Category: Australian News

Central Coast champion Layne Paull has joined the ranks of 31 remarkable women and girls to be named a finalist for the 2026 NSW Women of the Year Awards.

The North Avoca resident is nominated in the NSW Young Woman of the Year category.

The NSW Women of the Year Awards recognise outstanding women who demonstrate strong leadership, resilience and community spirit.

Ms Paull is a young leader with a passion for inclusion, innovation and community service.

As Inclusion Nippers Coordinator for North Avoca Surf Life Saving Club and Team Leader for Disabled Surfers Association, she has developed programs that make aquatic environments welcoming for people of all abilities.

Ms Paull juggles studying biomedical engineering at the University of Technology Sydney with her role as a disability support worker, designing personalised strategies to enhance clients’ skills and independence.

She was awarded the Women in Engineering Scholarship 2025 by Engineers Australia.

Now in its 14th year, the awards program shines a light on extraordinary individuals across the state who are improving lives, driving innovation, strengthening communities and inspiring future generations.

Recipients in each of the five award categories will be revealed at the Women of the Year Awards ceremony on Thursday 5 March at the International Convention Centre, Sydney.

This is the flagship event of NSW Women’s Week 2026, held from Monday 2 March to International Women’s Day on Sunday 8 March.

The 2026 Women of the Year Awards finalists are:

NSW Premier’s Woman of Excellence

• Professor Tracey O’Brien AM – Lane Cove LGA
• Clare Pearson – The Hills Shire LGA

NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year

• Dr Aunty Rhonda Radley – Port Macquarie–Hastings LGA
• Adjunct Professor Nicole Turner – Port Stephens LGA
• Sharon Winsor – Mid‑Western Regional LGA

NSW Community Hero

• Carolyn Campbell-McLean – Parramatta LGA
• Ruby Riethmuller – Northern Beaches LGA
• Gidget Foundation Australia Founders Group:
  • Alexandra Berthold – Ku-ring-gai LGA
  • Libby Bowditch – Northern Beaches LGA
  • Jacqui Cotton – Northern Beaches LGA
  • Stephanie Hughes – Waverley LGA
  • Lou Hunter – North Sydney LGA
  • Kim Mouret – Northern Beaches LGA
  • Simone Short – Mosman LGA

NSW Regional Woman of the Year

• Jo Marshall – Upper Lachlan Shire LGA
• Amy Riddle – Coffs Harbour City LGA
• Jenny Worrell – Clarence Valley LGA

NSW Young Woman of the Year (16–30 years)

• Miranda McGufficke – Snowy Monaro Regional LGA
• Layne Paull – Central Coast LGA
• Milli Weaver – Randwick City LGA
• Dr Mithila Zaheen – Cumberland LGA

The Ones to Watch (7–15 years)

• Imali Bamji – Hunters Hill LGA
• Piper Clarke – Shoalhaven LGA
• Hafsa Faizan – Liverpool LGA
• Emma Hoskins – Blacktown LGA
• Amalia Carolyn Howard – Dubbo LGA
• Elly Ings – Northern Beaches LGA
• Hannah Orr – Goulburn Mulwaree LGA
• Ruvi Pooliyadde – Blacktown LGA
• Shanvi Govinda Raju – Penrith LGA
• Ivy Walker – Hornsby LGA

Learn more about the NSW Women of the Year Awards 2026 and finalists by visiting https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/women-nsw/awards-and-events/nsw-women-of-year-awards/nsw-women-of-year-awards-2026-finalists

Find out what other events are taking place during NSW Women’s Week 2026 at NSW Women’s Week 2026 | NSW Government. The NSW Women of the Year Awards ceremony will be livestreamed for everyone to celebrate these inspirational women and girls.

Premier Chris Minns said:

“Every finalist represents the strength and diversity that defines New South Wales.

“These women are changing the lives of those around them – not for recognition, but because they believe in lifting up their communities.

“I congratulate all of the finalists and commend them for going above and beyond in their respective fields.”

Minister for the Central Coast David Harris said:

“Layne’s tireless efforts in disability inclusion, innovation and community service are inspirational, and she is a more than worthy NSW Young Woman of the Year finalist.

“I join all Coasties in congratulating Layne.

