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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 in-creasing 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.”

New volunteer program to strengthen community-led disaster recovery rolls out

More than 1000 volunteers will be recruited across NSW, to support their communities when it matters most thanks to a new grants program unveiled by the Minns Labor Government.

Four experienced state-wide not-for-profit organisations – Anglicare, Australian Red Cross, Disaster Recovery Chaplaincy Network and St Vincent de Paul Society – will share in $1.9 million in funding through the Recovery Services Capacity Grants Program.

In partnership with the NSW Reconstruction Authority, these organisations will develop flexible volunteering pathways that can be scaled up quickly, ensuring recovery operations are better resourced and more responsive to local needs.

These trained volunteers will be activated during the recovery phase and deployed across recovery centres, recovery assistance points and community outreach initiatives – providing practical support, information and comfort to people who have been impacted.

With the roll out of the program, the Minns Labor Government is directly addressing a key recommendation of the 2022 Flood Inquiry for better integration of spontaneous community responders, and better mobilisation of volunteers during the recovery stage of disasters and emergencies.

Projects will focus on recruiting and training formal and informal volunteers, who are often the first to step forward and support their community following a disaster.

Volunteers play a vital role not only during emergencies but throughout the recovery process. However, the pool of available volunteers is shrinking at the same time as the frequency of disasters increases, making programs like this essential to maintaining local recovery capacity.

By investing in recovery services and partnering with experienced not-for-profit organisations, the NSW Government and the NSW Reconstruction Authority are ensuring that communities across the state have the right support networks in place to recover stronger and faster from future disasters.

More information on the Program can be found at https://www.nsw.gov.au/recovery-services-capacity-grants

Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said:

“We all recognise and appreciate the incredible community spirit that is evident in times of crisis.

“This program harnesses that energy, builds local capacity and ensures volunteers are supported and ready to respond when their communities need them to.

“Together we are helping to create more resilient communities that are better prepared for and can recover faster after a disaster.”

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

“Volunteers are the lifeblood of our communities contributing over 800 million hours a year.

“Many people step up during an emergency to help their local communities rebuild. For that, we are incredibly thankful.

“This new funding is a crucial injection into the sector to ensure our volunteers receive the training and support they need, as well as making sure we can recruit more volunteers when our communities need them.”

NSW Reconstruction Authority CEO Mal Lanyon said:

“Volunteers are a huge part of disaster recovery, and we rely on them to support communities during the long journey of building back.

“This initiative is based on lessons learnt from the 2022 Flood Inquiry, which highlighted the need to better coordinate and support those who step up to help their communities during natural disasters.

“We look forward to working with our not-for-profit recovery partners to bolster volunteer capacity around the state.”

Regional NSW Ambulance staff recognised for outstanding service and bravery

NSW Ambulance staff from across Northern NSW have been recognised for their unwavering service and dedication at an awards ceremony in Ballina.

Among those recognised were members of the aeromedical team who winched an elderly mother and son to safety after their house was pulled from its foundations and down a slope during severe flooding in northern NSW in March 2022. The delicate rescue operation at Main Arm, near Mullumbimby, took several hours and was successful thanks to the professionalism and teamwork shown by the pilots and crew.

Critical Care Paramedic William Brand received the National Medal and acknowledgement for his pivotal leadership role during Tropical Cyclone Alfred in March. He was also one of more than 25 paramedics and control centre staff also recognised for their service as part of the NSW Ambulance response to the Northern NSW floods in early 2022.

In addition, a number of community members were recognised for their bravery during emergencies, including seven-year-old Elijah Phillips who called Triple Zero (000) after his mother experienced a seizure in February. He used a picture he’d drawn of his house and kept in his ‘emergency box’ to confirm his house number and street name.

Staff and volunteers were also acknowledged with Long Service Good Conduct medals, Commissioner’s Conspicuous Service Medals, Certificates of Appreciation and Commissioner’s Honour Awards. They included Northern Rivers paramedic Terence Savage, one of the service’s earliest critical care paramedics, who received a swag of medals in honour of his 44-year career.

