More help is on the way to devastated communities in the Hunter and Mid North Coast region of New South Wales, as the cleanup continues following the recent floods. From Tuesday, 27th May, Australian Defence Force personnel, alongside members of Disaster Relief Australia, will be deployed to support New South Wales authorities with clearance, clean-up up and early recovery operations.Coordinated by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), they will join emergency services personnel on the ground from ACT, Queensland, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, Western Australia, and New Zealand.Disaster Relief Australia will also help residents with clean-up efforts and damage assessments.The Federal Government will work with all levels of government to help with any requests for assistance that come from New South Wales, and as damage assessments are undertaken across the Hunter and Mid North Coast, will work to quickly activate support where it is needed.Jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements have been activated for 19 Local Government Areas – administered by New South Wales, including support for emergency accommodation and essential items, help for small businesses and councils to repair damages, and support for our primary producers.Jointly funded Personal Hardship Payments – administered by New South Wales, will also be available to cover essentials including food, clothing and medicines.On top of this, applications for the Commonwealth’s Disaster Recovery Allowance open at 2:00pm today for an initial four Local Government Areas – Kempsey, Port-Macquarie Hastings, Mid-Coast and Dungog.Administered by Services Australia, this provides up to 13 weeks of income support for eligible workers that have had their regular employment impacted.A Community Recovery Support Fund, jointly funded by the federal and state governments, will also be made available to support councils with immediate clean up and restorations once impacts are known.For New South Wales administered support, visit: www.nsw.gov.au/emergency/floods/recoverFor Commonwealth administered support, visit: servicesaustralia.gov.au/disastersupportPrime Minister Anthony Albanese said, “At the worst of times we see the best of the Australian character, and we’ve seen that once again in New South Wales.“People stepping up to help out, because that’s the Australian way.“My message to these communities is simple: we’ve got your back.“That’s why we’re activating further support and sending more help to communities impacted by these devastating floods.”Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said, “Australian Defence Force personnel will be on the ground this week helping impacted communities in the Hunter and Mid North Coast during the early recovery phase.“Alongside emergency services and Disaster Relief Australia, the ADF will provide support to assist with planning, welfare checks, route clearance and the re‑establishment of critical infrastructure across the region.“I want to thank all of those who have been working around the clock throughout this difficult time and those who will be on the ground this week to lend a hand.”Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said, “I want to assure people in the Hunter and Mid North Coast that there will be a united effort between the three levels of government to support impacted communities at every stage of recovery.“The financial assistance already activated and this clean up support on the ground is just the beginning of getting people back on their feet.“As flood waters recede and as we get a better picture of the full extent of damage, we will work quickly to activate more tailored assistance to support people in the Hunter and Mid North Coast.”

The NSW Government has waived the waste levy for 17 Local Government Areas impacted by flooding in the Mid North Coast and Hunter region.Residents in the areas hit hardest by the storm can dispose of flood-affected items at landfill sites without having to pay the waste levy fee for the next three months.Storm generated waste includes damaged building materials, furniture, carpet, garden debris and other items. It does not cover waste generated by property repair or pre-existing materials.Landfill operators may still charge their own landfill operation charge, also known as the gate fee or tip fee, to manage waste. Residents should also contact their local council before visiting their local tip to ensure it is still able to accept waste.The Waste Levy Exemption applies to the following local government areas: •                   Bellingen•                   Central Coast•                   Cessnock•                   Clarence Valley•                   Coffs Harbour•                   Dungog•                   Kempsey•                   Lake Macquarie•                   Maitland•                   Mid Coast•                   Muswellbrook•                   Nambucca Valley•                   Newcastle•                   Port Macquarie-Hastings•                   Port Stephens•                   Singleton•                   Upper HuntCouncils can activate the waste levy exemption by contacting the EPA and nominating which facilities they would like to use to dispose of disaster waste. The EPA will continue to monitor the need for new exemptions as required.NSW Minister for Heritage, Penny Sharpe said, “Waiving waste levy fees for impacted communities is just one way we can help speed up recovery and clean-up efforts and reduce the financial impact on households and businesses.  “We know these communities are resilient and we will stand with them throughout this disaster and its cleanup.”

As severe weather continues to impact the NSW Mid-North Coast, communities are being urged to remain on high alert.Heavy rainfall is forecast to continue throughout today, and flash flooding is a risk in the Mid-North Coast region and adjacent Northern Tablelands and the Hunter, with a particular focus between Kempsey and Dorrigo. While heavy rainfall continues, the impacts remain wide-reaching, with communities being strongly advised to evacuate when asked to do so by the NSW State Emergency Service (NSW SES).To stay up to date with the latest warnings and advice, download the Hazards Near Me app. The number of people using the Hazards Near Me app has quadrupled in the past week from around 26,000 to more than 100,000 active users.More than 2,500 personnel, 500 boats and vehicles and a fleet of helicopters have been deployed to support ongoing rescue efforts.The NSW SES has responded to around 4,000 incidents since the severe weather began.Rescues are continuing with around 300 people already brought to safety over the past 24 hours including dozens of overnight rescues.Conditions remain challenging with fast flowing rivers, continuous rainfall and flooded roads making it difficult for emergency services to safely access some isolated areas. While authorities continue to work around the clock, emergency service crews can never guarantee an immediate rescue of those who remain in impacted areas.In total, more than 500 flood rescues have been completed with the support of specialist flood and in water crews from the NSW SES, Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Police, Marine Rescue NSW and VRA Rescue NSW. Personnel from Ambulance NSW, the NSW Rural Fire Service and Surf Life Saving NSW are also assisting in the natural disaster response, along with the Australian Defence Force.14 evacuation centres remain open across the region where hundreds of people have taken emergency shelter overnight.The community is being urged to heed the advice of emergency services and always avoid driving through floodwaters.NSW Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib has signed a protection order for volunteers involved in responding to this weather event ensuring their employment will not be affected while they assist in the response. As this situation continues to unfold, the ongoing support of volunteers will be crucial over the coming days and weeks.If you are an individual or part of a group who is ready and willing to help, consider partnering with the NSW SES, local authorities and endorsed community groups.Your support could be invaluable for urgent tasks such as sandbagging, sharing information, and participating in clean-up activities.For evacuation centre locations and more information, visit the NSW SES website. Visit the Live Traffic NSW website for the latest road closures and traffic conditions. If you need assistance during floods and storms, call the NSW SES on 132 500. In a life-threatening situation, call Triple Zero (000).Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:“We are sending in all our available emergency service resources to support the impacted region. Please check the NSW SES website and Hazards Near Me app and follow public safety advice."I want to thank all the amazing volunteers who are currently supporting flood-affected communities across the Mid-North Coast.“I’ve signed a protection order for volunteers from the NSW SES and other emergency service organisations, providing employment protection while they’re undertaking vital assistance work supporting flood impacted communities.“I encourage people to download the Hazards Near Me App which includes the latest warnings and information for impacted communities.”

The NSW Government has activated assistance for farmers across the Mid North Coast, North Coast and Hunter regions who are experiencing severe weather, including heavy rainfall and flooding. For urgent requests for stock assistance, including animal assessment, veterinary support or emergency fodder, impacted landholders are encouraged to call the Agricultural and Animal Services Functional Area (AASFA) emergency hotline at: 1800 814 647 which is available 9.00 am to 5.00 pm seven days a week.For emergency calls at any time call NSW SES - 132 500.The Government urges farmers and families to continue preparations for flood impacts but only where safe to do so. Animal Safe Places are being activated to support people with large pets and lifestyle animals such as horses at Wauchope, Wingham, and Kempsey Showgrounds.Travelling stock routes (TSR) have been opened for farmers to move livestock to when needed and AASFA can assist with displaced stock, if required.The Government’s NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development with Local Land Services, through AASFA are supporting the NSW SES to assist affected farmers.With further rain forecast and floodwaters expected to move through the region in the coming days and weeks, farmers are encouraged to take proactive steps to protect livestock and property—but only where it is safe to do so.Assistance available through AASFA includes:Animal assessment and veterinary supportEuthanasia of animals on welfare groundsEmergency fodder (where there is an immediate animal welfare concern)Emergency stock water (where there is an immediate animal welfare concern)Livestock feeding and management adviceAerial support for isolated or stranded livestockThe AASFA State Control Centre is operating from Orange with two Forward Command Posts in Paterson and Coffs Harbour providing operational support.RSPCA and Australian Veterinarian Association are available to provide support as required at Evacuation Centres where animals are housed.Most importantly, farmers are reminded to prioritise personal safety. Do not take unnecessary risks around floodwaters.DPIRD and LLS have commenced preparations for recovery under the coordination of the Reconstruction Authority. People in impacted areas are reminded to follow the directions of emergency services personnel and check on their neighbours to ensure they have received critical emergency messages. Download the Hazards Near Me app and set watch points for your area.If you need emergency assistance, call the NSW State Emergency Service on 132 500.If the matter is life-threatening, call Triple Zero (000).Latest warnings and information for impacted communities, including evacuation centre locations, are available at www.ses.nsw.gov.au   Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said, “Our agencies have activated the Agricultural and Animal Services Functional Area to support landholders and regional communities affected by flooding in the Hunter and up the coast,” Minister Moriarty said.“We know our state's farmers are resilient in the face of natural disasters, be it droughts, bushfires, cyclones or a flood.“But we genuinely understand our responsibility to support them in the face of an extreme weather event like this, because our state relies on them.“It is currently too early to determine the full extent of stock losses across affected areas with ongoing rainfall and access issues limiting any ability to assess on-ground impacts.“Our AASFA personnel bring valuable knowledge, experience, and strong networks. They are there when it matters—ready to help landholders in need.“When it is safe, I want to encourage primary producers to report flood-related damage, including stock and fodder losses, damage to crops, pastures, fencing and other farm infrastructure through the Primary Industries Natural Disaster Damage Assessment (PiNDDA).“This will ensure that we understand the severity and regional distribution of the damage and can target resources and assistance in the appropriate areas.”

Devastating floods along Australia's east coast have killed at least one man, after a body was found on a property impacted by intense rainfall.Emergency services were called to Moto, on the NSW mid-north coast, on Wednesday afternoon and located the body of the 63-year-old.NSW Police said he was in a house impacted by flooding and that a report will be prepared for the coroner.Premier Chris Minns said communities in rain-affected areas along the north coast of the state need to brace for "more tough times" in the next two days."It's very sad, and when there's these terrible natural disasters, they hit ordinary families in terrible ways. and our heart goes out to obviously that man and his family," he told Nine's Today show on Thursday."I'm very grateful we've got thousands of volunteers and the local community has really rallied in the last 48 hours, but they've needed to."The mid-north coast and Hunter regions have been the worst impacted by the flooding in recent days, with tens of thousands of people isolated and hundreds requiring rescuing.The deluge has spread to the Northern Rivers and Northern Tablelands as a slow-moving trough dumped rain along Australia's east coast.Falls between 200-300mm in the next 24 hours are likely and may lead to flash flooding, the Bureau of Meteorology warns, around the north coast communities of Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, Taree, Woolgoolga, Sawtell and Dorrigo.The bureau said the trough was expected to contract southwards on Thursday afternoon. More than 100 warnings are in place, with local residents in the path of flooding urged to head to higher ground and evacuate if they can.SES Assistant Commissioner Colin Malone said conditions through the night into Thursday had been challenging."We've seen continual rainfall and very fast-flowing rivers which, when combined with flooded roads, have made it very difficult to access some isolated people," he said."While dozens of rescues have been completed overnight, they continue to be received." (Flooding has cut off many communities, with almost 50,000 people stranded after heavy downpours. (HANDOUT/NSW SES)In the past 24 hours, the SES has carried out about 340 flood rescues and used helicopters to winch stranded residents off their roofs as they responded to 1023 incidents.More than 100 rescues were outstanding on Thursday morning, the SES said.Some 50,000 people have been warned they could be isolated on Thursday. including in Kempsey on the mid-north coast where the Macleay River has overtopped a levee and is still rising.Major flooding will continue to impact other nearby areas like Macksville and Port Macquarie.Farmers have lost livestock washed away by floodwaters.Others are working to help get some of them back, taking to community Facebook pages to track down owners for cattle that have washed up on their properties.Evacuation centres have been set up at Dungog, Gloucester, Taree, Manning Point, Wingham, Bulahdelah, Tuncurry Beach, Kempsey and Port Macquarie.Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain said the Commonwealth was working with the NSW government to provide support in 16 local government areas.The Insurance Council of Australia said the flooding could be catastrophic, with significant flooding in similar areas in 2022."We are closely monitoring the severe weather across the entire state," council chief executive Andrew Hall said.By Jack Gramenz and Alex Mitchell in Sydney

