Radio interview – B105 Brisbane

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

HOST: Someone who knows all about the Budget, he is Anthony Albanese, our Prime Minister and he is on with us this morning. Thank you for choosing our show this morning, Prime Minister.

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Television interview – ABC news breakfast

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

JAMES GLENDAY, HOST: We have just been chatting to the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as he got mic’ed up and he joins us now. Prime Minister, welcome to News Breakfast.

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Radio interview – Nova Perth

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

HOST: Good morning, Albo. 

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Radio interview – ABC AM

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

MEL CLARKE, HOST: Prime Minister, thank you for joining AM this morning.

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Television interview – Sunrise

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

NAT BARR, HOST: Joining us now is Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Good morning to you.

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ARENA shortlists major projects to scale Australia’s renewable hydrogen industry

Source: Australian Renewable Energy Agency

On behalf of the Australian Government, the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has today announced the shortlisted projects for Round 2 of the Hydrogen Headstart Program, marking a major step forward in scaling Australia’s renewable hydrogen industry.  

The projects selected to progress to the next stage in the application process are some of the most advanced large-scale renewable hydrogen proposals in the country, spanning multiple states and a range of end uses, including ammonia and alternative fuels. 

The Australian Government has revised the amount of funding allocated to the program in the 2026 Federal Budget to $1 billion, and ARENA will now invite shortlisted projects to submit full applications. The full application phase includes a rigorous assessment process and detailed due diligence. Applicants must satisfy program criteria, with only those that meet a high merit threshold being considered for funding. 

ARENA CEO Darren Miller said the level of engagement in Round 2 of Hydrogen Headstart demonstrates that industry remains committed to building a renewable hydrogen sector in Australia.  

“Renewable hydrogen presents Australia with a significant economic and decarbonisation opportunity. Its potential to develop low-emission fuels for aviation and shipping, as well as key inputs for fertiliser could also help improve the nation’s energy resilience in the longer term. 

“Renewable hydrogen is a complex, capital-intensive industry and progress takes time, but it is a critical enabler of industrial decarbonisation, particularly for hard-to-abate sectors. What we’re seeing are expressions of interest that are considered and well aligned to future market demand.” 

The shortlisted applicants are: 

Applicant  Project title  Electrolysis facility size (MW)  State  Hydrogen end use 
Bell Bay Powerfuels Pty Ltd  Bell Bay Powerfuels  300  TAS  Methanol 
European Energy Australia Pty Ltd  South East Queensland Power-to-X Project  150  QLD  Methanol 
HAMR Energy Pty Ltd  Portland Renewable Fuels Project  220  VIC  Methanol and SAF 
HIF Asia Pacific Pty Limited  HIF Tasmania e-Fuel Facility  140  TAS  Methanol 
Murchison Hydrogen Renewables Pty Ltd *  Murchison Green Hydrogen Project Stage 1B  500  WA  Ammonia 
Perdaman Commercial Developments Pty Ltd  Perdaman Helios (Karratha): Decarbonising Fertilisers  750  WA  Urea 
Summit Hydro Pty Ltd  Gladstone Green Hydrogen Project  120  QLD  Alumina 

* as trustee for Murchison Hydrogen Renewables Project Trust (developed by Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners) 

Announced in the 2023-24 Budget, the Hydrogen Headstart Program aims to catalyse Australia’s hydrogen industry to take advantage of the country’s opportunity to be a global hydrogen leader.  

Round 2 of Hydrogen Headstart builds on ARENA’s existing support of renewable hydrogen, with the Agency having already committed more than $1.2 billion to two projects in Round 1, and over $396 million to 68 renewable hydrogen projects since 2017 through other funding programs. 

Under the Program, projects seeking to produce renewable hydrogen, or derivatives, can apply for a production credit delivered over ten years to bridge the commercial gap between the cost of producing renewable hydrogen and market prices. 

Shortlisted applicants now have until early September 2026 to submit their full application. Following the assessment phase, a recommendation will be made to the Hon Chris Bowen MP, Minister for Climate Change and Energy, for approval on which projects will receive support. For more information on Hydrogen Headstart Round 2, visit the funding page. 

ARENA Media

Bloodborne virus risk for patients of dental practice in Strathfield

Source: New South Wales Health – State Government

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Patients of a r​etired dental practitioner in Strathfield who practised for more than 25 years are being advised to seek testing for bloodborne viruses. NSW Health advises all patients who were seen by Dr William Tam, who practised at Suite B, 2 Albert Road, Strathfield, that while the risk is low, they may have potentially been exposed and should see their GP or healthcare provider to be tested for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV.
A recent audit of Dr Tam’s premises by the Dental Council of NSW identified concerns about the infection control practices at the premises, as well as patient record keeping. 
Dr Tam has since retired and is no longer a registered dentist. 
Clinical Director, Public Health, Sydney Local Health District, Dr Leena Gupta, said it is believed thousands of people may have been seen by Dr Tam in the last 25 years but there are no records that can be used to contact them. 
“As a precaution, we are asking all of Dr Tam’s previous patients to seek testing for bloodborne viruses,” Dr Gupta said. 
“The poor infection control practices at Dr Tam’s practice means all former patients may be at low risk of a blood borne virus infection, which can have serious and long-lasting health impacts.
“People with HIV, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C may not have any symptoms for decades, so it is important that people at risk of these infections are tested, so that they can access treatment as appropriate. There are effective treatments available for all three conditions.”
Former patients of Dr Tam who want more information should review the NSW Health FAQs and fact sheets on hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV. If they have further questions, they can speak to their GP or contact Healthdirect on 1800 022 222. ​
Anyone distressed by this news and needing mental health support can call the Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511. It is a free service operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is staffed by trained mental health professionals who offer mental health advice and referrals to local mental health services.
Support for people who live in NSW and who are from culturally and linguistically diverse communities is also available via the Transcultural Mental Health Line on 1800 648 911.
Need support in your language? You can call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) on 131 450 and ask for Healthdirect.

ACCC welcomes additional funding

Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

The ACCC has welcomed the Australian Government allocating an additional $67.7 million over four years to further strengthen the ACCC’s competition and consumer law enforcement capabilities.  

“Active, proportionate and evidence-based enforcement of Australia’s competition and consumer laws has been central to the ACCC’s work for many years, and is vital for the strength and productivity of our economy as a whole,” ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb said.

“This additional funding will ensure we keep pace with technological advancements and remain effective in identifying, investigating and addressing unlawful conduct that harms consumers and seeks to disadvantage businesses that follow the rules.”

The ACCC announces its compliance and enforcement priorities at the start of each year in response to emerging risks and changing market conditions. Current priorities include competition and consumer issues in key sectors of the Australian economy, including supermarkets and retail, essential services, aviation and digital markets.

The 2026-27 Federal Budget measures relating to the ACCC also included funding to:

  • produce guidance materials and education campaigns ahead of amendments to the Australian Consumer Law coming into force, including a general prohibition on unfair trading practices and penalties for non-compliance with consumer guarantees
  • develop nationally consistent safety standards for all e-micromobility devices, including e-scooters, establish a surveillance program and take targeted compliance and enforcement action
  • continue the National Anti-Scam Centre’s activities for 12 months
  • continue as the Digital ID Regulator for a further four years
  • continue the ACCC’s Consumer Data Right functions for two more years.

“This additional funding highlights that on top of our role as an independent law enforcement agency, we have many additional regulatory responsibilities to safeguard consumers, promote competition, and bring transparency to complex markets,” Ms Cass-Gottlieb said.

Background

The ACCC is an independent statutory government authority and Australia’s peak consumer protection and competition agency.

The ACCC uses a range of tools to promote compliance with the Competition and Consumer Act (CCA) and the Australian Consumer Law.

This includes commencing proceedings in the Federal Court for alleged breaches of the CCA. The ACCC is not able to determine a breach of the CCA – only a court can find that a contravention has occurred.

If the ACCC is successful in a Federal Court matter, the penalty imposed is determined by the Court. The ACCC makes submissions to the Court on the appropriate penalty it considers should be imposed.

The ACCC also seeks to ensure compliance through consumer and business education, industry engagement, communications, research and advocacy.

When deciding whether to pursue a matter, the ACCC will consider whether it falls into a current enforcement priority area, and will also consider if it is:

  • conduct that results in substantial consumer or small business detriment
  • conduct that has a significant impact on the cost of living
  • conduct or practices that disproportionately target consumers experiencing vulnerability or disadvantage
  • conduct that is of significant public interest or concern
  • national conduct by large traders, recognising the potential for greater consumer detriment and the likelihood that conduct of large traders can influence other market participants
  • conduct involving a significant new or emerging market issue or where our action is likely to have an educative or deterrent effect
  • action that will help to clarify aspects of the law, especially newer provisions of the CCA.

Fatal Crash – Alice Springs

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force is calling for information in relation to a fatal crash involving a pedestrian in Alice Springs yesterday.

About 6:45pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received a report that a 49-year-old pedestrian, traveling in a mobility scooter in an easterly direction, had been struck by a north bound Toyota Prado on Telegraph Terrace.

The pedestrian is believed to have been crossing at a designated light controlled Pedestrian Crossing.

The 43-year-old female driver of the Prado stopped at the scene and was tested for alcohol and drugs, returning negative results. 

Emergency services conveyed the victim to Alice Springs Hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries and was declared deceased.

A crime scene was established, and road diversions were in place until just after 3am this morning when the crime scene was closed.

Investigations remain ongoing.

Major Crash and Crime Detectives are appealing for witnesses of the crash, or anyone who may have dashcam or CCTV footage from the area to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference number P26136665.

Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/

The lives lost on Territory roads in 2026 now stands at 7.

Federal Budget provides funding for continuing measures

Source: Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions

Federal Budget provides funding for continuing measures
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Date

On Tuesday 12 May 2026 the Treasurer, the Hon Dr Jim Chalmers MP, delivered the 2026–27 Federal Budget, which included $59.8 million in funding for the CDPP, for the following measures:

  • $40.8 million over two years from 2026–27 for the Attorney-General’s Portfolio – additional resourcing measure; 
  • $14.6 million over four years from 2026–27 ($3.7 million per year ongoing beyond the forward estimates) for the Securing the National Disability Insurance Scheme for Future Generations measure;
  • $4.2 million in 2026–27 for the Supporting Border Security measure; and
  • $0.2 million in 2026–27 for the Home Affairs – additional resourcing measure.

The CDPP thanks the Australian Government, the Attorney-General and agency partners for their support in the form of this continued funding which is an acknowledgment of our work as the peak agency in the Commonwealth criminal justice system.

For more information on the Budget outcomes, please see the 2026–27 Portfolio Budget Statements and Budget Paper No. 2.