Albanese Government enhances national security with major investment in air defence and aerial strike

The Albanese Government is investing up to $2.12 billion in additional stocks of advanced medium-range missiles to strengthen the Australian Defence Force’s air defence and aerial strike capability. 

These AIM-120D-3 and AIM-120C-8 missiles can precisely strike targets at extended range, providing a significant deterrence to potential adversaries. Enhancing the ADF’s strike capability is a key priority of the 2024 National Defence Strategy. 

The AIM-120D-3 variant is a supersonic air-launched tactical missile, used on the F/A-18F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler aircraft as well as the F-35A Lightning II aircraft. It is designed to counter threats at extended ranges.

The AIM-120C-8 variant is launched using the National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System (NASAMS), and is being brought into service by the Army’s new 10th Brigade and will significantly boost ground-to-air capability against aerial targets. 

The Albanese Government is acquiring these missiles through the United States Government’s Foreign Military Sales Program. 

Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy:

“This is a major investment in the security of our nation and underscores the Albanese Government’s commitment to providing the ADF with the capabilities it needs to keep Australians safe.

“The ADF’s credible strike and long-range capabilities support our strategy of denial, which aims to deter any conflict before it begins.

“These additional missiles will help to ensure the ADF’s ability to protect Australians against aerial threats.”

Australia needs to lift some diplomatic muscle in Climate COP bid

Recognising that Türkiye’s bid for COP 31 remains active under the UNFCCC’s consensus rules, the Greens call on Labor to engage constructively with the Turkish government in a cooperative dialogue to secure a successful COP 31 in Adelaide.

Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, Greens Senator for South Australia and Spokesperson for the Environment:

“Australia needs to talk turkey with Türkiye. It’s time for both the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister to flex some diplomatic muscle if we are to secure the world’s premier climate conference right here in South Australia. 

“A successful COP 31 in Adelaide will be a defining moment for climate justice in Australia and the world, but only if it is underpinned by genuine cooperation, ambition, and real-world outcomes.

“A stand-off over COP hosting rights won’t secure the conference and certainly won’t stop the climate crisis.

“To avoid further delays that threaten Adelaide’s logistical preparations, the Prime Minister must engage constructively with President Erdoğan to get past the deadlock.

“The opportunity to host COP 31 in Adelaide is more than a state-defining moment, it must be an act of genuine leadership as a hard deadline for stopping new polluting coal and gas projects and end the $12 billion per year in taxpayer funded subsidies to the fossil fuel industry.

“It is also an opportunity for Australia to listen to our Pacific neighbours’ calls for no new coal and gas projects, and support island nations to manage the devastating impacts of climate change.

“South Australia leads the charge in the transition to renewable energy, however, the transition is made harder and harder while the federal government continues to sign off on new mines and extend gas fields to 2070. This hypocrisy will undermine any bid for a genuine ‘Pacific COP’.

“Australia cannot lecture the world on climate action if it won’t stop fuelling the fire. If the Prime Minister secures COP 31, he must also secure real, measurable commitments both at home and in partnership with Pacific to meet the urgency the climate emergency demands.”

Band-aid fixes won’t protect children, Greens ready to work with Government to deliver a national independent early learning watchdog with teeth

The Greens say new early childhood education and care safety measures, announced by both state and federal governments this week, fall far short of what’s needed — a national, independent watchdog with real power to keep children safe.

This week’s horrifying abuse allegations in Victorian childcare centres have once again exposed a system in crisis. The time for piecemeal, reactive measures is over. What’s needed is a regulator with the authority to enforce safety standards, and drive sector-wide reform. The Greens have already put forward a fully costed plan to establish this national body earlier this year. 

Senator Steph Hodgins-May is urging the government to work with the Greens to deliver this real reform to early childhood education when parliament resumes in 2.5 weeks.

Earlier this week, the Greens called for a Royal Commission into the safety and quality of early childhood education and care. The Government, to date, has dismissed these calls.

Australian Greens spokesperson for early childhood education and care, Senator Steph Hodgins-May: 

“Following this week’s horrifying reports which laid bare serious failings by the early learning system, we’re reiterating our call for a national watchdog with teeth to keep our kids safe.

“This independent watchdog would enforce quality standards, act swiftly on safety breaches, and drive a shift toward universal, high-quality care — not just retrospective patch-ups.

