Labor will ban supermarket price gouging in another move on cost of living

A re-elected Albanese Labor Government will crack down on price gouging by supermarkets because Australian families deserve fair prices for their groceries.

Australians shouldn’t be treated like mugs at the checkout – that’s why Labor will make supermarket price gouging illegal.

This is another cost-of-living relief measure the Albanese Government is taking – along with tax cuts for every tax payer, energy bill relief and cheaper medicines. 

It is unfair and un-Australian for supermarkets to exploit consumers by inflating prices and profits when they do not face enough competition. 

A re-elected Labor Government will confront price gouging to fix a key gap in Australia’s competition and consumer protection framework.

Laws to protect consumers from companies abusing their market power through excessive pricing are in place in the European Union, United Kingdom and over 30 states in the US in particular circumstances.  

We want Australians to have these protections.

As a first step, Labor will implement the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) supermarket inquiry report recommendations that will improve transparency about prices, price trends and promotions, and loyalty programs. 

This includes mandatory and harmonised minimum information and notification requirements about prices and changes in product sizes for both consumers and fresh produce providers. 

We will establish a taskforce to provide advice on introducing an excessive pricing regime for supermarkets that would be policed by the ACCC.

This advice will consider other countries’ laws and options suitable for Australia.

The taskforce will include Treasury, the ACCC and other market and regulatory experts. It will consult on the approach and report to the Government within six months with a way forward on this regime.

While Australia does have protections that prevent companies abusing their market power, unlike other countries these laws do not prohibit excessive pricing. Our reforms will ensure the ACCC can investigate a broader range of concerning pricing practices by supermarkets with market power.

This is about holding big business to account, not the staff working behind the checkout.

Those workers are facing the same pressures as every Australian, are just doing their jobs, and deserve safety and respect.

Labor is determined for Australians to get a better deal at the checkout.

That’s why we:

  • Have made the Food and Grocery Code mandatory from 1 April 2025
  • Are tackling shrinkflation by strengthening the Unit Pricing Code and introducing penalties for breaches
  • Have increased resourcing for the ACCC to undertake enforcement and increased penalties for anti-competitive conduct. 

While Labor is laser focused on helping families manage cost of living pressures caused by the world-wide inflation surge, the Coalition has opposed every cost-of-living measure the Government has proposed. 

Last year, they voted against fairness for families and farmers and wouldn’t back Labor’s bill that warned supermarkets we were serious about cracking down on dodgy behaviour.

And they will introduce laws to make every taxpayer pay more income tax, hurting Australians’ hip pockets even more.

Peter Dutton’s $350 billion in cuts will hit regulators, like the ACCC, making it easier for conduct that hurts Australians to go unchecked.

Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese:

“Labor will make price gouging by supermarkets illegal.

“Because Australian families deserve a fair price at the checkout and Australian farmers deserve a fair price for their goods.”

Treasurer Jim Chalmers:

“Labor is making sure Australians aren’t being treated like mugs.
 
“We’re delivering a better deal for families at the checkout and a better deal for farmers at the farm gate. 
 
“Our plan helps deliver more competition, fairer prices and better deals for Australians.
 
“The biggest threat to household budgets is Peter Dutton. He will jack up taxes and cut essential services and make Australians worse off.”

Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury Andrew Leigh:
 
“A fair market needs fair rules. When competition is weak, prices go up and families pay the cost. 

“It’s time Australians had the same protections from excessive pricing as consumers overseas.”

Raising flags and awareness on Transgender Day of Visibility

City of Newcastle has raised the Transgender Pride flag at City Hall and its City Administration Centre today to demonstrate support and acceptance of the trans and gender diverse community.

International Transgender Day of Visibility is celebrated annually on 31 March to highlight the achievements and resilience of transgender and gender diverse people, while also raising awareness of the discrimination and barriers trans people continue to face.

Cr Paige Johnson holds the Transgender Pride flag on the steps of City Hall, joined by Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon, Cr Charlotte McCabe, Cr Mark Brooker, City of Newcastle staff and a range of friends and supporters.Cr Paige Johnson holds the Transgender Pride flag on the steps of City Hall, joined by Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon, Cr Charlotte McCabe, Cr Mark Brooker, City of Newcastle staff and a range of friends and supporters.Councillor Paige Johnson, the first openly trans woman to be elected to public office in NSW, said visibility is a key theme of today’s celebration.

