Category: Australian News

Labor has voted down Greens amendments to the workforce incentives bill which would have extended the work bonus to jobseeker and DSP recipients in addition to aged pensioners, enabling them to  earn more before their payments are cut.

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

“We all know the rate of income support is too low. People are being forced to survive on starvation payments below the poverty line. If Labor isn’t going to raise the rate, the least they could do is allow people to work more before losing their income support. 

“Poverty is a political choice, and in a cost of living crisis, Labor has refused to make a concrete difference to the lives of those struggling the most.

“If Parliament can enable those on the aged pension to earn more before losing their income support, then why can’t we do it for people on Youth Allowance, Jobseeker and the DSP?”

If passed by the Senate, the Atomic Energy Amendment (Mine Rehabilitation and Closure) Bill 2022, will require Energy Resources of Australia (ERA) to continue rehabilitation of their  open-cut uranium mine site past 2026. 

ERA will be financially responsible for the rehabilitation of the site until it can be safely returned to the Mirrar Traditional Owners. They will need to incorporate the site back into the surrounding Kakadu National Park, and ensure the radioactive tailings remain safe for at least 10,000 years.

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

“The Greens welcome this bill, in Australia there hasn’t been a successful rehabilitation of a uranium mine. With the expected cost to be up to $2.2 billion it’s important ERA be made to bear the cost of the clean up.

“We need to ensure the sector doesn’t end up passing on the costs of rehabilitation to the public. We are concerned there’s no binding agreement with Rio Tinto to cover the costs of the rehabilitation if ERA are unable to.

“Ranger Mine was established without free, informed and prior consent. It’s paramount that Traditional Owners are involved in all stages of the rehabilitation process. The Mirrar people should be able to determine how they will interact with the land once ERA is gone, including dietary and cultural needs. 

“The waterways that can be affected by the radioactive tailings are used by the Mirrar people for fishing, swimming and drinking.

“Not only must the Mirrar people be consulted with, they must reap the benefits of all stages of the process through involvement with procurement.

“The British government announced they will honour Australians who were involved in nuclear tests with a service medal. This is the legacy of nuclear testing and uranium mining.”

Small businesses and not-for-profit organisations affected by ongoing flooding in New South Wales can now apply for recovery grants of up to $50,000, as part of the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

The NSW Government has identified a significant number of businesses impacted by multiple flooding events since August, who are likely to face extensive clean-up and repair work.

In addition, Local Government Recovery Grants of $1 million will be extended to a further 46 councils in the local government areas that have been disaster declared from the most recent storm and flood event to ensure streamlined, flexible and immediate funding to support local economic and social recovery.

To learn more or apply, businesses and not-for-profits can visit the Service NSW website or call 13 77 88.

Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese said:

“We know this repeated, relentless, flooding is very tough on people, and we want them to know we will be there to support them now – and as they continue to recover.”

“The Australian Government is working closely with the NSW Government to ensure financial support is provided where it is needed to assist residents and local communities who have been impacted by the floods.”

New South Wales Premier, Dominic Perrottet said:

“We know many small businesses across flood impacted areas are doing it tough right now, which is why this assistance to help them bounce back is so important.”

“This support will help small businesses in these communities with the clean-up and recovery process so they can get back up and running.”

Minister for Emergency Management, Senator Murray Watt said:

“We’re standing side-by-side with communities by providing assistance to help them now, while we also assess the longer-term support that will be required to help towns become more resilient.”

“The Albanese Government has moved swiftly to assist the victims of natural disasters and we are working closely with state governments and councils to make sure that the right support is getting where it’s needed.”

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

“This is an incredibly challenging time, particularly for those who have experienced flood after flood over the past 12 months and haven’t been able to fully recover.”

“The funding being announced today will help business owners with their immediate clean-up and rebuilding efforts.”

Today I announce the appointment of four career diplomats to lead Australian overseas posts, in Solomon Islands, Cambodia, Guangzhou and in our newly established Embassy in Bern, Switzerland.

