Category: Australian News

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.

Today I announce the six recipients of the inaugural Maitri Cultural Partnerships grants.

The Cultural Partnerships are one of a suite of Maitri (meaning friendship) initiatives administered by the Centre for Australia-India Relations.

The Centre is working across government, industry, academia and the community to build greater understanding within the Australia-India relationship and support business to seize the opportunities of our economic partnership.

Each of these projects will support new and exciting collaboration with India and enhance the connections between our creative sectors and India’s thriving cultural industries.

• Mona Foma, the Tasmanian festival of music and arts, will lead a two-year Australia-India music collaboration with artistic exchanges and music residencies, culminating in a major concert in 2025.
• Bábbarra Women’s Centre in Maningrida Northern Territory will work with Tharangini Studios in Bengaluru to engage emerging women artists in textiles development.
• Raghav Handa will lead a joint effort between FORM Dance Projects and Attakkalari Centre for Movement Arts to be performed at the 2024 India Biennale in Bengaluru.
• Western Australia’s Undercurrent Theatre Company will collaborate with the Kerala-based Void Ensemble on a new production to be performed in Perth and Trivandrum.
• Benjamin Knapton, a leading Australian circus and physical theatre director, will work with performers of traditional Indian physical theatre on a production which will premiere at the Royal Opera House in Mumbai.
• Melbourne’s Liquid Architecture and Sarai-CSDS in New Delhi will co-host a symposium, workshop, and exhibition on creative practices that utilise new technologies in sound and media.

Further details on the successful grant projects can be found at australiaindiacentre.org.au.

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

“The Albanese Government is strengthening creative collaboration between Australia and India to further our cultural understanding and enhance our economic ties.

“The Maitri Cultural Partnerships will deepen our creative sector engagement from major cultural institutions to smaller, community partnerships.”

Tim Thomas, CEO, Centre for Australia-India Relations said:

“The Maitri Cultural Partnerships grants are a key element of the Centre for Australia-India Relations’ work to deepen understanding and connections between Australia and India. Strong cultural ties will increasingly be a feature of our strong relations.

“The Centre is pleased to support these projects to bring fresh and innovative perspectives to the Australia-India relationship and to foster creativity in our own multicultural ecosystem.”

This week Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Trade and Tourism Minister Don Farrell hosted more than 70 Ambassadors, High Commissioners and Chargé d’Affaires in South Australia.

The international diplomatic corps visit has been an opportunity to bring representatives from around the world to Adelaide, to promote trade and investment opportunities, showcase local produce and meet some of our wildlife.

The group met innovative researchers and students at Adelaide University, learned about South Australia’s green hydrogen future, experienced some of the best of the state’s agricultural produce and viewed light show ‘Resonate’ in the Adelaide Botanic Gardens.

The visit also provided an opportunity for the diplomatic corps to hear from First Nations people and learn about their rich culture, as well as Australia’s modern identity as a multicultural society.

To advance Australia’s interests and values in the world, we need to harness all elements of our national power – strategic, economic, social and diplomatic. This includes shaping how Australia is seen, by projecting modern Australia to the world.

Ministers Wong and Farrell extend their thanks to all of the groups and businesses that supported the visit.

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

“On the three day visit, we have shared some of what Australia, and South Australia has to offer – and discussing Australia’s approach to the world.

“It has also been an opportunity for our guests to learn more about modern Australia’s multicultural communities and First Nations heritage.

“We’ve been highlighting Australia’s world class education system and opportunities to build trade and investment, including in high-quality agriculture and green hydrogen.”

Minister for Trade and Tourism, Senator the Hon Don Farrell said:

“It was an honour to host over seventy Ambassadors and Heads of Mission from around the world.”

“South Australia has one of the largest agricultural research precincts in the Southern Hemisphere, premier higher education institutions, and huge innovation potential in the energy, health, med-tech and space sectors.

“Australia is full of opportunities with a dynamic and growing economy. We will continue to seek out opportunities to encourage trade and investment, strengthening our economy and contributing to Australian jobs and growth.”

Yesterday Minister Plibersek waved through another coal mine in Queensland, Star Coal, deeming that it would not have significant impact on the environment.

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

“Another day, another new coal mine, approved without concern for the environment.

“Minister Plibersek has just waved through a new coal mine in QLD, claiming that it will have no significant impact on our environment.

