Category: MIL-OSI

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Doorstop – Murrumba Downs, QLD

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

ALI FRANCE, MEMBER FOR DICKSON: Good morning everyone. Welcome tot he Murrumba Downs Medicare Urgent Care Clinic. In particular I want to welcome our Prime Minister. This Medicare Urgent Care Clinic opened in 2023, and it has become a much-loved part of our local community. At the end of last year, I actually came here to deliver a cake, a big celebratory cake, to celebrate the milestone of 25,000 patients. And now we have over 32,000 patients, and that is such an incredible achievement. And I think that local residents are going to be so incredibly happy. We’ve just announced an extra $1.8 billion for our 135 Urgent Care Clinics right across the country to make them a permanent part of our health system. I know that everybody in this region, in the Moreton Bay region, will be so happy with that announcement.

But also, I want to say, it’s been one year since I became the Member for Dickson. And I’m so incredibly proud to be part of a Labor team that is prioritising Medicare. Over the past year, we have increased bulk billing. We have cheaper medicines. We have Medicare Mental Health Centres, one in my electorate in Strathpine. We have an awesome Women’s Health Package, and we also have these incredible Urgent Care Clinics. The whole reason I got involved in politics was to strengthen Medicare, and I’m just so proud of our team that we have been laser-focused on this, and now I’m going to hand over to the Prime Minister.

< ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER:

On Tuesday’s Budget, now just one week away, one of the centrepieces of that Budget will of course be once again strengthening Medicare. It was a key foundation of the election campaign in 2022, and then our re-election campaign last year. We committed to additional Urgent Care Clinics, and now 135 of those are open. And in Tuesday’s Budget, we will have $1.8 billion over the next five years, but ongoing to make Urgent Care Clinics a permanent feature of our health system. Urgent Care Clinics have been such a success because people can come in here whether to look after themselves or their children, given one in three of the three million Australians who’ve been to Urgent Care Clinics are there to look after a young one with a sports injury or with an issue that they may diagnose pretty quickly, but which is not life-threatening. It has built that gap between a local GP service and the emergency departments of hospitals, making a difference to both, taking pressure off emergency departments, but making sure people get the care that they need when they need it. And importantly, all they need is this little piece of plastic here, this green and gold symbol of Australian fairness and looking after each other that is so important with Medicare.

During that campaign as well, of course, we promised $8.5 billion for the bulk billing incentive to extend it right across the board. And we said we wanted to get bulk billing rates up, and that is happening as well. There are now eight clinics here in the electorate of Dickson that are fully bulk-billed. Five of those are new. So, what we’ve seen is a more than doubling of the access to fully bulk-billed services for GPs and for medical clinics in this electorate as well. When you combine Urgent Care Clinics with the bulk billing improvements, with cheaper medicines, just $25, the same price that they were in 2004, with as well the other work that we’ve been doing, endo and pelvic pain clinics, aimed specifically at women as part of our whole Women’s Health Package, the Medicare Mental Health Centres as well. 1800 Medicare, where people can get that 24-hour advice by just picking up their phone. All of these measures have been the most comprehensive health package to strengthen Medicare that we’ve seen from any government, and next Tuesday’s Budget will certainly be consistent with that.

This clinic here is seeing something like 275 patients a day on average. It’s one of 25 that are up and running here in Queensland. There’s going to be one just up the road at Caloundra on the Sunshine Coast open this financial year as well, which is one of the last two to bring up to the 137 that we committed to. This is about Labor governments delivery as a result of the commitments that we made and as a result of the election of people like Ali France here. And it was certainly a great way to begin the campaign in 2025, and on the 3rd of May it of course was a great opportunity to celebrate Ali’s election at that time. Happy to take questions.

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Source:

Issue date: Tuesday, 5 May 2026

The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Regional Development, Infrastructure and Transport will hold hearings with more than 20 councils in Wodonga, Wagga Wagga and Taree this week as part of its inquiry into local government funding.

The Committee wants to better understand the funding challenges faced by local government across regional and rural Australia and its workers who provide infrastructure and deliver services to vast areas of Victoria and NSW.

