July 2025 – Page 10

One fifth of Labor’s ‘affordable’ homes made up of unreachable land tax concession goal

Community sector advocates have revealed in Estimates today that 1000 homes out of Labor’s target of 5000 new affordable homes will be delivered by the private market as part of the land tax concession scheme–a target which community advocates say cannot be reached without greater government investment.

Leader of the ACT Greens, Shane Rattenbury:

“Labor’s target of five thousand new ‘affordable’ homes was already questionable because their definition of affordability already puts half of wage earning Canberrans definitionally into rental stress.

”But today’s news that it is dependent on private landlords putting up 1000 homes–20% of the target–really highlights the unreliability of the magic pudding maths of Labor’s target.

“This lack of reliability is underlined by the community organisations telling us that they are struggling to support more houses in the scheme, because they are not funded to deliver the volume of service announced.

“It’s clear the government is shirking its own responsibility for delivering affordable housing for Canberrans by over relying on this scheme to deliver.

“Since the launch of the scheme around five years ago, 250 generous Canberrans have offered up their properties for rental through the land-tax concession scheme and the government expects this number to somehow skyrocket to 1000 without any further incentives or any increased funding to housing providers.

“The Greens are clear: we support the land tax concession scheme through and through. It was originally a Greens proposal by my former colleague Caroline Le Couteur, that taps in to the community spirit of property owners in the city

“But the reality is, it simply cannot be the answer to 20% of our affordable housing target in this city–it’s just not realistic.

“Time and time again, we see not just this government, but governments across the country neglecting their role in fixing this cooked housing market by failing to realise that the private market and the community sector alone cannot fix this crisis. The government needs to step in and deliver a funding model for community and public housing that is actually realistic.

“This news underscores the need for Labor to get real about their target of affordable housing, and fess up that not only is their definition of ‘affordable’ incredibly flawed, but that the target of 5000 contains speculative elements.”

NO APOLOGY, NO TRANSPARENCY, GREENS SAY LABOR MUST COMMIT TO RELEASING CHILDCARE SAFETY DOCUMENTS

The Victorian Greens are calling on the Premier to commit to releasing critical documents relating to childcare safety, saying that parents deserve transparency and accountability over political damage control.

It comes after today the Victorian Labor Premier Jacinta Allan said she will not apologise for failing to meet the deadline to produce documents relating to childcare safety that were requested by the Greens last month prior to horrific allegations of child sexual abuse in the sector.

The Victorian Greens motion was respectfully worded with sensitivity to children’s privacy and limited in scope to only capture the documents that would be needed to see the full picture of what’s happening in our childcare sector. The same documents were released in New South Wales following a motion from Greens MP Abigail Boyd.

Labor consistently disobeys the standing orders and defies the rules of the Parliament when it comes to producing documents, but the Greens say that they will be holding them to account and that they must commit to a deadline for releasing critical documents relating to children’s safety.

Victorian Greens spokesperson for Early Childhood, Anasina Gray-Barberio:

“Parents are going through hell right now and to hear that the Premier won’t apologise for failing to release documents relating to their children’s safety is shameful.

“The fact the Premier is lashing at the Greens to try and take the heat off herself just proves that Labor is more focussed on politics and damage control than children’s safety.

“The truth is that Labor never provides documents and routinely breaks the rules of the Parliament. For the most part, the rest of us have just had to cope with that.

“We really thought that this time, given the scale of what’s happening in our childcare system, that Labor would put politics aside and choose transparency for every family that’s living their worst nightmare.

“Our childcare sector is in crisis and if Labor won’t be honest with Victorian families about what’s going on, how are we meant to fix it? Of all the moments to follow the rules and do the right thing – this should be it.”

City of Newcastle puts public holiday on the agenda

Novocastrians are being asked whether they think the first day of the Newcastle Show should be a local public holiday for the next two years.

City of Newcastle has today launched a survey seeking input from Newcastle residents, businesses, schools, and tourism operators to assess community sentiment and the economic benefits of a proposed public holiday in 2026 and 2027.

City of Newcastle Executive Director Corporate Services David Clarke said a two-year application is a new approach that will be strengthened with broader consultation methods this year.

