Woman critically injured after car crashes into bus shelter – Lake Macquarie Police District

A woman has been critically injured after being hit while waiting at a bus stop in the state’s Hunter region.

About 4pm yesterday (Friday 16 May 2025), emergency services responded to reports that a car had crashed into a bus shelter along Main Road, Glendale.

NSW Ambulance paramedics treated a 28-year-old woman at the scene before she was taken to John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition.

The 25-year-old male driver of the Holden Commodore sedan was taken to the same hospital for mandatory testing.

Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District established a crime scene, which was examined by specialist police from the Crash Investigation Unit.

Police have been told that the woman was inside the bus shelter at the time of the crash.

GREENS SECURE SIGNIFICANT CHANGES TO MAKE LEVY FAIRER WITH EXEMPTIONS FOR FARMERS AND GUARANTEED FUNDING FOR FIREFIGHTERS

In the face of climate change, with increased bushfires, floods and storms, it’s critical that emergency services have the funding they need to keep the community safe. We only need to look to the fires in LA to see what happens when emergency services are under-resourced.

The Victorian Greens share the concerns that have been raised by farmers and firefighters about Labor’s changes to the fire services levy, and have pushed the government to make significant changes to make the levy fairer and ensure it commits real, additional funding for our emergency services and firefighters.

Labor’s original proposal had a lot of problems. It was going to redirect money from this levy to fund government administration, while leaving key emergency services like firefighters without the basic funding to replace their fleet of aging, unsafe firetrucks – which puts firefighters, and the whole community, at risk. 

In summary, the Greens have secured the following significant changes to gain our support for the legislation which also requires the support of other crossbench MPs to pass: 

  • Increased funding for emergency services – instead of the new levy providing no more than 87.5% of FRV annual funding, it will now be required to provide no less than 90% of FRV annual funding and no less than 95% of funding for the CFA and SES.
  • Guaranteed $10 million every year ongoing, for a rolling fleet replacement program for out-of-date firetrucks for FRV, on top of the funds for rolling fleet replacement for the CFA and additional money for vehicles for the SES.
  • Key amendments that ensure the levy is strictly used for frontline emergency services and not a dollar can be used for other government administration. 
  • Exemptions for farmers experiencing hardship due to drought. 
  • A significant additional drought relief package for farmers.
  • Additional $15 million for support for farmers to reduce their energy bills.
  • A commitment to a reduced levy rate for primary production land.

People expect that 100% of this levy go towards properly funding frontline emergency services we rely on, like safe and reliable firetrucks – which is why the Greens have ensured every dollar will go towards funding frontline emergency responders and have secured guaranteed funding for a rolling firetruck fleet replacement for both the FRV and CFA, which makes sure every firetruck is replaced when they reach retirement age. 

The Greens are deeply concerned about farmers facing drought and have secured changes that will exempt them from the increased levy and expand drought-affected areas to cover more farmers. We’ve also pushed the government to agree to a major drought relief package to be announced before the state Budget and significant additional support for farmers to reduce their energy bills.

All this legislation does is provide a legal tool to provide secure, ongoing funding for our emergency services into the future. The rate of the levy is not part of the legislation and is set by the Treasurer separately.

Leader of the Victorian Greens, Ellen Sandell: 

“With increased bushfires, floods and droughts, we need fully funded emergency services to keep us all safe – so we don’t face a horrific situation like the LA fires.

“Labor’s original levy had some serious problems, so the Greens pushed for significant changes. These changes mean farmers experiencing hardship from drought will be exempt from the increased levy, firefighters will have proper secure and ongoing funding including to replace their ageing trucks, and amendments will ensure every dollar goes to emergency services and can’t be spent to plug government budget holes.” 

GREENS SECURE INQUIRY INTO UNLOCKING FULL POTENTIAL OF ELECTRIC VEHICLES

The Victorian Greens have successfully secured a parliamentary inquiry to investigate how we can unlock the full potential of electric vehicles (EV) to power our homes and the grid.

The inquiry will explore how electric vehicles can best support Victoria’s energy system without putting increased pressure on the during peak demand, and utilise them during times when renewable energy is plentiful.

EV batteries are around five times the size of household batteries and most trips only use a small portion of that stored power leaving plenty of capacity to power a home in the evening.

Australians bought 91,000 EVs last year with a combined battery storage capacity roughly equivalent* to all the big batteries built or under construction in Victoria, illustrating the storage potential of EVs.

The inquiry will consider how to make best use of this capacity, while avoiding a tangle of power cords snaking across inner city footpaths and uncoordinated, ill-timed demand on the grid.

And when drivers want to replace a tired old battery with reduced range, the inquiry will examine whether old EV batteries can have a second life as stationary household or community batteries.

Terms of reference include:
• Measures to reduce EV charging during peak demand and increase it during periods of peak renewable supply
• Whether public charging infrastructure is being rolled out at sufficient rates across different areas, including older suburbs with limited off-street parking
• The role of electricity distributors in EV charging rollout and how network tariffs should be set
• How to support broader EV take-up, including enabling bi-directional charging
• The potential for old EV batteries to be reused in household or community energy storage
• Opportunities and barriers in battery manufacturing, reconditioning, and recycling in Victoria
• Any other related matters

Victorian Greens MP, Dr Tim Read:

“We’ve secured this important inquiry because electric vehicles aren’t just a way to get from A to B – they’re batteries on wheels which can power your home or the grid. With the right policy settings, EVs can help more Victorians cut emissions, support our electricity grid, and lower energy bills.

“If we get this right, there will be synergy between EVs and a fully renewable energy grid, each supporting the other. The climate emergency means there’s no time to stuff it up.”

*Victoria currently has about 4.7 GWh of storage in big batteries built or under construction, equivalent to the storage capacity of 78,000 EV batteries (60kWh).

Greens Leader Shane Rattenbury welcomes new Australian Greens leadership team

Shane Rattenbury, Leader of the ACT Greens 

“On behalf of the membership of the ACT Greens, I want to sincerely congratulate Larissa Waters for her election as Federal Parliamentary Leader of the Australian Greens, following the election process this afternoon.

“I also congratulate Mehreen Faruqi on being elected as the Federal Deputy Parliamentary Leader of the Australian Greens.

“Over the past half-decade, Adam Bandt has shown what it means to lead with purpose, and has set a high standard for what growing the Greens movement looks like, and what people-powered politics can achieve.

“Now looking ahead, I’m confident this new leadership team has what it takes to guide our movement into its next chapter—growing our support and driving meaningful change with collaboration, but also with strong conviction.

“Despite the media spin and tireless work of major party commentators to bring down the Greens, we’ve seen a strong primary vote at this election–and while there is work to be done in growing our movement even more, well over a million Australians have put their faith in our party to fight for change.

“Not only do we hold the balance of power in the Senate, but across the country, the Greens are now in a two party contest in more winnable seats than ever before–setting us up for success at the next federal election.

“Having worked closely with both Larissa and Mehreen in the past, I’m confident in their ability to lead the party with strength and vision. I’m looking forward to working alongside them to deliver real outcomes for progressively minded Canberrans—especially on the issues that matter most: tackling climate change, protecting our precious natural environment, increasing bulk billing and building affordable housing.

“I will also be personally working with our new leadership team to deliver for the ACT. That will include pushing the Government to prioritise increased funding for light rail—so we can deliver it faster and extend it across all of Canberra.

“We will also work together to expand the representation of the ACT in the Senate to ensure Canberrans have a fair representation of their range of political views in the parliament.

NSW Government strengthens legal support for people with a cognitive impairment

The NSW Government is investing $14 million to strengthen support for people with a cognitive impairment who come into contact with the justice system.   

The Government is extending funding for the Justice Advocacy Service (JAS) which helps people understand their rights and responsibilities when interacting with police, legal representatives and the courts.  

The service is run by the Intellectual Disability Rights Service (IDRS) and has been extended for another two years until 30 June 2027.  

It is available across the state, including in regional and remote areas, and has supported more than 9,000 people since 2019.  

JAS also provides a voluntary diversion service helping eligible defendants to provide evidence of their impairment, apply for a diversion order, and access the NDIS and other support services.  

This diversion service is available across six local courts – Downing Centre, Parramatta, Blacktown, Penrith, Gosford and Lismore – and has helped more than 900 clients since 2022.  

Attorney General Michael Daley said:  

“This funding extension ensures the Justice Advocacy Service can continue providing support to people with a cognitive impairment when they interact with police, legal representatives and the courts.  

“This is important to ensure equitable access to justice and fairness for vulnerable community members.”  

Minister for Disability Inclusion Kate Washington said:  

“Legal processes can be complex for anyone – but for people with a cognitive impairment, navigating the courts without adequate support can result in unjust outcomes with life shattering consequences.  

“Thanks to the Justice Advocacy Service, people with cognitive impairment can access the support and advice they need as witnesses, victims or defendants.  

“By extending this funding, we’re backing a service that makes sure people’s needs are understood which helps to ensure everyone in our courts gets a fair hearing.”  