Liberal and National leaders hope their parties can reunite before the next election following a bitter break up over policy issues.The Nationals walked away from the coalition on Tuesday, marking the third split between the conservative political allies in 80 years and the first since 1987.Nationals leader David Littleproud said his party had taken a principled stance on issues important to them, while giving the Liberals clear air to rebuild and decide on their future direction.Opposition Leader Sussan Ley stared down four demands from the Nationals, saying the Liberals needed time to debate any future policies after a bruising election defeat."I am disappointed, I do want the coalition to come together," she told reporters in Canberra.Liberals and Nationals meet after every election to nut out the details of a coalition agreement and determine the make up of frontbench positions and portfolios. Detailed policy proposals are often developed between the two parties.These included remaining committed to nuclear energy, divestiture powers to break up big supermarkets, a $20 billion investment fund that would disperse $1 billion a year on regional infrastructure and universal phone services.Landlines and payphones must have service no matter where they are in Australia but this doesn't extend to mobile phones, which the Nationals have been fighting to include.(Nationals leader David Littleproud said his party was taking a principled position. (Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS)The Nationals didn't want to have to re-prosecute the case to retain policies it fought for under the previous agreement.Mr Littleproud denied there was a barney over the carve up of portfolios and cabinet spots, which are allocated between the coalition partners on a proportional basis."This wasn't about the spoils of defeat, this was about principle," Mr Littleproud told reporters."Making sure that those hard-fought wins are maintained and respected and we continue to look forward."Ms Ley said there needed to be open party room debate to reach positions on polices after a crushing election defeat on May 3.The Liberals hold fewer than 30 of 150 lower house seats and the Nationals 15.Both leaders left the door open to a future agreement.Mr Ley said the Liberals and Nationals were stronger as a coalition, and this was proven in 1996 when John Howard would have been able to govern in his own right but still chose to work with the regional party.(Liberal leader Sussan Ley said she offered a joint shadow ministry to the Nationals. (Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS)But getting back together could be more complicated because members of an all-Liberal shadow cabinet would need to be dumped to make way for Nationals.Ms Ley said she offered to press ahead with a joint shadow ministry, but this offer was rejected by the Nationals.There was a discussion about whether National shadow cabinet members could split off to vote for the four policies, but there were contradicting claims from the two camps.Cabinet members are expected to defend the party's position or resign, while coalition backbenchers are free to cross the floor and vote against party policies.Ms Ley said cabinet solidarity wasn't explicitly agreed to, but Nationals say this wasn't a sticking point.(Walking away: The Nationals' decision to split from the coalition marks the first time in 38 years. (Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS)Climate change targets remain a thorny issue within the Nationals.The party's platform includes a commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, but some elected members want to abandon the pledge.The coalition split doesn't impact the government's ability to pass legislation through parliament, with Labor commanding a majority in the lower house and only needing the Greens in the Senate.By Dominic Giannini in Canberra

The NSW Government has today released the NSW Trade and Investment Strategy 2035 – a 10-year plan with clear targets to grow and diversify the state’s exports and attract investment to develop and strengthen new and existing industries, as well as driving long-term economic prosperity. As the impacts of tariffs flow through global markets, NSW is strengthening its commitment to an open economy that champions free and fair trade, with diversification of both what NSW’s exports and which countries we export to at the centre of our approach.The release of the Strategy comes ahead of Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong undertaking a seven-day trade mission to the Republic of Korea and Japan – markets that present clear opportunities to increase trade and investment and advance the government’s ambitions in housing, the transition to net zero and local manufacturing.The NSW Trade and Investment Strategy provides a clear path towards a more productive and resilient economy focused on the following outcomes by 2035:Increase the value of NSW exports to $245 billion; a $100 billion increase from 2023-24NSW’s goods and services exports total $142.5 billion, which has grown by more than $70 billion over the last decade.NSW has set an ambitious export target focused on continued growth, taking advantage of opportunities arising from our proximity to high growth markets such as Southeast Asia, and opportunities created by the global energy transition. Increase the diversity of NSW’s export marketsNSW’s largest merchandise export markets in 2023-24 were Japan, mainland China, and Taiwan, comprising nearly 45% of goods export value.The Strategy seeks to diversify our export destinations through solidifying links with growing economies, at the same time as embracing new opportunities in current major marketsIncrease the diversity of NSW’s export productsNSW’s largest export products in 2023-24 were coal, international education and gold, comprising approximately 42% of total export value.Improving the diversity of goods and services that NSW exports around the globe will build the resilience of the NSW economy.Support 10,000 businesses over 10 years to grow and export into new marketsInvestment NSW currently supports 800 businesses each year to export or to build their exporting capacity, with a target to grow this to 1,000 each year through new and existing initiatives. Support the creation of 30,000 direct full time equivalent jobs through NSW Government investment attraction activitiesOur aim is to increase the number of jobs created through NSW Government investment attraction activities to an average of 3,000 per year.Attract $25 billion in investment to NSW, with $17.5 billion into the Industry Policy MissionsTargeting investment outcomes in the NSW Industry Policy missions – Housing, Net Zero & Energy Transition and Local Manufacturing – will be crucial to unlocking NSW’s economic potential, achieving the missions, and supporting government priorities.During his mission to Korea and Japan, the Minister will advance the objectives of the Strategy in meetings with government and business leaders. He will also address an audience comprised of major Japanese businesses Expo 2025 in Osaka, where the NSW Government will host a major investment showcase at the Australian Pavilion.The NSW Trade and Investment Strategy is aligned with the NSW Industry Policy – the overarching framework for delivering on the Government’s strategic priorities, and which also complements the goals of the Innovation Blueprint. Read the NSW Trade and Investment Strategy here: https://www.investment.nsw.gov.au/why-nsw/resources/nsw-trade-and-investment-strategy/Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong said, “NSW is Australia’s leader in trade and investment, and through the NSW Trade and Investment Strategy, we’ll take things to the next level. “We have clear targets in place to grow exports, diversify the products we export and where they go, and support more NSW businesses with their international growth objectives.“We will continue to position NSW as an attractive place for global investment and target outcomes associated with the Industry Policy Missions to deliver a more innovative and sustainable economy.  “NSW has numerous strengths – an extensive research and development sector, and unique advantages in sectors like digital technology, clean energy, defence and space, life sciences, health care, and agrifood. “We have the skills, knowledge, and capabilities that make NSW a leading place to invest.“My mission to Japan and the Republic of Korea has been targeted to promote the opportunities outlined in the NSW Trade and Investment Strategy. “NSW is a long-standing and trusted trading partner to both Japan and the Republic of Korea.“Opportunities also exist to turbo charge NSW housing by harnessing regional expertise in cutting edge building technology and encouraging investment in the housing sector. “The NSW Government looks forward to leveraging our state’s global competitiveness to deliver better trade and investment outcomes for businesses and the people of NSW.” 

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained at 4.1 per cent in April, according to data released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).Sean Crick, ABS head of labour statistics, said: ‘With employment increasing by 89,000 people and the number of unemployed increasing by 6,000 people, the unemployment rate remained steady at 4.1 per cent for April.’The rise in employment was larger for females, up 65,000 (0.9 per cent), while male employment was up 24,000 (0.3 per cent). Female employment growth was mainly in full-time workers, which rose 42,000 (1.1 per cent) in April. Female part-time workers rose by 23,000 (0.8 per cent).Employment has grown by 390,000 people, or 2.7 per cent, over the year. This annual growth rate is higher than the population growth rate for people aged 15 years and over, which was 2.1 per cent over the same period.The strong growth in employment led to a rise in the employment-to-population ratio of 0.3 percentage points to 64.4 per cent in April, just below the record high of 64.5 per cent seen in January. The addition of 6,000 unemployed people meant the labour force grew by 95,000 people and the participation rate rose by 0.3 percentage points to 67.1 per cent.‘The participation rate for 35-44 year olds had the largest annual growth, up 1.9 percentage points to 88.3 per cent,’ Mr Crick said.After two consecutive months of falls, monthly hours worked rose marginally by 630,000 hours (0.0 per cent) despite the strong growth in employment.Underemployment and underutilisationThe underemployment rate rose by 0.1 percentage points to 6.0 per cent in April 2025. This was 0.5 percentage points lower than April 2024, and 2.7 percentage points lower than March 2020.The underutilisation rate, which combines the unemployment and underemployment rates, rose by 0.2 percentage points to 10.1 per cent. This was 3.8 percentage points lower than March 2020.Underlying trend dataThe trend unemployment rate remained at 4.1 per cent in April. It has been within a relatively narrow range of 3.9 and 4.1 per cent for the past 17 months.Employment grew by around 26,000 people (0.2 per cent) in April, and 2.5 per cent over the last 12 months.Monthly hours worked fell by 0.1 per cent.‘In trend terms, the employment-to-population ratio remained at 64.3 per cent in April, while the participation rate remained at 67.0 per cent,’ Mr Crick said.The underemployment rate rose marginally to 6.0 per cent, and the underutilisation rate remained steady at 10.0 per cent.More information, including regional labour market data, will be available in the upcoming April 2025 issue of Labour Force, Australia, Detailed, on Thursday, 22 May 2025.The ABS would like to thank Australians for their continued support in responding to our surveys.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will depart on the first international visit of his second term to meet with world leaders from 14 May to 20 May 2025. The PM will travel to Jakarta, Indonesia, from 14 to 16 May 2025 to meet His Excellency Mr Prabowo Subianto, President of the Republic of Indonesia.Indonesia was also Prime Minister Albanese’s first bilateral visit following his election in 2022. The Prime Minister will be joined in Jakarta by Minister for Foreign Affairs Senator Penny Wong and Minister for Home Affairs Tony Burke MP. Prime Minister Albanese and President Prabowo will discuss the close relations between Australia and Indonesia, and how our countries can deepen our partnership.  The Prime Minister will then travel to the Holy See to attend the inauguration of Holy Father Pope Leo XIV, Bishop of Rome, on Sunday, 18 May 2025. Since 1973, the diplomatic relations between Australia and the Holy See have helped foster strong links with the Catholic Church, including its humanitarian efforts around the globe, and the five million Australians of the Catholic faith. During his visit to Vatican City, Prime Minister Albanese will meet with a number of other world leaders also in attendance. Prime Minister Albanese will invite Pope Leo XIV to Australia for the 54th International Eucharistic Congress in 2028. On Tuesday, 20 May, the Prime Minister will meet His Excellency Mr Lawrence Wong, the Prime Minister of Singapore, before returning to Australia.Singapore is one of Australia’s closest partners, with a friendship anchored in strategic trust and deep cooperation, and a shared regional and global outlook. Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles will be Acting Prime Minister while Prime Minister Albanese is overseas. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, “My first overseas visit after my Government’s re-election reflects our enduring commitment to some of our closest partners in the region. “I am honoured to be a guest of President Prabowo Subianto. There is no country more important to Australia than Indonesia. We have a long history of cooperation and friendship, celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations last year.   “Together we are setting an ambitious agenda to deepen our ties. “It is also a great honour to represent Australia at Pope Leo XIV’s inauguration — a historic occasion for the Catholic Church. “The event will connect Catholics around the world, and the millions of Australians of Catholic faith, as they celebrate and welcome the new Bishop of Rome and Pontiff to amplify his message of peace and social justice for all humanity. “I look forward to reinforcing Australia’s strong relationship with the Holy See under Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate. “I look forward to meeting Prime Minister Wong. The close partnership between Australia and Singapore is underpinned by our shared interest in an open, stable and prosperous region.”

Climate change has already added about 10 extra days a year of extreme heat deemed harmful for pregnant women in Australia.Darwin experienced a sharp 17-day jump in heat conditions threatening to pregnant people and newborns, the biggest increase of all Australian cities captured in the analysis by international non-profit Climate Central.Heatwaves pose birth risks, with the World Health Organisation linking high temperatures to preterm birth and stillbirth as well as hypertension and gestational diabetes. Climate Central vice-president for science Kristina Dahl said climate change added more than half of Australia's pregnancy heat-risk days experienced over the past five years."That means climate change is already making it harder to have a healthy pregnancy, especially in regions where care may be limited," Dr Dahl said.(Analysis shows that climate change has increased the risk of harmful extreme heat for pregnant women. (Jason O'BRIEN/AAP PHOTOS)She said each day of extreme heat increased the chances of serious pregnancy complications. More than 240 countries and territories were assessed against a known marker of elevated preterm birth risks: days when maximum temperatures are higher than 95 per cent of local seasonal temperatures.These extremely hot days were counted and compared with a counterfactual, estimating extreme heat without human-caused climate change.From there, it was possible to gauge how many pregnancy heat-risk days were caused by climate change each year.Every country experienced more pregnancy heat-risk days between 2020 and 2024, with higher emissions from burning fossil fuels and other human activities adding an extra month for nearly one-third.The sharpest increases were recorded in developing nations with substandard healthcare systems.Keeping cool with air-conditioning also tends to be more challenging in less-developed countries.By Poppy Johnston in Sydney

