Category: Australian News

The Albanese and Minns Governments are delivering more funding to help communities recover from the recent severe flooding across the state.

This will include damage caused by East Coast severe weather and flooding in May and damage caused by Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

This funding will provide direct support for residents, farmers, small businesses and non-profit organisations and includes help for people who have lost their homes.

Support has been made available under the joint Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), with the new funding to provide immediate and longer-term assistance for individuals, families and communities affected by flooding.

Support includes:

• Grants of up to $25,000 for eligible small businesses (with fewer than 20 employees) and non-profit organisations to help clean up and restore their business.
• Grants of up to $25,000 for eligible primary producers directly impacted by flooding to help with clean-up and getting their operations back on track.
• Grants of up to $10,000 for eligible rural landholders to assist with clean-up, repairs and recovery work, including fixing damaged fences, infrastructure or equipment affected by East Coast severe weather and flooding.
• A $5 million program to clear drainage on private land following Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
• A $180 hardship payment for individuals, capped at $900 for households of five or more, to help cover essential items like food, clothing and medicine following the recent flood event.

This package is part of ongoing efforts to support flood-hit communities as they recover and rebuild.

The impacts of flooding on primary producers across the Mid North Coast and in the Hunter are serious. Flood impacted farmers and primary producers are being asked to complete the NSW Government’s Primary Industries Natural Disaster Damage Assessment (PiNDDA) survey, once it is safe for them to do so which will inform future recovery.

The primary producer recovery grant of up to $25,000 supports the clean-up and the immediate recovery needs of primary producers and small businesses.

The NSW Government will continue to monitor the needs of impacted communities and will work with the Commonwealth on any additional assistance that may be necessary.

Recovery grants for primary producers, small businesses and not-for-profit organisations will be available in the local government areas of Armidale, Ballina, Bellingen, Byron, Central Coast, Cessnock, Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, Dungog, Glen Innes Severn, Kempsey, Kyogle, Lake Macquarie, Lismore, Lord Howe Island, Maitland, MidCoast, Muswellbrook, Nambucca, Newcastle, Port Macquarie-Hastings, Port Stephens, Richmond Valley, Singleton, Tenterfield, Tweed, Upper Hunter and Walcha.

Grants for rural landholders will be available in the local government areas of Armidale, Bellingen, Central Coast, Cessnock, Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, Dungog, Kempsey, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, MidCoast, Muswellbrook, Nambucca, Newcastle, Port Macquarie-Hastings, Port Stephens, Singleton, Upper Hunter and Walcha

Information on how to apply will be made available over coming days at www.nsw.gov.au/floodrecoveryupdates.

Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese:

“We know how tough this period has been for so many across New South Wales, and this funding is about making sure people get the support they need to recover and rebuild with dignity.

“This is a clear example of the Australian and NSW Governments working together to deliver real help on the ground where it’s needed most.

“Whether it’s helping families get back into safe housing, or supporting local businesses and farmers to clean up and keep going, we’re standing with communities every step of the way.”

Premier of NSW Chris Minns:

“This funding ensures people get the support they need now, whether it’s a roof over their head, financial assistance or help rebuilding.

“The funding package recognises that people are doing it tough.

“We are making sure there’s money for cleanup, to help farmers, and helping businesses get back on their feet. 

“For a natural disaster of this size and scale, we’re going to be with these communities for the long haul.” 

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain:

“This significant funding commitment will deliver vital, practical support on the ground to help individuals, businesses and entire communities begin the long road to recovery after the devastating impacts of recent floods.

“We’re working hand in hand with the NSW Government to ensure that recovery assistance is delivered efficiently to those who have been hardest hit and need help getting back on their feet.

“From hardship payments to clean up grants for primary producers and small businesses, this comprehensive package is focused on providing meaningful, targeted support that makes a real difference in people’s daily lives.”

NSW Minister for Agriculture, Regional NSW and Western NSW Tara Moriarty: 

“These grants, subsidies, and payments will help farmers and their families cover costs associated with clean-up and recovery, so they can get back to operating as soon as possible. 

“We know it will be some time before the full extent of damage is known, so making these grants and subsidies available now will provide certainty to farmers as the impact continues to be evaluated.

“We encourage all farmers to submit full damage assessments to inform further assistance, if needed.

“The Rural Assistance Authority staff will available via the 1800 678 593 hotline to answer questions about the available support and to help people lodge their applications.

“Please lodge applications for this funding at the RAA website at http://www.raa.nsw.gov.au/ and call the hotline if needed.”

