.
5. There will be an expanded disposal framework via pharmacies.
6. There will be stronger regulations around advertising to healthcare professionals.
7. Additional funding will be announced to support young people quitting vaping.

Senator Jordon Steele-John, Greens spokesperson for health

“The Australian Greens are deeply concerned about increasing rates of vaping amongst children and see increasing nicotine dependence rates as a significant public health problem.

“The status quo in Australia is far from ideal. It’s unacceptable that children have access to flavoured vapes, and vaping products that have been entering Australia are unsafe, falsely labelled and have dangerous unknown ingredients.

“We’ve heard from parents, teachers, and healthcare professionals about their deep concerns about the impact of vapes. It’s time for change.

“The Greens do not support prohibition, that is why we have successfully secured changes to this legislation to ensure that vapes remain out of the hands of kids, but adults can access them via a pharmacy, and there’s no chance of individuals being criminalised for possessing a personal vape.

“The Greens will support the amended legislation.

“The Greens have secured a carefully regulated scheme that focuses on public health outcomes, reducing harm and minimising use, particularly amongst children.

“We must ensure that no one is incentivised to return to cigarette smoking and that people can get support when they need it. That’s why the Greens have focused on making sure adults can get access to therapeutic vapes when they need them. We’ve moved the government from a cost-prohibitive prescription model to a model where adults can pick up a vaping product from their local pharmacy without a prescription.

“No one should be penalised for personal use of vapes. The prohibition of drugs has failed. The Greens are pleased that we have secured amendments to this legislation that will ensure that no person will be criminalised for personal possession of a vaping product. 

“We need to ensure that disposable vapes are no longer littering our streets and waterways, and we need to reduce lithium battery fires. That’s why the Greens have pushed this government to commit to action on a vaping products amnesty and ensure there are convenient and safe disposal locations.

“The implementation of this legislation with amendments will be a world-first, and because of this, we’ve secured a legislated review of this legislation. A review in 3 years will allow us to see if the harm-reduction settings are right. Across this time, we urge the government to focus on improved data collection, support and education for our community and above all ensure that we have the harm-reduction settings right.

“The Greens have been willing to work with the government to amend the legislation to ensure that no person will be criminalised for the personal possession of vapes, that people can access therapeutic vapes as needed, and we’ve secured a review of the legislation so we can ensure that it’s meeting its harm-reduction goals.”

Labor’s code of conduct will do nothing to bring down food and grocery prices, and if the Prime Minister truly wants to help Australian shoppers he should support the Greens’ divestiture bill this week, the Greens say.

“Food and grocery prices won’t come down unless we make price gouging illegal, and create powers to break up the supermarket duopoly,” Greens Economic Justice Spokesperson Senator Nick McKim said.

“We will bring our divestiture bill to a vote on Wednesday this week.”

“This is Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s moment to choose: does he support Australian shoppers or will he continue to back the giant supermarket corporations and their billion dollar profits.”

“Is Labor actually trying to help Australian shoppers, or just chasing a headline?”

“Only the Greens have proposed concrete measures in Parliament that will result in lower food and grocery prices”.

“Divestiture powers exist in numerous free-market economies around the world, and the Chair of the ACCC has confirmed that greater competition in the supermarket sector would bring down food and grocery prices.”

“The Greens will continue to push for measures that foster competition and lower prices. It’s time for the Labor Party to decide whether to protect the profits of supermarket giants or provide relief to Australian shoppers.”

“The Code of Conduct does need to be made mandatory with significant penalties, which is exactly what the Greens-led Senate inquiry into price gouging recommended.”

“However it only regulates the relationship between supermarkets and suppliers, and won’t bring down the cost of food and groceries.”

The Albanese Government will appoint The Honourable Matt Kean as Chair of the Climate Change Authority (CCA), following the resignation of current Chair Mr Grant King.

The Authority is an independent statutory body that provides expert advice to the Australian Government on climate change policy.

The CCA’s advice is vital for reaping the full benefits of the energy transition for every household and business and for delivering new, well-paid jobs.

As a former NSW Treasurer and Minister for Energy and Environment, Mr Kean is uniquely qualified to lead the CCA.

As Treasurer and Energy Minister of Australia’s largest state, Mr Kean was a prominent proponent of action on climate that is in the best interests of households and businesses.

Mr Kean not only understands the importance of strong action on climate. He also understands the complexities of the transition and the need to carefully design policies and focus on practical implementation to ensure real emissions reductions.

Mr Kean will replace Mr King, who will resign to focus on other roles after more than three years as Chair of the CCA.

Mr King has led the restoration of the CCA under the Albanese Government, including the establishment of Annual Progress Advice to the Minister. Mr King has also led legislative reviews of the Carbon Credits Act and the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Scheme, and a number of CCA-initiated reports on responses to climate change.

