Month: March 2022

The Morrison Government is demonstrating its commitment to supporting the growth of one of Australia’s most important industries by launching a major campaign today highlighting a generation of jobs in Australia’s defence industries.

The “In our own backyard” campaign will begin on television, radio and across social media over the coming days and weeks.

The campaign highlights that the skills Australians have displayed for generations building “stuff” in their backyards are now in great demand to fill the jobs in our growing defence industries, which supply the Australian Defence Force with the products and services it needs to protect Australia and its national interests.

Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said Australia’s defence capability required robust, resilient and internationally competitive defence industries.

“We must be able to build what we need at home to defend ourselves when we need it and the COVID-19 pandemic has shone a light on just how critical that is,” Minister Price said.

“The Morrison Government is investing an unprecedented $270 billion in Defence capabilities over the next 10 years.

“The level of Government investment in our defence industries has grown significantly and as a result the number of jobs created to support this growth is increasing at a rapid rate.

“Our significant investment is reliant on us supporting the growth of strong, robust, and skilled Australian defence industries.

“Our nationwide investments in naval shipbuilding alone will create 15,000 jobs across the country by the end of the decade.

“We want Australians to understand that there are and will continue to be incredible opportunities for skilled people within our defence industries and that will continue for many years to come.”

Minister Price said Australia’s many defence industries had been built on Australian creativity and ingenuity and those skills were critical as the nation sought to stay a step ahead of adversaries who would seek to do us harm in a deteriorating strategic environment.

“During the next decade and beyond, this exciting and expanding sector will rely upon a workforce with skills in design, engineering, manufacturing, project management and logistics, as well as all aspects of support services from training and simulation to ICT support,” Minister Price said.

“That is the focus of our new campaign.

“From large multi-national companies to medium and small Aussie businesses, the creativity and ingenuity on display right across Australia points to the fact that there are many opportunities for skilled Australians to find fulfilling, well-paid jobs.

“We must ensure we have the most cutting-edge technology available to the men and women of the ADF.”

Minister Price said she was excited to promote the career opportunities in the new campaign, which would build awareness of the extensive opportunities across a range of sectors that contribute to Australia’s defence capability.

“There will be fantastic opportunities for workers across Australia over the coming decades and we must ensure we harness the skills we have in our own backyard to fill the jobs in our growing and important defence industries,” Minister Price said.

A GROUP OF Australia’s highest ranking, former emergency service chiefs today issued a scathing statement on the Morrison Government’s failure to prepare for and help alleviate the horrific impacts of the flooding disaster.

Emergency Leaders for Climate Action* (ELCA) is launching the statement in Brisbane today, citing evidence that the Government was warned ahead of the 2022 floods and did little. The handling of this disaster echoes the lack of national preparation in the lead up to the Black Summer bushfires when the Government ignored warnings months before the disastrous fires hit.

The press conference coincides with a full page ad in The Courier Mail calling on the Federal Government to better equip emergency services to respond.

Former Commissioner of Fire & Rescue NSW, one of Australia’s longest-ever serving fire chiefs and now leader of Emergency Leaders for Climate Action Greg Mullins said:

“The Federal Government’s fumbling of this flood disaster is Black Summer all over again. Last October, charity leaders met with the Federal Government and were warned of massive flooding this summer. The Government knew what was coming and it did not adequately prepare our communities or first responders.

“Time and again this Government fails to listen to expert advice. There are 80 recommendations of the Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements gathering dust. The Government has failed to implement them. Our elected leaders in Canberra are failing communities right around the country impacted by this disaster, and the thousands of emergency service volunteers and professionals who willingly place their own lives in danger by responding to increasingly frequent and dangerous climate-fuelled disasters.

“Those of us who do hold hoses know just how dangerous climate change has become. Australia is under-prepared, and Canberra has no answers to how it will rapidly slash emissions this decade.”

Former Commissioner of the Queensland Fire & Emergency Services Lee Johnson, an ELCA member, said: “We Queenslanders are familiar with floods. We live in Australia’s most disaster-prone state. But the disasters of today are not like the disasters of the past. Over my decades of service I experienced floods and bushfires that were more frequent and intense, and cyclones that were more damaging. These climate-fuelled changes led to the fire and rescue service introducing swift-water rescue capabilities under my watch. I remember in that first year we conducted over 100 water rescues of people in serious trouble. In the lead up to these floods even more water was dumped on Queensland than in the lead up to the 2011 disaster – something I thought I’d never see, but the records keep tumbling. This is climate change in action and we’re all in danger.”