The Northern NSW Awards and Recognition Ceremony is the third of four events being held in 2025 to recognise NSW Ambulance staff and volunteers from across the state. Ceremonies have been held in Dubbo and Newcastle, and a ceremony will be held in Sydney in December.

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:

“I want to acknowledge the incredible work of the team at NSW Ambulance – from paramedics, to call takers and control centre staff, through to volunteers. Every single contribution plays a vital role in ensuring our communities get help when they need it most.

“Those being honoured today have shown incredible bravery and dedication, and I want to thank them for their outstanding service to the community.

“Communities in Northern NSW have experienced extreme weather events in recent years and I admire their resilience, and I am thankful for those staff who have been there to assist and care for people during challenging times.”

Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin:

“I have seen first hand how our first responders do the most extraordinary things to save lives when disasters strike.

“It is great to see our first responders. brave community members and volunteers recognised for their service and commitment to keeping us safe.

“I know I express the wishes of the entire community when I say that we thank each and every one of them from the bottom of our hearts.”

Labor Spokesperson for Ballina Emily Suvaal:

“I want to congratulate all NSW Ambulance award recipients recognised for demonstrating kindness, passion and bravery during service in often challenging and difficult circumstances.

“NSW Ambulance staff and volunteers play a vital role in our health system – I’d like to express my gratitude to all those staff that support the region and thank them for their ongoing contributions to the community.”

NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan:

“It is an absolute privilege to stand here today and recognise the extraordinary contributions of our award recipients who provide critical care in life-threatening and often precarious conditions.

“That includes the dedicated aeromedical crew receiving the Commissioner’s Unit Citation for Service for the remarkable rescue of two people trapped in their home after a mudslide, as well as well-deserved recognition for staff who attended the Eugowra floods in November 2022.

“We also pay thanks to our long-serving paramedics for their diligent service with Long Service Good Conduct medals and the NSW Service Medallion. As well we recognise members of the public who have selflessly stepped in to assist others in their times of need.”

Minns Government’s reforms leading to faster approvals

Councils that improve their assessment timeframes will have access to a share of $200 million in infrastructure funding under the Minns Labor Government’s Faster Assessments Incentive program.

The Faster Assessment Incentive program will fund local infrastructure projects for councils expected to deliver a higher proportion of housing under the five-year housing targets and are reducing their development assessment timeframes or keeping their assessment timeframes down.

Funding will also be made available for a Digital Assistance program, providing councils with financial assistance towards Application Programming Interface (API) updates. The API upgrades promote better integration with the NSW Planning Portal, streamlining development assessment and approval processes.

At the beginning of the National Housing Accord, the Minns Government committed to a range of measures to support and hold councils accountable to assessing Development Applications faster, including a new Ministerial Statement of Expectations, five year housing targets, infrastructure grants and a new Council League Table published every month.

Council League Table data shows a 24 per cent decrease in assessment timeframes in the last Financial Year, with DAs now being assessed in 83 days on average, or less than 3 months.

This means 69 per cent of councils are now meeting the new Ministerial Statement of Expectations, compared to 49 per cent at the beginning of the Housing Accord.

New data published today, also shows the NSW Government is completing State Significant Development assessments in 253 days, faster than the 275 day timeframe it committed to.

By reducing the time it takes to assess a Development Application, this reduces the time spent waiting to move into new homes.

This is part of the Minns Government’s plan to build a better NSW with more homes, parks and services, so young people, families and key local workers have somewhere to live and in the communities they choose.

Councils across Greater Sydney and regional NSW that are expected to deliver more than 1,000 homes during the Accord period will be eligible for a share of $67 million funding in the first round.

For more information on eligibility please visit Faster Assessments Incentive Program | Planning

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“Councils who have worked hard to improve their performance and meet the Ministerial Statement of Expectations on DA assessment times can now access a share of $200 million in local infrastructure funding.

“Councils assess 85 per cent of all Development Applications and have a critical role to play in delivering the homes we need during the Housing Accord period.

“We have applied both the carrot and the stick, and now we’re seeing results. A 24 per cent reduction in assessment timeframes means DAs are being approved and builders can get construction underway faster and reduce costs.

