Category: Australian News

Labor can’t let Australia’s biggest corporations write their own rules to protect their profits, following reports the Business Council is trying to veto a proposal for a net cash flow tax, the Greens say.

“Labor has an abject track record of taking marching orders from big business, and it’s time they stopped,” Greens Economic Justice spokesperson Senator Nick McKim said.

“The BCA doesn’t want high climate targets. It doesn’t want strong environment laws. It doesn’t want action on supermarket price gouging. And now they’re telling Labor to block even the smallest step toward making big corporations pay more tax.”

“The question is whether Labor will finally stand up to their friends and donors in the Business Council.”

Senator McKim said the Productivity Commission’s proposed net cash flow tax has panicked the very corporations that have spent decades dodging their tax responsibilities.

“One in three large corporations don’t pay a cent in tax. Many of the rest hide their profits offshore. It says everything that even a modest proposal has sent the BCA into overdrive.”

“Our priority remains taxing the super profits of coal and gas corporations, who are driving the climate crisis and ripping off Australians. But we’ll look at any reform that helps support clean, productive investments while ensuring the biggest corporations pay their share.”

“Every dollar in tax these corporations avoid is a dollar that doesn’t go into schools, hospitals and housing. Labor needs to decide whether they’re here for the public, or for the profiteers.”

Statement of support for the Victorian Treaty from the First Nations members of the Victorian Greens, we are known as the Blak Greens. Our role is to ensure grassroots voices in the Parliaments of so-called Australia are well heard. We have strong connections with grassroots communities here in so-called Victoria and we speak with them and actively work towards ensuring their voices are heard through Greens policy. We write to send a statement of support for the Victorian Treaty. The history of colonisation and the loss of our homelands, the massacres and frontier wars, and stolen generations are well known in First Nations communities here in so-called Victoria, a Treaty will be the recognition of our sovereignty. The Treaty being signed between the Traditional custodians of this place and the coloniser parliament will go a long way towards seeing that some of the wrongs of the past that have been perpetrated against our people, are recognised and work done on reparations. Nothing can erase the generations of pain, suffering, and injustice our people have carried. Yet this moment is not about forgetting or diminishing that truth. It is about taking a step forward and choosing a path towards change. We thank the Parliament for the work that they have done and for doing the required surrender of some powers from colonisation to the traditional custodians. We thank you and strongly support you and will work with you to ensure the success of the Treaty for Victoria.

The Victorian Greens are proud to support the Treaty Bill, without amendment, which will be introduced to Parliament today, marking the first of its kind in the country and an historic step forward for justice, truth and self-determination.

The landmark legislation is a testament to the leadership and expertise of First Nations communities, and an invitation for every Victorian to walk together towards a better future.

Aboriginal people are the experts when it comes to their communities, cultures and land, and walking with First Peoples on the journey to Treaty is about respecting and embracing this truth.

First Nations members of the Victorian Greens, known as the Blak Greens, have also released a statement of support for the Victorian Treaty, saying it recognises sovereignty and addresses some of the wrongs of the past. 

The Blak Greens state that “while nothing can erase generations of pain, suffering and injustice our people have carried, this moment is not about forgetting or diminishing that truth. It is about taking a step forward and choosing a path towards change.”

The Victorian Greens also thanked the First Peoples’ Assembly, which has spent more than six years establishing the frameworks that will underpin Treaty negotiations, and the Yoorrook Justice Commission, whose Truth-telling reports will be central to the process.

Leader of the Victorian Greens Ellen Sandell 

“This is a historic moment where every Victorian has been invited to walk with First Nations people on this incredible journey – to share in and celebrate the oldest living cultures in the world, and to create a better future together.

“Aboriginal people are the experts for their own communities, and Treaty is about respecting and embracing that truth. Self-determination is how we build better outcomes, because when people are able to make choices about what works best for them, their communities, and their families, based on their own needs, everyone thrives.

“From using local knowledge to care for Country and keeping culture strong, to improving the way services like health and education are delivered – Treaty will deliver stronger communities, stronger connections, and a stronger future for all of us.”

One of the largest hospital projects to be delivered in Greater Western Sydney has reached a major milestone, with construction of the new seven storey building at Nepean Hospital reaching its highest point.

