Category: Australian News

More people in New South Wales will have access to their own home with a $6.2 million redevelopment of residential dwellings in Riverwood – the first project in the state announced under the Federal Government’s Social Housing Accelerator payment.

The NSW Land and Housing Corporation is delivering 11 homes for seniors at Methuen Parade, Riverwood, configured as five one-bedroom and six two-bedroom units.

The development is replacing three existing dwellings, is close to Narwee shops and local transport. Construction is set to begin this month, with completion expected by September 2024. The project will be wholly funded by the Social Housing Accelerator.

The Federal Government announced its $2 billion Social Housing Accelerator in June, including $610 million for NSW, which will increase Australia’s housing supply by creating thousands of social homes across Australia.

This project is the first of many that will boost social housing supply and get more people into homes sooner in NSW, with around 1,500 social homes to be added to the state’s existing social housing portfolio through the Federal Government’s Social Housing Accelerator.

The NSW Government is committed to working alongside the Federal Government to deliver an ambitious housing reform agenda by investing heavily in critical new social and affordable housing supply through various reforms including the Social Housing Accelerator.

Today’s announcement builds on agreement by National Cabinet to the most significant housing reforms in a generation, including a new national target to build 1.2 million new well-located homes, the National Planning Reform Blueprint, and A Better Deal for Renters.

At National Cabinet, the Federal Government also committed $3 billion to the New Homes Bonus to incentivise states and territories to undertake the reforms necessary to reach the 1.2 million well-located homes target, and $500 million for the Housing Support Program to help local and state governments deliver new housing supply in well-located areas.

The NSW Government has also committed to establish Homes NSW to deliver better outcomes for public and social housing tenants, deliver more affordable and social housing and reduce the number of homeless people in NSW.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“Everyone deserves the security of a roof over their head – the Social Housing Accelerator is real dollars, driving real change and building more homes for Australians.

“This is the second Social Housing Accelerator project we’ve seen kickstarted into action in just weeks across the nation, and we will continue working with the Minns Government to get on with the job of delivering more social housing.

“We have an ambitious housing agenda which includes the delivery of 30,000 social and affordable homes through our Housing Australia Future Fund.”

Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns said:

“Every person across New South Wales should have access to a safe and secure place to call home.

“Housing affordability and availability is the biggest single pressure facing the people of New South Wales, with mortgage payments or rent the largest expense for most households.

“This is just the beginning. Through dedicated funding from the Federal Government, the new Housing Australia Future Fund, and funding allocated through the NSW state budget, this state is ready to make meaningful change to the social housing sector while getting roofs over the heads of those who desperately need it.”

Federal Housing Minister, Julie Collins said:

“We know Australia’s housing challenges are serious which is why we’re taking immediate action with our $2 billion Social Housing Accelerator.

“This new funding, and the homes we are announcing today, will mean more Australians have a safe and affordable place to call home.

“This will make a real difference – here in New South Wales and right across the country.”

New South Wales Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:

“Our priority is to continue to deliver more social and affordable housing across NSW.

“There are 55,880 people across this state on the social housing waitlist and this funding is about getting more people into homes sooner.”

Antarctic scientists will tomorrow provide evidence to a Senate inquiry hearing into the current mismanagement of funding of the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD).

The inquiry was initiated following the Albanese Government’s failure to set the record straight and address rising fears about what science programs will be axed as a result of a $25 million cut from the AAD.

Australian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society, The Tasmanian Polar Network, Imas, CPSU and TasPorts will also provide evidence at tomorrow’s hearing, held in nipaluna/Hobart. 

Greens spokesperson for Healthy Oceans, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson said:

“News broke of the AAD’s $25 million cut over two months ago, and since then the Albanese Government has left the Division’s staff languishing in uncertainty. 

“It’s time to put politics aside and get to the bottom of the AAD’s funding mismanagement.

“What needs to be thoroughly scrutinised is the impact a $25 million cut from the AAD will have on Australia’s Antarctic activities, including what science programs are expected to be axed and why. 

“It’s shocking that we are not hearing more from the Australian Government on this matter given we claim 40% of Antarctica as Australian Territory.

“More than ever our planet depends on us understanding the Antarctic region, so we must appropriately fund the necessary science to study it.

“Hopefully the Senate can assist the Albanese Government to clear up this troubling situation, and make sure science programs are prioritised and fully funded as originally planned.”

* Public submissions to the inquiry and information about the hearing’s schedule, can be found here. 

Today is a historic day, the release of the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability. 

This moment is a testament to the leadership, advocacy and sheer determination of disabled people dedication of disabled people across Australia who have experienced violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation.  

The Greens are calling on the Albanese Government to commit to chart and fund a clear action plan to achieving disability justice in Australia. 

There are three immediate actions the government must take now:

1. The establishment of a Federal Minister for Disability. The community must have someone focused solely on disability issues, and accountable to the disability community at the ballot box.
2. The establishment of a dedicated, ongoing mechanism through which disabled people can continue to report their experiences of abuse and neglect and one that can undertake investigations and have consequences. 
3. Prioritise collective liberation and an end to segregation including immediately raising the disability support pension, and ending segregation in all settings. 

Lines attributable to Senator Jordon Steele-John, Australian Greens spokesperson on Disability Services, Health and Mental Health:

“The conclusion of the Disability Royal Commission marks a significant milestone for disabled people in this country. Reflecting on how far we’ve come together, I’m deeply proud of what we’ve achieved – for disabled people, by disabled people.

“The disability community has done our bit, now it’s time for Federal and State Governments to do theirs.

“While the Royal Commission has finished its work, the violence and abuse continues daily. This is why we are calling for urgent action. We will not let abled-bodied politicians put this report and its recommendations on a shelf to collect dust. The violence and abuse continue, the job for the government is just beginning, and the community are united in our call for urgent reform. 

“The only acceptable response to the profound injustices uncovered by the Royal Commission is action. 

“We need the Government to commit funding for the radical transformation that is needed across this country to end ableism and discrimination. We need a Minister for Disability whose job it is to ensure this reform happens. We need collective liberation; immediately raise the DSP, and put an end to segregation in our workplaces, our schools and our homes.

“Disabled people will no longer accept being kept out of view; we will not accept being restrained to our beds, we will not accept being locked in institutions and we will not accept abelism and segregation at the hands of government policies any longer. 

On Segregated Schooling
“The report recommends waiting until 2051 to end segregated schooling. This is widely inadequate. We can not as a society allow children, for another 30 years, to be separated from their peers. This is beyond shameful.

On Segregated Employment
“I am pleased there is agreement that Australian Disability Enterprises (ADE’s) must end. Now we have that agreement, I want to see the government lead this transition, immediately.

“I am deeply disappointed in the recommendation relating to equal pay. The report recommends a transition to the full minimum wage for disabled people by 2034. Our community deserve better, we deserve at the very least to receive the minimum wage for our work. If the Labor government was serious about addressing discrimination that would ensure all workers in this country are paid the minimum wage.”

On the Recommendation of an Establishment of National Disability Commission and a Disability Rights Act
“We support the establishment of a new complaints mechanism for disabled people to report their experiences of violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation. This must be a broad, independent commission and we must ensure that those who continue to exploit and abuse disabled people will face the consequences. 

“The Disability Rights Act needs to apply to both public and private sectors from its commencement, with no caveats and no delays. It must uphold the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).”

Today I announce new appointments of heads of mission and consuls-general, who will reinforce our diplomatic capability, build influence and advance Australia’s national interests around the globe.

I am pleased to appoint highly qualified individuals to lead Australia’s posts in Bali, China, Colombia, Estonia, Hong Kong, Marshall Islands, Papua New Guinea, Russia and Sweden.

• Ms Jo Stevens as Australia’s next Consul-General in Bali.
• Mr Scott Dewar as Australia’s next Ambassador to China.
• Ms Anna Chrisp as Australia’s next Ambassador to the Republic of Colombia.
• Mr Sri Ayyalaraju as Australia’s next Ambassador to the Republic of Estonia.
• Mr Gareth Williams as Australia’s next Consul-General in Hong Kong.
• Mr Paul Wilson as Australia’s next Ambassador to the Republic of the Marshall Islands.
• Mr John Feakes as Australia’s next High Commissioner to the Independent State of Papua New Guinea.
• Mr John Geering as Australia’s next Ambassador to the Russian Federation.
• Ms Frances Sagala as Australia’s next Ambassador to the Kingdom of Sweden.

