Category: Australian News

The Government has launched the first phase of Australia’s $89.5 million Intergenerational Health and Mental Health Study – the National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing. This comprehensive survey aims to provide an in-depth understanding of the mental health challenges that Australians are facing.
Almost half of Australians experience some form of mental illness at some point in their lifetime. In addition, the 2019 bushfires and the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have significantly affected the mental health and wellbeing of many people across the country.
The National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing will provide unrivalled depth to our understanding of these mental health challenges and conditions.
It will capture, among other aspects, new information on self-harm, eating disorders and services used by people at risk of suicide. It will help us better understand how Australians manage their mental health and how they access support, playing a vital role in the planning and delivery of better local services now and in the future.
Up to 17,000 Australians, aged 16 to 85 will take part in the study, with the first results expected by the end of 2021.
The work is the first part of the Intergenerational Health and Mental Health Study, a multi-year study of approximately 60,000 Australians which will run until 2023 and provide the most complete picture ever of our health. It includes four national studies covering mental health, general health, nutrition and physical activity and biomedical health status.
The remaining national studies will begin from 2022 after the next Australian Census.
Mental health and suicide prevention remains one of our Government’s highest priorities. We have prioritised mental health and suicide prevention services, with record investment in mental health estimated to be $5.9 billion in 2020–21 alone.
Anyone worried about their mental health, loneliness, finances, family, or other circumstances can contact the Beyond Blue Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service for free advice and counselling on 1800 512 348 or online at beyondblue.org.au. Immediate advice and support is also available through Lifeline (13 11 14) or Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800).

Labor demands that Scott Morrison intervene to save thousands of jobs in Victoria following the announcement of the closure of ExxonMobil oil refinery at Altona.
This is devastating news for hundreds of local workers and for the future of Australia’s fuel security.
This decision will cost hundreds of direct jobs and impact thousands of workers in downstream industry. This is further proof that the Government has no plan for workers affected by these decisions.
Australia’s petrochemical manufacturers all rely on by-products produced from the ExxonMobil refinery. These manufacturers will likely need assistance, given the year they’ve had through COVID, to ensure they don’t close.
Following just months after the closure of the refinery at Kwinana in Western Australia, the Morrison Government has overseen the closure of half of our domestic refineries in the last six months.
The Government announced a $211 million so-called fuel security package in September last year to keep refineries on line.
Six months later another refinery will close its doors.
Morrison and Angus Taylor said their fuel security plan would ‘create 1,000 new jobs and protect workers in the fuel sector and in fuel-dependent industries’.
Instead, their ‘stewardship’ has seen the loss of 600 jobs at Kwinana, and the imminent loss of 350 direct jobs at Altona, and many thousands more if they continue to sit on their hands.
Another hollow headline and empty promise never delivered by Scott Morrison.
Labor warned then that the package was inadequate and failed to address Australia’s fuel security needs. Today’s announcement clearly shows this Government has no real plan.
Scott Morrison’s policy vacuum has left hundreds of workers without jobs and the nation without a sovereign supply of domestic fuel.

The Senate will next week debate legislation introduced by the Australian Greens last year aimed at fixing the lack of confidentiality protections for witnesses giving evidence to the Disability Royal Commission, ensuring that disabled people are able to tell their stories safely.
Senator Steele-John promised last year that if the Attorney General did not take action urgently to protect witnesses and give the Royal Commission the safeguards it needs, then the Greens would introduce the necessary legislation and bring it on for debate.
“The Attorney General has known about the need for these confidentiality protections for more than a year, yet he’s done almost nothing about it. We’re still yet to see a government bill put beofre either house of Parliament,” Steele-John said.
“I’m hopeful that we’ll garner enough support during the debate to bring this incredibly important issue to a vote in the Senate, putting further pressure on the Attorney General to ensure that that people’s privacy is protected beyond the life of our Royal Commission.
“The disability Royal Commission Chair Ronald Sackville AO QC wrote to the Attorney General in February of last year formally asking him to change the law, and in the Royal Commission’s second progress report, released in August last year, the Chair dedicated an entire section (page 37) to the limitations this issue was placing on the scope of the Royal Commission.
“So many people in our community have lost all faith in the system because of the violence, abuse, exploitation or neglect they, or their family, have suffered; they want to know that it is safe to tell their stories.
“Now, as public hearings start again next week, it’s more important than ever that our Royal Commission can hear evidence from as many people as possible.
“We need to urgently change the law and give people the peace of mind that telling their stories won’t cause them more harm. If this government won’t do it, then the Australian Greens will.”
The Royal Commissions Amendment (Confidentiality Protections) Bill 2020 will be debated during Private Member’s time between 10am and 12:20pm on Monday 15th February.

