Community Sport scores with $4.49 million investment

NSW community sport is the winner after the NSW Government awarded $4.49 million through the Local Sport Grant Program.

The funding was awarded to 586 projects that will increase participation in sport and active recreation across NSW.

The Local Sport Grant Program provides grants for minor facility upgrades, new equipment and programs that support and encourage participation in sport and active recreation.

Grants up to $20,000 were available, with $50,000 available in each electorate.

For further information, including the list of successful projects, visit: www.sport.nsw.gov.au/local-sport-grant-program

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

“The NSW Government is committed to supporting all people, communities and organisations across NSW to enjoy the benefits of sport and active recreation.

“The Local Sport Grant Program helps us achieve this by providing vital funds to community sporting organisations to invest in facility minor upgrades, new equipment and programs.

“With community sport budgets tight and clubs ever more reliant on volunteers, this funding will mean teams can purchase new jerseys and clubs can host events like gala days or come and try days.

“I congratulate the more than 500 sports organisations across NSW that were successful in securing funding and commend them for their commitment to our collective health, wellbeing and sense of identity.”

National fuel relief but Minns Labor Government still has no plan

The NSW Liberals and Nationals have welcomed the Commonwealth’s decision to temporarily halve the fuel excise, after they called for immediate relief for NSW families and businesses. 
 
In contrast, the Minns Labor Government refused to advocate for the reduction and has yet to outline any practical measures at the state level to support drivers facing rising costs. 
 
Shadow Treasurer Scott Farlow said Labor’s vague commitment to consider measures down the track and maybe forgo extra GST revenue does little to help drivers now. 
 
“We welcome the fuel excise cut which is something the NSW Liberals and Nationals have consistently called for to support NSW families and businesses as they face rising costs,” Mr Farlow said. 
 
“This stands in stark contrast to the Minns Labor Government’s inaction and lack of leadership.” 
 
“After refusing to back the cut, the Minns Government must now be clear about what it will actually do to help NSW drivers.” 
 
The NSW Liberals and Nationals have already put forward three measures to provide immediate support, including the fuel excise cut, a fuel cap to lock in prices for 24 hours and free public transport over the Easter long weekend to support families and businesses as well as ease demand on service stations. 
 
NSW Nationals Leader Gurmesh Singh said with 75 NSW service stations without fuel of any kind it appears the situation is worsening in the regions. 
 
“The Minns Labor Government has been promising to address fuel shortages with fuel companies, but service stations are still running dry and they don’t have any answers,” Mr Singh said. 
 
“Almost two weeks on and there is no clarity on what the Minns Labor Government is doing to help regional communities being hit the hardest by this fuel crisis.” 

Meeting of National Cabinet

The Prime Minister convened a virtual National Cabinet meeting today to discuss Australia’s national, coordinated response to support our fuel security and supply chain resilience in light of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

First Ministers acknowledged the conflict is contributing to heightened volatility in global energy markets, with flow-on impacts for domestic supply chains and prices. Leaders noted the situation remains dynamic and evolving, underscoring the importance of governments being well-prepared for a range of potential scenarios.

While Australia is in a secure position currently, it’s the responsibility of all governments to plan ahead for every scenario. First Ministers today agreed to the National Fuel Security Plan to coordinate a consistent response across the Commonwealth, states and territories.

The plan outlines how governments will work together to keep Australia open and the economy moving. First Ministers noted that early voluntary action, coupled with new supply measures, can defer or mitigate the need for stronger measures.

Every Australian can play a part to make sure fuel continues to get to those who need it the most. Our collective approach is guided by four levels of action.

Today the National Cabinet is announcing Australia is currently at level “Keeping Australia moving”, having transitioned through “Plan and Prepare”.

The four stages are as follows: 

  1. Plan and prepare 
  2. Keeping Australia moving 
  3. Taking targeted action
  4. Protecting critical services for all Australians

The plan outlines the indicative settings at each level, with roles and responsibilities allocated across governments and industry partners.

