Federal Health Minister Mark Butler has signalled that weight-loss medications such as Ozempic initially developed for type 2 diabetes could soon become more affordable for Australians living with obesity, as the government considers listing them on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).   Speaking on ABC Radio National, Minister Butler confirmed that manufacturers have formally applied to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) to list GLP-1 agonist drugs for the treatment of obesity, particularly in patients with elevated cardiovascular risk.   “They’ve put an application in to consider one of these drugs  you say Ozempic, but there are a number of them, called GLP-1s  for PBS listing to treat people with a particular level of obesity and some cardiovascular disease risk,” Mr Butler said. “So very shortly we’ll receive that advice.”   Currently, hundreds of thousands of Australians are using GLP-1 medications through private prescriptions, often spending between $4,000 and $5,000 a year. Mr Butler acknowledged that cost remains a major barrier and that a PBS listing could make these drugs accessible to many more patients.   “I’ve asked those same experts to provide me with advice about ways we can ensure equitable access to this new, very significant range of drugs,” he said. “Governments across the world are trying to work out how to tap into the benefits of these medicines in an equitable way.”   While Australians eager for cheaper access may have to wait a little longer, Mr Butler suggested the process was advancing swiftly.   “It’s unlikely we’ll make progress before Christmas, but the experts are getting close to finalising their advice. It’ll probably be early next year now,” he said.   A recent medRxiv study underscores the surging demand for these drugs. It found that monthly sales of GLP-1 receptor agonists in Australia exceeded half a million units in 2024–25 a tenfold rise over five years.   The report estimated that between May 2024 and April 2025, more than six million units were sold nationwide, led by semaglutide (63.3%) and tirzepatide (30.7%). Overall, usage equated to 18 out of every 1,000 Australians taking the medication at a standard daily maintenance dose, with six per 1,000 obtaining it privately.   If approved, the PBS listing could mark a turning point in Australia’s approach to treating obesity shifting the drugs from luxury to necessity for those most in need.

The Queensland Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting seniors from harm, following the release of a new Parliamentary Inquiry report into elder abuse across the state.   Minister for Families, Seniors and Disability Services, Amanda Camm, said the report — a key election commitment under the Crisafulli Government’s First 100 Day Plan — marks a “fresh start” in addressing the growing issue of elder abuse in Queensland.   “Elder abuse is a silent epidemic in our society that affects an estimated 15 per cent of older Australians,” Minister Camm said.“This is unacceptable. Older people deserve to live their lives free from all forms of abuse and neglect.”   The inquiry, welcomed by the Crisafulli Government, examined the devastating consequences of elder abuse through extensive public input. The committee received 120 written submissions from organisations and individuals, including Caxton Community Legal Centre, Aged and Disability Advocacy Australia, Council on the Ageing Queensland, and the Queensland Council of Social Services.   Public hearings were held in Brisbane, the Gold and Sunshine Coasts, Cherbourg, Townsville, and Cairns, ensuring regional and community voices were heard in shaping policy solutions.   Minister Camm emphasised the government’s priority to review the findings and recommendations before providing a formal response in the New Year.   “Establishing the Inquiry was not just a commitment — it’s a statement of our dedication to safeguarding the rights and dignity of older Queenslanders,” she said.   The report will guide future initiatives to strengthen legal protections, improve community awareness, and ensure better support services for seniors at risk of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.   If you suspect an older person may be experiencing abuse, confidential help and advice is available through the Elder Abuse Helpline on 1300 651 192 or by visiting www.qld.gov.au/stopelderabuse.  

  The Lifeline Bookfest Brisbane is officially underway, offering a special five-day summer edition running from Saturday, December 13 to Wednesday, December 17. Hosted at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre across two massive halls, this year’s iconic community event arrives at the perfect moment for families and gift-hunters due to the commencement of school holidays and the approaching Christmas season. Entry to the event is free.   The Bookfest is loaded with more than one million pre-loved items, including books, games, comics, puzzles, CDs, and collectibles. Shoppers can browse a wide range of materials, such as fiction, non-fiction, biographies, textbooks, magazines, sci-fi, games, CDs, DVDs, and special rare finds. Book prices start at $2.50. The event features two distinct shopping areas: the $2.50 Hall, where all items cost $2.50 each, and the High-Quality Hall, where prices are individually marked.   Every purchase made at the Bookfest serves a greater purpose, as the event is Lifeline’s largest annual fundraiser. Proceeds from the sales directly support Lifeline’s 24/7 Crisis Support Services, which are available anytime via phone (13 11 14), text, and online chat. The event is a feel-good tradition that brings people together while providing real support, with dedicated staff and volunteers sorting, pricing, and preparing the millions of donated items.   ComicFest Returns with More Space   The crowd-favourite ComicFest section has returned for the summer edition, featuring graphic novels, retro games, and pop culture collectibles guaranteed to delight gift-givers and fans of all ages. The Comic Fest area has been allocated more space this year and is filled with more than 10,000 comics, memorabilia, and other collectables.   This year’s summer Bookfest is a little shorter and has shifted earlier than its traditional January date due to renovations scheduled for the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre in the new year.   Visitor Information   The event runs from December 13 to December 17 at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre. Daily operating hours are as follows: Saturday: 7:30 am – 6:00 pm Sunday – Tuesday: 8:30 am – 6:00 pm daily Wednesday: 8:30 am – 4:00 pm   Organizers note that items are regularly restocked throughout the event to keep the thrill of discovery alive. Visitors exploring the over 4 km of books and other items are highly recommended to wear comfortable footwear. While morning entry can sometimes have queues, afternoons are generally quieter for those wishing to avoid crowds.

 The Queensland Government has announced that applications are now open for the $26.3 million Supercharged Solar for Renters program, a major initiative designed to provide immediate cost-of-living relief to Queenslanders.   Delivered by the Crisafulli Government, the program is expected to benefit 6,500 households, saving them approximately 700 a year on power bills. The Super charged Solar for Renters program offers rebates of upto 3,500 to eligible landlords who install rooftop solar on their rental properties.   To qualify for the scheme, landlords must be renting out a house, duplex, or townhouse, with the property currently tenanted for a rental amount of less than $1,000 a week.   Queensland Treasurer, Minister for Energy and Minister for Home Ownership David Janetzki noted that this initiative supports Queenslanders regardless of whether they rent or own a home. Treasurer Janetzki stated that the program is a “win-win-win,” easing costs for renters, enhancing property values for landlords, and supporting the adoption of renewable energy in Queensland. He added that while more than 900,000 Queensland homes and businesses now utilize solar PV systems, many renters had previously been missing out, despite approximately 40% of the State’s households adopting rooftop solar.   Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett called the program a “sensible, affordable solution” that means “real cost-of-living relief” for local families. Bundaberg tenant Stewart McCulloch congratulated the government on offering strong financial incentives, stating that the savings on his energy bill would be a “welcomed relief” amid other cost-of-living pressures.   Industry Hails Rebate, Calls for Broader Action   The rebate scheme has been met with praise from advocacy groups, while also spurring calls for wider national action to support all renters.   Solar Citizens CEO Heidi Lee Douglas applauded the announcement, stating:   “Solar Citizens applauds the Queensland government’s Supercharged Solar for Renters rebate scheme. Landlords need an incentive to install solar panels on their rental properties, and rebates have been the most effective way to encourage uptake of solar panels on owner-occupied homes, making Australia the world leader (per capita) in rooftop solar.”   Ms. Douglas acknowledged that the eligibility criteria, which apply to tenanted properties of less than $1,000/week, mean many rental properties could benefit. She emphasized that this is a positive start but urged broader cooperation: “we need more state governments to work together with the Federal government, landlords and renters to come up with solutions to unlock Solar for Renters across the country.”   She noted that Solar Citizens has initiated a national conversation to generate solutions for the 1 in 3 Australians who rent, many of whom are currently “locked out of the benefits that cheap clean energy that rooftop solar backed by storage currently provides to 4 million owner occupied homes”.   The CEO also suggested improvements for the Queensland scheme: “In Queensland, better targeting towards lower income households together with energy efficiency upgrades (like blinds, draft controls and appliances like heat pumps) would see people who can least afford high energy bills benefit even more.”   Finally, Ms. Douglas noted that it is encouraging that the Crisafulli government is rolling out the $116 million promised towards Social Housing Energy upgrades under the jointly federal funded Social Housing Energy Performance Initiative (SHEPI) program.   Social Housing Upgrades Confirmed   The Crisafulli Government is delivering the $116 million Social Housing Energy Performance Initiative (SHEPI) program, which is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments.   Under SHEPI, the $18 million Queensland Community Housing Energy Upgrades program aims to improve residents’ quality of life by making homes warmer in winter and cooler in summer, while reducing electricity bills for tenants.   This program will offer rebates of up to $4,500 (excluding GST) per dwelling to eligible community housing providers, benefiting up to 4,000 households. Eligible energy efficiency measures include solar PV, ceiling insulation, draught proofing, LED lighting, split-cycle air conditioners, and energy-efficient hot water systems such as heat pump or solar hot water systems.   The SHEPI initiative also includes the $98 million Thermal Comfort Program, aimed at improving cooling and reducing energy use and costs for social housing residents across Queensland. Upgrades installed under these programs may be subject to safety inspections by a Queensland Government-appointed inspectorate to ensure they meet quality and safety standards.  

A new analysis reveals a worrying surge in e-scooter related injuries across Queensland, with data showing that an average of five riders ended up in hospitals every day during the first ten months of 2025. Research conducted by the Jamieson Trauma Institute, in partnership with RACQ, found that 1,608 e-scooter riders required hospitalization after crashing between January and October 2025,.   The seriousness of the issue is underscored by broader historical data, which shows 7,237 people presented to Queensland emergency departments following e-scooter crashes between January 2018 and October 2025, with 1,391 needing further treatment.   However, the actual number of hospitalizations is likely significantly higher than reported. The data collected by the Queensland Injury Surveillance Unit (QISU) comes from approximately 30 of the state’s emergency departments but excludes figures from several major hospitals, including Princess Alexandra, QEII, Mater, Logan, and Gold Coast.   Head and Face Injuries Dominate   RACQ’s Principal Technical Researcher, Andrew Kirk, noted that the surge in crashes highlights the necessity for parents to conduct thorough research before purchasing an e-scooter this Christmas. Analysis of injury types shows that crashes frequently result in severe trauma. Almost half of injured riders (43.4%) experienced fractures, while 28.3% sustained head injuries and 23.9% suffered facial trauma.   Mr. Kirk emphasized that with more than 50% of injuries affecting the face or head, it is evident that many riders are either not wearing helmets correctly, not wearing them at all, or using inadequate protective gear. Due to this trend, RACQ strongly recommends that stand-up e-scooter riders wear a full-face helmet to reduce the likelihood of severe facial injuries,.   Parents Urged to Verify Legality   Beyond ensuring quality protective gear, RACQ advises parents to be diligent about purchasing devices that comply with Queensland law.   Parents must ensure the e-scooter weighs less than 60 kilograms and adheres to strict size limits, which are either 1,250mm long by 700mm wide by 1,350mm high, or 700mm long by 1,250mm wide by 1,350mm high. Devices must also be equipped with a bell or similar warning device and must not have any sharp edges or protrusions.   When considering e-bikes, which are reportedly flooding the market, Mr. Kirk urged parents to steer clear of illegal devices. Key signs of an illegal e-bike include the absence of pedals or the ability to travel faster than 6km/h without pedaling.   Finally, parents must remember the mandatory Queensland riding rules: children under 12 are not permitted to ride e-scooters, and children aged 12 to 16 must be supervised by a responsible adult.   “Don’t put your child’s life at risk this festive season with an illegal e-scooter or e-bike—make informed choices, priorities safety, and ensure your holidays are memorable for all the right reasons,” Mr. Kirk concluded.

