Category: Australian News

Reports of nearly 200 GP clinics around Australia closing in the past year is deeply concerning, Shadow Assistant Minister for Regional Health Anne Webster says.

NewsGP has been supplied data from 17 of Australia’s 31 Primary Health Networks (PHNs) showing at least 184 general practices have closed nationwide, significantly more than the 60 closures in four years identified by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners earlier this year.

“These closures, and there could be more that aren’t captured by the data, are not being offset by new clinics,” Dr Webster said.

“This highlights the crisis our health sector is facing, and this is only exacerbated in regional Australia under the watch of the Albanese Labor Government.”

Dr Webster said Labor’s expansion of Distribution Priority Areas as one of Health Minister Mark Butler’s first decisions since taking office saw 57% of International Medical Graduate doctors move to urban settings away from regional areas.

“The expansion of the DPA was a major factor in GP clinics closing in Mallee and around Australia, there are not enough doctors and Labor’s policy simply funnelled the workforce to outer suburbs of major cities,” Dr Webster said.

“They have done nothing to alleviate GP shortages in the regions and these nationwide closures are simply disastrous for those living in the country.”

Earlier this month the Nationals Federal Conference backed Dr Webster’s motion to increase the number of general practitioners in regional Australia by capping Medicare Provider Numbers in oversupplied metropolitan areas and encouraging doctors to take up provider numbers in rural, regional and remote Australia.

“One of the key outcomes of the Mildura Regional Health Workforce Summit I convened in March was identifying the need for policy that makes moving to the regions viable for doctors and all health professionals,” Dr Webster said.

“This policy of capping provider numbers, with an activity test to ensure enough provider numbers are issued in regional Australia to guarantee adequate full-time equivalent GPs, will help turn the harmful tide Minister Butler and the Albanese Labor Government are presiding over.”

Labor’s housing and rental crisis is set to worsen in WA, with the latest ABS population data revealing net migration to the state increased at the highest rate in Australia for a second consecutive quarter.

The ABS population figures for the March 2023 quarter confirm WA recorded the largest population growth of any state or territory at 2.8%.

In the three months to the end of March, 26,005 people migrated to the West – 18,096 of them from overseas.

This was up from the previous quarter, when the state’s population jumped by 19,198.

The annual increase in WA’s population from March 2022 to March 2023 was 78,342.

52,664, or 67%, of those new arrivals came from overseas.

The national increase over this period was 454,400, with WA receiving 17% of international arrivals.

This figure is an increase from the 10% of international arrivals WA absorbed in the time frame covered by the previous ABS data release.

Senator Dean Smith said the new ABS data was concerning, as the significant spike in new international arrivals would put more pressure on a housing and rental market already stretched to its limit.

“What would normally be cause for celebration, given the important contribution immigration makes to our economy and society, will remain a major concern until Labor delivers a plan to properly support both those arriving and those already here in WA,” Senator Smith said.

“In its last Budget, Labor committed to 1.5 million people coming to Australia over five years.”

“The Albanese Government has totally inadequate plans to provide these new Australians the support they deserve on arrival, including housing.”

“Labor’s Housing Australia Future Fund is only expected to deliver 30,000 homes in that same five-year period.”

“WA households are doing it tough in Labor’s cost of living crisis – with high rents, a housing shortage and interest rates punishing both renters and homeowners.”

“And the foremost issue is where they will live.”

As is the case across much of Australia, the WA population boom comes at a time of significant housing, rental and cost of living stress.

Data recently published in The Australian revealed that national rental vacancy rates fell to their lowest level on record in August this year, compounded by fewer homes being built and investors leaving the property market.

At below 1%, WA had the tightest rental market of any state along with South Australia.

According to the same article, national rental affordability was the lowest in three decades, with a median-income household, earning $105,000, only able to afford 13% of properties.

Nor are leading housing industry figures optimistic about the future – including Labor’s HAFF initiative.

Last week, they flagged concerns including zoning and developmental delays, skilled trade shortages and record high interest rates.

“This population data reflects what we’ve always known – that WA is the best place to live and work in Australia,” Senator Smith said.

“However, the unplanned and un-modelled immigration we are now seeing poses a threat to the living standards that make WA what it is, including overcrowding of schools, hospitals, and public infrastructure.”

More Victorians will have a place to call home in inner Melbourne, as the redevelopment of the old Carlton red brick public housing towers becomes the first Social Housing Accelerator project announced in the nation, thanks to the Andrews and Albanese Labor Governments.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Premier Daniel Andrews and Victorian Minister for Housing Colin Brooks today visited the now-vacant Carlton site to announce the project, with demolition to begin next year.

