CANBERRA, ACT, Sept. 2 -- The Prime Minister of Australia issued the following media release: Australia and Pacific nations have committed to strengthening regional security to respond to increasing transnational and organised crime. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Pacific leaders on Wednesday unanimously endorsed Waqa Moana, a Pacific-led maritime security initiative to counter illicit drug trafficking. Waqa Moana will focus on getting actionable intelligence into the hands of Pacific po...
CANBERRA, ACT, Sept. 2 -- The Prime Minister of Australia issued the following media release: The Australian Government, in agreement with Qantas, will extend thePalau Paradise Expressdirect air service between Brisbane and Koror through to 30 November 2027, in response to strong passenger growth. Qantas will also increase flights to twice weekly during Palau's peak season, starting this December. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made the announcement following a meeting with his Palauan count...
BRISBANE, Queensland, Sept. 2 -- The Queensland Department of the Premier and Cabinet issued text of the following statement: Minister for Local Government and Water and Minister for Fire, Disaster Recovery and Volunteers The Honourable Ann Leahy * The Crisafulli Governmenthas broughtinsurers,all levels ofgovernment and regional communities together in Bundaberg to tackle risinginsurancepremiums and restricted insurance coverage. * Investment in disaster resilience and mitigation is helping ...
CANBERRA, ACT, Sept. 2 -- Australian Federal Police issued the following media release: An AFP employee is expected to appear before the ACT Magistrates Court today (2 September, 2026). The AFP employee was charged with one count of aggravated common assault (family violence) under section 26(1) of the Crimes Act 1900 (ACT). The matter has been referred to AFP Professional Standards. As the matter is before the court, no further comment will be made at this time. The AFP is committed to t...
CANBERRA, ACT, Sept. 2 -- Australian Federal Police issued the following media release: This is a joint release between Australian Federal Police and Australian Border Force Editor's note: Images of the seizure and arrest vision are available via Hightail. A New South Wales couple is expected to face Downing Centre Local Court today (2 September, 2026) charged over the alleged importation and trafficking of ketamine. A man and woman, both 30, were charged yesterday (1 September, 2026), after...
CANBERRA, ACT, Sept. 2 -- Australian Federal Police issued the following media release: Officers from the Queensland Police Service (QPS) and Australian Federal Police (AFP) have charged a Mossman man following an investigation into hate crime offences. The activity was undertaken by members of the recently established joint QPS-AFP Hate Crime Team, a partnership between the QPS Counter Terrorism Investigation Group and the AFP National Security Investigations capability. Bringing together sp...
CANBERRA, ACT, Sept. 2 -- The Prime Minister of Australia issued the following media release: PRIME MINISTER:Can I begin by addressing the tragic situation that we're dealing with as a result of the disaster in Nepal. Amidst all of this tragedy, we are seeing some positive news. Today, another five Australians have been confirmed safe, but that still means that the number of Australians unaccounted for is 38, down from 43 yesterday, but that's 38 families, 38 people who we hold grave fears for....
CANBERRA, ACT, Sept. 2 -- The Treasurer of Australia issued the following transcript: Kieran Gilbert: Treasurer, thanks for your time. This has exceeded the market expectations slightly. You say the economy is robust and resilient. Does this mean we're going to get another hike for sure later this month? Another rate hike? Jim Chalmers: Well, obviously, I'm not going to pre-empt the considerations of the independent Reserve Bank. I think what we've seen today is a robust and resilient result...
CANBERRA, ACT, Sept. 2 -- The Treasurer of Australia issued the following transcript: Sarah Ferguson: Treasurer, welcome. Jim Chalmers: Thanks very much, Sarah. Ferguson: On house prices first. At the Budget, Treasury said the impact from your tax changes would see house-price growth continue to rise, but by a bit less, 2percent over a couple of years. The Commonwealth Bank's latest forecast says prices will fall 10percent across the capital cities. Did Treasury underestimate the impact of...
BRISBANE, Queensland, Sept. 1 -- The Queensland Department of the Premier and Cabinet issued text of the following statement: JOINT STATEMENT Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Minister for Manufacturing and Minister for Regional and Rural Development The Honourable Dale Last Minister for Transport and Main Roads The Honourable Brent Mickelberg * The Crisafulli Government is launching a major procurement to deliver up to 630 new buses across Queensland. * Modern, fully accessible b...