Month: May 2026

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Issue date: Tuesday, 5 May 2026

On Thursday 7 May and Friday 8 May 2026, the Foreign Affairs and Aid Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will hold public hearings as part of its inquiry into the role of Australia’s international development program in preventing conflict.

The Chair of the Subcommittee, the Hon Tim Watts MP, said the hearings are an opportunity to hear from stakeholders about how Australia’s development program contributes to conflict prevention, particularly in fragile and conflict‑affected contexts across the Indo‑Pacific.

‘Australia’s development program plays a critical role in preventing conflict and supporting peace and stability in our region. These hearings will provide valuable insights into what works on the ground, where the challenges lie, and how Australia can strengthen its approach to conflict prevention,’ said Mr Watts.

Over the two days, the Subcommittee will hear evidence from Australian Government agencies, international and Australian non‑government organisations, multilateral institutions, academics and research organisations, and development practitioners with experience in conflict‑affected settings.

The Subcommittee expects to hold further public hearings during May and June.

Further information, including the full terms of reference, is available on the inquiry webpage.

Public Hearing Details

Thursday 7 May 2026
Time: 9.00 am–1.15 pm (AEST)
Venue: Virtual and Committee Room 1R4, Parliament House, Canberra

Friday 8 May 2026

Time: 9.00 am–12.45 pm (AEST)
Venue: Virtual and Committee Room 1R4, Parliament House, Canberra

The hearings will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live.

Media enquiries

Laura Green, Office of the Hon Tim Watts MP
Phone: (03) 9687 7661

For background information

Committee Secretariat
Phone: (02) 6277 2313
 jscfadt@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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Volunteers attend renowned fire and rescue conference

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Six CFA volunteer road crash rescue instructors recently travelled to Indianapolis to attend FDIC International, the largest fire and rescue event in North America.

The annual five-day conference brought together more than 38,000 firefighters and emergency services personnel from around the world. Over 800 exhibitors showcased the latest in firefighting technology, including fire trucks, apparatus, Personel Protecting Equipment (PPE), rescue tools, drones, robotics and thermal imaging. 

One of the main drawcards of the conference is the ability for participants to undertake training through a mix of classroom sessions, workshops, and practical, hands-on exercises. 

Live fire search and rescue props, practical drill areas, and medical and road crash rescue scenarios are set up around the conference facility and made available at surrounding stations, giving participants access to a wide range of equipment and operational environments. 

More than 55 fire trucks were also stationed at this year’s event to support training activities. 

Lakes Entrance Captain Phil Loukes said the conference was an invaluable experience and a strong opportunity to maintain and enhance skills alongside fellow instructors from across the state. 

“We took part in three ‘hot classes’ – hands-on sessions covering critical rescue techniques including the stabilisation of heavy vehicles and equipment, extrication from vehicles, and the safe removal and rescue of people trapped in machinery,” Phil said. 

“These sessions reinforced the importance of adaptability, communication, and safe, methodical rescue practices in complex environments.  

“As trainers and assessors, it is critical that we continue to reflect on and develop our skills as a team. Exposure to different training methods, techniques and approaches challenged our thinking and reinforced the value of learning together as a cohort.”  

Phil said the group made a point of coming together at the end of each day to debrief what they had seen, learned and experienced.  

“These discussions were invaluable in shaping a shared understanding and identifying how we can apply those learnings within CFA training environments,” he added.  

In addition to the training and exhibitions, the conference provided participants with the opportunity to network with other firefighters and emergency services personnel from across the world as well as attend keynote sessions and presentations on topics of interest. 

Phil said these elective sessions were incredibly beneficial, especially those focused on leadership.  

“I was fortunate to attend a lecture by Deputy Chief Frank Viscuso, a respected leader in the USA fire services, on getting the best out of people and managing challenging operational situations,” he said.  

“Those lessons strongly align with how we continue to develop and support our people within CFA.”  

Phil said one of his biggest takeaways was the differences in training and interagency collaboration between fire services around the world.  

“Our training program and skills at CFA are world class and stood out strongly alongside other international services,” he said.  

“The way we work with other emergency services and partner agencies here is also very different and I think that really showed in how effectively we collaborated with crews at the conference.  

“There are strong opportunities to integrate new ideas and approaches, particularly in industrial rescue. There is a real opportunity to integrate what we learned into future CFA training and continue strengthening our rescue capability. 

“The knowledge and skills gained will be shared across CFA through training and development programs to support volunteers and enhance operational capability. 

The volunteers were supported at the conference by CFA’s ACFO Specialist Response Rick Owen AFSM. 

Photos courtesy Phil Smith, Wandin Fire Brigade

Submitted by Shaunnagh O’Loughlin
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Inside a catastrophic fire day

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Isabella Orszulak and Sam Goodwin

Long before the first pager sounded on 9 January 2026, CFA strike teams across Victoria were already preparing for a catastrophic day that everyone hoped wouldn’t come.

Warracknabeal Fire Brigade members Isabella Orszulak and Sam Goodwin were part of a Strike Team on that day. 

“There was a nervous energy in the air all week long,” Isabella said. 

“In the days leading up, we made sure vehicles were fully equipped, with drinking water, electrolytes and gear ready for a long shift. 

“At the same time, we ensured all our families had plans in place in case fire threatened closer to home.” 

When morning rolled around, Warracknabeal members gathered at the station, monitoring weather conditions and listening to radio traffic. 

“It was pretty nerve-racking, not knowing what could happen or where,” Isabella said. 

“You could see how wild it was outside, and we were just keeping an eye on everything.” 

Sam said the heat and wind made the risk clear early in the day. 

“I said to my boss I’d better head to the station, knowing something was likely to happen,” Sam said. 

At 12.42pm, the Grass Flat fire was reported. 

“Within minutes, the tone of the radio traffic changed as the fire escalated,” Sam said. 

“Then we heard the words ‘Natimuk township under threat’ and the room just went quiet. 

“We all knew what it meant.” 

From there, the strike team geared up and headed out, beginning the roughly one-hour journey towards the fireground. 

“The winds were very intense and keeping the vehicle on the road was a battle at times,” Sam said. 

“We also faced thick smoke and increasing traffic with residents leaving the area.” 

As they neared Natimuk, the scale of the fire became clear. 

“There was fire on both sides of the road,” Sam said. 

“It was something like I’d never seen before.” 

Strike teams were being staged at the Natimuk showgrounds. 

“When we arrived, we were deployed to protect key buildings in town, including the courthouse and gymnastics centre, which were under threat from nearby burning structure,” Isabella said. 

“The radiant heat was intense. Everything around us was burnt or burning,” Sam said. 

“Our priority was to stop the fire from reaching those buildings.” 

When the immediate threat had passed, they continued patrolling the township, checking properties and responding to spot fires. 

“It was a confronting day from start to finish and a clear example of how quickly fires can escalate under catastrophic conditions, and why preparation and early action are critical,” Sam said.  

“At the end of the day, fire is unpredictable,” Isabella said. 

“If you’re told to have a plan and leave early, you need to. It’s not guaranteed we can save everyone and every property.”

Submitted by CFA Media
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Responding on a catastrophic day

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Isabella Orszulak and Sam Goodwin

Long before the first pager sounded on 9 January 2026, CFA strike teams across Victoria were already preparing for a catastrophic day that everyone hoped wouldn’t come.

Warracknabeal Fire Brigade members Isabella Orszulak and Sam Goodwin were part of a Strike Team on that day. 

“There was a nervous energy in the air all week long,” Isabella said. 

“In the days leading up, we made sure vehicles were fully equipped, with drinking water, electrolytes and gear ready for a long shift. 

“At the same time, we ensured all our families had plans in place in case fire threatened closer to home.” 

