Category: Australian News

NDIS Legislation is to be introduced into the House of Representatives tomorrow, Wednesday 27th March 2024. 

Senator Steele-John Greens Spokesperson for Disability Rights and Services, says: 

“This NDIS Legislation has been done behind closed doors, with non-disclosure agreements abound. Making advocates sign non-disclosure agreements is not genuine co-design. 

“The question on my mind is why has the Labor Government prepared NDIS legislation behind closed doors? What have they got to hide? 

“Let’s be very clear; there should be no changes to the principle of Choice and Control that underpins our NDIS. Disabled people should continue to have choice and control over the people who are paid to support them. 

“Today, we have seen Premiers, Chief Ministers and the Federal Government bickering at the 11th hour over the future of disability supports in this country. The time for bickering is over, and the time for ensuring these supports work for disabled people is now. 

“No disabled person should be pushed by abled-bodied politicians from the NDIS into the vast gaping hole that is non-NDIS disability supports in this country.”

The Greens say that Labor’s continued attempts to weaken First Nations voices and fast-track new gas projects is a “roadblock” to the government passing national vehicle emissions standards. 

Prior to the watering down of the NVES, the Greens offered to pass the bill as initially proposed if Labor ceased trying to work with Peter Dutton’s Liberals to fast-track offshore gas using the OPGGS Amendments bill.

Since then, Labor and the Liberals have voted together to gag debate on the OPGGS bill and rush it through Parliament. 

With details of the NVES legislation still not public, modelling on the emissions reductions of the weakened bill is not yet available. However, in its original form, the climate gains from the plan would have been wiped out by a single project slated for approval under the OPGGS gas fast-track – the Santos’ Barossa project, which will release 380Mt of C02-e by 2050.

Leader of the Australian Greens, Adam Bandt MP:

“Resources Minister Madeline King is a roadblock to passing the government’s EV Bill. Her attempts to fast-track gas have put a handbrake on getting emissions standards through parliament,” Mr Bandt said.

“Gas is as dirty as coal, but Labor wants to open more. If even one new big gas project is fast-tracked, it will wipe out all the climate gains from the EV plan.

“We offered to pass Labor’s vehicle emission standards, even though we thought they should go further, if Labor stopped working with the Liberals to try and fast-track gas projects. 

“It makes no sense for the Greens to work with Labor on vehicle emissions standards that gradually reduce emissions over 25 years, if Labor’s deal with Peter Dutton undoes all that with a single giant gas project.

“Labor needs to choose who they want to work with on climate. If Labor works with Peter Dutton and the climate deniers in the Coalition on laws to increase climate pollution, they’re betraying everyone who voted for a change of government to stop the Liberals writing climate policy. 

“If Labor really values the NVES Bill, Madeline King should withdraw her blatant attempt to ignore First Nations voices and fast-track climate-destroying gas projects.”

The Greens have called for an investigation into the governing body of the Cranbrook School after revelations today that one of its members remained a member of the board for 22 years after being convicted of a child sex offence.

The offender, Peter Cullen Macarthur, was a member of the Association of Independent Schools of NSW when it investigated claims, revealed in the “Old School” Four Corners report, that a Cranbrook teacher had sent sexually explicit emails to a former female student.

The Association of Independent Schools of NSW is the governing body for around 500 independent schools in NSW and is responsible for receiving and distributing government funding to its member schools. Member schools have reported more $13.6 billion in federal funding in the past decade.

Under the Education Act 2013 all approved non-government school authorities must be a “fit and proper person”. As prescribed in the Australian Education Regulations 2023 the Minister may have regard to whether a person has been convicted of or charged with an offence, “including an offence in relation to children”, or whether the person has engaged in a “deliberate pattern of immoral or unethical behaviour”, in determining whether they are fit and proper.

Greens spokesperson on Primary and Secondary Education, Senator Penny Allman-Payne:

“These shocking revelations call into question whether the Association of Independent Schools of NSW is an appropriate body to be receiving federal funding.

