Category: Australian News

Australian Red Cross has highlighted the extraordinary contributions of women and people in low-income areas in the ranks of its most generous donors since the start of 2019 and throughout fires, floods and the pandemic.

New South Wales stands out as the state or territory that gave the most to Red Cross, at $76.5 million, followed by Victoria at $56.2 million. But the smaller state, Victoria, took out the top spot for having the most Red Cross donors, with 197,755 people supporting the charity, followed by NSW with 197,195.

Australian Red Cross State and Territory Operations Director Poppy Brown said an analysis of Red Cross non-corporate donations data from 1 January 2019 – 30 April 2022 showed women give more money and donate more often than men, and people in low-income areas give as much – as a percentage of their area’s median income – as those in wealthy areas and more than those in middle income areas.

“This has been the case throughout 2020 and 2021, despite women and people on lower incomes being disproportionally affected by the pandemic, the rising cost of living, and slow wage growth,” Ms Brown said.

“And this trend is only growing. In the first four months of 2022, a period marked by significant disasters, with unprecedented floods in Queensland and New South Wales and multiple international crises, women and those in low-income areas continue to show their generosity, already donating $21 million to Red Cross.” 

Ms Brown said Red Cross was grateful for support from every part of the community.

“Every donation makes a difference, supporting our work to help people in urgent need 365 days a year – which is why we’re asking people to make a tax-deductible donation as the financial year ends, so we can continue delivering vital services. 

“Every single dollar from every single donor helps make a real difference, whether it’s children donating their pocket money, people giving $5 or $10 when they can, or people and corporates making large donations, including bequests. 

“That support from so many means we can not only respond to disasters at home and overseas, but also support migrants and refugees, work with people who are homeless, and help older Australians overcome loneliness and isolation,” Ms Brown said.

To make a tax-deductible donation, head to redcross.org.au by June 30.

Key data: Australian Red Cross Giving Trends 01 January 2019 – 30 April 2022

• 1,038,644 donors gave $586.95 million to Australian Red Cross from 1 January 2019 – 30 April 2022 (includes corporate donors and donations).

WOMEN

• 183,940 women donated a total of $91.37 million compared to 129,539 men who donated a total of $88.96 million.**
• In the first four months of 2022, 74,484 women have given $13.83 million compared to 55,948 men who have given $10.68 million.**

LOW-INCOME AREAS

• People in low-income and high-income areas gave 0.13% of their area’s median incomes, while those in middle-income areas gave less, at 0.11%.
• In 2021, people in low-income areas gave a higher percentage of their area’s median income, at 0.12%, compared to those in middle (0.10%), high (0.11%) and very wealthy (0.11%) areas.
• In 2021, a total of 54,000 people in low-income areas donated a total of $13 million. This generosity continues in 2022, with 41,000 people in low-income areas donating a total of $8 million in the first four months of 2022. 

STATE AND TERRITORY ANALYSIS

• Per capita, ACT was the most generous state with donations amounting to $25.12 per person, followed by TAS ($15.59 per person), WA ($9.69 per person), NSW ($9.35 per person), SA ($8.77 per person), VIC ($8.46 per person), QLD ($7.93 per person), NT ($7.07 per person).
• Per capita, more people in the ACT give to the Red Cross (5.14%) followed by WA (3.02%), VIC (2.98%), TAS (2.97%), NSW (2.41%), SA (2.27%), QLD (2.25%), NT (1.4%).
• NSW had the highest total donations at $76.5 million, followed by VIC ($56.2 million), QLD ($41.5 million), WA ($26 million), SA ($15.5 million), ACT ($10.8 million), TAS ($8.4 million) and NT ($1.7 million)
• VIC had the most Red Cross donors at 197,755 people, followed by NSW (197,195), QLD (117,726), WA (81,122), SA (40,140), ACT (22,095), TAS (16,014), and NT (3,613)