When morning rolled around, Warracknabeal members gathered at the station, monitoring weather conditions and listening to radio traffic. 

“It was pretty nerve-racking, not knowing what could happen or where,” Isabella said. 

“You could see how wild it was outside, and we were just keeping an eye on everything.” 

Sam said the heat and wind made the risk clear early in the day. 

“I said to my boss I’d better head to the station, knowing something was likely to happen,” Sam said. 

At 12.42pm, the Grass Flat fire was reported. 

“Within minutes, the tone of the radio traffic changed as the fire escalated,” Sam said. 

“Then we heard the words ‘Natimuk township under threat’ and the room just went quiet. 

“We all knew what it meant.” 

From there, the strike team geared up and headed out, beginning the roughly one-hour journey towards the fireground. 

“The winds were very intense and keeping the vehicle on the road was a battle at times,” Sam said. 

“We also faced thick smoke and increasing traffic with residents leaving the area.” 

As they neared Natimuk, the scale of the fire became clear. 

“There was fire on both sides of the road,” Sam said. 

“It was something like I’d never seen before.” 

Strike teams were being staged at the Natimuk showgrounds. 

“When we arrived, we were deployed to protect key buildings in town, including the courthouse and gymnastics centre, which were under threat from nearby burning structure,” Isabella said. 

“The radiant heat was intense. Everything around us was burnt or burning,” Sam said. 

“Our priority was to stop the fire from reaching those buildings.” 

When the immediate threat had passed, they continued patrolling the township, checking properties and responding to spot fires. 

“It was a confronting day from start to finish and a clear example of how quickly fires can escalate under catastrophic conditions, and why preparation and early action are critical,” Sam said.  

“At the end of the day, fire is unpredictable,” Isabella said. 

“If you’re told to have a plan and leave early, you need to. It’s not guaranteed we can save everyone and every property.”

Submitted by CFA Media
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Police officer charged

Source: Tasmania Police

Police officer charged

Monday, 4 May 2026 – 4:31 pm.

A 28 year old Tasmania Police constable from Northern Tasmania has been charged with common assault and issued with a Police Family Violence Order following an incident on Sunday.
The constable, who was off duty at the time, will appear in the Launceston Magistrates Court on 8 July 2026.
The matter remains under investigation by Tasmania Police Professional Standards Command. The constable has been stood down immediately.
It is not appropriate to make any further comment given the matters are now before the court.

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Cyber partnership with Japan

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

ustralia and Japan have agreed to establish a new partnership that will enable deeper cooperation on complex cyber security challenges.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi of Japan met in Canberra today and issued the Australia–Japan Strategic Cyber Partnership.

Under the Partnership, Australia and Japan will strengthen our cyber relationship by collectively hardening our cyber defences, improving shared awareness and collaboration on cyber threats and critical technologies, and building the collective resilience of the Indo-Pacific through public-private partnerships.

Both countries will endeavour to consult each other on cyber-related contingencies that may affect our sovereignty and regional security interests and consider measures in response.

The Strategic Cyber Partnership will be underpinned by a yearly Cyber Dialogue, to be next held in June in Tokyo.

With the intensity, frequency and sophistication of cyber threats, it is more important than ever to work closely with trusted partners to bolster our cyber defences.

Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“In an increasingly complex environment, the security of our digital networks is as vital as our physical borders.

“Cyber threats do not respect national boundaries, so this is why we must work together with key partners, such as Japan.

“Under the new Australia–Japan Cyber Partnership, we will work together to better address evolving cyber security threats, while also enhancing regional resilience, the security of critical technology, and collaboration with industry.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong:

”This partnership reflects closer alignment between trusted partners in defending the digital domain.

“Working side by side with Japan, we can better address evolving cyber security threats and build regional resilience.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Cyber Security Tony Burke:

“Strong regional partnerships, such as the one we share with Japan are essential, as no single country can effectively address cyber threats alone.

“Cyber threats are growing in scale and sophistication. Sharing information with trusted partners is essential to staying ahead.”

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Expanding cooperation on critical minerals with Japan

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

ustralia and Japan are elevating cooperation on critical minerals, supporting onshore processing, refining and related advanced manufacturing.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi of Japan met in Canberra today and issued the Joint Statement on Critical Minerals Cooperation.

The Joint Statement makes critical minerals a core pillar of our economic and national security relationship and will drive coordinated investment in strategic projects to address the most urgent supply chain vulnerabilities.

This cooperation will build on the existing Australia Japan Critical Minerals Partnership, launched by Prime Minister Albanese in 2022. It will enable greater access to capital and technology, as well as create stronger commercial linkages for Australian producers – matching this with Japanese industry demand.

Our partnership is mutually beneficial and supports our collective economic security and prosperity. 

The Australian Government through the Critical Minerals Facility and Export Finance Australia is providing support of up to $1.3 billion, including non-binding Letters of Support, to critical mineral projects with Japanese involvement, creating the potential to supply Japan with critical minerals including gallium, nickel, graphite, rare earths and fluorite.

Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“Japan has been a long-standing partner in the development of Australia’s critical minerals sector.

“By working closely with Japan, we can attract greater investment in our critical minerals sector and further develop the sector, creating jobs and capability in Australia.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong

“Our cooperation with Japan is all about building more resilient and stable supply chains over the long term.

“We both see the tremendous potential in working more closely together to support reliable access to critical minerals.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell

“We are committed to working with Japan to develop Australia’s critical minerals sector and support resilient supply chains between our countries and in our region.

“Developing our critical minerals is a key national priority under our Future Made in Australia agenda, and we can achieve this by working closely with Japan, a trusted and longstanding partner.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Resources Madeleine King

“Sustained, trusted, constant investment from Japan is a cornerstone of the global powerhouse that is the resources sector of Australia.

“Working together with Japan we are building a new era for our resources sector that will support both our economies and our shared security for generations to come.”

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Deepening economic security with Japan

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

ustralia and Japan have committed to bolstering cooperation on economic security to achieve more resilient supply chains for both countries and the region.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi of Japan met in Canberra today and signed the Joint Declaration on Economic Security Cooperation.

Through the Joint Declaration, Australia and Japan have committed to working together to build regional economic resilience through strengthening supply chain resilience for key goods such as energy products, food and critical minerals, and promoting and protecting critical technologies.

Both countries have also agreed to consult each other on economic security contingencies and consider measures to mitigate risks.

Japan is Australia’s third largest two-way trading partner and second-largest export market. We are more strategically aligned than ever, including as key partners on economic security.

This Joint Declaration will boost our two-way trade and investment, particularly in the strategically significant sectors of critical technologies and critical minerals.

With the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation with Japan signed 50 years ago, this Joint Declaration further solidifies our already strong relationship and sets the direction for our future.

Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“Australia and Japan are taking action to protect our economies from future economic shocks and uncertainty.

“By working together, we will achieve more secure and resilient supply chains that will benefit Australian and Japanese businesses and consumers now and into the future.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong

“Australia and Japan are more strategically aligned than ever, including as close partners on economic security.

“Together we are building our shared resilience in a more uncertain world.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell

“Australia and Japan have a strong relationship and this declaration will support prosperity and resilience for both our countries.

“By working together, we will establish more secure and resilient supply chains that will benefit Australian and Japanese businesses and consumers, now, and into the future.”

 

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Media statements – Parliament House, Canberra

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER OF AUSTRALIA: Well, can I say that it is an honour to welcome Sanae to Australia, as we mark a truly special milestone. 50 years since our countries signed the historic Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation. That Treaty was first championed by Prime Minister Whitlam in 1973 when he visited the historic capital city of Nara, sister city to Canberra and the home district of Sanae. When concluded in 1976, at the time of a global oil shock and geopolitical upheaval at the end of the Vietnam War, the Basic Treaty represented a commitment between Australia and Japan to stand, work and prosper together. In the decades that have followed, we have built deep and trusted ties across trade and investment, defence and security, energy, and importantly, between our people.

Today, again facing an energy shock and global instability, we affirm the strength of our special strategic partnership. Our partnership helps us secure the energy we both need, underpins the trade and investment that leads to more jobs and helps keep us safe in a more uncertain world. While geography places our countries on the far north and the far south of the Indo-Pacific, it is thanks to the determination of our countries that we have been closer. That closeness has led to a series of new agreements reached today. These agreements are to the benefit of both of our people. For Australians, it will mean we are less vulnerable to global shocks like we are seeing right now because of conflict in the Middle East. It will mean more security for farmers when they are planting their crop and more certainty for commuters filling up their car.

Today, Sanae and I have agreed to a range of ambitious outcomes that comprehensively elevate our special strategic partnership. Firstly, the Joint Declaration on Economic Security Cooperation that we signed today will make us more resilient to economic shocks and uncertainty, enable us to further build trusted supply chains, accelerate development of critical technologies such as AI Quantum and biotechnology, and support regional economic resilience. Our joint statement on energy security reaffirms our commitment to navigate the current energy crisis together and maintain open trade flows of essential energy goods, including liquid fuels and gas. Our joint statement on critical minerals elevates critical minerals to a core pillar of our economic and security relationship, driving Japanese and Australian co-investment in trusted Australian critical minerals supply chains. Our enhanced defence and security cooperation will further develop our already advanced defence relationship so we can do more together to support regional peace and security. It will further strengthen our respective capabilities and deepen integration of our defence industries. Building on Australia’s acquisition of the first three upgraded Mogami-class frigates and Japan’s welcomed defence export reforms. Our Strategic Cyber Partnership will deepen our cyber and critical technology cooperation and better align our work to address cyber threats. And the Australia-Japan Leadership Dialogue we announced today will bring leaders across business, community and government together to shape our cooperation in the years ahead.

Our two countries have never been more strategically aligned. We work closely to advance our shared interests in a peaceful, stable and prosperous region and I welcome Sanae’s commitment to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific. In addition to the outcomes that we have announced today, Sanae and I have agreed to instruct relevant Ministers to explore further tangible ways to elevate and institutionalise our comprehensive security and economic cooperation.

Our friendship has never been closer and in these uncertain times, friendships matter more than ever. The world has changed immensely since 1976, but the strength of Australia and Japan’s friendship and the spirit of generosity and respect that our people share is stronger than it has ever been. Sanae and I will spend more time together later today and we will continue our discussions including on issues like heavy metal music and other important matters of state.

I thank Sanae very much for her commitment to Australia and I look forward to continuing to engage in in both our nation’s interests as we look to the next half century and beyond. Arigato gozaimasu.

< SANAE TAKAICHI, PRIME MINISTER OF JAPAN: 

Today I discussed in depth with Anthony from such a perspective to confirm the direction for the next 50 years for Japan-Australia relationship. It was a highly productive meeting. Firstly, on economic security co-operation, we see increasingly closer and concrete cooperation between Japan and Australia we just signed the Japan-Australia Joint Declaration on Economic Security Cooperation which will serve as a strategic guideline for our bilateral cooperation. Under this Declaration, we put forth two joint statements in regards to critical minerals and energy security. The effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz has been inflicting enormous impact on the Indo-Pacific. We affirmed that Japan and Australia will closely communicate with each other in responding with a sense of urgency. We will advance efforts to strengthen autonomy and resilience indispensable in realising the FOIP to secure reciprocal stable supply of energy and to enhance critical mineral supply chain resilience, as well as cooperation under the Power Asia or Partnership on Wide Energy and Resources Resilience which I announced last month.

