Category: Australian News

Andrew Braddock MLA, ACT Greens spokesperson for Transport: 

“The Greens have backed light rail to Woden from day one, and an extension to Mawson since before the 2020 election. Delivering Stage 1 is a key part of Shane Rattenbury’s legacy, and we’re proud to making it happen.

“Our focus now is getting Stage 2 built – and built on time – so more Canberrans can access cleaner, greener, more reliable public transport.

“We welcome the Government’s announcement on the State Circle alignment. It’s a positive step forward, but it’s long overdue. This project needs to get moving.

“Securing Federal Government support is now critical. Andrew Braddock MLA is petitioning the House of Representatives to back light rail, and is calling on Canberrans to sign and share. You can add your support here: https://www.aph.gov.au/e-petitions/petition/EN9851

The ACT Greens are extremely concerned about the findings of the ‘Inquiry into the CIT CEO recruitment process’ report tabled today which point to deep, systemic failures in higher education governance.

The report recommends that ‘take all steps possible to obtain and consider the findings of misconduct made against Dr McNeill by TAFE NSW with a view to considering whether Dr McNeill remains suitable to perform her role as CEO’.

The Committee further found that Dr McNeill ‘should have disclosed the information about the misconduct investigation or findings to the CIT Board in a timely manner and that she did not, and that she actively misled the CIT Board by denying that there was a finding of misconduct that had been made against her’.

“Given the seriousness of the Committee’s findings, it’s in the public interest for the CEO of CIT to resign,” said ACT Greens Deputy Leader Jo Clay.

“Findings and evidence in the report explain why.

“If she does not resign, the CIT Board should consider whether Dr McNeill remains a fit and proper person to be CEO for CIT and if so, the Board should be transparent with the Minister and community about how any decision is in the public interest.

“But this situation is not just about one person – it highlights structural problems in how our higher education institutions are governed. We need to fix the system that allowed this to occur in the first place.”

The Committee also found that governance arrangements of the CIT Board are not fit for purpose.

“Across the sector and Canberra, we have seen the boards and councils of higher education and training fail to demonstrate accountability and good outcomes to their students, staff, and the wider community. We need better systems that meet the needs and expectations of the people at the heart of our institutions.”

Today’s report follows the saga of the last CEO of CIT, Ms Leanne Cover, who resigned after findings of serious corrupt conduct by the Integrity Commission. Ms Cover resigned after receiving two years of paid leave. Her payouts and paid leave were in excess of $1 million.

The ACT Greens have today expressed support for educators and other public school workers in the ACT after Australian Education Union workers voted to take industrial action.

“Educators and other public school workers have been offered a below-inflation pay deal which simply isn’t good enough,” said Miss Nuttall.

“In this context, it’s absolutely no surprise that they have voted to follow in the footsteps of fellow workers in Victoria and Tasmania and take industrial action.

Last week, Victorian teachers announced that they were escalating their industrial action after walking off the job last month, while Tasmanian teachers have recently come to a deal with their state government after a months long dispute.

“When workers come together to take action, employers are forced to listen and bring a fairer deal to the table.

“Amidst a war-induced cost of living crisis, Governments must ensure that pay keeps up with inflation – at the bare minimum.

“So far, the ACT Labor Government has responded to questions on these negotiations by simply stating the fact that workers have the right to strike. This alone isn’t enough.

“Public education is a vital function of our community. We all know how hard teachers work, and how dedicated they are to providing excellent education to Canberra’s children.

“The average salary of a teacher is $100,000 per year. It takes Gina Rinehart 4 hours to make this much money.

“In this context it is quite frankly insulting that there is a question about whether the Government should give our teachers the bare minimum pay increase.

“And we wonder why we’re struggling to hold onto all our great educators.

“The system is broken.

“The Government must do more to support our educators and public school workers to ensure they are paid enough to pay their bills and continue in the profession that they care so deeply about.

“The ACT Government must now come to the table and negotiate to ensure education workers receive a fairer deal.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.

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.”