Category: Australian News

Employment opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians have been bolstered in Stirling through the Coalition Government’s Tailored Assistance Employment Grants.
Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Nigel Scullion, and the Liberal candidate for Stirling, Vince Connelly, said at a graduation ceremony for Indigenous jobseekers today the $255,000 investment in the Indigenous-owned and operated mining company, Carey Mining, was a fantastic boost for the electorate that would lead to 30 local Indigenous jobseekers being given an opportunity for work.
“These targeted grants are community-led initiatives that connect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander job seekers to real jobs and is part of the Government commitment to get more Australians into work,” Minister Scullion said.
“The very best form of welfare the Government can provide is a job, and this investment is about supporting the Government’s efforts to close the gap in Indigenous disparity.
Mr Connelly said he was pleased to announce the Commonwealth Government was investing in Stirling.
“Carey Mining is a fantastic local business and this investment from the Liberal-Nationals Government has been tailored to the needs of our region to maximise opportunities for our Indigenous jobseekers,” Mr Connelly said.
“As an Indigenous-owned and operated company, Carey Mining, has the capacity and cultural links to work with local Indigenous jobseekers who often have unique barriers to work, to provide the support and culturally-appropriate training to ensure these jobseekers get into a job and stick at it.
“I am very pleased that the Liberal-Nationals Government’s strong economic management means it can reinvest the dividends of a strong economy back into local solutions such as this one
Aboriginal businessman and Managing Director of Carey Mining, Mr Daniel Tucker, welcomed today’s announcement of a $255,000 investment.
“Carey Mining is a 100 per cent Indigenous owned business that over our 20 year history has been committed to building a successful business and giving back to our communities,” Mr Tucker said.
“We are very pleased to be partnering with the Government to get even more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people into jobs and create better lives for themselves and their communities.
The Tailored Assistance Employment Grants are part of the Government’s Indigenous Advancement Strategy and complement other Government programs which have resulted in a 23.3 per cent increase in the number of Indigenous Australians with a job since the 2011 Census and 30 per cent increase in the number of Indigenous entrepreneurs in small business.

Hundreds of Greens members and supporters have joined the launch of the Greens NSW Federal election campaign. The priority of their campaign is to re-elect Senator Mehreen Faruqi.

Senator Faruqi adressed the crowd highlighting the important role the Greens play in the Senate, the urgent need to act on climate change and the real risk of One Nation or the United Australia Party of taking the NSW seat.

Senator Faruqi said:

“There is no doubt this is ‘the’ climate election. So let’s make sure we turf out the coal huggers in parliament. But we know that a Shorten Labor Government isn’t going to make the changes we need.  A strong Greens presence in the parliament is the only way to push them to do better.
“The Liberal National govt has been a complete disaster for people and the planet.  For them it’s all about the big end of town. The time to kick them out is finally here and it could not have come sooner. But the Labor party are really lagging behind on issues that are so near and dear to our hearts such as compassion for refugees, stopping Adani, making sure we have a social safety net by raising youth allowance and Newstart by $75 a week, a medicare funded denticare and free University and TAFE. Right now more than ever politics needs a shake up because time is running out. Right now more than ever before we need Greens in parliament.
“The Senate is going to be critical in pushing a possible Shorten Labor government to do the right thing. With the Greens the holding the balance of power in the Senate – we can do just that.
“There are a number of crucial issues facing us and how we respond to these challenges today will determine our tomorrow. We are in a climate emergency. Scientists are telling us that if we keep going down the current trajectory we have less than a decade until our climate breaks down. Coal is the biggest cause of climate change. Australia is the biggest exporter of coal. Without addressing coal we cannot deal with climate change.
“A strong economy is one that works for all of us and the planet, not just the wealthy few. But the harsh reality is that while we are one of the richest countries in the world, so many are being left behind – 700,000 children live in poverty, 100,000 people are homeless, so many are living on a mere $40 a day, young people are struggling like never before. The time to fight for a fair, more equal and just society is here and now!
“This election we have the opportunity to say ‘enough is enough’ and pave the way for the society which is respectful, inclusive and unashamedly multicultural, where all of us are considered ‘one of us’, where our parliaments look like the streets and suburbs of our country and where we are judged by what we do, not where we come from.
“This election, People are looking at something to believe in. They are looking for some genuine, authentic leadership. They are looking for a vision and a plan that tackles the big challenges. A plan that looks after everyone – not just those who can buy influence” she concluded.

Greens Adam Bandt MP today said that the decision by the Labor candidate in Melbourne is the right one, and noted that the contest is now one between the Greens and the conservatives.
“Violence against women and sexual violence is unacceptable, in any circumstances. The decision of the Labor candidate to resign is the right one,” Mr Bandt said.
“Melbourne is now a contest between the Greens and the conservatives, so if voters want to change the government and get real action on climate change, they need to vote Greens.”
“I won’t take this seat for granted. I will continue to campaign hard, talking to voters and seeking their support for my re-election right up to 6pm on election day.”

The Morrison Government is partnering with the Wirrpanda Foundation to establish a $10 million Indigenous Business and Jobs Hub in Perth.
Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Nigel Scullion and the Member for Swan, Steve Irons, announced the new facility – to be based in Swan – to assist local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander small businesses take advantage of the Coalition Government’s investments in Western Australia.
“Since the Coalition came to office in 2013, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander small businesses have experienced unprecedented growth with a 30 per cent increase in the number of Indigenous Australians in small business in five years,” Minister Scullion said.
“The Indigenous Procurement Policy (IPP) introduced by the Coalition in July 2015 has supercharged the sector – prior to its introduction there were only 30 Indigenous businesses winning $6.2 million in Commonwealth contracts in 2012-13, in contrast since the IPP there have been 1,470 Indigenous businesses winning 6,880 Commonwealth contracts worth over $1.83 billion.
“To meet this unprecedented demand, the Coalition Government has introduced a range of new financial products to assist existing and emerging Indigenous businesses win more contracts and continue to grow as part of our 2016 election commitment to an Indigenous Business Sector Strategy.
“The new Hubs are about bringing together the myriad of new support services available under the Indigenous Business Sector Strategy into a one-stop shop to help Indigenous businesses take advantage of the new opportunities being created by the IPP.
Member for Swan and Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister, Steve Irons, welcomed this new investment to assist Indigenous small businesses in Swan and across Western Australia.
“The policies of the Morrison Government have led to unprecedented economic growth for the nation – with over a million jobs created, 230,000 new Australian small businesses opening their doors since 2013 and the lowest welfare dependency rate in 30 years,” Mr Irons said.
“Of course, Indigenous Australians have greater barriers to entry into small business for a range of historical reasons and I am very proud of being part of a Government that is focused on ensuring that disadvantaged communities get a fair-go at the opportunities being created for all Australians.
“This new Hub will be the catalyst for Indigenous businesses in Swan and across Western Australia to come together to network, access opportunities and continue its record growth. This new $10 million investment is a fantastic boost for the electorate of Swan and Indigenous small businesses across Western Australia.
The Wirrpanda Foundation which will deliver the new Indigenous Business and Jobs Hub, is a highly successful Indigenous employment provider that will leverage this expertise to deliver a new one-stop shop service.
“The Indigenous Business and Jobs Hub will provide an invaluable opportunity to allow Indigenous Businesses to flourish. It will provide a collaborative entrepreneurial workspace for business, Indigenous businesses and jobseekers to come together,” David Wirrpanda said.
“It is an immense privilege for the Foundation to have a role in the empowerment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses and, in turn, the community.”
Funding for this project is allocated from within existing resources of the $5.2 billion Indigenous Advancement Strategy.
Background
Key initiatives announced as part of the Indigenous Business Sector Strategy include:
 

• A $27 million Indigenous Entrepreneurs Capital Scheme, to de-risk commercial finance for mature and established Indigenous businesses that cannot access finance. The Government will partner with financial institutions to deliver new Indigenous products which the Indigenous Entrepreneurs Capital Scheme will support a portion of the risk.
• A refocused $27 million Business Development Assistance Program, delivered by Indigenous Business Australia, to support start-ups and those entrepreneurs that are outside of the banks risk profile but who with one-on-one support and tailored finance can succeed.
• Doubling the microfinance footprint to support more entrepreneurial activity and economic development and piloting a CDP Business Incubator model to help CDP participants foster self-employment and turn their activities into micro businesses.
• A new $20 million Performance Bonds Facility has been introduced which Indigenous constructions firms can use to win roads and construction contracts.
• The $30 million Indigenous Entrepreneurs Fund is investing in plant and equipment to help Indigenous businesses in remote and regional areas win new contracts.

Visitors to Far North Queensland will soon be able to walk or cycle a stunning new coastal and hinterland route from Palm Cove to Port Douglas, thanks to an $8 million investment from the Coalition Government.
Federal Tourism Minister Simon Birmingham said the Wangetti Trail, once complete, would become one of the country’s leading adventure-based ecotourism experiences.
He said funding for the project is part of the government’s $50 million National Tourism Icons package announced in this year’s federal budget.
“The Wangetti Trail will be a one-of-a-kind experience, attracting hikers and cyclists from across Australia and the globe,” Minister Birmingham said.
“Having a dedicated trail will also help protect the natural landscape in the region whilst at the same deliver an iconic tourism product to help drive visitor growth.
“It will help lure thousands of extra visitors into the region’s hotels, shops and restaurants and will also help support the variety of ecotourism and indigenous experiences on offer.
“In a six-day walk or a two-day ride, visitors will be able to take in the extraordinary scenery of the regions rainforests and coastline, learn about the rich local indigenous culture, and sample local hospitality at pubs and restaurants along the trail.
“One in thirteen Australian jobs rely on our tourism industry.
“That is why the Coalition Government is maintaining our record investment in tourism infrastructure and marketing as part of our plan to generate another 1.25 million jobs across Australia.”
Federal Leichardt Warren Entsch MP said the Wangetti Trail would create around 150 local jobs and be a significant boost to tourism and the local economy.
He said this investment in local tourism was about listening, acting and delivering for the community.
“This incredible new nature-based experience, once up and running, will be a major tourism drawcard to our region,” Mr Entsch said.
“Our $8 million funding boost will go towards building the second stage of the Wangetti Trail from the Mowbray River through to Palm Cove.
“It will include trail construction, upgrades to bridges, campsites and associated infrastructure.
“It will also include $350,000 to advance Indigenous tourism partnerships on the Wangetti Trail.”
Mr Entsch said the trail has the potential to attract an extra 28,000 visitors to the region each year, making a significant contribution to the local visitor economy.
“The Wangetti Trail is expected to generate $18.3 million in additional spending in the local economy of which at least $10.4 million is expected to be from new visitors coming specifically for the trail.”

In an uncertain world, Australia’s prosperity depends on our security. To protect Australia and our national interests, we are building a stronger Defence Force, restoring Defence funding to 2 per cent of GDP by 2020-21 and investing over $200 billion in military capability over the decade
The Liberal and Nationals Government‘s 2016 Defence White Paper sets out a comprehensive strategy to deal with our security challenges. Included in this comprehensive strategy is a commitment to invest in Defence infrastructure in the Northern Territory as part of the Integrated Investment Program.
The Assistant Minister for Defence, David Fawcett said that the Northern Territory has a vital role to play as a partner with Defence and that timely investment in Defence infrastructure was important to ensure that local businesses remain viable into the future to provide support to our military and allies.
“The Morrison Government will therefore direct Defence to bring forward the start date on approved infrastructure work packages for commencement before the end of 2019”, Assistant Minister Fawcett said.
“Our decision will bring real money into the Territory and Top End businesses more quickly than was otherwise planned”
“The successful Local Industry Capability Plan initiative has been based on feedback from regional businesses and means that work packages will be tendered that are suitable for local companies to bid for and win, delivering both value for money and local benefit”.
Minister Fawcett thanked Country Liberal candidates Jacinta Price (Lingiari), Cathy Ganley (Solomon) and Dr Sam McMahon (Senate) for their advocacy to ensure that work continued to flow to local companies from the $20 billion Defence infrastructure package for the Northern Territory.
“Total work funded in 2018/19 will be $335 million, growing to over $400 million in 2019/20. Defence is currently investing in projects across the NT including Larrakeyah, Robertson Barracks, and RAAF Tindal.”

A Shorten Labor Government will ramp up support for the recreational fishing industry with a $55.5 million investment to renew ageing infrastructure, replenish native fish stocks in our rivers and create the first ever Prime Ministerial Roundtable on Recreational Fishing.
Around 3.4 million Australians engage in recreational fishing each year, directly contributing an estimated $1.8 billion to the economy and supporting around 90,000 Australian jobs.
Labor will provide a $45 million boost to improve recreational fishing infrastructure all across Australia. This new investment builds on our previously announced $10 million commitment.
We will focus on upgrading existing and building new boat ramps, pontoons and jetties to help improve safety and amenity for people launching their vessels.
Many existing boat ramps are in bad need of an upgrade – they are often single lane, resulting in long queues and often dangerous competition for spots on the launches.
Labor will invest $10 million into native fish breeding and stocking across Australia, replenishing 10 million native fish a year into Australia’s rivers.
We will work closely with similar state programs and in consultation with recreational fishing groups to determine which species and breeds should be priorities.
A further $500,000 grant will be provided to the Give Back to Habitat campaign to support on the ground efforts to protect and restore fish habitats. Recreational fishers are some of Australia’s most committed conservationists, and Labor wants to offer practical help.
In addition to this funding, a Shorten Labor Government will establish the first Prime Ministerial Roundtable on Recreational Fishing.
Industry leaders and recreational fishing groups will be invited to meet annually and discuss issues with the prime minister, and minister responsible for fisheries.
The annual roundtable will be held in regional Australia – for example North West Tasmania, the North Coast of New South Wales, or Central or North Queensland: areas in Australia where recreational fishing is a major pastime. For the first time, recreational fishing groups will be able to take issues directly to the prime minister.
A Shorten Labor Government will also:

• Ensure the small pelagic fishery is protected from large-capacity factory freezer trawlers, preventing the use of super trawlers
• Continue to support the national Recreational Fishing Council and give our recreational fishers a seat at the decision-making table

This election is a choice between Labor’s plan to invest in communities around Australia, or bigger tax loopholes for the top end of town under the Liberals.
After six years of Liberal cuts and chaos, our united Labor team is ready.

Greens Adam Bandt MP today said that the decision by the Labor candidate in Melbourne is the right one, and noted that the contest is now one between the Greens and the conservatives.
“Violence against women and sexual violence is unacceptable, in any circumstances. The decision of the Labor candidate to resign is the right one,” Mr Bandt said.
“Melbourne is now a contest between the Greens and the conservatives, so if voters want to change the government and get real action on climate change, they need to vote Greens.”
“I won’t take this seat for granted. I will continue to campaign hard, talking to voters and seeking their support for my re-election right up to 6pm on election day.”

The Liberal Party’s piecemeal promises on the environment will not undo the damage their billions of dollars in fossil fuel subsidies have done to our natural world, the Greens say.
“This is way too little, way too late from the Liberal Government. Today’s offering is a drop in the ocean to try and appease voters in Victoria rather than properly investing in environmental restoration and tackling dangerous climate change,” Greens environment and water spokesperson Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said.
“Melissa Price has been Australia’s worst Environment Minister. She’s overseen cuts to her department and ticked off on shonky approvals for her mining mates on the eve of the election.  Today’s she was kept away from Prime Minister’s key environment announcement, keeping her from stuffing up another interview.
“It’s clear the Liberals will never do right by the environment. When they’re handing $20 billion out in subsidies for fossil fuels, they are funding the destruction of our environment.
“Under the Greens plan for the environment, the big polluters would pay for the restoration of the environment and protecting our native species.
“With Adani facing another setback because of its inadequate plan for the black-throated finch, voters are faced with a clear choice this election. A vote for the Liberals is a vote for the big miners over the environment.
“Under our plan projects like drilling in the Great Australia Bight would never go ahead, and the animals that depend on the Bight – like the Australian sea lion – would be fully protected.
“Australians have a clear choice. If they want real action on climate change, the protection, and restoration of our environment, and a plan to save our threatened species, they have to vote Green on May 18.”