Month: November 2025

Bold vision to transform Nowra’s CBD and riverfront precinct

The Minns Labor Government has today released new plans to revitalise Nowra’s CBD, deliver more jobs, boost the local economy, and create a vibrant riverfront precinct that will unlock more than 900 new homes.

The Nowra City Centre Strategic Roadmap, sets out a blueprint for long-term growth in the city’s commercial heart, unlocking investment opportunities, supporting new jobs and businesses, and expanding people’s ability to live, work and access essential services within the City Centre.

Alongside this, two rezoning proposals for land near the Nowra riverfront will help to unlock hundreds of well-located homes, while improving links between Nowra’s city centre and the Shoalhaven River.

The Nowra Riverfront Precinct proposal will rezone 3.4 hectares of land between Bridge Road, Hyam Street and Scenic Drive. In parallel, Homes NSW is leading a rezoning proposal for the Mandalay Sub-Precinct site, on 2.7 hectares of adjacent riverfront land.

Both precincts are located within 200 metres of schools, parks, the newly upgraded hospital, transport connections, and key community facilities.

The Nowra Riverfront Precinct Rezoning Proposal will:

  • Enable up to 377 new homes.
  • Introduce a two per cent affordable housing requirement.
  • Apply new building heights of between 20m-44m at the Hyam Street, Scenic Drive and Bridge Road sub-precincts (from the previous limit of 11m-28m).
  • Floor space ratios ranging from 0.6:1 to 2:1.
  • Allow boatsheds to operate on land fronting the river at Scenic Drive.

The Mandalay Sub-Precinct Rezoning Proposal will:

  • Unlock approximately 530 new homes, including approximately 100 social and affordable homes.
  • A minimum of 30 per cent social and affordable housing across Homes NSW-owned sites.
  • Increase the building height limit from 2 storeys to between three to six storeys.
  • Create opportunities for new restaurants and cafes along the Nowra riverfront.

The NSW Government’s is working closely with Shoalhaven City Council to deliver more homes through these proposals and jobs by revitalising the Nowra City Centre, which is a priority of the Illawarra Shoalhaven Regional Plan 2041.

The planning builds on recent NSW Government investments in city-shaping projects for Nowra, including the Princes Highway upgrade and four-lane Nowra Bridge, and the $440 million Shoalhaven Memorial Hospital upgrade.

The Nowra Riverfront Precinct and Mandalay Sub-Precinct proposals are now on public exhibition until 5pm 17 December 2025.

A drop-in community engagement session will be held between 4pm and 6.45pm on 27 November 2025. To secure your place, please sign-up for a free ticket to the event here.

For more information on the Nowra City Centre Strategic Roadmap, visit NSW Planning.

Minister for the Illawarra and South Coast Ryan Park said:

“Each of these projects supports the Minns Labor Government’s plan to deliver more homes and jobs for the growing communities, so families and key workers can continue to live and work locally.

“With the Shoalhaven council area expected to grow by more than 43,000 people by 2041, we’re acting now to ensure the community has access to affordable, well-located homes, supported by a strong local economy.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“The Nowra City Centre Strategic Roadmap alongside the two proposed rezonings is an opportunity to create a thriving hub with new jobs and homes.

“Through projects like this we’re enabling more well-located homes close to jobs and services, to give young people, families, and key local workers greater choice in where they live.”

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:

“Nowra is ideally positioned to deliver new social housing for the wider Shoalhaven area, supported by high-quality community services and infrastructure.

“I’m so pleased to see a purpose-built precinct such as Mandalay planned with social housing at its core, providing more than 100 social homes within walking distance of public transport, jobs and essential services.”

Member for South Coast Liza Butler said:

“Revitalising Nowra City Centre is a key action in the Illawarra Shoalhaven Regional Plan 2041 and this roadmap provides a clear, long-term vision that supports more homes and jobs.

“These rezoning proposals will greatly improve connections between the CBD and the Shoalhaven River, while supporting new riverfront dining and entertainment options for our growing community.”

