Category: Australian News

I am pleased to announce I intend to recommend to the Governor-General that she appoint Mr Matt Yannopoulos PSM as Secretary of the Department of Finance.

Mr Yannopoulos returns to the Department of Finance, after serving as the Associate Secretary of the Department of Defence since October 2021.

Prior to joining the Department of Defence, Mr Yannopoulos was Deputy Secretary Budget and Financial Reporting at the Department of Finance. In this position, he provided policy and financial advice to the Australian Government on expenditure and non-taxation revenue policy issues.

As an experienced senior leader within the Australian Public Service, Mr Yannopoulos brings diverse experience to the position.

In January 2019, Mr Yannopoulos was awarded a Public Service Medal for his substantial achievements as Deputy Secretary, Senior Responsible Officer for the Child Care Reform Implementation at the Department of Education.

Mr Yannopoulos’ term will commence on 29 September 2025 for a five-year period.

I would like to thank Mr Richard Windeyer for acting as Secretary of the Department of Finance since June 2025. Mr Windeyer will return to his position of Deputy Secretary of Commercial Group at the department.

From cutting-edge vaccine technology to life-saving antivenoms, the Albanese Government is backing Australian-led research to transform health outcomes across our nation and our region.

Through the National Health and Medical Research Council’s (NHMRC) Centres of Research Excellence (CRE) grant scheme, 24 research leaders and their teams will be supported with $72 million to undertake research to tackle some of the toughest medical challenges and turn world-class research into real solutions.

Professor Katherine Andrews from Griffith University will lead a multidisciplinary team within the Vaccine Adjuvant Discovery and Development (Vaccine-ADD) CRE, to address research gaps and improve vaccine development.

Adjuvants exist in many vaccines to improve their effectiveness and longevity. However, there are limited adjuvants currently in use, restricting the development of vaccines, including for people with reduced responsiveness.

The CRE scheme supports researchers in capacity building activities including in specific areas of need identified by NHMRC. This year, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade partnered with NHMRC to co-fund CRE grants in One Health research, supporting collaboration and transdisciplinary action between human health, animal health, and ecosystems to address challenges that affect the Pacific and/or Southeast Asia.

Professor Joshua Francis from the Menzies School of Health Research will lead Research Excellence and Surveillance to promote One Health Solutions for Timor-Leste and the region (RESPOSTA).

REPOSTA will strengthen One Health research partnerships across Timor-Leste, Australia and Indonesia by responding to challenges that are regional priorities.
  
Full details of the researchers and projects funded are available to download on NHMRC’s outcomes of funding rounds page.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong:

“A strong, healthy region benefits us all – these new research partnerships will help to strengthen expertise, deliver innovation and create practical solutions to our region’s shared health challenges.

“We are supporting our nation’s brightest minds to turn their research into breakthroughs that could save lives and keep Australians safe.”

Minister for Health and Ageing Mark Butler:

“The Albanese Government is investing in Australia’s world-class researchers to solve some of the hardest problems in health.

“We are fortunate to be living through a supercharged period of discovery and the 24 researcher driven projects are more proof of that fact.”

Minister for International Development, the Hon Dr Anne Aly:

“Australia is committed to supporting resilient, equitable and inclusive health systems across our region.”

“We are working with Indo-Pacific partners to enhance health expertise, strengthening our collective abilities to prevent the spread of future pandemics.”

NHMRC CEO Professor Steve Wesselingh:

“Since 2010, NHMRC’s CRE scheme has provided support for research teams to pursue collaborative research and develop capacity in clinical, health services and public health research, as well as in basic science research since 2024.

“At its core, this scheme promotes the effective translation of research into knowledge, policy and practice, effectively building workforce capability within the sector.

“This investment is a commitment to the health of all Australians and into the future of our national health system– congratulations to all successful chief investigators and their teams receiving funding today.”

Making the switch to renewable energy at home will become easier and more affordable for Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Maitland residents following the launch of a new council-led program this month.

The Solar Neighbourhoods initiative is designed to remove barriers that have held back solar and home battery uptake in the region.

City of Newcastle Deputy Lord Mayor Callum Pull, Maitland Councillor Warrick Penfold and Lake Macquarie Deputy Mayor Jack Antcliff celebrate the upcoming launch of the Solar Neighbourhoods program later this month. Deputy Lord Mayor Callum Pull said the councils were leading the way on sustainability with the introduction of this collaborative program, which is the first of its kind in the region and responds to community feedback.

