Category: Australian News

Anyone who attends memorial services at mosques in Sydney and Melbournehonouring the so-called “martyrdom” of Iran’s former supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, should be placed on an ASIO watch list.

Family First National Director Lyle Shelton said it was shocking that Muslim leaders would be encouraging their followers to venerate a man who just machine gunned 30,000 civilisations and has sponsored global Islamic terrorism for decades.

“These events in support of one of the bloodiest butchers of this century are deeply offensive to the many victims of the Iranian regime and to the Iranian diaspora in Australia who fled that tyranny,” Mr Shelton said.

“Any Australian citizen who turns up to this should be put on the ASIO watch list. Anyone on a visa who attends should be deported,” Mr Shelton said.

“The Imams organising this and events like it should be asked to explain why this does not amount to support for terrorism.

“He funded the Islamic terrorists who raped, murdered and kidnapped innocent civilians on October 7.

“He inspired the Muslim mob at the “gas the Jews” protest at the Opera House, two years of pro-Hamas protests on our streets, the Harbour Bridge march where his image was carried by supporters, Bondi and the recent Town Hall protest.

“Too many Australian Muslims have learned nothing from Bondi,” Mr Shelton said.

“Where are the ‘moderate’ Muslim leaders calling this out?

“How are we supposed to believe Islam is a religion of peace? Clearly it is not.

“The event advertised for Arncliffe in Sydney says there will be a reading of the Koran at the service honouring Khamenei. That’s akin to reading the Bible at a memorial in honour of Hitler.”

NSW Premier Chris Minns was right to describe the mourning of the Ayatollah as “atrocious”. By any objective measure, the Iranian regime has a long record of repression, violence and brutality against its own people and the wider region.

Australia has formally listed the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation and last year the Albanese Government expelled Iran’s ambassador following findings that Iranian operatives were linked to anti-Semitic incidents in Sydney and Melbourne.

“In that context, public events in Australia praising or mourning the leader of such a regime amount to support for Islamic terrorism,” Mr Shelton said.

Family First agreed with Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-CEO Alex Ryvchin’s call for any mosques honouring Khamenei to be subject to criminal investigations for links to the IRGC.

Australians overseas should be prepared for serious travel disruptions in the days ahead due to the conflict in the Middle East.

We understand this will be a challenging time for many people, particularly those with family in the region or travel plans.

The Albanese Government’s priority is the safety and security of Australians. We will continue to support Australians to navigate the disruption ahead, providing regular travel advice updates and consular assistance where we can, noting there are limits to what any government can do in a fast-moving and uncertain environment.

Many Australians in the Middle East are unable to leave due to airspace closures, including around major transit hubs. Road and land border closures may also restrict movement.

Even if you are not travelling in or through the Middle East, your plans may still be affected.

There are flight delays and cancellations, both in the region and globally – including on routes to Europe. Scheduled flights can change at short notice.

There is also a broader security risk in the Middle East. Periods of heightened conflict can increase the threat of protests, civil unrest and, in some cases, terrorist attacks.

Australians should:

• Closely monitor events and local media.
• Check directly with their travel agent or airlines to confirm their plans.
• Review their travel insurance to understand what is covered in the event of cancellations.
• Follow Smartraveller for the latest advice and subscribe for updates.

Smartraveller now advises Australians do not travel to most destinations in the Middle East. This includes Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Kuwait, Lebanon, Palestine, Qatar, Syria, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen.

Australians should reconsider the need to travel to Jordan, Oman and Saudi Arabia.

Across the Middle East region, prioritise your safety, monitor events and follow local advice including shelter in place instructions.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has activated its 24/7 Crisis Centre to provide consular support to Australians in the region.

It has also opened a crisis portal for Australians in Israel and Iran. The registration portal is for Australian citizens, permanent residents and their immediate family members who have right of entry into Australia. DFAT will contact registered Australians directly to provide updates.

Australians in need of emergency consular assistance should contact the Australian Government 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre (+61 2 6261 3305 from overseas or 1300 555 135 in Australia).

The Victorian Greens have slammed Labor for putting children as young as fourteen at risk of life in prison, calling it a prime example of how the Government has lost its way and set its priorities backwards.

The new laws allow children as young as fourteen to receive life sentences. The Greens warn they will do nothing to make communities safer and will, in fact, increase reoffending.

All the evidence shows early contact with the criminal justice system and longer, harsher sentences worsen long-term outcomes. Like Labor’s bail laws, these changes will disproportionately harm First Nations communities.

The Greens say that Labor trying to liken their approach to cities around the world that have successfully reduced crime is misleading and false. 

Cities around the world that have successfully reduced violence have not relied on tougher sentencing. They adopted whole-of-system public health approaches – investing in early intervention, youth services, housing, healthcare and community support to address the drivers of crime before harm occurs.

Meanwhile in Victoria, crime prevention funding has been cut in recent years, public housing stock has been demolished, and frontline homelessness, mental health and drug and alcohol services are overwhelmed.

Peak bodies including VCOSS, Homelessness Victoria and the Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association have warned that services cannot meet rising demand, with homelessness services turning people away and long waitlists for treatment.

the Victorian Greens justice spokesperson, Katherine Copsey:

“Labor’s doubling down on failed policies that won’t make the community any safer. All the evidence shows longer, harsher sentences worsen long-term outcomes. And just like Labor’s bail laws, these changes will disproportionately harm First Nations communities.

“Labor isn’t taking lessons from the evidence overseas, they’re taking lessons from the Liberals. Literally copy-pasting this policy from the Liberals in Queensland. 

“Labor is doing the opposite of what has worked overseas by cutting prevention, frontline healthcare services, and public housing, all to pay for costly punitive policies that don’t work.

“Real safety starts with stable housing, access to healthcare and mental health support and it means acting now to prevent harm before it happens. We need Labor to stop playing politics with community safety and do what actually works.” 

New Cotality data shows that annual credit growth for investor home lending is tracking at the fastest rate since 2015, which should raise alarm bells for APRA, the national regulator

In 2025, the Greens called on APRA to intervene in the housing crisis by cooling investor lending. Instead, APRA introduced measures to stop high risk loans from 1 February 2026, which the Greens say have failed to address the underlying surge in investor demand.

Independent economist Saul Eslake told media that if APRA had taken stronger action then the RBA may not have had to increase interest rates.

With investor lending out of control, house prices soaring through the roof and further rate hikes on the horizon, the Greens say it’s time for APRA to level the playing field to give first-home buyers a chance. 

Greens spokesperson for finance, housing and homelessness Senator Barbara Pocock:

“If only APRA had intervened when the Greens had asked them to. Instead, the housing crisis continues to spiral out of control while Labor refuses to act.

“The system is stacked against first-home buyers. Investors already have a $100,000 advantage when they bid at auctions. 

“It shouldn’t be easier for wealthy property investors to buy their 5th, 10th, or 20th house. 

“The more houses that property investors buy, the less houses there are available for first-home buyers.

“Australia’s inflation problem is being driven largely by rising house prices, caused by Labor’s failed housing policies.

“Labor’s 5% deposit scheme and $181 billion tax handouts for property hoarders are surging investor demand and spiking house prices, which is the biggest driver of inflation.

“This housing crisis is heading toward a point of no return. We urgently need to cool the overheated investor credit market. 

“APRA must intervene to even out the playing field to give first-home buyers a chance. It must use all the tools in its tool box to rein in investor lending that is exacerbating the housing affordability crisis.

“APRA has used its toolkit in the past to cool investor lending and it led to the greatest stabilisation of house prices in 30 years, they need to take that decisive action again.” 

Today marks 30 years since we won the 1996 election. 

Over the next eleven and a half years, our Coalition Government worked to deliver security, prosperity and opportunity, in the interests of all Australians.

With responsible financial management, we reversed Labor’s deficits and restored Australia’s AAA credit rating. 

Internationally, Australia re-asserted the crucial importance of the American alliance and our traditional links with the United Kingdom. We enhanced our relations with nations in our region such as Japan, Indonesia, and China. The Coalition Government never sought to draw a distinction between Australia’s history and her geography.

We repaid $96 billion in debt, and established Australia’s Future Fund.

Our tax reforms replaced outdated indirect taxes with the GST. Substantial income tax relief provided real incentive and reward for effort.

Compulsory unionism was abolished. Workers were provided with more choice. 

Waterfront reforms lifted crane rates by around 60 per cent. The establishment of the Australian Building and Construction Commission tackled lawlessness on building sites.

Industrial disputes were reduced to their lowest level in over three decades.

From 1996 to 2007, over 2.2 million jobs were created. We halved average inflation and saw interest rates reduced to the levels of the 1960s.

Although strong economic management is part of the Liberal Party’s DNA, we know it is not an end in itself.

With a stronger economy, our government was able to substantially increase funding for services Australians rely on, such as health and education.

