Category: Australian News

The Morrison Government’s economic plan is boosting the Northern Territory’s potential as an energy powerhouse by investing in regional areas, growing export opportunities while creating thousands of jobs to build a strong economy for a stronger future.

A $300 million package will fund a new hydrogen hub in Darwin and multiple carbon capture storage (CCS) sites within the Middle Arm priority region, as identified in the Government’s Energy Security and Regional Development Plan, which has allocated $2.6 billion for projects in the Northern Territory.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the projects would deliver an estimated $1.9 billion of total investment into the Territory, creating more than 3,800 jobs.

“Our economic plan for the Territory will deliver a jobs boom, creating a stronger economy for a stronger future,” the Prime Minister said.

“We want to harness the Territory’s position as a world leader in energy and turbocharge it, unlocking investment and generating more jobs.

“There is a clear choice at this election and Australians can vote for a stronger economy under the Liberal and Nationals or a weak economy under Labor with higher taxes and real consequences on your mortgage repayments, grocery bills and household budget.”

The $300 million Northern Territory package includes;

• Up to $70 million to develop a clean hydrogen industrial hub at Darwin in partnership with the NT Government.
• $1 million to support Inpex Operations Australia Pty Ltd’s early-stage Darwin Clean Hydrogen Hub – Market Development Study at Middle Arm, with a total project value of $3.1 million.
• Up to $100 million to support Darwin LNG Pty Ltd and Santos Limited to construct an Integrated Northern Australia Carbon Capture and Storage Hub, to reduce emissions from Liquefied -Natural Gas (LNG) production at Darwin and connect production with CO2 processing facilities and storage reservoirs.
• Up to $30 million for Inpex Browse E&P Pty Ltd to assess the Petrel sub-basin’s suitability for permanent, safe and low-cost CO2 storage.
• Up to $3.43 million for CSIRO to develop a NT low emissions CO2 utilisation industrial hub business case and associated technical studies.
• $96 million will be made available for future clean energy projects in the Northern Territory.

There are significant opportunities in clean energy, especially hydrogen exports that could directly support 16,000 jobs by 2050, plus an additional 13,000 jobs in renewable energy infrastructure construction.

Clean hydrogen production for both export and domestic use could generate more than $50 billion in additional GDP by 2050.

Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said these investments will turbocharge the development of Australia’s hydrogen industry and give Australian natural gas producers an even bigger comparative advantage.

“Global demand for LNG is poised to grow in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and the Territory will benefit from another jobs boom as production decarbonises and new fields like the Beetaloo are opened up,” Minister Taylor said.

“Low cost, nearby greenhouse gas storage opportunities offer Australian LNG a potential comparative advantage as our customer countries seek to cut their emissions.

“With world-class natural gas resources in the Beetaloo and offshore basins, ample renewables capacity and a skilled workforce, there are extensive jobs and economic opportunities for Territorians.”

The committed projects have the potential to reduce emissions by 10 million tonnes a year from 2025, and up to 30 million tonnes per annum by the end of the decade, with funding conditional on demonstration of value for money and public benefit for investment.

In April, the Morrison Government announced a landmark $872 million Energy and Emissions Reduction Agreement with the Northern Territory Government.

This announcement builds on the Commonwealth’s commitments under the deal, including to grow the Territory’s clean hydrogen industry, reduce emissions in the gas sector and support the development of the Beetaloo basin.

The Morrison Government has today committed to a Lower Tax Guarantee during the next term of Parliament as well as providing an ironclad guarantee that the planned $100 billion of tax relief will be delivered to Australian workers over the next four years.

This commitment provides certainty to millions of workers, retirees and to every small business in Australia.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the Labor Party could not give the same guarantee while they continue to refuse to put a speed limit on their tax plan for millions of Australians.

“Lower taxes are at the heart of our economic plan for a stronger economy and stronger future,” the Prime Minister said.

“Today I give the Australian people my Government’s Lower Tax Guarantee.

“I also guarantee that we will deliver $100 billion in tax relief over the next four years, providing Australians with certainty and helping to deliver a stronger economy.

“There is a clear choice at this election and Australians should know that a vote for Labor means higher taxes with real consequences on your mortgage repayments, grocery bill and household budget.

“Labor has left the door wide open to introducing new taxes or higher taxes to pay for their spending initiatives, while they refuse to guarantee a tax speed limit.

“Our Government has delivered income tax relief for more than 11 million Australians and reduced small business tax rates to the lowest level in 50 years – we are the party of lower taxes.”

A re-elected Morrison Government’s Lower Tax Guarantee includes;

• No new taxes on Australian workers.

• No new taxes on retirees.

• No new taxes on superannuation.

• No new taxes on small businesses.

• No new taxes on housing.

• No new taxes on electricity.

A re-elected Morrison Government will continue to put a speed limit on taxes by keeping taxes below 23.9 per cent of GDP.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said Anthony Albanese has argued for higher taxes his whole political career including the mining tax, carbon tax, housing tax, death duties and retirees’ tax just to name a few.

“Without a speed limit on taxes, our legislated tax cuts will not be safe under a Labor Government led by Mr Albanese who has called them “tax cuts for the top end of town” and “unfair tax cuts,” the Treasurer said.

“This position is echoed by the Greens, making it abundantly clear that under a Labor-Greens alliance Australian workers and small businesses can never be certain of benefiting from lower taxes.

“The reason why Labor want to tax more is because they can’t manage money and when they run out of money they come after yours.

“Whether it’s wasting $6 billion to pay people to get the jab, even though they’ve already had it, or running JobKeeper longer than necessary Labor have shown they can’t manage money.

“Only the Coalition can be trusted with our plan for a strong economy and a stronger future.”

Finance Minister Simon Birmingham said now was not the time to risk a higher spending Labor Government that would inevitably see Australians cop a higher tax bill.

“We all know that when Labor spends big it means they tax big and that will see Australians pay more,” Minister Birmingham said.

“Labor have made $302 billion worth of vague spending promises, yet they refuse to say how they would pay for them.

“At least Bill Shorten was up front about his $387 billion of tax hikes. Anthony Albanese dodges questions so that he can keep his high spending, high taxing plans secret.

“Australians know that the only way to pay for Labor’s higher spending would be through higher taxes and this huge cost would make our economy weaker, risking fewer jobs and higher interest rates.”

The Labor Party’s record is clear when it comes to putting a speed limit on taxes;

Labor believes a tax cap “does not fulfil any useful economic purpose” (ALP National Platform, 1 February 2019)

Labor believes a tax cap is “imposed for political reasons rather than good economic reasons” (Jim Chalmers, National Press Club, 5 April 2022).

COALITION	LABOR
Tax cap23.9 per cent of GDP	Tax capUncapped
Income tax on $60,000 income$8,476 (2021-22)	Income tax on $60,000 income$11,047 (2013-14)
Income tax on $90,000 income$18,217 (2021-22)	Income tax on $90,000 income$21,247 (2013-14)
Small business tax rate25 per cent (2021-22)	Small business tax rate30 per cent (2013-14)
Announced tax measures$320 billion in tax cuts for householdsEliminate an entire tax bracket95% of workers face a marginal tax rate of 30% or less$21 billion in tax cuts for small business25% small business tax rateSmall business tax incentives worth $1.6 billion over the next four years$50 billion in tax relief through business investment incentivesExpanded Instant Asset Write Off to 30 June 2023.	Announced tax measuresWhen last in office Labor imposed higher taxes, includingCarbon taxMining taxHigher taxes on Australian workersAt the 2019 election Labor wanted to impose $387 billion in higher taxes, including$230 billion of higher taxes on Australian workers$57 billion Retirees tax$34 billion Superannuation taxes$31 billion Housing tax$27 billion Small family business taxNow Jim Chalmers said he wants to “maintain flexibility” and Albanese said Labor will make “tax adjustments” all in a Budget they plan to hand down after the election.
Multinational taxMore than a dozen measures to tackle multinational tax avoidance.$25.8 billion in additional tax on the back of these measures – that’s almost $5 billion a year.Extended the ATO Tax Avoidance Taskforce in the 2022-23 Budget, which is expected to raise a further $2.1 billion in tax.	Multinational taxLabor voted against our changes to multinational tax avoidance, putting in jeopardy the $25.8 billion in additional tax we’ve collected.Labor voted to delay GST applying to foreign multinationals for low value goods they ship to Australia.Labor introduced the mining tax which raised no revenue but damaged business confidence and our international reputation.