“I would also like to acknowledge Professor Tracey O’Brien, a finalist for the NSW Premier’s Woman of Excellence and NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year finalists Adjunct Professor Nicole Turner, Dr Aunty Rhonda Radley and Sharon Winsor, all of who I have the privilege of working with in my other Ministerial portfolios.

“The calibre of women nominated for the NSW Women of the Year Awards couldn’t be higher and I congratulate each and every one of them.”

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“Women and girls across New South Wales are making a difference right across our state and these awards recognise their invaluable contributions.

“This year we receive an incredible number of nominations, every one of them showcasing a story of grit, compassion and remarkable achievement.

“Our 2026 finalists come from all corners of New South Wales and their work spans health, community services, business, culture, education and advocacy. Their contribution enriches our communities and sets an example for girls and women everywhere.”

Member for Gosford and Parliamentary Secretary for Disability Inclusion Liesl Tesch said:

“The Central Coast is home to a vast array of fantastic women, shaping change and enriching our community through their everyday actions and incredible community spirit.

“A special congratulations to Central Coast local Layne Paull, a dedicated champion and advocate for disability inclusion.

“Layne’s expansive work in disability inclusion across sport, assistive technology, adaptive design and advocacy showcases her commitment to breaking barriers for all.

“Congratulations and thank you for your wonderful work Layne.”

The Minns Labor Government is backing the largest rollout of big batteries in NSW history. The NSW Government has awarded contracts for six new long‑duration battery projects to strengthen the state’s energy grid.

These batteries will ensure that NSW is on track to exceed its energy storage targets for the future. The batteries will help keep the lights on and provide enough low-cost renewable energy, being so powerful they can run one third of Sydney’s households for a day.

NSW has the most battery projects in Australia with over 200 projects either under construction or in the planning pipeline.

The projects are:

• Great Western Battery in Wallerawang, near Lithgow (Neoen Australia) storing 3,500 megawatt hours (MWh)
• Bannaby Battery Energy Storage System, in the Southern Tablelands (BW ESS) storing 2,676 MWh
• Bowmans Creek Battery Energy Storage System, in the Upper Hunter (Ark Energy) storing 2,414 MWh
• Armidale East Battery Energy Storage System (FRV Services Australia) storing 1,440 MWh
• Kingswood Battery Energy Storage System, near Tamworth (Iberdrola Australia) storing 1,080 MWh
• Ebor Battery Energy Storage System, near Armidale (Bridge Energy) storing 870 MWh

The big batteries are due to be completed by 2030.

As part of the Renewable Energy Rollout, the projects have been awarded contracts that provide a revenue underwriting,accelerating new energy infrastructure while protecting consumers. This means that the Government is supporting the project by providing investment confidence.

This tender was run by ASL, the independent Consumer Trustee. It is the state’s largest tender for long-duration storage to date, both in terms of total storage capacity and the number of contracts.

These projects are subject to the relevant planning approvals.

The Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Penny Sharpe MLC, along with the Member for Granville, Julia Finn MP, officially opened Iberdrola’s completed Battery Energy Storage System in Western Sydney, which was successful as part of ASL’s Roadmap Tender 2, supported by the Australian Government Capacity Investment Scheme.

Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Penny Sharpe said:

“These six big batteries mean we’re on track to smash our storage targets, harvesting the sun and the wind, so we can power NSW around the clock and put downward pressure on prices.

“We’re not stopping here – NSW will support more projects, so we’re ready for a grid powered by renewable energy, supported by gas.”

Julia Finn MP, Member for Granville said:

“I’m thrilled to open Iberdrola’s new Battery Energy Storage System in Smithfield, powering reliable energy to Western Sydney, while the Minns Labor Government backs more batteries right across NSW.”

This week, the Australian Government welcomed the historic visit of the President of the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), H.E. Dr Hilda Heine and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Hon Kalani Kaneko.

The visit marks the first official bilateral visit to Australia by an RMI President in more than three decades. President Heine and Minister Kaneko engaged in fruitful discussions with Australia’s Governor General, Prime Minister and key cabinet ministers that underlined the strong ties and strategic alignment between Australia and RMI, committed to working together on shared priorities.

During the visit, President Heine witnessed Foreign Ministers Wong and Kaneko sign a letter of intent for Australia’s support for RMI’s new Resilience and Adaptation Trust Fund. The Fund will provide long-term financing for RMI to strengthen its climate change resilience, adaptation and mitigation.