I thank the outgoing heads of mission and consuls-general for their contributions to advancing Australia’s interests.

The Coalition acknowledges the tabling of Report of the Disability Royal Commission in response to community concern about widespread reports of violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation of people with disability.

The Royal Commission was established by the Coalition in April 2019, and began to accept public submissions from 30 July that same year.

The Coalition will closely examine the Royal Commission’s report and scrutinise the Albanese Government’s response to the findings and the 222 recommendations to improve the health, housing, education, employment and legal systems for people with disabilities.

Having commenced the Royal Commission, we expect the Albanese Government to meaningfully and thoroughly respond to the report in a timely manner.

It has been a long road leading to the release of the Royal Commission’s findings, with 7,944 submissions received, 17,824 phone enquiries, 14 issues papers published and 1,785 private sessions held.

During this process the former Coalition government also agreed to Commissioner Sackville’s request to extend the Royal Commission for a further 17 months to September 2023.

The former Coalition government committed a total of $527.9 million, over five years, for the operation of the Royal Commission, including $148.8 million over three years to the Department of Social Services, the National Disability Insurance Agency and the National Disability Insurance Scheme Quality and Safeguards Commission to provide counselling services and other support to people with disability in connection with their participation in the Royal Commission.

The Opposition notes the Royal Commission’s report and acknowledges the Commission’s work.

The Opposition welcomes the Government’s decision to end early the service of the grounded MRH-90 Taipan helicopter fleet.

It was the former Coalition Government, under Minister of Defence Peter Dutton, which recognised and responded to the long documented problems with the Taipans.

Peter Dutton took the important decision to buy Black Hawks for the ADF as the better, more reliable helicopter.

Grounding the Taipan after the tragic loss of life in the Talisman Sabre crash was the right thing to do, and today’s decision to end service ahead of next year is welcome given the long held concerns with Taipan’s performance.

The Opposition acknowledges that several investigations relating to the crash and the performance of the Taipan remain ongoing and also calls on the Government to expedite and provide its findings.

Labor has not implemented the decision to replace the Taipans fast enough and the Army may be critically without sufficient replacement Black Hawks to transition away from the grounded Taipans.

This seriously impairs our combat readiness as the Army will not have enough helicopters to perform missions, including training and exercises with international partners.

It’s now imperative on the Government to complete the acquisition and entry into service of the Black Hawk replacement program without further delay.

In time honoured tradition on the 29^th of September, we commemorate National Police Remembrance Day.

Across the nation today, services, marches and motorcades will be held to honour the memories and deeds of all police officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

Since records began in 1803, more than 800 police officers have been killed on the job in jurisdictions around Australia.

The Wieambilla tragedy of last December will cast a most sorrowful cloud over this year’s commemorations.

We remember Queensland Police officers Constable Rachel McCrow and Constable Matthew Arnold who were killed in that premeditated and most depraved attack.

Our thoughts are with their families, friends and fellow officers, especially Constable Randall Kirk and Constable Keely Brough who survived the shootings.

The events at that rural property on that terrible day could not have been marked by greater contrasts. Between villainy and valour. Between resentment and responsibility. Between the very worst and the very best of humanity.

This year, Western Australia’s law enforcement community was rocked by the death of Constable Anthony Woods.

The brilliant, bubbly and brave young officer succumbed to his injuries days after being run down by a man trying to avoid arrest.

Constable Woods is in our memory too. And we are thinking of his wife Emily, parents Natalie and Todd, and siblings Nathan and Brooke.

Every day, our men and women in blue willingly place themselves in danger to contain and quash that danger for the rest of us.

They are motivated by a profound commitment to law and order and by the deepest compassion for the communities they serve.

Our police officers act with courage and composure even in the most dire circumstances.

Not to be forgotten are the partners, children, parents and wider families of our officers whose quiet and commendable fortitude helps them contend with the daily uncertainty that their loved one on the beat may not come home.

