Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Events in 2021

For over 60 years, Warracknabeal Fire Brigade has been supporting the Good Friday Appeal with the help of their dedicated community, and their generosity stems much broader than a door knock.

Having raised over $523,000 since 1964, the brigade has been a strong contributor across CFA’s 75-year connection to the Appeal.

Brigade members rattling tins in their yellows has become an iconic tradition within the town. This year they are hoping to grow their annual tally toward such a worthy cause beyond the $31,000 they raised last year. It is a cause that hits particularly close to home.

Warracknabeal firefighter and Appeal Area Manager Tennille Jonasson has been part of the brigade’s fundraising efforts for 10 years, and said she looks forward to Good Friday for the collection activities more than the easter bunny.

“I really love getting together with the community to get behind the Good Friday Appeal and raise money for the kids,” Tennille said.

“The community are great, and it’s very rewarding. We’ve all had family members or friends’ children who have used the services of the Royal Children’s Hospital.

“My nephews have been in there and there are many kids we interact with out in the community who have too.”

Because there are no traffic lights in the town, with no safe spot for traffic to stop, they have had to get creative.

Leading from the front, Tennille aims to mix things up each year – holding different activities to raise funds and awareness.

“Last year I organised an auction and we raised nearly $10,000 and we’ve also done an easter egg hunt based off the Amazing Race, called Beat the Bunny,” Tennille said.

“We don’t do any door knocking, but we do a lot of raffles and street collection.

“The trucks usually go around the streets in the afternoon of Good Friday, and we used to have members at certain street corners.

“In 2019, we raised more than $5,000 at one particular corner which was amazing.”

As a passionate advocate for both the cause and the interaction the collection provides, Tennille said she keeps a tally of every total raised on each activity and every street.

While the brigade is gearing up for a big presence at the 2026 State Firefighter Championships in March, they are still finding the time to give their efforts to both events.

“It’s been a busy start to the year, so although there won’t be an auction this year, we will still have our annual raffle,” Tennille said.

“We’ll have the trucks out and have our members based at the Werrigar Roadhouse.”

To register your 2026 Good Friday Appeal fundraising activity, or to get your town on the regional tally board, please contact the team at collections@goodfridayappeal.com.au.

Make this Friday a Good Friday. Give what you can – in person or donate online at https://fundraise.goodfridayappeal.com.au/find-a-fundraiser

Submitted by	CFA media

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

A trial program that strategically located bulk water carriers across Victoria will be extended with the fire risk set to continue into the Autumn.

Launched in October, the program saw 19 mobile bulk water carriers, each with the capacity to hold more than 20,000 litres, strategically placed across Victoria to enable access to most fires within 60 minutes drive time.

The program, funded by the Victorian Government, was set up to strengthen firefighting operations during the 2025/26 fire season after a seasonally high fire risk was predicted in August 2025.

CFA Deputy Chief Officer Garry Cook AFSM said the program had a been a huge success saving firefighters time and getting  their tankers reloaded with water and back on the fireground faster.

“We knew leading into the fire season that there was going to be a shortage of groundwater, particularly through the west and the north,” Garry said.

“But as conditions continued to dry out across the state through the very hot and dry summer, the shortage was right across Victoria.”

To date the bulk water carriers have logged more than 1,121 operational hours supporting firefighters on firegrounds across the state including more than 30 incidents.

Some of these incidents include the major fires at Carlisle River, Longwood, Ravenswood and Clarkefield, but also include many smaller fires that were able to be contained quickly due to having a bulk water carrier on scene.

During summer if an Incident Controller decided they need water delivered to a fire because they didn’t have access to a farm dam, a creek or some other form of supply, they can request access a bulk water tanker through their district duty officer.

“With a dry autumn expected we will be extending the use of these tankers and will keep them on standby for the next month or so,” Garry said.

“It’s the first time we have had bulk water at our direct disposal without having to pick up the phone and call contractors to see whether they are available to support us.

“Once the season subsides we will  review how this has supported on ground operations and start to look to how we can improve this program into the future.”

The feedback from CFA volunteer firefighters has been positive.

“It’s saving us having to draught from dams and it’s giving us water really fast,” Riddells Creel Fire Brigade firefighter Michael Hemmingway said.

