In an exclusive interview with NDTV following Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s July visit to Australia, Burke said the traditional understanding of terrorism — based on organised cells, clear hierarchies and identifiable networks — was being replaced by a more complex threat landscape shaped by artificial intelligence and online platforms.

“Their powers, their capacity is about to be supercharged by artificial intelligence,” Burke said, warning that extremist organisations could now produce propaganda “quickly in multiple languages” and distribute content that appears authentic despite being false.

The minister said Australian security agencies were also confronting a new form of domestic radicalisation involving young people, often with little connection to traditional extremist networks.

“We have people now as young as 12 on our caseload,” Burke said, describing a growing challenge involving online gaming platforms and digital communities.

He explained that young users may build relationships with strangers through multiplayer gaming, voice chats and online communities, creating trust that can later be exploited for extremist purposes.

“Someone you’re talking to increasingly with AI will have the capacity to be a bot.”

Burke said authorities were seeing cases involving individuals influenced by a mixture of extremist ideologies that historically would have appeared incompatible.

He pointed to examples where ISIS-inspired beliefs were combined with neo-Nazi ideology, describing it as “mixed ideology, fast radicalisation” that challenges traditional counter-terrorism approaches.

The minister said terrorism was becoming increasingly transnational, with online platforms allowing extremist activity to cross borders.

Asked about cooperation with India following attacks including the Bondi Beach attack in Australia and the Pahalgam attack in India, Burke said some intelligence-sharing arrangements could not be discussed publicly.

“There’s elements of this that I’m not able to talk about… when we talk to our friends we’re also being listened to by our enemies.”

However, he confirmed Australia was establishing a new joint centre involving the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) focused specifically on combating online radicalisation.

Burke said artificial intelligence would also be part of Australia’s response, with authorities developing tools to detect and disrupt extremist activity online.

“Part of what we’ll be using is artificial intelligence as well,” he said, adding that such capabilities would be most effective when shared with trusted international partners.

Burke’s comments come as Australia and India deepen cooperation on technology, security and intelligence amid growing concerns about online extremism and foreign interference.

He said the changing threat environment required governments to adapt quickly, particularly as artificial intelligence lowered the barriers for extremist groups to produce content, communicate and influence vulnerable individuals.

Minister Burke also highlighted the importance of cooperation through partnerships such as the Quad, saying democratic countries needed to work together to protect sovereignty and security across the Indo-Pacific.

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The mission, named “Aagaman”—a Sanskrit word meaning “arrival”—carried satellites to an altitude of approximately 450 kilometres. All four stages of the rocket performed as intended on the maiden flight, and satellite deployment was confirmed shortly after launch. A brief internal hold delayed the liftoff by a few minutes, but the mission proceeded without further issues.

Vikram-1 measures approximately 20 metres in height with a diameter of 1.7 metres. The rocket uses an all-carbon composite body, which reduces weight while maintaining structural integrity. Its engines incorporate 3D-printed components, and the vehicle relies on high-performance solid propellant across its stages. The rocket is designed to carry payloads of up to 350 kilograms to Low Earth Orbit, targeting the fast-growing small satellite market.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with the Skyroot team following the launch. He praised the founders, stating they had “planted a new tree in space” and “strengthened a new root on the ground to inspire the next generation.” The rocket also carried symbolic items including a handwritten postcard from the Prime Minister with the words “Vande Mataram,” along with messages from ISRO scientists, Indian astronauts, and Skyroot employees.

Pawan Kumar Chandana and Naga Bharath Daka founded Skyroot Aerospace in 2018. Both are former ISRO scientists who left the government agency to pursue commercial spaceflight. Both hold engineering degrees and spent years working on propulsion and launch vehicle systems at ISRO before starting their venture. Their goal has been to reduce the cost and turnaround time for satellite launches, making space more accessible to commercial customers.

Skyroot previously broke new ground in November 2022 when its suborbital rocket, Vikram-S, became the first privately built rocket from India to reach space. The Vikram-1 orbital launch represents nearly eight years of development from the founding team.

Skyroot’s success rests on foundations laid by ISRO over decades. The Indian space agency holds several historic firsts. In 2014, India’s Mars Orbiter Mission, known as Mangalyaan, successfully entered Martian orbit. This made India the first nation to reach Mars on its inaugural attempt and only the fourth space agency globally to reach the planet. In August 2023, the Chandrayaan-3 mission’s Vikram lander touched down near the lunar south pole, making India the first country to successfully land in that region of the Moon. In February 2017, ISRO’s PSLV-C37 mission deployed 104 satellites in a single launch, which set a world record at the time.

The agency’s LVM3 heavy-lift rocket has maintained a perfect success record across all its missions. In January 2025, ISRO’s SPADEX mission demonstrated autonomous spacecraft docking and undocking in orbit, making India the fourth nation to achieve this capability with indigenous technology.

Policy changes in recent years have enabled private companies like Skyroot to emerge. The Indian government opened the space sector to private participation, and ISRO has supported startups through access to testing facilities, technical guidance, and technology transfer agreements. Skyroot plans to conduct one or two additional demonstration flights before transitioning to fully commercial operations, with ambitions to eventually launch rockets on a monthly basis.

India’s space economy is projected to grow substantially in the coming years, with estimates suggesting it could reach $44 billion by 2033. Saturday’s launch marks the beginning of a new chapter in India’s space ambitions, with private enterprise now playing a central role alongside the government agency that built the country’s reputation in space.

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Exercise Pitch Black 2026 will run from July 20 to August 7 across RAAF Bases Darwin and Tindal in the Northern Territory and RAAF Base Amberley in Queensland.

Up to 100 aircraft and more than 2,500 military personnel from 20 nations will participate in the Royal Australian Air Force’s premier air combat exercise, conducting increasingly demanding missions across northern Australia’s vast military training airspace.

The Indian contingent includes more than 120 Air Warriors supporting four Rafales and two C-17 aircraft.

The High Commission of India in Canberra said the Indian personnel would fly alongside participating air forces to improve interoperability, sharpen combat-flying skills and build stronger professional relationships.

“The High Commission of India is proud to welcome the Indian Air Force contingent,” it said, describing the deployment as an opportunity to build lasting bonds with participating nations.

India will join aircraft contingents from Australia, the United States, Japan, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, South Korea, Singapore, Germany, France and Spain.

Personnel from New Zealand, Fiji, Canada, Brunei, Malaysia, Finland and Sweden will also be embedded in the exercise.

Pitch Black 2026 will mark the first participation of Japanese Air Self-Defense Force F-35 Lightning II fighters and Indonesian T-50I Golden Eagle jets in the exercise. Finland and Sweden will also be represented by embedded personnel for the first time.

Exercise commander Air Commodore Matthew McCormack said Pitch Black was the Air Force’s largest collective training activity with Australia’s international partners and allies.

“It’s where we plan together, fight together and learn together through realistic and complex training scenarios,” Air Commodore McCormack said.

He said the exercise would build on lessons from the 2024 event and allow participating forces to train in an unusually large military airspace that can accommodate complex missions involving many aircraft.

Air Commodore McCormack said the training supported Australia’s National Defence Strategy by improving integration with partner forces and showing their shared commitment to regional security and prosperity.

Pitch Black is designed to test how aircraft, aircrew, mission planners, ground personnel and command teams from different countries operate together during combat-like scenarios.

Flying activity will become more demanding during the three-week exercise, requiring participating forces to coordinate aircraft with different capabilities, procedures and communication systems.

For the Indian Air Force, the deployment provides an opportunity to operate the Rafale alongside advanced aircraft including the F-35, while the two C-17s will support the movement of personnel, equipment and other operational requirements.

India’s participation also reflects the growing defence relationship between New Delhi and Canberra, with the two countries increasingly training together through bilateral and multinational exercises across the Indo-Pacific.

Exercise Pitch Black was first conducted from RAAF Base Williamtown in New South Wales in 1981 before moving to Darwin for the first time in 1983. It has been held mainly in the Northern Territory since then and has operated biennially since 1988, except for its cancellation in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 2024 exercise was the largest Pitch Black held at the time, involving 140 aircraft and about 4,400 personnel from 20 nations. More than 1,700 missions were flown across an exercise area described by Defence as approximately the size of Great Britain.

This year’s event will conclude a period of sustained military flying across northern Australia that has also included Exercises Diamond Storm and Southern Cross.

The RAAF will hold two public events to recognise the support of the Northern Territory community.

