Category: Australian News

The Australian Greens welcome the New South Wales Government’s announcement to allow up to 1,000 general practitioners to provide ongoing prescriptions for ADHD medication to children and adults. Additionally, a smaller number of GPs will be trained to diagnose and initiate the prescription of medication for ADHD. While this is a significant step forward, comprehensive national reforms are urgently needed to ensure equitable access to ADHD diagnosis and treatment across Australia.

In 2023, Senator Jordon Steele-John initiated a parliamentary inquiry into the availability of ADHD treatment and support services. The inquiry’s final report presented 15 actionable recommendations aimed at improving the lives of individuals with ADHD, including reducing the financial barriers during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

Key recommendations from the inquiry included:

• Reforming ADHD medication prescribing rules
• Implementing a national ADHD framework
• Developing a neurodiversity-affirming public health campaign
• Providing training for healthcare professionals
• Investing in ADHD support and advocacy services
• Conducting further research into ADHD

While some States have initiated changes to prescribing rules, a nationally consistent approach is essential to ensure all Australians have timely and affordable access to ADHD diagnosis and treatment.

In April 2025, Senator Steele-John shared that he has an ADHD Diagnosis. 

Senator Jordon Steele-John, Australian Greens spokesperson on Health, Mental Health and Disability Services. 

“It’s encouraging to see the NSW Government expand the role of GPs in diagnosing and prescribing medication for ADHD. This aligns with one of the key recommendations from the Greens-led Senate inquiry into ADHD treatment and supports.”

“ADHDers across the country face significant barriers to accessing treatment, including high costs and long wait times. The NSW Government’s initiative will help alleviate these challenges for many.”

“However, the urgency of the situation has not been adequately addressed at the national level. Comprehensive policy changes are needed, and the Australian Government, along with state and territory governments, must act swiftly to implement the inquiry’s recommendations.”

“The Federal Government must take a leadership role in coordinating efforts across jurisdictions to ensure consistent and equitable access to ADHD diagnosis and support services nationwide.”

“The Greens remain committed to working alongside the ADHD community to advocate for immediate and meaningful action to improve the lives of ADHDers.”

The Minns Labor Government has renewed its commitment to protect workers from dust diseases with its new $2.5 million state-of-the -art Lung Health Mobile Clinic which is providing lung health checks to thousands of people across New South Wales.

The lung bus has arrived in Wollongong to provide free lung screening checks. These lung health checks can be lifesaving by ensuring early detection and treatment of dust diseases like asbestosis, silicosis and mesothelioma.

The lung bus program provides free lung screening checks to more than 5,000 workers annually in regional NSW.

The icare Lung Bus is travelling the length and breadth of the state, including visits to Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, Taree, Tuncurry, Spears Point, Tweed Heads, Gosford, Nowra, Shellharbour, Port Kembla, Bathurst, Dubbo, Broken Hill, Wagga Wagga, Griffith and Tamworth.

The Lung Bus continues has served the community for nearly 16 years and travelled more than 700,000km (more than 17 times around the world), screening more than 53,000 people, visiting over 300 destinations across NSW.

This is one of many measures to protect workers from dust diseases, including those caused by silica and asbestos.

The Minns Labor Government has established a new Expert Taskforce to oversee and help address silica related health risks for workers in tunnelling projects and led the campaign for the national ban on engineered stone which started last year.

The NSW Government is funding a team of dedicated silica safety inspectors to ensure businesses are complying with its strengthened laws.

We have also pledged $5 million in critical funding for silicosis research and a patient support program for individuals and their families navigating the health risks associated with exposure to silica dust.

The grant funding, administered collaboratively by icare and the Dust Diseases Board, will be provided over three years to the Asbestos and Dust Diseases Research Institute (ADDRI).

Workers can arrange a free lung screening at icare’s Sydney CBD clinic, or with local providers regionally when the lung bus is not in that part of the state.

To book a free lung health check, contact icare on 1800 550 027.

The Lung Health Mobile Clinic will be in Wollongong on Monday 26 May to Friday 30 May.

The new Lung Bus will next travel to the following destinations:

• Orange: 13 June
• Dubbo: 3-4 July
• Broken Hill: 21-23 July
• Wagga Wagga: 4-5 August
• Griffith: 25-26 August
• Newcastle: 29-30 September
• Tamworth: 27-28 October
• Newcastle: 1-5 December
• Gosford: 17-19 December

Whilst lung bus bookings are at capacity, for more information on lung health checks or to arrange a screening, visit the icare website.

Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said:

“The new Mobile Clinic underscores the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to removing barriers like cost and location, ensuring workers across NSW have access to the critical support and care they need to safeguard their health.

“Along with enforcement of the recent ban on engineered stone, the new Lung Bus demonstrates our commitment to improve outcomes for workers exposed to hazardous dust across NSW.”

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“I welcome the $2.5 million investment into the new icare Lung Bus which will provide thousands of health checks for people living in regional NSW.

“Our regional communities remain front and centre when it comes to ensuring early detection and treatment of dust diseases like asbestosis, silicosis, and mesothelioma.”

Icare Group Executive of General Insurance and Care, Britt Coombe said:

“A lung health check could save your life.

“Early detection is critical to effective treatment, and we’re here to make sure every worker, no matter where they live, has access to world-class care.”

Member for Wollongong Paul Scully said:

“The Lung Bus is an initiative that plays a vital role in keeping workers safe and healthy.

“These health checks can be lifesaving by enabling the early detection and treatment of dust-related diseases.

“By bringing these essential services directly to the communities that need them most, the bus will help raise awareness and provide access to safe and effective detection.”

The Albanese Government is standing with communities impacted by devastating floods in the Hunter and Mid North Coast region of New South Wales, with further support activated to help people get back on their feet.

From Tuesday 27th May, Australian Defence Force personnel alongside members of Disaster Relief Australia will be deployed to support New South Wales authorities with clearance, clean up and early recovery operations.

Coordinated by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), they will join emergency services personnel on the ground from ACT, Queensland, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, Western Australia, and New Zealand.

Disaster Relief Australia will also help residents with clean-up efforts and damage assessments.

The Albanese Government continues to work with all levels of government to help with any requests for assistance that come from New South Wales, and as damage assessments are undertaken across the Hunter and Mid North Coast, will work to quickly activate support where it is needed.

Jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements have been activated for 19 Local Government Areas – administered by New South Wales, including support for emergency accommodation and essential items, help for small businesses and councils to repair damages, and support for our primary producers.

Jointly funded Personal Hardship Payments – administered by New South Wales, will also be available to cover essentials including food, clothing and medicines.

On top of this, applications for the Commonwealth’s Disaster Recovery Allowance open at 2:00pm today for an initial four Local Government Areas – Kempsey, Port-Macquarie Hastings, Mid-Coast and Dungog.

Administered by Services Australia, this provides up to 13 weeks of income support for eligible workers that have had their regular employment impacted.

A Community Recovery Support Fund, jointly funded by the Albanese and Minns Governments, will also be made available to support councils with immediate clean up and restorations once impacts are known.

Visit New South Wales administered support 

Visit Commonwealth administered support

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“At the worst of times we see the best of the Australian character, and we’ve seen that once again in New South Wales.

“People stepping up to help out, because that’s the Australian way.

“My message to these communities is simple: we’ve got your back.

“That’s why we’re activating further support and sending more help to communities impacted by these devastating floods.”

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles

“Australian Defence Force personnel will be on the ground this week helping impacted communities in the Hunter and Mid North Coast during the early recovery phase.

“Alongside emergency services and Disaster Relief Australia, the ADF will provide support to assist with planning, welfare checks, route clearance and the re‑establishment of critical infrastructure across the region.

“I want to thank all of those who have been working around the clock throughout this difficult time and those who will be on the ground this week to lend a hand.”

Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain

“I want to assure people in the Hunter and Mid North Coast that there will be a united effort between the three levels of government to support impacted communities at every stage of recovery.

“The financial assistance already activated and this clean up support on the ground is just the beginning of getting people back on their feet.

“As flood waters recede and as we get a better picture of the full extent of damage, we will work quickly to activate more tailored assistance to support people in the Hunter and Mid North Coast.”

The announcement was made at Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia’s annual Parliamentary Big Aussie Barbie in Canberra today.

Experts have called for new guidelines to improve early detection of the disease.

Health Minister:

“Prostate cancer is the leading cause of cancer in this country, and the Albanese Government is committed to taking action to improve earlier detection and treatment of the disease.

“We are very serious about delivering on our election commitments to improve health outcomes for Australian men and families.

“More than 24,000 Australian men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year, and more than 3,500 will die from the disease.

