Major boost for veterans as free advocacy funding doubles

Veterans will benefit from increased access to free advocacy services, with funding for ex-service organisations (ESOs) more than doubling under a redesigned Building Excellence in Support and Training (BEST) Program.

A total of 109 ESOs will share in $50.7 million in grant funding over three years, enabling

Strengthening defence and security ties with Vietnam

Australia and Vietnam have agreed to bolster defence and security cooperation to support our shared commitment to a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam and President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, His Excellency Mr To Lam issued the Joint Statement on Deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Australia and Vietnam, reinforcing cooperation on shared priorities including defence and security.

As part of the visit, the two countries announced new practical measures to strengthen

Deepening Australia and Vietnam's economic partnership

Australia and Vietnam have agreed to strengthen cooperation across education, trade and innovation, to enhance the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam and President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, His Excellency Mr To Lam issued a Joint Statement on Deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Australia and Vietnam on priorities including economic engagement, climate, energy and science.

The two leaders also issued a Joint Statement on Economic Resilience Cooperation and a

Joint statement on the enhancement of science, technology and innovation connectivity between Australia and Viet Nam

1. On the occasion of the visit to Australia by His Excellency To Lam,
   General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Viet Nam and State President of Viet Nam, the Leaders of Viet Nam and Australia reaffirmed their shared commitment to deepen bilateral cooperation in science, technology and

Joint statement on economic resilience cooperation between Viet Nam and Australia

1. On the occasion of the visit to Australia by His Excellency To Lam, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Viet Nam and State President of Viet Nam, the Leaders of Viet Nam and Australia agreed and committed to deepening cooperation on economic resilience, pursuant to our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
2. Leaders affirmed that economic resilience is foundational to national security and

Joint statement on deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership between Viet Nam and Australia

1. On the occasion of his visit to Australia, His Excellency To Lam, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Viet Nam and State President of Viet Nam, met the Honourable Anthony Albanese MP, the Prime Minister of Australia in Canberra, on the traditional land of the Ngunnawal peoples.
2. Leaders reaffirmed the strength of the Viet Nam-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) built on mutual strategic trust and understanding over more than

Protecting Victoria's Penguins From Bird Flu

The Carroll Labor Government is moving quickly to protect Victoria’s little penguins from H5 bird flu.

Following the Commonwealth’s vaccine announcement yesterday, doses have arrived at Phillip Island and are ready to be administered early next week, pending final regulatory approvals.

More than 5,000 little penguins at Phillip Island and St Kilda are expected to be

Labor Is Making Workplaces Safer For All Victorians

Workers who speak up about safety on the job will get stronger protection under new laws introduced by the Carroll Labor Government.

The Workplace Legislation Amendment (Accident Compensation and Other Matters) Bill 2026 will deliver the first stage of reforms from the final report of the Independent Review of Employee Representatives.

The Government Response commits to implementing 16 of the 17

Stopping Workers Being Scammed And Stamping Out Hate

Labor is stopping workers from being scammed and stamping out hate groups with new laws.

The Carroll Labor Government has introduced the Associations Incorporation Reform Amendment Bill 2026 to the Victorian Parliament.

These new laws will stop workers being scammed out of real union protection,

Backing Live Music Venues And Artists

Labor is backing Victorian businesses, with grants for live music venues and local musicians available from today.

Minister for Creative Industries Vicki Ward today announced the latest round of 10,000 Gigs: The Victorian Gig Fund – helping venues host paid performances by talented Victorian artists.

The 2026 program opens for applications today and will be delivered through