Stories from Canberra · Australia

Golden Murray Water is advocating for an immediate and permanent end to non-strategic water buybacks. The group manages an irrigation district containing approximately 6,000 kilometres of channel.

The Australian government is reviewing the Murray-Darling Basin Plan, which has cost over $11 billion over 14 years. The plan aims to make the nation's largest river system sustainable, but it has not yet recovered all necessary water levels.

The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) inappropriately distributed approximately $3.7 billion during the last financial year. Senior official John Dardo made the statement during a parliamentary inquiry.

Australian statistical agency data for June 2025 shows the country has 27.6 million residents. Approximately 8.8 million people, or 32% of the population, were born outside of Australia.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that middle powers like Australia have had to adjust to the shifting global dynamics caused by the Trump administration. He made these remarks during a wide-ranging interview with Radio National to mark one year since his re-election. Albanese noted that the United States is playing a different role in the world under Donald Trump. Albanese described the current global environment as volatile, stating he cannot recall a more volatile time in his lifetime. He also referenced the ongoing land war in Europe during an interview with the ABC. The comments address the changing geopolitical landscape under the current US administration.

Productivity Commission chair Danielle Wood stated that any moves to scale back negative gearing or capital gains tax concessions should be tied to income tax relief. Wood noted that current property tax settings have distorted investment decisions.

Productivity Commission Chair Danielle Woods stated that current property tax settings have distorted investment decisions. She suggested that reform could help reduce pressure on workers over time.

An application has been lodged with the World Bank's International Centre for Settlement of Investor Disputes to prevent a port acquisition. Anthony Albanese previously stated returning the port to Australian control was necessary for national security. The request seeks formal arbitration proceedings.

Australian authorities are investigating virtual media fraud involving four banks. The investigation follows reports that while technology giants hold valuations of $10 trillion, they paid only $366 million in taxes last year.

Canberra Raiders hooker Jaden Brailey stated the team cannot feel sorry for themselves following a poor start to the NRL season. The Raiders have lost five of their first eight games and are currently ranked 14th on the league ladder. Brailey said it is up to senior players to lift the side out of its current form.