Category: Australian News

A future Federal Coalition Government will provide a $2 million contribution to support the Frankston City Council in delivering the Monterey Reserve Precinct Revitalisation.

The Monterey Reserve Precinct Revitalisation delivers something for everyone in Dunkley.

Key elements of the revitalisation include a play space, a youth space decked out with a skate park, and a new seniors fitness space, all with improved pathways, landscaping and lighting. These precinct improvements will transform the Monterey Reserve in Frankston North, completely revitalising this key community hub for local residents and families to enjoy.

Federal Leader of the Opposition, Peter Dutton, on a visit to the park today said “Monterey Reserve is clearly a popular place for families and local residents, but it currently doesn’t meet the needs of the growing Frankston North community. This is an important community infrastructure project which will ensure the Monterey Reserve Precinct is fit for purpose for the years ahead. A future Federal Coalition Government in Canberra will contribute towards funding this important community project to revitalise this important community space.”

Liberal Party Candidate for Dunkley, Nathan Conroy, said “Upgrading Monterey Reserve is a critical part of our long-term vision to build a better community for us right across Frankston. Our community deserves world-class infrastructure to support a growing population and this is part of my long term vision for delivery in all areas of Frankston City. This project will significantly benefit the people of Frankston North, and is a real example in our vision of delivering for the people of Frankston.”

We will work with a future Victorian Government state government and local Council that is willing to deliver this project, requiring equal financial contributions of $2 million each.

This is a project that has come directly from community feedback and will improve health, wellbeing, social connection and the environment at Monterey Reserve.

Through his time as local Mayor, Nathan Conroy has shown he will fight for this area and for the community infrastructure that this growing area needs.

If elected at the byelection on 2 March, Nathan will continue to deliver for the people of Dunkley.

Four hundred delegates from across the Indian Ocean region and beyond will today meet in Perth for this year’s Indian Ocean Conference.

This is the first time Australia has hosted this important gathering. Together with India’s Minister of External Affairs Dr Jaishankar, I look forward to welcoming Sri Lanka’s President Wickremesinghe, 17 Ministers, Secretaries-General and high-level delegates.

The Conference theme of ‘Towards a Stable and Sustainable Indian Ocean’ presents an opportunity to discuss positive and practical ways in which we can work towards a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indian Ocean; a community in which agreed rules and norms empower all states to cooperate, trade and thrive.

Indian Ocean countries share common interests in the security of our region, tackling climate change, the health of our oceans, marine safety, trade, and economic development.

Our region faces shared challenges, and we are working together on shared solutions.

Greens Deputy Leader and Aid and Global Justice spokesperson Senator Mehreen Faruqi has questioned Foreign Affairs Minister Senator Penny Wong’s judgement in suspending life-saving funding to UNRWA without having all the facts.

In question time earlier this week, Senator Faruqi asked a direct question on whether the Minister had seen any evidence of claims by the Israeli government before her decision to suspend funding to UNRWA. The full exchange is available on Hansard here and on video here. 

Senator Faruqi said:

“It’s not just wrong, but recklessly irresponsible when a Minister suspends such critical humanitarian funding without having all the evidence. One must wonder, is this a case of poor judgement or is Minister Wong happy to take just the word of Israel?

“After my questioning in the Senate, Minister Wong has been forced to admit what we knew all along; the Labor government has suspended UNRWA funding based on allegations, and without all the facts. Humanitarian aid should never be beholden to politics. 

“The government acknowledging that UNWRA do life-saving work and then halting funding is hypocritical and misguided.

“There is not a minute to waste. The Labor government must immediately lift the suspension of UNRWA funding. In fact, there is a need to rapidly increase aid given the dire situation in Gaza. 

“The most humanitarian thing would be for Minister Wong to take strong action to stop Israel from bombing civilians in Gaza.”

Work is underway on the $113 million Kennedy Community Centre Stage 1 Project, which is set to elevate the Hawthorn Football Club facilities to a nationally-significant sporting venue.

