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Minns’ one idea on illegal tobacco goes up in smoke

After a year of silence, where NSW has witnessed a dramatic increase in illegal tobacco shops and associated criminal violence, Chris Minns on Monday finally offered up a solitary idea to fix the problem – “make cigarettes cheaper”.

Yesterday, the Federal Treasurer shot down the Premier’s idea saying he didn’t think making cigarettes cheaper was the answer and that the focus needed to be on compliance.

Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said that under Chris Minns, NSW has become the Chop Chop capital of Australia.

“Illegal tobacco businesses have exploded under Chris Minns, and organised criminal gangs are raking in big money, because they know NSW has minimal enforcement and some of the weakest penalties in the country.”

“While other states have acted to drastically increase penalties and improve enforcement, Chris Minns has been missing in action. Now that the Federal Treasurer has ruled out changes to the federal excise, Chris Minns needs to tell people how he is going to tackle this issue,” said Mr Speakman.

Shadow Minister for Health Kellie Sloane said Chris Minns has only woken up to this issue after illegal tobacco shops started popping up in his own electorate.

“We’ve been telling the Minns Government for a year that this is a serious issue, but they have been dragging their feet. The Opposition have pushed for stronger illegal tobacco penalties, a fit and proper person test to stop criminals getting tobacco licences and a parliamentary inquiry into this issue,” said Ms Sloane.

Shadow Minister for Regional Health Gurmesh Singh says regional communities are bearing the brunt of the tobacco wars and Chris Minns needed to step up.

“We’ve seen fire bombings, stand over tactics, violence and legitimate small businesses put under pressure due to the rise in illegal tobacco. The lack of enforcement in regional communities means that these criminals can illegal tobacco with little fear of getting caught.”

Shadow Minister for Police Paul Toole said once again the NSW Police Force are being called in as the last line of defence to pick up the slack because of the failures of the Minns Labor Government and NSW Health to deal with illegal tobacco here in this state.

“The NSW Labor Government is treating the NSW Police Force like a dogsbody to pick up the pieces after other agencies fail to their job.

The NSW Police force is stretched paper-thin and passing the buck to the police cannot be this Government’s answer to every issue,” Mr Toole said.

Inquiry will now do what Labor wouldn’t – show the modelling and show the truth

Today the Upper House has stood up for the people of New South Wales — not for spin, not for backroom deals, and not for rushed legislation.

The motion for an inquiry was carried on the voices with the Government not calling for a division to avoid labor MPs ashamed of their position being forced to have their names recorded on the vote or worse still crossing the floor.

A proper inquiry will now be established — because when you’re dealing with the livelihoods of every worker and the future costs to every business in this state, you don’t get to say “trust us.” You show your homework.

This was never about 1 July. That deadline is a political invention, not a legal obligation. And today on Sky News, the Treasurer himself admitted there is no impact on the state budget this financial year. As to 2025-26 premiums, they’ve already been set.

In the Legislative Assembly the Opposition voted for the bill on the second reading. If the Government had treated the Opposition’s amendments in a satisfactory way, we would have voted for the bill on the third reading too. On the Government’s own figures, an amended bill through both Houses would have delivered most of their projected savings immediately, without adjusting WPI thresholds. In addition are savings provided by the Opposition’s extra proposals.

Instead the Government, having sat on a deteriorating scheme until the last moment, wants to stop longer term support for severely psychologically injured workers without explaining its workings, releasing the modelling, or ever levelling with the people who will carry the cost — workers, families, and small business owners.

What’s at stake here are real lives.

The teacher, still standing at the whiteboard long after the bell, juggling lesson plans and parent emails, now fearful of being exploited by deepfake technology.

The nurse stepping into a second shift without hesitation — because her patients don’t get to take breaks.

The Service NSW worker on the frontline after a flood, handing over a grant cheque to someone who’s lost everything — no cameras, just care.

These are the people who kept NSW going through fire, flood and pandemic. And now, without modelling, without facts, and without fairness, Labor tried to rewrite the rules on them and got caught.

This isn’t reform. It’s cover. A government trying to hide its own failure to manage a budget, trading in secrecy and panic over transparency and truth.

