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My Government has a vision to Build Australia’s Future, and last week Infrastructure Minister Catherine King and I travelled across the north of our great continent to deliver it.

It’s an ambitious vision to build everything from roads and homes to the health system and education.

In short, all the things that help Australians build the futures they aspire to.

It’s a vision that has at its heart a determination to seize the opportunities that are within our reach, and it begins with Australia’s greatest resource: our people.

After announcing funding to upgrade Queensland’s Bruce Highway, and a visit to the Northern Territory’s Lake Nash cattle station, just one of the many beneficiaries of our resumed trade with China, we flew into Kununurra.

It was a wonderful start to my 27th visit to Western Australia as Prime Minister.

At a community event there, I had the privilege of meeting so many locals.

What it reminded me is that it is people like these who are the lifeblood of our regions.

Their energy, talent and determination are the beating heart of the economy across northern Australia.

And in the words of our Minister for Resources and Northern Australia, Madeleine King, a strong north means a strong Australia.

That’s why my Government is doing so much to support regional communities.

Last week we announced a $200 million package to support housing and community infrastructure in regional WA.

More than $90 million of it will go towards the critical infrastructure such as water, roads and power needed for building more than 1360 new homes across the Wheatbelt, Karratha and Lockyer under our Homes for Australia plan.

This plan will see more investment in more social housing and in more private rentals, as well as supporting home ownership through our Help to Buy scheme.

It is a program that is proudly modelled on the successful scheme that has operated here in WA for many decades.

It is important to note that every one of these measures were opposed by Peter Dutton and the Coalition – just as they have opposed all of our measures to help Australians with the cost of living.

While they remain mired in their obsession with obstructing, Labor is getting on with the job of constructing.

We are getting on with building the future by building communities and building opportunities.

As we work to encourage more people to live and work in regional Australia, we know homes are only part of the story.

Northern cities and towns need sporting clubs, parks and upgrades to local precincts – the infrastructure that adds to the liveability that is the heart of any community.

That’s why we are delivering more than $110 million to build and upgrade community infrastructure.

Funding will go to regional areas such as Newman, Kununurra and Carnarvon.

This will encourage more people to live in regional WA and create more economic and business opportunities, and begin writing a fresh chapter in the West’s extraordinary success story.

WA’s success is central to Australia’s success.

We will continue to encourage and foster that economic growth.

That’s why we have granted First Point of Entry to the Ports of Wyndham, Ashburton and Dampier.

This will allow for more direct international shipping, meaning businesses, farmers and other industry in the north will be able to import and export goods closer without having to transit through ports such as Darwin or Fremantle.

Consider the scale of the changes that are possible.

Right now, the volume of exports at the Port of Wyndham is 212,199 tonnes.

With the changes to First Point of Entry, we expect exports to increase to over 1.36 million tonnes.

At the Port of Ashburton, we expect exports to be more than 13 million tonnes of iron ore and rare earth concentrates per year by 2030.

Building Australia’s Future is about so much more than bricks and mortar.

It is about creating a better life for Australians, whether it’s through better education, better aged care, better childcare, and better Medicare.

In short: a better Australia for all Australians.

Since we were elected, that has been my Government’s priority.

With a second term, we will keep working and keep building.

While Peter Dutton has made it clear he wants to take Australia backward, we want to keep taking Australia forward to the bright future within our reach.

This opinion piece was first published in The West Australian on Wednesday, 15 January 2025.

The Albanese Labor Government is building Australia’s future, today announcing over $6 million to improve the everyday lives of North West Tasmanians.

$6 million in Federal funding has been allocated to continue the revitalisation of Devonport’s CBD by delivering Stage 3 of the Local Council’s Living City project.

The funding will complement Council and private investment to upgrade public infrastructure including the construction of a road link and site utilities to unlock land for up to 30 affordable housing units, establish a purpose-built school for young people who have been unable to complete their studies in mainstream schools, and deliver retail sites.

The Devonport Living City project is transforming the city centre for locals and visitors alike, shaping Devonport’s future and strengthening its role as a community and tourism hub for North West Tasmania.

An additional $619,241 has also been allocated to construct the Circular Head Community Health and Wellbeing Hub in Smithton.

The hub will house the Rural Health Tasmania Inc. administration team and will be open to other community health organisations.

It will provide a mixed-use shared community space that offers drop-in areas where people can talk with a staff member; engage with social groups, clubs, and educational forums; access health and wellbeing services and programs; or just sit, have a tea or coffee, and relax.

These projects showcase the Government’s commitment to listening to, and working with, local communities, and addressing regional needs.

They are funded through the Albanese Government’s regional Precincts and Partnership Program and Growing Regions Program, which provide investment to transform regional, rural and remote places. For more information, visit: Regional and community programs | Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“Building Australia’s future relies on critical investments to infrastructure projects – transforming communities and lives.

