Category: Australian News

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.”

Minns doubles down on speech ban while waiting for Queensland challenge

The Premier has told 2GB’s Ben Fordham today that he will not progress a proposed ban on the phrase “globalise the intifada” until a challenge to Queensland laws is resolved, while doubling down on his desire to ban the phrase. During the interview, the Premier conceded that other rushed and unconstitutional laws have put NSW in a worse off position than before.

Greens MP, Solicitor and spokesperson for Justice Sue Higginson said,

“Premier Minns’ comments this morning are deeply concerning, and show that he is determined to keep threatening the community with more draconian anti-protest laws that eat at our civil liberties,”

“The Premier has consistently abused his position in reaching for new laws and heavier penalties in response to legitimate political expression and especially the pro Palestine protest movement, but he’s now been humiliated and embarrassed by losing two nationally significant constitutional challenges over his anti-protest agenda,”

“It’s very worrying that the Premier, with his track record of getting it wrong, can continue to advocate for laws that are likely to be deemed unconstitutional. There are very few constraints on state government power, the constitution is one of them. At least he seems to have recognised the risks and dangers to his own credibility and reputation through pursuing invalid laws, but he is still completely blind to the harm caused to the community and the danger to our democracy,”

“He needs to stop threatening political expression to please the Zionist lobby. Laws that try to ban the phrase ‘Globalise the Intifada’ will more than likely breach the constitution because that is serious overreach. We have hate speech laws that focus on what matters and that is intention and context in addition to what is actually said. I just wish the Premier would up skill on the law and save us all the harm, damage and costs,”

Our hearts ache for the family of Kumanjayi Little Baby and their community. The pain and grief being felt in Mparntwe Alice Springs and across the nation for the loss of this little girl is immense, and words cannot express the heartbreak of this loss. 

We support the family and community of Kumanjayi Little Baby and their right to grieve in accordance with cultural practices. The community must be given the respect it needs during this time of Sorry Business.

There will be questions about how to prevent anything like this happening again. The response must be evidence based and led by Aboriginal women and their communities. Aboriginal self-determination and leadership is critical to women and children’s safety. 

We condemn all violence against First Nations women and children. It is a human rights abuse and an epidemic. We must take leadership from and work in solidarity with First Nations women to address it.

After years of dedicated First Nations advocacy, a community-led plan to end violence, Our Ways – Strong Ways – Our Voices, was launched in March 2026. Governments must ensure funding and commitment to specialised services, and support the national peak body, Our Ways Strong Together. 

Federal intervention in First Nations communities has at best failed to deliver lasting change and at worst been harmful to those communities. Top down political responses do not work. Evidence based, community led responses focused on healing and safety do. 

Thank you to everyone who helped with the search, and all those who will hold her family close in this sorry time.

We owe it to Kumanjayi Little Baby, her family and her community to do better. Violence to Aboriginal women and children must end. 

Passive chemical exposure, human health at threat through Central West townships

Evidence of passive chemical exposure from agricultural poisons is observable on the streets throughout Dubbo and Narromine with significant die-back in vegetation that is causing permanent harm to the local environment and silently poisoning the community at large.

Members of the local community were joined by Greens MP Sue Higginson outside Dubbo Base Hospital on Thursday 30 April, calling for the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) to commence baseline evidence gathering to establish the likely threat to human health as a result of passive chemical exposure.

Greens MP and spokesperson for Agriculture and the Environment Sue Higginson said,

“The sheer scale of the evidence that agricultural poisons are present in Dubbo and Narromine is shocking, and worse, this has been going on for decades. There is barely a street in Dubbo that doesn’t have a tree dying from the top down as these chemicals blow across town from season to season,”

“It was only because of community pressure that the EPA started air quality monitoring in more rural areas around the Central West – and those tests have demonstrated widespread detections of banned chemicals and other chemicals that affect human development, cancer rates and reproductive health,”

“It’s time for the EPA to act in the interests of community health and safety in the towns of the Central West. We have a right to know the chemicals that are settling on the trees and streets of Dubbo and Narromine, and the concentrations that people are being exposed to,”

“This is not just a local issue. The knock on effects of the entire Central West being exposed to invisible poisons is harmful for our food systems, water health, and the natural world that is essential for humans to live and thrive,”

“Narromine Shire Council has already passed a motion requesting air quality monitoring in Narromine, and Dubbo should ask the EPA for the same. We can see there are chemicals falling in these communities, so these communities have a right to know how they are being exposed,”

The Coalition will more than double Australia’s minimum fuel reserves to 60 days and deliver at least 1 billion litres of new storage through an $800 million Australian Fuel Security Facility to protect Australians’ way of life and restore their standard of living.