The NSW Opposition will always support reform that is fair, sustainable and built on integrity. But we will never rubber-stamp legislation written in haste, driven by internal panic, and enforced through political muscle instead of public trust.

Opposition Leader Mark Speakman said today was about restoring process in the nation’s oldest Parliament.

“Workers, families and business deserve clarity — not confusion, chaos or spin. Today’s decision means the truth can finally come out,” Mr Speakman said.

Shadow Treasurer Damien Tudehope said the Treasurer’s own words on Sky News undermined every claim made to justify the rushed legislation.

“Why the secrecy? If the numbers stacked up, Labor would have shown them. Now the inquiry will deliver what the government wouldn’t — answers,” Mr Tudehope said.

For workers, for businesses, for the entire NSW community — today was a step towards restoring trust.

And for every person who’s felt left out of this process, the Parliament heard you.

Police should not investigate police over Blak deaths in custody

The Australian Greens call for an independent inquiry into the death of 24 year old Kumanjayi White, a Warlpiri man with a disability, in Alice Springs on the 27th May 2025.

We acknowledge the profound grief and anger felt by Kumanjayi White’s family, the Warlpiri and Yuendumu communities and First Nations peoples across the country.

We express our deep sorrow over his death and for the racism, violence and systematic over-incarceration of First Nations people that has led to 597 Aboriginal deaths in custody since the Royal Commission.

Leader of the Australian Greens and First Nations spokesperson, Larissa Waters:

“The Greens share in the sorrow and outrage felt at yet another First Nations death in custody, the tenth already in 2025.

“How did a hungry young man on disability support end up as yet another death in custody, and how is the nation supposed to accept police investigating themselves over this?

“The Greens condemn the Northern Territory Police’s refusal to support an independent inquiry into Kumanjayi White’s death.

“We have long called for independent, transparent investigations into Aboriginal deaths in custody, led by culturally safe processes and free from police or state interference.

“There must be the immediate establishment of a fully independent inquiry into the circumstances of Kumanjayi White’s death, with full powers to compel evidence and witness testimony.

“We must properly resource community focused solutions led by First Nations people.

“The Greens remain committed to our work alongside families, communities and grassroots organisations to end Aboriginal deaths in custody and uphold the rights and dignity of First Nations people.”

Greens Justice spokesperson, David Shoebridge:

“My thoughts are with the Warlpiri and Yuendumu communities and First Nations peoples across the country as they grieve another Black death in custody.

“The family of Kumanjayi White have called for an independent investigation into his death and an independent commission into structural racism, including police conduct and the Greens support these calls.

“We implore governments at all levels to listen to community on how to stop Aboriginal deaths in custody, and then act.

Kat McNamara MLA, Member for Nightcliff

“We are at a crisis point in the Northern Territory with regular news about racism within the Police and ongoing attacks upon the rights of Aboriginal people and communities.

“Every day on average 24 First Nations people are taken into custody in the NT, a significant over representation.

“Aboriginal controlled initiatives need to be resourced properly to lead us toward real reform and justice.

Appeal to locate teen missing from Warabrook

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a teenager missing from the Newcastle area.

Callum Schonewille, aged 15, was last seen in Warabrook about 8am on Monday 2 June 2025.

When he could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Newcastle City Police District were notified on Tuesday 3 June 2025 and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Police and family hold concerns for his welfare.

Callum is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 160cm tall with slim build and short light brown hair.

He was last seen wearing a grey hooded jumper, black track pants, purple Asics runners, and carrying a satchel bag.

He is known to frequent Hamilton South, Windale, Belmont North and Charlestown.

Greens launch big corporation tax to protect essential services in the upcoming Budget

Today Leader of the ACT Greens Shane Rattenbury, alongside Deputy Leader of the ACT Greens, Jo Clay have launched a measured yet ambitious big corporations tax to safeguard essential services from being cut in this upcoming Budget.

Leader of the ACT Greens, Shane Rattenbury said the announcement will provide a pathway for the ACT Government to ensure the next budget does not cut essential services just to balance the books.

“In the last few months, we have seen the Labor Government rake up a $387 million overspend on the health budget and indicate they will need to make tough decisions to manage future spending.

