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Record housing delivered by Minns Labor Government

The Minns Labor Government has delivered the largest increase in government-built public, community and affordable homes in over a decade.

In the past year alone, 1711 new social and affordable homes have been built or brought back into use as part of the Minns Labor Government’s historic $6.6 billion Building Homes for New South Wales program.

This includes:

1408 new public, community and affordable homes built or delivered by Homes NSW; and
303 long-vacant public homes brought back into use.

Homes NSW has helped rehome 7,796 households over the past year, providing thousands of families with a safe and stable place to call home.

This is in sharp contrast to the previous Liberal National Government, who sold off more than 4730 homes in 12 years.

While this progress is promising, there is still much more to be done, which is why the Government is keeping its shoulder to the wheel to ensure homes are being delivered, not just promised and the public housing system is being rebuilt after a decade of neglect.

Last year the Minns Labor Government announced the largest investment in housing in the state’s history, through the $6.6 billion Building Homes for New South Wales package.

This included $5.1 billion to deliver over 8,400 new social homes, with at least 50 per cent of which will be prioritised for victim survivors of domestic and family violence.

This work has continued in this year’s budget with a world leading pre-sale guarantee to accelerate housing construction and help tackle the state’s housing supply challenges.

At the same time the Government has introduced the largest planning reforms in a generation including standing up the Housing Development Authority and building well-located homes around public transport hubs.

The Minns Labor Government is getting on with the job of delivering well located residential, social and affordable homes.

Premier Chris Minns:

“We are getting on with the job of delivering the social, affordable and residential housing that New South Wales needs.

“Today’s numbers are a really positive sign that we are making progress, but there’s still more to be done.

“We are losing twice as many young people as we are gaining on a year-by-year basis and a city without young people is a city without a future. The only way we can provide that future is with housing.

“We are cutting red tape, introducing landmark reforms, releasing surplus government land and making unprecedented investments to confront the housing crisis facing the state.”

Minister Rose Jackson:

“This is the biggest year for social and affordable housing in our state’s modern history. We’re not just talking about the housing crisis, we’re doing something about it.

“For too long, governments walked away from public housing. We’re rebuilding it. Brick by brick, house by house, street by street.

“We inherited a public housing system that was left crumbling, where homes sat empty or were sold off. We’ve brought those homes back to life. We’ve got a long way to go, but this milestone proves that when you invest in housing and make it a real priority, you can change lives.

“This is about dignity. It’s about recognising that everyone deserves a safe, secure and affordable place to call home and housing is a human right.”

Dodgy smoke dens to be shut down under Coalition crackdown

The NSW Coalition will introduce a Bill in Parliament to crack down on criminals and make NSW the hardest place in Australia to sell illegal tobacco and vapes.

Opposition Leader Mark Speakman said while other states have cracked down on illegal tobacco, the Minns Labor Government has let NSW become the easiest place in the country for crooks to make money.

“Everyone knows what’s going on — these dodgy shops are all over our suburbs, run by criminals selling illegal tobacco and vapes like it’s completely normal. Chris Minns has done nothing while communities and small businesses wear the cost. If Labor won’t clean it up, we will,” Mr Speakman said.

“Our plan will shut these shops down, hit the criminals with million-dollar fines or jail, and make it crystal clear — if you’re dealing illegal tobacco in NSW, your days are numbered. No more soft touch. No more excuses.”

Shadow Attorney General Alister Henskens said the Minns Labor Government has allowed criminals to easily defy the law.

“Organised crime has had a free ride under this NSW government. These aren’t corner stores — they’re fronts for crime gangs. Chris Minns has let them pop up in plain sight and endanger our community with random violence,” Mr Henskens said.

“Our laws will disrupt their business model by shutting the doors, tearing up the leases, and putting the crooks behind bars. If you’re breaking the law, under the Coalition, there will be nowhere to hide.”

Shadow Health Minister Kellie Sloane said communities across NSW were crying out for real action on illicit tobacco.

“We are seeing high streets across NSW being taken over by dodgy tobacconists and organised crime gangs profiting from Chris Minn’s inaction,” Ms Sloane said.

“We can’t risk a new generation getting hooked on cheap cigarettes and destroying their health because the Minns Government failed to act on enforcement and tougher penalties.”

Shadow Regional Health Minister Gurmesh Singh said criminals now see NSW as a soft target given the state’s weak penalties and enforcement.

“Victoria, Queensland and South Australia have all stepped up with tougher penalties and strong enforcement. Chris Minns inaction has left NSW exposed to more criminals, more violence and more illicit tobacco,” Mr Singh said.

The Coalition’s Public Health (Tobacco) Amendment (Stopping Illicit Tobacco) Bill 2025 will:

Further increase the penalties for the sale of illicit tobacco, including prison sentences of up to 7 years for serious offending or a $1.5 million fine.
Provide NSW Health with the power to issue closure orders for businesses selling illicit tobacco and vapes for up to one month.
Provide magistrates with the power to issue closure order for businesses selling illicit tobacco and vapes for up to 12 months.
Give lessors the statutory right to terminate leases where a closure order has been issued.
Create a new offence for lessors who knowingly permit their tenant to use the store for the sale of illegal tobacco or vapes.

Appeal to locate teenage girl missing from Toronto

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

Starleigh Bates, aged 14, was last seen about 9am on Cary Street, Toronto on Thursday 26 June 2025.

When Starleigh could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District were contacted today (Monday 30 June 2025) and commenced inquiries to locate her.

Police and family hold concerns for Starleigh’s welfare due to her age.

Starleigh is described as being of Caucasian appearance, 155cm tall, of medium build, with red/brown hair. She was last seen wearing a black hoodie and black tracksuit pants.

Starleigh is known to frequent Toronto, Wallsend, Woodbury, Stockton and Metford areas.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Lake Macquarie Police District or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Appeal to locate woman missing from Newcastle

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a woman missing from the Hunter region.

Brooke Stamp, aged 33, left Silverwater, on Monday 23 June 2025, with the intention of travelling to Newcastle.

Officers attached to Newcastle City Police District were notified today (Monday 30 June 2025) and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.

Police hold concerns for her welfare as she has medical issues that require medication.

Brooke is described as being of Caucasian appearance, between 160cm-165cm tall, of thin build, with blonde hair and blue eyes.

She is known to frequent the Newcastle, Hamilton and Carrington areas. She may be using the rail network to travel.

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

Recall: Coles Smooth and Coles Crunchy Peanut Butter 1kg

Best before: 05/02/2027

Sold in Coles supermarkets and Coles Online nationally

Coles is recalling Coles Smooth Peanut Butter 1kg and Coles Crunchy Peanut Butter 1kg, sold between 01/05/2025 and 30/06/2025 at Coles supermarkets and Coles Online nationally with a Best Before date of 05/02/2027, due to aflatoxin contamination.

A jar of peanut butterAI-generated content may be incorrect.A jar of peanut butterAI-generated content may be incorrect.

Best before: 05/02/2027

Sold in Coles supermarkets and Coles Online nationally

The product is:

Coles Smooth Peanut Butter 1kg and Coles Crunchy Peanut Butter 1kg
Best Before date: 05/02/2027
Dates sold: Between 01/05/2025 and 30/06/2025.

Food products containing aflatoxin may cause illness if consumed. Any customers concerned about their health should seek medical advice.

Customers can return the product to any Coles supermarket for a full refund. Coles Online customers can receive a full refund or credit by contacting Coles Online Customer Care on 1800 455 400.

Man charged after burnout; onlooker killed – Hunter Valley

A man has been charged after allegedly performing burnouts which hit and killed a man in the Hunter Valley this week.

Emergency services were called to a fire trail off Haul Road, Stockrington, about 22km southeast of Kurri Kurri, about midnight on Sunday (29 June 2025), following reports of a crash.

Officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District arrived and were told a vehicle was allegedly performing a burnout when it hit three onlookers. The car was then driven from the scene.

A 53-year-old man suffered critical head injuries and died a short time later.

Police were told two women were also hit by the car, whoever, left the scene before emergency services arrived.

About 2.40am, the alleged vehicle involved was found burnt-out on McFarlanes Road, Chisolm. It was seized for forensic examination.

Police established a crime scene at both locations and detectives commenced an investigation into the incidents.

Following extensive inquiries, about 5.30pm yesterday, a 22-year-old man was arrested at Maitland Police station where he was charged with the following offences,

– dangerous driving occasioning death-drive manner dangerous,

– cause bodily harm by misconduct, in charge of motor vehicle,

– negligent driving (occasioning death),

– negligent driving (no death or grievous bodily harm),

– prolong, sustain etc loss of traction, and

– fail to comply with requirement made under section.

He was refused bail to appear before Parramatta Local Court later today (Monday 30 June 2025).

Pedestrian killed, car burnt-out – Kurri Kurri

Police are searching for a driver after a car performing burnouts allegedly hit and killed a man in the Hunter Valley overnight.

Emergency services were called to a fire trail off Haul Road, Stockrington 22km southeast of Kurri Kurri, about midnight (Sunday 29 June 2025), following reports of a crash.

Officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District arrived and were told a modified Ford Fairmont sedan was performing a burnout when it hit three people. The car was then driven from the scene.

A 53-year-old man suffered critical head injuries and died a short time later.

Two women – who police have been told were also hit by the car – also left the scene before emergency services arrived.

The vehicle alleged to be involved was found burnt-out on McFarlanes Road, Chisolm, about 2.40am.

It has been seized and will undergo forensic examination.

Police have established a crime scene at both locations and detectives have commenced an investigation into the incident.

As inquiries continue, detectives are hoping to speak to the driver of the Ford or anyone else who witnessed the incident, or who may have mobile phone or dashcam vision relevant to the investigation.

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Hunter Valley Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Navy introduces new capability with commissioning of HMAS Arafura

oday marks Today marks a major milestone of the Australian Government’s implementation of the Surface Fleet Review with the commissioning of HMAS Arafura into the Royal Australian Navy fleet.

HMAS Arafura is the first Arafura class offshore patrol vessel (OPV) of the Navy’s surface fleet.

HMAS Arafura will enter into the fleet at a commissioning ceremony in Western Australia today.

Navy’s OPVs will help patrol and secure Australia’s maritime border alongside the evolved Cape class patrol boats. They will also play a role in humanitarian and disaster relief, enhance regional engagement and support other Navy missions.

These new capabilities have a greater range of 4,000 nautical miles, and can perform roles that previously required numerous vessels. These OPVs will also have improved living quarters and amenities to better support personnel.

The Government’s Independent Analysis into Navy’s Surface Combatant Fleet (Surface Fleet Review) reaffirmed the need for the Arafura class OPVs whilst recommending they operate alongside the evolved Cape class patrol boats.

HMAS Arafura was built by German shipbuilder Luerssen Australia at the Osborne Shipyard in South Australia.

The second OPV, NUSHIP Eyre, has been built and is awaiting acceptance by Navy. The remainder of the four ships are under construction at the Henderson Shipyard in Western Australia.

Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Richard Marles MP:

“The commissioning of HMAS Arafura marks an important milestone in the implementation of the Government’s Surface Fleet Review.

“HMAS Arafura means that the Navy can continue to ensure the safety and security of our maritime borders.

“The commissioning of HMAS Arafura is a turning point, and we will continue to see the Navy introduce new vessels into its fleet.”

Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Pat Conroy MP:

“The delivery of these offshore patrol vessels is an excellent example of our partnership with defence industry in action.

“The Australian Government has worked collaboratively with Defence and Luerssen Australia to successfully deliver HMAS Arafura, with another ship on the way and four more under construction at Henderson.

“The construction of the remaining four ships is on track, and continues the Australian Government’s investment in a productive, continuous naval shipbuilding and sustainment industry.”

the Minister for Defence Personnel, the Hon Matt Keogh MP:

“HMAS Arafura delivers on our plan for Australian workers to build vessels for the fleet faster than Australia has for decades, to ensure the Navy has what it needs to secure our national interests at sea.

“Arafura also provides improved living quarters and amenities to support our highly skilled naval personnel as they patrol and protect our coastline.”

“My best wishes go to the crew of the Arafura as they take on this new challenge, and may they have fair winds and following seas. My thanks also go to their families, whose support enables our personnel to do what they do each and every day for our nation.”

the Chief of Navy, VADM Mark Hammond, AO, RAN

“A strong Australia relies on a strong Navy, one that is equipped to conduct diplomacy in our region, deter potential adversaries, and defend our national interests when called.

“The Arafura class offshore patrol vessels will perform a number of roles, including regional engagement, patrol duties, and employment of uncrewed systems in a variety of missions.”

Albanese Government support for Austal’s United States expansion

The Albanese Government welcomes Export Finance Australia’s credit approved loan facility of up to US$150 million to shipbuilder Austal to help it expand its shipyard in Alabama in the United States.

Austal is an Australian success story, and support from Export Finance Australia will help it to deliver on recently awarded major contracts for the US Navy and US Coast Guard.

The expansion of Austal’s shipyard further deepens defence industrial cooperation with our key ally, the United States, and complements Australia’s investments into the sovereign industrial bases of AUKUS partners.

The finance will help fund the development and construction of a new assembly facility, waterfront improvements and a new ship lift system.

The expansion marks a major milestone for Austal, and it shows the strength of the Australian defence industry, its capabilities and support for our international partners.

Export Finance Australia’s loan facility is subject to completion of finance documentation and satisfaction of conditions precedent.

Minister for Trade and Tourism, Senator the Hon Don Farrell:

“The Albanese Government is backing Australian defence companies to grow and export their world-class capabilities by securing lucrative international contracts.

“This financial support from Export Finance Australia is another example of how the Albanese Government is providing support to Aussie businesses to expand and grow overseas.

“Austal’s expansion shows the strength of Australian businesses to export, invest and support shared Australian-US priorities such as defence.”

Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Pat Conroy MP:

“Austal’s investment into its United States shipyard demonstrates its commitment to support the United States’ domestic shipbuilding ambition and will deliver greater security and economic resilience for both Australia and the United States.

“I visited Austal’s shipyard in Mobile, Alabama last year and witnessed firsthand its contribution to the submarine industrial base in the United States, including manufacturing components for Virginia class submarines.

“In times of geopolitical uncertainty, closer defence industrial collaboration with our AUKUS partners will deliver major security and economic benefits.”

Strengthening access to lifesaving vaccines

Australia will provide $386 million to support the vital work of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance from 2026 to 2030, to fight deadly diseases in our region and beyond. This includes a new funding commitment of $300 million.

The Albanese Government recognises global health challenges require sustained commitments.

Gavi is a public-private partnership which has helped vaccinate more than 1.1 billion children globally, saving more than 18.8 million lives.

Australia’s support for Gavi directly benefits Australia’s closest neighbours.

In Asia and the Pacific, Gavi has helped immunise more than 633 million children, saving six million lives.

Gavi has also prevented more than 27,000 cervical cancer deaths by enabling access to the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, Solomon Islands and Timor-Leste.

In addition to the new funding, Gavi will also be able to utilise $86 million previously pledged by Australia for COVID vaccines, through the International Finance Facility for Immunisation.

In a time of heightened global uncertainty, Australia is pleased to partner with Gavi and directly support our closest neighbours.

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong:

“The Albanese Government is supporting access to new and more effective vaccines and strengthening our region’s ability to respond to disease outbreaks.

“When we invest in a healthier Indo-Pacific, we’re investing in a safer and more secure Australia.”

Minister for International Development, the Hon Dr Anne Aly:

“Australia is steadfast in our commitment to Gavi because we know countries in our region and around the world rely on Gavi’s support.”

“Health security requires collective action, and our new pledge to Gavi will help ensure countries in our region and around the world can access lifesaving vaccines.”