Category: Australian News

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.”

The Commonwealth and Victorian governments have come together to prepare the Centre for National Resilience at Mickleham to provide crisis accommodation for Victorians affected by widespread flooding.

From Tuesday, 250 beds at the Mickleham facility will open to help people whose homes have been inundated. As well as accommodation, residents will be provided with food and support services both on-site and remotely.

The Commonwealth, which built and owns the Mickleham facility, has agreed to its use as crisis accommodation after the centre closed as a quarantine hub last week.

Emergency Management Victoria, Emergency Recovery Victoria (ERV) and COVID-19 Quarantine Victoria (CQV) are working together to stand up the facility, using former quarantine staff and service providers who can get on the ground to start providing support quickly.

The Centre has dedicated car parking onsite for residents, as well as a shuttle bus providing free regular transport to and from Craigieburn train station and the local shopping centre, as well as other short transport requests if residents need.

Unlike the Centre’s time as a quarantine facility, residents will be free to move around the facility, socialise with each other, and come and go as they see fit.

Each room comes complete with toiletries and other necessities, and residents will be provided with three meals each day, and snacks and drinks on arrival. Charities will provide assistance with items like clothing that families may have had to leave behind or lost during the floods.

ERV and CQV will provide colouring books, puzzles, sporting equipment and other children’s activities for residents – making an uncertain and stressful time easier for families, and helping to welcome children to the Centre and reduce the anxiety they will be feeling.

Pets will also be welcome at the Centre, but must be on a leash or in carriers when outside their cabins.

There are also additional services specifically tailored to the new residents’ crisis needs, including Commonwealth assistance through Centrelink and case management service to help Victorians whose properties have been affected by the floods through one easy contact point.

Medical care will be available onsite around the clock – including mental health support, and specific support for any trauma residents may be experiencing as a result of the flooding emergency.

Emergency Management experts toured the facility to assess its possible use during a disaster earlier this year – and Victoria has been working closely with the Federal Government to ensure the hub could be activated quickly if needed.

Responders on the ground in flood zones will help determine who is most in need of accommodation at the centre – and from Monday, Emergency Management Victoria’s support service on 1800 560 760. will help refer anyone who needs immediate shelter as soon as they make contact.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said: “We’re ensuring Victorians can have a safe roof over their heads immediately following a major flood event.”

“We have not hesitated to make the Centre for National Resilience available in this time of crisis.”

“We will be on hand to help in any way we can during this crisis and in its aftermath.”

Premier Daniel Andrews thanked the Commonwealth Government for working with Victoria to ensure flood affected Victorians could quickly access crisis accommodation and financial support to help them through this challenging time.

“We thank the Albanese Government for working with us to quickly ensure flood-affected Victorians will have a safe, comfortable place to sleep, and food on the table,” Mr Andrews said.

“As we’ve always said – we wish we didn’t need to use the hub, but we’re grateful it’s here to support Victorians who have been so profoundly affected by this flooding event.”

“Whether it’s crisis accommodation or financial support for families doing it tough, we’ll do everything we can to support Victorians while the waters are still rising, and long after they’ve receded.”

The Australian Government has moved quickly to support people in Victoria, Tasmania and New South Wales affected by the ongoing extensive flooding, making disaster assistance payments for individuals available across an additional 44 Local Government Areas.

In Victoria, the Disaster Recovery Allowance is available to people in the 23 LGAs of Alpine, Benalla, Buloke, Campaspe, Central Goldfields, Corangamite, Gannawarra, Greater Bendigo, Greater Shepparton, Hepburn, Horsham, Loddon, Macedon Ranges, Mansfield, Maribyrnong, Mitchell Shire, Moira, Moonee Valley, Murrindindi, Northern Grampians, Pyrenees, Strathbogie and Wangaratta.

The Disaster Recovery Allowance has 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. DRA is taxable.

In Tasmania, the Disaster Recovery Allowance is available to people in the 17 LGAs of Break O’Day, Burnie, Central Coast, Central Highlands, Circular Head, Devonport, Dorset, Flinders, George Town, Kentish, Latrobe, Launceston, Meander Valley, Northern Midlands, Waratah-Wynyard, West Coast and West Tamar.

In New South Wales, the Disaster Recovery Allowance is available to people in the additional 4 LGAs of Central Coast, Coonamble, Goulburn-Mulwaree and Parkes, bringing the total number of NSW LGAs receiving support from the Australian Government for this event to 31.

In addition, in recognition of the number of homeowners affected in particular LGAs, 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 who live in the Victorian LGAs of Campaspe, Greater Shepparton, Maribyrnong, Mitchell and Strathbogie and in the Tasmanian LGAs of Central Coast, Kentish and Meander Valley, who have suffered a significant loss as a result of the floods, including a severely damaged or destroyed home or a serious injury.

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

Claims are available to be made from 2pm Sunday and they can be made 24 hours a day.

For information on eligibility and how to apply, visit the Services Australia website: www.servicesaustralia.gov.au.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“It’s heartbreaking to think that for many people this is the third or fourth time in 18 months that their lives have been disrupted by a natural disaster of this magnitude.”

“Over the last few years our resilience has been tested time and time again, and many people are doing it tough.”

“I want everyone in a flood affected region to know that the Commonwealth stands ready and committed to provide support now and through the recovery.”

Bill Shorten, Minister for Government Services said:

“These are the toughest of times for people and we want to help communities get back on their feet.”

“This is a modest payment to help flood victims doing it hard.”

“Services Australia’s priority is to help people to access essential disaster assistance, and staff have been mobilised to provide on-the-ground support.”

“People affected by the flooding can check their eligibility for Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment and Disaster Recovery Allowance on the Services Australia website at servicesaustralia.gov.au/disasterevents, before lodging a claim for assistance.”

“The easiest way to claim is online through my.gov.au. Online claiming is available 24×7. Claims can be submitted from 2pm Sunday.”

“If people need additional support to claim, they can call the Australian Government Emergency Information Line on 180 22 66 from 2pm Sunday.”

Murray Watt, Minister for Emergency Management said:

“This is a very serious situation across multiple states and the Albanese Government has worked closely with state and local authorities to make financial help available as swiftly as possible.

“We know that there may be more communities impacted by these flooding events over the coming days.

“As the full extent of the damage starts to become more apparent, we will keep working to provide assistance when it’s needed.”

The Greens welcome the Albanese government’s announcement to extend Paid Parental Leave (PPL) to 26 weeks with shared care, but will continue to call on the government to increase it to be paid at a replacement wage, with super, and immediately.

Greens deputy leader and spokesperson on women Senator Larissa Waters said:

“Australia has one of the weakest parental leave schemes globally; yes it should be paid for longer, but without super, or an increase to the amount paid, women are still losing out. And phasing this in over four years is an insult when women have waited for over a decade for decent paid parental leave. 

“Women deserve fair PPL, and immediately – it improves their economic security, reduces the gender pay gap, increases the likelihood of mothers returning to work.

“Experts and business groups are united in their calls for fairer PPL for its economic and social benefits – now, not staggered over the next six years.

“Fairer paid parental leave is a no-brainer that benefits everyone – parents, children and the economy. And if we scrap the Stage 3 tax cuts, we can easily afford it.

“Labor needs to decide if they are a government for the rich or for women”, concluded Senator Waters.