Source: Prime Minister of Australia
DAN TAYLOR, HOST: It’s Dan and Christie for Breakfast and it’s Australia’s 31st Prime Minister joining us for a very special occasion. Anthony Albanese, good morning.
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Source: Government of Western Australia
Work has been completed on a new 1.5-kilometre section of 3.5-metre-wide asphalt shared pathway along the western side of Hartman Drive, from Ocean Reef Road to Gnangara Road, in Wangara.
The path provides a safe, accessible and convenient option for people walking, riding or wheeling across the important light-industrial area of Wangara, as well as nearby residential suburbs of Darch, Pearsall and Madeley.
The works included the replacement of existing overhead power with underground power and installation of street lighting.
The $2.25 million project is part of the City’s Active Transport Plan, which prioritises infrastructure and initiatives that make walking, riding and wheeling easier, safer and more appealing for short trips of up to 10 kilometres.
The upgrade completes a section of the Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure’s Primary Long-Term Cycle Network, expanding the City’s network of bike riding and pedestrian routes.
The pathway was officially opened by Wanneroo Mayor Linda Aitken and Federal Member for Cowan, Dr Anne Aly MP. The City contributed $740,000 towards the project, with an additional $1.5 million coming from the Australian Government’s Priority Community Infrastructure
Program.
Mayor Aitken thanked the Australian Government for their support of the project and said the new link reflected the City’s commitment to building a safe, connected and reliable active transport network for residents.
“Projects like this give our residents real choices in how they move around their neighbourhoods,” she said.
“We know that when walking and riding are safe and convenient, people are far more likely to choose active transport options for short trips. This link also supports activity in one of our key industrial areas.
“We will continue to collaborate with all levels of government and key stakeholders to deliver infrastructure and strategies that create a more connected community, support active travel and reduce reliance on cars for local journeys.”
Dr Aly said the Australian Government is investing in infrastructure that benefits the community through enhanced safety.
“Investing in local infrastructure like this is about making our communities safer, more connected and easier to move around in. This new path will give people in Wangara, Darch, Pearsall and Madeley a safe and accessible option to walk, ride or wheel through the area,” she said.
“The Albanese Government is proud to support projects that improve everyday life for local residents, whether that’s getting to work, travelling through their neighbourhood, or choosing active transport for shorter trips.
“This upgrade is a practical investment in community safety, accessibility and better connections across Cowan.”
Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development
NDIS registered provider of healthcare equipment, Aidacare, has admitted it likely made false or misleading representations to some customers about their consumer guarantee rights. It has also admitted to using terms in standard form contracts that were likely to have been unfair as they limited consumers rights and remedies in relation to faulty products.
Aidacare sells and hires healthcare equipment to aged care facilities, hospitals, wholesale traders and individual consumers.
In a court-enforceable undertaking given to the ACCC, Aidacare has admitted that its conduct likely contravened the Australian Consumer Law.
As part of the undertaking, Aidacare has agreed to remediate affected consumers and provide interim solutions to customers who experience extended delays when assessing faulty or defective goods. It has also undertaken to stop using or relying on the unfair contract terms and making false or misleading representations about consumer guarantees. Aidacare will also establish an Australian Consumer Law compliance program for its employees.
“Under the Australian Consumer Law, consumer guarantees automatically apply when consumers buy products or services, giving them a range of rights, including where the product is faulty. These rights cannot be taken away by anything a business says or does,” ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe said.
“As part of their consumer guarantee rights, consumers may be eligible for a repair, refund or replacement for faulty goods, even after the express warranty period given by the supplier or manufacturer has expired.”
The ACCC was concerned that in responding to consumer requests for repairs, replacements or refunds for faulty or non‑conforming products, Aidacare represented that consumers were required to pay for repairs or replacements, or were not entitled to a repair, replacement or refund, outside of a warranty period, when statutory consumer guarantees applied or may still have applied.
Aidacare has admitted that from 1 January 2022 to 21 May 2025, it likely made false or misleading representations to some consumers about their consumer guarantee rights.
“Aidacare’s actions may have stopped consumers from accessing their consumer guarantee rights. This is unacceptable, and may have led to consumers not seeking remedies they were legally entitled to,” Ms Lowe said.
“Given the essential nature of the healthcare equipment it supplies, Aidacare’s failure to comply with its consumer guarantee obligations may have created risks to consumer safety and physical wellbeing and resulted in inconvenience and financial loss for its customers.”
Aidacare entered into standard form contracts with its customers between 9 November 2023 and 21 May 2025 which it admitted likely contained unfair contract terms. The terms limited consumers’ rights and remedies in relation to faulty products, including by imposing short timeframes (24-72 hours) for consumers to report product faults, restricting consumers’ rights to reject defective goods, and included broad limitations of liability.
“We will not hesitate to take appropriate action against businesses that seek to limit or deny a consumer’s right to seek a remedy for a faulty product or service. Whilst consumer guarantee rights cannot be contracted away, we know that the presence of contract terms that purport to have this effect can have a chilling effect on consumers taking action. This is why the removal of these terms is an important part of the resolution we have achieved,” Ms Lowe said.
Further information about consumer rights and guarantees is available on the ACCC website.
Further information for NDIS participants and providers is available on the ACCC website.
A copy of the undertaking is available at: Aidacare Pty Ltd
Aidacare is a provider of healthcare equipment and services and is a registered provider under the NDIS. It has 66 retail stores across Australia.
The NDIS provides funding to eligible people with disability. Since 2024, the ACCC has prioritised improved compliance with the Australian Consumer Law by businesses that supply NDIS-funded supports, known as providers.
The ACCC has taken proactive enforcement action in this period, instituting legal proceedings against a provider for alleged breaches of the Australian Consumer Law in 2024. In addition, in 2025 Bedshed and Thermomix paid infringement notices issued by the ACCC for allegedly making misleading claims about NDIS endorsements.
In 2025, support provider Mable Technologies provided a court-enforceable undertaking to the ACCC after admitting using unfair contract terms, in breach of the Australian Consumer Law.
In February 2026, the ACCC published a report that found NDIS participants are being targeted by NDIS providers’ deceptive advertising practices and other behaviours banned by consumer law. The report identified key issues in NDIS markets, including providers failing to honour consumer guarantee protections and using unfair contract terms.
The Australian Consumer Law applies to all transactions between NDIS participants and providers. The ACCC and other Australian Consumer Law regulators can investigate NDIS related dealings where there is a potential breach of the Australian Consumer Law.
On 17 December 2023, the government established the Fair Pricing and Australian Consumer Law Taskforce consisting of the ACCC, the NDIA, and the NDIS Commission. The Taskforce was established to address harms affecting participants, including potentially paying higher prices for goods or services compared to non-NDIS consumers, and conduct by providers that may breach the Australian Consumer Law.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The Northern Territory Police Force is investigating an aggravated assault that occurred early yesterday morning in Alice Springs.
At 5:10am on Thursday 19 March, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre (JESCC) received reports of a group fighting, allegedly armed with bottles, on Lyndavale Drive in Larapinta.
On police arrival the group dispersed. A male aged in his 40s was conveyed by St John Ambulance to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries to his face.
The offender remains outstanding at this stage and investigations are ongoing.
Anyone with information, including dash cam or CCTV footage, is urged to contact police. Please quote reference number P26080987. Reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested a 24-year-old male in relation to a domestic violence aggravated assault that occurred in Millner yesterday morning.
Around 11:30am, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre (JESCC) received a report that a female aged in her 20s had been assaulted by a male believed to be known to her at an address in Millner.
Police attended and located the victim with serious injuries to her head. It is alleged the 24-year-old male had physically assaulted her and stabbed her to the eye. She was immediately conveyed to the Royal Darwin Hospital where she remains in a serious but stable condition.
The offender was arrested a short time later and remains in police custody.
A crime scene was processed and investigations are ongoing.
Anyone with information is urged to contact police. Please quote reference number NTP2600026771. Reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.
If you or someone you know are experiencing difficulties due to domestic violence, support services are available, including, but not limited to, 1800RESPECT (1800737732) or Lifeline 131 114.
Source: Australian Renewable Energy Agency
Five projects are set to receive a share of $13 million in ARENA funding, unlocking investment in cutting-edge technologies to accelerate decarbonisation, lower long-term energy costs and support low-carbon supply chains and consumer goods.
ARENA CEO Darren Miller said decarbonising industry is one of the defining challenges of Australia’s energy transition, and that targeted ARENA funding is critical to de-risking early projects, accelerating deployment and unlocking broader private investment.
“Australia cannot reach net zero without transforming how we produce the materials, energy and goods that underpin our economy,” said Mr Miller.
“These projects show that industrial decarbonisation is not a future aspiration but is happening now, with practical solutions that cut emissions, strengthen competitiveness and build the foundations for new low-carbon industries.”
The funded projects span a range of technologies and sectors, showing how clean energy solutions can be integrated into existing operations and deliver measurable emissions reductions today, while building capability for deeper reductions over time.
Projects include:
Collectively, these projects illustrate how Australian industry and innovation can be the catalyst for cleaner production methods while maintaining productivity and competitiveness. They will also provide valuable insights to support market readiness and application across other Australian facilities and sectors.
These projects have been funded under the now closed National Industrial Transformation (NIT) Program which supported projects aimed at reducing scope 1 and 2 emissions at existing or planned industrial facilities in Australia. Following the program’s closure, this support continues through ARENA’s Industrial Transformation Stream (ITS) for existing regional industrial facilities.
ARENA encourages businesses with innovative, scalable solutions to reduce industrial emissions to consider applying for funding through ITS Round 3, which is currently open.
More information on ITS Round 3, including eligibility and application processes, is available on the ARENA website: https://arena.gov.au/funding/powering-the-regions-industrial-transformation-stream/
ARENA media contact:
Source: Tasmania Police
Female pedestrian injured in serious traffic crash
Thursday, 19 March 2026 – 9:23 pm.
Police are calling for information on a serious traffic incident involving a pedestrian and a motorcycle rider on Marston Street, Clarendon Vale, earlier today.
About 3.40pm on Thursday, a 29-year-old woman was attempting to cross Marston Street when she was struck by a motorcycle travelling at speed.
The serious collision caused the woman to be airborne. She landed several metres away, sustaining serious leg and possible internal injuries.
Initial investigations indicate the rider came off the motorcycle but was able to regroup and rode away from the scene. Police are seeking to locate the rider.
The woman was taken by ambulance to Royal Hobart Hospital where she remains in a critical, but stable condition.
Tasmania Police Crash Investigation Services attended the crash, and a section of Marston Road was closed for about three hours to enable further investigation.
Officers from South East CIB, with the assistance of uniformed officers, conducted door knocks and further inquiries.
Any witnesses to the crash, or members of the public who have video or CCTV footage of the incident, are asked to contact police on 131 444.
You can also report anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperstas.com.au
Source: Government of Western Australia
The City of Wanneroo’s $18 million Dordaak Kepup Library and Youth Innovation Hub has been recognised with three major honours at the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia (IPWEA) WA Excellence Awards, announced on Friday 13 March 2026.
The landmark Landsdale community facility, which opened in December 2025, was named the Best Public Works Project over $5 million and also took out the Excellence in Innovation and Best of the Best Project categories/GK Watters Local Government Engineering Excellence Award.
Dordaak Kepup – which means Place of Living Waters – features a modern library with youth focused facilities including a gaming zone, recording and podcasting studios, a demonstration kitchen and dedicated STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) activity areas.
The winning did not stop there, with the Hester Avenue and Connolly Drive roundabout safety upgrade winning the Best Public Works Project (under $2 million) and Excellence in Road Safety awards.
The Yellagonga Bird Viewing Structure and Path at Lake Joondalup Park was also a finalist in the Best Public Works Project ($2 million-$5 million) category, while Aaron MacNish, Manager Fleet Services, was named Emerging Young Leader for his leadership and innovation.
Wanneroo Mayor Linda Aitken said the City’s success at the IPWEA awards was fitting recognition of some the great infrastructure work being undertaken across the City.
“A sincere thank you to all the dedicated staff who contributed to these achievements. These awards reflect not only the exceptional work behind these projects, but also the commitment and professionalism shown every day across the entire City of Wanneroo team,” she said.
“Our community benefits from the passion and expertise of so many people working and successes like this are only possible because of the collective effort of the whole organisation.”
Background
The Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia (IPWEA) is a professional organisation providing member services and advocacy for those involved in delivering public works and engineering services to the community.
Source: New South Wales Health – State Government
NSW Health is advising people in western and northern Sydney to be alert for signs and symptoms of measles after being notified of three new confirmed cases.
Two of the cases are known to have acquired their infection locally as they attended one of the listed NSW exposure sites at the same time as a confirmed case earlier this month.
However, it is unknown where the third new case acquired their infection as they have not had any recent overseas travel. The source of their infection is under investigation.
The new cases visited several locations across western and northern Sydney while unknowingly infectious, including healthcare facilities.
A full list of locations is available on the NSW Health website. Exposure locations and times are updated regularly.
People who attended these locations should watch for symptoms of measles. These locations do not pose an ongoing risk.
If it has been less than 6 days since the exposure at these locations and you are pregnant, have a weakened immune system or have an infant who was exposed, you are advised to contact your local Public Health Unit on 1300 066 055.
There is currently an increased risk of measles in NSW, with 33 cases confirmed since 1 January 2026.
NSW Health Director of Communicable Diseases, Dr Christine Selvey said people should monitor for symptoms of measles, particularly if they have visited any of the exposure locations at the listed time.
“If symptoms develop and you’ve been at one of the locations at the time listed above, see your doctor or health service, including an emergency department. Call ahead to let them know that you may have come into contact with measles so you don’t spend time in waiting rooms with other patients,” Dr Selvey said.
“Symptoms to watch out for include fever, sore eyes, runny nose and a cough, usually followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash that spreads from the head and face to the rest of the body.
“Anyone with early symptoms who gets a rash a few days later should also think about measles, even if they haven’t attended one of the identified locations, and seek testing.
“It can take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear after an exposure, so it’s important for people who visited these locations to look out for symptoms for this period.”
Measles is a vaccine preventable disease that is spread through the air when someone who is infectious coughs or sneezes.
“Importantly, we want to remind the community to make sure they are up to date with their vaccinations. Measles vaccine can prevent the disease even after exposure, if given early enough,” Dr Selvey said.
“Anyone born after 1965 needs to ensure they have had two doses of measles vaccine. This is especially important before overseas travel, as measles outbreaks are occurring in several regions of the world at the moment.”
Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and effective and is given free for children at 12 and 18 months of age. It is also free in NSW for anyone born after 1965 who hasn’t already had two doses.
Children under the age of 12 months can have an extra, early, dose of MMR from six months of age if they are travelling overseas. Parents should consult their GP.
People who are unsure of whether they have had two doses should get a vaccine, as additional doses are safe. This is particularly important prior to travel. MMR vaccine is available from GPs (all ages) and pharmacies (people over 5 years of age).
People can also visit the Australian Government Smart Traveller website for information on health risks, including measles outbreaks relevant to their travel destination.
If you, or a loved one, is experiencing measles symptoms, or have questions about measles, please call your GP or Healthdirect on 1800 022 222.
Source: Prime Minister of Australia
ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Thanks for joining us. I’m joined today by Anthea Harris, who we have just appointed the Fuel Supply Taskforce Coordinator.
