Category: Australian News

The Victorian Greens have urged the Labor Government to reverse their decision to quietly axe the state’s no-interest solar battery loan program, warning the move will lock out low-income households from accessing cheaper, renewable energy.

The $8,800 interest-free loan scheme, designed to help households install battery storage, will officially end on 30 June. But today, Solar Victoria confirmed it is no longer taking new applications – effectively shutting down the program early. The cut coincides with a funding reduction of nearly 12% to Solar Victoria in last week’s State Budget.

The new federal $4,500 battery rebate is a welcome step, but leaves many Victorians in the lurch: with good-quality battery systems still costing over $13,000, lower-income households lack viable options to transition to cheaper, renewable energy without a loan program.

The Greens say that there was no reason to cancel the largely cost-neutral loan scheme, which should coincide with the federal rebates and could be expanded to help renters, apartment dwellers, and social housing residents – groups who continue to face barriers to accessing cheaper, renewable energy.

While any cost-of-living relief for low-income households is welcome, Labor’s $100 energy bill payment mainly benefits fossil fuel-powered energy companies and pales in comparison to the long-term savings and energy independence that solar batteries offer.

Victorian Greens spokesperson for coal transition, Dr Tim Read:

“Labor’s decision means people who would benefit most from cheaper, cleaner energy remain locked out by the cost of batteries.

“This was a sensible, low-risk scheme that let people take control of their energy bills and reduce their reliance on fossil fuels.

“Helping more people electrify their homes is one of the most effective ways to reduce energy bills and reduce emissions, we should be scaling this up, not winding it down.”

 Today’s guilty plea by whistleblower Richard Boyle is a damning indictment of Australia’s broken whistleblower protection laws. Richard told the truth about appalling practices inside the ATO that unfairly ruined lives and ruined businesses. Today as the Labor government forces a criminal conviction on him, the Greens join with millions of Australians to thank him for his courage and to offer urgent bipartisan support to fix these broken laws.

Greens Senator for NSW and Justice Spokesperson David Shoebridge:

“Today ATO whistleblower Richard Boyle has been forced to plead guilty to four criminal charges and the end result is that Australia has now criminalised courage.

“Richard Boyle exposed ATO thuggery and saved countless taxpayers from abuse and for that this government rewarded him with a criminal conviction. This is a national disgrace.

“The message that is sent with this is crystal clear, if you dare to expose government wrongdoing, then the government will destroy you.

“Richard Boyle put his career and his freedom on the line to stop people’s lives being smashed by unethical practices in the ATO. He should get a medal for that, not a conviction.

“What has happened to Richard, and to other high profile whistleblowers like David McBride, proves that our whistleblower laws are dangerous for whistleblowers.

“This is the moment to act, with a new Parliament and new gross injustice.

“The Greens again invite Labor to join with us and use the guaranteed majority in both Houses of Parliament to urgently pass whistleblower reforms so that they do their job and protect truth telling.”

An expert panel of three has been appointed to conduct a short review into the overhead wiring incident that caused disruption across the Sydney Trains network last week and take a system-wide look at maintenance and reliability.

Transport and Infrastructure expert Kerry Schott AO, former chief executive of the NSW Independent Transport Safety and Reliability Regulator (ITSRR) Carolyn Walsh, and former Ausgrid CEO Trevor Armstrong will lead the independent review.

Ms Walsh led the Sydney Trains’ Rail Infrastructure and Systems Review of 2023.

They will be supported by the Premier’s Department and Transport for NSW in a rapid investigation into three key areas of concern:

• the specific cause of the Tuesday 20 May electrical incident and what can be done to ensure the system is as resilient as possible in future
• investment in the system made after the recent Rail Repair and Fleet Repair Plans, and whether that improved reliability resulted
• passenger experience – whether communications with passengers, real time updates and internal communication by Sydney Trains during disruptions is up to scratch.

The three investigators will meet this week to finalise their Terms of Reference.

Sydney Trains has begun its own internal investigation and metallurgical analysis of the failed wire and will report findings to the investigators. 

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“We have heard loud and clear the frustration of the commuting public and this expert and independent panel of three reviewers is going to assist in making sure we are focused in exactly the right areas to drive the improvements to the train system that passengers expect.

“A short and sharp independent review into maintenance, punctuality and customer communications will assist in understanding how we can do better.

“The NSW Government is investing record amounts into maintenance and reliability, guided by the Rail Repair Plan and Train Repair Plan. We have driven down delays from temporary speed restrictions but we know there is much more to do.

