Category: Australian News

The Northern Territory Chief Minister is manufacturing a culture war distraction while presiding over a correctional system in crisis. 

Women prisoners in Alice Springs are being held in dangerous, overcrowded conditions without adequate facilities, legal privacy, or safety from male inmates. Instead of dealing with the problem they created, a prison system in overcrowded crisis, the NT government has chosen to target one of the most marginalised groups in our community and attack trans women by putting them in crowded men’s prisons.

The Chief Minister told the media “if you’re born a bloke, you go into a men’s prison.” She also said “…we want to make it really clear that if you are a man and you’re fundamentally equipped as a man, if I could put it that way, then you belong in a men’s prison.”

Greens Senator and Justice Spokesperson David Shoebridge said: 

“Aboriginal women are being imprisoned at unprecedented rates and held in sweltering, overcrowded conditions without any rehabilitation services. That’s the national crisis and it’s not the gender identity of inmates.

“This is just more bigoted scapegoating from the NT Government while their prison system fails women they have put in jail every single day.

“This dangerous culture war being perpetrated by the NT Government is enabled by the Federal Government who funds 71% of the NT prison system and is therefore directly implicated in this dangerous policy. 

“It’s time to ensure Commonwealth funding comes with the requirement to uphold the human rights and dignity of people in prisons, not just give a blank cheque for the excesses of the NT Government.”

Greens Senator and LGBTIQA+ spokesperson Nick McKim said:

“Putting trans women in a men’s prison is a shocking abuse of their human rights.”

“Trans women are women and trans rights are human rights.”

“Trans people need love and support, not to be thrown into danger to pander to far-right culture warriors.”

Greens Member for Nightcliff, Kat McNamara MLA said:

“The Chief Minister is confecting culture wars to distract from the prison crisis unfolding under her rule.”

“The way the Chief Minister is speaking about trans people is uneducated, offensive and dangerous.”

“Trans women experience double the rate of sexual violence from men than the rest of the population. We must ensure their safety in prison.”

“The CLP government is pouring salt on the wounds of the queer community this week. In the same week they are weakening protections in our anti-discrimination laws, they’re stripping away an essential protection for trans women in the NT.”

“As one the few openly queer members of the Legislative Assembly, I am devastated for our LGBTQIA+ community this week.” 

The Greens welcome the ceasefire and exchange of Israeli and Palestinian hostages and hope that these are concrete steps towards peace with justice. 

After two years of genocide and bloodshed, the international community must do all it can to ensure peace. The cessation of bombing and exchange of hostages is a move towards this. However, peace will only be enduring if there is justice, an end to the apartheid system and self-determination. 

Senator David Shoebridge, the Greens spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, said:  “Any moves to end the genocide in Gaza are welcome and now there is cautious optimism for the first time in years. 

“This short moment of relief cannot hide the global responsibility for the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians and the wholesale destruction of Gaza. 

“This week’s ceasefire and today’s return of hostages show that at any stage in the last two years, peace was possible, but it required the United States and those that follow its lead, including Australia, to force Israel to the table.

“A genocide on this scale took global co-operation from international arms manufacturers together with diplomatic cover for Israel’s government and arms industry. Australia was a player in all of this, which is a permanent stain on the Albanese government’s record.

“Millions of Australians, and billions around the world, have now had a brutal first-hand lesson in how a US-dominated world works, whether it is their government’s involvement in weapons platforms like the F-35 fighter jet, or empty rhetoric about an ‘international rules-based order.’

“The foreign policy of the two major parties has lost legitimacy, it has made the world a less safe and less fair place. There must be a new course, one independent from a US-led foreign policy that saw such a devastating scale of bloodshed.

“We owe the Palestinian survivors of this unspeakable genocide truth, compassion and justice and that will require a fresh global commitment to a Free Palestine and the urgent enforcement of the Genocide Convention.

“Until there is a just and lasting peace across Israel and Palestine, meaning an end to the genocide, dismantling of the apartheid system and respect for self-determination, all countries are still obligated to act.”

The Australian Signals Directorate’s (ASD) Annual Cyber Threat Report for 2024-25 highlights the persistent threat of malicious cyber activity to the nation, underscoring the urgency of action by all Australians and Australian businesses to raise the nation’s cyber defences.

This year’s report illustrates how cyber criminals continue to impact many Australians, leveraging new technologies and techniques to expand their destructive attacks and cause widespread financial harm.  

It also details how state cyber actors continue to target business and critical infrastructure, as well as all levels of Australian government, in an attempt to conduct espionage, steal sensitive data or posture for disruptive attacks. These findings make it critical that all Australian businesses develop robust business continuity plans for service disruptions caused by a cyber incident. 

