Category: Australian News

UNESCO has revealed its draft decision that the World Heritage Committee not recommend the Great Barrier Reef for inscription on the World Heritage “In Danger” List. 

If Labor is serious about protecting the Great Barrier Reef it will reject Woodside’s Browse project, which is being reviewed by the Minister after a historical legal intervention secured a reconsideration request due to the impact of the project’s emissions on the Great Barrier Reef. 

The request followed comprehensive new evidence directly linking the project’s emissions to coral deaths on the Reef.

The World Heritage Committee will make its final decision at a meeting in South Korea from 19-29 July. 

Greens spokesperson for healthy oceans, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson: 

“As long as Labor remains content with ripping open new coal and gas projects that are cooking our oceans, the Great Barrier Reef is at risk of losing its World Heritage values forever.

“The Albanese government is still gambling with the future of the Great Barrier Reef. Labor’s pathetic climate target is consistent with warming above 2°C, which experts warn will cause the loss of 99% of coral reefs. 

“Make no mistake that a deliberate decision is repeatedly being made by Labor to put the profits of fossil fuel companies over the health of our planet. Including the survival of one of the greatest natural wonders in the world that this government is the guardian of. 

“Improvements to federal environmental laws that now apply to the deforestation of Great Barrier Reef catchments was a key factor in UNESCO’s decision. The only reason these changes exist is because the community and the Greens fought for them.

“The future of the Great Barrier Reef remains perilous under Labor’s watch. The only thing that will truly protect the World Heritage values of the Great Barrier Reef is immediate climate action, which means the Albanese Labor government ending its reckless support of new fossil fuels.”

Access to the very latest cancer therapies, including treatments for some of the most aggressive forms of the disease, has been expanded across NSW with the official opening of the early phase clinical trials unit at Royal North Shore Hospital this week.

The early phase unit of the NORTH STAR VNP Cancer Trials Centre, provides a dedicated facility to meet the needs of patients and their carers, and the specific requirements of early phase clinical trials.

The new unit marks an exciting development in cancer care in NSW, and follows broad consultation with clinicians, researchers, pharmaceutical companies and the community.

Initial clinical trials are underway, providing opportunities for patients with lung and brain cancer to receive specialised treatment close to home. Further trials will open for a broader range of cancers.

The unit was made possible following a transformative $20 million gift from the late Kay Van Norton Poche AO and her husband Greg Poche AO. The pair also donated $20 million to the leading Memorial Sloane Kettering Cancer Centre in New York to realise their vision of offering life-changing new treatments to a larger share of the community.

NSW Health has provided the ward space and infrastructure for the unit.

Investigators from Royal North Shore Hospital and the cancer centre in New York are partnering on international clinical trials, giving patients in Australia access to the latest breakthrough medications, and providing crucial multi-centre data for the trials.

The new unit marks an exciting development in cancer care in NSW, and follows broad consultation with clinicians, researchers, pharmaceutical companies and the community.

Minister for Medical Research David Harris said:

“The early phase unit will help progress vital cancer research and accelerate the development of improved treatments for cancer by extending our understanding of the complex disease and the most effective therapies.

“This specialised facility is also expected to help patients across New South Wales, with a focus on fostering partnerships with hospitals in rural and regional communities.

”I acknowledge the continued generosity of the Poche family in making this facility possible.”

NSW Health Deputy Secretary Clinical Innovation and Research Dr Jean-Frédéric Levesque said:

“This early phase clinical trials unit is an important step towards broadening access for patients and removing the need to travel long distances for care.

“By accelerating clinical trials in NSW and connecting researchers to the world- renowned Memorial Sloane Kettering Cancer Centre in New York, this facility will make a meaningful difference to cancer research.”

Northern Sydney Local Health District Chief Executive Anthony Schembri said:

“Northern Sydney Local Health District has been at the forefront of research and clinical care for more than a century, dedicated to diagnosing, preventing and treating diseases and improving community health.

“This exciting new early phase clinical trials unit will build on that expertise, increasing our capacity to deliver the very latest therapies, and broadening our knowledge and experience in this rapidly changing field.”

NORTH STAR Medical Director and Royal North Shore Hospital oncologist Professor Stephen Clarke said:

“Encouragingly, the facility will not only strengthen our clinical trial expertise, but will provide valuable training and career development for the health workforce in northern Sydney.

“The early phase unit will be an integral part of the broader NORTH STAR Van Norton Poche Cancer Trials Centre which is offering valuable clinical trial opportunities across the local health district.”

The Minns Labor Government must abandon its reckless three strikes drug driving policy after the Roads Minister admitted cannabis use impairs driving and was unable to explain the medical evidence underpinning Labor’s changes.
 
