The Morrison Government is investing $124 million in two new Evolved Cape Class patrol boats from Austal in WA to continue its commitment to keeping our borders secure and supporting Australian defence industry and jobs.

This additional acquisition will support the continued employment opportunities for around 400 direct jobs and a further 150 jobs across small and medium businesses in Austal’s supply chain, already established under the previous six Evolved Cape Class patrol boats. The new boats bring the total investment in industry for the Evolved Cape Class patrol boats to more than $440 million.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the Coalition Government’s plan for a strong economy would strengthen WA’s shipbuilding workforce and support the work of the Navy and Australian Border Force (ABF).

“This investment doesn’t just help secure our borders, it secures hundreds of shipbuilding jobs in Western Australia,” the Prime Minister said.

“Keeping our borders safe is a key priority for my Government, and the acquisition of two more Evolved Cape Class patrol boats will boost the capability of Navy’s patrol force to ensure it is available where and when needed.

“My Government’s record on keeping borders safe, supporting naval capability, and growing our defence industry is in stark contrast to Labor who never commissioned a new naval vessel, oversaw a border security failure, slashed defence spending to the lowest levels since before the Second World War and saw thousands of job losses in our defence industry.

“More shipbuilding work means a strong economy, and a stronger future for this important industry and our Navy and Australian Border Force.”

Minister for Defence Peter Dutton said the acquisition would build our Navy capability and help secure our borders.

“These additional patrol boats will strengthen Navy’s contribution to the nation’s fisheries protection, immigration, customs and drug law enforcement operations,” Minister Dutton said.

“The improved design increases the quality of life for the ship’s company, manages obsolescence and increases the use of Australian supplied equipment.

“These extra boats will also enable Navy to transfer two of its Cape Class patrol boats to the ABF – further strengthening our border defences.

“The Evolved Cape class patrol boats will reduce the risk in Navy’s transition from the ageing Armidale class patrol boat fleet to the new, more capable Arafura class offshore patrol vessels.”

Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said the acquisition added to the Government’s continuous naval shipbuilding program and ongoing commitment to developing the defence industry in Western Australia.

“This is a great shot in the arm for our shipbuilding skills and jobs pipeline with at least 68 per cent of the contract value being invested in Australian industry,” Minister Price said.

“Australia has some of the best shipbuilders in the world, and right here in WA, Austal are leading the way with the Evolved Cape Class patrol boats.

“This project is in addition to our planned investment of up to $30 billion in dozens of new vessels for our Navy that will be built in WA over the coming decades, supporting 2,000 WA jobs and hundreds of WA businesses in the supply chain.

“WA’s defence industry is at the centre of our plan to develop our sovereign capability so we can build at home what we need to defend our home.”

The two additional vessels are scheduled to be delivered by late 2023, with all eight to be operational by early 2024.

Tens of thousands more Australians will be able to buy a house with the Morrison Government’s new property price caps for the successful Home Guarantee Scheme.

Increasing the price caps for homes available under the Scheme means more people have more options when purchasing a home, and the new caps help accommodate larger families under the Family Home Guarantee.

Prime Minster Scott Morrison said the Home Guarantee Scheme had already helped 60,000 Australians on the path to home ownership.

“We’re building a stronger future for Australians by making home ownership easier by making more properties eligible for the Scheme and expanding it to 50,000 places each year,” the Prime Minister said.

“People are cutting years off the time they’d need to save a deposit for a home because of this program. Now even more Australians can get into a home sooner.

“Saving to buy a house has always been hard work and we know as prices have increased it’s been getting harder.

“That’s why these higher price caps will help more people realise their dreams and lock in a stronger future for themselves.”

The adjusted price caps take into account the 50,000 place per year expansion of the Home Guarantee Scheme, particularly in regional areas where the new Regional Home Guarantee is open to non-first homebuyers.

Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Housing Michael Sukkar said that the adjusted price caps would help guarantee more Australians can achieve the dream of owning their own home.

“As a Government we fundamentally believe in the aspiration of home ownership, with people being able to build a place of their own and invest in their future. We know the importance home ownership brings, which is why we are expanding our extraordinarily successful Home Guarantee Scheme,” Minister Sukkar said.

“We acknowledge how hard it can be to buy a new home or re-enter the housing market and that saving a deposit is the hardest part of getting into home ownership. By adjusting the price caps for the Home Guarantee Scheme, we are ensuring Australians have more options when buying a home.

“Because 41% of scheme-backed loans are ahead of their pay back schedule, we are confident these adjusted price caps strike the right balance.

“60,000 Australians have already been supported into home ownership under the Home Guarantee Scheme, with the Morrison Government’s housing policies helping more than 300,000 Australians with the purchase of a home. With our support, first homebuyers reached their highest levels in 12 years.”

In particular, the new price caps for regional areas will ensure that the supply of new builds in regional Australia is supported, helping ease supply constraints that are being felt outside of the major cities. The adjusted caps will also assist in accommodating larger families under the Family Home Guarantee

As announced in the Budget, under the expanded Home Guarantee Scheme the Government will make available:

• 35,000 guarantees each year, up from the current 10,000, from 1 July 2022 under the First Home Guarantee, to support eligible first homebuyers to purchase a new or existing home with a deposit as low as five per cent;
• 10,000 guarantees each year from 1 October 2022 to 30 June 2025 under a new Regional Home Guarantee, to support eligible homebuyers, including non-first home buyers and permanent residents, to purchase or construct a new home in regional areas;
• 5,000 guarantees each year from 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2025 to expand the Family Home Guarantee announced in last year’s budget. Australia’s first ever specifically targeted single parent family housing scheme supports eligible single parents with children to buy their first home or to re-enter the housing market with a deposit of as little as two per cent.

Home Guarantee Scheme
	2021-2022 FY	2022-2023 FY
Area	Capital city and regional centre	Rest of state	Capital city and regional centre	Rest of state
NSW	$800,000	$600,000	$900,000	$750,000
VIC	$700,000	$500,000	$800,000	$650,000
QLD	$600,000	$450,000	$700,000	$550,000
WA	$500,000	$400,000	$600,000	$450,000
SA	$500,000	$350,000	$600,000	$450,000
TAS	$500,000	$400,000	$600,000	$450,000
ACT	$500,000	$750,000
NT	$500,000	$600,000
Jervis Bay Territory and Norfolk Island	$550,000	$550,000
Christmas Island and Cocos (Keeling) Islands	$400,000	$400,000

The capital city price thresholds apply to regional centres with a population over 250,000, recognising that dwellings in regional centres can be more expensive than other regional areas. Regional centres include: Newcastle and Lake Macquarie; Illawarra (Wollongong); Geelong; Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast.

To participate, borrowers will still have to meet the usual loan and repayment assessments from their financial institutions. This ensures that home buyers are protected against entering into a loan arrangement that could result in substantial hardship.

The new price caps will come into effect on 1 July 2022. Information on how to apply, eligibility requirements and the participating panel of lenders is available on the NHFIC website.

As Australia and the Netherlands mark 80 years since the establishment of full diplomatic relations, we can reflect with pride on the warm friendship we share.

From the Duyfken’s exploration of the north coast of Australia in 1606, to the contribution made by generations of the thousands of men and women of Dutch heritage to this country, Australia and the Netherlands share enduring bonds of friendship and family.

Our historic defence ties, forged on the battlefields and in the skies of the Second World War, were strengthened most recently by our military partnership in Afghanistan. Today, we stand united in support of the rules-based international order, our defence of human rights and the rule of law.

As we continue to pursue truth, justice and accountability for the downing of MH17, we also stand together in supporting Ukraine as it defends its sovereignty and territorial integrity. 

Australia values our cooperation with the Netherlands in supporting our neighbours in the Indo-Pacific, to ensure a region that is open, stable and resilient.

The strong trade relationship between Australia and the Netherlands is the foundation for our collaboration in other areas, such as the green economy and cyber security. Through our growing engagement with global fora, we will cooperate to advance our mutual economic prosperity and stability.

For 80 years, Australia and the Netherlands have worked in unison to build and enhance our strong bilateral relationship. I am proud of what we have achieved in the name of friendship and cooperation, and I look forward to the many opportunities that lie ahead.

Australian Red Cross has distributed funds to more than 30,000 people affected by floods in south east Queensland and northern New South Wales (as of 9am Monday 18 April).

This represents:

· 33,939 financial assistance grants of $500 to households to help with basic needs for people whose primary place of residence was affected by the floods and who are experiencing financial hardship as a result.

· 21 bereavement grants of $20,000 to senior next-of-kin of people who died as a direct result of the floods, to help with funeral and related expenses

Red Cross Acting Director of Australian Programs Garry Page said all grants were going to people in Federal Government designated disaster areas.

“We have distributed $17.4 million so far. With thousands of applications yet to be processed, we are approaching the point at which funds available will be fully subscribed. When this occurs, we will stop accepting new applications so we don’t have people applying for grants that aren’t available,” he said.

“These grants are a result of extraordinary support for our March telethon hosted by broadcasters Nine, Seven and Ten, which raised more than $26 million. This financial assistance is a gift from the Australian people, and 100 per cent of the funds raised from the Telethon will go on cash grants.”

Mr Page said a team of 60 people had been processing tens of thousands of grant applications, working seven days a week, including over Easter, to process grants as quickly as possible.

About 50,000 applications are still being processed, although some will not be eligible due to being duplicates, incomplete, from areas that are not disaster-declared, or for other reasons.

“Our message to people affected by the floods is to apply as soon as you can. Applications will be processed in the order they are submitted,” Mr Page said.

“If you have already applied, then there’s no need to do anything unless you are asked for more information. Applications with all the required documentation are being processed faster. Assessing duplicate and incomplete applications is a longer process.

“This cash assistance is one part of our broader recovery support, and we will continue to assist communities in the months and years to come.

“Red Cross thanks networks Nine, Seven and Ten and each and every person and organisation who donated to the telethon or to our appeal (Qld and NSW Floods Appeal | Australian Red Cross). Donations have provided financial support for tens of thousands of people who really need help at a very challenging time in their lives.”

Up-to-date information on grant allocations is available at the Cash Assistance dashboard at www.redcross.org.au/cashassistance.

More polystyrene is being collected from the nation’s largest waterways than any other type of plastic, supporting a national government push to phase out its use in consumer products by the end of the year, according to new research from Conservation Volunteers Australia released today.

CVA CEO Phil Harrison revealed over a quarter-of-a-million pieces of litter – about 80 per cent of it plastics –had been removed from eight key river systems flowing into the Great Southern Reef, which stretches from Brisbane to Perth, by over 3,000 everyday Australians since CVA launched its #SeaToSource program in partnership with the Federal Government 18 months ago.

Mr Harrison said polystyrene led the Top 10 litter items collected along with plastic food wrap, while cigarette butts also featured highly, despite national smoking rates halving in the past two decades. In contrast, plastic utensils and bags came in at #9 and #10 respectively, suggesting bans were starting to have a positive impact.

Mr Harrison encouraged everyday Australians, businesses and politicians to sign up ahead of the #SeaToSource National Day of Action this Saturday (April 23 2022) by visiting the CVA website, or going straight to conservationvolunteers.com.au/preparing-for-flood-recovery/ , with events in every state capital.

“It’s critical for the nation’s environmental and economic recovery that Australia’s world-famous riverbanks, bays and beaches are “dressed for success”, particularly following the floods and border closures,” he said.

“Australia ranks number one in the world for its coastal, nature and wildlife tourism and, with global borders reopening after two years, it is doubly critical for environmental and economic recovery we all lend a hand.

“Once small plastics like polystyrene enter the water, they’re both a major threat to wildlife and food chains, and near on impossible to remove, which is why we need as many Australians to lend a hand as we can.

“Many people also don’t realise cigarette butts are considered plastic waste, not paper, and therefore don’t breakdown, ensuring they remain a major threat to marine wildlife health so long as Australians continue smoking. This once again demonstrates the clear intersection between a healthy planet and healthy people.

“It’s also important everyday Australians aren’t left to clean up the mess alone. Particularly given the major role business and industry can play in preventing plastic waste entering our waterways in the first place.

“Many of the nation’s business leaders have proactively got behind the national government push to phase out consumer polystyrene plastics by the end of 2022 and we encouraged more of them to do more.

“Whether you can lend a couple of hours or a couple of days, there will be nature volunteering experiences to suit everyday Australians, every day.”

In March 2021, the Federal Government released its National Plastics Plan, declaring it would take the fight against plastic waste to a new level, from plastic free beaches, to ending the confusion over household collection systems, declaring war on cigarette butts and putting an end to polystyrene consumer packaging.

The Plan includes an action for government to work with industry to phase out certain polystyrene plastics, such as those used in consumer packaging (July 2022) and food and beverage containers (December 2022).

Federal Assistant Minister for Waste Reduction and Environmental Management Trevor Evans also encouraged Australians to sign up ahead of CVA’s #SeaToSource National Day of Action on Saturday (April 23 2022), saying small plastics and litter being washed out to sea were particularly threatening marine habitats, and the wildlife and humans relying on them for food.

Assistant Minister Evans said marine waste collected was being collated locally and mapped nationally through CVA’s current partnership with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO).

“Prior to the floods, the CSIRO found marine litter was around 75% plastic, with 99% of sea birds ingesting plastic by 2050, while others predict ocean plastic outweighing fish by 2050,” Mr Evans said.

“That’s why the Morrison Government committed $5 million in partnership with Conservation Volunteers Australia to tackle marine plastic head on.

“Our partnership with CVA has seen over 250,000 pieces of plastic and litter already removed the past two years. To put that in context, the CSIRO found it takes as few as 14 pieces of plastic to kill a sea turtle.

“Now think how many wheelie bins and other household plastic and waste washed out into our waterways from the floods and it’s important we act now to minimise the damage. The same goes for the wildlife displaced and habitats damaged by the floods.”

Mr Harrison said a flood of ongoing volunteers was also needed to help blitz recover and repair waterways – and the wildlife habitats relying on them – from Brisbane down to Sydney following the recent rain deluge.

“Over 12,000 Australians signed up to help nature recover post the 2019-20 Black Summer Bushfires and we would love to see a similar flood of support.”

Conservation Volunteers Australia’s #SeaToSource program has removed over 250,000 pieces of plastic from riverbanks, bays, and beaches since 2020 thanks to about 3000 volunteers turning out, while CVA’s national nature recovery and resilience portal saw 12,000+ Australians sign up following the 2019-20 Black Summer Bushfires. Both are partnerships with the Federal Government for $5m and $2.5m respectively.

SeaToSource targets eight major river catchments across Australia, including the Parramatta and Georges (NSW), Brisbane (QLD), Werribee (VIC), Torrens (SA), Swan (WA), Derwent and Tamar (TAS).

CVA’s volunteer portal takes registrations from the public and matches them with CVA projects, councils and other local environment and wildlife groups requiring assistance with nature recovery and resilience efforts.

CVA National Day of Action Events (Saturday April 23 2022)

Date
Capital City
Time
Location

April 23 2022
Sydney
10am (morning)

1pm (afternoon)
Cook Park, Ramsgate Beach

April 23 2022
Melbourne
10am
St Kilda Marina Reserve

April 23 2022
Adelaide
10am
Ozone Beach, Henley Reserve

April 23 2022
Perth
8:30am
Leighton Beach

April 23 2022
Brisbane
8:30am

10:45am (workshop)
Wynnum Foreshore

April 23 2022
Hobart
9am
Bellerive Beach

Registration (conservationvolunteers.com.au)

Top 10 litter items identified in 8 of the nation’s largest waterway catchments flowing out into the Great South Reef by Conservation Volunteers Australia crews since September 2020 up to the recent floods.