“The Newcastle Show is a proud tradition that unites our community and is a significant part of the city’s identity, with history dating back to 1901 when the first show was held,” Mr Clarke said.

“We want to hear from residents and businesses about whether they support having a public holiday to mark the occasion.

“Our engagement process will provide a detailed analysis of the impact of the Newcastle Show and build on previous years’ engagement to deliver more opportunities for people to have their say.

“Residents can participate in the survey, share their favourite Newcastle show memories and photos online, or if you’re short on time, simply cast a quick vote in our online poll.

“As well as meaningful consultation with the community, we’re committed to providing a detailed analysis to understand effects on business activity, employment, tourism and regional promotion.”

City of Newcastle will consult with a broad range of stakeholders including Business Hunter, banks, major employers, schools,local transport providers, and unions, as well as tourism operators, hospitality venues and Business Improvement Associations.

Following consultation, Council will review the results for endorsement before submitting an application to the NSW Government for consideration.

If the day were to be declared a local public holiday in 2026 and 2027 it would apply to all employees whose place of work is within the Newcastle Local Government Area.

Alternatively, a local event day may be declared, as has been the case since 2016. While not a public holiday, a local event day is recognised by employees whose industrial agreements observe it, and any other employers who choose to participate.

You can have your say by completing the online survey here before 5pm on Tuesday 19 August http://haveyoursay.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/newcastle-regional-show-day-2026-and-2027

The 2026 Newcastle Show will run from Friday 27 February to Sunday 1 March.

Key to the City marks 60 years of the University of Newcastle’s impact

The University of Newcastle has been presented with the Key to the City in recognition of the Institution’s historic and ongoing contribution to Newcastle’s cultural, economic and social life.

The civic honour was formally conferred during a special graduation ceremony at City Hall today, celebrating the University’s 60^th anniversary and its enduring partnership with City of Newcastle.

The University of Newcastle has been presented with the Key to the City in recognition of 60 years of impact. From L to R: Aunty Cheryl Newton,
University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alex Zelinsky AO, Chancellor, the Hon. Patricia Forsythe AM, Lord Mayor, Dr Ross Kerridge
and Aunty Amanda Kelly at the official presentation during the University’s graduation ceremony at City Hall today.

Image: University of Newcastle

Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge said City of Newcastle is proud to recognise the institution’s six decades of service and its profound impact on generations of Novocastrians.

“The University and its students have played a pivotal role in transforming Newcastle into a city of learning, aspiration and progress. Their influence is woven through our city and communities,” Cr Kerridge said.

“Over the past 60 years, the University has transformed lives and opened doors for tens of thousands of people in our city.

This honour particularly recognises the University’s role in enabling so many ‘first in family’ students to go to university, and the University’s ongoing commitment to providing educational opportunities for all.”

The motion to bestow the Keys to the City was initiated by Cr Declan Clausen and supported by the elected Council in May, acknowledging the transformational power of education and the University’s leadership in fostering access and equity through programs such as Yapug and Open Foundation.

“The University has long been a leader of inclusive education, with a deep commitment to equity that has delivered lasting benefits to our city, region, state, nation and beyond,” Cr Clausen said.

“Our ongoing collaboration continues to be a cornerstone Newcastle’s progress, from community health and sustainability to First Nations engagement and urban innovation.

“The University’s central role in Newcastle’s urban renewal, through developments like NUspace and the City Campus, has helped shape the vibrant city we are today.”

The Key was accepted on behalf of the University by Chancellor, the Hon. Patricia Forsythe AM. The ceremony also featured Aunty Cheryl Newton and Aunty Amanda Kelly, Elders in Residence at the University’s Wollotuka Institute, alongside students and special guests from the University’s 60-year history, including some who have been part of the community since its earliest days.

University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor Alex Zelinsky said the honour reflected the collective efforts of the entire University community.

“This is a proud moment for our institution. For 60 years, our staff, students and alumni have worked to deliver meaningful change, for Newcastle and across the world,” Professor Zelinsky said.

“We’re honoured to accept the Key to the City and will continue to be ambassadors for Newcastle and the values we share.”

