President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen visited Australia this week, meeting with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to strengthen ties between Australia and the European Union.
The EU is a key partner for Australia in a changing global environment. During the visit, we:
Policymakers across Australia and beyond are turning to behavioural insights and rigorous evaluation to design effective public policy. But how are these tools evolving to meet the next generation of challenges?
On the 18 February 2026, BETA and the Australian Centre for Evaluation (ACE) welcomed Professor David Halpern, CBE, President Emeritus of the Behavioural Insights Team and one of the world’s leading voices in evidence-based government to discuss.
Applications for the 2027 PM&C Graduate Program are now open.
PM&C graduates have the unique opportunity to contribute to diverse, high-impact policy issues spanning across the Australian Public Service.
Across the 12 month program, you will apply your skills to real-world challenges and contribute to projects that shape Australia’s future. You’ll gain diverse experiences as you complete rotations across the department. You’ll also build valuable connections with opportunities to network and be mentored by experts across government.
The Board discussed government priorities, strategic issues and emerging risks.
The Board received an update on geostrategic issues from Mr Craig Maclachlan, Deputy Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Mr Greg Moriarty AO, Secretary, Department of Defence.
The Board received an economic and budget update from Ms Jenny Wilkinson PSM, Secretary, Department of the Treasury, and Mr Matt Yannopoulos PSM, Secretary, Department of Finance.
Their Majesties The King and Queen of Denmark have concluded the official program of their Australian visit, a journey that has taken them across some of our country’s most iconic and meaningful places. Beginning in the Northern Territory, their time at Uluru offered a powerful connection to Country—meeting with Anangu Traditional Owners, experiencing cultural performances, and witnessing both sunrise and sunset over the landscape.
Additional information on the government’s response to fuel disruptions:
Australia has reinforced its commitment to gender equality on the global stage at the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70), held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City from 9 to 19 March 2026.
CSW is the world’s leading forum for advancing gender equality, bringing together governments, experts and civil society to drive coordinated international action.
Visit FuelPlan.gov.au for information on the government’s response, fuel supply statistics and tips to reduce fuel use.
On 19 March 2026, the Hon Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister of Australia, appointed Anthea Harris as Fuel Supply Taskforce Coordinator to lead the Fuel Supply Taskforce (the taskforce) that has been established in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
Ms Harris is a distinguished former public servant, having served as the CEO of the Australian Energy Regulator and the former CEO of the Energy Security Board.
The taskforce will coordinate cross-government advice and reporting in relation to fuel security and supply chain resilience, ensuring the decisions of government are implemented quickly and smoothly. To do this, the taskforce will work closely with:
The taskforce will lead engagement, prepare and provide consistent, coordinated updates to governments on Australia’s fuel supply outlook and domestic distribution, and act as a convening point for fuel supply and forward planning.
An Expert Advisory Panel will inform the work of the taskforce and provide insights from industry and other sectors.
The government has launched Our Ways – Strong Ways – Our Voices: National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Plan to End Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence 2026–2036 (Our Ways – Strong Ways – Our Voices).
The United Nations 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) is taking place from 9 to 19 March 2026.
CSW is the principal global intergovernmental body exclusively dedicated to the promotion of gender equality, the rights and the empowerment of women.
This year’s session brings together delegations from governments, civil society organisations, and gender equality advocates from across the world.
Australia’s delegation is comprised of senior gender equality office holders and civil society representatives: