Category: Australian News

After taking years, the federal government has finally responded to the recommendations of two parliamentary inquiries into the consultancy sector, prompted by the PwC tax scandal. Unfortunately, the government has failed to meet the moment. 

The two parliamentary inquiries made 52 recommendations between them, which were agreed to by Labor, the Liberals and the Greens, which gave the government an opening for reform across the accounting and consulting sector. 

The reports made clear recommendations, including lowering partnership caps, separating audit from non-audit services, improving whistleblower protections and not allowing PwC to tender for government work until all ongoing investigations have concluded.

The Greens say the government’s responses are woefully inadequate but not surprising and call on the government to legislate the reports’ recommendations instead of relying on voluntary guidelines and endless reviews.

Australian Greens spokesperson for finance and public sector Senator Barbara Pocock:

“The government’s response to this consultancy crisis is woefully inadequate. We discovered a tidal wave of malpractice, poor governance and structural failures. The government’s response fobs off our report with baby steps that don’t meet the scale of this crisis.

“So much of the Parliament’s time and resources have been spent uncovering unethical behaviour in the consultancy sector. The government was provided with clear recommendations for cleaning up the sector but instead of agreeing to them, Labor continues to greenlight unethical contractors. 

“This is a government of gestures. Despite the extensive evidence and comprehensive recommendations, the government is once again choosing to tinker around the edges, instead of committing to actual reform.

“Political donations data released this week shows that big consulting firms are still giving large donations to the government. It’s a straightforward conflict of interest – it’s no wonder Labor is failing to act. Three of the Big 4 consultancy firms continue to donate to the government – this is just wrong and the government is refusing to take action on this.

“The government continues to distance itself from a myriad of consultancy scandals, which won’t go away. The fact that the government let PwC back into the fold before the TPB, AFP and NACC investigations had concluded is both baffling and pathetic. Astonishingly they’ve refused to comment on PwC continuing to hide crucial information from the Senate. 

“The government’s refusal to clean up the unethical practices rife across the consultancy sector is the reason why the Greens introduced a bill to parliament. We must close the legal loopholes that allow government contractors who behave unethically to get away with it.”

In the same week Australian households were told their mortgage repayments will go up, they have also learnt who the real beneficiaries of government housing policies are and…. it’s not first-home buyers.

As reported in the media, the Housing Minister’s “policy brain” who was pivotal to the creation of Labor’s 5 percent deposit scheme, which drove up house prices in the midst of a housing crisis, is making the move to Commonwealth Bank – one of the big four banks profiting off bigger home loans.

The Greens say the lucrative revolving door is shameful and it’s clear that Labor cares more about the profits of the banks than it does about first-home buyers.

Greens spokesperson for finance, housing and homelessness Senator Barbara Pocock:

“In the midst of a housing crisis, Labor’s 5 percent deposit scheme has driven up house prices. It’s a policy that encourages people to take on more and more debt while they compete with wealthy property investors.

“As millions of Australians now face increased mortgage repayments in a cost of living crisis, many will be left wondering who benefits? The banks do. For every mortgage, the banks make $200,000 profit. 

“When the Housing Minister’s adviser takes up a job at an institution that is among the greatest beneficiaries of Labor’s policy, what are mortgage holders and first-home buyers supposed to think? 

“This is a blatant example of the endless rewards of the lucrative revolving door. 

“Australians are fed up with the jobs-for-the-mates mentality that’s plagued successive governments. This is why the Greens have always supported strengthening lobbying oversight by extending the ban on former ministers’ lobbying from 18 months to five years and applying it to senior staff.

“Treasury’s own modelling said house prices would go up under the 5 percent deposit scheme. Borrowing 95% of a mortgage when homes are eight times the average household income is a recipe for financial stress, not stability. It’s clear that Labor and its advisors care more about banks than it does about first-home buyers and making housing affordable. 

“Without tackling the root causes of the housing crisis, which is the tax breaks for wealthy property hoarders, house prices will continue to spike, and banks will continue to rake in the profits.”

Central Coast champion Layne Paull has joined the ranks of 31 remarkable women and girls to be named a finalist for the 2026 NSW Women of the Year Awards.

