Category: Australian News

The Australian Government has commissioned an Independent Review into Australia’s intelligence agencies.

The work of our intelligence agencies underpins Australia’s national security objectives, including safeguarding Australia’s sovereignty in an increasingly uncertain security environment. Our intelligence agencies help protect Australia’s security, prosperity and values in complex and changing circumstances.

The National Intelligence Community (NIC) has undergone significant structural and transformational changes in recent years. The Review will ensure that our intelligence agencies remain well-placed to serve Australia’s national interest.

The Review will be co-led by Dr Heather Smith PSM and Mr Richard Maude.

Dr Smith is currently a professor at the Australian National University National Security College and has served as Secretary of the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science, and Deputy Director-General of the Office of National Assessments. In April 2023, Dr Smith was appointed the National President of the Australian Institute of International Affairs. Dr Smith has nearly 20 years’ experience in the public service at senior levels.

Mr Maude is currently Executive Director of Policy at Asia Society Australia and a Senior Fellow at the Asia Society Policy Institute. He is a former senior Australian Government official with 30 years’ experience in foreign policy and national security, including as the former Director-General of the Office of National Assessments. In May this year, Mr Maude was appointed to the External Advisory Panel to oversee the implementation of the Defence Strategic Review.

The reviewers will consult widely, and welcome public submissions. The findings of the Review will be provided to Government in mid-2024.

Independent Reviews of the intelligence community have been commissioned periodically, with the last completed in 2017.

Public submissions on matters included in the Review’s Terms of Reference can be made to IIR2024@pmc.gov.au, or by post to ‘2024 Independent Intelligence Review’ c/o Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, PO Box 6500 Canberra, ACT 2600. The closing date for public submissions is 24 November 2023.

Further information, including the Terms of Reference, can be found here: 2024 Independent Intelligence Review.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“Our intelligence agencies underpin our national security objectives, including helping to safeguard our sovereignty in an increasingly uncertain security environment.

“This Independent Review will make sure that our intelligence agencies are best positioned to serve the Australian national interest, respond to future capability and workforce challenges, and continue to protect our security, prosperity and values.

“Dr Smith and Mr Maude are highly capable individuals with the specific skills needed to lead this Review.”

Today the new rates of income support payments that were announced at the federal budget come into effect.

The government’s increase will be supplemented by an additional rate rise due to indexation.

These combined increases still leave people in poverty in a cost of living crisis.

The eligibility of the single parenting payment also expands today, to allow more parents to access the payment, but those with children aged 14 years or older have still been left with nothing.

Senator Janet Rice, Greens spokesperson for Social and Government Services said:

“Even when Labor’s base rate increase is paired with the automatic rate rise due to indexation, the changes coming into effect today don’t bring Jobseeker, student and youth allowance payments close to the poverty line, let alone make them enough to live on.

“People on Jobseeker will still struggle to afford food as well as their medicine. More and more students will abandon their studies because they can’t afford to study and pay the rent.

“Labor’s increase to Jobseeker is less than even the Liberals did under Scott Morrison.

“While in opposition, Labor slammed the Morrison Government for its paltry increase and now in government, Labor is doing even less to help welfare recipients than the conservative party.

“We are in a cost of living crisis, and this government is choosing to leave people without heating or food as they struggle to pay the rent.

“Poverty is a political choice. Labor must scrap their stage 3 tax cuts for billionaires and the ultra-wealthy and lift all income support rates above the poverty line.

Senator Larissa Waters, Greens Spokesperson for Women said:

“We were pleased to see Labor partially reverse the Gillard government’s decision to cut off Parenting Payment Single when kids turn 8, but single parenting doesn’t stop when a child turns 14.

“Now that the government has the final Women’s Economic Equality Taskforce report, they should revisit their decision to only partially reinstate Parenting Payment Single. Parents of kids who are 14, 15 and 16 deserve the same level of support.

“Our calls requesting the immediate implementation of changes to the Parenting Payment Single urgent support for parents were ignored by Labor, forcing 8,145 single parents – mostly single mums – onto JobSeeker if their child happened to turn 8 before 20 September.

“Labor is choosing to keep women and children in poverty, while they fund tax cuts for billionaires and nuclear submarines.”

