Australia news live: Anthony Albanese praises Sally McManus and Michele O’Neil as ‘giants’ as they step down from ACTU

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has lauded Sally McManus and Michele O’Neil, the outgoing leaders of the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU), describing them as "giants of the labour movement" and "personal friends." Their departure marks the end of an eight-year tenure, during which they led the ACTU as its first all-female leadership team.

Albanese attributed the improved financial standing of working families to their "tireless advocacy and strong leadership." He highlighted significant wage increases in critical sectors, a record low gender pay gap, and a resurgence in union membership during their time at the helm. "Working families are in a stronger financial position today than they would otherwise be because of the tireless advocacy and strong leadership of Sally McManus and Michele O’Neil," Albanese stated.

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Working families are in a stronger financial position today than they would otherwise be because of the tireless advocacy and strong leadership of Sally McManus and Michele O’Neil.

In parallel, the Australian government is taking steps to enhance the nation's energy security. Taxpayers will fund an early-stage feasibility study for a new oil refinery in Western Australia. This initiative, a collaboration between the Commonwealth and WA governments, will invest $4 million to assess the viability of what could be the first large-scale petrol refinery built in Australia since the 1960s.

The project is intended to shield Australia from future international oil shocks, a vulnerability exposed by the recent Iran war's impact on global fuel supplies. Australia currently relies on overseas suppliers for approximately 90% of its fuel products, with only two local refineries operational. Prime Minister Albanese emphasized the government's commitment to mitigating the effects of global conflicts on Australia, stating, "The longer war in the Middle East goes on the greater the impact on Australia will be, and my Government will continue to do everything we can to shield Australia from the worst effects – and set us up for the future."

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The longer war in the Middle East goes on the greater the impact on Australia will be, and my Government will continue to do everything we can to shield Australia from the worst effects – and set us up for the future.