Jim Chalmers, Treasurer · Original source
Treasurer Jim Chalmers will attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Finance Ministers’ Meeting in Hong Kong on Tuesday, with fuel and energy security a major focus as global oil prices sit above $100 a barrel. He will meet China’s Finance Minister Lan Fo’an, Singapore’s Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank President Zou Jiayi, and address investors managing more than $2 trillion. APEC economies account for over 73 per cent of Australia’s trade.
David Janetzki, Treasurer, Minister for Energy and Minister for Home Ownership · Original source
A Queensland Government tender for 400MW of new gas-fired generation in Central Queensland by 2032 drew indicative bids from all 10 qualified proponents, together identifying more than 4GW of potential capacity. Four proponents, AGL, APA Group, ANZA Power and Quinbrook, have been shortlisted and will face further evaluation and due diligence. Treasurer and Energy Minister David Janetzki said the response to the process, run by Queensland Investment Corporation, exceeded expectations.
Ryan Park, Minister for Health · Original source
NSW Health has warned against using unapproved peptide products after surveillance data showed 1,180 emergency department presentations linked to peptide use between 1 July 2025 and 30 September 2026. Monthly presentations rose from five in July 2025 to more than 217 in September 2026. Peptides such as BPC-157, TB-500 and retatrutide, often marketed on social media for weight loss or anti-ageing, are not approved in Australia, Health Minister Ryan Park and Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said.
Chris Minns, Premier; Courtney Houssos, Minister for Natural Resources · Original source
The NSW Government will introduce legislation in the next sitting fortnight to protect 400 jobs at MACH Energy’s Mount Pleasant coal mine in the Hunter, after a High Court judgment on 7 October 2026 created legal uncertainty. The Bill would authorise annual production of up to 16.5 million tonnes until 2032, taking effect only once MACH Energy signs a Jobs Guarantee to keep its permanent workforce until 2032, Premier Chris Minns and Natural Resources Minister Courtney Houssos said.
Jim Chalmers, Treasurer · Original source
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has released draft regulations for consultation that would raise financial reporting thresholds for proprietary companies, which have not been updated since 2019. Companies would only need to prepare yearly financial, directors’ and sustainability reports above $100 million in consolidated revenue (from $50 million) or $50 million in consolidated gross assets (from $25 million). The Government says the changes will save business over $210 million a year in compliance costs. Consultation closes on 2 November 2026.
Australian Federal Police · Original source
The Australian Federal Police is urging communities across Australia to remain vigilant against foreign interference and report suspicious activity to the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400. The reminder follows the conviction and imprisonment of a second person for foreign interference offences last month. Since 2018, the AFP has charged eight people with foreign interference offences, with two convicted and four still before the courts. AFP Commander Matthew Gale said community awareness and reporting were among the best defences.
