May 2024 – Page 8

Labor’s Budget botches HECS debt relief for three million Australians

The Albanese Government has botched its Budget commitment to cut student debt for three million Australians with the ATO confirming HELP loans will rise by 4.7 per cent from 1 June 2024, rather than the 4 per cent increase Labor promised.

Shadow Minister for Education, Sarah Henderson, said Labor’s go-slow on student debt reform means there is no certainty as to when Labor’s HELP indexation changes will be implemented.

With no legislation in sight to enact Labor’s changes, there is also no certainty as to when last year’s crippling indexation rate of 7.1 per cent will be backdated to 3.2 per cent, as Labor promised.

On 5 May 2024, Education Minister Jason Clare announced “..in response to the Australian Universities Accord, the Government will cap the HELP indexation rate to be the lower of either the Consumer Price Index (CPI) or the Wage Price Index (WPI) with effect from 1 June 2023.”

Labor said it would “..cut the student debt of more than three million Australians in this month’s Budget.”

However, just two days later on 7 May 2024, the ATO confirmed student loans will be indexed at the higher rate of 4.7 per cent from 1 June 2024, making a mockery of Labor’s announcement.

“In the face of Labor’s high inflation which is fuelling escalating student debt, Jason Clare’s failure to act with urgency means there is no relief in sight for three million Australians with a HELP loan,” Senator Henderson said.

“Why has the minister failed to bring forward legislation in time to enact these changes to HELP indexation? When will the promised reductions in student debt be delivered?

“Under Labor, prior to these changes, student debt had increased by nearly 16 per cent or an extra $4,000 on the average loan of $26,500.

“This is straight incompetence from Jason Clare who has been sitting on the recommended changes to HELP indexation since last December,” Senator Henderson said.

Labor’s education Budget is also bad news for regional Australia with the axing of the $224 million Destination Australia program to support university students study in the regions.

“This savage funding cut is another betrayal of regional Australia and young Australians seeking to study and work in the regions,” Senator Henderson said.

The proposed Australian Tertiary Education Commission, due to start on 1 January 2025, has not been funded along with other University Accord promises that will cost many billions of dollars. Labor’s commitment to overturn the Job-Ready Graduates program has also received no funding, which suggests low-cost nursing, teaching and maths degrees may rise.

The government needs to explain why higher education providers will be required to direct a minimum of 40 per cent of their Student Services and Amenities Fee revenue to student led organisations such as student unions.

In breach of its election commitment, Labor has delivered only a school funding war by failing to provide “fair and full funding” for public schools in the Budget. With the next National School Reform Agreement in limbo, Senator Henderson says Jason Clare has all the wrong priorities.

“With one in three students failing NAPLAN, it is critical the government delivers the reforms required to raise academic standards so that every child can reach his or her best potential. This requires an unwavering commitment to evidence-based teaching methods, not billions of dollars,” Senator Henderson said.

Volunteers celebrated for dedicated service to the city

City of Newcastle has recognised the dedication of more than 250 volunteers who contributed over 6000 hours of their time to the community during the past year.

Their efforts were acknowledged during a special morning tea attended by City of Newcastle volunteers at City Hall today to mark National Volunteer Week, which runs from 20-26 May and is Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteering.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and Cr Elizabeth Adamczyk celebrate National Volunteer Week with some of City of Newcastle’s dedicated volunteers during a morning tea at City Hall.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said City of Newcastle was fortunate to have so many selfless volunteers who contribute to strengthening the community.

“Today is about thanking, recognising and acknowledging the amazing work our volunteers do across Newcastle,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Each of them positively contribute to our community by helping out at facilities, events or with special programs and initiatives. This year the theme for National Volunteer Week is ‘something for everyone’, and this certainly rings true in Newcastle.

“Volunteers from all walks of life lend their time, skills, and passion to City of Newcastle facilities and projects including at Landcare sites, Libraries, the Museum, Gallery, Civic Playhouse and at major events.

“There really is something for everyone when it comes to volunteering with City of Newcastle and we continue to be grateful for their ongoing support and dedication.”

