Category: Australian News

Our hearts ache for the family of Kumanjayi Little Baby and their community. The pain and grief being felt in Mparntwe Alice Springs and across the nation for the loss of this little girl is immense, and words cannot express the heartbreak of this loss. 

We support the family and community of Kumanjayi Little Baby and their right to grieve in accordance with cultural practices. The community must be given the respect it needs during this time of Sorry Business.

There will be questions about how to prevent anything like this happening again. The response must be evidence based and led by Aboriginal women and their communities. Aboriginal self-determination and leadership is critical to women and children’s safety. 

We condemn all violence against First Nations women and children. It is a human rights abuse and an epidemic. We must take leadership from and work in solidarity with First Nations women to address it.

After years of dedicated First Nations advocacy, a community-led plan to end violence, Our Ways – Strong Ways – Our Voices, was launched in March 2026. Governments must ensure funding and commitment to specialised services, and support the national peak body, Our Ways Strong Together. 

Federal intervention in First Nations communities has at best failed to deliver lasting change and at worst been harmful to those communities. Top down political responses do not work. Evidence based, community led responses focused on healing and safety do. 

Thank you to everyone who helped with the search, and all those who will hold her family close in this sorry time.

We owe it to Kumanjayi Little Baby, her family and her community to do better. Violence to Aboriginal women and children must end. 

Passive chemical exposure, human health at threat through Central West townships

Evidence of passive chemical exposure from agricultural poisons is observable on the streets throughout Dubbo and Narromine with significant die-back in vegetation that is causing permanent harm to the local environment and silently poisoning the community at large.

Members of the local community were joined by Greens MP Sue Higginson outside Dubbo Base Hospital on Thursday 30 April, calling for the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) to commence baseline evidence gathering to establish the likely threat to human health as a result of passive chemical exposure.

Greens MP and spokesperson for Agriculture and the Environment Sue Higginson said,

“The sheer scale of the evidence that agricultural poisons are present in Dubbo and Narromine is shocking, and worse, this has been going on for decades. There is barely a street in Dubbo that doesn’t have a tree dying from the top down as these chemicals blow across town from season to season,”

“It was only because of community pressure that the EPA started air quality monitoring in more rural areas around the Central West – and those tests have demonstrated widespread detections of banned chemicals and other chemicals that affect human development, cancer rates and reproductive health,”

“It’s time for the EPA to act in the interests of community health and safety in the towns of the Central West. We have a right to know the chemicals that are settling on the trees and streets of Dubbo and Narromine, and the concentrations that people are being exposed to,”

“This is not just a local issue. The knock on effects of the entire Central West being exposed to invisible poisons is harmful for our food systems, water health, and the natural world that is essential for humans to live and thrive,”

“Narromine Shire Council has already passed a motion requesting air quality monitoring in Narromine, and Dubbo should ask the EPA for the same. We can see there are chemicals falling in these communities, so these communities have a right to know how they are being exposed,”

The Coalition will more than double Australia’s minimum fuel reserves to 60 days and deliver at least 1 billion litres of new storage through an $800 million Australian Fuel Security Facility to protect Australians’ way of life and restore their standard of living.

This is a practical plan the government can adopt now to keep the economy moving and ensure Australian’s are not left exposed when global shocks hit.

The Coalition is calling on the Government to lift baseline stockholding levels from 1 January 2027, locking in current average stock levels as the new minimum. That will increase minimum levels for critical fuels in aggregate by nearly 25 per cent.

Leader of the Opposition Angus Taylor said Australians expect their country to keep running, but in a crisis the Prime Minister is always last to lead.

“This is a plan the Prime Minister should pick up today. No excuses, no delays,” Mr Taylor said.

“If fuel stops, Australia stops. It’s that simple. Trucks don’t move, supermarkets don’t stock, businesses shut their doors.”

“We are putting forward a practical plan to make sure that never happens. More fuel in reserve, more storage on the ground, and a country that can stand on its own two feet.”

“This is about protecting Australians’ way of life and restoring their standard of living. You don’t do that with talk. You do it with action.”

Leader of The Nationals Matt Canavan said families and businesses needed confidence that fuel would be there when they needed it.