“As Health Minister, I am determined to increase earlier detection of prostate cancer so that we can reduce avoidable deaths from the disease and manage the country’s leading cause of cancer more effectively.”

PCFA Chairman Adjunct A/Professor Steve Callister:

“Australia has one of the highest rates of prostate cancer in the world, with one in every five Australian men likely to be diagnosed by age 85.

“We commend the Government’s support for our review of the 2016 guidelines and we look forward to commencing this work immediately.

“If we can diagnose all men at the earliest stage and ensure they have access to new medicines and care, we can beat this disease.”

Deputy Leader of the ACT Greens Jo Clay:

“The ACT Greens have advocated with midwives, mothers, parents and everyday Canberrans for a standalone birth centre for years.

“Today’s announcement for a standalone birth centre as part of the new North Canberra Hospital project is a testament to the community’s hard work and advocacy over decades.

“Birth is not an illness. But the simple reality is that most women and birthing people currently have no choice but to give birth inside a hospital.

“Some women and birthing people will want to choose to birth in a hospital, and we support everyone in their choices, but for those who want to birth in a home-like environment with a known midwife, Canberrans simply need more options.

“Right now our current birth centres have waitlists hundreds of people long because they provide continuity of care – which better supports individual needs, reduces unnecessary medical interventions and results in more positive birth experiences and outcomes.

“This new standalone birth centre will mean more women and birthing people will have more choice and confidence throughout pregnancy and birth.

“This report also acknowledges that a freestanding birth centre fully separate to a hospital campus and out in the community, with alternative governance, is a good option in the future for Canberra.

“Such a facility would have the potential to better meet the needs of the community, especially in supporting First Nations families through Birthing With Country.”

Background

• The ACT Greens included their 2020 election commitment to a standalone family birth centre as a priority in the Parliamentary and Governing Agreement for the 10th Legislative Assembly.
• On 7 February 2023, Ms Clay unanimously passed a private members motion committing the ACT Government to complete the feasibility study, released today, for a co-designed midwife-led facility, either located alongside or fully separate from the new northside hospital, by August 2024.
• Also on 7 February 2023, Ms Clay tabled a petition with over 3000 signatures calling for a freestanding birth centre in the ACT.
• On 30 September 2024, the ACT Greens reconfirmed an election commitment for the ACT’s first co-designed and midwife-led freestanding birth centre on the northside.

• Joint statement with:

The Foreign Ministers of Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the UK.

The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, the EU Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management and the EU Commissioner for the Mediterranean.

19 May 2025

Whilst we acknowledge indications of a limited restart of aid, Israel blocked humanitarian aid entering Gaza for over two months. Food, medicines and essential supplies are exhausted. The population faces starvation. Gaza’s people must receive the aid they desperately need.

Prior to the aid block, the UN and humanitarian NGOs delivered aid into Gaza, working with great courage, at the risk of their lives and in the face of major access challenges imposed by Israel. These organisations subscribe to upholding humanitarian principles, operating independently, with neutrality, impartiality and humanity. They have the logistical capacity, expertise and operational coverage to deliver assistance across Gaza to those who need it most.

Israel’s security cabinet has reportedly approved a new model for delivering aid into Gaza, which the UN and our humanitarian partners cannot support. They are clear that they will not participate in any arrangement that does not fully respect the humanitarian principles. Humanitarian principles matter for every conflict around the world and should be applied consistently in every warzone. The UN has raised concerns that the proposed model cannot deliver aid effectively, at the speed and scale required. It places beneficiaries and aid workers at risk, undermines the role and independence of the UN and our trusted partners, and links humanitarian aid to political and military objectives. Humanitarian aid should never be politicised, and Palestinian territory must not be reduced nor subjected to any demographic change.

As humanitarian donors, we have two straightforward messages for the Government of Israel: allow a full resumption of aid into Gaza immediately and enable the UN and humanitarian organisations to work independently and impartially to save lives, reduce suffering and maintain dignity. We remain committed to meeting the acute needs we see in Gaza. We also reiterate our firm message that Hamas must immediately release all remaining hostages and allow humanitarian assistance to be distributed without interference. It is our firm conviction that an immediate return to a ceasefire and working towards the implementation of a two-state solution are the only way to bring peace and security to Israelis and Palestinians and ensure long-term stability for the whole region.

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.”

The outcomes of the independent review into City of Newcastle’s processes, procedures and performance will be tabled for endorsement at next week’s Council meeting.