Cutting-edge scientific processes have found 28 current and historic mine sites that could have critical minerals and high-tech metal deposits hidden inside their old waste.For mines that have closed, these results could mean new opportunities for production, bringing more jobs and investment opportunities to those communities across regional NSW.The Geological Survey of NSW’s Mine Reuse Project collected more than 1,200 samples.These specimens were then run through the latest sampling techniques and underwent high-precision chemical analysis to identify critical minerals.This uncovered elevated concentrations of 11 critical minerals and high-tech metals, including copper, cobalt, silver and antimony. Historic mines where sampling occurred include CSA in the Central West, Queen Bee, Great Cobar and Nymagee in the Far West, Endeavour Elura and Endeavour McKinnons in the Central West, and Hillgrove in the Northern Tablelands.Current mines where researchers were looking for additional materials include Peak Gold Mine and Tritton near Cobar, RASP and Southern Operations near Broken Hill, and Stratford in the Upper Hunter.The Mine Reuse Project also identified existing discoveries from the reprocessing of waste and tailings. This includes gold from historic tailings at the Mineral Hill mine in the Central West, and tin from Ardlethan mine site in the Riverina.Results from the survey are being released this week as part of NSW Minerals Week, further highlighting NSW’s status as a global leader in exploration and mining of critical minerals.Critical minerals and high-tech metals are crucial for clean energy technologies, such as electric vehicles, solar panels, wind turbines, along with aerospace applications. The International Energy Agency estimates that, over the next 20 years, the global economy requires six times the current amount of critical minerals to reach net-zero carbon emissions.NSW Minerals Week provides an opportunity for government, industry and regional communities to celebrate the contribution that mining makes to the state.Data from Geological Survey projects are used extensively by the industry to guide explorers and miners and assist them in identifying new opportunities for critical minerals mines. Providing free, pre-competitive data helps de-risk projects and draws investment to NSW.The release of data from projects like this helps focus explorers and miners on the best opportunities for development and could see an increase on the 190 critical minerals exploration titles already being pursued across NSW.This latest data release is part of the Government’s continued focus on delivering the NSW Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals Strategy 2024-35. It builds on the extensive investments made by the Government to date, including: a $2.5 million co-investment fund for critical minerals explorers;a $250 million royalty deferral initiative for new critical minerals projects;the provision of world-class and targeted precompetitive geoscientific data, including the recent commencement of the Central Lachlan Seismic Survey around Euabalong to Bathurst and Nyngan to Gilgandra.The work for the Mine Reuse Project was undertaken in collaboration between the Geological Survey of NSW with the Sustainable Minerals Institute at The University of Queensland and Geoscience Australia.The Mine Reuse Project data can be accessed at https://www.resources.nsw.gov.au/geological-survey/projects/mine-reuse-project.Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos said, “The release of this data reinforces that NSW really is the state to be for explorers looking to find the next big critical minerals project.“As key ingredients in our solar panels, wind turbines, EVs and batteries, critical minerals and high-tech metals are integral to our economic future.“This release of data is an important part of our critical minerals strategy. This pre-competitive data helps to minimise investment risk in exploration and identify new opportunities.“We know how important mining is to communities across the state. More exploration means more jobs and more investment in regional NSW.“It’s also a good reminder of the important work done by the Geological Survey of NSW as we celebrate its 150th year. The agency has made a remarkable contribution to the mining, exploration and geology sectors in NSW.”NSW Minerals Council CEO Stephen Galilee said, “This initiative recognises the ongoing growth in global demand for many of the valuable mineral commodities we have here in NSW.“It also highlights the need for more mine approvals in NSW so we can play our role in meeting this global demand while also delivering economic benefits to regional communities.”Chief Geoscientist and head of the Geological Survey of NSW, Dr Phil Blevin said, “The Mine Reuse Project is a direct outcome of the government’s commitment to a Critical Mineral and High-Tech Metals Strategy that drives investment and innovation in the exploration and mining sector through the provision of world-class and targeted precompetitive geoscience.“There is a significant multiplier effect in the provision of this data, and it helps drive exploration and innovation. The results of the Mine Reuse Project is just another example of this.”

Australian Catholic supremos are welcoming the election of American Robert Francis Prevost as the Pope and say he will emphasise simplicity and community.Cardinal Prevost will be known by the name Leo XIV and is both the first American, and first native English-speaker to be appointed to the papacy. Sydney Archbishop Anthony Fisher said the Chicago-native's "missionary heart" would hold him in good stead."Like the late Pope Francis, Pope Leo XIV will bring to the church the experience of being part of a religious order with an emphasis on simplicity and community," he said."It was very moving that the Holy Father opened his first address to a watching world with a greeting of peace, and repeated the central truth of the gospel, that God loves all of us 'without any limits or conditions'."(Pope Leo's message of peace was celebrated by Sydney Archbishop Anthony Fisher and Anthony Albanese. (Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS)Leo spent decades as a missionary in Peru, before Pope Francis appointed him to lead the Vatican's bishop selection process.Archbishop Fisher, along with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, invited Leo to the International Eucharistic Congress, to be hosted in Sydney in 2028.Mr Albanese said the appointment brought joy and hope to Catholics everywhere."May the papacy of Pope Leo advance the cause of peace and social justice for all humanity," he said.Australian Catholic Bishops Conference president Archbishop Timothy Costelloe offered the Catholic church in Australia's heartfelt congratulations. "Cardinal Prevost brought to his most recent role as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops an approachability and willingness to listen which were no doubt developed throughout his many years as an Augustinian missionary in Peru," Archbishop Costelloe said. Melbourne Archbishop Peter Andrew Comensoli also offered kind words for the new Pope."May the Holy Spirit guide him with wisdom, courage, compassion, and strength as he shepherds the universal church in truth and charity," he said.Catholic Social Services Australia executive director Jerry Nockles said Pope Leo's appointment came at a critical time when the world yearned for compassionate leadership grounded in gospel values of justice, dignity and solidarity with the vulnerable. "At a time when Australia and indeed the world faces unprecedented social challenges - from growing inequality to escalating violence and social division - Pope Leo's election offers a beacon of hope and a powerful reminder that the church stands firmly for peace and with those on the margins," Dr Nockles said. Cardinal Mykola Bychok was the sole Australian representative at the conclave in Rome. Archbishop Costelloe and Sale Bishop Greg Bennet have indicated they will travel to Rome for the installation, representing the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference and the church in Australia.By Andrea Hayward and Alex Mitchell in Sydney

Ten renewable energy projects have been given the green light to connect to the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), through agreements that will deliver enough power to supply more than half of NSW homes.The NSW Government has awarded groundbreaking ‘access rights’ to renewable energy companies, which pave the way for wind and solar farms and large-scale batteries to connect to the incoming transmission line in the REZ.The projects have a total of 7.15 gigawatts of renewable energy and storage capacity, capable of powering 2.7 million homes by 2031 in peak periods. They will avoid 10.29 million tonnes of carbon emissions per year.Renewable energy generators and projects that have been successful in securing rights to connect to the Central-West Orana REZ are:Valley of the Winds (wind farm) – ACEN (919 megawatts)Birriwa Solar (solar facility) – ACEN (600 megawatts)Birriwa Battery Energy Storage System (battery storage) – ACEN (600 megawatts)Sandy Creek Solar (solar facility) – Lightsource bp (700 megawatts)Sandy Creek Battery Energy Storage System (battery) – Lightsource bp (700 megawatts)Cobbora Solar (solar facility) – Pacific Partnerships (700 megawatts)Cobbora Battery Energy Storage System (battery) – Pacific Partnerships (400 megawatts)Tallawang Solar Hybrid (solar and battery facility) – Potentia Energy (500 megawatts)Spicers Creek Wind Farm (wind farm) – Squadron Energy (700 megawatts)Liverpool Range Wind Farm (stages 1 and 2) (wind farm) – Tilt Renewables (1,332 megawatts)The ten projects are expected to bring more than 3,200 jobs to the region during construction and 870 ongoing operations and maintenance roles, over the average 30-year agreement.The projects will bring significant investment to the region, including hundreds of millions in community benefits through access fee payments over 30 years. The Minns Labor Government last month announced an initial $60 million in grants, delivering infrastructure and community-led projects with lasting benefits for residents in the REZ.When fully operational, the renewable energy projects in this REZ alone are expected to generate 15,000 gigawatt-hours of energy per year.Liverpool Range Wind Farm, Birriwa Solar and Battery Energy Storage System and Spicers Creek Wind Farm have secured planning approvals and are moving through the next phases of development. The remaining projects are subject to planning approval processes, including ongoing community consultation.When combined with the recently announced wind, solar and battery projects that will connect to new power lines in the South West REZ, more than 10 gigawatts of renewable energy and storage is being added to the NSW grid, enough to power more than 4.3 million homes.Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Penny Sharpe said, “These deals will secure billions of dollars of private investment in renewable energy and deliver enough electricity to power 2.7 million NSW homes a year.“By unlocking new renewable capacity and enhancing battery storage, we are making our power grid more reliable and putting downward pressure on bills.”EnergyCo Chief Executive Officer, Hannah McCaughey said, “This is a landmark initiative that puts NSW on the map as a leader in renewable energy innovation. Granting access rights to these renewable energy projects will almost double NSW’s current operating large-scale wind and solar generation.“In addition to private investment, the Central-West Orana REZ will fund community initiatives and generate thousands of jobs. It will also help keep the lights on and secure our energy future.”Further information:What is a Renewable Energy Zone?REZs will group new wind and solar power generation into locations where it can be efficiently stored and transmitted across NSW. Five zones have been identified and will keep electricity reliable as coal-fired power stations retire, by delivering large amounts of energy.REZs will help deliver lower wholesale electricity costs and place downward pressure on customer bills through increased competition.Where is the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone?The state’s first REZ is in the Central–West Orana region, centred by Dubbo and Dunedoo. It takes in Gulgong, Mudgee, Wellington, Gilgandra and other towns.Transmission lines for the Central-West Orana REZ will travel 240 kilometres. The easement will take in 0.04% of the total agricultural land in the four impacted local government areas.A wind, solar, or energy storage project must hold an access right, or approval from EnergyCo, before it can connect to the REZ network infrastructure.What is EnergyCo?EnergyCo is the NSW Government authority responsible for leading the delivery of REZs, as part of the Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap. The Roadmap is the state’s 20-year plan to transform our electricity system and unlock more affordable and reliable energy.EnergyCo leads strategic planning and consultation processes, to make sure the new transmission infrastructure needed is built in the right place at the right time, with benefits for host communities.

