Month: November 2019

The Australian Greens have today launched a campaign to get rid of corporate influence from the Australian War Memorial.
Australian Greens Peace and Disarmament spokesperson Senator Jordon Steele-John said The Australian War Memorial is a vital national space of learning and reflection, not a billboard for corporate arms dealers.
“The War Memorial is where our community comes to remember those who have lost their lives in conflict, share stories with those who’ve survived and reflect on the importance of creating a world free from violence,” he said.
“But, the major parties have allowed corporate arms dealers to make donations to the War Memorial and use this important space as a billboard.
“Between 2015 and 2018 alone they’ve donated almost $1.3 million and the memorial now regularly hosts events sponsored by these arms dealers. BAE Systems – a British corporate weapons maker – was even allowed to build a theatre in their own honour.
“Over the last decade, the major parties have eroded the transparency around these donations and after recent questioning during Senate Estimates, Director Brendan Nelson revealed donations disclosure laws had recently been changed meaning that the community now has no way of knowing how much these corporate arms dealers are donating.
“The War Memorial has now become a space influenced by the same corporations who profited from the conflicts that took the lives who are remembered there and in fact the only reason that these corporations have money to donate is because they profit from those violent conflicts.
“Corporate arms dealers have no place in our War Memorial; it’s time to end their influence on this vital public space and make sure that it is transparently and publicly funded so that it can be the space our community needs it to be.”

The Australian Greens will move amendments to the Customs Amendment (Growing Australian Export Opportunities Across the Asia-Pacific) Bill 2019 to increase the transparency of trade negotiations, exclude Investor-State Dispute Settlements (ISDS) provisions and ensure that protecting human rights, workers and our environment is at the heart of how Australia engages with our region, and the world.
Trade spokesperson Senator Jordon Steele-John said we should be using our trading opportunities with other countries to protect human rights, Australian workers and the environment, which the Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) proposed with Hong Kong, Indonesia and Peru fail to do in their current form.
“While the unions, the community and advocates for our environment are left out of discussions on trade deals, major corporations are invited by governments to contribute to processes that take place largely behind closed doors,” he said.
“The provision of ISDS clauses in these FTAs give corporations the right to prosecute and sue governments when they pass laws that are in the public interest, an outcome we saw when plain packaging laws for tobacco were implemented in 2012 and the Australian government was subsequently sued by Phillip Morris.
“A lack of labour market testing means there is no requirement for new jobs to be advertised locally, impacting job prospects for Australian workers and putting migrant workers at risk of serious exploitation.
“In the context of ongoing pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong and the human rights abuses perpetrated against the people of West Papua, the Australian Greens remain strongly opposed to the consideration of these Free Trade Agreements.
“It’s time to take the power back from big, multinational corporations by placing human rights, worker’s rights and environmental protection at the centre of how we trade with other countries and ensuring that the community is able to scrutinise and understand the potential impact of these agreements before they are signed into law.
“As global wealth inequality rises and the impacts of the climate crisis are felt more severely, ensure that protecting human rights, workers and our environment is at the heart of how Australia engages with our region, and the world has never been more important.”

The Greens will move in the House and the Senate to reverse the Liberal government’s recent politicisation of Australian Research Council grants by requiring the Minister to publicly release all successful grant applications in a timely manner and without other government MPs or candidates involved.
The government recently changed the ARC rules so that grants could be announced by Coalition MPs – and only Coalition MPs – even when the successful grant was outside the government MP’s electorate.
Quotes attributable to Greens Science & Research spokesperson, Adam Bandt MP:
“Research funding should be independently assessed and not a political plaything.
“By holding back public announcements of successful grants until it suits the political needs of a marginal seat Coalition MP, the government is threatening the independence of the ARC.
“Researchers shouldn’t have to worry that their grant application is at risk because a government MP won’t stand next to them at a press conference.
“The Liberals can’t be trusted to act properly, so the Greens will amend the law to require successful ARC grant applications to be publicly released in a timely manner and without politicians or candidates involved.”
The Greens’ amendment to the Australian Research Council Amendment Bill 2019, currently before the Parliament, reads:

The Morrison Government is taking strong action to respond to the three priority areas identified in the Aged Care Royal Commission’s Interim Report released on October 31, by increasing home care packages, reducing chemical restraints, and getting younger people out of residential aged care.
The Royal Commission’s interim report is clear – as a country, the Government, the Aged Care Sector and the entire Australian community, we can and must do better in providing improved support for our older Australians.
We will deliver a $537 million funding package to respond to the Interim Report, across the identified three priority areas, including;

• investing $496.3 million for an additional 10,000 home care packages;
• providing $25.5 million to improve medication management programs to reduce the use of medication as a chemical restraint on aged care residents and at home, and new restrictions and education for prescribers on the use of medication as a chemical restraint;
• delivering $10 million for additional dementia training and support for aged care workers and providers, including to reduce the use of chemical restraint; and
• investing $4.7 million to help meet new targets to remove younger people with disabilities from residential aged care.
• No people under the age of 65 entering residential aged care by 2022;
• No people under the age of 45 living in residential aged care by 2022; and
• No people under the age of 65 living in residential aged care by 2025.
• establishing a Joint Agency Taskforce (JATF) between the Department of Social Services, Department of Health and National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) to develop a new strategy that builds on the Action Plan and takes action to ensure these new targets are met;
• establishing a specialist team within the NDIA to prevent younger people with a disability who are eligible for the National Disability Insurance Scheme from entering aged care. The specialist team will grow to 80 complex support needs planners by end March 2020 to find suitable accommodation and match participants to vacancies;
• working with industry to identify all available Specialist Disability Accommodation and Supported Independent Living supports across the country to develop a database of existing and new housing options available now and in the future; and
• undertaking a detailed analysis of younger people currently living in aged care, as well as up to 2,000 young people at risk of entering aged care, to better inform new policies and pathways to find alternate accommodation.
• providing simpler aged care assessments by creating a single assessment workforce and network; and
• establishing a single unified system for care of our elderly in the home.

Increasing the number of Home Care packages
The additional 10,000 home care packages will be focused on the Royal Commission’s identified areas of need and is strongly weighted towards level 3 and level 4 packages, which provide a high level of care.
These packages will be rolled out from 1 December 2019.
Since the 2018-19 Budget, the Government has invested $2.7 billion in 44,000 new home care packages.
We have also more than doubled the number of home care packages available to a record 150,412 this financial year, up from 60,308 in 2012-13 under Labor.
Better medication management and dementia training
The Royal Commission has identified an over-reliance on chemical restraint in aged care, therefore from 1 January 2020, we will also establish stronger safeguards and restrictions for the prescribing of repeat prescriptions of risperidone.
Doctors will still be able to prescribe it but will be required to apply for additional approval if risperidone is to be prescribed beyond an initial 12 week period. These changes have been developed following recommendations from the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee, and in collaboration with doctor’s groups and the broader health sector.
Education resources for prescribers will also be developed to support the appropriate use of antipsychotics and benzodiazepines in residential aged care and targeted letters will be sent to high prescribers.
Funding for medication management programs will be increased by $25.5 million, including support for pharmacists to ensure more frequent medication reviews can occur.
The Royal Commission directed that restraint must only be used as a last resort, and amendments to regulations will make this clear.
The Government is also providing an additional $10 million over two years from 2019–20 to increase dementia training and support for aged care workers and health sector staff.
This will better equip them to manage behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia, deliver best practice dementia care and comply with the new standards for reducing the use of physical and chemical restraints in aged care.
We have also responded immediately to the Royal Commission’s findings on antipsychotics in aged care facilities by declaring “Quality Use of Medicines and Medicines Safety” a National Health Priority.
Younger people in residential aged care
In March, the Government announced the Younger People in Residential Aged Care Action Plan. Since this time there has been a reduction in the number of younger people in residential aged care, including a decline in the number of younger people entering the aged-care system.
However, in response to the Royal Commission, the Government will strengthen the initial targets of the Younger People in Residential Aged Care Action Plan.
The new targets, apart from in exceptional circumstances, will seek to ensure there are;
The Government will invest $4.7 million to help remove young people from residential aged care and further support these goals by:
Building on longer term reforms
These measures will complement the major reforms the Morrison Government has been undertaking to improve standards, oversight, funding and transparency in the care of older Australians.
In line with the long-term direction as identified by the Royal Commission, we will also progress further measures, including;
We will unify the Home Care and Commonwealth Home Support Programs, in line with the Royal Commission’s direction to deliver a seamless system of care, tailoring services to the needs of the individual.
These changes will be guided by the final recommendations of the Royal Commission and will have the goal of improving care and ending the wait for home care packages.
Simplifying the system for consumers
The Government will streamline assessment by creating a single assessment workforce and a single network of assessment organisations that are able to undertake all aged care eligibility assessments.
This will help people to be connected to care sooner, reduce duplication and inefficiencies, and stop a revolving door of assessments where vulnerable older people get sent to multiple organisations depending on the programs for which they are eligible.
Key reforms continue
The Royal Commission’s final report is due on 12 November 2020, however the Government’s rigorous oversight of the sector and reform program continues.
The Government has established a new independent aged care watchdog in the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, upgraded Aged Care Quality Standards and introduced regulations to minimise the use of restraints, and we are developing a Serious Incident Response Scheme.
The Government is also expanding the powers of the Commission, with the new Commissioner responsible for the approval of aged care providers, compliance and enforcement actions in relation to the care being provided, and the administration of the responsibilities of approved providers to report assaults.
While we undertake these reforms we will continue to deliver record funding for older Australians of $21.7 billion in 2019-20, growing to an estimated $25.4 billion in 2022-23, up from $13.3 billion in 2012-13.
There will be more work to do across aged care as we continue to listen and respond to the issues raised by the Royal Commission.
Like every Australian, we were appalled by the revelations of the Interim Report, however we will do everything we can to build an aged care system of the highest quality.

