Month: May 2026

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

ustralia and Japan have agreed next steps to enhance defence and security cooperation, in order to support our shared ambition for a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.

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

This marks a natural evolution of our already close cooperation with Japan. Building on decades of engagement, the 2022 Australia-Japan Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation, the 2023 Australia-Japan Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) and last December’s establishment of the Framework for Strategic Defence Cooperation (FSDC), it focuses on strengthening capability, deepening integration and bolstering interoperability between Australia and Japan.

Key priorities include increased information sharing; co-development, co-production and co-sustainment of defence capabilities; advanced weapons testing; enhanced training and exercises; joint maintenance and sustainment of assets, and closer collaboration to secure supply chains and critical maritime routes.

It also reflects a shared commitment to deepening cooperation in key areas, including defence industry following Australia’s decision to procure the upgraded Mogami class frigates for Australia’s general purpose frigate program.

Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“In a complex strategic environment, cooperation between Australia and Japan is essential to maintaining a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.

“Enhanced defence and security cooperation between Australia and Japan increases interoperability between our defence forces, ensuring Australia and Japan can work closely together to support regional peace and security.”

Quotes attributable to Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles

“Our enhanced defence cooperation with Japan means our forces can train, plan and operate together with greater sophistication – strengthening our combined capability and supporting deterrence.”  

“Australia and Japan share a strong commitment to regional stability, and at a time of global uncertainty, strengthening our longstanding defence cooperation is more important than ever.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Foreign Affairs

“As Special Strategic Partners, Australia and Japan are stepping up our defence and security cooperation as part of our efforts to ensure a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.

“In these uncertain times, middle powers must keep working together for a free and open Indo-Pacific, and a world where no country dominates and no country is dominated.”

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

ustralia and Japan have committed to further strengthen our relationship of deep trust and friendship by establishing the Australia-Japan Leadership Dialogue.

This 1.5 track dialogue will bring together leaders and experts from across government, academia, business and civil society to help address the most important issues in the Australia-Japan relationship.

The Australia-Japan Leadership Dialogue will provide a means to drive practical cooperation between diverse stakeholders, share common perspectives, and advance opportunities to shape the future of the relationship.

Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“Our friendship with Japan has never been closer, and in these uncertain times, friendships mean more than ever.

“Today, Prime Minister Takaichi and I discussed new and meaningful ways Australia and Japan can work side-by-side on the challenges that face both our countries.

“I look forward to the outcomes from the inaugural dialogue, as well as the networks it will create between our countries’ established and emerging leaders.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong:

“Our Special Strategic Partnership with Japan is built on strong trade and investment ties, growing security and defence cooperation, and deep trust and friendship between our people.

“The new Australia-Japan Leadership Dialogue is the next step – providing a standing forum to deepen cooperation and exchange ideas on the issues that matter most to our nations.”

 

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

ustralia and Japan have reached an agreement to further strengthen energy security in our region.

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

Australia and Japan will work together to support the flow of essential goods – including fuel and gas – between our countries.

The two nations are also committed to working together to support continued energy security across the region.

Australia provides approximately one-third of Japan’s energy supply, and it is our largest market for liquified natural gas.

Japan is also a reliable supplier of refined petroleum and diesel to Australia.

The Joint Statement highlights Australia’s commitment as a reliable energy supplier to Japan and demonstrates our shared commitment to open, rules-based trade and supporting the flow of essential energy goods between our countries.

Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“Like Japan, we are very concerned by disruptions to the supply of liquid fuels and refined petroleum products.

“It is clear from the fuel crisis that energy is critical for our shared economic security, and we are both committed to keeping the flow of energy between us open.

“Our Joint Statement on Energy Security commits us to supporting open trade in liquid fuels, which will help build confidence with consumers and business on fuel supply.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong

“Australia and Japan are close and trusted partners, and that matters more than ever at a time of uncertainty in global energy markets.

“We are committed to working together to support our mutual energy security and that of our region.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen

“We are continuing to secure essential fuel supplies and work with partners around the world to strengthen energy security at home and abroad.

“This Joint Statement on Energy Security will help secure fuel supplies for both Australia and Japan and shield consumers from global uncertainty.”

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Northern Territory Police have charged another 13 people following last Thursday night’s riot in Alice Springs.

Investigators identified several offenders involved in the aggravated burglaries at Shell Express and Piggly’s Supermarket through CCTV footage captured at both locations.

Yesterday police charged 4 women aged 48, 36, 26 and 24 with aggravated burglary and theft. The 26 and 24-year-olds were charged with 2 counts of each offence.

Another 36-year-old woman was charged with one count each of aggravated burglary, theft and breach of suspended sentence.

Three males aged 17, 20 and 44 years old were also charged with one count each of aggravated burglary and theft.

A 26-year-old man was charged with one count each of aggravated burglary, theft and breach of suspended sentence while a 32-year-old man was charged with 2 counts each of aggravated burglary and theft and one count of breach of suspended sentence.

A 29-year-old man was charged with 2 counts of aggravated burglary and theft and one count each of damage of property, attempt arson and armed with an offensive weapon at night.

A 36-year-old man was charged with one count each of unlawfully cause serious harm, aggravated assault and breach of DVO.

Another man aged 49, was charged with one count of breach of bail and one count of breach of suspended sentence.

Further offenders have been identified on CCTV, and more arrests are expected to be made in coming days.

Anyone with information, including CCTV or dashcam, is urged to contact police on 131 444 or report anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au.

Source: Government of Australia Capital Territory

Released 17/04/2026

Canberra now has more green around its streets with the new provider Lime shared e-scooter and e-bike service starting this week in the ACT.

“The ACT Government is pleased to have Lime provide shared e-scooters and also introduce shared e-bikes into the ACT to give Canberrans more flexible, sustainable and equitable travel options,” Minister for City and Government Services, Tara Cheyne said.

“Shared e‑scooters and e‑bikes make active travel and public transport easier and more appealing, reducing the need to rely on a car for every trip.”

These services provide a convenient and affordable option for short trips and first‑ and last‑kilometre connections to public transport, complementing the Government’s current cost of living initiative to reduce monthly public transport fare caps.

“Expanding the program to include shared e‑bikes gives the community more choice and makes active travel more accessible. E‑bikes can support longer journeys, Canberra’s terrain, and a wider range of fitness levels and abilities.

“This is particularly valuable while Canberra continues to grow and change. At a time when cost-of-living pressures are front of mind, expanded active travel options can also help ease everyday transport costs. Whether commuting, shopping, or linking with public transport, these options give Canberrans greater flexibility in how they move around.

“For their own safety and the safety of the community, riders must follow the rules when using these devices. Riders must be at least 16 years of age, and I encourage all riders to ride responsibly, wear a helmet and share our footpaths and shared spaces respectfully,” Minister Cheyne said.

Lime uses geofencing technology to ensure devices operate safely and responsibly, including enforcing speed limits, no‑ride zones and designated parking areas. Speeds will be automatically reduced to 10 km/h at priority crossings and 15 km/h in busy, high‑congestion areas, supporting safer travel for riders and pedestrians alike.

Lime shared e-scooters and e-bikes are now available at all major town centres across Canberra (Belconnen, City, Fyshwick, Gungahlin, Majura, Molonglo Valley, Tuggeranong, Weston Creek and Woden).

Neuron has now ceased operations in the ACT. The ACT Government would like to acknowledge the important contribution that Neuron has made in providing shared e-scooter services to the ACT since 2020.

For more information on shared e-scooter and e-bikes and public transport fare caps, visit the Transport Canberra website.

Quotes attributable to Will Peters, Head of Asia-Pacific at Lime:

“We’re excited to bring Lime to Canberra and work closely with the community to deliver a safe, reliable and affordable transport option in the nation’s capital.

“Safety underpins everything we do, from our on-ground operations to the in-house design of our vehicles. We’re proud to become part of Canberra’s transport mix and to offer residents and visitors another easy way to get around the city.”

– Statement ends –

Tara Cheyne, MLA | Media Releases

«ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

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Source: South Australia Police

A B-double truck driver will be fined after taking the wrong road in the Adelaide Hills yesterday.

Police were called to Checker Hill Road, Forreston about 4.45pm on Sunday 3 May after the B-double turned onto Checker Hill Road and began to experience difficulty navigating the tight bends and steep incline.

The road was blocked by the large truck, and police closed Checker Hill Road for the safety of all other traffic while a tow truck was arranged to remove the truck and trailers.

The driver is expected to be issued with an expiation notice for driving off an approved route.

The road was reopened just before 9pm.

Source: South Australia Police

Police are investigating a boat fire at Cape Jaffa last night.

At about 8.20pm on Sunday 3 May, police and emergency services were called to the Cape Jaffa Marina following reports of an explosion and fire.

On arrival, crews found a commercial fishing boat, which was one of the largest in the marina, engulfed by fire. CFS firefighters worked quickly to extinguish the blaze.

The vessel sustained significant damage but remained afloat. No-one was aboard the vessel and there were no reports of any injuries.

Crime scene investigators are attending the scene.

Anyone who saw any suspicious activity in the area is urged to contact Crime Stoppers online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au or call 1800 333 000. You can remain anonymous.

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Source: South Australia Police

A man has been arrested after allegedly driving a stolen car across Adelaide this afternoon.

Source: South Australia Police

A man was arrested after he was allegedly discovered in possession of an illicit substance at the Salisbury Interchange on Thursday.

SAPOL’s Public Transport Safety Section, along with Northern District Police and Dog Operations Unit, conducted a proactive operation at the Salisbury Interchange on Thursday 30 April.

About 5pm, officers stopped and spoke with a 30-year-old Windsor Gardens man and a subsequent search of his bumbag allegedly revealed a clear bag containing a crystal-like substance.  It will be alleged police found 26 grams of methamphetamine in his possession.

He was arrested and charged with possess a trafficable amount of an illicit drug.  He was refused police bail and appeared in the Elizabeth Magistrates Court on Friday 1 May.

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