Category: Australian News

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will travel to the People’s Republic of China from 4 to 7 November. 

In Beijing, the Prime Minister will meet with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. In Shanghai, the Prime Minister has accepted Premier Li’s invitation to attend the China International Import Expo.

The Prime Minister’s visit will build on his productive discussions with President Xi and Premier Li over the last twelve months, as well as increased ministerial engagement over that time.

A stable relationship between Australia and China is in the interests of both countries.

Trade between Australia and China, as well as strong community, cultural and business links has delivered significant benefits to both our countries.

China remains Australia’s largest trading partner, amounting to almost a third of our total trade. The Government has been working to remove impediments to trade.

Since the successful removal of duties on Australian barley, we have engaged actively to secure a similar process to resolve our WTO wine dispute with China.

We have now reached an agreement with China to move forward to resolve this dispute. We welcome China’s agreement to undertake an expedited review of its duties. This process is expected to take five months.

Australia and China have agreed we will suspend the dispute on wine in the WTO pending the outcome of this review. If the duties are not removed at the end of the review, Australia will resume the dispute in the WTO. We are confident of a successful outcome.

During the Prime Minister’s visit, the leaders will discuss cooperation in a range of areas including economic links, climate change and links between our people.

This will be the Prime Minister’s first visit to China and the first visit to China by an Australian Prime Minister since 2016. It will mark the 50th anniversary of the first visit to China by an Australian Prime Minister, Gough Whitlam, in 1973.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“I look forward to visiting China, an important step towards ensuring a stable and productive relationship.”

“I look forward to further engaging with President Xi and Premier Li in Australia’s national interest.”

“Prime Minister Whitlam’s historic visit laid the groundwork for the diplomatic, economic and cultural ties that continue to benefit our countries today.”

“I welcome the progress we have made to return Australian products, including Australian wine, to the Chinese market. Strong trade benefits both countries.”

COVID-19 is no longer a Communicable Disease Incident of National Significance (CDINS).

While COVID-19 remains a serious threat to the health of Australians, and requires ongoing vigilance by the public and governments, state and territory health systems are well placed to manage the virus alongside other infectious diseases.

A focus remains on vaccination, prevention, reducing transmission and management of serious illness, hospitalisations and death.

The removal of the CDINS declaration will not have any significant impact on the ongoing management of COVID-19 in Australia, given that most of the national coordination and response measures have already ended.

Targeted surveillance and monitoring of COVID-19 will be maintained through well-established national and sentinel surveillance programs. Data and reports on COVID-19 will continue to be published and updated regularly.

The Department of Health and Aged Care will continue to work closely with state and territory health agencies, to ensure a consistent and dedicated response to the virus.

This declaration has been supported by Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) members. A statement from the AHPPC can be found here.

The Greens were pleased to support changes to the Family Law Act in the Senate today that will put children’s welfare first in family law matters. Overturning regressive Howard era changes to the family court system was long-overdue.

Women’s safety sector and legal advocates have long called for a child-safety focussed court and we are happy these reforms are moving closer to that goal.

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

“Since the Howard government re-wrote Australia’s family laws in 2006, we have seen the presumption of shared care weaponised, instead of the best interests of kids coming first.

“We were pleased to pass amendments to the Family Law Act today, that are based on expert advice, instead of the political grandstanding that has traumatised victim-survivors, put children at risk, and provided a platform for hate and misinformation.

“Gendered violence is at the core of many cases in the family law system, and we know children frequently bear the brunt of violent relationships and protracted legal matters. “While these reforms are welcome, without more funding to courts and frontline family and domestic violence services, delays, unequal representation and lack of support will continue to put women and children at risk.

“The Greens will continue to call for comprehensive FDV education and trauma-informed training for the judiciary, legal practitioners, ICLs and family report writers, the police, and all others associated with the court process.

“We also maintain our calls for full funding for frontline FDV support services including legal services and Legal Aid. “If the Attorney General wants these reforms to work, his government needs to stump up the funding for them to do so.”

Exit polling conducted on Saturday 14 October confirmed that both Yes and No voters overwhelmingly support the introduction of truth in political advertising laws, before the next election.

The Greens have long championed the need for truth in political advertising, and want to see a commitment from Labor to put a stop to the toxic misinformation and disinformation campaigns, like those we witnessed in the leadup to the Voice referendum.

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

“Misinformation and disinformation is a huge problem for our democracy.This was particularly clear during the Voice referendum campaign. 

“Polling released today shows that an overwhelming majority – 87% – of Australians support truth in political advertising laws to stop taxpayers’ money from being spent on lies.

“The Greens have long championed the need for truth in political advertising, and agree with the 72% of Australian who are concerned about lies and misinformation that circulated on social media during the referendum campaign.

“Australia has one of the strongest electoral systems in the world. Yet, in its testimony to the JSCEM inquiry, the AEC reported a significant increase in online disinformation, including claims relating to voter fraud, which were mostly imported arguments from the US.

