Category: Australian News

The Prime Minister should immediately summon the Laotian Ambassador for a formal explanation following revelations that those responsible for the deaths of Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles by ethanol poisoning have only received fines of just AUD$185. 

Australians are rightly shocked. Four other tourists, two Danish women, a US tourist and a British woman, also died in this mass poisoning event.

A year ago we learned the Laos Government was refusing Australian Federal Police assistance in the investigation. A year ago Australians were told by the Albanese Government that the matter was in hand. At the time the Leader made the point on Channel 7’s Sunrise.

We now know there has been no meaningful justice for Holly and Bianca, and their families did not learn of these outcomes from their own government but via the British woman’s family.

Australia makes a significant contribution to Laos through our foreign aid program and other development assistance. 

The Albanese Government should  remind the Laotian Government of the important contributions Australian taxpayers make to key programs in Laos in-line with the friendship between our two countries. 

It is in that same spirit of friendship and cooperation that Australians rightly have an expectation of proper justice and accountability for the deaths of two young Australians.

The Albanese Government must also explain the clear failures of consular support and diplomacy in this instance, and why the families of Holly and Bianca were not kept properly informed of these developments.

Holly and Bianca deserve justice, their families deserve answers and Australia should be using every diplomatic lever at its disposal to secure both.

One small step into space operations means a giant leap in capability for our ADF.

Today I can announce that Australians gravitating towards a career in the ADF can now apply for a job in Defence’s new frontier of space.

Direct-entry recruitment is now open for two new roles, Space Operations Officer and Space Operations Specialist.

These exciting new roles will grow the ADF’s capabilities in space operations, a critical domain as we respond to the most challenging strategic environment since the Second World War.

This marks a significant step in building Australia’s sovereign space workforce. 

The space workforce will progressively be employed across the full spectrum of space mission sets, which include:

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

Successful applicants will undertake specialist space training at the Defence Space and Cyber School, located at a new dedicated facility, the Florence McKenzie Building at HMAS Harman.

The building’s namesake, Florence McKenzie, was Australia’s first female electrical engineer, and a pioneer of modern signalling and technical military training, laying foundations for many of the technologies relied upon in modern space and cyber operations.

She recognised the importance of cutting-edge technical training for military personnel and played a vital role in boosting the Royal Australian Navy’s signalling capabilities in World War Two.

The purpose-built facility named in her honour provides a range of signals- and cyber-focussed training and simulation courses for units across the ADF including the Army, Joint Operations Command and Joint Capabilities Group.

To learn more about a space career in the ADF, visit www.adfcareers.gov.au

The Australian Government is gravely concerned by the sentences handed down to Jimmy Lai and his co-defendants in Hong Kong today.

Our thoughts are with their family members and supporters at this difficult time.

The prosecution of Mr Lai and his co-defendants has had a chilling effect on free speech in Hong Kong.

We continue to call on China to cease suppression of freedoms of expression, assembly, media and civil society, consistent with UN Human Rights Committee recommendations, and to call for the repeal of the National Security Law in Hong Kong.

Australia has consistently raised human rights concerns directly with the Hong Kong and Chinese governments at the highest levels. We will continue to do so.

Today I announce the appointments of four experienced career officials to lead Australia’s posts in Singapore, Ukraine, Lebanon and Israel.

I am pleased to confirm the following appointments:

• Ms Robyn Mudie as Australia’s next High Commissioner to Singapore
• Mr Geoff Bowan as Australia’s next Ambassador to Ukraine
• Mr Neil Hawkins as Australia’s next Ambassador to Israel
• Mr Tom Wilson as Australia’s next Ambassador to Lebanon

Australia’s diplomatic network enables us to promote our interests in peace, security, trade, investment and other areas of cooperation.

Australia’s relationships with our partners will be deepened through these appointments, building our connections abroad and increasing our ability to influence where it matters.

I thank the outgoing High Commissioner and Ambassadors for their important contributions to Australian diplomacy.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has concluded a successful visit to Indonesia, further strengthening Australia’s relationship with one of our closest neighbours and friends.

Prime Minister Albanese and the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, signed the historic Australia–Indonesia Treaty on Common Security.

Reflecting the close friendship, partnership and deep trust between Australia and Indonesia, the treaty takes our defence cooperation to a new level.

To further enhance the bilateral security relationship the Prime Minister announced a number of new initiatives, including: 

• Supporting the development of joint defence training facilitates in Indonesia.
• Offering to establish a new embedded position for a senior Indonesian military officer in the Australian Defence Force.
• Building ties between future military leaders through expansion of the Junior Leaders’ Forum Military Education Exchange.

Australia and Indonesia also agreed to strengthen two-way investment through a Memorandum of Understanding between the Australian Government and Indonesian Sovereign Wealth Fund, Danantara.

The agreement will increase cooperation and information sharing and help identify opportunities for increased two-way investment, enhancing our shared economic security and resilience.

It builds on work to deepen Australia’s economic engagement with Indonesia, which is of enormous value to both countries, and is a key part of Australia’s broader effort to diversify our economy, through growing markets in Southeast Asia.

