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2013 in Australia

{{short description|none}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2020}}

{{Use Australian English|date=January 2013}}

The following lists events that happened during 2013 in Australia.

{{Infobox Australian year

| monarch = Elizabeth II

| governor-general = Quentin Bryce

| pm = Julia Gillard, then Kevin Rudd, then Tony Abbott

| population =

| australian = Ita Buttrose

| elections = WA, Federal}}

{{Year in Australia|2013}}

Incumbents

File:Quentin Bryce No.1 (cropped).jpg]]

{{multiple image

| direction=horizontal

| align=right

| caption_align=center

| total_width=420

| image1=Julia Gillard 2010.jpg

| caption1=Julia Gillard

| image2=Kevin Rudd portrait.jpg

| caption2=Kevin Rudd

| image3=Prime Minister Tony Abbott.jpg

| caption3=Tony Abbott

}}

=State and territory leaders=

=Governors and administrators=

Events

=January=

  • 4–20 January – A heat wave in south-eastern Australia results in several bushfires in Tasmania.{{cite news|title=Fire rage across Tasmania|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-01-04/forcett-fire-places-homes-at-risk/4453038|access-date=29 January 2013|newspaper=ABC News|date=4 January 2013|archive-date=28 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130128165528/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-01-04/forcett-fire-places-homes-at-risk/4453038|url-status=live}}
  • 23 January – A monsoon trough passes over parts of Queensland and New South Wales, causing severe storms, flooding, and tornadoes.{{cite news|title=Flood disaster engulfs two states|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/in-depth/queensland-floods/flood-disaster-engulfs-two-states/story-fn7iwx3v-1226563835193|access-date=29 January 2013|newspaper=The Australian|date=29 January 2013|archive-date=30 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130130132600/http://www.theaustralian.com.au/in-depth/queensland-floods/flood-disaster-engulfs-two-states/story-fn7iwx3v-1226563835193|url-status=live}}
  • 27–28 January – Cyclone Oswald causes heavy rainfall and flooding in Queensland.
  • 30 January – Prime Minister Julia Gillard announces the date of the 2013 federal election as 14 September.{{cite news|last=Cullen|first=Simon|title=Julia Gillard calls September 14 federal election|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-01-30/julia-gillard-calls-september-14-federal-election/4491118|access-date=31 January 2013|newspaper=ABC News|date=30 January 2013|archive-date=31 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130131015700/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-01-30/julia-gillard-calls-september-14-federal-election/4491118|url-status=live}}

=February=

  • 5 February –
  • Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke and Communications Minister Stephen Conroy admit that they received free holiday accommodation from allegedly corrupt former state MP Eddie Obeid.
  • Gold Coast mother, Novy Chardon, aged 34, goes missing from her Upper Coomera home, sparking a police search.
  • 14 February – The Supreme Court of Queensland orders that serial rapist Robert John Fardon should be released because any risks which he posed to the community could be managed.
  • 15 February –
  • Queensland Premier Campbell Newman announces that the Department of Transport and Main Roads Director-General Michael Caltabiano has been dismissed. In October 2012, Mr Caltabiano was referred to State Parliament's ethics committee for comments he made in an estimates committee hearing about Ben Gommers, son of former arts minister Ros Bates.
  • Queensland Arts Minister, Ros Bates, resigns amid controversy, with scandals having recently emerged over alleged irregularities with her lobbyist contact register, the Crime and Misconduct investigation into the appointment of her son Ben Gommers to a departmental role, and links to Michael Caltabiano.
  • 21 February – Immigration Minister Brendan O'Connor urges the Coalition to rethink its opposition to the Malaysian solution, after the reported deaths of 98 asylum seekers who were trying to make their way to Indonesia or Australia.
  • 24 February – Severe flooding occurs in Northern New South Wales, as well as a severe damage in Sydney's south-west, leaving many homes without power.

