This morning, the Minns Labor Government has voted with the Greens against giving police the power to conduct knife wanding operations anywhere, anytime, making the job of our hardworking police harder, not easier.
The NSW Liberals and Nationals moved an amendment in the Legislative Assembly which would have removed the bureaucratic requirement for police to make a formal declaration before commencing a knife wanding operation, while retaining the existing safeguards governing the exercise of those powers.
Leader of the Opposition Kellie Sloane said Labor had chosen bureaucracy over backing frontline police and making it easier for them to keep the community safe.
“Knife crime doesn’t wait for paperwork, and neither should police,” Ms Sloane said.
“Police don’t have to tell motorists where RBT is being conducted because this would simply encourage drink drivers to avoid detection while failing to keep the community safe.”
“Labor’s insistence that police tell those carrying concealed knives where a wanding operation will be conducted helps criminals and fails to protect the community.”
Acting Shadow Attorney General Susan Carter said Labor had sought to create a false choice between police powers and safeguards.
“Our amendment retained the existing safeguards governing knife wanding powers, including requirements for police to identify themselves and explain the search,” Ms Carter said.
“The only safeguard Labor is really defending is unnecessary paperwork.”
“Every day police exercise discretion across a wide range of powers. There is no reason to suggest they cannot be trusted to exercise the same professional judgement when deciding where knife wanding is needed.”
“Arising from the inquest into the six knifing deaths at Bondi Junction, the Coroner recommended considering allowing wanding without any prior declaration in crowded places.”
“Yesterday the Attorney General claimed the Government had accepted this recommendation – by considering this idea and then rejecting it. Instead the Government gave in to calls from groups that oppose wanding entirely by retaining the unnecessary, clumsy, declaration system.”
Shadow Minister for Police and Counter-Terrorism Anthony Roberts said Labor’s argument that police had already issued hundreds of declarations simply demonstrated the administrative burden was unnecessary.
“If police have already been required to make hundreds of declarations, that doesn’t prove the process is essential. It proves they’re spending time repeatedly completing paperwork before getting on with protecting the public.”
“The question is simple: should police be filling out declarations, or should they be focusing on finding knives before they’re used? Labor’s answer is more paperwork.”:
Author: admin
Visit to Australia by the General Secretary and President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will welcome the General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam and President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, His Excellency, Mr To Lam, on his visit to Australia from 9 to 12 August 2026.
The leaders will meet for the first time in Canberra on Tuesday 11 August 2026 to discuss opportunities to deepen cooperation.
Australia and Vietnam are close regional partners with a longstanding friendship.
In March 2024, Australia and Vietnam established a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that has expanded cooperation in areas such as defence and security, economic engagement, education, energy cooperation, innovation and digital transformation.
This will be General Secretary and President To Lam’s first visit to Australia, following his appointment as State President in April 2026.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
“I look forward to welcoming General Secretary and President To Lam to Australia and discussing how we can strengthen cooperation between our two nations.
“The Vietnam-Australia relationship is grounded in deep strategic trust, mutual interests, and a shared ambition for the future of our region.
“Our two nations share deep cultural ties and around 350,000 Australians have Vietnamese heritage.”
Appointment of Secretary of the Department of Industry, Science and Resources
I am pleased to announce the Governor-General has appointed Mr Simon Draper PSM as Secretary of the Department of Industry, Science and Resources.
Mr Draper brings extensive public sector experience to the role, currently serving as Secretary of the New South Wales Premier’s Department.
Prior to this, Mr Draper held senior leadership positions including CEO of the NSW Reconstruction Authority, CEO of Infrastructure NSW, and Secretary of the NSW Department of Industry.
He also has experience working across the infrastructure, utility and energy sectors.
In 2022, Mr Draper was awarded a Public Service Medal for his outstanding public service at Infrastructure NSW, for coordinating the construction industry’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and contributing to the state’s economic recovery.
Mr Draper’s term will commence on 6 October 2026 for a 5-year period.
I would like to thank Ms Julia Pickworth for acting as Secretary of the Department of Industry, Science and Resources.
Speeding to be cracked down at Sandgate
Road safety on the Pacific Highway will be strengthened with the reinstallation of two speed cameras at Sandgate, helping to reduce speeding and keep motorists safe on one of the state’s busiest transport corridors.
The fixed cameras were removed three years ago during the upgrade of the Hexham Straight, between Newcastle Inner City Bypass and Hexham Bridge, and will be turned on from today.
The northbound camera has been reinstated where the previous camera was, and the southbound camera is now about 70 metres north from its original site to align with the completed road upgrade.
The cameras first enforced this stretch of road in 2003. During the five-year period prior to the 2003 installation there were 23 casualty crashes on the Pacific Highway at Sandgate, within 500 metres either side of the cameras. These crashes resulted in one fatality and 24 people being injured. Since the cameras were installed there have been no fatalities and a significant reduction in injuries in the vicinity of the cameras.
Transport for NSW’s Road Safety Regulation executive director Duncan Lucas said the return of the cameras would reinforce the importance of safe driving behaviour and help reduce the risk of serious crashes.
“While the cameras were removed during construction, the warning signs remained in place to remind motorists to slow down and drive safely for the benefit of everyone using the road,” Mr Lucas said.
“Speeding remains the leading factor involved in death and injuries on our roads, contributing to about 40 per cent of road fatalities.
“When the unexpected happens on the road – the speed that you’re travelling at matters. ‘just a bit over’ can be the difference between stopping safely and being involved in a crash.”
The new cameras will operate in warning mode for at least one month during which time drivers caught speeding will be sent a warning letter to encourage them to change their behaviour.
Fines and demerit points will be sent to offending drivers once the warning letter period has finished.
Homicide Squad detectives charge two teens with murder after alleged fatal stabbing – Lake Macquarie
Homicide Squad detectives have charged two teens with murder following an investigation into an alleged fatal stabbing in Lake Macquarie earlier this year.
Shortly after 4am on Sunday 19 April 2026, emergency services were called to Montgomery Street, Argenton, following reports of an assault.
Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District arrived to find a 38-year-old man had been stabbed.
He was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics; however, died at the scene.
A crime scene was established by local police before the investigation was handed to State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad under Strike Force Blave.
A 22-year-old man has since been charged with murder and remains before the court.
Following inquiries, about 9.15am today (Thursday 6 August 2026) strike force detectives arrested two boys – aged 16 – at Gosford Police Station, where they were both charged with murder.
One of the boys was also charged with fail to comply digital evidence access order direction.
Both teens were remanded in custody to appear at a Children’s Court today (Thursday 6 August 2026).
Investigations under Stike Force Blave are ongoing.
Man charged after alleged road rage, firearm and tasers seized – Lake Macquarie
A man has been charged following an alleged armed road rage in the state’s north yesterday.
About 5.40pm yesterday (Tuesday 4 August 2026), police were called to a shopping centre carpark on Stockland Drive, Glendale, following reports of a road rage incident.
Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District attended and were told two women – aged 22 and 47 – were involved in an alleged road rage incident with another unknown driver, before a firearm was pointed at them and the driver leaving the scene.
Following inquiries, police attended a home on Anzac Parade, Teralba, and stopped a vehicle believed to be linked to the alleged incident.
A vehicle search was conducted, with police allegedly locating and seizing a gel blaster, two tasers, a baton, three slingshots and a knife.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and taken to Toronto Police Station where he was charged with possess unregistered firearm-pistol, five counts of possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit, stalk/intimidate intend fear physical etc harm (personal) and armed with intent commit indictable offence.
He was refused bail to appear before Bail Division Court 2 today (Wednesday 5 August 2026).
Victorian firm secures $160 million helmet contract
The Albanese Government is investing in the supply and refurbishment of combat helmets for the Australian Defence Force (ADF) through Victorian company, Aquaterro.
This investment of up to $160 million across seven years will support Australian industry and jobs, and ensure ADF personnel have access to reliable, locally supported and up-to-date protective equipment.
