Chair of the Select Committee into the taxation of Australia’s gas resources, Australian Greens Senator Steph Hodgins-May, has confronted Woodside CEO Liz Westcott at the company’s AGM in Perth over her decision not to appear at tomorrow’s Senate inquiry into gas taxation.
Westcott has been invited to give evidence at the final hearing but will not appear, with other company representatives scheduled instead.
Speaking from inside the Woodside AGM, Senator Hodgins-May questioned Westcott directly on her absence and the taxation of gas exports. Ms Westcott would not commit to attending the inquiry hearing.
Executives from Woodside, INPEX, Chevron and Santos are scheduled to appear at the final hearing at the Mercure Hotel in Perth. Media will be permitted, with audio broadcast only via APH.
Senator Hodgins-May:
“It says everything that the CEO of one of Australia’s biggest gas exporters has time to address shareholders, but not to front a public inquiry into whether other Australians are getting a fair return on their resources.
“CEO’s shouldn’t just be focussed on the boardroom and senior government ministers, they need to front parliament when called and address critical matters of public interest.
“Tomorrow’s hearing will test the claims the gas industry has repeated every time reform is on the table.
“We’ve heard the same scare campaign every time, that now is not the time. Somehow it’s never the time to be sharing their obscene profits with those who own the resources – the Australian people. Australians simply aren’t buying it anymore.
“A minimum 25 per cent tax on gas exports would raise at least $17 billion a year. There would be no need to slash the NDIS, and we’d have money to fund cost of living relief and a rapid transition to a clean energy future.
“The Prime Minister and Premier Cook need to remember we don’t live in a petrostate, where our political system is captured by greedy, profit seeking corporations.
“The political risk if Labor doesn’t act is growing by the day. The consensus is clear that Australians are demanding a fair return on their resources.”
Preparations for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Newcastle will ramp up early, with Japan and Ireland confirmed for an international rugby Test at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday 11 July 2026.
The match marks the first time both nations will play at Newcastle’s premier stadium, delivering another major sporting coup for the region and reinforcing its growing reputation as a leading destination for world-class events.
Japan’s head coach Eddie Jones, Cr Peta Winney-Baartz and Venue Manager Dean Mantle at McDonald Jones Stadium with local rugby representativesJapan’s head coach Eddie Jones was in Newcastle today to make the announcement, with the fixture forming part of the lead-up to the team’s 2027 Rugby World Cup clash with Samoa at McDonald Jones Stadium.
This announcement reflects the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to delivering major events and real economic opportunities for regional communities.
By backing world-class sport and entertainment in places like Newcastle, the Minns Labor Government is creating local jobs, investing in the regions, and ensuring communities across NSW share the benefits of a growing visitor economy.
Newcastle has firmly cemented itself as a major event destination, with a strong calendar of marquee sporting and live entertainment events.
Alongside the Japan-Ireland clash, the city will host the Women’s State of Origin, the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, and major concerts from global acts including the Foo Fighters, Robbie Williams and Guns N’ Roses.
The momentum will continue into next year, when Newcastle hosts four pool matches during the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
These world-class events are transforming Newcastle into a powerhouse for the regional visitor economy, creating local jobs, supporting local businesses and showcasing the Hunter to the world.
“Hosting a test between Japan and Ireland will further enhance our reputation as an events city, provide an opportunity to showcase our broader attractions to visiting players and fans, and deliver an economic boost to businesses.
“Having already secured four pool matches as part of the 2027 Rugby World Cup, we’re hopeful of being chosen as a home base for one or more international teams.
“With Japan set to face Samoa in Newcastle as part of next year’s tournament, the Brave Blossoms will get an early taste of what our city has to offer.”
Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:
“You can feel the buzz for the 2027 Rugby World Cup already and it’s a big win for our region, especially for local kids who’ll get to see world-class rugby up close.
“This July’s a sneak peek of what’s coming – international rugby back in town and a taste of what could be our most exciting World Cup yet.
“This is massive for the Hunter – we’re set to welcome visitors from across the country and the globe, filling our hotels, cafes and coastline.
“With our international airport now open, this is exactly what it’s all about – more visitors, more opportunities and a real boost for our region.”
NSW Sports and Tourism Minister Steve Kamper said:
“Securing the Japan-Ireland international rugby Test is a huge win for Newcastle which has quickly become a powerhouse for major events.
“To have two world-class teams playing in Newcastle’s own backyard will give fans a taste of what’s to come when the 2027 Rugby World Cup comes to town.
“These major events are providing real benefit to the Hunter community, boosting the visitor economy and showcasing Newcastle on the global stage.”
Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said:
“Japan’s Cherry Blossoms and Ireland’s national team are two of the top teams in the game. It’s destined to be a great match and I know Newcastle will turn out for it.”
“This announcement, alongside the Rugby World Cup in 2027, further confirms Newcastle as a premier sporting destination.”
A critical upgrade in Sydney’s North West will kick off next week, with early works set to begin from 28 April at the Bandon Road and Riverstone Parade intersection near Vineyard train station.
This investment will deliver safety improvements for a rapidly growing community, addressing the infrastructure backlog left by the former State Liberal government, which failed to keep pace with growth in the region.
The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are jointly funding $150 million in planning and early works for the Bandon Road Upgrade, which is part of the North West Growth Centre Road Network Strategy.
The early works package includes a new car park with more than 70 spaces, upgraded bus stops, improved pedestrian access, lighting, and key safety improvements at the intersection to support future duplication.
These upgrades will make it safer and easier for locals to access Vineyard Station and move through the area.
The works will support the delivery of a future upgrade of Bandon Road, to ease congestion and support the growth of new homes for families in the North West.
The Bandon Road Upgrade, currently in planning with the $150 million in joint funding, envisages a new four-lane road, a new underpass below the railway line, shared pedestrian and cycle paths, improved flood evacuated routes and better connections for local communities.
Quotes attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister, Catherine King:
“In partnership with the Minns Government we are investing in the future infrastructure needs of communities, like here in Sydney’s growing North West.
“We want to ensure that people can get around efficiently and get home safely whether they’re walking, driving or taking public transport.”
NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison:
“This is one of the fastest-growing regions in the state, yet for too long the former Liberal government failed to keep pace with that growth.
“The Minns Labor Government is delivering the infrastructure Western Sydney needs and deserves – so families can spend less time in traffic and more time at home, getting where they need to go, safely and on time.
“These early works are an important first step towards the future duplication of Bandon Road, which will become a critical arterial road connection in the North West.”
Federal Member for Greenway, Michelle Rowland:
“These works are a clear sign that we are delivering on our commitment to upgrading local transport links, reducing congestion and building a better future for North West Sydney.
“The Albanese and Minns Labor governments are working together to ensure local residents can spend less time in traffic and more time with their families.”
Federal Member for Macquarie, Susan Templeman:
“For Hawkesbury commuters who use Vineyard Station or travel this route, the start of early works at Bandon Road is a significant milestone.
“This marks a major step forward in delivering the infrastructure our growing region needs.”
Federal Member for Chifley, Ed Husic:
“Starting these early works on April 28 is fantastic news, as this upgrade is critical for improving safety and access to Vineyard station.
“These works form part of our more than $1bn investment in roads from Marsden Park to Colebee through to Riverstone, making sure local infrastructure can match local growth and support jobs out our way.”
State Member for Riverstone, Warren Kirby:
“These upgrades are about making everyday life easier for people in our community.
“As Riverstone and Vineyard continue to grow, Bandon Road is becoming a key local link, and these early works will make a real difference to how people access the station and move around the area.
“This is the first tangible step towards duplicating Bandon Road and removing the Vineyard level crossing, making sure our infrastructure keeps pace with growth and delivers for the people who call this community home.”
The Minns Labor Government has supported 178 essential workers to relocate to the Northern Rivers through The Welcome Experience program due to this success we are now expanding the services to additional areas to rebuild essential services across the Northern Rivers.
Established in an original 11 pilot locations in 2023 to improve health, education, policing and emergency services in regional NSW, The Welcome Experience has grown to support more than 3,000 frontline workers to make the move.
The service has only been available in the Northern Rivers since late 2024 in the local government areas of Tweed, Byron, Ballina, Lismore and Richmond. Following today’s announcement, it will be expanded to operate in Kyogle, Tenterfield and Clarence Valley, so more essential workers and families can make the move.
It is a free service supporting essential workers and their families who are considering applying for or have accepted a job in either government or non-government eligible sectors such as health, aged care, education, veterinary services, policing and emergency services.
The workers considering a move are linked to a Local Connector who can help with the realities of relocating with the practicalities of finding housing, choosing childcare, finding a relevant sporting or interest group, plus exploring job opportunities for partners.