“Elected members have a clear responsibility to strengthen public trust in democracy, but we also don’t want to see laws that impact freedom of speech. We strongly support exploring legislative responses to address this issue and want to work with the government to make sure we get the balance right.

“Regardless of any law reform, the AEC must be adequately funded for public education and engagement to counter the Trumpian tactics of Dutton and Co. who continue to conduct inaccurate culture war attacks on Australian democracy.”
 

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

“Reports today that a senior staffer and ex-Labor Senator has been gifted a role as Australia’s next senior trade and investment commissioner and consul-general in San Francisco, stink, to put it bluntly.

“The Australian people voted for an end to this kind of ‘jobs for the boys’ nonsense. They expect better from the Albanese Government.

“Minister Farrell’s decision to install an ex-Labor colleague and senior staffer in a plum industry role, instead of the woman selected through a rigorous recruitment process, simply doesn’t pass the pub test.

“The Greens have long called for an enforceable Code of Conduct for all politicians and senior staff, to put an end to the revolving door that sees so many of them gifted highly-paid, senior roles in industry moments of leaving parliamentary offices.”

This week Senator Pauline Hanson rose in the Senate to speak to the Family Law Amendment Bill 2023. As a pivotal player in the discussions and formation of this legislation, her insights offer an in-depth understanding of the changes this bill seeks to bring and the concerns surrounding them.

Hanson’s Support and its Roots

Pauline Hanson, as the deputy chair of the Joint Select Committee on Australia’s family law system, has played a significant role in this legislation. Some of the recommendations she championed have been reflected in the bill. Other important perspectives of One Nation have not been reflected. These changes have been a long-time advocacy point for her, emphasising the paramount importance of children’s best interests in family law cases.

Controversy Over Shared Parental Responsibility

One of the major points of contention One Nation highlights is the removal of the presumption of shared parental responsibility. Introduced in 2006, this presumption was intended to underline that parents share equal responsibility for their child’s care. It was never about ‘equal time’ but rather the commitment and responsibility shared between parents. Hanson fears that by removing this, the legislation might unintentionally bias the system further.

Drawing on the words of family court veterans like Professor Richard Chisolm and Emeritus Professor Patrick Parkinson, Hanson underscores their concerns about rolling back the clock to when mothers were primarily considered the primary caregivers after separation. Parkinson particularly mentioned this change as a “fundamental shift” in the family law system’s underlying values.

Addressing Biases Against Fathers

Pauline Hanson’s speech emphasised a potential systemic bias against fathers. She cites studies and evidence indicating that fathers often face challenges in family court, with many being concerned about their children’s safety in shared parenting arrangements. The removal of shared parental responsibility, Hanson argues, will amplify these biases.

Child’s Wishes and Preventing System Manipulation

One of the commendable points of the bill, according to Hanson, is its focus on a child’s wishes. Independent Child Lawyers (ICLs) will now be required to learn and advocate for these wishes, ensuring that children have a voice in the court proceedings. However, this also demands specialised training for ICLs to accurately represent children, sometimes as young as five.

Another supported aspect is the mechanism to prevent the misuse of the family law system, especially during bitter separations. But again, Senator Hanson emphasises the need for fairness in its application, ensuring both mothers and fathers are treated equitably.

Recommendations for the Child Support System

While many of Hanson’s proposals are present in the bill, she expresses disappointment regarding the child support system reforms. Highlighting Professor Parkinson’s observations on the existing system’s “perverse incentives”, Hanson lists her recommendations. From assessing salaries based on a 38-hour working week to having child support payments reviewed by Services Australia, these changes aim for a fairer system that genuinely supports children.

A Call for Fairness

Pauline Hanson’s speech underscores her commitment to fairness in Australia’s family law system. She believes in a system that doesn’t discriminate based on gender, race, or religion. The evidence collected during the joint select committee inquiry, she feels, should have paved the way for reforms that leaned into justice and fairness.

In concluding her speech, Pauline Hanson expresses her deep sympathies for families navigating this system and promises to continue fighting for genuine reform in Australia’s family law system.

In summary, the Family Law Amendment Bill 2023 brings forth several changes and revisions that can significantly impact Australian families. Through Pauline Hanson’s perspective, we gain a deeper understanding of the implications of these changes and the need for continuous scrutiny and advocacy for a fair system.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met with Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda in Canberra today – the first visit by a Lithuanian President to Australia in 17 years.

The productive relationship between Australia and Lithuania is underpinned by shared democratic values, a commitment to human rights and open markets, and strong people-to-people ties.

President Nausėda welcomed Australia’s close partnership with the European Union, with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to the conclusion of a comprehensive and ambitious Australia-EU Trade Agreement and to building trade and economic relations.

Prime Minister Albanese and President Nausėda reaffirmed their condemnation of Russia’s illegal, immoral and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, and reiterated their steadfast support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. President Nausėda thanked Australia for its close cooperation with NATO.