The North Avoca resident is nominated in the NSW Young Woman of the Year category.

The NSW Women of the Year Awards recognise outstanding women who demonstrate strong leadership, resilience and community spirit.

Ms Paull is a young leader with a passion for inclusion, innovation and community service.

As Inclusion Nippers Coordinator for North Avoca Surf Life Saving Club and Team Leader for Disabled Surfers Association, she has developed programs that make aquatic environments welcoming for people of all abilities.

Ms Paull juggles studying biomedical engineering at the University of Technology Sydney with her role as a disability support worker, designing personalised strategies to enhance clients’ skills and independence.

She was awarded the Women in Engineering Scholarship 2025 by Engineers Australia.

Now in its 14th year, the awards program shines a light on extraordinary individuals across the state who are improving lives, driving innovation, strengthening communities and inspiring future generations.

Recipients in each of the five award categories will be revealed at the Women of the Year Awards ceremony on Thursday 5 March at the International Convention Centre, Sydney.

This is the flagship event of NSW Women’s Week 2026, held from Monday 2 March to International Women’s Day on Sunday 8 March.

The 2026 Women of the Year Awards finalists are:

NSW Premier’s Woman of Excellence

• Professor Tracey O’Brien AM – Lane Cove LGA
• Clare Pearson – The Hills Shire LGA

NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year

• Dr Aunty Rhonda Radley – Port Macquarie–Hastings LGA
• Adjunct Professor Nicole Turner – Port Stephens LGA
• Sharon Winsor – Mid‑Western Regional LGA

NSW Community Hero

• Carolyn Campbell-McLean – Parramatta LGA
• Ruby Riethmuller – Northern Beaches LGA
• Gidget Foundation Australia Founders Group:
  • Alexandra Berthold – Ku-ring-gai LGA
  • Libby Bowditch – Northern Beaches LGA
  • Jacqui Cotton – Northern Beaches LGA
  • Stephanie Hughes – Waverley LGA
  • Lou Hunter – North Sydney LGA
  • Kim Mouret – Northern Beaches LGA
  • Simone Short – Mosman LGA

NSW Regional Woman of the Year

• Jo Marshall – Upper Lachlan Shire LGA
• Amy Riddle – Coffs Harbour City LGA
• Jenny Worrell – Clarence Valley LGA

NSW Young Woman of the Year (16–30 years)

• Miranda McGufficke – Snowy Monaro Regional LGA
• Layne Paull – Central Coast LGA
• Milli Weaver – Randwick City LGA
• Dr Mithila Zaheen – Cumberland LGA

The Ones to Watch (7–15 years)

• Imali Bamji – Hunters Hill LGA
• Piper Clarke – Shoalhaven LGA
• Hafsa Faizan – Liverpool LGA
• Emma Hoskins – Blacktown LGA
• Amalia Carolyn Howard – Dubbo LGA
• Elly Ings – Northern Beaches LGA
• Hannah Orr – Goulburn Mulwaree LGA
• Ruvi Pooliyadde – Blacktown LGA
• Shanvi Govinda Raju – Penrith LGA
• Ivy Walker – Hornsby LGA

Learn more about the NSW Women of the Year Awards 2026 and finalists by visiting https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/women-nsw/awards-and-events/nsw-women-of-year-awards/nsw-women-of-year-awards-2026-finalists

Find out what other events are taking place during NSW Women’s Week 2026 at NSW Women’s Week 2026 | NSW Government. The NSW Women of the Year Awards ceremony will be livestreamed for everyone to celebrate these inspirational women and girls.

Premier Chris Minns said:

“Every finalist represents the strength and diversity that defines New South Wales.

“These women are changing the lives of those around them – not for recognition, but because they believe in lifting up their communities.

“I congratulate all of the finalists and commend them for going above and beyond in their respective fields.”

Minister for the Central Coast David Harris said:

“Layne’s tireless efforts in disability inclusion, innovation and community service are inspirational, and she is a more than worthy NSW Young Woman of the Year finalist.

“I join all Coasties in congratulating Layne.

