Category: Australian News

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.”

Diane Miller’s tragic death yesterday is just another case of senseless violence against First Nations women. The rate of these occurrences is a national shame.

WA Greens Senator and Yamatji-Noongar Woman Dorinda Cox said:

“The fact that this violent tragedy happened so close to Cassius Turvey’s death is extremely upsetting for our community.

“Such a brutal attack occurring in the middle of the ‘16 days in WA’ is highly distressing. The reason the ‘16 days of Activism’ campaign exists is to stop the high rates of gendered violence.

“The unacceptable deaths of First Nations women such as this, is the reason I initiated an Inquiry into Missing and Murdered First Nations Women and Children in the Senate. We cannot continue to allow this to happen. 

“I encourage family members who have been through similar tragedies to please make a submission to the Inquiry. We want to hear from you, it’s only through sharing our grief and loss that we can find solutions and stop this senseless loss of life. Submissions close on the 12th of December.”

Anthony Albanese now has a clear test to pass in this term of Government after his radical shake-up of the industrial relations system was rammed through the Parliament today.

“The test for Mr Albanese and his Government is that there must now be a substantial increase in real wages across the economy.” Senator Cash said.

“We will hold this Government to account on this legislation, they have promised a lot and they must now deliver or will be judged to have duped the Australian voting public,” she said.

“Minister Tony Burke has made much about the urgency of getting this Bill passed,’’ she said.

“Australian workers will now expect pay rises very quickly and Mr Burke will have to deliver on that promise.’’ Senator Cash said.

The second part of the test for the Albanese Government is maintaining Australia’s record low unemployment levels.

“If there is an increase in unemployment this Bill will be judged as a dismal failure,’’ Senator Cash said.

The third test will be the level of strike action across the nation.

“More strikes will damage our economy. If the number of strikes goes up the Government will also have failed,’’ Senator Cash said.

This Bill also abolishes the Australian Building and Construction Commission which leaves the construction industry at the mercy of Australia’s most militant union the CFMMEU.

“The cost of building this nation’s most important infrastructure will be another test for this Government. If costs rise they will have failed,’’ Senator Cash said.

“And they will also be judged on the safety of women and all workers in the sector,’’ she said.

This legislation will also be judged on Australia’s inflation level.

“If prices rise for Australian families this will also mean failure for this Government’s Bill,’’ Senator Cash said.

“This Bill is a radical shake up of our workplace system and will be judged by what it does to our economy,’’ Senator Cash said.

The Albanese Labor Government has delivered on the next step of its plan to lift wages, improve job security and start closing the gender pay gap.

The Government’s Secure Jobs, Better Pay Bill – which passed Federal Parliament today – will give Australian workers a better deal and a better future.

After a decade of deliberate wage suppression under the Liberals and Nationals, Australian workers need a pay rise and these new laws will deliver.

By modernising the bargaining system we will see more workplace agreements, delivering better productivity and flexibility for employers and better pay and conditions for workers.

We’re bringing our workplace relations system up to date with a Government that wants to get wages moving again.

The new laws also:

• Reform the Better Off Overall Test so it’s simple, flexible and fair
• Put gender pay equity at the heart of the Fair Work Act
• Ban pay secrecy clauses that hold back women’s wages
• Expand access to flexible rostering arrangements
• Limit the use of fixed term contracts
• Ban job ads that advertise below minimum rates of pay
• Terminate WorkChoices “zombie” agreements
• Give the Fair Work Commission more powers to arbitrate industrial disputes
• Abolish politicised anti-worker organisations

We thank the minor parties and crossbenchers who supported this important legislation.

But every single Liberal and National MP voted against this Bill.

The Opposition voted against better wages, against secure jobs and against closing the gender pay gap.

They spent ten years keeping wages low as a deliberate design feature of their economic policies – and they’re still at it.

Our Government is taking the opposite approach. Higher wages are a deliberate design feature of this Government’s policies.

One of the first things we did as a Government was help secure a pay rise for Australia’s lowest paid workers. We have also supported aged care workers to secure a wage rise.