“We’ve heard from residents across the three council areas that they want solar and batteries for their homes, but are overwhelmed by the choice, upfront cost and complexity of buying solar systems,” Cr Pull said.

“Through an extensive tender and due diligence process we’ve identified a range of high-quality systems, delivered by our program partner and local installers.

“Households installing a new solar and battery system could save up to 90 per cent of a typical family electricity bill, which is why we’re committed to providing an easy, accessible pathway to solar and home batteries for our community.

“This program also aligns with a key priority in our Newcastle Environment Strategy, which is to support the transition of the Newcastle LGA to net zero emissions through an accelerated uptake of onsite solar and batteries.”

Residents across the three council areas will be able to access quality solar, batteries and electric vehicle chargers from program partner 1KOMMA5 Australia and their network of local installers. 

Upfront payments or affordable options to pay the system off over time will be available, as well as an exclusive program discount and government rebates.

Lake Macquarie Deputy Mayor Jack Antcliff said the initiative will enable residents to take meaningful climate action through practical, community-led solutions.

“We’re proud to support programs that help households lower their electricity bills and contribute to a more sustainable future,” Cr Antcliff said.

“This partnership reflects a united regional approach to reducing emissions and accelerating the transition to renewable energy, an outcome that benefits individuals, their neighbourhoods and the Hunter as a whole.”

Maitland Councillor Warrick Penfold said more than one third of homes across the Maitland LGA currently have solar installed. 

“We hope that this program opens up accessible and affordable options for even more Maitland residents that are looking to make the switch,” Cr Penfold said.

“Forging strong partnerships with neighbouring councils and other agencies to drive solar uptake across Maitland, and in turn underlining the environmental, economic and social benefits for our residents, is just one of the ways that Maitland City Council is showing leadership and working to shape a more sustainable Maitland.”

Join the waitlist to be the first to know when the program launches later this month at:  https://solarneighbourhoods.com.au/ 

The world’s current largest industrial land transformation project has taken a major step forward, with a rezoning proposal released today to revitalise 200 hectares of land at BlueScope’s Port Kembla site.

Now on public exhibition, the proposal outlines plans to rezone 200 hectares of underutilised land on the southern edge of the Port Kembla Steelworks. This paves the way for a future-focused hub that will support up to 30,000 local jobs and drive the Illawarra’s economic growth for decades to come.

The proposed precinct will rezone the existing industrial land to attract new industries across advanced manufacturing, clean and renewable energy, education, and data and logistics which will help position the Illawarra as a leader in next-generation industries.

Several historic buildings will be preserved and repurposed, maintaining the site’s industrial legacy alongside its transformation into a modern and innovative precinct.

The ongoing operations of the steelworks and the port will continue uninterrupted, with existing infrastructure and transport connections at the site to support new development.

The NSW Government is fast-tracking the rezoning through a State Assessed Rezoning Proposal process, recognising its strategic importance for the region and the state.

A Cabinet-endorsed Working Group, led by the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces and Member for Wollongong, Paul Scully MP, is overseeing the strategic coordination of the project.

The group brings together representatives from NSW Government agencies, Wollongong City Council and BlueScope.

Community members and stakeholders are invited to provide feedback on the proposal, which includes a draft master plan, technical studies, and an Explanation of Intended Effect (EIE). Submissions are open until Thursday, 5 October 2025.

For more information visit www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/port-kembla

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“This site has the potential to make the most significant difference to the Illawarra’s industrial landscape since steelmaking commenced nearly 100 years ago and the biggest change to our local economy since the University of Wollongong became an independent institution 50 years ago.

“This site is about the same size as Monaco and has the potential to transform the local economy and create 30,000 jobs.

“The Port Kembla Steelworks has been at the heart of Wollongong for nearly a century, shaping our city, our economy and our identity.

“This transformation is about honouring the site’s industrial history while building a precinct that brings new industries and new jobs to the Illawarra.

“BlueScope currently contributes around 1 per cent of NSW’s Gross State Product from its Port Kembla site, the proposed masterplan could support an additional 30,000 jobs and could double this economic contribution.

“This will support thousands of new jobs in fast growing industries like advanced manufacturing, education, tech, and renewable energy that will sustain our region for generations.”

BlueScope Head of Property Development Michael Yiend said:

“The public exhibition represents a significant milestone in the Port Kembla Land Transformation Project—an opportunity to unlock 200 hectares of previously heavy industrial operational land and deliver enduring benefits to the Illawarra region and beyond.

