Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Australian Renewable Energy Agency

Five projects are set to receive a share of $13 million in ARENA funding, unlocking investment in cutting-edge technologies to accelerate decarbonisation, lower long-term energy costs and support low-carbon supply chains and consumer goods. 

ARENA CEO Darren Miller said decarbonising industry is one of the defining challenges of Australia’s energy transition, and that targeted ARENA funding is critical to de-risking early projects, accelerating deployment and unlocking broader private investment. 

“Australia cannot reach net zero without transforming how we produce the materials, energy and goods that underpin our economy,” said Mr Miller.  

“These projects show that industrial decarbonisation is not a future aspiration but is happening now, with practical solutions that cut emissions, strengthen competitiveness and build the foundations for new low-carbon industries.” 

The funded projects span a range of technologies and sectors, showing how clean energy solutions can be integrated into existing operations and deliver measurable emissions reductions today, while building capability for deeper reductions over time.  

Projects include: 

• 4 Pines Brewing Co will receive up to $1.77 million in ARENA funding to support the electrification of its Brookvale brewhouse, enabling a transition away from natural gas and positioning the site among the most advanced low-carbon breweries in Australia. 
• Alsco will receive up to $1.04 million to deliver its South Coast Flagship Site for Innovation and Low Carbon Demonstration, an industry-leading showcase of clean technology for automated laundry sorting and washing that reduces energy, time and resource use. 
• Opella Healthcare will receive up to $1.94 million to eliminate natural gas use at its Queensland manufacturing site, cutting Scope 1 emissions while maintaining essential production conditions, including temperature, humidity and water flow. 
• Capral will receive up to $3.45 million to replace a 40-year-old gas-fired log furnace with a fully electric furnace system at its Bremer Park aluminium extrusion facility in Queensland. The new electrically heated convection oven is expected to improve efficiency from 20% to 90% and reduce company-wide emissions. 
• BioCarbon will receive up to $4.80 million to construct a commercial-scale facility producing biochar pellets to replace fossil coke in electric arc furnace steelmaking. Once operational, the facility will process approximately 20,000 tonnes of waste woodchips each year to produce around 8,000 tonnes of biochar pellets and 8,000 tonnes of wood vinegar as a co-product. 

Collectively, these projects illustrate how Australian industry and innovation can be the catalyst for cleaner production methods while maintaining productivity and competitiveness. They will also provide valuable insights to support market readiness and application across other Australian facilities and sectors.  

These projects have been funded under the now closed National Industrial Transformation (NIT) Program which supported projects aimed at reducing scope 1 and 2 emissions at existing or planned industrial facilities in Australia. Following the program’s closure, this support continues through ARENA’s Industrial Transformation Stream (ITS) for existing regional industrial facilities. 

ARENA encourages businesses with innovative, scalable solutions to reduce industrial emissions to consider applying for funding through ITS Round 3, which is currently open.  

More information on ITS Round 3, including eligibility and application processes, is available on the ARENA website: https://arena.gov.au/funding/powering-the-regions-industrial-transformation-stream/  

ARENA media contact:

media@arena.gov.au

Download this media release (PDF 174KB)

Source: Tasmania Police

Female pedestrian injured in serious traffic crash

Thursday, 19 March 2026 – 9:23 pm.

Police are calling for information on a serious traffic incident involving a pedestrian and a motorcycle rider on Marston Street, Clarendon Vale, earlier today.
About 3.40pm on Thursday, a 29-year-old woman was attempting to cross Marston Street when she was struck by a motorcycle travelling at speed.
The serious collision caused the woman to be airborne. She landed several metres away, sustaining serious leg and possible internal injuries.
Initial investigations indicate the rider came off the motorcycle but was able to regroup and rode away from the scene. Police are seeking to locate the rider.
The woman was taken by ambulance to Royal Hobart Hospital where she remains in a critical, but stable condition.
Tasmania Police Crash Investigation Services attended the crash, and a section of Marston Road was closed for about three hours to enable further investigation.
Officers from South East CIB, with the assistance of uniformed officers, conducted door knocks and further inquiries.
Any witnesses to the crash, or members of the public who have video or CCTV footage of the incident, are asked to contact police on 131 444.
You can also report anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperstas.com.au

Source: Government of Western Australia

The City of Wanneroo’s $18 million Dordaak Kepup Library and Youth Innovation Hub has been recognised with three major honours at the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia (IPWEA) WA Excellence Awards, announced on Friday 13 March 2026.

