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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has concluded his visit to Solomon Islands, reinforcing Australia’s deep and enduring commitment to the Pacific and advancing a new era of cooperation between the two countries.

In Honiara, Prime Minister Albanese met with Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale and members of his government. Prime Minister Albanese also had the opportunity to address the Solomon Islands 48th Independence Day celebrations – the first foreign leader to do so – where he announced a $10.2 million package of education support for Solomon Islands.

The package includes assistance for the Ministry of Education to develop a roadmap towards its implementation of providing free education, new books for every primary school student, infrastructure upgrades and uplift in curriculum standards for up to twelve Rural Training Centres throughout Solomon Islands.

The Prime Minister also announced the conclusion of an MOU for the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Police Academy, as part of the RSIPF expansion agreement. This MOU facilitates the comprehensive support and advanced training requirements for the Police Academy in Honiara. This will support Solomon Islands to expand its sovereign police force and contribute to its own security and that of the region.

Before departing, Prime Minister Albanese attended the handover of the Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre, a $45 million investment by Australia which will expand maternal and primary health services in Honiara.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“It was an honour to be the first foreign leader to speak at the annual Solomon Islands Independence Day celebrations and announce a significant investment by Australia in the education of Solomon Islanders.

“It was also a pleasure to hand over the Naha Birthing and Urban Health Care Centre, which is one of the most significant single investments in Solomon Islands’ health system since its independence.

“Australia and Solomon Islands have a strong and enduring partnership, and by investing in health, education and security across the Pacific, we are supporting a stable, resilient and prosperous region.”

The SAX Institute this morning  released   a report raising serious questions about the lack of evidence underpinning the ongoing roll out of pharmacist prescribing in all Australian states and territories.  
The “Community pharmacist prescribing outcomes in Australia and beyond” report was prepared by the Leeder Centre for Health Policy, Economics and Data and commissioned by the Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) in response to a growing concern for patient safety amid rapid changes to prescribing for over 20 different health conditions.    
RACGP President Dr Michael Wright said the results of the report were troubling to read, particularly after ongoing but unfounded claims the initiatives across the country were evidence-based.   
“The RACGP supports increasing access to healthcare; however, this should never be at the expense of patient safety,” he said.  
“Coordinated care is vital, but GPs across Australia are seeing patients with adverse health outcomes or diagnoses missed after forgoing a GP appointment in favour of a pharmacy prescription.  
“This can look like a patient getting prescribed treatment for a urinary tract infection and then presenting to a GP down the track with chlamydia, gonorrhoea, pelvic inflammatory disease or even an ectopic pregnancy. We cannot take these risks lightly.  
“All states and territories have announced or commenced pharmacist prescribing for around 20 common and minor conditions, but the independent report shows the bulk of these conditions have never been formally evaluated in robust clinical trials internationally, let alone in Australia.  
“These initiatives must be grounded in evidence to avoid putting patients at risk. The RACGP commissioned the report after patient safety concerns were consistently ignored by State Governments and repeated assertions by the Pharmacy Guild that the treatments were “evidence-based”.  
“We looked for high-quality clinical evidence that might support safe autonomous pharmacist prescribing but couldn’t find it. Then we asked State Governments to give it to us, but they declined. So, our last resort was to commission this independent report in case we were missing something. As it turns out, the evidence doesn’t exist and what does exist is limited or of very low quality.”    
Dr Wright challenged State Governments and the Pharmacy Guild to publicly release full details of any robust clinical evidence or peer-reviewed trials and evaluations demonstrating that autonomous pharmacist prescribing is safe.  
“While improving access to medicines is important, putting measures in place without assessing the risk to our patients is dangerous and could lead to poorer health outcomes, particularly for women who are targeted in these initiatives.   
“This new report identified some evidence that pharmacist prescribing may improve access to medicines, but the evidence largely measured service uptake and prescribing activity rather than patient or health system safety outcomes.  
“Rolling out major changes to our health system without evidence that they are safe and effective is reckless.   
“We need our health system to be evidence-based not lobbyist-led. Governments are putting policy ahead of safety and it is the Australian people who will pay the price.  
“We all want to see better access to medicines for patients around Australia, but not when it puts their health at risk.”  