Minister Bowen provided an update on Australia’s supply outlook. The Fuel Supply Taskforce Coordinator, Anthea Harris, provided an update on the progress of the Fuel Supply Taskforce. Leaders noted the newly formed Fuel Supply Coordinators group has met twice and will continue to meet twice weekly. Leaders agreed the Fuel Supply Coordinators will be critical to ensure alignment of effort across all levels of government, especially for cross-border considerations.

Leaders reinforced their commitment to securing fuel supply for Australian industry and households, while also shielding Australians from higher prices. Leaders acknowledged the longer the conflict in the Middle East goes on, the more significant the impact will be for global supply chains, fuel prices, and the wider economy.

The National Cabinet will continue to assess whether higher levels of action are needed and will plan accordingly. Any shift in level will be signalled by the National Cabinet, including through consultation with relevant industries and sectors, to ensure additional measures are well-designed and work efficiently.

First Ministers concluded by noting that as their governments work through the immediate challenges, they must all build fuel and energy resilience to shield the Australian community and industry from future global shocks. At the heart of this is unlocking affordable and sovereign energy to underpin Australian industry, lower power prices, and maintain Australia’s status as a trusted and reliable energy exporter.

This media statement has been agreed by First Ministers and serves as a record of meeting outcomes.

Anthony Albanese MP
Prime Minister 

Chris Minns MP
Premier of NSW

Jacinta Allan MP
Premier of Victoria

David Crisafulli MP
Premier of Queensland

Roger Cook MLA
Premier of Western Australia

Peter Malinauskas MP
Premier of South Australia 

Jeremy Rockliff MP
Premier of Tasmania

Andrew Barr MLA
Chief Minister of the Australian Capital Territory

Lia Finocchiaro MLA
Chief Minister of the Northern Territory

Fuel excise halved for three months

Following a meeting of the National Cabinet today convened by the Prime Minister, the Australian Government will halve the fuel excise on petrol and diesel for three months.

The halving of the fuel excise will reduce the cost of fuel by 26.3 cents per litre.

This will reduce the cost of a 65L tank of fuel by nearly $19.

The spike in fuel prices as a result of the war in the Middle East is hurting Australians and causing financial stress. This will help to provide some relief.

The halving of the fuel excise will commence from April 1 and run to 30 June.

Further, the Albanese Government will reduce the Heavy Vehicle Road User Charge to zero for three months to help truckies continue their vital work for our nation. The Government will also defer the next scheduled increase in the Heavy Vehicle Road User Charge by six months.

Australians are encouraged to use public transport wherever possible to help conserve fuel for the regions, and we welcome existing moves to cut the costs of public transport.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) will continue to monitor fuel prices to help ensure that the lower excise rate is fully passed on at the bowser.

While Australia’s fuel supply outlook remains secure in the near term because of the actions the Albanese Government has taken, the longer this war goes the worse the impacts will be.

We are acting now to prepare and shield Australians.

Since the conflict commenced four weeks ago the Albanese Government has taken swift action on fuel. We have: 

  • Passed new laws to double penalties for petrol companies for price gouging
  • Appointed a national Fuel Supply Taskforce Coordinator and Taskforce
  • Released 20 per cent of Australia’s petrol and diesel fuel reserves, targeted at regional areas
  • Changed fuel standards to get more fuel flowing
  • Changed diesel standards so Australia’s refineries can supply more diesel
  • Tasked the ACCC to ramp up fuel price monitoring and issue on-the-spot fines.
  • Engaged with international partners to keep supply flowing, including securing a supply agreement with Singapore.
  • Introduced laws to make sure companies pay truckies fairly when fuel prices spike
  • And introduced legislation to underwrite the purchase of fuel by the private sector.

Today National Leaders also agreed and released a National Fuel Security Plan.

