Category: Australian News

The Greens implore Labor to heed a groundbreaking Southern Ocean report and fund Antarctic science over fossil fuels.

More than 200 scientists from 19 countries today released a new assessment of trends in Southern Ocean ecosystems, in what is being hailed as “an IPCC report for the Southern Ocean”.

The Marine Ecosystem Assessment for the Southern Ocean report was released to coincide with this year’s international meeting of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) in Hobart. 

Greens spokesperson for healthy oceans, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson said:

“This groundbreaking report clearly states that the long-term maintenance of the Antarctic and Southern Ocean can only be achieved through urgent global action to address climate change and ocean acidity. 

“Australia has a 40% claim to Antarctica territory, so it’s in the Australian Government’s best interest to take this report’s advice seriously. Yet as one of the world’s biggest world’s largest consumers and producers of coal that is still approving new coal and gas projects in 2023, Australia still has a devastatingly long way to go before being considered a global leader in tackling climate change. 

“The Southern Ocean and Antarctic are integral to understanding global weather patterns. Around half of the carbon dioxide taken up by the whole ocean is absorbed by the Southern Ocean, meaning more than ever our planet depends on us protecting these regions.

“Instead of funding fossil fuels, the Albanese Government should be funding Antarctic science, starting with increasing funding and cleaning up the Australian Antarctic Division.”

The Australian Senate has today passed legislation to enable the delivery of the Albanese government’s election commitment of a new Pacific Engagement Visa.

The Pacific Engagement Visa will enable up to 3,000 nationals of Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste to migrate to Australia as permanent residents each year.

It will create new opportunities for the people of the Pacific and Timor-Leste to live, work and be educated in Australia – strengthening diaspora communities, and encouraging greater cultural, business and educational exchange.

The delivery of this commitment responds directly to long-standing requests from these countries for greater access to Australia for their people.

Legislation passed by the Senate today will enable a pre-application ballot to be used to randomly select applicants for the Pacific Engagement Visa program. If successful in the ballot, applicants would then be required to satisfy criteria including having a job offer in Australia.

The ballot has been welcomed by Pacific partners. It provides a fair and transparent process and ensures equal access for participants of any skill level and occupation, to avoid brain drain from the Pacific and Timor-Leste.

Further legislative amendments before the Senate extend support to participants to help with the cost of education, training and raising a family in Australia.

The Government looks forward to the Pacific Engagement Visa program commencing in 2024, once all remaining legislative and administrative arrangements have been approved, including by the Governor-General in Federal Executive Council.

The Government thanks the parliamentarians who have engaged in this discussion constructively and thoughtfully, particularly those on the cross-bench. It is disappointing the Liberals and Nationals are still failing to listen to Pacific priorities.

For further information visit Pacific Engagement Visa

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong said:

“We have heard the calls from Pacific leaders for deeper connections and easier movement around the region.

“The Pacific Engagement Visa will strengthen people-to-people links, and encourage greater cultural, business and educational exchange.

“In delivering this new visa, we want to make a uniquely Australian contribution to building a stronger and more united Pacific family.”

Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, the Hon Andrew Giles MP said:

“The Pacific Engagement Visa will deliver on the Government’s commitment to deepen our people to people links across the Pacific family.

“The legislation passed today will contribute to the stability, security, and prosperity of our region and demonstrates that stronger Pacific partnerships focussed on shared needs and priorities are in Australia’s national interests.”

Minister for International Development and the Pacific, the Hon Pat Conroy said:

“The Pacific Engagement Visa is a substantive expression of Australia’s special relationship with the Pacific and Timor-Leste and has been welcomed by partners across the region.

“The passage of this legislation demonstrates Australia is listening to Pacific priorities and delivers on its commitments.

“A ballot ensures we do not deprive the Pacific of skills and talent by providing broad access to the program for Pacific and Timor-Leste citizens.”

Shadow Minister for Resources and for Northern Australia, Senator Susan McDonald, has called upon the Queensland and Federal Labor Governments to commit to the future economic strength of North West Queensland and the workforce of Mt Isa, and outline how it will support further development in the North West Minerals Province after Glencore’s decision to close Mt Isa Mines.

