Visit to Australia by the Prime Minister of New Zealand

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will welcome the Prime Minister of New Zealand, the Rt Hon Christopher Luxon, to Australia on Saturday 6 June 2026 for the annual Australia–New Zealand Leaders’ Meeting.

The leaders will discuss economic resilience and measures the two countries can take to boost prosperity, including in the context of the fuel crisis.

The leaders will also look for opportunities to strengthen our Single Economic Market, deepen defence and security cooperation, and enhance cooperation in the Pacific region.

The last Australia–New Zealand Leaders’ Meeting was held in Queenstown, New Zealand in August 2025. This meeting will take place in Noosa, Queensland.

This will be Prime Minister Luxon’s third official visit to Australia. Most recently, Prime Minister Luxon travelled to Canberra in August 2024 for the Australia–New Zealand Leaders’ Meeting.

Prime Minister Albanese

“Australia has no closer friend, neighbour and ally than New Zealand. Our relationship is built on a rich shared history and generations of cooperation.

“This year we are celebrating 75 years of our Alliance under the ANZUS Treaty. Our Alliance is more important than ever in the face of global uncertainty.

“As new challenges emerge, Australia and New Zealand will continue to work together to safeguard the economic prosperity and national security of both countries and the Pacific region.”

Appeal to locate man missing from Muswellbrook

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing from the states north.

Kye Jacobs, aged 29, was last seen in Muswellbrook on Thursday 14 May 2026.

When he was unable to be located or contacted officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District were notified yesterday (Thursday 4 June 2026) and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Police hold concerns for Kye’s welfare.

Kye is described as Caucasian appearance, 170cm, medium build, with short brown hair and brown eyes.

Kye is known to frequent the Muswellbrook and Newcastle areas.

Tough new laws cracking down on organised crime networks pass NSW Parliament

The Minns Labor Government’s reforms cracking down on organised crime, with new offences and tougher penalties for public shootings, firebombings and the recruitment of children for criminal activity, have passed NSW Parliament.

The new laws create a new aggravated offence targeting the use of ‘kill cars’ which are used to facilitate organised crime and then torched to destroy the evidence.

The Crimes Legislation Amendment (Organised and Gang-related Crime Reforms) Bill 2026 also makes it harder for organised criminals to profit from violence and intimidation. Authorities will have up to five years, instead of one, to seek forfeiture of assets held by people subject to Drug Trafficker Declarations.

The legislation includes important bail reform which enhances the ability of the courts to take an accused’s organised crime links into account when making bail decisions.

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said:

This is a major blow to organised crime across New South Wales. These laws go straight to the criminal operating model: the guns, the cars, the money and the cowards who recruit children to do their dirty work.

If you fire a gun in public, torch a business, burn a kill car or use a child to commit crime, our cops are coming for you with tough new powers.

Police are disrupting these networks every day. These reforms give them a harder edge and stronger backing.

Organised crime thrives when it thinks the system is too slow, too soft or too narrow. Not anymore. The Parliament has sent a clear message that we will not tolerate criminal networks terrorising our streets.”

Attorney General Michael Daley said:

These new offences and tougher penalties send a clear message to organised criminals whose brazen behaviour puts the public at risk: you will be caught and have the book thrown at you.

This legislation also gives the courts more tools to keep the community safe by making involvement in organised crime an explicit factor in bail decisions.

We’re targeting gangs whose vendettas are putting innocent members of the public at risk through shootings and firebombings. We’re also going after criminals who recruit children to break in and steal cars which then torched in a bid to destroy the evidence.”

Five illegal tobacconists closed after joint agency operation – Cessnock

Five illegal tobacconists have been closed for 90 days, and over $260,000 worth of illicit tobacco and vapes have been seized during a joint agency operation in the Hunter region this week.
Operation SLOANE was established in October 2025 under the NSW Illicit Tobacco Taskforce which is a partnership between NSW Police and NSW Health targeting illicit tobacco activity in the retail sector.
Following inquiries, about 11am last Wednesday (3 June 2026), police officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District and NSW Health inspectors conducted inspections at six businesses in the Cessnock CBD.
As a result of the operation, NSW Health issued short-term closure orders to five businesses for 90 days.
In total, NSW Health inspectors – with the assistance of NSW Police – located and seized 208,745 cigarettes, more than 39kg of loose tobacco leaf, 852 vapes, and 35 nicotine pouches, with an estimated street value of approximately $260,500.
During the inspections, crime scenes were declared at two of the businesses with police seizing $33,000 in cash.
Investigations as part of Operation Sloane are continuing, and additional enforcement action, including prosecution, may take place. .
NSW Health actively enforces tobacco retailing legislation using an information and intelligence led risk-based approach. A closure of premises is one regulatory tool available.
NSW Health draws on multiple intelligence sources, including reports from the public, information from law enforcement partners, and its own compliance holdings, to inform both targeted and broad enforcement activities across the state.
As of Friday 29 May 2026, NSW Health has issued 279 short-term closure orders. A full list of current tobacco closures can be found on the NSW Health website.: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/tobacco/Pages/closure-register.aspx
Retailers who are found to be non-compliant with closure orders may be subject to further enforcement action, including licence sanctions, long term closure orders, and prosecution.
Members of the public can lodge complaints about retailers they believe are doing the wrong thing via the reporting portal on the NSW Health website.: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/tobacco/Pages/let-us-know-reports-complaints.aspx

Two teenagers charged following alleged assault – Newcastle

Two teenage boys have been charged following an assault in the Hunter region last week.

