Category: Australian News

During his visit to the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced 31 May as the date of entry into force of the Australia-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement (A-UKFTA), following the expected completion of UK domestic processes.

The gold-standard trade agreement will deliver unprecedented benefits to Australian businesses and create new well-paying jobs. With the entry into force of this comprehensive agreement, there will be no tariffs on over 99 per cent of Australian goods exports to the UK, opening up new export opportunities, including for the agriculture sector. This includes Australian exports of wine, short- and medium-grain rice, honey, nuts, and manufactured products such as auto parts, electrical equipment, and cosmetic products.

For some agricultural products like beef, sheep meat, dairy and sugar, Australia will have access to expanding tariff quota volumes – within 10 years these tariff quotas will be eliminated completely.

Savings of approximately $200 million a year will be made as tariffs on imports from the UK are eliminated. After five years, all UK imports will enter Australia duty free, helping ease cost-of-living pressures for households and input costs for Australian business.

On services exports worth $4.4 billion in 2021-22, the deal includes commitments on the movement of business people, making it easier to do business in the UK market.

The FTA also provides a framework for professional bodies to agree to streamline licensing processes to facilitate the movement of qualified professionals between Australia and the UK. This outcome will help address the skills shortage in Australia.

Within two years of entry into force, Australians will be able to apply for working holidays in the UK to the age of 35, up from 30, and stay for a maximum of three years instead of two.

Digital trade rules under the A-UKFTA will provide greater certainty and facilitate trade for Australian businesses looking to grow their digital footprint in the UK.

The deal includes strong commitments on the environment, including climate change, and labour. The trade agreement will preserve the right of the Australian Government to regulate in the public interest, including for the environment, education, and health. Importantly, there is no Investor-State Dispute Settlement mechanism.

For A-UKFTA tariff outcomes, see the FTA Portal.
For further information on the A-UKFTA, see the DFAT website.

Prime Minister Albanese said:

“This agreement will deliver significant benefits to Australian exporters, consumers, workers, and our economy more broadly.”

“The Australia-UK FTA represents one of the most comprehensive, innovative and ambitious free trade agreements concluded by Australia to date and strengthens an already close relationship between Australia and the UK.”

the Minister for Trade and Tourism said:

“Our trade agreement with the UK will significantly reduce costs for exporters and assist Australian businesses seeking to diversify trade to a wider range of overseas markets.”

“This agreement will underpin and deepen the already strong bilateral investment relationship with our second-largest source of foreign direct investment in Australia.”

“This deal establishes procedures for artists, including First Nations peoples, to receive royalties when their artworks are resold in the UK.”

The Albanese Government will legislate a national Net Zero Authority to ensure the workers, industries and communities that have powered Australia for generations can seize the opportunities of Australia’s net zero transformation.

The Authority will have responsibility for promoting the orderly and positive economic transformation associated with achieving net zero emissions.

The global transformation to a net zero economy is a massive source of economic opportunity for Australia, its regions, industries and workers.

The previous LNP Government put its head in the sand for a decade and ignored the pleas of communities, unions and business for coordination and support through this massive change.

In contrast, the Albanese Government is acting to capitalise on our potential as a renewable energy superpower.

The new legislated Net Zero Authority will:

1. Support workers in emissions-intensive sectors to access new employment, skills and support as the net zero transformation continues.
2. Coordinate programs and policies across government to support regions and communities to attract and take advantage of new clean energy industries and set those industries up for success.
3. Help investors and companies to engage with net zero transformation opportunities.

To kickstart the Authority’s responsibilities immediately, the Government will recommend to the Governor-General the establishment of an Executive Agency from July 1 this year.

Initially housed in the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, the Agency will also develop advice to Government on the final design and establishment of the legislated national Net Zero Authority.

The Authority will work with state, territory and local governments, existing regional bodies, unions, industry, investors and First Nations groups to help key regions, industries, employers and others proactively manage the transformation to a clean energy economy.

The Government will also provide additional funding from the $1.9 billion Powering the Regions Fund to support existing industry – including rail and aviation – and new clean energy industries, with the creation of a $400 million Industrial Transformation Stream.

Over 150 countries have now committed to net zero by 2050, including almost all major economies and the majority of Australia’s trading partners. With renewable energy the cheapest form of new energy, investor interest in Australian industries is following these trends.

The shift to net zero emissions by 2050 must happen fairly for Australians in emissions-intensive industries and the communities they live and work in.

The regions that have always powered Australia can power Australia into the future, but we need to seize those opportunities. This Authority is about leaving no-one behind as this global shift continues.

The Albanese Government intends to recommend to the Governor‑General that he appoint Dr Gordon de Brouwer PSM as the next Australian Public Service Commissioner, for a five year term commencing on 11 May 2023.

This follows a merit-based selection process chaired by Ms Katherine Jones PSM, Secretary of the Attorney-General’s Department.

Dr de Brouwer is currently Secretary for Public Sector Reform and has over 35 years of leadership experience in public policy. This appointment comes at a critical juncture for the Australian Public Service (APS) as the Government implements an ambitious APS Reform agenda, led by the Minister for the Public Service, Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher.

As APS Commissioner, Dr de Brouwer will continue his work to build a stronger Australian public sector that delivers better outcomes for the community, acts as a model employer and contributes to a fairer and more inclusive Australia.

Dr de Brouwer has served as Secretary of the then Department of the Environment and Energy, and in senior roles at the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, the Treasury, the Australian National University and the Reserve Bank of Australia. He has also conducted numerous reviews for government, including as a member of the Thodey Review panel on reform of the APS in 2018.

Dr de Brouwer was awarded the Public Service Medal in 2011 for outstanding public service in the development of international economic policy, in particular his work to progress Australia’s agenda at the G20.

Mr Peter Woolcott AO retires from the office of APS Commissioner on 10 May 2023. We thank Mr Woolcott for his significant contribution to the APS – and the Australian people – over his four decades of public service.

Senate committee recommends government take urgent action on poverty, but Labor refuses to support their own calls while in Opposition to raise Jobseeker above the poverty line

An interim report tabled by the Greens-chaired Senate Community Affairs References Committee today outlines the devastating impact of poverty on millions of Australians and recommends the government take urgent action to address this crisis, and prioritise policy measures in the upcoming May Budget that specifically target rising inequality and entrenched disadvantage, including through the income support system.

Despite the overwhelming evidence, Labor Senators refused to support proposed recommendations for an increase to Jobseeker or establishing a national definition of poverty, changes that would benefit vulnerable Australians who are in dire need of support. This comes off the back of Labor calling for a national poverty definition and a raise to Jobseeker, Youth Allowance and other payments while in Opposition, including supporting recommendations in an inquiry report in 2020.

The Greens’ Additional Comments make these two recommendations:
That the Australian Government immediately increase the base rate of Jobseeker and other income support payments to $88 a day, regardless of age. 
That the Australian Government establish a national definition of poverty.

Senator Janet Rice, Greens Social Services spokesperson and Chair of the Committee, said:

“The inquiry heard powerful testimony on the impacts of poverty on students and young people, single mums, domestic violence survivors, and those struggling to keep a roof over their head on payments that are well below the poverty line.

“When we have millions of Australians on starvation-payments, people trying to escape domestic violence, young people struggling with their mental health and dropping out of uni because they can’t afford it, and thousands of people who can’t afford food as well as their medicine, it’s hard to understand how the Labor Government can morally justify not raising income support.

“If Labor does choose to raise the rate of JobSeeker for people over 55, that’s a welcome step. But we don’t accept that we can’t afford to raise the rate for everyone. 

In opposition, Anthony Albanese is on the record saying that the rate of income support is inadequate, and Labor supported previous senate inquiry recommendations to raise the rate of Centrelink payments. Are they now saying that it’s only inadequate for those over 55 years of age? It’s hard to believe the Labor Party hold any core values if they can so easily call for one thing in opposition and do the opposite while in government.