Member for Kiama Kaitlin McInerney said:

“The strategic roadmap and proposed rezonings released today will together shape the future of Nowra.

“I encourage the community to have their say on both proposed rezonings so together we can build a strong future for our community.” 

Tougher sentences for intimate partner homicide pass NSW Parliament

The NSW Government has passed legislation enshrining a standard non-parole period of 25 years for the murder of a current or former partner.

This is the first time in Australia a specific non-parole period for intimate partner homicide has been legislated. Reflecting the gravity of the crime, the 25-year standard non-parole period is among the highest of any offence in NSW.

Murder carries a standard non-parole period of 20 years. This reform represents a 25% increase, aligning intimate partner murder with other offences that attract the state’s most severe sentencing standards, such as the murder of a child or public officials acting in the course of their duties.

The Crimes Legislation Amendment (Domestic Violence and Sexual Offences) Bill 2025 passed NSW Parliament on Tuesday night. It amended the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999 following the extraordinary advocacy of Tabitha Acret whose daughter Mackenzie Anderson was tragically murdered by her former partner in 2022.

The murder of a current or former intimate partner is a heinous crime that causes profound harm to victims, families and communities. This legislation ensures our laws reflect both the severity of these offences and their devastating impact.

In the five years to June 2025, 59 people in NSW were murdered by a current or former intimate partner – 42 of them women.

This reform builds on the Minns Labor Government’s ongoing commitment to ensure the justice system protects victim-survivors of domestic and family violence and holds perpetrators to account.

This work has included:

  • Introducing the toughest bail laws in the country for perpetrators of domestic and family violence.
  • Requiring electronic monitoring of people charged with serious domestic violence offences who are on bail.
  • Increasing penalties for certain breaches of Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders (ADVOs).
  • Establishing Serious Domestic Abuse Protection Orders to better protect victim-survivors.

In addition, the Government has commenced implementation of NSW’s first dedicated Primary Prevention Strategy and delivered record investment in crisis support.

The Minns Labor Government knows there is more work to be done. It remains steadfast in its commitment to working alongside advocates, experts, and victim-survivors to prevent domestic and family violence, ensure accountability, and stop its devastating impact across NSW.

Attorney General Michael Daley said:

“I thank Tabitha Acret for her courage and advocacy. She has endured something that no parent should.

“Homicide is the most horrific form of domestic and family violence. It’s vital that sentencing reflects the gravity of this crime, and its impact on victims’ families and the broader community.

“This important change means domestic violence killers will be subject to the highest non-parole periods available in NSW.”

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

“The passing of this important piece of legislation sends a strong message that we will hold perpetrators to account for intimate partner homicide. Increasing the standard non-parole period aligns with community expectations and reflects the gravity of the crime.

“I want to thank Tabitha Acret for her powerful advocacy, helping us make New South Wales a safer place.

“We know there is more work to do, especially to stop the violence before it starts and we will continue to listen to and work with advocates, experts and victim-survivors to do this.”

Designs unveiled for three new ambulance stations

Artist’s impressions showcasing new ambulance stations at North Sydney, Oran Park and South Windsor have been unveiled, providing a first look at the modern, purpose-built facilities that will soon bolster emergency and mobile medical care in Sydney.

The new ambulance stations are part of the NSW Government’s $615.5 million NSW Ambulance Infrastructure Program, which will deliver 30 additional ambulance stations and support paramedic infrastructure over the coming years.

The new stations will significantly enhance emergency care capacity, and support paramedics to deliver timely and high-quality emergency and mobile medical care to local communities.

Each purpose-built station will include internal parking for emergency ambulance vehicles, a dedicated vehicle wash bay, a multipurpose area for paramedics, a gym, meeting and training rooms, administration areas, logistics and storage facilities, and on-site parking.

With excellent access to the major road network, the sites are ideally situated to complement existing ambulance stations in the network, and will help meet the growing health needs of local communities.

Construction is expected to begin on the new stations in 2026, following planning approval and appointment of building contractors.

The planning and design stage is nearing completion, and communities will be kept informed as the projects progress.

