Category: Australian News

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.

1. Alternative Solutions: there are other, more effective ways to address Indigenous issues without a constitutional change.
2. National Unity Concerns: The Voice is divisive, leading to racial segregation rather than unifying Australians.
3. Ambiguity: The actual function, role, and power of the Indigenous Voice remain unclear, leading to uncertainties about its implementation and ramifications.
4. Expanded Commonwealth Power: There’s a potential for the Commonwealth to significantly broaden its legislative powers at the expense of the states.
5. Judicial Complications: Matters concerning the Indigenous Voice will end up in the High Court, complicating governance and potentially leading to legal challenges.
6. Economic Implications: There are economic costs to implementing race-based constitutional changes. The financial implications of the Voice will be significant.
7. Representation Concerns: The Voice will not truly represent the diverse views and needs of all Indigenous communities across Australia.
8. Overreach: The proposed change will empower the Commonwealth to make broad decisions, even on matters only tangentially related to the Voice.
9. Accountability Issues: How will the Voice be held accountable, and how will it’s efficiency and effectiveness will be measured? Accountability has been lacking in the bodies in the past.
10. Constitutional Division: The proposed Indigenous Voice will disrupt the delicate balance of power between the Commonwealth and the States.

In the end, as with any political issue, voters need to understand all perspectives before deciding. This breakdown offers insight into one side of the ongoing debate surrounding the Indigenous Voice to Parliament.

Australian Greens Deputy Leader and spokesperson for Animal Welfare, Senator Mehreen Faruqi, has welcomed cancellation of this year’s Melbourne Cup Parade, following the success of the growing movement to shut down horse racing and the Greens #NupToTheCup campaign. 

Senator Mehreen Faruqi said:

“Days of the Melbourne Cup are numbered thanks to the tireless work of animal welfare activists and growing community concern over the animal cruelty of horse racing.

“We are winning the fight against the cruel and callous horse racing industry.

“Cancellation of the Melbourne Cup Parade means  the long, hard work of animal welfare activists and protesters is paying off. And we will not stop until this grotesque festival of cruelty is binned altogether. Now let’s cancel the race.

“Tragically, 168 horses have died on the track this year alone. How many more horses need to die before we realise that horse racing kills. Enough is enough.

“Public opinion is turning fast. The surge in support for #NupToTheCup has shown how much the community values animal welfare. Most people see horse racing as  a cruel, archaic industry that flourishes on the torture of beautiful horses.

“The social licence of the racing industry is fading fast. People are switching off because they clearly understand the cruelty and toxicity of gambling and racing.

“Independent polling shows that a whopping 64% of Australians believe racing animals like horses and greyhounds for gambling and entertainment is cruel. This figure has been going up each year, from 59% in 2022 and 55% in 2021. 

“Let’s move with the times and leave behind this barbaric industry. The Melbourne Cup thrives on gambling, consumerism and alcoholism, all fueled by animal cruelty. 

‘It’s time to shut down horse racing.”

Response to today’s legal decision on the Living Wonders case. Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young is spokesperson for the Environment and currently has a Climate Trigger Bill before the Senate.

“Our environment laws are broken so long as they fail to tackle climate change.

“It shouldn’t fall on a small community group to take on the might of the fossil fuel industry and their accomplices in the Federal Government in court.

“The Environment Minister should be on the side of the environment to protect our climate, our rivers, our reef and public safety instead of teaming up with coal and gas companies.

“If Minister Plibersek wants to protect nature and tackle climate change she should work  with the Greens and back our Climate Trigger Bill in the Senate as part of the environment law reform she has promised. My door is open for that conversation in good faith.

“Australians voted for climate action at the last election, but every time the Government fights to approve a coal or gas project they are putting Australia at risk of more frequent and extreme bushfires this summer.”