Category: Australian News

Contrary to what fossil fuel companies and lobby groups would have you believe, the landmark ruling against Santos in favour of the Munupi people isn’t connected to domestic gas supply. 

Greens spokesperson for resources and Yamatji-Noongar Woman Senator Dorinda Cox said:
 

“The Labor Albanese Government must respect and uphold the Federal court’s decision, by changing legislation and regulations to ensure First Nations people are appropriately consulted about resources projects on their Land and Sea Country.

“Santos has publicly stated that Barossa gas is for export markets such as Japan and Korea distributed via the Middle Arm Sustainable Development Precinct in Darwin Harbour. 

“I back Rod Sims’ call for Labor to cut high energy prices through the existing export trigger. Labor needs to stand up to their big donors and put the interests of Australians first. 

“A recent poll found 71% of Australians support limiting gas exports. Santos and Woodside are fear mongering, putting their windfall profits ahead of protecting First Nations cultural heritage.  

“80% of our gas is contracted to foreign entities and sold on the spot market. We have enough gas reserves in Australia to meet our domestic needs. We don’t need to be opening new gas fields, we need to invest in clean, green renewable energy infrastructure and storage solutions. 

“If Australia wants to see itself as a global clean energy powerhouse, we must end our reliance on fossil fuels and invest in renewable projects with First Nations people as equal partners.

Greens Treasury spokesperson, Senator Nick McKim, has responded to today’s decision by the RBA to raise rates again by highlighting the need for macroeconomic reform to deal with the housing market and declining real wages.

“The RBA has seriously undermined its credibility this year.

“They should not have raised rates as fast as they have, and should not have gone again today.

“Today’s decision is the RBA thumbing its nose at people who are hurting the most. 

“High inflation was sparked by supply-side shocks and has been fuelled by corporate profiteering.

“It has not been driven by wage claims.

“Yet the RBA has consistently invoked wage pressures to justify eight consecutive interest rate increases.

“By jawboning down wages and openly aiming to increase unemployment the RBA has been running cover for corporate Australia.

“The RBA’s interest increases have also significantly increased housing costs for renters and mortgage holders.

“This comes after the RBA’s forward guidance during the pandemic sent house prices to record highs by inducing people to borrow record amounts.

“The last three years have demonstrated that Australia’s economic institutions and policy settings are not fit for purpose.

“House prices should not be a primary tool for economic recovery. Doing so only increases volatility and decreases affordability.

“And wage suppression should not be the only tool to reduce demand. Doing so worsens inequality and hurts those who are most vulnerable.

“The RBA review must call for monetary and prudential policy to be brought under the one roof to curb the flow of credit to housing.

“And the government needs to pull its finger out and implement tax reform that hits speculators and the wealthy.

“Getting rid of negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount would stop housing costs yo-yoing up and down in response to shifts in interest rates.

“And taxes on super profits and the super wealthy could help slow inflation and fund cost of living relief for those who need it.”

Updated analysis by the Parliamentary Library estimates that renters across Australia would be $10.7 billion better off if rents had been frozen nationwide for the past 12 months. With rents having increased by 21.5% nationwide, the average renter in Australia is paying $4,896 more for their home than last year. 

The impact of a rent freeze varies by state. Sydney renters, who’ve seen their rents increase 28.6% in the last 12 months, would’ve been $7,450 better off on average had a rent freeze been in place. Melbourne renters, who’ve faced a 23.9% increase in the last 12 months, would’ve been $5,219 better off, and Brisbane renters, who’ve seen a 24% rent increase, would’ve been $5,104 better off had rents been frozen.

The Greens are calling on the Federal Government to put a nationwide two-year rent freeze  on the agenda for this week’s National Cabinet meeting, as part of national tenancy standards including an end to no grounds evictions and minimum standards for rental properties.

Max Chandler-Mather MP, Greens spokesperson for Housing and Homelessness said:

The average renter would have nearly $5,000 more in their pockets this Christmas if the government had frozen rent increases over the last 12 months. 

$5,000 could be a holiday and some great Christmas presents for the kids, or it could pay those outstanding bills, and instead it has been eaten up by unfair rent increases.

Over the last 12 months, renters paid an extra $10 billion in rent, while property investors pocketed $8.5 billion in federal tax concessions, which is desperately unfair and a reminder that right now politics really only works for the rich. 

The Prime Minister needs to put a nationwide rent freeze and end to no grounds evictions on the agenda at this week’s National Cabinet meeting, and give the millions of people struggling with outrageous rent increases much needed certainty and relief.

If the Prime Minister doesn’t put a national rent freeze and an end to no-grounds evictions on the table at the National Cabinet meeting this week, then this will be a spectacular failure of leadership in the middle of the worst rental crisis in our recent history.

