Jeremy Rockliff, Premier; Jo Palmer, Minister for Education · Original source
The Tasmanian Government is distributing new Home Practice Phonics Kits to families in the coming weeks, with a further 13,860 kits being delivered across 118 government primary schools. The kits build on more than 13,000 Phonics Tile Kits delivered to Prep to Year 2 classrooms in Term 1, Premier Jeremy Rockliff said. Education Minister Jo Palmer said the kits were developed for Tasmanian Government schools in collaboration with the Dyslexia SPELD Foundation.
David Crisafulli, Premier; Brent Mickelberg, Minister for Transport and Main Roads · Original source
The Queensland Government has unveiled the preferred design for a new four-lane Bribie Island Bridge, doubling traffic capacity, with the existing bridge to be converted into a shared walkway for pedestrians and cyclists. Community feedback on the design is open until Friday 27 November 2026, with information sessions planned. Geotechnical investigations are due to start this week to support design work and approvals, Premier David Crisafulli and Transport and Main Roads Minister Brent Mickelberg said.
Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister · Original source
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a $6 million Commonwealth commitment to the Channel 7 Telethon Trust for 2026, supporting children's health and wellbeing. Telethon, a 26-hour televised appeal in Western Australia, has raised more than $778 million over almost 60 years. Funds from the 2026 appeal will back 147 beneficiaries, 199 programs and services, 297 grants, 38 research projects and over 3,000 pieces of equipment. Federal support for Telethon now totals $30 million across five years.
Department of Defence · Original source
HMAS Sydney has returned to Fleet Base East after a 131-day regional presence deployment across the Indo-Pacific, the Department of Defence said. The guided missile destroyer took part in exercises including RIMPAC, Pacific Dragon, Pacific Vanguard and Nichi-Gou Trident alongside partners such as the United States, Japan, Canada and New Zealand. It also operated with HMAS Stuart in the South China Sea and conducted 17 replenishment-at-sea operations, Fleet Commander Rear Admiral Anita Williams and Commander Hayden Jenkins said.