“Poverty can have dire impacts on your physical and mental health, and your ability to find work and maintain relationships, regardless of whether you’re 20 or 60. That’s what the Senate Inquiry evidence has clearly shown. And Labor Senators sat in the room listening to all of it.

“Labor needs a wake up call. They’re not going to get away with tinkering around the edges of a system that’s killing people. 

“Poverty is a political choice and the Labor government is spending $368 billion on nuclear submarines and $254 billion on tax cuts for the rich instead of doing the bare minimum for people living below the poverty line in a cost of living crisis. 

“The Labor Government can’t keep burying their heads in the sand and continue to ignore the millions of renters, single parents, students, women, and people with disabilities all doing it tough.

“Poverty is a policy choice, and this government is doubling down on their choice to leave people without heating or food or medicines as they struggle to pay the rent. 

“In the upcoming budget, Labor must scrap their stage 3 tax cuts for billionaires and the ultra-wealthy and lift income support rates above the poverty line.”

As a general practitioner, I am concerned about reports in the media about possible exacerbation of shortages of medicines once 60-day dispensing is implemented from 1 September 2023.

It is important not to create unnecessary concerns in the community about medicine shortages, especially for those people who rely on daily medications to manage their medical conditions.

Given the careful way this initiative is being rolled out in stages, and with patient safety and continuity of medicine supply being paramount, I can confirm that there is no basis for these concerns. 

The Therapeutic Goods Administration closely monitors medicine shortages and facilitates the supply of alternative medicines as a priority.

Importantly, doctors will still have the choice, in consultation with their patients, to prescribe medicines in the quantity they consider safe and clinically appropriate for each individual patient’s circumstances.

On behalf of the people of Australia, the Australian Government will make a national contribution of $10,000 to Western Australian charity Friends of the Western Ground Parrot in honour of The King’s Coronation.

This contribution will go towards the conservation of the Western Ground Parrot, a rare and critically endangered bird found in the remote Cape Arid National Park and Nuytsland Nature Reserve, to the east of Esperance.

The Western Ground Parrot is shy and rarely seen, as they spend most of their time on the ground in low dense heathland.

It is estimated that there are only 150 Western Ground Parrots remaining. In recent years, bushfires have impacted their known habitat which has threatened the last wild population.

Friends of the Western Ground Parrot Inc. is a registered charity that supports conservation of this rare Australian parrot. They raise funds for recovery and awareness projects, including monitoring and translocations to create a secure second wild population.

Past contributions to mark significant Royal occasions have supported the conservation of the Bilby, Mountain Pygmy Possum, Numbat and Koala.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“His Majesty King Charles III has long championed conservation and sustainability, so I am pleased to mark his Coronation with a national contribution to the conservation of the Western Ground Parrot.”

“Known as Kyloring by the Noongar people, the Western Ground Parrot is listed as critically endangered. This contribution will complement other conservation efforts underway to protect the Kyloring.”

Website: Friends of the Western Ground Parrot Inc

Website: Threatened Species Action Plan – Western Ground Parrot

Greens Treasury spokesperson Senator Nick McKim responded to the RBA’s decision to raise interest rates by 25 basis points at today’s board meeting.

“This decision beggars belief and will smash renters and mortgage holders even harder than they were being smashed already.”

“On the RBA’s own admission, interest rate rises are the wrong response to an inflation spike driven by corporate profiteering and supply side issues.”

“The RBA is out of control. Treasurer Jim Chalmers needs to use the powers that he has and step in and overrule this decision.”

“This is exactly the situation that Section 11 of the RBA Act was designed for.”

“If Grim Jim Chalmers refuses to act it will be a tacit endorsement of the RBA smashing renters and mortgage holders.”

“Chalmers’ PhD dissertation was a hagiography of former PM Paul Keating but Jim Chalmers is no Paul Keating.”

“Last week Keating came out in defence of the Section 11 powers and explained how his threat to use them forced the hand of the RBA.”

“Chalmers could learn a valuable lesson from that.” 

“The Greens have drafted a private members Bill to strengthen the existing safeguard that gives the Treasurer the power to overrule the RBA.”

“Next week’s Budget needs to now be the frontline for tackling high inflation and the cost-of-living crisis.”

“But instead, Jim Chalmers looks set to yet again pass the buck to the RBA and hand down a budget that tinkers at the margins to avoid upsetting Labor’s big business mates.”

“Jim Chalmers should be handing down a budget that taxes the corporate super profits that are driving inflation and that taxes the rich that are profiting from high interest rates and low rental vacancies.”

“He should then fund cost-of-living relief such as putting dental and mental health into Medicare, abolishing student debt, and raising the rate of income support.”

“The last 12 months have only shown that we need greater scrutiny and accountability of the Reserve Bank, not less.”

Deputy Prime Minister the Hon Richard Marles MP, Minister for Foreign Affairs Senator the Hon Penny Wong and Minister for Trade and Tourism Senator the Hon Don Farrell will host their Singaporean counterparts today for the 13th Singapore–Australia Joint Ministerial Committee meeting in Canberra.

Australia and Singapore have a strong and ambitious relationship, underpinned by a shared vision for a region that is peaceful, stable and prosperous, where sovereignty is respected.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Singapore Australia Free Trade Agreement. Our cooperation with Singapore has grown remarkably in recent decades and is guided by our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Our biennial Joint Ministerial Committee meetings with Singapore are an important platform to discuss our shared strategic, trade and investment interests, and our cooperation across defence and security, the digital and green economies, food security, education, the arts, science and innovation.

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

“Australia and Singapore have a deep and abiding defence relationship. We are proud to count Singapore as one of our closest partners.

“I look forward to discussing ways we can continue to build on our great friendship, as part of our shared contribution to the collective security and prosperity of the region.”

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

“Australia and Singapore share a region and we share a future.

“Our close cooperation on the energy transition, including through the Australia-Singapore Green Economy Agreement, and our work to address food insecurity are key to ensuring a stable, peaceful and prosperous future for our region.”

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

“This year marks 20 years since Australia and Singapore signed its Free Trade Agreement. Australia is more committed than ever to enhancing our two-way trade and investment ties with Singapore.

“We look forward to working closely with Singapore to seize the opportunities presented by the global clean energy transition.”

Australia	Singapore
The Hon Richard Marles MP Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence	Dr Ng Eng Hen Minister for Defence
Senator the Hon Penny Wong  Minister for Foreign Affairs	Dr Vivian Balakrishnan  Minister for Foreign Affairs
Senator the Hon Don Farrell  Minister for Trade and Tourism	Mr Gan Kim Yong  Minister for Trade and Industry

1. The Australia and Singapore Ministers met in Canberra for the 13^th meeting of the Singapore-Australia Joint Ministerial Committee (SAJMC) on 1 May 2023. The Ministers acknowledged the close friendship and ambitious partnership between Australia and Singapore, underpinned by shared interests in an open, stable and prosperous region, where sovereignty and international law are respected. The Ministers acknowledged that the strong partnership between Australia and Singapore, anchored by strategic trust and deep cooperation, is even more important at a time of increasing geostrategic uncertainty and complexity in the Indo-Pacific region.
2. The Ministers recalled the Joint Declaration on the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) signed in 2015 and welcomed the significant progress made under all six pillars of the CSP as set out in the 10-year CSP Roadmap. They reaffirmed the strong commitment by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the October 2022 Annual Leaders’ Meeting to continue to strengthen the CSP. The Ministers tasked officials to begin work on developing the agenda for the next chapter of the CSP ahead of its 10^th anniversary in 2025.