“Mt Isa plays a vital role as a hub for North West Queensland commerce, healthcare and schooling and I am deeply concerned about the effect this announcement will have on Mt Isa Mines’ workers and the town’s business owners,” said Senator McDonald.

“Mt Isa Mines’ 60-year operation is a testament to the importance of the North West Minerals province, and operations in and around Mt Isa have contributed billions of dollars back to the local community.

“While no single mine can last forever, this region has been identified as having an abundance of critical minerals and rare earths yet to be developed.

“North West Queensland’s rich potential should not be squandered or ignored, and the Labor Government needs to do more to encourage a pipeline of mining ventures to develop or expand with confidence in order to secure the future of our regional communities.

“It is crucial that State and Federal Governments remove unnecessary red tape slowing down the approval of the next generation of mines in order to continue to provide opportunity and a prosperous future for the North West of Queensland.

“The Government needs to work to ensure Mt Isa remains a thriving regional town for the sake of local workers, businesses, agriculture, mining and indigenous communities who rely on this important centre in Northern Australia for supplies, schooling, healthcare, air travel and employment.”

The Australian Greens have today refused to support the looming invasion of Gaza, saying the government must take steps to stop an invasion that will turn a humanitarian crisis into a catastrophe.

The Greens moved to amend a Government Business motion today to call for an end to the invasion and occupation and condemn the war crimes perpetrated by the state of Israel. With the government and Liberals joining together to block the amendment, the Greens voted against the Motion.

Over the weekend, the civilian death toll continued to climb in Gaza, with the constant bombardment of Gaza by the Israeli Defense Force killing hundreds and the denial of food, water and electricity, resulting in catastrophic losses of life.

Authorities in Gaza have said that more than 2,300 people have been killed, a quarter of them children, nearly 10,000 have been injured and hundreds of thousands have been displaced.

Gaza is one of the most densely populated places in the world, and it’s estimated that 40% of the population are under the age of 15.

The United Nations argues that Israel’s evacuation orders for Northern Gaza are impossible to achieve, and constitute a “death sentence” for many of the 2000 people receiving treatment in the area’s 22 hospitals.

International observers have expressed their alarm at Israel’s apparent bombing of a civilian convoy attempting to flee Northern Gaza using an approved escape route; the use of airburst white phosphorous in populated areas, which indiscriminately creates a “high risk of excruciating burns and lifelong suffering”, and of the bombing of ambulances and health facilities.

The indiscriminate bombing and siege of civilian populations is not self defence and to support it as such undermines International law and Australia’s global position on related matters.The Greens say for peace to be lasting, the Israeli government needs to end the occupation.

The Greens are giving notice today of a motion that condemns the attacks on civilians by Hamas and the Israeli government.

Adam Bandt MP, Leader of the Australian Greens said:

“The looming invasion of Gaza will turn a humanitarian disaster into a humanitarian catastrophe,” Mr Bandt said.

“The Greens condemn the war crimes of Hamas and we condemn the looming invasion of Gaza, which will kill thousands and push a lasting peace further out of reach. We grieve with the Israelis and Palestinians who have lost loved ones and we must all work now to stop further bloodshed.

“With 40% of its over 2 million residents aged under 15, Gaza is a walled-in primary school, and an invasion will be a humanitarian catastrophe.

“Instead of backing the invasion, Australia should be part of an international push for peace and de-escalation, which means an immediate ceasefire, an end to the invasion of Gaza and holding to account those who have committed war crimes.”

Senator Jordon Steele-John, Greens Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs said:

“The Australian government must work quickly with the international community to end the humanitarian disaster unfolding in Gaza and for its nearly one million children,” Senator Steele-John said.

“We all watched in horror at the brutality and callousness of Hamas’ October 7th attacks on innocent civilians. The State of Israel’s siege and destruction of Gaza continues the cycle of violence. It is civilians in both places paying the price.

