Category: Australian News

The Victorian Greens have condemned the deeply disturbing scenes yesterday of far-right extremist violence, including the storming of Camp Sovereignty where people were ambushed and assaulted. 

There is absolutely no place for this disgusting racism and hate in our community, or anywhere. The Greens stand in solidarity with First Nations people, multicultural communities and the broader community in stamping out racism and demanding stronger action to tackle racism and the rise of far-right extremism.

The Victorian Greens have long warned about the rise of far-right extremism and secured Victoria’s first parliamentary inquiry into the issue in 2021. This inquiry made clear recommendations to respond to the online recruitment and radicalisation of mostly young men who were being preyed on by these groups online.

The Victorian Greens say that unfortunately the response from the Labor Government at the time failed to meaningfully commit to the long-term resourcing of the targeted interventions required to stop this hate from spreading, but that now is the time for urgent action.

Leader of the Victorian Greens, Ellen Sandell: 

“The storming of Camp Sovereignty by far-right extremists assaulting people and committing awful acts of violence are deeply disturbing. 

“First Nations people are leading a movement for truth and justice that makes our whole community stronger, and this racist attack is an attack on all of us. 

“Far-right extremism has been growing for years, preying on and radicalising young men online. The Greens’ inquiry set out a clear roadmap to stop this hate from spreading, but it wasn’t taken seriously enough. Now is the time for real, long-term investment to tackle extremism at its roots.”

Victorian Greens spokesperson for Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism, Anasina Gray-Barberio: 

“These vile, racist attacks on First Nations and multicultural communities are terrifying, and a stark reminder why we must stand together against hate. As a migrant, I know the strength and resilience of our communities, and I know our diversity is what makes Victoria stronger.”

“For too long, this Labor Government has failed to take the safety of multicultural communities seriously. Our safety should be a priority, and we should never be expected to shrink ourselves just to feel safe. We deserve better, to live proudly in who we are, in a community free from hate and fear.”

I condemn the racist anti-immigrant march in Darwin today – This march was organised by neo nazis interstate.

I am livid that the hateful messaging from bad-faith actors is being imported here, although it appears it was a tiny turn out. The messaging it sent was still dangerous, and I had many constituents from migrant backgrounds contact me during the week, fearful for their safety. I want to reiterate to all those in our community from different backgrounds, you are welcome here, you are valued, and you are respected.

The beautiful diversity in Nightcliff is one of the many things that makes this place so special. Myself, my staff and my office have zero tolerance for hateful, racist or bigoted speech or actions.

And to state the obvious, if you aren’t a First Nations person, you’re an immigrant here. We all live on stolen Aboriginal land.

Your problems with the housing market and the cost of living aren’t caused by migrants, they’re caused by billionaires and the two major parties working for corporate vested interests instead of everyday people.

Stop buying the Sky News propaganda and start laying the blame where it belongs. Don’t be misled by divisive rhetoric that scapegoats’ migrants for problems created by corporate greed and failed housing policy.

We need working class solidarity if we’re ever going to rid our political systems of corporate vultures and billionaires.

In solidarity,

Kat McNamara MLA – Member for Nightcliff

There are serious concerns about the viability of the Government’s proposed social media age ban following the release of findings from the age assurance trial report. The report has identified significant risks including mass surveillance, biometric data collection, increased Big Tech control and systematic bias against vulnerable groups that may very well outweigh any potential benefits of the policy.

These findings should have the Government reconsidering the viability and appropriateness of age verification technology as a tool for protecting young people online, with the prospect the current approach could cause more harm than good to the very children it aims to protect with the December deadline for implementation looming. 

Senator Shoebridge, Greens Digital Rights Spokesperson:

“The age assurance trial report makes the case against a social media age ban. The risks it identifies including mass surveillance, biometric data collection, Big Tech control, and systematic bias against girls and People of Colour, which clearly outweigh any potential benefits.

“The government’s report on age assurance tech admits ‘implementation depends on the willingness of a small number of dominant tech companies’ meaning we’d be handing even more power to Big Tech to decide who gets online access. Labor surely understands this is bad!

“The age assurance trial findings accidentally prove the social media age ban is unworkable and it is time to rethink this flawed approach.

