Category: Australian News

Through the sheer power of her example, Jacinda Ardern has reminded us all that kindness and strength are not mutually exclusive. Even more importantly, she has shown that a true leader possesses both.

It has been a privilege to work closely with Jacinda during her term as Prime Minister of New Zealand, and to witness the many qualities she brought to the role: empathy and insight; intellect and decisiveness; a powerful work ethic matched by a great policy brain; a lightness of touch backed by a firm hand.

Throughout it all, Jacinda has been a fierce advocate for New Zealand and a great friend to Australia. She has been an inspiration to so many and, on a personal level, a friend to me.

It was only fitting that Jacinda was the first foreign leader to visit Australia following our election, and I was pleased to host her again for the 2022 Australia-New Zealand Leaders’ Meeting.

As a fellow Commonwealth leader, I met with Jacinda and co-operated on issues, particularly security in our Pacific region and climate change.

I witnessed her diplomatic skill at forums including the Pacific Islands Forum leaders meeting, APEC and the East Asia Summit. To see her in action, elevating New Zealand on the world stage, was an inspiration.

Her response to the atrocity perpetrated in Christchurch is emblematic of the leader I so admired.

I will always carry in my mind that image of Jacinda in a headscarf, offering the embrace of a nation to a community stricken by grief and fear. When that community was brought so terribly low, she reached high and brought people together. Sadly, as we have seen only too clearly, that is not the instinct of every leader across the world, but it has emphatically been Jacinda’s every step of the way.

Jacinda Ardern has been the very embodiment of the common ground on which nations find their greatest cohesion and strength.

But Jacinda’s gift and her extraordinary qualities as a leader stemmed from more than knowing the right gesture at the right moment, or finding the right words in the right tone. She matched all this with action, with a determined pursuit of justice and with gun reforms to keep New Zealanders safe.

We saw it in response to the shocking loss of life – including 17 Australians – in the White Island disaster.

And we also saw it in her determination to address the ever-growing problem of climate change, not least the very real threat it poses to our Pacific neighbours.

Australia and New Zealand are family. Our relationship is one which transcends leaders and personal ties, and I look forward to the next chapter of our co-operation, with the next prime minister of New Zealand.

The story of the friendship between our two countries is a strong and a permanent one. Nevertheless, we have come to the end of a chapter.

Even the way Jacinda has brought it to a close has been a demonstration of her qualities. A model of modern leadership, after giving her all she will depart on her own terms, with deep humility, with hope for her nation’s future and with the grace she showed all through her time in office.

Not many leaders get to do that.

From prime minister to prime minister, from friend to friend, I wish Jacinda and her family well in the next stage of their lives. When she leaves office, she will go with my admiration and my gratitude.

Australia is losing a friend and the world stage is losing a class act, but her legacy will continue. May the example of her kindness and strength continue to cast its glow in a world that really needs it.

Today marks four years since Australian citizen, Dr Yang Jun, was detained in China.

Our thoughts are with Dr Yang and his family.

Dr Yang faced a closed trial in Beijing on 27 May 2021 and he still awaits a verdict.

The Australian Government is deeply troubled by the ongoing delays in his case.

Since Dr Yang was detained, the Australian Government has called for basic standards of justice, procedural fairness and humane treatment to be afforded to Dr Yang, in accordance with international norms and China’s legal obligations.

The Australian Government will continue to advocate for Dr Yang’s interests and wellbeing at the highest levels and provide consular assistance to Dr Yang and his family.

An oil tower containing toxic chemicals once used by Woodside to produce oil near the Ningaloo Reef ceased operations and should have been decommissioned by the company in 2018.

Woodside originally planned to tow the tower to Perth for disposal within six months, but a flooded compartment and malfunctioning valves meant the tower could not be moved.

The regulator, NOPSEMA, said the problems demonstrated Woodside, which had skipped a planned 10-yearly inspection of the compartments, had not maintained the tower properly. NOPSEMA are investigating whether Woodside’s poor maintenance was a breach of the law.

Greens spokesperson for resources and tourism, and Yamatji-Noongar woman, Senator Dorinda Cox said:

“Woodside appears to only be interested in profit. Their negligent attitude is clear as this issue remains unresolved since 2018.

“Woodside engaged Dutch company Heerema to decommission this offshore infrastructure in mid-2022, but instead of action we get excuses.

“When will the Australian Government strengthen the laws and regulations that govern the decommissioning of these toxic facilities? We know the industry will delay and cut costs to save their billion-dollar bottom line at the expense of the environment and the taxpayer.

“Failure to uphold their responsibility to maintain this tower demonstrates Woodside’s blatant disregard for rules and regulations. We shouldn’t be waiting any longer for them to clean up this mess, it sets a shocking precedent for other fossil fuel companies.

“The Greens call on the regulator to direct Woodside to immediately decommission this toxic tower and prevent the company from putting the precious Ningaloo Reef at risk for another 18 months. Ningaloo is a world heritage-listed marine playground, and the pride of West Australians, holidaymakers and our multi-million-dollar tourism industry.”

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

“We shouldn’t be risking our marine wildlife for the sake of sparing a multibillion dollar company a few bucks and some convenience, and regulators shouldn’t let these oil and gas giants run roughshod over our oceans.

“Putting our marine life at risk to suit the financial interests of one of the world’s biggest polluters isn’t acceptable. 

“A toxic chemical spill this close to the Ningaloo Reef World Heritage Area would be devastating for WA’s precious marine wildlife, including thousands of species of whales, sharks, fish, turtles and corals.

“Big businesses make millions of dollars in profits from this oil field, they can afford to clean up after themselves.” 

The Greens have criticised the possibility of a deal between Labor and Liberal to pass the Financial Accountability Regime (FAR) without fines for law-breaking bankers.

“The Hayne Royal Commission highlighted the systemic misconduct and greed within the banking and financial services industry, and if we are going to change that we need the threat of large fines on bank executives who break the law,” Greens Economic Justice Spokesperson Senator Nick McKim said.

“Having already broken the agreement struck with the Greens to create million dollar fines for banking executives, Minister Jones pledged to consult in good faith on the Bill.”

“That should not mean just asking the big banks for marching orders.”

“Labor has a choice here. It can support consumers by working with the Greens to impose fines on dodgy bank executives, or it can join the Liberals and roll over to the big banks.”

“Any deal between the major parties would be yet another sign that the big banks are still calling the shots in Parliament.”

The Greens have called for the rapid introduction of an interim Mandatory Code of Conduct with teeth for gas companies, to lay bare the excuses these massive corporations are using to justify wielding their market power to the detriment of climate and consumers.

Gas companies are reportedly refusing to sign up new commercial customers, threatening blackouts and skyrocketing prices, attempting to cause chaos in retaliation to the Government’s price caps on gas.

The Greens say with no set deadline on the introduction of the code of conduct, but with repeated and growing cartel-like behaviour by the gas industry, parts of the Code should be implemented immediately. Consultation on the final code does not close until February 7.

Separately, the ACCC has on Tuesday issued its interim compliance and enforcement guidelines for the gas industry.

Senator Mehreen Faruqi, acting Leader of the Australian Greens said:

“Gas companies are trying to hold the country hostage, sparking chaos in the energy sector and anxiety for ordinary people already experiencing intense cost of living pain – as a retaliation for Government efforts to rein in their never-ending profiteering,” Senator Faruqi said.

“The Labor Government must immediately intervene with an interim code of conduct to make sure that gas corporations can’t hide behind this excuse to cause chaos in the energy sector by arbitrarily withholding supply, and overcharging the country for its own gas.

“This needs to be an inflection point where we move away from dirty, expensive gas, instead of allowing them to hide behind flimsy excuses while threatening to cause chaos in energy markets.

“When a corporation is threatening people with withholding power unless they’re allowed to charge whatever they want, there is no point negotiating with them. They are drunk on market power that they’ve been allowed to wield unchallenged for years.

“Big gas corporations like Woodside and Santos are making obscene, five-fold profits. They are turbocharging natural disasters that cost Australia $5 billion in just one year according to Treasury. The Tax Office has labelled them ‘systemic non-payers of tax’ and in most cases they don’t even pay any royalties.

“For the sake of people and planet, we have to get out of coal and gas.”

Senator Dorinda Cox, Australian Greens Resources Spokesperson said:

“We urgently need a code with teeth, and regulatory authority that stops this constant public power game between the Federal Government and industry. 

“Right now, Australians across the country are under pressure from rising costs of living, and suffering natural disaster-related loss and damages. Meanwhile, gas companies are threatening power outages and price spikes just to protect their bottom line, what the government’s own Minister calls  ‘Putin profits’.

“Labor talked a big game during the election, promising to end the climate wars. Now they need to step up, be courageous, and stop the gas industry from dictating the rules.”

The Australian Government is fast-tracking its commitment to upgrade one of the nation’s busiest highways, accelerating $80 million in funding to the Pacific Highway – Wyong Town Centre project.

The contribution will help the NSW Government to expedite delivery of this priority project on the Central Coast.

The $420 million project will upgrade the Pacific Highway through Wyong, duplicating the highway between Johnson Road and Cutler Drive.

The existing Wyong River road bridge will also be replaced with two new road bridges, increasing clearance heights for River Road and South Tacoma Road.

The Australian Government is contributing $336 million towards the project, with the NSW Government committing $84 million.

The works are currently in the planning phase, with the delivery schedule to be determined as planning and development works progress.

To find out more about the project, visit transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/pacific-highway/wyong-town-centre-upgrade/index.html

For more information, visit investment.infrastructure.gov.au.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“The Pacific Highway is one of Australia’s busiest and most important urban arterial roadways, making investment in its improvement vital.

“With the population of the Central Coast projected to increase by about 75,000 over the next two decades, this announcement ensures we are delivering for the future.”

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said:

“The NSW Government has a clear long-term economic plan backed by a $112 billion infrastructure investment to deliver the roads and infrastructure needed to keep our state moving.

“This includes significantly upgrading what is one of the country’s busiest highways, to help ease congestion through Wyong so that local residents and visitors can get to where they need to quickly and safely.”

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

“This section of the Pacific Highway connects Wyong’s growing residential and business districts to the north with the commercial and industrial areas to the south.

“World-class infrastructure networks are the backbone of our nation, and the improved access provided through projects like these deliver opportunities for regional employment and business growth.”

NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said:

“All motorists and our freight sector need safe and efficient regional road networks, particularly along arteries like the Pacific Highway.

“Since 2011, the NSW Government has been upgrading the Pacific Highway from Sydney to the Queensland border, making it easier to get from A to B along the coast.

“I welcome this announcement; the fast-tracking of this funding will play a key role in creating local jobs and keeping regional communities connected.”

The Australian Government has announced $70 million in additional funding towards upgrading Avoca Drive on the New South Wales Central Coast.

The additional funding comes on top of the Albanese Government’s $30m election commitment, bringing the total Australian Government funding to $100m.

The Australian Government will partner with the NSW Government to deliver the project.

The project will improve safety and reduce congestion on Avoca Drive, including widening the section between Carrak Road and Killuna Road intersections.

This will create a safer road for all road users, including pedestrians and cyclists.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“The Australian Government is committed to improving road safety, through infrastructure projects across the Central Coast that will ensure the safety of our community is prioritised.

“This upgrade will greatly improve safety and reduce congestion on Avoca Drive, ensuring motorists get to their destination faster, and safer.”

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said:

“The NSW Government has a clear long-term economic plan backed by a $112 billion infrastructure investment to deliver the roads and infrastructure needed to keep our state moving.

“This upgrade to Avoca Drive will ensuring that commuters travelling through this growing region can do so quickly and safely.”

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

“The Australian Government remains committed to working collaboratively with state, territory and local governments in working towards Vision Zero: zero deaths and serious injuries by 2050.

“Upgrading Avoca Drive will make this busy road safer for residents and visitors alike.”

NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Sam Farraway said:

“The NSW Government is building the infrastructure that matters to secure a brighter future for our great State.

“Earlier this week we outlined our vision of a better connected roads and transport network on the Central Coast to make daily life easier for Central Coast communities.

“The works announced today will play a role in realising this vision and ensuring our roads network remains as safe and as efficient as possible.”

One of New South Wales’ most historic roads is set for an overhaul, with the Australian Government committing $100 million for safety works on Bells Line of Road.

The funding will allow for safety upgrades, such as overtaking lanes, making for a safer journey for the thousands of locals and tourists who use the scenic route between the Blue Mountains and Richmond each day.

Stretching from Richmond in the east to Bell in the west, the road was heavily impacted by extreme weather in March 2021 and subsequent bouts of record rainfall.

This funding injection comes as Transport for NSW continues to undertake investigation and repair work following the damaging weather events.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“Bells Line of Road is an important part of the history of Greater Western Sydney, and remains a vital piece of infrastructure for locals, transport operators, and tourists exploring the beautiful Blue Mountains.

“Today’s announcement means a safer journey for everyone using Bells Line of Road, and will help ensure its future.”

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said:

“Bells Line of Road goes through the heart of the beautiful Blue Mountains and is critical to residents who live in this region. Sadly, it has taken an absolute battering from the weather in recent years and is in desperate need of urgent safety upgrades.

“These upgrades will ensure local residents, primary producers and tourists will be able to travel safely along Bells Line of Road into the future.

“This is demonstration of the Commonwealth and the NSW Government working together to deliver world-class and safer roads across our state.”

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

“The impacts of extreme weather on Bells Line of Road have taken a serious toll, and the funding we’re announcing today will make it safer in the short-term and restore it for the longer term.

“This is another example of the Australian Government working collaboratively with our state counterparts to deliver projects that make a real difference to our communities.”

NSW Minister for Metropolitan Roads Natalie Ward said:

“The Bells Line of Road is a critical route over the Blue Mountains, connecting Greater Sydney to regional NSW.

“This upgrade compliments our commitment towards improving safety along this major corridor and supports our plans to upgrade Richmond Bridge for the people of Sydney’s North West.”

NEW POLLING by the Climate Council, supported by Beyond Blue, has revealed the profound impact more frequent and intense disasters are having on the mental health of Australians.

The survey of 2,032 Australians found that since 2019, the majority (80%) reported they had experienced, at least once, heatwaves (63%), flooding (47%), bushfires (42%), droughts (36%), cyclones or destructive storms (29%) or landslides (8%).

Half of Australians said their mental health had been detrimentally affected by the extreme weather event they experienced and one in five reported a major or moderate impact.  

A follow-up community-level survey with people who had experienced a disaster found the most common mental health symptoms were anxiety, followed by symptoms of depression and PTSD.

More than one-third of survey participants (37%) said there was too little mental health support available to them. 

Climate Councillor, climate scientist at the Australian National University and author of Humanity’s Moment: a Climate Scientist’s Case for Hope, Dr Joelle Gergis said: “The results of this poll are confronting. It’s heartbreaking to realise that many Australians are living with significant levels of distress related to the reality of our changing climate. It shines a light on this invisible mental health crisis that is undermining the stability of our local communities all over the country.

“We need to have a national conversation about climate change adaptation and listen to the experiences of people who have lived through these disasters.

“Extreme weather events are going to escalate as our planet continues to warm, so the impacts we have witnessed in recent years are really just the tip of the iceberg. We urgently need to develop plans that protect and support our local communities as climate change-fuelled disasters continue to upend the lives of countless Australians.”

Beyond Blue’s Lead Clinical Advisor A/Prof Grant Blashki – who supported development of the mental health-related survey questions – added: “It’s clear that climate change is not just a physical threat, but a mental health threat as well. And yet, despite the high levels of need, many people affected by climate disasters find it difficult to access the mental health assistance they need.

“We must strengthen our mental health systems to cope with the demands of these extreme weather events. This involves the whole system approach rather than piecemeal band-aid approaches during a crisis. We need to prepare the mental health system for early support of those affected, and co-opt a more diverse workforce, from local mental health first aid all the way through to highly specialised mental health care.”

“By acknowledging and addressing the mental health impacts of climate change, we can build stronger and more resilient communities, better able to weather the storms – both literal and figurative – that lie ahead. It’s time to put the mental well-being of our communities front and centre as we respond to the public health challenges of climate change.”

A/Prof Grant Blashki added: “We wanted to better understand people’s personal experience of disasters and undertook a separate in-depth survey of almost 500 people who had been caught up in extreme weather events since 2019.  

“It’s as much about broken spirits as damaged buildings. People say they have been left feeling helpless, have experienced symptoms of anxiety and depression, trouble sleeping, and have children who worry when it rains, or the wind picks up. It’s important we get on top of these issues early and get people the appropriate support at the right time.”

For support please contact Beyond Blue 1300 22 46 36 or explore the Phoenix Australia’s Disaster Mental Health Hub online with some excellent resources or check in with your GP or local mental health services.

****

About the research

The National survey data comes from a National YouGov Poll conducted from 2-16 December 2022. The sample covered Australians aged over 18 including representatives of different genders, generations, geographies (states, city/rural, etc.), education levels, income levels, voting habits, and other characteristics.

From 1-16 December, in parallel with the national survey, the Climate Council and Beyond Blue invited Australians to share their experiences of climate-fuelled disasters with a Community Survey. This was by way of an online qualitative survey, advertised through the Climate Council and Beyond Blue respective networks.

Australian Greens spokesperson for social services, Senator Janet Rice, is again urging Minister Jim Chalmers to heed calls from the Greens, academics, peak bodies and the millions of Australians currently living below the poverty line, to raise the rate of income support in May’s budget.

Senator Rice said:

“After calls from ACOSS and other members of the government’s own economic inclusion advisory committee to raise the rate of Jobseeker, we’re hearing the same absurd lines from Jim Chalmers today as we heard ahead of last year’s October budget – that Labor would love to help struggling Australians, but it’s just so difficult to find room in the budget. 

“New research from Oxfam shows Australian billionaires’ wealth is 61% higher than it was before the pandemic, and the richest 1% of Australians now have a combined wealth of nearly $236 billion. It’s infuriating that Labor found plenty of room in the budget to give them another $9000 a year in tax cuts, but baulk at the idea of raising Jobseeker above the poverty line.

“The cost of living crisis has only worsened in recent months. People on income support can’t cover their most basic needs and a third of Australian households are struggling to put food on the table. 

“A government has a moral responsibility to ensure its citizens aren’t left starving. Poverty is a political choice.

“Labor should scrap the stage 3 tax cuts and invest that money into raising all income support payments above the poverty line and building a proper social safety net for all Australians.

“Parliament must respond to the cost of living impacts for people on starvation wages and income support. The Greens are fighting for a livable income guarantee that would raise payments to $88 a day, above the poverty line.