Category: Australian News

The Australian Government is pleased to recommend to Her Excellency, the Governor‑General, a number of senior command changes within the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Subject to the Governor‑General’s consideration and approval, these changes will take effect from July 2026.

The Chief of the Navy, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond AO RAN will be appointed as the Chief of the Defence Force.

Vice Admiral Hammond has had a distinguished career, spanning 40 years, in the Royal Australian Navy serving in frigates, and extensively in and later commanding submarines and the Australian Fleet. Appointed the Chief of Navy in 2022, Vice Admiral Hammond will continue to bring valuable insight to the role of the Chief of the Defence Force – including towards Australia’s acquisition of conventionally‑armed, nuclear‑powered submarines through AUKUS, and the delivery of Navy’s future surface combatant fleet.

The Government extends its deepest gratitude and thanks to the Chief of the Defence Force, Admiral David Johnston AC RAN. Admiral Johnston will retire with the change in command in July.

Admiral Johnston has served in the ADF for over 48 years, in both Navy and joint appointments. As the Vice Chief of the Defence Force, he was instrumental to the design of Australia’s future force and the subsequent ADF implementation of the 2024 National Defence Strategy. Admiral Johnston has also provided long-term leadership to ADF operations as the Chief of Joint Operations and as the Chief of Defence Force.

He is the longest serving ADF officer at the three and four-star ranks, and we congratulate him, and his family, for this tremendous achievement.

The Chief of Joint Capabilities, Lieutenant General Susan Coyle AM CSC DSM, will be appointed as the new Chief of Army.

Enlisting as a soldier in the Army Reserves in 1987, Lieutenant General Coyle has worked at the tactical, operational and strategic levels and in command roles, including Head Information Warfare, Commander Forces Command, Commander Joint Task Force 633, Commander 6th Brigade, Commander Task Group Afghanistan and Commanding Officer 17th Signal Regiment. Lieutenant General Coyle will be the first woman in our nation’s history to command the Australian Army.

The Government extends its sincere appreciation to the retiring Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Simon Stuart AO DSC. Lieutenant General Stuart has served with great distinction and leadership across the Army – most notably as the first Chief of Army to begin his career as a soldier. Lieutenant General Stuart has been key to preparing the Army for the changes required to the force following the 2024 National Defence Strategy.

The next Chief of Joint Capabilities will be appointed in due course.

Rear Admiral Matthew Buckley AM CSC RAN will be appointed on promotion as the Chief of Navy.

Rear Admiral Buckley has served in Oberon and Collins class submarines, including commanding HMAS Collins and commanding the Submarine Force. He was the Head of Nuclear Submarine Capability at the Australian Submarine Agency, before becoming Deputy Chief of Navy in January 2025. This experience places Rear Admiral Buckley in a unique position to lead the Royal Australian Navy and its people over the coming years as it continues its vital contributions to the peace, safety and stability of the Indo‑Pacific region.  

These statutory appointments will be presented to the Federal Executive Council.

The Government extends its sincere gratitude to Admiral Johnston and Lieutenant General Stuart, and their families, for their longstanding commitment to the defence of Australia, their service to country and their lasting contribution to the ADF.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“The Australian Defence Force is tireless in its efforts to keep Australians safe – and I am so pleased to announce these new appointments. 

“From July we will have the first ever female Chief of Army in the Australian Army’s 125 year history.

“I thank the outgoing Chief of Defence Force and Chief of Army for their service, and wish them well in their retirement.”

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles:

“It is an honour to confirm these senior appointments to lead the Australian Defence Force. I know that in these roles, each of them will continue to make an enormous contribution to the safety and security of Australia, and I look forward to working with them to do so. 

“My sincere thanks and gratitude go to Admiral David Johnston who has led the Australian Defence Force for the past two years with enormous impact, implementing some of the most significant and consequential decisions in decades – including Defence’s response to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veterans’ Suicide, driving AUKUS and the transformation of our Navy, and working with international partners to build our defence relationships.

