16 News

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has concluded his first visit to Timor-Leste as Prime Minister.

In Dili, he met His Excellency President Dr José Ramos-Horta and His Excellency Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão.

The Prime Minister also addressed the Parliament of Timor-Leste, a great honour for Australia.

Prime Minister Albanese and Prime Minister Gusmão signed a joint declaration establishing Parseria Foun ba Era Foun, which is Tetum for a New Partnership for a New Era.

The declaration is the first of its kind between our two nations and cements our growing economic, security and development partnerships.

Parseria is a demonstration of our shared commitment to:  

• an open, stable and prosperous region;
• cooperation, consultation and mutual respect for national sovereignty; 
• support Timor-Leste’s nation building priorities; and 
• strengthen community links. 

Prime Minister Albanese announced an Economic Cooperation Package for Timor‑Leste, which includes a further $8.2 million to support its participation in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the World Trade Organization.

The package also includes an $80 million Private Sector Development Program to support Timor-Leste’s economic diversification and private sector growth through access to credit, business services and marketing support. 

In addition, the Prime Minister announced a new $220 million Human Development Initiative to support the delivery of inclusive and high-quality health, education and disability services across Timor-Leste.

The Australian Government committed to allocate ten per cent of Australia and Timor-Leste’s combined future upstream revenue from the Greater Sunrise project, once finalised, to the Timor‑Leste Infrastructure Fund.

Timor-Leste President Ramos-Horta presented the Prime Minister with the Grand Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste in recognition of his contribution to strengthening ties between Australia and Timor-Leste and commitment to the prosperity of the Timorese people. 

Prime Minister Albanese:

“This marks a new era of cooperation between our nations.

“It reflects our longstanding friendship and sets out our shared vision for the future.

“It was an honour to visit Timor-Leste at this important moment in its history following its accession to ASEAN.

“Australia will continue to work with Timor-Leste to ensure this delivers peace, stability, and prosperity for the Timorese people and our shared region.”

Assistant Minister for Defence, Peter Khalil, will today officially open the new MQ-4C Triton facilities at RAAF Base Tindal in the Northern Territory, marking a major milestone for the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and delivering a significant boost to Australia’s air and maritime surveillance capabilities.

Delivered under the $355.7 million Remotely Piloted Aircraft System Facilities Project, RAAF Base Tindal will serve as the home of the Royal Australian Air Force’s MQ-4C Triton aircraft.

The aircraft will be launched at Tindal and flown by Air Force pilots from a ground station at RAAF Base Edinburgh in South Australia. The remotely piloted aircraft system allows the Triton to operate at higher altitudes and remain airborne for longer periods than a traditional piloted aircraft, providing persistent surveillance across Australia’s maritime approaches. 

Designed by BVN and constructed by Sitzler Pty Ltd, the project commenced in May 2023 and includes a purpose-built hangar, working accommodation, upgraded airfield pavements and supporting infrastructure to enable sustained Triton operations.

The new facilities strengthen Defence’s Cooperative Program with the United States Navy and support the 2024 National Defence Strategy, which prioritises enhancing northern bases and investing in uncrewed systems to expand Australia’s intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities across the air and space domains.

Since 2022, the Albanese Government has invested over $2.8 billion in strengthening the ADF’s presence across Northern Australia, with 43 projects either completed or underway. Over $166 million in contracts for the Triton facilities project were awarded to Northern Territory businesses, including $7.5 million to Indigenous subcontractors, delivering a significant economic contribution to the region.

Assistant Minister for Defence, Peter Khalil:

“The completion of these facilities at Tindal is a critical step in strengthening our northern defence capability and is yet another example of our commitment to deliver the priorities outlined in the 2024 National Defence Strategy.”

“This suite of new infrastructure will enable the ADF to operate advanced uncrewed aircraft from Australia’s north, enhancing persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance along our maritime boarders and across the broader region.”

“The project also deepens Australia’s Cooperative Program with the US Navy, by ensuring our forces can operate seamlessly together in support of regional stability.”

“Investing in critical infrastructure and advanced capabilities across our northern bases is critical to ensuring Australia is ready to face whatever challenges arise in the future.”

Federal Member for Lingiari, Marion Scrymgour:

“This project has delivered real benefits for the Territory, supporting local businesses, creating jobs and building skills that will continue to benefit the region well into the future.

“Working closely with local industry and Indigenous contractors has been central to this project, ensuring the investment strengthens not only Defence capability but also the local economy.

“RAAF Base Tindal is a valued part of the local community, and these new facilities will support the men and women who live and work here as they carry out their vital role.”

Special Envoy for Defence, Veterans’ Affairs & Northern Australia, Luke Gosling:

“The completion of the MQ-4C Triton facilities at RAAF Base Tindal reflects the Northern Territory’s central role in Australia’s national security. It recognises the work of our Defence personnel, the importance of our northern bases, and the strength of our local Defence industry in keeping Australians safe.

“This investment gives the ADF a powerful new capability to see further, stay airborne longer and maintain constant situational awareness. It will significantly strengthen our maritime surveillance and ensure Australia is better prepared to respond to emerging security challenges across the Indo-Pacific.”

More than 2,000 jobs will be created in Western Sydney following a $508 million investment from the Albanese Government in two major capital works projects that are critical to Australia’s national security.