This is a practical plan the government can adopt now to keep the economy moving and ensure Australian’s are not left exposed when global shocks hit.

The Coalition is calling on the Government to lift baseline stockholding levels from 1 January 2027, locking in current average stock levels as the new minimum. That will increase minimum levels for critical fuels in aggregate by nearly 25 per cent.

Leader of the Opposition Angus Taylor said Australians expect their country to keep running, but in a crisis the Prime Minister is always last to lead.

“This is a plan the Prime Minister should pick up today. No excuses, no delays,” Mr Taylor said.

“If fuel stops, Australia stops. It’s that simple. Trucks don’t move, supermarkets don’t stock, businesses shut their doors.”

“We are putting forward a practical plan to make sure that never happens. More fuel in reserve, more storage on the ground, and a country that can stand on its own two feet.”

“This is about protecting Australians’ way of life and restoring their standard of living. You don’t do that with talk. You do it with action.”

Leader of The Nationals Matt Canavan said families and businesses needed confidence that fuel would be there when they needed it.

“People in the regions know how serious this is. If the diesel doesn’t turn up, the farm doesn’t run and the shelves go empty,” Senator Canavan said.

“This plan is just common sense. Keep more fuel here in Australia so we are not relying on overseas supply lines that can be cut overnight.”

“We cannot keep hoping for the best. We need to be ready, and this plan gets us there.”

Shadow Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction Dan Tehan said the Coalition’s plan delivered a clear pathway to stronger fuel security.

“This is a practical, achievable plan that strengthens our fuel supply chain and backs Australian industry,” Mr Tehan said.

“It works with industry, builds storage where it is needed, and makes sure we have the buffer to withstand global shocks.”

Under the Coalition’s proposal, the government would work with industry on a clear roadmap to lift stockholdings in step with new storage coming online. If we start today, delivering 60 days of fuel security by 2030 is achievable.

Our plan to more than double Australia’s minimum fuel reserves is prudent insurance against the very real risk to our fuel security, which households and small businesses have experienced first hand. 

Together with measures announced last week to unlock Australia’s oil and gas reserves, the Coalition’s plan will bring Australia within range of our 90 day international oil stockholding ambition.

The Coalition understands that fuel security is national security. In government, we legislated the Minimum Stockholding Obligation, funded new fuel storage, and backed our refineries.

This stands in stark contrast to the Albanese Labor Government, which has cut funding for fuel storage, failed to build resilience, and left Australia exposed.

The Coalition’s plan is a comprehensive suite of measures to strengthen Australia’s fuel security:

Reducing the cost of fuel

• Australians are being hit at the bowser and it flows through to groceries, freight and bills
• That’s why we drove moves to halve the fuel excise and cut the heavy vehicle road user charge
• This immediate relief lowers costs across the economy and takes pressure off families and small businesses
• We have also committed to abolish the safeguards mechanism which is a carbon tax on business, this would save our refineries $165 million to 2029-30 according to some estimates. 

Strengthening transparency and resilience on fuel supplies

• In a crisis, Australians deserve clarity, not confusion
• We have called for the establishment of a daily public fuel data dashboard so Australians can see supply levels and shipping in real time
• We will increase fuel supply monitoring and storage to ensure government and industry are ahead of disruptions, not reacting to them.
• We have called for a Parliamentary Inquiry to learn the lessons of this crisis, restore confidence in the system and ensure Australia is never left in the dark again. 

Building strategic fuel security

• Australia is dangerously exposed at the end of long global supply chains
• We will more than double minimum stockholding levels to 60 days for critical fuels
• We will establish an $800 million Australian Fuel Security Facility to unlock over 1 billion litres of new storage capacity, with a focus on diesel
• This is about resilience: making sure Australia can stand on its own two feet when global shocks hit

Unlocking Australian fuel supply

• The long-term answer is simple: more Australian fuel for Australians
• We supported legislation to underwrite fuel imports in the short term while domestic supply ramps up
• We will reverse regulatory barriers through EPBC reforms that are deliberately slowing oil and gas approvals
• We will designate National Strategic Priority Projects to fast-track nationally significant developments
• And we will reinstate the Junior Minerals Exploration Incentive, including $50 million for oil and gas, to unlock the next wave of discoveries

This is a plan focused on one thing: making sure Australia keeps moving no matter what the world throws at us.

Because when you get fuel security right, you protect jobs, you back businesses, and you give Australians the confidence that their way of life is secure.

Allied health staff at Northern Beaches Hospital are now able to access expanded training, and additional professional development and career pathway opportunities following the hospital’s transition to public ownership yesterday.

The transition to public hands corrects one of the worst privatisation deals in NSW history, entered into by the former Liberal-National Government.

The Minns Government is committed to supporting the development of allied health professionals ensuring they can build their skills, grow their careers and continue delivering high-quality care to the Northern Beaches community.

Allied health staff will now have access to regular training and professional development through the Northern Sydney Local Health District (NSLHD) Allied Health Directorate, supporting skills and capacity building to deliver high-quality care and improve outcomes for patients.

Staff are now also able to participate in the NSLHD’s Allied Health Research Education Series, reflecting the district’s strong commitment to building research capability and output across allied health disciplines.

The program is designed to meet the research needs of all allied health staff by building confidence and capability among entry-level clinicians, supporting those undertaking higher degrees, and mentoring and developing early to mid-career clinician-researchers.

Ahead of the transition, Northern Beaches Hospital allied health teams took part in a range of targeted training programs within NSLHD, including allied health reflective supervision, organ and tissue donation training, and specialised training series tailored for allied health assistants.

Allied health departments also benefit from access to the Clinconnect online platform to support and coordinate student placements, helping to grow the future workforce across all disciplines.

Staff are now connected into broader professional networks through the NSLHD Allied Health Heads of Department group, with opportunities to take on leadership roles within NSLHD and at a statewide level.

Recognition and professional engagement will also be strengthened through the district’s annual Allied Health Awards and the statewide NSW Health Allied Health Awards, and participation in other district-wide activities celebrating discipline-specific international days.

The Minns Government is rebuilding an engaged and supported health workforce following wage freezes under the Liberals and Nationals, including by:

• Abolishing the wages cap; and
• Recruiting 1,512 FTE more allied health workers since being elected in March 2023

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“As allied health staff at NBH join the NSW public health system, they will now have access to a broader range of training, development and career opportunities that support them at every stage of their professional journey.

“This is about giving allied health professionals the support, structure, and opportunities they need to thrive. By investing in their development, we are strengthening the workforce and ensuring patients continue to receive safe, high-quality care.

“The Coalition left the Northern Beaches community and the staff at Northern Beaches Hospital saddled with one of the worst privatisation deals in NSW history. The Minns Government is fixing that, with the hospital now back in public hands.”

“I want to acknowledge the work of the Health Services Union, who have advocated for a long time to bring the hospital to public ownership.”

Nurses and midwives at Northern Beaches Hospital will be able to access additional career development opportunities now that the hospital has transitioned into the public system.

The former Liberal-National Government  privatised Northern Beaches Hospital and planned to privatise five other hospitals across New South Wales.

The Minns Labor Government has undertaken significant work to bring Northern Beaches Hospital back into public hands as well as protect the state’s acute public hospitals from future Coalition privatisation.

The NSW Government is committed to providing nurses the support they need at every stage of their careers, which will strengthen the future of healthcare delivery across the Northern Beaches.

A range of specialty development programs in critical care, aged care, neonatal intensive care, acute care and palliative care are now available, ensuring nurses can gain expertise relevant to their field, and ultimately enhancing patient outcomes.

Nurses now also have access to professional development days, which provide opportunities for them to connect, share knowledge and build expertise.

Early career nurses will benefit from leadership programs, structured mentorship, clinical supervision, coaching and teaching across Northern Sydney Local Health District.

Additional funding to support nursing and midwifery-led projects, as well as scholarship opportunities through Northern Sydney Local Health District and NSW Health are also be available.

Research will be supported through access to the NSLHD Nursing and Midwifery Research Centre, which provides masterclasses in research development, statistics, writing and publication.

Professional recognition is a key feature of the NSW public health system, including opportunities to secure funding to attend professional conferences, and entry into the prestigious Mary Chiarella Research Medal — the only award of its kind in NSW.

In addition, nurses and midwives now have access to a range of internal conferences and showcases, including the Person-Centred Care Showcase, Nursing and Midwifery Research Conference, and specialty-specific development days for areas such as neonatal and renal nursing.

There has also been a positive resolution to the issue of tax treatment of transferred annual leave. The Commissioner of Taxation has approved a variation which will allow staff to transfer unused annual leave balances to NSW Health without tax being withheld at the point of transfer and then again when the annual leave is used. The arrangement ensures staff are not financially disadvantaged when NBH transfers to public ownership. This decision removes a key staff concern associated with transferring leave balances when they transition to NSW Health. Supporting staff and ensuring the best patient outcomes is a top priority for the Minns Government as the hospital transitions into public hands.

Supporting staff and ensuring the best patient outcomes is a top priority for the Minns Government as the hospital transitions into public hands.