The NSW Government will today introduce legislation to the NSW Parliament, significantly reforming the state’s victims registers to ensure victim-survivors of serious crimes receive a mandatory notification about their right to sign up as a registered victim-survivor to receive critical information about an offender.The three NSW victim registers include the Corrective Services NSW Victims Register, Youth Justice Victims Register, and Specialist Victims Register for victims of forensic patients.Those who opt in to the registers will receive timely, accurate, and trauma-informed updates regarding the perpetrator’s progress through the custodial system. This may include details about the offender's location, sentence, parole eligibility, and any changes that may affect the victim's safety and well-being. Registered victim-survivors also have the right to make a submission about an offender’s parole where relevant.Over several months, Corrective Services NSW has hosted consultation meetings with victim-survivors, victim advocates, and victim support services to ensure these changes reflect the views of the people the registers serve.Eligible victims of serious offenders will receive a mandatory notification letting them know about the relevant register and their eligibility to opt in.If victim-survivors do not want to make a decision at the time, they will have the option to be contacted at a later date to discuss the benefits of registration and decide whether they would like to be registered.Generally, the serious offenders that will cause a mandatory notification about the victims' registers to be sent to a victim-survivor or family member will be:An offender who has committed murderAn offender who is serving a sentence of life imprisonmentAn offender who is serving one or more sentences, totalling a minimum of 12 years in custody, for offences such as attempted murder, serious sexual assault, abduction and aggravated robbery.Family members of the victim will be notified if the victim is deceased, incapacitated or under the age of 18.Ensuring victim-survivors continue to have the choice to register is considered to strike the appropriate balance between ensuring that victim-survivors are aware of their right to be on the register, while importantly maintaining victims’ choice and avoiding re-traumatisation.The state government acknowledges the severe impacts for people directly or indirectly exposed to crime.A person who has experienced personal violence can suffer long-lasting trauma and the feeling that their safety and security are under threat.Minister for Corrections Anoulack Chanthivong said, “These reforms are about ensuring that victim-survivors of serious crimes know about the victims registers and have a clear opportunity to sign up and benefit from being registered.“We have listened to the voices of victim-survivors, and we are responding to their call to improve the system, whilst balancing the critical need to avoid re-traumatising those victim-survivors who do not wish to be re-exposed to the heinous crimes of their offenders.“Signing up to the victims registers will allow victim-survivors to receive vital information and a choice to engage in fundamental legal processes that will have a direct impact on their lives – things like opposing the perpetrator’s parole and being informed if they are going to be released from prison.“No one chooses to become the victim of a violent crime, and that is why the Minns Labour Government is doing everything within our power to support and empower victim-survivors in the aftermath of a crime.“Eligible victim-survivors of serious offenders deserve the choice to be on the victims registers and be given the knowledge and agency to engage with the justice system, ensuring no-one is left behind.”Attorney General Michael Daley said, “Community safety is at the heart of this reform, allowing victim-survivors to be aware of, and to opt in to receive important updates about an offender’s sentencing and parole.“This is important to help victim-survivors engage in the legal process in a way that is empowering and promotes recovery.”Corrective Services NSW Commissioner Gary McCahon PSM said, “Corrective Services NSW works tirelessly to support victim-survivors through the CSNSW Victims Register. “Our highly trained, trauma-informed staff have seen firsthand the impact that good communication can have on the healing process.“From the moment an offender enters custody, we keep registered victim-survivors up-to-date on all significant information.“We can also assist victim-survivors to have their voices heard when important decisions are being made regarding an offender’s release.“Our aim is to give victim-survivors back some of the power they lose when they are exposed to crime.“A person who has experienced personal violence can suffer long-lasting trauma and the feeling that their safety and security are under threat.“Knowing that information will be made available at key milestones, particularly around the timing of release to the community, can provide reassurance to those victim-survivors who wish to receive such information and help them to better plan for their safety.”Victims Advocate Howard Brown OAM said, “These reforms will ensure that victim-survivors of serious crimes will now have knowledge and information about the victims registers, and the opportunity to sign up to them if they choose to.“The victims registers are able to provide the kind of information that victim-survivors may feel that they need to be able to take back control of their lives, sometimes many years after a serious crime has been committed against them.“Maximising free and full access to such a vital resource like the victims registers is a major step toward healing for victim-survivors.”

