Category: Australian News

To Australians watching, thank you for your time.

The fuel crisis we face began about five weeks ago.

And Australians deserve two things in this difficult period:

You deserve clarity and leadership.

Regrettably, both have been absent from our government.

Initially, the government denied there was a crisis.

Then, after admitting there was a problem, it failed to act with urgency.

The only thing the government has fuelled is confusion.

Yet, the government deserves credit for adopting the Coalition’s policy to slash the fuel tax – even if it did so belatedly.

But in a crisis, Australians deserve a government that’s transparent and gives you the facts every day.

Instead, it’s taken persistent Coalition questioning in parliament for this government to release any information.

It must stop being led – and start leading.

And it must come clean.

About how many oil shipments are coming into the country.

About our fuel stocks.

About the number of empty servos.

Especially now that Western Australia has declared a state of emergency.

The risk ahead of us is a patchwork of different rules across the country that leave Australians uncertain.

We don’t want to see heavy-handed mandates that restrict people’s freedoms.

And governments must be honest with us about taking any such steps.

Last night, when the Prime Minister addressed the nation, Australians were expecting answers and details.

They received neither.

Unlike the Prime Minister, I’m not going to talk down to you.

Almost all Australians will do the right and responsible things in this crisis.

We’re a compassionate people with mateship at our core.

And whilst there is uncertainty, I’m certain about what we must do.

Urgent action is needed to protect our way of life – and to restore our standard of living.

That requires leadership.

I’m calling on the Prime Minister to do three things:

First, he must outline how he is going to get fuel to where it’s needed in the short term.

Second, the Prime Minister must develop a proper longer-term plan – so Australia never finds itself in this position again.

We must unlock the full potential of our natural resources – by fast-tracking exploration and projects across the country.

We must dig, and we must drill.

We need more Australian oil for Australians.

We have the resources beneath our feet to secure our future.

Third, the Prime Minister and Treasurer must use the upcoming budget not just to respond to this crisis, but to set our country up for the future.

The bigger task ahead is to rebuild an economy that’s resilient, competitive, and capable of delivering rising living standards.

I say to Australians:

Decline is not inevitable.

Damage is not irreparable.

With courageous leadership, we can protect our way of life.

With strong leadership, we can restore our standard of living.

And with inspired leadership, we can rediscover confidence in ourselves – at a time when we must look after ourselves and put Australia first.

Because Australia is worth fighting for, now more than ever.

Australia welcomes the agreement by the United States, Israel and Iran to a two-week ceasefire to negotiate a resolution to the conflict in the Middle East.

The Australian Government has been calling for de-escalation and an end to the conflict for some time now.

Iran’s de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz, coupled with its attacks on commercial vessels, civilian infrastructure, and oil and gas facilities, is causing unprecedented energy supply shocks and impacting oil and fuel prices.

We have been clear the longer the war goes on, the more significant the impact on the global economy will be, and the greater the human cost.

Australia has been working with international partners in support of diplomatic efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz so critical supplies can flow to those who need it, including the most vulnerable.

We thank and support the work of negotiators, including Pakistan, Egypt, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia, in advancing de-escalation efforts.

Australia wants to see the ceasefire upheld and a resolution to the conflict. 

We continue to call on all parties to uphold international humanitarian law and protect civilian life.

We the Foreign Ministers of Mexico, Indonesia, the Republic of Korea, the Republic of Türkiye, and Australia – comprising MIKTA – condemn in the strongest terms the killing of Indonesian peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

The MIKTA Foreign Ministers express their deepest condolences and sympathies to the families of the victims, as well as to Indonesia. They wish a speedy and full recovery to those who were injured.

Attacks on UN peacekeepers and aid workers are unacceptable and violate international law, particularly international humanitarian law. They must never be the target of an attack. The members of MIKTA stand in solidarity with Indonesia and fully support its call for an immediate, thorough and transparent investigation of the attacks.

In addition, as signatories to the Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel, the Foreign Ministers of MIKTA reiterate the importance of ensuring the safety and security of humanitarian personnel.

Peacekeepers and humanitarian personnel save lives. This work should never cost them their own.

On Good Friday, the Albanese Government is investing to strengthen world-class healthcare for children as part of Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal.  

This year marks 95 years of the Good Friday Appeal and 95 years of the Victorian community coming together in support of young patients and their families.

