Category: Australian News

As radical as the communist Australian Greens are, even their extremism isn’t quite radical enough for black nationalist activist Lidia Thorpe.

The woman who called Queen Elizabeth a coloniser and declared war on non-indigenous people on Australia Day sensationally quit the Greens this week, less than a year after she was elected as a Greens senator for Victoria, so she can pursue her ‘black sovereignty’ agenda without Adam Bandt holding her leash. The Greens were already heading down this road with their so-called ‘blak’ faction and attacks on the Australian flag. They just weren’t doing it fast enough for Lidia Thorpe.

Hers is an ugly agenda with no consideration for the history of this great nation, which is shared by all Australians regardless of race. She won’t stop – and the Greens won’t stop – until non-indigenous Australians are second-class citizens in their own land paying rent for the privilege of living here.

Lidia Thorpe represents the very worst of identity and grievance politics in Australia, but in one way she is doing us a favour – showing us that a voice to Parliament in the Australian Constitution is only the first step in permanently dividing our country by race.

Greens Treasury spokesperson, Senator Nick McKim, has provided further comment on the Greens’ support for a disallowance motion relating to superannuation fund annual member meeting notices.

“Last year, the Minister for Financial Services, Stephen Jones reached an agreement with the Greens to include within the Financial Accountability Regime million dollar fines for executives who breach their accountability obligations,” Senator McKim said.

“But within 24 hours of that agreement being made public, the minister reneged.”

“After a day of shameless lobbying by the banks, the minister went back on his word.”

“Today, the Greens have demonstrated that there are consequences for this.”

“If the government expects the Greens to be reasonable, then they need to demonstrate that we can work with them in good faith.”

“One way to demonstrate this would be to come good on what was agreed to and include million-dollar fines for dodgy bankers in the Financial Accountability Regime.”

“The government also needs to get on with fixing up the mess that is superannuation annual member meeting notices.”

“They need to bring forward legislation or regulation requiring APRA to publish relevant expenditure by all superannuation funds, for political purposes and for profit, all in the one place.”

“This would allow consumers to easily make a comparison between their fund and other funds.”

News that the Communications Minister, who oversees the Interactive Gambling Act and was previously the shadow minister in charge of online betting, had dinner with and received $19,000 in donations from Sportsbet on the eve of last year’s election shows she should not be in charge of any gambling policy and that donations from the gambling industry should be banned.

Because our donations laws are so weak Minister Rowland has not broken any laws but it is clearly untenable for her to remain as gambling regulator when she has such a cosy relationship with online betting agencies.

It’s long past time to reform political donations laws, and the Greens are committed to pushing Labor to get it done.

Greens leader in the Senate and spokesperson on Democracy, Senator Larissa Waters said:
“It is clearly untenable for the Minister to remain as gambling regulator when she has such a cosy relationship with betting agencies, despite our donations laws being so weak that they have not been broken.

“These donations are an insult to voters and gambling reform advocates across Australia. Both the major parties accept huge sums of money from big industries, and their policies show it. 

“Weak donation laws mean a $10,000 donation from Sportsbet to the shadow minister responsible for online betting doesn’t have to be disclosed. More than a third of all donations to parties stay hidden from public view. 

“Sportsbet also spent nearly $9,000 for a campaign dinner and access to the shadow Minister – no requirement to disclose that one either. These donations are not made because Sportsbet loves democracy, they are made for access and to influence policy.

“We urgently need to ban donations from dirty industries like the gambling sector, and tighten disclosure laws so people can see in real time exactly who is pulling the strings of the parties they are voting for. 

“Now that Minister Rowland is subject to the Ministerial Code of Conduct, there will be more scrutiny of any conflicts of interest arising from donations.  We need strong codes to ensure that ALL politicians are acting with integrity at all times.

“The Greens have been campaigning for decades to clean up our democracy. It’s time for Labor to come to the table and work with us to ensure politicians work in the public interest, not the interest of their donor mates.”

In the lead up to the last federal election Anthony Albanese told voters “a Labor Government that I lead will rule out PEP-11” and said “our position on PEP-11 is clear, it’s a bad idea and only a Labor Government will stop it, no ifs- no buts” and even reiterated to parliament that the project “should be consigned to the dustbin of history, where it belongs. This is a complete no-brainer.”

Now the Morrison Government’s decision to stop PEP-11 looks set to be overturned by the Federal Court, the Greens call on the Albanese Government to walk the talk on PEP-11. 

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

“Anthony Albanese talked a big game in opposition about stopping the toxic offshore oil and gas drilling project PEP-11, but contrary to his election promise all we’ve had this week from the Prime Minister is excuses. 

“The Prime Minister’s claim that PEP-11’s fate is now a matter of regulatory procedure is an absolute cop out; his government has the power to legally kill the project! 

“Anthony Albanese could at least personally assure the communities that rallied to stop PEP-11 that he will fight to uphold his election promise. 