Applications are now open for up to $4 million over four years for national partnerships and up to $450,000 for community-based initiatives in 2021 to encourage more Australians to say “yes” to organ and tissue donation.
Minister responsible for the Organ and Tissue Authority (OTA), Mark Coulton, said DonateLife Partnerships and 2021 Community Awareness Grants offer unique opportunities to increase reach and engagement for organ and tissue donation with key target audience groups – both at a national and a local level.
“Increasing awareness about organ and tissue donation and encouraging families to talk about donation and registration, is vital to getting more people to say “yes” to donation,” Mr Coulton said.
“Engaging with a broad suite of national partners and community groups across the country helps drive the importance of organ donation into more Australian homes, leading to greater registration and increased donation.”
Organ and Tissue Authority CEO, Lucinda Barry said the coronavirus pandemic has seriously affected Australia’s national program to increase organ donation, including causing the cancellation of the 2020 Community Awareness Grants round.
“The challenges of 2020 saw a significant drop in both donation and transplantation, making it critical we engage with partners and community groups in 2021 to raise the profile of organ and tissue donation and increase consent.”
DonateLife Partnerships provide opportunity for OTA to partner with sporting, corporate and community organisations who have a national focus to further increase awareness about organ and tissue donation in Australia.
“OTA is looking to partner with organisations that can demonstrate they have a national focus or national platform across the sporting, corporate, media, and community and health care sectors,” said Ms Barry.
Up to $450,000 is available for OTA’s Community Awareness Grants to improve awareness and engagement within the Australian community and strengthen the DonateLife brand.
“This 13^th round of grants will support community groups deliver events and innovative digital engagement activities to support the annual awareness building campaign, DonateLife Week 2021,” said Mr Coulton.
“I encourage all Australians to reflect on the life-changing benefits of organ and tissue donation and to show your support by registering to become a donor at donatelife.gov.au and have the all-important conversation with your family, so they know your intentions.”
DonateLife Partnerships and 2021 Community Awareness Grants are provided by the Organ and Tissue Authority as part of its national Community Awareness and Education Program.
This funding was committed in the October 2020 Budget.
Applications for both grant opportunities open on Tuesday 9 February 2021 and close at
5:00pm AEDT on Sunday 7 March 2021.
For more information about the DonateLife Partnerships and Community Awareness Grants, including the assessment criteria and the application process, visit www.donatelife.gov.au/grants

The Australian Government congratulates the Aged Care Workforce Industry Council on its official launch of the Voluntary Industry Code of Practice.
Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck said the Code of Practice is already receiving strong early support from the aged care sector, as some of Australia’s largest providers pledge their commitment to quality care.
“This Code of Practice is the first of its kind for the aged care sector in Australia,” Minister Colbeck said.
“It is based on seven guiding principles for quality care and will be a transformative tool for Australia’s aged care sector.
“Importantly, this Code of Practice tells Australians that the aged care sector has aspirations for excellence, and will hold itself accountable to the community.”
Minister Colbeck said the launch with industry and workforce leaders marks a new chapter in the delivery of quality aged care services in Australia.
Most importantly, it highlights the process of continuous improvement of aged care services in Australia, as a feature of adopting the principles of the Code.
The Voluntary Industry Code of Practice was developed, in consultation with consumers, providers, and peak bodies, and is an achievement against strategic action 2 from A Matter of Care, Australia’s Aged Care Workforce Strategy.
The Code of Practice is a centrepiece of the strategy, and provides the framework for a culture of proactive reform from aged care providers.
“The Government is supporting work to implement the strategy with $10.3 million over three years allocated in the 2020–21 Budget,” Minister Colbeck said.
“This investment will support ACWIC to lead nine projects, and help implement other actions from the strategy.
“This additional funding builds on $2.3 million the Government previously delivered to support the establishment of the ACWIC and kick-start its important work.
“The Code of Practice underpins the values and principles for delivering quality care to our senior Australians.
“In practice, these principles will better support the aged care workforce in its critical role of caring for, and delivering services to, older Australians.”
Minister Colbeck commended the Aged Care Workforce Industry Council and the sector for showing commitment to tangible reform.
“The fact that industry has reached this milestone during a year of such disruption, due to COVID-19, is a testament to the sector’s commitment to cultural change,” he said.
“It’s a demonstration the sector will work to meet – and exceed – the community’s high expectations when the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety releases its final report in February.”
For more information on the Voluntary Industry Code of Practice, please visit www.acwic.com.au.