Our Government will provide $2 million to support the Royal Children’s Hospital to improve access to specialised health care for children throughout Victoria, and to expand its health information service for children and young people nationally.

The builds on the $6 million the Government has already provided to the Good Friday Appeal, funding life-changing treatment, world-class research, leadership and training. It helps attract the brightest minds to care for kids from Victoria and across Australia.

Last year, the Good Friday Appeal, together with the Royal Children’s Hospital, distributed $3 million to 41 regional health services to fund equipment, training and education.

This allowed families to receive care closer to home and was described as a “game changer” by regional health services.

Every year, thousands of people volunteer their time, experience and creativity to organise fundraising events and activities to support the hospital, culminating in the telethon on Good Friday. 

Anyone wishing to make a contribution or learn more about the patients, volunteers and staff at the hospital can visit www.goodfridayappeal.com.au. 

Prime Minister Albanese:

“For 95 years, the Good Friday Appeal has been about people pitching in and helping out people who need it the most. That’s the Australian way.

“Nothing matters more than the health and wellbeing of our children, and this funding will help make sure more kids get the care they need, closer to home.

“The Royal Children’s Hospital does incredible work and this investment will help them reach more children across Victoria.

“I thank every volunteer and supporter who makes the Good Friday Appeal possible because your generosity is changing lives.”

Deputy Prime Minister Marles:

“The Albanese Government’s support for the Good Friday Appeal is about providing greater access to health care in regional Victoria, meaning greater access closer to home and reducing the burden on families and their loved ones.

“Having grown up with the Good Friday Appeal, I know Victorians will be digging deep today in support of a truly terrific cause.  

Minister Butler: 

“The Good Friday Appeal for the Royal Children’s Hospital is a fabulous cause with a rich history. 

“The Royal Children’s Hospital uses these funds for projects that lift paediatric care to a new level and help to spread its excellence in care for more children and families, in more places, closer to home.”

Last night, I joined more than 40 countries on a ministerial call on the Strait of Hormuz as part of Australia’s support for international efforts to ensure critical waterways are not held hostage by the Iranian regime.

I thank UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper for convening the meeting with representatives from every continent, as well as key international organisations including the International Maritime Organization and the European Union.

Iran’s de facto closure of the Strait, coupled with its attacks on commercial vessels, civilian infrastructure, including oil and gas facilities, is causing unprecedented energy supply shocks and impacting oil and fuel prices.

Iran is deliberately inflicting economic pain on communities worldwide, including the Indo-Pacific, with the costs borne disproportionately by the most vulnerable.

Australia joined partners in condemning the Iranian regime’s weaponisation of the Strait of Hormuz.

Ministers urged Iran to act in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2817, which reaffirmed that the exercise of navigational rights and freedoms by merchant and commercial vessels, in accordance with international law, must be respected, particularly around critical maritime routes.

The focus of last night’s meeting was diplomatic and civilian initiatives countries could pursue to make the Strait of Hormuz accessible and safe. Ministers agreed on the importance of continued coordination and collective action.

Australia is not taking offensive action against Iran and we are not deploying troops on the ground in Iran.

The Australian Government continues to support de-escalation and the resolution of this conflict.

The longer this war goes on, the more significant the impact on the global economy will be.

Today, Deputy Leader of the ACT Greens, Jo Clay has called on all members of the ACT Legislative Assembly to stand with workers and community members fighting to save the Yerrabi Yurwang Northside Health Service, which is pausing operations this morning after the ACT Government refused to provide funding for the service.

Jo Clay, Deputy Leader of the ACT Greens:

“Canberra is often painted as one of the wealthiest cities in the country, but that’s only half the story. This city is a tale of two stories, and right now the gap between them is growing, leaving entire communities in the dust.

“For First Nations people on the northside, that inequality is stark.

“It is unacceptable that access to culturally appropriate health services depends on what side of town you live. Just 17% of First Nations people on the northside are accessing health services, compared to 20-29% in the south.

“The team at Yerrabi Yurwang have been doing incredible work under impossible pressure. Last year, the Greens stood with them and the community, backing their call for proper investment. The need has only grown since then.

“Instead of stepping up, the government has walked away. Today, that decision means a vital, community-led health service is shutting its doors, right in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis, when people need support more than ever.

“This closure will force people to travel long distances, by car or unreliable public transport, just to access culturally-appropriate healthcare. For many, that means going without.