Among those who attended the morning tea was Robert Clifton, a retiree and keen bushwalker who has been volunteering with Landcare for 14 years as part of the Obelisk Hill – Arcadia Park group.

Landcare volunteers are the largest single group of volunteers at City of Newcastle. Over the last 12 months they have contributed over 4000 hours of service and planted in excess of 10,000 native plants.

“I have always been passionate about the environment so when my walking group decided to give back to the community by caring for the land around Newcastle’s Obelisk I wanted to help,” Mr Clifton said.

“We did a lot of weeding and planting, and it felt good to be part of something that has improved an iconic outdoor space in Newcastle.”

Mr Clifton says that in addition to helping renew picturesque spots in Newcastle, volunteering has had many other personal benefits.

“Our core group of 25 people now meet most Fridays and work for around three hours before stopping for morning tea. It is good exercise in the fresh air and a great way to meet new people. We all started out as strangers and have since become friends,” Mr Clifton said.

Expressions of interest for new volunteering opportunities can be registered through City of Newcastle’s website.

NSW Government secures two-year extension to Eraring Power Station to manage reliability and price risks

The NSW Government has secured an agreement with Origin Energy to operate the Eraring Power Station until August 2027.

This will manage an orderly exit from coal-fired power to ensure the lights stay on for homes, businesses and industry while NSW delivers the transition to low-cost, reliable renewable energy.

This temporary and targeted agreement seeks to guarantee a minimum supply of electricity until the new expected closure date of August 2027.

The latest analysis from the Australian Energy Market Operator confirms without Eraring NSW would face energy reliability risks from 2025.

A temporary extension of Eraring will provide time to deliver the renewable energy, storage and network infrastructure projects required to replace the power station.

The state will not make upfront payments to Origin Energy to operate Eraring. Instead, the Government and Origin have agreed to an underwriting arrangement that requires the company to:

Decide by 31 March in 2025 and 2026 whether it wishes to opt in to the underwriting arrangement for the following financial year.
Share up to $40 million per year of any profits it earns from Eraring, if it does opt in.
Claim no more than 80% of losses Eraring makes from its operations from the NSW Government, capped at $225 million each year, if it does opt in.
Report the profits or losses it makes from Eraring in its annual report for each year, if it does opt in.

Under the agreement, Origin must also:

Ensure Eraring endeavours to generate at least 6 terawatt hours each year, the equivalent to the typical annual output of two of Eraring’s four generating units and enough to resolve the forecast reliability gap.
Substantially maintain Eraring’s existing workforce of around 220 people, commit to a maintenance plan and adhere to its licence conditions, which includes environmental protections.

Origin has given notice it now expects to close Eraring on 19 August 2027. The permanent closure will be managed by Origin in line with its obligations under the National Energy Market and must occur before April 2029. This ensures Eraring’s closure will contribute to NSW meeting its legislated 2030 emissions reduction target.

NSW is already about halfway towards meeting the state’s 2030 renewable generation target.

The Government is speeding up the delivery of new renewables to reach our net zero target by delivering new generation and storage capacity.

The agreement will be tabled in Parliament in the next sitting week to ensure transparency.

A detailed summary of the Eraring agreement is available.

Premier Chris Minns:

“I said before the election if extending Eraring is required to keep the lights on in NSW, we’d do it.

“Today’s decision delivers certainty for households and businesses.

“The people of NSW now have certainty that the NSW Government has a plan to ensure we have reliable energy while we transition the workforce and the economy to net zero.

“The best way to undermine the renewable energy transition is to have the lights go out in 2025. I’m not letting that happen.”

Minister for Climate Change, Energy and the Environment Penny Sharpe:

“NSW is stepping up the transition to cheap, clean, reliable renewable energy. But to keep the lights on and prices down, we need to make sure new renewable infrastructure and storage capacity is online before coal-fired generators reach the end of their life.

“This temporary and targeted agreement will provide financial support only if it’s needed, and only for as long as needed, during an orderly exit of coal-fired power.

“This is a proactive and sensible step to ensure a plan is in place, if needed, to avoid electricity outages and rising power prices.

“The NSW Labor Government remains entirely committed to the transition to renewable energy and our emissions reduction targets. A net zero future holds immense opportunities for our state’s economy and our environment.”

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey:

“This agreement gets the balance right. It means the clean energy transition can continue without exposing families and businesses to extreme bill shocks during a severe cost-of-living crisis.

“Taxpayers are well-protected. We won’t be handing over a $3 billion cheque to Origin as some said we would. Instead, this agreement incentivises Origin to only use the underwrite if there is a sudden change in market conditions.

“Had Eraring remained in public ownership, an agreement like this would not have been necessary.

“But the previous government’s decision to privatise the Eraring power station means entering into agreements like this in order to make sure the lights stay on as we speed up the clean energy transition.

“It’s more proof that privatisation doesn’t work.”

Broadway-style lyric theatre coming to Parramatta Riverside

Residents of Western Sydney are set to enjoy a 1,500 capacity Broadway-style lyric theatre, with the designs for the Riverside Theatre Redevelopment released today.

Delivering on an election commitment to transform the Riverside Theatres at Parramatta into a state-of-the-art cultural precinct, the NSW Government is contributing $40 million from Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants program.

The redevelopment will more than double the current capacity of the Theatres with a new 1500 Broadway-style lyric theatre; a newly refurbished 760-seat Riverside playhouse theatre; and new 424-seat black-box drama theatre.

Following an international design competition COX Architecture with 3XN Architects, Aileen Sage, Turf Design Studio, and Bangawarra was assessed by the Design Excellence Competition Selection Panel as having an innovative, imaginative, and creative design that best reflects the vision for the transformation of Parramatta’s Riverside Theatres.

The redevelopment of the Riverside Theatres will include:

a new 1500 Broadway-style lyric theatre
a newly refurbished 760 seat Riverside playhouse theatre
a new 424 seat black-box drama theatre
a new 88 seat digital studio and cinema
two fully flexible production rehearsal spaces
a refurbished back of house, technical and performer spaces
state-of-the-art technical specifications for all venues
a new Riverfront Café
corporate function spaces, and
enhanced public spaces

The Riverside Theatres project will include significant improvement and reworking of the surrounding public domain, improving the interface with both the river and Prince Alfred Square. The building and landscaping itself will be designed to be more pedestrian friendly and connect the river to the park.

The design is committed to sustainability and targets a 5-Star Green Star rating. The design will reuse existing materials to minimise environmental impact and remediate and restore thriving biodiverse natural ecosystems to the Parramatta riverbank.

The $188 million project is jointly funded with $40 million from the NSW Government’s Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants Program, and the City of Parramatta Council contributing $148 million. The redevelopment is one of 191 transformational projects being funded under the $2 billion Program.

Construction for the Riverside Theatres Redevelopment Project will start in late 2025, with doors to the new multi-million performing arts facility set to open in 2028.

Other cultural and community projects set for delivery in the Parramatta LGA through the Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants Program include the Indigenous Centre of Excellence ($78 million), Carter Street Precinct Community Centre ($6 million) and the Don Moore Multi-Purpose Community Hub ($20 million). More than $270 million will be spent in the Parramatta Local Government Area on 23 transformational projects as part of the Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants Program.

Visit Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants Program for further information.

Minister for the Arts John Graham said:

“Riverside Theatres has a rich and important history in Western Sydney. The redeveloped theatres will open across the river from the Powerhouse Parramatta, two significant landmarks that will transform and reimagine Parramatta’s cultural precinct.

“The redevelopment will ensure people across Western Sydney have a new and reimagined performing arts centre that will allow the arts community and audiences to enjoy more performances on a far bigger stage.

“This was a key election commitment and is essential for Western Sydney’s cultural potential and economic prosperity.

“I’m also excited about the flow-on benefits for the nighttime and visitor economies, particularly with the opening of the Western Sydney Airport.

“The Riverside Theatres redevelopment stands as a testament to this commitment, offering a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to the arts, for generations of artists and audiences to come.”