=March=

  • 1 March – Myer's annual Autumn/Winter Collection show is held in Melbourne.
  • 2 March –
  • A severe weather system dumps widespread heavy rain on Queensland. 71 mm of rain falls in Bundaberg before 9{{nbsp}}am. Wivenhoe Dam reaches 101% capacity.
  • Veteran TV journalist Peter Harvey dies in Sydney hospital after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
  • 3 March – Prime Minister Julia Gillard starts a campaign in Western Sydney and announces a new federal taskforce to crack down on criminal gangs.
  • 6 March – Ted Baillieu stands down as Premier of Victoria and is replaced by Denis Napthine.{{cite news|title=Baillieu stands down as Victorian Premier|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-03-06/baillieu-set-to-stand-down-as-vic-premier/4557014|access-date=6 March 2013|newspaper=ABC News|date=6 March 2013}}
  • 8 March – The Queen Street Mall in Brisbane goes into lockdown after Lee Matthew Hillier threatens plain clothes police officers with what they believed was a handgun while they were doing random street checks.
  • 9 March – The 2013 Western Australian state election is held. The Liberal Party led by Colin Barnett retains government, winning a majority in its own right.{{cite news|title=Liberals elected in landslide victory|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-03-10/liberals-claim-victory-as-labor-seeks-to-lay-blame/4563384|access-date=17 March 2013|newspaper=ABC News|date=10 March 2013|archive-date=16 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130316173718/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-03-10/liberals-claim-victory-as-labor-seeks-to-lay-blame/4563384|url-status=live}}
  • 13 March – The Country Liberal Party in the Northern Territory elects Adam Giles as party leader while Terry Mills is overseas on a trade visit to Japan. Giles is sworn in as Chief Minister—Australia's first indigenous head of government—the next day on 14 March.{{cite news|title=Adam Giles named new NT Chief Minister|url=http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2013/s3714892.htm|access-date=14 March 2013|newspaper=ABC Radio|date=13 March 2013|archive-date=31 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160731132045/http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2013/s3714892.htm|url-status=live}}
  • 21 March –
  • Prime Minister Julia Gillard makes a speech apologising on behalf of the Federal Government to families affected by forced adoption in Australia.{{cite news|last=Wroe|first=David|title=Forced adoptions apology was PM at her finest|url=http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/political-news/forced-adoptions-apology-was-pm-at-her-finest-20130321-2giu5.html|access-date=21 March 2013|newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=21 March 2013|archive-date=25 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130325102142/http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/political-news/forced-adoptions-apology-was-pm-at-her-finest-20130321-2giu5.html|url-status=live}}
  • Simon Crean calls on the Prime Minister to bring on a leadership spill to resolve tensions in the Labor Party, which she does. Expected challenger Kevin Rudd announces he will not contest the ballot, and Gillard is re-elected leader unopposed.{{cite news|title=As it happened: Gillard survives as challenge fizzles|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-03-21/live-coverage-labor-leadership-crisis/4586250|access-date=21 March 2013|newspaper=ABC News|date=21 March 2013|archive-date=26 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130626020809/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-03-21/live-coverage-labor-leadership-crisis/4586250|url-status=live}}
  • 26 March – The Parliament of South Australia pass a bill that recognises Aboriginal people in the state Constitution.{{Cite web |url=https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/indigenous-recognition-in-sa-constitution/b2puj6raf |title=Archived copy |access-date=27 April 2024 |archive-date=27 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240427084205/https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/indigenous-recognition-in-sa-constitution/b2puj6raf |url-status=live }}
  • 28 March – A freak accident kills three pedestrians when a wall collapses in the Melbourne suburb of Carlton.
  • 30 March – The Murrawarri Republic declares its independence from the Commonwealth of Australia.{{cite news|title=Claim renews Indigenous sovereignty campaign|url=http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/1754834/Claim-renews-Indigenous-sovereignty-campaign|access-date=3 June 2013|newspaper=SBS World News|date=10 April 2013|archive-date=3 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130603113903/http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/1754834/Claim-renews-Indigenous-sovereignty-campaign|url-status=live}}

