August 2025 – Page 27

Support rolls in for Adamstown road safety improvements

The finishing touches have been completed on a $3.3 million project designed to improve the safety and accessibility of a notorious Adamstown black spot.

City of Newcastle has delivered a range of upgrades to improve navigation of the intersection of Glebe Road and Park Avenue, which has a history of vehicle crashes and frequent near misses.

This includes the installation of a new set of traffic lights, switched on last month. The lights have significantly improved safety for vehicles, while also making it safer and easier for pedestrians and cyclists to access local schools, businesses, public transport, and the Fernleigh Track.

The intersection was adjusted to accommodate the traffic lights, with a new median constructed east along Glebe Road to assist with managing traffic movements.

New shared paths, cycle ramps, and on-road cycle lane were also installed at the intersection to address the challenge previously faced by cyclists when crossing Glebe Road.

Newcastle Cycleways Movement President Sam Reich said the changes have made a positive difference to navigating the precinct.

“Glebe Road is heavily trafficked at relatively high speeds and cyclists and pedestrians have been riding and running for their lives across it for years,” Mr Reich said.

“Much needed improvements to the shared spaces, paths and lanes have made the intersection much more user friendly, and pedestrians and cyclists can now cross Glebe Road at a signalised crossing.

“Newcastle Cycleways Movement has worked closely with the City of Newcastle for years to get this result, and we congratulate the planners and crews who have completed this complex project so successfully.”

More than 1,700 vehicles per hour travel through the busy intersection of during peak periods on a typical weekday.

The project was part funded by a $971,000 grant through the Australian Government’s Black Spot Program.

Mattara Dry Cleaners Director Lee Kliousis has operated his business in Adamstown for more than 30 years and said the recent safety upgrades were a welcome outcome.

“Before the traffic lights were installed, I was calling the police, a tow truck, or an ambulance almost every week because of vehicle crashes,” Mr Kliousis said.

“It was a notorious black spot, especially with drivers crossing from Park Avenue onto Glebe Road, it often felt like a game of chance than safe driving.

“The new pedestrian crossing has made a difference too. It’s much safer now to walk across the road to The Gates Hotel, a big improvement for locals and visitors alike.”

City of Newcastle will continue working with Transport for NSW to maximise the performance of the intersection, including ongoing works with Sydney Trains around the coordination of the signals with the operation of the rail gates.

For more information visit the project page on the City of Newcastle website: Glebe Road Adamstown – safety improvements.

New refuge on the way for Coonamble

The Minns Labor Government is continuing work to build a safer New South Wales for victim-survivors of domestic and family violence, with an investment of more than $6.4 million into a new Core and Cluster refuge to be built by Orana Support Service.

The refuge will have six self-contained units and is designed to be inclusive of women and children with disability. A children’s play area and pet-friendly common spaces will also cater for all types of families who stay there.

On site support services, which are a feature of the Core and Cluster model, include a mixture of communal and private spaces to facilitate services such as counselling, legal assistance and group programs.

Other features will include meeting rooms and advanced technology to allow residents to participate remotely in court hearings, if required.

The NSW Government has invested $426.6 million over four years in the Core and Cluster program, which provides crisis accommodation and on-site support services to women and children escaping domestic and family violence.

Once all 49 new Core and Cluster refuges are completed, they will support more than an additional 2,900 victim-survivors of domestic violence each year.

This is part of a wider effort by the Minns Labor Government to support women and children escaping domestic and family violence, including boosting frontline services such as the Staying Home Leaving Violence Program, strengthening bail laws, earlier intervention and primary prevention.

The government has also invested an historic $5.1 billion in social and affordable housing, with at least half of new homes built prioritised for victim-survivors of domestic and family violence.

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:

“When a woman makes the courageous decision to leave an abusive relationship, she should not have to worry about whether she will have a safe place to stay, or whether her children will have a bed to sleep in.

“This Core and Cluster refuge in Coonamble will ensure that women and children escaping domestic and family violence will be supported with crisis accommodation and on-site services to heal from abuse and rebuild their lives.

“Victim-survivors will not have to choose between homelessness and staying in a violent and abusive relationship anymore once this refuge is up and running.”

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said:

“Coonamble Shire has one of the highest rates of recorded domestic violence related assault in the state, and there is a great need for more crisis support and accommodation for domestic violence victim-survivors in this area.

“Women and children fleeing violent and abusive homes have experienced trauma, and this Core and Cluster refuge will provide a safe place for residents to heal and recover from the trauma they’ve endured.

“Core and Cluster refuges are an important addition to the wraparound support we continue to provide victim-survivors because they not only provide a safe and secure place when they leave, on-site services also help them rebuild their lives so they can live free from violence.”

Independent Member for Barwon Roy Butler MP said:

“This is a very welcome announcement from the NSW Government for the Coonamble community. Domestic violence is often exacerbated in small rural and regional towns due to the challenge of finding safe and appropriate accommodation for victims and their families. These facilities will provide a much-needed safe and supportive environment for people experiencing family or domestic violence, it will allow victims time to recover and the space to plan for their future.”

Tina Reynolds CEO of Orana Support Service said:

“Orana Support Service is committed to expanding our provision of safe emergency and crisis accommodation into the Coonamble region, and this new Core and Cluster refuge will do just that for women and children fleeing domestic and family violence.

“We are proud to partner with the NSW Government to build this refuge, which will be a safe place that will promote healing and hope for women and children who have experienced trauma.

“Once completed, the residents of this refuge will be supported to move forward with their lives, develop skills and find safe, longer-term accommodation.”

Sound barrier clears the way for Coffs Harbour film studio

In the latest boost for screen industry jobs, the Minns Labor Government has agreed to support a proposed Coffs Harbour film studio with a noise wall next to the neighbouring highway.

The privately owned Pacific Bay Resort is proposing a $600 million film studio and associated developments. The proponent has indicated funding for a noise wall on its boundary with the Coffs Harbour Bypass is a potential barrier to the film studio going ahead.

The NSW Government is committing to provide a $5.5 million grant and assistance with Transport approvals for the noise wall if the proponents receive development approval and construction work on the studio project commences.

This announcement comes after the recent commitment for a $100 million capital fund to begin the search for a second major studio location in Sydney. This will address the current shortage of production space in Sydney, with the only large-scale film studio at Moore Park being used exclusively by Disney Studios Australia.

This was part of a $380 million package in the 2025-26 Budget to support the world-leading NSW screen and digital games sector.

NSW is the home for screen production in Australia and our local screen industry is full of highly creative, highly skilled workers.

The importance of this industry for the NSW economy cannot be understated, with the screen sector contributing over $1 billion in expenditure and employing over 13,000 people. The screen sector generated additional expenditure in hospitality, tourism and transport, particularly in our regional areas where these dollars are needed.

NSW regional communities benefit from screen production with notable projects including Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga in the Far West, The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart in the Hunter Valley Region, The Narrow Road to The Deep North in the Illawarra region, and Nine Perfect Strangers and God’s Favourite Idiot in Northern NSW.

Minister for the Arts John Graham said:

“We’re making sure that a noise wall is no barrier to screen investment. So once work on the studio gets underway, the government will provide funds for the noise wall.

“A private investment in studio facilities in Coffs Harbour would be extremely welcome.

“The more studio space we have in NSW, the more productions and jobs we can attract.

“Having quality film productions on the mid-north coast would be a great win for the local economy. Regional communities play a vitally important role in our screen sector, providing incredible locations. skills, stories and hospitality.”

Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“The NSW Government has come to the table to enable investment in film jobs on the North Coast now we’re excited to see them progress their project.

“This is an example of the Minns Labor Government building better communities to support jobs and investment in the regions. This will be a huge positive economic benefit to the entire North Coast.

“We hope the artists and businesspeople backing this development see government is behind them as they embark on making this plan a reality for ongoing investment and jobs in Coffs Harbour.”

Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin said:

“This is a welcome milestone in the realisation of a major new employment hub for the North Coast.

“Many film professionals already live on the coast and this proposal for sound stages and film facilities will create a new world of creative opportunity.

“We look forward to the realisation of this visionary project and all that it means for the North Coast community.”

Minns Government to deliver state-of-the-art maritime ‘thunderbird’ to protect NSW waters

The Minns Labor Government is supercharging maritime safety with a $7.6 million investment to build a state-of-the-art response vessel – right here on the NSW North Coast.

This 21-metre high-tech super vessel is the first of its kind commissioned by NSW Maritime and will be proudly built in regional NSW using local expertise, materials and suppliers.

The investment marks a major step forward in how the state prepares for and responds to emergencies, rescues and natural disasters.

Importantly, it will boost the reach, flexibility and range of NSW Maritime services, giving crews access to thousands of kilometres of ocean, including as far as Lord Howe Island.

Dubbed the maritime ‘thunderbird’, the vessel will serve as a floating command centre, capable of deploying anywhere, anytime across NSW’s vast coastal and open water network.

From tackling marine pollution and supporting disaster recovery, to coordinating safety operations during major events, this vessel will transform on-water operations.

When complete, the vessel will be fully equipped with:

Thermal imaging and satellite communication
Drone launching capability
Two jet skis and a 5.4-metre tender for shallow or congested areas
Accommodation for eight crew for extended missions
Live-streaming tech linking directly to the State Marine Incident Coordination Centre (SMICC) at Rozelle and Coffs Harbour for real-time emergency coordination
Cutting-edge pollution response gear – ensuring it’s first on scene when oil spills or marine threats endanger our beaches, sea life and pristine waterways

Construction is already underway near Yamba, with local firm Yamba Welding and Engineering leading the build and Harwood Marine supplying the hull – supporting skilled jobs and boosting advanced manufacturing capability in Northern NSW.

Delivery of the vessel is expected in early 2027 and when not on a mission, the boat will be based at the SMICC in Rozelle.

This investment reinforces the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to protecting the environment, backing regional industry and manufacturing and building safer, more resilient communities.

Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said:

“This isn’t just a boat, it’s a floating command centre.

“Not only will this state-of-the-art vessel enhance our response to marine incidents and natural disasters, but it also showcases the talent of our North Coast marine industry.

“It’s the first time NSW Maritime has commissioned a vessel of this kind. It will be fitted with pollution response gear, thermal imaging, satellite communications, drone launching capability, and accommodation for eight crew, enabling long-range missions.

“The Minns Labor Government is delivering the technology, jobs and emergency response capability needed to protect our coastline and support communities across all parts of NSW.”

Minister for Recovery and the North Coast, Janelle Saffin said:

“I am pleased to see the North Coast leading the way in innovation in how NSW recovers from disasters.

“It provides real peace of mind for communities up and down the Coast, knowing there is additional help close at hand.

“It is good to be part of a government that is committed to delivering this marine vessel, which is part of our response to disasters and making communities more resilient.”

NSW Maritime Executive Director Mark Hutchings said:

“This is a game-changer for maritime response in NSW.

“It shows how far NSW Maritime has come, and where we’re going.

“While it will be based at Rozelle, this vessel will be able to rapidly deploy throughout our waterways. From Botany Bay to the border communities on the Tweed and Eden. From Lake Macquarie to the Hawkesbury, up the Clarence and as far as Lord Howe Island.

“Whether it’s an oil spill in our shipping corridors, a flood emergency up the Clarence River or maritime safety on Sydney Harbour during New Year’s Eve, this vessel can do it all. It’s fast, flexible and built specifically for our waters.”

$12 million Mount Ousley Road pedestrian bridge and shared path to keep the community safe and connected

The Minns Labor Government is continuing its efforts to deliver connectivity and safety to communities, extending the Mount Ousley interchange project to include a $12 million shared pedestrian and cyclist bridge and shared path.

This follows overwhelming support received from the community during recent consultation for solutions for pedestrians and cyclists to cross busy Mount Ousley Road in safety.

The scope of the joint NSW-Australian Government project will include an accessible cyclist and pedestrian bridge and connecting paths. Work on the bridge and paths will now move into detailed design.

During the consultation period, Transport for NSW received 233 pieces of feedback, with more than 80 per cent of respondents agreeing that the shared path bridge would improve access to key destinations and encourage walking and cycling in the area.

The bridge was recognised by the community as a safer alternative to crossing Mount Ousley Road and a valuable link to surrounding suburbs and key destinations, such as the University of Wollongong and TAFE.

Maintaining safe and accessible traffic conditions on Dumfries Avenue emerged as a priority for residents, with concerns raised that single vehicle slow points may result in congestion and cause access issues for larger vehicles including buses. Transport and Wollongong City Council will continue to work together to carefully design traffic calming measures to enhance safety and minimise congestion, taking into consideration all road users.

Incorporating a fully accessible parking space to provide access to the shared path and bridge for all users was highlighted as a key concern for some stakeholders. In response to this feedback, Transport is developing a design for an accessible parking space in the cul-de-sac adjacent to the southern side of Mount Ousley Road.

During the consultation period, 73 per cent of respondents agreed that additional vegetation clearing would be necessary to realise the benefits that the new bridge would deliver, with comments received highlighting the importance of maximising vegetation retention and replanting with appropriate species where possible.