Committee Chair, Mrs Fiona Phillips MP, said “The Committee is looking forward to learning more about the fiscal sustainability of local government in both northern Victoria and regional NSW and potential solutions to current challenges for fast growing regional cities and geographically larger shires with fewer rate payers.”

Hearings will begin in Wodonga on Wednesday 6 May where the committee will hear from shire councils and regional city councils such as Wodonga and Wangaratta. The Committee will explore a range of issues including grant distribution processes, bushfire and flood recovery, workforce issues, and labour market conditions in regional Victoria and across the border in the Riverina.

The Committee will then travel to Wagga Wagga for hearings on Thursday 7 May to hear from city councils and shire councils in southern NSW and representatives of Regional Capitals Australia, NSW Country Mayors and NSW Farmers.

The committee travels north to Taree on Friday 8 May to hear from a local government representative body from the Hunter and a range of shire and city councils along the mid-north coast and inland up to the Tweed River. Discussions will cover financial sustainability, insurance and risk, workforce challenges, and broader pressures facing local government across New South Wales, especially for those councils contending with recovery from natural disasters.

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

Further information on the inquiry, including the terms of reference and how to contribute, is available on the Committee’s website.

Public hearing details

Date: Wednesday, 6 May 2026
Time: 9.00 am – 3.30 pm
Location: The Huon Room, Huon Hill Hotel, 48 Reid Street, Wodonga, Victoria

Date: Thursday, 7 May 2026
Time: 9.00 am – 2.50 pm
Location: Premier room, Mercure Wagga Wagga, 1 Morgan Street, Wagga Wagga, NSW

Date: Friday, 8 May 2026
Time: 9.15 am – 4.00 pm
Location: Melaleuca room, Club Taree, 121 Wingham Road, Taree, NSW

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

Details for upcoming public hearings and more information about the inquiry, including the terms of reference, submissions and transcripts of previous hearings, is available on the inquiry webpage.

Media enquiries

Mrs Fiona Phillips, MP
 Media Adviser: Katrina Condie 0437 662 967

For background information

Committee Secretariat
02 6277 2232
 rdit.reps@aph.gov.au

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Arrest – Aggravated Robbery – Darwin CBD

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Strike Force Trident has arrested a male following an aggravated robbery that occurred in the Darwin CBD on Sunday morning.

Around 3:10am, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received a report from a taxi driver that a male had threatened him with an edged weapon while demanding his vehicle, phone and money.

The victim reported he picked up the male from Mitchell Street, who told the victim to drive to Casuarina before threatening him with an edged weapon whilst demanding the aforementioned items.

Whilst en route, the male changed the destination to Royal Darwin Hospital and once the vehicle was parked, the victim turned the vehicle off and ran towards security seeking refuge.

Casuarina General Duties and Strike Force Trident swiftly responded and arrested the 27-year-old male offender on hospital grounds. The male was also an outstanding target for a Parole Revocation. Strike Force Trident continued investigations and the male was later charged with:

1 x Aggravated robbery

1 x Going armed in public

1 x Possess thing to administer a dangerous drug

He was remanded in custody to appear in Court today.

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City welcomes Victorian Government investment boost for female-friendly sport at White Hills

Source: State of Victoria Local Government 2

In a boost to women’s sport in the region, the City of Greater Bendigo welcomes the recent announcement of $3M funding from the Victorian Government towards a new pavilion and female-friendly change rooms at White Hills Oval, Scott Street.

The funding is included in the Victorian Government’s upcoming 2026/2027 Budget. The City will also contribute funding to the project.
Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Thomas Prince said this is an exciting investment in community sport facilities.

“Sport is not only great for being active and healthy, but it also brings people together, and pavilions such as White Hills are gathering places for local clubs and participants,” Cr Prince said.

“We recognise the growing need for more female-friendly facilities, and the importance of removing barriers to access by constructing new and improved facilities to support participation growth and increase social, health and wellbeing outcomes.

“This investment will enable us to upgrade the pavilion, kitchen, spectator shelter, amenities and change room facilities to support female-friendly AFL, cricket and netball participation.

“The City is also contributing funding to deliver this project, and we look forward to sharing more with the community in the coming months.”

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Source:

Issue date: Tuesday, 5 May 2026

On Thursday 7 May and Friday 8 May 2026, the Foreign Affairs and Aid Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will hold public hearings as part of its inquiry into the role of Australia’s international development program in preventing conflict.

The Chair of the Subcommittee, the Hon Tim Watts MP, said the hearings are an opportunity to hear from stakeholders about how Australia’s development program contributes to conflict prevention, particularly in fragile and conflict‑affected contexts across the Indo‑Pacific.

‘Australia’s development program plays a critical role in preventing conflict and supporting peace and stability in our region. These hearings will provide valuable insights into what works on the ground, where the challenges lie, and how Australia can strengthen its approach to conflict prevention,’ said Mr Watts.

Over the two days, the Subcommittee will hear evidence from Australian Government agencies, international and Australian non‑government organisations, multilateral institutions, academics and research organisations, and development practitioners with experience in conflict‑affected settings.

The Subcommittee expects to hold further public hearings during May and June.

Further information, including the full terms of reference, is available on the inquiry webpage.

Public Hearing Details

Thursday 7 May 2026
Time: 9.00 am–1.15 pm (AEST)
Venue: Virtual and Committee Room 1R4, Parliament House, Canberra

Friday 8 May 2026

Time: 9.00 am–12.45 pm (AEST)
Venue: Virtual and Committee Room 1R4, Parliament House, Canberra

The hearings will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live.

Media enquiries

Laura Green, Office of the Hon Tim Watts MP
Phone: (03) 9687 7661

For background information

Committee Secretariat
Phone: (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.

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Volunteers attend renowned fire and rescue conference

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Six CFA volunteer road crash rescue instructors recently travelled to Indianapolis to attend FDIC International, the largest fire and rescue event in North America.

The annual five-day conference brought together more than 38,000 firefighters and emergency services personnel from around the world. Over 800 exhibitors showcased the latest in firefighting technology, including fire trucks, apparatus, Personel Protecting Equipment (PPE), rescue tools, drones, robotics and thermal imaging. 

One of the main drawcards of the conference is the ability for participants to undertake training through a mix of classroom sessions, workshops, and practical, hands-on exercises. 

Live fire search and rescue props, practical drill areas, and medical and road crash rescue scenarios are set up around the conference facility and made available at surrounding stations, giving participants access to a wide range of equipment and operational environments. 

More than 55 fire trucks were also stationed at this year’s event to support training activities. 

Lakes Entrance Captain Phil Loukes said the conference was an invaluable experience and a strong opportunity to maintain and enhance skills alongside fellow instructors from across the state. 

“We took part in three ‘hot classes’ – hands-on sessions covering critical rescue techniques including the stabilisation of heavy vehicles and equipment, extrication from vehicles, and the safe removal and rescue of people trapped in machinery,” Phil said. 

“These sessions reinforced the importance of adaptability, communication, and safe, methodical rescue practices in complex environments.  

“As trainers and assessors, it is critical that we continue to reflect on and develop our skills as a team. Exposure to different training methods, techniques and approaches challenged our thinking and reinforced the value of learning together as a cohort.”  

Phil said the group made a point of coming together at the end of each day to debrief what they had seen, learned and experienced.  

“These discussions were invaluable in shaping a shared understanding and identifying how we can apply those learnings within CFA training environments,” he added.  

In addition to the training and exhibitions, the conference provided participants with the opportunity to network with other firefighters and emergency services personnel from across the world as well as attend keynote sessions and presentations on topics of interest. 

Phil said these elective sessions were incredibly beneficial, especially those focused on leadership.  

“I was fortunate to attend a lecture by Deputy Chief Frank Viscuso, a respected leader in the USA fire services, on getting the best out of people and managing challenging operational situations,” he said.  

“Those lessons strongly align with how we continue to develop and support our people within CFA.”  

Phil said one of his biggest takeaways was the differences in training and interagency collaboration between fire services around the world.  

“Our training program and skills at CFA are world class and stood out strongly alongside other international services,” he said.  

“The way we work with other emergency services and partner agencies here is also very different and I think that really showed in how effectively we collaborated with crews at the conference.  

“There are strong opportunities to integrate new ideas and approaches, particularly in industrial rescue. There is a real opportunity to integrate what we learned into future CFA training and continue strengthening our rescue capability. 

“The knowledge and skills gained will be shared across CFA through training and development programs to support volunteers and enhance operational capability. 

The volunteers were supported at the conference by CFA’s ACFO Specialist Response Rick Owen AFSM. 

Photos courtesy Phil Smith, Wandin Fire Brigade

Submitted by Shaunnagh O’Loughlin
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Inside a catastrophic fire day

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Isabella Orszulak and Sam Goodwin

Long before the first pager sounded on 9 January 2026, CFA strike teams across Victoria were already preparing for a catastrophic day that everyone hoped wouldn’t come.

Warracknabeal Fire Brigade members Isabella Orszulak and Sam Goodwin were part of a Strike Team on that day. 

“There was a nervous energy in the air all week long,” Isabella said. 

“In the days leading up, we made sure vehicles were fully equipped, with drinking water, electrolytes and gear ready for a long shift. 

“At the same time, we ensured all our families had plans in place in case fire threatened closer to home.” 

When morning rolled around, Warracknabeal members gathered at the station, monitoring weather conditions and listening to radio traffic. 

“It was pretty nerve-racking, not knowing what could happen or where,” Isabella said. 

“You could see how wild it was outside, and we were just keeping an eye on everything.” 

Sam said the heat and wind made the risk clear early in the day. 

“I said to my boss I’d better head to the station, knowing something was likely to happen,” Sam said. 

At 12.42pm, the Grass Flat fire was reported. 

“Within minutes, the tone of the radio traffic changed as the fire escalated,” Sam said. 

“Then we heard the words ‘Natimuk township under threat’ and the room just went quiet. 

“We all knew what it meant.” 

From there, the strike team geared up and headed out, beginning the roughly one-hour journey towards the fireground. 

“The winds were very intense and keeping the vehicle on the road was a battle at times,” Sam said. 

“We also faced thick smoke and increasing traffic with residents leaving the area.” 

As they neared Natimuk, the scale of the fire became clear. 

“There was fire on both sides of the road,” Sam said. 

“It was something like I’d never seen before.” 

Strike teams were being staged at the Natimuk showgrounds. 

“When we arrived, we were deployed to protect key buildings in town, including the courthouse and gymnastics centre, which were under threat from nearby burning structure,” Isabella said. 

“The radiant heat was intense. Everything around us was burnt or burning,” Sam said. 

“Our priority was to stop the fire from reaching those buildings.” 

When the immediate threat had passed, they continued patrolling the township, checking properties and responding to spot fires. 

“It was a confronting day from start to finish and a clear example of how quickly fires can escalate under catastrophic conditions, and why preparation and early action are critical,” Sam said.  

“At the end of the day, fire is unpredictable,” Isabella said. 

“If you’re told to have a plan and leave early, you need to. It’s not guaranteed we can save everyone and every property.”

Submitted by CFA Media
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Responding on a catastrophic day

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Isabella Orszulak and Sam Goodwin

Long before the first pager sounded on 9 January 2026, CFA strike teams across Victoria were already preparing for a catastrophic day that everyone hoped wouldn’t come.

Warracknabeal Fire Brigade members Isabella Orszulak and Sam Goodwin were part of a Strike Team on that day. 

“There was a nervous energy in the air all week long,” Isabella said. 

“In the days leading up, we made sure vehicles were fully equipped, with drinking water, electrolytes and gear ready for a long shift. 

“At the same time, we ensured all our families had plans in place in case fire threatened closer to home.” 

When morning rolled around, Warracknabeal members gathered at the station, monitoring weather conditions and listening to radio traffic. 

“It was pretty nerve-racking, not knowing what could happen or where,” Isabella said. 

