Category: Australian News

The Greens will boost maternity care and breastfeeding support with a $10million per year pledge announced by party leader Senator Richard Di Natale and co-deputy leader and first person to breastfeed in federal parliament, Senator Larissa Waters today.
Public hospitals will receive the additional $10m a year to understand the experiences of mothers who have recently given birth through a survey of experiences of care, including breastfeeding support, and to expand the number of public hospitals that are accredited as Baby Friendly.
“We recognize that maternity care is complex and the system is currently underfunded and not sufficiently focused on new parents and babies,” Dr Di Natale said.
“We want to ensure everyone is able to get best-practice pregnancy and post-birth care regardless of where they live in this country.
“Our breastfeeding and maternity care policy will help breastfeeding mums get the support they need, and will also increase access to up-to-date information in the antenatal and postnatal period. It complements other Greens’ initiatives to improve our healthcare system and support women’s rights and address the roots of gender inequality.”
Senator Waters said she had received great care and support when she had her two daughters, which helped her to be able to breastfeed her daughter Alia in the Senate in 2017, but not all new mums received that, especially in rural and regional areas.
“Breastfeeding isn’t possible for everyone, but where it is possible, it gives babies a great start in life. Our health system must do more to support breastfeeding mums and increase rates by breaking down the known barriers.
“It’s just not good enough that only 23 per cent of hospitals are accredited under the Baby Friendly Health Initiative and that women in so many areas outside of metropolitan areas are unable to access maternity care and breastfeeding support.
“Our plan for a survey of prenatal and antenatal care will collect valuable data about birth and care experiences of women in hospitals so policy decision makers can ensure our health system is meeting their needs. We’ve allocated $4m per year for four years for this important initiative.
“We will also ensure all public hospital maternity facilities meet best practice standards for promoting and supporting breastfeeding by giving $6m per year over four years of additional funding for public hospitals to become Baby Friendly accredited.
“Together with a reversal of the cuts made to public hospitals by the major parties, our plan will go a long way to helping give babies the best start in life and that’s in the best interests of us all.”

With the announcement of a Royal Commission now all but confirmed, Australian Greens Disability Rights spokesperson Senator Jordon Steele-John has reiterated the need for broad terms of reference and at least one disabled commissioner to ensure that the lived experiences of violence, abuse, exploitation and neglect of disabled people in institutional and residential settings is properly understood and investigated.
Senator Steele-John said he was glad to see the Government using the draft Terms of Reference he’d written and sent to the Prime Minister on Friday 15 February as the basis for consultation with stakeholders, particularly the inclusion of a focus on exploitation.
“Today, my community is waiting in hopeful anticipation for news that the road to justice is sealed,” he said.
“But, it seems like finally our calls for a broad Royal Commission to be led by by disabled people are being taken seriously.
“Let us never forget that disabled people are subjected to violence, abuse, exploitation and neglect not only in institutions but in our homes, workplaces, where we learn and where we receive services and support, and that the perpetrators of these crimes are often known to survivors not simply paid to help or support them.
“After 5 years of immense pressure from the disability rights movements and from the Greens, we are finally seeing the beginning of an opportunity for justice.”
A copy of the letter sent to Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten on Friday 15 February 2019, including the draft Terms of Reference, can be found on the Australian Greens website.

The Greens have today announced their plan for equality for women which includes $5.3billion over 10 years to more adequately address the epidemic of family and domestic violence.
“The comprehensive suite of initiatives, designed to ensure women are safe, valued and treated as equals in private and public life, show the scale of work that needs to be done level the playing field for Australian women and girls,” Greens spokesperson for women Senator Larissa Waters said.
“Ten women have been killed in Australia this year already, after 69 last year, and yet the government has only committed $328million over three years towards tackling this crisis.
“The Greens are actually serious about ending violence against women. That’s why we have a fully costed plan to give $5.3billion over ten years, with $2.2 billion in the first four years, to ensure no DV survivor is turned away from crisis, support and housing services when they need help and that primary prevention programs are delivered to stop violence before it starts. This is the funding commitment it is going to take.”
The Greens will also create a $200 million Survivor Grant fund which will give up to 50,000 survivors of family and domestic violence, grants of up to $4000.
“The Survivor Grant fund will help approximately 1000 survivors of DV a month,” Senator Waters said.
“Money should not be a barrier to escaping violence whether it’s rent and housing costs, affording the basics like food and clothing, medical, health and wellbeing needs, we must support survivors to keep them safe.
“The Greens will also legislate for 10 days’ paid FDV leave so no woman has to choose between getting paid and being safe.”
The Greens policy for closing the gender wage gap will also improve economic security for women and in turn, reduce one of the main drivers of DV.
“Women deserve equal pay for equal work which is why we will set gender pay equality as an objective of awards and the Fair Work Act,” Senator Waters said.
“We will also legislate to ban ‘pay gag clauses’, which is a bill I’ve introduced previously to create transparency in organisations which is a critical factor in closing the gender wage gap.
“We want the paid parental leave arrangements extended to six months and affordable and accessible early childhood education so kids can get the best start and parents have financial security to give them that.
“Unpaid caring work is also significantly undervalued and so the Greens will task the Productivity Commission with investigating how best to value it.  Women do the majority of the caring roles and retire with half the super balance of men – this is unacceptable and consideration of caring credits is the first steps to ensuring carers are properly valued.”
Other aspects of the Greens equality for women policy include:

