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The Albanese Government continues its steadfast support for Ukraine, with the transfer of the first tranche of Australian-gifted M1A1 Abrams tanks to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

In response to a request from the Government of Ukraine, Australia is providing 49 Abrams tanks to help bolster its fight against Russia’s illegal and immoral invasion.

Ukraine has now taken possession of the majority of these tanks, with delivery of the final tranche to occur in the coming months.

The Abrams tanks will add to the mobility and firepower of Ukraine’s Armed Forces, and complement other partners’ support for Ukraine’s armoured brigades.

This support package, valued at approximately $245 million, is part of the $1.5 billion in assistance Australia has committed to Ukraine since the start of this conflict.

In August, Australia will deploy a Royal Australian Air Force E-7A Wedgetail aircraft to Europe to help protect a vital international gateway for assistance to Ukraine.

The Australian Defence Force also continues to contribute to multinational efforts to train Ukrainian military personnel under Operation Kudu.

Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles:

“The M1A1 Abrams tanks will make a significant contribution to Ukraine’s ongoing fight against Russia’s illegal and immoral invasion.

“I was pleased to meet the Australian Army personnel who helped facilitate the delivery of these tanks from Australia to Ukraine.

“Australia remains steadfast in our support for Ukraine and seeing a just and lasting peace.”

Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy:

“Australia stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Ukraine.

“These modified M1A1 Abrams tanks will deliver more firepower and more mobility to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

“They meet a direct request from the Ukrainian Government and form part of Australia’s unwavering commitment to protect the global rules-based order.”

As the South Australian algal bloom continues to wreak havoc on South Australia’s coast, the Greens are today calling on the Prime Minister and Premier Malinauskas to intervene.

Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, Senator for South Australia and Greens spokesperson for the environment said:

“The Prime Minister and South Australian Premier should meet to coordinate a full national response to the algal bloom catastrophe engulfing South Australia.

“This is an environmental catastrophe, an economic calamity and increasingly a community health emergency.

“We need a COVID-19 style rescue package to provide urgent support for the community, massive increased environmental monitoring, and we need action against fossil fuels.

“Instead we have the federal government saying it’s a state issue, and we have the SA government dragging its feet in asking for federal help. It’s past time that the Prime Minster and the Premier sort this out.

“This is a national climate catastrophe and it requires a commensurate response. Instead we have state and federal governments bureaucratic buck passing.

“A COVID-19 style rescue package means support for the affected industries, community and local councils.

“I urge the Prime Minister and Mr. Malinauskas to avoid this becoming their “I don’t’ hold a hose” moment.”

The ACT Greens will use their votes in the balance of power to disallow ACT Labor’s planned $11 fee on volunteers seeking Working With Vulnerable People Cards, urging Treasurer Chris Steel to give the community certainty and abandon the idea now.

“It’s over. The Greens are closing the door on this unconstructive and unhelpful new fee,” said Greens MLA Laura Nuttall, who wrote to the Treasurer this week.

“Labor shouldn’t wait for the fee to be defeated by the parliament in September. It’s time to accept defeat and reassure volunteers now that they won’t face this new fee, because we actually value the work they do in the community.

“Since the Budget was handed down, well over 1,000 people have signed the petition I sponsored against this new fee,” Miss Nuttall said. “Many people have made it very clear that the cost will turn them off volunteering.

“Like Labor’s health levy, this direct charge is such a blunt, careless way to address a legitimate concern.

“We want a good WWVP scheme, properly administered. So, if too many people are applying for a card when they don’t need one, let’s explore how to best educate volunteers and organisations, instead of just making the whole thing less appealing.

“This fee raises so little revenue for the government that it’s clearly not about the money. It’s just a lazy, unpopular stopgap that will make it even harder for the government to properly look after people.

“Ultimately, the government relies on volunteers to deliver many important services they’ve outsourced to community organisations. It’s wrong to treat local volunteers like a pain in the side.”

Greens Senator Barbara Pocock is concerned that the government may have already given a green light to PwC to restart it’s bidding for federal consulting contracts following reports that Department of Finance has made the decision but refused to say what it is.

PwC was banned from bidding for government work following two inquiries into the tax leaks scandal which has brought the entire consulting sector under a cloud. Finance extended the ban on the Big 4 firm for two weeks from its original deadline on 1 July while it deliberated on whether to allow the disgraced firm to bid for new contracts.

Senator Barbara Pocock:

“For a Government that came to office in 2022 after campaigning on a platform of greater transparency, this move really takes the cake. They’ve made a decision, but they won’t tell us what it is.

“This is gravely concerning and it worries me that they may have given a green light to a firm that has clearly betrayed the trust of the Australian people and remains unaccountable for actions that could have cost us millions in lost multinational tax revenue.

“This is the firm that is still under investigation by the Australian Federal Police over the tax leaks scandal. This is the firm that treats Australians and their government with such distain that that they refuse to handover documents or give any details about who was involved.

“PwC’s strategy has long been to wait this crisis out and it looks like the moment they’ve been waiting for has come. This is not a hard decision to make and the fact that the Department of Finance has deferred the announcement is deeply worrying.

“This is an insult to the Senate and the Members of Parliament who worked on two federal inquiries that found PwC’s behaviour utterly reprehensible.

“While investigations are continuing at the AFP, the Tax Practitioners Board and the NACC, it remains to be seen whether anyone inside PwC is liable to face criminal charges. This situation should result in a firm no from the Finance Department without any reservation. I call on the Finance Minister to come clean and make the decision public.”

The Leader of the ACT Greens, Shane Rattenbury has sponsored a petition led by Care Financial to save the ACT Government’s Rent Relief Fund from being cut as has been planned by Treasurer Chris Steel in the ACT Budget.

Carmel Franklin, Chief Executive Officer of Care:

“Care strongly supports this petition to keep the Rent Relief Fund. At Care, the Rent Relief Fund proved to be a critical part of providing wraparound support to vulnerable private renters. 

“It provided clients with financial support to sustain their housing as well as providing a means to connect with other supports offered through Care’s financial counselling and other programs, including energy supports. 

“The Rent Relief Fund also provided a means to connect clients with other services and supports provided by government and non-government agencies who we work closely with as referral partners. 

“The loss of the Rent Relief Fund has created a gap in the range of supports our most vulnerable households need to help keep a roof over their heads in Australia’s least affordable private rental market for people on a low income.”

Leader of the ACT Greens, Shane Rattenbury:

“This Labor Government says it’s replacing the rent relief fund with ‘more targeted supports’—but really it’s just spin. In reality, what they’re doing is cutting support for renters doing it tough in an unaffordable housing market.

“The Greens fought to introduce this fund so people wouldn’t be pushed into crisis over an unexpected bill or a family emergency. Now, Labor is walking away from those renters and leaving them out in the cold. 

“If you’re on minimum wage and struggling to pay the rent, this cut doesn’t leave you with better options—it leaves you closer to homelessness.

“Keeping this fund going costs just $1.7 million a year—a tiny amount compared to what this government hands over to the gambling industry. This is small-scale funding that delivers a huge impact for those who need it most.

“It’s about time Labor revisited their priorities for this budget. They’ve already faced significant backlash to their unfair health levy, and this decision is clearly cut from the same cloth–it’s about time they change their direction. 

The Newcastle Ocean Baths will become the backdrop for two of New Annual’s signature events as part of a 10-day program bringing iconic spaces to life with local stories. 

City of Newcastle’s flagship arts festival will return for its fifth edition in September, showcasing local people, places and performances alongside some of the best theatre, art and music from Australia and overseas. 

New Annual Festival Director Tory Loudon and Councillor Jenny Barrie celebrate the launch of the 2025 New Annual program at Newcastle Ocean Baths with artists and performers including trumpeter Tom Avgenicos, theatre maker Janie Gibson and cast members from Meet Me at the Baths, musician Tim Levinson and members of Newcastle band DUST.

Familiar landscapes including Camp Shortland, Nobbys Beach and The Station will be temporarily transformed into unexpected hubs of art and culture, while audiences will be invited to Meet Me at the Baths and SOAK up unique outdoor theatre and live music experiences at the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths. 

New Annual Festival Director Tory Loudon said City of Newcastle was committed to investing in and celebrating the breadth of creativity and diversity of local talent. 

“Supporting Newcastle’s creative community has been one of the real strengths of New Annual since it was established by City of Newcastle in 2021,” Ms Loudon said. 

“I’m proud to continue this tradition in 2025, with over 70% of this year’s program showcasing Newcastle’s artistic community.  

“We have commissioned new works from Newcastle artists this year, focusing on telling Newcastle stories in locations that are uniquely designed or chosen for a particular artwork or performance. 

“This year’s festival invites people to come and play, see their city differently and discover something new. We are taking art to the streets, parks and Baths of Newcastle. I look forward to seeing you there.” 

The 2025 program includes 23 signature events that span music, theatre, dance, visual arts and public art. More than 60% of the events are free and family friendly. 

Councillor Jenny Barrie, Chair of City of Newcastle’s Community and Culture Strategic Advisory Committee, said New Annual is a festival for the entire community. 

“City of Newcastle is proud to support and invest in arts and cultural opportunities, community pride and local identity through events such as New Annual,” Cr Barrie said. 

“With a predominance of free and low-cost events, the festival provides a valuable way to make art and culture accessible to more people within our community, while also acting as a drawcard for visitors from across our region and beyond.” 

Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said events such as New Annual help celebrate the vibrant cultural diversity of local communities while also driving economic growth.

“New Annual continues to strengthen Newcastle’s position as a centre for art, supporting around 1,500 visiting and local artists and attracting more than 121,500 visitors to the city during its first four years,” Mr Crakanthorp said. 

“Funding contributed by the NSW Government will create vital opportunities for local artists to display their craft, emerging artists to gain exposure, students to gain career placement in their field of study, and the local community members to engage with high calibre local art.” 

The festival will kick off on 26 September with a vibrant First Night Art Party in Laman Street to celebrate the community’s first look at the expanded Newcastle Art Gallery and will run through until 5 October. 

