Four Australian releases, led by Queensland Parliament passing bail laws the Crisafulli Government calls the strongest in the nation. The NSW Government opened the $440 million Shoalhaven Memorial Hospital redevelopment, Victoria awarded $1.98 million for mRNA cancer treatment research, and the ABS reported energy exports at a 10-year low.
Thursday 29 October 2026 (Australia/Sydney source-local date) · 4 releases · MediaRelease.co editorial digest
Australia's physical energy exports fell 3.1 per cent to their lowest level in 10 years in 2024–25, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Black coal remained the largest energy export despite a 1.1 per cent decline, followed by LNG, down 2.2 per cent. Renewable energy production rose almost 10 per cent, led by solar up 11 per cent and wind up 15 per cent, while energy use per person has fallen 16 per cent over the past decade.
Two Victorian research teams will share $1.98 million through the mRNA Victoria Pipeline grant program to move new cancer treatments towards Phase 1 clinical trials, Minister for Economic Development and Medical Research Anthony Carbines announced. The University of Melbourne receives $980,000 to study how mRNA could make CAR T-cell therapies more effective against solid cancers, while WEHI receives $1 million for potential mRNA treatments for aggressive brain cancers. Victoria has funded 67 RNA projects worth $36 million since 2021.
The NSW Government has officially opened the new acute services building at Shoalhaven Memorial Hospital, the centrepiece of a $440 million redevelopment serving the Illawarra and South Coast. The seven-storey building includes an expanded emergency department, a new intensive care unit, a dedicated acute mental health unit, double the number of operating theatres and a rooftop helipad. Premier Chris Minns and Health Minister Ryan Park said 120 additional health staff started at the hospital this week.
Queensland Parliament has passed the Breach Bail, Go to Jail and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2026, which the Crisafulli Government describes as the strongest bail laws in the nation. From 30 November 2026, adult and youth offenders who commit a serious crime while on bail will face a mandatory minimum of 12 months' imprisonment. Serious offenders must also meet a new 'high degree of confidence' test to be granted bail, and police will no longer be required to consider diversion for youths.
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