• making abortion safe, accessible, legal and free in all public hospitals with funding for hospitals to perform abortions;
• addressing the housing and homelessness crisis for older women;
• keeping women safe from harassment and discrimination at work, online and on the street;
• improving global equality for women through our development program;
• making workplaces more family friendly; and
• ensuring fairer superannuation for casual, part-time and low-income workers.

For the full policy: greens.org.au/women

Greens employment and workplace relations spokesperson Adam Bandt MP today said that Labor is talking big on inequality but won’t back it up with action. Mr Bandt said the Greens will seek to amend Labor’s industrial relations legislation in the Senate to ensure the minimum wage is at least 60% of median earnings.
“We need to change the law so that if you work full-time, you’re not in poverty.
“Just like their position on Newstart, where Labor says the rate is too low but refuses to back the Greens’ call to lift it by $75 per week, Labor’s talk about inequality means nothing without action.
“When Labor is in government and puts its industrial relations legislation to Parliament, the Greens will amend it in the Senate to ensure the minimum wage is at least 60% of median earnings.”
“The Greens have led the push in Parliament to make the minimum wage 60% of the full time median wage. It’s time Labor followed our lead.

The NSW Police Force and the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) are reminding digital currency exchange providers to be aware of their obligations following amendments to Commonwealth legislation last year.
In April 2018, amendments to the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006 were introduced, which included expanding the scope of the Act to include regulation of digital currency exchange providers.
These changes included registering with AUSTRAC, verifying customer identity, reporting suspicious matters and over-threshold cash transactions; and complying with record-keeping requirements.
AUSTRAC National Manager for Regulatory Operations, Dr Nathan Newman, said AUSTRAC worked closely with digital currency exchange providers to prepare them for these laws, which are in place to protect industry from criminal exploitation and in turn, the Australian community.
“Digital currency exchange providers have had adequate time and opportunity to comply with these new laws and AUSTRAC has already refused the registration of two digital currency exchange providers. We continue to actively monitor the sector’s compliance,” Dr Newman said.
“It’s important that digital currency exchange providers meet their obligations, so we can identify any instances of criminal activity using their services to launder money, fund terrorism or commit other serious crimes.”
Cybercrime Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Matt Craft, said this is a timely reminder to those who deal in digital currencies to ensure they are meeting their obligations.
“While cash is still ‘king’, digital currencies are fast becoming the preferred choice for organised criminal networks involved in money laundering, funding terrorism, and cybercrimes,” Det Supt Craft said.
“These amendments were implemented to ensure digital currencies were being monitored in the same ways as cash exchanges and transfers.
“Any information about illicit activity by digital currency exchange providers that is provided to our squad – whether related to organised crime, terrorism, or technology-enabled crime – will be actively pursued in partnership with AUSTRAC.
“Let this be a warning to digital currency exchange providers: if you fail to comply with your obligations, your actions will not go unnoticed.”
Det Supt Craft added that an increase in popularity of Dark Net marketplaces will also mean increased targeting by law enforcement.
“Given the perceived anonymity of the Dark Net, Australian criminal groups are starting to favour the online environment to conduct illicit business,” Det Supt Craft said.
“With police and our partners proactively targeting this space, I’ll assure these networks that their anonymity is no longer guaranteed.”
More information about digital currency exchange providers’ obligations under the Act is available at: http://www.austrac.gov.au/digital-currency-exchange-providers

A veritable army will fight new coal; Greens tell Nats on ‘big stick’ legislation to ‘bring it on’.
Greens climate change and energy spokesperson Adam Bandt MP today said that a veritable army will be raised to fight new coal-fired power stations in NSW unless Liberal and Labor commit to stopping them. Mr Bandt also told the Nationals who want the ‘big stick’ bill to be voted on in Parliament to ‘bring it on’, flagging that he would amend it to stop taxpayer funds flowing to coal-fired power stations.
On new coal-fired power stations:
“If Liberal or Labor governments approve these new coal-fired power stations, there will be a veritable army of concerned citizens raised that will ensure it never gets built,” said Mr Bandt.
“The protests against these new coal-fired power stations will make the Franklin Dam campaign look like a Sunday picnic.
“As Treasurer, Josh Frydenberg could stop this project by rejecting overseas government investment in a coal-fired power station.
“Josh Frydenberg is under the thumb of the climate deniers and if he refuses to stop this coal-fired madness, we’ll campaign until he loses his seat and the conservatives lose government.”
“Labor is trying to walk both sides of the street, saying they won’t direct taxpayer funds to this coal-fired power station while also refusing to say he’ll stop it.
“Bill Shorten needs to say he will stop any new coal-fired power station from being built, regardless of who is funding it.
“We’re booking our buses, trains and planes to come to NSW to fight this madness until Bill Shorten says he will stop these plants if he becomes Prime Minister.”
On ‘big stick’ legislation:
“If the Nationals want a vote to test the will of the people on climate change, bring it on.
“We’re ready and waiting to move an amendment to the ‘big stick’ bill preventing public money underwriting coal-fired power stations.
“If the Nationals force the government to bring the ‘big stick’ bill back, we’ll amend it to stop one single dollar of taxpayer money going to coal-fired power stations.

Combating violence against women and children remains one of the Morrison Government’s top priorities, as part of its plan to keep Australians safe.
The Prime Minister said his Government would deliver the largest ever Commonwealth investment of $328 million for prevention and frontline services through the Fourth Action Plan of the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children 2010-2022.
“Our Government’s first priority is to keep Australians safe. To hear the accounts of survivors, and see the statistics, it’s just not good enough,” the Prime Minister said.
“That’s why we are investing $328 million for the Fourth Action Plan to fund prevention, response and recovery initiatives.
“This is the largest ever Commonwealth contribution to the National Plan.
“To stop violence against women, we need to counter the culture of disrespect towards women.
“A culture of disrespect towards women is a precursor to violence, and anyone who doesn’t see that is kidding themselves.
“That’s why we are investing so heavily in prevention with $68.3 million to stop violence before it begins.
“This is about changing attitudes to violence, and helping those who think violence is an option, to stop.
“We will also develop Australia’s first national prevention strategy to stop domestic and family violence and sexual assault, and continue our work to change the attitudes and beliefs that can lead to violence.”
The National Plan connects the important work being done by all Australian governments, community organisations and individuals so that Australian women and children can live in safe communities.
The National Plan and the Government’s investments are the product of extensive consultations with frontline workers and survivors ahead of the release of the Fourth Action Plan 2019-22 in mid-2019.
Minister for Families and Social Services Paul Fletcher said the Commonwealth would invest $35 million in support and prevention measures for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and $78 million to provide safe places for people impacted by domestic and family violence.
“We will act against the different forms abuse can take, including preventing financial abuse and technology-facilitated abuse, and we have included specific measures targeted to address the risks faced by women with intellectual disability and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women,” Minister Fletcher said.
The Commonwealth commitment will also fund targeted prevention initiatives to reach culturally and linguistically diverse communities and people with disability.
“Domestic violence is a risk that all women face – but we recognise that specific groups may have particular vulnerability, which is why there are specific targeted measures included in this package.”
“Today’s announcement brings Commonwealth investment in this space since 2013 to over $840 million,” said Mr Fletcher.
The Commonwealth’s commitment also provides $82 million for frontline services, including investments to improve and build on the systems responsible for keeping women and children safe, such as free training for health workers to identify and better support domestic violence victims, and the development of national standards for sexual assault responses.
The Coalition will investment $64 million in 1800RESPECT to support the service, which has rapidly grown in scope as more Australians find the courage to seek help and advice.
Minister for Women Kelly O’Dwyer said all women and children have the right to feel safe, and to feel supported to seek help when they need it.
“The statistics on this issue are shocking – one in six women have experienced physical or sexual violence by a current or former partner since the age of 15. This figure increases to nearly one in four women when violence by boyfriends, girlfriends and dates is included,” Minister O’Dwyer said.
“The safety of women and children is vitally important. Our Government has zero tolerance for violence against women and children.
“Whether it’s at home, in the workplace, in our communities or online, all women and children deserve to be safe.”
Summary of new measures:

• $82 million for frontline services
• $68 million for prevention strategies
• $35 million in support and prevention measures for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities funded under the Indigenous Advancement Strategy.
• $78 million to provide safe places for people impacted by domestic and family violence.
• 1800RESPECT will receive $64 million to support the service.

The Coalition has taken strong action already to protect women and children, including:

• introducing a minimum standard for domestic violence leave for the very first time;
• banning the direct cross-examination of women by their alleged perpetrator during family law proceedings;
• extending early release of superannuation on compassionate grounds to victims of family and domestic violence;
• expanding Good Shepherd Microfinance’s No Interest Loan Scheme to 45,000 women experiencing family and domestic violence;
• providing over 7,046 visas for women and children needing safe refuge through the Women at Risk program;
• extending funding for Specialist Domestic Violence Units and Health Justice Partnerships including funding for additional financial support services;
• funding support for an additional 31,200 families to resolve family law disputes quickly through mediation;
• continuing advertising of the award winning Stop it at the Start campaign;
• further funding 1800RESPECT, the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service;
• investing an additional $6.7 million in DV alert;
• prioritising women and children who are escaping family violence in the $7.8 billion housing and homelessness agreement; and
• establishing the eSafety Commissioner in 2017, expanding the scope of the Office of the Children’s eSafety Commissioner.

About the National Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women and their Children (2010‑2022) (the National Plan)
The National Plan aims to connect the important work being done by all Australian governments, community organisations and individuals to reduce violence so that we can work together to ensure each year, less women experience violence and more women and their children live safely.
The Commonwealth Government is leading the development of the Fourth Action Plan 2019-2022 of the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children 2010-2022 (the National Plan) in partnership with state and territory governments.
The Fourth Action Plan is the final action plan of the National Plan and is due for implementation from mid-2019.
For further information on the National Plan, visit https://www.dss.gov.au/women/programs-services/reducing-violence/the-national-plan-to-reduce-violence-against-women-and-their-children-2010-2022.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au.

The Morrison Government will invest more than $22 million to deliver practical environmental projects, giving communities new opportunities to protect and care for their local environment.
The Communities Environment Program will provide up to $150,000 to each Federal electorate in 2019-20 for community-led projects that deliver real environmental benefits.
The program builds on the Coalition’s strong record of investing in grassroots environmental action through initiatives such as our $1 billion National Landcare Program and 20 Million Trees.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the Government was backing community organisations to deliver a range of on-ground projects that conserve and protect Australia’s environment.
“We are harnessing local communities and local knowledge to protect our environment,” the Prime Minister said.
“Locals know best and we will support and encourage projects such as revegetating riverbanks and wetlands, removing weeds from parks and reserves or restoring sand dunes on our coasts.
“If it’s backing local community organisations through this program or investing $3.5 billion in a new Climate Solutions Package to reduce emissions and support renewables, we can only do this because of a strong economy.
“Only the Liberal and Nationals Government can protect the environment without raising taxes.”
Minister for the Environment Melissa Price said the new program would protect the environment.
“From Sydney’s iconic waterways, to the beaches of Perth, to Port Phillip Bay and beyond, we will be supporting local groups to deliver clear and measurable benefits to our environment and our communities,” Minister Price said.
“The environment belongs to us all and Australians want to do their bit to protect and enhance the world around them for future generations.”
The program is modelled on the Government’s successful Stronger Communities program. Each electorate can receive funding for up to 20 projects, with grants ranging from $2,500 to $20,000.
The program will fund small-scale projects that deliver outcomes for priorities such as restoring coasts, wetlands, riverbanks and waterways, protecting native animals, reducing waste and litter, and greening local parks and urban areas.
A broad range of organisations will be eligible, including community clubs like Lions Clubs and Rotary Clubs, Indigenous organisations, Landcare groups, schools, and other community and conservation groups.
More information is available: www.environment.gov.au/cep

The ANU scientific report into water efficiency infrastructure is another piece of scathing evidence showing the Murray Darling Basin Plan is failing, the Greens say.
“Billions of dollars that was meant to be spent saving the River has instead been handed to big irrigators and has left the environment in collapse. This report from the ANU is yet more evidence that the Plan to save the river is not working,” Greens environment and water spokesperson Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said.
“These so-called water efficiency measures have failed. Instead of forking out billions to corporate irrigators for measures that don’t return water to the river, we need to lift the ban on buybacks and place an embargo on corporate cotton growers extracting water from the river.
“There is a huge financial burden on taxpayers for this failure, and a massive environmental cost. As river communities brace for more fish kills, and suffer through drought, the Liberal National Government cannot keep hiding from this dire issue.
“The Greens will continue to push for a federal Royal Commission to get to the bottom of what is going on, and clear out the corruption.
“Economists, lawyers and respected scientists are telling us business as usual is leaving the river for dead. The Liberal National Government is overseeing the destruction of the nation’s most important River system, it must be investigated.”