In an extraordinary interview with 2GB’s James Willis this morning, Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison refused to name a single doctor, road trauma specialist, scientist or medical expert who supported the 50ng/mL limit or the decision to allow multiple detections before penalties applied.
 
The Minister also claimed that the 50ng/mL limit has been in place ‘for years’ despite NSW Police stating the threshold remains zero.
 
Leader of the Opposition Kellie Sloane said Labor’s experiment with road safety will risk lives.
 
“It is deeply hypocritical for the Minister to claim her top priority is road safety when she is allowing drug driving despite experts warning it will result in more body bags,” Ms Sloane said.
 
“20 experts have said there is no scientifically agreed level of THC which reliably indicates impairment, if the Minister has medical evidence to the contrary she should release it or abandon this reckless change to road safety.”
 
Shadow Minister for Roads Mark Coure said it was concerning Minister Aitchison saw no need to increase roadside drug tests given the new laws would see more drivers with drugs in their system on NSW roads.
 
“Throughout the interview the Minister repeatedly argued the reforms were about fairness for medicinal cannabis users yet failed to explain how allowing drivers with THC in their system makes NSW roads safer,” Mr Coure said.
 
“The Minister cannot simultaneously admit cannabis impairs driving while weakening the laws designed to keep impaired drivers off our roads.”

The Albanese Labor Government is delivering real change for Australians, with a suite of cost-of-living measures starting on 1 July 2026, including more tax cuts, a full six months of Paid Parental leave, strengthening Medicare and more hospital funding. 

Starting 1 July 2026, the Albanese Labor Government is:

• Giving every taxpayer another tax cut, as part of our plan to deliver a series of five tax cuts and ultimately save the average worker up to $2800 a year.
• Expanding Paid Parental Leave to a full six months, helping new parents spend more time at home with their newest family member.
• Backing minimum wage and award wages increases, to boost the pay of 3 million workers.
• Permanently extending the $20,000 instant asset write-off for small business.
• Banning supermarket price gouging with a new mandatory Food and Grocery Code that prohibits very large retailers from charging prices that are significantly excessive.
• Making Medicare Urgent Care Clinics a permanent part of Australia’s health system, to help deliver patients the best care and take pressure off hospitals.
• Injecting an additional $25 billion into public hospitals, to help states deliver care.
• Expanding services at our Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinics to include menopause and perimenopause.
• Improving patient outcomes by requiring pathology and diagnostic imaging providers to upload test results to My Health Record.
• Opening a new National Environmental Protection Agency, the first in Australia’s history.
• Setting up a new Veteran Wellbeing Agency, to improve outcomes, access and wellbeing.
• Introducing payday super, so workers start earning returns sooner and reducing the chances super will go unpaid.

The Albanese Labor Government will keep working to deliver more cost-of-living help and build a more productive economy, a better tax system, and a fairer housing market to help Australians.

the Prime Minister: 

“My Government is focused on delivering real change for Australians – that means a full six months paid parental leave for new parents, making it easier for first home buyers to get into a home, and major investments in Medicare including making Urgent Care Clinics permanent.

“From 1 July we’re cutting taxes again for over 14 million taxpayers, and our combined tax cuts mean an Australian worker on average earnings will be up to $2,800 better off every year.

“We’ve also backed in a pay rise for 3 million minimum and award wage workers – because we know every bit of help matters.”

the Treasurer, Jim Chalmers: 

“We’re delivering cost of living relief and we’re delivering real change in the tax system to help first home buyers.

“We are cutting taxes five times in three ways, helping Australians earn more and keep more of what they earn.

“Whether it’s tax cuts for every taxpayer, higher wages for workers or support for small businesses through the instant asset write off, we’re delivering more help that will make a meaningful difference to people under cost of living pressure.”

the Health Minister, Mark Butler: 

“Our initiatives to strengthen Medicare are changing the face of frontline care delivery and helping keep costs down for Australians – good for their health and good for their hip pockets.

“From July 1 under our Government, Medicare Urgent Care Clinics are here to stay, women have greater access to Menopause and Perimenopause support, and Australian patients can more freely access their pathology results, through My Health Record.

“We haven’t just stopped the Medicare freefall under the previous government, we have reversed it and strengthened it – dramatically.”

Amanda Rishworth, Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations:

“From today, millions of Australian workers will see a real boost to their pay with the minimum wage rising above $1,000 a week for the first time.

“We backed a real wage increase because we are focused on supporting working people and easing cost‑of‑living pressures.

