Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

rime Minister Anthony Albanese will welcome the Prime Minister of Japan, Her Excellency Sanae Takaichi, to Australia from Sunday 3 May to Tuesday 5 May 2026.

This will be Prime Minister Takaichi’s first official visit to Australia since taking office.

This year marks 50 years since the signing of the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between Australia and Japan – the foundation for our relationship of trust and friendship today.

Our Special Strategic Partnership is underpinned by deep trade and investment ties, growing security and defence cooperation and enduring cultural ties between our nations.

Prime Minister Albanese will meet with Prime Minister Takaichi at Parliament House in Canberra on Monday 4 May 2026 for the Australia–Japan Annual Leaders’ Meeting.

The visit will be the fourth time the leaders have met, with previous meetings last year on the margins of the East Asia Summit in Kuala Lumpur, the APEC Summit in Gyeongju and the G20 Summit in Johannesburg.

Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“I am honoured to welcome Prime Minister Takaichi to Australia for our Annual Leaders’ Meeting where we will continue to work together under our Special Strategic Partnership for the benefit of our people and the region.

“50 years ago, our nations laid the foundation for a partnership based on trust, shared values and mutual respect by signing the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation.

“Australia and Japan share strong strategic alignment. Our cooperation is essential to maintaining a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.

“Our enduring trade and investment ties underpin our relationship, creating jobs, providing opportunity and delivering economic growth to both our nations.”

Source: State of Victoria Local Government 2

The City of Greater Bendigo is hosting an information session on subdividing residential land on Wednesday May 6 at The Capital’s Banquet Room from 5.30pm to 6.30pm.

At the session, people will hear from City experts about how to subdivide a block of land. The practical session will explain the steps involved, what needs to be considered, and give people a chance to ask questions.

More than 90 per cent of the region’s houses are large, free-standing houses. At the same time, many people are looking for smaller houses that are easier and cheaper to look after.

Strategic Planning Manager Anthony Petherbridge said it was important to provide different types of housing to reflect a changing community.

“In Greater Bendigo community, there are around 13,000 people who live alone and close to 13,000 residents living in two-person household,” Mr Petherbridge said.

“Through the Managed Growth Strategy, the City is planning for a future Greater Bendigo with a mix of housing types. This includes family homes, smaller homes, student accommodation, second dwellings (a small second house behind an existing house) and low-rise apartments.

“These types of homes can be built in existing urban areas where people are close to education, jobs, opportunities, shops, and public transport.

“By the 2050s, Greater Bendigo will need another 38,000 homes. Many of these will be ‘middle housing’, that is one and two-bedroom houses, townhouses, duplexes, second dwellings or ‘granny flats’ and low-rise multi-unit buildings.

“This session on May 6 is for anyone thinking about subdividing their land. It will help people understand what is involved before starting a project.”

To book your spot for the information session on subdividing your land, visit:

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

he Albanese Government is taking the next step to ensure Australian journalism is sustainable now and into the future.

Draft legislation to establish a News Bargaining Incentive (NBI) is now available for consultation.

The proposed legislation addresses a limitation in the long-standing News Media Bargaining Code which allows digital platforms to avoid their obligations by removing news from their service.

Under the Incentive, digital platforms operating significant social media or search services are encouraged to do commercial deals with eligible news publishers as the preferred model, with generous offsets provided to reduce their liabilities.

Platforms who elect not to do commercial deals with news publishers will need to pay a charge as a proportion of their revenue, with any charges collected to be distributed back to the news media sector.

Consultation on draft legislation is open until 18 May 2026. Draft legislation is available at https://consult.treasury.gov.au/c2026-763377.

The Government is also developing the distribution mechanism to return any money collected by the NBI back to the Australian news media sector to support the employment and critical work of journalists.

A strong and diverse news sector is vital for a healthy democracy, and the Albanese Government is committed to ensuring a viable future for public interest journalism.

Stakeholders can have their say on how any money raised is distributed to the media sector.

The consultation paper is available at www.infrastructure.gov.au/have-your-say. Submissions close on 18 May 2026.

Quotes attributable to the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“Journalists are the lifeblood of Australia’s media sector, playing a vital role in keeping communities informed about the news that matters to them.

“Local news matters to local communities and these stories can’t be told without Australian journalists.

“My Government will always back Australian journalists and Australian news.”

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Communications and Minister for Sport, Anika Wells

“There has never been a more important time to ensure journalists are supported to keep Australians up to date with the latest and most accurate news.

“This is part of the Albanese Government’s work to make sure our laws keep pace with changing digital technologies and deliver outcomes that are in the interest of the Australian public.”

Quotes attributable to the Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services, Daniel Mulino

“In an increasingly uncertain world, it is crucial Australians are able to get news seen through Australian eyes and with an Australian perspective.

“This remains the case whether it is news from overseas or from just around the corner, being delivered through traditional or innovative ways.

“Large digital platforms have an important role to play in providing access to news for all Australians and being partners in innovation, we would like to see them work with the news media on commercial deals with benefit to both parties.”

 

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

am pleased to announce I intend to recommend to the Governor-General that she appoint Ms Meghan Quinn PSM as Secretary of the Department of Defence.

This is a historic appointment with Ms Quinn becoming the first woman to substantively hold the position of Secretary of the Department of Defence.

Ms Quinn has a distinguished career as a senior leader in the Australian Public Service and is currently the Secretary of the Department of Industry, Science and Resources.

Ms Quinn has advised Government on a wide range of Australian and international policy matters. She previously held several Deputy Secretary roles at the Department of the Treasury and was head of the Secretariat for the ‘Australia in the Asian Century White Paper’ at the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.

Prior to this, Ms Quinn worked for BHP and the Bank of England.

In 2009, Ms Quinn was awarded the Public Service Medal for outstanding public service in the development of climate change policy.

Ms Quinn’s term will commence on 18 May 2026 for a five-year period.

I would like to thank Mr Greg Moriarty AO for his service as Secretary of the Department of Defence, and I look forward to working with him in his new role as Australian Ambassador to the United States of America. I would also like to thank Ms Cath Patterson for acting as Secretary.

 

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

CFA alongside other emergency services agencies gathered last weekend at Gumbuya World for a ‘Community Heroes Day’ to say a big thank you to frontline workers and their families.

Submitted by	CFA Media

Source: State of Victoria Local Government 2

The City of Greater Bendigo has developed a draft Infrastructure and Service Plan for Eaglehawk’s Albert Roy Recreation Reserve and is inviting the community to have their say on the future of the reserve.

Key features of the draft plan include upgraded female-friendly changerooms, two high-quality senior baseball diamonds with lighting, cricket and junior soccer pitches, three Little League fields, combined training nets, improved landscaping, and better pedestrian and cycling access. A new Eaglehawk Women’s Shed is also proposed as part of the site’s future development.

City of Greater Bendigo Director Healthy Communities and Environments, Jess Howard said Albert Roy Reserve is located just 500 metres south of central Eaglehawk and is a popular recreation hub that currently hosts baseball, cricket, BMX, tennis, table tennis and badminton.

“The aim of the draft Infrastructure and Service Plan is to set out a clear, staged vision for the future of the reserve,” Ms Howard said.

“Albert Roy Recreation Reserve is a key community asset with enormous potential for the community but the site’s history as a former mining and landfill area has created ongoing challenges with surface quality and maintenance.

“The draft plan focuses on multi use functionality and respects the site’s environmental and geotechnical constraints.

“The development of the plan will help ensure the reserve continues to support a wide range of sports and community activities, while improving safety, access, and the overall visitor experience.”

Community consultation will be open until May 24, 2026, with residents encouraged to share their ideas on:

• Spaces for relaxation and connection
• Access and wayfinding
• Landscaping and environmental improvements
• Opportunities to explore and enjoy nature
• Ways to encourage physical activity other than sport

Feedback received from the community will be considered and used to refine the plan before it is presented to Council later this year.

Members of the community can review the concept options, complete the online survey, or register for upcoming drop-in sessions on the City’s community engagement website Let’s Talk Greater Bendigo until May 24, 2026.

For more information, or to provide feedback, visit:

Source:

Issue date: Tuesday, 28 April 2026

The Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will hold public hearings in Melbourne and Sydney as part of its inquiry into strengthening Australia’s trade and investment relations with Africa.

Subcommittee Chair, Mrs Fiona Phillips MP, said ‘These hearings will allow the Subcommittee to engage directly with organisations and individuals based in Victoria and New South Wales and hear unique and important insights into how Australia can strengthen its trade and investment relations with Africa.’

‘The Subcommittee will hear from a variety of organisations and individuals, including across business, media, logistics and community groups, each of whom will have the opportunity to share their perspectives on the changing demographic and economic opportunities across Africa’s diverse markets.’

In Melbourne, the Subcommittee will hear from:

• Mr Gebreselasie Gebru
• Australia Africa Chamber of Commerce
• Australia Zimbabwe Business Council
• African Professionals of Australia Limited
• Australian Industry Group
• Africa Media Australia
• Emerging Brand Africa
• Sanctuary Global Enterprises
• Ms Bronwen Halfpenny MP, Member for Thomastown

In Sydney, the Subcommittee will hear from:

• Vitti Capital: African Professionals of Australia; African Advocacy Centre; Western Sydney University
• Kenya Community NSW
• Food Markies / Multicultural Food Hub
• Export Council of Australia

Mrs Fiona Phillips MP further stated that ‘the evidence gathered at these hearings will identify opportunities and barriers to Australia’s trade and investment with African nations and inform recommendations to the Australian Government.’

Public Hearing Details

Melbourne

Date: Wednesday, 29 April 2026 
Time: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm (AEST)
Location: Parliament of Victoria, 55 St Andrews Place, Melbourne – Hearing Room 3 Davui

Sydney

Date: Thursday, 30 April 2026
Time: 9:00 am – 11:35 am (AEST)
Location: Commonwealth Parliamentary Offices, Level 21, 1 Bligh Street, Sydney – Meeting Room 1

Programs for each public hearing are available on the inquiry website.

Public hearings are broadcast live on the Australian Parliament House Streaming Portal.

Media inquiries

Katrina Condie, office of Mrs Fiona Phillips MP (Member for Gilmore; Chair, Trade Subcommittee)
Ph: 0437 662 967

For background information

Committee Secretariat
Ph: 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.

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

hirty years after the Port Arthur massacre, the terrible, indiscriminate cruelty of that day remains beyond understanding. 

Australia pauses today to remember the 35 people whose lives and futures were so pitilessly stolen from them just because they happened to be there.

We think of everyone whose world was shattered by the loss of those who had been the bright centre of their lives, their love left desperately wrapped around an absence. 

Our hearts go out to everyone who has lived with decades of loss, and every survivor and loved one who is no longer with us but was shadowed by an inconsolable grief for the rest of their days.

We think of all who survived but with memories that would never soften.

We express our gratitude to the first responders who arrived in scenes of unspeakable horror but somehow found the strength to do their duty.

We think of the broader Tasmanian community, which was shaken to the core, but came together in love and extraordinary resilience – and in the process, lifted Australia when we so desperately needed it.

We honour the extraordinary courage that emerged from shattering grief. We think of Walter Mikac who channelled his devastating loss into a call for national action on gun reform, writing to Prime Minister Howard with a message that echoes through the decades: “Be strong, act now”. 

Australia is a better place because the Government and the Parliament of the day came together to answer Walter’s call. 

This is what we hold on to – the abiding memory that somehow amid the most terrible darkness the best of humanity found a way to shine.

Three decades on from that day when our nation stopped, let us stand together as we stood together then, united in love for everyone who never came home. 

Source: Tasmania Police

Youths charged following several alleged business burglaries in East Devonport

Monday, 27 April 2026 – 4:56 pm.

Detectives from the Western Criminal Investigation Branch have arrested and charged four youths following several alleged business burglaries in East Devonport overnight.
Police allege the youths, aged 17, 16 and two aged 15, were involved in two burglaries, one attempted burglary, stealing and attempted stealing.
All four youths have been jointly charged with:

burglary x2
attempted burglary x1
stealing x1
attempted stealing x1.

Police would like to thank members of the community who reported suspicious activity and assisted police inquiries.
Anyone with information about burglary, stealing, or suspicious behaviour in the East Devonport area is asked to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously via 1800 333 000.

Source: New South Wales Health – State Government

NSW Health is advising people in Sydney to be alert for signs and symptoms of measles after being notified of a confirmed case.
The case is a returned traveller from Japan where the number of measles cases have recently been rising.
The person visited locations across Sydney while unknowingly infectious, including a healthcare facility.
A full list of locations is available on the NSW Health website. Exposure locations and times are updated regularly.
People who attended these locations should watch for symptoms of measles. These locations do not pose an ongoing risk.
If it has been less than 6 days since the exposure at these locations and you are pregnant, have a weakened immune system or have an infant who was exposed, you are advised to contact your local Public Health Unit on 1300 066 055.
There is currently an increased risk of measles in NSW, with 45 cases confirmed since 1 January 2026.
Sydney Local Health District Public Health Unit Deputy Director, Dr Isabel Hess, said people should monitor for symptoms of measles, particularly if they have visited any of the exposure locations at the listed time.
“If symptoms develop and you’ve been at one of the locations at the time listed on the website, see your doctor or health service, including an emergency department. Call ahead to let them know that you may have come into contact with measles so you don’t spend time in waiting rooms with other patients,” Dr Hess said.
“Symptoms to watch out for include fever, sore eyes, runny nose and a cough, usually followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash that spreads from the head and face to the rest of the body.
“Anyone with early symptoms who gets a rash a few days later should also think about measles, even if they haven’t attended one of the identified locations, and seek testing.
“It can take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear after an exposure, so it’s important for people who visited these locations to look out for symptoms for this period.”
Measles is a vaccine preventable disease that is spread through the air when someone who is infectious coughs or sneezes.
“Importantly, we want to remind the community to make sure they are up to date with their vaccinations. Measles vaccine can prevent the disease even after exposure, if given early enough,” Dr Hess said.
“Anyone born after 1965 needs to ensure they have had two doses of measles vaccine. This is especially important before overseas travel, as measles outbreaks are occurring in several regions of the world at the moment.”
Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and effective and is given free for children at 12 and 18 months of age. It is also free in NSW for anyone born after 1965 who hasn’t already had two doses.
Children under the age of 12 months can have an extra, early, dose of MMR from six months of age if they are travelling overseas. Parents should consult their GP.
People who are unsure of whether they have had two doses should get a vaccine, as additional doses are safe. This is particularly important prior to travel. MMR vaccine is available from GPs (all ages) and pharmacies (people over 5 years of age).
For more information on measles, view the measles fact sheet.
People can also visit the Australian Government Smart Traveller website for information on health risks, including measles outbreaks relevant to their travel destination.
If you, or a loved one, is experiencing measles symptoms, or have questions about measles, please call your GP or healthdirect on 1800 022 222.
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