Category: Australian News

The Victorian Greens have slammed the Labor Government following their confirmation that there will be no public housing rebuilt at Flemington and North Melbourne as they steamroll ahead with their plan to demolish the public housing towers at the sites.

Today Labor has finally conceded that they have no intention to build any public homes at the sites and will be handing over all responsibility for the Flemington development to a private consortium, as well as also putting a call out to companies interested in developing North Melbourne.

The plan will see Labor hand over the publicly owned land to a private consortium to be responsible for the entire design, construction and management, meaning that the “social” units will be converted to privately-owned community housing.

The majority of housing built across the two sites will be private expensive apartments, including 300 units of so-called “affordable housing.” Not a single unit at the new development will be public housing.

Community housing is more expensive than public housing and community housing residents do not have the same rights. For example, public housing tenants have rent capped at 25% of household income and rights to a life-long lease, whereas community housing tenants have to renew every 3 years, and can pay upward of 30% of their income.

“Affordable” housing has no strict definition and has been found to be leased at higher than market rent even in some government managed properties.

The Victorian Greens say that this confirms Labor’s total retreat from public housing as Victoria already has the least, and spends the least, on public housing in comparison to the rest of the country. It comes after Labor has repeatedly dodged questions from the Greens and the media about whether they can confirm a single public home will be built at the tower sites.

Victorian Greens spokesperson for Public and Affordable Housing, Gabrielle de Vietri:

“This announcement confirms our fears that Labor is washing their hands of public housing in Victoria.

“Labor is handballing people’s lives and the housing crisis to a private consortium.

“We’re in a housing crisis where we should be building more public housing on public land, but instead Labor’s handing over our public land and demolishing the public housing we already have.”

The Victorian Greens have responded to Labor’s kneejerk bail laws saying the changes repeat past mistakes and are at odds with the evidence which tells us that making it easier to put children in prison results in a disproportionate incarceration of First Nations children and doesn’t improve community safety.

Victoria’s bail laws were reviewed less than a year ago and the proposed changes risk undoing reforms that were made in response to the death in custody of First Nations woman Veronica Nelson after the inquest into her death labelled Victoria’s bail laws an ‘unmitigated disaster’.

The Victorian Greens are deeply concerned that the Premier is more interested in the optics and playing politics with laws that risk First Nations deaths in custody, than implementing evidence-based policies that are proven to improve community safety.

Early interactions with the criminal justice system have been proven to significantly increase the likelihood of a young person re-offending whereas programs that support children, such as diversion and early intervention as well as preventive services, significantly decrease the likelihood of reoffending and that when bail is granted is the best opportunity for intervention.

Victorian Greens spokesperson for Justice, Katherine Copsey:

“Making it easier to put children in prison doesn’t improve community safety, it actually significantly increases the chance of a young person reoffending and results in First Nations children being disproportionately incarcerated.

“What we need is evidence based, long term solutions like early intervention and preventative measures, that get to the root cause of the problem and support children, not just kneejerk policy on the run from a panicking Premier.”

Greens Senator and Justice Spokesperson David Shoebridge has today launched a fully costed scheme for legalising cannabis across Australia.  

The policy is supported by new costings from the Parliamentary Budget Office. The costing shows total tax revenue from legalising cannabis tracking at over $700 million a year within 3 years of operation. This is just part of the shift of wealth from bikie gangs and organized crime towards the public and legitimate businesses when we legalise recreational cannabis. It’s also fresh money that can be invested in schools, hospitals and climate action. 

A legal, well-regulated cannabis market means safer products, billions in public revenue, and no more pointless arrests for possessing a plant. With our plan, you’ll be able to buy regulated cannabis from licensed dispensaries and cannabis cafes or even grow up to six plants at home. No more dodgy deals—just a smart, safe, and fair system.

Greens Senator and Justice Spokesperson David Shoebridge: 

“Labor had the chance to vote for legalisation last year and blew it. We’re not waiting for them to wake up.

“The Greens plan will let the public decide if they want to spend more time and money on the failed war on drugs or grow a new sustainable and exciting industry. 

“Billions of dollars in revenue, just imagine what that fresh funding could do for mental health, education, and drug programs. 

