Category: Australian News

The Albanese Government is committed to standing by those who helped Australia’s mission in Afghanistan, and will implement all of the recommendations of the final report of the Independent Review into the Afghan Locally Engaged Employee (LEE) Program.

Established on 10 November 2022, the Independent Review led by Dr Vivienne Thom AM has made seven recommendations to improve the design and delivery of the Afghan LEE program. Work to implement the recommendations has already begun.

Consistent with the Report’s recommendations and the program’s original intent, the Government has expanded eligibility for certification to include security guards and former Afghan government and military officials who were employed with the Australian mission in Afghanistan. Applicants from these cohorts who were previously found to be ineligible will be contacted, where possible.

As part of its commitment to improve the administration of the program, and ensure consistency across Government, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Department of Defence will undertake a review of relevant historic decisions.

All applicants will still need to demonstrate they were employed with Australia and at risk as a result of that employment, to be eligible for certification.

Dr Thom’s Review confirms many of the concerns raised by the Senate Inquiry into Australia’s Engagement in Afghanistan. The Morrison Government failed to adequately plan for the evacuation of Afghan LEE and oversaw a program characterised by inconsistencies and irregular decision making, poor administration, and inadequate communication with applicants.

In line with the Report’s recommendations and the Government’s commitment to finalising certifications for individuals and their families as a matter of priority, new applications for certification under the Afghan LEE Program will close on 30 November 2023, with the Program closing by 31 May 2024.

The Government is committed to supporting Afghans and has allocated 26,500 dedicated places in Australia’s Humanitarian Program for Afghan nationals through to 2025-26. Since the fall of Kabul, more than 12,000 permanent humanitarian visas have been granted to Afghan citizens under the Humanitarian Program, and the Department of Home Affairs continues to prioritise Humanitarian visa applications from Afghan LEE and their immediate family members.

Since 2013, more than 2,500 Afghan LEE and their families have arrived in Australia under the Afghan LEE program and have made valuable contributions to the Australian community.

In undertaking the Review, Dr Thom met with Ministers and engaged with whole-of-government and public stakeholders.

The final Report, along with the Australian Government’s full response to the Independent Review is available online: Afghan Locally Engaged Employee Program.

The Government would like to thank Dr Vivienne Thom AM for her leadership of the review as well as all stakeholders who participated in the Review process.

In estimates last night the Government revealed that funding to end violence against women and children is less than half the amount the women’s safety sector says is needed.

Labor continues to ignore the women’s safety sector’s sustained calls for $1 billion in funding, leaving frontline family and domestic violence services with no choice but to turn away victim-survivors.

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

“The Government has said it wants to end violence against women within a generation but it’s not stumping up the funds to deliver that. The total commitment over the next five years is $2.23 billion, less than half the $5 billion the sector needs to ensure no one is turned away.

“The government has spoken often about difficult choices in the lead up to the budget, but right now they are choosing to spend $313 billion on tax cuts for billionaires and baulking at $1 billion a year for women escaping violence. It’s worse than disappointing, it’s a betrayal.

“Violence against women and children has not reduced since the first National Plan to end it  12 years ago. Labor must provide the funds required for the National Plan to succeed, or they risk squandering another 10 years, and more women’s lives.

“While the Labor Government continues to underfund frontline family and domestic violence services, victim-survivors are turned away from crisis accommodation and one woman is murdered every 10 days in this country.

“Labor are saying one thing about a ‘women-centred’ budget but doing another by shortchanging women in need. They’re choosing to put tax cuts for our highest income earners – of which two thirds are men – above women’s safety.

“What more does the sector need to do to convince the government to stump up the funds they need to meet demand and keep women and children safe?”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will travel to Singapore from 1 to 2 June to deliver the keynote address at the 20th Shangri-La Dialogue, and to meet with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong for annual bilateral discussions.

Through his keynote address to the Shangri-La Dialogue, the Prime Minister will outline Australia’s vision for the Indo-Pacific region. Convened by the International Institute for Strategic Studies, the Dialogue is the premier regional forum for senior government and thought leaders to discuss regional security dynamics and challenges.

