Museum of Chinese in Australia officially opens

The Museum of Chinese in Australia has officially opened in Sydney’s iconic Chinatown today, supported by the Albanese Government.

The Albanese Government is supporting the establishment of the first Chinese focused museum in New South Wales dedicated to preserving and presenting the history, heritage and contributions of Chinese Australians, with $2.6 million in funding.

The museum is located within the heritage listed former Haymarket Library, a building with more than 180 years of history and showcases the historical and cultural ties of the Australia Chinese community dating back to the Cantonese traders in the 1920s.

Adapting the three-storey building at Haymarket, the museum will feature an archive, library and include the transformation of former reading rooms into exhibition galleries and public program spaces.

The project has also been supported by the City of Sydney, NSW Government and generous contributions from the Chinese Australian community.

As communities across Australia celebrate Chinese New Year and welcome the Year of the Horse, the official opening of the Museum of Chinese in Australia reflects the Government’s ongoing commitment to strengthening multicultural Australia and preserving the stories that shape our national identity.

The museum is a permanent invitation to all Australians to learn about the significant role the Chinese community has played in Australia.

The Albanese Government is focussed on investing in community infrastructure which preserves and celebrates our history and builds community.

Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese

“The Chinese Australian community is a powerful example of how when people come to our nation seeking a better life for themselves, they make this a better country for all of us.

“This museum will celebrate a vital thread through the history of our modern nation – the long and extraordinary story of Chinese people in Australia.   

“I can’t think of a better site for this museum than in Haymarket – a place synonymous with the Chinese-Australian story – or a more fitting time of year to open it.”

Minister for Social Services Tanya Plibersek

“Labor understands that Australia’s diversity is one of our greatest strengths.

“The Museum of Chinese in Australia is a place to preserve the stories, struggles, and achievements of Chinese Australians, and to remind us of all the richness they bring to our shared history.

“It’s fantastic to see it open in Sydney’s Chinatown, a place where Chinese culture, hard work, and creativity have flourished for generations.”

Minister for Multicultural Affairs Anne Aly

“The Museum of Chinese in Australia will stand as a cultural landmark in Sydney’s Chinatown as a place of connection reflection and celebration.”

“It shines a light on individuals and families whose stories of ambition, resilience and determination are central to Australia’s nation building journey.”

“These are stories worth remembering, because they deepen our understanding of who we are and strengthen the sense of belonging that underpins our multicultural success.”

Geotechnical findings confirm cause and significance of 2025 New Lambton landslip

An independent, geotechnical report has confirmed the 2025 New Lambton landslip is the largest residential landslip in Australian history and was the result of a natural disaster following two days of intense rainfall.

The report shows 198mm of rain fell on the night of the landslip and presents evidence the area had moved in 2015 and 2022.

The report has been made public following a peer review by Transport for NSW and NSW Public Works. It concludes that the impacted site, including public and private assets, is unable to be remediated through isolated works, and would require a whole-of-slope intervention.

Work to restore the site to its pre-landslip condition is anticipated to cost in excess of $130 million according to preliminary estimates prepared by third party consultants.

City of Newcastle met with affected landowners on Monday night to outline the findings of the report, which shows the landslip was driven by geological conditions and extreme weather, and not caused by former mining operations or any other action by third parties.

The geotechnical report shows the landslip area remains unstable, is still sensitive to large rainfall events and continues to pose risks to property and infrastructure in and around the danger zone.

“Near neighbours are reporting increasing concern regarding potential expansion of the landslip, damage to their properties, fear of future evacuations, rising insurance premiums and significant reductions in property values,” City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath said.

The geotechnical investigation included 20 boreholes, inclinometers, piezometers, and downhole imaging. The report found the landslide has caused severe and ongoing damage, including:

  • The formation of a 2–3m high head scarp that continues to migrate upslope and eastward
  • Impacts on multiple properties with 16 properties currently evacuated
  • Widespread damage to essential public assets sewer, water, stormwater, power, and telecommunications
  • Major deformation and damage to the Baker Street and Victoria Street pavements.

Survey and inclinometer data show:

  • Initial surface movements of 0.4–0.8m on 23 May
  • Additional surface movements up to 2.1m during July–August rainfall
  • Total displacements up to 2.9m near the toe of the landslide
  • Ongoing creep of up to 14mm/day.

Russell Road currently lies above and outside the landslide and minimal movement has been recorded or observed along Russell Road.

City of Newcastle will present two reports at Tuesday’s Council Meeting calling for urgent assistance from the NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA).

The first report will ask Councillors to endorse the peer-reviewed geotechnical report and request the RA submit a Category D Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements application for long-term recovery, enabling solutions to be determined and funded.

The second report calls on the RA to provide urgent financial support for residents who require rental assistance, with insurance-funded temporary accommodation set to end from the start of June 2026.

Mr Bath said City of Newcastle is doing everything it can to help, but long-term recovery is the responsibility of the NSW Reconstruction Authority.

“We will continue to advocate for the impacted families, but the NSW Reconstruction Authority cannot ignore the findings of the independent geotechnical report,” Mr Bath said.

“Councils do not have the financial capacity or legislative authority to deliver the scale of work required to stop the ground from moving beneath the 16 affected homes. 

“City of Newcastle is not permitted to fund or undertake private property remediation or land buybacks, except in very limited circumstances prescribed by legislation, which are not met in this case.

“These limitations are well recognised within disaster recovery frameworks and are the reason State and Commonwealth funding mechanisms exist.

“The NSW Reconstruction Authority’s own Landslide Policy recognises that landslides involve prolonged displacement and require specialist coordination and State-level leadership, factors that are clearly present at New Lambton.

“Funding exists specifically to address these circumstances, enabling the State to determine and fund recovery outcomes that are beyond the scope, authority and financial capacity of local government.”

City of Newcastle has already met with representatives of the RA after providing the agency with a copy of the geotechnical report on the Monday of last week and will continue to advocate for financial support for residents.

Once insurance-funded temporary accommodation is no longer available residents will be required to pay to live in temporary rental accommodation while also servicing mortgages on properties they cannot enter, repair, sell or occupy.

“These costs are borne entirely by residents, through no fault of their own, and in circumstances where a return to their homes is not foreseeable,” Mr Bath said. 

“We’re working with the 16 impacted households to better understand housing-related costs for the next 12 months to support formal State consideration of collective financial assistance in the vicinity of $750,000.

“Beyond the financial impacts, residents continue to experience psychological stress, trauma and exhaustion, disruption to family routines, and ongoing uncertainty regarding housing security, liability and long-term outcomes.”

City of Newcastle representatives, including Mr Bath, presented at NSW Parliament last week as part of the review of the operations of the NSW RA regarding the East Coast severe weather from May 2025.

At the inquiry, Mr Bath revealed it was not until 30 January this year when the RA finally explained that their reason for not leading the recovery effort was that it considered the impact of the natural disaster on the 16 homes to be rated as low severity. This is despite several of the homes collapsing and none of them considered safe enough for people to ever return without $130 million in engineering works. 

City of Newcastle will continue to advocate on behalf of residents and keep them informed, with a further meeting planned for next week where affected landowners can ask questions about what the geotechnical report means for the future of the site.

Effective remediation will require long term monitoring as well as staged implementation and is likely to require a combination of measures including comprehensive surface and subsurface drainage, retaining structures and stabilisation earthworks.

City of Newcastle continues to provide local recovery coordination and community support, taking on significant unbudgeted costs such as site management, monitoring, security and resident engagement, with costs already exceeding $1.3 million. 

These are costs that should be borne by the NSW Reconstruction Authority rather than Newcastle ratepayers.

City of Newcastle leads new initiative to elevate international talent

Skilled migrants, refugees and international students will connect with potential employers next month at the region’s first International Careers Day, which is designed to create job pathways while helping address workforce shortages.

A one-day expo will be held at Newcastle City Hall on 23 March, offering access to full-time, part-time, graduate and casual opportunities across health, technology, tourism, advanced manufacturing and professional services sectors.