We also struck a sensible balance, expanding the choices of families who seek private health insurance, or for their children to go to independent schools.

To keep Australians safe, we invested heavily in Defence and security and worked with allies to meet the challenges following September 11 and the Bali bombings.

Following a great Australian tradition, our Defence and security personnel brought peace and independence to East Timor and delivered stability within our region.

Following the Port Arthur massacre in 1996, we took action with the National Firearms Agreement. Since then, the rate of gun deaths and homicides has fallen significantly.

We also took a multi-faceted approach to tackling illicit drugs. This contributed to fewer opioid deaths and lower overall drug use. 

After eleven and a half years, we left Australia more prosperous, secure and confident in its future.

Not only was this measured in economic indicators but, for example, in a reversal of the long-term decline in our birth rate. 

Enormous credit belongs to our team, including Peter Costello as Treasurer, Alexander Downer as Foreign Minister, and Tim Fischer, John Anderson and Mark Vaile as Deputy Prime Ministers.

We operated as a broad church – as custodians of both the liberal and conservative traditions – and as a strong Coalition.

I am incredibly grateful to Liberal supporters across Australia. I would not have achieved anything in public life without the loyalty and commitment of the Liberal Party.

In recent times our Party has experienced difficulties. At times in Opposition, so did I. 

However, our cause remains great, because our values are timeless. 

Now more than ever our Party – and our country – is worth fighting for. 

Thank you once again for your support of the Liberal Party. It has made – and will continue to make – a very real difference to Australia’s future.

John Howard
Prime Minister of Australia (1996 – 2007)

Mosques and Islamic community centres in Sydney and Melbourne are openly inviting people to mark what they call the “martyrdom” of Iran’s former leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Let us be clear. The Iranian regime has crushed dissent, brutalised its own people and oppressed women and girls. Mant thousands have suffered under its rule.

Australians have every right to ask why anyone here would glorify a regime built on extremism, repression and intimidation.

If individuals in this country are actively promoting or supporting a listed terrorist organisation, the law should come down on them hard. Visa holders who back violent extremism should not expect the privilege of staying in Australia. Deportation of these people must be a priority.

We welcome people who respect our values, our freedoms and our democracy. We will not tolerate the importation of sectarian hatred or the celebration of regimes that trample human rights.

Last night, US President Trump launched a new illegal bombing campaign against Iran. The Australian Government’s support for Trump’s latest illegal war is a clear breach of international law and the prohibition on wars of aggression.

The Iranian people deserve to be free from persecution and domination, both from the current regime and from foreign powers. History shows, and the world knows, that US military attacks and Donald Trump’s kidnappings and assassinations do not produce peace and do not produce justice.

While US bombs and missiles rain down on Iran, there is every likelihood that they are being targeted with the direct or indirect assistance of “joint” US-Australian military facilities at Pine Gap and North West Cape.

The Greens have consistently and clearly condemned the Iranian Regime’s violent response to recent protests and long history of oppression, and we have backed the Woman Life Freedom movement. We know that the people of Iran who have been the victims of the regime will be the same people who are right now being killed, injured and driven into further poverty and fear by US bombing.

Senator Waters, Leader of the Australian Greens, said:

“Trump and Netanyahu’s illegal attacks last night have unleashed chaos across the Middle East.

“This war will not bring safety to the brave Iranian people who are fighting for liberation from the brutal regime. Innocent people have already been massacred, including at least 60 children in Southern Iran killed by US and Israeli strikes on an elementary school last night. Our hearts ache for their families. This war will see homes and cities razed to the ground and countless innocent lives lost.

“The Greens condemn these illegal, abhorrent and unilateral attacks. Australians do not want to be dragged into another US-Israeli war.

“Australia’s support of Trump and Netanyahu’s illegal attack last night was disgraceful.
“We cannot bomb our way to peace.

“The Labor government must immediately rule out Australian support for Trump and Netanyahu’s illegal war. No resources. No intelligence. No more cover.

“The Labor government must also confirm to the Australian people that no intelligence from Pine Gap or other US bases in Australia was used last night, and rule out allowing these bases to be used in this illegal war going forward.

“End AUKUS. Australia must be a force for peace and diplomacy across the world.”

Senator Shoebridge, Greens spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, said:

“No one seriously believes that Donald Trump cares about the rights or lives of people in Iran. Just like other US wars that Australia has supported in Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan, the talk is about freedom and democracy but the reality is killing and destruction. Already, we are seeing reports of schools being destroyed and children killed in airstrikes.