The Secure Jobs Better Pay Bill is the next step in that commitment – but it won’t be the last.

The Government will deliver a second tranche of workplace relations reforms next year to close the loopholes that are undermining job security and wage growth.

The Prime Minister of Australia, the Hon Anthony Albanese MP, welcomed Prime Minister Sanna Marin of the Republic of Finland to Sydney on 2 December 2022, marking the first visit to Australia by a Finnish Prime Minister. The Prime Ministers discussed a range of issues reflecting the breadth of their common interests and values.

Leaders reaffirmed the warm and productive relationship between Australia and Finland, underpinned by a common vision based on equality, trust and shared values. They underlined the need to work together in strengthening their resilience as open and democratic societies and in fostering sustainable development. They agreed that managing complex supply chains, energy sources and investing in trustworthy critical and emerging technologies was needed to promote economic, political, social and environmental stability as well as human rights.

Discussions reinforced Australia’s close partnership with the European Union, as highlighted by the entry into force of the Australia-EU Framework Agreement in October 2022. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the swift conclusion of a comprehensive and ambitious EU-Australia Trade Agreement. Once concluded, a trade agreement between the European Union and Australia would herald a new era in EU-Australia relations and offer significant economic benefits to both sides. The Prime Ministers agreed that defending an open, free, fair and resilient multilateral rules-based trading system is a priority for both countries.

Russia’s brutal and illegal invasion of Ukraine has undermined European and global security. The Prime Ministers condemned Russia’s war of aggression, a clear violation of international law and the United Nations Charter. They firmly rejected and unequivocally condemned the attempted illegal annexation by Russia of Ukrainian territories. They reiterated their unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Prime Ministers demanded that Russia immediately end its war and withdraw its forces from within Ukraine’s borders. They expressed their commitment to work together with the international community to continue supporting Ukraine. The brutal violence towards innocent civilians is reprehensible, and those responsible for the atrocities in Ukraine needed to be held accountable. Prime Minister Albanese acknowledged Finland’s accession to NATO and looks forward to working with Finland in Australia’s capacity as an Enhanced Opportunities Partner to NATO.

The Prime Ministers pledged to work together to defend and strengthen democracy; promote and protect human rights, including the rights of Indigenous Peoples, media freedom, gender equality, diversity and social inclusion; promote inclusive and interoperable digitalisation; and counter misinformation and disinformation. The Prime Ministers reiterated their strong commitment to being leaders in gender equality and making it central to their governments’ policy and decision‑making.

The leaders acknowledged the critical importance of the multilateral system, with the UN as its cornerstone that underpins the rules-based order, for ensuring global security, stability and prosperity. Australia and Finland are committed to multilateral cooperation to find solutions to the most pressing global challenges. The Prime Ministers highly value the important work of the United Nations Human Rights Council and the broader United Nations human rights system for the promotion and protection of human rights around the world. This includes responding to and ending all forms of sexual and gender-based violence, in all contexts.

Fighting climate change and protecting biodiversity, and realising the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals require global cooperation. We need to make rapid, deep cuts in greenhouse gas emissions and act urgently to adapt to climate change in order to reach the goals of the Paris Agreement. We affirm our resolve to work with the international community to pursue efforts to keep 1.5 degrees within reach. The Prime Ministers welcomed the historic progress made at the recently concluded 27th UN Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP27) in Sharm El-Sheik, Egypt to develop funding arrangements to support the world’s most climate vulnerable countries to address losses and damages associated with the adverse impacts of climate change. The magnitude and seriousness of climate impacts to people and nature depend on the actions we take now.

Protecting biodiversity can also help us mitigate and adapt to climate change. The Convention on Biological Diversity’s COP15 comes at a crucial time: the Prime Ministers committed to work towards securing an ambitious Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework recognising the urgent need to address the global biodiversity crisis by halting and reversing biodiversity loss to achieve a nature positive world. Australia and Finland are also committed to reaching without delay an ambitious and effective agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction. 

