Source: Australian Executive Government Ministers
Medicare Mental Health Check In is a new, free service offering online tools for people with mild mental health challenges. Working one step at a time, the service helps build practical skills to support your wellbeing and feel more in control.
Source: Australia Government Statements 2
Australia’s leadership at the World Trade Organization has secured a pathway for the first set of digital trade rules with global reach.
Australia, together with Japan and Singapore, led 66 WTO Members to adopt an interim WTO E-Commerce Agreement, to make digital trade faster, cheaper and more secure.
All modern trade is digital and a global set of digital trade rules will deliver practical improvements to lower costs and make it easier for exporters to do business.
The E-Commerce Agreement will streamline processes and reduce costs in contracts, invoicing and payments conducted around the world.
Digital transactions account for over 60% of global GDP and the WTO Members adopting the Agreement cover approximately 70% of world trade.
The Agreement will also provide a platform for global cooperation in areas like privacy and cyber security, making global online marketplaces safer and simpler and will support the development of more effective regulations to protect consumers and personal data online.
Small businesses and sole traders in remote and rural areas are often disproportionately impacted by cross-border regulatory barriers. They particularly stand to benefit from this agreement and will be able to access new global markets more easily, safely and securely.
It will also support developing countries to share fully in the benefits of the digital economy and bolster stability and predictability for businesses and consumers around the world.
Quotes attributable to the Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Matt Thistlethwaite:
“The Agreement we are announcing today will deliver tangible benefits for Australian businesses and consumers.
“It will boost productivity and growth, reduce costs, deliver easier access to global markets for Australian businesses and provide safer and more secure online marketplaces.
“It will ease the tyranny of distance that has often hampered Australia’s remote and regional businesses. It’s a game changer for Australian businesses, workers and consumers across sectors.
“This Agreement demonstrates the WTO’s crucial, ongoing role in setting rules for global trade and we look forward to seeing it incorporated into the WTO framework.”
Quotes attributable to President of the Australian Services Roundtable, Holly Dorber:
“I congratulate the Government on its leadership in advancing digital trade.
“This Agreement is an important step in strengthening services exports, supporting micro and SME participation in global commerce and lifting long-term productivity.
“By securing core principles for digital trade and promoting regulatory alignment across borders, Australia is well positioned to capture the trade and productivity benefits of a more modern global framework.”
Source: Australia Safe Travel Advisories
The risk of protests, unrest and terrorism linked to the situation in the Middle East may escalate in the region and worldwide. If you’re travelling overseas, it’s important to stay up to date on current events in your destination and take steps to ensure your safety.
Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development
JOURNALIST: This has been a very long-awaited reform to the gambling laws, advocates have called for it for years – why now?
MINISTER FOR COMMUNICATIONS ANIKA WELLS: We were able to get all the stars to align. As you yourself note, this is an area where people have firm and deeply held views on all sides, and there are lots of different parties who want to contribute. That’s why I believe where we’ve landed today strikes the right balance between Australians having the right to like a punt and Australians wanting to shield Australian children from the kind of saturation and targeting of gambling advertising that they have been experiencing since COVID.
JOURNALIST: Peta Murphy’s report was broader than just what was announced today. The PM’s flagged there’s going to be a formal response to that in Parliament, I think, when the Budget’s handed down. Should we expect further measures in that?
WELLS: No. The PM’s announced today what the Government response to both the You Win Some, Lose More report is and, more broadly, things that have happened in that space since then. You would have seen, for example, we are banning online Keno entirely – that’s those really nefarious “pocket pokies”. And we only got that report a couple of months ago.
So in some ways, the Government response does not address all the 31 recommendations of the You Win Some, Lose More report. But in some ways the Government response goes further, particularly with respect to online Keno and with respect to school drop-off pickup and radio ads.
JOURNALIST: Minister, people can still have a punt without gambling advertising, as people do still smoke cigarettes without smoking advertising. What do you say to suggestions that this is just about propping up gambling companies?
WELLS: Well, you would have seen that, not just wagering companies but free TV broadcasts, have noted today that the reforms that we have handed down will have a significant financial impact to their bottom line. That’s why this is about striking a balance. And we really have tried to see this through the lens of what do Australians want.
They want to be able to enjoy their sport, they want to be able to enjoy their TV, they want to be able to break the nexus between wagering and sports so that kids don’t watch their preferred code, whatever that is, and assume that the only way to enjoy it is with wagering alongside that.
So, reducing the ads, making a complete ban for under-18s and, for over-18s, opt-out capacity, reducing the ads and banning them entirely for live sport coverage – really significant and meaningful progress in this space.
JOURNALIST: Advocates have reacted not particularly – they’re not particularly thrilled with the reforms that have been announced today. Tim Costello has called it “timid”, others have said “it’s big on talk, small on substance”. Can I just get your response to people who don’t think you’ve gone far enough with these reforms?
