Month: May 2026

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Issue date: Friday, 15 May 2026

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works has recently commenced an inquiry into proposed works by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) under the Public Works Committee Act 1969.

The ATO is proposing to fit out its new leased premises at Festival Tower 2, King William Road, Adelaide. This will replace the ATO’s only existing site in Adelaide at 23 Franklin Street in the CBD, which the ATO notes is no longer fit-for-purpose. The works propose to fit out 19,000 square metres of office accommodation over 11 floors to support continued ATO operations in Adelade and enhance organisational agility and flexibility. The estimated cost of the proposed works in $73.4 million (excluding GST).

The Committee invites interested individuals and organisations to make submissions by Wednesday, 24 June 2026. More information is available on the inquiry website.

Please note: the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works is not involved in the tendering process, awarding of contracts or details of the proposed works. Enquiries on these matters should be directed to the relevant Commonwealth entities.

Media inquiries

Mr Tony Zappia MP, Chair of Standing Committee on Public Works
(08) 8265 3100

For background information

Committee secretariat
02 6277 4636
pwc@aph.gov.au

For more information about this Committee, you can visit its www.aph.gov.au/pwc. 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.

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Commonwealth Solicitor changes

Source: Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions

Commonwealth Solicitor changes
jade.hall@cdpp…

Date

After 38 years in the public service, 37 of those with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (Cth) (CDPP), including two years as the Commonwealth Solicitor for Public Prosecutions, Mark de Crespigny has announced his retirement and will have his last day in the Office on 19 June. 

Director of Public Prosecutions, Raelene Sharp KC, said the announcement marked the end of a career of service and dedication to the Office and the community. 

“Across his career Mark worked on many high profile matters including matters involving corporate fraud, people smuggling prosecutions and cases arising from the introduction of the mandatory sentencing regime for Commonwealth child sexual abuse matters.”

“It is rare to find someone so committed to service to the Australian Public Service, and even more to one organisation. Both the staff and the Office have benefited greatly from his experience, knowledge and commitment.”

“I am particularly grateful for the counsel, leadership and support Mark provided me since I was appointed,” she said. 

After a competitive recruitment process, Warren Day, the former CEO of ASIC, was selected as the next CSPP.

The Director welcomes Warren into this role, saying he brings extensive experience in executive leadership, Government administration and litigation. 

“Warren is a great asset to have here, he is a strong leader with innovative ideas for how continual improvement will strengthen the CDPP into the future,” she said. 

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Commonwealth Solicitor changes

Source: Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions

Commonwealth Solicitor changes
jade.hall@cdpp…

Date

After 38 years in the public service, 37 of those with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (Cth) (CDPP), including two years as the Commonwealth Solicitor for Public Prosecutions, Mark de Crespigny has announced his retirement and will have his last day in the Office on 19 June. 

Director of Public Prosecutions, Raelene Sharp KC, said the announcement marked the end of a career of service and dedication to the Office and the community. 

“Across his career Mark worked on many high profile matters including matters involving corporate fraud, people smuggling prosecutions and cases arising from the introduction of the mandatory sentencing regime for Commonwealth child sexual abuse matters.”

“It is rare to find someone so committed to service to the Australian Public Service, and even more to one organisation. Both the staff and the Office have benefited greatly from his experience, knowledge and commitment.”

“I am particularly grateful for the counsel, leadership and support Mark provided me since I was appointed,” she said. 

After a competitive recruitment process, Warren Day, the former CEO of ASIC, was selected as the next CSPP.

The Director welcomes Warren into this role, saying he brings extensive experience in executive leadership, Government administration and litigation. 

“Warren is a great asset to have here, he is a strong leader with innovative ideas for how continual improvement will strengthen the CDPP into the future,” she said. 

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CFA strengthens Pacific partnership through fire investigation training

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

CFA is helping build capability amongst its Pacific partners, recently hosting seven firefighters from the Samoa Fire and Emergency Services Authority for a 10-day fire investigation training program at its Huntly campus.

Held from 20 April to 2 May 2026, the course was designed to strengthen specialist skills in determining the origin and cause of fires.  

Fire investigation plays a vital role in fire prevention by identifying the causes of fires, preserving evidence at fire scenes and analysing trends to prevent further incidents.

The program combined theoretical learning with practical, scenario-based exercises at CFA’s purpose-built Fire Investigation Training Facility, allowing participants to train in a safe and controlled environment.  