“Legal weed isn’t a wild idea—it’s already working in Canada, Germany, and most of the US. Why is Australia stuck in the past?

“Safe, labelled, quality-controlled cannabis, maybe even organically grown, that’s the future we see. This would be an amazing step up from the current policy setting that so often delivers random strength mystery weed and billions in profits to an illegal industry.

“The future we see is one with secure regional jobs, safe products, flourishing small businesses and the option to visit a chilled out cannabis cafe. 

“If you can responsibly enjoy a beer, why not an infused smoothie or a fresh baked brownie? Adults should be trusted to make their own choices when it comes to cannabis.

“We’ve already hashed out the details, now is the time to make legal cannabis a reality”, Senator Shoebridge said. 

The Albanese Government is future-proofing the transport links for a growing Western Sydney, locking in a future rail connection between Leppington and the new Bradfield City Centre with a $1 billion investment.

The Leppington to Bradfield connection is a missing link on Sydney’s rail network, joining the new Western Sydney International Airport to Sydney’s south west.

Previously in the works, it was shelved under the Coalition Government in 2014, when it cut funding from public transport projects across the nation.

Today, we’re revitalising this crucial connection for Sydney’s south west with a $1 billion investment to secure future rail corridors not just between Leppington and Bradfield, but also between the Bradfield City Centre and booming suburbs in the Macarthur region.

The new corridors will pave the way for Metro or Sydney Trains network extensions that would give passengers and workers at Sydney’s new airport easy rail access to Sydney’s south west, and onwards to the Sydney CBD.

They will also connect the south west Sydney regions with the airport, granting access to the world.

This is the next practical step in safeguarding the future and ensuring we are well-positioned to deliver the infrastructure communities across south west Sydney need.

This investment from the Albanese Government follows the recent release of funding for a joint State and Federal $195 million business case, which is already underway to explore future rail connections in Sydney’s west.

Timelines for delivery of this corridor preservation work will be finalised with the New South Wales Government.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“Back in 2014, as Shadow Minister for Transport, I said we needed rail as well as road in order for this airport to work.

“Today, we’re delivering on that – investing $1 billion to continue planning the rail connection Sydney’s new airport should have had.

“We don’t want residents of Sydney’s south west to have to rely on buses to get to the airport. We want them to have fast, frequent rail access, and our investment today will help deliver that.

“This is all part of our plan to build Australia’s future – connecting people with the jobs of the future, and with each other.”

Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King

“Our $5.3 billion investment in Western Sydney Airport will transform the way Sydneysiders travel around our country and across the globe.

“Our Government is not just investing in this new airport, but also giving people the connections they need to get there, now and for decades to come.

“This includes our $5.25 billion investment in the Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport, connecting commuters to the Western Line in St Marys with fast and frequent services and our $1.6 billion investment in the new M12 which will connect the new airport to Sydney’s network of motorways.

“This new investment will open the airport up to rail connections to Sydney’s South West, giving commuters more options when travelling in and out of the airport and the future Bradfield City Centre.”

Member for Macarthur Mike Freelander

“The booming suburbs of South West Sydney have grown under the promise of future rail connections, but under previous Governments they never came.

“Now we’re putting in the work to preserve these vital rail corridors so our region can have the future public transport it needs and deserves.

“I’m really pleased that our Labor Government is delivering for south west Sydney’s future.”

The Albanese Government is activating financial support for communities directly affected by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred through the Disaster Recovery Allowance.

This allowance offers up to 13 weeks of income support for eligible workers and sole traders depending on their personal circumstances who have suffered a loss of income as a direct result of the event.

It will be available in: 

• 14 Local Government Areas in Queensland – Brisbane, Fraser Coast, Gold Coast, Gympie, Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Logan, Moreton Bay, Noosa, Redland, Scenic Rim, Somerset, Southern Downs and Sunshine Coast;
• 17 Local Government Areas in New South Wales –  Armidale, Ballina, Bellingen, Byron, Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, Dungog, Glen Innes Severn, Kempsey, Kyogle, Lismore, Mid-Coast, Nambucca, Port Macquarie-Hastings, Richmond, Tenterfield and Tweed as well as the locality of Lord Howe Island, including any islands within a 3 Nautical Mile radius.