The City of Newcastle ambassador program was established in 2017 to highlight individuals and organisations making a significant contribution to Newcastle. The University now joins 13 other recipients who have been honoured with the Key to the City.

Visit the website for more information on the City of Newcastle Ambassador Program.

Pedestrian and cyclist bridge installed at Newcastle Inner City Bypass northern interchange

Another key milestone has been achieved on the Rankin Park to Jesmond section of the Newcastle Inner City Bypass with the installation of a steel arch pedestrian bridge at the northern interchange. Once the interchange at Jesmond opens to traffic, this new bridge will connect shared paths on Newcastle Road and Illoura Street, providing pedestrians and cyclists an uninterrupted journey over the on- and off-ramps and under the bypass. Transport for NSW Regional Director North Anna Zycki said the installation was carried out overnight. “A 400-tonne crane lifted the steel bridge into place, with the installation completed in just a few hours,” Ms Zycki said.” “The pedestrian and cyclist bridge installation follows other significant recent progress at the northern interchange”. “May saw the opening of the permanent right-hand turn for motorists travelling west on Newcastle Road onto the northern lanes of the bypass towards University Drive. This has removed one of the sets of traffic lights, helping improve traffic flow in the area as construction continues”. “Work on the southern interchange for the project has also progressed significantly, with the recent shift of the Lookout Road and McCaffrey Drive intersection onto the new bridge structure. “This has seen traffic switched to the new signalised intersection and use of what will be the final northbound off-ramp until the bypass is open to traffic.” “The final section of the Newcastle Inner City Bypass from Rankin Park to Jesmond is just part of a massive package of road projects across the Hunter region. “Along with the M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace, Hexham Straight Widening and Singleton Bypass, Hunter motorists can look forward to safer, more reliable journeys for all road users, and saving businesses time and money.” These changes can be seen by viewing fly-through videos on the design map at the project portal https://caportal.com.au/tfnsw/rankin-park-to-jesmond

Bankstown on the brink of transport transformation as Metro station takes shape

New metro platforms lined by 36 safety screen doors have been installed at Bankstown as the first major Sydney Metro-Sydney Trains transport interchange in south west Sydney enters the final straight to completion.

Due to commence services in 2026, passengers at Bankstown and along the former T3 line will have a new air-conditioned metro train every four minutes in the peak – 15 trains an hour compared to eight trains an hour in the morning peak previously.

Metro conversion work at Bankstown Station has reached 80 per cent completion, with new platforms lined by safety screen doors now finished and train testing up and down the former T3 line progressing.

The former railway platform at Bankstown has been rebuilt to create a central plaza between the Sydney Metro and Sydney Trains stations.

Work nearing completion includes at Bankstown:

The Sydney Metro station building, with paving of the concourse underway and installation of 19 new Opal gates;
Tiling and installation of glazed balustrades on the 170-metre long metro platforms
New platforms and entrance to Bankstown train station directly opposite the new metro entrance

Major work will soon commence on the 90-metre plaza featuring dining and retail options which will provide a pedestrian connection between north and south sides of Bankstown.

More than 100 workers are on-site daily at Bankstown delivering what will be an historic transformation to the station that first opened to trains in 1909.

The conversion will mean the metro network is separate from the existing Sydney Trains network between Sydenham and Bankstown, improving the reliability of services on the line which had been a bottleneck for the train system.

The program of works to transform the 130-year-old line, between Sydenham and Bankstown, for modern metro trains has been a complex and difficult task.

But across all ten south west stations, site works are progressing, with testing and commissioning of key communication systems underway.

Train testing is also continuing, with the critical ‘kinematic envelope test’ underway. This test confirms the train has sufficient clearance from surrounding infrastructure, including station platforms.

More than 700 kilometres of testing has taken place across different parts of the Southwest line, at speeds between 5km/h and 25km/h.

Next year when the final section of the M1 Line opens, Sydney will have a 66-kilometre fast and reliable metro network and Sydney’s south west will have fast metro journey times, including:

Bankstown to Central: 28 minutes – saving six minutes
Bankstown to Gadigal: 30 minutes – saving 15 minutes
Bankstown to Chatswood: 43 minutes saving 25 minutes
Bankstown to Macquarie University: 54 minutes – saving of 25 minutes

The Southwest metro conversion is part of the Minns Labor Government’s plans to deliver more housing where people want to live, near public transport, and closer to jobs.