Member for Parramatta Donna Davis said:

“Parramatta is at the geographical heart of Sydney, and the Riverside Theatres have long played a key role in the cultural fabric of Parramatta.

“The redevelopment will ensure that the people of Parramatta and Western Sydney can enjoy world-class performances, with several large-scale multipurpose production spaces.

“The redeveloped Riverside Theatres, with rehearsal and performance spaces, provides boundless possibilities for our creatives along with an opportunity for people to enjoy premium performances in a world-class performing arts centre.”

City of Parramatta Lord Mayor, Cr Pierre Esber said:

“The reimagined Riverside Theatres will attract talent to Parramatta as we become an epicentre for creativity with our deep roots in arts and culture alongside the new Powerhouse Parramatta.

“Our community will soon have access to a state-of-the-art facility that will attract major Australian works and the best of Broadway and the West End shows to Parramatta for the first time.

“It also offers more opportunities for local and international talent to amplify their stories in a soon to be brand new modern theatre.

“We are committed to providing a thriving cultural precinct in Parramatta and this new design for Riverside brings us one step closer to our end goal.”

More than 55,000 visits to Urgent Care Services

Patients across NSW have benefited from more than 55,000 visits to Urgent Care Services since the NSW Government rollout began in mid-2023, easing pressure on busy public hospital emergency departments.

To 30 April, 2024, patients visited GP-led Urgent Care Services on 10,628 occasions while Local Health District-led urgent care services, such as geriatric outreach services and virtualKIDS, were visited on 44,555 occasions.

The NSW Government has delivered 16 Urgent Care Services since July 2023, bridging the gap between primary and emergency care, ensuring that patients have fast access to the urgent care they need without having to turn to a busy emergency department.

The results come as Minister for Health Ryan Park will today officially open the Gregory Hills Urgent Care Service and said it is making a significant contribution to the local community, with 580 visits since the service commenced on 6 February 2024.

The Gregory Hills UCS makes a total of three urgent care services funded by the NSW Government in the south western Sydney region; the Campbelltown Medicare Urgent Care Clinic co-funded by the NSW and Australian Governments takes this total to four.

Gregory Hills UCS is open seven days a week from 8am to 8pm and is equipped and staffed to treat a range of illnesses and injuries that are not life-threatening.

To access the service, patients should call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222. A registered nurse will assess the patient’s condition and guide them to the care they need. This could include booking an appointment at the service on the patient’s behalf, referring them to another service such as virtualKIDS, or, where required, escalating their care to NSW Ambulance or advising the patient to attend an Emergency Department.

Patients needing language support can call TIS National on 131 450 and ask for Healthdirect.

The Gregory Hills Urgent Care Service has been delivered in partnership with South Western Sydney Primary Health Network (SWSPHN).

NSW Health has partnered with Primary Health Networks to deliver additional Urgent Care Services right across the state, in an effort to ease pressure on busy hospital EDs and ensure the people of NSW receive the most appropriate care.

The NSW Government has committed $124 million over two years to deliver 25 Urgent Care Services in NSW by mid-2025. It is also supported by funding from the Commonwealth Government.

Health Minister Ryan Park said:

“Urgent Care Services like this one in Gregory Hills is an example of how the NSW Government is embracing new and innovative ways to relieve pressure on our emergency departments by diverting tens of thousands of unnecessary presentations.

“We don’t want to see people and their loved ones waiting around emergency departments for lengthy periods of time – it’s not good for them, our staff, or other patients.

“Having access to services like these within our communities means more patients can receive care for their urgent health issues in a community setting, without a stressful trip to hospital.”

Member for Camden Sally Quinnell said:

“Care at the Gregory Hills Urgent Care Service is provided by general practitioners and nurses and is free for Medicare card holders and community-based asylum seekers.

“This service has been an important addition to the community as it’s working to ease pressure on our local emergency departments, which are among the busiest in the state.”

Member for Leppington Nathan Hagarty said:

“I’m so pleased hundreds of patients have already been able to access more appropriate, timely care as a result of this new Urgent Care Service.

“This service is about increasing access to healthcare, meaning families are able to get advice and treatment, all without having to step foot in a busy public hospital ED.”

SWSPHN Chief Executive Officer, Dr Keith McDonald said:

“If your GP is closed or you can’t get an appointment, and your condition cannot wait until you can see your regular GP, you can call Healthdirect for advice on accessing appropriate care.

“Urgent Care Services can treat minor illnesses like gastrointestinal illness or urinary tract infections; minor injuries like closed fractures or simple lacerations; and procedures like suturing, drainage of abscesses and basic fracture management.”

Recognising regional, rural and remote women for volunteer work

Women in regional, rural and remote areas are being publicly recognised on the Hidden Treasures Honour Roll for the important volunteer work they do in their local communities.

The NSW Government is focused on delivering a range of targeted initiatives aimed at supporting and promoting volunteering to enrich the lives of volunteers, strengthen local communities and benefit NSW.

Hidden Treasures is a NSW Government initiative created to recognise and elevate the invaluable volunteer efforts of women across regional, rural and remote NSW communities.

91 women will be recognised at the ‘Thank you NSW Volunteers’ event in Wagga Wagga today, hosted by the NSW Rural Women’s Network. The event is being held as part of National Volunteer Week 20 to 26 May to celebrate the important role that volunteers play in building vibrant communities across NSW.

Coordinated by the NSW Rural Women’s Network, the Hidden Treasures Honour Roll calls for nominations throughout the year from individuals and groups, charity organisations, and local members of parliament.

More than 1200 women have been commended on the Honour Roll since 2010.

Nominations for the 2024 Honour Roll are now open. To nominate a woman as a Hidden Treasure and read the 2023 Hidden Treasures digital booklet, visit the Hidden Treasures Honor Roll page.

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“In regional and rural NSW, women’s dedication to volunteering is remarkable, whether it’s on the frontline with the RFS, on the fields of the local sports team, saving lives with their local surf lifesaving club or providing friendship and support to those in need week in week out.

“These remarkable women see something that needs to be done and they get out and do it.”

“The work of women volunteering and leading volunteers in regional NSW is a key reason why our regional communities thrive and flourish.”

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“In regional, rural and remote towns, we know women can wear many hats and play many important roles in their communities. So the contribution women make through their volunteer efforts in their tight-knit communities is truly invaluable.

“The Hidden Treasures program as it is a wonderful way to celebrate and commend women for their selfless dedication and passion in bringing their local community together, for uplifting society and for moving industry.

“By recognising these inspirational women, we want to continue to encourage more local regional, rural and remote women to take their future in their own hands to support and advance their community.”

CEO of the Centre for Volunteering Gemma Rygate said:

“Volunteers are an essential part of every community in NSW, from major cities to regional towns. In 2023, 4.3 million people volunteered, with a social and economic benefit of $178 billion to the state economy. These numbers show the importance of volunteering in NSW and highlight how volunteering helps build stronger, more cohesive communities.

“Recognition and celebration of the work that volunteers do is essential and National Volunteer Week is the perfect time to celebrate volunteering. While volunteers are not paid for their work, we know that volunteering is not free and is in fact becoming increasingly costly. The vital work of volunteers in NSW deserves celebration and support from all of community.”

NSW Regional Woman of the Year Teresa Mitchell said:

“Women bring compassion to everything they do. We see the gaps and we have the courage to stand up and make a difference.

“Regardless of where a woman volunteering lives, you can be guaranteed that she is adding value by sharing her skills, time and energy. I have the greatest respect for the women out there making a difference in their communities, and there are many of them.”

Libs: Households and Businesses of NSW foot the bill for Labor’s energy failure

The NSW Opposition wants reliable and affordable energy for households and businesses across our state.

Today’s ‘deal’ does not guarantee energy reliability or more affordable electricity for households and businesses.

The need now to extend the Eraring coal power station is due to Labor’s neglect and mismanagement of the Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap, which will cost the NSW taxpayer up to $450 million over the coming years and doesn’t even guarantee a solution to forecasted reliability risks.

The Minns Labor Government has created uncertainty for would-be investors in new capacity and now the people of NSW face more expensive and less reliable energy.

Over a year ago the Minns Labor Government called for a review of the Roadmap and they have been plagued by inaction ever since. They haven’t finalised planning guidelines and, as a result, the energy industry and consumers have been left in limbo.

An update from the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) earlier this week highlighted the risks to reliability from Labor’s failed approach to energy, including delays in delivering transmission infrastructure and battery storage projects such as the Orana battery and the Waratah Super Battery.

Responsibility sits with Premier Chris Minns and he should apologise for his Government’s mismanagement.

No mention was made of the costs of energy being driven up by privitisation by liberal governments.

New battery strategy to make more batteries here

The Albanese Government has today released the nation’s first National Battery Strategy, supporting a Future Made in Australia and shoring up our economic resilience and security.

The global demand for batteries is set to quadruple by 2030 as the world transitions to net zero, and our Strategy maps a path for Australia to take advantage of this growth to build a thriving battery industry.

It identifies four high-value strategic opportunities:

Stationary storage – building Energy Storage Systems to firm renewable power generation in the national grid and for communities, businesses and homes.
Provide battery active materials to the world by upgrading raw minerals into processed battery components to strengthen battery supply chains.
Leveraging our world-leading know-how to build safer and more secure batteries connected to the grid.
Building batteries for our transport manufacturing industry, including heavy vehicle manufacturing.

Funding for the Strategy was included in last week’s Budget:

$523.2 million for the Battery Breakthrough Initiative, administered by ARENA, to promote the development of battery manufacturing capabilities through production incentives targeted at the highest value opportunities in the supply chain.
$20.3 million for Building Future Battery Capabilities to incentivise cutting edge battery research, including support for:
- Future Battery Industries Cooperative Research Centre to map Australian battery capability and value chains, drive battery innovation and scale-up and deliver best practice guidelines and standards for the battery industry.
- Powering Australia Industry Growth Centre to develop workforce skills and training.

The Budget also includes $1.7 billion for a new Future Made in Australia Innovation Fund, administered by ARENA, to accelerate deployment of innovative technologies and facilities through support for innovation, commercialisation, pilot and demonstration projects in priority sectors including clean energy manufacturing such as batteries.

The Strategy is designed to harness our world leading-expertise in battery technology, lean into our natural advantage with critical minerals and support a Future Made in Australia.

It shows how Australia can help diversify global battery supply chains by working collaboratively with key trading partners – to help shore up our economic resilience in our national interest.

It also outlines a joined-up approach for industry and government to work together to supercharge our battery manufacturing and help make Australia a renewable energy superpower.

It builds on a range of existing Government initiatives to help Australian businesses grow and compete, including the Industry Growth Program, Solar Sunshot, the National Reconstruction Fund and the Critical Minerals Facility.

More information on the National Battery Strategy is available here: National Battery Strategy

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“We want to make more things here and with global demand for batteries set to quadruple by 2030, Australia must be a player in this field.

“Batteries are a critical ingredient in Australia’s clean energy mix. Together with renewable energy, green hydrogen, and critical minerals, we will meet Australia’s emission reduction targets and create a strong clean energy manufacturing industry.”

Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic:

“Australia is a pioneer of battery tech, yet for too long we’ve sent our ideas offshore and lost the good jobs they create.

“A strong battery industry can supercharge our path to net zero and create a Future Made in Australia.

“Australia is moving beyond a ‘dig and ship’ economy to become a renewable energy superpower.

“It’s inexcusable that we supply half the global supply of lithium but produce less than one percent of the world’s processed battery components.

“The global clean energy transition is happening – and we’ve got a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Australia to create more well-paid, secure jobs.”

Bangladesh-Australia Ministerial Dialogue, Dhaka

Bangladesh’s Hon’ble Foreign Minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud, MP and Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Senator the Hon Penny Wong held their first ministerial dialogue on Tuesday, 21 May 2024 in Dhaka.
The Ministers noted the warm bilateral relationship founded on more than fifty years of diplomatic relations and deepening friendship between our peoples. They recognised that high-level visits at the political level can help take the relationship to further new heights.
The Ministers recalled the constructive, positive bilateral discussions held at the Indian Ocean Conference in Perth in February 2024, following those during the Indian Ocean Conference in Dhaka in 2023. They noted ongoing collaboration and cooperation in regional and multilateral fora, including the Indian Ocean Rim Association and at the United Nations.
The Ministers appreciated the growing strategic depth and dimensions of the bilateral relations. They noted the commonalities between Bangladesh’s Indo-Pacific Outlook, the Indian Ocean Rim Association’s Indo-Pacific Outlook and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo- Pacific. They reaffirmed their shared vision and desire to work towards a region that is peaceful, stable, prosperous, inclusive and free from intimidation, interference and coercion.
The Ministers acknowledged the importance of building regional health security, promoting demographic resilience, enhancing multi-modal connectivity, and strengthening clean energy supply chains. The Ministers agreed on the importance of promoting open channels of communication and confidence-building measures to reduce the risk of conflict in the region.
The Ministers reaffirmed their support for sovereignty and territorial integrity in the Indo- Pacific, democratic values, human rights, freedom of navigation and overflight, and the peaceful resolution of disputes. Australia and Bangladesh are committed to working together to find practical solutions to shared contemporary challenges, including maritime security threats, climate change, cybercrimes and countering trafficking in persons.
The Ministers discussed developments in the Indo-Pacific and Middle East. The Ministers reiterated their shared concern about the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, which has been exacerbated following the 7 October attacks, calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and reaffirming support for a two-state solution.
The Ministers also expressed serious concern over the ongoing war in Ukraine and its repercussions around the world. They reiterated the call for a peace process through dialogue and diplomacy with respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders and in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter.
The Ministers expressed their deep concern at the deteriorating conflict situation in Myanmar and its effect on regional security and stability, calling for scaling up of efforts by ASEAN and other key regional actors.
The Ministers affirmed their intention to enhance cooperation on deepening two-way trade and economic ties as Bangladesh progresses towards graduation from UN LDC status, with Australia committing to maintain tariff-free, quota-free access to its market to support Bangladesh’s smooth transition. The Bangladesh Minister provided assurances that necessary support would be given to Australian investors, including in thrust sectors like agro-processing, ICT and logistics.
The Ministers noted Australia’s ongoing funding for multilateral development banks to support Bangladesh’s efforts to address its priority structural reforms that would bolster development and economic growth. The Ministers stressed the need for strengthening the international financial architecture.
Noting the importance of enhanced connectivity to increase regional economic integration and growth, the Ministers discussed Australian technical support in partnership with the World Bank and International Finance Corporation to connectivity measures via the South Asia Regional Infrastructure Connectivity programme. The Ministers agreed to work further on bilateral air connectivity and cable connectivity resilience.
The Ministers acknowledged the importance of skills development and training to foster inclusive economic growth, with Australia announcing AUD 3 million in support for delivery of technical and vocational training for Bangladesh’s youth. The Bangladesh Minister expressed interest in enhancing cooperation with Australia in the fields of research and innovation. The Ministers affirmed Australia’s long-standing commitment to building capacity in Bangladesh, with over 3,000 Bangladeshis having completed studies under the Australia Awards Scholarships and Fellowship Programme since 1982. Working with the UNDP, Australia has provided technical assistance and policy support towards developing a strategy for inclusive social security system.
Australia and Bangladesh reaffirmed the vital importance of gender equality and women’s empowerment in all fields, notably across education, government and parliamentary representation. Australia reaffirmed its support for investments to promote women’s economic empowerment. Recognising gender equality as a shared priority with opportunities for regional leadership, the Ministers agreed to work bilaterally and multilaterally to combat all forms of discrimination and violence against women and girls.
The Ministers agreed on the importance of enhanced cooperation on climate change, including funding of vital climate adaptation and mitigation measures. Australia emphasised its partnership with Bangladesh to support agricultural production and adaptation research, including through the work of the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research. They discussed enhancing cooperation on capacity building for accessing international climate financing. Bangladesh welcomed the forthcoming visit by Australia’s Ambassador for Climate Change, and offered to share some of its locally-led adaptation solutions with the Pacific Island countries, including through trilateral engagement with Australia.
Australia acknowledged the generosity of the Bangladesh government and people in hosting the forcibly displaced Rohingyas from Myanmar, and Bangladesh acknowledged the sustained humanitarian contribution of the Australian Government to support the Rohingyas and host communities in Bangladesh, with both Ministers underlining the importance of working towards the Rohingyas’ safe and dignified repatriation to Myanmar.
The Ministers confirmed their commitment to enhancing maritime and oceans capabilities as a critical means to protecting our marine environment and promoting sovereignty and the rule of law. The Ministers agreed to strengthen cooperation to combat people’s smuggling and transnational crimes across the region, including through prioritising cooperation between their coast guards. Ministers agreed to support regional and international efforts towards combatting transnational organised crimes in the Indo-Pacific through both normative and practical actions.
As founding members of the Bali Process on People Smuggling, Trafficking in Persons and Related Transnational Crime, Australia and Bangladesh expressed concern about the loss of life and exploitation of vulnerable people such as the Rohingyas, including women and children, at the hands of transnational criminal networks. The Australian Minister noted that the Commander of Australia’s Maritime Border Command will visit Bangladesh to further discuss these issues. The Ministers agreed on the importance of safe migration pathways in our region to curb irregular and unsafe migration patterns.
Noting the growth in the Bangladesh diaspora in Australia and the contributions made by our two peoples to deepening the bilateral relationship, the Ministers affirmed the importance of preservation and promotion of arts and culture, and committed to signing a Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Arts and Culture.

Disability Community Rejects Labor’s NDIS Bill

We’re set for round two of disabled people vs. Labor’s changes to the NDIS.

Today, Wednesday 22nd May 2024, the Australian Senate will hold its second public hearing into the proposed National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment Bill 2024.

Day one of hearings saw witnesses condemn the Bill and implore Senators to recommend it not pass in its current form.

The legislation, which proposes the most significant changes to the NDIS since it commenced over a decade ago, was developed behind closed doors with representatives from disability organisations required to sign non-disclosure agreements.

On day one of the inquiry, the committee heard directly from disabled people. Their concerns with the bill, include:

“This [bill] will do nothing in achieving good outcomes, this will do nothing in protecting human rights. This will kill thousands upon thousands upon thousands of people.”
“This bill is the most dangerous piece of legislation since the changes to the DSP and Robodebt”
“This bill enables the NDIA to force me out of my home if I need eight hours of support or more. I will be forced to choose between living with my wife and my vital support needs.”
“[Disability] varies so greatly that you cannot possibly put a black-and-white mechanism, [a] computer algorithm, in place – much less one that is beyond being able to be challenged by a participant.”
“Fundamentally, this bill ceases to be fit for purpose, because it does not understand what it seeks to achieve unless all it seeks to achieve is to save a bunch of money at the cost of very many lives.”

Senator Steele-John, Australian Greens Spokesperson for Disability Rights and Services.

“Day one of the hearings demonstrated that the disability community are seeing right through Labor’s spin. We can see the true intent of this Bill: to cut funding to disabled people and give politicians the power to kick tens of thousands off the scheme with the stroke of a pen.

“To pass this bill as it is now would be the end of the NDIS, and risks thousands upon thousands of disabled people experiencing harm and living a more difficult life.

“This NDIS bill lacks any compassion for what will happen to disabled people who get kicked off the NDIS. It’s going to put extra pressure on families and put the thousands of people employed within the disability sector in uncertainty.

“This bill robs disabled people of the power to choose the supports they need to live a good life, and puts that power into the hands of politicians who have no idea what it’s like to be disabled.

“This bill and Labor’s budget cuts threaten to undo all of the progress that disabled people and our families have made because of the NDIS.“