“Families are feeling anxious and are counting on us to act now. Reactive band-aid solutions won’t keep children safe or move us towards the child-centred system we need for the future. 

“The Greens have a costed plan to establish this national regulator, and we’re ready to get to work with the Government to deliver this urgent reform before the end of the year.”

Greens welcome action to regulate Big 4 consultants but will it be enough?

Treasury must consider all the recommendations of two recent parliamentary inquiries before it takes action to regulate the Big 4 consulting firms according to Greens Finance and Public Service spokesperson Barbara Pocock.

The two inquiries made 52 recommendations between them which were agreed by Labor, the Liberals and the Greens giving the government a green light for root and branch reform across the accounting and consulting sector.

Senator Barbara Pocock:

“The question this government has to answer is ‘Can the Big 4 be trusted to govern themselves?’ and let me tell you, after sitting on two parliamentary inquiries brought on by massive governance and ethical failures at PwC, the answer is emphatically no.

“We’ve yet to see the detail of Treasury’s proposals but we have put a raft of recommendations on the table aimed at regulating the big accounting and consulting firms. These firms look and act like multinational corporations but they hide behind unaccountable partnership structures avoiding the scrutiny of our corporate watchdog.

“One key recommendation I made urged the government to reduce the cap on partner numbers from 1000 down to 100 partners. This number recognises the workable size of a genuine partnership and would force firms with more than 100 partners to incorporate under ASIC. It was also recommended that corporate reporting requirements be extended to cover partnerships as well as corporations.

“For those not paying attention, we have an audit crisis in this country with up to 60% of audits reviewed by ASIC in 2022, called into question. Deloitte and KPMG suffered a drastic decline in audit quality that year with the regulator calling for concerted action from both firms to lift their game.

“This is a sector that is not performing well and our business community is not being well served by the current regulatory regime. I look forward to seeing the detail of Treasury’s proposals and I urge the government to consider all the recommendations of both recent parliamentary inquiries into this sector.”

Buck stops with Cook Government on shocking new rental affordability data

A new report has laid bare the Cook Labor Government’s failure to address WA’s rental crisis, revealing that mortgage repayments are now cheaper than renting in many parts of Perth.

The Rent vs Buy Reportpublished today by real estate website Domain, compares the average cost of rent to mortgage repayments for houses and units around the country. 

It found that in almost 83 percent of suburbs in Perth, it is cheaper to service a mortgage on a unit than it is to simply rent one. By contrast, the equivalent national figure sits at 22 percent. 

When it comes to houses, it is more affordable to take out a mortgage than it is to pay for a rental in almost five percent of Perth suburbs – a stark contrast to Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide, where renting a house is cheaper than buying in every suburb.

Of the top 10 localities in WA where a mortgage is more affordable than rent, more than half are in regional areas.

Tim Clifford MLC, Greens WA spokesperson for housing and homelessness:

“Whether you’re a first home buyer or a renter, the takeaway from this report is clear: housing in WA is a zero-sum game.

“It is absolutely shocking that, in some parts of Perth, taking out a mortgage is now cheaper than renting.

“While the Domain report heralds the data as good news for first home buyers, the reality is that house prices are still at record highs. In fact, the national average passed $1 million for the first time just last month.

“This is not a case of houses getting cheaper – it’s a case of rentals becoming even more expensive and inaccessible. 

“Renters in WA are doing it tougher than anywhere else in the country. 

“The blame for that lies squarely with the Cook Labor Government, who should be looking at introducing measures like a flexible rent cap as per the ACT; banning no-cause evictions; and moving quickly to address the adverse impacts of short-stays on the rental market. 

“These urgent interventions would free up more homes, easing the squeeze on renters and the housing market itself. 

“I look forward to working constructively with the government to make that happen.”

Young leaders drive climate solutions with $150,000 funding boost

Students from Alesco Senior College are leading a large-scale ecosystem restoration project as one of 18 local climate action initiatives to receive a share of funding from City of Newcastle.

The project, designed and facilitated by ReGen Alliance, will see students plant 750 native trees on their campus in Elemore Vale, turning degraded bushland into a living classroom.
 
The funding has been delivered through City of Newcastle’s Youth Climate Action Grants thanks to a $150,000 contribution from Bloomberg Philanthropies Youth Climate Action Fund.

City of Newcastle Executive Manager Environment and Sustainability Marnie Kikken said the response from young people and community organisations has been inspiring. 

“These projects reflect the energy and innovation of young Novocastrians committed to creating a safe and climate-resilient future,” Ms Kikken said.

“With this latest round of funding, we’re not just supporting environmental outcomes, we’re supporting education, equity and empowerment, all aligned with the goals of the Newcastle Environment Strategy.”

Deputy Chairperson of City of Newcastle’s Liveable Cities Strategic Advisory Committee Cr Elizabeth Adamczyk said this funding gives our young residents the chance to design and deliver urgent climate solutions.

“These projects show that when we support youth with the practical tools and resources to address their climate change concerns, they’re empowered to make a visible, lasting impact in their own communities and shape a healthy and sustainable future for our city,” Cr Adamczyk said.

ReGen Alliance’s Living Classroom project is putting this into action, with Alesco Senior College students participating in weekly learning sessions, to lead all stages of the project from site preparation, to planting and monitoring. 

Co-founder of ReGen Alliance, Rebecca Giddins, said the program offers a chance for students to grow confidence and connection through nature-based learning.

“This program creates a safe, positive space where students can connect with nature and develop a sense of purpose. This project will offer a long-term educational opportunity to observe how ecosystems grow and adapt over time,” Miss Giddins said.

City of Newcastle is one of only three Australian local governments selected to participate in Bloomberg Philanthropies’ global initiative and has now distributed $225,000 across 30 projects over two rounds of funding.

Microgrants between $1,500 – $7,500 were available to young people aged 15 to 24, or organisations who represent them, to design and deliver local climate action projects.

Among the young grant recipients are University of Newcastle students Luca Surman and Ryan Muir, whose Bingage initiative began as a university project and evolved into a smart recycling initiative. 

Mr Muir said the project incentivises young people to participate in recycling by gamifying the process for students living on Callaghan Campus. 

“By linking everyday actions to social recognition, data insights, and reward-based challenges we’re aiming to build lasting habits and a culture of sustainability among students,” Mr Muir said. 

“Participants engage through smart bins and an integrated app that rewards positive recycling behaviours, like rinsing bottles or returning sponsor-branded waste, with points. 

“Once the return target is met, the student or team with the highest contribution wins a major prize, and the collected waste is upcycled into infrastructure projects through local businesses and installed on campus.” 

Other successful projects include Lambton High School’s Eco Bloom project, which will see students create a pond and garden habitat for local wildlife through native planting and water conservation techniques, and Hunter Innovation and Science Hub, which will deliver an electric vehicle festival for youth and hands-on solar energy education for primary school students. 

Newcastle High School’s Conservation Critters program will see students deliver guided nature tours and pollinator picnics to educate people of all ages about biodiversity, the value of native species, and how to take environmental action in their own backyard. 

Projects funded in round two of the Youth Climate Action Grants align with City of Newcastle’s Climate Action Plan, supporting clean technology, circular economy initiatives, green and blue space restoration, electric transport, and the development of zero-emissions industries.

Federal and State Labor Governments build more social housing for NSW

The Albanese Labor Government have signed contracts with the Minns Labor Government to deliver more social homes for New South Wales through the latest round of Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF) funding.

As part of the Albanese Labor Government’s commitment to deliver 55,000 social and affordable homes nationally, 1,535 new homes will be built around New South Wales across 14 projects, representing almost $1.2b of investment.

This round has seen close, effective collaboration between the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments, with each deploying their strengths – in financing, land access and streamlined approvals – to get projects to contract sooner.

These homes will support Australians doing it tough including key workers, veterans and older women at risk of homelessness and women and children escaping situations of family or domestic violence.

Despite delays caused by Coalition and Greens opposition in the Federal Parliament, the HAFF is now delivering long-term, reliable funding to help address Australia’s social housing shortfall.

The Albanese Government is investing $43 billion to improve housing supply—across social, affordable, and market housing—and to help more Australians buy a home of their own.

Minister Clare O’Neil:

“Today’s announcement is proof that when the Commonwealth works with the states on housing, we get results that change lives. 

“Every one of these new homes represents hope for a family in New South Wales doing it tough. Whether it’s a mum and her kids escaping domestic violence, a veteran struggling to find affordable housing, or a frontline worker priced out of their own community – these homes will give people the foundation they need to rebuild their lives.

“This is what happens when governments stop making excuses and start building solutions. We’re working with the NSW Government and community housing providers to create a pipeline of homes that will make a real difference for decades to come.”

NSW Minister for Housing Rose Jackson:

“This is what Labor governments do – we work together to deliver real results. These homes will give thousands of people the stability and dignity they deserve.

“For too long, housing in NSW was neglected. This partnership is a major step in rebuilding a system that puts people first.

“These homes mean safety for women and children escaping violence, security for older women and veterans, and peace of mind for essential workers who keep our state running.

“In just one year, we’ve delivered the biggest increase in public, social and affordable housing for NSW in over a decade – this new funding means we can build even more.”

First look at new public high school for Wilton as site confirmed

The Minns Labor Government’s plans to deliver a new high school for the growing Wilton community are progressing, with the community getting a first look at designs for the school as the site is confirmed.

The new high school is one of three brand new schools added to the Minns Labor Government’s record pipeline of new and upgraded schools being built for Western Sydney in the 2025-26 Budget. It will be the first high school built in Wilton and only the second high school for the entire Wollondilly region after a decade of neglect under the Liberals and Nationals.

Located at 205 Fairway Drive, the high school will adjoin the site of the new primary school and public preschool also being delivered for Wilton, ensuring families in this rapidly growing suburb have access to a world-class public education system from preschool to Year 12.

The new high school will be built in stages, with a 3-storey building comprising 12 classrooms opening for the first cohort in 2027, along with a full-sized sports field and sports court.

The second stage of the project will open for Day 1, Term 1, 2028 and include another two 3-storey buildings with additional classrooms, two more sports courts, a school hall, VET facilities and expanded parking.

Public secondary students in Wilton currently have to travel up to 16 kilometres to attend Picton High School. The much-needed new high school will ensure students in this growing region have access to a world class public education close to home.

The Minns Labor Government is continuing the work of rebuilding public education in NSW, delivering a record $9 billion over four years for school infrastructure in the 2025-26 Budget.

Importantly, every new public primary school is being delivered with a co-located public preschool, honouring the Government’s commitment to deliver 100 new public preschools by 2027, including 49 in Western Sydney.

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:

“I am pleased to share the designs for this much-needed new high school and confirm that it will be co-located with the brand new public school and public preschool for Wilton.

“This is part of our work to rebuild public education in NSW, which includes record funding in this year’s Budget to build new and upgraded schools where they are needed, ensuring every child can access a world-class public education close to home.

“This exciting project is one the Deputy Premier Prue Car as both Education Minister and Minister for Western Sydney has worked tirelessly to progress, with strong advocacy from local member Judy Hannan.

“I look forward to providing additional updates on this brand-new high school, along with the new public school and preschool for families in Wilton, as they progress further.”

Member for Wollondilly Judy Hannan said:

“Making these investments in public education means our community can access public education closer to home, now and into the future. These new schools will provide benefits to local families and children for generations.”

“It is wonderful to see the plans for our new Wilton high school becoming a reality for the Wollondilly region.”

Wilton Public School principal Debra Gray said:

“As our community continues to grow, so too does the demand for high quality education facilities. The announcement of a new public high school adjoining the new primary school site is a significant and welcomed investment in the future of our Wilton students and families.

“The construction of these schools will ease pressure on existing schools whilst ensuring that every child has access to the best possible learning environments which will provide much needed space, modern facilities and new opportunities for students to thrive.”

All Regional NSW bus passengers finally get real-time travel technology

For the first time, all NSW regional bus passengers can access real-time bus travel information from their smart devices – the same smart technology Sydney commuters have enjoyed for years.

All 3,010 contracted buses across rural and regional NSW, which collectively cover more than 3,880 routes and around 316,000 kilometres per day, are now fitted out with GPS and automatic passenger counting technology.

The upgrades give rural and regional communities more reliable trips, with passengers now able to:  

  • Track their bus in real-time using any travel app, including Opal Travel or via Transport for NSW’s Trip Planner website 
  • Get accurate arrival times and capacity information  
  • Access interactive maps, digital timetables, and route information  
  • Plan smoother journeys through Transport for NSW’s Trip Planner 

The smart technology system brings rural and regional NSW in line with Greater Sydney and Outer Metropolitan areas. It means the state’s entire fleet of contracted buses, both on regular and school services, can now be tracked by their passengers.

As well as benefiting passengers, this data gives Transport and bus operators the tools to improve operations management to help keep services running on time. The technology was also used by bus operators on the NSW North Coast to cancel trips promptly and consistently during ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

The Transport Connected Bus program was the result of collaboration with 451 contracted bus operators, ranging from large fleet companies to small mum-and-dad businesses, with the fit-outs completed ahead of schedule.

More about the Transport Connected Bus program can be found at www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/current-projects/transport-connected-bus-program.  

Learn about using use the Transport for NSW Trip Planner tool at transportnsw.info/trip or other apps at transportnsw.info/apps.

Minister for Roads and Minister Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said:

“As someone who represents a regional community, I know how frustrating it is for regional commuters and public transport users who feel left behind when it comes to accessing real-time data. No matter where you live in NSW, you deserve the same quality public transport experience.  

“The Minns Labor Government isn’t just upgrading buses – we’re leveling the playing field and building stronger, more connected regional communities.

“With more than 40 million regional bus journeys every year, every passenger deserves a smooth, reliable trip. These upgrades eliminate the guesswork, now you’ll know exactly where your bus is and when it will arrive.

“This is the Minns Labor Government building better communities and a better NSW, ensuring regional areas aren’t left behind but are equipped with the same world-class transport technology as our biggest cities.” 

Landmark development begins at Taronga Western Plains Zoo

Construction is now underway on the most ambitious development in Taronga Western Plains Zoo’s history, the Serengeti Resort in Dubbo.

Set across 55 hectares of expansive grasslands, the Serengeti Resort will offer an immersive experience, unlocking a previously unused area of the Zoo, five times the size of the current African Savannah habitat. It will be home to species including giraffe, rhinoceros, zebra and antelope.

The resort will feature a central hub with a function and events centre, café restaurant, and infinity-edge pool, surrounded by diverse accommodation options with views of roaming African wildlife.

The Serengeti Resort will transform Taronga Western Plains Zoo into a multi-day proposition, delivering significant economic and tourism benefits to the Dubbo region. The resort is projected inject an estimated $391 million into the local visitor economy, over the next 20 years.

The development has received a $20 million investment from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, made possible through a partnership between Dubbo Regional Council and Taronga Western Plains Zoo, with a co-contribution from Taronga.

This strategic partnership on this project is one that will provide a major boost to the regional visitor economy.

In the coming months the resort will start to take shape with pier drilling, concrete slab pours, pool excavation and the construction of a prototype suite. Building works are predicted to create around 70 construction jobs and a further 28 ongoing roles will be created once the facility is operational.

Taronga Western Plains Zoo currently welcomes around 300,000 guests a year, with 40,000 staying overnight in one of its three award-winning accommodation offerings. The Serengeti Resort will build on this legacy, more than doubling the overnight stay numbers and offering a new level of connection with wildlife and conservation.

The new visitor experience at Taronga Western Plains Zoo will contribute to a sustainable future for tourism in the Dubbo region.

The Serengeti Resort is scheduled to open in the second half of 2026.

Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Penny Sharpe:

“Taronga does incredibly important work in the wildlife conservation space. Both nationally and internationally, they are renowned for their breeding programs, research facilities and animal hospitals.

“This new facility will help visitors connect with nature in a whole new way, whilst boosting revenue for the zoo and the local economy.”

Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty:

“It’s fantastic to see construction well underway, with building works started and milestones already achieved at Taronga Western Plains Zoo. This exciting and deliverable project is a great example of NSW Government investment that will deliver a major boost to the Dubbo region.”

“Dubbo Zoo is already a wonderful place and once completed, the Serengeti Resort will mean even more visitors can stay and enjoy this iconic attraction for longer.”

Taronga Chief Executive, Cam Kerr:

“The Serengeti Resort will be a game changer for Taronga Western Plains Zoo and for tourism in regional NSW. Designed with families in mind, it brings the beauty and excitement of an African safari to our own backyard, right here in Dubbo. This is more than just a place to stay; it’s an unforgettable experience that blends Taronga’s world-class wildlife expertise with the warmth of regional hospitality. It will firmly cement Dubbo as a must-do holiday destination for every Australian family.”