Category: Australian News

Responding to the Prime Minister’s attempts to rewrite history and issue ‘take it or leave it’ ultimatums to the Parliament, Greens Leader Adam Bandt has warned that the Prime Minister risks misreading the national mood for co-operation on climate.

Mr Bandt added that Labor needs to understand its vote went backwards at the election and that while the government has a slim majority in the Lower House, the Greens also have an increased mandate in the Senate, and that the government risks creating 3 years of conflict by starting with belligerence.

“The Greens are willing to work constructively with Labor, but it seems Labor’s approach is ‘take it or leave it’,” said Mr Bandt.

“Labor risks letting their idea of the perfect be the enemy of the good.

“This ‘my way or the highway’ approach from Labor is setting Australia up for a very long three years.

“The government should choose co-operation over confrontation.

“Let me be clear. The Greens are willing to negotiate on climate. But it seems Labor isn’t. 

“The Greens want to see a stop to new coal and gas projects, as do the Pacific Islanders, the UN, the International Energy Agency and the world’s scientists. Even Labor’s weak climate targets will be blown if they proceed with new gas projects like the Beetaloo Basin, which will lift greenhouse pollution by up to 13%.

“Labor would do well to understand the recent history of the election, where their vote went backwards, less than a third of the country voted for the government and voters put the Greens in balance of power in the Senate. 

“The government needs to work constructively with the Senate this term if it wants to get things done. This could be one of the great reforming Parliaments of all time, and I’m sure there are Ministers that want to get a lot done during their term, but that will involve working with the Greens in the Senate.

“Three years is a long time.”

Fijian Prime Minister Hon. Josaia V. Bainimarama and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese MP have launched a major infrastructure project to enhance Fiji’s maritime capabilities.

Building on the long-standing Vuvale Partnership, Fiji and Australia will construct the new Maritime Essential Services Centre (MESC) in Lami, Fiji.

The MESC will house the Republic of Fiji Navy Headquarters, Suva Radio Coastal Station, Fiji Maritime Surveillance Coordination Centre, and Fiji Hydrographic Office.

The project is valued at $83 million AUD (approx $124 million FJD) and will generate significant work for Fijian construction companies and local workers to support Fiji’s COVID-19 recovery.

Importantly, it will boost Fiji’s leadership in responding to natural disasters, protect local fishing industries, and increase naval and coastal rescue capabilities.

The project is due for completion in 2024 and will be managed by Icon.

Prime Minister Bainimarama said:

Prime Minister Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama thanked the Australian Government for its tremendous support towards the development of new Maritime Essential Services Centre.

“This Maritime Essential Services Centre is set to become a crucial pulse point from which we will be able to better monitor Fijian waters; secure our Blue Economy from internal and external threats and undertake the expansion of our maritime protected areas in our journey towards achieving 100% ocean sustainability – just to name a few.

“The Centre will house the Republic of Fiji’s Naval Headquarters, the Fiji Hydrographic Office, the Fiji Joint Rescue Coordination Centre, the Fiji Maritime Fusion Centre, and the 3DP Suva Coastal Radio.

“The creation of the Maritime Centre is estimated to be completed in 2024 and will inject around $56.2 Million Dollars into the Fijian economy, creating more than 445 jobs across the nation. Good blue jobs that are purpose-built for the future every Fijian wants for ourselves and our children and grand-children.

“Honourable Albanese, on behalf of the people of Fiji I would like to express our sincere gratitude to our Australian Vuvale for your ongoing support, your efforts towards helping Fiji advance securely and sustainably — and your invaluable friendship.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“Australia is helping to build a stronger Pacific family and I am proud to partner with Fiji in the next steps of our Vuvale Partnership.

“The Maritime Essential Services Centre will play a role in enhancing Fiji’s security and prosperity.

“It will protect local fishing industries—an issue of great importance to our Pacific neighbours—and deliver cutting-edge hydrographic monitoring facilities.

“Consistent with our commitment to addressing climate change, these essential services will be housed in an environmentally sustainable facility designed to withstand natural disasters.”

Community Legal Centres across the country are in crisis, forced to turn away thousands of people in desperate need of legal assistance, after more than a decade of Coalition cuts. 

The Greens are today calling on the new Labor government to urgently distribute the funds they promised the sector in the election to meet immediate needs. 

We need the urgent rollout of Labor’s election promises. This can’t wait months and months because every day it’s delayed means hundreds more people being denied the most basic justice. 

Senator David Shoebridge, the Greens spokesperson for Justice said: 

“A fair go in the legal system shouldn’t only be available to the rich. To make this happen the new Parliament needs to step up with ambitious investment in access to justice. 

“The Coalition cuts to funding are being felt right now by real people seeking help often on the worst day of their lives. “The funding cuts and uncertainty faced by Community Legal Services mean vulnerable people who need urgent legal help are being turned away, with potentially catastrophic consequences. 

“It’s time to move away from the uncertainty of funding these essential services year by year, and commit going forward to long term generous investment in access to justice. 

“We know who is most harmed by a lack of access to community justice and legal centres, it’s those in our community who are already struggling, it’s women, First Nations families, CALD communities and people without a job. It’s well past time their needs were prioritised in the legal system,” Senator Shoebridge said

LSenator Lidia Thorpe, the Greens spokesperson for First Nations said: 

“First Nations families and communities are experiencing ongoing deaths in custody, child removal, family violence and Aboriginal Legal Services are having to shut their doors because of inadequate funding from state and federal Governments. 

“An independent review found that lawyers at Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services (ATSILS) are paid approximately 20-24% less than the equivalent at Legal Aid Commissions, ATSILS service demands have increased by up to at least 20% each year and no further funding was allocated in the 2021-22 Budget.

“How can First Nations people expect justice in this country, when our lawyers are overworked, underpaid and demand for legal assistance grows without any additional resources? The Greens are calling on the Albanese Government to do better and give the people in this country equal access to legal services. No justice. No peace.” 

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

The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) and Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA) is now available in the local government areas of Cumberland, Mid Coast, Muswellbrook, Nambucca, Newcastle, Port Stephens, Randwick and Warren, which brings the number of LGAs receiving disaster payments as a result of this event to 37.

The assistance has also previously been made available in the local government areas of: Bayside, Blacktown, Blue Mountains, Camden, Canterbury-Bankstown, Campbelltown, Central Coast, Cessnock, Dungog, Fairfield, Georges River, Hawkesbury, Hornsby, Kiama, Lake Macquarie, Lithgow, Liverpool, Maitland, Northern Beaches, Penrith, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven, Singleton, Sutherland, The Hills, Upper Lachlan, Wingecarribee, Wollondilly and Wollongong.

The one-off AGDRP of $1000 per eligible adult and $400 per eligible child is available to people who live in those LGAs and who have suffered a significant loss as a result of the floods, including a severely damaged or destroyed home or a serious injury. It is a non-means tested, tax-exempt payment.

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

Minister for Emergency Management, Senator the Hon Murray Watt said as areas were disaster declared, the Albanese Government was making sure financial support was extended to residents.

“The floods were widespread and lasted several days, and as the extent of the damage is reported, we are continuing to make sure support is made available,” Minister Watt said.

“This funding will help to provide for immediate needs, including temporary accommodation, food and clothing.”

Minister for Government Services Bill Shorten said Services Australia’s priority was helping people access essential disaster assistance.

“Staff from Services Australia are processing claims as quickly as possible to ensure people have money available to meet their immediate needs,” Minister Shorten said.

“Almost 528,000 people affected by the severe storms and flooding in New South Wales have already received more than $436 million in Australian Government disaster assistance.

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

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

The Australian Government Emergency Information Line is available Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm, and this coming weekend from 9am to 4pm.

More information about the payments, including all eligible local government areas is available at: www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/disasterevents

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

Information on disaster assistance can be found on the National Recovery and Resilience Agency’s website at www.recovery.gov.au

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will travel to Fiji on Wednesday, 13 July for the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders’ Meeting in Suva.

It will be his first visit to the Pacific as Prime Minister.

The first in-person Leaders’ Meeting since 2019 will bring together Pacific leaders to discuss important issues including Pacific unity, climate change, regional security and economic recovery from COVID-19. 

The Forum has been gathering for more than fifty years and brings together heads of government and representatives from the Forum Members.

The Prime Minister will return to Australia on Friday, 15 July.

The Prime Minister said:

“It is a privilege to visit Fiji to participate in the Pacific Islands Forum. I look forward to meeting my fellow Pacific leaders, hearing their priorities and learning from their experiences.

Australia’s partnership with the Pacific is longstanding. The Pacific Islands Forum is the heart of Pacific regionalism – and Australia is a proud founding member.

A strong, united Pacific Islands Forum is vital to protecting our shared interests in a peaceful, prosperous and resilient region and to addressing the pressing challenges our region faces.”

The Federal Environment Minister must rule out approving the 27 new coal projects set to come across her desk according to analysis by the Sunrise Project, the Greens say.

Greens Environment Spokesperson Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said:

“Approving new coal and gas mines that pollute the environment and make climate change worse is a climate crime.

“The Environment Minister needs to stare down the fossil fuel lobby and take a stand for our environment. 

“No mine should be given approval from the Minister without assessing the climate pollution it will create, alongside the the impact on our threatened species. 

“It is a furphy to give ‘environmental approval’ for a coal or gas mine without considering the environmental damage of climate pollution.

“There are 27 coal projects the Environment Minister could rule out today. The cumulative emissions from these projects is 35 times Australia’s annual emissions, there is absolutely no way they can go ahead and any climate target that prevents further warming be met. 

“The Great Barrier Reef will be gone, there will be more fires and floods, and our iconic native species like the koala will no longer exist in the wild. 

“If the environment is really back, then the Minister will prioritise it over new fossil fuel projects that destroy it. 

“The Greens will be pushing in the new parliament for an overhaul of our broken environment laws and the inclusion of  a ‘climate trigger’ that assesses the climate impacts of a mine, development or land clearing proposal. 

“The Albanese Government has an opportunity to rule out any new coal and gas projects at the Pacific Forum this week, and show our neighbours it is serious about tackling the climate crisis and saving our environment.”

Greens Leader Adam Bandt has called on the government to promise Pacific Leaders that Australia will stop opening coal and gas projects, ahead of the Quad energy meeting with Pacific regional powers in Sydney on Tuesday and the PM’s diplomatic trip to Suva on Wednesday.

Greens Leader Adam Bandt MP said:

“Coal and gas will be the real test for Australia in Pacific diplomacy this week.

“Pacific leaders have been explicit: climate action is key to our nations’ relationship, and climate action means no new coal and gas projects.

“New coal and gas projects mean climate destruction. Our Pacific neighbours are already experiencing turbocharged cyclones, storms, landslides and flooding.

“The floods we’ve seen at home in NSW and QLD are becoming business-as-usual across our region.

“Climate change is the number one national security threat to our region. It’s the foundation for all the relationships between the Pacific, Australia and China.

“The strongest action our new Prime Minister can take for national security is promising our neighbours that we will stop opening new coal and gas projects.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more information, visit Jobs and Skills Summit.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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