Category: Australian News

A national commemoration service will be held in Canberra on Sunday, 11 October 2026 to honour the service and sacrifice of those who served in Afghanistan, 25 years to the day from when the first Australian boots landed on Afghan soil.

The national service will be held at the Australian War Memorial and will be open to Australian Defence Force personnel, veterans, families and members of the public who wish to pay their respects to those who served in Australia’s longest-running conflict.

On 11 October 2001, Australian forces were deployed to Afghanistan under Operation Slipper, contributing to the International Security Assistance Force, a multinational mission to combat terrorism, to stabilise and reconstruct the country.

Over the next two decades, more than 35,000 Australians served in Afghanistan or in support in the Middle East Area of Operations.

The Roll of Honour at the Australian War Memorial records the names of 47 Australian Defence Force personnel who died as a result of their service in Afghanistan. Some 263 Australians were also wounded. 

The 25^th anniversary commemoration will be an opportunity for all Australians to express their respect and gratitude to those personnel who put themselves in harm’s way.

Registration for the national commemorative service is free. For more information, including how to register, as well as accessibility and transport options please visit 25th anniversary of Australian Service in Afghanistan 2001-2021 | Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

The service will also be broadcast live on ABC iview.

Visit the Anzac Portal to learn more about Australian service in Afghanistan.

Australia and India will strengthen cooperation on defence and security to support our shared vision for a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi of the Republic of India met in Melbourne today and announced a series of outcomes to elevate our ambitious defence and security cooperation.

The Prime Ministers issued the Joint Declaration on Defence and Security Cooperation to deepen our practical partnership.

Australia values India as a top-tier security partner and the Declaration reflects our shared commitment to a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.

Australia and India will boost strategic coordination, increase the complexity of our defence exercises and further build interoperability between our defence forces. We undertake to consult on defence related developments in the Indo-Pacific that affect shared interests.

Maritime security is where Australia and India’s geography and security interests most strongly align and intersect.

The Prime Ministers endorsed a Joint Maritime Security Collaboration Roadmap, setting out concrete milestones to deepen our cooperation in response to maritime security challenges. It will improve operational coordination, information sharing and capability development across the breadth of our maritime security cooperation.

The Leaders also welcomed a Memorandum of Understanding between Australia’s Maritime Border Command and the Indian Coast Guard to enhance cooperation on civil maritime security.

In addition, the Leaders announced the Australia-India Partnership on Cyber, Critical Technologies and Supply Chains. The Partnership will bolster our respective capabilities, support our industrial, research, and business links, and anchor our cooperation in safety, security and resilience.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“In an increasingly challenging global environment, our defence and security cooperation is a force for peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.

“The Joint Declaration on Defence and Security Cooperation demonstrates our growing strategic alignment and articulates our shared vision for the region.”

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles:

“Australia’s defence relationship with India is growing from strength to strength, underpinned by a shared ambition to enhance cooperation across all domains.

“By working together we are not only making an important contribution to Australia’s security, but to the peace and security of the region.”

Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong:

“In a more uncertain and disrupted world, Australia and India’s partnership has never been more consequential.

“The Joint Declaration on Defence and Security Cooperation is anchored in strategic trust and will strengthen our efforts to shape a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.”

The Greens say the deal will help India expand its growing cache of nuclear weapons, heightening global nuclear risk and undermining Labor’s claims that the deal will promote peace

The signing of the ‘Administrative Arrangement to enable further uranium exports to India’ by the Albanese Labor Government today is rewarding nuclear proliferation, by a person who opposed the dangerous trade a decade ago.

India refuses to sign either the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons or the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. This is because India has an estimated 190 nuclear weapons that it refuses to allow international inspectors to document.

The Albanese Labor Government is legitimising India’s dangerous stance on nuclear weapons through this deal. While the Government is claiming Australian exported uranium will not be for military use, it will be used to supplement the Indian supply so alternate nuclear stockpiles can be diverted to weapons. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute estimated over the past year alone India has made 10 additional nuclear warheads.

There has only been one shipment of uranium to India since Labor and the Liberals initially opened the door to the trade a decade ago. This minimal trade is due to concerns that Australian uranium could be used to build Indian nuclear weapons. Today’s expansion of what has been proven to be a failed and dangerous trade is concerning.

In 2011, following the Fukushima disaster and increasing concerns about the dangers of the nuclear industry, Albanese opposed the proposal to allow uranium sales to India saying: “Under these circumstances, it is absurd that we should be expanding ours.” That is just as true today.

Senator David Shoebridge, Greens spokesperson on Foreign Affairs said:

“Labor is no friend of the campaign to end nuclear weapons. Right now we are seeing Albanese expanding uranium exports to a country that has nearly 200 nuclear weapons and refuses to sign the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons or the Test Ban Treaty.

“By giving weight to the non-binding “nuclear suppliers group” Australia is actively undermining the legally enforceable principles set out in the non-proliferation treaty. Make no mistake this harms global efforts to control, and ultimately eliminate, nuclear weapons.

“The Albanese Labor Government has shown it will steamroll over the anti-nuclear movement whenever it suits them. They are doing it today with uranium sales to India and have doubled down on nuclear powered weapons with AUKUS.

”Prime Minister Albanese is doing more to promote nuclear weapons and the nuclear industry in this country than any other Australian Prime Minister since Menzies, who begged the UK for access to nuclear weapons.

“This sad surrender shows the hollowness of the Albanese Labor Government.

“When the Liberals and One Nation pushed for nuclear power Labor managed to oppose it and highlight the risks, but when President Trump or Prime Minister Modhi put the slightest pressure on them they started cosplaying Dutton, and asking where to sign.”

ACT Greens Municipal Services spokesperson Andrew Braddock MLA has called on the ACT Government to urgently back the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA)’s campaign to restore Financial Assistance Grants to at least one per cent of Commonwealth taxation revenue – to ensure Canberra is adequately funded for basic municipal services.

“The Federal Labor Government is short-changing local Government services across the nation including Canberra. But when 538 Councils raised their voices calling for funding to be restored to historical levels, the ACT Labor Government was suspiciously quiet,” said Mr Braddock.

ACT Budget papers reveal that Financial Assistance Grants, the untied Commonwealth funding stream for local government functions, have collapsed to just $15.9 million this year, after the Commonwealth paid next year’s allocation early to make last year’s budget look better.

Even when that distortion washes out, the ACT’s forward estimates show a structural shortfall of more than $284 million over four years compared to what the Territory would receive if grants were restored to one per cent of Commonwealth taxation revenue.

“This volatility makes it impossible to plan and maintain the roads, parks, pools and community facilities Canberrans rely on,” said Mr Braddock.

“Public libraries in Civic, Erindale and Kippax have lost all weekend hours. Suburban shopping centres at Kingston, Chisholm, Cooleman Court and Kippax are only now receiving basic upgrades that residents have needed for years. Cracked footpaths, worn out playgrounds, aging pools. These are the inevitable results of Labor’s funding shortfalls.

ACT Greens Leader Jo Clay MLA said the ACT Labor Government must act.

“Financial Assistance Grants must be restored to at least one per cent of Commonwealth taxation revenue – a secure, untied, formula-based funding stream that can’t be raided or brought forward for Commonwealth budget management purposes.

“The independent Eslake report told us Canberra is being squeezed. These budget numbers show exactly how. It’s time ACT Labor started fighting for the fair deal Canberrans deserve.”

Stronger protections for the identity of children and young people during criminal proceedings have been recommended by a parliamentary committee today after a young person’s name was given to radio 2GB by a media officer within the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).

This recommendation came despite coordinated attempts by Labor, Liberal and Shooters Party MPs making politically motivated attacks against the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Ms Sally Dowling SC, culminating in an adverse finding against the DPP. The Greens have urged the Minns Labor Government to reject the adverse finding.

The inquiry was cut-short after multiple witnesses refused to give evidence, an issue that continues because the Minns Labor Government has refused to pass draft laws to reinstate the Parliament’s powers to compel attendance at Committee hearings.

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

“I am dismayed that this Inquiry has strayed from the important matter of identity protections for children during criminal proceedings, focusing primarily on putting a woman on trial for alleged wrongdoing,”

“A First Nations young person’s identity was disclosed to radio 2GB by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions but, the Director of Public Prosecutions has given sworn testimony she didn’t authorise any disclosure,”

“Despite this sworn testimony, the majority of Committee members have made extraordinary and unsubstantiated allegations against the Director which have no basis in fact whatsoever,

“The Minns Labor Government’s determination to avoid accountability by leaving parliamentary inquiries without teeth is having profound consequences, in this case it has jeopardised public confidence in the justice system,”

“I was able to move amendments to the recommendations to call on the Minns Labor Government to progress legislative reform to better protect the identities of children during criminal proceedings,”

Today the Greens have welcomed the ACT Government’s purchase of the eastern section of the former CSIRO Ginninderra station, saying the site presents a major opportunity to deliver the kind of affordable public housing Canberra needs.

Greens Spokesperson for Housing, Rebecca Vassarotti, said that now the government has taken responsibility for purchasing the site, it must also recognise its role in delivering at least ten per cent of the site as price-capped affordable public housing.

“For years, Canberrans have seen this government talk a big game when it comes to affordable housing. But no amount of convenient wording or flashy media stunts will distract from the reality that for Canberrans doing it tough, rent is too damn high.

“This government all too often outsources responsibility for delivering on cheaper rentals for everyday people, which is exactly why their over-reliance on affordable housing as a fix to the housing crisis is already failing thousands of Canberrans.

“For a Canberran on a median wage, ‘affordable’ housing by this government’s definition will still swallow nearly a third of their paycheck. Back in the 1990s, that number was just fifteen per cent. To call this progress is dishonest and embarrassing.

“The fact is, working people in this city need affordability by more than just name and spin. They deserve real affordable public housing where the rent you pay is directly attached to the income you earn—not attached to an out-of-reach market figure.

“If this government is serious about standing up for the working people who keep Canberra running, then this CSIRO land-deal is a critical test. That’s why the Greens are calling on the government to publicly commit: make at-least ten per cent of this site genuinely affordable, public housing—because nothing less will tackle this crisis.”

ACT Greens Leader Jo Clay MLA said Ginninderra East provides an opportunity to set a new standard for sustainable and inclusive urban development.

“A great suburb is about more than housing. Canberrans need public transport, walking and cycling connections, schools, parks, community facilities and local services,” Ms Clay said.

“For years, the Greens have consistently argued that if this site is developed, it should deliver genuine public and community housing alongside the transport, services and infrastructure people need.

“We also want to see the community involved early in the planning process, so public and community housing become a defining feature of the new suburb rather than an afterthought.”

Ms Clay said the success of Ginninderra East should ultimately be measured by who is able to live there.

“The real test isn’t how many homes are built, but whether or not a single parent or someone who has spent years waiting for public housing can afford to call this community home.”

The Albanese Labor Government is strengthening skills and training for Australians – with Free TAFE enrolments surging past 800,000.

Since the Government established Free TAFE in 2023 there have been more than 814,000 course enrolments, with strong growth in enrolment and course completion numbers across the country in qualifications that are building the numbers of skilled workers in priority industries – including nursing, aged care, construction, cyber security and early childhood education.

Another important milestone in the program has been reached with more than a quarter of a million course completions – 258,000 – so far, following the release of data from Quarter 1, 2026.

The milestones demonstrate the strong interest in Free TAFE from Australians, and the difference it is making for those looking to start a new career, retrain, or gain qualifications they would otherwise have faced barriers to accessing.

Free TAFE is creating opportunities for Australians from all walks of life. Young people aged 24 and under make up 35 per cent of Free TAFE enrolments, while 24 per cent of enrolments are from job seekers. Regional and remote communities are benefitting too, with 32 per cent and 2 per cent of enrolments respectively.

The data has also revealed a jump of around 15,000 enrolments in Free TAFE construction courses compared to the previous quarter, with states and territories rolling out additional Free TAFE Construction places funded by the Albanese Government.

When the Government came to office, the former Coalition government had left skills shortages in Australia at a 50-year high, with no plan to turn them around – in fact, they had cut billions from TAFE and training during their time in office.

Free TAFE was introduced by the Albanese Government as a key measure in both turning around these shortages, and removing the cost barriers that have held people back from pursuing new qualifications and careers.

Last year, the Government legislated permanent Free TAFE, delivering 100,000 places every year from 2027 so that Australians can continue to benefit from the opportunities a TAFE qualification offers.

The Liberals, Nationals and One Nation all voted against making Free TAFE permanent, and have failed to offer an alternative to support the hundreds of thousands of Australians who’ve benefitted from the program.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“Free TAFE is changing lives – that’s why Labor established it, and why we’ve made it permanent.

“Free TAFE makes sure Australians get the training they need for good, well-paid jobs and the skills that can help build Australia’s future.”

Minister for Skills and Training, Andrew Giles

“When we came to office the Coalition left us the worst skills shortages that Australia had seen in 50 years. Since then, the percentage of occupations in shortage have kept coming down, from 36 per cent in 2023 to 29 per cent in 2025.

“Free TAFE is at the heart of this – not only building the pipeline of skilled workers, but opening up opportunity for more Australians to lift their income and find secure work for their future.

“The contrast with the three right-wing parties couldn’t be starker. All of them – Liberals, Nationals and One Nation – voted no to permanent Free TAFE, meaning they went to the last election promising nothing for Free TAFE and nothing to support Australians’ skills.”

Assistant Minister for Defence, Peter Khalil, will travel to the United States this week to represent the Albanese Government at the Australian American Leadership Dialogue (AALD).

Held annually since 1993, the AALD brings together senior Australian and American leaders to exchange perspectives on key policy issues, including economics and trade, security and defence, foreign policy, innovation and technology, energy and climate, health, cybersecurity, and emerging global challenges.

The AALD provides an important opportunity to strengthen collaboration on major defence and national security initiatives, while ensuring Australia’s strategic perspectives and policy priorities are clearly communicated as part of our bilateral engagement with the United States.

During his visit, Assistant Minister Khalil will also meet with US Administration officials, and political leaders at both a state and federal level to discuss opportunities to deepen cooperation between Australia and the United States.

Australia’s Alliance with the US is fundamental to our national security and we are working together to grow our defence and security partnership, including through AUKUS, address shared strategic challenges and strengthen regional stability.

Assistant Minister for Defence, Peter Khalil:

“Held every year since 1993, the Australian American Leadership Dialogue is an important forum for advancing cooperation between Australia and the United States on the issues that matter most to our shared security and prosperity.

“The Australia–United States Alliance, now in its 75th year, is built on trust, shared values and decades of cooperation in support of a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

“As we confront an increasingly complex strategic environment, engagement with our American partners is essential to our alliance.

“AUKUS remains a central pillar of our defence and strategic cooperation, and this week’s discussions will help ensure continued alignment on this vital program.”

The Victorian Greens have unveiled the details of their bold plan to bring down the cost of buying a home.

The Greens are proposing to tax ultra-wealthy property investors who own more than $5 million worth of residential investment properties, and use it to abolish stamp duty on homes for people to live in.

The Greens plan comes ahead of this year’s state election where young people locked out of home ownership are looking for bold policies.
The Greens policy helps rebalance the scales of a broken housing system that is set up to funnel profits to banks and wealthy investors instead of helping people who need somewhere affordable to live.

Stamp duty has been heavily criticised by economists as a highly ineffective tax that puts a huge upfront cost on people, making it harder to buy, move or downsize.

The Greens are proposing a system that’s fairer, simpler and built for people, not profits. It starts by abolishing stamp duty on the average home, aimed at eventually phasing it out altogether.

The Greens entire ‘Home You Can Afford’ plan:

Cut stamp duty for owner occupiers: abolishing stamp duty for homes up to $1.1 million, and reduced stamp duty on a sliding scale up to $1.6 million.

Introduce an ‘ultra-wealth’ tax to pay for it: increase land tax to 5.3% for property investors that own more than $5 million in residential investment properties, raising $6.4 billion over the decade.

Stop the demolition and build more public housing: more than double the number of public homes – building over 88,000 public homes, maintaining and upgrading existing public housing with an initial investment of $4 billion.

Cap rents: limiting how much rents can be increased in any one year capped at wage growth (or inflation, whichever is lower).

Victorian Greens housing spokesperson, Gabrielle de Vietri:

“People are working hard and still can’t afford a home. We want to bring down the cost of buying a home by cutting stamp duty and taxing ultra wealthy property investors to pay for it.

“If you can afford $5 million worth of investment properties, we think you can pay a little bit more to make housing more affordable for everyone else.

“If young people and renters are ever going to be able to afford a home, we need to bring down the cost of buying a home.

“Stamp duty is a huge barrier for people buying their first home, moving or downsizing. You shouldn’t be slapped with a massive tax bill from the government before you even get your keys.”

Melbourne renters are being slugged with the fastest rent increases in the country, with new figures showing the city’s median weekly rent jumped by more than $20 (3.5 per cent) to $600 in the June quarter.

The Victorian Greens say today’s figures are proof that Labor has failed to protect renters from unlimited rent hikes, with landlords continuing to jack up rents simply because they can.

Independent modelling by the Parliamentary Budget Office shows that if Victoria froze rents for two years from March 2026 and permanently capped future rent increases to wage growth, the average Victorian renter would save $15,590 by 2030 and more than $120,000 by 2040.

Quotes attributable to Victorian Greens spokesperson for Renting, Gabrielle de Vietri:

“Renters keep getting hit with outrageous rent increases simply because landlords know they can get away with it under Labor.

“These figures make one thing crystal clear: we urgently need rent caps.

“Rent caps would save the average Victorian renter more than $15,500 over the next four years. That’s money people could spend raising their kids, paying the bills or saving for a home—instead of paying off their landlord’s house.

“Renters don’t need more excuses. They need lower rents.

“The federal government’s housing reforms haven’t even kicked in yet. These rent hikes aren’t about absorbing higher costs—they’re landlords taking the piss because nothing is stopping them.

“Victorian renters deserve a government that’s on their side. Labor will always side with the property industry because they are funded by them to stay in power. The Greens are the only ones with the guts to do what it takes to tackle the housing crisis – cap rents, build public housing, end the special treatment for property investors and corporations.”

Background

The Parliamentary Budget Office estimates a two-year rent freeze from March 2026 followed by permanent caps linked to wage growth would save the median Victorian renter:

$15,590 by 2030

$53,517 by 2035

$120,406 by 2040.

Rent controls are a key pillar of the Victorian Greens election policy plan leading up to the 2026 Victorian State election, where the Greens are tipped to win more seats from both Labor and the Liberals. The Greens policy includes:

an initial 2-year rent freeze to give wages the chance to catch up to rents followed by a cap on rent increases to go up no more than the wage growth or CPI, whichever is lowest, of that year in any one year.

Tie rent increases to the property, not the tenant – so renters can’t be kicked out for a landlord to put the rent up.

A ban on rent increases for two years at the start of every tenancy, to give renters security when they move house.