Category: Australian News

The ABC’s Four Corners investigation has once again exposed horrific abuse and regulatory failure within Australia’s childcare sector – a crisis that sits at the heart of a failing for-profit system and government inaction on real reform.

The investigations revealed most abuse occurring in for-profit centres where cost-cutting, high staff turnover and inadequate regulation has left the gap for serious safety breaches.

Despite warnings from experts and repeated calls from the Greens, Labor has failed to introduce the comprehensive reforms needed to keep children safe.

The Greens continue to call for a national, independent watchdog with the power to keep children safe.

In August, the Greens successfully established a Senate Inquiry into the quality and safety of early childhood education and care after the government failed to adequately address the deep flaws in the system and responded with cosmetic fixes. 

Greens spokesperson for Early Childhood Education and Care Senator Steph Hodgins-May:

“This investigation is the latest example of a for-profit system working exactly as it’s designed – to make profit for shareholders while leaving our children as collateral damage.

“Parents and educators have been ringing the alarm bell for years, and they’re met with a patchwork of cosmetic fixes that do nothing to actually address the underlying problem.

“It’s the government’s job to make sure our childcare is safe. Instead, it passes the buck to families and abandons our educators who are plugging holes in a leaking ship.

“While the Coalition rejects bold childcare reform and Labor does as little as possible to pass the PR test, our children and educators continue to be left to fend for themselves.

“With the Senate Inquiry imminent, we’re ready to shine a light on the broken conditions that allow abuse and push for a system that will actually put children, families and educators at the heart of policy.

The Australian Greens have put forward a motion to parliament today calling on the Senate to recognise Australia’s housing crisis as a matter of public urgency, following recent data revealing the dire state of our housing problem. 

House prices have risen at the fastest rate in four years as rates of home ownership have declined, especially among young young people. One in three property markets across Australia now have a median value of $1 million plus, a new record-high, according to Cotality. While Domain data shows Sydney house prices jumped by $58,148 (3.4 per cent) in just 90 days, the fastest quarterly growth in more than two years.

The Greens say Labor is making the crisis worse as their policies, such as the $180 billion tax breaks for landlords and the 5% deposit scheme, are spiking prices and putting home ownership further out of reach for renters and first home buyers.

With 89% of voters agreeing that Australia is in a housing crisis, the Greens are calling on the government to listen to voters and address the root causes rather than turbocharge our housing and homelessness crises through minor interventions.

Greens spokesperson for housing, homelessness and finance Senator Barbara Pocock:

“This government needs to start treating housing as a human right instead of a game of monopoly. 

“Australia is in a housing crisis that is spiralling out of control. House prices are soaring and Labor’s $180 billion tax perks for rich property investors are pouring fuel on the fire, locking renters and first-home buyers out.

‘The Australian dream of home ownership is dead. Rates of home ownership are falling especially among those under 35, with 25-29-year-olds dropping from 50% in 1971 to 36% in 2021. 

“Home ownership is out of reach for so many Australians. Thirty years ago it took 4 years of average weekly earnings to buy a house, now it’s on track to be more than 8 times the average. How do first-home buyers stand a chance?

“Under the major parties, housing has become a wealth accumulation asset, not a roof over our heads. Housing finance is increasingly spent on investment properties not home ownership, with investors making up around their highest share of new lending since 2017. 

“Australia’s housing market is rigged in favour of wealthy property investors and banks and it’s failing everyone else and it’s only going to get worse – house prices are forecast to increase by 9 percent next year.

“It’s clear where Labor’s priorities lie – with the big banks, property developers and wealthy investors – while another generation of renters and potential first-home buyers are left behind. 

“Homelessness in Australia is the worst in living memory, having increased by 10 percent since Labor was elected. We’re seeing nine potentially avoidable deaths of homeless people on our streets every day which is unacceptable. We still don’t have a national plan to end homelessness. If Labor can find billions for investors, why can’t they find homes for people sleeping rough?

“Ending the housing crisis is possible. The government must wind back unfair tax handouts to wealthy property investors which are cooking our housing system, fuelling intergenerational inequality and helping to shut an entire generation out of home ownership.”

The Albanese Government has today announced two milestone investments to boost Australia’s economic engagement with Southeast Asia, supporting new opportunities for Australian investors and businesses.

The Government will invest AUD$175 million in IFM Investors’ Asia-Pacific Debt Fund and USD$50 million in a new Southeast Asia Public-Private Partnership (PPP) investment fund established by Australian infrastructure specialist Plenary.

Both investments, administered by Export Finance Australia (EFA), will help expand the presence of Australian investors and businesses in Southeast Asia.

These investments are being delivered through the Government’s A$2 billion Southeast Asia Investment Financing Facility (SEAIFF).

Australia continues to increase our economic engagement with Southeast Asia under Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040. ASEAN alone represents nearly 700 million people, and by 2040 is expected to be the fourth largest economy in the world.

The A$175 million investment in IFM Investors’ Asia-Pacific Debt Fund will support IFM’s expansion into Southeast Asia, targeting investments in key sectors including renewable energy, telecommunications and logistics.

The USD$50 million investment in Plenary’s new Southeast Asia PPP investment fund will enable it to finance essential public infrastructure projects across Southeast Asia – using Australian know-how to deliver nation-building projects in sectors such as healthcare, education and transport.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“Together, these investments represent a major step forward in my Government’s delivery of our Southeast Asia Economic Strategy. 

“A quarter of a billion dollars to kick-start Australian investments in the region and back the growth of Australian companies.

“These investments will boost exports and supply chains, helping grow jobs back home”

Foreign Minister, Penny Wong

“Australia is fully invested in Southeast Asia, and we continue to build opportunity and prosperity together.

“Almost $1 billion of new Australian investment has been supported under Invested, and two-way trade has increased $6 billion between 2023 and 2024.

“Trading and investing more in our region means more opportunities for Australian businesses to grow, creating more Australian jobs and boosting our economic prosperity and resilience.”

Minister for Trade and Tourism, Don Farrell

“As a bloc, Southeast Asia is projected to become the world’s fourth-largest economy by 2040.

“Through these new investments, the Albanese Government is backing Australian exporters and investors to take advantage of the growth of the world’s most dynamic region.

“We are determined to leverage the enormous opportunities for Australian businesses, creating and sustaining jobs both here and in Southeast Asia.”

The Albanese Government has today announced two milestone investments to boost Australia’s economic engagement with Southeast Asia, supporting new opportunities for Australian investors and businesses.

The Government will invest AUD$175 million in IFM Investors’ Asia-Pacific Debt Fund and USD$50 million in a new Southeast Asia Public-Private Partnership (PPP) investment fund established by Australian infrastructure specialist Plenary.

Both investments, administered by Export Finance Australia (EFA), will help expand the presence of Australian investors and businesses in Southeast Asia.

These investments are being delivered through the Government’s A$2 billion Southeast Asia Investment Financing Facility (SEAIFF).

Australia continues to increase our economic engagement with Southeast Asia under Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040. ASEAN alone represents nearly 700 million people, and by 2040 is expected to be the fourth largest economy in the world.

The A$175 million investment in IFM Investors’ Asia-Pacific Debt Fund will support IFM’s expansion into Southeast Asia, targeting investments in key sectors including renewable energy, telecommunications and logistics.

The USD$50 million investment in Plenary’s new Southeast Asia PPP investment fund will enable it to finance essential public infrastructure projects across Southeast Asia – using Australian know-how to deliver nation-building projects in sectors such as healthcare, education and transport.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“Together, these investments represent a major step forward in my Government’s delivery of our Southeast Asia Economic Strategy. 

“A quarter of a billion dollars to kick-start Australian investments in the region and back the growth of Australian companies.

“These investments will boost exports and supply chains, helping grow jobs back home”

Foreign Minister, Penny Wong

“Australia is fully invested in Southeast Asia, and we continue to build opportunity and prosperity together.

“Almost $1 billion of new Australian investment has been supported under Invested, and two-way trade has increased $6 billion between 2023 and 2024.

“Trading and investing more in our region means more opportunities for Australian businesses to grow, creating more Australian jobs and boosting our economic prosperity and resilience.”

Minister for Trade and Tourism, Don Farrell

“As a bloc, Southeast Asia is projected to become the world’s fourth-largest economy by 2040.

“Through these new investments, the Albanese Government is backing Australian exporters and investors to take advantage of the growth of the world’s most dynamic region.

“We are determined to leverage the enormous opportunities for Australian businesses, creating and sustaining jobs both here and in Southeast Asia.”

Australia warmly congratulates Timor-Leste on its accession as the 11th member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese marked the occasion with Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão and ASEAN leaders at the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur.

This is an important milestone for ASEAN and a significant step for Timor-Leste’s regional integration and economic development. It is a credit to both ASEAN’s and Timor Leste’s sustained efforts over many years.

We acknowledge the leadership of Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão in achieving what he has described as a ‘historic goal’ for the nation and people of Timor-Leste.

Australia is proud to have supported Timor-Leste’s ASEAN journey from the beginning, including through our $11.8 million technical assistance and capacity building package.

Australia is ASEAN’s first Dialogue Partner, and we strongly support ASEAN’s role in shaping a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

ASEAN is central to regional stability; it guards against conflict, drives regional economic growth, and reinforces the rules and norms that protect us all.

