This week, we will travel to the Republic of Fiji, the Kingdom of Tonga and the Republic of Vanuatu as Australia continues to strengthen our enduring partnership with the Pacific.
This early visit to the region again demonstrates how deeply we value being part of the Pacific family.
This will be the first official overseas visit for the Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Matt Thistlethwaite.
While in Suva, we will meet Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Sitiveni Rabuka to discuss strengthening our Vuvale Partnership, deepening our trade arrangements, and boosting our cooperation on development, climate action, and resilience.
In Nuku’alofa, we will meet Prime Minister ‘Aisake Eke and Minister for Foreign Affairs and His Majesty’s Armed Forces His Royal Highness The Crown Prince Tupoutoʻa ‘Ulukalala to advance our deep partnership, and our shared Pacific Islands Forum priorities with Tonga, the current Forum Chair.
In Port Vila, we will meet Prime Minister Jotham Napat and senior government ministers. We will reaffirm Australia’s commitment to elevate our bilateral relationship through the development of the Nakamal Agreement with Vanuatu, including strengthening our community and First Nations connections.
Australia is a respectful, reliable and transparent partner, responding to the region’s needs and priorities.
In uncertain times, Australia and the Pacific are counting on each other as we build a region that is peaceful, stable and prosperous.
The Foreign Ministers of Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the UK.
The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, the EU Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management and the EU Commissioner for the Mediterranean.
19 May 2025
Whilst we acknowledge indications of a limited restart of aid, Israel blocked humanitarian aid entering Gaza for over two months. Food, medicines and essential supplies are exhausted. The population faces starvation. Gaza’s people must receive the aid they desperately need.
Prior to the aid block, the UN and humanitarian NGOs delivered aid into Gaza, working with great courage, at the risk of their lives and in the face of major access challenges imposed by Israel. These organisations subscribe to upholding humanitarian principles, operating independently, with neutrality, impartiality and humanity. They have the logistical capacity, expertise and operational coverage to deliver assistance across Gaza to those who need it most.
Israel’s security cabinet has reportedly approved a new model for delivering aid into Gaza, which the UN and our humanitarian partners cannot support. They are clear that they will not participate in any arrangement that does not fully respect the humanitarian principles. Humanitarian principles matter for every conflict around the world and should be applied consistently in every warzone. The UN has raised concerns that the proposed model cannot deliver aid effectively, at the speed and scale required. It places beneficiaries and aid workers at risk, undermines the role and independence of the UN and our trusted partners, and links humanitarian aid to political and military objectives. Humanitarian aid should never be politicised, and Palestinian territory must not be reduced nor subjected to any demographic change.
As humanitarian donors, we have two straightforward messages for the Government of Israel: allow a full resumption of aid into Gaza immediately and enable the UN and humanitarian organisations to work independently and impartially to save lives, reduce suffering and maintain dignity. We remain committed to meeting the acute needs we see in Gaza. We also reiterate our firm message that Hamas must immediately release all remaining hostages and allow humanitarian assistance to be distributed without interference. It is our firm conviction that an immediate return to a ceasefire and working towards the implementation of a two-state solution are the only way to bring peace and security to Israelis and Palestinians and ensure long-term stability for the whole region.
The Australian Government welcomes the adoption of the World Health Organization (WHO) Pandemic Agreement.
The Agreement is a significant step towards strengthening pandemic prevention, preparedness and response.
The Agreement takes account of lessons learnt during the COVID-19 pandemic and supports collective action to address pandemic threats, including by strengthening multi-sectoral disease surveillance and access to vaccines.
While the Agreement has been adopted by the World Health Assembly, there are further steps remaining to finalise technical details. Australia will only commence our treaty making process after the Agreement opens for signature, which is not expected until at least mid-2026.
Once the Agreement has entered into force, Australia and our region will be better positioned to reduce pandemic risks and respond swiftly if a pandemic occurs, saving lives and mitigating the impacts on our economies. Australia will retain full sovereignty in making public health decisions which promote the interests of Australians.
Australia is proud to have served as Vice-Chair of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body for the Pandemic Agreement, representing our diverse Western Pacific region.
This outcome reaffirms the value of multilateral solutions to shared global challenges.
Australia will continue to play our part to ensure the international community is better prepared to respond to future pandemics
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong:
“We need international cooperation on health to help keep Australia, our region, and the world safe. The adoption of the WHO Pandemic Agreement demonstrates the value of the international community working together to find solutions to shared global challenges.”
Minister for Health and Ageing, Minister for Disability and the NDIS, the Hon Mark Butler MP:
“The next pandemic is not a matter of if, but when. We have a collective responsibility to protect public health in all of our countries. The adoption of the WHO Pandemic Agreement is an important step forward.”
Work is ready to commence on the next stage of City of Newcastle’s East End Village project, with onsite crews mobilising next week for the section of Hunter Street between Thorn and Wolfe streets, and on Wolfe Street between King and Scott streets.
New paving, roadway and footpaths will enhance the area for cyclists, pedestrians and drivers. Stormwater pipes will also be upgraded as part of the project to replace the Hunter Street Mall with a reinstated traditional high street.
An artist’s impression of the upgraded streetscape that will be delivered as part of the next stage of the East End Village project.
The project will deliver a range of streetscape improvements including multi-function street lighting, new street furniture and extensive landscaping, as well as an extension of the two-way cycleway on the northern side of Hunter Street.
Underground site investigations were carried out last year in preparation for the main construction work, which was programmed to begin after the upgrade between Perkins and Brown streets was finalised. That section of Hunter Street was reopened to the community earlier this month.
City of Newcastle’s Interim Executive Director of City Infrastructure, Robert Dudgeon, said extensive community input into the East End Streetscape Masterplan helped shape the project.
“This is a shared vision developed in consultation with the community, which will see the reinstatement of a traditional high street where people can enjoy boutique retail opportunities and outdoor dining,” Mr Dudgeon said.
“When we complete this stage of the project we will have invested more than $16 million, which is being delivered in sections to minimise, as much as possible, the disruption for local residents and businesses.
“The staged nature of the program also allows us to align our improvements with other developments in the area including that being undertaken by Iris Capital, as we work collaboratively to enhance the lifestyle and experience offered within our city centre.”
This will be the third phase of five scheduled for the East End Village project. Construction initially focused on the block bound by Hunter, Wolf, King and Perkins streets to deliver new paving, service upgrades, street furniture, new gardens and trees, as well as significant upgrades to stormwater, drainage, cycleways and footpaths.
The recently completed second phase has transformed a key pedestrian and cyclist entry point between Perkins and Brown streets, improving and extending the streetscape with new trees, landscaping and paving, as well as extensive work to upgrade and relocate key utilities, and realign the road.
Preliminary design work is already underway for the remaining stages along Hunter Street between Thorn and Newcomen, and then Market Street, with work planned for delivery in the current Council term.
Visit the project page on City of Newcastle’s website to stay up-to-date with the latest information on current and future stages.
With an increase in winter illnesses expected over the coming months, people across NSW are being reminded free and instant health advice and treatment is available 24/7 by calling Healthdirect on 1800 022 222.
A new campaign, launched by NSW Health this week, is encouraging all NSW residents to save 1800 022 222 in their phone, to be ready for when illness strikes over winter.
An increasing number of people are turning to the service to get the advice and reassurance they need to recover quickly.
Last winter, nearly 20,000 people across NSW called Healthdirect seeking care for their cold and flu symptoms, almost double the number of people from 2023.
Of these, four in five people avoided an unnecessary trip to the emergency department, instead managing their symptoms at home with virtual care or through an appointment with a GP or at a local urgent care service.
When people call Healthdirect, a registered nurse will ask some questions about their health. Depending on their condition, the nurse will recommend the right healthcare option. This may include a nearby doctor, pharmacist or urgent care service, connecting them with specialist virtual care, or calling an ambulance if it is life-threatening.
If you need support in your language, you can call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) on 131 450 and ask to be connected to healthdirect.
If you or someone you are with is experiencing a medical emergency, please continue to call Triple Zero (000) immediately. For example, you have difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe bleeding, sudden collapse or are seriously injured.
The Minns Labor Government has invested half a billion dollars into ED relief, which includes:
$189 million in tax relief to incentivise GPs to maintain bulk-billing rates, meaning people with non-life-threatening conditions don’t need to present to the ED;
$171.4 million to expand statewide virtual care services helping 180,000 avoid a trip to the ED;
$100 million to continue urgent care services for a further two years to June 2027 providing a pathway to care outside of our hospitals for an estimated 114,000 patients;
$70 million to expand emergency department short stay units to improve patient flow to reduce ED wait times by nearly 80,000 hours;
$15.1 million for an Ambulance Matrix that provides real time hospital data to enable paramedics to transport patients to emergency departments with greater capacity and reducing wait times;
$31.4 million to increase Hospital in the Home across the state allowing over 3,500 additional patients each year to be cared for in their home rather than a hospital bed
$53.9 million to improve patient flow and support discharge planning by identified patients early on that are suitable to be discharged home with the appropriate supports in place.
Minister for Health Ryan Park:
“If you or someone you care about needs health advice, treatment or care Healthdirect should be your first call.
“Whether it’s a tumble in the playground or a bad bug keeping you up through the night – free, instant health advice is only a phone call away.
“Have the number handy for those times when you need professional and reassuring health advice.
“Don’t wait, save the Healthdirect number 1800 022 222 today and share the number with those you love. This simple call has saved thousands of people a needless trip to the ED and has ensured people can access the right care at the right time – and fast.”
The Minns Labor Government, the University of Sydney and the Sydney Local Health District will today break ground on the $780 million Sydney Biomedical Accelerator, a world class health education and research complex that will house more than 1200 researchers and clinician scientists on its 36,000 square metre site, spanning the University and Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.
Due to open in 2028, the giant facility will be a major centre for biomedical innovation and research – bringing the disciplines of biology and medicine together to fast-track scientific discovery into real life health outcomes for patients and strengthen Australia’s global leadership in biomedicine.
Following a competitive tender process Australian-owned Richard Crookes Constructions has been selected as construction partner to build the complex, which includes two new biomedical research buildings over eight levels, and connecting bridges between the university and RPA.
An independent business with a strong track record in health construction, Richard Crookes’ expertise will be key to bringing the project’s vision to life and will employ more than 3,000 workers during construction.
Connecting the hospital and university is crucial for the new facility to enable a seamless exchange of knowledge from lab to bedside, such as by conducting targeted clinical trials.
The facility will include:
Laboratory and collaboration spaces for researchers, clinicians, and industry, including an innovation and start-up hub.
A high-tech biobank – a storage facility for tissue samples, cells, blood and DNA used for research.
High-performing computing.
Precision medicine.
State-of-the-art surgery and anatomy research and teaching.
Core research facilities for microscopy, preclinical imaging, drug discovery, protein production and purification.
Clinical trials and patient-facing clinical spaces.
The Sydney Biomedical Accelerator will also help attract and retain world class researchers, provide anatomy training facilities for our future health workforce, and create career opportunities for those wanting to break into the field of medical and scientific research.
“This new facility is set to change the game when it comes to research into diagnostics and treatments in Australia, and I am really proud that we have it here in New South Wales.
“Benchmarked against the world’s leading biomedical facilities, the Accelerator is set to change to landscape of medical research, and I hope it becomes a major drawcard for world class health researchers.
“Cutting-edge laboratories will empower researchers to accelerate the discovery of cures and treatments for a wide range of diseases, driving medical breakthroughs with greater speed and precision.”
Minister for Medical Research, David Harris:
“The Sydney Biomedical Accelerator is more than just a new building, it’s a launchpad for the next generation of medical breakthroughs.
“We know that for NSW to be a world leader in medical research we need to continue to foster collaboration across government, health, industry and academia.
“By bringing together scientists, clinicians and innovators under one roof, we’re laying the foundation for discoveries that will shape the future of healthcare in this country and across the globe.”
Sydney Local Health District Chief Executive, Deb Willcox AM:
“The Sydney Biomedical Accelerator represents a transformative leap in our health and medical research landscape.
“By bringing together class-leading laboratories, clinicians and academics from Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and the University of Sydney, we can accelerate the journey from scientific discovery to real‑world patient outcomes, cementing our position as a global leader in biomedical innovation.”
University of Sydney Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Mark Scott AO:
“The Sydney Biomedical Accelerator is a bold step forward in Australia’s research and development landscape.
“What makes it unique is its integration of world-class research with innovation, commercial translation, and real-world clinical outcomes. It will be a place for discovery – but also one where ideas transform into impact, accelerating solutions from the lab bench to the bedside and beyond.”
The Minns Labor Government has renewed its commitment to protect workers from dust diseases with its new $2.5 million state-of-the -art Lung Health Mobile Clinic which is providing lung health checks to thousands of people across New South Wales.
The new lung bus has arrived in Nowra to provide free lung screening checks. These lung health checks can be lifesaving by ensuring early detection and treatment of dust diseases like asbestosis, silicosis and mesothelioma.
The lung bus program provides free lung screening checks to more than 5,000 workers annually in regional NSW.
The icare Lung Bus is travelling the length and breadth of the state, including visits to Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, Taree, Tuncurry, Spears Point, Tweed Heads, Gosford, Nowra, Shellharbour, Port Kembla, Bathurst, Dubbo, Broken Hill, Wagga Wagga, Griffith and Tamworth.
The new mobile clinic features several innovations including:
Digital chest X-ray technology, providing precise and reliable first instance imaging.
Enhanced spirometry (lung function) testing equipment to evaluate breathing capacity and respiratory performance.
Digital monitoring systems to streamline diagnostics and care.
A backup power supply to ensure uninterrupted operation in remote locations.
Greater accessibility and comfort, with larger clinical space designed to support both staff and clients.
The brand-new Lung Bus continues the legacy of the state’s original mobile service which served the community for nearly 16 years.
That Bus travelled more than 700,000km (more than 17 times around the world), screening more than 53,000 people, and visiting over 300 destinations across NSW.
This is one of many measures to protect workers from dust diseases, including those caused by silica and asbestos.
The Minns Labor Government has established a new Expert Taskforce to help address silica related health risks in tunnelling projects, following revelations of rising silicosis cases in tunnelling leading up to 2023 and led the campaign for the national ban on engineered stone which started last year.
The NSW Government is funding a team of dedicated silica safety inspectors to ensure businesses are complying with its strengthened laws.
The Lung Health Mobile Clinic will be in Nowra on Wednesday 21 May and Thursday 22 May.
The new Lung Bus will next travel to the following destinations:
Workers can also arrange a free lung screening at icare’s Sydney CBD clinic, or with local providers regionally when the lung bus is not in that part of the state. To book a free lung health check, contact icare on 1800 550 027.
Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said:
“The new Mobile Clinic underscores the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to removing barriers like cost and location, ensuring workers across NSW have access to the critical support and care they need to safeguard their health.
“Along with enforcement of the recent ban on engineered stone, the new Lung Bus demonstrates our commitment to improve outcomes for workers exposed to hazardous dust across NSW.”
Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:
“I welcome the $2.5 million investment into the new icare Lung Bus which will provide thousands of health checks for people living in regional NSW.
“Our regional communities remain front and centre when it comes to ensuring early detection and treatment of dust diseases like asbestosis, silicosis, and mesothelioma.”
Icare Group Executive of General Insurance and Care, Britt Coombe said:
“A lung health check could save your life.
“Early detection is critical to effective treatment, and we’re here to make sure every worker, no matter where they live, has access to world-class care.”
Member for South Coast Liza Butler said:
“The Lung Bus will be in Nowra this May, and I strongly encourage as many people as possible to take advantage of this life-saving service.
“I know firsthand how costly lung tests can be—my husband requires them for his job, and they can cost hundreds of dollars each time. That’s why I’m so pleased to see the Minns Labor Government delivering this essential service free of charge to our community.
“This is another example of our government’s philosophy of putting people first.”
The Albanese and Minns Governments have activated disaster assistance to communities in 16 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the Hunter and Mid North Coast following severe weather, including heavy rainfall.
The NSW Government’s Natural Disaster Declaration applies to the LGAs of: Bellingen, Central Coast, Cessnock, Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, Dungog, Kempsey, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, MidCoast, Nambucca, Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Port Stephens, Singleton and Upper Hunter.
Support has been made available under the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Assistance measures that may be provided to communities include:
Assistance for eligible residents to help meet immediate needs like emergency accommodation and essential items generally provided from evacuation or recovery centres.
