World-leading mathematician Professor Nalini Joshi named NSW Scientist of the Year

Professor Nalini Joshi AO from the University of Sydney has been recognised as the NSW Scientist of the Year in the 2025 Premier’s Prizes for Science and Engineering.

Professor Joshi is one of 10 exceptional researchers, innovators and educators honoured at the Premier’s Prizes for Science & Engineering, held at Government House Sydney.

Professor Joshi’s selection as Scientist of the Year is in recognition of her world-leading work in mathematics. Her transformational mathematical approaches have been applied to reveal real-world phenomena, including how light signals travel in optical fibres and the formation of large and unpredictable surface waves called rogue waves in deep water.

These findings can be used to model how complex systems change over time, with practical applications across weather, climate, ocean waves and tides. They can also be used to show how signals travel, interact and degrade, with significant uses in the development of fibre-optic communications.

Professor Joshi will receive a trophy and $60,000 in prize money for her work.

Nine category winners were also announced last night, each receiving a trophy and $5,000:

  • Excellence in Mathematics, Earth Sciences, Chemistry or Physics Professor Anita Ho-Baillie, the University of Sydney
  • Excellence in Biological Sciences (Ecological, environmental, agricultural and organismal) Distinguished Professor Brajesh Singh, Western Sydney University
  • Excellence in Medical Biological Sciences (Cell and molecular, medical, veterinary and genetics) Scientia Professor Kaarin Anstey, UNSW Sydney
  • Excellence in Engineering or Information and Communications Technology Distinguished Professor Vivian Tam, Western Sydney University
  • NSW Early Career Researcher of the Year (Biological Sciences) Dr Jennifer Matthews, University of Technology Sydney
  • NSW Early Career Researcher of the Year (Physical Sciences) Dr Felix Rizzuto, UNSW Sydney
  • Leadership in Innovation in NSW Professor Paul Keall, the University of Sydney
  • Innovation in NSW Public Sector Science and Engineering Dr Brad Law, NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
  • Innovation in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematic Teaching in NSW Mr Ryland O’Connell, Hastings Secondary School, Port Macquarie

Full details of all winners can be found at: https://www.chiefscientist.nsw.gov.au/events/nsw-premiers-prizes-for-science-and-engineering

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“Professor Joshi’s groundbreaking work helps us make sense of nature’s big mysteries.

“Her research is also working to unlock solutions to complex technological challenges.

“Importantly, in addition to her academic excellence, she is also a role model supporting of our next generation of mathematicians.”

Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“Our state boasts a research and innovation sector that is the envy of the world. These awards are the NSW Government’s chance to recognise the best of the best.

“Importantly, the fine work of those who we saluted last night is being translated into real-world solutions in areas as diverse as space, construction and agriculture.

“I thank our winners for their contributions to the health, social, economic and environmental benefit of NSW.”

2025 NSW Scientist of the Year Professor Nalini Joshi said:

“I am deeply honoured and humbled to be recognised as NSW Scientist of the Year.

“This award is a recognition of the power of the mathematical tools that my collaborators and I have been developing to shine clearer light on the questions of science, particularly the ones that have elusive information hidden within nonlinear models.

“I want to reach out to all the young people who may be daunted by the future and say that it is possible to find answers to questions about the universe by shining the clear light of mathematics on them.

“It is wonderful for me and the amazingly talented people who work with me to be recognised in this way in the company of the brilliant scientists we have in NSW.”

NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer Professor Hugh Durrant-Whyte said:

“Another year, another extraordinary cohort of research and educational excellence. Last night, we saluted leading work in dementia risk reduction, detection and treatment of stress responses in coral reefs, and technology that has improved the lives of literally millions of cancer patients, to name just three areas.

“We acknowledge the career achievements of senior academics and we welcome the impressive innovations of our best new researchers.

“My congratulations to all honoured last night, and especially to the 2025 Scientist of the Year, Professor Nalini Joshi for her highly impactful work in the field of mathematics.”

Thousands step out to speak out against domestic and family violence

Thousands of people marched from Randwick to Coogee this morning as part of the annual Step Out Speak Out walk, marking the beginning of the global 16 Days of Activism to prevent and eliminate violence against women.

Community leaders, students, frontline workers, services, sporting organisations and NSW Police, came together to raise awareness of domestic and family violence and call for change across the state.

The group gathered at High Cross Park before walking to Grant Reserve in Coogee, where community representatives, service leaders and NSW Police addressed the crowd. 

This year’s event focused on driving cultural change, promoting early intervention and reinforcing support for victim-survivors.

The march comes as NSW Police continue statewide efforts to target high-risk domestic violence offenders through Operation Amarok XII. The most recent blitz resulted in more than 750 people charged, over 1,600 offences detected, 275 warrants executed, and the seizure of firearms, prohibited weapons and dangerous drugs.

While we have more work to do the Minns Labor Government has delivered significant reforms this year to strengthen protections for victim-survivors, improve accountability for offenders and expand early intervention and crisis responses. These include:

  • A new civil protection scheme targeting high-risk domestic abuse offenders.
  • Stronger rental protections for victim-survivors, including safe lock changes, privacy safeguards and penalty-free lease termination.
  • A standard non-parole period of 25 years for intimate partner homicide, the first law of its kind in Australia.
  • Expanded DFV support services, including crisis accommodation, specialist workers and culturally safe programs.
  • Strengthened bail laws for serious domestic violence offences and expanded electronic monitoring for high-risk offenders.

These reforms complement ongoing policing efforts, prevention strategies, and community-led initiatives focused on reducing harm and supporting those experiencing violence.

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley said:

“Last year, police responded to more than 150,000 domestic and family violence-related calls for assistance – that’s one every three and a half minutes. 

“Today’s march was a powerful reminder that no one should suffer in silence and that the community stands with victim-survivors.

“Operation Amarok XII shows the relentless work of our police when it comes to pursuing the state’s worst domestic violence offenders. It sends a strong message that those who harm partners or former partners will be tracked down and held to account.

“Police are doing outstanding work, but we cannot arrest our way out of this. Prevention, early intervention and cultural change are essential.

“If you see something, hear something or suspect something, please speak up. You could save a life.”

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, Jodie Harrison said:

“Domestic violence is a challenge that touches every community and the government is working hard to address it, from providing wraparound supports for victim-survivors and strengthening protections to earlier intervention and primary prevention. 

“Every year the Step Out Speak Out event draws thousands from the community, to walk alongside victim-survivors towards a future that is free from domestic and family violence. 

“Today’s march shows how we can work together as a community, to stop the violence before it starts. Together we can change attitudes and behaviours that tolerate violence, and create a safer state for women and children.”

Member for Coogee, Dr Marjorie O’Neill said:

“The Eastern Suburbs turned out in strength today to say domestic and family violence has no place in our community.

“Seeing so many young people, local organisations and residents marching together shows how committed our community is to standing with victim-survivors.

“If you or someone you know is experiencing violence, please reach out. You are not alone and support is here.”

NSW Police Force Commissioner, Mal Lanyon said:

“Domestic and family violence in our community is unacceptable.

“It can be hard for victims to speak up if they’re experiencing domestic and family violence.

“Everyone should feel safe. Everyone in the community needs to stand up and speak out, with all of society needing to work together to stop domestic violence.” 

NSW Government responds to Bushfire Inquiry reforms

The NSW Government has now responded to all 76 recommendations from the NSW Bushfire Inquiry, transforming the state’s ability to prepare, respond and recover when bushfire strikes.

The final report on the inquiry has been tabled in NSW Parliament, providing an update on the Government’s response and recognising the impact of the fires on the community.

The inquiry, established in the aftermath of the devastating 2019-20 bushfire season, identified dozens of ways to improve the state’s bushfire response and protect NSW communities. 

The 2019-20 bushfire season was among the worst in recorded history, destroying more than 2,000 homes and burning 5.5 million hectares across the state.

In NSW, 26 people lost their lives, including four NSW RFS volunteers and three contracted air crew. Each one of these deaths was a tragedy and greatly affected families, communities and emergency services.

Since 2020, the NSW Government has overhauled bushfire policy, preparedness and response, and is acting on all 76 recommendations from the inquiry, including:

  • Delivering over 1,000 new and refurbished trucks to protect our firefighters. Many of these trucks are equipped with advanced safety and firefighting technology to support capability, safety, and effectiveness.
  • Embedding the nationally consistent three-tier Australian Warning System.
  • Protecting our native wildlife by building the skills of almost 6,000 personnel involved in wildlife first response through practical training.
  • Boosting the Public Safety Network by an additional 536 sites, which now covers almost 100% of NSW’s population. The Public Safety Network is our first responder radio network and is one of NSW’s most critical communications networks.
  • Strengthening our firefighter and land management capacity by recruiting and training over 500 additional personnel to protect our communities from bushfires.

Priority recommendations were implemented in the immediate aftermath, with long-term recommendations all now underway.

One of the recommendations, night-time waterbombing, was this week achieved when the RFS-owned CH47D Chinook helicopter was successfully deployed to a major bushfire near Lithgow.

Ahead of the 2026 bushfire season, fire agencies across the state are already deploying the latest bushfire science and technology alongside traditional knowledge and ancient land care practices to protect communities.

Agencies and land managers continue to take every available opportunity to undertake hazard reduction burning wherever conditions allow and address potential bushfire hazards at the source.

Aircraft can be pre-positioned in 19 strategic locations around the state, ready to respond to fires alongside ground crews on days of heightened bush fire danger.

While this marks a major milestone in ensuring that NSW communities are safer from the impacts of bushfires, the NSW Government recognises there is always more that can be done, and challenges persist.

We will continue to focus our efforts on investing in projects like the Bushfire and Natural Hazards Research Centre to support data and evidence-based approaches to managing bushfires, and in embedding knowledge and expertise of our oldest living culture through NSW’s Cultural Fire Strategy.

Together, these reforms ensure NSW is better equipped than ever to protect lives, property and the environment in the face of future bushfire threats.

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib:

“The 2019-20 bushfire season was devastating for our communities, our homes, our emergency services and our national parks.

“We’ve listened to the experts and have acted on every recommendation from the NSW Bushfire Inquiry. Some long-term initiatives will take some time to complete but are already well underway.

“These recommendations include practical innovations that will aid firefighters for years to come, including the implementation of night-time waterbombing capability which will make a huge difference to our firefighting efforts. 

“Crews are consistently out there, seizing every opportunity to ensure NSW is in the best position possible as we head into summer.”

RFS Commissioner Trent Curtin:

“The RFS and our partner agencies are achieving major milestones as we act on the recommendations from the Bushfire Inquiry.

“This work reflects years of continued effort to strengthen how we prepare for and respond to bushfires.

“These improvements – from technology, trucks and training to community engagement and volunteer support – are already making a real difference across the state.”

Safety net secured for NSW firefighters diagnosed with cancer

NSW firefighters who are battling skin, lung and other cancers will be better supported after the Minns Labor Government passed landmark laws to expand their medical and income support.

The ‘presumptive cancers’ legislation which passed through Parliament today makes NSW the first jurisdiction in Australia to include two female reproductive cancers as presumptive cancers.

The presumption means firefighters lodging a claim no longer have to prove their cancer was caused by work, which can be difficult due to the nature of how these cancers are contracted and firefighting work.

Under the changes, firefighters’ presumptive access to compensation has been expanded to cover ten additional cancers: primary site lung, pancreatic, thyroid and skin cancers, and female and male reproductive cancers including cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal, vulval and penile.

The inclusion of two female reproductive cancers (vulval and vaginal) as presumptive cancers is a national first and demonstrates the NSW Government’s ongoing efforts to provide equity for male and female first responders.

Under the Workers Compensation Act 1987, there are already 12 primary site cancers that are presumed to be work-related for qualifying firefighters, including leukemia, brain, bladder and kidney cancer, as well as breast, testicular and prostate cancer. The list of existing presumptive cancers also covers non-Hodgkin lymphoma, multiple myeloma, oesophageal, colorectal and ureter cancer.

The laws enhance access to workers compensation for firefighters employed by Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Rural Fire Service, the National Parks and Wildlife Service, NSW Forestry Corporation and other NSW agencies, as well as volunteer firefighters.

All firefighters must serve qualifying periods to be entitled to the presumption. Under the changes, an expert panel will be established to review volunteers’ claims for the additional cancers against a requirement for the firefighter to have regularly engaged in frontline firefighting activity. 

Under the changes, firefighters diagnosed with one of the ten primary site cancers from 6 August 2025 will have the benefit of the presumption.

Firefighters who previously lodged a workers compensation claim that was denied will also be able to lodge a further claim with the benefit of the presumption.

Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib:

“Today is a special day and I am proud of our government’s demonstrable commitment to support firefighters during the most challenging time they will face.

“Firefighters put themselves in harm’s way to keep us all safe. This reform is an important step in making sure they are better supported when they need it most.

“We know a cancer diagnosis is life-changing and can be devastating for firefighters and the people who care about them. These changes mean they will be able to access entitlements with far less stress, so they can focus on their health and their families.

“We are pleased NSW is the first state to recognise two female reproductive cancers as presumptive cancers for firefighters.

“The strong partnership we have with the Fire Brigade Employees’ Union (FBEU), the Rural Fire Service Association (RFSA) and Australian Workers Union (AWU) has helped bring about this change and we thank their members and families for their ongoing strong advocacy.”

Minister for Industrial Relations, Sophie Cotsis:

“The Minns Labor Government has worked tirelessly to deliver this important reform. It ensures the firefighters who protect our community can access compensation and support through the presumptive cancer provisions.

“It’s a good time to become a firefighter or a volunteer safe in the knowledge that those who protect the community will in turn be looked after.

“This legislation goes further than other states and territories by including reproductive cancers. 

“By expanding the list of presumptive cancers, we’re recognising the real risks firefighters face on the job and the long latency periods that come with certain cancers.

“I would like to thank the Fire Brigade Employees’ Union (FBEU), the Rural Fire Service Association (RFSA) and the Australian Workers’ Union (AWU) for their ongoing advocacy.”

Secretary of the FBEU, Leighton Drury:

“This result reflects the hard work of professional firefighters who have worked tirelessly with their local members to bring awareness to this issue.

“We are pleased with the broad support for which this bill has achieved.

“The bill goes a long way to acknowledging the inherent risks of the firefighting profession.”

Scott Campbell AFSM, President of the RFSA:

“Volunteer firefighters work at the frontline to keep the community safe from a range of incidents, from bushfire to vehicle and structure fires. RFS volunteers provide fire cover for 95% of NSW, and we thank the government for recognising the value volunteers provide.

“We know that bushfire smoke is a threat to the health of volunteer firefighters. These new laws mean volunteers who unfortunately suffer cancer as a result of their service will be properly covered, including those with claims that were previously declined.

“We thank the government for delivering new laws that improve the protections for volunteer firefighters, and in particular for providing nation-leading coverage for female reproductive cancers.”

Have your say on the $263.8 million Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment

The Clarence Valley community is invited to provide feedback on the Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment planning documents, with the planning application now on public exhibition.

The release of the Review of Environmental Factors planning documentation follows community consultation held in Grafton in September and October of this year, with valuable feedback and input from staff, stakeholders and the community continuing to help shape the redevelopment.

The NSW Government is investing $263.8 million in the Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment to provide new and enhanced health services for the region. It will deliver a new three-storey Acute Services Building including a new Emergency Department, Emergency Short Stay Unit, Medical Imaging and MRI, and inpatient unit.

The Day Surgery and Operating Suite will be expanded to provide two extra operating theatres, increasing overall theatre capacity. The new building will also provide space for maternity services to be relocated in the future, as well as identifying zones for potential further development.

When complete, the new Acute Services Building will seamlessly integrate with the existing hospital via a new hospital street at the current public main entrance. There will also be a new road off Queen Street that will provide ambulances with direct access to the Emergency Department, as well as more than 30 additional car spaces.

Early works are set to start on site in the coming weeks to prepare the site for main works construction. The works will include minor refurbishments to building 25 near the existing main entry to enable the relocation of existing ambulatory care services out of the main works construction zone.

This work will ensure access to health services are maintained while the redevelopment work is carried out. Wayfinding will be provided to ensure staff and patients can continue to access services during this time.

Construction timeframes for main works will be confirmed once planning has been finalised and a builder is engaged.

Work is also underway to transform 36 units at the former Grafton Gaol site, to accommodate health workers. 

The Minns Labor Government allocated $34.2 million to NNSWLHD as part of the wider $200.1 million Key Health Worker Accommodation program.

The Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment Review of Environmental Factors and other supporting technical documents can be viewed here – Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment.

Feedback on the planning application can be provided online until 11:59pm on Friday 19 December 2025. For more information about the project visit Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment.

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:

“It’s an exciting time for the project with early works soon getting underway on the Grafton Base Hospital campus.

“The public exhibition of the planning application for the project marks a significant milestone for the hospital redevelopment and we’re grateful for the valuable input provided by staff and stakeholders in the planning process, which has helped shaped this project.

“When completed, the new hospital building will transform the Grafton Hospital campus, enhancing access and creating a modern facility for the community and staff.”

the Minister for North Coast Janelle Saffin:

“This redevelopment is being shaped by the community every step of the way, and this public exhibition provides another opportunity to continue this critical involvement.

“By working together, we are enabling our fabulous health staff to deliver excellent patient care for the growing Grafton community.

“I am excited about how this redevelopment is progressing and looking forward to the works getting underway.”

Labor Spokesperson for Clarence Emily Suvaal:

“We encourage the community to view and provide feedback the Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment plans and have their say on this important project.

“Planning for the redevelopment has been carried out in close consultation with clinical staff, ensuring a strong focus on delivering on identified clinical priorities.

“Staff and the community will continue to be updated as works get underway on the hospital campus.”

Community invited to have their say on Mount Druitt Hospital redevelopment

Western Sydney communities are set to benefit from more beds and modern health facilities, with planning documents for the Mount Druitt Hospital redevelopment now on public exhibition, marking a key step in delivering expanded care services.

The redevelopment is being delivered as part of the NSW Government’s $120 million commitment to Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals to help meet the growing health related needs of Sydney’s west. This investment will deliver further state-of-the-art healthcare facilities to serve one of the state’s fastest-growing communities.

The project will deliver expanded clinical and non-clinical support service areas and help increase capacity across Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals with the delivery of 60 additional beds, including 30 new beds at Mount Druitt Hospital.

The community is being encouraged to attend an information session where they can meet the project team, provide feedback and learn more about the plans.

Information session:

  • Wednesday, 3 December 2025 – 2.00pm to 3.30pm at Mount Druitt Hospital Main Entrance 

The Review of Environmental Factors (REF) planning documents and other supporting documents can be viewed here: https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/blacktown-and-mount-druitt-hospitals-additional-beds

Feedback on the planning application can be provided online until 11:59pm on Friday 19 December 2025.

The detailed design for Mount Druitt Hospital is expected to be completed by the end of this year, with construction timeframes to be confirmed next year following planning approval and the appointment of a building contractor.

This investment builds on the $700 million expansion of Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals completed in 2020, which delivered expanded capacity at both hospitals, a new emergency department, cancer centre, and inpatient facilities at Blacktown Hospital, as well as additional renal dialysis and inpatient facilities at Mount Druitt Hospital.

The 2025-26 NSW Budget includes $1.3 billion of additional funding to support the delivery of health facilities across Western Sydney including:   

  • an additional $700 million for the new Bankstown Hospital, bringing the total investment to $2 billion
  • additional State funding of $90.0 million to provide the full range of maternity and birthing services as part of the new Rouse Hill Hospital, with a further $120 million announced by the Commonwealth Government towards the new maternity and birthing service
  • $120 million for additional beds for Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals
  • $492 million to develop a Statewide Pathology Hub on the Westmead campus
  • $40.1 million to fit out level 13 of the new Paediatric Services Building at Westmead in partnership with the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation
  • $22.3 million to establish a new paediatric hospice at the Children’s Hospital at Westmead

Other projects in the Western Sydney region include upgrades at Nepean, Liverpool, Canterbury, Fairfield, Camden and Campbelltown hospitals.

For more information about the Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals project visit: nsw.gov.au/bmdh-additional-beds

Minister for Health, Ryan Park

“The public exhibition of the planning documents for the Mount Druitt Hospital is an important step forward, highlighting our commitment to investing in the health and wellbeing of this growing community.

“By expanding bed capacity and clinical spaces, we’re supporting local health staff to continue delivering the best possible care for patients and their families.

“It’s part of the NSW Government’s delivery of more than $3.4 billion in hospital infrastructure across Western Sydney over the next four years to support growing Western Sydney communities.”

Member for Mount Druitt, Edmond Atalla

“We’re delighted to see planning for the Mount Druitt Hospital progressing, and encourage our staff, patients, and community to have their say and provide feedback.

“Community feedback plays a key role in shaping how the hospital evolves to meet local needs and deliver the highest quality healthcare to our community.”

COP to be hosted by Türkiye with Australia leading negotiations

Formal agreement has been reached for COP31 to be hosted by Türkiye in Antalya, with the Pacific’s interests advanced by Australia assuming the role of President of Negotiations in the lead up to and at the meeting.

Australia will have “exclusive authority in relation to the negotiations”, to shape and guide global decision making in support of the multilateral system and global trade and investment in clean energy industries.

The Pacific will host a special pre-COP for leaders and others, bringing attention to the existential threat climate change poses to the region.

This will give Australia and the Pacific unprecedented influence over multilateral deliberations and actions of the global community in 2026.

We are proud to work with Türkiye, a country with whom we share a long history, to take forward COP31 in 2026.

Australia and the Pacific, led by Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen, worked hard to negotiate a deal that not only highlights the existential threat of climate change in our region but also strengthens international action.

Under this COP model we will demonstrate that the shared challenge of climate change, is also the world’s shared economic opportunity.

Under the agreement, reached at COP30 in Belem, Brazil:

  • Australia will be the President of Negotiations, with “exclusive authority in relation to the negotiations”, from the end of COP30 this week until the end of COP31. This will give Australia and the Pacific unprecedented influence in global climate negotiations. Minister Bowen will fulfil this role.
  • Australia will select ministerial and other co-facilitators for negotiations and identify additional champions with Türkiye for the action agenda and thematic priorities, including from the Pacific.
  • Australia, in partnership with the Pacific, will set the agenda for and preside over a special Pre-COP for leaders and others in the Pacific in 2026, giving the world an opportunity to see Pacific climate impacts and solutions firsthand.
  • The action agenda will be strengthened and elevated, and include a session at COP31 focused on climate finance needs of Small Island Developing States, providing a platform for world leaders and others to make commitments to the Pacific Resilience Facility – a Pacific-led fund to support Pacific climate responses.
  • Türkiye will physically host the COP31 conference and World Leaders Summit in Antalya – a moment to demonstrate true, practical global cooperation.
  • Türkiye will be nominated to be elected as the COP President.

Australia respects the United Nations Framework Convention consensus rules – and we negotiated with Türkiye in good faith for an outcome that delivers for the interests of the Pacific and our nation. 

This will give our Pacific family the global stage they have always deserved.

Since May 2022, we have been restoring Australia’s climate leadership at home and abroad.

We have restored Australia’s relationship with the Pacific, and proven we are a reliable, trustworthy partner – willing to work with partners on difficult challenges.

Our region is at the frontline of the climate crisis, where the effects of climate change are real and immediate. COP31 will bring the focus of the world to the impacts, opportunities and priorities in our region.  

Global focus on the most pressing challenges facing our region will support investments in solutions which are fit for purpose for our region.  

Leading the COP31 negotiations in partnership with the Pacific will strengthen our ties with our closest neighbours, raising our region’s profile in support of shared prosperity, stability and security.  

Together, COP31 will accelerate practical action and investment to keep global temperatures to safer limits and help build resilience to climate impacts.

Sanctions Imposed on Russian Cybercrime Service Providers for Malicious Cyber Activity

Today Australia has imposed sanctions against two Russian cybercrime service providers – Media Land LLC and ML. Cloud LLC – and two of their key personnel – Aleksandr Alexandrovich Volosovik and Kirill Andreevich Zatolokin. Australia has taken this action in partnership with the United Kingdom and the United States.

These organisations have provided their ransomware infrastructure to malicious cyber actors and cybercriminals, allowing them to conduct cyber attacks in Australia and around the world.

Media Land has helped enable criminals to conduct attacks against Australian financial institutions, Australian businesses, their customers, and critical international infrastructure.  

This is the fifth time we have activated Australia’s autonomous cyber sanctions framework, part of the Albanese Government’s coordinated action against cybercrime. 

The sanctions make it a criminal offence to provide assets to either Media Land entity or the two sanctioned individuals, or to use or deal with their assets, with penalties of up to 10 years imprisonment and/or heavy fines. The sanctions also ban the individuals from entering Australia. 

Today’s sanctions are the result of the close collaboration between the Australian Federal Police, the Australian Signals Directorate, and international partners. This demonstrates our collective commitment to deterring and responding to cybercrime and protecting our citizens. 

Australians continue to be targeted by malicious cyber actors, and lose billions to cyber scams each year. Cyber sanctions are a key tool to impose costs on cyber actors and protect Australians from this threat. As outlined in the 2023-2030 Australian Cyber Security Strategy, the Australian Government is consistently working to deter and respond to malicious cyber activity.

Australians should report cybercrimes, incidents or vulnerabilities to the Australian Signals Directorate at 1300 CYBER1 (1300 292 371) or https://www.cyber.gov.au/report. Australian businesses can help protect themselves from ransomware and phishing attacks by updating devices, regularly backing up files and ensuring staff know to never visit suspicious websites, open emails from unknown sources or click on suspicious links.

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles:

“The Australian Government is taking strong steps to strike back against malicious cyber activity. These actions are about defending our national security and ensuring Australians can live and work safely in a digital world

“This latest cyber sanction builds on previous actions and demonstrates our relentless pursuit of those who seek to harm Australians.

“These sanctions don’t just impose costs on criminals, they dismantle the infrastructure that enables cybercrime. By disrupting these networks, we make it harder for others to launch attacks and it strengthens Australia’s resilience against future threats.”

Foreign Minister Penny Wong: 

“The Albanese Government is working to strengthen Australia’s resilience and keep Australians safe from cyber criminals.

“Working across government and with international partners, we will continue to take action against Russia, to disrupt cybercrime and hold malicious cyber actors to account.”

Home Affairs and Cyber Security Minister Tony Burke:

“We will continue to do everything we can to break down the networks and alienate the individuals who are driving cyber attacks against Australia and Australian interests. 

“This is one of the fastest growing threats our country faces and our government will ensure we are ready to face it.”

Australia Industry and Workers making the grade with US Virginia Class Submarines Submariness

The Albanese Government is announcing today HIFraser as the first Australian company qualified to supply parts for US Virginia class submarines through the Government-funded Defence Industry Vendor Qualification Program (DIVQ) – supporting advanced manufacturing, creating high-value jobs, and strengthening Australia’s security through the AUKUS partnership.

HIFraser is now qualified to supply three valve types and pipe fittings to US submarine programs, for use in the construction and sustainment of Virginia class submarines. This comes less than 12 months after the awarding of an initial contract by the Albanese Government to commence manufacturing of these parts for qualification by US vendors.

DIVQ is a key initiative under Australia’s AUKUS Submarine Industry Strategy, accelerating the qualification of Australian products into US and UK submarine supply chains and ensuring Australian companies and workers are at the heart of this generational capability uplift.

USS Vermont Maintenance Period

Today’s announcement coincides with the Submarine Maintenance Period for United States Ship (USS) Vermont at HMAS Stirling.

This is the first time a US nuclear­‑powered submarine has undergone a maintenance period in Australia without a US support ship, with this milestone being achieved solely by Australian, US and UK onshore teams.

During this maintenance period, personnel from the Royal Australian Navy and ASC are working alongside their US counterparts to support more than 160 maintenance tasks, including a world-first mobile pure water plant designed by Western Australian companies MAK Water and Diverse Welding to meet stringent US and UK standards.

There are also two Australian officers and 11 Australian sailors who are part of the crew of USS Vermont supporting all aspects of the maintenance period and routine submarine operations over a four-week period.   

These milestones highlight how AUKUS is creating extraordinary opportunities for Australian industry, workers and Defence personnel – a critical step towards Australia’s capacity to own, operate and maintain conventionally-armed, nuclear‑powered submarines.

The Albanese Government is investing $8 billion to upgrade HMAS Stirling to support Submarine Rotational Force‑West from 2027. Over the next 30 years, around 20,000 direct jobs will be created across Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine program, supported by training pathways, scholarships, and industry partnerships that will deliver a highly skilled workforce for decades to come.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“AUKUS is happening at pace – strengthening national security, creating jobs, and building a Future Made in Australia.

“Today’s announcement is another example of how our investments in AUKUS are bolstering Defence capabilities and supporting Australian workers.

“It is fantastic to see this work in action here at the home of our submarines, at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles:

“Australian Defence Force personnel and industry are working side by side with our AUKUS partners to deliver a demanding maintenance program on a US Virginia class submarine – building the skills and experience that will underpin our sovereign submarine capability.

“The qualification of HIFraser products to Virginia class submarine standards through the Defence Industry Vendor Qualification Program is further demonstration of the Albanese Government’s investment to deliver opportunities for industry.

“Australians are making an unprecedented contribution to the operation, building and sustainment of nuclear‑powered submarines.”

the Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy:

“HIFraser’s qualification and MAK Water’s achievement showcase how AUKUS is delivering opportunities for Australian industry, creating jobs for local workers and building our sovereign capability.

“These milestones demonstrate the way Australian industry and workers are not only supporting our own submarines, but contributing to the sustainment of US and UK fleets as well.

“Our three navies, alongside industry, are working, learning and innovating together – making us stronger than the sum of our parts.”

80th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between Australia and Chile

Over the past 80 years, Australia and Chile have developed a close and multifaceted relationship, bound by the Pacific, enriched by Australia’s vibrant Chilean diaspora, underpinned by trade and our complementary strengths as mining economies, and characterized by our shared values and beliefs.

Whether through the 19th-century trade in wheat from Chile that supplied a growing Australian nation, or contemporary investments by our mining companies, commercial ties have provided the backbone of our relationship.

Our high-quality Free Trade Agreement and common membership in the CPTPP have strengthened and diversified our trade, facilitating greater two-way investment and enabling our world-class mining sectors to collaborate in producing the critical minerals vital to the global energy transition.

Australia and Chile form a bridge connecting the Pacific with Latin America, whether through direct flights, strategic business hubs, or the new Humboldt undersea cable connection, which will enable us to harness the digital economy.

Chile and Australia are committed to a peaceful, stable, and prosperou s Pacific region, working closely together to achieve greater regional economic integration through our active membership of APEC, and to bolster defence and security through the South Pacific Defence Ministers Meeting.

Across the multilateral system, we are strong, like-minded partners who work hand in hand to respond to the global challenges of our time. Whether in the United Nations, World Trade Organization, Cairns Group, Antarctic Treaty System, or many other international bodies, we work to uphold human rights, respond to climate change, achieve gender equality, protection of the oceans, support free and fair international trade, and reinforce an open, stable, and rules-based international system.

Both countries support further reform of the United Nations, including the Security Council, to achieve our shared objective of safeguarding sovereignty by promoting international peace and security, sustainable development, and human rights.

The most enduring links between Australia and Chile are those between our peoples. Australia is home to a large and valued Chilean diaspora, and every year, Australians and Chileans cross the Pacific as students, businesspeople, tourists, or working holidaymakers, strengthening our connections.

As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, we are confident it is through these foundations of shared values, common interests, friendships, and human connections that Australia and Chile will continue to grow and prosper together.