Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has ruled out referring Senator Katy Gallagher to the anti-corruption commission over a reported $3 million (US$2 million) compensation payment to former political advisor Brittany Higgins. Higgins received the payment from Gallagher’s department—in her capacity as finance minister—in December after a drawn-out saga involving rape allegations against former Liberal Party…

Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Linda Reynolds has called on the states and territories to take on more responsibility for funding the scheme, which is ballooning out of control. “It’s not sustainable,” Reynolds told The Australian. “If you have a look at any government budget, 12 percent (the current growth rate) or…

The Australian federal and state governments will partner up within the next fortnight to develop a new financial sustainability plan for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) after the scheme’s budget increased beyond expectations. Ministers discussed the issue in a meeting on Friday and agreed to accelerate the development of an “NDIS sustainability work plan.” This…

Former Liberal Party staffer Brittany Higgins will pursue a complaint of rape that occurred in Parliament House to Australian Federal Police and the Department of Finance. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the alleged rape of a former Liberal Party staffer is a wake-up call that must drive change within Parliament House. He has asked Curtin…

Australia’s fleet of F-35A fighter aircraft is ready to deploy on operations after the $65 billion Joint Strike Fighter Program established a new maintenance hub. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the fleet of aircraft was now 33 strong. “This is about protecting and securing Australia’s interests but it’s also creating jobs and driving investment right…

The Australian army will replace its troubled Tiger helicopter fleet with the more reliable American-made Boeing Apache Guardian helicopters after a report revealed that design flaws and reliability issues plagued the Airbus-made Tigers. Defence Minister Linda Reynolds said on Jan. 15 that the AH-64 Apache helicopters would strengthen Australia’s armed reconnaissance force and allow Australia to…