Category: Australian News

Unlike people in many parts of the world, Australians are allowed to say what they think. This democratic freedom is a big part of our success as a nation. We should always fight to protect it.

The Albanese Government has released a new Misinformation Bill that would have a huge negative impact on our freedom of speech. It needs to be stopped because no government should tell us what we can and cannot say. Disagreeing about things, even arguing about them, is how we move forward in a democracy. If we all agreed on everything, then nothing would ever change. And we would be a much weaker country.

Labor’s Bill would see huge fines issued to tech companies if the Government thinks they are not doing enough to reduce misinformation online. To avoid those fines, these companies will remove the free speech of Australians. And there’s going to be a lot of deleting going on because the Bill will capture thousands of statements made by Australians every day.

Under the Government’s Bill, something can be misinformation even if you hold that view in good faith and believe it is true. It could be a strongly held belief on politics or social issues or religion. To be misinformation, all that’s required is that the statement is “misleading” and that it’s capable of contributing to “serious harm”. Harm includes things like harm to the economy or to the environment, so would capture a lot of discussions that Australians are involved in online.

Who decides if something is misinformation? It’s the Government. While the tech companies decide which pieces of content get taken down, the Government decides whether the tech companies are deleting enough material. And to form that view, the Government — through its regulator ACMA — will need to have an opinion on how much misinformation there is on a particular web site. So the Government will decide whether material about politics and other things can and cannot be said by Australians. It’s very obvious that this is a really bad idea.

Incredibly, the Albanese Government has excluded itself from this law. Under the Bill, anything the Government authorises can’t be misinformation. But if you criticise the Government, that can be misinformation. This is outrageous and impossible for the Government to defend. The Government has also excluded some other groups from the Bill, like university academics. But they haven’t excluded an average person expressing their views online. This means that the same thing could be misinformation if it’s said by an ordinary Australian but not misinformation if it’s said by an academic. How can that be fair?

And the Bill has another sting in the tail. It gives Government officials the power to require anybody to appear before them to answer questions about allegations of misinformation. If you are called, you must appear before the officials. And if you don’t attend, you can be fined more than $8000 per day. This power is clearly over the top and will have a chilling impact on free speech.

Because the Bill is so bad, it has come in for heavy criticism. Everyone from the Human Rights Commission to the media union to key civil liberties groups have pointed to the massive problems with the proposal. But the Government is still saying that they want to press ahead. Instead of trying to impose this new law on Australia, the Government should bin the Bill. They should rip it up into little pieces and apologise for proposing it in the first place.

Australians are in the grip of a cost of living crisis, and few sectors are impacting households and businesses harder than passenger aviation.

Which is why Senators Bridget McKenzie and Dean Smith have today introduced a Private Senator’s Bill that would restore oversight of the domestic aviation market by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).

The monitoring would track prices, costs and profits relating to the supply of domestic air passenger transport services, and of related goods and services, for three years.

The aviation sector remains one of the most concentrated in the Australian economy, with the Qantas and Virgin Australia duopoly controlling 95% of the domestic market.

Meanwhile, recent dealings between the Albanese Government and Qantas regarding the blocking of additional Qatar Airways flights into Australia have reignited concerns about sector competition and transparency.

The ACCC would be required to publish a report of its findings at least once every quarter.

This Bill replicates the monitoring regime begun under the previous Coalition Government, which ran from June 2020 to June 2023.

In its final report in June, the ACCC found that “a lack of effective competition is a key reason why the industry has generally underperformed in terms of meeting the needs of both the travelling public and the parts of the economy that rely on domestic air travel.”

Despite its obvious benefit to the travelling public and boosting competition, the Albanese Government chose not to continue the monitoring.

Shadow Assistant Minister for Competition, Senator Dean Smith said Labor’s decision ignored advice from the ACCC that sector oversight should continue.

“The watchdog clearly said that ongoing monitoring would boost transparency and scrutiny of an industry in which new or growing airlines are trying to get established,” Senator Smith said.

“This is totally at odds with the Albanese Government’s supposed commitment to both transparency and making life cheaper for Australians.”

After days of public criticism, the Albanese Government has now confirmed the aviation sector will be included in its upcoming competition review, but it has not provided any details as to when the review will assess the industry, nor how it will be prioritised against other sectors.

Shadow Minister for Transport, Senator Bridget McKenzie said the Albanese Government is running a protection racket for Qantas, which has been highlighted by the Government’s recent decision to block Qatar Airways’ request for additional flights.

“After the monitoring ended, I wrote to the Treasurer asking him to instruct the ACCC to investigate airline competition and pricing, and provide recommendations to government and industry to improve the competitiveness of airfares and enhance service reliability,” Senator McKenzie said.

“And if he won’t act on this, we will.”

“This is what this Bill is all about.”

“The Prime Minister and his ministers have provided 9, often conflicting, reasons as to why they blocked Qatar Airways’ request.”

“The question remains, why don’t the Albanese Government want to provide cheaper airfares for the travelling public in a cost-of-living crisis?”

Senator McKenzie also highlighted the Labor Government’s Aviation Green Paper, which called Australia’s aviation sector “highly concentrated”, a direct contradiction to the Prime Minister’s earlier statements where he stated, “we have the most competitive aviation market in the world, bar none.”

Today Senator Janet Rice, Greens spokesperson for forests, will introduce the Ending Native Forest Logging Bill 2023 into the Parliament. This Bill seeks to put an end to native forest logging in Australia by repealing the Regional Forest Agreements Act 2002 and closing a loophole in our national environmental laws.

The Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 sets out the Commonwealth’s responsibility to protect our environment. This Act is supposed to reflect the Australian Government’s international commitments to preserve the places we love and protect biodiversity.

However, under the Regional Forest Agreements, established between state and federal governments, logging operations are given a special exemption. This means that the regulation and protection of Australia’s precious forests are effectively left to state governments. 

These are the same governments who own the Forestry Corporation NSW and so called Sustainable Timber Tasmania – logging agencies who time and time again have recklessly destroyed irreplaceable forests.

Recent weeks have shown that endangered native species are under heightened threat, from the Greater Gliders in NSW to the Swift Parrots in Tasmania. Habitat for these endangered animals have been destroyed by native forest logging for centuries, and until native forest logging is permanently outlawed, Labor’s pledge of zero extinctions is impossible.

Senator Janet Rice, Greens spokesperson for Forests said:

“The time for native forest logging is over. 

“Just a few days ago, it became clear that the Swift Parrot recovery plan announced by Minister Plibersek on threatened species day isn’t actually a recovery plan, it’s just a plan for a plan, and completely ignores the main threat to the species – native forest logging.

“With only 750 Swift Parrots left in the wild, protecting their habitats and ending native forest logging is non-negotiable.

“Two weeks ago, a dead, endangered Greater Glider was found in the Tallaganda State Forest in NSW after a logging operation. Despite the significance of this forest as a habitat this and other endangered species, for being unceded Country for traditional owners, for its role in soaking and storing carbon and as a destination for hikers, mountain bikers and keen bird watchers – our national environmental laws failed to stop the initial destruction of the Tallaganda. 

“It’s time for native forest logging to end. State logging agencies cannot be trusted, and neither can their state government owners. 

“Ending native forest logging is a win for First Nations heritage and culture, and for the threatened species and wildlife.

“Importantly, ending native forest logging will also be a huge win for the climate. Logging native forests continues to be a huge driver of emissions. It is estimated that the end of native forest logging in Victoria alone will save 3.35 million tonnes of carbon emissions per year. 

“To reach zero extinctions and zero emissions, then this Bill must urgently be passed.”

Senator Sarah Hanson-Young is Greens Environment Spokesperson said:

“We cannot protect our threatened wildlife while we continue to log their homes.

“In 2023 in the midst of a global extinction and climate crisis there is no excuse for Australia to keep logging our great forests.

“Spin and selfies will not save threatened species, for that we need to fix our environment laws and stop native forest logging.

Following new revelations by female MPs Karen Andrews and Kylea Tink about poor parliamentary behaviour, the Greens say progress on enforcement of the parliamentary codes of conduct is desperately needed.

Recommendation 22 of the Set the Standards report was that the Houses of Parliament should establish, within 12 months, an Independent Parliamentary Standards Commission (IPSC) to enforce codes of conduct. The IPSC was initially expected in October 2023, but that timeframe has since been updated to February 2024. 

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

“It was disappointing overnight to hear from further women in parliament who have experienced inappropriate behaviour from their colleagues in this place.

“When female MPs are still being subject to sexist intimidatory behaviour, you can only imagine how much worse it is for staff – indeed the Set the Standard report showed more than half of those surveyed had experienced at least one incident of bullying, sexual harassment or actual or attempted sexual assault.

“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.
 
“The PWSS has been a huge step forward but, without enforcement powers, it cannot solve the problem.
 
“The Greens have been calling for an enforceable Code of Conduct for politicians and senior staff for years.  Without genuine consequences – such as suspension from parliament, loss of entitlements or directions to provide a public apology – there is little to deter against bad behaviour.
 
“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.”

Greens MPs today joined the trans community and their allies on Parliament’s lawn condemning growing transphobia, homophobia and misogyny.

