Category: Australian News

Television reports (also attached) have shown shocking scenes at Warwick Farm train station.
 
Commuters are dodging syringes, broken glass and human waste just to get to work or school and it’s been that way for months.

Families, workers, children and small businesses have been abandoned after three months and multiple complaints made while the Minns Labor Government tinkers around the edges and can’t even say when this problem will be fixed.
 
The report has also revealed that nurses have been attacked at this car park.
 
Our police are working around the clock and doing everything they can, but they have been left to carry the burden of a government that refuses to act.
 
Premier Chris Minns, Transport Minister John Graham, Police Minister Yasmin Catley and Homelessness Minister Rose Jackson have the power to fix this, yet they are nowhere to be seen.
 
Local Labor MP Charishma Kaliyanda, who once sat on Liverpool City Council and knows these problems better than most, only decided to say something after media pointed it out.

Instead of working with her Premier, her Transport Minister, her Police Minister and her Homelessness Minister to sort it out, she has chosen to spin the blame.
 
Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said everyday people should not have to walk past needles and human waste to catch a train.
 
“The government has the power to fix Warwick Farm but they unable to say when. Delays and spin are all they do, but that doesn’t make the problem go away,” Mr Speakman said.
 
Shadow Minister for Transport and Roads Natalie Ward said commuters at Warwick Farm have been let down.
 
“What we’ve seen was confronting and shameful. John Graham cannot hide from the reality that people are scared to use their own station,” Ms Ward said.
 
Shadow Minister for Police Paul Toole said our police are on the ground doing everything they can, but they cannot be left to clean up this mess.
 
“They need a government that backs them, not one that goes missing when the community cries out for help,” Mr Toole said.
 
Shadow Minister for Homelessness Natasha Maclaren-Jones said Rose Jackson talks about tackling homelessness with compassion, yet Warwick Farm shows the truth of her approach.
 
““Enough is enough. The homelessness crisis just keeps getting worse under Labor, with more people left to live on the streets, train stations are becoming unsafe, and families are forced to walk their kids past syringes and human waste,” Ms Maclaren-Jones said.
 
The NSW Minns Labor Government with its local member need to clean up Warwick Farm station, restore safety for residents and commuters, and put an end to Labor’s culture of passing the buck while communities suffer.

The foundations are almost complete and the first structures are beginning to take shape as RAAF Base Townsville forges ahead with infrastructure works, to prepare for the arrival of Australian Army’s AH-64E Apache helicopter fleet. 

The Albanese Government is investing $700 million for critical infrastructure upgrades and facilities works in Townsville. The works support the introduction of the Apache helicopters, including accommodation for the 16th Aviation Brigade Headquarters who recently relocated from Brisbane, and for the 1st Aviation Regiment who have commenced their relocation from Darwin.

The Apache is the most advanced helicopter currently in operation. Its introduction into service will be a step change in Army’s aviation capability.

Basing Apache in Townsville alongside the expanded CH-47F Chinook fleet allows Army to generate, sustain and deploy a stronger and more resilient helicopter capability for Defence.

These critical infrastructure works are part of the Albanese Government’s focus on investing in Australia’s northern bases, in line with the 2024 National Defence Strategy. Works underway include:

• New aircraft hangars, as well as renovations to existing hangars;
• New working accommodation;
• New training and command facilities;
• A simulation hall to accommodate Apache Pilot Simulation Training and the Army Aviation Training Centre Attack Helicopter Wing; and
• Multi-storey car park facilities to support personnel working at the base. 

The construction phase of the project is set to inject $375 million into the North Queensland economy and bring significant investment into local construction trades, industries and suppliers. At the peak of construction, more than 275 jobs will be created within the Townsville region.

Defence has partnered with CPB Contractors as the managing contractor for the works, who are committed to generating opportunities for local tradies to upskill. This commitment to offer new entry-level pathways to locals, supports the Albanese Government’s aim to build stronger capability within north Queensland’s workforce. 

Construction works are expected to be completed by 2028. 

Assistant Minister for Defence, Peter Khalil:

“By strengthening our northern bases, we’re not just investing in infrastructure —we’re safeguarding our national security and ensuring the ADF can defend Australia’s interests. 

“RAAF Base Townsville is critical to our operations in the North and this $700 million transformation will help ensure Australia’s Defence estate is fit for purpose and ready to support operations in our region. 

“We’re also committed to supporting the local industry and businesses who have been chosen to help deliver the program of works, which will create more than 275 new jobs for North Queenslanders.”

Assistant Minister for Northern Australia, Nita Green:

“RAAF Base Townsville plays an important role in protecting our nation and our communities. There’s no clearer example of that than the role played by the Army’s 5th Aviation Regiment in the response to the most recent North Queensland floods. 

“These upgrades will support the personnel that support the community. That’s why they are so vital for Townsville.”

The Prime Minister has not been briefed by the authors of the doomsday Climate Risk Report, and appears to have pre-determined the upcoming 2035 climate target potentially over six months ago and without having considered the dire warnings for Australian society given by scientists, according to explosive revelations in the Senate Standing Committees on Environment and Communications on Tuesday.

Representatives of the Australian Climate Service (ACS, the agency responsible for the National Climate Risk Analysis) told the Greens-led hearing that they had been unable to brief the Prime Minister on the report’s diabolical contents (clip available here, 9:23-9:26 from the inquiry).

The inquiry also heard from Treasury officials that they have modelled just one figure for a 2035 emissions reduction target, and that work commenced prior to the last election, suggesting Labor pre-determined a climate target without first evaluating the catastrophic risk to Australians, and kept it hidden at the election. (Climate Risk Inquiry Hearing, 11:10-11:11 & 11:17-11:18)

Greens Leader Senator Larissa Waters:

“Today we found out the Prime Minister hasn’t even met with the scientists who authored the climate doomsday report.

“1.5 million people are at risk of their homes constantly flooding or falling into the sea in the next 25 years, but the Prime Minister doesn’t want to know about it.

“I’m sure it was easier to approve the North West Shelf gas project with your fingers in your ears, ignoring the real-life terrifying trajectory Australia is on towards climate collapse in the next 25 years.

“The Prime Minister will soon announce Australia’s climate target, but was apparently too busy to talk to the researchers about 1.5 million displaced people, a collapsing health system, crop failures creating food insecurity and the national security implications of the target he’s chosen.

“Treasury officials admitted today that they modelled a single climate target months ago. When they inevitably say they got the balance right, the first question should be how do you know, since Treasury never modelled another scenario.

“Anything less than zero emissions by 2035 locks in the worst scenarios contained in this report.

“Leaders in the business community including Fortescue, Volvo and Unilever have called for a target of at least 75% to incentivise the renewable transition.

“The systemic collapse of climate change will be this Prime Minister’s legacy if he doesn’t set a strong climate target this week and stop approving new coal and gas projects.”

Greens respond to Communications Minister Anika Wells’ announcement today of the final rules for social media ban.

Greens Spokesperson for Communication, Senator Sarah Hanson-Young:

“The Government’s newly released rules for the social media ban today show what a farce this ban is.

“Rather than policing the sharks, the government is just hoping kids don’t jump in the water. 

“This is going to leave a lot of parents and a lot of young people in a vulnerable state come December when the ban kicks in.

“If the government was serious about protecting our kids, they would hit the social media companies where it hurts: their business model. 

“We need a ban on social media companies targeting minors with advertising and dangerous algorithms. That is the only reason these companies want young people on their platforms; so they can sell them things, target them with their advertising, and collect their data.

“I challenge the government – work with the Greens to put in place a digital duty of care and prohibit online advertising to minors. The Greens are willing to work together on this important reform to protect our kids and make social media safer for everyone.”

The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem and Israel, today made clear that Israel has committed genocide against the Palestinians in Gaza. The Albanese Government must now acknowledge the genocide and take direct material actions in the wake of these findings.

The United Nations commission’s report made clear that countries like Australia have an immediate legal duty under the Genocide Convention to employ all means available to prevent and punish the crime of genocide.

These actions include ending the transfer of weapons and other equipment to Israel, including through third countries, and imposing sanctions.

Senator David Shoebridge, Greens spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, said:

“We know what the Albanese Government must do, the UN have made it crystal clear, stop the two-way arms trade with Israel, and sanction the Israeli Government.”

“The Albanese Government must now finally acknowledge there is a genocide in Gaza.”

“This report concludes the Israeli military is committing a genocide in Gaza. The Albanese Labor Government continues to allow Australian citizens to fight in the Israeli military as active participants in this genocide. That cannot continue.”

“We know that the Israeli military is using Australian-made weapons and weapon parts. This includes the F-35 fighter jet parts, the R400 turret photographed in Israel this year, the DroneGun and armoured steel. By allowing this deadly trade, the Albanese Government is complicit in a genocide.

“Instead of acting, the Albanese Government has been gaslighting the Australian public about its role in the genocide and its legal responsibilities to prevent it.

“There is a current example of the action needed to address gross breaches of international law and it’s the sanctions against Russia. Australia must now impose the same sanctions regime against Israel and do all it can to prevent Israel’s genocide in Gaza.”

Senator Mehreen Faruqi, Greens spokesperson on International Aid and Justice, said:

“How many reports and inquiries confirming Israel is committing a genocide against the Palestinian people will it take for Prime Minister Albanese and Minister Wong to face the evil they have allowed to continue unchecked for the past two years?”

“The United Nations Commission of Inquiry Report is yet another nail in the coffin of Israel’s disgusting attempts to pretend there is any legitimate reason for the violence and horror it is inflicting on the people of Gaza.

“The Albanese Government has failed over and over again to demonstrate any courage, compassion or sense of human decency.

“This report must be the turning point. The Government must sanction Israel, expel the Israeli ambassador and end the two-way arms trade.”

The Albanese Government has today released its National Climate Risk Assessment.

The Opposition has accepted a briefing from the Australian Climate Service and will examine the assumptions behind the report, including how projections have been made about health, property prices, insurance costs, and impacts on communities and businesses.

Climate change is a global problem, and it demands global action. Australia cannot make a difference on its own, but we must play our part. The Coalition will always support sensible action to reduce emissions, strengthen resilience, and protect communities.

Our nation has the capacity and resources to meet the challenge of climate change with the right policies and priorities. This is a moment to reassure Australians. What Australians do not need is alarmist language being used to distract from Labor’s failures.

There is a trifecta of Labor failure: prices are up, reliability is down, and emissions are flatlining. Labor went to the 2022 election with three promises — a $275 cut to power bills by 2025, 82 per cent renewables by 2030, and a 43 per cent emissions reduction target by 2030. They have either failed or are failing on all three.

Power prices are up 39 per cent, or $1,300 more than promised for 2025-26.

The 82 per cent renewables target is off track, with experts forecasting just 65 per cent at best. The rollout is only half the pace needed and industry is crying out for gas.

After emissions rose under Labor, they now sit at 28 per cent below 2005 levels — exactly the same as when the Coalition left office.

It is expected Labor will unveil its 2035 emissions target later this week. Any target must pass two simple tests: it must be credible, and it must be upfront about the cost to households and small businesses. 

We need to reduce emissions, but not at any cost. If Labor cannot outline the cost and a credible pathway, why should Australians trust them not to force households and small businesses to pay even more? Don’t look at what Labor says, look at what it does.

The Minns Labor Government has announced it will provide $5.4 million to NSW Surf Life Saving Clubs through the Surf Club Facility Program.

The Program provides funding to keep clubs modern, inclusive and accessible with grants up to $1 million are available across three categories for projects that upgrade, restore or construct surf lifesaving facilities.

The Minns Labor Government is focused on its commitment to build better communities, and as such the program will now include grants for project design and planning, ensuring surf club projects are supported from concept to completion.

The Program aims to assist eligible Surf Life Saving Clubs throughout NSW to create new and upgraded inclusive and accessible facilities. Projects that encourage participation by women and girls, people with disability, First Nations peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and LGBTQIA+ are a priority of the Program.

Applications for Category 1 close 20 October 2025 while applications for Categories 2 and 3 close 10 November 2025.

For further information and to apply visit: Surf Club Facility Program. 

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

“The weather is heating up and summer is almost here.

“The Surf Club Facility Program will provide critical funding to our surf lifesaving clubs to enable them to better protect beachgoers.

“The inclusion of grants for design and planning means clubs are supported from concept to completion and better equipped to apply for funding at later stages of projects.

“This Program is part of our four-year $21.6 million commitment to ensure our Surf Life Saving Clubs are modern, safe and inclusive.”

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“Our dedicated volunteers are dusting off their caps for the upcoming patrol season as the NSW Government delivers on its record investment in Surf Life Saving NSW.

“The $5.4 million in upgrades to be funded through this program will help surf life savers to better protect beach lovers along the entire NSW coastline.

“Coupled with the new and upgraded equipment, additional jet skis, and Emergency Response Beacons funded by the NSW Government, our volunteers are being equipped with the latest modern and safe equipment to continue their incredible work.”

