Category: Australian News

The Greens are again calling on the Queensland government for an urgent review of the state’s system of shark nets and drum lines, after a humpback whale was entangled in nets off Kings Beach on the Sunshine Coast this morning.

Senator Larissa Waters, Greens leader in the Senate

“Nets and drumlines are indiscriminate killers of protected wildlife, and the evidence shows non-lethal measures are more effective at protecting swimmers.

“This morning a humpback whale was entangled in Queensland shark nets, the first of many likely to run afoul of these cruel devices with whale migration season now underway along Australia’s East Coast.

“While the whale has been released, there’s no guarantee it will survive, as the stress of getting tangled can use enormous energy that the whale needs to make its migration journey.

“The Queensland Government’s Great Barrier Reef shark control program is more than 50 years old and has killed more than 85,000 marine animals including sharks, turtles and dolphins.

“Queensland’s shark control program is completely out of date and isn’t in line with community expectations for protecting swimmers without harming marine life.

“There are plenty of non-lethal options that should be considered, including shark shield personal deterrent devices, shark spotter programs, eco-shark barriers and increased public education, and will do much more for people’s safety, marine life and tourism.”

Greens spokesperson for healthy oceans, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson

“Shark nets are not effective at removing the risk of shark bites to humans.

Solutions exist that modernise beach safety standards and don’t harm wildlife, yet every year these outdated walls of death cause unacceptable pain and suffering to marine animals. 

“The Queensland government says entrapments are ‘very rare’ but analysis by Humane Society International found 11 humpback whales were caught in Queensland nets last year alone, which is hardly a rare occurrence. Meanwhile dugongs, turtles and dolphins were among 722 animals that were either killed or found dead after being drowned in nets or hooked on the lethal drumlines. 

“The Federal government has an important role to play in protecting endangered marine life killed by lethal shark nets and drumlines deployed by the states. 

“The upcoming review of Australia’s EPBC laws is an opportunity for the Labor government to remove existing exemptions to state controlled lethal shark net programs that risk federally protected species.”

For the first time since 2012 Australia will have half of the Collins Class submarine fleet out of the water and out of action under the incompetent mismanagement of the Albanese Labor Government.

Senator Simon Birmingham in Senate estimates this morning revealed that ASC Pty Ltd (ASC) will have two Collins Class submarines out of action at Osborne shipyard in Adelaide for the rest of the year while another is still in mid-cycle docking at Henderson, WA.

Making matters worse, sole shareholder minister of ASC Senator Katy Gallagher when asked said she had no knowledge of the delays to the Collins Class full cycle docking program stating, “No, it hasn’t. But it would not normally be, I wouldn’t have thought, it would come through defence.”

Senator for South Australia and Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Birmingham said it was disturbing that the Albanese Government had allowed this major disruption to the Collin Class fleet that would have significant ramifications for Australia’s national security.

“The last time this many submarines were out of action was under the last federal Labor government, which is a trend that should alarm Australians about Labor’s competence to manage Australia’s defence capabilities.

“Astonishingly the Labor’s minister responsible for ASC didn’t even know of these major gaps in our defence capability and said that she wouldn’t have expected to be told.

“The Albanese Government are showing an appalling lack of urgency and disinterest in the availability of our critical defence assets.

“New problems in Collins and delays in availability should be sending alarm bells through the Albanese Government but instead they’re just shrugging their shoulders at news that half of Australia’s submarine fleet will be out of the water until at least Christmas.

“The government must get on top of these delays so as not to endanger the Collins Life of Type Extension (LOTE) program and ensure continuity of submarine capability prior to AUKUS deliveries of nuclear-powered submarines.

“Simply hoping for the best is no way for ministers to manage Australia’s submarine program which should instead demand the strongest leadership for Australia’s national security.”

Shadow Minister for Defence, Defence Industry and Defence Personnel said this is another catastrophic failure under a weak Albanese Government.

“The Albanese Government keeps repeating how we are living in the most dangerous times since the Second World War, yet their actions don’t match their words,” Mr Hastie said.

“What we have here is complete and utter failure under Katy Gallagher, who’s supposed to be driving the best performance of the submarine sustainment under her watch.

“These revelations are a disastrous setback for Australia’s submarine capability, and keeping on track for AUKUS.

“If Labor can’t be trusted to maintain the submarines we do have, how can they be trusted to keep Australia on track for AUKUS and Submarine Rotational Force-West in 2027?”

Labor Ministers have confessed they are on a bureaucrat binge, and have already blown out the size of the public service.

