Category: Australian News

The ACCC’s decision to take Woolworths and Coles to court for price gouging has highlighted Labor’s complete inaction on the corporate villains who caused an inflation crisis.

“These supermarket giants have been caught exploiting consumers under the cover of high inflation, and using fake discount claims to rake in profits,” Greens Economic Justice Spokesperson Senator Nick McKim said.

“This is exactly why the Greens have introduced bills to the Parliament to crack down on corporate price gouging and break up the supermarket duopoly.”

“Coles and Woolworths have exploited a national crisis to overcharge people. This is price gouging, plain and simple.”

“Their behaviour is maliciously deceitful and utterly contemptuous of Australian shoppers.”

“They could never have engaged in this behaviour if they did not have market dominance and price gouging had been illegal.”

“Surely now Labor has to stop running interference for Coles and Woolworths and join the Greens to crack down on corporate price gouging.”

“The Greens’ bills would give the ACCC real power to stop this type of behaviour.”

“Today’s revelations show Labor has been asleep at the wheel on this issue. They are protecting their corporate mates while Australians suffer.”

“These companies have used their market dominance to relentlessly profiteer.”

“It’s time to break them up and pass anti-price gouging laws to protect Australians from this kind of exploitation.”

“The Greens have the solutions on the table to end this kind of behaviour and put more power into the hands of shoppers.”

“Labor needs to stop siding with these fundamentally dishonest corporations and work with us to pass these critical reforms.”

The Greens have criticised a decision from Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek to approve the clearing of endangered native forest at Manyana on the NSW South Coast.

The endangered forest slated for clearing is one of the last remaining unburnt parcels of land on the NSW South Coast, which was decimated by the 2019/2020 bushfires. The Greens are urging an end to native forest logging.

Senator Sarah Hanson-Young is Greens Spokesperson for the Environment:

“The Albanese Government should be protecting critical habitat and native forests, not approving their destruction.

“The endangered forest at Manyana is some of the last remaining in the region after the Black Summer bushfires decimated the NSW South Coast – it must be protected, not destroyed.

“This decision is a slap in the face for a community who have already suffered enough and have campaigned for four years to protect what’s left at Manyana.

“It is alarming that the Environment Minister, whose job is to protect the environment, can approve the destruction of one of the last remaining critical refuges for wildlife in the region like the Gang-Gang Cockatoo, Greater Glider and Swift Parrot. 

“This decision has once again highlighted that our environmental laws aren’t up to the job of protecting our native wildlife. 

“Instead of continuing to greenlight destruction, the Albanese Government should be working constructively in the Parliament to ensure new environment laws stop the destruction of critical habitat.”

The Reserve Bank’s failure to bring down interest rates puts the ball squarely in Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ court to act, the Greens say.

“Jim Chalmers has said the Reserve Bank is smashing the economy, but now he has a clear choice: let them keep doing it or finally use powers available to him to bring rates down,” Greens Economic Justice Spokesperson Senator Nick McKim said.

“Dr Chalmers could use either fiscal or monetary policy to bring down inflation and he’s currently choosing neither.”

“If the Treasurer is serious about wanting to bring inflation down and ease interest rate pain, he needs to step up with real, concrete action: tax corporate super-profits, clamp down on corporate price-gouging, and freeze rents.”

“He could also use the Section 11 powers to directly override the high interest rates that he says are ‘smashing the economy’.”

“Labor cannot keep standing on the sidelines and let people continue to suffer.”

“Dr Chalmers has the power to bring relief to those who badly need it – he just needs to show some courage.”

“Labor can criticise the Greens all they want, but they are in government and their policies and inaction have put Australia in a per capita recession.”

“Labor is watching the Reserve Bank drive people to the wall and doing nothing.”

The Greens say Labor can’t be trusted on the environment and climate this election after Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek today approved 3 new coal mine extensions in the Hunter Valley NSW.

The Albanese Government’s Nature Positive legislation remains stalled in the Senate with the Greens calling for climate impacts to be considered as part of the environmental approval process. Today’s decision comes after the environment Minister also approved destroying a native forest on Friday afternoon.

Senator Sarah Hanson-Young is Greens Spokesperson for the Environment:

“The Government must rule out approving any new mines until Australia’s environment laws are fixed. That means including the climate impacts of polluting projects. 

“The Labor Government is deliberately and proactively approving climate wrecking coal mines under laws they know are broken. It’s wrong and irresponsible. 

“This goes to show the Albanese Government has zero credibility on the environment this election after approving 3 coal mine extensions in a single day.

“The Prime Minister was over in WA today, boasting that pollution approvals are happening faster under his government than under Scott Morrison. 

“There can now be no doubt for voters this election: the Greens are the only party you can trust on the environment and climate.

“The Environment Minister has one job: protect the environment, not the fossil fuel industry.”

Leader of the Australian Greens, Adam Bandt MP:

“Labor approving three more coal projects in the Hunter Valley is a betrayal of everyone who voted for climate action.

“To have any chance of meeting climate targets there can be no new coal or gas mines, yet Labor has now approved 26 new coal and gas projects since coming to power. Each one will make the climate crisis worse.

“Emissions are higher under Anthony Albanese than last under Scott Morrison, and now Labor has made the climate crisis even worse.

“You can’t put the fire out if you’re pouring petrol on it.”

The Greens say Labor can’t be trusted on the environment and climate this election after Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek today approved 3 new coal mine extensions in the Hunter Valley NSW.

The Albanese Government’s Nature Positive legislation remains stalled in the Senate with the Greens calling for climate impacts to be considered as part of the environmental approval process. Today’s decision comes after the environment Minister also approved destroying a native forest on Friday afternoon.

Senator Sarah Hanson-Young is Greens Spokesperson for the Environment:

“The Government must rule out approving any new mines until Australia’s environment laws are fixed. That means including the climate impacts of polluting projects. 

“The Labor Government is deliberately and proactively approving climate wrecking coal mines under laws they know are broken. It’s wrong and irresponsible. 

“This goes to show the Albanese Government has zero credibility on the environment this election after approving 3 coal mine extensions in a single day.

“The Prime Minister was over in WA today, boasting that pollution approvals are happening faster under his government than under Scott Morrison. 

“There can now be no doubt for voters this election: the Greens are the only party you can trust on the environment and climate.

“The Environment Minister has one job: protect the environment, not the fossil fuel industry.”

Leader of the Australian Greens, Adam Bandt MP:

“Labor approving three more coal projects in the Hunter Valley is a betrayal of everyone who voted for climate action.

“To have any chance of meeting climate targets there can be no new coal or gas mines, yet Labor has now approved 26 new coal and gas projects since coming to power. Each one will make the climate crisis worse.

“Emissions are higher under Anthony Albanese than last under Scott Morrison, and now Labor has made the climate crisis even worse.

“You can’t put the fire out if you’re pouring petrol on it.”

Australia will provide an additional $10 million in response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank.

The funding will be directed to UNICEF and UNFPA and will provide lifesaving assistance, with a focus on women and girls, including the delivery of nutrition support, as well as hygiene and dignity kits.

Since 7 October, Australia has committed $82.5 million in humanitarian assistance to address essential needs in Gaza and the West Bank and respond to the protracted refugee crisis in the region.

Australia continues to push for safe, rapid and unimpeded humanitarian assistance to people in desperate need, and for all aid workers to be protected.

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong:

Australia’s support will help address the dire humanitarian situation with the delivery of nutrition and essential hygiene and health products.

Rapid, safe and unimpeded humanitarian relief must reach civilians, and aid workers must be protected to enable their lifesaving work.

“We continue to press for a ceasefire, the protection of civilians and the release of hostages.”

Minister for International Development and the Pacific, the Hon Pat Conroy MP:

“The situation in Gaza is catastrophic. Civilians should not be made to pay the price for the horrendous acts of others. The suffering must stop.”

“We support the ceasefire endorsed by the UN Security Council and want to see it fully implemented by both parties. Any delay will only see more lives lost.”

The Prime Minister, Premier of Western Australia and Western Australian Transport Minister have today marked the completion of the entire elevated rail structure as part of the historic METRONET Victoria Park-Canning Level Crossing Removal Project.

The Level Crossing Removal Project will improve safety, reduce congestion and improve travel times in the area, while also creating more than 4300 jobs for Western Australians.

The Victoria Park-Canning Level Crossing Removal Project represents the most significant upgrade ever undertaken on the 131-year-old Armadale Line and will ease congestion for road commuters, while creating six hectares of new public open space for the community.

The project is already delivering positive outcomes for the community with six level crossings removed at intersections at Mint/Archer Street, Oats Street, Welshpool Road, Hamilton Street, Wharf Street and William Street.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“We value Western Australia and want this beautiful city to have the world leading infrastructure it deserves.

“As a heavy lifter of the nation’s economy it is critical that we see benefits flowing back into Perth and Western Australia.

“It’s great to be back in Perth to mark this important infrastructure milestone with the Premier that’s creating more than 4300 jobs for West Australians.”

Premier of Western Australia Roger Cook

“Everywhere you look across Perth, METRONET is transforming our suburbs.

“Our elevated rail along the Armadale Line is changing the face of the south-eastern suburbs, delivering new public open space and the quality modern facilities local communities deserve.

“This is what METRONET is all about – better public transport, affordable travel, and creating local jobs across the city.”

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

“METRONET is creating jobs, boosting safety and efficiency, and transforming Perth.

“The Victoria Park-Canning Level Crossing Removal and the completion of elevated rail is another significant milestone in this exciting project.”

Western Australian Minister for Transport Rita Saffioti

“It’s been incredible to see the speed at which this structure has been delivered, which is testament to the enormous amount of planning and preparation that has gone into delivering this project.

“The community can see this elevated train line emerging before them, while the massive benefits are already being felt with a number of level crossings already removed along the Armadale Line.

“People who live along the Armadale Line corridor will very soon have access to modern train stations, and new public open spaces and community facilities.

“We know there is significant benefit on the horizon, and we thank the community for their continued patience as we complete the next critical steps for this game-changing project.”

Federal Member for Swan Zaneta Mascarenhas

“The people of Swan, and Perth more broadly, will see the fruits of this massive investment in METRONET for generations.

“The removal of these level crossings will improve commute times, while the addition of new stations will increase the take up in public transport, removing even more traffic from our roads.

“It’s a win for everyone.”

State Member for Cannington Bill Johnston

“This is a really exciting project for our community and it’s incredible to see the progress that has been made.

“With elevated rail structure now in place, people can see how this project is going to deliver great outcomes in the years ahead with modern stations and new public open space.”

State Member for Victoria Park Hannah Beazley

“I am thrilled to see the entire elevated structure now in place, but more importantly, I am thrilled to see how much new space has been opened up for the community.

“We’re planning to deliver some incredible facilities in the new public open space, which will create a more vibrant and active community for all to enjoy.”

This week, I will travel to the United States to lead Australia’s delegation to the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

The United Nations is where the world comes together to agree and uphold the rules.

These rules are the foundation of international peace and security. At a time of global conflict, many are being broken.

Australia will be using this week to press the need to for all countries to uphold these laws and norms, including the adherence to the international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians and aid workers.

I will also have a number of engagements about the conflict in the Middle East and advancing a two-state solution.

This year the UN General Assembly commences with the Summit of the Future where countries will endorse new commitments for a stronger UN and to enhance development, security, and human rights for all.
Reform of the UN system is needed, and Australia is committed to being constructive and engaged partner in this process, advocating for our region and responding to the needs of developing countries.

I look forward to engaging with a broad range of partners on the priorities of Australia and our region, including at the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met with the President of the United States Joseph R. Biden Jr. ahead of the Quad Leaders’ Summit in Delaware.

Leaders discussed the strength of the Australia-United States alliance and depth of cooperation across defence and security, economic ties and climate and clean energy.

Today’s meeting builds on the progress Australia and the United States have made over the past two years in turning our decades-long alliance to face the future.

Our two nations have long stood together in the cause of peace and stability. We have worked together for eight decades to promote freedom and prosperity around the world.

Now we are modernising our alliance to focus on new challenges and vital interests – including clean energy, critical minerals and addressing climate change.

And of course, the biggest single investment in Australia’s defence capability in our history – the AUKUS agreement.

Today, President Biden and Prime Minister Albanese discussed ongoing bilateral defence and security cooperation, including in the Indo-Pacific. They reaffirmed their commitment to the AUKUS partnership and noted the ongoing and bipartisan support for AUKUS across the alliance. They welcomed the significant progress that has been made this year, including in building Australia’s capabilities to steward and operate its own fleet of conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines from the early 2030s.

Leaders discussed the strength of our economic ties, and the importance of working together to act on the global challenge of inflation and to address supply chain resilience.

Leaders noted the close engagement on climate and clean energy, underpinned by the Australia-United States Climate, Critical Minerals and Clean Energy Transformation Compact. Prime Minister Albanese and President Biden also discussed ongoing work—including under the Australia-United States Critical Minerals Taskforce – to support resilient, diverse critical minerals supply chains.

Leaders looked forward to a productive Quad Leaders’ Summit, along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, focused on promoting stability and delivering practical outcomes for the Indo-Pacific.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“I thank President Biden for hosting the Quad Leaders’ Summit in Delaware.

“This is the 11th time President Biden and I have met as leaders, and it highlighted how productive and important our partnership has been during a time of unprecedented global economic and security challenges.

“We are facing our decades-long alliance to the future, strengthening our economic ties and investing in the security of our shared region.

“Australia and the United States continue to cooperate closely on climate and clean energy and remain committed to our shared goal of expanding and diversifying critical mineral supply chains.

“I look forward to meeting with my Quad partners to discuss important challenges facing the Indo-Pacific and strengthening the Quad’s cooperation.”

The Leaders of Australia, the United States, India and Japan have together launched the Quad Cancer Moonshot initiative, with the aim of saving lives and preventing cervical cancer in the Indo-Pacific.

Australia is on track to be the first country in the world to eliminate cervical cancer, yet women in the Pacific die of the disease at up to 13 times the rate of women in Australia.

The ground-breaking human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to prevent cervical cancer was invented and developed at the University of Queensland by Australian of the Year Professor Ian Frazer.

Australia will contribute to the Quad Cancer Moonshot initiative by expanding our Elimination Partnership in the Indo-Pacific for Cervical Cancer Program.

This program works with our partners in the region to implement a comprehensive cervical cancer elimination strategy. This includes introducing and expanding their HPV vaccine immunisation programs.

The partnership will help more governments get HPV vaccine programs up and running in Papua New Guinea, Malaysia, Timor-Leste, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Tuvalu, Fiji, Nauru and beyond.

The Australian Government will contribute $16.5 million to this partnership, with Andrew and Nicola Forrest’s Minderoo Foundation providing an additional $13.1 million.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“Australia is proud of the leading role we’ve played preventing cervical cancer worldwide. Today I am pleased to expand Australia’s regional cervical cancer elimination program in the Indo-Pacific.

“This announcement will save the lives of women in our Pacific family.

“The Quad Cancer Moonshot demonstrates that we can achieve more together than on our own.”

Dr Andrew Forrest, Founder of Minderoo Foundation:

“It is a true privilege to stand beside Prime Minister Anthony Albanese today and announce Team Australia’s contribution to the Quad Cancer Moonshot.

“Minderoo Foundation envisages an Indo-Pacific – and indeed a world – where cervical cancer is consigned to the history books.

“It is the role of philanthropy and government to work in partnership to take advances in health to scale, democratising access to life saving health innovations.

“I think it is fitting that this announcement was made at the Quad, which is all about making a positive contribution to the Indo-Pacific by delivering practical outcomes that respond to the region’s priorities.”

This week the Federal Government tabled the final report of the Productivity Commission’s inquiry into early childhood education and care (ECEC) Read here

Member for Ballina Ms Tamara Smith MP and NSW Greens Spokesperson for Early education welcomed the report and said that all children deserve the best possible education from early childhood right through to university. For this to happen according to the Report, all governments need to commit to free universal early childhood education and care.

Ms Smith said, “It was reported that one-in-four three-year-olds and one-in-ten four-year-olds are not enrolled in any ECEC partly due to lack of suitable and available options particularly in regional or remote areas.”

“It is heartening to see reflected what early educators have been saying for decades that the biggest change you can make in a child’s life trajectory is invest heavily in years 0-6 years.”

“The inquiry found that in regional and remote Australia, there are many communities with limited or no local early childhood educational services, and I certainly experienced that as a single mum working as a teacher in outback NSW a few decades ago. To think that this is still the case when we know the game changer that early childhood education is not just to a child’s life chances but for broader society is chilling.”  

“As long as these inequities continue, we will see regional and rural Australian communities continue to go backwards in important indicators of health and wellbeing and economic success. Highly educated and happy children make for highly successful and happy communities – it is that simple.”

“I welcome in particular the Report recommendation to ensure that at least 30 hours or three days a week of quality ECEC is available for 48 weeks of the year for all children aged 0–5 years.” said Ms Smith

“Having a high-quality universal early childhood education and care system not only improves outcomes for children in regional and rural communities but can also play a critical role in engaging parents in the labour force.”

“The Greens have consistently called for free, universally accessible childcare for decades, and while we recognise and support the recommendations of this critical report, we need action not words from Federal Labor before another generation of children in regional and rural Australia fall through the cracks.”