# Australia daily digest — 8 Nov 2026

Three Australian government releases marked 8 November, led by the Prime Minister's first significant update since February on the Defence Estate Audit, with 11 sites transferred for divestment and four heritage sites staying in public ownership. Queensland also published a masterplan for The Prince Charles Hospital, with Stage One adding 104 beds, and announced a mining trade mission to Indonesia led by Resources and Mines Minister Dale Last.

Source-local date: Sunday 8 November 2026 (Australia/Sydney). 3 release(s). Canonical: https://mediarelease.co/digests/au/2026-11-08/

## Releases

### [Stronger ties with Indonesia to drive mining and processing opportunities for Queensland](https://mediarelease.co/au/mr02752-stronger-ties-with-indonesia-to-drive-mining-and-08112026.html)

Issued by: Dale Last, Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Minister for Manufacturing and Minister for Regional and Rural Development · Original source: https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/106366

Queensland Natural Resources and Mines Minister Dale Last is leading a trade mission to Indonesia, the first led by a Resources and Mines Minister in 17 years. The mission focuses on critical minerals, coal, mining equipment, technology and services, and associated processing opportunities. Last will meet Indonesian Government officials, investment partners and major resources operators, and visit one of the world's largest open-pit thermal coal mines.

### [New masterplan sets future direction for The Prince Charles Hospital](https://mediarelease.co/au/mr02751-new-masterplan-sets-future-direction-for-the-08112026.html)

Issued by: David Crisafulli, Premier and Minister for Veterans; Tim Nicholls, Minister for Health and Ambulance Services · Original source: https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/106372

The Queensland Government has released a masterplan for expanding The Prince Charles Hospital, Australia's leading cardiothoracic hospital, under its Hospital Rescue Plan. Stage One will add 104 beds, including an 80-bed mental health facility, a larger emergency department and an expanded cardiac catheterisation lab service. The first new treatment spaces are due in 2028 and the mental health facility in 2031. Public consultation on the masterplan is now open.

### [First update on the Defence Estate Audit](https://mediarelease.co/au/mr02750-first-update-on-the-defence-estate-audit-08112026.html)

Issued by: Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister · Original source: https://www.pm.gov.au/media/first-update-defence-estate-audit

The Albanese Government has released its first significant update since February on the independent Defence Estate Audit, under which it agreed to fully or partially divest 67 underused Defence sites. Defence has transferred 11 sites to the Department of Finance for divestment. Victoria Barracks Sydney and Melbourne, Fort Queenscliff and RAAF Williams – Point Cook will stay in public ownership to protect their heritage, and the Stokes Hill Fuel Installation in the Northern Territory will return to the Larrakia people.

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