Month: November 2025

The Australian Greens say a new report showing a collapse in confidence in democracy is a consequence of a system that is increasingly closed, captured by corporate interests, and leaving young and regional Australians behind.

The McKinnon Index of Australian Democracy found confidence in Australia’s democratic system is weakest among young people and those living outside major cities.

The Greens have repeatedly called for reforms to strengthen Australia’s democratic institutions, including removing the influence of big money in politics, stronger freedom of information laws, greater political donation transparency and a national integrity system with real teeth.

Senator Steph Hodgins-May, Australian Greens spokesperson for democracy:

“When both major parties spend decades protecting corporate profits over improving people’s lives, it’s no wonder Australians are losing faith in the democratic institutions that are meant to serve them.

“Labor came in the door promising transparency, but instead we’ve seen a downward spiral into secrecy that fuels distrust and cynicism, especially among younger Australians who already feel disengaged.

“How can young people trust the government when all they see from both major parties are backroom deals, corporate capitulation and laws that continue to sell out their future for private profits?

“The climate crisis is getting worse, the housing market is dystopian and basic rights like education are becoming further out of reach. In the PM’s own words, this approach is ‘delulu with no selulu’.

“People in regional and rural communities watch corporations make billions and use tax loopholes to skip out on paying their fair share, while their local services close and the government tells them there’s no money for public housing or healthcare. 

“This isn’t apathy, it’s a natural response to seeing your government work so hard for Gina and Clive and do the bare minimum for everyone else.

“If our government is serious about restoring faith in democracy, it should start by breaking the stranglehold of corporate money on politics and prioritise integrity over political ambitions.

Construction of the $110.2 million Cowra Hospital Redevelopment is now complete, marking a major milestone in the delivery of new and enhanced healthcare services to Cowra and surrounding communities.

The Cowra Hospital Redevelopment will provide modern, enhanced and purpose-built health facilities to meet the health needs of the community, both now and into the future.

The new hospital is expected to open in late 2025 after operational commissioning is complete, to ensure the new building and staff are well prepared and ready to welcome patients.

The $110.2 million project includes:

• ​an Emergency Department
• a general medical and surgery inpatient ward
• a perioperative service
• a maternity unit with a dedicated nursery
• ambulatory care
• a dental clinic
• renal dialysis
• oncology
• community health and mental health, drug and alcohol services
• the hospital’s first CT scanner.

The project has already provided a significant boost to the local economy during construction, supporting regional employment, and creating opportunities for local trades and suppliers in the region. More than 25 local trades have been engaged in the surrounding region.

Ahead of the opening, residents are being invited to tour the Cowra Hospital Redevelopment, as part of a community open day offering locals a first look at the new facilities and services.

Members of the project team will be available to answer questions about the Redevelopment, with site tours taking place every 15 minutes on Saturday 29 November 2025 between 11.00am-3.00pm.

Places for the site tours are limited, and registration is essential. Registrations are now open and will close at 5.00pm on Thursday 27 November 2025. For more information and to register for the community open day, visit: www.nsw.gov.au/cowra-hospital-redevelopment

The Cowra Hospital Redevelopment is being delivered by Health Infrastructure and Western NSW Local Health District, in partnership with Richard Crookes Constructions.

For more information on the project, visit: www.nsw.gov.au/cowra-hospital-redevelopment

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:

“I’m absolutely thrilled to see the completion of this modern and purpose-built health facility that will be a game changer for residents of Cowra and surrounding communities.

“These upgrades will make a massive difference to the experiences of staff, patients and their families while better meeting the health needs of the region now and into the future.”

Labor Spokesperson for Cootamundra, Stephen Lawrence MLC:

“I’m delighted to see the $110.2 million Cowra Hospital Redevelopment finally completed and soon ready to accept patients, which will deliver high quality contemporary and accessible health care, closer to home.

“I encourage the community to head along to the community open day to see the new building and take a first look at the hospital that will serve our region for generations to come.”

The Minns Labor Government is encouraging landholders across NSW to take advantage of $850,000 worth of free grain and bait on offer as part of a statewide crackdown on feral pigs.

The support is part of the Minn Government’s plans to strengthen and build the state’s primary industries sector and is available through the Government’s Local Land Services.

Funding is part of the Government’s Feral Pig and Pest Program with funding from the State’s more than $1 billion biosecurity budget. It is the third year the Government has provided free grain and bait to landholders as part of the program.

Since July 2023, the NSW Government has committed more than $40 million to initiatives aimed at supporting landholders to control feral pig and pest animal populations.

This funding has led to the removal of some 223,000 feral pigs and the supply of more than 475,000 kilograms of bait to landholders.

The cost to farmers of grain for feral pig trapping and baiting can be significant, but landholders in NSW can now receive these supplies for free while supplies last.

Feral pigs pose a major threat to agriculture, native ecosystems and biosecurity. They damage crops and pastures, prey on livestock and degrade natural habitats.

On-farm baiting and trapping programs are critical to reducing the impacts of feral pigs and should be used in conjunction with other control methods, such as aerial and ground shooting.

Landholders interested in accessing free grain and bait and seeking tailored advice on pest control options can contact their closest Local Land Services office on 1300 795 299.

Local Land Services’ 11 regions are Central Tablelands, Central West, Greater Sydney, Hunter, Murray, North Coast, North-West, Northern Tablelands, Riverina, South-East and Western.

To find your Local Land Services region, visit www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/local-land-services/lls-regions

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“Feral pigs are wreaking havoc on our landscapes, threatening biodiversity, damaging crops and undermining biosecurity.

“With free grain and bait being offered across the state, we’re backing our farmers and regional communities with real, practical support.

“Increasing access to baiting and trapping resources gives landholders the tools they need, meaning greater impact on the ground and fewer pigs out there causing damage.”

Local Land Services Feral Pig Coordinator Bec Gray said:

“When it comes to feral pigs and pest animal control, unfortunately there’s no silver bullet, which is why we need to support the use of multiple control methods, such as baiting, trapping and shooting.

“Feral pigs don’t respect fences or boundaries. They move across landscapes and cause widespread damage. That’s why we’re encouraging landholders to team up, plan strategically and use the free bait and grain available across all 11 Local Land Services regions.”

“This isn’t just about individual properties, it’s about community-wide action. The more unified the response, the greater the success.”

Sheep and cattle farmer Colin McCrabb:

“We found pigs causing problems with predation of ewes and lambs, so we were in touch with Local Land Services to see what we could do. We’ve used their knowledge and support to not only set up traps, but permanent baiting stations with real time monitoring.”

“Baiting is a great option for us because it’s passive and to be honest I’ve been really surprised by the number of pigs we’ve had. You don’t think you have any on your property until you set it up and see what is actually going on. We’ve removed hundreds since we started our control program.”

“The support from Local Land Services is fantastic. My message to others who don’t think they have a pig problem is you will be surprised what you discover once you start looking for them. The predation and damage of pigs is horrendous, plus the biosecurity risks are very real, so we are doing anything we can to put a stop to that.”

High-speed testing of trains on the Southwest Metro line begins this week, marking another major step towards the start of turn up and go services on the former T3 rail line between Sydenham and Bankstown.

Trains will now begin running at speeds of up to 100 km/h, progressing from the current low-speed testing stage capped at 25 km/h.

Communities along the former T3 line will see increased activity in coming weeks and months as testing accelerates, with a minimum 9,000 hours and 30,000 kilometres of combined testing to be completed before the line opens.

The Minns Labor Government acknowledges the patience and understanding of local communities and businesses who have managed with major construction and disruption. Their cooperation has been critical to achieving this milestone as the project moves into the testing stages.

Since testing began in April, a single train has completed more than 700 hours and travelled 3,000 kilometres at lower speeds. In the high-speed testing phase, more trains will be added to the line as testing progresses.

When the line opens next year, a metro train will run every four minutes in the peak – 15 metro trains an hour compared to eight trains an hour on the former heavy rail T3.

Passengers will benefit from faster, more reliable and more frequent services, including:

• Marrickville to Gadigal: 12 minutes – saving 12 minutes
• Bankstown to Central: 28 minutes – saving six minutes
• Campsie to Macquarie University: 44 minutes – saving 17 minutes
• Lakemba to Victoria Cross: 37 minutes – saving 24 minutes

The southwest extension will join with the popular M1 Line at Sydenham to create a 66-kilometre line of 31 stations through the Sydney CBD to Tallawong in Sydney’s northwest.

At station level, the transformation of the Southwest line continues to power ahead, reaching 75 per cent completion.

Painting and tiling are underway at all 11 stations, and the installation of Opal gates is nearing completion.

Testing and commissioning of platform screen doors and mechanical gap fillers are advancing, with the world-leading safety technology passing its initial tests at Dulwich Hill, Belmore, Lakemba, Punchbowl and Bankstown stations, ready for integration testing with the test train later this year.  

Across all stations, Sydney Metro’s distinctive ‘M’ station signage is being fitted, with a total of 2,393 wayfinding signs to be installed by opening day.  

Communication systems, including passenger information display screens, are being mounted, while installation and testing of speakers, CCTV, door security, and hearing loops is ongoing.

The Minns Labor Government thanks the communities in Sydney’s southwest for their patience as the project progresses and passengers on the M1 Line metro who will be affected by some upcoming weekend closures for essential work to integrate the new line.

Premier of NSW Chris Minns said:

“High-speed testing on the Southwest Metro line is a critical step forward to delivering what will be a game changing piece of transport infrastructure.

“Converting a 130-year-old heavy rail line to metro standard is a big undertaking, which is why this stage of testing will be exhaustive.

“We understand the patience this has required from local communities and businesses, and I want to thank them for sticking with us. Their support has helped make one of the biggest transport transformations in Sydney’s history possible.”

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“Sydney Metro has transformed how millions of people get around, and it is exciting news that we are entering high-speed testing here on the Southwest Metro line.

“I want to again thank the community for their patience in using replacement buses before this game-changing train service begins and for local businesses around stations that have also been impacted by construction.

“The T3 Bankstown line was a notorious bottleneck and a Metro will open more doors to job and education opportunities while also bringing more business to this part of Sydney.”

Member for Canterbury Sophie Cotsis said:

“The SouthWest Metro is a game-changer for my community of Canterbury.

“For too long, the hardworking people of Canterbury and of Southwest Sydney – especially our nurses, cleaners, teachers, students, families, and the elderly – have been underrepresented when it comes to public transport infrastructure.

“This metro is about delivering opportunity and access to everyone.

“I want to sincerely thank my community for their patience and adaptability as we reach this major milestone. Your support is helping to build a more connected future for all of us.”

Member for Bankstown Jihad Dib said:

“This is another major milestone as we move closer to delivering the Metro for communities along the Bankstown line. Each test brings us a step closer to faster, more reliable public transport for southwest Sydney.

“When it’s complete the people of southwest Sydney will enjoy more trains, less waiting and quicker trips to where you need to be.”

Member Summer Hill Jo Haylen said:

“I want to thank everyone across the Inner West for their patience as we deliver this transformative public transport project. High-speed testing is a major milestone, bringing us closer to a Metro service that’s fast, frequent, and reliable.”

The Royal Hospital for Women, Randwick, has marked a significant milestone in its pioneering homebirth program, celebrating the 250th baby born at home under the care of its dedicated midwifery team.

Rona and Sam welcomed baby Piper at their home in Maroubra at 1.44am on Tuesday 7 October.

The publicly funded homebirth program offers women with low-risk pregnancies the opportunity to labour and birth in the familiarity of their own home, supported by known midwives.

The program has grown steadily since the model of care commenced, with families embracing the option of a safe, supported, and empowering birth experience that often involves the whole family.

The popularity of the program reflects the trust families place in the hospital’s team.

To be eligible for the Royal Hospital for Women’s homebirth program, women must have an uncomplicated, low-risk pregnancy and live within the hospital’s catchment area.

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“This milestone is a testament to the Royal Hospital for Women’s commitment to providing women with choice in their birthing experience.

“We are proud to support maternity models of care that empower families and deliver outstanding outcomes.

“The success of this program reflects NSW Health’s commitment to providing safe, sustainable, high-quality, woman-centred maternity care.”

Member for Coogee, Marjorie O’Neill:

“Birthing is such a personal and intimate experience. The Royal Hospital for Women’s homebirth program gives families the choice to welcome their babies safely at home, supported by trusted midwives.

“Thank you to the incredible staff at the Royal Hospital for Women. This milestone reflects their dedication, compassion and commitment to safe, family-centred care.”

General Manager, Royal Hospital for Women, Donna Garland:

“Each birth is a deeply personal and transformative experience. Our homebirth program honours that by supporting women’s choice to birth in a familiar, supported environment that they control.

“We are incredibly proud to have reached 250 births. For each midwife it is truly an honour to be invited to share such a sacred and intimate space with a family, and to welcome the new member of the family.”

Today I am pleased to announce the Honourable Jay Weatherill AO will be Australia’s next High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.

The United Kingdom is one of our closest friends and partners, and the appointment of Australia’s High Commissioner to the UK is one of the most important international appointments we make.

Jay Weatherill served as South Australia’s 45th Premier for over six years and championed national debate on sovereign defence capability, renewable energy targets and environmental protection issues. 

As Premier, he was instrumental in establishing South Australia’s leadership in the defence industry, including in construction of submarines. As a proud South Australian and as our next High Commissioner, Jay is well placed to take forward AUKUS in our nation’s interests.
  
Mr Weatherill served in the South Australian Parliament for 16 years in portfolios including Treasury, State Development, Education and the Environment.

I thank outgoing High Commissioner, the Hon Stephen Smith, for his service. Mr Smith has done an excellent job representing Australia’s interests in the UK across a range of security and defence matters. He has taken a leading role in Australia’s work with the Coalition of the Willing in support of Ukraine convened by Prime Minister Starmer and President Macron.

Mr Weatherill will begin his role in the new year.

The ACT Greens have proposed amendments to Labor’s Territory Priority Projects bill that better balance the ACT’s urgent need for more homes and environmental protection.

ACT Greens Deputy Leader Jo Clay said the Greens have consulted with the housing industry, community housing providers, environment organisations, Labor, Liberals and the Independents on the amendments.

In May, the Committee on Environment, Planning, Transport and City Services found significant flaws in Labor’s proposed legislation. Territory Priority Projects waive third party appeal rights but currently require pre-development application consultation and Parliamentary scrutiny.

Labor’s bill removed early consultation and Parliament oversight from public housing and health projects that are declared Territory Priority Projects, in addition to removing community housing from a development which can be put on the fast track through this process.

The ACT Greens amendments will fix the issues raised by the committee by allowing community housing to be declared a Territory Priority Project and add in essential environmental and First Nations cultural protections for all Territory Priority Projects.

“Canberra’s public housing waitlist has increased from 3,000 to 3,500 so far this year. We’ve seen the ACT Labor Government revoke the Rent Relief Fund before their replacement program is available, pushing more and more people towards homelessness,” Ms Clay said.

“The ACT Government’s current level of investment in public housing is not meeting the demand. We need proper investment in public housing, in addition to supporting others who are providing affordable, secure homes — community housing providers.

“The bill the Labor Government introduced excluded community housing from becoming a Territory Priority Project. The Greens have proposed, and secured agreement from Labor, to put community housing into this legislation.

“These amendments also ensure that Commonwealth-funded public, community and social housing is prioritised, and that our environment and First Nations cultural rights are looked after while we do this.

“As our city continues to densify, we also need to ensure people have access to green spaces and nature. Our amendments also ensure there is a degree of scrutiny without delaying new public and community homes from being built.”

Chief Executive Officer of YWCA Canberra, Frances Crimmins:

“YWCA Canberra welcomes the ACT Greens’ decision to support sensible planning reforms that will facilitate the delivery of much-needed social, community and public housing in Canberra. 

“Our city is facing an unprecedented housing and homelessness crisis, and meaningful change is long overdue to address the critical need for housing for low-income earners.

“Canberrans now face a clear choice: do we continue to see people experiencing homelessness on our streets, or do we choose to ensure they have a place to call home in our neighbourhoods?

“We can no longer afford to overlook practical and effective legislative reforms that will expedite the construction of public, social and affordable homes. 

“This amendment makes sense. It supports low-income Canberrans and brings us closer to a community where everyone has a safe place to live.”

Ms Clay’s amendments and explanatory statement are available on the ACT Legislative Assembly website.

The Australian Greens say a new report showing a collapse in confidence in democracy is a consequence of a system that is increasingly closed, captured by corporate interests, and leaving young and regional Australians behind.

The McKinnon Index of Australian Democracy found confidence in Australia’s democratic system is weakest among young people and those living outside major cities.

The Greens have repeatedly called for reforms to strengthen Australia’s democratic institutions, including removing the influence of big money in politics, stronger freedom of information laws, greater political donation transparency and a national integrity system with real teeth.

Senator Steph Hodgins-May, Australian Greens spokesperson for democracy:

“When both major parties spend decades protecting corporate profits over improving people’s lives, it’s no wonder Australians are losing faith in the democratic institutions that are meant to serve them.

“Labor came in the door promising transparency, but instead we’ve seen a downward spiral into secrecy that fuels distrust and cynicism, especially among younger Australians who already feel disengaged.

“How can young people trust the government when all they see from both major parties are backroom deals, corporate capitulation and laws that continue to sell out their future for private profits?

“The climate crisis is getting worse, the housing market is dystopian and basic rights like education are becoming further out of reach. In the PM’s own words, this approach is ‘delulu with no selulu’.

“People in regional and rural communities watch corporations make billions and use tax loopholes to skip out on paying their fair share, while their local services close and the government tells them there’s no money for public housing or healthcare. 

“This isn’t apathy, it’s a natural response to seeing your government work so hard for Gina and Clive and do the bare minimum for everyone else.

“If our government is serious about restoring faith in democracy, it should start by breaking the stranglehold of corporate money on politics and prioritise integrity over political ambitions.