Month: August 2025

Minister out of his depth on jobs crisis

The Minns Government has once again shown it has no plan for jobs in New South Wales, with the Minister for Jobs today exposed as completely out of his depth during Budget Estimates.
 
Shadow Minister for Jobs, Mark Coure, has slammed the Minns Labor Government after Jobs Minister, Stephen Kamper, failed to acknowledge how many jobs have been lost under Labor’s watch.
 
When questioned on basic facts about unemployment, the Minister was unable to provide clear answers, despite thousands of families across NSW struggling with job losses and cost-of-living pressures.
 
“NSW has lost 45,000 jobs in just the past two months. More than 205,000 people across our state are unemployed, and yet the Minister responsible for jobs can’t even say how many jobs have been lost since Labor came to office,” Mr Coure said.
 
“This isn’t just his regular incompetence or a slip-up, it’s a reflection of a government with no plan and no answers for hundreds of thousands of families who are struggling right now.”
 
The facts are clear:
 

  • When Labor came to power in March 2023, the NSW unemployment rate was 3.3%; under their watch it ballooned to 4.4%.[1]
  • NSW is the only state or territory where unemployment increased over 12 months from May 2024 to May 2025, dragging up the national unemployment rate.[2]
  • Areas like Parramatta (5.6%), Blacktown (5.1%) and South-West Sydney (5.7%) experience far higher unemployment rates than the state and national average.[3]

 
“This do-nothing government has cut 1515 public sector roles and has failed to create any new jobs since coming to office, except in their own offices, where recent data revealed a 32.34% increase in staff salary costs for Minister Kamper’s office,” Mr Coure said.
 
“Families out of work across NSW know how tough things are, but clearly the Minister doesn’t. He is offering excuses instead of solutions, and that is simply not good enough.”
 
“NSW needs leadership that creates opportunities and secures jobs, not a Minister who can’t answer the most basic questions about unemployment.”

Chris Minns and Paul Scully must order investigation into $100 million Hawks Nest development…

Chris Minns and Paul Scully must order investigation into $100 million Hawks Nest development and its links to Obeid associates

Scott Farlow
Shadow Minister for Planning and Public Spaces

Shadow Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Scott Farlow has today called on Premier Chris Minns and Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully to order an immediate investigation into the Hawks Nest beachside development and its links to associates of disgraced former Labor Minister Eddie Obeid.
 
In NSW Budget Estimates yesterday the Secretary of the Premier’s Department, Simon Draper, confirmed his office has oversight of more than 400 planning applications. At the same hearing, the Premier praised the importance of the Housing Delivery Authority and the work it is doing. If the Premier truly believes in that work, then he and his Minister for Planning and Public Spaces must direct Mr Draper to investigate this $100 million project without delay and Minister Scully should revoke his Ministerial order on the project until the investigation is complete.
 
The Opposition has already asked Premier Minns and Minister Scully whether any close associates, consultants or known proxies of the Obeid family are financially or professionally connected to the Hawks Nest development. Both failed to answer to give any real answers and instead they pushed responsibility away while allowing the project to be fast tracked as a state significant development with no disclosure of who really benefits.
 
Eddie Obeid is not the people’s problem. He is Labor’s problem. Some of the very Ministers and MPs now serving under Chris Minns sat around the caucus and worked as staffers
when Obeid ruled the Labor Party. They know the damage he caused. They know how it destroyed Labor’s reputation and drove it from office. Those same Ministers should not be searching for excuses. They should be demanding action to stop history from repeating itself.
 
Families across NSW deserve a government that is transparent and accountable. Instead, they are being let down by a Premier and Minister for Planning and Public Spaces who are looking the other way.
 
Shadow Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Scott Farlow said this is a $100 million project on pristine beachfront land, fast tracked by the Minns Labor Government, yet the public has no idea who is really behind it.
 
“The Premier and Minister have the power to commence an investigation and revoke the Ministerial order until the investigation is complete,” Mr Farlow said.

Premier resists inquiry into Western Sydney Hospital crisis

The NSW Premier has again turned his back on the people of Western Sydney, refusing to support an urgent inquiry into the worsening crisis at Blacktown Hospital.
 
In Budget Estimates today, Premier Chris Minns rejected Opposition calls for an inquiry, choosing excuses and political spin over real answers for patients and families.
 
Opposition Leader Mark Speakman said families in western Sydney deserve real answers on why their hospitals are some of the poorest performing in the State.
 