Other feedback focussed on bridge materials and colours, Aboriginal cultural heritage interpretation, signage and wayfinding, and lighting. Feedback received on these elements will be considered as the detailed design phase progresses.

Following a period of detailed design, construction of the new shared path and bridge will begin in 2026 and be completed in time for the opening of the new interchange.

The additional funding for the bridge and connecting paths, combined with minor enhancements identified during detailed design for the project, now brings the total commitment from the Minns and Albanese Labor Governments for the project to around $400 million.

A copy of the consultation summary report is available at: www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/current-projects/mount-ousley-road-shared-path-bridge

An updated project animation provides the community and stakeholders with an overview of how the new interchange will operate once it open: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3k_hGiTw1Q&feature=youtu.be

Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast Ryan Park said:

“The community has spoken loud and clear – this bridge is a much-needed link that will make it safer and easier to walk or cycle across Mount Ousley Road.

“It’s fantastic to see overwhelming local support helping drive this project forward, and I’m proud that the NSW Government is investing an additional $12 million to finalise planning and construct the shared path and bridge over Mount Ousley Road.”

Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“Labor always cares about safety on our roads, and I am proud that we have been able to find additional funds for this important public safety project.

“There is no doubt the interchange will bring great benefits to the community but it’s essential as part of it that there are safe crossings that enable pedestrians and cyclists to get around what is a vibrant community precinct.”

Federal Member for Cunningham Alison Byrnes said:

“We know how important this bridge is for the community to improve safety, promote active transport and keep that vital accessibility with the University and TAFE.

“Local people want to see restoration of our vegetation and habitat, thoughtful design, minimised disruption and long-term care of rehabilitated areas, and I am really pleased that this feedback has been incorporated into the detailed design.

“I’d also like thank all the community representatives on the stakeholder working group for their collaboration in ensuring we get the best possible outcome on this critical project. This is a great example of the fantastic results we can achieve when three levels of government work together constructively for our community.”

NSW Member for Wollongong Paul Scully said:

“This additional investment by the Minns Government in the Mount Ousley Interchange Upgrade will deliver an even better outcome.

“Local federal and state MP’s have worked with community representatives to advocate for the inclusion of a pedestrian and bike bridge connection, along with the funding for it, making sure that this massive project will secure transport improvements for all users – from those on foot to those driving a B-double.

“The interchange project, addition of pedestrian and cycling connections and restoration of vegetation means that we have been able to secure benefits from this project for people that deliver massive safety and productivity benefits along with good outcomes for the built and natural environments.”

Passing of Father Chris Riley AM

Today, New South Wales has lost a quiet giant. Father Chris Riley AM didn’t just serve the young and vulnerable, he gave them back their future. Where others saw brokenness, he saw potential. Where others walked away, he leaned in.

Through Youth Off The Streets, he lit a path for tens of thousands of young people, kids who were cold, hungry, and written off, showing them that they were not alone, not forgotten, and never beyond hope. One food van in Kings Cross became a movement. A sanctuary. A second chance.

Father Riley’s legacy will not be measured in awards or headlines, but in the eyes of every young person who found shelter, support, and strength because of him.

To his family, his community, and the countless lives he touched, on behalf of the NSW Opposition we grieve with you. And to every young person still finding their way, you mattered to Father Chris. And you matter to all of us.

May he rest peacefully, knowing the light he gave this world will never dim.

New report confirms Labor’s housing policies have flopped

The Minns Labor Government’s key housing policies are not building the new homes that were promised, with new data from the UDIA NSW Housing Accord Progress Report (July 2025) confirming that Labor’s flagship TOD and Low and Mid-Rise Housing reforms are not enough to deliver any significant new housing for hopeful residents trying to get on the property ladder.

According to the report, only 3.7% of dwellings submitted for approval in the last financial year could be attributed to these policies.

The report also states that “current economic conditions will continue to make apartment projects unfeasible to build.” The Housing and Productivity Contribution, introduced by the Minns Labor Government, acts as a $12,000 tax on every new home — and record state taxes and charges are pushing projects beyond viability and being passed on to future homebuyers.

NSW Opposition Leader Mark Speakman said the report confirms what industry has been warning: Labor’s policies are not working.

“These figures show that you can draw all the circles on a map that you like, but if it’s not feasible to build, then nothing will be done. With its record state taxes and charges, the highest in Australia, the Government has made it more expensive to build.”

