16 News

Australian Defence Force personnel will train Ukrainian soldiers in Poland as part of Australia’s ongoing commitment to supporting Ukraine’s defence against Russia’s illegal and immoral invasion.

From mid-2026, the ADF will partner with the Norwegian-led multinational Operation Legio to train Ukrainian personnel in Poland, continuing the support provided under Australia’s Operation Kudu. 

Since January 2023, Operation Kudu has worked with the United Kingdom-led multinational training mission, Operation Interflex. This effort will now evolve under Operation Legio to deliver training closer to Ukraine’s borders and better meet Ukraine’s operational requirements. 

Through Operation Kudu, the ADF has trained more than 3,650 Armed Forces of Ukraine personnel in basic infantry tactics, leadership and military skills. 

Australia continues to support Ukraine as an operational partner to NATO’s Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine initiative. This support has included deployments of an E-7A Wedgetail aircraft to Germany and Poland, as well as participation in the Coalition of the Willing and the Drone Capability Coalition for Ukraine.

Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Australia has provided more than $1.7 billion in support for Ukraine, including $1.5 billion in military assistance.

Australia remains steadfast in its support for Ukraine as it defends itself against Russian aggression.

Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Richard Marles MP:

“Australia is continuing to adapt our contributions to Ukraine to ensure our support remains practical, relevant, and aligned with their most urgent needs. 

“I am proud of the high quality training delivered by ADF personnel under Operation Kudu, and I thank the United Kingdom for their leadership under Operation Interflex.”

Australia has today imposed further Magnitsky-style human rights sanctions against three additional Israeli individuals and four additional entities in response to escalating settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.

Today’s measures designate individuals and entities for targeted financial sanctions, and declare the individuals for travel bans.

Australia has coordinated with partners including New Zealand in imposing these measures.

They build on sanctions Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Norway and the United Kingdom previously imposed, which included Israeli Ministers Ben-Gvir and Smotrich. For the first time, designated entities now include farming outposts that serve as hubs for settler violence.

Australia is steadfast in its commitment to the two-state solution as the only pathway to enduring peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians. Israeli settlements in the West Bank are illegal under international law, threaten the viability of a two-state solution, and are a major obstacle to peace.

Following the horrors of Hamas’ attack on 7 October 2023 and subsequent devastating conflict in Gaza, maintaining momentum towards a two-state solution remains more important than ever.

The Israeli Government must uphold its obligations under international law. The Australian Government and international partners continue to call on Israel to take urgent action to end settler violence, ensure accountability for perpetrators and stop extremist, violent and expansionist rhetoric.

Settler violence is used to displace Palestinians and perpetuate the settlement enterprise, through destruction of property, displacement of families, beatings, sexual assault, and torture, resulting in serious injuries and deaths.

The individuals and entities sanctioned today have undermined Israel’s own security and its standing in the world and harmed the interests of the Israeli people. Australia’s imposition of sanctions against them reflects our commitment to Israel and Palestine’s security and future.

For further information on Australia’s sanctions settings, please visit the Australia and sanctions page on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website.

The Albanese Government is providing $5 million to support the global response to the Ebola outbreak and help prevent the spread of the disease.

This reflects Australia’s commitment to global health security and preventing outbreaks from becoming wider crises.

The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo virus, is affecting the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda, and neighbouring countries are on alert.

The virus is spreading rapidly, and limited access to testing facilities means the true number of cases is unknown.

Australia’s funding, directed through the International Federation of the Red Cross and the World Health Organization (WHO), will provide vital medical care and supplies, water and sanitation services, support outbreak surveillance and preparedness, and strengthen local health systems.

US$60 million has also been released from the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund to respond to urgent humanitarian needs in the DRC, Uganda and neighbouring countries. Australia is a longstanding donor to the Fund, contributing $11 million each year.

The Albanese Government is also supporting urgent work to develop a vaccine for the virus through our contribution to the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations.

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong:

“This funding reflects Australia’s commitment to global health security in an increasingly connected world.