Once complete, the centre will include the ‘Harris’ Elite Training and Administration Facility, which will comprise of an MCG-sized oval with lighting, an indoor training field, aquatic facilities, unisex change rooms, function centre, public amenities and a carpark area with lighting.

An adjacent AFLW and Community oval and three-level pavilion will also be delivered, featuring full broadcast capabilities and grandstand seating.

Construction is expected to be completed by late 2025.

The Australian Government has committed $15 million to the project. The Allan Labor Government ($15 million), the Hawthorn Football Club ($73 million), the AFL ($5 million) and the Kingston City Council ($5 million) have provided the remaining $98 million towards the project.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“‘Teamwork is the thing that talks’ – and my Government is very pleased to be working with the State Government, Kingston City Council, the AFL and the Hawthorn Football Club to help bring this great project to life.

“This centre will be a focal point and a home for community sport, men and women, boys and girls, all ages and so many sporting codes.

“It will be a place in the best of the Australian tradition – where sport belongs to the people and sport brings people together.”

Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said:

“The Australian Government is pleased to partner with the Hawthorn Football Club, the Victorian Government, the City of Kingston and the AFL to deliver this wonderful project.

“The project will deliver the best facility of its type in southeast Melbourne for the community, encouraging both passive and active participation in the sport.”

Federal Member for Isaacs Mark Dreyfus said:

“I’m delighted the Kennedy Community Centre is being supported to become a hub for Dingley, Isaacs and the broader community.

“Sport is an integral part of the Isaacs community spirit – it brings us together and promotes teamwork, inclusivity and resilience. The Centre will be a great asset for local sport and help boost our local economy.”

Victorian Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos said:

“This is such an exciting step in helping deliver the Hawthorn Football Club elite facilities for the club’s AFLW team while creating a home base for the brown and gold for many years to come.”

Mayor of City of Kingston Cr Jenna Davey-Burns said:

“Our Council is passionate about supporting sport, particularly the participation of women and girls, and we are thrilled to see the Kennedy Centre project come to fruition.

“Community sport is all about great physical and mental wellbeing, provides a real sense of belonging and helps build strong connections. It’s great to think we could soon be seeing the next generation of Tilly Lucas-Rodds, Jazzy Flemmings, Chad Wingards and Jai Newcombes getting their start on a brand-new community oval here in Dingley Village.”

Today is the second anniversary of the day the government adopted former Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins’ Set the Standards report, after its release in November 2021.

The recommendations in that report were intended to be adopted within 12 months. With the Independent Parliamentary Standards Commission (IPSC) now delayed until October 2024, an enforcement body to uphold the codes of conduct for parliamentary behaviour will be almost two years overdue.

Greens leader in the Senate and spokesperson on women Senator Larissa Waters said:

“When former Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins released the Set the Standard Report in 2021, the recommendations were intended to be fully implemented within 12 months – not 3 years.

“Establishing an independent, trauma-informed Parliamentary Workplace Support Service to support staff and MPs dealing with harassment and abuse has been a huge step forward, as has the adoption of long overdue draft codes of conduct for the parliamentary chambers, but without enforcement powers, they cannot solve the problem.

“I am proud of the progress that has been made, but we still need an Independent Parliamentary Standards Commission (IPSC) to enforce codes of conduct. 

“The timeframe for that IPSC was first extended until February, and has now blown out 1 whole year until October 2024.

“We know that without real prospects that an MP will be sanctioned, staff are reluctant to come forward. Consequences are crucial. 

“As a member of the Parliamentary Leadership Taskforce I know that work to set up the IPSC is complex, but there is no excuse for it having been so slow.

“The Greens will continue to push for real accountability and transparency, so that here in Parliament our workplace is leading by example to Set the Standard.”

Following the review of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, the Greens support the Review’s calls for urgent fundamental changes in the way government departments engage with the priority reforms.

The Greens also reiterated their expectation that the government will advance Truth and Treaty through a Makarrata Commission in this term of government.

