Drivers in Sydney’s South face further delays after the Minns Labor Government confirmed the M6 contractor has missed the 1 May default notice deadline and can’t say when construction will resume.
Shadow Minister for Roads Mark Coure said the Government’s update from Minister Jenny Aitchison offered confirmation of failure but no path forward.
“The $3.1 billion project has stalled again and as a result families, tradies and other commuters face more delays,” Mr Coure said.
“Today’s statement confirms what many feared, the deadline has come and gone, and the Government still doesn’t have control of this project,” he said.
“Drivers have no answers as to what happens next and that’s just not good enough.”
Mr Coure said the Minister’s silence in the weeks leading up to the deadline, followed by a statement with no concrete next steps, exposed the Government’s inability to manage the project.
“Minister Aitchison made a lot of noise about bringing the contractor to heel, only to go missing when it counts,” he said.
“This project has been stuck in limbo for more than two years, and people in Southern Sydney are tired of excuses and more delays,” he said.
“Drivers have been waiting for far too long for this road. They deserve clear answers, not radio silence from this government.”
Mr Coure called on Labor to outline the next steps, including whether legal action will be pursued and when construction will properly resume.
“The Minns Labor Government cannot keep kicking the can down the road and hoping that this problem will resolve itself, we need decisive action and a clear plan for how they intend to fix this mess.”
Author: admin
Cyber partnership with Japan
Australia and Japan have agreed to establish a new partnership that will enable deeper cooperation on complex cyber security challenges.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi of Japan met in Canberra today and issued the Australia–Japan Strategic Cyber Partnership.
Under the Partnership, Australia and Japan will strengthen our cyber relationship by collectively hardening our cyber defences, improving shared awareness and collaboration on cyber threats and critical technologies, and building the collective resilience of the Indo-Pacific through public-private partnerships.
Both countries will endeavour to consult each other on cyber-related contingencies that may affect our sovereignty and regional security interests and consider measures in response.
The Strategic Cyber Partnership will be underpinned by a yearly Cyber Dialogue, to be next held in June in Tokyo.
With the intensity, frequency and sophistication of cyber threats, it is more important than ever to work closely with trusted partners to bolster our cyber defences.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:
“In an increasingly complex environment, the security of our digital networks is as vital as our physical borders.
“Cyber threats do not respect national boundaries, so this is why we must work together with key partners, such as Japan.
“Under the new Australia–Japan Cyber Partnership, we will work together to better address evolving cyber security threats, while also enhancing regional resilience, the security of critical technology, and collaboration with industry.”
Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong:
”This partnership reflects closer alignment between trusted partners in defending the digital domain.
“Working side by side with Japan, we can better address evolving cyber security threats and build regional resilience.”
Minister for Cyber Security Tony Burke:
“Strong regional partnerships, such as the one we share with Japan are essential, as no single country can effectively address cyber threats alone.
“Cyber threats are growing in scale and sophistication. Sharing information with trusted partners is essential to staying ahead.”
Deepening economic security with Japan
Australia and Japan have committed to bolstering cooperation on economic security to achieve more resilient supply chains for both countries and the region.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi of Japan met in Canberra today and signed the Joint Declaration on Economic Security Cooperation.
Through the Joint Declaration, Australia and Japan have committed to working together to build regional economic resilience through strengthening supply chain resilience for key goods such as energy products, food and critical minerals, and promoting and protecting critical technologies.
Both countries have also agreed to consult each other on economic security contingencies and consider measures to mitigate risks.
Japan is Australia’s third largest two-way trading partner and second-largest export market. We are more strategically aligned than ever, including as key partners on economic security.
This Joint Declaration will boost our two-way trade and investment, particularly in the strategically significant sectors of critical technologies and critical minerals.
With the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation with Japan signed 50 years ago, this Joint Declaration further solidifies our already strong relationship and sets the direction for our future.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
“Australia and Japan are taking action to protect our economies from future economic shocks and uncertainty.
