Category: Australian News

Today we announce the appointment of Mr James Baxter as Australia’s next Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Geneva.

The WTO is an international forum where 164 Members determine global trade rules and agreements, as well as resolve trade disputes when they arise.

Australia plays a leadership role in the WTO and is working to update the rules and reinvigorate the negotiating function to better respond to contemporary challenges in global trade.

We are working with other Members to deliver a substantive reform package at the upcoming 13th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC13).

Mr Baxter is a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and was most recently First Assistant Secretary, Office of Global Trade Negotiations. He has previously served overseas as Deputy Head of Mission, Australian Permanent Mission to the WTO in Geneva and in Belgium and Japan.

We thank outgoing Ambassador and Permanent Representative George Mina for his contributions to advancing Australia’s interests in the WTO since 2020.

The Greens say $11 billion in annual federal subsidies to polluting fossil fuel companies should be phased out and the money redirected to accelerating a community-led transition to renewable energy.

With yesterday’s news that Rio Tinto’s deal to purchase all energy produced by the Upper Calliope Solar Farm would only deliver one quarter of the wind and solar energy it needs to power its Gladstone alumina and aluminum operations, it’s clear that the federal government needs to urgently ramp up investments in renewable energy.

The Greens support calls from industry, business, unions and climate and energy organisations for renewable energy and electrification investment of at least $100 billion.

Gladstone-based Greens spokesperson on Industry, Transition and Regional Development Senator Penny Allman-Payne said:

“With Cyclone Kirrily bearing down on the Queensland coast it’s another harsh reminder of the cost of our coal and gas obsession and the urgent need to transition to an economy powered by clean, cheap renewable energy.

“Australia can become a renewable superpower, but if we don’t act soon to transition our industries away from dirty fossil fuels, we risk getting left behind as the rest of the world moves on.

“The Inflation Reduction Act in the US shows what’s possible when a country seeks to let loose investment in clean energy. But Labor continues to back more gas – a dirty, polluting industry of the past that is fuelling the climate crisis and will leave workers stranded.

“We can’t leave climate action up to the same unchecked market forces that have caused the climate crisis in the first place. That’s why the energy transition needs to be driven by public investment, community- and government-led, with full, transparent and timely engagement, including the free, prior and informed consent of Traditional Owners, and protections for workers.

“The people of my home of Gladstone know all too well what happens when we let massive corporations drive decision-making. My community still bears the scars of multiple boom and bust cycles.

“They don’t want to trade one set of profiteering corporations and billionaires for another, and they don’t want their jobs, their homes and their health to be afterthoughts.”

The Albanese Labor Government is delivering a tax cut for every Australian taxpayer commencing on July 1.

These new tax cuts are designed to provide bigger tax cuts for middle Australia to help with cost-of-living, while making our tax system fairer.

The Albanese Government recognises the economic realities of 2024: Australians are under pressure right now and deserve a tax cut.

Labor’s tax cuts will make a real difference for 13.6 million Australians, ensuring that hard working Australians are keeping more of the wages they earn.

Building on the first budget surplus delivered in 15 years, Labor’s tax cuts deliver more relief to more people in a way that is fiscally responsible and doesn’t add to inflationary pressures. 

Scott Morrison’s tax plan was designed five years ago, before the pandemic, before the global inflation spike, before interest rate rises and greater global uncertainty. It doesn’t do enough to help those who’ve been put under the most pressure by these changing circumstances.

We have found a more responsible way to ensure more people get a bigger tax cut to help ease the pressure they are under.

The Albanese Government’s tax cuts will deliver a bigger benefit for more Australians.

Our plan means every Australian taxpayer will receive a tax cut this year.

Our tax cuts are good for middle Australia, good for women, good for helping with cost-of-living pressures, good for labour supply and good for the economy.

