Category: Australian News

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will welcome the Prime Minister of Japan, His Excellency Mr Kishida Fumio, to Australia on 22 October as a Guest of Government.

Prime Minister Albanese and Prime Minister Kishida will meet in Perth for the Annual Australia–Japan Leaders’ Meeting. This will be the first visit to Australia by a Japanese Prime Minister since 2018.

Japan is one of Australia’s closest friends and a key partner in the region. The strong relationship between both countries is underpinned by a Special Strategic Partnership, shared values, and a common interest in a peaceful, stable, climate resilient and prosperous Indo‑Pacific.

This visit provides an opportunity for Australia to further deepen its relationship with Japan and explore new areas to strengthen cooperation, bilaterally and in the region.

Discussions between leaders will look to strengthen the defence and security partnership, and leaders will consider next steps to implement the Reciprocal Access Agreement which will enhance the ability of defence forces to operate and exercise together.

Leaders will also discuss ways to address the climate crisis and support our region to transition to net zero. This includes capturing opportunities to scale up investment in clean energy technologies and supply chains.  

Western Australia will provide the perfect backdrop for this visit. The state has played an important role supporting Japan’s energy security and will be vital to both countries’ plans for clean energy transition.

Prime Minister Albanese said:

“I am honoured to welcome Prime Minister Kishida to Australia, on his first visit as Japan’s Prime Minister.”

“Japan is a close and trusted friend of Australia—our partnership is fundamental to both countries’ strategic and economic interests.”

“Prime Minister Kishida and I will discuss ways to strengthen our cooperation and achieve our shared vision for a peaceful, stable, climate resilient and prosperous Indo‑Pacific.”

“We are strengthening our longstanding trade relationship with Japan while also looking to seize new opportunities as our economies transition to net zero.”

“As Australia seeks to become a clean energy superpower, we will remain a steady and reliable supplier of energy to Japan including for new energy sources like hydrogen.”

The Albanese Government’s first investments from the Rewiring the Nation plan, will fast- track critical Tasmanian projects to unlock cleaner, cheaper and more reliable energy and put downward pressure on energy prices.

The Albanese and Rockliff Governments have today signed a Partnership to jointly fund the critical Marinus Link transmission project, delivering renewable energy generation and storage for the mainland through Tasmania’s Battery of the Nation projects, and unlocking the next wave of renewable energy development in Tasmania, attracting investment and jobs in the state.

The project comprises two under-sea transmission cables connecting Tasmania and Victoria. It will create 1,400 jobs in Tasmania during peak construction, 1,400 jobs in Victoria, and deliver up to $4.5 billion in positive net market benefits, including to electricity users. This Partnership will supercharge investment in Battery of the Nation, which is expected to deliver up to 670 direct jobs across Tasmania.

Marinus Link will cut at least 140 million tonnes of CO2 to 2050, the equivalent of taking approximately one million cars off the road.

Marinus has been in planning since 2016, and today’s agreement, less than six months since the federal election, overcomes major barriers and delivers substantial benefits to Tasmania and the mainland.

Tasmania and the Commonwealth have signed a letter of intent that includes:

• Access to a concessional loan from Rewiring the Nation, through the Clean Energy Finance Corporation for approximately 80 per cent of the project costs of Marinus Link, with the additional 20 per cent to be an equity investment shared equally between the Commonwealth, Victoria and Tasmania to get this critical project off the ground.
• Up to $1 billion of low-cost debt from Rewiring the Nation for Tasmania’s Battery of the Nation projects, including Tarraleah  Power Station redevelopment and Lake Cethana Pumped Hydro.
• Low-cost debt to link Cressy, Burnie, Sheffield, Staverton and Hampshire in Tasmania, known as the North West Transmission Developments (NWTD), which will increase the capacity of the network in Tasmania.

This low-cost financing from Rewiring the Nation will reduce the annual costs of Project Marinus to electricity customers by up to half.

