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We, the Foreign Minister of Australia, Senator the Hon Penny Wong, and the Federal Foreign Minister for Foreign Affairs of Germany, Dr Johann Wadephul met in Canberra to reaffirm the closeness of our bilateral relationship, underpinned by shared values, interests and commitment to the rule of law.

Looking towards celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations in 2027, we discussed common security challenges amid a rapidly changing geo-strategic environment and committed to work together to support security, freedom and prosperity, between Europe and the Indo-Pacific in keeping with the Charter of the United Nations.

Strengthened partnership for a sustainable future

We acknowledge significant achievements in advancing our Enhanced Strategic Partnership (ESP), and its renewed work plan 2025-27. We have deepened our security cooperation on defence, hybrid and cyber threats. Our commitment to renewable energy and critical minerals partnerships remains firm. Our practical action in support of the international trading system, through the joint H2Global window to support the development of hydrogen supply chains, and work to build green iron and steel value chains, is increasing opportunities for investment in offtake arrangements and helping establish trade corridors for renewable hydrogen products between Australia and Europe.

We discussed the importance of working to build peace and social cohesion and reaffirm our commitment to collaborate in international fora to combat antisemitism and all forms of hatred and discrimination.

We reaffirm our commitment to reinforce the rules of the international system that protect peace and economic prosperity and that support sustainable development, civil society, gender equality, governance and human rights. We stress our firm commitment to the multilateral, rules-based trading system with the WTO at its core and our support for negotiations of a free trade agreement between Australia and the European Union, to strengthen our economic relations.

We appreciate the deep commitment to the return of ancestors and significant cultural heritage material to First Nations custodians and welcome on-going close cooperation with German institutions.

We reaffirm the ongoing importance of defence and security cooperation to the Australia-Germany relationship. Building resilience and bolstering economic security are important to this endeavour. We have agreed to deepen our cooperation on economic security through a new Australia-Germany senior officials-level exchange and 1.5 track dialogue.

A combined commitment to peace and territorial integrity

Australia and Germany unequivocally condemn Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine. We demand Russia’s complete and unconditional withdrawal from the territory of Ukraine in respect of its internationally recognised borders. We have provided substantial support to Ukraine – Germany, the largest European contributor, and Australia, the largest non-NATO contributor of military assistance. We agree that continued support is crucial for Ukraine’s efforts to defend itself against Russia’s military aggression.

We condemn Russia’s targeted attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure during the coldest winter in 10 years. Russia’s war is causing immense human suffering, perpetuating sexual and gender-based violence, disrupting supply chains, heightening energy and food insecurity, constraining growth, increasing inflation and elevating financial stability risks.

We call on support from the international community to increase the pressure on Russia to end the war, including for third countries to cease the direct and indirect support to Russia’s military, and for those with influence on Russia to play a positive role in achieving a just and lasting peace based on international law, including the principles of the United Nations Charter.

We share a long history of contributing to peace in the Middle East and remain committed to working with the international community towards a two-state solution as the only viable pathway to a just and enduring peace for Israelis and Palestinians alike. We must make every effort to ensure all sides fulfil their commitments under the US Peace Plan to end the suffering of the people of Gaza, including the full-fledged disarmament of Hamas.

We condemn the brutal crackdown perpetrated by the Iranian regime against its own population during the protests and follow closely and with great concern the shocking reports on the number of casualties and arbitrary detentions. We urge Iranian authorities to adhere to Iran’s international obligations and fully uphold the rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly. We also call for ensuring the right to seek, receive and impart information, including by restoring access to the internet for all.

We underscore the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and reaffirm our shared opposition to any unilateral attempts to change the status quo. We call for the peaceful management of cross-Strait issues through dialogue, without coercion or the use of force. We support Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organisations as a member where statehood is not a prerequisite, and as an observer or guest where it is.

We are concerned by the increased tensions in the South China Sea and unsafe behaviour at sea and in the air. We reiterate that disputes should be settled peacefully in accordance with international law and reaffirm the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award as final and binding on the parties.

