Portfolio Budget Statements 2026 - 2027

The purpose of the 2026-27 Portfolio Budget Statements (PB Statements) is to inform Senators and Members of Parliament of the proposed allocation of resources to government outcomes by entities within the portfolio. Entities receive resources from the annual appropriations acts, special appropriations (including standing appropriations and special accounts), and revenue from other sources.

State Funeral Service for the Honourable Peter Morris OAM

A State Funeral Service for the Honourable Peter Morris OAM will take place at 11.00 am on Friday 12 June 2026 at Pettigrew Family Funerals Chapel, 7 Murray Dwyer Circuit, Mayfield West, NSW.

In 1972, Mr Morris was elected to the House of Representatives for Shortland, New South Wales. From 1983 to 1990, Mr Morris served in the Hawke Government, holding several ministerial appointments, including: 

Australia-Japan Joint Statement on Elevated Critical Minerals Cooperation

Under the Australia-Japan Joint Declaration on Economic Security Cooperation announced today, we, the Prime Ministers of Australia and Japan, announce the elevation of critical minerals as a core pillar of our economic security relationship.

The importance of our strategic coordination for critical minerals, including for advanced manufacturing and the energy transition as well as for broader economic security, will further strengthen the Special Strategic Partnership between Australia and Japan.

Australia-Japan Joint Statement on Energy Security Cooperation

Australia and Japan are Special Strategic Partners with a commitment to mutual energy security and to rules-based and market-oriented trade and investment.

The prosperity, security, stability and economic future of our countries and region are intertwined. We recognise the complementarity of our trade and economic partnership and the interdependence of our energy security, we are committed to our two-way trade in energy resources and strengthening supply chain resilience, while also addressing unjustified import and export restrictions.

10 years of BETA

2026 marks 10 years since the Behavioural Economics Team of the Australian Government (BETA) was established to bring behavioural science to the forefront of public policy and service design.

Over the past decade, behavioural insights has become an integral part of how government approaches complex policy challenges. By focusing on how people make decisions, and the barriers that can stand in the way of action, BETA has helped design services that are easier to navigate, more accessible, and more likely to achieve their intended outcomes in benefitting Australians.

Secretaries Board communique: 22 April 2026

The Secretaries Board met today at the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet to discuss the following matters.

Strategic outlook

The Board discussed government priorities, strategic issues and emerging risks.

The Board received an update on geostrategic issues from Ms Jan Adams AO PSM, Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Ms Cath Patterson, Acting Secretary, Department of Defence.

National Fuel Security Plan

The National Fuel Security Plan sets out a staged response to fuel supply challenges to keep Australia moving.

The plan is guided by 4 response levels:

  1. Plan and prepare
  2. Keeping Australia moving 
  3. Taking targeted action
  4. Protecting critical services for all Australians

Australia is currently operating at Level 2: “Keep Australia moving.” This means fuel supplies are continuing, but there are pressures on the system.