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$284 Million Commonwealth Funding Hole Opening Up – ACT Labor Government Must Fight For Canberra

ACT Greens Municipal Services spokesperson Andrew Braddock MLA has called on the ACT Government to urgently back the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA)’s campaign to restore Financial Assistance Grants to at least one per cent of Commonwealth taxation revenue – to ensure Canberra is adequately funded for basic municipal services.

“The Federal Labor Government is short-changing local Government services across the nation including Canberra. But when 538 Councils raised their voices calling for funding to be restored to historical levels, the ACT Labor Government was suspiciously quiet,” said Mr Braddock.

ACT Budget papers reveal that Financial Assistance Grants, the untied Commonwealth funding stream for local government functions, have collapsed to just $15.9 million this year, after the Commonwealth paid next year’s allocation early to make last year’s budget look better.

Even when that distortion washes out, the ACT’s forward estimates show a structural shortfall of more than $284 million over four years compared to what the Territory would receive if grants were restored to one per cent of Commonwealth taxation revenue.

“This volatility makes it impossible to plan and maintain the roads, parks, pools and community facilities Canberrans rely on,” said Mr Braddock.

“Public libraries in Civic, Erindale and Kippax have lost all weekend hours. Suburban shopping centres at Kingston, Chisholm, Cooleman Court and Kippax are only now receiving basic upgrades that residents have needed for years. Cracked footpaths, worn out playgrounds, aging pools. These are the inevitable results of Labor’s funding shortfalls.

ACT Greens Leader Jo Clay MLA said the ACT Labor Government must act.

“Financial Assistance Grants must be restored to at least one per cent of Commonwealth taxation revenue – a secure, untied, formula-based funding stream that can’t be raided or brought forward for Commonwealth budget management purposes.

“The independent Eslake report told us Canberra is being squeezed. These budget numbers show exactly how. It’s time ACT Labor started fighting for the fair deal Canberrans deserve.”

Political attack almost derails greater protections for young people in criminal proceedings

Stronger protections for the identity of children and young people during criminal proceedings have been recommended by a parliamentary committee today after a young person’s name was given to radio 2GB by a media officer within the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).

This recommendation came despite coordinated attempts by Labor, Liberal and Shooters Party MPs making politically motivated attacks against the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Ms Sally Dowling SC, culminating in an adverse finding against the DPP. The Greens have urged the Minns Labor Government to reject the adverse finding.

The inquiry was cut-short after multiple witnesses refused to give evidence, an issue that continues because the Minns Labor Government has refused to pass draft laws to reinstate the Parliament’s powers to compel attendance at Committee hearings.

Greens MP, Solicitor and spokesperson for Justice Sue Higginson said,

“I am dismayed that this Inquiry has strayed from the important matter of identity protections for children during criminal proceedings, focusing primarily on putting a woman on trial for alleged wrongdoing,”

“A First Nations young person’s identity was disclosed to radio 2GB by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions but, the Director of Public Prosecutions has given sworn testimony she didn’t authorise any disclosure,”

“Despite this sworn testimony, the majority of Committee members have made extraordinary and unsubstantiated allegations against the Director which have no basis in fact whatsoever,

“The Minns Labor Government’s determination to avoid accountability by leaving parliamentary inquiries without teeth is having profound consequences, in this case it has jeopardised public confidence in the justice system,”

“I was able to move amendments to the recommendations to call on the Minns Labor Government to progress legislative reform to better protect the identities of children during criminal proceedings,”

Ginninderra East must deliver new public homes, not ‘affordable’ housing in name only

Today the Greens have welcomed the ACT Government’s purchase of the eastern section of the former CSIRO Ginninderra station, saying the site presents a major opportunity to deliver the kind of affordable public housing Canberra needs.

Greens Spokesperson for Housing, Rebecca Vassarotti, said that now the government has taken responsibility for purchasing the site, it must also recognise its role in delivering at least ten per cent of the site as price-capped affordable public housing.

