Category: Australian News

The following is a statement from the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Albania, Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, the Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Palau, Poland, Portugal, the Republic of Korea, Romania, San Marino, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, the High Representative of the European Union, and the Secretary of State of the United States of America.

We condemn in the strongest possible terms the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s (DPRK) export and Russia’s procurement of DPRK ballistic missiles, as well as Russia’s use of these missiles against Ukraine on December 30, 2023, and January 2, 2024. The transfer of these weapons increases the suffering of the Ukrainian people, supports Russia’s war of aggression, and undermines the global non-proliferation regime. Russia’s use of DPRK ballistic missiles in Ukraine also provides valuable technical and military insights to the DPRK. We are deeply concerned about the security implications that this cooperation has in Europe, on the Korean Peninsula, across the Indo-Pacific region, and around the world.

Our governments stand together in resolute opposition to arms transfers between the DPRK and Russia. The transfer of ballistic missiles, along with any other arms and related materiel, from the DPRK to Russia flagrantly violates multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions (UNSCRs) – namely, resolution 1718 (2006), resolution 1874 (2009), and resolution 2270 (2016) – that Russia itself supported. We are closely monitoring what Russia provides to the DPRK in return for these weapons exports. We call on the DPRK and Russia to abide by relevant UNSCRs and to immediately cease all activities that violate them.

We urge all UN Member States, including all members of the United Nations Security Council, to join us in condemning Russia and the DPRK’s flagrant UNSCR violations. As Russia launches waves of missiles and drones against the Ukrainian people, we will continue to stand together in support of Ukraine. We further call on the DPRK to respond to the numerous and genuine offers to return to diplomacy, the only path to an enduring peace on the Korean Peninsula.

The Albanese Government is supporting the recovery effort in Far North Queensland (FNQ), following ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper.

At the request of the Queensland Government, Australian Defence Force personnel will be deployed to assist Queensland authorities in the Douglas, Cook and Wujal Wujal regions.

Two Australian Army CH-47F Chinook helicopters and a landing craft will transport supplies and deliver engineering equipment into isolated communities in the coming days. Additionally, personnel and equipment, including front end loaders, will help clear access and larger scale debris. 

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has deployed more than 30 Disaster Relief Australia personnel to the region to assist with the recovery work on the ground.

In recent weeks, ADF personnel have been on the ground assisting in the evacuation of flood-stricken communities in the Cairns northern beaches and Wujal Wujal and with the transport of emergency services personnel to Cairns from Townsville. 

Since then, Defence has also provided two ADF planners to Cairns to provide specialised support to the Queensland Reconstruction Authority.

The Government’s new National Emergency Management Stockpile will also be activated for the first time since being established late last year.

This will provide temporary worker accommodation for emergency services and contractors near Bloomfield, and for FNQ communities if needed.

The Albanese Government, through NEMA purchased a self-sufficient turnkey emergency shelter solution. Humanihut has been contracted to manage, maintain and deploy the emergency shelters.

The creation of this stockpile is a first for Australia, and is a major step forward in ensuring Australia is better prepared for natural disasters in the future.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“Recovery efforts are well underway, and all levels of government are working closely together. 

“But we know there’s still a long recovery ahead. Roads have been completely washed away, access is limited and communities have been isolated for weeks.

“In partnership with the Queensland Government, we continue to support affected communities. Our Government has senior staff from our National Emergency Management Agency on the ground in Far North Queensland to help coordinate, and will continue to provide support as needed.”

Acting Minister for Defence, Matt Thistlethwaite said:

“Defence stands ready to support our emergency services and communities in response to natural disasters.

“The ADF has provided vital evacuation support, particularly in Wujal Wujal, during ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper. With this additional support we look forward to helping these remote communities make good recovery progress before monsoon season hits.

“The work to date has been significant, and the Albanese Government is working shoulder to shoulder with the Queensland Government and local Councils to ensure help can get to where it’s needed.”

Minister for Emergency Management, Murray Watt said:

“Last night we received the request to activate the ADF, and I’m pleased the request was able to be accepted within hours, so that more help can be delivered as quickly as possible.

“The temporary accommodation from the National Emergency Stockpile is a major first for Australia, and I’m pleased it can be used to help workers on the ground in Far North Queensland, and residents if needed.

“The work done by SES, Councils, State personnel, volunteers, local ranger groups and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services has been incredible, and I thank them all.

“Significant recovery work is now underway but this is a major disaster, made more challenging because of the remoteness and accessibility to some areas.”

Senator for Queensland, Nita Green said:

“This will be welcome news to communities in remote parts of Far North Queensland.

“I visited the Douglas region last week and saw first hand the difficulties caused by precarious road access and damaged infrastructure. 

“This additional ADF support comes at an important time. With the wet season on the way this announcement comes at just the right time for our region to help build back better and stronger in the future.”

The Albanese and Miles Governments are delivering further disaster assistance to help Far North Queensland continue its recovery following ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper.

The exceptional circumstances assistance is jointly-funded by the Albanese and Miles Governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Today’s announcement will further support local tourism, clean-up efforts and invest in specialised recovery staff:

• A $24.25 million Tourism Recovery and Resilience Program will develop a grants program for Far North operators who have been cut-off or heavily affected by the extreme weather. Grants will be made available to impacted operators to re-establish their business, continue employing their staff and rebuild stronger with flood-resilient infrastructure such as solar panels and other mitigation infrastructure. The program will also fund a tourism and events marketing campaign to attract more visitors back to the region.
• A $20 million Clean-Up Program will assist in response to both ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper and the South East Queensland storms. FNQ Councils and state agencies will be supported as they continue their work clearing debris from community assets, parks, national parks, beaches and waterways.
• Cyclone Industry Recovery and Resilience Officer (CIRRO) Program – three specialised resilience officers will work with FNQ industry, Councils and impacted farmers to support local community-led, regionally-coordinated recovery approaches to disaster risk reduction for future events.
• Recovery Project Managers – in recognition of their resourcing constraints, Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council and Douglas Shire Council will also receive a small amount of direct funding to engage project managers and other skilled workers to design, coordinate and manage extraordinary recovery efforts following TC Jasper.

Previously announced financial assistance for impacted residents, businesses and councils also remains available, including Personal Hardship Assistance grants and Disaster Assistance Loans.

Residents in need of disaster support can call the Queensland Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“This beautiful place has been ravaged by this disaster, and we want to help Far North Queensland get back on its feet as soon as possible.

“Disaster recovery at this scale will take time so it’s vital we keep making these investments so that Far North Queensland can bounce back faster and stronger.

“Tourism in particular is one of the lifeblood industries of Far North Queensland, and we want to make sure businesses hit hard can not only survive but thrive again.

“We’re also giving a boost to clean-up efforts and focused recovery for primary producers and the councils of Wujal Wujal and Douglas, which will make a major difference for the region.”

Queensland Premier Steven Miles said:

“Today’s announcement is more evidence that our governments stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our Far North Queensland communities.

“Tourism is a pillar of the economy and we will do everything we can to ensure local businesses and households are supported through this time.

“This additional extraordinary funding comes on top of the $64 million package we announced before Christmas, and of course the millions in Personal Hardship Assistance that’s already in the pockets of residents.

“We know there’s still a long road to travel until the Far North has fully recovered from Jasper, but this announcement today significantly strengthens our work.”

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt said:

“This latest package is informed by our conversations with councils, industry and the community, and I acknowledge their strength and resilience in these tough times.

“With investments like the $20 million Clean-Up Program we’re removing the financial strain on councils, giving them full confidence to keep going with their great work.

“Employing recovery and resilience officers to help FNQ primary producers, and recovery project managers for Wujal Wujal and Douglas will also ensure we’re achieving the best possible outcomes that are informed by local experience in the Far North.”

minister responsible for the Queensland Reconstruction Authority Nikki Boyd said:

“This is the next step in the recovery journey for the Far North.

“It’s funding that helps across the Far North, from the community and councils to cornerstone employers like tourism and primary industry.

“And we will keep working with councils and the Federal Government to develop further support.”

Federal Minister for Tourism Don Farrell said:

“Australia’s tourism operators are remarkably resilient and many are already once again showing visitors the wonders of the region.