“The Greens reject and condemn all forms of violence, especially against civilians. We again call for an immediate ceasefire between the State of Israel and Hamas, an immediate halt to the forced removal and transfer of Palestinians in Gaza, a release of hostages, and an end to the military siege.

“The Australian government must be honest about the context of this violence so we can contribute to addressing it. The Netanyahu government has expanded and entrenched the state of Israel’s illegal occupation of Palestine, creating the conditions that have seen Hamas’s influence grow and a just peace so much more difficult to achieve.

“Nothing can justify the violence we have seen over the last week. The grief of communities across the world grows daily because of the actions that Hamas and the Israeli state have taken against each other’s civilian communities. We can never forget that the goal must always be a lasting and just peace for both Israelis and Palestinians.”

Notice of motion on Israel – Palestine

That the House/Senate-
a) condemns war crimes perpetrated by Hamas, including the premeditated targeting of Israeli civilians;
b) condemns war crimes perpetrated by the state of Israel, including the bombing of Palestinian civilians;
c) calls for all perpetrators to be held accountable for their actions in accordance with international law;
d) calls for an immediate ceasefire between all parties and an end to the war on Gaza;
e) condemns anti-semitism, islamophobia and racism in all its forms both in Australia and internationally;
f) recognises that the September 2022 Report of the United Nations Special Rapporteur found that the occupation of Palestinian territories “is not merely belligerent, but is settler-colonial in nature and that Israel has prevented the realisation of Palestinian people’s right to self-determination, violating each component of that right, wilfully pursuing the “de-Palestinianisation” of the occupied territory”;
g) recognises that for there to be peace there must be an end to the state of Israel’s illegal occupation of the Palestinian Territories; and
h) calls on the Australian Government to take action to support a ceasefire and pursue peace, including an end to the occupation.

The Australian Government will provide $500,000 to the United Nation’s refugee agency, UNHCR to alleviate the suffering of Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians who fled the region following Azerbaijan’s recent military escalation.

Australia is deeply concerned by the humanitarian situation and the welfare of the more than 100,000 people from Nagorno-Karabakh now in Armenia. Australia’s contribution will be delivered by the UNHCR to help provide shelter and supplies to refugees and host communities.

On 11 October 2023, Australia joined the Joint Statement on the Situation in Nagorno-Karabakh at the 54th Session of the Human Rights Council, supporting the rights and security of Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians.

Australia has been clear that we expect Azerbaijan should guarantee the rights and security of the inhabitants of Nagorno-Karabakh, including those who may wish to return from Armenia.

Australia supports mediation efforts to secure a just and lasting peace. A peace agreement would recognise the sovereignty and territorial integrity of both Armenia and Azerbaijan and uphold the rights and security of Armenians who have remained in Nagorno-Karabakh, as well as those who may wish to return in the future.

The Australian Government continues to monitor the situation closely.

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong said:

“Australia remains deeply concerned by the unfolding humanitarian situation in the Nagorno-Karabakh region in Azerbaijan and the welfare of its inhabitants who may have left for Armenia.”

“Australia is providing $500,000 in humanitarian aid to assist Nagorno-Karabakh residents who left for Armenia after Azerbaijan’s military escalation in September, which will be used to help provide shelter and supplies to refugees and host communities.”

“Australia opposes any military escalation in the region, and we continue to call on Armenia and Azerbaijan to negotiate a just and lasting peace.”

Minister for International Development and the Pacific, The Hon Pat Conroy MP said:

“It was deeply distressing to see the thousands of Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians displaced by conflict.

“This contribution of $500,000 to UNHCR will ensure humanitarian support and supplies go where they are most needed.”

Last night’s National Cabinet agreed to unlock billions of dollars to build Australian skills and prosperity.

The landmark five-year National Skills Agreement (NSA), which will take effect from January next year, was developed under principles agreed by National Cabinet and will embed national cooperation and strategic investment in our vocational education and training sector.

The Albanese Government is prepared to invest $12.6 billion to expand and transform access to the VET sector, support quality training and implement reforms to address critical skills needs. If States and Territories access all the Commonwealth funding available under the NSA, the combined investment by governments would exceed $30 billion.

