Category: Australian News

The Australian Government is relisting the terrorist organisations Hamas, Hizballah and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, as well as 30 other entities and 10 persons, for counter-terrorism financing sanctions.

These counter-terrorism listings expire every three years, and are being renewed ahead of their expiry date in 2025. Hamas has been listed since 2001.

We are also imposing new counter-terrorism financing sanctions on three persons and one entity linked to Hamas, to reflect changes in the leadership of the terrorist organisation.

These listings target Mr Izz al-Din al-Haddad, who has been the leader and military commander of Hamas since May 2025, a member of Hamas’ Politburo, a senior financial facilitator, and a currency exchange used to facilitate the transfer of funds and cryptocurrency to Hamas.

The Albanese Government remains unequivocal in its condemnation of Hamas and continues to call for the immediate, unconditional and dignified release of the hostages it took during the horrific October 7, 2023 terrorist attacks.

We continue to work with the international community to isolate Hamas and end its grip on Gaza. We have made clear that there can be no role for Hamas in a Palestinian state.

A listing for counter-terrorism financing sanctions makes it a criminal offence to use or deal with a listed person or entity’s assets, or to make an asset available to them.

Counter-terrorism financing sanctions disrupt the ability of terrorist organisations to raise funds, making it harder for terrorists to fund operations and recruit.

Penalties for a breach of an Australian sanctions law include up to 10 years’ imprisonment and/or heavy fines.

A consolidated list of sanctions is available on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s website.

The Albanese Government will provide $12 billion towards delivering a Defence Precinct at Henderson to deliver continuous naval shipbuilding and AUKUS in Western Australia.

Alongside the Albanese Government’s record investments across shipbuilding and AUKUS in the West, these commitments will support 10,000 direct jobs over the next two decades as well as providing opportunities for small and medium sized businesses across the state.

Today’s announcement of new money is a significant down payment for the Defence Precinct, with early independent planning and advice indicating the Henderson Precinct will require investment in the order of $25 billion over the decade.

This early commitment of funding will provide certainty to industry who will partner on the construction of infrastructure and facilities and will also kick-start early works whilst more detailed planning and design work for Henderson are finalised.

This initial investment will underpin the delivery of:

• The construction of surface vessels for the Australian Defence Force, starting with Army’s Landing Craft and, pending successful consolidation, the domestic build element of Australia’s future general purpose frigates;
• Facilities to support the sustainment of Australia’s surface combatant vessels;
• Contingency docking capabilities for Australia’s future conventionally-armed, nuclear­ powered submarine fleet from the early 2030s; and
• Depot-level maintenance, including graving docks.

Progressing these capabilities will be critical for Australia’s delivery of the AUKUS pathway and ensure Australia is ready to receive its first Virginia class submarine in the early 2030s.

This commitment builds on the government’s initial $127 million commitment to progress planning for the Defence Precinct.

Additional funding requirements will be considered once detailed design works are finalised and as delivery models, including the opportunity for private financing models, are determined.

In partnership with the Western Australian Government, and in line with the Commonwealth­ State Cooperation Agreement, we will continue to work together on transition arrangements and certainty for current and future users of Henderson.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“Today’s investment is another way we are delivering record defence funding to bolster Australia’s capabilities.

“This world class precinct will create more than 10,000 local jobs and strong opportunities for local industry.

“There is no greater honour than serving our country in our nation’s uniform and my Government is dedicated to investing in the defence capabilities our nation requires.”

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles:

“The Albanese Government continues to increase defence spending to record levels to deliver the capabilities Australia needs.

“Henderson will be critical to Australia’s shipbuilding and sustainment industry while supporting continuous naval shipbuilding in Western Australia and Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine pathway.

“In less than a year from our announcement to establish the Defence Precinct at Henderson, today we are announcing additional funding to start delivering on key programs for the Australian Defence Force.”

Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy:

“This investment is part of the Albanese Government’s commitment to building our sovereign defence industry and supporting a future made in Australia.

“Western Australia already plays an important role in the delivery of capabilities for the ADF, and the consolidation of the Henderson precinct will be a significant boost for defence industry in the West.

“It will support around 10,000 highly skilled, well paid jobs over the next two decades, helping people across Western Australia build great futures for themselves and their families.”

The Albanese Government has begun the process of establishing the per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) National Coordinating Body with Assistant Minister of Defence, Peter Khalil set to provide oversight of the Body alongside NSW Minister for the Environment, Penny Sharpe, given the initial focus of operations.