Greens Leader Adam Bandt will today join solar installers, the Smart Energy Council and Queensland candidate for Ryan Elizabeth Watson-Brown to announce the Greens’ plan for Cheaper and Cleaner Power for Homes and Businesses.

The plan includes grants for householders and business owners of up to $25K and loans of up to $100k to get homes and businesses off gas by electrifying. Also included is support for households and businesses to buy batteries, with grants available up to $10k and loans up to $50k. Subsidies of this scale are also expected to support investment in the domestic battery manufacturing industry, creating thousands of jobs in battery manufacturing, installation and maintenance.

Also included in this plan is the creation of a 100% publicly-owned non-profit electricity retailer. The repurposed retail division of Snowy Hydro, Power Australia, will offer all Australian businesses at-cost electricity, without the profit seeking and wasted resources in marketing costs of the big retailers. The cheaper non-profit Power Australia is expected to amplify competition in the sector and drive down the costs associated with private power providers.

Gas in the home is responsible for 12% of asthma in children. Gas is also one of the leading causes of the climate crisis, is expensive for consumers, and the industry costs the nation billions in tax subsidies. Gas is also a significant and rising cost for many businesses, with many processes involving gas able to be substituted for electricity (eg cooking, heating), but often requiring up-front capital costs. The Greens’ electrification plan will enable every Australian to have the cheapest, safest and most reliable power in history.

The Cheaper and Cleaner Power for Homes and Businesses Plan has been costed by the PBO and is expected to deliver an investment of $17.1 billion into electrifying Australian homes, $14.8 billion into electrifying small businesses and $12.6 billion into installing small scale batteries in homes and businesses over this critical decade.

The inner-city Brisbane seat of Ryan is a priority seat for the Greens. The Greens hold the state seat of Maiwar that sits within it, with a massive swing of 13.5% at the last state election. In what is being forecast as a likely ‘minority Parliament’ election, the seat of Ryan could be pivotal to the outcome of the federal election.
 
Greens Leader Adam Bandt MP said:

“The Greens’ plan will help people get batteries for their homes and switch from gas to renewables, cutting power bills and cutting pollution.

“The Sunshine State is a renewable energy paradise, but not everyone can afford batteries to get the most out of their solar panels. The Greens will make sure Queenslanders are getting bang for their buck and we expect this plan will see power bills drop to record lows.

“Government support has helped bring down the cost of solar panels, and the Greens want to do the same with batteries.

“This is a practical way to tackle the climate crisis and ease cost of living pressures.

“Electricity is an essential service and it shouldn’t be run for profit.

“Australia has so much sun and wind that we can produce clean energy cheaply, and by supporting households and businesses to install batteries and get off gas, it’s a win for climate and cost of living.

“Liberal and Labor have no plan to help businesses get off gas and on to cheap clean electricity, leaving many with rising energy costs. The Greens want to support businesses to cut their energy bills, including by helping with the up-front costs of moving away from using gas and on to electricity wherever it is possible.

“By making billionaires and big corporations pay their fair share of tax, we can ease cost of living pressures.”

Greens candidate for the seat of Ryan, Elizabeth Watson-Brown said:

“Ryan residents and small businesses are already leading the way with rooftop solar, and the Greens will support the installation of batteries to make sure we’re all getting the most bang for our buck.

“Our grants for home and small business batteries will mean less pollution, cheaper bills and more reliable renewable energy for local homes and businesses.”

Millions of Australians that love to go fishing, boating and camping will benefit from upgraded community facilities under the Morrison Government’s economic plan which has committed an additional $20 million to the successful Recreational Fishing and Camping Facilities Program.

A re-elected Morrison Government will provide more than 100 new projects across Australia’s coastal and regional communities to extend boat ramps, jetties, cleaning stations, disability-accessible toilet blocks and campground facility upgrades.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the Coalition was backing in recreational fishers, campers and boaters.