“In the context of a budget that is pushing at the sides, and a national crisis in essential services like housing, healthcare and transport–we need a plan to fund the things Canberrans really need, right here, right now.”

The Greens plan announced today would introduce a new taxation threshold, for corporations with an Australia wide payroll of over $200 million a year, like Coles, Woolworths and the big banks – raising $107 million every year.

“Companies that operate in our city and make billions in profits, like Qantas and Wesfarmers, should be paying their fair share of tax. But instead, they’re raking in massive profits while Canberrans struggle with the cost of living,” Mr Rattenbury said.

“In just the first half of 2025, Woolworths pocketed a $1.7 billion profit—while a record number of Canberrans are turning to food banks because they can’t afford to eat. The contrast couldn’t be starker.”

Deputy Leader of the ACT Greens and Spokesperson for Finance, Jo Clay said the move will save services from being cut and help the government to fund more things Canberrans really need, like health and housing.

“Too many people are facing homelessness, sacrificing meals to feed their kids, or skipping medical appointments. We can’t afford service cuts when people in Canberra are already struggling,” Ms Clay said.

“Taking services away from our community is not good economic management – it increases disadvantage and pushes more people into crisis.

“We just saw the government need more money for the hospital because people cannot get affordable care before they reach an emergency. Balancing the books won’t work if you’re hurting the people you’re supposed to represent and kicking costs down the road.

“If the ACT Labor Government truly believe they are progressive and practical, then they will tax the corporations making billions in profits off everyday people in Canberra and redirect that into the services people need and want.”

Today’s announcement pushes upcoming changes to the ACT’s payroll tax to be more ambitious, fair and ensure the services people in Canberra want and need are actually funded.

The policy will not impact small or medium sized businesses. It will ensure the largest and most profitable corporations in the ACT are paying their fair share in tax.

Major General or NACC Commissioner? Commissioner Brereton needs to choose

The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) Commissioner, Paul Brereton, attended at least 18 formal Defence functions in his uniform as a Major General since his appointment as NACC Commissioner in July 2023, according to budget estimates responses provided to Greens Senator Shoebridge today.

Defence’s $55 billion budget, and the repeated procurement scandals inside the organisation, mean it is a prime target for the federal anti-corruption watchdog.

The answers to questions on notice detail how NACC Commissioner Paul Brereton maintains extensive ongoing military commitments, including an honorary Major General rank and Colonel Commandant role, raising serious questions about potential conflicts of interest.

The responses show not only has Commissioner Brereton attended multiple military functions in uniform, accessed defence facilities, but he also successfully petitioned the Chief of Army to allow him to retain his Major General rank and entitlements despite hitting the statutory age limit. This was all at the same time as he has been tasked with independently investigating Defence in his role as NACC Commissioner.

Senator David Shoebridge, Greens Spokesperson for Defence and Justice, said:

‘What these answers make clear is that every time Commissioner Brereton puts on his Major General uniform he is actively putting himself into the Defence hierarchy and subject to the lawful direction from Defence leadership.

“As recently as June last year Commissioner Brereton personally asked the Chief of Army for a favour, to keep his uniform and his position as a Major General, and we would never have found this out if we didn’t force these answers out of him.

“It’s such an obvious conflict of interest when the head of the NACC is seeking favours from Defence leadership at the same time that he is meant to be fearlessly investigating serious corruption inside Defence.

“These answers show Commissioner Brereton repeatedly going to swanky dinners and formal functions with Defence, in fact he has attended an ADF event nearly every month since heading up the NACC.

“Commissioner Brereton’s position is increasingly untenable. The NACC needs to be beyond reproach and have the full trust of the public.

“Playing military dressup and seeking favours from Defence, while being tasked with investigating them, breaks trust with the public and shows a serious lack of judgement.”

City of Newcastle dishes up new community facility and café at Blackbutt Reserve

City of Newcastle has delivered the last major milestone in a shared vision for Blackbutt Reserve after officially opening the doors today on its new $3.2 million multipurpose community facility.

Located in the Carnley Avenue recreation area, the environmental education, meeting and function space and cafe forms part of Blackbutt Reserve’s Plan of Management, which was developed following community consultation.

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley, Member for Charlestown Jodie Harrison and City of Newcastle Executive Manager Environment and Sustainability, Marnie Kikken officially open Blackbutt Reserve’s new $3.2 million multipurpose community facility and café.An accessible path around the adjacent lawn area was also installed as part of the project, to create better connections between the play space, amenities, animal exhibits, café and community facility.

Executive Manager Environment and Sustainability, Marnie Kikken, said City of Newcastle is committed to protecting and enhancing the much-loved destination for the whole community.

“Blackbutt Reserve plays an important role in our vision of Newcastle as a smart, liveable and sustainable city where we celebrate our unique qualities and protect our natural assets,” Ms Kikken said.

“Featuring pristine natural bushland, 12 km of walking trails, wildlife exhibits, playgrounds and picnic facilities, it offers diverse opportunities for social connection, active and passive recreation and interactions with nature.

“This will be enhanced with the opening of our new multipurpose community facility and café, which will further encourage residents and visitors to immerse themselves in the green heart of our city.”

The project was partially funded by the NSW Government’s Resources for Regions grant program.

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley, Member for Charlestown Jodie Harrison and City of Newcastle Executive Manager Environment and Sustainability, Marnie Kikken join Blackbutt Reserve staff and some special friends at the opening of the new $3.2 million multipurpose community facility and café.

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley officially opened the new building today and said it would be a welcome addition for the community.

“It’s great to finally open the doors to this facility, which will house some really important services including a new cafe,” Minister Catley said.

“Blackbutt Reserve is one of Newcastle’s most treasured natural spaces and this new facility is a great example of how we can improve public spaces while still respecting the environment.

“The NSW Government provided over $800,000 in funding for this project because we know how important these facilities are, not only for creating local jobs, but also for boosting tourism across the Hunter.

“We want people to visit Blackbutt Reserve knowing there are top-notch facilities to make their experience even better.”

Member for Charlestown Jodie Harrison also welcomed the new additions at Blackbutt Reserve.

“This is an exciting day for the people of Newcastle, with the opening of the expanded Blackbutt Reserve community facilities,” Ms Harrison said.

“The new facilities and café will revitalise this popular attraction and bring more visitors to enjoy the wonderful natural environment.”

City of Newcastle staff, cafe staff, Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley, Member for Charlestown Jodie Harrison, City of Newcastle Executive Manager Environment and Sustainability, Marnie Kikken, with members of the construction and design teams at Blackbutt Reserve.

Ms Kikken said the project is a significant step in delivering the shared vision for Blackbutt Reserve.

“The Blackbutt Reserve Plan of Management provides a framework for how the reserve is managed in line with its ecological, recreational, educational and historic values,” Ms Kikken said.

“In the past 10 years City of Newcastle has delivered the plan’s key actions, including the construction of the adventure playground at Richley Reserve and upgrades to the wildlife exhibits and Carnley Avenue recreation area.

“The multipurpose community facility and cafe will complement these other elements, providing an improved experience for more than 150,000 people who visit Blackbutt Reserve each year.”

The multipurpose community facility features a bookable meeting room, enabling groups to gather, collaborate and host events, and for school groups to visit and learn about our environment.

The building also includes the Blackbutt Café by Durks, which has an undercover dining and seating area and will provide coffee, breakfast and lunch dining options, as well as picnic boxes and catering.

Blackbutt, Natural Areas and Invasive Species Manager Andrew Staniland paid tribute to the efforts of the volunteers who for many years had operated a temporary kiosk on site with the support of City of Newcastle.

“It is important to recognise the tireless effort of the many volunteers and council staff that have ensured the operation of the kiosk, which started with humble beginnings in a replica pioneer hut,” Mr Staniland said.

“It is through this legacy that the current multipurpose community facility was built and we are forever grateful to those who made the kiosk a major part of a visit to Blackbutt.”

The community is invited to celebrate the opening of the facility at a community fun day from 10am-1pm on Saturday 21 June, featuring live music, Ranger-hosted critter encounters, family entertainment, facepainting as well as special offers at the new cafe.

