Category: Australian News

Today’s report from the Greens-initiated Universal access to reproductive healthcare Senate inquiry confirms that despite being legal, access to abortion, contraception, sexual healthcare and maternity services remains a postcode lottery in Australia.

The consensus recommendations made by the multipartisan Committee today set out a comprehensive plan for improving access to reproductive, sexual and maternity healthcare for everyone, and the Greens look forward to working with the government to get them implemented.

Greens leader in the Senate and spokesperson on Women, Larissa Waters said:
“The message has been clear throughout this inquiry – there are currently too many barriers to abortion, contraception, sexual healthcare, and maternity services in Australia.  That needs to change. 

“These recommendations will have a real impact on people’s access to reproductive health, and we welcome the unanimous support for them from the committee. The Greens will push to see them implemented as soon as possible.

“People shouldn’t have to spend hundreds of dollars and travel hundreds of kilometres to get an abortion. The Committee’s recommendation to lift restrictions on medical abortion and ensure public hospitals provide surgical abortions or a referral to an affordable local service will go a long way to improving access. 

“The Greens will continue to call for those pathways to be fully funded. Abortion care is basic healthcare, and that means it should be available with no out of pocket costs.”  

“Contraception is crucial to giving people more control over their reproductive choices. The Committee recommendations will improve access and affordability for different types of contraceptives, including long acting reversible contraceptives. 

“The Greens will continue to advocate for all contraception to be free, but we welcome these steps to address some financial barriers. 

“Half the battle is figuring out where you can go to get an abortion or advice on contraception. A national hotline will provide a single touchpoint for people to find reproductive healthcare where and when they need it.

“Around Australia, closures of maternity wards in regional hospitals have left many expectant parents with no choice but to drive for hours to give birth.  It’s unacceptable, and we are pleased that the Committee has called for birthing services to be available in all regional hospitals.

“Another welcome recommendation is support for midwives in birthing and a broader range of reproductive healthcare, and support for more birthing on country initiatives for First Nations people. 

“This inquiry has revealed the scale of work needed to achieve universal access to abortion, contraception, sexual healthcare, and maternity services in Australia, and the Greens are committed to getting it done.”

Today I announce the appointment of Mr Richard Feakes as Australia’s next Ambassador for Counter-Terrorism.

Australia’s Ambassador for Counter-Terrorism is responsible for leading our international engagement on counter-terrorism including at international fora and works closely with domestic agencies on counter-terrorism issues.

Mr Feakes will also sit on the Commonwealth Joint Counter-Terrorism Board and the Australia-New Zealand Counter-Terrorism Committee.

Terrorism is a global challenge, and working closely with our international partners in the region and beyond is critical to safeguarding Australia, our people and our interests from the harms of terrorism and violent extremism.

Mr Feakes is a career diplomat with extensive counter‑terrorism experience. He most recently served as Commonwealth Deputy Counter-Terrorism Coordinator within the Department of Home Affairs. His previous diplomatic roles include Australian Ambassador to Afghanistan and postings to Iraq and Papua New Guinea.

I thank the former Ambassador, Major General (Rtd) Roger Noble AO DSC CSC, for his contribution to increasing Australia’s standing as a partner of choice on counter-terrorism throughout his tenure.

The Greens have welcomed today’s announcement that the Victorian Labor Government intends to bring forward the state’s transition out of native forest logging, and are ready to work with the Albanese Government to end logging nationwide.

The Greens’ Ending Native Forest Logging Bill 2023 is already before Parliament to repeal the Regional Forest Agreements, closing the loophole that gives the logging industry a free pass to skirt national environmental protections. 

Senator Janet Rice, Greens spokesperson for Forests said:

“If the Albanese Government is serious about fighting the climate crisis and protecting our environment, it must now follow the lead of Victoria, and other state governments, and stop all native forest logging.

“Native forest logging is a dying industry and there’s no way around it. 

“If Labor bring on the Greens bill to a vote, we can immediately ban all native forest logging across the country. 

“The Regional Forest Agreements have allowed reckless destruction of native forests for decades across Australia, pushed native wildlife to the brink of extinction, destroyed First Nations heritage, endangered our water supplies, heightened bushfire risk, and made the climate crisis worse.

“The Government has a responsibility to stop this destruction, protect native forests and fix our broken environment laws. 

“The Greens are ready to work with the Albanese Government on a national ban on native forest logging, ensure a just transition for forestry workers and protect what remains of our precious native forests.”

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

“This is an important breakthrough in Victoria and must force the Federal Government to act – we now need a permanent, national ban on native forest logging across the country.

“In 2023 in the midst of a global extinction and climate crisis there is no excuse for Australia to keep logging our great forests.