“People in the regions know how serious this is. If the diesel doesn’t turn up, the farm doesn’t run and the shelves go empty,” Senator Canavan said.

“This plan is just common sense. Keep more fuel here in Australia so we are not relying on overseas supply lines that can be cut overnight.”

“We cannot keep hoping for the best. We need to be ready, and this plan gets us there.”

Shadow Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction Dan Tehan said the Coalition’s plan delivered a clear pathway to stronger fuel security.

“This is a practical, achievable plan that strengthens our fuel supply chain and backs Australian industry,” Mr Tehan said.

“It works with industry, builds storage where it is needed, and makes sure we have the buffer to withstand global shocks.”

Under the Coalition’s proposal, the government would work with industry on a clear roadmap to lift stockholdings in step with new storage coming online. If we start today, delivering 60 days of fuel security by 2030 is achievable.

Our plan to more than double Australia’s minimum fuel reserves is prudent insurance against the very real risk to our fuel security, which households and small businesses have experienced first hand. 

Together with measures announced last week to unlock Australia’s oil and gas reserves, the Coalition’s plan will bring Australia within range of our 90 day international oil stockholding ambition.

The Coalition understands that fuel security is national security. In government, we legislated the Minimum Stockholding Obligation, funded new fuel storage, and backed our refineries.

This stands in stark contrast to the Albanese Labor Government, which has cut funding for fuel storage, failed to build resilience, and left Australia exposed.

The Coalition’s plan is a comprehensive suite of measures to strengthen Australia’s fuel security:

Reducing the cost of fuel

• Australians are being hit at the bowser and it flows through to groceries, freight and bills
• That’s why we drove moves to halve the fuel excise and cut the heavy vehicle road user charge
• This immediate relief lowers costs across the economy and takes pressure off families and small businesses
• We have also committed to abolish the safeguards mechanism which is a carbon tax on business, this would save our refineries $165 million to 2029-30 according to some estimates. 

Strengthening transparency and resilience on fuel supplies

• In a crisis, Australians deserve clarity, not confusion
• We have called for the establishment of a daily public fuel data dashboard so Australians can see supply levels and shipping in real time
• We will increase fuel supply monitoring and storage to ensure government and industry are ahead of disruptions, not reacting to them.
• We have called for a Parliamentary Inquiry to learn the lessons of this crisis, restore confidence in the system and ensure Australia is never left in the dark again. 

Building strategic fuel security

• Australia is dangerously exposed at the end of long global supply chains
• We will more than double minimum stockholding levels to 60 days for critical fuels
• We will establish an $800 million Australian Fuel Security Facility to unlock over 1 billion litres of new storage capacity, with a focus on diesel
• This is about resilience: making sure Australia can stand on its own two feet when global shocks hit

Unlocking Australian fuel supply

• The long-term answer is simple: more Australian fuel for Australians
• We supported legislation to underwrite fuel imports in the short term while domestic supply ramps up
• We will reverse regulatory barriers through EPBC reforms that are deliberately slowing oil and gas approvals
• We will designate National Strategic Priority Projects to fast-track nationally significant developments
• And we will reinstate the Junior Minerals Exploration Incentive, including $50 million for oil and gas, to unlock the next wave of discoveries

This is a plan focused on one thing: making sure Australia keeps moving no matter what the world throws at us.

Because when you get fuel security right, you protect jobs, you back businesses, and you give Australians the confidence that their way of life is secure.

Allied health staff at Northern Beaches Hospital are now able to access expanded training, and additional professional development and career pathway opportunities following the hospital’s transition to public ownership yesterday.

The transition to public hands corrects one of the worst privatisation deals in NSW history, entered into by the former Liberal-National Government.

The Minns Government is committed to supporting the development of allied health professionals ensuring they can build their skills, grow their careers and continue delivering high-quality care to the Northern Beaches community.

Allied health staff will now have access to regular training and professional development through the Northern Sydney Local Health District (NSLHD) Allied Health Directorate, supporting skills and capacity building to deliver high-quality care and improve outcomes for patients.

Staff are now also able to participate in the NSLHD’s Allied Health Research Education Series, reflecting the district’s strong commitment to building research capability and output across allied health disciplines.

