Month: October 2025

High School Certificate exams begin

Close to 75,000 HSC students will put pen to paper over the next 17 test days as written exams officially get underway, beginning with English Paper 1 this morning.

HSC written exams mark the conclusion of 13 years of schooling for students, providing them with an opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned during their education.

When the written exams finish on Friday 7 November, with Food Technology being the final examination, HSC students will have sat over 400,000 exam sessions in 123 different subjects from Mathematics to Construction.

Students have already completed language oral exams, practical performances, and major projects during Term 3.

Thousands of dedicated teachers, principals, and support staff are working behind the scenes during the HSC, ensuring written exams run smoothly and delivering a fair outcome for every student. Students will receive their HSC results and ATAR on Thursday 18 December.

With an additional 9,000 students undertaking at least one exam as part of an accelerated pathway, or completing the HSC over multiple years, it means around 84,000 students will complete an HSC course in 2025.

The2025 HSC written exam timetable can be found on the NESA website, along with the 2025 HSC enrolment snapshot.

The Minns Labor Government has made a record investment in NSW schools since coming to office, with the 2025-26 Budget delivering $9 billion for public education infrastructure right across the state.

Alongside the Minns Labor Government’s investment in education infrastructure, we are making sure there are more teachers in front of students in NSW classrooms and rolling out a new, knowledge-rich curriculum.

We have reduced teacher vacancies by 61 per cent across the state, resulting in the number of cancelled classes in NSW nearly halving since the Minns Labor Government took office.

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:

“On behalf of the entire NSW Government I want to wish students the best of luck as their HSC exams begin today.

“You have done the hard work – now is the time to stay focused, look after yourself, and follow a healthy study schedule.

“Thank you to the hard-working teachers of NSW who’ve prepared HSC students for this moment and to all the teachers who have guided students through their 13 years of schooling.”

NSW Education Standards Authority Chief Executive Officer Paul Martin said:

“The HSC exam period is a major statewide effort, coordinated by exam staff and school communities, to ensure every student has the chance to perform at their best.

“Teachers, families and caregivers have been a constant source of encouragement and support for these young people – and today is as much a milestone for them as it is for the students.”

New MRI service announced for Ryde Hospital Redevelopment

In a major boost for Ryde and surrounding communities, Ryde Hospital’s first MRI machine will be delivered as part of the $526.8 million Ryde Hospital redevelopment, providing enhanced access to medical imaging services for patients closer to home.

The MRI service will be located in the new seven-storey Acute Services Building and enable patients to undergo scans in the hospital, saving time and improving continuity of care.

Currently, Ryde Hospital patients who require MRI scans are referred to a nearby offsite provider, transferred to a neighbouring Northern Sydney Local Health District hospital, or managed through alternative diagnostic measures.

The Minns Labor Government’s major investment will deliver a world-class health facility with expanded health services in Ryde, helping to meet the future health needs of the growing local community.

The MRI service will support a range of diagnostic capabilities at Ryde Hospital across emergency, neurology, orthopaedics, oncology and general medicine, and assist with more accurate assessments and improved treatment planning for patients.

The Ryde Hospital Redevelopment’s Acute Services Building is expected to be completed in late 2027, with the hospital’s main entrance and landscaping works to follow in 2028.

Main works are well underway, with piling and earth works progressing to establish the foundations for the new hospital building.

The Ryde Hospital Redevelopment project will deliver new and expanded services including:

  • A new and expanded emergency department, medical imaging department, intensive care unit, operating theatres and procedure rooms, and surgical/endoscopy day only spaces
  • A new purpose-built ambulatory care centre and paediatric short stay unit
  • More adult overnight inpatient beds
  • Associated clinical and non-clinical support services including pharmacy, pathology, food, environmental, linen and supply services
  • Contemporary education, training and research to strengthen tertiary partnerships
  • Improved accessibility to the campus, including internal roads, urban spaces, landscaping and wayfinding, and engineering and information and communications technology service infrastructure.

To learn more about the Ryde Hospital Redevelopment visit: www.nsw.gov.au/ryde-hospital-redevelopment

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“The Minns Labor Government is making it easier for people to access the healthcare they need and deserve.