“The only places where TOD is being taken up are in wealthy areas where first home buyers cannot afford to buy. Everywhere else, it’s been a failure. The only apartments that will ever get built from these policies are coming with over a million-dollar price tag.”

“Labor’s policies are simply not driving new housing projects, and an environment not feasible to build in is crushing the dream of prospective home buyers.”

Shadow Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Scott Farlow said the latest data makes clear that Labor’s approach is economically unviable and structurally broken.

“Developers are voting with their feet. They’re staying away from Labor’s TOD zones because the numbers don’t stack up. It is simply not feasible to build in this high-tax environment, confidence is gone, and the supply pipeline is drying up.

“You can’t talk about housing affordability with a straight face while slugging home builders and eventually future homebuyers with record taxes and charges, including Labor’s $12,000 housing tax. Industry is making it crystal clear – no matter how many rezonings there are, it is not feasible to build new housing in NSW.

“In The Low and Mid Rise housing policy was promised to build 112,000 homes over the next five years, but in the first year of the Housing Accord only 2.5% of the promise has been met. This is directly caused by a lack of infrastructure investment in selected areas to enable housing growth.”

Protesters interrupt Minns meeting as NSW Labor faces backlash on Palestine, nurses pay, environment

Backlash against Labor Premier Chris Minns’ suppression of protest is growing, as Tweed nurses and midwives, pro-Palestine activists and supporters of the Great Koala National Park today protested Minns’ visit to Tweed.

Minns is under increasing pressure to grant nurses and midwives a 15% pay rise, given their wages have been suppressed by Liberal National Governments since 2011. Just a stone’s throw from his meeting today, graduate nurses in Queensland are paid 18% more than in New South Wales.

Recent polling revealed Chris Minns’ personal approval rating has plunged 5 points, even as the Labor and Greens primary votes were up.

Greens MP and North Coast Spokesperson Sue Higginson said:

“The Premier is facing increasing backlash from his own caucus and from the community on his draconian anti-protest laws,”

“Tweed locals forced the Labor Cabinet to pause their meeting, because clearly communities right across New South Wales are horrified by what they’re seeing in Gaza and they want their Government to take action, not to suppress action,”

“Our wonderful Northern Rivers community cares deeply about the environment, about social justice, and about protecting each other. Chris Minns is a Labor Premier who is logging the heart out of the Great Koala National Park, shutting down peaceful protests against the genocide in Gaza, and failing to deliver for key workers. Chris Minns and the Labor Government rode into power promising to deliver the Great Koala National Park and do better for key workers and people feel betrayed”,

“The Premier had a lot of nerve showing up 30 seconds away from the border while he refuses to give nurses and midwives even a fraction of the pay they get in Queensland,”

“For nearly 2 years now, the Labor Party has been gaslighting nurses and midwives by saying a pay rise is impossible. Now, Chris Minns is turning up 30 seconds drive from a State where graduate nurses are paid 18% more”.

“It’s increasingly clear that Labor Premier Chris Minns is on the nose across New South Wales for his crackdowns on peaceful protest, for his failure to announce the Great Koala National Park, and for his failure to deliver for our frontline workers.”

Greens call for transparent investigations into police misconduct following incidents

A disturbing pattern of incidents involving inappropriate behaviour and racism justify a more transparent process for investigation and reporting of police misconduct, says Leader of the ACT Greens, Shane Rattenbury.

Following a line of questioning in Budget Estimates, ACT Police and the Minister for Police could not provide or disclose details of the consequences for the officers involved in these incidents, citing secrecy and privacy provisions.

Leader of the ACT Greens, Shane Rattenbury:

“The reality is that there’s a deeply concerning pattern of systemic behaviour from elements of ACT Police towards First Nations people in this territory. From officers goading children in custody to take their own lives, to young men being charged with an offence when they shouldn’t have been during a night out—we’re seeing a serious problem with police integrity.

“It’s horrifying that some officers feel it’s acceptable to taunt children in their custody—people going through hard moments in their lives—about suicide or the family situations that led them to that moment.

“This kind of policing is seemingly so entrenched that First Nations mothers in our community are teaching their kids to keep a low profile in public just to avoid being targeted by police for simply occupying space.

“These parents are fearful that even when their children are doing nothing wrong, just hanging out with a group of their cousins, they’ll be singled out and targeted by some police–it’s appalling and needs urgent attention.

“Right now, when police engage in problematic behaviour, the investigation happens behind closed doors, investigated by their own. Now in fairness, this might be okay if things were improving—but incident after incident certainly suggests they are not.

“A system that lets police investigate themselves while this behaviour continues is a system that protects and entrenches racism, not people. It’s unacceptable. And after months and years of similar incidents, it’s clear we need far more transparency around the outcomes of police misconduct investigations.

“The Greens are calling on the government to address this broken system—one that enables racism and offers those who perpetuate it anonymity. This isn’t about every officer. But unless we hold those who abuse their power accountable, then the public will rightly continue to struggle to have confidence in the system as a whole.”

The Greens are calling on the government to improve how investigations into police misconduct are conducted which must include increasing transparency into the outcomes of investigations to enhance community trust in the police.

A report into the conduct of the Australian Federal Police recently found that the agency is dismissing complaints that should be investigated, including allegations of corruption and assault within its own ranks.

Comments provided by Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Service:

Ms Julie Tongs, CEO of Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Service, has emphasised the importance of investigating the nature of the relationship between ACT Policing and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community during Estimates hearings.

She is particularly concerned about a raft of findings in the recent report of the Commonwealth Ombudsman into the use of force by ACT Policing.

As the Ombudsman noted in his report the misuse of force by police has the potential to disproportionately impact vulnerable members of the community, such as First Nations people. Julie Tongs said while shameful, it is also relevant to any inquiry into the relationship between ACT Policing and the Aboriginal community of Canberra that the ACT has both the highest rate of incarceration of Aboriginal peoples in Australia and the highest rate of Aboriginal recidivism.

Quotes attributable to Chairperson of Sisters in Spirit Aboriginal Corporation, Ms Tahlia-Rose Vanissum:

“Indigenous women are the fastest growing prison population in the world. In the ACT our women are imprisoned at a 76.5 times greater rate than non-Indigenous woman. The highest level of overrepresentation in Australia.

“Strong Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women are critical safeguards in our communities, keeping us safe, healthy and connected to culture, especially our children.

“Failure to address their needs has impacts on our entire community including increased rates of victimisation, criminalisation, child removal and homelessness.

“The current ACT justice system subjects our women to unique forms of intersectional discrimination, they are over-policed, under-protected, and ‘misidentified’ (targeted) by colonial enforcement agencies built on the principles of erasure and control.

“Police cannot be trusted to investigate themselves and they cannot be trusted by our communities to lead reform they actively resist.”

Liberal and Labor team up to build public housing for US troops under AUKUS

The Liberal and Labor parties today voted to stop an inquiry into legislation that will allow the Government to build public housing for US troops in Australia as part of AUKUS.

The Defence Housing Australia Amendment Bill 2025 is being rammed through the Senate to allow the Defence Housing Authority to build homes for foreign militaries in Australia. The target for these powers is housing for US troops under AUKUS.

To make matters worse, this legislation will be passed without a financial impact statement, leaving unclear how much public money Australia will allocate to building homes for the US military in Australia.

The Greens moved to refer the Bill to a Senate inquiry to allow public scrutiny and to obtain details about the cost and timeframes proposed, but this was opposed by the two war parties.

Reports indicate that there will be an initial 700 US troops stationed in Western Australia as part of AUKUS, with thousands more across Australia.

Senator David Shoebridge, Greens spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Defence, said: “You cannot make this up. The Albanese Government spent the last Parliament attacking the Greens for wanting more public housing, saying this call was unrealistic. Now, in Labor’s first big move in the housing space, it is building public housing not for people doing it rough, but for Trump.”

“There is no financial impact statement in this Bill, as if there is no cost to building hundreds of homes. It is another secret deal to put Australian public funds into the pockets of the US military, another bottomless pit of money for AUKUS.

“What this government is doing by putting forward this Bill in the first sitting period is sending a clear message that their priority is to keep Donald Trump happy, even if that means building the Mar-a-Lago of Perth paid for by the Australian public.”

Senator Barbara Pocock, Greens spokesperson for Housing said: “The Government’s priorities are clear – US troops are deemed more worthy of public housing than people in Australia desperately needing a roof over their heads.

“In our current housing crisis, the Government is choosing to play politics. Labor says it wants to solve the housing crisis but all they’re doing is pandering to US interests.

“Labor is proving they can deliver on public housing. So if the Government can provide public housing for US troops, why can’t they do it for vulnerable Australians desperately needing a roof over their head?

“Housing is a human right. The Greens call on Labor to take the housing crisis seriously by delivering public housing for Australians.”