Queensland has surged ahead of the rest of Australia in 2025 for new power generation and storage connections, with the Crisafulli Government claiming the top spot for adding large-scale projects to the grid as part of its push for affordable, reliable and sustainable energy. Queensland leads on new projects In 2025, transmission operator Powerlink connected 11 new generation and storage projects to Queensland’s power system, delivering almost 3 gigawatts (GW) of additional capacity. The projects include the Broadsound Solar Farm, Swanbank Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), Tarong BESS, and the Clarke Creek Wind Farm, underscoring a mix of solar, wind and battery investments across the state. Energy Roadmap and “market-led” approach Treasurer and Minister for Energy David Janetzki said the volume and diversity of new connections showed the government’s commitment to a market-led approach under its Queensland Energy Roadmap. He argued the roadmap is “grounded in economics and engineering,” aiming to upgrade existing assets while building new capacity to put downward pressure on prices and attract more private investment into generation and firming technologies.​ Big build-out forecast to 2030 and 2035 Looking ahead, the Energy Roadmap forecasts up to 6.8GW of additional wind and large-scale solar, around 600MW of new gas-fired generation and as much as 3.8GW of extra storage by 2030. By 2035, Queensland is expected to host at least 3.1GW of short-duration batteries—about 2.4GW more than today—plus up to 3.4GW of medium-duration storage to back up the grid as the generation mix evolves. Batteries key to firming the grid Powerlink Interim Chief Executive Darryl Rowell said four new connection agreements signed in 2025 will add another 850MW of capacity, all of it from battery projects now moving into delivery. He said these batteries will be vital for grid strength and stability, storing Queensland’s abundant daytime solar generation for use during evening demand peaks and supporting a more complex energy mix.​ Massive pipeline and future-ready network Powerlink is currently processing connection applications representing more than 43GW of new generation and storage, highlighting the size of the investment pipeline waiting to connect in Queensland. Rowell said the focus heading into 2026 is on building a “resilient, future-ready transmission network” that can support the state’s energy needs while delivering long-term value for customers, communities and the broader economy.

A major corruption investigation into Queensland’s public health sector has resulted in five people – including public officers – facing serious criminal charges over alleged corrupt conduct involving medical devices in public hospitals. The charges stem from Investigation Barzona, a wide-ranging probe led by the Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC) in cooperation with the Queensland Office of the Health Ombudsman (OHO). According to the CCC, it will be alleged that representatives of a medical device company made secret payments to public officers in return for the use of the company’s products in Queensland public hospitals. The investigation has focused on whether individuals exploited their positions of trust for personal gain, and whether conflicts of interest were deliberately concealed. It will also be alleged that the public officers involved failed to declare conflicts of interest relating to these payments and their involvement in the company, as required by Queensland Health policies and public sector integrity standards. As a result of the investigation: Four people have been charged with a range of serious offences, including Fraud, Official Corruption, and Misconduct in Relation to Public Office. Three of those charged are scheduled to appear in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on 15 January 2026. A fourth person charged in relation to the matter is expected to appear in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on 28 January 2026. An arrest warrant has been issued for a fifth individual, who is also expected to face serious charges once located. The CCC has declined to provide further detail about the identities of those charged or the specific hospitals involved at this stage, citing the ongoing court process. “While these matters are before the court, the CCC will not be commenting further,” the Commission said in a brief statement. The Crime and Corruption Commission is an independent statutory body tasked with combating major crime and reducing corruption in the Queensland public sector. Its mandate includes investigating serious allegations involving public officers, including those working in health, local government, policing and other state entities. Cases like Investigation Barzona are seen as critical to maintaining public trust in major institutions such as the health system, where transparent decision-making and proper management of conflicts of interest are essential. The Office of the Health Ombudsman’s involvement underscores the seriousness of the allegations. The OHO’s role includes overseeing the health system’s integrity, responding to complaints and working with agencies to address systemic concerns. For Queenslanders, the case raises important questions about procurement processes, transparency in dealings between public officers and private companies, and the safeguards in place to protect the public interest. As the matter progresses through the courts, more details are likely to emerge about how the alleged scheme operated, what internal controls may have failed, and whether further reforms are needed to prevent similar conduct in the future. For now, the case serves as a reminder that corruption – even when it involves complex commercial arrangements rather than direct cash misappropriation – can have serious consequences, both legally and for public confidence in essential services. The CCC has encouraged anyone with information about suspected corruption in the public sector to come forward through its official reporting channels.