POSTCODES ANALYSIS

• QLD postcode 4350 had the highest number of Red Cross donors (2,873) followed by VIC 3000 (2,786) ACT 2602 (2,006), NSW 2153 (1,743), WA 6163 (1,680), TAS 7250 (1,441), SA 5159 (900), NT 0810 (29)
• QLD postcode 4350 had the highest donations total, at $1.135 million, followed by ACT 2602 ($1.130 million) NSW 2088 ($870,046), TAS 7250 ($659,467), VIC 3186 ($646,104), WA 6163 ($610,178), SA 5159 ($281,873), NT 0810 ($4,356)

 Top 3 postcodes for donations:

o   QLD: 4350 ($1.135 million), 4740 ($631,490), 4870 ($612,574)

o   ACT: 2602 ($1.130 million), 2611 ($912,382), 2615 ($869,140)

o   NSW: 2088 ($870,046), 2000 ($669,366), 2066 ($602,411)

o   VIC: 3186 ($646,104), 3122 ($637,599), 3000 ($604,367) 

o   WA: 6163 ($610,178), 6010 ($521,216), 6155 ($492, 111)

o   SA: 5159 ($281,873), 5062 ($250,356), 5000 ($244,495)

o   TAS: 7250 ($659,467), 7000 ($497,905), 7018 ($415,461)

o   NT: 0810 ($4355), 0870 ($2656), 0822 ($1853)

Top 3 postcodes for donors (actual number of donors in the postcode area):

o   QLD: 4350 (2,873), 4870 (1,828), 4740 (1,706)

o   ACT: 2602 (2,006), 2615 (1,875), 2611 (1,739)

o   NSW: 2153 (1,743), 2031 (1645), 2026 (1,631)

o   VIC: 3000 (2,786), 3030 (2,005), 3121 (1,729)

o   WA: 6163 (1,680), 6018 (1,499), 6210 (1,365)

o   SA: 5159 (900), 5162 (704), 5158 (617)

o   TAS: 7250 (1,441), 7018 (844), 7000 (764)

o   NT: 0810 (29), 0870 (16), 0800 (14)

*Analysis is based on latest available Australian Red Cross data and 2016 census data. Postcode, income areas, state-by-state and gender analysis excludes corporate donors and donations.

**Of donors where gender was known to Red Cross

Tonight I will travel to Samoa and Tonga, to renew and strengthen Australia’s deep ties of friendship and family.

This is my second visit to the Pacific since being sworn in as Foreign Minister nine days ago.

I look forward to listening to leaders in Samoa and Tonga about how the Australian Government can best apply the new energy and resources we are bringing to the Pacific.

We understand that we need to work together like never before, for our peoples and for generations to come.

We want to make a uniquely Australian contribution to help build a stronger Pacific family – through social and economic opportunities including pandemic recovery, health, development and infrastructure support, as well as through our Pacific labour programs and permanent migration.

We will increase our contribution to regional security: we understand that the security of the Pacific is the responsibility of the Pacific family, of which Australia is a part.

We will stand shoulder to shoulder with our Pacific family in addressing the existential threat of climate change. And we will deepen cultural and sporting ties.

In Samoa I will meet Head of State, His Highness Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II and Prime Minister the Hon. Fiame Naomi Mata’afa. My visit coincides with the 60th anniversary of Samoa’s independence being celebrated this week.

In Tonga, I will meet leaders including Prime Minister the Hon. Hu’akavameiliku and Foreign Minister the Hon. Fekitamoeloa ‘Utoikamanu. Australia played a leading role in the international response to January’s volcanic eruption and tsunami in Tonga, and I look forward to discussing what more we can do to help.

“Australia is the only Western democracy that doesn’t have a national Charter of Human Rights, but we have an opportunity to change that,” said the Greens spokesperson for Justice: Senator Lidia Thorpe. 

This comes as The Human Rights Law Centre released the Charters of Human Rights Make Our Lives Better report, outlining 101 cases where a Charter would level the playing field and empower people to take action if their rights are violated.

The application of human rights in these cases include a domestic violence survivor avoiding eviction, parents with a disability keeping their family together, advocating for people in prison during the COVID-19 pandemic and access to education for asylum seekers.

“Human rights are the tools we use to fight for our basic dignities and freedoms. These tools belong to all of us. They ensure that each and everyone of us in this country is protected.”

