Last updated Wednesday 29 April, 2026 8:06 AM
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Consultation on the news bargaining incentive open
The Federal Government has released draft legislation for public consultation to establish the News Bargaining Incentive (NBI), addressing a gap in the News Media Bargaining Code that allows digital platforms to avoid obligations by removing news content. Under the proposal, major platforms are encouraged to enter commercial deals with eligible publishers, with financial offsets offered, while those who do not comply will incur a revenue-based charge. Funds collected will support the Australian news media sector. Consultation is open until 18 May 2026 via Treasury and Infrastructure websites, according to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Minister for Communications Anika Wells, and Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services Daniel Mulino.
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The Federal Government has begun a review of the Reef 2050 Long-Term Sustainability Plan in partnership with the State Government and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. The plan, first introduced in 2015, outlines measures to protect and manage the Reef and is reviewed every five years to address emerging challenges such as climate change. The updated framework will incorporate the latest science and strengthen initiatives including water quality, reef restoration, and Traditional Owner partnerships. According to Minister for the Environment and Water Murray Watt and Queensland Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell, the review will build on existing investments exceeding $5 billion to safeguard the Reef’s ecological and economic value for future generations.
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Thirty projects will receive nearly $2 million in funding to restore environments across North and Far North Queensland following severe weather impacts. The Clean Up and Local Conservation Grants program provides up to $100,000 per project to assist with debris removal, landscape restoration, and habitat regeneration. Jointly funded through Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, these initiatives target key ecosystems from Cape York to Winton. Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain and Queensland Minister for Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell stated the grants will help protect wildlife habitats, promote resilient ecosystems, and support local tourism by rehabilitating areas such as the Whitsunday Islands.
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A major overhaul of the Opal network will introduce a digital Opal card, an upgraded app, and new ways for passengers to save money and access real-time information. The $820 million Opal 2.0 project will replace 25,000 card readers, install digital information screens on 5,000 buses, and provide enhanced fare and trip notifications. Fare caps remain at $50 weekly for adults, $25 for concessions, and $2.50 daily for seniors. Contracts have been signed with INIT Pty Ltd and Trapeze Group for system delivery. NSW Premier Chris Minns and NSW Minister for Transport John Graham said the upgrade will improve reliability and affordability, with completion expected in 2028.
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VIC: More protection to keep workers safe on the job
The Victorian Budget 2026/27 allocates $13.7 million to enhance workplace safety through injury prevention and improved return-to-work support. New measures include strengthened enforcement by WorkSafe, with 20 additional inspectors targeting high-risk sectors such as construction, healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing, and the public sector. A dedicated division will focus on compliance in health and social assistance. The budget also provides $1.4 million for a three-year pilot program supporting families dealing with the loss of a loved one in workplace incidents. Victorian Minister for WorkSafe and the TAC Ben Carroll emphasized that these initiatives aim to hold employers accountable and protect Victorian workers.
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See Capital Monitor's Federal Bills Monitor and Acts Assented pages for detailed coverage.
Australian Capital Territory
| Act Name | Date of Assent | Act No. |
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| Nurse Practitioners Legislation Amendment Act 2026 |
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| Crimes Legislation Amendment Act 2026 |
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See Capital Monitor's Australian Capital Territory Bills Monitor and Acts Assented pages for detailed coverage.
New South Wales
| Act Name | Date of Assent | Act No. |
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| Electoral Legislation Amendment (Elections) Act 2026 |
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Surveillance Devices Amendment (Public Interest Exceptions) Act 2026 |
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See Capital Monitor's New South Wales Bills Monitor and Acts Assented pages for detailed coverage.
Northern Territory
| Act Name | Date of Assent | Act No. |
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| Sentencing Amendment (Murder) Act 2026 |
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| Bail Amendment Act 2026 |
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| Commercial Passenger (Road) Transport Legislation Amendment (Licensing) Act 2026 |
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| Electrical Safety Amendment Act 2026 |
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| Local Government Legislation Amendment (Code of Conduct and Other Matters) Act 2026 |
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See Capital Monitor's Northern Territory Bills Monitor and Acts Assented pages for detailed coverage.
Queensland
| Act Name | Date of Assent | Act No. |
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| Fighting Antisemitism and Keeping Guns out of the Hands of Terrorists and Criminals Amendment Act 2026 |
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| Local Government (Empowering Councils) and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2026 |
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| Electrical Safety and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2026 |
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See Capital Monitor's Queensland Bills Monitor and Acts Assented pages for detailed coverage.
South Australia
| Act Name | Date of Assent | Act No. |
|---|---|---|
See Capital Monitor's South Australian Bills Monitor and Acts Assented pages for detailed coverage.
Tasmania
| Act Name | Date of Assent | Act No. | Petroleum Reporting (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act 2026 |
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| University of Tasmania (Protection of Land) Act 2026 |
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See Capital Monitor's Tasmanian Bills Monitor and Acts Assented pages for detailed coverage.
Victoria
| Act Name | Date of Assent | Act No. |
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| Education and Training Reform Amendment (Free TAFE Guarantee) Act 2026 |
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| Electoral Amendment Act 2026 |
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| Justice Legislation Further Amendment (Miscellaneous) Act 2026 |
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| Regulatory Legislation Amendment (Reform) Act 2026 |
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| Safe Food Victoria Act 2026 |
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See Capital Monitor's Victorian Bills Monitor and Acts Assented pages for detailed coverage.
Western Australia
| Act Name | Date of Assent | Act No. |
|---|---|---|
| Tobacco Products Control Amendment Act 2026 |
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| Education and Care Services National Law Application Act 2026 |
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See Capital Monitor's Western Australian Bills Monitor and Acts Assented pages for detailed coverage.
Federal
Federal Parliament will next sit from 12 - 14 May 2026.
The 2026-27 Federal Budget will be handed down on Tuesday, 12 May 2026.
Additional Budget Estimates were held on 9 - 12 February 2026.
Budget Estimates are scheduled for 25 - 28 May & 2 - 5 June 2026.
Supplementary Budget Estimates are scheduled for 26 - 29 October 2026.
The last Federal Election was on 3 May 2025.
Federal Administrative Arrangements Orders were most recently made on 13 May 2025.
Australian Capital Territory
ACT Parliament will next sit from 5 - 7 May 2026.
The 2026-27 Territory Budget will be handed down on Tuesday, 9 June 2026.
Budget Estimates are scheduled for TBA.
The last ACT Election was on 19 October 2024.
ACT Administrative Arrangements Orders were most recently made on 19 December 2025.
New South Wales
NSW Parliament will next sit from 5 - 7 May 2026.
The 2026-27 State Budget will be handed down in Tuesday, 23 June 2026.
Budget Estimates are scheduled for 24 - 27 February, 2 - 11 March, 18 - 31 August & 1 - 2 September 2026.
Supplementary Budget Estimates are scheduled for 26 - 30 October 2026.
The last NSW Election was on 25 March 2023.
NSW Administrative Arrangements Orders were most recently made on 05 April 2023 and most recently amended on 26 September 2025.
Northern Territory
NT Parliament will next sit from 5 - 7 May 2026.
The 2026-27 Territory Budget will be handed down on Tuesday, 5 May 2026.
Budget Estimates are scheduled for 9 - 18 June 2026.
The last NT Election was on 24 August 2024.
NT Administrative Arrangements Orders were most recently made on 24 October 2025.
Queensland
Queensland Parliament will next sit from 21 - 23 April 2026.
The 2026-27 State Budget will be handed down on Tuesday, 23 June 2026.
Budget Estimates are scheduled for 20 - 24 & 28 - 31 July 2026.
The last Queensland Election was on 26 October 2024.
Queensland Administrative Arrangements Orders were most recently made on 19 December 2025.
South Australia
SA Parliament will next sit from 5 - 7 May 2026.
The 2026-27 State Budget will be handed down on Thursday, 4 June 2026.
Budget Estimates are scheduled for 18 - 24 June 2026.
The last SA election was held on 21 March 2026.
SA Administrative Arrangements Orders were most recently made on 25 March 2026.
Tasmania
The Tasmanian Parliament (Assembly) will next sit from 5 - 7 May 2026.
The 2026-27 State Budget will be handed down on Thursday, 21 May 2026.
Budget Estimates are scheduled for 1 - 4 June 2026.
The last Tasmanian Election was held on 19 July 2025.
Tasmanian Administrative Arrangements Orders were most recently made on 11 February 2026.
Victoria
The Victorian Parliament (Assembly) will next sit on from 5 May 2026.
The 2026-27 State Budget will be handed down on Tuesday, 5 May 2026.
Budget Estimates are scheduled for TBA.
The last Victorian election was held on 26 November 2022.
Victorian Administrative Arrangements Orders were most recently made on 16 April 2026.
Western Australia
The WA Parliament will next sit on 5 - 7 April 2026.
The 2025-26 State Budget will be handed down on Tuesday, 18 June 2026.
Budget Estimates are scheduled for 19 - 21 May 2026.
The last WA election was held on 8 March 2025.
WA Administrative Arrangements Orders were most recently made on 25 November 2025.
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