Month: February 2026

Source: ACT Police

Last update: Thursday, 5 February 2026 10:04am

Original publication: Thursday, 5 February 2026 9:51am

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will travel to Jakarta, Indonesia from 5 to 7 February 2026 to meet the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, and sign the Australia–Indonesia Treaty on Common Security.

The treaty reflects the close friendship, partnership and deep trust between Australia and Indonesia. It will take Australia–Indonesia cooperation to a new level, for the benefit of our shared security and that of the region.

The Prime Minister will be joined by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong, who will meet with Indonesian Foreign Minister His Excellency Sugiono during the visit.

Alongside regional security, Australia and Indonesia work together closely across a range of areas including trade and investment, education, and development.

Indonesia’s strong economic growth represents an enormous opportunity for Australian businesses and investors, which we are working to realise including through Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040.

There is a great demand amongst Indonesian consumers for Australian education, healthcare and consumer goods. At the same time, Indonesian investment into Australia has increased. This is good for Australian jobs, businesses and our economy.

This will be the Prime Minister’s fifth official visit to Indonesia. Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles will be Acting Prime Minister until the Prime Minister’s return from overseas.

Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“The new treaty is a watershed moment in the Australia–Indonesia relationship.

“It represents a major extension of our security and defence cooperation and demonstrates that our relationship is as strong as it has ever been.

“Australia’s bond with Indonesia is unique and enduring, as neighbours, partners and friends who are committed to a secure, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

“I thank President Prabowo for his invitation to visit Indonesia to sign this historic agreement and look forward to discussing ways we can continue to work together.”

Quotes attributable to Foreign Minister Penny Wong

“Australia and Indonesia have together taken the most important step in strengthening our partnership in thirty years – bringing our cooperation to a higher level, acting together to secure peace and stability for our nations and the region.

“In these uncertain times, this is a demonstration of the importance we place on our relationship and the respect we have for each other.

“This Treaty is part of how the Albanese Government is building Australia’s future in our region.”

Source: Australia Government Statements 2

The Australian Government is improving maritime infrastructure in the Pacific with the completion of new and upgraded boat harbours on the Tuvaluan islands of Nui and Niutao.

The improvements were jointly funded with the Asian Development Bank, with Australia investing $21.4 million through the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific.

This investment reflects Australia’s ongoing commitment to delivering the priorities of the Government of Tuvalu under the landmark Australia-Tuvalu Falepili Union.

The upgraded harbours will make it easier to travel between islands, connecting families, ensuring delivery of essential goods and services, and unlocking economic opportunities.

Maritime transport is the lifeline of Tuvalu, connecting nine islands across an exclusive economic zone of nearly 750,000 km2.

The Nui and Niutao boat harbours are built to withstand climate challenges and include integrated adaptation measures that protect against rising seas and extreme weather by keeping communities safe and livelihoods secure during severe weather events.

Safety measures such as 24-hour solar lighting, guard rails and signage make travel safer for everyone, particularly women, people with disability, elderly passengers and children.

For more information, please visit: Tuvalu | The Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP)

Quotes attributable to Foreign Minister Penny Wong:

“Together with Tuvalu, Australia is delivering crucial climate-resilient infrastructure that connects people, supports livelihoods, and creates economic opportunities for generations to come.

“Australia is a partner our region can count on to listen and act on the priorities of the Pacific family, ensuring our region is more peaceful, stable and prosperous.”

Quotes attributable to Pacific Island Affairs Minister Pat Conroy:

“The completion of the Nui and Niutao harbours reflect Australia’s commitment to delivering high-quality long-lasting infrastructure for the benefit of all Tuvaluans, as part of the Falepili Union.

“Australia will always listen to the priorities of the Pacific family – and work to deliver resilient and local solutions that make our region stronger.”

Media note: Imagery is also / will be available via DFAT media library.

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

I am pleased to announce the Governor-General has appointed Mr Simon Duggan as the Secretary of the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR).

