Category: Australian News

Indonesia’s President Widodo’s visit to Australia has ignited a pressing demand for an open and honest conversation about the ongoing West Papua crisis. With the 25-year anniversary of the Biak Massacre on 6th July, it serves as a stark reminder of the need for truth and accountability. 

Since his election in 2014, President Widodo promised social reform for West Papua. However, the situation has only deteriorated, resulting in escalating tensions and deepening divisions between the Indonesian Government and the West Papuan people. 

Almost 54 years since the ironically named ‘Act of Free Choice’ referendum for West Papuan independence, the human rights abuses, colonialism and impunity for the Indonesian military have continued. Successive Australian governments have remained silent and inactive. 

We know that the Australian Defence Force has concealed war crimes committed by Indonesian military police in West Papua. The Australian Government Defence Intelligence Report, dated July 17 1998, uncovers an investigation conducted by an Australian military attache and intelligence officer, shedding light on the massacre of West Papuan men, women and children by Indonesian defence and security forces on Biak Island.

The hostage-taking of Phil Mehrtens by the West Papuan Liberation Army has raised significant concerns, and while Greens strongly condone this abhorrent act, it underscores the desperate cry for international attention towards the West Papuan crisis, and Australia must actively engage. 

The Australian Greens will continue to call for an opportunity for the indigenous West Papuan people to participate in a free, democratic process to decide their own future.

Senator Steele-John, Australian Greens spokesperson for Foreign Affairs, Peace & Nuclear Disarmament said :

“The Australian Greens are calling on President Widodo to allow unfettered access to West Papua for United Nations officials and foreign journalists, as well as drop charges against political prisoners. For the Australian Government to continue to stay silent is to condone these abuses.”

“The Greens recognise that the indigenous people of West Papua should have the opportunity to democratically decide their own future in accordance with international standards of human rights and the principles of international law.”

“The government and ADF decision-makers must be held accountable for concealing the truth about the Biak Massacre.”

“Being complicit in covering up human rights abuses is on our region is shameful. Without the ability of West Papuans to exercise self-determination, stability and peace in the region will remain elusive.

“We watched as the Prime Minister & Foreign Minister championed President Modi during his visit to Australia, whilst the diaspora of the minority Indian community shared their concerns and fears. The Labor Government must not let this visit be the same if they want a free, peaceful and stable Indo-Pacific region. 

“Friends must be able to talk frankly when they disagree and President Widodo must be included in that.”

Senator David Shoebridge, Australian Greens spokesperson for Defence said:

“Tomorrow marks 25 years since the devastating Biak Massacre which saw Indonesian defence and security forces torture and kill West Papuan men, women and children yet we are still no closer to finding out details of the attack and our government remains silent.

“The Australian Defence Force must come clean about what it knows about the atrocities that took place 25 years ago and tell what they know about war crimes by the Indonesian military in West Papua.

“We know that an investigation took place and evidence was gathered and provided to Defence but we are yet to see any of those findings. 

“Allegations that Defence has destroyed photographic evidence are deeply troubling and require a detailed response from the ADF.

“West Papuans deserve justice, transparency and access to the truth and we support them in these calls.

“The Greens are calling for full transparency of Australia’s role in training Indonesian military units and the suspension of any funding for units found to be involved in human rights abuses.”

Minister Plibersek has approved 3 coal mines in the last 2 months.

Greens spokesperson for the Environment Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said:

“3 coal mine approvals in the last 2 months show our environment laws are broken.

“Minister Plibersek should stop approving new coal mines and start working with the Greens to put a climate trigger in our environment laws.

“The Ensham coal mine will add 100 million tonnes of pollution and wreck critical koala and greater glider habitat, hurting native wildlife.

“Australians didn’t vote for this, but Labor are captured by donations from the coal and gas industry.

“Minister Plibersek can’t do her job properly until we get a climate trigger to stop new coal and gas in its tracks.”

The Greens have condemned Forestry Tasmania’s move to expand its environmental vandalism to a further 1000 hectares of native forest for logging, including in the precious takayna/Tarkine.