“You could see how wild it was outside, and we were just keeping an eye on everything.” 

Sam said the heat and wind made the risk clear early in the day. 

“I said to my boss I’d better head to the station, knowing something was likely to happen,” Sam said. 

At 12.42pm, the Grass Flat fire was reported. 

“Within minutes, the tone of the radio traffic changed as the fire escalated,” Sam said. 

“Then we heard the words ‘Natimuk township under threat’ and the room just went quiet. 

“We all knew what it meant.” 

From there, the strike team geared up and headed out, beginning the roughly one-hour journey towards the fireground. 

“The winds were very intense and keeping the vehicle on the road was a battle at times,” Sam said. 

“We also faced thick smoke and increasing traffic with residents leaving the area.” 

As they neared Natimuk, the scale of the fire became clear. 

“There was fire on both sides of the road,” Sam said. 

“It was something like I’d never seen before.” 

Strike teams were being staged at the Natimuk showgrounds. 

“When we arrived, we were deployed to protect key buildings in town, including the courthouse and gymnastics centre, which were under threat from nearby burning structure,” Isabella said. 

“The radiant heat was intense. Everything around us was burnt or burning,” Sam said. 

“Our priority was to stop the fire from reaching those buildings.” 

When the immediate threat had passed, they continued patrolling the township, checking properties and responding to spot fires. 

“It was a confronting day from start to finish and a clear example of how quickly fires can escalate under catastrophic conditions, and why preparation and early action are critical,” Sam said.  

“At the end of the day, fire is unpredictable,” Isabella said. 

“If you’re told to have a plan and leave early, you need to. It’s not guaranteed we can save everyone and every property.”

Submitted by CFA Media
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Police officer charged

Source: Tasmania Police

Police officer charged

Monday, 4 May 2026 – 4:31 pm.

A 28 year old Tasmania Police constable from Northern Tasmania has been charged with common assault and issued with a Police Family Violence Order following an incident on Sunday.
The constable, who was off duty at the time, will appear in the Launceston Magistrates Court on 8 July 2026.
The matter remains under investigation by Tasmania Police Professional Standards Command. The constable has been stood down immediately.
It is not appropriate to make any further comment given the matters are now before the court.

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Expanding cooperation on critical minerals with Japan

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

ustralia and Japan are elevating cooperation on critical minerals, supporting onshore processing, refining and related advanced manufacturing.

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

The Joint Statement makes critical minerals a core pillar of our economic and national security relationship and will drive coordinated investment in strategic projects to address the most urgent supply chain vulnerabilities.

This cooperation will build on the existing Australia Japan Critical Minerals Partnership, launched by Prime Minister Albanese in 2022. It will enable greater access to capital and technology, as well as create stronger commercial linkages for Australian producers – matching this with Japanese industry demand.

Our partnership is mutually beneficial and supports our collective economic security and prosperity. 

The Australian Government through the Critical Minerals Facility and Export Finance Australia is providing support of up to $1.3 billion, including non-binding Letters of Support, to critical mineral projects with Japanese involvement, creating the potential to supply Japan with critical minerals including gallium, nickel, graphite, rare earths and fluorite.

Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“Japan has been a long-standing partner in the development of Australia’s critical minerals sector.

“By working closely with Japan, we can attract greater investment in our critical minerals sector and further develop the sector, creating jobs and capability in Australia.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong

“Our cooperation with Japan is all about building more resilient and stable supply chains over the long term.

“We both see the tremendous potential in working more closely together to support reliable access to critical minerals.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell

“We are committed to working with Japan to develop Australia’s critical minerals sector and support resilient supply chains between our countries and in our region.

“Developing our critical minerals is a key national priority under our Future Made in Australia agenda, and we can achieve this by working closely with Japan, a trusted and longstanding partner.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Resources Madeleine King

“Sustained, trusted, constant investment from Japan is a cornerstone of the global powerhouse that is the resources sector of Australia.

“Working together with Japan we are building a new era for our resources sector that will support both our economies and our shared security for generations to come.”