“The Australian newspaper has come out hard today against our inquiry into age verification and the social media age ban and got it completely backwards. 

“The inquiry isn’t about helping Big Tech, it’s exposing how Labor’s rushed age ban will hand power to the very companies that are exploiting kids.

“The Greens don’t agree the choice is between Big Tech or Murdoch controlling our public spaces and debate, it is the community who should have both control and rights including privacy.  

“The real question is why Labor and the Murdoch media are so afraid of parliamentary oversight of this ban?” Senator Shoebridge said. 

Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, Greens Media and Communications spokesperson:

“The age assurance trial report shows the huge amount of resources that this government is putting into trying to find a way to make it technically feasible to lock young people out of social media. 

“The time, money and resources that are being put into this would be much better spent on holding the big tech platforms to account to make their spaces safer for people of all ages.

“We shouldn’t be spending the next few years playing whack-a-mole and trying to plug all the technical holes in this, we should be investing in the guard rails that makes online spaces safer for everyone.

“The inquiry that I will chair into the age verification processes will continue the conversation with experts about how we hold big tech accountable for protecting all of their users.

Today I announce the appointments of three career officials to lead Australia’s diplomatic missions in Islamabad, Lisbon and Papeete.

I am pleased to confirm the following appointments:

• Mr Tim Kane as Australia’s next High Commissioner to Pakistan
• Dr Helen Cheney as Australia’s next Ambassador to Portugal
• Ms Greta Whyte as Australia’s next Consul-General in French Polynesia

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

Australia takes the world as it is and seeks to shape it for the better – these diplomatic appointments will deepen Australia’s connections abroad and increase our ability to influence where it matters.

I thank the outgoing High Commissioner, Ambassador, and Consul-General for their important contributions.

A fleet of 26 new rescue jet skis will be patrolling beaches across the state this summer, following a record investment from the Minns Labor Government in Surf Life Saving NSW.

With the warmer months approaching, which will see increased swimmers across NSW beaches, the Government is delivering on its commitment to boost community safety and surveillance along the coast.

This jet ski boost brings the state’s fleet up to 56, ensuring rapid responses to emergencies across New South Wales beaches all year round.

They will be delivered ahead of the volunteer patrol season commencing on 27 September, with communities set to benefit including:

• Illawarra and South Coast: Bulli, Stanwell Park, Kiama/Kiama Downs, Gerringong, Broulee, Batemans Bay, Pambula
• Mid and North Coast: Lennox Head, Kingscliff, Kempsey, Crescent Head, Urunga, Crowdy Head, Fingal Rovers, Sawtell
• Newcastle and Central Coast: Newcastle Harbour, Umina, Mereweather, Toowoon Bay
• Sydney: Newport, Cronulla, Warriewood, Palm Beach, Bilgola, Malabar

Last year jet skis were used in 260 rescues performed by volunteer lifesavers, saving critical time during emergency incidents.

Supporting the jet skis, new Emergency Response Beacons (ERBs) backed up by drones, are keeping an eye across our states beaches. The beacons are installed on beaches and allow for emergency services to be called during emergencies.

When the current rollout is complete, there will be 64 ERBs in operation, following recent installations on the South Coast at Racecourse Beach, Tabourie Creek and The Farm at Killalea State Park. Further units are planned for installation in the Illawarra, Sydney, the Far South Coast and the North Coast.

The Minns Labor Government is working to build a better New South Wales and is making meaningful investments to boost the capacity of Surf Life Saving NSW, and the safety of our beaches.

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“Our investment in jet skis and Emergency Response Beacons means lifesaving services are within reach all year round, including during the cooler winter months when regular patrols wind down.”

“Eagle-eyed beachgoers on the South Coast may notice new beacons at Racecourse Beach, Tabourie Creek and The Farm at Killalea State Park, which brings the number to 58 beacons now delivered across NSW, with more due to be installed soon.”

“With 260 rescues last year, jet skis have proven to be another critical part of our coastal safety network. Fast, agile and highly effective in surf conditions, they allow lifesavers to get people out of trouble quickly.”

“Our record investment in technology and equipment is a welcome boost for our volunteers who will soon hit the beaches and I would encourage anyone who wants to be involved in surf life saving to contact their surf club.”

Surf Life Saving NSW CEO Steve Pearce said:

”Our volunteers have continued to respond to emergency callouts throughout winter, highlighting the commitment of our members to protecting lives along the coast, whenever and wherever we’re needed.”

“The support of the NSW Government to provide funding for rescue equipment is vital to ensure the safety of both the public and our volunteers.”

For beach information, including safety tips, patrolled beaches and the location of ERBs, visit: www.surflifesaving.com.au or download the Beachsafe app.

In exciting news for the Northern Beaches community, the Minns Labor Government has announced the project scope and timeline for the new athletics track at the Sydney Academy of Sport.

The details were released at an athletics community briefing at the venue on Thursday.

The $6.7 million project will deliver a new World Athletics (WA) compliant synthetic athletics track with a moisture resilient track surface, new asphalt subbase, drainage and stormwater system upgrades, and accessibility improvements.

The Minns Labor government has also released the project timeline, with track designs scheduled to be completed by October 2025, a track builder appointed by November 2025, construction commencing in December 2025 and the track scheduled to reopen during the third quarter of 2026.

While the new track is being constructed the temporary grass athletics track at the Sydney Academy of Sport will continue to be available to the athletics community.

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

“Today’s announcement is fantastic news for the Northern Beaches athletics community.

“It gives both them and the Minns Labor Government a start and finish line, and we are aiming to cross it in record time.

“The new world-class athletics track at the Sydney Academy of Sport will be the home of athletics on the Northern Beaches and the birthplace of Olympic dreams.”

Member for Wakehurst Michael Regan said:

“If the Sydney Academy of Sport Athletics Track project was a hurdle race, we’d have just cleared the second hurdle. There’s still a long way to go, but we now know how long the race is.

“The community has shown it has the stamina to go the distance and will definitely be there at the finish to celebrate the track’s completion.”

Member for Pittwater Jacqui Scruby said:

“Today’s announcement is a huge budget win for Pittwater, with $6.7 million secured for the Sydney Academy of Sport Athletics Track.

“We’ve been waiting for a finish line since the track was closed and it’s a relief to know it’s in sight.

“Our athletes have been resilient and resourceful, but now we need swift delivery of this project, so they can finally return to the world-class track they deserve.”

The rebuild of Tumbulgum Public School following the devastating 2022 floods has reached a major milestone, with the delivery and installation of new building modules.

Students and staff gathered this week to watch as cranes positioned the 22 modules that will make up the new school onto flood resilient steel structures.

Manufactured offsite for rapid onsite assembly, these modules will fast-track the delivery of the school’s new library, administration area and modern classrooms.

The project at Tumbulgum Public School includes restoring the old school bell and incorporating select pieces of the school’s signage and plaques, ensuring the school’s history remains part of its future.

The elevated and flood-resilient school will also include a canteen, outdoor landscaping, and a playground.

The rebuild is expected to be completed and ready for students and teachers to use later this year.

Since 2022, 16 flood-damaged schools have been repaired or rebuilt in the Northern Rivers, including Blakebrook Public School which opened to students this term.

Construction is also underway at nearby Condong Public School, while construction is expected to begin on Lismore South Public School in the coming weeks.

The Minns Labor Government is committed to rebuilding flood-affected schools in the Northern Rivers region, ensuring schools are built back better with flood resilience for local students and local communities.

Funding to rebuild nine extensively flood-damaged schools, including Tumbulgum Public School, has also been provided by the Infrastructure Betterment Fund, which is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:

“The arrival and installation of these new modules is a huge step forward in rebuilding Tumbulgum Public School and having visited the school in July I know how exciting this will be for all of the students and staff.

“The new school has been specially designed to be flood-resilient, giving students, teachers, and the community confidence that learning can continue no matter what challenges arise.

“Students have been learning from Tumbulgum Public School for more than 150 years. The Minns Labor Government is committed to building back stronger, ensuring we provide the foundation for many more generations of education in this beautiful community.”

Minister for Recovery and the North Coast Janelle Saffin said:

“It’s fantastic to see the rebuild progressing at Tumbulgum Public School and to share in the students’ excitement as they see their new classrooms coming together.

“Rebuilding schools like Tumbulgum is a central part of the recovery work we are doing to create more resilient communities following the 2022 floods.

“We are building back stronger, ensuring our kids can thrive in schools that meets their educational needs in a resilient and safe environment.”

Tumbulgum Public School Relieving Principal Genevieve Esgate said:

“We are thrilled to see the new school buildings coming together at Tumbulgum Public School.

“Our students are buzzing with excitement and curiosity as their future classrooms are assembled, and we are eagerly looking forward to moving into our new buildings later this year.

“Our students and community have shown incredible resilience and adaptability throughout this journey, and these new facilities will be a wonderful celebration of everyone’s perseverance.”

New rules for council meetings will soon be in place as the Minns Labor Government spearheads a change of culture to boost transparency and community confidence in local government.

A new Model Code of Meeting Practice for local councils has been released today and will come into effect in councils from 1 January 2026.

The changes to the Model Meeting Code are part of the broader set of reforms the Minns Labor Government is progressing to improve confidence, trust and transparency across NSW councils.

Changes to the code have simplified the way meetings are conducted, ensure disorder is dealt with more effectively, that councillors make decisions in full view of the communities they represent, and dignity is returned to council chambers.

All councils will need to adopt a code of meeting practice that contains the mandatory provisions of the updated Model Meeting Code by 31 December 2025.

Key changes to the Model Code of Meeting Practice include:

• Preventing councils from holding private councillor briefing sessions to discuss matters that should be considered in the public domain at committee and council meetings (unless they are confidential)
• Encouraging councils to hold public forums preferably before committee meetings, or if they choose council meetings, to enable community engagement in local matters
• Expanding the powers of the mayor to remove councillors from meetings for acts of disorder
• Expanding the powers of the mayor to remove members of the public if they disrupt council meetings
• Requiring information considered at closed meetings to be made public after it ceases to be confidential
• Requiring councils to give reasons when making decisions on planning matters that depart from staff recommendations (as recommended by ICAC)
• Promoting neutrality in the role of the general manager
• Requiring council and committee meetings to be live streamed to give the community and media access to council decision making, and to require those videos to be public for at least the rest of the council term, or 12 months in the case of a meeting in an election year

The changes to the Meeting Code are part of a broader suite of reforms by the Minns Labor Government to improve conduct and accountability and rebuild public trust in councils.

A new Code of Conduct for councillors is being finalised as well as associated legislative changes, which will see significant changes to how misconduct is dealt with in local government.

Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig said:

“The council chamber should be a place of dignity, where debate and decision making takes place in full view of the community.

“Making decisions on behalf of communities is the very role of a councillor, and all councillors should never lose sight of this core responsibility.

“These changes should ensure that, in a council chamber or committee meeting, mechanisms are in place to prevent the derailing of meetings and overshadowing the important work of local government.

“Council and committee meetings must be effective, transparent and genuine, and strive for outcomes to benefit the community.

“Under the new code, mayors should be given the power to take immediate action against disorderly councillors. This should lessen the need for councils to resort to the broken code of conduct process and instead address misbehaviour immediately in the council chamber.

“I know not everyone will agree with these changes, but most people in this state would agree action is necessary to improve transparency, increase community confidence and faith in local government.

“They will make councillors more visibly in control of their councils to ensure they – as democratically elected representatives of their communities – drive the vision for their local area.”

The new Model Code of Meeting Practice is available here: https://www.olg.nsw.gov.au/councils/governance/model-code-of-meeting-practice/model-code-of-meeting-practice-for-local-councils-in-nsw/

Extensive consultation was undertaken on the proposed changes, all submissions received have been published here: https://www.olg.nsw.gov.au/councils/governance/model-code-of-meeting-practice/reforms-to-the-model-code-of-meeting-practice/

1. Australian and Indonesian Foreign and Defence Ministers met for the Ninth Australia– Indonesia Foreign and Defence Ministers’ 2+2 Meeting on 28 August 2025 in Canberra.
2. Ministers met in a spirit of genuine friendship, deep respect and shared resolve to deepen bilateral cooperation and discuss regional and global challenges.
3. Australian Ministers congratulated Indonesia on its 80th anniversary of independence on 17 August 2025. They recalled Prime Minister Albanese’s reflection in Jakarta in May that Australia was one of the first countries to support Indonesia’s independence — publicly and substantively — which was itself an assertion of Australia’s own independence.
4. Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to the sovereignty, unity, independence and territorial integrity of both countries, and the importance of the principles of good neighbourliness and non-interference, as enshrined in the 2006 Lombok Treaty.
5. Ministers reflected on the success of Prime Minister Albanese’s recent visit to Indonesia (May 2025) for the Annual Leaders’ Meeting (ALM), and the warmth and generous hospitality shown by President Prabowo and the Indonesian people. They welcomed the signing of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Plan of Action for 2025-2029 (CSP POA) and looked forward to its implementation, which intensifies bilateral cooperation in the fields of economic development, politics and security, and maritime cooperation; expands exchanges at all levels of society; and, contributes to stability and prosperity in the Indo- Pacific.
6. Ministers agreed to prioritise continued cooperation on defence and security matters and acknowledged the vital contribution of our bilateral relationship to regional security, prosperity, and stability.
7. Ministers looked forward to the entry-into-force of the Australia–Indonesia Defence Cooperation Agreement in both countries, and to further discussions on defence cooperation during the Defence Ministers’ Meeting.
8. Ministers welcomed the high-level engagements which progressed outcomes from the ALM in May 2025, including among others, Australian Minister for International Development Dr Anne Aly’s visit to Indonesia (August 2025), as well as the visit of Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration and Correctional Affairs Yusril Ihza Mahendra (June 2025).
9. Ministers acknowledged the importance of increasing dialogue and cooperation on economic resilience and economic security, amid increasing global economic headwinds. They noted the growth of the bilateral economic relationship in key areas, such as energy transition, and the strength of trade and investment, including in critical minerals and agriculture.
10. As the centrepiece of our economic relationship, Ministers welcomed the role the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA) has played in creating shared prosperity and deepening economic resilience. Ministers noted the solid progress of increasing two-way trade and investment under IA-CEPA. They welcomed Leaders’ recent announcement to review IA-CEPA.
11. Ministers welcomed positive developments in collaborating to promote the growth of the electric vehicle ecosystem, including battery manufacturing and critical industries in Indonesia and Australia. They further reiterated their shared commitment to support food security and facilitate two-way trade in agricultural products.
12. Ministers highlighted the importance of furthering regional economic cooperation, including to maintain a conducive trade environment and commitment to free and fair trade. Ministers welcomed the recent establishment of the ASEAN Geoeconomics Taskforce and its aims of strengthening regional resilience, promoting economic integration and addressing challenges in the face of a shifting geoeconomic landscape.
13. Australian Ministers reiterated their support for Indonesia’s ongoing preparations to accede to the OECD and CPTPP. Australian Ministers provided an update on the progress of Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040, as part of Australia’s commitment to increase two-way trade and investment with Southeast Asia.

Partners in security and prosperity

14. Ministers welcomed the strong collaboration between Australia and Indonesia, working side-by-side and drawing on our respective strengths to address shared challenges and advance stability, prosperity and security.
15. Ministers welcomed the new Australia-Indonesia Partnership for Peace and Stability (Partnership), which will advance bilateral cooperation on conflict prevention. Ministers noted all states had a responsibility to foster a safe and stable region where all states operate by agreed rules, standards and norms. They encouraged all states to maintain open lines of communication and to take practical steps to prevent escalation or miscalculation. They committed to holding an inaugural Senior Officials’ Dialogue by the end of 2025 to deepen exchanges on geostrategic issues, with an emphasis on conflict prevention, management, and peacebuilding, and to agree future practical activities under the Partnership.
16. Ministers recognised the value of our enduring military education and training links and committed to further deepening defence engagement under the Defence Cooperation Agreement, including through cooperation on military medicine and defence industry and technology, exchange of personnel, building interoperability, and enhanced military exercises (including in the cyber domain).
17. Australian Ministers looked forward to an extensive schedule of planned military exercises in the coming year, including Indonesia’s participation in Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2025 and Exercise KAKADU in 2026. Australian Ministers welcomed the conducting of bilateral Exercise RAJAWALI AUSINDO at Morotai for the first time. Ministers noted their common interest in deepening defence cooperation with regional partners.
18. Ministers welcomed Australia’s participation in the Exercise SUPER GARUDA SHIELD 2025, which would include an expanded Australian contribution of Royal Australian Air Force F-35 aircraft. They welcomed the intention to discuss a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Coordinated Maritime Patrol Activity between the Indonesian Air Force and Royal Australian Air Force to facilitate the conduct of coordinated maritime patrols in mutually agreed areas.
19. Ministers welcomed the depth of cooperation to address strategic and security issues of common interest, including transnational crime, people smuggling and human trafficking, illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and their precursors, terrorism and violent extremism. They reaffirmed their commitment to the Jakarta Centre for Law Enforcement Cooperation, an enduring example of collaboration with the Indonesian National Police since 2004.
20. Ministers committed to expanding cooperation to ensure a peaceful, secure and stable maritime domain, including under the 2017 Joint Declaration on Maritime Cooperation and the updated maritime pillar of the CSP POA. Building on the maritime package announced at the Annual Leaders Meeting, Ministers welcomed new and enhanced cooperation, including an MoU between Geoscience Australia and the Indonesia Geospatial Agency to advance marine mapping; delivery of interagency maritime analytics short courses; and, Indonesia hosting the first maritime dialogue in 2025. They welcomed an increase in postgraduate maritime scholarships and law of the sea courses, and further support for information sharing, official exchanges and academic cooperation on topics of interest. Ministers affirmed the value of close and ongoing operational cooperation, including on illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUU).
21. Ministers welcomed the renewed commitment to enhance cooperation on cyber under the Memorandum of Understanding on Enhanced Cyber Security and Critical Technology Cooperation signed in Jakarta on 20 August 2025, which will provide a framework for bilateral cyber security and critical technology cooperation activities.
22. Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to a Pacific region that is peaceful, stable and prosperous, led by Pacific Islands Forum priorities highlighted within the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, which, among others, underlines respect for sovereignty and the principle of non-interference. Australian Ministers welcomed Indonesia’s increasing engagement with the region, as outlined in our Memorandum of Understanding Concerning Trilateral Cooperation with Pacific Island Countries, and demonstrated by Indonesia’s Pacific Elevation. Ministers reconfirmed their support for sustainable and effective trilateral development cooperation, through agreement to conclude an updated MoU by mid-2026. They noted the intention to design a new phase of the disaster risk reduction program, SIAP SIAGA, as an example of how the two countries work together to meet shared challenges.

Securing our shared region, together

23. Ministers reaffirmed the importance of working together through ASEAN-led mechanisms to promote an Indo-Pacific region that is peaceful, stable, resilient, prosperous and rules- based, underpinned by regional architecture with ASEAN at its centre that upholds international law. They noted the importance of a region where strategic competition is managed responsibly, sovereignty and territorial integrity are respected, where countries can freely and independently make decisions in their own interest, and disputes are managed peacefully in accordance with international law.
24. Ministers reaffirmed their shared commitment to maintaining and promoting security across the region’s shared maritime domain, and continuing cooperation on a full range of regional maritime threats, including those against sovereignty, smuggling of people, arms, drugs and money, human trafficking, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, terrorism and environmental concerns. The Bali Process was a strong example of Australian and Indonesian stewardship, as co-chairs, in the fight against people smuggling, trafficking in persons and related transnational crime.
25. Ministers expressed serious concerns about developments in the South China Sea and recognised the importance of maintaining and promoting peace, safety, security and stability. Ministers underlined the importance of developing practical cooperation and new initiatives towards this end. They expressed concerns regarding behaviour that increases the risk of miscalculation. Ministers expressed their concern at the continued militarisation of disputed features and encouraged all parties to exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities and avoid actions that may raise tensions.
26. Ministers underscored their strong support for freedom of navigation, overflight and unimpeded trade in the region, and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). They emphasised the universal and unified character of UNCLOS and reaffirmed that it is the comprehensive legal framework within which all activities in the oceans and seas must be carried out. Ministers emphasised the need for the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law, particularly UNCLOS. In this regard, Ministers recalled the 2016 ruling of the South China Sea Arbitral Tribunal, constituted under UNCLOS. They recognised the importance of the full and effective implementation of the 2002 Declaration of the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and underscored the importance of an effective, high quality and substantive Code of Conduct that is consistent with international law, including UNCLOS.
27. Ministers reaffirmed their steadfast commitment to uphold ASEAN Centrality and its vital role in regional engagement. They reflected on the norms, rules and values of ASEAN as the key regional mechanism to build confidence, and promote habits of dialogue and cooperation on shared challenges. They reaffirmed their support for an ASEAN-centered, open, inclusive, transparent, resilient, and rules-based regional architecture that upholds international law, built upon ASEAN-led mechanisms, including the East Asia Summit, ASEAN Regional Forum and ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus, to help facilitate dialogue, transparency, cooperation and trust-building, and prevent conflict. Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to the objectives and principles of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) and its practical implementation. They also reiterated their commitment to deepening the region’s capacity to reduce the risk of conflict and crisis.
28. Ministers welcomed Cambodia and Thailand’s agreement to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire and encouraged parties to honour the agreement in good faith and work towards a lasting and peaceful resolution.
29. Ministers looked forward to Timor-Leste’s accession as ASEAN’s eleventh member at the upcoming 47th ASEAN Summit in October. They agreed to continue supporting Timor-Leste’s ASEAN membership, and to progress trilateral cooperation with Timor-Leste more broadly.
30. Ministers welcomed the Quad’s support for ASEAN centrality, the AOIP, and practical cooperation in the region.
31. Ministers expressed grave concern at the worsening humanitarian situation in Myanmar. They called on stakeholders and parties in Myanmar, in particular the armed forces and security forces concerned, to immediately cease violence, including the targeting of civilians, release of all those unjustly detained, ensure safe and unhindered humanitarian access, and engage in genuine and inclusive political dialogue with the view to a return to a more peaceful and stable Myanmar. Ministers reiterated their strong support for the Five-Point Consensus and commended the ongoing efforts of ASEAN, including the Special Envoy, to seek a peaceful resolution.
32. Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to ongoing Australia-Indonesia-India trilateral cooperation to exchange views and collaborate on common challenges.
33. Ministers highlighted their commitment to the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) as the premier forum spanning the Indian Ocean region. They recognised IORA’s role in addressing regional challenges and expressed support for the implementation of the IORA Outlook on the Indo-Pacific.
34. Ministers highlighted the importance of advancing the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda in the region, and agreed to continue efforts for its full implementation.

Global solutions, shared responsibility

35. Amid global geopolitical and economic uncertainties, Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to upholding rules, norms and the integrity of the multilateral system, and continued cooperation within multilateral institutions. Such institutions had to remain effective, open and transparent, with Ministers noting the need to continue discussions on ambitious UN reform, including of the UN Security Council.
36. Ministers affirmed their commitment to uphold and champion international humanitarian law and drive action to protect humanitarian workers in conflict zones, including through their work to develop a new Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel.
37. Ministers called on all parties to the Hamas-Israel conflict to resume the ceasefire, release the remaining hostages, facilitate the exchange of prisoners, and support the flow of humanitarian aid. They reiterated their strong rejection of any attempt by Israel to make permanent its occupation over the Occupied Palestinian Territories, which the International Court of Justice had found to be unlawful and must be brought to an end as rapidly as possible. They also rejected all Israeli actions and policies to take over Gaza, change the demographic composition of Gaza, and further aggravate the catastrophic humanitarian crisis. Ministers restated the need for all parties to comply with international law, including international humanitarian law; humanitarian aid workers must be protected.
38. Ministers reiterated their commitment to a two-state solution as the only path to enduring peace and security for the Israeli and Palestinian peoples. In this context, Indonesia welcomed Australia’s intention to recognise the State of Palestine at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. Ministers welcomed the commitments made by states in the 29 July New York Call towards the full and immediate implementation of the Two-States Solution, especially the recognition of the State of Palestine. They reiterated that any annexation or expansion of settlements would violate international law and undermine long term peace and stability. Ministers discussed the desire to work in partnership with the international community to assist the Palestinian Authority in meeting new commitments, including to institute reforms to law enforcement and schooling. Ministers committed to joint cooperation in these areas by sharing Australia and Indonesia’s lessons with the Palestinian Authority and building momentum toward wider recognition of a Palestinian State.
39. Ministers discussed the war against Ukraine and reaffirmed their respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty, political independence and territorial integrity. They underscored their commitment to uphold international law, including the UN Charter. Ministers underscored the importance of inclusive and peaceful resolution of the conflict, and for all prisoners of war to be treated and protected in accordance with international humanitarian law. Ministers called for support from the international community to de-escalate and end the war.
40. Ministers highlighted their vision for a world without nuclear weapons and preserving the region as a region free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction. They recommitted to strengthening the global nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament regime, including the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). As founding members of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Ministers expressed their strong support for the IAEA and its mandate to uphold the NPT. Indonesian Ministers updated Australia on its ratification of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in 2024. Indonesian Ministers expressed their appreciation to Australia for its efforts in maintaining transparency regarding its acquisition of conventionally-armed, nuclear- powered submarines in the context of AUKUS.
41. Ministers welcomed ongoing cooperation between the Australian Safeguards and Non- Proliferation Office (ASNO) and the Indonesian Nuclear Regulatory Agency (BAPETEN), including the recent conclusion of a Memorandum of Understanding between the agencies that would advance cooperation on nuclear material security and safeguards.
42. Indonesian Ministers expressed their sincere gratitude to Australian Ministers for their warm welcome and hospitality during the Ninth 2+2 Meeting.

In a Budget Estimates Hearing today, Labor Attorney General Michael Daley told the hearing that “acquittal is not the same as innocence” and refused to answer whether he believed in Ms Folbigg’s innocence.   

He has also denied there was malicious prosecution or failure of police “it was not malfeasance of the state”, in spite of clear evidence from the Bathurst Inquiry that Ms Folbigg’s diary entries were misrepresented in the court proceedings.   

When asked if a forensic accountant was engaged to examine Ms Folbigg’s financial circumstances before the $2m ex-gratia payment was made, the Attorney General said “I don’t believe so… not on behalf of the government”.   

Greens MP, solicitor and spokesperson for Justice, Sue Higginson said:   

“NSW Labor’s Attorney General is just another man continuing the cycle of injustice and inhumanity in Kathleen Folbigg’s life,   

“Labor Premier Chris Minns and Attorney General Michael Daley are the two men with the power to right the 20 year wrongful imprisonment of Kathleen Folbigg, a mother who lost four children. But these two men are still refusing to meet with Kathleen, they are refusing to apologise to Kathleen, they are victim-blaming her in the media, and they are disputing there was any misogyny involved in Kathleen’s wrongful conviction and the inadequate amount of compensation now offered to her,   

“The Minns Labor Government didn’t even bother to ask a forensic accountant to consider the harm that the State of New South Wales had caused Ms Folbigg by locking her up for 20 years or what a woman in her position would need to be able to live her life in the absence of significant economic stress. They seemingly have no regard for Ms Folbigg’s wellbeing, and they have fundamentally undermined the community’s faith in our legal system,  

“In his evidence today, the Attorney General went as far as to deny Ms Folbigg the presumption of innocence. If you are acquitted, you are innocent, because the presumption of innocence is a fundamental principle of our legal system,   

“The Attorney General knows what happened to Ms Folbigg was wrong. He knew that had to make an ex-gratia payment. But he refused to look Kathleen in the eye, he didn’t bother asking anyone what she needs to avoid financial destitution, and he knows full well she can’t afford years of court battles with the NSW Government,   

“Our entire ex-gratia payment process is extremely flawed. Men in suits, in smoky back rooms, get to unilaterally decide what happens to women who are victims of grave injustice inflicted by errors of the state. There’s no oversight, no accountability, and no regard for the harm they might cause,   

“It just shouldn’t be this hard to get the Attorney General to care about justice, and to care about women who are victims of injustice,   

“Imagine what Kathleen must be feeling, having been wrongfully imprisoned for 20 years, losing four children, and now being ignored by the man who is supposed to embody justice in this State,   

“At the very least, the Attorney General should have enough empathy and humanity to sit down with Ms Folbigg and to understand the decades of loss she has endured.”