Month: April 2026

Source: Australia Government Statements 2

Good morning, everyone.

I would like to begin by acknowledging the Gadigal people of the Eora nation, the traditional custodians of the land on which we meet today and pay my respects to Elders past and present.

Thank you for the opportunity to join you this morning for this Australia-China Breakfast Forum on Football and Trade. We are meeting just ahead of the FIFA Series, which brings together Australia, China, Cameroon and Curacao, and delivers on football’s promise of international engagement here in Australia.

Football is the world’s game. It is played in every corner of the globe, understood across languages and has the unique ability to bring people together in shared moments of excitement, pride and celebration.

But football is more than a sport. It is also a bridge – connecting people, economies, institutions and ideas.

And that is very much the theme of this morning – football as a bridge for economic partnership between Australia and China.

Over the past several weeks, we have seen a veritable festival of football between our two countries. We have of course seen the marvellous AFC Women’s Asia Cup. Let me of course congratulate Japan on its victory. But let me also delight in the strong performance of the Matildas who made the final. And of the Steel Roses from China, with whom the Matildas played an epic semi-final.

The AFC Women’s Asia Cup proved just how powerful football can be. More than 35 thousand people filled the Perth Stadium in the semi-final, and more than 70 thousand people filled the Accor Stadium in Sydney for the final.

And right now, we also have the Men’s FIFA Series and the Australia-China Friendship Series, with the Young Socceroos currently in Yiwu, China.

These exchanges are not only about sport. They are about relationships, trust and engagement – the foundations of any strong economic partnership.

Australia’s relationship with China is complex, important and deeply interconnected economically.

We continue to work patiently and deliberately towards a stable and constructive relationship with China, in Australia’s national interest.

China is Australia’s largest trading partner and will remain so for the foreseeable future. Total two-way goods and services trade between Australia and China was valued at over $300 billion in 2024, representing around a quarter of Australia’s total trade.

We want to continue to grow this economic relationship in a risk-informed way. Sustained engagement has helped stabilise the relationship, without compromising Australia’s interests or values.

Both countries have recognised that people-to-people links – including sport – are an important part of this relationship. Sport provides a practical, positive and forward-looking way for our countries to engage.

And football, in particular, is uniquely placed to play this role.

Football is not just a sport – it is an ecosystem. It brings together broadcasters, sponsors, technology companies, sports scientists, universities, venues, tourism operators and digital platforms. When Australian and Chinese stakeholders collaborate through football – whether via leagues, clubs, tournaments, or development programs – they are activating value chains that extend far beyond the pitch.

We are already seeing this in practice. Australian coaches are working in Chinese professional clubs and national teams. Chinese players are playing in the Women’s and Men’s A League. Club-to-club relationships and football academies are enabling exchanges in coaching, sports science and high-performance systems.

These collaborations generate commercial opportunities, build professional networks – and perhaps most importantly – create long-term institutional relationships and trust.

Education is another important part of this story. Australian universities and training institutions have world-class capabilities in sports management, physiotherapy, data analytics, and high-performance coaching. Partnerships between Australian institutions and Chinese football organisations allow knowledge, skills and innovation to flow in both directions.

This is where football intersects with innovation and the future economy. Modern football is not only played in the field – it is also played through data, broadcasting, digital engagement, gaming and fan technology. These are areas where Australian and Chinese companies, start-ups and research institutions have real opportunities to collaborate.

Major sporting events also drive tourism, investment and global visibility. They showcase destinations, infrastructure, services and capabilities. In that sense, football – is also a platform for trade promotion, investment attraction and national branding.

At the community level, football plays an equally important role. Youth exchanges, grassroots programs, and coach development initiatives bring young Australians and Chinese together, building cultural literacy and lifelong connections. Our Young Socceroos currently in China are experiencing exactly this – representing Australia, learning about China and building friendships that may last decades.

Sport also provides a form of engagement that can continue regardless of broader circumstances. Friendly matches, joint exchanges and development programs create positive momentum and maintain communication channels. In that way, football contributes to stability in the broader relationship. Who can forget that beautiful moment last Tuesday when former Canberra United teammates, Australia’s Michelle Heyman and China’s Wu Chengshu swapped jerseys after the Asia Cup Semifinal.

Broadcast and increased digital coverage of the game give us all sideline seats to these exciting moments.

Looking ahead, we see significant opportunities for Australia and China to continue working together through sport – through high-performance systems, sports technology, integrity and governance, major events, education and training, and tourism and services.

As Australia enters what we call the green and gold decade – with a series of major international sporting events leading up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games – these opportunities will only grow.

Football, as the world’s most global game, will continue to play an important role – not only bringing fans together, but also bringing businesses, institutions and countries closer together.

So when we talk about football as a bridge, we are really talking about something much bigger.

A bridge between people, a bridge between economies, a bridge between cultures – and a bridge towards future cooperation.

There is much to look forward to in the Australia-China relationship and sport – particularly football – will continue to be an important part of that story.

Thank you.

Source: Australia Government Statements 2

On this 40th anniversary of the Cairns Group, ministers reaffirmed their ongoing commitment to advancing agricultural trade reform that achieves long-term food security, economic development, and social and environmental sustainability.

The Cairns Group is a coalition of 20 agricultural exporting nations formed in 1986 that represents over one-third of the world’s agricultural exports, with Australia playing a leading role as a nation with internationally valued agricultural products.

It advocates within the World Trade Organization (WTO) for free, fair and market-oriented trade, particularly through the reduction of trade-distorting subsidies.

Meeting in Cameroon, Cairns Group Ministers reiterated their commitment to rules-based trade reform and discussed how the rules could address the existing and emerging challenges facing agricultural markets. 
Progressing discussions for market-based reform to agricultural trade rules, while addressing the food security concerns shared by all countries, is a key priority for the Group.

Quotes attributable to the Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Matt Thistlethwaite:

“Our competitiveness as a key exporter of world class agricultural products across the world is reliant on a fair and open trading system.”

“But like most countries, our farmers are vulnerable to market uncertainties that colour the trading landscape.”

“The Australian Government remains committed to helping farmers including addressing trade rules which ensure greater fairness and predictability in global agricultural markets.”

Source: Australia Safe Travel Advisories

The Middle East conflict is likely to escalate further. Even transiting a ‘Do not travel’ travel hub puts your safety at risk. Airports have been targeted and you may be unable to leave. Check your itinerary for ‘Do not travel’ transit locations.

Source: Australia Government Statements 2

Ahead of the 14th World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial Conference (MC14), the Australian Government has announced $13 million to be delivered over the next five years towards the WTO’s support for developing countries.

Australia’s investment will support greater participation by developing countries in the multilateral trading system through the WTO. This will bolster economic resilience and expand their participation in the green and digital economies.

Australia will deepen its partnerships with the Standards and Trade Development Facility and WTO Fisheries Funding Mechanism, with new commitments of $4 million and $2 million respectively.

These contributions will help developing countries implement international agriculture and biosecurity standards, advance sustainable development, and protect livelihoods while supporting the conservation of marine resources.

Australia will also extend its partnership with the World Bank, providing an additional $4 million to help countries streamline customs procedures and implement the WTO E‑Commerce Agreement. This investment will help open new markets and make trade more inclusive.

A further $3 million to the Advisory Centre on WTO Law will help developing countries build legal capacity and take full advantage of the multilateral trading system.

Quotes attributable to Minister for International Development, Anne Aly:

“Australia is continuing to invest in a stronger, more stable and more prosperous region through supporting developing countries to access global trade opportunities. This not only deepens Australia’s relationships across our region and beyond but also supports or shared economic growth.”

“We’re building the trusted partnerships we need, supporting a more open and inclusive trading system, and reinforcing Australia as a constructive and reliable partner.”

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Matt Thistlethwaite: 

“Australia has always championed open markets and fair and transparent trading rules.”

“By supporting partners to modernise customs processes, enhance regulatory standards, and strengthen legal capability in the WTO, Australia is helping build the foundations for long-term, sustainable economic growth across our region.”

Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

The Australian Government is pressing ahead with a renewed National Cultural Policy by establishing Expert Panels and a Policy Advisory Group.

Industry leaders with expertise in writing, music, painting, production, directing and industry have been appointed to inform the new policy.

Five Expert Panels have been established under each of our continuing pillars: First Nations First, Centrality of the Artist, A Place for Every Story, Strong Cultural Infrastructure, and Engaging the Audience.

The panels will inform the Minister for the Arts and the Policy Advisory Group on key issues and themes raised through the public consultation process. 

The nine member Policy Advisory Group will provide expert advice and industry perspectives.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke:

“Each member brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that will help lay the foundation where for the first time there will have been consecutive national cultural policies.

“Welcome to the new members, thank you for playing a role in delivering the next National Cultural Policy for all Australians.”

Quotes attributable to the Special Envoy for the Arts, Susan Templeman:

“Our next National Cultural Policy must reflect the diversity and aspirations of the cultural sector itself.

“These panels bring together an extraordinary group of Australians who have distinguished themselves in their service to our cultural life.

“Their involvement and their insight will ensure that the voice of the sector rings clearly through the policy we introduce.”

Expert Panels:

First Nations First

• Mr Darren Dale – Producer and Managing Director, Blackfella Films
• Mr Chad Creighton – Chief Executive Officer, Aboriginal Art Centre Hub of WA (AACHWA)
• Ms Ping Flynn – Executive Director and Co-Chief Executive Officer, Ilbijerri Theatre Company

A Place for Every Story

• Ms Tracey Corbin-Matchett OAM – Chief Executive Officer, Bus Stop films
• Mr Bruce Gladwin – Artistic Director and Co-Chief Executive Officer, Back to Back Theatre
• Ms Courtney Stewart – Artistic Director, La Boite Theatre

Centrality of the Artist

• Ms Holly Greenwood – Visual Artist
• Mr Rob Sitch – Chief Executive Officer, Working Dog Productions
• Dr Sophie Payten BMed MD, MPH (AKA Gordi) – Musician,  Gordi Music

Strong Cultural Infrastructure

• Mr Bruce Meagher – Chair, Griffin Theatre Company. Head of Public Affairs, Tattarang Pty Limited
• Ms Claire Spencer AM – Executive Director, Australian Ballet
• Mr S. Shakthidharan – Director and Co-Founder, Kurinji

Engaging the Audience

• Ms Astrid Jorgensen OAM – Founder and director, Pub Choir
• Mr Jeff Khan – Creative Director Asia TOPA, Arts Centre Melbourne 
• Mr John Foreman AM – Musical Director, Pianist and Composer

Policy Advisory Group:

• Ms Rosheen Garnon – Deputy Chair, Australia Council Board of Creative Australia
• Dr Nell Greenwood – Chief Executive Officer, Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS)
• Mr Adrian Collette AM – Chief Executive Officer, Creative Australia
• Mr Dean Ormston – Chief Executive Officer, Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA), Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society (AMCOS)
• Professor Sarah Holland-Batt FAHA FQA- Head of Creative Writing, University of Technology Sydney
• Ms Brenna Hobson – Director of Programming, Sydney Opera House
• Ms Deirdre Brennan – Chief Executive Officer, Screen Australia
• Mr Simon Abrahams – Creative Director and Chief Executive Officer, Melbourne Fringe
• Professor Wesley Enoch AM – Chair, Australia Council Board of Creative Australia

 

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force is calling for information in relation to an indecent assault in Anula in the early hours of this morning.

Around 3:30am, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received a report an adult male had indecently assaulted a young person under 15 years old who was asleep in bed at an address in Fergusson Street.

The victim had woken while being indecently assaulted by the male.

The victim alerted their mother afterwards.

The offender is described as a middle-aged adult male with a dark complexion and short hair. He was last seen wearing a light-coloured button-up shirt and beige cargo shorts.

Police believe that the offender was let in by a child staying at the residence.

Detectives from the Sex Crimes Section are investigating and anyone with information is urged to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 and quote reference number P26098372 or report anonymously via crimestoppersnt.com.au.

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Donald Good Friday Appeal Area Manager Dale Anderson, Gisborne Fire Brigade members Sandra Barotta and Mark Carter, Acting Chief Officer Alen Slijepcevic

In CFA’s 75th year supporting the Good Friday Appeal, the generosity of Victorians right across the state has exceeded expectations, helping us raise an incredible $2,150,000 for The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH).

Once again, CFA volunteers were out in force (3 April) both on their fire trucks and on foot, making their way around local streets rattling tins all morning to raise vital funds in their communities for a much-loved and well-respected cause.

As a major fundraiser for the Appeal, and one that hits close to home, CFA has now raised more than $43 million over an impressive 75 years.

It was also a milestone night for the Appeal as they marked an astonishing 95 years of fundraising, with a record-breaking final tally of $25,268,485.

Acting CFA Chief Officer Alen Slijepcevic AFSM presented the new customised cheque for the momentous year with the total amount CFA contributed to The Royal Children’s Hospital alongside Gisborne Fire Brigade members Mark Carter and Sandra Barotta on Friday night.

“As an organisation, we are incredibly proud our CFA members’ efforts each year who lend their time to fundraise alongside the Victorian community for such a worthwhile cause,” Alen said.

“Thank you to all participating brigades across Victoria for your contribution to this year’s Appeal and for the work you do in your local towns not only to protect them but to also help save young lives.

“Many of our members have required the services of the RCH, and it is an absolute privilege to be a part of raising such important funds and to see direct results of that fundraising that the brigades do put toward technology and research to help our Victorian children.”

As one of the first brigades to fundraise over seven decades ago, Donald Good Friday Appeal Area Manager Dale Anderson joined the festivities in the phone room on Friday night to mark the occasion and present the cheque.

Earlier in the day the brigade’s 1926 Ford Model T truck was also on display at Kids Day Out, having travelled all the way from Donald, stopping in Bridgewater and Gisborne along the way to collect donations, just like they did back in the 1950’s.

“We had such a terrific day engaging with the community, they were incredibly generous along the way, and many had to look twice at our flashing lights,” Dale said.  

“We stopped by the old Herald Sun building to recreate a historical photograph from over 70 years ago, and we even had two women present who were in the original photo as kids. It was very special.”

Viewers at home took a trip down memory lane through a collection of photos and videos showcasing CFA volunteers out in their synonymous yellows interacting with communities.

While, a 3D balloon fire truck was a hit with the kids during the day and those in the phone room at night, as was a special visit from Eynesbury Fire Brigade members to the Royal Children’s Hospital on their way to the counting room.

The money raised for The Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal will be used to ensure kids are provided with the best possible treatment and care. 

Submitted by	CFA media

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

n Good Friday, the Albanese Government is investing to strengthen world-class healthcare for children as part of Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal.  

This year marks 95 years of the Good Friday Appeal and 95 years of the Victorian community coming together in support of young patients and their families.

Our Government will provide $2 million to support the Royal Children’s Hospital to improve access to specialised health care for children throughout Victoria, and to expand its health information service for children and young people nationally.

The builds on the $6 million the Government has already provided to the Good Friday Appeal, funding life-changing treatment, world-class research, leadership and training. It helps attract the brightest minds to care for kids from Victoria and across Australia.

Last year, the Good Friday Appeal, together with the Royal Children’s Hospital, distributed $3 million to 41 regional health services to fund equipment, training and education.

This allowed families to receive care closer to home and was described as a “game changer” by regional health services.

Every year, thousands of people volunteer their time, experience and creativity to organise fundraising events and activities to support the hospital, culminating in the telethon on Good Friday. 

Anyone wishing to make a contribution or learn more about the patients, volunteers and staff at the hospital can visit www.goodfridayappeal.com.au. 

< Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Albanese:

“For 95 years, the Good Friday Appeal has been about people pitching in and helping out people who need it the most. That’s the Australian way.

“Nothing matters more than the health and wellbeing of our children, and this funding will help make sure more kids get the care they need, closer to home.

“The Royal Children’s Hospital does incredible work and this investment will help them reach more children across Victoria.

“I thank every volunteer and supporter who makes the Good Friday Appeal possible because your generosity is changing lives.”

< Quotes attributable to Deputy Prime Minister Marles:

“The Albanese Government’s support for the Good Friday Appeal is about providing greater access to health care in regional Victoria, meaning greater access closer to home and reducing the burden on families and their loved ones.

“Having grown up with the Good Friday Appeal, I know Victorians will be digging deep today in support of a truly terrific cause.  

< Quotes attributable to Minister Butler: 

“The Good Friday Appeal for the Royal Children’s Hospital is a fabulous cause with a rich history. 

“The Royal Children’s Hospital uses these funds for projects that lift paediatric care to a new level and help to spread its excellence in care for more children and families, in more places, closer to home.”

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

A Northern Territory Police Force vehicle was involved in a two-vehicle crash in Millner yesterday afternoon.

While approaching a crash scene it was attending, a marked police van was rear-ended by a civilian vehicle.

Both occupants of the civilian vehicle sustained minor bruises.

The driver of the police vehicle suffered an injury to his shoulder was conveyed to Royal Darwin Hospital for treatment. The passenger was uninjured.

The crash is under investigation with oversight from the Professional Standards Command.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested one male in relation to an aggravated burglary and robbery in Alice Springs overnight.

Around 1:50am, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received a report four males, including one allegedly armed with an edged weapon, entered a residence on Bloomfield Street, Gillen.

The victim, a 26-year-old male who is house-sitting the residence, woke to find the four males inside the house and they demanded car keys from him.

The four offenders fled the scene in two separate dark blue Honda CRVs.

One of the vehicles has since been recovered by police and an 18-year-old male has been arrested.

The other offenders remain outstanding and investigations are ongoing.

Anyone with information or footage including CCTV is urged to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report anonymously via crimestoppersnt.com.au.