“This transformation will complement existing and future steelmaking operations while attracting emerging industries to the site, creating a multi-decade pipeline of investment, economic growth, and new local career opportunities. We are proud to work alongside the NSW Government, Wollongong City Council, and the community to realise this vision and reinforce the Illawarra’s key role in Australian industry, driving sustainable growth for decades to come.”

Cabonne Shire has commenced much needed disaster recovery works to rebuild and strengthen transport infrastructure impacted by the 2022 floods, which caused widespread damage across the Central West LGAs.

Work is now underway to improve the drainage capacity and efficacy of causeways along key roads in the shire, with planning and design being prepared for improvements to a number of bridges across the shire.

These two transport infrastructure upgrade packages are made possible through the Regional Transport Resilience Fund (RTRF) provided jointly by the NSW and Australian governments under Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Disaster recovery funding of up to $3.8 million will cover the installation of concrete floodways, table drains, box culverts, pipe culverts, headwalls and concrete decks at various locations across the Cabonne LGA.

A further $5.3 million in disaster recovery funding will enable a package of bridge work, which will involve:

• raising the bridge deck at Canomodine Lane Bridge, Canowindra
• culvert upgrades on Edward Street, Cudal
• replacing the Baghdad Road Bridge, Cargo
• raising the bridge deck at Ophir Road Bridge, Ophir
• replacing the Kiewa Street footbridge, Manildra.

Forbes, Lachlan and Parkes LGAs also received betterment funding for infrastructure upgrades to improve resilience.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain:

“The DRFA supported RTRF allows these Central West communities to continue to rebuild following the devastating floods in 2022.

“Cabonne, Forbes, Lachlan and Parkes LGAs were all invited to apply for project-specific funding to carry out upgrades on damaged local roads and bridges and to help better prepare for future severe weather events with nine projects receiving funding.

“These Central West councils will share in more than $30 million of disaster relief funding as their communities continue to rebuild from floods while also doing whatever can be done to improve future flood resilience using clever design.”

NSW Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison:

“The Central West Regional Transport Resilience Funding (RTRF) forms part of the $100 million Central West Recovery and Resilience Package.

“Importantly, this package focuses on building back better to ensure communities across the Central West are better prepared in the face of future disasters.

“The aim is to ensure local road and bridge infrastructure is built back to better withstand disasters and to improved standards.”

NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin:

“The impact of the 2022 floods was felt across 11,000 kilometres of the Central West, with some areas remaining underwater for extended periods of time, causing significant impact on the transport network and community connectivity.

“It is because of the advocacy of these Councils and their commitment to community restoration that this funding has been able to be secured.

“This work starting in Cabonne is a huge step forward for community recovery in this region.”

Member for Orange Phil Donato:

“The 2022 floods caused significant damage across Cabonne Shire, and this funding is a crucial step in helping our communities recover and build back stronger. These upgrades will improve the safety and resilience of key transport routes that locals, farmers and businesses rely on every day.

“I am pleased to see all levels of government working together to deliver real outcomes for our region. This is about ensuring our infrastructure can better withstand future weather events and keep our communities connected.”

Cabonne Shire Council Deputy General Manager Infrastructure Matthew Christensen:

“Access to this funding stream and acknowledgement by both the Australian and NSW governments that local councils just do not have capacity to fund the repairs required after a natural disaster, let alone consider how to rebuild important infrastructure to withstand future events.

“It is vital that council’s roads, bridges, culverts and footpaths are maintained to support Cabonne’s agriculture industry, encourage tourism, and ensure that all road users are able to travel safely.”

The NSW Nurses and Midwives Association (NSWNMA) has voted to accept the NSW Government’s offer of a 3 per cent interim wage increase and enhancements to working conditions.

The agreement provides an interim 3 per cent pay increase for public sector nurses and midwives, paid retrospectively from 1 July 2025, plus 0.5 per cent in superannuation.

Nurses and Midwives will also see an increase to their Night Shift Penalty rate from 15 to 20 per cent, effective from 1 July 2025, with this issue no longer part of future arbitration proceedings.

Nurses and midwives will also see improvements to their working conditions and work-life balance, including:

• Two consecutive days off
• No night shifts before annual leave unless requested
• No changes on published roster without consultation

The offer gives public sector nurses and midwives a pay rise now, while still allowing a pathway for the remaining matters to be determined by the independent Industrial Relations Commission.