Intellectual Disability Rights Service Chief Executive Officer Joanne Yates said:  

“The Justice Advocacy Service supports more than 2,500 people with a cognitive impairment in their criminal proceedings each year.  

“JAS advocates contribute to the effective operations of the courts. Our work is critical in supporting vulnerable people with intellectual disability. This includes keeping them out of prison and diverting them into support services as appropriate.  

“We welcome the extension of our vital funding for these next two years and thank the Attorney General and the Minister for their ongoing support”.  

A former Justice Advocacy Service client said:  

“JAS saved me when I was at my lowest point in life and through their work has given me so many opportunities. I’m working and I can’t thank them enough for what they’ve done for me.  

“It changes lives in so many ways, support is unreal, they spend extra time with court matters.  

“It will keep a lot of people out of prison, having the diversion in courts is really beneficial for people with intellectual disability as it is keeping them out of somewhere that will make them even more vulnerable than they already are.”   

NSW Government publishes report from Special Commission of Inquiry into Healthcare Funding

The NSW Government has today released the report from the Special Commission of Inquiry into Healthcare Funding.

This delivers on an election commitment from the Minns Labor Government to have an inquiry into healthcare spending.

The commission, led by Hon. Justice Richard Beasly, found the NSW Health system to be a high performing one with the treatment and care it provides to be among the best in the world.

As with any large and complex organisation, there is always room for improvement.

The inquiry received 226 written submissions as well as heard testimony from 225 witnesses over 70 days of hearings, including patients, providers and policy experts.

The inquiry also visited every local health district and specialty health network across metropolitan as well as regional NSW, including meeting management, clinicians, health consumers, and healthcare providers such as General Practitioners, Non-Government Organisations, and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations and Aboriginal Medical Services.

From this, the report has produced 41 recommendations across 12 priority areas including:

  • the need for allied and preventative healthcare
  • challenges around primary and aged care
  • the health workforce
  • statewide health service planning
  • procurement processes
  • innovation.

The Government will now carefully consider these findings and respond in due course.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“I want to say from the outset that the NSW health system is one of the highest performing in the world, supported by the most talented and dedicated clinicians and workers.

“It doesn’t mean that we don’t have our challenges, and it doesn’t mean we can’t find more ways to improve.

“This is why we delivered on our election commitment to establish a Special Commission of Inquiry into healthcare spending.

“I am so grateful to the commission and the many people from every level of our health system who generously shared their insights with the inquiry.

“It is now time to give the findings and recommendations of this report the consideration it deserves.”

Health Services Union Secretary Gerard Hayes:

“We have an opportunity to fundamentally shift our health system’s focus by embracing this report.

“We know the future of healthcare is in allied and preventative care, which will keep people out of hospital and help them recover faster.

“The HSU is ready to work with the state government to implement the reforms recommended in the report, which will improve the health of the people of NSW.

“Shifting our attention from costly emergency and surgical intervention to allied and preventative care will save money and improve peoples’ health, which is not only good for individuals but the wider community.”

Big Boost for Active Transport: Walk Safely to School Day

The Minns Labor Government is continuing to prioritise safety and accessibility for school students, with a $10 million boost in walking and cycling infrastructure near schools.

Some 24 locations will receive improvements including new and upgraded shared paths, footpaths and raised pedestrian crossings that make it safer for children and parents to walk to school.

The funding announced today coincides with NSW Walk Safely to School Day. It is part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to building better communities through essential infrastructure.

Data shows less than one in four NSW school children currently walk or ride to and from school, while over 70 per cent of parents and carers indicated they would like to walk to school with their children most days. Children are only spending 18 minutes per day walking or riding a bike, less than a third of the daily recommendation.

National Walk Safely to School Day is a Pedestrian Council of Australia initiative that falls within National Road Safety Week, an annual initiative of Safer Australian Roads and Highways (SARAH) Group to encourage safer behaviour on our roads.

This builds on funding programs to deliver safety around schools, including through measures such as school zones, flashing lights and the NSW Road Safety Education Program.