The Samoa Fire and Emergency Services Authority provides firefighting, rescue and ambulance services to more than 205,000 people across four islands.  

The agency is made up of about 250 career and volunteer firefighters and prior to this training had only one qualified fire investigator. 

Samoa Fire and Emergency Services Authority Senior Station Officer Usufono Latu said the training delivered valuable skills and knowledge that the team could take back to Samoa.  

“We really need more people in this field so that whenever there’s an incident or a fire, one of us can attend,” she said. 

“This training has been on another level. I’ve been involved in a little bit of fire investigation back home, but it doesn’t add up to the content we’ve learned in the [burn] room. 

“This facility is one of the best facilities that I’ve been in since I’ve been…training in firefighting and fire investigation.” 

DCO Operational Doctrine and Training Rohan Luke said the training program reflected CFA’s commitment to supporting regional partners and sharing expertise. 

“We’re proud to support our Pacific neighbours in building specialist capability,” he said. 

“Fire investigation plays an important role in fire prevention. Understanding how and why fires start helps prevent them from happening again.  

“Training like this not only strengthens technical skills, it builds lasting relationships between our agencies.” 

The fire investigation training program aligns with nationally recognised Public Safety Training Package units and covers key areas including structural fire investigation, scene preservation and fire cause analysis. 

“This initiative forms part of CFA’s broader commitment to supporting international partner agencies and strengthening collaboration across the Pacific,” Rohan said.  

“By sharing knowledge and building capability, CFA is helping enhance fire safety outcomes beyond Victoria.” 

Submitted by Shaunnagh O’Loughlin and Alison Smirnoff
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Issue date: Thursday, 14 May 2026

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has today presented its report on its Review of the listing of Hizb ut‑Tahrir as a prohibited hate group under the Criminal Code, backing the Federal Government’s decision to list Hizb ut-Tahrir as a prohibited hate group.

The PJCIS found the organisation has advocated conduct constituting hate crimes against Australians.

Hizb ut-Tahrir was listed in March 2026 under the new prohibited hate group framework – the first listing under new laws enacted by the Parliament earlier this year to stop groups that spread hatred, radicalise our youth and threaten social cohesion in Australia.

The PJCIS conducted an independent review of the listing which found that Hizb ut-Tahrir meets the criteria for listing and that the regulation under Part 5.3B of the Criminal Code Act 1995 was properly made. The Committee supports the listing and found no reason to disallow the legislative instrument.

Chair of the Committee, Senator Raff Ciccone, said:

“The PJCIS carefully examined the evidence before it, including stakeholder views. Based on the evidence, the Committee is satisfied that Hizb ut-Tahrir has advocated conduct constituting hate crimes and that the listing is reasonably necessary to protect the Australian community from harm.

“For too long, organisations like Hizb ut-Tahrir have been able to spread hate and create a pathway for others to engage in violence.

“Australia will not tolerate groups that promote hatred, normalise extremist rhetoric and put the safety of Australians at risk.”

Under the listing, it is a criminal offence to be a member of, recruit for, provide training or funds to, or provide material support to Hizb ut-Tahrir.

Anyone who experiences or witnesses a hate crime is encouraged to report it to the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400.

The full report is available from the Committee’s website.

Media enquiries

Office of Senator Raff Ciccone, Chair of the PJCIS

Contact: Giulio Di Giorgio / 0422 622 760 / Giulio.DiGiorgio@aph.gov.au

For background information

Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on intelligence and Security

(02) 6277 2360 / pjcis@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.

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Appointment of New Australian Public Service Commissioner

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

am pleased to announce the Governor-General has appointed Ms Jacqui Curtis PSM as the Australian Public Service Commissioner.

Ms Curtis is a senior leader in the Australian Public Service and brings extensive experience to the role. Ms Curtis is currently the Chief Operating Officer of the Australian Taxation Office, having held the role since 2016. 

She previously held senior roles at the ATO and the former Department of Human Services.

Ms Curtis also holds the whole-of-APS role of APS Head of Profession for Human Resources, with responsibility for lifting professionalism, capability and ethical standards at system scale.

Ms Curtis was awarded a Public Service Medal in 2022 for outstanding public service in driving change and building capability in the APS as inaugural Head of the APS Human Resources Profession. 

Ms Curtis’ term will commence on 9 June 2026 for a five-year period.

