Month: March 2025

Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

The City of Greater Bendigo is holding a series of free events to highlight the region’s natural environment and biodiversity during the April School Holidays.

City of Greater Bendigo Climate Change and Environment Manager Michelle Wyatt said the free events will both educate and entertain participants.

“Our region has a diversity of wildlife and the free sessions will help residents to learn about their unique characteristics and understand the importance of caring for the habitats they live in,” Ms Wyatt said.

“In addition to the events there will also be a pop-up activation in Hargreaves Mall for children and families to learn about Bendigo’s unique native plants and animals as well as ways to make your home more energy efficient from 11am to 2pm on Wednesday April 9.  This is a free event and everyone is welcome.”

Other events taking place include:

Frogs of Bendigo
Monday April 7
10am – 12pm
Riley Street Reserve, East Bendigo

Nature by Night     
Tuesday April 8
6.30pm – 8.30pm
O’Keefe Rail Trail, Wilkie Road

Birds of Bendigo    
Monday April 14
7.30am – 9.30am
Crusoe Reservoir

Nature by Night
Tuesday April 15
6.30 – 8.30pm
O’Keefe Rail Trail, Wilkie Road

Bats of Bendigo
Thursday April 17
10am – 12pm
Rosalind Park

Bookings are essential for all events except the Nature in Hargreaves Mall pop up event. 

Source: Workplace Gender Equality Agency

The Albanese Labor Government is building Australia’s future, giving the green light for essential infrastructure to support up to 400 new homes across the Northern Territory.

We are providing $25 million for two projects in the Territory as part of our Housing Support Program.

In Alice Springs, $14 million will go towards the construction of enabling infrastructure – such as power, water, sewerage and roads – site preparation works, demolition and remediation to faciliate the development of up to 120 social dwellings at the St Mary’s site.

The site offers the potential to accommodate housing and other community spaces, while preserving the historic Chapel and the mural within it, as well as other sites of cultural significance.

In Palmerston East, $11 million will provide upgrades to existing power, water and sewerage networks in the Farrar West development, with the potential to unlock 290 residential lots.

This development includes a mix of residential, community purpose and commercial uses in a well located area, is close to local amenities and is well serviced by public transport and social infrastructure, including schools and community services.

This funding is in addition to the $7 million already provided to the Northern Territory under the Housing Support Program, to provide infrastructure to support the delivery of up to 730 homes, as well as parklands, in the Katherine East Neighbourhood Centre.

This is part of the Australian Government’s $32 billion Home of Your Own Plan to meet the ambitious national target of building 1.2 million new, well-located homes over the next 5 years.

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:

“From Darwin to Alice Springs, we’re turbocharging housing supply by delivering the infrastructure Australia needs.

“A place to call home is not a luxury or a nice-to-have, but a fundamental need, and our Government is making this a reality for more Australians.”

Quotes attributable to Northern Territory Minister for Lands, Planning and Environment; Corporate and Digital Development; Water Resources Joshua Burgoyne:

“This is a significant and exciting investment into critical enabling infrastructure in both the Top End and Central Australia.

“We have committed to rebuilding the Territory economy and commitments such as these are vital stepping stones to achieving that.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Solomon Luke Gosling:

“Every Territorian deserves the chance to have a roof over their head – and this investment is delivering that for families across Darwin and Palmerston.

“This investment outlines the direction of the Federal Government, unlocking home ownership for more Territorians – focusing on key infrastructure needed as our community continues to grow.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Lingiari Marion Scrymgour:

“I welcome all investment in the Northern Territory, particularly funding for social and affordable housing.

“This investment is another instance of our Federal Labor Government’s commitment to delivering crucial housing for Territorians.

“I will continue to work and fight for all Territorians.”

Source: Workplace Gender Equality Agency

The Albanese Government is continuing to improve road safety on regional and remote roads, delivering funding towards the over $11 million Springs Road East upgrade in the Mount Barker district. 

This investment will provide a safer, more productive route for housing and business development in the Mount Barker district.

The Albanese Government is committing $5 million to the project under the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program (SLRIP), with the Malinauskus Government and Mount Barker District Council each committing $3 million. 

The project will widen one kilometre of Springs Road between Bald Hills Road and Heysen Boulevard, as well as widening the bridge on Springs Road and installing upgraded safety barriers to accommodate the wider road and cycling infrastructure. 

The SLRIP commenced on 1 July 2024 to provide funding for projects to address current and emerging priorities in road infrastructure needs. 

At least $200 million per year is available under the program. 

More information on the SLRIP can be accessed here. 

Quotes attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

“We know that that local governments in the regions often require more funding to manage rising costs and increased pressure on transport infrastructure due to climate change and extreme weather events.

“The Albanese Government is committed to delivering the funding local councils need to improve road safety, allowing more money to be spent on projects and less on administration.

“We’ve increased funding under the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program, as well as the Roads to Recovery Program and the Black Spot Funding Program to strengthen investment in safer and more productive local roads. 

Quotes attributable to SA Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Tom Koutsantonis:

“In partnership with the Albanese Government, we are making a significant investment in improving road safety. 

“It is great to see Springs Road East in Mount Barker receive the funding it needs to ensure a safer, smoother journey for the many residents who use the road.” 

Quotes attributable to Mount Barker District Council Mayor David Leach: 

“Australian and South Australian government support for the Spring Roads East upgrade will help provide a safer, more efficient route for locals in the Mount Barker district. 

“We’re keen to continue to work with the Australian and South Australian governments to deliver even more critical road upgrades in the future.” 

Source: Workplace Gender Equality Agency

A range of road safety upgrades will be implemented to address 162 dangerous sites on roads in Western Australia, Victoria and Queensland, with the Albanese Government committing over $85 million to fully fund upgrades under the 2025-26 Black Spots Program. 

These 162 Black Spot projects will make an important contribution towards reducing serious injuries and deaths with safety improvements funded under this latest round of works to include roundabouts, traffic calming measures, upgraded lighting and safety barriers.

Throughout the project selection process, Black Spot Consultative Panels in each state have provided the opportunity for stakeholders to have their say to ensure nominations are of the highest priority and importance to the local community.

These panels are chaired by Senator Varun Ghosh, Lisa Chesters MP and Shayne Neumann MP in each of these states respectively, and include representatives from state road authorities, local government associations, automobile clubs and road safety action groups. 

Funding for the Black Spots Program has substantially increased as part of the Albanese Government’s response to a worsening road toll, which also includes progressively doubling the Roads to Recovery funding from $500 million to $1 billion a year and delivering nationally aligned data sets to inform road safety decision making.

More information on the Black Spots Program, including prompts on how to nominate a black spot, can be found here. Full lists of projects in Western Australia, Victoria and Queensland can be accessed here.

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Regional Development, Anthony Chisholm:

“This investment demonstrates the Albanese Government’s promise to building safer roads, reducing the crushing impacts of road trauma and supporting local jobs. 

“We recently announced our significant boost to road safety funding, which included a commitment to increase annual Black Spots Program funding to $150 million from next year.

“Removing Black Spots across Australia’s road network forms a major part of our ongoing commitment to work with state and territory governments to fund the priority road safety works they identify.

“This Program is driven by communities, for communities and I’d like to thank the Black Spot Consultative Committee Chairs for their advocacy. 

“Anyone can nominate a dangerous site for Black Spot funding, if you know a Black Spot near you please consider nominating that site for investigation.”

Source:

Source: Australia’s climate in 2024: 2nd warmest and 8th wettest year on record

Australia will provide a further $11 million in lifesaving humanitarian assistance for civilians in Gaza, and an additional $15 million in critical support for people affected by humanitarian crises in Myanmar and Afghanistan.

The additional funding to Gaza will address urgent needs, including healthcare, food and water.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, and Australia reiterates calls for sustained, unimpeded aid to those who desperately need it.

Additional assistance will be provided to those impacted by rapidly escalating humanitarian crises. It includes:

• $7 million in lifesaving food assistance for Rohingya refugees who have fled Myanmar, as well as their host communities in Bangladesh. More than one million Rohingyas in Bangladesh depend on humanitarian support, with no legal status or right to work.
• $3 million in lifesaving assistance to provide food, health, shelter and protection support for displaced people on the Thai-Myanmar border.
• An additional $5 million will also be provided to enable United Nations partners to deliver services for Afghan women and girls that address critical sexual and reproductive health needs, gender-based violence and displacement.

Quote attributable to Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong:

“Helping others in crisis reflects Australian values, but also supports our interests in a peaceful, stable world. Australia’s contribution will provide lifesaving assistance to people enduring immense suffering.
“Australia is engaging diplomatically as part of the international call for all parties to return to the ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza. We continue to press for the protection of civilians, the release of hostages and unimpeded and sustained humanitarian aid.

“Humanitarian needs have increased twenty-fold since the Myanmar coup. We call on the military regime to prioritise civilian safety and immediately cease violence and ensure unhindered and safe humanitarian access across the country.

“Australia is steadfast in its support for Afghan women and girls, who have shown incredible courage in the face of the Taliban’s systematic human rights violations and abuses.”

Quote attributable to Minister for International Development and the Pacific and Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery, the Hon Pat Conroy MP:

“Humanitarian crises contribute to regional instability and global insecurity.

“Australia is providing lifesaving healthcare and assistance for civilians in need, as part of an international effort to reduce the devastating human toll of the Israel-Gaza conflict.