“The Premier’s refusal to support an inquiry shows he’s more interested in political spin than fixing the health crisis in Western Sydney.”
 
Shadow Health Minister Kellie Sloane said the decision was deeply disappointing for the many families who have bravely shared their stories.
 
“The people of Western Sydney deserve answers. Instead of acknowledging the crisis and committing to action, the Premier is hiding behind excuses about the past. Families are sick and tired of excuses – they want solutions.”
 
The NSW Opposition is calling for a parliamentary inquiry into health outcomes and hospital access in Western Sydney.
 
Blacktown and Westmead Hospital are the worst performing hospitals in state for patients starting treatment on time. They also score poorly on patient satisfaction surveys.
 
“No one should be forced to lie on the floor of an emergency department or sleep in their car waiting for treatment. That’s not a health system – that’s a disgrace,” Mr Speakman said.
 
The terms of reference for the inquiry include a review of the operational performance, clinical safety and quality of care provided at Blacktown, Mount Druitt, Westmead, Cumberland, and Auburn Hospitals.

Minns Labor Government’s Stealth Tax Grab

Secret government documents have revealed Labor’s hidden tax grab. The Minns Labor Government is pocketing billions in extra revenue through bracket creep, quietly pulling more from businesses without changing a single law or making a single announcement
 
Payroll tax thresholds have been frozen since Labor came to power. When the Liberals and Nationals were in government, we lifted the payroll tax threshold time and again to give small businesses breathing room. Labor has done the opposite.
 
This now means 1,200 more businesses are dragged into payroll tax every year, punished for hiring more people and paying better wages. Treasury forecasts show bracket creep will gouge an extra $500 million from employers over the next four years.
 
On top of that, Labor scrapped the indexation of land tax thresholds. Treasury now confirms that this decision will pocket more than $18 billion over the next decade. By 2033-34, almost a third of all land tax collected will be the result of this freeze.
 
Instead of encouraging growth, the Minns Labor Government is punishing it. At a time when NSW needs productivity, investment and jobs, Labor’s answer is higher bills and heavier burdens.
 
Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said Labor governments always find ways to spend other people’s money.
 
“Now we know the Minns Labor Government is taxing by stealth, punishing businesses and families for working harder and trying to get ahead,” Mr Speakman said.
 
Shadow Treasurer Damien Tudehope said bracket creep is a silent tax.
 
“There is no law change, no debate, just more money flowing into Treasury while businesses and landholders are left worse off,” Mr Tudehope said.
 
Shadow Minister for Small Business Tim James said every year, another 1,200 small and medium businesses are dragged into payroll tax because Labor froze the threshold.
 
“These are family businesses trying to grow, hire and contribute, yet Labor sees them as nothing more than a cash cow,” Mr James said.

Adelaide set to house new national algae testing laboratory

Game-changing testing for brevetoxins in shellfish will soon be able to be carried out at a new national testing facility in suburban Adelaide, fast tracking results for small businesses impacted by South Australia’s algal bloom.

As part of the $28 million algal bloom support package jointly funded with the Albanese Government, the Malinauskas Government has engaged local company Agilex Biolabs to develop the methodology to allow the testing for brevetoxins to be carried out at its Thebarton laboratory.

Whilst the vast majority of South Australia’s oyster industry is open and trading as usual, brevetoxins have been detected in shellfish in Australian waters for the first time, forcing the temporary closure of some harvesting areas.

Earlier this month, the state’s mussel industry was able to reopen for business following a reduction in brevetoxin levels in consecutive testing.

Currently, the testing performed by the South Australian Quality Assurance Program (SASQAP) results in samples to be sent to New Zealand for analysis, resulting in delays of up to a week.

The move to a new national testing in Adelaide will significantly reduce that delay, meaning businesses can more quickly return to normal once brevetoxins reduce to safe levels.

All commercially available seafood from South Australian waters is safe to eat.