“This announcement of more than $6 million for North West Tasmania does just that.

“North West Tasmania is a beautiful place to live, work and visit, and my Government wants to ensure it has the infrastructure and housing it needs to continue to grow and thrive.”

Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:

“Our investments in community infrastructure like the Circular Head Community hub and Devonport Living City project make North West Tasmania an even better place to live, and a place that locals can be very proud to call home.

“Infrastructure projects like these make such a difference to people’s lives. They shape the way we move around the city, and the way we connect with our communities – which we all know is becoming increasingly important.

“Our Government believes in the Devonport’s bold vision with its Living City project, and we’re pleased to be able to help bring this vision to life.”

Senator for Tasmania Anne Urquhart:

“The Albanese Labor Government is determined to make sure that regional areas like ours are not left behind, and that we get a fair share of the benefits of Federal Government investment.

“As the Federal Government’s representative in the North West I work closely with our local councils and community organisations to make sure they have a strong voice in priority setting.

“Investments like those announced today make our region and our communities stronger.”

Mayor of Devonport City Council Cr Alison Jarman:

“The Australian Government’s funding for Living City Stage 3 is truly the final piece of the puzzle for Devonport’s CBD transformation.

“This financial support unlocks opportunities for dynamic new spaces that will further drive economic growth and enhance community life. We are ecstatic and deeply grateful for this investment, which will transform underutilised land into a thriving hub of education, retail, tourism, and housing.

“This funding helps bring us closer to realising the full vision of Living City and fostering long-term prosperity for Devonport.”

The Albanese Labor Government is building Australia’s future through delivering over $10 million to upgrade two key pieces of community infrastructure in Hobart and surrounding regions.

More than $10 million has been allocated to the South Brighton Development Precinct to help unlock up to 600 more homes.

The funding, delivered through the Housing Support Program, will go to critical infrastructure including a new sewerage pump, upgrading local roads and delivering a shared path to connect the development to the Brighton Industrial Hub.

An additional $501,000 has been allocated to the Upper Derwent Valley Precinct to support infrastructure planning to improve connectivity in multiple townships.

Funding will support the development of precinct plans/concept designs, business plans and feasibility studies for the communities of Maydena, Plenty, Hayes, Bushy Park, Glenora, Westerway and Mount Field.

Funding for the Upper Derwent Valley Precinct is provided through the Albanese Government’s regional Precincts and Partnership Program, which provides investment to transform regional, rural and remote places. For more information, visit: infrastructure.gov.au/regional. 

The Housing Support Program is one of a range of measures designed to help achieve the ambitious national target of building 1.2 million new, well-located homes over the next 5 years. For more information, visit: Housing Support Program

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“My Government is building Australia’s Future, allocating more than $10 million to upgrade infrastructure across Hobart and surrounding regions.

“These projects mean more houses for locals and better community facilities to bring them together.”

Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King

“From Brighton to the Derwent Valley, we’re boosting homes and connecting communities by building the infrastructure Tasmanians deserve.

“It’s projects like these that transform the everyday lives of locals – building places they can call home and towns they can be proud of.

“The Upper Derwent Valley precinct will reshape this beautiful Tasmanian region, drawing more visitors to the area and unlocking its potential as a key tourist destination.”

Member for Lyons Brian Mitchell

“Labor understands it takes more than a media release to deliver housing – that’s why we’re funding the critical infrastructure needed to support housing projects.”

A $12.7 million investment for the redevelopment of the Princess Theatre and Earl Street Arts Centre will ensure Launceston’s home of theatre lives on.

The Albanese Government has committed to upgrading the 100-year-old heritage-listed Princess Theatre as well as the construction of a new contemporary Earl Street Theatre, with the hope of ensuring the community stalwart thrives for another 100 years.

During construction, the project is anticipated to create 280 jobs, and once complete, provide an estimated $73.65 million boost to the region’s economy.

This project demonstrates the Albanese Government’s commitment to listening to local voices and funding priorities that benefit Tasmania’s regions.

It is part of our Growing Regions Program which invests in spaces for communities to gather, that promote community connection and shape everyday lives.

Today’s funding follows the $11 million provided for the Launceston Community Precinct project under round 1 of the program. 

The Growing Regions Program delivers investment in infrastructure across Australia’s regional, rural and remote areas. For more information, visit: Growing Regions Program.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“The Princess Theatre is a vital part of the history of Launceston.

“My Government understands the importance of community and this investment will not only create jobs and boost the local economy, but it will ensure that community spirit in Launceston thrives for decades to come.”

Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke:

“The Princess Theatre has been at the heart of the local community for more than 100 years, and today’s announcement means it will live on for generations to come.