Minister for Defence Industry and Minister for Pacific Island Affairs, Pat Conroy MP, will travel to Türkiye this week to represent Australia at the NATO Leaders’ Summit.

Minister Conroy’s attendance at the 77th NATO Summit demonstrates Australia’s strong longstanding partnership with NATO and shared commitment to addressing common security challenges across the Indo‑Pacific and Euro-Atlantic regions.

Australia continues to work with NATO and Indo-Pacific partners to uphold international law, sovereignty and regional stability.

In partnership with NATO, Australia is supporting Ukraine to strengthen its military capability and self-defence, as demonstrated by last month’s additional $100 million in assistance to Ukraine.

During the Summit, the Minister will address NATO and its allies and hold bilateral meetings on priority areas of strategic collaboration, including defence industrial opportunities.

the Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy MP:

“In an increasingly complex and challenging world, Australia’s partnership with NATO serves to support a world that is peaceful, stable and prosperous.

“While our regions may be far apart, our interests are increasingly connected and cooperation is vital to our shared security, resilience and opportunity.” 

Today I announce the appointments of eight experienced career officials to lead Australia’s posts in Zagreb, Accra, Makassar, Kuwait City, Mexico City, Nauru and Bangkok and to lead Australian representation to Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC).

I am pleased to confirm the following appointments:

• Mr Glenn Morrison as Australia’s next Ambassador to Croatia
• Ms Keara Shaw as Australia’s next High Commissioner to Ghana
• Ms Sanchi Davis as Australia’s next Consul-General in Makassar, Indonesia
• Ms Amanda Riethmuller as Australia’s next Ambassador to Kuwait
• Mr Crispin Conroy AM as Australia’s next Ambassador to Mexico
• Ms Lisa White as Australia’s next High Commissioner to Nauru
• Mr Pablo Kang as Australia’s next Ambassador to Thailand
• Mr Jeremy Green as Australia’s next Ambassador for APEC.

Australia’s diplomatic network enables us to promote our interests in peace, security, trade, investment and other areas of cooperation.

Australia takes the world as it is and seeks to shape it for the better – these diplomatic appointments will deepen Australia’s connections abroad and increase our ability to influence where it matters.

I thank the outgoing Ambassadors, High Commissioners and Consul-General for their important contributions to Australian diplomacy.

The NSW Liberals and Nationals have called on the Minister for Regional NSW and Agriculture Tara Moriarty to return to work and do her job, after media reports she intends to take two weeks leave just days after the first confirmed case of H5 bird flu in NSW.
 
For weeks we’ve been warned of the significant biosecurity risks posed by H5 bird flu and the frightening impacts it could have on NSW.
 
Minister Moriarty should be ensuring every effort is focused on containing the disease and protecting producers, not taking annual leave.
 
There are times when your duty to the state must come first. This is one of those moments.
 
Shadow Minister for Agriculture Brendan Moylan said our poultry industry, egg producers and regional communities deserve to have their Agriculture Minister on the ground, engaged and overseeing the response to what is one of the most significant biosecurity threats Australia has faced.
 
“At a time when producers are understandably anxious, the Minister’s absence sends the wrong message. It reflects poor judgement at the very moment calm, visible leadership is needed,” Mr Moylan said.
 
Shadow Minister for the Environment Jacqui Munro said H5N1 has caused a deadly, global pandemic for marine birds and wildlife, that is pushing some species, including seals, to the brink of extinction.
 
“If the same level of disease and death reaches our shores, we risk losing entire populations of native wildlife,” Ms Munro said.
 
“The potential catastrophic impact of H5N1 on Australian native birds and coastal wildlife cannot be overstated. A nationally coordinated response is necessary.”
 
Nobody disputes a Minister’s right to take leave, but judgement must be applied.
 
The Liberals and Nationals are urging people, particularly in coastal areas, to be alert to potential outbreaks and report unusual bird deaths or sick wild bird sightings to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

More than $22 million has been awarded to 60 Australian businesses in the latest round of the Defence Industry Development Grants program, as the Albanese Government continues to strengthen sovereign capability, increase defence self-reliance, and support skilled jobs across Australia.

The grants, allocated between November 2025 and June 2026, will help businesses invest in advanced manufacturing, expand production, and deliver critical components for priority defence projects.

The 60 recipients included in this round of funding are delivering programs aligned to Australia’s key sovereign defence capability requirements, including submarines, aerospace, guided weapons and explosive ordnance, communications systems, advanced materials, robotics and cyber security. 

Business successful in this round include:

• Aurora Labs Ltd (WA) will receive $1,000,000 to procure an advanced laser powder bed fusion machine for the manufacture of propulsion systems.  
• Cop-A-Mate Products Pty Ltd (Vic) will receive $1,000,000 to establish local manufacturing capability for mission‑critical land vehicle armour and exhaust components.
• Lintek Pty. Limited (NSW) will receive $1,000,000 to upgrade its printed circuit board production facility through new advanced equipment.
• Southern Launch.Space Pty Ltd (SA) will receive $1,000,000 to acquire range safety and communications infrastructure to support test and evaluation activities.
• Gurit Australia Pty Ltd (QLD) will receive $559,852 to establish local manufacturing capability for bespoke subsea buoyancy systems for the Ghost Shark autonomous underwater vehicle.
• Currawong Engineering Pty Ltd (Tas) will receive $184,659 to procure a vertical machining centre to enhance the manufacture of aerospace‑grade electronic speed controllers, and engines to support the growing demand from export supply chains.
• Micca Holdings Pty Ltd (NT) will receive $62,419 to acquire a rotary fibre laser cutting machine and a laser welding machine to increase naval sustainment capability in Northern Australia.

The Defence Industry Development Grants program provides competitive, matching grants of up to 50 per cent to eligible Australian defence suppliers, supporting businesses to grow, innovate and contribute to Australia’s defence capability.

This latest round of grants brings the total investment directly benefiting Australian businesses to more than $73 million since the program commenced in June 2024. Collectively, these investments are supporting hundreds of jobs nationwide, strengthening Australia’s sovereign industrial base and promoting self-reliance in line with the 2026 National Defence Strategy.

Delivered across four delivery streams – Exports, Skilling, Security and Sovereign Industrial Priorities – the program enables companies to expand into new markets, lift workforce capability, strengthen security standards, and invest in critical technologies.  

This ensures the Government is delivering tangible outcomes for industry by helping businesses modernise facilities and adopt manufacturing technologies, improving overall global competitiveness.

More information on the DIDG program and the full list of grants awarded in the latest rounds are available at: 

Defence Industry Development Grants Program | Business & Industry | Defence

Applications remain open year‑round until 2028, ensuring Australian businesses can continue to invest with confidence and help the country to build a more resilient and capable industrial base.

Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Pat Conroy:

“Awarding more than 200 grants in under two years is a significant milestone and demonstrates the Albanese Government’s commitment to backing Australian defence industry and Australian jobs.

“These investments are helping local businesses to grow their capability, modernise operations and compete globally, while delivering the sovereign capabilities our Australian Defence Force needs now and into the future.

“By supporting skills, manufacturing and security across the country, we are building a stronger, more resilient defence industry and a future made in Australia.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will travel to Suva, Fiji and Honiara, Solomon Islands from 5 to 7 July 2026 to reaffirm Australia’s enduring commitment to the Pacific and regional security.

The Prime Minister will be joined on the visit to Fiji and Solomon Islands by Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Penny Wong.

In Suva, Prime Minister Albanese will meet Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka of Fiji to discuss deepening the Fiji–Australia Vuvale Partnership and greater cooperation.

Australia and Fiji share a strong connection underpinned by our Vuvale Partnership and a mutual vision for a peaceful, secure and prosperous Pacific.

Prime Minister Albanese will then travel to Honiara where he will meet with Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale, build on the productive discussions recently held in Canberra, and participate in Solomon Islands’ Independence Day celebrations.

Australia and Solomon Islands are committed to elevating the bilateral relationship through a comprehensive treaty on the basis of mutual trust, respect and open dialogue.

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles will be Acting Prime Minister until the Prime Minister’s return from overseas.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“Fiji and Solomon Islands are not just our neighbours, we are part of the Pacific family, and we work together for the good of our region.

“I look forward to meeting with my friend Prime Minister Rabuka to uplift the Vuvale Partnership, create opportunities for young people and celebrate the bond between our countries.

“It is a pleasure to take up Prime Minister Wale on his invitation to visit Solomon Islands so soon after his recent visit to Australia and continue discussions on how we can elevate our bilateral partnership through a comprehensive treaty.

“Australia remains a partner that the Pacific can rely on. By working together we can foster a safe and resilient region that enables all of our economies to grow and prosper.”

Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong:

“The Albanese Government is working hard to make transformational breakthroughs in the Pacific and shape a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.

“In Fiji and Solomon Islands, we will continue strengthening our relationships by listening, respecting and acting on Pacific priorities in the Pacific way.

“A stronger, safer and sovereign Pacific is good for Australia and for our region.”

Labor has ganged up with the anti-worker Liberal Party to vote against the Greens’ efforts to get under 18 year-old workers paid superannuation.

The Greens introduced a partial disallowance to the regulations to ensure all workers under 18s are finally paid superannuation. 

To their shame, Labor decided to continue to discriminate against our young workers, denying 515,000 young workers across the country their super, setting them behind financially for the rest of their lives. 

The Greens say Labor has chosen to line the pockets of big corporations with money that should be going to our 15-17 year olds.

Australian Greens spokesperson for finance, employment and workplace relations, Senator Barbara Pocock:

“Labor and the Coalition teamed up in the parliament to vote against teenage workers getting super and to pump the profits of Coles, Woolies and Maccas.

“They are robbing 515,000 young workers an estimated $405 million in super contributions in 2025-26 alone.

“This means some of our lowest paid young workers will continue to directly subsidise the bottom line of some of Australia’s most profitable big corporations. 

“Labor is picking the pockets of teenagers to put it in the profits of Coles and Woolies.

“The majority of young people under 18 (93 per cent) work fewer than 30 hours a week because of their school and study commitments, meaning they miss out on super. Young people shouldn’t be penalised for going to school or studying.

“Labor is the party of big corporations, not the party of workers.

“Labor can’t hide from teenage workers. The Greens won’t let this go.

“The Greens will continue to fight for young workers. We will fight Labor to ensure that every young person is paid super on every dollar they earn, no matter how many hours they work.”

The Senate this morning passed a bill to reinstate human override in aged care assessments, handing Labor another humiliation over its disastrous aged care reforms.

Labor’s aged care algorithm is consistently underassessing care need and priority, leaving older people with serious conditions like MND without even the bare minimum support. Under Labor’s reforms there is no ability for a human assessor to override an incorrect or inappropriate algorithmic decision.

The legislation that passed the Senate today, co-sponsored by the Greens, Coalition and Senator David Pocock, would protect the discretion of an assessor to make professional determinations about care.

In a bid to get ahead of the parliamentary defeat it knew was coming, Labor announced some minor changes to the algorithm this morning. But these would only allow for human override in “outlier” cases.

This is the second defeat Labor has suffered in the Senate over its aged care reforms. A vote last year forced the government to release more home care packages.

Greens Older People Spokesperson Senator Penny Allman-Payne

“Labor’s aged care reforms are unravelling, with another humiliating defeat on the floor of the Senate today.

“Piece by piece, the parliament is forcing this Labor government to unwind its disastrous reforms, yet they keep pretending everything’s okay.

“How can older Australians trust Labor when they still act like the system is working fine?

“Minister Rae is clearly out of his depth and older people are paying for it, some with their lives.”