Elizabeth Watson-Brown, MP for Ryan and Greens spokesperson for Transport, Infrastructure and Sustainable Cities said:

“It’s disgraceful that in a year where Alan Joyce presided over a company ripping off their customers, allegedly breaching consumer law, and mistreating and underpaying their staff, that he was paid an exorbitant salary 300 times what cabin crew and ground staff typically earn.

“The Qantas board should rule out handing Alan Joyce the extra $14.4 million in bonuses. Alan Joyce should pay back his extremely generous paycheque given Qantas nosedived under his watch.

“Under a publicly owned Qantas, the CEO’s salary could be capped.  We should not see exorbitant bonuses for executives and massive wealth inequality in what used to be our national carrier, but is now a private company clearly profiteering off an apparently cosy relationship with the government. 

“The Federal government should admit that privatising Qantas was a mistake and urgently consider bringing it back into public hands.”

Australia will today join 31 other countries delivering interventions before the International Court of Justice in support of Ukraine’s case against Russia in response to Russia’s illegal and immoral invasion of Ukraine.

Solicitor-General Dr Stephen Donaghue KC will deliver Australia’s intervention in the preliminary objections phase of the proceedings, arguing that the Court has jurisdiction to hear the case.

Australia strongly supports Ukraine’s decision to bring this case before the International Court of Justice, which alleges Russia has violated the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.

Russia’s attempts to use false allegations of genocide as a pretext to justify its egregious violations of international law in Ukraine undermines the rules-based international order.

Australia stands against such attempts and is supporting Ukraine and the international community in holding Russia to account.

Australia continues to call on Russia to comply with the ICJ’s legally binding order of 16 March 2022 to immediately withdraw its military forces from Ukraine.

We remind Russia that, as a member of the United Nations, it is legally obliged to comply with decisions of the ICJ in any case to which it is a party.

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

“Russia must be held to account for its illegal and immoral invasion of Ukraine.”

“Australia’s intervention in the International Court of Justice today is just one way we are supporting Ukraine to hold Russia to account.”

“We stand with the people of Ukraine and the 31 other countries who are supporting Ukraine in this case – we are stronger when we work together to address shared challenges.”

Attorney-General the Hon Mark Dreyfus KC MP said:

“Australia stands unequivocally with Ukraine in its fight to hold Russia accountable for the despicable allegations used as the pretext for its illegal and immoral invasion.”

“Our intervention before the International Court of Justice demonstrates Australia’s unwavering commitment to upholding fundamental rules of international law and the integrity of the Genocide Convention.”

The latest OECD Economic Outlook has sounded the alarm on a government that is distracted from managing the economy at a time it has never been more critical.

The OECD has forecast the second consecutive downgrade to Australia’s GDP growth forecast and predicts inflation will be higher for longer under Labor.

Under the OECD’s projections, Australia’s economy will grow at a slower rate than the EU, the United States, Brazil, Mexico and the G20 average.

Australia’s core inflation rate will lead the Euro Area, the United States and G20 advanced economies by 2024.

These forecasts come as Australia is already experiencing collapsing real wages, a GDP per capita recession, record slumps in consumer confidence, falling labour productivity and one of the highest core inflation rates amongst advanced economies.

Most alarmingly, the OECD’s policy recommendations stand at odds with the government’s agenda:

• More flexible labour markets, not more union red tape
• Stronger fiscal policy, not a one-and-done surplus
• Reducing the burden of state-owned enterprises, not creating new ones

Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor said families are already facing higher mortgage rates, higher rents, higher energy bills and higher taxes under the Albanese Labor Government.

“For families expecting relief from the cost-of-living crisis, this is a bitter pill to swallow,” Mr Taylor said.

“This is a consequence of a government that has had its eye off the ball when it comes to the economy.

“This is a government that is distracted by its Canberra Voice and more interested in paying back its biggest donors than it is in managing the economy.

“With inflation already higher for longer under Labor, Australian families cannot afford another year of Labor on autopilot.”

Shadow Finance Minister Senator Jane Hume said the OECD’s updated economic outlook has sounded the fiscal alarm bells.

“Labor inherited a budget benefitting from a booming commodity sector and record low unemployment following nine years of pro-growth, pro-jobs and productivity-enhancing economic management from the Coalition,” Senator Hume said.

“With the 2022-23 budget year inheriting the fiscal and economic settings from the Coalition, the test for Labor is: will it get better or worse from here?

“Labor must commit to restoring the fiscal guardrails, reining in spending to help bring down inflation and delivering the reforms the economy needs to get productivity moving to boost jobs, boost wages and boost economic growth.”

Greens Leader, Adam Bandt, commenting on the release of nuclear costings by the government, said today Peter Dutton’s exorbitant nuclear pipedream was a distraction from the urgent need to stop more coal and gas.

Mr Bandt said Peter Dutton’s advocacy of nuclear power was a dumb fantasy, but Labor pushing more coal and gas projects in the middle of a climate crisis is dangerous.

Greens Leader Adam Bandt MP said:

“The Liberals are for nuclear, Labor is for more coal and gas and the Greens are for clean renewables.”

“Across the country, Labor wants to prop up dirty coal fired power stations, open new coal mines and frack for more gas in the middle of a climate crisis. 

“Peter Dutton is living in nuclear fantasy land, but Labor’s reality of more coal and gas is dangerous.”

Greens Forest spokesperson Senator Janet Rice has announced today the Greens’ fully-costed ‘Protecting Native Forests, Protecting the Climate’ policy.

The Greens’ plan is an integrated approach of immediate action on the climate crisis by protecting Australia’s forests and banking the carbon benefits from ending logging; funding ecological restoration and supporting regional workers and communities through a just transition.

The Greens plan would commit ten billion dollars over 20 years, to be provided to state governments that end native forest logging, including states that have already committed to doing so.

The funding would be allocated between state governments, with $800 million allocated on the basis of the most recent log harvesting volumes. The remaining $200 million will be allocated between jurisdictions (including the Northern Territory) as negotiated by the Commonwealth.

As part of taking real action on the climate crisis and reaping the benefits of the carbon value, state governments that end native forest logging must commit to not using forests to create offsets for fossil fuel expansion.

The Commonwealth and state governments would be required to allocate a major proportion of the $10 billion to ecological restoration and ensuring a just transition for workers and communities. These projects would provide significant employment in areas such as restoring previously logged forests where post-logging regeneration has failed; pest and weed control; effective, ecologically appropriate and culturally-informed fire management, and other projects that help restore and protect the incredible beauty of Australia’s native forests.

https://greens.org.au/sites/default/files/2023-09/Greens%202023%20Policy%20Initiative%20-%20Protecting%20Native%20Forests%2C%20Protecting%20the%20Climate.pdf

Senator Jordon Steele-John will chair a hearing of the Senate Select Committee Inquiry into the Provision of and Access to Dental Services in Australia in Brisbane on Wednesday 20th September 2023. 

The committee will discuss urgent reforms to increase access to dental care and explore ways to reduce the Queensland public dental waiting list, which has 135,000 people on the list. 

The hearing will bring together oral healthcare organisations representing large cohorts of the community including a panel representing older Australians who will call for the need to urgently implement a Seniors Dental Benefits Schedule. 

The committee will also hear from Deakin Health Economics whose submission calls for oral health to be integrated within primary healthcare, funded under Medicare’s Health Insurance Act 1973, getting closer to the goal of universal access to affordable oral healthcare. 

Senator Jordon Steele-John, Chair of the Committee and Australian Greens Spokesperson for Health said:

“We are hearing from the community that they simply can not afford to go to the dentist. There is a deep urgency for the government to transform access to oral health care in this country. 

“The lack of access to free dental care is having far-reaching consequences across our public health system.

“No one should choose between paying their rent, paying for food, and accessing oral health care. 

“When people can’t afford to go to the dentist their only option is to be admitted to hospital. We saw in 2020-21, that 19,272 people were admitted to hospitals across Queensland because of preventable dental conditions. These hospitalisations could have been avoided with timely and free oral healthcare. 

“Too many older Australians can’t afford to go to the dentist, this is leading to 69% of people aged over 75 experiencing the pain of gum disease. 69% of people experience something that is totally preventable. Instead of taking the decisive action to establish a Seniors Dental Beenfit Schedule, a recommendation of the Aged Care Royal Commission, the government is dragging its feet and leaving older Australians to live with tooth pain and ongoing, preventable disease.” 

Foreign Minister Penny Wong will lead Australia’s delegation to the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly from 18 to 23 September.

Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy Jenny McAllister will join the Foreign Minister in New York to continue the Australian Government’s global engagement on climate change, including at the United Nations’ Climate Ambition Summit.

The UN is where countries agree the rules we operate by. Australia benefits from these rules that protect our sovereignty and prevent our fate from being decided by bigger countries.

Australia has a big stake in the effort to make the United Nations fit for purpose – working with other countries to make sure it evolves for the challenges of our time.

Minister Wong will deliver Australia’s national statement, emphasising our contribution on climate and development, our commitment to UN reform and our priority of preventing conflict in our region.

The ministers will engage with a broad range of partners on our shared priorities and those of our region, including our commitment to addressing climate change and helping achieve the Sustainable Development Goals in full.

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

“Australia’s commitment to multilateralism is enduring. So many of the challenges we face demand truly global solutions, and the United Nations is the only body where the whole world comes together.

“We need to ensure our institutions like the UN evolve to meet global needs. Australia is committed to reforms that benefit people everywhere and ensure no one is left behind.”

Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Senator the Hon Jenny McAllister said:

“Australia is back at the table when it comes to the international fight against climate change. Global collaboration is key to realising the economic opportunities for Australia in a net zero future.

“I look forward to promoting Australia’s constructive role on climate change at home, in the Pacific and beyond as we build momentum towards this year’s Conference of the Parties in Dubai.”

The Albanese Government is set to deliver the single biggest investment in social and affordable housing in more than a decade, with welcome new support today for the Housing Australia Future Fund meaning the legislation is set to pass the Senate later this week.

The passage of this legislation, along with the commitments made at last month’s National Cabinet, represents the most significant reforms to housing in a generation.

Delivering the Housing Australia Future Fund will ensure more Australians have a safe and affordable place to call home.

The $10 billion Housing Australia Future Fund will create a secure, ongoing pipeline of funding for social and affordable rental housing, fulfilling the commitment the Government made to the Australian people.

In addition, today the Government confirms an additional $1 billion will be invested in the National Housing Infrastructure Facility to support new homes.

The Government thanks the Crossbench in the House of Representatives and the Senate, including the Greens, for the constructive engagement over a number of months on this critical legislation. 

Returns from the Housing Australia Future Fund will help deliver the Government’s commitment of 30,000 new social and affordable rental homes in the fund’s first five years.

This includes 4,000 homes for women and children impacted by family and domestic violence or older women at risk of homelessness.

Fund returns will also deliver the Government’s commitments to help address acute housing needs, including:

• $200 million for the repair, maintenance and improvement of housing in remote Indigenous communities
• $100 million for crisis and transitional housing options for women and children impacted by family and domestic violence and older women at risk of homelessness; and
• $30 million to build housing for veterans who are experiencing homelessness or at-risk of homelessness.

This will mean more homes for key workers, more affordable homes for Australian renters, and more homes for those most in need.

The Housing Australia Future Fund is backed by numerous stakeholders, including housing experts, community housing providers, and every state and territory Housing Minister.

The package of housing legislation also includes the National Housing Supply and Affordability Council Bill 2023, which will establish the National Housing Supply and Affordability Council as an independent statutory advisory body.

The Treasury Laws Amendment (Housing Measures No. 1) Bill 2023 changes the name of the National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation to Housing Australia and streamlines its functions.

The Housing Australia Future Fund is one part of the Albanese Government’s ambitious housing reform agenda, which also includes:

• A $3 billion New Homes Bonus, and $500 million Housing Support Program
• A new $2 billion Social Housing Accelerator to deliver thousands of new social homes across Australia.
• A National Housing Accord which includes federal funding to deliver 10,000 affordable homes over five years from 2024 (to be matched by up to another 10,000 by the states and territories)
• Increasing the maximum rate of Commonwealth Rent Assistance by 15 per cent, the largest increase in more than 30 years
• Additional $2 billion in financing for more social and affordable rental housing through the National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation
• New incentives to boost the supply of rental housing by changing arrangements for investments in built-to-rent accommodation
• $1.7 billion one-year extension of the National Housing and Homelessness Agreement with States and Territories, including a $67.5 million boost to homelessness funding over the next year
• State and territories committing to A Better Deal for Renters
• States and territories supporting the national roll out of the Help to Buy program, which will reduce the cost of buying a home.