“I would also like to acknowledge Professor Tracey O’Brien, a finalist for the NSW Premier’s Woman of Excellence and NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year finalists Adjunct Professor Nicole Turner, Dr Aunty Rhonda Radley and Sharon Winsor, all of who I have the privilege of working with in my other Ministerial portfolios.

“The calibre of women nominated for the NSW Women of the Year Awards couldn’t be higher and I congratulate each and every one of them.”

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“Women and girls across New South Wales are making a difference right across our state and these awards recognise their invaluable contributions.

“This year we receive an incredible number of nominations, every one of them showcasing a story of grit, compassion and remarkable achievement.

“Our 2026 finalists come from all corners of New South Wales and their work spans health, community services, business, culture, education and advocacy. Their contribution enriches our communities and sets an example for girls and women everywhere.”

Member for Gosford and Parliamentary Secretary for Disability Inclusion Liesl Tesch said:

“The Central Coast is home to a vast array of fantastic women, shaping change and enriching our community through their everyday actions and incredible community spirit.

“A special congratulations to Central Coast local Layne Paull, a dedicated champion and advocate for disability inclusion.

“Layne’s expansive work in disability inclusion across sport, assistive technology, adaptive design and advocacy showcases her commitment to breaking barriers for all.

“Congratulations and thank you for your wonderful work Layne.”

The Minns Labor Government is backing the largest rollout of big batteries in NSW history. The NSW Government has awarded contracts for six new long‑duration battery projects to strengthen the state’s energy grid.

These batteries will ensure that NSW is on track to exceed its energy storage targets for the future. The batteries will help keep the lights on and provide enough low-cost renewable energy, being so powerful they can run one third of Sydney’s households for a day.

NSW has the most battery projects in Australia with over 200 projects either under construction or in the planning pipeline.

The projects are:

• Great Western Battery in Wallerawang, near Lithgow (Neoen Australia) storing 3,500 megawatt hours (MWh)
• Bannaby Battery Energy Storage System, in the Southern Tablelands (BW ESS) storing 2,676 MWh
• Bowmans Creek Battery Energy Storage System, in the Upper Hunter (Ark Energy) storing 2,414 MWh
• Armidale East Battery Energy Storage System (FRV Services Australia) storing 1,440 MWh
• Kingswood Battery Energy Storage System, near Tamworth (Iberdrola Australia) storing 1,080 MWh
• Ebor Battery Energy Storage System, near Armidale (Bridge Energy) storing 870 MWh

The big batteries are due to be completed by 2030.

As part of the Renewable Energy Rollout, the projects have been awarded contracts that provide a revenue underwriting,accelerating new energy infrastructure while protecting consumers. This means that the Government is supporting the project by providing investment confidence.

This tender was run by ASL, the independent Consumer Trustee. It is the state’s largest tender for long-duration storage to date, both in terms of total storage capacity and the number of contracts.

These projects are subject to the relevant planning approvals.

The Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Penny Sharpe MLC, along with the Member for Granville, Julia Finn MP, officially opened Iberdrola’s completed Battery Energy Storage System in Western Sydney, which was successful as part of ASL’s Roadmap Tender 2, supported by the Australian Government Capacity Investment Scheme.

Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Penny Sharpe said:

“These six big batteries mean we’re on track to smash our storage targets, harvesting the sun and the wind, so we can power NSW around the clock and put downward pressure on prices.

“We’re not stopping here – NSW will support more projects, so we’re ready for a grid powered by renewable energy, supported by gas.”

Julia Finn MP, Member for Granville said:

“I’m thrilled to open Iberdrola’s new Battery Energy Storage System in Smithfield, powering reliable energy to Western Sydney, while the Minns Labor Government backs more batteries right across NSW.”

This week, the Australian Government welcomed the historic visit of the President of the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), H.E. Dr Hilda Heine and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Hon Kalani Kaneko.

The visit marks the first official bilateral visit to Australia by an RMI President in more than three decades. President Heine and Minister Kaneko engaged in fruitful discussions with Australia’s Governor General, Prime Minister and key cabinet ministers that underlined the strong ties and strategic alignment between Australia and RMI, committed to working together on shared priorities.

During the visit, President Heine witnessed Foreign Ministers Wong and Kaneko sign a letter of intent for Australia’s support for RMI’s new Resilience and Adaptation Trust Fund. The Fund will provide long-term financing for RMI to strengthen its climate change resilience, adaptation and mitigation.

The Australian Government, in partnership with UNICEF Australia, will also deliver clean solar and battery energy systems for 19 remote primary schools across RMI where teachers and students currently lack access to basic electricity in classrooms. This will be RMI’s first project with the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific.

The Australian Government will also support Women United Together Marshall Islands, a women’s rights organisation that supports the empowerment, advancement and protection of women and their families.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong:

“The visit of President Heine and Foreign Minister Kaneka demonstrates the deepening ties between the Republic of the Marshall Islands and Australia, building upon our longstanding cooperation in climate and oceans, development and security.

“Pacific nations, including the Republic of the Marshall Islands, are at the front line of the effects of climate change, but have contributed the least to it.

“Our region is stronger together – Australia and the Marshall Islands have a joint commitment to a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.”

Minister for Pacific Island Affairs Pat Conroy:

“Australia and the Republic of the Marshall Islands share a deep connection – Australia was the second country to recognise the Marshall Islands, almost 40 years ago.

“Together, with the Pacific family, we are committed to a stronger region where we can make our own decisions as strong, sovereign nations.”

Today’s interest rate rise means millions of Australians will be punished to clean up Labor’s inflation mess, driven by an overheated housing market the government refuses to fix, the Greens say.

“Renters and mortgage holders are getting smashed by the RBA, but it’s Labor’s failure on inflation that is responsible,” Greens Economic Justice spokesperson Senator Nick McKim said.

“Today’s interest rate rise is pure profit for the big banks, while mortgage holders and renters are being pushed deeper into pain.”

“Labor has chosen to protect billions in tax handouts for property speculators instead of helping renters and first home buyers.”

“Those settings drive up house prices, push up rents, and keep inflation high.”

“As a result of today’s rate rise, more of people’s pay packets will now flow straight into bank profits and landlord pockets.”

“This outcome was avoidable if Labor had acted to rein in investor tax breaks, including the capital gains tax discount.

“Australians should not be paying more every month because the government keeps siding with banks and big investors.”

Millions of Australian mortgage holders have been hit with another crushing blow today, as the Reserve Bank raised interest rates for the thirteenth time under Labor’s cost-of-living crisis.

For families already stretched to breaking point, this rate rise is devastating news delivered straight to their mortgage statement. The average mortgage holder is now paying more than $23,000 a year in interest than when Labor was elected.

This comes on top of soaring grocery bills, higher power prices, rising insurance premiums and rents that keep climbing.

This rate rise is not an accident. It is the direct consequence of Labor’s addiction to spending, which has kept inflation higher for longer and left the RBA with no choice but to keep tightening.

That assessment is backed by Australia’s leading economists.

AMP’s chief economist Shane Oliver has been clear: “The best thing that Australian governments can do to help bring down inflation would be to cut government spending back to more normal levels.”

IFM Investors’ chief economist Alex Joiner has warned that “the fiscal guard rails have come off”.

In the current financial year alone, Labor has added an additional $50 billion of new spending decisions – almost the value of the entire national defence budget.

Australians are now paying the price for Labor’s choices. In higher mortgage rates, but also lower real wages and rising tax bills.

Australian mortgage holders are being punished because the Government won’t show the discipline that families themselves have been forced to show.

When the RBA raises rates, it pulls money out of the economy to slow inflation. When the Government ramps up spending, it pushes money back in, forcing rates higher for longer.

In a stark indictment of the Government’s economic mismanagement, the decision to raise rates was unanimous. The entire RBA Monetary Policy Board has voted to hit the brakes, while the Treasurer keeps his foot flat on the accelerator with his reckless spending.

As part of its decision today the RBA also significantly upgraded its inflation forecasts and now expects inflation to remain above its target for at least another two and a half years.

It also expects that real wages will continue to fall for the remainder of the year, and that even slower economic growth and higher unemployment will result from rising interest rates.