=April=

  • 6 April – Brisbane City Hall is officially re-opened to the public following a three-year restoration
  • 10 April
  • Prime Minister Julia Gillard ends her trip to China with an agreement for annual leadership talks with the new Chinese Premier Li Keqiang. They also signed agreements to set up an expert group to drive co-operation on carbon trading, engaged in a new round of defence talks and agreed to work together on aid and development in the Asia Pacific region.
  • Child killer Allyson McConnell is deported to Australia from Canada after serving just 15 months for killing her two young sons by drowning them. The leniency in sentencing provokes outrage, with Alberta Justice Minister Jonathan Denis appealing against the sentence and promising to seek her extradition.{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/allyson-mcconnell-speaks-after-being-deported-to-australia/news-story/613cc1fdf140ff0dab5f90d2b3097e1d|title=McConnell speaks out for first time|date=27 April 2013|website=www.dailytelegraph.com.au}}
  • 13 April – The Federal Government announces $2 billion worth of cuts to the university sector.
  • 14 April – Prime Minister Julia Gillard announces $14.5 billion worth of funding for schools over the next six years to mark one year since the release of the Gonski review.
  • 17 April – Australia's greatest racing horse since Phar Lap and one of the greatest mares in world history, Black Caviar is retired on an unbeaten record of 25 wins.
  • 27 April – On the final day of the Sydney Racing Carnival, John Singleton sacks Gai Waterhouse as his trainer following mare More Joyous' loss in the race, claiming that Waterhouse's bookmaker son, Tom Waterhouse, had the night before expressed his suspicions to friends of Singleton's over More Joyous' physical condition and believed that it had no chance of winning the race. The incident prompts an inquiry, as well as debates over whether live betting odds should be permitted during televised sporting matches.
  • April – Allen Consulting Group and ACIL Tasman merge to form ACIL Allen Consulting.

=May=

  • 3 May – The Federal Government unveils a white paper on defence, setting an aspirational goal of increasing defence spending to 2 per cent of GDP, as well as the purchase of a dozen new FA18 fighter jets. Prime Minister Julia Gillard also says that her government wants to see more transparency from China on their military developments.{{Cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2013/s3751414.htm|title=New Defence white paper changes tone on China|date=3 May 2013|website=www.abc.net.au}}
  • 9 May – Federal Opposition Leader, Tony Abbott, unveils the Coalition's industrial relations policy, saying workers have nothing to fear, promising sensible, careful and incremental changes. He foreshadows a review of the system in the first term of an Abbott Government.{{Cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2013/s3755750.htm|title=Abbott unveils IR policy: workers can trust the Coalition|date=9 May 2013|website=www.abc.net.au}}
  • 10 May – Michael Boggan, aged 15, of Ipswich, Queensland, suffers severe injuries after a home-made bomb in the form of a golf ball detonates in his hands.

=June=

  • 3 June – Fair Work Australia announces a 2.6 per cent increase in the minimum wage, prompting criticism from the Australian Council of Trade Unions.{{Cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2013/s3773563.htm|title=Minimum wage decision slammed by both sides|date=3 June 2013|website=www.abc.net.au}}
  • 5 June – Prime Minister Julia Gillard orders an inquiry into the intelligence agencies' handling of a case involving a convicted Egyptian terrorist, Sayad Latif, who arrived in Australia last year as an asylum seeker.{{Cite web|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-06-05/gillard-order-inquiry-into-handling-of-egyptian-terrorist-case/4735494|title=PM orders inquiry into handling of terrorist case|date=5 June 2013|website=www.abc.net.au|access-date=20 September 2020|archive-date=15 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240715084414/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-06-05/gillard-order-inquiry-into-handling-of-egyptian-terrorist-case/4735494|url-status=live}}
  • 6 June – New South Wales Police announce a $100,000 reward for information on the 23 Dec 1982 bombings of the Israeli Consulate in Sydney and the Hakoah Club at Bondi.{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/pollice-to-post-100000-reward-for-information-on-1982-sydney-bombings/news-story/d72c2aedaac0e89172c0e66e5a25701d|title=$100,000 for info on 1982 bombings|date=5 June 2013|website=www.dailytelegraph.com.au}}
  • 7 June – The Reserve Bank of Australia decides to lower the official cash rate to 2.75 per cent – its lowest level in more than 50 years.{{Cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2013/s3753819.htm|title=RBA cuts cash rate to lowest level in over 50 years|date=7 May 2013|website=www.abc.net.au|access-date=25 February 2015|archive-date=3 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150303191601/http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2013/s3753819.htm|url-status=live}}
  • 8 June – The Queensland Government signs up to the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
  • 12 June – Prime Minister Julia Gillard during Question Time calls on the Opposition to disendorse Liberal candidate Mal Brough after a menu that made lewd and offensive jokes about her anatomy was used at his party fund-raiser. The menu, used at an event in March, lists Julia Gillard Kentucky Fried Quail before going on to describe it as Small breasts, huge thighs & a big red box.{{cite web|last1=Ireland|first1=Judith|title=PM demands Libs dump Brough over offensive menu|date=12 June 2013|url=http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/pm-demands-libs-dump-brough-over-offensive-menu-20130612-2o36d.html|access-date=25 February 2015|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924173234/http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/pm-demands-libs-dump-brough-over-offensive-menu-20130612-2o36d.html|url-status=live}}
  • 26 June – Kevin Rudd defeats Julia Gillard 57 to 45 in an Australian Labor Party leadership spill.{{cite news|last=Griffiths|first=Emma|title=Kevin Rudd defeats Julia Gillard 57–45 in Labor leadership ballot, paving way for a return to PM|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-06-26/rudd-prevails-over-gillard-in-leadership-ballot/4783422|access-date=26 June 2013|newspaper=ABC News|date=26 June 2013|archive-date=1 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151101181756/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-06-26/rudd-prevails-over-gillard-in-leadership-ballot/4783422|url-status=live}}
  • 30 June – The Sydney Monorail is closed.