NSW ban on public private partnerships for acute hospitals passes Parliament

I am pleased the NSW Government’s ban on all future public private partnerships being imposed on the state’s acute hospitals has today passed the NSW Parliament.

As a Labor government, we have always adamantly opposed these sorts of arrangements – and we will continue to oppose them, now and into the future.

The PPP Prohibition Bill has made important amendments to the Health Services Act to prohibit governments from entering into a Northern Beaches-style arrangement to build or operate an acute public hospital.

The private sector can and does play an important part in the delivery of public hospital services.

However, the use of a Northern Beaches Hospital style public private partnership raises complex issues and risks.

This Government does not believe, and never has believed, that this is a model that is best for public health care. Local community hospitals that are designed to provide services to public patients should be part of the public health system.

This Bill honours the legacy of baby Joe Massa. I want to thank Elouise and Danny Massa, Joe’s parents, for their courage and advocacy to make these reforms a reality.

$15 million funding boost for the Royal Flying Doctor Service

A major Minns Labor Government funding boost for not-for-profit charity the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) will support people in regional, rural and remote NSW to access healthcare.

An additional $15 million in funding for RFDS will be delivered as part of the 2025-26 NSW Budget, as the Minns Labor Government continues delivering better essential services our communities rely on.

Operating for 97 years, the RFDS is a key partner of NSW Health and employs over 390 staff in NSW to deliver a range of services including primary care, dental, mental health, retrieval services and patient and clinician transport to regional communities.

The $15 million is in addition to funding the Minns Labor Government provides to RFDS to deliver services to communities across NSW, including in regional, rural and remote NSW, such as:

Rural Aerial Health Service to transport clinicians to rural, regional and remote locations to provide health services.
Inter-hospital transfers operating from Dubbo and Broken Hill air bases, transporting patients who are a seriously ill or in a life-threatening condition to a suitable hospital.
Non-Emergency Patient Transfers to provide end-to-end non-emergency patient transport to and from public hospitals and health facilities
Medical Services Clinics, Oral Health Services and Alcohol and Other Drug Services in Far West NSW.

The additional funding will ensure RFDS can continue to provide comprehensive health services to rural, regional and remote NSW, and continues the Minns Labor Government’s plan to build a better NSW.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“The Royal Flying Doctor Service is an Australian icon. Its team has been keeping people right across remote, rural and regional NSW safe and healthy for many decades.

“This funding boost will help regional people access the healthcare they need with a trusted service dedicated to helping others.”

Member for Barwon Roy Butler:

“I’d like to thank Minister Ryan Park and the NSW Government for this significant funding for the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS). I have worked closely with the Minister and his team to ensure this vital service is supported.

“The RFDS is, and should always be seen as, a core part of the health system, particularly in communities in Regional NSW and Barwon.

“I acknowledge the role of the RFDS in the history of Regional Australia. They not only save lives but also ensure people receive the care they need as soon as possible, particularly in remote areas of the state where services can be difficult to provide. Thanks again to the Minister and NSW Government, this funding will allow RFDS to continue the excellent work they do.”

Greg Sam, CEO Royal Flying Doctor Service (South Eastern Section):

“The Royal Flying Doctor Service (South Eastern Section) (RFDS) welcomes today’s $15 million funding announcement.

“We thank Premier Minns, Health Minister Park, and the Member for Barwon, Roy Butler, for supporting the RFDS and recognising the important partnership role we play as part of the NSW health system in providing vital emergency and medical health services to regional, rural and remote NSW communities.”

New Bankstown Hospital: Building better essential services for NSW

The Minns Labor Government is making a record investment in the new Bankstown Hospital, ensuring we are delivering better essential services that the people of NSW rely on.

The new Bankstown Hospital is a step closer to being delivered with the Government today announcing additional funds, the release of the master plan and a new TAFE NSW site to enable construction of the new hospital.

The new Bankstown Hospital is expected include:

an Emergency Department
operating theatres
Intensive Care
surgical and medical services
services for women and children including maternity
mental health
other services to be identified as planning progresses.

It follows years of broken promises and delays by the previous Liberal Government who failed to progress the project, failed to select a site and failed to adequately fund its construction.