“Newcastle is a progressive, welcoming and inclusive city and recognising this day is part of our commitment to proudly standing united in support of inclusivity and acceptance of our trans and gender diverse community,” Cr Johnson said.

“This step today is so important because visibility is so important. Visibility is about hope and hope wins.

“The reason I choose to be visible is because seeing other people being visible has helped me so much. Seeing what other women like me in other states and other countries have done meant I could see a future for myself as myself. 

Cr Johnson noted recent poling released by Equality Australia that showed more than 91% of Australians agree trans people should have the freedom and choice to live their lives in the way that makes them happy.

“The Australian public has our back and I say to our trans and gender diverse Novocastrians and people right across the Hunter: this city has your back.”

Councillors unanimously supported a notice of motion at last week’s Council meeting to officially recognise and acknowledge Transgender Day of Visibility each year as an important event in Newcastle’s calendar.

Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge said this symbolises our commitment to be a community where all are valued.

“Raising the Transgender Pride flag on City Hall and other Civic buildings reinforces that Newcastle is a safe and welcoming city for all,” Cr Kerridge said.

“City of Newcastle is committed to supporting community education, cultural events, and discussions that raise awareness and promote inclusion.”

City of Newcastle has a proud history of championing LGBTQIA+ rights including supporting occasions such as International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia, Pride Month and Wear it Purple Day, the establishment of a rainbow walk in Islington, sponsorship of Newcastle Pride Festival and flying the Rainbow and Progress Pride flags at City Hall.

Newcastle was also the city with the highest ‘Yes’ vote in regional Australia in support of marriage equality.

Work underway on critical western corridor road upgrades

Construction has kicked off in Wallsend as City of Newcastle moves forward with dual lane upgrades to improve traffic flow along notorious bottlenecks on Minmi Road and Longworth Avenue.

The road widening project will enhance the journey for tens of thousands of residents, workers and school children travelling to and from the surrounding suburbs each day.

Western corridor road upgrade project Longworth AvenueCr Deahnna Richardson, Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley, Cr Elizabeth Adamczyk and Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge, with (rear) Daracon Project Manager Matthew Jensen, City of Newcastle Executive Manager Project Management Office Robert Dudgeon and Deputy Lord Mayor Callum Pull, visited Longworth Avenue, Wallsend today

Daracon has begun the in-ground works that will lay the foundation for the lane duplications, with the overall project expected to be completed by mid-next year.

Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge welcomed the significant milestone and thanked the NSW Government for its support of the critical upgrade, which received $7.61 million under the Accelerated Infrastructure Fund towards the $40 million project 

“This project is unanimously supported by the elected Council and highly anticipated by the local community, who will benefit from reduced congestion, increased safety and more consistent travel times along this key route,” Cr Kerridge said.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said the multimillion-dollar upgrade in Newcastle’s western growth corridor will provide critical road infrastructure and accelerate housing delivery in the Newcastle region.

“Expanding local road capacity is crucial to support over 3000 local homes in the surrounding area and another example of the Minns Government building better communities,” Mr Scully said.

“Residents can look forward to reduced congestion and fewer bottlenecks as we build more homes and improve local neighbourhoods.”

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said this was an important project for current and future generations.

“We’re putting $7.61 million into this project through the Accelerated Infrastructure Fund because getting shovels in the ground sooner means better roads, faster,” Minister Catley said.

“The Hunter is booming and we’re making sure the infrastructure keeps up. Dual lanes mean less congestion, safer travel and a region that’s future ready.

“It’s all about getting people from A to B quickly and safely – not just today but for generations to come. That’s why we’re making these upgrades happen now.”

Executive Director of City Infrastructure Clint Thomson said City of Newcastle was investing in a comprehensive, multi-year program of works to upgrade transport and related infrastructure in Wallsend. 

“This is a significant road building project in a busy urban area, and a lot of work has to be completed underground before the community will see the new road emerging,” Mr Thomson said.

