Category: Australian News

With reduced social distancing, borders re-opened and international travel once again on the agenda, experts are concerned that Australians are downplaying the prospect of a serious influenza (flu) season in 2022.

A new consumer survey, commissioned by Australian vaccine manufacturer Seqirus, asked 1,000 adults aged 18 years and over about their attitudes to the flu.1

The results showed less than half (45%) of Australian adults in the survey think flu is a very serious condition that can lead to death in vulnerable people. Three in 10 respondents (29%) say they are not intending to get vaccinated against the flu while another 11% are still undecided.1

Leading infectious disease expert Professor Robert Booy says that we’ve had so little flu for so long that the reawakening of flu could be quite troublesome.

“For the last two years, we’ve had next to no flu, and vaccination rates have been low as well. As a consequence, the level of community protection has dropped significantly.”

“I’m concerned about the correlation between people who do not think that flu is serious and those who do not intend to get vaccinated,” said Professor Booy.

The survey showed that Australians who do not intend to get vaccinated for flu in 2022 are more likely than those intending to get vaccinated to say that flu is not a serious condition (29% compared to 11%).1

The data also showed a significant generational gap, with Baby Boomers more likely than younger generations to say they plan on getting the flu vaccine in 2022 (73% compared to 57% Gen X, 55% Millennials and 43% Gen Z). However, younger generations are more likely to say they would like to understand their flu vaccination options (39% Gen X, 42% Millennials and 43% Gen Z compared to 32% Baby Boomers). 1

Professor Booy also said there was the possibility that recent calls for Australians to “treat COVID just like flu” has had the unintended consequence of portraying flu as a milder disease.

“People need reminding that we’ve had some bad flu seasons in the past. Modelling data from 2010-2019, estimates that Australia averaged nearly 2,800 annual flu deaths, with more than 6,400 estimated deaths in 2017 and over 5,200 in 2019. There is no way of predicting what 2022 will be like so we need to do everything we can now to prepare.” 2

Two modest seasons of flu in Australia, limited personal contact and reduced international travel has clearly had an impact on attitudes, with only one in three (36%) Australians in the survey concerned about the upcoming 2022 flu season.1

According to Dr Daniel Furtner, Medical Director Vaccines & Biosecurity at Seqirus, protecting the public health of Australians will be crucial this winter, with our healthcare system facing pressure from COVID-19 and flu.

“The last few years have demonstrated how viruses can impact our lives, especially when we have low immunity. It’s important that we continue to focus on public health efforts including protecting high-risk communities, reducing transmission and helping people recover quickly,” said Dr Furtner.

“Washing your hands, staying home if you’re unwell, social distancing, mask-wearing on public transport and vaccination will continue to be important measures for protecting us from viruses like flu.”

Defence is strengthening its science and technology workforce by selecting 80 of Australia’s brightest minds to be fast-tracked into leadership positions.

The NAVIGATE program provides a pathway for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) specialists to transition into Defence, or to provide career mobility to current Defence STEM professionals.

Chief Defence Scientist, Professor Tanya Monro said this new program offers a unique opportunity for high-performing STEM professionals from a range of academic disciplines and different backgrounds.

“NAVIGATE will enhance Defence’s ability to leverage cutting-edge technology to keep Australians safe,” Professor Monro said.

“Strengthening our STEM workforce gives us a significant advantage that is central to our efforts to further strengthen Defence capability.

“This program ensures we are enabling the best talent from across our community to realise their full potential in the service of our nation.”

A key aim of NAVIGATE is to increase female representation, particularly at more senior levels, and the program was launched with pre-determined gender targets (40% female, 40% male and 20% any gender).

Applications closed in November; of the 818 applications received, 29% of applicants were female. There were 302 applicants shortlisted to move to the assessment stage, of which 31% were female.

Of the successful candidates offered a position on NAVIGATE, 43% were female, 49% were male, and 8% were undisclosed.

“This female representation figure is very encouraging,” Professor Monro said.

Participants in NAVIGATE will have the opportunity to work on solving some of Defence’s most significant science and technology challenges.

The 12-month program includes two six-month rotations, one-on-one mentoring and a dedicated professional development program, before participants are placed into a role within Defence.

For more information, see: https://www.dst.defence.gov.au/careers/navigate

THE UNITED NATIONS and the world’s scientists are calling for an end to fossil fuels in the third instalment of the IPCC’s Sixth Assessment Report, saying there must be “rapid, deep and immediate cuts” to greenhouse gas emissions.

The Intergovernmental Panel of Climate Change (IPCC) has today released its landmark Working Group III report, Climate Change 2022: Mitigation of Climate Change, compiled by thousands of scientists over the past eight years.

The central message of the IPCC report is clear: despite affordable renewable energy solutions being available now, governments and businesses are failing to act. Global greenhouse gas emissions must peak by 2025 and halve by 2030 to limit warming to 1.5 degrees.

The IPCC said the dramatic reductions in the cost of wind, solar and battery storage technologies over the last decade meant they were already commercially viable and would be the key to decarbonising most of the world’s energy systems.

UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres lambasted high emitting countries saying: “Some government and business leaders are saying one thing but doing another. Simply put, they are lying and the results will be catastrophic… but high emitting governments and corporations are not just turning a blind eye, they are adding fuel to the flames. They are choking our planet, based on their vested interests and historic investments in fossil fuels, when cheaper renewable solutions provide green jobs, energy security and greater price stability.”

“Current climate pledges would mean a 14% increase in emissions and most major emitters are not taking the steps needed to fulfil even these inadequate promises.”

Greg Bourne, Climate Councillor, energy expert, former President of BP Australasia and former advisor to Margaret Thatcher said: “The latest IPCC report shows that globally we’re making some progress but climate action is nowhere near where it needs to be – and Australia is one of the world’s biggest climate handbrakes.

“If all countries copied the federal government’s weak climate response, we would be heading for a 3°C or more global temperature rise this century, which would be catastrophic.”

Dr Madeline Taylor, Climate Councillor, energy expert and Senior Lecturer at Macquarie University, School of Law said: “This new global UN report comes shortly after the UN Secretary General singled out Australia as a ‘holdout’ with the Morrison Government refusing to increase its 2030 targets. Australia is the only major developed country that has failed to significantly strengthen its 2030 target.

“We know what is required to deeply permanently and immediately reduce emissions, and as the sunniest and one of the windiest places on earth, with a wealth of critical minerals available – Australia should be cashing in on those solutions and creating a prosperous, sustainable future.”

Andrew Stock, Climate Councillor, energy expert and former Origin Energy executive, with more than 40 years experience in senior energy executive roles said: “The Morrison Government has already wasted eight years, and the decisions we make today determine our long-term future. This latest IPCC report makes it clear that we are running out of time. Our window to avoid the worst of climate change is rapidly closing.

“Australia is one of the world’s largest exporters of fossil fuels and we have the highest emissions per capita among large developed nations. By strengthening our climate commitments and actions this decade, we can have a huge impact on the future of our planet.”

Greens Leader, Adam Bandt MP, says Labor’s appeasement to right-wing flat tax reforms and keeping tax breaks for trusts and property investors is a death knell for Australian egalitarianism. 

Greens Leader, Adam Bandt MP said:

“Liberal and Labor are now in lockstep on tax cuts for the rich, sounding the death knell for social democracy. Liberal and Labor are marching Australia towards US-style inequality. 

“With Labor now joining the Liberals in delivering tax breaks to the wealthiest, there will be less in the kitty for public schools and hospitals. 

“Labor has sided with Scott Morrison in a conservative assault on Australian egalitarianism,  keeping tax rorts that drive up house prices and funding more coal and gas. 

“With Labor now joining the Liberals in a trickle-down nightmare, the only way to save Australia’s progressive tax system is to vote Greens. 

“Heading to an election, I never thought I’d see a Labor joining with the Libs on a platform of flat tax, cash for billionaires to mine more coal and gas and tax breaks for investors to drive up housing prices.”
 

Morrison Government support has helped deliver preferred bidder status for Australia’s proposal to   host the Women’s Rugby World Cup (WRWC) in 2029.

Minister for Sport, Richard Colbeck, said the preferred bidder announcement by World Rugby today was a testament to Australia’s reputation for successfully delivering major sporting events.

Australia is now the preferred candidate for both the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 and the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2029.

“Securing the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2029 for Australia will be another milestone event in our green and gold decade to raise the profile of women’s sport,” Minister Colbeck said.

“It will drive increased participation in physical activity by girls and women, and improve gender equality and social inclusion in sport.”

Last week’s Budget 2022-23 indicated the Morrison Government is committed to supporting the delivery of both the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 and Women’s Rugby World Cup 2029 should these bids be successful.

If successful, this will add rugby alongside top flight road cycling, basketball, soccer, cricket and netball events among many others that Australia will host in the next 10 years.

The Government’s support will go toward event preparation and staging the rugby competitions, as well as establishing legacy programs in Australia and the Pacific region, to capitalise on the interest sparked by the events to promote community sport, and sport for women and girls.

“The Government continues to support women and girls to achieve their sporting dreams and ambitions and we wholeheartedly welcome the opportunity to have the world’s best women rugby players compete on Australian soil,” Minister Colbeck said.

“The timeline of major sporting events in Australia over the next decade, culminating in the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, provides a unique opportunity to create significant socio-economic benefits that will last generations and drive Australia’s post COVID-19 recovery.”

The agency tasked with developing food standards across Australia and New Zealand has a new chief executive officer. 

Veterinarian Dr Sandra Cuthbert will take the reins of Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) following the departure of Adjunct Professor Mark Booth.

A former FSANZ general manager, Dr Cuthbert has experience in both the private and public sectors, across biosecurity, agriculture and food standards.

Senator Richard Colbeck, who has portfolio responsibility for food, said Dr Cuthbert brings a wealth of expertise and experience to the important role of developing standards for Australia’s and New Zealand’s national food regulatory systems.

“Dr Cuthbert will play a key role in advancing FSANZ and government priorities in coming months, delivering robust food standards to ensure the ongoing safety and quality of the food supply in Australia and New Zealand,” Senator Colbeck said.

FSANZ is a trans-Tasman agency that develops Australia’s and New Zealand’s food standards. It is governed by a board of 12 members.

These standards regulate the use of ingredients, processing aids, colourings, additives and vitamins and minerals and covers the composition of some foods, such as dairy, meat and beverages.

They also include some labelling requirements for packaged and unpackaged food, such as specific mandatory warnings or advisory labels.

Dr Cuthbert has served as FSANZ interim CEO since August last year.

Senator Colbeck expressed his thanks to Prof. Booth for his dedication to the role during his tenure.

An Albanese Labor Government will deliver extra capacity for the Bruce Highway in Brisbane’s north, reducing travel time for locals while also improving safety. 

Labor’s $200 million investment will widen the Bruce Highway to eight lanes from Dohles Rocks Road to Anzac Avenue and enable the on/off ramps at the southern end to be built. 

Around 155,000 vehicles travel between the Moreton Bay Region and north Brisbane every day using the Bruce Highway, Gateway Motorway and the Gympie Arterial Road.

Over the coming decades this number is projected to increase by 50 per cent. 
Even right now, locals in North Lakes, Murrumba Downs, Kallangur and Griffin battle to get onto the Bruce Highway each day. This investment from Labor will see additional lanes, eliminating the need to merge, making travel easier and safer.

Without Labor’s investment, travel times on this vital section of the Bruce Highway will blow out in the morning and afternoon peaks. 

The Bruce Highway also plays a nationally significant role as a freight corridor, which means further road congestion would also have a flow-on impact to productivity. 

Despite the significance of the Bruce Highway, the Morrison Government failed to announce any new construction money in the recent budget.

In contrast, Labor will get on with delivering the critical upgrades which Queenslanders need. 

Only Labor can be trusted to build a better future for people living in Brisbane’s northern suburbs. 

Anthony Albanese, Leader of the Australian Labor Party said:

“When complete, this project will help locals across Brisbane’s north spend less time on the road and more time at home. 

“This is all part of Labor’s plan to deliver a better life for working families across Australia.”

Catherine King, Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development said:

“Good roads are essential to our daily lives. Our Labor MPs and candidates on the northside have told me again and again how important this upgrade is.

“Only an Albanese Labor Government will partner with the Queensland Government to get it done.”

An Albanese Labor Government will stop the rorting of Home Care fees, by placing a cap on how much users can be charged in administration and management fees, and will require monthly reporting directly to users on where their money is going.

This will mean home care users can be confident their money is going directly to care – not not management bonuses, new office fit outs or glossy marketing schemes. 

This is another part of Labor’s plan to improve aged care and boost transparency and accountability in the sector. It follows Labor’s announcement of a crackdown on dodgy residential aged care providers, implementing tough penalties for systematic abuse and neglect.

Labor knows Home Care is an important part of the aged care ecosystem. It is also not without its problems.

According to the Grattan Institute, about 25 per cent of home care fees are taken up by administration and management costs. In evidence to the Aged Care Royal Commission, this has been reported as being as high as 50 per cent. 

Too many Australians are not getting value for money in their home care fees. Their money should be going to care – pure and simple. 

These unacceptably high fees lead to older Australians missing out on the care they need to help them stay living at home. 

Labor will restore confidence in the system by requiring monthly reporting by providers directly to users and their families, showing a breakdown of where their fees are going. It’s time to put the power back in the hands of the users of the home care system, who currently do not have enough information about where their money is going.

We will work with older Australians, families, providers and experts to set caps that protect the quality of residents and the quality of care.

There are many good quality operators doing the right thing. This will protect the reputation of the sector.

Anthony Albanese, Leader of the Australian Labor Party said:

“Labor will restore integrity and transparency to our aged care system. Whether you are in residential care or home care, Australians should have confidence the money they are paying is going where it should – towards their care.

“Labor is calling time on aged care providers who rip off vulnerable Australians. We know home care is a vital part of the aged care system – that’s why we want to make sure it is operating as it should, in the best interests of Australians.”

Clare O’Neil, Shadow Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services said:

“It’s time users of home care packages got better value for money. Fees should be paying for high quality care – not office work. Labor will ensure the whole aged care system – residential and home care – improves on our watch.

“Better accountability, better care, greater confidence. No matter which pathway Australians choose for their care, Labor will be there for them.”

The Morrison Government today approved a $1.25 billion loan through the Critical Minerals Facility to Australian company Iluka Resources, to develop Australia’s first integrated rare earths refinery in Western Australia.

The refinery will produce separated rare earth oxide products (Praseodymium, Dysprosium, Neodymium and Terbium), which are used in permanent magnets in a wide range of technologies, including electric vehicles, clean energy generation and defence.

The Eneabba Refinery Project strongly aligns with the objectives of the Government’s Critical Minerals Strategy. It will capture more value on-shore from our critical minerals, strengthen Australia’s position as a trusted supplier of critical minerals, and create regional jobs crucial for the new energy economy.

This loan builds on our Government’s support for the critical minerals sector to help realise our vision of becoming a global critical minerals powerhouse by 2030.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the announcement represented a decisive step forward in rare earths production and processing in Australia.

“Australia has the best resource industry in the world and we have an unrivalled competitive-edge when it comes to being a reliable, sustainable provider of critical minerals and rare earths,” the Prime Minister said.

“Our support for this project will capitalise on our advantages, helping to strengthen Australia’s critical minerals supply chain while also creating huge job and economic opportunities for Australians for generations to come.

“Australia’s critical minerals are in demand because they are the key input for everything from mobile phones to fighter jets, not to mention the technologies of the future that haven’t even been realised yet.”

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said the project would help secure Australia’s manufacturing capability, unlocking a new generation of high-wage, high-skill, high tech jobs.

