Category: Australian News

The Climate Council report released today shows that the costs of climate change-driven weather events cannot be ignored. The Greens are once again calling for the government to stop approving new coal and gas projects, and stop the $42.7 billion of fossil fuel subsidies that are turbo charging climate destruction.

Greens Senator for Queensland Larissa Waters said:

“The Climate Council report released today shows that my home state of Queensland has suffered more economic damage from extreme weather and natural disasters than any other state or territory.

“The economic cost to Queensland from the floods in February and March alone was $7.7 billion, not to mention the emotional toll of seeing your home flooded again and again.

“Last week’s State of the Climate report found changes to weather and climate extremes are happening at an increased pace across Australia.

“We already knew this continued support for the coal and gas industry was leading us to environmental disaster, now we know it’s a wrecking ball for the economy as well.

“We’ve been disappointed that under the new Labor government, Australia has continued to open up new coal and gas mines, and is sticking to targets that will see the world go beyond a disastrous 2C of warming.

“There are 114 new coal and gas projects headed to the Environment Minister’s desk for approval – not a single one should be approved without considering the impact its emissions will have on the climate.

“Unless we stop opening up new coal and gas, Australia’s children will inherit a country that is wracked by devastating fires, floods, and heatwaves.

“The Greens bill to add a climate trigger to our federal environmental laws means that climate impacts of polluting projects would need to be considered, and importantly that the Minister would have to refuse approval for new large fossil fuel projects.”

Today Theia Energy announced it will resubmit its application to frack the Canning Basin.

Theia has changed its plans multiple times in an attempt to dodge Western Australia’s EPA laws, but is betting the McGowan government’s review on onshore fracking will favour companies over the environment.

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

“The McGowan government should care about its constituents equally. The ban on fracking should extend across all of WA not just the metropolitan regions and southwest.

“The government is allowing manufactured consent for fossil fuel projects. If they won’t invest and support regional communities they are effectively forcing Traditional Owners to agree to these projects.

“The International Energy Agency’s ‘World Energy Outlook 2022’ report doesn’t support the idea of gas as a transition fuel. 

“Black Mountain Energy’s exemption from the export of onshore gas shows the McGowan government is happy to sell out our environment and fuel the climate crisis.

“A report released today by The Climate Council showed Queensland is bearing the brunt of the climate crisis. We cannot allow Western Australia to suffer the same fate by opening up new fossil fuel projects.

“A recent poll showed 63% of Australians want to accelerate the shift to renewables. Rather than open up new polluting projects we need to invest in cleaner, greener renewable energy sources. 

“We can’t trust the WA Labor government to do the right thing. We must strengthen our Federal environmental protection laws to ban fracking across all of Australia.”
 

The Greens respond to formal review process on the rate of income support, warning that it needs to be independent and include the voices of people living in poverty.

Greens spokesperson for government services and social services, Senator Janet Rice said: 

“The ‘Economic Inclusion Advisory Committee’ could be great if it leads to meaningful change, it can’t be an excuse for more delays or a pathetic raise to the rate that still leaves people living in poverty.

“This review needs a clear methodology with a focus on how much people actually need to live, not what the Government feels like allocating in the budget. 

“It should be genuinely independent with public terms of reference, public hearings and public reporting. And it needs to hear from people actually living in poverty. 

“Last week the Greens provided the Government an easy opportunity to raise the rate and do something concrete for the people that need it most, and they joined the Liberals to vote it down.

“The cost of living crisis isn’t waiting for a review – people are living in poverty right now, they can’t afford to put food on the table right now, they can’t afford their medical bills right now. 

“The Greens will keep pushing to get concrete outcomes for people on income support so Australians don’t have to make decisions like which meals to skip because they have to pay the rent this week.” 

The Albanese Government is acting to make workplaces safe from sexual harassment with the passage of the Anti-Discrimination and Human Rights Legislation (Respect@Work) Bill through Parliament.

Sexual harassment is not inevitable – it is preventable.

This historic Respect@Work legislation significantly progresses gender equality by ensuring women are able to earn a living in safe, sexual harassment-free workplaces.

The legislation closely follows the recommendations of Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins, left unfinished by the former government.

The new laws will:

• Place a positive duty on employers to take reasonable and proportionate measures to eliminate sex discrimination, sexual harassment and victimisation, as far as possible;
• Strengthen the Australian Human Rights Commission with new functions to assess and enforce compliance with this new requirement, including the capacity to give compliance notices to employers who are not meeting their obligations;
• Expressly prohibit conduct that results in a hostile workplace environment on the basis of sex; and
• Ensure Commonwealth public sector organisations are also required to report to the Workplace Gender Equality Agency on its gender equality indicators.