Senator Dorinda Cox, Greens First Nations portfolio holder said:

“This review is excruciating reading but it is also a brave and necessary act of Truth Telling.

“What this review confirms is we are closing no gaps. It says government departments scorn accountability. It says actions by the government, and I’m quoting here, “exacerbate rather than remedy disadvantage and discrimination”.

“I am appalled by the reported lack of accountability from government departments. The complacency. The business as usual, government-knows-best approach to First Nations communities.

“This is the definition of institutional racism. This is the arrogance of white bureaucrats, systems and managers reinforcing the disempowerment of our people.

“These attitudes keep First Nations people out of schools, out of hospitals, out of workplaces.

“These attitudes empower state violence against our people and ensure we do not get justice.

“Many First Nations people trusted the Albanese government last year when they said they wanted to put us in charge of our own solutions.

“That trust cannot be broken. It’s time for the government to put their money where their mouth is, and that means handing both money and decision-making power over to Aboriginal Controlled Community Organisations.

“This is everyone’s business. It’s not just up to people with the Blak portfolios to solve these problems – we need every Minister and every Head of Department to understand it is their job to Close the Gap. And we need them to know there will be consequences if they don’t.

“Business-as-usual has failed, and it’s clear from these results that the government does not know what’s best for our people.

“Now is the time for Truth and Treaty.

“The referendum campaign clearly demonstrated the need to have an honest and informed discussion about our shared history so we can speak the truth, heal and move forward together through Treaty and the affirmation of First Nations Sovereignty – which has never been ceded.

“We have an opportunity to do things differently in this country by starting that process now.”

The Greens welcome the findings of the comprehensive report led by Professor Allan Fels AO on the disturbing practices of price gouging and unfair pricing within Australia’s major industries, including the supermarket sector.

“The findings of Professor Fels’ report are a testament to the urgent need for reform within our supermarket industry and beyond,” Greens Economic Justice spokesperson Senator Nick McKim said.

”It confirms what many Australians have long suspected – that excessive corporate profits and monopolistic practices are contributing significantly to the cost of living crisis and undermining our social fabric.”

“Professor Fels was clear that there is a lack of competitive pressure in the supermarket sector and that Australia needs divestiture laws to break up big business.”

“The Greens could not agree more.”

“There is no doubt that corporate profiteering is occurring in Australia. A corporate super-profits tax would help rein it in and provide extra revenue for the government to help people struggling to make ends meet.”

“The upcoming Senate inquiry into these matters will be a pivotal moment for supermarket CEOs to face public scrutiny.”

”We intend to examine into the issues highlighted by Professor Fels, ensuring that the CEOs of these corporations answer for their actions.”

“We thank the ACTU and Professor Fels for this important report.”

Following months of negotiations with the government and the crossbench, the Greens have secured support in their push for a legislated right to disconnect for workers.

As a long-time campaign and demand of the Greens, this win allows workers to ignore contact from their employers outside of work hours, unless they are paid for it.

The amendments to the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Closing Loopholes No. 2) Bill 2023 will give employees an enforceable right to refuse contact from their employer out of hours unless that refusal is unreasonable. Where the issue cannot be resolved at the workplace, and the behaviour continues, the Fair Work Commission can issue stop orders. If they are breached, the normal civil remedies of the Fair Work system will apply.

Factors like the reason for contact, the level of contact, compensation, job role and responsibility, and workers’ personal circumstances will be taken into account in deciding what is reasonable contact.

Having reached agreement with the government and crossbench on the right to disconnect, the Greens will back the bill when it comes before the Senate today.

Greens Leader Adam Bandt said:

“The Greens have won workers a right to disconnect,” Mr Bandt said.

“Whether you’re a nurse, teacher, or hospo worker, the Greens believe you shouldn’t have to answer calls or texts from your boss on your day off or after hours if you’re not being paid for it.

“The Greens are in Parliament to fight for workers, and by winning workers a right to disconnect, we have reclaimed the weekend for millions of people who need that time off.