A US-born Greek restaurant chain, The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill, is set to make its Australian debut in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley, bringing its fast-casual Mediterranean offering to one of the city’s busiest dining precincts. The first local outlet will open by mid to late February in the historic TC Beirne building on Brunswick Mall, with space for around 100 diners indoors and outdoors. Founded in Las Vegas in 2011, The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill has grown to almost 100 locations across the United States, built on family recipes passed down through generations in Greece and adapted for modern service. The Australian expansion is being led by Brisbane-based operators Surjit Salwan and business partner Chirayush Patel, who have secured an international area developer agreement with parent company United Franchise Group to roll out the concept locally. The Fortitude Valley restaurant will follow the brand’s established fast-casual model, with food prepared fresh on site daily and positioned to appeal to health-conscious diners seeking Mediterranean-style meals served quickly but with an elevated feel. Signature dishes are based on original Greek Armenian family recipes from the first Las Vegas venue, with the operators emphasising authentic, third-generation flavours and generous portions.​ Salwan and Patel plan a cautious rollout once the flagship opens, signalling two or three additional restaurants in 2026 before a larger push across South-East Queensland and along the coast. Leasing agents describe securing the TC Beirne tenancy as a significant boost for the building after a period of higher vacancy, with the new restaurant expected to activate the Brunswick Mall frontage and surrounding laneways. For Brisbane’s multicultural food scene, the arrival of The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill adds another international name to Fortitude Valley’s growing mix of global cuisines, reflecting the city’s appetite for diverse, community-focused dining options.

Festive cheer and creative energy came together on 12 December 2025 as Co.As.It. Community Services hosted its annual Amici House Art Exhibition at the Bracken Ridge community hub in Brisbane. The event transformed Amici House into a vibrant celebration of artistry, friendship, and inclusion reflecting its enduring reputation as a true “place of friendship.” Guests and artists alike were immersed in a colourful showcase of original work created by NDIS clients and Community Art Class participants. The exhibition extended throughout the centre and onto the café deck, where visitors admired an array of mixed-media artworks from shimmering seaside scenes and soulful portraits to tranquil landscapes and contemporary abstracts. Guided throughout the year by accomplished artist and teacher Kerry, participants explored techniques using acrylics, gold leaf, and charcoal. The resulting collection captured fine detail and expressive individuality, testament to the talent and imagination cultivated within Amici House’s supportive environment. The celebration was not just about art but also about community spirit. Guests mingled over refreshments, conversation, and laughter, leaving heartfelt messages on the “Full Cups Full Hearts” artwork a fitting symbol of gratitude and connection. “Creative sparks fire all year long during our Community Art Classes at Amici House, and the opportunity to display our paintings during the annual Art Exhibition is a delight,” said Anthony, one of the participating artists. “I always feel going to Amici House is similar to having a warm, welcoming hug,” added Alex, a guest attendee. The annual Amici House Art Exhibition continues to strengthen social bonds and celebrate the diverse creativity within the community. For more on Amici House and Co.As.It Community Services programs, visit:www.coasit.asn.au/amici-house