The Greens have called on the Albanese Government to put an end to this needless destruction and ban all native forest logging nationwide.

Greens spokesperson for Forests, Senator Janet Rice said:

“We are in the midst of a global extinction and climate crisis; there’s no excuse for this assault on the environment to be allowed anywhere in Australia. 

“While community activists had a big win today in securing important protections for parts of Tasmania, only a total ban on native forest logging will protect our precious forests and save our wildlife.

“It’s clear from Tasmania’s announcement today that the Albanese Government can’t keep burying their heads in the sand. The Federal Government must finally listen to state Labor governments, scientists, and the vast majority of Australians who want our environment protected for future generations.

“Logging makes the climate crisis worse. The Labor Government need to stop prioritising corporate profits and industry lobbies over people and the environment. 

“We need a permanent, national ban on native forest logging, and a just transition plan for forestry workers.”

Greens Senator for Tasmania, Senator Nick McKim said:

“This is a fantastic result for a very special part of Tasmania that should never have been on the chopping block in the first place.

“However Forestry Tasmania’s destructive focus has now shifted to other forests equally as deserving of protection.

“Community campaigners should be proud of their efforts in saving this magnificent ecosystem.

“Logging native forests is a crime against nature and climate, and Tasmania needs to follow Victoria’s lead and end this toxic, loss-making industry.”

Greens spokesperson for the Environment, Senator Hanson-Young said:

“The Federal Government has promised to introduce new environment laws by the end of year. The test for Labor is whether they actually stop logging in order to protect our native forests and the wildlife that call them home.

“Expanding destruction of native forests goes directly against what is needed to protect our wildlife from extinction. This is why the Greens will move to make a ban on native forest logging national and permanent in our Federal environment laws.

1. The Prime Minister of Australia, The Honourable Anthony Albanese MP, welcomed the President of the Republic of Indonesia, His Excellency Joko Widodo, to Sydney for the Australia-Indonesia Annual Leaders’ Meeting on 4 July 2023, on the eve of the third anniversary of the entry into force of the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA), and during the 70th anniversary of Australia’s scholarships for Indonesian students.
2. Leaders welcomed deepening links between Australia and Indonesia towards ensuring stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, and substantial progress advancing the Australia-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP).
3. Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to ASEAN centrality and the importance of an inclusive ASEAN-led architecture for regional peace, stability, and prosperity. Prime Minister Albanese conveyed his congratulations to Indonesia for its success to date as ASEAN Chair, and reiterated his support for Indonesia’s priorities as Chair in delivering tangible economic and social benefit to ASEAN nations.
4. Leaders underscored the value of cooperation and dialogue to build strategic trust between nations. Leaders reiterated their commitment to shaping a region where sovereignty and territorial integrity is respected and where all countries benefit from regional stability. Leaders agreed that each country must contribute to the common effort to attain an open, stable and prosperous region.

Enhancing Our Economic and Development Partnership

5. Leaders emphasised that Indonesia and Australia shared vital interests in ensuring free, fair and open markets and safeguarding the international rules-based order in support of a resilient, inclusive and sustainable global economy. Indonesia and Australia agreed to intensify cooperation in response to heightening geopolitical uncertainties and structural changes in the global economy.
6. Leaders reaffirmed the importance of the multilateral trading system, with the WTO at its core, and reaffirmed their commitment to engaging in active and constructive discussions, focused on improving WTO functions and having a fully functioning dispute settlement mechanism by 2024.
7. Leaders welcomed bilateral cooperation in regional trade agreements. Leaders looked forward to the signing of the 2nd Protocol to Amend the Agreement Establishing the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA) in a timely manner. Leaders recognised Australia and Indonesia’s efforts to advance implementation objectives as Co-Chairs of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP) Joint Committee. Leaders emphasised the importance of close collaboration in the G20, APEC and the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity. Leaders noted Australia’s strong support for Indonesia’s aspiration to be a full member of the Financial Action Task Force.
8. Indonesia and Australia are committed to working together to ensure a just and orderly transition to net-zero emissions, recognising the need to empower people and communities during this transformation.
9. Leaders agreed to deepen cooperation on reducing emissions and promoting clean energy systems and industries to accelerate the net zero transition. Leaders announced $50 million to establish a fund, under the AU$200 million Australia-Indonesia Climate and Infrastructure Partnership launched by Leaders in June 2022, to unlock investment into climate and clean energy-focused Indonesian small and medium-sized enterprises. The fund will increase the availability of clean energy technologies to help safeguard regional energy resilience and security. Leaders acknowledged the role of emissions reduction technologies, including projects in Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), to support these efforts.
10. Leaders acknowledged Indonesia’s efforts to develop an electric vehicle production ecosystem. Leaders directed officials to advance cooperation and collaboration on this vital matter. Leaders welcomed growing cooperation between the Western Australian Government and the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN) in this area. Leaders also noted the potential for Australia and ASEAN to explore ways to enhance cooperation throughout the clean energy transition.
11. Leaders welcomed the intention of Export Finance Australia and PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) to establish a US$200 million capital financing facility to support Indonesia’s energy transition. This facility will support Indonesia’s transition to net zero by 2060 by financing improvements to reduce emissions in energy generation, distribution and transmission.
12. Leaders recognised solid progress to deepening trade and investment ties under IA-CEPA and reaffirmed the commitment to implement the Agreement in full. Leaders noted the important work of the Katalis Economic Cooperation Program, which is maximising the mutual benefits of IA-CEPA.
13. Leaders welcomed the growth in two-way investment in minerals and mineral processing, Indonesia’s contribution to expanding LNG processing in Western Australia and its investments in the Pilbara and associated exports of Australian industrial salt to Indonesia.
14. Leaders welcomed progress under Australia’s support package for Indonesia’s new capital, Nusantara, as announced by Leaders in June 2022, and welcomed the emerging cooperation between Australia’s National Capital Authority and Indonesia’s Nusantara National Capital Authority, drawing on Australia’s experience in developing its planned capital, Canberra, and expertise in clean and green city planning. They announced an Australia Awards Indonesia Nusantara scholarships package for study and knowledge exchange in fields relevant to the development of the new capital. President Joko Widodo encouraged private sectors to invest in Indonesia’s new capital, Nusantara.
15. Leaders welcomed support to Indonesia’s health reform agenda as a founding partner in the new World Bank Health Transformation Multi-Donor Trust Fund and through bilateral development partnership programs. Leaders also recognised growing economic partnerships in the health sector, as evidenced by the recent joint venture between Australia’s Aspen Medical and Indonesia’s PT Jasa Sarana, which commenced construction of their first hospital site in Depok.
16. Leaders welcomed the extension of the Australia-Indonesia Partnership for Economic Development (Prospera) to 2026. This builds on over 20 years of Australian cooperation by contributing to expanding markets and creating jobs, safeguarding economic and financial stability, and supporting public policy and governance. The initiative supports Indonesia’s strong, sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
17. Looking forward, Leaders noted both economies share a common interest in boosting productivity and international competitiveness of critical industries, which are fundamental for achieving inclusive and sustainable growth and resilience, as well as for securing continued rising incomes. To this end, new ways of working could be examined to elevate and intensify cooperation between institutions, bureaucracies and markets for economic efficiency and integration, as well as to ensure the region is not left behind.