“This is especially a big win for women and carers who are often forced to juggle work and caring responsibilities.”

Senator Barbara Pocock said:

“This right will make a real difference for millions of Australian workers and their families who need some backup when they want to say no to 24/7 contact from their workplace.

‘The right is clear, practical and reasonable. It will make a difference for workers who are not paid for being available and who donate many unpaid hours to their workplace.

‘In implementing this right, we are playing catch up with 20 other nations who have already acted on this massive problem. 

‘This change will help workers protect their mental health and improve work-life balance. It will especially help those in insecure jobs who need that legislative backup.

“I want to thank the government and the Senate crossbench for their constructive engagement and their support for our right to disconnect plan.

History will condemn Labor’s backing of a massive humanitarian catastrophe, the Greens say, after the government voted with the opposition to double down on its support of the State of Israel’s invasion of Gaza. 

The vote occurred as the death toll in Palestine climbs towards 30,000 people, millions of Palestinians are displaced and facing starvation, dehydration and death from disease, and Israeli troops turn their sights on the city of Rafah.

The International Court of Justice has said there is a plausible basis to claims of genocide,  commencing an investigation that the Australian Government has also refused to support.

Adam Bandt MP, Leader of the Australian Greens said:

“As the death toll rises and civilians are slaughtered, it is unforgivable that Labor continues to back the invasion of Gaza,” Mr Bandt said.

“Even after 27,000 deaths, widespread humanitarian catastrophe and orders from the International Court of Justice to prevent genocide, Labor has doubled down on its backing of Israel’s invasion of Gaza.”

“International pressure is crucial to securing a permanent ceasefire, but Labor keeps backing the invasion.

“Labor should join the growing global push for a permanent ceasefire, the release of the hostages and an end to the occupation of Palestine.”

Senator Jordon Steele-John, Greens spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Peace said:

“There is no room for equivocating on the crime of genocide. Labor is trying to present this as complicated – there is nothing morally complex about opposing an invasion which has killed tens of thousands of innocent people,” Senator Steele-John said.

“Now that the International Court of Justice believes there is a plausible basis to claims of genocide in Gaza, ignorance is not an excuse. Continued silence as the death toll mounts and evidence of genocide builds amounts to complicity in what is going on in Gaza.

“Every day, we see horrifying new evidence of what the State of Israel’s invasion means: mass graves, schools and hospitals turned into rubble, all backed by Israeli officials using genocidal language.

“Labor has abandoned everyone in the community who are pushing for a permanent ceasefire, the release of all hostages and an end to the occupation of Palestine.

Greens Deputy Leader and Animal Welfare spokesperson Senator Mehreen Faruqi has expressed grave concerns over news the department has approved yet another live export voyage, amid deaths on the MV Bahijah which remains in limbo in WA.

Senator Faruqi said:

“Utterly irresponsible that as animals suffer and die on one stranded live export ship, the department approves yet another voyage. If this doesn’t show the absolutely glaring disregard for animal welfare by the government, then I don’t know what will.

“The industry only cares about their profits and dead animals are a mere inconvenience to them. It seems the government are doing their dirty work for them by approving yet another live export vessel for clearly dangerous travel.

“Animals are sentient beings, not cargo to be sent off on perilous journeys and offloaded wherever and whenever it’s convenient for export corporations, while the government protects industry profits at the cost of animals. 

“Sheep and cattle are dying on the MV Bahijah in the scorching summer heat, meanwhile we have a department not taking action and a Minister who’s missing in action. Absolutely unacceptable. 

“The Minister has the power to get the animals off this ship right now. He must do so immediately and reject the application to send them back to sea.

“The government already made one gross error by approving the MV Bahijah trip through a conflict zone and now they are repeating their mistake! This decision is a stain on our collective conscience and shows the horrific disregard for animal welfare.  

“Labor must legislate an end date now and start the shut down of live exports. Sheep can’t wait for the next term of government, they can barely wait another day.