Category: Australian News

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.” 

The Australian and Victorian Governments have announced an $877 million Recovery Support package, supporting businesses, farmers, and not-for-profits to rebuild and return to trade as quickly as possible, following the recent devastating floods.

Grants of up to $50,000 are available to eligible businesses and not-for-profit organisations to support recovery efforts including rebuilding damaged infrastructure and replacing damaged assets.

To help businesses navigate through the recovery period, more than $22 million has been made available for support services to facilitate the development of recovery plans, provide mental health support and assist in grant applications. 

In addition, Business Chamber and Trader Groups Programs will be established to enable locally led solutions for business activation.

Recovery grants of up to $200,000 will also be available for medium and large businesses directly impacted by the floods.

To assist primary producers and rural landholders, grants of up to $75,000 will be available as part of a recovery support package – complementing the existing Primary Producer Concessional Loan Program, announced last week. 

The Primary Producer Recovery Support package will accelerate agricultural recovery and ensure rural and regional Victorians have access to expert advice and support.

Sporting and recreational clubs that have been impacted by the floods are eligible for a $5000 grant to assist them with their recovery.

Any grant received through the existing $5,000 Small Business Immediate Flood Relief and $10,000 Primary Producer Flood Relief programs will be included in the maximum amounts available through the recovery grants.

To find out more about accessing these programs visit vic.gov.au/2022-flood-recovery.

For support with payments, clean-up or any other flood issues, Victorians can contact the Flood Recovery Hotline on 1800 560 760. 

Information on disaster assistance is available on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website at disasterassist.gov.au.

The Prime Minister, Hon Anthony Albanese said:

“These additional support packages will ensure Victorian businesses can rebuild with confidence.” 

Victorian Premier, Hon Daniel Andrews said:

“We’re making sure flood affected business owners and communities have the support they need to rebuild and return to trade as quickly and safely as possible.”

Minister for Emergency Management, Senator the Hon Murray Watt said:

“Given the importance of regional Victoria to our nation’s food production, it’s great to see the Albanese and Andrews Government’s coming together to support farmers, as well as small businesses get back on their feet.” 

Victorian Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes said:

“We’re supporting small businesses and not-for-profit organisations across the state to ensure everyone can get back on their feet and return to work with confidence after the devastating floods.”

The Australian and Victorian Governments have announced an $877 million Recovery Support package, supporting businesses, farmers, and not-for-profits to rebuild and return to trade as quickly as possible, following the recent devastating floods.

Grants of up to $50,000 are available to eligible businesses and not-for-profit organisations to support recovery efforts including rebuilding damaged infrastructure and replacing damaged assets.

To help businesses navigate through the recovery period, more than $22 million has been made available for support services to facilitate the development of recovery plans, provide mental health support and assist in grant applications. 

In addition, Business Chamber and Trader Groups Programs will be established to enable locally led solutions for business activation.

Recovery grants of up to $200,000 will also be available for medium and large businesses directly impacted by the floods.

To assist primary producers and rural landholders, grants of up to $75,000 will be available as part of a recovery support package – complementing the existing Primary Producer Concessional Loan Program, announced last week. 

The Primary Producer Recovery Support package will accelerate agricultural recovery and ensure rural and regional Victorians have access to expert advice and support.

Sporting and recreational clubs that have been impacted by the floods are eligible for a $5000 grant to assist them with their recovery.

Any grant received through the existing $5,000 Small Business Immediate Flood Relief and $10,000 Primary Producer Flood Relief programs will be included in the maximum amounts available through the recovery grants.

To find out more about accessing these programs visit vic.gov.au/2022-flood-recovery.

For support with payments, clean-up or any other flood issues, Victorians can contact the Flood Recovery Hotline on 1800 560 760. 

Information on disaster assistance is available on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website at disasterassist.gov.au.

The Prime Minister, Hon Anthony Albanese said:

“These additional support packages will ensure Victorian businesses can rebuild with confidence.” 

Minister for Emergency Management, Senator the Hon Murray Watt said:

“Given the importance of regional Victoria to our nation’s food production, it’s great to see the Albanese and Andrews Government’s coming together to support farmers, as well as small businesses get back on their feet.” 

Victorian Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes said:

“We’re supporting small businesses and not-for-profit organisations across the state to ensure everyone can get back on their feet and return to work with confidence after the devastating floods.”

Victorian Premier, Hon Daniel Andrews said:

“We’re making sure flood affected business owners and communities have the support they need to rebuild and return to trade as quickly and safely as possible.”

The Wonnarua peoples connection to the Ravensworth homestead and surrounding estate has defeated Glencore’s proposed mine expansion.

The area holds important significance to Traditional Owners as the site of several massacres of First Nations peoples since the 1820s, being described as “hallowed ground”.

The NSW Independent Planning Commission has rejected the Glendell continuation project and subsequent moving of the homestead due to the impact on First Nations cultural heritage.

GREENS SPOKESPERSON FOR RESOURCES, YAMATJI-NOONGAR WOMAN SENATOR DORINDA COX said:

“Congratulations to the Wonnarua people. This seems to be a new era of recognition for First Nations cultural heritage over mining profits. 

“We need First Nations cultural heritage protection enshrined in our laws and practices. We need to implement all the cultural heritage recommendations of the Way Forward Report to avoid another Jukan Caves disaster.

“Traditional owners are standing up and making their voices heard. We need to fast-track Senator Thrope’s bill to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP), so they don’t need to take legal action to protect their way of life.

