Category: Australian News

The Greens today are calling on the Government to ensure the UK-Australia free trade agreement upholds environmental standards, labour rights, human rights and includes a First Nations trade chapter.
Yamatji-Noongar woman and Greens spokesperson for Trade, Dorinda Cox said advancing human rights, protecting workers and our environment should be at the heart of how Australia engages in free trade agreements.
“For too long, we have witnessed dodgy trade deals that undermine workers rights and trash our planet. This must stop. It is essential that the UK-Australia free trade agreement includes measures that address the climate crisis,” she said.
“Securing a First Nations trade chapter as part of this agreement would be a game changer for First Nations businesses across the country. It has the potential to unlock significant capital, create jobs and offer careers on Country.
“Our New Zealand brothers and sisters recently signed a UK-NZ free trade agreement that included an Indigenous trade chapter. I hope that Australia can follow this path.
“The Greens are disappointed that the text of the agreement was not released to the community before it was finalised. It is clear we need a more transparent and democratic process for negotiating treaties that enables community engagement going forwards.”

The Australian Government has implemented further measures to protect remote communities during the current COVID-19 outbreak in the Northern Territory.
As Minister for Health and Aged Care, I have made a determination under section 477 of the Commonwealth Biosecurity Act 2015 to prevent a person from entering or exiting Ali Curung and surrounding homelands, which is aimed at stopping any further spread of COVID-19 in the region.
These measures are based on the medical advice from the Chief Medical Officer, Professor Paul Kelly and will help to contain the current outbreak by restricting entry into and exit from these communities. This will assist in preventing the spread of the disease, including to neighbouring remote communities in the Northern Territory.
The Determination was requested by the Northern Territory Government to supplement restrictions they have implemented and is supported by the Central Land Council and the Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance of the Northern Territory (AMSANT).
The approach is consistent with extensive planning undertaken by the Australian Government in partnership with the Northern Territory Government, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Group on COVID-19, the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO), Northern Territory Land Councils, and the National Indigenous Australians’ Agency (NIAA). This response was also:

• informed by the predictive modelling on an outbreak in a remote community by the Kirby Institute and University of Melbourne and modelling looking at an outbreak in a remote community in the context of vaccination by the Doherty Institute
• recognised in the Management Plan for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Populations; and
• outlined in the Communicable Disease Network Australia’s National Guidance for Remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities for COVID-19.

All residents of Ali Curung and surrounding homelands are encouraged to continue to follow their local NT Health Department directions, to get tested and to book their vaccinations.
The measures are being implemented based on the best public health advice and will be in place only as long as necessary to keep the community safe.

Australia’s global reputation as an immunisation nation has continued, as parents protect their children from disease at record rates.
Australians have embraced vaccination against COVID-19, it has helped to save lives and protect lives.
In addition, the nation has continued our excellent record of vaccination against other serious diseases, to protect ourselves and especially our children.
Data from the year to September 2021 shows Australia has remained above our target of 95% vaccination of five year old children.
With 95.12% of all five year olds fully vaccinated, we have achieved a level of herd immunity which can stop vaccine-preventable diseases spreading in the community.
Importantly, this is the fourth quarter in which the rolling one-year average has remained above 95%—a fantastic achievement when compared to the rate of 74.4% in 2005 when immunisation rates for five year olds were first recorded.
The vaccination rate for five year old Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children continues to be above the national average, at 97.02 per cent.
It is also well above the estimated World Health Organization international average immunisation coverage rate of 86 per cent for five year olds, making Australia a world leading vaccination nation.
Among two year olds, the rates of full vaccination continue to be strong at 92.56 per cent in the 12 months to September 2021. We continue to strive and work with parents and practitioners to drive this number towards 95%.
Coverage for one year old children was 94.76%. Coverage for one year old Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children was 92.90%.
The past two years may have caused issues for some families, leading to delays in following the vaccination schedule for themselves or their children. Now is the time to consult with your medical professional and get back on track.
The National Immunisation Program provides free, proven vaccines against serious diseases including hepatitis B, whooping cough, measles and polio.
Anyone who has questions about the vaccination schedule for themselves or their children should talk to their GP and organise a catch up schedule if needed.
The Australian Government strongly supports immunisation and invests more than $400 million a year in the National Immunisation Program, delivering safe, effective vaccines for all Australians.
Parents of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged five years and younger were specifically targeted by a recent government education campaign on childhood immunisation.
Our world leading childhood vaccination rates of over 95% for other medical conditions gives us great confidence that families will embrace COVID-19 vaccination for children when they become available in the coming weeks.

The global search has started for five leaders who will help shape the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The Australian and Queensland Governments have jointly commissioned global executive search firm Odgers Berndtson to identify five independent directors, including the President, to the Board of the Brisbane Organising Committee for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games (OCOG).
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the appointment of Odgers Berndtson as the executive search partner would help attract people with world-class skills and experience.
“I’m delighted that the Australian and Queensland Governments will work with Odgers Berndtson to identify, attract and secure the best talent for these important positions,” the Premier said.
“The OCOG will be responsible for driving Brisbane 2032 forward and delivering a great Olympic and Paralympic Games. To do this we need to recruit the best people in the world.”
The Queensland Government passed its legislation to establish the OCOG as an independent statutory body in the final Parliament sitting week of the year.
Federal Minister for Sport Richard Colbeck said the OCOG appointments will continue the partnership between the Australian and the Queensland governments.
“The five independent directors, including the President of OCOG, will be jointly determined by the Premier and the Prime Minister, emphasising the collaborative working relationship between the two governments” Minister Colbeck said.
“The rigorous recruitment process will ensure an unparalleled line-up of Board directors working in the best interests of Queenslanders and all Australians.”
AOC Chief Executive Officer Matt Carroll says the five roles are vital in delivering the Games and the legacies.
“These independent positions are important. From the AOC perspective, there’s such a great opportunity to supercharge sport in Queensland and Australia more broadly. The right people will help us achieve that goal.
The independent directors will complement the OCOG Board’s diverse range of skills and experience.
Premier Palaszczuk said the OCOG Board Directors need to reflect the diversity of communities in Queensland and across Australia.
“At least one of the independent directors will be an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person, and there will be balanced representation of men and women, so that local, national, and international partners create a lasting legacy for Queensland and the nation,” she said.
Suitable applicants should email Odgers Berndtson via BrisbaneOCOG@odgersberndtson.com to receive further information.
Background:
The Organising Committee for the Olympic Games (OCOG) Board will be made up of the following:

• Five independent directors jointly agreed by the Premier and Prime Minister (with one being the President and at least one being Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander)
• Four persons nominated by the Prime Minister
• Four persons nominated by the Premier
• The Lord Mayor of Brisbane
• One person nominated by the Lord Mayor
• The President or Honorary Life President of the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC)
• The President of Paralympics Australia (PA)
• Any member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) residing in Australia
• Any member of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Governing Board residing in Australia
• The Chief Executive Officer of the AOC
• A recent Olympic athlete as confirmed by the AOC Athletes’ Commission
• A recent Paralympic Athlete as confirmed by the PA Athletes’ Commission.

 

As Australia’s arts and entertainment sector continues to recover from COVID-19, 63 organisations are set to share in more than $19.5 million under the sixth batch of grants from the $200 million Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand (RISE) Fund — with a strong focus on supporting regional and remote communities.
Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said the $19.5 million that will flow to the latest recipients of the RISE Fund is supporting nearly 21,000 jobs in more than 600 locations, more than half of which are located in regional and remote Australia.
“The Morrison Government’s objective, in providing this record level of funding for arts and entertainment, is that as the vaccine rollout continues at a strong pace and states and territories open up, arts companies, promoters and festivals are ready to go,” Minister Fletcher said.
“This is an important stage in the resurgence of Australia’s arts and entertainment sector, with this targeted RISE funding providing an opportunity for venues to reopen to audiences; curtains to rise; and performers to come back on stage to a welcoming roar of applause.”
Amongst the 63 projects being funded, some highlights include:

• $390,000 for Melbourne Chamber Orchestra to deliver a program of events in regional, outer-urban and metropolitan Victoria with online streaming: including orchestral concerts, chamber music performances and performances for children.
• $400,000 for Brisbane Powerhouse to deliver Hap Wah Night Market, with high quality handmade objects by Queensland designers and artists, high-impact art and performance, and local produce.
• $1,000,000 for Gympie Muster to deliver the Gympie Music Muster Revival, showcasing Australian artists at one of the country’s favourite outdoor music and camping festivals.

Member of the Creative Economy Taskforce and Artistic Director of Queensland Ballet, Li Cunxin AO, said the funding is being well-distributed across Australia and there is strong diversity of art forms and support for small to medium organisations.
“RISE continues to be an important mechanism for supporting the recovery of the arts and entertainment sector and thousands of jobs, particularly in regional and remote locations. The funding will assist with mobilising tourism and other industries in regional areas which benefit from events and activities, and which have been significantly affected by COVID-19 impacts,” Mr Cunxin said.
The Morrison Government has now allocated more than $179 million of the $200 million RISE Fund, creating 190,000+ job opportunities and expanding cultural and creative experiences for audiences across Australia.