=July=

  • 1 July – Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's new ministry is sworn in at a ceremony at Government House, Canberra.{{Cite web|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-07-01/rudds-new-look-ministry-sworn-in/4792578|title=Rudd's new-look ministry sworn in|first=Mark|last=Simkin|date=1 July 2013|via=www.abc.net.au|access-date=20 September 2020|archive-date=31 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161031152112/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-07-01/rudds-new-look-ministry-sworn-in/4792578|url-status=live}}
  • Labor MP, Simon Crean, announces that he'll retire from politics at the next election.{{Cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2013/s3793540.htm|title=Simon Crean quits politics|date=1 July 2013|website=www.abc.net.au|access-date=25 February 2015|archive-date=3 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150303190048/http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2013/s3793540.htm|url-status=live}}
  • 4 July – An inquest into the deaths of three men working under the Rudd Government's pink batts home insulation scheme finds that inadequate training, safety and supervision were all to blame for their deaths. The coroner's report also states that industry groups warned the Federal Government about the risks of the scheme, but were ignored.{{Cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2013/s3796144.htm|title=Qld coroner blames poor safety and training for insulation deaths|date=4 July 2013|website=www.abc.net.au|access-date=25 February 2015|archive-date=2 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150202090728/http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2013/s3796144.htm|url-status=live}}
  • Prime Minister Kevin Rudd announces a major crackdown on corruption in the New South Wales branch of Labor Party.{{Cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/worldtoday/content/2013/s3796147.htm|title=Rudd's Labor corruption crackdown|date=4 July 2013|website=www.abc.net.au|access-date=25 February 2015|archive-date=3 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150303190043/http://www.abc.net.au/worldtoday/content/2013/s3796147.htm|url-status=live}}
  • 5 July – Prime Minister Kevin Rudd meets with Indonesian President, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, and announces the establishment of the Indonesia-Australia Red Meat and Beef Forum to improve and grow Indonesia's cattle industry, in an effort to defuse diplomatic tensions over cancelled beef exports.{{Cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2013/s3797066.htm|title=Rudd attempts to mend trade relations with Indonesia|date=5 July 2013|website=www.abc.net.au|access-date=25 February 2015|archive-date=3 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150303191554/http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2013/s3797066.htm|url-status=live}}
  • 9 July – Giant telescope Murchison Widefield Array telescope in Western Australia, goes online.
  • 11 July – Prime Minister Kevin Rudd uses an address at the National Press Club in Canberra to lobby for a new "productivity pact" between businesses, unions and the Federal Government in an effort to lift the rate of annual productivity growth, as well as smoothing the transition from mining to non-mining led growth. The Prime Minister also accuses the Opposition of planning to "implement a slash and burn austerity drive across the nation".{{Cite web|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-07-11/kevin-rudd3a-government-warns-against-coalition27s-slash-and-/4814456|title=Rudd warns of Coalition's 'slash and burn' plan|date=11 July 2013|website=www.abc.net.au|access-date=20 September 2020|archive-date=24 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924050228/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-07-11/kevin-rudd3a-government-warns-against-coalition27s-slash-and-/4814456|url-status=live}}
  • 14 July – Federal Treasurer Chris Bowen announces that the Federal Government has agreed to scrap the fixed carbon price and move to a floating price on carbon on 1 July next year – one year earlier than scheduled.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thecourier.com.au/story/1636264/poll-rudd-dumps-carbon-tax/|title=POLL: Rudd dumps carbon tax|first=STEPHANIE PEATLING and FAIRFAX|last=REPORTERS|date=14 July 2013|website=The Courier|access-date=20 September 2020|archive-date=15 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240715084417/https://www.thecourier.com.au/story/1636264/poll-rudd-dumps-carbon-tax/|url-status=live}}
  • 23 July – The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation's AUD $630 million New Central Office is opened in Canberra.{{Cite web|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-07-23/asio-headquarters-opens-in-canberra/4837858|title=Rudd opens new ASIO headquarters|date=23 July 2013|website=www.abc.net.au|access-date=20 September 2020|archive-date=12 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112020739/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-07-23/asio-headquarters-opens-in-canberra/4837858|url-status=live}}