The first F-35A aircraft has been inducted into BAE Systems Australia’s (BAESA) maintenance depot as part of the next major milestone in the Joint Strike Fighter Program.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the F-35A fleet was now 33 strong and ready to deploy on operations.
“This is about protecting and securing Australia’s interests but it’s also creating jobs and driving investment right here in the Hunter and across the country too,” the Prime Minister said.
“This induction demonstrates the world leading capability of our local defence industry here in Australia.
“We want to give as many opportunities to Australian companies as possible which is why there’s already more than 50 local companies sharing in $2.7 billion worth of contracts as part of the F-35 Program.
“As we recover from the COVID recession a key plank of our Economic Recovery Plan is our $270 billion investment in Defence capability over the next decade and our $65 billion commitment in air capabilities which includes the Joint Strike Fighter Program. This investment is keeping Australians safe and secure while creating more jobs and more opportunities for businesses.”
After being selected as the maintenance, repair, overhaul and upgrade depot for the Southeast Asia region, the BAESA facility will host Australian F-35A aircraft and in future other nations’ F-35 aircraft.
The Program is progressing on budget and on schedule and the aircraft is undergoing routine structural modifications to improve the airframe, ensuring it reaches full life, and align it with newer aircraft.
Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds CSC said up to four Australian F-35A aircraft were expected to undergo routine maintenance at BAESA’s facility this year, demonstrating the significant boost the Program was having on the local Hunter economy.
“The Morrison Government is unashamedly committed to building a robust sovereign defence industry,” Minister Reynolds said.
“We are building our sovereign defence capabilities. We now have 41 fully trained RAAF pilots, nine of whom trained on home soil at RAAF Base Williamtown. We also have more than 225 trained technicians as the RAAF’s F-35A maintenance capability continues to develop.”
This progress is being supported through the sovereign Training Support Services contract awarded to Lockheed Martin Australia, worth approximately $70 million. It will see more than 70 personnel employed at RAAF Base Williamtown and RAAF Base Tindal.
“This demonstrates the extraordinary opportunities this program is providing for Australians and the economy, especially as it continues to bounce back from COVID-19,” Minister Reynolds said.
Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said the program had helped the people of the Hunter region weather the impact of the economic impact of the pandemic.
“In 2020, job losses in the aeronautics industry due to COVID-19 resulted in the closure of Jetstar’s aircraft maintenance facility here in Newcastle, and many other regional facilities,” Minister Price said.
“BAESA recently hired 25 former Jetstar employees who had been made redundant as a result of the pandemic.
“Not only have these technical workers been retained in the local Hunter aviation industry, but they will also help Defence build its sovereign sustainment capability as the fleet continues to grow.”
More information about the F-35A Lightning II is available at: https://www.airforce.gov.au/technology/aircraft/strike/f-35a-lightning-ii and https://www.defence.gov.au/CASG/AboutCASG/OurStructure/Air/

Australian Greens Anti-Racism spokesperson Senator Mehreen Faruqi has said that the Scanlon Foundation’s Mapping Social Cohesion report for 2020 contains alarming findings with respect to racism felt towards and experienced by culturally diverse Australians.
The report points to “substantial negative sentiment towards national groups from Africa, Asia and the Middle East”, among other findings. The Greens say the government should read the report with utmost seriousness and invest in anti-racism programs and initiatives.
Senator Faruqi said:
“This report should be a wake-up call for everyone denying that people of colour in Australia continue to face racism.
“The Morrison government is not only denying and deflecting the racism people face every day in this country. They’re actively fomenting it.
“Consistently strong anti-Muslim attitudes are very disturbing in the aftermath of the Christchurch terrorist attack which was driven by anti-Muslim hatred, committed by an Australian, and directly targeted Muslims.
“About 40 per cent of Asia-born respondents reported experiencing discrimination, with racism often experienced when shopping, on public transport, or at work.
“While a healthy level of general support for multiculturalism and our immigration program is welcome, we must tackle these real challenges we face. There are many in our community who are at the receiving end of some really toxic attitudes and behaviours,” she said.

