Stories from Canberra · Australia

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke addressed inquiries regarding whether the Australian government attempted to delay or block the return of ISIS brides to the country.

The Australian federal government confirmed that 13 women and children linked to the Islamic State in Syria have arrived in Canberra. The group's arrival follows previous reports regarding their movement.

Infrastructure Minister Catherine King announced a decision to reallocate funds originally intended for southern parks to the existing rail network. The exact amount of funding and specific projects affected have not yet been detailed. The Australian government has scrapped plans to build a railway connecting Melbourne and Brisbane. The decision follows advice that the project would cost more than $45 billion to complete. The freight corridor will instead operate between Melbourne and Parkes in New South Wales. Construction on the Parkes corridor is expected to be completed by the end of next year. The government cancelled the Melbourne-to-Brisbane railway after receiving advice that costs would exceed $45 billion. The Australian government will redirect $800 million in uncommitted funding from the Australia's Economic Accelerator Program to support science and research measures.

Australian newspapers are reporting that all taxpayers could receive a $200 to $300 earned income offset. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has not confirmed the reported figure. The announcement comes amid speculation regarding upcoming budget details.

The Australian Labor government is considering a budget handout worth billions of dollars for every working Australian. This proposal follows previous discussions regarding spending restraint and warnings from agencies such as the IMF. The move comes alongside increases in spending for the NDIS, aged care, childcare, and wage rises. Analysts suggest the timing of this last-minute spending is being questioned. Labor claims the budget position has improved compared to previous forecasts. These improvements are attributed to cuts in certain government programs and the redirection of uncommitted grant money. The announcement comes as a woman in Sydney prepares to face court charges for entering a conflict zone and knowingly being a member of a terrorist organization. The Australian government announced several funding reallocations to support national priorities.

Sean is taking the Australian government to federal court alleging disability discrimination. The lawsuit follows an incident where he was allegedly treated less favourably than people without disabilities while attempting to access evacuation flights.

Senator Mark Butler warned colleagues to follow rules regarding dealings with large tobacco companies following a Senate inquiry at Parliament House in Canberra.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has announced plans to visit Australia. During this period, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, known as 'Albo', and the Japanese Prime Minister reportedly 'bonded'.

Animal rights activists are appearing at the High Court in Canberra to attempt to reclaim copyright over footage recorded in a Victorian halal abattoir. The footage was collected covertly over several months in 2024 at a facility that processes goat meat for export.

The Australian and New Zealand Society of Nephrology and the Australia and New Zealand Dialysis and Transplant Registry reported an overburdened dialysis system. More than 80% of Australian regions have wait lists for patients needing to start dialysis or transfer closer to home. Approximately 25% of Australian dialysis units have machines lying idle. The report indicates the system is failing vulnerable patients. Sharon Ford, president of the Australian and New Zealand Society of Nephrology, stated that systems are operating under strain. The shortage follows weeks of diplomacy regarding fuel security.