The Federal Budget has projected that over the next two years real wages will continue to decline while rents skyrocket and let’s be real, that will see Australia lurch into a major social crisis, unless Labor finally shows some leadership and freezes rents. 

An emergency rent freeze worked in Victoria during the pandemic and it can work now across Australia to protect families from unfair rent increases that will either push them into devastating financial stress or even homelessness. 

Background

 Estimated impacts of 12 month rent freeze, by state

A statement from Australia’s acting Chief Medical Officer, Professor Michael Kidd AM, on COVID-19 antiviral treatments.

Australia’s real-world experience is that the two COVID-19 oral antiviral treatments approved for local use are both highly effective at protecting older Australians – a key at-risk population group – from hospitalisation and death.

Although vaccination remains the best form of protection against COVID-19, the two treatments – Lagevrio® (molnupiravir) and Paxlovid® (nirmatrelvir and ritonavir) – have been an additional gamechanger in preventing severe illness and death among those most at risk.

The real-world findings are based on an analysis of Victorian data involving more than 27,000 people aged 70 years and over. This analysis found that the use of COVID-19 oral antivirals led to clear reductions in the risks of hospitalisation and death, compared to instances where treatments were not used.

Given people aged 70 and over are eligible for the treatments in every state and territory, the conclusions are applicable nationwide.

The experience in Australia is more positive than the findings contained in PANORAMIC – a UK trial of molnupiravir.

It needs to be stressed the participants in the UK study were generally younger than those eligible for the treatments in Australia – and many had no risk factors that would make them more likely to become seriously unwell.

A large proportion of the people enrolled in the UK study would not be eligible for the treatments in Australia and these research findings cannot be directly applied to most people receiving treatments in Australia.  

Australia’s Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) recently noted that in two-thirds of the instances in which molnupiravir had been used through its listing on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, patients were aged 70 years or over. In the PANORAMIC study, only 6 per cent of participants were aged 75 years or older.

PBAC also noted patients at highest risk of progression to severe disease in the UK were not the target population for enrolment in the PANORAMIC trial. In Australia, these are the people who have specifically been made eligible for these treatments.

It further noted the Victorian data, combined with the results of observational studies in Israel and Hong Kong, demonstrated a benefit of molnupiravir over no treatment in patients at high risk of progression to severe disease.

PBAC concluded that while nirmatrelvir and ritonavir may be preferred for many patients at high risk of becoming severely unwell, in many common clinical circumstances, this treatment is contraindicated or unsuitable for use, especially in people with some underlying conditions, such as severe kidney or liver disease. It also has a number of drug interactions with commonly used medicines. 

In such circumstances, molnupiravir remains a suitable option.

It is very important Australians, particularly older Australians and those who are immunocompromised, talk to their doctors about their eligibility for COVID-19 antiviral treatments – and if eligible, make sure they can access and start their treatments as quickly as possible after a positive COVID-19 test result. 

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will lead a delegation to Papua New Guinea on 12-13 December.

The visit comes as our two nations approach the 50th anniversary of bilateral relations following Papua New Guinea’s independence in 1975.

Prime Minister Albanese will join his host, Prime Minister James Marape, for the Annual Leaders’ Dialogue in Port Moresby.

The meeting will continue to strengthen the partnership between the Prime Ministers, who have met at the Pacific Islands Forum in Suva, the Prime Ministers’ XIII Rugby League match in Brisbane, the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Bangkok, and travelled to Tokyo for the funeral of the former Prime Minister of Japan, Mr Abe Shinzo AC.

In addition to visiting Port Moresby, Prime Minister Albanese will travel with Prime Minister Marape to Wewak on the northern coast of Papua New Guinea.

In Wewak Prime Minister Albanese will visit the resting place of the founding Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, the late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare. He will also visit the Japanese Memorial Peace Park and Moem Barracks.

This will be the first visit by an Australian Prime Minister to Papua New Guinea since 2018.

Prime Minister Albanese said:

“This will be my first visit to Papua New Guinea as Prime Minister and the first in-person leaders’ talks since 2019, when Prime Minister Marape visited Australia.

“Australia and Papua New Guinea are close neighbours and even closer friends. Our deep ties are underpinned by a common history, shared values and continued collaboration.

“The strength of our modern relationship draws on bonds from our shared past, including those forged on the Kokoda Track eighty years ago – we will never forget the debt we owe the brave Papua New Guineans who walked alongside Australian soldiers in this campaign.

“We also have a shared vision for the future: a more prosperous, unified and secure region.

“I look forward to meeting with Prime Minister Marape in Port Moresby and discussing our cooperation across trade, economic recovery, infrastructure, defence, policing and climate resilience.”

This afternoon I had a routine PCR test which has returned a positive result for COVID-19.

I will be isolating and will continue to work from home.

I encourage anyone who is unwell to test and to take any extra precautions to keep their families and neighbours well.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will lead a delegation to Papua New Guinea on 12-13 December.

