Media releases

Albanese Government saves Reef HQ In a major boost for the region, the Prime Minister today announced the Albanese Labor Government will save the Great Barrier Reef Aquarium “Reef HQ” with an extra $100 million investment after the Liberals left it underfunded and doomed to

New CEO takes the helm at AMSA The Australian Government welcomes Ms Kaylene Dale as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), starting on 1 October 2024.

Independent reviews of critical shipping legislation underway The Australian Government has appointed Ms Lynelle Briggs and Prof Nicholas Gaskell to co-chair the reviews of the Shipping Registration Act 1981 and Coastal Trading (Revitalising Australian Shipping) Act 2012. 

Tunnelling starts on North East Link project Tunnelling has started on the Australian and Victorian governments’ North East Link Project in Melbourne’s northeast. 

Completion date announced for Gympie Bypass Completion of the $1.162 billion Gympie Bypass is just weeks away, with confirmation that works are on track to be finished in October 2024, weather and construction conditions permitting.

Guidelines released for Round 2 of Growing Regions Program Program Guidelines have been released for the second round of the Albanese Government’s $600 million Growing Regions Program, with applications expected to open in September.

New roundabout to improve road safety in Ballarat A new roundabout at the intersection of Ripon Street South and Urquhart Street in Ballarat will improve road safety for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.

Cruise ship exemption extended The Australian Government is continuing the exemption of the Coastal Trading (Revitalising Australian Shipping) Act 2012 until 31 December 2026. 

Flight guaranteed for regional Rex customers The Albanese Government has today announced it will guarantee regional flight bookings for Rex customers throughout the voluntary administration process. 

Construction begins on key Pilbara Hydrogen Hub road upgrades Ground has been broken today on the Lumsden Point Access Road and Pinga Street intersection upgrades to support the Pilbara Hydrogen Hub at Port Hedland on the north coast of Western Australia.

Getting the North South Corridor done The final stage of a long-awaited seamless North South Corridor has reached a major milestone, with a preferred alliance partner being selected for the nation-shaping project.

Assistance Dogs Training Centre opens at Orchard Hills Stage 1 of the new Assistance Dogs Australia National Training Centre has officially opened at Orchard Hills in Western Sydney today, fulfilling the Albanese Government’s $2 million election commitment.

Next steps for Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line as new information and engagement centre opens A new information and engagement centre in the heart of Caloundra has opened today to explain and explore opportunities for the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line.

Green light for improved safety in South Brighton Work is now complete on the upgrade of the Brighton Road and Edwards Street junction at South Brighton in Adelaide’s southwest, improving road safety and public transport efficiency.

Vital links open to Shoalhaven community A new road connecting Illaroo Road in Bangalee with Moss Vale Road at Bells Lane is now open, providing a vital link between Cambewarra and Nowra.