France-Australia Joint Statement On the official visit to Australia by French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Catherine Colonna

Australia and France share a commitment to a dynamic bilateral relationship founded on trust, shared values and shared interests, globally and in the Indo-Pacific, in line with the priorities agreed by the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during their meeting on 1 July 2022.

Today’s visit by France’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Catherine Colonna, at the invitation of Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Senator the Hon Penny Wong, and the adoption of the France-Australia Bilateral Roadmap are further milestones in our renewed and ambitious France-Australia partnership.

The Roadmap is based on the three pillars of defence and security, resilience and climate action, and education and culture. We recognise the strategic challenges that the Indo-Pacific is facing, and we are using our partnership to advance regional peace, stability, and prosperity. We are working to support a just and clean energy transition and adaptation in both countries and with our partners in the Indo-Pacific. We are boosting opportunities for educational and research collaboration, and cultural understanding, to strengthen our people-to-people links.

We share a commitment to uphold multilateralism, international rules and norms, particularly the fundamental principles reflected in international law and the UN Charter, including on human rights, on sovereignty, territorial integrity and the peaceful settlement of disputes without resorting to the threat or use of force or coercion.

Australia and France unequivocally condemn Hamas’s 7 October terror attacks on Israel, and call for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. Australia and France recognise Israel’s right to defend itself. In doing so, Israel must respect international humanitarian law. Civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected. Safe and unimpeded humanitarian access must be increased. The world has witnessed a harrowing number of civilian deaths, including children. This must not continue. The recent pause in hostilities allowed for the release of more than 100 hostages and supported an increase in humanitarian access to affected civilians. We want to see the pause resumed and support international efforts towards a sustainable ceasefire. We recognise this cannot be one-sided. Hamas, a terror organisation, is still bombing Israel, using Palestinian civilians as shields, and holding hostages. The crisis underscores the need for a political solution to the long-running conflict between Israelis and Palestinians, which can only be a two-state solution in which Israel and a future Palestinian state exist in peace and security within internationally recognised borders.

Almost two years since Russia’s full-scale invasion, Australia and France reaffirm their ongoing and unequivocal condemnation of Russia’s illegal unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine. Our shared commitment to supporting Ukraine remains unchanged. We demand that Russia immediately cease hostilities and withdraw its troops from the entire territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders. Russia’s irresponsible nuclear rhetoric and its announced deployment of nuclear weapons in Belarus are unacceptable. We call on all those with influence with Russia including China, to press Russia to stop its military aggression, and to support a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, fully respecting the United Nations Charter and, in particular, Ukraine’s territorial integrity.

As Indo-Pacific countries, Australia and France agree to continue to work together to guarantee an Indo-Pacific region that is open, stable, prosperous and inclusive, with respect for all countries’ sovereignty. We agree to commit to promoting practical measures to reduce the risk of strategic competition escalating into conflict.

Australia and France express strong opposition to any coercion or destabilising actions in the South China Sea, including militarisation of disputed features. We affirm the need for safe and professional behaviour in all domains and reaffirm the intention to continue transits and deployments in the Indo-Pacific in accordance with international law , particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). We underline the importance of continuing to work together to support countries being able to exercise their rights under UNCLOS, including freedom of navigation and overflight. Australia and France recognise the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award is final and binding on both parties.

Australia and France reaffirm the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. We oppose any unilateral change to the status quo and call for the peaceful resolution of cross-Strait issues through dialogue without the threat or use of force or coercion. We will continue to deepen unofficial economic, scientific, technological and cultural ties with Taiwan. We support Taiwan’s meaningful participation to the work of international organisations, including as a member where statehood is not a prerequisite.

Australia and France are committed to continuing to develop their cooperation to support Pacific priorities, fostering regional security, stability and economic progress. The Letter of Intent signed between the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Agence Française de Développement will enhance our coordination and cooperation in the Pacific, including on Pacific priorities such as climate change resilience, fostering energy transition, humanitarian assistance, the prevention of illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, and action in the leadup to UNOC3 in 2025. We will continue to strengthen cooperation with the Pacific, including through the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) and other regional organisations, in support of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.

On the existential challenge of climate change, the France-Australia partnership is committed to strengthening adaptability and resilience of island countries, while protecting their forest and marine ecosystems. Preservation of the rich biodiversity of the Pacific remains at the heart of our common interests. Australia and France will continue to act in concert to ensure an effective response to natural disasters and their humanitarian impacts in the Pacific.

Action to eliminate Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking

The Albanese Government is working to eliminate the scourge of modern slavery and human trafficking through action at home and overseas.

Today Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong, Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus and Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence Justine Elliot will host the 15th National Roundtable on Human Trafficking and Slavery.

To help deliver the Albanese Government’s ambitious reform agenda, 20 members have been appointed to the Modern Slavery Expert Advisory Group.

The Group will advise on the operation of the Modern Slavery Act 2018 and the practical implementation of measures to strengthen the Act, which the Government is considering following the Modern Slavery Act Review.

The individuals and organisations who have been appointed bring a diverse range of experience and expertise from business, civil society, unions and academica.

This year also marks 20 years of partnership to combat trafficking in persons between Australia and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Australia is working with ASEAN partners to make a real difference to the lives of vulnerable people in our region. Over 10,000 government officials have now been trained to better identify, protect and support victims of trafficking and their families.

Since 2003, Australia has provided more than $160 million in development assistance to ASEAN countries to strengthen criminal justice responses and improve victim protection and support. This includes our current 10-year (2018-2028) $80 million ASEAN-Australia Counter Trafficking program (ASEAN-ACT).

If you or someone you know is a victim of modern slavery, please reach out to one of the below organisations for help. In an emergency, or if a child is concerned, dial 000.

Next steps for Darling Harbour’s future

The Darling Harbour of tomorrow is taking shape today with a major project progressing to the next phase of development and a new 2050 vision being drafted by the NSW Government.

The State Significant Development (SSD) of Harbourside is a key project moving Darling Harbour from a 1980s’ icon into a modern and thriving destination for the next generation of visitors.

The $764.5 million SSD has now been approved and involves the demolition of the original Harbourside building to make way for a new mixed-use 50-storey residential and commercial building, with up to 265 new homes.

As part of the project, Mirvac has agreed to a $5.2 million contribution to generate affordable housing, including in the surrounding Pyrmont area.

Major renewal is also underway nearby with the restoration of the Pyrmont Bridge, expansion of the Chinese Garden, a new stage in Tumbalong Park, the opening of the new W Hotel, and the IMAX redevelopment.

The Department of Planning and Environment is currently assessing a separate SSD for the design of Harbourside’s public domain, including upgrades to the waterfront promenade with seating, greenery, heritage interpretation (storytelling of the area’s history) and public art.

Additionally, the NSW Government has announced it is developing a Darling Harbour 2050 Vision to provide a ‘big picture’ for the community, allowing the precinct to evolve over time while keeping its unique, world-famous character.

The vision is being developed in partnership with the community with over 1100 participants engaging in an online survey, pop-up stalls and focus groups. Emerging themes from these sessions highlight opportunities to connect to the water, a need for more trees as well as greener and open space. Aboriginal community engagement is currently underway, and the feedback will form an important part of the vision.

The vision will deliver a planning framework to shape it into a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable waterfront precinct. A draft is expected to be exhibited for feedback mid-next year and will reflect the views of the community.

For more information, visit:

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“Darling Harbour is the third most visited destination in NSW and so many of us have celebrated big moments there.

“The NSW Government is focussed on continuing to rejuvenate this iconic part of Sydney’s harbour foreshore, and to drive more housing in well-connected locations.

“This major SSD approval will support the Darling Harbour of tomorrow and create hundreds of new homes close to transport and services.

“The 2050 Vision will also guide future decision-making and secure Darling Harbour as a world-famous destination for generations to come.”

Six-month silica safety blitz to protect workers’ health

The NSW Government has launched a 6-month campaign targeting silica dust exposure in the construction and tunnelling industry.

While manufactured stone is the leading cause of silicosis, workers can also be exposed to silica dust during tunnelling, demolition and excavation work, or from uncontrolled cutting, grinding and drilling of common building materials including bricks, concrete, sandstone and tiles.

SafeWork NSW inspectors will target these areas to prevent a false sense of security ahead of the coming ban on manufactured stone in NSW.

Inspectors will ensure businesses are compliant with regulations and speak to workers about managing the risk of exposure to silica dust.

Silicosis is a deadly disease that has devastating effects on the lungs and is becoming increasingly prevalent in Australian workers, especially those in the engineered-stone industry.

SafeWork inspectors take a zero-tolerance approach to workers’ lives being placed at risk through exposure to silica dust and can issue stop work notices for activities that generate high levels of dust, or when a worksite hasn’t got adequate dust control measures in place.