“Labor is delivering higher wages, tax cuts for every taxpayer, and stronger workplace protections, because we want workers to earn more and keep more of what they earn.”

the Social Services Minister, Tanya Plibersek:

“Labor’s changes to Paid Parental Leave mean working parents get more time off and more money when they welcome a new arrival into their family.

“It was a Labor Government that introduced Paid Parental Leave in this country, and now it’s the Albanese Labor Government expanding it to a full six months of leave.

“Labor will keep delivering real change that helps Australian families.”

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing from the state’s north.

Luke Timbery, aged 25, was last seen at a hotel on Beaumont Street, Hamilton, about 7pm on Wednesday (1 July 2026).

When he could not be contacted or located, officers attached to Newcastle City Police District was notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Police hold concerns for his welfare as he requires regular medication.

Luke is described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, about 175cm tall, of medium build, with brown hair.

He is known to frequent the Narooma, Kianga, Dalmeny, and Nowra areas.

Anyone with information into his whereabouts is urged to contact Newcastle City Police District or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Seven adults will face court following unauthorised protests in the state’s north last week.

About 6.30am on Friday 26 June 2026, officers from Newcastle City Police District responded to multiple locations within the Newcastle Local Government Area regarding trespass and unauthorised protest activity.

Police were told six protestors allegedly entered a rail corridor at Mangrove Road, Sandgate, with the intention of stopping a coal train.

Security guards intercepted the group, with police later arresting two of the protestors.

A short time later, police arrested a further two protestors attempting to leave the area on Riverside Drive, Mayfield West, while another protestor was arrested attempting to leave the scene in a motor vehicle.

About 10am the same day, officers arrested a 66-year-old woman outside a building on Hunter Street, Newcastle, after police intercepted a group of protestors allegedly attempting to gain access inside the premises.

Following inquiries – about 2pm later that day – a 23-year-old man attended Waratah Police Station where he was subsequently arrested.

The seven individuals arrested were conveyed to either Waratah or Newcastle Police Station.

Those arrested included:
an 18-year-old man – charged with cause obstruction to railway locomotive or rolling stock and enter enclosed non-agricultural lands – interfere with business
a 54-year-old man – charged with cause obstruction to railway locomotive or rolling stock and enter enclosed non-agricultural lands – interfere with business
a 22-year-old woman – charged with cause obstruction to railway locomotive or rolling stock and enter enclosed non-agricultural lands – interfere with business
a 20-year-old woman – charged with cause obstruction to railway locomotive or rolling stock and enter enclosed non-agricultural lands – interfere with business
a 23-year-old man – charged with cause obstruction to railway locomotive or rolling stock and enter enclosed non-agricultural lands – interfere with business
a 62-year-old man – charged with cause obstruction to railway locomotive or rolling stock and enter enclosed non-agricultural lands – interfere with business, and
a 66-year-old woman – issued a Court Attendance Notice for enter enclosed non-agricultural lands – interfere etc business.

The first five individuals were all granted conditional bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court on Thursday 6 August 2026, while the 62-year-old man was refused bail and appeared before Bail Division – Court 2 on Saturday 27 June 2026, where he was granted conditional bail to appear before Newcastle Local Court on Thursday 6 August 2026. The 66-year-old woman will appear in the same Court on Thursday 23 July 2026.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Prime Minister of Vanuatu, Jotham Napat, signed a new treaty, the Vanuatu–Australia Nakamal Agreement, in Canberra today.

In Vanuatu, the Nakamal is the traditional meeting place where the community and its leaders consult and make decisions with mutual respect, trust and understanding.

The Nakamal Agreement elevates the partnership between Australia and Vanuatu, deepens integration between our people, strengthens the collective security of our region, and supports Vanuatu’s development aspirations and economic transformation.

Australia and Vanuatu share history and close cultural connections between our Melanesian, South Sea Islander and First Nations communities. Honouring and strengthening these ties is at the heart of the Agreement and will be among our earliest actions.

As Vanuatu’s longstanding primary policing partner, Australia will provide additional training and equipment to the Vanuatu Police Force, as well as greater maritime security, infrastructure, intelligence cooperation and cyber support.

Reaffirming regional leaders’ commitment that Pacific security is the shared responsibility of Pacific Islands Forum members, Vanuatu has committed to prioritise policing cooperation with Pacific Islands Forum members. Vanuatu will not allow any foreign military base or infrastructure in its territory, and will keep its critical infrastructure free from militarisation, foreign interference or unauthorised access. Vanuatu will consult Australia when it considers third party engagement in its critical infrastructure.

The Nakamal Agreement formalises Australia’s longstanding support to Vanuatu in response to major natural disasters. Vanuatu has committed to come to Australia, New Zealand and France first for humanitarian assistance.

Recognising the existential threat posed by climate change, Australia and Vanuatu will work together to transition to renewable energy sources, including by supporting on-grid and off-grid renewable energy solutions for Vanuatu’s communities.

We will work to make it easier for our people to move between our two countries through enhanced mobility arrangements and border systems, and will establish a new traineeships program to boost Vanuatu’s domestic workforce and skills.

The Nakamal Agreement will enter into force as soon as possible, following domestic processes in both countries.

The Nakamal Agreement is available at: Vanuatu – Australia Nakamal Agreement

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“The Nakamal Agreement is an important step in our long-standing partnership with Vanuatu.

“Initiated at Vanuatu’s request, this agreement elevates and strengthens the relationship between our countries – we are committing to walking forwards together.

“Prime Minister Napat’s visit to Australia to sign the Nakamal Agreement is a demonstration of our shared commitment to shaping our countries and our region for the better.”

The Australian Greens will today introduce legislation to create a dedicated LGBTIQA+ Human Rights Commissioner within the Australian Human Rights Commission.

Despite sexual orientation, gender identity and intersex status being protected under Commonwealth anti-discrimination law since 2013, they remain the only protected attributes without a dedicated Commissioner.

“LGBTIQA+ Australians deserve the same level of protection and representation under federal law as other communities,” Greens LGBTIQA+ spokesperson Senator Nick McKim said.

“This is about equality before the law in practice, not just on paper.

“Discrimination against LGBTIQA+ people should be treated with the same seriousness as discrimination against other protected groups.

“Anything less is a double standard.

“The Greens’ legislation would establish a dedicated Commissioner and require a merit-based appointment process with meaningful involvement from LGBTIQA+ civil society organisations.

“For more than a decade, community organisations, legal experts and advocates have called for this reform. The Greens are turning that consensus into action.

“This reform is ready to go. It should not be buried in another inquiry.

“LGBTIQA+ Australians deserve the same institutional protection, visibility and respect that Parliament already affords to others.”

The Victorian Greens say fresh analysis of Labor’s 40-year lottery licence deal shows the Allan Government has prioritised a short-term budget fix and the profits of gambling corporations over the long-term interests of Victorians.

Analysis published today estimates the deal could hand billions of dollars in future profits to the Lottery Corporation over the life of the licence, after the Allan Government granted a 40-year extension without putting the licence to an open competitive tender.

The Lottery Corporation has donated $132,000 to the Australian Labor party since 2022.

The Greens said the deal is a total rip off and another example of Labor putting the interests of their big corporate donors ahead of the public interest while refusing to properly tax big corporations and gambling companies.

The Victorian Auditor-General is currently investigating whether the process delivered value for taxpayers.

Leader of the Victorian Greens, Ellen Sandell:

“Labor has treated Victoria like it’s having a garage sale.

“The Lottery Corporation has donated $132,000 to Labor – and Labor gives them special treatment while selling out Victorians’ futures.

“Labor has sold off decades of future revenue to paper over their short-term problems, in an election year, to give special treatment to their donors. Victorians deserve better than this

“Instead of funding our public schools, public housing and cost of living relief, Labor is boosting the profits of their corporate mates.”

Senator Mehreen Faruqi, Deputy Leader of the Australian Greens and spokesperson for Anti-Racism, has responded to the Albanese Government’s launch of the Social Cohesion Education Hub.

Senator Mehreen Faruqi, Deputy Leader of the Australian Greens and spokesperson for Anti-Racism:

“This so-called Social Cohesion Education Hub includes 24 resources on antisemitism but just two on Islamophobia and one on First Nations hate. That isn’t social cohesion. That is creating a hierarchy of racism where some victims are seen as worthy and others are seen as an afterthought.

“We’ve seen this pattern over and over again. The budget included more than $600 million in antisemitism measures, but did not mention Islamophobia once. The Government has failed to respond to the National Anti-Racism Framework, and has simply ignored the recommendations of the Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia.

“Muslim Australians, First Nations people, and every other community of colour are facing rising and escalating racism, fuelled further by One Nation, which cannot be tackled by this selective treatment. When some Australians are wrapped in the protection of the Government, while others are left to weather the storm alone, and when some voices are amplified, while others are ignored, it is not going to lead to anti-racism or social cohesion. 

“For the past two and a half years, the Albanese Government has weaponised “social cohesion” to silence dissent and punish voices it finds inconvenient. Education resources should help children challenge all racism equally and to speak out against injustice.”