Economics, Trade and Investment

3. The Ministers welcomed the strong trade and investment partnership between Australia and Singapore. They noted that both countries are among each other’s top trading partners and that bilateral trade volumes continued to grow, underpinned by the upgraded Singapore-Australia Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA) and the Agreement Establishing the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA). The Ministers looked forward to the 20^th anniversary of SAFTA in July 2023 and acknowledged that it remained a modern and forward-looking agreement.
4. The Ministers noted progress under the Australia – Singapore Supply Chains Working Group including through bilateral discussions on food, energy, connectivity and crisis response. Recalling the agreement between the Prime Ministers in October 2022 to begin work on an Australia-Singapore Food Pact, the Ministers acknowledged the progress made, including on a simplified model for transhipment of Australian meat products and regionalisation arrangements for animal diseases, and noted opportunities to work together to enhance the resilience of agri-food supply chains and promote agreed principles on sustainable agri-food systems. On energy, connectivity and crisis response, the Ministers were pleased to note good progress in discussions on both sides. The Ministers directed officials to finalise the guiding principles and workplan for the Food Pact before the 2024 Annual Leaders’ Meeting, and continue discussions to strengthen energy security, connectivity and crisis response cooperation.  
5. They underlined the importance of an open, inclusive, rules-based and resilient Indo-Pacific region, which supports and promotes free trade and open markets and respects the rights of countries to lead their national existence free from external interference, subversion and coercion. The Ministers affirmed their support for the rules-based multilateral trading system, with the World Trade Organization (WTO) at its core, which has underpinned the region’s stability and prosperity for many decades. The Ministers agreed to continue to work closely to strengthen and reform the WTO, and emphasised the importance of implementing all 12th WTO Ministerial Conference outcomes, particularly the commitment to have a fully and well-functioning dispute settlement system accessible to all WTO members by 2024.
6. The Ministers agreed to promote economic integration, investment and liberalisation of goods and services trade through the WTO, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and the G20. The Ministers looked forward to advancing the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) and agreed to work together, and with other partners, to ensure IPEF delivers concrete solutions to shared challenges, including decarbonisation, digital trade and supply chain resilience. The Ministers looked forward to the signing of the upgraded AANZFTA in 2023. The Ministers were also pleased to note the good progress made on implementing the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). The Ministers welcomed Singapore’s strong leadership during its chairmanship of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) Commission in 2022 and reaffirmed both countries’ continued commitment to the high standards of the CPTPP. The Ministers further noted Australia’s ambition to boost its trade and investment in the region and the importance of Singapore as a key regional hub, and welcomed the appointment of Australia’s Special Envoy Nicholas Moore who is leading the development of Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040. Singapore and Australia’s joint efforts to participate in regional trade flows ensure that they remain plugged in while maintaining the relevance and economic heft of their region.

