I was very sorry to hear of the passing of Richard Morecroft. As the face and the voice of the news of the ABC, Richard became a beloved part of Australian life. Combining a consummate professionalism with an unyielding humanity, Richard was a figure of absolute trust, a warm and familiar presence who guided us through the good times and bad. He loved the arts and was deeply passionate about our natural environment. Nothing completed the picture so delightfully as the time we learned that he used to keep a baby flying fox safe and sound beneath the desk while he was presenting the news. Richard was a great Australian and we were lucky to have him as part of our lives. Our thoughts now are with his partner Alison Mackay. May Richard Morecroft rest in peace.

Our nation’s thoughts are with the family, friends and colleagues of the Australian Army soldier who has tragically died during a training exercise in the Northern Territory yesterday. Our thoughts are also with the five other Australian Army soldiers who were injured in the incident, and we wish them a speedy recovery. There are no safe or easy days for those who serve in our country's name. This sad incident is a terrible reminder of what families take on when their loved one bravely puts on our nation's uniform. Every loss and every incident is felt deeply by the broader Defence family, but by none more so than their mates who served alongside them. We think of them today and every day. We ask that all Australians respect the privacy of Defence members and families at this saddest of times. The ADF will provide further updates when possible.

Climate change isn't a future challenge for the Pacific. It's a daily reality. And here in Tuvalu the stakes are higher than any other part of the world. Working side by side with our Pacific neighbours, Australia is stepping up to play our part. Finding local solutions to global challenges. Driving the clean energy transition. Bringing the world’s attention to our region. Because the Pacific’s future is our future - and we’ll support our neighbours every step of the way.

My thoughts are with everyone injured or involved in the horrible incident this morning in Newcastle. I want to acknowledge and thank emergency services and police for responding so quickly, and their ongoing work in treating the injured. Rugby league brings people together, and this should have been a weekend of excitement and pride for Newcastle fans. I have spoken to the NSW Premier Chris Minns, and offered our support.

With the passing of Bruce Baird, Australia has lost a real gentleman and a true parliamentarian. Bruce had the uncommon distinction of serving his nation as a Liberal member at both the state and federal level, including as Transport Minister in the Greiner NSW Government. It was a portfolio he handled with such aplomb that I was pleased to appoint him years later as the inaugural chair of the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator Board. Then of course there was his glittering success as the minister in charge of Sydney’s bid for the 2000 Olympic Games. In whichever role he served, whether it was in Parliament or leading bodies including the Tourism and Transport Forum and the Refugee Resettlement Advisory Council, he served with distinction and he served with principle and unwavering humanity. Tellingly, the respect and admiration for Bruce knew no political boundaries. Our hearts go out to his adored children Julia, Steve and Mike. And may Bruce Baird rest in a peace as beautiful the peace he felt every time he stepped into the surf at Manly.

Melbourne needs a train to the airport. Labor is building it. Together we’re getting Stage 2 underway, with major construction starting in 2028. A new rail line. A brand-new Keilor East station. And a direct connection to the Metro Tunnel. Another step closer to trains running all the way to Melbourne Airport.

Bigger acts. More fans. Better facilities. That's what's coming to UTAS Stadium. Our investment also means hundreds of local jobs and a boost to tourism for the region. Wonderful to meet the workers getting the upgrades underway today.

Australia and the Netherlands are moving forward, together. 🇦🇺🇳🇱 We’ve just taken our relationship to the next level with a new Strategic Partnership. More trade and economic investment. Increasing defence cooperation. Boosting our climate security. We're getting things done with partners from around the world to deliver for Australians back home.

Australia led the world with our social media ban for under-16s.  And the world is following. Alongside @EmmanuelMacron and @sanchezcastejon we’re now building a Coalition for Children’s Rights and Protection in the Age of AI. Because protecting children from harm doesn't stop at borders. It's a global responsibility, and Australia is leading the way.

Australia has never stood on the sidelines. We’ve always played our part in building a safer and more peaceful world. Today we’re launching our campaign for a seat on the UN Security Council for 2029–30. We will listen with respect. We will partner as equals. And we will protect what matters most.

We all have a responsibility to make the online world safer for our kids. It’s a belief @tim_cook and I share. Today at Apple HQ, we spoke about what we’re doing to protect children from online harm and the work ahead.