The free Mindil Beach Flying Display will be held in Darwin from 5 pm to 6.30 pm on July 23, with military aircraft from Australia and participating countries expected to appear over the coastline.

RAAF Base Darwin will also hold an open day on August 1, giving members of the public an opportunity to see aircraft and military equipment and meet Australian and international personnel. Entry is free, although visitors must obtain tickets in advance and use designated bus transfers.

Air Commodore McCormack said support from the Northern Territory was central to the exercise’s success, allowing international personnel to experience Australia both in the air and on the ground.

For India’s 120-member contingent, the next three weeks will place its Rafale fighters and aircrew inside a multinational training environment aimed at improving how partner air forces plan, fly and respond together during demanding operations.

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Speaking at the University’s Camperdown campus, Albanese said Australia had an opportunity to shape the future of AI rather than simply respond to technological change.

The Prime Minister announced that a new Office of AI would be established within the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet to coordinate the government’s approach and accelerate the implementation of Australian Standards for AI.

“These standards will be clear, consistent and mandatory,” Albanese said, adding that legislation would be introduced early next year.

The proposed framework will establish rules for large-scale data centres, including requirements around energy supply, water efficiency, environmental impact and community consultation. Large data centres will be required to underwrite new power supply and ensure their growth does not place pressure on household energy costs.

Albanese said Australia’s approach would focus on capturing the economic opportunities of AI while maintaining public trust.

“We can bring our enduring values of fairness and opportunity to this task to ensure that AI earns its social licence; driving growth without undercutting conditions, fragmenting our society or damaging our environment.”

The Prime Minister also addressed concerns from Australia’s creative industries, saying writers, musicians, artists and journalists must retain ownership and control over their work. “Australian writers, musicians, artists and journalists must retain ownership and control of their work,” he said.

“Our laws will spell that out, plain as day.”

Following the address, Albanese met with University of Sydney researchers, students and scholars from the Khuda Women in STEM Academy, alongside AirTrunk founder and CEO Robin Khuda.

In a post on LinkedIn, Khuda said the discussion highlighted the importance of preparing young Australians with the skills needed for an AI-driven economy.

“It was a privilege to meet with the Australian Prime Minister and the Khuda Women in STEM Academy Scholars, particularly following his timely address on AI in Australia.”

He said the future of AI depended not only on technology but also on developing a diverse and skilled workforce.

Citing global concerns about gender gaps in STEM education, Khuda noted that women represent only 36 per cent of STEM graduates globally, highlighting the importance of initiatives designed to support girls and young women entering science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields.

“The program creates a pathway from Year 7 to industry, because when young people see women thriving in STEM, it broadens their sense of what is possible.”

University of Sydney Provost and Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor Prof. Annamarie Jagose said universities had a critical role in helping Australia navigate the opportunities and challenges created by AI.

She said the University was already transforming teaching, assessment and research practices while developing responsible approaches to AI adoption.

The University’s AI, Trust and Governance Centre is examining emerging challenges around responsible AI development, while researchers are applying AI across fields including healthcare, education, engineering and scientific discovery.

Albanese said Australia’s universities would play a central role in building sovereign capability and ensuring the country remained competitive.

“We want great universities like this one leading the way, and we want more Australian companies and global firms developing AI here to boost our sovereign capability, strengthen our national security and build our economic resilience.”

The Prime Minister said Australia’s ability to succeed in the AI era would depend on investing in technology, skills and people.

“If we set our national standards high, then we can make AI stand for Australia’s interests.”

The Khuda Family Foundation’s $100 million Women in STEM Program, delivered in partnership with the University of Sydney, aims to create pathways from secondary school to industry.

Over the past year, the program recorded more than 6,400 student engagements across six partner schools in Western Sydney, welcomed 141 students into its inaugural Academy, and reported increased confidence and awareness of STEM career pathways among participants.

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The proposed framework will establish clear rules for large AI data centres, strengthen safeguards for Australian artists and journalists, and create a nationally consistent regulatory system to guide AI development.

The Prime Minister said the framework would ensure Australia shaped the future of AI on its own terms. “This world-leading framework is about Australia choosing to shape the future rather than letting the future of AI shape us,” Albanese said.

“This framework is about protecting our national interests and ensuring certainty for growth, jobs and investment. If we set our national standards high, then we can make AI stand for Australia’s interests.”

Under the new standards, large data centres will be legally required to underwrite their own new electricity generation, pay the full cost of connecting to the grid, reduce electricity use during periods of high demand to improve grid stability, and meet strict water-efficiency requirements.

The Federal Government will also work with state and territory governments to ensure major AI infrastructure is built in appropriate locations with input from local communities.

The Office of AI has been established within the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, effective immediately, to oversee implementation of the new standards nationwide.

The Government will present the framework to National Cabinet in August, with legislation expected to be introduced early next year. If passed, it would create what the Government says will be the world’s first legislated regulatory framework specifically governing large AI data centres and AI training.

The standards aim to provide greater certainty for investors while streamlining approvals and compliance processes covering energy, water, safety and environmental requirements.

The Government also pledged stronger protections for Australia’s creative industries, saying Australian writers, artists and journalists should retain ownership and control of their work.

Under the proposed approach, AI companies would not be permitted to use Australian creative works for training AI models without the creator’s control.

The Government also confirmed it would release a whole-of-government AI consumer safety strategy in the coming weeks, building on the recently established AI Safety Institute.

Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science Tim Ayres said the initiative aligned with the Government’s broader Future Made in Australia agenda.

“A Future Made in Australia is all about shaping Australia’s industrial and technological future in the national interest and in the interest of every Australian,” Senator Ayres said.

“That means securing critical AI investments here so Australians shape the future. Australian Standards for AI strengthen Australia’s framework to make sure AI investments are on Australia’s terms and strengthen our resilience, security and economy.”

Assistant Minister for Science, Technology and the Digital Economy Andrew Charlton said Australia had an opportunity to ensure AI delivers broad economic and social benefits.

“Australia has an opportunity to ensure that new technology delivers inclusive, safe and sustainable growth, with shared benefits for our workers, and the community,” Charlton said.

“Establishing a clear and enforceable social licence for AI is fundamental towards achieving this objective.”

The Government says the framework is designed to accelerate economic growth, strengthen Australia’s technological sovereignty and provide confidence for businesses investing in AI while ensuring the technology develops in line with Australian values.

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Now in its eighth year, the annual GenCost report is regarded as Australia’s most comprehensive assessment of the costs of new-build electricity generation, storage and hydrogen technologies.

The report finds electricity generation costs are expected to continue falling in the near term as battery storage becomes cheaper and more widely deployed, while the cost of fossil fuel technologies is rising amid growing global demand for gas turbines, particularly from artificial intelligence-driven data centres in the United States.

Among its key findings, the report concludes that renewable energy supported by storage remains the most affordable investment option for Australia’s future electricity system, with solar photovoltaic (PV) and onshore wind expected to provide 93 per cent of Australia’s electricity by 2050 under a net zero scenario. Hydroelectricity, battery storage, transmission infrastructure and flexible generation such as gas and hydrogen would complement the renewable mix.

Battery storage is already reshaping Australia’s electricity market.

The report notes that lower battery costs and rapidly expanding storage capacity are increasingly competing with traditional gas peaking plants, helping reduce evening peak electricity prices.

Average wholesale generation costs across the National Electricity Market fell to around $104 per megawatt-hour in 2025, down significantly from the $189/MWh peak recorded in 2022 during the global energy crisis. Based on electricity futures markets, generation costs are expected to ease further to between $80 and $90/MWh by 2030.

CSIRO Chief Energy Economist and GenCost Project Leader Paul Graham said the report reflected rapidly changing global technology markets.

“As battery costs continue to fall and gas technology costs rise, batteries are increasingly becoming the preferred flexible generation technology in the near term.”

While batteries are expected to dominate new flexible generation investment, Graham said gas would still have an important supporting role.

“GenCost modelling finds gas technologies will still play a limited but important role in helping firm the electricity system, contributing around three to seven per cent of generation by 2050.”

One of the emerging factors influencing electricity generation costs is the surge in demand for gas turbines from hyperscale data centres powering artificial intelligence applications.

According to the report, the International Energy Agency has identified US data centres as one of the world’s largest sources of demand for gas turbines, pushing up prices globally and increasing the cost of gas-fired electricity generation.

Although the report found that some conventional technologies, including new black coal generation, could in some circumstances appear cost-competitive with renewables, it concluded that using such technologies would require more expensive emissions reductions elsewhere in the economy if Australia is to meet its net zero commitments.