The state government is continuing work to reduce the New South Wales road toll and reduce the tragic impact of road trauma on communities across the state, with road safety experts and advocates gathering in Sydney today for a Motorcycle Safety Roundtable.Sadly, the number of motorcyclists dying on New South Wales roads has hit a ten-year high, with 16 more people dying on a motorcycle in 2024 compared to 2023.The New South Wales Government has today convened a roundtable with the intention of better understanding why more motorcycle riders have died and to explore potential steps that can be taken to save lives. Topics on the agenda include enhancements to the Motorcycle Graduated Licensing Scheme, innovative road infrastructure safety measures, vehicle safety and more use of protective gear. Attendees include the Motorcycle Council of NSW, Motorcycling NSW, the Australian Automobile Association, the NSW Police Force, Stay Upright, NRMA, the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, Deakin University, Monash University Accident Research Centre and ANCAP.Motorcycles make up just 3.8 per cent of registered vehicles in NSW, but accounted for almost 20 per cent of deaths on New South Wales roads in 2024. Over the decade 2014-2023, a total of 590 fatalities involved motorcycle riders or their passengers, with young people over-represented.Hospitalisations of motorcyclists also increased by 10 per cent in the 12 months to June 2024, with 2,846 motorcyclists admitted to hospital. This is 248 more than the previous 12 months. Data shows:Fatality risks are highest during the early stages of a rider’s licensing journey, particularly during the learner, P1, and P2 licence phases Deaths among young riders aged 16–25 have surged, rising from 12 in 2023 to 21 in 2024Over the past decade, 87 per cent of motorcycle crashes occurred in fine weather, with the most common type of crash involving riders running off the road on a curve Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison MP, said, “Motorcycles make up just 3.8 per cent of registered vehicles in NSW, yet they accounted for nearly 20 per cent of road deaths last year – a significant over-representation. Modelling suggests that motorcyclists will make up 30% of road deaths by 2050. “I am confident this roundtable will help identify further road safety measures we can move ahead with.“I am delighted that there has been a strong response from stakeholders to the roundtable, which is being coordinated on behalf of the NSW Government by the Centre for Road Safety, bringing together rider groups, safety experts, academics, and government agencies.“Research shows injury risk to the part of the body protected can be reduced by more than 40% by wearing gloves and boots – a $50 pair of gloves can make a huge difference.“Every life lost on the roads is one too many. We know we can do more to protect all road users, especially our most vulnerable. That’s why we’re holding this roundtable—to listen, to learn, and to act.”

Midnight Mafia on 3 May 2025 will be the second music festival to participate in the NSW pill testing trial.Illicit drugs remain illegal in NSW. The NSW Government reiterates that there will always be risks involved when consuming these substances, and this is not an endorsement of illicit drug use.The pill testing trial is designed to help patrons make safer choices by connecting them with experienced health and peer staff who can provide information along with harm reduction advice.The first trial site was located at the Yours and Owls music festival in Wollongong on 1 and 2 March 2025.The free and anonymous drug checking service allows festival patrons to bring a small sample of substances they intend to consume to be analysed. Qualified health staff provide a rapid evaluation of the main components of the substance in line with available technology, and an indication of potency where possible.The service is staffed by peer workers, health workers and analysts who clearly communicate the capabilities and limitations of pill testing to festival patrons. Patrons are never advised that a drug is safe to use.Staff at the service can also provide patrons with referral to health and welfare services available at the event and in the community.NSW Health and NSW Police Force are working closely with festival organisers and other stakeholders to ensure safe and effective implementation of the trial at these events. The trial operates alongside other harm reduction and medical services at participating festivals.The trial will run for 12 months and will be independently evaluated. Up to ten additional festivals will be included in the trial following Midnight Mafia.The trial comes after the NSW Government’s Drug Summit concluded in early December. The recently released Report on the 2024 New South Wales Drug Summit provides a priority action recommending a trial of music festival-based drug testing.Further information on the NSW drug checking trial can be found here.More information for young people on how to keep themselves and their friends safe at music festivals is available on the Your Room website.Minister for Health Ryan Park said, “We want to make clear no level of illicit drug use is safe.“This trial is about helping festival goers make more informed decisions about drug use with the goal of reducing harm and saving lives.“As we saw at the first trial site at the Yours and Owls festival, collaboration between all stakeholders is critical to ensuring the trial runs effectively.“We thank their event team for hosting, the patrons who visited the service, the dedicated NSW Users and AIDS Association (NUAA) peer workers, and the Forensic & Analytical Science Service. “The NSW Government looks forward to listening to the evidence and applying the lessons learned as this drug checking trial progresses.”Member for Sydney Alex Greenwich said, “I commend the NSW Government and NSW Health for this evidence-based and harm reducing trial.“Pill testing is all about keeping people safe, Informed, and can ultimately safe lives.”

Mortgage-holders are set for further relief, with economists declaring you can "lock in" an upcoming interest rate cut.Quarterly numbers released on Wednesday are expected to show core inflation has dropped within the Reserve Bank of Australia's target range, paving the way for a rate cut at its May 20 meeting.Economists from Australia's big four banks have all forecasted the Reserve Bank's preferred measure of annual trimmed mean inflation will come in at either 2.8 or 2.9 per cent - within its target range of two to three per cent.(Economists at the big four banks forecast inflation to be within the Reserve Bank's target range. (Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOS)The annual rate leapt out of the target range in early 2022, triggering 12 rate rises in 13 months.The central bank cut its cash rate to 4.10 per cent in February, and Westpac Group chief economist Luci Ellis said another cut in May was guaranteed."You can lock in a (0.25 per cent) cut in May, even if the Q1 inflation data is a shade disappointing," she said."For the time being, we continue to expect a total of three further cuts (0.75 per cent in total), including the cut in May, with August and November pencilled in for the other two cuts."Each 25 basis point cut would shave about $90 off monthly repayments on a typical $600,000 mortgage.While some wondered if the global economic uncertainty caused by US President Donald Trump's trade tariffs might trigger a larger than usual cut - as high as 0.5 per cent - Dr Ellis said that was not plausible.(Trimmed mean inflation is expected to come in at either 2.8 or 2.9 per cent. (Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS)She labelled commentary suggesting the double-cut "breathless" and said Australia was less affected by the tariffs than other economies."If the board were to do something other than cut by 0.25 per cent in May, it might consider a 0.35 per cent move to 3.75 per cent," she said."To be clear, we regard this as a very outside chance."NAB, however, disagreed and has prepared for a 0.5 per cent rate cut, also predicting annual trimmed mean inflation would be recorded at 2.8 per cent."We think quarterly CPI will largely take a back seat to rising global uncertainty," its weekly markets report read."Our base case is that the RBA will deliver a 50bp cut in May to take policy more quickly towards neutral."(US President Donald Trump is set to mark his first 100 days in office. (Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS)Retail sales figures are due out on Friday, while US policy developments will continue to be of interest as Trump celebrates his first 100 days in office at a rally in Michigan on Tuesday.Investors on Wall Street have meanwhile parsed a spate of earnings looking for signs of easing tensions in the US-China trade dispute.The S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite indices were bolstered by gains in the "magnificent seven" group of artificial intelligence-related megacaps on Friday, while the blue-chip Dow Jones Industrial Average was more muted.The latter rose 20.10 points, or 0.05 per cent, to 40,113.50, the S&P gained 40.44 points, or 0.74 per cent, to 5,525.21 and the Nasdaq gained 216.90 points, or 1.26 per cent, to 17,382.94.In a shortened trade week, Australian share futures lifted only 2.0 points, or 0.02 per cent, to 7,786.The S&P/ASX200 rose 47.7 points, or 0.60 per cent on Thursday, before the Anzac Day public holiday, to 7,968.2, as the broader All Ordinaries gained 49.9 points, or 0.61 per cent, to 8,175.1.By Alex Mitchell in Sydney

