admin – Page 27

Minns Labor Government’s medicinal cannabis driving reforms pass NSW Parliament

The Minns Labor Government’s legislation to create a more commonsense system for drivers who use lawfully prescribed medicinal cannabis has passed the NSW Parliament.

This reform recognises the growing number of patients using prescribed medicinal cannabis under their doctor’s orders to manage a range of serious conditions such as cancer, nausea, severe pain and PTSD.

The old drug presence offence framework, which included an immediate three-month loss of licence, has been a significant barrier for medicinal cannabis patients needing to drive to work, appointments, and go about their daily lives.

The Minns Labor Government’s reform will mean drivers who register under the new system are no longer automatically penalised solely because THC is detected in their system, provided they meet strict conditions and do not drive while impaired.

Under the Road Transport Amendment (Medical Cannabis and Driving Offences) Bill 2026, eligible drivers will need to register with Transport for NSW, provide evidence of a valid prescription and complete an online education program about cannabis and driving safety.

Roadside drug testing will continue and there will be no changes to the roadside drug testing process carried out by police. Any registered medicinal cannabis patient who returns a positive roadside test will continue to receive an immediate 24-hour driving ban while their sample is sent for laboratory testing – as is the case for any driver who returns a positive roadside drug sample.

If the laboratory result shows THC below the maximum threshold of 50 ng/ml, no further action will be taken. If the laboratory result shows THC at or above the threshold, the driver will receive a warning for a first or second detection within two years.

A third detection within two years will result in penalties, including a $722 fine and a minimum three-month licence suspension.

The new system still maintains strong safeguards to protect road safety:

There will be no changes to the threshold for THC detection at the roadside.
The scheme will be limited to NSW unrestricted licence holders and will not apply to learner or P plate drivers, or commercial drivers.
Registered medicinal cannabis patients cannot have any alcohol or other drugs in their system.
Drivers showing signs of impairment, even if they are a registered medicinal cannabis patient will continue to be charged with serious driving under the influence offences.
Standard drug driving penalties will continue to apply where multiple illicit drugs are detected.
Registered medicinal cannabis patients will remain subject to post-crash blood and urine testing following serious crashes.

These safeguards are critical to ensuring police can continue to respond strongly to dangerous driving behaviour and thoroughly investigate serious crashes to protect all road users.

Transport for NSW is currently developing the education program which will be mandatory for medicinal cannabis patients under this legislation.

Implementation, including the registry and education module, are expected to be launched in late 2026-early 2027.

The new system will be reviewed after one year, in line with recommendations from the Drug Summit.

Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said:

“I’m proud to see this important legislation pass the Parliament, creating a more commonsense and respectful system for patients who are prescribed medicinal cannabis in NSW but need to drive.

“Like we’ve said from the beginning, these reforms balance road safety with the need for a new system for patients who rely on this legally prescribed medication, without the fear of being treated like a criminal.

“We cannot be any clearer: nobody should drive while impaired by cannabis, alcohol or any other drug. That is not changing, and drivers will continue to be tested.

“From now on, eligible medicinal cannabis patients, who are not impaired, will have a clearer system, more opportunities for education, and a chance to adjust their behaviour before facing penalties.”

Major energy grid stabilisers ready for summer

Every firming project supported through Tender Round 2 of the NSW Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap is now complete, with three batteries and a virtual power plant up and running. Together, they can power around 400,000 households at peak demand.

The four projects can supply energy or reduce demand when the electricity system needs it most, bolstering reliability during periods of peak demand, such as on hot summer days.

The Minns Labor Government is delivering new firming capacity to keep the lights on and put downward pressure on prices as ageing coal-fired power stations retire.

Delivered by AGL, Akaysha Energy, Iberdrola Australia and Enel X, the projects represent more than $1.8 billion of investment in NSW:

Project	Company	Capacity	Storage capacity
Liddell Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) – Muswellbrook	AGL Energy	500 megawatts (MW)	1,000 megawatt hours (MWh)
Orana BESS – Montefiores	Akaysha Energy	415 MW	1,660 MWh
Smithfield BESS – Smithfield	Iberdrola Energy	65 MW	130 MWh
Virtual Power Plant – statewide	Enel X	95 MW demand response	Minimum dispatch duration of 2 hours

The projects have also delivered economic benefits for regional and metropolitan communities, supporting more than 1,500 jobs during construction while further strengthening NSW’s position as a destination for clean energy investment.

