The NSW Opposition welcomes every dollar invested in frontline services. Firefighters deserve modern stations, proper equipment and the certainty that comes with long term planning. That principle is not in dispute.
But the Minns Labor Government’s Rhodes announcement today leaves out an important truth.
What the Government has not revealed is that this decision all but guarantees the closure of the Concord/North Strathfield fire station, just as 18,000 new homes are coming to North Strathfield. Communities deserve honesty. They are not getting it.
The Government’s story gets stranger. Donna Davis is not the local member for this area. Sally Sitou is a Federal MP and this project has no Commonwealth involvement or funding. Yet both appear in the release while the actual State MP for Drummoyne has been cut out entirely.
It is theatre, not transparency, and it speaks volumes about how this Government operates. When issues hit too close to home, their instinct is to ignore the substance, attack the messenger and pretend the problem doesn’t exist.
And when it comes to Concord/North Strathfield fire station, the Minister cannot hide from the facts. The Member for Drummoyne has written to him, asked him directly and repeatedly called on him to rule out closing the station. He has refused every single time.
Communities want reassurance, not another round of photo opportunities. If Labor is so confident in its plan, it should front up and give a straight answer.
Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said investment in firefighting capability is always welcome, our firefighters deserve the very best and communities expect straight answers, not staged announcements.
“However, today’s announcement raises more questions than it answers. They are talking up a new site in Rhodes while refusing to give a clear commitment to the future of the Concord/North Strathfield station, right as thousands of new homes are planned nearby, that silence speaks volumes,” Mr Speakman said.
Labor was forced to buy land in Rhodes because the former site was sold to developers.
“Now they will not admit that this move paves the way for closing Concord and North Strathfield, right as thousands of new homes are set to be built the area,” Mr Speakman said.
Member for Drummoyne Stephanie Di Pasqua said she has asked the Minister directly, in writing and in Parliament, to rule out closing Concord/North Strathfield fire station and he has refused on every single occasion.
“My community wants certainty. They want to know their local firefighters will be here when seconds matter. They are not getting that certainty from Labor,” Ms Di Pasqua said.
Month: November 2025
James Ashby: One Nation Was Right on Immigration All Along
One Nation Chief of Staff James Ashby has delivered a powerful warning about Australia’s immigration crisis, saying the Albanese Labor Government has pushed the nation into “Big Australia on steroids.” Speaking with Peter Credlin on Sky News, Ashby broke down new data showing 415,000 migrants arrived by September alone, exposing Labor’s broken promise to cut numbers.
He said Labor’s massive intake is putting enormous pressure on housing, hospitals, roads, schools, and everyday Australians, who are already struggling under rising costs of living.
James Ashby reminded viewers that One Nation has been warning about this for 30 years, long before the major parties admitted there was a problem. He emphasised that immigration isn’t just about numbers, but also who comes into the country and whether they contribute positively to Australia.
Most concerning, James Ashby exposed Labor’s real motives are they want higher migrant numbers to grow voter bases, and they’re preparing to add up to 50 new parliamentarians by expanding electorates all because the population is exploding under their watch.
James Ashby called it “outrageous,” saying Australians are paying the price for a government more focused on political advantage than national stability.
One Nation’s message is clear: Australia needs lower, sustainable immigration, stronger border oversight, and a government that puts Australians first not political games.
Statement on Australia-Indonesia Treaty on Common Security
Australia and Indonesia have today agreed to the substantive conclusion of a new bilateral Treaty on Common Security.
The Treaty is modelled closely on the Agreement on Maintaining Security, agreed by Prime Minister Keating and President Soeharto on 18 December 1995.
The Treaty will reflect the close friendship, partnership and deep trust between Australia and Indonesia, under our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Australia and Indonesia both benefit from each other’s stability and sense of security.
Through this Treaty we will take our cooperation to a new level, for the benefit of both our own security and that of the region.