The program is designed to meet the research needs of all allied health staff by building confidence and capability among entry-level clinicians, supporting those undertaking higher degrees, and mentoring and developing early to mid-career clinician-researchers.

Ahead of the transition, Northern Beaches Hospital allied health teams took part in a range of targeted training programs within NSLHD, including allied health reflective supervision, organ and tissue donation training, and specialised training series tailored for allied health assistants.

Allied health departments also benefit from access to the Clinconnect online platform to support and coordinate student placements, helping to grow the future workforce across all disciplines.

Staff are now connected into broader professional networks through the NSLHD Allied Health Heads of Department group, with opportunities to take on leadership roles within NSLHD and at a statewide level.

Recognition and professional engagement will also be strengthened through the district’s annual Allied Health Awards and the statewide NSW Health Allied Health Awards, and participation in other district-wide activities celebrating discipline-specific international days.

The Minns Government is rebuilding an engaged and supported health workforce following wage freezes under the Liberals and Nationals, including by:

• Abolishing the wages cap; and
• Recruiting 1,512 FTE more allied health workers since being elected in March 2023

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“As allied health staff at NBH join the NSW public health system, they will now have access to a broader range of training, development and career opportunities that support them at every stage of their professional journey.

“This is about giving allied health professionals the support, structure, and opportunities they need to thrive. By investing in their development, we are strengthening the workforce and ensuring patients continue to receive safe, high-quality care.

“The Coalition left the Northern Beaches community and the staff at Northern Beaches Hospital saddled with one of the worst privatisation deals in NSW history. The Minns Government is fixing that, with the hospital now back in public hands.”

“I want to acknowledge the work of the Health Services Union, who have advocated for a long time to bring the hospital to public ownership.”

Nurses and midwives at Northern Beaches Hospital will be able to access additional career development opportunities now that the hospital has transitioned into the public system.

The former Liberal-National Government  privatised Northern Beaches Hospital and planned to privatise five other hospitals across New South Wales.

The Minns Labor Government has undertaken significant work to bring Northern Beaches Hospital back into public hands as well as protect the state’s acute public hospitals from future Coalition privatisation.

The NSW Government is committed to providing nurses the support they need at every stage of their careers, which will strengthen the future of healthcare delivery across the Northern Beaches.

A range of specialty development programs in critical care, aged care, neonatal intensive care, acute care and palliative care are now available, ensuring nurses can gain expertise relevant to their field, and ultimately enhancing patient outcomes.

Nurses now also have access to professional development days, which provide opportunities for them to connect, share knowledge and build expertise.

Early career nurses will benefit from leadership programs, structured mentorship, clinical supervision, coaching and teaching across Northern Sydney Local Health District.

Additional funding to support nursing and midwifery-led projects, as well as scholarship opportunities through Northern Sydney Local Health District and NSW Health are also be available.

Research will be supported through access to the NSLHD Nursing and Midwifery Research Centre, which provides masterclasses in research development, statistics, writing and publication.

Professional recognition is a key feature of the NSW public health system, including opportunities to secure funding to attend professional conferences, and entry into the prestigious Mary Chiarella Research Medal — the only award of its kind in NSW.

In addition, nurses and midwives now have access to a range of internal conferences and showcases, including the Person-Centred Care Showcase, Nursing and Midwifery Research Conference, and specialty-specific development days for areas such as neonatal and renal nursing.

There has also been a positive resolution to the issue of tax treatment of transferred annual leave. The Commissioner of Taxation has approved a variation which will allow staff to transfer unused annual leave balances to NSW Health without tax being withheld at the point of transfer and then again when the annual leave is used. The arrangement ensures staff are not financially disadvantaged when NBH transfers to public ownership. This decision removes a key staff concern associated with transferring leave balances when they transition to NSW Health. Supporting staff and ensuring the best patient outcomes is a top priority for the Minns Government as the hospital transitions into public hands.

Supporting staff and ensuring the best patient outcomes is a top priority for the Minns Government as the hospital transitions into public hands.

The Minns Government is rebuilding an engaged and supported nursing workforce following wage freezes under the Liberals and Nationals, including by:

• Abolishing the wages cap;
• Delivering the largest pay increase for nurses in more than two decades and the largest pay rise ever for the lowest paid nurses in NSW;
• Saving 1,112 nurses which the Liberal Government planned to sack;

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“As these nurses join the NSW public health system, they now have access to professional development, education and support that reflects the value we place on their skills and dedication.