“This package will help those unable to re-open quickly to overcome this challenge and get back to what they do best – delivering unique, world-class tourism experiences to international and domestic visitors.”

Queensland Tourism Minister Michael Healy said:

“These funds will be a lifeblood for many businesses who remain closed in areas like Cape Tribulation and along the Captain Cook Highway, weeks after the cyclone and flooding hit the Far North.

“The support will be targeted at helping them retain skilled staff and improve their operations, while encouraging visitors to start getting ready to plan a trip north.

“Tourism is the lifeblood of our region, and we are steadfast in our commitment to support tourism operators through this difficult period.”

CEO, Tourism and Events Queensland Patricia O’Callaghan said:

“This is a multi-faceted funding package that will be warmly welcomed by the tourism industry in the Far North, the majority of whom have reopened their doors to visitors while simultaneously rebuilding after the extreme weather.

“Far North Queensland is one of the most unique and awe-inspiring places on the planet so we’re incredibly excited to promote it to the world and let everyone know that now is the time to visit for that dream holiday or event.”

CEO, Tourism Tropical North Queensland Mark Olsen said:

“The support will provide relief for Tropical Queensland tourism operators who missed their peak season over Christmas and New Year and are unlikely to see significant visitor numbers until Easter.

“It is critical for the businesses that remain isolated to receive assistance so they can continue to pay wages and make the repairs necessary to resume trading once their access roads are open.”

More information:

Tourism Recovery and Resilience Program – $24.25 million

• $10 million grant program for exceptional impacts to support the tourism industry in Tropical North Queensland. The grant program focuses on supporting businesses that have been isolated or unable to trade due to the impact of Tropical Cyclone Jasper flooding.
• $10 million in Building Resilient Tourism Infrastructure grants will be available to tourism operators who were severely impacted to rebuild stronger with flood-resilient infrastructure such as solar panels and other mitigation infrastructure.
• $3 million for event promotions and a tourism campaign to attract more visitors back to the region.

The Queensland Reconstruction Authority will administer the funding that will be delivered by the Department of Tourism and Sport to council areas including Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Cook, Douglas, Hope Vale, Mareeba, Tablelands, Wujal Wujal and Yarrabah.

This package is in addition to the $5 million tourism recovery package that is also being jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments, featuring discounted airfares and accommodation and disaster recovery assistance grants.

Clean-up Program – $20 million

• Available to impacted councils and state agencies in response to both ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper and the South East Queensland storms.
• Funding for extraordinary clean-up activities and damage assessments of community and recreational assets, parks, waterways and beaches, and national parks.

Cyclone Industry Recovery and Resilience Officers – $2.25 million

• Will allow state officers to be employed to support primary producers impacted by ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper with their immediate recovery.
• Work undertaken in the roles will also help build resilience to future natural disasters within the local sector.

Recovery Project Managers – $1 million

• Managers will coordinate complex relief and recovery efforts in consultation with Douglas, Wujal Wujal and Scenic Rim councils, communities and state agencies.

Further information on DRFA exceptional circumstances measures can be found at Queensland Reconstruction Authority.

The Albanese Government has appointed Dr Craig Emerson to lead the 2023-24 review of the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct (the Code) to ensure that the supermarket sector is working as it should.

The Food and Grocery code is prescribed under the Competition and Consumer Act 2010. Aldi, Coles, Woolworths and Metcash are signatories to the Code and are bound by it.

The Code was introduced to improve standards of business behaviour in the food and grocery sector.

The Code regulates the conduct of these retailers and wholesalers towards suppliers.

Dr Emerson was the Federal Minister for Small Business from 2007-2010 and Minister for Competition Policy and Consumer Affairs from 2009-2010. He was Minister for Trade from 2010-2013. He is a former Queensland Government Director-General and Senior Economic Adviser to Prime Minister Bob Hawke.

Today, the Government has also released the Review of the dispute resolution provisions (Part 5) of the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct and the Government’s response to the review.

The Government supports all of the recommendations in the Review to amend the
Code to:

• Enable Code Arbiters to mediate and allow suppliers to contact and seek preliminary information from Code Arbiters without making a formal complaint, and
• Enhance the Independent Reviewer’s role in overseeing the conduct and complaint handling practices of the Code Arbiters.