WELLS: Tim Costello is going to have his view, as is wagering companies, as is broadcast television, as is the sporting codes themselves. I think it gives you an insight into the diversity of views that we have navigated to land what we have landed today – a sensible centrist solution that is meaningful and significant reform. I’d also point to the statement put out by Peta Murphy’s widow, Rod Glover, who said that Peta would be really proud of the progress we’ve made today.
Source: Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre
AUSTRAC is implementing the next phase of the Australian Government’s landmark anti‑money laundering reforms, opening enrolment for new professions.
From today, 31 March, businesses – including lawyers, accountants, conveyancers, real estate professionals, and dealers in precious stones and metals – can enrol at AUSTRAC online.
This reform milestone brings AUSTRAC another step closer to 1 July when the new sectors come under its AML/CTF regime.
Source: Australia Government Statements 2
Good morning, everyone.
I would like to begin by acknowledging the Gadigal people of the Eora nation, the traditional custodians of the land on which we meet today and pay my respects to Elders past and present.
Thank you for the opportunity to join you this morning for this Australia-China Breakfast Forum on Football and Trade. We are meeting just ahead of the FIFA Series, which brings together Australia, China, Cameroon and Curacao, and delivers on football’s promise of international engagement here in Australia.
Football is the world’s game. It is played in every corner of the globe, understood across languages and has the unique ability to bring people together in shared moments of excitement, pride and celebration.
But football is more than a sport. It is also a bridge – connecting people, economies, institutions and ideas.
And that is very much the theme of this morning – football as a bridge for economic partnership between Australia and China.
Over the past several weeks, we have seen a veritable festival of football between our two countries. We have of course seen the marvellous AFC Women’s Asia Cup. Let me of course congratulate Japan on its victory. But let me also delight in the strong performance of the Matildas who made the final. And of the Steel Roses from China, with whom the Matildas played an epic semi-final.
The AFC Women’s Asia Cup proved just how powerful football can be. More than 35 thousand people filled the Perth Stadium in the semi-final, and more than 70 thousand people filled the Accor Stadium in Sydney for the final.
And right now, we also have the Men’s FIFA Series and the Australia-China Friendship Series, with the Young Socceroos currently in Yiwu, China.
These exchanges are not only about sport. They are about relationships, trust and engagement – the foundations of any strong economic partnership.
Australia’s relationship with China is complex, important and deeply interconnected economically.
We continue to work patiently and deliberately towards a stable and constructive relationship with China, in Australia’s national interest.
China is Australia’s largest trading partner and will remain so for the foreseeable future. Total two-way goods and services trade between Australia and China was valued at over $300 billion in 2024, representing around a quarter of Australia’s total trade.
We want to continue to grow this economic relationship in a risk-informed way. Sustained engagement has helped stabilise the relationship, without compromising Australia’s interests or values.
Both countries have recognised that people-to-people links – including sport – are an important part of this relationship. Sport provides a practical, positive and forward-looking way for our countries to engage.
And football, in particular, is uniquely placed to play this role.
Football is not just a sport – it is an ecosystem. It brings together broadcasters, sponsors, technology companies, sports scientists, universities, venues, tourism operators and digital platforms. When Australian and Chinese stakeholders collaborate through football – whether via leagues, clubs, tournaments, or development programs – they are activating value chains that extend far beyond the pitch.
We are already seeing this in practice. Australian coaches are working in Chinese professional clubs and national teams. Chinese players are playing in the Women’s and Men’s A League. Club-to-club relationships and football academies are enabling exchanges in coaching, sports science and high-performance systems.
These collaborations generate commercial opportunities, build professional networks – and perhaps most importantly – create long-term institutional relationships and trust.
Education is another important part of this story. Australian universities and training institutions have world-class capabilities in sports management, physiotherapy, data analytics, and high-performance coaching. Partnerships between Australian institutions and Chinese football organisations allow knowledge, skills and innovation to flow in both directions.
This is where football intersects with innovation and the future economy. Modern football is not only played in the field – it is also played through data, broadcasting, digital engagement, gaming and fan technology. These are areas where Australian and Chinese companies, start-ups and research institutions have real opportunities to collaborate.
Major sporting events also drive tourism, investment and global visibility. They showcase destinations, infrastructure, services and capabilities. In that sense, football – is also a platform for trade promotion, investment attraction and national branding.
At the community level, football plays an equally important role. Youth exchanges, grassroots programs, and coach development initiatives bring young Australians and Chinese together, building cultural literacy and lifelong connections. Our Young Socceroos currently in China are experiencing exactly this – representing Australia, learning about China and building friendships that may last decades.
Sport also provides a form of engagement that can continue regardless of broader circumstances. Friendly matches, joint exchanges and development programs create positive momentum and maintain communication channels. In that way, football contributes to stability in the broader relationship. Who can forget that beautiful moment last Tuesday when former Canberra United teammates, Australia’s Michelle Heyman and China’s Wu Chengshu swapped jerseys after the Asia Cup Semifinal.
Broadcast and increased digital coverage of the game give us all sideline seats to these exciting moments.
Looking ahead, we see significant opportunities for Australia and China to continue working together through sport – through high-performance systems, sports technology, integrity and governance, major events, education and training, and tourism and services.
As Australia enters what we call the green and gold decade – with a series of major international sporting events leading up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games – these opportunities will only grow.
Football, as the world’s most global game, will continue to play an important role – not only bringing fans together, but also bringing businesses, institutions and countries closer together.
So when we talk about football as a bridge, we are really talking about something much bigger.
A bridge between people, a bridge between economies, a bridge between cultures – and a bridge towards future cooperation.
There is much to look forward to in the Australia-China relationship and sport – particularly football – will continue to be an important part of that story.
Thank you.
Source: Australia Government Statements 2
On this 40th anniversary of the Cairns Group, ministers reaffirmed their ongoing commitment to advancing agricultural trade reform that achieves long-term food security, economic development, and social and environmental sustainability.
The Cairns Group is a coalition of 20 agricultural exporting nations formed in 1986 that represents over one-third of the world’s agricultural exports, with Australia playing a leading role as a nation with internationally valued agricultural products.
It advocates within the World Trade Organization (WTO) for free, fair and market-oriented trade, particularly through the reduction of trade-distorting subsidies.
Meeting in Cameroon, Cairns Group Ministers reiterated their commitment to rules-based trade reform and discussed how the rules could address the existing and emerging challenges facing agricultural markets.
Progressing discussions for market-based reform to agricultural trade rules, while addressing the food security concerns shared by all countries, is a key priority for the Group.
Quotes attributable to the Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Matt Thistlethwaite:
“Our competitiveness as a key exporter of world class agricultural products across the world is reliant on a fair and open trading system.”
“But like most countries, our farmers are vulnerable to market uncertainties that colour the trading landscape.”
“The Australian Government remains committed to helping farmers including addressing trade rules which ensure greater fairness and predictability in global agricultural markets.”
Source: Australia Safe Travel Advisories
The Middle East conflict is likely to escalate further. Even transiting a ‘Do not travel’ travel hub puts your safety at risk. Airports have been targeted and you may be unable to leave. Check your itinerary for ‘Do not travel’ transit locations.
Source: Australia Government Statements 2
Ahead of the 14th World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial Conference (MC14), the Australian Government has announced $13 million to be delivered over the next five years towards the WTO’s support for developing countries.
Australia’s investment will support greater participation by developing countries in the multilateral trading system through the WTO. This will bolster economic resilience and expand their participation in the green and digital economies.
Australia will deepen its partnerships with the Standards and Trade Development Facility and WTO Fisheries Funding Mechanism, with new commitments of $4 million and $2 million respectively.
These contributions will help developing countries implement international agriculture and biosecurity standards, advance sustainable development, and protect livelihoods while supporting the conservation of marine resources.
Australia will also extend its partnership with the World Bank, providing an additional $4 million to help countries streamline customs procedures and implement the WTO E‑Commerce Agreement. This investment will help open new markets and make trade more inclusive.
A further $3 million to the Advisory Centre on WTO Law will help developing countries build legal capacity and take full advantage of the multilateral trading system.
Quotes attributable to Minister for International Development, Anne Aly:
“Australia is continuing to invest in a stronger, more stable and more prosperous region through supporting developing countries to access global trade opportunities. This not only deepens Australia’s relationships across our region and beyond but also supports or shared economic growth.”
“We’re building the trusted partnerships we need, supporting a more open and inclusive trading system, and reinforcing Australia as a constructive and reliable partner.”
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Matt Thistlethwaite:
“Australia has always championed open markets and fair and transparent trading rules.”
“By supporting partners to modernise customs processes, enhance regulatory standards, and strengthen legal capability in the WTO, Australia is helping build the foundations for long-term, sustainable economic growth across our region.”
Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development
The Australian Government is pressing ahead with a renewed National Cultural Policy by establishing Expert Panels and a Policy Advisory Group.
Industry leaders with expertise in writing, music, painting, production, directing and industry have been appointed to inform the new policy.
Five Expert Panels have been established under each of our continuing pillars: First Nations First, Centrality of the Artist, A Place for Every Story, Strong Cultural Infrastructure, and Engaging the Audience.
The panels will inform the Minister for the Arts and the Policy Advisory Group on key issues and themes raised through the public consultation process.
The nine member Policy Advisory Group will provide expert advice and industry perspectives.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke:
“Each member brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that will help lay the foundation where for the first time there will have been consecutive national cultural policies.
“Welcome to the new members, thank you for playing a role in delivering the next National Cultural Policy for all Australians.”
Quotes attributable to the Special Envoy for the Arts, Susan Templeman:
“Our next National Cultural Policy must reflect the diversity and aspirations of the cultural sector itself.
“These panels bring together an extraordinary group of Australians who have distinguished themselves in their service to our cultural life.
“Their involvement and their insight will ensure that the voice of the sector rings clearly through the policy we introduce.”
Expert Panels:
First Nations First
A Place for Every Story
Centrality of the Artist
Strong Cultural Infrastructure
Engaging the Audience
Policy Advisory Group: