Prospect Corner’s housing build progress continues

Two more brand-new apartment buildings including 100 homes ready to be lived in have now been completed at Prospect Corner in Adelaide, as a result of the Albanese Government’s Housing Australia Future Fund program and the Malinauskas State Government.

Today Prime Minister Albanese and Premier Malinauskas marked the milestone by visiting the site and meeting with local residents.

Prospect Corner is an $80 million, 208-home urban renewal project in Prospect, South Australia. Notably, this 2.36-hectare master-planned site was one of the first nationally to receive federal backing from the Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF) to boost housing supply under the Albanese Government’s $47 billion Homes for Australians plan.

Today’s milestone means that three-quarters of the homes at the Renewal SA precinct are now complete or under construction.

This latest construction milestone at the site builds on the 29‑home, multi-storey apartment completed on the southeastern edge of the development in recent months which is already fully occupied.

Further, an eight-storey building with 71 apartments recently achieved practical completion and residents are expected to begin moving in this week.

Prospect Corner’s original master plan included a single apartment tower with 72 homes.

In 2024, the Malinauskas Government was successful in securing support from the Albanese Government’s Housing Australia Future Fund Facility (HAFFF), enabling a second apartment development to be completed, increasing the total yield.

The tenanted 29-home building is being managed by Community Housing Provider Junction, offering affordable rental opportunities to eligible tenants through a government-led scheme.

Renewal SA is in final stage negotiations with a Community Housing Provider to manage the recently completed 71 home building.

The apartments offer a mix of studio, one, two and three-bedroom homes.

Both the internal and external spaces feature original First Nations artwork commissioned specifically for the site.

A rolling program of construction will see work on the remaining homes begin throughout this year and into early 2027.

In total, there will be 208 homes built at Prospect Corner – with 108 townhouses being constructed in addition to the 100 apartments.

The first homes and the large central park were completed in spring last year and celebrated with a community welcome event. Thirty additional townhouses are expected to be completed within the next three months.

Renewal SA is targeting construction completion of Prospect Corner in 2028.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“Our number one focus continues to be supply and we are throwing everything at it.

“We want to reach our target to build 1.2 million homes. And to do that we must use ever lever available.

“My government has a $47 billion Homes for Australians Plan that we have been rolling out since we were elected four years ago.

“We’d had 10 years of Coalition inaction on housing supply. We are turning things around.”

Premier of South Australia, Peter Malinauskas:

“South Australia is in the middle of a housing boom, the likes of which we’ve never seen before.

“That is because our government has a track record of taking vacant, strategic land in key locations and turning it into thriving suburbs.

“The Albanese Government has backed in our ambitious housing agenda. That manifests itself in the significant expansion of our efforts to build more homes, just like at Prospect Corner.

“We are building more homes, faster, for South Australians.”

the Minister for Housing, Clare O’Neil:

“We’ve got a very simple approach to housing: build more homes. That’s what’s happening here at Prospect Corner and right across South Australia.

“More homes means more affordable housing, and that’s exactly what this project is delivering for South Australians.”

SA Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Nick Champion:

“Prospect Corner is a benchmark for smart urban renewal; great location, affordable options and a community that’s coming to life.

“The Albanese Government partners with our government because it knows we can deliver more homes for South Australians at pace.

“A once vacant block of land is now a thriving community – that’s the Albanese and Malinauskas Government’s housing agenda in action.”

Opposition commits to landmark 10 year Men and Boy’s health strategy

NSW Opposition Leader, Kellie Sloane has announced that a Liberals and Nationals Government would deliver a dedicated 10-year Men and Boy’s Health Strategy by the end of 2027.  
 
The Opposition also committed to hosting a two-day Men’s Health Summit next year, bringing together health professionals, men and boy’s health organisations, researchers and men’s health advocates to help inform and shape the delivery of the Strategy.  
 
Leading men’s health organisations from across NSW joined the Liberals and Nationals at NSW Parliament where Ms Sloane said she wanted the state to have the best health outcomes for men and boys in Australia.  
 
“A 10-year Strategy is about us saying that we don’t accept the status quo and want to deliver a better future for every man and boy in NSW where they have access to the health and support services that will ensure they thrive,” said Ms Sloane. 
 
“The strategy will set clear targets for reducing male suicide, strengthen prevention and early intervention pathways, and improve access to services in regional and outer metropolitan communities.” 
  
Shadow Health Minister, Sarah Mitchell said that too many men were still dying early from preventable causes and that regional communities often face the highest disparity when it comes to premature mortality. 
  
