Category: Australian News

The Australian Greens will this week table a Bill in the Senate to introduce divestiture powers into Australian competition law.  

Greens Economic Justice Spokesperson Senator McKim

“The giant supermarket corporations have had it their way for far too long.”

“It’s time that the interests of people took precedence over the profits of corporations.” 

“We need to stop supermarket corporations ruthlessly using their market power to gouge prices while raking in billions of dollars in profits. 

“Giving our courts and competition regulators the power to smash the supermarket duopoly will help rein them in.” 

“This isn’t a controversial or radical proposition. The UK has this power, and the US has been using it for well over a century.”

“The competition agencies of Ireland, Italy and the Netherlands have all recently required the divestment of supermarket assets in order to increase local competition.” 

“The market domination of Coles and Woolworths gives them the power to crush farmers, squeeze out competition and shaft their customers.”

“Political donations from Coles and Woolworths have meant that successive governments have stood by and watched the supermarket duopoly dominate. It’s time to stand up.”

“This is not just about supermarkets. Australia has competition issues in many sectors of the economy.”

“RBA Governor Michelle Bullock agrees that some corporations are using a lack of competition and the cover of high inflation to hike prices above what would be required to meet increases in their input costs.” 

“The very existence of divestiture powers will mean that dominant supermarkets, banks or energy companies will think twice about pocketing higher margins and instead pass on savings to their customers.”

“The Greens will be seeking support for this bill across party lines – from the Government, to the Coalition and crossbench, because I have no doubt that most Australians support it.”

The Albanese Labor Government is proud to contribute $3.5 million to support the Lowitja O’Donoghue Foundation to honour the remarkable legacy of the late Yankunytjatjara woman and support the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nurses and public sector leaders.

The Lowitja O’Donoghue Foundation was established in 2022 with support from the Albanese Government to create pathways for First Nations people to carry forward Dr O’Donoghue’s vision for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.

Throughout her career in public life spanning more than 60 years of service, Dr O’Donoghue worked tirelessly to improve the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

This funding, over the next three years, will support the Lowitja O’Donoghue Foundation to continue her legacy and increase the number of scholarships offered for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to follow Dr O’Donoghue’s footsteps in nursing and the public sector.

This funding includes:

• $645,000 over the next three years to support 10 scholarships per year, for First Nations people interested in study, internship, and a career in the nursing sector.
• $2 million will be provided as a contribution to a scholarship fund that the Foundation will establish to support public sector scholarships into the future.
• $892,000 over three years for employment, resource development and operational costs.

For more information about the Foundation and to learn how to support its ongoing work, visit the Lowitja Foundation website.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“Lowitja O’Donoghue was one of the most remarkable leaders this country has ever known.

“She was like a rock that stood firm in the storm – sometimes even staring down the storm. More than anything, she was of the great rocks around which the river of our history gently bent, persuaded to flow along a better course.

“I am proud that we will deliver $3.5 million to support the Lowitja O’Donoghue Foundation to honour her remarkable legacy and support the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nurses and public sector leaders.”

Minister Mark Butler:

“Never backwards in coming forwards, Lowitja didn’t just beat a path for others to follow, she beat down any door that was closed to her and First Nations people.

“The Albanese Government is proud to support the Foundation to carry on her work and further the causes of reconciliation, recognition, agency and self-determination.”

Minister Linda Burney:

“Lowitja’s leadership has been an inspiration for generations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, including myself. 

“The Albanese Government is proud to support the Foundation in acknowledging Dr O’Donoghue’s exceptional achievements in creating a fairer and more just society.

“She broke down so many barriers, faced up to racism, overcame adversity.

“These scholarships, in Dr O’Donoghue’s honour, will support the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health professionals and public sector leaders.”

Tomorrow I will welcome China’s Foreign Minister and Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mr Wang Yi, to Canberra.

I will hold the seventh Australia-China Foreign and Strategic Dialogue with Minister Wang. The Dialogue is a long-standing mechanism to discuss the bilateral relationship and regional and international developments.

I look forward to a frank exchange of views on our shared interests, points of difference, and our respective roles in upholding a region that is peaceful, stable and secure.

Minister Wang’s travel to Australia follows Prime Minister Albanese’s successful visit to China in November last year.