“The bulk water tanker is brilliant. It’s right in the middle if the action and saves us so much time and gets us back on the fireground saving houses,” Heskett-Kerrie Fire Brigade firefighter Paul Fletcher said.

Submitted by	CFA media

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

The Upper Ferntree Gully Fire Brigade marked a proud milestone over the weekend, celebrating 100 years of dedicated service with brigade members past and present.

Submitted by	CFA Media

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Photo: Blair Dellemijn Uniform Photography

The Eltham community is proudly celebrating a historic milestone as the Eltham Fire Brigade marks 100 years of dedicated service protecting lives and property.

Submitted by	CFA Media

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

After a dry and hotter than usual summer, most of Victoria will face an increased risk of fire over the coming months, according to the Australian Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for Autumn released today.

A lack of significant rainfall, extreme heat and high fuel loads were a major contributor to the bushfires across large parts of Victoria during January and this elevated risk is set to continue well into autumn.

The outlook for autumn is again drier than normal, with forecast warmer than average maximum daytime and overnight temperatures.

These warmer, drier conditions may further increase fuel availability across already parched grasslands, forests, woodlands and heathlands – making it easier for fires to start and spread.  

A normal bushfire risk this autumn is only forecast for East Gippsland and the Mallee. East Gippsland, including Bairnsdale and Orbost, has had consistent rain in spring and summer and the Mallee, around Mildura and Kerang, has reduced fuel loads. However, even in areas with normal bushfire potential, fast running fires are possible on dry and windy days in areas with dry or cured vegetation.

The extreme conditions may delay planned burning in much of the state, but it may also increase opportunities to target areas not typically available for planned burning during April and May.   

Emergency services will continue to monitor conditions to identify key risk areas leading into the autumn period.

Victoria remains well prepared for the potential of fires, with aircraft positioned across the state to support dedicated volunteer and career firefighters on the ground. 

The Australian Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for Autumn is developed by the Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council and supported by the Bureau of Meteorology along with state and territory fire and land managers.

It’s important for communities to understand their local risks. Keep up to date with the Fire Danger Ratings on the VicEmergency app and VicEmergency website.

Quotes attributable to Deputy Emergency Management Commissioner, Brett Boatman

‘Our long-term drying trend continues with many parts of Victoria recording below average rain and some no rain at all during January.

‘With these drier than normal conditions expected to continue through autumn, we all need to remain vigilant about the potential for fires.

“Be prepared, understand your local risks, use the VicEmergency app and stay tuned to your local emergency broadcaster.’

Quotes attributable to Country Fire Authority Acting Chief Officer, Alen Slijepcevic

‘While conditions remain dry with little rain forecast in certain parts of the state over coming months, the fire risk will continue but our crews are ready and will adapt to changes as they develop through autumn.

‘Victorians should continue to maintain their properties and stay informed of their local risks so they can take action to protect their families in the event of a fire.’

Quotes attributable to Forest Fire Management Victoria Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Fiona Dunstan

‘The expected warmer maximum temperatures are likely to delay the start of planned burning across most of the state, except for East Gippsland, during autumn.

‘As soon as favourable weather and forest conditions arrive, we’ll make sure all available resources are delivering planned burning, including in areas that are often too wet in typical autumn.

‘With the dry conditions continuing, campfire safety is critical. Check whether a Total Fire Ban has been declared via VicEmergency before lighting a fire. If you do, manage it safely and fully extinguish it with water, never soil.’

 “As soon as favourable weather and forest conditions arrive, we’ll make sure all available resources are delivering planned burning, including in areas that are often too wet in typical autumn.”

Quotes attributable to Fire Rescue Victoria Deputy Commissioner Operations Central, South and East, Costa Katsikis

‘As we move into autumn, most Victorians still face an increased risk of grass and bushfires due to the cumulative effects of hotter weather and lower rainfall.

‘Given these conditions everyone should keep in mind that these fires can start, take hold and move very quickly posing a threat to life and property.

‘We’re asking everyone to stay mindful of potential fire risks near their homes and local area, whether urban or regional, and to keep an up-to-date plan of what to do if a fire starts.’

