Australia to phase out live sheep export amid opposition from peak farmers body Consultation begins on timeframe as National Farmers’ Federation says ‘wiping out an entire industry is not the answer’ The Guardian - AU · Mar 3, 2023
WA industry to consider 'legal avenues' if federal government's live sheep export ban goes ahead Federal Agriculture Minister Murray Watt says it is up to sheep producers to decide if they want to fight the government through legal avenues, or work with it to put an end to live sheep exports. ABC News · Mar 3, 2023
Aussie live sheep export trade on the chopping block The Labor government is pushing ahead with its election promise to phase out the live sheep export trade by setting up a panel to work out how to proceed. The New Daily · Mar 2, 2023
Sheep exporters 'disgusted' by push to ban live trade Farmers WA says the federal government should review its promise to ban live sheep exports by sea, branding it a "dumb" commitment that will impact 3000 people. AAP · Mar 2, 2023
Former RSPCA boss to advise government on when, how to end $85 million live sheep trade A former animal rights campaigner, retired Labor MP and a Western Australian farmer will advise the federal government about how to shut down the export of live sheep, as farmers appeal the ban. ABC News · Mar 2, 2023
‘Exhausted’ Lismore marks a year since traumatic floods A year on from the worst flood in Australian history, community heroes, survivors and political leaders will join together in Lismore to mark the anniversary. The New Daily · Feb 27, 2023
Could city dwellers be the answer to declining emergency service volunteers in the country? Natural disasters are putting the volunteer workforce under increasing pressure at the same time as volunteer numbers are declining, so how can it be made more sustainable? ABC News · Feb 27, 2023
NSW flood buyback could have happened quicker: senator Emergency Management Minister Murray Watt says a flood buyback scheme for damaged homes in NSW hasn't happened as quickly as hoped. AAP · Feb 26, 2023
Long-awaited flood mitigation projects set to be announced for NSW Northern Rivers The federal government starts spending $50 million on Commonwealth funding on various projects to help protect the region from another deadly flood disaster. ABC News · Feb 22, 2023
Lismore flood victims given first home buyback offer Survivors of last year's deadly Lismore floods have received the first offer for a home buyback, with further deals to ramp up in the coming months. AAP · Feb 21, 2023
Australia sends disaster crew to New Zealand, as death toll from former tropical cyclone rises to nine A 25-strong disaster crew from Australia will be dispatched to New Zealand's north island, as news wires report another death from former tropical cyclone Gabrielle. ABC News · Feb 17, 2023
Australia deploys emergency team to NZ cyclone response Australia hopes to repay New Zealand for its emergency assistance with bushfires and floods by sending an expert response team in the wake of Cyclone Gabrielle. AAP · Feb 16, 2023
‘Rorting’ claims over bushfire grants rejected by NSW premier Federal emergency management minister Murray Watt criticises state cabinet over relief program The Guardian - AU · Feb 14, 2023
Albanese government committed to live sheep exports ban The agriculture minister has reaffirmed the government's commitment to ban live sheep exports, while acknowledging improvement in the industry's mortality rate. AAP · Feb 14, 2023
The Guardian - AU · Feb 13, 2023 Top public servant apologises for ‘significant’ error in Australia’s offshore immigration processing The home affairs department’s lapse meant Nauru was not approved for immigration processing for four months
AAP · Feb 12, 2023 Aussies claim nearly $100m in flood, cyclone aftermath The Commonwealth is reviewing whether disaster funding arrangements are fit for purpose with nearly 70 per cent of Australians in disaster-hit zones.
AAP · Feb 10, 2023 Police notified after government agency review The federal agriculture minister has referred to police serious allegations of misconduct at the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority.
ABC News · Feb 10, 2023 Murray Watt contacts police after misconduct allegations emerge at APVMA, including staff member urinating on colleagues Agriculture Minister Murray Watt, who launched a review after it was alleged a male staff member urinated on his colleagues, says he contacted the authorities after more allegations emerged at the APVMA.
The Canberra Times · Feb 10, 2023 'Private urination incident': Police notified following workplace culture investigation at govt agency A survey found a third of staff wanted to leave their position as soon as possible.
The Guardian - AU · Feb 8, 2023 Labor condemned for ‘abhorrently cruel’ decision to put 100 people back in immigration detention Group released around Christmas will be re-detained due to retrospective bill imposing a stricter interpretation of the character test
AAP · Feb 2, 2023 Bid to cut rising insurance costs in disaster-hit areas Insurers have met the federal government to come up with a plan to help households with rising premiums and better prepare communities for natural disasters.
AAP · Jan 31, 2023 'Encouraging signs' for Australia, China trade row Australia and China's trade ministers are preparing for a virtual meeting as Canberra continues to pressure Beijing into dropping trade sanctions.
The Guardian - AU · Jan 26, 2023 Why a voice to parliament won’t affect First Nations sovereignty as Lidia Thorpe fears The senator is demanding Labor ‘be clear about our sovereignty’. Experts explain why the two issues are entirely separate
AAP · Jan 20, 2023 Hope for farmers as China talks take root The National Farmers Federation says any improvement in the trading relationship with China will be welcome news for agricultural exporters.
AAP · Jan 16, 2023 Ag export success linked to sustainability Agriculture Minister Murray Watt is visiting the UK and Europe to discuss free trade agreements and promote the sustainability of Australian farms.