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Finishing touches added to program as excitement builds for New Annual festival

The countdown is on to this year’s New Annual festival, with City of Newcastle revealing the final additions to the 2025 program three weeks out from the opening weekend.

The expanded Newcastle Art Gallery will welcome visitors for the first time as part of the New Annual program, with pre-booked free guided sessions opening for registrations tomorrow.

Erth's underwater diversOtherworldly deep sea divers, created by renowned puppetry-based theatrical producers Erth Visual & Physical Inc, will delight audiences with roving performances on Laman Street during the First Night Art Party.

First Nations artist talks, drop-in art sessions and guided tours will be among the highlights as the community takes its first look inside the building.

The Gallery will also celebrate a pre-sale preview of its inaugural book featuring 165 works of art from the $145 million collection, with insights provided by art historians, academics and curators alongside contributions by poet Jazz Money, climate scientist Joëlle Gergis, historian Santilla Chingaipe and futurist Ana Tiquia.

Tickets for these free events are expected to be snapped up by art lovers keen to explore three of the new gallery spaces and experience the significant new First Nations commissions and acquisitions.

There will be plenty to see outside the Gallery as well, as New Annual kicks off with the First Night Art Party on 26 September featuring free, family-friendly entertainment for all ages.

Towering underwater divers will bring a sense of otherworldly excitement with roving performances along Laman Street, while drop-in workshops will allow families to create their own unique fish necklace inspired by the vibrant and colourful world of artist Rosie Deacon.

Jellyfish-themed light installations will illuminate Laman Street’s fabulous fig trees while the Gallery’s façade will come to life with immersive digital art projections co-created by Art Thinking and local school students, inspired by the saltwater stories of the First Nations commissions.

The free night of music, movement and art will also feature high-energy pop sets from Haiku Hands, Kira Puru and Devaura, while families can enjoy a range of hands-on ocean-themed creative activities inside Newcastle City Library.

Councillor Jenny Barrie, Chair of City of Newcastle’s Community and Culture Strategic Advisory Committee, said New Annual is a festival for the entire community.

“City of Newcastle is committed to ensuring everyone in our community can access free, family-friendly arts and cultural experiences,” Cr Barrie said.

“Events like New Annual play a vital role in strengthening community pride and celebrating local identity. 

“With a strong focus on free and low-cost programming, the festival makes art and culture more inclusive and accessible, giving families and individuals from all walks of life the chance to connect, participate, enjoy and have fun.”

New Annual Festival Director Tory Loudon said there was so much to see and do during New Annual.

“These finishing touches round out a really exciting and diverse program, which features the best of international and Australian live music, theatre and art, and champions local stories and talent,” Ms Loudon said.

“We want people to find a new artist they love, explore the city in new and unexpected ways and celebrate our incredible local artists and performers. I can’t wait for it to begin.”

University of Newcastle Interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Engagement and Equity, Nathan Towney said the University was proud to be a presenting partner of the New Annual festival and looked forward to experiencing its diverse program later this month. 

“We’re proud to be a presenting partner for the New Annual festival and help to bring art, culture and creativity to our region,” Mr Towney said. 

“New Annual is also a great opportunity for our students to gain unique behind the scenes experience, whether that be as performers or through our career-ready placement program and volunteering experiences in the arts, tourism and event management sector.”

While the 10-day festival doesn’t kick off until 26 September, Novocastrians will get an early taste of its program with popular touring productions starting their extended seasons this weekend.

The highly acclaimed multi-sensory collection, DARKFIELD, will make its Newcastle debut tomorrow in specially designed shipping containers set up in Wheeler Place.

Its most popular experiences SÉANCE and FLIGHT will engulf audiences in immersive 360-degree audio experiences from 5 September and run through until 12 October.

Novocastrians will also welcome the return of the Spiegeltent to Civic Park, where its new circus sensation La Ronde will dazzle audiences from 5 September and run throughout the New Annual festival until 5 October. 

New Annual is proudly funded by the NSW Government in association with Transport for NSW Open Streets and Permit/Plug/Play Pilot programs, Multicultural NSW Stronger Together grant, Create NSW and the Destination NSW Regional Event Fund.

This includes an additional funding allocation of $130,000 each year for two years from the NSW Government’s Create NSW program, which was announced last week. 

The University of Newcastle, Equip Multimedia and Newcastle Art Gallery are presenting partners of the 2025 event. 

