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Full-strength footy: Cheers to early season win for footy fans

The Minns Labor Government has confirmed that Western Sydney and Hunter football fans, will be able to enjoy a full-strength beer as they watch the action unfold.

Previously, fans attending venues in Western Sydney and the Hunter could only buy mid-strength beer, while fans at the Sydney Cricket Ground and Allianz Stadium in Moore Park could buy full strength beer.

The Labor Member for Riverstone, Warren Kirby MP launched a campaign to change this, calling out how unfair this “East versus West” divide is.

Following the Member for Riverstone’s campaign, the Minns Labor Government’s undertook a six-month trial into the service of full-strength beer which was held during last year’s NRL and A-Leagues seasons.

It was the first time since 2011 that full-strength beer had been served at Accor Stadium, while CommBank Stadium had only served mid-strength beer in general admission areas since it opened in 2018.

At the two Western Sydney venues, last year’s trial saw intoxication as a percentage of attendance remain steady at 0.013%, despite a near 13% increase in crowds year-on-year.

Following consultation with NSW Police and sport and entertainment partners, patrons will be able to purchase a maximum of four full-strength beers per transaction.

Bars in general admission areas at Accor and CommBank stadiums will officially be stocked with full-strength, mid-strength and zero-alcohol beer this footy season.

The service of full-strength beer will also continue at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle and WIN Stadium and WIN Entertainment Centres in Wollongong.

Attendees of major events are encouraged to drink responsibly and make appropriate travel arrangements, to always have a Plan B and to make the most of public transport included with all event tickets to Accor and CommBank stadiums.

Minister for Sport and Tourism said:

“All footy fans are winners this weekend with bars in general admission areas to stock full-strength beer all-season long.

“This is a commonsense decision and it’s about time fans get a choice of full-strength, mid, light and zero-alcohol beer while cheering on their team at the footy.”

Venues NSW CEO Kerrie Mather said:

“Its important patrons have a choice and access to a variety of food and beverage options while attending events at our venues and now they can.

“Delivering the best event day experience remains our key priority, and we can continue to do so through valuable feedback from our fans.”

Member for Riverstone Warren Kirby said:

“This is great news for sports fans who love beer equality as much as they love a full-strength beer.

“It’s a credit to the Minister for Sport and the Premier who both recognised the injustice that was being experienced by fans in Western Sydney stadiums and acted swiftly to ensure everyone is being treated equally when it comes to buying beer.

“Congratulations to the many fans who came out to support the campaign for equal beer rights at all Venues NSW stadiums – Cheers!

Opal overhaul gives a million concessions and seniors an easier way to save

Almost a million public transport passengers are getting a much more convenient way to claim their concession, pensioner or seniors fares – and their lower weekly cap – under a digital upgrade to the Opal network.

Concession Opal or Gold Senior/Pensioner Opal fares can currently only be accessed by tapping on with a physical Opal concession card.

In many cases, those eligible to claim a concession fare are instead using contactless payments for the convenience and forgoing the discount.

Under changes announced today by the Minns Labor Government, 40,000 TAFE students and apprentices, 130,000 university students and jobseekers and 800,000 seniors and pensioners, will soon be able link a credit or debit card to their travel concession to enjoy discounted fares using their phone, watch or digital device.

Modelling by Transport for NSW, predicts 70 per cent of TAFE and university students, apprentices and jobseekers will use contactless concessions and between 30-40 per cent of seniors and pensioners.

The upgrades will be rolled out gradually from 16 April.

Amid higher petrol prices and other cost-of-living pressures, there has been a recent spike in public transport patronage, and this upgrade will make it easier for seniors, pensioners and concessions to access the reduced fares they are entitled to claim.

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.

Table of Opal fares for Adult and Concession holders:

	Daily Fare Cap		Weekly Fare Cap
Card Type	Mon-Thu	Fri-Sun & Public holidays
Children 3 and under	Free	Free	Free
Child/Youth	$9.65	$4.80	$25.00
Concession	$9.65	$4.80	$25.00
Adult	$19.30	$9.65	$50.00
Senior	$2.50	$2.50	$17.50

The upgrades are part of the NSW Government’s major public transport ticketing overhaul – Opal Next Gen.