The Minns Labor Government re-empowered the independent industrial umpire to make a decision free of a wages cap.

This improvement to night shift loadings and interim pay rise follows an 8 per cent increase to pay (inclusive of a 1 per cent increase to superannuation) for nurses over the first two years of the Minns Labor Government.

After 12 years of wage suppression and neglect of the health system, the Minns Labor Government abolished the wages cap and is working to rebuild the health workforce.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey:

“This interim deal on pay, nightshift penalties and improvements to conditions is an important step towards the long-term repair of healthcare across NSW.

“We have delivered wage agreements for 81 per cent of public sector workers – investing in the teachers, paramedics, health workers and police who provide essential services.  This would not be possible under the Coalition’s wage cap.”

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“When we came to office, NSW was facing a health workforce crisis – our nurses, our paramedics, our hospital workers were leaving. We are turning things around.

“This vote is a major step to addressing the chronic shortage of nurses in our hospitals but there is more to do.

“We have an independent process underway to determine what we need to do to ensure NSW nurses have the pay and conditions needed, including to address the gender pay gap that exists.

“This was opposed by the Liberals – only Labor can keep getting on with the job of improving our hospitals and recruiting more health workers.

Minister for Industrial Relations Sophie Cotsis: 

“This agreement is long overdue recognition for nurses and midwives who have been campaigning for a long time. We are proud to support those who care for our communities day and night.

“The Minns Labor Government continues the work of rebuilding the state’s essential services and reforming the industrial relations system.

“That work began with the scrapping of the Coalition’s wages cap which was in place for 12 years, introducing a fairer, modern bargaining framework, setting up an Industrial court and amending the Industrial Relations Act to include a new Object to achieve gender equality in the workplace.

“Our agreement to a historic increase in night shift penalties and improved working conditions for nurses and midwives reflects our commitment to valuing frontline workers.”

A Project of Concern Summit has been held in Canberra to discuss the Civil Military Air Traffic Management System (CMATS) project.

Minister for Defence Industry the Hon Pat Conroy MP hosted senior Defence and Airservices Australia officials and industry representatives. 

This Summit was an important milestone that provided representatives the opportunity to discuss the progress made on the remediation plan since the last Project of Concern Summit in November 2024. 

The Summit allowed stakeholders to come together, share updates and strengthen collaboration, supporting the ongoing work to deliver this important capability and ensure it meets operational needs.

Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Pat Conroy MP:

“I would like to thank all representatives for their attendance as we focus on the progress we have made on remediating project performance.

“Project of Concern Summits provide a valuable forum for Defence and industry to engage on projects requiring high-level intervention to achieve successful delivery. Participating parties identify remediation methods, commit to working together and review project progress. 

“These summits are an important part of the Albanese Government’s efforts to actively monitor high-priority projects and maintain momentum on the delivery of capabilities for the Australian Defence Force.” 

Australian Greens Deputy Leader and Higher Education spokesperson, Senator Mehreen Faruqi, has called on universities to respect the overwhelming mandate of their students and end all partnerships with weapons companies, following the results of a historic national referendum on Palestine.

More than 5,000 students across roughly 20 campuses voted in the first National Union of Students (NUS) referendum in the union’s four-decade history. The grassroots referendum passed two motions almost unanimously: censuring the Australian government for its complicity in the genocide in Gaza, and demanding universities cut ties with weapons manufacturers.

In February, Senator Mehreen Faruqi introduced a Bill requiring universities to disclose and divest from any partnerships with dirty industries, including weapons manufacturers, gambling, fossil fuel and tobacco companies.

Senator Faruqi, Deputy Leader of the Greens and Spokesperson for Tertiary Education:

“For the first time in decades, thousands of students have spoken with one voice, demanding that their universities stop profiting from war, militarism and the machinery of genocide. University leadership cannot ignore this.

“Students have given their universities a clear, democratic instruction: end the dirty partnerships with the weapons companies profiting from Israel’s genocide in Gaza.

“Universities exist to serve the public interest. They shouldn’t be getting into bed with arms companies and helping to sanitize their reputations.

“History will not be kind to those who ignored this moment — University Vice-Chancellors must cut the bloody ties now or forever wear the shame.

“Students across the country have issued a historic censure of the Albanese Government for its complicity in the genocide in Gaza. This is a wake-up call from the next generation, and the message is clear: sanction Israel, stop the two-way arms trade, and end the complicity.