For more information and to stay up-to-date with the latest New Annual news visit https://newannual.com/ 

Tickets for the Newcastle Art Gallery events including the free guided tours can be booked from Friday 5 September via www.newcastleartgallery.nsw.gov.au

New Office to drive safe adoption of AI in NSW Government

Groundbreaking technology which will help improve the way services are delivered for people across NSW will be enabled through a new Office for Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The Office for AI within Digital NSW in the Department of Customer Service will help drive and coordinate the safe, strategic adoption of AI across the NSW Government.

It will set robust standards and provide expert advice to support best practice use of AI in helping to enhance public sector productivity and ensure the technology and its use are trustworthy for the community.

The new office will also build AI literacy across the public service to ensure agencies feel confident to incorporate the technology into solutions with tangible outcomes, like a recent trial of smart school zone signs in the Hunter which respond to vehicle behaviour in busy pedestrian areas.

Building on a strong foundation of data governance and compliance, NSW is taking a significant step forward in harnessing AI and its transformative capabilities.

While Generative AI (GenAI) is expected to contribute around $115 billion to the Australian economy by 2030, the dedicated office will help identify and limit risk in order to maximise potential benefits.           

The Government also plans to release an updated AI Assessment Framework later this year, following a partnership with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO).

The Office for AI has been established for an initial two-year period, reflecting the rapid changes in this evolving technology area. Its work will complement the role of the existing AI Review Committee which reviews high-risk AI projects being proposed by the NSW Government.

From 3 September, the AI Review Committee will be chaired by an independent member, Edward Santow,  Co-Director, UTS Human Technology Institute and Former Human Rights Commissioner for Australia.

The Government has also appointed seven new committee members:

  • Dr Alex Antic (Faculty Head of AI Strategy at UNSW Canberra)
  • Professor Nicholas Davis (Co-Director, UTS Human Technology Institute)
  • Dr Kylie de Boer (Board Chair and Non-Executive Director Westmead Fertility Centre)
  • Howard Elliott (litigation strategy advisor and expert witness)
  • Ajoy Ghosh (Non-Executive Director, Amnesty International Australia)
  • Lisa Schonstein (Group Chief Privacy Officer for QBE Insurance)
  • Rodney Smith (Assistant Commissioner, State Intelligence Command, NSW Police).

To see the full list of AIRC members visit: www.digital.nsw.gov.au/policy/digital-assurance/ai-review-committee

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said:

“Artificial intelligence is increasingly part of our everyday lives and as a government we need to make sure it is used responsibly and provides clear benefits for the community.”

“The new Office for AI will not only lead NSW’s use of AI but will set the roadmap on how to safely and responsibly incorporate and manage emerging technologies for more effective delivery of government services in the future.”

Government Chief Information and Digital Officer Laura Christie said:

“This new function within Digital NSW positions the NSW public sector to drive use of AI and harness its benefits across departments and agencies and for the people of NSW.”

“We are building on our strong foundations to drive the trustworthiness and use of these new technologies which will change the way we support customers across the state.”

Chair of the AI Review Committee Edward Santow said:

“I welcome the opportunity to serve as independent chair of the NSW Government’s AI Review Committee, which plays a key role as part of the guardrails for the use of AI across the public sector.”

“I look forward to working with the new members who bring a wealth of experience and help ensure the Committee is well positioned to advise on how to deliver safe, responsible and effective AI projects across NSW.”

Longer buses mean shorter queues: Bendys return to Northern Beaches

Bus queues on Sydney’s Northern Beaches and lower North Shore are expected to improve into the end of 2025 as repaired articulated buses – known as “bendy buses” – return to the roads.

Bus capacity in this region of Sydney has been under pressure since 83 bendys were withdrawn from service in October last year for emergency repairs to cracking identified in their chassis.

The former Liberal-National government did not buy a single bendy bus during their 12 years in office, making fleet management and renewal a more complicated task.

More than half of the withdrawn bendy fleet operate on Northern Beaches routes and their absence has led to passengers waiting longer at bus stops, especially during the peaks.

Bendy buses carry around 50% more passengers than a regular bus.

They are one of the best solutions for busy routes enabling large numbers of passengers to be carried with frequent stops.

There are now 17 bendys back in service on the Northern Beaches after repair work in Western Sydney.