Melbourne’s West Gate Tunnel is poised to open this Sunday, December 14, 2025, creating a long‑awaited second river crossing and a new gateway between the western suburbs, regional Victoria and the CBD. The $10.2 billion project, beset by years of delays, disputes and cost blowouts, is expected to transform traffic flows across the M1 corridor and inner west once motorists start using the new link.​   Opening and project overview   Although the Victorian Government has not formally confirmed the date, multiple sources indicate the tunnel is ready to open on Sunday, with an official announcement expected shortly. Premier Jacinta Allan has said only that the government is finalising details and will reveal the opening date “very soon”, even as preparations for opening are effectively complete.​   The West Gate Tunnel Project delivers a 6.8‑kilometre freeway‑standard route linking the West Gate Freeway at Yarraville with the city and CityLink via twin tunnels, a new bridge over the Maribyrnong River and an elevated “skyroad” above Footscray Road. As part of the works, the West Gate Freeway has been widened from eight to 12 lanes between the M80 Ring Road and Williamstown Road, including dedicated express lanes to improve reliability and capacity. ​ Key features delivered   The project’s core is a pair of three‑lane tunnels under Yarraville: a 4‑kilometre outbound tunnel and a 2.8‑kilometre citybound tunnel, each 12 metres wide, with the roadway sitting up to 37 metres below ground. These tunnels connect directly to a new Maribyrnong River crossing and the Footscray Road skyroad, which carries traffic on dual elevated carriageways up to three lanes each way, roughly 13 metres above ground, feeding into Docklands and the CBD.​   Beyond road capacity, the project delivers more than 14 kilometres of new and upgraded walking and cycling paths, including a 2.5‑kilometre Veloway – an elevated bike “expressway” along Footscray Road – plus over 9 hectares of new parks and wetlands. The extension of Wurundjeri Way creates the first new CBD bypass in 25 years, providing a direct link into Docklands and the Marvel Stadium precinct and easing pressure on inner‑city streets.​   Traffic, trucks and travel time   Once open, the tunnel is expected to carry up to 67,000 vehicles a day, including around 15,000 trucks, diverting heavy vehicles away from residential streets and existing river crossings. Modelling suggests it will remove about 28,000 vehicles a day, including roughly 8,000 trucks, from the West Gate Bridge, and about 22,000 vehicles, including 3,500 trucks, from the Bolte Bridge.​   Travel times between the CBD and the west – including key freight and commuter corridors to Geelong, Ballarat and the surf coast – are projected to fall by up to 20 minutes, with trips from western suburbs to the Port of Melbourne potentially up to 13 minutes faster. For local communities in the inner west, 24/7 “no‑truck zones” on several major roads are expected to take more than 9,000 trucks a day off residential streets, although truck volumes on Williamstown Road are forecast to increase as some drivers divert to avoid tolls.​   Tolls and operations   The West Gate Tunnel will operate as a fully electronic toll road, with prices varying by vehicle type and time of day. For cars, the tunnel toll will be $4.09 per trip, with motorcycles charged $2.05 and light commercial vehicles $6.54, while an additional AM peak toll for cars of $6.54 will apply on weekday mornings between 7am and 9am for exits to Footscray Road, Wurundjeri Way and Dynon Road. Cars, motorcycles and light commercial vehicles can continue to use the upgraded West Gate Freeway and West Gate Bridge without paying a toll.​   Transurban holds the concession to toll and operate the new road until January 13, 2045, with allowable toll increases of up to 4.25 per cent per year from July 2019. Heavy commercial vehicles will be tolled on the upgraded West Gate Freeway section between Millers Road and Williamstown Road, with those charges covering use of the tunnels and Hyde Street ramps, while new caps and discounts apply for frequent truck trips that also use CityLink.​   Costs, delays and construction disputes   The West Gate Tunnel was originally pitched as a $5.5 billion project with a relatively small direct taxpayer contribution of around $400 million. Since then, the budget has ballooned to roughly $10.2 billion, with the state now contributing about $4.2 billion as the scheme absorbed cost overruns tied to contaminated soil disposal, pandemic‑era delays, labour shortages and supply chain disruptions.​   Planned completion in September 2022 slipped by roughly three years, with tunnelling machines at one stage sitting idle amid a heated dispute between builders and Transurban over who should pay to manage and dispose of PFAS‑contaminated spoil. A settlement in late 2021 saw Transurban tip in an extra $2.2 billion, builders surrender about $1 billion in expected profit and Victorian taxpayers contribute another $1.9 billion to keep the project moving.​   Engineering, safety and control systems   Two massive tunnel boring machines, Bella and Vida, each 15.6 meters in diameter, around 90 meters long and weighing about 4,000 tones, were custom‑built for the project and advanced at an average of 9 meters per day. Bella launched in March 2022 and took 415 days to complete the 4‑kilometre citybound tunnel, breaking through in May 2023, while Vida launched in April 2022 and completed the 2.8‑kilometre outbound tunnel in 295 days, emerging near Yarraville in February 2023.​   The tunnels use a distinctive three‑deck design not seen in Melbourne’s other road tunnels, with an upper deck for exhaust and smoke extraction, a middle deck carrying three lanes of traffic and a lower deck housing services and maintenance access. Safety infrastructure includes 22 cross passages linking the twin tunnels and another nine connecting to the maintenance level, spaced roughly 120 meters apart to provide evacuation routes, backed by more than 8.4 kilometers of fire mains, approximately 26 kilometers of deluge piping, over 1,180 lights and 72 jet fans.​   Design, structures

