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The Greens say they would fast track a future Labor government’s ICAC bill through the Senate provided it was able to hold public hearings, act on anonymous tip-offs and investigate historical matters, including the shady dealings of the current Coalition front bench.

Greens deputy leader and spokesperson on democracy Senator Larissa Waters said:

“The Greens have been pushing for a national corruption watchdog for 13 years, so we welcome that Labor have said they would prioritise this in the next term of government. 

“My National Integrity Commission bill passed the Senate in 2019, and would establish a strong, independent body that could hold public hearings, act on anonymous tip-offs and has retrospective powers.

“Labor voted for that strong model and the Greens would be looking for those features in any future bill for an ICAC. Only the Coalition in the Senate opposed my bill, then refused to bring it on for debate and vote in the House because they were scared my strong model would work to clean up politics.

“If a future Labor government brings legislation for a strong and effective ICAC to parliament the Greens will work with them to fast track it through the Senate.

“Or they could just bring my bill on for a vote in the first week back of parliament and we could have an effective corruption watchdog pronto, like the Australian people want.

“The Greens model has been independently assessed as the gold standard, but we know the Australian people are crying out for accountability and integrity in politics, and we will fast track any legislation that delivers that.”

Labor will support Melanoma Institute Australia to deliver their melanoma nurses program across every State and Territory. 

This national melanoma nurse support network will make sure more Australians with melanoma get the dedicated and specialised care they need. 

Over 16,000 people are diagnosed with melanoma every year.  

According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, Australia has the highest rate of melanoma in the world, adjusted for age. Melanoma kills one Australian every six hours. 

Melanoma nurses are based on similar successful models used in breast cancer and prostate cancer care. Melanoma nurses provide a personalised support service which helps patients navigate the health system, access available services and make decisions regarding their health.  

Melanoma nurses have the specialist knowledge, training and experience to make sure people have continuity of care – and someone to talk to who knows exactly what’s going on. 

Melanoma Institute Australia has successful melanoma nurse programs in Sydney, Wagga Wagga, Perth and Hobart. Labor will support this program to go national – benefiting every state and territory.  

Importantly, telehealth support will also be available to make sure no one misses out based on where they live. 

Labor will provide $14.8 million over the forward estimates as a grant to Melanoma Institute Australia so this trusted organisation can deliver more melanoma nurses in every state and territory.   

Anthony Albanese said: 

“Unfortunately melanoma is a common disease in Australia. These Australians deserve personalised support, helping them navigate the web of medical practitioners which can often be overwhelming for those who are newly diagnosed. We’ll make sure people with melanoma get the care they need, in what can be a very difficult time.” 

Mark Butler said: 

“This is just another example of Labor’s dedication to improving the health of Australians – no matter who you are or where you live in the country, Labor will make sure you get the care you need. Everyone needs to remember to slip, slop, slap – but the reality is melanoma is too common in Australia. Only Labor will fund personalised care for sufferers, ensuring they feel properly supported.” 

Jim Chalmers said: 

“Like many Australians, I’ve had first-hand experience of the effect of the harsh Queensland sun. I know what it’s like to be diagnosed with melanoma, but I was one of the lucky ones. I can tell you the kind of personalised care melanoma nurses would deliver to sufferers will be of great benefit – I’m proud that Labor will be extending this service nationwide, including on the ground in Cairns and Townsville.”   

CEO of Melanoma Institute Australia, Matthew Browne said: 

“Melanoma Institute Australia welcomes this announcement as it is a critical step towards achieving our goal of zero deaths from melanoma from 2030.This investment will mean we are able to scale up our melanoma nurses program across the county – with 35 extra nurses by early 2025. This will build on our successful melanoma nurse program in Sydney, Wagga Wagga and Perth.”  

CEO of the Melanoma Patients Association, Victoria Beedle said: 

“The number of melanoma survivors is set to explode over the next eight years, increasing by 83 per cent to 348,000 Australians. Each person deserves the right nursing and supportive care. Melanoma Patients Australia warmly welcomes this proposed investment in face-to-face and telehealth melanoma nursing services to improve the outcomes for melanoma patients and their families across Australia.” 

Labor will legislate a National Anti-Corruption Commission by the end of 2022. 

If elected, a National Anti-Corruption Commission will be the first priority of the Attorney-General in an Albanese Labor Government. 

Australians have waited more than 1,200 days for Mr Morrison to introduce the Anti-Corruption Commission he first promised in December 2018. 

That’s 1,200 days of rorts, waste and jobs for mates.

Time’s up.

After more than three years of delay, this week Mr Morrison completely abandoned any pretence that he ever intends to introduce a National Anti-Corruption Commission. 

The need for an Anti-Corruption Commission could not be clearer after a decade of this tired, old, rort-filled government.

The Liberal Government has treated taxpayers’ money like it’s Liberal Party money and it’s well past time for that to end. 

It could not be clearer: the only way to get a National Anti-Corruption Commission is to elect an Albanese Labor Government. 

The establishment of a National Anti-Corruption Commission was one of the first major policy commitments after Anthony Albanese became the Leader of the Labor Party. And today, we are announcing that it will be one of the first priorities of an Albanese Labor Government.

Anthony Albanese said:

“I am proud to announce that a National Anti-Corruption Commission would be one of the first priorities of a government I lead. Mr Morrison has delayed and obfuscated for over three years – and then this week it became clear he has absolutely no intention of honouring his promise to deliver a National Anti-Corruption Commission at all. So the question for Mr Morrison is – why do you fear an Anti-Corruption Commission? What is it you’re afraid they will find?”

Mark Dreyfus said:

“Only an Albanese Labor Government can be trusted to deliver a National Anti-Corruption Commission, and we will legislate by the end of this year. Australians have seen right through Mr Morrison – they know he has no intention of cleaning up his rotten government and no interest in integrity whatsoever. We will restore trust and transparency to government – and Labor honours our promises.” 

An Albanese Labor Government will provide $12 million to help deliver better aged care services for the Maronite community by investing in Our Lady of Lebanon and supporting the Lebanese Maronite Order of Australia. 

Australians from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds face additional barriers accessing aged care, especially services that meet their cultural, linguistic and religious needs.

Labor’s commitment will make a real difference to the lives of Maronite seniors, making aged care feel less like a facility and more like a village. It will mean they can pray in the Cathedral, share a Lebanese coffee at the café, and chat in Arabic to families in the park as they collect children from the Childcare Centre and the College. 

This investment will contribute to the Aged Care Master Plan at Our Lady of Lebanon in Harris Park and invest in the Lebanese Maronite Order of Australia to upgrade its IT and Nurse Call systems.  

An Albanese Labor Government will also join forces with the Maggie Beer Foundation and alliance partners to improve food in aged care – because residents should get the healthy and high-quality meals they need and deserve which respects cultural and religious requirements.

Labor will make sure older culturally and linguistically diverse Australians have access to the high quality, culturally sensitive support they need and deserve.

Saving diabetes patients thousands of dollars each year, boosting record investments in health research and making even more medicines cheaper for more patients are key to a re-elected Morrison Government’s plans to secure the future of the healthcare system.

The plan grows funding for the health portfolio from $132 billion in 2022-23, to $140 billion in 2025-26, guarantees Medicare and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), delivers more health services, expands Australian medical research and ensures we can make the best investments for health in Australia, now and into the future.

A new centrepiece of the pillars of the plan is a $273.1 million commitment to cut the cost of Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) to support an additional 71,000 Australians with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). This investment is in addition to the $300 million currently being invested and means all 130,000 Australians of all ages with T1D have access to the CGM initiative.

Under the changes announced today, an additional 71,000 Australians will have access to CGM and Flash Glucose Monitoring devices under the National Diabetes Support Scheme from 1 July 2022 for a maximum of $32.50 each month, equivalent to the cost they would already be incurring when using blood glucose test strips. People who meet the existing eligibility criteria such as people under 21, concession card holders and pregnant women will continue to receive unchanged, fully subsidised access to CGM products.

This means that every Australian with Type 1 diabetes will have access to a potentially life-saving Government funded CGM device, which could cost up to $5,000 per year without subsidy.

Prime Minster Scott Morrison said a strong economy meant guaranteed funding for a healthcare system that could change the lives of patients like the T1D community.

“Type 1 Diabetes is an insidious condition that cannot be prevented and costs Australians thousands of dollars each year,” the Prime Minister said.

“Our plan for a strong economy means we can invest in life changing equipment for diabetes patients and make more medicines cheaper for more Australians.

“This commitment means making it easier for T1D sufferers to go about their everyday lives. My Government is committed to making medicines and medical devices affordable for all Australians who need them.”

Health Minister Greg Hunt thanked members of the T1D community and groups such as the JDRF Australia, Diabetes Australia and the DANII Foundation for their work.

“Our Government has a proud track record of providing access to medicines and medical devices that save lives and protect lives,” Minister Hunt said.

“Over the past 2 years, we have worked closely with the T1D community to understand their needs and appreciate how vital these products are to people.

“Today’s announcement is a tribute to the tireless advocacy of these groups and the broader T1D community.”

From 1 May, another round of medicines will be listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

It is estimated over 18,000 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in Australia in 2021. One in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer by the age of 85. From next month, Australians with prostate cancer will have access to Erlyand^® (apalutamide), which will be listed on the PBS for the first time for the treatment of people with non-metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer.

Without PBS subsidy, patients might pay more than $40,000 per year of treatment.

Empliciti^® (elotuzumab) will also be listed on the PBS for the first time for the treatment of relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma for use in combination with medicines lenalidomide and dexamethasone. Myeloma is a type of cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow. Representing Australia’s third most common blood cancer after lymphoma and leukaemia, approximately 18,000 Australians are living with multiple myeloma at any given time.

Without PBS subsidy, an average of 230 patients each year might pay more than $145,000 per course of treatment,

These treatment will now be available on the PBS for a maximum of $42.50 per script, or as little as $6.80 with a concession card.

Since 2013, the Australian Government has approved more than 2,900 new or amended listings on the PBS, this represents an overall investment by the Government of $16.5 billion.

This is a stark contrast to Anthony Albanese’s Labor Party, who when last in Government stopped listing essential medicines and treatments on the PBS, slashed funding for mental health support and tried to rip funding out of medical research.

While we invest in these life altering medications, the Morrison Government will also invest an extra $172.9 million in Australian researchers as part of a $6.8 billion initiative to support their work on the next generation of medical breakthroughs.

The Coalition Government established the landmark $20 billion Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) which has so far funded 722 projects.

The Coalition’s Health plan outlines how our Government will not only ensure, but expand our world-leading healthcare system, delivering the services Australians rely on.

Under our Government:

• Medicare funding has grown from $19 billion in 2012-13 to $31.4 billion in 2022-23, growing to $35.5 billion in 2025-26
• The GP Medicare bulk billing rate is a record 88.8 per cent, up from 82.2 per cent under Labor. This means nearly nine in 10 visits to the doctor are free.
• Permanent and universal telehealth has been introduced, with more than 100 million new telehealth services to over 17 million people since March 2020.
• Since coming to office, our Government has doubled funding for public hospitals from $13.3 billion in 2012-13 to $27.2 billion in 2022-23, growing to an estimated $32.7 billion in 2025-26.

The Prime Minister also said Senator Anne Ruston would be appointed as Minister for Health and Aged Care in a re-elected Coalition Government to deliver on the plan to secure Australia’s world class health system.

“Anne’s experience as a senior Minister managing a complex portfolio touching millions of lives makes her the right pick to help guide Australia’s health system out of the pandemic,” the Prime Minister said.

“Anne has been an important part of my Expenditure Review Committee and a strong advocate for women’s safety and health including working closely on recent initiatives to tackle endometriosis.

“I know she’ll bring that ability to understand complex issues, and her compassion to the health portfolio.

“I would like to thank Greg Hunt once again not just for the way he has helped ensure Australia has one of the lowest death rates from COVID and highest vaccination rates, but also for his years of advocacy in the portfolio on mental health, making telehealth permanent and delivering a record number of medicines listings on the PBS.

“I look forward to working with Anne in her new role as our government delivers on our plan for a stronger future for all Australians.”

Senator Ruston said it was an honour to be named as the Coalition’s next Minister for Health and Aged Care if re-elected.

“Healthcare has been a part of my life ever since I was born as my mum was a nurse in our regional town, which also gave me great insight into the vital role country hospitals play in the lives of their communities,” Senator Ruston said.

“I look forward to the opportunity to deliver our Government’s commitment to a healthier Australia and will continue to prioritise medicines, mental health and medical research.

“We want Australians to have the best possible quality of health and when they need help, they are able to turn to our world-class healthcare system which is only able to be delivered through a strong economy.”

Only the Coalition can be trusted to manage Australia’s economy and manage Australia’s healthcare system.

Agricultural shows and field days will get a boost as they emerge from lockdowns and shutdowns as part of a new round of funding from the Liberal National Government.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said shows and field days supported jobs that helped connect the regions and the cities.

“Our regions and farmers are the powerhouse of our economy and shows and field days are important in attracting investment and workers,” the Prime Minister said.

“We’ve all missed our big Royal Shows and our local ag festivals and this investment is about ensuring we don’t lose them.

“These events aren’t just about showbags, rides and competitions, they bring regional leaders together to share skills and experience and they open doors for new jobs and investments.

“Ag shows and field days also help people from the cities understand and appreciate where their food and fibre comes from.

“Stronger regions means a strong economy for Australia and a stronger future which is why this investment is so important.”

Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia David Littleproud said $2.8 million was there to support show societies and field days after a couple of tumultuous years.

“Many of our shows and field days have had to cancel due to COVID-19, which has meant a loss of revenue,” Minister Littleproud said.

“But it’s also meant that rural and regional communities have missed out.

“Agricultural shows and field day events are an integral part of the social fabric for rural and regional communities.

“They contribute more than $1 billion to the economy annually, attract more than six million patrons and are supported by more than 50,000 volunteers.

“Events cancelled in 2022 due to COVID-19 will be able to seek one-off reimbursements for operational costs.

“It will also support events cancelled in 2021 that did not apply under Round 2.

“We know regional communities have done it tough over the last two years. We’ve listened, and we’re doing our bit to help.

“This brings to almost $100 million our support for shows, including the recently announced $15.4 million second round of the Agricultural Shows Development Grant Program.”

The funding will support events cancelled in 2022 due to COVID-19, as well as events cancelled in 2021 that did not apply for previous assistance.

As Australia and the Netherlands mark 80 years since the establishment of full diplomatic relations, we can reflect with pride on the warm friendship we share.

From the Duyfken’s exploration of the north coast of Australia in 1606, to the contribution made by generations of the thousands of men and women of Dutch heritage to this country, Australia and the Netherlands share enduring bonds of friendship and family.

Our historic defence ties, forged on the battlefields and in the skies of the Second World War, were strengthened most recently by our military partnership in Afghanistan. Today, we stand united in support of the rules-based international order, our defence of human rights and the rule of law.

As we continue to pursue truth, justice and accountability for the downing of MH17, we also stand together in supporting Ukraine as it defends its sovereignty and territorial integrity. 

Australia values our cooperation with the Netherlands in supporting our neighbours in the Indo-Pacific, to ensure a region that is open, stable and resilient.

The strong trade relationship between Australia and the Netherlands is the foundation for our collaboration in other areas, such as the green economy and cyber security. Through our growing engagement with global fora, we will cooperate to advance our mutual economic prosperity and stability.

For 80 years, Australia and the Netherlands have worked in unison to build and enhance our strong bilateral relationship. I am proud of what we have achieved in the name of friendship and cooperation, and I look forward to the many opportunities that lie ahead.

The countdown is officially over for the highly-anticipated international adaptive sports competition as the Invictus Games The Hague 2020 kicks off in The Netherlands.

The Invictus Games is an international adaptive multi-sports competition that will bring together up to 500 serving and former military personnel from 20 nations who have been wounded, injured or become ill during their military service.

The combined Australian team includes 32 serving and former serving military personnel along with over 100 of their family and friends. The team are enjoying the hospitality of The Hague during the games that run from 16 to 22 April 2022.

Chief of Joint Capabilities, Lieutenant General John Frewen said the competitors were an inspiration to many and were doing Australia proud.

“Many of our competitors have found that this incredible opportunity improved their lives and are approaching everyday tasks with renewed vigour. They are looking for opportunities to play more active roles in helping their fellow service men and women in their road to recovery,” Lieutenant General Frewen said.

“The Games are an opportunity to honour the service and sacrifice of the men and women who have defended our freedoms and values and to pay respect to their courage and determination to overcome adversity to be able to compete on the world stage.

“I would like to acknowledge the family and friends who have supported the ongoing recovery of our wounded, injured and ill personnel. I know they feel immense pride at the achievements of the competitors.”

Previous Invictus Games have been held in London (2014), Orlando (2016), Toronto (2017) and Sydney (2018).

Competitor biographies are available online at www.defence.gov.au/events/invictus-games-hague-2020-aus-team-members.

The Morrison Government has committed $2 million dollars to the Good Friday Appeal helping support Victorian children as they face the hardest health battles.

The Good Friday Appeal has raised money for The Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne for over 90 years, helping them to provide world class care for children.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the Good Friday Appeal symbolised the best of Australia.

“Our youngest Australians deserve all the support and care we can give them when they’re in need,” the Prime Minister said.

“This $2 million pledge is a first from the Federal Government because we want to support the generous and significant commitment from the community, and help encourage even more people to get involved.

“This isn’t just about backing the doctors, nurses and carers who make such a difference, it’s about supporting the services that help these young patients’ families too.”

Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt said the Appeal had a special place in the heart of all Victorians.

“As a Victorian, I know the Good Friday Appeal forms part of so many Easter celebrations here in the state,” Minister Hunt said.

“For over 90 years, they’ve raised funds to help deliver care and support for not just sick kids, but for their families helping them through their battles.

“These donations help to drive research and innovation, secure funds for new equipment, improve patient and family care, as well as additional education and training for staff.

“They quite literally help to save lives and protect lives.”

The Appeal brings all sectors of the community together to raise funds every year, culminating in a telethon on Good Friday.

Since 1931, nearly $400 million has been raised to deliver the best possible care to patients and support for their families.

Those wishing to make their own donation to the Appeal can do so at www.goodfridayappeal.com.au.

The Greens have called for an end to native forest logging in addition to plantation forestry reform following the Morrison Government’s announcement today about increasing its self-reliance on wood supply. 

Greens Senator for lutruwita/Tasmania, Peter Whish-Wilson said:

“It’s no surprise that the Liberal Party is announcing another taxpayer-subsidised lifeline to support the loss-making forestry industry in Tasmania prior to an election.

“Over recent decades the logging industry has received billions in taxpayer subsidies to keep it afloat; this is just another chapter in that sad saga.

 “The Government refuses to rule out using unsustainable native forest products in its new ‘innovation hub’ – and on that basis alone the Greens are likely to use any future balance of power situation in parliament to block this funding package.   

“With states across Australia ending native logging, it’s clear that the Tasmanian forestry industry won’t be able to continue in its current form forever. It’s destroying Australia’s incredible natural heritage, and consumers are waking up to the damage.

“The plantation forestry sector must not be recklessly expanded to create more job opportunities in research and manufacturing – the current system is broken, and we need to be smarter about what we’ve got. 

“Many of Tasmania’s plantation forests are grown at the taxpayers’ expense, only to be shipped out for processing in Asia. Just holding back a handful of these shiploads would meet Australian building needs.”

Greens spokesperson for forests, Senator Janet Rice said: 

“Logging Australia’s native forests is environmental vandalism and economically unviable. The Greens will end the destructive native forest logging that is destroying wildlife habitation, water catchments, carbon stores.

“Ninety percent of the timber industry is already plantation based. We need to complete the shift to 100% plantation based industry and  cease the devastating destruction done by logging our precious native forests. 

“Only the Greens have a clear plan to end native forest logging through a $70m sustainable forestry package that will create genuinely new and sustainable jobs in ecotourism, farm forestry, plantation forestry and elsewhere.”

More information:
Green Australia – our plan to restore nature, save our forests & animals, and green our cities & suburbs