Category: Australian News

The Albanese Government will provide a $95 million package of military assistance and has imposed further targeted sanctions related to Russia’s shadow fleet as part of our continued support for Ukraine in its fight against Russia’s illegal and immoral invasion.

Australia will make a $50 million contribution to the Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) – a NATO initiative to supply Ukraine with critical military equipment.

This contribution sees Australia, alongside New Zealand, become the first non‑NATO contributors to the PURL initiative. In doing so our two countries continue to demonstrate our commitment to upholding the global rules‑based order, recognising that what occurs in Europe matters in the Indo‑Pacific.

In addition to the PURL contribution, today’s support package also includes:

• $43 million of Australian Defence Force (ADF) materiel and equipment, including tactical air defence radars, munitions and combat engineering equipment.
• An additional $2 million contribution to the Drone Capability Coalition, focused on providing Ukraine with advanced drone technologies.
• Targeted sanctions on an additional 45 vessels linked to Russia’s shadow fleet, bringing the total number of sanctioned shadow fleet vessels to 200. These sanctions are designed to starve Russia’s war economy of revenue.

This brings Australia’s overall support for Ukraine to over $1.7 billion, including more than $1.5 billion in military assistance since the start of the conflict. Australia remains the largest non‑NATO contributor of military assistance.

Australia continues to stand with the Coalition of the Willing, a group of more than 35 countries coordinating to strengthen support for Ukraine and see a just and lasting peace on its terms.

This builds on the ADF’s ongoing contribution to multinational efforts to train Ukrainian military personnel in the United Kingdom under Operation Kudu.

The final tranche of Australia’s gifted 49 M1A1 Abrams tanks will also be delivered to Ukraine in the coming weeks.

Australia’s ongoing contributions ensure the Armed Forces of Ukraine are equipped with much needed capabilities to contribute to their defence, reaffirming Australia’s commitment to Ukraine and the global rules-based order.

Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles:

“Australia is unwavering in its support for Ukraine. These commitments will make a tangible difference in Ukraine’s defence against Russia’s illegal and immoral invasion.

“We are proud to be contributing to PURL, standing in solidarity with our partners – in NATO and the Indo-Pacific – to see a just and lasting peace for Ukraine.”

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Penny Wong:

“Australia’s sanctions complement those of key partners, including the United Kingdom, United States, New Zealand and the European Union, as part of a coordinated effort to starve Russia’s oil revenues and limit its ability to finance its invasion.

“As a result of actions we have taken, direct Australian imports of Russian energy products have fallen from $80 million before Russia’s invasion to zero.”

Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy: 

“We are proud to be meeting Ukraine’s direct request for assistance. It’s a testament to our steadfast support for the right of the courageous people of Ukraine to live in peace and to determine their own future.

“Our government will continue to support them alongside the Australian people until we see a just and lasting peace.”

The Albanese Government is providing an additional $5 million in emergency assistance in response to the worsening impacts of recent cyclones and flooding in the Indo-Pacific region.

This brings Australia’s total assistance to over $14 million since October, supporting local and international partners to provide urgent lifesaving assistance to affected communities.

Today’s announcement includes an additional $2.5 million for Sri Lanka, increasing Australia’s response to the impacts of Cyclone Ditwah to $3.5 million. Australia is engaging with all affected countries, with support to be provided through Australian NGOs and the United Nations as requested to meet urgent needs.

In recent weeks, Australia’s close partners in our region have experienced the devastating impacts of cyclones, floods, earthquakes and landslides. Communities in Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam have all been affected.

Australia’s support is providing emergency relief supplies, shelter, food, water and sanitation, and it is meeting the needs of displaced communities, including support for health and education. Our funding prioritises the needs of the most vulnerable, including women, girls and people with disability.

Australia will continue to work with countries and communities in the region as a steadfast and reliable partner across the Indo-Pacific.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong:

“Our thoughts are with all those affected by the recent floods and devastation in Southeast Asia and Sri Lanka. We are working with our partners in the region to deliver life-saving assistance to accelerate their response.

“Australia is committed to supporting our neighbours in good times and bad – we are a partner our region can count on.”