“For years, Canberrans have seen this government talk a big game when it comes to affordable housing. But no amount of convenient wording or flashy media stunts will distract from the reality that for Canberrans doing it tough, rent is too damn high.

“This government all too often outsources responsibility for delivering on cheaper rentals for everyday people, which is exactly why their over-reliance on affordable housing as a fix to the housing crisis is already failing thousands of Canberrans.

“For a Canberran on a median wage, ‘affordable’ housing by this government’s definition will still swallow nearly a third of their paycheck. Back in the 1990s, that number was just fifteen per cent. To call this progress is dishonest and embarrassing.

“The fact is, working people in this city need affordability by more than just name and spin. They deserve real affordable public housing where the rent you pay is directly attached to the income you earn—not attached to an out-of-reach market figure.

“If this government is serious about standing up for the working people who keep Canberra running, then this CSIRO land-deal is a critical test. That’s why the Greens are calling on the government to publicly commit: make at-least ten per cent of this site genuinely affordable, public housing—because nothing less will tackle this crisis.”

ACT Greens Leader Jo Clay MLA said Ginninderra East provides an opportunity to set a new standard for sustainable and inclusive urban development.

“A great suburb is about more than housing. Canberrans need public transport, walking and cycling connections, schools, parks, community facilities and local services,” Ms Clay said.

“For years, the Greens have consistently argued that if this site is developed, it should deliver genuine public and community housing alongside the transport, services and infrastructure people need.

“We also want to see the community involved early in the planning process, so public and community housing become a defining feature of the new suburb rather than an afterthought.”

Ms Clay said the success of Ginninderra East should ultimately be measured by who is able to live there.

“The real test isn’t how many homes are built, but whether or not a single parent or someone who has spent years waiting for public housing can afford to call this community home.”

Southwest and Metro connected for the first time

The Southwest Metro has reached its biggest milestone yet, with trains now running the full length of the connected line between Bankstown and Tallawong, and the railway officially handed over to its operator, Metro Trains Sydney, as final testing gets underway ahead of opening later this year.

For the first time, the entire M1 Metro line is operating as one connected network, with trains successfully completing end-to-end journeys between Bankstown and Tallawong during weekend testing.

During weekend testing, every second train successfully completed a full run of the track from Bankstown to Tallawong, end-to-end operations will progressively be added, culminating in every service running to Bankstown as we get closer to first passenger service.

Passengers will continue to travel between Tallawong and Sydenham. But from today, those services will arrive on Platform 2 at Sydenham permanently for the first time before continuing through to Bankstown as part of testing (passengers will be required to get off the metro at Sydenham).

Citybound services from Sydenham will continue to operate from Platform 1. Passengers should check platform information screens and to listen for announcements while at the station.

Around 22,000 of the required 30,000 kilometres of testing, and more than half of the required 9,000 hours of testing, is now complete.

The Southwest Metro extension of the M1 Metro Line will deliver capacity for an additional 17,000 people per hour during peak periods, transforming travel across one of Sydney’s fastest-growing regions.

Southwest Metro will open later this year, with the exact date to be confirmed following the successful completion of trial running and receipt of all required regulatory approvals.

Southwest commuters will have fast and reliable metro, 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

As previously announced, M1 line closures will continue to ensure the safe and reliable opening of the converted line to Bankstown later this year.

Full line closures:

Saturday 18 July to Sunday 19 July
Saturday 25 July to Sunday 26 July
Monday 27 July to Wednesday 29 July from 9.50pm nightly

Replacement buses will run between Tallawong and Chatswood, with Sydney Trains services between Chatswood, the City and Sydenham.

Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns said:

“This is a really exciting milestone because it shows we’re in the home stretch. For the first time, Metro trains are now running all the way from Bankstown to Tallawong as one connected railway.

“I know communities across southwest Sydney have been incredibly patient while this work has been carried out. We’ve got a little more to do to make sure everything is thoroughly tested and ready before we welcome passengers.

“When the Southwest Metro opens later this year, it will completely change the way people travel across Sydney, giving thousands of people faster, more frequent and more reliable public transport every day.”