Examples of projects funded by the program include:

  • $979,489 towards the removal of the Children’s Crossing and the installation of a raised pedestrian crossing with a pedestrian refuge island and speed cushion on Greenbridge Drive in Wilton.
  • $807,180 towards the North Lismore Connections project, delivering safe pathways linking residents to the CBD, sporting fields, showgrounds, and the proposed high school, enhancing active transport, connectivity, and safety.
  • $795,421.55 towards the construction of a 3m wide shared path on Tennant Street Bellbird from Balangara Way to Sparke St, and a 1.8m wide walking path on Doyle Street, including a pedestrian refuge at the Sparke Street and Doyle Street intersection.
  • $758,911 towards improving pedestrian crossing safety at the Conadilly-Henry Street intersection in Gunnedah, reducing conflicts between pedestrians and 26-meter B-double vehicles near a school, church, and businesses.
  • $615,000 towards the construction of a 3.0m wide shared path along Military Road in Port Kembla and a 1.5m wide footpath along Olympic Boulevard, connecting the Foreshore, Town Centre, and Train Station to community facilities and public transport.

View a full list of projects funded by the program here:

For more information on Walk Safely to School Day, visit the 2025 Walk Safely to School Day web page.

Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said:

“On this Walk Safely to School Day, I’m delighted to share details of the $10 million worth of active transport projects that have been funded by the NSW Government.

“Tragically, two child pedestrians died and 36 were seriously injured in active school zones in the five-year period from 2019 to 2023.

“Improving safety is our number one priority. We want parents and carers to feel confident to walk, ride and scoot their kids to school – it’s critically important to their mental and physical health.

“Children are only spending 18 minutes per day – less than one third of the recommended daily time – walking or riding a bike. I encourage parents to leave the car at home and take the time to walk or cycle with their kids, always hold their hand when walking on the footpath and cross at pedestrian crossings.” 

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“There are so many benefits for children walking or riding safely to school. It builds independence and self-confidence, improves health and can establish being active as a lifelong pattern.

“The reduction in traffic congestion on the road network when we have fewer parents in fewer cars doing fewer trips to school is another positive result of kids getting to school on foot or by bike or scooter.

“Upgraded and wider footpaths, quality crossings and more trees are among the small changes that can make a big difference to getting kids active on the way to school.”

Pedestrian Council of Australia CEO Harold Scruby said:    

“As our motto says – active kids are healthy kids, and the best form of physical activity for all Australians is walking regularly. Children need at least 60 minutes of physical activity a day. We also encourage parents and carers to take their children on a walk to school each day to teach them life-long road safety habits. 

“Being active every day, including walking to school, provides social, emotional, physical and mental health benefits, including improving self-esteem and confidence and helping concentration.  And the best way to do this is to build walking into your daily routine. 

“Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or carer – everyone has a role to play in helping children and young people to lead active healthy lives. Remember to hold your child’s hand and always stop, look, listen and think before crossing the road.”

Approved Summerville solar farm to power 36,000 homes

The Minns Government is paving the way to a greener energy future with the approval of a large-scale solar farm in the Richmond Valley that will power more than 36,000 homes, create 200 local jobs in construction and deliver strong community benefits. 

The $312 million Summerville Solar Farm, located 57 kilometres southwest of Lismore, will have a generating capacity of 90 megawatt (MW). 

It will also boast 360-megawatt hour (MWh) battery energy storage system so the farm can capture and release solar energy to the grid during peak times and outside daylight hours.  

Clean energy produced from the solar farm will save more than 139,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually. 

The proponent will also provide approximately $3.1 million to Richmond Valley Council to deliver infrastructure and community benefits. 

The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) responded to key issues raised during the community consultation period including biodiversity and fire safety.   

The project has been approved, subject to strict conditions including a 10-metre perimeter for fire safety and others to manage or mitigate any impacts on traffic and the environment. 

The Summerville Solar Farm requires approval from the Commonwealth Government before construction can begin.   

Since March 2023, the Minns Government has delivered 34 renewable energy State Significant Development assessments, including five wind farms, 12 solar farms and 15 large-scale energy storage systems.  

The projects have the combined capacity to generate 6 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy, and store 7.8 GW / 21.5 GWh of energy.

This could save an estimated 10.5 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions each year and power 2.78 million homes while boosting the state’s energy security. 

For more information visit https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects/projects/summerville-solar-farm

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said: 

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to diversifying energy production and reducing carbon emissions while providing energy security and reliability. 

“Summerville Solar Farm will produce clean energy and bolster the Northern Rivers economy by creating jobs during construction and operational phases.  

“The renewable project will also help renew the community with Richmond Valley Council to receive about $3.12 million to spend on community projects for locals to enjoy. 

“NSW is leading a once-in-a-generation upgrade of the electricity network, to deliver even more clean, affordable and reliable energy for everyone in NSW.” 

Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin said:

“This is a big win for our community. Renewable energy projects are the cheapest form of energy to build. They mean more jobs, cleaner energy, and reliable power as more projects like Summerville get built. 