“In the decade to 2022 the private schools governed by the authority – including Newington College, SCEGGS Darlinghurst and Scots College – reported combined federal government income of more than $13 billion.

“It’s bad enough that some of the wealthiest schools in the country continue to have their designer uniforms and gleaming performing arts centres subsidised from the public purse.

“But it’s utterly unacceptable that a body with such a profound influence over the education and wellbeing of thousands of children would allow a convicted child sex offender to remain serving on its board for 22 years.

“The Education Minister must instruct the Department of Education to launch a thorough investigation into the Association to determine whether it should continue to receive billions of dollars of government funding every year.”

Australia is supporting our region to end tuberculosis by investing $17 million in the Global Alliance for Tuberculosis (TB Alliance) to develop more effective treatments for tuberculosis and help ensure they reach those who need them.

Drug-resistant tuberculosis is a major threat in our region. This investment will support TB Alliance to develop and trial a new generation of tuberculosis treatments, including for children.

These new treatments are effective against drug-resistant tuberculosis and are easier for patients to take, helping to prevent further resistance emerging.

Through its new PeerLINC TB Knowledge Hub in Manila, and working with partners such as the Burnet Institute, TB Alliance will support governments to roll out these new treatments including in Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, and Papua New Guinea. This will help to ensure that people with tuberculosis across our region are receiving the best available medicines.

Australia has a steadfast commitment to ending tuberculosis. This new investment builds on our long-standing health partnerships with governments in our region and our ongoing support to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

The program is funded through Australia’s Partnerships for a Healthy Region initiative, which supports countries in the Pacific and Southeast Asia to build resilient and equitable health systems.

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong:

“Improving the health and wellbeing of communities in Southeast Asia and the Pacific is central to supporting a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.”

“On World Tuberculosis Day, Australia reaffirms our commitment to end tuberculosis.”

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

“The Australian Government is supporting the development of the next generation of essential tuberculosis medicines and working to ensure lower income countries can access them at affordable prices.”

“Australia is proud to continue working with TB Alliance and other partners to combat tuberculosis. This disease causes great suffering and poverty in communities across our region, and we are committed to ending it.”

Today I announce the appointment of Dr Nick Austin as President of Australia’s Policy Advisory Council for International Agricultural Research.

The Council provides expert advice and insights into the development priorities and food security needs of our regional partners. It considers how Australia’s expertise in agricultural research can contribute to these priorities, including through research collaborations with the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR).

Dr Austin has extensive experience in international agricultural development and a long association with ACIAR, having served as Chief Executive Officer from 2009 to 2016.

He has held senior roles in international bodies, including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, representing Australia on the CGIAR Fund Council for 7 years, and with the board of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA).

The Council is made up of 11 expert members from across the Indo-Pacific region and Africa. Dr Austin’s skills and networks across Australia, North America, Europe and the Indo-Pacific in both industry and government will help forge stronger partnerships and innovative solutions in agricultural research.

I thank outgoing President Professor Wendy Umberger for her service to the Council and for her ongoing commitment to sustainable agricultural development as the ACIAR Chief Executive Officer.

Incoming Greens Forests spokesperson Senator Nick McKim says he will use the portfolio to campaign for an end to native forest logging in Australia. 

“Taking on the national forests portfolio from Senator Janet Rice feels very much like a homecoming,” Senator McKim said.

“My political journey began in the Tasmanian forests at the Farmhouse Creek blockade in 1986.” 

“I still recall the many days spent shoulder to shoulder with fellow activists fighting to protect those beautiful forests from logging.”

“It’s where I first met Bob Brown, and where I came to understand the power of combining activism and politics.” 

“My arrest for defending those forests taught me the power of collective action, the importance of standing up for what you believe in, and the critical role that nature plays in our lives and the health of our planet.”

“Our native forests are home to a complex and awesome web of life. They are crucial in the fight against climate change. They nurture our spirits, and they are worth protecting just for what they are –  beautiful and magnificent. 

“As I step into this role, I’m very aware of the responsibility that comes with it.” 

“The fight to save our forests is far from over. With my Greens colleagues I am ready to continue this fight in Parliament, on the streets, and in the forests.”

