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Today, the leaders of the Australia-UK-US (AUKUS) partnership – Prime Minister Scott Morrison of Australia, Prime Minister Boris Johnson of the United Kingdom, and President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. of the United States – assessed progress under AUKUS.

We reaffirmed our commitment to AUKUS and to a free and open Indo-Pacific. In light of Russia’s unprovoked, unjustified, and unlawful invasion of Ukraine, we reiterated our unwavering commitment to an international system that respects human rights, the rule of law, and the peaceful resolution of disputes free from coercion.

We are pleased with the progress in our trilateral program for Australia to establish a conventionally armed, nuclear‑powered submarine capability. We are fully committed to establishing a robust approach to sharing naval propulsion technology with Australia that strengthens the global non-proliferation regime.

We also committed today to commence new trilateral cooperation on hypersonics and counter-hypersonics, and electronic warfare capabilities, as well as to expand information sharing and to deepen cooperation on defense innovation. These initiatives will add to our existing efforts to deepen cooperation on cyber capabilities, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, and additional undersea capabilities. As our work progresses on these and other critical defense and security capabilities, we will seek opportunities to engage allies and close partners.

Further disaster assistance will be extended to flood-affected communities in Queensland, with an additional package of support worth $771 million to be co-funded by the Commonwealth and Queensland Governments.

This additional funding means the Federal Government is providing over $1.3 billion and the Queensland Government is providing around $700 million to support Queenslanders affected by this recent flood event.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said although primary responsibility for this proposal was to be delivered by the Queensland Government, the Federal Government was stepping up to support Queenslanders.

“Queenslanders just want these issues to be addressed and for funding to continue to support residents and businesses in need,” the Prime Minister said.

“I know many people are still doing it tough and I want to ensure the only focus of my Government is to support their needs.

“To date, the Federal Government has committed over $1.3 billion in flood relief support to Queensland residents and businesses affected by this most recent flood.

“This includes paying out more than $383 million to the bank accounts of over 451,000 Queensland flood victims. These payments are 100 per cent funded by the Federal Government without support from the Queensland Government.

“As part of our agreement, I look forward to the Queensland Government providing regular public transparent reporting on how they are getting money into the pockets of Queenslanders in need.”

Minister for Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience Bridget McKenzie said this next package of assistance was funded under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

“Australians want their leaders to be getting on with the job and supporting people who need it. They don’t want us playing politics with disaster victims. What people need is the hope and confidence to carry on with their recovery,” Minister McKenzie said.

“That’s why the Commonwealth has agreed to a package of support for Queensland which focuses on resilience and mitigation.”

The new package of support for Queensland includes:

• $275 million Resilient Household Rebuild Program
• $350 million Voluntary Buy-Back Program
• $6 million industry and community education program
• $100 million Resilient Household Raising Program
• $10 million property level flood information project; and
• $30 million for extensive clean-up.

This assistance will be provided for the 23 Local Government Areas affected by the recent floods and severe weather.

“The significant devastation wreaked by these floods across Queensland is something this government is determined to mitigate against, now and in the future,” Minister McKenzie said.

“I have seen the impact on Queenslanders first hand, I have walked the streets with survivors and I know this next wave of support will enable residents in flood ravaged communities to build back better and become more resilient to future disasters.”

Queensland’s Acting Premier Cameron Dick also welcomed the announcement.

“We are pleased to work with the Commonwealth Government to deliver this nation-leading program to help Queenslanders build back better,” Acting Premier Dick said.

“The program will mean many Queenslanders who have suffered multiple flood events can now have peace of mind.”

This announcement is in addition to the $558 million package agreed by the Commonwealth and Queensland Governments on 5 March to support primary producers, small business and local councils and sporting clubs.

For more information visit recovery.gov.au.

The Morrison Government is investing more than $1 billion to upgrade 73 Australian Defence Force (ADF) Reserve and Cadet facilities across Australia over the next 10 years.

The investment includes $53 million in infrastructure upgrades to 18 cadet facilities, including in rural and remote communities over the next year.