“With barely a moment’s pause the Albanese Government has backed Trump and another US-led war in the Middle East. This proves without a shadow of a doubt that Labor has outsourced Australian foreign policy to Washington.

“Labor has made Australia a part of this war by allowing Pine Gap and other US military bases here to be used to gather intelligence and target US bombs and missiles. People see through Labor when it says it believes in international law and then repeatedly backs the US and its illegal wars.

“Time and time again the US has betrayed the people it was claiming to protect, leaving bloodshed in its wake while serving its own corporate and military interests. Trump is no different, even if he is more blatant.

“The Greens are the only anti-war party in the Federal Parliament and we will not shift from that stance, having seen the horrifying scale of killing and displacement that war has visited on the world.

“The world has been watching the bravery of the Iranian people pushing back against a brutal regime and calling for liberation and freedom. The Greens know that a Trump-led military assault on Iran is not a pathway to freedom or a pathway to a democratic regime that is supported by the Iranian people. This attack, like the last, is a pathway to chaos and more killing in Iran.

“There is more Australia can do for the people of Iran, starting with offering safety to those who have fled the regime, especially those already in Australia who are trapped in an unfair refugee process.”

Three inspirational women from New South Wales have been selected as finalists in the 2026 NSW/ACT AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award, recognising their leadership in education, technology and workforce sustainability.

The finalists reflect the growing diversity of industries shaping regional economies, from language and cultural education to artificial intelligence and veterinary practice reform. Each finalist has taken an innovative approach to respond to emerging challenges in their field, while creating practical, long-term benefits for communities and industries beyond metropolitan centres.

The 2026 finalists are:

• Kristie Ivone, from Albury, founder of Boas Language Academy, is building inclusive regional communities by partnering with migrants to turn language learning into a powerful bridge for connection, belonging and opportunity across regional New South Wales.
• Emma Spartalis, hailing from Clarence Town, is founder of Spartalis Consulting, an artificial intelligence and digital capability consultancy helping organisations understand, adopt and apply emerging technologies in ethical and practical ways.
• Sarah Golding, an Inverell veterinarian and founder of The Vet Mind Mentor, is strengthening rural veterinary services by mentoring graduate vets to build resilience, confidence and sustainable career balance.

The NSW/ACT AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award celebrates women who are driving change through entrepreneurship, innovation and leadership, while addressing complex social, economic and workforce challenges facing regional Australia.

The 2026 NSW/ACT winner will be announced on Wednesday 22 April and will receive a $15,000 Westpac grant to support the development of a project, business or program, along with access to professional development and national alumni networks.

The NSW/ACT winner will also go on to represent the state at the national AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award later in the year.

More information about the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award is available at:
Rural Women’s Award | AgriFutures Australia

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“I congratulate Kristie, Emma and Sarah on being named finalists for the 2026 NSW/ACT AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award.

“These women demonstrate the depth of talent, innovation and leadership that exists across regional NSW, and the important role women play in strengthening industries and communities.

“This Government is committed to supporting women who are driving positive change and creating opportunities in regional and rural NSW.”

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“Women in regional New South Wales continue to show extraordinary leadership, resilience and creativity in the face of complex challenges.

“Congratulations to Kristie, Emma and Sarah, who are outstanding examples of women using their skills and expertise to build sustainable businesses and improve outcomes in their fields.

“As finalists in the AgriFutures NSW/ACT Awards, they are shining the light on regional women’s innovativeness and resourcefulness. It’s a great recognition of their achievements to date, and the potential they have to inspire and lead change into the future.”

AgriFutures Australia General Manager Jennifer Galloway said:

“The three New South Wales finalists of the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award are leading with innovation, vision and determination to create meaningful change across rural Australia.

“They show how leadership can turn ideas into outcomes that strengthen rural industries, grow businesses and build resilient communities.

“The Award goes beyond recognition, providing women with funding, professional development and national networks to scale their ideas and deliver lasting economic, social and environmental impacts.

“By supporting these women, AgriFutures is investing in the future of rural Australia, a future shaped by bold leaders driving positive change for generations to come.”

Finalist Kristie Ivone said:

“It is a great honour to be named as a finalist alongside inspiring women championing change across regional Australia. This recognition celebrates strong regional communities, and the power of language to connect all those who choose to make regional Australia home.