Davidson Business Advisory presented a summary of its findings to Councillors and the public at a briefing earlier this month, which confirmed City of Newcastle was a well-managed and high performing organisation.

The full report details 20 recommendations along with actions for improvement across six themes of general and financial governance, compliance, major projects, engagement and organisational culture.

The full report will be tabled at Tuesday’s Ordinary Council Meeting, along with a recommendation that City of Newcastle’s Audit Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC) oversee implementation of the findings.

ARIC Chairman Stephen Coates, who has sat on 20 Council risk and audit committees, said City of Newcastle ranks among the best one or two Local Governments he has worked with.

“The City of Newcastle Audit Risk and Improvement Committee has overseen independent consultants, Davidson, who conducted a thorough governance review,” Mr Coates said. 

“The final report highlights many positive findings, confirming that City of Newcastle is a well-managed, high-performing organisation with several examples of best practice. 

“While the report largely affirms the Council’s strong performance, it also includes 20 suggestions for improvement, aimed at building on the current success, rather than addressing any issues of failure.”

Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge thanked the community for their input into the review, which he said will provide a basis for enhanced openness and transparency with the community.

“I thank the many members of our community who took the time to make a submission, ensuring that their voices were heard during this process,” Cr Kerridge said.

“I’m pleased that the review found the City of Newcastle to be a well-managed and generally high-performing organisation. 

“However, multiple important opportunities to improve and rebuild trust were identified. There are some real issues in communication and engagement with the community, and financial reporting can be more transparent.

“I look forward to now working with the City of Newcastle and Councillors on positive actions that build better communication, transparency, and trust with our community.”

The review was completed following a unanimous resolution of Councillors at the 10 December 2024 Ordinary Council meeting.

Deputy Lord Mayor Callum Pull, who tabled the Notice of Motion unanimously adopted in December, welcomed the outcome.

“This has been a very thorough review. I have been very impressed with the quality and substance of the review, and feedback from residents has been largely positive,” Cr Pull said. 

“What the review has underlined is that we are a high performing Council, but like all organisations we have room to improve. 

“I have consistently said that this review is an opportunity to reinforce confidence in Council, identify issues, offer solutions, and to give the Council some much needed direction going forward. 

“The reviewers have presented their findings and now it is over to the elected Council to decide how they respond.”

More than 800 public submissions from 548 individuals were considered during the review. ARIC was consulted at each phase of the review and accepted the final report ahead of the public briefing. 

Davidson Business Advisory has worked with more than 100 local governments across Australia and are experienced in undertaking similar governance and performance reviews.  

The full report can be viewed on the City of Newcastle website.

I have recommended to Her Excellency the Governor-General Sam Mostyn that the opening of the 48th Parliament take place on Tuesday 22 July 2025.

A proposed Parliamentary sitting calendar can be found on the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet website.

The Government is humbled by the support of the Australian people.

I look forward to advancing the Government’s legislative agenda over the coming Parliamentary term.

The reform program we took to the election was shaped by the priorities of the Australian people.

We look forward to continuing the work of Building Australia’s Future.

This week, we will travel to the Republic of Fiji, the Kingdom of Tonga and the Republic of Vanuatu as Australia continues to strengthen our enduring partnership with the Pacific.

This early visit to the region again demonstrates how deeply we value being part of the Pacific family.

This will be the first official overseas visit for the Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Matt Thistlethwaite.

While in Suva, we will meet Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Sitiveni Rabuka to discuss strengthening our Vuvale Partnership, deepening our trade arrangements, and boosting our cooperation on development, climate action, and resilience.

In Nuku’alofa, we will meet Prime Minister ‘Aisake Eke and Minister for Foreign Affairs and His Majesty’s Armed Forces His Royal Highness The Crown Prince Tupoutoʻa ‘Ulukalala to advance our deep partnership, and our shared Pacific Islands Forum priorities with Tonga, the current Forum Chair.

In Port Vila, we will meet Prime Minister Jotham Napat and senior government ministers. We will reaffirm Australia’s commitment to elevate our bilateral relationship through the development of the Nakamal Agreement with Vanuatu, including strengthening our community and First Nations connections.

Australia is a respectful, reliable and transparent partner, responding to the region’s needs and priorities.

In uncertain times, Australia and the Pacific are counting on each other as we build a region that is peaceful, stable and prosperous.