If these notices are not complied with, employers can face penalties of up to $130,000.

The Minns Labor government also recently passed laws to establish a silica worker register, to track and trace exposed workers and enable early intervention.

The NSW Government will be supporting a ban on engineered stone at the upcoming national meeting of Work Health and Safety ministers on the 13 December and will act unilaterally if no agreement is made.

Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said:

“This campaign is to protect workers who may be exposed to the deadly risks of silica dust and will help ensure safer workplaces in NSW.

“The NSW Government is committed a nationally consistent ban on manufactured stone

“Exposure to silica dust is an incredibly serious issue for workers in a range of industries and we must learn from the hard lessons of asbestos.”

MVP Ventures Program applications now open

Applications are now open for the 2023/24 MVP Ventures Program, which offers grants to early stage startups and small and medium enterprises to drive the commercialisation of new and highly innovative products or processes in NSW.

A total of $3 million has been allocated each year for the next four years, with individual grants of between $25,000 to $50,000 available to successful recipients.

Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology Anoulack Chanthivong said the program is designed to help move projects along the Technology Readiness Level scale to help them attract large-scale private investment.

“We know this program provides important targeted support to businesses ready to take the next step in their commercialisation journey,” Mr Chanthivong said.

“Our main objective through this program is to help increase commercialisation in NSW to ensure we both attract and retain this entrepreneurial activity in the state for years to come.

Since resuming the program 24 previously submitted applications have been approved, with $1.8 million in funding now available for the remainder of the financial year.

Mr Chanthivong said MVP Venture applicants will benefit from increased certainty of when an outcome will be determined, through a revised application process.

“A new two-stage application process now starts with a simplified EOI application, with applicants hearing back on their eligibility within 15 days of submission. For those deemed eligible through the EOI, further information will be sought, with a 30-business day assessment of their final detailed application.

Applications will be assessed in the order in which they are received.

“I encourage all eligible businesses to review the program guidelines if they haven’t already and submit an expression of interest in a timely manner,” Mr Chanthivong said.

Co-Founder of climate tech start-up Farmed Carbon and recent MVP Ventures Program grant recipient Stuart Grover said the program will help his business commercialise and allow it to continue developing its innovative technology.

“One of the biggest challenges we’re facing as a business is figuring out how we can commercialise our sustainable products such as our carbon negative concrete. This support will give us the kick-start we need to take the next step,” Mr Grover said.

To download the program guidelines and to submit an expression of interest application please visit www.investment.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-rebates/mvp-venturesExternal Link launch.

Infrastructure and immigration a risk to Labors leaked planning reforms

The NSW Opposition is awaiting further information on leaked Government plans to rezone land around eight Metro and heavy rail stations and to apply new planning controls at 31 other train stations, but says Chris Minns’ reluctance to commit to infrastructure and to address high levels of immigration continues to threaten the state’s ability to deliver on Labor’s ambitious housing targets.
 
Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said that the plan to deliver 45,000 homes offers no immediate relief to current pressures on rents and housing affordability, and has renewed the Opposition’s offer to work with Chris Minns to address demand by slowing the state’s immigration levels.
 
“On the Government’s own timeline, it will be four years before the first of these dwellings are completed. There is an urgent need to address demand now, to take the pressure off rents and the cost of homes for first homebuyers,” Mr Speakman said.
 
“If Chris Minns can sign up to Anthony Albanese’s housing targets, he can demand the Prime Minister scale back immigration. It’s apparent that Chris Minns isn’t even willing to pick up the phone to Canberra to address the significant demand pressures on our state’s housing.”
 
Shadow Minister for Transport Natalie Ward raised concerns that even if Sydney Metro West is completed within the current schedule of 2030, extra housing around it would be built before then, well ahead of the delivery of infrastructure.
 
“The Government expecting people to move in to The Bays precinct en masse, before Sydney Metro West is complete and functioning just shows they have no experience in delivering infrastructure. Yet again, it is a plan that has not been thought through and communities will suffer,” Ms Ward said.
 
“The Government’s reviews and spin on Metro West have been a complete farce. Chris Minns and Transport Minister Jo Haylen should release their plans immediately and give certainty to communities and the investors.”
 
Shadow Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Scott Farlow welcomes the delivery of housing along existing transport corridors, but cautioned that the Government needed to have a plan for all of the infrastructure required to support housing development.
 