Migrants make great contributions to our regional communities. I thank AgriFutures, Westpac, Women NSW and the supporters of this award for this platform to showcase the talent, diversity and vibrancy that migrants bring to the regional communities we love living in.

Each year, the award highlights inspiring women and important work that makes our regions stronger. It is an honour to be among them.”

Finalist Emma Spartalis said:

“I am deeply honoured to be named a finalist among such remarkable rural women. Every day, women across NSW and the ACT are holding together farms, businesses and communities under significant pressure. My work focuses on reducing operational strain and building practical digital capability, so rural women can lead sustainable, commercially strong businesses without sacrificing their wellbeing.”

Finalist Sarah Golding said:

“What an incredible privilege to have been named a finalist alongside such wonderful, deserving rural women, evoking much needed change within their industries. The veterinary profession is filled with highly dedicated individuals passionate about caring for our pets, wildlife & production animals. The Vet Mind Mentor initiative is committed to strengthening the resilience of our vets so they can enjoy happy, healthy careers servicing our regional communities.

I am beyond excited to see how this opportunity impacts my mission to foster a more sustainable veterinary industry, particularly for those practicing in the bush.”

Australia stands with the brave people of Iran in their struggle against oppression.

For decades, the Iranian regime has been a destabilising force, through its ballistic missile and nuclear programs, support for armed proxies, and brutal acts of violence and intimidation.

Iran directed at least two attacks on Australian soil in 2024. These appalling acts targeting Australia’s Jewish community were intended to create fear, divide our society and challenge our sovereignty. In response, Australia took the unprecedented steps of expelling Iran’s Ambassador, suspending operations at our embassy in Tehran, and listing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a state sponsor of terrorism.

Our Government has sanctioned more than 200 Iranian-linked individuals, including more than 100 linked to the IRGC.

With international partners, including the United States and the G7, we have called for the Iranian regime to uphold the human rights and fundamental freedoms of Iran’s citizens. These calls have gone unheeded. Instead, the regime has instigated a brutal crackdown on its own people leaving thousands of Iranian civilians dead. A regime that relies on the repression and murder of its own people to retain power is without legitimacy.

It has long been recognised that Iran’s nuclear program is a threat to global peace and security. The international community has been clear that the Iranian regime can never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon. The United Nations Security Council has reimposed sanctions on Iran for failing to comply with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and the International Atomic Energy Agency Board has formally declared Iran in non-compliance with its non-proliferation safeguards obligations.

We support the United States acting to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and to prevent Iran continuing to threaten international peace and security.

Australian officials are closely monitoring this evolving situation. We continue to advise Australians do not travel to Iran and leave Iran as soon as possible, if it is safe to do so. Our ability to provide consular assistance in Iran is extremely limited.

Given our concerns around security in the region, we have also upgraded Australia’s travel advice for Israel and Lebanon to Do Not Travel. Australians should leave now if it is safe to do so.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has activated its Crisis Centre to provide consular support to Australians in the region.

Australians requiring urgent consular assistance can contact the Consular Emergency Centre 24/7 on 1300 555 135 in Australia or +61 2 6261 3305 from outside Australia.

I congratulate Peter Ker and Irene Sarwindaningrum, the recipients of the Elizabeth O’Neill Journalism Award for 2025-26.  

They have each demonstrated a strong commitment to growing their understanding of Indonesia and Australia.

Mr Ker is a journalist at the Australian Financial Review with over 24 years’ experience in print journalism. He reports on natural resources, finance, energy and mining and hosts the AFR’s decarbonisation podcast TechZero. With the award, Mr Ker intends to explore Australia and Indonesia’s energy transition relationship.

Ms Sarwindaningrum is a journalist at Kompas Daily Newspaper and winner of Indonesia’s prestigious Adinegoro Award for investigative reporting. Ms Sarwindaningrum’s reporting has examined the Australia-Indonesia relationship across areas such as tourism and geopolitics. With her award, she intends to cover issues affecting both countries, including digital security, AI governance and public health.

The Award will support Mr Ker and Ms Sarwindaningrum undertake a two-week program in Indonesia and Australia respectively to build a stronger understanding and appreciation of the range of issues facing contemporary Indonesia and Australia.

The Award commemorates the distinguished career of Elizabeth O’Neill OAM, who died while serving her country in Indonesia on 7 March 2007. It continues the legacy of Ms O’Neill, who was passionate about fostering mutual understanding of Australia and Indonesia through informed media coverage.

The Award is open to high-achieving journalists from print, radio, television and online media organisations across Australia and Indonesia.