“Patients attending Ryde Hospital will be able to access state-of-the-art MRI scans locally once the redevelopment is complete, without needing to travel to other facilities or hospitals.

“The expanded MRI capability will support the growing Ryde community by enabling faster, more targeted diagnostics for patients and clinicians.

“This will save time, ease pressure on existing services and staff, and provide patients with the confidence that they are receiving contemporary care close to home.”

Federal Member for Bennelong Jerome Laxale:

“Since being elected, I’ve fought for an MRI service at Ryde Hospital. Today’s announcement means our community will finally get the bulk-billed scans we need, right here at our local hospital.

“Incredibly, the State Liberal’s didn’t budget for an MRI Machine at Ryde during their time in Government. After raising this with Minister Park, I’m glad that the Minns Labor Government has listened to our calls for a public MRI machine to be part of the new Ryde hospital.

“And with reforms to MRI licensing to be finalised by 1 July 2027, the Federal and State Labor governments are working together to make Medicare stronger and more accessible.”

Ryde Councillor Lyndal Howison:

“It’s genuinely exciting to see the Ryde Hospital redevelopment take shape now thanks to the Minns Labor government, and the addition of MRI technology is deeply appreciated.

“In 2023, doctors at Ryde told me about the vital role that MRI technology would play for our community, and I shared their ambitions for a local hospital in Ryde that had the facilities to deliver best-practice care, close to home.

“I’m so pleased that Premier Minns and Minister Park have responded to the needs of our growing community with this investment.”

Northen Sydney Local Health District Chief Executive Anthony Schembri:

“Ryde’s population is projected to exceed 180,000 by 2041 and this service will play a vital role in supporting better patient outcomes as part of the $526.8 million Ryde Hospital Redevelopment.

“It is fantastic that the Ryde community will soon benefit from the advantages of an on-site MRI to facilitate improved diagnostics and treatment planning. This technology supports more accurate assessments, leading to better outcomes and enhanced care standards for patients.”

Specialised K9 pods unveiled as 133 firefighters join Fire and Rescue NSW ranks

High-tech K9 pods and a detection puppy are joining the firefighting frontline to help investigate the origin and cause of fires, alongside 133 new firefighters graduating from the Fire and Rescue NSW academy today.

Today, 62 permanent firefighters and 71 paid on-call firefighters join the emergency services family. Importantly, 73 per cent of the new permanent firefighters have previously served as on-call firefighters, bringing more than 383 years of combined experience and service into full-time roles.  

The graduating firefighters hail from diverse backgrounds including teaching, surfboard manufacturing, disability support, plumbing, electrical trades, surf lifesaving, media, other emergency services and Defence.

Also joining the firefighting frontline is Garvey, a five-month-old brown and white Springer Spaniel puppy, training to join FRNSW’s world-leading Ignitable Liquid Detection Canine (ILDC) program.

To support Garvey and his canine colleagues, the Minns Labor Government has invested $320,000 in two new custom-built FRNSW K9 pod vehicles, strengthening the ILDC program that has been the benchmark in Australasia for three decades. 

Designed in collaboration with the FRNSW canine team, the pod-style vehicles feature advanced communications and comfort systems for both handlers and dogs, including:

  • A purpose-built kennel with air-conditioning and remote temperature monitoring via mobile app
  • Multi-compartment design to carry one or two dogs safely and comfortably
  • Access ramps to reduce manual handling and avoid stress injuries to dogs
  • Full washout capability for hygiene and ease of maintenance
  • Modern cab features to improve safety and comfort for handlers 

The vehicles also include a powerful dual battery to support operational communications and vehicle safety systems, enhanced stowage space, and technology connected via mobile and satellite networks.

Paired with dedicated handlers, the dogs can detect minute traces of ignitable liquids at fire scenes and are an essential tool in determining the cause of fires and assisting criminal investigations.

Garvey’s training is focused on getting him used to real-life fire scenes, helping him become comfortable with debris, smells, and textures that are part of his future work. With his acute sense of smell and energetic demeanour, Garvey is expected to join the frontline within 12 months.