Around 9pm on Saturday 30 May 2026, officers attached to Police Transport Command – Northern Satellite were patrolling the Newcastle Interchange area were notified of an assault on Stewart Avenue, Newcastle West.

Police located a 13-year-old boy with facial injuries and were told two unknown people had assaulted the teenager before leaving the area on foot.

Despite extensive inquiries in the area, those involved were unable to be located.

The boy attended hospital for assessment.

About 8am yesterday (Wednesday 3 June 2026), officers attended a unit in Stockton and arrested a 16-year-old boy. He was taken to Waratah Police Station where he was charged with shoplifting, assault occasioning actual bodily harm in company, and breach of bail.

He was refused bail to appear at a children’s court yesterday (Wednesday 3 June 2026) where he was granted conditional bail to reappear on Monday 22 June 2026.

About 5pm yesterday (Wednesday 3 June 2026), officers arrested a 17-year-old boy in Broadmeadow. He was taken to Newcastle Police Station where he was charged with shoplifting and assault occasioning actual bodily harm in company.

He was granted conditional bail to appear at a children’s court on Monday 13 July 2026.

Newcastle comes together for people impacted by dementia

Newcastle community members tied up their laces and showed up in force last weekend for the 2026 Newcastle Memory Walk & Jog – throwing their support behind people impacted by dementia whilst getting active to improve their brain health.
 
More than 890 people walked, ran and jogged to the finish line to raise an impressive total of $123,788.
 
Dementia Australia CEO Professor Tanya Buchanan extended her gratitude to all who participated, volunteered and raised vital funds for the cause.
 
“There was an incredible turnout from the Newcastle community this year yet again, in support of the many people impacted by dementia across the country,” Professor Buchanan said.
 
“It’s been really moving and encouraging to see the community supporting Dementia Australia’s vital work by raising funds and awareness, as well as moving for their brain health – which research shows can help reduce our risk of dementia.”
 
Professor Buchanan also acknowledged everyone who volunteered at the Newcastle Memory Walk & Jog. 
 
“The day was only possible through the hard work of our wonderful volunteers, who always make Memory Walk & Jog a safe, fun and memorable experience for everyone who takes part”.
 
This event was one of 14 Memory Walk & Jog events held across Australia in 2026. Each event offers a wonderful opportunity for people impacted by dementia and their supporters to come together, walk or run, at any fitness level, and to raise money and share stories.
  

NSW’s 2026 HART Senior State Titles Poised to Deliver a Record Breaking Weekend

The 2026 HART Senior State Titles are shaping as the biggest event in the competition’s proud history, with a record 241 teams from 86 Associations across New South Wales ready to take the court across three action-packed days.

Taking place across the June Long Weekend, the HART Senior State Titles stand as one of the marquee events on the Netball NSW calendar, bringing together the state’s leading representative athletes aged 15 years and over.

This year’s event has expanded from 219 teams in 2025 to 241 teams in 2026, underlining the continued strength and growth of grassroots netball across the state.

Across the weekend, more than 2,000 games will be played as athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers and supporters come together for a celebration of competition, community and connection.

The scale of the event is further reflected in the officiating workforce, with 415 umpires appointed across the weekend, ensuring every match is supported by talented and dedicated officials who play a vital role in delivering one of the largest representative netball events in Australia.

The HART Senior State Titles remain a key part of the Netball NSW pathway, providing athletes with the opportunity to test themselves against the best talent from across the state while proudly representing their local Associations.

Netball NSW General Manager – Competitions Stacy Harding said the record participation numbers were a testament to the strength of netball across New South Wales.

“The HART Senior State Titles showcase everything that makes our game special – high-quality competition, strong community spirit and opportunities for athletes, coaches, umpires and volunteers to thrive,” Harding said.

“To welcome a record 241 teams from 86 Associations is a fantastic achievement and reflects the passion and commitment of our netball community right across the state.

“We’re excited to see thousands of participants come together for what promises to be a truly memorable weekend and a wonderful celebration of netball in New South Wales.”

While the HART Senior State Titles are renowned for showcasing some of the state’s best representative netball talent, the event is just as celebrated for the vibrant atmosphere away from the court.

Across the weekend, teams create a vibrant “Tent City” precinct, transforming the venue into a hub of connection, camaraderie and community spirit.