“The aim here is not to repeat the previous review of Carolyn Walsh but I am confident her detailed knowledge of this issue and Kerry Schott’s vast experience supported by Trevor Armstrong will ensure valuable new insights are delivered.”

Panel

Dr Kerry Schott AO

Kerry Schott has extensive experience in transport and infrastructure. She has served at Board level on transport operators like Moorebank Intermodal, Sydney Metro, Sydney Light Rail and ARTC, amongst others.

Dr Schott is currently a Director of AGL, a member of Aware Super’s Direct Asset Committee, and Chair of the Australian Government’s Competition Review Panel. She has been a Director of the National Broadband Network (2012-2022), a director of NSW Treasury Corporation (TCorp) (2012-2019) and CEO and Managing Director of Sydney Water (2006-2011).

Carolyn Walsh

Carolyn Walsh has 40 years’ experience in the Commonwealth and NSW public services, focusing on industry, science and transport issues.

She is currently the Chair of the National Transport Commission, a member of the Board of the NSW Environment Protection Authority, and Chair of the Transport Asset Manager (TAM).

Carolyn is a former Commissioner of the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (2010-2020) and was Chief Executive of NSW’s Independent Transport Safety and Reliability Regulator (ITSRR) – the then rail safety regulator in NSW – from 2004 to 2009.

Trevor Armstrong

Trevor has over 35 years of experience in the energy industry, and has previously held senior executive roles at Ausgrid, including CEO. His experience includes leading large and complex engineering operations with a focus on safety in high-risk environments. He also has extensive asset and incident management experience in the NSW electricity industry.

He was a member of the Australian Energy Market Commission Reliability Panel for 10 years. Until April 2025 he was the CEO of the Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone and is currently on the Board of Power and Water Corporation in the Northern Territory.

The Albanese Government is expanding financial assistance for communities in the New South Wales Hunter and Mid North Coast regions impacted by the devastating floods – activating the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) and extending the Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA).

From 2:00pm local time on Wednesday 28 May, the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) will be available for people in the Bellingen, Coffs Harbour, Dungog, Kempsey, Maitland, Mid Coast, Nambucca Valley, Port Macquarie-Hastings and Port Stephens Local Government Areas (LGAs).

The AGDRP helps those who have suffered the most serious impacts, including major damage to their home, serious injury, or loss of a loved one as a result of severe weather. It’s a one-off payment of $1,000 per eligible adult and $400 per eligible child.

From 2:00pm local time on Wednesday 28 May Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA) will be extended to people living in more LGAs. These are: Armidale, Bellingen, Central Coast, Cessnock, Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Muswellbrook, Nambucca Valley, Newcastle, Port Stephens, Singleton, Upper Hunter and Walcha.

This is in addition to those who can already claim in the Dungog, Kempsey, Mid-Coast, and Port Macquarie-Hastings LGAs.

DRA supports people who’ve lost income as a direct result of this event by providing up to 13 weeks of income support for workers and sole traders, depending on their personal circumstances.

People can check their eligibility for AGDRP and DRA on the Services Australia website: servicesaustralia.gov.au/disastersupport

These supports are on top of the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements that have been activated to help households, small business, primary producers, and councils.

The quickest way to claim is online through myGov.

If people need help to claim, they can call the Australian Government Emergency Information Line on 180 22 66.

To change or pause Centrelink debt repayments, affected people can do so online or in the mobile app (through the Money You Owe service), or by calling 1800 076 072.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“In the worst of times, we see the best of Australians.

“The heroes of the SES and other community volunteers – and neighbours looking out for each other.

“We are standing with these communities during the disaster and recovery.

“We are expanding our direct financial assistance to communities affected by the floods.

“We will continue to supplement the response and early relief initiatives being led by the New South Wales and local governments.”

Minister for Government Services Katy Gallagher:

“The financial assistance we are rolling out across impacted communities will help locals to focus on recovery efforts and ease some pressure during these incredibly distressing circumstances.

“Services Australia staff are working hard to ensure claims are processed as smoothly and as quickly as possible so that those impacted can access these essential supports.

“I encourage people in the impacted areas to check their eligibility for payments on Services Australia’s website.”

Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain:

“These flooding events has impacted communities across the region differently. We are working hand in hand with the New South Wales Government to roll out support for households, small businesses, primary producers and councils.

“Today’s extension of the Disaster Recovery Allowance will help eligible workers who have had their employments impacted by these floods.

“We know that this is still early days for the recovery, but we are here for the long haul and will continue working with all levels of government.”

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 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.