Grants for low-income, uninsured residents to replace lost essential household items to maintain basic standard of living.
Grants for low-income, uninsured residents to undertake essential structural repairs to restore their homes to a basic, safe and habitable condition.
Support for affected local councils to help with the costs of cleaning up and restoring damaged essential public assets.
Concessional interest rate loans for small businesses, primary producers, and non-profit organisations and grants to sporting and recreation clubs to repair or replace damaged or destroyed property.
Freight subsidies for primary producers to help transport livestock and fodder.
Financial support towards counter disaster activity undertaken by emergency service organisations to keep communities safe.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said the Albanese Government is working closely with the Minns Government to ensure support is available for Hunter and Mid North Coast communities impacted by flooding.
“These floods and severe weather are having a huge impact on communities across the Hunter and Mid North Coast, which is why we’re working with the Minns Government to activate this support,” Minister McBain said.
“From emergency accommodation, to support for small businesses and councils to repair damages – we’re ensuring support is available during this event and as communities turn their focus to recovery.
“These conditions are expected to continue into the week, so it’s really important that people are aware of the flood risk in their area by keeping up to date with the warnings and that they listen to the advice of emergency services.”
NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said the NSW Government is activating a range of basic support to assist flood impacted communities and councils
“We know this is a challenging time for people in many parts of NSW, and we are rolling out these support measures so communities can begin the clean-up and recovery process as soon as possible,” Minister Saffin said.
“We are still in the response phase but the NSW Reconstruction Authority is working closely with the State Emergency Service and partner agencies to ensure a smooth transition to recovery and the delivery of targeted support for our affected communities.
“The Government and the Reconstruction Authority will continue to work closely with local councils and communities to ensure they can get essential support and activate further assistance if it is required.”
More information on disaster assistance can be found at
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has concluded his first international engagements since being re-elected.
Following successful meetings with President Prabowo Subianto in Indonesia, the Prime Minister joined Catholics and world leaders at the Vatican to represent Australia at the Papal Inauguration of His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV.
Prime Minister Albanese had the honour of a private audience with His Holiness to mark this momentous occasion for Catholics around the world and for those of faith in Australia.
Prime Minister Albanese formally invited His Holiness to Australia for the International Eucharistic Congress in Sydney in 2028.
Prime Minister Albanese met a range of other world leaders including President Zelenskyy of Ukraine and President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, as well as having a number of informal discussions with world leaders.
Prime Minister Albanese also met Prime Minister of Singapore Lawrence Wong during a stopover in Singapore on the way back to Australia.
The two Prime Ministers shared their perspectives on the regional and global outlook, and recommitted themselves to a substantive upgrade of the Australia-Singapore Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
“I was so pleased to again make Indonesia my first bilateral leaders’ meeting after the election.
“I am proud of the enduring friendship between our two nations and look forward to working closely with my friend President Prabowo on our shared priorities across security and defence, trade and investment and more.
“It was an honour to represent Australia at the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV.
“His Holiness’ message about peace and social justice is one that resonates not only with Catholics, but with everybody around the world.
“It was good to meet European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
“We reiterated our shared commitment to concluding a free trade agreement which delivers real benefit for the economies of Australia and Europe.
“I assured President Zelenskyy of Australia’s ongoing and steadfast support for Ukraine. Australia will continue to stand by Ukraine.
“During the stopover in Singapore, I met Prime Minister Wong following both countries’ recent elections.
“Australia’s prosperity and economic future are linked with Southeast Asia.
“I look forward to further discussing with Prime Minister Wong my Government’s focus on expanding Australia’s comprehensive strategic partnership during our Annual Leaders’ Meeting later this year.”
Train services have resumed running between Scone, Mindaribba and Newcastle Interchange following earlier flooding on the tracks at Sandgate. Trains will run at a reduced frequency. Limited buses are also supplementing trains.
No trains or buses are able to run between Paterson and Dungog due to flooding of the tracks and roads. You will need to utilise other transport in this area.
Please allow extra travel time, check transport apps, information screens and listen to announcements.
An artist’s impression of the upgraded streetscape that will be delivered as part of the next stage of the East End Village project.