Rewiring the Nation financing to support eligible Battery of the Nation and grid firming projects will put regional Tasmanian jobs at the heart of the energy transformation and support reliability across the National Electricity Market (NEM)

The NWTD projects will ensure Tasmania and the mainland reap the benefits of one of the world’s best wind energy resources located in North-West Tasmania, delivering jobs and cheaper power across not only Tasmania, but the broader NEM.

The Commonwealth, Tasmanian and Victorian Governments have reached this landmark partnership following months of cooperative and constructive work on key energy reforms, demonstrating what federal leadership can achieve. This partnership also provides a pathway through regulatory barriers with an agreement to pursue a change to a National Electricity Law rule change to support its implementation.

Australia’s electricity grid is changing rapidly, but the urgent upgrade of the grid has been stalled for years – today’s announcement is the first big step to turning that around.

Marinus Link is crucial to deliver Tasmania’s 200 per cent renewable energy target by supercharging Hydro Tasmania and renewable energy development in Tasmania more broadly and unlocking new investment in green hydrogen and offshore wind.

The Australian Energy Market Operator’s (AEMO) Integrated Systems Plan is the roadmap for Australia’s future grid – and Rewiring the Nation investments are guided by this blueprint to ensure the right projects are built at the right time.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“Rewiring the Nation has always been about jobs in new energy industries, delivering cleaner, cheaper and more secure energy, and bringing down emissions – today it begins doing just that.

“An electricity grid built for the 21st century is absolutely critical, but until the election in May there was no plan to deliver, let alone to do so at lowest cost for consumers.”

Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff said:

“This is the next economic frontier for Tasmania, and will not only create jobs and investment, but help our State to decarbonise so that families, households and businesses, both big and small, can benefit.

“This partnership provides much needed certainty for the project and a clear pathway to Final Investment Decision in late 2024.

“It secures Tasmania’s future through increased confidence for our energy companies, for developers about their investment decisions, and greater certainty of supply for affordable, reliable and clean energy that benefits all Tasmanians.”

Chris Bowen, Minister for Climate Change and Energy said:

“After more than six years of the federal Coalition dragging their feet on Marinus Link, the Albanese Government is thrilled to take this critical step with Tasmania after just six months.

“Today’s announcement shows what can happen when you have the states and the Commonwealth working together on energy policy focused on people not politics.”

“Australia can and should be a renewable energy superpower – Tasmania, the national leader in renewables, is a critical part of that jobs opportunity.”

Tasmanian Minister for Energy and Renewables Guy Barnett said:

“Importantly, equitable cost sharing arrangements between the Commonwealth, Tasmania and Victoria have been agreed, meaning that Tasmanian consumers will only pay their fair share.

“This low cost financing from Rewiring the Nation will reduce the annual cost of Project Marinus for electricity customers by up to half.  By working together, we have been able to achieve a solution that will see, once Marinus Link is built, Tasmanian customers to pay no more than 15% of estimated total project costs across both the Marinus Link and North-West Transmission Developments.

This will ensure their electricity bills will be lower than they otherwise would be in a world without Marinus Link.  These projects are also complementary to our green Hydrogen plans.

“If Tasmania is to support and attract new industrial and manufacturing industries to our State and support our transition to electrification, we will need more green energy.  Marinus will deliver that.

“The Project will still need to pass a Final Investment Decision in late 2024, but the design and approvals phase of Project Marinus continues at pace as other elements of the Project, like securing federal and state planning and environmental approvals and conducting tender processes, are progressed.”

The Albanese Government’s Rewiring the Nation plan will fast-track Victorian Renewable Energy Zones (REZ) and offshore wind development to create new energy jobs across Victoria, unlock cleaner, cheaper and more secure energy and put downward pressure on prices.

