Category: Australian News

Our Watch and Women with Disabilities Victoria are calling for urgent action to end violence against women and girls with disabilities, with 65% of Australian women with a disability having experienced violence.

Challenging ableist attitudes that women and girls with disabilities are ‘vulnerable’, ‘incapable,’ or ‘child-like’, alongside rejecting sexist attitudes are two of the key actions to ending the high rates of violence and abuse experienced by women and girls with disabilities. 

This evidence-based resource Changing the Landscape released by Our Watch and Women with Disabilities Victoria today shows that Australian women and girls with disabilities experience all forms of violence at higher rates, including being twice as likely to experience physical and sexual violence compared to women and girls without disabilities.  But the resource also shows that violence is preventable, not inevitable.  

Changing the Landscape reveals that sexism and ableism contribute to the shockingly high levels of violence experienced by women and girls with disabilities. Gender inequality and ableism play out across all aspects of Australian society, including medical and disability services, workplaces, schools, governments and communities. This resource is included as a recommendation for the Disability Royal Commission to draw on, as part of Our Watch’s submission into the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability.

Our Watch CEO Patty Kinnersly said we all must play our part in stopping this violence before it inflicts harm on women and girls with disabilities, their families and communities.  

“This is not a problem just for the disability community, it is everyone’s problem, and we all must be part of the solution – to end this pervasive and unacceptable abuse. 

“Violence against women and girls with disabilities is not perpetrated by a ‘few bad apples,’ it looks like street harassment, controlling behaviours by paid and unpaid carers, doctors and policy-makers taking away reproductive choices, and institutional violence.  

“The evidence shows that by addressing sexist and ableist attitudes, practices and structures we can stop violence against women and girls with disabilities before it starts. 

“It means challenging ableist attitudes – such as the belief women and girls with disabilities need to be protected or excusing a carer’s abuse because they are ‘burnt-out.”  

“It means workplaces championing equality and increasing the number of women with disabilities in leadership roles, schools being accessible and inclusive, and media amplifying the voices and stories of women and girls with disabilities. 

“This is not just about ending the high rates of violence against women and girls with disabilities, but also about building a society where all women are valued, respected and have equal rights and opportunities,” Ms Kinnersly said. 

Women with Disabilities Victoria CEO, Nadia Mattiazzo said the resource was developed through intensive consultation with people from around Australia – who shared their professional and personal stories.   

“Violence and discrimination are huge experiences in our lives. That is why our organisation has dedicated attention to preventing them.    

“It is a reminder how disability and gender discrimination impact every part of this country and take many forms, especially when they combine with colonisation, racism and other forms of discrimination.   

“We are pleased to be advancing the need for a national focus alongside Our Watch, the national organisation to prevent violence against women and their children. We are hopeful to see government and community service action spring from this resource,” Ms Mattiazzo said. 

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security has backed the enactment of greater oversight of the intelligence community in a new bill, with amendments.

In its review of the Intelligence Oversight and Other Legislation Amendment (Integrity Measures) Bill 2020, tabled today, the Committee supports the passage of the bill following implementation of four key recommendations.

The Bill proposes to expand the oversight jurisdiction of the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security (IGIS) to cover the intelligence functions of the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) and the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC); and expand the oversight of the PJCIS to cover the intelligence functions of AUSTRAC.

The Bill forms part of the Government’s response to the 2020 ‘Richardson Review’ of intelligence legislation.

The Committee has recommended that the bill be passed by Parliament following implementation of four other recommendations:

• That the remit of IGIS and PJCIS be further expanded to also cover the intelligence functions of the Australian Federal Police.
• That in addition to IGIS, PJCIS be similarly provided with an oversight role over ACIC.
• That the Government review the scope and adequacy of legislative provisions relating to the retention and destruction of intelligence material.
• That the Government consider convening a regular meeting of the heads of intelligence integrity agencies, to discuss coordination of their work and promotion of integrity within the National Intelligence Community.

‘In an era of strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific and rapid technological change, the government is rightly providing record funding and new powers to our intelligence community to meet new challenges and evolving threats.

‘It is vital oversight and scrutiny keeps pace with these new capabilities to retain public confidence and ensure scarce resources are most effectively targeted to the most serious risks,’ Chair of the PJCIS, Senator James Paterson said.

Further information on the inquiry as well as a copy of the report can be obtained from the inquiry website.

At the request of Emergency Management Australia, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) is providing military planners as well as augmentation and ADF-only quick reaction teams to support aged care facilities in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and South Australia impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

These support teams will include a number of roles including team leaders, registered and enrolled nurses, and supporting personnel. The placement of personnel will be made in consultation with the Department of Health.

When parliament resumes on Tuesday 8 February, Australian Greens Education spokesperson Senator Mehreen Faruqi will move to establish a Senate inquiry into her private members’ bill, the Australian Research Council Amendment (Ensuring Research Independence) Bill 2018.

Senator Faruqi’s bill would remove ministerial discretion in relation to the approval of research grants administered by the Australian Research Council.

Senator Faruqi said:

“Researchers and universities are absolutely fed-up with this nonsensical, harmful veto power which allows targeted political interference in research funding.

“Two Liberal ministers have now vetoed seventeen projects in the last four years.

“I have a bill that would remove this power and it’s about time the Senate took a look at it.

“By hearing from university communities, academics, researchers and unions, the Senate will be forced to confront the real-world, damaging impact the veto has.

“Political interference has no place in research funding. The actions of the current government have been simply despicable in this regard.

“I hope that through this process, Labor can finally come to the table and commit to supporting the removal of the ministerial veto ahead of the federal election.”

At the Greens’ first face to face Party Room meeting of the year on Monday 7 February before Parliament resumes, the party will confirm the approach it will take to Labor’s climate legislation in balance of power in the Senate and the House in the likely event of a change of government at the upcoming election.

With few sitting weeks likely between the resumption of Parliament after the election and the next UN climate summit in Egypt in November, and with a substantial amount of Labor’s climate policy requiring legislation, the Greens will seek a temporary moratorium on new coal, gas and oil projects until the Egypt Summit so detailed discussions can take place and new climate laws enacted before the summit begins.

Although the Greens’ policy remains for the rapid phase out of coal and gas and net-zero emissions by 2035, about which the Greens will announce further policies during the election campaign, the circuit-breaker proposal from the Greens only applies to new coal and gas projects, not existing ones.

With Australian action on coal and gas vital to the next climate summit’s success, the Greens say their approach in the Senate will be to improve not block Labor’s legislation, but that opening up new coal and gas projects will be a likely obstacle to progress. 

It comes with new research showing that if the 114 currently proposed coal, oil, and gas projects are allowed to continue, they will emit pollution equivalent to 2.5 times Australia’s annual carbon emissions. The Betaloo project alone will increase Australia’s emissions by an estimated 13%, something not accounted for in Government or Labor climate modelling.

With the United States and the United Kingdom leading a global push to phase out coal and gas, but with Labor and Liberal both committed to opening new coal and gas projects, the Greens say the only way Australia will take action on coal and gas is with a change of government and the Greens in balance of power.

MPs at the 7 February Party Room meeting will also be joined by the 3 lead Senate candidates in South Australia, Queensland and NSW, where the Greens are aiming to win new seats at the next election, as well as candidates in key lower house seats the Greens are targeting. 

Polling from Essential suggests that 62% of Australian voters support a stop on new coal mines, including 70% of Labor voters. Polling has also found the Greens’ climate targets have the most popular support of any of the parties, according to Resolve. A power sharing Parliament is a likely outcome from the next election and, even if Labor achieves a majority in the House, the Greens are set to hold the balance of power in the Senate, potentially in our own right.

“Australia needs to stop opening up new coal and gas mines,” said Greens Leader, Adam Bandt.

“We want a pause on coal and gas while talking. It’s a pretty reasonable position. It’s not even  about existing coal and gas projects, we’re just saying don’t open up new ones. You’ve got to stop pouring petrol on the fire before you can put it out.

“After we kick the Liberals out, I’m sure we can work with Labor to pass their climate legislation before the next climate summit to help boost climate action worldwide, but opening up new coal and gas mines is a problem. 

“We have differences of views about how quickly we should get out of existing coal and gas, but everyone can surely agree that we shouldn’t open up new coal and gas projects.

“With everyone from the International Energy Agency to the United Nations saying there must be no new coal and gas projects, this temporary freeze is a modest demand that no sensible government could reasonably refuse.

“The only way we’ll get a pause on new coal and gas projects is with the Liberals out and the Greens in balance of power.”

The Greens say the government’s decision to abandon its ICAC promise, while simultaneously trying to push through a hateful bill to protect bigotry, is proof that they never intended to establish an anti-corruption body in the first place. 

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

“Anyone who is surprised that the government has abandoned its promise to establish a federal integrity commission hasn’t been paying attention. It’s yet another broken promise from a PM who lies and lies.

“The PM promised an ICAC 1152 days ago when it was electorally convenient, then spent the next 1152 days doing everything he could to not keep that promise.

“In the meantime we’ve had SportsRorts, Watergate, Pork and Ride and public money being given hand over fist to coal and gas donors.

“The PM was never going to implement an effective and independent anti-corruption watchdog, because he knows that if he did he’d be at risk of losing half his cabinet.

“This is the dodgiest government in Australian history and its priorities are all wrong. Instead of trying to protect our democracy and rebuild public faith in politics they’re busy legislating discrimination against gay kids and teachers.

“My National Integrity Commission Bill passed the Senate more than two years ago. In balance of power after the next election the Greens will push the next government to pass that bill through the House and begin to restore integrity to parliament and our public institutions.”

As Queensland kids return to classrooms tomorrow, the Greens have pledged to keep them safe and healthy by fully funding comprehensive consent education and providing free period products from sustainable suppliers.

While most parents will rightly be focused on ensuring their children are protected from Covid-19, the Greens recognise that many schoolkids face other significant challenges, including sexual harassment and assault, and period poverty.

The Greens will:

• invest $477 million to support the national rollout of Our Watch’s Respectful Relationships education in all public schools; and
• provide $68.5 million over 10 years to make pads and tampons free in all public schools.

The highest rates of sexual assault and harassment still occur among 15-19 year olds, making it critically important that work is done to ensure student safety. Nationally consistent respectful relationships and consent education is key to making schools safe, promoting gender equality, and eliminating rape culture.

Although period products are a health essential, for many students and their families paying for pads and tampons is a financial burden. The Greens’ plan will improve students’ health and wellbeing, reduce period stigma, and ensure that no student has to skip school during their period because they cannot afford period products. 

The above policies are in addition to our plan for truly free public education and Covid-safe classrooms, launched last month.

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

“With the Omicron variant still persistent in the community, parents are rightly anxious to ensure that their children are protected as they return to school. That’s why last month the Greens announced our plan to provide $224.1m to install HEPA filters and CO2 monitors to improve air quality in schools.

“But Covid-19 isn’t the only challenge facing many kids. Children must be safe from sexual assault, bullying and harassment, and learn at school about healthy boundaries and respect.

“The Greens will fully fund the delivery of Our Watch’s age appropriate, whole-of-school and evidence-based Respectful Relationships program in all public schools.
 
“We know that an alarming number of people still disbelieve or victim-blame survivors of assault. Sexual consent education in schools can help dismantle this persistent rape culture and ensure everyone understands that anything less than informed and enthusiastic consent means no. 

“All students should get the benefit of learning about respect, gender equality and not letting their career aspirations be limited by their gender.

“Period poverty is also a major problem faced by many students. Some students use socks or rolled up toilet paper to manage their periods. Many students skip school out of shame.

“Period products are a necessity, not a luxury, and it’s about time we made them accessible to everyone, regardless of their income.  The Greens’ policy costing allows for supplies of carbon-neutral, largely compostable period products.

“Less than $7 million a year is a very small price to pay to improve the health and wellbeing of students, reduce period stigma, and ensure that no one has to skip school.”

