Latest Australian releases

Up to 50 latest federal and state announcements, latest first.

Honeybee silk could power smarter wound dressings

CSIRO: 30 Sep 2026

CSIRO and Adelaide University researchers say biodegradable films made from engineered honeybee silk could underpin smarter wound dressings. Lab tests published in the Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part B found the recombinant silk film was well tolerated and largely broke down during healing, which may reduce disturbance of new tissue. With Medical Research Future Fund support, the team will develop infection-sensing dressings amid Australia’s estimated 450,000 chronic wound cases costing more than $6 billion a year.

ANSTO announces Board appointments

ANSTO: 29 Sep 2026

ANSTO has welcomed the appointment of Peter Harris AO and the reappointment of Professor Sze Ting Lee as part-time members of its board. The agency says the appointments broaden board expertise as it continues nuclear science, technology and research work for Australia. Both members will serve on the board that oversees ANSTO’s national nuclear capabilities.

FSANZ Board Communique: 14 & 15 September 2026 Meeting

Food Standards Australia New Zealand: 29 Sep 2026

Food Standards Australia New Zealand has published the communique from its Board meeting on 14–15 September 2026. The Board, as FSANZ’s accountable authority, considered food standards matters on the agency agenda. The note summarises the standards issues discussed for stakeholders following the session.

Four names to be added to National Police Memorial on National Police Remembrance Day

Australian Federal Police: 29 Sep 2026

On National Police Remembrance Day (29 September 2026), four fallen officers will be added to the National Police Memorial in Canberra, bringing engraved names to 836. Those honoured are WA Detective Senior Constable Maxine Bembridge, NSW Sergeant Mark Bransgrove, and Victoria Police Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart-Hottart. The Australian Federal Police marks the memorial’s 20th anniversary; a public service starts at 5pm after a 4.20pm march over Kings Avenue Bridge.

Public Call for Research Proposals for AFMA Funding in 2027/28

Australian Fisheries Management Authority: 28 Sep 2026

The Australian Fisheries Management Authority is inviting research proposals for potential funding in 2027/28 against priorities set with its advisory groups. Universities, consultants and other providers can apply to work on fisheries science and management needs identified through AFMA’s Resource Assessment Groups and committees. The call outlines how proposals will be assessed against those published priorities.

Community invited to shape future of NSW's oldest timber truss bridges

Jenny Aitchison, Minister for Roads and Minister for Regional Transport: 28 Sep 2026

Transport for NSW is reviewing its Timber Truss Bridge Strategy and inviting regional communities, councils, heritage groups and road users to comment from 28 September to 30 October 2026. It manages 27 historic timber truss bridges dating from 1880 to 1930, including Clarence Town Bridge, NSW’s oldest surviving example. Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison said feedback will help balance heritage and modern transport needs; an updated strategy is expected in late 2027.

Backing private practices to grow Tasmania’s nurse practitioner workforce

Bridget Archer, Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing: 27 Sep 2026

The Tasmanian Government is offering private practices $150,000 to $300,000 a year for up to two years to establish, expand or enhance nurse practitioner positions under a new Private Practice Incentive Program. Health Minister Bridget Archer said priority will go to proposals that improve access to care in communities with workforce shortages. Applications are open; successful projects must show sustainability beyond the funding period.

Remarks - New York

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese: 25 Sep 2026

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told investors in New York that Australia is open for business, citing strong growth, job creation and AAA credit ratings. He highlighted booming business investment and recent steps to streamline foreign investment and environmental approvals.

ARENA backs Lightspeed project to accelerate innovation in large-scale solar

Australian Renewable Energy Agency: 23 Sep 2026

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency is providing $25 million to Equans Solar & Storage for the Lightspeed project, a three-year trial of innovations aimed at cutting the cost of building and operating large-scale solar. The first technology to be tested is the Nextpower Ranger autonomous inspection robot, in its first use at an Australian solar farm. ARENA says the portfolio approach is intended to trial technologies faster in real-world settings as renewable deployment scales.

Doorstop - New York

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese: 22 Sep 2026

Prime Minister Albanese said AI must keep humans in control while unlocking science and productivity gains. He spoke in New York inviting other countries to join an AI statement.

Australia-EU meeting 2026

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese: 22 Sep 2026

Australia and EU leaders met in New York on the UNGA margins to review cooperation. They discussed progress since the Commission President's March 2026 Australia visit.

Queensland teenager charged for allegedly possessing violent extremist material

Australian Federal Police: 18 Sep 2026

A Queensland teenager is due back in Pine Rivers Magistrates Court today charged with allegedly possessing violent extremist material and promoting it online. The Queensland Joint Counter Terrorism Team charged the 18-year-old after an FBI report about an Australian user posting extremist content advocating violence.

Visit to California and New York

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese: 18 Sep 2026

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will visit the United States from 18 to 24 September 2026, including Apple's California headquarters, and will lead Australia's delegation for high-level meetings in New York.

All aboard for our furry friends

Premier of Tasmania: 15 Sep 2026

Tasmania's new Spirits of Tasmania ferries will offer expanded pet travel, including climate-controlled kennels, pet-friendly cabins and an outdoor deck. Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the upgrades support the visitor economy under the 2030 Strong Plan, with pet cabin tickets on sale from 16 September.

West Tarneit Station Opens To Passengers

Vicki Ward, Minister for Transport: 13 Sep 2026

Victoria’s West Tarneit Station opened to passengers with a 400-space car park, bus interchange and accessible platforms. New and more frequent bus routes connect the growing western Melbourne suburb to the rail network.

Incat named 2026 Tasmanian Exporter of the Year

Guy Barnett, Minister for Small Business, Trade and Consumer Affairs: 12 Sep 2026

Incat Tasmania was named 2026 Tasmanian Exporter of the Year for battery-electric and hybrid vessel builds. Minister Guy Barnett highlighted Hull 096, described as the world’s largest electric ship, and its export profile.

Card payment surcharge changes are coming

business.gov.au: 31 Aug 2026

Australian businesses that add card payment surcharges face new rules from 1 October 2026 after an RBA review found surcharging was no longer working as intended. Operators may need to update pricing, payment methods or provider arrangements to stay compliant. business.gov.au outlines what is changing and practical steps for small businesses.

Joint Statement on the Tenth Australia-Indonesia Foreign and Defence Ministers’ 2+2 Meeting

Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs: 26 Aug 2026

Australian and Indonesian Foreign and Defence Ministers met for the Tenth Australia-Indonesia Foreign and Defence Ministers 2+2 Meeting on 26 August 2026 in Melbourne. Australia and Indonesia share a longstanding and constructive relationship as neighbours, partners and friends. Ministers agreed the Australia-Indonesia relationship is at a high point, and acknowledged the importance of our partnership in a deteriorating geostrategic environment.