Acting Minister for Transport Jenny Aitchison said:

“This is another significant milestone for the Southwest Metro, with trains now travelling from Tallawong to Bankstown as one connected line for the first time.

“While we work through the next phase of rigorous testing, passengers will still only travel from Sydenham to Tallawong, but we are powering closer to completion.

“Once the full line opens later this year, more than 18,000 Metro trips are expected between Bankstown and Central during the morning peak from 8am and 9am.

“With every major testing milestone, the Minns Labor Government is building momentum towards opening a world-class service for southwest Sydney.”

Member for Bankstown Jihad Dib said:

“I’m so pleased to share this milestone with our community as the Southwest Metro gets closer to opening.

“I want to thank the whole community for your ongoing patience as we all see the progress being made on the Metro and our new improved stations. Every step forward is a step closer to catching the Metro – and it will be worth it.”

Member for Canterbury Sophie Cotsis said:

“This milestone brings our community closer to fast, reliable metro services which will transform travel for people in the city’s southwest.

“The Southwest Metro is a transformational project that will better cater for the transportation needs of southwest Sydney and deliver more job opportunities for the people of Canterbury.

“I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the community for their patience and understanding during this work.”

Member for Summer Hill Jo Haylen said:

“What an incredible milestone to reach as we edge closer to getting passengers on board. I’m thankful to everyone for their understanding as the pink buses keep people moving.

“The Southwest Metro will completely transform the way we travel in the inner west and help people choose public transport more often.”

Securing the Hunter’s future: Jobs and investment from mining land reuse

The first major post-mining land transformations plans at the Mt Arthur Coal Mine site near Muswellbrook and the Macquarie Coal Complex at West Wallsend have been revealed today delivering on the Commonwealth Government’s $5 million investment, alongside in-kind support from the NSW Government.

These sites will be repurposed to create new jobs and industrial precincts that drive economic growth across the region.

The draft master plans and rezoning proposals are now on public exhibition. They map out how the Hunter’s skilled workforce combined with the proximity of strong rail, road, power and water infrastructure lay the foundation for the success of new industries including renewable energy, advanced manufacturing and warehousing.

The plans set out how the Mt Arthur and Macquarie coal mining areas will be transformed from supplying coal to providing new job opportunities as part of a post-mining land use trial.

The plans deliver on the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments’ effort in the Hunter that land previously used for mining can be transformed for new employment and industry.

Mt Arthur coal mine, Muswellbrook

Following the commercial decision by BHP to cease mining operations at their Mt Arthur coal mine in 2030, two areas will be zoned for new industry with access to major highways and the existing rail loop.

Key features of the draft master plan and rezoning proposal include:

Total area of 5,400 hectares
Over 950 hectares of land in the two priority areas identified for early activation
Approximately 5,900 new jobs.

Macquarie Coal Complex, Teralba/West Wallsend

The Macquarie Coal Complex, located just 20km south-west of Newcastle, is ideally positioned to become a major employment precinct for renewable energy, advanced manufacturing and warehousing.

Macquarie Coal Complex is a former mine site and is directly linked to the M1 and the Main Northern Railway.

Key features of the draft master plan and rezoning proposal include:

Total area of 1,160 hectares
At least 500 hectares of developable land
Up to 1,130 new jobs
Around 36 hectares of new open space

Next Steps

A recommendations report will be handed down based on these pilot projects by the end of the year, setting out a clear reform agenda to streamline future post-mining land use opportunities.

This complements other work by the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments along with local councils, already underway to investigate future rezonings at sites across the state including Eraring, Liddell and Bayswater.

The draft master plans are on public exhibition for 28 days from 14 July to 11 August. In-person drop-in sessions will be held in both Muswellbrook and Lake Macquarie during the exhibition period, giving the community the chance to speak directly with the project team.

Community feedback received during this time will help shape the final plans, which are expected to be finalised by the end of the year. To view the proposals and have your say, visit Mt Arthur Mine or Macquarie Coal Complex.