Quotes attributable to Victorian State Emergency Services Chief Officer Operations, Alistair Drayton

‘We know weather conditions shift quickly across Victoria. As well as fires, it’s also important people are storm smart.

‘We encourage all Victorians to consider how they can ready themselves and their properties, not just fires, but for other emergencies, such as floods and storms, including preparing an emergency kit with food and water, a torch and medicines.’

Submitted by	CFA Media

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

he Australian Government acknowledges the outstanding leadership of Pat Turner AM as she concludes her tenure as Chief Executive Officer of the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NAACHO) and Lead Convenor of the Coalition of Peaks. 

A proud Gudanji-Arrernte woman, Pat Turner is a true giant of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander affairs and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health. 

Pat is a fierce and formidable advocate and has dedicated her life to the wellbeing and self-determination of First Nations people and communities.

Her extensive career has strengthened the community controlled sector, elevated the voice of First Nations organisations in national policy, championing partnership between governments and First Nations communities. 

As the Lead Convenor of the Coalition of Peaks, Pat played an instrumental role in negotiating and implementing the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, securing a historic shared decision-making framework between governments and First Nations community-controlled organisations. 

As Co-Chair of the Joint Council on Closing the Gap, Pat has worked in partnership with the Commonwealth and State and Territory Governments to deliver on the National Agreement to improve life outcomes for First Nations people. 

She’s demonstrated an unwavering commitment to ensuring that policies affecting First Nations people are shaped by those communities. This work will leave a lasting national impact.

Under Pat’s leadership at NACCHO, the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health sector has continued to expand, innovate and deliver culturally safe, community-driven health services. 

Pat has always been driven by a steely resolve that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have the answers to Closing the Gap; what they need is the agency to determine their own futures.

Pat Turner’s remarkable career achievements will leave a legacy that will continue to shape national conversations about health equity, community empowerment, self-determination and Closing the Gap.

On behalf of the Government, we thank Pat for her service to the nation.

Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“Pat is a formidable advocate and our nation is a better place because of her.

“Her tireless efforts have held governments to account, and she has worked hard to build strong working partnerships with First Nations people.

“She leaves her role with our thanks, and with our deep respect.”

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy

“I extend my deep gratitude to Pat for her decades of service, courage and unwavering commitment to improving outcomes First Nations people.  

“Pat is one of those rare leaders who makes you feel seen, heard and challenged, all at the same time. Her strength is matched only by her generosity.

“Pat has always brought heart to her work. Even in the most challenging times, she found a way to remind us all of why we do what we do.”

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

PRIME MINISTER: Australia stands with the brave people of Iran in their struggle against what is an oppressive regime. Ayatollah Khamenei was responsible for the regime’s ballistic missile and nuclear program, support for armed proxies and its brutal acts of violence and intimidation against its own people. This claimed countless lives in Iran, but also internationally. He is responsible for orchestrating attacks on Australian soil. His passing will not be mourned. We have not been immune from the impacts of the regime’s actions right here in Australia. Our valued Iranian Australian community that is 50,000 strong see what happens overseas and, understandably, it affects them greatly as they fear for the safety and security of family and friends. We have also seen at least two attacks orchestrated by the IRGC on Australian soil in 2024, including the firebombing of the Adass synagogue in Melbourne, aimed at creating fear amongst Jewish Australians, but also aimed at dividing our nation.

While we aren’t directly active in the current military strikes, we have been clear and acted on our utter rejection of the brutal Iranian regime. Last year, we expelled Iran’s ambassador. That is the first time an ambassador has been expelled from Australia since the Second World War. And that underlines how seriously we took the gravity of Iran orchestrating an attack on our soil. We suspended operations at our embassy in Tehran, and we listed the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a state sponsor of terrorism. We’ve sanctioned more than 200 Iranian linked individuals, including more than 100 linked to the IRGC.

We have long recognised that Iran’s nuclear program is a threat to global peace and security. With international partners, including the United States and the G7, we have called for the Iranian regime to uphold the human rights and fundamental freedoms of Iran’s citizens. Sadly, these calls have gone unheeded and action has now been taken. We support the United States acting to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and to prevent Iran from continuing to threaten international peace and security. We are concerned about regional escalation and urge the protection of civilians. For those on the ground, Australian officials are closely monitoring what is an evolving situation. These events are unfolding rapidly. It is critical that anyone in the region takes note of the Smartraveller website for the most up-to-date information that we can provide.

We continue to advise Australians to not travel to Iran – this has been in place since 2020 – and to leave Iran as soon as possible, of course, if it is safe to do so. Our ability to provide consular assistance in Iran is extremely limited. We have upgraded travel advice for Israel, Lebanon, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates to Do Not Travel. Australians should leave now if it is safe to do so. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is this morning opening its registration portal for Australians seeking assistance to depart Israel and Iran and will be directly in touch with registered Australians with the latest information. The closure of transport hubs in the Middle East will likely lead to flight disruptions and cancellations. We’ve already seen flights returned to Australia that were unable to land in either Dubai or Abu Dhabi. And of course, Emirates, in particular with Etihad, have a large number of flights to the region, including – of course, as does Qatar and other airlines.

Travellers should prioritise their safety. They should monitor events and follow local advice. Australians requiring urgent consular assistance can contact the Consular Emergency Centre 24/7 on 1300 555 135 in Australia. I repeat the number, 1300 555 135 in Australia, or, +61 2 6261 3305. I repeat that as well from outside of Australia, +61 2 6261 3305. I urge everyone to follow the travel advice and support your friends and family who are directly or indirectly affected by what is happening in the Middle East. I understand this is a very difficult time for the tens of thousands of Australians with loved ones in the Middle East. The days ahead are going to be difficult. They are uncertain. We are deeply concerned and my Government’s priority remains the safety of Australians in the region. My Government will do all we can to keep Australians safe and protect our personnel who are there in the region as well. Happy to take a couple questions.

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Source: Prime Minister of Australia

he time has come for high-speed rail in Australia — for the good of Australians and, as the business case now shows, for the good of the economy.

In our first term, we legislated the High Speed Rail Authority to develop that business case. Now that it is complete, we can continue turning that vision into reality. We’re doing that by moving the Sydney to Newcastle stage into the development phase.

This is a big project worthy of a big nation. While the costs are necessarily high, the returns will be even greater.

With speeds of up to 320 km/h, high-speed rail will cut travel time from Newcastle to Sydney to one hour and from Gosford to Sydney to 30 minutes.

That’s what it cuts. Now let’s look at what it adds.

The business case shows that investing in this first leg of the high-speed rail network will generate around $250 billion in economic activity here in Australia. It finds the project will add 99,000 jobs and 160,000 new households to the Hunter region.

It will be a nationally significant act of regional economic development that builds the economic future of the Hunter. Indeed, it is nothing less than an emphatic vote of confidence in the Hunter region.

Consistent with our government’s approach to nation-building, it is a project we are undertaking carefully and methodically.

As a former infrastructure minister, I can tell you that the only thing that moves fast in this process is the train. But we are moving. Eventually so will those trains, stopping only at stations at Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Central Coast and Sydney Central — with future stations at Parramatta and Western Sydney International.

There is no getting around the sheer scale of the project — nor the complexity of the engineering and construction challenges before us. That includes the construction of tunnels for approximately 50-60% of the route, and bridges and viaducts for up to 15%.

Yet, as the business case shows for stages 1A and 1B — Newcastle to Sydney Central — the economic benefits exceed costs, even on conservative assumptions. When assessed together, stages 1A and 1B are net positive. The benefit–cost ratio strengthens further as additional stages are delivered and the network expands.

This is a prime example of nation-building infrastructure that facilitates growth, boosts productivity, creates jobs and connects communities.

It will give businesses opportunities for closer collaboration and integration. It will also provide an incentive for people looking to make their homes outside the big cities, giving them the chance of a better quality of life and strengthening local communities in the process.

It will bring economic benefits to Hunter industries such as tourism and hospitality. And, of course, with travel times slashed, it will be a game changer for workers commuting to Sydney.

As I said when I outlined my vision in Newcastle in 2022, it’s so much more than just a transport policy. It’s an economic development policy. It’s a housing policy. It’s a growth strategy with huge productivity benefits.

Consider the advantages high-speed rail has over air travel and you can see why it has become so crucial in so many parts of the world.

London to Paris is a clear case study. Since the Eurostar opened in 1994, it has captured an overwhelming majority of the market, with nearly four times as many people opting for the train over flying.

It’s also a much more environmentally sustainable way to travel, with carbon dioxide emissions per rail passenger a tiny fraction of what they are by air or by car.

We want to keep Australia moving — and to keep Australia moving faster and more efficiently.

This opinion piece was first published in Capital Brief on Wednesday, 4 March 2026. 

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

ustralia stands with the brave people of Iran in their struggle against oppression.

For decades, the Iranian regime has been a destabilising force, through its ballistic missile and nuclear programs, support for armed proxies, and brutal acts of violence and intimidation.

Iran directed at least two attacks on Australian soil in 2024. These appalling acts targeting Australia’s Jewish community were intended to create fear, divide our society and challenge our sovereignty. In response, Australia took the unprecedented steps of expelling Iran’s Ambassador, suspending operations at our embassy in Tehran, and listing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a state sponsor of terrorism.

Our Government has sanctioned more than 200 Iranian-linked individuals, including more than 100 linked to the IRGC.

With international partners, including the United States and the G7, we have called for the Iranian regime to uphold the human rights and fundamental freedoms of Iran’s citizens. These calls have gone unheeded. Instead, the regime has instigated a brutal crackdown on its own people leaving thousands of Iranian civilians dead. A regime that relies on the repression and murder of its own people to retain power is without legitimacy.

It has long been recognised that Iran’s nuclear program is a threat to global peace and security. The international community has been clear that the Iranian regime can never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon. The United Nations Security Council has reimposed sanctions on Iran for failing to comply with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and the International Atomic Energy Agency Board has formally declared Iran in non-compliance with its non-proliferation safeguards obligations.

We support the United States acting to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and to prevent Iran continuing to threaten international peace and security.

Australian officials are closely monitoring this evolving situation. We continue to advise Australians do not travel to Iran and leave Iran as soon as possible, if it is safe to do so. Our ability to provide consular assistance in Iran is extremely limited.

Given our concerns around security in the region, we have also upgraded Australia’s travel advice for Israel and Lebanon to Do Not Travel. Australians should leave now if it is safe to do so.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has activated its Crisis Centre to provide consular support to Australians in the region.

Australians requiring urgent consular assistance can contact the Consular Emergency Centre 24/7 on 1300 555 135 in Australia or +61 2 6261 3305 from outside Australia.

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

strong>KIERAN GILBERT, HOST: Prime Minister Albanese, thanks for your time, I know you’ve been meeting with the National Security Committee again. It’s a week into this conflict. Reports that some Australian submariners were on board a US sub that sank an Iranian ship. Can you confirm that for us?

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Well we wouldn’t normally confirm such an issue, but given our NSC meetings and the public interest, I can confirm that there were three Australian personnel on board that vessel. I can confirm also, though, that no Australian personnel have participated in any offensive action against Iran. These are long-standing third country arrangements that have been in place for a long period of time, and what they do is ensure that Australian Defence Force personnel, where they’re embedded in third countries’ defence assets, they act in accordance with Australian law, with Australian policy, and that, of course, is taking place across the board.

GILBERT: And in this context, with the three submariners – is that, to give context for our viewers, is that part of the AUKUS training regime, that we have submariners involved with the US, so that when we get our Virginia-class subs, they’re ready to go?

PRIME MINISTER: That’s right. One of the big pluses behind the AUKUS arrangements are Australian personnel getting experience across a range of assets, including being on board nuclear powered submarines, but also the exchange occurring across the board. So it’s not just personnel, it’s engineers, it’s technicians, it’s people learning those skills, whether they be in the United States or the United Kingdom.

GILBERT: When you look at the way that this operation has unfolded, are you comfortable with where things are at, both in terms of international law and the way, for example, that ship was sunk by the US? Do you feel vindicated right now for your early support of the strikes?

PRIME MINISTER: That’s a matter of course for the United States in terms of those legal issues. What I’m certainly comfortable with is that Australia took a view that Iran has been threatening on three levels. One, threatening its own people with their actions that they’ve taken where tens of thousands of people have been killed for trying to exercise their human rights. Secondly, that Iran could not be allowed to be in a position of acquiring nuclear weapons, that that would represent an enormous threat to stability in the world. And thirdly, as well, that Iran had engaged for decades now, over 37 years that the regime has been in place, in promoting terrorism around the world, in the region through its support for proxies such as Hezbollah, Hamas and the Houthis. But also, of course, they brought terrorism to our shores here when the IRGC was responsible for at least two attacks on Australian soil. Now, we took strong action at the time to expel the ambassador – the first time that Australia has expelled an ambassador since the Second World War. We closed our embassy in Tehran. And I think Iran’s actions as well in the indiscriminate action it has taken out against at least 12 nations, not nations that are participating in attacks on Iran, countries like the United Arab Emirates, for example, where so many Australians were, some 21,000 Australians are there. They’re friends of Australia. They haven’t been participants in this, but the seemingly random attacks from everywhere from Cypress, to all of the Gulf states, Azerbaijan, the missile fired towards Türkiye and towards a NATO state. These are all issues that really should reinforce the nature of this regime.

GILBERT: Are you surprised then that your friend Keir Starmer equivocated? Other world leaders have equivocated, you went in and backed the US strongly. Are you surprised by that reaction?

PRIME MINISTER: My job is to assess Australia’s position, and I think that the attack on Australian soil made our position quite clear. It really brought home to Australians that the nature of this regime wasn’t just engaging in proxy terrorism – through Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis – but was prepared to reach across the other side of the world to promote an attack on Australian soil to promote division here in Australia.

GILBERT: And I know you didn’t support the fact that, you criticised the mourning of the tyrant, and many of your ministers have said similar things. Would you and have you asked the security agencies look into those mosques, those leaders, those venerating the tyrant?

PRIME MINISTER: What I’m about here is promoting social unity here. I’m not looking for division. The Australian Government position has been very clear, and it’s an unequivocal one.

GILBERT: When you look at that sort of reaction though, it wouldn’t go down well with Iranian expats, with many Australians who would look at that behaviour, when you when you look at it, does it inform your thinking when it comes to migration debate, for example, if those values are not Australian values not Australian values that you hear out of a mosque or community centre like that?

PRIME MINISTER: What I’m interested in is promoting social cohesion. I’m also at the same time promoting a consistent and clear and unequivocal Australian foreign policy.

GILBERT: Will our agencies be monitoring those groups?

PRIME MINSTER: Look, we –

GILBERT: Espousing, sort of, support for the dead Ayatollah?

PRIME MINISTER: What our agencies do is do their work. We allow them to do their work, and without ongoing running commentary on that work that they undertake. But I am confident that they do to the best of their capacity. They do extraordinary work, and they deserve our support, and one of the ways that we give them support is not by running a commentary on a regular basis. We allow them to get about.

GILBERT: On the broader issue of the legality, you hear from the Greens and others criticising you for supporting it, that it’s illegal. Do people need to factor in those things that you looked at earlier? There were four decades of proxy or terrorism support, the fact that this was a regime that brutalised its own people. That they committed offences right around the world. When we look at whether it’s legal under international law, those grey zone tactics and warfare, do you have to factor that in?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, the legal questions are, of course, questions for the states that launched the attack, the United States and Israel. What our task is to be really clear about what Australia’s interests are and what the interests of the world are in promoting global peace, security and prosperity.

GILBERT: It’s going to have a massive impact economically on us too, isn’t it?

PRIME MINISTER: Look, there is no question that when you have a global event like this, it will have an economic impact. We’re not immune from that, but we come to it from a position of strength. We have the largest fuel reserves in Australia that we’ve had for 15 years. We’ve had the national accounts this week that showed the economy growing the fastest it has in three years. We have an unemployment rate that is at 4.1 per cent. Now, we’re not immune, though, from the effects just as the –

GILBERT: What are you worried about in terms of the effects, most?

PRIME MINISTER: Of course, the inflationary impact of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine had an impact here. This could have an impact here as well. That is factored in by how long this lasts for, the way that this plays out will, of course, have an impact on supply chains as well. So we’re monitoring that on a regular basis. So our priorities are firstly, to keep Australians safe. How do we get Australians home safely? How do we provide some protection for them? People who are in the region, in the Gulf States.  