“Australians love getting out to explore the great outdoors, if it’s the weekend fishos, boaties or the family going camping, this program supports them by upgrading the community facilities they need,” the Prime Minister said.

“Recreational fishing has significant economic and regional benefits – it’s good for regional tourism, creates local jobs and supports small and family businesses as well as benefits for physical and mental health.

“This is why a strong economy matters, because if you can’t manage money like the Labor Party, you can’t guarantee critical community services like we are doing through this program.”

One in five Australians are active recreational fishers and approximately 85 per cent of Australians live within 50 kilometres of the coast.

Recreational fishing delivers over $1.8 billion to the economy every year.

Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries Jonno Duniam said: “This is an exciting funding program which enables local councils around Australia, and the territory governments, to deliver new and renewed infrastructure for our recreational fishers, campers and boaters.

“We know that recreational fishing is an important leisure activity that contributes economic and social benefits to the Australian community and is a part of life for Australians of all ages and from all socio-economic backgrounds.

“Only the Morrison Government recognises the significant role the fishing industry plays in creating local jobs, whether it be through the commercial, recreational or seafood sectors, and we want to ensure these industries continue to boom for generations to come.

“As part of our support for our vast fishing industry, we are also committed to maintaining our robust Australian Marine Park network in its current form, to provide certainty to our fishers.”

The Recreational Fishing and Camping Facilities Program is administered by the state and territory governments paid directly to local councils. Each jurisdiction is responsible for opening their programs and local councils must apply through this process.

If you know of a location that would benefit from new or improved fishing, boating or camping facilities in your area, you can contact your local council to advocate for their application to this program.

The Australian Government has imposed targeted financial sanctions on a further 147 individuals in response to Russia’s illegal war, comprising Russian senators and family members of President Putin and Foreign Minister Lavrov.

This brings to nearly 750 the total number of individuals and entities we have sanctioned in response to the illegal invasion. We will continue to increase costs on Russia, in coordination with partners, targeting those who bear responsibility for Russia’s unjustified and unprovoked aggression in Ukraine or hold levers of influence.

This round of sanctions targets 144 Russian senators who provided support to President Putin by approving the illegitimate recognition of independence of the Ukrainian regions of Donetsk and Luhansk on 22 February 2022. On 24 February 2022, Putin used this vote to justify his illegal, unprovoked and wholly unjustifiable invasion.

Australia, at the outset of the invasion, listed 338 Duma MPs for their vote for this illegitimate recognition of independence.

These sanctions are also applied to two daughters of President Putin and one daughter of Foreign Minister Lavrov. President Putin and Minister Lavrov were themselves listed for sanctions on 27 February 2022. These listings are consistent with our approach to those who have benefited from the Russian regime, including immediate family members of those in power. The three individuals have been sanctioned by likeminded partners of Australia.

The Australian Government again reiterates our strongest support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and for the people of Ukraine. We again call upon Russia to withdraw its military forces immediately from Ukraine.

“First Nations people are the first knowledge holders. Caring for Country is our birthright,” said the Greens spokesperson for First Nations: Gunnai, Gunditjmara and DjabWurrung Senator Lidia Thorpe.

“Successive governments have undermined Aboriginal land rights and heritage protections to favour big corporations, who often make big donations to the Liberal and Labor parties. It’s time to hand decision-making about what happens on Country back to First Nations people.”

The Greens have announced a Caring for Country policy that will:

• Strengthen laws to protect First Nations tangible and intangible heritage, knowledge, and intellectual property
• Expand Indigenous Protected Areas that are owned, cared for and managed by First Nations people 
• Triple funding for First Nations ranger programs as Ranger programs deliver up to $3 worth of environmental and socio-economic value for every dollar spent. This is a $767m commitment

“We need better laws to protect First Nations heritage and Country. The Greens will legislate environmental personhood to areas of First Nations significance. Environmental personhood is giving nature, or parts of nature (like mountains, rivers, and lakes) rights in the same way that humans have rights.

“Environmental personhood reconfigures our relationship to the lands we inhabit through an Aboriginal lens. We rely on our lands, waters and sky to survive. Likewise, our lands, waters and sky rely on us to survive. Our policy reflects this connection to Country.”

