Month: May 2026

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

RAF EPSTEIN, HOST: Anthony Albanese is the Prime Minister of Australia, at the end of a big week in Australian politics. Good morning.

< ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: 

< EPSTEIN:

< PRIME MINISTER:

< EPSTEIN:

< PRIME MINISTER:

< EPSTEIN: 

< PRIME MINISTER

< EPSTEIN: 

< PRIME MINISTER:

< EPSTEIN: 

< PRIME MINISTER:

< EPSTEIN:

< PRIME MINISTER: 

< EPSTEIN:

< PRIME MINISTER

< EPSTEIN:

< PRIME MINISTER:

< EPSTEIN:

< PRIME MINISTER: 

< EPSTEIN:

< PRIME MINISTER: 

< EPSTEIN:

< PRIME MINISTER: 

< EPSTEIN: 

< PRIME MINISTER:

< EPSTEIN

< PRIME MINISTER: 

< EPSTEIN:

< PRIME MINISTER

< EPSTEIN:

< PRIME MINISTER:

< EPSTEIN:

< PRIME MINISTER:

< EPSTEIN

< PRIME MINISTER:

< EPSTEIN:

< PRIME MINISTER:

< EPSTEIN

< PRIME MINISTER:

< EPSTEIN

< PRIME MINISTER

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

CFA has continued to exceed planned burning and fuel treatment targets over the last two years, further helping to protect Victorians and their properties, agricultural assets, and businesses.

Since June 2025, CFA has completed 170 burning operations across 2,876 hectares.

A recent example of this is when CFA members from Main Ridge, Red Hill, Flinders, Mt Martha, Rye and Balnarring Fire Brigades took part in candling operations along Pindara Road in Arthurs Seat (14 May).

The aim of the day was to work alongside the Mornington Peninsula Shire to reduce the fire hazard around Arthurs Seat and neighbouring residents and businesses.

CFA Planned Burn Operations Officer Graeme Briggs and CFA Commander Nick Bryant said working with residents and brigades to manage fuel loads and reduce bark hazards will help minimise severity of potential ember attack in the event of a fire.

“It has been a working example of interoperability and collaboration between CFA and local Government,” Nick said.

“We are very active in this space for community safety and fire prevention.”

CFA District 8 Vegetation Management Officer Heath Bunting said candling operations are a necessary hazard reduction technique used to remove excessive stringy bark fuel loads.

“Through these practices, the tree itself burns the stringy bark off and collapses onto the ground – removing the fuel load from the tree,” Heath said.

“Reducing fuel decreases the impact of bushfires by lowering its intensity and devastating effects. Lower intensity also makes it easier for firefighters to control a bushfire.”

Planned burning is delivered by CFA and Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) to reduce the impact of bushfires as part of the Joint Management Fuel Program through the identification of areas requiring fuel reduction through risk assessment and local knowledge and consultation.

CFA conducts planned burning along roadsides managed by both the Department of Transport and Planning for major arterial roads, and roadsides managed by Local Municipalities.

CFA Deputy Chief Officer Alen Slijepcevic AFSM said there are many examples of where CFA burns have slowed or halted the spread of fires, increasing the ability of firefighters to control them.

“Our strategic burns have allowed CFA firefighters to contain pockets of a fire at the roadside instead of having the fire jump a road and continue to spread to adjoining properties,” Alen said.

“We saw this throughout the bushfires in 2024-25 in the Cavendish area.”

CFA also delivers planned burns on behalf of and at the request of landowners by local brigades supported by the CFA’s Planned Burn Taskforce, made up of more than 900 volunteers statewide.

Landowners have started to manage their fuel loads around their properties ahead of the next fire season and since 9 March 2026, there have been more than 29,600 private burn-offs registered.

“CFA also delivers a range of alternative non-burning fuel reduction activities where appropriate, such as grass slashing, and mulching,” Alen said.

“It is important to note that planned burning is an important component to reduce the risk of bushfires in Victoria and provides benefits for fire suppression, however it is not a panacea and it needs to work in unison with other fire prevention measures and response system.”

Submitted by	CFA media

Source:

Issue date: Friday, 15 May 2026

The new Parliamentary Joint Committee on Defence (PJCD) has commenced its work in examining Defence policy, capability development, and administration and expenditure, with an emphasis on long‑term effectiveness and strategic outcomes. At its first meeting on 12 May, the committee elected Senator Deborah O’Neill as Chair and Senator Dave Sharma as Deputy Chair.

Senator Deborah O’Neill said she was honoured to take on the role of Chair.

“Australia is contending with the most complex and demanding strategic environment that it has faced in decades,” she said. “Every Australian has a stake in the success of our resilience, preparedness and capabilities.”

“Parliament has chosen to give this committee stronger powers and a more robust structure to provide necessary bipartisan scrutiny of the agencies involved in our national defence. We will work to ensure Australians are informed about the work and impact of our investments in defence, and the skilled jobs and business growth opportunities that strengthening our sovereign capability and supply chain network provides. In addition, the committee’s new capabilities to obtain private and secure briefings from relevant agencies will ensure proper parliamentary oversight of defence while not compromising national security.”

Deputy Chair, Senator Dave Sharma, said “There is no more important role for the Parliament than protecting the security, interests and way of life of the Australian people, and defending Australia’s sovereignty and national freedoms. With the continued deterioration in Australia’s strategic environment, characterised by growing risk and uncertainty, this task is more vital than ever.

“I look forward to working closely with Chair Senator Deborah O’Neill to ensure the Committee makes an enduring contribution to Australia’s national security and strengthens our national preparedness.”

The PJCD will oversee not only the Department of Defence but a number of other Australian defence agencies including the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and the Australian Submarine Agency. The PJCD welcomes the cooperation of Defence and its portfolio agencies as it embarks on its new oversight responsibilities and emphasises the Committee’s intention to work constructively, rigorously and in the public interest.

Media inquiries

For background information

Committee Secretariat
Ph: 02 6277 4504
pjcd@aph.gov.au

For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right-hand corner of the page.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force is launching Palmerston-based Operation Ventura on Monday 18 May, to combat elevated crime and anti-social activity in the area.

Recent crime statistic trends have highlighted a concerning rise in numbers of assaults and total property offences across Palmerston.

Operation Ventura will act as a circuit breaker to reduce crime in Palmerston with high visible policing, strong enforcement, and co-ordinated support for the community.

Police will take immediate enforcement action on detected offending, with a focus on non-compliance with Domestic Violence Orders (DVOs), court orders, and bail conditions.

High-visibility patrols will be deployed in hotspot areas at peak times and wanding operations and traffic enforcement will support broader public safety outcomes.

Our partner agencies will aim to support vulnerable and displaced individuals by providing welfare checks, referrals and connection to support services in order to reduce harm and prevent escalation where possible.

Operation Ventura will include:

• NT Police, (including the new Police Public Safety Officers scheduled to graduate from training on 26 June 2026.)

• Public Order Response Unit

• Larrakia Nation

• Department of Logistics and Infrastructure (Transit Safety Officers)

• Department of Housing, Local Government and Community Development (Public Housing Safety Officers)

• Department of Children and Families

• City of Palmerston

• Neptune Security

• Licensing NT

• Department of Education and Training (School Engagement Officers)

• Department of Health

Acting Commissioner Travis Wurst said “Our message is clear. Police are present, active and responding to community concerns.

“The Northern Territory Police Force wants the community to feel safe in knowing that there will be an increased police presence across Palmerston, particularly the known hotspots where anti-social behaviour and criminal offending is occurring.

“Operation Ventura is about engaging with the Palmerston community and we encourage people to come say hello when you see us out and about.”

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force (NTPF) has arrested and charged a 25-year-old male in Alice Springs in relation to the public display of a hate symbol.

Police received information that in late December 2025, an adult male attended a business in Alice Springs with a visible Swastika tattoo on his leg.  

NTPF detectives commenced an investigation and subsequently identified a 25-year-old male.

Yesterday, members from the Southern Drug Investigation Unit arrested the male on Bath Street. As part of the investigation, police executed a search warrant at the offender’s home address in Elder Street and seized items indicative of drug supply.

He was conveyed to the Alice Springs Watch House and has since been charged with:

• Public display of prohibited Nazi symbol

He was remanded in custody to appear in the Alice Springs Local Court today. 

Source: State of Victoria Local Government 2

Bendigo’s performing arts scene is hitting a high note this May, with a sold-out local theatre production and landmark orchestral festival set to draw audiences from across the region and beyond.

The City of Greater Bendigo is celebrating the success of shows from performance partners Bendigo Theatre Company and Bendigo Symphony Orchestra, with a sold-out season of Priscilla Queen of the Desert taking to the Ulumbarra Theatre stage until May 17, and the upcoming Beethoven Festival from May 29 to 31.

The Bendigo Theatre Company’s vibrant production of Priscilla Queen of the Desert marks the first time the much-loved musical has been staged in Bendigo, delighting audiences with its high-energy performances, dazzling costumes and celebration of community and inclusion.

Following closely behind, the Bendigo Symphony Orchestra’s 45th anniversary Beethoven Festival brings together five orchestras for one of the most ambitious musical events presented in regional Australia.

Musicians will travel from Ballarat, Melbourne, and Adelaide to join local talent in performing the complete cycle of Beethoven’s nine symphonies – a rare opportunity to hear this extraordinary body of work across one weekend.

Manager Bendigo Venues & Events Julie Amos said the back-to-back events highlight the strength and vibrancy of Bendigo’s arts and culture sector.

“Seeing a locally produced musical sell out at Ulumbarra Theatre is a fantastic achievement and speaks to the incredible talent and dedication of our community,” Ms Amos said.

“Priscilla Queen of the Desert is a joyful celebration that has clearly resonated with audiences, and it’s wonderful to see such strong support for local theatre.

“The upcoming Beethoven Festival will further cement Bendigo’s reputation as a destination for major cultural experiences and will be a real treat for classical music lovers.

“To present the complete cycle of Beethoven symphonies in a single weekend is an extraordinary undertaking and a rare opportunity for audiences.

“The festival will bring musicians and visitors to Bendigo and showcases the depth of artistic excellence we have in regional Victoria.”

Audiences are encouraged to keep an eye on upcoming performances across Bendigo’s venues as a dynamic calendar of events continues throughout the year.

To purchase tickets to the Beethoven Festival and for more information about upcoming shows and events, visit:

Source: South Australia County Fire Service

Issued on
15 May 2026 10:32

Warning area
Meningie in the Coorong region.

Warning level
Advice – Avoid Smoke

Action
Smoke from MENINGIE is in the Meningie township area.

Smoke can affect your health. You should stay informed and be aware of the health impacts of smoke on yourself and others.

Symptoms of exposure includes shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing, burning eyes, running nose, chest tightness, chest pain and dizziness or light-headedness.

If you or anyone in your care are having difficulty breathing, seek medical attention from your local GP. If your symptoms become severe, call 000.

More information will be provided by the CFS when it is available.

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

he Albanese Labor Government has now helped more than 250,000 Australians buy a home through the 5% Deposit Scheme, helping a new generation of Australians get into home ownership.

This has helped Australians save more than $2.3 billion on Lenders Mortgage Insurance costs and taken years off the time it takes to get into a home. 

This milestone builds on the Government’s housing plan announced in the Budget to build more homes, make the tax system fairer and help more Australians realise the dream of home ownership with reforms to negative gearing and the capital gains tax.

For too long, too many Australians have worked hard, done all the right things, and still felt locked out of home ownership.

That’s why the Albanese Labor Government is focused on tackling the housing challenge from every responsible angle: helping Australians buy a home, building more homes more quickly, getting renters a better deal and making the housing system fairer for younger Australians trying to get ahead.

Since coming to office, the Government has helped more than 250,000 Australians into home ownership, including more than 172,000 Australians in metro areas, and more than 81,000 Australians across regional and remote Australia.

< Labor’s plan for a housing system that works for Australians

• < Helping Australians buy a home:
• < Building more homes, more quickly:
• < Banning foreign investors from buying existing homes:
• < Making renting fairer and more affordable:
• < Backing Australians doing it toughest:

This milestone shows Labor remains the party of home ownership, and the party of aspiring homeowners.

Attributable to the Prime Minister:

“We are making it easier and fairer for young Australians to buy their first home.

“Our 5 per cent deposits have now helped 250,000 first home buyers get into the housing market.

“This is helping people into home ownership sooner, while saving them money along the way.

“This year’s Budget is helping 75,000 more Australians into their first home by making the tax rules fairer and by building more homes.

“We’re delivering more tax cuts, giving people a fair crack at buying their first home, and an economy that works for Australians, businesses and future generations.”

Attributable to the Treasurer, Jim Chalmers:

“This Budget delivers more homes and a fairer go for first home buyers.

“Whether it’s five per cent deposits, more help for first homebuyers or by building more homes, we’re coming at this housing challenge from every responsible angle.

“We know it’s too hard for too many Australians to buy their own home and get ahead and that’s why we’re investing in housing supply, making our tax system fairer and putting first home buyers ahead of foreign investors.”

Attributable to Minister for Housing, Clare O’Neil:

“We know that the housing system feels stacked against first home buyers so we’re levelling the playing field and building more homes.

“I don’t care what your politics is, 250,000 first homebuyers is a staggering number of people to have helped into homeownership, and there are thousands more to come.

“We want more homes and more home owners, and that’s what we’re working to deliver.”

Source: State of Victoria Local Government 2

Watch and admire the creative energy of nine mural artists as they set to work to transform Pennyweight Walk in the heart of the city centre with a new vibrant open-air gallery from May 16-24.

The City of Greater Bendigo’s A Week in the Lane initiative will see a variety of selected local and street artists paint new murals live on site, only using brushes and/or rollers.

The nine artists were selected following an expression of interest in March for local mural and street artists to deliver new vibrant pieces of public art based on their individual theme choice.

Bendigo Venues & Events Manager Julie Amos said this was an exciting creative project for the city centre.

“The chosen artists were selected for their passion for colour, place and storytelling, and individual themes,” Ms Amos said.

“This is a wonderful celebration of Greater Bendigo’s creative spirit as they transform the laneway with fresh colour and vibrancy.

“The nine new murals will be unveiled as part of A Week in the Lane between May 16-24.

“Community members are encouraged to drop in throughout the week to see the works in progress, meet the artists, and experience the laneway’s evolving transformation. It’s a great reason for residents and visitors to explore the city centre and appreciate the new murals.”

The refreshed Pennyweight Walk will be celebrated at a launch on Sunday May 24, 2026 at 2pm. All are welcome.

Artists involved: Frankie O, Kim Lowe, Louise Davis, Wes Franklin, Tomi McManus, Kate Smith, Alicia Huddy, Maxine Thomson and Narsha Kang.

Source:

Issue date: Friday, 15 May 2026

The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Primary Industries will hold public hearings in Sydney and Dubbo as part of its inquiry into factors shaping social licence and economic development outcomes for critical minerals projects across Australia.

On Monday, 18 May 2026 the Committee will hear from a range of stakeholders, including mining and mineral processing companies, local government, academics and unions about the economic potential and social licence requirements of critical minerals projects.

On Tuesday, 19 May 2026 the Committee will meet with representatives of local government in western New South Wales to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing communities in the regions, as well as a leading proponent of critical minerals development.

Committee Chair, Meryl Swanson, said: ‘Effective engagement, economic participation, and socially and economically sustainable development are key factors shaping social licence and economic development outcomes for critical minerals projects. The Committee is keen to explore ways to ensure that socially acceptable and economically beneficial outcomes are achieved by the critical minerals sector, for the benefit of mining regions and the nation.’

More information on the inquiry, including the full terms of reference and details on making a submission, can be found on the inquiry website.

Public hearings

Date: Monday, 18 May 2026
Time: 9.00am – 3.20pm (AEST)
Location: Cliftons, Level 13, 60 Margeret Street, Sydney.

Date: Tuesday, 19 May 2026
Time: 9.00am – 11.30am (AEST)
Location: Jacaranda Room, Dubbo RSL, Corner of Brisbane and Wingewarra Streets, Dubbo.

A program for the public hearing is available on the inquiry website. A live broadcast of the hearing will also be available on the APH website.

Media inquiries

Rosa Grine, Media Advisor, Office of Meryl Swanson MP

Meryl.Swanson.MP@aph.gov.au

0406 223 537

For background information

Committee Secretariat
02 6277 4500
pic.reps@aph.gov.au

For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right-hand corner of the page.