The Prime Minister, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister Bowen continue to engage key international counterparts to help ensure the continued flow of fuel and diesel shipments to Australia from our trade partners. We will continue to keep Australians updated on these discussions and developments.

The Australian Government will be announcing more measures to prepare the nation for supply chain challenges over coming days and weeks.

Officer charged after allegedly accessing restricted data – Northern Region

A police officer has been charged over the alleged unauthorised access of the police computer system in the states north.

In September 2025, officers attached to a northern region command commenced an investigation after reports an officer was illegally accessing private information and distributing restricted police data.

Following inquiries, on Monday 30 March 2026, a 47-year-old man – a sergeant attached to a command in the northern region – was issued a Court Attendance Notice for access / modify restricted data held in computer.

He will appear before Belmont Local Court on Wednesday 13 May 2026.

His employment status is under review.

Two teenage boys seriously injured following e-bike crash – Belmont

Two teenage boys have been taken to hospital in serious conditions following an e-bike crash in the state’s north overnight.

About 8.30pm yesterday (Sunday 29 March 2026), emergency services were called to the intersection of the Pacific Highway and Evans Street, Belmont, following reports of a crash.

Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District attended and were told an e-bike had collided with the side of a Holden station wagon causing the rider and passenger to be thrown off the vehicle.

The rider and passenger – both 14-year-old boys – were treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics for leg and abrasion injuries before being taken to John Hunter Hospital in serious but stable conditions.

The Holden driver – a 45-year-old man – was uninjured.

Police have commenced an investigation into the incident with officers seizing the e-bike – which was destroyed on impact – for forensic examination.

First Australian-built Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles roll off assembly line

The Albanese Government is delivering on its commitment to deliver capabilities to the Australian Defence Force (ADF) at pace with the first batch of Australian‑built Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles (CRV) already rolling off the assembly line.

The first seven Boxers built at Rheinmetall Defence Australia’s facility at Redbank in Queensland have now been completed, marking a major milestone for our sovereign defence industry. A total of 211 Boxers will be built for the ADF under the partnership with Rheinmetall Defence Australia (RDA) that is boosting domestic supply chains and creating high-skilled jobs nationwide. This includes the 25 Boxer CRVs built in Germany and already in service with the Australian Army.

The partnership with RDA also underscores growing defence industry collaboration between Australia and Germany to deliver critical capabilities for both of our militaries. More than 50 Australian companies have been contracted to support RDA in delivering the new fleet of Boxers, providing work for more than 500 people around the country. 

In addition to these Boxers, RDA will also produce more than 100 Australian‑made Boxer Heavy Weapon Carrier vehicles for the German Army, in a contract worth more than $1 billion to the Australian economy. 

The Boxer is one of the world’s most advanced armoured vehicles – designed to keep soldiers safe in the toughest conditions. The new vehicles will provide superior protection, firepower and mobility, supporting new long-range strike capabilities that are protected and enabled by a credible, amphibious-capable combined arms land system. 

Boxer CRV variants include reconnaissance, command and control, joint fires and surveillance, repair, and recovery. The reconnaissance variant features a turret fitted with a 30mm automatic cannon and an anti‑tank guided missile system.

Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy:

“This announcement reflects the Albanese Government’s commitment to a future made in Australia that is providing superior protection and firepower to our ADF personnel but also supporting industry and creating jobs around the country.

“We proudly welcome the first seven Australian-built Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles, a world-class capability forged with Australian expertise and Australian steel to protect our soldiers on operations.

“Rheinmetall Defence Australia, their industry partners and a highly skilled Aussie workforce have partnered to deliver this home-grown capability for our ADF. But this partnership with Rheinmetall also shows how closely Germany and Australia are working together on critical military capabilities.”

Australia and Germany to closely cooperate on guided weapons components

The Albanese Government has taken a major step toward establishing domestic manufacturing of priority components for anti-ship cruise missiles, delivering another important boost to the nation’s guided weapons capability.

Today, the Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Pat Conroy MP and German Minister for Defence, Mr Boris Pistorius observed the signing of a Letter of Intent between Defence and German warhead manufacturer TDW. 

The Letter of Intent establishes Defence and TDW’s shared ambition to strengthen guided weapons manufacturing in Australia. Defence and TDW will explore options for the manufacture and maintenance of warheads for the Naval Strike Missile and Joint Strike Missile in Australia, creating opportunities for local Australian businesses to enter the global supply chain. 

The Naval Strike Missile and Joint Strike Missile are modern anti-ship cruise missiles that can be deployed against highly capable enemy warships or land-based targets. 

This activity supports the Albanese Government’s investment of up to $850 million to establish local manufacture and maintenance of both missiles at a new world-class facility near Newcastle, in partnership with Kongsberg Defence Australia. This investment includes up to $137 million dedicated to establishing domestic manufacturing of priority missile components, including warheads.

It is also part of the Albanese Government’s commitment of $16-21 billion over the decade to accelerate the establishment of a sovereign Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Enterprise.                               

Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy:

“This Letter of Intent with TDW marks a major step forward in building a Defence Future Made in Australia that will strengthen the Australian Defence Force, grow our resilience and support our partner nations through exports. 

“It advances the Government’s commitment to establish Australia as a leading Indo-Pacific hub for cutting-edge missile manufacturing, placing local businesses at the forefront to enter global supply chains. 

“This demonstrates how we are working hand-in-hand with proven international partners to strengthen Australia’s sovereign manufacturing of guided weapons and explosive ordnance.”

Appointment of Consuls-General

Today I announce the appointments of three experienced career officials to lead Australia’s diplomatic posts in Ho Chi Minh, Kolkata and Guangzhou.

I am pleased to confirm the following appointments:

Australia’s diplomatic network enables us to promote our interests in peace, security, trade, investment and other areas of cooperation.

As we work to shape a future for the better, our diplomatic corps are fundamental to strengthening relationships and building resilience in an ever less stable world.

I thank the outgoing Consuls-General for their important contributions to advancing Australia’s interests across their respective tenures.

Parliament launches review of anti-corruption watchdog’s performance

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on the National Anti-Corruption Commission has launched a formal inquiry into the NACC’s performance of its functions, examining how effectively Australia’s key anti-corruption body is operating. This follows significant community concern that the NACC is failing to deliver on community expectations and has been mired in scandals about conflict of interest management. 

Submissions from the public and stakeholders are open until 29 May 2026, with the Committee due to report by 26 October 2026. The inquiry page is here.

Senator Shoebridge, Greens Justice Spokesperson and member of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on the NACC David Shoebridge: 

“Australians have been watching the NACC operate in the shadows for years and with this inquiry it’s time to drag this body into the light.”

“NACC has no public hearings, no regular updates and zero cooperation with whistleblowers and complainants. That is a recipe for destroying public trust, not fighting corruption. 

“As one of the many people who have lodged complaints with the NACC I know how people feel when they report serious corruption concerns and are met with total silence for months ticking over to years. 

“I hope that with this inquiry the public can get a voice to tell us directly their thoughts on the processes and functions of the NACC and how to fix it. For too long this entire conversation has been captured by the Labor and Liberal parties who are so conflicted. 

“What I repeatedly hear from the public is that they think the NACC is a joke, a hamstrung and secret tribunal that is fundamentally failing to root out federal corruption. 

“This inquiry has been called while the Inspector is undertaking a separate and independent investigation into concerns about the NACC Commissioner’s actual or perceived conflicts of interest. To respect that independence it is right that this inquiry does not cover that same ground.

“The test of this inquiry is simple: will it produce a pathway to a NACC that the public can actually see doing its job? To do that it will have to give a pathway for serious reform so that whistleblowers are respected, the cloak of secrecy is pulled back and people can see how corruption is being tackled,” Senator Shoebridge said.