Former Deputy Director General of the NSW State Emergency Service, ELCA member and flood expert Chas Keys: “This disaster’s shown us that we can’t continue with business as usual. Bandying about terms like ‘one-in-500 year’ flood is meaningless to people who are experiencing such disasters repeatedly. Above all else, we need the Federal Government to take climate change seriously by cutting back drastically on the mining and burning of fossil fuels. We also need to reset the way we manage disasters, with spending between mitigation versus relief and recovery completely out of kilter. There is no more manageable hazard in Australia than flooding: we know where it will occur, we’re usually warned ahead of it and we can predict what its effects will be. We’re just not managing this risk well, and it hurts us over and over again to a greater extent than it should.”

Former Commissioner and ACT Emergency Services Authority, and ELCA member, Major General Peter Dunn: “I know what it’s like to so helplessly witness my community torn apart by a disaster. During Black Summer the fires ripped through Lake Conjola and soon after, we were dealing with a flood. We had no support. We were left to pick up the pieces ourselves. Communities are once again being left behind and it’s clear the lessons of Black Summer have not been learned. I was among the chorus of voices who in 2019 warned the Morrison government that a severe fire season was coming. And we were ignored. Late last year, the Federal Government was similarly briefed about the high risk of this year’s floods. Yet they were not prepared. After every disaster, the Federal Government initiates an enquiry but fails to implement the recommendations. More than two years after Black Summer and many Australians are still living in tents. Are the victims of these floods to expect the same? As climate change escalates these disasters, history cannot continue to repeat itself. And we can’t expect the ADF to carry the load. The common denominator is the feeling of abandonment and lack of Federal Government preparedness to respond to these increasingly fierce disasters and address climate change at its root cause: the extraction and burning of fossil fuels.”

A third Royal Australian Air Force C-17A Globemaster flight has delivered military assistance to the Ukrainian Government.

Greens Leader, Adam Bandt MP, and Greens candidate for the flood affected electorate of Richmond, Mandy Nolan, have announced the Greens will move when Parliament resumes in March to extend government backed insurance to all flood victims.

The Treasury Laws Amendment (Cyclone and Flood Damage Reinsurance Pool) Bill 2022 due to be debated in Budget week later this month establishes a mandatory scheme for insurers to reinsure with the government-owned Australian Reinsurance Pool Corporation (ARPC) when providing cover against cyclone related damage. This partial nationalisation of house insurance is designed to keep premiums low by removing much of the profit-taking from cyclone insurance. As the current floods are not cyclone related they are excluded from the scheme.

The Greens will move amendments to the bill in the Senate to extend coverage to all floods, including floods such as those in NSW and QLD and require coal and gas corporations to fund the scheme.

The Greens also want a statutory inquiry to consider the full nationalisation of all climate-related reinsurance for events such as bushfires.

Politicians from other parties have recently spoken in support of extending mandatory reinsurance to all flood victims, suggesting the amendments have a chance of passing the Senate before the election.

Greens Leader Adam Bandt MP said:

“Thousands of homes and businesses will be uninsurable without the Greens’ plan to extend reinsurance to flood victims.”

“The increased severity of climate related floods is pushing the cost of insurance out of reach of many homeowners and businesses, so nationalising cyclone reinsurance is critical but it must cover all flood victims.”

“We call on the government, the opposition and crossbench to back our amendments. Let’s get this done and support flood victims”

“The government is handing public money to the coal and gas corporations that are fuelling these extreme floods. Instead of getting handouts, coal and gas corporations should be footing the bill for the insurance.”

“The scope of the government’s bill is too limited. Damage from the floods in QLD and NSW would not be covered by the government’s legislation as they are not cyclone related floods.”

“The Greens’ amendments would ensure that the NSW and Qld floods would be covered, and would keep insurance premiums for people impacted by these floods lower in the future.”

“With the growing climate crisis, we need a statutory review to consider nationalising reinsurance for all climate related property damage in all parts of Australia.”

Greens candidate for Richmond Mandy Nolan, speaking from the flood disaster zone across the Northern Rivers, said:

“I have just survived this latest flood disaster, but now many in my community are facing the disaster of being uninsurable. We need to act now.”

“This is the front line of the climate emergency.Thousands of homes have been destroyed, many more damaged and people’s premiums are going to go through the roof unless they are covered by the Greens plan.”

“The Parliament needs to urgently pass the Greens amendments in Budget week and help my community recover.” 

Zachary Rolfe, the Northern Territory policeman who shot and killed 19-year-old Warlpiri man Kumanjayi Walker, has been found not guilty of murder, manslaughter and committing a violent act causing death.

Greens spokesperson for Justice and First Nations, Senator Lidia Thorpe said:

“No justice. No peace.”

The Morrison Government is investing $2.1 billion to protect Australians against COVID-19 and influenza this winter.

The approach to managing COVID-19 and influenza over the winter months will focus on minimising the health impacts – with a particular focus on protecting those most at risk of severe illness – while supporting the economy.

This year’s winter season will likely see the co-circulation of COVID-19 and influenza viruses, which we have not seen significant transmission of since 2019.

Although it is difficult to predict the scale of these transmission events, the national approach supported by the Morrison Government prepares for the contingency of possible large outbreaks.

The Government will invest $2.1 billion to support health responses and further build up the resilience of Australia’s healthcare systems – including by extending the COVID-19 National Partnership Agreement to 30 September 2022.

The investment to support Australia’s winter preparedness includes:

• $1.2 billion to protect the residential aged care and disability care sectors,
• $356 million to protect other vulnerable population groups, and
• $571 million for vaccines.

The measures that will be put in place will help to protect health system capacity, support high-risk groups such as aged care residents, and ensure the supply of essential goods and services if disruptions occur.

A coordinated strategy will support the health system and economy by protecting those at risk of severe disease and minimising transmission to a level where case numbers and absenteeism does not significantly impact on the functioning of Australian society.

Businesses and individuals will play a vital role as we head into winter by continuing to follow public health advice on protective measures, planning ahead for any potential disruptions and ensuring they are vaccinated.

This funding will continue to support the National Coronavirus Helpline and Healthdirect support for triage and management of COVID-19 patients and maintain the network of general practice respiratory clinics.

It will also maintain community care pathways coordinated across Primary Health Networks and Local Hospital Networks by providing personal protective equipment (PPE) and other supports to general practices managing respiratory patients.

Residential aged care residents remain a high priority due to the increased susceptibility of aged care residents to severe disease, and the potential for outbreaks and workforce absenteeism

Outbreak response measures and management procedures are already in place to protect residents and other high-risk population groups.

Investment in Rapid Antigen Tests and Personal Protective Equipment

As part of an overall $2.1 billion investment in winter preparedness, the Commonwealth is proposing to extend the concessional Rapid Antigen Test program until 31 July 2022, in partnership with the states. In addition, we will also purchase six months of supply of PPE for aged care and disability requirements.

National Partnership on the COVID-19 Response

Through the National Partnership on the COVID-19 Response (COVID NPA), the Commonwealth has provided over $9.9 billion in additional hospital and health funding to assist jurisdictions with the health impacts of COVID-19.

On top of the $2.1 billion investment, the Commonwealth has agreed to extend the COVID NPA for a further three months to 30 September 2022, in recognition of the ongoing impacts of the Omicron outbreak.

National Immunisation Program

The focus on preparing for the coming winter and future winter seasons builds on Australia’s strong track record of protecting at-risk Australians through the National Immunisation Program (NIP).

The Morrison Government is well prepared for the 2022 influenza season and has secured supply of influenza vaccines for the NIP consistent with previous years.

Children under five, pregnant women, people 65 years and over, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people with medical conditions that put them at greater risk of becoming seriously ill from influenza can receive their vaccines free of charge through the NIP. The NIP offers a specific, enhanced influenza vaccine to protect older people.

More than 9.5 million government influenza doses will be available for the 2022 season – just up on the more than 9.4 million in 2020 and 2021 – and more than 600,000 Pneumococcal vaccine doses which are utilised throughout the year but peak during the influenza season.

The Government spends more than $450 million annually on the NIP of which more than $100 million is for annual influenza vaccinations and more than $35 million for Pneumococcal, to protect Australians in at-risk population groups.

Australians are also encouraged to make sure that they are up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations, which will also protect them during the winter months.

All Australians who are currently eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine or booster, and who have not yet acted are urged to make a booking as soon as possible to get vaccinated.

Please use the COVID-19 Clinic Finder and make your appointment.

WINTER PREPAREDNESS – PLACEMAT	Spend $m (UC) 5 year impact (2021-22 to 2025-26)
Key Strategies (Total Winter Expenditure)
Vaccination	(570.7)
Vulnerable Populations	(329.5)
Residential Aged Care and Disability	(1,207.8)
TOTAL Winter Expenditure	(2,108.0)
Vaccination (includes funding to 31 Dec)
COVID-19 Vaccine Program Delivery	(70.9)
COVID-19 Vaccine Administration Channels	(499.8)
TOTAL Vaccination Expenditure	(570.7)
Vulnerable Populations
COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) Concessional Access Program Extension	(286.2)
Extension of COVID-19 Remote and Indigenous Response Measures	(43.3)
TOTAL Vulnerable Populations Expenditure	(329.5)
Residential Aged Care and Disability
Home Visits for COVID-19 in Residential Aged Care Facilities	(7.9)
Extending Support under the Aged Care Preparedness Measure	(124.9)
Training for Authorised Nurse Immunisers in Residential Aged Care	(50.4)
Aged Care Infection Prevention and Control Training Measure	(37.6)
COVID-19 Testing in Aged Care	(22.1)
Continued Critical Supply of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to the National Medical Stockpile (6 Months)	(964.9)
TOTAL Residential Aged Care and Disability Expenditure	(1,207.8)

The Australian Government will invest $69 million to control the spread of the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV).

Program initiatives aim to prevent exposure to the disease through vaccination and mosquito management systems, to protect people and animals most at risk during the current outbreak.

A multiportfolio response will implement control and public health measures. Key elements of the control package include:

• $28.18 million to purchase additional JEV vaccines – to be available from late March and into April
• $17.5 million to support jurisdictions with mosquito surveillance and control activities
• $5 million for public health communication to ensure people are aware of risk and how to prevent infection
• $3.5 million for essential supplies to ensure sustained laboratory capacity and capability to test for JEV in humans
• $4 million to support enhance surveillance activities, such as modelling, geospatial analysis and conducting a serosurvey to better understand and map areas with higher risk of a JEV outbreak
• $10 million for DAWE will enable support to state and territory agriculture departments in their response to this emergency including surveillance.

Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said there were currently 15 confirmed human cases of JEV in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and Victoria.

“Sadly, it has been confirmed two people, one in Victoria and one in NSW, have died of JEV and I offer my condolences to their families, friends and community,” Minister Hunt said.

“This package will expand and enhance current mosquito control and surveillance strategies and continue our support to states and territories to limit the number of people and animals who are exposed to JEV.

“The Australian Government will also procure vaccines and distribute equitably to states and territories.

“The Communicable Diseases Network Australia (CDNA), in consultation with the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI), has prioritised people for vaccination with direct exposure or close-proximity to pigs and mosquitos, and those with high-level occupational exposures in the risk areas.

“There are other simple steps we can all take to prevent contact with infected mosquitos, such as using repellent containing picaridin or DEET on all exposed skin, wearing loose fitting clothing when outside, and ensuring that accommodation is properly fitted with mosquito nettings or screens.”

There are two human JEV vaccines available on the Australian market, Imojev (Sanofi-Aventis Australia) and JEspect (Seqirus). 

Imojev is a single dose vaccine which supports broad use and rapid vaccination, however it not suitable for pregnant women or people who are immunocompromised. JEspect, is given in two dose course and is suitable for most people who can’t receive the Imojev vaccine.

State and Territory Public Health units are co-ordinating and implementing the priority vaccination program, with initial vaccinations underway.

Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia and Deputy Leader of the Nationals, David Littleproud, said mosquito trapping and control is being conducted at all infected piggeries, with movement restrictions in place for properties in Victoria, Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia.

“JEV is a mosquito-borne viral disease that can cause reproductive losses in pigs and, in some cases, encephalitis in horses,” Minister Littleproud said.

“Commercially produced pork meat or pork products are safe to consume and there are no food safety concerns.

“Our departments are working very closely with their state government counterparts and affected animal industries to ensure a swift and coordinated response.

“We are working with the pig industry to implement appropriate mosquito control measures and trapping and sampling.

“A national surveillance plan is being developed to identify and locate infected mosquitoes, birds, pigs—including feral pigs—horses and humans.

“Anyone who works with pigs or horses should be aware of this disease and protect themselves from being bitten by mosquitos.

“If you suspect an animal is showing signs of the disease, you must report it by contacting your local veterinarian or calling the national Emergency Animal Disease Watch.

“You should also take steps to protect your animals from mosquitoes—for instance, by applying a safe insect repellent and putting a summer rug on horses.”

JEV was declared a Communicable Disease Incident of National Significance on 4 March 2022 by the Chief Medical Officer.

For more information about the current human health situation visit: https://www.health.gov.au/health-alerts/japanese-encephalitis-virus-jev/about

For more information about the current animal health situation visit:

https://www.outbreak.gov.au/current-responses-to-outbreaks/japanese-encephalitis