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Last updated Monday 4 May, 2026 8:24 AM


Today's Events


Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA): Board Meeting.
ABS: Building Approvals, Australia.
ABS: Life expectancy by Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA).
Senate: Education and Employment References Committee.
Senate: Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee.
Joint: Standing Committee on Electoral Matters.
Joint: Standing Committee on Migration.
House: Standing Committee on Communications, the Arts and Sport.
Senate: Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee.
Federal Leader of the Nationals, Matt Canavan, to discuss the anti-gas protest in Gladstone.
Senator for the ACT, David Pocock, and Senator for Queensland, Penny Allman-Payne to address a Labour Day rally regarding gas tax.
Federal Treasurer, Jim Chalmers, and Federal Minister for Finance, Katy Gallagher, to provide an update ahead of Federal Budget.
Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, to be interviewed by Jase Hawkins, Lauren Phillips, and Clint Stanaway on Nova Melbourne.

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.

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Top Headlines

Additional jet fuel and additional diesel secured

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Minister for Trade Don Farrell, Minister for Energy Chris Bowen and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King announced the Federal Government has secured three additional fuel shipments, including 100 million litres of jet fuel and 50 million litres of diesel, to bolster national supply. Delivered to Brisbane, Perth and Darwin, these shipments build on earlier agreements with industry partners, bringing total secured diesel to over 450 million litres. The initiative aims to maintain transport, aviation and supply chains amid global instability, with further shipments and fertiliser supply discussions ongoing.
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Proposed new federal standards to clean-up construction industry

Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Amanda Rishworth announced the Federal Government will consult on new standards for the construction industry to improve quality, productivity and lawful conduct while supporting safe, secure and well-paid jobs. The consultation builds on the National Construction Industry Forum’s Blueprint and will inform a Joint Industry Charter. It will examine measures including preventing unlawful behaviour, ensuring fair bargaining, limiting inappropriate intermediaries, improving dispute resolution, supporting apprentices, addressing labour hire reliance and ensuring timely payments. The Government will also consider enforcement mechanisms and whistleblower protections, with consultation scheduled for late 2026.
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Productivity package to turbocharge construction and businesses across NSW

Treasurer Jim Chalmers announced the Federal Government will provide $72.5 million to New South Wales to fast-track planning approvals and boost business activity as part of its Productivity Package. Funding includes $67.5 million for reforms to streamline zoning, expand fast-track development pathways, extend operating hours and establish single planning authorities, alongside $5 million to implement National Competition Principles. The measures aim to reduce regulatory barriers, accelerate major projects and support housing targets, contributing to a broader $900 million National Productivity Fund designed to lift economic growth, competition and resilience.
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Progress on fast-tracking housing supply and cutting red tape

Minister for Housing, Homelessness and Cities Clare O’Neil and Minister for the Environment Murray Watt outlined Federal Government progress in accelerating housing supply through faster environmental approvals and regulatory reform. New data indicates up to 980,000 homes could be delivered under the Housing Accord, though global instability may reduce this by up to 33,000. Reforms include EPBC Act changes, a national Environment Protection Agency, streamlined approvals, and National Construction Code improvements to cut costs and delays. These measures aim to boost productivity, support innovation and increase housing delivery despite ongoing global supply challenges.
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New market access to Indonesia for five export meat establishments

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins announced the approval of five additional Australian export meat establishments to supply Indonesia, including one also approved for sheep and goat meat. The Federal Government said the decision strengthens trade ties and expands access to a key market for halal red meat, with beef and veal exports valued at $581 million in 2025. The approvals, across Queensland, Victoria and Tasmania, follow collaboration with industry and Indonesian authorities, and bring total new approvals to seven since late 2024, supporting producers, processors and broader supply chain growth.
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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

Expanding Adult Crime, Adult Time and Taking a Strong Stance on Drugs and Anti-Social Behaviour Amendment Act 2026

30/04/2026

7

Appropriation (Parliament) (Supplementary 2024-2025) Act 2026

30/04/2026

8

Appropriation (Supplementary 2024-2025) Act 2026

30/04/2026

9

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

University of Tasmania (Protection of Land) Act 2026

28/04/2026

2

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.

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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 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 12 - 14 May 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 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 May 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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