Connecting People

18. Leaders highlighted that enhancing people-to-people ties are vital for driving economic integration and innovation and reaffirmed commitment to streamlining mobility to drive business, education, and socio-cultural cooperation.
19. President Widodo welcomed new visa offerings for Indonesia in support of our expanding business and commercial links, including immediate extended visa validity for business travellers and prioritisation of work to expand Australian SmartGates access to Indonesian e-passport holders. Subject to necessary technical arrangements being put in place, Prime Minister Albanese also advised that Indonesians would have access to the Frequent Traveller Stream visa which provides for a 10 year visa validity.
20. Leaders welcomed the significant uptake of Australia’s Work and Holiday visa scheme among Indonesian travellers, and welcomed the ongoing discussions to expand the Skills Development Exchange under IA-CEPA, which will provide 1,500 placements over five years for Australian and Indonesian workers to develop their professional and intercultural skills through exchanges of up to 12 months. Exchanges will be enabled in agri-businesses, creative sectors, tourism and travel, and the green economy, as well as financial, insurance, mining engineering, information media and telecommunications sectors.
21. Leaders also welcomed the signing of the Agreement for Mutual Recognition of Engineers between the Institution of Engineers Indonesia and Engineers Australia. Leaders envisioned this signing serving as a stepping stone for the development of similar agreements for other professions in the future.
22. Leaders welcomed the return of two-way travel among Australian and Indonesian visitors to pre-pandemic levels and agreed aviation officials would discuss updates to our bilateral air services agreement to enable continued growth in demand for air services between Australia and Indonesia.
23. Leaders encouraged greater education cooperation through the intent to establish a Western Sydney University campus in Surabaya and the joint Deakin-Lancaster University campus in Bandung, noting the long history of educational ties between Australia and Indonesia. Leaders also noted the intent of Central Queensland University to establish a campus in Balikpapan and expand into Indonesia’s new capital, Nusantara, to support its sustainable development.
24. Leaders welcomed new collaboration between Australia Awards Indonesia and the Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education (LPDP), Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Indonesia, to enhance and expand scholarship opportunities for Indonesian students studying in Australia.
25. Leaders committed to strengthening Indonesian teaching and learning in Australia by announcing the return of the Indonesian Language Learning Ambassadors (ILLA) program, which will place Indonesian Australia Awards scholars into Australian primary and secondary schools, as well as into a new university pilot program to support Indonesian language and culture learning.
26. Leaders welcomed the ongoing discussion between Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) and the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) to strengthen research and innovation cooperation. Leaders welcomed increased links between Australian and Indonesian research institutions through the Australia-Indonesia Knowledge Partnerships Platform (KONEKSI, $50 million). KONEKSI will sponsor our institutions to develop joint research solutions to social, economic and technical policy problems. 

Securing Our and the Region’s Shared Interests

27. Leaders underlined the importance of an open, stable and prosperous region, where collaboration is strong, where competition is managed responsibly, where sovereignty and territorial integrity is respected, and where countries can exercise their agency free from coercion. Leaders reaffirmed the importance of working together to promote peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific region, reiterated their opposition to any unilateral changes to the status quo, and emphasised the importance of diplomacy to avoid the risks of miscalculation. 
28. Leaders highlighted the strength of the Australia-Indonesia defence and security relationship and welcomed progress towards developing a Defence Cooperation Agreement, demonstrating Australia and Indonesia’s commitment to work together to contribute to regional security and stability. Leaders reiterated their commitment to continued cooperation to counter transnational crime, trafficking in persons and people smuggling, terrorism, and violent extremism in our region.
29. Leaders noted with deep concern the worsening crisis in Myanmar, and called on the Myanmar military to cease violence, engage in dialogue, and allow unimpeded access for humanitarian assistance. Leaders urged the Myanmar military to engage meaningfully with ASEAN to urgently implement the ASEAN Five Point Consensus.
30. Leaders discussed the deeply concerning war raging in Ukraine. They strongly deplored the aggression by the Russian Federation against Ukraine.  They continued to reaffirm their respect for sovereignty, political independence, and territorial integrity, and reiterated their call for compliance with the UN Charter and international law. Leaders also denounced the prolonged war and stressed it is causing immense human suffering and exacerbating existing fragilities in the global economy – constraining growth, increasing inflation, disrupting supply chains, heightening energy and food insecurity, and elevating financial stability risks. They also urged all parties to work towards a peaceful resolution through diplomacy.