It is available to individuals who live or work in these declared areas and have lost some or all of their income due to the disaster.

To be eligible for the Disaster Recovery Allowance, a person’s income must have fallen below the average Australian weekly income as a result of the floods.

Applications will open at 2pm local time, Tuesday 11 March.

Before they claim, people can check their eligibility on the Services Australia website at: Natural disaster support (Services Australia).

The easiest 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.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“At the worst of times we see the best of the Australian character.

“That’s exactly what we’ve seen in the past week in Queensland and New South Wales.

“My message to these communities in this difficult time is we’ve got your back and will support you through the recovery.”

Minister for Government Services Katy Gallagher:

“The past week has been tough for many people in South East Queensland and Northern New South Wales and while the rain will continue to fall, it’s essential that we support communities who have lost income due to this weather event.

“The Government is focused on helping communities get back on their feet – we will provide up to 13 weeks of income support through the Disaster Recovery Allowance to people who have lost work.

“If you live in an impacted area and your employment has been affected, please visit the Services Australia website to check if you are eligible.”

Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister:

“It’s been a really challenging time for communities with heavy rainfall, severe wind damaging roads, isolating communities and making it difficult for people to get to work.

“The Disaster Recovery Allowance provides eligible workers whose income has been disrupted with up to 13 weeks of income support, while they move into recovery from this event.

“We’re acting quickly to make financial assistance for impacted individuals and families available.

“Whether you live in New South Wales or Queensland, the Albanese Government is working with all levels of governments to support communities when they need it most. We are here for the long haul.”

The Albanese and Minns Governments are today announcing emergency financial assistance to help residents in the State’s north-east severely impacted by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

The jointly funded package will provide emergency financial assistance of $180 for individuals or up to $900 per family to cover essential costs such as food, clothing, medicines and emergency accommodation.

The Personal Hardship Assistance Grant for individuals and families is part of a range of support aimed at helping people recover.

To be eligible for the grant individuals must reside in one of the declared affected Local Government Areas of – Armidale, Ballina, Bellingen, Byron, Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, Dungog, Glenn Innes Severn, Kempsey, Kyogle, Lismore, Lord Howe Island, MidCoast, Nambucca Valley, Port Macquarie-Hastings, Richmond Valley, Tenterfield and Tweed.

Further, individuals must have:

• Been subject to evacuation orders (Category red emergency warning) or
• Experienced power outages of more than 48 hours.

Applicants must demonstrate they have suffered hardship as result of the disaster, making them unable to meet immediate needs.

Applications will open on Wednesday 12 March and will be open until 8 April 2025.

These payments are part of the Albanese and New South Wales Governments’ ongoing commitment to helping residents rebuild their lives following the severe impacts of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

Impacted community members are encouraged to visit New South Wales Government Recovery Assistance Points which will be operating in key locations from the end of this week.

To find out where these will be and about other support available go to www.nsw.gov.au/cyclonealfredrecovery to find out supports and assistance available.

In addition the Albanese Government has activated the Disaster Recovery Allowance for communities directly affected by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

This allowance offers up to 13 weeks of income support for eligible workers and sole traders, depending on their personal circumstances, who have suffered a loss of income as a direct result of the event.

For more details on the Disaster Recovery Allowance go to Services Australia website at: servicesaustralia.gov.au/natural-disaster-support.

Other support available to communities as a result of Tropical Cyclone Alfred can be found www.nsw.gov.au/cyclonealfredrecovery

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

 “We are working with the Minns Government to get this money out the door as quickly as possible.

“My message to those affected is my Government has got your back.”

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns

“It has been tough going for the communities impacted by TC Alfred. In particular those families who have been without power for days or required to leave their homes under evacuation orders have faced huge challenges.

“We know these communities are concerned about the cost of re-stocking the fridge, or replacing damaged goods.

“This payment will go a bit of the way to providing some immediate relief for hardship experienced.” 

Minister for Emergency Services Jenny McAllister

“This payment will help provide some immediate assistance after a very tough week for Northern New South Wales.

“We’re acting quickly to make financial assistance for impacted individuals and families available.