“Regional theatres are a lifeblood for communities, injecting new ideas as well as providing support for emerging artists to hone their skills.

Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King:

“The princess theatre is the heart of Launceston’s CBD. It is an icon of the city and has been for 100 years.

“This continues our ongoing investment into the city of Launceston following projects such as UTAS Stadium and the Launceston Community Precinct.”

Greens call for moratorium on clearing koala habitat at GKNP rally today

What: Press Conference and community rally for the Great Koala National Park

When: 10 am TODAY, Monday, 13 January 

Where: Coffs Harbour – Forestry Corporation Office – 30 Park Ave, Coffs Harbour NSW

Greens Environment Spokesperson Senator Sarah Hanson-Young will call for a moratorium on clearing koala habitat and an end to native forest logging at a rally for the Great Koala National Park in Coffs Harbour today.

Senator Hanson-Young said the Greens will be putting the environment top of the agenda during the federal election campaign and in any power-sharing parliament which is looking increasingly likely.

“You can’t save koalas while continuing to destroy their homes. Unless we take urgent action to end clearing of critical habitat, koalas will be extinct in NSW by 2050,” Senator Hanson-Young said. 

“Experts have been warning us for years that habitat loss is putting our national treasure, the koala, at risk. Yet the Albanese Government continues to approve the clearing of koala habitat for mining and development including three coal mine extensions just before Christmas.

“Time is up for up native forest logging. It’s time to start protecting nature. 

“The NSW Government promised to protect this precious koala habitat as a national park, yet destruction from logging has only increased.

“Loopholes in our national environment laws continue to allow this destruction to go unassessed. Labor is turning a blind eye to this logging while they should be banning the destruction of koala habitat and working to end native forest logging.

“Saving forests from logging is good for the climate, good for the animals and good for the community. 

“We have the opportunity right now to stop more extinctions and protect endangered wildlife including our precious koala, swift parrot and greater glider.

“Whether it is by the creation of the Great Koala National Park or stronger environment laws that stop the destruction of critical habitat, the Greens urge Labor to save Australia’s great forests from the chainsaws and the bulldozers before it’s too late.”

Today, Cleanbill released its Blue Report measuring the availability of bulk billing GPs across the country. 

The report demonstrates that:

• Almost 80% of available Australian GP clinics no longer offer bulk billing to adults. 
• The average out-of-pocket cost to see a GP is $43.38 per visit.

 The community and general practitioners are at breaking point. The lack of action on bulk billing is harming our community and is putting pressure on an already strained health system.

The Greens have a bold plan that will improve the health of our community, and bring down the cost of living. Including: 

• Triple the bulk-billing incentive for all: The Greens will ensure everyone, and not just specific cohorts, can access a bulk-billed GP appointment in private practice by tripling the bulk-billing incentive for everyone with a Medicare card. 
• Free Local Healthcare Clinics in WA: The Greens will establish at least 96 new Free Local Healthcare Clinics across Western Australia with government-employed healthcare professionals providing free services. 

Senator Jordon Steele-John, Greens Spokesperson for Health

“With rising out-of-pocket costs and shrinking bulk billing availability, something has got to give.

“It’s disgraceful that we’re in a cost of living crisis where people are choosing between going to the doctor, paying rent and putting food on the table.

“The Greens have a bold plan that will improve the health of our community, and bring down the cost of living. We’re committed to getting back to going to the GP for Free, including increasing the bulk-billing incentive and establishing 1000 Free Local Healthcare centres across Australia.

“These new clinics will be staffed with General Practitioners, Dentists, Psychologists and Nurse Practitioners so Australians can get the healthcare they need when they need it.”

Today, Cleanbill released its Blue Report measuring the availability of bulk billing GPs across the country. 

The report demonstrates that bulk-billing rates are tanking and costs are increasing; the average out of pocket cost to see a GP in WA is $42.66 per visit.

In a cost-of-living crisis, the lack of action on bulk billing is causing harm to the community and is putting pressure on an already strained health system.  The community and general practitioners are at breaking point.

The Greens have a bold plan that will improve the health of our community, and bring down the cost of living. Including: 

• Triple the bulk-billing incentive for all: The Greens will ensure everyone, and not just specific cohorts, can access a bulk-billed GP appointment in private practice by tripling the bulk-billing incentive for everyone with a Medicare card. 
• Free Local Healthcare Clinics in WA: The Greens will establish at least 96 new Free Local Healthcare Clinics across Western Australia with government-employed healthcare professionals providing free services. 

WA Senator Jordon Steele-John, Greens Spokesperson for Health

“The West Australian healthcare system is at breaking point. With rising out-of-pocket costs and shrinking bulk billing availability, something has got to give.”