In an historic first, a new National Stewardship model will coordinate strategic investment in skills across the economy, and support delivery of skills needed in national priority areas, as well as providing States and Territories with flexibility to meet local industry skills needs.

The agreement places TAFE at the heart of the VET sector, with TAFEs to be supported by baseline funding commitments.

Major reforms will include the establishment of nationally networked TAFE Centres of Excellence involving partnerships between TAFEs, universities, Jobs and Skills Councils and industry.

The $12.6 billion investment by the Commonwealth includes an extra $2.4 billion in flexible funding to support State and Territory skills sectors with capacity to deliver skills for critical and emerging industries. Priorities include:

• Clean energy and Net Zero transformation of the economy.
• Australia’s sovereign capability, including advanced manufacturing skills, national security, food security and construction.
• Care and support services.
• Ensuring Australia’s digital and technology capability.

There is up to an additional $1.3 billion of Commonwealth funding to implement agreed reforms including:

• $325 million to establish nationally networked TAFE Centres of Excellence and strengthen collaboration between TAFEs, universities and industry.
• $100 million to support, grow and retain a quality VET workforce.
• $155 million to establish a National TAFE leadership Network to promote cutting edge curriculum.
• $214 million for Closing the Gap initiatives to be designed in partnership with First Nations peoples and led by them.
• $250 million to improve VET completions including women and others who face completion challenges.
• $142 million to improve foundation skills training capacity, quality and accessibility.
• $116 million to improve VET evidence and data.

This new investment is on top of $414 million already committed for the delivery of 300,000 Fee-Free TAFE places from 2024.

The Albanese Government values and supports TAFE and Australians getting the skills the country needs. The previous Government was defined by nearly a decade of dysfunction and mismanagement, and nowhere was this more evident than in the VET sector.

In a significant shift away from the short-term, transactional working relationships of the past decade, a new National Stewardship approach on skills will provide a framework for cooperation across state borders and across national and State and Territory priorities. 

Shared National Stewardship of VET will ensure funding under the National Skills Agreement is used more effectively to achieve opportunities for all Australians, and ensure social and economic inclusion, especially for those historically locked out of the labour market.

The Agreement delivers on the Vision and Principles endorsed by National Cabinet which requires Skills Ministers to focus on gender equality and women’s economic participation, Closing the Gap for First Nations people, and ensuring more opportunities for young people, mature age Australians, people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities, people with disability, and regional and remote learners.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“The National Skills Agreement is consistent with so much of what my Government does – bringing people together from all over the country to address the common challenges faced by all of us.

“We need to train Australians for the jobs of today as well as the jobs of tomorrow.

“This important National Skills Agreement, alongside our very successful Fee-Free TAFE places, will mean more boilermakers, more chefs, more aged care workers, more child care workers, and more Australians with the skills that they need, but also the skills that our economy needs.”

the Minister for Skills and Training, Brendan O’Connor said:

“This landmark agreement will kickstart real change.

“I’d like to thank my counterpart Skills Ministers for their genuine cooperation in looking to rebuild national vocational education and training, with TAFE at its heart.

“The ineffectual Coalition Government failed to land a national skills agreement with any State or Territory.

“The TAFE sector has endured periods of underfunding, impacts of deregulation, loose rules of VET market entry, a lack of national cohesion and an obsession for competition at the expense of collaboration.

“By providing genuine national leadership in partnership with states and territories, we are building a system that is greater than the sum of its parts.

“A high performing and world-class VET sector is crucial for achieving a fairer society and a stronger economy.”

National Cabinet met virtually today to discuss issues of national importance and agree to a new National Skills Agreement.

National Skills Agreement

First Ministers endorsed the new National Skills Agreement, building on National Cabinet’s close cooperation on other priorities, such as housing and planning.

The Agreement will support a new way of working together to deliver the nation’s social and economic priorities through shared stewardship of the vocational education and training (VET) system.

The new Agreement will see the Australian Government invest up to an additional $3.7 billion in VET over five years, bringing total Commonwealth investment through the Agreement up to $12.6 billion.