Tender Round 2 was delivered under the Roadmap, with additional support from the Commonwealth Government, to bring forward private investment in the firming infrastructure NSW needs to maintain reliability as coal-fired power stations retire.

Minister for Energy Penny Sharpe said:

“The completion of these batteries and the virtual power plant is an important milestone for NSW.

“Together, these projects can provide enough firming capacity to meet the peak electricity demand of around 400,000 homes, helping keep the lights on during the hot summer to come.

“These projects alone represent more than $1.8 billion of investment in NSW and have supported more than 1,500 jobs.”

Iberdrola Australia CEO Paul Simshauser AM said:

“We were excited to have Minister Sharpe officially open our 65 MW Smithfield BESS, which is now powering the equivalent of 20,000 homes in Western Sydney and importantly releasing energy during evening peaks which reduces costs to consumers.

“We’re proud to have delivered this project ahead of schedule, providing local jobs, using local businesses and equipment during construction.”

Akaysha Energy CEO Nick Carter said:

“The completion of these projects demonstrates how government policy and private investment can work together to accelerate the energy transition while maintaining reliability.

“As the developer and operator of the Orana BESS, one of the largest batteries in NSW, we’re proud to have delivered this on time and help support NSW’s energy security for years to come and provide critical capacity when the grid needs it most.”

AGL Chief Operations and Construction Officer Matthew Currie said:

“The Liddell Battery is one of Australia’s largest grid-scale batteries. It’s helping to support NSW’s transition to a renewable energy future.

“The 500-megawatt (MW) battery reached full commercial operations this month and is storing and dispatching energy to power homes and businesses.

“The battery is the first major development at the former Liddell Power Station site and is an important step in AGL’s plans to transform Liddell as part of our future Hunter Energy Hub.”

An Enel X spokesperson said:

“The work completed through this program demonstrates the important role of flexible demand in building a cleaner, more reliable electricity system.

“Enel X is proud to have delivered 95 MW of flexible demand capacity, with participating customers already helping the NSW grid during the December 2025 heat event and periods of peak demand.

“We look forward to continuing to strengthen NSW’s electricity system through future Roadmap initiatives, including delivery of an additional 32 MW under the latest Firming tender.”

$7 million boost for the Illawarra South Coast’s active communities

The Minns Labor Government is helping ensure South Coast families and young people have the community sporting and lifestyle facilities they need with a $7 million investment in 24 projects that make our regions great places to live.

By backing community-led projects in Bega, Eurobodalla, Kiama, Shellharbour, and Wollongong, the Minns Government is ensuring that regional towns stay active, connected and thriving.

A connected community retains its workers and families, plus attracts essential workers such as teachers, police, nurses and vets that are critical to maintaining the vitality of regional towns.

Funding is kickstarting projects ranging from major regional events and lasting community infrastructure to local activities, cultural programs, employment support, neighbourhood initiatives and practical services that strengthen social connection and wellbeing.

Together, these successful projects will deliver opportunities for people to connect, volunteer, celebrate, play sport and support each other. Some of the projects receiving financial support include:

$926,316 – Kiama Sports Complex – to upgrade LED sports field lighting, improving safety, evening access and participation for local clubs, schools, volunteers and the community.
$760,788 – Eurobodalla Job Shop – to expand free employment, training and business support to help jobseekers overcome barriers, connect with local employers and build a stronger regional workforce.
$177, 566 – Albion Park White Eagles Soccer Club – to provide a new awning and facilities upgrade at Terry Reserve
$485,778 – Narooma Mountain Bike Club – to build a Pump track at Narooma Mountain Bike Trail network, and remote toilet facility and weather shade.
$423,400 – Shoalhaven Rugby Football Club Inc – to upgrade Rugby Park with a new strength and conditioning facility, improving training, rehabilitation, storage and event capacity while supporting broader community fitness and participation.

This South Coast announcement is the first for the rollout of the $50 million Active Regional Communities Package that the Minns Government initiated to back projects that make towns more liveable, connected and attractive places to call home.