“We know recovery will take some time, but we are here for the long haul.”

New South Wales Minister for Planning Paul Scully

“Through this financial assistance, we aim to ease the burden of immediate costs like food, clothing, and accommodation, helping individuals and families get back on their feet as quickly as possible.

“Eligible residents in the affected areas can apply for the financial assistance package starting Wednesday, March 13.

“We encourage those in need to apply through Service NSW online or in person, and we are committed to making sure this support reaches those who need it most, as soon as possible.”

New South Wales Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib

“Our hearts go out to the people of this region who have done it particularly tough but continuously shown their resilience and spirit in recent years.

“These payments in partnership with the Albanese Government will help the community by ensuring we get immediate financial relief to where it’s needed.

“We will continue to work alongside our agencies and service partners to provide the community the help and support they need to recover.”

Today I announce the appointments of four career diplomats to lead Australia’s posts in Dublin, Tarawa, Ulaanbaatar and Hanoi.

I am pleased to confirm the following appointments:

• Ms Chantelle Taylor as Australia’s Ambassador to Ireland.
• Mr Mark Foxe as Australia’s High Commissioner to the Republic of Kiribati.
• Mr Leo Zeng as Australia’s Ambassador to Mongolia.
• Ms Gillian Bird PSM as Australia’s Ambassador to Vietnam.

These diplomatic appointments will advance Australia’s interests, to keep Australians safe, strengthen our economy and uphold the international rules that protect us all.

The Australian Government is investing in all elements of our national power, including relationships with regional and global partners, to shape the world we live in for the better.

I thank the outgoing ambassadors and high commissioner for their important contributions.

This International Women’s Day the NSW Government is commemorating the military service of Australian women in conflict and peacekeeping, and as partners and spouses in military families, with a special commemoration at the Anzac Memorial.

The commemoration, to be attended by the Minister for Veterans David Harris and Minister for Women Jodie Harrison, will include a star ceremony in the Hall of Memory paying tribute to the service and sacrifices of women who have served, defence spouses, family members and women in civilian organisations that support the defence and veteran communities.

Throughout history women have long played a significant role in the Australian military, from serving as nurses in the Boer War in the 1890’s, to the formation of the women’s auxiliary forces during the Second World War and their current roles on the front lines.

NSW is home to 14,923 female veterans, according to the 2021 Census, which for the first time asked questions relating to military service.

Currently, 3,876 women from NSW serve in the regular Australian Defence Force and 1,183 in military reserves. Australian War Widows NSW estimate there are 14,000 war widows in NSW.

The commemoration starts at 10.30am today.

Minister for Veterans David Harris said:

“International Women’s Day is an opportunity for us to honour every woman who has served this nation, in wartime and in peace.

“Women have played an important role assisting in the defence of our country for over a century. Wherever Australians served, women have been there alongside their comrades, beginning in 1899 when the NSW Army Nursing Service Reserve was formed.

“Women provided invaluable services as nurses and as part of the Volunteer Aid Detachments during and after the Great War, followed by the formation of additional women’s specific services.

“In the modern Australian Defence Force women have continued to play a crucial role, currently they make up over 20 percent of the serving defence force personnel.”

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“International Women’s Day is about celebrating the achievements of women and girls, and how they’ve overcome barriers to gender equality. Women have held vital roles in the Air Force, Army and Navy, demonstrating that women can fill ‘traditionally’ male posts.

“Women have always played a significant role in the defence of the nation. From carrying out nursing duties on frontlines and undertaking war work on the home front, to serving as members of the Australian Defence Force and making invaluable sacrifices as military spouses and family members.

“I would like to thank and acknowledge all women who have contributed to the defence of our nation.”

Interim First Nations Aged Care Commissioner Andrea Kelly has released a report to Government, recommending a series of critical reforms to improve aged care for older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. 

Ms Kelly’s report, titled ‘Transforming Aged Care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’, outlines a range of key findings and recommendations about the barriers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people face to accessing aged care and the changes that need to be made for the system to meet their needs.

These findings were based on feedback received from older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, their families and communities, service providers and peak bodies. 