The Commonwealth and Victoria have today signed an agreement to jointly fund Victorian offshore wind projects, REZs, and the Victoria-New South Wales Interconnector (VNI West) KerangLink. The Commonwealth, Victoria and Tasmania have also signed agreements on the Marinus Link interconnector.

The agreement between Victoria and the Commonwealth sets out:

• $1.5 billion of concessional financing from Rewiring the Nation available for REZ projects in Victoria, including offshore wind projects;
• A commitment to coordinate Victorian and Commonwealth regulatory processes to support the rapid development of the Victorian offshore wind industry;
• Rewiring the Nation, through the Clean Energy Finance Corporation, will provide a concessional loan of $750 million for VNI West to ensure it is completed by 2028;
• Victoria will contribute equally with the Tasmanian and Commonwealth Governments to a total 20 per cent of project equity to deliver Marinus Link.

Together, the Victorian REZ and offshore wind development will deliver new renewable power, driving down power prices, creating jobs and supporting reliability of electricity supply.

This follows the Commonwealth’s recent consultation on an offshore wind development zone off Gippsland – the first in the nation.

This announcement will supercharge regional jobs, with VNI-West KerangLink to unlock 4,000 MW of new power generation, supporting more than 2,000 direct jobs during construction and generating $1.8 billion in net market benefits – including for electricity users.

Marinus Link is also set to create 1,400 jobs in Victoria, and attract $1.5 billion in investment to the Gippsland region.

Australia’s electricity system is changing rapidly, but progress on critical transmission projects stalled under the former federal Government. The Albanese Labor Government is getting on with the job and working closely with states to deliver these vital projects on time and at lowest cost.

The Australian Energy Market Operator’s (AEMO) Integrated System Plan is the roadmap for Australia’s future grid – and Rewiring the Nation investments are guided by this blueprint to ensure the right projects are built at the right time.

the Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese said:

“Rewiring the Nation has always been about jobs in new energy industries, delivering cleaner, cheaper and more secure energy, and bringing down emissions – today it begins doing just that.”

“This is an historic day for Victoria and for Australia with the rollout of these key projects putting us on track to be a renewable energy superpower.”

Premier of Victoria, Daniel Andrews said:

“Victoria has cut emissions by more than any other state, tripled the amount of renewable energy and created thousands of jobs. We’re not just talking about climate action – we’re getting on with it.”

“All of this means more jobs, cleaner energy and cheaper power bills for Victorians.”

Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen said:

“This announcement today demonstrates the Albanese Government’s commitment to progressing the renewable transformation with the states and territories.”

“For too long, national energy policy has been ad hoc and hollow – today is another step in turning this around and putting reliable, affordable power and new energy jobs first.”

Victorian Minister for Energy, the Environment, and Climate Action, Lily D’Ambrosio said:

“Victoria is leading the nation in the energy revolution, taking strong climate action and cementing our future as a renewable energy powerhouse.”

“Rewiring the Nation will help our ambitious offshore wind strategy and Renewable Energy Zones Development Plan, while giving more flexibility to our grid.”

Today the Government has reaffirmed Australia’s previous and longstanding position that Jerusalem is a final status issue that should be resolved as part of any peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian people.

This reverses the Morrison Government’s recognition of West Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

Australia’s embassy has always been, and remains, in Tel Aviv.

Australia is committed to a two-state solution in which Israel and a future Palestinian state coexist, in peace and security, within internationally recognised borders.

We will not support an approach that undermines this prospect.

The Albanese Government recommits Australia to international efforts in the responsible pursuit of progress towards a just and enduring two-state solution.

Australia will always be a steadfast friend of Israel. We were among the first countries to formally recognise Israel under Labor Prime Minister Ben Chifley. This Government will not waver in its support of Israel and the Jewish community in Australia.

We are equally unwavering supporters of the Palestinian people, providing humanitarian support every year since 1951 and advocating for resumed peace negotiations.

I regret that Mr Morrison’s decision to play politics resulted in Australia’s shifting position, and the distress these shifts have caused to many people in the Australian community who care deeply about this issue.

