The NSW Liberals and Nationals have criticised the Minns Labor Government over another child protection failure, following revelations that more than 550 children in the care of the Minister for Families and Communities are barely going to school.
Shadow Minister for Families and Communities, Natasha Maclaren-Jones, and Shadow Minister for Education, Mark Speakman, expressed alarm that hundreds of children in out-of-home care are routinely missing school, warning that the government’s inaction is jeopardising their safety, development, and long-term opportunities.
“Every child in NSW deserves a safe home and access to a proper education, yet this government is failing on both fronts,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.
“When children are taken into the care of the state, the Minister becomes the parent, and that parent is now failing to get hundreds of kids through the school gate.”
Mrs Maclaren-Jones said the reports highlight a growing pattern of neglect across the child protection system under Minister Washington.
“From children in care regularly missing school, to cases of young people being placed with violent offenders, and repeated safety warnings from frontline staff and whistleblowers, the problems are widespread,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.
Shadow Minister for Education, Mark Speakman, emphasised there must be improved coordination between the Department of Education and the Department of Communities and Justice.
“No child should be left behind in their learning. Missing school can set children back for life. It’s essential the government act now to coordinate services properly and get these vulnerable children into the classroom,” Mr Speakman said.
New horizon for Australian research and innovation
The Australian Government is set to begin treaty negotiations on association to Horizon Europe, which will give Australian organisations access to the world’s largest pooled research fund in 2027.
Horizon Europe is the European Union’s flagship research and innovation funding program worth $155 billion (AUD).
Once associated, Australian organisations can access the current round of Horizon Europe funding to lead and participate in research projects with the brightest minds, including on critical technologies, advanced computing, climate and clean energy, health, and critical minerals.
Horizon Europe’s large pool of funding attracts talented researchers and allows research projects at a scale that would be difficult for Australia to achieve alone.
More than 20 countries have associated with Horizon Europe, including Canada, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, and the United Kingdom, and have seen significant return on investment.
Following the conclusion of the treaty process, it is expected Australian organisations will be able to apply for Horizon Europe research calls from early 2027.
Australia’s association to Horizon Europe will be jointly supported by the Group of Eight universities.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
“I am pleased to join European Commission President von der Leyen in announcing that we will commence negotiations on association to Horizon Europe for 2027.
“By associating with Horizon Europe, we are supporting international research collaboration innovation in Australia, creating jobs and driving productivity to help deliver a Future Made in Australia.
“This is a great investment in our future and is testament to the strength of our relationship with the European Union.”
Minister for Education Jason Clare
“Australia should be rightly proud to be home to some of the world’s most brilliant researchers and the most-cutting edge research.
“This will help connect Australian researchers with some of Europe’s best and brightest.
“It will help our world-class universities and researchers to work on game-changing projects that are good for Australia and our economy.”
Minister for Science Tim Ayres
“Horizon Europe will ensure our researchers have the resources and the partnerships they need to tackle the biggest challenges of our time, from climate change to cutting-edge technology and the next generation of healthcare.
“The independent Ambitious Australia report released last week laid out the importance of making every Aussie research dollar count. Collaborating through Horizon Europe has a multiplier effect and is good value for money.
“Association to Horizon Europe, supported by partners at Australia’s Group of Eight universities, will facilitate access to joint projects with the EU and other associated countries, while also allowing our industry, science and research sectors to lead projects in the Indo-Pacific.
“This is a great example of international research cooperation at a time when the world needs more constructive collaboration.”
Fuel security powers to support fuel supply
The Albanese Government is acting to shield Australia against any future fuel supply chain disruptions, by establishing new fuel security powers, enabling government to work with fuel suppliers to keep fuel flowing to Australia.
Next week the Government will introduce amendments to the Export Finance and Insurance Corporation Act, formalising the Commonwealth’s ability to underwrite additional cargoes and other vital strategic reserves as needed.
We are already in discussions with local and international fuel suppliers to help them source additional cargoes as needed to keep our nation and our people moving.
Our focus will be on ensuring additional supply helps address regional shortages and critical supply gaps.
The deal making expertise of Export Finance Australia will allow them to enter contracts of insurance or indemnity, give guarantees, make loans, or enter arrangements needed to help secure fuel supply from international markets.
Commonwealth powers will only be used to help acquire additional supply that is valuable for Australia’s fuel security and where would be cost prohibitive for private suppliers to source on commercial terms without government support.
Support will not replace or subsidise fuel that importers are already contracted to supply.
While Australia’s fuel supply outlook remains secure over the near term due to the actions the Government has taken to date, the Government has been clear – the longer this war goes the worse the impacts will be.
We are acting now to prepare and shield Australians from the worst of it.
Despite stable national supply, global price pressures and a doubling in demand has seen parts of Australia’s regional fuel market come under significant strain. This has had an unacceptable impact on regional customers who source their fuel this way, including farmers.
The Fuel Security powers help to address this by giving suppliers confidence to secure additional and discretionary cargoes – which will be used to service uncontracted demand, including regional and independent fuel suppliers.
Eligibility for underwriting support will be structured to ensure additional supply can be delivered quickly through trusted operators with the capability and networks to get fuel where it needs to go.
Our Government is undertaking every practical measure required to shield our nation from the worst of this global uncertainty.
Ensuring our farmers, our regional communities and the services all Australians rely on can continue to access the fuel they need.
Across the board, the Albanese Government has been working through and planning for the impacts of this crisis and protecting Australians from the worst of this global challenge.
Appeal to locate woman missing from Cessnock
Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a woman reported missing from the Hunter Valley region.
Danielle Dew, aged 55, was last seen at a business on Wollombi Road, Cessnock, about 5.30pm yesterday (Saturday 28 March 2026).
When she could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.
Police hold concerns for her welfare.
Danielle is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 165cm tall with slim build and long brown hair.
She was last seen wearing a plaid long-sleeve button-up shirt, light-coloured shorts, white shoes and a black bag over the shoulder.
Anyone with information into her whereabouts is urged to call police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
NEW TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY HOT SPOT ON THE WAY FOR NEWCASTLE
The Minns Labor Government is transforming The Station Newcastle into a world class tourism, retail and hospitality precinct in partnership with Ashbridge Capital.
As part of a 99-year lease Ashbridge will further restore the heritage buildings and re-imagine the much-loved city landmark to create a new vibrant must visit destination for shopping, dining and community events.
Initial plans which are subject to approvals will deliver:
- a café, artisanal bakery and specialty fine foods retailers,
- restaurants with outdoor dining options,
- a wine bar and cellar door,
- a ‘gastropub’ focused on regional beers and local produce,
- a new multi-purpose function room on the top floor,
- boutique short-stay accommodation.
Ashbridge will develop a detailed design and seek approval for The Station’s heritage buildings to be refurbished and activated with a carefully selected mix of new uses.
Works to restore and enhance the buildings are expected to commence in 2027 pending approvals.
After the works are completed, The Station’s outdoor spaces will continue to be activated with community and public events such as markets, live music, charity events and family friendly activities, along with new types of events.
For information visit hccdc.nsw.gov.au/station-future
Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley said:
“This is fantastic news for the Hunter. This re-development will bring the Station’s beautiful heritage buildings to life as a harbourside destination for dining, shopping and great community events that will draw locals and visitors back again and again.”
“This transformation will create new opportunities for events, dining and cultural experiences, bringing new vibrancy to a landmark destination on the foreshore.”
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully said:
“We’re bringing back bold, vibrant cities by enabling great new precincts like this transformative plan for The Station Newcastle.
“Projects like this are exciting because they bring new activations in our cities and put heritage buildings back to the heart of the community.
“This is another example of the Minns Labor Government working to protect the heritage and cultural value while supporting tourism, jobs and community connection.”
Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said:
“The Station is an iconic Newcastle landmark and this exciting transformation will make it a must-visit destination, providing a new space to gather, celebrate and experience a reimagined heritage space.”
“Whether you want to shop, dine or just have a wine or beer with a friend the re-imagined station will have something for everyone.
“We’ve already seen the community embrace The Station as a venue for pop up events and this project will take that activation to another level.”
HCCDC Chief Executive, Valentina Misevska said:
“Since 2018, HCCDC has kept The Station open and thriving, and delivered major landscaping, site enhancements, and a popular program of pop-up events.
“We’re continuing temporary activation throughout 2026 and will work with Ashbridge through the design, planning and approvals process to ensure ongoing activity and a smooth transition to the long-term lease.”
“We look forward to the next phase of The Station’s life including next-level food, beverage and entertainment offerings.”
Ashbridge spokesperson, Vishant Narayan said:
“We are honoured to be entrusted with The Station’s future and are committed to carefully curating a mix of drawcard attractions with best-in-class operators.
“This will be a carefully considered and comprehensive transformation that enables modern use of the space while preserving and celebrating the building’s wonderful heritage character.
“We’re proud to have assembled a leading team, nationally and locally, to bring this vision to life, and look forward to working with the community, Council and our stakeholders.”
Appeal to locate missing man near West Wallsend
Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man after his vehicle was located abandoned in the Lake Macquire area.
Darko Tomic, aged 50, was spoken to by family members about 9am on Friday 27 March 2026.
About 8.20am today (Saturday 28 March 2026), officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District responded to reports of a concern for welfare, after a vehicle was located abandoned on O’Donnelltown Road near the intersection of Railway Street, at West Wallsend.
Initial inquiries revealed Darko was the registered owner, and a land search commenced to locate him.
Police hold concerns for Darko’s welfare.
Darko is described as being of Aboriginal/ Torres Strait Islander appearance, 180cm tall, of solid build, shaved head, brown eyes and full sleeve tattoos on both arms.
Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact Lake Macquarie Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Visit to Australia by Germany’s Minister of Defence
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, and Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy, will today welcome the Federal Minister of Defence of Germany, Boris Pistorius, to Canberra for his first official visit to Australia.
Australia and Germany are close friends with a shared interest in stability and cooperation.
The Australia-Germany bilateral defence relationship continues to grow at pace, built upon our shared commitment to international security and prosperity achieved through respect for the international rules‑based order.
During the visit, ministers will discuss opportunities to harness this momentum to deepen and strengthen cooperation between our defence forces, across all domains, and defence industries.
Recognising the importance of defence industry collaboration between Australia and Germany, Minister Conroy will host Minister Pistorius in Brisbane on Friday where they will discuss joint capability development between Australia and Germany. They will also meet with Australian and German defence personnel.
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles:
“I look forward to welcoming Minister Pistorius to Canberra for his first official visit to Australia.
“Australia and Germany are linked in the ways we work together, as likeminded partners, to address shared strategic challenges.
“This visit reinforces the strength of our relationship and highlights the importance of further deepening our defence cooperation.”
Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy:
“Germany is a valued defence industry partner and trusted security partner. This visit highlights our intent for even greater collaboration among our respective defence industries.
“The Australian Government welcomes our growing defence industry ties with Germany which will only make both our countries more resilient, help secure local jobs and contribute to Australia’s economic growth.”
Senate debated war powers reform law
The Senate today debated a bill that will require both houses of Parliament to vote before the Government can send Australians to wars overseas. 90% of Australians support this reform with most astounded that the Parliament does not already have this power.
The Albanese Labor Government and the Liberals oppose this reform. Both are committed to keeping the decision to send Australians to war as a secret decision made by a handful of cabinet members with no democratic oversight.
Currently, in Australia, the Prime Minister or Defence Minister can unilaterally take Australia to war with no parliamentary oversight before that decision is made. Polling has routinely shown an overwhelming majority of Australians want there to be parliamentary oversight prior to the deployment of troops.
War power reform bills have been proposed in various forms for over 20 years, but have been routinely rejected by the Liberal and Labor parties.
The Albanese Labor Government has sent 85 military personnel, including an RAAF E-7A Wedgetail aircraft and medium-range air-to-air missiles, to the UAE.
This decision was made in a closed room by a handful of Labor cabinet members, with zero parliamentary or public engagement or consent.
We now know that the information collected by the E-7A Wedgetail is being provided to the US as part of their warfighting in this disastrous war of choice on Iran.
Senator David Shoebridge, Greens spokesperson on Defence and Foreign Affairs, said: “The Albanese Labor Government has dragged Australia into another US forever war, and the public never got a say.
“Having Parliament vote before sending a country to war is common in democracies. That is the case in Germany, France, Finland, Denmark and Spain, to name a few. But the war parties here want to keep making that decision in a dark room that only they can enter.
“The majority of Australians do not support Trump and Netanyahu’s war on Iran or the Albanese Labor Government backing it in. This is why the war parties are so resistant to giving Australians a say on this latest disastrous war.
“We are living through the chaos of a war that was supported by a handful of powerful people without public consent. If we had this law in place, then the Government would have had to justify their position before committing troops and the public would have had a chance of stopping it.