“I’m also happy to see that the successful tenderer will be delivering some funds to Richmond Valley Council to build local infrastructure and support our local community groups. This project won’t just create jobs, it’ll help deliver some much-needed support for our community too.”  

Sydney ranks in Top 5 Time Out Best Cities for Culture

Slowly but surely Sydney is getting back to its best, and this result is more proof.

There was a lost decade of lockouts and lockdowns where our nightlife and culture suffered, and the glory days of the Sydney Olympics seemed like long lost memories.

Since coming to government two years ago we’ve been fighting to bring Sydney back to life, which has involved cutting lots of red tape that was holding back small venues through to large cultural events.

We’ve lifted the concert cap on our stadiums and put local support acts on our biggest stages. We’ve continued backing incredible events like Vivid Sydney, SXSW Sydney, Sydney Festival, Sydney Fringe, Sydney Film Festival, Sydney Comedy Festival and the Sydney Marathon, whilst supporting our world class cultural institutions like the Sydney Opera House, Art Gallery of NSW and the Australian Museum.

We’ve also stopped serial single noise complainants from shutting down entertainment venues, extended trading hours, incentivised venues to host live music, scrapped the 5km rule at clubs, given adults the right to stand up when having a drink outside and started rolling out Special Entertainment Precincts across the state.

But it’s not mission accomplished, the hard work continues, so stay tuned as we rebuild our night-time economy block-by-block neighbourhood-by-neighbourhood.

People often talk down Sydney’s cultural life, and sometimes they’ve had reason to, but that’s changing. I think it’s time to be proud of our city and our state again.

Click here for Sydney has just ranked in the world’s top 5 cities for culture on this global Time Out list

Investing in the Australia–Indonesia relationship

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and His Excellency Mr Prabowo Subianto, President of the Republic of Indonesia, met today in Jakarta for the Australia–Indonesia Annual Leaders’ Meeting and issued a Joint Communiqué.

This is Prime Minister Albanese’s fourth visit to Indonesia as Prime Minister, and first overseas bilateral opportunity in the Government’s second term.

In the context of an uncertain global economic and strategic outlook, the two leaders discussed how Australia and Indonesia can expand and deepen cooperation in a spirit of true partnership under our bilateral Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Australia is committed to boosting trade and investment in the region through Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040. The strategy is supporting Australian businesses to take advantage of trade and investment opportunities in Indonesian healthcare, renewable energy, agriculture, infrastructure and mining industries—broadening our strong and mutually beneficial economic relationship.

The two leaders agreed to review and expand the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA), the centrepiece of our economic relationship, to take into account new opportunities for economic growth powered by the net zero transition, critical and emerging minerals and technologies, and digital trade.

Building on the momentum of the Australia–Indonesia Defence Cooperation Agreement signed last year, Prime Minister Albanese announced a number of initiatives to build the security relationship, including:

  • $15 million over four years to enhance our maritime cooperation, including establishing an annual officials-level dialogue on maritime issues
  • supporting the Indonesian military to commence training in the Northern Territory later this year
  • $3.5 million for a clinical anti-malaria drug trial for the Indonesian military.

Australia is committed to strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and partnering with Indonesia on its domestic priorities to bolster regional stability and the health security of both countries, including:

  • $100 million to strengthen Indonesia’s health system, and its ability to prevent, detect and respond to human and animal infectious diseases
  • Supporting Indonesia’s sovereign wealth fund Danantara to join the International Forum of Sovereign Wealth Funds and inviting it to conduct a roadshow in Australia
  • $50 million to the Fund for Green Infrastructure under the Australia-Indonesia Climate and Infrastructure Partnership (KINETIK), to incentivise investment in green infrastructure and clean energy projects in Indonesia
  • Doubling the number of participating scholars and institutions under Australia’s Indonesian Language Learning Ambassadors program, and
  • Supporting Indonesia’s Garuda Schools Program though 10 scholarships for students to study a Masters of Education in Australia.

Leaders welcomed enhanced cooperation between Football Australia and the Football Federation of Indonesia (PSSI), which could include major event opportunities and women’s football mentorship.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“I am pleased to again make Indonesia my first bilateral leaders’ meeting in this new term of Government, reflecting the high priority I accord to this vital relationship.

“Australia and Indonesia are indispensable partners—we’re working together as neighbours and as partners committed to a secure, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

“Our two great nations continue to invest in each other through our strong trade relationship, creating economic opportunity and deepening the bonds between us.

“I am proud of the enduring friendship between Australia and Indonesia, and I look forward to working closely with President Prabowo on our countries’ shared priorities.”