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib:

“We know how much courage and discipline firefighting requires – it takes a special person to step into that uniform. The firefighters graduating today embody those qualities, and they should be proud of the positive impact they have made and will continue to make in their communities for many years to come.

“I’d encourage people to become on-call firefighters, it’s a great pathway to joining the ranks full-time. As today’s graduating class shows our strategy for recruiting more firefighters, as part of our plan to rebuild emergency services, is working.

“The addition of these new canine vehicles gives handlers the very best tools to do their job safely and effectively, while also ensuring our detection dogs are well cared for.”

FRNSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell:

“Our newest recruits will now join metropolitan and regional crews across the state, putting their intensive training into action.

“From today, they are part of an organisation where community trust and safety are at the heart of everything we do. I congratulate them as they embark on their firefighting careers.”

“We’re also proud to welcome Garvey, who represents the next generation of this unique and highly valued program.

“Our Ignitable Liquid Detection Canine team play a vital role in determining the cause of suspicious fires and supporting police investigations.” 

$19 million to help more Aussie businesses join US submarine supply chain

The Albanese Government is delivering more opportunities for Australian businesses to secure high-value manufacturing contracts in the United States submarine industrial base, thanks to a $19 million investment in the Australian Submarine Supplier Qualification (AUSSQ) Pilot.

The Albanese Government awarded HII Australia an initial $9.6 million contract to deliver the pilot phase of the AUSSQ program in March 2025, and today we are announcing a further investment of $9.3 million to deliver additional work packages. 

The initial phase of the program, delivered by H&B Defence—a HII and Babcock joint venture—focused on prospective Australian businesses in castings and forgings, and precision machining. This second tranche of investment will focus on industry uplift activities involving air and gas flasks, and fabricated parts.

AUSSQ is helping local companies become approved suppliers to HII, the largest military shipbuilder in the US and one of two companies that builds US nuclear-powered submarines.

Twenty-two Australian businesses are already taking part, with eight now fully qualified:

  • MacTaggart Scott Australia; Levett Engineering; Century Engineering; H E Parts International; Veem; Hofmann Engineering; Dobbie; and MTA.

Further, three of the twenty-two participating Australian businesses have now been invited to quote for work in the US supply chain.

  • Hofmann Engineering; Veem; and Axiom.

AUSSQ complements the Defence Industry Vendor Qualification Program (DIVQ), and is part of a broader effort to grow Australia’s defence industrial base. These programs are providing hands-on support to help Australian businesses to meet US standards, navigate export approvals, and connect with global supply chains.

This industrial uplift is helping to expand Australia’s submarine industrial base and prepare for the work required to build and sustain Australia’s future fleet of conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines.

This investment will assist Australian companies to build skills, create jobs, and strengthen our national security through industrial base collaboration with our closest ally and deliver a future made in Australia.

Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Pat Conroy MP:

“AUKUS is delivering real benefits for Australian industry and jobs. This program is helping build a strong, sovereign submarine enterprise that will keep Australia safe for decades to come.”

“This $19 million investment is helping Australian businesses break into global supply chains and contribute to allied industrial capacity. It’s about creating jobs, growing skills, and giving our manufacturers a chance to compete on the world stage.”

Nomination of next ambassador to Japan

The Albanese Government announces its intention to nominate Mr Andrew Shearer as Ambassador to Japan in early 2026, following completion of his term as Director-General of the Office of National Intelligence this December.

Prior to his current role, Mr Shearer served as Cabinet Secretary, and National Security Adviser to two prime ministers.

He has held a number of other public service roles including in the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, when he was posted to Washington.

Mr Shearer has also held senior roles at the Center for Strategic and International Studies and the Lowy Institute.

Court rules “places of worship” police powers unconstitutional in humiliating defeat for Labor Premier Chris Minns

The Supreme Court has struck down Labor Premier Chris Minns’ Places of Worship police powers, ruling that they violated our constitutional right to freedom of political communication.

The Court sided with Joshua Lees and the Palestine Action Group against the State of NSW to strike down the powers that allowed police to issue move on orders to people engaged in lawful protest ‘near’ a place of worship. The powers were passed earlier in 2025, after NSW Police inflated instances of alleged antisemitism and the Premier misled the public by describing the Dural Caravan hoax as an act of terror.

Greens MP and Justice Spokesperson Sue Higginson said:

“Today the Supreme Court has come down decisively on the side of protest, democracy and freedom of political expression in NSW. Labor Premier Chris Minns was warned that these police powers were rushed, wrong and likely unconstitutional. This decision today is the consequence of his failure to listen”

“Labor Premier Chris Minns rammed these powers through the Parliament to give police more draconian powers, using false pretences and inflated statistics, and now they have been struck down. The Court has made clear that the Premier of NSW was wrong to punish people exercising their right to protest,”

“This is a clear message to the Minns Labor Government that they are not above the law. People are watching genocide in Palestine, they are witnessing climate collapse, and the act of protest is legitimate, lawful, and protected under our constitution. The NSW Police must protect protest, not be used to silence it,”

“The sinister creep of these powers have already had a terrible impact. When police unlawfully busted up a protest against a weapons manufacturer in Belmore and punched Hannah Thomas in the face, they made reference to these laws in their fact sheet by mentioning that the protest was ‘near’ a place of worship,”

“When hundreds of thousands of people defied the Premier to march peacefully across the Sydney Harbour Bridge, these laws were referenced in the Courts by the Police because there happened to be churches in the CBD of Sydney,”

“It is very clear these laws and powers have emboldened Chris Minns in his attempts to suppress peaceful protests. It is a relief to see these laws struck down today,”

“Anti-protest laws have now been struck down by the Supreme Court a number of times across a number of governments, both Labor and Liberal. Governments do not have the power to stop the people from protesting, and Labor Premier Chris Minns needs to learn that lesson,”

“The solution for the Government now is clear – the entire suite of anti-protest laws in NSW should be repealed as illegitimate attempts to diminish our democracy,”

“I hope this is a wake-up call for the Premier – instead of trying to block and demonize peaceful protestors at every turn, his government should be working to facilitate peaceful protests and other functions of democracy in New South Wales,” Ms Higginson said.

Greens oppose harmful changes to Anti-Discrimination Act

Background

The NT Greens oppose the harmful changes to the Anti-Discrimination Act passed by the Finocchiarro CLP government. The reforms make three key changes:

  1. Changes section 20A. The current law says it is unlawful to ‘offend, insult, humiliate or intimidate’ a person based on an attribute. This makes conduct unlawful based on the potential to cause harm. The proposed law would only make conduct unlawful if it ‘incites hatred, serious contempt or severe ridicule.’ 
  2. Introducing Section 35B, which allows religious education institutions the ability to lawfully refuse to hire, or impose behavioural rules on staff on the basis of religious beliefs. This exemption can be used if the institution publishes in writing a policy outlining their religious beliefs and how it impacts their employment processes and workplace conduct rules. 
  3. Amending the complaints process so that the Commissioner is no longer required to evaluate complaints before they are brought to the tribunal. 

These amendments go against the recommendations of the NT Anti-Discrimination Commissioner and fail to implement the recommendations of the Australian Law Reform Commission. 

The Greens opposed these amendments, alongside the Labor Party and the crossbench. We will always stand against discrimination in all its forms. 

Kat McNamara MLA, Member for Nightcliff

“Over the past year we have repeatedly heard that the CLP will put the rights of victims over the rights of offenders. But in this instance they’re putting the right for some in our community to engage in discrimination above the rights of others in our community to be safe from discrimination.”

“Vilification laws are essential because they are preventative – they help to prevent more serious discrimination and violence that are enabled by casual discrimination.”

“In a time when sexism, racism, homophobia and transphobia are on the rise, we need to stamp out any form of discrimination in its early stages to prevent it becoming more serious.”

“The CLP wants the freedom to crack homophobic jokes and use slurs without anyone being allowed to take offense. But under this same bill, they’re saying that religious institutions can refuse to employ a gay person – not because they’re unqualified, not because they can’t do the job – but simply because their existence might offend someone’s religious sensibilities.”

“The watering down of our anti-discrimination laws is another stunt, just like the transphobic commentary from the Chief Minister earlier this week, to distract the public from the real issues facing the Northern Territory – like housing, climate, cost of living, community safety, and closing the gap.”

Labor’s FOI bill is friendless. It’s time to learn what went wrong and build something better

Today’s hearing into Labor’s FOI Bill is demonstrating that the Bill is both friendless and irredeemable.

All non-Government stakeholders have rejected it including civil society and transparency advocates as well as anyone who has ever tried to do an FOI for government information. The Bill does not fix what is broken in the FOI system. Instead it entrenches the problems by expanding Cabinet confidentiality, introducing processing caps, and removing anonymous requests.

The real problems with FOI are simple and well-documented, and none are fixed with this Bill:

  • Cabinet confidentiality enabled Robodebt to flourish unchecked. The final report from Commissioner Catherine Holmes recommended repealing Section 34. The Bill expands it instead.
  • FOI processing is both underfunded and slow. The OAIC overseeing this is chronically under-resourced and has 967 reviews outstanding for over 16 months. Home Affairs is the worst offender and finalises only 35% of requests on time. This reflects a culture of non-disclosure, not too many requests.
  • Government ministers interfere in FOI determinations, delaying and blocking legitimate access.

Greens Senator and Justice Spokesperson David Shoebridge said: “If Labor is serious about reform, they need to listen to what every credible voice has told them: this bill doesn’t work and it can’t be fixed.

“Robodebt happened because governments could hide their actions and the Greens will use our numbers in the Senate to stop that happening again.

“We need to fix the laws that make FOI slow, expensive and restrictive, which means resourcing FOI properly and challenging the increasing culture of secrecy driven by Prime Minister Albanese.

“Democracy dies unless citizens can find out what their government is doing and we have governments that trust their community with the truth.

“This bill is dead in the water and every stakeholder has said so. Rather than defend it, Labor should reflect on what’s gone wrong and work with the Parliament to chart a positive path from here.

Greens: Australia must contribute aid to rebuilding Gaza and must demand accountability for the carnage

Senator Mehreen Faruqi, Deputy Leader of the Australian Greens and Spokesperson for International Aid and Global Justice, has called on the Australian Government to make a substantial contribution to rebuilding Gaza, saying Australia has a moral obligation to do so, especially given its failure to take any action to stop the genocide and destruction.

Senator Mehreen Faruqi:

“Australia has a moral obligation to contribute generously to rebuilding Gaza as part of a self-determined Palestinian state. Aid cannot just be the token amounts announced so far, it must be substantial. Aid to Gaza must be many times more than the $1.5 billion to Ukraine, given the scale of death and destruction of Israel’s genocide.

“There must be a big push to open all crossings, forcing Israel to let all the aid in and rebuild roads for faster distribution of desperately-needed food, water and other supplies.

“Australia must atone for its role in supplying F-35 parts and steel to the Israeli war machine that killed so many men, women and children. Our complicity demands accountability and reparations.

“UNRWA is the key United Nations agency providing relief and supporting the human development of Palestinian refugees. Australia must channel a significant portion of its funding through UNRWA, which it shamefully helped delegitimise based on flimsy Israeli propaganda.

“Israel has destroyed or damaged almost all infrastructure – schools, universities, hospitals and the vast majority of homes.

“Rebuilding Gaza must go hand in hand with justice and accountability. It must be coupled with holding Israel to account for the carnage it has caused and for the genocide it committed on the Palestinian people.

“The Palestinian people are not yet free. Israel still controls their borders, their movement, their aid, their resources and their future. Rebuilding must be part of a broader push for lasting freedom, justice and self-determination by Palestinians – not crony capitalists like is currently proposed.”

Townsville Training Incident

The Coalition extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the Australian Army soldier who tragically passed away following a training incident near the Townsville Field Training Area.

Our thoughts are also with the two other ADF personnel who were seriously injured, their families, and their fellow service members during this difficult time. 

Incidents like this are a stark reminder of the risks our Defence personnel face, even in training, in their commitment to serve and protect our nation with pride.

We also acknowledge and thank the first responders and medical teams who are providing care and support.

The 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (3RAR), is a tight-knit infantry unit. In times of tragedy, their strength as a community is clear. 

We extend our condolences to them as they rally around one another in the face of this heartbreaking loss.