“Successive governments have failed to legislate our human rights in federal law. It is time we live up to our international commitments and reflect these in our laws, policies and practice.” Said Thorpe.

The Australian Government has been closely monitoring the evolving situation regarding cases of monkeypox virus internationally.

The National Incident Centre has been activated to support the national response after Victoria and New South Wales both confirmed a case today.

The confirmed cases are both in returned travellers – one travelled to the United Kingdom and the other through Europe.

The Victorian Department of Health and New South Wales Health are responding to the cases and working to rapidly identify contacts.

The Communicable Diseases Network Australia (CDNA) and the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) have met and will continue to meet to monitor the situation.

Internationally, cases have been reported in the United Kingdom, Spain, Portugal, France, the Canary Islands, the United States and Canada. Local transmission is thought to have occurred as the majority of the cases have not travelled to areas where the virus is endemic.

Whilst a number of the recently identified cases have self-reported as gay, bisexual, or other men who have sex with men, monkeypox has not been described as a sexually transmitted disease, though it can spread through direct intimate contact during sex.

Monkeypox, also known as MPX/MPXV, is a rare viral zoonotic disease that occurs primarily in tropical rainforest areas of Central and West Africa and is occasionally exported to other regions.

The virus is mostly transmitted to humans via infected animals, such as primates or rodents, however human-to-human transmission does occur.

Human-to-human transmission of monkeypox can occur through close contact with lesions on the skin, body fluids including respiratory droplets, and contaminated materials such as bedding. Transmission via respiratory droplets usually requires prolonged face-to-face contact. Transmission can occur between sexual partners, through intimate contact during sex, with infectious skin lesions being the likely mode of transmission.

It is important to note that significant close contact with an infected person who is displaying symptoms is usually required for transmission. This means that, with good community awareness, transmission is likely to be localised, readily identified and able to be contained.

Investigations are ongoing as to the precise nature of transmission during this outbreak.

While there are currently no specific treatments available for monkeypox infection, outbreaks can be controlled. As monkeypox is similar to smallpox, smallpox vaccine can also protect people from getting monkeypox. It is also thought that antiviral treatments for smallpox may also be effective for treating monkeypox.

The department is coordinating the necessary approaches for both potential vaccination and treatments for high-risk people in collaboration with states and territories.

Australian travellers returning from, or going to, countries where cases have been identified, are urged to be aware of the signs of infection and to seek medical help if they think they may be at risk.

Signs of infection include fever, a distinctive vesicular rash which can occur on any part of the body including the face, and swollen lymph nodes. People who have recently returned from overseas, or who have been in contact with a case in Australia, and who develop any of these symptoms should seek medical advice immediately.

Monkeypox is usually a self-limited disease with the symptoms lasting from 2 to 4 weeks, however severe cases can occur, including death in rare instances. Effective treatments are available in Australia so early diagnosis is important.

Monkeypox virus is not currently a nationally notifiable disease in Australia, however international incidents such as these are monitored by the CDNA and AHPPC, which includes communicable disease experts and Chief Health Officers and other representatives from jurisdictional health departments.

States and territories are alerting clinicians to be on the lookout for potential cases and to report any cases to their relevant state and territory authorities urgently so that a public health response can be activated. Post exposure prophylaxis can be effective in preventing or modifying disease contacts if provided soon after exposure.

The Australian Government will continue to monitor the situation and provide regular updates.

Learn more about monkeypox.

From today, Australia joins other Commonwealth nations in celebrating the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Tonight Prime Minister the Hon Anthony Albanese MP will light a beacon in Canberra as part of The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Beacons, which coincides with beacon lightings throughout the Commonwealth.

The Platinum Jubilee marks The Queen’s 70 years of dedication and service to Australia and the Commonwealth.

The Australian Government will rename Aspen Island in Canberra in Her Majesty’s honour and showcase her 16 visits to Australia by releasing the Australian Visit Programs.

All Australians are invited to send a personal message of congratulations and thanks to The Queen through the Platinum Jubilee website.