Locations for the new ambulance stations:

  • North Sydney Ambulance Station – 224-230 Falcon Street, North Sydney
  • Oran Park Ambulance Station – 1-3 Porter Street, Oran Park
  • South Windsor Ambulance Station – 7-11 Acacia Close, South Windsor

To progress planning for the North Sydney Ambulance station, the community is encouraged to attend drop-in information sessions to learn more:

  • Thursday, 4 December, 4.00pm-6.00pm, Outside Victoria Cross Metro Station, Miller Street
  • Saturday, 6 December, 8.00am-12 midday, Northside Produce Market, Ted Mack Civic Place

The planning application for the North Sydney ambulance station is expected to be placed on exhibition in early 2026.

The Minns Labor Government is recruiting 2,500 additional NSW Ambulance staff, including 500 paramedics in rural and regional areas, to boost emergency and mobile healthcare for our metropolitan and regional communities.

For more information visit: www.nsw.gov.au/ambulance-infrastructure-program

Premier Chris Minns:

“These new ambulance stations will give our paramedics the modern facilities they need to care for our communities.

“This investment is about improving response times and making sure people get the care they need, when they need it.

“We’re backing our frontline workers with the infrastructure and resources required to deliver high-quality emergency care across NSW.”

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“Our top priority is to ensure that our growing communities can access the health care they need, where they need it and when they need it.

“We’re committed to ensuring our hardworking paramedics have high-quality, purpose-built facilities to support them while they deliver world-class emergency mobile medical care to local communities well into the future.

“With design well underway and builders soon to be appointed to commence construction, it’s exciting to know these new stations are a step closer for the Lower North Shore and Western Sydney communities.”

Member for Camden Sally Quinnell:

“For too long, Camden’s healthcare has been neglected, with under-funded resources spread thin over a growing population.

“The new Oran Park ambulance station will take the pressure off our Camden healthcare system.

“The Oran Park ambulance station will significantly boost emergency care and provide the facilities our hardworking paramedics need to deliver lifesaving care in our communities.

“I’m exceptionally proud to be a part of a government which is delivering the healthcare that we need, and very excited to see construction of the new station getting underway in 2026.”

Quotes attributable to Labor Spokesperson for Willoughby Courtney Houssos:

“The new North Sydney Ambulance Station is a great addition for the communities of the Lower North Shore. When emergencies happen, help will be closer and faster, supported by a modern facility designed to meet the health needs of our growing community.

“Our paramedics do an extraordinary job under immense pressure, and the Minns Labor Government is supporting this by planning for the future. With excellent access to major roads and state-of-the-art facilities, the North Sydney Ambulance Station will strengthen emergency care for decades to come.”

Quotes attributable to Labor Spokesperson for Hawkesbury Peter Primrose:

“This is great news for the Hawkesbury region – this new station will bolster existing emergency and mobile care as well as significantly enhance emergency care capacity.

“The South Windsor Ambulance Station, once built, will also support our committed paramedics to deliver timely and high-quality emergency and mobile medical care in the Hawkesbury region.”

Pauline Hanson Fights Back in Court to Protect Free Speech from Racial Discrimination Overreach

Pauline Hanson is taking a firm stand for free speech as she launches a Federal Court appeal after a judge ruled her blunt response to Greens Senator Mehreen Faruqi breached the Racial Discrimination Act. The case stems from 2022, when Senator Mehreen Faruqi publicly refused to mourn the passing of Queen Elizabeth II and criticised the late monarch on Twitter. Thousands of Australians voiced their frustration, and Pauline Hanson joined the national debate with a forthright message — a message now at the centre of this legal battle. Last year a judge ruled her post promoted a racist trope and breached section 18C, but Pauline Hanson is fighting back. She argues that political debate in Australia has always been robust, especially on platforms like Twitter where ordinary people speak plainly without filtering their views through layers of political correctness.

Pauline Hanson’s legal team told the court it cannot hide in an “ivory tower” while everyday Australians are expected to tiptoe around sensitive topics or risk legal punishment. She says this case is bigger than one tweet — it’s about whether Australians still have the right to speak their minds in public without being dragged through the courts. If a phrase like “go back to where you came from” is ruled unlawful in all contexts, then political free speech in Australia takes yet another heavy blow. Pauline Hanson is fighting to ensure Australians can continue to express themselves, challenge politicians, and take part in honest debate without fear of racial discrimination laws being weaponised to silence them.

Australian industry and workers making the grade with US Virginia class submarines

The Albanese Government is announcing today HIFraser as the first Australian company qualified to supply parts for US Virginia class submarines through the Government-funded Defence Industry Vendor Qualification Program (DIVQ) – supporting advanced manufacturing, creating high-value jobs, and strengthening Australia’s security through the AUKUS partnership.

HIFraser is now qualified to supply three valve types and pipe fittings to US submarine programs, for use in the construction and sustainment of Virginia class submarines. This comes less than 12 months after the awarding of an initial contract by the Albanese Government to commence manufacturing of these parts for qualification by US vendors.

DIVQ is a key initiative under Australia’s AUKUS Submarine Industry Strategy, accelerating the qualification of Australian products into US and UK submarine supply chains and ensuring Australian companies and workers are at the heart of this generational capability uplift.

USS Vermont Maintenance Period

Today’s announcement coincides with the Submarine Maintenance Period for United States Ship (USS) Vermont at HMAS Stirling.

This is the first time a US nuclear­‑powered submarine has undergone a maintenance period in Australia without a US support ship, with this milestone being achieved solely by Australian, US and UK onshore teams.

During this maintenance period, personnel from the Royal Australian Navy and ASC are working alongside their US counterparts to support more than 160 maintenance tasks, including a world-first mobile pure water plant designed by Western Australian companies MAK Water and Diverse Welding to meet stringent US and UK standards.

There are also two Australian officers and 11 Australian sailors who are part of the crew of USS Vermont supporting all aspects of the maintenance period and routine submarine operations over a four-week period.   

These milestones highlight how AUKUS is creating extraordinary opportunities for Australian industry, workers and Defence personnel – a critical step towards Australia’s capacity to own, operate and maintain conventionally-armed, nuclear‑powered submarines.

The Albanese Government is investing $8 billion to upgrade HMAS Stirling to support Submarine Rotational Force‑West from 2027. Over the next 30 years, around 20,000 direct jobs will be created across Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine program, supported by training pathways, scholarships, and industry partnerships that will deliver a highly skilled workforce for decades to come.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“AUKUS is happening at pace – strengthening national security, creating jobs, and building a Future Made in Australia.

“Today’s announcement is another example of how our investments in AUKUS are bolstering Defence capabilities and supporting Australian workers.

“It is fantastic to see this work in action here at the home of our submarines, at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles

“Australian Defence Force personnel and industry are working side by side with our AUKUS partners to deliver a demanding maintenance program on a US Virginia class submarine – building the skills and experience that will underpin our sovereign submarine capability.

“The qualification of HIFraser products to Virginia class submarine standards through the Defence Industry Vendor Qualification Program is further demonstration of the Albanese Government’s investment to deliver opportunities for industry.

“Australians are making an unprecedented contribution to the operation, building and sustainment of nuclear‑powered submarines.”

Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy

“HIFraser’s qualification and MAK Water’s achievement showcase how AUKUS is delivering opportunities for Australian industry, creating jobs for local workers and building our sovereign capability.

“These milestones demonstrate the way Australian industry and workers are not only supporting our own submarines, but contributing to the sustainment of US and UK fleets as well.

“Our three navies, alongside industry, are working, learning and innovating together – making us stronger than the sum of our parts.”

Raptor Squad charge nine Finks OMCG members and associates for alleged firearm, drug, affray and sexual touching offences

Raptor Squad officers have charged nine alleged Finks OMCG members and associates following investigations into drug, firearm, affray and sexual touching related offences in the Hunter Region.
On Saturday 1 November 2025, a 25-year-old woman was allegedly touched by an unknown man on three separate occasions throughout the night at a licenced premises in Merewether.
That same night, three other men were allegedly involved in an affray at the hotel, where it is alleged one of the men armed themselves with a cutlery knife and threatened a patron.
The next weekend – on Saturday 8 November 2025 – Port Stephens Hunter Police District officers commenced investigations into an alleged brawl at a licenced premises in Shoal Bay, where it is alleged a group of men attacked other patrons standing outside the venue.
The men involved in the sexual touching and affrays were allegedly identified to be members of the Finks OMCG.
From about 6am yesterday (Wednesday 19 November 2025), officers attached to State Crime Command’s Raptor Squad North, with assistance from local police, executed seven warrants in the Lake Macquarie, Cessnock and Maitland areas.
In Kurri Kurri, police arrested a 36-year-old man. He was taken to Cessnock Police Station, where he was charged with two counts of affray relating to both the Merewether and Shoal Bay incidents, supply prohibited drug <=small quantity and fail to comply digital evidence access order direction. He was granted conditional bail to appear in Kurri Kurri Local Court on Tuesday 25 November 2025. In North Rothbury, police arrested a 33-year-old man. He was taken to Cessnock Police Station, where he was charged with two counts of affray relating to the both the Merewether and Shoal Bay incidents, possess prohibited drug, and fail to comply digital evidence access order direction. He was granted conditional bail to appear in Singleton Local Court on Thursday 27 November 2025. At an address in Rutherford, police arrested a 40-year-old man. He was taken to Maitland Police Station, where he was charged with sexually touch another person without consent. He was granted conditional bail to appear in Maitland Local Court on Wednesday 10 December 2025. During a search warrant in Maitland, police allegedly located a gel blaster. Two men – aged 28 and 38 – were arrested and taken to Maitland Police Station. The older man was charged with affray relating to the Shoal Bay incident, and two counts of firearm etc found at premises-subject to prohibition order. The younger man was charged with possess unauthorised pistol, possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit, supply prohibited drug >indictable & <commercial quantity, supply prohibited drug <=small quantity.
Both were refused bail to appear in Bail Division Local Court 2 today (Thursday 20 November 2025).
At an address in Windale, police arrested a 28-year-old man and a 26-year-old woman. They were taken to Belmont Police Station, where the man was charged with affray and use etc offensive weapon in company with intent indictable offence relating to the Merewether incident.
During a search of the property, police also located a shotgun.
The man was consequently also charged with a number of firearm offences, including:

  • Acquire etc prohibited firearm-subject prohibition order
  • Possess unauthorised prohibited firearm
  • Possess unregistered firearm-prohibited firearm
  • Not keep firearm safely-prohibited firearm
  • Acquire etc ammunition subject to prohibition order
  • Possess ammunition without holding licence/permit/authority
  • Use prohibited weapon contrary to prohibition order
  • Possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit
  • Use prohibited weapon contrary to prohibition order
  • Possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit
    The woman was charged with possess unauthorised prohibited firearm, possess unregistered firearm-prohibited firearm, and not keep firearm safely-prohibited firearm.
    The pair were refused bail to appear in Bail Division Local Court 2 today
    At a Bellbird address, police arrested a 32-year-old man. He was taken to Cessnock Police Station, where he was charged with affray relating to the Shoal Bay incident.
    He was granted conditional bail to appear in Cessnock Local Court on Wednesday 26 November 2025.
    At a separate address in Bellbird, police arrested a 34-year-old man. He was taken to Cessnock Police Station, where he was charged with five counts of possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit relating to the discovery of a ballistic dart gun and knuckle dusters among other things found at his property.
    He was also charged with not keep firearm safely-not pistol/prohibited firearm, licensee not store ammunition in restricted area as required, and two counts of possess prohibited drug.
    He was granted conditional bail to appear in Cessnock Local Court on Wednesday 3 December 2025.

Travel smart, celebrate safely this Schoolies

The Australian Government is today launching the next phase of its alcohol awareness campaign as part of efforts to help protect young Australians travelling overseas.

In partnership with DrinkWise, the youth-focused safety push, ‘Drinking? Drink Mindfully’, aims to equip school leavers with the tools to travel safely, make informed decisions about alcohol, and celebrate with confidence. 

Resources are being rolled out online, at airports and are available to schools, providing students and their parents with practical advice on topics such as moderating alcohol consumption, looking after friends, the risks of methanol poisoning and knowing what to do if things go wrong. 

As part of this partnership, Australian parents and students can expect to see:

  • video content for both school-leavers and parents to support conversations around partying, drinking and celebrating safely overseas – featuring messages from the families and friends of Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, who tragically died overseas last year from methanol poisoning;
  • digital advertising targeting school-leavers nationally, including at all international airports across Australia, via multiple social media platforms; and
  • promotional events at Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne international airports to reach young people as they depart for popular overseas Schoolies.

This will also be supported by broader Smartraveller activities including:

  • release of new Schoolies ‘cheat sheets’ tailored to popular destinations for school-leavers on the Smartraveller Partying Safely Hub;
  • in-flight videos onboard Jetstar international flights from December, delivering key safety messages as school leavers head overseas; and
  • youth media engagement and partnerships with other non-government organisations such as Schoolies.com and Unleashed travel.

We want young people to enjoy their experience but to stay vigilant. Watch your mates and watch your drinks. And please travel safe over summer.

Visit Smartraveller.gov.au to check travel advice, explore the Partying Safely Hub, and access resources.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong:

“As we approach one year since the tragic deaths of Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, we are reminded of the dangers that can confront young people when travelling abroad.

“We want every young Australian celebrating Schoolies, whether here at home or overseas, to have the tools to do so safely.”

Minister for Education Jason Clare: 

“Schoolies is a time to celebrate the end of school and the hard work it took to get here.

“You’ve earned it but you’ve also got to look out for yourself and your mates. That’s what this campaign is about. Having fun and staying safe.

“We know the sense of freedom at the end of school can sometimes lead to risky choices, especially when alcohol is involved.

“My Department has shared these resources with our State and Territory counterparts. I encourage schools, students and parents to take a look at them.

“We want the end of school to be remembered for the right reasons.”

Assistant Foreign Minister Matt Thistlethwaite:

“We know Schoolies is an exciting time for young Australians, but things can go wrong if you’re not prepared.

“This partnership with DrinkWise demonstrates the Government’s continued work to help protect young Australians travelling overseas and throughout Australia.”

DrinkWise, Chief Executive Officer Simon Strahan:

“DrinkWise research shows school-leavers are making safer choices at Schoolies, but timely reminders remain critical.

“This is why we have joined the Australian Government, and the Jones and Bowles families to develop advice and tips to help keep school-leavers safe, and empower parents to have the pre-Schoolies conversations with their children.”

Telcos failures on Triple 0 are making Australians unsafe

Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, Greens spokesperson for communications and Chair of the Senate Inquiry into Triple 0 service outage:

“It is tragic to hear that another Australian has died after being unable to connect to Triple 0 and my thoughts are with the family and friends of the person who has died.

“Australians clearly can’t trust the big telcos to safely deliver the Triple 0 service.

“There is no excuse for Triple 0 calls to fail and ultimately it is up to the government to ensure that all Australians are able to connect to emergency services when they need them.

“Triple 0 being privatized and outsourced to big corporations that are driven by their profits is making Australians unsafe.

“The fact that this latest incident has occurred so soon after the Optus Triple 0 outage shows that the Triple 0 system is clearly not fit-for-purpose. There are serious systemic issues that need close scrutiny and action from government.

“ACMA cannot be left to carry out the investigations into these issues alone. They have already demonstrated that they are not up to regulating the big telcos and that they have been asleep at the wheel when it comes to issues with Triple 0. 

“The Senate inquiry into Triple 0 service outage will hold another hearing in December and will be closely looking at this latest issue.

Gaza plan must centre on self-determination and ending apartheid with a just peace

Today, the UN Security Council voted to support a ‘Gaza peace plan’, while establishing both the Board of Peace (BoP) and International Stabilisation Force (ISF).

