October 2026 – Page 8

Recovery and resilience package for Nepal

Foreign Minister Penny Wong will today welcome Nepali Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal to Melbourne.

The Ministers will discuss Nepal’s recovery and rebuilding following the devastating floods, ongoing efforts to seek information about missing Australians, and our broader bilateral relationship.

The Nepal-Australia relationship is underpinned by strong education, development and people-to-people links, with more than 200,000 people of Nepali heritage calling Australia home.

The Albanese Government will provide a further $15 million to support Nepal’s recovery from the floods and strengthen its resilience to future disasters.

The additional funding will help rebuild destroyed infrastructure, restore access to essential services, and strengthen early warning systems to reduce the risk and impact of future floods.

This assistance builds on the $11 million Australia has already provided to support immediate response efforts. This includes support for emergency humanitarian relief via Australian NGOs, the World Food Programme and other organisations working on the ground, as well as specialist drone support for Nepal’s search and rescue effort.

Australians have also responded with great generosity, donating more than $20 million since 26 August to appeals by the Emergency Action Alliance, the Red Cross and other major Australian NGOs.

Australian officials are continuing to work closely with authorities in Nepal and China to seek information about the 34 Australians who remain unaccounted for, and to support their families.

We know this is a tremendously difficult time for the families and loved ones of the Australians who remain unaccounted for.

Dedicated liaison officers from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Australian Federal Police are in close contact with the families, providing regular updates and assistance.

Australia will continue to support Nepal’s recovery, work with authorities to seek information about missing Australians, and stand with affected families and communities.

Pre-COP Leaders’ Event in Fiji and Tuvalu

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will travel to Fiji and Tuvalu from 5 to 7 October 2026 for the Pre-COP Leaders’ event.

At COP30, Australia secured the role of COP31 President of Negotiations and agreement to deliver a Pacific-hosted Pre-COP, including a special Leaders’ event. Australia will co-host the event with Fiji and Tuvalu.

The Pacific Pre-COP will bring together more than 50 countries and thousands of decision makers, experts and advocates to advance climate action ahead of COP31 – the global forum accelerating the clean energy transition and action to reduce emissions.

The Pacific Pre-COP runs from 5 to 8 October in Nadi, Fiji, alongside a Leaders’ event in Tuvalu from 5 to 6 October to highlight climate change’s impacts on the island nation and how Tuvaluans are responding.

Pre-COP will lay the foundations for negotiations at COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye in November 2026, elevating Pacific priorities within the annual climate conference.

This will be the Prime Minister’s fourth official visit to Fiji and first official visit to Tuvalu.

Prime Minister Albanese will be joined by the Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen and Special Envoy for Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience Kate Thwaites.

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles will be Acting Prime Minister until the Prime Minister’s return from overseas.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“Australia is proud to stand with our Pacific family and co-host these events with Fiji and Tuvalu, putting our region’s priorities on the world stage.

“This builds on the work we’ve been undertaking to boost stability, security and prosperity in the region – which is crucial to Australia’s national interest.

“Pre-COP in the Pacific will allow the world to hear directly from those on the front line of climate change and see the solutions that these nations are leading.”

Labor must restore Ask Izzy funding

The Greens have backed calls from the social services sector to save Ask Izzy, after the Albanese Government pulled the plug on the vital navigation service which helps connect thousands of Australians every year with housing, domestic violence, emergency relief and disability support services.

Labor cut support for Ask Izzy in May’s budget, with funding running out on June 30. Just $6 million over three years will help secure this service and ensure Ask Izzy will be there for people with timely connection to support.

Greens spokesperson on Social Services, Senator Penny Allman-Payne:

“Labor’s decision to wrench funding away from Ask Izzy is another baffling move from a government that seems hopelessly out of touch with just how bad things are for a growing number of Australians.

“At a time when more people than ever are in desperate need of support from community organisations and service providers, cutting funding to such a critical service seems especially cruel and utterly unnecessary.

“Under Prime Minister Albanese, Labor has rationed our aged care system to the point where older people are dying on waitlists; they’ve chosen to let jobseekers die from poverty at almost ten times the rate of people not on welfare payments; and they’re cutting NDIS supports from hundreds of thousands of disabled people.

“The only thing holding up Australia’s underfunded systems of care at the moment are unpaid carers, volunteers, friends and family who are pushed to the brink alongside the people they support.

“The Albanese Government is extorting the goodwill of our communities because they’re too gutless to take on the billionaires and the big corporations and make them pay their fair share of tax.”

Senator Jordon Steele-John, Australian Greens Spokesperson for Disability Rights, the NDIS, Health and Youth:

“Cutting funding for Ask Izzy is just so short-sighted. Millions of times a year, people use it to find the support services available in their local area.

“And right when the Government is changing the NDIS rules and making it harder for people to navigate the system, they’re taking away another way for people to find help.

“For young people, disabled people and people doing it tough, Ask Izzy can be a lifeline.

“We should be making it easier for people to get support, not pulling the rug out from under them.

“The government should reinstate their funding.”

Greens (WA) call for mandatory MP cooling-off period as former defence minister takes defence advisory role months after exiting politics

The Greens (WA) are mounting calls for mandatory exclusion periods to stop former ministers, MPs and senior political staffers from taking on corporate board and lobbying roles directly after leaving office.

It comes in the wake of news that former WA Labor minister for defence industries Paul Papalia has been appointed a strategic advisor with defence contractor Duratec, the latest in a line of former ministers leaving office and entering roles they helped develop the laws for.

In April this year, while Mr Papalia was defence industries minister, Duratec was awarded a $281 million joint contract by the Commonwealth government to deliver infrastructure upgrades at HMAS Stirling in preparation for AUKUS.

Duratec was also awarded $97,000 from the State Government in 2021, also while Mr Papalia was defence industries minister.

The Greens (WA) are urging the WA Parliament to introduce a five-year exclusion period banning former government ministers, MPs and high-level staffers from taking corporate lobbying roles or board positions.

This week it was also reported that former WA Premier Mark McGowan has joined the board of the property developer Built after he was appointed to the board of Southern Cross media last month.

Both appointments come after he served in advisory roles in a number of resources companies, including BHP, after retiring from politics in 2023.

The Greens (WA) spokesperson for Open and Honest Government Tim Clifford MLC said it was clear there is a need for stronger oversight.

“How can we expect to serve the public when so many of them view their roles in office as a stepping stone to a higher paid position in the private sector?

“This is not the first time we have seen former MPs taking high level positions in the public sector only months after leaving politics, but it should be the last.

“It is a clear conflict of interest for the people who made the laws to then work from the companies they manage, and clearly this does not pass the pub test.

“We know the State Government is completely beholden to property developers and investors.

“We must act now to close the revolving door of politics compromising our democracy and eroding public trust in our institutions.”

Greens WA Peace and Nonviolence spokesperson Sophie McNeill said Mr Papalia’s new appointment was “scandalous” and a clear conflict of interest.

“How’s this revolving door? This is scandalous. Papalia’s new AUKUS job is proof of how this Labor government just works for their corporate mates.

“They’re just running a revolving door that lines their pockets.

“If we were reporting on this in another country it would be described as corruption, but here we don’t because this is technically legal? Does Labor think they will get away with this and the community won’t notice?

“First we had Woodside’s Georgia Tree running for Labor and now we have the former defence industries minister taking on this shiny new role with defence contractor Duratec.

“In the space of just 3 months, Papalia has gone from his job promoting the defence industry and AUKUS to now working for a company that has massive contracts for AUKUS. Papalia’s new role is the direct result from his corporate lobbying as WA’s Minister for AUKUS.

“This is a clear conflict of interest.

“Duratec is one of the only companies in Australia that’s got nuclear safety certification for the construction and management of Defence radioactive waste infrastructure.

“In April, when Papalia was the Defence Industries Minister, Duratec was awarded a $281 million Commonwealth contract for HMAS Stirling upgrades related to nuclear-powered submarines under AUKUS.

“This is a scandal. How is this not corruption?

Investigation into Police violence at Town Hall delayed after push for secrecy

The Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC) has rejected an attempt by the NSW Police Commissioner to prevent public hearings into allegations of police violence against the community at Sydney Town Hall on 9 February 2026.

The extraordinary intervention by NSW Police, made just 12 days before public hearings were scheduled to commence, has delayed the investigation and resulted in a decision that most witnesses, including civilians who allege they were subjected to police violence, will now give their evidence in private.

The LECC has rejected the Police Commissioner’s legal arguments against public hearings and confirmed that a public opening and examinations of senior police officers will proceed, with evidence from private examinations to be addressed in its final public report.

Greens MP and spokesperson for Justice Sue Higginson said:

“The Police have known for more than six months that there would be public hearings into their conduct at Town Hall, but they waited until just 12 days before hearings were due to begin before trying to derail this critical transparency work by the independent police watchdog,”

“This was an extraordinary attempt by the Police to suppress the public examination of allegations of serious misconduct by uniformed police officers, and to prevent public scrutiny of the political decisions and command structures that led to police violence against protesters,”

“The violence against the community happened in full public view, it was filmed by journalists and members of the community, and the footage was seen across the world. For the Police Commissioner to then seek to shut the public out of the independent investigation is a disgrace,”

“The LECC has been scathing in its assessment of the Police Commissioner’s conduct. It found that the delay caused by the Police was more than regrettable, and that the legal arguments put forward by Police would actually undermine the purpose of the laws that establish independent police oversight,”

“NSW Police sought to prevent the public opening address, all witness examinations and even the livestreaming of hearings that the LECC determined should be public. This was an attempt to prevent the community from seeing the evidence against Police examined in public,”

“It is deeply disappointing that the outcome of this intervention is that the community members who allege they were assaulted by Police will now give their evidence behind closed doors. The decision means the people who experienced the violence will not have the same opportunity to publicly give their accounts as the senior Police officers responsible for the operation,”

“Police officers are entrusted with extraordinary coercive powers, including the power to arrest people and use force. Those powers come with an obligation to be accountable to the community, particularly when there are serious allegations that those powers have been abused,”

“The LECC investigation must be allowed to proceed without further obstruction or delay. The people who were subjected to this violence, and the entire NSW community, deserve a full and public account of the failures by police and the violence that they committed,” Ms Higginson said.

Background

In its decision of 29 September 2026, the LECC confirmed that:

The Police Commissioner had been informed on 23 March 2026 that public examinations and a public opening were contemplated, but did not raise objections until 9 September 2026.
NSW Police sought to have the opening address and all witness examinations conducted privately, without livestreaming.
The Police Commissioner alternatively sought individual opportunities to contest public examinations and opposed livestreaming even where public hearings were permitted.
The LECC described the late intervention as “more than regrettable”, citing the disruption, delay and additional use of public resources.
The LECC rejected the Police Commissioner’s interpretation of its statutory powers, finding that the proposed approach would undermine rather than promote the objects of the LECC Act.
The LECC determined that a public opening address and examinations of senior police officers would proceed, while evidence from operational police officers and civilian witnesses would be heard privately and addressed in the final public report.

Targeting of protest by heavily armed police makes nobody safer

Labor Premier Chris Minns is today rolling out a police force unit heavily armed with military style rifles, which Commissioner Mal Lanyon says will “be a deterrent for those who wish to commit harm, incite hatred or cause fear.”

Greens MP and spokesperson for Justice Sue Higginson said:

“This is by definition an intimidation unit. It’s an escalation in state violence.

“After everything we know about the impossibility of defining and judging the inciting of hate and community division, I’m shocked that the Commissioner of Police would blatantly state that this unit is about intimidation.