“This is a political choice from the Labor Government and it’s the wrong one. The Greens are calling on the government to immediately restore funding to Yerrabi Yurwang and work with the community to secure a long-term future for this essential service.

“If the Labor Party is serious about Closing the Gap, backing self-determination, and delivering real health outcomes for First Nations people, then it needs to stop talking and start funding, by stepping up for the Yerrabi Yurwang Northside Health Service.”

The ACT Greens will be attending the rally to save Yerrabi Yurwang Health Service and are calling on members of the public as well as members of the ACT Legislative Assembly to join in showing their support for aboriginal-controlled health services.

The Greens welcome today’s release of a series of reports from the Office of Australia’s Chief Scientist and the National Science and Technology Council that examine how resilience to mis and disinformation can be strengthened in Australia.

The reports come a week after a Greens-initiated Select Committee on Information Integrity on Climate Change and Energy found coordinated false and misleading information campaigns are infringing multiple human rights, dividing Australian communities, and hindering global progress on climate change by eroding public trust in climate science and influencing political outcomes.

Greens spokesperson for Science, and Select Committee chair, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson: 

“The release of these reports helps progress a timely and critical national conversation, taking place alongside international conversations, on how governments can strengthen and protect our information ecosystems.

“The reports published by the Office of Australia’s Chief Scientist reinforce substantial evidence provided to the Select Committee regarding the urgent need for the development of a national, society-wide plan to address this wicked problem.

“Majority Select Committee recommendations – supported by Labor – for the Australian Government to adopt the UN Global Principles for Information Integrity and to endorse the UN Declaration on Information Integrity on Climate Change provide clear frameworks for how a national plan to strengthen our information ecosystem could be progressed.

“Australians have low literacy and understanding of mis and disinformation – what it is, why it happens, and how to recognise it. Especially the tactics and tools employed by various disinformation actors and vested interests.

“Report findings handed down by Australia’s Chief Scientist are consistent with many found by the Select Committee.

“Both reports found that certain social and traditional media outlets intentionally present biased or misleading information to appeal to specific audiences and that this may be done to drive user engagement and platform profits, while also amplifying inaccuracies. 

“This doesn’t just refer to the propagation of false or misleading information relating to climate change and energy, but also the deliberate manipulation of public discourse by multiple actors. 

“Knowledge and information is power. When our information ecosystems are polluted by profit-driven tech platforms, fossil fuel corporations and other vested interests, this becomes an urgent and significant obstacle to the public’s ability to make educated and informed decisions.

“The Greens implore the Albanese government to act on the Select Committee’s recommendations. This includes implementing legislative or regulatory reform to identify psychosocial harms caused by mis and disinformation, and placing the onus of addressing these harms onto digital platforms while monitoring the effectiveness of their mitigations through regulatory and civic oversight.

Responding to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s announcement on gambling ad reform at the Nation Press Club today, Greens spokesperson for communications Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said: 

“The Prime Minister has caved to the gambling lobby. 

“Gambling ads will continue to flood online and blanket digital apps, ads linked to sport will stay on TV, and there’s no National Regulator to hold the gambling lobby accountable.

“It’s weak and gutless and leaves young Australians to be groomed by the gambling predators. 

“This proposal is riddled with loopholes that will benefit the gambling companies and allow them to continue their insidious targeting.

“Genuine gambling reform has to take aim at the industry’s most harmful practices – including their predatory online advertising and inducements. 

“What has been outlined today by the Prime Minister does not match the scale of reform desperately needed to take on the vultures in the gambling industry.

“Online platforms are now the frontline of gambling promotion, with younger Australians increasingly exposed. The only way to tackle this insidious industry head on is with a complete ban on gambling ads. 

“The Greens will work through the details when we see the legislation and push for the protection Australian families deserve – but this announcement today doesn’t touch the sides.”

The new Sydney Fish Market is expected to have its biggest day of trade to date as operators prepare for more than 60,000 visitors on Good Friday.

Across the Easter long weekend, approximately 650 tonnes of seafood is expected to be sold – including 100 tonnes of prawns and nearly one million oysters.

To manage the demand, fishmongers and retail stores will have extended hours opening from 5.00am on Friday.

Adding to the holiday atmosphere there will also be visits from the Easter Bunny from 10am to 12pm on Good Friday and 11am to 2pm on Easter Sunday.

The new Sydney Fish Market has all your Easter feast needs bringing together Sydney’s finest seafood specialists, gourmet providores, fresh produce vendors and specialty food retailers.