The recommendations will be implemented as part of a broader package of reforms to the Code following the conclusion of the 2023-24 review of the remaining provisions of the Code.

You can have your say on the 2023-24 review and become involved in the public consultation process by visiting the Treasury website.

The Review of the dispute resolution provisions (Part 5) of the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct can be found on the Treasury website along with the Government’s response to the Review.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“We are tackling cost of living and ensuring Australian families have an economy that works for them.

“We have been clear – if the price for meat and fruit and vegetables is going down at the farm gate then families should be seeing cheaper prices on supermarket shelves too.

“Supermarkets have a duty to make sure they’re providing affordable options for all Australians, especially when they’re making savings on their own costs.

“We’ve made looking after consumers a key priority over the past 18 months and we’ll keep looking at every option to make sure Australians aren’t paying more than they should or getting less than they deserve.

“If there are further steps that are needed then the Government will not hesitate to take action.”

Treasurer Jim Chalmers said:

“We expect all companies to treat Australian consumers fairly including in the food and grocery sector.

“As a Government we’re taking a fresh look at the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct to make sure the sector is giving consumers and suppliers a fair deal.

“When the price of meat and fruit and veggies comes down for supermarkets, it should come down for families as well – it’s a big chance for the big supermarkets to do the right thing.”

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Murray Watt said:

“We’ve been making clear for many months now that retailers should start dropping their prices to reflect the reduction in prices farmers are getting for their produce.

“Farmers deserve a fair price for their hard work and the some of the prices supermarkets are charging just don’t pass the pub test.

“While the Government is getting on with taking action on the cost of groceries, the ball is in the court of the big retailers.

“They don’t have to wait until this review is finalised to drop their prices, they can do that right now to help Australian families doing it tough.”

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

“Craig Emerson is one of Australia’s top policy economists, and will bring his wisdom and compassion to this vital economic reform. Dr Emerson’s work will form an important part of the wider review of policy settings that’s being led by the Competition Taskforce. 

“In the 1990s, the Keating Government’s competition reforms raised household incomes by $5000. History shows competition reforms can change lives for the better.

“Capitalism depends on competition. Monopolies gouge consumers and workers, and undermine fairness. Competition means better prices and more choice for Australian families.”

The Albanese Labor Government is overseeing a serious crisis in Australia’s primary healthcare system, which is making it harder and more expensive to see a doctor.

The report released by Cleanbill today has confirmed a trend that has been evident for months – Bulk billing is collapsing under Labor, after being at record highs under the former Coalition Government.

Cleanbill’s report states that there has been a “catastrophic” reduction of 11% in the number of bulk billing options available across the country and that over 1.2 million Australians avoided attending a GP over the last financial year due to cost concerns.

This study follows the RACGP’s Health of the Nation report released late last year, which showed that the number of GPs who bulk bill all their patients has halved in just one year, while the cost of seeing a GP has increased by $11 on average.

The Shadow Minister for Health, Senator the Hon Anne Ruston said that the Albanese Government is overseeing the collapse of bulk billing at a time when Australians are struggling to pay the bills, let alone cough up for an unexpected GP appointment.

“Since Labor came into government, bulkbilling rates have dropped consecutively every single month, with the latest quarterly data showing rates have plummeted to the lowest levels in over a decade.

“This Government was elected with a promise to ‘strengthen Medicare’, yet all of the data is steamrolling in the opposite direction.

“This is a seriously concerning trend that Australians just cannot afford. Not only is it pushing up out-of-pocket expenses for families, but we also know that a weakened primary care system only increases the pressure on our over-burdened hospitals.

At a time when we are seeing historic ramping across the country, the Albanese Labor Government must urgently address this primary care crisis to reduce avoidable interactions with our hospitals and support Australians with the rising costs of healthcare.

Without urgent action from the Government to address this collapse in bulkbilling, Australians’ access to critical healthcare will be increasingly at risk.