The Australian Government continues to pursue a stable and constructive relationship with China, which is in the interests of both countries.

Australia’s approach is consistent; we seek to cooperate with China where we can, disagree where we must and engage in our national interest.

The Australian Greens will this week table a Bill in the Senate to introduce divestiture powers into Australian competition law.  

Greens Economic Justice Spokesperson Senator McKim

“The giant supermarket corporations have had it their way for far too long.”

“It’s time that the interests of people took precedence over the profits of corporations.” 

“We need to stop supermarket corporations ruthlessly using their market power to gouge prices while raking in billions of dollars in profits. 

“Giving our courts and competition regulators the power to smash the supermarket duopoly will help rein them in.” 

“This isn’t a controversial or radical proposition. The UK has this power, and the US has been using it for well over a century.”

“The competition agencies of Ireland, Italy and the Netherlands have all recently required the divestment of supermarket assets in order to increase local competition.” 

“The market domination of Coles and Woolworths gives them the power to crush farmers, squeeze out competition and shaft their customers.”

“Political donations from Coles and Woolworths have meant that successive governments have stood by and watched the supermarket duopoly dominate. It’s time to stand up.”

“This is not just about supermarkets. Australia has competition issues in many sectors of the economy.”

“RBA Governor Michelle Bullock agrees that some corporations are using a lack of competition and the cover of high inflation to hike prices above what would be required to meet increases in their input costs.” 

“The very existence of divestiture powers will mean that dominant supermarkets, banks or energy companies will think twice about pocketing higher margins and instead pass on savings to their customers.”

“The Greens will be seeking support for this bill across party lines – from the Government, to the Coalition and crossbench, because I have no doubt that most Australians support it.”

Labor’s changes to Paid Parental Leave – expanding the scheme to a full six months – will now be law after the Paid Parental Leave Amendment (More Support for Working Families) Bill 2023 was today passed by the Senate.

That means new parents will be eligible for more Paid Parental Leave from 1 July this year with the passage of this historic legislation.

More than 180,000 families are expected to benefit from the expansion of the scheme each year with expecting parents able to pre-claim from March 26.

The bill delivers on the Government’s commitment to expand Paid Parental Leave to 26-weeks by 2026, as announced in the October 2022-23 Budget, and represents a $1.2 billion investment in the Paid Parental Leave scheme through to 2026-27.

From 1 July, two more weeks of payment will be added each year until the overall length of the Paid Parental Leave scheme reaches 26-weeks by July 2026.

The Bill increases the number of weeks reserved for each parent on a use it or lose it basis to four weeks in order to encourage greater sharing of care and household responsibilities. It also provides more flexibility by increasing the amount of leave that parents can take at the same time, from two to four weeks.

Expanding Paid Parental Leave to 26-weeks also complements the Government’s plan, announced earlier this month, to pay superannuation on Paid Parental Leave from 1 July 2025.

More information on the changes to the Paid Parental Leave scheme can be found on the Department of Social Services website.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“This is the biggest boost to Paid Parental Leave since it was created by the former Labor Government in 2011.

“Our policy will give families more leave and more flexibility, to ensure the system works in a way that’s best for them.

“A parental leave system that empowers the full and equal participation of women will be good for business, good for families and good for our economy.”

Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth

“The Government has made great strides to ensure the scheme is more accessible, flexible and gender equitable for Australian families.

“The face of the modern Australian family has changed significantly since the scheme was first introduced by Labor in 2011.

“Our changes ensure that the scheme will be able to better address the needs of working Australian families and provide greater security as they embark on this new chapter of their life with a newborn or adopted child.”

Australia will lift its temporary pause on funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), following steps to strengthen the integrity of UNRWA operations.

The decision to pause an additional $6 million in funding was taken after serious allegations were made, resulting in UNRWA’s dismissal of staff alleged to have been involved in the Hamas terrorist attacks of 7 October.

The nature of the allegations warranted an immediate and appropriate response. 

The Australian Government has been working with a group of donor countries and with UNRWA on the shared objective of ensuring the integrity of UNRWA’s operations, rebuilding confidence and ensuring aid flows to Gazans in desperate need.