Under questioning from Senator Jane Hume, Labor’s Minister for Finance and Minister for the Public Service would not say if she thought the public service could ever grow too big, and could even grow as high as 250,000.

Prior to the 2024-25 Budget, Minister Gallagher confirmed that “our first two budgets have done the heavy lifting…. now that we have provided departments with the resources, they need to do their job, we don’t expect significant additional public servants going forward.”

However, public servants numbers have now blown out by an additional 17,000 in the 2024-25 Budget, bringing the total for Labor’s bureaucrat binge to 36,000 since the election.

Labor has now hired almost 50 bureaucrats each and every day since the election.

Minister Gallagher continued to maintain that there had been no blowout.

This followed evidence on Tuesday, when it was revealed that Labor has been hiring staff that their Departments don’t need and didn’t ask for.

Responding to questions from Senator Jane Hume on Tuesday, a department head confirmed that two full-time ongoing positions had been funded in the Budget without the department having asked for them and without the department thinking they were needed.

The department head went on to say that the issue of staffing was only raised with him after legislation implementing the change was introduced into the Parliament and the department was asked to “consider a budget bid for it”.

Shadow Minister for the Public Service, Senator Jane Hume said this example confirmed that there was a complete lack of discipline or respect for taxpayer funds under Labor.

“Labor has bloated the public service by 36,000 since they came to Government. That is almost 50 new bureaucrats each and every day under Labor.

“At a time when Australian businesses and households are needing to show restraint on their own Budgets, it is outrageous that the Albanese Government is out throwing money around for bureaucrats that are not needed.

“This is not spending taxpayers’ money wisely or prudently. It shows a complete lack of respect of where that money comes from.

“Minister Gallagher – a Senator for the ACT – is out there acting like Oprah, basically throwing around ongoing staffing positions to departments that don’t necessarily want or need them.

“How many other Departments did Labor have to beg to submit a budget bid for more staff to create new public service jobs Katy Gallagher could brag about?”

The Deputy CEO of the Department of Social Services confirmed today in Senate Estimates that Bill Shorten’s department awarded a contract worth over $620,000 to his speechwriter, Julianne Stewart, for two years of work.

Ms Stewart is contracted in addition to the suite of ministerial advisers that are employed in Bill Shorten’s private office.

According to the Department’s own website, Minister Shorten has given 28 speeches since assuming office in 2022. If Ms Stewart wrote every single one of these speeches it would equate to over $22,000 per speech.

Among the speeches listed on the website are speeches given by the Minister at breakfast and morning tea events.

“Spending more than $600,000 to contract a boutique speechwriter is ridiculous and an extraordinary waste of taxpayers’ money,” Shadow Assistant Minister for Government Waste Reduction, James Stevens MP, said.

“The Minister is already provided with significant resources in his staff budget, as well as a substantially resourced department, to discharge his role as a Minister, including speechwriting.

“It seems his office and department aren’t good enough for Bill Shorten, so Ms Stewart is the lucky recipient of $620,000 to service Bill Shorten’s vital speechwriting needs.

“Australians struggling to pay their ever-increasing mortgages, rents, electricity bills and groceries would be appalled at their government spending their taxpayer money in this way.”

The Albanese Labor Government continues to waste taxpayers’ money, with revelations made during a Senate Estimates hearing that Services Australia is spending $620,000 over two years to fund a personal speechwriter for Government Services Minister Bill Shorten.

Shadow Minister for Government Services Paul Fletcher said the funding is a blatant waste of money amid a cost-of-living crisis.

“Australians are enduring skyrocketing call wait times and slow payment processing times at Services Australia. Yet Labor is more concerned about spin than improving its performance,” Mr Fletcher said.

“How a speechwriter can earn more than an MP or Senator is bizarre and makes no sense. Bill Shorten is treating the public like fools.

“Labor needs to get its act together and prioritise struggling families over its personal public relations.”

This is all while Bill Shorten, who also has the NDIS portfolio, is making cuts to plans after promising he wouldn’t, and claimed the Scheme was sustainable before the election.

Shadow NDIS Minister Michael Sukkar said: “Plan review wait times have doubled, NDIS participants are nervous about cuts and changes being made to their plans and Labor has failed to consult with them prior to releasing new legislation.

“Vulnerable NDIS participants deserve a Minister who is focused on developing meaningful change to the NDIS, not one who is willing to spend an exorbitant amount of time and money on his spin,” Mr Sukkar said.

It now takes 400 per cent longer for Prescription Shopping claims to be processed by Services Australia under the Albanese Labor Government than it did under the Coalition – up from 9 days in 2021-22 to 45 days on the most recent figures.