“The fact that any new fossil fuel project is allowed under our laws, no matter how big or small, is a red flag. It is the Environment Minister’s job to protect the environment, not hide behind bureaucracy as an excuse to allow more polluting fossil fuels.

“The Minister cannot say she is taking action on the environment or climate while approving new coal and gas projects. An environment plan that doesn’t stop pollution is not a real plan for the environment.

“Australia’s environment laws are clearly broken. Polluting projects are failing to be assessed for the emissions they create. We desperately need a climate trigger which will stop new coal and gas in its tracks.”

In response to the gambling inquiry report out today, Greens spokesperson for Gambling Reform, Senator Janet Rice said:

“Today’s gambling inquiry report and its recommendations are a first step towards reducing the awful harm caused by gambling. The crucial test is the Government’s response – we need urgent action from Labor rather than continuing to deny, delay and defer until after the next election. 

“It is good to see the inquiry recommend a national gambling regulator. This is something the Greens have long been calling for. Government must act urgently to establish a strong regulator with teeth. 

“Government after government have allowed gambling harm to go unchecked for far too long. Corporations and governments have profited at the expense of vulnerable people and communities. 

“The BetStop program has been delayed for far too long, and there’s still no clear timeframe for implementation. The Labor party can’t continue to hide behind reviews and reports – the time for action is now.” 

Greens Communications spokesperson Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said:

“Gambling ads should be banned by footy finals time. 

“Gambling addiction fuelled by advertising wrecks lives, communities and sport. The power and donations of the gambling lobby also infect our democracy. 

“These recommendations are welcome but the Greens are concerned that the Government has not backed them immediately. The Communications Minister can and should act immediately to crack down on gambling ads. 

“Footy finals are just around the corner and parents and sports lovers shouldn’t have to sit through another finals season being bombarded with betting odds and gambling ads. 

“Three years is too long – 3 years means 3 more years of gambling ads fuelling addiction, wrecking lives and affecting children.

“I have told the Minister we are willing to work with the Government to make this happen. There is no reason for delay. Parliament is back in August, let’s get a move on then and start removing the harm this insidious industry that profits off addiction is doing to families. 

“The proposed timeline puts implementation beyond the next election, leaving the door wide open for the cashed-up gambling lobby to get their tentacles into the Government and pressure them to water down the reforms we know we need now. We’ve seen this before and we shouldn’t let it happen again.

“The gambling lobby has powerful political influence, is cashed-up and donates to both the major parties. Now is the time for action, not words. At the very least the Government should back these recommendations on gambling advertising and implement them as soon as possible.”

Today I announce the appointment of Ms Lynn Bell as Australia’s next Ambassador to Counter Modern Slavery, People Smuggling and Human Trafficking.

The Ambassador plays a leading role in driving international cooperation, including through Australia’s work as Co-Chair of the Bali Process, which is crucial to addressing the abhorrent crimes of people smuggling, human trafficking and related transnational crime.

The Australian Government is committed to eradicating all forms of modern slavery. The Ambassador will work with partners in our region to strengthen their responses to modern slavery, and will work closely with the Operation Sovereign Borders Joint Agency Task Force.

Ms Bell is a career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and was most recently Assistant Secretary, Crisis Preparedness and Management Branch. Ms Bell has previously served as a Senior Adviser at the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and overseas in Papua New Guinea.

I thank former Ambassador Lucienne Manton for her contribution and commitment to Australia’s mission to counter modern slavery, people smuggling and human trafficking.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will welcome His Excellency Mr Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia and Her Excellency Mrs Iriana Widodo, First Lady, to Sydney from 3 to 5 July.

Indonesia is of vital importance to Australia, as a partner and a neighbour. Underpinned by a warm friendship and strong people-to-people links, our bilateral relationship includes cooperation on climate and clean energy transition, defence, security, economic development, trade, investment and education.

During the visit, Leaders will hold the 8^th Australia-Indonesia Annual Leaders’ Meeting. Leaders will discuss existing areas of cooperation under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, as well as deepening commercial and economic links and opportunities for both countries through the transition to net zero. 

Australia and Indonesia share a vision of an open, stable and prosperous region, with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) at the centre of the region’s affairs. Australia will continue to support Indonesia’s priorities as 2023 ASEAN Chair.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“I am delighted to welcome my friend President Widodo to Australia. This will be our fourth meeting together. As one of our closest neighbours, Australia is building extensive cooperation with Indonesia on climate, economic development, education and regional security issues.

