Category: Australian News

Today we are pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Justin Mohamed as Australia’s inaugural Ambassador for First Nations People.

Mr Mohamed will lead the Office of First Nations Engagement in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Together they will work in genuine partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to progress Indigenous rights globally, and help grow First Nations trade and investment.

Elevating the perspectives of First Nations people – this land’s first diplomats – enables deeper engagement with many of our closest partners including the Pacific family.

This new position ensures, for the first time, that Australia will have dedicated Indigenous representation in our international engagement.

Mr Mohamed is a Gooreng Gooreng man from Bundaberg, Queensland and brings a strong connection to community.

Currently Deputy Secretary of Aboriginal Justice in the Victorian Government, Mr Mohamed has worked for decades in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, social justice and reconciliation, in roles spanning the Aboriginal community, government and corporate sectors.

He was previously Chief Executive Officer for Reconciliation Australia, Chairperson of the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, and has represented Indigenous organisations internationally, including at the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.

Mr Mohamed will commence as Ambassador in April.

Justin Mohamed said:

“I am honoured to be appointed as the inaugural Ambassador for First Nations People and excited about the opportunities ahead to embed First Nations voices and knowledge into Australia’s foreign policies and trade.

“I am looking forward to sitting down and listening to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across the country, as we develop foreign policies that have First Nations People’s knowledges, voice and connection to country front and centre.”

One Nation leader Senator Pauline Hanson will join former Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce, former Labor minister Gary Johns and veteran broadcaster Alan Jones in Tamworth this month to launch a bipartisan campaign for the NO vote in the coming referendum on the voice to Parliament.

Senator Hanson said opposition to the proposed voice was increasing as concerns grew over revelations it would have much more power than the Albanese government has let on, and was only the first step towards permanently dividing and separating Australia on race and the creation of an Aboriginal state.

“Labor has repeatedly downplayed the powers and scope of the voice despite increasing evidence it has the potential to hold Parliamentary supremacy hostage in the High Court,” she said.

“More recently however, advocates for the voice have revealed just how powerful they want it to be. In fact they anticipate the High Court will play a prominent role in deciding – and expanding – its powers.

“Make no mistake, black nationalism activists will not stop with the voice. They will continue until they have their own nation within Australia, one which the rest of us pay for and one which has sovereignty over the rest of us.

“Advocates have also come clean that this is precisely why they want to enshrine this race-based voice in the Constitution.

“They do not believe all Australians should have an equal say in how their country is governed. They believe that Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders should have more power than the vast majority of the Australian people, based solely on race. They saw how the corrupt Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission was abolished in 2004 and they don’t want that to happen to their voice.

“Anthony Albanese refuses to reveal planned details like this because he knows the Australian people won’t like them. Fortunately, sensible opposition to the voice has been raising these and many other problems for months now. We could easily be heading into a series of constitutional crises which could effectively make Australia ungovernable until they’re sorted out.

“Tamworth will host the first of many speaking events bringing these hard facts to people all over Australia. I have always fought for equality among all Australians, which is why I oppose the voice in all forms and why I’m pleased to play a role in this vital campaign for the NO vote.”

The Tasmanian Government’s allocation of an additional $5.1 million to the Abalone Industry Reinvestment Fund is welcome, but must now be backed up by Federal funding. 

Federal funding will be critical for the containment and management of the invasive sea urchin and ensuring the recovery of our abalone and rock lobster fisheries habitat. 

Greens spokesperson for healthy oceans, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson said:

“Long-spined sea urchins have been range-shifting down our east coast with climate change over recent decades, decimating southern ocean marine ecosystems and fisheries in their wake, yet virtually nothing has been done by the federal government to research, manage or mitigate this risk.

“At the last federal election both influential recreational and commercial fishing groups called for federal government attention and assistance on this critical problem. The state government can only do so much, it’s time the federal government acted. 

“I initiated a Senate inquiry into the spread and impacts from the invasive long-spined sea urchin, and evidence presented at the inquiry’s hearings so far suggests the need and strong appetite for state and federal government cooperation on this most challenging issue.

“Scientific modelling predicts that by 2050 half of lutruwita/Tasmania’s reefs will be turned into urchin barrens if we don’t take immediate action on climate change mitigation and adaptation measures.

“Stopping the formation of new urchin barrens is critical to the recovery of federally endangered Giant Kelp forests. Funding for pest urchin removal could be part of an EPBC recovery plan for this marine habitat.

“The Greens call for a federally coordinated funding approach to managing climate invasive marine pests through a Great Southern Reef Research Centre of Excellence. The Great Barrier Reef rightly receives billions of dollars in funding to help tackle the invasive crown of thorns starfish. A $40m commitment to a Great Southern Reef Research Centre of Excellence would be just a drop in the ocean in comparison.” 

The Australian Government will today deploy HMAS Canberra following a request from the Government of Vanuatu.

The 230-metre long Landing Helicopter Dock has completed loading equipment, stores and personnel and will sail from its homeport of Sydney to Vanuatu to provide support to the country following Tropical Cyclones Judy and Kevin.

The Ship and more than 600 ADF personnel will bring a versatile set of capabilities to support the Whole-of-Government response to the cyclones, led by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

The deployment of HMAS Canberra follows two Royal Australian Air Force aircraft which have already reached the Vanuatu capital of Port Vila.

A C-17A Globemaster has delivered a 12-person Rapid Assessment Team and Australia’s initial humanitarian assistance, which includes, shelters, water purification supplies and other essential items for impacted communities.

Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Richard Marles MP said:

“HMAS Canberra has a significant capacity to provide ship-to-shore connections via its Landing Craft and three embarked Australian Army CH-47 helicopters, fresh water and has its own hospital facilities.

“The ADF personnel on board bring recent experience from other relief efforts in the region over the past two years and Defence is proud to support a member of the Pacific family.”

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

“Our close partnership with Vanuatu means we have been able to mobilise assistance quickly and contribute to the Government of Vanuatu’s immediate requests following Tropical Cyclones Judy and Kevin.

“With HMAS Canberra we are providing more humanitarian supplies and much needed logistical support. This shows our continued commitment to the Pacific family.”

Minister for International Development and the Pacific, the Hon Pat Conroy MP said:

“The Pacific family can rely on Australia to work with them in times of crisis.”

“The deployment of HMAS Canberra follows two RAAF aircraft and Australia’s rapid assessment team, who are supporting the Government of Vanuatu to assess the impacts of these cyclones.

An Australian-backed global treaty to conserve the world’s high seas and ensure they are used sustainably has been agreed to at the United Nations.

The Albanese Government is delivering on its commitment to see a Nature Positive Australia and a Nature Positive World.

The treaty builds on the Government’s work at the Montreal Biodiversity COP where Australia led negotiations for a high-ambition Global Biodiversity Framework – protecting 30 per cent of the oceans by 2030.

Australia’s leadership and cooperation with like-minded countries has seen the new Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdictions treaty (High Seas Treaty) agreed overnight.

The new treaty creates stronger protections for our oceans and increases opportunities for international collaboration, including on marine science and marine protected areas (MPAs) on the high seas.

The treaty:

• creates a framework to establish Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) on the high seas,
• puts in place a rigorous environmental impact assessment process to achieve nature positive outcomes,
• ensures that the interests and contribution of Indigenous Peoples and local communities are recognised,
• and puts in place a regime to regulate the use of marine genetic resources.

High seas make up 60 per cent of the Earth’s surface and there is a growing interest in using the marine resources found in them.

As a member of the High Ambition Coalition, Australia like many other countries, including Pacific Island countries, sought and achieved a highly ambitious treaty.

The formal adoption of the treaty text will take place in the coming months.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Senator the Hon Penny Wong said:

“The new global oceans treaty is a remarkable milestone to protect the world’s oceans.

“This outcome is particularly significant for the Blue Pacific Continent – the basis of livelihoods and food security for many in the Pacific family.

“The Albanese Government is delivering on its election commitment to protect the world’s oceans.

“Australia’s support has also enabled Pacific participation in the historic negotiations.”

Minister for the Environment and Water the Hon Tanya Plibersek MP said:

“The High Seas cover 60 per cent of the world’s surface. International cooperation to protect and manage them is vital. This treaty will give us a huge boost towards meeting our global biodiversity goal of protecting 30 per cent of our earth’s oceans.

“Australians know how important marine protected areas are in our own country – sanctuaries for marine life to grow and flourish. This treaty puts a framework in place to establish Marine Protected Areas in the high seas, leading to stronger protections for oceans around the world.

“Since coming to office the Albanese Government has been a leader on the world stage in ocean protection – from our role at the UN Oceans Conference last year to our strong leadership in seeing the high-ambition Global Biodiversity Framework signed in Montreal last December.

“Australia is proud to have joined with other nations in working tirelessly to achieve an ambitious oceans treaty. Our oceans need stronger environmental protections world-wide and this will help to deliver that.”

The Greens have called on the government to strengthen their proposed superannuation plan to meaningfully address wealth inequality and fund measures to address the cost of living crisis by preventing people from accessing any superannuation tax concessions above $1.9m, the current level of the transfer balance cap originally set by then Treasurer Scott Morrison.

Costings by the PBO show that the Greens’ plan would raise $54.6 billion over the next decade, which could be a down payment on raising income support above the poverty line or pay for an immediate doubling of Commonwealth Rent Assistance.

Senator Nick McKim, Greens Economic Justice Spokesperson said:

“Labor’s minimalistic plan is not enough to curb wealth inequality, especially if they do not ditch the Stage 3 tax cuts.

“Fiddling at the margins on superannuation tax concessions while proceeding with Stage 3 tax cuts is just a money-go-round scheme for the rich.

“Labor is basically proposing to rob Peter to pay Peter.

“The transfer balance cap – introduced by Scott Morrison – makes it clear that people do not need public handouts once they have $1.9m in superannuation.

“The Greens want Labor to eliminate all superannuation tax concessions above $1.9m.

“If Labor gets real about tackling inequality, we can raise serious money to help address the cost of living crisis, like ending handouts to the top 1% to fund an increase in income support or doubling rent assistance.

“Our plan would only affect the top 1%, but it would start earlier, and tax twice as many people twice as hard as Labor’s.

“Instead of waiting until 2025, our proposal would take effect from 1 July this year.

“We also urge Labor to direct revenue from curbing these concessions towards helping those who need it most.

Senator Janet Rice, Greens spokesperson for Community affairs said:

“People with more than $1.9m of superannuation don’t also need massive tax breaks. People are doing it really tough and we need to make sure government help is going to the people who need it most.

“There are more people sleeping rough every night in this country than there are people impacted by Labor’s super plan. This money could be a down payment on increasing social security payments above the poverty line.”

The Australian Government will deploy a rapid assessment team to survey cyclone damage at the request of the Government of Vanuatu.

The 12-person team and an initial assistance package will be transported to Vanuatu on a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) aircraft as soon as weather conditions allow.

The team includes officers from federal, state and territory partners with a range of disaster, health, infrastructure, power and humanitarian assessment capabilities.

The rapid assessment team will survey the impact of Tropical Cyclone Judy, and Tropical Cyclone Kevin.

RAAF aircraft will also assist the Government of Vanuatu with aerial damage assessments.

Australia’s initial package of assistance includes shelters, water purification supplies and other essential items for impacted communities.

The Australian Government is working closely with partners such as France and New Zealand to support the Government of Vanuatu’s response.

Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Richard Marles MP said:

“The Australian Defence Force as a part of the whole-of-government effort is coordinating closely with the Pacific family to provide the best support possible to the Ni-Vanuatu people.”

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

“We are providing rapid assistance to support those who have been affected by this disaster.

“We are committed to working with the Govt and people of Vanuatu to support the recovery.”

Minister for International Development and the Pacific, the Hon Pat Conroy MP said:

“Our thoughts are with the people of Vanuatu at this difficult time. Australia stands with the Pacific family during this crisis – now and into the future.

“The deployment of this rapid assessment team builds on our longstanding disaster preparedness and humanitarian assistance activities in Vanuatu and across the region.”

Minister for Emergency Management, Senator the Hon Murray Watt said:

“Australia is proud to be sharing the experience and expertise of our emergency responders to support Vanuatu.

“I thank the Australian personnel who are stepping up to assist the Pacific family in this time of need.”

A primary concern for people living out bush is the lack of face-to-face banking services in regional Australia. This has been a primary concern of One Nation’s now for more than 20 years.

The national inquiry into banks closing their services in rural areas is uncovering crucial issues that need urgent attention. A recent hearing in Sale revealed a shocking lack of consultation between banks and community members before deciding to shut down their branches.

The disconnect between the head offices of large corporations in major cities and the realities of regional communities is becoming a significant issue. The Senate inquiry heard the concerns of these communities across regional Australia and has heard of innovative solutions to keep banking services in rural areas open.

A Postal Bank would fit Australia’s gap in regional banking services quite neatly and has been implemented successfully in Japan and New Zealand.

The Postal Bank would convert current Australia Post branches into a proper national bank run by the government, providing face-to-face banking services to regional Australians. The benefits of the Postal Bank are many.

Regional and metropolitan councils around Australia are now signing up for the campaign to introduce an Australia Post Bank because of the benefits they see for their communities.

A local bank branch that knows the area and the people was the key to the success of the original Commonwealth Bank, which did incredible things to build Australia before it was dismantled after pressure from private banks. We need a proper banking service in regional Australia that provides face-to-face services to the people.

Many Australian politicians have now realised the damage these bank closures are doing to the bush. A serious and urgent re-think is required or many areas of rural Australia may no longer be viable communities

The Senate inquiry is not a witch hunt into banks, as some have suggested. It is a necessary inquiry to address the lack of face-to-face banking services in regional Australia. The Postal Bank proposal is a viable solution that needs to be explored further. Like so many other issues, we need broad political buy-in from parliament for the proposal to gain traction.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will travel to India from 8 –11 March at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Prime Minister’s visit to Ahmedabad, Mumbai and New Delhi will further deepen our strategic, economic and people to people ties with India, a close friend and partner to Australia.

Prime Minister Albanese will join Prime Minister Modi for the Australia-India Annual Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi. The Prime Ministers will discuss trade and investment, renewable energy, technology, defence and security cooperation. The visit will also highlight our strong educational and cultural ties.

Prime Minister Albanese will be accompanied by Trade and Tourism Minister Don Farrell and Resources Minister Madeleine King. Minister Farrell and Minister King will also lead a delegation of senior Australian business leaders on this visit.

The business delegation will participate in the Australia-India CEO Forum in Mumbai, discussing trade and investment opportunities opened up by the recent Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement and future areas of business to business collaboration with their Indian counterparts.

Prime Minister Albanese will also join Prime Minister Modi at the Fourth Test Match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Ahmedabad. A shared passion for cricket is a hallmark of our long-standing friendship, a relationship that has been enriched by generations of Indian Australians.

This will be the first visit by an Australian Prime Minister to India since 2017.                                                                                

Prime Minister Albanese said:

“This will be my first visit to India as Prime Minister and I look forward to reinforcing the strong bond between our two countries.”

“Our relationship with India is strong but it can be stronger. It is underpinned by our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which underscores a joint commitment to working together to enhance our defence, economic, and technological interests.”

“A stronger India-Australia partnership is good for the stability of our region.  It also means more opportunities and more trade and investment, strengthening our economies and directly benefiting our people.”

 “As we look to the future, India will continue to be an important partner and close friend to Australia. I look forward to hosting Prime Minister Modi in Australia mid-year for the Quad Leaders’ Summit and to visiting India again in September for the G20 Leaders’ Summit.”

Deputy Greens Leader and International Aid & Global Justice spokesperson Senator Mehreen Faruqi has welcomed the Australian Government’s decision to co-sponsor Vanuatu’s UN bid to seek an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the rights of present and future generations to be protected from climate change. 

The Greens, along with civil society groups, have been pushing Australia to step up and co-sponsor the resolution.

Senator Faruqi said:

“The Government’s decision to co-sponsor  Vanuatu’s initiative is a positive signal to  Pacific nations that Australia is starting to listen to them and their campaign for climate justice.

“Now, Australia has to back this up with strong, credible climate policy at home: a transition to renewables and no new coal and gas. Shamefully, Labor’s safeguard mechanism policy is pro-coal and gas.

“The Government’s decision is reportedly based on a recognition that the climate crisis is the single greatest threat to our Pacific neighbours. At the same time, the Government is nonetheless willing to make the climate crisis worse by opening new coal and gas.”

“Wealthy, colonial countries of the Global North, including Australia, bear overwhelming responsibility for causing and driving the climate crisis. Australia must advocate for global climate justice and critically, must stop making the climate crisis worse by opening new coal and gas.”