Meetings with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong will focus on strengthening our bilateral cooperation, implementing the Singapore-Australia Green Economy Agreement, signed in October 2022, as well as strengthening mutual food and energy security, defence cooperation and trade and investment ties.

The Prime Minister will travel to Vietnam from 3 to 4 June to mark 50 years of diplomatic relations between our two countries.

In Vietnam the Prime Minister will hold meetings with Vietnam’s senior leaders and promote Australian business and education ties. Leaders will discuss ways to boost trade, investment and education links and expand cooperation on climate, energy and the environment.

Vietnam is an increasingly important economic and strategic partner for Australia in Southeast Asia, an area of focus for the Albanese Government. 

This is the Prime Minister’s first official visit to both Singapore and Vietnam.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“At the Shangri-La Dialogue I will outline Australia’s vision for a stable, peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

“Australia is committed to expanding and deepening ties with our partners in Southeast Asia to address shared challenges and ambitions.

“I look forward to the Annual Leaders’ Meeting in Singapore, where Prime Minister Lee and I will discuss the broad range of work underway as part of our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

“My first official visit to Vietnam is an opportunity to celebrate the 50^th anniversary of diplomatic relations and agree on new areas of economic, trade and other cooperation to deliver a stronger relationship into the future.”

The Mining and Energy Union is today launching an advertising campaign to support the Albanese Government’s proposed Same Job Same Pay laws for labour hire workers and challenge mining company scare campaigns. 

The print, television and social media campaign will continue until the new laws pass Parliament. 

MEU General Secretary Grahame Kelly said that despite mining company fear-mongering, Same Job Same Pay laws would be good for the industry. 

“Mining companies are notorious for throwing their weight around when governments propose changes requiring them to act in the community’s best interests. 

“But Same Job Same Pay will be a positive for mining because it will end a rort affecting the workers and regional communities that sustain the industry. 

“Same Job Same Pay will improve wages and conditions for labour hire workers and prevent them being treated as second class citizens. It will strengthen collective bargaining by ensuring companies stick to their end of the bargain. And it will be great for regional communities who lose out when big employers cut wages for half the workforce.”

Mr Kelly said that over the past decade, big mining companies have replaced thousands of good, permanent mining jobs with insecure, lower-paid labour hire jobs, cutting wages while their profits have grown. 

He said Same Job Same Pay laws would close the loophole that allows companies to avoid paying the wages and conditions negotiated under site Enterprise Agreements by outsourcing jobs to labour hire companies paying barely above the legal minimum. 

The practice means that on many mine sites, labour hire workers are paid from $30,000 to $50,000 a year less than permanent workers for doing the same job. Workers in other industries including transport and manufacturing are also affected. 

“We know that workers in industries apart from mining are also the victim of labour hire loopholes, being paid less than permanent employees performing the same job. 

“We encourage all workers who want to end this rort to get on board and help make sure Same Job Same Pay becomes a reality.” 

The ads have started airing today and the campaign is being officially launched at Parliament House in Canberra, where a delegation of MEU coal mineworkers has been briefing MPs about the misuse of labour hire and the need for Same Job Same Pay laws. The campaign will include events in regional areas in the months ahead.

The Australian Government will provide an additional $29 million to humanitarian partners to respond to the growing food security crisis and to assist vulnerable people in the Middle East and Africa.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a dramatic rise in the number of people at risk of acute food insecurity, increasing to 350 million people globally.

Australia is deeply concerned for those impacted by conflict, those experiencing extreme hunger and the consequences of crises on global stability and security.

As part of our ongoing response, Australia will contribute $29 million from the Humanitarian Emergency Fund to partners in the Horn of Africa and the Middle East, including:

• $15 million to address increased humanitarian, displacement and protection needs of people in drought-affected areas in Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia.
• $4 million to provide food and nutrition support to the most vulnerable in Yemen.
• $10 million for food and monetary assistance to refugees and vulnerable populations in Lebanon and Jordan.

This package builds on humanitarian support already delivered, including $25 million in emergency assistance announced in February to respond to growing global food insecurity and humanitarian crises affecting Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Yemen and Pakistan.

Australia’s ongoing response is part of broader efforts to address the underlying causes of crises and food insecurity globally, which includes long-term financial and technical support to build resilient communities and food systems.