“This is about creating clear pathways for nurses and midwives to grow their healthcare careers, whether that’s stepping into leadership, specialising in a clinical field, or contributing to innovation and research.

“The Coalition left the Northern Beaches community and the staff at Northern Beaches Hospital saddled with one of the worst privatisation deals in NSW history. The Minns Government is fixing that, with the hospital now back in public hands.

“I want to acknowledge the NSW Nurses and Midwives Association for their long-time advocacy to bring the hospital into public ownership.

Commissioner the Hon Virginia Bell AC has today delivered the Interim Report of the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion.

The Government welcomes the Interim Report, accepts all recommendations that relate to the Commonwealth, and is committed to working with the states and territories to adopt a national approach to implementation of all 14 recommendations.

While Commissioner Bell found Australia’s existing legal and regulatory frameworks did not hinder agencies’ ability to prevent or respond to the Bondi attack, and that no urgent or immediate action is required, the recommendations go to enhancing our national counter-terrorism arrangements and capabilities.

The Interim Report contains a small number of classified recommendations which cannot be publicly released because they could compromise sensitive national security information. The Government will respond swiftly to these recommendations and Australians will see practical outcomes through a range of policy, program and funding measures.

The Government established the Royal Commission in the wake of the antisemitic terrorist attack at Bondi to examine antisemitism in Australia and strengthen social cohesion.

The Government thanks Commissioner Bell and her team for their professionalism and dedication in delivering the Interim Report. The Government also thanks Mr Dennis Richardson AC for his contribution in leading the independent review of Australia’s federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies, which became part of the Royal Commission.

The Albanese Labor Government has secured two shipments carrying 100 million litres of jet fuel, and another shipment of 50 million litres of diesel to keep Australia moving.

These three new fuel shipments, going to Brisbane, Perth and Darwin, are in addition to the eight shipments already announced in partnership with BP Australia, Ampol, and Viva Energy, which will reach Australia in May and June.

Combined, the Government has secured over 450 million litres of additional diesel and 100 million litres of additional jet fuel to make sure Australians have the fuel they need.

Under the Strategic Reserve powers, EFA is continuing to progress discussions with a number of other businesses who can secure, ship and distribute fertiliser into Australia where it is needed most.

More shipments are expected under these agreements in the coming days and weeks.

the Prime Minister

“My Government is working day and night, here and abroad, to shield Australians from the worst of the impacts of a war on the other side of the world.

“We have now secured more than 450 million litres of additional diesel and 100 million litres of additional jet fuel to keep Australia moving.   

“In the face of global instability, we are leaving no stone unturned as we work to keep Australia moving, working and flying.”

Minister Farrell

“This additional 100 million litres of jet fuel to Perth and Brisbane and 50 million litres of diesel to Darwin will keep our FIFO workers flying, our truckers driving, and our nation moving.

“It gives Australians the peace of mind they need to travel and see their loved ones and to keep exploring our vast and beautiful country.”

Minister Bowen

“The Government is continuing to strengthen our fuel supply chain in partnership with industry, and these additional cargoes from our third partner to secure shipments to date is proof of that.

“This support for approximately 100 million litres of jet fuels shows the Government is acting now to ensure continued essential fuel supplies.”

Minister C King

“The Government has now secured jet fuel through the Strategic Reserve for the first time since the conflict began, ensuring our aviation sector has the certainty it needs to keep passengers and freight moving. 

“This is a practical step towards strengthening Australia’s jet fuel supply. This will help support Australian airlines and keeping our nation connected.”

I welcome the Prime Minister’s announcement today that Meghan Quinn will become the next Secretary of the Department of Defence. 

Having served as Secretary of the Department of Industry, Science and Resources since 2022, Ms Quinn brings with her a wide range of experience across the public sector, including positions at Treasury and the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, as well as in the private sector.

With Defence being one of the largest federal government departments, Ms Quinn’s experience in public administration and strategic leadership means she will be well placed to lead Defence into the future.

Ms Quinn will make history as the first woman to substantively lead the Department of Defence, and I know that alongside our recently-announced leadership changes within the Australian Defence Force, she will bring a wealth of experience in this role.

I would like to once again thank Greg Moriarty for the contribution that he has made to the defence and security of our nation, and I look forward to working with him as Australia’s next Ambassador to the United States.

In a major enhancement to the Australian Army’s long-range strike capability, the Albanese Government has selected the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM), investing $2.3 billion over the decade and delivering a second long‑range fires regiment at the Edinburgh Defence Precinct in South Australia.

This decision follows a comprehensive competitive evaluation process by Defence.

As the 2026 National Defence Strategy sets out, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) requires greater capacity for long-range strike to defend Australia.

A second long‑range fires regiment will significantly enhance the ADF’s ability to engage targets at ranges of up to 500kms, transforming to more than 1,000kms with future increments of PrSM. This will increase our capacity to respond effectively to contingencies in our region and work with our allies and partners.

As set out in the recently released 2026 Integrated Investment Program, the Albanese Government is investing up to $37 billion over the next decade, including enabling data and systems, to develop and enhance the Royal Australian Navy, Army and the Royal Australian Air Force’s targeting and long-range strike capabilities.

HIMARS are already in service with the Australian Army as part of the first long-range fires regiment. These launchers were used at Exercise Talisman Sabre 25, firing a PrSM two years earlier than planned. The second regiment will complement Army’s existing HIMARS capability – delivering a proven, highly mobile and lethal strike system aligned with Australia’s strategic and operational requirements.

The Albanese Government is establishing a sovereign missile manufacturing industry in Australia, including missiles fired from the HIMARS launcher.

The first Australian-made Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) missile was test-fired by an Australian HIMARS this month, and last year Australia and the United States established a cooperative program for PrSM to pave the way for future domestic production.

Both missiles will have Australian industry participation in their supply chains, including for locally manufactured components and sub-components.

Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles:

“This is a decisive investment in Australia’s long‑range strike capability that will bolster our Defence Force and help keep Australians safe.”

“This capability delivers on the National Defence Strategy direction to accelerate and expand the acquisition of land-based long-range fires to provide the ADF with a deployable strike capability to protect Australia’s northern approaches and contribute to sea control and sea denial.” 

“This is another significant milestone as the Albanese Government continues to invest in an integrated, focused force that meets our strategic circumstances.”

Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy:

“To defend Australia, our Army needs a stronger long-range strike capability – and we’re delivering it.”

“The Albanese Government is investing up to $37 billion over the next decade on targeting and long-range strike capabilities for the ADF.”

“We’re already making missiles that can be fired from the HIMARS – and this decision will create even more demand for PrSM missiles within the Australian Army and deliver more opportunities for PrSM manufacture in Australia.” 

The Victorian Greens say that Labor must explain why there is no evidence that $1.35 million of taxpayer money meant for forest restoration was used as intended.  

A new VAGO report states that $1.35 million given in grants specifically allocated for ‘site rehabilitation’ were gifted by Labor but they have failed to provide any evidence of work delivered, achieved environmental outcomes or that funds were used as intended. 

The Victorian Greens say that it’s outrageous that millions in public money can be spent with no evidence that forests were rehabilitated as planned – and as a result there are likely large tracts of Victorian forest that have been left with no forest rehabilitation. 

VAGO’s report only looks at one portion of the $1.5 billion the Victorian Labor Government has given to the logging industry to stop native forest logging.  

The report found that the Victorian Labor Government failed to comply with rules, leaving gaps in its recording and oversight processes.  

The audit followed a series of allegations dating back to May 2023 that government grants meant for supporting workers into sustainable jobs were being exploited to log Tasmanian forests. The Victorian Greens Leader, Ellen Sandell referred the allegations to VAGO in March 2024. 

the Leader of the Victorian Greens, Ellen Sandell: 

“Labor needs to explain why there is no evidence that taxpayer money specifically set aside for forest restoration and rehabilitation were used as intended. 

“It’s outrageous that there’s likely huge parts of the forest that have been left without any rehabilitation because Labor gave millions to the logging industry – and nobody ever had to prove how this money was spent. 

“Labor doesn’t care about our environment or our forests, but is happy to give millions handouts to loggers, and this is just another example of this”