The Minns Labor Government is turbocharging the delivery of new housing along the Southwest Metro line by supporting transport-oriented development at a majority of stations on the line including an accelerated precinct at Bankstown Station.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“First off, I absolutely acknowledge this has been a very disruptive time for the people of Canterbury Bankstown, and I want to thank them for their patience as we complete this upgrade.”

“Once this is up and running, it will be a game changer as to how people move around Sydney.”

“Every element of this project is about delivering faster, safer and more reliable public transport, while creating vibrant new public spaces like the pedestrian plaza and upgraded station entrances.”

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“Just as this conversion work is transformational for Bankstown Station, the metro when it opens is going to be transformational for the entire south west Sydney region.

“The speed and efficiency of Sydney Metro means more employment and education opportunities within reach for the community here.

“Today is an exciting day for people in south west Sydney who have accepted major disruption to their trains services as we deliver this conversion work.

Member for Bankstown Jihad Dib said:

“Bankstown has an exciting future ahead as the NSW Government continues to deliver Sydney’s biggest ever transport project.

“A trip from Bankstown to Sydney’s CBD will only take 30 minutes, saving a full 15 minutes off the previous rail journey.

“I know it’s been hard on the community, and they’ve shown great understating and patience but, in the end, we will have a world class metro, and it will be well worth it.”

A minister’s plea: seatbelts save lives, but only if worn correctly

Today marks 200 days into the year, and already more than 200 lives have been lost on NSW roads. That’s more than one death a day and as your Roads Minister, that statistic haunts me.

Every one of those people was someone’s child, parent, sibling or friend. They left for work, school, or to see loved ones, and never made it home. Their families are now living a nightmare no one should face.

As Minister, road safety is my top priority, but saving lives will take all of us working together.

In 2024, 34 people who died on our roads were not wearing a seatbelt. So far this year, another 11 people have died for the same reason. Over five years, 163 people have lost their life, with 85 per cent of those deaths in regional NSW.

Last year, the Minns Labor Government expanded mobile phone detection cameras to include seatbelt offences.

Since then, over 140 million vehicles have been checked, and seatbelt compliance has improved by 60 per cent. In July 2024, one in every 735 drivers was fined. By June this year, it was down to one in every 1,712.

Most importantly, we are seeing fewer seatbelt related deaths in 2025. That’s progress. Compliance is working.

But there’s more work to do. Of the 125,000 infringements issued, 88 per cent were for incorrectly worn seatbelts.

Let me be clear: wearing a seatbelt incorrectly can be nearly as dangerous as not wearing one at all. It puts your life at risk and can cause significant and lifelong injuries. It puts other lives at risk. It’s a foolish gamble.

A seatbelt must sit low and flat across your hips, and the sash must cross the middle of your chest and shoulder, not under your arm, not twisted, not behind your back. These aren’t just bureaucratic guidelines, they can mean the difference between walking away from a crash, dying or experiencing lifelong trauma.

Our Centre for Road Safety’s CrashLab testing shows an incorrectly worn seatbelt in a crash at just 60km/h can cause fatal injuries to the liver, spleen or abdomen.

The Minns Government will always invest in road safety and this year’s Budget saw $2.8 billion put toward road safety over the next four years. But no amount of infrastructure can replace personal responsibility.

We’ve come a long way since 1971 when NSW became one of the first jurisdictions to mandate seatbelts. But too many people still aren’t wearing them properly and too many families are paying the price.

Seatbelts save lives, but only if they’re worn correctly and I make no apologies for doing everything we can to keep NSW road users alive. Road trauma is absolutely preventable and not inevitable.

Buckle up properly, and let’s work together so no more families have to lose a loved one on our roads.

Construction to begin on 21 new and upgraded schools this term as the latest NSW school upgrade is unveiled

As students return to school for Term 3, the Minns Labor Government is unveiling a newly delivered $20 million upgrade to Punchbowl Public School while powering ahead delivering better schools for our children including 21 new and upgraded schools that will begin construction this term.