The more than $1 billion Nepean Hospital redevelopment celebrated the construction milestone with a traditional topping out ceremony at the new clinical building.

The Stage 2 redevelopment will deliver a major expansion and upgrade of health services and facilities for Nepean and Blue Mountains communities, and will feature: 

• a new adult intensive care unit
• additional inpatient beds
• medical imaging and nuclear medicine services
• clinical support services including pharmacy and in-centre renal dialysis services
• staff education and training facilities.

The new hospital building will also feature a welcoming new main entry and seamlessly connect to the existing 14 storey hospital tower delivered as part of Stage 1, enhancing access to health services for patients, visitors and staff. 

A new Aboriginal Mudyin (Family) Centre, the first of its kind in the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District, will be located near the main entry of the new building and provide a dedicated and culturally safe space for Aboriginal consumers, carers and their families.

The top level of the building will include a new, purpose-built palliative care unit, delivered as part of the NSW Government’s $93 million World Class End of Life Care program. The new palliative care unit will offer more privacy, comfort, and dignity to support people in their final stages of life and ensure they receive the highest quality of care.

Extensive consultation with staff and the local community has shaped the design of the new Stage 2 building to ensure it meets the future health needs of local communities in the Nepean and Blue Mountains region. 

With the concrete structure now complete, work will progress on the formwork, internal fit-out, services installation and building exterior. 

Construction for the Stage 2 building is expected to be completed in late 2026, and will open to patients, staff and visitors following an operational commissioning period. 

The project is being delivered by Health Infrastructure, Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District, with CPB Contractors as the principal contractor.

The Nepean Hospital Stage 2 redevelopment is just one part of the Government’s health infrastructure pipeline across Western Sydney, which includes:

• $2 billion for the new Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital;
• $790 million for the new Rouse Hill Hospital plus $120 million from the Federal Government;
• $550 million for the Fairfield Hospital Redevelopment;
• $350 million for the Canterbury Hospital Redevelopment; and
• $120 million for additional beds for Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals.

For more information about the project, visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/nepeanredevelopment  

Minister for Health Ryan Park: 

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to delivering better health services and facilities for those living in the Nepean and Blue Mountains region. 

“The new Stage 2 building being delivered as part of the more than $1 billion Nepean Hospital Redevelopment will provide the local community with access to world class care. 

“We are one step closer in ensuring local patients and their families have a modern and state-of-the-art facility right at their doorstep.”

Member for Penrith Karen McKeown:

“It is exciting to see the structure of the Nepean Hospital Redevelopment Stage 2 building rise from the ground and reach its highest point.

“When it opens, it will provide Nepean and Blue Mountains communities with enhanced health facilities, closer to home, ensuring our hospital meets the future health needs of our growing region, now and into the future.

“The project is also providing a boost to the local economy during construction, with around 270 workers inducted on the site, to date. It’s also creating opportunities for local suppliers and subcontractors, providing valuable skills and training opportunities for more than 20 apprentices.”

Patients across Kiama and the South Coast are waiting the longest time on record for elective surgery – legacy of Labor’s cuts to the health budget.
 
Independent Bureau of Health Information data shows that in the January-March 2025 quarter, only about half of patients (52.6%) at Shellharbour Hospital were having their surgery on time, compared to 87.6% of patients when the Coalition left office in the Jan-March quarter in 2023.
 
Shadow Minister for Health Kellie Sloane said Shoalhaven Hospital was also performing poorly, with just 61.5% of surgeries performed on time under Labor.
 
“This data shows the impact that the Labor Government’s neglect of Kiama has had,” said Ms Sloane. “The numbers of elective surgeries performed in Shellharbour has been in freefall, dropping 32.3% on the previous year. This is an alarming trend under Labor.”
 
“These are not just statistics; they are real people waiting for life-changing surgery to restore their quality of life.
 
“Whether it’s people in Shellharbour who are forced to wait for overdue cataract surgeries, or huge delays for knee and hip replacement surgeries in Shoalhaven – locals have had enough.”
 
“This region should not be taken for granted, and only the Liberals have the track record of delivering services and support for this community. Labor should not be rewarded for ignoring Kiama and its needs.”

I am pleased to announce I intend to recommend to the Governor-General that she appoint Mr Matt Yannopoulos PSM as Secretary of the Department of Finance.