This is Labor’s cost of living crisis. When Labor spends, Australians pay.

The Australian Government is today imposing further targeted financial sanctions on Iran in response to the regime’s horrific use of violence against its own people.

Since 28 December 2025, the regime has massacred thousands of Iranians while attacking and arresting many thousands more for participating in peaceful protest.

The regime has imposed nationwide internet and telecommunications blackouts in an attempt to conceal the scale of its brutality.

The 20 individuals and 3 entities sanctioned today include senior officials and entities of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) who are complicit in oppressing the Iranian people, violently suppressing domestic protests, and threatening lives both inside and outside Iran.

This announcement builds on the Australian Government’s listing of the IRGC as a state sponsor of terrorism and our comprehensive framework of sanctions against Iran.

Today’s action underscores our commitment to standing with the people of Iran alongside international partners against the Iranian regime’s egregious campaign of oppression and destabilisation.

The Albanese Government has now sanctioned more than 200 Iranian individuals and entities and more than 100 IRGC-linked individuals and entities.

For further information on Australia’s sanctions settings, please visit the Australia and sanctions page on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website.

Today I announce the recipients of the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations 2025-26 grants round and new appointments to the Foundation’s Advisory Board.

This year, the Foundation will provide grants that support cooperation and engagement between the people of Australia and China. These projects contribute to the ongoing stabilisation of our bilateral relationship. They will support risk-informed engagement with China while strengthening our China capability at home and building meaningful engagement with Chinese-Australian communities.

The funded initiatives span a range of priorities, including:

• Advancing cooperation with China in the priority areas of climate change, steel decarbonisation and sustainable agriculture
• Expanding the scope and depth of dialogues by supporting new initiatives focused on foreign, economic and trade policy
• Building Australia’s long-term China capabilities, through programs that invest in China literacy, research and expertise
• Empowering Chinese-Australian communities, including through programs that foster civic understanding and leadership
• Supporting Chinese international students, recognising their importance to Australia’s education sector and long-term people-to-people ties
• Drawing on arts, culture and sport to build mutual understanding, promote Australia in China, and strengthen people-to-people ties.

There are three new appointments to the Advisory Board of the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations.

I am pleased to appoint the Hon Mr Simon Birmingham, CEO of the Australian Banking Association; Mr Clinton Dines, Non-Executive Director and Adjunct Professor at Griffith University Asia Institute; and Dr Darren Lim, Senior Lecturer at the Australian National University, to the Advisory Board.

Together, they bring deep expertise spanning trade and foreign policy, business and research.

The Advisory Board helps guide the Foundation in its work to promote and coordinate enhanced cooperation between Australia and China, in support of Australia’s national interest.

I thank outgoing Advisory Board members Mr Douglas Gautier AM, Dr Wesa Chau and Mr Rowan Callick OBE for their valuable service and contributions.

Through these grants and appointments, the Foundation will continue to strengthen engagement with China in Australia’s interest. More information is available at: National Foundation for Australia-China Relations website.

On 20 January, Israel demolished the East Jerusalem headquarters of UNRWA, and 11 countries including UK, Canada and France have signed a joint statement condemning Israel for this action. The Albanese government has declined to sign up to this international statement.

Senator Mehreen Faruqi, Deputy Leader of the Greens and spokesperson for International Aid and Global Justice: 

“Labor’s refusal to join even Canada, the UK and France to condemn Israel for demolishing UNRWA headquarters in East Jerusalem shows Minister Wong has completely given up the pretense of caring about aid to Palestinians.

“Silence on Israel’s bulldozing of UNRWA headquarters was bad enough, but not even having the moral fortitude to join like-minded nations to condemn them is yet another low for the Albanese Labor government. Though, what else can you expect from a divisive government who is laying out a welcome mat for the president of a state committing genocide and who still hasn’t torn up Trump’s invitation to join the farcical and imperial so-called ‘board of peace’?

“At a time where UNWRA and aid is needed the most, this is just going to further fast-track Israel’s genocide and erasure of Palestinians who are already facing starvation, bombing and murder even during a ceasefi