Category: Australian News

The Albanese Labor Government’s Jobs and Skills Summit will be held at Parliament House in Canberra on 1–2 September.

The Summit will bring together Australians, including unions, employers, civil society and governments to address our shared economic challenges.

Our Government took office at a time of rising inflation and interest rates, falling real wages and a trillion dollars in debt which is now more expensive to service.

Our goal is to build a bigger, better-trained and more productive workforce; boost incomes and living standards; and create more opportunities for more Australians to get ahead and to reach their aspirations.

The Summit will be led by the Prime Minister and Treasurer who will work with all Ministers, with key contributions from Finance Minister and Minister for Women Katy Gallagher, who will have a particular focus on the labour market experiences of women, along with Ministers Burke, Rishworth, O’Connor, O’Neil and Husic.

The themes and outcomes of the Summit will inform the Employment White Paper, which will help to shape the future of Australia’s labour market. It will be led by Treasury, which will invite submissions and engage the wider community over the next 12 months.

The Summit will cover a range of topics with a focus on:

• Keeping unemployment low, boosting productivity and raising incomes
• Delivering secure, well-paid jobs and strong, sustainable wages growth
• Expanding employment opportunities for all Australians including the most disadvantaged
• Addressing skills shortages and getting our skills mix right over the long-term
• Improving migration settings to support higher productivity and wages
• Maximising jobs and opportunities from renewable energy, tackling climate change, the digital economy, the care economy and a Future Made in Australia
• Ensuring women have equal opportunities and equal pay.

We will have more to say about the format of the Summit closer to the event.

For more information, visit Jobs and Skills Summit.

The Government continues to build a stronger, broader and more sustainable economy that works for everyone.

With millions of deaths globally, and over 5,000 in Australia alone, per year attributable to the burning of fossil fuels, leading health professionals and organisations across the country are demanding a ban on fossil fuel advertising in Australia from all levels of government, saying the industry should not be allowed to continue spending over $200 million per year to promote these toxic products to consumers.

Initiated by Comms Declare, a coalition for positive climate action from the communication, creative and advertising sector, the Fossil Ad Ban campaign aims to highlight the hypocrisy of the fossil fuel industry being allowed to market themselves unrestricted across airways, billboards and digital platforms as if they were any other consumer product despite the proven negative health impacts – when the tobacco, gambling, food and alcohol categories cannot for the same reason. 

The campaign is already gaining momentum with support from leading health organisations including the Australian Healthcare and Hospital Association, Australasian Epidemiological Association, Australian Federation of Medical Women, Medical Scientists Association of Victoria and Doctors for the Environment Australia.

In March 2022, Yarra City became the first Council in Australia to move to restrict the promotion of fossil fuels on council-run property. 

A letter signed by 195 health professionals, including surgeons, GPs, nurses, and professors of public health from Australia’s major universities, was sent to the Prime Minister and every Mayor in Australia today calling on other cities and councils, as well as the State and Federal governments, to ban fossil fuel advertising to protect the lives of all Australians. 

Individuals and communities across Australia are being encouraged to send a message of support for change to their local council via the fossiladban.org website. 

Comms Declare Founder, Belinda Noble said “Australia was a world leader in restricting tobacco advertising for the public good, and we can stop the promotion of high emission products for the same reason. There is already global action underway with restrictions imposed in France, Amsterdam and several UK councils, as well as similar restrictions being debated in the EU, U.S.A, Germany, Sweden and Canada. And a quarter of a million people have signed a European Citizen’s Initiative to ban fossil fuel ads and sponsorships across Europe.” 

“We now have a government that is committed to acting on climate change and banning fossil fuel advertising is an obvious next step for them to acknowledge the significant health impact climate change is already having on our children and community.” added Noble.  

Tobacco ban campaigner, author and Emeritus Professor from Sydney School of Public Health Simon Chapman highlighted that “Tobacco advertising is banned in most nations because smoking kills 2 in every 3 of its long term users: 8 million people a year worldwide. But this number is chicken-feed when we consider the existential threat to generations to come of unabated climate change this century caused by frequent extreme weather events, crop failure, conflict caused by population displacement and more. How can we continue to allow the rampant marketing of fossil fuel emitting energy sources to continue when we know what the impact will be and what is at stake?”

Burning fossil fuels is the primary cause of global warming which is driving more intense and frequent heat waves, storms, bushfires and droughts. The impact this will have on human health and our medical systems cannot be underestimated. It is expected that climate change could cause around 83 million human deaths by 2100 if urgent action isn’t taken. Countless more will suffer long-term physical, economic and mental impacts of displacement, loss of life and loss of livelihoods.

Climate Action Health Alliance CEO Roland Sapsford commented, “Fossil fuels are hazardous to human health. From mining and refining through to burning, fossil fuels harm our climate and release toxic pollutants into our air, soil and waterways. We restrict alcohol and tobacco advertising and sponsorship for health reasons. As leading health professionals have said, we need to bring the fossil fuel industry in line with other restricted products. Allowing fossil corporations free rein to promote their harmful products is the last thing people need on the journey to a healthier future.”

ENT Surgeon and founder of Vote Earth Now, Professor Rob Eisenberg said “Our laws are meant to protect the health and wellbeing of Australians. Tobacco advertising is banned because it damages lives and hurts our communities but one of the biggest threats Australians are facing this century is climate change. As this recent election has shown, voters across Australia want to see climate action and this is a clear way forward for governments at all levels to enact change.” 

“Fossil fuel advertisements and sponsorships mislead consumers about dangerous and toxic products and grants corporations disproportionate influence over governments and community debate. The latest IPCC report confirmed that marketing and lobbying by coal, oil and gas corporations is delaying emissions reduction and has set the agenda in Australia. Curbing this propaganda is essential if we are to rapidly move to cleaner energy and a healthier, safer future for all Australians.” added Noble. 

For more details and to support the Fossil Ad Ban campaign visit fossiladban.org

Australian Government disaster payments are available now to eligible residents in six additional local government areas (LGAs), affected by the severe storms and flooding that continue to impact large areas of New South Wales.

The one-off, non-means tested Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment of $1000 per eligible adult and $400 per eligible child is available to people living in those LGAs who have suffered a significant loss as a result of the floods, including a severely damaged or destroyed home or a serious injury.

The assistance has now been extended to the local government areas of Bayside, Dungog, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Singleton and Upper Lachlan, bringing the total number of eligible LGAs to 29.

The Disaster Recovery Allowance has also been made available to assist employees and sole traders who experience a loss of income as a direct result of a major disaster and is payable for a maximum of 13 weeks. The Disaster Recovery Allowance is taxable.

Minister for Emergency Management, Senator the Hon Murray Watt said the Australian Government was committed to provide support now and through the recovery.

“This is a widespread flood and as the damage continues to be assessed, the Albanese Government is working quickly to provide access to financial and other assistance,” Minister Watt said.

Acting Minister for Government Services Amanda Rishworth said Services Australia’s priority was helping people access essential disaster assistance.

“Already more than 42,000 people have been supported with much-needed cash payments and income support with Services Australia staff processing claims as quickly as possible,” Minister Rishworth said.

“The fastest and easiest way for people in these additional LGAs to claim is through myGov.

“If people need help to claim, they can call the Australian Government Emergency Information Line on 180 22 66.”

The assistance is also available in the local government areas of Blacktown, Blue Mountains, Camden, Canterbury Bankstown, Campbelltown, Central Coast, Cessnock, Fairfield, Georges River, Hawkesbury, Hornsby, Kiama, Lithgow, Liverpool, Northern Beaches, Penrith, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven, Sutherland, The Hills, Wingecarribee, Wollondilly and Wollongong.

Equivalent financial assistance will also be available to eligible New Zealand citizens (‘non-protected’ Special Category Visas, subclass 444 holders) affected by the floods.

Today I met with China’s State Councilor and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wang Yi, at the conclusion of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Bali.

I welcome our discussion on issues of concern between our two countries – as well as the prosperity, security and stability of the region.

We spoke frankly and listened carefully to each other’s priorities and concerns.

I raised Australia’s concerns about a range of bilateral, regional, trade and consular issues.

Australia and China have gained much through the strength of our economic and people-to-people ties.

We have our differences, but it is in both our countries’ interests for the relationship to be stabilised.

The Australian Government will always seek to resolve issues calmly and consistently under our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and in accordance with our national interests.

The Prime Minister of Australia, the Hon Anthony Albanese, and the Prime Minister of Aotearoa New Zealand, Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern, joined by Ministerial colleagues from both countries, met in Sydney on 8 July 2022 for the annual Australia New Zealand Leaders’ Meeting.

The Prime Ministers’ discussion reflected the richness of trans-Tasman cooperation; their shared perspectives and goals on regional and global issues; and a joint desire to see our world-leading cooperation grow from strength to strength.

Australia and New Zealand have a uniquely close relationship. Our countries’ deep friendship is bound together by our history and our home in the Blue Pacific Continent. We are united by shared values, a common outlook and deep people-to-people links.

Meeting during Australia’s NAIDOC Week, the Prime Ministers acknowledged the unique role of Māori and Australia’s First Nations peoples in the identity of both our countries, including their rich cultures and languages, and their ancestral, spiritual and continuing connections to the land, water and community.

The Prime Ministers acknowledged the important contribution of First Nations and Māori peoples in Australia and New Zealand and committed to working together to continue strengthening indigenous voices and perspectives in policymaking and diplomacy, including through the Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand Indigenous Collaboration Arrangement.

Prime Ministers welcomed the signing of an Indigenous Trans-Tasman Strategic Alliance Agreement on Science and Innovation (ITSAASI) between the Federation of Māori Authorities (FOMA) and Aboriginal and Torres Strait counterpart scientists at a Signing Ceremony in Canberra on 5 July, witnessed by Australian and New Zealand Chief Scientists.

The Prime Ministers reflected on the enduring value of trans-Tasman ties for the people of both countries. They discussed New Zealand and Australia’s pandemic recovery, and the economic opportunities this presents. They welcomed the re-opening of travel between Australia and New Zealand.

The Prime Ministers committed to working together to achieve greater prosperity for our citizens. New Zealanders and Australians who choose to move between our countries represent our close ties and kinship. Both leaders agreed that no New Zealander or Australian should be rendered permanently “temporary” when it comes to residence in either country, and agreed to ensure viable pathways to citizenship. Reflecting the Prime Ministers’ shared ambition for the bilateral relationship, Australia and New Zealand will identify options to provide citizens of both countries better access to opportunities and benefits and enable more enduring social and economic integration outcomes by ANZAC Day 2023.

The Prime Ministers noted the value of the Australia–New Zealand Closer Economic Relations free trade agreement (CER) in underpinning our unique trade and economic relationship. They looked forward to celebrating its 40th year in 2023 and agreed to mark the anniversary in ways that reflect CER’s continued vitality and importance.

Prime Ministers noted the success of the Single Economic Market (SEM) under CER and recognised ongoing progress since their last meeting on trans-Tasman integration across a range of areas such as mutual recognition of digital identity, circular economy and seamless movement of goods and people. They agreed relevant ministers would continue to deepen economic integration between New Zealand and Australia for the benefit of businesses and consumers in both countries.

The Prime Ministers also noted the 80th anniversary of reciprocal diplomatic representation in 2023. They emphasised their commitment to ensuring the trans‑Tasman partnership remains agile and responsive to a changing world. They agreed to enhance the trans-Tasman bilateral architecture by establishing annual meetings of Foreign Affairs, Defence, Treasurer/Finance and Climate Change Ministers.

The Prime Ministers reflected on the strength of the Australia–New Zealand bilateral defence partnership, and reiterated their shared commitment to advance interoperability. They reaffirmed their commitment to the global non-proliferation regime and their determination that both countries continue to meet their non‑proliferation obligations. They resolved to build support for practical measures for nuclear disarmament, including at the forthcoming 10th Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

As proud Pacific nations, the Prime Ministers reaffirmed their steadfast commitment to supporting a peaceful, stable, prosperous, and resilient Pacific, with a strong and united Pacific Islands Forum at the centre. The Prime Ministers recognised the importance of the Pacific Islands Forum and welcomed the sustained efforts of Pacific leaders in support of Forum unity. They underscored that Pacific countries’ own priorities should guide our regional engagement, and called on other partners to adopt this approach. To this end, they looked forward to reconnecting with their Pacific counterparts at the Pacific Island Forum in Suva (Fiji) the following week, and to the important discussions set to take place on the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.

The Prime Ministers noted with utmost concern that human activities have caused around 1.1 degrees of global warming to date, and emphasised the urgent need for all nations to collectively reduce emissions and limit global warming to 1.5 degrees. Prime Ministers acknowledged climate change is the single greatest threat to the livelihoods, security and wellbeing of the peoples of the Pacific. They discussed the need to deliver effective climate finance and address climate adaptation in the region. They recognised the importance of working together in order to accelerate climate action and support the ambitions of Pacific island countries to lower greenhouse gas emissions and increase climate resilience.

Prime Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to support the region’s COVID-19 recovery, prosperity and security, including through joint support for high-quality, climate-resilient infrastructure. The two countries will work in concert with Pacific island countries and other partners through the Pacific Islands Forum, and through the successful implementation of the PACER Plus trade agreement and other regional trade arrangements.

They noted the region’s long tradition of working together in a transparent and consultative way to advance regional priorities, including Pacific Island countries’ strong commitment and capacity to meet the security needs of the region, as articulated in the Biketawa Declaration and Boe Declaration on Regional Security. To that end, the Prime Ministers highlighted the value of consultation on security measures within the region and called on other partners to engage with the region on security issues in an open and frank manner in line with regional priorities.

The Prime Ministers committed to working collaboratively with Pacific countries to strengthen gender equality, champion women’s empowerment and social inclusion across the region and in Australia and New Zealand.

The Prime Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to an open and resilient Indo-Pacific which is stable, prosperous and respectful of sovereignty. The Prime Ministers expressed concern about growing challenges to agreed rules, which threatens to undermine the region’s security, and committed to strengthen cooperation and coordination to support robust regional institutions and respect for international rules and norms.

They reiterated the importance of ASEAN centrality and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific to their shared vision for the region. They reaffirmed their commitment to a substantial conclusion of negotiations to upgrade the Agreement to Establish the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA) by September 2022, and effective implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP). They highlighted their shared commitment to the East Asia Summit as the region’s premier, leader-level forum for strategic exchange.

The Prime Ministers reiterated their strong support for the ASEAN-led efforts to chart a course out of the crisis in Myanmar and urged the Myanmar military to engage meaningfully with ASEAN to urgently implement the ASEAN Five Point Consensus. They called on the Myanmar military to cease violence; engage in dialogue; release those arbitrarily detained, including Australian Professor Sean Turnell; and allow unimpeded access for humanitarian assistance.

The Prime Ministers welcomed the recent launch of discussions on the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) and reiterated their commitment to work closely with regional partners to strengthen links and prosperity.

The Prime Ministers reaffirmed their ongoing commitment to a free, open and secure internet. They agreed to continue working together to combat online terrorism and violent extremism, and reiterated their commitment to the Christchurch Call to Action, and to advancing collaborative multistakeholder approaches to address global tech challenges.

The Prime Ministers also agreed to continue to work together in the World Trade Organization, APEC and other key international organisations in support of open, rules-based trade. Leaders welcomed the strong outcomes on the pandemic response and fisheries subsidies at the recent 12th WTO Ministerial Conference in Geneva. Australia and New Zealand will continue to work closely together on meaningful progress on agricultural trade reform, including on agricultural subsidies.

The Prime Ministers noted the positive developments in their external trade and economic relationships, and the impetus these brought in support of the multilateral trading system. They reinforced the importance of early entry into force of their countries’ bilateral trade agreements with the United Kingdom, and noted that this will underpin the United Kingdom’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) Agreement. As the first country to seek to accede to CPTPP, the UK’s accession process sets an important precedent for future candidates. The Prime Ministers expressed their strong support for the CPTPP accession guidelines and consensus-based decision making on accession matters, whereby any applicant economy must demonstrate it will meet, implement, and adhere to the high standard rules and ambition of the agreement.

The Prime Ministers condemned Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine. They discussed the response of the international community in holding Russia responsible for its unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression. They reaffirmed their support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and their commitment to continue to encourage international cooperation to support Ukraine for as long as it takes. They recalled the close coordination between New Zealand and Australia on sanctions against Russia and Belarus, on the international diplomatic response, and on military and humanitarian assistance for Ukraine. They urged Russia to immediately stop its indiscriminate attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure in Ukraine, and withdraw all its troops and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine.

The Prime Ministers affirmed the need for both countries to hold fast to their values in support of the international rules-based order, which underpins the rights and sovereignty of all countries. They agreed to continue to work together through the United Nations and other multilateral institutions, including to promote respect for human rights. Leaders reiterated concerns regarding the human-rights violations in Xinjiang, and the erosion of rights and freedoms in Hong Kong.

The Prime Ministers expressed serious concern over developments in the South China Sea, including the continued militarisation of disputed features and an intensification of destabilising actions that increase tensions in the area. The Prime Ministers further underscored the importance of freedom of navigation and overflight, as guaranteed by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). They emphasised that maritime zones must accord with UNCLOS and called on all parties to respect and implement decisions rendered through UNCLOS dispute settlement mechanisms.

The Prime Ministers condemned North Korea’s repeated ballistic missile tests this year, all of which violated its obligations under United Nations Security Council resolutions. They both expressed deep concern that North Korea appears to be ready to conduct a nuclear test, and implored North Korea to return to dialogue and diplomacy and abandon its reckless pursuit of nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs, which threaten stability and security on the Korean peninsula and in the broader Indo-Pacific region. Both leaders reaffirmed the importance of fully implementing United Nations Security Council sanctions on North Korea.

The leaders highlighted their mutual ambition for taking the bilateral relationship to new heights in 2023 as we mark 40 years of our ground-breaking CER agreement, and 80 years of opening diplomatic missions in each other’s country. They look forward to the next ANZLM meeting, in New Zealand in 2023.

The tragic death of former Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo is devastating news.  On behalf of the Australian Government and people, we offer our deepest sympathies and condolences to Mrs Abe and to Mr Abe’s family and friends, and to the people of Japan.  

Mr Abe was one of Australia’s closest friends on the world stage.  It was his vision that helped elevate our bilateral relationship to a Special Strategic Partnership in 2014.  Under his leadership Japan emerged as one of Australia’s most like-minded partners in Asia – a legacy that endures today.  

Mr Abe was a leader in the Indo-Pacific, championing a vision of a free and open region.  The Quad and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership are in many ways the results of his diplomatic leadership.  

Mr Abe was also a giant on the world stage – a leader in the G7, the G20 and the United Nations.  His legacy was one of global impact, and a profound and positive one for Australia.

Just a few days after being sworn in as Prime Minister, I had the privilege of travelling to Japan for the Quad meeting. In many ways, this grouping is a legacy of Mr Abe’s diplomatic activism.

Mr Abe was the longest-serving Prime Minister in Japanese history.  He will be greatly missed.

