Category: Australian News

The Australian Government has safely airlifted 255 people utilising two Royal Australian Air Force flights (a KC-30A and a C-17A Globemaster III) and a Government-supported private charter from Ben Gurion Airport in Israel, to Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

The deployment of the two Defence aircraft, activated under Operation BEECH, follows the commencement of Australian Government assisted-departure flights from Tel Aviv on 13 October, 2023. Including the first flight on October 13, operated by Qantas, more than 400 Australians have now been airlifted from Israel on Government-supported flights.

Subject to factors including the security environment, the Australian Government is planning additional flights departing from Tel Aviv to Dubai today, for Australians wanting to leave. We encourage Australians wanting to leave to take these opportunities.

In addition, we have secured flights for onward travel to Australia for Australians arriving in Dubai.

The situation is highly challenging and rapidly changing. The Australian Government is considering whether further assisted-departure flights are required.

Australians in the affected areas who want to leave need assistance with departure should register via DFAT’s Crisis Portal or by calling the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 (from overseas) or 1300 555 135 (from within Australia).

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will continue to provide updates to registered Australians.

Since Thursday, Services Australia has been assisting in the response to this developing crisis, with experienced staff taking consular calls on behalf of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Services Australia is also working with DFAT to identify what additional services may be required as the situation evolves over the coming days and weeks to ensure Australians are supported in their time of need, such as a referral avenue to social workers if required.

Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon. Richard Marles MP said:

“The safety of Australians impacted by this conflict is paramount for the Australian Government.”

“The activation of two Defence aircraft provides critical options for Australia as the conflict in Israel continues to evolve.”

“Australian nationals and visa holders who wish to leave Israel should ensure they are registered with DFAT via their crisis portal.”

QMinister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon. Penny Wong said:

“More than 1,200 Australians previously registered have now left Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, including more than 400 Australians and their families on four Australian Government assisted-departure flights.”

“We continue to consider options to assist Australians who want to leave Israel or the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

“We encourage Australians who want to leave to take the first option available, do not wait for a different option.”

Minister for Government Services, the Hon. Bill Shorten MP said:

“The National Emergency Call Centre staffed by Services Australia plays a critical role in times of crisis.”

“Since the call centre activated at 2am on Thursday until midnight (AEDST), staff answered 1620 calls from people concerned about the situation in Israel and Gaza, seeking support to return home during this distressing time,” Minister Shorten said.

“It’s important they know the Australian Government is ready to provide assistance, and I know the professional social workers and call centre staff at Services Australia will do everything they can to provide that help.”

Today’s revelations that Tanya Plibersek’s flagged changes to national environmental laws have been delayed by at least another year should be regarded as yet another case of embarrassing incompetence from the Albanese Government.

Revealed as part of correspondence with the Greens, this delay breaks numerous Labor promises that the new environmental laws would be completed by the end of 2023.

As part of her response to the Samuel Review last year, she explicitly said that her new laws “would be prepared in the first six months of 2023” and that the exposure draft would be “introduced into Parliament before the end of 2023”.

Today’s news will also create even more uncertainty among stakeholders, many of whom are already highly frustrated by Ms Plibersek’s inability to drive sensible and balanced reforms. Numerous stakeholders, including the Opposition, have not even been consulted by the Minister about her specific legislative changes.

This means increased uncertainty for both the environmental movement and the business community, and will have a chilling effect on investment.

This additional 12 month delay also makes a complete lie of much of Ms Plibersek’s rhetoric as Minister about her desire to make urgent and sweeping changes to the EPBC Act.

As recently as last week, Ms Plibersek was even incredibly trying to present the impression that she was “two months ahead of schedule”. In a matter of days, that has been shown to be another falsehood.

It should be remembered that the former Coalition Government had actually completed much of the necessary work on these national environmental reforms way back in January 2021, at the time of the release of our own response to the Samuel Review. Ms Plibersek is therefore now running at least three-and-a-half years behind the Coalition’s schedule.

The basic reality is that Ms Plibersek has spent far more time distracted by other personal priorities – including pushing for a ‘Yes’ vote in the referendum on the Indigenous Voice to Parliament – than on the core issues in her portfolios.

The number of Australians taking up skills training is in free fall under the Albanese Government. The latest data from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) confirms today that over its first year of government Labor have presided over a 37.4 per cent decline in new training starts. Worryingly, NCVER found a 42.9 per cent decline in commencements for female trainees and apprentices.

This means there are around 37,225 less Australians commencing training as an apprentice today, such as an electrician, or as a trainee, such as a childcare worker, than when Labor took office. This has dire consequences for the training pipeline and our economy.

The freefall in apprentice and trainee starts follows a steady decline in the number of Australians in-training under Labor. Trade apprentices in-training hit record highs in the final months of the Coalition Government and as of June 2022, there were 415,240 apprentices and trainees in-training, which was 21.6 per cent higher than at the same time in 2021. Under Labor, this number has now fallen to 387,505.

Labor came to power promising it would solve skills shortages and deliver more opportunities for Australians to get into training. But the reality is they have delivered a collapse in apprenticeship and traineeship starts and a decline in the number of Australians in-training. This will hit the Australian economy hard.

Deputy Leader of the Opposition and Shadow Minister for Industry, Skills and Training Sussan Ley said NCVER’s official update sounded the alarm over Labor’s approach to skills.

“Today’s data demonstrates that while Anthony Albanese talks a big game on skills, he just isn’t delivering, in fact he has overseen an almost 40 per cent decline in new training starts in his first year alone” the Deputy Leader said.

“I am shocked by the collapse in women taking up training opportunities, especially given Labor said this was a key priority for them.

“Labor’s skills record is already in tatters, as the cost-of-living crisis worsens I am deeply concerned their failures will only worsen and everyday Australians will pay the price.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese welcomes the Prime Minister of Fiji, The Hon Sitiveni Rabuka, and Mrs Suluweti Rabuka to Australia from 16 – 21 October for an official Guest of Government visit.

Australia and Fiji have a close and longstanding relationship that is underpinned by mutual respect and trust.

The Prime Ministers will renew and elevate the Fiji-Australia Vuvale Partnership, which has set out the shared principles and priorities of our relationship since 2019 – and work together to strengthen peace, prosperity and resilience in the Pacific.

Australia and Fiji acknowledge that climate change remains the single greatest threat to the livelihoods, security and wellbeing of our region. Both countries are committed to taking ambitious climate action and boosting disaster resilience.

This will be the first official visit to Australia by a Prime Minister of Fiji since 2019.

The Prime Ministers last met in Nadi on 15 March where they held bilateral talks at the Blackrock Peacekeeping and Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief Camp.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“I am delighted to welcome Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to Australia.

“Australia and Fiji are natural partners and we deeply value our close and longstanding relationship.

“I look forward to strengthening our partnership with Fiji on economic recovery, promoting people-to-people links, security and cyber cooperation.”

The disappointing Referendum outcome follows a corrosive misinformation campaign emboldened by Peter Dutton, say the Greens, and demonstrates the urgent need for truth-telling in the pursuit of First Nations justice.

Greens MPs were unanimous in their support for the Voice to Parliament Referendum. Across the country, Greens MPs joined door knocks, rallies, phone banks and events alongside First Nations campaigners, communities and MPs from across the political spectrum. Federal Greens offices supported the YES23 campaign with volunteer recruitment, resources and materials.

Contrary to the national result, the four Greens-held electorates: Melbourne, Griffith, Brisbane and Ryan, are all predicted to return a solid Yes result. Adam Bandt’s electorate, Melbourne, is on track to return the highest Yes vote in the country.

Greens Leader Adam Bandt MP said:

“Today is a very hard day, and Greens MPs across the country share in the disappointment of this moment,” said Mr Bandt.

“This outcome follows a Trumpian campaign of misinformation led by Peter Dutton. Peter Dutton’s Liberals ran a corrosive misinformation campaign that fuelled division and fear.

“The referendum campaign clearly demonstrates the need for truth-telling about our history and the impact of colonisation on First nations people.

“To fully advance First Nations justice in this country, we need to work together to understand the truth about the past. We need to have honest conversations about our history, about the violence, the dispossession, and the systems and institutions that continue to disempower First Nations people today, so we can move forward together.

“For those who are feeling a sense of loss, we say to you: the pathway to First Nations justice does not end today, and the Greens will not stop fighting.

“The Greens secured money in the last Federal budget for a Makarrata Commission and we will be fighting to advance Truth and Treaty.”

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

“I want to acknowledge the many First Nations Elders, mob and allies across this country who stayed strong and resilient in this fight, for generations. You led a national conversation this year that will change this country’s future for the better,” said Senator Cox.

“There is formidable strength here. We cannot relent. We must use the momentum of this national conversation to keep fighting.

“Dangerous rhetoric was amplified during the campaign, led by high profile conservative figures like the Opposition Leader Peter Dutton. We could not have an honest conversation about First Nations justice  in this campaign.

“This nation needs to have an honest and informed discussion about its history so we can speak the truth, heal and move forward together. We need Truth Telling, as well as Treaties built on the recognition of our inherent sovereignty.

“The Greens are committed to the ongoing fight for transformative change; for justice, self-determination and Sovereignty through truth-telling and Treaty, implementation of UNDRIP, protecting Country, heritage, languages and culture.”

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.”

“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.

Australia is providing an initial $10 million in humanitarian assistance for civilians affected by the conflict in Gaza.

Australia will provide $3 million to the International Committee of the Red Cross to fund urgent needs like restoring essential services and providing medical support to victims of the conflict.

Through United Nations agencies, Australia will provide $7 million to deliver critical support including emergency water, nutrition, sanitation and hygiene services, as well as child protection.

Australia will continue to monitor and assess the humanitarian situation and stands ready to provide further support.

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

“We have seen devastating loss of innocent life since the heinous attacks on Israel by brutal terrorist group Hamas.

“Far from representing the Palestinian people, Hamas undermines Palestinian needs and aspirations.

“We continue to call for the unconditional release of all hostages. We stand with Israel and reiterate its right to defend itself.

“President Biden has called on Israel to operate by the rules of war in its response to Hamas attacks – we join him and others in that call.

“We call for safe and unimpeded humanitarian access to civilians affected by the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

“We call for the establishment of a corridor to enable humanitarian needs to be met. And we support the work of the United States, Egypt and others towards this goal.

“Adherence to international humanitarian law must be prioritised – including the protection of civilians, wherever they live.”

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

“Australia’s contribution through our trusted partners supports the humanitarian crisis affecting civilians caught up in this conflict.

“Our assistance will prioritise the immediate needs of civilians, ensuring support reaches those most in need.

“We call for the protection of, and unimpeded access for, humanitarian workers who are delivering lifesaving support.”

The Australian Government has secured additional assisted-departure flights for Australians affected by the situation in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

A Government-supported charter will undertake at least two flights departing Ben Gurion Airport to Dubai.

The charter flights will operate separately to the two already-announced Qantas flights from Ben Gurion Airport to London which begin today.

The situation is highly challenging and rapidly changing. The Australian Government is working to ensure Australians who want to leave can do so as soon as possible, including whether further assisted-departure flights are required.

In addition, Qantas has agreed to support Australians arriving in London on assisted-departure flights from Tel Aviv by offering an A380 flight from London to Sydney via Singapore free-of-charge.

The Australian Government will continue to work on options for onward travel from Dubai and to support those who cannot reach Tel Aviv.

Australians in Israel or the Occupied Palestinian Territories who want to leave and don’t already have plans to depart should register via DFAT’s Crisis Portal or by calling the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 (from overseas) or 1300 555 135 (from within Australia).

Land border crossings to Jordan remain open.

Australians should confirm the status of these crossings prior to departure.

Departures from Gaza are challenging due to the dangerous security situation. Australians there should contact the Consular Emergency Centre as soon as possible.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will continue to provide updates to registered Australians.

The Prime Minister’s announcement of an Urgent Care Clinic opening in Western Australia only highlights the fact that Labor lied to Australians by making a promise that could not be delivered.

The new Urgent Care Clinic announced for Cockburn, is already 4 months behind schedule and there is no guarantee that it will be open for the promised extended hours.

Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash said: “Mr Albanese again thinks he can pull the wool over the eyes of Western Australians – he’s done this time and again.”

“He’s happy to fly into this State for a few hours and make an announcement but he should not think he is fooling anyone,’’ she said.

“The reality behind this announcement is very different to what Mr Albanese is trying to portray – these clinics are hopelessly behind schedule and many are not opening as they were promised to,’’ Senator Cash said.

“The Western Australian health system is in crisis – people in this State are being let down by two Labor governments – the Cook State government and the Albanese Federal government,’’ she said.

Shadow Health Minister Senator the Hon Anne Ruston said: “Labor promised that every Urgent Care Clinic would be open during the extended times of 8am-10pm, but it was revealed in Budget Estimates earlier this year that this not always the case.”

“The Government seems to be merely rebadging existing clinics with no guarantee that they will be open for extended hours,’’ Senator Ruston said.

“This is far from providing the promised improved access to critical healthcare and reduced pressure on hospital emergency departments,’’ she said.

The Health Minister promised that 50 Urgent Care Clinics would be up and running across the country by 1 July this year, but it has been over four months since that deadline and not even half of these clinics are up and running.

With terror raging in Israel, we cast our minds back today to another tragic terrorist attack.

21 years ago, 88 Australians lost their lives in the Bali bombings. To this day, the bombings in Bali represent the largest loss of Australian lives from a terrorist incident.

These holidaying Australians were among 202 innocent people from 20 different nations who were murdered by sadists and death worshipers from Jemaah Islamiyah.

Such was the barbarity of the attack, the first suicide bomber’s detonation in Paddy’s Irish Bar drove fleeing survivors towards a second bomb in a van parked outside the Sari Club, which was detonated by another suicide bomber.

Today we remember all the victims of these savage acts. Many of the survivors still bear the injuries or live with the trauma of that terrible evening.

Today, we pay tribute to many others: The strangers who cared for the wounded, especially the Indonesian people. The doctors and nurses who treated those patients airlifted to Australian hospitals and saved lives and treated burn victims. The members of our intelligence community, law enforcement agencies, foreign service and military who responded to the attack and worked with our Indonesian counterparts to ultimately bring the perpetrators to justice.

To those Australians who survived the attacks and the families who lost loved ones: we continue to be inspired by how you are living your lives and your many endeavours and triumphs in spite of your suffering, your loss and your heartbreak.

As I said during the 20^th anniversary last year, every day of endurance is a magnificent blow to an odious ideology, every year of courage is the confident roar of freedom in defiance of cowardly evil, and every decade of achievement is a triumph over terrorism.

The Bali Bombings are a reminder that fear and terror will never snuff out the flame of the human spirit.