The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee will be celebrated from 2–5 June 2022 and includes the illumination of iconic buildings and monuments around across Australia in royal purple.

Their Excellencies, the Governor-General and Mrs Hurley, are in London representing Australians. A contingent from Australia’s Federation Guard is also in London to participate in the Platinum Jubilee Pageant on 5 June 2022.

More information is available at: www.platinumjubilee.gov.au.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“Today I have the great privilege of lighting a beacon as part of The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Beacons and to commence Platinum Jubilee celebrations in Australia.

“Australia will honour and pay tribute to the remarkable dedication and service of Her Majesty The Queen over the course of the Platinum Jubilee official celebrations.

“I look forward to officially renaming Aspen Island to Queen Elizabeth II Island later this week as a mark of Australia’s appreciation and respect for Her Majesty.”

The Hon. Anthony Albanese MP	Prime Minister
The Hon. Richard Marles MP	Deputy Prime Minister Minister for Defence
Senator the Hon. Penny Wong	Minister for Foreign Affairs
The Hon. Dr Jim Chalmers MP	Treasurer
Senator the Hon. Katy Gallagher	Minister for Finance Minister for the Public Service Minister for Women
Senator the Hon. Don Farrell	Minister for Trade and Tourism Special Minister of State
The Hon. Tony Burke MP	Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Minister for the Arts
The Hon. Mark Butler MP	Minister for Health and Aged Care
The Hon. Chris Bowen MP	Minister for Climate Change and Energy
The Hon. Tanya Plibersek MP	Minister for the Environment and Water
The Hon. Catherine King MP	Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government
The Hon. Linda Burney MP	Minister for Indigenous Australians
The Hon. Amanda Rishworth MP	Minister for Social Services
The Hon. Bill Shorten MP	Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme Minister for Government Services
The Hon. Mark Dreyfus QC MP	Attorney-General Cabinet Secretary
The Hon. Brendan O’Connor MP	Minister for Skills and Training
The Hon. Jason Clare MP	Minister for Education
The Hon. Julie Collins MP	Minister for Housing Minister for Homelessness Minister for Small Business
Michelle Rowland MP	Minister for Communications
Madeleine King MP	Minister for Resources Minister for Northern Australia
Senator Murray Watt	Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister for Emergency Management
Ed Husic MP	Minister for Industry and Science
Clare O’Neil MP	Minister for Home Affairs Minister for Cyber Security

Outer Ministry

Matt Keogh MP	Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Minister for Defence Personnel
Pat Conroy MP	Minister for Defence Industry Minister for International Development and the Pacific
Stephen Jones MP	Assistant Treasurer Minister for Financial Services
Andrew Giles MP	Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs
Anne Aly MP	Minister for Early Childhood Education Minister for Youth
Anika Wells MP	Minister for Aged Care Minister for Sport
Kristy McBain MP	Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories

Assistant Ministers

The Hon. Justine Elliot MP	Assistant Minister for Social Services Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence
The Hon. Matt Thistlethwaite MP	Assistant Minister for Defence Assistant Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Assistant Minister for the Republic
The Hon. Dr Andrew Leigh MP	Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury
Patrick Gorman MP	Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister
Senator Jenny McAllister	Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy
Senator Carol Brown	Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport
Ged Kearney MP	Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care
Emma McBride MP	Assistant Minister for Mental Health Assistant Minister for Rural and Regional Health
Senator Malarndirri McCarthy	Assistant Minister for Indigenous Australians Assistant Minister for Indigenous Health
Senator Tim Ayres	Assistant Minister for Trade Assistant Minister for Manufacturing
Senator Anthony Chisholm	Assistant Minister for Education Assistant Minister for Regional Development
Tim Watts MP	Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs

FORMER FIRE and emergency service chiefs today met with new Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen, Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy Jenny McAllister and Emergency Management Minister Murray Watt in Canberra.

The group discussed how urgent action on climate change is crucial to slow down worsening disasters in Australia.

The Emergency Leaders for Climate Action (ELCA) group, led by former Fire & Rescue NSW Commissioner Greg Mullins, has developed a six-point plan for the incoming government. 

Among the group’s asks are: the development of a national climate change risk assessment and national climate change mitigation and adaptation strategy, redirection of subsidies for fossil fuels into disaster preparedness and emergency services, and increased funding for communities to prepare for climate-fuelled disasters. 

ELCA founder and Climate Councillor Greg Mullins said: “After drought, heatwaves, Black Summer bushfires, then catastrophic floods, all Australians are well aware of how dangerous climate change has become. Our new Federal Government has a mandate for strong climate action, and deep emissions cuts will help to keep communities safe. It must be of the highest priority. 

“Together with retired Commissioner of ACT Emergency Services, Major General Peter Dunn, and David Templeman, the former Director-General of Emergency Management Australia, today I met with the Ministers, at their request.

“That this new government has requested a meeting with us as being among their first orders of business sends a promising signal that experts will be listened to, after many years of being ignored. We had a constructive discussion, including outlining our group’s plan to better prepare for and respond to worsening disasters. 

“We have a small and closing window to reset, get climate policy right and ensure Australia’s emergency services and communities are better prepared for what’s to come. The choices our new government makes are absolutely critical and we will be watching closely.”

Former Commissioner of the ACT Emergency Services Authority and ELCA member Major General Peter Dunn (ret) added: 

“There is no doubt what lies ahead for Australia will not be easy. Disasters will continue to test us and we have to be as well equipped as possible to rise to this challenge. Unless we change, future disasters will overwhelm the emergency services’ and our Australian Defence Force’s initial response capacity. But unprecedented shouldn’t mean unprepared. 

“Communities felt totally let down by the Federal Government during Black Summer and after the recent floods. Frankly, we don’t want to see such a bungled disaster response repeated ever again.”

Former Director General of Emergency Management Australia, David Templeman, said: 

“We need a national reset in disaster management. The vast majority of money is spent after a disaster in rebuilding and recovery. We must get ahead of the game and invest in stronger communities, stronger infrastructure, and better resourced emergency services. 

“Adapting to worsening climate change will be expensive, and can only succeed if it happens at the same time as mitigation, with significant cuts to emissions this decade so that we reach net zero as soon as possible.”

ELCA* is calling for six key issues to be addressed urgently to ensure the safety of communities:

1. Strong, immediate emissions cuts: A 75% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, recognising that climate change has become an existential threat.
2. Show strong leadership and collaboration: Australia must cease the political “climate wars” and lead and encourage other countries to act, not continue to lag.
3. Put communities first: Governments at all levels must significantly increase funding that builds local community resilience, improves infrastructure, and increases the capabilities of emergency response and recovery agencies.
4. Properly resourced emergency services: Additional ongoing funding to state and territory governments to increase the size and capability of volunteer and career emergency services, funded by ceasing subsidies being paid to fossil fuel companies.
5. National risk assessment and climate strategy: Prioritise the restoration of climate research capabilities and funding, and immediately commence a national climate change risk assessment that will underpin a national climate change mitigation and adaptation strategy.
6. Deliver adaptation programs in tandem with emissions reduction: The Australian Government must ensure that adaptation programs are rolled out in parallel with urgent emissions reduction programs, or efforts will ultimately become futile due to catastrophic warming.

Responding to ‘hairy chested’ comments today from Labor’s climate Minister that the government would not alter its weak climate position, Greens Leader Adam Bandt has warned that Labor should ditch its ‘my way or the highway’ approach to its climate laws, saying Labor’s vote went backwards and Labor did not secure a majority in the Senate, where the Greens’ presence grew. 

Mr Bandt said the Greens wanted to work constructively with the government, but Labor could not take the Greens’ votes in the Senate for granted.

Mr Bandt also said the Greens have been given a strong mandate by the Australian people to take action on climate and inequality, and in particular no new coal and gas.

Labor’s climate and energy Minister Chris Bowen has said they would not consider amendments to their legislation and would adopt a ‘take it or leave it’ approach. Mr Bandt said voters had just roundly rejected this kind of approach, and that with Labor’s vote going backwards Labor needed to reconsider this kind of ‘chest beating’.

Greens Leader Adam Bandt said:

“Labor needs to drop their ‘take it or leave it’ approach. Labor should not let their idea of the perfect be the enemy of the good. Labor’s vote has just gone backwards and the public clearly wants the Greens and others to have a say.” 

“The public has just rejected this kind of hairy-chested ‘my way or the highway’ approach to climate that Labor is now taking. People want us to work together and the Greens are up for discussions about getting good climate laws passed, but it seems Labor isn’t. 

“The big issue is Labor’s plan to open new coal and gas mines. 

“On climate and energy there is a lot we agree on, and I could even see us reaching agreement on emissions reduction targets, but opening new coal and gas mines will completely wipe out any gains from their climate legislation.”

“We will use the balance of power positively and responsibly, but our job is to get action on climate and inequality. We have a strong mandate too. If Labor stops opening new coal and gas mines, I can see this being a very productive Parliament.”

Following the swearing-in of the full ministry today we announce the following departmental and administrative changes that will help deliver better government for all Australians. These changes will take effect on 1 July 2022.

A new Department of Employment and Workplace Relations will be created to implement and administer the Government’s workplace relations, jobs, skills and training agenda.

A new Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water will be created to deliver the Government’s job-creating climate change and energy agenda and give Australia’s environment the protection it deserves.

Reflecting key priorities of the Government the Department of Health will be renamed the Department of Health and Aged Care and the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications will be renamed the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts.

The Department of Finance will gain responsibility for data policy, including the Digital Transformation Agency, as well as de-regulation.

The Department of Home Affairs will gain responsibility for natural disaster response and mitigation, including the National Recovery and Resilience Agency.

The Attorney-General’s portfolio will gain responsibility for criminal law enforcement and policy, including the Australian Federal Police.

The new Administrative Arrangements Orders will be published on Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet later today.

Australia’s private hospital sector looks forward to working with Mark Butler, the new Minister for Health and Aged Care, to set Australia’s health care system up for post-COVID-19 recovery, with the first policy priority being the critical healthcare workforce shortage, says Australian Private Hospitals Association (APHA) CEO Michael Roff. 

 Mr Roff said after 12 months as Shadow Minister, Mr Butler has a good understanding of the issues facing the health system and previous experience as a Minister and Assistant Health Minister.

 “Mr Butler is taking on the health care portfolio at an important time for the sector, as elective surgery backlogs continue to escalate and the workforce shortages affecting the entire health and aged care system. 

 “The private hospital sector alone has a shortfall of 5,500 nurses and urgently needs at least 1000 skilled migrant nurses. We want to work with the new Federal Government to enhance incentives for nurses to come to Australia – by improving residency options and reducing the red tape from the process.

 “In turn, private hospitals have an important role to play in training Australia’s emerging local health workforce, they already do this, at some considerable cost to themselves, but they have capacity to do more, and we welcome an opportunity to discuss how we can contribute.”

 Mr Roff said the latest Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) data showed that in the last two years more than 390,000 anticipated private hospital admissions did not occur. Over 100,000 of these ‘missing episodes’ were added in the first three months of 2022 alone, further increasing elective surgery wait times.

 “All of the gains made in reducing the elective surgery backlog in 2021 have been wiped out by surgery restrictions put in place during the Omicron wave. Now we must start again.

 “Private hospitals cannot do this without a healthcare workforce and we are in an international fight to attract them. The UK, Canada and France are all offering enhanced residency pathways for health care workers who choose to move there, and Australia needs to follow suit or our whole health system will suffer.

 “We already raised health workforce shortages with Mr Butler when he was Shadow Minister and addressing these issues will be the first and most important policy priority we raise when we meet with him as Health Minister,” Mr Roff said.

 Mr Roff also welcomed Ged Kearney as Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care. Ms Kearney has also held this portfolio in Opposition and will have an excellent understanding of issues impacting nurses following her years as Federal Secretary of the Australian Nursing Federation and as a nurse who started her career in a private hospital.

 “APHA looks forward to working with the new Federal Health team to advance the issues of Australia’s health care system and the post-COVID-19 recovery,” Mr Roff said.