The time to end native forest logging is now.” 

“I thank my dear friend Janet for her amazing work in this role over the years. Hers are big hiking boots to fill!.”

• Joint statement

22 March 2024

1. On 22 March 2024, the Minister for Foreign Affairs Senator the Hon Penny Wong and the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence the Hon Richard Marles MP hosted the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs the Rt Hon Lord David Cameron and the Secretary of State for Defence the Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP for the Australia-UK Ministerial Consultations (AUKMIN) in Adelaide.
2. Ministers were welcomed onto the lands of the Kaurna people by Ngarrindjeri and Kaurna Elder Major ‘Moogy’ Sumner. All four Ministers acknowledged the enduring connection to Country of Australia’s First Nations peoples, and the importance of Indigenous perspectives and experiences in addressing shared challenges. Ministers reaffirmed support for inclusive economic growth and the enhanced participation of First Nations peoples in the global economy and international forums that affect them.
3. Ministers reflected on the modernisation and transformation of the Australia-UK relationship. They agreed the contemporary relationship is responding in an agile and coordinated way to global challenges.

Collaborating to address global challenges

4. Ministers reiterated our commitment to agreed rules and norms, where sovereignty and human rights are respected. Recognising that the security and prosperity of the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific are inseparable, Ministers welcomed the UK’s enduring Indo-Pacific strategic engagement as well as our shared commitment to support openness, stability and prosperity in the region.
5. Ministers unequivocally condemned Russia’s full-scale, illegal and immoral invasion of Ukraine and demanded Russia immediately withdraws its forces from Ukraine’s internationally recognised territory. The UK welcomed Australia’s contribution to training of Ukrainian personnel through Operation Kudu, and its recent contribution to the UK-administered International Fund for Ukraine. The UK also welcomed Australia’s decision to join the UK and Latvia’s jointly led Drone Capability Coalition, which is providing critical support to Ukraine. Ministers underscored the value of these contributions which demonstrate Australia’s unwavering commitment to enabling Ukraine to end the war on its own terms. Ministers reiterated their agreement to coordinate on sanctions and other measures to escalate the costs on Russia for its aggression. Ministers called on all those with close relationships with Russia, particularly China, to refrain from helping Russia to continue its war in any way and to convince Russia to end its illegal war.
6. Ministers welcomed Ukraine’s military success in the Black Sea and efforts to export goods through the Black Sea in support of global food security. They called on any country supporting Russia’s aggression in Ukraine to cease immediately and support a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, consistent with international law, including fully respecting the United Nations Charter and Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
7. Ministers expressed deep concern at the catastrophic humanitarian crisis in Gaza. They unequivocally condemned the 7 October 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel as abhorrent acts of terror against innocent civilians, including heinous acts of sexual violence. They stressed that all parties must act within international humanitarian law and reiterated their calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages and the protection of civilians at all times. Ministers called on Israel to allow immediate, safe, unimpeded and increased humanitarian relief to reach Palestinians in Gaza. Ministers recognised the vital role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). They noted the progress of the UN Office for Internal Oversight Services investigation and the investigation on UNRWA neutrality policies, as well as steps to date by the UN and UNRWA on management reform. Given the large number of displaced persons taking refuge in the area and lack of safe spaces in Gaza, Ministers shared deep concern at the potentially devastating consequences for the civilian population of an expanded Israeli military operation in Rafah. They expressed the urgency of an immediate cessation of fighting in Gaza to allow aid to flow and hostages to be released as a crucial step toward a permanent, sustainable ceasefire. Ministers support ongoing diplomatic efforts to achieve this. Ministers confirmed their commitment to provide increased support for humanitarian relief in Gaza. Ministers reaffirmed both nations’ commitment to a two-state solution in which Israel and a future Palestinian state coexist, in peace and security, based on the 1967 lines, and discussed how recognition might assist in giving momentum toward that goal.