We are also concerned over Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI) and attempts to undermine security and democratic institutions and processes. The impacts of disinformation, interference, transnational repression, cyberattacks and the malicious use of AI on societies like Australia and Germany are deeply concerning. We are committed to working closely to build collective responses, including in multilateral fora, to promote resilient, healthy, open and fact-based environments and to countering foreign interference and misinformation. Countering mis- and disinformation will help build social cohesion and security at home and abroad.

Strengthened multilateral cooperation and international development

Australia and Germany have worked hard to build peace and prosperity. Today, hard-won freedom is once again under pressure – challenged by military aggression, disinformation, and attempts to redraw spheres of influence. We must work even harder, together and with others, to build our collective resilience, to create space for innovation and economic opportunity and to protect the parts of the multilateral system that matter most.

We note the current significant challenges to the multilateral system and rules-based order and reaffirm the paramount importance of international law with the United Nations at its core. We underscore our support for a comprehensive reform of the United Nations to make it more efficient and effective, while maintaining a balance across all UN pillars: peace and security, human rights and sustainable development.

We recognise the global development architecture must reform to suit the evolving context. We will continue to promote development cooperation in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and accelerate its implementation for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. We will work to protect the multilateral system’s ability to advance sustainable development and cooperate to support reforms to ensure the global development system is fit for our times.

We recognise the extreme pressure on the international system in responding to humanitarian crises. We remain focused on delivering on the commitments we made, together with more than 100 other countries, through the Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel and to upholding respect for international humanitarian law, also through our engagement within the International Committee of the Red Cross Global Initiative to Galvanize Political Commitment to International Humanitarian Law.

Building climate and energy resilience in the Pacific and South-East Asia

Australia strongly welcomes Germany’s decade long engagement as a dialogue partner of the Pacific Islands Forum, support for Pacific priorities and expanding involvement in the Pacific.

With our energy and climate partnership a central pillar of the Germany-Australia bilateral relationship, we underscored the importance of multilateral and international cooperation to accelerate global climate action to meet the long-term goals of the Paris Agreement. Germany welcomed Australia and the Pacific agreeing with Türkiye to deliver COP31 in partnership. Recognising the existential threat posed by climate change to small island developing states, and Australia and Germany’s foundational contributions to the Pacific-led and owned Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF), we will work together to build momentum on climate finance in support of the PRF and further multilateral climate funds. We welcome the significant reform to multilateral climate funds, including the Green Climate Fund, and Global Environment Facility, to increase access to climate finance and better meet the needs of small island developing states, including Pacific island countries.

Noting the importance of supporting Southeast Asia’s energy transition to meet the long-term goals of the Paris Agreement, we will increase coordination to bolster energy security in Southeast Asia, reduce costs, and accelerate the region’s shift to cleaner energy sources. We welcome the Partnership for ASEAN Connectivity on Energy (PACE), a new platform to strengthen collaboration between international financial institutions and donors, which will better harmonise support for the region’s cross-border power trade and allow us to more effectively leverage our respective clean energy expertise in support of the region.

Labor’s planned fire sale of Victoria Barracks sites ignores the obvious solution: converting this prime publicly-owned urban land into social and affordable housing for those locked out of the market. 

Selling to the highest bidder while Australians sleep in cars and tents exposes the government’s misplaced priorities.

Greens Senator and Defence Spokesperson David Shoebridge said: 

“Labor is planning to sell off prime public land to developer mates while families can’t afford a home. 

“Victoria Barracks could house hundreds of families in real public homes, flogging it for luxury private developments would squander this opportunity. 

“We built hundreds of thousands of public homes in the past. Defence Housing does it now. After all Labor’s bluster about taking action on the housing crisis why are they ignoring this critical opportunity? 

“A few ‘affordable’ apartments for 10 years isn’t a plan, it’s crumbs from the table while developers feast on our public land.

“Done right these sites could deliver literally thousands of homes, protect heritage and provide beautiful and much-needed public parklands. 

“Labor selling this land without any regard to the desperate need for public housing and the strong community support for the built heritage and green open space is a three way betrayal. 

“These buildings are located towards the centre of cities where housing affordability is hitting hardest and driving ordinary people into hours-long commutes. 

“Keep Victoria Barracks public. Build bold. Build green.