“By working together, we will achieve more secure and resilient supply chains that will benefit Australian and Japanese businesses and consumers now and into the future.”
Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong
“Australia and Japan are more strategically aligned than ever, including as close partners on economic security.
“Together we are building our shared resilience in a more uncertain world.”
Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell
“Australia and Japan have a strong relationship and this declaration will support prosperity and resilience for both our countries.
“By working together, we will establish more secure and resilient supply chains that will benefit Australian and Japanese businesses and consumers, now, and into the future.”
Expanding cooperation on critical minerals with Japan
Australia and Japan are elevating cooperation on critical minerals, supporting onshore processing, refining and related advanced manufacturing.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi of Japan met in Canberra today and issued the Joint Statement on Critical Minerals Cooperation.
The Joint Statement makes critical minerals a core pillar of our economic and national security relationship and will drive coordinated investment in strategic projects to address the most urgent supply chain vulnerabilities.
This cooperation will build on the existing Australia Japan Critical Minerals Partnership, launched by Prime Minister Albanese in 2022. It will enable greater access to capital and technology, as well as create stronger commercial linkages for Australian producers – matching this with Japanese industry demand.
Our partnership is mutually beneficial and supports our collective economic security and prosperity.
The Australian Government through the Critical Minerals Facility and Export Finance Australia is providing support of up to $1.3 billion, including non-binding Letters of Support, to critical mineral projects with Japanese involvement, creating the potential to supply Japan with critical minerals including gallium, nickel, graphite, rare earths and fluorite.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
“Japan has been a long-standing partner in the development of Australia’s critical minerals sector.
“By working closely with Japan, we can attract greater investment in our critical minerals sector and further develop the sector, creating jobs and capability in Australia.”
Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong
“Our cooperation with Japan is all about building more resilient and stable supply chains over the long term.
“We both see the tremendous potential in working more closely together to support reliable access to critical minerals.”
Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell
“We are committed to working with Japan to develop Australia’s critical minerals sector and support resilient supply chains between our countries and in our region.
“Developing our critical minerals is a key national priority under our Future Made in Australia agenda, and we can achieve this by working closely with Japan, a trusted and longstanding partner.”
Minister for Resources Madeleine King
“Sustained, trusted, constant investment from Japan is a cornerstone of the global powerhouse that is the resources sector of Australia.
“Working together with Japan we are building a new era for our resources sector that will support both our economies and our shared security for generations to come.”
Strengthening energy security with Japan
Australia and Japan have reached an agreement to further strengthen energy security in our region.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi of Japan met in Canberra today and issued the Joint Statement on Energy Security.
Australia and Japan will work together to support the flow of essential goods – including fuel and gas – between our countries.
The two nations are also committed to working together to support continued energy security across the region.
Australia provides approximately one-third of Japan’s energy supply, and it is our largest market for liquified natural gas.
Japan is also a reliable supplier of refined petroleum and diesel to Australia.
The Joint Statement highlights Australia’s commitment as a reliable energy supplier to Japan and demonstrates our shared commitment to open, rules-based trade and supporting the flow of essential energy goods between our countries.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
“Like Japan, we are very concerned by disruptions to the supply of liquid fuels and refined petroleum products.
“It is clear from the fuel crisis that energy is critical for our shared economic security, and we are both committed to keeping the flow of energy between us open.
“Our Joint Statement on Energy Security commits us to supporting open trade in liquid fuels, which will help build confidence with consumers and business on fuel supply.”
Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong
“Australia and Japan are close and trusted partners, and that matters more than ever at a time of uncertainty in global energy markets.
“We are committed to working together to support our mutual energy security and that of our region.”
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen
“We are continuing to secure essential fuel supplies and work with partners around the world to strengthen energy security at home and abroad.
“This Joint Statement on Energy Security will help secure fuel supplies for both Australia and Japan and shield consumers from global uncertainty.”
Enhanced defence and security cooperation with Japan
Australia and Japan have agreed next steps to enhance defence and security cooperation, in order to support our shared ambition for a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia and Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae of Japan met in Canberra today and issued the Joint Statement on Enhanced Defence and Security Cooperation.
This marks a natural evolution of our already close cooperation with Japan. Building on decades of engagement, the 2022 Australia-Japan Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation, the 2023 Australia-Japan Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) and last December’s establishment of the Framework for Strategic Defence Cooperation (FSDC), it focuses on strengthening capability, deepening integration and bolstering interoperability between Australia and Japan.
Key priorities include increased information sharing; co-development, co-production and co-sustainment of defence capabilities; advanced weapons testing; enhanced training and exercises; joint maintenance and sustainment of assets, and closer collaboration to secure supply chains and critical maritime routes.
It also reflects a shared commitment to deepening cooperation in key areas, including defence industry following Australia’s decision to procure the upgraded Mogami class frigates for Australia’s general purpose frigate program.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
“In a complex strategic environment, cooperation between Australia and Japan is essential to maintaining a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.
“Enhanced defence and security cooperation between Australia and Japan increases interoperability between our defence forces, ensuring Australia and Japan can work closely together to support regional peace and security.”
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles
“Our enhanced defence cooperation with Japan means our forces can train, plan and operate together with greater sophistication – strengthening our combined capability and supporting deterrence.”
“Australia and Japan share a strong commitment to regional stability, and at a time of global uncertainty, strengthening our longstanding defence cooperation is more important than ever.”
Minister for Foreign Affairs
“As Special Strategic Partners, Australia and Japan are stepping up our defence and security cooperation as part of our efforts to ensure a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.
“In these uncertain times, middle powers must keep working together for a free and open Indo-Pacific, and a world where no country dominates and no country is dominated.”
Appeal to locate man missing from Singleton
Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing from the Hunter Region.
Robert Symons, aged 55, was last seen in Singleton on Wednesday 15 April 2026.
Officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District were notified about 8pm today (Sunday 3 May 2026) and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.
Police hold concerns for Robert’s welfare as he lives with a medical condition.
Robert is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 175cm tall, of large build, with brown hair and green eyes.
He may be driving a gold Mazda with NSW registration VKY544.
Robert is believed to frequent the Singleton and Wetherill Park areas.
Two teens charged after man allegedly knocked out on bus – Belmont
Two teenage boys have been charged, and a man remains in hospital, following an alleged assault on a bus in the Hunter yesterday.
Just after midday (Sunday 3 May 2026), emergency services were called to the Pacific Highway, Belmont, following reports of an assault on a bus.
Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District and Police Transport Command attended and were told a group of people entered the bus, before an argument ensued with a 49-year-old man.
As the group was getting off the bus, they repeatedly assaulted the man, allegedly knocking him unconscious.
The man was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics for head and facial injuries before being taken to John Hunter Hospital for further treatment.
A short time later, nine youths were located and arrested at a fast-food restaurant in Belmont.
Following inquiries, seven were released pending further investigation.
Two boys – aged 13 and 15 – were taken to Belmont Police Station where they were charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm in company of other(s).
They both refused to appear before a children’s court today (Sunday 3 May 2025).
Investigations are ongoing.
Australia takes leap forward in self-reliance with launch of rocket motor manufacturing
The Albanese Government is strengthening the nation’s sovereign defence industrial base, resilience and self-reliance by investing an initial $126.9 million to establish solid rocket motor production in Australia.
Solid rocket motors provide the propulsion required for most guided weapons, and are in high demand worldwide.
Northrop Grumman Australia has been selected as the preferred industry partner to help establish domestic solid rocket motor manufacturing. This decision will leverage recently completed upgrades to facilities at the Government-owned Mulwala munitions factory in New South Wales in order to fast-track Australian production of these critical missile components.
Australia will begin by producing rocket motors for the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) missile at Mulwala by 2030.
A dedicated Rocket Motor Manufacturing Complex, designed to deliver high-rate production of multiple types of solid rocket motors, is planned to be operational from 2033.
In addition, Defence will work with DefendTex, Black Sky Industries and Anduril Australia to explore their novel manufacturing methods, with the potential for further opportunities to be extended to other Australian providers once domestic solid rocket motor manufacturing has been established.
This initiative will strengthen Australia’s defence supply chains and open new opportunities for Australian small to medium enterprises to enter the global market. By partnering with experienced and proven international rocket motor manufacturers, the program will build local industry capability at speed, support Australian businesses and create highly skilled jobs.
This announcement builds on Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG)’s successful static firing of the first DRACO solid rocket motor at Woomera in February. DRACO is an Australian designed and developed rocket motor, and this Australian-first firing marked a major milestone in advanced rocket motor research and development.
Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy:
“The Albanese Government’s investment in rocket motor manufacturing will strengthen Australia’s self-reliance, while supporting our industrial base and creating jobs for locals.
“This investment will ensure the Australian Defence Force has reliable, resilient access to the capabilities needed to defend Australia and our immediate region.
“The successful static firing of the DRACO solid rocket motor shows how quickly Australia’s expertise in energetics and missile technology is advancing. It’s a major step for sovereign capability, industry collaboration, and our long term defence preparedness.”
Australia-ROK joint statement on Energy Security
Today, we are pleased to announce Australia and the Republic of Korea have renewed our commitment to work together to maintain a stable, secure and reliable supply of diesel and other liquid fuels.
This follows sustained, direct engagement with international counterparts as part of the Albanese Government’s efforts to strengthen Australia’s fuel security.
Australia and South Korea are Comprehensive Strategic Partners with closely aligned strategic interests, a significant and complementary trading relationship, and vibrant people-to-people links. South Korea is one of Australia’s largest suppliers of refined petroleum products, and our largest supplier of diesel.
We have reaffirmed our shared commitment to open markets and rules-based trade, and have agreed to work together to address unjustified import and export restrictions and support open trade arrangements for energy and liquid fuels.
We have committed to work together to strengthen our supply chain resilience for energy resources, including through deepening regional cooperation and accelerating the energy transition.
We have agreed to notify and consult each other on potential trade disruptions, giving Australia advance warning of any fuel shortages and enough time to prepare.
We acknowledge the particular vulnerabilities of Pacific Island countries and will work to help uphold the resilience of their energy markets. We know our Pacific neighbours are experiencing the full impact of this crisis, and they remain at the front of our mind.
Along with our recent statements with Singapore, Brunei and Malaysia, this joint statement will put us in a strong position to manage our fuel security through the ongoing disruption to global energy markets as a result of the Middle East conflict and effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong:
“The Albanese Government is working with international partners to help secure the supplies we need – including diesel, petrol and fertiliser – and ensure Australia is prioritised as a reliable energy partner.
“The Republic of Korea is Australia’s top supplier of diesel. These imports enable Australia to continue being a reliable exporter of energy, food and other commodities to our region.
“We will continue working together to strengthen energy security, manage global shocks and help ensure peace, stability and prosperity in our region.”
Energy Minister Chris Bowen:
“The Albanese Labor Government has acted swiftly and decisively to secure additional fuel for Australians and shore up our trading ties with major partners like the Republic of Korea.
“This partnership will help to keep Australia moving amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East while taking practical steps to harness the economic benefits of the energy transition for our region.”
Resources Minister Madeleine King:
“Australia remains a trusted, long-term and most importantly, stable energy and resources partner with countries throughout our region.
“We are resolutely committed to supplying the energy that Korea and other partner nations need to provide global economic stability and security.
“We have seen in recent weeks how vulnerable energy supply chains can be to disruption and supply shocks.
“Australia by contrast has remained a trusted and reliable supplier of energy for well over half a century.”