Response to CSIRO funding ‘pathetic’: Greens

A Senate inquiry into the job and program cuts at the CSIRO has today released its final report, exposing a deliberate shift away from public good science at the nation’s leading scientific research agency.

The inquiry revealed the CSIRO is suffering chronic underfunding masked as strategic reform, causing workforce destruction, loss of sovereign capability, and deliberate subversion of climate science.

The Greens are urging the Government to reverse all funding and staffing cuts, commit to increased and ongoing funding for “public good” science, and urgently establish an audit of CSIRO facilities to ensure its sustainability and viability.

Greens spokesperson for finance, public sector, workplace relations and employment and Senator for South Australia, Barbara Pocock:

“The major parties’ responses to the evidence provided through this inquiry are pathetic. This was an inquiry into “funding and resourcing for the CSIRO” yet neither made a single recommendation to actually increase funding or resourcing. It’s frankly shameful, and our dissenting report calls out their failure.

“Sustained underfunding of CSIRO is actively degrading Australia’s scientific workforce and eroding sovereign capability.

“CSIRO workers are facing relentless uncertainty about their jobs and research. These are highly skilled workers essential to Australia’s scientific future. 

“Specialised scientific expertise takes years, often decades, to build. Once lost, it cannot be quickly or easily replaced. Losing their expertise would be a serious blow. 

“Australia is not just underfunding science – it is dismantling the workforce and capability needed to confront the defining challenges of this century.

“This is about choices and the Labor Government is choosing to subsidise fossil fuel companies in the midst of a climate crisis over ensuring our nation’s resilience and sovereign capability through essential science.

“Gutting CSIRO is part of a broader process by successive Labor and Coalition Governments to weaken Australia’s public sector.

Greens spokesperson for Science, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson:

“Evidence to the inquiry makes clear that the challenges facing the CSIRO are the direct consequence of chronic underfunding by governments. 

“These funding pressures are driving a shift toward short-term, applied work at the expense of deep, long-term climate science. This is not an incidental outcome, it is a direct consequence of policy and funding choices, and it carries significant national risk.

“The CSIRO has spent decades building the knowledge, infrastructure and skilled workforce needed to model Southern Hemisphere climate systems. This is not something that can simply be outsourced or picked up elsewhere. Rebuilding it would take years of sustained investment and the cuts now underway risk losing it altogether.

“The CSIRO needs additional funding and a new commitment from current and subsequent governments to real increases in the resources available to our premier public science organisation.

“With public good science funding under siege globally, it has never been more important for the Albanese government to invest in the CSIRO.”

Ordinary Council Meeting 28 April

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 28 April. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions. 

Ordinary business 

Endorsement of public exhibition for Draft Delivering Newcastle 2040 and 2026/27 Budget

Council voted to place the draft 2026/27 Delivering Newcastle 2040 and the draft 2026/27 Fees and Charges on public exhibition for a period of 28 days.

Closed Circuit Television trial

Council voted to endorse a trial of up to three years of Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) within a defined location(s) on Beaumont Street, Hamilton, conditional on the NSW Government contributing no less than 50% of the total cost.

Tender Report – East End regional precincts and partnerships program works

Council voted unanimously to reject all tenders received for the East End Public Domain Stages 3, 4, 7 and 8, and endorse not calling for fresh tender submissions. Council authorises the CEO to enter into negotiations with a view to entering into a contract.

Minister’s consent application for leasing City of Newcastle managed land 

Council voted to lay on the table for discussion at the next Ordinary Council Meeting an application to the Minister for Local Government for consent to grant a lease for food and drink premises on community land at Newcastle Ocean Baths for a term of five years with a five-year option.

Executive Monthly Performance Report

Council received the Executive Monthly Performance Report for March 2026.

Notices of Motion 

Affirming commitment to the genocide convention

Council supported a notice of motion affirming commitment to the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, in accordance with Australia’s obligations.

Late items

Awaba Park food pantry

Council supported a foreshadowed notice of motion that City of Newcastle ensures that ongoing maintenance and space activation is built into the new design of the Awaba Park pantry facility.

Support for Newcastle Jets finishing top of the ladder

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion to acknowledge and congratulate the Newcastle Jets for their Premiers Plate success and ensure plans are in place to provide the Newcastle Jets with a Civic Reception should they secure the Premiership.

Modern ticketing upgrade to deliver more reliable, everyday public transport for NSW

A new Opal app, easier ways to save money and the introduction of a digital Opal card will be delivered under the biggest overhaul of the NSW public transport ticketing system since its rollout 13 years ago. 

The $820 million investment will deliver much better real-time information on public transport services, including the installation of digital information screens on 5,000 buses for the first time.

This will provide passengers with information on upcoming stops and destination timings – as well as onboard audio announcements.

Passengers waiting at bus stops will now get much better information on the next service, ending the longtime commuter frustration of ‘ghost buses’ that show up on apps and maps but not in real life.

As announced earlier this month, almost a million public transport passengers will shortly be able to claim their concession, pensioner or seniors fares – and the lower weekly fare cap – through contactless technology on their device under the digital upgrade to the Opal network. 

Adult fares are capped at $50 weekly, Concessions and Child/Youth at $25, and a $2.50 daily cap is in place for Senior/Pensioner travellers – meaning once you hit those caps, your trips are free. On Fridays, weekends, public holidays and outside peak times, fares are 30 per cent cheaper on metro, train, bus and light rail services.

The project, Opal 2.0, has passed a significant milestone, with contracts now signed with two leading industry suppliers to deliver the ticketing overhaul.

Contractors will install 25,000 new Opal readers across rail, metro, bus, light rail and ferries, replacing the familiar machines passengers have “tapped on” to for more than a decade and have now reached their end of life.

Development of the new system will progress throughout 2026 before the first hardware installations starting in 2027 and completion expected in 2028.

This investment is part of a broader shift to focus on the parts of the public transport network people use every day like buses and heavy rail, alongside new metro lines.

For too long, investment has been concentrated in major metro projects, while reliability and customer experience on existing services has lagged. That is changing.

This upgrade will improve the day-to-day experience for millions of passengers, making services more predictable, easier to use and better connected.

Passenger benefits of Opal 2.0 include:

  • Automatic fare adjustment if an incorrect fare is charged, without needing to contact customer service
  • Digital Opal cards that can be added to your device of choice
  • World-leading and Australian-first Contactless Concessions
  • New and improved Opal travel app
  • Personalised notifications sent after a passenger taps with advice on trip and fare
  • Faster and more accurate patronage data to warn how busy onboard an upcoming service will be
  • Information screens on 5000 buses
  • Ability for event-goers to scan the QR code on their ticket at an Opal reader to access free transport
  • Passenger information screens that display upcoming stops on all Greater Sydney and outer metropolitan buses
  • Better real-time bus tracking and patronage accuracy

Following a competitive international procurement process, Transport for NSW has awarded contracts for the Opal 2.0 upgrade.

INIT Pty Ltd will deliver the Account Based Ticketing system. Headquartered in Germany with a Sydney office, INIT has delivered ticketing systems in more than 140 cities worldwide.

Trapeze Group will deliver the Bus Solution. With a workshop in Western Sydney, Trapeze operates in more than 70 locations globally and delivers transport technology across Australia, including for Yarra Trams and NSW Ambulance.

The NSW Government has allocated $77.8 billion over four years in the 2025-26 Budget to support public transport services and infrastructure, and the functions that keep them running.

Opal 2.0 budget remains within budget at $738 million, as previously announced, with new funding for the bus upgrades taking the overall investment to $820 million.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“At a time when families are under pressure, we are focused on making public transport a more reliable and affordable option for millions of people across NSW.”

“This upgrade is about improving the everyday experience, making it easier to get around, to save money and easier to rely on public transport.

“We are investing not just in new lines, but in the services people use every day like buses, trains and the systems that keep them running.”

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“Opal was introduced more than six years before the first metro service even ran in Sydney. It’s time for this tech-led transformation.”

“So-called ‘ghost buses’ have been a bugbear for Sydney commuters, and this solution is going to end that era once and for all.

Transport Secretary Josh Murray said: 

“This is the next frontier of Opal – helping us to achieve a safe, equitable, accessible and integrated transport network.

“The original Opal relied on technology from London’s Oyster system, which was first introduced in 2000. Like corresponding technology from the start of the century such as the Blu-Ray Player and the first Blackberry – it’s time for an overhaul.”

INIT Executive Vice President MENA-ANZ Eyad Tayeb said:

“We are delighted to bring the very latest account-based ticketing technology to NSW.

“Our technology is used in dozens of world class public transport systems across the globe, including playing a critical role in Atlanta and Houston’s hosting of the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, as well as the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics and the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Munich.

Trapeze Group ANZ Head of Intelligent Transport Systems David Eason said:

“The NSW Government has set a bold and progressive vision for the future of bus operations. Passengers across Greater Sydney and outer-metropolitan areas deserve a predictable, reliable, and easy to use bus network that connects communities.” 

$3.8 million to fast-track more than 68,000 new homes across regional NSW

The Minns Labor Government is accelerating the delivery of more than 68,000 new homes across regional communities, with a $3.8 million investment to help councils unlock housing supply sooner.

Twenty regional councils across NSW will share in the latest funding from the Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund (RHSPF), which will support critical planning work needed to enable thousands of more homes.

This funding will fast-track work which is critical to support sustainable growth that aligns with both demand and infrastructure needs.

This investment is supporting councils right across NSW from Newcastle to the Central West, Riverina, Murray, Northern Rivers and more so they will be better equipped to deliver more diverse, well-located and affordable homes.

The funding will be used to deliver technical studies and policy frameworks needed to guide future growth, such as local housing strategies, infrastructure servicing plans, contributions plans, and development control plans.

Councils have co-contributed $1.1 million, bringing total investment in this round to $4.9 million.

Since its launch, the RHSPF program has funded 80 strategic planning projects worth $20.3 million. Councils have completed 36 projects under rounds 1 to 3, helping to advance an estimated 62,000 dwellings along the housing supply pipeline.

This is part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to build a better NSW with more homes and services, so people have somewhere to live and in the communities they choose.

For more information about the RHSPF, visit: Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“We’re backing regional communities with the planning they need to deliver more homes, sooner.

“This investment is about making sure councils have the tools to unlock land, coordinate infrastructure and support growing communities.”

New podcast shines light on the strength and leadership of NSW regional and rural women

The Minns Labor Government is celebrating the achievements and lives of regional and rural women in New South Wales with the launch of a new podcast today.

Called ‘Wise, Wild and Woven’, the podcast tells the stories of 13 women, over 40, from across the state from as far south as Deniliquin right up to Tweed Heads in the north.

The 13-espisode series offers an impressive lineup of women including Regional Woman of the Year recipients, AgriFutures Rural Women’s award finalists and winners, Hidden Treasures Honour Roll nominees, business founders and volunteers.

Developed by the NSW Rural Women’s Network and hosted by Dimity Brassil, Program Producer of A Lasting Tale and the 2023 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award NSW/ACT State Finalist, the podcast delivers thought-provoking conversations that explore living and working in regional and remote New South Wales.

It also aims to challenge negative stereotypes about gender and ageing, and illustrate the breadth of achievement, leadership and resilience across the state.

Four episodes are available to stream now on all major podcast platforms:

  • Mary Hollingworth, based in Glen Innes, is a long‑time community contributor and Country Women’s Association member, recognised as both a Hidden Treasures and Women of the Year nominee. Her story reflects the quiet, consistent leadership that keeps regional communities strong
  • Dr Saba Nabi, based in Wagga Wagga, is a health professional, advocate and board member of Multicultural NSW. Her reflections speak to identity, wellbeing and the importance of inclusive voices in regional leadership
  • Kirsty Evans, from Orange, is the 2025 NSW Regional Woman of the Year. A lawyer and community advocate, she’s known for her calm leadership and commitment to supporting regional communities through challenges and change
  • Jane Harris, from the Southern Riverina, is a community builder and leader whose work spans education, collaboration and local wellbeing. Her story is one of connection, service and creating spaces where communities can thrive.

Remaining episodes will be released monthly throughout 2026.

The Minns Government is working to build a better New South Wales for women and girls, focusing on boosting women’s empowerment, economic opportunity and advancement and health and wellbeing. Funding for this podcast aligns with our priorities to support and uplift women across the state, providing regional women with a platform to connect and share their stories.

For more information, visit www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/women-nsw/rural-womens-network/wise-wild-woven.

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“This new podcast shines a light on women across regional and rural New South Wales whose voices are often underrepresented.

“These remarkable women come from all walks of life and represent the diverse breadth of achievement and experience in New South Wales – from high-profile achievements to quietly powerful contributions in their local communities.

“The podcast provides a platform for their authentic stories that I know will resonate with so many women across the state, fostering empowerment and connection within communities.”

Host and Program Producer of A Lasting Tale Dimity Brassil said:

“It’s been a privilege to interview these incredible women, all of whom are powerful and passionate community builders. I’ve loved hearing their stories and discovering what makes them tick.

“They’re doing great things and creating change where needed: raising mental health awareness in shearing sheds, fighting to get insurance for flood victims, running regional theatre awards that rival the Oscars, keeping agricultural shows alive, and putting the twinkle back in farmers’ toes for charity. And that’s just the start!” 

New Wentworth Urgent Care Centre now open

A new Urgent Care Centre is opening its doors to patients in Wentworth today, improving access to timely non-emergency healthcare and helping local communities avoid unnecessary trips to the emergency department.

The Minns Labor Government has been focused on delivering improved access to healthcare in regional NSW by delivering more services.

The Wentworth Urgent Care Centre is co-located in the new $30 million Wentworth Hospital and is open 365 days a year from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week. The Urgent Care Centre is staffed by nurses and supported by medical officers with important diagnostic services on-site including some pathology.

The Urgent Care Centre is equipped to treat a range of illnesses and injuries that are deemed urgent, but not life-threatening. This includes minor cuts, sprains or suspected fractures, minor infections, minor burns, rashes, insect or animal bites, cough, cold or flu, mild asthma attacks, earaches, fevers or chills.

To access the service, patients should call healthdirect on 1800 022 222. A registered nurse will assess the patient’s condition and guide them to the care they need. This may include an appointment at the Wentworth Urgent Care Centre, a specialist virtual care service or escalating their care to other services like NSW Ambulance if required.

Walk-in patients presenting to the Wentworth Urgent Care Centre will also be triaged, treated or transferred to the most appropriate facility to receive the right care, at the right time.

Healthcare provided at Wentworth Urgent Care Centre is bulk-billed.

The Minns Labor Government is working to improve access to care and reduce wait times, through the emergency department relief package which will invest an additional $100 million to fund urgent care services for a further two years, providing a pathway to care outside of our hospitals for an estimated 114,000 patients once fully implemented.

Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park:

“Families in Wentworth and surrounding areas now have more pathways to access timely care for conditions which can be safely and effectively treated outside of the emergency department.

“This new service is co-located in the new $30 million Wentworth hospital and will improve access to care and reduce wait times.

“The Minns Government is increasing availability of healthcare to communities through urgent care services just like this one, which are aimed at bridging the gap between primary care and emergency care, ensuring patients have fast access to the care they need.”

Member for Murray Helen Dalton:

“I welcome access to an urgent care service for the residents of Wentworth.

“The new Urgent Care Centre is a win for the community and is the perfect complement for the brand new $30 million Wentworth Hospital.”

Labor Spokesperson for Murray Bob Nanva:

“Importantly, the Urgent Care Centre at Wentworth Hospital will operate from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week.

“This is good news for local families, because illnesses and injuries can happen at any time, any day.”

30th anniversary of the Port Arthur massacre

Thirty years after the Port Arthur massacre, the terrible, indiscriminate cruelty of that day remains beyond understanding. 

Australia pauses today to remember the 35 people whose lives and futures were so pitilessly stolen from them just because they happened to be there.

We think of everyone whose world was shattered by the loss of those who had been the bright centre of their lives, their love left desperately wrapped around an absence. 

Our hearts go out to everyone who has lived with decades of loss, and every survivor and loved one who is no longer with us but was shadowed by an inconsolable grief for the rest of their days.

We think of all who survived but with memories that would never soften.

We express our gratitude to the first responders who arrived in scenes of unspeakable horror but somehow found the strength to do their duty.

We think of the broader Tasmanian community, which was shaken to the core, but came together in love and extraordinary resilience – and in the process, lifted Australia when we so desperately needed it.

We honour the extraordinary courage that emerged from shattering grief. We think of Walter Mikac who channelled his devastating loss into a call for national action on gun reform, writing to Prime Minister Howard with a message that echoes through the decades: “Be strong, act now”. 

Australia is a better place because the Government and the Parliament of the day came together to answer Walter’s call. 

This is what we hold on to – the abiding memory that somehow amid the most terrible darkness the best of humanity found a way to shine.

Three decades on from that day when our nation stopped, let us stand together as we stood together then, united in love for everyone who never came home. 

Appointment of new Secretary of the Department of Defence

I am pleased to announce I intend to recommend to the Governor-General that she appoint Ms Meghan Quinn PSM as Secretary of the Department of Defence.

This is a historic appointment with Ms Quinn becoming the first woman to substantively hold the position of Secretary of the Department of Defence.

Ms Quinn has a distinguished career as a senior leader in the Australian Public Service and is currently the Secretary of the Department of Industry, Science and Resources.

Ms Quinn has advised Government on a wide range of Australian and international policy matters. She previously held several Deputy Secretary roles at the Department of the Treasury and was head of the Secretariat for the ‘Australia in the Asian Century White Paper’ at the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.

Prior to this, Ms Quinn worked for BHP and the Bank of England.

In 2009, Ms Quinn was awarded the Public Service Medal for outstanding public service in the development of climate change policy.

Ms Quinn’s term will commence on 18 May 2026 for a five-year period.

I would like to thank Mr Greg Moriarty AO for his service as Secretary of the Department of Defence, and I look forward to working with him in his new role as Australian Ambassador to the United States of America. I would also like to thank Ms Cath Patterson for acting as Secretary.

Consultation on the News Bargaining Incentive now open

The Albanese Government is taking the next step to ensure Australian journalism is sustainable now and into the future.

Draft legislation to establish a News Bargaining Incentive (NBI) is now available for consultation.

The proposed legislation addresses a limitation in the long-standing News Media Bargaining Code which allows digital platforms to avoid their obligations by removing news from their service.

Under the Incentive, digital platforms operating significant social media or search services are encouraged to do commercial deals with eligible news publishers as the preferred model, with generous offsets provided to reduce their liabilities.

Platforms who elect not to do commercial deals with news publishers will need to pay a charge as a proportion of their revenue, with any charges collected to be distributed back to the news media sector.

Consultation on draft legislation is open until 18 May 2026. Draft legislation is available at https://consult.treasury.gov.au/c2026-763377.

The Government is also developing the distribution mechanism to return any money collected by the NBI back to the Australian news media sector to support the employment and critical work of journalists.

A strong and diverse news sector is vital for a healthy democracy, and the Albanese Government is committed to ensuring a viable future for public interest journalism.

Stakeholders can have their say on how any money raised is distributed to the media sector.

The consultation paper is available at www.infrastructure.gov.au/have-your-say. Submissions close on 18 May 2026.

the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“Journalists are the lifeblood of Australia’s media sector, playing a vital role in keeping communities informed about the news that matters to them.

“Local news matters to local communities and these stories can’t be told without Australian journalists.

“My Government will always back Australian journalists and Australian news.”

the Minister for Communications and Minister for Sport, Anika Wells

“There has never been a more important time to ensure journalists are supported to keep Australians up to date with the latest and most accurate news.

“This is part of the Albanese Government’s work to make sure our laws keep pace with changing digital technologies and deliver outcomes that are in the interest of the Australian public.”

the Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services, Daniel Mulino

“In an increasingly uncertain world, it is crucial Australians are able to get news seen through Australian eyes and with an Australian perspective.

“This remains the case whether it is news from overseas or from just around the corner, being delivered through traditional or innovative ways.

“Large digital platforms have an important role to play in providing access to news for all Australians and being partners in innovation, we would like to see them work with the news media on commercial deals with benefit to both parties.”

Visit to Australia by the Prime Minister of Japan

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will welcome the Prime Minister of Japan, Her Excellency Sanae Takaichi, to Australia from Sunday 3 May to Tuesday 5 May 2026.

This will be Prime Minister Takaichi’s first official visit to Australia since taking office.

This year marks 50 years since the signing of the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between Australia and Japan – the foundation for our relationship of trust and friendship today.

Our Special Strategic Partnership is underpinned by deep trade and investment ties, growing security and defence cooperation and enduring cultural ties between our nations.

Prime Minister Albanese will meet with Prime Minister Takaichi at Parliament House in Canberra on Monday 4 May 2026 for the Australia–Japan Annual Leaders’ Meeting.

The visit will be the fourth time the leaders have met, with previous meetings last year on the margins of the East Asia Summit in Kuala Lumpur, the APEC Summit in Gyeongju and the G20 Summit in Johannesburg.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“I am honoured to welcome Prime Minister Takaichi to Australia for our Annual Leaders’ Meeting where we will continue to work together under our Special Strategic Partnership for the benefit of our people and the region.

“50 years ago, our nations laid the foundation for a partnership based on trust, shared values and mutual respect by signing the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation.

“Australia and Japan share strong strategic alignment. Our cooperation is essential to maintaining a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.

“Our enduring trade and investment ties underpin our relationship, creating jobs, providing opportunity and delivering economic growth to both our nations.”