Italy’s expanding space program is offering a powerful new way to see the country from orbit, with satellites now central to how Italians monitor climate change, manage emergencies and build international partnerships that reach all the way to Australia. Italy’s National Space Day Italy now marks a National Space Day each December to commemorate the launch of its first San Marco 1 satellite and to highlight how space technology shapes daily life on the ground.​ Events led by the Italian Space Agency (ASI), research centres and embassies focus on public outreach, STEM education and the message that space is no longer niche science but critical national infrastructure. Satellites watching a changing planet Earth-observation satellites give Italian authorities a continuous view of coastlines, cities and farmland, helping them track erosion, urban growth and environmental stress that are difficult to see from the ground alone. These images feed into disaster planning and climate adaptation strategies, supporting civil protection during floods, storms and heatwaves as Italy confronts more frequent extreme weather.​ Space, security and the new economy Italian leaders now describe space as a strategic domain, arguing that communications, navigation and data from orbit are as vital as roads and power grids for economic resilience and security.​Investment is flowing into satellite constellations, secure telecommunications and space-enabled services, with the emerging “space economy” expected to generate new high-skill jobs and export opportunities.​ Italy–Australia partnership above the clouds One of the most visible links between Italy and Australia is SpIRIT, a nanosatellite in orbit that carries an Italian-built HERMES X-ray detector to hunt for powerful cosmic explosions called gamma-ray bursts.​ Australian and Italian agencies describe the mission as proof that combining Australian engineering with Italian instruments can deliver cutting-edge science and deepen long-term strategic cooperation in space. Why it matters for multicultural audiences For Italian and broader multicultural communities in Australia, Italy’s space ambitions and joint missions like SpIRIT show that ties with the “old country” now extend beyond culture, food and sport into advanced science and technology.​By unpacking these developments in accessible language, platforms such as MAN TV can connect viewers to complex debates about security, climate and innovation, and show how decisions taken in orbit are already reshaping life on Earth.

Brisbane, Australia — Queenslanders will come together this Sunday to mourn the victims of the horrific Bondi Beach Chanukah terror attack during a public solidarity gathering at Brisbane City Hall. Organised by the Queensland Jewish Board of Deputies (QJBD) in partnership with the Brisbane City Council and the Queensland Police Service, the event will honour the innocent lives lost and the many who acted heroically during the tragic attack. The gathering, open to all members of the community, will take place on Sunday, 21 December 2025, from 5:00 to 6:30pm, with doors opening from 4:15pm. Attendees are asked to be seated before the program commences. The service will include a candle-lighting ceremony for the eighth night of Chanukah, symbolising unity, resilience, and remembrance. Floral tributes may be laid outside Brisbane City Hall in King George Square, where designated tables will be set up to honour the victims. Inside the auditorium, candles and flowers will not be permitted for security reasons. Queensland Police and event security will maintain a heightened presence to ensure public safety. Attendees will be required to comply with entry conditions, including bag checks, ID verification, and security screening. Large bags, political banners, or offensive material will not be permitted. The QJBD emphasised that this is a time for shared solidarity across faiths and communities. “This gathering is not just for the Jewish community — it’s for all Queenslanders who believe in compassion, peace, and unity,” an organiser said. All are welcome to attend, regardless of faith or background, as Queenslanders stand together in grief and hope during this time of mourning. Event Details:📅 Sunday, 21 December 2025🕔 5:00 – 6:30 pm (doors open 4:15 pm)🏛️ Brisbane City Hall – Main Auditorium (Entry via Adelaide or Ann Street)

In a decisive move to strengthen Queensland’s education integrity, the Crisafulli Government has released the Investigation into the 2025 Teaching of Incorrect Ancient History Topic in Nine Queensland High Schools Panel Report. The independent review, led by Dr Grant Webb, examined how a curriculum error affected Year 12 Ancient History students across seven state and two non-state schools. Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek confirmed the findings and directed the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA), the Non-State School Accreditation Board (NSSAB), the Queensland Catholic Education Commission (QCEC), and the Department of Education to act on the report’s recommendations. The incident impacted approximately 140 students who were unknowingly taught incorrect syllabus content. Despite the disruption, every affected student achieved a passing grade (C or above), with more than 40 percent earning an A—thanks to prompt departmental intervention and additional academic support. All results were reviewed through an expert committee, including independent statisticians, ensuring fairness and consistency. Dr Webb’s panel identified two key contributing factors behind the teaching error: Gaps in local school communication and handover procedures. Limitations in QCAA’s messaging and absence of a validation process for syllabus updates. While no single point of failure was found, the combination of these issues increased the risk of confusion across the affected schools. Minister Langbroek described the incident as “completely unacceptable,” adding that it had caused undue stress for students, teachers, and parents. “We promised Queenslanders swift accountability, and we have delivered that through an immediate overhaul of the QCAA Board, which now includes stronger expertise in governance and communication,” he said. The Crisafulli Government has implemented structural changes to ensure such errors are not repeated, including improved risk mitigation protocols ahead of the 2026 external examinations. The government also commended the exceptional support provided to both staff and students during the resolution process, which the panel described as “second to none.” Dr Webb’s investigation involved 27 consultation sessions with educators, parents, and sector representatives to ensure a comprehensive understanding of how Queensland’s curriculum oversight can be improved. The full report is available via the Department of Education’s website here.

Australia’s long-running post-pandemic migration boom is rapidly unwinding, with new Australian Bureau of Statistics figures showing net overseas migration has fallen to about 305,000 people in 2024–25 – a drop of around 30 per cent from its recent peak – as tighter visa rules curb new arrivals and departures surge to their highest level since borders reopened. Key Numbers and Trends Net overseas migration (NOM) in 2024–25 has fallen to roughly 305,000–306,000 people, down from well over 400,000 at the height of the migration surge just two years ago.​ In the June quarter alone, Australia recorded only about 50,000 net new migrants, the weakest quarterly gain since international borders reopened in 2021, signalling a sharp cooling in momentum.​ Migrant arrivals have dropped by about 14 per cent year-on-year, while total departures have jumped by roughly 13 per cent, led by working-holiday makers and other temporary visa-holders leaving in much larger numbers than in previous years.​ What Is Driving the Slowdown Fewer temporary entrants are coming as the federal government tightens integrity rules, including higher application charges, stricter post-study work settings and the new Genuine Student Test that screens offshore student visa applicants more aggressively.​ International education providers now face Ministerial Direction 115, a new directive that links visa processing priorities to an institution’s compliance record and student outcomes, with poorly performing providers exposed to slower processing and caps on new commencements from late 2025.​ At the same time, more migrants are choosing to leave Australia, with working-holiday makers in particular exiting at more than double the rate of recent years and a growing number of Australian citizens and permanent residents heading overseas for work and lifestyle opportunities.​ Economic and Sector Impacts Treasury’s latest Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook assumes net overseas migration will fall further to around 260,000 in 2025–26, reinforcing the shift back towards more moderate population growth after the post-COVID surge.​ Employers in sectors heavily reliant on temporary migrant labour – such as hospitality, agriculture and tourism – are already warning of renewed skills and staffing shortages, especially in regional and outer-metropolitan areas where backpackers and students have traditionally filled casual roles.​ By contrast, housing-stressed capital cities may get some relief, with slower population growth expected to ease demand pressures on already tight rental markets in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane over the next two intake cycles.​ Policy Response and Next Steps Home Affairs and education ministers insist the shift is deliberate, arguing that stronger integrity measures are a better way to manage migration than imposing blunt numerical caps, particularly in the international student market.​ Business and education peak bodies have welcomed efforts to tackle exploitation and visa misuse but warn that an overly heavy-handed approach could damage Australia’s competitiveness for global talent just as the new Skills-in-Demand visa and student reforms bed in.​ Mobility planners and employers are being advised to factor in longer processing times, higher compliance costs and tighter accommodation markets for incoming workers and students in the March and July 2026 intakes, especially in major east-coast cities.​