“The Greens plan will see at least 96 new public and free healthcare clinics across Western Australia.”

“These new clinics will be staffed with General Practitioners, Dentists, Psychologists and Nurse Practitioners so West Australians can get the healthcare they need when they need it.”

“I’ve spoken to thousands of people across the electorate and people have shared with me that they’re suffering because of the current cost of healthcare. I’ve heard from parents who are deciding between putting food on the table or going to the doctor. It’s clear this is a crisis. 

“New data shows that in the Perth CBD, the average out-of-pocket cost to see the GP is nearly $50 and rising. This is not only putting people’s health at risk, it is completely unsustainable with those effects found later down the line in overwhelmed emergency rooms.

“I’ve spoken to nurses working at Royal Perth Hospital who feel completely overwhelmed and undervalued. They’ve shared that emergency admissions are on the rise but resources aren’t keeping up. 

“The Greens Plan for Perth includes building 6 new free healthcare clinics. This will mean our community can access General Practitioners, Dentists, Psychologists and Nurse Practitioners without worrying about the out-of-pocket cost.  

Tim Costello is right – we’re all about to lose to vested interests.

Labor has abandoned its long-awaited reforms despite over 70 per cent of Australians wanting a full gambling ad ban.

I’m one of those 70 per cent.

I have a 10-year-old and the idea that she may be exposed to gambling ads on YouTube, Spotify and other channels horrifies me.

And it’s not just in the Federal Parliament.

The Tasmanian government backflipped on pokies reform. In NSW, pokies reform has stalled.

Here in the ACT, Labor withdrew its own amendments to reduce pokies and continued to block the cashless gaming system proposed by the Greens Minister, despite academics and harm reduction experts supporting those reforms.

It’s honestly insulting to the community. The lack of action on gambling ads. The backflipping on pokies reform and now, for Canberra, the backing of developments in our city that don’t meet community needs, including affordable housing options for the many Canberrans struggling to pay their bills.

Canberra’s horseracing industry is asking the ACT Government to rezone their land at Thoroughbred Park so they can profit from a $2 billion property development.

It’s a great idea to rezone that land for housing. It’s on light rail and only 5 km from our city’s centre. In fact, we could put a whole suburb there with public and affordable housing, community facilities, schools and parks – something the Greens proposed months ago.

But that’s not the deal on the table.

The only deal on the table is the one by the Canberra Racing Club, which is a joint venture with the ACT Government to add 3000 apartments on the side of their racetrack – no parks, no playgrounds, no community facilities and no schools, despite those in the area already at 94 per cent capacity.

Does this development mean we may see some affordable housing options for people who are struggling to keep a roof over their heads? That’s uncertain.

Despite us living in an urgent housing crisis, Treasury documents released under freedom of information have indicated no homes in this proposal will be affordable. The Labor Government is yet to make a commitment about this one way or the other.

Various people have asked if the government will compare the two options, but they’ve been told no by the Chief Minister’s office.

Labor and the Liberals have actively voted against community consultation, considering various options for the site and publishing the results. This seems unbelievable.

This comes from an industry with declining membership that’s running deficits year after year, that provides most economic value to the ACT through gambling ads (according to a report commissioned by the Canberra Racing Club), and receives 27 times more in public funding than they generate in the ACT betting tax and only donate $50,000 yearly to a local charity despite receiving $8 million of public funding.

And this is all hidden behind closed doors.

You wouldn’t know you’re getting a dodgy deal simply because this conversation is not happening publicly.

But the Greens are trying to change that. You deserve to know what’s happening in your city. You deserve to have a say, and you deserve to know that the people you elected are working transparently and in good faith.

Even the public funding between the ACT Government and the racing industry is done through multi-year deals, which until recently weren’t even published – not through public tenders, grants or annual processes, which most other non-government entities seeking public funding have to do. In fact, each year, the horseracing industry receives more public funding than the Canberra Raiders, ACT Brumbies, Canberra United and all our community sports programs combined.

They’re the only non-government member of a steering committee making recommendations to government about whether to rezone Thoroughbred Park and whether government should enter into a property deal with them. The only public information I’ve found about this process so far came from my parliamentary questions and FOI requests.

So yes, rezoning for housing is a great idea. But it’s all hushed, and there is no genuine community consultation and involvement. The only plan being considered is that of the Canberra Racing Club, which has no experience in property development. So you could ask, what are the chances of us getting a development that will deliver for Canberra’s growing population?

My asks to the Labor Government are simple: let people have a genuine say, plan for the growing community, and show some leadership to ensure there are housing options for everyone in Canberra, not just those who can afford the private market.

Jo Clay is the Deputy Leader of the ACT Greens and a Member for Ginninderra in the Legislative Assembly. This article was originally posted on the Riot ACT.