Federal Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science Tim Ayres said:

“The Hunter has the skills, infrastructure and industrial capacity to lead Australia’s next wave of economic growth.

“These masterplans are about attracting new industries, creating high quality local jobs and cementing the region as a major hub for manufacturing and innovation –powering Australia’s economic resilience for decades to come.”

NSW Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:

“The Hunter has powered NSW for generations and we are making sure it continues to power our economy into the future.

“These plans will help create thousands of local jobs, attract new investment and give Hunter communities confidence that the region will remain one of the state’s economic powerhouses.”

NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“The Minns Labor Government is acting now to plan for the Hunter’s future, including making the most of strategically located land and existing infrastructure.

“These proposals provide a clear pathway for former mining land to support new industries, investment and jobs for decades to come and add thousands of hectares to the amount of available and serviced industrial land in NSW.”

NSW Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos said:

“Coal mines in the Hunter have sustained communities and families for generations, and we want to make sure these sites can continue to support jobs even after mining ends.

“This is another example of how the Minns Labor Government is partnering with communities and industry to re-build manufacturing and industry across the Hunter.”

Federal Member for Hunter Dan Repacholi said:

“The Hunter’s next chapter has been built here, by Hunter workers, using Hunter skills. These plans are about turning former mine land into future job sites, with real opportunities in manufacturing, renewables, logistics and industry.

“We’ve got the workforce, we’ve got the know-how, and we’ve got the infrastructure. Now it’s about making sure local people are front and centre as these sites are transformed.”

NSW Member for Cessnock Clayton Barr said:

“The Minns Labor Government is backing the Hunter, creating opportunities for local workers, businesses and communities as the region’s economy evolves.”

“The more than 7,000 jobs set to be created through these projects will make the most of the existing Hunters skilled workforce and help cement the region as a major industrial hub.”

Muswellbrook Shire Council Mayor Jeffrey Drayton said:

“This project is critical for our community. We need the land to attract new industry and create jobs, so Muswellbrook has a future after mining. We don’t have time to wait until mines close down to do this work.”

“This is not about letting mines off the hook. It is about balancing environmental, economic and social outcomes so Muswellbrook can achieve our potential and continue to power the future economy like we have been doing for decades.”

Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz said:

“The transformation of the Macquarie Coal Complex represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to help shape Lake Macquarie’s future.

“By working in partnership with the NSW and Australian Governments and industry, we’re planning ahead to create new jobs and attract investment as the economy evolves.”

Community calls for recreational opportunities and conservation in the proposed Great Koala National Park

Recreation and conservation have emerged as top priorities for the community from extensive consultation on the proposed Great Koala National Park.

The What We Heard report has been released, summarising feedback from members of the public about how they currently use the area, and what they envisage for the park in the future.

It reveals people in the local region and across NSW widely appreciate the area for its recreation opportunities, outstanding conservation values, natural beauty and wellbeing benefits.

There is strong support for improved protection for koalas and other threatened species while also ensuring that a broad range of recreational uses are available in the park.

This aligns with the Minns Labor Government’s vision for the Great Koala National Park to be one of the most significant conservation initiatives in NSW as well as a must-see destination attracting visitors and contributing to the local economy.

Key feedback themes include:

How people use the area: Bushwalking is the most popular activity, alongside camping, sightseeing, wildlife watching, four-wheel driving, swimming, mountain biking and trail bike riding.
What people value most: Protecting habitat and wildlife, while continuing opportunities for a wide range of recreational activities people currently enjoy.
Ideas for the future park: Upgraded trails and infrastructure, new recreation opportunities, supporting education, exploring tourism and nature-based experiences and ongoing community involvement.

The consultation is one of the largest ever undertaken for a new national park. It attracted around 4,000 survey responses and involved more than 70 face-to-face meetings, group forums, community events and online sessions.

The What We Heard report will be used to inform reserve categories and future management. This is not the end of the consultation: collaboration with Aboriginal stakeholders, neighbours, councils, tourism operators, recreation and conservation groups is ongoing.