“I would also like to personally thank Lieutenant General Simon Stuart for his contributions to the Australian Army at such a consequential time, and wish him and his family all the best as he retires.”

NDIS workers in NSW and the ACT are still struggling to afford fuel to drive clients to essential appointments, the Australian Services Union NSW & ACT has warned as it backs calls for a higher car expenses allowance.
The ASU NSW & ACT – the union for NDIS workers – is supporting the ACTU’s application to the Fair Work Commission to increase the amount community and disability sector workers can claim for transport and fuel expenses when driving their own car for work. 
ASU NSW & ACT Secretary Angus McFarland said the government’s initial fuel excise cut was welcome, but not enough to shield disability workers from pain at the pump.
“We support the ACTU’s call for a higher allowance that better protects essential workers, including disability support workers, from high fuel costs,” Mr McFarland said.
“Our union has been inundated with calls from NDIS workers across NSW and the ACT who can’t afford fuel to support people with disabilities. Hundreds of disability support workers have told us that the cost of fuel is affecting their work, their wellbeing, and their lives outside their job.
 
“The higher that fuel prices are, the more money disability support workers lose simply for doing their job of driving people with disability to the care and support they depend on. 
“NDIS workers often use their own cars to drive people with disabilities to medical appointments and other important services. With sky-high fuel prices, NDIS travel reimbursements are falling short, leaving workers out of pocket.
“During the COVID‑19 pandemic, the government stepped in with urgent support to keep disability services running. We need that same urgency now. NDIS workers need a transport allowance that covers high fuel costs so they can keep driving and supporting their clients.”
 
 

Australia will provide $2.5 million in humanitarian assistance to Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea to support their responses to Tropical Cyclone Maila.

An initial $1.5 million will be provided to Solomon Islands, where the most severe impacts have been felt in remote communities across Western and Choiseul provinces. A state of disaster has been declared in those provinces.

Australia has released an initial $1 million in support for Papua New Guinea to respond to humanitarian needs arising from the impact of the cyclone, with a particular focus on regions most heavily impacted including the Autonomous Region of Bougainville and islands affected in Milne Bay Province.

Australia’s support will deliver lifesaving assistance to vulnerable communities, including delivery of humanitarian relief supplies and technical assistance. Funding will also be delivered through the Australian Humanitarian Partnership program with non-government organisations supporting the work of local partners.

Australia will work closely with the Governments of Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea to coordinate the effective delivery of this assistance and support local response efforts.

We offer our condolences for the tragic loss of life associated with the cyclone. Our thoughts are with the people of Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea during this challenging time.

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Penny Wong:

“Our focus is on getting essential support on the ground quickly to help those most affected in Solomon Islands and PNG.

“In times of crisis, Australia stands shoulder to shoulder with our Pacific partners.”

Minister for Pacific Island Affairs, Pat Conroy:

“Australia will always respond when disaster strikes.

“We will continue working closely with the Governments of Solomon Islands and PNG to deliver support where it is needed most.”

Minister for International Development, Dr Anne Aly:

“This funding will help address the urgent humanitarian needs of our nearest neighbours and support vulnerable people, including women and girls.”

NSW Ambulance has welcomed 116 new paramedic interns and 21 emergency medical call takers, after they were officially inducted into the service at a ceremony at the State Operations Centre in Sydney yesterday.

This graduation is the second to be held this year, boosting frontline health services across the state, with many of the new recruits commencing their first shifts from today.

The new recruits come from a range of backgrounds and experiences, including paramedic intern Tia Lieschke, who stayed calm while caring for her cousin after she was injured by a falling tree, and trainee emergency medical call taker Hayley Francis, who is looking forward to a new challenge after years working as a nurse.

The paramedic interns will be posted across NSW to complete the on-road portion of their 12-month internships, before taking permanent positions in metropolitan and regional areas.