Foreign Affairs, Defence and Security

7. The Ministers recalled the commitment made by the Prime Ministers in October 2022 to work together to build an Indo-Pacific region of dialogue and cooperation. They recognised that the CSP between Australia and Singapore reinforced regional stability and growth. The Ministers acknowledged the deep and ambitious ASEAN-Australia CSP and agreed that Australia would work with ASEAN to strengthen cooperation on key and emerging areas such as the digital and green economies, and energy security.  The Ministers welcomed Australia’s proposal to host a Special Summit to Commemorate the 50th Anniversary of ASEAN-Australia Dialogue Relations in 2024. The Ministers expressed their support for ASEAN centrality and ASEAN‑led regional architecture, including the East Asia Summit, ASEAN Regional Forum, and the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) and reaffirmed the importance of working together to support the practical implementation of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific, including through the ASEAN-Australia CSP. The Ministers looked forward to working together to support Timor-Leste to build capacity in line with the objective, criteria-based ASEAN roadmap for Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN, which will be adopted at the 42^nd ASEAN Summit.
8. The Ministers discussed the need to work with partners in Southeast Asia and the broader Indo-Pacific region to ensure the region remains open, stable and prosperous. They welcomed the Quad’s support for ASEAN centrality and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific, including the Quad’s agenda to support Indo-Pacific countries’ priorities and needs.
9. The Ministers welcomed the depth and breadth of defence and security cooperation between Singapore and Australia, built over decades and underpinned by a shared commitment to a stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific. They reaffirmed the value of the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA), which remain a key anchor of peace and stability in the region, and their joint commitment to preserving and enhancing the professional and strategic value of the FPDA. The Ministers expressed their satisfaction with Singapore Armed Forces’ (SAF) training in Australia, including through Exercise Wallaby 2022, Republic of Singapore Air Force detachments, and the joint development of training areas and advanced training facilities in Queensland; and Singapore’s continued support for Australian aircraft and ships in the region. They welcomed steps to increase the complexity of bilateral exercises, most notably Exercise Trident, increasing interoperability between the Australian Defence Force and SAF. They welcomed steps to strengthen cooperation on defence science and technology, logistics, and in the digital and information environments. Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence briefed the Ministers on Australia’s Defence Strategic Review.
10. The Ministers underscored their commitment to work together in multilateral fora to support the international rules-based order, including by upholding international law and norms and a strong United Nations system, which protects the sovereignty of all countries in the region. The Ministers reaffirmed the commitment of Australia and Singapore to strengthening the global nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament regime with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons as its cornerstone and to supporting the International Atomic Energy Agency’s vital role in verifying fulfilment of States’ nuclear non-proliferation obligations. They acknowledged Australia’s commitment to responsible nuclear stewardship and setting the highest non-proliferation standard in relation to its acquisition of conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines under AUKUS.
11. The Ministers noted the strong ongoing security cooperation, including in the areas of counter‑terrorism (CT), cybersecurity and law enforcement. The Ministers noted relevant agencies had shared expertise in forensics, operational science and technology. They affirmed the value of Australia and Singapore’s close engagement on CT issues through the annual bilateral CT dialogue, an important platform to exchange views on managing the evolving terrorism threat. The Ministers noted Australia’s deployment of an Australian liaison officer to Singapore’s Counter-Terrorism Information Facility, a key multilateral counter-terrorism information sharing mechanism in Southeast Asia. They underscored the value of their close bilateral and regional cooperation on cybersecurity issues, including in international cyber discussions at the United Nations.  The Ministers called for global adherence to the UN framework of responsible state behaviour in cyberspace. They also acknowledged the importance of countering the threats of foreign interference as well as disinformation and misinformation.

People-to-People

12. The Ministers reflected on the warm and close personal links between Australians and Singaporeans, underpinned by strong links in education and the arts. The Ministers recognised the New Colombo Plan’s success in increasing cultural literacy and personal connections through student exchange, with more than 200 Australian students supported to travel to Singapore in the first three months of 2023, and over 4,000 student grants being awarded for study in Singapore since 2014. The Ministers welcomed the significant bilateral arts and cultural engagement under the Australia Singapore Arts Group (ASAG), and looked forward to continuing cultural cooperation with Australia through ASAG as well as among the cultural institutions of both countries. The Ministers welcomed the renewal of a Memorandum of Understanding in July 2022 between the National Library of Australia and the National Library Board, Singapore.
13. The Ministers welcomed the substantive exchanges between the Australian and Singaporean public services. They commended the productive discussions at the 8^th Australia-Singapore Public Service Roundtable (PSR) in April 2023, co-led by Australia’s Secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet Professor Glyn Davis and Singapore’s Head of Civil Service Leo Yip. During the PSR, both countries shared perspectives on building and sustaining trust in government.

Science and Innovation

14. The Ministers noted the strong collaboration between Australia and Singapore in science, technology and innovation. They acknowledged progress under the new Synchrotron Access Agreement between the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation and National University of Singapore, noting that the first call-for-proposals had been well-received. They welcomed cooperation on low emissions technologies under the bilateral Memorandum of Understanding on Low Emissions Solutions. They reaffirmed both sides’ intent for greater research cooperation enabled by the Master Research Collaboration Agreement (MRCA) signed in October 2022 between the Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore (A*STAR) and Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) to implement a five-year Research Industry ‘2+2’ Partnership in the areas of low-emissions technologies, alternative proteins and advanced manufacturing.

