Family First National Director Lyle Shelton says Australia’s military must focus on defending the nation, not accommodating gender ideology.
Mr Shelton was responding to reports that transgender and non-binary recruits to the Australian Defence Force are assessed according to their “affirmed gender” rather than their biological sex in fitness testing and other service requirements.
“The military is not a laboratory for social experiments. Biological males should not be allowed to pass a female fitness test because they identify as female,” Mr Shelton said.
“The primary purpose of the Australian Defence Force is to defend Australia and win wars. It is not to validate personal identity choices or promote the latest ideological trends.”
“Family First agrees with the standards now being enforced by the United States Department of War under President Donald Trump. Military personnel should be assessed according to their biological sex, not an asserted gender identity.”
Mr Shelton said the revelations raised serious questions about combat readiness, fairness and interoperability with Australia’s most important defence ally.
“The fact that transgender and non-binary personnel are reportedly unable to participate in parts of the AUKUS nuclear submarine program because of United States military requirements should be a wake-up call for Canberra.”
“If people wish to change their gender, a career in the military may not be the right path for them. Australia’s national security is too important to be compromised by policies that deny biological reality.”
Side effects of gender conversion therapy treatments include impaired brain function, muscle atrophy and sterility.
Mr Shelton said Australians expected defence recruitment and promotion standards to be based on merit, capability and objective physical requirements.
“At a time when the ADF faces recruitment challenges and growing strategic threats in our region, Defence leaders should be focused on military effectiveness, not woke agendas.”
Investing in low-carbon manufacturing and jobs in the Hunter
The Minns Labor Government is calling on manufacturers across the Hunter to apply for a share of $225 million to create more local jobs and help NSW build the products and materials needed for the industries of the future.
The Hunter is one of NSW’s great manufacturing regions, with the skills, industrial base and supply chains needed to play a leading role in the next generation of low-carbon manufacturing.
The $225 million grant round will support commercial and construction-ready projects that can expand local production, attract private investment and create skilled jobs.
As global demand grows for clean energy and low-carbon products, the Minns Labor Government is backing NSW businesses to seize this global opportunity by manufacturing more of these products here at home, including:
· renewable energy components such as wind towers, solar panels, batteries and transmission cables
· low-carbon products such as blended cement, cross-laminated timber and biofuels
· emerging clean technologies such as new-generation renewables and storage, AI-driven agricultural systems and lithium battery recycling.
This funding builds on the success of the Net Zero Manufacturing Initiative grants, which are already backing more than 40 projects creating around 1,000 new jobs.
In the Hunter, that funding has supported projects including Hunter Valley Solar Foundry’s new large-scale solar panel manufacturing facility in Black Hill, which received $20 million and is expected to create 300 jobs.
Other Hunter projects backed through the first round include $4.85 million for FPR Energy Limited in Mayfield West to scale renewable heat and power technology, $1.1 million for Renewable Metals Pty Ltd in Muswellbrook to support development of NSW’s first lithium battery recycling refinery, and funding for Orica Australia Pty Ltd in Kooragang to explore industrial carbon capture and reuse.
This next round of funding is an opportunity for more Hunter manufacturers to expand, diversify and help build the industries that will support the region’s economic future.
Successful projects will need to attract significant private investment to NSW, with grant recipients required to match or exceed NSW Government funding dollar-for-dollar.
The investment will create jobs, further the transformation of the state’s energy system, and support NSW’s legislated targets to cut emissions by 70 per cent by 2035 and reach net zero by 2050.
Applications open today. For more information, visit: www.energy.nsw.gov.au/NetZeroManufacturing: http://www.energy.nsw.gov.au/NetZeroManufacturing
Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Penny Sharpe said:
“Our investment in low-carbon manufacturing has already supported the creation of around 1,000 jobs, and this boost will power the next wave of industry and opportunity in the Hunter and across NSW.
“This additional funding will help ensure NSW does not just import technology, but builds more of it locally to benefit communities and workers.”
Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley said:
“The Hunter has always been an industrial powerhouse for NSW, and this funding is about making sure the region is at the centre of the next generation of manufacturing.
“There is a huge global opportunity in clean energy and low-carbon products, and we want Hunter businesses and workers to be in the box seat.”
Member for Port Stephens, Minister Kate Washington said:
“Our local industries are perfectly placed to seize this opportunity to become the leader in low-emissions manufacturing, benefiting local workers, their families and our communities in the Hunter.”
Member for Maitland, Minister Jenny Aitchison said:
“People in the Hunter are some of the most resilient Australians. We have always adapted, innovated and worked hard to deliver for NSW – from energy to commodities to heavy and advanced manufacturing.
“The Minns Labor Government is investing in our region to ensure the Hunter continues to offer secure, skilled and cutting-edge manufacturing jobs close to home, to support the generations of workers who have built this state and our nation.”
Member for Charlestown, Minister Jodie Harrison said:
“This funding will support local workers and manufacturers as the Hunter continues to transition to a low-carbon future.”
Member for Newcastle, Tim Crakanthorp said:
“Newcastle is leading the charge in the transition to net zero industries. We have already seen great Newcastle-based net zero manufacturers receive funding from the NSW Labor Government, and the Government is ready to support even more!
“The Net Zero Manufacturing Centre of Excellence at Tighes Hill TAFE is inspiring and educating the manufacturers of the future. Grant programs like this back in the innovative ideas coming out of the Centre of Excellence.”
Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery said:
“This welcome funding will create important jobs in low-carbon manufacturing across the Hunter, supporting local workers and a cleaner, more sustainable economy.”
Member for Cessnock, Clayton Barr said:
“The Hunter has a proud manufacturing history and is well placed to play a leading role in NSW’s clean energy future.
This grant funding will help local businesses expand production, attract investment and create skilled jobs across the region.”
Appeal to locate teen missing from Metford
Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a teen missing from the Hunter region.
Xavier Powrie, aged 14, was last seen on Marshall Avenue, Metford, about 1am on Saturday 30 May 2026.
When he could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Port Stephens Hunter Police District were notified yesterday (Sunday 31 May 2026) and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.
Police and family hold concerns for Xavier’s welfare due to his young age.
He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 170cm tall, of thin build, short curly hair with a rat’s tail and a diamond earring in his right ear lobe.
He was last seen wearing a black Nike zip up jumper and black basketball pants.
Xavier is known to frequent the Metford and East Maitland area.
Anyone with information into his whereabouts is urged to contact Maitland Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Appeal to locate man missing from Rutherford
Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing from the Lower Hunter Valley area.
Mitchell O’Hara, aged 37, was last seen at Lovedale on Monday 25 May 2026. His vehicle was located about 8pm the same day on Aberglaslyn and First Streets, Rutherford.
Officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.
Police and family hold concerns for Mitchell’s welfare.
Mitchell is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 180cm tall, of medium build, with short light brown hair and unshaven.
He was last seen wearing yellow and blue, long sleeve work shirt, black jeans and work boots.
Mitchell is known to frequent the Lovedale, Cessnock, Metford, and Twelve Mile Creek areas.
Victorian Greens launch $18 billion ‘Fair Share’ Plan and make election pitch to young people and voters fed up with the major parties
Victorian Greens Leader Ellen Sandell will use the party’s Campaign Conference on Saturday to make the Greens’ clearest pitch yet to young people and voters fed up with the major parties, declaring the Greens are ‘not just here to pressure Labor, we’re here to replace them’.
In the major vision-setting speech Sandell will position housing affordability and economic fairness at the centre of the Greens’ election campaign, with Sandell foreshadowing major upcoming housing announcements aimed at helping ordinary people into homes and rebalancing a housing system increasingly stacked against younger generations.
The Greens will unveil a new $18 billion ‘Fair Share Plan’ to make the big banks, gambling corporations, fossil fuel giants and wealthy property developers pay more tax to fund permanently free public transport, more renewable energy and more public housing.
The speech also marks a major escalation in the Victorian Greens’ positioning towards Labor, with Sandell arguing the Allan Labor Government has become too focussed on clinging to power rather than solving the crises communities are facing.
The party’s campaign conference will also feature international organisers and campaigners from major progressive movements overseas, including from the campaign of New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
Later in the day Sandell will interview UK Greens Leader Zack Polanski, whose party has surged against amidst growing dissatisfaction with Labour.
In her speech, Sandell will argue that Victoria is experiencing the same political conditions driving these progressive insurgent movements overseas, as more voters abandon the major parties and that the Greens are ready to win more lower house seats off both Labor and the Liberals this November.
Leader of the Victorian Greens, Ellen Sandell:
“Even if you work hard and do everything right, it’s getting harder to get ahead and people are fed up.
“Labor keeps asking you to vote for them, while refusing to make the big changes people need.
“People are done with a Labor government that’s more interested in protecting their own power than solving the big problems that people are facing.
“The Greens aren’t here to make Labor better. We’re here to replace them.”
“The time to break the two-party system is now. This is the Greens’ moment, and we’re ready to win more seats in November”
“The Greens are the only party with a real plan to fix the system – to make housing affordable, cap rents, take real climate action and finally make big corporations pay their fair share to fund the things we all need to live a decent life, like free public transport and renewable energy to bring down energy bills”
“If we want things to change, we can’t keep settling for less. This election, people have the chance to demand better by voting Greens.”
UK Greens Leader Zack Polanski joins Victorian Greens fight turning frustration with Labor into replacing them
The Leader of the UK Greens, Zack Polanski, has joined the Victorian Greens’ push to turn growing frustration with Labor into electoral success at this year’s state election, telling hundreds of Greens supporters that the same political conditions driving the Greens’ breakthrough in the UK are emerging in Victoria.
In conversation with the Victorian Greens Leader Ellen Sandell at the party’s Campaign Conference on Saturday, they discussed how rising living costs, growing inequality and growing disillusionment with establishment politics were creating opportunities for Greens movements around the world.
Earlier in the day, Sandell delivered a keynote speech where she argued that Victoria is experiencing the same political conditions driving progressive insurgent movements overseas, as more voters abandon the major parties and that the Greens are ready to win more lower house seats off both Labor and the Liberals this November.
Polanski’s appearance comes as the Victorian Greens prepare for the November state election, with the party arguing voters are increasingly looking beyond the major parties.
Polanski shared lessons from the UK Greens’ recent surge in support, which has seen membership soar, major local government gains and the party win new parliamentary seats, saying that Greens movements were succeeding because they understood the frustration many people felt with politics as usual and were prepared to offer a hopeful alternative and that he wants to see “Greens governments all around the world.”
Addressing the party’s state conference via video link on Saturday, Polanski said:
“People are feeling more and more angry, more and more disillusioned, and more and more ready for change.”
“The other parties take money from oil and gas companies, private healthcare companies, gambling companies and arms trade companies.”
“The Green Party only has two vested interests. We want to protect the communities that we seek to serve, and we want to protect the planet.”
“I’m not here to be concerned or disappointed by the Labour Party, I’m here to replace the Labour Party. We’ve just replaced Labour in hundreds of seats across England and Wales at the council level.”
“I want to see Green governments all around the world.”
Quotes attributable the Leader of the Victorian Greens, Ellen Sandell:
“People are fed up because they’re working harder than ever but finding it harder to afford a home, pay the rent or keep up with rising bills.”
“For too long Labor has taken people for granted. They’ve become too focused on protecting powerful interests while ordinary people are being left behind.”
“What Zack and the UK Greens have shown is that when you connect with people’s frustration, take on vested interests and offer real solutions, people respond.”
“The same conditions that fuelled the Greens breakthrough in the UK exist right here in Victoria. People are frustrated, they feel ignored and they’re ready for change.”
“People are fed up with Labor and the Victorian Greens are the hopeful alternative.”
Shovels in the ground on $35 million Hillsborough Road upgrade
Major construction is now underway on stage one of the Hillsborough Road upgrade, marking the beginning of a major overhaul of one of Lake Macquarie’s busiest transport corridors. (PDF, 329.89 KB)
For the 36,000 motorists who travel this corridor each day, the Hillsborough Road upgrade will transform how people move through Lake Macquarie. The corridor is known for heavy congestion during peak periods, and difficult turning movements making it challenging for motorists to safely merge from side streets.
New Research Reveals Back Pain’s Mental, Physical and Financial Toll on Australians
Key facts:The Australian Chiropractors Association (ACA) has launched National Spinal Health Month (1–30 June 2026), themed A healthy spine supports a healthy mind, releasing both a clinical research study and national survey highlighting the physical, mental, and financial toll of back pain on Australians.
A national survey of 1,040 Australian adults found 87.1% experienced back pain in the past 12 months, with chronic pain (lasting more than three months) surging from 30% in 2024 to 44.1% in 2026, and nearly 70% of sufferers reporting a mental health impact.
Rising cost-of-living pressures are preventing almost half (44%) of back pain sufferers from seeking professional treatment, with consultation rates falling significantly across GPs (–14.4%), physiotherapy (–23.1%), and chiropractic (–19.4%) since 2024, whilst over-the-counter pain medication use has risen to 86.4%.
A clinical feasibility study conducted through CQUniversity and Macquarie University’s MindSpot programme found that integrating online psychological pain management with routine chiropractic care improved both mental health and musculoskeletal outcomes, with 90% of completers saying they would recommend the programme to others.
Musculoskeletal disorders including back pain cost the Australian economy $55.1 billion annually, with 28.5% of working-age Australians with low back pain requiring time off work or becoming unable to work, underscoring the urgent need for integrated, non-pharmacological treatment approaches.
TODAY, the Australian Chiropractors Association (ACA) launched National Spinal Health Month (1-30 June) with the theme, “ A healthy spine supports a healthy mind” to minimise the occurrence of back pain and the impact chronic back pain has on the mental health of Australians of all ages.
ACA President Dr Billy Chow said, “The coexistence of back pain and mental health conditions is associated with impaired quality of life, while the increased risk of developing chronic musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) poses a significant financial burden on sufferers particularly as the cost-of-living bites.
While chronic back pain can lead to developing psychological and social problems, depressive symptoms can worsen back pain and increase the disability associated with the condition, which in turn can exacerbate back pain’s negative impact on the mental health of sufferers,” Dr Chow said.
In launching its month-long Spinal Health Month campaign, ACA has released Australia’s first clinical research study that explored the feasibility and acceptability of adding an online, psychologically informed pain management program to the usual healthcare provided by chiropractic musculoskeletal clinicians.
The clinical research study conducted out of CQUniversity in conjunction with Macquarie University’s MindSpot digital psychological care program, funded by ACA, was conducted by Dr David McNaughton (PhD Psychology), a chiropractor, clinician, academic, Senior Lecturer at CQUniversity and ACA member.
The study, “ Adding an online psychologically informed pain management program to routine musculoskeletal care in Australia: A feasibility study,” examined how the mind and body communicate when integrating therapies for psychology and physical health.
Dr McNaughton said, “The results are encouraging showing that in applying the biopsychosocial model focussed on the relationship between spinal health, chronic pain and the psychological impact pain has on a person’s mental health, we can help mitigate the impact MSDs have on both physical and mental health.”
Underpinning the significance of Dr McNaughton’s findings, today, the ACA also released new data from an independent national public survey by global research company Pureprofile, Back Pain In Australia: The Impact on Mental, Physical & Financial Health, demonstrating a concerning increase in back pain, the mental health consequences for sufferers and how the cost-of-living is preventing patients from seeking medical treatment.
The survey found 87.1% of Australian adult respondents (n1040) experienced back pain within the past 12 months with almost three quarters (69%) reporting it impacted their mental health, and nearly half (45.9%) reporting moderate to extreme impact.
In the past two years, chronic pain has surged 22% with the proportion of back pain sufferers with chronic pain (lasting more than three months) increasing from 30% in 2024 to 44.1% in 2026, while the rising cost of living continues to heavily impact households, driving widespread cost-cutting including for healthcare.
44% of back pain sufferers reported that the cost of living has prevented them from seeking treatment from a healthcare professional with GP visits down 14%; physiotherapy down 23%; and chiropractic down 19% since 2024; while the use of over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications to treat their pain has risen substantially.
86% of sufferers reported using OTC pain medication for back pain – up from 81% in 2024, while 64.5% reported using prescription medication. 49% have never sought a medical diagnosis for their back pain.
Of concern is that 1 in 10 back pain sufferers reported taking OTCs daily despite established clinical evidence by the University of Sydney that found paracetamol is no more effective than placebo for low back pain, and the WHO guidelines (2023) recommending medication only as an adjunct to active treatment, not as a primary or long-term intervention.
Significantly, over this past year, 52% of back pain sufferers reported that back pain added to their mental load with women hardest hit reporting higher chronic back pain and that they were more likely to experience mental health consequences, while 55% reported it added to their mental load, and 28% said they were more likely than men to avoid treatment due to cost.
6.1 million Australians are already affected by MSDs, of which 58% are of working age in peak income-earning years (25-64 years) with the annual cost to the Australian economy $55.1 billion including direct health costs, lost productivity and reduced quality of life (Deloitte).
The survey found 28.5% (almost one third) of peak working age Australians who suffer low back pain required time off work or were no longer able to work due to their back pain.
Dr McNaughton said, “ With MSD cases including back pain projected to increase by 43% over the next two decades including a surge in older Australians living with MSD conditions, research that supports psychologically informed pain management in addition to clinical musculoskeletal healthcare is vital in minimising the overall burden of MSDs on Australians’ health and wellbeing and the economy.
Dr McNaughton’s study is the first to assess the integration of clinical treatment of MSDs and online psychological pain management programs to minimise the physical and emotional impact chronic musculoskeletal pain has on the overall health and wellbeing of sufferers.
By integrating clinical chiropractic treatments with psychologically informed pain management in a biopsychosocial model, we can help minimise the overarching impact MSD pain (including back pain) has on sufferers,” Dr McNaughton said
The study recruited 26 musculoskeletal clinicians (19 chiropractors, 73%) to evaluate their attitudes and perspectives on the psychologically informed pain management program and to invite patients undergoing musculoskeletal healthcare to participate in an online pain management program.
In addition to traditional musculoskeletal treatment, the MindSpot Pain Course, a well-established, data-driven psychologically informed pain management program offering strong data validation in pain-related disability, anxiety, and depression for thousands of participants, was selected as the online mental health service.
The MindSpot Pain Course based on cognitive and behavioural principles suitable for people with a range of persistent pain conditions and pain-related difficulties comprises five online “lessons” (or modules) and associated practice exercises released over eight weeks.
Of the 60 patients with persistent musculoskeletal pain that participated, 40 (66%) completed an initial online psychological assessment; 29 (48%) went on to enrol in the MindSpot Pain Course; 22 (36%) completed the program while undergoing their usual treatments by their musculoskeletal clinician; 76% completed the MindSpot Pain Course; and 42 (70%) of the 60 patients completed the follow up questionnaire at 4 months.
Patients who completed the MindSpot Pain Course consistently reported positive experiences around course process, course experiences and found the program beneficial, acceptable and useful in helping to manage their chronic musculoskeletal pain and psychological symptoms in conjunction with chiropractic treatment.
The results of the study are promising with all psychological and musculoskeletal pain-related outcomes of patients appearing to improve across all participants, with patients reporting that the referral by their trusted clinician was critical to their participation and completion of the MindSpot Pain Course, particularly among patients who had not been previously exposed to psychological therapy,” said Dr McNaughton.
To minimise the long-term implications of MSDs including back pain, sufferers should seek drug-free, chiropractic healthcare to treat the cause, not just the symptoms to inhibit the risk of chronic pain and mitigate negative secondary implications including the impact chronic pain has on mental health and overall wellbeing.
Appeal to locate man missing from Tuncurry
Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing from the Mid North Coast.
Lewis Patterson, aged 29, was last seen on Manning Street, Tuncurry, about 5pm yesterday (Saturday 30 May 2026).
When he was unable to be located or contacted, officers attached to Manning Great Lakes Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.
There are concerns for Lewis’s welfare.
Lewis is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 175cm tall, of solid build, with brown hair, brown eyes, and unshaven.
He was last seen wearing a black shirt, black shorts and a black puffer jacket.
Lewis is known to frequent the Tuncurry area.
Appeal to locate man missing from Carrington
Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing from the Newcastle area.
Adam Hinks, aged 57, was last seen on Thornton Street, Carrington, on Friday 29 May 2026.
Officers attached to Newcastle City Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.
Police and hold concerns for Adam’s welfare as he requires regular medication.
Adam is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 180cm tall, of thin build, with grey hair and green/hazel eyes.
He was last seen wearing a white t-shirt and brown pants.
Inquiries established his right arm is in a sling.
Adam is believed to frequent the Carrington area.