Greens education spokesperson Senator Mehreen Faruqi said:

“A national, fully-funded rollout of school-based programs about respectful relationships is long overdue.

“In our patriarchal society, boys, in particular, are at risk of developing harmful attitudes and behaviours which can lead to sexual violence and harassment.

“There must be respectful relationships education including sexual consent in all schools across the country. The Greens will make this happen.”

An Albanese Labor Government will ensure all Australian schoolchildren can develop the digital and media literacy skills they need to stay safe and thrive in the online world.

Labor is today announcing it will support the national rollout of the eSmart Digital Licence+ for primary and secondary school students, as well as the eSmart Media Literacy Lab for secondary school students, to be developed and delivered by the Alannah & Madeline Foundation. 

The eSmart Digital Licence+ equips children with the digital literacy required to harness the opportunities and deal with the challenges of the internet. The eSmart Media Literacy Labempowers young people to think critically, create responsibly, and be active citizens online.

Improving digital media literacy are keyrecommendations of the ACCC’s Digital Platforms Inquiry report, but delivery of these programs is currently limited to schools who can afford it or have philanthropic support. 

It’s another example of the Morrison Government doing too little, too late. Australian children deserve a government that is on their side and prioritises their safety online. 

That’s why Labor’s plan will expand this to all schools, ensuring all Australian children have access to critical knowledge and skills in the digital economy.

The Shadow Minister for Education, Tanya Plibersek said “for years our kids have been getting a pen licence as they learn to write – this is the pen licence for the digital age.” 

“Labor wants to ensure these resources are available to all children, regardless of what school they go to. It’s crucial all our kids learn the skills they need to keep them safe online,” Ms Plibersek said.

The Shadow Minister for Communications, Michelle Rowland said the internet was providing new opportunities but also posing challenges when it comes to online safety. 

“Whether it’s to confront cyberbullying or disinformation, we need to provide our children with the best tools available. Australian kids deserve no less.”

The Assistant Shadow Minister for Communications and Cyber Security, Tim Watts said “any parent can tell you that during the pandemic we’ve seen more kids spending more time on screens. Unfortunately, the experts tell us we’ve also seen more kids exposed to the ugly side of being online.” 

“We need to act now to ensure every Australian child has the skills and knowledge they need to stay safe online,” Mr Watts said.

Alannah & Madeline Foundation CEO, Sarah Davies AM, said “it is critical that legislative and industry changes are coupled with initiatives that build digital intelligence and media literacy skills in children and young people, as well as in schools, early childhood settings, families, and support services. We want every Australian school student to have access to our comprehensive suite of Australian curriculum-aligned, and evidence-informed eLearning programs so they are empowered with the skills to effectively and safely use technology today, and in the future.”

The eSmart Digital Licence and Media Literacy Lab are among the most comprehensive digital and media literacy resources available in Australia, developed with the DQ Institute in Singapore to internationally recognised global standards. 

Improving digital skills and enhancing eSafety is a whole of society effort and Labor is pleased to support the Alannah & Madeline Foundation in leveraging its good work in our community.

This commitment will cost $6 million over three years which is a small but powerful investment in digital skills to support our children’s safety online, their participation as digital citizens and the development of Australia’s future workforce.

Research shows that Lifeline’s Crisis Text service is reaching entirely new groups of Australians in distress and at high risk of suicide.

Since 2019, Lifeline has provided Australia’s only Crisis Text helpline, providing support to people in psychological distress. Thanks to a $1.5 million grant from the Australian Government, Lifeline Australia has now been able to fast-track the expansion of text and chat services to 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week to meet demand and increase accessibility for hard-to-reach groups.

Lifeline CEO Colin Seery said that rather than diverting phone calls from the 13 11 14 service, the always-on digital platform has in fact increased the range and total number of people contacting the organisation.

“This is a landmark in suicide prevention in Australia and is all about bringing help to people who are in situations and environments where accessing support through digital communication is the only safe or viable option,” said Mr Seery.

“The service is unique in that it allows for genuine privacy during contact, so it is well suited to support cohorts at heightened vulnerability such as help seekers experiencing domestic and family violence or those living with a disability.”

