16 News

Commissioner the Hon Virginia Bell AC has today delivered the Interim Report of the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion.

The Government welcomes the Interim Report, accepts all recommendations that relate to the Commonwealth, and is committed to working with the states and territories to adopt a national approach to implementation of all 14 recommendations.

While Commissioner Bell found Australia’s existing legal and regulatory frameworks did not hinder agencies’ ability to prevent or respond to the Bondi attack, and that no urgent or immediate action is required, the recommendations go to enhancing our national counter-terrorism arrangements and capabilities.

The Interim Report contains a small number of classified recommendations which cannot be publicly released because they could compromise sensitive national security information. The Government will respond swiftly to these recommendations and Australians will see practical outcomes through a range of policy, program and funding measures.

The Government established the Royal Commission in the wake of the antisemitic terrorist attack at Bondi to examine antisemitism in Australia and strengthen social cohesion.

The Government thanks Commissioner Bell and her team for their professionalism and dedication in delivering the Interim Report. The Government also thanks Mr Dennis Richardson AC for his contribution in leading the independent review of Australia’s federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies, which became part of the Royal Commission.

The Albanese Labor Government has secured two shipments carrying 100 million litres of jet fuel, and another shipment of 50 million litres of diesel to keep Australia moving.

These three new fuel shipments, going to Brisbane, Perth and Darwin, are in addition to the eight shipments already announced in partnership with BP Australia, Ampol, and Viva Energy, which will reach Australia in May and June.

Combined, the Government has secured over 450 million litres of additional diesel and 100 million litres of additional jet fuel to make sure Australians have the fuel they need.

Under the Strategic Reserve powers, EFA is continuing to progress discussions with a number of other businesses who can secure, ship and distribute fertiliser into Australia where it is needed most.

More shipments are expected under these agreements in the coming days and weeks.

the Prime Minister

“My Government is working day and night, here and abroad, to shield Australians from the worst of the impacts of a war on the other side of the world.

“We have now secured more than 450 million litres of additional diesel and 100 million litres of additional jet fuel to keep Australia moving.   

“In the face of global instability, we are leaving no stone unturned as we work to keep Australia moving, working and flying.”

Minister Farrell

“This additional 100 million litres of jet fuel to Perth and Brisbane and 50 million litres of diesel to Darwin will keep our FIFO workers flying, our truckers driving, and our nation moving.

“It gives Australians the peace of mind they need to travel and see their loved ones and to keep exploring our vast and beautiful country.”

Minister Bowen

“The Government is continuing to strengthen our fuel supply chain in partnership with industry, and these additional cargoes from our third partner to secure shipments to date is proof of that.

“This support for approximately 100 million litres of jet fuels shows the Government is acting now to ensure continued essential fuel supplies.”

Minister C King

“The Government has now secured jet fuel through the Strategic Reserve for the first time since the conflict began, ensuring our aviation sector has the certainty it needs to keep passengers and freight moving. 

“This is a practical step towards strengthening Australia’s jet fuel supply. This will help support Australian airlines and keeping our nation connected.”

I welcome the Prime Minister’s announcement today that Meghan Quinn will become the next Secretary of the Department of Defence. 

Having served as Secretary of the Department of Industry, Science and Resources since 2022, Ms Quinn brings with her a wide range of experience across the public sector, including positions at Treasury and the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, as well as in the private sector.

With Defence being one of the largest federal government departments, Ms Quinn’s experience in public administration and strategic leadership means she will be well placed to lead Defence into the future.

Ms Quinn will make history as the first woman to substantively lead the Department of Defence, and I know that alongside our recently-announced leadership changes within the Australian Defence Force, she will bring a wealth of experience in this role.

I would like to once again thank Greg Moriarty for the contribution that he has made to the defence and security of our nation, and I look forward to working with him as Australia’s next Ambassador to the United States.

In a major enhancement to the Australian Army’s long-range strike capability, the Albanese Government has selected the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM), investing $2.3 billion over the decade and delivering a second long‑range fires regiment at the Edinburgh Defence Precinct in South Australia.

This decision follows a comprehensive competitive evaluation process by Defence.

As the 2026 National Defence Strategy sets out, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) requires greater capacity for long-range strike to defend Australia.

A second long‑range fires regiment will significantly enhance the ADF’s ability to engage targets at ranges of up to 500kms, transforming to more than 1,000kms with future increments of PrSM. This will increase our capacity to respond effectively to contingencies in our region and work with our allies and partners.

As set out in the recently released 2026 Integrated Investment Program, the Albanese Government is investing up to $37 billion over the next decade, including enabling data and systems, to develop and enhance the Royal Australian Navy, Army and the Royal Australian Air Force’s targeting and long-range strike capabilities.

HIMARS are already in service with the Australian Army as part of the first long-range fires regiment. These launchers were used at Exercise Talisman Sabre 25, firing a PrSM two years earlier than planned. The second regiment will complement Army’s existing HIMARS capability – delivering a proven, highly mobile and lethal strike system aligned with Australia’s strategic and operational requirements.

The Albanese Government is establishing a sovereign missile manufacturing industry in Australia, including missiles fired from the HIMARS launcher.

The first Australian-made Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) missile was test-fired by an Australian HIMARS this month, and last year Australia and the United States established a cooperative program for PrSM to pave the way for future domestic production.

Both missiles will have Australian industry participation in their supply chains, including for locally manufactured components and sub-components.

Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles:

“This is a decisive investment in Australia’s long‑range strike capability that will bolster our Defence Force and help keep Australians safe.”

“This capability delivers on the National Defence Strategy direction to accelerate and expand the acquisition of land-based long-range fires to provide the ADF with a deployable strike capability to protect Australia’s northern approaches and contribute to sea control and sea denial.” 

“This is another significant milestone as the Albanese Government continues to invest in an integrated, focused force that meets our strategic circumstances.”

Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy:

“To defend Australia, our Army needs a stronger long-range strike capability – and we’re delivering it.”

“The Albanese Government is investing up to $37 billion over the next decade on targeting and long-range strike capabilities for the ADF.”

“We’re already making missiles that can be fired from the HIMARS – and this decision will create even more demand for PrSM missiles within the Australian Army and deliver more opportunities for PrSM manufacture in Australia.” 

The Victorian Greens say that Labor must explain why there is no evidence that $1.35 million of taxpayer money meant for forest restoration was used as intended.  

A new VAGO report states that $1.35 million given in grants specifically allocated for ‘site rehabilitation’ were gifted by Labor but they have failed to provide any evidence of work delivered, achieved environmental outcomes or that funds were used as intended. 

The Victorian Greens say that it’s outrageous that millions in public money can be spent with no evidence that forests were rehabilitated as planned – and as a result there are likely large tracts of Victorian forest that have been left with no forest rehabilitation. 

VAGO’s report only looks at one portion of the $1.5 billion the Victorian Labor Government has given to the logging industry to stop native forest logging.  

The report found that the Victorian Labor Government failed to comply with rules, leaving gaps in its recording and oversight processes.  

The audit followed a series of allegations dating back to May 2023 that government grants meant for supporting workers into sustainable jobs were being exploited to log Tasmanian forests. The Victorian Greens Leader, Ellen Sandell referred the allegations to VAGO in March 2024. 

the Leader of the Victorian Greens, Ellen Sandell: 

“Labor needs to explain why there is no evidence that taxpayer money specifically set aside for forest restoration and rehabilitation were used as intended. 

“It’s outrageous that there’s likely huge parts of the forest that have been left without any rehabilitation because Labor gave millions to the logging industry – and nobody ever had to prove how this money was spent. 

“Labor doesn’t care about our environment or our forests, but is happy to give millions handouts to loggers, and this is just another example of this”

The Victorian Greens have called for pop-up protected bike lanes for six-months on Sydney Road to encourage more people to ride during the fuel crisis. 

The Greens say Sydney Road is notoriously dangerous for cyclists despite being a popular destination for locals who often travel by bike. The nearby Upfield bike path is overcrowded. 

Research from Monash University found that over 60 per cent of women would ride more often if they felt safer, and they particularly pointed to a lack of separated bike lanes.

A 2020 costing from the Victorian Parliamentary Budget Office found that temporary physically separated bike lanes in the stretch between Brunswick Road and Glenlyon Road would cost just $300,000 for 6-months. 

Safe cycling infrastructure group, Critical Mass, will be conducted a protest ride from the State Library to Sydney Road on Friday 24 April to call for safe bicycle infrastructure and accessible tram stops before the Brunswick level crossing removal works start in 2028. Critical Mass protests have attracted hundreds of cyclists at past protests.

The Greens say safer bike lanes would support more people to ride to shops, restaurants and locations along Sydney Road, supporting local business.

Victorian Greens Candidate for Brunswick, Adam Pulford 

“With the cost of fuel rising, people are driving less and more people are looking for free or cheap transport alternatives. When there is safe cycling infrastructure, more people choose to ride.”

“Our community has been calling out for protected bike lanes on Sydney Road for years and despite two people dying while riding on Sydney Road and countless other incidents, Labor has ignored us time and again.”

“The Greens are putting solutions on the table, protected bike lanes are a simple way the government can help people save money while also improving safety and cutting emissions.” 

The Greens are today calling on the Government to introduce a ‘Big Tech Tax’ following revelations that billions of dollars generated in Australia by global tech giants like Meta, Amazon and Google are being shipped offshore. 

Greens spokesperson for communications, Senator Sarah Hanson-Young: 

“Big tech companies make billions of dollars off Australians and it’s time to make them pay their fair share with a Digital Services Tax. 

“We will look closely at the details of the News Bargaining Incentive draft legislation that has been released today and participate in the consultation ahead of its introduction to the parliament.

“Big tech platforms make massive profits from ripping off the content of journalists and creators, but they are also making billions from monetising the personal data of Australians and shifting profits offshore.

“Billion-dollar tech corporations are exploiting loopholes and shifting profits offshore, and Australians are rightly asking why they’re getting away with it.

“It’s time to end the free ride for Tech billionaires and impose a proper and enforceable tax on big tech.  

“Companies that trade in Australia should pay tax on the money they make in Australia. It’s as simple as that.

“New reports show that in the last year alone, Meta generated around $1.7 billion in revenue from Australia, but shifted roughly $1.5 billion offshore. That’s about 87 cents in every dollar. 

“In the same period, Amazon generated close to $6 billion in Australian revenue, Google approximately $2 billion, and Meta itself billions more.

“This is tens of billions of dollars out of the pockets of everyday Australian users,  being sent immediately offshore by these massive corporations without any contribution to Australian taxes. 

“They are gaming the system and ripping Australian households off. The community has had a gutful and want the system fixed.      

“It’s time the tech bros paid their fair share back to Australians.

“A Digital Services Tax would raise approximately $11.5 billion according to the Parliamentary Budget Office, which could be invested in real cost of living relief as Aussies struggle through the economic crisis caused by Donald Trump’s war. 

“A Big Tech Tax is a crucial first step in reining in the enormous power these companies wield. Not only are they making extraordinary profits, they are also harvesting and monetising the personal data of millions of Australians, while ripping off the work of Australian journalists and creators.

“These foreign-owned corporations continue to make huge profits from Australians while resisting regulation at every turn. That has to change.

“Now more than ever Australia needs to stand up for our national interest against Donald Trump’s billionaire oligarchs like Zuckerberg, Musk and Bezos.