8. Ministers underscored the vital importance of the maritime domain to global security, prosperity and stability. Recalling the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) is the comprehensive legal framework for all activities in the maritime domain, Ministers called on all nations to adhere to UNCLOS and respect freedom of navigation. Ministers condemned the Houthi’s attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, which threaten the safety of seafarers of all nations and international trade. Australia reaffirmed its support for the UK-US joint response to these attacks.
9. Ministers condemned in the strongest terms Iran’s destabilising activities in the region, including its continued provision of missiles, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and other military and financial support to non-state actors. Ministers called on Iran to stop assisting Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine, reiterating that any transfer of ballistic missiles would be a serious escalation. Ministers reaffirmed their determination that Iran must never develop a nuclear weapon, noting that the ongoing escalation of its nuclear programme has no credible civilian justification. Ministers expressed continued concern over the human rights situation in Iran, particularly the repression of political opposition and the persecution of women, girls and minority groups. They called on Iran to cease both arbitrarily detaining foreign nationals and the unacceptable targeting of individuals outside the country, including journalists and dissidents.
10. Ministers reiterated their strong opposition to any coercive or destabilising activities in the South China Sea. Ministers underlined the importance of continuing to work together to support countries being able to exercise their rights and freedoms in the South China Sea, consistent with UNCLOS, including freedom of navigation and overflight. Ministers expressed serious concern regarding recent unsafe and destabilising behaviour by China’s vessels against Philippine vessels and crew near Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea, including the use of water cannons and unsafe manoeuvres resulting in collisions. Ministers agreed this behaviour endangered lives, was destabilising and created risks of miscalculation and escalation. They called on all countries to refrain from the militarisation of disputed features, the dangerous use of coastguard vessels and maritime militia, and efforts to disrupt other countries’ lawful offshore resource development. Ministers reiterated that the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Tribunal decision is final and binding on the parties. Ministers also emphasised that any Code of Conduct must fully accord with international law, in particular UNCLOS, not prejudice the rights or interests of States under international law or undermine existing inclusive regional architecture.  
11. Ministers underscored the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and encouraged the peaceful resolution of cross-Strait issues without the threat or use of force or coercion. They reaffirmed their shared opposition to unilateral changes to the status quo. They committed to working together to support Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organisations, as a member where statehood is not a prerequisite and as an observer or guest where it is. They reiterated their will to continue deepening relations with Taiwan in the economic, scientific, trade, technological and cultural fields.
12. Ministers expressed serious concerns about human rights restrictions throughout China, including the persecution and arbitrary detention of Uyghurs and Tibetans and the erosion of their religious, cultural, educational and linguistic rights and freedoms.
13. On Hong Kong, they raised deep concerns about the continuing systemic erosion of autonomy, freedoms and rights there and the impact the newly passed Safeguarding National Security Ordinance will have on the city, and recognised the potential impact of these laws on individuals outside of Hong Kong.
14. Ministers strongly condemned the DPRK’s provocative and escalatory actions which pose a serious threat to international peace and security. Ministers called on the DPRK to abide by UN Security Council Resolutions and to cease the unlawful pursuit of weapons of mass destruction programmes, launches using ballistic missile technology, malicious cyber activity and export of ballistic missiles and munitions to Russia. They expressed their grave concerns over the dire human rights situation.
15. Ministers agreed to enhance information sharing to support sanctions designations, monitoring and enforcement.
16. Ministers agreed the Deputy Secretary/Director General led UK-Australia Strategic Dialogue would expand and deepen foreign and security policy cooperation to address global challenges.  
17. Acknowledging the unstable global environment, Ministers signed the Memorandum of Understanding on Crisis Support for Diplomatic Operations. This formalised our mechanisms to support one another to meet our diplomatic and consular responsibilities during a crisis to keep our people safe.
18. Ministers strongly supported counter terrorism collaboration between the UK and Australia. Terrorist networks know no borders, so countering them requires an internationally aligned approach underpinned by strong partnerships.