First Ministers noted that the National Skills Agreement delivers on the vision and guiding principles previously endorsed by National Cabinet. It will support a shared skills reform agenda that drives improved outcomes nationally, while recognising each state and territory’s unique circumstances and VET systems.

First Ministers also recommitted to fee-free TAFE, noting that almost 215,000 places were delivered in the first six months of this year. The Commonwealth and states and territories will partner to make a further 300,000 TAFE and VET places fee-free from January next year.

National Cabinet noted the shared challenges of skills shortage in every state and territory, and committed to keep working together through the National Skills Agreement and other avenues to ensure Australians are trained for the jobs of the future and the jobs the economy needs right now

This highlights the commitment of First Ministers to deliver high-quality, responsive and accessible vocational education and training to boost productivity and support Australians to obtain the skills they need to participate in rewarding work.

This media statement has been agreed by First Ministers and serves as a record of meeting outcomes.

Australian quantum science, biotechnology and outstanding teaching are all being recognised and celebrated in this year’s Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science.

Leading Australian quantum scientist Professor Michelle Simmons AO from UNSW Sydney has received the $250,000 Prime Minister’s Prize for Science for her pioneering developments in quantum computing.

Professor Simmons has championed breakthrough advancements to electronic parts for quantum computing, including components as small as one atom.

Professor Simmons founded Australia’s first quantum computing company, Silicon Quantum Computing, and alongside her team pioneered a new precise style of manufacturing that forms the basis for a new approach to quantum computing.

Professor Simmons’ efforts have the potential to be applied across several other fields, including therapeutic drug design, reducing the cost of airline fuel, and creating better fertilisers for agriculture.

Professor and entrepreneur Glenn King from the University of Queensland received the 2023 Prime Minister’s Prize for Innovation for his ground-breaking discovery that the venom of the Australian funnel web spider can be used to make pharmaceuticals to treat chronic pain, epilepsy and stroke.

Judith Stutchbury received the 2023 Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Primary Schools. Ms Stutchbury is a teacher at Kalkie State School in Bundaberg, and has taught students about the importance of marine turtle conservation in the Great Barrier Reef, and authored an award-winning fiction book to promote environmental science.

Donna Buckley received the 2023 Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Secondary Schools for inspiring students with diverse backgrounds by applying mathematics to real-world problems and introducing them to career paths in science related fields.

The achievements of all 2023 prize recipients can be found at Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese MP said:

“The achievements of the 2023 recipients reflect the world-class quality of Australia’s science and research sector and the dedication of our STEM teachers. It confirms the future of Australian science is stronger than ever.

“On behalf of all Australians, I want to thank and congratulate all the 2023 prize recipients for their remarkable contribution to Australian science, and to improving our lives.”

the Minister for Industry and Science, Ed Husic said:

“Excellence in Australian science and technology is on display again this year.

“Behind every great scientist is a dedicated science teacher.

“Australians put huge stock in our world-class scientists, and understands science and innovation is at the heart of human progress.

“Quantum computing has the power to transform industries and solve important challenges.

“From automation on factory floors to rapidly advancing AI, the science and innovation sector is creating secure and well-paid jobs.”

Find out more at Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science.

Following a corrosive misinformation campaign led by Peter Dutton, the Albanese Labor government must lay the groundwork for lasting First Nations justice through a $250 million commitment to a Truth and Justice commission, Adam Bandt said on Sunday morning.

National truth processes played a vital part in healing processes in Canada, New Zealand and South Africa. Victoria established the Yoorrook Justice Commission in May 2021 to hear, record and address the truths about First Peoples’ experiences of colonisation in Victoria from 1788 to now. The Yoorook Justice Commission has the powers of a Royal Commission.

A national Truth and Justice Commission would work alongside and in support of local and state level truth telling processes, and would help initiate processes in regions and states where none currently exist.

Greens Leader Adam Bandt MP said:

“Peter Dutton is the master of misinformation, and there’s an urgent need now for truth-telling and healing,” said Mr Bandt.