The Active Regional Communities Package is part of the more than $223 million that has been provided to regional communities, councils and businesses from the Regional Development Trust Fund to grow and succeed.

For more information, go to: nsw.gov.au/regionaldevelopmenttrust

Minister for the Illawarra and South Coast and Member for Keira Ryan Park said:

“The South Coast is home to strong, active communities and the $7 million being invested into projects will help give local people more places, programs and facilities to come together, participate and stay connected.

“The NSW Government is proud to invest in community-led projects across Kiama, Eurobodalla, Shoalhaven, Shellharbour, Bega Valley, Wollongong and surrounding areas that will support healthier, more connected and more resilient regional communities.

Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“Regional communities know what will make the biggest difference in their towns, and the successful projects announced today show the depth of ideas, leadership and local ambition across the South Coast.

“This funding is about backing the people, organisations and partnerships already doing the work on the ground to bring communities together and strengthen the places they call home.

“From regional events and sporting facilities to cultural programs, shared spaces and practical local services, these projects will help more people participate locally and give communities assets and activities they can build on.

“Strong communities are the foundation of strong regional economies, and this program will help deliver a more cohesive, active and connected regional NSW.”

Member for Bega, Dr Michael Holland said:

“Strong communities are built around opportunities for people to come together, whether that’s through sport, employment, volunteering or simply being part of something local.

“This funding will support projects across our region that create those opportunities and make our towns more connected, active and enjoyable places to live.

“From the Narooma Mountain Bike Club’s new pump track to the support being provided through the Eurobodalla Job Shop, these projects respond to what our local communities have told us they need.

“I’m pleased to see the NSW Government backing community-led projects that will have a practical, lasting impact and help make the Far South Coast an even better place to live, work and raise a family.”

Member for Kiama, Katelin McInerney said:

“Kiama is home to proud sport and lifesaving clubs, with strong community organisations and “This funding will make a real difference at the grassroots right across our electorate and will ensure community groups, our sporting and lifesaving clubs, all our passionate local volunteers can continue and build on the important work they do connecting people and helping our region thrive.”

Member for Shellharbour Anna Watson said:

“The clubs in Shellharbour receiving this funding are well loved by our community and the enhancements they can now get underway will improve their facilities and make a welcome difference.

Member for South Coast, Liza Butler said:

“I am delighted the Shoalhaven Rugby Football Club will receive $423,400 to deliver an important upgrade to Rugby Park.”

“This funding will provide a new strength and conditioning facility, supporting safer and more effective training, rehabilitation, equipment storage and the club’s capacity to host events.”

“Local sporting clubs are at the heart of our community. They bring people together, encourage healthy lifestyles and give people of all ages a place to connect and belong.”

“The Minns Labor Government is proud to invest in community-led projects that make regional communities like ours even better places to live, work and raise a family.”

Member for Wollongong, Paul Scully said:

“Whether it is helping more women and girls take part in sport, supporting local clubs to improve safety and accessibility, or creating new opportunities for young people and volunteers, these projects are about strengthening the everyday life of Wollongong and the South Coast.”

NSW Liberals unveil plan to target illegal guns, organised crime and terrorism

The NSW Liberals have unveiled a comprehensive plan to combat the real threats to community safety: organised crime, gangland violence, terrorism, firearms trafficking and illegal guns.

Following the Bondi terrorist attack, the Liberals made clear that firearms reforms must strengthen community safety by targeting dangerous individuals, criminal networks and illegal firearms.

Instead, Labor rushed complex legislation through Parliament without proper consultation and has since failed to meaningfully engage with licensed firearm owners, farmers, sporting shooters, collectors, firearms businesses and other affected stakeholders.

The result is poorly designed laws that impose unfair consequences on law-abiding citizens without doing enough to target those who pose the greatest threat to the community.

The NSW Liberals’ plan will correct these unintended consequences while maintaining strong firearms controls and strengthening the focus on criminals, gangs and terrorists.

BACK THE POLICE
The Liberals will deliver a significant law-and-order package giving NSW Police stronger laws, specialist officers, intelligence capabilities and operational resources to tackle illegal firearms, organised crime and terrorism.

The package will:
Increase funding for the NSW Firearms Registry to improve its technology, intelligence and capacity to monitor suspicious activity and emerging risks.
Increase funding and resourcing to the New South Wales Police’s State Crime Command and Counter Terrorism & Special Tactics Command. This will provide additional specialist officers, intelligence capabilities and operational resources to disrupt organised criminal networks, seize illegal firearms and ammunition as well as combat gangland violence.
Increase the maximum penalty for trafficking firearms or ammunition from 20 years’ imprisonment to life imprisonment, with a standard non-parole period.
Anyone found carrying an illegal gun will face mandatory time in jail, under tough new sentencing laws.
Strengthen NSW Firearms Prohibition Orders to give police an even more effective tool to disrupt organised crime, gang violence, terrorism and other serious offending. Firearms Prohibition Order would be mandatory following conviction for prescribed serious offences, with the final categories to be settled following consultation with NSW Police and appropriate legal safeguards.
Establish a Parliamentary Committee on Intelligence and Community Safety focused on terrorism, violent extremism, hate groups, firearms trafficking, social cohesion and emerging threats.
RECOGNISE GENUINE NEED
A NSW Liberals Government will scrap Labor’s arbitrary firearm caps for primary producers and competition sporting shooters with a genuine and demonstrable need.

Strict limits will remain for people without a legitimate reason to possess additional firearms.
A Commission of Inquiry will also identify a workable pathway for recreational hunters who can demonstrate a genuine need to support primary producers with pest control.

FREEZE THE BUYBACK
The NSW Liberals will freeze the buyback for all licensed firearm owners until the Commission of Inquiry has completed its work and the Government has responded to its recommendations.

During the freeze, licensed owners will not be forced to surrender firearms under Labor’s new limits. NSW Police will retain all existing powers to suspend or cancel licences and seize firearms where there is a risk to public safety.

Following the inquiry, any buyback will be better targeted, provide fair compensation and allow associated ammunition and accessories to be surrendered in the same transaction.

FIX THE LAWS
A NSW Liberals Government will establish a Commission of Inquiry to review and improve Labor’s rushed laws and recommend sensible firearms reforms targeting terrorists, criminals and illegal guns.

The inquiry will examine the operation of the Firearms Registry and NSW firearms laws, including background checks, intelligence sharing, licence categories and conditions, genuine-reason requirements and a risk-based licence-renewal system.

It will ensure permanent reforms are informed by evidence, operational experience and proper consultation with NSW Police, security agencies, licensed firearm owners and affected industries.

Leader of the Opposition Kellie Sloane said the plan presented a clear choice between Labor’s rushed, reactive and failed approach to crime or a Liberal Government that gives police the powers and resources they need and is focused on the criminals, gangs and terrorists who threaten our community.

“We will fix Labor’s flawed laws and back our police with the powers and resources they need,” Ms Sloane said.

“Responsible farmers, sporting shooters and professionals with a genuine operational need should not be unfairly punished because Chris Minns and Labor failed to properly consult or design workable laws.”

“Our approach will maintain strong firearms controls while focusing the full force of the law on criminals, gangs and terrorists who threaten our community.”

Shadow Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Anthony Roberts said NSW families were sick of waking up to news of shootings, firebombings and kidnappings.

“The test of firearms reform is not whether it produces the loudest headline. The test is whether it disrupts criminal networks, identifies dangerous individuals, removes illegal firearms from our streets and makes the community safer,” Mr Roberts said.

“Our plan is tough where it needs to be, fair where it should be and focused squarely on the people who pose a genuine threat to the community.”

“We also need a buyback that people will actually participate in, one that is properly funded, provides fair compensation and allows associated ammunition and accessories to be surrendered safely.”

The plan builds on the Liberals’ commitment to strengthen laws targeting organised criminal networks and violence brokers, double resources for the NSW Crime Commission deliver Anytime, Anywhere Knife Wanding powers for police and deter youth crime through Adult Crime Adult Time reforms.

Australia ranked 8th in global gender equality rankings

Australia has ranked 8th in the World Economic Forum’s 2026 Global Gender Gap Report, breaking into to the top ten and achieving its highest ever ranking for gender equality, out of 148 countries.

This result reflects the Albanese Government’s sustained action to improve the lives of women and girls, including lifting wages in female-dominated industries, expanding Paid Parental Leave to six months with superannuation, and making significant investments in women’s health.

It also reflects the progress made on women’s representation in government, with women making up the majority of Cabinet for the first time and more women serving across the Parliament.

Since coming to office, the Albanese Government has jumped 35 places in the global rankings, from 43rd to 8th.

The Index shows that progress in Australia is translating to the global stage, with the Index assessing key measures of gender equality, including political representation, economic participation, educational attainment and health.

The report is available here: Global Gender Gap Report 2026

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“My Government is committed to creating a fairer, safer and more equal society for Australian women and girls.

“Our efforts are bearing fruit, with Australia now sitting in the top ten countries for gender equality worldwide. When we first came to Government we were ranked 43rd – and slipped to an all-time low of 50th under the previous Coalition government.

“The job is not done and we will continue to focus our efforts on lifting wages, ending gender-based violence, increasing female representation in workplaces, investing in women’s health and more.”

Minister for Women, Katy Gallagher:

“We came to the 2022 election with a commitment to make Australia one of the best countries in the world for women. Today we are in the top ten, not by accident, and not by wishful thinking but because of deliberate commitment and action from the Albanese Government.

“From closing the gender pay gap and lifting wages in female-dominated industries to expanding Paid Parental Leave and investing in women’s health, we are delivering practical changes that make a difference in women’s lives.

“We know there is more work to do across our priorities of ending violence against women, valuing care, improving women’s economic empowerment, improving women’s health outcomes and strengthening women’s leadership and representation – this is just one measure that shows Australia is moving in the right direction but we also remain absolutely steadfast in our commitment to improve the lives of women and girls around Australia.”

Visit to California and New York

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will travel to the United States from Friday 18 September to Thursday 24 September 2026 to visit Apple Headquarters in California and lead Australia’s delegation at the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Week in New York.

The Prime Minister will visit Apple Park and meet the Executive Chairman of Apple’s Board of Directors, Tim Cook, to discuss Apple’s new parental-controls for children, in part inspired by Australia’s groundbreaking reform.

During High-Level Week, the Prime Minister will promote Australia’s commitment to multilateralism and meet international partners to find collective solutions to shared challenges, including building a safe digital future.

The United Nations General Assembly High-Level Week is the largest annual gathering of world leaders, and an opportunity to engage on the global issues that are impacting Australians at home. The Prime Minister will deliver Australia’s National Statement, underscoring Australia’s values and priorities on the global stage.

Australia is firmly committed to working with our international partners to address these global challenges, and Prime Minister Albanese will reiterate our commitment to climate action, peace and security.

The Prime Minister will be joined at the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Week by Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“Australia’s prosperity and security depend on a strong global system, where nations work together, agreed rules are respected, and cooperation delivers shared benefits.

“Australia is working to prevent online harm, particularly for our children, and I am proud that Australia is setting the world standard for digital safety.

“I look forward to joining other world leaders to discuss issues impacting our communities, including fuel costs, climate change and conflict, and how we can work together to find solutions.”

Foreign Minister Penny Wong

“At the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Week, Australia will continue our work to help shape outcomes that deliver for Australians, for our region and the world.

“From building coalitions for the protection of aid workers and the rules countries like Australia rely on for our security and prosperity, to advocating for a better UN system fit for these uncertain times.

“Sovereignty, prosperity and peace are not a gift or a given – they must be built, maintained by all of us and protected across generations.”

Two teenage boys charged after alleged pursuit – Hunter region

Two teenage boys have been charged following an alleged pursuit in the Hunter region.

About 8.50am (Friday 18 September 2026), police were patrolling the Taylors Beach area following reports of dangerous driving.

A short time later, officers from Port Stephen-Hunter Police District attempted to stop a Toyota SUV on Port Stephens Drive, after inquiries revealed it had been reported stolen.

When the driver allegedly failed to stop as directed, a pursuit was initiated.

The pursuit continued along Nelson Bay Road before it was terminated.

A pursuit was reengaged on Nelson Bay Road at Salt Ash a short time later, continuing onto Richardson Road towards Raymond Terrace.

The SUV crashed into a concrete barrier on Mount Hall Road at Raymond Terrace, and two occupants exited the vehicle.

Two boys – aged 15 and 14 – were arrested nearby and taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station.

The older boy was charged with four offences,
Take and drive conveyance without consent of owner (two counts)
Dishonestly obtain property by deception, and
Police pursuit – not stop – drive at speed.

He was granted conditional bail to appear before a children’s court on Wednesday 11 November 2026.

The younger boy was charged with two counts of be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner.

He was refused bail to appear at a children’s bail division court on Saturday 19 September 2026.

Appeal to locate woman missing from Muswellbrook

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a woman reported missing from the state’s Hunter Region.

Simone Pannowitz, aged 60, was last seen on Danger Place, Muswellbrook, about 6.30pm on Thursday 17 September 2026.

When she could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District were notified yesterday (Saturday 19 September 2026) and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.

Police and family hold concern for her welfare as her disappearance is out of character.

Simone is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 170cm tall with medium build and brown hair.

She is known to drive a white Toyota Yaris with NSW plates DP65ER and may frequent Murrurundi.

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

New $7.2 million refuge opens in Port Stephens LGA

The Minns Labor Government is continuing to build a safer New South Wales for women and children escaping domestic and family violence, with the opening of a new purpose-built crisis accommodation refuge in the Port Stephens LGA.

The $7.2 million refuge was funded under the Core and Cluster program and has been delivered by Hume Community Housing.

Called Aunty Colleen’s Place, the refuge comprises six self-contained units ranging from one to three bedrooms, with one of the two-bedroom units are designed to be accessible for residents with limited mobility.

Each unit allows for independent living and includes its own kitchen, bathroom and laundry facilities, as well as private outdoor space, with an area for pets.

Built with healing and connection in mind, the refuge has sensory play and recreation areas for children as well as a fruit and vegetable garden incorporated into the design.

The refuge also features a dedicated area where residents can access tailored support.

Specialist staff from Port Stephens Family & Neighbourhood Services Inc will deliver crucial support services so families can recover from trauma and rebuild their lives.

This investment is part of the NSW Government’s $426.6 million Core and Cluster program, to expand crisis accommodation and provide on-site specialist support for women and children fleeing violence.

Once all refuges are complete, the program will support more than 2,900 additional victim-survivors of domestic and family violence each year.

The safety of women and children in regional New South Wales is a priority for the Minns Labor Government, with 36 of the 49 Core and Cluster refuges based in communities outside metropolitan areas.

The program is part of the wider work by this government to provide safe housing for those escaping domestic and family violence, including a historic $5.1 billion investment in social and affordable housing, with at least half the new homes prioritised for victim-survivors, and an additional $130 million for new crisis beds.

The Minns Labor Government also continues to make sure victim-survivors can access specialist support when they need it, investing a historic $184.1 million in the June Budget to increase funding to six core programs by 50 per cent.

The government is working to address domestic, family and sexual violence from boosting crisis response, strengthening protections for victim-survivors, holding perpetrators to account, earlier intervention and primary prevention.

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

All women and children deserve to live free from violence and the Core and Cluster model recognises that they need more than just a roof over their heads.

Aunty Colleen’s Place will not only provide secure accommodation for families escaping domestic and family violence in the Port Stephens LGA, it will also provide them with the specialist support they need to rebuild their lives.

The Minns Labor Government continues to build a safer New South Wales for victim-survivors of domestic and family violence. This includes making sure those in regional New South Wales have safe places to go when they escape violence and access to life-saving support when they need it most.”

Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington said:

I’m very proud to be delivering Port Stephens first refuge for women and children escaping domestic and family violence, because our community has been crying out for it for a very long time.

Our long-awaited, much-needed refuge means a lot to my community, because we know the difference it will make to women and children who walk through its doors.

I’m grateful to the wonderful teams at Hume Housing and Port Stephens Family and Neighbourhood Service for partnering with us to deliver a purpose-built refuge with a big heart, aptly named in honour of a woman with a big heart, Aunty Colleen.”

Chief Executive Officer of Hume Community Housing Brad Braithwaite said:

“Hume Housing is proud to have partnered with the NSW Government and Port Stephens Family and Neighbourhood Services Inc to deliver the first refuge for women and children in Port Stephens.

“No woman or child should have to stay in a violent situation because there is nowhere to go. If we are to address domestic violence, then we must ensure that there is access to safe and secure housing.

“This new refuge will provide women and children access to safe, secure crisis accommodation as they begin their journey towards healing and recovery.”

Manager of Port Stephens Family & Neighbourhood Services Inc Sue Pollock said:

For too many years, women and children in our community have not been able to access a safe and secure place to flee violence. Many women are forced to stay, or return, to violent relationships because they do not have anywhere to go. This refuge will ensure we can provide women and children with safety as they take their next steps to rebuild, recover and heal.

We are proud to announce Port Stephen’s first refuge: Aunty Colleen’s Place. Aunty Colleen, a proud Worimi woman, cared deeply for the Community – particularly through supporting the next generation. She was proud of her Culture, a steadfast advocate for justice, and was passionate about passing on her knowledge and values. Aunty Colleen’s Place will be a place of safety, belonging, comfort for women and children to catch their breath and to heal.”

Largest ADF in 25 years

More Australians are choosing to join and stay in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) as the Albanese Government continues its record investments to put Defence recruitment and retention back on track.

In the 2025-26 financial year, the ADF grew to its largest size in a quarter of a century, meaning:

The ADF enlisted more than 8,100 personnel, the highest intake in 16 years
The full time and permanent workforce now exceeds 64,000 personnel, making it the largest it has been in 25 years
The separation rate – or number of people choosing to leave the ADF – was 7.4%, down even further from last year’s 7.9%, and the lowest it has been in 15 years

Recruitment growth has been recorded across all three Services, with the Navy achieving its highest intake in 16 years, Army its highest intake in 12 years and Air Force its highest intake in 24 years.

Since 2022, the Albanese Government has invested over $1 billion to grow the Defence workforce after inheriting declining recruitment and retention rates. These investments are continuing to deliver results.

The Continuation Bonus and its subsequent extension have been implemented, in addition to improved processes to enable faster recruitment by identifying skill gaps and addressing them quickly, improvements to Defence Benefits and Conditions of Service to help retain the skilled workforce, and a widening of eligibility criteria so that more people can join the ADF have contributed to the growth of the ADF.

As at 1 July 2026, there are more than 61,000 permanent members of the ADF alongside more than 900 Gap Year participants and almost 1,500 full-time Reservists. Together these numbers represent an increase of more than 3,000 full time personnel since last year, taking the total ADF headcount to more than 64,000.

Australians continue to put their hands up to serve, with Defence receiving almost 74,000 applications in the 2025-26 financial year. Navy and Air Force both recorded year-on-year growth in applications.

The ADF is on track to meet the Albanese Government’s target of 69,000 permanent Average Funded Strength by the early 2030s – a key workforce objective reaffirmed in the 2026 National Defence Strategy, which provides a credible and budgeted pathway to grow the Defence workforce.

While more work remains, these results highlight significant progress in attracting and retaining the skilled workforce required to build the future Defence Force.

The ADF recruits to over 300 roles, available to discover online at: www.adfcareers.gov.au

Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles MP:

“Over the last year more sailors, soldiers, aviators, and cyber and space operators joined the Australian Defence Force than in the last 16 years.

“The men and women who wear our nation’s uniform go to work every day to keep Australians safe. That is why the Albanese Government is focused on recruiting, retaining and skilling the workforce we need.

“We’ve already made significant progress, but we will continue to reform recruitment processes and retention initiatives over the long-term.”

Minister for Defence Personnel, Matt Keogh MP:

“Our most important Defence capability is our people, who serve our nation, striving to achieve the Defence mission, every day.

“Thanks to the Albanese Government’s interventions, the Defence workforce is growing, with more people putting their hand up to serve, and more personnel choosing to stick around for longer.

“In 2026 a career in the ADF can mean almost anything, with more than 300 roles to choose from. It’s fantastic to see more Australians coming forward to serve in such dynamic and rewarding careers.