The emergency medical call takers will all be posted to Sydney & Northern Control Centres.

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“Congratulations to NSW Ambulance’s newest inductees – their skills and compassion will touch countless lives across our state.

“These new paramedic interns and emergency medical call takers represent the next generation of dedicated first responders, ready to serve their communities in a time of need.

“Their commitment to patient care and emergency response will strengthen our frontline health services making a real difference in people’s lives.”

NSW Ambulance Interim Chief Executive Claire Beech:

“This induction is an important milestone for these new recruits and for NSW Ambulance as a whole.

“Every call our new paramedic interns and trainee emergency medical call takers respond to is an opportunity to make a difference, helping those in our community often at their most vulnerable.

“I am proud to welcome this latest class of trainee control centre staff and paramedic interns into the service, further enhancing our capacity to deliver timely, professional and patient-centred care.

paramedic intern Tia Lieschke:

“I was inspired to become a paramedic after seeing first-hand how they help save my cousin’s life when she was struck by a falling tree in 2025.

“I am excited to embrace life as a paramedic intern on the Mid North Coast, gaining valuable experience and develop as a paramedic in regional NSW.”

trainee emergency medical call taker Hayley Francis:

“I am looking forward to joining NSW Ambulance for a new career direction and challenge.

“As that first point of contact for people in need, my role as an emergency medical call taker will be an instrumental part of a patient’s journey.”

We, the Prime Minister of Australia, the Honourable Anthony Albanese MP, and the Prime Minister of Singapore, Mr Lawrence Wong, reaffirmed the strength of the relationship and the deep reservoir of strategic trust between our two countries, as reflected in the Australia-Singapore Comprehensive Strategic Partnership 2.0 (CSP 2.0).

The enhanced CSP 2.0 sets out the ambitious next phase of cooperation, which underpins shared prosperity, security and stability. Our discussions today enable enhanced cooperation on emerging and evolving issues.

Recognising the significant economic impacts of the current Middle East crisis, we reaffirmed our support for the current ceasefire and encouraged negotiations to bring an end to the conflict.

We agreed on the need to coordinate our response to this global crisis so that both our economies are stronger and more resilient into the future.

We recognised the importance of the role of our countries in each other’s energy security – Singapore is one of Australia’s top suppliers of refined petroleum products, and Australia is one of Singapore’s top suppliers of liquefied natural gas.

Building on our Joint Statement on Energy Security on 23 March, we stated our determination to make maximum efforts to meet each other’s energy security needs in the context of the acute energy crisis currently affecting global markets.

We reaffirmed our commitment to support the flow of essential goods including petroleum oils, such as diesel, and LNG and agreed to intensify cooperation to facilitate the timely movement of goods and essential supplies through enhanced coordination, efficient border and port processes, transparency, and early consultation.

We reaffirmed our commitment to working together, particularly during crises, to support a resilient, rules-based multilateral trading system that underpins stability during periods of global disruption.

Further to this, we directed our Ministers to conclude a legally binding Protocol to the Singapore-Australia Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA) on Economic Resilience and Essential Supplies consistent with this Joint Statement.

To support this cooperation, we welcomed the establishment of the Australia–Singapore Economic Resilience Dialogue, co-chaired by senior officials, to facilitate cooperation on economic resilience challenges and trade in essential supplies.

We tasked Ministers to convene the inaugural Energy Ministerial Dialogue to strengthen our cooperation.

We reaffirmed our calls for other trading partners to join us in ensuring global energy supply chains are kept open, for the benefit of the security and prosperity of their peoples.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, will travel to Japan this week to meet with his counterpart, Minister of Defense, Koizumi Shinjiro.

In Tokyo, Deputy Prime Minister Marles and Minister Koizumi will convene a ministerial meeting under the Framework for Strategic Defence Coordination.                                                                 

Ministers will discuss important developments in the global and regional security environment, including how Australia and Japan can utilise our indispensable and growing partnership to ensure we are best prepared to respond to common challenges.