A new report calling for a bank of centralised lesson plans for teachers is a one-size-fits-all solution that undermines teacher expertise and will lead to worse student outcomes, the Greens say.

Greens spokesperson on schools, Senator Penny Allman-Payne said:

“Lesson planning is at the core of the work teachers do. Outsourcing it to the government or the private sector undermines that work and will produce worse outcomes for students.

“The Grattan Institute report frames the difference between lesson plans as a ‘lottery’, but any teacher will tell you that in order to meet the needs of the diverse range of learners teachers have in their classes, lesson plans need to be differentiated so that reasonable adjustments can be made to meet the needs of all their students.

“Governments should stop casting about for neoliberal quick fixes. The solution to the problem of teachers not having enough time to plan isn’t to supply them with cookie-cutter lessons, the solution is to give them adequate resources and more planning time.

“If we gave less of our money to elite private schools so they can build extra boat sheds and install plunge pools for their headmasters, we could invest more in public schools, take the burden off teachers and ensure better outcomes for all students.”

The Australian Government will partner with the Northern Territory Government to build a jetty to facilitate the transport of goods and services in and out of the Middle Arm precinct. 

Yesterday on ABC’s Insiders, Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, announced the Middle Arm project will not be used as defence infrastructure and will not receive any additional Federal funding. 

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

“It’s great to see Minister King talking about hydrogen on Insiders yesterday, rather than investing in more coal and gas furthering the climate crisis.

“The Greens are looking forward to the Middle Arm project focussing on hydrogen to develop green, sustainable projects, rather than relying on gas from the Beetaloo and Barossa projects.

“Federal and state governments should be focused on investing in cleaner, greener renewable energy sources and creating a globally competitive, sustainable export industry. Australia has every opportunity to be a renewable energy superpower.”