In total, 20 repaired bendys have been returned to routes, with the longer buses also going to provide extra capacity on busy routes around the eastern suburbs, Lane Cove,

Macquarie Park, Parramatta and along Victoria Road.

As complex repair work of the withdrawn articulated buses continues, the Minns Labor Government is purchasing 50 new Euro 6 diesel articulated buses to increase capacity across multiple routes and ten double-decker buses to supplement the B-Line fleet. The first of the new articulated buses is expected to be delivered by the end of this year and the new double deckers will arrive in mid-2026.

Since April 2023, the Minns Labor Government has purchased a total of 921 new buses, after inheriting an ageing fleet from the Liberal-National government which went two years without buying a single bus.

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“Bendy buses are a signature part of public transport on the Northern Beaches and we are pleased to see the repaired fleet starting to return to the busiest routes where they are needed most.

“We have heard loud and clear from bus passengers, especially peak time commuters, that queues at the bus stop have been too long and these buses provide the extra capacity that will improve those wait times.

“Longer buses mean shorter queues, it’s that simple. I commend the energy of the local members for Pittwater and Wakehurst, Jacqui Scruby and Michael Regan for their advocacy on behalf of bus passengers.”

Member for Pittwater Jacqui Scruby said:

“Pittwater commuters are already seeing the benefits of bendys returning. I’ve had positive emails, DMs and conversations with commuters at bus stops, and with zero cancellations on the 190X the benefits to the whole region are already being noticed.”

“Bendy buses are an icon on the Northern Beaches and we’re excited to have them back and looking forward to even more returning.”

“Up in Pittwater we are quite remote and rely solely on buses to get to work, school and appointments. Today’s announcement confirms what Pittwater commuters already feel – buses will be more reliable and less crowded and the bus crisis is a thing of the past.”

Member for Wakehurst Michael Regan said:

“People on the Northern Beaches rely heavily on our buses. When the bendys were taken off the road, we felt that impact straight away with longer queues and more missed services. Getting them back into service was a priority. 

“Beaches commuters know that the high capacity bendys are a practical solution for our busiest routes. Their return is good news for commuters, and the new fleet on the way shows that the government is listening to our advocacy and the community’s call for better services. I’m so thankful to commuters and drivers who have spoken up and engaged with me on this, and I thank the government for listening.”

“I’ve been pushing hard for more reliable bus services because public transport is vital to the Beaches. These repaired bendys and the commitment to purchase new additional buses are a welcome step in the right direction, and we’ll keep advocating for all necessary investment to meet the ever-growing demand.”

$1 million to support Central West young people at risk

The Minns Labor Government is investing in regional services to support young people facing disadvantage. Down The Track has been awarded $1 million to provide young people in Central West NSW with practical hands-on support and employment opportunities to have the best chance at success.

The program has been operating since 2016 in the regional communities of Lake Cargelligo and Murrin Bridge, west of Parkes.

Down The Track helps young people affected by complex issues such as domestic and family violence, drug and alcohol use, or who are disengaged from school. The programs it provides include:

Back to Basics: Giving young people practical help to transition into the next phase of their lives, including setting up bank accounts, obtaining birth certificates and gaining their driver’s licence.

Trackin’ Good: Providing education and skills training, including hospitality and agricultural courses such as sheep shearing, to improve young peoples’ confidence and address skills gaps in the local community.

Helping Hand: Connecting young people to services and wellbeing support that help them to re-engage with the education pathways of their choice.

Down The Track has secured funding of $1,050,000 over five years, under the Community and Family Support program, which invests in a range of early intervention initiatives to improve outcomes for young people, their families and communities. An estimated 90% of Down The Track’s clients are Aboriginal.

This funding aligns with the Minns Labor Government’s ongoing commitment to divert young people away from the justice system.

Minister for Families and Communities Kate Washington announced the funding boost during a visit to the region on Thursday.

Minister for Families and Communities Kate Washington said:

“Down The Track has offered early intervention, mentoring and support for almost a decade, helping young people in Lake Cargelligo and Murrin Bridge to find stability and get ahead.

“The young people helped by these programs have turned their lives around by building skills, gaining confidence and becoming job ready, because Down the Track has had their back.

“By investing in Down the Track, the Minns Labor Government is not only investing in young people, but also their families, their communities and the future.”

Member for Barwon Roy Butler said:

“This is fantastic news for Down The Track and the Lake Cargelligo community.

“Larn and her team at Down The Track do some amazing work with local youth and it has had a real impact in the town.

“They deliver a range of prosocial programs that have helped many young people develop practical skills and gain useful experience. It’s not complicated, Down The Track provides practical skills and assistance that helps young people get on track. The more we can do that, the more young people we will see become contributors to their community.”

Larn Masterson CEO of Down The Track said:

“This ongoing funding is a gamechanger for Down The Track and our local community. It allows us to increase our support for young people, build more pathways to employment, and bring real stability to our work.

“Most importantly, this funding lets us focus on what matters most – creating opportunities for young people that wouldn’t otherwise exist here in Lake Cargelligo.”

New route to the Cahill Expressway opens to 10,000 cars daily as latest Warringah Freeway milestone passed

10,000 motorists a day have a new southbound route to the city via the Cahill Expressway from tomorrow, when a new 46-metre vehicle underpass opens under Mount Street at North Sydney, the Warringah Freeway Upgrade milestone delivered by the Minns Labor Government.

The underpass will provide a dedicated citybound connection for motorists travelling from the Warringah Freeway to the City East, Airport and Eastern Suburbs, reducing congestion and making journeys safer and more reliable for the community.

The Warringah Freeway is an enabling project for the Western Harbour Tunnel, the first new harbour crossing in 30 years being delivered by the Minns Labor Government. Together they will create a game-changing link between Sydney’s north, west and airport precincts.

The underpass will remove the need for thousands of buses and general traffic to weave and merge, when the dedicated southbound bus lane opens next year, giving bus users a direct and uninterrupted journey down the freeway to the city.

To get to the Cahill Expressway, drivers will need to keep left on the Warringah Freeway and take the newly opened section of the Kirribilli exit (Alfred Street North) to access the Mount Street underpass. Signage will guide drivers.

Motorists who miss the turn off should continue to the Sydney Harbour Bridge and detour through the CBD, via the Grosvenor Street exit, Bridge Street and Macquarie Street to the Eastern Distributor.

The digging of the underpass was unique for this project. Advanced mining technology in the shape of a remote-controlled, unmanned, hard rock continuous miner, was used to carve through sandstone and rock, excavating more than 3,000 cubic metres. The method was used as it minimises noise, reduces disturbance compared to other means and was faster than traditional rock hammering.

The underpass was built ‘upside down’ next to live traffic lanes using a technique where the roof of the new structure was built first. This meant pedestrians were still able to use Mount Street while the tunnel was excavated, rather than having to detour.

The Warringah Freeway is one of the busiest roads in Australia, with around 250,000 vehicles and 150,000 bus passengers using it each day.

Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“The infrastructure being completed on the Warringah Freeway Upgrade is coming thick and fast.

“The Mount Street underpass is the latest, vital piece of the Warringah Freeway puzzle which will help to make the Freeway more reliable and efficient, and an easier and safer road to drive on. More than 10,000 cars a day will use the underpass and take advantage of the benefits it will deliver.

Upgraded health services for the Illawarra community

Patients at Wollongong Hospital can now access a new and upgraded Medical Ambulatory Care (MAC) Unit at the hospital, as part of a $21.9 million investment from the Minns Labor Government to enhance health services and infrastructure at Wollongong Hospital.

The new MAC Unit, which opened to patients in June, provides care to members of the community following an emergency department stay or hospital admission.

This may include blood and immunoglobulin transfusions as well as complex infusions to assist and manage symptoms of acute medical conditions including various gastrological, renal and neurological conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis, Chronic Kidney Disease and Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

The MAC Unit has been relocated to Level 8 in Block C, enabling the Transit Lounge to be expanded into the former location on the Ground Floor (Hospital Street).

The Transit Lounge provides a safe area where medically stable patients can wait comfortably before being discharged to their place of residence, transferred to another facility, or are waiting for an inpatient bed to become available. Transit lounges help to free up acute care beds while ensuring patients receive all the necessary care and support they require.

The expanded Transit Lounge will enable our staff to better support increased demand in services by improving the flow of patients and providing more timely access to beds.

In addition to these works, a new MRI and CT scanner and supporting infrastructure will also be delivered at the Wollongong Hospital and is expected to be completed in 2026.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“The Minns Labor Government is delivering for the people of the Illawarra and surrounding areas with new and improved health services and facilities, supporting essential care to help patients avoid unnecessary waiting times.