Partners in the Indo-Pacific

19. Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to contributing to a strategic balance that maintains peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. They emphasised the importance of responsible management of strategic competition, and the need for all countries to commit anew to promoting dialogue and practical measures to reduce risks of miscalculation, escalation and conflict.
20. Ministers highlighted their commitment to ASEAN centrality, reaffirming the importance of the ASEAN-led regional architecture in protecting peace and stability. Ministers maintained their commitment to supporting the practical implementation of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific across maritime cooperation, connectivity, the Sustainable Development Goals and economic cooperation.
21. Ministers expressed deep concern at the deteriorating political, security and humanitarian crisis and the grave impact on the people of Myanmar and neighbouring countries. Ministers urged the regime to implement the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus, cease all violence, release those unjustly detained, allow safe and unimpeded access for the delivery of humanitarian assistance and return to the path of inclusive democracy. Ministers welcomed ASEAN’s leadership in responding to the crisis in Myanmar.
22. Ministers agreed to coordinate on economic engagement and trade and investment diversification in Southeast Asia to support delivery of Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040, the UK’s enhanced economic engagement, including through the ASEAN-UK Plan of Action, and regional needs and priorities. Ministers agreed the UK’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) strengthened the UK’s engagement in the Indo-Pacific and would boost the prosperity of all members. Ministers reaffirmed their aim to ratify the UK’s accession as soon as possible this year so that the UK could become a full Party to the CPTPP before the end of 2024.
23. Ministers emphasised their commitment to working with Pacific island countries through existing regional architecture, recognising the centrality of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF). They discussed the importance of pursuing engagement that is transparent and focused on Pacific priorities, as set out in the PIF’s 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. Ministers acknowledged climate change as the single greatest threat to Pacific Island countries. They agreed to jointly support Pacific countries’ access to international climate finance, including through the Green Climate Fund. Ministers expressed their commitment to the Partners in the Blue Pacific (PBP) initiative delivering tangible outcomes in support of Pacific priorities.
24. Ministers committed to expand cooperation and coordination on cyber security capacity building and assistance in the Pacific following the inaugural Pacific Cyber Capacity Building and Coordination Conference in October 2023.
25. Ministers reiterated their commitment to the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) as the premier ministerial-level forum spanning the Indian Ocean region. They agreed to explore collaboration in IORA on shared priorities including maritime security.

Defence and security cooperation

26. Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to a comprehensive and modern defence relationship, underpinned by the signing of the updated Agreement between the Government of Australia and the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland for Defence and Security Cooperation. Ministers welcomed the addition of a status of forces agreement, making it easier for our forces to operate in each other’s countries, and in support of our shared commitment to global and regional security. Ministers welcomed the inclusion of a clause elevating and codifying the established practice of consulting on issues affecting our sovereignty and regional security. Acknowledging the strategic depth of the relationship, Ministers agreed to comprehensively review sub-treaty level agreements across the breadth of defence cooperation and ensure their alignment with the refreshed Defence and Security Cooperation Agreement. Ministers agreed to establish elevated joint staff talks to ensure our operational cooperation meets contemporary challenges.
27. Ministers reaffirmed their enduring commitment to the AUKUS partnership, which is strengthening security and stability in the Indo-Pacific. They welcomed the progress made by all AUKUS partners to support Australia’s acquisition of a conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarine capability. They reaffirmed their commitment to upholding the highest non-proliferation standards, and agreed on the importance of ongoing engagement with other Indo-Pacific partners to promote a region that is safe, peaceful and prosperous for all. They also welcomed progress on cooperation on advanced military technologies including steps to remove barriers to the free and seamless exchange of defence goods and technologies between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States.
28. Ministers welcomed steps to enhance the UK’s presence in the region, particularly through the UK Carrier Strike Group’s (CSG) participation in Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025, as part of its flagship 2025 Indo‑Pacific deployment. Ministers welcomed the arrival of the UK’s Littoral Response Group South in the Indo-Pacific as a demonstration of the UK’s enduring commitment to the region.
29. Ministers agreed to deepen cooperation on science and technology and to closer cooperation on undersea warfare, including establishing a bilateral theatre undersea warfare series, and to enhance cooperation on amphibious and littoral manoeuvre. They agreed to collaborate on capability concepts and requirements as both Australia and the UK look to replace their current fleets of destroyers and to continue collaboration on the development and introduction into service of the UK’s Type 26 frigates and Australia’s Hunter Class frigates, which are optimised for anti-submarine warfare operations. They agreed to enhance the strategic amphibious and littoral manoeuvre relationship, including through UK Royal Commando participation in Exercise Predator’s Run 2024.
30. Ministers acknowledged the importance of Pacific-led responses to Pacific security challenges. Ministers committed to enhance interoperability with the militaries of the Pacific, including through continued engagement in bilateral and regional exercises, and as guided by the priorities of Pacific partners. They agreed to expand cooperation on explosive ordnance disposal through Operation Render Safe and to keep collaborating with Pacific partners to enhance the security of the Blue Pacific Continent, including through the ongoing deployment of the UK’s offshore patrol vessels to the region.
31. Ministers reaffirmed the value of the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA), which remain key anchors of peace and stability in the region, and their joint commitment to the FPDA.
32. Ministers agreed that the UK would contribute to the Combined Intelligence Centre-Australia within Australia’s Defence Intelligence Organisation.
33. Ministers committed to develop a defence Joint Climate Action Plan ahead of AUKMIN 2025, with a focus on climate adaptation, resilience and emissions reduction initiatives.