Also, cooperation and security is a strong foundation for our bilateral relations. The introduction by the Australian Navy of Japan’s Mogami-class frigate is an epoch-making collaboration symbolising our 50th anniversary. We welcomed the conclusion of the agreement the other day, and will steadfastly follow through on the contract. As part of our discussions today, we have instructed the Ministers to explore tangible ways to further elevate and institutionalise comprehensive security cooperation including the economic security ahead of our leaders’ next reciprocal visit.

As part of our discussions today, we have instructed Ministers, and moreover on the cooperation between the Self-Defense Force and the Australian Defence Force which has grown in quality as well as quantity, we agreed to further upgrade the Defence Cooperation taking advantage of the geographical characteristics of Australia. The Leaders’ Statement on Enhanced Defence and Security Cooperation was issued as well. The foundation base for security cooperation is also expanding. We launched the Strategic Cyber Partnership aiming to promote a broad cooperation in cyberspace.

In addition, people-to-people exchanges are also indispensable to Japan-Australia relations. Last year the number of people travelling between our countries reached a record high. We will further promote people-to-people exchanges, including tourism.

The future is born from dialogue and creation. We have launched the Japan-Australia Leadership Dialogue involving public and private sector experts from both countries. We hope this will serve as a bridge to build a future filled with hope for us. These close bilateral cooperation and exchanges form the foundation for Japan-Australia coordination in addressing key regional challenges.

Today, Anthony and I held the strategic discussions on issues beginning with China, Southeast Asia, Pacific Island countries, and responses to issues of nuclear and missiles and abductions of North Korea among others, which pertain to the Indo-Pacific situation, as well as the Middle East, including Iran. Amid the severe international environment, strengthening cooperation with our common ally, the United States is indispensable. We agree to further strengthen frameworks such as The Quad and Japan, US and Australia. Japan and Australia now have a firm intention to contribute together to peace and stability of the region and the international community. The two countries have built a relationship as frontrunners in cooperation among like-minded countries by advancing pioneering security cooperation at a level that could be described as Quasi-allies. And through today’s discussion with Anthony, I am convinced that the next step, 50 years of Japan-Australia relations, will be even more robust and dynamic than the past 50 years. Together with Anthony, we will continue to weave a new chapter in Japan-Australia relations and open new horizons for cooperation among like-minded countries. Anthony, thank you.

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Opening remarks – Parliament House

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER OF AUSTRALIA: Well, Prime Minister, a very warm welcome to you here in Australia and in Canberra. You are here for our Annual Leaders’ Meeting, but most importantly to celebrate 50 years since the signing of our Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation. This is a relationship with a foundation built on trust, on friendship, and on looking after each other’s interests. It was a bipartisan initiative here in Australia, initiated by the Whitlam Labor Government, that then followed up by the Fraser Liberal Government. And the search for stability and economic cooperation in part came out of the turmoil created by the oil crisis in the 1970s. Once again, we are governing in what are volatile and difficult global economic circumstances, which just underlines how important the relationships between our nations are, between trusted friends and partners. And working together, we make ourselves stronger in defence and security issues, in energy, in economic and trade issues, as well as people-to-people exchanges. And in areas such as critical minerals, there’s much more that we can do together. And I’m very pleased that we’re elevating our Special Strategic Partnership across the breadth of our relationship, bringing peace, stability, and security to the region. So, I congratulate you on your significant election victory, and I look forward to continuing to work with you. We’ve met now on a number of occasions after your elevation to the prime ministership. This is an important relationship, and I know that your love for Australia is shown by the fact that you had your honeymoon here. So, I look forward to the meetings that we will have today, which will be important, building on our friendship and the relationship between our two nations, but I also look forward to our personal relationships being developed, including hosting you for dinner this evening at the Prime Minister’s residence here in Canberra.

< SANAE TAKAICHI, PRIME MINISTER OF JAPAN: