Tag: Australian government

Albanese Heads to Europe for Talks on Ukraine, Economy

As Ukrainians mark 500 days of fending off the Russian invasion, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is preparing for security talks in Europe. The prime minister will start his visit in the German capital Berlin, where he will meet with Chancellor Olaf Scholz on July 10. The leaders are expected to discuss the Ukraine war…


Australia Cancels Russian Embassy’s Lease Near Parliament House

The Australian government is introducing legislation to terminate a new diplomatic lease for the Russian embassy near Parliament House in Canberra on national security grounds. Announcing the decision at a press conference in Canberra on June 15, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the government had received “very clear” security advice about the risks posed by…


Over 40 Australian Government Agencies Feared to Be Victims of Russian Cyber Attack

At least 40 Australian government agencies that hold sensitive information are feared to have become victims of the Russian cybercriminal group AlphV. Departments such as Home Affairs, the Australian Taxation Office, Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC), the Defence Department, and the Australian Federal Police have been impacted by the database hacking of HWL…


Albanese Visits Vietnam Amid Frustration Over China

The impact on Australia and Vietnam of China’s approach to the South China Sea and disputed islands is expected to feature in diplomatic talks over the weekend. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will make his first visit to Vietnam as leader on June 3, amid concern in Hanoi over Chinese ships operating in its exclusive economic…


Australian State to Pay out $450,000 to Sacked Department Heads

New South Wales (NSW) taxpayers will foot more than $1.3 million (US$0.87 million) in redundancy bills paid to three sacked senior executives after Premier Chris Minns swung the axe through the public service. The most senior officials in Treasury, Education and Transport will each receive about $450,000 (US$302,000) in payouts after the newly elected government showed…


Government Tells Wages Umpire Low-Paid Must Not Go Backwards

Australia’s lowest-paid workers have the Albanese government’s backing for a wage boost that will stop rising living costs from eating into their pay packets. The government is expected to flesh out its case for the lowest-paid workers in a submission to the industrial umpire’s yearly update to the minimum wage on Friday. Few are arguing…


‘Shocking and Scary’: Woman Who Fell Victim to Robodebt Scheme Revisits Experience

The woman who was slapped with an unlawful $2,500 Centrelink debt notice by the Australian government’s automated debt system known as Robodebt has come forward with her experience. Deanna Amato challenged the debt in court in June 2019. It was later revealed that the debt program identified welfare recipients as having debts based on income…


Australian New National Cultural Policy Will Not Include Major Art Institutions

The Australian government will launch a new National Cultural Policy to bring direction and vision to the arts, entertainment and cultural sectors after the arts and creative sector suffered heavily from the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns. The federal government will release the policy in Melbourne on Jan. 30 after months of consultations and will build on…


Dating Apps Operators to Meet With Government Amid Push for Online Safety

Representatives of dating apps will meet with the Australian federal government to discuss security measures and areas for potential law reform amid reports about high rates of assaults on the platforms. It comes as the government ramped up its online safety laws which will allow the eSafety Commission to regulate illegal and restricted content no matter…


The Role of the ‘Crown’ in Australia’s Political Landscape

Commentary The Australian Federation was created under “the Crown of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland,” as stated in the preamble to the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act 1900 (UK). The word Crown originally meant the monarch in their official governing capacity. In the nations retaining a monarchical figurehead, the term is now…