Mr Yannopoulos returns to the Department of Finance, after serving as the Associate Secretary of the Department of Defence since October 2021.

Prior to joining the Department of Defence, Mr Yannopoulos was Deputy Secretary Budget and Financial Reporting at the Department of Finance. In this position, he provided policy and financial advice to the Australian Government on expenditure and non-taxation revenue policy issues.

As an experienced senior leader within the Australian Public Service, Mr Yannopoulos brings diverse experience to the position.

In January 2019, Mr Yannopoulos was awarded a Public Service Medal for his substantial achievements as Deputy Secretary, Senior Responsible Officer for the Child Care Reform Implementation at the Department of Education.

Mr Yannopoulos’ term will commence on 29 September 2025 for a five-year period.

I would like to thank Mr Richard Windeyer for acting as Secretary of the Department of Finance since June 2025. Mr Windeyer will return to his position of Deputy Secretary of Commercial Group at the department.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will travel to Vanuatu and Solomon Islands from 9 to 11 September 2025.

On 9 September Prime Minister Albanese will meet the Prime Minister of Vanuatu the Hon Jotham Napat and make a courtesy call on the President of Vanuatu His Excellency Nikenike Vurobaravu in Port Vila.

The Prime Ministers will then join other Pacific Leaders in Solomon Islands for the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders’ Meeting.

Australia is a founding member of the Pacific Islands Forum, the Pacific’s pinnacle regional institution. Leaders will discuss the full range of issues important to the Pacific including climate change, economic resilience and peace and security.

This will be the Prime Minister’s first visit to Vanuatu and Solomon Islands as Prime Minister and his fourth PIF Leaders’ Meeting.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“It is crucial for Pacific Leaders to come together to pursue our shared vision of a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.

“I look forward to visiting Vanuatu to discuss further elevating the bilateral relationship between our countries.

“Australia will continue to work together with all Forum members to back in Pacific-led solutions to the region’s challenges, and explore new ways to integrate our economies and people.

“I thank Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele for hosting the 54th Leaders’ Meeting. In a changing and increasingly challenging world, Pacific unity is critical to achieving the future we want for our region.”

I am pleased to announce I intend to recommend to the Governor-General that she appoint Mr Matt Yannopoulos PSM as Secretary of the Department of Finance.

Mr Yannopoulos returns to the Department of Finance, after serving as the Associate Secretary of the Department of Defence since October 2021.

Prior to joining the Department of Defence, Mr Yannopoulos was Deputy Secretary Budget and Financial Reporting at the Department of Finance. In this position, he provided policy and financial advice to the Australian Government on expenditure and non-taxation revenue policy issues.

As an experienced senior leader within the Australian Public Service, Mr Yannopoulos brings diverse experience to the position.

In January 2019, Mr Yannopoulos was awarded a Public Service Medal for his substantial achievements as Deputy Secretary, Senior Responsible Officer for the Child Care Reform Implementation at the Department of Education.

Mr Yannopoulos’ term will commence on 29 September 2025 for a five-year period.

I would like to thank Mr Richard Windeyer for acting as Secretary of the Department of Finance since June 2025. Mr Windeyer will return to his position of Deputy Secretary of Commercial Group at the department.

From cutting-edge vaccine technology to life-saving antivenoms, the Albanese Government is backing Australian-led research to transform health outcomes across our nation and our region.

Through the National Health and Medical Research Council’s (NHMRC) Centres of Research Excellence (CRE) grant scheme, 24 research leaders and their teams will be supported with $72 million to undertake research to tackle some of the toughest medical challenges and turn world-class research into real solutions.

Professor Katherine Andrews from Griffith University will lead a multidisciplinary team within the Vaccine Adjuvant Discovery and Development (Vaccine-ADD) CRE, to address research gaps and improve vaccine development.

Adjuvants exist in many vaccines to improve their effectiveness and longevity. However, there are limited adjuvants currently in use, restricting the development of vaccines, including for people with reduced responsiveness.

The CRE scheme supports researchers in capacity building activities including in specific areas of need identified by NHMRC. This year, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade partnered with NHMRC to co-fund CRE grants in One Health research, supporting collaboration and transdisciplinary action between human health, animal health, and ecosystems to address challenges that affect the Pacific and/or Southeast Asia.

