Category: Australian News

Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong has just admitted in Senate Estimates that nuclear-capable bombers can rotate through Australia without breaching international obligations, under questioning from the Greens.

Australian Greens Senator and Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Jordon Steele John said: 

“Australians have resisted the nuclearisation of our military for decades and now the Albanese government is letting the Americans do it for us.

“Nuclear capable B-52 bombers have no place on Australian bases, on Australian shores or in Australian airspace. They are an offensive weapon that will destabilise our region.

“The decision for the Australian Government to allow American B-52s into Australia is another clear example of successive major party governments selling out Australian interests for the Americans.

“Whether it be the AUKUS pact, the coverup of how Australia became involved in the illegal US invasion of Iraq or this newest escalation in the force posture agreement. When it comes to the US, there is no Australian interest this government has not been willing to sell out.

“Australia needs to deeply reevaluate our relationship with the United States and pursue an independent, peaceful and cooperative foreign policy,” Senator Steele John said.

Australian Greens Senator and Defence Spokesperson David Shoebridge said: 

“It is highly alarming that Australian military facilities are being made available for the US to launch its nuclear capable bombers.

“The fact that we are allowing Australian military facilities to host US nuclear bombers should alarm all Australians who are concerned  with our collective safety.

“This decision not only makes us a nuclear target, it further erodes our sovereignty.

“The US has made it clear it won’t tell anyone when their B52’s are nuclear armed or not. This leaves Australia in the dark about our role in the USA’s global nuclear strategy.

“This decision directly contradicts the Defence Minister’s claims that our relationship with the US does not undermine Australia’s sovereignty.

“This will further destabilise our region and force Australia into an unwitting role in the global nuclear weapons threat,” Senator Shoebridge said.

Greens forests spokesperson, Senator Janet Rice has called on state and federal Labor governments to commit to ending native forest logging immediately and ensure a just transition for forestry workers that are about to face an uncertain future, with Australia’s largest white paper producing plant, set to close. 

Greens spokesperson for forests, Senator Janet Rice said: 

“The end of white paper production at the Maryvale paper mill shows the writing is on the wall for Victoria’s native forest logging industry.

“Unions believe about 200 people may become unemployed as a result of this closure. The mill should have been supported to transition away from woodchips from native forests well before now, for example, by using supplies of logs from eucalypt plantations from western Victoria and Tasmania that are currently being exported. 

“Instead, workers will be left with the stress of job loss, in the midst of a cost of living crisis, wondering about their future.

The state government saw this coming but they chose to continue denying reality. With this woeful oversight by the state government, it’s time the federal government step up, commit to ending native forest logging across the country and ensure a just transition for workers.

“Recent supreme court cases have proven illegal logging and multiple breaches of state environment laws by VicForests, resulting in native forest logging operations grinding to a halt.

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

“Labor has a choice. They can either begin a fair transition for workers, or they can keep their head in the sand and leave more workers stranded.

“The Greens will keep fighting to secure meaningful climate and environment legislation, which must include saving what remains of Australia’s native forests and stopping the extinction of the iconic species that call these forests home.”

The Albanese Government will contribute an additional $8 million dollars to Australia’s response to the devastating earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria, bringing the total to $18 million.

This funding will provide lifesaving assistance, with a focus on protecting those made most vulnerable by the earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria. It will also support ongoing search and rescue efforts.

In Türkiye, we will contribute an additional $4.5 million. This includes $2 million to Australian NGOs through the Australian Humanitarian Partnership to deliver lifesaving assistance, with a focus on protecting those made most vulnerable by the earthquakes. Remaining funds will support ongoing search and rescue efforts and other emerging needs arising from this crisis.

In Syria, $3.5 million will be provided to the United Nations Population Fund to deliver maternal and child health services and protect women and girls without safe housing. This is in addition to the $3 million that Australia has committed to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

We extend Australia’s deepest sympathies to families and communities that have lost loved ones in the earthquakes, including families here in Australia.

The earthquakes have also exacerbated the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Syria, where years of conflict have driven millions from their homes.

In addition to the earthquake response, the Australian Government will provide $15 million through trusted partners to assist conflict-affected Syrians and their host communities in Syria, Lebanon and Jordan.

Imagery of the Australian Government’s Disaster Assistance Response Team in Türkiye is available at: https://multimedia.dfat.gov.au/fotoweb/albums/Y-agmMww5crkgPyn/

Senator the Hon. Sarah Henderson will become the Shadow Minister for Education. I know Sarah will continue her outstanding advocacy and dedication to the cause in the shadow education portfolio, just as she has in the shadow communications portfolio.

I am pleased to announce the Hon. David Coleman MP will return to the Coalition frontbench to become the Shadow Minister for Communications. David has been a fine contributor for the Coalition, and as a former minister, I know he will take up this role with his customary diligence.

These new appointments will strengthen the Coalition’s representation in critical portfolio areas. I look forward to continuing to work with Senator Henderson and Mr Coleman as they carry out their new roles.

I again thank the Hon. Alan Tudge MP for his service to the Coalition team since his election in 2010. He departs the parliament with the Coalition’s best wishes for his future endeavours.

My strong Coalition team will continue their hard work and their unity in holding the government to account.

I can assure all Australians that the Coalition will continue to focus on delivering positive plans and policies for the future of our country in 2023 and in the lead-up to the next election.

Today, the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister received the final Defence Strategic Review (DSR) report.

Authored by former Minister for Defence, His Excellency Professor the Hon. Stephen Smith and former Chief of the Defence Force, Sir Angus Houston, the Defence Strategic Review is an independently led examination of Australia’s defence force posture, force structure and capabilities.

Conducted over six months, the DSR was informed by engagements with more than 150 individuals and experts including Defence officials, Australian Defence Force personnel, defence industry, national security think tanks and academics, representatives from the states and territories and interest groups.

In addition, the Leads of the Review received over 360 submissions from the general public, interested parties, organisations and state and territory governments.

The Albanese Government will now take the necessary time to consider the Review and its recommendations.

Prime Minister, the Hon Anthony Albanese MP said:

“The Defence Strategic Review will help prepare Australia to effectively respond to the changing regional and global strategic environment and ensure Defence’s capability and structure is fit for purpose and delivers the greatest return on investment.”

Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Richard Marles MP said:

“The Defence Strategic Review is an ambitious and extensive examination of our strategic circumstances and will underpin our Defence policy for decades to come.”

“Australia must be resolute in its responsibility to safeguard our region and keep adversaries further from our shores.”

“I thank His Excellency Professor the Hon. Stephen Smith and former Chief of the Defence Force, Sir Angus Houston, for their dedication and commitment to the task, and producing a body of work which will inform key decision making for government.”

Greens Leader Adam Bandt MP has today announced Senator Dorinda Cox as the Party’s new First Nations spokesperson.

A proud Yamatji-Noongar woman, Senator Cox will guide the Greens’ policy work in an important year for First Nations peoples – which will see the Party campaign Yes on the Voice referendum, push the government for continued progress on Truth Telling and Treaty beyond the money allocated in the budget, and progress on First Nations justice.

Senator Cox will continue to hold the Greens’ Resources, Trade, Tourism, and Science portfolios. 

Since being elected, Senator Cox has established the groundbreaking Missing and Murdered First Nations Women and Children Senate Inquiry, aimed at addressing the institutional failures leading  to unacceptable rates of deaths of women, who are 35 times more likely to experience violence and 10 times more likely to be killed.

Responsibility for the Greens’ campaign and position on the upcoming Voice legislation and referendum will be shared with Adam Bandt as Leader.

A further decision will be made as to the holder of the Sports, Small Business, and The Republic portfolios in the coming period.

Greens First Nations spokesperson Senator Dorinda Cox said:

“It’s with gratitude and humility I take on the role of the Greens First Nations spokesperson in what is one of the most important years in a decade of action for the rights of First Nations people,” Senator Cox said.

“I come from a long line of powerful matriarchs, from the clans of the Kaneyang, Yued, Amangu and Wajarri peoples – and their knowledge and leadership will guide me as I push to make a difference in the lives of our people and of First Nations people across the country. 

“As First Nations issues become central to the  policy agenda, I feel that the tide is turning – and we are getting closer to genuine self-determination.
“I hope to pave the way for Blak women to see themselves in positions of leadership, as active participants in our democracy, to speak truth to power and shape politics in this country.

“My work in this portfolio will be grounded in our cultural knowledges, practices and protocols as I reach across the aisles of Parliament to bring everyone on this journey towards Truth Telling, Treaty and Voice.

Leader of the Australian Greens, Adam Bandt MP said:

“Since being elected to Parliament, Senator Cox has continued her fight for the rights of First Nations peoples, and she will be an excellent spokesperson for the Greens” Mr Bandt said.

“In her time in the Senate thus far, Senator Cox has already established a Senate Inquiry into Missing and Murdered First Nations Women and Children, shining a light onto institutional injustices that have created and perpetuated systemic violence.

“Dorinda has been working alongside Traditional Owners to stop Santos and Woodside from destroying land and sea Country, including the world’s oldest rock art on Murujuga in the Pilbara.

“At a time when people are demanding Treaty and self-determination louder than ever, Dorinda is a fierce critic of how colonial structures have stuck their hooks into policy at all levels of this country.

“Dorinda will be an excellent advocate for First Nations justice, and I look forward to working with her to advance Truth, Treaty, and Voice.”

The Greens have called on Labor to return $896,000 in donations from corporations covered by its proposed Safeguard mechanism to give the public confidence in any scheme. 

Analysis reveals that 68% of the emissions covered under the safeguard mechanism came from corporations that donated to the Labor party’s election campaign, AEC donations data reveals. 35% came directly from polluting companies, and a further 33% from companies that are paid-up members of peak bodies that donated to the ALP.

Corporations with major projects on the line like Santos, Woodside, Whitehaven Coal, Glencore and Tamboran, as well as peak member bodies like APPEA and the Minerals Council donated generously to both major parties.

18 Safeguard targeted corporations and lobby groups poured $896,000 into the government’s election war chest, in a clear exertion of influence over the safeguard legislation.

The Liberals have vowed to oppose the safeguard mechanism, putting the Greens in balance of power. The Greens have said they are open to good faith negotiations with the government, but the sticking point will be new coal and gas mines. The documents accompanying the draft safeguard mechanism together with Labor’s emissions projections show pollution from gas will actually rise under the Safeguard, with Labor set to open massive new gas projects before 2030 like the Betaloo, Scarborough, Browse and Narrabri gas fields.

Greens Leader Adam Bandt MP said:

“The big sticking point in negotiations over the Safeguard will be Labor’s push to open new coal and gas mines.

“Labor’s proposed safeguard mechanism opens new coal and gas mines instead of stopping them.

“The big coal and gas corporations have paid Labor off, and in return Labor’s opening new coal and gas mines.

“In a time of climate crisis, the scientists, UN Secretary General and the International Energy Agency have all said that to meet climate goals, no new coal or gas projects can proceed.  

“Labor shouldn’t be taking donations from the coal and gas corporations they’re meant to regulate. Labor should return these dirty coal and gas donations.”

Greens leader in the Senate and spokesperson on democracy Senator Larissa Waters said:

“The Greens want to get fossil fuel money out of politics altogether so that climate policies are based on science, not donations. My bill is the only legislation currently before parliament that seeks to close the backdoor for donations and stop the flow of money from big polluters to the big parties.

“We’ve been campaigning for decades to clean up our democracy. Enough is enough, it’s time for Labor to work with the Greens on donations laws and end the fire sale of our democracy.”

The Greens welcome the decision to scrap Temporary Protection Visas (TPVs) and Safe Haven Enterprise Visas (SHEVs).

“This decision is a good one, and long overdue. We join with the thousands of people who are celebrating this news today,” Greens Immigration spokesperson Senator McKim said. 

“Temporary visas were part of the previous government’s inhumane agenda against refugees and people seeking asylum and it’s long past time we put an end to it.”

“While we welcome this announcement, it’s also critical that people who were unfairly impacted by the previous government’s dodgy ‘fast track’ process are given the opportunity to reapply for a fair and just outcome.”

“We’ll examine this policy change in detail to ensure that no-one is left behind.” 

“The government must take steps to support all refugees, particularly those who have faced years of uncertainty, including those who were left in a state of legal limbo.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will welcome the Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu, the Honourable Alatoi Ishmael Kalsakau, and Madame Ellene Kalsakau to Australia from 14 – 16 February.

Australia and Vanuatu are strong partners based on a shared commitment to a prosperous, peaceful, resilient region.

This will be the first official visit to Australia by a Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu since 2018.

This visit will highlight our shared commitment to ambitious climate action and to working together to advance Pacific priorities in international climate forums.

Prime Minister Kalsakau will be accompanied by a delegation including Minister of Tourism, Trade, Industry, Commerce and Ni Vanuatu Business Development, Matai Seremaiah, and Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Forestry, Fisheries and Biosecurity, Nakou Natuman.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“I’m delighted to welcome Prime Minister Kalsakau and Mrs Kalsakau to Australia.”

“Australia and Vanuatu have a strong relationship and a shared commitment to work with our Pacific family to secure the best outcomes for the region.”

“The Prime Minister’s visit is an opportunity to listen to Vanuatu’s priorities and discuss ways to strengthen cooperation in areas including trade, security, people-to-people links and climate.”

The Albanese Government will provide a further $25 million in emergency assistance to respond to growing global food insecurity and humanitarian crises.

Acute food insecurity, driven by conflict, climate change and rising food prices, is impacting 350 million people around the world.

The extra funds provided by the Australian Government include an additional $15 million for the Horn of Africa, $5 million for Yemen and $5 million for Pakistan.

Funds will go towards providing food, water and other essential support, delivered through Australian and local NGOs, the International Committee of the Red Cross and UN partners. This will save lives, with some projects specifically supporting women and children.

Millions face starvation in East Africa and Yemen, due to enduring drought and conflict. This additional support will bring our humanitarian assistance to $25 million for the Horn of Africa and $10 million for Yemen since September 2022.

In Pakistan, nearly 15 million people in flood-affected areas need emergency food assistance while children continue to suffer from high rates of malnutrition. This funding doubles Australia’s support to the Pakistan flood response to $10 million.

This announcement builds on our existing assistance to address food insecurity. This is in addition to $232 million already provided to the World Food Programme since 2021–22, and financial and technical assistance to countries in our region to help make their food and agricultural systems more resilient.

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

“The growing scale of food insecurity and human suffering is deeply concerning. The Australian Government is committed to ensuring our humanitarian assistance responds to the greatest needs.”

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

“Australia is acutely aware of the humanitarian challenges that exist globally. This assistance will target those most at-risk, drawing on the expertise of Australian NGOs and other valued partners.”

Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon Tim Watts (MP) said:

“Australia is supporting partner countries in Africa, the Middle East and Asia to respond to the rising levels of food insecurity and humanitarian need.”