Contributing to Indo-Pacific Stability and Prosperity

31. Leaders reiterated their commitment to the principles underpinning the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP), as outlined in the November 2022 ASEAN-Australia Joint Statement on Cooperation on the AOIP. Leaders highlighted that openness, inclusiveness, transparency and respect for international law, rules and norms form the foundation of a region where we can advance our shared interests, and where each country can pursue its own aspirations and prosperity while remaining committed to maintaining peace and stability in the region, including through the existing ASEAN-led mechanisms. Leaders looked forward to the finalised documents of Secretariat-to-Secretariat cooperation between ASEAN and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and between ASEAN and the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), as concrete implementation of the AOIP. Leaders welcomed the Quad’s support for ASEAN centrality and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific.
32. Leaders highlighted their ambition for a world without nuclear weapons and their commitment to strengthening the global nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament regime, including its cornerstone, the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). Australia and Indonesia were founding members of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and remain steadfast supporters of its vital role and mandate in upholding the NPT. Leaders welcomed cooperation in the context of the Asia-Pacific Safeguards Network to build practical safeguards capabilities in the region.
33. Leaders discussed the vital importance of deepening regional economic integration, particularly through strengthening cross-border trade and investment in Southeast Asia. Leaders welcomed Indonesia’s priority economic deliverables as Chair of ASEAN in 2023, including developing regional economic corridors and strengthening connectivity and seamless logistics for enabling international commerce. Leaders looked forward to discussing ASEAN as An Epicentrum of Growth at the 43rd ASEAN Summit in September 2023 and considering practical actions to future-proof the ASEAN Economic Community.
34. Leaders noted progress in implementing the ASEAN-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, including through the Australia for ASEAN Futures Initiative, practical projects in line with the ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration on Mainstreaming Four Priority Areas of the AOIP Within ASEAN-led Mechanisms, and the ASEAN-Indo-Pacific Forum: Implementation of the AOIP. Leaders looked forward to the Special Summit to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of ASEAN-Australia Dialogue Relations, to be held in Australia from 4-6 March 2024.
35. Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to positive cooperation between Australia and Indonesia to support the priorities of Pacific island countries, under the Australia-Indonesia MOU on Trilateral Cooperation with the Pacific, including the UN Global Pulse Lab – Asia Pacific. Recognising Indonesia’s status as a Forum Dialogue Partner, Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to broad-based engagement with the region and the centrality of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) and the importance of coordinating efforts to respond to the Pacific’s priorities for a peaceful, prosperous and resilient region.  

Maritime Cooperation

36. Leaders recalled their nations’ unique bond as neighbours at the maritime crossroads of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, and the shared challenge of managing expansive maritime jurisdictions. Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen cooperation in maritime security and marine resource management.
37. Leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to maintaining and promoting security and stability in the South China Sea and underscored their strong support for freedom of navigation and overflight and unimpeded trade, and emphasised the need for the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

A Stronger Strategic Partnership

38. Leaders welcomed momentum in two-way high-level visits over the past year. Leaders noted the Special Envoy for Southeast Asia’s visit to Indonesia in February and looked forward to the release of Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040. Leaders also welcomed the increased tempo of two-way trade and investment-related visits.
39. Leaders asked Foreign Ministers to renew the Plan of Action for the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2020-2024).
40. President Joko Widodo expressed his sincere gratitude to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Australian Government for the warm welcome and hospitality accorded to him and the Indonesian delegation during the State Visit.

Today we announce the appointment of Mr Ewen McDonald as Australia’s next High Commissioner to the Republic of Fiji and Australia’s inaugural Special Envoy for the Pacific and Regional Affairs.

Australia and Fiji hold deep and enduring bonds underpinned by the Fiji-Australia Vuvale Partnership. Our countries have a common interest in a peaceful, prosperous, and resilient region.

Our relationship is defined by our shared priorities and values; strengthening our economies, acting on climate change, deepening connections between our people, enhancing our defence and security cooperation, and protecting the environment for the next generation.

Mr McDonald will be Australia’s first Special Envoy for the Pacific and Regional Affairs. Based in the region, this role reflects the Albanese Government’s commitment to supporting Pacific priorities under the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.

It will enhance Australia’s ability to respond to collective challenges and strengthen our engagement with regional organisations as a member of the Pacific Islands Forum, whose Secretariat is based in Suva.

Mr McDonald is a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and has headed the Office of the Pacific for the last four years.

He has previously served overseas as Australia’s High Commissioner to New Zealand with accreditation to Cook Islands and Niue.

We thank former High Commissioner John Feakes and the staff of the Australian High Commission in Suva for their contribution and commitment to strengthening the bilateral relationship.

Responding to evidence presented at the hearing into the Government’s Nature Repair Market Bill held today in Canberra, Greens spokesperson for the Environment Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said:

“Today the Senate heard that the ‘Nature Repair Market’ bill will not repair nature, but allow for its continued destruction. 

“Minister Plibersek’s ‘Green Wall Street’ bill is greenwashing and it should be binned so we can pass stronger environment laws which protect nature and the climate.

“A range of experts as well as State and Territory officials have shown Minister Plibersek’s nature offset market is undercooked and as it stands would be worse than nothing. It won’t stop logging or pollution but instead greenwash their expansion.

“Evidence in the hearing showed Minister Plibersek’s scheme will allow developers and mining companies to simply pay for the right to destroy nature and wildlife habitat.

“Alarmingly the PwC report that the Minister uses to justify this scheme argues that a market for nature should be an “absolute last resort” when it comes to protecting nature. The economic case for the scheme has also been severely undermined.

“Experts have warned that Green Wall Street will allow “double dipping” on carbon credits and nature credits for the same project, greenwashing the expansion of both. Green Wall Street would be an environmental ponzi scheme.

“Allowing corporations to pay to destroy nature is not nature positive, and will not save our wildlife.”

Independent polling commissioned by the office of Australian Greens Deputy Leader and Education spokesperson Senator Mehreen Faruqi shows that most young people are concerned about paying back their student debt, a majority agree indexation should be scrapped & there is significant support for free uni and TAFE.

Key findings:

• A clear majority of Australians think that University and TAFE should be free and fully funded by the Government (59%).
• Most Australians think student debts are currently too high (68%).
• There is resounding support for the proposition that student debts should not rise with inflation (72%).
• Overall, three quarters (77%) of Australians with student debt are concerned about their student debt, with half of them being very concerned.
• The younger the Australian the more concerned they are (Gen Z 79%, Millennials 70%, Gen X 60%, Baby Boomers 55%).
• A majority  (64%) of Australians are concerned about student debt in general.
• Seven out of ten (71%) Australians believe it is unfair the government is set to make more from rising student debt than they are from changes to their gas tax. 
• Just under 60% (59%) of Australians believe that the minimum repayment income should be raised to the median wage.
• Over half (52%) of Australians eligible to vote are more likely to vote for an election candidate with strong policies on tackling student debt. 
• Younger people  are much more likely to vote for a candidate with strong policies on tackling student debt (Gen Z 69%, Millennials 64%, Gen X 49%, Baby Boomers 38%) – This increases to almost 80% (78%) of all Australians with student debt.

Senator Mehreen Faruqi said:

“Young people are clearly worried about owing an ever expanding student debt. At a time when the cost of living is biting, this polling is a clear message to Labor to act on the student debt crisis.

“These figures prove beyond all doubt that we desperately need to overhaul our cooked student debt system. The community agrees with the Greens that student debts are too high, growing too fast and taking too long to pay off. 

“The verdict on student debt indexation is in and it’s damning. The Government should be wiping all student debt but at the very least, it should get its head out of the sand and abolish indexation now.

“This polling shows Labor is completely out of touch when they sat back and allowed an enormous hike to student debt during a cost of living crisis. People are angry that Labor is more focused on penalising students than making the corporations fueling  inflation pay their fair share. 

“People want a bold, progressive transformation. Labor should listen to the majority of Australians who back the Greens’ vision of free university and TAFE, which is fully funded by the Government.

“Education should open doors and lift people up, not shackle them with a debt sentence that only makes life harder.”