The state-of-the-art upgrade at Punchbowl Public School that was promised by the Liberals in 2018 but never delivered, features a new two-storey building with eight permanent classrooms, creating space for an additional 100 students.

This boost to the schools capacity will help it to meet local population growth, while also delivering new staff and administration facilities, a new secure entryway and additional support classrooms.

Students and teachers at 21 additional schools can also look forward to seeing work commence this term on brand new facilities for them to learn in.

This is part of the Minns Labor government’s record pipeline of new and upgraded schools, with 21 major capital works projects representing a $1.4 billion investment set to get underway across NSW this school term.

It follows more than a decade of neglect under the Liberals and Nationals that promised new schools and upgrades to communities that were never delivered.

Projects set to commence construction before the end of Term 3 include six brand new high schools – four in Western Sydney and two in regional NSW.

Additionally, major upgrades will begin at five high schools and 10 primary schools across both Sydney and the regions.

Together these projects will deliver more than 400 new classrooms to booming suburbs, plus new halls, libraries, performance spaces, science labs, VET facilities, wood and metal workshops, and sports facilities.

Four of the 10 primary school upgrades will also include a new public preschool as part of the Minns Labor Government’s historic commitment to build 100 public preschools by 2027.

The Minns Labor Government is delivering these projects as part of a record $9 billion investment in school infrastructure over four years in the 2025-26 Budget.

This follows the government’s delivery of more teachers for our children by reducing teacher vacancies by 40 per cent, resulting in the number of cancelled classes recorded in NSW nearly halving since the government took office.

This is part of the Minns Labor Government’s ongoing work to deliver better schools and more teachers across NSW by investing in the essential infrastructure that the Liberals and Nationals failed to provide – like state-of-the-art public schools and public preschools which ensure families can access a world class local public education regardless of their postcode.

Premier Chris Minns said:

“Right across NSW we are delivering a record number of new and upgraded schools for growing suburbs that haven’t had access to world class schools for far too long.

“We aren’t just investing in new and upgraded schools, we’re also delivering more teachers through a 40% drop in teacher vacancies that has nearly halved the number of cancelled classes recorded each week in NSW since we were elected.”

“From this state-of-the-art upgrade to the 21 new and upgraded schools we’re beginning construction on this term, we’re not slowing down delivering the largest investment in public schools in NSW history.”

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:

“I am incredibly excited for us to be commencing construction on more than 20 major school projects, including six brand new, much needed high schools, during this school term.

“As a Labor government, we believe in the transformative power of a high quality public education and that is why we are committed to providing world class schools for every NSW family.

“Deputy Premier Prue Car has driven the Minns Labor Government’s work on this record pipeline of new and upgraded schools in booming suburbs that were neglected by the Liberals and Nationals, and these upcoming milestones are a testament to her commitment to delivering the world class schools families deserve as quickly as possible.”

Member for Bankstown Jihad Dib said:

“This $20 million investment in Punchbowl Public School demonstrates this government’s commitment to providing high-quality education and modern facilities for students in south west Sydney.

“As a former local Principal, I know how important the school experience is in helping our children reach their full potential.

“We’re building a brighter future for current students and those in our community who will attend Punchbowl Public School in years to come.”

Punchbowl Public School Principal Donna McGeary said:

“This significant investment in our school will enhance the learning environment for all students, now and in the future.

“Our students have a new sense of pride in our school. It’s been transformational for them and there’s a great vibe.

“The upgrade provides our students with the best possible setting to explore, learn, and grow and strengthens our partnerships with parents and the school community.”

$2.5 million boost to revitalise CV Kelly Park

Athletes of all ages and sporting codes have scored a win as outdated amenities at CV Kelly Park in Girraween are set to be replaced with the help of $2.5 million from the Minns Labor government.

CV Kelly Park, home to Girraween Athletics Club, Girraween Little Athletics Club and the All Saints Toongabbie Tigers Rugby League Club, will receive a much-needed upgrade.

The new building will break down barriers to female participation by providing gender-inclusive and accessible facilities and further add to the park’s role as a sporting hub for the community with the addition of a multi-purpose meeting space.

The Minns Labor Government’s is focused on building better communities. Our investment in new, gender-inclusive changerooms and accessible toilets and showers will ensure that all members of the local grassroots sporting community will be able to play and train in an inclusive environment.

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

“By providing more accessible and inclusive facilities, the Minns Labor Government is breaking down the barriers that have traditionally prevented many underrepresented groups from participating in sport.

“CV Kelly Park already serves many members of the community of all ages.

“Upgrading the facilities, will ensure that CV Kelly Park reaches its full potential, supporting the growth of community sport, and providing long-term benefit to the many sporting groups that use the ground.”

Member for Prospect, Dr Hugh McDermont said:

“It’s great that we are delivering vital upgrades to CV Kelly Park to support our local school and sporting clubs.

“These inclusive and accessible facilities will be a game-changer for our amazing local athletes, across multiple sports and year-round.

“Funding for CV Kelly Park is another great example of how the Minns Labor Government is building a better Western Sydney community for all of us.”

Tim Moggridge, Secretary, All Saints Toongabbie Tigers JRLFC;

“All Saints Toongabbie Tigers is thrilled with the $2.5 million investment from Dr Hugh McDermott, on behalf of the NSW Labor Government, Cumberland Council and with support from the Parramatta Eels.

“This upgrade to CV Kelly Park is a game-changer for our club and the wider community – thank you to all involved.”

Karen Farrugia, President, Girraween Little Athletics

“Girraween Little Athletics is deeply grateful for the NSW Government’s support to upgrade CV Kelly Park, helping us provide a safer, more inclusive space for young athletes, families, and volunteers.

“This funding will transform CV Kelly Park into a more accessible and functional venue, strengthening our ability to deliver grassroots sport and foster community pride.”

Minister to hear from hospitality industry on Central Coast

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris will today outline the NSW Government’s vibrancy reforms to revitalise the hospitality sector and hear from licensed businesses at an industry forum on the Central Coast.

The Entertainment Grounds at Gosford Race Club is hosting the Hospitality and Racing Regulatory Roadshow that is expected to attract more than 100 industry participants with the aim to build closer ties between businesses across the region and government organisations.

Attendees will hear from senior officials on a range of topics, including licensing, policy and compliance requirements, as well as the NSW’s Government’s continuing measures to stimulate the state’s night-time economy and programs to assist businesses.

Some of the vibrancy reforms that will be outlined include:

An 80 per cent reduction on annual liquor licence fees for venues that host live music, as well as two hours of extended trading
Reduced costs and a faster, streamlined consultation process for liquor licence applications and community feedback
Simpler process for noise complaints and the number of people required to make a statutory disturbance complaint against a licensed premises increased from three to five
Making permanent a limited takeaway authorisation for restaurants and small bars
Easier training requirements for former licensees re-entering the industry
Recognition of interstate digital driver’s licences as evidence of age in NSW licensed premises.

Minister Harris launched the first Hospitality and Racing Regulatory Roadshow program in Newcastle in 2023 and since then, more than 800 participants have attended roadshows across 12 regions in NSW, including at Broken Hill, Wagga Wagga, Coffs Harbour and Tamworth.

There will be two further roadshows this year, in the Ballina Byron region in September and Bega in November.

Minister for Gaming and Racing and Minister for the Central Coast David Harris said:

“This roadshow is an opportunity for us to hear from industry stakeholders about their experiences working in the hospitality sector on the Central Coast and how the NSW Government can make it easier for them to do business.

“The Central Coast has a population of nearly 350,000 and is a rapidly growing region that is a desirable place to live, work and play and hospitality venues make a valuable contribution to the local community and the state’s economy.

“The roadshows offer an important opportunity to learn about support services the NSW Government is offering to help businesses grow and thrive, as well as to bring people together to discuss issues, make connections and learn from each other.”

To find out more about Hospitality and Racing Regulatory Roadshow, go to: https://www.liquorandgaming.nsw.gov.au/events/regulatory-roadshows

To learn more about the NSW Government’s Vibrancy Reforms, go to: https://www.liquorandgaming.nsw.gov.au/resources/vibrancy-reforms-whats-changing