“This new MAC Unit will provide a wide range of services for patient treatments such as infusions, blood transfusions, consultations, and diagnostic tests.

“This is one of several upgrades at Wollongong Hospital to help our region’s busiest hospital continue to provide care for the community, now and into the future.”

Member for Wollongong Paul Scully:

“The completion of the new MAC Unit has enhanced patient care and enabled the expansion of the busy Transit Lounge so we can get people back to their homes and families sooner.

“The Minns Labor Government continues to invest in Wollongong Hospital. These upgrades are in addition to a new CT scanner and MRI, roll out of safe staffing levels for the ED and a commitment of $220 million in the June Budget.

“As the Illawarra’s population continues to grow the government will continue to invest in health infrastructure and the Illawarra’s health workforce.”

Kiama High School upgrades officially unveiled

The Minns Labor Government has made the largest single investment at Kiama High School in over a decade, officially unveiling upgraded science labs as part of our commitment to expanding opportunities for students at every NSW public school.

The refurbished laboratories boost the schools Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics programs, giving students access to modern, purpose-built facilities.

Since 2023 the Minns Government has invested close to $3 million on multiple much needed upgrades at Kiama High School, after more than a decade of neglect by the former Liberal-National government.

As well as these new science labs, these upgrades include new lifts and ramps as well as a brand new school hall stage lift to support students with disability.

The upgrades have been delivered as part of the Minns Government’s plan to deliver better schools for NSW students, with the 2025-26 Budget delivering a record $9 billion for school infrastructure.

This follows the government’s delivery of more teachers by reducing teacher vacancies by 61 per cent across the state, resulting in the number of cancelled classes recorded in NSW nearly halving since the Minns Government took office.

The former Liberal-National Government neglected schools along the South Coast for over a decade, leaving communities without much-needed schools and teachers that work in them.

Since coming to office in 2023, the Minns Labor Government has been working hard to rebuild school services across Kiama. We know there is still a lot more work to do, but in the past two years we have:

  • A 96% reduction in teacher vacancies, with schools in the Kiama electorate beginning Term 3 2025 with just one permanent teacher vacancy, down from 27 at the same time in 2022 under the former Liberal-National government.
  • Funded and planned a new primary school and public preschool in Calderwood, opening Day One, Term One 2028.
  • Started construction of a major upgrade at Bomaderry High School, and awarded the contract for a new public preschool to be built at Bomaderry Public School.
  • Delivered a new nature playround at Minnamurra Public School.

Premier of NSW Chris Minns said:

“I know Katelin will be a strong local voice inside the government if elected, making sure Kiama continues to benefit from the improvements being made to public education right across NSW.

“As the son of a public school teacher, I know our schools are the lifeblood of communities, and we want teachers and students to have access to world class facilities no matter where they learn.

“Thanks to these brand-new science labs, Kiama High School will be supporting the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators.”

Acting Education Minister Courtney Houssos said:

“High-quality public schools are vital for coastal and regional communities, so young families know their children can have the best start in life and can get a world class education in their community.

“As a long-time local and former Kiama High School student Katelin understands just how important investments like these are to locals.

“We have made a significant investment in maintenance at schools including Kiama, because these works maintain our schools at a high-quality standard our families and young people expect.”

Labor Candidate for Kiama Katelin McInerney said:

“I grew up in Kiama, attending Minnamurra Public and Kiama High Schools, and I understand the importance of making sure we equip local students for life beyond school.

“The Minns Labor Government has delivered for Kiama since forming government, but I know there is more work to do.

“I will make sure that we continue to deliver the critical infrastructure and services that our community needs and relies on.”

Kiama High School Principal Catherine Glover said:

“We’re creating opportunities for our students to explore, experiment, and gain a deeper understanding of the technologies that will shape their future. 

“Education is the key to opportunity in life, and we are committed to partnering with our community to create a school where all students are challenged to excel in a nurturing and inclusive environment.

“With the right tools and experiences, they can adapt to any challenge and thrive in any career pathway they choose.” 

NSW opposition commits to bringing back business connect

NSW Opposition Leader Mark Speakman has committed to bringing back the Business Connect program for the state’s small businesses, which has been axed by the Minns Labor Government.
 
Mr Speakman said a Liberals and Nationals Government would reinstate the free advisory service which has helped 60,000 small businesses around NSW.
 