Note- The polling was conducted by Lonergan Research in accordance with the ISO 20252 standard, and in compliance with the Australian Polling Council Quality Mark standards (www.australianpollingcouncil.com). Lonergan Research surveyed 1,005 Australians 18+ between May 31 and June 5 2023. After interviewing, data was weighted to the latest population estimates sourced from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

The Foreign Ministers of Australia, Canada and the UK are deeply concerned by recent events in Israel and the West Bank which further reduce the prospects for peace.

We are gravely concerned by the Government of Israel’s approval on June 26 of over 5,700 new settlement units in the West Bank. We are also concerned by the changes to the settlement approval process instituted by the Government of Israel on June 18, which facilitate swifter approval of construction in settlements.

The continued expansion of settlements is an obstacle to peace and negatively impacts efforts to achieve a negotiated two-state solution. We call on the Government of Israel to reverse these decisions.

We are also deeply troubled by the continued violence and loss of life in Israel and in the West Bank. We unequivocally condemn all forms of terrorism and violence against civilians, including the terrorist attack on June 20 in Eli targeting Israeli civilians. We also condemn the reprehensible and ongoing settler violence targeting Palestinians. We welcome the joint statement from the heads of the Israel Defense Forces, Israel Security Agency and the Israel Police as well as statements by other Israeli leaders condemning these acts. We call on authorities to ensure accountability for all perpetrators of violence.

The cycle of violence in Israel and the West Bank must be broken.

Australia, Canada and the UK stand firmly with the Israeli and Palestinian people in their right to live in peace and security, with dignity, without fear and with their human rights fully respected. We continue to support a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in the Middle East, including the creation of a Palestinian state living side by side in peace and security with Israel. This vision can only be achieved through direct negotiations between the parties.

Responding to Environment Minister Plibersek’s announcement of an environmental offsets audit, Greens spokesperson for the Environment Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said:

“The Government’s Nature Repair Market must be scrapped in light of the Environment Minister’s offset audit and integrity concerns.

“Environmental offsets have been a sham for years. They are wholly designed to allow big developers and miners to destroy the environment and harm wildlife under the false pretense that saving a small piece of nature somewhere else can excuse the damage. 

“Offsets have never been about protecting the environment, they are only ever about greenwashing pollution and harm.

“If the Minister is seriously concerned about the integrity of offsets then the Nature Repair Market Bill currently before the parliament should be binned.

“As it stands, Minister Plibersek’s Nature Repair Market Bill will supercharge the use of these dodgy credits and offsets, meaning more destruction, more logging and more pollution. A ‘Green Wall Street’ is not what nature needs, it needs proper laws that can stop pollution and stop the bulldozers.

“The Greens have previously called for a suspension and investigation of environmental offsets around the country. Any audit must be independent and transparent if it is to have integrity.

“If the Minister is serious about protecting nature, she must stop seeking bandaid solutions to broken schemes and instead work urgently on fixing our environment laws so that they actually stop the destruction and pollution at the source.”

Responding to evidence presented at the hearing into the Government’s Nature Repair Market Bill held today in Canberra, Greens spokesperson for the Environment Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said:

“Today the Senate heard that the ‘Nature Repair Market’ bill will not repair nature, but allow for its continued destruction. 

“Minister Plibersek’s ‘Green Wall Street’ bill is greenwashing and it should be binned so we can pass stronger environment laws which protect nature and the climate.

“A range of experts as well as State and Territory officials have shown Minister Plibersek’s nature offset market is undercooked and as it stands would be worse than nothing. It won’t stop logging or pollution but instead greenwash their expansion.

“Evidence in the hearing showed Minister Plibersek’s scheme will allow developers and mining companies to simply pay for the right to destroy nature and wildlife habitat.

“Alarmingly the PwC report that the Minister uses to justify this scheme argues that a market for nature should be an “absolute last resort” when it comes to protecting nature. The economic case for the scheme has also been severely undermined.

“Experts have warned that Green Wall Street will allow “double dipping” on carbon credits and nature credits for the same project, greenwashing the expansion of both. Green Wall Street would be an environmental ponzi scheme.

“Allowing corporations to pay to destroy nature is not nature positive, and will not save our wildlife.”