“There is more work to do but there is a downward trend in assessment times, while the number of housing proposals are increasing.”

New public primary school and public preschool for Googong, as construction commences on high school

Families in Googong are set to benefit from a brand new public primary school and preschool, to be built alongside the new public high school, as part of the Minns Labor Government’s work to rebuild public education and ensure families in growing parts of NSW have access to world-class schools.

The announcement of the new primary school and preschool comes as construction commences on the new high school, which is on track to open on Day 1, Term 1, 2027.

The new high school, which is being master-planned for up to 2,000 students, will initially accommodate up to 700, with 26 modern classrooms, three support classrooms, a multipurpose hall and canteen, a library, multipurpose sports courts, specialist classrooms for science, performing arts and hospitality, wood and metal workshops, a sports field, and an agricultural plot.

The primary school, scheduled for completion in 2028, will accommodate more than 650 students with 28 modern classrooms, 3 support classrooms, a hall and sports courts, and the preschool will cater to up to 120 children a week.

The new primary school will be the second for the rapidly-growing town of Googong, after Googong Public School opened in 2023. The Minns Labor Government’s decision to open a brand new school, rather than limit its plans to expanding the existing public school, comes amid faster-than-anticipated enrolment growth in the area.

A second public primary school will mean there are more classrooms, and more room to grow, ensuring local families have access to world-class public schools well into the future.

The new schools are part of a raft of school infrastructure projects being delivered in the Monaro region, with the following projects recently delivered or underway:

Bungendore High School – new permanent school
New public school and preschool for Googong
New high school for Googong
Jindabyne High School (delivered)
Jindabyne Primary School (delivered) and new public preschool
Queanbeyan East Public School – new public preschool
Queanbeyan South Public School – new public preschool
Jerrabomberra High School expansion.

These projects are part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to rebuild public education in NSW, with $2.1 billion in the 2025-26 Budget for new and upgraded schools in regional NSW. This targeted investment will ensure families in growing communities across the state will get access to the world class public education they deserve.

In addition to delivering new and upgraded schools, Labor’s work to rebuild public education includes putting more teachers in front of students, with teacher vacancies down 61 per cent and the number of cancelled classes nearly halving since the Minns Government took office.

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education and Member for Monaro Steve Whan said:

“I am thrilled to announce the new preschool and primary school for the growing Googong community, while turning the first sod for the high school. It’s great to be able to celebrate this important milestone with future high school students.

“We have listened to local parents who have said loud and clear that they want public school infrastructure that will meet the future needs of our rapidly growing community.

“The community of Googong had to wait for a Labor Government to get a public high school, and we will now see public education provision that anticipates population growth rather than trailing behind.

“The Minns Labor Government, with the strong advocacy of Deputy Premier Prue Car, is committed to rebuilding public education to provide local communities with free high-quality education near where people live and work.”

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:

“This is a huge win for the growing Googong community, who can celebrate the start of construction on their new high school along with the news that they will also get a brand new public school and preschool.

“The new high school, public school and preschool will be co-located on the same site making school drop-offs and pick-ups easier for families.

“As communities grow the Minns Labor Government is focused on delivering the vital infrastructure they need to thrive. By building a second primary school, plus a public preschool, on the same site as the new high school, families in Googong can be satisfied that their children will have a place in a world-class public school close to home.”

Googong Public School Principal, Rebekah Lindsay said:

“We are excited for the new high school within the Googong community that will continue to provide the quality education currently offered at Karabar High School.

“This new facility will create a supportive environment where students can grow academically and personally, helping every student to succeed and reach their full potential.”

$2.1 million investment revitalises Murray foreshore reserve

The Minns Labor Government has partnered with Federation Council to fund $2 million in upgrades to RT Ball Park in the historic town of Corowa, turning a Crown reserve on the Murray River foreshore into a dynamic, thriving community space.

Crown Lands, part of the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, invested $1.8 million towards the project via its Crown Reserves Improvement Fund. Federation Council funded the balance of the project to a total cost of $2.1 million.