Since the conflict began a fortnight ago, my Government has been working to protect Australians from the effects of the Middle East war. We’ve already taken a number of significant and indeed unprecedented actions. This morning, I convened the National Cabinet to address fuel security and supply chain preparedness in Australia in response to the conflict in the Middle East. And I thank the premiers and chief ministers who attended this meeting, every one of them at very short notice. And there was a good feeling of common purpose expressed during that meeting.
I want to assure Australians at this time that Australia is well prepared. Our fuel supply is currently secure. However, I want us to be overprepared. I understand there are Australians in some parts of our nation that are really worried as they watch what is unfolding in the Middle East, and that is understandable. But we’re doing all that we can to secure our fuel supply and to get it to the places that need it. I again reiterate today, my message to Australians is please do not take more fuel than you need. That is how you can help. It’s the Australian way to think of others, to think of their neighbours, their community and also to think of the national interest. Only take what you need.
Today, National Cabinet acknowledged that the longer the conflict in the Middle East goes, the more significant the impact will be for global supply chains, fuel prices and the wider economy. And it’s also understood by Australians that this is a global issue that we are dealing with. The conflict is an unprecedented shock to global energy markets. The International Energy Agency has called it the biggest in history. Already, Australians are feeling the consequences of this. And I’m deeply concerned by attacks on civilian and energy infrastructure, including the latest overnight in Qatar. We condemn Iran’s ongoing and reckless reprisal attacks in countries across the region who are not parties to this conflict. We do not want to see the conflict escalate further.
Today, the Commonwealth has appointed Anthea Harris, who joins me here, as the Fuel Supply Taskforce Coordinator to support coordination across governments and sectors. And there will be agreement, every state and territory will appoint someone to work with Ms Harris to make sure that we maximise the coordinated effort during this time. Ms Harris is formerly the CEO of the Australian Energy Regulator and the former Chief Executive Officer of the Energy Security Board. Prior to this she was Deputy Secretary of the Energy Group within the Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning. So, I can’t think of anyone better with more experience, more knowledge, as well as that experience in a state government to be able to coordinate these efforts.
The Fuel Supply Taskforce Coordinator will be responsible for the following: leading a new Fuel Supply Taskforce that will be established in the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet; driving coordination between the Commonwealth and the States and Territories on fuel security and supply chain resilience; providing consistent, coordinated updates to the Commonwealth and States and Territories on our fuel supply outlook; and acting as a single convening point for fuel supply and forward planning. This is a sensible measure to put in place. The Commonwealth Government is of course responsible for fuel security and supply, but it is the States and Territories that are responsible for distribution of are within their jurisdictions. The best outcome is to ensure that Australia is overprepared, and today’s announcement reinforces that approach.
Since the conflict commenced two weeks ago, my Government has taken swift action. We’ve released up to 20 per cent of our diesel and fuel reserves to help address regional shortages. And part of that announcement was that the increase in supply goes to areas of need. We’ve temporarily amended the national fuel standards to make sure that more Australian-made fuels are kept onshore. This is normally fuel made here for export. By temporarily amending the standards, it means that that fuel is now kept here. And we’re cracking down on petrol companies engaging in price gouging. The Minister for Foreign affairs is engaging key international counterparts to help ensure the continued flow of fuel and diesel shipments to Australia from our trading partners. And I’ve been engaged in that process as well. My Government will be announcing more measures to prepare the nation for supply chain challenges over coming days and weeks.
Briefly, I do want to just add, before I take questions, the issue of Cyclone Narelle, which is off the coast of Far North Queensland. This has the potential to be a very dangerous weather event for both North Queensland but also the Northern Territory. The Category 4 cyclone is forecast to strengthen into a Category 5 system before crossing with severe impacts on Friday. And I’ve been engaged and will continue to engage with Premier David Crisafulli as well. And as always, the Commonwealth stands ready to provide whatever assistance is required for both Queensland and for the Northern Territory.
Happy to take questions.
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Thank you.