The algal bloom support package includes:

  • $10,000 Small Business Support Grants for eligible small businesses
  • Grants of up to $100,000 for eligible impacted fisheries and aquaculture businesses
  • Financial counselling, mental health support and workforce advice to assist small businesses impacted by the harmful algal bloom to develop recovery and continuity plans, understand the short and long-term implications, and help manage financial and mental wellbeing
  • Coastal Monitoring Network – investing in expanded early detection and monitoring of harmful algal bloom species through real time sensors (buoys), satellite imagery and oceanographic modelling, with rapid detection of harmful algal blooms and early warning systems for industry
  • Rapid assessment of fish stocks and fisheries to quantify impact
  • Public forums and information campaigns
  • A Community Fund to support activities and small projects in affected communities
  • Beach clean-up funding

Further information on the algal bloom and support package is available at algalbloom.sa.gov.au

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“Australians love their seafood – and they also know some of the best comes from across South Australia.

“The ability to monitor and test for brevetoxins here in Adelaide will speed up the necessary processes to ensure food is safe and allow more shellfish on more plates more quickly.

“My Government is committed to working with the South Australian Government to mitigate the worst effects of this significant ecological event on industry and the environment.”

Premier Peter Malinauskas

“Australians can buy South Australian seafood with absolute confidence – knowing it is of the highest quality anywhere in the world.

“One of the reasons they can be assured is the testing of shellfish through the SASQAP program, and this investment we are making in partnership with the Albanese Government will deliver testing for brevetoxins right here in Adelaide.

“This new national facility will ensure test results can be turned around more quickly – meaning shellfish businesses which endure temporary closure can be back in business sooner when brevetoxin levels drop.

“In the interim, those businesses can apply for significant financial assistance, with grants that are significantly more generous than those on offer through the COVID-19 pandemic.”

THREE LANES NOW OPEN ON PART OF HEXHAM STRAIGHT

Hunter motorists are getting a taste of the future, with the first widened section on the Hexham Straight now open to traffic with three lanes in each direction.


The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are collectively investing $2.2 billion in the M1 to Raymond Terrace extension and the Hexham Straight Widening to reduce congestion and improve safety for all road users.


The Australian Government is contributing over $1.79 billion towards the project, with the NSW Government contributing $448 million.


Motorists turning left onto Maitland Road from the Newcastle Inner City Bypass are now benefiting from an additional lane for about 650 metres, including an extension to the turning lane from the bypass.


There is also an additional lane for inbound traffic on Maitland Road from about 650 metres north of the bypass, including more space for traffic turning right onto the Newcastle Inner City Bypass.


The latest works also include an upgrade to the traffic lights at the intersection of the Newcastle Inner City Bypass and Old Maitland Road, while the U-turn facility there is also complete.


In addition, a new pedestrian crossing and bus stops in front of St Joseph’s Calvary Aged Care will also be put in place.


When complete, the Hexham Straight will comprise three lanes in each direction for its entire six-kilometre length, from the Newcastle Inner City Bypass to Hexham Bridge.


This will deliver more reliable travel times for freight and improve safety for all road users, including cyclists and pedestrians.


The project is expected to open to traffic in 2026.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:

“This is a significant milestone for the Hexham Straight Widening project, with motorists getting access to three lanes in each direction, even if only for part of the journey.

“This is a taste of things to come, with the project still on track to be completed and open to traffic in 2026.

“The Australian Government is getting on with the job of delivering for the Hunter, not only through this project but also the broader M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace, the Singleton Bypass, and plans for the Muswellbrook Bypass and the westbound flyover at Maitland.”

State Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison:

“The Hexham Straight Widening is part of a suite of road projects that are transforming the Hunter road network.

“This project will help thousands of people get where they’re going more quickly and easily, helping improve their quality of life and underpinning economic growth.

“The Minns and Albanese Governments are working together to deliver infrastructure that will meet the needs of the community and motorists now and into the future.”


Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon:

“This is a milestone moment for our region and the more than 50,000 motorists who travel this stretch of road every single day.

“For too long, Hexham straight has been a notorious bottleneck. Today, we are opening a safer, smoother, and more efficient journey for commuters.

“This project is a great example of how government investment in infrastructure can change lives and support local economies – reducing congestion, cutting travel times, boosting road safety, and unlocking freight routes.

“I am proud to be part of an Albanese Labor Government that is delivering the infrastructure that Novocastrians deserve.”

$16.7 MILLION FOR CATHEDRAL PARK PRECINCT NEWCASTLE

Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon MP has announced that the East End Cathedral Park Precinct will receive funding in the latest round of the Albanese Government’s $400 million regional Precincts and Partnerships Program (rPPP).

This is one of 15 new projects supporting transformative investment in regional, rural and remote Australia based on the principles of unifying regional places, growing economies and serving communities.