The Greens say that the Government must continue to expand and diversify Australia’s vaccine portfolio immediately in light of the varying rates of effectiveness of vaccines against new strains.
“We cannot rely on AstraZeneca as our only contingency plan – we need to have a diverse portfolio to rapidly pivot to deal with new strains, including securing deals with Moderna and more Pfizer doses”, Greens spokesperson on Health Senator Rachel Siewert said.
“We need to ramp up CSL’s capacity to start locally producing Novavax at the same time as AstraZeneca given the promising Phase 3 Trial data.
“The Government should immediately invest in developing Australia’s capacity to locally manufacture vaccines and medicines that use mRNA technology. We need a publicly owned manufacturing capacity, mRNA technology is likely to revolutionise vaccine and drug development and Australia could be at the forefront of this.
“This should be started immediately as it will take some time to establish local manufacturing. Our local manufacturer CSL is not currently equipped to produce vaccines that use mRNA technology.
“A successful vaccine rollout will rely on strong leadership from the Federal Government and good faith and cooperation between the States and Territories.
“I am very concerned that if the bickering which is occurring between the State and Feds on quarantine arrangements continues to happen when the vaccine rollout commences Australians will not be served well.
“We need a public health response, not point scoring. No one wants to see the Prime Minister and Premiers bickering.
“Quarantine is a Federal responsibility, as is the vaccine rollout.
“Far too much of the official expert advice and consideration has been enveloped in secrecy, not least of which have been the decisions around vaccines.
“There needs to be more transparency about how decisions on masks, quarantine and vaccines are being made.
“It is essential that Australia continue to support COVAX and our neighbours in the pacific region must have timely and adequate access to Covid-19 vaccines.
“Australia should commit to increasing its funding to the COVAX AMC to at least the level of Canada (an additional $135.2m USD). This could also include calling on big pharma to temporarily waive intellectual property rights on Covid-19 vaccines to facilitate universal access.”

The Australian Greens have welcomed Labor’s confirmation today that the party opposes the renewal of the Petroleum Exploration Permit 11 (PEP11) licence, which allows oil and gas drilling off the NSW coast.
Senator Mehreen Faruqi, Greens Senator for NSW, said:
“This clear position from Labor will be welcomed by communities across NSW, and indeed across the country. Now all eyes are on the Coalition to see sense and outright reject PEP11.
“Today’s news is a result of the tireless activism of tens of thousands in the community who have pressured politicians on this matter. There is absolutely no case for drilling dirty fossil fuels off the beautiful NSW coastline.
“Drilling for fossil fuels risks irreversible damage to our climate, coasts, oceans and the wonderful marine life that lives within. It will hurt local industries and communities that depend on our oceans and coasts.
“From the outset, I’ve been working with the community who have been united in opposition to the renewal of PEP11. This shows the power of people to push for change,” she said.
Senator Peter Whish-Wilson, Greens spokesperson for Healthy Oceans, said:
“It’s good to see Labor confirm their position on banning oil and gas drilling in PEP11 after voting to support a Greens Senate motion calling for this.
“The Greens welcome any allies in our fight against dangerous seismic testing and proposals to drill for fossil fuels off our pristine coastlines.
“The decision from Labor to oppose oil and gas drilling off the coast of NSW will give hope to climate, coastal and marine campaigners right around the country.
“It would only be logical for Labor to now join the Greens and Tasmanian Liberal MP Gavin Pearce in publicly opposing plans to explore for oil and gas off the coast of King Island.
“In this time of climate emergency our oceans are warming rapidly and the changes we are seeing in our marine environment, such as repeated mass coral bleaching, are catastrophic.
“There is no justification for further risking the marine environment and exploring for the exact fossil fuels which are cooking the ocean and causing the problem in the first place.”

The Morrison Government is committed to preventing future children in Australia suffering from severe mitochondrial disease, a devastating genetic disorder and is calling on the public to share their views through the release of a consultation paper outlining our proposed approach.
By harnessing new technologies such as mitochondrial donation, we have the potential to change the lives of parents and their children and reduce the burden of mitochondrial disease for future generations.
Severe mitochondrial disease can have a devastating effect on families, including the premature death of children, painful debilitating and disabling suffering, long-term ill health and poor quality of life.
In Australia, approximately one child each week is born with a severe form of the disease, often with a life expectancy of less than five years.
Mitochondrial donation provides an option for some women who carry a mitochondrial genetic defect to have a biological child free from this devastating disease.
Our Government recognises that the introduction of this technology in Australia is complex and it will require an appropriate regulatory framework, medical safeguards and, in the longer term, the support of state and territory governments.
For these reasons, we have sought expert advice to ensure that Australia’s approach to implementing mitochondrial donation is undertaken safely and cautiously.
We are proposing to introduce this technology through a two stage process, which would see mitochondrial donation legalised for use in research settings and through an initial pilot clinic, before permitting it in clinical practice more broadly, after success has been demonstrated over a number of years.
We are committed to continuing to advance Australia’s position as a world leader in medical research and delivery, which will ultimately benefit all Australians.
More detailed information on the Government’s proposal is available on the Department of Health’s website at www.health.gov.au/mito
The consultation opens on 5 February and closes on 15 March. You can share your views at: https://consultations.health.gov.au/strategic-policy/mitochondrial-donation-in-australia