Minister for International Development Dr Anne Aly:

“Recent severe weather and earthquakes have had devastating impacts for communities in our region, and we’re ensuring our neighbours have the support they need to help communities to respond.

“Already vulnerable community groups – such as women and girls and people with disability – are regularly the worst impacted when disaster strikes. We’re working with trusted and experienced partners to ensure assistance is getting to the people who need it.”

Data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) shows Specialist Homelessness Services (SHS) are receiving on average 350 requests for help each day that they can’t meet. 

SHS are buckling under the pressure of the worsening housing crisis and epidemic of violence against women, and having to turn people at risk of homelessness away.

Women and children made up over 7 in 10 requests for SHS help, with people who had experienced domestic and family violence the largest cohort seeking help – 40 per cent of all SHS clients.

First Nations women, older women, women of colour and women with disabilities are on the very front line of this crisis. 

Leaving a violent relationship requires secure housing, and violence against women can not be stopped without addressing the housing crisis.

Leader of the Australian Greens, Senator Larissa Waters:

“The National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children recognises the growing intersection between violence and housing insecurity. The Albanese Labor government continues to fail women by fiddling at the edges of the housing crisis. 

“By refusing to fully fund frontline services the government is forcing SHS workers to ask ‘who is most in danger?’ when prioritising where their help goes. No woman or child seeking help should be turned away. 

“Labor’s inaction on the housing crisis is forcing women to choose between violence and homelessness. 

“Cancelling just one nuclear submarine could see everyone fleeing violence able to be homed, and an end to homelessness for all. 

“Labor can properly address the housing crisis but is shamefully choosing not to.”

Greens spokesperson for housing and homelessness Senator Barbara Pocock:

“Australia is in a housing crisis that is spiralling out of control. 

“Homelessness in Australia is the worst in living memory, having increased by 10 percent since Labor was elected. We’re seeing nine potentially avoidable deaths of homeless people on our streets every day which is unacceptable. We still don’t have a national plan to end homelessness.

“If Labor can spend $181 billion on wealthy property investors, they can build homes and provide services for people sleeping rough. They can put a roof over the head of thousands of women and children escaping violence. This government needs to start treating housing as a human right instead of a game of monopoly. 

“Labor must address the root causes rather than turbocharge our housing and homelessness crises through minor interventions that make things worse.

“High rents, unaffordability in the private rental market, insufficient public housing stock, and the greed of property developers and investment housing are all causes of homelessness. Without tackling the structural drivers the crisis will only worsen.

“We can end homelessness in Australia – by building enough public housing, adequately funding homelessness services and the wrap-around supports we need to break the cycle of recurring homelessness. We can put a roof over everyone’s heads, and limit rent increases to stop any more evictions into homelessness.”

ACT Greens Deputy Leader Jo Clay successfully moved amendments to add community housing projects under the ACT Government’s proposal to waive third party appeal rights for public housing projects listed as a Territory Priority Project. 

The legislation passed yesterday in Parliament with all Greens amendments adopted, which also include provisions for nature conservation and First Nations cultural protection before Government can declare a development as a Territory Priority Project. 

Ms Clay said that now the legislation has passed, the Labor Government needs to step up, deliver more homes and drastically increase public housing stock to support the more than 3,500 Canberra households facing homelessness.  

“These changes provide a real opportunity for the ACT Government to push ahead and deliver the public housing stock Canberra needs,” Ms Clay said. 

“The amendments passed yesterday ensure that public, community and social housing is prioritised. It’s a move which upholds the principles of housing as a human right – which is now enshrined in legislation following the passage of an ACT Greens bill earlier this year. 

The ACT Greens took an ambitious program to increase public housing numbers at the last election and since, under a Labor minority Government, we’ve only seen the waiting list rise.  

“While at the same time we’ve seen funding pools for community housing from the Commonwealth and Territory Government increase. Community housing providers have told us that certainty on timing is a critical factor that Government’s consider when allocating funding. 

“The ACT Greens know we can have both homes and the environment.  We cannot and should not sacrifice nature for development – we’ve seen the government agree after community advocacy to protect places like Bluetts Block and Coombs Peninsula as nature reserves.  

“We are also pushing Government to establish urban growth boundaries, which includes finalising the future of the Western Edge and Eastern Broadacre areas. 

“As our city continues to densify, we also need to ensure people have access to green spaces and nature. Our amendments also ensure there is a degree of scrutiny without delaying new public and community homes from being built. 

“Community input is important and should be considered. While these changes take away third party appeal rights through the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal for some developments, Canberrans can still make submissions on Development Applications, which will be considered by the Minister with advice from the independent Territory Planning Authority.  

“We have also set a timeframe to review these changes and put a sunset clause end date on them so future Parliaments can consider what worked well, what needs to change and assess whether the Government have delivered the right outcomes.” 

The ACT Greens consulted with the housing industry, community housing providers, environment organisations, Labor, Liberals and the Independents on the amendments before the amendments and legislation passed yesterday. 

Chief Executive Officer of YWCA Canberra, Frances Crimmins: 

“YWCA Canberra welcomes the ACT Greens’ decision to support sensible planning reforms that will facilitate the delivery of much-needed social, community and public housing in Canberra.  

“Our city is facing an unprecedented housing and homelessness crisis, and meaningful change is long overdue to address the critical need for housing for low-income earners. 

“Canberrans now face a clear choice: do we continue to see people experiencing homelessness on our streets, or do we choose to ensure they have a place to call home in our neighbourhoods? 

“We can no longer afford to overlook practical and effective legislative reforms that will expedite the construction of public, social and affordable homes.  

“This amendment makes sense. It supports low-income Canberrans and brings us closer to a community where everyone has a safe place to live.” 

Ms Clay’s amendments and explanatory statement are available on the ACT Legislative Assembly website.

The Victorian Greens are alarmed by the abolition of VicHealth as part of Labor’s sweeping public sector cuts. A move that the Greens believe is political cover for Labor’s own budget mismanagement at the cost of Victoria’s essential public services.

VicHealth has been a world leader in public health promotion for almost 40 years. Their work on tobacco harm reduction is historic, and included the extraordinary step of buying out tobacco company sponsorship of sports and the arts in 1988. 

It has support from across the political spectrum, with protected ongoing funding, its abolition and absorption into the Department of Health is a shock for workers and for the health sector and will compromise the efficiency of Victoria’s health services.

VicHealth’s independence from government has been a critical pillar of its success, enabling it to take on massive commercial interests that cause harm to the health of Victorians, including the food and beverage industry, big tobacco and alcohol, and gambling.

VicHealth can say things that governments too often don’t want to hear. They provide a voice to counter the corporations plugging junk food, alcohol and cigarettes – corporations that often capture Labor and Liberal governments.

Without VicHealth, Victorians will once again be at the mercy of these powerful corporations without proper scrutiny. 

Dr Sarah Mansfield, Victorian Greens Health Spokesperson:

“The Allan Labor government’s decision to absorb VicHealth into the department of health spells the death of its independence, and undermines a key strength of this vital public health institution.

“VicHealth has always been willing to take on the big corporate interests that harm Victorians’ health, like the junk food industry, big tobacco and alcohol, and gambling – something the Allan Labor government has repeatedly demonstrated they’re too afraid of doing. 

“The Allan Labor government is putting short-term political interests ahead of health promotion and prevention, which ironically, will just end up costing our health system even more.”

NSW Ambulance is urging people to monitor conditions with the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) forecasting severe heatwave conditions for Metropolitan Sydney, the Hunter, the Illawarra, Southern Tablelands and Snowy Mountains from Thursday 4 December.  

NSW Ambulance Chief Superintendent Steve Vaughan, Associate Director Emergency Management said people need to plan ahead and stay informed with maximum temperatures predicted to reach the mid thirties to low forties later in the week in locations such as the Sydney metropolitan area, Newcastle, Gosford, Camden, Mona Vale, Nowra, Richmond and Wollongong.  

“Stay hydrated, avoid the heat where possible, and check in on vulnerable people especially as it gets warmer over the next few days,” Chief Superintendent Vaughan said.  

NSW Ambulance has issued an Advice warning for this severe heatwave. Stay up to date in case the situation changes.  

• Stay hydrated – make sure you drink plenty of water and carry a water bottle with you.  
• Keep cool – seek air-conditioned buildings, draw your blinds, use a fan, take cool showers and dress in light and loose clothing made of natural fabrics.    
• Avoid the heat – schedule activities in the coolest part of the day and avoid exercising in the heat.  
• Check in on vulnerable people – hot weather can affect everyone, but some people are at greater risk of heat-related health problems. This includes people aged 65 years and older, babies and young children, and people with some medical conditions.    
• Never leave children or pets in a vehicle – leaving children or pets unattended in a car can be fatal. The temperature inside a parked car can double in minutes.  

Signs of heat-related illness can include headache, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, fatigue and cramps. People with these symptoms should move out of the sun and seek shade or use a fan or air conditioning, take a cool shower or bath if possible and take sips of water.    

   

People who do not respond to these steps or who show symptoms suggesting a more severe illness, including a sudden rise in body temperature, who are no longer sweating, showing aggressive or strange behaviour or who are fitting, should seek urgent medical attention or call Triple Zero (000).    

For further information, updates and advice go to the NSW Ambulance website or follow NSW Ambulance on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn and X .  

For the latest weather forecasts and heatwave warnings go to the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) website .  

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, will travel to Port Moresby this week for an inaugural Trilateral Defence Ministers’ Meeting with Papua New Guinea Minister for Defence, Dr Billy Joseph, and Indonesian Minister of Defense, Dr Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin.

Defence Ministers from Australia, Papua New Guinea and Indonesia agreed to establish an annual meeting to enable closer cooperation on shared security challenges.

The meeting also builds on long-standing bilateral defence engagements and reflects our mutual commitment to a secure, sovereign and resilient Indo-Pacific.

During the visit, the Deputy Prime Minister will also turn the sod for a new accommodation block at the Goldie River Training Depot.

Australia and PNG will upgrade these vital facilities to deliver new accommodation and essential services for up to 200 additional PNG Defence Force trainees.  

Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles:

“I look forward to meeting with Minister Sjafrie and Minister Joseph for the inaugural Trilateral Defence Ministers’ Meeting tomorrow.

“This meeting marks a significant step forward in our shared commitment to regional peace and security.

“Our trilateral partnership is built on mutual respect, shared interests, and a collective vision for a stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

“During the visit, I also look forward to building on the momentum of the recently signed Pukpuk Treaty – as we work together to support the growth and development of the PNG Defence Force.”

Today marks one year since the Albanese Government responded to the Final Report of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. 

The Royal Commission was the most significant and comprehensive inquiry conducted into suicide and suicidality in Defence and veteran communities. Its Final Report made 122 recommendations to reform the culture, systems and processes across the Defence and veteran ecosystem to prevent suicide and improve the mental health and wellbeing of serving personnel and veterans.

In these 12 months, the Government has made significant progress on these recommendations. By the end of this year, 32 recommendations will be implemented, with work underway on the remainder – including some initially “noted” in the Government response. 

Our priority remains on delivering reforms that protect the health and safety of Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel, while improving the experience of service for personnel, veterans and their families. 

The Royal Commission itself said its most important recommendation was the creation of a legislated, independent oversight body to oversee sustained reform to improve suicide prevention and wellbeing outcomes for serving and ex-serving ADF members. 

Legislation to establish the new Defence and Veteran Services Commission passed Parliament in February this year, and the body commenced operation in September. 

The recommendations of the Royal Commission which relate to sexual violence and safety are being implemented by Defence as a priority. 

Across Government, Defence and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) we have also seen further steps, including: 

• The Albanese Government allocate $78 million to establish a Veteran Wellbeing Agency, to be up and running in July 2026.
• The Australian Human Rights Commission begin consultations on the terms of reference for an independent inquiry into military sexual violence.
• New mechanisms introduced to disclose service convictions.
• Expanding sexual offence data reporting through the Defence Annual Report, with further improvements underway.
• Finalising the Defence Charter for Military Justice Proceedings and progressing legislative reforms.
• Redeveloping mandatory sexual violence workshops and piloting a Healthy Relationships Program for new recruits.
• The launch of the DVA Suicide Prevention Framework and advancing work on new veteran research committee.
• Working with the Australian Human Rights Commission and Our Watch to develop a sexual violence prevention strategy aligned with the National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children 2022–2032.

Building on this initial work, in 2026 an independent complaints unit will be established to support the reporting of unacceptable behaviour, workplace health and safety audit findings will be implemented, and Defence and DVA will strengthen research quality and sharing.

The Government’s response to the Royal Commission involved the most comprehensive reform ever undertaken to the systems, culture and processes across Defence, the ADF and DVA. 

While we have taken significant steps forward, continued action by Defence and DVA will be needed to maintain momentum and progress.

The Albanese government is committed to delivering on these reforms so that Defence’s most important capability – its people – are able to receive the support and services they deserve. 

The Greens say that Australia’s biggest superannuation funds are simply following Labor’s lead after a new study exposed “industrial-scale greenwashing”, revealing that most major funds have increased their investments in some of the world’s biggest fossil fuel polluters – despite claiming to be on a pathway to net-zero.

The report by Market Forces assessed 30 of Australia’s largest super funds against their public climate commitments by analysing their exposure to the world’s 200 biggest fossil fuel producers, including Woodside and Santos.

It found that two-thirds of Australia’s biggest super funds, including Australian Super, HESTA, Mercer and Australian Retirement, increased their investments in major global polluters between Dec 2021 and June 2024

ASIC has previously fined Mercer $11 million for misleading “sustainable” investment claims.

Greens assistant Climate Spokesperson, Sen. Steph Hodgins-May:

“Big Super is talking green while investing dirty – the same kind of spin we see from this Labor government.

“Workers are being told their money is building a safe climate future. But behind closed doors, it’s flowing straight to companies like Woodside and Santos who are actively wrecking the climate.

“When Labor approves 32 new coal and gas, investors take the hint. They keep pouring money into fossil fuels because the government is signaling that it’s business as usual.

“There’s no point in saving for retirement if we don’t have a safe planet to live on. This is a betrayal of workers, a betrayal of retirees, and a betrayal to our future.

“Australians should be able to rely on superannuation to do what it’s meant to do: protect their future, not bankroll climate collapse.”

Greens Economic Justice Spokesperson, Sen. Nick McKim:

“Labor could end this today by ruling out approval for any further fossil fuel projects and setting mandatory climate-aligned investment standards for major funds.”

“Until that happens, the risk is that Big Super will keep chasing returns in the industries wrecking our planet.”

“People’s compulsory retirement savings should not be used as collateral for climate damage.”

“They should support a stable, liveable future built on renewables, climate resilience, and sustainable jobs.”

Media reports today have exposed supermarket giant Woolworths for exploiting affordable housing development schemes to fast-track new supermarket and luxury apartment complexes.

The current housing crisis has rental vacancy rates at record lows, 175,000 people on waiting lists for social housing, and first-home buyers unable to compete with wealthy property investors.

The Greens say it’s abhorrent that supermarket giant Woolworths is able to cheat the housing system for profit and get away with it. 

Greens spokesperson for finance, housing and homelessness Senator Barbara Pocock:

“Billionaire price gouger Woolies is using tiny affordable housing sidebuilds with ‘poor doors’ to sweeten their pathway to housing profits.

“The retail giant is drinking from the trough of affordable housing for disgusting profiteering.

“This is the perfect example of big corporations maximising profit over people: Corporations fast-tracking profit from taking up housing space in the midst of a housing crisis. 

“During a housing crisis, Labor is undermining affordable housing by allowing big corporations and property developers to profit.

“Supermarkets don’t have Australians’ best interests at heart. They’ve price gouged and we know where their priorities lie. They must not be let loose on housing.

“Australians have had enough of the supermarket duopoly ripping them off at the check out. What Australians want is affordable housing, not another Woolies scam.

“When state and federal governments give profit-hungry developers new avenues for profit in a housing crisis, you have to wonder who they’re really working for – it’s certainly not voters.”