“It’s political failure of the Minns Labor Government that they will now wave weapons of death around our streets and put the fear of police violence into our communities. To believe you can intimidate your way to community cohesion is authoritarian and draconian.

“I’m alarmed by the commentary of Commissioner Mal Lanyon that the threat of being shot by police should act as a deterrent to ‘harm’ or ‘hatred’. We know police intend to use these long arm rifles at peaceful protest and I am astounded by the attitude of our most senior police officer,

“The Supreme Court has been clear that deterring political speech which may be offensive or confronting is not a legitimate public policy purpose under our Constitution. If you can’t deter it with anti protest laws, you most certainly should not try and deter it with guns,

“NSW Labor claim to care about reducing gun violence when they attack the Liberals, but here they are sending more long arm rifles into circulation in a move that proves the Minns Labor Government cares about political point scoring more than community safety,” Ms Higginson said.

3rd anniversary of the October 7 terrorist attacks on Israel

Three years ago today, Hamas terrorists invaded and attacked Israel. The terrorists from Gaza came not only equipped with guns and grenades, they also wore body cams and carried mobile phones to film their barbarous acts. They felt no guilt. They acted with glee. They weaponised rape. They tortured and mutilated children, women and men. They took some 250 people hostage. They brutally murdered some 1,200 innocent people.

October 7 was the greatest loss of Jewish life on a single day since the Holocaust. And it should not be forgotten that Hamas vowed to repeat their savagery many times over until Israel is annihilated.

On the third anniversary of Israel’s “9/11”, we remember those who were murdered, those who survived and are still living with the horrors of that day, those who endured the most unimaginable captivity, and those families who are still grieving the loss of loved ones.

In October 2025, soon after the final hostages were released, I visited Israel. I went to the site of the Nova music festival where young people were massacred. I visited kibbutzim where families and communities were butchered. I watched the shocking footage of Hamas’ sadistic crimes. And I spoke with survivors and heroes.

That profound experience reinforced to me another thing we must do on every anniversary of October 7. We must remember the facts and fight for the truth. Because even today, there are those who downplay, deny and even defend Hamas’ atrocities. There are those who seek to portray the victim, Israel, as the villain, and portray the villain, Hamas, as the victim. There are those who deceitfully accuse Israel of genocide, yet turn a blind eye to groups and regimes with real genocidal intent.

Such perversions of the truth and lack of moral clarity help to fuel antisemitism and make it permissible. The fight against antisemitism is therefore a fight for the truth – a fight that continues on our soil too. And that fight is also about acknowledging and combatting all sources of antisemitism, especially Islamist extremism.

On behalf of the Coalition, my prayers and abiding friendship are with the brave people of Israel, and with our Jewish community who are dear and valued Australians. Whether it’s in Israel, in Australia, or most recently, thousands of feet up in the air in a passenger jet, the Jewish people continue to be characterised by strength, stoicism and valour. We know you will prevail because you love life more than your enemies love death. And we are with you, always.

High Court Decision on the Mount Pleasant Coal Mine

Today’s High Court decision on the Mount Pleasant coal mine is a direct threat to the Hunter, to thousands of future mining jobs and to Australia’s standing as a reliable energy exporter.

The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments must act immediately to fix the law.

The ruling means local planning authorities must now consider the climate impacts of coal used in other countries before approving a mine in New South Wales.

A project extension the Independent Planning Commission approved in 2022, after years of assessment, has been sent back to square one. Many more projects in the NSW planning pipeline now face the same uncertainty.

This is absurd. Under the international rules Labor champions, emissions are counted where coal is used, not where it is mined.

Holding Hunter miners responsible for power stations in Japan, Korea and India is a recipe for endless legal challenges. This will reduce Australian jobs, not global emissions.

If Australian high-quality coal is not exported, our trading partners will not stop using coal.

They will buy it from other countries, often lower in quality and higher in emissions. The only result will be lost jobs, lost royalties for hospitals and schools, and lost investment for regional communities.

This is precisely why the Coalition has said it would claw back federal funding for the Environmental Defender’s Office, and why we fought the Albanese Government’s reckless environmental law changes, rushed through last year in a deal with the Greens.

Those laws force mining projects to make duplicative climate disclosures which risk opening new avenues for legal challenge.

Today’s ruling shows exactly where that leads: more red tape, more lawfare, and more uncertainty for the industries that underpin our economy.

The decision turns on the wording of NSW planning law. That means it can be fixed, and fixed quickly.

The Coalition calls on the Minns Government to act immediately to introduce legislation amending the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act. It must make clear that overseas emissions from Australia’s exported resources are not a consideration in project approvals.

If the NSW state government won’t act, the Albanese Labor Government should legislate to fix this issue and provide certainty to workers, business and our international energy partners.

Hunter workers cannot afford Labor’s silence. Every day of delay is another day of uncertainty for the region’s families, businesses and the investment our economy depends on.

Ordinary Council Meeting 6 October 2026 (items adjourned from 22 September 2026)

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 6 October 2026 (items adjourned from 22 September 2026). NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.

Lord Mayoral Minutes

Support for those affected by the tragic event at Transfield roundabout on the Link Road

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously endorsed that City of Newcastle extends its heartfelt sympathy to the people injured at Wallsend on Saturday 3 October 2026, their families and friends, and all who witnessed the incident, and wishes those injured a full recovery. City of Newcastle acknowledges and thanks all those who provided support at the scene and across the community.

Congratulations to the Newcastle Knights

An amended Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously endorsed congratulating the Newcastle Knights on their 2026 season and their run to the Grand Final and thanking the players, coaching staff and everyone at the club for giving the city something to believe in. Council also congratulated the Newcastle Yowies on their 2026 Koori Knockout women’s grand final over the weekend.

Notices of Motion

Progressing universal and equitable mobility: Updating the Newcastle Transport Strategy in 2026

Council unanimously supported an amended notice of motion that Councillors and the community receive a public briefing from City of Newcastle staff on the approach to update the Newcastle Transport Strategy, contributory plans, targeted engagement and actions prior to the draft updated strategy being tabled to Council for public exhibition.

No more missed opportunities for accessible footpaths

Council unanimously supported an amended notice of motion that City of Newcastle develop a process to improve accessibility by incorporating compliant kerb ramps and other practical accessibility improvements into the planning, design and delivery of all Council pathway, road and public domain renewal and upgrade works wherever reasonably practicable.

Maintaining meaningful local community participation in planning

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion to alert the community to changes to the statewide Community Participation Plan for public engagement on development, recommit to the organisation’s high standard for involving communities in shaping our city and update the city’s Community Engagement Strategy as relevant.

Advocacy on the Central Cost and Lower Hunter Plan

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion to establish City of Newcastle’s key priorities for the preparation of the NSW Government’s forthcoming Central Cost and Lower Hunter Plan, ahead of its anticipated public exhibition in 2027.

Supporting residents affected by recent CBD parking changes

Council supported a notice of motion requesting a post-implementation review of the recent city parking changes, including the impacts on turnover and usage, and requests that the CEO consider options to address the impacts on residents in affected areas, particularly residents without off street parking.

Youth Mock Council

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion to congratulate City of Newcastle’s Youth Council for holding a successful 2026 Youth Mock Council and share the Youth Mock Council Notices of Motion with the relevant directorates or advisory committees for consideration.

Two Newcastles: 40 years of sister-city friendship

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion to recognise the 40th anniversary in 2027 of the Sister City relationship between Newcastle NSW and Newcastle upon Tyne, and to commence work with our sister city, International Newcastle Inc and Newcastles of the World on a shared program of activities for September 2027.

Raising the Tibetan Flag on Tibetan National Uprising Day

Council supported an amended notice of motion that Council expresses solidarity and support for the voices of Tibetan people, recognises the role Council plays in representing the diverse cultures, background and values of its residents, and lights up the clock tower with the colours of the Tibetan flag on 10 March to mark Tibetan National Uprising Day.

Prioritising grassroots sporting infrastructure and strategic investment in Newcastle’s sporting future

Council unanimously supported an amended notice of motion calling on the Lord Mayor and Councillors to adopt a “basics first” approach to sporting infrastructure ensuring that major projects compliment rather than displace investment in local sporting facilities used by thousands of Novocastrians each week, and aligned with adopted plans, strategies and other means.

Surfest WSL Challenger event

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion that the CEO negotiates with World Surf League, Freeman of the City Warren Smith and the New South Wales Government to secure the Challenger Series, as part of the Surfest event, for another three years from 2028 to 2030.

Transparency of correspondence on behalf of the elected Council

A notice of motion to implement a process for correspondence arising from Council resolutions was not supported by the Council.

Deputy Lord Mayor changeover marks next chapter in Council leadership

Councillor Declan Clausen will today commence a one-year term as Deputy Lord Mayor of Newcastle, returning to a role he previously held for seven consecutive years from 2017 to 2024.

The appointment marks Cr Clausen’s eighth year serving as Deputy Lord Mayor, the longest period of service in the role in Newcastle’s history.

Deputy Lord Mayor changeover in Chamber Cr Callum Pull, Cr Charlotte McCabe, Cr Declan Clausen, Cr Deahnna Richardson and Lord Mayor Gavin Morris gather for the formal handover of Deputy Lord Mayor duties.

Cr Clausen said it was a privilege to again have the opportunity to serve Newcastle as Deputy Lord Mayor.

“I’m incredibly proud to have represented our community on Council for more than 11 years, and it is a great privilege to again serve Newcastle as Deputy Lord Mayor,” Cr Clausen said.

“I’ve enjoyed working with Cr Morris since his election as Lord Mayor. He has brought real energy and commitment to the role, and I share his positivity for our city and look forward to continuing to work with him and the other Councillors in the year ahead.

“I’d also like to thank Cr McCabe for her contribution as Deputy Lord Mayor. She took on significant additional responsibilities during a difficult period for Council and carried them out with integrity.

“Newcastle has changed enormously since I was first elected in 2015, but my enthusiasm for our city and its future is as strong as ever. I’m looking forward to continuing to serve our community in the year ahead.”

Lord Mayor Gavin Morris thanked outgoing Deputy Lord Mayor Cr McCabe and welcomed Cr Clausen to the role for the coming 12 months.

“I want to firstly say a sincere thank you to Cr McCabe. When former Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge was unwell, and again after he resigned, Cr McCabe took on the responsibilities of Lord Mayor,” Cr Morris said.

“She did so with care through a really tough period, and she’s earned the thanks of Council and the Newcastle community for the way she managed that process.

“I’ve really valued working with Cr Clausen since I became Lord Mayor. With more than 11 years on Council, including having previously served as Deputy Lord Mayor, he knows this city and this organisation inside out.

“I’m looking forward to working alongside him, and with every Councillor around the table, to keep delivering for Novocastrians.”

Cr Clausen was elected to Newcastle Council in 2015 and first became Deputy Lord Mayor in 2017. He served continuously in the position until 2024, with his new term representing a record eighth year as Newcastle’s Deputy Lord Mayor.

During his time on Council, Cr Clausen has been closely involved in initiatives across renewable energy, local infrastructure, affordable housing and community services, including the Summerhill Solar Farm and $2 pool entry trial.

The changeover forms part of Council’s unanimously approved 2024 decision to share the Deputy Lord Mayor position between four Councillors during the current term.

Cr Clausen succeeds Cr McCabe and will serve until 7 October 2027, when Cr Deahnna Richardson is scheduled to take on the role. Cr Callum Pull was the first Councillor to serve as Deputy Lord Mayor under the adopted arrangement in this Council term.