The Australian Government, in partnership with UNICEF Australia, will also deliver clean solar and battery energy systems for 19 remote primary schools across RMI where teachers and students currently lack access to basic electricity in classrooms. This will be RMI’s first project with the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific.

The Australian Government will also support Women United Together Marshall Islands, a women’s rights organisation that supports the empowerment, advancement and protection of women and their families.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong:

“The visit of President Heine and Foreign Minister Kaneka demonstrates the deepening ties between the Republic of the Marshall Islands and Australia, building upon our longstanding cooperation in climate and oceans, development and security.

“Pacific nations, including the Republic of the Marshall Islands, are at the front line of the effects of climate change, but have contributed the least to it.

“Our region is stronger together – Australia and the Marshall Islands have a joint commitment to a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.”

Minister for Pacific Island Affairs Pat Conroy:

“Australia and the Republic of the Marshall Islands share a deep connection – Australia was the second country to recognise the Marshall Islands, almost 40 years ago.

“Together, with the Pacific family, we are committed to a stronger region where we can make our own decisions as strong, sovereign nations.”

Today’s interest rate rise means millions of Australians will be punished to clean up Labor’s inflation mess, driven by an overheated housing market the government refuses to fix, the Greens say.

“Renters and mortgage holders are getting smashed by the RBA, but it’s Labor’s failure on inflation that is responsible,” Greens Economic Justice spokesperson Senator Nick McKim said.

“Today’s interest rate rise is pure profit for the big banks, while mortgage holders and renters are being pushed deeper into pain.”

“Labor has chosen to protect billions in tax handouts for property speculators instead of helping renters and first home buyers.”

“Those settings drive up house prices, push up rents, and keep inflation high.”

“As a result of today’s rate rise, more of people’s pay packets will now flow straight into bank profits and landlord pockets.”

“This outcome was avoidable if Labor had acted to rein in investor tax breaks, including the capital gains tax discount.

“Australians should not be paying more every month because the government keeps siding with banks and big investors.”

Millions of Australian mortgage holders have been hit with another crushing blow today, as the Reserve Bank raised interest rates for the thirteenth time under Labor’s cost-of-living crisis.

For families already stretched to breaking point, this rate rise is devastating news delivered straight to their mortgage statement. The average mortgage holder is now paying more than $23,000 a year in interest than when Labor was elected.

This comes on top of soaring grocery bills, higher power prices, rising insurance premiums and rents that keep climbing.

This rate rise is not an accident. It is the direct consequence of Labor’s addiction to spending, which has kept inflation higher for longer and left the RBA with no choice but to keep tightening.

That assessment is backed by Australia’s leading economists.

AMP’s chief economist Shane Oliver has been clear: “The best thing that Australian governments can do to help bring down inflation would be to cut government spending back to more normal levels.”

IFM Investors’ chief economist Alex Joiner has warned that “the fiscal guard rails have come off”.

In the current financial year alone, Labor has added an additional $50 billion of new spending decisions – almost the value of the entire national defence budget.

Australians are now paying the price for Labor’s choices. In higher mortgage rates, but also lower real wages and rising tax bills.

Australian mortgage holders are being punished because the Government won’t show the discipline that families themselves have been forced to show.

When the RBA raises rates, it pulls money out of the economy to slow inflation. When the Government ramps up spending, it pushes money back in, forcing rates higher for longer.

In a stark indictment of the Government’s economic mismanagement, the decision to raise rates was unanimous. The entire RBA Monetary Policy Board has voted to hit the brakes, while the Treasurer keeps his foot flat on the accelerator with his reckless spending.

As part of its decision today the RBA also significantly upgraded its inflation forecasts and now expects inflation to remain above its target for at least another two and a half years.

It also expects that real wages will continue to fall for the remainder of the year, and that even slower economic growth and higher unemployment will result from rising interest rates.

This is Labor’s cost of living crisis. When Labor spends, Australians pay.

The Australian Government is today imposing further targeted financial sanctions on Iran in response to the regime’s horrific use of violence against its own people.

Since 28 December 2025, the regime has massacred thousands of Iranians while attacking and arresting many thousands more for participating in peaceful protest.

The regime has imposed nationwide internet and telecommunications blackouts in an attempt to conceal the scale of its brutality.

The 20 individuals and 3 entities sanctioned today include senior officials and entities of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) who are complicit in oppressing the Iranian people, violently suppressing domestic protests, and threatening lives both inside and outside Iran.