The Minns Government is rebuilding an engaged and supported nursing workforce following wage freezes under the Liberals and Nationals, including by:

• Abolishing the wages cap;
• Delivering the largest pay increase for nurses in more than two decades and the largest pay rise ever for the lowest paid nurses in NSW;
• Saving 1,112 nurses which the Liberal Government planned to sack;

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“As these nurses join the NSW public health system, they now have access to professional development, education and support that reflects the value we place on their skills and dedication.

“This is about creating clear pathways for nurses and midwives to grow their healthcare careers, whether that’s stepping into leadership, specialising in a clinical field, or contributing to innovation and research.

“The Coalition left the Northern Beaches community and the staff at Northern Beaches Hospital saddled with one of the worst privatisation deals in NSW history. The Minns Government is fixing that, with the hospital now back in public hands.

“I want to acknowledge the NSW Nurses and Midwives Association for their long-time advocacy to bring the hospital into public ownership.

Commissioner the Hon Virginia Bell AC has today delivered the Interim Report of the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion.

The Government welcomes the Interim Report, accepts all recommendations that relate to the Commonwealth, and is committed to working with the states and territories to adopt a national approach to implementation of all 14 recommendations.

While Commissioner Bell found Australia’s existing legal and regulatory frameworks did not hinder agencies’ ability to prevent or respond to the Bondi attack, and that no urgent or immediate action is required, the recommendations go to enhancing our national counter-terrorism arrangements and capabilities.

The Interim Report contains a small number of classified recommendations which cannot be publicly released because they could compromise sensitive national security information. The Government will respond swiftly to these recommendations and Australians will see practical outcomes through a range of policy, program and funding measures.

The Government established the Royal Commission in the wake of the antisemitic terrorist attack at Bondi to examine antisemitism in Australia and strengthen social cohesion.

The Government thanks Commissioner Bell and her team for their professionalism and dedication in delivering the Interim Report. The Government also thanks Mr Dennis Richardson AC for his contribution in leading the independent review of Australia’s federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies, which became part of the Royal Commission.

The Albanese Labor Government has secured two shipments carrying 100 million litres of jet fuel, and another shipment of 50 million litres of diesel to keep Australia moving.

These three new fuel shipments, going to Brisbane, Perth and Darwin, are in addition to the eight shipments already announced in partnership with BP Australia, Ampol, and Viva Energy, which will reach Australia in May and June.

Combined, the Government has secured over 450 million litres of additional diesel and 100 million litres of additional jet fuel to make sure Australians have the fuel they need.

Under the Strategic Reserve powers, EFA is continuing to progress discussions with a number of other businesses who can secure, ship and distribute fertiliser into Australia where it is needed most.

More shipments are expected under these agreements in the coming days and weeks.

the Prime Minister

“My Government is working day and night, here and abroad, to shield Australians from the worst of the impacts of a war on the other side of the world.

“We have now secured more than 450 million litres of additional diesel and 100 million litres of additional jet fuel to keep Australia moving.   

“In the face of global instability, we are leaving no stone unturned as we work to keep Australia moving, working and flying.”

Minister Farrell

“This additional 100 million litres of jet fuel to Perth and Brisbane and 50 million litres of diesel to Darwin will keep our FIFO workers flying, our truckers driving, and our nation moving.

“It gives Australians the peace of mind they need to travel and see their loved ones and to keep exploring our vast and beautiful country.”

Minister Bowen

“The Government is continuing to strengthen our fuel supply chain in partnership with industry, and these additional cargoes from our third partner to secure shipments to date is proof of that.

“This support for approximately 100 million litres of jet fuels shows the Government is acting now to ensure continued essential fuel supplies.”

Minister C King

“The Government has now secured jet fuel through the Strategic Reserve for the first time since the conflict began, ensuring our aviation sector has the certainty it needs to keep passengers and freight moving. 

“This is a practical step towards strengthening Australia’s jet fuel supply. This will help support Australian airlines and keeping our nation connected.”

I welcome the Prime Minister’s announcement today that Meghan Quinn will become the next Secretary of the Department of Defence. 

Having served as Secretary of the Department of Industry, Science and Resources since 2022, Ms Quinn brings with her a wide range of experience across the public sector, including positions at Treasury and the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, as well as in the private sector.

With Defence being one of the largest federal government departments, Ms Quinn’s experience in public administration and strategic leadership means she will be well placed to lead Defence into the future.

Ms Quinn will make history as the first woman to substantively lead the Department of Defence, and I know that alongside our recently-announced leadership changes within the Australian Defence Force, she will bring a wealth of experience in this role.

I would like to once again thank Greg Moriarty for the contribution that he has made to the defence and security of our nation, and I look forward to working with him as Australia’s next Ambassador to the United States.