The NSW Government will extend bail laws targeting repeat youth offending and establish a new early intervention pilot for children with complex needs who are already involved in, or at risk of becoming involved in, concerning or high-risk behaviour. The government announced the measures on 15 September 2026, including legislation to further extend section 22C…
Victoria has introduced a new state-wide pain standard aimed at improving how women, girls and gender-diverse people are treated when they seek medical care for pain. The Victorian Department of Health updated the Victorian Pain Standard on 14 September, setting out expectations for timely, respectful and evidence-based pain care across the state’s health system. The…
Community organisations in Melbourne are being encouraged to apply for council funding, with several grant rounds open and one council introducing a monthly cap on applications. The City of Melbourne says it invests $15.2 million annually across grants and sponsorship programs supporting business, events, community and the arts. Its Community Events Grants offer not-for-profit organisations…
Dependent children of international students studying a Master by Coursework in Western Australia are set to lose access to a school tuition fee waiver under changes to the state’s enrolment arrangements. From 30 November 2026, children of Master by Coursework students will no longer qualify for the international tuition fee waiver when enrolling in Western…
The Victorian Government has pledged $550 million to upgrade the Western Freeway between Melton and Caroline Springs ahead of the November state election. Premier Ben Carroll announced the funding commitment on Sunday, saying the proposed project would deliver about 30 kilometres of new traffic lanes, with some sections of the freeway widened to four lanes…
The Victorian Parliament passed new multicultural legislation on 8 September. The reform will change how the government works with multicultural and multifaith communities and will establish a new statutory entity called Multicultural and Multifaith Victoria. Multicultural and Multifaith Victoria will start operating on 1 October 2026. The Victorian Government said the reform will give multicultural…
Westpac has become the last of Australia’s big four banks to forecast another interest rate rise this year, tipping the Reserve Bank of Australia to lift the cash rate by 25 basis points to 4.6 per cent at its November meeting. The revised forecast comes as new figures show consumer confidence has fallen back towards…
An artificial intelligence prediction model being trialled in emergency departments in Western Sydney has identified patients at high risk of sepsis around 90 minutes earlier than traditional sepsis triggers. Following the initial trial, the project will expand across five emergency departments over the next two and a half years. Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD)…
NSW Fair Trading has stepped up its enforcement against underquoting in the property market. Over the past two months, inspectors from the Strata and Property Taskforce have covertly attended almost 80 open home inspections across NSW. The operation took place ahead of the spring selling season. So far, 10 real estate agents have received fines…
Australia and Palau are strengthening their partnership on renewable energy, with a major solar and battery-storage project expected to reduce the island nation’s dependence on diesel fuel and improve energy security. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr visited Palau’s first large-scale solar power plant at Ngatpang on Babeldaob, highlighting the…
CANBERRA, Australia — The winners of the 2026 ACT Women’s Awards have been announced, recognising women and gender-diverse people whose contributions are making a positive difference locally, nationally and globally. The annual awards celebrate leadership, achievement and advocacy across a range of sectors and highlight individuals who are helping drive social, economic and community change…
MELBOURNE, Australia: Victoria’s Parliament has passed new legislation targeting organised crime groups that recruit children to carry out serious offences, with adults convicted of recruiting children potentially facing life imprisonment. The Crimes Amendment (Recruitment of Children for Criminal Activity) Bill 2026 creates a new offence for adults who recruit children to participate in serious criminal…
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