The redevelopment will be wholly funded by the Federal Government’s Social Housing Accelerator and replace the 196 outdated, uninhabitable dwellings – built in the 1960s – with 231 modern, energy efficient homes for Victorians, increasing housing on the site by at least 10 per cent.

The 231 homes will form part of 769 homes Victoria will deliver as part of the Social Housing Accelerator investment – with the Albanese Government delivering almost $500 million for new social housing stock in Victoria on top of the Andrews Labor Government’s landmark $5.3 billion Big Housing Build, and the recently announced $1 billion Regional Housing Fund.

When complete, all former residents of the Carlton towers will be invited to return to live in the new homes on the site, which will also be used to house tenants who live in other public housing redevelopment projects while they are underway.

The Federal Government’s $2 billion Social Housing Accelerator will increase Australia’s housing supply by creating thousands of social homes across Australia – with all funding to be committed by states and territories within two years.

Today’s announcement builds on last month’s 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 announcement today also comes in the week after the Federal Parliament passed the $10 billion Housing Australia Future Fund.

Since Victoria’s Big Housing Build started in November 2020, more than 7,600 homes have been completed or are underway, and more than 2,800 are complete – with households already moved in, or preparing to be welcomed into their new homes.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“Every Australian deserves the security of a roof over their head – our steps to deliver more homes around the country under the Social Housing Accelerator start right here in Carlton, where this housing will be given a modern rebuild to last for the long haul.

“We know Victorians want practical solutions, and we’re working with the Andrews Government to get on with the job of delivering more social housing.

“The Social Housing Accelerator is real dollars, driving real change and building more homes for Australians, and is part of our ambitious housing agenda, which includes the delivery of 30,000 social and affordable homes through our Housing Australia Future Fund.”

Premier Daniel Andrews said:

“Nothing is more important than finding a home – and it should be a place of pride, comfort, and security.

“Carlton is just the first of 769 homes we’ll build in Victoria as part of the Accelerator program – on top of the 12,000 social homes we’re delivering as part of the landmark Big Housing Build.”

Victorian Minister for Housing Colin Brooks said:

“Our Big Housing Build is an historic investment in housing, but we’re not stopping there. All over the state hundreds of workers are getting on with delivering on thousands of houses, so more Victorians have a safe place to call home.”

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.”

The Albanese Labor Government’s pathetically thin schedule of public hearings for the Senate inquiry into its industrial relations legislation is a classic sign of a government in disarray trying to avoid scrutiny at all costs.

Shadow Employment and Workplace Relations Minister Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash said: “Last week the Labor Government cancelled a week of Parliament and now they only want to hold a handful of hearings into their controversial industrial relations laws – it is an absolute disgrace.’’

“What is this Government afraid of? What are they hiding? All we know is that there are many questions but no answers,’’ Senator Cash said.

“This inquiry is so important to the future of this nation it should have at least a dozen hearings. It should be going to more regional areas and listening to the job creators, both big and small,’’ Senator Cash said.

“The Senate voted for a report back date of February 1, 2024 for a reason. That reason was because the Senate believed this Bill needed extended and intense scrutiny,’’ she said.

“The cynical exercise this Government is trying to pull off by truncating hearings is just not good enough,’’ Senator Cash said.

“I implore the Government to work with the Coalition and the crossbench to come up with an acceptable and adequate schedule of public hearings,’’ she said.

“Stop ducking scrutiny. Labor promised transparency before they were elected but are falling hopelessly short of that promise,’’ Senator Cash said.

Below is the schedule of hearings proposed by the Coalition.

Wednesday 21 September – Adelaide; Tuesday 4 October – Sydney; Thursday 6 October – Melbourne; Wednesday 10 October – Brisbane; Thursday 11 October – Gladstone; Monday 20 November – Port Headland/Karratha; Wednesday 22nd November – Perth; Thursday 23rd November – Albany; Friday 1st December – Canberra; Tuesday 12 December – Hunter Valley; Monday 15 January – Launceston; Tuesday 16 January – Hobart; Monday 22 January – Townsville; Wednesday 24 January – Shepparton

The Australian Government will provide $1 million for urgent life-saving humanitarian assistance to affected communities, following the devastating floods in Libya. This will be delivered through the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

We extend our sympathies to the loved ones of those who have lost their lives, and to the Libyan people. Our thoughts are also with the Libyan community in Australia at this difficult time.

The flooding resulting from Storm Daniel has caused destruction of critical infrastructure, and much of the area that is impacted in the north east of the country remains difficult to access.

It has caused extensive damage to critical infrastructure, buildings, electricity and water supply, telecommunications and farmland.

The $1 million humanitarian assistance announced today will be used to provide food, water, blankets and medical supplies to those who are most vulnerable.

In addition to today’s announcement, Australia is a longstanding donor to the UN Central Emergency Response Fund, and the UN has announced US$10 million from the Fund to support the humanitarian response.

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

“The intensity of these floods has shocked the international community. This humanitarian assistance will provide life-saving assistance to those most in need.”

“We send our deep sympathy and condolences to the loved ones of those who have lost their lives, the Libyan people, and the Libyan community in Australia.”

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

“We are working closely with our international partners to support Libya in the most effective way as the full impact of this disaster emerges.”

“Strong bonds with our international partners underpin our emergency response efforts and are vital to delivering this life-saving humanitarian assistance.”

Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon Tim Watts MP said:

“Australia stands by the people of Libya as it addresses the enormity of the aftermath of this disaster.”

“The areas affected by the flooding are extremely remote and we are relying on our local partners to help us deliver support to those most in need.”

Today I announce the appointment of Dr Michelle Freeman and Ms Lukina Lukin to the Commission for International Agricultural Research. They join five Commissioners who have been appointed for a second term, including the Chair, Ms Fiona Simson.

The Commission provides expert, strategic advice about how Australia can best contribute globally to agricultural research and development programs through the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR).

Dr Michelle Freeman has more than a decade of experience serving in senior policy and management roles within Australia’s forestry industry. Dr Freeman is the President of Forestry Australia, which brings together more than 1,100 experts and scientists operating in forest and natural resource management throughout Australia.

Ms Lukina Lukin has extensive commercial experience in ethically and sustainably sourced seafood, which is particularly important at a time when reliance on the ocean for food and income security is increasing in many countries. Ms Lukin is the owner and Managing Director of Dinko Seafood, fishing business based in Port Lincoln, South Australia.

Ms Fiona Simson has also been appointed for second 3-year term on the Commission serving as the Chair.

Dr Beth Woods, Professor Lindsay Falvey and Mr Tony York have been appointed for a second term. Recently appointed ACIAR CEO Professor Wendy Umberger has also been appointed as a Commissioner.

I thank outgoing Commissioners Ms Su McCluskey and Dr Sasha Courville for their two terms of service and for their ongoing commitment to sustainable agricultural development.

The Greens welcome the passage of the Parliamentary Workplace Support Services bills in the Senate today. 

These bills are an important step in the right direction, but we need to see further reforms to parliamentary culture, including an enforceable Code of Conduct for politicians and senior staff, rolled out nationally as a matter of urgency.

Greens leader in the Senate and spokesperson on Women, Larissa Waters said:

“We wouldn’t be debating these bills or any of the preceding workplace reforms to address sexual harassment in the last few years were it not for the bravery of young female parliamentary staff; Brittany Higgins, Dhanya Mani, Chelsey Potter, Rachelle Miller, Tessa Sullivan, Josie Coles, women who have survived sexual harassment or abuse at work, survivors like Saxon Mullins, and those who fight to keep students safe on campus Sharna Bremner and Nina Funnell, so many other women and some men whose strength and resilience is driving this change. 

“The Set the Standard report found that one-in-three parliamentary staffers in this building had experienced some form of sexual harassment, as had many female parliamentarians.
This is unacceptable. Everyone has a right to a safe workplace. Whether that is in parliament house or anywhere else. 

“One of the hurdles identified in Set the Standards was that staff are reluctant to come forward if there is no real prospect that an MP will be sanctioned. Consequences are crucial.

“Passing these bills today is a step in the right direction, but it is a tiny step. Cultural diversity is still lacking in our workplace. Parliament is still not a safe, equal, inclusive and respectful workplace for everyone.
 
“The Greens will continue to push for the reforms to parliamentary culture, including an enforceable Code of Conduct for politicians and senior staff, to be rolled out nationally as a matter of urgency.
 
“Both Houses of parliament have now endorsed Codes of Conduct for behaviour, but there is still no independent body to investigate breaches and enforce the Codes.  Work to set up that body that will enforce those Codes, the Independent Parliamentary Standards Commission, is complex, but there is no doubt it’s been too slow.  

“The Greens are disappointed that the original timeframe to establish the IPSC has blown out from October 2023 to February 2024, and we will continue to insist that no further delays occur.
 
“While that work to establish the IPSC is being done, it is a responsibility of every MP to act consistently with the commitments they made when endorsing the Codes, and for all parties to act quickly in response to complaints.”

The Senate inquiry into sexual consent laws has today tabled a unanimous report that recommends an independent taskforce to hold universities to account on sexual violence, as well as an urgent review into the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency’s response to sexual violence on university campuses.