Graham said geopolitical events continued to create uncertainty for future energy markets.

“Each year GenCost, with the help of stakeholders, seeks to understand how electricity technology markets are changing. The impacts of the Iran war and data centre demand for gas turbines are currently the strongest drivers of uncertainty.”

He added that this year’s report incorporated extensive stakeholder consultation, greater use of market data and new open-source modelling tools to improve transparency and industry engagement.

AEMO Executive General Manager of System Design Nicola Falcon said the collaboration between CSIRO and AEMO continued to provide trusted, independent evidence for Australia’s electricity planning.

“GenCost continues to be a respected example of collaboration between CSIRO and AEMO, providing trusted, independent insights that support planning for Australia’s future electricity system.”

CSIRO Director of Energy Dr Dietmar Tourbier said broad consultation remained central to the report’s credibility.

“Consultation remains central to GenCost, ensuring the report reflects diverse perspectives and the best available evidence to support transparent decision-making across the energy sector.”

Looking beyond 2050, the report projects that all new electricity generation technologies will cost more than $100/MWh, reflecting the significant investment required to replace Australia’s ageing electricity infrastructure rather than the cost of any single technology.

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The announcement was made during the Australia–India CEO Forum in Melbourne, where AustralianSuper Chief Executive Paul Schroder met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

The latest commitment builds on AustralianSuper’s initial AU$240 million investment in NIIF in 2019, which the fund said has become one of its strongest-performing infrastructure investments for members.

The new investment will take AustralianSuper’s overall exposure to India across infrastructure, equities and private markets to around AU$3.3 billion.

Schroder said the investment would provide AustralianSuper members with opportunities for long-term returns while supporting infrastructure development that benefits communities in India.

“It will provide a great opportunity for AustralianSuper members to earn a proper return over time and for investments to happen in infrastructure, which will help Indian communities.”

AustralianSuper said its membership includes around 130,000 Indian nationals working in Australia, along with many Australians of Indian heritage, highlighting the strong people-to-people links between the two countries.

AustralianSuper Chief Investment Officer Shaun Manuell said the fund’s successful partnership with NIIF demonstrated the potential of long-term investment supported by strong institutions and policy settings.

“AustralianSuper’s investment in the NIIF has been one of our most successful partnerships and that’s why we’re excited to invest again to help drive returns for members.”

He said India’s economic growth, expanding middle class and improving investment environment were key factors behind the decision.

“India is an attractive place to invest due to its strong economic growth and expanding middle class.”

AustralianSuper currently has about AU$2.8 billion invested in India across infrastructure, equities and private markets.

Welcoming the announcement, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the investment would support key areas identified in the Australia–India economic engagement roadmap, including clean energy, education and skills, agribusiness and tourism.

“I welcome the announcement that AustralianSuper will invest an additional $500 million into India’s National Investment and Infrastructure Fund,” Albanese said.

“This is about building on and broadening out the four key priorities in our roadmap.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India’s investment potential and invited global businesses to participate in the country’s growth journey.

“India offers unmatched opportunities for growth and innovation. I invited businesses to invest and innovate in India.”

The NIIF was established in 2015 to attract global investment into infrastructure projects in India and has emerged as a key platform for international institutional investors seeking exposure to India’s economic growth.

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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the Australia–India Joint Statement on Energy Security during their meeting in Melbourne, reaffirming their commitment to secure, reliable and sustainable energy supplies.

The agreement highlights cooperation across traditional energy sources, renewable energy, critical minerals and future technologies as both nations navigate global energy challenges and accelerate the transition towards cleaner energy systems.

A key milestone is the completion of administrative arrangements allowing Australian uranium exports to India under the 2015 Australia–India Nuclear Cooperation Agreement, exclusively for peaceful purposes and under International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards.

Prime Minister Albanese said Australia and India shared a commitment to strengthening energy security and building resilient supply chains. “India is an important and reliable energy partner for Australia, and we look forward to continuing to enjoy a mutually beneficial energy trading relationship,” he said.

“Australia’s natural resources are vital for other countries’ energy security and stability, and we look forward to becoming a reliable, trusted supplier of uranium to India.”

The two leaders also welcomed progress under the India–Australia Renewable Energy Partnership, including the opening of the Rooftop Solar Training Academy in Gujarat, which aims to support skills development and solar energy expansion.

The partnership will also strengthen collaboration between Geoscience Australia and the Geological Survey of India through a renewed memorandum of understanding focused on resource mapping, scientific exchanges and critical mineral exploration.

Prime Minister Modi said the latest agreements represented significant progress across multiple sectors of the bilateral relationship.

“Today’s talks have unparalleled outcomes in areas such as renewable energy, climate action, nuclear energy, critical minerals, technology, education and more.”

He added that Australia and India were also working towards accelerating the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA), saying the deal would be “balanced, ambitious and beneficial for both countries.”

The Joint Statement recognises Australia’s role as a major supplier of resources, including coal and liquefied natural gas to India, while India remains an important supplier of refined petroleum products to Australia.

Both nations committed to maintaining stable energy flows, encouraging investment across the energy value chain and strengthening regional energy resilience, including for Pacific Island countries.

The announcement forms part of a broader series of agreements unveiled during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Australia, covering defence and security, education, technology, culture, trade and sport.

The leaders said cooperation on energy and resources would play a key role in supporting economic growth, supply chain resilience and the long-term Australia–India strategic partnership.

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Scholars, policymakers, technology experts and development practitioners have called for the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence to advance sustainable development, ethical governance and organisational transformation across Africa and the Global South.

The call was made at the International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Organizational Agility in Africa and the Global South, held from 25–26 June 2026 at the Peter Mbah Auditorium, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Nigeria.

Organised by the ACE Intercontinental Research Institute, in collaboration with the Open and Distance Learning Centre, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, and Learn to Live Business School, United Kingdom, the conference examined how AI can support innovation, governance and sustainable development.

Participants noted that AI is already transforming public administration, healthcare, education, agriculture, cybersecurity, business and workforce management. However, they stressed that its adoption must be guided by transparency, fairness, accountability, privacy protection and human-centred governance.

Presenters highlighted AI’s potential to improve public health surveillance, strengthen cybersecurity, enhance educational outcomes, support transparent governance and promote organisational resilience. They also warned that weak digital infrastructure, limited technical expertise, high implementation costs and ethical risks could limit Africa’s ability to benefit fully from AI.

Delegates urged African governments and institutions to invest in digital infrastructure, research capacity, workforce training and locally relevant AI policies. They also called for stronger collaboration among universities, governments, industry and civil society to ensure AI contributes meaningfully to the Sustainable Development Goals.

The conference concluded with a commitment to promote responsible AI research, international partnerships and practical innovation capable of improving governance, service delivery and inclusive economic growth across Africa and the Global South.

Contributing Author: Thomas Alama Etalong is Director of Research at ACE Intercontinental Research Institute, Enugu, Nigeria.

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Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury Andrew Leigh said the government would introduce the expanded powers following a Treasury review of the amendments to the unfair contract terms protections.

The changes would allow the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission to respond to breaches more quickly and flexibly, without always having to launch lengthy court proceedings.

The government says the measure is aimed at large businesses, including supermarkets, petrol companies and digital platforms, where standard form contracts can leave consumers and small businesses with little ability to negotiate.

“Whether a big business is a supermarket, a petrol company, or a digital platform we won’t tolerate Australian consumers and small businesses being taken for mugs,” Dr Leigh said.

The move builds on reforms that came into effect in November 2023, which made unfair contract terms illegal and introduced civil penalties for businesses that propose, use or rely on them in standard form contracts with consumers and small businesses.

Those reforms increased maximum penalties to $100 million per offence, making breaches of consumer and competition law a far more serious financial risk for large corporations.

Treasury’s final report, released on 29 June, found the amended unfair contract terms regime had been “broadly successful”, expanding protections to more small businesses and strengthening deterrence by introducing civil penalties.

The review concluded the reforms were already pushing businesses to remove or amend unfair clauses from their contracts, but recommended giving regulators additional enforcement options.

The proposed infringement notice powers would sit below court action, allowing regulators to deal with some breaches faster while reserving litigation for more serious or contested cases.

The government said this would help level the playing field for small businesses that often sign standard contracts with much larger companies for essential services, supply arrangements, digital platforms, fuel, retail, telecommunications or franchising.

The ACCC has already taken action under the strengthened regime.