“Billionaires, big polluters and big corporations will foot the bill. They have profiteered off stolen lands for decades. It’s about time they Pay the Rent and work with us to heal Country, for everybody’s benefit.” Said Thorpe.

In an incredible act of climate deceit, the Labor party has revealed that they would exempt every coal mine from their emissions safeguard mechanism. This would mean that coal mines would be exempted from reducing pollution, with no requirement to manage methane emissions, reduce on-site fossil fuel use or even purchase offsets

Coal is the biggest single cause of climate change and Australia is its second biggest seller globally. To leave exempt coal from a climate plan exposes it as a fraud.

Greens Leader, Adam Bandt said:

“The ABC Voter Compass data shows that climate change is the top issue this election, but on the very same day, Labor has again joined the Liberals in backing coal over climate.

“Exempting coal mines from a climate policy is like exempting hospitals from a health policy.

“In balance of power, the Greens will kick Scott Morrison out and push the next government to stop opening coal mines.

“Labor chasing Scott Morrison on coal is not working for them politically. People want climate action and they know coal and gas have got to go.

“The most recent IPCC report made it crystal clear that global coal consumption will need to fall by up to 82% by 2030 if we’re to stop the climate from going over the 1.5 degree climate cliff. 

“Australia’s biggest coal markets are all getting out of coal fast, making Labor and Liberal’s opening up and propping up of coal mines economically reckless as well.

The Morrison Government’s economic plan will deliver significant operational capability upgrades to defence airbases around Australia, creating jobs while ensuring Australians are kept safe in an increasingly uncertain global environment.

Up to 600 jobs will be created from a $428 million investment to upgrade RAAF airbases Amberley (QLD), Pearce (WA), and Richmond (NSW), and HMAS Albatross (NSW) that will maintain critical airfield infrastructure.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said job creation was at the heart of the Government’s economic plan, with this project maintaining and upgrading critical defence airfield infrastructure to keep our nation safe.

“Our $270 billion defence investment is keeping Australians safe, building our sovereign defence capabilities and creating jobs while securing a strong economy and a stronger future,” the Prime Minister said.

“In these uncertain times it’s vital that we take steps to invest in our defence force and ensure our ADF have the best technology and facilities, so that Australians are protected.

“Only by ensuring we have a strong economy can we afford to invest in the defence and national security capabilities we need to keep our nation safe.”

Minister for Defence Peter Dutton said that these upgrades would ensure that the ADF can continue to provide critical capabilities.

“Upgrades to these airfields will ensure that the men and women of the ADF can continue to provide the operational capability needed to keep our nation safe, whether that be Super Hornets and Growlers at Amberley, C-130 Hercules at Richmond, our pilot training at Pearce, or our Romeo Helicopters at Nowra,” Minister Dutton said.

“Importantly, our $270 billion defence capability investment over the decade ensures that all of the essential enabling capabilities are also funded – you have to look after your bases to ensure that the men and women of our Defence Force have the tools they need to keep us safe.

“When Labor was in Government, they neglected our Defence base upkeep because of their cuts to the Defence budget – down to the lowest level since before the Second World War – leaving our national security exposed.”

Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said the significant investment by the Morrison Government would provide benefits to the Queensland, Western Australian and New South Wales economies, maximising the opportunities for both local and Indigenous businesses.

“Since 2019, our Government has committed to 33 capital infrastructure and facilities projects worth over $6.2 billion, which have supported over 11,000 jobs,” Minister Price said.

“We are ensuring that local industry is prioritised and local tradies have the opportunity to work on this significant Defence investment. Importantly, this investment has ensured that our estate works contractors have committed to an average of 78 per cent local industry content, with some committing to up to 100 per cent.

“Small and medium businesses are key to supporting the local economy and over 1000 small and medium businesses have been engaged on Defence capital infrastructure and facilities projects since 2019.

“Supporting Indigenous-owned businesses is also important in our Government’s commitment to Closing the Gap. Defence’s Indigenous Procurement policy assists businesses to participate in the economy and grow. Of the 33 projects committed to since 2019, 13 are Indigenous-owned, which is a significant achievement and has resulted in a commitment of over $195 million to those businesses.”