The visit comes as our two nations approach the 50th anniversary of bilateral relations following Papua New Guinea’s independence in 1975.

Prime Minister Albanese will join his host, Prime Minister James Marape, for the Annual Leaders’ Dialogue in Port Moresby.

The meeting will continue to strengthen the partnership between the Prime Ministers, who have met at the Pacific Islands Forum in Suva, the Prime Ministers’ XIII Rugby League match in Brisbane, the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Bangkok, and travelled to Tokyo for the funeral of the former Prime Minister of Japan, Mr Abe Shinzo AC.

In addition to visiting Port Moresby, Prime Minister Albanese will travel with Prime Minister Marape to Wewak on the northern coast of Papua New Guinea.

In Wewak Prime Minister Albanese will visit the resting place of the founding Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, the late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare. He will also visit the Japanese Memorial Peace Park and Moem Barracks.

This will be the first visit by an Australian Prime Minister to Papua New Guinea since 2018.

Prime Minister Albanese said:

“This will be my first visit to Papua New Guinea as Prime Minister and the first in-person leaders’ talks since 2019, when Prime Minister Marape visited Australia.

“Australia and Papua New Guinea are close neighbours and even closer friends. Our deep ties are underpinned by a common history, shared values and continued collaboration.

“The strength of our modern relationship draws on bonds from our shared past, including those forged on the Kokoda Track eighty years ago – we will never forget the debt we owe the brave Papua New Guineans who walked alongside Australian soldiers in this campaign.

“We also have a shared vision for the future: a more prosperous, unified and secure region.

“I look forward to meeting with Prime Minister Marape in Port Moresby and discussing our cooperation across trade, economic recovery, infrastructure, defence, policing and climate resilience.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon Richard Marles MP, and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong, will travel to the United States and Japan.

Australia-United States Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN) will take place on 6 December, and the Australia-Japan Foreign Minister and Defence Ministerial Consultations (2+2) will take place on 9 December 2022.

Australia is committed to working closely with the United States and Japan to foster an Indo-Pacific that is peaceful, stable and prosperous, and in which sovereignty is respected.

The discussions with Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, and Secretary of Defense, Lloyd J. Austin III, will consider practical measures to further evolve the Australia-United States Alliance in our shared interests. Through AUSMIN the Albanese Government will pursue ways to more effectively combine the respective strengths of the Alliance, including through the further integration of technology and industrial bases.

The Deputy Prime Minister will also participate in an AUKUS Defence Ministers’ Meeting with UK Secretary of State for Defence, Ben Wallace, and US Secretary of Defense Austin. This will be the first trilateral in-person Defence Ministers’ Meeting since the AUKUS announcement. 

Australia and Japan are Special Strategic Partners with significant trade and investment links, strong defence and security ties, and a close affinity between our peoples.

Discussions with Japan’s Foreign Minister, Hayashi Yoshimasa, and Minister of Defense, Hamada Yasukazu, will progress the renewed Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation, signed by Prime Minister Albanese and Japanese Prime Minister Kishida in October.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon Richard Marles MP said:

“I look forward to visiting the United States again as we continue to bolster the relationship with our closest alliance partner.

“While there, I will also take part in the first AUKUS Defence Ministers’ Meeting which will see us progress developments in advanced capabilities, and discuss the optimal pathway for Australia to acquire nuclear-powered submarines.

“The current challenging strategic circumstances mean that alignment between our international partners, including the United States and Japan, has never been stronger, or more important.

“Our nations will continue to work bilaterally, and with our regional and global partners, to ensure an inclusive, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific.”

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

“The United States is Australia’s vital security ally and our closest global partner.

“US engagement in the Indo-Pacific makes an indispensable contribution to regional prosperity and strategic balance.

“Our relationship with Japan is more comprehensive and more important than ever.

“Australia, the United States and Japan are partnering on shared priorities in our region, including climate change, economic development and security – helping create a region that is stable, prosperous and respectful of sovereignty.”

Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong, welcomed Aotearoa New Zealand’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon Nanaia Mahuta, to Canberra today for biannual Australia–Aotearoa New Zealand Foreign Minister Consultations.

The Ministers acknowledged the unique strength of the relationship between Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, reaffirmed the shared values, common outlook and close people-to-people links that underpin our partnership and affirmed their shared commitment to uphold international law and norms.

The Ministers agreed on the need to work purposefully and in close partnership to support peace, stability, prosperity, and resilience in our region. They noted the bonds of history, community and culture that we share as members of the Pacific family. They reaffirmed their commitment to listening to and supporting Pacific aspirations and noted the need to work creatively to ensure the national capabilities of Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand can be brought to bear for the benefit of the region.