“Protection for women and girls in humanitarian emergencies is a central pillar of the Humanitarian Policy we released in 2024. We know the situation under the Taliban is particularly egregious and we are proud to be supporting the provision of critical health services to Afghan women and girls.

“We will continue to play our part to support people in humanitarian need, both in our region and globally.”

Source: Australia’s climate in 2024: 2nd warmest and 8th wettest year on record

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Steve Waugh AO to the Centre for Australia-India Relations Advisory Board.

The Centre works across government, industry, academia and the community to build greater understanding within the Australia-India relationship and encourage business to seize the opportunities of our economic partnership.

The Advisory Board helps set the strategic priorities for the Centre’s programs and activities, supporting partnerships in business, the arts, education, health, science, technology and sport.

Mr Waugh is a former Australian men’s cricket captain and has long been a champion of strengthening ties between Australia and India. He has made significant philanthropic contributions over the past 20 years through the Steve Waugh Foundation. Mr Waugh has also recently published a photography book on India titled, ‘The Spirit of Cricket: India’.

I would like to thank outgoing board member Adam Gilchrist AM for his valuable contribution to the Centre since its establishment, and to the broader relationship with India. 

Source: Workplace Gender Equality Agency

Over $200 million in funding contributed by the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments and industry partners will help South East Queensland become a leading innovator in health and biotech, through the South East Queensland Innovation Economy Fund.

The Fund has awarded eight successful projects $94 million in joint Government funding, with industry leaders across critical sectors co-contributing over $122 million. This partnership between governments and industry will unlock $217 million worth of investments across South East Queensland.

Successful projects include:

• A $25 million grant to establish the Health and Advanced Technology Research and Innovation Centre (HATRIC) at the Gold Coast will build on the region’s leadership in biomedicine, biotechnology and additive manufacturing.
• Bringing together Griffith University, neighbouring hospitals and medical institutes, the project will leverage another $75 million from partners to expand the cutting-edge Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct. It already employs more than 14,000 people, and is home to innovation such as the world’s first artificial rotary heart.
• An Australian-first biomedical scale-up and manufacturing facility will be established at the Bogo Road Innovation Precinct, thanks to $3 million in funding. The new Hub will support start-ups to develop innovative medical products, manufacture them on site and undertake clinical trials, positioning Brisbane to become leaders in bio-manufacturing. 
• A $25 million grant awarded to the AATLIS Innovation Precinct Industry Biotechnology Centre (IBC) to bring together start-ups and industry leaders to establish Australia’s first vertically-integrated biotechnological facility to support the rapid design, building and testing of new solutions for the agriculture sector.
• The University of Sunshine Coast Innovation Centre will be upgraded with five new specialist innovation labs to boost jobs and accelerate the local economy, thanks to a nearly $3 million investment. It includes a new Digital Health Productivity Lab, which will harness technology to advance innovation in the aged care sector and improve patient experience.

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Cities Jenny McAllister:

“The Albanese Government is building Australia’s future by backing Queensland innovation.

“By bringing together the expertise of universities, research institutes and industry, we can boost innovation, and create local jobs.

“It’s terrific to see investment in biotech that will not just improve health outcomes but also provide opportunities to build our economic future by leveraging world class research.

Quotes attributable to Queensland Minister for Science and Innovation Andrew Powell:

“Queensland Government is dedicated to investing in a thriving innovation ecosystem in South East Queensland.

“Strategic investment in world-class innovation precincts will drive the creation of high value knowledge-intensive jobs that will propel South East Queensland into a new era of prosperity.

“These precincts are the incubators for solutions to the region’s most pressing social and economic challenges.”

Further information:

SEQ Innovation Economy Fund successful applicants:

Applicant	Location	Joint Commonwealth and Queensland Funding	Project description
Therapeutic Innovation Australia Limited	Boggo Road Innovation Precinct, Brisbane	$3 million	Establishing the Bioproduction Hub (PM1) for multi modal therapeutics Phase 1 manufacturing at TRI. This Australian-first facility will enable production of biologics, vaccines, radiopharmaceuticals and mRNA therapeutics to support first-in-human clinical trials. The integration of specialist therapeutic manufacturing capability, quality control and regulatory expertise aims to streamline and fast-track the pathway from discovery science to clinical evaluation.
Translational  Research Institute	Boggo Road Innovation Precinct, Dutton Park	$6,807,251	This project will supercharge the Translational Manufacturing (TM@TRI) project and in turn supercharge the Boggo Road Innovation Precinct, accelerating the impact of this critical infrastructure.
Southern RNA	LNP-mRNA-Enable Project (LEAP): Driving LNP-mRNA Therapeutics to Clinical Trials	$2,777,667	The LNP-mRNA-Enable project aims to supercharge Queensland’s biomedical sector by building infrastructure and capacity that will unlock Queensland’s ability to locally translate and produce mRNA therapeutics. Led by Southern RNA and supported by research and industry partners in the field, the project will specifically develop capability around the development and manufacturing of Lipid Nanoparticle-mRNA, a vital step in the production and delivery of mRNA.
Witmack Industrial	AATLIS Innovation Precinct Industry Biotechnology Centre (IBC), Toowoomba	$25,000,000	The AATLIS Innovation Precinct Industry Biotechnology Centre (IBC) is a groundbreaking $50m initiative to establish Australia’s first vertically integrated biotechnological facility for distribution, sales, logistics, R&D, and toll manufacturing. This “One Stop Shop” will integrate AI-driven research and world-class technology with best-practice manufacturing capabilities and global end-users to strengthen supply chain security, advance environmentally conscious practices like reducing synthetic chemical use, and boost economic growth and export opportunities.
University of Queensland	Queensland Animal Science Precinct, Lockyer Valley	$21,807,000	Queensland Animal Science Innovation Hub – a place animal producers, farmers and industry can test and trial, scale and commercialise new farming and biosecurity innovations which enhances food security and the supply of affordable and reliable meat and animal products to Queensland and the world.
University of the Sunshine Coast	Innovation Centre Sunshine Coast, Sunshine Coast	$2,724,431	Future Skills Lab – five future skills specialist innovation labs, delivered in partnership with industry, and equipped with the latest tools and resources that accelerate the design, prototyping and testing of cutting-edge digital innovations.
Urban Utilities	Luggage Point Innovation Precinct, Brisbane	$7,670,811	Luggage Point Innovation Precinct Expansion: Pioneering Sustainable Water Solutions for Green Industries. Creating new spaces for pilot projects, sampling and research; and innovation-enabling infrastructure that will drive development and commercialisation of innovative water-related products and technologies including accelerating recycled water innovation; encouraging the adoption of recycled water; addressing persistent contaminants; and enabling hydrogen production to develop novel products from biogas, biosolids and organic waste.
Griffith University	Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct, Gold Coast	$25 million	Health and Advanced Technology Research and Innovation Centre (HATRIC), a partnership between Griffith University (GU) and Economic Development Queensland is a new building that will significantly boost and synthesise the precinct’s capabilities, creating a seamless interface between university R&D and commercialisation with industry partners. Innovations enabled through HATRIC may include spinal injury repair, new vaccines, rehabilitation equipment, artificial ligaments, customised bionics for limb loss, quantum technologies for sportstech and circular economy technologies in recycling medical waste and lithium-ion batteries.

More information on the SEQ Innovation Economy Fund can be found at SEQ Innovation Economy Fund | Advance Queensland.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested a 25-year-old male in relation to domestic violence offences in Darwin.

This morning, police received intelligence that a male with an arrest warrant was within Bagot Community. It is alleged the male had been actively evading police.

Around 7:30am, Strike Force Trident and Dog Operations Unit (DOU) established a cordon around the community and commenced a search for the alleged offender.

A short time later, the offender and another male passenger were sighted in a vehicle driving erratically through the community and at some points on the footpath.

A tyre deflation device was deployed, which the offending vehicle attempted to avoid by swerving at officers and colliding with the rear of a Trident vehicle.

Multiple pursuits were commenced; however, they were terminated shortly after for safety reasons.

At around 08:30am, DOU members sighted the vehicle stopped on Buchanan Terrace in Nakara before the offender and the passenger fled the scene on foot.

Police deployed a taser which was ineffective, and the offender fled through a school oval on Nakara Terrace.

Patrol Dog Boss was deployed, but the 25-year-old male scaled a 12-foot fence and fled. A second dog handler followed over the fence, caught up to the man, and he surrendered without further incident.

The 30-year-old male passenger was also arrested and is assisting police with enquiries.

The 25-year-old offender remains in police custody with additional charges expected to follow.

Senior Sergeant Meacham King said, “I want to commend the work of all members involved in this arrest.

“It’s fortunate our officers weren’t seriously injured when the Trident vehicle was struck.

“The arrest is a testament to the strong collaboration between Strike Force Trident and Dog Operations Unit.

“We remain committed to holding offenders to account and bringing them before the courts.”

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has deployed the Fugitive Task Force (FTF) to the West Daly Region.

The FTF was stood up in December 2024 to boost ongoing efforts to target recidivist offenders and enhance community safety.

Over a three-day deployment to the West Daly Region, the task force has made 20 arrests and served two domestic violence orders, along with assisting local police with multiple outstanding matters.

The offences committed by those arrested include breach of bail, outstanding warrants, aggravated assault and breach of domestic violence orders.

Acting Commander Drew Slape said, “The Fugitive Task Force continues to focus on holding recidivist and high harm offenders to account.

“We will continue to pursue those who have outstanding matters and present ongoing risks to community safety.”