STATEMENT BY PRIME MINISTER ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN AND PRIME MINISTER NARENDRA MODI MOURNING FORMER PRIME MINISTER ABE

We, the leaders of Australia, India, and the United States, are shocked at the tragic assassination of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

Prime Minister Abe was a transformative leader for Japan and for Japanese relations with each one of our countries.

He also played a formative role in the founding of the Quad partnership, and worked tirelessly to advance a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Our hearts are with the people of Japan — and Prime Minister Kishida— in this moment of grief.

We will honour Prime Minister Abe’s memory by redoubling our work towards a peaceful and prosperous region.

Today the Attorney-General, the Hon. Mark Dreyfus QC MP, discontinued the prosecution of Mr Bernard Collaery under section 71 of the Judiciary Act 1903.

“In taking this decision I have had careful regard to our national security, our national interest and the proper administration of justice.

“It is my view that the prosecution of Mr Collaery should end,” Mr Dreyfus said today.

“I have therefore decided to exercise my power under section 71 of the Judiciary Act not to proceed with the prosecution of Mr Collaery.”

This decision to discontinue the prosecution was informed by the Government’s commitment to protecting Australia’s national interest, including our national security and Australia’s relationships with our close neighbours.

The Attorney-General has notified the ACT Supreme Court, the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions and Mr Collaery’s legal representatives.

Today I announce the appointment of seven career diplomats to head Australian overseas posts.

Australia’s ability to advance our interests abroad is dependent on the capability of our foreign service.

The appointment of experienced Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) officers underscores my commitment to enhanced Australian diplomatic capacity.

I announce the following diplomatic appointments of career DFAT officers:

Ms Berenice Owen-Jones as Australia’s next High Commissioner to Ghana.

Ms Katie Smith as Australia’s next Ambassador to Mongolia.

Mr Neil Hawkins as Australia’s next High Commissioner to Pakistan.

Ms Hae Kyong (HK) Yu PSM as Australia’s next Ambassador to the Philippines.

Mr Paul Stephens as Australia’s next High Commissioner to Sri Lanka.

Dr Angela Macdonald PSM as Australia’s next Ambassador to Thailand.

Ms Annelise Young as Australia’s next Consul-General in Noumea.

I thank outgoing ambassadors, high commissioners and consuls-general for their contributions to advancing Australia’s interests in these countries during their respective tenures.

The appalling state of WA’s prisons should be fully investigated, following news overnight that children as young as 14 will be transferred from the Banksia Hill Youth Detention Facility to Casuarina Prison today, the Greens said today.

The Greens remain profoundly concerned for the safety and wellbeing for these children.

As recently as February, the Greens called for an immediate investigation as staffing shortages at the Banksia Hill Centre then forced 10 to 17-year-olds into repeated lockdowns for 22 hours a day. 

Last year, more than 250 former inmates at the prison registered to be part of a class-action lawsuit alleging mistreatment at the Centre.

Yamatji Noongar woman and Senator for Western Australia, Dorinda Cox said:

“No child should be in prison. I am appalled that yet again, children are being blamed for what is essentially a failure of duty on care on part of the WA Government. It says so much about the horrific conditions that these children are being kept in, that this situation has occurred.

“To describe these children as ‘difficult’ completely misses the point – no child should be in prison in the first place, let alone sent to a maximum security adult prison.

“These children are being traumatised as we speak – keeping them in these settings is akin to torture.

“The Western Australian Government has a duty of care to these children, instead, they’re being traumatised in ways that will deeply harm them for the rest of their lives. This benefits absolutely no-one.”

Senator David Shoebridge, Australian Greens spokesperson for Justice said:

“There’s a growing case for Federal action to keep children safe and out of these inhumane and abusive prisons.

“Putting children in the too hard basket, locking them up in adult prison complexes, will exacerbate trauma and cause lasting harm.

“These actions are a breach of Australia’s international obligations to respect the rights of children and protect them from harm.

“Doing nothing in the face of these systemic failures makes the Federal government complicit not just in WA but in the NT, Queensland and all other states and territories that continue to imprison young kids.”