“Right now we are seeing death and violence spreading across the Middle East, and Australians are feeling the economic impacts with cost-of-living increases and chaos.
“Australians should decide if we go to war, not Washington, not a handful of people in the war parties and not Donald Trump.
“We needed this law before Vietnam, before Afghanistan, before Iraq and we certainly need it now.”
Albanese Government bans Iranians from seeking safety in Australia
The Albanese Labor Government announced today that it will prevent people from Iran who already hold a valid Australian visa from coming to Australia. This is a brutal and unfair decision designed to ensure none of them can make an onshore claim for protection like members of the Iranian women’s football team.
The Migration Amendment (2026 Measures No 1) Bill 2026, which was supported by One Nation and the Liberals, gave the Minister of Home Affairs the power to block people with a valid temporary visa from travelling to Australia. This power has now been exercised by the Minister of Home Affairs to target Iranians to prevent them from seeking asylum in Australia.
The restriction will initially apply to any Iranians holding a subclass 600 visitor visa. We know from evidence given by Home Affairs in answer to questions from Senator Shoebridge that there are currently around 7,200 Iranians who hold temporary visas but have not yet arrived in Australia.
The vast majority of people seeking asylum from authoritarian countries do so by securing a visa and then applying for asylum upon arrival. There are vanishingly small numbers of offshore humanitarian visas provided to people in Iran, because doing so would clearly identify them as a target from the Iranian government.
Senator Shoebridge, Greens spokesperson on Immigration, said: “The Albanese Government supported an illegal war on Iran by the US and Israel with the lie that it was to support the Iranian people. Today, we see with 100% clarity what the Albanese Government thinks of the safety of the Iranian people as they shut the door on protection for people with a visa to come here.
“The Labor Party cynically used the plight of everyday Iranians to justify their support for this latest US forever war, and it has now dropped them when they are no longer of ‘use’.
“Time and time again it is the Labor Party that passes the cruellest laws targeting refugees. One Nation and Liberals may cheer Labor on, but it is Labor pulling the trigger.
“The Government’s claim that it consulted with the ‘leadership of the Australian Iranian community’ may be true, even if I doubt it. But if they did, you get no credit for betraying someone while looking them in the eye.
“To its shame, the Labor government has been explicit that this law is to prevent people from Iran from coming to Australia and seeking safety.
“Today’s order puts the lie to the pretence that Labor is supporting the illegal US and Israeli war on Iran to help the Iranian people. They could not care less.”
Parliament launches review of anti-corruption watchdog’s performance
The Parliamentary Joint Committee on the National Anti-Corruption Commission has launched a formal inquiry into the NACC’s performance of its functions, examining how effectively Australia’s key anti-corruption body is operating. This follows significant community concern that the NACC is failing to deliver on community expectations and has been mired in scandals about conflict of interest management.
Submissions from the public and stakeholders are open until 29 May 2026, with the Committee due to report by 26 October 2026. The inquiry page is here.
Senator Shoebridge, Greens Justice Spokesperson and member of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on the NACC David Shoebridge:
“Australians have been watching the NACC operate in the shadows for years and with this inquiry it’s time to drag this body into the light.”
“NACC has no public hearings, no regular updates and zero cooperation with whistleblowers and complainants. That is a recipe for destroying public trust, not fighting corruption.
“As one of the many people who have lodged complaints with the NACC I know how people feel when they report serious corruption concerns and are met with total silence for months ticking over to years.
“I hope that with this inquiry the public can get a voice to tell us directly their thoughts on the processes and functions of the NACC and how to fix it. For too long this entire conversation has been captured by the Labor and Liberal parties who are so conflicted.
“What I repeatedly hear from the public is that they think the NACC is a joke, a hamstrung and secret tribunal that is fundamentally failing to root out federal corruption.
“This inquiry has been called while the Inspector is undertaking a separate and independent investigation into concerns about the NACC Commissioner’s actual or perceived conflicts of interest. To respect that independence it is right that this inquiry does not cover that same ground.
“The test of this inquiry is simple: will it produce a pathway to a NACC that the public can actually see doing its job? To do that it will have to give a pathway for serious reform so that whistleblowers are respected, the cloak of secrecy is pulled back and people can see how corruption is being tackled,” Senator Shoebridge said.