“The Victorian Government has today made the right decision for our native forests and wildlife, but this must be nation-wide.

“The Greens will move to make this national and permanent in our Federal environment laws. It is good for the environment, good for the economy and popular.

Today we announce the inaugural Advisory Board for the Centre for Australia-India Relations, that will drive greater collaboration between our countries from its new Western Sydney base.

The Centre will work 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.

The Centre’s headquarters will be in Parramatta, an emerging hub for entrepreneurship and innovation and home to one of Australia’s largest Indian communities. The new headquarters is being supported by the NSW Government.

Joining the Chair of the Advisory Board, Ms Swati Dave, and the CEO of the Centre, Mr Tim Thomas, we are pleased to make the following appointments to the Board:

• Ms Florence Drummond, CEO, Indigenous Women in Mining and Resources Australia
• Mr Adam Gilchrist AO, former Australian cricket captain
• Ms Amrit Gill, Creative Program Lead, City of Melbourne
• Ms Catriona Jackson, CEO, Universities Australia
• Mr Sammy Kumar, CEO, Sayers Group
• The Hon. Martin Hamilton-Smith, former South Australian Minister for Trade
• Ms Mitu Bhowmick Lange AM, CEO, Mind Blowing Films
• Ms Jodi McKay, National Chair, Australia India Business Council
• Mr Gunjan Pagare, Executive Manager, Community Investment, Commonwealth Bank
• Mr Amit Singh, Managing Partner, Mandala Partners
• Ms Jan Adams AO PSM, (ex-officio), Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

The Centre will also deliver the Maitri (friendship) program of scholarships, fellowships, cultural partnerships and grants. For more information on the Centre for Australia-India Relations, visit its website: www.australiaindiacentre.org.au.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Prime Minister Narendra Modi met today in Sydney for bilateral discussions that deepened the friendship between our two nations.

The Australia-India relationship is already strong, but we both see potential for growth and an opportunity shape a better future for our region.

The meeting built on the outcomes from the Australia-India Annual Leaders’ Summit in March and reinforced their commitment to an open, prosperous and secure Indo-Pacific.

The leaders discussed the strength of the bilateral trade, investment and business relationship and reiterated their shared ambition for an early conclusion of the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement.

Further reinforcing the economic and people to people ties between our two countries, the leaders announced the finalisation of the Australia-India Migration and Mobility Partnership Arrangement, which will promote the two-way mobility of students, graduates, academic researchers and business people, while also enhancing cooperation to prevent irregular migration and people smuggling.

The Prime Ministers welcomed progress towards establishing an Australia-India Green Hydrogen Taskforce and today announce the Terms of Reference for the Australia-India Green Hydrogen Taskforce have been agreed.

Prime Minister Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced that the new Centre for Australia-India Relations will be head-quartered in Parramatta. The Centre began operations this month and will drive deeper engagement with India through business, policy and cultural activities and work with Indian diaspora communities. The Centre will be led by Chair Swati Dave and CEO Tim Thomas.

Prime Minister Albanese also announced the establishment of the new Australian Consulate-General in Bengaluru. Expanding Australia’s diplomatic footprint to Bengaluru will connect Australian businesses to India’s booming digital economy and innovation ecosystem, and reinforce our growing links in science and technology. Prime Minister Albanese welcomed India’s plans for a Consulate-General in Brisbane.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Albanese and Prime Minister Modi celebrated Australia’s valued Indian diaspora communities at a community event at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney. In recognition of the important contributions of the Indian diaspora to Australia’s rich multicultural society, the leaders unveiled a plaque for the foundation stone of a “Little India” gateway for Harris Park.

The leaders also welcomed the City of Perth and Western Australian Government’s decision to rename a road along Perth’s Swan River in recognition of Private Nain Singh Sailani, one of 12 known ANZACs from the Indian community who fought in the Australian Imperial Force during the First World War.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Australia has strengthened the close and strong relationship that Australia enjoys with India.”

“This is a relationship we need to invest in. Our strong partnership with India will deliver benefits for Australia in trade, investment and business, and in regional security and stability.”

“In my first year as Prime Minister, I have met with Prime Minister Modi six times, which underscores the value we place on deepening ties between our nations.”

“Australia is a better place because of the contributions of Indian-Australian community, and we want to see more connections between our countries.”

The Greens have welcomed news revealed in Senate Estimates that the Commonwealth has withdrawn federal funding for the Cradle Valley Cableway.

“Tasmania’s wilderness is far too precious to be despoiled for profit, and surely now this horrendous project can be consigned to the dustbin where it belongs,” Greens Senator for Tasmania Nick McKim said.

“This is a terrific result for Tasmania’s precious wilderness, and a relief for the countless Tasmanians who want our National Parks properly looked after.”

“The project never stacked up, and never had a social license.”

“It was simply a pipe-dream of the develop-at-all-costs brigade, and a lazy attempt at pork barrelling. Its cheerleaders should be ashamed of themselves.”

“For the Liberals to be prioritising funding for a $190 million cable car and a billion-dollar stadium during a housing crisis shows how grossly out of touch they are.”

The response to the Greens’ question on notice can be found here.

Only a total ban on native forest logging will help conserve the environment and save the wildlife that call our forests home, the Greens say, following comments by Labor MP Josh Burns.

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

“If the Albanese Government is serious about making Australia’s environment laws fit for purpose they must put a stop to native forest logging.

“In 2023 in the midst of a global extinction and a climate crisis there is no excuse for Australia to keep logging our great forests.

“In Australia halting extinction means the Government must do everything in their power to stop destruction of our forests. We cannot save wildlife like the koala while continuing to destroy their homes. 

“Sadly the Government has done nothing so far to protect what remains of our native forests, but the Greens are willing to work with them to fix this.

“If the Albanese Government’s new environment laws don’t stop native forest logging and continue to approve projects that make climate pollution worse, they won’t be worth the paper they are printed on.”

Greens spokesperson for Forests, Senator Janet Rice said:

“The Regional Forest Agreements have failed to protect our forests; Labor’s new environment laws must end RFAs and the logging of native forests.

“RFAs have allowed for decades of reckless destruction of native forests across Australia, pushed native wildlife to the brink of extinction, endangered our water supplies, heightened bushfire risk, and made the climate crisis worse.

“Josh Burns is clearly feeling the pressure from his constituents who know the proposed EPBC Act reforms won’t protect Australia’s precious native forests.

“The logging industry should be subject to the same environmental review standards as all other industries, not get a free pass for ecological vandalism because of the RFAs.

“The Government has a responsibility to stop this destruction, protect native forests and fix our broken environment laws.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong today announced financial sanctions and an export ban, targeting sectors of economic and strategic significance to Russia.

These additional targeted measures aim to slow Russia’s war machine.

Australia’s action is part of a push by international partners, who are meeting at the G7 Leaders’ Summit in Hiroshima this week.

Australia has already sanctioned more than 1,000 individuals and entities who are supporting Russia’s illegal and immoral invasion of Ukraine.

The new financial sanctions will target 21 entities and three individuals, including:

• Subsidiaries of Russian state-owned atomic energy corporation Rosatom that are involved in nuclear research, infrastructure development and weapons manufacturing.
• The Russian entity created to take over Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, the largest nuclear power plant in Europe.
• Russia’s largest petroleum company Rosneft.
• Russia’s largest gold company Polyus PJSC.
• One of Russia’s largest steel companies Severstal PJSC.
• Defence entities supporting Russia’s war.
• Five Russian banks with operations across the Russian Federation.

The Australian Government will also implement a ban on the export of all machinery and related parts to Russia and areas temporarily under Russian control. This will prevent Australian goods from aiding Russia’s aggression in Ukraine.

Australia stands with Ukraine and pays tribute to the unwavering resilience and courage displayed by the Ukrainian people. We mourn the incalculable losses that Ukraine continues to endure and acknowledge the far-reaching negative economic impacts Russia’s invasion has had on the world, including in the Indo-Pacific region.

Australia again calls on Russia to withdraw its forces from Ukrainian territory and end this war.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“Australia stands with Ukraine. We pay tribute to the unwavering resilience and courage displayed by the Ukrainian people.”

“Australia again calls on Russia to cease its illegal and immoral war against the people of Ukraine.”

“We will continue to work with the G7 and international partners to address the global impacts of Russia’s invasion.”

“This includes food and energy insecurity, which is a significant concern for our own region.”

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

“This action targets sectors of economic and strategic significance to Russia.”

“This includes the financial, energy, defence and metals sectors that aid and sustain Russia’s war in Ukraine.”

“We are also banning exports of Australian machinery and related parts to Russia to slow its war machine.”

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

Export ban consultation

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will shortly commence public consultation on the export ban, with implementation of the ban to follow.

Businesses or individuals that wish to participate in consultation on the machinery export ban should subscribe to alerts with the Australian Sanctions Office.

One of the focus areas for the Federal Treasurer, Dr. Jim Chalmers, in his 2023-24 Budget Speech on May 9th was rightly inflation and the cost-of-living (COL). 

“In this environment, inflation remains our primary economic challenge – It drives rate rises; it erodes real wages – Which is why this Budget is carefully calibrated to alleviate inflationary pressures, not add to them.” 