In June 2025, the ACCC accepted a court-enforceable undertaking from Mable Technologies after the online disability and aged care support platform admitted it had breached the Australian Consumer Law by using unfair contract terms in standard form agreements with clients and support workers.

The ACCC said Mable’s terms included a possible minimum penalty fee of $5,000 in some circumstances, automatic approval of service logs unless disputed within 24 hours, terms allowing fee and contract changes without reasonable notice, and clauses seeking to limit Mable’s liability.

ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe said at the time the regulator was concerned the terms had disadvantaged clients, including NDIS participants, and support workers operating as sole traders or small businesses.

The government also cited action involving Aidacare and ASIC proceedings against Venture 5 Group, trading as CashnGo Australia, as examples of regulators using existing powers to target unfair or unlawful conduct.

The new infringement notice powers form part of a wider competition and consumer protection agenda being pursued by the Albanese government.

Earlier this year, the government introduced legislation to ban unfair trading practices, including subscription traps, drip pricing and business tactics that rely on confusion, friction, hidden fees or consumer fatigue.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers said at the time the government was seeking to crack down on “dodgy deals”, while Dr Leigh said businesses should compete by offering better products and services, not by building “more cunning traps”.

The government says the latest changes will further strengthen the ability of regulators to act when powerful businesses use unfair terms to shift risk, limit rights, impose unreasonable penalties or lock customers and small businesses into one-sided arrangements.

For small businesses, the reform could mean faster action against unfair contract clauses without having to wait for major court cases.

For consumers, it could increase pressure on companies to clean up standard contracts before regulators step in.

Dr Leigh said the goal was a marketplace where consumers and small businesses could deal with larger firms on fairer and more transparent terms.

“These reforms are part of the Albanese government’s broader agenda to level the playing field,” he said.

The final shape of the infringement notice regime will be determined through legislation, but the government has made clear it wants regulators to have more practical enforcement tools when big businesses tilt contracts in their own favour.

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The report, AI Trends for Healthcare 2026, highlights how AI has evolved from a largely behind-the-scenes technology into an increasingly visible and practical tool across hospitals, clinics and research institutions.

Dr David Hansen, CEO and Research Director of CSIRO’s Australian e-Health Research Centre, said the emergence of generative AI had accelerated the technology’s adoption while also increasing the focus on safety and responsible use.

“For many years, AI has largely been ‘under the hood’—a powerful but often invisible technology understood mostly by technical experts,” Dr Hansen said.

“The rapid rise of generative AI has changed that. These tools have brought AI into the spotlight and accelerated its integration into healthcare – while also sharpening the focus on safety, quality and responsible use.”

According to the report, AI is already delivering measurable benefits in a range of clinical settings, including medical imaging analysis, disease management, personalised care and clinical decision support.

One case study featured in the report shows AI generating synthetic CT scans from MRI images, enabling clinicians to plan radiotherapy treatment more accurately while reducing patients’ exposure to radiation.

The report says Australia is entering a critical phase of AI adoption, with healthcare organisations, researchers, governments and industry increasingly integrating AI-powered technologies into routine care.

However, it cautions that realising AI’s full potential will depend on strengthening the systems that support its implementation, including regulation, quality assurance, data governance and digital health interoperability.

“As healthcare systems increasingly rely on AI-powered tools, the need for robust evidence, quality assurance and community co-designed standards has never been greater,” Dr Hansen said.

The report also explores emerging technologies such as multimodal AI and AI-assisted software development, which are expected to play an increasingly important role in the next generation of healthcare innovation.

Dr Hansen said successful AI implementation would require close collaboration between researchers, clinicians and industry.

“We found new AI technologies need to be developed hand-in-hand with clinicians and industry. The research in this report signifies rich collaboration and therefore equally rich real-world utility.”

The report highlights the importance of national digital health standards, including work underway through Sparked, Australia’s Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources accelerator, to ensure AI technologies can integrate seamlessly across the health system and support more connected, patient-centred care.

With more than 20 years of experience developing healthcare AI technologies, Dr Hansen said the sector had reached a pivotal moment.

“We are in a pivotal new chapter where responsible innovation, rigorous evidence and collaboration will determine how successfully AI delivers on its promise for patients, clinicians and communities.”

The AI Trends for Healthcare 2026 report provides practical insights for researchers, policymakers and industry leaders seeking to understand the future direction of AI-enabled healthcare and Australia’s role in advancing safe and effective digital health innovation.

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Langhorne Creek-based Metala has spent years building relationships and navigating the complexities of the Indian market. The company’s perseverance has now resulted in stronger export volumes, with its Metala and Killibinbin brands gaining recognition among Indian consumers and hospitality businesses.

In late 2025, Metala secured a contract to supply wines for Air India’s business class service, giving the Australian brand exposure to premium travellers across the airline’s global network.

“The Australia-India free trade agreement has boosted confidence in Australian wines,” said Metala co-owner Guy Adams.

“India’s younger consumers are moving towards wine, and we can compete at the premium level. It has been slow and steady work, but we are now picking up volumes in India. The Air India deal gets us precisely where we need to be – right in front of our target customers.”

Owned by fifth-generation custodians Guy and Liz Adams, Metala is a historic vineyard in South Australia’s Langhorne Creek region. The 1,000-hectare property includes what the family describes as the oldest family-owned Cabernet Sauvignon vines in the world.

“Metala is an old brand – dating back to the 1960s – and our Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz helped to shape wine-drinking tastes in Australia today,” Liz Adams said.

“We are part of Australia’s wine-making history.”

The winery has expanded its presence across India, with its wines now available in eight states and union territories — Maharashtra, Karnataka, Goa, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Assam and Puducherry.

Sales in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Goa have been particularly strong as India’s middle class grows and younger consumers increasingly explore wine as part of changing food and lifestyle trends.

Guy Adams said India’s growing population and evolving consumer preferences made the country a significant opportunity for Australian wine producers.

“India has a huge population and a growing middle class,” he said.

“Palates are evolving as young people aspire to Western lifestyles, in terms of food and drink.”

Metala worked closely with Austrade and South Australian export advisers to understand the Indian market, identify opportunities and overcome regulatory challenges.

After almost two years of searching for the right partner, the company joined forces with specialist importer Sonarys, which has helped Metala navigate complex state-level regulations, labelling requirements and distribution networks.

The winery has also worked with influential figures in India’s wine industry, including Sonal Holland, India’s only Master of Wine, to strengthen brand awareness and connect with consumers.

Holland’s involvement through the India Wine Awards helped bring Metala wines to the attention of Air India, leading to the business class supply agreement after an 18-month assessment process.

“It took around 18 months of assessments, but in August 2025 we gained a contract to supply business class on Air India,” Liz Adams said.

Air India operates more than 1,200 flights each month to over 85 destinations worldwide, giving Metala access to a premium audience of international travellers.

“One of our biggest challenges is just trying to get our wine in front of people,” Liz said.

“Now, our target market can see and taste our wine on business class flights. This is a terrific opportunity, and it will build our brand in India.”

The company said the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement has improved confidence among Australian wine exporters by reducing tariffs on premium wine and strengthening trade ties between the two countries.

Guy Adams said success in India required patience, commitment and relationship building.

“It’s all about perseverance,” he said.

“India is a relationships-based market. You need to go to India regularly, meet with representatives from the trade, retail and hospitality sectors, and take a long-term view.”

The next generation of the Adams family is also looking towards India as a key growth market.

“India will definitely be important to our future,” said Emily Adams, aged 23, who is already involved in the family business.

“There are lots of young people who are adventurous and tech-savvy. They are also aspirational — and that makes India a great market to be in.”

Metala’s experience highlights the growing opportunities for Australian exporters in India, where persistence, partnerships and a long-term commitment are proving essential to building successful business relationships.

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The project, delivered in partnership with Indian government-owned RITES Limited, will see 22 train sets on Delhi Metro’s Blue Line refurbished as part of the first major mid-life overhaul of a metro fleet in India.

Commuters are already experiencing the benefits of the upgrade, which includes refurbished carriage interiors, LCD-based digital route maps, enhanced passenger information systems, modern fire detection systems, upgraded control panels and CCTV cameras.

“r2p’s technology provides robust and modular architecture, ensuring scalability, maintainability and lifecycle efficiency,” said Flemming Kaer, Founder and Member of the Board of r2p Group.

“Commuters in Delhi can already see the benefit.”

Founded in Germany in 2009, r2p has grown into a global provider of intelligent transport technologies, offering train monitoring systems, CCTV surveillance, passenger information systems, public address systems, passenger counting technology and real-time communications platforms.

Its Australian subsidiary has emerged as a key exporter to the Indian market, supported by the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA).

The trade agreement allows Australian-made equipment to enter India tariff-free, providing a significant competitive advantage. Before the agreement, import duties on some equipment could reach as high as 25 per cent.

“Before the trade agreement, we had to pay up to 25 per cent on imports of equipment from Australia,” said Dr Hemant Singh, Managing Director of r2p Technologies India Private Limited.

“This benefit gives us a commercial advantage in India.”

India’s rapidly expanding metro sector presents a significant opportunity for Australian exporters. Metro systems across the country now transport more than 10 million passengers every day, driving demand for smart, secure and reliable transport infrastructure.

According to Singh, technologies proven in Australia’s demanding operating conditions are particularly well suited to Indian environments.

In response to growing demand, r2p established an Indian subsidiary in 2023 and is now developing a manufacturing facility in Dehradun under a knowledge-transfer agreement with its Australian operations.

The company has also established a software development division in India to provide local maintenance support and customised solutions for customers.

“Domestic manufacturing helps meet regulatory requirements in India, but it also enhances cost efficiency and strengthens our supply chain resilience.”

The success of the Delhi Metro contract is expected to open further opportunities as India continues its ambitious expansion of urban rail networks.

r2p plans to introduce additional technologies to the Indian market, including automated passenger-counting systems and live onboard monitoring solutions aimed at improving passenger safety and operational efficiency.

Austrade has supported the company’s expansion by facilitating introductions and helping build relationships across India’s rail sector.

With metro projects planned across multiple Indian cities, the Delhi Metro contract positions the Australian company to play a growing role in one of the world’s fastest-expanding public transport markets.

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Shah, the founder of Bengaluru-based fintech firm CRED, will succeed Will Cathcart, who has led WhatsApp since 2019. Cathcart confirmed the leadership change in a post on X, saying Shah would become WhatsApp’s next leader after building CRED into one of India’s major technology companies.

The move comes alongside Meta’s decision to invest about US$900 million in CRED, in a deal that gives the Facebook and Instagram parent a minority stake in the Indian fintech company. The investment is expected to value CRED at about US$4.5 billion, according to multiple reports.

CRED said Shah will step away from his executive responsibilities at the company and join Meta’s global leadership team. He will continue to retain his personal shareholding in CRED.

Miten Sampat, who has overseen strategy and finance at CRED since 2020, has been appointed interim chief executive.

The appointment places Shah in charge of one of the world’s largest messaging platforms at a time when WhatsApp is expanding beyond private messaging into business communication, payments, commerce and artificial intelligence-powered services.

WhatsApp has more than three billion users globally, with India its largest market. The platform is used by more than 500 million people in India, making the country central to Meta’s long-term plans for WhatsApp’s growth.

Meta chief executive Mark Zuckerberg said Shah brought a “builder mentality” and global perspective to the role, while Cathcart is expected to remain within Meta in a new product-focused position.

Shah is one of India’s best-known startup founders. Before launching CRED in 2018, he co-founded FreeCharge, one of India’s early digital payments startups, which was later acquired by Snapdeal. He has also become a major angel investor in India’s startup ecosystem.

CRED began as a rewards-based platform for creditworthy users paying credit card bills on time. It has since expanded into payments, lending, wealth products, insurance and other financial services.

The company says it has more than 25 million members and positions itself as a financial platform for high-trust consumers. Despite its strong brand recall, CRED has also faced scrutiny over its business model and path to profitability.

For Meta, Shah’s appointment suggests a sharper focus on India, payments and business-led monetisation.

WhatsApp Pay has struggled to match the scale of local digital payment rivals in India despite WhatsApp’s massive user base. Shah’s experience in consumer fintech could help Meta rethink how payments, commerce and business messaging are built into the app.

The leadership change also comes as WhatsApp is experimenting with new revenue models, including business tools, AI integrations and advertising formats, while continuing to defend its privacy and encryption credentials.

Cathcart’s tenure saw WhatsApp expand features such as encrypted backups, multi-device access, Communities, Channels and deeper Meta AI integration. Shah will now take over the platform as Meta tries to turn WhatsApp’s huge reach into a stronger business engine without alienating users who rely on it for private communication.

The appointment is also being seen as a major moment for Indian technology leadership on the global stage, with an Indian startup founder moving directly into one of Meta’s most important product roles.

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In a joint call to action, cyber security chiefs from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States warned that advanced AI models could fundamentally change both offensive and defensive cyber capabilities, with major shifts expected within months rather than years.

“AI is not a future consideration – it is already here,” the agencies said, warning that malicious actors are using AI to increase the speed, scale and sophistication of cyber attacks.

The statement said while AI would provide powerful tools to improve cyber defence, it was also lowering barriers for criminals and accelerating the exploitation of vulnerabilities.

The leaders urged organisations to treat cyber security as a core business responsibility rather than solely a technical issue.

“Cyber risk can no longer be treated as a purely technical issue. This is a core business risk and leadership responsibility.”

They called on business leaders and boards to understand cyber risks, strengthen accountability, invest in foundational security practices and ensure cyber teams have the authority and resources needed to respond effectively.

The agencies highlighted several priority actions for organisations, including reducing unnecessary system exposure, accelerating security patching, addressing outdated legacy systems, strengthening identity and access controls, and regularly testing incident response plans.

The warning comes as AI-driven cyber threats are expected to become increasingly sophisticated, with attackers using emerging technologies to discover vulnerabilities, automate attacks and improve social engineering campaigns.

The Five Eyes cyber leaders emphasised that organisations must adopt a “secure-by-design” and “secure-by-default” approach, while maintaining layered defences rather than relying on a single security solution.

“Breaches will occur. Preparedness helps you contain them quickly and prevent escalation into major operational and financial crises.”

The agencies also encouraged organisations to use AI as part of their defensive strategy, including for detecting vulnerabilities, improving software security, identifying unusual activity and responding faster to incidents.

The Five Eyes partnership said closer cooperation and information sharing between governments, industry and technology providers would be critical to protecting communities, businesses and critical infrastructure as AI capabilities continue to advance.

“Cyber resilience is not an IT issue — it is central to operational continuity and market trust,” the leaders said, warning that organisations that delay action face increasing operational, financial and reputational risks.

Australian Cyber Security Centre head Stephanie Crowe joined counterparts from the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security, National Cyber Security Centre, National Security Agency and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency in issuing the warning.

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The prestigious award was presented during the inaugural AAPM Recognition of Excellence Evening held at the Hyatt Centric Melbourne. The honour recognises outstanding leadership and contributions to healthcare administration across Australia.

Originally trained as a dentist in India, Dr Dhawan’s career took an unexpected turn after moving to Australia. Financial constraints prevented him from pursuing dentistry locally, prompting him to retrain as a practice manager while remaining committed to the healthcare sector.

“My passion for healthcare never left me,” Dr Dhawan told AusDoc after receiving the award.

“Moving from India, where you can see that many people can’t afford healthcare, and seeing how things work differently here, I wanted to make a difference so people here can afford it.”

Today, Dr Dhawan manages three Melbourne medical clinics — Essence Healthcare, East Keilor Clinic and Hume Medical Centre — while also serving as a mentor with the Western Victoria Primary Health Network and a surveyor for Australian General Practice Accreditation Limited.

Known for his collaborative leadership style, Dr Dhawan said building strong teams has been central to his success.

“I always believe that if you can find a good team, practice management is not hard, whether it is managing one practice or five,” he said.

“Just show empathy, listen to your staff, and understand what your team and patients actually need.”

Reflecting on his achievement, Dr Dhawan thanked his partner Maddie for her support throughout his professional journey and revealed that owning a medical practice is among his future ambitions.

The AAPM National Awards for Excellence celebrate outstanding achievements in healthcare management and recognise professionals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation and commitment to improving patient care and healthcare operations across Australia.

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Among this year’s winners was Minu Mathew from Datacom, recognised for her technical leadership and contribution to secure network solutions. Mathew’s career journey from desktop support to network engineering has seen her develop expertise in secure networks, SD-WAN and managed services. As a team leader for managed network services and second-in-command to the general manager, she has helped deliver scalable technology solutions while earning Datacom’s Living Values Award for service excellence.

Ankita Dhakar, founder of SecurityLit and Capture The Bug, was recognised for her work in cybersecurity and systems design. She has helped organisations strengthen security practices by translating complex technical risks into practical solutions while mentoring emerging professionals.

“Not every day a founder gets recognised for what they’ve built so far, so I’m feeling incredibly grateful,” Dhakar said on LinkedIn.

“A few years ago, Capture The Bug was just an idea. Today, we’re helping listed companies, fast-growing SaaS, govt orgs, and enterprises simplify how they buy and manage penetration testing. This award belongs to a lot of people.”

Jyothi Madanlal from Amazon Web Services was honoured for her contribution to professional development and the wider technology community. She has been a global contributor to AWS Observability initiatives and serves on the TechWomen New Zealand Board, supporting initiatives such as Mentoring Circles and expanding the ShadowTech programme to more than 150 schools.

Alisha Singla from Easycoder was also recognised for her leadership journey, progressing from frontline support to a trusted advisory role. Since taking on a leadership position, she has contributed to a reported 220 per cent increase in company turnover through improved delivery processes, client retention and strategic growth.

Singla observed on LinkedIn:

“So many people have given me their time, their honesty, and their guidance, often for no reason other than kindness. This award has their fingerprints all over it.”

This year’s awards attracted a record 217 nominations from 77 organisations across the telecommunications, partner, vendor and distributor sectors, with 137 finalists shortlisted.

The WIICTA programme, launched in 2016, continues to provide a platform for recognising women making significant contributions across New Zealand’s technology industry.

The awards also introduced a refreshed Culture and Equity category, replacing the previous Diversity, Equity and Inclusion category, along with a new Community Impact award recognising individuals driving inclusion, cultural respect and social equity initiatives.

Julia Talevski, Editor ARN at Reseller News, said, “From the calibre of this year’s winners to the energy in the room, it’s clear just how much talent, innovation and leadership there is across the tech ecosystem.”

“Congratulations to all the winners of the Women in ICT Awards 2026. The calibre of talent across New Zealand’s ICT sector is outstanding, and this year’s winners exemplify the leadership, innovation and impact shaping the industry.”

The awards, hosted by Reseller News, brought together more than 400 industry leaders at Cordis Auckland to celebrate achievements across nine categories, including Innovation, Technical, Entrepreneur, Graduate, Rising Star, Shining Star, Achievement, Culture and Equity, and Community Impact.

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The study, led by Shailly Tomar and her team from IIT Roorkee’s Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, found that cow urine distillate reduced Chikungunya viral levels by more than 90 per cent at safe concentrations.

Researchers reported even stronger results when the distillate was combined with thymoquinone, a compound derived from Nigella sativa, and piperine from black pepper. The optimised natural formulation achieved a 99.85 per cent reduction in viral load under laboratory conditions.

The findings were published in the scientific journal ACS Agricultural Science & Technology and involved collaboration between IIT Roorkee and researchers from Ayurveda and biomedical institutions across India.

Using a combination of virology, metabolomics, molecular docking and biochemical analyses, the research team identified benzoic acid, hippuric acid and oleic acid as key compounds contributing to the observed antiviral activity.

According to the researchers, these compounds appear to interfere with critical viral proteins involved in replication, suggesting they could serve as candidates for future antiviral drug development.

Kamal Kishore Pant said the research demonstrated the value of integrating traditional knowledge systems with modern scientific approaches.

“Emerging and re-emerging viral diseases demand innovative, affordable, and scientifically validated solutions,” Professor Pant said.

“This research exemplifies IIT Roorkee’s commitment to advancing interdisciplinary science that bridges traditional knowledge systems with modern biotechnology to address pressing global health challenges.”

Professor Tomar said the findings provided a foundation for future research into natural antiviral therapies.

“Our research not only identifies specific bioactive molecules in Ayurvedic Gau Mutra Ark responsible for antiviral activity but also demonstrates the power of synergistic natural formulations,” she said.

“Further pre-clinical and translational studies will be essential to evaluate their therapeutic applicability.”

Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne viral disease transmitted primarily by Aedes mosquitoes. It can cause high fever, severe joint pain and, in some cases, long-term health complications. Despite its growing global burden, treatment options remain limited.

The IIT Roorkee team stressed that the findings are based on laboratory studies and that further pre-clinical and clinical research will be required before any potential therapeutic application in humans can be established.

The research was supported by India’s Ministry of AYUSH and highlights growing scientific interest in exploring natural bioactive compounds for future healthcare solutions.

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Rajpurohit was among 16 graduates who completed the specialised course conducted from January 28 to May 14, designed to prepare personnel for decision-making and operational challenges in the increasingly complex space domain.

The training focused on helping officers manage information overload, interpret complex technical data and translate it into clear mission decisions through individual and team-based activities and assessments.

Following her graduation as a space operations officer, Flying Officer Rajpurohit has moved into an operational role with the 1 Space Surveillance Unit. This follows her earlier posting at Air Force Headquarters, where she served as a personnel capability officer.

With a STEM background in computer science, mathematics and statistics, Rajpurohit said space was becoming increasingly critical to operations across all military domains.

“Because of how unpredictable things are and how fast technology develops, we need to be ready to adapt,” she said.

“Through space, you can essentially protect and support all the other domains. It’s not service-centric, it’s truly joint.”

Rajpurohit’s interest in space developed through her exposure to STEM fields and her involvement in establishing a space club at university.

She said the course challenged officers to operate in high-pressure environments where they were required to process large volumes of technical information and make timely decisions.

“Space is critical to how we operate, and having people who understand the environment and can make decisions in that space is really important.”

The graduation of the first Space IET cohort reflects the ADF’s growing focus on space capabilities, including surveillance, communication, information sharing and support for joint operations.

Rajpurohit’s transition into a space operations role highlights the increasing opportunities for Australians from diverse backgrounds to contribute to the nation’s defence and technology sectors.

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You probably know fruit and vegetables are good for you, and most of us don’t eat enough of them.

But amid a cost-of-living crisis, buying more fresh food may not seem like a budget-friendly option.

Enter: canned or frozen fruit and veg.

These are usually cheaper and longer-lasting than fresh produce. But are they as healthy? Let’s unpack the research.

First, how much should we be aiming for?

Fruit and vegetables contain important vitamins, minerals and fibre. These support overall wellbeing and reduce the risk of illnesses, such as heart disease and some cancers.

The Australian Guide to Healthy Eating recommends adults eat at least two serves of fruit and five serves of vegetables every day. This includes frozen and canned options.

For example, ½ a cup of frozen broccoli or ½ a cup of canned beans equals one serve of vegetables. One cup of canned peaches or one cup of diced, frozen mango equals one serve of fruit.

Cheap, quick… and low waste?

Most canned and frozen fruits and vegetables are cheaper than fresh produce.

As they generally come pre-chopped and ready to cook, they also cut down on preparation time.

Produce that is canned or frozen also has a much longer shelf life than fresh options. This means they are available year-round, and are less likely to spoil and have to be thrown out.

What about nutrition?

Frozen and canned fruit or veg generally retains its original nutritional value – sometimes better than fresh produce.

For example, the nutritional value of most frozen and canned products is equivalent to fresh fruit and vegetables that have been in the fridge for a week.

But the process of preserving certain foods may actually increase their nutrient content. Apricots are one example, with frozen apricots having a much higher vitamin C content than fresh apricots. This is because vitamin C is used to help preserve the fruit.

Freezing uses low temperatures to delay food spoilage. Industrial freezing methods are effective at retaining the colour and textural qualities of fruit and vegetables, while also maintaining their nutritional content.

However, freezing may damage the structure of food if it causes ice crystals to develop. This can reduce the nutrient content of fruits and vegetables and make them mushy, especially if you thaw and re-freeze them.

Frozen fruits and vegetables are at risk of being contaminated with the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes, which can cause food poisoning. But cooking fruits or vegetables before eating them reduces this risk.

The canning process involves sterilising foods at high temperatures so they can be safely stored at room temperature for long periods. However, being exposed to high temperatures causes some nutrients in the food to break down, especially water-soluble vitamins such as vitamin C. But advances in canning technology are allowing the process to be done faster and at lower temperatures, meaning less nutrients are lost.

What to keep an eye on

There are some things to look out for when purchasing canned fruit or vegetables.

Canned vegetables can have a high salt content, so it’s best to choose products that say “no added salt”. You can also check the nutrition information panel and look for options with the lowest sodium content. Draining and rinsing canned veggies before eating them can also help reduce the amount of salt you eat.

For baked beans in sauce, the sauce may contain added sugar and salt. If you eat baked beans regularly, it’s worth finding a salt reduced option to help lower your sodium intake.