This announcement builds on the Australian Government’s listing of the IRGC as a state sponsor of terrorism and our comprehensive framework of sanctions against Iran.

Today’s action underscores our commitment to standing with the people of Iran alongside international partners against the Iranian regime’s egregious campaign of oppression and destabilisation.

The Albanese Government has now sanctioned more than 200 Iranian individuals and entities and more than 100 IRGC-linked individuals and entities.

For further information on Australia’s sanctions settings, please visit the Australia and sanctions page on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website.

Today I announce the recipients of the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations 2025-26 grants round and new appointments to the Foundation’s Advisory Board.

This year, the Foundation will provide grants that support cooperation and engagement between the people of Australia and China. These projects contribute to the ongoing stabilisation of our bilateral relationship. They will support risk-informed engagement with China while strengthening our China capability at home and building meaningful engagement with Chinese-Australian communities.

The funded initiatives span a range of priorities, including:

• Advancing cooperation with China in the priority areas of climate change, steel decarbonisation and sustainable agriculture
• Expanding the scope and depth of dialogues by supporting new initiatives focused on foreign, economic and trade policy
• Building Australia’s long-term China capabilities, through programs that invest in China literacy, research and expertise
• Empowering Chinese-Australian communities, including through programs that foster civic understanding and leadership
• Supporting Chinese international students, recognising their importance to Australia’s education sector and long-term people-to-people ties
• Drawing on arts, culture and sport to build mutual understanding, promote Australia in China, and strengthen people-to-people ties.

There are three new appointments to the Advisory Board of the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations.

I am pleased to appoint the Hon Mr Simon Birmingham, CEO of the Australian Banking Association; Mr Clinton Dines, Non-Executive Director and Adjunct Professor at Griffith University Asia Institute; and Dr Darren Lim, Senior Lecturer at the Australian National University, to the Advisory Board.

Together, they bring deep expertise spanning trade and foreign policy, business and research.

The Advisory Board helps guide the Foundation in its work to promote and coordinate enhanced cooperation between Australia and China, in support of Australia’s national interest.

I thank outgoing Advisory Board members Mr Douglas Gautier AM, Dr Wesa Chau and Mr Rowan Callick OBE for their valuable service and contributions.

Through these grants and appointments, the Foundation will continue to strengthen engagement with China in Australia’s interest. More information is available at: National Foundation for Australia-China Relations website.

On 20 January, Israel demolished the East Jerusalem headquarters of UNRWA, and 11 countries including UK, Canada and France have signed a joint statement condemning Israel for this action. The Albanese government has declined to sign up to this international statement.

Senator Mehreen Faruqi, Deputy Leader of the Greens and spokesperson for International Aid and Global Justice: 

“Labor’s refusal to join even Canada, the UK and France to condemn Israel for demolishing UNRWA headquarters in East Jerusalem shows Minister Wong has completely given up the pretense of caring about aid to Palestinians.

“Silence on Israel’s bulldozing of UNRWA headquarters was bad enough, but not even having the moral fortitude to join like-minded nations to condemn them is yet another low for the Albanese Labor government. Though, what else can you expect from a divisive government who is laying out a welcome mat for the president of a state committing genocide and who still hasn’t torn up Trump’s invitation to join the farcical and imperial so-called ‘board of peace’?

“At a time where UNWRA and aid is needed the most, this is just going to further fast-track Israel’s genocide and erasure of Palestinians who are already facing starvation, bombing and murder even during a ceasefi

Australians are bracing for another interest rate rise because Labor has turbo-charged the housing crisis and refused to tackle corporate price gouging, the Greens say.

With the RBA likely to raise rates this week, the Greens argue that millions of people will face an interest rate rise because the government has not tackled two major causes of inflation, spiraling housing costs and corporate profiteering.

Sen. Larissa Waters, Leader of the Australian Greens said:

“If you’re a mortgage holder or a renter, you face being hit by the RBA to “fix” the government’s “inflation problem”.

“Anyone with a mortgage will be giving more per month to the big banks. Renters are going to cop it as it will trickle down into unfair rent rises. That leaves you with less money to spend on food, or the things you enjoy.

“It’s hard enough right now to get ahead, you shouldn’t be doing it harder. It shouldn’t be on you.

“This is about choices. The government’s priorities mean that you are copping the pain while banks, energy companies and property investors keep winning.

“If they’d taken them on, you wouldn’t be getting a rate rise.”

Sen. Nick McKim, Greens Economic Justice spokesperson said:

“Labor has chosen to leave inflation to the Reserve Bank instead of tackling some of the causes of rising prices – skyrocketing housing costs and corporate price gouging.

“If the Reserve Bank increases interest rates the Treasurer will wring his hands and pretend he shares peoples’ pain when in reality he is responsible for increasing pressure on the RBA to raise.

“If you have a mortgage you are going to feel the pain, while the big banks keep winning. If you’re renting, higher interest rates will flow straight into rent increases.

“Labor pretends this is out of their control. It isn’t. This is about political choices, and Labor has chosen to protect corporate profits while ordinary people wear the pain.

“Big corporations are driving up prices and making massive profits, and Labor refuses to make price gouging illegal across the economy.

“At the same time, Labor is handing out around $180 billion in investor tax breaks that push up house prices and rents.

“The big winners from rising interest rates are the big banks, which already make around $200,000 in profit on the average mortgage.

“Energy giants like AGL and Origin are also cashing in, with around a third of people’s power bills going straight to profit.

“We need to make corporate price gouging illegal, and we need to end tax breaks that help wealthy investors hoard housing.

“People deserve a government that fights for them, not one that leaves inflation to the RBA while protecting big banks and corporations.”

Sen. Barbara Pocock, Greens Finance, Housing and Homelessness spokesperson said:

“In the midst of a housing crisis, families across Australia are holding their breath in anticipation of another interest rate rise. Millions of people are already in mortgage stress, already hurting in a cost of living crisis.

“Australia’s inflation problem is being driven largely by rising house prices, caused by Labor’s failed housing policies.

“$181 billion worth of investor tax handouts are driving up the cost of housing. Investor lending is running hot and now economy wide inflation is in resurgence.

“Labor’s 5% deposit scheme, combined with their massive subsidies for property investors are spiking housing costs, which is the biggest driver of inflation.

“It’s clear that Labor cares more about investors with dozens of properties than it does about renters, first home buyers and homeless people.

‘The Albanese government must urgently slow housing inflation. Labor needs to stop treating housing like a game of monopoly. It needs to scrap the tax breaks for wealthy property investors and directly build social and affordable houses.”

The latest update to the Australian Electoral Commission’s transparency register confirms that the major parties continue to take handouts from the same big corporations and dirty industries in exchange for access and influence.

Fossil fuel companies, gambling interests, pharmaceutical companies and the major banks and supermarkets continue to write cheques to Labor and the Liberals – while Australians pay the price with weak climate laws, stalled gambling reform, and rising cost of living pressures.

With analysis ongoing, some of the largest sources of funds for Labor from the 2024/25 data includes donations of $100,000 each from the Australian Hotels Association and the Pharmacy Guild, $82,000 from the Minerals Council of Australia, one of the country’s largest fossil fuel lobbies, $130,000 combined from gambling companies Sportsbet and Tabcorp, and hundreds of thousands from major fossil fuel companies like Santos, Chevron, Inpex and Woodside, and the peaks that represent them.  

Many of these payments are classified as “other receipts,” a vague category that can allow corporations to buy access to events and forums where they can directly influence politicians.

This week, the Greens intend to reintroduce legislation to ban donations from industries that profit at the expense of the public good.

Greens Democracy Spokesperson, Senator Steph Hodgins-May:

“Once again, we see Labor getting cosy with the big corporations that are ripping off everyday Australians.

“While households struggle with groceries and rent, Labor continues to take hundreds of thousands of dollars in dirty donations from the very companies causing the cost of living crisis. 

“Fossil fuel giants have bought their way into the heart of our government. It’s why Labor’s new nature laws ignore climate change — they’re protecting the billions they hand out to big polluters instead of protecting our planet.

“There’s massive public support for real gambling reform but instead of listening to the families being ripped apart by gambling harm, it spends its time banking cheques from multinationals like Sportsbet and Tabcorp.

“If there was any doubt that Labor answers to big corporations, this is the latest receipt. It shows they prioritise the interests of Woolworths, Woodside and Westpac over the needs of everyday families.

“We welcome better donation disclosure, but sunlight alone won’t stop these dirty deals. If we want a democracy that works for the people, we have to ban dirty donations altogether.