16 News

Australian Greens Education spokesperson Senator Mehreen Faruqi has said that Government and Labor Senators have teamed up to produce highly flawed and misleading findings in a Senate Inquiry report into her private member’s bill that would remove the ministerial veto power over Australian Research Council grant funding decisions.

While the vast majority of evidence received from witnesses and submitters through the Inquiry supported removing the ministerial veto, the Committee recommends that the bill not be passed.

Senator Faruqi said:

“Despite an overwhelming majority of contributors supporting the removal of the veto, the committee majority have relied selectively on evidence provided by a very small number of witnesses.

“Politics has trumped good policy-making as both the Government and Labor have refused to concede their political power to interfere with individual research grants.

“This is a shameless attempt to retain unnecessary power over research funding despite enormous evidence provided about the harm that it does to our research and researchers.

“The Government and Labor’s contribution to this inquiry has been nothing short of insulting to the dozens of universities, researchers and peak bodies who provided evidence for the need to remove the veto power.

“Ministerial vetoes have been hugely damaging for academic freedom, research independence, peer-review and Australia’s global research reputation. They have been particularly harmful for early career researchers and for the humanities and social sciences. Yet the Government and Labor ignored these impacts when they teamed up to oppose the bill and disregard overwhelming evidence in support of it.

“The good news is that both major parties have now been put on notice: you are at odds with the Australian university and research communities who want to see this power gone. This is an untenable situation going forward. Politicians will have to come to the table sooner or later.”

Australian Greens Dissenting Report available here: https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Education_and_Employment/ARCBill/Report/section?id=committees%2freportsen%2f024901%2f79507

Greens SA Senator, Sarah Hanson-Young, has joined with Greens Senate Candidate for SA in calling for Labor to reverse their support for the Morrison government’s dismantling of Australia’s progressive taxation system.

Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said:

“The Liberals and Labor are on a joint ticket when it comes to giving federal politicians a $9,000 tax cut, while minimum-wage workers – like those in aged care – get nothing.”

“Why should we give a huge, permanent tax cut to Bank CEOs and Federal politicians, while low paid workers get nothing?”

Barbara Pocock, Greens Senate Candidate for SA and Emeritus Professor of Economics said:

“It doesn’t pass the pub test or a 101 economics class.”

“The Greens will oppose the Stage 3 tax cuts and we call on the opposition to do their job and join us.

“You don’t need to be a professor of economics to realize that low paid workers are more likely than the wealthy to spend their tax cut back into the economy.

“But as a Professor of Economics it is obvious to me that this isn’t fair and doesn’t stack up. And I think  that a lot of South Australians who care about a fair go, would agree with me.”

“The extreme changes as part of the Stage 3 tax shake up will take us closer to a flat-tax society like the US and undermine the ‘fair go’ that we expect in Australia.”

“If I’m elected to the Senate for SA, I’ll vote to block and reverse these cuts as one step towards a fairer go in our tax system.”

Barbara Pocock is the Greens Senate candidate for South Australia and an Emeritus Professor of Economics in the  Business School at UniSA.

A multidisciplinary teaching hub at a Tasmanian aged care facility will secure greater opportunities for health students and better access to services for older Tasmanians across the region.

The Morrison Joyce Government will invest $1.5 million through the University of Tasmania (UTAS) to establish the training centre at Corumbene Care at New Norfolk.

In New Norfolk today to announce the funding, Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck said the investment underlines the Morrison Joyce Government’s commitment to older and vulnerable Australians across regional Australia.

The facility is set to offer nursing, exercise physiology, pharmacy, psychology, social work, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech pathology and podiatry training.

“We know how important it is for older Australians to receive the care they need, particularly in regions where access to services can sometimes be restricted,” Minister Colbeck said.

“The surrounding areas of the Derwent Valley, Central Highlands and the Southern Midlands will benefit enormously under this initiative aimed at strengthening future careers in the sector while prioritising the health and wellbeing of older Tasmanians.”

Minister Colbeck said students will learn how to deliver culturally responsible services including bereavement support, health promotion, exercise and nutrition.

Minister for Regional Health, Dr David Gillespie said though the Rural Health Multidisciplinary Training (RHMT) program, the Morrison Joyce Government is investing $48.3 million to increase rural health training opportunities to deliver health, aged care, and disability services in regional, rural, and remote communities.

“More than $18 million of the funding was allocated to establish up to 7 health training demonstration sites in aged care services in country Australia,” Dr Gillespie said.

Students from UTAS and interstate universities across nursing and allied health disciplines will undertake their scheduled Professional Experience Placements (PEP) at Corumbene.

UTAS aims to deliver training to 44 students in 2022, and 50 students in 2023, with an average placement being approximately 5 weeks long. UTAS will work to increase that to more than 5 weeks for each student.

Importantly, UTAS will directly target students from rural areas and work with Aboriginal health organisations to incorporate cultural safety for supervisors and students.

“There is growing evidence that health students who undertake extended training in a rural area, and those from a rural background, are more likely to take up rural practice upon graduation,” Dr Gillespie said.

“The Morrison Joyce Government is investing in and supporting high-quality rural health training because it’s a proven and effective way for us to address gaps in the rural and remote health workforce now and in the future.”

More broadly, Minister Colbeck said the Morrison Joyce Government had invested more than $652 million to grow the aged care workforce as it continues to respond to the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.

This includes a $91.8 million investment to support providers to attract, train and retain 13, 000 new personal care workers as soon as possible, with a focus on home care through the new Home Care Worker Support Program.

Funding has also been provided for workforce planning as part of the existing Business Advisory Service, which will include tools to support recruitment, training and retention of workers.

Additionally, the Morrison Joyce Government announced $135.6 million in financial support for registered nurses who work for the same aged care provider over a 12 month period.  Nurses will be eligible for an additional payment if they work in a rural or remote area or have a formal postgraduate qualifications or take on further training responsibilities. This funding will be rolled out over two years, and will put money straight into the pockets of aged care nurses.

The Aged Care Transition to Practice Program, has also provided support and guidance to newly graduated nurses since its commencement in August 2021.

The Morrison Government is investing an additional $60 million to bring back international visitors to the regions hardest hit by international border closures.

Australia’s tourism recovery is bouncing back strongly, with high domestic vaccination rates, our international and state borders open, international arrival numbers growing, cruise ships returning to Australian waters, and confidence to travel ramping up.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Australia remained a world-leading tourist destination because of its unique attractions, high-quality tourism operators and lifestyle.

“Our Government is backing Australia’s tourism industry with a $60 million plan to bring back international visitors, especially to the regions that have been hardest hit,” the Prime Minister said.

“As the world reopens, and travellers get out and see the world again, we want to ensure that at the top of every must-see-list is Australia.

“I have been listening to tourism industry operators about what they will need to rebuild their international tourist businesses and this funding boost will deliver on these needs. The package is about getting people on planes and getting them here. It’s about converting the strong interest in Australia to actual businesses.

“The return of our international tourism market will support hundreds of thousands of tourism jobs, strengthen our economy, and back our world-class tourism operators and the many regions reliant on international visitors, like tropical North Queensland.”
To help attract more international visitors to Australia, the Morrison Government is investing:

• $15 million for Tourism Tropical North Queensland to get tourists back to North Queensland and to promote the Great Barrier Reef.
• $45 million for Tourism Australia (TA) to undertake additional targeted activities to get international tourists back in to key regional destinations heavily impacted by the loss of international tourism, of which:
  • $15 million for advertising in crucial international markets to support regions most reliant on international tourists;
  • $25 million for direct partnership activities for TA to work with trade wholesalers, the airlines and the media to drive international demand back to key regions; and
  • $5 million to extend Business Events Australia’s highly successful bid fund – which has already helped win 57 events for Australia.

Since March 2020, the Australian Government has provided more than $20 billion in assistance to the tourism and hospitality sector, through JobKeeper, the Cash Flow Boost, and targeted sectoral programs including the Consumer Travel Support Program, Zoos and Aquariums, Business Events Grants, Recovery for Regional Tourism and Tourism Aviation Network Support.

Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan said the additional funding would complement the work already underway to strengthen our tourism recovery.

“Since our international borders fully reopened, Tourism Australia has been promoting Australia to the world through a $40 million international marketing campaign,” Minister Tehan said.

“This campaign is just the start of a long-term strategy to restart tourism to Australia, with further investment in tourism marketing campaigns internationally to come in the second half of the year.

“Our Government is working with the sector on a long-term strategy to grow the value of the visitor economy to $230 billion by 2030.”

Assistant Minister for Regional Tourism Michelle Landry said the Australian visitor economy is ready to welcome back more international travellers into the country.

“The Coalition Government’s additional funding for Tourism Tropical North Queensland and Tourism Australia is proof of our commitment to the tourism industry and our desire to see it bounce back,” Assistant Minister Landry said.

“Tourism operators have shown great fortitude and resilience throughout the pandemic and this additional investment will go a long way to seeing regular international visitors be welcomed back into the North Queensland region.

“As confidence continues to grow, the Coalition Government is ensuring Australia is front and centre when international tourists consider their next destination to travel to.”

Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch welcomed the additional investment.

“The $15 million for Tourism Tropical North Queensland will allow us to use our local knowledge to best promote our region to the world,” Mr Entsch said.

“Australia is the best country in the world and Tropical North Queensland is its best part, we’re excited to be sharing it with the rest of the world again.

“Our local tourism operators are looking forward to being busy and showcasing our wonderful region to international visitors.”

The Morrison Government is investing $63.6 million into the vital science and research infrastructure that helps to protect the Great Barrier Reef and support the thousands of jobs and businesses that rely on the natural wonder.

The funding package will significantly bolster the scientific capabilities of Australia’s world leading Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), which has been studying the Great Barrier Reef continuously for 35 years. The $63.6 million includes:

• $26.5 million to remediate AIMS’ Cape Cleveland wharf, south of Townsville, and an additional $1.5 million in ongoing funding to maintain the wharf.
• $37.1 million over three years to increase AIMS’ capability to deliver the critical marine science that protects and preserves oceans and coral reefs.
  • This includes $5.3 million for design work on a replacement for the AIMS research vessel, the RV Cape Ferguson, which has been in commission since 2000.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the new $63.6 million investment builds on the Government’s more than $3 billion investment under the Reef 2050 Plan.

“Australia’s leadership in reef management and reef science is second to none, and this new investment will ensure that we continue to lead the way,” the Prime Minister said.

“This investment will allow our marine scientists to take their research to the next level, and continue to work alongside other scientists, farmers, traditional owners, local communities and tourism operators in our shared endeavour to understand and protect our iconic Great Barrier Reef.

“The remediation of Cape Cleveland wharf will mean scientists can access the research vessels directly from the AIMS site, rather than having to board up in Townsville. It also means that after research trips scientists can seamlessly unload sensitive scientific research samples, including coral, rapidly from the reef to the aquarium complex.

“My Government has a deep commitment to the reef and the evidence based marine science that will protect it for generations to come and support the almost 64,000 people who drive the $6.4 billion reef economy.”

Minister for Science and Technology Melissa Price said the wharf upgrade and the design of a new research vessel would meet essential needs.

“The wharf is critical to delivering AIMS’ science activities, including important Government priorities like the Reef 2050 Plan,” Minister Price said.

Remediation works will be done by raising the sea wall, extending it further into the harbour and construction of a new wharf in deeper water.

“This will minimise the environmental impact as required under the environmental guidelines for the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area,” Minister Price Said.

“The wharf is vital to the work of AIMS, allowing its vessels, and research partners, to have direct access from the reef to on-site laboratories and the SeaSim research aquarium.

“A new coastal research vessel will also be needed to replace the aging RV Cape Ferguson. Our support for the design of a next generation vessel will ensure a replacement can be constructed before the RV Cape Ferguson needs to be retired.

“These initiatives will support the critical science and research of AIMS that helps Australia manage threats to the health and future of the Great Barrier Reef.”

The House Employment, Education and Training Committee today presented the report of its inquiry into the Fair Work Commission Annual Report 2019-20.

Committee Chair, Mr Andrew Laming MP said, ‘The inquiry examined how policy responses designed to manage the COVID-19 pandemic have impacted, and may continue to impact the Fair Work Commission’s caseload.’

Mr Laming commented, ‘The Commission’s caseload increased by eight per cent during 2019-20, with significantly more unfair dismissal applications and workplace disputes than in other years associated with the beginning of the pandemic. However, the JobKeeper program and the temporary variation of industry awards provided flexibility in workplaces and prevented a larger surge in applications to the Commission.’

‘While the states and territories had to implement policies quickly to keep Australians safe and to preserve jobs and incomes, public health orders were often implemented at short notice and inconsistencies between jurisdictions made it difficult for businesses and workers to know what their rights and responsibilities were. Australian governments should strive to provide clear, consistent, and timely advice to employers and employees about policies that may give rise to workplace disputes’, Mr Laming said.

Mr Laming concluded, ‘The Committee is satisfied the Commission is well placed to mobilise strategies and resources in the event there is another peak in its caseload.’

The report and further information about the inquiry are available on the Committee’s inquiry website

https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/House/Employment_Education_and_Training/FWCAnnualReport2020

The Morrison Government is planning to invest $244 million in a major upgrade of a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) airbase near Derby in Western Australia that will support 250 jobs and provide a shot in the arm for the local economy.

RAAF Base Curtin forms a key part of the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) network of northern airbases and plays a vital role in supporting the training and operations of the ADF in WA’s North-West and the Indian Ocean.

The airbase will undergo a major refurbishment and replacement of its facilities and infrastructure, including upgrades to communications, water and electrical services, roads, working accommodation, workshops, aircraft hangars, storage areas and security infrastructure.

The project is currently in the development phase and, subject to Government and Parliamentary approval, construction is expected to start in late 2024 and be finished in mid-2026.

Minister for Defence Industry and Member for Durack Melissa Price said the Government’s planned investment will be a major boost for the local community.

“This is fantastic news for small and medium businesses in and around Derby,” Minister Price said.

“Those local businesses will have the opportunity to contribute to what is going to be a very significant redevelopment of RAAF Base Curtin.

“$244 million is a huge investment that will support 250 local jobs during the construction period.

“One of our core objectives is to maximise employment opportunities for local companies to bid for work on these sorts of projects and this one will be no different.”

WSP Australia has been engaged as Defence’s Project Manager and Contract Administrator for the development phase of the project.

WSP has started its initial engagement with local community groups and Indigenous groups, including Kimberley shires.

The company has been providing information to enable those interested to prepare to capitalise on the opportunities the project will deliver.  

“This investment speaks volumes about the importance the Morrison Government places on RAAF Base Curtin to the defence of our nation,” Minister Price said.

“When I visited the base last year I got a fantastic insight into the vital role it plays but also a great understanding of the complexities of running an air base in a location like Derby. 

“Our investment has come at the perfect time and will be welcomed by those who work there.”

Defence released a Request for Tender in February 2022 to engage a Managing Contractor, which will be responsible for managing the project design and overseeing subcontractors for its delivery. 

The tender period is set to close on 8 April, with a Managing Contractor expected to be engaged by Defence in June 2022.

Plans for both local content and the use of Indigenous companies will be taken into account by Defence in awarding the contract. 

On the UN International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (IDERD), The Greens have announced their election plan to build an anti-racist Australia.

With racism on the rise, the Australian government must urgently tackle the root causes of racial hatred, discrimination and white supremacy.

The Greens will:

• Mandate anti-racism training for all Commonwealth employees and federal Members of Parliament;
• Provide $50 million over four years for a fully-funded national anti-racism strategy that centres First Nations and racial minorities;
• Provide $10 million to develop a national hate crimes database and better data collection on racial disparities and discrimination;
• Make hate speech illegal.

The Greens will also introduce policies targeted at strengthening multiculturalism, including by establishing a federal Multicultural Commission and Multicultural Act, and commiting to a referendum to amend section 44 of the Constitution so dual citizens can run for parliament.

Senator Mehreen Faruqi, Greens spokesperson for Anti-Racism said:

“Racism is widespread in Australia and it’s beyond time we had a coordinated national approach to prevent racism and tackle far-right racist extremism.

“We’re done tinkering around the edges. It’s time for an honest reckoning with the toxic racism in this country and to challenge white supremacy in the very echelons of leadership from where racist filth still dribbles out.

“Parliament remains a racist place, where even MPs feel free to spout racial hatred. It’s time to challenge their white privilege and show them what anti-racism looks like, what real respect looks like and what a genuinely equal society should look like.

“The time for polite talk is over. MPs need to be forced to the table to see their own white privilege, unpack white supremacy and learn about the racist colonial past of Australia. Sit with it, even if it makes you uncomfortable.

“Australia has a bloody history that is tainted with dispossession and violence. This violence, oppression and discrimination against First Nations people has never ceased; it continues to this day in the settler-colonial systems and structures of this country.

“Racism causes direct personal harm and trauma to people of colour, but is also extremely dangerous and a real threat to our wellbeing and safety, and it impacts negatively on society as a whole.

“There is no nice way to say this, but we have yet to reckon with the fact that Australia is the country that raised the Christchurch killer. Far-right extremism and Islamophobia that inspired the Christchurch killer is not just present here, it is growing.

“Three years on from the Christchurch mosque attacks, where an Australian white supremacist killed 51 innocent Muslims, we are yet to see any dedicated federal commitment to tackling the root causes of racism and white supremacy in this country.

“A big injection of federal funds will be required to empower communities, collect the appropriate data, and really start to shift the dial on racism.

“Australia’s leaders have legitimised and encouraged extremism and racism, by blaming migrant communities for social problems. The Greens will mandate robust, effective anti-racism training that addresses white privilege and systemic racism for all Commonwealth employees and federal MPs.

“Whether it is Islamophobia, antisemitism, anti-Asian hate or systemic racism against First Nations people, racial discrimination damages the physical, psychological, and social wellbeing of our community.

“Everyone has the right to live without fear of racial violence, abuse and discrimination.”

As part of our plan for a stronger future, the Morrison Government will extend the National Ice Action Strategy (NIAS), investing more than $315 million over four years in the ongoing fight to reduce the impact of ice, other drugs and alcohol.

This investment is alongside an additional $27.9 million being committed to support other critical drug and alcohol treatment projects in areas of identified need.

With today’s announcement, the Morrison Government will invest around $830 million in alcohol and other drug treatment services and programs over the next four years.

National wastewater drug monitoring shows methamphetamine use has reduced for the second consecutive year. And MDMA, cocaine and heroin consumption have all fallen.

Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt said while this was a good sign, there is still work to be done.

“For too many Australians, illegal drugs are still an insidious scourge on our community, robbing families of their loved ones,” Minister Hunt said.

“I’m proud that the Morrison Government will extend the National Ice Action Strategy for a further four years, allowing organisations across the nation to continue delivering innovative, community-based solutions to curb use of drugs such as methamphetamines.”

“The Morrison Government is committed to building safe and healthy communities, reducing the impacts and harms of drug and alcohol use for individuals, their families and their communities.”

Estimates from 2019 suggest that roughly 300,000 Australians used methamphetamines in the past 12 months, with over half of these using crystal methamphetamine, or ice.

The four most common drugs that people seek treatment for are alcohol (34%), amphetamines (28%), cannabis (18%), and heroin (5.1%).

Since its inception in 2016, the NIAS has helped thousands of people gain access to treatment programs and supported communities to tackle local drug and alcohol issues with local solutions.

By committing to the NIAS for a further four years, the Morrison Government is ensuring critical treatment and other programs are continued and improved.

This is particularly important for high-risk population groups, including people in rural and regional areas and indigenous communities.

Under the NIAS, drug and alcohol treatment services are commissioned by Primary Health Networks, which means they are designed with local needs front of mind.

In addition to treatment services, the NIAS supports:

• Local Drug Action Teams (LDAT) to deliver grass roots solutions to drug and alcohol issues faced by communities. More funding will enhance and build on the 280 teams currently operating across the country and improve engagement with the community post-COVID-19.
• The Cracks in the Ice and Positive Choices web portal, which has resources for teachers, parents and students. The portal is well respected by the sector and users, helping to reduce or delay young people using drugs or alcohol. It had more than 2.6 million views from 2016 to 2020.
• The Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screen Test (ASSIST), a questionnaire that screens for risky substance use which can be helpful in a number of settings.
• The National Centre for Clinical Research on Emerging Drugs of Concern which researches new treatment options and works with practitioners to put new evidence into practice and improve clinical care.

We are increasing our efforts at every level to reduce the impact of drug and alcohol use on individuals, families, and communities.