Key findings from the report include:

• ASD answered over 42,500 calls to the Australian Cyber Security Hotline, equating to around 116 calls per day.
• ASD responded to more than 1,200 cyber security incidents, an 11% increase from 2023-24.
• ASD received over 84,700 cybercrime reports, an average of one report every 6 minutes.
• The average self-reported cost of cybercrime per report for small business rose by 14 per cent to $56,600, while the cost to individuals rose 8% to $33,000.

The report highlights the importance of government and industry partnerships in combatting cyber threats through intelligence sharing, combining insights and capabilities to block and counter these threats. These partnerships enable us to identify emerging threats and help defend Australian organisations in advance of cyber attacks. Increased cyber security awareness is leading to greater collaboration across government and industry, as well as reporting of cyber incidents.

ASD’s Cyber Security Partnership Program grew to over 133,000 partners and the Cyber Threat Intelligence Sharing network now shares millions of indicators of compromise with hundreds of Australian partners. All Australian businesses and organisations are encouraged to join ASD’s Partnership Program at cyber.gov.au.    

The Australian Government is working to prevent cybercriminals from targeting the nation through its investment in Project REDPSPICE, which has already doubled ASD’s capacity to assist consenting private entities to uplift critical networks and counter malicious cyber activity.  

The 2024-25 Annual Cyber Threat Report is available here

the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon Richard Marles MP:

“ASD’s Annual Cyber Threat Report sharply illustrates that the nation faces an increasingly challenging threat landscape where cyber-enabled espionage and crime are not a hypothetical risk, but a real and increasing danger to the essential services we all rely on.

“The report makes clear that malicious actors have been working unseen to steal data and demand ransom payments from Australian victims, or to target our most critical networks for disruptive attacks.

“ASD’s annual assessment again shows the urgency of industry and government working collaboratively to raise our collective cyber defences and protect the digital arteries so essential to the nation and our economy.”

the Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Cyber Security, the Hon Tony Burke MP:

“The Signals Directorate protects Australians every day.”

“Our government is working hard to strengthen our cyber defences, but there are simple, effective steps that every Australian can take to keep themselves and their families safe online.

“Always install the latest software updates, use unique passphrases, enable multifactor authentication wherever it’s available, and if you receive an unexpected cold call, hang up and call back through the official line.

“Most cyber incidents are preventable, and basic defensive measures make a huge difference. Working together, we can keep our community safe online.”

Australia and the United States have taken another step towards co-production of guided weapons with the signing of a Joint Statement of Intent and the opening of a new joint office to enhance bilateral cooperation in this critical domain.

These initiatives are underpinned by the Albanese Government’s investment of up to $21 billion over the decade to establish a sovereign Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) Enterprise, boosting our industrial capacity and supporting thousands of jobs in Australia’s defence industry.

The signing today of the Joint Statement of Intent with the United States Department of War and Lockheed Martin Corporation in Washington DC marks a significant milestone in Australia’s efforts to build a sovereign GWEO Enterprise. It also represents a deepening of our strategic partnership with the United States and shared commitment to building a resilient, interoperable and sovereign capability.

The signing of this Joint Statement of Intent paves the way for further co-development and production of critical long-range fires, beginning with variants across the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) family of munitions and Precision Strike Missiles (PrSM).

This statement also acknowledges that for guided weapons manufacturing in Australia to be a viable and sustainable capability, Australia will need to produce guided weapon quantities beyond the demands of the Australian Defence Force (ADF). It also recognises the Australian Government’s objective to manufacture guided weapons that could be integrated into the US-led global supply chain. 

Australia is on track for the production of GMLRS munitions before the end of 2025, with a view to manufacturing more advanced weapons in the future.

The signing of the joint statement comes as Australia and the United States deepen cooperation on the PrSM program with the opening of a joint office in Huntsville, Alabama. The dedicated facility will serve as the central hub for coordination between Australia and the United States on the acquisition and development of the PrSM capability and will oversee its production and sustainment.

PrSM is a long-range missile with a maximum range beyond 500 kilometres and is central to strengthening Australia’s land and maritime strike capability.  

the Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Pat Conroy MP:

“This Statement of Intent reaffirms the strength of our longstanding alliance with the United States and our mutual interest in contributing to regional and international security.

“This milestone is a clear demonstration of our shared commitment to building a resilient and interoperable industrial capacity for both Australia and the United States.

“The statement reflects the Albanese Government’s determination to accelerate the delivery of advanced capabilities that help keep Australians safe, while strengthening our defence industrial base.”

The Albanese Government is nearly tripling our investment in HIV services in Papua New Guinea (PNG), following the PNG Government’s declaration of a HIV emergency in June this year.