The report makes clear that the aged care system does not currently meet the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and needs urgent reform. Importantly, it also outlines a path forward for a culturally safe, community-led aged care system based on thousands of hours of conversations with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. 

Recommendations from the report include:

• committing to a transformation plan, co-designed with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and informed by the Priority Reforms under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap
• establishing a permanent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commissioner and supporting office that is independent and can hold the aged care system to account
• an additional 27 urgent actions the Government should commit to as a priority.

In recognition of this important work and the Government’s commitment to improving aged care outcomes for older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, Minister for Aged Care Anika Wells has extended Ms Kelly’s role as Interim First Nations Aged Care Commissioner until June 2026. 

Ms Kelly was originally appointed in January 2024 and will use the next 18 months to establish an office for a permanent Commissioner and continue to advocate for older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Ms Kelly has also released a Community Booklet that was informed by older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who met with Ms Kelly to share their experiences with aged care.

Read the Interim First Nations Aged Care Commissioner’s report and her illustrated booklet for community.

Interim First Nations Aged Care Commissioner Andrea Kelly:

“The recommendations in my report are clear. I call on the Australian Government to accept and act on them.

“Without significant change including an equity-based approach, the aged care system will not meet the current or projected growth in demand of aged care services for older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. I have outlined a plan to achieve this, which starts with genuine partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

“I am hopeful the reforms underway will incorporate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander experiences and perspectives to meet their needs.

“I would like to thank all the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, their families and communities, service providers, advocates and representatives who I met with throughout the year.”

Minister for Aged Care Anika Wells:

“I welcome the report and its findings. The Government is actively considering the recommendations and how they can be taken forward

“I am pleased to extend Ms Kelly in the role of Interim First Nations Aged Care Commissioner until June 2026. Ms Kelly will continue to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices and perspectives are incorporated in the reforms currently underway.”

Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy:

“Ms Kelly’s commitment to making older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s voices heard is evident in the pages of this report.

“Older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are the heart of our communities, and it is important that we treat them with the respect and dignity that they deserve as they age.” 

Indigenous land or heritage claims such as those threatening Mount Panorama at Bathurst will be halted, and all existing claims reviewed as part of One Nation’s policy to achieve equal rights and treatment for all Australians, regardless of race.

One Nation leader Senator Pauline Hanson said the claim on McPhillamy Park at Bathurst was a contrived farce and should be immediately rejected.

“The Aboriginal corporation making the claim has been trying to make the location—home to one of Australia’s most iconic sporting events—a sacred site for years,” Senator Hanson said.

“They were successful in hoodwinking Sussan Ley into blocking a go-kart track on the site, and this latest claim is based on them scattering the remains of a former director at the site, after gaining permission from the local council in 2022. It’s a sick joke. It’s a complete farce. It should be immediately rejected.”

“Claims for land based on Aboriginal mythology should have no more validity than a claim for land based on the tooth fairy.”

“This group and others are trying to lock Australians out of their own country not for genuine cultural or heritage reasons, but out of racist hatred and pure, naked greed. One Nation’s policy will restore equality for all Australians. Equal rights for all citizens, and special rights for none, is the only fair approach to law in a free representative democracy.”

“Under our policy, no new submissions will be accepted while all existing claims under native title or cultural heritage laws will be reviewed. We’ll amend the Native Title Act to insert a sunset clause. Attempts to rename Australian places with Indigenous words will be rejected. Taxpayers will no longer pay for ‘Welcome to Country’ ceremonies or similar rituals. An individual’s Indigenous heritage will no longer confer any undue advantage in applying for a loan, a job, a course of education, or accessing health services.”

“Being Indigenous does not make a person exceptional; being Australian makes a person exceptional.”

“Australians overwhelmingly rejected Indigenous exceptionalism at the 2023 referendum. The Albanese Labor government has failed to heed this lesson or accept any responsibility for its failures, including blocking a billion-dollar gold mine in New South Wales due to an Indigenous claim—by the same group threatening Mount Panorama—based on a mythical bee.”

“Like bureaucratic red tape and environmental green tape, Indigenous heritage black tape holds our nation hostage only because we let it. One Nation will finally put a stop to it and achieve true equality for all Australians regardless of race.”