Category: Australian News

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.

The Albanese Government’s disastrous “right to disconnect” law could lead to fines of over $18,000.

The new “right to disconnect” law was tabled on Wednesday night as part of over 100 amendments to the Albanese Government’s latest radical industrial relations Bill.

The amendment was put forward by the Greens after they did a dodgy deal with the Government to pass the wider Bill if the Government supported the so-called “right to disconnect’.

The law says an employee may refuse to monitor, read or respond to contact, or attempted contact, from an employer outside of the employee’s working hours unless the refusal is unreasonable.

The law allows for an application to be made to the Fair Work Commission for a stop order to be put in place if either party believes the other is acting in contravention of the law.

“At the 11th hour we learn that fines of over $18,000 could flow from this law,’’ she said.

“This law just opens up another level of complexity for businesses at a time when they are doing it very tough,’’ Senator Cash said.

“In a country with five time zones during the summer months and in a globally competitive economy, it’s not clear how this will help increase productivity in the workplace,’’ she said.

“Western Australia will be hit particularly hard by the right to disconnect law because of the three-hour time difference over summer. The Prime Minister and this Government has complete contempt for Western Australia and the hard work of businesses and workers who contribute so much to the national economy,’’ Senator Cash said.

Australia’s research sector is vital in driving innovation, advancing our economy and building a globally competitive nation, but it must expend taxpayers’ funds in the national interest.

Labor’s proposal to outsource public funding decisions for more than half a billion dollars to an Australian Research Council (ARC) board, unaccountable to the Parliament, is irresponsible.

It is also contrary to our system of parliamentary democracy which ensures that elected representatives are accountable to the Australian people, not untouchable boards or committees.

Without oversight from the minister, there is the risk wasteful or questionable projects, which may involve large travel or other inappropriate costs, will be funded without recourse. This shows how little Labor cares about safeguarding taxpayer funds.

In 2022-23, more than $895 million was delivered through ARC grant programs.

Of the many thousands of ARC research projects, the former Coalition government vetoed just 32 projects.

This is bad policy from a very bad government.

Given Labor will retain control of big-ticket funding programs such as the ‘ARC Centres of Excellence’ involving several hundred million dollars, Jason Clare’s hypocrisy is on full display. What double standards from a minister who has refused to hand over the ribbon cutting and photo opportunities.

Since its election, the Albanese government has shown only contempt for the research sector, cutting $102 million from university research programs in the December MYEFO, with no sign Labor will keep its election promise to increase research funding to 3 per cent of GDP.

The establishment of an ARC board, to be paid from the ARC’s budget, means a direct cut to research of another $1.5 million.

Australians are paying more for their passports under the Albanese Labor Government in return for a woefully inefficient service.

A report released by the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) today on the Australian Passport Office has revealed that “passport applications are not being processed in a time and resource efficient manner.”

Since being elected, Labor has hiked up the price for Australians with an adult passport of 10 years going up $38 and plans of a second increase this year of $28 from 1 July.

Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Simon Birmingham said the Albanese Labor Government had no shame in slogging Australians with higher passport fees while delivering woefully inadequate services to deliver them.

“In a desperate cash grab the Albanese Government has twice hiked the price of passports with a third to come, yet this report reveals Australians are forking out more just to wait longer for their passports,” Senator Birmingham said.

“Australians already pay more for their holiday thanks to Labor blocking airline competition, now they’re paying more just to be allowed to leave the country.

“The Albanese Labor Government should reverse their big passport price hike until they comprehensively respond to these recommendations so that Australians get a fair deal on passports, not a costly, stressful stuff-around.”

In what the Treasurer has called a “relatively modest” change Australians will be paying 21 per cent more under Labor to get their passports during a cost-of-living crunch.

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.”