Ms Elizabeth Day will be Australia’s new Ambassador to Switzerland. She will also be accredited to Liechtenstein.

The opening of an Australian Embassy in Bern is a significant milestone in our bilateral relationship with Switzerland – it is testament to our enduring relationship and close cooperation for over 60 years.

I am also pleased to announce the following appointments of three other experienced Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) officers:

Mr Rod Hilton as Australia’s High Commissioner to Solomon Islands.

Mr Justin Whyatt as Australia’s Ambassador to Cambodia.

Mr Anthony Aspden as Australia’s next Consul-General in Guangzhou.

I thank outgoing High Commissioner Lachlan Strahan, Ambassador Pablo Kang and Consul-General Michael Sadleir for their contributions to advancing Australia’s interests during their respective tenures.

I also thank our Ambassador to Germany, Philip Green OAM, who has advanced Australia’s interests in Switzerland and Liechtenstein since 2020 as non-resident Ambassador. Ambassador Green will remain Australia’s Ambassador to Germany.

Australian Greens Deputy Leader and Education spokesperson Senator Mehreen Faruqi has said that the Greens will move amendments to the Government’s Family Assistance Legislation Amendment (Cheaper Child Care) Bill 2022 today to:

• Improve access to early education and care by abolishing the Activity Test,
• Improve transparency measures within the bill by expanding reporting requirements for providers,
• Extend staff discounts for early education and care, and 
• Rename the bill from ‘Cheaper Child Care’ to ‘More Affordable Early Education and Care’.

Senator Faruqi said:

“The Activity Test is cruel, punitive and beyond repair. As the Senate inquiry heard from numerous stakeholders, the activity test has the effect of denying access to early education for the most disadvantaged children and punishing families with insecure, casual work.

“We welcome new reporting requirements for large providers in the Bill but consider that these requirements should be expanded to cover all providers. 

“The Senate inquiry heard that the language of “cheaper childcare” used in the bill could undervalue the role of educators. We agree and will move to rename the bill to refer to “more affordable early education and care”.

“The Greens believe early childhood education and care is an essential service that should be free and accessible for all.  High quality early education can give children the best start in life and is a critical component of lifelong learning.

“While the Government bill does not go nearly far enough to achieve our vision of universal and free early education and care, the Australian Greens support the Bill as it nonetheless represents a step in the right direction.”

Again, Labor has voted with the Liberals to give public money to a gas corporation.

This $32 million handout is a total rejection of not only climate science, but Labor’s own publicly stated position that coal and gas projects must stand up on their own economically.

This afternoon Labor passed the Industry Research and Development (Golden Beach Gas Storage Acceleration Program) Instrument, a hangover from the previous Morrison Liberal government.

Greens spokesperson for resources, science, trade and tourism Yamatji-Noongar Woman Senator Dorinda Cox said:

“Labor must stop handing out fossil fuel subsidies. 

“COP27 highlighted the need to stop building our reliance on fossil fuels, yet Labor refuses to listen to the science and the global call to action. 

“While Labor is lying to the world about its climate credentials, they’re showing the Australian people and our Pacific neighbours their real priorities. 

“Labor cares more about their fossil fuel mates more than the rest of humanity.

“The government has committed to meeting their Paris Agreement commitments, with this instrument they’ve failed their own test.

Today Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of the Philippines in the margins of the 29th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting. 

Prime Minister Albanese and President Marcos agreed to strengthen the already warm and deep ties between the two countries by formally elevating the relationship to a Strategic Partnership. The Prime Minister has asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs to take forward negotiations with the Philippines on this important step forward.

The elevation will build upon the Comprehensive Partnership signed in 2015, and 76 years of formal diplomatic relations between Australia and the Philippines.  

Through the Strategic Partnership, Australia and the Philippines will seek to expand existing defence and maritime cooperation, counter-terrorism and law enforcement links, and facilitate deeper cooperation in a range of areas including addressing climate change.

Prime Minister Albanese said:

“In the Filipino spirit of bayanihan and the Australian tradition of mateship, we have stood by each other in good times and bad.

“Elevating our relationship to a Strategic Partnership will reinforce our focus on strengthening ties between our two countries, and working together to build a region that is resilient and prosperous for all. 

“I look forward to continuing the work between our two nations.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese joined counterparts from across the Asia-Pacific in Bangkok, Thailand for the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting from 17-19 November. 

During the Economic Leaders’ Meeting, the Prime Minister joined others to condemn Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine and the resulting economic impacts on our region. 

The Prime Minister welcomed the meeting’s endorsement of the Bangkok Goals on the Bio-Circular Green Economy, which will drive action to develop quality infrastructure, financing and investment to support the region’s clean energy transition. 

He emphasised the importance of a rules-based, free and open trade and investment environment that will support economic recovery and the strengthening of supply chains. He welcomed the meeting’s commitment to inclusive growth, including through the economic empowerment of women and First Nations people.

With other Economic Leaders, the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of digital confidence in realising the full benefits of the digital economy and committed to work together across the region to strengthen business and consumer trust in digital transactions.

Prime Minister Albanese had an audience with Their Majesties the King and Queen of Thailand, and met with Prime Minister Prayut of Thailand and President Marcos of the Philippines. 

Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese said:

“I congratulate Prime Minister Prayut for Thailand’s success in delivering on it ambitious priorities as Chair during a challenging year.”

“APEC’s member economies comprise around three quarters of Australia’s trade. The forum provides us with a seat at the table to shape our region’s economic future.”  

“A focus of my participation at the Summit was reiterating Australia’s commitment to sustainable growth, trade and investment – and sharing our perspectives on trade liberalisation.”

“I look forward to working closely with President Biden as the US assumes its position as APEC Chair for 2023.”

I am pleased to confirm that Professor Sean Turnell has arrived safely home to Australia, and has been reunited with his wife and family, after more than 21 months of unjust detention in Myanmar.

His return will be an enormous relief to his family, friends and many supporters in Australia and across the region.

The Australian Government has worked tirelessly for Professor Turnell’s release, and we will continue to provide whatever consular support he and his family require.

Australia thanks all those who have advocated for his release, including regional partners, and especially members of ASEAN.

We are grateful for the efforts of Cambodia and Brunei Darussalam, the ASEAN Chairs over the term of his detention, and the Special Envoy of the ASEAN Chair on Myanmar.

We appreciate the arrangements that were made by Myanmar authorities for Professor Turnell’s release and welcome the news of the release of other prisoners alongside Professor Turnell, including foreign nationals from the UK, US and Japan.

The Australian Government remains deeply concerned about the deteriorating situation in Myanmar, and we will continue to advocate for the release of the remaining political prisoners.

As Professor Turnell returns to his life in Australia and reunites with this family, we ask that the media respect his family’s wishes for privacy.

Australia has been steadfast in our enduring commitment to seeking truth, justice, and accountability for the victims of the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17.

Yesterday, the District Court of The Hague found Igor Girkin, Sergey Dubinskiy and Leonid Kharchenko, guilty of contributing to the downing of Flight MH17 and the murder of all 298 individuals on board. A sentence of life imprisonment was imposed on the three men, who have been tried in absentia. A fourth man has been acquitted.

While nothing can take away their grief, we hope the outcome of the trials brings some comfort to the bereaved loved ones of the victims, 38 of whom called Australia home.

The delivery of these verdicts is an important milestone in our collective efforts to hold those who are responsible to account.

We commend the work and professionalism of the Joint Investigation Team officials, including the Australian Federal Police, that have conducted rigorous investigations to support bringing those responsible to justice.

The Australian Government committed financial support to ensure that Australian next of kin could meaningfully engage in the trial process, both virtually and in person.

Our thoughts remain with those who lost their lives, their families and loved ones.