=August=

  • 3 August – Simon Kruger, a seven-year-old boy, goes missing in the bush after wandering away from a family picnic. He is found by searchers the next day, and claimed that a kangaroo had kept him warm as he slept under a tree.{{cite news|last=Saul|first=Heather|title=Kangaroo keeps boy aged seven warm when he goes missing in a conservation park|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/kangaroo-keeps-boy-aged-seven-warm-when-he-goes-missing-in-a-conservation-park-8753950.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/kangaroo-keeps-boy-aged-seven-warm-when-he-goes-missing-in-a-conservation-park-8753950.html |archive-date=1 May 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|access-date=21 August 2013|newspaper=The Independent|date=9 August 2013|location=London}}{{cbignore}}
  • 12 August – The Euahlayi Nation declares its independence from the Commonwealth of Australia.{{Cite web|url=http://nationalunitygovernment.org/euahlayi-nation-declares-independence-and-asserts-pre-existing-and-continuing-statehood|title=Euahlayi Nation declares independence and asserts pre-existing and continuing Statehood | Sovereign Union - First Nations Asserting Sovereignty|website=nationalunitygovernment.org|access-date=18 August 2013|archive-date=15 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130915122057/http://nationalunitygovernment.org/euahlayi-nation-declares-independence-and-asserts-pre-existing-and-continuing-statehood|url-status=live}}

=September=

  • 7 September – The Liberal–National coalition led by Tony Abbott wins the 2013 federal election.{{cite news|last=Griffiths|first=Emma|title=Tony Abbott claims Coalition election victory; Kevin Rudd steps down as Labor leader|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-09-07/tony-abbott-claims-election-victory/4943606|access-date=8 September 2013|newspaper=ABC News|date=8 September 2013|archive-date=7 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130907200335/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-09-07/tony-abbott-claims-election-victory/4943606|url-status=live}}
  • 14 September – Two prisoners force the Brisbane Correctional Centre into lockdown in a rooftop protest.
  • 27 September – Two large brawls involving members of the Bandidos bikie gang and another outlaw motorcycle club erupted outside a restaurant on Broadbeach on Queensland's Gold Coast, prompting the arrest of eighteen people and setting in motion a chain of events that would lead to the enactment of the Newman government's Vicious Lawless Association Disestablishment Act 2013 (VLAD) laws.

=October=

  • 3–11 October – The International Fleet Review is held on Sydney Harbour to celebrate the centenary of the first entry of the Royal Australian Navy fleet in to the harbour.{{cite news|title=Prince Harry joins Sydney Harbour onlookers at International Fleet Review|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-10-05/prince-harry-to-join-international-fleet-review/5000534|access-date=9 October 2013|newspaper=ABC News|date=5 October 2013|archive-date=28 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028182825/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-10-05/prince-harry-to-join-international-fleet-review/5000534|url-status=live}}
  • 7 October – Prime Minister, Tony Abbott, attends the Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) summit in Bali. After meeting with China's president, Xi Jinping, he says he is confident he could get a free trade deal with China within 12 months. He also addresses the lingering concern in Indonesia about his asylum seeker policies.
  • 9 October – John Hancock and Bianca Rinehart's civil trial against their mother, Gina Rinehart, begins in the NSW Supreme Court. They're suing their mother for alleged misconduct as trustee. The family are also fighting over control of a family trust worth billions.
  • 13 October – Bill Shorten is elected leader of the federal Labor Party, beating Anthony Albanese and receiving 52 per cent of the caucus, prompting his mother-in-law, Governor-General Quentin Bryce, to offer her resignation "to avoid any perception of bias".
  • 17 October –
  • The 2013 New South Wales bushfires begin.
  • The Queensland Parliament passes with bipartisan support its Vicious Lawless Association Disestablishment (VLAD)laws targeting outlaw bikie gangs after a marathon debate. The legislation names 26 "criminal organisations", including the Bandidos, Finks and Mongols. It restricts their members' and associates' movements and meetings, and increases minimum sentences for their crimes.
  • 22 October – The Marriage Equality Act 2013 is passed in the Australian Capital Territory, making the ACT the first state or territory to legalise same-sex marriage in Australia.{{cite news |title=ACT to say 'I do' to same-sex marriage |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-10-22/act-set-to-pass-same-sex-marriage-laws/5036992 |newspaper=ABC News |date=24 October 2013 |access-date=24 October 2013 |archive-date=24 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131024003130/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-10-22/act-set-to-pass-same-sex-marriage-laws/5036992 |url-status=live }}

=November=

  • 18 November – Material leaked by NSA contractor Edward Snowden reveals that Australian intelligence agencies had attempted to tap the phones of the President of Indonesia, his wife, and other officials. In response, Indonesia recalls its ambassador, and threatens other consequences.{{cite news|last=Brissenden|first=Michael|title=Australia spied on Indonesian president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, leaked Edward Snowden documents reveal|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-11-18/australia-spied-on-indonesian-president-leaked-documents-reveal/5098860|access-date=22 November 2013|newspaper=ABC News|date=18 November 2013|archive-date=5 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151005071202/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-11-18/australia-spied-on-indonesian-president-leaked-documents-reveal/5098860|url-status=live}}
  • 23 November – 35-year-old man, Chris Boyd, is killed by a Great White Shark at Gracetown, off the south-west coast of Western Australia. A "catch and kill" order was issued to permit the destruction of the shark.
  • 29 November – A young surfer, 18-year-old Zac Young, died after shark attack Riecks Point beach near Coffs Harbour.

=December=

  • 1 December – Thousands of motorbike riders protest new anti-bikie laws outside Brisbane's Parliament House.
  • 6 December – The Queensland Court of Appeal decides to release serial rapist Robert John Fardon from prison after the Queensland Attorney-General withdrew a last-minute application to prevent his release.
  • 10 December –
  • The analog television signal is switched off in Victoria, completing Australia's digital television transition.{{cite news|title=Australia's last remaining analogue TV transmitters switched off|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-12-10/end-of-an-era3a-analogue-tv-switched-off-in-victoria/5145824|access-date=10 December 2013|newspaper=ABC News|date=10 December 2013}}
  • Federal Environment Minister Greg Hunt approves the expansion of the controversial Abbot Point coal terminal in north Queensland.
  • 11 December – Car manufacturer Holden announces it will cease production of vehicles in Australia by 2017.{{cite news|last=Griffiths|first=Emma|title=Holden to cease its manufacturing operations in Australia by 2017|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-12-11/holden-to-cease-manufacturing-operations-in-australia-by-2017/5150034|access-date=11 December 2013|newspaper=ABC News|date=11 December 2013|archive-date=9 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200409043852/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-12-11/holden-to-cease-manufacturing-operations-in-australia-by-2017/5150034|url-status=live}}
  • 13 December – Prime Minister, Tony Abbott, holds his first Council of Australian Governments (COAG) meeting. The states and territories agree to have sole responsibility for the environmental assessment of major developments and to focus on boosting the school attendance rates of Indigenous children. It is confirmed that the national paid parental leave scheme will include state public servants.
  • 18 December – The Federal Government unveils its $100 million assistance package to help Holden and the manufacturing industry.
  • 20 December – A two-hour siege took place outside Sydney's Parliament House when a man in his car threatened to set himself alight.
  • 23 December – A Royal Commission into the Rudd Government's home insulation scheme begins in Brisbane.
  • 26 December –
  • Acting Prime Minister, Warren Truss, announces that Australia will provide two military aircraft to South Sudan to aid in the current military crisis.
  • A mother and her teenage daughter are held hostage during a siege at a house in the suburb of Banyo in Brisbane.
  • 30 December – Cyclone Christine intensifies into a category 3 cyclone causing heavy rainfall across a large section of the West Australian Pilbara coast. The towns of Roebourne and Wickham receive significant damage.

