Fuel tax relief extended

The Prime Minister has announced the extension of fuel relief measures.

Cuts to the fuel excise duty rate on petrol and diesel will continue with a 16 cents per litre reduction from 1 July to 2 August 2026.

Relief for transport and freight operators will also be extended, with the heavy vehicle road user charge also reduced by 16 cents a litre from 1 July to 2 August 2026.

Echo Australia Keynote

Acknowledgements1

I would like to thank Echo Australia and Macquarie University for inviting me to speak today.

I would also like to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we meet, the Wallumattagal clan of the Dharug Nation.2

I pay my respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to any First Nations people joining us today.

Federation

Australia is home to the world’s oldest continuing culture.

State Memorial Service for Professor Richard Scolyer AO

A State Memorial Service for Professor Richard Scolyer AO will take place at 11:00 am on Monday 13 July 2026 at the Sydney Opera House.

Professor Richard Scolyer AO was one of Australia's leading cancer researchers and clinicians whose work contributed to saving thousands of lives from melanoma. As the world's leading melanoma pathologist, Professor Scolyer was named joint 2024 Australian of the Year for his global contribution to melanoma research and clinical care.

Visit to Australia by the Prime Minister of New Zealand

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon met in Noosa on Saturday 6 June for the Australia–New Zealand Annual Leaders’ Meeting.

Leaders discussed strengthening our nations’ economic resilience, boosting prosperity, and responding to strategic challenges. This includes working together closely on the fuel crisis and keeping trade open for energy products and other critical goods.

Commonwealth funding for strategic policy work

On 19 December 2024, the Australian Government released the report for the Independent Review of Commonwealth funding for strategic policy work (the review) and its response. The review assessed all Commonwealth funding to third-party organisations that conduct national security-related research, education and engagement activities.

This guidance reflects the review’s findings and the government’s response:

2026–27 government priorities for strategic policy research

The Australian Government has released the 2026-27 priorities for government funding of strategic policy research.

The think-tank and strategic policy sector plays an important role in driving public discussion and strengthening partnerships on national security matters.

The inaugural annual research priorities are guided by Australia’s national security policy priorities and designed to focus government funding for national security-related research activities.

The King’s Birthday 2026 Honours List

Congratulations to the recipients in The King’s Birthday 2026 Honours List, who were announced today by the Governor-General, Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC.

The achievements of 949 exceptional Australians have been formally recognised for their service and achievement in the community and public service, industry and academia, science, the arts and sport The Honours List includes:

Information and support on Australia’s fuel response

FuelPlan.gov.au is a centralised source of information about Australia's response to current global fuel disruptions. 

The website brings together updates, practical guidance and support for households, businesses and communities. It also provides information on what work is underway to maintain fuel supply, support distribution across the country and reduce impacts on the economy.