Over the past five years, one in three people experienced sexual harassment at work, with women experiencing higher rates of harassment than men.

Everyone has the right to a safe and respectful workplace and the fact that workplaces have not been safe or respectful for so many Australians is unacceptable.

The Government would like to thank Ms Jenkins for her work, as well as all victim-survivors who came forward to share their stories and to inform the Respect@Work Report.

This is a Government that listens to women – and acts.

Greens Leader and Workplace Relations spokesperson, Adam Bandt MP and Greens Employment Spokesperson, Senator Barbara Pocock say the Greens have agreed to back the government’s IR bill after securing significant additional improvements, including giving parents an enforceable right to request unpaid parental leave and protecting the existing Better Off Overall Test.

The Greens have been locked in negotiations with the government on the bill for several months and the government has already included a number of long-standing Greens initiatives, such as an enforceable right to better work/life balance, banning of pay secrecy clauses and abolishing the ABCC, in the bill.

The government’s original bill attempted to remove prospective workers from being considered under the Better Off Overall Test when agreements are approved, something the Greens were concerned could have led to prospective workers being worse off. The Greens have ensured that the test in the existing s193 will remain. Further, the bill will be amended to clarify that when applying the BOOT and considering potential work patterns of current or future employees, the FWC will still have to apply the existing tests and assess any work patterns the employer, union or employees consider foreseeable, save that the FWC must have regard to the kind of business the employer is running (so, for example, the FWC does not have to consider arrangements for working in a cool room when considering an office supply company’s agreement even though the award may cover that kind of work). 

Greens Leader and Workplace Relations spokesperson, Adam Bandt said:

“The Greens strongly back most of what is in this bill, including abolishing the ABCC and multi-employer bargaining, but we wanted to ensure low paid workers wouldn’t go backwards because of some of the changes,” Mr Bandt said.

“This is an important win for all workers, especially low paid workers in the retail and the hospitality industries. The Better Off Overall Test has been preserved.”

“Workers will now have an enforceable right to unpaid parental leave and better work/life balance.”

Greens Employment Spokesperson, Senator Barbara Pocock said:

“Workers in the care sector, so many of them low paid women, need a pay rise. The supported bargaining stream and the new object of gender equality make this more likely in the near future,” Senator Pocock said.

“It’s time workplace law caught up with the real lives of Australia’s 5 million working carers, women and men. Our workplace relations system is broken, but we can fix it, and this bill is a good start.”

“Australian workers, especially women, have waited decades for an enforceable right to flexibility that actually works for them. The Greens have secured important changes on flexibility and on unpaid parental leave. These will now be enforceable rights.”

“There is more to do and we will move further amendments in the Senate and continue to fight for greater flexibility and workplace laws that support working carers in the coming months.”
 

On International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women the Greens are once again calling for full funding and meaningful goals for the National Plan for Ending Violence Against Women and Children, and a standalone National Plan for First Nations Women.

Today also marks the start of the UN 16 Days of Activism, running until International Human Rights Day on 10 December. During this time, Senator Waters will dedicate her social media platforms to discussions about the National Plan, sharing stories from advocacy groups and frontline services, and explaining what we need to do to make sure no one seeking help is turned away.

Senator Larissa Waters, Greens Leader in the Senate and spokesperson on Women said:

“Australia is in an epidemic of gendered violence and harassment. 40 women have been killed this year. Women as young as 12 report sexual harassment in public. One in three Australian women experience abuse in their lifetime.

“First Nations women, women from culturally diverse backgrounds, women in regional areas, older women, LGBTIQ+ women, and women with a disability are even more likely to experience violence.

“Every year on this day we recommit to ending sexual and physical violence against women around the world, but frontline services are still underfunded and women and children are being turned away as a result.

“Enough with empty promises. Enough with ignoring the impact of financial insecurity and housing stress on women’s capacity to leave. Enough with underfunding the services women reach out to in a crisis.

“We need full funding for services under the National Plan for Ending Violence Against Women and Children, and a standalone National Plan for First Nations Women.

“The women’s safety sector has repeatedly called for a $1 billion per year investment to meet demand. The recent Budget provided less than half that amount for frontline services.

“Women deserve better than that, and $1 billion each year is a very small price to pay to ensure every Australian woman is safe at work, at home and in public.

“Additional funding for emergency housing is welcome, but when the waiting list for social housing is over 50,000 in Queensland alone, $100 million for 720 houses is a drop in the ocean.

“The housing crisis is felt even more acutely by women and children experiencing family and domestic violence. Women are forced to choose between abuse or homelessness, because there is nowhere to go.

“Women on low wages or income support are especially vulnerable without the resources to escape violent situations. Yet this government persists with the cruelty of keeping income support payments like JobSeeker below the poverty line, and has the audacity to cry poor while dishing out hundreds of billions in tax cuts and investment property perks for the rich.

“The Greens are calling for full funding of frontline DV services, along with clear outcomes, targets and support for specialist services to address the needs of vulnerable communities. Ending violence against women in one generation is possible, but not without more dollars and clear targets to drive the necessary changes.

The Greens welcome the passage of the Respect at Work Bill in the Senate today, after facilitating a decision to send contentious costs provisions for a comprehensive review.

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

“The Greens welcome and support this Bill. The significance of the changes it will make for women cannot be overstated. It is a positive and overdue reform to make workplaces safe and respectful for everyone.

“We are pleased that the government has heard the concerns raised by advocates, victim-survivors, legal experts and unions, the Greens and the cross-bench, on the need for improved costs protections.

“The Greens have worked with the Government to ensure this issue of costs is properly addressed, with a comprehensive review of costs to ensure legitimate discrimination cases are not deterred and justice denied.

“The Greens will keep the pressure up to ensure that no-one is priced out of standing up for their rights at work, whether that be for sexual harassment or any other type of discrimination.

“Equal access costs protections, where workers can take action without fear of paying the other side’s costs if they lose, already exist for whistleblowers to remove barriers for people calling out misconduct. The same should apply for calling out workplace harassment.

“While the review is underway, it is essential that clear guidance be provided to courts and tribunals on awarding costs and damages in workplace harassment and discrimination claims. That guidance must address the unfair advantage employers have over individual workers, and the significant toll that ongoing harassment can take.

“The Bill will also introduce a positive duty on employers to maintain a safe workplace. The adversarial ‘victim complaint’ approach has failed so many people, so putting the onus on employers is a critical step in changing that.

“We’re pleased to see this become law after the Morrison Government and One Nation blocked crucial amendments last year from the Greens and Labor that would have implemented this positive duty – a centrepiece of the Respect@Work recommendations.

“We were also pleased to get in-principle support from the Government to look at extending positive duty obligations to prevent race, age and disability discrimination, and will continue to push for that change.

“The Greens and the Jacqui Lambie Network also secured support for a full review of the operation of these provisions after 2 years. This Bill makes landmark changes and it is important that we review how these changes are working in practice and what further reforms or support might be needed to drive cultural change and put an end to workplace harassment.

“The passage of Respect at Work represents a generational opportunity to change workplace culture and the Greens are happy that Kate Jenkins’ landmark report and recommendations will finally be implemented.”

Australia’s top veteran and partner employers, employees and entrepreneurs were celebrated last night at the 2022 Prime Minister’s National Veterans’ Employment Awards in Canberra.

These Awards showcase the talent on offer in the veteran community – as employees and entrepreneurs, and also recognise the organisations that actively recruit, employ and support veterans and families.

The Awards highlight the importance this Government places upon supporting veterans to ensure a successful transition out of the military and into civilian life.

Key to this is veterans being able to find a meaningful job soon after they leave service.

The Federal Budget allocated $24 million to the Veteran Employment Program, to support defence personnel in their transition to civilian life and employment, while ensuring the skills and experience veterans and their families bring to the workforce is acknowledged by the community.

Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese said:

“I congratulate all those recognised in our National Veterans’ Employment Awards for their commitment to the Defence and veteran community.”

“Australians owe a debt of gratitude to those veterans who have served the nation, and to their families who supported them throughout their service.”

“Initiatives such as the Veteran Employment Program and the National Veterans’ Employment Awards go a long way towards helping employers and the Australian community understand the benefits of employing veterans and their families.”

“The careers of Defence family members are often impacted in support of their serving partners, particularly when moving regularly.”

“I am pleased to see the valuable contribution of defence families recognised as part of this year’s Awards.”

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Matt Keogh said:

“Our Veteran Employment Program will build on existing initiatives to raise awareness, highlight the benefits of employing veterans and veteran families, provide support to businesses to attract, recruit and retain veterans, and provide support to translate veterans’ military skills and experience for the civilian workplace.”

“There is a need to address misconceptions around veteran employment, educate employers and provide practical support to address barriers to veteran and veteran family employment.”

“The Program will support veterans to recognise and communicate the value of their skills gained in service, skills like leadership, teamwork, agility, discipline and an ability to work under pressure – all critical skills in the modern economy, all in demand by employers.”

More information about the Awards and the 2022 winners can be found on the Prime Minister’s National Veterans’ Employment Program website. For more information on the Veteran Employment Program, visit the www.veteransemployment.gov.au.

Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling provides 24/7 free confidential crisis support for current and ex-serving ADF personnel and their families on 1800 011 046 or openarms.gov.au. Safe Zone Support provides anonymous counselling on 1800 142 072.   Defence All-Hours Support Line provides support for ADF personnel on 1800 628 036 or defence.gov.au/health/healthportal. Defence Member and Family Helpline provides support for Defence families on 1800 624 608.

A full list of winners is below.

Category	Name/Representative	Company
Veteran Employee of the Year	Nick Elston	GSA Management Consulting
Veteran Entrepreneur of the Year	Garth Chester	Valenhold
Partner Employee of the Year	Katie Vidal	She Maps
Partner Entrepreneur of the Year	Kelly Willmott	Green Fox Training Studio
Employer of the Year – Large		Cubic Defence Australia
Employer of the Year – Medium		Bluerydge
Employer of the Year – Small		Viden
Excellence in Supporting Veteran and/or Partner Employment		Vertical Scope Group
Outstanding Employer of the Year		Bluerydge
Outstanding Contribution to Veteran and/or Partner Employment	Amanda McCue	Career Swag

The Albanese Government welcomes the final report from the Bell Inquiry, handed down today by the Hon Justice Virginia Bell AC.

The Inquiry examined the appointment of former Prime Minister, the Hon Scott Morrison MP, to administer multiple departments without disclosure to his colleagues or the public.

The unprecedented and inexcusable actions of the former Prime Minister were emblematic of the culture of secrecy in which the previous Government operated.

The Bell Inquiry confirms the Solicitor-General’s conclusion that the principles of responsible government were “fundamentally undermined” because Mr Morrison was not “responsible” to the Parliament, and through the Parliament to the electors, for the departments he was appointed to administer.

Justice Bell found the secrecy around the appointments was “apt to undermine public confidence in government” and was “corrosive of trust in government.”

The Inquiry has made six recommendations to improve transparency, accountability and restore public trust in Australian democracy, including:

• Legislation to require public notice of the appointment of Ministers to administer departments and hold offices;
• The publication of acting arrangements for Ministers; and
• The publication of details of which Ministers are appointed to administer departments and an outline of divisions of responsibilities where more than one Minister is appointed to the same department.

I will recommend to the next meeting of Cabinet that the Albanese Government accept all six of Justice Bell’s recommendations.

The quick implementation of these recommendations will ensure that the Australian public can have full confidence that this breach of trust will never happen again.

I thank Justice Bell and her team for the efforts in conducting this Inquiry.

The full report and recommendations can be viewed at: https://www.ministriesinquiry.gov.au/

“According to new data from Reconciliation Australia, national support for Treaty has jumped to 72%. That’s a 25% increase in four years!” Said Senator Lidia Thorpe, the Greens spokesperson for First Nations.

Senator Lidia Thorpe said:

“We learnt yesterday that First Nations children are 10x more likely to be living in out of home care than non-Indigenous kids, less than half of them are living with First Nations carers. Forcibly taking children away from their community is an act of genocide, according to the United Nations Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.

“Today, Reconciliation Australia showed us that 60% of First Nations people have experienced racism in the last six months.

“We know that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are 26x more likely than their non-Indigenous classmates to be incarcerated.

“This is all evidence of systemic racism in this country. The solution is self-determination. It’s critical that First Nations people have more than just ‘a say’ over the matters that affect us. 

“Everyone is better off when we are free to steer our own course, yet successive Governments continue to lock First Nations people out of decision making processes and force policies onto us that continue the violent legacy of colonisation.

“We need a Treaty to redefine and rebuild the relationship between the Government and First Nations people. A Treaty will restore our right to make decisions for ourselves, our families, our communities and our homelands.

“Through real justice, we can build a society where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.

“Treaty was promised by Bob Hawke’s Labor government in the 80s and it’s still unfinished business today. There’s growing support for First Nations people to be in the driver’s seat when it comes to making decisions about our community, our country and our culture. The Greens will keep fighting to make this a reality.” Said Thorpe.