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Appointment of new Secretary of the Department of Defence

I am pleased to announce I intend to recommend to the Governor-General that she appoint Ms Meghan Quinn PSM as Secretary of the Department of Defence.

This is a historic appointment with Ms Quinn becoming the first woman to substantively hold the position of Secretary of the Department of Defence.

Ms Quinn has a distinguished career as a senior leader in the Australian Public Service and is currently the Secretary of the Department of Industry, Science and Resources.

Ms Quinn has advised Government on a wide range of Australian and international policy matters. She previously held several Deputy Secretary roles at the Department of the Treasury and was head of the Secretariat for the ‘Australia in the Asian Century White Paper’ at the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.

Prior to this, Ms Quinn worked for BHP and the Bank of England.

In 2009, Ms Quinn was awarded the Public Service Medal for outstanding public service in the development of climate change policy.

Ms Quinn’s term will commence on 18 May 2026 for a five-year period.

I would like to thank Mr Greg Moriarty AO for his service as Secretary of the Department of Defence, and I look forward to working with him in his new role as Australian Ambassador to the United States of America. I would also like to thank Ms Cath Patterson for acting as Secretary.

Consultation on the News Bargaining Incentive now open

The Albanese Government is taking the next step to ensure Australian journalism is sustainable now and into the future.

Draft legislation to establish a News Bargaining Incentive (NBI) is now available for consultation.

The proposed legislation addresses a limitation in the long-standing News Media Bargaining Code which allows digital platforms to avoid their obligations by removing news from their service.

Under the Incentive, digital platforms operating significant social media or search services are encouraged to do commercial deals with eligible news publishers as the preferred model, with generous offsets provided to reduce their liabilities.

Platforms who elect not to do commercial deals with news publishers will need to pay a charge as a proportion of their revenue, with any charges collected to be distributed back to the news media sector.

Consultation on draft legislation is open until 18 May 2026. Draft legislation is available at https://consult.treasury.gov.au/c2026-763377.

The Government is also developing the distribution mechanism to return any money collected by the NBI back to the Australian news media sector to support the employment and critical work of journalists.

A strong and diverse news sector is vital for a healthy democracy, and the Albanese Government is committed to ensuring a viable future for public interest journalism.

Stakeholders can have their say on how any money raised is distributed to the media sector.

The consultation paper is available at www.infrastructure.gov.au/have-your-say. Submissions close on 18 May 2026.

the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“Journalists are the lifeblood of Australia’s media sector, playing a vital role in keeping communities informed about the news that matters to them.

“Local news matters to local communities and these stories can’t be told without Australian journalists.

“My Government will always back Australian journalists and Australian news.”

the Minister for Communications and Minister for Sport, Anika Wells

“There has never been a more important time to ensure journalists are supported to keep Australians up to date with the latest and most accurate news.

“This is part of the Albanese Government’s work to make sure our laws keep pace with changing digital technologies and deliver outcomes that are in the interest of the Australian public.”

the Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services, Daniel Mulino

“In an increasingly uncertain world, it is crucial Australians are able to get news seen through Australian eyes and with an Australian perspective.

“This remains the case whether it is news from overseas or from just around the corner, being delivered through traditional or innovative ways.

“Large digital platforms have an important role to play in providing access to news for all Australians and being partners in innovation, we would like to see them work with the news media on commercial deals with benefit to both parties.”

Visit to Australia by the Prime Minister of Japan

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will welcome the Prime Minister of Japan, Her Excellency Sanae Takaichi, to Australia from Sunday 3 May to Tuesday 5 May 2026.

This will be Prime Minister Takaichi’s first official visit to Australia since taking office.

This year marks 50 years since the signing of the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between Australia and Japan – the foundation for our relationship of trust and friendship today.

Our Special Strategic Partnership is underpinned by deep trade and investment ties, growing security and defence cooperation and enduring cultural ties between our nations.

Prime Minister Albanese will meet with Prime Minister Takaichi at Parliament House in Canberra on Monday 4 May 2026 for the Australia–Japan Annual Leaders’ Meeting.

The visit will be the fourth time the leaders have met, with previous meetings last year on the margins of the East Asia Summit in Kuala Lumpur, the APEC Summit in Gyeongju and the G20 Summit in Johannesburg.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“I am honoured to welcome Prime Minister Takaichi to Australia for our Annual Leaders’ Meeting where we will continue to work together under our Special Strategic Partnership for the benefit of our people and the region.

“50 years ago, our nations laid the foundation for a partnership based on trust, shared values and mutual respect by signing the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation.

“Australia and Japan share strong strategic alignment. Our cooperation is essential to maintaining a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.

“Our enduring trade and investment ties underpin our relationship, creating jobs, providing opportunity and delivering economic growth to both our nations.”

Appeal to locate woman missing from Newcastle

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

Teagan Few, aged 28, was last seen at a hospital on Edith Street, Waratah, about 2.45pm on Saturday 25 April 2026.

When she was unable to be located or contacted, officers attached to Newcastle Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.

Police and family hold concerns for her welfare as she lives with a medical condition and requires ongoing treatment.

Teagan is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 170cm tall, of a thin build, with long brown hair.

SHe was last seen wearing a grey baggy jumper and glasses.

She is known to frequent the Newcastle, Booragul and West Wallsend areas.

RACING INCIDENT AT MAITLAND APRIL 27

During the running of race six at Maitland last night, Kawasaki Girl sustained injuries as a result of a racing incident.

An assessment of the injuries by the on-track veterinarian determined that, regrettably Kawasaki Girl was deemed unsuitable for admission to GRNSW’s industry leading Greyhound Care Scheme which provides ambulatory, surgical and rehabilitation care for greyhounds injured in any race.

Our condolences go out to the trainer, owners and connections of Kawasaki Girl.

While such outcomes have reduced by almost 90% since 2017-18, and during this current financial year 2025-26 we have seen a 40% reduction of on-track euthanasia – down from a record low of 13 last financial year – the NSW Greyhound Racing industry remains committed to delivering the highest welfare for its canine athletes.

As part of the industry’s renewed focus and determination to see ongoing reductions in serious injury rates, it has explored and implemented a range of strategies designed to substantially reduce serious injuries.

These strategies include:
Installation of double arm lures and preferential box draws;
Race Injury Review Panel;
Education for trainers in relation to injury prevention and treatment;
The trialling of Hock Braces;
Introduction of clearance to return to racing following long layoff due to injury; and
Ongoing research into other race injury causations.

In implementing these strategies, the greyhound racing industry in NSW is committing itself to becoming the world leader in racing safety.

The success of the industry’s race injury reduction efforts will be monitored and reported to the community by the Greyhound Welfare & Integrity Commission.

The Commission publishes race injury data on a quarterly basis, making NSW one of the very few jurisdictions in the world to do so.

Pike River the movie looks at events around the 2010 New Zealand mining disaster.

Pike River families to join preview screening in Maitland
 
Family members of mineworkers killed in the 2010 Pike River tragedy in New Zealand are touring Australia ahead of the Australian launch of the Pike River movie, with the Mining and Energy Union holding a screening and Q&A in Maitland on Thursday.
Pike River preview screening and Q&A
· 6pm Thursday 30 April, Reading Cinemas Maitland
· Special guests: Anna Osborne, Sonya Rockhouse, Daniel Rockhouse
The movie depicts the true story of mining families fighting for justice following the 2010 New Zealand disaster that killed 29 mineworkers. It follows the story of Anna Osborne, whose husband Milton was killed in the explosion; and Sonya Rockhouse, whose son Ben was killed at Pike River. Sonya’s other son Daniel was one of only two mineworkers to survive the explosion. He now works in the Australian mining industry.
The Pike River disaster was felt deeply throughout the Australian mining industry, with many Australian mines rescue personnel deployed in disaster response and recovery efforts.
Anna and Sonya have been leaders in the community campaign for justice for Pike River families, fighting for management accountability and stronger safety laws. They are available for interview.  
For media attendance at the screening or to arrange interviews, contact media@meu.org.au
The film will be released generally on May 14:   https://www.madman.com.au/pike-river/

Concern about climate change increasing in Hunter: poll

Farmers for Climate Action
 
 
· Increased bushfires and heatwaves driving increased climate concern
· Energy companies blamed for high bills
· Just 17% of Hunter residents polled oppose the shift to clean energy
Some 30% of Hunter locals are more concerned about climate change than they were a year ago, a new poll has revealed, as a local farmer says sustainability is “just good farm management”.
The polling of 302 Hunter residents was part of a broader poll of 1,965 residents across key renewable energy zones, with the polling completed on March 20. The research firm, 89 Degrees East, is a member of The Research Society of Australia. Farmers for Climate Action has released the poll as it aims to make sure regional voices are heard.

FCA CEO Verity Morgan-Schmidt said the data showed 30% of Hunter residents polled had become more concerned about climate change in the past year.
“30% of those polled in the Hunter have become more concerned about climate change in the past 12 months. Bushfires (77%), heatwaves (75%) and floods (68%) were the top answers when Hunter residents were asked what had made them more concerned about climate change,” Ms Morgan-Schmidt said.
“Fifty-six per cent of Hunter residents blame energy company profiteering as the key reason for high energy bills. Others named global energy price spikes and coal power station breakdowns; just 15% said clean energy was responsible.
“Some 69% of Hunter residents name solar as the “significant” energy source for the future, while 43% nominate onshore wind, 42% say offshore wind, 40% pumped hydro, with gas and coal equal at 30%, and nuclear last at 22%.”
“The data showed a striking gap between real and perceived support for clean energy. Support for clean energy in the Hunter remains strong at 60%, with 17% opposed, and 23% neither supporting nor opposing. Yet, only 40% of those polled said they thought there was majority support for clean energy in the region.
“Media and social media algorithms continue to promote conflict and FCA continues to listen to farmers, not Facebook.”
Macka’s Pastoral Director Robert Mackenzie , in Gloucester, Hunter Valley, said sustainability was “just good farm management”.
 
“As a farmer in the region, our focus is simply on running a more efficient and resilient business,” Mr Mackenzie said.
 
“We’re improving soil health, animal performance and energy use, with a clear focus on reducing our footprint, delivering benefits for both the business and the environment. For us, sustainability isn’t a statement, it’s just good farm management.”

“Be the hope our community desperately needs right now” – Support the Newcastle and Hunter community through The Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal this year

The Salvation Army in the Newcastle and Hunter is calling on locals to dig deep and get involved in the Red Shield Appeal this year, raising vital funds to support those in our local region who are doing it tough.
 
Australia’s largest and longest-running door-knock appeal is in its 62 nd year and aims to raise $41 million nationally, which funds life-changing community programs across the country.
 
“We know that people are doing it really tough in our community right now, as global uncertainty coupled with further increases in the cost of living locally puts an incredible strain on individuals and families. We know that many are on the edge of breaking point as they struggle to make ends meet,” said Major Bruce Harmer, External Communications Manager for NSW.
 
“That is why we are calling on those in Newcastle and Hunter to dig deep, get involved in the Red Shield Appeal, and be the hope our community desperately needs right now.”
 
The funds raised in Newcastle and Hunter for the Red Shield Appeal will stay in the local community and will be used to meet the needs faced by those who are struggling and need a hand.
 
“There is no better way to support those doing it tough than by donating or volunteering with us this year. We can’t do our work in the community without you, so we are calling on people to partner with The Salvation Army this Red Shield Appeal and see the powerful transformation that takes place when we come together to support our fellow Aussies in need,” Major Harmer added.
 
The Red Shield Appeal culminates in the Red Shield Weekend (May 30 and 31), and there are a number of ways to get involved throughout the month of May- volunteering by collecting at local shopping centres and other locations, door knocking, online fundraising, organising a collection at your workplace, school or sporting event and making a donation.
 
The Salvos across the country are aiming to recruit an army of 15,000 volunteers for the Red Shield Appeal this year, so please reach out to your local Salvos to find out more about volunteering opportunities by visiting salvationarmy.org.au/red-shield-appeal
 
Across Australia last year, through The Salvation Army’s network of over 400 centres and 2,000 services in areas such as homelessness, family and domestic violence, youth, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, financial hardship and much more, the Salvos provided:*
· Assistance to one person every 17 seconds
· More than 1.74 million sessions of care to over 228,000 people in need
· Over 1 million nights of safe accommodation
· More than 1.4 million meals to those who accessed our homelessness services.
 
To donate or volunteer for The Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal, or if you need support from the Salvos, visit salvationarmy.org.au

Securing advanced manufacturing in Bendigo with new Bushmasters

The Albanese Government is investing $750 million to deliver a pipeline of Bushmasters for the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) fleet of protected mobility vehicles in regional Victoria, supporting around 300 local jobs for the next seven years. 

Thales Australia will build 268 new Bushmasters for the ADF at its Bendigo facility, continuing over 20 years of production of this world-leading capability and providing certainty to the workforce and region that depends on it.

The delivery of these additional Bushmasters will significantly boost the ADF’s combat capability and force projection, as part of a modernised protected mobility fleet able to operate in our immediate region. Bushmasters are critical to the integrated force – including littoral manoeuvre, long range fires and the amphibious capable combined arms land system.

As the protected mobility vehicle of choice for nine countries, the Bushmaster is an Australian defence industry success story and a priority capability for the Australian Defence Strategic Sales Office.

In response to a request, the Albanese Government has also agreed for recently delivered Bushmasters to be sold to the Netherlands. This export provides further certainty to the Bendigo workforce, with Thales to replace these vehicles for the ADF in their next production round at no cost and in addition to this new order for the Army.

The manufacture of these Bushmasters adds to the vehicles already being built to replace those gifted to Ukraine – to support its fight against Russia’s illegal and immoral invasion – and 59 vehicles being acquired under LAND 8113. 

The Albanese Government is also investing $450 million towards upgrades of the Thales Hawkei protected mobility vehicles, and the Rheinmetall Medium/Heavy Truck Capability as part of the 2026 Integrated Investment Program’s protected mobility vehicle modernisation program. 

The modernisation of the Hawkei vehicles will be conducted by Thales in Brisbane, supporting 150 local jobs, and many more across the supply chain in Australia. 

Through these projects, the Albanese Government is investing $1.2 billion in uplifting ADF’s fleet of protected mobility vehicles. 

This work will further strengthen Australia’s sovereign defence industry, as well as deliver significant benefits for the local workforce in both Bendigo and Brisbane. 

Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles: 

“The Australian-built Bushmaster and Hawkei are recognised as world-leading protected mobility vehicles. 

“Through this investment the Albanese Government is sustaining Australian jobs, strengthening our national defence industry and delivering a capability that protects the lives of Australian Defence Force personnel.”

Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy: 

“Built in Bendigo, Bushmasters are an iconic Australian vehicle that delivers world-leading protection to the Australian Defence Force. 

“We’re building close to 300 new Bushmasters, securing around 300 local jobs and delivering long-term certainty to the industry, workers and region that depends on this critical capability.”

Visit to Japan, China and the Republic of Korea

This week, I will travel to Japan, China, and the Republic of Korea as part of the Albanese Government’s work to strengthen Australia’s relationships and our shared energy security.

The Middle East conflict and closure of the Strait of Hormuz continue to disrupt global energy markets, with Asian refineries and the Indo-Pacific region disproportionately affected.

Direct, in-person engagement with counterparts across our region will help ensure we are coordinating effectively as these disruptions continue to unfold.

In Tokyo, I will meet with my counterpart, Minister for Foreign Affairs, H.E. Motegi Toshimitsu, other Cabinet Ministers, and industry leaders to discuss energy and fuel security, the Middle East conflict and other issues of shared interest.

Australia and Japan are Special Strategic Partners and close friends, with a relationship built on trust, aligned values, and mutual interests. Together, we support a free and open Indo-Pacific that is inclusive and resilient.

In Beijing, I will hold the eighth Australia-China Foreign and Strategic Dialogue with China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The Australian Government remains committed to a stable and constructive relationship with China, which is in the interests of both our countries.

Australia and China have a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and benefit from deep economic ties, with our trade relationship underpinning supply chains, investment and livelihoods in both economies.

Dialogue between our countries enables us to progress the full range of our interests and manage our differences.

In Seoul, I will meet with my counterpart, H.E. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cho Hyun – Australia and the Republic of Korea are Comprehensive Strategic Partners with a strong bilateral relationship underpinned by shared strategic interests, complementary economies and generational ties between our people.

The Republic of Korea is one of Australia’s most important sources of refined fuels, including diesel, automotive gasoline and aviation fuel.

Australia will continue working with international partners to help secure the supplies we need – including diesel, petrol and fertiliser – and ensure Australia is prioritised as a reliable energy partner.