Australia and our partners welcome the decisive actions from UNRWA and the UN Secretary General António Guterres to strengthen the integrity of operations. This includes the UN Office of Internal Oversight Services’ investigation of the allegations, and the independent review into UNRWA and the principle of neutrality, led by former French Foreign Minister, Catherine Colonna.

We welcome UNRWA’s immediate work to deliver an action plan for donors, including Australia. The plan includes strengthened internal controls to ensure its neutrality, including rigorous requirements of staff.

We see this as an ongoing process of diligence and vigilance.

In disbursing the $6 million to UNRWA’s flash appeal, Australia is finalising an updated funding agreement that will include stringent conditions such as guarantees of staff neutrality, and confidence in supply chains.

These steps provide the necessary confidence that the $6 million in urgent humanitarian funding to be released will go directly to those in need, satisfying Australia’s rigorous humanitarian controls, sanctions and legal requirements. 

Australia’s decision is in line with steps taken by Canada, Sweden and the EU. It is expected that more countries that have paused will take a similar approach.

UNRWA must continue to do all it can to ensure the highest standards of governance and accountability are met, as its work is vital. There can be no tolerance for members of terrorist organisations working for UNRWA.

Only UNRWA has the infrastructure to receive and distribute aid on the scale needed right now in Gaza. We urge Israel to recognise its mandate and work transparently to support its integrity.

In resuming funding, the Government is responding to a humanitarian situation in Gaza which is dire, and only worsening.

More than 1.7 million Palestinians have been displaced, most living in crowded and unsanitary conditions. Access to health care and food is limited; the risk of widespread famine is growing. Women and children are facing the most acute impacts, but the suffering is widespread and threatens to have enduring health effects.

Relief agencies have briefed the Australian Government on large stocks of food outside Gaza’s borders, but that there is no way to move it across the border into Gaza and deliver it at scale without Israel’s cooperation.

To address the urgent need, Australia will also support efforts by Jordan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to assist with the delivery of vital humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza.

A Royal Australian Air Force C-17A Globemaster will deliver a supply of 140 Australian Defence Force (ADF) aerial delivery parachutes for use in humanitarian assistance airdrops by Jordan and the UAE.

The Australian Government will also provide an additional $4 million to UNICEF to provide urgent services, including for women and children, and $2 million to the new mechanism of the UN Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza, to facilitate expanded humanitarian access into Gaza.

This support is in addition to more than $46 million committed by the Australian Government towards humanitarian assistance for civilians affected by the Hamas-Israel conflict, bringing the total to $52.5 million.

Australia reiterates our call for an immediate and enduring humanitarian ceasefire that will enable unconditional release of hostages, and the urgent humanitarian relief that is needed.

Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon. Richard Marles, MP:

“Australia remains deeply concerned about the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. We are pleased to support the efforts of Jordan and the United Arab Emirates to provide crucial humanitarian aid to civilians through airdrops.”

“We continue to call for safe, unimpeded and sustained access for humanitarian supplies to enable lifesaving support for the civilians in Gaza.”

Foreign Minister, Senator Penny Wong:

“The Australian Government will work with UNRWA on an ongoing basis to ensure its integrity and neutrality are beyond reproach.

“The additional assistance provided, including support for airdrops, is recognition that we need to pursue all avenues to address the suffering in Gaza.

“Only UNRWA has the infrastructure to receive and distribute aid on the scale needed right now in Gaza. But aid can only reach the civilian population at scale if Israel lets it into Gaza. Australia implores Israel to allow this to happen.

Minister for International Development, the Hon Pat Conroy MP:

“The need for immediate humanitarian assistance in Gaza is undeniable. We continue to call on Israel to allow full and unfettered access to help those most in need. 

“The release of funding for UNRWA, with additional assurances, backs in Australia’s longstanding support for the organisation, recognising its unique position and capability in the region.

“UNRWA does lifesaving work. That is why successive Australian Governments have funded it since 1951, and it is why the Albanese Government doubled its core funding to UNRWA to $20 million.”

Following reports that Energy Minister Chris Bowen is considering further extending public subsidies for fossil fuel powered cars, the Greens have warned Labor must stop trying to weaken environmental laws in collaboration with Peter Dutton.