Professor Joshua Francis from the Menzies School of Health Research will lead Research Excellence and Surveillance to promote One Health Solutions for Timor-Leste and the region (RESPOSTA).

REPOSTA will strengthen One Health research partnerships across Timor-Leste, Australia and Indonesia by responding to challenges that are regional priorities.
  
Full details of the researchers and projects funded are available to download on NHMRC’s outcomes of funding rounds page.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong:

“A strong, healthy region benefits us all – these new research partnerships will help to strengthen expertise, deliver innovation and create practical solutions to our region’s shared health challenges.

“We are supporting our nation’s brightest minds to turn their research into breakthroughs that could save lives and keep Australians safe.”

Minister for Health and Ageing Mark Butler:

“The Albanese Government is investing in Australia’s world-class researchers to solve some of the hardest problems in health.

“We are fortunate to be living through a supercharged period of discovery and the 24 researcher driven projects are more proof of that fact.”

Minister for International Development, the Hon Dr Anne Aly:

“Australia is committed to supporting resilient, equitable and inclusive health systems across our region.”

“We are working with Indo-Pacific partners to enhance health expertise, strengthening our collective abilities to prevent the spread of future pandemics.”

NHMRC CEO Professor Steve Wesselingh:

“Since 2010, NHMRC’s CRE scheme has provided support for research teams to pursue collaborative research and develop capacity in clinical, health services and public health research, as well as in basic science research since 2024.

“At its core, this scheme promotes the effective translation of research into knowledge, policy and practice, effectively building workforce capability within the sector.

“This investment is a commitment to the health of all Australians and into the future of our national health system– congratulations to all successful chief investigators and their teams receiving funding today.”

Making the switch to renewable energy at home will become easier and more affordable for Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Maitland residents following the launch of a new council-led program this month.

The Solar Neighbourhoods initiative is designed to remove barriers that have held back solar and home battery uptake in the region.

City of Newcastle Deputy Lord Mayor Callum Pull, Maitland Councillor Warrick Penfold and Lake Macquarie Deputy Mayor Jack Antcliff celebrate the upcoming launch of the Solar Neighbourhoods program later this month. Deputy Lord Mayor Callum Pull said the councils were leading the way on sustainability with the introduction of this collaborative program, which is the first of its kind in the region and responds to community feedback.

“We’ve heard from residents across the three council areas that they want solar and batteries for their homes, but are overwhelmed by the choice, upfront cost and complexity of buying solar systems,” Cr Pull said.

“Through an extensive tender and due diligence process we’ve identified a range of high-quality systems, delivered by our program partner and local installers.

“Households installing a new solar and battery system could save up to 90 per cent of a typical family electricity bill, which is why we’re committed to providing an easy, accessible pathway to solar and home batteries for our community.

“This program also aligns with a key priority in our Newcastle Environment Strategy, which is to support the transition of the Newcastle LGA to net zero emissions through an accelerated uptake of onsite solar and batteries.”

Residents across the three council areas will be able to access quality solar, batteries and electric vehicle chargers from program partner 1KOMMA5 Australia and their network of local installers. 

Upfront payments or affordable options to pay the system off over time will be available, as well as an exclusive program discount and government rebates.

Lake Macquarie Deputy Mayor Jack Antcliff said the initiative will enable residents to take meaningful climate action through practical, community-led solutions.

“We’re proud to support programs that help households lower their electricity bills and contribute to a more sustainable future,” Cr Antcliff said.

“This partnership reflects a united regional approach to reducing emissions and accelerating the transition to renewable energy, an outcome that benefits individuals, their neighbourhoods and the Hunter as a whole.”

Maitland Councillor Warrick Penfold said more than one third of homes across the Maitland LGA currently have solar installed. 

“We hope that this program opens up accessible and affordable options for even more Maitland residents that are looking to make the switch,” Cr Penfold said.

“Forging strong partnerships with neighbouring councils and other agencies to drive solar uptake across Maitland, and in turn underlining the environmental, economic and social benefits for our residents, is just one of the ways that Maitland City Council is showing leadership and working to shape a more sustainable Maitland.”

Join the waitlist to be the first to know when the program launches later this month at:  https://solarneighbourhoods.com.au/