Alongside premium seafood, Mayfarm Flowers offers farm fresh flowers, Olivetta has limited edition Easter boxes and Blackwattle Deli stocks everything for an Easter feast.

Limited-edition treats on offer, include Cow & The Moon’s hot-cross brioche filled with house-made gelato and Stitch Coffee’s White Rabbit chocolate bar, created in partnership with local chocolatier South Pacific Cacao. For a special Easter dining experience, Ichié has teamed up with Christie’s Seafood for a live lobster offer, with chefs preparing lobster one of three ways – sashimi, stir-fry or deep-fried.

More than 100 seafood species will be available across the long weekend, including Easter staples like prawns and oysters to seasonal standouts including Yellowtail Kingfish, Ocean Perch, Mullet and Gould’s Squid.

Sydney Fish Market’s restaurants are also ready to serve up fresh flavours and Easter cheer across the long weekend. From casual bites to sit-down feasts and festive cocktails, diners can taste the very best local produce while enjoying the best harbour views.

Public transport is the best way to get to Sydney Fish Market, with train, light rail and bus stops nearby.

You can plan your trip using the Transport for NSW Trip Planner or check out the Travel Access Guide.

For more information about Sydney Fish Market visit Home – Sydney Fish Market

The new harbourside destination has attracted more one million visitors in its first two months of trading and even gained the attention of Time magazine, who named it one of ‘the World’s Greatest Places of 2026’.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“The Sydney Fish Market will be buzzing this Easter, set to attract more than 60,000 on Good Friday and sell more than 650 tonnes of seafood across the long weekend.

“Fishmongers and retailers are prepared for the crowds with all seafood counters stacked and a number of limited edition Easter treats on offer across retailers and restaurants.

“The weekend will be made extra special with visits by the Easter Bunny on Good Friday and Easter Sunday.”

Sydney Fish Market CEO Daniel Jarosch said:

“For so many Sydney families, Easter starts at the Fish Market and this year that tradition has a spectacular new harbourside setting.

“From our fishmongers opening at 5am on Good Friday to late-night dining, there’s something for everyone over the entire long weekend.”

Sydney Royal Easter Show visitors can hop on into the showbag pavilion this year knowing that the goodies, toys and treats on offer have been checked by NSW Fair Trading.

Compliance rates in 2026 have improved on previous years, with fewer non-compliant toys identified during this year’s inspections.

NSW Fair Trading inspected more than 400 showbags with a focus on products within the agency’s scope of mandatory safety and information standards. No products containing button batteries were identified.

One toy promoted as being suitable for children under 36 months was found by inspectors to have small parts which could easily detach, posing a potential choking hazard. The trader accepted the assessment and agreed to remove the item before the showbags were sold.

Meanwhile, four cosmetic products were found to be missing mandatory ingredient labelling as required under the Consumer Goods (Cosmetics) Information Standard 2020, with the traders taking steps to ensure compliant labelling is affixed prior to sale.

NSW Fair Trading will continue to work with exhibitors to ensure all products sold at the 2026 Sydney Royal Easter Show meet Australia’s mandatory safety and information standards, supporting a safe and enjoyable experience for families across NSW.

The Sydney Royal Easter Show commences today, on 2 April, and will run until 13 April 2026 at Sydney Olympic Park.

Find out more about the safety of children’s products and toys: https://www.nsw.gov.au/legal-and-justice/consumer-rights-and-protection/safety/childrens-products-and-toy-safety

Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“The Easter Show is an exciting time for families across NSW, with showbags often at the centre of many happy memories.

“NSW Fair Trading inspected hundreds of showbags to make sure the products inside meet the highest safety standards – and we’re pleased to say that product compliance rates have improved even further this year.  

“This is a testament not only to the dedication of traders, but also the great work NSW Fair Trading is doing on the ground to ensure families enjoy the Show safely.”

NSW Fair Trading Commissioner Natasha Mann said:

“Year after year, showbags bring joy to kids and nostalgia to adults. NSW Fair Trading inspects the contents of showbags to ensure the products included are compliant and ready for a great day out.

“We’re pleased to see exhibitors largely taking safety seriously and working closely with our inspectors to resolve issues before showbags reach the public.

“Our inspectors will be maintaining a strong presence throughout the show to ensure to ensure every product sold meets mandatory safety and information requirements.