Australia's growth outlook has been slashed by a major international body as US President Donald Trump's trade upheaval sends market volatility skywards.The United Nations financial agency, the International Monetary Fund, said uncertainty had surged to unprecedented levels in its World Economic Outlook for April.Mr Trump's latest comments - that the US would be "very nice" in negotiations with China - followed conciliatory remarks from US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent that sent Wall St shares bouncing back from heavy losses overnight.The Australian bourse jumped more than 1.5 per cent on Wednesday morning.(Global fallout from US tariffs has hit Australia's prospects for economic growth. (Bianca De Marchi/AAP PHOTOS)Despite the positive reaction, the fluctuating daily pronouncements are damaging the economy.The fund downgraded Australia's economic growth projection for 2025 to 1.6 per cent from 2.1 per cent in January.Global growth is also expected to be half a percentage point lower at 2.8 per cent.Equity markets had suffered heavy losses since Mr Trump's tariff announcement on April 2, but US stocks potentially had further to fall, the IMF said."Major policy shifts are resetting the global trade system and giving rise to uncertainty that is once again testing the resilience of the global economy," the agency said in the document, released on Tuesday, US time.If the agency's predictions are borne out, about $13 billion would be shaved off Australia's economy.The potential hit to the economy is worse than feared by Treasury, which predicted only a 0.1 per cent reduction in growth in its budget, reaffirmed in the pre-election economic and fiscal outlook earlier in April.Treasurer Jim Chalmers said the government's job was not to "follow the bouncing ball of daily announcements and shifts", given the unpredictability around tariffs and trade negotiations."Our job is to make our economy more resilient, to engage with our colleagues and counterparts around the world, to find the most diverse, reliable markets that we can," he told reporters on Wednesday."Obviously, a big concern to us is the impact on the Chinese economy of these escalating trade tensions."(Treasurer Jim Chalmers is concerned about the unpredictability of tariffs and trade negotiations. (Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS)China's GDP growth was downgraded by 0.6 per cent to four per cent in 2025, below Beijing's target of five per cent growth.Tariffs will dominate talks between global financial leaders gathering at IMF and World Bank meetings in Washington during the week.Finance ministers from around the globe will be eagerly seeking meetings with Mr Bessent, who is leading trade negotiations, to strike a tariff exemption deal.Dr Chalmers will be a notable absentee while he is tied up campaigning for the federal election.He said Australians would be worse off and more vulnerable to global economic uncertainty if Opposition Leader Peter Dutton won the election on May 3.(Inflation is expected to come in lower for 2025 than first forecast. (Flavio Brancaleone/AAP PHOTOS)Opposition finance spokeswoman Jane Hume said the downgrade was a warning that Australia needed fiscal buffers to the budget, which Labor had abandoned when it came into government."One of the things that we have said is that we will bring the budget back to a path of structural surplus," she said."It's going to take some time, because so much of that windfall revenue gain that has come through from the Labor government in the last couple of years has been squandered or it's been spent in recurrent expenditure baked into the budget."Australian GDP growth is expected to pick up to 2.1 per cent in 2026, slightly lower than the 2.2 per cent projected in January.Headline inflation is projected to come in 0.8 percentage points lower in 2025 than previously forecast, at 2.5 per cent, before accelerating strongly to 3.5 per cent in 2026, once federal energy rebates come off.By Jacob Shteyman in Canberra

Pope Francis's Australian-like informality and love of the people are being remembered as millions of Catholics mourn the pontiff's passing.The 88-year-old's death on Monday after a recent serious health battle was marked by tolling church bells and preparations for scores of memorial masses for the Catholic leader.Archbishop of Sydney Anthony Fisher, who met Francis about 20 times, described the Pope as very easy to talk to and almost like "an Australian in terms of his informality".(Tributes are flowing for Pope Francis, who is being remembered kindly by bishops and everyday people. (Bianca De Marchi/AAP PHOTOS)"He was a man of deep compassion ... I count it a great privilege that I got to talk to him so many times," he told ABC TV."He shared a real passion for the marginalised, for refugees, for people who felt alienated from society, for people who were poor, financially and emotionally."Many mourners attended early masses at local cathedrals following the Pope's passing.Outside Sydney's St Mary's Cathedral, Stephen said Francis had continued Pope John Paul II's legacy as a man of the people.(Mourners attend early masses to pay tribute to the Pope, remembered as a man of the people. (Bianca De Marchi/AAP PHOTOS)"That's what Pope Francis brought to this world: really giving everyone hope and not just making the church something that's symbolic," he told AAP."He went to the prisons to wash the feet of the captives; it's like he was representing Jesus in the truest form."Mark Andrews stopped by the cathedral before work on Tuesday and said Francis's legacy spread outside Catholicism."People across faiths saw his value and his kindness ... he was a good man in every sense," he said.(Anthony Albanese put campaigning on hold to attend a memorial at St Patrick's Cathedral. (Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS)Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who is Catholic, said the major party leaders had agreed to dial back election campaigning on Tuesday as a sign of respect.He attended mass at St Patrick's Cathedral in Melbourne on a rainy Tuesday morning.Australian Catholic Bishops Conference president and Perth Archbishop Tim Costelloe reflected on images taken just hours before the Pope's death, when Francis made a public appearance at St Peter's Square."Even though he was so sick, and so weak, he was determined to be with his people," he told ABC radio."Being with his people, being present to his people, was probably the great gift that he brought to the church and to the world."National flags on government buildings will fly at half-mast on Tuesday as a mark of respect.(Flags are being flown at half mast for the late Pope Francis, who is being remembered for humility. (Bianca De Marchi/AAP PHOTOS)The Pope's death could also prove a turning point in Australia's relationship with the Vatican after Francis overlooked local archbishops when selecting the nation's sole cardinal in December.Cardinal Mykola Bychok said he was filled with sadness for the loss of a "pope of peace" and a man of simple piety."I am grateful for the late Holy Father's frequent appeals for a just peace in Ukraine and for the efforts of the Holy See that he oversaw - known and secret - that in some way helped bring relief to the imprisoned and suffering," the Ukrainian-born, Melbourne-based cardinal said.Cardinal Bychok was on his way to the Middle East on a pilgrimage, but will divert to Rome to take part in the funeral rites before joining other cardinal electors to choose the 267th and next pope.Mourners paid tribute to a progressive Pope who was a champion of refugees and the poor. (Bianca De Marchi/AAP PHOTOS)The change in leadership could also offer a chance for Australian church leaders to "reset" dealings with the Vatican, Deakin and Oxford universities' Catholic historian Miles Pattenden said.After Cardinal George Pell's 2023 death, Francis overlooked local archbishops when selecting the nation's next cardinal in December."It was an extraordinary snub that Francis made Mykola Bychok, the Ukrainian Australian bishop, cardinal and not the archbishop of Sydney," Dr Pattenden said."There's no way to read that except as a rebuke to Sydney."