As a close friend, partner and neighbour, we look forward to continuing to work closely with Timor-Leste and ASEAN to ensure membership delivers real benefits for the Timorese people and our shared region.

Nic Hodgson, aged 29, was last seen in Swansea, about 3.30pm yesterday (Sunday 26 October 2025).

When she could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.

Police and family hold concerns for Nic’s welfare as she lives with a number of health conditions.

Nic is described as being of Caucasian appearance, 170cm tall, medium build, red/auburn coloured shoulder length hair that maybe tied in a bun and has sleeve tattoos on both arms and the right leg.

She was last seen wearing a green shirt, black cargo shorts and black boots.

Nic is known to frequent the Swansea and Morisset areas.

The body of a 29-year-old woman reported missing from Swansea yesterday (Sunday 26 October 2025) has been located.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge has recently been diagnosed with a serious medical condition that requires ongoing treatment. 

He will be taking a leave of absence from his duties as Lord Mayor starting Monday, 27 October until early 2026.

During this period, Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Charlotte McCabe will assume the responsibilities of Lord Mayor to ensure continuity of leadership and service to the community.

City of Newcastle extends its full support to Lord Mayor Kerridge and wishes him strength and a full recovery.

Tomorrow marks the 40-year anniversary of the return of Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park to Anangu, its Traditional Owners.

The Handback is a significant milestone for Anangu and in the history of Australian Indigenous land rights, ending decades of lobbying by Traditional Owners to have their rights recognised.

The then-Prime Minister, Bob Hawke announced in November 1983 that the government would amend the Aboriginal Land Rights Act and return the title for Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park to its Traditional Owners.

On 26 October 1985, the Hawke Labor Government and the then-Governor-General, Sir Ninian Stephen, handed back the title deeds to Uluru-Kata Tjuta to Anangu during a ceremony held in the remote community of Muṯitjulu.

Anangu signed a 99-year lease to jointly manage the national park with the Commonwealth, through the Director of National Parks.

The Prime Minister and the Minister for the Environment and Water have travelled to Central Australia this weekend to join anniversary events.

The theme of the 2025 Handback celebration is Fire of the Past, Igniting the Hearts of the Future which translates to Waru Iritinguru, Tiliningi Kurunpa Kuranyukutungku Katiringkupai in Pitjantjatjara, one of the two languages spoken by Anangu in Uluru.

A public event is being held today to celebrate the anniversary at the Talinguṟu Nyakunytjaku sunrise viewing area at Uluru. The event will feature a marketplace showcasing Anangu arts and crafts, inma (traditional dance), and a concert featuring local Indigenous performers.

An exhibition commemorating 40 years of the joint management of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park through artworks, photographs and historical materials is on display at the Uluru Cultural Centre.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“This anniversary stands tall in the story of our nation – 40 years since the Commonwealth of Australia returned Uluru and Kata-Tjuta to the Anangu people.

“Handback recognises that unbreakable relationship with Country which was formally recognised four decades ago.

“It is a deep honour for me to be the first Prime Minister to attend a Handback Anniversary.”

the Anangu Chair of the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Board of Management Tapaya Edwards

“Uluru and Kata Tjuta are very important to Anangu. We have always lived here, and having the land returned to us 40 years ago was an important moment for us.

“The national park is a place where Tjukurpa – Anangu law and culture – can be kept strong for future generations.

“There is still much work to be done, and we look forward to seeing our young people carry this flame forward, as they learn Anangu traditional knowledge and Western knowledge to care for Country and keep Tjukurpa strong.”

Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt

“The Handback of Uluru under the Hawke Labor Government was a historic moment of justice, recognising Anangu as its true owners.

“Joint management with the Commonwealth ensures Aṉangu have a lead role in the protection of the enormous environmental and cultural values of this significant national park.

“The Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park Cultural Centre was opened in 1995 to mark the 10th anniversary of the Handback.

“It’s fitting that for the 40th anniversary, a range of upgrades to the Cultural Centre and around the national park have been completed with funding from the Albanese Government.

“Planning is also underway for more upgrades, including to the iconic Uluru base walk, so visitors can continue to experience this World Heritage Listed site.”

Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy

“The Handback of Uluru and Kata Tjuta was a defining moment in the history of land rights in Australia, a recognition of the Anangu people’s deep and enduring connection to Country and a powerful act of justice.

“It laid the foundation for other landmark returns across the nation and continues to shape how governments and communities work together to honour First Nations people and their custodianship of land.”

Homeowners are paying a climate “disaster penalty” as climate-driven floods become more frequent and severe, according to a new report published by the Climate Council and Prop Track.