The airbase upgrades include aircraft runway and pavement improvements including resurfacing asphalt, replacing concrete and remediating contamination; replacing end of life electrical equipment and infrastructure associated with the provision of airfield lighting; and ensuring aviation safety and WHS requirements are met.

Construction is planned to commence in late-2022 and is expected to finish in late-2024.

The Morrison Government’s economic plan will provide more support for veterans, defence personnel and their families right around Australia with a commitment to establish 14 new Veteran Wellbeing Centres, connecting veterans to health and other support services.

$70 million will support the creation of 14 Wellbeing Centres, based in locations with a significant veteran population.

The centres provide a one-stop-shop, in partnership with ex-service and community organisations, to better help connect veterans to the extensive support and advocacy already available, with a strong focus on health and wellbeing.

They provide a place where communities can partner with and support veterans, Defence members and their families at the local level, while drawing on national integrated veterans support services.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Australia was proud of every single veteran.

“We must look after our vets and their families and provide support for the men and women who have served in our Australian Defence Force and put their lives on the line for our nation, our values and our way of life,” Prime Minister Scott Morrison said.

“This new commitment builds on almost $400 million of support provided in the Budget for our veterans and their families, in recognition of the service and sacrifice they’ve made to keep our nation safe and secure.”

Minister for Defence Peter Dutton said the investment was just one way to recognise the service of veterans, ADF members and their families.

“Just as it is important to provide our ADF with the best equipment and facilities, we also know it is equally important to recognise the unique challenges our veterans can face,” Minister Dutton said.

“Investment in these new centres, and new models of operation, offers an opportunity for local communities to work together and tailor their support services to support veterans, serving ADF members and their families.”

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel Andrew Gee said the Veteran Wellbeing Centres already delivered by the Government had been incredibly successful.

“Around Australia, I have seen firsthand the positive effects that our wellbeing centres have on our veterans, Defence personnel and their families,” Minister Gee said.

“They are welcoming places that build community connections and give those in need essential support and easy access to the services available.

“Whether it be mental or physical health support, help finding a job, assistance in lodging claims, or just providing a friendly place for a chat and a coffee, the organisations running these centres are working tirelessly to help our veterans and their families.

“Our servicemen and women, veterans and their families have given so much for our nation and, in return, it is our duty to provide them with the very best support we can.”

Up to $5 million will be available to ex-service and community organisations to establish Veteran Wellbeing Centres in the following 14 new locations with a significant veteran population:

New South Wales

• Greater Sydney
• Western Sydney at the Scheyville Veterans Centre in partnership with the Hunter Anzac Memorial
• Mid-north coast region
• Newcastle/Hunter region
• Wagga Wagga region

Queensland

• Mackay region
• Wide-Bay Burnett region
• Sunshine Coast region
• An additional centre in the South-East Queensland region

Western Australia

• Northern suburbs of Perth

Victoria

• Greater Melbourne and surrounds
• Geelong/Surf Coast region
• Mornington Peninsula

ACT

• Capital region

This will build on the success of our network of Veteran Wellbeing Centres in Townsville, Darwin, Perth, Adelaide, Wodonga and Nowra, established in partnership with ex-service organisations. The network is also being extended to include a hub-and-spoke model in Tasmania and we are also partnering with Lives Lived Well to establish a centre in the Moreton Bay area.

The Morrison Government has a strong track record when it comes to ensuring that our veterans and their families have access to health and wellbeing services when and where they need them.

An additional targeted investment of $2.6 million will establish a pilot program to provide early intervention specialist child and adolescent mental health support for children of current and former ADF members, focused on members with service in the Special Operations Command.

This will meet an evolving need to provide specialist military-aware support that is critical to their wellbeing, development and a positive ADF family dynamic, particularly given the unprecedented period of critical stressors in the special forces community.

This investment will be rolled out over two years in the three high-need locations of Sydney, Perth and Brisbane to cover Holsworthy, Campbell and Gallipoli Barracks. It is expected to benefit up to 43,800 children of current and former members of the ADF and their families.

A re-elected Coalition Government will also expand and diversify the help provided to veterans and their families with a $1.9 million investment in a new pilot of a Chaplaincy Support program for at-risk veterans transitioning from the ADF, focusing on spiritual health and wellbeing and treatment of emerging conditions such as moral injury.

This approach aligns with the recommendation by the Interim National Commissioner for Defence and Veteran Suicide in the Preliminary Interim Report to provide “a holistic and tailored approach that can adapt to the diverse needs of all veterans” and reflects the fact that chaplains have long been a feature of the Australian military, with around 15 per cent of regular serving ADF members accessing chaplaincy support.

Ex-service organisations play an important role in supporting the wellbeing of veterans and the Government will invest an additional $2 million to enable veteran-led mental health charity Swiss 8 to continue to offer its proactive health and wellbeing app free of charge to veterans. The app currently has around 5,500 veteran users and is designed to reduce anxiety and depression.

The Coalition recognises current and former ADF members are national assets and $38.1 million will be provided over the next three years to establish a National Veteran Volunteer Service program in partnership with Disaster Relief Australia (DRA).

This innovative program will increase the engagement of veterans and their families in disaster resilience, recovery and relief operations, and community service projects throughout Australia. In doing so, this will improve the health and wellbeing of veterans and their families and their long-term employment outcomes. It builds on our $3 million investment in DRA in 2019.

The transition from the ADF to a post-service life is a unique and challenging experience and a re-elected Coalition Government will invest a further $10 million to extend assistance to support ex-service and community organisations to deliver tailored, innovative support to help veterans find meaningful civilian employment once they’ve transitioned out of the ADF.

This investment will build on the $16.2 million in funding provided in 2019 for innovative veteran employment programs by Soldier On, the Returned and Services League and Disaster Relief Australia (formerly Team Rubicon).

The Government recognises the importance of ensuring the service and sacrifice of Australians and $10 million will be provided to expand the successful Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants program, so local communities can continue to commemorate the service and sacrifice of Australians in war.

Following a successful pilot program that we established in 2019, an additional $3.7 million will be invested to establish an ongoing grant program to mark the private graves of First World War veterans who died after the war and are resting in civil cemeteries. Our pilot program saw the placement of 1,189 markers and this new investment will enable this important work to continue.

$400,000 will be provided to support the Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway in inner-west Sydney, a living memorial and commemoration site for Second World War veterans.

The Coalition Government has a strong track record of delivering services and support for our veterans and their families. Our Government invests more than $11.5 billion a year to support around 340,000 veterans and their families, widows and children.

Only the Coalition can be trusted to deliver for veterans and their families.

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has successfully completed the first two exercises in the 2022 Diamond Series for the third biennial Air Warfare Instructor Course (AWIC). Exercise Diamond Shield, the second of the three exercises, concluded in April 2022.

AWIC aims to provide commanders with expertise in harnessing the combat potential of integrated air, space and cyber capabilities to support the joint force.

Conducted over land and sea along the Eastern Australian Exercise Area, Exercise Diamond Seas provided AWIC candidates with important air-maritime integration training and defensive counter air training.

Exercise Director, Group Captain Matthew Harper, said the Diamond Series of exercises enhances and promotes Air Force’s interoperability with the Royal Australian Navy, Australian Army and international partners.

“AWIC22 encompasses a range of academic activities and practical exercises that expose the candidates to complex scenarios,” Group Captain Harper said.

“Exercise Diamond Shield established high-end warfighting scenarios which challenged AWIC candidates to maintain control of the air whilst integrating with multiple Air Force platforms and ground elements.

“The presence of the United States Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon challenged our candidates to overcome an adversary with unfamiliar capabilities.

AWIC is a six month course of high-intensity training, integrating warfighting functions across a range of specialisations within the Air Force. It is tailored to meet the specific requirements of Air Force capability, aimed at broadening and improving skills.

Upon graduating from the AWIC the air warfare instructors can apply their newly developed skills in assisting Air Force to deliver air power as part of the joint force.

Exercise Diamond Storm is the final exercise in the series and will be conducted in the Northern Territory of Australia during May and June 2022. Diamond Storm will act as a culminating activity where AWIC candidates will be expected to apply the lessons from Exercises Diamond Seas and Shield to achieve mission success.

Training exercises such as the Diamond Series help ensure the Australian Defence Force remain in a ready state of preparedness to protect Australia and its national interests.