Aquaterro has supported the ADF for ten years, supplying over 75,000 ballistic helmets and conducting refurbishment maintenance services on over 30,000 helmets.
The contract includes the provision of 100% Designed and Made in Australia camouflage helmet covers.
Defence and Aquaterro have also signed a $1.16 million support services contract, increasing technical support for small arms capability used by our soldiers, sailors and aviators.
This contract provides Defence with access to Aquaterro and SIG Sauer technical expertise, strengthening Australia’s local defence industrial base while supporting relationships with international suppliers.
Aquaterro employs more than 70 staff at its facility in Pakenham, located in Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs.
Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy:
“This investment is about keeping Australian soldiers, sailors and aviators safe and supporting local defence industry and jobs.
“Aquaterro’s work will play an important role in strengthening Australia’s sovereign domestic supply chains and supporting the sustainment of critical ADF capability.
“This is another example of how the Albanese Government is ensuring the capability and protective equipment used by the ADF are supported by local, accessible and responsive technical expertise.
“Importantly, it supports Australian jobs and strengthens our skilled technical workforce.”
Launch of the 2026 Defence Innovation, Science and Technology Strategy
The Albanese Government has today launched the 2026 Defence Innovation, Science and Technology (IS&T) Strategy – a 10-year blueprint to accelerate the delivery of innovative solutions and new technologies for Defence and strengthen Australia’s sovereign industrial base.
In a rapidly evolving strategic environment, the pace of technological change is accelerating and emerging technologies are reshaping the character of warfare. To maintain Australia’s strategic advantage, Defence must be equipped to innovate, adapt and deliver capability at speed.
The 2026 IS&T Strategy focuses on six key capability priorities:
- long-range fires and hypersonic weapons;
- high-energy lasers;
- autonomous systems;
- quantum technology;
- artificial intelligence; and
- undersea warfare.
These priority areas will be critical to the delivery of capabilities and autonomous platforms for our Defence Force, such as the Ghost Bat uncrewed aircraft and the Ghost Shark autonomous undersea vehicle. They will also support the development of quantum technologies which provide secure navigation and timing in GPS-denied environments, and advanced systems to counter drones and protect Defence personnel and infrastructure – drawing on lessons learned from the war in Ukraine and conflict in the Middle East.
This is a national endeavour, drawing on and contributing to capabilities across government, industry, research institutions and universities. The 2026 IS&T Strategy strengthens these partnerships to accelerate innovation, build sovereign capability and contribute to the peace and security of our region.
Defence also continues to work with trusted international partners to expand collaboration across areas of innovation, science and technology.
The 2026 IS&T Strategy is being launched in conjunction with the 2026 ADSTAR Summit which begins in Adelaide today.
Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles:
“The Defence Innovation, Science and Technology Strategy sets clear direction for Defence, industry, academics and researchers to work together on the technologies that will define the future of modern warfare.
“Technology is reshaping warfare at a pace we have never seen before. The lessons from conflicts around the world are clear: nations that can innovate faster and adopt new technologies more effectively will have a decision advantage.
“The 2024 Defence Innovation, Science and Technology Strategy made strong progress and the 2026 Strategy builds on this and aligns efforts with the 2026 National Defence Strategy and Defence Industry Development Strategy.”
Chief of the Defence Force, Admiral Mark Hammond:
“The new Defence Innovation, Science and Technology Strategy offers a blueprint for providing the capability our warfighters need.
“The Strategy will enable us to transition new technologies to our people sooner through a balanced approach to risk, deeper partnerships with industry, academia and international allies, and a culture of rapid experimentation that allows us to fail fast, learn faster and adapt quickly.
“Today is an invaluable opportunity for all of us to come together at ADSTAR, to discuss how we can take collective action to accelerate and enhance Australia’s asymmetric advantage to preserve peace, prosperity and security for all Australians.”
Chief Defence Scientist, Professor Tanya Monro:
“The Defence Innovation, Science and Technology Strategy clearly outlines Defence innovation, science and technology priorities, helping our partners focus their expertise and investment on the areas that will have the greatest impact on Australia’s national security and defence capability.
“This represents a significant step towards deeper co-design and co-development with industry and academia, ensuring research programs are shaped from the outset by shared priorities and real capability challenges, while strengthening research security across the innovation ecosystem.
“This Strategy will help align research effort, investment and innovation with Defence’s highest-priority needs and strengthen Australia’s strategic advantage.”
Greens welcome long-awaited action on mental health emergencies, but more needed
After sustained pressure from the Greens, working alongside the families of those harmed by police during mental health emergencies, people with lived experience, and experts, the Minns Labor government has finally announced a welcome change to the way that Triple Zero calls for mental health are responded to, two years after committing to reform in this space.
A health-led response to mental health emergencies, with police activated as a secondary response only when required to support the safety of health workers, was a key recommendation of the Greens-led inquiry into community mental health care, which handed down its report in June 2024.
Dr Amanda Cohn, Greens spokesperson for Health including Mental Health, said today’s announcement is welcome and significant, but is not yet sufficiently resourced.
“When someone calls Triple Zero for their mental health or for a loved one, they need mental health care, not law enforcement. Too many people have been harmed by police as the default response in NSW while alternative response models have been operating in other states.”
Eight Mental Health Acute Assessment Teams (an expansion of the successful trial in Western Sydney), available 12 hours per day, leaves police as default responders for the vast majority of calls across NSW for care and support.
“People across the state are still at risk of harm from police-led responses. Now that this significant reform has commenced, the Greens are calling on the Minns Labor government to finish the job and ensure that people calling Triple Zero for mental health can get the care they need, regardless of the time of day or where they live.”
Selected Parliamentary activity by Dr Cohn calling for reform:
- 2024 Greens-led Inquiry into community and outpatient mental health care in NSW
- Greens Motion Passed in NSW Legislative Council 26 June 2026 includes reference to past questions to the Minister at Budget Estimates hearings
Labor and Nationals team up to keep coal projects away from independent review
The Minns Labor Government has ensured coal projects will continue to be approved in-house instead of by the Independent Planning Commission (IPC) after voting against Greens amendments to the “Net Zero Future Committee Report: Emissions from the fossil fuel sector” to recommend coal projects must be independently assessed.
Greens MP and spokesperson for Climate Change and Planning Sue Higginson says:
“I moved this very simple amendment to this report to make good Labor’s own pre-election commitment to have coal projects independently assessed – I was shocked that they’ve teamed up with the Nationals and voted against their own position,”
“Coal exported from NSW is causing significant harm here and around the world. People are losing their lives, homes and landscapes because of the impacts of climate change. It’s astounding that Labor and the Nationals voted to let these deadly projects keep being approved without independent oversight,”
“Since the Minns Labor Government legislated our emissions reductions obligations in NSW, six mines totalling six million tonnes of collective greenhouse gas emissions have been approved without being referred to the Independent Planning Commission. This is despite Labor promising that new coal projects would be assessed independently,”
“This Committee was specifically established to have oversight of the Minns Labor Government’s legally enshrined obligations to reach net zero emissions, but they’ve stacked it with their own numbers and now the Nationals are helping keep coal approvals rolling along out of public view,”
“There should not be any new, expanded, or extended coal in NSW, and this report contains the evidence that approving any is actually against the law,”
“The Minns Labor Government cannot claim to be taking action on climate or staying true to the commitments they have made to the people of NSW when they have stopped this report from recommending all coal projects at the very least be independently assessed. It’s literally two-faced duplicity, with dire consequences” Ms Higginson said.
For media contact: Sue Higginson on 0428 227 363
Pre-election commitment by Labor for independent oversight of coal projects on page 31 of the transcript: Minister for Resources Courtney Houssos: I’d just make a couple of points in relation to coalmining and expansions. We were really clear before the election that we support the independent planning assessment process of resources projects, and that is the important overarching principle.