Arts and literature

{{main|2013 in Australian literature}}

  • 22 March – Del Kathryn Barton wins the Archibald Prize for the second time, for her portrait of actor Hugo Weaving.{{cite news|title=Hugo weaves its magic with Archibald prize judges|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-03-22/archibald-prize-winner-declared/4588148|access-date=22 March 2013|newspaper=ABC News|date=22 March 2013|archive-date=15 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180915120502/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-03-22/archibald-prize-winner-declared/4588148|url-status=live}}
  • 19 June – Michelle de Kretser wins the Miles Franklin Award for her novel Questions of Travel.{{cite news|title=Michelle de Kretser wins Miles Franklin Award for her book Questions of Travel|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-06-19/michelle-de-kretser-wins-miles-franklin-award/4765298|access-date=19 June 2013|newspaper=ABC News|date=19 June 2013|archive-date=20 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130620012954/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-06-19/michelle-de-kretser-wins-miles-franklin-award/4765298|url-status=live}}

Sport

  • 14–27 January – Tennis: The 2013 Australian Open is held. Victoria Azarenka wins the Women's Singles{{cite news|last=Tan|first=Gillian|title=Azarenka Beats Li to Win Australian Open|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424127887323539804578265413047600232|access-date=31 January 2013|newspaper=Wall Street Journal|date=26 January 2013|archive-date=15 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240715084419/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424127887323539804578265413047600232|url-status=live}} and Novak Djokovic wins the Men's Singles.{{cite news|last=Tan|first=Gillian|title=Djokovic Claims Australian Open Hat-Trick|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424127887323375204578267543697314174|access-date=31 January 2013|newspaper=Wall Street Journal|date=27 January 2013|archive-date=15 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240715084414/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424127887323375204578267543697314174|url-status=live}}
  • 9 February – Rugby league: The 2013 All Stars match is won by the Indigenous All Stars, who defeat the NRL All Stars 32–6. Ben Barba is awarded the Preston Campbell award for Man of the Match. The Women's All Stars match is held at the same event.
  • 17 February – Cricket: Australia wins the 2013 Women's Cricket World Cup in India.{{cite news|last=Shemilt|first=Stephan|title=Women's World Cup 2013: A tale of pace, power and global interest|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/cricket/21495121|access-date=17 March 2013|newspaper=BBC Sport|date=17 February 2013|archive-date=1 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130301215853/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/cricket/21495121|url-status=live}}
  • 22 February – Rugby league: 2012 NRL premiers the Melbourne Storm defeat Super League XVII champions the Leeds Rhinos 18–14 in the 2013 World Club Challenge, held in Leeds.
  • 17 March – Motor racing: Kimi Räikkönen wins the 2013 Australian Grand Prix.{{cite news|title=Raikkonen opens F1 season with Melbourne win|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-03-17/raikkonen-wins-australian-grand-prix/4578294|access-date=17 March 2013|newspaper=ABC News|date=17 March 2013|archive-date=21 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210421030523/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-03-17/raikkonen-wins-australian-grand-prix/4578294|url-status=live}}
  • 21 April – Soccer: Central Coast Mariners FC defeat Western Sydney Wanderers FC 2–0 in the 2013 A-League Grand Final.
  • 19 April – In the 2013 ANZAC test Australia defeated New Zealand 32–12 at Canberra Stadium before a crowd of 25,628.
  • 5 June – Rugby league: NSW Blues defeat Queensland Maroons 14–6 at ANZ Stadium in the first match of the 2013 State of Origin series. Blues second-rower Luke Lewis is awarded Man of the Match.
  • 26 June – Rugby league: Queensland Maroons defeat NSW Blues 26–6 at Suncorp Stadium in the second match of the 2013 State of Origin series. Maroons hooker and captain Cameron Smith is awarded Man of the Match.
  • 17 July – Rugby league: The Queensland Maroons win the 2013 State of Origin series, the team's eighth consecutive win, defeating the NSW Blues 12–10 at ANZ Stadium in the third match. Maroons winger Brent Tate is awarded Man of the Match, while hooker and captain Cameron Smith is awarded the Wally Lewis Medal for player of the series.{{cite news|title=State of Origin: Streaker and desperate NSW can't stop Maroons winning eighth straight series|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-07-17/maroons-win-eighth-straight-origin-series/4827066|access-date=18 July 2013|newspaper=ABC News|date=17 July 2013|archive-date=18 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130718044712/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-07-17/maroons-win-eighth-straight-origin-series/4827066|url-status=live}}