The Minister for Defence the Hon. Peter Dutton MP said the infrastructure investment will support the growth of the ADF Cadets by 10 percent over the next year, and is just one component of a number of initiatives being implemented to enhance the cadet program.

“We want to provide improved opportunities for cadets through a number of avenues, including better facilities, enhanced experiences, mentoring and relevant skilling,” Minister Dutton said.

As part of this significant enhancement of the cadets program, General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK CVO MC (Retd) will become the first Patron of the ADF Cadets.

“Being a former cadet himself, Sir Peter will bring strong values, experience and mentorship to current and future cadets,” Minister Dutton said.

Defence will increase numbers in existing cadet units and create new units to complement broader Government initiatives supporting youth development and skilling.

“In addition to the more traditional skills developed through the program, future cadets will also be engaged in STEM-focused activities including cyber security, virtual reality simulation, robotics and flight simulation,” Minister Dutton said.

“The program will focus on growing cadet and volunteer numbers, and establishing new units in rural and remote areas, including in Indigenous communities.

“To ensure enduring local unit success, additional personnel including veterans and reservists will be employed to provide administrative support.

“The investment in facility upgrades will also provide opportunities for Australian industry including local and Indigenous suppliers and contractors.”

Assistant Minister for Defence Andrew Hastie MP said the investment would also see upgrades to Defence-owned and leased premises across all states and territories.

Some sites have been prioritised for works and earmarked by Defence for cadet growth as they are in geographic locations where youth development programs could have a positive impact on the community.

“The sites prioritised under this investment are integral to the ADF emergency response network, and ensuring facilities are fit-for-purpose to develop our nation’s youth,” Assistant Minister Hastie said.

“As a former cadet myself, I know first-hand that cadets provide young Australians with opportunities to lead, grow and serve our country. It is a vital part of Defence’s contribution to building Australia’s future leaders.”

“These important announcements will help strengthen the future of cadets, and ensures that we grow the cadet program in the critical years ahead.”

To find out more about volunteering with the ADF Cadets: https://www.defenceyouth.gov.au/youth-programs/adf-cadets/

Fresh from a record vote in the State election, the Greens have kicked off their federal election campaign in SA announcing a $6.1b plan to boost the uptake of electric vehicles and reestablish auto manufacturing in Australia, saying that in balance of power the party will push for a South Australian-focused package to support an electric car industry in the State.

The Greens Leader, Adam Bandt, is in Adelaide today to launch the campaign for South Australia lead Senate Candidate, Barbara Pocock. 

Pocock, an economist and leading South Australian public intellectual, will join Adam Bandt and SA Senator Sarah Hanson-Young to launch a comprehensive package to build and boost uptake of electric vehicles in Australia, with infrastructure and incentives to support the transition.

The Greens plan will invest $6.1b over the next 3 years to:

• Provide $1.2b to manufacturers of electric vehicles and electric vehicle components in Australia, building the Australian EV manufacturing industry
• Help you buy your first EV, reducing the cost of an electric vehicle by up to $15,000 and provide ultra-cheap finance for the balance
• Legislate tough vehicle pollution standards to drive down emissions, and ending the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030
• Build a $2 billion publicly owned EV fast charging network, ensuring that you’ll always have a place to fuel up
• Electrify the Commonwealth fleet by 2025, leading the way and driving the second-hand vehicle market

If Barbara Pocock is elected to the Senate for SA, the Greens are on track to be the biggest third party in the Senate ever, likely holding balance of power in our own right. Additionally, with a tight election in the House of Representatives likely, the Greens may be in balance of power in both Houses of Parliament.

Greens Leader Adam Bandt said:

“The Greens have represented South Australia with one of the most powerful voices the Senate has ever seen in Sarah Hanson-Young. Today, the Greens offer South Australians the chance to put another exceptional, progressive woman into the Senate to fight for their state, Professor Barbara Pocock.

“In a few years’ time, the whole country could be driving SA-made electric cars.

“We’ll cut pollution, create jobs and be energy independent if we restart SA’s car industry and make it electric. The Liberals flattened SA’s car industry but the Greens want to recharge it.

“As well as making electric cars here, we’ll make them cheaper to buy and easier to recharge.