The initiative is being led by City of Newcastle and delivered in partnership with the University of Newcastle, TAFE NSW, College of International Education, Business Hunter, Mosaic Multicultural Connections, Training Services NSW, Genu Training, Hunter Local Jobs, and Refugee Education Australia, with support from Study NSW. 

City of Newcastle Executive Manager Media Economy Engagement and Affairs Nick Kaiser said the event will deliver meaningful employment opportunities for students while supporting businesses with ongoing workforce pressures. 

“With 250 students and 35 businesses expected to participate, the expo will feature employer booths, breakout presentations, and one-on-one support services designed to build confidence, capability and connections,” Mr Kaiser said. 

“By delivering an interactive expo-style format with resume writing support, professional photography and industry presentations, we’re making it easier for businesses to connect with talent and for students to take confident steps toward employment.” 

Chair of City of Newcastle’s Access Inclusion Standing Committee, Councillor Elizabeth Adamczyk said the event demonstrates the city’s commitment to fostering an inclusive, globally connected local economy. 

“Through initiatives like our International Student Ambassador Program, we are proud to champion programs that help students feel welcomed, supported and connected to opportunity,” Cr Adamczyk said.

“Building on this work and previous events such as the Jobs Connect Breakfast, this Careers Day strengthens long-term industry partnerships and advances workforce inclusion across our region.” 

The event is supported by $20,000 in funding from Study NSW, helping deliver a high-impact program that enhances the international student experience engagement and employability. 

Investment NSW Deputy Secretary Rebecca McPhee said the event will help international students build strong career pathways and position NSW as a globally competitive study destination.  

“Newcastle and the Hunter region offer international students a powerful combination of world‑class education, industry‑connected learning and a community that genuinely welcomes global talent,” Ms McPhee said.

“Events like this help students translate their skills and qualifications into real career opportunities, while giving local employers direct access to a diverse and highly capable workforce.”

Registrations are now open for businesses and students to express their interest in taking part in the event.

Major construction begins on $720 million Richmond Road upgrade

The Richmond Road upgrade will today reach a major milestone with the first sod turned, marking the start of major work on the project.

The $720 million upgrade will ease congestion, improve safety and support future housing, development and connectivity across this growing region in Western Sydney.

Up to 89,000 vehicles use Richmond Road each day, with traffic volumes forecast to increase significantly in the years ahead as the region continues to grow.

Traffic modelling shows the upgrades are expected to cut average travel times by around 21 per cent during the morning peak and 34 per cent in the afternoon peak once complete.

The Richmond Road Upgrade includes three major projects.

$520 million M7 Motorway to Townson Road upgrade:

  • The M7 Motorway to Townson Road upgrade will widen Richmond Road between Colebee and Marsden Park to reduce congestion, improve safety and support future housing and development across Sydney’s North West.
  • Approximately 2.2 kilometres of Richmond Road will be expanded from four lanes to six lanes, including a new concrete bridge over Bells Creek with travel lanes and a shared path for pedestrians and cyclists.
  • A new flyover bridge will be built from the M7 Motorway Rooty Hill Road North off-ramp to Richmond Road northbound, bypassing two sets of traffic lights and reducing congestion and queuing on the motorway.

$150 million Elara Boulevard to Heritage Road upgrade:

  • The 1.6 kilometre upgrade of Richmond Road between Elara Boulevard and Heritage Road will improve access for the growing Marsden Park community and nearby suburbs, strengthening connections to Blacktown.
  • This work will widen Richmond Road from two lanes to a four-lane divided carriageway and deliver a wider central median to allow for future expansion to six lanes if required.

projects are equally funded by the Albanese and Minns governments.

The $50 million Richmond Road Corridor planning project will investigate further investment opportunities along the corridor from the M7 Motorway to The Driftway, securing the future of one of the region’s busiest and most congested arterial roadways.

The Australian Government has committed $37 million toward this planning work.

The upgrades also include a new bus priority signalised intersection, an extended shared path connecting into Marsden Park, and improved flood resilience along this busy corridor.

The contracts awarded in October last year cover the M7 Motorway to Townson Road upgrade and Elara Boulevard to Heritage Road upgrade.

The Richmond Road upgrade is part of the North West Growth Centre Area Road Network Strategy to support development in this fast-growing precinct.

These projects are part of the Australian Government’s $18 billion infrastructure pipeline for Western Sydney and builds on the $7.4 billion the Minns Government has invested in Western Sydney roads since March 2023.

For more information, go to:

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns:

“This is exactly the kind of practical infrastructure we’re focused on delivering to support growing communities in Western Sydney.

“Richmond Road is a critical corridor, with around 89,000 vehicles using it every day.

“These upgrades will cut travel times, reduce pressure on local roads and make daily trips safer and more reliable. They will mean less time stuck in traffic and more time spent with families.”

Deputy Premier of New South Wales and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car:

“State and Federal Labor Governments are working to deliver much-needed relief on one of the most congested roads in Sydney.

“We’re widening chokepoints on Richmond Road to ensure residents in our community can spend less time on the road and more time with their families.

“For far too long rapidly growing areas in North West Sydney were neglected by the Liberals and endured years of traffic congestion because of their poor planning.

“After years of broken promises, we’re getting on with the job of delivering the vital road upgrades our community deserves.”

Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:

“The Albanese Government is investing in the roads, rail and infrastructure Western Sydney needs to set it up for success.

“Our $18 billion pipeline of Western Sydney Infrastructure projects includes Sydney’s new airport, and key road infrastructure like the Richmond Road upgrade.

“By partnering with the NSW Government on upgrades like this, we are reducing congestion, improving safety and supporting the delivery of new homes and economic growth across the region.”

NSW Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison:

“This is a project that sat on the shelves under the former Government. They threw it in the ‘too hard’ basket, and the people of North West Sydney have paid the price.

“The Minns Labor Government is delivering the road infrastructure Western Sydney needs to keep pace with rapid growth and rising traffic volumes.

“Growing communities, including those in North West Sydney and the lower Blue Mountains who rely on Richmond Road every day, will benefit from safer journeys, reduced congestion and more reliable travel times.”

Federal Member for Greenway Michelle Rowland:

“The Albanese Government is delivering the vital infrastructure our growing community in North West Sydney needs.

“These Richmond Road upgrades will provide real, everyday relief, ensuring local residents can spend less time on the road, and more time with their families.”

Federal Member for Chifley Ed Husic:

“The wait is over, the work has started, the relief is real – people out here will be stoked to see that the upgrade to Richmond Road is finally happening.

“And the fact is it was the Albanese and Minns governments that actually stepped up to fund work that had been neglected for years in one of Western Sydney’s fastest growing areas. It’s a great to see this upgrade finally happen.”

State Member for Mount Druitt Edmond Atalla:

“The Minns Labor Government is delivering for local families who rely on Richmond Road every single day.

“This upgrade will make journeys safer and smoother, while ensuring the corridor can support future growth in our community.”

State Member for Blacktown Stephen Bali:

“Our community has been calling for improvements to Richmond Road for years, and the Minns Labor Government is getting on with the job.

“These upgrades will improve access between Marsden Park and Blacktown and support the continued growth of Western Sydney.”

State Member for Riverstone Warren Kirby:

“Richmond Road is a lifeline for the rapidly growing suburbs of Riverstone and Marsden Park.

“The Minns Labor Government is investing in practical improvements that will reduce congestion, improve safety and deliver better connections for our local community.”

Free wellbeing workshops for rural women

Women in eight regions in New South Wales will have access to practical wellbeing and self-care training with the launch of free Women’s Wellbeing Workshops ahead of NSW Women’s Week.

The NSW Government is supporting regional and rural women’s mental health with this partnership with Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP), especially in areas where access to such care can be harder.

The workshops will discuss:

  • stress and how it can impact rural women,
  • how women may manage and respond to stress,
  • values and how they impact wellbeing
  • self-care, assessing the effectiveness of strategies, and learning how to develop an action plan.

Funding of $10,000 for this program is through the Rural Women’s Network, which works to support and empower regional, rural and remote women.

RAMHP is a program that provides mental health education, with a focus on regional, rural and remote communities. Coordinators are regional, rural and remote people and understand the specific strengths, challenges and characteristics of rural life.

The one-day workshops will run in:

  • Wee Waa (1 March)
  • Manilla (17 March)
  • Finley (31 March)
  • Mudgee (14 April)
  • Yamba (28 April)
  • Narromine (12 May)
  • Walcha (19 May)
  • Urana (4 June).

Register for the Women’s Wellbeing Workshops here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/women-nsw/rural-womens-network/rwn-events/womens-wellbeing-workshops#toc-dates-and-locations

These workshops complement the popular two-day Rural Women’s Skills Roadshow, run in partnership with St John’s Ambulance, that continue to make their way around the state. Registrations are still open for these workshops at https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/women-nsw/rural-womens-network/rwn-events/rural-womens-network-skills-roadshow-2026

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“Mental health is an important and ongoing conversation across regional NSW where the stress of drought and other natural disasters can really take a toll.

“Mental Health and wellbeing support services are a vital lifeline and these workshops, specifically tailored for women, can really make a difference.

“They offer rural women the chance to pause, share experiences with others and focus on their own health and wellbeing. Something regional women rarely get the chance to do.”

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“Regional and rural women play many different roles in their communities – as business-owners, farmers, carers and volunteers. Like many women, they are often selfless and put others ahead of themselves.

“But sometimes, the stresses can be overwhelming. These one-day workshops are a great way for women to stop and learn how to prioritise self-care so they and their families can thrive.

“This is part of our wider work to support women’s health and wellbeing, empower them, and boost their participation in the community.

“I encourage regional women in these eight towns to register quickly for these workshops, as places will fill up fast.”

Kate Arndell, Service Manager for RAMHP said:

“RAMHP is thrilled to be working with Rural Women’s Network NSW to create welcoming workshops where women feel heard, supported and reminded that their wellbeing truly matters.”

“These workshops are a chance for women to step away from the busy-ness of daily life, spend time with other women who understand rural pressures, and focus on their own wellbeing in a relaxed and supportive space.”

Face-to-face scam support for NSW seniors

As scammers increasingly target older Australians, the NSW Government is bringing free, practical digital safety support directly into communities throughout March.

As scammers increasingly target older Australians, the NSW Government is bringing free, practical digital safety support directly into communities throughout March.

Seniors across NSW will be able to build their digital confidence and learn how to stay safe from scams with ID Support NSW offering dedicated assistance during the 2026 NSW Seniors Festival.

ID Support NSW will kick off its NSW Seniors Festival roadshow in the Blue Mountains on 2 March before hosting a series of sessions across regional and metropolitan NSW, including at the Seniors Festival Expo at the ICC Sydney on 11-12 March.

In 2025 alone, people aged 55 years and older collectively reported more than $53 million in losses, with almost 85 per cent of people aged 50 and older believing they have come across or been a victim of a scam.

Some of the most common scams targeting this age group include parcel delivery scams, overdue payment scams, phishing scams, impersonation scams and tech support scams; these can often lead to identity theft.

Low digital literacy is a major factor leaving older people vulnerable to scams. Australians aged 75 and over reported to have the lowest digital abilities, scoring 32.1 points below the national average, while those aged 65 to 74 are 15.5 points below, according to the Australian Digital Inclusion Index.

To help close key digital gaps, the Minns Labor Government launched the NSW Digital Inclusion Strategy last year – the first comprehensive framework aimed at strengthening digital literacy and reducing vulnerabilities across the community.

The strategy is built around five pillars of connectivity, affordability, digital ability, accessibility, and digital trust and safety, and aims to ensure all people can participate online regardless of age, income, background or location.

With action led by ID Support NSW, the strategy supports seniors at risk of digital exclusion by helping them build the skills and confidence needed to navigate an increasingly digital environment.

At an ID Support NSW session, attendees will learn what support is available from the NSW Government, test the strength of their passwords, and have one-on-one support to uplift their online security and improve the privacy controls on their devices.

To find an online or in-person session across the state, head to the ID Support NSW website.

Residents can also test their passwords online and learn if it’s been involved in a data breach via the ID Support NSW Password Strength tester.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government, Jihad Dib said:

“We want NSW seniors to feel confident navigating the digital world. Whether it’s recognising a scam, managing passwords or accessing essential services online, the ID Support NSW team can help you build your digital skills.

“This program will make a difference by delivering support directly to seniors across NSW; we’re committed to helping people stay safe, independent and informed.

“Improving digital literacy is a core pillar of the NSW Government’s Digital Inclusion Strategy which aims to close the digital divide and strengthen cyber resilience across the community.”

Minister for Seniors, Jodie Harrison said:

“The ID Support NSW Seniors Festival roadshow is about empowering older people in metro, regional and rural NSW to brush up on digital skills and boost scammer awareness.

“Holding the roadshow as part of the NSW Seniors Festival from 2-15 March will give more NSW Seniors the opportunity to improve their cyber security knowledge to prevent a potential scam.

“This initiative builds on NSW Government programs to support older people to develop their digital literacy, including Tech Savvy Seniors, which runs regular digital sessions on a range of topics at over 70 libraries and community colleges statewide.”

NSW Chief Cyber Security Officer, Marie Patane said:

“As life becomes increasingly digital, it is important no one gets left behind. ID Support helps seniors gain confidence and tools to stay safe online.

“With more than $53 million lost to scams by people aged 55 and older in NSW last year, our commitment to digital inclusion is not just timely, it’s essential.

“These sessions give seniors practical, real-world skills to recognise threats before they cause harm.”

Regional NSW dominates top 10 electorates with rooftop solar

The latest data reveals that households and businesses in regional NSW are leading the charge in rooftop solar adoption, accounting for nine of the top ten electorates for installations. 

NSW leads the country in rooftop solar with more than 1 million homes and businesses that now have rooftop solar – a third of all NSW homes.

When the sun is shining, rooftop solar is producing more power than all of our coal fired power stations. In the final quarter of last year, rooftop solar and solar farms combined provided 32% of our state’s electricity.

The Barwon electorate in the state’s north-west has emerged as the leader with 24,537 homes and businesses with rooftop solar, followed closely by the Northern Rivers region with 22,743 in Ballina and 22,162 in Lismore. 

While Riverstone in Sydney’s Northwest ranks as the fifth highest electorate in NSW for solar uptake, it takes the number one spot for battery installations in the country with around 1,500 households opting to capture their rooftop solar for use around the clock.  

The top 10 solar electorates in NSW:

ElectorateSolar PV installation
Barwon24,537
Ballina22,743
Lismore22,162
Tweed22,161
Riverstone21,037
Dubbo20,584
Clarence20,506
Oxley19,790
Port Macquarie19,457
Albury19,161

An average 4-person household with a 6.6kW solar system could save up to $1,400 per year.

Minister for Energy Penny Sharpe:  

“From the Far West to the Northern Rivers, regional NSW is leading the charge on rooftop solar.

“In the final quarter of last year, solar farms and rooftop solar provided 32% of our state’s electricity.

“Families and businesses are saving on their bill with solar, and the highest concentration is in the regions and Western Sydney.”

NSW deserves answers on ISIS bride briefings

According to media reports, high-level briefings between the Federal Government and NSW Government agencies have been underway for months regarding the repatriation of Australian women and children from Syria.

If these reports are accurate, the people of NSW deserve full transparency from the Minns Labor Government.

Anyone who has left Australia to align themselves with ISIS has betrayed Australia and should not be welcomed back.

Questions now arise about what the NSW Government knew and when.

If planning has been underway for months, why is the public only learning about it now through media reporting?

The public will rightly ask where these individuals will be residing, what safeguards are in place, and if any costs of settlement and security will be borne by NSW taxpayers.

There must also be a comprehensive plan to ensure that any children involved are protected from radicalisation and are given every opportunity to be properly reintegrated into Australian society. That requires structured intervention, ongoing oversight and coordination between federal and state authorities.

The NSW Liberals and Nationals call on the Premier to answer the following questions to satisfy the NSW public that community safety has been put first:

  1. When was the NSW Government first formally briefed about plans to repatriate these individuals?
  2. Did the Premier personally receive briefings, and on what dates?
  3. Why has the public only learned now if planning has been underway for months?
  4. What risk assessments have been conducted for individuals returning to NSW?
  5. Have security agencies raised any concerns about specific individuals settling in NSW?
  6. What monitoring or control measures will be in place upon arrival and who pays?
  7. How many individuals are expected to settle in NSW specifically?
  8. Have local communities been consulted or informed?
  9. What specific protections and support are in place for the children?
  10. Has the Premier picked up the phone to the Prime Minister and demanded that every possible action be taken to prevent the re-entry of these individuals?

Visit to Australia by the Prime Minister of Canada

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will welcome the Right Honourable Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada, to Australia from 3 to 6 March.

This will be Prime Minister Carney’s first visit to Australia as Prime Minister. He will visit Sydney and Canberra, where he will address the Australian Parliament.

Australia and Canada have a close and enduring partnership, underpinned by trust and shared values, including parliamentary democracy, multiculturalism, equality before the law, and respect for our First Nations peoples.

Prime Minister Carney’s visit is an opportunity to further strengthen cooperation on investment, economic security and critical minerals, defence, and links between our institutions and communities.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“I am pleased to welcome my friend Prime Minister Carney to Australia and look forward to his address to the Australian Parliament.

“Canada is one of Australia’s closest friends, built on generations of trust, with a shared commitment to supporting stability across the Indo-Pacific and beyond.

“As our countries face new challenges and opportunities, we must deepen our cooperation with partners to promote our national interests.

“I look forward to discussing ways to build on our existing cooperation with Canada to shape the next stage of this key relationship.”

Australia’s steadfast support for Ukraine four years on

Today marks four years since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in blatant violation of international law, including the United Nations Charter.

Four years of unprovoked Russian aggression against a sovereign, democratic neighbour.

Australia is steadfast in our commitment to a just and lasting peace for Ukraine.

We commend the bravery and resilience of the Ukrainian people.

Australia has committed over $1.7 billion in total assistance, including $1.5 billion in military support to help Ukraine defend itself.

Russia continues to weaponise winter by intensifying its attacks on Ukraine’s critical energy infrastructure and civilian populations. Australia has provided $40 million to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund, including $10 million announced in January 2026, to help keep lights on, homes heated and essential services operating. 

Since the outset of the invasion, Australia has made clear that Russia, and those enabling its illegal war of aggression, will face consequences.

The Australian Government has today imposed additional targeted sanctions on 180 individuals, entities and shadow fleet vessels with links to Russia, our single largest sanctions package since February 2022.

These new sanctions target Russia’s finance and banking, defence, aeronautical, oil and gas, transportation, and science and technology sectors. They are designed to squeeze Russian revenues and further constrain its ability to continue its illegal and brutal invasion.

The banking and finance sectors facilitate the purchase of technology and equipment necessary for Russia to sustain its invasion, while the oil and gas and transport sectors generate revenue for the Russian government. Russia’s aeronautical and defence sectors are critical to the development of Russian military capability.

Shadow fleet vessel sanctions are designed to starve Russia’s war economy of revenue.

For the first time, Australia is also targeting cryptocurrency entities that enable cross-border payments to facilitate sanctions circumvention which sustains Russia’s military operations.

Australia has now imposed more than 1800 sanctions in response to Russia’s illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Australia has also lowered the Russian Oil Price Cap from USD47.60 a barrel to USD44.10, alongside action taken by our international partners to further drive down the market value of Russian crude oil.

Details of these additional measures are available on the sanctions guidance webpage.

We will continue to take action to place further pressures on Russia’s oil revenue, and we expect businesses to prevent their supply chains from inadvertently funding Russia’s illegal and immoral invasion of Ukraine.

Australia coordinates closely with Ukraine and international partners through the Coalition of the Willing. The Deputy Prime Minister will participate in a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing this evening.

Once again, Australia calls on Russia to immediately end its war and uphold its international legal obligations, including in relation to the protection of civilians and treatment of prisoners of war.

Today and everyday, Australia will continue to push for a just and lasting peace that upholds Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, supports security and stability in Europe, and ensures Russia does not renew its aggression.