This $16.7 million project will enhance connections between and along Hunter Street, defining the Harbour to Cathedral connection and delivering upgrades to streets, including off-road cycleways, terraced landscapes, augmentation of the sewer network, and heritage rectification works.

The East End Cathedral Park Precinct is a partnership of the Newcastle City Council, Iris Capital, Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation and the local community.

The project has a holistic design approach, and a long-term vision that aims to make the East End Harbour Precinct an exemplary regional destination.

The project will support urban renewal with high quality streetscapes, providing access to active and public transport networks through the broader cycleway network, minimising car use and maintaining quality public spaces.

Off road cycleway provisions will be provided throughout the precinct allowing commuters to travel from the city’s residential and retail hubs to natural areas including the harbour, parklands and beaches.

Further applications to the program are currently under assessment. For more information on the program visit infrastructure.gov.au/regional.

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon MP:

 “This $16.7 million investment in the East End Cathedral Park precinct is a huge win for Newcastle.

“It will transform this much-loved part of our city into a vibrant and welcoming space for locals and visitors alike – celebrating our heritage, boosting tourism, and creating a greener, more connected community.

“I’m proud to be part of an Albanese Labor Government that is backing projects that make Newcastle an even better place to live, work, play and visit.”

Minister for Regional Development and Local Government, Kristy McBain MP:

“The Albanese Government is committed to investing in regional, rural and remote Australia to create jobs, build opportunity and unlock economic growth and productivity – ensuring that our regions remain great places to live, work and play. 

“Our investments are planning and building more liveable and productive precincts across the state through effective local regional partnerships that provide long-term benefits.”

Third man charged following alleged fatal shooting – Newcastle

Newcastle detectives have charged a third man over his alleged role in the fatal shooting of a man in Newcastle earlier this year.

Emergency services were called to the Bar Beach carpark on Memorial Drive about 11.40pm on Wednesday 23 April 2025 and found a man with a gunshot wound.

NSW Ambulance paramedics treated the 18-year-old man, but he died at the scene.

A crime scene was established by officers attached to Newcastle City Police District.

Police will allege a group of people were fighting in the car park when a white SUV drove up and a man armed with a firearm got out, fired, and left in the vehicle.

An investigation was commenced under Strike Force Bolwarra involving Newcastle detectives, assisted by the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad.

As part of investigations, strike force detectives have arrested and charged two men for their alleged roles in the shooting.

Both men remain before the courts.

Following further inquiries, about 3.10pm yesterday (Wednesday 20 August 2025), strike force detectives executed a search warrant at a home on Tirriki Street, Charlestown.

During the search, detectives located and seized $7,900 cash, 28g of cocaine and an electronic device.

Following the search, an 18-year-old man was arrested at the property and taken to Newcastle Police Station.

He was charged with possess unauthorised pistol (two counts), passenger not disclose driver’s/other passenger’s identity (two counts), and possess unauthorised prohibited firearm.

The man was refused bail to appear before Bail Division Local Court 2 today (Thursday 21 August 2025).

Investigations under Strike Force Bolwarra continue.

Teens charged following stabbing – Charlestown

Two teenagers have been charged following an alleged stabbing in Charlestown last night.

About 8.40pm (Wednesday 20 August 2025), police were called to a shopping centre on Ridley Street, Charlestown, following reports of an assault.

Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District arrived and were told two people had allegedly assaulted a 32-year-old man with a knife before running from the scene.

The man was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics for serious lacerations to his arm before being taken to John Hunter Hospital for further treatment.

Following inquiries, police arrested two 17-year-old boys nearby before taking them to Belmont Police Station.

They were both charged with wound person with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, with one 17-year-old also being charged with possess prohibited drug.

Both teens were refused bail, to appear before a children’s court today (Thursday 21 August 2025).

Investigation underway after suspicious death – Charlestown

A man has been arrested after an incident in Lake Macquarie this morning.

About 9.50am today (Wednesday 20 August 2025), emergency services responded to reports that a man had been assaulted in the carpark of a shopping centre along the Pacific Highway, Charlestown. 

The man – whose identity is currently unknown – died prior to the arrival of emergency services.

Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District established a crime scene and commenced an investigation.

Police were informed that another man was seen running south along the Pacific Highway shortly after the incident.

Shortly after 1pm a 53-year-old man was arrested when he attended Newcastle City Police Station.

Police will address the media later today with further information.