October 2025 – Page 15

Lyle Shelton pledges parliamentary inquiry into Australian Muslim groups’ support for terrorist organisations

Family First NSW Upper House candidate Lyle Shelton today announced that, if elected, he will move for a Parliamentary inquiry into the support of terrorist organisations by Australian Muslim groups and clerics.

The inquiry will examine how open advocacy for groups such as Hamas, Hezbollah and Hizb ut-Tahrir has been allowed to flourish in Australia despite laws prohibiting the advocacy of terrorism.

“Recent revelations show a disturbing pattern of prominent Muslim leaders and organisations in Australia supporting or expressing sympathy for proscribed terrorist groups,” Mr Shelton said.

“This is a matter of national security.”

Mr Shelton said his pledge for an inquiry was prompted by multiple revelations reported by The Daily Telegraph:

Dr Ali Al Samail, a cleric appointed by the Minns Government to advise on Jewish community safety, was revealed to have urged his congregation to pressure Labor to de-list Hamas and Hezbollah — which would allow their supporters to recruit, train, and fundraise in Australia.

The Arrahman Benevolent Society in Kingsgrove, whose co-director Youssef Nabha has publicly vowed the downfall of Israel, received $33,000 in taxpayer-funded grants from the Minns Government — including for “social cohesion” and “security upgrades” — despite long-standing ties to Hezbollah.

The Telegraph reported: “Three months after Premier Minns’ grant, Masjid Arrahman eulogised ‘righteous martyr’ and ‘master of resistance’ Hezbollah commander Hassan Nasrallah in a three-day vigil.”

Speakers at last week’s Hizb ut-Tahrir-linked Bankstown rally openly celebrated the October 7 Hamas terrorist attacks, chanted “From the river to the sea”, and praised “Muslim armies” for “resisting Zionists.”

One of the speakers, notorious cleric Sheikh Ibrahim Dadoun, declared himself on October 8, 2023, “elated” after the slaughter, rape and kidnapping of Israeli civilians.

“Many of these leaders are not fringe individuals — these are people invited to advise governments, given public money, and platformed in our suburbs,” Mr Shelton said.

“The public deserves to know how this happened, and why no one in authority has acted.”

Mr Shelton said the proposed inquiry will:

Investigate how organisations and clerics with sympathies for terrorist groups have escaped prosecution under the Criminal Code’s provisions against advocating terrorism;

Examine due diligence failures in state and federal grant programs that have funnelled taxpayer money to extremist-linked organisations;

Assess the impact on national security of allowing anti-Israel, pro-terror rhetoric to go unchecked.

“Calling for the destruction of the State of Israel and glorifying terrorist violence is incompatible with Australian values,” Mr Shelton said.

“A public inquiry is needed to ensure that those who benefit from Australia’s freedoms are not working to undermine them.”

Appeal to locate teenage girl missing from Newcastle

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a teenage girl missing from the state’s Hunter region.

Lailah Russell, aged 13, was last seen in Newcastle about 6pm yesterday (Thursday 16 October 2025).

When she could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Newcastle City Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.

There are serious concerns for Lailah’s welfare due to her young age.

Lailah is described as being of Caucasian appearance, 160cm, thin build with long light brown hair

She was last seen wearing a black hooded jumper, black shorts and white sneakers.

Lailah is known to frequent the Newcastle, Muswellbrook and Singleton areas.

Anyone with information into her whereabouts is urged to contact Newcastle City Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Eye Spy Regent Honeyeaters over Wonnarua Country

Hunter Valley locals are gearing up for a huge game of Eye Spy for something beginning with ‘R’, when more than 70 critically endangered Regent Honeyeaters are released into the skies of Wonnarua Country.
The flock of zoo-bred birds will fly out over lands owned by the Mindaribba Local Aboriginal Land Council as part of ongoing efforts to boost population numbers in the wild.
With around 300 Regent Honeyeaters left in the wild, NSW’s Hunter Valley is the centre of their range and a key breeding location.
Specially fitted non-invasive radio trackers will help researchers keep a close eye on the released birds as they cross the Tomalpin Woodlands.
But it’s also likely the birds will fly into backyards, parks and school grounds, which is why ecologists are calling for all eyes on the skies.
Easily spotted by their beautiful yellow and black feathers, these birds have become synonymous with the region, yet their movements remain a mystery.
Do they make a beeline for sandstone Country breeding haunts? Or do they hop around the Hunter’s blooming eucalypts with flocks of wild-born birds?
The data collected from this landscape-size game of Eye Spy will have a real and direct impact on answering these questions and help save this critically endangered bird from extinction.
This is the fourth bird release in this location, and marks 30 years since the Regent Honeyeater conservation breeding program began in 1995.
To date more than 220 Taronga Sydney Zoo and Taronga Western Plains Zoo-bred birds have been released onto Mindaribba lands, areas of exceptional habitat and a diversity of flowering gums.
Reporting your Regent Honeyeater sightings is easy with a step-by-step guide and online portal at BirdLife Australia: http://www.birdlife.org.au/what-to-do-if-you-see-a-regent-honeyeater/
This critical conservation project is a joint effort between the NSW Government’s Saving our Species Program, Mindaribba Local Aboriginal Land Council, Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Birdlife Australia and Local Land Services.

DEPARTMENT OF CLIMATE CHANGE, ENERGY, THE ENVIRONMENT AND WATER SPECIES EXPERT, KIM MAUTE:
“Reintroducing this critically endangered species into the wild is one way the NSW Government is ensuring the survival of this species.
“But everyone can play a part in making sure these genuinely beautiful and musical birds are spied by future generations.
“We encourage everyone to keep an eye out for these birds during spring and share your sightings so we can continue to make the best conservation decisions for this iconic bird”.

MINDARIBBA LOCAL ABORIGINAL LAND COUNCIL CEO, TARA DEVER:
“It’s time to let people know how special it is. This piece of Wonnarua Country, at the foot of old Tumblebee Mountain, is as much a part of everyone who has grown up here as it is to the Regent Honeyeater.
“These zoo-bred Regent Honey Eater releases are critical to the survival of the species.
“My grandparents and their parents before them had Regents in their backyard at Stanford Merthyr. We want our grandchildren to have them in theirs.
“The Regent Honeyeater is still here because this place of Kurri Kurri, this salty water place, is a good place, it’s special Country.
“This is not something that can be left to a few anymore – there is no time left to think about your involvement. Its protection starts with every man, woman and child in Kurri Kurri and beyond understanding that this bird is significant to them.
“The golden sunlight of their wings reflects the warm beauty of the Tomalpin Woodlands and Kurri Kurri itself.”

WELFARE AND CONSERVATION DIRECTOR AT TARONGA CONSERVATION SOCIETY, ANDREW ELPHINSTONE:
“The Regent Honeyeater is a flagship species, pollinating and maintaining habitat both sides of the Great Dividing Range, but faces an uncertain future.
“Over the past 30 years breeding Regent Honeyeaters we’ve heard some remarkable stories of Taronga Zoo-bred birds pairing and breeding with wild birds, travelling vast distances and being sighted 10-years after their release.”

REGENT HONEYEATER RECOVERY ADVISOR AT BIRDLIFE AUSTRALIA, MICK RODERICK:
“The Tomalpin Woodlands are probably the single-most important site for Regent Honeyeaters, and it is a privilege to be able to help save this bird from extinction by supplementing the population on Wonnarua Country.
“We have seen females from previous releases pairing with wild male Regent Honeyeaters and successfully breeding, which is the truest sign of success for the team which is great news.”

Supporting a safe and strong Tonga

Assistant Minister for Defence, Peter Khalil, will travel to the Kingdom of Tonga today to represent the Australian Government at the commissioning ceremony for His Majesty’s Armed Forces’ new landing craft, VOEA Late, at the Masefield Naval Base.

Delivered under the Albanese Government’s Pacific Maritime Security Program, VOEA Late will strengthen Tonga’s ability to deliver humanitarian assistance and disaster relief during times of need, as well as its ability to deter, detect and disrupt illegal maritime activities across the region.

His Majesty King Tupou VI will formally commission the vessel, and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for His Majesty’s Armed Forces, will also attend the ceremony.

Australia will continue to support the Tongan Royal Navy via a through-life maintenance and sustainment package, along with training for crew members to ensure the vessel’s operational readiness.

The commissioning of VOEA Late is the latest demonstration of the enduring strength of the Australia and Tonga bilateral relationship and follows the recent signing of a Statement of Intent announcing a shared commitment to elevate ties between our two nations under the proposed ‘Kaume’a ‘Ofi’ (close trusted friendship) Partnership Agreement.

Today’s ceremony marks the vessel’s official entry into service, following its delivery and handover at Masefield Naval Base on 29 August 2025.

Assistant Minister for Defence, Peter Khalil:

“It’s an honour to attend VOEA Late’s commissioning by His Majesty King Tupou VI, and see the vessel officially transition into active service.

“Australia is proud to partner with Tonga on maritime security and disaster preparedness so we can further the close relationship between our defence forces.

“Our Pacific Maritime Security Program is a 30-year commitment to invest in maritime security partnerships throughout the Pacific and reinforce Australia’s role as the security partner of choice for our Pacific neighbours.

“Now more than ever, we remain focused on supporting the maritime security needs of our partners in the region.”

Greens pressure sees Labor introduce ‘no-brainer’ rental reforms, but rent controls still needed to protect renters

The Victorian Greens have welcomed the Premier’s announcement this morning that the government will introduce reforms to make life easier for renters across the state.

These are reforms the government first announced last year under sustained pressure from the Greens and the community to do more to fix the worsening rental crisis.

The Greens also helped secure the new ban on rent bidding and no-grounds evictions that will come into effect in November.

But while landlords and real estate agents can still exploit renters and jack up rent prices as much as they like, renting will remain unaffordable and insecure.

The Greens will keep fighting for rent controls so everyone can afford a roof over their head and save enough to buy a home for themselves.

Last month a Tenants Victoria report found that renters continued to face outrageous rent hikes, with 80% of rental providers raising rents in the past two years, with an average rental increase of 17%.

This is despite CPI increasing by only 2.4% in the last year.

Victorian Greens renters rights spokesperson, Gabrielle de Vietri MP:

“These are no-brainer reforms that will help stop landlords taking advantage of renters and using bonds to profit off renters.

“The Greens have pushed for this for years alongside the community, to help alleviate the worsening housing crisis.

“But they’re a clear sign of the power imbalance between landlords and renters. As long as unlimited rent rises are legal, renters will live in fear of the next rent hike, and be forced to move time and again just to try to afford the rent.

“If Labor actually cared about protecting renters – not just property developers and investors – they would introduce rent controls.”

Landmark bill to kick e-bike clutter to the kerb

E-bike clutter on footpaths will be cleaned up, government and councils will have the power to regulate operators and recoup the costs of shared scheme management and infrastructure – under new laws being introduced to the NSW Parliament today.

This Australian first e-bike shared scheme regulation is the culmination of in-depth consultation with councils, operators and user groups and responds to key recommendations from the Parliamentary Inquiry into the use of e-scooters, e-bikes and related mobility options.

Currently, operators can deploy e-bikes anywhere, without approval from councils or the NSW Government. This has led to poorly parked e-bikes creating clutter, e-bikes without helmets, and no controls in place to ensure devices meet minimum standards.

The Bill will establish minimum regulatory requirements for shared scheme operators and give new powers to Transport for NSW to check operators meet these standards before they can provide services. This will improve consistency and reduce duplication across councils.

Minimum standards include helmet provision, distribution and collection of devices, adherence to council conditions, device specifications, maintenance, minimum insurances, complaints handling processes, incident reporting and rider education.

The legislation will also give local councils the power to decide where NSW Government approved shared schemes can operate in their area, set dedicated parking areas, go-slow and no-go zones.

As part of the reform approved shared scheme operators will pay a fee that funds the approvals, compliance monitoring, council rangers, establishing parking bays, active transport infrastructure and a data sharing platform monitoring shared bike use.

Transport and local councils will be establishing on street and kerb side e-bike parking bays in town centres, train and metro stations. This will give e-bike users and shared scheme operators more clarity on where to park and reduce clutter for pedestrians and other road users.

Transport and councils will be able to issue penalties to operators who fail to meet the minimum standards and Transport will be able to revoke approvals of operators who breach the requirements. Operators that fail to comply with a removal order face a maximum penalty of $55,000 plus $5500 for each day the offence continues. Operators that fail to comply with requests for information face a maximum penalty of $110,000.

Minister for Transport John Graham said: 

“Shared bikes strewn across footpaths and roads have been an eye-sore and a danger to pedestrians for too long. These Australian first shared scheme laws will clean up the clutter and provide clear standards and consistency for operators and local councils.

“We know shared e-bikes reduce congestion, connect our transport system and reduce emissions but the current voluntary approach to parking and safety isn’t working. That’s why we’re stepping in to fix the clutter on footpaths and ensure safety standards are met.

“The popularity of shared devices is growing in NSW, in the last financial year alone the number of daily trips increased by 200% and these reforms will help ensure this mode of transport is a safe and accessible option to move around, while balancing the needs of the wider community.

“We are setting some of the toughest requirements in Australia for sharing scheme services, to make sure services are safe and meet community expectations.”

Parliamentary Secretary for Transport Marjorie O’Neill said:

“This legislation is about creating a clear, consistent framework that allows shared bikes to thrive as part of our active transport network — safely and sustainably. We want to see these schemes grow and succeed, but in a way that works for everyone, whether you’re a rider, a pedestrian, or a local business.”

“For too long, shared bike operators have been able to act without proper oversight — resulting in cluttered footpaths, safety risks, and frustration for communities. These new laws put safety, accountability and public amenity front and centre.”

“This legislation has been developed hand in hand with local councils, operators and transport users. It’s a model of collaborative reform — balancing innovation with community needs, and ensuring local voices shape how shared schemes operate in their streets.”

Secretary of Transport Josh Murray said:

“Latest Transport for NSW data shows 15 per cent of people in NSW have ridden a shared or rented e-bike, with 6 per cent riding at least monthly.

“While this number is likely to grow rapidly, we need to address the impact of poorly parked devices, including access to buildings and footpaths which can present challenges for everyone – but particularly impacts people with prams, elderly people and people with mobility needs.

“These reforms will give Transport for NSW and councils the necessary powers to ensure shared e-bikes meet safety standards, people are wearing helmets and the issue of dumped e-bikes on footpaths is fixed.”

NSW Government launches historic Aboriginal Water Strategy

A landmark plan to address inequities in water ownership will see the NSW Government put water back in Aboriginal peoples’ hands, strengthen their role in water management, and create new opportunities for self-determination.

For the first time in New South Wales history, the Minns Labor Government is launching an Aboriginal Water Strategy to deliver immediate, practical actions that will give Aboriginal communities greater access and control over water.

Aboriginal peoples currently own less than 0.2% of licensed water entitlements in NSW, despite making up more than 3 per cent of the population.

Lack of access to water deprives them of opportunities to exercise self-determination, care for Country, and generate wealth from agricultural production or other commercial activities.

The first step in delivering the strategy begins today, with the launch of a registration of interest (ROI) process to transfer water to Aboriginal peoples.

Around 26,000 water shares currently held by the NSW Government, including in regulated and unregulated water and groundwater sources, are being made directly available to Aboriginal-controlled organisations or entities.

They can apply to receive general water access licences, which can be used for commercial purposes that support economic benefits like small scale farming operations, as well as for cultural and environmental purposes.

The new strategy also lays the foundation for long-term reform in water management to include Aboriginal knowledge in decision-making and ensure healthy water systems continue to support culture, communities and Country.

Key actions in the strategy include:

Increasing Aboriginal participation in water planning with paid seats at the decision-making table.
Removing barriers to cultural water access by simplifying applications and waiving fees.
Protecting culturally significant water sites.
Supporting intergenerational knowledge sharing by recognising and respecting Aboriginal cultural practices in water management.

The NSW Government is building a better NSW with more equitable water access, working with Aboriginal peoples to ensure reforms are practical, locally relevant, and deliver long-term benefits.

The ROI process to apply for surrendered water access licences is open to all Aboriginal-controlled organisations and entities for 8 weeks, from 15 October to 5pm 10 December 2025.

Progress will be reported publicly to ensure transparency and accountability.

For more information, visit: water.nsw.gov.au/aboriginal-water-strategy

Minister for Water Rose Jackson said:

“For too long, Aboriginal peoples have been left out of decisions about water and denied the opportunity to benefit from it.

“This strategy is about real, practical outcomes – from expanding access to water for community use, a stronger voice in water planning and making licenced water directly available to Aboriginal peoples for the first time in NSW history.

“It won’t solve everything overnight and we know there is plenty more work to do, but it is a practical first step towards greater ownership and self-determination.”

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:

“I am proud to be part of a government that is making it a priority to put Aboriginal people in greater control of water, a resource so central to culture, community wellbeing and economic opportunity.

“We know that when Aboriginal communities drive change in partnership with Government, better outcomes are achieved, and we’re fully committed to that.

“We are continuing to turn our Closing the Gap commitments for shared decision making into action and the Aboriginal Water Strategy is a great example of that. I encourage all eligible entities to make a registration of interest.”

Gamilaroi Elder, Professor Phil Duncan said:

“This has been a long journey involving huge amounts of time, effort and collaboration from our communities, the department and key stakeholders to deliver the landmark strategy.

“As we look to the future we also look to the past for lessons. Water is central to a quality way of life, longevity of life, and a quality cultural way of life.

“I feel extremely honoured and grateful to be a part of this announcement that presents a wonderful opportunity for us for move forward together.”

Minns Labor Government launches Silica Worker Register to further protect workers

The Minns Labor Government is further strengthening workplace safety with the launch of the new Silica Worker Register (SWR) to monitor and track the health of at-risk workers undertaking high-risk processing of crystalline silica substances (CSS).

Under the new Work Health and Safety Amendment (Silica Worker Register) Regulation 2025, persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) will be required to register all workers engaged in high-risk CSS processing as soon as reasonably practical and no more than 28 days from the date that the worker commences work.

Processing of a crystalline silica substance involves tasks such as cutting, drilling, grinding or polishing.

Silica dust-induced diseases such as silicosis, are caused by inhalation of very fine crystalline silica dust particles, with workers at greatest risk in the mining and construction, tunnelling and engineered stone industries.

Since January 2024 to present, over 100 site inspections have been undertaken in tunnelling sites in the Sydney metro area.

While since 2018, SafeWork NSW inspectors have conducted more than 5,200 workplace visits related to silica.

Over this period, SafeWork NSW has issued 2,496 improvement notices, 181 prohibition notices and 33 penalty notices related to silica dust across industries.

Tragically, there have been 516 cases of silicosis and 36 deaths due to the disease in NSW since 2017.

Eliminating the risks associated with silica is a high priority for the Minns Government and the silica worker register is one of several measures which have been introduced to reduce the risks of working with CSS in NSW.

These include:

The Minns Government has led the ban on engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs containing one per cent or greater crystalline silica. This included a national ban on its importation from January 1, 2025.
Establishment of the Tunnelling Dust Safety Taskforce to help address silica related health risks for workers in tunnelling projects. The Taskforce is made up of Government, medical, industry and union representatives and provides expert guidance to prevent and manage silica and other dust related disease associated with tunnelling projects in NSW.
The establishment of a dedicated silica unit within SafeWork NSW which includes a Silica Compliance Team to enforce strengthened regulations, including proactive visits to sites conducting high-risk CSS processing.
$5 million in critical funding for silicosis research and a patient support program for individuals and their families navigating the health risks associated with exposure to silica dust. The grant funding, administered collaboratively by icare and the Dust Diseases Board, will be provided over three years to the Asbestos and Dust Diseases Research Institute (ADDRI).
$2.5 million for a state-of-the-art Lung Bus which is currently travelling NSW to protect workers from dust diseases. The icare Lung mobile lung clinic provides specialised lung health assessments to current and retired workers who are at risk of developing a workplace dust disease, such as mesothelioma, asbestosis or silicosis.

For more information, including details on how to register and what information employers need to provide, visit the silica worker register notification page on the SafeWork NSW website:

https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/notify-safework/silica-worker-register-notification

Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to ensuring workers across the state are safe at work and the new Silica Worker Register is an important step in the fight against silicosis.

“The new register will help us target high risk areas, minimise exposure, inform health screening services and improve health outcomes for workers across the state.

“The Silica Worker Register is another important step towards protecting workers from dust diseases and builds on the Government’s recent actions including the ban on engineered stone, the establishment of the Tunnelling Dust Safety Taskforce and a dedicated Silica unit within SafeWork NSW and the recent $2.5m investment into the icare Lung mobile clinic.

“Every worker has the right to go to work and return home safely.”

SafeWork NSW Commissioner Janet Schorer said:

“Workers who undertake high-risk processing of crystalline silica substances may be exposed to respirable crystalline silica dust, which can cause serious health issues, such as silicosis and lung cancer.

“The silica worker register is a valuable measure to ensure at-risk workers are receiving health monitoring and ensure any changes to an individual worker’s health are detected as early as possible.

“This is an important step in the fight against silica-related illnesses.

“SafeWork NSW continues to work with industry to ensure compliance with existing safety standards when working with crystalline silica.

“I call on all businesses to be aware of their legal obligations to register all workers who undertake high-risk processing of crystalline silica substances at their workplace.”

Icare CEO Geniere Apin said:

“The Silica Worker Register is an important step towards further strengthening workplace safety for those who work with respirable crystalline silica.

“Together with SafeWork, we’re helping employers meet their obligations and protect workers’ health.”

AWU NSW Branch Secretary Tony Callinan said:

“This register is about protecting workers for the long haul. Silicosis is a devastating disease that can take years to develop, and we owe it to every worker to make sure exposure is tracked and their health comes first.

“A silica register will mean no worker falls through the cracks. Whether they’re on a tunnel site or in manufacturing, employers and government will now have no excuse not to act to prevent silicosis.

“The AWU has been sounding the alarm on silica dust for years. Today’s announcement is an important win for worker safety, but it must be backed with strong enforcement and proper medical follow-up.”

It’s the most wonderful time of the year for Goulbourn Seniors

Goulbourn-Mulwaree is set to host a stellar line-up of top-class festive performers as the NSW Seniors Regional Christmas Concert fast approaches.

Drawcard entertainers including renowned jazz vocalist Emma Pask, former Hi-5 star Nathan Foley, acclaimed musical theatre artist Silvie Paladino, and celebrated tenor Lorenzo Rositano will headline two free concerts at the Goulbourn Performing Arts Centre on 5 December.

There will be six free Christmas Concert performances across the state exclusive to Grafton, Goulburn and Port Macquarie, as part of the annual NSW Seniors Festival series of events this year.

The NSW Seniors Festival is the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, attracting more than 500,000 people across the state to attend free and low-cost activities and events with a focus on art, sport, music, entertainment, technology, travel, health, wellbeing and recreation..

Goulbourn Seniors Regional Christmas Concert

Location: Goulbourn Performing Arts Centre, 163 Auburn Street, Goulbourn

Date: Friday, 5 December 2025

Times: 10.30am and 1.30 pm

Free tickets for the Goulbourn-Mulwaree Christmas Concert will be available from 10am on Tuesday, 28 October 2025 until the allocation is exhausted.

Tickets go quickly, so don’t miss your chance and book via https://www.nsw.gov.au/arts-and-culture/seniors-festival/whats-on/christmas-concerts

Minister for Seniors Jodie Harrison said:

“The NSW Seniors Regional Christmas Concerts is a unique opportunity for seniors in Goulbourn to kick off the festive season on a high note.

“Seniors are encouraged to come together and sing along to classic Christmas songs with some of our top performers.

“Every year, the concerts are extremely popular and seniors are encouraged to book their tickets quickly once they come online.”

Labor spokesperson for Goulbourn Bob Nanva:

“The line-up for these concerts is absolutely outstanding – I encourage all Goulbourn-Mulwaree seniors to get along if you can!”

Performer Lorenzo Rositano said:

“It’s a joy to bring great entertainment to seniors across the state. These concerts are a true celebration of community, we enourage everyone to come along, make a day of it and be merry.”

Community preschools fight for fair go

The NSW Opposition is calling on the Minns Labor Government to provide more support for community preschools, as they shut their doors to take part in a series of rallies across the state today.

Community preschools across NSW, along with the Independent Education Union, have been pushing for increased state government funding to boost wages for early childhood teachers in community preschools who are currently paid 30 per cent less than teachers in other sectors.

Opposition Leader Mark Speakman said it’s important they are given the funding they need to remain competitive in order to attract and retain their staff.

“The NSW Government plays a key role as the main funding body for community preschools and they need to take that responsibility seriously,” Mr Speakman said.

“The fact hundreds of teachers and educators are preparing to walk off the job today should send a strong message to the Premier that they don’t feel like they are being heard, and he needs to step up and start to listen to their needs.”

The Sydney rally is due to commence at 11:30am outside the NSW Parliament, while another event will be held at Spinks Park in Lismore.

Shadow Education Minister Sarah Mitchell said community preschool teachers are simply asking to receive the same support as their colleagues given they have the same qualifications and responsibilities.

“When you have an entry level primary school teacher on a higher wage than a director of a community preschool, it shows the gap in the system has clearly widened in the past couple of years,” Mrs Mitchell said.

“This discrepancy is having a massive impact on the ability for community preschools to keep their highly qualified staff when they can’t offer anywhere near as much pay as their competitors.

“Given there are more than 700 community preschools in NSW that provide an incredible service for our children, this is definitely something the Government needs to look at and fix as soon as possible.”