“The foundational works of the project deliver additional benefits to the community including new and upgraded stormwater infrastructure, and renewal of several important water mains, which will improve water security for the western suburbs. We will continue to work closely with our utility partners including Hunter Water to minimise potential impacts.

“The collaboration between City of Newcastle and Daracon leverages local expertise and resources to understand and address the needs and concerns of our community.

“As our delivery partner, Daracon will continue to engage with the community to keep them abreast of the work, and we look forward to seeing this critical project take shape over the coming months.”

Ward Four Councillors Elizabeth Adamczyk, Deahnna Richardson and Deputy Lord Mayor Callum Pull welcomed the progress.

“These upgrades are the largest roadworks project ever delivered by City of Newcastle and are the result of years of work from dedicated City of Newcastle staff and advocacy from councillors, who have listened and responded to the feedback from the community,” Cr Adamczyk said.

“We’ve committed to this project twice already in this term as one of our key priorities as we deliver a solution to the tens of thousands of people who travel through this area to home, work and school every day,” Cr Richardson said.

“Over the past six months, Council has implemented several upgrades at surrounding intersections to improve traffic flow in the area where major construction will take place. The project will deliver integrated transport options by providing pedestrian, cyclist and public transport infrastructure as well as critical road widening,” Cr Pull said.

To keep up-to-date with the latest information visit the project page on City of Newcastle’s website.

NSW Government launching agency league table

The Minns Labor Government is publishing State Agency League Tables to monitor and hold the performance of 22 state Government agencies, state-owned corporations and electrical supply authorities delivering development in NSW to account.

Council performance on Development Application assessments have been published since July last year and this has resulted in a 10 per cent improvement in performance.

With the success of the Council League Tables in improving overall assessment timeframes for councils, the Government is launching a second league table to hold itself accountable on housing delivery and development across NSW.

The tracker has been developed by the Housing Taskforce, a multi-agency group within the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, tasked with accelerating the assessment and commencement of housing projects.

The State Agency League Tables will publish data on the number of Concurrences, Integrated development approvals and Referrals (CIRs) for each Government agency over the last six months.

It will also measure how many of these groups are meeting their legislated timeframes, with an expectation of meeting that timeframe in 90 per cent of all cases.

Delays or conflicts in approvals or advice from agencies can result in delays to a council issuing a development approval.

This means people are waiting longer to move into their new home, only worsening our housing supply challenges and locking the next generation out of housing.

The Minns Government formed the Housing Taskforce to tackle this problem by bringing representatives from each agency together to resolve these conflicts.

Since its formation, the Housing Taskforce has resolved 1,985 CIR cases unblocking around 31,800 dwellings. This has resulted in the determination of 704 Development Applications at a 94 per cent approval rate.

The release of the Agency League Table data is the next step in increasing transparency and accountability for each agency, state-owned corporation and electrical supply authority.

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

The State Agency League Table builds on the Minns Government’s recent reforms to the planning system to speed up the delivery of more homes, including:

  • the development of the NSW Pattern Book and accelerated planning pathway for those who use the pre-approved patterns
  • the largest rezoning in NSW history around transport hubs and shopping centres to address the ‘missing middle’
  • the largest ever investment in the delivery of social and affordable housing in NSW
  • $200 million in financial incentives for councils that meet the new expectations for development applications, planning proposals and strategic planning
  • $450 million to build new apartments for essential workers including nurses, paramedics, teachers, allied health care workers, police officers and firefighters.

For more information and to view the State Agency League Table visit the Agency league table webpage.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“We want the planning pipeline from lodgement, to assessment, commencement and completion, to be working as efficiently as possible, because that is what will actually see a family, a downsizer or a young person put a key in the door of their new home.

“The Housing Taskforce has unlocked around 31,000 homes since it was formed, I anticipate that the Agency League Table will see even more homes move from approval to commencement.

“Just like what we have done with councils, this is about holding ourselves to account, improving our own performance and making sure that everyone is able to get into a home.”

Temporary closure of T6 shuttle line for critical rail upgrades

The T6 Lidcombe & Bankstown Line will be closed for 9 weeks, with train services to be replaced by fare-free replacement buses for this period while commuters affected face disruption. 

The closure will allow Sydney Metro to undertake major construction works associated with the Southwest Metro. 

Work will be carried out between 27 April and 29 June.

When work is complete, the T6 Line will be future-proofed, enabling 8-car services to run. Currently, the line is limited to 4-car trains.

The T6 is a shuttle line of six stations that was created as part of the shutdown of the former T3 Bankstown line.

It carries approximately 11,000 passengers a day of the more than one million people who use the wider Sydney rail network. 

Passengers at Lidcombe, Berala and Regents Park can continue to use other rail lines at those stations as alternatives including T3 services

Passengers at Lidcombe heading into the city or Inner West can also continue to use the T1 Western Line, T2 Inner West Line or T3 Liverpool via Regents Park Line. There will be no change in service levels for these lines. 

The stations impacted and closed are Yagoona, Birrong and Bankstown.  

The work on the T6 line involves the extension of the Sydney Trains’ platforms at Bankstown Station to enable an 8-car service, including installation of a track layout that allows access to both platforms at Bankstown station, as well as signaling upgrades.

The following replacement bus routes will operate between Bankstown and Lidcombe during this time:  

  • 8T6: stopping all stations between Bankstown and Lidcombe
  • 8AT6: Bankstown, then Lidcombe and return (express) 

Passengers will be able to interchange to train services at Lidcombe and Regents Park, or interchange onto the pink Southwest Link buses at Bankstown. 

Communities and passengers along the line will be informed about the transport changes via comprehensive communications and engagement activities. 

Southwest Link bus services will continue to operate as normal between Sydenham and Bankstown.

Visit transportnsw.info to get more information about the network changes.

Minister for Transport John Graham:

“Communities that use this line will experience disruption due to these necessary rail upgrades, however once complete, the line will be able to accommodate rail services with double the capacity while connecting to a world class new Southwest Metro service.

“This is a relatively small shuttle line by passenger numbers, but the loss of services for nine weeks will be disruptive for the passengers who use the T6 Line and we want to make sure commuters are aware and know what the alternatives are.

“We will have fare-free rail-replacement buses in place and marshals on the ground to ensure all passengers can continue to get where they need to go.”

Transport for NSW Acting Coordinator-General Barbara Wise:

“We know this will be disruptive for passengers and the community that relies on the T6 line, and we apologise for the inconvenience.

“Transport for NSW will have people on the ground to make sure that people who need them get to their free replacement bus.  

Lift off for Tuggerah Station accessibility upgrade

The Minns Labor Government has completed construction of the $40 million Tuggerah Station upgrade.

The upgrade includes installing new lifts, a new footbridge and concourse, and improved accessible public toilets.

There are also 15 new accessible parking spaces in the commuter car park, upgraded bus stops, new footpaths, enhanced lighting, CCTV and pedestrian signage.

The upgrade also provides a Boarding Assistance Zone.

Central Coast commuters now have a train station that is easy to use for all passengers – especially people with disability, older people, people with prams or luggage and others who might be experiencing mobility problems.

This is the first upgrade at Tuggerah since ramps and a footbridge were added in 1988.

These latest works come as part of the Minns Labor Government’s $800 million Safe Accessible Transport program, which is accelerating train station upgrades across the network.

Thousands of commuters will benefit from the rollout of the program designed to make public transport safer and more accessible, particularly for vulnerable members of the community.

Other features include new and extended canopies at station platforms and a widened platform around the entrance.

Two new lifts at Tuggerah were opened in October 2024 as the two-year project progressed.

A small amount of finishing work will continue through mid-2025.

This is another example of the Minns Labor Government delivering the infrastructure growing communities need, with Tuggerah part of the Transport Oriented Development Program.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“The Central Coast is a growing community with many workers commuting to Sydney to work.

“We have delivered the upgraded train station and transport interchange that Tuggerah deserves.

“Thousands of Tuggerah commuters will benefit from this upgrade – the first major upgrade in nearly 40 years for this station.”

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“This upgrade to Tuggerah Station is so important to ensuring everyone in this Central Coast community has equality of opportunity and can lead their lives without impediment.

“We continue to work towards delivering accessibility to all public transport passengers regardless of their needs or where they live.”

Kate Washington, Minister for Disability Inclusion said:

“This Tuggerah Station upgrade is another milestone in the Minns Labor Government’s plans to build a more inclusive NSW.

“Investing in accessible public transport is an investment in an inclusive society, where everyone can travel with dignity and independence.

“Upgrades like this don’t just improve infrastructure—they improve lives by enabling everyone to fully participate in their communities.”

Minister for the Central Coast and MP for Wyong David Harris said:

“This upgrade delivers significant enhancements to the public domain around Tuggerah Station, with a new footbridge and concourse, along with improvements to footpaths and station entrances.

“As a result of these upgrades, connectivity between the station and the Tuggerah Precinct has been improved and is now inclusive for all.

“I’m delighted to be part of a government that has delivered a major win for our commuters here on the Central Coast after so many false starts by the previous government.”

Federal Member for Dobell Emma McBride said:

“Each day commuters from right across the Coast use Tuggerah Station for travel to Sydney or Newcastle for work or study.

“This upgrade delivers a safer and more accessible train station for locals.

“It’s Labor Governments that deliver state-of-the-art infrastructure, like this upgrade, here on the Central Coast.”

David Mehan, MP for The Entrance said:

“Central Coast rail travellers now have a station that is safe, inclusive and easy to use for all passengers, including people with disability, older people, people with prams or luggage, and others who might be experiencing mobility problems.

“The community has campaigned long and hard for this upgrade and it is good to see this has been delivered by a Labor government.”

Liesl Tesch, MP for Gosford and Parliamentary Secretary for Disability Inclusion, said:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to ensuring equality of access so all New South Wales residents can access the freedom that public transport allows.

“The Tuggerah station upgrade is one of many that have been completed or are underway as part of the Safe Accessible Transport program.

“Every time another station becomes accessible to ensure everyone can get to work or school and access the services they need to live a fulfilling and productive life it gives me great joy.”

New strategy to boost university pathways and workforce readiness in NSW

The Minns Labor Government has unveiled a bold new strategy to ensure universities align with the state’s workforce and community needs over the next five years.

Public Partnerships for Public Benefit: The NSW Higher Education Strategy 2025-29 sets out a strategic framework to enable stronger collaboration between government and universities that targets workforce needs, student pathways, equity and effective public policy. The Government will now work with universities to ensure that academic programs are aligned with current and future workforce demands.

Developed in partnership with the state’s public universities, the strategy is the only one of its kind in Australia.

A key focus of the strategy is prioritising regional workforce development, addressing critical skills shortages in areas such as early childhood education, aged and disability care, nursing and health related professions to support local economies and communities. 

The NSW Government will work with universities to streamline credit recognition and transfer systems between vocational and higher education, making it easier for students to move between different types of study and to tailor their learning to suit their career goals.

This is a key pillar of the Minns Labor Government’s broader tertiary education reform agenda, working alongside the NSW Skills Plan, the Industry Policy and Innovation Blueprint to strengthen connections between universities, TAFE NSW, and employers to ensure the state’s workforce is ready for the future.

By 2036, nine out of 10 jobs will require a post-secondary qualification, with around half requiring a university degree, and 44% requiring a vocational education and training pathway.

The NSW Government will collaborate with the Commonwealth, Jobs and Skills Australia, and education providers to deliver these reforms and create a higher education sector that provides the skilled workforce we need today and into the future.

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

“This is an exciting step forward for NSW. Our universities are world-class, and with this strategy, we are ensuring they remain at the forefront of education, research, and industry collaboration.

“We know NSW faces major workforce challenges, and this strategy ensures our tertiary sector is agile and responsive to those needs.

“Importantly, this is about ensuring people—particularly in regional areas— can access the training and education required to fill critical skill gaps.

“By working closely with universities, TAFE NSW, industry, and the Commonwealth, we’re creating a system that empowers students, supports communities, and drives our state’s economic growth.”

Support activated for flood-impacted Western Queensland communities

The Australian Government is providing further support for communities impacted by the flooding in Western Queensland – activating the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP).

The payment will be available for eligible resident in the Barcoo, Bulloo, Longreach, Paroo, Quilpie and Winton Local Government Areas – providing further support for these communities.

This event has impacted people in different ways.

The Australian Government is working closely with the Queensland Government to ensure that supports are available in response to the different challenges that people have experienced.

Commonwealth supports

  1. If a person has suffered the most serious impacts including major damage to their home, serious injury, or loss of a loved one as a result of severe weather, they may be eligible for the AGDRP which offers residents $1,000 per eligible adult and $400 per eligible child.

Residents can check their eligibility for the AGDRP on the Services Australia Website.

Claims for the AGDRP will open at 2pm local time on Tuesday, 1 April 2025.

The quickest way to claim is online through myGov, or via the myGov app. If people need help to claim, they can call the Australian Government Emergency Information Line on 180 22 66.

To change or pause Centrelink debt repayments, affected people can do so online or in the mobile app (through the Money you owe service), or they can call 1800 076 072.

Joint Commonwealth-State supports

  1. If a person lost essential services such as power, gas, water or sewerage for more than 5 days, they may be eligible for the Essential Services Hardship Assistance: a payment of between $150 – $750 depending on household size.
  2. If a person needs help to cover the costs of emergency essentials like food clothing and medicine, they may be eligible for the Emergency Hardship Assistance: a payment of between $180 – $900 depending on household size.
  3. If a person lost essential household contents like bed linen or white goods, they may be eligible for the Essential Household Contents Grant: a payment of between $1,765 – $5,300 depending on household size.
  4. If a person’s home has become structurally unsafe to live in, they may be eligible for the Structural Assistance Grant: uninsured, low income owner occupiers can receive up to $80,000 to help repair home to make it safe, secure and habitable.

These payments are administered by the Queensland Government and people can check their eligibility on the Queensland Government Website.

As additional information about impacts becomes available, the government will consider other locations.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“At the worst of times we see the best of the Australian character, and we’re seeing that again in Queensland.

“These are tough times but Queenslanders are tougher. The stock losses in these communities will be particularly distressing.

 “We’ve got their back, which is why we’re rolling out support now to help communities get through these floods”.

Minister for Government Services Katy Gallagher

“The government is working hard to support impacted communities in western Queensland during this difficult time.

“The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment will help eligible residents who have experienced severe impacts like major damage to their home.

“Services Australia staff are well practiced in supporting the community during times of emergency and will work round the clock to process claims as quickly as possible.

“I encourage people in the impacted areas to check their eligibility for payments on Services Australia’s website.”

Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister

“We know the current flooding in western Queensland has impacted people in different ways. We’re working closely with the Queensland Government to ensure that there are a range of payments available to meet different needs.  

“As we are receiving information about impacts, we are acting quickly to make financial assistance available for people and families who need it.

“We will continue working hand in glove with the Queensland Government to support impacted communities through this event and into recovery.”

Appeal to locate woman missing from Lake Macquarie

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a woman missing from the Lake Macquarie region.

Georgia Savin, aged 19, was last seen in Glendale, about 5pm yesterday (Sunday 30 March 2025).

When she could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.

Police hold concerns for Georgia’s welfare.

She is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 170cm-175cm tall, of slim build and brown hair. She has a panther tattoo on her right hand.

Georgia is known to frequent the Cardiff and Glendale areas.

Humanitarian assistance to Myanmar

Australia will provide an initial $2 million to Myanmar through the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) for immediate humanitarian relief following Friday’s magnitude 7.7 earthquake.

Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this devastating event, which only adds to an already-dire humanitarian situation in Myanmar.

It has caused extensive damage to infrastructure and loss of life in Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw, as well as in surrounding regions, with hospitals overwhelmed. Neighbouring countries, including Thailand, have also been impacted.

Australia’s support will assist ICRC to carry out immediate lifesaving support including to address emergency medical needs.

Australia also welcomes the release of US$5 million from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to support urgent needs such as shelter, food and water. Australia is a longstanding donor to the CERF.

The ongoing crisis in Myanmar is a major threat to stability in our region. Australia continues to provide support in response to the worsening humanitarian situation.

Australia does not provide any direct funding to the military regime and takes proactive steps to ensure our assistance does not legitimise the military regime in Myanmar.