Clean Energy Regulator · Original source
The Clean Energy Regulator published its 2025–26 inspection report on solar battery and solar PV systems installed under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme. A record 6,554 inspections were completed, including 3,425 battery inspections in the first year batteries were eligible. Since 1 July 2025 the regulator has contacted more than 830 installers about adverse findings, sending 716 advisory and 121 warning letters, and can suspend installers with repeated non-compliance.
Tony Perrett, Acting Minister for Natural Resources and Mines · Original source
The Queensland Government welcomed Rio Tinto's $2.6 billion investment in the Kangwinan bauxite project, marked by a groundbreaking ceremony near Weipa. The project is expected to support more than 1,300 construction jobs and sustain a 1,500-strong local workforce in Western Cape York. It will add 20 million tonnes of annual bauxite production, lifting capacity to 44 million tonnes a year, with first production targeted for 2029 and full production by 2032.
CSIRO · Original source
CSIRO-led research published in PNAS found that water in tiny rock pores separates gas pockets until sudden cascade events trigger rapid mixing, challenging models that assume smooth mixing. Lead author Dr Samuel Jackson and partners at Ghent University and the University of Rennes used 4D X-ray imaging of a 6mm sandstone sample. The findings could improve predictions of hydrogen purity and recovery when stored in depleted gas fields, linked to the H2RESTORE project in Victoria.
Australian Prudential Regulation Authority · Original source
APRA and ASIC have finalised changes simplifying reporting under the Financial Accountability Regime (FAR), effective immediately. Entities no longer need to report key functions for the FAR register or show who reports directly to an accountable person on accountability maps. The regulators estimate the changes cut reporting for all accountable entities and about 4,500 accountable people, and halve accountability map updates, while FAR accountability obligations stay unchanged.
Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister · Original source
At COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called for global support for the Pacific Resilience Facility, a Pacific-owned and led financing institution. Australia is a founding contributor to the Facility, which provides community-level grants for climate adaptation and disaster preparedness, such as community solar and rainwater harvesting. Elevating Pacific priorities, including accessible climate finance, is a key aim of Australia's role as COP31 President of Negotiations.