The Treaty will commit the parties to:
- “Undertake to consult at Leader and Ministerial level on a regular basis about matters affecting their common security and to develop such cooperation as would benefit their own security and that of the region”
- “Undertake to consult each other in the case of adverse challenges to either party or to their common security interests and, if appropriate, consider measures which might be taken either individually or jointly and in accordance with the processes of each Party” and
- “Agree to promote – in accordance with the policies and priorities of each – mutually beneficial cooperative activities in the security field, in areas to be identified by the two Parties”.
The Treaty will be a significant extension of existing security and defence cooperation between Australia and Indonesia. It builds on the 2024 Australia-Indonesia Defence Cooperation Agreement and the 2006 Lombok Treaty.
The Treaty will set out in formal terms our common interest in the peace and security of our region, and our commitment to work together to support the security of our region.
Following our respective processes, the Leaders look forward to signing the Treaty in the new year.
If Labor won’t act on runaway investor lending, then the Greens will
The Greens are calling on APRA to intervene in Australia’s housing crisis, asking them to reinstate measures used to cool the market in investor lending, following new ABS data released today showing investor lending skyrocketed by 12.3% over the year compared to only a 0.9% increase for first home buyer loan commitments for the same period. The value of new investor loan commitments rose by 18.7%.
A confluence of factors is pushing the property investor lending market into overheating. Labor’s 5% deposit policy has unleashed a wave of first-home buyers and investors competing for the same properties, driving prices up higher. Adding to this, is the slow roll out of new housing supply from the private market and the Housing Australia Future Fund – which can’t meet demand.
Recent rate cuts are adding to the frenzy, with investors rushing to get in before prices climb higher. House prices are forecast to increase by 9 percent next year on top of more than 6% this year, which will only worsen unless pre-emptive action by APRA is taken.
The last time APRA required bank tightening on investor loans was back in 2014-2018, which resulted in more loans for owner occupiers and saw some of the most stable house price growth in Australia over the past 30 years.
The Greens say first-home buyers don’t stand a chance in a housing market rigged in favour of wealthy property investors, and in the absence of any sensible government action, APRA must intervene.
Greens spokesperson for finance, housing and homelessness Senator Barbara Pocock:
“Australia needs to get back into the business of giving loans to owner occupiers rather than property investors – and if the government won’t do it, then APRA should.
“This housing crisis will reach a point of no return if we don’t see an urgent intervention. Labor’s policies, including its 5% deposit scheme and $181 billion tax breaks for wealthy property investors – are turbocharging the housing crisis.
“We’re seeing investor loans outpace homeowner loans at unsustainable levels, first-home buyers being out bid by investors at Saturday auctions, as house prices continue to soar and the banks rake in the profit.
“First-home buyers don’t stand a chance in a housing market rigged against them. House prices have risen at the fastest rate in four years as rates of home ownership have declined, especially among young people (with home ownership amongst 25-29-year-olds dropping from 50% in 1971 to 36% in 2021).
“We need to urgently reign in an overheated credit market for property investors. APRA has intervened before and they must do it again. They must slow property investor lending as they did in 2014 and 2017 to great effect.
“In the past APRA put the handbrakes on investor lending to reduce investor loan growth to below 10%. Today’s data shows annual growth has leapt up to 12.3% and a jaw-dropping 18.7% increase in the size of investor loans approved. There is frankly no excuse for APRA not to act.
“The problem with housing in Australia is that it has become a wealth accumulation asset, rather than a home in which to live. Housing finance is increasingly spent on investment properties not home ownership, with investors now making up around their highest share of new lending since 2017.
“Reigning in investor lending growth would be celebrated by renters and aspiring home owners who otherwise feel nothing but despair as they watch a repeat bout of runaway housing price inflation.
“The Treasurer has the power to direct APRA. If Labor really cared about first-home buyers, it would ask APRA to intervene.”
Minns must not repeat his mistakes by responding to Nazis with authoritarianism
Greens MP and spokesperson for Justice, Sue Higginson, has condemned the antisemitic demonstration by neo-Nazis at NSW Parliament House as a vile act of racial hatred that has no place in a democratic society. Ms Higginson warned Premier Chris Minns not to respond with another round of heavy-handed laws that would only strengthen the far-right by eroding civil rights and freedoms.
Sue Higginson said:
“There are existing criminal offences for racial hatred and vilification. We do not need another knee-jerk reaction from the Premier that chips away at civil liberties and makes it easier for police to target the wrong people,”
“Earlier this year, Labor pushed through a suite of unnecessary and rushed laws that restricted protest rights and freedom of expression and gave police excessive powers. The Greens opposed those laws because we knew that handing more power to police in moments of political pressure only ever backfires. Those laws have since been used against peaceful protesters calling for climate action and justice for Palestine, not against neo-Nazis,”
“The truth is, NSW Police already have enormous powers to stop and disband public gatherings. They didn’t use them in this instance. That’s not a gap in the law – that’s a failure of judgment and leadership. The Premier’s response should be to demand accountability, not to make our democracy smaller,”
“We have seen this pattern before. Every time there’s a moment of public anger, Labor reaches for more police powers instead of strengthening communities or enforcing the laws that already exist. We cannot fight fascism by adopting its tactics. Authoritarian laws do not protect democracy – they hollow it out,”
“We cannot simply arrest our way out of every problem, and the Greens will continue to hold this Government to account with their lazy approach to complex issues. We will always stand against hate, racism and antisemitism, but we will not stand by while our rights and freedoms are traded away in the name of political expediency,” Ms Higginson said.
Doctors, Road Safety Experts Unite Behind Safer Speeds Bill
Doctors and leading road safety experts have united in support of a bill introduced by Greens MP Kobi Shetty, which would make it easier for councils to bring in safer speeds of 30km/h on local neighbourhood streets.
The growing coalition – which includes the Royal Australian College of Surgeons, the Australasian College of Road Safety, Road Sense Australia Ltd, Doctors for the Environment, the Little Blue Dinosaur Foundation, Safe Streets to School, Bicycle NSW, Walk Sydney, 30 Please, Parents for Climate, Climate Change Balmain Rozelle, and Better Streets – has signed an open letter to the NSW Premier urging the government to adopt safer speeds to protect communities.
Kobi Shetty MP, Member for Balmain and Greens Spokesperson on Active Transport and Sustainable Cities said:
“There is strong support from a broad range of health, safety, and transport experts who have come together to tell the government what communities already know: safer speeds make our streets calmer, safer, and more liveable.”
“It’s clear that more needs to be done to make our streets safer, with figures released in August showing we’re on track for the highest number of road deaths in 15 years. That’s why I’m pushing ahead with this bill to lower the default speed on neighbourhood streets to 30 km/h, making it easier to keep our community safe.
“The evidence is clear – a person struck by a vehicle at 50km/h has just a 10% chance of survival, compared to 90% at 30km/h. How many more people need to be killed or live with life-altering injuries before the NSW government takes this issue seriously?
“If it’s good enough for Spain, Wales, Bogotá and Ho Chi Minh City to adopt 30km/h limits on local streets, it’s good enough for us. Here in Australia, we’ve seen successful examples in Victoria including the City of Yarra. NSW risks being left behind unless urgent change is made.”
Dr. John Crozier, Chair of the National Trauma Committee at the Royal Australian College of Surgeons said:
“The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) welcomes the introduction of 30 km/h speed zones on local streets as a meaningful step toward safer, more active neighbourhoods.
“Surgeons know how deeply road trauma affects families and communities, and slowing down is one of the most effective ways to prevent serious injury. At 30 km/h, drivers have more time to react, and the chances of someone surviving a crash increase dramatically. These benefits are well proven in cities around the world.
“Lower vehicle speeds make it safer for people to walk and cycle. This helps children, older residents, and local families feel more confident using their streets for daily movement.
“When more people walk or ride, communities become healthier, air quality improves, and local shops and parks come alive with activity. RACS supports residents and local leaders advocating for this initiative, not just as a safety measure, but as a way to build a more connected and active community.”
Dr Ingrid Johnston, CEO of the Australasian College of Road Safety said:
“Every day, children, older adults, and families use their local streets to walk, ride, and connect with their communities. The evidence is clear: 30 km/h saves lives. When we reduce speeds on neighbourhood streets, we dramatically cut the risk of fatal and serious injuries, with almost no impact on travel times.
“This is a proven, globally endorsed measure that delivers safer, quieter and more liveable communities. NSW has a real opportunity to lead the way by adopting a change that will protect thousands of families for generations to come.”
Dr. Jennifer Kent, University of Sydney academic and Spokesperson for 30 Please said:
“Our cities and towns are growing and changing – our current street speeds are no longer fit for purpose, making the places where we live, work and play unsafe, unsustainable and unproductive.
“This Bill will not slow us down – it will bring us up to speed with the rest of the world, responding to World Health Organisation directions, as well as the needs of families, communities and businesses.”
Peter McLean, CEO of Bicycle NSW said:
“Safer speeds benefit everyone, our quiet urban streets are for everyone to share and feel safe on and it is proven the world round that lower speeds have a direct impact on reduced injuries and fatalities.
“Let’s focus on the massive safety gains rather than the 10 seconds we might lose by travelling around 10km slower.”
The bill proceeds to its second read in Parliament today, with debate likely to occur early next year.
The bill does not apply to arterial or major roads but focuses on local streets where people live, walk, ride their bikes, and play. The open letter remains open for further endorsement and The Greens hope to see the coalition supporting this much-needed change continue to grow.
Labor can’t protect nature while doing dodgy deals with climate deniers and environmental vandals
Greens spokesperson for the environment, Senator Sarah Hanson-Young:
“Dumping net zero means walking away from environmental protection and climate science. Today the Liberal Party have made it clear they don’t accept the science or the need to protect our environment for future generations.
“Their economy and climate wrecking stance have ruled them out as a serious party of government and a serious partner on climate and environment.
“The Liberals can’t claim to care about the environment while dumping climate targets.
“Their new energy plan is an anti-climate, anti-environment ploy to delay action and prop up fossil fuel profits. It is nothing but economy wrecking, environmental vandalism.
“The Liberal party now have a policy worse than even Scott Morrison – the bloke who brought a lump of coal into the chamber.
“It won’t cut power bills, but it will hike taxes and living costs for everyday Australians. Asking taxpayers to bankroll new coal is nothing short of absurd.
“The Labor Government must rule out any deal on environment laws with the anti-science, anti-environment Coalition. The Liberals have torched what little environmental credibility they had left.
“Protecting nature means cutting pollution and ending environmental destruction. Climate change is one of the biggest threats to our forests, rivers and wildlife. You can’t separate the two.
“Strong environment laws must tackle pollution, protect wildlife, and confront the climate crisis head-on.
“Labor must choose: side with the polluters, loggers and the environment wreckers in the Liberal Party, or truly protect nature and our climate.
“It’s time the Government picked a lane and got serious about negotiating with the Greens.
Triple J favourites to headline Newcastle’s new youth-focused event
Foreshore Park will become a hub for youth conversation, connection and creativity this month as part City of Newcastle’s inaugural Down the Park event.
Featuring skate competitions, art workshops and a live music line-up headlined by Triple J Unearthed artists Charlie Farmer and Trophy Wyfe, the free event will celebrate the important role young people and families play in our community.
City of Newcastle Executive Manager Community and Recreation Lynn Duffy said Down the Park was designed to support young people through purposeful and creative connection.
“Down the Park celebrates families, caregivers and young people as the beating heart of our community,” Ms Duffy said.
“At a time when many households are facing challenges with access and affordability, free events like this provide valuable opportunities to connect and develop social skills, foster a sense of identity and purpose and engage with important community services and information.”
Councillor Paige Johnson, member of City of Newcastle’s Youth Council Standing Committee, said Down the Park is an excellent opportunity for young people to explore new activities and develop skills.
“This event invites Newcastle’s youth to take part in activities that encourage social interaction, spark creativity, and strengthen their sense of belonging. An important part of this is mental health and wellbeing outcomes for young people,” Cr Johnson said.
“By offering a mix of creative, sporting and cultural activities, Down the Park brings young people with diverse interests together in person, helping them build vital life skills and empowering our next generation to thrive.”
The event will be delivered in collaboration with the Newcastle Youth Collective, which is made up of local government and non-government community organisations from Newcastle and surrounds.
Newcastle Headspace Community Development Officer Byron Williams said Down the Park promotes and fosters connections that help keep our community strong and healthy, offering connections to friends, family, music, art, sport and support services.
“It’s a great opportunity to come along as a family to enjoy the entertainment whilst engaging with many of the supports available in Newcastle,” Mr Williams said.
Down the Park will run from 4pm to 7pm on Thursday 20 November near the Foreshore Park Tram Sheds and is designed for young people aged 12 to 24 and their parents, carers or guardians.
The afternoon of entertainment will also include live performances from local musicians, interactive stunt and magic shows by Pretty Amazing Jono and sporting activities such as an outdoor rock-climbing wall and bungy rides. Skateboard enthusiasts can take part in free lessons run by Grundy’s Skate, as well as a mini skate competition for more experienced riders, with prizes provided by East End Skate, Bobby Pace and Galleria Skateboards.
Hands-on workshops on art, henna tattoo and beading will provide creative outlets for families, while a free barbecue, raffles, relaxation zones and 15 stalls with information and resources from local community organisations will provide plenty of options to keep people busy.
A free courtesy coach service will transport young people aged 16 and over, as well as families, to and from the event, with pick-ups from Fletcher, Maryland, Wallsend, Jesmond and Mayfield West. A full timetable will be shared via Facebook and through local schools and services.
Community shows powerful interest in Council-led solar and battery program
Residents of Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Maitland have invested almost $3 million in renewable energy as part of a joint-Council program to improve solar and home battery uptake.
Since the Solar Neighbourhoods initiative launched in mid-September, more than 550 people have registered their interest, with more than 110 purchasing solar panels, batteries, or both, as part of a package deal.
City of Newcastle’s Climate Change & Sustainability Program Lead Lexi Crouch, resident Luke York and Lake Macquarie City Council’s Sustainability Engagement Coordinator Zoe Johnson with the new battery.City of Newcastle’s Climate Change & Sustainability Program Lead Lexi Crouch said representatives from the three Councils have been energised by the response.
“We designed this program to remove barriers that have held back solar and home battery uptake in the region,” Mrs Crouch said.
“While the program is called Solar Neighbourhoods, we’ve found the majority of customers are buying a home battery, either to complement their existing solar panels or as part of a package.
“This is a trend we’re seeing across Australia with more than 100,000 home batteries installed since July when the Federal Government introduced the Cheaper Home Batteries scheme.
“We intend to run Solar Neighbourhoods again next year, but the current program is still open until 30 November, and we’re urging interested residents to register and sign a quote as soon as possible in order to lock in this year’s prices before the government rebates drop.”
Lake Macquarie City Council’s Sustainability Engagement Coordinator, Zoe Johnson, said local government is leading the way on sustainability with the introduction of this collaborative program.
“This initiative is the first of its kind for our Councils and responds to community feedback,” Mrs Johnson said.
“Residents from the three Council areas told us they want solar and batteries for their homes, but they were overwhelmed by the choice, upfront cost and complexity of buying solar and battery systems.
“Through an extensive tender and due diligence process we identified a range of high-quality solar and battery systems, delivered by our program partner 1KOMMA5° Australia and installed by trusted Hunter tradies, to make the process as easy as possible.”
Coordinator Sustainability Strategy and Education, Ben Maddox from Maitland City Council said the program has made it more affordable for residents to take meaningful climate action through practical, community-led solutions.
“We’re making sure affordable options to pay the system off over time are available in addition to paying upfront, as well as an exclusive program discount and government rebates of $1,250,” Mr Maddox said.
“Households installing a new solar and battery system can save up to 90 percent on a typical family electricity bill, so we’re committed to providing an easy, accessible pathway to solar and home batteries for our community.
“By partnering with our neighbouring Councils we’re reducing emissions and accelerating the transition to renewable energy, an outcome that benefits individuals, their neighbourhoods and the Hunter as a whole.”
Swansea resident Luke York said he was purchasing a battery as part of the program to complement his existing solar panels.
“We’ve paid off our solar panels so this battery will further support our household energy usage,” Mr York said.
“I was so surprised and pleased with the cost of the battery as part of the program and hopefully it ensures we won’t need to take any energy from the grid once it’s up and running.
“I can highly recommend this Council-led program to anyone who is thinking about solar panels and home batteries.”
Residents across the three Council areas have been accessing quality solar, batteries and electric vehicle chargers from program partner 1KOMMA5° Australia and their network of local installers.
1KOMMA5° Australia CEO Luke Stronach said the partnership is an excellent example of how the private and public sectors can come together to support Australia’s renewable energy transition.
“Between the support for renewables across all levels of government and significant community uptake, it’s clear the moment to take a step towards energy independence is now,” Mr Stronach said.
To be part of this year’s Solar Neighbourhoods program head to the website for more information and to register by 30 November 2025.
Festive fun returns to Newcastle’s Civic precinct
Newcastle’s Civic precinct is set to sparkle this month as City of Newcastle lights up the season with the return of its much-loved Christmas tree and festive program of free, family-friendly fun.
Wheeler Place will take on a festive feel from this Friday when the installation of the 11-metre tall Christmas tree begins.
An example of a festive ‘pawtrait’ featuring three dogs, as part of City of Newcastle’s 2024 Christmas program in Wheeler PlaceThe Christmas cheer will kick up a notch from 28 November with the official lighting of the tree and the first of three weekends of live performances, dazzling decorations and plenty of selfie-worthy moments, including twinkling reindeer, oversized bells and Santa’s sleigh, perfect for DIY family and pet ‘pawtraits’ with Santa.
Deputy Lord Mayor Charlotte McCabe said the festive program is a highlight of Newcastle’s events calendar, drawing people into the city centre in the lead-up to Christmas.
“Our Christmas program of activities celebrate the joy and togetherness of the season while shining a light on the amazing local retailers, cafes and restaurants that make our city so special,” Cr McCabe said.
“We’re encouraging everyone to come into the city, explore our unique shops, dining spots and free entertainment while supporting local traders and cultural venues.
“The festivities will officially launch on Friday 28 November and will feature Christmas-themed dancers, live music, a Christmas DJ, Christmas carols and a special visit from Santa Claus as we officially turn on our Christmas tree lights.
“Families can also enjoy a Christmas craft station, where children can write letters to Santa on our decorated cards and create their own silver bell ribbon bracelets to take home.”
Adding even more festive cheer to the precinct, City of Newcastle’s cultural venues are serving up a merry line-up of performances during November and December.
Locally produced play A Very Newy Chrissy offers something for the adults at the Civic Playhouse from 6 to 15 November as part of the Upstage at the Playhouse season, while the Newcastle University Choir will deliver a stirring performance of Handel’s Messiah at City Hall on 14 December.
The popular One Song Sing community choir event will be back in Wheeler Place on 22 December while musical Kinky Boots will provide an award-winning reason to visit the Civic Theatre from 18 to 21 December.
For more details about the full festive program and other events across Newcastle, visit https://visitnewcastle.com.au/whats-on/christmas2025