Mr King will deliver the CCA’s advice on sectoral decarbonisation pathways to support Australia’s transition to net zero, due by August 1, before his resignation takes effect in early August.

The Government thanks Mr King for his service to the CCA and looks forward to continuing to work with him on shared priorities.

The Government has also appointed Ms Patty Akopiantz as a Member of the Authority.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“The energy transition is a huge opportunity for our nation to create jobs, grow our economy and lower power prices.

“My Government’s approach is focussed on reducing emissions while creating maximum benefits for Australian families and households.

“We are proud to appoint Mr Kean today for this important role and as part of the expert team that will deliver these benefits for our economy.”

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen

“Good climate and energy policy is good economic policy – the Albanese Government gets that and so does Matt Kean.

“Our ambitious but achievable policies are ensuring our approach is credible and delivers benefits for all Australians. The Climate Change Authority is critical to this agenda.

“I thank Grant King for his leadership of the Climate Change Authority, which has seen the Authority restored to its proper role in supporting the Government’s responsible climate goals.

“Matt Kean’s time in public office was marked by reform and the ability to bring people from across the political spectrum with him for the good of the community.”

Today I announce the recipients of the Council for Australian-Arab Relations (CAAR) grants program for 2023-24.

The CAAR grants program aims to strengthen collaboration between Australia and the Middle East and North Africa region by advancing areas of shared political, economic, and social interest and building a greater appreciation of each other’s cultures and values.

Projects under the CAAR grants program are focused on the areas of innovation and sustainability, health and sport, social cohesion and gender equality, and arts and culture.

The ten successful projects for 2023-24, which will receive a share of $452,000 in funding, include:

• Workshops for Early Childhood teachers in Saudi Arabia to promote gender equity when teaching science, technology, engineering and mathematics, hosted by the University of New England.
• A partnership with Fred Hollows Foundation to broker linkages between St John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital Group and Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology will improve the delivery of eye health services and lay the foundation for the early recovery phase in Gaza and future eye health missions in the broader region.
• A training and leadership camp in Qatar focused on building leadership skills for Muslim youth footballers, organised by the Bachar Houli Foundation.
• A project promoting circular entrepreneurship between Australian and Arab entrepreneurs through the establishment of a Blended-Living-Lab, run by James Cook University in collaboration with Abu Dhabi University (United Arab Emirates) and King Abdul Aziz University (Saudi Arabia).

More information about the CAAR, the grants program and the full list of successful grant recipients can be found on the CAAR website.

In response to ongoing humanitarian crises in the Horn of Africa region, Australia is providing additional support to address critical needs including healthcare, food and clean water, as well as services for children, separated families and survivors of gender-based violence.

Assistance will be delivered through Australian and local NGOs, the International Committee of the Red Cross and UN partners.

Australia’s funding will help populations affected by ongoing conflicts and disasters. This includes:

• $13 million to assist vulnerable people in Sudan and Sudanese refugees displaced to the Central African Republic, Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia, and South Sudan,
• $6 million each to Ethiopia and Somalia to support people affected by crises,
• $4 million to Kenya to respond to flooding and address food insecurity.

Australia is deeply concerned by the compounding effects of ongoing conflicts and climate change on vulnerable people, including women, children, and people with disabilities.

Since the outbreak of conflict in Sudan in April 2023, more than two million people have fled across borders and 7.1 million people have been internally displaced. Sudan is on course to become the world’s worst hunger crisis with 17.7 million people facing high levels of acute food insecurity and almost five million people on the brink of starvation.

In Ethiopia, at least 4.5 million people have been internally displaced due to conflict, violence, drought and flooding. Ethiopia is host to over one million refugees, making it the second largest refugee-hosting country in Africa.

In Somalia, four million people, or over a fifth of the population, are experiencing acute food insecurity. Kenya is host to some 800,000 refugees and is the fifth largest refugee-hosting country in Africa. Both countries have experienced recent flooding, exacerbated by the lingering effects of previous droughts.

Australia continues to advocate for political solutions to these conflicts and for safe and unimpeded access for humanitarian organisations delivering life-saving assistance.

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong:

“Australia is gravely concerned by the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Horn of Africa and is working with international partners to help the most vulnerable and address instability in the region.

“We continue to advocate for political solutions to these conflicts and to call for safe and unimpeded access for humanitarian organisations.”

Minister for International Development and The Pacific, the Hon Pat Conroy MP:

“Australia’s support will help conflict and climate affected populations in the Horn of Africa region access critical humanitarian assistance, with a particular focus on the most vulnerable, including women, children and people with disabilities.

“Australia has strong partnerships with humanitarian organisations who are vital to delivering this life-saving assistance.”

Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon Tim Watts MP:

“Australia’s response is part of broader efforts to support security and stability in the Horn of Africa region in the face of climate disasters and ongoing conflict.

“Australia is appalled by ongoing incidents of civilians being attacked, children being recruited to armed groups and gender-based violence increasing.”

The NT Greens are excited to launch our Biodiversity Policy at a community morning tea that will be held in Gosse Street park, Eastside, on Sunday 23rd June.

This policy outlines the important initiatives the NT Greens will take to protect our land, water and culture so that it can be enjoyed by all Territorians for generations to come. 

Community members are welcome to come along to the morning tea, where Asta Hill, the NT Greens’ candidate for Braitling, and Hugo Wells, the NT Greens’ candidate for Araluen, will be joined by local environmental experts to talk about the actions that need to be taken to keep the NT’s nature going strong, and the issues that the major political parties are ignoring. 

Asta Hill – candidate for Braitling

“We can’t let Labor and the CLP sell us out. The NT Greens are the only party that truly backs our environment, lifestyle and right to safe drinking water, because we don’t take corporate donations.”

“Let’s not forget last summer, when ash fell on our town. Buffel is choking our country and fuelling wildfires which threaten our environment, homes and safety.”

“Here in the desert, water scarcity penetrates the psyche of so many Territorians. Except the major parties’.”

Kat McNamara – Candidate for Nightcliff

“For a healthy environment which sustains our communities and economies, we have to reject Labor and the CLP’s policy of letting big business trash our environment.” 

“The Greens are pushing for stronger protections for water, country and nature. 

We need more transparency on how decisions about our fragile ecosystems are made. Onl then can we can protect places like Lee Point from wanton land clearing, Litchfield from rampant Gamba infestations & make sure there’s enough water for our communities, bush & wetlands .”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will welcome the Prime Minister of Solomon Islands, The Hon Jeremiah Manele MP, to Australia from Sunday 23 to Saturday 29 June 2024.

It will be Prime Minister Manele’s first official international visit since taking office in May 2024.

Australia and Solomon Islands are close friends with connected futures. We share a history of close cooperation.

Prime Minister Albanese and Prime Minister Manele will meet at Parliament House, where they will discuss opportunities to further strengthen the bilateral relationship, including through security partnerships, economic development, labour mobility pathways and infrastructure cooperation.

Prime Minister Manele will also travel to Queensland, where he will see how the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme is delivering economic benefits for both Solomon Islands and Australia and discuss our humanitarian and policing cooperation.

The visit will be the second time the leaders have met, with Prime Minister Albanese and Prime Minister Manele both attending the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in November 2023.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“I look forward to welcoming Prime Minister Manele to Australia for his first international visit, following Solomon Islands’ historic joint elections in April.

“We highly value our position as Solomon Islands’ partner of choice.

“My Government is committed to listening and working with Solomon Islands as equals, and to discussing how we can deepen our partnership into a new era of cooperation.”

The Albanese Government has appointed Ms Rosemary Huxtable AO PSM to lead an independent review of the Australia’s Foreign Relations (State and Territory Arrangements) Act 2020 (the Act), which underpins the Foreign Arrangements Scheme.

The review will ensure the legislative framework underpinning the Scheme is effective and responsive to a complex international environment. As required by the legislation, the review will identify possible improvements to the operation of the Act and consider the effectiveness of the Act in meeting its objectives.

The Foreign Arrangements Scheme was introduced to ensure that Australian governments at all levels and Australian public universities enter agreements with foreign countries that do not adversely affect Australia’s foreign relations and are not inconsistent with Australia’s foreign policy.

Over the last three years, the Scheme has highlighted the scale and depth of Australia’s international engagement. More than 9,000 arrangements have been listed on the Public Register, across a broad range of themes and countries.

Ms Huxtable has extensive public service and national security experience, including as a former Secretary of the Commonwealth Department of Finance.

The review will be informed by a public consultation process. The Government values the role of Australia’s states, territories, local governments and universities in advancing Australia’s interests abroad, and welcomes their participation in the review.

The Government is now inviting written submissions from the public. Further information on the review, including the terms of reference and how to make a submission, can be found at www.foreignarrangements.gov.au. The closing date for submissions is 2 August 2024. The findings of the review will be provided to Government in late 2024.

Foreign Minister Wong:

“It is essential to ensure that agreements with foreign countries are consistent with Australia’s national interests.

“The Albanese Government’s review of the Foreign Relations Act will better equip Australian subnational governments and public universities to manage risks and to benefit from opportunities.”

Assistant Foreign Minister Watts:

“The Albanese Government’s review of the Foreign Arrangements Scheme provides a valuable opportunity to learn from the practical administration of the scheme.

“This Review will ensure the Foreign Arrangements Scheme supports Australia’s engagement with foreign countries effectively as our international environment becomes increasingly complex.”