To help reduce your sugar consumption, choose canned fruit options that are canned in juice rather than syrup. Some may also say “no added sugar” on the package.

How to use them

Canned fruits can be eaten as a snack on their own, or with cereal or yoghurt. In many recipes you can often replace fresh fruit with frozen and canned options.

Frozen veggies are great for whipping up a quick meal. For example, frozen peas and edamame only need a few minutes to cook, so can be added last-minute to a stir-fry or stew.

Adding a tin of lentils, chickpeas or beans can bulk out a stew or pasta sauce, while boosting your fibre and protein intake. Given they are already cooked, you can also toss them into a salad that will keep you fuller for longer. Just remember to rinse them first.

For more inspiration, here are some recipe collections that revolve around:

• frozen vegetables
• canned beans
• canned fruits and vegetables
• frozen fruits.

What about dried fruit and veg?

Compared to tinned versions, dried beans, chickpeas and lentils – which are all excellent sources of fibre and protein – are even better value and also have a long shelf life. But they can take longer to prepare.

Depending on the product, dried beans, chickpeas and lentils may need soaking prior to cooking or may be ready to add straight to the pot. If in doubt, check the instructions on the back of the packet.

Dried fruits are not recommended as an everyday alternative to fresh, frozen or canned fruit. This is because drying makes them more highly concentrated in sugar. But you can enjoy them as an occasional snack.

Margaret Murray, Senior Lecturer, Nutrition, Swinburne University of Technology

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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From stamping out stamp duty to building a brand-new hospital — the ACT Government has dropped its most ambitious budget in decades. Here’s what’s actually in it, and why it matters.

If you live in Canberra — or are thinking about it — this budget is worth paying attention to. The ACT Government has handed down its 2026–27 Budget, and it is, by almost any measure, one of the most ambitious financial plans the Territory has produced since self-government.

Housing. Health. Transport. Education. Community services. The spending commitments span every corner of Canberran life.

So what does it actually mean for the people who call the capital home?

A $323 Million Deficit — And a Path Back to Surplus

Let’s start with the headline numbers.

The budget deficit for 2026–27 sits at $323.4 million. That might sound alarming, but the Government is projecting a return to a cash operating surplus within the budget cycle — and a full surplus of $244.2 million by 2028–29.

ACT Treasurer Chris Steel has been candid about the pressures shaping this budget. The war in the Middle East has sent fuel prices higher, disrupted supply chains, and pushed inflation up across the Territory. Interest rates have followed.

Against that backdrop, the Government says it has chosen to be measured — directing cost-of-living relief at those who need it most rather than broad-brush giveaways.

The ACT economy, for what it’s worth, remains one of the country’s strongest. It has notched more than 29 consecutive years of economic growth, with lower inflation than the national average and some of the lowest unemployment figures in Australia.

The budget bets that resilience will hold.

Homes: The Centrepiece of This Budget

If there is one word that defines the 2026–27 ACT Budget, it is housing.

The Government is investing $770 million in new and expanded housing initiatives — described by Treasurer Steel as the most significant housing investment since self-government.

The ambition is sweeping. The ACT Government has committed to enabling 30,000 new homes by 2030 and growing the public housing portfolio to 13,200 dwellings within the same timeframe.

To get there, the budget allocates more than $360 million to deliver 450 additional public housing dwellings, over $180 million to repair and upgrade existing public housing stock, and more than $90 million toward property renewals and net portfolio growth targets.

But arguably the most headline-grabbing announcement is the complete elimination of stamp duty for first home buyers.

Gone. Permanently.

The Government is also scrapping stamp duty on new unit-titled “missing middle” properties — think terraces, townhouses, and dual occupancies — for owner-occupiers, including downsizers.

For a city where housing affordability has been a persistent source of anxiety, this is not a small thing.

To encourage builders to actually use recently reformed zoning rules, the Government has also temporarily halved the Lease Variation Charge on eligible missing middle housing developments in suburban zones.

And it is funding a “Canberra House Pattern Book” — a catalogue of pre-approved home designs that can be built without lodging a development application, cutting red tape and turnaround time for builders.

For the Territory’s most vulnerable residents, there’s a new Housing Crisis Support Fund providing short-term rental grants of up to $2,500 plus a $250 Crisis Support Payment for essential household costs.

A New Hospital. Canberra’s Biggest Ever.

Healthcare spending has also taken centre stage, with the Government committing $1.3 billion over seven years to construct a new Northside Hospital.

This brings the total commitment for the project to almost $1.5 billion over a decade — making it the largest single health infrastructure project in the Territory’s history.

The new facility will include more than 300 treatment spaces, a state-of-the-art emergency department with a dedicated paediatric short-stay unit, a modern 14-bed intensive care unit, eight operating theatres, a co-designed Birth Centre, and more than 200 new inpatient beds.

Main construction is expected to begin in 2027–28.

Beyond the headline project, the budget provides $47.6 million to boost services including breast and lung cancer care, paediatric orthopaedics, and acute palliative care.

A new $23.4 million Acute Palliative Care Unit is also funded, alongside $21.7 million for new medical equipment and $14.1 million to support the wellbeing and training of junior doctors.

Health receives more than $910 million in total new initiative funding across the forward estimates.

Safety, Community and Domestic Violence

Not every budget priority shows up in a shiny building. Some of the most consequential spending in this budget is targeted at community safety and the organisations that hold Canberra’s social fabric together.

The Government is investing $182.6 million over four years in community support, safety and inclusion.

Of that, $44.2 million is directed at strengthening frontline domestic, family and sexual violence services — part of a broader strategy accompanying the release of the ACT Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Strategy 2026–2036.

The budget also funds 24 new permanent positions within the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, recognising that as community awareness and reporting of family violence grows, the justice system must keep pace.

Community sector organisations — the charities, service providers and advocacy groups that are often the first point of contact for Canberrans in crisis — will receive longer-term funding certainty, a move that sector leaders have pushed for over many years.

Also funded: food relief programs, family school expenses support, free period products in public facilities, emergency accommodation for children and young people, and a $250 Crisis Support Payment for households facing acute financial pressure.

For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Canberrans specifically, the budget includes a culturally informed perinatal mental health service, a boost to the Indigenous Allied health workforce, and funding to begin a Truth Telling project connected to the Uluru Statement from the Heart.

Education, Transport and the Shape of a Growing City

With Canberra’s population on track to reach half a million by 2030, the budget is also investing heavily in the infrastructure and services that a bigger city requires.

In education, $253 million over four years covers the expansion of the Whitlam School Project, a second college in Gungahlin, and continued delivery of free four-year-old preschool in ACT public schools.

An additional 9,093 fee-free TAFE places are being unlocked in healthcare, construction, hospitality and advanced technology — supporting the Government’s goal of growing the total ACT workforce to 300,000 by 2030.

On transport, the ACT is contributing $25 million toward a $100 million joint initiative with NSW and the Commonwealth to upgrade the Canberra–Sydney rail corridor, improving speed, reliability and capacity on a route used by thousands of daily travellers.

Light rail progress continues, with Stage 2A to Commonwealth Park advancing.

Tertiary students will see their monthly public transport fare cap reduced.

For sports and culture lovers, there’s $37.5 million to expand the Belconnen Basketball Stadium — boosting court numbers by 75 per cent — along with upgrades at Canberra Stadium, Manuka Oval and Stromlo Forest Park, increased funding for arts organisations, and an extended Floriade season to mark the event’s 40th anniversary.

What This Budget Tells Us About Canberra’s Future

Taken together, the 2026–27 ACT Budget reflects a government that has decided to bet big on long-term investment — in housing, health, education and community — while navigating genuine short-term pressures from a volatile global environment.

Whether you’re a renter hoping to eventually buy, a family on a public housing waitlist, a patient waiting on a hospital bed, or simply a Canberran watching the city grow around you — this budget has something directly relevant to your life.

The coming months will reveal how quickly these commitments translate into results on the ground. But on paper, the ACT Government has laid out one of its most comprehensive visions yet for what Australia’s capital city should look like by the end of this decade.

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The program is designed to connect Indian startups with global research institutions, investors and industry partners, enabling greater access to international mentorship, validation pathways and commercialisation opportunities. The initiative is being positioned as a strategic bridge between Melbourne’s research ecosystem and India’s rapidly growing life sciences and deep-tech startup landscape.

Bengaluru, widely regarded as India’s biotechnology hub, sits at the centre of the collaboration. Karnataka accounts for more than one-third of India’s biotechnology sector, with a dense network of startups, research institutions and incubators driving innovation across healthcare, pharmaceuticals, diagnostics and industrial biotechnology.

Through the India-Australia Catalyst Program, startups will gain access to cross-border research collaboration, investor engagement and market development opportunities. The program has been developed in partnership with the Bangalore Bioinnovation Centre (BBC), a leading biotechnology incubation platform in India.

La Trobe University said the initiative aims to help startups move beyond laboratory research and accelerate the translation of innovation into scalable global businesses. It also seeks to strengthen pathways for Indian founders to test and refine technologies in international markets.

Dr Cerasela Tanasescu, Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at La Trobe University, said global connectivity is now essential for early-stage startups, particularly in science and technology-driven sectors.

She said startups can no longer operate with a purely domestic focus in their early stages, particularly in biotechnology, healthcare innovation and medical research, where collaboration and market access are critical to long-term success.

The BioInnovation Corridor is expected to provide structured support across areas, including regulatory guidance, product validation, strategic mentoring, commercialisation planning and investor access.

According to the Bangalore Bioinnovation Centre, Karnataka has played a key role in India’s biotechnology growth and continues to support startups across healthcare, agriculture, diagnostics and pharmaceutical innovation. The centre said international partnerships help strengthen scientific validation and global scalability of emerging technologies.

The collaboration reflects a broader shift in global innovation ecosystems, where universities are increasingly acting as active participants in entrepreneurship, startup acceleration and industry engagement, rather than traditional academic institutions alone.

The initiative also underscores strengthening bilateral ties between India and Australia in emerging sectors such as healthcare, deep technology, climate innovation and advanced manufacturing.

For Indian startups, Australia offers access to strong research infrastructure, Asia-Pacific market linkages, government-backed innovation programs and a growing investment ecosystem focused on science-led ventures. India, meanwhile, provides scale, technical talent and a rapidly expanding entrepreneurial base.

Industry observers say such cross-border partnerships are becoming increasingly important as startups transition from localised innovation models to globally integrated ecosystems.

The India-Australia BioInnovation Corridor is expected to play a growing role in enabling this shift by supporting research collaboration, commercial pathways and international startup mobility.

As both countries strengthen cooperation in innovation and technology, initiatives such as this are expected to contribute to the development of a more connected Indo-Pacific startup ecosystem.

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Professor Dwivedi, from UWA Medical School and based at the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, is also a consultant cardiologist at Fiona Stanley Hospital. UWA said the award recognised his contribution to improving care for people living with complex and long-term conditions.

South Metropolitan Health Service said Professor Dwivedi’s work had strengthened patient-centred care through leadership, collaboration and innovation. The SMHS Excellence Awards recognise staff and teams who contribute to better patient and community outcomes across the health service.

Professor Dwivedi’s research focuses on cardiovascular disease, advanced imaging, AI in cardiology and the translation of research into clinical practice. His UWA research profile says he has helped establish one of Australia’s most productive AI-cardiology research hubs in collaboration with UWA’s Department of Computer Science, producing more than 50 publications across cardiology and computer science journals.

His broader research output includes more than 300 peer-reviewed publications, with work spanning cardiometabolic disease, cardiac imaging, artificial intelligence, prevention and clinical care. The Raine Study profile also notes he has secured more than $33 million in grant funding and is involved in several major cardiovascular research programs.

The recognition comes amid growing attention on the use of AI to improve heart disease detection and prevention. In 2024, researchers led by Professor Dwivedi secured a nearly $3 million Medical Research Future Fund grant to establish a national database of coronary CT angiography images and train an AI tool to identify patients at risk of heart attacks before symptoms appear.

UWA researchers working with medtech partner Artrya have also developed an automated AI algorithm designed to improve prediction of heart attack risk by analysing coronary plaque more precisely than existing methods. Professor Dwivedi, senior author on the work, said accurate risk prediction was vital because prevention remained the best approach to heart disease.

Professor Dwivedi said he was humbled by the award and credited the achievement to those around him.

“I am truly humbled and share this award with my students, trainees, collaborators, and colleagues,” he said.

“Their passion, hard work, and commitment to excellence have made this achievement possible, and I am grateful to be part of such an inspiring team.”

UWA Medical School said the award reflected not only research excellence, but also collaboration, mentorship and a shared commitment to better health outcomes.

The honour adds to Professor Dwivedi’s standing as one of Western Australia’s leading cardiovascular researchers, with his work linking hospital care, university research, industry collaboration and new technology.

His recognition also highlights the growing role of Indian-origin researchers in Australia’s medical and scientific landscape, particularly in areas where research can move from the laboratory into real-world patient care.

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The Honours List, announced by the Governor-General, recognises 948 Australians for exceptional service and achievement across fields including medicine, science, education, defence, sport, the arts and community service.

“As Governor-General and Chancellor of the Order of Australia, I am delighted to announce and congratulate the remarkable Australians receiving honours in the 2026 King’s Birthday list,” Governor-General Sam Mostyn said.

“Our honours system recognises outstanding people who contribute so much to Australia… their service and achievement help shape our nation.”

Prof. Eapen is a Scientia Professor at the University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) and Chair of Infant, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. She also serves as Head of the Academic Unit of Child Psychiatry at South West Sydney Local Health District and Director of the BestSTART Child Health Unit.

She is internationally recognised for her leadership in child mental health and neurodevelopmental research, with a focus on autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, Tourette syndrome, obsessive compulsive disorder, and early childhood developmental health.

Prof. Eapen is President of the International Neuropsychiatric Association and holds senior roles in multiple global research collaborations, including the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium and autism research networks in the United States and Europe.

In Australia, she has played a key role in shaping national mental health policy and clinical practice guidelines, contributing to major frameworks including autism diagnosis guidelines, ADHD national guidelines, and early childhood wellbeing assessment standards.

She has also helped lead several major research initiatives, including the Supporting Child and Family Health for Priority Populations Centre of Research Excellence (STAR-CRE) and the Early Life Determinants of Health program under SPHERE, one of Australia’s leading health research translation networks.

Over her career, Prof. Eapen has secured more than $30 million in competitive research funding and published approximately 300 scientific papers, making her one of Australia’s most influential academic psychiatrists.

Her career spans India, the United Kingdom and Australia, including advanced training at Great Ormond Street Hospital and University College London, followed by a PhD from the University of London.

Prof. Eapen has received multiple awards, including the Lady Fairfax AC OBE Distinguished Researcher Award and recognition from leading psychiatric and medical organisations internationally.

This year’s list includes 702 recipients in the General Division, alongside 34 military awards, 149 meritorious awards, and 63 conspicuous service awards. Recipients will be formally invested at ceremonies in their respective states and territories in coming months.

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The announcement was made as part of the national Honours List recognising 948 Australians across the Order of Australia (General and Military Divisions), meritorious awards and conspicuous service awards.

“As Governor-General and Chancellor of the Order of Australia, I am delighted to announce and congratulate the remarkable Australians receiving honours in The 2026 King’s Birthday list,” said Sam Mostyn.

“Our honours system recognises outstanding people who contribute so much to Australia. In our communities, in workplaces and across the country, recipients have made an exceptional contribution to Australia.”

Dr Gahankari, from Maharashtra in India, has been recognised for his long-standing contribution to plastic, reconstructive and cosmetic surgery practice in Australia, along with his work in clinical care, medical education and advisory roles in public health and regulatory systems.

He has worked across both public and private health systems in Queensland and New South Wales, including specialist surgical roles at major hospitals such as the Gold Coast University Hospital and Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital.

His career includes extensive experience in reconstructive surgery, burns care, hand surgery and cosmetic procedures, along with a focus on patient safety and surgical outcomes.

Beyond clinical practice, he has held academic appointments with Australian and international universities and contributed to medical training and research programs in surgery and health innovation.

Dr Gahankari has also served in advisory roles with government and regulatory bodies, including contributions to medical device safety and industrial relations tribunals in Queensland.

His humanitarian and professional work includes participation in surgical missions and emergency response efforts in the Asia-Pacific region, including East Timor and disaster relief operations.

He has previously received recognition for rural and community surgical service and contributions to healthcare delivery in India and Australia.

The King’s Birthday Honours List includes 702 recipients in the General Division of the Order of Australia, along with 34 military awards, 149 meritorious awards and 63 conspicuous service awards.

Recipients will attend investiture ceremonies at Government House in their respective states and territories in the coming months.

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