“Transport is just one of the infrastructure components that is required to support housing. The Government needs to outline how they will support housing with schools, hospitals and improved public spaces,” Mr Farlow said.
 
“Chris Minns signed up to a national housing target of 377,000 homes in the next five years without any advice from the Department of Planning as to whether NSW could support this development.”

Powerhouse Castle Hill museum solution to Ultimo closure

The NSW Opposition is calling for the Powerhouse Museum in Castle Hill to be given the opportunity to shine while Powerhouse Museum Ultimo closes its doors for renewal on 5 February 2024.
 
Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said it’s an opportunity for the Minns Labor Government to show their commitment to the arts following their savage cuts to the Powerhouse Museum redevelopment.
 
“Chris Minns slashed in half the planned and fully funded $500 million redevelopment of the Powerhouse Museum at Ultimo, walking away from an opportunity to build a new purpose-built museum on the site,” Mr Speakman said.
 
“Here is an opportunity for the Government to show that they’re willing to invest in our state’s art sector, and provide the community with first-class attractions and destinations.”
 
Shadow Minister for the Arts and Heritage Kevin Anderson said the shutdown presented an opportunity to expand the opening hours of the Castle Hill site and provide job security for workers who are facing job losses.
 
“The Powerhouse Castle Hill is only open on Saturdays and Sundays. Expanding those hours would provide the perfect solution for the public to have continued access to the museum’s collections while the Ultimo site is closed over the next three years,” Mr Anderson said.
 
“We know museums are also very popular destinations for visiting school groups as well, and weekday access would ensure our children don’t miss out.

NSW’s first train, Locomotive No.1, and the Catalina flying boat are set to be moved to the Castle Hill store once the Ultimo site closes next year.
 
Mr Anderson said extending trade beyond 10am-4pm on weekends will allow these iconic items to be available to the public throughout the 3-year renovation period.
 
“Not only will these changes ensure continued access to the valuable artefacts that are so important to the cultural heritage of our state, but it would also provide an opportunity for those currently working at Ultimo to transfer to the Castle Hill site and maintain some job security.

PEOPLE POWER WIN: TOOWOOMBA NORTH SOUTH TRANSPORT CORRIDOR SCRAPPED

Greens welcome news today that the Queensland government has scrapped plans for the deeply unpopular Toowoomba North-South Transport Corridor.

The proposed mega-highway transport route would have had adverse impacts on residents, on endangered wildlife, on First Nations heritage sites and on the environment generally. 

Greens Senator for Queensland Larissa Waters said:

“This announcement is a joyous win for community leaders in Toowoomba, who came together to say “no way” to this home-destroying and bushland-wrecking highway.

“In a cost of living and climate crisis, the Queensland Government should not be wasting billions of taxpayer dollars on an unwanted mega road that would have destroyed so many homes and livelihoods, sacred sites and important koala habitat.

“I’m so proud of the community leaders who led this campaign, and so happy to have taken the time to hear their concerns directly, visited part of the site at risk, and hosted a public meeting about it.

“The proposed mega highway and the mismanagement of the consultation caused the community so much anguish and anxiety. Locals banded together with their neighbours and have shown the undeniable strength of people power.

“I am pleased that the Queensland government will now work with Toowoomba Regional Council to identify alternate transport solutions, and I hope they will conduct the community consultation properly this time – with enough time and genuine options presented to the community and feedback taken on board.

“This new consultation should include consideration of a frequent, accessible and affordable public transport network for Toowoomba, something all regional communities deserve throughout the state.

“Community members and conservation groups have been vindicated by this excellent decision, and I congratulate them on their efforts to build a more livable and connected community for Toowoomba.”

1.3 million reasons to celebrate people with disability

The NSW Government is celebrating the contributions and achievements of more than 1.3 million people with disability across NSW, as the state marks International Day of People with Disability.

The day promotes community awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability, who play a valuable role in society.

Whether through employment, sport, advocacy, or public life, people with disability continue to help NSW become a more accessible and inclusive state for all.

Organisations are removing barriers for people with disability to find work including the public sector, with NSW Government departments increasingly able to harness the skills and experience of people with diverse abilities.

The NSW Government is committed to improving accessible and inclusive communities by:

  • Ensuring government websites and online services are easy to access, including through Easy Read.
  • Providing children with disability learning support in school.
  • Improving the recruitment and retention of the NSW Government workforce with disability.
  • The NSW Government also provides programs to support people with disability, carers and service providers, including the Companion Card and Disability Advocacy Futures Program.

This is in addition to the $3.9 billion invested in 2022-23 to support the NDIS and $15.9 billion over four years to 2025-26. This funding is leveraged with Commonwealth contributions leading to record investment in specialist disability services across NSW.

The NSW Government recognises that there is still a lot of work to be done, however, and is committed to working to improve the lives of people with disability.

Minister for Disability Inclusion, Kate Washington said:

“More than 1.3 million people in NSW live with a disability and make a significant contribution to our state every day.

“International Day of People with Disability serves as an important reminder to the entire community to recognise and celebrate the diverse skills and experience of the people around us.”

“The NSW Government is committed to improving inclusion and accessibility across mainstream services.

“There’s still a lot of important work to do to make our schools, hospitals and transport systems more accessible, and as a new government, we take the task seriously.”

Parliamentary Secretary for Disability Inclusion, Liesl Tesch said:

“Today is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of people with diverse strengths and abilities across NSW and the richness that provides to our communities.

“It’s also a chance to reflect on how inclusive we are as a state and where we can do better, whether that’s making essential services like healthcare and homes accessible for everyone or creating flexible education spaces to suit different learning styles.

“I am so excited to continue to work with Minister Washington to see people with disability empowered to live their dreams free from the barriers of exclusion that we too often face.”

Disability Council NSW Chair Jane Spring said:

“Happy International Day of People with Disability. As we celebrate progress and achievements, we also encourage all organisations to consult people with disability and accept their feedback to make sure there are no barriers to inclusion.

“The 12 members of the Disability Council are committed to sharing our insights and experience to create a community where everyone can participate fully.”

Rail Repair Plan hits halfway mark on a high

The Sydney Trains Rail Repair Plan is reaching great heights, as the project hits the halfway mark ahead of schedule with trackwork on the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

The $97 million program, announced by the Transport Minister in June to improve the reliability and resilience of the network, has now seen 80% of the 1,900 high-priority defects fixed.

For the 1.4 million people who cross the Harbour Bridge by train every week, the rail line is on track to be more resilient than ever before.

This weekend, Rail Repair trackwork on this line has culminated in the installation of a new back-up airline hose across the bridge for the first time in history, meaning trains can keep running while critical signalling repairs are made.

This work over the harbour comes as train testing on the Sydney Metro City and Southwest line ramps up deep below, as well as trackwork this weekend, to provide a world-class rail service for our city from 2024.

At the 6-month mark, the Rail Repair Plan has seen:

  • 1,536 of 1,900 high-priority defects removed (yearly average from regular trackwork is 600)
  • 800km of track repairs, including grinding and resurfacing
  • 166 electrical backlog inspections completed (surpassing the initial target of 144)
  • 88 speed restrictions removed (repairing the issues that require trains to slow down, like go- slow signs for roadworks)
  • 489 trainstop rams refurbished (vital fail-safe emergency braking systems)

While the Sydney Trains network is 150 years old in parts and will never be free from incidents, Sydney Trains’ on-time running data has improved, especially over the past three months.

Transport Minister Jo Haylen said:

“Keeping Sydney’s most iconic train line in top condition is no easy feat – after all, it is 91 years old and needs a bit of extra care.

“I’m thrilled to visit the Sydney Harbour Bridge to personally see the specialised work underway and thank the dozens of workers calling it their office for the weekend to complete these vital upgrades.

“We are delivering for commuters both above and beneath our Harbour, with both Sydney Trains and Metro work underway to support the people of NSW who travel on our network.

“This milestone of fixing 80% of high-priority defects well ahead of schedule means we can now get even more work done than we anticipated, and that’s a great outcome for passengers.

“There will never be a silver bullet to make the Sydney Trains network perfect, but I’m proud to be delivering state’s largest ever program of rail maintenance with real results.”

Sydney Trains Chief Executive Matt Longland said:

“The Harbour Bridge is a key part of our rail network and by investing in this infrastructure, we’re improving reliability for the entire network.

“I’m thrilled to say the Harbour Bridge rail line is the most resilient it’s been in history, with a number of first-time works complete, such as a new airline hose and upgraded overhead wiring.”

“Our peak on-time running is improving, so with the exception of some unavoidable incidents, we’re beginning to see a pattern of more resilient and reliable services for passengers.”

“I want to thank all our passengers for their patience during this time – while we do our best to limit disruption, this trackwork is essential for a healthy rail network.”