“Peter Dutton sowed fear and division with a Trumpian misinformation campaign. To lay the groundwork for lasting justice, we now need truth-telling and healing.

“The Greens are calling today for $250 million to be committed to a Truth and Justice Commission in this term of Parliament.

“There’s no need for delay and we can’t leave the country without a clear pathway forward. A national Truth and Justice Commission would bring everyone together to talk honestly about the violence and dispossession of First Nations peoples so we can heal and move forward together.

“To First Nations people who are hurting today, to everyone who is heartbroken, demoralised, exhausted or angry, the Greens are with you. The Greens will not stop fighting to advance First Nations justice.

“The Greens will push the government to establish a Truth and Justice Commission and work towards Treaties that recognise First Nations peoples’ sovereignty.”

Greens portfolio holder for First Nations, Senator Dorinda Cox said:

“This country is founded on violence and dispossession, but many people across the country have no idea of the truth of what happened to First Nations people during colonisation, nor the ongoing impacts of colonial systems and institutions.

“A $250 million commitment to a Truth and Justice Commission would begin the process of recognising and repairing the harms of 234 years of injustice, and allow our country to come together in an honest conversation where everyone has access to the truth.

“Until we tell the truth about our past and begin work towards a Treaty with First Nations people that recognises our sovereignty, there will be a painful hole in the centre of our democracy.

“It’s time to show some ambition. We must use this moment and momentum to drive the real change that will come through Truth and Treaty and the affirmation of First Nations Sovereignty.”

BACKGROUND

A truth-telling process involves exploring, understanding, and reckoning with our painful past and the impact it continues to have on First Nations people and their cultures.

The Truth and Justice Commission will be an independent body that investigates and reveals past wrongdoing to resolve ongoing and historical conflict and heal from it.

The Commission will have the powers of a Royal Commission and will investigate and reveal wrongdoing and human rights abuses perpetrated against First Nations people since colonisation to the present day.

The Truth and Justice Commission will lay the foundations for agreement making between governments and First Nations people, as well as foster healing and national unity based on truth-telling.

The Commission’s work will be underpinned by the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and led by First Nations people.

Today Elizabeth Watson-Brown, Greens spokesperson for Transport, Infrastructure and Sustainable Cities introduced a Private Member’s Bill into federal Parliament. The Bill introduces hourly caps on flights, a late night curfew on non-emergency flights over Brisbane and brings in a long-term plan to move more flights over the water rather than over the city — in line with similar legislation that successfully manages flight noise over Sydney.

The Labor government did not support the Bill. After refusing to meet with affected residents, Transport Minister Catherine King has again failed to act on Brisbane flight noise by refusing to support the Greens Brisbane Airport Curfew and Demand Management Bill 2023.

Two Labor Prime Ministers, Anthony Albanese and Kevin Rudd, have campaigned on addressing flight noise in the past but they have since abandoned the issue.

Since the establishment of the second runway at Brisbane Airport in 2020, complaints have spiked, making Brisbane now the most complained about airport in the country. A 2022 survey run by local community group Brisbane Flight Path Community Alliance showed that 74% of the 2000 respondents agreed or strongly agreed that they experienced mental distress related to aircraft noise.

Brisbane Airport intends to double the number of flights through Brisbane Airport by 2035, which will lead to even more residents being affected by excessive flight noise unless the federal government acts.

Elizabeth Watson-Brown, Greens Spokesperson for Transport, Infrastructure and Sustainable Cities said:

“Labor has failed people struggling with excessive flight noise in Brisbane yet again.”

“The Greens put forward a simple, common sense Bill that would have legislated three things: a curfew from 10pm to 6am, a cap on total flights per hour, and a long-term plan for more flights over the water. But despite these being similar regulations fought for by both Anthony Albanese and Kevin Rudd in the past, Labor has failed to support them today.”

“If it weren’t apparent already from the fact that Minister King has refused to meet with the community affected by flight noise, it’s clear now: the Minister and her government has chosen the side of Brisbane Airport Corporation’s profits over those of people just wanting a decent night’s sleep.”

“The Greens and the community won’t stop our fight for real action on excessive flight noise.”