Categories
Total
%

1.
POLYSTYRENE (D4)
35,028
14%

2.
UNKNOWN/OTHER HARD (H10)
32,145
13%

3.
UNKNOWN/OTHER SOFT (S6)
29,405
12%

4.
FOOD WRAPPER/LABEL (S2)
24,651
10%

5.
CIGARETTE/BUTT (P1)
17,069
7%

6.
BOTTLE CAP/LID (H4)
12,536
5%

7.
PAPER/CARDBOARD (P2)
9,341
4%

8.
UNKNOWN/OTHER GLASS (G4)
6,985
3%

9.
UTENSIL/PLATE/BOWL (H6)
5,352
2%

10.
THIN FILM CARRY BAG (S1)
4,253
2%

Total
ALL PLASTIC & LITTER PIECES
251,474
100%

The Greens say they would fast track a future Labor government’s ICAC bill through the Senate provided it was able to hold public hearings, act on anonymous tip-offs and investigate historical matters, including the shady dealings of the current Coalition front bench.

Greens deputy leader and spokesperson on democracy Senator Larissa Waters said:

“The Greens have been pushing for a national corruption watchdog for 13 years, so we welcome that Labor have said they would prioritise this in the next term of government. 

“My National Integrity Commission bill passed the Senate in 2019, and would establish a strong, independent body that could hold public hearings, act on anonymous tip-offs and has retrospective powers.

“Labor voted for that strong model and the Greens would be looking for those features in any future bill for an ICAC. Only the Coalition in the Senate opposed my bill, then refused to bring it on for debate and vote in the House because they were scared my strong model would work to clean up politics.

“If a future Labor government brings legislation for a strong and effective ICAC to parliament the Greens will work with them to fast track it through the Senate.

“Or they could just bring my bill on for a vote in the first week back of parliament and we could have an effective corruption watchdog pronto, like the Australian people want.

“The Greens model has been independently assessed as the gold standard, but we know the Australian people are crying out for accountability and integrity in politics, and we will fast track any legislation that delivers that.”

Labor will support Melanoma Institute Australia to deliver their melanoma nurses program across every State and Territory. 

This national melanoma nurse support network will make sure more Australians with melanoma get the dedicated and specialised care they need. 

Over 16,000 people are diagnosed with melanoma every year.  

According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, Australia has the highest rate of melanoma in the world, adjusted for age. Melanoma kills one Australian every six hours. 

Melanoma nurses are based on similar successful models used in breast cancer and prostate cancer care. Melanoma nurses provide a personalised support service which helps patients navigate the health system, access available services and make decisions regarding their health.  

Melanoma nurses have the specialist knowledge, training and experience to make sure people have continuity of care – and someone to talk to who knows exactly what’s going on. 

Melanoma Institute Australia has successful melanoma nurse programs in Sydney, Wagga Wagga, Perth and Hobart. Labor will support this program to go national – benefiting every state and territory.  

Importantly, telehealth support will also be available to make sure no one misses out based on where they live. 

Labor will provide $14.8 million over the forward estimates as a grant to Melanoma Institute Australia so this trusted organisation can deliver more melanoma nurses in every state and territory.   

Anthony Albanese said: 

“Unfortunately melanoma is a common disease in Australia. These Australians deserve personalised support, helping them navigate the web of medical practitioners which can often be overwhelming for those who are newly diagnosed. We’ll make sure people with melanoma get the care they need, in what can be a very difficult time.” 

Mark Butler said: 

“This is just another example of Labor’s dedication to improving the health of Australians – no matter who you are or where you live in the country, Labor will make sure you get the care you need. Everyone needs to remember to slip, slop, slap – but the reality is melanoma is too common in Australia. Only Labor will fund personalised care for sufferers, ensuring they feel properly supported.” 

Jim Chalmers said: 

“Like many Australians, I’ve had first-hand experience of the effect of the harsh Queensland sun. I know what it’s like to be diagnosed with melanoma, but I was one of the lucky ones. I can tell you the kind of personalised care melanoma nurses would deliver to sufferers will be of great benefit – I’m proud that Labor will be extending this service nationwide, including on the ground in Cairns and Townsville.”   

CEO of Melanoma Institute Australia, Matthew Browne said: 

“Melanoma Institute Australia welcomes this announcement as it is a critical step towards achieving our goal of zero deaths from melanoma from 2030.This investment will mean we are able to scale up our melanoma nurses program across the county – with 35 extra nurses by early 2025. This will build on our successful melanoma nurse program in Sydney, Wagga Wagga and Perth.”  

CEO of the Melanoma Patients Association, Victoria Beedle said: 

“The number of melanoma survivors is set to explode over the next eight years, increasing by 83 per cent to 348,000 Australians. Each person deserves the right nursing and supportive care. Melanoma Patients Australia warmly welcomes this proposed investment in face-to-face and telehealth melanoma nursing services to improve the outcomes for melanoma patients and their families across Australia.” 

Labor will legislate a National Anti-Corruption Commission by the end of 2022. 

If elected, a National Anti-Corruption Commission will be the first priority of the Attorney-General in an Albanese Labor Government. 

Australians have waited more than 1,200 days for Mr Morrison to introduce the Anti-Corruption Commission he first promised in December 2018. 

That’s 1,200 days of rorts, waste and jobs for mates.

Time’s up.

After more than three years of delay, this week Mr Morrison completely abandoned any pretence that he ever intends to introduce a National Anti-Corruption Commission. 

The need for an Anti-Corruption Commission could not be clearer after a decade of this tired, old, rort-filled government.

The Liberal Government has treated taxpayers’ money like it’s Liberal Party money and it’s well past time for that to end. 

It could not be clearer: the only way to get a National Anti-Corruption Commission is to elect an Albanese Labor Government. 

The establishment of a National Anti-Corruption Commission was one of the first major policy commitments after Anthony Albanese became the Leader of the Labor Party. And today, we are announcing that it will be one of the first priorities of an Albanese Labor Government.

Anthony Albanese said:

“I am proud to announce that a National Anti-Corruption Commission would be one of the first priorities of a government I lead. Mr Morrison has delayed and obfuscated for over three years – and then this week it became clear he has absolutely no intention of honouring his promise to deliver a National Anti-Corruption Commission at all. So the question for Mr Morrison is – why do you fear an Anti-Corruption Commission? What is it you’re afraid they will find?”

Mark Dreyfus said:

“Only an Albanese Labor Government can be trusted to deliver a National Anti-Corruption Commission, and we will legislate by the end of this year. Australians have seen right through Mr Morrison – they know he has no intention of cleaning up his rotten government and no interest in integrity whatsoever. We will restore trust and transparency to government – and Labor honours our promises.” 

An Albanese Labor Government will provide $12 million to help deliver better aged care services for the Maronite community by investing in Our Lady of Lebanon and supporting the Lebanese Maronite Order of Australia. 

Australians from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds face additional barriers accessing aged care, especially services that meet their cultural, linguistic and religious needs.

Labor’s commitment will make a real difference to the lives of Maronite seniors, making aged care feel less like a facility and more like a village. It will mean they can pray in the Cathedral, share a Lebanese coffee at the café, and chat in Arabic to families in the park as they collect children from the Childcare Centre and the College. 

This investment will contribute to the Aged Care Master Plan at Our Lady of Lebanon in Harris Park and invest in the Lebanese Maronite Order of Australia to upgrade its IT and Nurse Call systems.  

An Albanese Labor Government will also join forces with the Maggie Beer Foundation and alliance partners to improve food in aged care – because residents should get the healthy and high-quality meals they need and deserve which respects cultural and religious requirements.

Labor will make sure older culturally and linguistically diverse Australians have access to the high quality, culturally sensitive support they need and deserve.