Delivering better essential services that people rely on

The Minns Labor Government will invest an additional $700 million in the construction of the planned New Bankstown Hospital as part the NSW Budget.

It brings the total investment in the new south-west Sydney hospital to $2 billion, making it the largest capital works investment in a public hospital in the state’s history.

Despite promising a new hospital in Bankstown in 2019, the former government did not progress site selection.

No proper planning was conducted, and as a result, the initial announcement of $1.3 billion in 2019 was always insufficient – and made worse by a period of record global inflation and high demand for construction resources.

This funding boost will ensure the new hospital will meet the healthcare needs of the growing community of South-West Sydney, with the Bankstown population expected to grow by 16 per cent over the next 15 years.

The hospital will be built on Chapel Road at the current TAFE NSW campus in Bankstown’s CBD.

The NSW Government is also giving the local community a first glimpse at the multi-storey hospital by releasing the master plan, showing its close connection to public transport and amenities.

Zones have also been identified for carparking and future expansion of health services.

The Bankstown community is being invited to have its say on the Master Plan through community information sessions planned at:

Bankstown Hospital Main Foyer on Wednesday 18 June 2025, 11.00am – 1.00 pm
Bankstown Hospital Main Foyer on Thursday 19 June 2025, 7.00am – 9.00am
Bankstown Central shopping centre on Thursday 26 June 2025, 5pm – 7pm

The new hospital will integrate with the existing Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital site, which will remain as a health facility, to deliver contemporary healthcare and a better healthcare experience across a broad range of community and hospital-based services.

Rebuilding education infrastructure

The budget will also deliver $100 million to relocate the TAFE NSW Bankstown campus to enable construction of the new hospital.

While a small part of the existing site will remain in use, TAFE NSW will relocate most of its training delivery for the next five years to the new Western Sydney University Tower, across the road from the existing Bankstown campus.

This will ensure local staff and students can still access brand new facilities and bespoke teaching and learning spaces in the heart of the Bankstown CBD.

Animal studies, early childhood and care, and some digital business and finance classes will move to the nearby TAFE NSW Padstow campus.

This budget builds on the strong foundations we have laid since coming to government with the delivery of more than $3.8 billion in hospital infrastructure across western Sydney, including:

$790 million for the new Rouse Hill Hospital plus $120 million from the Federal Government
$550 million for the Fairfield Hospital Redevelopment
$350 million for the Canterbury Hospital Redevelopment
$120 million for additional beds for Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals.

For more information on the New Bankstown Hospital master plan and to provide feedback visit the Have your say web page.

Premier Chris Minns:

“One of the best things about Australia is its healthcare. It’s why we’re ensuring we continue to deliver quality, accessible and affordable healthcare services.

“That starts with hospitals. The new Bankstown Hospital has been a long time coming and while there is still a long way to go, this extra funding is a big step in the right direction to getting shovels in the ground and the hospital up and running.”

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“The previous Liberal Government neglected to progress a site for the New Bankstown Hospital, and as a result, the people of Southwest Sydney have been left waiting for six years.

“Over that time, the money the Liberals set aside for the project has since been overrun by construction cost escalations.

“The Minns Labor Government is getting on with actually delivering on this project by allocating the funds to finish the job.

“The release of the master plan gives the community a first glimpse of what this new hospital will look like and the essential services it will provide, and we’re inviting their feedback on it.”

Minister for TAFE Steve Whan:

“I’m so pleased a suitable site has been found for TAFE NSW teachers and students, which will enable to delivery of a new and much needed hospital.

“Co-locating TAFE and the University will provide even more opportunities for students in south-west Sydney to connect, explore, and experience a broader range of tertiary education pathways and employment outcomes available to them.”

Member for Bankstown the Hon. Jihad Dib MP:

“Our growing community has desperately needed a state-of-the-art hospital and I’m so proud of the Minns Labor Government for delivering on our election commitment.

“This record investment in healthcare infrastructure will provide our unique multicultural community with a modern hospital to meet their needs.”

Member for East Hills Kylie Wilkinson MP

“I am delighted to be part of the Minns Labor Government that is delivering a brand-new hospital for our community. We’re not only building a modern hospital but also retaining the existing site as a health facility, ensuring even more services and care for everyone.”