On National Police Remembrance Day, we promise to support those families who have suffered the terrible loss of a loved one in the line of duty.

In our remembrance of our fallen police officers and gratitude for all they have done, may we look to their qualities and deeds to inspire the best in ourselves.

Among the many words engraved on the walkway at the National Police Memorial in Canberra are these:

In an age of uncertainty the only certainty can be that law and order will prevail as long as we have dedicated police officers.

On National Police Remembrance Day, we honour all those who have maintained the law because of their service and sacrifice.

We thank them for serving the law to the end.

Today, I announce the appointments of Professor Sango Mahanty, Ms Audra Morrice and Ms Hayley Winchcombe to the Australia-ASEAN Council.

The new appointments bring together Australians from a diverse range of backgrounds, each with different perspectives and experiences in Southeast Asia.

Professor Mahanty is a human geographer studying the politics of social and environmental change, and has vast environmental and development expertise in Southeast Asia. Her recent Australian Research Council Future Fellowship explored these themes along the Cambodia -Vietnam border, a region of rapid social and environmental change.

Ms Morrice is a chef, author and a television presenter, and has long been an advocate for forging cultural connections. She is an Ambassador with the Singapore Tourism Board and an Ambassador for Sustainable Gastronomic Tourism for the Pacific Asia Travel Association.

Ms Winchcombe will bring a wealth of experience as Chair of the ASEAN-Australia Strategic Youth Partnership; her appointment will ensure the next generation continue to forge long-lasting ties with the region. Ms Winchcombe is an Associate at Mandala, and was previously an economics, policy and business strategy consultant with Accenture Strategy.

I am pleased that University of Tasmania Professor Nicholas Farrelly will continue to serve on the board for another term. I thank the outgoing board member Ms Tamerlaine Beasley for her substantial contribution to the Council over the past six years.

The Australia-ASEAN Council generates opportunities to strengthen Australia’s connections with ASEAN member countries, comprising over 675 million people.

For more information visit the Australia-ASEAN Council.

The Greens have today backed an expert report from the Climate Council calling for climate change to be a key objective in new environment laws, as Labor signs off approval for the new South Wambo coal project in NSW. The Greens have slammed the Government for approving more fossil fuel projects as we head into a hot dry summer.

Senator Sarah Hanson-Young is Greens Spokesperson for the Environment:

“Another day, another new coal project approved by the Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek.

“The Greens welcome the Climate Council’s expert report today calling for climate change to be a key objective within our environment laws. That’s why we are calling on the Government to work with us on our Climate Trigger Bill currently before the parliament.

“Every time the Minister approves a new coal or gas project it makes the climate crisis worse. That means more frequent and extreme bushfires and extreme weather events.

“Coal and gas approvals wreck our River Murray and our Great Barrier Reef

“Australia’s environment laws are broken. We need laws that stop pollution from new coal and gas projects. The Labor government should work with the Greens to fix them with a Climate Trigger that would new stop coal and gas in its tracks.

“Minister Plibersek has one job as the Environment Minister, but rather than protecting the environment, she keeps giving green light to big coal and gas mines and making pollution worse.”

Shadow Minister for Resources, Senator Susan McDonald, said today’s Federal Court decision to overturn the regulator’s approval for a significant offshore natural gas project in Western Australia, was another example of Labor’s funding for green activists undermining Australia’s future prosperity.

Senator McDonald said that this Government’s failure to fix their broken offshore approvals process for natural gas, combined with their deliberate decision to fund green lawfare, has made their anti-gas agenda clear for all to see.

“The Government has sat on its hands and done nothing to resolve a known issue which has ground approvals for offshore development to a halt,” she said.

“The Prime Minister needs to apologise to the people of Western Australia for impeding investment and jobs in the west.

“Commonwealth funding for legal action to pick apart the Government’s own broken approvals regulations is a farce that will impact gas production and supply for both domestic manufacturing and energy firming as well as our international partners’ energy security.

“The Government claims it continues to support the gas industry, yet the millions it has spent on the Environmental Defenders Office will lead to more environmental legal activism, destabilising the industry and increasing Australia’s sovereign risk.

“The Government needs to come clean about how much taxpayer money has gone towards torpedoing the future production of Australian natural gas.”