“At the same time, we understand Australians are under the pump right now. That’s why providing responsible, targeted relief is the number one priority in our Budget. Our $14.6 billion cost‑of‑living plan will: Provide help with power bills. Create more affordable housing.” 

But the one-and-only policy measure to address this was redistributing more of taxpayers’ hard-earned money. This is the proverbial ‘rearranging the deckchairs on the Titanic’. Not the RMS Titanic but the COL Titanic. 

“We are delivering up to $3 billion in direct energy bill relief for eligible households and small businesses, co‑funded with the states. More than 5 million households will have up to $500 deducted from their power bills in the next financial year.” 

“We are increasing the maximum rates of Commonwealth Rent Assistance by 15 per cent. This will provide up to $31 extra a fortnight for people renting in the private market and community housing. We’re going to help drive this with a new tax break for build‑to‑rent projects, cutting the managed investment trust withholding tax from 30 to 15 per cent.” 

Putting aside for the moment the lack of any real solutions to COL and the unintended bad consequences of these redistribution policies, they are inadequate to say the least. This inadequacy can be clearly seen in Exhibit A below regarding “food inflation” and “CPI housing utilities” including energy. In the just the past two years, the former rose from 0.7% per year to 8% and the latter from 120.8 index points to 141.7. 

But far more important than having a statistical numbers ‘battle’ over redistribution adequacy, is the inadequacy of redistribution as a real solution to COL and without unintended bad consequences. Let’s turn to one the greatest economists and economic historians of the 20th century to help break this down. That would be Professor Murray N. Rothbard in his book Power and Market: Government and the Economy. 

“Government coerces consumers into giving up part of their income to the State, which then bids away resources from these same consumers. Hence, the consumers are burdened, their standard of living is lowered, and the allocation of resources is distorted away from consumer satisfaction toward the satisfaction of the ends of the government.” 

In other words, COL is pushed up by a ‘double whammy’ of tax and spend. Both ‘crowd out’ the productive and competitive private sector [ie tax-payers] in favour of the unproductive and anticompetitive public sector [ie tax-consumers]. The latter includes, not just politicians and bureaucrats, but also activists and cronies. Thus, the supply-side of the economy shrinks. 

“Government cannot spend money until it obtains it as revenue—whether that revenue comes from taxation, inflation, or borrowing. … Inflation is the basically fraudulent issue of pseudo warehouse-receipts for money, or new money. … [In short,] government is inflating the money supply.” 

Inflation means more-and-more dollars end up chasing fewer-and-fewer goods and services. Thus, the demand-side of the economy expands. In sum, prices rise when either supply decreases (eg COL) or demand increases (eg inflation). They rise even more when both happen at the same time (eg COL + inflation). Exhibit B below shows these two happening as indicated by government debt ($ million) and money supply ($ billion). 

“When the government takes from Peter and gives to Paul, it then creates a separate distribution process. No longer do income and wealth flow purely from service rendered on the market; they now flow from special privilege…distributed to ‘exploiters’ [tax-consumers] at the expense of the ‘exploited’ [tax-payers]. Caste conflict is thereby created, for [the former] benefits at the expense of [the latter].” 

Such ‘robbing Peter to pay Paul’ is not only bad economic policy, as it does not solve the effect of inflation and COL which is caused by government printing and spending. But it is also bad social policy, as it strongly encourages ‘rent seeking’ which is about getting ‘free’ stuff at other people’s expense. Thus, Dr. Chalmers’ redistribution ‘medicine’ for inflation and COL, is not just an economic ‘placebo’, but a social ‘poison’. The result being yet more budget ‘snake oil’ from a Treasurer, who is channeling not just Dr. Strangelove, but also Dr. Feelgood. 

Source A1: https://tradingeconomics.com/australia/food-inflation  

Source A2: https://tradingeconomics.com/australia/cpi-housing-utilities  

Source B1: https://tradingeconomics.com/australia/government-debt  

Source B2: https://tradingeconomics.com/australia/money-supply-m0  

Prime Minister Albanese met today with the Prime Minister of Japan, His Excellency Mr Kishida Fumio.

The Prime Minister congratulated Mr Kishida on his chairing of the G7 and reinforced Australia’s commitment to our special strategic partnership with Japan.

The Prime Minister underscored Australia’s commitment to remaining a reliable supplier of energy to Japan as both economies transition to net zero.

The leaders agreed the broader trade and investment relationship was vital to the success of each nation.

Leaders noted good progress in bilateral security cooperation under the Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation and their shared commitment to an open, prosperous and secure Indo-Pacific.

Prime Minister Albanese thanked Prime Minister Kishida for Japan’s support to convene the 2023 Quad Leaders Summit.