“This is a serious test for the Prime Minister: is he going to stay true to his words on stopping this grossly unpopular climate bomb or is he going to pander to fossil fuel companies and hide behind excuses of procedural propriety? 

“My Fight for Australia’s Coastline Bill will be brought on for debate in the Senate today. If passed this Bill will protect the PEP-11 permit area from oil and gas drilling forever. It would also set a precedent for permanently stopping destructive offshore oil and gas exploration on our oceans. If the Albanese Government wants to avoid shooting itself in the foot on PEP-11, it should have the sense and decency to back this Bill.” 

NSW Greens spokesperson for mining, coal and gas, Sue Higgins MLC said:

“PEP-11 is an unreasonable and dangerous project that is universally opposed by communities from Sydney’s Northern Beaches through to Newcastle.

“While Captain’s calls on resource projects are not acceptable legally, neither are projects that are socially, environmentally and economically reckless and not in the public interest. 

“Once the Court proceedings are settled, these bully gas corporations must accept that there is no place for their project and take the next step and withdraw their plans and exploration applications.

“The NSW community has been vocally opposing this project for years and it’s time that they are assured by all governments that it will never go ahead.”

Tomorrow we will welcome representatives from across the world to Adelaide for the Eighth Ministerial Conference of the Bali Process on People Smuggling, Trafficking in Persons and Related Transnational Crime.

This is the first time the Bali Process Ministerial Conference has been held outside of Indonesia. Foreign Minister Penny Wong will Co-Chair the conference with Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi.

The Bali Process is the pre-eminent regional forum on these issues and brings together governments, senior officials and business leaders to build new connections and strengthen existing partnerships.

International cooperation is critical for tackling people smuggling, human trafficking and modern slavery. Australia is committed to working with partners in our region to build awareness and help countries strengthen their responses.

For the Third Government and Business Forum of the Bali Process we will be joined by business co-chairs Dr Andrew Forrest of Australia and Pak Garibaldi Thohir of Indonesia.

Cooperation between government and the business community is vital to combating human trafficking and modern slavery.

Reflecting the Australian Government’s focus on ending all forms of modern slavery, at home and abroad, we are today announcing the role of Australia’s Ambassador for People Smuggling and Human Trafficking will be expanded and assume the new title of Ambassador to Counter Modern Slavery, People Smuggling and Human Trafficking.

More information about the Bali Process.

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

“I look forward to welcoming my Indonesian counterpart and friend, Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, to Adelaide and to reaffirming our close partnership. 

“As Co-Chairs of the Bali Process, Australia and Indonesia work closely together to help countries in our region address the abhorrent crimes of people smuggling, human trafficking and other forms of modern slavery.

“We will work to end modern slavery in every country.”

Attorney-General, the Hon Mark Dreyfus KC MP said:

“As a leader in countering human trafficking and people smuggling, Australia’s role as Co-Chair of the Bali Process complements our domestic reforms to tackle modern slavery, including human trafficking.

“Some of these domestic efforts include strengthening our Modern Slavery Act 2018 (Cth), which is currently undergoing a statutory review, and establishing an Anti-Slavery Commissioner to work with business, civil society, NGOs and State and Territory governments.”

Minister for Home Affairs, the Hon Clare O’Neil MP said:

“A whole of region approach is essential to countering these transnational crimes.”

“Home Affairs is proud to co-chair the Bali Process’ Technical Experts on Returns and Reintegration Working Group, and partner with Indonesia to deliver the Regional Support Office (RSO).

“The RSO is the only cooperation mechanism of its kind in the Asia Pacific region, drawing on policy knowledge, technical expertise and operational experience from Bali Process Members and other key stakeholders to develop practical initiatives.”

The Australian Government acknowledges the announcement by the Netherlands Public Prosecution Service and the MH17 Joint Investigation Team that they will suspend their investigation into additional individuals responsible for the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17.

Russia’s illegal and immoral invasion of Ukraine and its lack of cooperation with the investigation have rendered ongoing investigative efforts and the collection of evidence impossible at this time.

Australia has been steadfast in our enduring commitment to seeking truth, justice, and accountability for the victims of the downing of MH17.

Today’s announcement will be distressing for many. Our thoughts remain with those who lost their lives, their families and loved ones, and we acknowledge the distress they will be feeling with this announcement.

We note the recent convictions of three individuals found responsible for the downing of MH17 and murder of 298 people, 38 of whom called Australia home.

We commend the work and professionalism of the Joint Investigation Team officials, including the Australian Federal Police, who have conducted rigorous investigations to support bringing those responsible to justice.

The findings of the District Court of The Hague unequivocally and conclusively establish Russia’s responsibility for the downing of MH17.

Australia remains committed to pursuing our ongoing case with the Netherlands in the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to hold Russia to account for its role in the downing of the civilian aircraft.