“The NSW Treasury commissioned an independent review into the program and found for every $1 spent, it brought in $1.50 in benefits back to NSW, and led to fewer businesses failing,” Mr Speakman said. 
 
“Since it was introduced by the Coalition Government in 2017, Business Connect has assisted more than 60,000 small businesses and helped create more than 40,000 new jobs.
 
“Business Connect offered up to eight hours per year of free, tailored advice to small businesses navigating compliance, planning, marketing and financial management.”
 
Addressing a Business Forum in Kiama today, Mr Speakman said the Minns Labor Government’s decision to axe Business Connect could be the final nail in the coffin for many already struggling small businesses.
 
“We all know how important small business is to the NSW economy – they’re the backbone of local communities,” Mr Speakman said.
 
“In regional areas the majority of local enterprises are small businesses: family-run, owner-operated and deeply connected to the community. Together, they sustain thousands of local jobs.”
 
Shadow Minister for Small Business Tim James said the Minns Labor Government has turned its back on small businesses at a time when they need it most.
 
“Under the Minns Labor Government, bills are up, insolvencies are at record levels and many small businesses are struggling,” Mr James said.
 
“In 2024-25, a record 7,643 businesses were forced into insolvency – a 26% increase in just one year.
 
“And to add insult to injury, Labor has ruthlessly cut a vital free support service for small business. From 1 October, Business Connect will gone with nothing to replace it.
 
“A NSW Liberals and Nationals Government will bring back Business Connect.”
 
Shadow Treasurer Damien Tudehope said a Liberals and Nationals Government will also consider fairer payroll tax settings to support small and medium-sized businesses to ease the pressure on employers, keep prices down for consumers, and give businesses the breathing room they need to grow.
 
“The Minns Labor Government has frozen payroll tax thresholds — dragging another 1,200 businesses into payroll tax every year. Treasury forecasts show this stealth tax will rip an extra $500 million from employers over the next four years,” Mr Tudehope said.
 
“Meanwhile, scrapping indexation of land tax thresholds will collect over $18 billion over the next decade.
 
“At a time when NSW can least afford it, we should be supporting businesses, not weighing them down.”

Australia-Japan 2+2 Foreign and Defence Ministers’ Meeting

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles and Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong will travel to Japan to attend the 12th Australia-Japan Foreign and Defence Ministers’ Meeting on 5 September 2025. 

The meeting, with Japan’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, H.E Iwaya Takeshi, and Minister of Defense, H.E. Nakatani Gen, will focus on shared geostrategic priorities as well as increasing collaboration across critical areas including economic ties, cyber security, regional security, and multilateral affairs. 

Deputy Prime Minister Marles and Foreign Minister Wong will also conduct bilateral talks with their counterparts to advance defence and security engagement and shared foreign policy objectives, respectively.

Australia and Japan share a rich history, shaped by decades of peaceful engagement and cooperation.  

Our relationship is underpinned by a shared vision for our region and enhancing our Special Strategic Partnership as we work together to respond to increasingly complex global challenges. 

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles: 

“Japan is an indispensable partner for Australia. Our defence and security ties are underpinned by a growing strategic alignment and deep trust.

“This year has been a milestone year of defence cooperation, which included the largest ever Japanese participation in Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025, and I look to furthering our discussions while in Tokyo.”

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Penny Wong: 

“Australia and Japan are strategic partners and close friends, with a relationship built on trust, aligned values, and mutual interests. Together, we support a free and open Indo-Pacific that is inclusive and resilient. 

“Our relationship with Japan is going from strength to strength, underpinned by increasing alignment and a shared commitment to upholding a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.” 

Humanitarian assistance in response to Afghanistan earthquake

The Australian Government will provide $1 million to support the people of Afghanistan following the deadly earthquake which struck Nangarhar Province.

The earthquake has exacerbated the dire humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, with almost half the population already in desperate need.

Our thoughts are with the victims of this tragic earthquake, their families and loved ones, and the Afghanistan community in Australia.

Australia’s assistance will be directed through the Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund (AHF), led by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

Australia works with established partners such as UN OCHA to ensure our support helps those in need, and not the Taliban regime.

Australia welcomes the release of US$5 million from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to support this response. Australia is a longstanding donor to the CERF, contributing $11 million each year.

The Government remains firmly committed to supporting the Afghan people. Australia has provided over $260 million to the ongoing crisis in Afghanistan since 2021, with a particular focus on women and girls.