Stories from Canberra · Australia

Canberra United's A-League women's season concluded with a loss to Melbourne Victory in the elimination final. Capital Football confirmed this season will be their last in charge of the club, leaving Canberra United's future in the competition uncertain. Despite the uncertainty, there is confidence that the club will continue in some form. Despite the outcome, a club representative expressed confidence that this would not be the final game for Canberra United.

Shadow Home Affairs Minister Jon Odriozem has called for increased transparency regarding the background checks of refugees traveling to Damascus. Concerns were raised about a specific cohort of refugees fleeing northern Syria who may pose a security risk to Australia. The opposition is demanding the government clarify the level of risk posed by these individuals.

Research indicates that 60% of Australians believe the National Disability Insurance System does not deliver good value. The Prime Minister faces pressure to utilize his 19-seat majority to address the declining public support for the program. This loss of confidence poses a challenge to the current administration's political capital.

Australia has implemented a new law aimed at supporting working parents, hailed by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as a significant step. The legislation has broad support among Australian adults, with nearly 80% backing the initiative.

Senator Dunium of the Australian opposition has raised concerns about the government's plan to allow foreign fighters to return to Australia, questioning the background checks and the age of the individuals involved. The opposition believes these individuals should not be allowed back without clarity and guarantees of no risk. The Federal Opposition is questioning the Albanese government's capacity to screen families with ties to former Islamic State fighters. Four women, along with their children and grandchildren, were reportedly stranded at the Al Raj camp in Syria. These individuals were planning to travel through Damascus to reach Australia. The government maintains it is providing zero assistance or oversight for these specific movements.

Thousands of people across Australia attended dawn and sunset services to mark Anzac Day 2026. The commemorations honor the bravery and sacrifice of servicemen and women, marking 111 years since the Gallipoli landings in 1915. Services were also held in France to remember Australian sacrifices during German occupation.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese faces accusations of yielding to gas industry interests as the Labor government prepares to reject a new export tax. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is seeking to reassure the gas industry and international trading partners regarding calls for a 25% tax on gas exports. The government is facing pressure to implement the new tax to increase returns for Australian taxpayers ahead of the budget. Communications Minister Annika Wells announced a bargaining incentive plan where tech companies will be taxed 2.25% of their revenue if they fail to strike agreements with traditional media companies. The funding will be distributed to news organizations based on newsroom size. The plan aims to ensure news organizations receive compensation for content shared on digital platforms.

Australian Minister Don Farrell indicated that the Labor government is unlikely to implement a 25% windfall profits tax on gas exports in the upcoming budget. While some lawmakers have called for the tax to generate $17 billion annually, senior sources suggest there is a growing consensus against hiking taxes on LNG amid a global oil crisis. The final decision is expected to be revealed in the federal budget in two weeks. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed the upcoming budget will not include a tax on gas exports. The announcement follows recent social media scrutiny and a Senate inquiry regarding the issue. Albanese stated that gas exports are directly linked to national fuel security. He also ruled out changes to existing contracts during a speech in Western Australia. The Prime Minister noted that jeopardizing investment during a global fuel crisis would be detrimental.

Australia and Japan have entered a $7 billion agreement to develop stealth frigates, strengthening their maritime security partnership. The deal positions the two nations as 'Pacific Guardians' to secure regional waters. This move signals a deepening strategic alliance in the Indo-Pacific region. This agreement marks the highest level of Japanese arms sales since World War II. The deal includes the export of radar systems and patrol boats to countries including the Philippines. Japan is also initiating joint research with the United Kingdom and Italy for next-generation submarine technology. Xiang Haoyu of the China Institute of International Studies noted the significance of this defense cooperation. Australia finalized a $7 billion deal to purchase three Mogami-class frigates from Japan this month. The agreement represents Tokyo's largest defense sales contract to date.

Energy Minister Chris Bowen is considering a 25% tax on gas exports as part of a broader strategy to secure higher returns for the region. The government is weighing the economic benefits against the need for regional cooperation in liquid fuels and gas. The proposal comes amid a growing public campaign for increased taxation on gas companies. An analysis by the Australia Institute suggests a 25% tax on gas exports could generate $17 billion in annual revenue. No specific timeline for implementation was provided. The report notes that Australian nurses currently pay more in taxes than the gas industry. The findings were released in Canberra.