Source: New South Wales Health – State Government

NSW Health is advising people in western and northern Sydney to be alert for signs and symptoms of measles after being notified of three new confirmed cases.

Two of the cases are known to have acquired their infection locally as they attended one of the listed NSW exposure sites at the same time as a confirmed case earlier this month. 

However, it is unknown where the third new case acquired their infection as they have not had any recent overseas travel. The source of their infection is under investigation.

The new cases visited several locations across western and northern Sydney while unknowingly infectious, including healthcare facilities. 

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 33 cases confirmed since 1 January 2026.

NSW Health Director of Communicable Diseases, Dr Christine Selvey 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 above, 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 Selvey 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 Selvey 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).
 

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 Healthd​irect on 1800 022 222. 

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Thanks for joining us. I’m joined today by Anthea Harris, who we have just appointed the Fuel Supply Taskforce Coordinator. 

Since the conflict began a fortnight ago, my Government has been working to protect Australians from the effects of the Middle East war. We’ve already taken a number of significant and indeed unprecedented actions. This morning, I convened the National Cabinet to address fuel security and supply chain preparedness in Australia in response to the conflict in the Middle East. And I thank the premiers and chief ministers who attended this meeting, every one of them at very short notice. And there was a good feeling of common purpose expressed during that meeting. 

I want to assure Australians at this time that Australia is well prepared. Our fuel supply is currently secure. However, I want us to be overprepared. I understand there are Australians in some parts of our nation that are really worried as they watch what is unfolding in the Middle East, and that is understandable. But we’re doing all that we can to secure our fuel supply and to get it to the places that need it. I again reiterate today, my message to Australians is please do not take more fuel than you need. That is how you can help. It’s the Australian way to think of others, to think of their neighbours, their community and also to think of the national interest. Only take what you need. 

Today, National Cabinet acknowledged that the longer the conflict in the Middle East goes, the more significant the impact will be for global supply chains, fuel prices and the wider economy. And it’s also understood by Australians that this is a global issue that we are dealing with. The conflict is an unprecedented shock to global energy markets. The International Energy Agency has called it the biggest in history. Already, Australians are feeling the consequences of this. And I’m deeply concerned by attacks on civilian and energy infrastructure, including the latest overnight in Qatar. We condemn Iran’s ongoing and reckless reprisal attacks in countries across the region who are not parties to this conflict. We do not want to see the conflict escalate further. 

Today, the Commonwealth has appointed Anthea Harris, who joins me here, as the Fuel Supply Taskforce Coordinator to support coordination across governments and sectors. And there will be agreement, every state and territory will appoint someone to work with Ms Harris to make sure that we maximise the coordinated effort during this time. Ms Harris is formerly the CEO of the Australian Energy Regulator and the former Chief Executive Officer of the Energy Security Board. Prior to this she was Deputy Secretary of the Energy Group within the Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning. So, I can’t think of anyone better with more experience, more knowledge, as well as that experience in a state government to be able to coordinate these efforts. 

The Fuel Supply Taskforce Coordinator will be responsible for the following: leading a new Fuel Supply Taskforce that will be established in the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet; driving coordination between the Commonwealth and the States and Territories on fuel security and supply chain resilience; providing consistent, coordinated updates to the Commonwealth and States and Territories on our fuel supply outlook; and acting as a single convening point for fuel supply and forward planning. This is a sensible measure to put in place. The Commonwealth Government is of course responsible for fuel security and supply, but it is the States and Territories that are responsible for distribution of are within their jurisdictions. The best outcome is to ensure that Australia is overprepared, and today’s announcement reinforces that approach. 

Since the conflict commenced two weeks ago, my Government has taken swift action. We’ve released up to 20 per cent of our diesel and fuel reserves to help address regional shortages. And part of that announcement was that the increase in supply goes to areas of need. We’ve temporarily amended the national fuel standards to make sure that more Australian-made fuels are kept onshore. This is normally fuel made here for export. By temporarily amending the standards, it means that that fuel is now kept here. And we’re cracking down on petrol companies engaging in price gouging. The Minister for Foreign affairs is engaging key international counterparts to help ensure the continued flow of fuel and diesel shipments to Australia from our trading partners. And I’ve been engaged in that process as well. My Government will be announcing more measures to prepare the nation for supply chain challenges over coming days and weeks. 