MELBOURNE – Leaders of Victoria’s Sikh community are calling for urgent public education as Victoria Police enacts expanded “stop and search” powers in the Melbourne CBD, sparking fears that religious freedoms may be caught in the crossfire of the crackdown on crime.   The new powers, which allow police to stop and search individuals without a warrant in declared areas of the CBD until May 2026, were introduced to combat rising knife crime. However, the Gurduara Council of Victoria (GCV) warns that the move could disproportionately affect initiated Sikhs, who are mandated by their faith to carry the kirpan, a small ceremonial dagger.   Harkirat Singh, a member of the GCV, highlighted the anxiety rippling through the community. Despite the kirpan being legally exempt from weapons bans under the Control of Weapons Act when carried for religious reasons, misunderstandings remain common.   “We receive at least two calls in a month on our helpline from amritdhari [initiated] Sikhs who have had an unfortunate encounter due to their kirpan,” Singh stated.   He recounted a personal incident where police were called on him at a multicultural event because of his kirpan—a symbol of a Sikh’s duty to protect the weak and uphold justice. “Even though the kirpan is exempted and we are legally allowed to wear it, the officer on duty was not aware of it,” Singh noted, adding that he had to produce an exemption card to resolve the situation.   Profiling Concerns   The expansion of warrantless search powers has drawn criticism from legal advocacy groups as well. The Inner Melbourne Community Legal (IMCL) centre described the powers as “complete overkill,” warning of the potential for racial profiling.   Data obtained by the Racial Profiling Data Monitoring Project indicates that Aboriginal, African, and Middle Eastern communities are already stopped and searched at significantly higher rates than white individuals. The Sikh community fears that without proper training and public awareness, they will be singled out simply for “looking different.”   “Historically, we know that if a person looks different, they have a higher chance of being singled out by the police,” Singh said. “We need to educate people about different cultures and identities to ensure better social cohesion.”   Police Assurance   In response to these concerns, Victoria Police have sought to reassure the community. A spokesperson affirmed that the force has “zero tolerance towards racial profiling” and that officers are trained to identify religious articles.   “Members of the Sikh community can be assured that carrying a kirpan for religious purposes is exempt,” the spokesperson said. “Police respond to a person’s behaviour, not their background.”   Despite these assurances, the GCV is urging for a broader awareness campaign to ensure that Sikhs can travel into the city for work, leisure, or worship without fear of public embarrassment or legal harassment.  

The major exhibition ‘Presence’ by Berlin-based Icelandic-Danish artist Olafur Eliasson is now on display at Brisbane’s Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA). Running from 6 December 2025 through 12 July 2026, this significant show is exclusive to Brisbane. Eliasson, globally renowned for installations that challenge how we perceive ourselves and the world around us, has previously created works such as transporting melting Arctic ice to European capitals and installing an all-encompassing ‘sun’ in the cavernous Turbine Hall at London’s Tate Modern.   ‘Olafur Eliasson: Presence’ occupies GOMA’s ground floor with major installations, sculptures, and photo series. The exhibition invites visitors through shifting environments, including immersive works that manipulate light and colour and a meticulously constructed riverbed. Informed by Eliasson’s expansive interests in architecture, design, science, the environment, psychology, and wellbeing, the work investigates how we give shape to our experience of the world. The exhibition embodies the artist’s belief in the audience as co-creators, with the understanding that each visitor will experience the artwork uniquely as they move through and interact with the exhibition. The show encourages visitors to explore light, land, and life, and to reflect on how they connect with one another and the world around them, reminding us that we each perceive the world differently, even when standing side by side.   The exhibition features iconic early works alongside new commissions. Iconic pieces brought together for ‘Presence’ include the shimmering, touchable rainbow Beauty 1993 and the immense literal landscape of Riverbed 2014. Also featured is QAGOMA’s much-loved interactive installation, the ever-evolving Lego city of The cubic structural evolution project 2004.   Three major new works were created specifically for the exhibition, including Presence 2025. The new polarisation works, Your negotiable vulnerability seen from two perspectives 2025 and Your Truths 2025, utilize warped colour and shape to focus our attention on perception itself.   To enhance the visit, ‘Presence’ is complemented by QAGOMA’s interactive mobile companion. This companion includes a sense trail that offers gentle sensory prompts for selected artworks, an exhibition guide with curatorial insights, images, and behind-the-scenes videos. An expansive publication accompanies ‘Presence’, produced in collaboration with Eliasson and his studio, featuring contributions from celebrated writers Ceridwen Dovey and Robert Macfarlane. Visitors receive access to the mobile companion immediately upon purchasing their ticket to ‘Presence’, suggesting they bring their headphones to fully enhance their visit.

