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Tackling the housing shortage while ensuring quality of life for residents guided the Urban Design Review Panel’s (UDRP) decision making as they assessed $1.45 billion in developments in Newcastle during the past 12 months.

The UDRP completed a total of 67 individual design review sessions in 2024, offering guidance to City of Newcastle staff and applicants on 49 different development proposals.

The Store development The projects are included in UDRP’s 2024 Annual Report, which will be tabled at next week’s Council meeting.

The Report highlights several significant developments, as well as smaller projects that benefited from design advice.

Proposals reviewed include the DOMA Group’s $130 million twin-tower luxury apartment complex known as The Store, as well as developments such as a $19.4 million educational establishment on University Drive at Callaghan, a $6.1 million residential building in Hamilton and co-living housing on Denison Street in Newcastle West worth almost $12 million.

City of Newcastle’s Executive Director Planning and Environment Michelle Bisson said the UDRP plays a vital role in improving the design quality of new developments.

“The panel provides independent, impartial, and expert advice to City of Newcastle and applicants about the quality of the urban design and amenity of development proposals and strategic design projects,” Ms Bisson said.

“The increase in demand for their services has seen the panel increase to seven members, plus the Chairperson, which has helped to cover the large number of applications.”

“The collective experience of the UDRP members consistently grounds the advice in real-world experience, while balancing the practicalities and challenges of property development and construction.”

East End developmentChairperson Dr Philip Pollard said the panel enjoys providing input into smaller projects as much as high-profile applications.

“We continue to see the face of Newcastle change and develop in an exciting manner, but we’re mindful of the wonderful Indigenous and colonial heritage we’ve inherited,” Dr Pollard said.

“We’re delighted to see an increase of instances where applicants are presenting designs prior to the Development Application stage, proving applicants value of our advice.”

The UDRP also acts as the Design Integrity Panel for some developments in Newcastle to ensure their quality and original detail is maintained or improved through to construction completion.

In 2024, the UDRP oversaw progress on 17 projects such as the Dairy Farmers Towers in Newcastle West, a 16-dwelling project on Church Street in Mayfield and Stages 3 and 4 of the Hunter Street development, part of the East End project by Iris Capital.

The Minns Labor Government is today launching the NSW Housing Pattern Book of low-rise designs, alongside a a world-first new Complying Development pathway, that will speed up the delivery of new homes significantly.

Housing remains the single biggest cost of living pressure people across NSW are facing with a recent NSW Productivity Commission report finding that Sydney is losing twice as many young people as it is gaining, putting us at risk of becoming a city with no grandchildren.

Following the launch of an international pattern book design competition in 2024, the Government Architect has now endorsed eight terrace, townhouse and manorhouse designs for families, young people and downsizers that will be available for $1,000 a design.

However, for the first six months, the Government is significantly subsidising access to these world class designs with each pattern being made available to everyone for $1 per pattern.

The price for each design is a significant discount on the professional fees that potential builders or homeowners would usually pay for a custom architecturally designed home that could be estimated to cost over $20,000.

The Pattern Book was created to be affordable, easy to build, and sustainable. With each design to be adaptable for different family sizes and housing needs, this includes different room formations and layout, helping to create vibrant, diverse communities that reflect the people who live in them.

Every purchase of a design, also comes with a complimentary Landscape Pattern to help new home-owners design their own garden that maximises biodiversity and suits the climate they’re living in.

A new ten-day approval pathway has been developed by the NSW Government alongside the Pattern Book to fast-track these high-quality homes, cutting major costs and delays that normally plague home-builders.

This new, fast-tracked pathway will create the opportunity for these architect designed homes to commence construction within ten days of an application being made, subject to all appropriate assessments being completed.

The Complying Development pathway will be available from 30 July 2025.

The delivery of homes through the NSW Housing Pattern Book is further supported by the Minns Labor Government’s Low and Mid-Rise Housing reforms that have made terraces, townhouses and manorhouses broadly permissable across NSW.

This laid the groundwork for the arrival of the Pattern Book, unlocking expansive opportunities for the designs to be adopted and built around transport hubs and town centres.

The NSW Housing Pattern Book will be advertised to potential home-buyers and builders through an advertising campaign that is also being launched today, highlighting the benefits of using a pattern book design.

The NSW Housing Pattern Book, together with the Low and Mid-Rise Housing policy, is designed to make the housing system fairer by increasing housing supply, giving people more choice in where they want to live and supporting communities that have been locked out of housing for too long, held back by rising costs and a planning system that made it too hard to build homes.

This is all part of the Minns Government’s plan to build a better and fairer NSW with more homes and services, so young people, families and downsizers have somewhere to live in the communities they choose.

To choose your next home, please visit – https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/nsw-housing-pattern-book

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns:

“For too long, too many people in NSW have been locked out of the housing market by rising costs and a system that made it too hard to build. We’re changing that.

“This Pattern Book is about giving people more choice, faster approvals, and affordable, high-quality homes – whether you’re a young person trying to get in, a family needing more space, or a downsizer looking to stay close to the community you know.

“This is a practical step to make the housing system fairer – and make sure NSW remains a place where the next generation can afford to live and thrive.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“The NSW Housing Pattern Book allows people to select an architect designed home, that comes with a landscape plan and an approval pathway that only takes a week to complete so they can start building almost immediately.  

“Much of Sydney was built on pattern books. They look great, they’re simple and cost-effective. We’re accelerating these designs with their own approval pathway so those wishing to build can get an approval in one week.

“The NSW Housing Pattern Book takes the guesswork and the delay out of home-building. These designs are high-quality, easy to build, and for the first six months, they’ll cost $1.

“These designs offer choice, with less complexity, making it easier to build homes in NSW.”

Government Architect NSW Abbie Galvin said:

“I am excited to be able to share these patterns that can be used by the development industry, architects, planners, councils and communities.

“The pattern book offers practical and sustainable designs that can be adapted to suit many neighbourhoods, positively contributing to the character of a street.

“We are making it quicker and easier to build new low-rise homes that offer housing diversity for the whole community.”

Bunnings Chief Financial Officer Michael Howard said:

“This is a great step toward making sustainable, affordable homes more accessible, and I’m sure will be welcome news for those looking to build.

“At a time when the construction sector is doing it tough, this initiative will provide much-needed support and boost housing options across NSW.

“Bunnings is ready to help builders, developers and homeowners bring these architect-designed homes to life.”

The state’s first tenants of public modular housing have moved into their new homes marking an important milestone as the Minns Labor Government continues to pull every single lever to deliver more, well located homes sooner.

Over 150 people will have a safe place to call home, as the NSW Government delivers 90 modular homes over the next year. This is part of the Minns Labor Government’s record $6.6 billion Building Homes for New South Wales Program.

After the first three modular homes were brought online last month in Wollongong, residents have officially moved in.

Modular housing provides a cost effective and time efficient alternative to traditional building methods, meaning homes can be brought online faster. Modular homes can be delivered approximately 20% faster than traditional methods with time savings expected to increase over time.

Further, this program delivers on the Minns Labor Government’s agenda to promote local manufacturing jobs by creating over 4,000 quality jobs in factories and on building sites across Sydney and regional New South Wales.

Shortly after forming government the Minns Labor Government convened the Modular Housing Taskforce, an expert cross industry panel who provided advice to government on barriers to the utilisation of and ways modular housing could be harnessed to deliver more homes, sooner in New South Wales.

This follows twelve years of privatisation, sell offs and neglect under the former Liberal National Government who oversaw a net reduction in our states public housing from 110,805 in 2014 to 95,765 in 2023.  Further, between 2017 and 2021 their completion of 2,257 social homes, paled in comparison to the number they sold off or removed – 3,269.

Since being elected the Minns Labor, Government has been working to build a better New South Wales, with more, quality housing, located near the essential infrastructure people rely on.

In the past year the Minns Labor Government has delivered 1,711 new social and affordable homes, the largest increase in government-built public, community homes in over a decade.

A further ten modular social homes are expected to be delivered by the end of this year, with five in Shellharbour and five in Lake Macquarie. Planning for an addition 80 to be delivered by this time next year is well underway.

Chris Minns, Premier of New South Wales said:

“Housing affordability and availability is the single biggest pressure facing the people of New South Wales.

“The fact is we need to increase our supply of public housing stock. Today is an important milestone in our work to do that, sooner through nontraditional methods.

“Modular housing allows us to deliver high quality homes in less time. It allows us to build more homes and create more skilled construction and manufacturing jobs.

Rose Jackson, Minister for Housing and Minister for Homelessness said:

“We are directly building public housing again and we are doing it fast.

“These 90 modular homes are just the beginning. We are rebuilding the public housing system after a decade of sell-offs and neglect.

“This is about building homes and creating jobs. It means more work for tradies, manufacturers and apprentices right across the state.

The Minns Labor Government is investing more that $5 million to redevelop one of its key regional workplaces in Nowra creating a modern, whole-of-government workplace hub for the city.

The existing office building at O’Keeffe Avenue will be transformed into over 1,800 square metres of flexible, contemporary office space accommodating more than 260 government employees.

The redevelopment will deliver a modern, sustainable and flexible workplace, enabling public servants to provide high quality services to the people of the South Coast. The new design includes 147 work points as well as collaboration zones and meeting rooms.

Intermain Pty Ltd has been appointed to deliver the project, with works scheduled to commence at the end of July 2025. Around 30 local subcontractors will be engaged throughout the project.

Once the work is completed, staff from six departments currently based in the building will be located across two of the three floors, providing space to expand the hub to include additional government agencies or a private sector tenant in future.

The upgraded building will be energy efficient, including achieving 5.5 Star NABERS Energy, 3 Star NABERS Water and 4.0 Star Greenstar ratings. It will also meet the latest NSW Government workplace design standards which include a focus on providing accessible workspaces that meet a range of user needs.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“This is a major milestone for Nowra and the broader Shoalhaven region. As a critical regional workplace for hundreds of public servants, this project will deliver the modern, sustainable and efficient office space our workforce deserves.

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to delivering fit-for-purpose government workplaces across NSW. We’ve already seen the benefits of this approach in Maitland, and we’re proud to bring that same vision to Nowra.”

Member for South Coast, Liza Butler said:

“This is a major investment in Nowra’s future. Redeveloping this site means more than 260 government workers can stay and grow their careers here — and with 30 local subcontractors on board, it’s work that directly benefits our local economy.”

“People on the South Coast deserve high-quality services, and that starts with giving our public servants a modern, flexible, and accessible place to work. This upgrade will help our frontline staff do their jobs better — and it shows real commitment to regional NSW.”

The Minister for Local Government has today announced that the demerger of Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council into two separate councils is to proceed.

On 3 October 2023, the Minister announced his support to split Cootamundra–Gundagai Regional Council provided it could develop a robust implementation plan for two separate councils.

The implementation plan developed by the Council would then be subject to a Public Inquiry and recommendation of the NSW Local Government Boundaries Commission. This was the only legislative option available to achieve a demerger of the Council.

The Minister met with Mayor Abb McAlister and the Member for Cootamundra in Gundagai earlier today to release the Boundaries Commission and Public Inquiry reports.

The path is now clear for the Council to commence the detailed transition work needed to initiate the dissolution of Cootamundra-Gundagai and establish two new councils.

The Council will establish a transition management office to prepare the specifics of the demerger, including allocation of assets, liabilities, funding, shared service arrangements, staffing and governance arrangements.

Completing the detailed planning and transition work is essential to ensure each Council has the best start following proclamation.

This work will also inform the drafting of legal instruments by the NSW Government required to establish the two new councils.

The Office of Local Government will continue to support Cootamundra-Gundagai including monitoring the implementation of Council’s demerger proposal, and work with the Council to identify funding sources to support the transition to two new council areas.

Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig said:

“Cootamundra and Gundagai are two councils that should never have been merged.

“The work by the Boundaries Commission confirms what the Council had been saying since 2016 and what I had been saying since 2012 – the former government’s ‘Fit for the Future’ policy was only a ruse to effect widespread amalgamations.

“Within several years of the merger I spoke with Mayor Abb McAlister and remember being impressed with the work the Council had done calculating the cost of the merger on the new Council. The community’s opposition was not just philosophical – it was financial and practical.

“It was for that reason in October 2023 that I decided I would do whatever I could within my power under the Act, to enable this demerger.

“Now, the detailed transition work needs to be led by the Council, and the councillors elected in 2024 who have the mandate to do it. They are best positioned to drive this process forward and should be the ones to shape the future of their respective communities.

“Demerging a council is significantly more complex than amalgamating one. The Council’s own implementation plan highlighted there is still a lot of work that needs to be done to get to a point where two new councils can be proclaimed.

“I am confident Mayor McAlister and the elected councillors can do what is required of them to reach this outcome so we can finally close this disappointing chapter in local government history.

“Let Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council serve as a cautionary tale for future governments and academics who believe that merged councils provide better economies of scale and better services.

“May it stand as the folly that it was, so we can finally discard forced amalgamations for amalgamations sake into the waste bin of history.”

We live in an increasingly fractured, polarised world where principles and values we once took for granted in Australia are being undermined. 

There’s no single person, movement, organisation or country to blame and there’s no single date that can be pinned down as to where it all went wrong. Marxism and its unhinged modern adherents protesting everything from Israel to climate policy and ‘trans’ rights are certainly at the core of it, but it’s only fair to say conservative leaders of the past are as much to blame for failing to counter it effectively much sooner. 

Irrespective of blame, today the Albanese Labor government gets away with doing things that would simply not be acceptable in Australia a generation or two ago. 

They’ve allowed rising antisemitism to go unchecked, and even encouraged it by supporting terrorism over democracy. They defend the drugging and mutilation of children, and men invading women’s sports and private spaces, in the name of ‘trans’ activism. 

They spend tens of billions of taxpayer dollars every year funding a net zero policy which achieves nothing but increase our electricity costs and cripple our economic productivity – they even defend the clearing of native rainforests to cover our landscape with their giant wind turbines. 

They are deliberately risking our critical military alliance with the world’s most powerful nation, the United States, and leaving Australia more vulnerable to international aggression than we have been at any time since the start of the Second World War. In the meantime they are deliberately cultivating and kowtowing to the power which primarily threatens peace and order in our region, communist China. 

Labor may have won the 2025 election, but that hasn’t made the problems Labor created go away. We still have a cost-of-living crisis. We still have a housing crisis. We still have declining economic productivity, record immigration, reduced defence capabilities, increasing debt and huge budget deficits. The Coalition – which ran just about the the worst election campaign in living memory this year – gives no Australian any hope of a strong alternative government to oppose Labor’s incompetent excesses. 

A generation or two ago, certain non-partisan principles were taken for granted: Australia is a democratic Western nation which supported other democracies like the US and Israel. Australia opposed tyranny, terrorism and authoritarian regimes because they violently denied self-determination and basic human rights. Australia supported those rights: voting; freedom of speech and religion; privacy and property rights. 

How certain of these principles are you today? 

Bringing this to a head in recent days is the Albanese Labor government’s effective ghosting of our major military ally while the Prime Minister flies off to China for six whole days to be wined and dined by our most potent military adversary. 

For decades, Australia’s defence has primarily been funded by American taxpayers. America’s nuclear deterrence has prevented global war between major powers, America supplies us with our military platforms and our advanced weapons, and under AUKUS America will hand over to Australia the most closely-guarded military technology on the planet: nuclear propulsion. 

Yet our current Labor government is publicly appearing less than grateful for this generous support from the ‘arsenal of democracy’, and is to all appearances sucking up to China – by far and away our largest trading partner, but also a country which routinely commits acts of aggression against Australia as if it’s entitled to do so and is not hiding its intentions to militarily and economically dominate our region. 

America wants the countries it has protected to step up and do some of the heavy lifting by increasing their defence spending. Nearly all of them have agreed to do so; Australia under Labor is one of the very few gambling that it won’t have to. Labor is gambling with our national security. 

The mistake Labor is making is purely political. It’s not principled. Labor – with its extreme left faction dominating the party – hates everything American and especially despises the current US president and his unique brand of politics. Labor fails to appreciate the relationship between our two countries will endure beyond the current occupants of the Lodge and the White House. 

It’s impossible to imagine Bob Hawke – Labor’s most successful and longest-serving Prime Minister – supporting this profound mistake. Hawke was a noted champion of the US alliance despite the fact the very conservative Reagan and Bush (senior) administrations were in the White House, and a major critic of communist China (especially after the massacre at Tiananmen Square in 1989). Hawke understood principles. Even Paul Keating – a vocal admirer of China – knew enough not to jeopardise our relationship with America. 

Albanese obviously didn’t get the memo, and now our relations with the United States are declining when we can least afford it. President Trump has demonstrated he is prepared to act decisively – even punitively – to prompt allies to start pulling their weight, and if Albanese doesn’t wake up he may find us way down the list of America’s priorities when it comes to defence and trade. We’re already facing increased American tariffs on steel, aluminium and pharmaceuticals. AUKUS is also under review by the Trump administration. This is not in our best interests. 

Australia needs a statement of binding national diplomatic principles to ensure transitory political partisanship does not risk important international relationships that must endure beyond every three-year Parliamentary term. 

At a minimum, these principles should include: 

• aligning our national interests with those of countries with similar systems and values: secular representative democracy, the rule of law, international peace and order, protecting and promoting fundamental human rights and freedoms; 
• opposing authoritarianism and supporting democratic movements; 
• opposing and condemning terrorism both domestically and abroad; 
• opposing communism, Marxism or any similar movement under the ‘socialist’ banner as anti-democratic; and 
• having a defence force capable of deterring credible threats and aggression, able to deploy in support of allies and able to defend Australia independently. 

This statement needs to say who we are and what Australia stands for on the international stage. It needs to be binding on every government we get, every Prime Minister, every diplomat from the Foreign Minister down. 

1. At the invitation of H.E. Li Qiang, Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, The Hon Anthony Albanese MP, Prime Minister of Australia, undertook an official visit to China from 12 to 18 July. Prime Minister Albanese visited Shanghai, Beijing and Chengdu, Sichuan.

2. During the visit to Beijing on 15 July, H.E. Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China, met with Prime Minister Albanese. Premier Li Qiang and Prime Minister Albanese jointly convened the Annual Leaders’ Meeting. H.E. Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, also met with Prime Minister Albanese. The leaders exchanged views in depth on China-Australia relations, as well as on key regional and international issues.

3. At the Annual Leaders’ Meeting, the leaders reaffirmed their support for the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and reiterated the importance of a mature, stable, and constructive bilateral relationship. They agreed to continue to grow the bilateral relationship, enhance exchanges and cooperation in areas of shared interest, uphold their respective national interests, and navigate their differences wisely.

4. Consistent with the Statement on Joint Outcomes issued in Canberra in June 2024, the two sides reiterated the importance of the 1972 Joint Communique on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the People’s Republic of China and Australia and restated their commitment to their respective national policies and positions contained therein, including mutual respect, equality, mutual benefit, stable development and Australia’s commitment to its one-China policy.

5. The leaders acknowledged the importance of regular engagement between leaders, ministers and officials on both sides in support of the ongoing stabilisation and development of the bilateral relationship. They welcomed the resumption, since the last Annual Leaders’ Meeting in June 2024, of the Fourth Strategic Economic Dialogue in September 2024, and welcomed the upcoming session to be hosted by Australia later this year. They looked forward to holding the Foreign and Strategic Dialogue and the Joint Ministerial Economic Commission in China in 2025.

6. The two sides reaffirmed the importance of the UN Charter and the WTO. They agreed to continue to work together in the UN, WTO, G20, APEC, East Asia Summit and other multilateral platforms. Australia looked forward to a successful APEC 2026 and supported China’s hosting. The two sides attached importance to cooperation under the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. They acknowledged the importance of a fair, open and non-discriminatory business environment.

7. The two sides reaffirmed support for people-to-people exchanges and highlighted the important role these played in deepening the bilateral relationship. They welcomed the increasing number of visitors travelling in both directions, underpinned by the growing number of direct flights. They welcomed the important role played by the China-Australia High Level Dialogue and plans to hold the next meeting later this year in China.

8. The two sides agreed to continue or expand engagement in:

• Political dialogue, including through continuing the Annual Leaders’ Meeting, the Foreign and Strategic Dialogue, the Strategic Economic Dialogue, the Joint Ministerial Economic Commission, as well as other government-to-government mechanisms.
• Bilateral trade, including through the participation of both leaders in the Australia-China CEO Roundtable meeting in Beijing on 15 July. The two sides recognised the importance of the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA) for promoting bilateral economic and trade relations and welcomed a review of the ChAFTA. China welcomed Australia’s participation in the China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) as this year’s country of honour and the China International Import Expo (CIIE). Both sides welcomed the conclusion of the WTO Agreement on Electronic Commerce and committed to its incorporation into the WTO framework. In line with this, they would also explore potential ways for cooperation on the agreement’s interim implementation.
• Climate change, energy and environment, through agreement to establish a new Policy Dialogue on Steel Decarbonisation, and through continuing exchanges between officials on climate change and the environment, including on transparency-related issues, dryland farming, climate-smart agriculture and the green economy. They looked forward to holding the Ninth China-Australia Ministerial Dialogue on Climate Change in 2025 in China.
• People-to-people links, and other exchanges in culture, sports, education, innovation, academia, aviation, health and tourism, including through resumption of the Australia China Tourism Dialogue. Australia continued to welcome Chinese students and to value their contribution to Australian society. Both sides welcomed more young Australians travelling to China for visits and exchanges, including through international youth exchange programs and initiatives. The leaders welcomed their National Museums’ exchanges of culturally significant exhibitions.
• Border enforcement, building on existing bilateral law enforcement cooperation in our mutual interest against forms of crime including counter-narcotics, transnational and organised crime and cyber-telecom scams.

9. The leaders witnessed the signing of the following MOUs and Protocols:

• Memorandum of Understanding Between the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Australia Regarding the Implementation and Review of China-Australia Free Trade Agreement in 2025-2026
• Memorandum of Understanding Between the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Australia and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People’s Republic of China on Tourism Cooperation
• Protocol of Phytosanitary Requirements for Export of Fresh Apples from Australia to China Between the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China and the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
• Protocol of Phytosanitary Requirements for Export of Chinese Jujube Fruits from China to Australia Between the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China and the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
• Memorandum of Understanding Between the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry of Australia on Paperless Certification of Agricultural and Food Products
• Strategic Cooperation Agreement Between China Media Group and Tourism Australia

10. The leaders agreed to convene the next Annual Leaders’ Meeting in 2026. China welcomed the invitation of the Australian side for Chinese leaders to visit Australia at a mutually convenient time.

The Victoria Cross for Australia has been formally presented to the family of the late Private Richard Norden, in recognition for his bravery and dedication to service during the Vietnam War.

Private Norden’s gallantry during the Battle of Fire Support Base Coral in Vietnam in 1968 has never been forgotten.

In November last year, Governor-General, the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC announced that His Majesty The King had approved the awarding of the Victoria Cross for Australia for Private Norden.

Today at a special investiture ceremony in Rockhampton, Australia’s highest military honour was presented to Private Norden’s widow, Mrs Robynn Freeman.

The awarding of the Victoria Cross reflects Private Norden’s courage and selflessness in the heat of battle.  

On 14 May 1968, Private Norden’s platoon came under heavy fire during the Battle of Fire Support Base Coral.

Using his initiative and demonstrating a depth of care for his fellow soldiers, Private Norden rescued a wounded soldier and recovered the body of another, with very little cover and under intense enemy fire.

Private Norden displayed a complete disregard for his own personal safety. His courage and selfless acts resulted in the enemy position being secured and likely saved the lives of many others on that day in 1968.

Private Norden died in the line of duty while serving as a member of the Australian Capital Territory Police in 1972.

Today marks an historic occasion for Australia and the Australian Defence Force and a particularly significant day for Private Norden’s family.

Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles:

“Private Richard Norden’s bravery during the Battle of Fire Support Base Coral exemplifies the values we hold as Australians – those of tremendous courage and mateship.
 
“Under fire from the enemy, Private Norden did not hesitate as he moved forward to help his fellow wounded soldiers.
 
“I am honoured to have attended today’s investiture ceremony to see Private Norden recognised with Australia’s highest military honour.”

Minister for Defence Personnel and Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Matt Keogh:

“When we say ‘Lest We Forget’ that’s a call to action to never forget the service and sacrifice of Australia’s personnel. 

“I’m so pleased that today, almost six decades after his heroic act, his family are finally receiving this important acknowledgement of his selfless service.

“Private Norden personified the ANZAC spirit – disregarding his own safety to put his mates first.

“I want to acknowledge and thank the veteran community for your advocacy for the appropriate recognition of Private Norden.”

For the first time, the Australian Defence Force will establish a purpose-built space workforce. 

The 2024 Defence Workforce Plan highlighted the need to recruit and retain highly‑specialised personnel for emerging capabilities, including space. 

To meet the demands of the evolving space domain, Defence will soon begin targeted recruitment and training for highly specialised roles to grow its existing space workforce across areas including satellite communications and operations, position, navigation and timing, intelligence and surveillance. 

Defence’s current space workforce consists of diverse Navy, Army and Air Force personnel. From 2026, Air Force direct entry will be available for roles including Space Operations Specialist and Space Operations Officers. 

Emerging space capabilities are a focus of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025, with Defence personnel working alongside international partners to conduct real-time and on-demand space demonstration exercises in Townsville.

During the exercise, personnel will use commercially-available data to provide timely and accurate reporting on space events and activities to support military operations. 

The evolving space domain demands highly specialised roles, requiring targeted career development and training continuums. The workforce will eventually cover the full spectrum of space mission sets, including: 

• Satellite communications
• Position, navigation and timing
• Space domain awareness
• Missile warning
• Satellite operations
• Space control
• Intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; and
• Environmental monitoring.

Beyond the technical edge, an Australian Defence Force career in space operations will offer some truly extraordinary opportunities. From working with cutting-edge satellite systems and commercial partners, to contributing to joint and coalition operations, members will be part of a frontier mission at the intersection of science, strategy and service.

This purpose‑built space workforce would continue to work alongside Australian industry and commercial operations to deliver the capabilities and outcomes required by our strategic circumstances. 

Minister for Defence Personnel, the Hon Matt Keogh MP:

“Our region is rapidly evolving, and space is a critical operational domain. By establishing a permanent space workforce, we are preparing Defence to lead, integrate and innovate in this contested and congested environment.

“Space capabilities will play a critical role in the execution of activities as part of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025 alongside existing operational domains of maritime, land, air and cyber.

“People are at the centre of our advantage. Defence is building a sustainable space workforce through targeted recruitment, career pathways and joint training. 

“The evolving space domain demands highly specialised roles and will provide our people with opportunities to shape how Australia operates in space.”

Media note:

During a visit to Townsville, Minister for Defence Personnel, the Hon Matt Keogh MP had the opportunity to see first-hand the work of the Joint Commercial Operations (JCO) Pacific Cell as it conducted dynamic and time sensitive space activities. 

The JCO Pacific Cell undertaking these exercises brings together personnel from Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Canada and Republic of Korea, with the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore and India joining as participants. 

The JCO is also being supported throughout the exercise by the Australian Bureau of Meteorology’s space weather team.