In a 2019 evaluation of the original service by the Australian Health Services Research Institute, 42 percent of contacts said they would not have used another service if the text or chat were not available.

Of 1000 help seekers who were asked to provide demographic information, the median age of people using the service is 24 years old, while 80% of help seekers identified as female.

Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said Lifeline’s 24/7 text service is an important expansion of the vital service the charity provides in crisis support and suicide prevention.

“The significant surge in demand for Lifeline’s services during COVID means more people are reaching out for help, and services like Lifeline are there to help,” said Minister Hunt.

“The expansion of the text service is backed by data showing that it is the preferred channel for high risk members of the community including young people, those experiencing family and domestic violence, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.”

The Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, David Coleman, said the Morrison Government’s long partnership with Lifeline was part of its resolute commitment to suicide prevention.

“Lifeline’s crisis service and the passion of its volunteers mean that no Australian has to experience their darkest moment alone – they literally save lives,” said Mr Coleman.

Lifeline Crisis Text is currently funded by the New South Wales State Government through a $6 million four-year grant agreement. The service has also been supported under the COVID-19 response funding ($2.5m) provided to Lifeline by the Australian Government.

NSW Minister for Mental Health, Regional Health and Women, Bronnie Taylor welcomed the fast-tracking of the 24/7 service.

“It is so important for people to be able to access support in a timely way when they are doing it tough, especially for those in difficult living environments.”

“Lifeline’s text service is uniquely placed to deliver that immediate help as well as referring help seekers to other services if they need it.”

To handle the unique challenges of the service, Lifeline is continuing to train a new legion of volunteers, while In Shift Support Supervisors offer psychological support in real time with up to eight Crisis Supporters on a shift.

Mr Seery thanked Woolworths, RACV, Domino’s registered charity Give for Good, nib Group and AGL for their backing of Lifeline 24/7 Crisis Text.

“On behalf of Lifeline Australia, I would like to thank our incredible partners for their generosity. Their contributions have enabled us to get to this landmark in digital national crisis support provision and are continuing to make a difference in the lives of real people.”

If you, or someone you know are feeling overwhelmed, we encourage you to connect with

Lifeline in the way you feel most comfortable.

You can phone Lifeline to speak to a Crisis Supporter on 13 11 14 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week), text 0477 131 114 (24 hours/7days) or chat to Lifeline online at www.lifeline.org.au (24 hours/7 days).

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has endorsed the use of the Telecommunications Sector Security Reforms (TSSR), making six recommendations to improve its continued operation and address industry concerns.

The TSSR reforms were enacted in September 2018 to help manage the national security risks of espionage, sabotage and foreign interference in Australia’s telecommunications networks and facilities.

The Committee commenced a review in late 2020 to ensure the operation, effectiveness and implications of the reforms were being achieved in line with the original intention of the government and the PJCIS when legislated in 2018.

The Committee today presented its recommendations which address industry concerns on the operation of the existing framework, as well as to complement the continued evolution of the government’s cybersecurity and critical infrastructure reform agenda.

The six recommendations cover:

ensuring that reforms and regulation are informed by the latest global network trends and threats;
ensuring that the aim of increased security and cyber-resilience is a central object of the Telecommunications Act 1997; and
increasing government and industry collaboration and information sharing in a collaborative working environment to ensure that threat-sharing is efficient, and that any further reforms are co-designed between industry and government to avoid regulatory duplication.
Chair of the Committee, Senator James Paterson said the lives and livelihoods of Australians depended on safe and secure telecommunication networks and facilities.

‘When our economy and way of life is so heavily reliant on telecommunication networks, this is an area of vulnerability that can be exploited by both state and non-state actors who may seek to cause us harm,’ Senator Paterson said.

‘That’s why we need appropriate safeguards that empower both service providers and the government to protect our networks from national security risks.

The Committee’s recommendations aim to refine the current operation of the reforms to help secure the telecommunications sector, to protect our economy and national security,’ Senator Paterson said.

Further information on the inquiry as well as a copy of the report can be obtained from the inquiry website.