Category: Australian News

The Albanese Government must act in response to the US abusing its veto power on the UN Security Council by being the sole vote against a ceasefire and aid motion for Gaza.

The US vetoed the resolution proposed by all 10 non-permanent Security Council members that sought an immediate ceasefire, to allow aid to enter Gaza and the return of hostages. The final vote was 14-1 in favour, but lost due to the US veto.

Tens of thousands of civilians in Gaza have been killed by Israeli forces as part of the ongoing genocide, with a series of killings of people lining up for food aid occurring over recent days. 

Senator David Shoebridge, Greens Spokesperson on Defence and Foreign Affairs, said: “Fear of Donald Trump must not gag the Albanese Government at this time. The Albanese Government has been taking its talking points from the US throughout the genocide, this has got us no closer to peace. 

“The most meaningful response to the US veto would be for Australia to join the growing list of nations imposing direct sanctions on the Israeli war industry. 

“The sanctions regime imposed on Russia after its invasion of Ukraine provides a ready template. This includes sanctions on critical military resources such as aluminium and armoured steel and an immediate halt to the two-way arms trade.

“The far-right Netanyahu government has shown that it can just brush off the stern letters and concerned statements that have flowed from the Albanese government these past 18 months. 

“Meaningful action right now would include the cancellation of the $1 billion arms contract with Israeli weapons manufacturer Elbit Systems as part of ending the two-way arms trade.
 
“Unfortunately, we have seen the Albanese Government time and time again try to appease the US instead of being a force for peace in the world. This must stop now.”

On World Environment Day, the Minns Labor Government is proud to announce the Nungatta feral predator-free area in South-East Forest National Park is now complete, providing a safe-haven for some of NSW’s most vulnerable native species.

Covering 2,000-hectares, the project will protect more than 13 threatened native species such as the eastern pygmy-possum, yellow-bellied glider and powerful owl and allow for the reintroduction of up to nine locally extinct mammals.

A 25-kilometre-long feral-proof fence now surrounds the area, following the completion of works. It is patrolled at least three times a week, with additional patrols after storms or fires.

More than 40 remote cameras are constantly monitoring the area, to detect any potential incursions by feral animals such as feral cats or foxes.

The Minns Labor Government is proud to see the completion of Nungatta, which one of ten feral predator-free areas established by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and the first of its kind on the South Coast. It was chosen from more than 35 potential sites due to its suitable habitat for reintroduced species.

The critically endangered smoky mouse became the first species to be reintroduced into the area, in September 2024. Since then, 79 smoky mice have been released and ecologists recently detected the first juvenile smoky mice known to be born in the area.

The long-footed potoroo, eastern bettong, eastern quoll and New Holland mouse are expected to be reintroduced in the coming years.

Feral predator-free areas are a critical tool in preventing further extinctions and promoting the recovery of species most at risk of predation by feral cats and foxes. Across Australia, feral cats alone are estimated to kill more than 1.5 billion native animals every year.

The program represents one of NSW’s most significant threatened species restoration initiatives, and is funded by the NSW Environmental Trust and NPWS.

For more information on feral predator-free areas visit the Feral predator-free areas project web page.

Minister for the Environment, Penny Sharpe:

“The opening of Nungatta demonstrates the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to protecting andrestoring our environment, including native animals and their habitats.

“The team at National Parks along with the Saving our Species program has already successfully reintroduced the critically endangered smoky mouse, and with the fence now complete, Nungatta will be a safe haven to even more threatened species.”

Member for Bega, Dr Michael Holland:

“We are proud to host one the state’s ten feral predator-free areas, which is the first of its kind on the South Coast of NSW. This area of bushland was chosen because of its suitable habitat for reintroduced species.

“It’s wonderful to know this safe area will help bring locally extinct species back to this corner of the state.”

The Minns Labor Government’s highly successful primary school fishing education program which has introduced more than 70,000 students to the joys of fishing, is set to expand into NSW high schools from today.

The Get Hooked fishing primary schools’ program was launched in 2008 under the Iemma Labor Government.

Since then, more than 750 primary schools in NSW have taken part in program, learning from education officers and Fishcare volunteers about responsible fishing and environmental awareness.

The program integrates practical fishing skills with environmental education through subjects like Biology, Environmental Science, and Physical Education, helping students learn and take care of our water ways and resources.

The new high school program includes curriculum-aligned units – Fishing in NSW; Understanding Fish Habitat; Conserving Fish Habitat with lesson plans, activities and assessments tailored to year 7 to 10 students.

This expanded program also delivers additional benefits to the community by educating students on sustainable fishing practices, including habitat conservation and biosecurity, to protect the environment for the future.

Additionally, the program also promotes the health and social benefits of recreational fishing to teenagers and encourages inclusive participation across ages and genders.

From the North Coast, to Bega, out to the Far West, 67 high schools have already shown interest in the high school program, showing a demand across the public, private, and independent education sectors.

The program is proudly supported with funding from the NSW Recreational Fishing Trust.

High schools can get involved by registering for the free program and gain access to four online learning units designed to support sustainable fishing education.

https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/recreational/resources/schools-education-programs/high-schools-get-hooked

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

“The Get Hooked high school program will support the next generation of fishers.

“The Minns Government is committed to providing children with lifelong skills throughout their school years and the Get Hooked program will now give high school students a chance to experience to the joys of fishing.

“The Get Hooked program has thrived in NSW primary schools over the past 17 years and I look forward to seeing the next generation of avid fishers grow within our geography, science and marine studies classrooms.”

“Each year, about 100 schools and over 5,000 students from both public and independent primary schools across NSW join the primary school program. Now, it’s being expanded to include high school students.

“This is a great example of how money from the NSW Recreational Fishing Licence Fee is being used to support projects that benefit the fishing community.

Johann Bell, Chair, Recreational Fishing NSW Advisory Council said:

“The success of the Get Hooked program in primary schools has sparked a passion for fishing and conservation in countless students. Expanding into high schools is an exciting next step that will inspire the next generation of recreational fishers.”

Ryan Decker, Science Teacher, St John Bosco College said:

“Over the past few years, St John Bosco College has partnered with Fishcare and the Get Hooked team through Fishing for Sport.

“This collaboration has helped students develop a passion for fishing, build lasting bonds, and gain skills in fishing safety, handling, and species identification.

“As a Marine Science teacher, I’m excited to integrate aspects of the new High School Program into my lessons, empowering students with the skills and resources to become responsible stewards of the marine environment and deepen their appreciation for marine activities like fishing.” 

Senator Mehreen Faruqi,  Australian Greens Deputy Leader and Higher Education Spokesperson has responded to news that two University of Melbourne students have been recommended for expulsion and two for suspension for taking part in a pro-Palestine demonstration at the university last October.

This development is an example of increasing protest restrictions at campuses throughout Australia, and coincides with Israel’s escalating aid blockade of Gaza and a UN warning that Gaza’s entire population is at risk of famine.

Senator Mehreen Faruqi: 

“The tide is finally shifting inch by inch, with France, the UK and Canada all threatening sanctions on Israel due to the escalating genocide in Gaza. But Australia is going the opposite way, with universities shamefully doubling down against Palestine activists and insisting on being on the wrong side of history.

“Universities like the University of Melbourne should cease the disciplinary witch hunts on brave student activists and issue a public apology for the McCarthyist crackdown on staff and students speaking out for a free Palestine.

“From draconian anti-protest policies and police interventions to surveillance, suspensions and disciplinary actions, university management have used every trick in the book to stifle activism and they should unreservedly apologise for this.

“Since the genocide in Gaza began, students and staff at universities have led the way in rallying against Israel’s atrocities, and they continue to pay the price. 

“Universities should stop sanctioning students and start divesting from the major arms manufacturers which contribute to and profit from Israel’s slaughter of Palestinians.

“The Greens will always stand with the courageous students holding their universities to account for their moral cowardice when it comes to Israel’s genocide in Gaza.”

The Fair Work Commission’s 3.5% increase is good news for workers, but there is still more work to be done to restore the purchasing power of the minimum wage for the almost 3 million workers on low pay. This is especially justified in view of new evidence that raising the minimum wage has had no impact on inflation over the last 35 years, new data finds, despite arguments from business groups to the contrary.

The real wages of award workers have gone backwards over the last four years, falling short of adequately compensating low paid workers for increases in living costs.  

The Greens will continue to support union proposals for wage increases for minimum and award wage workers and to help address systemic gender pay inequality.

Senator Barbara Pocock:

“Given the evidence that minimum wage rises have had no impact on inflation over the last thirty-five years, it is disingenuous for business to use this argument against workers, and gives the Fair Work Commission a stronger incentive to raise the rate.” 

“The FWC’s increase of 3.5% will help low paid workers, but there is still further to go to make up for the reality of long term losses in real wage rates. These workers are still struggling through a cost of living crisis and continue to have to make ends meet on a low wage. 

“Today’s decision by the FWC is good news for women as it goes some way to addressing the wage gap in feminised care sectors, which have historically been undervalued and under-compensated.

“Low paid workers are already facing an uphill battle as wages have failed to keep up with the cost of living. We need to continue to raise the minimum wage to a liveable level and give people a chance to get ahead. The widening gap between the increasing incomes of those at the top of the labour market which have been increasing rapidly and those at the bottom creates a strong case to look after those on low pay. These are the people who keep our economy and care system in particular functioning: we all depend on them. They deserve decent pay that keeps up with their costs.

“The FWC should prioritise the needs of Australia’s lowest paid workers, not the wealthy top end of town. We need to call out the real perpetrators of inflation – big corporations pursuing big profits – instead of holding back low paid workers. Profits are driving inflation not wages and this decision puts further pressure on workers who are trying to make ends meet on a low wage.”

This op-ed was published in Stock and Land and The Weekly Times in April 2025. 

From the orchards of my family’s farm in western Victoria, I learned the values of hard work and community. Running a farm while raising a family has never been easy – today, it’s harder.

Now, as a working mum myself, I’ve traded red soil for the red benches of the Australian Senate, but I still know the juggle that so many rural families face – trying to earn a living, care for our kids, and keep our communities strong.

But for too many families, the biggest challenge isn’t just the rising cost of childcare – it’s that there’s no childcare available at all. A 2024 study by Victoria University found that nearly one in four Australians live in a childcare desert – areas where more than three children are vying for every available place. In rural and remote areas, the numbers can be even worse.

This is a national crisis. Leaving early learning to the market has failed. Parents, especially women, are locked out of work. On farms, that means lost productivity, fewer hands at harvest, and more pressure on already-stretched households.

This isn’t just a family issue – it’s economic. The Australia Institute estimates that fixing early childhood education could boost the economy by $168 billion.

The government has made some steps, scrapping the punitive activity test and announcing more funding for new centres. But the “three-day guarantee” means little to families if their local services have closed or have years-long waitlists.

Early education is essential infrastructure. Like roads and schools, it’s what keeps our communities strong. We need urgent investment to expand services in rural and remote areas. We need public funding for not-for-profit providers – those that consistently deliver high-quality care. And we need support for educators.

This isn’t just about fixing a broken system; it’s about investing in the future. If we want young families to stay on the land, grow our food, and build vibrant communities, we need to give them the support they need from day one.

Researchers tell us that 90% of a child’s brain development occurs before five. Last week, a report by the Mitchell Institute found that even the first three years of learning are crucial at ‘levelling the playing field,’ especially for disadvantaged kids.

We cannot keep leaving this critical window of development to a postcode lottery.

This election, in what’s likely to be a minority Parliament, the Greens will push for free, universal childcare – just like primary and secondary school.

Our kids, our farms, and our future depend on it.

The Greens have named Senator Barbara Pocock as the party’s new housing spokesperson, in recognition of her significant achievements in the last term of parliament in winning rights for workers and fighting back against government privatisation by stealth.

Housing is a key issue for the Greens, who are committed to continuing their growth as the party for renters and first homebuyers. Labor’s hands off approach continues to make the housing crisis worse, with money secured by the Greens in the last term the only significant funding currently working to help build social and affordable housing.

The promotion recognises Senator Pocock’s significant wins in challenging areas that, like housing, require structural reforms, not just tinkering around the edges. This places her in good stead to continue the transformative housing agenda that the Greens fought in the last term with Max Chandler-Mather. 

Senator Pocock will also take on the portfolios of workplace relations and continue with finance and the public sector.

Senator Barbara Pocock:

“I am delighted to be taking on the portfolio of housing and homelessness alongside workplace relations, finance and the public sector. 

“I am thrilled to pick up the baton from the hands of Max Chandler Mather whose tireless work put the 31% of people who rent in our country as well as those who face runaway rents and insecure housing, at the centre of our country’s politics.

“Housing remains a key campaign for the Greens into the 48th parliament. In Australia, the crisis for renters and those trying to purchase their first home continues to get worse and there are 37,800 people experiencing chronic homelessness across Australia, living precarious lives without safe housing. Lack of housing is a runaway engine driving inequality in our country and it’s a major force for intergenerational inequality across the nation.

“In the last term of Parliament, I successfully fought for the right to disconnect, for stronger industrial protections for workers, and to stop the growing drain of consultants on the public service. Stopping the housing crisis requires big changes, not just more of Labor’s tinkering around the edges. 

“I intend to do everything I can, alongside my Greens’ colleagues, to fight for renters, first home buyers and those experiencing homelessness, to address the ongoing crisis that is the result of poor policies from the major parties over the past quarter century. 

“There is plenty of work to do, but we are ready and willing to take on the challenge and we know what needs to be done. We need to cap rents to enable first home buyers to get into the market while addressing the unfair tax advantages that give wealthy property investors extraordinary advantages in the housing market. We must improve the supply and development of affordable and social housing to help end homelessness and provide people with support and a safe place to live. 