From 1 July 2024, the Albanese Labor Government will:

• Reduce the 19 per cent tax rate to 16 per cent (for incomes between $18,200 and $45,000).
• Reduce the 32.5 per cent tax rate to 30 per cent (for incomes between $45,000 and the new $135,000 threshold).
• Increase the threshold at which the 37 per cent tax rate applies from $120,000 to $135,000.
• Increase the threshold at which the 45 per cent tax rate applies from $180,000 to $190,000.

As a result of these changes, on July 1:

• All 13.6 million taxpayers will receive a tax cut – and 2.9 million more taxpayers will receive a tax cut compared to Morrison’s plan.
• 11.5 million taxpayers (84 per cent of taxpayers) will now receive a bigger tax cut compared to Morrison’s plan.
• 5.8 million women (90 per cent of women taxpayers) will now receive a bigger tax cut compared to Morrison’s plan.
• A person on an average income of around $73,000 will get a tax cut of $1,504 – that’s $804 more than they were going to receive under Morrison’s plan.
• A person earning $40,000 will get a tax cut of $654 – compared to nothing under Morrison’s plan.
• A person earning $100,000 will get a tax cut of $2,179 – $804 more than they would receive under Morrison’s plan.
• A person earning $200,000 will still get a tax cut, which will be $4,529.

In addition, the Government will increase the Medicare levy low-income thresholds for 2023-24.

This will benefit more than a million Australians, ensuring people on lower incomes continue to pay a reduced levy rate or are exempt from the Medicare levy.

Labor’s tax cuts will return bracket creep, increase the rewards for Australians who choose to work and earn more, boost labour supply and deliver a fairer share of tax relief to women.

Cutting taxes for middle Australia is a central part of our economic plan – along with getting wages moving again, bringing inflation under control and driving fairer prices for Australian consumers.

Our tax cuts come on top of the billions of dollars in targeted and responsible cost-of-living relief that’s being rolled out, including:

• Energy bill relief;
• Cheaper medicines;
• Cheaper child care;
• Strengthening Medicare;
• Higher income support payments; and
• The biggest boost to Rent Assistance in 30 years.

The Albanese Government is providing meaningful cost-of-living relief in a responsible way that doesn’t add to inflationary pressures, while laying the foundations for a stronger and more resilient economy.

The changes to the personal income tax system will have a net cost of $1.3 billion over the forward estimates. The total impact of these tax cuts is expected to be $107 billion over the forward estimates.

The increase to the Medicare levy low-income thresholds is expected to cost $640 million over four years from 2023-24. This was accounted for in the 2023-24 Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook.

To find out how much the Government’s tax cuts will benefit you, use the calculator on the Treasury website: Tax cut calculator

Further details on these changes can be found at:

• Tax cuts to help with the cost of living
• Tax cuts to help Australians with the cost of living

New personal tax rates and thresholds for 2024-25

Current tax rates
0 –18,200	Tax free
18,201 – 45,000	19
45,001 – 120,000	32.5
120,001 – 180,000	37
>180,001	45

New tax rates from 2024–25
0 –18,200	Tax free
18,201 – 45,000	16
45,001 – 135,000	30
135,001 – 190,000	37
>190,001	45

The Albanese Government will direct the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to investigate pricing and competition in the supermarket sector to ensure Australians are paying a fair price for their groceries.

We understand that Australians are under the pump and the cost of groceries is among the biggest concern for many.

This 12-month ACCC inquiry – the first of its kind since 2008 – will investigate the competitiveness of retail prices and allegations of price gouging in the supermarket sector.

The monitoring announced today is an important part of the Government’s broader efforts to boost competition and put downward pressure on the price of essentials for Australians, including a review of the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct and the Competition Review’s focus on cost-of-living initiatives.

Matters to be considered by the ACCC will include, but will not be limited to:

• The current structure of the supermarket industry at the supply, wholesale and retail levels;
• Competition in the industry and how it has changed since 2008, including the growth of online shopping;
• The competitiveness of small and independent retailers, including regional and remote areas;
• The pricing practices of supermarkets;
• Factors influencing prices along the supply chain, including the difference between farmgate and supermarket prices;
• Any impediments to competitive pricing along the supply chain; and
• Other factors impacting competition, including loyalty programs and third-party discounts.