Australia and Finland are like-minded partners in tackling global challenges, including in the Indo-Pacific region. Leaders reaffirmed their adherence to the fundamental principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, including the right to exercise freedom of navigation and overflight. Australia welcomes increased European engagement in the Indo-Pacific, including through implementation of the EU Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo‑Pacific.

Australia and Finland, as Consultative Parties to the Antarctic Treaty, are committed to upholding the rules and norms of the Antarctic Treaty system. They share a firm interest in international cooperation to maintain Antarctica as a place of peace, science and environmental protection, and address challenges including climate change. Australia and Finland will work together for a successful Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting in Helsinki in 2023.

The Prime Ministers reiterated the importance of science and technology and expressed willingness to strengthen cooperation and information exchange in areas of common interest, especially in digitalisation, wireless communications technologies, high performance computing including artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum, the data economy, and clean energy transition. Both countries will work to ensure the responsible design, development and use of technology, which has a significant impact on our societies, economy and wellbeing as key drivers for future growth and competitiveness. The Prime Ministers agreed to explore potential for a bilateral cyber and technology policy exchange to develop multi-stakeholder collaboration between public and private sectors.

Today, the Greens spokesperson for Sport Senator Lidia Thorpe will be backed by the Government and Coalition when she moves a motion for an inquiry into concussion and repeated head trauma in contact sports to the Senate Standing Committee on Community Affairs.

Senator Lidia Thorpe said:

“Repeated head trauma creates a lifelong injury. The brain is not a muscle that you can repair. Once the damage is done, it’s permanent. We need to protect our elite and community athletes, so everyone in this country can continue to celebrate the games we love.

“The Inquiry will examine concussions and repeated head trauma in contact sports at all levels, for all genders and age groups. Sportspeople at all levels must be informed about the symptoms of concussion and encouraged to speak up, without being penalised for it.

“Sports organisations need to be transparent about the evidence that informs their concussion policies. The Inquiry will investigate practices undermining recovery periods and potential risk disclosure.

“We’ll examine what physical and financial supports are available, including compensation mechanisms for players affected by the long-term impacts of concussions. 

“Symptoms of repeated head trauma include cognitive impairment, impulsive behaviour, depression, suicidal thoughts, short-term memory loss, emotional instability, impulsivity and aggression. We need to look at this holistically, to protect everyone in our community.

“This country is falling behind the leadership shown by the USA and UK in this space. In the UK, this has meant that children under 11 are no longer taught to head footballs in soccer matches.

“I thank Minister for Sport Anika Wells and Senator Anne Ruston for supporting this critical work. This is urgent, and overdue.

“Noongar man Graham Farmer was one of the greatest players in AFL history. Unfortunately, he was also the first AFL player diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy. We need to make sure we don’t have a new generation of athletes carrying the same injury.” Said Thorpe.

The Committee will report by 21 June 2023.

Greens Leader Adam Bandt says the first Annual Climate Statement to Parliament is a good result of the Greens’ deal to pass the government’s Climate Change Bill and marks a welcome change from a decade of climate denial, but that the statement was missing the elephant in the room: the impact of new coal and gas.

Mr Bandt also said the latest Quarterly Emissions Projections also released today showed pollution from oil and gas projects was rising.

Greens Leader Adam Bandt MP said:

“It’s welcome that the government is now talking about climate in Parliament, but the Minister’s statement was missing two very important words: ‘coal’ and ‘gas’.

“The government’s figures see gas pollution rising. Gas is fuelling the climate crisis and pollution is forecast to be even higher in 2030 than today.

“The government has pledged methane cuts of 30% by 2030, but their figures have it rising instead.

“The 114 new coal and gas projects in the pipeline will blow the government’s climate targets out of the water, but the government has no plan to deal with them.

“Next week’s response to the environmental laws review must include a ‘climate trigger’ to ensure the climate impact of proposed new coal and gas projects are assessed under our environment laws.

“Over the coming months we will be talking with the government about its proposed reforms to the Safeguard Mechanism, which covers the coal and gas sector. We want to work with the government to ensure the Safeguard Mechanism delivers real and deep cuts to pollution, not just fake offsets and an excuse for coal and gas to expand and keep polluting.”