Digital Economy

15. The Ministers affirmed the opportunities presented by the digital economy and the value of collaboration between Australia and Singapore in supporting the growth of the digital economy. The Ministers affirmed their shared commitment in supporting the digital transformation of economies, including bilaterally through the Singapore-Australia Digital Economy Agreement and the implementation of its collaborative projects, as well as through other regional frameworks, in particular the IPEF, and the WTO Joint Statement Initiative on E-Commerce.  

Green Economy

16. The Ministers recalled the commitment of the Prime Ministers to deepen cooperation and accelerate ambitious climate action. They welcomed the progressive work underway to implement the Singapore-Australia Green Economy Agreement (GEA) signed by the trade ministers in October 2022, as part of the new ‘Green Economy’ pillar of the CSP. The Ministers affirmed the need to work closely together to implement the GEA and deliver practical outcomes that help accelerate efforts to decarbonise economic activities, including the development of green skills. They noted that the growing collaboration across both governments and with business, industry and expert groups was paving the way for trade, investment and commercial opportunities in green sectors. They noted Singapore’s position as a regional hub and Australia’s ambition to become a renewable energy superpower provided a strong basis for advancing collaboration in several sectors, including clean energy, shipping, finance and emerging green technologies. The Ministers agreed to report on the GEA’s progress and key outcomes to the Prime Ministers when they meet later in the year for the Annual Leaders’ Meeting.
17. The Ministers reaffirmed their aim for the GEA to serve as a model for cooperation with other partners to support the global transition to net zero economies, and acknowledged the positive progress made in this regard.  

Global and Regional Developments

18. The Ministers acknowledged that Australia and Singapore faced an era of heightened geostrategic uncertainty and threats to the international rules-based order. The Ministers agreed that all countries, regardless of their size, have a responsibility to contribute to global stability and to resolve disputes peacefully.
19. The Ministers condemned Russia’s ongoing aggression against the people of Ukraine in a gross violation of international law, including the UN Charter. Consistent with UN General Assembly Resolution No. A/RES/ES-11/6 dated 23 February 2023, the Ministers demanded that Russia immediately withdraw its military forces from the territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders, and underlined the need to reach a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine as soon as possible. They urged Russia to respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.  
20. The Ministers noted with deep concern the worsening humanitarian, security and economic situation in Myanmar, including the military’s increasing use of violence against civilians. They expressed their disappointment at the lack of progress by the Myanmar military regime on the ASEAN Five Point Consensus, and reaffirmed the important roles of the UN, ASEAN, and its external partners in facilitating a peaceful resolution of the crisis in Myanmar. They strongly urged the regime to end violence against civilians, engage in inclusive dialogue, release those unjustly detained, and allow safe and unimpeded access for humanitarian assistance. They reaffirmed the importance of working together to contribute to ASEAN’s efforts, including those of Indonesia as ASEAN Chair, to facilitate peace and national reconciliation in Myanmar.
21. The Ministers underscored the importance of working together to promote peace and stability, including in the South China Sea, and of upholding a rules-based maritime order. They expressed serious concern over behaviour that increased the risk of miscalculation and unilateral actions, that had the potential to destabilise and challenge the status quo, such as the continued militarisation of disputed features. They urged all claimants to take meaningful steps to ease tensions and build trust, including through dialogue. The Ministers reaffirmed their strong support for freedom of navigation and overflight and unimpeded trade. The Ministers called for the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) which is of universal character and sets out the comprehensive legal framework within which all activities in the oceans and seas must be carried out. They welcomed the conclusion of the high seas treaty on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction and acknowledged Singapore’s leading role as President and Australia’s constructive engagement. The Ministers noted work towards a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea and emphasised the importance of any Code being consistent with international law, particularly UNCLOS, and not prejudicial to the rights of all States, particularly under UNCLOS.
22. The Ministers also exchanged views on the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
23. The Ministers restated their commitment, as set out in the CSP, to bolster Australia and Singapore’s consultation and cooperation on regional and global challenges.

