Murray Watt

Australia detected its first suspected mainland case of H5N1 bird flu in a brown skua found in Western Australia’s Cape Le Grand National Park. Authorities are confirming the strain, and the country has been preparing for such an outbreak through biosecurity measures and wildlife testing.

Santos could begin drilling up to 12 gas wells in the Northern Territory’s Beetaloo basin after receiving approval from the Finocchiaro government. Environment groups have urged federal environment minister Murray Watt to assess the project under national nature laws due to concerns about water and threatened species.

The federal government paid $3.8 million in personal protection for the administrators of the CFMEU. A Senate committee also heard that minister Murray Watt required personal security after introducing legislation to place the union into administration.

The federal government declined to issue an emergency declaration to halt construction of an Olympic stadium and aquatic centre in Victoria Park, a site claimed as sacred by traditional owners. Environment minister Murray Watt considered applications under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act but decided against an 11th-hour intervention.

The RSL is reviewing its 'welcome to country' policy, while Angus Taylor proposes doubling Australia's fuel reserves. Federal environment minister Murray Watt will address threats to the Great Barrier Reef, including climate change and poor water quality, ahead of a world heritage committee meeting.