  • 27 August – Australian rules football: The Australian Football League announces sanctions against the Essendon Football Club for the club's supplements controversy including being barred from the finals series, stripped of first and second round draft picks for the next two seasons, a $2 million fine and a one-year suspension of coach James Hird.{{cite news|title=Essendon Bombers out of 2013 AFL finals as James Hird accepts 12-month suspension|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-08-27/essendon-bombers-out-of-2013-afl-finals/4915888|access-date=28 August 2013|newspaper=ABC News|date=27 August 2013|archive-date=15 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240715084422/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-08-27/essendon-bombers-out-of-2013-afl-finals/4915888|url-status=live}}
  • 8 September – Rugby league: The Sydney Roosters win the minor premiership following the final main round of the 2013 NRL season. The Parramatta Eels finish in last position, claiming their second straight wooden spoon.
  • 23 September – Australian rules football: Gary Ablett, Jr. (Gold Coast) wins his second Brownlow Medal.{{cite news|last=Maasdorp|first=James|title=Gary Ablett awarded second Brownlow Medal, surging past Joel Selwood and Dane Swan in nail-biting finish|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-09-23/ablett-awarded-second-brownlow-medal/4976574|access-date=24 September 2013|newspaper=ABC News|date=23 September 2013|archive-date=25 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130925020810/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-09-23/ablett-awarded-second-brownlow-medal/4976574|url-status=live}}
  • 28 September – Australian rules football: Hawthorn wins the 2013 AFL Grand Final, defeating Fremantle 11.11 (77) to 8.14 (62) at the MCG.{{cite news|last=McGarry|first=Andrew|title=AFL grand final: Hawthorn makes up for 2012 loss with 15-point win over Fremantle at MCG|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-09-28/redemption-for-hawks-with-win-over-dockers/4987166|access-date=28 September 2013|newspaper=ABC News|date=28 September 2013|archive-date=30 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130930062249/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-09-28/redemption-for-hawks-with-win-over-dockers/4987166|url-status=live}}
  • October – The 12 World Solar Challenge is held.
  • 6 October – Rugby league: The Sydney Roosters defeat the Manly Sea Eagles 26–18 in the 2013 NRL Grand Final. Sea Eagles halfback Daly Cherry-Evans is awarded the Clive Churchill Medal for man-of-the-match.{{cite news|last=Maasdorp|first=James|title=NRL grand final 2013: Sydney Roosters v Manly Sea Eagles as it happened|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-10-06/nrl-grand-final-20133a-live-blog/5001498|access-date=9 October 2013|newspaper=ABC News|date=6 October 2013|archive-date=9 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131009092246/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-10-06/nrl-grand-final-20133a-live-blog/5001498?|url-status=live}} Ricky Martin and Jessica Mauboy headline the pre-game entertainment.
  • 5 November – Horse racing: Fiorente, ridden by jockey Damien Oliver, wins the 2013 Melbourne Cup.{{cite news|title=Gai Waterhouse's Fiorente wins the 2013 Melbourne Cup|url=http://www.smh.com.au/sport/horseracing/gai-waterhouses-fiorente-wins-the-2013-melbourne-cup-20131105-2wyv8.html|access-date=5 November 2013|newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=5 November 2013|archive-date=15 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240715084418/https://www.smh.com.au/sport/racing/gai-waterhouses-fiorente-wins-the-2013-melbourne-cup-20131105-2wyv8.html|url-status=live}}
  • 17 December – Cricket: Australia regains The Ashes for the first time in seven years, after winning the first three tests of the 2013–14 Ashes series.
  • 28 December – Yacht racing: Wild Oats XI takes line honours in the 2013 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, the yacht's seventh win.{{cite news|last=Guinness|first=Rupert|title=Sydney to Hobart 2013: Wild Oats XI in record-equalling seventh triumph but strong winds are on the way|url=http://www.smh.com.au/sport/sailing/sydney-to-hobart-2013-wild-oats-xi-in-recordequalling-seventh-triumph-but-strong-winds-are-on-the-way-20131228-300os.html|access-date=28 December 2013|newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=28 December 2013}}

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See also

{{Portal|Australia}}

References

{{Reflist}}

{{Years in Australia}}

{{Oceania topic|2013 in|countries_only=yes}}

Category:Years of the 21st century in Australia