The ACCC will produce an interim report in 2024 and final report in early 2025 which will provide the Government with findings and recommendations. The Government is working with the ACCC to finalise the direction, which will be issued in coming days.

In addition, the Government will deliver $1.1 million to respected consumer group CHOICE to provide price transparency and comparison reports on a quarterly basis for three years.

Starting from the second quarter of 2024, CHOICE will provide shoppers with better information on the comparative costs of grocery goods at different retailers, highlighting those charging the most and the least.

The provision of this information will empower Australian consumers to make informed choices about food and grocery purchases. 

Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese said:

“When farmers are selling their product for less, supermarkets should charge Australians less.”

“That’s why the ACCC will use its significant powers to probe the difference between the price paid at the farm gate, and the prices people pay at the check-out.”

“My Government is prepared to take action to make sure that Australians are not paying one dollar more than they should for the things they need.”

Treasurer, Jim Chalmers said:

“Australians are under cost-of-living pressure, and we know that a lot of that pressure is piled on at the cash register.

“This is about making our supermarkets as competitive as they can be so Australians get the best prices possible.

“We want a fair go for families and a fair go for farmers.”

Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury, Andrew Leigh said:

“Competition is the consumer’s friend. Economics teaches us that monopolies tend to overcharge and underdeliver.

“Australia’s grocery sector is more concentrated than in other countries. The Government has appointed respected policy economist Dr Craig Emerson to review the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct to look at whether the Code is effective in improving the conduct of supermarkets towards their suppliers.

“An ACCC inquiry and regular CHOICE reporting will complement this by making sure supermarkets are charging fair prices and by helping shoppers to save money.”

Today we announce the appointment of Mr James Baxter as Australia’s next Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Geneva.

The WTO is an international forum where 164 Members determine global trade rules and agreements, as well as resolve trade disputes when they arise.

Australia plays a leadership role in the WTO and is working to update the rules and reinvigorate the negotiating function to better respond to contemporary challenges in global trade.

We are working with other Members to deliver a substantive reform package at the upcoming 13th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC13).

Mr Baxter is a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and was most recently First Assistant Secretary, Office of Global Trade Negotiations. He has previously served overseas as Deputy Head of Mission, Australian Permanent Mission to the WTO in Geneva and in Belgium and Japan.

We thank outgoing Ambassador and Permanent Representative George Mina for his contributions to advancing Australia’s interests in the WTO since 2020.

With insurance premiums on the rise as communities across Australia experience increases in property crime, One Nation will demand that insurance is exempted from the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

One Nation leader Senator Pauline Hanson said in the long term it would be in the interests of Australian taxpayers to exempt insurance from GST.

“With premiums rising along with so many other costs of living and doing business, Australian households are going to take a long hard look at their insurance premiums, and some are going to decide they can no longer afford it,” Senator Hanson said.

“That potentially creates a big problem for Australian governments, especially in the event of a large-scale natural disaster, because ultimately taxpayers could be footing the bill for rebuilding.

“So I think we should be doing all we can to keep insurance costs low, so more Australians are protected. “Making insurance exempt from GST makes sense. Insurance is only a ‘service’ when a claim is made against a policy. This would save Australians a lot of money and hopefully encourage more people to get cover.”

Senator Hanson said One Nation, if it gained the balance of power at this year’s Queensland state election – would also exempt insurance from state government stamp duty.

“It’s obscene that with insurance premiums rising sharply on the back of escalating crime in regional Queensland, the state government – hopeless in addressing out-of-control crime—is receiving more direct revenue through stamp duty and more indirect revenue through GST.”

The Albanese Government will recommend to the Governor-General, His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd), that Mr Kimberley (Kim) Williams AM be appointed the next Chairperson of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) Board.

Mr Williams has extensive experience across the screen, music, sports and media industries, and has made eminent and substantial contributions to the cultural life of the nation.

He is currently Chair of Thomson Reuters Founders Share Company, Co-Chair of the State Library of NSW Foundation Board and Director of Stradivarius Pty Ltd.

Mr Williams has held a number of Chief Executive positions across the creative industries, including the Australian Film Commission, Southern Star Entertainment, Fox Studios Australia, Foxtel, and NewsCorp Australia – and he is a recognised producer, innovator and executive leader.

His previous non-executive positions have included Chair of the Copyright Agency, the Sydney Opera House Trust, the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, the Australian Film Finance Corporation, Musica Viva Australia, the Richard Gill School, Deputy Chair of the NSW State Conservatorium of Music, and an AFL Commissioner.

In 2006, Mr Williams was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for his services to the arts, film, and television industries.

Mr Williams was nominated for appointment by the independent Nomination Panel as part of the merit-based appointment process for the ABC and SBS Boards, and the Leader of the Opposition was consulted on the appointment in accordance with the legislated process.

The Chairperson position is part-time for five years, with remuneration set by the Remuneration Tribunal.

The Government acknowledges outgoing Chairperson Ms Ita Buttrose AC, OBE for her strong and steady leadership of the national broadcaster throughout her five-year term, and wishes her well for her future endeavours.   

Further information about the appointments process is available at: www.infrastructure.gov.au/abc-sbs-board-appointments.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“The ABC plays an essential role in Australia – it’s a pillar of our democracy, a lifeline in disaster, a voice for the regions and part of our cultural identity.

“It’s vital our national broadcaster has a safe and experienced pair of hands at the helm – and that’s what Kim will provide.

“Kim is eminently qualified to provide ongoing stability and leadership to this deeply valued Australian institution.”

Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland said:

“Over the course of his impressive career, Mr Williams has held several significant roles at high-profile media and arts organisations, and he is a natural fit for the ABC.

“He’s shown a commitment to independence, to innovation and to best practice governance.

“We are confident Mr Williams will bring strong leadership and focus to the ABC Board, which is why he is being recommended to the Governor-General for this important role.

“The Government thanks Ms Ita Buttrose her for leadership of the ABC Board over the last five years. She was the right Chair for the right time, and we wish her well for the future”.

Australia has today used cyber sanctions powers on a Russian individual for his role in the breach of the Medibank Private network.

This is the first use of Australia’s autonomous cyber sanctions framework and is a result of Australian Government efforts over the past 18 months to investigate and respond to this cyber incident.

In the attack, 9.7 million records were stolen. These records included names, dates of birth, Medicare numbers, and sensitive medical information. Some records were published on the dark web.

The Australian Signals Directorate and the Australian Federal Police, under Operation Aquila, together with other Commonwealth agencies and international partners, have worked tirelessly to link Russian citizen and cybercriminal Aleksandr Ermakov to the compromise of the Medibank Private network and continue to pursue other leads.

The Australian Government has imposed a targeted financial sanction and a travel ban on Aleksandr Ermakov. This sanction makes it a criminal offence, punishable by up to 10 years’ imprisonment and heavy fines, to provide assets to Aleksandr Ermakov, or to use or deal with his assets, including through cryptocurrency wallets or ransomware payments.

This announcement highlights the Albanese Government’s commitment in the 2023‑2030 Australian Cyber Security Strategy to deter and respond to malicious cyber activity, including through the use of sanctions.

We encourage all Australians – including businesses – to be vigilant about their cyber security arrangements to help make Australia a harder target against increasing malicious cyber activity.

The Australian Government discourages businesses and individuals from paying ransoms or extortion claims to cyber criminals. If you are asked to pay a ransom you should:

• Call the Australian Cyber Security Hotline on 1300 CYBER1 (1300 292 371) for cyber security assistance; and
• Report the cybercrime, incident or vulnerability to the Australian Signals Directorate at https://www.cyber.gov.au/report

Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Richard Marles MP said:

“In our current strategic circumstances we continue to see governments, critical infrastructure, businesses and households in Australia targeted by malicious cyber actors.

“The Australian Signals Directorate and the Australian Federal Police have worked tirelessly over the past 18 months to unmask those responsible for the cyberattack on Medibank Private and to ensure Australians are protected from malicious cyber activity.

“We continue to work with our friends and partners around the world to ensure cyber criminals are held to account for their actions and we will relentlessly pursue activities which disrupt their capability to target Australians in the cyber space.”

Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon Penny Wong said:

“The use of these powers sends a clear message – there are costs and consequences for targeting Australia and Australians.

“The Albanese Government will continue to hold cybercriminals to account.

“This is an incredible effort from our cyber and intelligence teams. We are using all elements of our national power to make Australia more secure at home and to keep Australians safe.”

Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Cyber Security, the Hon Clare O’Neil MP said:

“The Australian Government condemns malicious cyber activity, and we will work with our partners and do everything in our power to punish individuals who attempt to perpetrate cyber crime in this country.

“Through the 2023-2030 Australian Cyber Security Strategy, we are hardening our defences and putting layers of protection around Australians and Australian businesses. This includes working with industry to break the ransomware business model.

“Our strong advice to businesses is never pay the ransom. Paying a ransom does not guarantee sensitive data will be recovered, prevent it from being sold or leaked online or prevent further attacks. It also makes Australia a more attractive target for criminal groups.”

Australia has imposed further counter-terrorism financing sanctions on 12 persons and three entities linked to Hamas, Hizballah and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. This action is concurrent with further sanctions imposed on Hamas-linked targets by the United States, United Kingdom, and European Union.

Those sanctioned include Hamas leaders, financial facilitators, and persons who have provided training to terrorist operatives, as well as three entities that have facilitated the transfer of funds to Hamas.

Sanctioning and publicly listing these 12 persons and three entities for counter-terrorism financing sanctions shows they have engaged in the support and facilitation of terrorism.

Australia has already imposed sanctions on Hamas, Hizballah and Palestinian Islamic Jihad in their entirety, and a further 17 persons and seven entities with links to these groups.

Once listed for sanctions, it is a criminal offence to use or deal with the person or entity’s assets, or to make assets available to them. This is punishable by up to 10 years’ imprisonment and/or heavy fines.

Australia continues to unequivocally condemn the attacks on Israel by Hamas as abhorrent acts of terror against innocent civilians.

A Consolidated List of sanctions is available on the Department of Foreign Affairs website.

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

“The Greens welcome Labor’s long awaited announcement today for an Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) inquiry into how the justice system handles sexual violence.

“The government doesn’t have to wait for the ALRC to work with the states to deliver the funding needed for sexual violence support services across the country.

“Many victim-survivors of sexual, family and domestic violence describe the court process as horrific and retraumatising.

“Over the past 18 months in particular we have seen high profile cases played out in court, with intense media coverage, and the impact those proceedings can cause for those individuals and all victim-survivors.

“We know that an alarming number of people still disbelieve or victim-blame survivors of sexual violence. Partially because of this, almost 9 in 10 incidents of sexual assault nationally are not reported to the police.

“Work on prevention should mean addressing rape culture, through well funded and expert delivered consent and Respectful Relationships education in schools.

“So far we’ve seen commitments from some state governments to strengthen the legal definitions of consent, and to make stealthing an offence. These are good steps forward, but we need to harmonise the laws to ensure everyone understands that only informed and enthusiastic consent means yes.

“I salute the strength of anyone who seeks justice through the courts for sexual violence, as it is often retraumatising and horrific for all victim-survivors of gendered violence.

“To change the unacceptable rates of sexual violence and end Australia’s culture of sexual violence, harassment and abuse, we need to support victims to come forward, and dismantle the power imbalances and gender stereotypes that deter them from doing so.

“It will be important to survivors that any ALRC recommendations are taken seriously and implemented promptly, they have waited long enough for a justice system that actually delivers justice for sexual violence survivors.

“We look forward to working with the government to identify problems with criminal justice responses to sexual violence and strengthen trauma-informed approaches and wrap-around services.”