The two projects – part of the Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) plan – include the redevelopment of base facilities and the construction of new explosive ordnance storage at Orchard Hills.

Hansen Yuncken has been contracted to deliver upgrade works to Defence Establishment Orchard Hills, including for security and infrastructure and new training and working facilities at a value of $298 million, with expected construction completion in early 2029. This project is expected to create 600 direct employment opportunities for engineers, plant operators, and construction tradespeople.

ADCO Constructions will provide guided weapons and explosive ordnance storage buildings at a value of $210 million, with construction expected to be completed in late 2027, creating 300 direct jobs.

There are also indirect supply chain employment opportunities for 1,400 personnel in roles including steel and concrete production, material supply, fabrication, office fit-out, design, and logistics. The two projects are expected to contribute around $500 million directly into the NSW and Western Sydney economy by providing business for local subcontractors, suppliers, materials, labour and services.

The two separate contracts include Indigenous workforce, apprentice training and women in construction targets, as well as procurement commitments, designed to ensure significant economic benefits flow to the local community. 

The Orchard Hills base currently employs approximately 700 people, including contractors and Defence personnel. This work, part of the Government’s commitment of up to $21 billion under the GWEO plan, support the commitment in the 2024 National Defence Strategy to increasing Australia’s guided weapons and explosive ordnance capability. 

Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Pat Conroy MP:

“The Albanese Government is delivering a defence future made in Australia and creating thousands of well-paid jobs for locals with this major investment in infrastructure that is critical to our national security.

“This is part of the Albanese Government’s commitment to establish a sovereign missile manufacturing industry which will make Australia more self-reliant and ensure the ADF has what it needs to keep Australians safe.” 

The Victorian Greens have expressed solidarity with teachers considering industrial action, saying the Allan Labor Government’s $2.4 billion cut to public schools has pushed educators to breaking point.

Victorian teachers are now the lowest paid in Australia, with many able to earn around $15,000 more simply by crossing the border to New South Wales – nearly $300 a week at a time when housing, groceries and everyday costs are soaring.

The bulk of the $2.4 billion of funding that Labor has delayed would have gone towards boosting school staff and increasing staff salaries. 

The Victorian Greens secured an inquiry into public school funding which will begin at the beginning of this year. 

Victorian Greens spokesperson for Education, Dr Tim Read: 

“If you want to know why over 300 teaching positions are vacant, you can ask Jacinta Allan’s Labor Government. It’s no wonder when all teachers have to do is cross the border to NSW to get an extra $15k a year, that’s a pretty enticing argument. 

“The problem will only get worse unless we increase teacher salaries to match their NSW counterparts. Inflation and cost of living are soaring and our teachers deserve better, instead they’re being locked into the lowest salaries in the country. 

“Labor likes to call Victoria the education state, but right now they’re funding schools to fail. We can do better by our teachers, and by our kids.”

The Consumer Price Index released by the Australian Bureau of Statistic today shows inflation surged over Christmas, confirming that under Labor the cost of living is getting worse, not better for Australian families.

The data shows inflation accelerated to 3.8 per cent in December, leaving Australian households paying more at exactly the wrong time of year.

After nearly four years of Labor, Australians are paying more for everything:

• Insurance is up 39 per cent.
• Energy up 38 per cent
• Rents up 22 per cent
• Health up 18 per cent
• Education 17 per cent
• Food is up 16 per cent

Housing and rents are now a key driver of inflation, and Labor’s housing and migration settings are worsening supply pressures and feeding the cost of living crisis.

For families facing back to school costs, this is a serious blow. 

Parents are paying more for uniforms, textbooks, lunches, transport, groceries and power, while mortgage repayments continue to bite.

Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said the figures confirmed what families are feeling every day.

“Families are doing everything they can, but under Labor the cost of living is getting worse, not better,” the Opposition Leader said.

“This is not abstract economics, it is the weekly shop, the power bill and the mortgage, and families are paying more because this government refuses to get its spending under control.

“Every extra dollar families are paying at the checkout or on their power bill is a reminder that Labor has lost control of the economy.

“Hardworking Australians expect their government to ease pressure, not add to it, but under Labor the cost of living crisis is deepening.”

Deputy Leader and Shadow Treasurer Ted O’Brien said the ABS data showed inflation was being driven by government policy.

“While the Treasurer is desperate to shift the blame, there is no doubt this Jimflation crisis is homegrown,  Mr O’Brien said.

“With inflation in services and non-tradables both accelerating, the blame lies squarely with the government.”

“Government spending is growing 13 times faster than the Coalition budgeted for and has reached its highest level outside recession in 40 years. 

“This government is competing with everyday Australians for goods and services, pushing up the price of everything.

“This renewed inflation will further erode real wages, increase income tax burdens and add pressure to interest rates.”

The December quarter trimmed mean inflation figure, the measure the Reserve Bank watches most closely, jumped to 3.4 per cent, well above the Reserve Bank’s most recent forecast.

The Reserve Bank has already made clear that rate cuts are off the table and today’s result raises the real risk of another interest rate increase when the Board meets on Tuesday.

The average mortgage holder is already paying around $21,000 a year more in interest than under the Coalition, and that burden could rise even further.

After nearly four years of Labor, Australians were promised relief but are being asked to brace for more pain.

When Labor spends, Australians pay.