“Every man and boy in NSW, no matter where they live, deserves to grow up happy and healthy. A dedicated Men and Boy’s Health Strategy will ensure we know where to direct government investment and have a way of measuring our progress,” said Ms Mitchell.  
  
Shadow Parliamentary Secretary, Matt Cross said surviving cancer and the birth of his son has shaped his drive to radically improve health outcomes for men and boys in NSW. 
  
“Men are far less likely to visit a doctor. I know this firsthand, as I delayed seeking help when I was anaemic. There are lots of reasons. Fear of the unknown. Worried it feels weak. Embarrassment. It’s even a misguided bravado and pride. It’s all dangerous and it must change,” said Mr Cross. 

Appeal to locate teenager missing from East Maitland

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a teenage girl missing from the Hunter Region
Lilly Nelson, aged 14, was last seen at east Maitland about 3pm yesterday (Saturday 16 May 2026).
When she was unable to be located or contacted, officers attached Port Stephens Hunter Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.

Police and his family have concerns for her welfare due to her young age.
Lilly is described as being of Caucasian appearance, 175cm, thin build, short black hair and blue eyes.
She was last seen wearing a black zip up top, black singlet, dark cargo shorts Lilly may also be wearing double lope piercing in both ears
She is known to frequent the East Maitland and Hamilton areas.
Anyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to contact Maitland Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au:

Appointment of the Chief of Joint Capabilities

Air Vice-Marshal Glen Braz AM CSC DSM has been appointed as the new Chief of Joint Capabilities, replacing the incoming Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Susan Coyle AM CSC DSM. 

Air Vice-Marshal Braz brings extensive experience across almost 40 years of service in the Australian Defence Force. 

Since joining the Royal Australian Air Force in 1987, Air Vice-Marshal Braz has held multiple distinguished senior appointments across Defence and the Australian Signals Directorate, including the Commander of the Australian Air Task Group of the Middle East Region, Director-General of Military Strategic Commitments, Deputy Chief of Air Force and most recently Air Commander Australia. 

As the Chief of Joint Capabilities, Air Vice-Marshal Braz will lead Defence’s Joint Capabilities Group, which is responsible for delivering integrated support across cyber operations, cyber security, logistics, space, and national support to enable Defence to operate effectively across all warfighting domains.

He will continue the development of the Joint Capabilities Group to meet the capability priorities set out in the 2026 National Defence Strategy, including the uplift in Defence’s logistics infrastructure and an increased investment in space and cyber capabilities.  

Air Vice-Marshal Braz will be promoted to Air Marshal and start in his new role in July 2026 for a four-year tenure. 

The Government thanks Lieutenant General Coyle for her outstanding accomplishments as the Chief of Joint Capabilities and looks forward to continuing to work with her as the Chief of Army. 

Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Richard Marles MP:

“Congratulations to Air Vice-Marshal Glen Braz on his appointment as the Chief of Joint Capabilities.

“Air Vice-Marshal Braz brings the experience, insight and leadership needed to deliver space and cyber power, national support, logistics and joint training – ensuring the ADF is prepared to safeguard Australia’s sovereignty, security and prosperity for decades to come. 

“I look forward to working with Air Vice-Marshal Braz as we continue the Australian Government’s work to embed space and cyber as the fourth and fifth warfighting domains.” 

Chief of the Australian Defence Force, Admiral David Johnston AC RAN: 

“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Air Vice-Marshal Braz and his family on his promotion and appointment as the new Chief of Joint Capabilities.

“Air Vice-Marshal Braz brings extensive experience from his roles across Defence and the Australian Signals Directorate. 

“His strong track record refining and developing military capability and empowering his people will enable Joint Capabilities Group to meet the capability priorities as set out in the National Defence Strategy 2026.”

Travel to the Middle East

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles is travelling to the Middle East, where he will meet with leaders in the United Arab Emirates and our Australian Defence Force personnel serving in the Gulf region.

Australia remains committed to supporting the collective self-defence of regional countries, including the UAE, in line with our long history of contributing to peace and security in the Middle East.

Australia wants to see the conflict end, the Strait of Hormuz open and freedom of navigation restored.

Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Richard Marles MP:

“We continue to work closely with our friends and partners to contribute to the defence of Gulf States, through our deployment of the E7-A Wedgetail aircraft and delivery of Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles.

“Peace and security in the Middle East matters to Australia, which is why we are working with our allies to support efforts to secure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.”

Preparing Australian industry to support the Virginia class submarine combat system

AUKUS in Australia is taking another significant step forward with the Albanese Government selecting Lockheed Martin Australia as the preferred Combat System Integration Partner for Australia’s future fleet of sovereign Virginia class submarines. 