June 2026 Overview Netball NSW Page 1 of 1 With record participation, thousands of competitors and supporters, and more than 2,000 games scheduled across three days, the 2026 HART Senior State Titles are set to deliver a landmark weekend that celebrates the very best of netball in New South Wales – on and off the court.

ADF to support Ukraine training efforts in Poland

Australian Defence Force personnel will train Ukrainian soldiers in Poland as part of Australia’s ongoing commitment to supporting Ukraine’s defence against Russia’s illegal and immoral invasion.

From mid-2026, the ADF will partner with the Norwegian-led multinational Operation Legio to train Ukrainian personnel in Poland, continuing the support provided under Australia’s Operation Kudu. 

Since January 2023, Operation Kudu has worked with the United Kingdom-led multinational training mission, Operation Interflex. This effort will now evolve under Operation Legio to deliver training closer to Ukraine’s borders and better meet Ukraine’s operational requirements. 

Through Operation Kudu, the ADF has trained more than 3,650 Armed Forces of Ukraine personnel in basic infantry tactics, leadership and military skills. 

Australia continues to support Ukraine as an operational partner to NATO’s Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine initiative. This support has included deployments of an E-7A Wedgetail aircraft to Germany and Poland, as well as participation in the Coalition of the Willing and the Drone Capability Coalition for Ukraine.

Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Australia has provided more than $1.7 billion in support for Ukraine, including $1.5 billion in military assistance.

Australia remains steadfast in its support for Ukraine as it defends itself against Russian aggression.

Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Richard Marles MP:

“Australia is continuing to adapt our contributions to Ukraine to ensure our support remains practical, relevant, and aligned with their most urgent needs. 

“I am proud of the high quality training delivered by ADF personnel under Operation Kudu, and I thank the United Kingdom for their leadership under Operation Interflex.”

Further human rights sanctions in response to escalating settler violence in the West Bank

Australia has today imposed further Magnitsky-style human rights sanctions against three additional Israeli individuals and four additional entities in response to escalating settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.

Today’s measures designate individuals and entities for targeted financial sanctions, and declare the individuals for travel bans.

Australia has coordinated with partners including New Zealand in imposing these measures.

They build on sanctions Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Norway and the United Kingdom previously imposed, which included Israeli Ministers Ben-Gvir and Smotrich. For the first time, designated entities now include farming outposts that serve as hubs for settler violence.

Australia is steadfast in its commitment to the two-state solution as the only pathway to enduring peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians. Israeli settlements in the West Bank are illegal under international law, threaten the viability of a two-state solution, and are a major obstacle to peace.

Following the horrors of Hamas’ attack on 7 October 2023 and subsequent devastating conflict in Gaza, maintaining momentum towards a two-state solution remains more important than ever.

The Israeli Government must uphold its obligations under international law. The Australian Government and international partners continue to call on Israel to take urgent action to end settler violence, ensure accountability for perpetrators and stop extremist, violent and expansionist rhetoric.

Settler violence is used to displace Palestinians and perpetuate the settlement enterprise, through destruction of property, displacement of families, beatings, sexual assault, and torture, resulting in serious injuries and deaths.

The individuals and entities sanctioned today have undermined Israel’s own security and its standing in the world and harmed the interests of the Israeli people. Australia’s imposition of sanctions against them reflects our commitment to Israel and Palestine’s security and future.

For further information on Australia’s sanctions settings, please visit the Australia and sanctions page on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website.

Support for global response to Ebola

The Albanese Government is providing $5 million to support the global response to the Ebola outbreak and help prevent the spread of the disease.

This reflects Australia’s commitment to global health security and preventing outbreaks from becoming wider crises.

The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo virus, is affecting the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda, and neighbouring countries are on alert.

The virus is spreading rapidly, and limited access to testing facilities means the true number of cases is unknown.

Australia’s funding, directed through the International Federation of the Red Cross and the World Health Organization (WHO), will provide vital medical care and supplies, water and sanitation services, support outbreak surveillance and preparedness, and strengthen local health systems.

US$60 million has also been released from the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund to respond to urgent humanitarian needs in the DRC, Uganda and neighbouring countries. Australia is a longstanding donor to the Fund, contributing $11 million each year.

The Albanese Government is also supporting urgent work to develop a vaccine for the virus through our contribution to the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations.

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong:

“This funding reflects Australia’s commitment to global health security in an increasingly connected world.

“We are acting to support the responders and local communities that are on the frontline and prevent the further spread of Ebola.

“Strong international partnerships are critical to managing health threats like Ebola and reducing their wider impacts.”

International Development Minister Dr Anne Aly:

“When crises unfold, speed matters. Australia’s support for the World Health Organization and the Red Cross helps ensure assistance can reach people quickly.

“Australia’s funding will help to save lives, contain the virus and reduce the risk of it spreading further.

Our funding plays an important role in the coordinated international response, keeping the global community – including Australians – safe.”