The report, which analysed more than two decades of property data, found that a million Australian households are already impacted with homes in flood zones collectively worth about $42 billion less due to the risk of floods:

• Homeowners are effectively paying a “disaster penalty” of about $75,000 for a typical 3-bed, 2-bath house. 
• As climate-driven floods become more frequent and severe, more properties could face steeper penalties. 
• Households in Queensland and New South Wales are the hardest hit, followed by Victoria. 
• Overall rising property prices are masking the fact that flood-prone properties start from a lower value and experience slower growth.

The Greens say urgent action is needed from the Government to address the climate crisis and the housing crisis hitting Australians.

Greens spokesperson for housing, homelessness and finance Senator Barbara Pocock:

“We’re in a housing crisis, and the increasing frequency and intensity of climate-driven disasters is making the housing crisis worse. The crisis is making more homes uninsurable and uninhabitable and it is lowering the value of homes in flood prone areas affecting many lower income households and widening inequality.

“Homeownership is already out of reach for so many Australians. Climate-driven events hiking the cost of insurance and making many properties unoccupiable is making our housing crisis worse.

“This is further proof of where this Government’s priorities lie: Appease the coal and gas corporations while ignoring the costs of climate impacts on Australia’s households.

“Many households across the country spend decades saving for their home deposit and then face high recovery costs and insurance premiums arising from climate-driven disasters. Why should Australians continue to bear the costs of decades of government inaction on climate change? 

“Labor are captured by the interests of coal and gas corporations which mean that they prioritise polluters’ profits ahead of a safe climate future for everyday Australians and nature.

“The Government’s own Climate Risk Assessment Report shows 1.5 million people are at risk of their homes flooding or falling into the sea in the next 25 years. However, the Prime Minister doesn’t want to know about it.

“Labor must deliver a truly ambitious climate target based on science and based on the avoided cost of disasters that are putting too many of us at risk. 

“We have existing, affordable technologies that could deliver over 85% emissions reduction and, with the Greens, Labor has the numbers in parliament to be truly ambitious on climate.

“Labor must stop approving new coal and gas.”

Greens Deputy Leader & Spokesperson for Climate Adaptation, Resilience & Emergency Management, Senator Mehreen Faruqi:

“People are buckling under the combined stressors of the housing and insurance crises, and the trauma of climate disasters destroying their homes and lives.

“It should be climate polluting fossil fuel companies paying the costs of climate-fuelled disasters, not families, communities, renters and retirees who are bearing the brunt of the housing and climate crises.

“Report after report reinforces what scientists and people on the front line of climate disasters have been demanding: the strongest action to tackle the climate emergency is needed urgently.

“Insurance has become a major stressor for at-risk communities as it becomes increasingly unaffordable or unavailable, with insurance companies either pulling out or hiking premiums and making people’s lives even harder.

“Labor needs to stop pouring fuel on the fire of the climate crisis. That means taking every action to transition away from coal and gas right now.”

Greens MP Sue Higginson will introduce a bill to the NSW Parliament today that would create a responsibility for cat owners to prevent their animal from roaming outside of their property. The bill would require cat owners to take reasonable steps to prevent their pet from roaming, and introduce a tiered fine system to encourage community education and cultural change.

Greens MP and spokesperson for the environment said:

“NSW has fallen behind the rest of Australia when it comes to managing roaming cats as a harmful and invasive species, we have to fix this and these laws will do just that,”

“In Sydney alone, roaming pet cats are estimated to have killed over 62 million native animals in 2024 – a shocking number and a significant contributor to the decline of our precious and unique wildlife across the landscape,”

“Roaming cats are also a risk to human and community health, with these animals being the main domestic source of toxoplasmosis – a disease that infects one in five Australians. Toxoplasmosis can cause miscarriages, blindness and brain damage, and roaming pet cats are walking, hunting disease vectors that threaten public health,”

“Cats in Australia have been an unmitigated disaster and have caused the extinction of at least 27 native species and continue to threaten 120 other species with extinction. As long as domestic cats are allowed outside to kill and maim native species, they will continue to be a leading cause of local extinctions in our neighbourhoods,”

“Our biosecurity laws recognise the serious risks that uncontrolled introduced species pose to our unique ecology in Australia, but pet cats have been given a free pass. Today, community expectations are on the side of applying controls to cats in the same way we do with pet dogs, with at least 66% of the community supporting laws to prevent cats from roaming and killing native animals,”

“This reform is well overdue and only possible thanks to the decades of work by the community and organisations that work on the frontline of nature conservation. It’s time to get this done and I hope the Government and the opposition will support this critical change,” Ms Higginson said.