Category: Australian News

The Albanese Labor Government is building Victoria’s future, today announcing an investment of more than $3.3 billion in Victoria for new road and rail projects to boost economic growth, improve connectivity and tackle congestion on suburban roads.

We will partner with the Victorian Government to fund and build a rail link to Melbourne Airport, providing new transport options for people in Melbourne’s west.

We will invest an additional $2 billion towards transforming Sunshine Station, as part of our commitment to build the Melbourne Airport Rail – the next important step in Suburban Rail Loop.

This is on top of our existing $5 billion to build the rail line to Tullamarine, taking the overall Commonwealth commitment to $7 billion.

The Victorian Government will also bring forward their Melbourne Airport Rail funding to enable the works at Sunshine Station.

The joint investment will transform Sunshine Station, including extra platforms and a dedicated spur line that will make Sunshine Station the hub for regional rail services connecting to Melbourne Airport.

This funding will also go towards track, bridge and signalling improvements to enable future upgrades to service Melbourne’s north and west, including enabling the commencement of work on the electrification of the Melton Line.

This is a vital part of delivering better services for people in the west going to work, not just the airport.

If you are travelling from regional Victoria, you won’t have to catch a train all the way into Southern Cross and then back out to Tullamarine.

You’ll be able to switch to a direct airport link as soon as your train gets to Sunshine.

And if you’re travelling from the South East you’ll be able make a straight-through trip via the new Metro Tunnel.

The Albanese and Allan Labor Governments are working together to deliver the projects Victoria needs to connect a growing population – including Melbourne Airport, North East Link and the Suburban Rail Loop.

In addition, the Albanese and Allan Governments will invest $1.2 billion in a Suburban Road Blitz; a new package of works to increase capacity and improve efficiency in growth areas surrounding Melbourne.

The first tranche of projects to be delivered, with works to commence later this year, include:

• Old Sydney Road Upgrade, Wallan ($45 million)
• Evans Road Upgrade between Duff Street and Central Parkway in Cranbourne West ($30 million)
• McLeod Rd and Station Street Intersection Upgrade, Carrum ($3 million).

This money is ready, right now, to fix roads in need of repair.

These will be transformative projects for the south east and the north.

Additional projects will be decided in consultation with the Victorian Government.

The Albanese Government will deliver $1 billion towards the Suburban Road Blitz with the Victorian Government delivering $200 million.

In addition, we will continue to deliver the investment Victoria needs including:

• Delivering $325 million towards the Melton line upgrade, to increase the rail capacity by 50 percent;
• $20.5 million towards planning for Melbourne Western Suburbs Rail upgrades;
• $7.05 million towards planning for Melbourne Northern Suburbs rail upgrades;
• Partner with the Victorian Government to deliver $44.8 million of upgrades to the Princes Highway Corridor, with the funding split 50:50 and works to commence later this year.
• $10 million towards a business case to investigate upgrading key roads and structures across the High Productivity Freight Vehicle network, with the Victorian Government to deliver the other $10 million.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“My Government is Building Australia’s future – and that means Building Victoria’s future too. We want to make sure all Victorians have the services and the infrastructure they need now and into the future.

“We will partner with the Victorian Government to deliver rail upgrades, while also working to upgrade key roads to provide immediate congestion relief now.

“This is good for local jobs, good local businesses and good for commuters.”

Premier of Victoria Jacinta Allan

“We’re delighted to have a partner in Canberra who is investing in the infrastructure that Victorians need and delivering much needed projects for a growing population in the west, north and east.”

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

“Delivering vital upgrades to Sunshine Station and road congestion hotspots will support Melbourne’s growing population by allowing them to move faster and more safely around the city and its suburbs. 

“These projects will enhance the resilience and reliability of the transport network, better connecting people to where they live, work and play.” 

Victorian Minister for Transport Infrastructure Gabrielle Williams

“Reconfiguring Sunshine Station will not only create more capacity for more services, but also marks the first stage of works for Melbourne Airport Rail and paves the way for future upgrades to electrify the Melton Line.”

Federal Member for Fraser Daniel Mulino

“Melbourne’s west is growing at a rapid rate and upgrading the Sunshine Station will help to accommodate this growth.

“The Australian Government is delivering the world-class infrastructure people in Melbourne’s west need and deserve.”

The Australian Greens have today launched a plan to add ADHD and autism assessments to Medicare, in a bid to save people seeking a diagnosis thousands in out-of-pocket costs.

A core message of the Greens’ plan for minority government is taxing big corporations and billionaires to pay for essential services, including getting dental into Medicare and making it free to see the GP.

Making ADHD and autism assessments available through Medicare is the latest in the Greens’ series of ‘Robin Hood’ reforms aimed at easing the skyrocketing cost-of-living.

Under the Parliamentary Budget Office-costed plan, ADHD and autism assessments would be added to Medicare and could be billed by a paediatrician, psychiatrist, psychologist, nurse practitioner or general practitioner.

People of all ages would be eligible to claim the item, and the rebate would be set at the average cost of a diagnosis which would allow health practitioners to bulk bill. 

The plan would cost $181 million dollars over the forward estimates.

There are currently no regulations around the cost of assessments, leading private operators to charge whatever they feel they can get away with. 

In their submission to a 2023 Senate inquiry into Assessment and Support Services for people with ADHD, the ADHD Foundation advised it was aware of some professionals charging up to $5,000 for ADHD assessments.

And in its submission to a 2022 Senate inquiry into Services, Supports and Life Outcomes for Autistic Australians, Australian Autism Alliance revealed details of a survey it conducted in which 40 per cent of respondents reported paying over $1,000 for an autism assessment, with out-of-pocket costs reaching as high as $3,000.

Leader of the Australian Greens, Adam Bandt MP:

”The Greens will make big corporations and billionaires pay tax so you don’t have to pay thousands to get an ADHD or autism diagnosis.

“In a wealthy country like ours, everyone should be able to afford basic care. Adding ADHD and autism assessments to Medicare will help people around the country get the services and support they need. 

“Labor has already adopted the Greens’ plan to expand Medicare to see the GP for free and getting these assessments covered too, as well as dental and mental health, are logical next steps.

“We can’t keep voting for the same two parties and expecting a different result. This election will be the most important in a generation. By electing more Greens we can keep Peter Dutton out and get Labor to act on the cost-of-living crisis.

“With poll after poll indicating we’re headed towards a minority parliament, if people vote Greens we can keep Dutton out and get cost of living relief like adding ADHD and autism assessments, as well as dental and mental health, to Medicare.”

Australian Greens disability spokesperson, Senator Jordon Steele-John:

“Neurodivergent people have been left behind in this country for far too long. 

“I’ve heard countless stories of the barriers people are experiencing in accessing a diagnosis; the cost is too high, there are long wait times and there is stigma associated with seeking an ADHD or autism assessment. 

“In the last term of parliament, the Greens established a Senate inquiry on the assessment and support services available to people with ADHD, and by electing more Greens we can get the next parliament to put diagnosis for ADHD and autism into Medicare – making a diagnosis a possibility for thousands of people across Australia. 

“Access to a formal ADHD or autism diagnosis unlocks support, but it currently comes at a hefty price tag. Nobody should have to pay thousands of dollars just to begin the conversation, especially when we know this community is likely already struggling with a lack of support. 

“The Greens are committed to expanding the list of healthcare providers that can undertake an ADHD or autism diagnosis. By allowing a wider range of healthcare providers to diagnose we will reduce wait times, we will bring down the financial barriers, and support our healthcare providers to work to the top of their scope of practice.”

The Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research released a report on 18 February that shows the Minns Labor Government’s harsher bail laws, harsher penalties and increased prison time for young people is increasing the number of people on remand without reducing the rate of crime or offending in the community. A rally organised by NSW National Party leader Dugald Saunders in Kempsey, calling for further criminalisation of young people will not reduce crime and is shortsighted, reactionary politics driven by fear.

Greens MP and spokesperson for justice Sue Higginson said “The National Party as well as Labor Premier Chris Minns are driving community fear and division in a childish response to a very serious issue. We cannot allow the criminal laws of NSW to be a plaything for weak politicians who are baiting the electorate with scare tactics,”

“Where young people are engaging in crime, it is intellectual dishonesty to ignore the underlying causes of crime in favour of a political campaign of corflutes calling for putting more young people in prison and pushing increased rates of offending by those people throughout their lives. It is also deeply racist given the over representation of First Nations young people this is impacting,”

“The data shows that a year on from the Premier saying he will lock up more young people, the only result is that more young people are in prison, it has not reduced crime. Now, NSW Labor seem committed to extending these draconian laws for another 3 years with more young people in prison being the only evidence they care about,”

“It is telling that Supreme Court judges are among those who are calling out these laws as ‘draconian’, ‘unfairly discriminatory’, and ‘ham-fisted’. It is an extreme rebuke of these laws that senior judges, who, let’s face it, rarely speak out, are so clearly refuting the political fear mongers in the NSW Parliament and warning about the dangerous nature of these laws,”

“If we don’t listen to the actual evidence and we continue to put young people behind bars, we are turning what is a moral panic into a genuine crime spike into the future, remembering there is no real crime spike right now, that youth crime is generally trending downwards. Any localised variations to this trend can and should be dealt with through local responses, such as police surges and more diversionary support and services. Forcing young people into the criminal justice system early in no uncertain terms leads to more serious criminal offending in their adult years, and waging a politically fuelled war against troubled young people is ”

“We should be emptying our youth prisons. If we take a bold and evidence based approach to supporting young people at risk of offending, we can actually reduce the rate of young people offending, and prevent them from re-offending as adults,” Ms Higginson said.

The Greens will eliminate for-profit providers from the employment services system, restore the Commonwealth Employment Service (CES), and abolish all mutual obligations, ending the cruelty and wastefulness of the current Workforce Australia regime.

In addition to the party’s sweeping reforms to employment services, the Greens will also hire additional Centrelink staff to reduce average phone wait times for social security and welfare calls to less than 5 minutes.

Each of these policies has been independently costed by the PBO. Based on this analysis, our plan would be expected to cost approximately $3.6 billion over the forward estimates.

The CES would create thousands of public sector jobs and be universally accessible for anyone who wants it, including those in employment or planning to enter the labour market.

Labor have ignored members of their own government calling for reform, and have failed to act on the recommendations of their own Select Committee on Workforce Australia Employment Services, which found that private employment services had failed and that the system needed to be comprehensively rebuilt.

Greens spokesperson on Social Services and Government Services, Senator Penny Allman-Payne:

“The privatised employment services system is costly, ineffective and cruel. It makes it harder for people to look for and find work while enriching for-profit providers, many of whom have demonstrated a callous indifference to the wellbeing of the people they’re meant to help.

“Mutual obligations are not only cruel, they’re completely dysfunctional. Multiple ongoing technology issues have rendered the system almost inoperable, while information that’s recently come to light raises serious questions about the legality of the whole scheme.

“We’d be better off doing away with the system altogether rather than continuing to throw good money after bad on something that is costly to administer and completely counterproductive.

“Labor have shown repeatedly that they’d rather sit on their hands than overhaul a clearly malfunctioning system that’s falling apart at the seams.

“This election the Greens are fighting to keep Dutton out of power, so we can push a minority Labor government to put job services back in government hands, and ensure we have a fit-for-purpose social security system that lifts us all up.”

Greens Public Sector spokesperson, Senator Barbara Pocock:

“Privatisation of employment services has been an abject failure with the brunt of the impact falling on unemployed workers who are being repeatedly penalised, shunted into inappropriate training and used by private service providers as fodder to generate lucrative bonuses. 

“The shortcomings of this failed system have been adequately documented over many years and it’s now time to bring the management of employment services back into the public service. We need to get the profit motive out of employment services and reinstitute a localised service that is in touch with community needs and responds to the aspirations of individual job seekers.

“Efficiency and quality of service are at the heart of this policy which seeks to address years of monumental waste as private for-profit providers have rorted the system at every turn while many job seekers have faced destitution, poverty and homelessness. Bringing back the Commonwealth Employment Service will put people and communities first and bring jobs back to the public sector where there is far greater reliability and accountability.”

Greens candidate for Canberra Isabel Mudford:

“The Canberrans I speak to know that our public service delivers better and fairer outcomes. 

“In a city with strong public service representation, the Greens recognise the failures of privatisation and the harm done by punitive measures imposed by for-profit employment service providers. 

“Reinstating the Commonwealth Employment Service will restore compassion and integrity to our employment services, so that unemployed workers and employers get the support they need.”

The Greens have supported calls from Tasmanian businesses for payments under the Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme (TFES) to be increased for 12 months pending the results of a full review.

Senator Nick McKim, who was part of the recent Senate Inquiry into the TFES, said that the scheme is no longer fit for purpose and that northbound freight from Tasmania should be better supported while a review is underway. 

“Freight costs across Bass Strait have spiralled while support from the TFES has failed to keep pace.”

“This has been an issue for decades and it needs to be addressed.”

“We remain of the view that whole logs from Tasmania’s native forests should not attract support from the TFES. The mendicant native forest logging industry should not have access to yet another public subsidy.”

The Australian Greens have said Labor’s decision to adopt part of their ‘GP for free’ plan shows pressure works, and that voting Greens will help keep Dutton out and get Labor to act.

Earlier today Labor announced an $8.5 billion investment in Medicare to help more people access bulk-billed GP visits.

This follows the Greens’ own ‘GP for free’ election pledge that the party has been campaigning for since October last year, in which the party said it would triple the bulk billing incentive for all appointments, support the trainee GP workforce and build 1,000 clinics with free access to doctors, dentists and psychologists.

Leader of the Australian Greens, Adam Bandt, said this would make a huge difference for people struggling to afford healthcare. 

He called on the Prime Minister to recall Parliament this week while Estimates is on to legislate the policy before the election, to ensure it is Dutton-proofed and not held ransom to the outcome of the election.

Mr Bandt added that legislating in this term of Parliament to commence before the election would represent a significant achievement, and lay the foundation in the coming minority Parliament to get dental into Medicare.

A core message of the Greens’ plan for minority government is taxing big corporations and billionaires to pay for essential services, including getting dental into Medicare and making it free to see the GP.

Leader of the Australian Greens, Adam Bandt MP:

“Greens pressure works. 

“In a wealthy country like ours everyone should be able to see a GP, psychologist, dentist or nurse with their Medicare card.

“It’s good Labor has adopted part of our plan to help people see the GP for free.

“Now let’s make it law before the election.

“The Prime Minister should recall Parliament this week so we can legislate and Dutton-proof this policy.

“There’s no reason to hold this reform ransom to the outcome of the election.

”Then next Parliament, we can get dental into Medicare.

“By voting Greens, we keep Dutton out and get Labor to act.”

The Greens have urged the Albanese Government to stand up to Donald Trump’s ‘bully boy’ tactics following a White House Executive Order threatening countries who want a fair share of tax from the big tech giants.  

Sarah Hanson-Young is Greens Spokesperson for Communications & Senator for South Australia:

“Australia must not cower to the bully-boy tactics of Donald Trump and his tech bro oligarchs. Big tech corporations need to pay their their fair share of tax in Australia, and for the journalism they profit from.

“We are seeing the rise of the extreme right in the US fed by Musk, Trump and the toxic tech platforms. Australia must stand strong for our national interest and stand up for democracy.

“Pandering to the tech bullies won’t serve Australia’s interests or ensure public interest journalism is protected. These big tech giants will never do the right thing by their users, journalists or the community unless they are forced to. 

“Whether it’s paying for the journalism they use, or their dangerous algorithms that are used to generate massive profits from hate and abusive content and scams, these corporations must be held accountable. 

“Donald Trump is not our President and his extreme, tech oligarchy should not dictate Australian policies or regulation.”

Senate estimates tomorrow will feature Communications Department officials and ACMA, among others.

Today marks three years since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

For three years, Ukraine has bravely resisted Russia’s illegal and immoral war of aggression.

Australia mourns the loss of life of Ukraine’s citizens and defenders, and the generational toll of Russia’s brutality.

Australia continues to stand with Ukraine.

We have committed over $1.5 billion to help Ukraine defend itself, including more than $1.3 billion in military support through vital equipment for the battlefield and the training of Ukrainian forces.

Australia has been clear since day one that Russia, and those enabling its illegal invasion, will face consequences.

The Australian Government has today imposed further targeted financial sanctions and travel bans on 70 persons, and targeted financial sanctions on 79 entities.

This constitutes Australia’s largest sanctions package since February 2022.

The new sanctions target individuals propping up Russia’s illegal administrations in eastern Ukraine and Crimea, including so-called “ministers”, judges and prosecutors, and individuals responsible for conflict-related sexual violence and the forced deportation of Ukrainian children.

The sanctions also target persons and entities involved in deepening military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, including the deployment of North Korean troops to the battlefield.

Deepening Russia-North Korea military cooperation is a dangerous expansion of Russia’s war, with serious consequences for European and Indo-Pacific security.

Targets in Russia’s defence, transport and finance sectors, and those spreading disinformation to undermine Ukraine and governments around the world, have also been sanctioned.

Australia has now imposed a total of more than 1,400 sanctions in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The Government has taken decisive action to ensure Australians are not inadvertently fuelling Russia’s war economy.

Today we have further tightened trade bans on Russia by prohibiting the supply of commercial drones and components, including the provision of related services.

Guidance on the operation of these bans can be found on the sanctions guidance webpage.

Once again, Australia calls on Russia to immediately end its war and adhere fully to its obligations under international law, including in relation to the protection of civilians and treatment of prisoners of war.

Working with Ukraine and our partners, Australia supports a just and lasting peace for Ukraine.

The Albanese Labor Government will provide tax relief for Australia’s distillers, brewers and wine producers.

Currently brewers and distillers get a full refund of any excise paid up to $350,000 each year. The Government will increase the excise remission cap to $400,000 for all eligible alcohol manufacturers. The Government will also increase the Wine Equalisation Tax (WET) producer rebate to $400,000.

Adjusting the taxation arrangements will back an important local industry as well as supporting regional tourism, investment and job creation. Currently around 1,500 brewers and distillers and 3,000 wine producers access these tax incentives.

The proposal will apply from 1 July 2026.

In addition to the tax relief, the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) will be providing Australian distillers, brewers and wine producers with additional support to help them grow their exports in high priority overseas markets.

This support includes the opportunity to join in trade missions, expert advice and connections to help our small and medium size exporters tap into fast growing markets, including in Southeast Asia and beyond.

The tax relief is estimated to decrease tax receipts by $70 million over five years from 2024-25.

the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“To build Australia’s future, we need strong small and medium sized businesses generating jobs and economic opportunity for Australians.

“This common sense measure will back thriving local industries and open the way for growth.”

the Treasurer Jim Chalmers:

“We’re pleased to have found room in a tight budget to provide some tax relief for a really important industry creating jobs and opportunities around Australia.

“Brewers, distillers and winemakers play a large role in many local economies and this support will help them invest and grow.”

the Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell:

“Supporting small distillery, brewing and wine businesses is not just about producing exceptional products – it’s about creating jobs, fostering local economies, and building a better Australia.

“By boosting our export support for these businesses, we are helping fast-track their success in international markets which will create even more jobs at home.”

The Australian Greens have announced today that they would establish a Minister for Disability within the Federal Cabinet, and establish an Office for Disability and a Department of Disability.

The Department of Disability would be responsible for coordinating Federal disability services and would take responsibility for implementing the recommendations of the Disability Royal Commission.

Senator Jordon Steele-John, Australian Greens Spokesperson for Disability

“From the cost of housing to groceries to transport and healthcare – disabled people, our families, and support workers are being pushed to the brink right now. We need cross-government action to urgently improve the lives of disabled people across the
country.

“The creation of a Cabinet Minister for Disability and the establishment of a Department of Disability would ensure it is clear who is responsible for urgently improving the lives of disabled people in this country.

“In Australia, we have a Federal Minister for Women, a Minister for Young People, but no Federal Minister for Disabled People. States and Territories have a Minister for Disability, but the major parties have refused to create a Federal Government Ministry.

“Around 1 in 6 people in Australia identify as disabled. These millions of Australians deserve to have a Federal Government Minister responsible for disability issues. This role would be responsible for the NDIS, and the Quality and Safeguard Commission
and would ensure there are significant reforms undertaken across government including in housing, transport, healthcare and education.

“We know there’s much work to do to improve the lives of disabled people. Disabled people continue to be excluded, exploited and neglected.

“Something has to change, we need better leadership, ideally this role should be held by someone with lived experience of disability.”