Among the other recommendations are the inclusion of an affirmative consent standard in any proposal to harmonise Australia’s sexual consent laws, adequate funding and training for Respectful Relationships Education and more sensitive and trauma-informed approaches to sexual violence in the criminal justice system.

Greens leader in the Senate and spokesperson on Women, Larissa Waters said:

“Today’s consensus recommendation for an independent taskforce to hold universities to account on sexual violence is thanks to the tireless efforts of advocates like End Rape on Campus, Fair Agenda and The STOP Campaign, and the many witnesses who shared their experiences with the committee.

“It is abundantly clear that Universities Australia and TEQSA have not been up to the task of responding to sexual assault on university campuses or residential halls. 

“Students need to know their safety is being taken seriously. Parents need to know their kids are safe in residential halls. Universities need to be forced to take action.

“We know that an alarming number of people still disbelieve or victim-blame survivors of assault. Sexual consent education in schools can help dismantle this persistent rape culture and ensure everyone understands that only informed and enthusiastic consent means yes. 

“Everyone has the right to age-appropriate, evidence-based sexual and consent education. And we are so pleased to see the recommendation for ongoing funding to provide Respectful Relationships Education and investment in the Initial Teacher Education Curriculum.

“Nationally, almost nine in 10 incidents of sexual assault are not reported to the police. We need to start addressing the factors that discourage people from reporting, including attitudes towards survivors, unclear laws, and re-traumatising experiences within the justice system.  

“Including an affirmative consent standard in any proposal to harmonise Australia’s sexual consent laws puts the onus on alleged perpetrators, and is a step towards changing the way that rape allegations are treated by police and lawyers. 

“So far we’ve seen commitments from some state governments to strengthen the legal definitions of consent, and to make stealthing an offence. These are good steps forward, but we need to harmonise the laws to ensure cultural change nationwide.

“This inquiry and the recommendations in the report tabled today would not exist without the work of courageous advocates like Saxon Mullins, Nina Funnell, Grace Tame, Chanel Contos, Sharna Bremner, Camille Schloeffel and many more, who have consistently pushed for laws and consent education to be informed by the lived experience of sexual assault victim-survivors.”

Greens Deputy Leader and Education spokesperson Senator Mehreen Faruqi said:

“Universities have ignored sexual violence on campus for too long and must be compelled to take meaningful action to not only address violence and support victim-survivors, but to also actively prevent sexual violence on campus. 

“Universities must actively build and promote a culture that does not tolerate sexual assault, violence or harassment of any form.

“The independent taskforce must be established with urgency, and have powers to monitor and evaluate universities, and also impose consequences for universities who are failing to protect students.

“An urgent review into TEQSA’s response to sexual violence on campus is long overdue.

“Thank you to the incredible activists whose unwavering commitment has made these recommendations possible. Now, we need urgent action from the Government. 

“Every student has the right to study in a safe, respectful environment, without fear of being sexually assaulted or harassed. We need to see these recommendations enacted as quickly as possible.”

Ahead of the formal conclusion of the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability in Sydney on 15th September 2023, the Greens are calling on the Albanese Government to commit to a clear action plan for achieving disability justice in Australia.

The Disability Royal Commission was established in 2019 after years of sustained pressure from the disability community and Senator Steele-John’s leadership in the Parliament.

Alongside the disability community, the Greens are urging the government to commit to resourcing the implementation of the Royal Commission’s recommendations.

The Australian Greens are calling for three fundamental actions to end the violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation of disabled people.

Firstly, there is an urgent need for a dedicated, ongoing mechanism through which disabled people can continue to share their experiences with a body empowered to undertake investigations and make referrals to law enforcement.

Second, the government must establish a federal Minister for Disability. We must have someone focused solely on disability issues, and accountable to the disability community at the ballot box.

Third, collective liberation through an intersectional approach to disability justice must be prioritised across all policy areas. This includes raising the Disability Support Pension addressing its archaic partner laws, and ensuring the NDIS moves away from its exclusionary approach to psychosocial disability.

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.

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

“From the many years of tireless advocacy for its establishment to sharing some of the most harrowing experiences of their lives in submissions, the disability community has given so much to this Royal Commission.

“Though the Royal Commission is wrapping up, the work does not end there. In fact, it is really just beginning.

“The only acceptable response to the profound injustices uncovered by the Royal Commission is action. I urge the Albanese Government to prioritise transparency, accountability and justice to ensure the outcomes of this Royal Commission are not forgotten in the corridors of power.

“Reflecting on how far we’ve come together, I’m deeply proud of what we’ve achieved – for disabled people, by disabled people.

“We will be watching closely to ensure justice prevails. And that starts with the Government committing funding for the implementation of the recommendations.”