Briefly, I do want to just add, before I take questions, the issue of Cyclone Narelle, which is off the coast of Far North Queensland. This has the potential to be a very dangerous weather event for both North Queensland but also the Northern Territory. The Category 4 cyclone is forecast to strengthen into a Category 5 system before crossing with severe impacts on Friday. And I’ve been engaged and will continue to engage with Premier David Crisafulli as well. And as always, the Commonwealth stands ready to provide whatever assistance is required for both Queensland and for the Northern Territory. 

Happy to take questions.

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Thank you.

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

he Albanese Government has appointed Anthea Harris as Fuel Supply Taskforce Coordinator – a new role, supporting the work governments around the country are doing to ensure Australia is overprepared and quick to respond when facing fuel and other supply chain challenges arising from the conflict in the Middle East.

The Fuel Supply Taskforce Coordinator will be responsible for the following: 

• Leading a new Fuel Supply Taskforce that will be established in the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.
• Driving coordination between the Commonwealth and the States and Territories on fuel security and supply chain resilience.
• Providing consistent, coordinated updates to the Commonwealth and States and Territories on our fuel supply outlook as well as our domestic fuel distribution.
• Supporting State and Territory governments to get fuels to their regions where they are in demand, and act as a single convening point for fuel supply and forward planning.

The Commonwealth Government is responsible for national fuel security and supply, and will work with States and Territories to support distribution within their jurisdictions.

This is a cross portfolio coordination role, ensuring the decisions of Government are implemented quickly and smoothly.

With shortages in specific areas due to an increase in demand in some locations, and further supply chain challenges expected throughout coming weeks and months, Ms Harris’s taskforce will lead coordination work to ensure the best outcomes for Australians and Australian businesses.

Anthea Harris is formerly the CEO of the Australian Energy Regulator and the former Chief Executive Officer of the Energy Security Board. Prior to this, she was Deputy Secretary of the Energy Group within the Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning.

Australia is well prepared for the challenges coming from the Middle East conflict, and our fuel supply is currently secure.

Since the conflict commenced two weeks ago the Commonwealth government has taken swift action to: 

• Release up to 20 per cent of our diesel and fuel reserves to help address regional shortages.
• Temporarily amend national fuel standards to keep more Australian-made fuels onshore
• Crack down on petrol company price gouging.

This appointment is the next step in shielding Australia from the worst of the economic challenges coming from the Middle East.

The Australian Government will be announcing more measures to prepare the nation for supply chain challenges over coming days and weeks.

Quotes attributable to the Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese

“I want to reassure Australians – Australia is well prepared.

“Our fuel supply is currently secure – but I want us to be over-prepared.

“Anthea Harris is the right person to lead the work across governments ensuring fuel supply remains resilient and challenges coming from the Middle East are dealt with here in the Australian way – looking after each other and facing problems together.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Climate Change and Energy of Australia, Chris Bowen

“Australia has entered this period of global uncertainty better prepared than before – our fuel reserves are now held onshore, we’ve invested in our refineries, and we’ve acted quickly to address localised supply shortages.

“Since the conflict commenced two weeks ago the Albanese Government has taken swift action to release up to 20 per cent of our diesel and fuel reserves to help address regional shortages, temporarily amend national fuel standards to keep more Australian-made fuels onshore, and crack down on petrol companies ripping off Australian consumers.

“Today’s announcement of the eminently qualified Fuel Supply Taskforce Coordinator is the next step in preparing and responding to the supply chain challenges coming from overseas.”

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

he Prime Minister convened National Cabinet today to address fuel security and supply chain resilience in Australia in response to the conflict in the Middle East.

First Ministers were provided a situation update from the Director General of the Office of National Intelligence Kathy Klugmann and the Director General of Security and Head of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Mike Burgess.

Leaders agreed that while Australia is well prepared and current supply is secure, the nation must be prepared for all scenarios.

Leaders reinforced their commitment to prioritise securing fuel supply for Australian industry and households, while also shielding Australians from higher prices. Leaders acknowledged that the longer the conflict in the Middle East goes on, the more significant the impact will be for global supply chains, fuel prices, and the wider economy.

The conflict in the Middle East is an unprecedented shock to global energy markets. The International Energy Agency has called it the biggest in history. Already Australians are feeling the consequences at the bowser.

Leaders reiterated their collective mission is to protect Australians from the economic consequences of the global conflict and to ensure continued fuel security, while building economic resilience for the long term. Australia is well placed to do both.

The Commonwealth will appoint Anthea Harris as Fuel Supply Taskforce Coordinator to support coordination across governments and sectors.

Anthea Harris is formerly the CEO of the Australian Energy Regulator and the former Chief Executive Officer of the Energy Security Board. Prior to this, she was Deputy Secretary of the Energy Group within the Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning.

The Fuel Supply Taskforce Coordinator will be responsible for the following: 

• Leading a new Fuel Supply Taskforce that will be established in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet in Canberra.
• Driving coordination between the Commonwealth and the States and Territories on fuel security and supply chain resilience.
• Providing consistent, coordinated updates to the Commonwealth and States and Territories on our fuel supply outlook as well as our domestic fuel distribution.
• Act as a single convening point for fuel supply and forward planning.

Leaders agreed that national coordination is essential to support States and Territories using the powers and plans they have in place regarding fuel distribution.

The Commonwealth Government is responsible for national fuel security and supply and will work with States and Territories to support distribution within their jurisdictions.

Leaders reiterated that Australia is in a good position at present and does not have an overall fuel shortage at this time. However, there are some shortages in specific areas due to an increase in demand in those locations. 

National Cabinet Leaders agreed that every Australian can play a part in helping right now by only purchasing the fuel that they need.

Leaders urged all Australians to consider others in need and not to over buy. That is not the Australian way.

Leaders agreed that the best outcome is to ensure Australia is over prepared. Today’s announcement reinforces that approach.

Since the conflict commenced two weeks ago the Commonwealth government has taken swift action on fuel to: 

• Release up to 20 per cent of our diesel and fuel reserves to help address regional shortages.
• Temporarily amend national fuel standards to keep more Australian-made fuels onshore.
• Crack down on petrol companies price gouging.

Energy Ministers and officials are working closely to coordinate fuel supply updates around the country including through the National Oil Supplies Emergency Committee.

The National Coordination Mechanism has convened several discussions with industry and states and territories.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs is engaging key international counterparts to help ensure the continued flow of fuel and diesel shipments to Australia from our trade partners.

The Australian Government will be announcing more measures to prepare the nation for supply chain challenges over coming days and weeks.

This media statement has been agreed by First Ministers and serves as a record of meeting outcomes.

Anthony Albanese MP
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Chris Minns MP
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Jacinta Allan MP
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David Crisafulli MP
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Roger Cook MLA
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Peter Malinauskas MP
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Jeremy Rockliff MP
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Andrew Barr MLA
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Lia Finocchiaro MLA
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Source: Airservices Australia

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) today released its March 2026 Financial Stability Review.

The Review highlights that risks to the global financial system have increased. The escalation of conflict in the Middle East has contributed to sharp movements in global financial markets, while the risk of operational, cyber and security disruptions is heightened.

The RBA finds that Australia’s financial system is well placed to handle an increasingly uncertain global environment.

• Most borrowers are in a solid financial position and remain able to manage increases in cost pressures, though some will face growing challenges.
• Australian banks are in a strong position to continue supporting the economy, even if conditions deteriorate sharply.

In this environment, it is important that financial institutions continue to build both resilience to liquidity, operational and geopolitical shocks and maintain prudent lending standards.

Source: Government of Victoria 3

Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

The ACCC has launched an enforcement investigation into allegations of anti-competitive conduct by each of the major fuel suppliers, Ampol Ltd, BP Australia Pty Ltd, Mobil Oil Australia Pty Ltd, and Viva Energy Australia Pty Ltd.

The ACCC received reports concerning diesel availability to independent wholesalers and distributors servicing regional and rural Australia. This investigation will assess the alleged conduct.

“The ACCC is closely scrutinising all fuel markets during this period, and we have received reports of alleged anti-competitive behaviour. We are therefore investigating these matters urgently,” ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb said.

“It is not our usual practice to publicly announce investigations, but given the significance of the issue, the ACCC is confirming this enforcement investigation. We recognise the widespread concerns held by consumers, businesses and farmers about fuel pricing and supply issues arising during the Middle Eastern conflict.”

“It is important that fuel market participants and the community know that we are closely watching market conduct in relation to all fuels and we will not hesitate to act swiftly to enforce Australia’s competition and consumer laws,” Ms Cass-Gottlieb said.

“Our investigation is at a preliminary stage, and therefore we are yet to form a view about these matters.”

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 and enforce compliance with the Competition and Consumer Act. 

The ACCC will publish the next weekly update of the monitoring report of fuel prices in Australian capital cities, with the inclusion of prices in 190 regional locations, on Friday.