Working in partnership with the PNG Government, churches, the private sector, and others, Australia is increasing its annual HIV development funding to almost $10 million this financial year to safeguard the Papua New Guinean population.

Australia’s increased support will focus on preventing transmission by increasing awareness and testing, strengthening surveillance, and supporting expanded access to prevention measures.

The announcement was made during a visit by the Assistant Minister for Pacific Island Affairs Nita Green to the St Therese HIV clinic to mark the completion of their recent renovation.

Australia is investing in the renovation of three HIV clinics in Port Moresby, including the St Therese, to ensure a safer, more dignified space for people to receive counselling and care.

Recognising the vulnerability of young people, Australia will support youth-led education and outreach programs to help reduce new infections.

Our programming will also include tailored services for women and girls, who are disproportionately affected by HIV.

Today’s announcement adds to ongoing Australian Government initiatives to support the Pacific in its fight against HIV, including partnerships with UNAIDS, Health Equity Matters, and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong:

“Australia and Papua New Guinea are close neighbours, friends and strategic allies, and we support each other in times of need.

“As HIV rates in the Pacific continue to rise, we recognise the increasing importance of working together to safeguard our region.”

Minister for Pacific Island Affairs Pat Conroy:

“Rising rates of HIV in the Pacific are threatening lives and livelihoods.

“Australia is committed to working side-by-side and step-by-step with PNG to improve health outcomes.

“This support complements Australia’s broader commitment to health security in the Pacific, working with regional partners to address cross-border health challenges.”

Assistant Minister for Pacific Island Affairs Nita Green:

“It is an honour to re-open the St Therese HIV Clinic in Port Moresby – Australia’s support for this renovation is a symbol of our steadfast commitment to Papua New Guinea’s health sector.

“Australia shares a desire with the Government of PNG to drive better health outcomes across PNG.

“Together, we stand as partners in responding to the HIV situation in PNG, with urgency, compassion, and resolve.”

Australia is providing up to $3 million in humanitarian assistance to Vietnam following Typhoons Bualoi and Matmo.

These consecutive typhoons have led to widespread destruction and flooding across northern and central Vietnam. Tragically, at least 69 people have been reported dead.

Our thoughts are with the people of Vietnam during this difficult time.

Australia’s support will include emergency relief supplies such as kitchen kits, hygiene kits and shelter tool kits. We will also mobilise the Australian Humanitarian Partnership to enable Australian non-government organisations to deliver lifesaving assistance. This funding will also provide support through United Nations agencies.

As trusted partners, we will work closely with the Government of Vietnam in the delivery of this support.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong:

“We know the path to recovery will take some time and as longstanding friends and partners, Australia stands with Vietnam in its time of need.

“Australia will continue to work with Vietnam on immediate relief efforts and building disaster resilience.”

Minister for International Development Dr Anne Aly:

“Our thoughts are with the families and communities affected by the recent destructive Typhoons.

“Australia and Vietnam are partnering together to ensure families and the most vulnerable, including women, children, and people with disability, receive lifesaving assistance.”

Lee Hanson has expressed her shock and disappointment over Senator Lidia Thorpe’s recent remarks made at Parliament House. Lee Hanson described the comments as violent, inappropriate, and unbefitting of someone in a position of national leadership. She said she was deeply disturbed by the tone and content of Thorpe’s statement, questioning whether the senator truly cared about the country or its people.

She explained that her reaction came not only from a place of public concern but also personal worry, as a member of her own family works within Parliament House. She emphasised that such hateful and threatening comments could have serious consequences and should be treated with the same gravity as they would for any ordinary citizen.

She further stated that anyone else making similar statements would likely face police attention and accountability. Lee Hanson hopes that authorities take the incident seriously and that Thorpe is held responsible for her words.

According to Lee Hanson, the comments reflect a lack of respect and appreciation for the privilege of serving in Parliament. She said she felt ashamed that such behaviour could come from an elected representative and believes it undermines the integrity of the institution. Lee Hanson’s strong reaction highlights growing concerns about the standards of conduct expected from those in public office.

Madeleine Habib is safe, out of Israel, and on her way home to Tasmania.

“Madeleine is a great Tasmanian and a true hero,” Greens Senator for Tasmania Nick McKim said.

“Her courage has given heart to the people of Gaza and inspired so many of us around the world.”

“Her actions sent a clear message to the Australian government that genocides should be resisted, not enabled.”

“Madeleine’s arrest in international waters was was just one of countless crimes committed by Israel over many decades.”

“It was an act of piracy and kidnapping.”

“The attempt by Israel to indefinitely detain Madeleine unless she signed a waiver was nothing less than extortion, and should result in the strongest possible diplomatic response from Foreign Minister Penny Wong.”

“Thanks to many in the community who rallied and organised to support Madeleine and everyone else imprisoned by Israel for trying to bring aid to Gaza.”

“While Madeleine is coming home, we must remember the profound suffering still being faced by the people of Gaza, and that millions of Palestinians continue to live in fear with their rights trampled by Israel’s apartheid regime.”

Greens Economic Justice spokesperson Nick McKim has responded to announcement that the government has reworked the superannuation tax bill:

“We will take a look at the detail here, but we’re concerned that the government has further weakened what should be a tax to ensure the super wealthy top 0.5% pay their fair share of tax.

“It’s clear Labor doesn’t have the guts to tax big corporations and billionaires fairly.

“Of course low income people need some tax relief on their super contributions. This is something the Greens have called for for some time, so we will run the ruler over the changes to low income earners’ superannuation.

“Labor has stripped out the tax on unrealised gains and indexed the $3 million threshold, a gift to the super-rich that will cost the budget billions.

“This is a capitulation to the wealthiest people in the country, and a slap in the face to everyone else who pays their tax straight out of their pay packet.

“This new model will give a green light to the richest 0.5% to keep hoarding investment properties. No capital gains tax will have to be paid as long as they don’t sell their properties and even then, less than half of the profits will attract tax.

“We’ll look at the full legislation when it’s introduced, but this backflip shows Labor’s priorities loud and clear. They’d rather protect the wealthy few than stand up for the many.

“The Greens will keep pushing for a fair tax system that makes the wealthy pay their way, instead of one that still rewards those hoarding obscene wealth through super accounts.”

The Minns Labor Government is fast-tracking $200 million to deliver a pothole and road maintenance blitz across Sydney’s busiest corridors, following one of the city’s wettest winters on record.

This investment brings Greater Sydney’s total road maintenance funding for 2025-26 to $488 million, improving the safety, reliability, and resilience of the network by ensuring faster repairs, fewer potholes, and reduced vehicle damage.

At the same time as the Government delivers the new roads that growing communities need, it is ensuring that existing roads remain safe. More than 5,100 potholes have already been repaired across Sydney’s roads in August and September alone.

Work under this program will be prioritised based on:

• traffic volumes,
• the location and severity of the pothole, and
• the road’s importance for freight, bus services, and emergency access.

Importantly, around 15 per cent of pothole repairs are identified through public reports, which can be made to Transport for NSW online here, or by phoning 131 700.

This announcement will allow the Government to continue building a fairer, safer road network across Sydney.

Last year alone, 1.57 million hours of maintenance work were completed across Sydney’s roads, resulting in:

• 10,879 potholes repaired
• Nearly 1 million square metres of road resurfaced – equivalent to more than 125 football fields
• 344,000 linear metres of new line markings

In August 2025, the Minns Labor Government also announced $155 million in accelerated funding for a maintenance blitz across regional NSW, bringing total maintenance investment in non-metropolitan communities to $1.25 billion this financial year.

Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns said:

“We know how frustrating it is for drivers to deal with damaged roads and potholes, especially after one of Sydney’s wettest winters on record.”

“This $200 million blitz will help make sure our roads are safer and more reliable, while supporting the crews who are already working hard every day to keep Sydney moving.

“Our Government is getting on with building the new roads that growing communities need, but we’re also making sure that the roads people use every day are maintained to a standard that keeps them safe.

“We’re investing in both the future of our road network and the quality of the drive today because whether you’re commuting to work, dropping the kids off at school or running a small business, safe and reliable roads matter.”

Treasurer of New South Wales, Daniel Mookhey said:

“Building and maintaining our roads is essential to the prosperity of NSW.

“This $200 million blitz across Sydney’s busiest corridors is part of delivering a safer, fairer road network.

“It helps give families certainty, and workers and businesses the confidence to plan for the future as they go about their activities today.”

Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“This $200 million acceleration of funding proves the Minns Labor Government is serious about Building a Better NSW.

“Not only are we delivering new major road projects, we’re also fixing the roads families rely on every single day.

“This work might not get ribbon cuttings, but we take enormous pride in delivering safe, reliable travel for everyone who uses our road network.

“This blitz for Sydney’s key corridors is an investment in reliable, resilient infrastructure that keeps the city moving.

“I want to thank our incredible maintenance teams whose work makes a real difference to every Sydney driver’s daily journey.”

Transport for NSW Deputy Secretary Road Maintenance and Resilience Matt Fuller said:

“Our crews are winning the battle against potholes and weather damage.

“Millions of people depend on our roads daily – this is why maintenance is absolutely critical.

“After a massive year of repair work, we’re entering the optimal season for major pavement upgrades. Our frontline teams work around the clock, through storms and crashes, to keep Sydney connected.”