We continue to advocate for open, transparent and predictable agricultural trade to reduce the export restrictions which raise prices and worsen food insecurity.

Australia has also committed $6 million to support those affected by the conflict in Sudan. The Government is concerned about active conflict and widespread food insecurity across the region and is monitoring the impacts closely.

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

“Conflict and climate change are driving unprecedented levels of humanitarian need, particularly in Africa and the Middle East.

“Australia is using all elements of our national power to shape the world for the better, including by providing humanitarian assistance to the most vulnerable.”

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

“We are seeing the largest global food crisis in modern history, with 350 million people going hungry.

“Australia is making an important contribution to the humanitarian response in partnership with other countries and international organisations.”

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

“Our $29 million package for immediate life-saving assistance is part of a broader effort to address the underlying causes of food insecurity and displacement globally.

“We are acting now to fight global hunger, help the most vulnerable, and build the conditions for stability.”

Introduction: 

In a recent development, the Red Rooster franchise located in Wodonga has come under scrutiny as it faces a staggering 355 charges from Victoria’s Child Employment Watchdog.

The allegations suggest the franchise employed ten children under 15 without the necessary permits. This incident is just one among several cases that have led to increased discussions around the employment of teenagers and the need to reassess current laws. One Nation Victoria MP, Rikkie-Lee Tyrrell, acknowledges the importance of safeguarding children but emphasizes the potential benefits of early part-time employment for teenagers. Let’s delve into the topic, exploring the advantages, safeguards, and the possibility of allowing younger people to work. 

The Importance of Part-Time Jobs for Teenagers: 

Mrs Tyrrell recognises the value of teenagers having their first part-time job, citing its invaluable benefits. Beyond monetary compensation, such employment instils essential work ethics and a sense of purpose and encourages the development of professional relationships. Moreover, it provides teenagers with a basic understanding of business and economics through financial incentives, and skill sets that may not be adequately covered in the school curriculum alone. 

Calls for Reassessment: 

While acknowledging the necessity of safeguarding children in the workforce, Tyrrell suggests evaluating existing teenage employment laws. Not all young individuals can work as she did on a family farm or in a family business. By imposing restrictions on maximum working hours to prevent exploitation and ensuring appropriate measures such as working with children checks and training, lowering the age bracket to 13 years old could provide numerous benefits. 

Safeguards to Protect Teenagers: 

Mrs Tyrrell emphasises the importance of implementing safeguards to protect the well-being and rights of teenagers. Restricting working hours can prevent potential abuse and ensure teenagers balance work and other commitments like education. Additionally, enforcing thorough working with children checks and providing training programs will help create a safer and more secure working environment for young employees. 

Win-Win Situation: 

Lowering the minimum age for employment can be seen as a win-win situation. Teenagers eager to earn a few extra dollars can gain valuable work experience and financial independence. Simultaneously, employers can tap into this talent pool to meet their labour needs, benefitting from the enthusiasm, energy, and fresh perspectives that young employees often bring. 

Conclusion: 

The recent charges brought against the Red Rooster franchise in Wodonga highlight the need to reassess current teenage employment laws. While protecting children in the workforce is essential, the potential benefits of part-time employment for teenagers should not be overlooked. By implementing appropriate safeguards, such as restrictions on working hours, thorough background checks, and training programs, it is possible to create a safe and enriching environment for young employees. With proper regulations, lowering the age bracket to 13 years old can provide teenagers with valuable life skills and offer employers access to a motivated and capable workforce. As the discussion continues, it is crucial to balance safeguarding young individuals and empowering them through suitable employment opportunities. 

I spoke to Mark McGowan earlier today to congratulate him on his retirement and all he has achieved through his time in public life. Mark leaves office as he led, on his own terms and as his own man. He has been a great Premier of his proud state, an extraordinary leader for WA Labor and a trusted friend. Above all, Mark will be remembered for seeing the people of Western Australian safely through one of the most challenging crises in our nation’s history. In unprecedented times, Mark always held to his convictions and always sought to do the right thing by his state.

While it’s true the sheer scale of his final election victory earned him a place in Australian political history, I know Mark’s definition of success has always been about delivering for people, improving lives and creating progress that endures. He has done all this in spades. I wish Mark, Sarah and their family all the very best for the next chapter of their lives.

The Government is developing a National Strategy for the Care and Support Economy to make sure we can provide sustainable, high quality care and support for Australians into the future and to make sure the people providing these services have decent jobs. 

Public consultation on the draft strategy is now open.

We are encouraging carers, the care and support workforce, people who receive care and support and the broader community to have their say on the draft Strategy.

All of us will need care and support at some point in our lives. Whether it’s as children, people with disability getting the right support, those who served in our armed forces, or older Australians being guaranteed dignity and security. 

The Strategy focuses holistically on improving the quality of care and support jobs within four key sectors – early childhood education and care, disability support, veterans’ care and aged care. 

It also considers how we can make sure government investment in these sectors is as effective as it can be so that it supports Australians’ quality of life and our economic productivity and prosperity.

These sectors are growing contributors to our national economy, with demand for care and support services on the rise.

As they continue to grow, care and support sectors will be fundamental to providing jobs, supporting workforce participation and improving our national productivity.

Securing the future of the care and support economy will make sure Australians can receive the high quality services they need.

The draft strategy is the start of a national conversation about our vision and direction for the care and support economy. 

Have your say through the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet’s website.

Prime Minister Albanese said:

“Every Australian should have access to high quality care and support, and that means we need to invest in high quality jobs in this sector.

“The care and support workforce is integral to the Australian economy, particularly as demand for aged care and early education services is on the rise.

“The Australian Government is committed setting a new direction for this sector through an accessible and sustainable care and support economy.

“To do this, we need to hear from those directly impacted by it. I encourage people to have their say on the draft Strategy so we can ensure it reflects the needs of the community.”

Today marks two year since Australian citizen, Dr Yang Jun, faced a closed trial in Beijing.

Dr Yang is still awaiting a verdict and the Australian Government remains deeply concerned about delays in his case.

Today, our thoughts are with Dr Yang and his family.

Australia has consistently called for basic standards of justice, procedural fairness and humane treatment for Dr Yang, in accordance with international norms and China’s legal obligations.

We will continue to advocate for Dr Yang’s interests and wellbeing, and provide consular support to Dr Yang and his family.

Today the landmark review of Australia’s Modern Slavery Act 2018 was tabled in Parliament. This review, led by Professor John McMillan AO, is a thorough analysis of the operation of the Act in its first three years. 

It also makes 30 recommendations to strengthen the Act, to ensure it is meaningfully tackling the scourge of modern slavery, both at home and abroad.

Modern slavery, including human trafficking, forced labour, and forced marriage are reprehensible crimes that have no place in our society.

The Government will now consider Professor McMillan’s review. We will consult across government and with stakeholders in formulating our response to the recommendations.

Many of the review’s recommendations are in line with key election commitments from the Albanese Government’s Tackling Modern Slavery package.

Recommendations include:

• introducing penalties for non-compliance with statutory reporting requirements
• lowering the reporting threshold from $100M to $50M
• requiring entities to report on modern slavery incidents or risks
• amending the Act to require entities have a due diligence system in place
• strengthening the administration of the Act through proposed legislative amendments and expanded administrative guidance
• proposing functions for the federal Anti-Slavery Commissioner in relation to the Act.

The review was informed by an extensive public consultation process involving over 280 government and non-government organisations, including from business, civil society and academia. 136 written submissions were provided to the review from a wide range of domestic and international stakeholders.

The Government would like to thank Professor John McMillan AO for his leadership of the review as well as all stakeholders who participated in the review process.

Additional support

Help is available for any person experiencing, or at risk of, human trafficking or other forms of modern slavery.

The Australian Federal Police can keep you safe, provide advice and refer you to support services. Call 131 237 (131 AFP). If you have immediate concerns for your safety or the safety of someone else, call Triple 0 (000).

If you suspect that another person is experiencing, or at risk of, human trafficking or modern slavery, call 131 AFP (237) or use the AFP’s confidential online form.

If you are in, or at risk of, forced marriage, visit www.mybluesky.org.au for support and free, confidential legal advice.