Labor’s second Budget will be an opportunity to correct the mistakes of its first.

When Treasurer Jim Chalmers hands down his second Budget in May, he has the opportunity to take real action to help reduce inflation and the pressures on Australian families and businesses.

Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor said Labor’s first Budget delivered what independent economists have described as “the weakest fiscal strategy in recent times.”

“In its first Budget, Labor increased spending by $115 billion, made the structural deficit worse, and abandoned all goals of balancing the Budget,” Mr Taylor said.

“This isn’t fiscal responsibility, it isn’t good budget management and Australian families are paying a high price for it.

“Inflation comes from Canberra and Australians are looking for a government that will manage its Budget to take pressure off theirs.

“With independent economists predicting a commodities and income tax windfall of more than $90 billion, Labor must use this opportunity to pay down debt not spend more.

“This isn’t just about the bottom line. It is about making tough decisions on spending, and not raising taxes that will kill aspiration, hurt families and delay investment that provides jobs and helps small businesses to grow.

“If the government can’t deliver a strong surplus with the current strong commodity prices and the strong economy left to it by the Coalition, when will it ever deliver a surplus?”

Shadow Minister for Finance Jane Hume said this Budget must provide a plan to address the cost of living crisis and that it must be a plan with real fiscal restraint.

“Australian families are making tough decisions about their own budgets right now. Jim Chalmers and Anthony Albanese must show that they are prepared to do the same,” Senator Hume said.

“The government needs to manage its spending. Spending is easy and we have seen no fiscal discipline from Labor. But this Budget is a test for Anthony Albanese and Jim Chalmers to do the right thing for the economy, the right thing for families and the right thing for Australia.

“If Labor delivers another big spending Budget, it will be like having one foot on the accelerator while the Reserve Bank is putting its foot on the brake. The RBA has paused giving a chance for Labor to make the right call in this Budget. If they squib it, Australians will pay the price.”

This Budget must deliver:

1. Fiscal restraint to take pressure off families: the government should listen to the calls of the BCA, AiGroup, ACCI and market economists to restore the fiscal guardrails to instill budget discipline and return the Budget to balance.
2. Simpler and fairer taxes, not higher ones: higher taxes lead to higher prices. Increased taxes on business will only be passed on to consumers while destroying investment in the industries that are driving our economic recovery, employing Australians, and paying for our social safety net. Labor should commit to the stage 3 tax cuts in full and reverse its decisions to raise taxes on superannuation and franking credits.
3. Real action on productivity to make small businesses and families lives easier: Labor’s first Budget committed to big spending and big stick industrial legislation sold as productivity reform. Despite this, Deloitte Access Economics are forecasting GDP per capita to flatline, and independent analysis from the e61 institute has shown that Labor’s industrial relation reforms will stifle business growth and hurt competition. Labor must take real action on productivity to make Australians lives easier, not just spend more money and impose heavy-handed regulations.
4. Measured relief for small businesses and families that does not add to inflation: Australian families and small businesses are still waiting for the $275 in energy relief Labor promised before the election and the $1.5 billion promised at Christmas. Meanwhile, more than 10 million Australians will have $1,500 less in their pockets by tax time due to decisions taken by Labor.
5. No more broken promises: Labor has broken promises on taxing franking credits, on taxing super, on cheaper mortgages, on working with business, and on cheaper energy bills. Labor should abandon its policies that break these promises and take responsibility for the challenges facing Australians struggling to get ahead.

Budgets are statements of a government’s priorities. Australians do not need more excuses and blame-shifting from the Labor Government on the cost of living. We need leadership and we’re not seeing this from the Albanese Government.