Australia and Japan’s relationship is long and enduring, shaped by decades of close cooperation and engagement. Our relationship is underpinned by a shared vision for regional security and a commitment to strengthening our Special Strategic Partnership.

This year also marks the 50th anniversary on the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between Australia and Japan, signed on 16 June 1976. 

Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles:

“Our relationship with Japan continues to go from strength to strength, underpinned by deep strategic alignment, trust and shared ambition.

“I look forward to meeting with Minister Koizumi to progress implementation of the Framework for Strategic Defence Coordination and to continue strengthening our defence cooperation and Special Strategic Partnership in support of regional security.”

Australia, Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, Jordan, Sierra Leone and the United Kingdom remain deeply concerned by the worsening humanitarian situation and displacement crisis in Lebanon.

We welcome the ceasefire agreed between the United States, Israel and Iran. We call for an urgent end to hostilities in Lebanon.

Civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected from the effects of hostilities.

Humanitarian personnel, who dedicate themselves to protecting and assisting the most vulnerable, must be respected and protected.

Attacks that threaten the safety and security of humanitarian personnel must stop. International humanitarian law must be upheld by all parties to the conflict in all circumstances.

Respect for international humanitarian law is essential to preserving human dignity, mitigating civilian harm, and maintaining the space needed for humanitarian action and access.

We condemn in the strongest terms actions that have killed UN peace keepers and significantly increased the risks faced by humanitarian personnel in southern Lebanon.

Meaningful accountability and justice are critical for violations of international law that harm humanitarian personnel or impede their activities.

In September 2025, over 100 nations launched a Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel, committing to protect aid workers in conflict zones.

We will continue working together to ensure that those who work to save the lives of others do not have to sacrifice their own.

The US President’s order for US troops to commit further war crimes in Iran as early as tomorrow must be met with sharp condemnation by the Australian Government, the Greens say, and a withdrawal of military support.

Trump has announced that he will order the US Military to destroy civilian infrastructure, including bridges and power plants, unless Iran agrees to American terms for a ceasefire by tomorrow. Destroying civilian infrastructure is a war crime under Article 52 of the Geneva Convention. 

Thousands of civilians have already been killed in the US and Israel’s war on Iran, however this declaration by the US President is a clear escalation.

Australian troops and defence assets are contributing to Trump and Netanyahu’s illegal war through the direct deployment of ADF resources like the SAS and Wedgetail, the use of seconded troops embedded in US forces, and through joint military facilities like Pine Gap.

Acting Leader of the Australian Greens, Senator Mehreen Faruqi said:

“Trump is now openly threatening even more war crimes against the Iranian people. Albanese was among the first world leaders to back these criminal US and Israeli attacks, and ordinary people in Iran, the region and Australia are paying the price. 

“It is time for Albanese to dump Trump, bring the troops home, and focus on helping Australians deal with the fallout of this catastrophe. 

“Australia must not stay hitched to the wagon of an unstable, bloodthirsty President who even his domestic allies say has “gone insane”. He criticises Australia near daily, yet Labor is unwilling to condemn him and his actions.

“The Prime Minister must urgently condemn these planned attacks on civilians, close Pine Gap, and end AUKUS, or our silence will just reinforce the terrifying global consensus that targeting innocent men, women and children is permissible.

“Australians oppose this war, and expect our government to do the same, by actively organising to prevent escalation and war crimes. Silence is not enough.“

Albanese’s government backed this war, has sent military support to prolong it, and  is enabling these constant escalations that are killing countless civilians and wreaking havoc on the cost of living.”

This is a moment of accountability and highlights the appalling cost of war on all sides. No one should be above the law. 

These charges relate to killings that happened in Afghanistan between 2009 and 2012, for victims and survivors that is far too long to wait for justice.  

Deployments of troops in overseas conflicts always come at enormous cost to people on the ground who face the horror and brutality of war.