“We need investment in cleaner, greener renewable energy projects that preserve cultural heritage and First Nations’ way of life.”

Around 2,000 homeowners in flood-prone areas of the Northern Rivers of New South Wales will now be eligible to raise, repair, retrofit or have their home voluntarily bought back, as part of a new $800 million program.

The Commonwealth and New South Wales Government joint funding will support residential homeowners impacted in the February-March 2022 floods, in the seven Local Government Areas of Ballina, Byron, Clarence Valley, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley and Tweed.

The voluntary buy-back scheme will be offered to Northern Rivers residents located in the most vulnerable areas where major flooding would pose a catastrophic risk to life.

The Northern Rivers Resilient Homes Fund package will also provide financial assistance of up to $100,000 for house raising or up to $50,000 for retrofitting for homeowners in areas where flood risk can be reduced by better building standards.

The New South Wales Government will provide $100 million to acquire land and open up new flood safe locations for future development, in partnership with the Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation. The Corporation is currently conducting an expression of interest process to identify suitable parcels of land.

Eligible homeowners will be offered one of the three available measures, based on expert property assessments; flood impact severity data, safety risks, and potential future flood levels.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that by retrofitting homes to make them more flood resilient, and moving those at most risk away from danger, communities can be safer during future flood events.

“We know that disasters are expected to become more frequent, and more severe due to climate change, and that’s why we’re working with the NSW Government to develop practical solutions to protect lives and livelihoods,” he said.

We know this repeated, relentless flooding can be emotionally and financially draining and we want communities to know we will be there to support them now, and as they recover.”

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said the Resilient Homes Program would help Northern Rivers’ residents take further steps on the road towards recovery while also boosting community resilience in the long-term.

“I saw first-hand the devastation extreme flooding caused across the Northern Rivers and I hope this program provides relief for so many residents who have suffered for too long,” Mr Perrottet said.

“We are stepping up to provide options for residents to move out of harm’s way and protect themselves and their families but we cannot continue to build back as we have in the past.”

“We will work with the Northern Rivers community to ensure repairs, retrofitting and voluntary buy-backs are undertaken in a way that will better protects people and their homes from future flood events.”

Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Murray Watt, said both governments would continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with the region on the long road to recovery.

“The Northern Rivers has been absolutely devastated by flood after flood,” Minister Watt said.

“We know that being prepared for future disasters is a huge boost when it comes to the damage and long-term recovery of the region. Investing in resilience measures in the home can significantly reduce the effort, cost and time to recover from disasters.

“I’m very pleased to be part of this program which gives Northern Rivers residents more options in their flood preparedness toolkit.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW, Paul Toole, said offers to individual homeowners will be based on extensive analysis of the 2022 floods and expert advice on any subsequent disasters.

“There is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to building back and this program offers multiple measures to help residents stay in the region in homes that can better withstand future floods,” Mr Toole said.

NSW Minister for Flood Recovery, Steph Cooke, said the Resilient Homes Program complements the Resilient Land Program, which is identifying Northern Rivers’ locations that could be considered for future developments.

“We want to ensure residents who do choose to move are able to relocate into areas where there is community infrastructure and amenities so that they can start their lives anew, not from scratch,” Ms Cooke said.

The Flood Property Assessment Program provides a first point of entry, with registered homeowners automatically considered for the Resilient Homes Program.

Other homeowners can register their interest in the Resilient Homes Program by filling in the online registration form at https://www.nsw.gov.au/regional-nsw/northern-rivers-reconstruction-corporation/resilient-land-program

The NSW Government will contact eligible homeowners from mid-November onwards.

For detailed information about the program, including guidelines, eligibility and co-contributions, go to: www.nsw.gov.au/NRRC

Greens Deputy Leader and Education spokesperson Senator Mehreen Faruqi will today give notice of a private senator’s bill that abolishes indexation on all education and training loans – effectively freezing existing student debt – and raises and ties the minimum repayment income to the median wage.

Student debt has grown rapidly over the last decade, from $25.5 billion in 2012 to more than $68.7 billion in 2021.

The Education and Other Legislation Amendment (Abolishing Indexation and Raising the Minimum Repayment Income for Education and Training Loans) Bill 2022, which Senator Faruqi will introduce during the November sittings, halts indexation on student debt from 1 July 2022 and ties the minimum repayment income to the median wage from 1 July 2023.

Student debt is currently indexed by CPI annually on 1 June. This year, with inflation so high, debts were indexed by 3.9% – the highest rate in a decade. The average student debt was estimated to have risen by $923.

Inflation has since risen to 7.3%, meaning an even higher indexation rate is expected in 2023.

Senator Mehreen Faruqi, Greens spokesperson for Education said:

“Student debt is no small problem. About three million people in Australia have the burden of student debt.

“At a time when the cost of living is biting hard, governments can no longer ignore the student debt crisis and its impacts.

“Study debts are impacting people’s ability to obtain loans, their mental health, their ability to save up to buy a home or simply afford to live a good life.

“Scrapping indexation on HELP debts and raising the minimum repayment threshold will provide much needed money in people’s pockets to make ends meet or pay rent.

“No one should be shackled with a debt sentence just in order to study. Higher education should be free. This bill is one of the first pieces of the puzzle in making that vision a reality.

“Fixing the repayment thresholds means that no one with a study debt will repay a cent of that debt until they’re earning above the median wage.

“Labor has an opportunity to work with the Greens and wind back Liberal-era policies which have saddled people with more debt which takes longer and longer to pay off.”