The extensive work has turned the reserve into an area catering for a variety of recreational opportunities. Runners, cyclists and pedestrians are benefiting from 2.9 kilometres of new shared pathway that winds through the beautiful reserve and connects to other nearby parks.

The 2.5 metre wide pathway allows everyone to enjoy the reserve, whether they are families with strollers, cyclists, runners or pedestrians out for a leisurely stroll.

Picnic tables built by the local Men’s Shed have been installed at convenient spots throughout the reserve. Two pedestrian bridges were also constructed, along with a viewing platform that allows visitors an unparalleled view of the majestic Murray River.

The funding also removed a derelict boat shed, replacing it with a sandy bank that will make it much easier for visitors to swim and enjoy other water-based recreational activities. Excess weeds were removed to establish picnic areas, allowing families to enjoy foreshore views.

The reserve is now accessible for cars as well as pedestrians. A new sealed internal road to the lagoon carpark has been completed, and another carpark to accommodate more visitors to the reserve. A third carpark has been sealed, allowing for more vehicles to park at the site.

Minister for Lands, Property and Tourism Steve Kamper said:

“The NSW Government is focused on building better communities, and this $1.8 million grant together with Federation Council’s contribution has transformed RT Ball Park into a premier outdoor recreational space that caters for the whole community and will also support local tourism.

“These upgrades were designed to make the reserve accessible for all to enjoy a day out by the majestic Murray River foreshore. Some of our most beautiful natural sites are on Crown land and RT Park is no exception.”

NSW Government Invests $250,000 into Kiama Netball Facility Upgrades

Netball NSW has welcomed the announcement of $250,000 in funding from the NSW Government to upgrade the Kiama Netball Association courts at Terralong Street, Kiama.The courts, which have become increasingly unsafe and in some cases unusable due to their deteriorating condition, are a vital hub for community sport and local events. They host weekly netball competitions, representative training, and popular community programs such as the Netball NSW Schools Cup and Koori Gala Days, which continue to grow year on year.

Netball NSW CEO Tracey Scott said the investment would make a lasting difference for the community.

“We thank the NSW Government for this important investment in the Kiama Netball Association. Facility upgrades like these make a real difference to the experience of our players, umpires, coaches and volunteers and are essential to keeping our communities connected and our sport strong.”

The funding will support urgent resurfacing and repairs to the outdoor courts, ensuring safe and reliable access for local players, coaches, officials, and schools. It will also allow for the installation of adjustable goal posts to encourage junior participation through the NetSetGO program, while boosting the Association’s capacity to host inclusive and culturally significant events.

“It’s a big thank you to Netball NSW who have supported us in obtaining the funding,” Kiama Netball Association President Michelle Gregory said.

“It is really exciting we can move forward with resurfacing the courts and bring them up to scratch so they are fit for purpose. And we shall continue to work alongside Kiama Council about the larger sports complex masterplan for the area.”

The upgrades will secure the future of netball in Kiama, providing a safe and inclusive environment for thousands of participants of all ages.

Ms Scott added that while the funding is a significant step forward, further investment is still needed across the state.

“Today’s announcement is a wonderful step forward for netball in Kiama, and we know it will have a lasting impact on the community. We also recognise that many other netball associations are managing the challenges of ageing facilities, and we look forward to continuing to work with government to support safe and welcoming spaces for all.”

Targeted sanctions in response to repression of civil society in Russia

The Australian Government is imposing further targeted financial sanctions and travel bans against 14 individuals responsible for silencing political expression in Russia, as well as enabling the illegal and immoral invasion of Ukraine.

The human rights situation in Russia continues to deteriorate with violent crackdowns aimed at suppressing human rights and anti-war advocacy.

We condemn Russia’s intimidation and reprisals against civil society and human rights defenders, and reiterate our call for Russia to comply with its international human rights obligations.

This announcement builds on our comprehensive framework of sanctions against Russia, including three packages since 2022 targeting individuals involved in the poisoning, mistreatment and death of Alexei Navalny.

Today, I will meet with Yulia Navalnaya, Chair of the International Anti-Corruption Foundation Advisory Board and widow of Alexei Navalny.

Ms Navalnaya is a fearless voice for democracy in Russia, continuing her fight at immense personal cost.

