Category: Australian News

The Victorian Greens have launched their plan for a Youth Housing Guarantee in an election bid to reduce the high rates of youth homelessness across the state.

The Youth Housing Guarantee would see Victorians under the age of 25 guaranteed appropriate housing when presenting to a homelessness service.

To help fund the plan the Greens have committed $100 million dollars to housing and homelessness services over the forward estimates.

Leader of the Victorian Greens, Samantha Ratnam, said it was unacceptable that over one in four Victorians experiencing homelessness were aged between 12 and 24.

She said for too long both major parties had chronically underfunded our housing and homelessness services and refused to invest in more public and affordable homes.

There are increasingly high rates of youth homelessness in Victoria, often due to family breakdown and family violence. 

Due to the severe shortage of affordable and appropriate housing options for young people, young people experiencing homelessness often end up in unsuitable housing such as rooming houses or overcrowded short-term accommodation.

Experiencing periods of homelessness at a young age is also a strong predictor of experiencing homelessness later in life, and increases the likelihood of poor physical and mental health, substance abuse and interactions with the justice system.

The Greens’ plan would ensure young people at risk of or experiencing homelessness in Victoria could be connected with appropriate support and services, such as specialist youth accommodation.

Leader of the Victorian Greens, Samantha Ratnam MLC said: 

“We are in a housing crisis and young people are some of the hardest hit.

“Up to 25,000 Victorians experience homelessness on any given night and one in four of them are under 25.

“Our Youth Housing Guarantee would make sure that young people who present to a homelessness service will get access to safe, specialist youth housing.

“We don’t need more band-aid solutions – we need a guarantee that the next government will end youth homelessness.”

We are seeing an increase in COVID-19 case numbers in Australia, reflecting community transmission of the Omicron variant XBB.

We are also closely monitoring the overseas transmission of a second Omicron variant – BQ.1.

While evidence is still emerging, the experience to date with these two variants overseas is that they do not appear to pose a greater risk of severe illness and death – and that the COVID-19 vaccines provide good protection against these outcomes.

All indications are that this is the start of a new COVID-19 wave in Australia. This was to be expected and will be part of living with COVID-19 into the future.

The overseas experience is that these new variants have driven increases in case numbers – and hospitalisations at a rate proportionate to these increases – because of their ability to evade the immunity provided by prior infection and vaccination. 

It’s therefore timely to focus on the actions we can all take to reduce the threat of these new variants, keep the pressure off our health care workers and hospitals and continue to look forward to our summer plans.  

There are three things everyone can do to reduce the threat of these variants across our communities – and help limit the size of the wave.

Firstly, make sure you are up to date with your vaccinations – including having a third or fourth dose if you haven’t had them already. Make an appointment for this dose as soon as possible so your immunity is boosted for the coming months when we are most likely to see an increase in COVID-19 transmission in Australia.

Vaccination is your best protection against getting severely ill or dying from COVID-19. And evidence from overseas indicates vaccination reduces the prevalence of symptoms associated with Long COVID.

Secondly, keep a mask handy when away from home. If you’re at indoor public places or in crowded settings, a mask can help protect you and reduce the chance of infecting others. It’s a simple, sensible way to add another layer of protection and contribute to our collective effort to slow the spread of the virus.

And thirdly, if you have tested positive or are not feeling well, stay at home until the symptoms have passed. If you do have to leave your house, wear a mask and avoid going to any high-risk settings, including hospitals, and aged and disability care facilities. 

Through these three measures, you can make a significant contribution to protecting yourself, your family and friends, and the wider community against these new COVID-19 variants.

Advice about managing COVID-19 symptoms is available 24/7 from the Australian Government’s National Coronavirus Help Line: 1800 020 080. Information about managing COVID-19 is also available at healthdirect.gov.au.

In addition, people at risk of more severe illness from COVID-19 should talk to their GP now about their eligibility for oral antiviral treatments should they contract COVID-19.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will join world leaders at premier international and regional summits in Cambodia, Indonesia and Thailand from 11–19 November.

The Prime Minister will meet with counterparts at the East Asia, ASEAN, G20 and APEC Summits to discuss the most pressing strategic, economic and climate challenges facing the region and world.

The Prime Minister will travel to Phnom Penh from 11–14 November to attend the East Asia Summit, the region’s premier leader led forum for strategic discussion.

In Phnom Penh, the Prime Minister will also attend the 2nd Annual ASEAN-Australia Summit. Australia’s engagement with ASEAN is longstanding – as ASEAN’s first dialogue partner and Comprehensive Strategic Partner – and supports regional resilience, jobs and economic growth.

From 14–17 November the Prime Minister will attend the Bali G20 Summit in Indonesia – the world’s top table for international economic cooperation. In Bali, the Prime Minister will work with G20 leaders to chart a pathway to achieving the international conditions needed to ease economic pressures at home.

While in Bali, the Prime Minister will join Indonesian President Widodo and Indian Prime Minister Modi to deliver a keynote address at the Business 20 Summit, which will bring together more than 1,000 CEOs, investors and senior executives from Australia, the Indo-Pacific region, and across the world.

The Prime Minister will then travel to Bangkok from 17-19 November to attend the 29th APEC Economic Leaders’ Summit. The Summit will focus on practical action to support regional economic integration and an open trade and investment environment.

Alongside summit commitments, the Prime Minister will meet bilaterally with a range of other leaders to discuss international developments and identify new opportunities for cooperation, including on regional security, energy transition and climate action.

Prime Minister Albanese said:

“Australia has always been an outward facing nation and we have never shied away from facing up to global challenges.

“The global economic outlook is stark, and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has exacerbated the challenges of food insecurity, rising energy prices, rising inflation and cost of living pressures globally. 

“Australia strongly supports ASEAN’s central role in the region and its vision for the region is closely aligned with our own.

“My role at these summits will be one of advocacy for not only Australians, but also for those of our Pacific neighbours who face many of the same pressures that we do.

“At each summit I will emphasise Australia’s commitment to the global transition to net zero, and our vision for a stable, peaceful, resilient and prosperous region.

“I will remain, on behalf of the Australian people, a fierce opponent to Russia’s immoral and illegal invasion of Ukraine.

“I look forward to engaging my counterparts in Phnom Penh, Bali and Bangkok in the next week.”

Canberrans are encouraged to learn to identify the key scam signs to protect themselves and their loved ones, as more than $7 million was lost in reported scams in 2021.

Minister for Consumer Affairs, Shane Rattenbury, said it was important Canberrans remained vigilant.

“With scams becoming more prevalent on social media, text messages and emails, the ACT recorded the highest amount of money lost to scams than any other state or territory in proportion to population,” Minister Rattenbury said.

“No one is immune to scams. Scammers target people from a variety of backgrounds, ages, and income levels. This week is Scams Awareness Week and we’re encouraging Canberrans to have a conversation with their family and friends about scams. Talking can help people spots the signs early and avoid being scammed.

“One of the best ways to combat scams is by being aware of them and knowing how to protect yourself. When dealing with uninvited contact, always consider the possibility that it may be a scam.”

Scams often operate by claiming to be from a genuine source such as a trusted organisation or family member. If unsure, check that a communication is real by contacting the person or organisation directly using details you have found yourself.

“Many scams go unreported due to feelings of shame and embarrassment, but I encourage anyone who thinks they have been scammed to report the matter to the ACCC via ScamWatch,” Minister Rattenbury said

“By reporting scams you can help the ACCC disrupt scammers and warn about emerging scams. Reporting a scam may protect others so please don’t feel embarrassed to lodge a report.”

For more information visit www.scamwatch.gov.au.

Samantha*, an ACT resident who fell victim to a bank phishing scam said:

“Someone claiming to be a supervisor within my bank’s fraud department called to let me know they had detected unusual activity on my account. They asked if I had opened any suspicious links lately and I told them about the link I had clicked about a month earlier. They informed me that malware had been installed on my phone. They asked me to transfer my savings of $20,000 from my existing account to a new account that they told me was linked to my current one but with updated credentials so the scammer couldn’t access it. The phone numbers that appeared were legitimate numbers that had been spoofed and the caller had access to my full name and location.”

Theo*, an ACT resident who fell victim to a romance baiting cryptocurrency scam said:

“I met a nice girl on a dating app and we had been speaking for a month and a half when she brought up cryptocurrency. She said she could show me how to trade. I signed onto a legitimate cryptocurrency platform and transferred $30,000 into the account. She asked me to change the currency into USDT and into a new wallet. My account reached $422,000 USDT so I wanted to withdraw and change it back into Australian dollars. When I did this, I received a message that I needed to pay $112,000 to make the withdrawal. A friend tried to help me retrieve the funds but my account was frozen as I did not pay the service fee.”

*Names have been changed to protect identity.

“Endless consumption on a finite planet does not work,” said Jo Clay MLA, ACT Greens Spokesperson for Arts and the Circular Economy. 

“This year’s Recycling Week theme explores the idea that waste isn’t waste until it’s wasted. I’m thrilled to open Candice Addicoat’s exhibition, Transformation, made entirely from recycled material. What a perfect way to celebrate Recycling Week!” 

Local designer Candice Addicoat has installed Transformation in the Reception Room in the Legislative Assembly. Candice is the founder of charity design organisation Scene and plastic recycling initiative Plastic Static as well as a resident designer in The Green Shed.

Candice will host morning and afternoon tea today and present an artist’s talk for National Recycling Week (7 – 11 November).  

“As a designer, I love to create beautiful and purposeful things for the community,” said Candice Addicoat. “One of the reasons I design with used items and waste is to demonstrate we are surrounded by free materials that can improve the way we live.” 

“It’s unnecessary that so many unwanted things end up in landfill. Mass produced items also lead to a heavy carbon footprint. I recently pioneered world-first techniques with polyethylene plastic to turn waste household plastic into designer items.” 

“My proposed program would see the most polluting plastic on the planet, polyethylene, used in the community for design and purpose. There’s no need for it to go to landfill or end up in our environment or oceans. And it’s so easy and fun to do this!” 
 

Today we announce the appointment of Ms Kristin Tilley as Australia’s Ambassador for Climate Change.

Ms Tilley’s appointment delivers on an election commitment to reinstate the role of Ambassador for Climate Change. Her role demonstrates to the world Australia’s resolve to urgently step up the pace of action, and work alongside global partners, particularly in the Pacific, to tackle the climate crisis. 

Ms Tilley was most recently a First Assistant Secretary at the Department of Industry, Science and Resources, with over 10 years’ experience with international and domestic climate change policy and programs.

We thank former Ambassador for the Environment Mr Jamie Isbister for his excellent contribution to Australia’s engagement on international environment and climate change issues since 2019.

Ms Tilley will be part of Australia’s delegation to the 27th United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of the Parties (COP27) in Egypt, led by Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen.

Minister Bowen will demonstrate the Australian Government’s commitment to action on climate change, building on recent actions like legislating our emissions reduction targets of 43 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030, and net zero by 2050. This includes our 82 percent renewable energy target and supporting action on climate change for the Pacific region.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and its impact on power prices in Australia and the world, is a reminder of the importance of the energy transformation. Restoring Australia’s credibility on climate is key to attracting investment, including in cheaper energy and new industries.

COP27 is an opportunity to strengthen these international trade partnerships and showcase Australia’s renewed climate leadership, as we demonstrate our potential as a renewable energy superpower.

The Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Pat Conroy, will represent the Prime Minister at COP27 from 7-9 November and focus on engaging with Australia’s Pacific partners.

Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Jenny McAllister, will also attend.

The Australian Government will officially bid to co-host the 31st UNFCCC COP in 2026 in partnership with our Pacific neighbours.

Nothing is more central to the security and economies of the Pacific than climate change.

The Australian Government is committed to working in partnership with Pacific countries to address the climate emergency and realise our shared ambition for a successful COP31 bid.

Becoming a clean energy superpower and seizing the economic opportunities of decarbonisation for our region won’t happen by accident. Co-hosting COP31 will help restore Australia’s reputation and increase international engagement on climate change and energy.

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

“Australia is acting on climate change at home, and will now be part of the solution in the world.

“Ms Tilley will lead Australia’s international climate engagement, working with partners to deliver opportunities for green economy jobs.

“As well as playing our part to reduce emissions, Australia is also focused on helping our neighbours deal with the climate emergency, and elevating Pacific voices and priorities on the world stage.”

Minister for Climate Change and Energy, the Hon Chris Bowen (MP) said:

“The Albanese Government has already taken urgent climate action and as one of our first acts, enshrined our commitment to reach net zero emissions into law.

“Our delegation at COP27 and our COP31 bid will go a long way to help drive Australia’s economic transformation to a net zero economy, and strengthen green trade partnerships and secure jobs for Australian workers.”

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

“Climate change is being experienced by the Pacific family as a profound crisis, and an existential threat.”

“Australia recognises the Pacific’s longstanding leadership on global climate change, and together we will highlight our region’s priorities at COP27.”

“In hosting COP31, Australia and Pacific countries would profile the impact of climate change on the region, accelerate global action and harness the economic opportunities from the clean energy transition.”

The Victorian Greens have launched an election pitch to close two state prisons so that more money can be directed towards services proven to improve community safety, such as housing and early intervention programs.

The plan would see Barwon Prison and Loddon Prison closed by mid-2023. 

Affected maximum-security prisoners would be transferred to the new Chisholm Road Prison, while medium-security prisoners would be transferred to the Ravenhall, Hopkins, Marngoneet and Fulham prisons.

Roughly 75 per cent of affected staff would be redeployed to other prisons while redundancy packages would be provided to the remaining 25 per cent.

An independent Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO) costing has found that the plan would save $215.1 million over the next decade.

Prior to the pandemic the Victorian Labor Government had increased the rate of spending on police and prisons more than any other portfolio area.

Despite this they have not been able to point to any evidence that any of these billions of dollars have improved community safety.

The Greens want to see future state governments commit to closing prisons rather than opening new prisons and expanding existing ones.

This money should instead go towards services that prevent Victorians – and record numbers of First Nations people – from being sent to prison in the first place, like public housing, rehabilitation and mental health services.

The Greens’ justice election platform will also scrap the $300 million dollars set aside in this year’s State Budget for additional police recruitment, after a recent report from the Auditor-General found there was no evidence Victoria’s $2 billion dollar investment in police numbers was needed, or had improved community safety.   

They also want to raise the age of criminal responsibility to 14, and fix bail laws that have led to a record 11.8 per cent of prisoners identifying as First Nations, and First Nations women becoming the fastest growing demographic in Victorian prisons.

A PBO costing has revealed that by implementing all the Greens’ justice policies the state would save three billion dollars over the next decade, all of which the Greens plan to invest in proven early intervention crime prevention programs and services.

Victorian Greens justice spokesperson, Dr Tim Read said: 

“While smarter countries are closing prisons and lowering crime, in Victoria our state government is funnelling billions into prisons and police.

“This is despite the fact that study after study has revealed this does not improve community safety.

“The government should be investing this money in the things that actually prevent offending in the first place. 

“The current Victorian Labor Government has imprisoned more First Nations people than any other Victorian government on record.”

Victorian Greens Northcote candidate, Campbell Gome said: 

“The Greens are not willing to silently accept the record increases in First Nations Victorians in prison under this government. We will not let this government, or any other, turn away and pretend that this is not happening right now, and that they are not responsible.

“With 1,600 more permanent prison beds set to open over the next 12 months, but no new hospital beds, it’s not hard to see how law and order election promises from Labor and the Liberals hurt Victoria’s future.

“The Greens’ policy represents a line in the sand for Victoria, we must change course from imitating the failed policies of half a century ago, and start following contemporary justice strategies from nations with the lowest crime rates.”

Greens Treasury spokesperson, Senator Nick McKim, has responded to the release today by the RBA of their quarterly Statement of Monetary Policy.

“The RBA has today admitted that inflation is not happening because people are buying more things.”

“This is supported by ABS figures also out today showing that retail volumes grew only 0.2 per cent in the September Quarter.”

“The RBA states that retail inflation is ‘mainly driven by price increases rather than higher volumes’.”

“But having made this pertinent insight, in the next breath the RBA says that it needs to guard against possible wage claims that might arise because workers need more money to pay these higher prices.

“This circular logic reveals the extent to which the RBA has been captured by corporate interests.”

“The RBA is fear mongering about non-existent wage increases citing its dodgy business liaison program.”

“But businesses have complained about wages through the entire history of capitalism.”

“Instead of parroting the corporate lines, the RBA should be upfront about the limits of monetary policy in tackling the current bout of high inflation.”

“Increasing interest rates will bring down inflation only by smashing household incomes and this will most affect those who are already doing it tough.”

“The government needs to pull its finger out and engage in genuine tax reform.”

“The government should be taxing company super profits and unearned wealth, and funding cost-of-living relief for those that are most in need.”

Primary producers affected by ongoing flooding in New South Wales can apply for recovery grants of up to $25,000 as part of the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

The grants are now available for eligible primary producers in the Local Government Areas that have been disaster declared from the most recent storm and flood event.

The assistance is available for the immediate clean-up and recovery costs to repair extensive damage to properties.

A full list of eligible LGAs can be viewed on the NSW Rural Assistance Authority’s (RAA’s) Declared Natural Disasters webpage.

Primary producers are encouraged not to self-assess and should consult with their local Rural Financial Counselling Service or apply for the scheme so that the RAA can determine eligibility.

For more information, or to lodge an application, visit www.raa.nsw.gov.au or call the RAA on 1800 678 593. If you are a farmer or a member of the community requiring an emergency response regarding livestock or animals, call 1800 814 647.

The Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese said:

Recent floods and storms across NSW have had a real and devastating impact on local farming communities.

The Australian Government is working closely with the NSW Government to provide financial support so people can start to repair the damage caused by recent events.

Our thoughts are with the people of NSW who have been doing it tough but continue to show immense courage and resilience.

New South Wales Premier, Dominic Perrottet said:

Sadly, many communities remain underwater, herds and crops have been swept away and the full extent of the damage is yet to be revealed.

We have expedited the availability of this grant to ensure primary producers can readily access financial support as soon as it is required.

This will ensure producers can get back on their feet and operational as soon as possible, and we will be ready with more assistance as required.

Minister for Emergency Management, Senator Murray Watt said:

Farmers and growers have been hit hard by the current severe weather, many at a critical time in their season.

These grants will support farmers with their immediate needs and I would encourage anyone who’s been impacted to get in touch with their local Rural Financial Counselling Service and see what help is available.

We are wholeheartedly committed to supporting the recovery, and ultimately the survival, of farming communities impacted by this disaster.

New South Wales Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery, Steph Cooke said:

This funding will help kickstart the clean up effort for farmers impacted by this severe flooding, many of whom haven’t been able to fully recover from previous storms and floods.

While there’s a long road to recovery ahead, these grants will give famers immediate support to begin cleaning up and start the rebuilding process.

New South Wales Minister for Agriculture and Minister for Western New South Wales, Dugald Saunders said:

Throughout the course of this year, primary producers and regional communities have been tested again and again by the excessive rain and catastrophic floods which have severely depleted production capacity.

This onslaught has had a major impact on the incredible food and fibre that we see all year round and now we need to stand together and support the individuals and businesses that our State has become so reliant on.

Protected Industrial Action is underway at four Central Queensland BHP coal mines (Blackwater, Saraji, Peak Downs and Goonyella Riverside), with bans on overtime and step-up duties in place until further notice. 

In addition, Mining and Energy Union members at Peak Downs and Goonyella Riverside will take five-hour stoppages on Friday 4 November from 3-8pm. The stoppages are timed to facilitate attendance at the Moranbah Miners Memorial event. 

MEU Queensland District President Stephen Smyth said protected action would be strategic, measured and responsive to BHP’s willingness to address members’ job security concerns. 

“With coal prices so high there is constant pressure to maintain and increase production, so we are confident our bans and stoppages will be felt.  

“We are continuing our dialogue with BHP to work through members’ concerns about protecting current and future permanent jobs. We will have no hesitation in ramping up our industrial campaign if members feel that progress is not being made.”