The NSW Government is working to register a carbon project for the Great Koala National park with the Clean Energy Regulator. The creation of the Park is conditional on the successful registration of this project.

The What We Heard report is available here: https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/publications/what-we-heard-report-proposed-great-koala-national-park-community-consultation

Acting Minister for the Environment Jihad Dib said:

“Creating the Great Koala National Park is about protecting the future of koalas in the wild, safeguarding some of their best habitat in NSW while giving locals and visitors the chance to enjoy a world-class park.

“We appreciate the strong community input and we are listening carefully. Through consultation the feedback is that people want the park to deliver great opportunities for recreation and nature-based experiences.”

Minister for North Coast Janelle Saffin said:

“This report shows we can absolutely protect our environment while also backing our local economy.

“Our community has spoken loud and clear: they want a park that is active, accessible, and alive with recreation.

“By listening to the 4,000 people who engaged with this survey, we are designing a world-class destination that keeps the outdoor activities locals love, while unlocking economic opportunities for our regional businesses, tour operators, and our hospitality sector.

“Local voices are driving this process, and that’s exactly how it should be.”

NSW startups secure $1 million boost to turn ideas into jobs and growth

The Minns Labor Government will give 22 NSW startups and small businesses a share of more than $1 million in funding under the second round of the 2025-26 MVP Ventures Program, helping turn innovative ideas into jobs, investment and economic growth.

The latest funding round backs NSW innovators developing practical solutions to some of the state’s biggest challenges, including housing affordability, advanced manufacturing, clean energy and health, strengthening the state’s position as the national leader in innovation.

The projects demonstrate the depth and diversity of innovation across NSW, with successful applicants including businesses that are developing modular and low-cost housing solutions for regional communities, new clean energy and wastewater technologies for industry, and advanced manufacturing innovations that improve safety and productivity.

By supporting businesses to move beyond the prototype stage and into commercialisation, the MVP Ventures Program helps ensure ideas developed in NSW deliver economic benefits for NSW.

The program provides targeted funding to help startups and small businesses bridge the critical gap between research and commercial success, accelerating their path to market and helping them attract investment.

Innovation drives productivity, supports economic growth and helps create the industries that will shape NSW’s future. The Minns Labor Government is committed to ensuring businesses and communities across metropolitan and regional NSW can share in those opportunities.

Round two MVP grant recipients include:

Aquacultr Group – advancing a non-invasive ultrasonic technology aimed at reducing stress in fish, helping them stay healthier and perform better in aquaculture environments, such as fish farms.
EClass Outboards – a clean technology startup developing an electric retrofit kit for petrol-powered jet skis to support the transition to lower-emissions marine transport.
14modular – an advanced manufacturing business applying lean manufacturing and industrialised construction to deliver high-quality modular housing at scale – faster, more efficiently, and at ever-lower prices.
DermR Health – a medical technology company developing a less invasive way to diagnose skin cancer through its DermR® Patch microneedle technology and companion molecular diagnostic test.

Applications for round three of the 2025-26 MVP Ventures Program are currently being assessed with recipients expected to be announced later this year.

This is part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to build a better NSW by creating more jobs and increasing productivity across the state’s economy.

For more information visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/business-and-economy/innovation/grants-and-programs/mvp-ventures-program.

Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“From housing and clean energy to advanced manufacturing and health technologies, NSW innovators are developing practical solutions to some of our biggest challenges.

“The Minns Labor Government’s Innovation Blueprint is focused on turning that innovation into economic growth, new industries and high-skilled jobs, and the MVP Ventures Program plays an important role in that effort.

“Around half of this funding is supporting women-owned businesses, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-owned businesses and founders in regional NSW, helping ensure the benefits of innovation are shared right across the state.”

Minister for Small Business, Janelle Saffin said:

“Small Businesses are the backbone of the NSW economy, but taking an innovative concept from the drawing board to the market is incredibly challenging in the current climate.