Actions that help end the genocide are welcome, as are statements about rebuilding Gaza. However, for an enduring peace, there must be justice, self-determination, and an end to apartheid. 

This UN resolution must not hide the fact that the bloodshed in Gaza has not stopped, with Israeli forces killing and injuring hundreds of Palestinians since the ‘ceasefire’ began.

Senator David Shoebridge, the Greens spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, said: 

“There must be an end to the genocide in Gaza and Israel’s ongoing illegal occupation of Palestinian land, and countries must continue to work together to achieve this. 

“There are still serious unanswered questions around this agreement and its implementation. 

“Much of what will happen over the coming months will hinge on whether Palestinians lead the reconstruction and governance of Gaza. 

“Palestinians have a right to self-determination and to live equally. We have seen the obscene violence in Gaza and Israel’s apartheid system deny these fundamental human rights for decades. 

“If the Board of Peace installs politicians who started the Iraq War, for example, or if Trump appoints himself, this would be a clear indication that the best interests of the Palestinian people are not being respected. 

“The unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza through organisations, including the United Nations, Red Cross and the Red Crescent, is essential, and it is welcome that this was underscored in the resolution. 

“There must be an immediate withdrawal of Israeli forces, not just from Gaza, but all occupied Palestinian territory, including the West Bank. This resolution does not seek to do this.

“Many are rightfully concerned that, having watched the Western world fund and arm a genocide for the past two years, the US and its allies cannot be trusted to lead reconstruction. 

“Countries like Australia have allowed Israel to commit this violence on an unimaginable scale for the past two years by providing diplomatic cover and engaging in the two-way arms trade. There is a moral obligation now not only to stop the genocide but to ensure there is peace with justice and that people who directed and enabled  war crimes are held to account.”

Senator Mehreen Faruqi, Greens Deputy Leader and Spokesperson for International Aid & Global Justice, said:
“The UN’s approval of this so-called plan for Gaza is not a blueprint for peace. A blueprint for peace should have accountability, justice and self-determination of Palestinians at the heart of it.”

“While the world’s eyes are on the UN, Israel has not ceased its bombardment. The  international community must stop pretending that Israel and the US are good faith actors in bringing peace after perpetrating a genocide. This looks more like a surrender to injustice.”

“A real peace plan would take the perpetrators of genocide to the Hague. It would guarantee unimpeded aid, open Gaza to journalists, provide full reparations, and centre the voices of Palestinian people. Anything less is a continuation of oppression under another name.”

“Yes, the world is desperate to see a genuine ceasefire and get food to starving families. But justice, accountability and self-determination should never be the price Palestinians are forced to pay for the bombs to stop falling.”

“We reaffirm our call for an immediate, permanent ceasefire and the unimpeded flow of aid. But lasting peace and justice are only possible by dismantling the systems of domination that brought us here, and with Palestinian self-determination at their core.”

CSIRO job cuts must be explained

The Greens implore the Albanese government to commit funding to the CSIRO to avoid hundreds of job cuts across Australia’s leading scientific research organisation.

Greens spokesperson for Science, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson:

“At a time when it has never been more important for governments to invest in science and research, it is shameful that our nation’s premier science and research organisation is cutting hundreds of jobs to make ends meet. 

“It’s critical that Minister Tim Ayres does not pass the buck on this. With MYEFO just around the corner and Senate Estimates only a few weeks away, the Minister must explain how the CSIRO has ended up cutting hundreds of jobs in order to find cost savings. 

“This Government can find billions for controversial nuclear submarines and subsidising big mining companies so why hasn’t it already committed to fixing funding gaps at our nation’s premier science, industry, and research organisation?

“The Tasmanian community, economy and its reputation is particularly vulnerable to CSIRO job cuts given the number of scientists employed in the state – especially ocean and climate researchers. 

“Australian scientists are already warning of a crisis in Antarctic research due to the impact of an impending funding cliff. It’s time for the Albanese government to remove the uncertainty, protect jobs and increase funding to science.

“The Greens have written to Minister Ayres to seek an urgent briefing on this critical matter.”