The Australia-Indonesia Treaty on Common Security is available here.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“Australia and Indonesia share deep trust and an unbreakable bond as neighbours, partners and friends.

“This historic treaty recognises that the best way to secure peace and stability in our region is by working together.

“By strengthening our economic and security engagement with Indonesia, we are working to ensure a peaceful, stable and prosperous region – that benefits both Australians and Indonesians.

“I thank President Prabowo for inviting me back to Indonesia, and look forward to continuing to work productively together to further enhance our relationship.”

Foreign Minister Penny Wong:

“The Jakarta Treaty 2026 takes the Australia-Indonesia relationship to a new level.

“We know our security comes from our relationships and our region, and there is no more important partner for Australia than Indonesia.

“This treaty is about being there for each other in challenging times, and strengthening the foundations of our cooperation.

“It is a sign of the deep trust and close friendship between our nations and our leaders.”

The Australian Government is improving maritime infrastructure in the Pacific with the completion of new and upgraded boat harbours on the Tuvaluan islands of Nui and Niutao.

The improvements were jointly funded with the Asian Development Bank, with Australia investing $21.4 million through the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific.

This investment reflects Australia’s ongoing commitment to delivering the priorities of the Government of Tuvalu under the landmark Australia-Tuvalu Falepili Union.

The upgraded harbours will make it easier to travel between islands, connecting families, ensuring delivery of essential goods and services, and unlocking economic opportunities.

Maritime transport is the lifeline of Tuvalu, connecting nine islands across an exclusive economic zone of nearly 750,000 km2.

The Nui and Niutao boat harbours are built to withstand climate challenges and include integrated adaptation measures that protect against rising seas and extreme weather by keeping communities safe and livelihoods secure during severe weather events.

Safety measures such as 24-hour solar lighting, guard rails and signage make travel safer for everyone, particularly women, people with disability, elderly passengers and children.

For more information, please visit: Tuvalu | The Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP)

Foreign Minister Penny Wong:

“Together with Tuvalu, Australia is delivering crucial climate-resilient infrastructure that connects people, supports livelihoods, and creates economic opportunities for generations to come.

“Australia is a partner our region can count on to listen and act on the priorities of the Pacific family, ensuring our region is more peaceful, stable and prosperous.”

Pacific Island Affairs Minister Pat Conroy:

“The completion of the Nui and Niutao harbours reflect Australia’s commitment to delivering high-quality long-lasting infrastructure for the benefit of all Tuvaluans, as part of the Falepili Union.

“Australia will always listen to the priorities of the Pacific family – and work to deliver resilient and local solutions that make our region stronger.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will travel to Jakarta, Indonesia from 5 to 7 February 2026 to meet the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, and sign the Australia–Indonesia Treaty on Common Security.

The treaty reflects the close friendship, partnership and deep trust between Australia and Indonesia. It will take Australia–Indonesia cooperation to a new level, for the benefit of our shared security and that of the region.

The Prime Minister will be joined by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong, who will meet with Indonesian Foreign Minister His Excellency Sugiono during the visit.

Alongside regional security, Australia and Indonesia work together closely across a range of areas including trade and investment, education, and development.

Indonesia’s strong economic growth represents an enormous opportunity for Australian businesses and investors, which we are working to realise including through Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040.

There is a great demand amongst Indonesian consumers for Australian education, healthcare and consumer goods. At the same time, Indonesian investment into Australia has increased. This is good for Australian jobs, businesses and our economy.

This will be the Prime Minister’s fifth official visit to Indonesia. Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles will be Acting Prime Minister until the Prime Minister’s return from overseas.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“The new treaty is a watershed moment in the Australia–Indonesia relationship.

“It represents a major extension of our security and defence cooperation and demonstrates that our relationship is as strong as it has ever been.

“Australia’s bond with Indonesia is unique and enduring, as neighbours, partners and friends who are committed to a secure, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

“I thank President Prabowo for his invitation to visit Indonesia to sign this historic agreement and look forward to discussing ways we can continue to work together.”

Foreign Minister Penny Wong:

“Australia and Indonesia have together taken the most important step in strengthening our partnership in thirty years – bringing our cooperation to a higher level, acting together to secure peace and stability for our nations and the region.

“In these uncertain times, this is a demonstration of the importance we place on our relationship and the respect we have for each other.

“This Treaty is part of how the Albanese Government is building Australia’s future in our region.”

New figures show the Capital Gains Tax discount will blow a quarter-trillion dollar hole in the budget over the next decade.

Parliamentary Budget Office analysis, commissioned by the Greens-led Select Committee into the Operation of the CGT Discount, shows it will cost the budget $247 billion over the next ten years.

This is considerably more than the $205 billion it has cost over its entire 25 year history.

The analysis shows that the richest 1% of income earners will get a staggering 59% of the benefit from the CGT discount this financial year, rising from previous analysis 54%. 

Comments attributable to Greens Economic Justice spokesperson Senator Nick McKim:

“The evidence keeps piling up against the most unfair tax rort in the country. Every time you crunch the numbers it just gets worse.”

“The capital gains tax discount has blown out into a quarter-trillion-dollar joke that overwhelmingly favours the super-wealthy, who have had it far too good for far too long.”

“This tax break cuts straight across any claim of fairness. Nearly 60 per cent of the benefit goes to the richest one per cent, while just 4% of the benefit goes to people under 35.”

“It means that Australians who go to work each day pay double the tax than someone who earns the same amount flipping investment properties.”

“Instead of supporting productive investment, the CGT discount is now overwhelmingly used to subsidise speculation on existing properties, driving up prices and making home ownership even more difficult for renters.”

“Labor cannot keep talking about a fair go for workers and fixing intergenerational inequality while defending the most unfair tax break on the books.”

Greens Housing spokesperson Senator Barbara Pocock:

“It’s clear that Labor cares more about property hoarders than it does about renters, first home buyers and people experiencing homelessness.

“Labor’s response to the housing crisis is making things worse. It is more concerned about rewarding property investors with tax breaks than about investing in social housing, homelessness services, and rent assistance altogether. 

‘Labor needs to stop treating housing like a game of monopoly. It needs to scrap the tax breaks for wealthy property investors and directly build social and affordable homes.”

“Massive tax breaks for wealthy property investors are cooking our housing system. Negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount let cashed-up investors outbid everyday Australians — and young people are the ones paying the price.

“Australia’s housing system is rigged for the wealthy; it’s a system designed to drive up the cost of housing, generating enormous wealth for the few while increasing rents for the many who haven’t won the generational lottery.

“Reigning in investor lending growth would be celebrated by renters and aspiring home owners who otherwise feel nothing but despair as they watch a repeat bout of runaway housing price inflation.

The full PBO costing can be found here.

The Victorian Greens have secured a housing ‘Head of Power’ to legally mandate property developers include public, community and affordable housing in new developments.

The Greens say that Labor now has “no excuses” not to force developers to contribute their fair share of housing that people can actually afford.

For the first time, the Greens amendment creates a clear legal power for councils and the Planning Minister to require public, community and affordable housing when big new developments are approved.

The Greens welcome the government’s support for their amendment which was secured as part of the Greens negotiations on the Planning Amendment Bill 2025 at the end of last year.

The Greens amendment has been widely supported by housing advocates who have been calling for the change for a long time.

It passed Parliament last night officially solidifying the new power into the law and the Greens say that now Labor must use it.

The Victorian Greens spokesperson for Planning, Dr Sarah Mansfield said:

“The head of power will make sure we’re building homes people can actually afford, now Labor has to use it.

“Private property developers aren’t thinking about affordability, they’re thinking about profit and for too long, Labor’s given them all the power over what gets built.

“While renters are being smashed, young people are locked out and the public housing waitlist is exploding, Labor’s got no excuse to give property developers special treatment.

“Now the only thing stopping new developments from including public, community and affordable housing is Labor.”

The Victorian Greens Leader, Ellen Sandell, has accused Labor MPs of hypocrisy and performative sympathy as Parliament returns today after a month of devastating bushfires and floods.

Sandell said Labor MPs cannot credibly express concern for communities impacted by bushfires while their own government continues approving new fossil fuel projects that are worsening the climate crisis.

Over the past nine months, the Allan Labor Government has handed fossil fuel corporations five new approvals including just off the coast of the Otways which was ravaged by fire.

Parliament will speak on the bushfires during a condolence motion today, where Sandell said she will directly challenge Labor MPs on what she described as a fundamental contradiction between their words and actions, accusing Labor MPs of crying crocodile tears.
Climate disasters are already costing Victorians an estimated $2.7 billion every year, with costs rising as disasters become more frequent and severe. Many homes across Victoria are predicted to become uninsurable by 2030, leaving families exposed while fossil fuel corporations continue to make billions in profit and pay little to no tax.

The Greens say Victoria cannot accept this as the new normal and are calling on the Allan Labor Government to immediately stop approving new fossil fuel projects, end special treatment for fossil fuel corporations, and start making polluters pay for the damage they cause.

The Greens will also introduce amendments to expand the government’s coal mine rehabilitation liability scheme to cover all mines, ensuring companies are held financially responsible for environmental damage rather than leaving taxpayers to foot the bill. The party has previously introduced legislation to ban new offshore oil and gas drilling, as well as a coal ban, but these were not supported by Labor.

Leader of the Victorian Greens, Ellen Sandell:

“The past month has felt apocalyptic in Victoria, with extreme heat, bushfires and floods devastating communities.
“Labor MPs can’t hand out meals at relief centres with one hand and approve new fossil fuel projects with the other. It’s insulting to the communities who have lost everything.

“Climate disasters are already costing Victorians well over $2 billion every year, and those costs are rising fast. Many homes will become uninsurable by 2030, yet Labor continues to give special treatment to fossil fuel corporations that are driving this crisis.

“Polluters should be paying for the damage they cause, not ordinary people. Instead, Labor is cosying up to them, giving them a free pass to make billions in profit and pay nothing in tax while the community is left to pick up the bill.”