It is essential we remember the human cost of war right now as the US and Israeli attacks on Iran and the Iranian people escalate. 

From the Brereton report onwards there has been a gaping hole in the accountability for what happened in Afghanistan, with the only legal repercussions being directed against non-commissioned troops.

Gold braid on your shoulder is not meant to be legal protection from complicity in war crimes. 

If justice is to be fully delivered there must be further and closer attention paid to the role of senior officers who directed and oversaw Australia’s deployment in Afghanistan. 

The Greens continue to push for a dedicated War Crimes investigation unit within the AFP to build the expertise to rapidly investigate war crimes offences going forward. 

No one, whether accused or survivor, benefits from the delays we have seen to date.

The agreement between Israel, the US and Iran to a two-week ceasefire is a positive development in a war that should have never started. This illegal and chaotic war of choice by the United States must be a turning point for Australia to unshackle itself from the US and pursue an independent defence and foreign policy. 

Following insults and threats from US President Donald Trump over the past weeks, including that “a whole civilisation will die” by the US targeting Iran’s civilian infrastructure, the US has agreed to a limited ceasefire with Iran. 

Since the beginning of the US and Israeli war on Iran, devastation and killing have spread throughout the region. The economic and social impacts have been felt in Australia, with the public paying the cost of war through the rising cost of living. 

To its shame, the Albanese Labor Government was the first in the world to support Trump and Netanyahu’s illegal attacks on Iran. Australia has been further involved in the war through US bases, including Pine Gap and North West Cape and hundreds of Australians embedded in the US military. 

Despite strong opposition from the Australian public, the Labor government has delivered everything Donald Trump asked for in this war and its deployments have included SAS troops and an E-7A Wedgetail aircraft being sent to the war zone. 

Acting Greens Leader, Senator Mehreen Faruqi said:

“We welcome this ceasefire and hope it holds, for the safety of civilians in the region and for the good of the world. 

“This war has exposed the consequences of the failure of nations around the world to hold Israel and the US to account for their flagrant disregard for international law.

“Labor’s reckless decision to back the US and Israeli strikes, send military assets to the region, and turn a blind eye to Trump’s escalating threats sends the message that Australia will consider this collapse in international norms acceptable. 

“How many more lives will be stolen before Labor learns its lesson that licking the boots of the US can come to no good?

The Greens are the only anti-war party in the Parliament. The Labor-Liberal-One Nation unity ticket on war has only made Australia less safe and raised the cost of living for everyday Australians. 

“Australia needs to be part of global efforts to build a world that respects human rights, strongly opposes attacks on civilians, and actively works to bring peace. To do that, Labor must dump Trump and cancel AUKUS.”

Senator David Shoebridge, Greens Spokesperson for Defence and Foreign Affairs, said:

“This must be a turning point. This must be the moment where Australia sheds its dependency on the US and starts to chart an independent foreign policy that is focused on peace and stability. That starts with scrapping AUKUS.

“The US is not a trusted friend, and it’s not a dependable ally, it is a force of chaos and aggression. 

“This war has demonstrated that US bases don’t make you safe in any war the US starts, they make your country a target.

“The rapid expansion of US bases in Australia must stop, and facilities like Pine Gap must be closed. They do not make Australians safe and they do not promote stability in the world. 

“The Albanese Labor Government, backed in by the war parties of One Nation and the Liberals, have handcuffed Australia to the US military. This has had devastating impacts on the country and the world. 

“Unless we see clear material actions from the Albanese Government to prevent the US from conducting these wars in the future, then it will be giving a licence for Trump to do this again.

“Australia must now work with middle powers to ensure that this fragile ceasefire can become a lasting peace. It must also enforce consequences on the US for starting this war. 

“This is the time to withdraw Australian troops from the US military, close US bases in Australia and end AUKUS.

“We need to have confidence and courage in Australia’s ability to build peace and security in our region without being hostage to a great and powerful friend with no interests but their own.”