“The war in Ukraine shows us just how exposed we are if we rely on another country’s oil to get around.

“Road transport makes up 15% of Australia’s emissions, so any party with a net zero emissions target needs a plan to get our cars running on the sun and the wind.”  

Greens lead Senate candidate for South Australia, Barbara Pocock said: 

“As a South Australian, I’ve felt so lucky to have such a powerful Greens representative in Sarah Hanson-Young over many years. This election, South Australians can double their Greens representation.

“To be here today with Adam Bandt and Sarah Hanson-Young to launch a major Greens policy that has so much potential for South Australia gives voters a clear choice this election.

“I’m standing for the Greens because the Greens put their chips on the table – we put forward fully-costed policies and clear positions, instead of loose slogans that ask voters for blind trust.  

“Making electric vehicles here will mean thousands of jobs for South Australians. It will also have flow on benefits supporting research, development and manufacturing across the country. 
“The Greens will put $1.2 billion on the table for the manufacturing of electric vehicles and their components here in Australia.
Quotes attributable to Greens South Australian Senator, Sarah Hanson-Young:
“Barbara Pocock stands out from the pack in this South Australian Senate race. She has made an exceptional contribution to our understanding of employment, especially as it affects women in the workforce.“

The release of the April edition of CoreLogic’s Quarterly Rental Review report is yet another indication that government must take urgent action to tackle rental affordability. 

The report shows Hobart’s rents have increased by another 8.7% in the last 12 months. Disturbingly it also shows the cost to rent a house in the state capital has grown by 55.9% in the last 10 years, with the median rental rate now at $547 a week. 

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

“The average cost of renting a home in Hobart is now $10,000 a year higher than it was just a decade ago. And we know rents are going up right around the state too. It’s no wonder so many Tasmanians are struggling to find an affordable home.

“These skyrocketing rental prices are forcing people into real hardship. Something is seriously wrong with our housing market when paying your rent means you can’t afford to heat your home, pay your bills, access healthcare, or even feed your family. 

“This housing crisis is a direct result of years of government failure. It’s no surprise this massive rise in rental costs has coincided with having Liberal governments at both a federal and state level.

“The increase in rent prices has shown no sign of slowing down by itself, so it’s now time for government to step in. Putting the Greens in balance of power this election is our best chance of making that happen. We’ll fight for real protections for renters, and real action on housing affordability. 

“Housing is a human right, and we need our government to start acting like it.

“The Greens have a plan to protect renters’ rights by boosting and guaranteeing funding for tenants’ advocacy services by $30 million per year to improve access to independent information, advice and advocacy.

“We will also establish a National Standard of Renters’ Rights and build 125,000 new public universal-access rental homes to provide affordable housing for more people who want to live in communities close to where they work. 

“These measures will support renters alongside Greens commitments to increase Commonwealth Rent Assistance and wind back negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount.” 

Senator Lidia Thorpe, the Greens spokesperson for Justice and First Nations, has reiterated the call for the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OPCAT) to be implemented across this Country.

DjabWurrung, Gunnai and Gunditjmara Senator for Victoria Lidia Thorpe, the Greens spokesperson for Justice and First Nations said:

“This so-called officer of the so-called Law needs to be sacked immediately. Their behaviour is absolute filth. We’re talking about a boy who was experiencing a mental health crisis who was then choked, sedated and inappropriately touched. Is this how we treat children in this Country? He was only 15! Where is the outrage?!”

“This is abhorrent behaviour from those who are supposed to serve and protect. The Greens demand independent oversight of police and prisons to stop our babies being abused. This is a matter of life and death. We can’t rely on Corrective Services to correct themselves. First Nations people are being traumatised by police who ignore our human rights.” 

“This Country signed on to the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OPCAT) which requires a culturally safe, properly resourced, effective and independent oversight mechanism of places of detention.” 

“Police violence is a national crisis. It’s critical that the Commonwealth Government shows leadership and provides the necessary resources to implement OPCAT. This is far too
important to be patchy and inconsistent across state lines. We need federal leadership to ensure the dignity of everyone in this country is respected.”

“Everyone, no matter where they are, has the right to be treated fairly and free from torture.” 

Lake Cargelligo Family Practice is now a more appealing location to work for young doctors after the town became a targeted recruitment location under a Morrison-Joyce Government pilot scheme that provides wage support and supports doctors to gain their GP qualification while living in a rural or remote area.

Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said the addition of Lake Cargelligo to the Remote Vocational Training Scheme (RVTS) Extended Targeted Recruitment Pilot location list meant doctors interested in rural and remote general practice would receive income support while working at the local clinic and training towards their formal GP qualification.

Mr Coulton said the pilot scheme will provide a total of $465,000 in income support over the course of each doctor’s training to make Lake Cargelligo a more appealing place for young doctors to begin their career.

“The aim of this wage funding and support scheme is to encourage more young doctors to take up rural and remote GP work, and ensure they have adequate support, distance mentoring and education to get their medical college fellowship,” Mr Coulton said.

“This is a win-win for patients in Lake Cargelligo and for the Lake Cargelligo Family Practice.”

Regional Health Minister and former regional GP, Dr David Gillespie said it was important that junior doctors were adequately supported to work rurally and without this scheme, even more young doctors would be holed up in cities undertaking this significant part of their training.

Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said the RVTS is going from strength to strength in providing better access to doctors in the bush.

“To date, it has provided training to more than 400 doctors to over 300 rural and remote communities. Overall, 90 per cent of participants who have completed the program have attained GP fellowship qualifications,” Minister Hunt said.

“The RVTS has also supported doctors working in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, with more than 50 doctors enrolled in Aboriginal medical services since 2014. These doctors are providing primary care services in more than 40 Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services across the country.

“The past success of the program is why the Morrison-Joyce Government is investing an additional $20.9 million to extend a GP training program that is providing more doctors to rural and remote areas in Australia.

“This additional funding will enable the scheme to be extended for a further three years, enabling doctors to gain their specialist qualification in general practice – while living and working in a rural or remote area.”

The additional funding builds on $5 million previously provided by the Morrison-Joyce Government for a RVTS extended targeted recruitment pilot, which is providing income support for 10 doctors starting their training in 2021 and 2022.

Dr Gillespie said the scheme focuses on remote GP training in small and isolated communities to help improve the recruitment pipeline for a high quality traditional primary care workforce.

He said the RVTS is a key initiative in bridging the city-country divide in providing health services, by addressing GP workforce shortages in areas of need of more GPs.

“There can be issues in rural areas in having sufficient patient throughput under a fee-for-service model – typical of general practice – to generate enough income to operate a viable practice while undertaking GP training,” Dr Gillespie said.

“Data shows a decline in the attractiveness of rural GP work for new medical graduates. The extended pilot supports the Morrison-Joyce Government’s coordinated efforts to explore innovative employment models to attract more GP trainees to rural and remote areas.”

The pilot builds on the policy commitments of the Stronger Rural Health Strategy and will inform longer term reform options including development of the Government’s Primary Health Care 10 Year Plan.

An Albanese Labor government will make Australia’s Newborn Screening Programs world class, saving lives, delivering better care and making the system fairer.
 
Newborn screening is crucial to identify and treat rare diseases allowing conditions to be diagnosed – with something as simple as a heel prick at birth, our kids can get the care they need from the earliest stages of life. 
 
Australia’s screening program hasn’t been updated since the 1980s and, in most States and Territories, only tests for 25 conditions compared to world’s best practice of screening for 80 conditions. 
 
This can lead to delays in diagnosis of life-long health conditions and avoidable deaths. 
 
Parents can be confident that no matter which hospital their child is born in their baby will be fully screened for rare conditions.
 
Different States and Territories also screen for different conditions, leading to inequality in health care across Australia. 
 
Labor will put an end to this testing lottery by introducing a universal screening program.
 
Labor will invest $38.4 million to deliver a world’s best practice screening program for all of Australia, increasing the number of conditions screened to 80. 
 
Our approach is in line with world’s best practice.
 
An Albanese Labor Government will work with the States and Territories to deliver a better national newborn screening program, including a regular process to update screened conditions on expert advice.
 
Only Labor can be trusted to strengthen Medicare and improve health care for Australians.