Infrastructure projects across Tasmania will be brought forward under a more than $173 million package that will boost the state’s economy by driving more jobs and supporting the local tourism and agricultural industries.
The package includes an acceleration of funding for critical upgrades to the Bass and Midland Highways, the Port of Burnie Shiploader, and the Hobart Airport Interchange.
The Liberal and Nationals Government has been working with states and territories to bring forward critical road projects across Australia to drive jobs, strengthen the economy and get people home sooner and safer.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said delivering critical road projects sooner, as part of the Government’s $100 billion pipeline, was responsible and considered economic management.
The Prime Minister said more than $95 million of the new package would be spent in the next 18 months as part of an overall commitment of more than $2.7 billion investment in Tasmanian infrastructure since the 2013 election.
“We’re continuing to work with the Hodgman Liberal Government to bust congestion and support jobs and the Tasmanian economy,” the Prime Minister said.
“We’ve identified projects that are shovel-ready and are getting them moving so Tasmanians can benefit from better infrastructure and the jobs and investment that come with it.
“Delivering critical road and rail projects sooner, as part of our $100 billion infrastructure pipeline, is responsible and considered economic management, in stark contrast to Labor’s daily calls of panic and crisis in their attempt to blow the Budget.”
Premier of Tasmania Will Hodgman said the Australian and Tasmanian Governments had a strong record of working together to deliver crucial road and rail projects.
“Whether it’s securing city-shaping investments through the Hobart to Launceston City Deals, investing in safer Midland Highway or upgrading our regional freight rail network, our governments are working together to get it done,” the Premier said.
“We’re accelerating Federal and State funding for important projects such as the Bass Highway and the Hobart to Sorell corridor under our plan to invest in the infrastructure our growing state needs.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Australian Government was investing heavily in key roads in regional Tasmania that are vital to improved safety and supporting the economy through improved connectivity to the regions and markets.
“The Government recognises the need for these key rural roads to receive the upgrades they need to be safer, more efficient transport corridors as soon as possible,” Mr McCormack said.
“That is why we are bringing forward $46.4 million for the Bass Highway corridor through our Roads of Strategic Importance (ROSI) initiative, allowing priority works to get underway between Marrawah and Wynyard, and between Cooee and Wynyard.
“We are also bringing forward $41.9 million to accelerate Midland Highway projects including safety upgrades to the Spring Hill and Melton-Mowbray to Lovely Banks sections.”
Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said the Australian Government was investing heavily in congestion-busting projects in the state.
“Accelerating funding to the Hobart to Sorell corridor will help us get work underway from early 2020 on the congestion-busting Hobart Airport Interchange, which will reduce delays on this busy section of the Tasman Highway and improve access to and from the state’s primary tourist gateway,” Mr Tudge said.
“Today is all about the strong partnership with the Tasmanian Government, with whom we have partnered – alongside local councils – to deliver the Hobart and Launceston City Deals.
“The City Deals are 10-year plans to support the productivity and livability of both cities to maximise their future economic potential.”
Tasmanian Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Michael Ferguson said fast-tracking of the Australian Government funding for the Port of Burnie Shiploader will prioritise replacement of the existing 50-year-old unit.
“Investing in the Port of Burnie Shiploader will increase productivity in ship loading rates and secure the minerals export supply chain out of the Burnie port,” Mr Ferguson said.
“This is part of Trance 3 of the Tasmanian Freight Rail Revitalisation, which is supporting Tasmania’s world-class industries and producers right across the state.
“The Tasmanian Government is well placed to deliver these road and rail projects and has been undertaking necessary project planning in anticipation of this funding announcement.”

PROJECT FUNDING BROUGHT FORWARD:

$46.4 million for Bass Highway Corridor improvements, including Marrawah to Wynyard and Cooee to Wynyard

• • Funding to flow from 2020-21 and over the next three financial years to enable the commencement of works after the majority of funding was previously allocated beyond 2021-22.
  • Total Australian Government contribution to the project is $100 million, in addition to the $40 million contribution from the Tasmanian Government.

$45 million for the Hobart to Sorell Corridor, including the Hobart Airport Interchange

• • Funding to flow immediately and over the next three financial years to enable the commencement of works after the majority of funding was previously allocated beyond 2020-21.
  • Total Australian Government contribution to the project is $130 million, in addition to the $32.5 million contribution from the Tasmanian Government.

$41.9 million for the Midland Highway Upgrade, including upgrades at Spring Hill and Melton Mowbray to North of Lovely Banks

• • Funding to flow immediately and over the next three financial years to enable the continuation of works after the majority of funding was previously allocated beyond 2022-23.
  • Total Australian Government contribution to the project is $400 million, in addition to the $100 million contribution from the Tasmanian Government.

$40 million for the Port of Burnie Shiploader

• • Funding to flow immediately and over the next three years to enable the commencement of works after previously being allocated beyond 2021-22 under Tranche 3 of the Tasmanian Freight Rail Revitalisation program.
  • This project is fully funded by the Australian Government.

(Photo credit: KeresH, CC BY-SA 3.0)

Critical infrastructure upgrades that improve connectivity for rural and remote communities in the Northern Territory will be brought forward under a $184 million package.
The projects, which include the Outback Way, the Mango Industry Roads upgrades in Litchfield, and upgrades along the Adelaide River to Wadeye road corridor will provide better and more reliable freight links, and keep drivers safer on the Territory’s roads.
The Liberal and Nationals Government has been working with states and territories to bring forward critical infrastructure projects across Australia to drive jobs, strengthen the economy and get people home sooner and safer.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said delivering critical road projects sooner, as part of a $100 billion pipeline, was a key part of the Government’s plan for a stronger economy.
The Prime Minister said more than $84 million of the new package would be spent in the next 18 months as part of an overall commitment of more than $2.4 billion investment in Territory infrastructure since the 2013 election.
“By bringing funding for these important projects forward, we will drive jobs, boost the Northern Territory economy, reduce travel times and make roads safer,” the Prime Minister said.
“By getting these projects moving, the Territory benefits by getting goods to market more efficiently, improving connectivity and road safety, particularly during severe weather events, in rural and remote communities.
“Delivering critical road and rail projects sooner, as part of our $100 billion infrastructure pipeline, is responsible and considered economic management in partnership with the states and territories – not a knee-jerk reaction.”
Chief Minister of the Northern Territory Michael Gunner said the Territory was ready to go with delivery of these important projects.
“We welcome the Australian Government’s recognition of the challenges facing the Northern Territory as it plans investments in infrastructure projects,” Mr Gunner said.
“I am pleased to see an early injection of funding that will help us to deliver important upgrades to roads infrastructure across the Territory. This investment builds on the NT Government’s ongoing construction, tourism and housing stimulus programs.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the package included agreement to move ahead with the delivery of work the Northern Territory Government has indicated is ready to proceed.
“With these measures, the Liberal and Nationals Government has shown it is listening to states and territories and working cooperatively with them to deliver infrastructure projects,” Mr McCormack said.
“The Australian Government is investing heavily in key roads across the Territory that are vital to improved safety and supporting the economy through improved connectivity to the regions and to our markets.
“The Government recognises the need for these key rural roads to receive the upgrades they need to be safer, more efficient transport corridors as soon as possible.”
Northern Territory Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics Eva Lawler said she was pleased funding was being brought forward to deliver these projects for Territorians.
“These projects will benefit the Territory’s economy by improving regional freight roads such as the Mango Industry Roads in Litchfield, as well as improving the quality of life for Territorians, including the many Indigenous communities, that live in remote regions of the Northern Territory”, Ms Lawler said.
“We will continue to work with the Australian Government to deliver other nationally significant infrastructure projects to further open up economic development in the Territory.”

PROJECT FUNDING BROUGHT FORWARD:

$91.7 million for upgrades on the Alice Springs to Darwin road corridor, including the Mango Industry Roads upgrades in Litchfield;

• • Funding to flow immediately and over the next three years after previously being allocated beyond the forward estimates.
  • The Australian Government contribution to the project is $73.4 million and the Northern Territory Government contribution is $18.35 million ($91.7 million brought forward).

$54.3 million for the Adelaide River to Wadeye road corridor;

• • Funding to flow immediately and over the next three years after previously being allocated beyond the forward estimates.
  • The Australian Government contribution to the project is $43.5 million and the Northern Territory Government contribution is $10.8 million ($54.3 million brought forward).

$37.5 million for upgrades on the Outback Way;

• • Funding to flow in 2021–22 after previously being allocated beyond the forward estimates.
  • The Australian Government contribution to the project is $30 million and the Northern Territory Government contribution is $7.5 million ($37.5 million brought forward).

Residents of South Canberra and Tuggeranong will benefit from an acceleration of funding for upgrades to the Monaro Highway.
The $200 million project which is being jointly funded by both governments, includes widening works and targeted safety upgrades to bust congestion along the corridor.
The Liberal and Nationals Government has been working with states and territories to bring forward critical infrastructure projects across Australia to drive jobs, strengthen the economy and get people home sooner and safer.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the Government’s plan for a stronger economy meant critical road project work could be brought forward as part of the Government’s $100 billion pipeline.
The Prime Minister said fast-tracking $30 million for the Monaro Highway to the 2020-21 financial year would help to expedite upgrades which increase safety, improve freight productivity and boost tourism.
“By bringing funding forward, we can get on with our infrastructure commitments like the Monaro Highway upgrade which will cut travel times and increase road safety while driving more jobs in the ACT,” the Prime Minister said.
“Delivering critical road and rail projects sooner, as part of our $100 billion infrastructure pipeline, is responsible and considered economic management in partnership with the states and territories.”
Acting ACT Chief Minister Yvette Berry said it was important that the Australian Government contribute funding to infrastructure projects that benefit people living in the national capital and wider region. The ACT Government has also agreed to bring forward $15 million of its contribution to allow the first $45 million of major works to commence construction in the 2020-21 financial year.
“The ACT Government has detailed a 10-year, $14 billion Infrastructure Plan to provide services and jobs to our community, and to grow our regional economy,” Minister Berry said.
“We’re focused on maintaining the Capital as a great place to live, work and visit and so this funding from the Australian Government is welcome.
“The ACT Government has agreed to bring forward $15 million of its contribution to allow the first $45 million of major works to commence construction in the 2020-21 financial year and receiving the Australian Government funding sooner will better support planning and expedite construction for the jointly funded project.
“Completing the upgrades between Royalla Drive and Williamsdale Road and upgrades to the Old Cooma Road intersection in time for the 2020 ski season will help keep Canberrans safe on the roads.
“It is fantastic that the upgrades between Royalla Drive and Williamsdale Road, and upgrades to the Old Cooma Road intersection will now be complete in time for the 2020 ski season,” Minister Berry said.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Government recognises the need for key rural roads to receive the upgrades they need to be safer, more efficient transport corridors as soon as possible.
“Not only are we bringing forward $30 million for the $200 million Monaro Highway Upgrade, we are also investing in the Barton Highway, Kings Highway and the William Slim Drive Duplication,” Mr McCormack said.
“These upgrades will improve connectivity for freight and commuters, slashing travel times and getting people home sooner and safer.”
ACT Minister for Roads and Active Travel Chris Steel said he was especially pleased that the accelerated federal funding will get the Monaro Highway Upgrade done sooner for Canberrans.
“The upgrades will keep Canberrans moving by removing at grade intersections to improve safety, traffic flow and speed along the Monaro, between Isabella Drive and Hindmarsh Drive,” Minister Steel said.
Senator for the ACT Zed Seselja said he was delighted to see the upgrades moving forward, after campaigning for funding to fix congestion and safety issues on the Monaro since 2016.
“In 2016, I committed $1 million to a scoping study into easing congestion for Canberrans on the Monaro and was thrilled to be able to deliver $100 million last year to carry out the recommendations of the study, a commitment I’m pleased has been matched by the ACT Government,” the Senator said.

PROJECT FUNDING BROUGHT FORWARD:

• $30 million for the $200 million Monaro Highway Upgrade project
  • Brought forward funding to flow from 2020-21 to expedite construction;
  • Total cost of the project is $200 million;
  • The Australian Government contribution to the project is $100 million ($30 million brought forward to 2020-21);
  • The ACT Government will contribute its first $15 million in 2020-21;
  • The ACT Government total contribution to the project is $100 million;