“If Labour was serious about public housing, they’d prove it at Victoria Barracks. I call on them to at least try rather than just flogging off more public assets to the highest bidder. 

Greens spokesperson for housing Barbara Pocock:

“We are in the middle of a national housing crisis, we have people on decades-long waiting lists for a roof over their head and a severe lack of public and affordable housing. 

“The solutions to the housing crisis are simple, but this isn’t it. Instead of flogging off land to private developers for massive profits, what we need is direct public investment in social and affordable housing. 

“Labor needs to start treating housing as a human right rather than a game of monopoly, and to make the best use of prime publicly-owned land.

“We need affordable housing in central city locations with access to green space – not the privatisation of prime public sites.

“Labor can find the money and political will to build public housing for US troops and foreign defence contractors – but not for Australians. Instead it offers a fire sale to salivating developers and privatisation pirate profiteers. We say no.”

The Greens’ Bill to ban corporate price gouging across the economy will be debated in Parliament tomorrow, giving Labor the chance to stop sitting on its hands and tackle inflation.

“Price gouging is a major driver of inflation, and Australians are copping it every day,” Greens Economic Justice Spokesperson Senator Nick McKim said.

“When big corporations with market power jack up prices simply because they can, that feeds inflation right through the economy”

“Supermarkets are a clear example, but this problem goes far beyond the checkout. Price gouging is happening across the economy, and it’s keeping inflation higher for longer.”

The Greens’ Bill would make price gouging illegal across the economy and give the ACCC the powers it needs to investigate and prosecute corporations that exploit their market power to unfairly hike prices.

“Instead of leaving the inflation fight to the Reserve Bank and interest rate rises, the government should be tackling corporate price gouging, which is one of the major inflation drivers.”

“Labor promised to act on price gouging. Tomorrow, they’ll have the chance to prove it.”

“If Labor is serious about bringing inflation down and easing cost-of-living pressure, they should support the Greens’ Bill and ban price gouging across the economy.”

The Australian Greens have reintroduced a Bill to ban political donations from dirty industries driving the cost-of-living and climate crises, including fossil fuel companies, gambling giants and the big banks, as new AEC data this week shows the major parties are still bankrolling their campaigns with millions in corporate handouts.

Greens Democracy Spokesperson, Senator Steph Hodgins-May:

“AEC data confirms that the major parties are still hooked on dirty donations. 

“While everyday Australians struggle with soaring cost of living and housing crises, big corporations are pouring millions into Labor and Liberal coffers to protect their profits. 

“Nearly $4 million from coal and gas has flowed to the major parties in just one year. You cannot fight the climate crisis while being funded by those who profit from it.

“When the gambling industry and the big banks write massive cheques, they’re not doing it for nothing — they’re pulling the strings from behind the scenes.

“This Bill would finally clean up politics by putting a stop to dirty donations.

“It will cap donations at $3,000 per term, finishing the job abandoned when Labor and the Liberals cut a backroom deal to gut last year’s electoral reforms.”

After taking years, the federal government has finally responded to the recommendations of two parliamentary inquiries into the consultancy sector, prompted by the PwC tax scandal. Unfortunately, the government has failed to meet the moment. 

The two parliamentary inquiries made 52 recommendations between them, which were agreed to by Labor, the Liberals and the Greens, which gave the government an opening for reform across the accounting and consulting sector. 

The reports made clear recommendations, including lowering partnership caps, separating audit from non-audit services, improving whistleblower protections and not allowing PwC to tender for government work until all ongoing investigations have concluded.

The Greens say the government’s responses are woefully inadequate but not surprising and call on the government to legislate the reports’ recommendations instead of relying on voluntary guidelines and endless reviews.

Australian Greens spokesperson for finance and public sector Senator Barbara Pocock:

“The government’s response to this consultancy crisis is woefully inadequate. We discovered a tidal wave of malpractice, poor governance and structural failures. The government’s response fobs off our report with baby steps that don’t meet the scale of this crisis.

“So much of the Parliament’s time and resources have been spent uncovering unethical behaviour in the consultancy sector. The government was provided with clear recommendations for cleaning up the sector but instead of agreeing to them, Labor continues to greenlight unethical contractors. 

“This is a government of gestures. Despite the extensive evidence and comprehensive recommendations, the government is once again choosing to tinker around the edges, instead of committing to actual reform.

“Political donations data released this week shows that big consulting firms are still giving large donations to the government. It’s a straightforward conflict of interest – it’s no wonder Labor is failing to act. Three of the Big 4 consultancy firms continue to donate to the government – this is just wrong and the government is refusing to take action on this.

“The government continues to distance itself from a myriad of consultancy scandals, which won’t go away. The fact that the government let PwC back into the fold before the TPB, AFP and NACC investigations had concluded is both baffling and pathetic. Astonishingly they’ve refused to comment on PwC continuing to hide crucial information from the Senate. 

“The government’s refusal to clean up the unethical practices rife across the consultancy sector is the reason why the Greens introduced a bill to parliament. We must close the legal loopholes that allow government contractors who behave unethically to get away with it.”

In the same week Australian households were told their mortgage repayments will go up, they have also learnt who the real beneficiaries of government housing policies are and…. it’s not first-home buyers.

As reported in the media, the Housing Minister’s “policy brain” who was pivotal to the creation of Labor’s 5 percent deposit scheme, which drove up house prices in the midst of a housing crisis, is making the move to Commonwealth Bank – one of the big four banks profiting off bigger home loans.

The Greens say the lucrative revolving door is shameful and it’s clear that Labor cares more about the profits of the banks than it does about first-home buyers.

Greens spokesperson for finance, housing and homelessness Senator Barbara Pocock:

“In the midst of a housing crisis, Labor’s 5 percent deposit scheme has driven up house prices. It’s a policy that encourages people to take on more and more debt while they compete with wealthy property investors.

“As millions of Australians now face increased mortgage repayments in a cost of living crisis, many will be left wondering who benefits? The banks do. For every mortgage, the banks make $200,000 profit. 

“When the Housing Minister’s adviser takes up a job at an institution that is among the greatest beneficiaries of Labor’s policy, what are mortgage holders and first-home buyers supposed to think? 

“This is a blatant example of the endless rewards of the lucrative revolving door. 

“Australians are fed up with the jobs-for-the-mates mentality that’s plagued successive governments. This is why the Greens have always supported strengthening lobbying oversight by extending the ban on former ministers’ lobbying from 18 months to five years and applying it to senior staff.

“Treasury’s own modelling said house prices would go up under the 5 percent deposit scheme. Borrowing 95% of a mortgage when homes are eight times the average household income is a recipe for financial stress, not stability. It’s clear that Labor and its advisors care more about banks than it does about first-home buyers and making housing affordable. 

“Without tackling the root causes of the housing crisis, which is the tax breaks for wealthy property hoarders, house prices will continue to spike, and banks will continue to rake in the profits.”

Central Coast champion Layne Paull has joined the ranks of 31 remarkable women and girls to be named a finalist for the 2026 NSW Women of the Year Awards.

The North Avoca resident is nominated in the NSW Young Woman of the Year category.

The NSW Women of the Year Awards recognise outstanding women who demonstrate strong leadership, resilience and community spirit.

Ms Paull is a young leader with a passion for inclusion, innovation and community service.

As Inclusion Nippers Coordinator for North Avoca Surf Life Saving Club and Team Leader for Disabled Surfers Association, she has developed programs that make aquatic environments welcoming for people of all abilities.

Ms Paull juggles studying biomedical engineering at the University of Technology Sydney with her role as a disability support worker, designing personalised strategies to enhance clients’ skills and independence.

She was awarded the Women in Engineering Scholarship 2025 by Engineers Australia.

Now in its 14th year, the awards program shines a light on extraordinary individuals across the state who are improving lives, driving innovation, strengthening communities and inspiring future generations.

Recipients in each of the five award categories will be revealed at the Women of the Year Awards ceremony on Thursday 5 March at the International Convention Centre, Sydney.

This is the flagship event of NSW Women’s Week 2026, held from Monday 2 March to International Women’s Day on Sunday 8 March.

The 2026 Women of the Year Awards finalists are:

NSW Premier’s Woman of Excellence

• Professor Tracey O’Brien AM – Lane Cove LGA
• Clare Pearson – The Hills Shire LGA

NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year

• Dr Aunty Rhonda Radley – Port Macquarie–Hastings LGA
• Adjunct Professor Nicole Turner – Port Stephens LGA
• Sharon Winsor – Mid‑Western Regional LGA

NSW Community Hero

• Carolyn Campbell-McLean – Parramatta LGA
• Ruby Riethmuller – Northern Beaches LGA
• Gidget Foundation Australia Founders Group:
  • Alexandra Berthold – Ku-ring-gai LGA
  • Libby Bowditch – Northern Beaches LGA
  • Jacqui Cotton – Northern Beaches LGA
  • Stephanie Hughes – Waverley LGA
  • Lou Hunter – North Sydney LGA
  • Kim Mouret – Northern Beaches LGA
  • Simone Short – Mosman LGA

NSW Regional Woman of the Year

• Jo Marshall – Upper Lachlan Shire LGA
• Amy Riddle – Coffs Harbour City LGA
• Jenny Worrell – Clarence Valley LGA

NSW Young Woman of the Year (16–30 years)

• Miranda McGufficke – Snowy Monaro Regional LGA
• Layne Paull – Central Coast LGA
• Milli Weaver – Randwick City LGA
• Dr Mithila Zaheen – Cumberland LGA

The Ones to Watch (7–15 years)

• Imali Bamji – Hunters Hill LGA
• Piper Clarke – Shoalhaven LGA
• Hafsa Faizan – Liverpool LGA
• Emma Hoskins – Blacktown LGA
• Amalia Carolyn Howard – Dubbo LGA
• Elly Ings – Northern Beaches LGA
• Hannah Orr – Goulburn Mulwaree LGA
• Ruvi Pooliyadde – Blacktown LGA
• Shanvi Govinda Raju – Penrith LGA
• Ivy Walker – Hornsby LGA

Learn more about the NSW Women of the Year Awards 2026 and finalists by visiting https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/women-nsw/awards-and-events/nsw-women-of-year-awards/nsw-women-of-year-awards-2026-finalists

Find out what other events are taking place during NSW Women’s Week 2026 at NSW Women’s Week 2026 | NSW Government. The NSW Women of the Year Awards ceremony will be livestreamed for everyone to celebrate these inspirational women and girls.

Premier Chris Minns said:

“Every finalist represents the strength and diversity that defines New South Wales.

“These women are changing the lives of those around them – not for recognition, but because they believe in lifting up their communities.

“I congratulate all of the finalists and commend them for going above and beyond in their respective fields.”

Minister for the Central Coast David Harris said:

“Layne’s tireless efforts in disability inclusion, innovation and community service are inspirational, and she is a more than worthy NSW Young Woman of the Year finalist.

“I join all Coasties in congratulating Layne.

“I would also like to acknowledge Professor Tracey O’Brien, a finalist for the NSW Premier’s Woman of Excellence and NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year finalists Adjunct Professor Nicole Turner, Dr Aunty Rhonda Radley and Sharon Winsor, all of who I have the privilege of working with in my other Ministerial portfolios.

“The calibre of women nominated for the NSW Women of the Year Awards couldn’t be higher and I congratulate each and every one of them.”

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“Women and girls across New South Wales are making a difference right across our state and these awards recognise their invaluable contributions.

“This year we receive an incredible number of nominations, every one of them showcasing a story of grit, compassion and remarkable achievement.

“Our 2026 finalists come from all corners of New South Wales and their work spans health, community services, business, culture, education and advocacy. Their contribution enriches our communities and sets an example for girls and women everywhere.”

Member for Gosford and Parliamentary Secretary for Disability Inclusion Liesl Tesch said:

“The Central Coast is home to a vast array of fantastic women, shaping change and enriching our community through their everyday actions and incredible community spirit.

“A special congratulations to Central Coast local Layne Paull, a dedicated champion and advocate for disability inclusion.

“Layne’s expansive work in disability inclusion across sport, assistive technology, adaptive design and advocacy showcases her commitment to breaking barriers for all.

“Congratulations and thank you for your wonderful work Layne.”