Category: Australian News

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.

Today marks six years since the Uluru Statement from the Heart was issued at Uluru on 26th May 2017.

Along with National Sorry Day and this year’s National Reconciliation Week (27 May to 3 June), it an important time for Australians to reflect.

Six years ago, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders from across the nation issued the Statement from the Heart, inviting their fellow Australians ‘to walk with us in a movement of the Australian people for a better future’.

At this historic meeting the Uluru Statement from the Heart called for the establishment of a Voice to Parliament to be enshrined in the Constitution.

It was the culmination of regional dialogues and included 1,200 First Nations representatives, that formed the Uluru Dialogues.

The sixth anniversary provides an opportunity for all Australians to reaffirm their commitment of the generous invitation of the Uluru Statement from the Heart, in full.

The Australian Government understands that the Statement from the Heart provides the best chance to close the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians and to bring people together and move our nation forward.

Next week the Constitutional Alteration is expected to pass the House of Representatives taking us one step close to a referendum to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through a Voice to Parliament in Australia’s founding document.  

In the words of the Uluru Statement let’s end “the torment of our powerlessness” and allow “our children to flourish”.

In 2017 we heard the call to the Uluru Statement from the Heart, and in 2023 we deliver on its promise.

2023 will be the year that Australia moves forward to a better future, for everyone.

A “Yes” vote at the 2023 referendum is a chance for all of us to take the next step on the journey to reconciliation.

To be counted – and heard – on the right side of history.

National packaging and waste reduction targets designed to increase recycling, help build a circular economy and minimise plastic pollution are likely to be regulated and enforced after decades of failed voluntary industry-led schemes. 

Following questioning from Senator Peter Whish-Wilson in Senate Estimates, the federal environment department acknowledged a move is underway to reset recycling and waste reduction laws, with hopes a national enforceable scheme to clean up plastic packaging waste will be established by 2025.

Greens spokesperson for waste and recycling, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson said:

“The failure of the Federal Government to hold big plastic producers and polluters to account for the mess they make has dragged on long enough.

“It’s a relief to see the federal environment department signal a long overdue move to establish a legally enforceable producer-responsibility scheme under federal laws. 

“For years the Greens, waste advocacy groups, and the recycling industry have called for the government to regulate strict national waste reduction and recycling targets. 

“For too long successive governments have allowed big producers of plastic pollution to self-regulate their own voluntary waste reduction and recycling targets, without any penalties for failure or fear of regulation.

“Most Australians would applaud federal government leadership in developing a new regulatory framework for waste reduction, especially one that removes unnecessary single-use plastics from our waste stream, promotes the redesign of packaging for a circular economy and provides the recycling industry with the investment confidence needed to upgrade infrastructure. 

“A new approach to waste reduction and recycling is long overdue and if done right, will no doubt be a huge win for jobs, innovation, and Australia’s environment and oceans.”

The Greens have again called for the pilitika/Robbins Island wind farm project to be abandoned due to its numerous environmental red flags. This includes fresh concerns raised by the Federal Environmental Department at Senate Estimates this week about the proponents failure to produce information on managing risks to one of lutruwita/Tasmania’s last Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD) free habitats.

The pilitika/Robbins Island wind farm project would see hundreds of hectares of critical Tasmanian devil habitat cleared, adjacent to where the deadly DFTD was recently detected, and where hundreds of devils from this population have been killed on roads in recent years.

Concerns about this project’s impact on the Tasmanian devil follow a bilateral federal-state ­EPA assessment that ruled the windfarm must shut for five months each year to avoid impacting migrating orange bellied parrots. 

Greens senator for lutruwita/Tasmania, Peter Whish-Wilson said:

“The Greens support a rapid renewable energy transition, but it would be a cruel irony if Australia’s renewable energy projects come at the expense of our threatened and iconic species.

“We need to have confidence that wind farms – like any energy project – don’t damage the environment, and the fact is the pilitika/Robbins Island wind farm project hasn’t been able to prove that. 

“The federal government’s oversight of the pilitika/Robbins Island wind farm is going to be a real test on how serious it is about reaching its ‘zero new extinction’ target and implementing strong environmental laws that actually protect critical habitat and wildlife instead of relying on dodgy offsetting schemes.

“Tassie devils are only just clawing their way back from the horrendous DFTD that wiped out 95% of the species’ population, while also battling a myriad of other pressures including land clearing, mining, logging, and becoming roadkill. Needless to say, a massive industrial wind farm on pilitika/Robbins Island is only going to add unacceptable pressure to the plight of the Tasmanian devil.”