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“As cost-of-living pressures bite hard, and more people are using the public transport system, this is a timely tech innovation that will make getting through the ticket gates or past the Opal reader that much more convenient for close to a million people and help them save on fares.

“Our modelling suggests the majority of apprentices, university and TAFE students and jobseekers will switch to contactless concessions which shows the appetite out there for digital payments.

“The daily and weekly fare caps are a very real saving for passengers on our network. Adults don’t pay more than $50 a week, concession fares are capped at $25, and seniors don’t pay more than $2.50 a day – or $17.50 a week if they travel seven days a week.”

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

“This is a practical change that will make a real difference to thousands of TAFE and university students and apprentices across NSW. When you’re studying, training or starting out in your career every dollar counts and this upgrade makes it easier to access the concessions people are entitled to.

“Our government is focused on making life easier and more affordable for people gaining skills and training for the jobs of the future. This is a smart and modern reform that puts convenience and cost savings directly into the hands of students and apprentices.”

Transport for NSW Secretary Josh Murray said:

“This is an exciting upgrade that means Sydney will soon surpass other world cities like London, Paris and New York as leading the way in advanced contactless payment options for more passenger groups.

“It means 970,000 more passengers, including tertiary and TAFE students, trainees and apprentices, seniors, and pensioners will soon have the choice to tap into the ease of Contactless Concessions and ditch their physical Opal card, without losing their discount.

“We know plenty of our passengers still love their physical Opal card – and it’s not going anywhere. This is about giving people more options, so they can choose public transport more often.”

Joint statement on economic resilience and essential supplies

We, the Prime Minister of Australia, the Honourable Anthony Albanese MP, and the Prime Minister of Singapore, Mr Lawrence Wong, reaffirmed the strength of the relationship and the deep reservoir of strategic trust between our two countries, as reflected in the Australia-Singapore Comprehensive Strategic Partnership 2.0 (CSP 2.0).

The enhanced CSP 2.0 sets out the ambitious next phase of cooperation, which underpins shared prosperity, security and stability. Our discussions today enable enhanced cooperation on emerging and evolving issues.

Recognising the significant economic impacts of the current Middle East crisis, we reaffirmed our support for the current ceasefire and encouraged negotiations to bring an end to the conflict.

We agreed on the need to coordinate our response to this global crisis so that both our economies are stronger and more resilient into the future.

We recognised the importance of the role of our countries in each other’s energy security – Singapore is one of Australia’s top suppliers of refined petroleum products, and Australia is one of Singapore’s top suppliers of liquefied natural gas.

Building on our Joint Statement on Energy Security on 23 March, we stated our determination to make maximum efforts to meet each other’s energy security needs in the context of the acute energy crisis currently affecting global markets.

We reaffirmed our commitment to support the flow of essential goods including petroleum oils, such as diesel, and LNG and agreed to intensify cooperation to facilitate the timely movement of goods and essential supplies through enhanced coordination, efficient border and port processes, transparency, and early consultation.

We reaffirmed our commitment to working together, particularly during crises, to support a resilient, rules-based multilateral trading system that underpins stability during periods of global disruption.

Further to this, we directed our Ministers to conclude a legally binding Protocol to the Singapore-Australia Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA) on Economic Resilience and Essential Supplies consistent with this Joint Statement.

To support this cooperation, we welcomed the establishment of the Australia–Singapore Economic Resilience Dialogue, co-chaired by senior officials, to facilitate cooperation on economic resilience challenges and trade in essential supplies.

We tasked Ministers to convene the inaugural Energy Ministerial Dialogue to strengthen our cooperation.

We reaffirmed our calls for other trading partners to join us in ensuring global energy supply chains are kept open, for the benefit of the security and prosperity of their peoples.

Liberals and Nationals demand transparency around Great Western highway fix

Five weeks after the closure of Victoria Pass on the Great Western Highway, the Liberals and Nationals are demanding transparency around the reopening of this critical transport corridor.

Transport for NSW first reported surface damage and then structural movement at Mitchell’s Bridge, known as the Convict Causeway, in early March which led to a minimum three-month closure.

Traffic has been diverted via a winding tourist drive and through the Lithgow CBD, placing significant strain on local roads and communities, with heavy traffic reported over the Easter long weekend.

Opposition Leader, Kellie Sloane, said business, freight operators and residents impacted deserved timely answers.

“The Minns Labor Government said they wouldn’t hold back information and yet five weeks on there is no clarity as to how long these repairs will take amid speculation it will be much longer than the three months indicated,” Ms Sloane said.

“Local businesses, freight operators and residents living in the Blue Mountains and Central West deserve transparency around timelines and reassurance about what support they will receive if it is not fixed soon.”

“The Great Western Highway plays a critical role in keeping goods moving to Sydney and the coast. Disrupt it, and it impacts jobs, prices and economic stability across the whole state.”

Shadow Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the community’s patience has run out and they want answers.

“This isn’t a minor inconvenience, it impacts locals, businesses, freight operators and families each and every day. They’re being ignored by a city-centric Labor Government which is hiding behind ‘investigations’ while real people are paying the price every single day,” Mr Toole said.

“If this was Sydney, the fix would be underway. We’re a third of the way through the estimated closure period and no further ahead – no solution, no answers. Regional communities are fed up with being treated like second-class citizens.”

“As commuters sit stuck in traffic, it is an important reminder that both the Federal and State Labor Governments made the decision to cut the long-planned road project through the mountains.”

According to Destination NSW, Central West Tourism alone brings in around $4.9 million every single day to the Central West and supports more than 2,300 local businesses.

Man charged with alleged firearms offences – Newcastle

A man has been charged with several firearm offences in the state’s Northern Region.

Officers attached to Newcastle City Police District commenced an investigation earlier this month, following reports a 32-year-old man had allegedly threatened a 19-year-old woman known to him with a firearm.

Following inquiries, about 9am today (Friday 10 April 2026), Newcastle police – with assistance from Tactical Operations Unit, Police Negotiators and Traffic and Highway Patrol – executed a search warrant at a house on Parkhill Parade, Waratah West.

During the search, police allegedly located and seized a loaded spear gun, extendable baton, four gel blasters, a rifle, firearm parts and an amount of ammunition.

Police also located and seized an allegedly stolen vehicle.

A 32-year-old man was arrested at the location and was taken to Waratah Police Station.

He was charged with five counts of possess unauthorised firearm, two counts of possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit, use, supply, acquire, possess stolen firearm or part, possess ammunition without holding licence/permit/authority, armed with intent commit indictable offence and receive property-theft serious indictable offence.

The man was refused bail to appear before Bail Division Court 2 tomorrow (Saturday 11 April 2026).

Second woman charged following death of baby during home birth – Newcastle

A second woman will face court today charged with manslaughter following the death of a baby during a home birth near Newcastle in 2024.

On Wednesday 2 October 2024, a privately practicing midwife attended a home in Wallsend to assist a woman with a home birth.

Police will allege in court that over the following two days, the midwife did not act upon signs of complications and requests by the woman to attend hospital.

On Friday 4 October 2024, the woman attended John Hunter Hospital where the baby was delivered by emergency caesarean.

On Thursday 10 October 2024, the baby boy died in hospital.

Inquiries under Strike Force Girona commenced and police charged a 36-year-old woman who remains before the court.

Following extensive inquiries about 7am today (Friday 10 April 2026), detectives arrested a 28-year-old woman at Newcastle Police Station where she was charged with manslaughter.

The woman was refused bail to appear before Bail Division Court 2 today (Friday 10 April 2026).

Fatal single vehicle crash near Singleton

A truck driver has died after his vehicle crashed into a tree in the state’s Hunter Valley earlier today.

Just before 9.00am (Thursday 9 April 2026), emergency services were called to Mirannie Road, Mirannie, near Singleton, following reports of a crash.

Officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District attended and found that a garbage truck had veered off the road and crashed into a tree, before rolling down a steep embankment.

The male driver is yet to be formally identified; however, is believed to be aged in his 40s.

Police established a crime scene and an investigation into the cause of the crash has commenced.

A report will be prepared for the information of the coroner.

Travel to Japan

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, will travel to Japan this week to meet with his counterpart, Minister of Defense, Koizumi Shinjiro.

In Tokyo, Deputy Prime Minister Marles and Minister Koizumi will convene a ministerial meeting under the Framework for Strategic Defence Coordination.

Ministers will discuss important developments in the global and regional security environment, including how Australia and Japan can utilise our indispensable and growing partnership to ensure we are best prepared to respond to common challenges.

Australia and Japan’s relationship is long and enduring, shaped by decades of close cooperation and engagement. Our relationship is underpinned by a shared vision for regional security and a commitment to strengthening our Special Strategic Partnership.

This year also marks the 50th anniversary on the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between Australia and Japan, signed on 16 June 1976.

Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles:

“Our relationship with Japan continues to go from strength to strength, underpinned by deep strategic alignment, trust and shared ambition.

“I look forward to meeting with Minister Koizumi to progress implementation of the Framework for Strategic Defence Coordination and to continue strengthening our defence cooperation and Special Strategic Partnership in support of regional security.”

Joint statement on the protection of aid workers in Lebanon

Australia, Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, Jordan, Sierra Leone and the United Kingdom remain deeply concerned by the worsening humanitarian situation and displacement crisis in Lebanon.

We welcome the ceasefire agreed between the United States, Israel and Iran. We call for an urgent end to hostilities in Lebanon.

Civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected from the effects of hostilities.

Humanitarian personnel, who dedicate themselves to protecting and assisting the most vulnerable, must be respected and protected.

Attacks that threaten the safety and security of humanitarian personnel must stop. International humanitarian law must be upheld by all parties to the conflict in all circumstances.

Respect for international humanitarian law is essential to preserving human dignity, mitigating civilian harm, and maintaining the space needed for humanitarian action and access.

We condemn in the strongest terms actions that have killed UN peace keepers and significantly increased the risks faced by humanitarian personnel in southern Lebanon.

Meaningful accountability and justice are critical for violations of international law that harm humanitarian personnel or impede their activities.

In September 2025, over 100 nations launched a Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel, committing to protect aid workers in conflict zones.

We will continue working together to ensure that those who work to save the lives of others do not have to sacrifice their own.

Trump’s wholesale intent to commit war crimes must trigger response from Australia

The US President’s order for US troops to commit further war crimes in Iran as early as tomorrow must be met with sharp condemnation by the Australian Government, the Greens say, and a withdrawal of military support.

Trump has announced that he will order the US Military to destroy civilian infrastructure, including bridges and power plants, unless Iran agrees to American terms for a ceasefire by tomorrow. Destroying civilian infrastructure is a war crime under Article 52 of the Geneva Convention.

Thousands of civilians have already been killed in the US and Israel’s war on Iran, however this declaration by the US President is a clear escalation.

Australian troops and defence assets are contributing to Trump and Netanyahu’s illegal war through the direct deployment of ADF resources like the SAS and Wedgetail, the use of seconded troops embedded in US forces, and through joint military facilities like Pine Gap.

Acting Leader of the Australian Greens, Senator Mehreen Faruqi said:

“Trump is now openly threatening even more war crimes against the Iranian people. Albanese was among the first world leaders to back these criminal US and Israeli attacks, and ordinary people in Iran, the region and Australia are paying the price.

“It is time for Albanese to dump Trump, bring the troops home, and focus on helping Australians deal with the fallout of this catastrophe.

“Australia must not stay hitched to the wagon of an unstable, bloodthirsty President who even his domestic allies say has “gone insane”. He criticises Australia near daily, yet Labor is unwilling to condemn him and his actions.

“The Prime Minister must urgently condemn these planned attacks on civilians, close Pine Gap, and end AUKUS, or our silence will just reinforce the terrifying global consensus that targeting innocent men, women and children is permissible.

“Australians oppose this war, and expect our government to do the same, by actively organising to prevent escalation and war crimes. Silence is not enough.“

Albanese’s government backed this war, has sent military support to prolong it, and is enabling these constant escalations that are killing countless civilians and wreaking havoc on the cost of living.”