Australian Greens Deputy Leader, Senator Mehreen Faruqi, has said that today’s parliamentary endorsement of Behaviour Standards and Codes is a step forward in ensuring parliament is a safer, more respectful workplace that rejects discrimination. 

Senator Faruqi is a member of the Joint Select Committee on Parliamentary Standards, which developed the Behaviour Standards and Codes and reported in November 2022.

Senator Faruqi said:

“I’m optimistic that this is a turning point for making parliament a safer, more respectful workplace that rejects discrimination. 

“The codes will set an expectation of how we behave here. How this place changes for the better will depend on our commitment to changing culture. We must keep an eye on each other and call out unacceptable behaviour whenever and wherever it happens.

“The new codes explicitly prohibit discrimination on grounds that marginalise First Nations people, people of colour, disabled people and LGBTQI+ communities.  There is now recognition that this is unacceptable – and that perpetrators will face consequences for their actions.

“I urge the government to quickly set up the investigative and enforcement mechanisms to give the codes power to make the change so desperately needed and to hold us accountable.

“The mandatory training recommended by the parliamentary standards committee, including on anti-racism, disability discrimination and First Nations cultural awareness, is crucial for challenging entrenched privilege and power. This work should be prioritised as well.”

The Australian Government is working to provide a Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) to Türkiye to support local authorities with search and rescue efforts.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong has activated an AUSASSISTPLAN to deploy an Urban Search and Rescue team of up to 72 personnel to Türkiye to assist local authorities.

Our National Emergency Management Agency, or NEMA, is working closely with Fire and Rescue NSW, DFAT and the ADF to coordinate the deployment as soon as possible, with an aim to have boots on the ground by the end of the week.

These Urban Search and Rescue specialists are highly trained to locate, deliver medical assistance to, and remove victims who have been trapped or impacted by a structural collapse.

We wish to thank the personnel and their families in advance, for their willingness to support this important international effort with such short notice.

The Australian Government will continue to monitor the situation as it unfolds and assess further needs and where Australia can best assist.

We extend Australia’s condolences to families and communities that have lost loved ones, and those whose lives and livelihoods have been affected.

Australians in need of emergency consular assistance should contact the Australian Government 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135 in Australia or +61 2 6261 3305 outside Australia.

Greens Treasury spokesperson, Senator Nick McKim, has responded to today’s decision by the RBA to raise interest rates for the ninth consecutive time.

“The RBA is failing in its duty to ensure the economic prosperity and welfare of the people of Australia.”

“The RBA is willing to smash Australia into a recession in pursuit of policy that is only benefiting the already wealthy.

“The Treasurer needs to do two things.”

“Firstly, he needs to ask Philip Lowe for his resignation.”

“Secondly, he needs to use the powers he has to reverse today’s decision by the RBA.”

“Consumer sentiment is at the lowest level since the GFC.”

“The volume of retail sales is falling.”

“Meanwhile, the stock market is at a near record high.”

“The rich are getting richer while mortgage holders, renters, workers and small businesses are all copping it.”

“This blast of interest rate increases were never the right response to inflation driven by supply shocks and corporate profiteering.”

“But with the evidence pointing to inflation having already peaked, the RBA is now just being belligerent.”

“Section 11 of the Reserve Bank Act gives the government the ‘ultimate power to determine the policy of the bank’.”

“It’s time for the Treasurer to stop ducking for cover and start using his power to bring into line an RBA board that is running cover for corporate interests.”

“It’s also time for the Treasurer to introduce super-profits taxes to tackle corporate profiteering and provide immediate cost-of-living, such as free childcare, putting dental into Medicare, and introducing a freeze on rents.” 

The Greens say new data from the Productivity Commission shows that Australian governments have abandoned the Gonski reforms, with funding growth to the private sector outstripping increases to public schools by 10% over the past decade.

The latest Report on Government Services shows that total per student funding from federal, state and territory governments to the public school sector rose from $17,920 in 2012 to $20,964 in 2021, an increase of 17%. During that same span governments increased total funding to private schools by 27%, from $9,686 per student to $12,309.

Greens spokesperson on schools, Senator Penny Allman-Payne said:

“This report proves what a disastrous decision it was for Labor to postpone the next National School Reform Agreement by a year.

“There is currently no pathway to full public funding for the vast majority of public schools in Australia. The decades-long failure by both old parties to invest properly in our public schools is seeing educational outcomes continue to fall for our poorest and most remote students.

“Eleven years ago David Gonski said that there was growing inequality in the school system, identified funding inequality as the root cause, and provided a model to fix that.

“But instead of embracing the Gonski recommendations, successive governments have shied away from directing funding away from the private sector towards the schools that desperately need it. It’s gutless and morally indefensible.

“Our public schools need more money, and they need it now. We don’t need more working groups or more reports to tell us what every public school teacher, parent and carer already knows.

 “The Greens will continue to fight to ensure that all public schools receive at least 100% of their Schooling Resource Standard at the start of the next NSRA.”