We would like to thank Dr Gordon de Brouwer PSM for his service and leadership as Commissioner. We would also like to thank Dr Subho Banerjee for acting as Commissioner since February 2026.

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Business networking session with training and employment providers

Source: State of Victoria Local Government 2

Businesses are invited to connect with training and employment providers at a unique business networking expo at The Conservatory, All Seasons Resort Hotel on Wednesday June 10 from 10am to 12pm.

This free informative expo, Talent Acquisition Connection Business Networking Event, helps employers to build relationships with local employment services and training providers to attract and retain the right staff for their business needs.

An Employment Services Guide will also be available at the event to provide insights on how services connect.

The event is led by Workforce Australia Local Jobs and Talent Acquisition Connection. The initiative is supported by the City of Greater Bendigo and Be.Bendigo.

City Manager Economy & Experience James Myatt said many employers and career practitioners find it difficult to navigate the number of employment and training providers available locally or understand how they can help.

“This event will explain who does what and builds confidence for businesses to work with the right service providers. These providers can connect businesses with apprentices, trainees, university graduates, and skilled workers who fit their needs,” Mr Myatt said.

Be.Bendigo Chief Executive Hayley Tibbett said this was an important business networking session, not to be missed.

“Workforce shortages, combined with the higher cost of operating in a regional area, continue to hold back business growth,” Ms Tibbett said.

“Supporting businesses to navigate training and employment pathways more easily is critical to strengthening our local workforce and allowing businesses to grow with confidence.”

The free event on June 10 is ideal for local businesses of all sizes, human resources professionals, hiring managers, career practitioners and organisations that support people into training or employment. The aim is to support a more connected and effective labour market, that will greatly benefit employers and jobseekers.

Event highlights:

  • Meet 30-plus employment and training providers at the expo
  • Connect with organisations supporting apprentices, trainees, students, graduates, and skilled workers
  • Learn how employment services can assist with recruitment, training, and retention
  • Gain access to a Bendigo Employment Services Guide to help demystify programs and pathways
  • Network with other employers, human resources professionals, hiring managers and career practitioners

This expo will be followed by another event, Coffee with the Boss, on July 7 at Bendigo TAFE which will introduce employers directly with job seekers through Workforce Australia Services, Transition to Work, Parent Pathways, the Skills and Jobs Centre Bendigo and micro-credential training providers such as YO Bendigo. More details on this event will be announced in a few weeks.

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Press conference – Canberra

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: I’m joined by Senator for Tasmania, Tammy Tyrrell. Tammy Tyrrell is a great Tasmanian and a great Australian. And at 12:30, Tammy Tyrrell will be admitted through the National Executive Committee as a member of the Australian Labor Party and will join the team that is our dynamic Labor Government. She will join the team in Tasmania that’s so strong. Tammy has successfully participated in the Senate and been a good faith negotiator making a difference for Tasmania, as an Independent. Tammy helped to retain the Australian Wine Tourism and Cellar Door Grants program. She campaigned for a review in aged care. She’s been an advocate about cost-of-living pressures facing Tasmanians and she’s someone who has spent her life helping others. People across Tasmania know her as a fighter. She’s someone who’s warm, genuinely funny and compassionate. She also never gives up on people. She’s someone that I’ve developed a relationship with over a period of time since her election to the Senate, as I do across the House of Representatives and the Senate. She’s someone who doesn’t mince her words. She stands up for people and now she will bring that advocacy into the Labor Party as a member of the Labor Caucus and will be able to sit and participate as a member of the Government to be more effective in getting things done. I’ll hand over to Senator Tyrrell and then we’re happy to take just a couple of questions.

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Television interview – ABC Afternoon Briefing

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

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Arrests – Stolen motor vehicle – Alice Springs

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested five male youths in relation to a stolen motor vehicle incident that occurred in Alice Springs earlier today.

Around 7:30am, police responded to an alleged burglary that had occurred at a residence in Kilgariff overnight, during which a Toyota Corolla had been stolen. The victim was able to track its location via GPS.

A resolution strategy was implemented, and tyre deflation devices were successfully deployed on the stolen motor vehicle on Colonel Rose Drive. A police pursuit was initiated, and the vehicle came to a stop in scrubland in Arumbera.

Five male youths aged 13, 14, 14, 15 and 16, were arrested and remain in police custody.

Strike Force Viper has carriage of the investigation and anyone with information is urged to contact police on 131 444. Please quote reference P26138196. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au.