President of Surf Life Saving NSW Peter Agnew said:

“The funding provided by the NSW Government is vital to ensuring our surf clubs are safe and fit for purpose in what are sometimes extreme weather conditions which take an enormous toll on our clubs’ facilities.

“Our membership continues to grow and with more than 83,000 lifesavers and Nippers.

“Providing safe, secure, and accessible facilities for members and the communities they protect is more important than ever.”

The NSW Government is making $100,000 dollars in funding available to support projects across the state that honour the service and sacrifice of our veterans via the 2025 Veteran Community Grants Program.

Formerly known as Anzac Community Grants, the program has been refreshed with a greater emphasis on assisting projects that support recognition of the veteran community and events that acknowledge significant military anniversaries.

Grants of up to $3,000 are available for projects that commemorate and educate local communities on the service and sacrifices of current and former service personnel. Activities that support the wellbeing of veterans in New South Wales are also eligible.

Funding is available across four categories: local community historical research and education; preservation or display of war memorabilia; public commemorative events; and projects that support the NSW veteran community.

Last year more than 90 projects were funded through the program.

Individuals and non-for-profit organisations in NSW, including local government authorities, ex-service organisations and educational institutions, are encouraged to apply for a grant.

The grant round closes at 5pm on Tuesday 11 November 2025.

More information and details on how to apply are available here: Veteran Community Grants Program.

Minister for Veterans David Harris said:

“I am pleased to announce the opening of the Veteran Community Grants Program. The funding available from this program will support a range of initiatives that recognise and support veterans and educate the local community on our military history.

“Since 2015, the program has been committed to honouring and commemorating the service and sacrifice of our ex-serving military personnel. The renewed Veteran Community Grants Program emphasises recognition and commemoration of veterans across NSW, which is a key pillar of the NSW Veterans Strategy 2025-2030.

“I encourage individuals and organisations who are interested in acknowledging the service and sacrifice of our veterans to apply and look forward to seeing the range of project proposals that are received.”

As part of the celebrations of 50 years of Papua New Guinea’s independence, Australia will support the construction of a new ministerial wing for Papua New Guinea’s National Parliament.

This gift recognises our common understanding of the democratic principles that underpin the modern Australia-PNG relationship, and the role of our parliaments in reflecting the voices of our people.

The concept of yumi stap wantaim — side-by-side, step-by-step — will be incorporated into the design and delivery of the new ministerial wing.

Construction will follow a Papua New Guinea-led design and consultation process, and draw on local craftsmanship and expertise.

In January 2023, Prime Minister Albanese became the first foreign leader to address the National Parliament of Papua New Guinea.

Just over a year later, in February 2024, Prime Minister Marape was the first Pacific leader to address both Members and Senators in the Parliament of Australia.

This mutual recognition reflects the shared democratic values and warm friendship between Australia and Papua New Guinea, which continues to grow.

Prime Minister Albanese

“Our support for the expansion of Parliament House is an investment in Papua New Guinea’s democracy and sovereignty that will benefit future generations.

“At a ceremony held in Port Moresby on the day of independence in 1975, Australia’s then-Prime Minister Gough Whitlam observed ours is ‘a relationship of equals, based on mutual respect, understanding and trust’.

“As close neighbours and warm friends, the future prosperity of our two nations are bound together.”

This week, the Ninth Australia-China High Level Dialogue will be held in Beijing, bringing together representatives from government, industry, academia, media, health and the arts, as well as former political leaders.

Dialogue and direct engagement between Australia and China is central to a constructive relationship. Established in 2014, the Dialogue enables Australia and China to frankly discuss a range of shared interests including trade and investment, education, cultural ties, and regional and international security.

Former Trade Minister, the Hon Dr Craig Emerson, will again co-chair the Dialogue as head of the Australian delegation. Former federal government minister the Hon Warwick Smith AO will also join the Dialogue, reflecting continued bipartisan support.

The Australian delegation comprises senior representatives from businesses, peak bodies, cultural institutions and think tanks. Together they represent areas of significance to Australia’s relationship with China, today and into the future.

Australia’s Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China, Mr Scott Dewar, and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Deputy Secretary for Strategic Planning and Coordination, Ms Elly Lawson, will participate as delegates.

The Dialogue is co-hosted by the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations and the Chinese People’s Institute for Foreign Affairs (CPIFA). China’s delegation will be led by Mr Li Zhaoxing, Honorary President of CPIFA.