“Building a modern manufacturing sector and securing our sovereign capability is a key part of our plans for a stronger economy and a stronger future for Australia,” the Treasurer said.

“Australia’s critical minerals sector and the job-creating industries that rely on it are being supercharged under the Morrison Government’s $2.5 billion Modern Manufacturing Strategy.”

Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan said the project would promote Australia as a reliable and trusted supplier of oxides.

“The Morrison Government is advancing Australia’s position as a world leader in the critical minerals sector,” Minister Tehan said.

“Our Government is supporting businesses to invest in projects in regional Australia, create jobs and meet the global appetite for critical minerals.

“We are working with our trading partners to help facilitate partnerships between Australian critical mineral project proponents and potential sources of offtake and investment.”

Minister for Resources and Water Keith Pitt said the project would help Australia increase its sovereign critical minerals processing capacity, potentially underpinning new industries and applications.

“The facility could supply up to nine per cent of the global rare earth oxide market when it comes online. It will initially use the Eneabba Stockpile – one of the highest-grade sources of rare earth elements in the world,” Minister Pitt said.

“The refinery is also designed to process concentrate from many other deposits across Australia, making it a natural hub and reducing the capital required to bring other projects online.”

This loan will be administered by Export Finance Australia and is the third project under the Government’s Critical Minerals Facility to be announced.

The Morrison Government today approved a $1.25 billion loan through the Critical Minerals Facility to Australian company Iluka Resources, to develop Australia’s first integrated rare earths refinery in Western Australia.

The refinery will produce separated rare earth oxide products (Praseodymium, Dysprosium, Neodymium and Terbium), which are used in permanent magnets in a wide range of technologies, including electric vehicles, clean energy generation and defence.

The Eneabba Refinery Project strongly aligns with the objectives of the Government’s Critical Minerals Strategy. It will capture more value on-shore from our critical minerals, strengthen Australia’s position as a trusted supplier of critical minerals, and create regional jobs crucial for the new energy economy.

This loan builds on our Government’s support for the critical minerals sector to help realise our vision of becoming a global critical minerals powerhouse by 2030.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the announcement represented a decisive step forward in rare earths production and processing in Australia.

“Australia has the best resource industry in the world and we have an unrivalled competitive-edge when it comes to being a reliable, sustainable provider of critical minerals and rare earths,” the Prime Minister said.

“Our support for this project will capitalise on our advantages, helping to strengthen Australia’s critical minerals supply chain while also creating huge job and economic opportunities for Australians for generations to come.

“Australia’s critical minerals are in demand because they are the key input for everything from mobile phones to fighter jets, not to mention the technologies of the future that haven’t even been realised yet.”

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said the project would help secure Australia’s manufacturing capability, unlocking a new generation of high-wage, high-skill, high tech jobs.

“Building a modern manufacturing sector and securing our sovereign capability is a key part of our plans for a stronger economy and a stronger future for Australia,” the Treasurer said.

“Australia’s critical minerals sector and the job-creating industries that rely on it are being supercharged under the Morrison Government’s $2.5 billion Modern Manufacturing Strategy.”

Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan said the project would promote Australia as a reliable and trusted supplier of oxides.

“The Morrison Government is advancing Australia’s position as a world leader in the critical minerals sector,” Minister Tehan said.

“Our Government is supporting businesses to invest in projects in regional Australia, create jobs and meet the global appetite for critical minerals.

“We are working with our trading partners to help facilitate partnerships between Australian critical mineral project proponents and potential sources of offtake and investment.”

Minister for Resources and Water Keith Pitt said the project would help Australia increase its sovereign critical minerals processing capacity, potentially underpinning new industries and applications.

“The facility could supply up to nine per cent of the global rare earth oxide market when it comes online. It will initially use the Eneabba Stockpile – one of the highest-grade sources of rare earth elements in the world,” Minister Pitt said.

“The refinery is also designed to process concentrate from many other deposits across Australia, making it a natural hub and reducing the capital required to bring other projects online.”

This loan will be administered by Export Finance Australia and is the third project under the Government’s Critical Minerals Facility to be announced.