“By bridging that critical funding gap, the Minns Labor Government is ensuring our home-grown talent has the support it needs to scale up, stay competitive, and create the highly skilled jobs of tomorrow right here in NSW.

“Start ups are key to innovation and they inspire new products, services and so much more.”

Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington said:

“Port Stephens has a proud history of marine science research and innovation, so it’s great to see Aquacultr Group receive support through the MVP Ventures Program.

“Their technology has the potential to boost productivity and strengthen the sustainability of aquaculture operations.

“This investment will help bring a locally developed innovation closer to market, supporting jobs and economic opportunities in our region.”

Member for Kiama Katelin McInerney said:

“It’s fantastic to see a Kiama-based business receive support through the MVP Ventures Program to grow an innovative local technology.

“EClass Outboards is taking an innovative approach to reducing emissions in the marine sector, demonstrating the ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit we have here on the South Coast.

“This funding will help the business continue developing its electric jet ski retrofit technology and take another important step towards bringing a NSW-made product to market.”

Aquacultr Group CEO Mat Goddard said:

“Aquaculture is one of the fastest-growing sources of food production globally, and advancing fish welfare and productivity will be critical to the sector’s long-term sustainability.

“This funding will help us commercialise our BioUltrasonics technology and expand its use across the industry to improve fish welfare, productivity and operational performance.”

EClass Outboards Founder Lynelle Johnson said:

“We’re developing practical solutions to help reduce emissions from recreational and commercial marine vessels without replacing existing equipment.

“The MVP Ventures grant will help us continue refining our electric jet ski conversion technology and move closer to bringing a viable zero-emissions alternative to market.”

14modular Founder and CEO David Hartigan said:

“We’re using lean manufacturing and industrialised construction to rethink how housing is delivered in Australia.

“The MVP Ventures grant will help 14modular accelerate the development of our modular housing platform and demonstrate how high-quality homes can be built faster, more efficiently and at a lower cost.”

DermR Health Founder and CEO Stefan Mazy said:

“Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, but clinicians still have limited tools to help identify which suspicious lesions are unlikely to be cancer. As a result, many patients are sent for biopsy to resolve uncertainty, placing them in an invasive diagnostic pathway that can involve discomfort, scarring and delays, even though many biopsies ultimately return benign.

“The MVP Ventures grant will help us advance the DermR® Patch test towards commercial readiness, bringing us closer to a faster, less invasive way to help rule out skin cancer earlier and guide the next step in care.”

NSW Liberals and Nationals take Moore Park Golf course fight to Parliament

The NSW Liberals and Nationals will move to protect the full 18-hole Moore Park Golf Course when Parliament resumes in August, as opposition grows to the Minns Labor Government’s plan to cut the course to 12 holes.

The Opposition will move amendments to the Greater Sydney Parklands Bill 2026 requiring all reasonable steps be taken to retain the 18-hole course.

More than 32,000 people have signed an online petition opposing the Government’s proposal to reduce the course.

Leader of the Opposition Kellie Sloane said the Minns Labor Government had ignored a sensible compromise that would have delivered more public green space while preserving the full golf course.

“Labor had the opportunity to take a win-win compromise put forward by golfers, instead it has ignored common sense and pressed ahead with a plan that satisfies no one,” Ms Sloane said.

“The NSW Liberals and Nationals are listening to the thousands of people who want to protect this iconic public course and we’ll take that fight to Parliament.”

Shadow Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Chris Rath said Labor should back the amendment.

“Moore Park is one of Sydney’s most popular and affordable golf courses, not an exclusive private golf club. Labor wants to lock golfers out, but we will be legislating protections to stop them,” Mr Rath said.

“A petition with more than 32,000 signatures against the Moore Park South Establishment Plan is a clear sign that not enough has been done to get the community on board. We’re calling on Chris Minns to hit the pause button on this project.”

Over 800,000 free TAFE enrolments delivering the skills Australians want, for the jobs we need

The Albanese Labor Government is strengthening skills and training for Australians – with Free TAFE enrolments surging past 800,000.

Since the Government established Free TAFE in 2023 there have been more than 814,000 course enrolments, with strong growth in enrolment and course completion numbers across the country in qualifications that are building the numbers of skilled workers in priority industries – including nursing, aged care, construction, cyber security and early childhood education.

Another important milestone in the program has been reached with more than a quarter of a million course completions – 258,000 – so far, following the release of data from Quarter 1, 2026.

The milestones demonstrate the strong interest in Free TAFE from Australians, and the difference it is making for those looking to start a new career, retrain, or gain qualifications they would otherwise have faced barriers to accessing.

Free TAFE is creating opportunities for Australians from all walks of life. Young people aged 24 and under make up 35 per cent of Free TAFE enrolments, while 24 per cent of enrolments are from job seekers. Regional and remote communities are benefitting too, with 32 per cent and 2 per cent of enrolments respectively.

The data has also revealed a jump of around 15,000 enrolments in Free TAFE construction courses compared to the previous quarter, with states and territories rolling out additional Free TAFE Construction places funded by the Albanese Government.

When the Government came to office, the former Coalition government had left skills shortages in Australia at a 50-year high, with no plan to turn them around – in fact, they had cut billions from TAFE and training during their time in office.

Free TAFE was introduced by the Albanese Government as a key measure in both turning around these shortages, and removing the cost barriers that have held people back from pursuing new qualifications and careers.

Last year, the Government legislated permanent Free TAFE, delivering 100,000 places every year from 2027 so that Australians can continue to benefit from the opportunities a TAFE qualification offers.

The Liberals, Nationals and One Nation all voted against making Free TAFE permanent, and have failed to offer an alternative to support the hundreds of thousands of Australians who’ve benefitted from the program.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“Free TAFE is changing lives – that’s why Labor established it, and why we’ve made it permanent.

“Free TAFE makes sure Australians get the training they need for good, well-paid jobs and the skills that can help build Australia’s future.”

Minister for Skills and Training, Andrew Giles

“When we came to office the Coalition left us the worst skills shortages that Australia had seen in 50 years. Since then, the percentage of occupations in shortage have kept coming down, from 36 per cent in 2023 to 29 per cent in 2025.

“Free TAFE is at the heart of this – not only building the pipeline of skilled workers, but opening up opportunity for more Australians to lift their income and find secure work for their future.

“The contrast with the three right-wing parties couldn’t be starker. All of them – Liberals, Nationals and One Nation – voted no to permanent Free TAFE, meaning they went to the last election promising nothing for Free TAFE and nothing to support Australians’ skills.”

SECURING THE HUNTER’S FUTURE: JOBS AND INVESTMENT FROM MINING LAND REUSE

The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments and Muswellbrook and Lake Macquarie councils are working together to secure the future of the Hunter, with new plans set to unlock more than 7,000 jobs as part of the region’s shift from coal into a major industrial hub.
The first major post-mining land transformations plans at the Mt Arthur Coal Mine site near Muswellbrook and the Macquarie Coal Complex at West Wallsend have been revealed today delivering on the Commonwealth Government’s $5 million investment, alongside in-kind support from the NSW Government.
These sites will be repurposed to create new jobs and industrial precincts that drive economic growth across the region.
The draft master plans and rezoning proposals are now on public exhibition. They map out how the Hunter’s skilled workforce combined with the proximity of strong rail, road, power and water infrastructure lay the foundation for the success of new industries including renewable energy, advanced manufacturing and warehousing.The plans set out how the Mt Arthur and Macquarie coal mining areas will be transformed from supplying coal to providing new job opportunities as part of a post-mining land use trial.
The plans deliver on the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments’ effort in the Hunter that land previously used for mining can be transformed for new employment and industry.
Mt Arthur coal mine, Muswellbrook
Following the commercial decision by BHP to cease mining operations at their Mt Arthur coal mine in 2030, two areas will be zoned for new industry with access to major highways and the existing rail loop.
Key features of the draft master plan and rezoning proposal include:
·        Total area of 5,400 hectares
·        Over 950 hectares of land in the two priority areas identified for early activation
·        Approximately 5,900 new jobs.
Macquarie Coal Complex, Teralba/West Wallsend
The Macquarie Coal Complex, located just 20km south-west of Newcastle, is ideally positioned to become a major employment precinct for renewable energy, advanced manufacturing and warehousing.
Macquarie Coal Complex is a former mine site and is directly linked to the M1 and the Main Northern Railway.
Key features of the draft master plan and rezoning proposal include:
·        Total area of 1,160 hectares
·        At least 500 hectares of developable land
·        Up to 1,130 new jobs
·        Around 36 hectares of new open space
Next Steps
A recommendations report will be handed down based on these pilot projects by the end of the year, setting out a clear reform agenda to streamline future post-mining land use opportunities.
This complements other work by the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments along with local councils, already underway to investigate future rezonings at sites across the state including Eraring, Liddell and Bayswater.
The draft master plans are on public exhibition for 28 days from 14 July to 11 August. In-person drop-in sessions will be held in both Muswellbrook and Lake Macquarie during the exhibition period, giving the community the chance to speak directly with the project team.
Community feedback received during this time will help shape the final plans, which are expected to be finalised by the end of the year. To view the proposals and have your say, visit Mt Arthur Mine: https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/ppr/pre-exhibition/mt-arthur-mine or Macquarie Coal Complex: https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/ppr/under-exhibition/macquarie-coal-complex .
Federal Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science Tim Ayres said:
“The Hunter has the skills, infrastructure and industrial capacity to lead Australia’s next wave of economic growth.
“These masterplans are about attracting new industries, creating high quality local jobs and cementing the region as a major hub for manufacturing and innovation –powering Australia’s economic resilience for decades to come.”
NSW Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:
“The Hunter has powered NSW for generations and we are making sure it continues to power our economy into the future.
“These plans will help create thousands of local jobs, attract new investment and give Hunter communities confidence that the region will remain one of the state’s economic powerhouses.”
NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:
“The Minns Labor Government is acting now to plan for the Hunter’s future, including making the most of strategically located land and existing infrastructure.
“These proposals provide a clear pathway for former mining land to support new industries, investment and jobs for decades to come and add thousands of hectares to the amount of available and serviced industrial land in NSW.”
NSW Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos said:
“Coal mines in the Hunter have sustained communities and families for generations, and we want to make sure these sites can continue to support jobs even after mining ends.
“This is another example of how the Minns Labor Government is partnering with communities and industry to re-build manufacturing and industry across the Hunter.”
Federal Member for Hunter Dan Repacholi said:
“The Hunter’s next chapter has been built here, by Hunter workers, using Hunter skills. These plans are about turning former mine land into future job sites, with real opportunities in manufacturing, renewables, logistics and industry.
“We’ve got the workforce, we’ve got the know-how, and we’ve got the infrastructure. Now it’s about making sure local people are front and centre as these sites are transformed.”
NSW Member for Cessnock Clayton Barr said:
“The Minns Labor Government is backing the Hunter, creating opportunities for local workers, businesses and communities as the region’s economy evolves.”
“The more than 7,000 jobs set to be created through these projects will make the most of the existing Hunters skilled workforce and help cement the region as a major industrial hub.”
Muswellbrook Shire Council Mayor Jeffrey Drayton said:
“This project is critical for our community. We need the land to attract new industry and create jobs, so Muswellbrook has a future after mining. We don’t have time to wait until mines close down to do this work.”
“This is not about letting mines off the hook. It is about balancing environmental, economic and social outcomes so Muswellbrook can achieve our potential and continue to power the future economy like we have been doing for decades.”
Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz said:
“The transformation of the Macquarie Coal Complex represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to help shape Lake Macquarie’s future.
“By working in partnership with the NSW and Australian Governments and industry, we’re planning ahead to create new jobs and attract investment as the economy evolves.”