For aged care claims the blow out is 345 per cent, while Medicare eligibility claims are taking 242 per cent longer; and PBS Patient Refunds are taking 215 per cent longer.

The Opposition obtained the data following responses to the February round of Senate Estimates.

Shadow Minister for Government Services Paul Fletcher said the figures are a further reminder that Services Australia is in disarray.

“These figures are shocking, especially following a global pandemic in which you would expect the government to prioritise health claims,” Mr Fletcher said.

“Government Services Minister Bill Shorten needs to lift his game and improve the customer service experience at Services Australia. Australians deserve better.

“I reiterate my calls for there to be a root and branch review of Services Australia’s operations, to improve the agency’s performance.”

Shadow Minister for Health and Aged Care, Senator Anne Ruston said that these figures come on top of Labor overseeing wait time and cost blow outs across the entire healthcare system.

“Right now, we know that it has never been harder or more expensive for patients to see a doctor and this is having serious consequences, with 1.2 million Australians avoiding seeing their GP last year due to cost concerns,” Senator Ruston said.

“The last thing our healthcare system needs is for Australians’ access to affordable healthcare to be further hindered with these serious wait time blow outs for health claims.”

The below table provides the average days to process a range of health work claims.

Claim	FY 2021-22	FY 2022-23	1 January 2024 to 29 February 2024	% deterioration
Aged Care	11	24	49	345%
Prescription Shopping	9	18	45	400%
PBS Pharmacy Claims	12	17	34	183%
PBS Patient Refunds	40	43	126	215%
Medicare Eligibility	19	22	65	242%
Medicare Entitlement Statement	38	15	119	213%
Adjustments	116	122	309	166%

The Albanese Government is sharpening Australia’s approach to sports diplomacy to harness Australia’s sporting prowess and advance the national interest.

In response to the first periodic review of 2019’s Sports Diplomacy 2030 strategy, the Government is giving national sporting organisations and peak bodies a seat at the table, reflecting their central role in advancing Australia’s interests through sport.

Under the new arrangements, a number of internationally-focused national sporting organisations and peak bodies are being invited to join a new Sports Diplomacy Consultative Group, coordinated by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

This will provide a regular forum to discuss strategic and economic opportunities and risks in international sport, including upcoming events in Australia and offshore, and the ways in which government and the sport sector can work together to advance shared priorities.

This group replaces the Sports Diplomacy Advisory Council, in response to review consultations that indicated a consultative mechanism would provide stronger links between key sporting organisations and the Government.

The Consultative Group will be complemented by a newly-established Annual Sports Diplomacy Roundtable, where a broad range of stakeholders from the sports sector will be invited to participate and share their perspectives to help shape the future of sports diplomacy.

The Albanese Government is also updating the Sports Diplomacy 2030 strategy, to maximise Australia’s advantage from the “green and gold decade” of major sporting events in Australia leading up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The updated Strategy will also ensure Australia’s sports diplomacy approach aligns with the new National Sport Strategy, currently being developed by the Office for Sport in the Department of Health and Aged Care.

Together, the updated strategy, consultative group and annual roundtable will enable Australia to maximise outcomes of sports diplomacy efforts to advance Australia’s interests.

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Penny Wong:

“Sport is one of Australia’s strengths. The Albanese Government is using all elements of national power to increase Australia’s influence in an ever more competitive world.

“This new approach will see greater partnership and coordination between our diplomats and our sports diplomats.”

Minister for Sport, Anika Wells:

“Sport bonds people, providing a powerful platform for strengthening communities here and abroad while also promoting our national interests on the global stage.

“As we head towards Brisbane 2032, we will be hosting some of the world’s largest sporting events, providing us with an unprecedented opportunity to showcase Australian excellence and expertise in innovation, tourism, services and products.”

Cricket Australia CEO, Nick Hockley:

“Cricket Australia supports strengthening Australia’s international standing and advancing our national interests through a long-term Sports Diplomacy Strategy.

“The initiative aligns with our strategic objective to support the growth of the game globally, while facilitating bilateral trade and investment opportunities and strengthening people-to-people links through the power of sport.”

Tennis Australia CEO, Craig Tiley:

“The emotion, drama, and humanity of sport have a unique power to bring people together like few other things can. Major sporting events, such as the Australian Open, captivate global audiences and create shared experiences that transcend borders and cultures, enabling us to connect with other nations on a deeper level.

“We look forward to working with the government on establishing a new sports diplomacy group to help enhance international relations as well as promote mutual understanding and collaboration. By harnessing the unifying power of sport, we can build bridges and foster goodwill among diverse communities worldwide.”