NSW Minister for Recovery and Small Business Janelle Saffin:

“This is about making sure that communities get the helping hand they need right now and the support they need so they can begin the long journey to recovery.  

“We will keep working closely with our people in local governments, service providers and community organisations to ensure support reaches those who need it most.” 

Wednesday 4 June

• From 8am to 1pm, buses replace trains between Newcastle Interchange and Telarah or Muswellbrook.
• The 08:29 Newcastle Interchange to Dungog will not run. Catch the 08:48 Newcastle Interchange to Telarah train and change at Maitland for a bus towards Dungog.
• Buses also replace the 10:02 Dungog to Newcastle Interchange service.
  
• Replacement buses for trackwork may be affected by driver shortages. We are doing all we can to minimise the impact to your journey and provide a safe service, however cancellations or delays may occur.
• Plan your trip before you travel for up-to-date real time information. You can also subscribe to planned trackwork alerts.

Bus routes
1HU Newcastle Interchange, all stations to Telarah and return
4HU Maitland, all stations to Dungog (in that direction only)
7HU Warabrook Station to University shuttle bus
15HU Maitland, all stations to Muswellbrook (in that direction only)
19HU Dungog, all stations to Maitland, Victoria Street, all stations to Beresfield, Warabrook, all stations to Newcastle Interchange (in that direction only)
28HU Muswellbrook, all stations to Maitland, Victoria Street, all stations to Beresfield, Warabrook, all stations to Newcastle Interchange (in that direction only)

City of Newcastle is seeking feedback about the proposed use of community land by Rising Tide for its People’s Blockade event in November. 

Rising Tide has applied for a licence to utilise Hamilton North’s Richardson Park from 25 November to 2 December 2025, and Camp Shortland from 28 November to 1 December. 

Under the Local Government Act, a public notice is required for events that occupy community land for longer than three consecutive days. 

Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge said it is important for the community to have their say on the event.  

“I know that there are strong views in the community about Rising Tide’s People’s Blockade and the associated protest activity, so we are seeking clear feedback during the public notice period,” Cr Kerridge said.  

“Councillors will then consider the proposed event after the close of the public notice period. This could include possible camping and activation of Richardson Park, and consideration of a concert in Camp Shortland.  

“Council intends to consider this matter with several months’ notice prior to the planned event to give organisers and the community a level of certainty.” 

City of Newcastle manages community land on the behalf of the NSW Government and licences events in line with the Local Government Act. 

The process includes providing the community with an opportunity to have their say through public notification of the planned activities on site. 

Rising Tide’s application includes the erection of temporary structures, amusement rides, live performances and amplified sound at both Camp Shortland and Richardson Park, along with the provision for camping at the Hamilton North site.    

The community can have their say by emailing their feedback to events@ncc.nsw.gov.au from tomorrow until 5pm on Monday, 30 June. 

Following this process and in line with a request from the Lord Mayor, City of Newcastle will prepare a report for the elected Council to consider the event authorisation. 

City of Newcastle has a long-held commitment to the environment, sustainability and leading the community to take collective action to overcome the challenges of a climate change.  

This includes formally declaring a climate emergency, committing to the Paris Agreement and adopting a target of net zero emissions from City of Newcastle’s operations by 2030. 

The Albanese and Rockliff Governments are proud to mark a historic milestone for Tasmania, with the official opening of the new Bridgewater Bridge – the largest transport infrastructure project in the state’s history.

The $786 million project represents a significant investment in Tasmania’s future, delivering modern infrastructure that improves connectivity, enhances freight and passenger movement, and supports economic growth across the state.

The Australian Government contributed $628.8 million to the transformative project, with the Tasmanian Government contributing the remaining $157.2 million. The new bridge has been delivered on time and on budget.

The new four-lane bridge will deliver faster, more reliable travel times for commuters, freight operators and locals, significantly reducing bottlenecks on this key section of the highway network.

The new bridge is the fifth to be built across the River Derwent at Bridgewater and symbolises the next chapter in the evolution of this critical transport link.

It replaces ageing infrastructure with a state-of-the-art structure that will serve the people of Tasmania for decades to come. 

The 1.2-kilometre-long crossing will improve safety for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists, with new interchanges, a 3-metre-wide shared path and modern safety features.

The bridge also includes improved access for marine traffic, with a higher clearance and no lift span, reducing delays and improving efficiency for both road and river users.

It has been designed to support growth throughout the region and has been built with a vision towards the future of the state.

Since construction began in October 2022, the project has supported around 1000 jobs, more than 25 per cent of which were employees from the local area.   

Thanks to targeted employment and training programs, the project has created pathways for apprentices, trainees and people new to the civil construction industry to gain real-world experience on a nationally significant construction site.

This ensures the state’s workforce is equipped for the pipeline of future Tasmanian infrastructure projects.

The new bridge will open to traffic from tomorrow (Monday, 2 June) with all four lanes operating at 80 km/h.

Works across the project site will continue over coming weeks, including landscaping, construction of the new roundabout linking Old Main Road and Gunn Street, and removal of the temporary bridge and barges.

For more information about the project and to see the latest flythrough footage, visit the project website at bridgewaterbridge.tas.gov.au.

Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese

“My Government is building Australia’s future by investing in transformative transport infrastructure like the Bridgewater Bridge.

“We have worked with the Tasmanian Government to deliver a landmark project that will improve safety, deliver a better commuter experience, and boost productivity in this great state.

“The Bridgewater Bridge is about more than meeting the needs of Tasmanians today – it’s about making sure that Tasmanians have the world class infrastructure they deserve for generations to come.”

Premier of Tasmania Jeremy Rockliff

“This is a bridge built by Tasmanians for Tasmanians, and is something that everyone in the State can be proud of.

“The Bridgewater Bridge has been talked about for decades, but together with every person involved in this project, we have delivered it.

“The new Bridge is a testament to what we can achieve in Tasmania when we work together.

“Major infrastructure projects like this inspire, support our economy, upskill our people, and build a better Tasmania: now and for the future.

“I want to acknowledge the Federal Government for working with us to deliver this inter-generational infrastructure for Tasmania.”

Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King

“The first Bridgewater Bridge opened in 1848, and today we’re opening the fifth, marking a historic milestone in the history of Tasmania.

“Investing in major infrastructure projects doesn’t just keep people and goods moving, it provides an ongoing boost to local economies through more efficient and effective transport.

“We are proud to partner with the Tasmanian Government and local industry to deliver this important project which will improve safety, support economic growth and leave a lasting legacy for future generations.”

Tasmanian Minister for Infrastructure Kerry Vincent

“This bridge stands as a testament to what can be achieved when we work together.

“It is more than just concrete and steel. It is a once-in-a-generation project and a symbol of what the future holds for Tasmania.

“I want to thank the local community for their patience and understanding during the construction period.

“The resilience of the local community and the travelling public are what has made this landmark of national significance a success.”

The Victorian Greens have condemned the Victorian Labor Government for giving the tick of approval for Viva Energy’s floating gas terminal in Corio Bay.

The Greens have been campaigning alongside local communities since 2022 to put an end to this dangerous, polluting, unnecessary project.

Labor’s decision has shown complete contempt for the Geelong community, climate experts, and environmentalists who overwhelmingly oppose a gas import terminal in Corio bay.

In the same week that Victorian Labor approved this massive floating gas terminal, Federal Labor signed off on Woodside’s North West Shelf – set to emit 6.1 billion tonnes of carbon.

The Greens say these decisions expose Labor as climate hypocrites: a total betrayal, being bought by the fossil fuel industry instead of listening to future generations.

The floating gas terminal not only presents massive health and climate risks, but it will also likely require dredging to accommodate the LNG tankers which will absolutely devastate the beautiful local marine environment.

The Greens say that there is absolutely no reason for this project to go ahead and any justification is a total sham as over 80% of Australia’s gas is exported, an important terminal will actually result in Victorians buying back Australian gas at a higher price.

Greens Member for Western Victoria and Deputy Leader, Dr Sarah Mansfield:

“This is absolutely devastating news. Victorian Labor have turned their backs on our bay environment, on the health and safety of communities in Geelong, and on our climate. They have failed to listen to thousands of community members, environment groups, and experts, instead selling out to the fossil fuel lobby. It’s unforgiveable.

With the North West Shelf and now this massive floating gas terminal – this week Labor has really torched what little climate credibility they had – they may as well be the Coalition at this point.”

the Leader of the Victorian Greens, Ellen Sandell:

“First the Federal Labor Government approves Australia’s biggest fossil fuel project in WA, now the Victorian state Labor Government has approved a huge floating gas ship in Victoria. These are both massive fossil fuel projects that are fuelling the climate crisis and it shows that Labor simply does not give a stuff about climate change”.

The Australian Greens echo the calls from the UNESCO World Heritage Committee for the Queensland and Australian governments to take drastic measures in protecting the Great Barrier Reef. 

For 13 years the committee has warned the reef could fall onto the ‘In Danger’ list after multiple bleaching events in the past decade. 

Now, they may have issued their final warning with a draft decision ahead of the committee’s July meeting in Paris, with grave fears for the future of the Reef.

We know climate change is the greatest threat to the reef, with UNESCO highlighting water pollution and unsustainable fishing as the most damaging local threats.

With sole balance of power in the Senate this term, the Greens will continue to fight for strong climate action, including pushing for no new coal and gas, and for our oceans to be protected.

Leader of the Australian Greens and Senator for Queensland, Larissa Waters:

“If this week has proven anything it is that neither of the major parties are committed to net zero. 

“If they continue to wave around net zero as a fig leaf while still approving coal and gas, the Great Barrier Reef will continue to suffer.

“UNESCO has been warning since 2012 that the Reef could be placed on the ‘In Danger’ list, and while the major parties have been racing to the bottom on climate policy, 50% of the Reef’s coral cover has been lost.

“The Coalition can’t even say the term climate change, let alone what they mean by net zero and Labor has just approved a massive carbon bomb in the North West Shelf.

“If Labor wants to talk about mandates, they should keep in mind the one they have to address the climate crisis. 

“It seems the Greens are the only ones committed to ensuring the next generation, our kids and grandkids, have a liveable planet.

“More than 60,000 people rely on the Reef for employment and yet the government, which talks a big game about climate and jobs, is prepared to let an entire industry die while it lets its fossil fuel donors dig and burn their way to climate catastrophe.

“Queenslanders and Australians have had enough of governments ruling for the billionaires and doing favours for big corporations.

“Rising global emissions caused by the burning of fossil fuels are boiling our oceans and killing the Great Barrier Reef. 

“Until the Albanese Government commits to ending new coal and gas this destruction will continue.”

The latest quarterly emissions update has revealed emissions are still going up and remain higher under Anthony Albanese than when Scott Morrison left office, as the Greens call on Labor to stop backing coal and gas.

The data reveals emissions have risen year on year from 446.2 to 446.4 million tonnes.

The update also shows that emissions were higher in the year to December 2024 (446.4 Mt) than they were in the year to June 2022 when the Morrison Government left office (440.6 Mt).

These damning figures follow Labor’s decision earlier this week to approve the climate-wrecking North West Shelf dirty gas extension to 2070, effectively killing the prospect of achieving net zero by 2050.

Labor approved over 30 new coal and gas projects in its last term. 

The Australian Greens have said to have any chance of a safer climate, Labor must stop approving new coal and gas projects and start rapidly cutting emissions.

Leader of the Australian Greens, Senator Larissa Waters:

“Climate emissions are still going up and are higher under Anthony Albanese than under Scott Morrison.

“And just this week, Labor approved the climate-wrecking North West Shelf dirty gas extension to 2070.

“Two climate tests so far – and Labor’s failed both.

“During the last term of parliament, Labor approved over 30 new coal and gas projects, and it doesn’t look like they’re slowing down any time soon.

“The Greens will keep fighting for strong climate action, and an end to new coal and gas.”

The Australian Government welcomes the adoption of the World Health Organization (WHO) Pandemic Agreement.

The Agreement is a significant step towards strengthening pandemic prevention, preparedness and response.

The Agreement takes account of lessons learnt during the COVID-19 pandemic and supports collective action to address pandemic threats, including by strengthening multi-sectoral disease surveillance and access to vaccines.

While the Agreement has been adopted by the World Health Assembly, there are further steps remaining to finalise technical details. Australia will only commence our treaty making process after the Agreement opens for signature, which is not expected until at least mid-2026.

Once the Agreement has entered into force, Australia and our region will be better positioned to reduce pandemic risks and respond swiftly if a pandemic occurs, saving lives and mitigating the impacts on our economies. Australia will retain full sovereignty in making public health decisions which promote the interests of Australians.

Australia is proud to have served as Vice-Chair of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body for the Pandemic Agreement, representing our diverse Western Pacific region.

This outcome reaffirms the value of multilateral solutions to shared global challenges.

Australia will continue to play our part to ensure the international community is better prepared to respond to future pandemics

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong:

“We need international cooperation on health to help keep Australia, our region, and the world safe. The adoption of the WHO Pandemic Agreement demonstrates the value of the international community working together to find solutions to shared global challenges.”

Minister for Health and Ageing, Minister for Disability and the NDIS, the Hon Mark Butler MP:

“The next pandemic is not a matter of if, but when. We have a collective responsibility to protect public health in all of our countries. The adoption of the WHO Pandemic Agreement is an important step forward.”

NSW Parliament’s Law and Justice Committee has just handed down its report into the NSW Labor Government’s proposed changes to workers compensation entitlements. This follows a mammoth hearing just last Friday where the Committee heard from almost 40 witnesses across nine and a half hours of evidence. 

The evidence contained in the report details near universal opposition to the major elements of the government’s proposed reforms from witnesses and stakeholders. 

The inquiry into the government’s legislation follows only two years after the Committee conducted a fulsome and comprehensive inquiry into the drivers and impacts of workplace psychological injuries resulting in compensation claims. The majority of recommendations, including key prevention and management recommendations, from that report remain unfulfilled. Despite the NSW Labor government agreeing or agreeing in principle to all of those recommendations, many of the elements of the government’s proposed reforms are in direct contradiction to those recommendations. 

Abigail Boyd, Greens Spokesperson for Treasury, Work Health and Safety, and Industrial Relations: 

“The evidence received by the committee in our one-day hearing painted a damning picture of what the government proposes to do to injured workers in this state. 

“Everything we heard pointed to just how ill-conceived and incomprehensibly cruel the Minns Labor Government’s proposed curtailment of support for psychologically injured workers is – these reforms will be actively harmful to thousands of injured and deserving people. 

“The government’s inability to present coherent modelling and financial analysis of either the scheme liabilities or the impact of these proposed changes is cause for great concern. Projected future rates of growth of psychological injury are based on heroic assumptions that only an actuary could love, and a highly motivated one at that. It’s on these shaky projections that the supposed crisis the government claims to be responding to is based. 

“But even if you are to believe that there is to be some catastrophic blowout in costs from psychological injuries, the answer is not to pretend those injuries don’t exist – we have to focus on stopping people getting injured at work in the first place and, if they are injured, doing everything we can to get them quickly back on their feet. Anything less is not only dangerous to workers’ lives and morally wrong, it’s also an incredibly naive way to manage the State’s longer-term finances, dependent as they are on a productive and resilient workforce. 

“The proposal to increase the threshold for accessing long-term support to a level that would require a worker to be rendered essentially catatonic or in need of permanent around-the-clock professional care was identified by experts as being particularly cruel and without basis or justification. If allowed to go through, these changes will cost lives.” 

This morning, a Victorian Greens request to urgently debate the Albanese Labor Government’s decision to approve the extension of the North West Shelf gas project in the Victorian Parliament was denied.

The Victorian Greens used a tool that allows MPs to bring matters of urgent public importance forward for debate in the Parliament at short notice – arguing that as the state faces worsening drought and NSW reels from once-in-500-year floods, the project’s 6.1 billion tonnes of emissions will fuel climate chaos impacting every Victorian, harming public health, driving up insurance costs, and endangering future generations.

The request was denied. In response, the Greens say: if Labor approving a climate bomb with projected emissions of up to 6.1 billion tonnes isn’t a matter of urgent public importance, then what is?

It comes on the same day that state Labor has made comments boasting of billions of dollars in new gas investment in Victoria this year alone.

The Greens have accused the Victorian Labor Government of following in Albo’s footsteps, saying that Labor is guilty of ‘climate betrayal’ at both levels of government.

The North West Shelf Project will release more emissions than every coal-fired power station in Australia combined, locking in fossil fuel use until 2070 – decades beyond the climate deadlines set by the IPCC and Paris Agreement.

The Victorian Greens say that the Parliament shouldn’t be avoiding scrutiny and debate on such an important matter that will impact every Victorian.

Leader of the Victorian Greens, Ellen Sandell:

“Woodside’s massive new gas project is a climate bomb – the equivalent of opening 12 new coal-fired power stations. Labor’s approval of this disastrous project will blow our climate targets, supercharging floods, bushfires and extreme weather already hitting Victorians. If that’s not a matter of urgent public importance for Parliament to debate, I don’t know what is.”

“It’s incredibly disappointing to see Labor here in Victoria boasting about new gas projects the day after their federal Labor colleagues approved Woodside’s climate disaster. Future generations will never forgive Labor for this climate betrayal”