1. The Prime Minister of Australia, The Hon Anthony Albanese MP and the Prime Minister of Singapore, His Excellency Lee Hsien Loong met for the 7th Australia-Singapore Annual Leaders’ Meeting in Canberra on 18 October 2022. The Prime Ministers welcomed the strength and depth of bilateral relations between the two countries, anchored in shared strategic and economic interests. They reaffirmed the Australia-Singapore Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) as a broad, constructive and forward-looking framework that has delivered more than 80 joint initiatives since its inception in 2015. The Prime Ministers reaffirmed their ambition and strong commitment to strengthen the CSP.
2. The Prime Ministers agreed to deepen cooperation to support ambitious action on climate change. They endorsed ‘Green Economy’ as the 6th pillar of the CSP. They also welcomed the signing of a landmark Green Economy Agreement (GEA) which supports our two economies’ transition to net-zero emissions whilst promoting trade and investment in environmental goods and services. The Prime Ministers acknowledged that the GEA is an ambitious and first-of-its-kind agreement that advances our trade, economic, investment and climate change objectives. They welcomed 17 joint initiatives under the GEA, which signified commitment to early implementation and marked many more initiatives to come. This included the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Australian Trade and Investment Commission and Enterprise Singapore to facilitate business partnerships in priority green economy sectors. The Prime Ministers agreed that the GEA would serve as a pathfinder and model for international cooperation on trade and transition to net-zero economies.
3. The Prime Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to upholding a free, open, non-discriminatory, inclusive, transparent and rules-based multilateral trading system, and agreed to continue to work closely to strengthen and reform the World Trade Organization. They acknowledged that resilient global supply chains reinforced our mutual prosperity, security, and wellbeing, and that this required countries to maintain open and predictable trade links to effectively respond to emerging disruptions. To this end, they welcomed the establishment of the bilateral Supply Chains Working Group in September 2022 which will explore opportunities to strengthen trade between both markets, including in the areas of food, energy, and connectivity. The Prime Ministers agreed to begin work on a bilateral Food Pact to support enhanced supply chain resilience and greater flows in trade and investments of Australian and Singapore food supply.
4. The Prime Ministers welcomed the depth of our longstanding defence and security cooperation. They acknowledged progress under the Treaty on Military Training and Training Area Development and noted the success of our signature bilateral exercise, Exercise Trident 2022, and the return to pre-COVID levels of Exercise Wallaby 2022, a key force generation exercise for the Singapore Armed Forces. They reaffirmed their commitment to the Five Power Defence Arrangements which have served the region well for over 50 years. Prime Minister Albanese thanked Singapore for its continued support to Australian Defence Force aircraft and ships operating in the region. He also extended Australia’s appreciation for Singapore’s contribution to Operation Flood Assist 2022.
5. The Prime Ministers discussed advancing security cooperation including on counter-terrorism, cybersecurity and border security. They acknowledged the importance of countering the threat of foreign interference, including disinformation and misinformation. They also discussed opportunities to strengthen information exchange and cooperation to protect our citizens in the digital space, including through a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Enforcement of Laws on Certain Unsolicited Communications signed in July 2022.
6. The Prime Ministers recognised that cooperation in science and innovation plays an integral role in underpinning resilience and future prosperity. They acknowledged a new Synchrotron Access Agreement between the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation and National University of Singapore that will expand Singapore’s current synchrotron capabilities and increase collaboration and research between scientists. The Prime Ministers also welcomed the signing of a Master Research Collaboration Agreement between their respective national science agencies to strengthen collaboration and support joint research and development.
7. The Prime Ministers underlined the importance of an open, inclusive, rules-based and resilient Indo-Pacific region, which supports and promotes free trade and open markets and respects the rights of countries to lead their national existence free from external interference, subversion and coercion. They reaffirmed the central role of ASEAN and the ASEAN-led architecture, and importance of working together to support practical implementation of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific, including through the ASEAN-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The Prime Ministers shared their concerns on developments in Myanmar and called for an immediate cessation of violence, the release of all political detainees, the release of Australian Professor Sean Turnell, and inclusive dialogue between all parties. They reaffirmed the important roles of the UN, ASEAN and its external partners in facilitating a peaceful solution in Myanmar. They called for the immediate and full implementation of the Five-Point Consensus adopted at the ASEAN Leaders’ Meeting on 24 April 2021.
8. The Prime Ministers reaffirmed Australia and Singapore’s commitment to work together to build an Indo-Pacific region of dialogue and cooperation, and exchanged assessments on the interconnected regional and global challenges threatening the international rules-based order. They noted with deep concern Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine in violation of international law and the principles enshrined in the UN Charter. They underscored the importance of peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and encouraged the peaceful resolution of disputes. The Prime Ministers expressed their concerns about actions that could destabilise the region and reiterated their opposition to unilateral actions that change the status quo. The Prime Ministers reaffirmed their shared commitment to maintain and promote security and stability in the South China Sea and underscored their strong support for freedom of navigation and overflight and unimpeded trade, and emphasised the need for the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). They emphasised the primacy of UNCLOS, which sets out the legal framework within which all activities in the oceans and seas must be carried out, and that all States must be able to exercise their rights and freedoms under UNCLOS without fear of intimidation or harassment. They committed to working with partners to support States to uphold their obligations under UNCLOS. Leaders acknowledged work towards a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea and emphasised the importance of the Code being consistent with international law, particularly UNCLOS, and not prejudicial to the legitimate rights and interests of other States under the UNCLOS.

Australia and Singapore have signed a first-of-its-kind Green Economy Agreement (GEA).

The landmark bilateral agreement between Australia and Singapore—our largest two-way trading partner in Southeast Asia—will support Australian businesses to seize economic opportunities presented by the global clean energy transformation.

The GEA builds on existing cooperation between Australia and Singapore to take action on climate change and strengthen trade and investment in clean energy across our region.

The Green Economy will become a new pillar of Australia’s Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Singapore, signalling the resolve of both nations to confront the challenges and seize the opportunities faced in the transition to net zero. 

Today the Australian Government has announced an initial investment of $19.6 million over four years for new cooperation under the GEA that will support job creation at home and strengthen supply chains, trade and market opportunities by:

• facilitating trade and investment in green goods and services, including by identifying and reducing non-tariff barriers;
• promoting collaboration between Australian and Singaporean businesses to build capability in new green growth sectors;
• fostering harmonisation and collaboration on standards and conformance to improve the interoperability of markets.

The GEA demonstrates the Australian Government’s ambition to deliver on its trade diversification agenda, strengthen regional energy security, seize the opportunities of energy transformation and support global climate action.

Further details on the GEA can be found on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s website. 

Prime Minister Albanese said:

“The Green Economy Agreement extends well beyond a simple bilateral trade agreement.

“This world-first agreement establishes a framework under which our countries can advance work on the clean energy transformation and support businesses and industry.

“This is a model that will support both Australia and Singapore, and partners in our region to seize the economic opportunities of the global transition to net zero.”

Minister Farrell said:

“Our economic, trade, investment and business ties with Singapore will be further strengthened under the Green Economy Agreement.

“This agreement will boost new opportunities for businesses and investors in the global clean energy transformation.

“It will also open up new trade and investment opportunities, strengthen critical supply chains, and support our region’s transition to net zero.”

The Greens welcome the release of the new National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022–2032, but without additional funding or meaningful targets the ambitious plan is just words. 

Greens leader in the Senate and spokesperson for Women, Senator Larissa Waters said:

“The Greens have been fighting hard for progress on a National Plan for decades alongside victim-survivors, activists and women’s organisations.

“The plan released today includes laudable goals and a welcome centring of the voices of victim-survivors. But without an increase in funding or meaningful targets, it offers little relief to those trying to escape family and domestic violence today. 

“No one should be turned away from a frontline support service when they seek help, but we know that is what is happening across the country because services are stretched beyond capacity. 

“The sector has repeatedly called for a $1B per year investment in response and prevention to ensure needs can be met. But their calls have so far gone unheeded by a government more focused on delivering tax cuts for the rich.

“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. 

“Urgent funding for crisis and emergency accommodation as well as long term affordable housing will benefit all Australians and should be prioritised over tax cuts for the rich. 

“We welcome recognition in the Plan that tackling unacceptable rates of violence against First Nations women is an urgent national priority. But there is little detail about when a standalone First Nations Plan will be in place, and no commitment on funding it. First Nations women deserve more certainty.

“Ending violence against women within one generation is possible. But a $1 billion problem can’t be fixed with a $0 plan.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will welcome the Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore, His Excellency Lee Hsien Loong and Mrs Lee Hsien Loong to Australia from 16 to 18 October.

Australia and Singapore share one of the closest relationships in the region, underpinned by our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and focused on common strategic and economic interests.

Singapore is Australia’s largest trade and investment partner in Southeast Asia, and our fifth largest trading partner overall. We have strong education, defence and tourism ties.

During the visit, the Prime Ministers will hold the seventh Australia-Singapore Annual Leaders’ Meeting—the first such in-person meeting on Australian soil since 2018.

This visit will re-affirm both country’s commitment to taking urgent action in responding to the challenge of climate change, and capturing the economic opportunities presented by the clean energy transition.

Prime Minister Lee will be accompanied by Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan and Minister for Trade and Industry, Mr Gan Kim Yong.

Prime Minister Albanese said:

“Singapore is a key partner for Australia. We have strong trade, education, defence and tourism ties.”

“The ties between our countries are underpinned by deep levels of trust, mutual respect and the ability to talk frankly with each other.

“I look forward to meeting once again with Prime Minister Lee and continuing to strengthen the unique bilateral partnership Australia and Singapore share.”