This partnership will provide extensive opportunities for Australian industry and workers and build the breadth of technical skill and knowledge in Australia.

It is expected that an additional 100 jobs will be created at Lockheed Martin Australia in support of the Combat System Integration Partner program, with initial work to be undertaken in WA.

As the 2026 National Defence Strategy affirms, Australia’s future fleet of conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines will be critical to achieving Defence’s strategic objectives, growing our deterrence capability and contributing to security and stability in the region. Australia will acquire its first of three sovereign Virginia class submarines in the early 2030s.

The combat system underpins the potency and lethality of a submarine. The Combat System Integration Partner is pivotal to the effectiveness of Australia’s future Virginia class submarines – including through the implementation and testing of combat systems improvements, and supporting crews in conducting maintenance and repair on the combat system.

This will complement the long- standing submarine combat system Armament Cooperative Programs between the Australian and US Governments to integrate and sustain the combat capability of the submarines.

This will ensure our future combat systems incorporate the latest in technology and maintain advantage in the undersea domain.

The Australian Government will now work closely with Lockheed Martin Australia on developing an initial services contract, with an estimated two-year contract term.

The acquisition of Australia’s nuclear conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines is the single biggest capability acquisition in our nation’s history and will create around 20,000 direct jobs over the next 30 years.

Australia’s Virginia class conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines will be sovereign Australian submarines under the command of the Royal Australian Navy at the direction of the Australian Government. 

Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Richard Marles MP:

“AUKUS is on track and happening now.

“The selection of the preferred Combat System Integration Partner is another significant milestone for Australia’s future fleet of Virginia class submarines. 

“By making these decisions now, we are ensuring our local industry and naval workforce is equipped with the skills it needs to operate and maintain conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines which will protect our nation and keep Australians safe.”

Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy:

“AUKUS will be the greatest industrial endeavour ever undertaken in Australia, generating around 20,000 jobs as part of a future made in Australia.

“It will provide opportunities for Aussie workers to develop important technical skills and knowledge, strengthening our sovereign defence industry.”

Deep Maintenance and Modification Facility strengthens sovereign Defence capability

In a major milestone for Australia’s sovereign defence sustainment capability, the Albanese and Malinauskas Governments have officially opened the $200 million Deep Maintenance and Modification Facility at Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Edinburgh, South Australia. 

The first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, the Deep Maintenance and Modification Facility will become a regional hub for the maintenance and sustainment of aircraft for the Australian Defence Force and that of our partners. 

Delivered on time and on budget – a result of the strong partnership between the Federal and State governments – this facility will enable the long-term deep maintenance of the RAAF’s P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft to occur in Australia, and in doing so will support highly skilled local engineering, avionics and logistics jobs. 

The 240 metre-long building has been designed to accommodate and support not just the P-8A Poseidon, but a range of other RAAF platforms and includes:                      

  • a four‑bay hangar capacity suitable for Boeing 737‑derivative aircraft;
  • aircraft docking systems to provide full aircraft access for deep maintenance and modification;
  • workshops to support structural, mechanical, avionics and mission‑system maintenance and modifications;
  • secure systems and infrastructure to support sustainment and upgrade activities for sensitive equipment; and
  • logistics and support workspaces to enable long‑duration maintenance events.

In a significant step for our ANZAC interoperability, the Royal New Zealand Air Force will also maintain and repair its fleet of P-8A aircraft at the South Australian facility from 2028 – further reinforcing our shared commitment to regional security and collective maritime capability.

Construction of the Deep Maintenance and Modification Facility over the last two years created around 450 jobs and more than half of the structural steel used was from South Australia’s Whyalla Steelworks. 

The P-8A Poseidon is the cornerstone of Australia’s anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, and search and rescue capability.

In March 2025, Defence signed a $291 million support contract with Boeing Defence Australia to deliver upgrades to the P-8A Poseidon fleet, including an improved combat system, enhanced anti‑submarine warfare capability, and upgraded satellite communications to improve integration across the Australian Defence Force. 

The first two P-8A Poseidon aircraft are currently being modified by the United States Navy, ensuring continued commonality and interoperability with our alliance partner. The remaining aircraft will be modified by Boeing Defence Australia at the Deep Maintenance and Modification Facility, embedding this critical workforce in Australia. 

The new facility is also set to become the workplace for students from the Malinauskas Labor Government’s new technical college – The Heights Technical College – where Boeing has signed on as an employer partner. 

More than 20 students are now studying aero skills to become aircraft maintenance technicians and engineers – the first course of its kind in the state. Students from the college attended today’s opening. 

By enabling long-term, deep maintenance and modification of P-8A Poseidon aircraft in Australia, the Albanese and Malinauskas Governments are ensuring Defence capability, Australian industry, and the skilled workforce in South Australia grow together delivering enduring benefits for Australia’s national security, defence industrial base and international partnerships.

South Australia’s growing defence industry generated a record $2.015 billion in economic activity last financial year, more than double the $977 million produced in 2019-20.

Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles:

“This facility is a critical investment in Australia’s ability to maintain and sustain key capabilities for our Defence Force here at home.

“By embedding deep maintenance and upgrade work for the P-8A Poseidon fleet in Australia, we are strengthening sovereign capability, improving force readiness, and reducing reliance on overseas sustainment, exactly as set out in the National Defence Strategy.

“Just as importantly, this facility will support a skilled defence workforce and a resilient defence industrial base in South Australia, ensuring our Defence capability and Australian industry can continue to grow together. 

Premier of South Australia, Peter Malinauskas: 

“The opening of this huge new defence aircraft maintenance facility in South Australia is a major milestone for Australia’s defence sustainment capability.

“It is going to create important long-term careers right here in South Australia in the highly-technical field of aero skills.

“Students at The Heights Technical College will graduate not only with their high school certificate and an in-demand trade qualification – they will be able to walk straight into a highly-skilled career in aero skills at this new facility.”

Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy:

“This facility, built with steel from Whyalla, will sustain hundreds of long-term, secure defence jobs for South Australians. 

“This is about more than infrastructure. It’s a testament to the cooperation between the Albanese Government and Malinauskas state government, whether that be in saving the Whyalla steelworks or our commitment to a future made in Australia.

“The DMMF will sustain high value defence industry jobs in South Australia, grow a highly skilled workforce, and ensure Australian businesses play a central role in delivering advanced Defence capabilities.”

South Australia Minister for Defence & Space Industries Chris Picton:

“The opening of this $200 million facility is an important milestone for defence jobs in our state. 

“Previously these planes were sent offshore for maintenance and upgrades, now South Australians will be performing this work. 

“This partnership between the Albanese and Malinauskas Labor Governments will create ongoing, highly-skilled, secure and well paid jobs in our state for decades to come.”

Explosive Government analysis on new AUKUS nuclear submarine base

New documents show the dangers of an AUKUS nuclear submarine base on Australia’s east coast. With Port Kembla being put as the frontrunner for the East Coast US submarine base, and Newcastle in the mix, these documents confirm that Labor is placing a military target on the largest population centre in the country. 

Documents released today, following pressure from NSW State MLC Abigail Boyd, cover discussions and advice from the NSW State Government in 2022 and 2023 on the use of ports in Newcastle and Port Kembla for an AUKUS submarine base. 

These documents reveal that Port Kembla is the preferred site based on a cost-benefit analysis, but the option of Newcastle remains open. There was an acknowledgement that the East Coast base would not be accepted by the community, “because residents are likely to perceive the [base] as a source of risk due to there being nuclear reactors on board the submarines and the military base being a potential military target.”

The documents also noted the negative impact the base will have on the community, saying: “The relocation of NSW residents represents a net cost, which may be borne by the resident or by NSW Government through financial compensation. Displaced NSW residents may also result in frictional unemployment, which will involve lost wages and may also involve additional re-training costs.”

The State and Federal Governments were also determined to keep the decision secret, which was seen as more important than open and transparent consultation with the local community. 

Bases for US nuclear submarines have been announced near Perth and Adelaide at HMAS Stirling and Osborne, respectively. However, the Federal Government has been silent on the East Coast base. 

Senator David Shoebridge, Greens Spokesperson on Defence, said: “The documents show that both the State and Federal Governments know full well that this US nuclear submarine base will be damaging and dangerous for the community.”

“It’s no surprise that people don’t want to live next to a bunch of floating nuclear reactors with a big military target on them. It’s also no surprise that the State and Federal governments are desperate to hide this truth from the public.

“We have seen in Perth and Adelaide how Governments have run roughshod over the local community and forced AUKUS submarine facilities on them. 

“Labor knows that putting a giant US nuclear submarine base in someone’s backyard is not popular, but instead of reversing that dangerous policy, they push on in secret. We now see this taking place in NSW.”\

“These documents say as clear as day that any East Coast nuclear submarine base will be a priority military target. 

“We are watching the US actively driving war and instability around the world and instead of distancing Australia from that conflict, we have Labor, One Nation and the Coalition inviting that into our homes.

“Trump will happily start a war, then not lift a finger when US bases in allied states get targeted. The Greens don’t want that for Australia, and that’s what sets us apart from Labor, One Nation and the Liberals.”

NSW State MLC Abigail Boyd, and Greens NSW Spokesperson for Treasury and Industry, said: “People have a right to know if their town is about to go nuclear. It should not have required a parliamentary order, followed by a lengthy battle involving a Senior Counsel, to finally get these documents released.

“These documents spell out exactly what the impact of AUKUS will mean – a collapse in house prices, businesses closing, and an enormous cost to the community, all while multinational weapons companies print money.

“The Labor Government know exactly how radioactive this decision is. So now they’ve finished crunching the numbers, they’ve decided to play dumb. This feigned ignorance of the preferred location represents a total breakdown in proper democratic function, denying communities the right for input and consultation. It denies these communities the opportunity to realise their own hopes and aspirations for their communities.

“The NSW Labor Government, like the Coalition Government before them, have been caught out treating people’s lives and livelihoods as entries in a spreadsheet. They have calculated exactly the misery and distress a nuclear base in Port Kembla or Newcastle would cause.”

30% death tax ‘Easter Egg’ found in bad faith Budget

“The Albanese government has hidden a 30% death tax ‘Easter egg’ in their bad faith Budget and was hoping they could sneak their assault on family savings past Australians”, said Shadow Treasurer, Tim Wilson.

Mr Wilson’s comments follow reports in The Australian that found a 30% death tax hidden in the Budget papers targeted at popular family trusts. An ‘Easter Egg’ in popular culture is a secret that was deliberately hidden and requires effort to find.

“Young Australians who invest in ETFs, crypto and shares have realised this Budget is targeted at kneecapping their savings, and applies a tax on invested first home deposits, and now their targeting any inheritance too”, Mr Wilson.

“Yesterday in Question Time the Prime Minister was explicitly asked about ruling out a death tax in the future, and he wouldn’t. We now know he couldn’t rule out a death tax tomorrow because he announced one on Tuesday buried in his Budget papers”.

“In red hot rage, Anthony Albanese openly lied 50 times over to the Australian people about not introducing new taxes on homes, rentals, investments and family savings and now he’s been caught out trying to sneak through a death tax too”.

“This bad faith Budget is unravelling because Australian’s have awoken that the Budget narrative of intergenerational fairness is code for kneecapping Australian families”.

Novocastrian knowledge needed to localise State housing reforms

City of Newcastle will use community feedback to help plan for more housing near train stations at Hamilton, Adamstown, Kotara and the Newcastle Interchange.

The four areas have been selected by the NSW Government to be part of the Transport Oriented Development (TOD) Program, which is designed to enable greater residential density near key transport hubs.

Executive Director Planning and Environment Michelle Bisson said City of Newcastle wants to hear what residents love about their suburb and what changes could help accommodate the growth in housing.

“We support the intent of the NSW Government reforms to provide more housing and increased density close to transport,” Ms Bisson said.

“However, a one-size-fits-all approach does not consider factors such as heritage or environmental constraints, so we’re designing a place-based approach to each precinct.

“We want the community to tell us what they love about their local area and what they believe should be prioritised in the future to accommodate more housing.

“That could include improved open public spaces, walking and cycling connections, transport and traffic upgrades, more lighting or the diversity of housing choices.”

Under the National Housing Accord, the NSW Government has committed to delivering 377,000 new homes across the state between 2024 and 2029, with a target of 11,100 new homes for the Newcastle Local Government Area during that period.

To help facilitate these targets, the NSW Government has introduced a range of planning reforms including the TOD program, which permit mid and high-rise development, including apartments and shop-top housing, by changing development standards such as building heights and floor space ratios.

Councils can create their own planning controls for TOD precincts, taking into consideration the distinct characteristics and needs of each location, as long as the planning controls still allow for the Government’s dwelling targets.

Using input from residents, City of Newcastle will produce an urban design framework for each of the four transport hubs, establishing the overall vision, objectives and actions that will provide guidance to property developers.

“The urban design frameworks will outline for property developers and owners what the area should look and feel like, and how things such as land use, streets, public spaces and buildings should work together, taking into consideration hazards such as flooding, bushfire, contamination and high-pressure gas pipelines,” Ms Bisson said.

“The framework will respect the unique local character of each precinct, while still delivering the outcomes that meet the needs of current and future people who live, work and enjoy these areas.”

The development of the urban design frameworks is being delivered with support from a NSW Government grant through the Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund.

Community members can find out more or make a submission via the Have Your Say page until 5pm on Friday 12 June 2026.