The AFR today reports that the government is considering extending a legislated time limit on tax benefits for plug-in hybrids, undoing a November 2022 deal with the Greens to pass EV legislation. This change would require legislation, likely requiring the Liberals’ support.

Over the past few weeks, Labor has publicly stated their intention to deal with the Liberals on several pieces of climate damaging legislation:

• Fast-track massive gas projects, through bypassing environmental protections and First Nations consultation by allowing the Resources Minister to overrule the EPBC Act
• Extending a fossil fuel subsidy for hybrid vehicles, which would undo an existing Greens deal to limit the generous handouts to April 1 2025
• Keeping tax paid by massive gas corporations low in reform to the PRRT, bypassing the Greens and crossbench members demanding massive gas corporations pay their fair share of tax
• “Streamlining” approvals through the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation process, details of which Mr Chalmers has not revealed.

The Greens say that this represents a substantial shift from the government – instead of working with the Greens and crossbench to create stronger laws to protect the climate and environment, Labor has decided that they would prefer to weaken laws with Coalition support.

Leader of the Australian Greens, Adam Bandt MP:

“Labor are climate con artists, pretending to take action on climate change while working with the Liberals to weaken laws meant to stop emissions and protect the environment,” Mr Bandt said.

“This could be one of the most significant fortnights in the life of this Parliament. Labor is breaking an election promise by working with Peter Dutton to weaken environment laws, fast tracking new gas mines in the middle of a climate crisis and taking away the voices of traditional owners. 

“Labor’s political decision to work with the Liberals to weaken environmental protections, instead of with the Greens to strengthen them, is spitting in the face of everyone who voted to kick Scott Morrison out.

“Labor has a clear choice: they can work with Peter Dutton to open up new gas mines and make the climate crisis worse, or they can work with the Greens. 

“While everyday people are working to try and stop climate change, Labor’s doing deals with the Liberals to make it worse.

The Greens condemn the Australian government’s decision to cancel visas for Palestinians fleeing the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza and already in transit to Australia.

“Labor has already made itself complicit in the crisis in Gaza by facilitating the export of military hardware to Israel and cutting funding to UNRWA,” Greens Immigration and Citizenship spokesperson Senator Nick McKim said.

“To cancel visas for those fleeing such horrendous conditions shows a lack of humanity and causes unnecessary further suffering.” 

“The Minister urgently needs to intervene and fix this mess.”

“The Greens call for the reinstatement of these visas and a significant policy shift to prevent further injustice.”

“At the very least, those affected must be granted temporary visas immediately so they can stay safely in Australia while any issues are resolved.”

“It’s time for Labor to step up and show some leadership in the face of a humanitarian crisis.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese today launched a fleet of 43 electric trucks on Sydney roads, marking another milestone in the Government’s Driving the Nation program with Minister Chris Bowen, the CEO of Team Global Express, Christine Holgate, and the global CEO of Volvo, Martin Lundstedt.

These high-tech trucks are the first of 60 purchased by Team Global Express as part of their $44.3 million Depot of the Future project including 36 Volvo FL Electric trucks and 24 Daimler Fuso eCanters.

The Albanese Government has contributed $20.1 million through the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), to get this great project on the road.

Transport already accounts for one-fifth of Australia’s emissions, and trucks and buses are responsible for a quarter of these transport emissions.

As more people are choosing to buy their groceries and other supplies online, driving strong growth in parcel delivery, the switch to electric trucks will help in decarbonising the transport sector.

This project is replacing a third of Team Global Express’s fleet in Western Sydney with electric vehicles which are cleaner and cheaper to run – and will reduce air pollution and noise.

Team Global Express has also upgraded its Bungarribee depot to incorporate advanced EV charging infrastructure powered by a 1 MW battery storage system that uses 400 kW of energy from onsite solar panels.

Powering their operations with onsite solar will reduce pressure on the grid, while cutting energy bills and reducing transport emissions.

Through this project, existing delivery drivers have been able to upskill – receiving training to use the electric trucks.

The lessons learnt from this project will be shared across the trucking industry to help build up capability and scale our electric heavy vehicle fleet.

The $20.1 million ARENA grant is part of the government’s Driving the Nation fund, through which we have invested $130 million in EV fleets, designed to invest in cheaper and cleaner transport, which is also helping build a nationwide EV fast-charging network to link Australia’s cities and regions.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“We already have thousands of electric buses and electric cars on the road. This Australian-first project will help modernise our truck fleet, cut down on emissions, save fuel costs and reduce air pollution.

“This also delivers on our election commitment through the Driving the Nation Fund into cutting transport emissions and rolling out charging infrastructure across Australia.

“We pride ourselves on working with companies like Team Global Express and Volvo to seize the opportunities that come with embracing electric heavy vehicles.”

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen

“These trucks won’t just be the cleanest and quietest delivery trucks on Sydney’s streets – they’ll be the cheapest to run, including maintenance, a huge expense for any logistics business.

“With these trucks reducing noise, air pollution and running costs, the Albanese Government is proud to be delivering on solutions that are good for Western Sydney and the broader climate and economy.”

The Albanese Government will provide up to $840 million (US$550 million) to help deliver Australia’s first combined rare earths mine and refinery in the Northern Territory, creating local jobs and securing Australia’s position as a renewable energy superpower.

The refinery will create over 300 new jobs across the Northern Territory while also diversifying our critical minerals supply chain. A first of its kind in Australia, the project is an ambitious step forward for our rare earths and critical minerals industry.

This ground-breaking investment will position Australia as a global leader in ethical and sustainable manufacturing of these minerals.

The rare earths mine and refinery will be operated by Australian mineral exploration company Arafura and is located 125 km north of Alice Springs. During construction it will create over 200 jobs, with over 125 full time jobs ongoing, including the company’s stated ambition of securing 20 per cent local Indigenous employment.

Rare earths are used to make powerful magnets, and are an essential component in renewable energy and defence technologies. Electric vehicle motors, wind turbines, robotics and mobile phones are examples of the kinds of technologies that rely on rare earths.

The Government’s contribution will unlock further investment from international financiers and commercial banks, highlighting the value placed on this important investment.

This project is possible due to the Albanese Government’s commitment to a future made in Australia, which has seen the expansion of the Critical Minerals Facility and the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility to a combined $11 billion.

Critical minerals are the building blocks for a clean energy future, and our Government has become a major investor and partner of this important sector, creating jobs and opportunities for more Australians.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“My Government is focussed on a future made in Australia, and this project is an important part of that plan.

“We will deliver critical jobs and economic development in the heart of the Territory and the north.

“This will create local jobs and economic opportunities, helping Australian and Territory companies and workers capture more value from the game-changing critical minerals deposits we have here.

“This project is a major vote of confidence in the Northern Territory, which continues to punch above its weight in global trade.”

Northern Territory Chief Minister Eva Lawler

“Creating more work opportunities for Territorians now and into the future is the priority of the Territory Labor Government.

“The Commonwealth’s commitment for Arafura’s rare earths mine and refinery will help us achieve that. It will create approximately 200 jobs during construction, and 125 ongoing local jobs in Central Australia.

“Arafura’s project is an example of how this Government is attracting investment into our critical minerals sector that will significantly contribute to the Territory’s role in energy transition and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

“Backed by record levels of investment into exploration, the mining and processing of critical minerals is a priority opportunity for the Territory to create more work opportunities for Territorians.”

Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell

“Our Government is committed to unlocking new critical minerals projects to help us become a renewable energy superpower, and create hundreds of local high-paying jobs in the industries of the future.

“We have some of the largest deposits of critical minerals in the world and through this project, we’re encouraging more international partners like the Republic of Korea and Germany to invest in Australia and diversify global supply chains.

“International buyers and investors are key to developing our abundant critical minerals opportunities, which is why we are also building strong partnerships with major economies.”

Minister for Resources and Minister for Northern Australia Madeleine King

“Australia’s critical minerals will be crucial to the new low-emissions technologies that will help lower emissions and our trading partners to meet their climate goals.

“The combined funding from the Critical Minerals Facility and the NAIF will help Australia build downstream industries and support our goal to become a renewable energy superpower by 2030.

“To meet our net zero targets we will need more mining, not less, to build the solar panels, batteries and wind farms we need to reduce emissions.”