The following essential workers and families have been supported to make the move to the following local government areas in the Northern Rivers:
Lismore – 42 health and 14 education workers are among the 56 essential workers who relocated and brought 43 family members who are now connecting with the community. Ballina – 14 health and 3 paramedics are among the 24 essential workers who have relocated and brought 24 family members to become new members of the community. Byron – 8 health and 1 veterinarian are among the 13 essential workers who have relocated and brought 15 family members who are now connecting with the community. Richmond Valley – 11 health, and 3 aged care workers are among the 15 essential workers who have relocated and brought 20 family members to join the community. Tweed – 49 health, and 5 NSW Police officers are among the 65 essential workers who relocated and brought 71 family members into the community. The Northern Rivers region isn’t the only area with an expanding service delivery, with The Welcome Experience being set to increase operatonal delivery from 55 local government areas to 88 LGAs across regional NSW as part of a major scale up.
Through this program and appropriate increased pay levels for nurses, teachers and police, the Minns Government is addressing the issues of regional essential workforce shortages, inherited from the former Nationals Liberal Government.
To find out more about The Welcome Experience and the opportunities awaiting those considering a move to the regions, visit www.nsw.gov.au/regional-nsw/welcome-experience
Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:
“Lismore and the broader Northern Rivers region are fantastic places to work and raise a family and with the support of the Welcome Experience more highly trained essential service workers are choosing to make the move.
“The Welcome Experience is helping to ease pressure on vital services across the region, particularly within health systems that support communities throughout Lismore, Ballina, Byron Bay and surrounding Northern Rivers towns.
“What makes these numbers so meaningful is that behind each registration is not just one person, but often an entire family, partners and children who are also putting down roots and becoming part of the Northern Rivers community.
“These essential workers are the heartbeat of our communities. They keep hospitals running and communities safe, care for our elderly, and educate the next generation, providing the skills and services the Northern Rivers needs to thrive.”
Minister for the North Coast and Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said:
“Lismore and the Northern Rivers are great places to live and work, and the Welcome Experience is helping attract more skilled essential workers to the region.
“The program is easing pressure on key services, especially health, supporting communities across Lismore, Ballina, Byron Bay and surrounding towns.
“Each registration often represents a whole family choosing to settle here and become part of our community.”
Local Connector with Regional Development Australia Northern Rivers, Lisa Richards said:
“The Welcome Experience is making a real and measurable difference in Lismore. In my role as a Local Connector, I have supported more than 55 essential workers and their families to relocate and successfully settle in the community to date.
“The program provides tailored, practical support across housing, partner employment, education and local connections, ensuring that essential workers and their families can establish themselves with confidence from day one.”
Katrina Melville, Medical Administration Manager at Tweed Valley Hospital and client of The Welcome Experience, said:
“The Welcome Experience played a really important role in helping me settle into the Tweed, and it has also been a great support for some of the young doctors I manage. When I was first offered the role, I reached out to our Local Connector Lisa to see what assistance was available, and she provided excellent guidance on where to look for housing, which was incredibly helpful during that transition period.”
“The week I moved was also the week of a Welcome Experience social event in Tweed. Having moved up on my own and not knowing anyone, I attended and really enjoyed meeting new people. It introduced me to other colleagues from the hospital who had also recently relocated, which helped me feel connected very quickly.
“I am really looking forward to the next event as it’s a great opportunity to socialise and network. My team and I now routinely provide information about The Welcome Experience to all new doctors relocating and commencing within the region.
“Regional living gives you back what city life takes away: time, space, and genuine connection. Short commutes, stunning beaches and countryside, and welcoming communities make it easier to balance work and life. Say yes to local events, get involved, and before you know it, you’re not just working there – you belong there.”
The Minns Government is appealing for motorists to drive safely this ANZAC Day long weekend, with New South Wales Police strictly enforcing double demerits on roads across the state.
With ANZAC Day falling on Saturday, motorists are being reminded there is an additional public holiday on Monday this year and double demerits will apply for the entire long weekend.
Double demerits will be in place from midnight tonight until 11:59pm Monday 27 April, targeting high-risk behaviours including speeding, illegal mobile phone use, improper seatbelt use and motorcycle helmet offences.
Police will also be conducting random breath testing and mobile drug testing across the state, with an increased enforcement presence expected on major highways and key regional routes as traffic volumes are expected to rise over the Anzac Day long weekend.
Last year almost 40% of deaths on NSW roads involved speeding, while drug driving, drink driving and fatigue each contribute to about 16-24% of fatalities every year.
The calls to slow down and drive responsibly come as the number of lives lost on NSW roads this year exceeds 107, which is 6 more than the same time last year.
Double demerits are a proven measure designed to deter unsafe and illegal behaviour before it leads to tragedy.
Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley said:
“Let there be no doubt: NSW Police officers will be out in force this long weekend and they will be targeting the behaviours we know put lives at risk on our roads.
“This is a high-visibility operation, and drivers can expect to see police on highways, in regional areas and across our metropolitan road network.
“There is no excuse for speeding, using your mobile phone, or incorrectly wearing a seatbelt. These are not just offences, they are choices – and they could cost you your life.
“If you make the wrong decision behind the wheel, you will be caught and you will face the consequences. Double demerits are there to deter risky behaviour and encourage safer driving when our roads are at their busiest.”
Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison said:
“Tragically, 107 lives have already been lost on our roads this year, which is 6 more than this time last year.
“These aren’t just statistics. They are people, and every single death represents a family, a community and a life cut short.
“We know the biggest risks are speeding, fatigue, distraction and driving under the influence, and these behaviours continue to have devastating consequences.
“This long weekend, there will be more people on the road, more families travelling and more pressure on the network, which is why it’s so important that every driver takes responsibility.
“Slow down, put your phone away, wear your seatbelt properly and never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.”
The Minns Labor Government’s landmark ADHD reforms have helped New South Wales families save roughly $10 million each year in out-of-pocket fees to access scripts for ADHD medication, according to analysis by the Royal College of General Practitioners (RACGP).
Nearly 10,000 people have avoided long wait times and expensive specialist fees, providing real cost of living relief thanks to the Minns Government’s life-changing reforms.
Under the reforms, people can access a repeat prescription for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medication from their general practitioner (GP) rather than a psychiatrist, saving families anywhere between $250 to $670 per visit.
These changes have also eased pressure on the specialist system, with nearly 10,000 fewer people needing to see specialists for routine care — freeing up appointments for those with more complex needs.
Savings are expected to grow as more GPs join a growing cohort of continuation prescribers.
There are now more than 1,100 GPs across NSW able to prescribe repeat ADHD psychostimulant scripts, giving people, especially children and young people, improved and more affordable access to their medication.
The reform has also expanded access for people living in rural and regional areas of NSW, with 44 per cent of those GPs located outside of metropolitan Sydney.
As part of the Minns Government’s reforms, 311 GPs have commenced training to be able to diagnose and treat ADHD which will give even more people access to life-changing treatment.
The 311 GPs currently undergoing training are located across the state including on the Central Coast, Far West NSW, the Hunter, the Illawarra, the Mid North Coast, the Nepean and Sydney.
Applications for GPs wishing to express their interest in future training rounds remain open and GPs can apply to become a continuation prescriber at any time.
Patients looking to find an ADHD medication continuation prescriber can search here.
NSW Premier Chris Minns:
“Our landmark ADHD reforms are helping NSW families right when they need it. As cost-of-living pressures eat into household budgets, this reform is putting money back in people’s pockets.
“These reforms make sense, we’re making it easier for people to access healthcare.
“Importantly, the reforms improving access for our regional areas too, access to essential healthcare should be available to everyone, regardless of where they live.”
Minister for Health Ryan Park:
“The health system’s capacity to support people with ADHD continues to go from strength to strength, as more GPs come on board as part of our reforms.
“We know that more than 9,800 people have now avoided the long waits, high costs, and stress associated with accessing a specialist to get their scripts filled.
“This is a win for everyone, and I am so pleased to see our rural and regional GPs embracing these reforms. We heard people in those areas loud and clear when they said they needed another option and we have delivered.”
Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson:
“We’re changing the way people access ADHD care—more than 37,900 prescriptions already issued by GPs, getting people the care they need, faster.
“That is literally millions of dollars back in the pockets of hardworking families, who can now access scripts from their family GP for a fraction of the cost.
“We’ve been told that these reforms are life-changing and this is why. This reform is improving options for people, saving families time, money, and heartache.
“It’s also freeing up waiting rooms so that the people who actually need to see those specialists can get a spot. This is exactly the kind of common sense reform that Labor is delivering to improve access to healthcare in our state.”
RACGP NSW Chair Dr Rebekah Hoffman:
“These reforms show what’s possible when governments trust GPs to deliver ongoing, high‑quality care within a safe and structured framework.
“Allowing appropriately trained GPs to prescribe ADHD medication has reduced costs for families, cut wait times, and improved access to care, particularly for children and young people.
“GPs are the right place for ongoing ADHD care for many patients. This reform has eased pressure on an overstretched specialist system while ensuring care remains coordinated, evidence‑based and centred around the patient.
“We’re particularly encouraged to see the strong uptake in rural and regional NSW. For families outside metropolitan areas, these changes are genuinely life‑changing, removing expensive travel, long waits and unnecessary barriers to care.
“The RACGP supports reforms that improve access while maintaining patient safety. Continued investment in GP training and clear clinical pathways will be essential to ensure these reforms remain sustainable and deliver long‑term benefits for patients and the health system.”
While police numbers fall under the Minns Labor Government, the state’s top cop has warned organised crime groups are deliberately recruiting young people online to carry out crimes on their behalf.
Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon has told 2GB’s Ben Fordham they’re seeing what they call “crime as a service” which is where young people are contracted online to conduct murders, kidnappings and drive by shootings.
Shadow Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Anthony Roberts said today’s warning from the Police Commissioner should be a wake-up call for a Government that is refusing to prioritise community safety.
“The Commissioner is telling us that criminal networks are now deliberately targeting vulnerable young people through social media and online platforms to do their dirty work,” Mr Roberts said.
“This is a sophisticated, organised threat and it demands a properly resourced response. What it cannot afford is a police force that is stretched to breaking point.”
NSW now has just 176 police officers per 100,000 people, down from 205 in 2019, even as the state’s population has grown and the nature of crime has become more complex and more dangerous.
“At exactly the moment our Police Commissioner is warning us that crime is evolving and young people are being targeted online, the Minns Government has allowed police numbers to fall to their lowest ratio in years,” Mr Roberts said.
“The Minns Labor Government must outline a plan to restore police numbers and resource law enforcement agencies with the tools they need.”
Commuters in Sydney’s south-west are being left stranded, forced onto crowded replacement buses for at least an additional year as delays to the Metro South-West conversion continue to drag on.
What was meant to be a 12-month shutdown in September 2024 has become a prolonged disruption to daily life, impacting workers, students and families across the region.
The Minns Labor Government has still failed to provide a firm opening date for the metro line, instead offering only a vague commitment that services will begin in the “second half of the year”.
Behind the inconvenience, taxpayers are also footing a growing bill with the Minns Labor Government spending around $8 million a month to keep the replacement bus network running as the delays continue.
Shadow Treasurer Scott Farlow said commuters deserve better than the uncertainty they are currently experiencing.
“With up to 60,000 passengers relying on the corridor each day, the ongoing uncertainty is taking a toll on one of Sydney’s fastest-growing regions,” Mr Farlow said.
“Commuters who expected to be using a world-class Metro remain stuck navigating a patchwork system of buses, often facing queues, congestion and inconsistent travel times.”
“Commuters are being pushed to the limit by these ongoing delays.”
“While commuters deal with the disruption, taxpayers are also footing a massive bill — nearly $8 million a month — and still no one can say when the Metro Services will be running.”
“Commuters deserve to see light at the end of the tunnel and the very least the Government could do is provide an expected opening day or month to the suffering commuters of the South-West.”
TAFE NSW Cessnock will benefit from a $1.3 million joint investment by the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments to upgrade training facilities and support growing workforce demand across the Hunter Valley.
A major upgrade to Building B of the campus will expand access to training, lift campus capability, and ensure training facilities keep pace with industry needs.
The upgrade will deliver:
three drive-up bays to house Mobile Training Units (MTUs), supporting delivery of school-based vocational education and trade taster programs; a new fully air-conditioned general-purpose classroom with modern technology and flexible seating to support theory-based learning; a flexible practical training room for courses such as floristry, beauty and hospitality, fitted with durable finishes, stainless steel benches, sinks and integrated technology; and upgraded audiovisual equipment, improved digital connectivity, lighting, electrical systems, air conditioning and new furniture.
The improved facilities will support expanded delivery of courses in electrotechnology, carpentry and automotive mechanical, giving students more opportunities to train locally.
Supported by the Albanese Labor Government’s Clean Energy Capital Investment Fund, the project will help ensure students in the Hunter can access training that aligns with local job opportunities across construction, infrastructure, and emerging clean energy industries.
This builds on the Minns Labor Government’s record $3.4 billion investment in TAFE and skills, ensuring the state’s training system continues to deliver modern, industry-aligned training in critical skills areas.
Federal Minister for Skills and Training, Andrew Giles:
The Clean Energy Capital Investment Fund is helping deliver the modern training facilities communities need to build Australia’s skilled workforce for the future.
This investment in Cessnock will support local students to gain practical skills and take advantage of new opportunities in these expanding industries.”
NSW Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley:
This is a major win for Cessnock and the Hunter region.
When we invest in TAFE, we invest in local communities, local jobs and the future regions – and that is exactly what the Hunter deserves.”
NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan:
Mobile Training Units are especially important for regional communities, bringing hands-on learning closer to where people live and making it easier to build skills in critical areas like renewable energy.
By investing in TAFE NSW Cessnock, we’re giving more people the opportunity to gain skills that work and move confidently into local jobs.”
Member for Hunter, Dan Repacholi:
The Hunter is seeing strong demand for skilled workers, and investments like this help ensure we’re ready to meet it.
This upgrade will support a pipeline of skilled workers across construction, energy and other key industries in our region.”
Member for Cessnock, Clayton Barr:
This upgrade is a great outcome for TAFE NSW Cessnock, improving local facilities and making it easier for people to access training close to home.
It’s about strengthening our community and giving more locals the chance to build their skills without having to travel.”
The Albanese Government will more than double investment in counter drones for the Australian Defence Force (ADF) with up to $7 billion allocated under the Integrated Investment Program (IIP) over the next decade.
As part of the major boost in investment, the Albanese Government today announced two initial contracts for Aussie made next-generation counter‑drone platforms.
The investment is part of the Government’s plan to spend billions more on drone and counter drone platforms over the decade, in line with the recently‑released 2026 National Defence Strategy and Integrated Investment Program.
With the war in Ukraine and conflicts in the Middle East showing how uncrewed aerial systems are increasingly being employed in conflict, the development of sovereign counter-drone solutions is essential to ensure the ADF can detect, assess and respond to these threats.
The initial investments of $21.3 million in AIM Defence and $10.4 million in SYPAQ Systems has been awarded through the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator’s (ASCA) Mission Syracuse.
This will enable AIM Defence to further enhance the capability and combat readiness of its high-powered counter-drone laser system, Fractl, to counter individual and swarms of drones. This portable high energy laser system is capable of tracking objects as small as a 10-cent piece at more than 100kph and powerful enough to burn through steel.
SYPAQ Systems will build on their expertise in affordable, high performance uncrewed air vehicles to develop the Corvo Strike, an interceptor drone designed to track, target and destroy larger drones now commonly employed on battlefields.
ASCA will also facilitate the integration of these systems into the ADF’s existing control system being delivered under LAND156.
While Australia’s unique geography has driven a focus on larger drones, the Government’s efforts under Mission Syracuse will accelerate the deployment of advanced capabilities designed to counter medium‑sized drones and swarms of small drones that our personnel could encounter in complex operational environments abroad or while protecting people and infrastructure domestically.
The Albanese Government has allocated up to $22 billion for drone, counter-drone and autonomous system technologies over the decade in the 2026Integrated Investment Program.
Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy:
“The Albanese Government is building a stronger and more resilient defence industry through investing in Australian innovation, skills and disruptive technologies that will keep Australians safe.
“The Government’s record investment in defence through the 2026 Integrated Investment Program includes record investment in drone and counter-drone capabilities – ensuring Australia can respond to threats to Australia’s security.
“With the war in Ukraine and conflicts in the Middle East showing how uncrewed aerial systems are increasingly being employed in conflict, the development of sovereign counter-drone solutions is essential to ensure the Australian Defence Force can detect, assess and respond to these threats.”
Head Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator, Major General Hugh Meggitt:
“Mission Syracuse will exploit Australian industry’s world leading expertise in kinetic and directed energy to find, fix, track, target and engage Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). It will significantly enhance the ADF’s ability to counter the threat posed by UAVs employed by malicious actors; domestically and abroad.”
Japan’s head coach Eddie Jones, Cr Peta Winney-Baartz and Venue Manager Dean Mantle at McDonald Jones Stadium with local rugby representativesJapan’s head coach Eddie Jones was in Newcastle today to make the announcement, with the fixture forming part of the lead-up to the team’s 2027 Rugby World Cup clash with Samoa at McDonald Jones Stadium.