Strengthening the multilateral and international system

34. Ministers committed to working together in shaping multilateral reform for the betterment of all states’ security, and prosperity, and respect for universal human rights. Ministers agreed to use the 2024 Strategic Infrastructure and Development Dialogue to further collaboration on shared development priorities, including international financial institution reform and coordination of support to the Pacific and Southeast Asia. Ministers welcomed the signing, by senior officials in March 2024, of the DFAT-FCDO Humanitarian Partnership Arrangement, which will strengthen coordination and cooperation.   
35. Ministers reaffirmed their shared commitment to the modern Commonwealth as a vibrant, diverse network which can address global challenges and deliver tangible benefits to all its members. Ministers looked forward to Samoa hosting the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in October 2024, the first time a Pacific island country has hosted CHOGM. They committed to providing support to Samoa to hold a successful meeting under the theme ‘One Resilient Common Future: Transforming our Common Wealth’.
36. Ministers signed a new Memorandum of Understanding to Collaborate on Ending Gender-Based Violence (GBV), including to implement joint actions on GBV prevention and response. They announced the formalisation of the annual Australia-UK Strategic Dialogue on Gender Equality, following the successful inaugural Dialogue in October 2023. Ministers committed to operationalise the gender equality chapter of the Australia-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement.

Economic security and energy transition

37. Ministers reaffirmed the importance of the rules-based multilateral trading system, with the WTO at its core, to economic security and prosperity. Ministers welcomed the progress made through the UK-Australia Economic Security Dialogue which deepened cooperation on supply chain resilience, collective responses and resilience to economic coercion and enhancing business engagement. Ministers looked forward to Australia hosting the next Dialogue in 2024.
38. Ministers welcomed the UAE consensus agreed at COP28, in particular the call for next nationally determined contribution to be aligned with 1.5 degrees, the agreement to transition globally away from fossil fuels, the new Framework for the Global Goal on Adaptation and progress to operationalise the new fund for responding to loss and damage that will provide support to developing countries who are particularly vulnerable to climate impacts, including Small Island Developing States in the Pacific. They agreed that working together to limit warming to 1.5 degrees and achieve net-zero by 2050 would help minimise the economic, security and developmental impacts of climate change.  Australian-UK co-operation under the Umbrella Group will continue to support ambitious outcomes in the lead up to COP29 in Azerbaijan and COP30 in Brazil.
39. Ministers recognised the opportunities for new jobs and economic growth afforded by the global clean energy transition, and welcomed the global pledge to triple renewable energy generation capacity and double annual energy efficiency improvements. Ministers reiterated their commitment to align international investments with net zero priorities under the Clean Energy Transition Partnership, and further cooperation to deliver the transition to clean energy.
40. Ministers welcomed progress under the UK-Australia Clean Technology Partnership, noting the broad interest from companies in the first key deliverable, the Australia-UK Renewable Hydrogen Innovation Partnership Program. The joint funding call, worth up to A$10 million from Australia and £5.1 million from the UK. This will support research, development and demonstration projects in clean hydrogen. Ministers looked forward to announcement of successful companies in the second quarter of 2024.
41. Ministers also welcomed Australia’s upcoming hosting of the Global Nature Positive Summit in Sydney 8-10 October 2024 to drive private investment into nature and maintain momentum ahead of the Convention on Biological Diversity COP16 in Colombia in October. Ministers emphasised the Summit would support wider efforts to mobilise finance from all sources, and to align financial flows, to support delivery of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030. They agreed on the need to protect, conserve and restore nature as an essential contributor to the global economy, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and global health and wellbeing.
42. Ministers commended the positive impact of the Australia-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement (A-UKFTA) since it entered into force on 31 May 2023. They welcomed the establishment of a mutual recognition agreement for architects and the ongoing opportunities for Australian and UK businesses, including through the innovation and early careers skills exchange pilot and economic cooperation to support First Nations business aspirations.
43. Ministers recognised the role critical minerals play in meeting our Net Zero commitments and energy transition, and the need to diversify supply. Ministers agreed to further our cooperation, including to support critical mineral projects and specific business-to-business engagement through the Joint Working Group. Ministers also reaffirmed their commitment to the promotion of high environmental and social governance standards and responsible supply chains for critical minerals. 

Cyber and countering foreign information manipulation

44.  Ministers committed to expanding coordination to address cyber-attacks. They agreed to continuing close coordination on cyber attributions and sanctions, including potential targets. Ministers commissioned joint research on how we can most effectively work together to provide cybersecurity incident responses to nations under threat.
45. Ministers commended the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between DFAT and FCDO on Cyber and IT Security Information Sharing.
46. Ministers remain committed to actions aimed at reducing the spread and impact of foreign information manipulation and working together to build resilient information ecosystems, including through international cooperation. 

The Government’s proposed changes to the RBA will make the bank and the country less democratic and represent a complete capitulation to finance capital, the Greens say.

“The proposed removal of section 11 from the RBA Act represents a breathtaking attack on democratic safeguards, stripping away government power to shield mortgage holders and renters from unjust interest rate hikes,” Greens Economic Justice Spokesperson Senator Nick McKim said.

“Section 11 makes it clear that the ultimate responsibility for monetary policy lies not with unelected, unaccountable technocrats, but with a democratically elected government accountable to the people of Australia.:

“It is staggering that Jim Chalmers is proposing to take us so far down the road of neoliberalism that even Paul Keating and Peter Costello think he is going too far.”

“The passage of this bill in its current form would mark a capitulation to neoliberal interests, ignoring the urgent need for policy reforms that address the real challenges facing Australians today.”

The Greens’ dissenting report also criticises the RBA Review’s refusal to incorporate climatic and ecological stability into the Bank’s objectives, despite clear evidence of climate-induced supply-side shocks.

“It’s paramount that the RBA recognises the primacy of the climate and ecological crises as a core objective, allowing for a more responsive and sustainability conscious monetary policy,” said Senator McKim.

“The Review’s failure to consider the role of central bank credit in driving land price inflation has fueled a neo-feudalism crisis, pushing the Australian dream of home ownership out of reach for many.”

Today’s Senate report confirms Labor and the climate-denying Liberals are backing new laws to fast-track gas projects and remove First Nations voices in what amounts to a broken election promise from Anthony Albanese, the Greens say. 

Despite its own committee report recommending that the bill be passed, pressure is growing from environment, climate and First Nations groups, and rumours are swirling that amendments are being prepared as a fig-leaf for this deal.

It is understood that the Labor caucus was not briefed that the Bill undermines existing consultation protections. The rumoured government amendments – which will apparently mean that both the Environment Minister and the Resources Minister will jointly need to agree that changes to consultation requirements – will not fix the problem, instead simply requiring two signatures to quickly remove existing consultation rights instead of one. 

However, the Greens say that any change made at the behest of big gas corporation Santos and done with the Liberals support would still amount to a broken election promise, given Labor vowed to strengthen environment laws and not weaken them.

In a ruling in favour of traditional owners, the Full Court of the Federal Court has declared the existing rules are clear and workable, but Labor is now seeking to circumvent the court decision.

Adam Bandt MP, Leader of the Australian Greens:

“Labor’s attempts to fast-track gas projects and take away Traditional Owners’ voices by weakening environment laws is a broken promise.

”Labor is working with the climate deniers in the Liberal Party to fast-track gas projects and weaken environment laws, rushing the bill through Parliament before the significance of its changes are discovered.” 

“The government is now frantically trying to figure out amendments to provide cover for this dirty deal and placate furious Traditional Owners and environmental groups, all while publicly arguing that no amendments are necessary. 

“Amendments are an admission Labor has got it wrong. Gas is as dirty as coal. No amendment to fast-track gas projects fixes the problem, whether it requires the signature of one Minister or two.

“The Greens will do everything we can, using every lever at our disposal, to prevent Labor and Liberal doing a dirty deal in Parliament next week.”

Senator Dorinda Cox, Greens First Nations and Resources spokesperson:

“Throughout this rushed committee process, we have heard from Traditional Owners who feel betrayed and devastated that Labor is trying to silence their voices,” Senator Cox said.

“Anthony Albanese and Tanya Plibersek have broken an election promise to improve environmental laws and promote First Nations voices, trying to sneak through these changes to weaken a consultation process that is already not fit for purpose on a totally unrelated IR bill.

“This committee process has been rushed in a weak attempt to avoid scrutiny, even as Labor itself seems to be realising that this power grab is unacceptable. Labor should delete Schedule 2 Part 2 from this bill entirely.”

Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, Greens Environment spokesperson:

“The Government promised to fix our environment laws this year, not weaken them. Any attempt to bypass environment law for gas expansion must be deleted from this proposed law.

“This Bill is supposed to be about strengthening workers safety, not weakening environment law. We should get on with the job of protecting workers rights, instead of pandering to the demands of the gas CEOs.

“We need to protect the beautiful beaches and coastline Australians love, not fastrack more pollution and destruction.

The Albanese Government has entered the single largest defence export agreement in our nation’s history, to supply Australian-made armoured vehicles to Germany.

Under the agreement, more than 100 Boxer Heavy Weapon Carrier vehicles will be built by Rheinmetall at its Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence in Redbank, Queensland and exported for use by the German Army.

This agreement, now passed through the German parliament, follows Prime Minister Anthony Albanese witnessing the signing of the in-principle agreement between Germany and Australia during his visit to Berlin in July last year.

This is a significant milestone for Australia’s defence industry: worth over $1 billion to the Australian economy, boosting our sovereign defence industry and securing more than 600 direct jobs in Queensland alone, with even more through the supply chain.

Today’s announcement will see Australian defence industry at the forefront of delivering world-leading defence capability to our trusted security partner, Germany.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“This significant announcement is worth over $1 billion to the Australian economy in the production and supply of these vehicles.

“The agreement will boost Australia’s sovereign defence industry, secure local jobs and contribute to Australia’s economic growth.

“This deal secures well-paid jobs in Queensland and across the country.”

Minister for Defence Richard Marles

“I am pleased to announce the signing of the biggest defence export agreement in Australia’s history.

“The build and export of Boxer Heavy Weapon Carrier vehicles to the German Army highlights a strengthening of the relationship between our two countries.

“The Albanese Government is not only committed to bolstering our nation’s growing defence industry, technology and talent, but also supporting ongoing economic prosperity in the region.” 

Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy

“This announcement underscores the support and immense effort on the part of the Albanese Government in ensuring we have a robust defence industry.

“A strong defence industry is crucial to protecting Australians and their interests. This announcement is also a testament to the hardworking Australians employed in this critical industry.

“Today’s announcement means more than 600 Australians will secure and stable employment at Rheinmetall’s Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence in Queensland, along with many more throughout our defence industry across the nation.”