GILBERT: And where is that, by the way? What’s your latest advice on the Australians there?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, we are hopeful that more flights continue, of course, to land from the Middle East. We think that is the quickest way for them to come home. But we’ve also put in place some contingencies as well.

GILBERT: And the contingencies, the military assets that have gone there. Are you comfortable that that airspace now is safe to get people out from your advice?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, look, this is a changing situation – hour by hour. We’ve seen attacks at the airport at Dubai, we’ve seen issues in Doha, we see issues right across the region. So we are continuing to monitor the situation. When it’s safe to do so, the commercial flights have been able to be undertaken.

GILBERT: You’ve got to get going, but I want to ask you a few other questions to wrap up. The world leader visiting amid the conflict, Mark Carney being here. He’s making his point about rupturing world order, middle powers working together. Is that the only way forward? Do you see that as the way that Australia really needs to shore up its economy and its security by working with the likes of Canada, Japan, Korea and others?

PRIME MINISTER: It’s what we’ve been doing since 2022 since I became prime minister. Developing those really important relations, not forgetting our historic alliance with the United States, of course, is critical. Our relationship with the UK. But how do we reach out, particularly, in our region? Now, Canada is a particularly important partner. They’re part of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, they’re an APEC nation. They’re a nation as well where our economies are complementary. We’re both great resource nations. We can cooperate in areas such as critical minerals. We will be two superpowers, as Prime Minister Carney said, in the production of critical minerals. We’ve got a strategic reserve, they’ve got a similar structure in place. How do we make sure that we work together in our common interest?

GILBERT: Do you think that we can? Because there’s been talk about working closely with Canada, more closely for a long time. But how do we take the words into action?

PRIME MINISTER: The relationship has never been stronger. The relationship that we had, my invitation to the G7, Prime Minister Carney coming here, even at what is a turbulent global time, as an indication of the priority that Canada places on this relationship. It wasn’t just Prime Minister Carney, it was the Finance Minister, the Defence Minister, all here having discussions with our counterparts as well. We’ve put in place annual meetings, structures in place as well, and I’ll visit Canada sometime later in this term. It’s consistent as well with what we’ve done in ASEAN, the relationship we’re building with Indonesia, with India, with our Pacific neighbours, as well as of course, our traditional partners in North Asia, of Korea and Japan. But also the improvements and moves to stabilise the relationship with China is also very important in our region. So we have an all-hands-on-deck approach. The European Union, we’re busy trying to finalise the agreement –

GILBERT: For free trade?

PRIME MINISTER: The Free Trade Agreement. That would be substantial.

GILBERT: Will that happen soon?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, we’re very close.

GILBERT: Sounds like it’s, what? Within days?

PRIME MINISTER: We’re very close to an agreement, and that would be very significant indeed of opening up those markets, but also strengthening free and fair trade at a time where that very concept is under challenge.

GILBERT: You’ve been generous with your time, it would be remiss of me if  I didn’t ask you about the first week of Angus Taylor’s leadership within the parliament. The Liberal Party feel like they’ve steadied the ship, and they’re cohesive now, and they’re going to put forward a good fight now. Do you recognise that this could get a bit more challenging for the government over coming months?

PRIME MINISTER: We certainly are never complacent, but I thought they had a shocker of the week. I thought instead of a Shadow Treasurer, that should be taken seriously at a time of economic turbulence around the world, they went two days without asking a single question about economy or about cost of living. When they did first start talking about it the Shadow Treasurer chose to sing. It was almost like he’s a parody. You don’t need the Betoota Advocate when you’ve got a guy as Shadow Treasurer who thinks it’s appropriate to sing a parody song just before Question Time. And they didn’t ask about the war in the Middle East that’s going on that’s having such a major impact at all. So some of them are quite pleased with themselves – there’s been people moved down the front, down the back. And I think that they’ve got a way to go if they’re going to be taken seriously as an alternative government.

GILBERT: Prime Minister Albanese, thanks for your time.  

PRIME MINISTER: Thanks very much.