Australia and Lithuania have been united in expressing their condemnation of the abhorrent attacks on Israel by Hamas and in underlining the importance of protection of civilian lives and of respect for international humanitarian law.  

The leaders last met in July this year at the NATO Leaders’ Summit in Vilnius.

Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Albanese

“Australia is fortunate to be home to a thriving Australian-Lithuanian community, one of the largest and most active Lithuanian diaspora groups outside of Europe.”

“Strong community ties underpin the modern Australia-Lithuania relationship, which is warm and continues to evolve to meet shared opportunities and challenges.”

Suburbtrends’ latest “Rental Pain Index” for October 2023 provides another disturbing snapshot of the Australian rental market. Building on our comprehensive methodology, this month’s report reveals ongoing challenging conditions, with every suburb in the top 16 scoring the maximum index of 100, underlining the urgency of the crisis at hand.

Kent Lardner, the founder of Suburbtrends, asserts, “This month, we see NSW and QLD as dominant players in contributing to rental stress, particularly in locations like Thorneside in QLD and Greenacre – South in NSW. In such areas, renters are allocating as much as 45% of their income to secure housing, an unsustainable financial burden.”

New to the index this month are glaring vacancy rates, most notably in the worst-affected suburbs, registering below 1%. This trend is consistent with last month’s concerning figures. “These strikingly low vacancy rates exacerbate the existing rental stress, making it increasingly difficult for renters to find suitable housing,” Kent observes.

Nationally, among the top 25 worst-affected suburb groups, rental affordability consistently crosses the 35% threshold, often considered well above the tipping point for financial stress. Remarkably, the index shows that such financial impositions are not limited to any single state but are widespread, flagging a critical issue that needs immediate multi-state intervention.

Kent reiterates, “The current index should serve as a stern wake-up call for policymakers. It’s not merely about escalating numbers but about deteriorating living conditions for Australian renters. As we enter the final quarter of the year, there is an urgent need for targeted policy interventions to alleviate the immense strain renters are under.”

For further details, the complete Rental Pain Index and dataset for October 2023 are now available for download and also supported by a new embeddable map.

Liberal Senator Alex Antic is up to his usual antics this week — introducing a virulently transphobic and homophobic bill to Parliament.

The Australian Greens LGBTIQA+ Spokesperson, Stephen Bates MP, condemns Antic’s hate-fuelled stunt.

There are huge gaps in the provision of gender affirming healthcare in Australia. 

That’s why last election the Australian Greens called for a national LGBTIQA+ health and wellbeing action plan, new national professional standards, an extra $285m over four years in additional funding, and $15 million in dedicated funding to cover out-of-pocket costs for trans and gender diverse people trying to access gender affirming healthcare.

Australia’s healthcare system is already not meeting the needs of trans people — and all the Liberal Party is trying to do is make it even worse. 

STEPHEN BATES MP, AUSTRALIAN GREENS LGBTQIA+ SPOKESPERSON said:

This is loser behaviour. It feels like every sitting week there is another stunt by transphobes desperate for media attention. 

The Senator has the implicit backing of the Liberal Party in introducing his bill and goes to show that you can never trust the Liberals with LGBTIQA+ rights.

This is an Opposition that is just whipping up culture war after culture war, trying to see what sticks — because they have nothing of substance to offer.

Access to healthcare for trans people needs to be led by the trans community and medical experts — not hate-fuelled politicians. When it comes to trans healthcare, we need more funding, more access, and fewer restrictions. 

There are very real consequences to the ongoing anti-trans hate campaigns. We all have a responsibility to protect trans kids. 

We should not give this man and his crusade against trans kids any more oxygen.

Transphobia has no place in our Parliament. Trans rights are non-negotiable.

The Greens have secured a comprehensive review of the Significant Cost Threshold, an outcome with significant potential to reduce discrimination in Australia’s migration system and improve life for many families seeking to make a life in Australia.

The Significant Cost Threshold is the mechanism that allows the Government to deport disabled people on temporary visas or refuse visas to disabled people and their families.

The public review will include a specific reference to the effect of the Significant Cost Threshold on non-citizen children born in Australia to people on temporary visas.

The Greens have been campaigning to end discrimination in the migration system, with families facing deportation because of children born or acquiring disabilities.

The Greens secured the review in exchange for committing to support the government’s Pacific Engagement Visa enabling legislation in the Senate.

We thank Minister Giles for his constructive engagement on this issue.

Immigration and Citizenship spokesperson Senator Nick McKim said:

“We are committed to ensuring that Australia’s migration system is fair and inclusive, and today is a significant step towards achieving that goal.”

“We will continue to stand up for the rights of everyone, no matter where they come from, or their disability.”

“Our migration laws need to be brought in line with community expectations and meet Australia’s obligations under international law.”

Disability spokesperson Senator Jordon Steele-John said:

“Our migration system must be made far more accepting of disabled people.”

The migration system is ableist. It deliberately provides for discrimination based on disability, which is grossly unfair and inhumane.

“This blatant discrimination belongs in the dustbin of history.”