“Housing and homelessness will remain a key campaign and focus for the Greens as the crisis gets exponentially worse for every day that the government fails to act appropriately. We are determined to end Australia’s shameful housing and homelessness crisis. I look forward to taking on this portfolio as I continue to build on Max’s work to fix the housing crisis.”

The Minns Labor Government and Sydney Roosters are today launching the second annual Emergency Services Match to be held on Sunday June 22nd where the Roosters will take on the North Queensland Cowboys at Allianz Stadium.

The Emergency Services Match celebrates and recognises the contribution of emergency services personnel, first responders, medical professionals and volunteers from NSW’s eight emergency services agencies.

Recognising the work of emergency service agencies, workers and volunteers is particularly important following the floods on the Mid-North Coast and in the Hunter this over the last few weeks.

The thousands of brave personnel who responded to these floods risked their own lives to save others, performing over 800 rescues and responding to over 8,500 calls for assistance.

Thousands of personnel also remain on the ground now assisting in the clean-up of homes and communities. They have completed over 12,000 damage assessments and cleaned up over 18,000 cubic metres of waste.

The match will again bring together the NSW Police Force, NSW Ambulance, Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Rural Fire Service, Surf Life Saving NSW, NSW State Emergency Service, Marine Rescue NSW and VRA Rescue NSW – all of whom responded to flooding this month.

Following NSW Police as last year’s inaugural spotlight agency, the Rural Fire Service (RFS) will lead a pre-game show, showcasing their extraordinary capabilities and honouring their volunteers who work tirelessly to keep our communities safe.

The show will feature RFS vehicles and equipment, a volunteer parade and a special live performance paying tribute to their services.

Driver Avenue will again be a hive of activity pre-game with all participating emergency services offering interactive displays, equipment and family friendly activations.

Ahead of the NRL match, NSW Police and Australian Firefighters will go head-to-head again in a curtain-raiser.

Emergency services staff, first responders, medical professionals and volunteers are invited to attend, as the Roosters and rugby league community unite to celebrate our frontline heroes.

Premier for New South Wales, Chris Minns said:

“This match is an important opportunity to recognise the bravery and dedication of our emergency services volunteers and personnel.

“Day after day they put the community first just like we’ve recently witnessed on the Mid-North Coast and in the Hunter with the floods and clean-up response.

“This is an important occasion to celebrate our emergency services agencies and to show them how much they’re appreciated.”

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“Community is at the core of everything we do, and NSW emergency service agencies work tirelessly to keep people safe under difficult circumstances.

“After last month’s devastating floods on the Mid North Coast this is a great way to recognise the contribution of the NSW SES and NSW RFS in supporting local communities during the worst of their times.”

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

“Sports has a unique power to unite communities, and the Emergency Services match is a wonderful way to showcase and honour our community heroes.

This is an outstanding initiative by the Roosters that continues to shine a light on the volunteers who continually put the community first, just as we’ve seen with the rescue and clean-up efforts in Northern NSW following the recent floods.”

Venues NSW CEO Kerrie Mather said:

“This match is an opportunity for the rugby league community to come together to celebrate and thank our emergency services volunteers for the role they play in rebuilding communities and keeping people safe.

“Fans are encouraged to arrive early, soak up the whole event experience and to learn more about our emergency services agencies and the bravery of their people.”

Sydney Roosters CEO Joe Kelly said:

“Our goal last year was to celebrate all eight emergency service agencies and create a marquee event recognising our frontline heroes. Thanks to the buy-in and commitment from the emergency service organisations and the NSW Government, we exceeded all initial expectations last year.

“It’s a privilege to continue working alongside all the emergency service agencies to organise this special annual event.

“We’re thrilled to spotlight NSW RFS, who are doing an incredible job preparing a spectacular pre-game show. It’s fitting that we also recognise NSW SES, which celebrates 70 years of service this year.”

Australia is staring down the barrel of a major healthcare crisis, with a projected shortage of 10,000 general practitioners over the next decade. This looming gap is expected to hit regional and remote communities the hardest, especially in states like Tasmania where an aging population is increasing demand for medical care. According to Lee Hanson, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Tackling the GP shortage will require coordinated efforts, including stronger backing from both state and federal governments for a university-linked teaching hospital with outreach campuses.

Hanson also highlights the need for creative incentives to get young doctors into the bush. One Nation’s proposal aims to do just that by offering three-year contracts to newly qualified doctors in exchange for wiping out their HECS-HELP student debt. The policy argues that this would be a smarter, more effective use of taxpayer money—one that helps attract and retain much-needed medical professionals in areas that are too often left behind. The idea is simple: invest where the need is greatest to shore up the future of rural healthcare. 

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.”