The National Coordination Body will expand to encompass other locations over the next twelve months, with Ministers from other states and territories invited to nominate representatives to join the Body and become involved in its oversight. 

As this National approach evolves, both Ministers Khalil and Sharpe will also work closely with representatives from across government to establish the first community-based Working Group aimed at continuing to drive progress on PFAS-related issues near RAAF Base Williamtown.

Representatives from Defence, the Worimi Local Aboriginal Land Council, Port Stephens Council and NSW Government will form the first Working Group. Members of the Williamtown community are also invited to join the group, with expressions of interest now open for applications.

These advances at a national and state level mark a significant step toward continuing to address the needs of communities who have been impacted by PFAS contamination, while also improving the management and oversight of PFAS remediation across Australia. 

The establishment of a PFAS National Coordinating Body and Williamtown Working Group were key recommendations agreed in the Government response to the Independent Review of land uses around key Defence bases impacted by PFAS contamination, released in December 2024.

Defence is also continuing its scope of work to inform the Williamtown Working Group about options for drainage management across the area south of RAAF Base Williamtown. This work will be a practical first step in addressing key community concerns.

The expression of interest process to join the Williamtown Working Group opened earlier this week and is set to close on Friday, 03 October 2025. Community members who wish to join can complete an application form here.

Assistant Minister for Defence, Peter Khalil:

“Communities affected by PFAS contamination need action. That’s why we’re getting on with setting up the National Coordinating Body and the first Working Group in Williamtown to get things moving. 

“The Independent Review made it clear that a Working Group model is the most effective way to address community concerns and deliver meaningful reform to better support those impacted.

“The National Coordinating Body will support the Williamtown Working Group ensure all levels of government work together to directly address the many concerns raised by locals.

“As representatives from other states and territories join the National Body, I look forward to working with their corresponding Ministers to ensure people living in PFAS impacted areas are provided with the support they need.”

Today, I am pleased to welcome Malaysia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, YB Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad Bin Haji Hasan, to Melbourne for the seventh Australia-Malaysia Annual Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AFMM), in the year we celebrate the 70th anniversary of Australia’s diplomatic presence in Malaysia.

The AFMM is an opportunity to strengthen cooperation under our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, including in trade and investment, defence and regional security, and governance and institutional reform.

I look forward to continuing discussions I had with Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan in Kuala Lumpur in July, and reiterating Australia’s support for Malaysia as ASEAN Chair this year.

Australia is a modern multicultural nation, and we share extensive people-to-people ties with Malaysia. Over 172,000 people of Malaysian heritage call Australia home, and more than 500,000 Malaysians have studied in Australia.

Our two countries’ longstanding partnership is grounded in a shared history of friendship and cooperation in support of a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region.

I look forward to deepening these ties through our discussions today.

State governments have told Labor today that nearly 2,500 people are unnecessarily in hospital waiting for residential aged care or home care packages. 

The Greens are calling on Labor to use today’s meeting of Health Ministers to help end the ‘rationing’ of aged care. Rationing of aged care means the release of a limited number of care spaces each year, meaning people who need care miss out. 

The Greens spokesperson for Older People, Senator Penny Allman-Payne, previously wrote to the Minister for Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, warning of the impacts of Labor’s shortage of aged care on the hospital system and urging him to take responsibility and act to end the aged care shortage.

Last week’s Aged Care Inspector-General report confirmed the government’s aged care reforms due in November will not deliver the change envisaged by the Aged Care Royal Commission four years ago, and would “both prejudice equity of access to care and create inadvertent cost blow in other areas.”

Senator Penny Allman-Payne, Greens spokesperson for Older People:

“We heard at the Greens-led Senate inquiry into Aged Care that older Australians were being forced into hospital because of Labor’s aged care shortages, and now today’s figures confirm it.

“2,500 older people have been left virtually homeless because Labor are rationing care out to those who can most afford it.

“In the for-profit aged care system, the worse your health is, the less likely you are to be cared for.

“Labor and the Liberals aged care system restricts the supply of care, and providers then choose from their most profitable customers. The Royal Commission said we should end this rationing of care, but Labor have ignored them.

“When 1 in 3 big corporations pay no tax, but an older person with dementia can’t get care, something is seriously wrong.”

“Labor had to be dragged kicking and screaming by the Greens and others in the Senate just to release 20,000 home care packages. This time, they should take heed of this warning from the states and use today’s meeting to help end the rationing of care so that everyone can access the care that they need.”

The Victorian Greens have helped secure a major win for locals in the South by forcing the Allan Labor Government to shelve legislation that would have tripled the annual lockout period of Albert Park for the Formula 1 Grand Prix. 

The Greens say the collapse of the Bill is a win for Albert Park residents and community groups who fought against the extension of the race period, which would have locked locals out of the park for up to three weeks each year.

Victorian Greens MLC for Southern Metropolitan, Katherine Copsey, said the Greens had opposed the Bill from the outset, standing with the local community against and ultimately forcing Labor’s hand in what was little more than an attempt to hand over public land for private profit.

Victorian Greens MLC for Southern Metropolitan, Katherine Copsey: 

“This was nothing more than a public land and access grab by the Labor Government. Albert Park is a public space and it should be for the local community, not a corporate paddock.” 

“We’ve already seen Labor hand over billions of taxpayer dollars to Liberty Media, the private overseas company that owns Formula 1. Albert Park belongs to the people and should be first and foremost for the enjoyment of our local community, not multinational corporations.” 

Senator Faruqi, Deputy Leader of the Australian Greens and spokesperson for Anti-Racism:

“I welcome a report that rightly puts Islamophobia on the national agenda. The government now needs to act on the structural and institutionalised nature of Islamophobia and respond to concerns that have been raised by communities for years.

“This report confirms yet again the depth and breadth of racism Muslim communities face in this country. Islamophobia goes well beyond horrific incidents targeting individuals. Islamophobia is structural and must be addressed as such.

“It is good to see this report aligning with the National Anti-Racism Framework to tackle Islamophobia. This report must be used hand in hand with the Framework, which provides a blueprint for an anti-racist Australia that protects First Nations communities and all racially marginalised communities.

“For years, Muslim communities have pleaded successive governments to take Islamophobia seriously, but they have repeatedly failed to treat Islamophobic hate as the emergency it is. This report should jolt the government into action to change course and finally act on racism with the seriousness it requires.

“Politicians neglecting and denying the existence of Islamophobia has led to its unprecedented rise since Israel’s genocide in Gaza. Dehumanising Muslims, Arabs and Palestinians while gaslighting and vilifying those daring to highlight the existence of this hate has really harmed these communities. Now is the time to reset.”

Greens Senator David Shoebridge, spokesperson for Justice and Home Affairs:

“The Greens support an independent review of counter-terrorism laws, practices and policies with a focus on removing discrimination against Muslim-Australian communities.

“My office has had repeated contact from members of the Muslim community with glaring examples of policing, especially counter terrorism policing, that are grossly unevenly applied against the Muslim community.

“Home Affairs must ensure that it is there to support Muslim Australians with funding, engagement and respect. This is a necessary culture change that will require leadership from the Minister down and a change in rhetoric and enforcement practices that too often marginalise Muslim Australians.

“This report rightly highlights the link between anti-Palestinianism and Islamophobia and the appalling responses that members of the Palestinian and Arab communities have suffered for their public calls to end a genocide. Politicians who fuel this anger must take responsibility and be held to account.”

The Australian Greens have called Labor’s decision to rubber stamp an extension to Woodside’s North West Shelf project ‘a betrayal’ to voters hoping for strong climate action.

Earlier today, the Environment Minister gave final approval to extend Woodside’s mega-polluting North West Shelf gas project through to 2070.

This approval will generate up to 6.1 billion tonnes of emissions over its lifetime and threaten to push whole ecosystems to the brink of collapse. 

It will become the biggest new fossil fuel project in the Southern Hemisphere.

Last year was the hottest year on record, and scientists have made it clear: any new coal or gas project makes things worse.

The extension puts the rock art at Murujuga on the Burrup Peninsula at critical risk, and has been subject to a three year Federal Court action under the Aboriginal Heritage Protection Act (AHPA) led by Raelene Cooper.

This extension will also increase the likelihood of a massive gas field being built on the pristine Scott Reef, home to threatened endangered species like the green sea turtle and pygmy blue whale.

The science consistently tells us that in order to keep warming under 1.5 degrees, we must be committing to net zero by 2035.

This will not happen while Labor continues to back more coal and gas.

Leader of the Australian Greens, Senator Larissa Waters:

“Labor has caved to pressure from a dirty gas corporation. This approval is a betrayal and a disastrous decision for the future of our planet.

“Our environmental laws, which allow the Environment Minister to sign off on projects that will make the climate crisis worse, are broken. Minister Watt’s next test is to enshrine environmental laws that protect the climate so another massive gas project like this is never approved in Australia.

“In a time where we have been living through a once-in-a-decade weather event almost every year, this approval will mean more intense floods, fires and species extinctions, plus more pollution each year than all of Australia’s coal stations combined. 

“This extension also endangers the sacred Murujuga rock art that includes the earliest depiction of the human face on the planet. And it puts pressure on beautiful Scott Reef and on the Kimberley for new fracking sites to feed this hungry gas plant.

“People believed Labor when they said they’d take real action on the climate crisis, but instead in the first 6 months of this parliament they’ve caved again to the pressure of coal and gas profits. 

“People didn’t vote for Woodside’s carbon bomb.”

Australian Greens environment spokesperson, Senator Sarah Hanson-Young:

“The approval of Woodside’s climate bomb has blown apart Labor’s credibility on protecting our climate and environment. On the eve of the government announcing the 2025 climate targets, this is a terrible sign that the fossil fuel companies are still dictating government policy.

“This decision highlights why we need new environment laws. It’s beggars belief that in 2025, the Environment Minister is signing off on fossil fuel projects that will make the climate crisis worse.

“It is devastating that so soon after the public elected one of the most progressive parliaments in Australia’s history, one of the new Environment Minister’s first acts in the job has been approving one of the biggest, dirtiest gas projects in Australia out to 2070.

“We cannot protect our climate, nature and heritage sites like the Murujuga rock art while we are digging up and burning more and more fossil fuels.

“The Albanese Government has a choice to make. They can work with the Greens to bring in new environment laws that actually protect nature and our climate or they can work with the Liberal party and the Minerals Council to make it even easier for massive carbon bomb projects like this to be approved.

“This monstrous gas expansion will be an environmental disaster – unleashing gas pollution on a huge scale, destroying cultural heritage and threatening pristine ecosystems like Scott Reef, home to threatened endangered species like the green sea turtle and the pygmy blue whale.”

Legislation to strengthen protections for victim-survivors of sexual abuse and toughen penalties for perpetrators has passed NSW Parliament.

The suite of amendments to the Crimes Act 1900 which passed the upper house last night include ensuring offenders who either sexually assault someone or indecently interfere with their body after death cannot escape prosecution, if the time of death is unknown.

The Minns Labor Government thanks the families of Mona Lisa and Jacinta Rose “Cindy” Smith for their tireless advocacy for this reform following their tragic deaths in 1987.

Under the amendment, when it is beyond reasonable doubt that one of these two crimes occurred, but it is uncertain which due to the timing of death, the accused will be sentenced according to whichever offence has the lesser maximum penalty.

Previously, they would have gone unpunished. The reform is in direct response to the 2024 coronial findings into the girls’ deaths.

Other amendments to the Crimes Act which passed the Legislative Council on Thursday bring NSW into line with other jurisdictions and respond to gaps in existing legislation including:

• Raising the threshold for the definition of ‘child’ from 16 to 18 years for child abuse material offences in line with Commonwealth offences.
• Strengthening laws criminalising female genital mutilation, ensuring they are in line with community expectations. The amendments clearly state that female genital mutilation is a crime regardless of the reason, motivation or age of the victim, while ensuring medically necessary practices are protected.
• Making it easier to prosecute people who commit sexual acts in the presence of children with improper intent because of the presence of the child.

This passage of the Crimes Amendment (Sexual Offences and Female Genital Mutilation) Bill 2025 is part of the NSW Government’s work to build a safer NSW where women and children are protected and perpetrators held to account. Previous reforms include:

• Making it harder than ever for alleged domestic violence offenders to get bail.
• Introducing electronic monitoring for alleged serious domestic violence offenders.
• Strengthening laws to protect against repeated breaches of ADVOs.
• Making changes to bail courts across New South Wales to ensure bail decisions are made by magistrates and judges – not registers.

Attorney General Michael Daley said:

”It is not acceptable for a perpetrator to escape accountability because of a legal technicality.

“The passage of this important legislation means the historical injustice inflicted upon the families of Mona and Cindy will never be repeated.

“It strengthens protections for victim-survivors while making it easier to hold the perpetrators of sexual violence to account.”

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, Jodie Harrison said:

“These changes are an important part of the Government’s work to strengthen protections for women and children, as well as holding perpetrators to account for acts of sexual violence.