Standing in solidarity with the National Union of Students and Canberra’s LGBTIQA+ community, Greens MPs spoke out about far right activists using transphobia to recruit people to their cause—with willing allies in Parliament and the media helping them do it by stoking a culture war to drive ratings.

Today’s event in Parliament is hosted by a group that cynically rebranded after their homophobic campaign against marriage equality failed.

Last week, Channel 7 aired a vile attack on young trans people, using people’s stories and images without their consent to promote hateful, ignorant and transphobic narratives to increase viewership at the expense of trans kids.

Earlier this year, anti-trans campaigners in Melbourne were joined on the steps of Victoria’s Parliament by neo-Nazis who were photographed and videoed performing Nazi salutes. 

Stephen Bates MP, Australian Greens LGBTQIA+ Spokesperson said:

These fearmongers peddling transphobia are the same ones who peddled homophobia against marriage equality. 

After Australia resoundingly said Yes to marriage equality, the homophobes at the Marriage Alliance just rebranded as Binary Australia to hop on the next attack line against our community. There is no line these people won’t cross. They’re hellbent on taking us back decades on LGBTIQA+ and women’s rights. 

Allies need to show up and stand with our community after these disgraceful attacks on trans kids in our Parliament and in our media.

Trans people, especially trans youth, are some of the most brave and resilient in our community, but they shouldn’t have to be. Now more than ever, they need our support. 

I will always stand with the LGBTIQA+ community against hate speech. Trans rights are non-negotiable.

Senator Janet Rice, Australian Greens Senator for Victoria said:

When your movement is supported by Nazis, you’re on the wrong side of history. 

Transphobia has no place in our parliament. It’s shameful that this platforming of hatred, fuelled by the far-right, is being sanctioned by MPs in this building. 

Anti-trans campaigners are outnumbered at every event, and despite continued threats to our safety, we continue to show up to tell them that they are not welcome.

We will always stand in solidarity with trans people and their communities. 

You deserve to be celebrated. You deserve to be safe to be yourself. The Greens will always stand with the LGBTIQA+ community and you are loved and celebrated.

New data published today proves Labor’s Big Australia is getting bigger, with 433,130 migrants arriving under Labor and no plan for where they will live.

Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data published today revealed 1,119,490 permanent and long-term arrivals in Australia from June 2022 to July 2023 as part of Labor’s Big Australia.

Permanent and long-term departures over the same period were 757,360.

Shadow Minister for Immigration and Citizenship Dan Tehan said the new ABS figures followed earlier government estimates that 1.5 million migrants were arriving over five years under Labor.

“Labor says they don’t want a big Australia but judge them by their actions not their words,” Mr Tehan said.

“Under Labor Australia is experiencing record numbers of temporary visa holders, record numbers of international students, record numbers of failed asylum seekers and more people on Covid work visas then during the Covid pandemic.

“Labor’s Big Australia is impacting on Australia’s housing crisis and rental shortage with rental vacancies at the lowest levels ever.

“Young Australians are struggling to afford rent or they can’t find a place to live, and this means they’re also struggling to save for a deposit to get on the property ladder.

“Under Labor, 1.5 million people will arrive in Australia over five years and Labor don’t have a plan for where these people will live, how to deal with the congestion problems or how to manage the impact on government services and the environment.“We want a better Australia, not Labor’s big Australia.”

Shadow Minister for Trade and Tourism, Kevin Hogan, said Australia needed more air travel to boost the tourism sector’s recovery.

“Australian Bureau of Statistics figures today show tourism is still lagging other countries around the world who have returned to and exceeded pre-COVID levels,” Mr Hogan said.

The Albanese Government’s decision to reject an additional 28 Qatar Airways flights a week does the opposite of what’s needed to support the $166 billion sector and speed up its post-COVID recovery.

“The government has stopped 700,000 additional seats from Europe and the Middle East each year – flights that would have significantly boosted our tourism industry,” Mr Hogan said.

“The government claims it is in the national interest but why is it in the national interest when it means fewer people visiting Australia; why is it in the national interest to keep air fares high and why is it in the national interest to hurt our economy?

Today’s figures also show the majority of international visitors come to visit family rather than as tourists. Forty-one per cent of visitors came to visit friends and family, compared with 30 per cent pre-COVID, and 36 per cent to holiday, compared with 45 per cent.

“Professor Rico Merkert, Chair in Transport and Supply Chain Management and Deputy Director of the Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies at the University of Sydney, today estimated the decision to block the additional Qatar flights would cost the Australian economy $1 billion per year.

“We need more flights and more tourists at the moment, not less.”

Today, we find ourselves at a poignant intersection of history as we commemorate the first anniversary of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, an anniversary that also marks the ascension of King Charles III.

