Category: Australian News

• 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.

• 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.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has concluded his first international engagements since being re-elected.

Following successful meetings with President Prabowo Subianto in Indonesia, the Prime Minister joined Catholics and world leaders at the Vatican to represent Australia at the Papal Inauguration of His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV.

Prime Minister Albanese had the honour of a private audience with His Holiness to mark this momentous occasion for Catholics around the world and for those of faith in Australia.

Prime Minister Albanese formally invited His Holiness to Australia for the International Eucharistic Congress in Sydney in 2028.

Prime Minister Albanese met a range of other world leaders including President Zelenskyy of Ukraine and President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, as well as having a number of informal discussions with world leaders.

Prime Minister Albanese also met Prime Minister of Singapore Lawrence Wong during a stopover in Singapore on the way back to Australia.

The two Prime Ministers shared their perspectives on the regional and global outlook, and recommitted themselves to a substantive upgrade of the Australia-Singapore Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“I was so pleased to again make Indonesia my first bilateral leaders’ meeting after the election.

“I am proud of the enduring friendship between our two nations and look forward to working closely with my friend President Prabowo on our shared priorities across security and defence, trade and investment and more.

“It was an honour to represent Australia at the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV.

“His Holiness’ message about peace and social justice is one that resonates not only with Catholics, but with everybody around the world.

“It was good to meet European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

“We reiterated our shared commitment to concluding a free trade agreement which delivers real benefit for the economies of Australia and Europe.

“I assured President Zelenskyy of Australia’s ongoing and steadfast support for Ukraine. Australia will continue to stand by Ukraine.

“During the stopover in Singapore, I met Prime Minister Wong following both countries’ recent elections.

“Australia’s prosperity and economic future are linked with Southeast Asia.

“I look forward to further discussing with Prime Minister Wong my Government’s focus on expanding Australia’s comprehensive strategic partnership during our Annual Leaders’ Meeting later this year.”

Deputy Leader of the ACT Greens Jo Clay:

“On the crossbench, the ACT Greens have effectively pushed the government to balance the needs for housing and the environment.

“The Greens have pushed the government to progress work on the Missing Middle since early 2023. Two months ago we got the Government to move faster and release the guidelines issued today. 

“Not long after, we secured Government commitment to set an urban growth boundary to prevent needless sprawl.

“Just days ago we heard from the ACT’s Commissioner for Sustainability and the Environment report that decades of prioritising new suburbs over infill in planning Canberra’s urban environment has seen a rapid decline in the state of our natural environment.

“We need more homes in Canberra, and we can build them without paving over our precious environment.

“The Missing Middle Design Guidelines released today are an important start to publicly discuss how Canberra will build more homes across our existing suburbs.

“We need the right kinds of homes in the right places. With more town houses, terrace houses and three-storey apartments, more people will live close to the things they need and want in their lives such as parks, schools, work, shops and public transport.

“It gives us a greater housing diversity to meet the needs of the growing number of people who are making Canberra their home.

“But it is just a start. To get this right we need people living in Canberra to be part of this process so we build a city together that best supports the way people live within our current footprint without impacting our marvellous bush capital.”

The guidelines and public consultation is available on the ACT YourSay website.

On Wednesday 30 April 2025 the CLP introduced knee-jerk changes to the Youth Justice Act and the Bail Act in response to the tragic killing of Linford Feick in Nightcliff. 

The NT Greens unequivocally oppose the CLP government’s racist and inhumane tough on crime agenda, and condemn their deliberate weaponisation of this incident to progress this agenda. The NT Greens continue to advocate for justice reform that is evidence-based, respects human rights, and focuses on prevention. This includes adequate funding for bail support services and community-led programs that work to address offending behaviours. Our party’s full justice policy is available here.

In parliament, the Member for Nightcliff, Kat McNamara MLA, chose not to oppose the reforms, for reasons detailed in their speech, available here. This decision does not represent the policies of the party. 

The NT Greens appreciate the uniquely complex position that Mx McNamara was in and are confident that they will continue to be a strong representative for Greens values and policies in their parliamentary term. We are committed to fully supporting them.

Where the actions of a Greens representative in public office do not adhere to our policies, including where an elected representative votes against Greens policies according to, in their opinion, their duty to their constituents, the elected representative is required to provide their reasons to a party meeting. 

Our party will convene a member meeting on Monday 26 May 2025 to discuss the matter with our membership and determine a pathway forward. As noted, Mx McNamara continues to have the full support of the NT Greens. 

The NT Greens are committed to establishing a formal mechanism for elected representatives to draw on the knowledge and experience of the NT Greens to inform decision-making that is consistent with the Greens’ policy platform, and the expectations of the party membership. We acknowledge that as a new parliamentary party in the Territory, this mechanism has not yet been in place for Mx McNamara.