Assistant Minister Patrick Gorman will represent Australia at the 10th World Water Forum in Bali, Indonesia from 19–21 May.

The forum will discuss opportunities and challenges in managing water resources under host Indonesia’s theme of ‘Water for Shared Prosperity’. This includes ensuring equitable and enduring access to water and sanitation services in the face of climate change (and changing weather patterns).

The forum brings together heads of state, ministers, local authorities, universities, think tanks, NGOs and private sector representatives. 

TOM CONNELL, HOST:  Welcome back – a big week, of course, a budget, a budget in reply. So who better to thrash this out than our regular Friday panel. Joining me now, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister Patrick Gorman, and former Liberal MP who dreams at night of being the member for McKellar again one day, Jason Falinski. Gentlemen, thanks for your time.

I'll start with you, Jason. Because that'll put you in a good mood, I'm sure.

JASON FALINSKI, FORMER LIBERAL MP FOR MACKELLAR: Yeah –

The Australian Government is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms Holly Kramer as President of the Remuneration Tribunal for a period of five years commencing on 1 June 2024.

The Remuneration Tribunal is an independent statutory authority that determines and reports on the remuneration of key public offices. This includes members of the Federal Parliament, judicial and non-judicial offices of federal courts and tribunals, secretaries of departments, full-time and part-time holders of various public offices and principal executive offices. 

In another major boost for women’s sport, Australia will host the next Women’s Asian Cup.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has announced Australia as host nation for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026.

It follows Australia’s successful hosting of the FIFA Women’s Football World Cup last year and will again bring the world’s best female football talent to our shores.

Hosting major sporting events, like the Women’s Asian Cup, boosts local tourism, trade, employment and infrastructure.

RICK HIND, HOST: The budgets are coming thick and fast for the Top End. This time yesterday, I was in the budget lockup for the NT budget. Last night, Treasurer Jim Chalmers delivered his third federal budget. There's $300 off power bills, whatever your income, and there's $319.50 a week for something called a Commonwealth Prac payment, to be paid to 73,000 eligible nursing, midwifery, teaching and social work students per year. So, how do these two piles of documents interact?

ABBEY CULLEN, HOST: Good morning, you are with Abbey this morning on the Goldfields 981 Triple M. On my line I've got Patrick Gorman, the Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister to talk about all things to do with the Federal Budget announcement. Good morning, Patrick.

PATRICK GORMAN, ASSISTANT MINISTER TO THE PRIME MINISTER AND ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR THE PUBLIC SERVICE: Good morning, Abbey and good morning to your listeners.

KELLY GUDGEON, HOST: Last night the federal budget was handed down in Canberra, Treasurer Jim Chalmers has called a budget to provide cost of living relief, while also trying to jumpstart a slowing economy and navigate growing uncertainty overseas. And while we have already seen a lot of announcements being unveiled in the last few weeks, the Treasurer has been warning Australians not to expect a cash splash. So, what was in the budget and how will it help? Or how will it impact us here in the Northwest?

The Albanese Labor Government will continue our commitment to ending family, domestic and sexual violence in one generation with further investments to accelerate our efforts.

Violence against women and children is a national crisis. Since coming to Government, ending this violence has been a priority for the Albanese Government.

Funding in this Budget brings the Labor Government’s total investment to over $3.4 billion to support women’s safety and the National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children 2022-2032.

The Albanese Labor Government is putting women and gender equality at the centre of Australia’s economic plan and is making women’s lives safer, fairer and more equal.

The 2024-25 Budget makes key investments in women’s safety, economic security, health and measures that ensure women can take advantage of the opportunities of a future made in Australia.

Australia Day is a time to reflect on the story of our country, celebrating its diversity and multiculturalism while acknowledging our past.

The Albanese Labor Government is providing $10 million in the Budget for the 2025 Australia Day Events national grant program.

The Government will also provide additional funding of $1.5 million per year from 2024-25 for National Australia Day Council operations.

The National Australia Day Council is given responsibility for inspiring national pride and unity.