“When thousands of students, in the first national referendum of its kind, vote almost unanimously to condemn the Government’s role in war crimes, it cannot be ignored.

“In light of this historic result, the Albanese government must back the Greens’ bill forcing universities to be transparent and cut ties with dirty industries—whether weapons, fossil fuels, or gambling—so our institutions serve the public good, not corporate profiteers.”

The Home Affairs (2025 Measures No. 1) Bill 2025 was rammed through today by the Liberals and Labor, following revelations that the secret agreement with Nauru signed by the Albanese Government will cost $2.5 billion. 

In a rushed hearing last night, it was made clear that this Bill would impact tens of thousands of people, denying them natural justice, and the secret Nauru Memorandum of Understanding signed last week will cost billions. 

The Department of Home Affairs could not even confirm if the Nauru MOU made reference to the Refugee Convention. This is despite the Nauru President David Adeang saying that Nauru’s long-term goal is to remove people back to the country they fled, in clear breach of the Convention. 

Under this law, the Minister can direct a woman who is escaping domestic violence to get a passport. When she rightfully is fearful that doing this would require her to meet her abuser, this law prevents her from even informing the government of this fact. Instead, she either puts herself in danger by obeying the Minister or goes to jail for trying to protect herself.

This law also allows the Government to forcibly remove people to Nauru (and any other third country with which there is an agreement) with no natural justice considerations. 

Labor refused to allow submissions from the public at the hearing into the Bill last night. However, the Greens tabled a series of submissions from the public to ensure they are on the record, which can be accessed here. 

Senator David Shoebridge, Greens Spokesperson for Immigration, said: “There are no depths Labor won’t explore to outflank the Coalition on the right on immigration. 

“The cornerstone of our entire legal system, natural justice, has just been smashed by the Albanese Government.

“Mandatory detention, offshore detention, preventing people who sought asylum by sea from resettling, a Trump-style travel ban and now laws that can deny natural justice, this is Labor’s legacy. It’s a legacy that deliberately undermines multiculturalism and fairness. 

“When Labor makes laws that say some people who were not born here are denied basic legal rights, that feeds the far-right extremism we saw at anti-immigration rallies over the last weekend. 

“Australia should be treating our neighbours with respect, not bribing them to become a 21st-century penal colony. 
“The Pacific can see how Australia bullies and bribes its neighbours. 

“Failing to treat our neighbours as friends and equals comes at a cost, and is a long-term threat to Australia’s political and moral leadership in the Pacific.”

The Greens have reacted to the government’s announcement regarding compensation for Robodebt victims, warning of future pain and cost unless Labor takes their obligations under social welfare law seriously and stops punching down on poor people.

The Targeted Compliance Framework, which operationalises the Government’s enforcement of mutual obligations, has been subject to inquiry by the Commonwealth Ombudsman and a commissioned report by Deloitte due to widespread issues with payment cancellation and IT issues. 

The damning Commonwealth Ombudsman’s report last month found over 1,000 welfare recipients had their welfare payments unlawfully cancelled by the automated system over two years.

As the Anti-Poverty Center has identified, nearly 350,000 payment suspensions were issued just in the first quarter of 2025, affecting more than 280,000 people out of the roughly 800,000 who had requirements during the period. 

Last week, the Greens and crossbenchers joined in Parliament to introduce a bill to force the Government to implement the outstanding recommendations from the Robodebt Royal Commission, including a six year limit on debt recovery. The Department currently holds welfare debts dating back to the 1970s.

Senator Penny Allman-Payne, Greens spokesperson for Social Services:

“It’s good news that Robodebt victims will be getting more compensation, but it sure would be cheaper and easier for everyone if the government would stop ignoring the law and punching down on poor people.”

“No amount of compensation can undo the pain and the harm caused by cruel treatment of  poor people that sends them into crises and in some cases to take their own lives.

“The last time the Greens asked in Estimates, neither the Minister nor the Department could confirm the current welfare compliance system is lawful. Millions of payments are suspended every year under this potentially unlawful system, with little process or oversight. 

“The Greens have a Bill in parliament right now.  Labor could implement the outstanding Robodebt recommendations including the six year limit on debt recoveries, and to stop the rampant suspension of welfare payments which takes life-saving funds out of the hands of over a hundred thousand people each month. History will repeat itself until they do.”