Mr Duggan has an extensive career in the Australian Public Service most recently as the Deputy Secretary of the Energy Group at the Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water (DCCEEW).

Prior to joining DCCEEW, Mr Duggan was a Deputy Secretary at the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet where he led the Economy and Industry Group and served as Australia’s G20 and G7 plus Sherpa.

Mr Duggan also spent 18 years at the Department of the Treasury, leading on policy reforms relating to the domestic and international economy.

Mr Duggan’s term will commence on 16 February 2026 for a five-year period.

I would like to thank Ms Tania Rishniw for acting as Secretary since December 2025.

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

I can inform the House that the Western Australian Government has confirmed the Western Australia Joint Counter Terrorism Team – comprising WA Police, the Australian Federal Police and ASIO – has charged one man yesterday, a 31-year-old male, with engaging in a terrorist act.

That offence carries a maximum sentence of life in prison.

I was briefed yesterday in person by the Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett and the Commissioner of Police for Western Australia, Col Blanch, on the investigation. I thank particularly the Commissioner from WA for travelling here to do an in person briefing.

As an individual has now been charged, I will use the word allegedly.

On the 26th of January, the man is alleged to have thrown a home-made explosive device into the crowd at a rally in Perth.

This was a gathering of our fellow Australians, exercising their democratic right, to express their views and to participate in a peaceful demonstration. 

And they were allegedly targeted because they were Indigenous.

This alleged act of terrorism was deliberately aimed at Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.

Mr Speaker, this was alleged terrorism driven by racism and hatred.

Hate that should have been banished to the dark reaches of history – yet still lives in the dark corners of the internet.

The device did not detonate – but that does not change the fact that this attack was real.

And the intended consequences would have indeed been horrific.

Deaths. Injuries. Trauma beyond imagining.

I know that First Nations people around Australia are grappling with that.

The combination of disbelief, anger – and real fear.

And I have met with a number of Indigenous Leaders in the past 24 hours about this.

As a Government, as a Parliament, and as a nation – we see you, we stand with you.

We will do everything required to keep you and your loved ones safe.

There is no place for racism or hatred in our nation.

It is an offence against our Australian values – and it is an offence in Australian law.

Importantly, the Joint Counter Terrorism Team does not believe there is any residual risk from the alleged perpetrator.

Mr Speaker, Australia has been enriched by every faith, background and tradition, people all over the world united by their love of this country.

And only Australia has the privilege of being home to the oldest continuous culture on earth.

And we all share that privilege, either people who have come here, or are descendants of people who have come here.

That is a source of pride for all of us.

And it is something that all of us have a responsibility to safeguard.

On that, let us stand united – as a Parliament, as Australians, in support of our nation.

And let us reach out at this time, which will be difficult as some details are further, will no doubt come out as part of this process – it will be a difficult time for Indigenous Australians, and we stand with them at this time.

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Source: Tasmania Police

Police urge motorists to slow down as students return to school

Thursday, 5 February 2026 – 2:16 pm.

Tasmania Police is urging motorists to take extra care in school zones after a driver near Howrah Primary School reportedly failed to obey the School Crossing Guard and drove through the crossing while children were on the road this morning.
Inspector Vanessa Castle said the behaviour could have resulted in a serious incident.
“Most motorists were doing the right thing during the busy morning drop off period, but this driver’s actions were incredibly dangerous,” Inspector Castle said.
“School Crossing Guards are there to protect children and their directions must be obeyed at all times.”With students returning to classrooms across the state today, police are maintaining a highly visible presence around school zones to ensure the safety of children, school staff and families.
“School is back, which means school zones are too, and we are asking every driver to take extra care when travelling near schools,” Inspector Castle said.
Police conducted targeted patrols across several school areas this morning.
“Unfortunately four people at Brighton Primary School received infringements for speeding in the school zone, and all were travelling more than 10 kilometres per hour over the limit,” Inspector Castle said.
“Two more motorists received infringement notices outside Brighton High School, both travelling more than 20 kilometres per hour over the speed limit.”
“Five people were caught speeding near Lauderdale Primary, and one person received an infringement notice for speeding in the school zone at Glenora.”
“There is absolutely no excuse for exceeding the speed limit. These limits exist to protect children, who can be unpredictable around roads. Your attention and your speed matter.”

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force is investigating multiple incidents that occurred in Peppimenarti yesterday.

Around 1:15am, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre (JESCC) received reports that a licensed premises was unlawfully entered, and a large quantity of alcohol was stolen.

Shortly thereafter, large numbers of intoxicated community members were reported to be within the community causing disturbances.

Around 9am, the JESCC received further reports that several adults had made threats towards each other with edged weapons and a report of a firearm being presented and used to threaten people.

No serious injuries have been reported.

Members from the Territory Response Group and Wadeye Police attended the community on Wednesday, conducting patrols and restoring order.

Significant further police resources have been deployed to the community this morning from Katherine, with investigations ongoing into the offending.

Police urge anyone with mobile phone or CCTV footage to contact police on 131 444.

Please quote reference P2600011965. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

Source: Australian Mines and Metals Association – AMMA

Australia’s major employers are warning the NSW Government’s bill to give unions digital access to every workplace in the state will put sensitive data at risk, disrupt workplaces and seriously undermine housing delivery and major projects across NSW.

The Bill would give union officials access to a wide range of workplace digital systems, including internal emails, personal information, HR and payroll systems, rostering tools, customer databases, financial records and operational platforms.

The Bill exposes highly sensitive personal information, including health data, financial records, contact details and private communications, without adequate privacy protections, or any meaningful cyber security safeguards.

The legislation would apply to every workplace in NSW, from small retailers and hospitality venues to construction sites, housing developments, hospitals, schools, manufacturers, miners and government agencies that hold large volumes of confidential personal data.

Consumers and workers expect their private health and financial information to be protected. This Bill does not provide that assurance and creates unnecessary risk that sensitive data is accessed, copied or removed from secure systems.

Small businesses and frontline managers would be placed under significant pressure, facing penalties if they hesitate or seek advice before granting access to complex systems they may not control

Existing work health and safety laws already impose clear, technology-neutral obligations on employers. They already cover unsafe workloads, rostering practices, surveillance and worker protections.

The Bill does not fix a gap in the law. Instead, it creates sweeping new access rights with weak guardrails and serious unintended consequences.

The impact would be particularly severe for housing construction, major infrastructure, energy and resources projects, where complex digital systems are central to operations. Increased risk, uncertainty and delay would directly undermine housing supply and investment decisions.

Without amendment, the Bill would make NSW an outlier and an investment killer.

We are concerned the Government may attempt to rush the Bill through both houses this week. We are engaging constructively and we are urging Parliament to stop the Bill in itscurrent form and address these fundamental concerns.

Joint statement attributed to;

• Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
• Australian Industry Group
• Australian Resources & Energy Employer Association
• Australian Retail Council
• Business Council of Australia
• Council of Small Business Organisations Australia
• Housing Industry Association
• Master Builders Australia
• Minerals Council of Australia
• Tech Council of Australia

Click here for a full PDF copy of the joint media statement

Source: Australian Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry

The Albanese Government welcomes the very strong returns achieved by the Future Fund which saw our sovereign wealth fund grow by almost $30 billion last year.

This is a great result for the Future Fund and a great result for our country.

In the 2025 calendar year, the Future Fund made a return of 12.4 per cent, up from 12.2 per cent in 2024 and 8.0 per cent in 2023.

The Fund has also achieved a 10‑year return of 8.5 per cent, above the mandated target return of 7.0 per cent.

These strong returns were achieved under the Future Fund’s updated Investment Mandate, introduced by our government.

Those changes were all about modernising the Future Fund to align with the nation’s priorities, where it makes financial sense to do so.

These results show the Future Fund hasn’t just maintained its strong returns, but it has surpassed them for 2025.

Our opponents said the sky would fall in when we updated the Future Fund’s Investment Mandate, but these returns show those criticisms were unfounded.