Category: Australian News

The Albanese Government has today announced two milestone investments to boost Australia’s economic engagement with Southeast Asia, supporting new opportunities for Australian investors and businesses.

The Government will invest AUD$175 million in IFM Investors’ Asia-Pacific Debt Fund and USD$50 million in a new Southeast Asia Public-Private Partnership (PPP) investment fund established by Australian infrastructure specialist Plenary.

Both investments, administered by Export Finance Australia (EFA), will help expand the presence of Australian investors and businesses in Southeast Asia.

These investments are being delivered through the Government’s A$2 billion Southeast Asia Investment Financing Facility (SEAIFF).

Australia continues to increase our economic engagement with Southeast Asia under Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040. ASEAN alone represents nearly 700 million people, and by 2040 is expected to be the fourth largest economy in the world.

The A$175 million investment in IFM Investors’ Asia-Pacific Debt Fund will support IFM’s expansion into Southeast Asia, targeting investments in key sectors including renewable energy, telecommunications and logistics.

The USD$50 million investment in Plenary’s new Southeast Asia PPP investment fund will enable it to finance essential public infrastructure projects across Southeast Asia – using Australian know-how to deliver nation-building projects in sectors such as healthcare, education and transport.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“Together, these investments represent a major step forward in my Government’s delivery of our Southeast Asia Economic Strategy. 

“A quarter of a billion dollars to kick-start Australian investments in the region and back the growth of Australian companies.

“These investments will boost exports and supply chains, helping grow jobs back home”

Foreign Minister, Penny Wong

“Australia is fully invested in Southeast Asia, and we continue to build opportunity and prosperity together.

“Almost $1 billion of new Australian investment has been supported under Invested, and two-way trade has increased $6 billion between 2023 and 2024.

“Trading and investing more in our region means more opportunities for Australian businesses to grow, creating more Australian jobs and boosting our economic prosperity and resilience.”

Minister for Trade and Tourism, Don Farrell

“As a bloc, Southeast Asia is projected to become the world’s fourth-largest economy by 2040.

“Through these new investments, the Albanese Government is backing Australian exporters and investors to take advantage of the growth of the world’s most dynamic region.

“We are determined to leverage the enormous opportunities for Australian businesses, creating and sustaining jobs both here and in Southeast Asia.”

The Albanese Government has today announced two milestone investments to boost Australia’s economic engagement with Southeast Asia, supporting new opportunities for Australian investors and businesses.

The Government will invest AUD$175 million in IFM Investors’ Asia-Pacific Debt Fund and USD$50 million in a new Southeast Asia Public-Private Partnership (PPP) investment fund established by Australian infrastructure specialist Plenary.

Both investments, administered by Export Finance Australia (EFA), will help expand the presence of Australian investors and businesses in Southeast Asia.

These investments are being delivered through the Government’s A$2 billion Southeast Asia Investment Financing Facility (SEAIFF).

Australia continues to increase our economic engagement with Southeast Asia under Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040. ASEAN alone represents nearly 700 million people, and by 2040 is expected to be the fourth largest economy in the world.

The A$175 million investment in IFM Investors’ Asia-Pacific Debt Fund will support IFM’s expansion into Southeast Asia, targeting investments in key sectors including renewable energy, telecommunications and logistics.

The USD$50 million investment in Plenary’s new Southeast Asia PPP investment fund will enable it to finance essential public infrastructure projects across Southeast Asia – using Australian know-how to deliver nation-building projects in sectors such as healthcare, education and transport.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“Together, these investments represent a major step forward in my Government’s delivery of our Southeast Asia Economic Strategy. 

“A quarter of a billion dollars to kick-start Australian investments in the region and back the growth of Australian companies.

“These investments will boost exports and supply chains, helping grow jobs back home”

Foreign Minister, Penny Wong

“Australia is fully invested in Southeast Asia, and we continue to build opportunity and prosperity together.

“Almost $1 billion of new Australian investment has been supported under Invested, and two-way trade has increased $6 billion between 2023 and 2024.

“Trading and investing more in our region means more opportunities for Australian businesses to grow, creating more Australian jobs and boosting our economic prosperity and resilience.”

Minister for Trade and Tourism, Don Farrell

“As a bloc, Southeast Asia is projected to become the world’s fourth-largest economy by 2040.

“Through these new investments, the Albanese Government is backing Australian exporters and investors to take advantage of the growth of the world’s most dynamic region.

“We are determined to leverage the enormous opportunities for Australian businesses, creating and sustaining jobs both here and in Southeast Asia.”

Australia warmly congratulates Timor-Leste on its accession as the 11th member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese marked the occasion with Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão and ASEAN leaders at the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur.

This is an important milestone for ASEAN and a significant step for Timor-Leste’s regional integration and economic development. It is a credit to both ASEAN’s and Timor Leste’s sustained efforts over many years.

We acknowledge the leadership of Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão in achieving what he has described as a ‘historic goal’ for the nation and people of Timor-Leste.

Australia is proud to have supported Timor-Leste’s ASEAN journey from the beginning, including through our $11.8 million technical assistance and capacity building package.

Australia is ASEAN’s first Dialogue Partner, and we strongly support ASEAN’s role in shaping a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

ASEAN is central to regional stability; it guards against conflict, drives regional economic growth, and reinforces the rules and norms that protect us all.

As a close friend, partner and neighbour, we look forward to continuing to work closely with Timor-Leste and ASEAN to ensure membership delivers real benefits for the Timorese people and our shared region.

Nic Hodgson, aged 29, was last seen in Swansea, about 3.30pm yesterday (Sunday 26 October 2025).

When she could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.

Police and family hold concerns for Nic’s welfare as she lives with a number of health conditions.

Nic is described as being of Caucasian appearance, 170cm tall, medium build, red/auburn coloured shoulder length hair that maybe tied in a bun and has sleeve tattoos on both arms and the right leg.

She was last seen wearing a green shirt, black cargo shorts and black boots.

Nic is known to frequent the Swansea and Morisset areas.

The body of a 29-year-old woman reported missing from Swansea yesterday (Sunday 26 October 2025) has been located.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge has recently been diagnosed with a serious medical condition that requires ongoing treatment. 

He will be taking a leave of absence from his duties as Lord Mayor starting Monday, 27 October until early 2026.

During this period, Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Charlotte McCabe will assume the responsibilities of Lord Mayor to ensure continuity of leadership and service to the community.

City of Newcastle extends its full support to Lord Mayor Kerridge and wishes him strength and a full recovery.

Tomorrow marks the 40-year anniversary of the return of Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park to Anangu, its Traditional Owners.

The Handback is a significant milestone for Anangu and in the history of Australian Indigenous land rights, ending decades of lobbying by Traditional Owners to have their rights recognised.

The then-Prime Minister, Bob Hawke announced in November 1983 that the government would amend the Aboriginal Land Rights Act and return the title for Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park to its Traditional Owners.

On 26 October 1985, the Hawke Labor Government and the then-Governor-General, Sir Ninian Stephen, handed back the title deeds to Uluru-Kata Tjuta to Anangu during a ceremony held in the remote community of Muṯitjulu.

Anangu signed a 99-year lease to jointly manage the national park with the Commonwealth, through the Director of National Parks.

The Prime Minister and the Minister for the Environment and Water have travelled to Central Australia this weekend to join anniversary events.

The theme of the 2025 Handback celebration is Fire of the Past, Igniting the Hearts of the Future which translates to Waru Iritinguru, Tiliningi Kurunpa Kuranyukutungku Katiringkupai in Pitjantjatjara, one of the two languages spoken by Anangu in Uluru.

A public event is being held today to celebrate the anniversary at the Talinguṟu Nyakunytjaku sunrise viewing area at Uluru. The event will feature a marketplace showcasing Anangu arts and crafts, inma (traditional dance), and a concert featuring local Indigenous performers.

An exhibition commemorating 40 years of the joint management of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park through artworks, photographs and historical materials is on display at the Uluru Cultural Centre.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“This anniversary stands tall in the story of our nation – 40 years since the Commonwealth of Australia returned Uluru and Kata-Tjuta to the Anangu people.

“Handback recognises that unbreakable relationship with Country which was formally recognised four decades ago.

“It is a deep honour for me to be the first Prime Minister to attend a Handback Anniversary.”

the Anangu Chair of the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Board of Management Tapaya Edwards

“Uluru and Kata Tjuta are very important to Anangu. We have always lived here, and having the land returned to us 40 years ago was an important moment for us.

“The national park is a place where Tjukurpa – Anangu law and culture – can be kept strong for future generations.

“There is still much work to be done, and we look forward to seeing our young people carry this flame forward, as they learn Anangu traditional knowledge and Western knowledge to care for Country and keep Tjukurpa strong.”

Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt

“The Handback of Uluru under the Hawke Labor Government was a historic moment of justice, recognising Anangu as its true owners.

“Joint management with the Commonwealth ensures Aṉangu have a lead role in the protection of the enormous environmental and cultural values of this significant national park.

“The Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park Cultural Centre was opened in 1995 to mark the 10th anniversary of the Handback.

“It’s fitting that for the 40th anniversary, a range of upgrades to the Cultural Centre and around the national park have been completed with funding from the Albanese Government.

“Planning is also underway for more upgrades, including to the iconic Uluru base walk, so visitors can continue to experience this World Heritage Listed site.”

Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy

“The Handback of Uluru and Kata Tjuta was a defining moment in the history of land rights in Australia, a recognition of the Anangu people’s deep and enduring connection to Country and a powerful act of justice.

“It laid the foundation for other landmark returns across the nation and continues to shape how governments and communities work together to honour First Nations people and their custodianship of land.”

Homeowners are paying a climate “disaster penalty” as climate-driven floods become more frequent and severe, according to a new report published by the Climate Council and Prop Track.

The report, which analysed more than two decades of property data, found that a million Australian households are already impacted with homes in flood zones collectively worth about $42 billion less due to the risk of floods:

• Homeowners are effectively paying a “disaster penalty” of about $75,000 for a typical 3-bed, 2-bath house. 
• As climate-driven floods become more frequent and severe, more properties could face steeper penalties. 
• Households in Queensland and New South Wales are the hardest hit, followed by Victoria. 
• Overall rising property prices are masking the fact that flood-prone properties start from a lower value and experience slower growth.

The Greens say urgent action is needed from the Government to address the climate crisis and the housing crisis hitting Australians.

Greens spokesperson for housing, homelessness and finance Senator Barbara Pocock:

“We’re in a housing crisis, and the increasing frequency and intensity of climate-driven disasters is making the housing crisis worse. The crisis is making more homes uninsurable and uninhabitable and it is lowering the value of homes in flood prone areas affecting many lower income households and widening inequality.

“Homeownership is already out of reach for so many Australians. Climate-driven events hiking the cost of insurance and making many properties unoccupiable is making our housing crisis worse.

“This is further proof of where this Government’s priorities lie: Appease the coal and gas corporations while ignoring the costs of climate impacts on Australia’s households.

“Many households across the country spend decades saving for their home deposit and then face high recovery costs and insurance premiums arising from climate-driven disasters. Why should Australians continue to bear the costs of decades of government inaction on climate change? 

“Labor are captured by the interests of coal and gas corporations which mean that they prioritise polluters’ profits ahead of a safe climate future for everyday Australians and nature.

“The Government’s own Climate Risk Assessment Report shows 1.5 million people are at risk of their homes flooding or falling into the sea in the next 25 years. However, the Prime Minister doesn’t want to know about it.

“Labor must deliver a truly ambitious climate target based on science and based on the avoided cost of disasters that are putting too many of us at risk. 

“We have existing, affordable technologies that could deliver over 85% emissions reduction and, with the Greens, Labor has the numbers in parliament to be truly ambitious on climate.

“Labor must stop approving new coal and gas.”

Greens Deputy Leader & Spokesperson for Climate Adaptation, Resilience & Emergency Management, Senator Mehreen Faruqi:

“People are buckling under the combined stressors of the housing and insurance crises, and the trauma of climate disasters destroying their homes and lives.

“It should be climate polluting fossil fuel companies paying the costs of climate-fuelled disasters, not families, communities, renters and retirees who are bearing the brunt of the housing and climate crises.

“Report after report reinforces what scientists and people on the front line of climate disasters have been demanding: the strongest action to tackle the climate emergency is needed urgently.

“Insurance has become a major stressor for at-risk communities as it becomes increasingly unaffordable or unavailable, with insurance companies either pulling out or hiking premiums and making people’s lives even harder.

“Labor needs to stop pouring fuel on the fire of the climate crisis. That means taking every action to transition away from coal and gas right now.”

Greens MP Sue Higginson will introduce a bill to the NSW Parliament today that would create a responsibility for cat owners to prevent their animal from roaming outside of their property. The bill would require cat owners to take reasonable steps to prevent their pet from roaming, and introduce a tiered fine system to encourage community education and cultural change.

Greens MP and spokesperson for the environment said:

“NSW has fallen behind the rest of Australia when it comes to managing roaming cats as a harmful and invasive species, we have to fix this and these laws will do just that,”

“In Sydney alone, roaming pet cats are estimated to have killed over 62 million native animals in 2024 – a shocking number and a significant contributor to the decline of our precious and unique wildlife across the landscape,”

“Roaming cats are also a risk to human and community health, with these animals being the main domestic source of toxoplasmosis – a disease that infects one in five Australians. Toxoplasmosis can cause miscarriages, blindness and brain damage, and roaming pet cats are walking, hunting disease vectors that threaten public health,”

“Cats in Australia have been an unmitigated disaster and have caused the extinction of at least 27 native species and continue to threaten 120 other species with extinction. As long as domestic cats are allowed outside to kill and maim native species, they will continue to be a leading cause of local extinctions in our neighbourhoods,”

“Our biosecurity laws recognise the serious risks that uncontrolled introduced species pose to our unique ecology in Australia, but pet cats have been given a free pass. Today, community expectations are on the side of applying controls to cats in the same way we do with pet dogs, with at least 66% of the community supporting laws to prevent cats from roaming and killing native animals,”

“This reform is well overdue and only possible thanks to the decades of work by the community and organisations that work on the frontline of nature conservation. It’s time to get this done and I hope the Government and the opposition will support this critical change,” Ms Higginson said.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has ordered Israel to allow unimpeded aid into Gaza and has confirmed that the restrictions placed on aid over the past two years have breached Israel’s obligations under international law. The Court found that Israel had a duty not to impede the work of UN organisations, including UNRWA, that were providing aid to Gaza, and that the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) was not a suitable substitute.

Since the so-called ceasefire early in October, Israel has continued to bomb Palestinians and has stopped most of the aid outside Gaza from getting in, and major crossings remain blocked. The ‘ceasefire’ stipulates that 600 aid trucks must enter each day, yet the daily average of trucks entering has been below 100.

Australian F-35 parts and steel have been sent to Israel to fuel its war machine during the genocide. The Foreign Minister should substantially increase the aid being provided to Gaza and should take all possible actions, including sanctions, to force Israel to comply with this ICJ decision.

Greens Deputy Leader and Spokesperson for International Aid & Global Justice, Senator Mehreen Faruqi:

“The latest damning ICJ finding confirms Israel’s deliberate and sustained undermining of UNRWA and finally banning it, as it used starvation as a weapon of war. It was unconscionable of the Albanese Labor government to play a part in this by suspending funding to UNRWA for months, based on unsubstantiated allegations and flimsy Israeli propaganda.

“Since the beginning of the so-called ceasefire, Israel has allowed only a fraction of the aid required into Gaza. The peace plan backed by Australia is showing to be the farce that we all knew it would be.

“Now is the time for Australia to back this ICJ advisory opinion and use all tools available to force Israel to let aid into Gaza and ensure UNRWA is able to operate unimpeded. UNRWA is the only organisation with the capacity to adequately address the situation in Gaza, which remains catastrophic.

“These latest findings confirm what we already know, that Israel has broken international rule after international rule with impunity and cover provided by western countries like Australia and the USA.

“Not only must we sanction Israel and stop the arms trade to force the flow of aid into Gaza, but Israel must be held to account for their genocide, war crimes, and atrocities.

“Australia has a moral obligation to contribute generously to rebuilding Gaza as part of a self-determined Palestinian state. Aid cannot just be the token amounts announced so far, and our contribution must atone for Australia’s role in supplying F-35 parts and steel to the Israeli war machine that continues to kill Palestinians.”

Background

Reports from the Environment Department reveal that Inpex spilled 36,000L of oil into Darwin Harbour on the 12th of October. This comes in the wake of their admission that they under-reported their emissions of benzene, a chemical linked to cancer, by 13,400% since 2018. 

It is clear that the fossil fuel industry cannot be trusted to measure and report on their emissions in a timely and accurate manner. And more importantly, they cannot be trusted to operate in a way that is safe for our environment and our communities. 

We note that the Chair of the NT EPA, Mr Paul Vogel, has had to excuse himself from this matter because of a conflict of interest. It is concerning that the EPA Chair has had to recuse himself due to conflicts of interest arising from his involvement in the fossil fuel industry.

The NT Greens call for an urgent parliamentary inquiry into this crisis in the fossil fuel industry. 

Kat McNamara MLA , Greens Member for Nightcliff

“The failures at Inpex continue, as they not only poison our air with cancer-causing chemicals but we now find out they’ve polluted our harbour with tens of thousands of litres of oil. This is a crisis.”

“Having found out that Inpex underestimated their emissions by 13,400 percent, how are we expected to believe that these oil leak figures are anywhere near accurate?”

“I want the CEO of Inpex and our Environment Minister to look Darwin families in the eyes and say that they think it’s acceptable for our children to be breathing in substances linked to leukaemia.”

“I will be calling for an urgent Parliamentary Inquiry with public hearings to be held on this ongoing crisis of enormous leaks and dangerous pollution from the gas industry.