The late Queen’s death, the ascension of a new king and his subsequent coronation all provided an opportunity for reflection, remembrance and renewal.

One year ago, we mourned the loss of a monarch whose dedication to service knew no bounds.

Queen Elizabeth II’s reign was characterised by unwavering devotion to duty, a steadfast commitment to her people and a grace that resonated across generations.

Her legacy endures in the hearts of all those who were touched by her long reign.

As we remember her with deep affection, let us honour her memory by embracing this new chapter that lies before us.

Today, we not only pay homage to the past but embrace the future. With the ascension and coronation of King Charles III, we witnessed the continuation of a centuries-old tradition, a seamless transition of authority and a reaffirmation of our enduring constitutional monarchy.

King Charles III ascended to the throne during a time of unprecedented global challenges. His reign begins with a profound responsibility to lead the Commonwealth of Nations through these changing and uncertain times.

To our new King, we offer our support and goodwill, as we have done for generations past.

As we commemorate the anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s passing and the ascension of King Charles III, we are reminded that change is an inherent part of life.

It is through change that we grow, adapt and progress as a society.

While we cherish the past, we must also look to the future with hope, determination and resilience.

May Queen Elizabeth II’s legacy continue to inspire us to look to the future with hope and optimism.

A leading Australian lawyer has contradicted Communications Minister Michelle Rowland on her claims around the impact of her controversial Misinformation Bill.

The Minister had said that the traditional media would not be affected by the Bill, meaning their content would always be excluded from being considered to be misinformation.

But senior lawyer, Anne Twomey has disputed the claim. On Sky News yesterday, Professor Twomey said: “Well I don’t think it’s particularly accurate.”

Professor Twomey explained:

“If statement X is found to be misinformation and it’s said both by a news media organisation and everybody else, you’re going to sweep up the entire lot and chuck out the entire lot, because you’ve got to actually cover your entire Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, whatever it is, by some sort of electronic means to sweep this stuff out.”

Shadow Communications Minister David Coleman said the Minister has been corrected by one of the leading legal figures in Australia.

“This is another embarrassment for a Minister who was already facing a wall of criticism over the deep and serious flaws in her Bill,” Mr Coleman said.

“As Professor Twomey has noted, the purported exemption for ‘professional news content’ will not work in practice. To avoid the risk of big fines, digital platforms will delete large swathes of content, including news content.”

The Federal Opposition stands with the Iranian-Australian community as the first anniversary of the death of Mahsa Jina Amini and the Women, Life, Freedom movement approaches this Saturday 16 September.

Over the last 12 months we have sat with and listened to thousands of Iranian-Australians and heard their concerns, fears and ideas for action. The violence and oppression of women, girls, protesters and critics of the Islamic Republic regime are horrific. Accounts of Australians being intimidated, targeted and harassed in our country by agents of the regime are unacceptable and deeply troubling.

The Coalition has fought consistently to bring these accounts to the Parliament and the Government. We fought for the removal of the regime from the UN Committee on the Status of Women, established a Senate inquiry in October last year which received more than 1000 submissions, and have consistently urged the Government to respond to the recommendations of that inquiry.

It has now been more than seven months since the Senate Inquiry completed its report, making 12 recommendations for action by the Government. In that time Iranian diaspora community groups have repeatedly written to the Government asking for urgent implementation of the committee recommendations. Disappointingly, the Government is yet to even respond to the Committee report. We again urge the Government to respond to the Committee report and take action.

“As the Committee report highlighted, Australia has not only a moral imperative to play our part in holding the regime accountable for human rights abuses, but a practical necessity to protect Australians against the threats of the regime and to reduce the international influence of the world’s top purveyor of state-sponsored terrorism,” said Senator Chandler, Shadow Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Chair of the Senate Inquiry.

“Despite its abhorrent behaviour, the IRI regime is expanding its global diplomatic influence, providing weaponry to Russia, continuing to gain positions of influence at the UN, and continuing to profit from hostage diplomacy and breaching sanctions. Australia must step up efforts to hold the regime accountable and this is precisely what the Committee’s recommendations were carefully designed to do.”

Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Birmingham said that the Opposition had repeatedly offered bipartisan support to the Albanese Government for stronger action.

“The Coalition remains consistent in our position that the Government should announce a tangible response to the human rights abuses in Iran that has seen the horrific treatment of Iranian women and girls,” said Senator Birmingham.

“We welcomed and supported those Magnitsky-style sanctions that have been applied however like the Iranian-Australian community we note that Australia has consistently lagged behind like-minded nations in the application of targeted sanctions.

“Australia’s position should reflect the bravery and courage of the women and girls fighting for basic human rights. We join with the diaspora community in urging the Government to take stronger action and reiterate our bipartisan support for doing so.”