The Morrison Government today launches an education program to help aged care providers strengthen organisational governance and leadership.
Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck, said strong leadership within the sector is critical for driving the cultural change required for high-quality levels of care.
The “Governing for Reform in Aged Care” education program is an important component of the Government’s once-in-a-generation aged care reform plan aimed at supporting providers to fulfil responsibilities to consumers.
“The Government recognises the importance of strong leadership and governance to drive the cultural change required to support the reforms in aged care,” Minister Colbeck said.
“This education program is an investment in our future aged care system and will enhance leadership and governance skills across the sector.
“All aged care providers need to review their current practices to ensure they are ready to embrace the future”.
The program will be led by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission and will specifically target all leaders and members of governing bodies of approved aged care, aiming for approximately 3700 participants.
Enrolment in the program is free and will continue to June 2023.
The initiative is part of the Government’s response to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety and is aimed at improving transparency and accountability.
Minister Colbeck said it was an opportunity for leaders and governing bodies to play an active part in the transformation of culture across the sector.
“The Morrison Government is committed to providing senior Australians with access to care that supports their dignity and recognises the contribution that they have made, and continue to make, to our society.”
Aged Care Quality and Safety Commissioner, Janet Anderson, will invite all aged care leaders and governing bodies to register their interest and participate in the program.
The Government is investing an unprecedented $17.7 billion in aged care reform, in response to the Royal Commission.
A key pillar of the reform package is to strengthen governance and leadership of aged care boards that can support better quality and safety of care for senior Australians.
You can read more about the aged care provider governance capability program here.

As part of its 2022 pre-season fixture to be released on Monday, December 20, Hawthorn will host Richmond in a tribute match to support the families who lost loved ones and the wider community.
North Melbourne Football Club will also show its support as part of the event.
Minister Colbeck, a Devonport resident, said the tribute match would mean a lot to the community as it deals with the unbelievably loss.
“It is an extraordinary acknowledgement from the AFL community as the people of Devonport and Tasmania draw together at this sad time,” Minister Colbeck said.
“It is a profound loss that will affect our community for a long time – but the outpouring of support across Australia brings some level of comfort.
“We are there for the people of Devonport, now and for the months and years ahead.
“I want to thank AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan, Hawthorn President Jeff Kennett, Richmond CEO Brendon Gale, North Melbourne CEO Ben Amarfio and Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein for taking the initiative to host an event that offers an opportunity for people to draw closer together.”
Further details for the match to be held on Saturday March 5 will be confirmed.

Young Australian athletes and their families will benefit following the Morrison Government’s expansion of the popular Local Sporting Champions program with the number of annual grants to increase from 9000 to 12,000.
In addition, a new Local Para Champions program will provide extra financial support of up to $1,000 for more than 900 aspiring Paralympians to participate in competitions, recognising the added costs for equipment and travel.
This new funding of $5.5 million for the program comes through the Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO) announced today by the Treasurer.
Minister for Sport Richard Colbeck said with the removal of most state borders and COVID restrictions, young Australian athletes were looking forward to being able to once again compete at championship level around Australia and overseas.
“This expansion in Local Sporting Champions grants for young athletes, officials and coaches will bring them one step closer to making their sporting dreams a reality,” Minister Colbeck said.
The Local Sporting Champions program provides financial assistance to coaches, officials, and competitors aged 12 to 18 who are required to travel to participate in state, national or international championships. Age eligibility for the new Local Para Champions program will be those aged 12 to 24.
Applicants receive between $500 and $750 towards the cost of attending championship events which help ease the financial burden on individuals and their families.
With the announcement of Brisbane hosting the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Local Sporting Champions program over the next decade will be pivotal in supporting both able bodied and para athletes attending state, national and international competitions.
At Tokyo 2020, more than 150 of the athletes competing for Australia received a Local Sporting Champions grant on their journey to the Olympics.
This included champion swimmer Ariarne Titmus who received a grant as a 13-year-old to attend her first Australian Age Championships in Sydney from her then home in Launceston.
“Everyone around Australia is eager to see the start of the green and gold decade, where Australia hosts many of the biggest and best international sporting competitions in the world, reaching its crescendo with the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” Minister Colbeck said.
The Morrison Government will also invest $5 million over two years to support the UCI Road World Championships 2022 being hosted by Wollongong – the first of a string of major sporting events.
“This Government support for the UCI Road World Championships will also help establish legacy programs which will work with young people in regional, rural and remote communities, and people with a disability to engage in the sport of cycling.”
MYEFO also details additional support for our Olympians and Paralympians.
“Of course, for many Australians our Olympians and Paralympians represent the pinnacle of achievement in world sport and the Morrison Government is ensuring the efforts of our Paralympians to bring victory and glory to Australia at the coming Beijing Winter Paralympics are rewarded,” Minister Colbeck said.
“Australia’s Tokyo Paralympians shared in $1 million in one-off medal bonuses from the Australian Government in recognition of the 13 gold, 23 silver and 24 bronze medal haul from the delayed event held earlier this year.”
“We will also extend this one-off bonus to each Paralympic athlete who wins a medal at the upcoming Beijing Winter Paralympics recognising the extraordinary efforts these athletes go to particularly with the impact of the global pandemic.”
The Australian Government has also provided $2.1 million to support the Australian Olympic Team which competed at the Tokyo Games earlier this year. This funding is being provided to the Australian Olympic Committee to help cover unprecedented COVID-19 return quarantine costs for the hundreds of athletes and support staff who made up the Australian team.

The Morrison Government today announces an additional $22 million to ensure senior Australians can access sustainable, high-quality residential care, under a new round of funding through the Business Improvement Fund (BIF).
Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians, Richard Colbeck, said latest investment underlined the Government’s commitment to strengthen the business framework for providers across the country.
The Morrison Government invested in nearly 200 residential aged care providers through the first round of the BIF to improve service delivery and viability and ensure the needs of senior Australians are met.
It brings the total investment to more than $100 million since March 2020.
This includes $26.8 million as part of an extended first round of the Business Improvement Fund to support an additional 54 providers, a majority of which are in regional and rural areas.
“The BIF provides grants to providers who may be facing financial challenges, particularly those located in regional, rural and remote areas,” Minister Colbeck said.
“Improving the financial stability of residential aged care enables providers to focus on what really matters, high quality care for their residents.”
Masonic Care Tasmania CEO, Jackie Howard, said the organisation’s residential aged care services, several located in regional Tasmania, has benefited significantly from support it received through the fund.
“This funding has brought us forward, at least a couple of years faster than if we had to do the improvements ourselves. It’s certainly taking this organisation to where it’s never been before,” Ms Howard said.
“It will allow us to have some robust core IT infrastructure across our residential aged care facilities. This will help us future proof the business,” Ms Howard said.
Minister Colbeck said the Morrison Government is improving the sustainability of aged care to meet the demands of a competitive market aligned to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety final report recommendations.
“Our investment and commitment to continue to support the sustainability of the aged care sector is about putting the needs of senior Australians front and centre.
“This investment will enable our diverse senior Australian community to access quality residential aged care no matter where they live,” Minister Colbeck said.
“Aged care providers are also encouraged to use the Government’s Business Advisory Service to gain free, independent and confidential business advice for improving operations, which will ultimately result in better services being delivered to consumers.”
Eligible providers can apply for the Business Improvement Fund to implement improved business strategies, as identified by the Business Advisory Service, such as restructuring business operations and upgrading of financial management or IT systems.
Business Improvement Fund applications are now open through GrantConnect.
Today’s funding announcement is part of the Australian Government’s Structural Adjustment Program, to improve operations and viability to meet the demands of a strengthened aged care market.

Labor welcomes the Morrison-Joyce Government’s belated intension to reject the proposed extension of Advent Energy’s Petroleum Exploration Permit 11 (PEP-11).
This is a decision that is more than 300 days overdue and could have been made quickly in February with a stroke of a pen by Scott Morrison’s Minister for Resources, Keith Pitt who had the final decision on the future of the licence.
Extending PEP-11 has never made sense from an economic, environmental, or energy perspective.
It would have put at risk thousands of local jobs in tourism, hospitality, and recreational and commercial fishing.
Let’s be clear: the Morrison-Joyce Government has left our community in limbo and ignored our wishes for nearly 12 months despite the overwhelming opposition to PEP-11.
Scott Morrison doesn’t care about our community, otherwise he would not have inflicted this uncertainty on us for so long.
This is a Prime Minister whose priorities are his Liberal mates and making announcements that suit his short-term political prospects.
He has surrendered to the massive campaign ran by the community and Labor to stop this awful project.
Actions speak louder than words.
Mr Morrison has been saying he doesn’t approve the PEP-11 extension since March, so Labor looks forward to the official confirmation that it has been rejected once and for all.
This is a huge win for our community, and they deserve to be congratulated and recognised for their advocacy.