Russia failed to undertake an independent and transparent investigation into Mr Navalny’s death, and Australia holds President Putin and the Russian Government responsible.

We honour Ms Navalnaya’s courage and reflect on Mr Navalny’s sacrifice and enduring legacy in the fight for freedom and justice.

Government seek to make broken FOI scheme even more secretive

Labor has today announced sweeping changes to Freedom of Information laws that will make it significantly harder for Australians to access government documents, introducing upfront fees and new barriers in what represents the biggest restrictions to FOI in recent memory.

Despite Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s promise to “bring transparency back into government” after criticising the “secrecy” of the Morrison era, the government will present legislation on Wednesday that directly contradicts this commitment by charging fees for most FOI requests and banning anonymous applications.

Senator David Shoebridge, Greens spokesperson for Justice said:

“FOI is broken and rather than fixing it, Labor is seeking to make it more expensive and even more impenetrable.

“Information requests routinely take months or years to process, and documents are then heavily redacted with entire pages blacked out for questionable reasons.

“Instead of addressing the fundamental secrecy problems inside the government, Labor has instead decided the issue is with the people trying to access information. That says so much about the Albanese government’s arrogance and contempt for the public’s right to know.

“The changes propose a fundamental shift away from the principle that government information belongs to the public and should be freely accessible. It’s a dark day for democracy that this is even on the table.

“I’ve lodged many requests for Government information that should have been public in the first place and had to fight for months, if not years, to get anything provided in response.

“Labor is hiding more information than ever from Parliament and the public, and is now seeking to shut down the one system that allowed them to be challenged in an independent tribunal.

“Multiple government-commissioned reports have identified that the FOI system needs proper funding and stronger rules to force agencies to release information.

“Making information only accessible to those who can pay sells us all out.

“If you want to target AI bots and foreign actors then first, show us the evidence and second, target them specifically, not the many regular users of this system including whistleblowers, journalists and politicians,” Senator Shoebridge

NB The Government still has not officially responded to the December 2023 report into the The operation of Commonwealth Freedom of Information (FOI) law

Physical and verbal assault against Palestinian men following neo-Nazi rally in Sydney

New footage has revealed the real risk, harm and impunity that occurs from neo-Nazi and Nationalist rallies with two brothers, Shamikh and Majed Dadra, who were assaulted on a Sydney train by participants of the so-called ‘March for Australia’ rally that occurred in Sydney last Sunday.

Greens MP and spokesperson for Justice Sue Higginson said:

“I am really concerned about Premier Chris Minns’ lack of leadership on the terrifying rupture of neo-Nazis and racism in our community. Before the rally on Sunday, Premier Chris Minns encouraged people to trust the police to manage the protest, but like everyone, he knew the protest was being organised by Nazis and fuelled by white supremacy,”

“Labor Premier Chris Minns has led the way in demonising the community when they speak out against the Israeli military, but he took a hands off approach when literal Nazis organised a hate event in the heart of Sydney,”

“This footage is horrific, it’s frightening, and it’s happened because political leaders and the media have vilified people of colour, fed extreme right-wing ideologies and tolerated Nazi organised events. We cannot accept our elected representatives, in a democracy, taking a softly softly approach in the face of proto-facists, while simultaneously attacking our fundamental right to protest,”

“The attendees of these rallies, when they engage in racism, violence and intimidation, are breaking the laws of NSW. We do not need to shut down protests, or attack the right to protest – we need the Police and politicians to clearly enforce laws that exist to prevent racism, bigotry and violence,”

“These brilliant and creative brothers, subjected to racist attacks, are a sign that Premier Chris Minns and all political leaders are failing to prevent the rise of neo-Nazism in NSW. Political violence, racial violence, the generation of hate based on identity – these things must be called out early and often,”

“There is now another Nationwide rally being planned by the same people as the ones who caused these assaults to happen. I welcome Premier Chris Minns, Mark Speakman, and all democratic leaders to stand up now and say ‘No’ – these rallies are not appropriate and where crimes of vilification or violence happen, the Police will act to stop these dangerous events from occurring,” Ms Higginson said.