  A new community-driven campaign has been launched calling for a fully funded, purpose-built Multicultural Centre in Canberra, amid growing frustration that the nation’s capital continues to miss out on the kind of social infrastructure being delivered in other parts of Australia.   ACT Independent Senator David Pocock today announced the campaign, saying Canberra’s vibrant multicultural community still lacks an appropriate facility for large cultural events, festivals and community gatherings, despite longstanding promises and clear community need.   More than a quarter of Canberra’s residents were born overseas and there are over 200 active multicultural community organisations across the territory. Community leaders say this diversity is one of Canberra’s greatest strengths – but it is not being matched by investment in suitable infrastructure to support it.   Broken Promises And Missed Opportunities   At the 2020 ACT election, the then Labor–Greens governing coalition committed to “construct a large new multicultural events venue at EPIC for cultural performances and available for hire for large private functions, such as weddings.”   Instead, the ACT Government opted to refurbish the existing Fitzroy Pavilion at EPIC. Multicultural community organisations, the ACT Opposition and the Canberra Multicultural Community Forum criticised the move as a broken election promise, arguing the pavilion simply does not meet the specific needs of the community.   Community concerns have centred on the difficulty of booking the venue, the absence of a commercial kitchen and the lack of purpose-built facilities to support large cultural events. Despite those concerns being clearly raised, the refurbished Fitzroy Pavilion opened without a commercial kitchen, offering only a small kiosk – a major shortcoming for communities where food is central to cultural celebration and hospitality.   Senator Pocock wrote to Chief Minister Andrew Barr in 2023 outlining these issues and highlighting the dissatisfaction with both the proposal and the level of consultation. The Chief Minister’s response referred to limited consultations – involving six community organisations and nine individuals – and pointed to a separate commitment for a broader community centre in Gungahlin. Community groups say this falls far short of a dedicated, central multicultural facility for all of Canberra.   Canberra Left Off The Funding Map   Community frustration has been sharpened by recent federal funding decisions that have benefited other regions but not the ACT.   In the lead-up to the last Federal election, federal Labor pledged: $106,000 to upgrade multicultural centres in Queanbeyan and Goulburn $5 million for a regional multicultural centre in the Illawarra $4 million for a multicultural centre in South Dandenong   No comparable commitments were made for Canberra, despite its size, diversity and status as the national capital.   Senator Pocock said it was unacceptable that the ACT kept missing out on the kinds of projects other electorates routinely receive.   “Like many Canberrans, I hate seeing the ACT continually missing out on the kind of projects that other electorates receive federal funding for,” he said.   Social Infrastructure Amid Competing Priorities   The Senator acknowledged that governments at all levels are grappling with tight budgets and multiple pressing priorities, including housing, health – particularly hospitals, GPs and out-of-pocket costs for scans – and education.   But he argued that key social infrastructure like a Multicultural Centre cannot be sidelined, especially when there is clear precedent for federal funding of such projects elsewhere.   “Governments need to genuinely listen to the community, deliver what they commit to rather than some lesser version and keep promises made in the lead up to elections,” Senator Pocock said.   “So much of celebrating culture revolves around food and the absence of a commercial kitchen in the Fitzroy Pavilion refit renders it inadequate for its intended purpose.”   Community-Driven Campaign Begins   To put the issue firmly back on the agenda, Senator Pocock is backing a community-led push for a new, purpose-built Multicultural Centre for Canberra that meets the practical needs of multicultural communities and reflects their contribution to the city.   As part of the campaign, he is launching: A dedicated website to explain the case for a Multicultural Centre and track progress A petition calling on both the ACT and Federal Governments to commit to and fully fund a new, purpose-built facility A community survey to gather detailed input on what the centre must include to be fit for purpose, from layout and capacity to kitchen, performance and meeting spaces   Feedback from the survey will shape a detailed community-informed proposal that Senator Pocock plans to take into upcoming federal budget negotiations and ongoing discussions with the ACT Government.   Town Hall Launch In Belconnen   The campaign is being officially launched at Senator Pocock’s fourth and final booked-out community Town Hall event for the year in Belconnen.   There, community leaders, multicultural organisations and local residents are expected to share their experiences of trying to host large cultural events in Canberra and outline what they need from a dedicated Multicultural Centre.   For many, the campaign represents not just a push for bricks-and-mortar infrastructure, but a call for recognition and respect.   They argue that a well-designed, accessible Multicultural Centre – with proper performance spaces, flexible halls, meeting rooms and a fully equipped commercial kitchen – would become a focal point for cultural celebration, social cohesion and community connection in Canberra for decades to come.   After more than ten years of advocacy and repeated disappointments, community leaders say it is time for both the ACT and Federal Governments to commit and deliver.   As the campaign slogan puts it: It’s time to put a Multicultural Centre for Canberra back on the agenda – and this time, to get it done.  

Queensland is set to benefit from more affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy under new legislation passed by the Crisafulli Government, which promises to strengthen the state’s energy foundations and deliver long-term cost savings for households.   The Energy Roadmap Amendment Act 2025 marks a major policy shift in how Queensland plans, manages, and invests in its energy future. The Act aims to enhance existing public energy assets, support private sector investment, and ensure clear economic direction for both traditional and renewable energy projects. According to the government, the legislation will prevent the average Queensland household from paying an extra $1,035 per year on energy bills compared to projections under the former Labor Government. The roadmap is also forecast to save taxpayers $26 billion by 2035, driven by streamlined processes and market-led investment strategies.   Building the Future of Queensland Energy   Treasurer and Minister for Energy David Janetzki said the reforms deliver on the government’s election commitment to provide Queenslanders with a “fresh start and a stronger economy.”   “These new laws support affordable and reliable energy for all Queenslanders,” Mr Janetzki said. “Unlike Labor’s unrealistic plan to close coal units arbitrarily, we’re focusing on asset integrity, economic viability, and the right balance between renewables and traditional sources.”   Under the new roadmap, the Crisafulli Government is introducing several major initiatives:   A $400 million Queensland Energy Investment Fund and QIC’s Investor Gateway to drive private investment in generation and firming projects. A $1.6 billion Electricity Maintenance Guarantee to upgrade and improve existing energy assets. A $10 million community battery program to enhance solar energy storage in local areas. A 400MW gas-fired generation tender for Central Queensland. Continued development of the Copper String transmission line, linking North and North West Queensland to the National Electricity Market. Creation of Regional Energy Hubs, promoting efficient, market-driven infrastructure development. Introduction of a new code of conduct for renewable energy developers to ensure responsible engagement with local communities.   Strengthening Public Ownership and Industry Confidence   The Act also reinforces Queensland’s 100 per cent public ownership of existing generation assets, preserving key operational control while improving frameworks for coordinated energy infrastructure across the state.   It replaces broad renewable targets with a more flexible, market-responsive Energy System Outlook, allowing faster adaptation to changing energy demands without compromising affordability or reliability.   “This roadmap provides clarity for the future of coal and gas while keeping Queensland open to private investment in renewables and firming technologies,” Mr Janetzki added. “We’re unlocking new energy opportunities and ensuring our state remains competitive in a global economy.”   The Job Security Guarantee Fund has also been retained under the new legislative framework, supporting Queensland workers as the state transitions toward a modern, diversified energy system.   For more information on the Queensland Government’s Energy Roadmap, visit www.treasury.qld.gov.au/energy-roadmap.