• The Australian and Queensland Governments have announced new support measures to boost disaster recovery and resilience operations in South East Queensland.
• The exceptional circumstances assistance is jointly funded through Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) and comes in the wake of some of the worst storms SEQ has ever experienced.
• Additional grants for small businesses, farmers and non-profit organisations also activated for SEQ.

The Albanese and Miles Governments are delivering further disaster assistance to help South East Queensland recover from recent severe storms.

Today’s announcement will support local clean-up efforts, invest in specialised recovery staff and provide grants to primary producers, small business owners and non-profit organisations:

• A $20 million Clean-Up Program will assist in response to both the South East Queensland storms and ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper. Gold Coast, Scenic Rim, Logan and Far North Queensland Councils, and state agencies will be supported as they continue their work clearing debris from community assets, parks, national parks, beaches and waterways.
• Grants of up to $75,000 have been activated for affected primary producers, and up to $50,000 for affected small business owners and non-profit organisations in impacted parts of South East Queensland.
• Local Recovery and Resilience Grants of $1 million, announced last Thursday, will be jointly funded by Commonwealth and State, and provided to the City of Gold Coast, Logan City Council and Scenic Rim Regional Council to go towards local recovery initiatives and disaster relief.
• In recognition of its resourcing constraints, Scenic Rim Council will also receive a small amount of direct funding to engage a project manager and other skilled workers to design, coordinate and manage extraordinary recovery efforts.

A range of previously announced financial assistance for impacted residents, businesses and councils remains available as well, including Personal Hardship Assistance grants and Disaster Assistance Loans.

Residents in need of disaster support can call the Queensland Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“Our Government is here for Queensland in this critical time of need. We are committed to helping Queensland communities recover from the devastating impacts of extreme weather events.

“This support will deliver the expertise and the resources to keep the job going and ensure recovery efforts are seen through.

“We know it’s been a terrible start to the year for many Queenslanders, but we will continue to work with the Miles Government to make sure the South East rebounds stronger than before.”

Queensland Premier Steven Miles said:

“The resilience shown by impacted communities has been remarkable, but we know targeted disaster assistance is required to keep recovery moving at speed.

“Queenslanders are bred tough, but when we’re faced with testing times we need to band together and support each other, doing whatever it takes to help.

“I want to acknowledge the incredible will of our frontline services, councils and residents, and this exceptional circumstances package we’re announcing today will help them continue doing the vital work our state needs right now.”

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt said:

“The road to recovery will be challenging, but we are standing with Councils to give them certainty of funding so they can keep full focus on their clean-up efforts.

“The $20 million Clean-Up Program is accessible to our hardest-hit local governments, while the $1 million grants for Gold Coast, Logan and Scenic Rim can be put towards not only recovery but greater overall resilience.

“We are also opening up new grants for affected farmers, small business owners and non-profit organisations to help get them back on their feet.”

minister responsible for the Queensland Reconstruction Authority Nikki Boyd said:

“The recovery efforts in the South East and Far North will be enormous and we are with those communities every step of the way.

“This assistance recognises the extraordinary support that’s needed.

“I also want to remind disaster impacted Queenslanders of the various other financial measures available – anyone needing help should phone our Community Recovery Hotline, 1800 173 349.”

More information:

Clean-up Program – $20 million

• Available to impacted councils and state agencies in response to both the South East Queensland storms and ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper.
• Funding for extraordinary clean-up activities and damage assessments of community and recreational assets, parks, waterways and beaches, and national parks.

Local Resilience and Recovery Grants – $3 million

• Confirmed Commonwealth-State funding (announced on Thursday) will deliver $1 million to each of the three councils hardest hit by the SEQ storms: Gold Coast, Logan and Scenic Rim.
• Grants to undertake locally-led recovery initiatives, build greater community resilience, and reduce the impacts of future severe weather events.

Assistance Grants for small business:

• Grants of up to $50,000 are available for directly-impacted small businesses to hire or purchase equipment and materials, clean up, remove debris, replace or repair damaged infrastructure and stock, and other costs associated with the recovery process.

Assistance Grants for farmers and primary producers:

• Primary producers who have suffered direct damage can apply for grants of up to $75,000.
• Grants will assist with short-term recovery needs including pasture rehabilitation, fodder, replacing livestock, and repairs to infrastructure and equipment.

Assistance Grants for non-profit organisations:

• Grants of up to $50,000 are available for directly-impacted non-profit organisations to hire or purchase equipment and materials, clean up, remove debris, repair or replace damaged infrastructure or goods and other costs associated with the recovery process.

Further information on DRFA exceptional circumstances measures can be found at Queensland Reconstruction Authority.

Recognising the broad consensus as expressed by 44 countries around the world on December 19, 2023, as well as the statement by the UN Security Council on December 1, 2023, condemning Houthi attacks against commercial vessels transiting the Red Sea, and in light of ongoing attacks, including a significant escalation over the past week targeting commercial vessels, with missiles, small boats, and attempted hijackings.

We hereby reiterate the following and warn the Houthis against further attacks:

Ongoing Houthi attacks in the Red Sea are illegal, unacceptable, and profoundly destabilising. There is no lawful justification for intentionally targeting civilian shipping and naval vessels. Attacks on vessels, including commercial vessels, using unmanned aerial vehicles, small boats, and missiles, including the first use of anti-ship ballistic missiles against such vessels, are a direct threat to the freedom of navigation that serves as the bedrock of global trade in one of the world’s most critical waterways.

These attacks threaten innocent lives from all over the world and constitute a significant international problem that demands collective action. Nearly 15 per cent of global seaborne trade passes through the Red Sea, including 8 per cent of global grain trade, 12 per cent of seaborne-traded oil and 8 per cent of the world’s liquefied natural gas trade. International shipping companies continue to reroute their vessels around the Cape of Good Hope, adding significant cost and weeks of delay to the delivery of goods, and ultimately jeopardising the movement of critical food, fuel, and humanitarian assistance throughout the world.

Let our message now be clear:

We call for the immediate end of these illegal attacks and release of unlawfully detained vessels and crews. The Houthis will bear the responsibility of the consequences should they continue to threaten lives, the global economy, and free flow of commerce in the region’s critical waterways. We remain committed to the international rules-based order and are determined to hold malign actors accountable for unlawful seizures and attacks.

The Coalition is urging the Albanese Labor Government to rule out adopting recommendations from a draft Productivity Commission report which threatens to rip funding from non-government schools and charities.

Commissioned by Treasurer Jim Chalmers in February, The Future Foundations for Giving Report has issued draft recommendations for deductible gift recipient (DGR) status to be scrapped for non-government primary, secondary, childcare, aged care and other religious organisations.

It also calls for the ending of “basic religious charity” status – increasing red tape and reporting requirements for almost one in five Australian charities – including those which support schools and religious education.

This is a slap in the face for the non-government sector, at a time when more Australians are turning to religious charities and organisations for support.

It comes amid surging enrolments for non-government schools which are responsible for more than 35 per cent students across Australia.

The changes have the potential to devastate non-government schools which have enjoyed DGR support since 1954.

Shadow Treasurer, Angus Taylor, said it was just another example of a government with the wrong priorities.

“At a time when Labor is taxing Australians at record levels, Jim Chalmers’ own review is calling to increase taxes on non-government schools,” Mr Taylor said.

“This will just pass on costs to families struggling with the cost of living and leave non-government schools deprived of vital infrastructure.

“This is a cynical, political, and divisive proposal from a government which has spent a year dividing Australians with ideological distractions.

“Rather than address cost-of-living, Labor is attacking non-government and religious schools. Dr Chalmers and Education Minister Jason Clare must rule out this recommendation and rule it out urgently.”

Shadow Minister for Education, Sarah Henderson, said the proposal would have far-reaching consequences.

“This proposed school building tax is a direct, ideological attack on independent and faith-based schools and must immediately be ruled out by the Albanese Government,” Senator Henderson said.

“This would be catastrophic for low fee-paying non-government schools which depend on DGR status to construct new school buildings and other vital infrastructure.

“With the vast majority of students at non-government schools from low and middle-income families, this proposal is another cruel blow for struggling families.

“After attacking religious freedom in schools and delivering discriminatory teaching scholarships, this is further evidence of Jason Clare’s hostility towards the non-government sector. Parents have no interest in Labor’s insidious class warfare.

“Not only do non-government schools support parental choice, but they also play a vital role in taking funding pressure off the government school sector.

“The government has a responsibility to protect the funding mechanisms which are critical to the viability of low fee-paying schools particularly in regional and remote Australia where student numbers are reduced and capital is scarce,” Senator Henderson said.

The Albanese Labor Government is undermining Australia Day and it’s paying dividends with 81 councils refusing to conduct citizenship ceremonies on our national day.

The Prime Minister says he has no plans to change Australia Day but judge him on his words not his actions.

The Albanese Government changed the rules to allow locals councils to cancel their citizenship ceremonies on Australia Day, and 81 councils have now taken up that offer, according to new data published today.

The Coalition believes that new citizens should have the opportunity to become Australians on our national day.

Labor is undermining the significance of Australia Day and is laying the groundwork to abolish January 26 as Australia Day.

If the Prime Minister wants to change Australia Day he should be upfront with the Australian people instead of working in the shadows to change the date.

The Prime Minister’s hand-picked ambassador to the United Kingdom has already cancelled a long-running charity event held on Australia Day.

The Labor Government is sending the message that January 26 is no more special than any other day of the year.

Australia Day is a proud day for the many thousands of people who will join our multicultural family and become Australian citizens, it should be respected.

Education Minister Jason Clare has set a debt trap for struggling university students after dramatically weakening his ‘support for students’ scheme which fails to deliver the safeguards he promised, Shadow Minister for Education Sarah Henderson has warned.

“The support for students scheme, adopted under the cover of darkness the week before Christmas, is now so weak that universities have no obligation to proactively identify and support students at risk of failing their studies,” Senator Henderson said.

“By axing the safeguards offered by the 50 per cent pass rule, Labor has set a debt trap for thousands of vulnerable students and shown a reckless disregard for the cost-of-living pressures so many young Australians are facing.

The former Coalition government’s 50 per cent pass rule protected students, failing more than 50 per cent of their subjects after enrolling in eight or more units, from leaving university with large student debts and nothing to show for it.”

Under the rule, failing students who faced losing their Commonwealth supported place (CSP) could apply for an exemption on compassionate grounds or move to a restricted study plan such as part-time study or a changed course structure. As revealed in a Senate inquiry into the Higher Education Support Amendment (Response to the Australian Universities Accord Interim Report) Bill 2023, the vast majority of students did not lose their CSP.

“Minister Clare’s claims that more than 13,000 students were ‘hit’ with the rule is a blatant misrepresentation,” Senator Henderson said.

“On the evidence available, most failing students made changes to their university studies to help them succeed, as the policy intended.

“After releasing draft guidelines which were onerous and unworkable reflecting the government’s lack of consultation, Minister Clare has done an about-face and introduced a farcical ‘support for students’ scheme which fails to deliver any additional support for students.

“This is a policy shambles from a floundering minister which is why the opposition opposed the scheme from the beginning.

“Under the draft guidelines, higher education providers were required to implement a policy which ‘must include’ processes to identify and support students at risk of failing their studies including those in need of targeted literacy and numeracy support.

“The final version has been dramatically watered down, with universities now only required to publish on a website ‘information describing’ their current set of student support policies.

“Under the scheme, universities are no longer required to report on the academic outcomes of students requiring support including HECS loans accrued for failed units of study.

“There are no minimum standards of support that universities must provide including for those who are victims of sexual violence or suffer mental health challenges. The scheme has also been delayed until 1 April 2024, with reporting dates for policy outcomes pushed back to the first quarter of 2025.

“While universities have a range of policies to support students, they are not doing enough to stop vulnerable students falling through the cracks. Only 41 per cent of undergraduates are completing their four-year degree in that time, with 21 per cent dropping out altogether.

“For indigenous students, it’s much worse – the four-year completion rate is just 26 per cent while more than a third drop out.

“Labor’s scheme also does nothing to safeguard students from inadequate or bad university policies. It is all puff and no substance from Minister Clare who is not tough enough to hold the universities to account, further underlining how this government is failing to put students first,” Senator Henderson said.