New Annual is proudly funded by the NSW Government in association with Transport for NSW Open Streets and Permit/Plug/Play Pilot programs, Multicultural NSW Stronger Together grant, Create NSW and the Destination NSW Regional Event Fund.  

The University of Newcastle, Equip Multimedia and Newcastle Art Gallery are presenting partners of the 2025 event. 

Tickets go on sale to the general public on Monday 21 July. For more information and to stay up-to-date with the latest New Annual news visit https://newannual.com/

2025 NEW ANNUAL FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS

Meet Me at the Baths

Take a seat on the Newcastle Ocean Baths’ beloved concrete bleachers, don a pair of headphones and become immersed in stranger-than-fiction stories inspired by real Novocastrians in this new site-specific work presented by local theatre company Whale Chorus and written by Ang Collins.  

Whilst you are there, check out The Bathers: Magical Memories, an outdoor photography exhibition, featuring the people and stories of the Newcastle Ocean Baths by Lee Illfield and Edwina Richards. 

SOAK: Live at the Baths

Five nights of sunset music performances at the Newcastle Ocean Baths curated by local musician and manager Tim Levinson (Urthboy and Elefant Tracks). 

Featuring local and globally renowned music talent including post punk quintet Dust, globally acclaimed pop violinist Joel Sunny, virtuoso beatboxer Tom Thum, with Dobby and Freyja Garbett, breakout R&B/hip hop artists Boy Soda, A.Girl and Dean Brady + legendary local DJs Jayteehazard and GNGR. 

Public Art Trail

Follow the self-guided art trail to experience vibrant, surprising and immersive art along the Newcastle Foreshore and in shipping containers near Nobbys Beach and Camp Shortland. Hero works include: 

• Argo Escargot, Jen Denzin. A cargo full of tall tales, lost histories and a healthy dose of the absurd, all housed in a shipping container at Camp Shortland. 

• Listen to a Starfish, Diana Chester and Damian Ricketson. Lie down, close your eyes and listen to field recordings from Newcastle’s shore and rock pools in a sensory sound installation that will help you hear and feel our beloved coastline. 

• Anchor, Heidi Axelsen & Hugo Moline. Enter the camera obscura near Nobbys Beach and see the world differently. Flipping images of the world outside upside down – this is a playful take on perception. 

• Mini Putt Putt Golf, Rosie Deacon x Jen Denzin. Tee-off on a colourful and whimsical 6-hole mini putt putt course, built especially for New Annual. 

Alvin Sputnik: Deep Sea Explorer and Night Night

Take in a theatre show at the Newcastle Museum featuring family programming from one of the best theatre companies in Australia, The Last Great Hunt (WA).  

Alvin Sputnik – a theatrical masterpiece that will warm your soul, and Night Night – a cinematic stage adventure – like a Wes Anderson film brought to life! 

First Rhythms

First Nations composer and musician, Adam Manning joins forces with renowned contemporary ensemble, Australian Art Orchestra for a performance that reimagines clapsticks, First Nations rhythms and visual art to explore the living pulse of Country. 

POV

A kid with a camera, two adults, no rehearsals. Just real reactions. Prepare to be transformed by this uplifting and unpredictable family portrait.  

SURGE

Curated by Tantrum Youth Arts and transforming Newcastle Museum for one night only, SURGE is a punk explosion of new performance, music, and interactive, visual and installation art. 

Ghosts Between Streams II

A groundbreaking collaboration featuring jazz, strings and visual art, led by one of Australia’s boldest jazz innovators, Tom Avgenicos. This visionary team showcase the story of the Coquun/Hunter River. 

Chicken

Don Murphy is a proud Irish man, a hopeless ketamine addict and one of his generation’s greatest actors. He also happens to be a chicken. A one-woman show by Eva O’Connor (Ireland) that is bonkers and unbelievably brilliant. 

Spooky Men’s Chorale

Experience a men’s choir in a league of their own live on stage at City Hall. Join the singing workshop in the afternoon and be part of the evening’s finale. 

Dancefloor Conversion Therapy

Jonny Hawkins was once on the straight and narrow, now they’re on the queer and wide. A show for clubbers, ravers, party people and all who’ve been born again on the dancefloor. Join the built-in after party in the laneway at Bernie’s Bar. 

First Night Art Party

A free night of music, movement and art on Laman Street, featuring high-energy sets from Haiku Hands, Kira Puru and Devaura, roving performances, and stunning projections by Art Thinking lighting up the outside of the newly reimagined Newcastle Art Gallery.  

Global Gathering

Lighting up Beaumont Street, Hamilton with the sights, sounds and flavours of the world. Led by MCs Australian journalist, author and screenwriter Benjamin Law and Chinese-Australian writer, comedian, and curator Jennifer Wong, the event will feature performances across two stages, including cooking demonstrations, family-friendly workshops, live music and dance. 

La Ronde – Spiegeltent Newcastle

Step into the Spiegeltent and surrender to the intoxicating world of La Ronde. At the centre of this heady cocktail of circus, live music and comedy will be groundbreaking headliners, world-class provocateurs and captivating raw energy direct from the European underground.