“Our region’s prosperity and stability requires collective effort and responsibility – that’s why Australia is committed to being a strong partner to our friends and neighbours in Southeast Asia.

“I look forward to meeting with President Widodo and the First Lady in Sydney.”

I am pleased to announce grant recipients in the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations 2022-23 grants round.

The Foundation works to support governments, businesses, and communities build links and strengthen constructive engagement with China, consistent with our national interest.

This grants round supports Australia-China collaboration on climate change, health and ageing, scientific research, community engagement, education, arts and people to people exchanges.

The Foundation has awarded over $6 million in grants across 40 projects, including:

• A Macquarie University program that aims to improve early detection and effective management of hearing loss in newborns, through collaboration between Australian and Chinese researchers;
• Surf Life Saving NSW, which will deliver aquatic medical emergency response training to frontline health professionals and first responders in Haikou, China;
• Monash University’s work to expand the reach of Australian Children’s literature, through translation into Mandarin;
• And the University of Western Australia’s project to discover, record and tell stories of two centuries of Chinese Australian communities’ contributions to our national story.

A list of successful grant recipients is available on the Foundation’s website.

The Australian Government will provide a new $110 million assistance package to Ukraine. This assistance will help Ukraine defend and support itself against Russia’s illegal, immoral and unprovoked invasion.

Australia has stood with Ukraine since Russia’s brutal invasion 16 months ago. We are continuing to work with the government of Ukraine to provide assistance that addresses Ukraine’s needs and complements support provided by our partners. This package responds to Ukraine’s requests for vehicles and ammunition, and will make a tangible difference on the battlefield. It includes:

• 70 military vehicles, including: 28 M113 armoured vehicles, 14 Special Operations Vehicles, and 28 MAN 40M medium trucks and 14 trailers.
• Supply of 105mm artillery ammunition.
• $10 million to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, who manage the Ukrainian Humanitarian Fund, to help meet needs for shelter, health services, clean water and sanitation.

Ukrainian families, the elderly and children have borne a terrible cost from Russia’s invasion. Australia’s $10 million contribution to the Ukraine Humanitarian Fund will support their needs. 

In addition, Australia will extend duty-free access for goods imported from Ukraine for a further 12 months, to support its recovery and trade opportunities.

These commitments announced today bring Australia’s total contribution in support of Ukraine to $790 million, including $610 million in military assistance.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“This latest package of support demonstrates that Ukraine can count on Australia.

“We support international efforts to ensure Putin’s aggression fails and that Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity prevails.

“Australia is unwavering in our resolve to condemn and oppose Russia’s actions and to help Ukraine achieve victory.”

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said:

“Ukraine has demonstrated strength, resilience and courage in defending against Russia’s unjust invasion. Australia is proud to be one of the largest non-NATO contributors in support of Ukraine, and will continue to support Ukraine to end the war on its own terms.

“Ukraine has highlighted the utility of Australian vehicles on the battlefield.

“This package will continue to support Ukrainians on the front line.”

Foreign Minister Penny Wong said:

“We pay tribute to the extraordinary courage and resolve of the Ukrainian people, and stand with them.

“Ukrainian families, children and the elderly have borne a terrible cost from Russia’s invasion, and Australia is providing funding to support them.

“Russia cannot be allowed to infringe upon another country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

The Australian Government will provide an additional $12.5 million to meet urgent humanitarian needs in Bangladesh and Myanmar following Tropical Cyclone Mocha.

Tropical Cyclone Mocha caused widespread damage across Myanmar and Bangladesh when it struck on 14 May, affecting an estimated 2.4 million people and compounding an already serious humanitarian situation.

In Myanmar, Australia will provide $10.5 million to support 1.6 million affected people, through the United Nations-led response plan. This assistance will be provided to UN agencies and humanitarian partners to ensure that it does not directly benefit or legitimise the military regime.

In Bangladesh, Australia will provide $2 million to humanitarian partners, primarily to support Bangladeshi communities in the most severely affected areas.

This brings Australia’s contribution towards the Tropical Cyclone Mocha relief efforts to $13.5 million, following Australia’s initial $1 million contribution. Our initial support focused on the rapid delivery of humanitarian supplies and impact assessments.

The additional contributions build on our ongoing support for the humanitarian response in Myanmar and Bangladesh, now totalling $145 million in 2022-23.

We continue to urge the military regime in Myanmar to provide safe and unimpeded access for humanitarian assistance.