AU Engine

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

he Albanese Labor Government is delivering a stronger and more sustainable Budget with smaller deficits, less debt and net policy decisions that improve the bottom line.

Responsible economic management is a defining feature of this Government and this Budget is our most responsible yet.

Strong fiscal discipline is even more important at a time of heightened global uncertainty, and that’s exactly what we’re delivering. 

Decisions in this Budget mean we are saving more than we’re spending, compared to the mid-year update.

Our saves are greater than revenue upgrades and the budget impact of tax reform.

We have taken difficult decisions for the right reasons, delivering a Budget that is now $44.9 billion stronger than was forecast at MYEFO.

It is more than a quarter of a trillion dollars better than what the Coalition left us.

This is possible because of our responsible approach to finding savings and reprioritisations, spending restraint and banking all revenue upgrades.

These actions mean that this budget update is helping to take the pressure off inflation and building fiscal buffers at a time of global uncertainty.

The Government’s decisions mean: 

• The Budget is $44.9 billion stronger than the mid-year update and $264 billion better than what we inherited.
• The deficit in 2026-27 is $31.5 billion, $2.8 billion lower than MYEFO and $7.8 billion lower than we inherited.
• Debt is down a further $18 billion in 2026-27 than forecast in the mid-year update and is now $173 billion better than we inherited. This means we avoid more than $70 billion in interest costs over the decade.
• The peak in gross debt is now forecast to be 35.8 per cent of GDP, 1.2 percentage points below the mid-year update and 9.1 percentage points below what we inherited.
• Gross debt as a percentage of GDP remains below what we inherited in every single year.
• We’ve found a further $63.8 billion in savings and reprioritisations, taking the total since coming to government to almost $180 billion.
• Net policy decisions are positive for the second consecutive update, with net decisions accounting for provisions totalling $26.1 billion over the forward estimates.
• Real payments growth averages just 1.5 per cent for the eight years to 2029-30, the lowest rolling eight-year average in almost three and a half decades. Average growth is less than half the 30-year average and around a third of the 4.1 per cent average of our predecessors.
• For the first time on record, consecutive updates have returned every single dollar of revenue upgrade to the bottom line. This means the Government has returned 76 per cent of revenue upgrades. Our predecessors never returned every dollar of revenue upgrade, averaging a return of around 40 per cent.

Looking further ahead, the budget bottom line is better and debt is lower in every year of the medium term. 

This is a result of disciplined decisions the Government has taken to rebuild fiscal buffers, including putting the NDIS on a sustainable growth trajectory, banking revenue upgrades and structural reforms to the tax system.

While there is a lot of uncertainty, Treasury are projecting the Budget will return to balance over the medium-term. They would not project this were it not for the Government’s structural improvements to the Budget. 

Australia is not immune from uncertainty and volatility in the global economy as a result of conflict in the Middle East. 

We are well placed and well prepared to confront these challenges with faster growth at the end of last year than any major advanced economy, low unemployment, solid wage growth and stronger public finances than most of the developed world.

Australia remains one of only nine countries with a AAA sovereign credit rating from all three major ratings agencies and has lower gross debt than every major advanced economy.

When we came to Government, we inherited a trillion dollars of debt, bigger deficits and stagnant wages.

We’ve made real progress on the Budget at the same time as we’re providing responsible cost of living relief like new tax cuts for Australian workers, making the economy more productive and funding the services Australians rely on.

This Budget is all about resilience and reform, and a stronger and more sustainable Budget is central to this agenda.

Source: South Australia County Fire Service

This warning was reissued to correct typographical errors

Issued on
12 May 2026 18:06

Warning area
Vine Vale, Bethany, Gomersal, Tanunda and Seppeltsfield near Tanunda, approximately 7km south of Nuriootpa in the Barossa Valley.

Warning level
Advice – Avoid Smoke

Action
Smoke from the VINE VALE Hayshed Fire is in the Vine Vale, Bethany, Gomersal, Tanunda and Seppeltsfield area.

Smoke can affect your health. You should stay informed and be aware of the health impacts of smoke on yourself and others.

Symptoms of exposure includes shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing, burning eyes, running nose, chest tightness, chest pain and dizziness or light-headedness.

If you or anyone in your care are having difficulty breathing, seek medical attention from your local GP. If your symptoms become severe, call 000.

More information will be provided by the CFS when it is available.

Source: New South Wales Health – State Government

NSW Health is advising people in the Inner West to be alert for signs and symptoms of measles after being notified of two confirmed cases.
The two cases are not known to each other but are linked to an earlier NSW case in a returned traveller from South-East Asia, where there are ongoing outbreaks of measles.
One case visited several locations across the Inner West 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 the 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 16 cases confirmed since 1 January 2026.
Dr Christine Selvey, Director of Communicable Diseases NSW said people should monitor for symptoms of measles, particularly if they have visited any of the exposure locations at the listed time.
“If symptoms develop and you’ve been at one of the locations at the time listed on the website, see your doctor or health service, including an emergency department. Call ahead to let them know that you may have come into contact with measles so you don’t spend time in waiting rooms with other patients,” Dr Selvey said.
“Symptoms to watch out for include fever, runny nose, sore eyes and a cough, usually followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash that spreads from the head 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. The 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.”
The 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 a dose of MMR from six months of age if they are travelling overseas. Parents should consult their GP.
People who are unsure of whether they have had two doses should get a vaccine, as additional doses are safe. This is particularly important prior to travel. MMR vaccine is available from GPs (all ages) and pharmacies (people over 5 years of age).
For more information on measles, view the measles factsheet .
People can also visit the Australian Government Smart Traveller website for information on health risks, including measles outbreaks relevant to their travel destination.
If you, or a loved one, is experiencing measles symptoms, or have questions about measles, please call your GP or healthdirect on 1800 022 222.

Source: New South Wales Health – State Government

NSW Health is advising people in Western Sydney to be alert for signs and symptoms of measles after being notified of a confirmed case.
This person has had no known contact with anyone else with measles and did not attend any known exposure locations in Sydney.

With the source of the infection unknown, it is likely measles is currently circulating within the community, and other people may have been unknowingly exposed to measles.
The person visited several locations across Western 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 seek advice from your GP who can contact your local Public Health Unit on 1300 066 055.

There is currently an increased risk of measles in NSW, with 23 cases confirmed since 1 January 2026.
Western Sydney Local Health District Public Health Physician, Dr Conrad Moreira, said people should monitor for symptoms of measles, particularly if they have visited any of the exposure locations at the listed time.

“If symptoms develop and you’ve been at one of the locations at the time listed on the website, see your doctor or health service, including an emergency department. Call ahead to let them know that you may have come into contact with measles so you don’t spend time in waiting rooms with other patients,” Dr Moreira 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 Moreira 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 Healthdirect on 1800 022 222.

Source: New South Wales Health – State Government

NSW Health is advising people to be alert for signs and symptoms of measles after being notified of a confirmed case.
This case is a returned traveller from South and Southeast Asia, where there are ongoing outbreaks of measles.
The person visited several locations while unknowingly infectious, including healthcare facilities. 
A full list of locations is available on the NSW Health w​ebsite​. 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 48 cases confirmed since 1 January 2026.
Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District Public Health Unit Staff Specialist, Dr Alvis Zibran 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 and wear a mask,” Dr Zibran 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 Zibran 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 particul​arly important prior to travel. MMR vaccine is available from GPs (all ages) and pharmacies (people over 5 years of age).
For more information on measles, view the measles factsheet​. 
People can also visit the Australian Government Smart Traveller website for information on health risks, including measles outbreaks relevant to their travel destination.
If you, or a loved one, is experiencing measles symptoms, or have questions about measles, please call your GP or healthdirect on 1800 022 222. 

Source:

Issue date: Tuesday, 12 May 2026

The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Employment, Workplace Relations, Skills and Training will hold a public hearing in Canberra on Friday, 15 May 2026 as part of its inquiry into the operation and adequacy of the National Employment Standards (NES). The inquiry was referred to the Committee on 27 November 2025, by the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, the Hon Amanda Rishworth MP.

At its public hearing the Committee will hear from a broad range of stakeholders about their experiences with the NES, building on evidence already heard from the government, unions and the business sector.

The hearing will enable the Committee to gather further perspectives on key issues, including reproductive health leave, cultural, kinship and carer’s leave, compassionate leave for bereaved parents, the costs and administrative impacts of the NES on small businesses, and employment conditions for young workers.

Committee Chair, Dr Carina Garland MP, said the hearing would allow the Committee to develop a more comprehensive understanding of how the NES operates in practice.

‘As the nature of work continues to evolve, it is important that the National Employment Standards (NES) remain clear, fair and fit for purpose. The Committee is seeking to understand how the NES supports key worker groups—including First Nations employees, carers and women—while balancing these protections with the operational and financial realities faced by employers,’ Dr Garland said.

The Committee will hear evidence from:

• Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman
• Council of Small Business Organisations Australia
• The Compassionate Friends Australia
• Maurice Blackburn Lawyers
• Families Australia
• National Tertiary Education
• Australian Education Union
• Community and Public Sector Union
• Health Services Union
• Finance Sector Union
• Australian Youth Affairs Coalition

Further information is available on the Committee’s website.

Public hearing details

Date: Friday 15 May 2026
Time: 9:00am to 2.15 pm
Location: Committee Room 1R3, Parliament House, Canberra ACT/Videoconference

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

Media enquiries

Dr Carina Garland MP, Chair 
James Dimas
0432409033

For background information

Committee Secretariat
02 6277 4037
employment.reps@aph.gov.au

For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

Source: Tasmania Police

Man charged with stealing $22,000 in cash

Tuesday, 12 May 2026 – 4:26 pm.

A 53 year old Rokeby man has been charged over a burglary of a Hobart business on Wednesday 8 April where a safe containing $22,000 in cash was stolen.
As a result of investigations, South East CIB have today charged a 53 year old man from Rokeby, with burglary, stealing, and unlawful possession of property.
He has been bailed to appear in the Hobart Magistrates Court on 24 August 2026.
Investigations are continuing and police are urging members of the public to contact 131 444 or Crimestoppers on 1800333000 or crimestopperstas.com.au if they have further information.

Source: Tasmania Police

Man charged with stealing $22,000 in cash

Tuesday, 12 May 2026 – 4:26 pm.

A 53 year old Rokeby man has been charged over a burglary of a Hobart business on Wednesday 8 April where a safe containing $22,000 in cash was stolen.
As a result of investigations, South East CIB have today charged a 53 year old man from Rokeby, with burglary, stealing, and unlawful possession of property.
He has been bailed to appear in the Hobart Magistrates Court on 24 August 2026.
Investigations are continuing and police are urging members of the public to contact 131 444 or Crimestoppers on 1800333000 or crimestopperstas.com.au if they have further information.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested a male following an aggravated robbery in Wulagi yesterday evening,

Around 5:30pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received multiple reports involving a male armed with sticks and a screwdriver.

The male allegedly was armed with a stick and threatening to strike vehicles whilst walking along Vanderlin Drive. He approached a residence on Vanderlin Drive and made threats towards the occupant and his dog whilst trying to enter the yard. The male then picked up a number of rocks and threw them towards the occupant and also struck the dog with a stick.

The male entered a yard on Jabiru Street, Wulagi and threatened a resident with a screwdriver before stealing tobacco and lighters.

CCTV operators assisted in locating the offender in Karama.

Casuarina General Duties attended and arrested a 42-year-old male without incident. He is expected to be charged later today.

Anyone with information about the incident to contact police on 131444 or report anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested a male following an aggravated robbery in Wulagi yesterday evening,

Around 5:30pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received multiple reports involving a male armed with sticks and a screwdriver.

The male allegedly was armed with a stick and threatening to strike vehicles whilst walking along Vanderlin Drive. He approached a residence on Vanderlin Drive and made threats towards the occupant and his dog whilst trying to enter the yard. The male then picked up a number of rocks and threw them towards the occupant and also struck the dog with a stick.

The male entered a yard on Jabiru Street, Wulagi and threatened a resident with a screwdriver before stealing tobacco and lighters.

CCTV operators assisted in locating the offender in Karama.

Casuarina General Duties attended and arrested a 42-year-old male without incident. He is expected to be charged later today.

Anyone with information about the incident to contact police on 131444 or report anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.