“We are acting to support the responders and local communities that are on the frontline and prevent the further spread of Ebola.

“Strong international partnerships are critical to managing health threats like Ebola and reducing their wider impacts.”

International Development Minister Dr Anne Aly:

“When crises unfold, speed matters. Australia’s support for the World Health Organization and the Red Cross helps ensure assistance can reach people quickly.

“Australia’s funding will help to save lives, contain the virus and reduce the risk of it spreading further.

Our funding plays an important role in the coordinated international response, keeping the global community – including Australians – safe.”

Alcoa’s Exemption Order – which allows the company to continue mining without EPA approval – will be revoked this month to update the conditions they can operate under. The change follows multiple suspected breaches and a record federal ‘fine’ for illegal clearing.

Despite this, Alcoa will not be forced to stop work. The Cook Labor Government has indicated it will issue a new Exemption Order as soon as the existing one is revoked, ensuring there is no interruption to Alcoa’s clearing operations.

The Cook Labor Government has not clarified what the trigger was for reviewing the Mining Management Plan and revoking the Exemption Order, but it comes on the back of increasing scrutiny and community pressure. 

Since December 2025, Jess Beckerling MLC has submitted three reports of suspected breaches to the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER). 

The DWER response to these reports has been wholly inadequate and deeply concerning, with Ms Beckerling now waiting for documents related to the investigations to be released under FOI. 

It is clear the government is under unprecedented and increasing pressure over the American mining company’s actions. 

The Greens (WA) Environment spokesperson Jess Beckerling MLC said the announcement was proof that exposing Alcoa’s bad behaviour was having the desired effect on the Cook Labor Government.

“Of course Alcoa’s Exemption Order must be revoked, but the Cook Labor Government should not be even considering issuing a new one. 

“Alcoa is continuing to clear ancient jarrah forests, push black cockatoos to the brink of extinction and threaten our drinking water all while under EPA assessment, making an absolute mockery of our nature laws.

“While the EPA assesses Alcoa’s impacts on our Jarrah forests, there should be zero clearing yet the Cook Labor Government continues to bend over backwards to exempt their mining and clearing operations while they wait for approval.

“I have been appalled by the investigations into the suspected breaches I reported. In every case there remain serious questions to be answered, and I am awaiting documents under FOI laws concerning the first suspected breach. 

“In the case of the Hollowbutt Jarrah tree, the investigation shows DWER engaged a consultant who had found there had in fact been a breach. Yet, DWER decided to engage a second consultant who used a different methodology to conveniently conclude there had been no breach.

“This whole process has confirmed what we already knew: that the Cook Labor Government prioritises Alcoa’s interests over the community’s. This must change and I have no doubt that Alcoa’s social licence is nearing its expiry date.

“A fourteen day feedback period has just been opened, providing for anyone to contact the Environment Minister to have their say about Alcoa’s exemption order being revoked. 

“I expect thousands of people will make it very clear that Alcoa must stop clearing while their exemption order is revoked. 

“The Cook Government needs to take this opportunity to actually listen to the public who want Alcoa to be reined in and the forests and our water to be protected.”

Following reporting by the Sydney Morning Herald, the NSW Parliament has today passed a motion recognising the State harm caused to two very young children and their families more than 15 years ago, and acknowledged the significant public good served by their mothers. The Attorney general has received an application for an ex gratia payment to recognise these issues, and the Parliament called for that application to be considered urgently.

A non-publication order means pseudonyms should be used in any publication. Jacqui* and her daughter Julia*, and Rachel* and her daughter Rose*.

Greens MP and spokesperson for justice and solicitor Sue Higginson said:

“Jacqui and Rachel, and their strong independent, now adult daughters, have achieved something extraordinary in the face of a justice system that failed to hear them when it mattered most,”

“These mothers did everything that the system asks victim survivors and families to do. They reported, they cooperated with police, they prepared their very young children for court, they pursued complaints, they gave evidence to the Royal Commission, and they helped drive reforms that now protect other children,”

“Their daughters were three years old when they were abused in a government-regulated childcare centre. The criminal case was discontinued because these very young children were considered unable to provide sufficient detail, but it has now been revealed that NSW Police did not seize or investigate electronic devices, and did not obtain video from the childcare centre,”

“That information was not given to these families at the time. It only came to light this year because of parliamentary questions and correspondence, and is the final piece of information that demands a proper response from the State,”

“The Attorney General has the application for an ex gratia payment. The Parliament has now recognised the public good served by these mothers and the harm caused by State systems. That application should be treated with urgency, and the 15 years of work by these women finally recognised,”

“The Government cannot undo what happened to Jacqui, Rachel, Julia and Rose. It can and should acknowledge the failures, and make an ex gratia payment that recognises the harm caused and the contribution these families have made to justice reform,” Ms Higginson said.

Following reporting by the Sydney Morning Herald, the NSW Parliament has today passed a motion recognising the State harm caused to two very young children and their families more than 15 years ago, and acknowledged the significant public good served by their mothers. The Attorney general has received an application for an ex gratia payment to recognise these issues, and the Parliament called for that application to be considered urgently.

A non-publication order means pseudonyms should be used in any publication. Jacqui* and her daughter Julia*, and Rachel* and her daughter Rose*.

Greens MP and spokesperson for justice and solicitor Sue Higginson said:

“Jacqui and Rachel, and their strong independent, now adult daughters, have achieved something extraordinary in the face of a justice system that failed to hear them when it mattered most,”

“These mothers did everything that the system asks victim survivors and families to do. They reported, they cooperated with police, they prepared their very young children for court, they pursued complaints, they gave evidence to the Royal Commission, and they helped drive reforms that now protect other children,”

“Their daughters were three years old when they were abused in a government-regulated childcare centre. The criminal case was discontinued because these very young children were considered unable to provide sufficient detail, but it has now been revealed that NSW Police did not seize or investigate electronic devices, and did not obtain video from the childcare centre,”

“That information was not given to these families at the time. It only came to light this year because of parliamentary questions and correspondence, and is the final piece of information that demands a proper response from the State,”

“The Attorney General has the application for an ex gratia payment. The Parliament has now recognised the public good served by these mothers and the harm caused by State systems. That application should be treated with urgency, and the 15 years of work by these women finally recognised,”

“The Government cannot undo what happened to Jacqui, Rachel, Julia and Rose. It can and should acknowledge the failures, and make an ex gratia payment that recognises the harm caused and the contribution these families have made to justice reform,” Ms Higginson said.

Today’s news that long-fought for reform to drug driving laws for medicinal cannabis patients will finally be introduced to the NSW Parliament, will be welcome relief for tens of thousands of people in New South Wales, says Greens MP and drug harm reduction spokesperson Cate Faehrmann.

“It’s been a decade since cannabis was legalised as a medicine in this country and finally our road laws are going to catch up. Many people will be very relieved at this news today,” said Cate Faehrmann.

Cate Faehrmann introduced a bill to provide a medical defence for cannabis on 12 Nov 2021. The bill was the subject of an Upper House inquiry but was voted down in the House 29 votes to 6 on 12 Oct 2022.

“It’s heartening to see that finally the voices of medicinal cannabis patients have been heard, with news that this long-fought for reform will happen.

”I’m yet to see the details of the legislation, and will work with all sides of politics to improve it if need be, but the Greens support this reform.

”The inability of people who are prescribed medicinal cannabis containing THC to drive without the risk of losing their licence, even if they aren’t impaired, is not only grossly unfair but has clogged up our courts system.

“My bill to introduce a medical defence for cannabis was defeated in 2022. I’m looking forward to voting for this important reform and ending the discrimination that medicinal cannabis patients have faced for too long,” says Cate Faehrmann.

The latest KPMG scandals show the Big 4 consultancy firms are making a mockery of the parliament, yet again.

Following multiple scandals, KPMG’s CEO has resigned and the COO has stepped down but the rot won’t go away.

KPMG has reluctantly admitted to a string of allegations, including misusing confidential client information to get more audit work, auditors using AI to cheat on internal exams, breaching audit independence, and “falling short” on the whistleblower’s concerns raised. 

Despite these revelations, however, the Government continues to employ KPMG’s services.The Department of Finance, alone, currently holds eight consultancy contracts worth $27 million with KPMG.

The Greens say the Government needs to stop feigning outrage and expressing “deep concern” at corrupt practices of the Big 4 while dishing out millions of dollars to them in contracts. Labor needs to put an end to their special treatment and regulate them like other Australians businesses.

Greens Senator Barbara Pocock, spokesperson for finance and public sector:

“Australia’s Big 4 consulting firms are marauding pirates making a mockery of the parliament. They play by their own rules and get away with it, again and again.  

“After years of multiple internal inquiries and subsequent cover-ups, KPMG’s recent misdemeanours are being dragged into public view, thanks to a courageous whistleblower.

“Even while the PwC scandal was unfolding, KPMG who were engaged in their own corrupt behaviours and cover-ups, failed to notify the parliament despite giving evidence to multiple parliamentary inquiries. Such dishonesty beggars belief.  

“How many scandals does it take for this government to take action? 

“The Big 4 have lost their social licence. Australians have had enough of the repeated scandals. It’s time for the Big 4 to be regulated under Australia’s corporate regulatory regime.

“It’s time to rip the bandaid off. It’s time the government made these opaque, largely unregulated mega-partnerships accountable under the same corporate law, regulatory, whistleblower and tax regime as other large businesses in Australia. 

“Meanwhile, the big consulting firms are donating hundreds of thousands to politicians. How does this pass any conflict of interest test? 

“Labor needs to put an end to the Big 4 donations to political parties and governments with whom they hold multi-million dollar contracts. 

“It is time to end the special treatment and poor regulation of the Big 4 which has allowed them to get away with corruption and remain at the profitable trough of government consulting.”

“Today’s National Accounts show the Albanese government’s economic policy is crashing the Australian economy, and Australians standards of living are declining”, said Shadow Treasurer Tim Wilson.

Mr Wilson’s comments come in the wake of the ABS’ National Accounts figures released today showing:

• Growth of 0.3% in the March quarter is the weakest growth in the past year and below market expectations
• GDP per capita declined 0.1% over the quarter, the tenth quarter of decline seen under Labor. We have already experienced Australia’s longest household recession under Labor.
• Productivity is down 0.6% over the quarter the sharpest fall in two years. This takes the fall under Labor to more than 5%.
• Australian’s living standards fell 0.6% in the quarter. Under this Labor Government, Australia has experienced the largest collapse in living standards in the developed world.
• Australians are working harder and getting less, with hours worked up 14% under Labor.
• Taxes continue to rise under Labor, Australians total income tax bill is almost 40% higher since Labor came to Government.
• With 15 interest rate rises under the Labor Government, interest paid on mortgages has tripled under Labor.
• Household savings are down to 6.2 percentage points, down more than 5 percentage points under Labor.

“The Albanese government’s policy is acting like a wrecking ball through the economy before Iran and the Budget, and since then the only solution to the small business and household confidence crisis is higher taxes”, Mr Wilson said.

“The Treasurer is in complete denial about the impact of the wrecking ball of his policy, and he keeps using public spending through private sector as a smokescreen”, Mr Wilson said.

“The Albanese government can only boast about private sector investment by importing machinery and equipment, not from home grown activity”.

“The Treasurer’s boasts don’t match the lived experience of Australian households and small businesses whose confidence has collapsed and are drowning under his policy”.

“Australians want a government that looks to the future with hope and aspiration, not one that only wants to manage their self-inflicted decline of the Australian economy”.

“The GDP figures are only being kept afloat because there are 2 million more people in the country since Labor came to office”.

“Australians are working longer, working harder, saving less, paying more, and being taxed more. They are worse off because of the policies of this Labor government”.