Treasury has confirmed that corporations are price gouging and agreed that intergenerational inequality is a concern, but Labor remains in denial, the Greens say.

During Senate Estimates this morning, Treasury Secretary Dr Steven Kennedy agreed that some firms are price gouging, but Labor Minister Katy Gallagher refused to agree.

“The RBA Governor, US President, economists in the OECD, the IMF, the Bank of England, the Federal Reserve and now Australia’s Treasury Secretary all agree that corporations are price gouging, yet Labor remains in denial,” Greens Economic Justice Spokesperson Senator Nick McKim said.

“It’s beyond obvious that some corporations are price gouging, but until Labor admits there’s a problem it can’t possibly solve it.”

“Corporate donations shouldn’t impact on government policies, but it’s hard to escape the conclusion that they are.”

“It’s time for laws to make price gouging illegal.”

Dr Kennedy also acknowledged that intergenerational inequality is a problem. 

“Interest rate rises mean that younger people are spending less while older people are spending more, yet Labor continues to use young people as canon fodder in the war on inflation.”

“Labor is smashing young people to try to solve a problem they didn’t cause with a strategy that’s not working.”
 
“From the climate crisis to the housing crisis, young people’s lives and futures are being held to ransom by today’s decisions.”

“It is small comfort to have the Treasury Secretary acknowledge these problems, but the Government he advises seems intent on making the problems worse.”

“Labor has no plans to fix price gouging, they are opening new coal and gas mines, and they have let the housing market fall to pieces and turbo-charged the money siphon from the young to the old.”

“It’s long past time they got serious about tackling the problems that young people face.”

As Russia intensifies its brutal attacks on the people of Ukraine, the Albanese Government will provide a further $31 million of assistance to help meet Ukraine’s energy and humanitarian needs.

Australia is unwavering in our support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and is providing more than $1 billion in total assistance, including $880 million in military support.

The new contribution includes $20 million to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund, which will allow funds to be used efficiently and effectively to provide heat and electricity for Ukrainians.

The Ukraine Energy Support Fund was jointly established by the European Commission and Ukraine’s Ministry of Energy. The Fund coordinates international donations, and in partnership with Ukraine’s Government, ensures contributions meet Ukraine’s highest priority energy needs.

Australia also recognises the need for life-saving assistance, and support for vulnerable populations including women, children, older people, and people with disabilities.

Australia will provide $10 million of emergency humanitarian funding to the United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs to increase access to essentials such as water, food and shelter.

To improve services for persons with disabilities in Ukraine, including those needing rehabilitation from war injuries, Australia will provide $1 million to the United Nations Partnership on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Australia continues to impose costs on Russia and demand an end to its illegal and senseless war.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong:

“The Albanese Government is unwavering in our support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“Australia’s $20 million contribution to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund will be used meet the highest priority energy needs and support the Ukrainian people.

“As Russia intensifies its brutal attacks on the people of Ukraine, we also recognise the need for life-saving humanitarian assistance.”

Minister for International Development Pat Conroy:

“The Ukrainian people have displayed extraordinary strength and courage as they defend their territory and sovereignty.

“We are proud to stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and provide further support in face of Russia’s deplorable aggression.

“The Australian Government remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting the people of Ukraine and contributing alongside partner nations so that Ukraine can end this conflict on its terms.”

The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom, the High Representative of the European Union, and the Secretary of State of the United States of America affirm that the recent sanctions designations by each of our governments represent a coordinated effort to hold the DPRK and Russia to account and to impose costs on actors and entities involved in the unlawful transfer of arms from the DPRK to Russia for use in attacking Ukraine.

Our governments stand in resolute opposition to these continued arms transfers, which Russia has used to strike Ukraine’s critical infrastructure, prolonging the suffering of the Ukrainian people. We are gravely concerned by the deepening DPRK-Russia cooperation in flagrant violation of multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions and condemn Russia’s veto of the UN Security Council resolution that would have extended the mandate of the UN 1718 Committee Panel of Experts. By the use of its veto, Russia has sought to deprive all UN Member States of the objective and independent information and guidance they need to implement binding Security Council resolutions concerning the DPRK which all remain in effect. We call on the DPRK and Russia to cease unlawful arms transfers and urge the DPRK to take concrete steps towards abandoning all nuclear weapons, ballistic missiles and related programmes in a complete, verifiable and irreversible manner. We urge the DPRK to respond to the numerous and genuine offers to return to diplomacy, the only path to an enduring peace on the Korean Peninsula.