The Ministers recognised the climate emergency as the greatest threat to Pacific security and wellbeing. They noted the commitments of both countries to combatting climate change in the Pacific, alongside measures to reduce emissions and facilitate energy transition and climate science. They agreed to deepen cooperation on these issues.

They welcomed the outcomes of the recent UN Climate Change Conference (COP27) meeting in Sharm el-Sheikh, including agreement to a fund for loss and damage. Minister Mahuta reaffirmed New Zealand’s support for Australia’s bid to co-host COP 31 in 2026 in partnership with the Pacific. The Ministers agreed to coordinate closely as Australia’s bid progresses.

The Ministers reaffirmed the preeminent role of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) and other Pacific regional institutions, which continue to serve the region well. They committed to support Cook Islands in its capacity as incoming chair of the PIF, and to help operationalise the Suva Agreement for PIF unity. Ministers expressed hope that ongoing efforts at reconciliation between PIF and Kiribati would be successful.

The Ministers welcomed the increased engagement in the Pacific among development partners, including through the recently-formed Partners in the Blue Pacific initiative. They noted the opportunity this increased engagement represented for the region, and agreed on the ongoing importance that the initiative is led by Pacific priorities and supports enhanced partnerships.
The Ministers noted that the COVID-19 situation remains challenging and unpredictable and reaffirmed their commitment to support the economic recovery efforts in our region.

The Ministers exchanged perspectives on elevating First Nations and Māori voices in foreign policy and agreed this is an area of substantial national significance for both countries. Ministers agreed to continue to work together to encourage indigenous collaboration across the Tasman and regionally, including through the Indigenous Collaboration Arrangement and Indigenous Peoples Economic and Trade Cooperation Arrangement.

Ministers affirmed our countries are staunch supporters of the rules-based multilateral trading system, and advocates for regional trading architecture.

The Ministers again condemned Russia’s illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine and agreed on the vital need to continue working with partners to uphold international rules and norms. They also expressed their deep concerns about Russia’s conduct in waging a war of aggression against Ukraine, including Russia’s nuclear threats, which constitute a serious provocation and a threat to international peace and security. Ministers underlined Russia’s war is having severe impacts on the global economy, including widespread energy and food insecurity in the most vulnerable countries, and reaffirmed their commitment to support partners to respond to these global challenges.

The Ministers acknowledged the important role played by APEC, the G20, and the ASEAN-led regional architecture including the East Asia Summit, as we navigate an increasingly complex geostrategic and economic landscape in our wider Indo-Pacific home region. They expressed their appreciation to hosts Thailand, Indonesia, and Cambodia for ensuring these forums retain their value for addressing strategic issues and risks.

The Ministers strongly condemned the ruthless suppression of peaceful protests by Iranian authorities. Ministers welcomed the recent UN Human Rights Council resolution establishing an independent fact-finding mission to thoroughly investigate alleged human rights violations in Iran related to the protests and restated their great concern that a member of the UN Commission on the Status of Women could violate the rights of women and girls with such disdain.

Bilaterally, the Ministers looked forward to 2023 and marking a range of significant bilateral anniversaries, including the 40th anniversary of the Closer Economic Relations Agreement which Ministers noted is one of the most effective, far‑reaching Free Trade Agreements, delivering deep economic integration across the full spectrum of our trade, economic and investment sectors. The Ministers also looked forward to the inaugural joint meetings of Foreign and Defence Ministers, and Treasurer/Finance and Climate Change Ministers next year, as announced by Prime Minister Albanese and Prime Minister Ardern in July.

This landmark win for the Munupi Nation today sets a new precedent for consultation with Traditional Owners for offshore gas projects. 

Greens spokesperson for resources and Yamatji-Noongar Woman Senator Dorinda Cox said:

“I want to congratulate Dennis Tipakalippa and the Munupi Traditional Owners for protecting their Country and Sea Country.

“Today we have seen cultural giants defeat a billion dollar company.

“The fact that Santos didn’t consider the Munupi people relevant is appalling and I’m happy to hear the court has upheld its decision. 

“The government must respect the court’s views on this matter, acknowledging traditional owners as relevant peoples, and not intervene.

“This landmark ruling has serious implications for current and future offshore gas projects. The Scarborough, Pluto 2, Barossa, Browse and Golden Beach projects must ensure they have received free, prior and informed consent or they will face the same consequences.

“This ruling underscores how important it is to put legal protections around First Nations peoples human rights. We need to fast-track the Private Senator’s Bill for The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP).

“If Labor wants to meet their own emissions targets like Minister Bowen stated yesterday, we cannot keep opening up new coal and gas projects which have no part to play in a green future.

“In the same vein, if Labor wants to claim they care about First Nations cultural heritage as stated by Minister Plibersek last week, they need to review all of NOPSEMA’s previous decisions to ensure such glaring omissions haven’t been swept under the rug. The Munupi people shouldn’t have had to go to such lengths to prove their connection to Country.”