banner

Last updated Tuesday 21 April, 2026 8:09 AM


Today's Events


Senate Select Committee on the Taxation of Gas Resources.
ABS: Taxation Revenue, Australia.
ABS: Government Finance Statistics, Australia.
Leader of the Opposition Angus Taylor to deliver a speech to the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia, followed by a doorstop.
Federal Minister for Defence Industry, Patrick Conroy, to announce a major investment into counter-drone capabilities.
The Australian Conservation Foundation, the Australia Institute, and Greenpeace Australia Pacific to call for a 25 percent levy on all gas exports.

See our Diary and Calendar pages for more detail. Use the Alerts Manager / All Options in the Main Menu to sign up for Diary Alerts.

Return to top

Top Headlines

Now available - $6.15 billion to back Australian industry and shore up supply chains

The Federal Government has opened access to $6.15 billion through the National Reconstruction Fund to strengthen domestic industries and critical supply chains. Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science Tim Ayres, Minister for Finance Katy Gallagher, and Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins announced funding across three streams, including zero-interest loans for essential supply chains, investment in clean energy manufacturing, and support for forestry processing. The initiative provides concessional finance to help businesses manage global disruptions, boost resilience, and support jobs, while reinforcing key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing and energy.
Download

Return to top

Free RSV vaccine for older Australians

The Federal Government is introducing free RSV vaccinations for older Australians under the National Immunisation Program to reduce serious illness and hospitalisation. Minister for Health and Ageing Mark Butler announced that from 15 May, vaccines will be available to people aged 75 and over, and from age 60 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The $445.3 million investment ensures access to the Arexvy vaccine at no cost through GPs, pharmacies and community health services. The initiative complements existing influenza and COVID-19 vaccination programs, strengthening protections for vulnerable populations ahead of winter.
Download

Return to top

Backing First Nations art

The Federal Government is supporting 85 initiatives through funding for First Nations art centres, fairs and organisations to strengthen the visual arts sector. Minister for the Arts Tony Burke and Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy highlighted investment through the Indigenous Visual Arts Industry Support program and the Protecting Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property program. The funding will support professional development, exhibitions, and cultural projects, helping artists build skills, connect to markets and sustain income. The initiative aims to foster a strong, ethical and sustainable First Nations arts industry while preserving and promoting cultural knowledge and expression.
Download

Return to top

VIC: Backing more young Victorians through Raising Expectations program

The Federal Government and Victorian Government are expanding the Raising Expectations program to support young people in out-of-home care and care leavers to access post-secondary education. Minister for Skills and Training Andrew Giles highlighted a $61.5 million investment under the National Skills Agreement to improve VET outcomes, with over $2 million directed to this initiative. The program provides tailored academic, financial and personal support, helping nearly 1,000 participants complete studies since 2020. Victorian Minister for Skills and TAFE Colin Brooks emphasised the importance of ensuring vulnerable young people remain engaged, complete training, and build stronger futures.
Download

Return to top

WA: Major cost-of-living relief locked in for Western Australians

The statement announces that the State Government will make free public transport on Sundays and for students travelling to and from school permanent, supported by a $70.1 million investment in the 2026–27 State Budget. The initiative aims to ease cost-of-living pressures, with significant savings for families and increased accessibility across the network. The measures build on existing reforms including the Go Anywhere fare and METRONET expansion, contributing to record public transport patronage. WA Premier Roger Cook and WA Treasurer and Minister for Transport Rita Saffioti highlight the long-term affordability benefits and the Government’s commitment to maintaining accessible and cost-effective transport options.
Download

Return to top

Recent Acts

Federal
Act Name Date of Assent Act No.
Fair Work Amendment (Fairer Fuel) Act 2026

01/04/2026

20

Export Finance and Insurance Corporation Amendment (Strategic Reserve) Act 2026

01/04/2026

21

Treasury Laws Amendment (Fuel Excise Relief) Act 2026

01/04/2026

22

Appropriation (Fuel Security Response) Act (No. 1) 2025-2026

01/04/2026

23

Appropriation (Fuel Security Response) Act (No. 2) 2025-2026

01/04/2026

24

Universities Accord (Australian Tertiary Education Commission) Act 2026

01/04/2026

25

Universities Accord (Australian Tertiary Education Commission) (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Act 2026

01/04/2026

26

Defence and Veterans' Service Commissioner Act 2026

01/04/2026

27

Defence and Veterans' Service Commissioner (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Act 2026

01/04/2026

28

Copyright Amendment Act 2026

01/04/2026

29

Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Technical Changes No. 1) Act 2026

01/04/2026

30

Veterans' Affairs Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous Measures No. 2) Act 2026

01/04/2026

31

Commonwealth Parole Board Act 2026

08/04/2026

32

Commonwealth Parole Board (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Act 2026

08/04/2026

33

National Health Amendment (Passive Immunological Products) Act 2026

08/04/2026

34

Treasury Laws Amendment (Genetic Testing Protections in Life Insurance and Other Measures) Act 2026

08/04/2026

35

Excise Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Act 2026

08/04/2026

36

Customs Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Act 2026

08/04/2026

37

Corporations Amendment (Digital Assets Framework) Act 2026

08/04/2026

38

Migration Amendment (Combatting Migrant Exploitation) Act 2026

08/04/2026

39

Translating and Interpreting Services Act 2026

08/04/2026

40

National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Integrity and Safeguarding) Act 2026

08/04/2026

41

High Seas Biodiversity Act 2026

08/04/2026

42

See Capital Monitor's Federal Bills Monitor and Acts Assented pages for detailed coverage.

Australian Capital Territory

Act Name Date of Assent Act No.
Nurse Practitioners Legislation Amendment Act 2026

05/03/2026

5

Crimes Legislation Amendment Act 2026

02/04/2026

6

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.
Electoral Legislation Amendment (Elections) Act 2026

07/04/2026

6

Surveillance Devices Amendment (Public Interest Exceptions) Act 2026

07/04/2026

7

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.
Sentencing Amendment (Murder) Act 2026

31/03/2026

5

Bail Amendment Act 2026

31/03/2026

6

Commercial Passenger (Road) Transport Legislation Amendment (Licensing) Act 2026

31/03/2026

7

Electrical Safety Amendment Act 2026

14/04/2026

8

Local Government Legislation Amendment (Code of Conduct and Other Matters) Act 2026

14/04/2026

9

See Capital Monitor's Northern Territory Bills Monitor and Acts Assented pages for detailed coverage.

Queensland

Act Name Date of Assent Act No.
Fighting Antisemitism and Keeping Guns out of the Hands of Terrorists and Criminals Amendment Act 2026

11/03/2026

4

Local Government (Empowering Councils) and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2026

11/03/2026

5

Electrical Safety and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2026

27/03/2026

6

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

02/04/2026

1

See Capital Monitor's Tasmanian Bills Monitor and Acts Assented pages for detailed coverage.

Victoria

Act Name Date of Assent Act No.
Education and Training Reform Amendment (Free TAFE Guarantee) Act 2026

14/04/2026

12

Electoral Amendment Act 2026

14/04/2026

13

Justice Legislation Further Amendment (Miscellaneous) Act 2026

14/04/2026

14

Regulatory Legislation Amendment (Reform) Act 2026

14/04/2026

15

Safe Food Victoria Act 2026

14/04/2026

16

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

17/03/2026

1

Education and Care Services National Law Application Act 2026

31/03/2026

2

See Capital Monitor's Western Australian Bills Monitor and Acts Assented pages for detailed coverage.

Return to top

Political Calendar

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 in 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 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, 12 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 in 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 in 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.

Return to top


If you have any issues viewing this page, please contact LexisNexis Capital Monitor on 02 6100 0801 or help@capmon.com

alt_text

© 2026 LexisNexis Capital Monitor

COPYRIGHT WARNING: This page is protected by copyright and may not be reproduced, copied or redistributed, in part or in whole, without the express permission of LexisNexis Capital Monitor.