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Last updated Friday 25 September, 2026 10:30 AM


Today's Events


Federal Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt, to announce a major milestone in the rollout of renewable energy.

 

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Top Headlines

Australia and Ukraine sign bilateral security agreement

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles announced the Australia–Ukraine Bilateral Security Agreement, establishing a framework for longer-term defence and security cooperation. Australia will provide a further $60 million in assistance, comprising $45 million in Australian Defence Force equipment, $10 million for Ukraine’s Energy Support Fund and $5 million in humanitarian assistance, bringing total Australian support to almost $1.9 billion. Australia will also join the UK and Norway-led Maritime Capability Coalition for Ukraine and has imposed additional sanctions on Russia, taking total sanctions to almost 1,900 and listed shadow fleet vessels to almost 300.
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Australia ratifies landmark ocean treaty

Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong and Minister for the Environment and Water Murray Watt announced Australia has formally ratified the High Seas Biodiversity Treaty, allowing it to participate directly in international decisions on marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction. The treaty provides mechanisms for establishing high seas marine protected areas, conducting environmental impact assessments and supporting sustainable management of shared marine resources. Australia will work with regional partners on proposals for new protected areas, contributing to the global target of conserving 30 per cent of the world’s ocean by 2030. Australia’s implementing legislation will commence when it becomes a party to the treaty on 23 October 2026.
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AEMC rule change accelerates Federal Government’s $40 million EV charging infrastructure rollout

Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) released a draft rule to support the Federal Government’s $40 million Accelerating EV Charging Program, which targets regional charging blackspots and high-density urban areas with limited off-street parking. The proposed rule would require participating electricity distributors to facilitate private charge point operators and act as suppliers of last resort where sites are not taken up, including in regional areas. The Commonwealth would fund about 30 per cent of eligible infrastructure costs, with networks recovering the remainder from consumers, estimated at about $1 annually for a typical household over five years. Submissions close on 5 November 2026, with a final determination due by year-end.
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ASIC strengthens AI trading safeguards and streamlines market integrity rules

Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) announced changes to its Market Integrity Rules to strengthen controls over automated and AI-enabled trading while simplifying requirements for securities and futures market participants. The reforms will require stronger testing, monitoring and governance of trading systems and algorithms, align Australian rules more closely with IOSCO principles and clarify provisions relating to false or misleading trading activity. The changes will take effect in 2028 following an 18-month transition period. ASIC is also consulting on updated regulatory guidance that would consolidate and simplify existing material, reducing relevant guidance for securities participants by almost 60 per cent. Submissions on the proposed guidance close on 5 November 2026.
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NSW: 950 additional nurses for higher quality healthcare

NSW Premier Chris Minns, Minister for Health Ryan Park and Member for Heathcote Maryanne Stuart announced recruitment of 950 additional nurses as Safe Staffing Levels expand to more than 360 general and specialty wards across 70 NSW hospitals. Participating wards will have a minimum ratio of one nurse to four patients during morning and afternoon shifts. The reform builds on implementation across 81 emergency departments, where 990 nurses have already been recruited. Planning is also underway to introduce Safe Staffing Levels at seven dedicated postnatal wards. The State Government said the expansion is intended to improve patient care, reduce pressure on existing staff and strengthen workforce retention across metropolitan, regional and rural hospitals.
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Recent Acts

Federal
Act Name Date of Assent Act No.
Online Safety Amendment (Strengthening Enforcement for the Social Media Minimum Age) Act 2026

11/09/2026

83

Biosecurity Amendment (Improving Operational Efficiency) Act 2026

15/09/2026

84

Wine and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2026

15/09/2026

85

Treasury Laws Amendment (Strengthening Accountability for Tax Adviser Misconduct and Other Measures) Act 2026

15/09/2026

86

Regulatory Reform Omnibus Act 2026

18/09/2026

87

Wage Justice for Early Childhood Education and Care Workers (Special Account) (Extending Support and Strengthening Safety) Act 2026

18/09/2026

88

Major Sporting Events (Indicia and Images) Protection Amendment Act 2026

18/09/2026

89

Health Legislation Amendment (Improving Choice and Transparency for Private Health Consumers) Act 2026

18/09/2026

90

Knox Class Action (Facilitation) Act 2026

18/09/2026

91

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

Australian Capital Territory

Act Name Date of Assent Act No.
Civil Law (Wrongs) Amendment Act 2026

15/05/2026

7

Planning Legislation Amendment Act 2026

15/05/2026

8

Juries (Peremptory Challenges) Amendment Act 2026

15/05/2026

9

Fuel Legislation Amendment Act 2026

15/05/2026

10

City and Environment Legislation Amendment Act 2026

05/06/2026

11

Justice and Community Safety Legislation Amendment Act 2026 (No 2)

19/06/2026

12

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.
Building (Approvals and Practitioners) Act 2026

14/08/2026

26

Children's Guardian and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2026

14/08/2026

27

Fair Trading and Building Legislation Amendment Act 2026

14/08/2026

28

Roads Legislation Amendment (NSW Motorways) Act 2026

14/08/2026

29

Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) and Other Legislation Amendment (Body-worn Video and Other Matters) Act 2026

14/08/2026

30

Crown Land Management Amendment (Statutory Review) Act 2026 

23/09/2026

31

Greater Sydney Parklands Trust Amendment (Review) Act 2026

23/09/2026

32

Road Transport Legislation Amendment (Medical Cannabis and Driving Offences) Act 2026 

23/09/2026

33

Sydney Olympic Park Authority Amendment (Millennium Parklands) Act 2026

23/09/2026

34

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.
Youth Justice and Criminal Code Amendment Act 2026

12/08/2026

19

Consumer Affairs and Essential Goods and Services Legislation Amendment Act 2026

12/08/2026

20

Attorney-General Legislation Amendment (Boards, Committees and Statutory Offices) Act 2026

12/08/2026

21

Care and Protection of Children Legislation Amendment (Every Child Matters) Act 2026

13/08/2026

22

Rights of the Terminally Ill Act 2026

03/09/2026

23

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

Queensland

Act Name Date of Assent Act No.
Appropriation (Parliament) Act 2026

03/09/2026

17

Appropriation Act 2026

03/09/2026

18

State Development and Public Works Organisation Critical Minerals and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2026

03/09/2026

19

Health Legislation Amendment Act 2026

03/09/2026

20

Waste Reduction and Recycling (Strengthening the Container Refund Scheme) Amendment Act 2026

21/09/2026

21

Youth Justice (Circuit Breaker) Amendment Act 2026

21/09/2026

22

Transport and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2026

21/09/2026

23

Criminal Code (Dangerous Driving) and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2026

21/09/2026

24

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

South Australia

Act Name Date of Assent Act No.
Local Government (Elections) (Periodic Elections) Amendment Act 2026

02/07/2026

6

Return to Work (Presumptive Firefighter Injuries) Amendment Act 2026

02/07/2026

7

Appropriation Act 2026

10/09/2026

8

Statutes Amendment (Industrial Relations Portfolio) Act 2026

10/09/2026

9

Stamp Duties (Residential Purposes and Residential Land) Amendment Act 2026

22/09/2026

10

Liquor Licensing (Royal Commission Recommendations) Amendment Act 2026

24/09/2026

11

National Gas (South Australia) (Application of Rules) Amendment Act 2026

24/09/2026

12

Employment Agents Act 2026

24/09/2026

13

Northern Water Project (Land and Infrastructure) Act 2026

24/09/2026

14

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

Tasmania

Act Name Date of Assent Act No.
Local Government Amendment (Targeted Reform) Act 2026

21/08/2026

11

Mt Lyell Acid Drainage Reduction (Repeal) Act 2026

11/09/2026

12

Residential Parks Act 2026

11/09/2026

13

Police Offences Amendment (Increased Penalties For Damage To Tasmanian War Memorials) Act 2026

11/09/2026

14

Occupational Licensing Amendment Act 2026

11/09/2026

15

Residential Tenancy Amendment (Safety Modifications) Act 2026

11/09/2026

16

Police Offences Amendment Act 2026

11/09/2026

17

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

Victoria

Act Name Date of Assent Act No.
Corrections Amendment Act 2026

01/09/2026

31

Crimes Amendment (Recruitment of Children for Criminal Activity and Production Notices) Act 2026

01/09/2026

32

Racing Legislation Amendment (Entity Governance and Other Matters) Act 2026

01/09/2026

33

Safe Patient Care (Nurse to Patient and Midwife to Patient Ratios) Amendment Act 2026

01/09/2026

34

Workplace Protection Orders Act 2026

01/09/2026

35

Consumer Legislation Amendment Act 2026

08/09/2026

36

Energy and Resources Legislation Amendment (VEET Strategic Review and Other Matters) Act 2026

08/09/2026

37

Education and Training Reform Amendment (Apprenticeships, Traineeships, Schools and Other Matters) Act 2026

15/09/2026

38

Fair Work (Commonwealth Powers) Amendment Act 2026

15/09/2026

39

Multicultural Victoria Amendment (Multicultural and Multifaith Victoria) Act 2026

25/09/2026

40

Justice Legislation Amendment (Family Violence, Coercive Control, Good Character, Risk Assessment and Other Matters) Act 2026

22/09/2026

41

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

Western Australia

Act Name Date of Assent Act No.
Appropriation (Capital 2026-27) Act 2026

19/08/2026

10

Appropriation (Recurrent 2026-27) Act 2026

19/08/2026

11

Electricity Industry Amendment (Capital Charges) Act 2026

19/08/2026

12

Electricity Industry Amendment (Capital Charges) Act (No. 2) 2026

19/08/2026

13

Working with Children (Screening) Amendment Act 2026

25/08/2026

14

Land Forces Event (Special Powers) Act 2026

16/09/2026

15

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

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Political Calendar

Federal

Federal Parliament will next sit from 12 - 15 October 2026.
The 2026-27 Federal Budget was handed down on Tuesday, 12 May 2026.
Additional Budget Estimates were held on 9 - 12 February 2026.
Budget Estimates were held on 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 22 - 24 September 2026.
The 2026-27 Territory Budget was handed down on Wednesday, 10 June 2026.
Budget Estimates are scheduled for 3, 21 - 31 July, 3 August & 9 - 20 November 2026.
The last ACT Election was on 19 October 2024.
ACT Administrative Arrangements Orders were most recently made on 10 September 2026.

New South Wales

NSW Parliament will next sit from 22 - 24 September 2026.
The 2026-27 State Budget was 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 5 April 2023 and most recently amended on 19 June 2026.

Northern Territory

NT Parliament will next sit from 13 - 15 October 2026.
The 2026-27 Territory Budget was handed down on Tuesday, 5 May 2026.
Budget Estimates were held on 9 - 18 June 2026.
The last NT Election was on 24 August 2024.
NT Administrative Arrangements Orders were most recently made on 1 June 2026.

Queensland

Queensland Parliament will next sit from 13 - 15 October 2026.
The 2026-27 State Budget was handed down on Tuesday, 23 June 2026.
Budget Estimates were held on 20 - 24 & 28 - 31 July 2026.
The last Queensland Election was on 26 October 2024.
Queensland Administrative Arrangements Orders were most recently made on 2 July 2026.

South Australia
SA Parliament will next sit from 13 - 15 October 2026.
The 2026-27 State Budget was handed down on Thursday, 4 June 2026.
Budget Estimates were held on 18 - 24 June 2026.
The last SA election was held on 21 March 2026.
SA Administrative Arrangements Orders were most recently made on 9 July 2026.

Tasmania

The Tasmanian Parliament will next sit from 27 - 29 October 2026.
The 2026-27 State Budget was handed down on Thursday, 21 May 2026.
Budget Estimates were held on 1 - 4 June 2026.
The last Tasmanian Election was held on 19 July 2025.
Tasmanian Administrative Arrangements Orders were most recently made on 13 August 2026.

Victoria

The Victorian Parliament will next sit from 22 - 24 September 2026.
The 2026-27 State Budget was handed down on Tuesday, 5 May 2026.
Budget Estimates were held on 15 - 25 May 2026.
The last Victorian election was held on 26 November 2022.
Victorian Administrative Arrangements Orders were most recently made on 07 August 2026.

Western Australia

The WA Parliament will next sit from 13 - 15 October 2026.
The 2026-27 State Budget was handed down on Thursday, 7 May 2026.
Budget Estimates were held on 19 - 21 May 2026.
The last WA election was held on 8 March 2025.
WA Administrative Arrangements Orders were most recently made on 13 July 2026.

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