Australia’s Working Holiday Maker program is turning 50, marking five decades of backpackers trading short-term jobs for long-term connections – and helping to strengthen Australia’s ties with 50 countries across the globe.Australia’s long-running post-pandemic migration boom is rapidly unwinding, with new Australian Bureau of Statistics figures showing net overseas migration has fallen to about 305,000 people in 2024–25 – a drop of around 30 per cent from its recent peak – as tighter visa rules curb new arrivals and departures surge to their highest level since borders reopened. Australia is celebrating a major milestone in its migration story, with the Working Holiday Maker program marking 50 years since it was first launched in January 1975 as the “Work and Holiday” scheme for young travellers from Canada, Ireland, the United Kingdom and Australia. What began as a small cultural exchange initiative has grown into a global network, now covering reciprocal arrangements with around 50 partner countries and two visa subclasses that allow eligible young adults to work and travel in Australia for up to 12 months.​ Assistant Secretary for Immigration Engagement, Pacific and Major Events, Brett White, says the anniversary highlights the program’s enduring role in connecting Australia with the world, describing it as a way for young people from different countries to “learn from and about each other” and to build lasting friendships across borders. Over the decades, millions of working holiday makers have experienced Australia’s history, landscapes and communities first-hand, while contributing energy and skills to local industries, particularly tourism, agriculture and hospitality in regional and rural areas. The program operates on a simple model: visitors come primarily for an extended holiday, but are allowed to take on short-term work and study to support their stay, while Australians enjoy similar opportunities in partner countries under reciprocal agreements. Officials say this approach not only supports seasonal and hard-to-fill roles, but also deepens cultural understanding, with many former backpackers returning home as lifelong advocates for Australia’s people, places and multicultural values. As the Working Holiday Maker scheme enters its next 50 years, the federal government says it remains committed to welcoming new generations of travellers, strengthening regional economies and showcasing Australia to the world in a period of broader migration reform. Young people interested in a 12-month working holiday adventure can find detailed eligibility criteria and application information on the Department of Home Affairs website under the Working Holiday Maker program.​ “Source: Australian Department of Home Affairs – © MAN TV / Multicultural Australian Network Television.”

Queensland’s multicultural communities will share half a million dollars in new state funding, with 70 community organisations supported to deliver cultural events across the state in the first half of 2026. Grants for 70 multicultural events The Queensland Government has announced Round 1 outcomes of the Celebrating Multicultural Queensland grants program, confirming $500,000 in funding for festivals and events from the Gold Coast to Cairns.​Each successful organisation will receive a grant of up to $20,000 to support multicultural and intercultural events scheduled between 1 January and 30 June 2026.​ Focus on cohesion and participation Minister for Women and Women’s Economic Security, Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and Minister for Multiculturalism, Fiona Simpson, said the program recognises Queensland’s diverse heritage while promoting social cohesion and community participation.​She said there had been strong interest in Round 1 and welcomed the opportunity to back a broad spread of culturally diverse events across the state. Events across Queensland Funded events range from major cultural festivals to regional community celebrations.​Recipients include the Cairns Greek Festival, Afrekete 2026 Rhythm & Roots Intercultural Day in Townsville, Murweh Shire Council’s Welcome to Charleville 2026, the Whitsunday Multicultural Festival, and the Sri Lankan Association of Central Queensland’s Sinhala and Tamil New Year Celebration 2026.​Support has also been announced for events such as the Gladstone Islamic Open Day and Eid Celebration, the 13th International Food Festival and Mosque Open Day in Toowoomba, St George Dragon Boat Festival, the Sunshine Coast Chinese Association’s Lunar New Year Lantern Festival, Celebrating Iraqi Cultural Day in Moreton Bay, and Indian Traditional New Year Celebrations 2026 in Brisbane.​Multicultural sporting and community events including the Queensland Fiji Football Association’s QCUP 2026, the Mandela Cup 2026 in Brisbane’s south-west, and the Philippine Independence Day Celebration Gala and Holi Festival on the Gold Coast are also among those to receive support.​ Government’s multicultural agenda Minister Simpson said the Crisafulli Government was delivering “a fresh start” for multicultural communities after what she described as a decade of decline under the previous Labor administration.​She said the government was committed to building stronger communities and ensuring multicultural Queenslanders are supported to share and celebrate their cultures.​ Second round still open The Celebrating Multicultural Queensland program has been split into two funding rounds of $500,000 this year to provide year-round support for festivals and events.​Round 2 applications remain open until 13 December for community organisations planning multicultural and intercultural sporting events between 1 July and 31 December 2026, with applications to be submitted via the Department of Women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and Multicultural Affairs website.