“We are working with stakeholders and advocates to make sure victim-survivors get the protections and support they deserve.”

A 27-year-old electrician who was homeless at 15 and is now preparing to buy her first home has been named NSW’s Apprentice of the Year.

Sydney-based Kathryn Beale, who was a mature-aged apprentice, received the top individual award at the NSW Training Awards, with Wagga Wagga Council employee Imogen Young-Maloney named Trainee of the Year.

The annual awards celebrate excellence across vocational education and training, recognising outstanding students, trainers, providers and employers. In 2025, regional NSW shone brightly, with most awards going to individuals living and working outside metro Sydney.

Ms Beale was recognised for her technical expertise and commitment to excellence in her electrical apprenticeship with NECA Group Training, hosted by Star Electrical. Now a qualified electrician working on major construction and infrastructure projects, she is also mentoring colleagues, promoting diversity and inspiring the next generation of tradespeople.

Ms Young-Maloney was honoured for her resilience and proactive approach to overcoming work challenges as a trainee business support officer at Wagga Wagga City Council. She champions vocational education as a pathway for students still exploring their careers, frequently promoting opportunities and fairs and expos.

Presented by Training Services NSW and in its 70th year, the NSW Training Awards highlight the vital role of vocational education in building skilled workforces and stronger communities.

Award winners will now represent NSW at the Australian Training Awards in Darwin on 5 December.

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan said:

“I congratulate all the winners and finalists at the 2025 NSW Training Awards whose achievements are a powerful reminder of how vocational education and training uplifts futures and strengthens our communities, industries and economy.

“Our future prosperity is dependent on growing our skilled workforce, and role models like our Training Awards winners are essential in breaking down stereotyped about VET careers.

As our winners head to Darwin for the Australian Training Awards in December, I know they’ll fly the NSW flag with pride. They’re the best of the best, and I’m confident they’ll inspire the nation, just as they’ve inspired us here at home.”

Apprentice of the Year, Kathryn Beale, said:  

“The decision to pursue an electrical apprenticeship was driven by my desire to develop a skill set that would allow me to take on more responsibility, gain hands-on experience, and achieve long-term stability in the industry.

“Despite the challenges of being a woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry, I have gained confidence and resilience, which have further reinforced my commitment to this trade and my personal growth.

“This training pathway has truly been a transformative journey for me. I was homeless at 15 and now am almost ready to buy my own home.”

Trainee of the Year, Imogen Young-Maloney, said:  

“Education and careers are not ‘one size fits all’. There are so many different paths you can take, and it’s never too late to change direction. I want people to see what vocational education can offer and to know that the same opportunities are out there for them too.

“Vocational training gave me the chance to explore a pathway I might not have considered otherwise, and it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve made. I’d encourage others to stay open to opportunities, try new things, and not feel pressured to have all the answers right away.”

The full list of winners can be found below:
 

Individual

Category	Winner	Qualification	Employer	Region	Suburb
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year	James Barry	Certificate III in Guiding	Balloon Aloft Hunter Valley	Hunter & Central Coast	Cessnock
Apprentice of the Year	Kathryn Beale	Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician	NECA Electrical Apprenticeships	Southern & South-west Sydney	Middleton Grange
School-based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year	Amali Rollinson	Certificate III in Hairdressing	Blush Hair and Beauty Bar Bathurst	Western NSW	The Lagoon
Trainee of the Year	Imogen Young-Maloney	Certificate III in Business	Wagga Wagga City Council	Riverina	Kooringal
VET in Schools Student of the Year	Darby Hubber	Certificate II in Agriculture	Catholic Education Diocese of Bathurst	Western NSW	Cowra
VET Trainer/Teacher of the Year	Penelope Mackay	Business & Hospitality	Catholic Education Diocese of Wagga Wagga	Riverina	Turvey Par
Vocational Student of the Year	Rebecca Hambrook	Certificate IV in Community Services	Weigelli Centre Aboriginal Corporation	Western NSW	Cowra

Organisation

Category	Winner
Industry Collaboration	Casino Food Company Ltd and TAFE NSWCollaboration title: Skills for the Future: TAFE NSW & The Casino Food Company Partnership
Small Employer of the Year	Muswellbrook Preschool Kindergarten Inc.
Large Employer of the Year	Australian Rail Track Corporation
Small Training Provider of the Year	CWBTS(City-wide Building & Training Services)
Large Training Provider of the Year	TAFE NSW