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Albanese Government bans Iranians from seeking safety in Australia

The Albanese Labor Government announced today that it will prevent people from Iran who already hold a valid Australian visa from coming to Australia. This is a brutal and unfair decision designed to ensure none of them can make an onshore claim for protection like members of the Iranian women’s football team.

The Migration Amendment (2026 Measures No 1) Bill 2026, which was supported by One Nation and the Liberals, gave the Minister of Home Affairs the power to block people with a valid temporary visa from travelling to Australia. This power has now been exercised by the Minister of Home Affairs to target Iranians to prevent them from seeking asylum in Australia.

The restriction will initially apply to any Iranians holding a subclass 600 visitor visa. We know from evidence given by Home Affairs in answer to questions from Senator Shoebridge that there are currently around 7,200 Iranians who hold temporary visas but have not yet arrived in Australia.

The vast majority of people seeking asylum from authoritarian countries do so by securing a visa and then applying for asylum upon arrival. There are vanishingly small numbers of offshore humanitarian visas provided to people in Iran, because doing so would clearly identify them as a target from the Iranian government.

Senator Shoebridge, Greens spokesperson on Immigration, said: “The Albanese Government supported an illegal war on Iran by the US and Israel with the lie that it was to support the Iranian people. Today, we see with 100% clarity what the Albanese Government thinks of the safety of the Iranian people as they shut the door on protection for people with a visa to come here.

“The Labor Party cynically used the plight of everyday Iranians to justify their support for this latest US forever war, and it has now dropped them when they are no longer of ‘use’.

“Time and time again it is the Labor Party that passes the cruellest laws targeting refugees. One Nation and Liberals may cheer Labor on, but it is Labor pulling the trigger.

“The Government’s claim that it consulted with the ‘leadership of the Australian Iranian community’ may be true, even if I doubt it. But if they did, you get no credit for betraying someone while looking them in the eye.

“To its shame, the Labor government has been explicit that this law is to prevent people from Iran from coming to Australia and seeking safety.

“Today’s order puts the lie to the pretence that Labor is supporting the illegal US and Israeli war on Iran to help the Iranian people. They could not care less.”

Parliament launches review of anti-corruption watchdog’s performance

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on the National Anti-Corruption Commission has launched a formal inquiry into the NACC’s performance of its functions, examining how effectively Australia’s key anti-corruption body is operating. This follows significant community concern that the NACC is failing to deliver on community expectations and has been mired in scandals about conflict of interest management. 

Submissions from the public and stakeholders are open until 29 May 2026, with the Committee due to report by 26 October 2026. The inquiry page is here.

Senator Shoebridge, Greens Justice Spokesperson and member of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on the NACC David Shoebridge: 

“Australians have been watching the NACC operate in the shadows for years and with this inquiry it’s time to drag this body into the light.”

“NACC has no public hearings, no regular updates and zero cooperation with whistleblowers and complainants. That is a recipe for destroying public trust, not fighting corruption. 

“As one of the many people who have lodged complaints with the NACC I know how people feel when they report serious corruption concerns and are met with total silence for months ticking over to years. 

“I hope that with this inquiry the public can get a voice to tell us directly their thoughts on the processes and functions of the NACC and how to fix it. For too long this entire conversation has been captured by the Labor and Liberal parties who are so conflicted. 

“What I repeatedly hear from the public is that they think the NACC is a joke, a hamstrung and secret tribunal that is fundamentally failing to root out federal corruption. 

“This inquiry has been called while the Inspector is undertaking a separate and independent investigation into concerns about the NACC Commissioner’s actual or perceived conflicts of interest. To respect that independence it is right that this inquiry does not cover that same ground.

“The test of this inquiry is simple: will it produce a pathway to a NACC that the public can actually see doing its job? To do that it will have to give a pathway for serious reform so that whistleblowers are respected, the cloak of secrecy is pulled back and people can see how corruption is being tackled,” Senator Shoebridge said.

US verdict shows urgent need for new Digital Duty of Care laws and opt-out rules for toxic algorithms

After months of delay and failure of the Government to act on a Digital Duty of Care, the Greens will introduce new laws to keep all users safe online. The “Fix our Feeds” bill will be introduced into the Senate next week. 

Greens spokesperson for communications, Senator Sarah Hanson-Young: 

“This verdict confirms what we’ve known for years: social media platforms are deliberately designed to keep people hooked, just like cigarettes or pokie machines. 

“These multi-billion dollar companies are making massive profits off a product that is deliberately designed to be addictive, even when it’s harmful. 

“Big tech is the new big tobacco – an industry that makes its profits off selling addictive, toxic and harmful products.

“Despite promising 18 months ago to implement a Digital Duty of Care – a law that requires social media companies not to cause harm to their users – the Government has done nothing and is still sitting on its hands.

“Toxic algorithms flood our social media feeds day after day. It’s time to give Australians the power to control what we see in our feeds. Every user should have the freedom to choose what type of content they want to see and to opt out of toxic algorithms. 

“Right now, big tech giants are allowed to set their own rules. There is no requirement forcing these companies to make their platforms safe to use, even when they know they are doing harm.  

“A Digital Duty of Care would force big tech giants to prevent harm before it happens – not just apologise after the damage is done.

“The Greens will introduce new laws that will help keep everyone safe online because the Government has refused to act.  

“The Greens Fix our Feeds Bill will allow users to opt in or out of predatory algorithms, giving them a safer online experience. 

“Social media apps shouldn’t be able to rig their algorithms to force dangerous content on users for the sake of making mega profits.”

Minns Labor attacks Aboriginal land claims by stealth through Crown lands bill

Minns Labor attacks Aboriginal land claims by stealth through Crown lands bill
The Minns Labor Government has introduced the Crown Land Management Amendment (Statutory Review) Bill 2026 and then tabled the statutory review report two days later, in a highly flawed process that appears designed to avoid proper scrutiny of major changes affecting Aboriginal land claims inside what is being presented as routine legislative reform.

The NSW Aboriginal Land Council has publicly warned that the bill would hollow out Aboriginal land rights, and a statewide conference of Local Aboriginal Land Councils is descending on NSW Parliament this morning to oppose it.

Greens MP, spokesperson for the environment and Solicitor Sue Higginson said:

“This bill has sparked major opposition because people can see exactly what it is, an attempt to make serious changes to Crown lands law, including changes that impact Aboriginal land claims, through a process designed to avoid proper scrutiny,”

“The High Court made it clear that the State cannot defeat an Aboriginal land claim by pointing to a lease on paper where the land was not actually being used when the claim was made. This bill is designed to get around that decision by letting the Minister retrospectively change the use of Crown land after the fact, to defeat a claim that was valid when it was lodged. This is an injustice in the making and an attempt to avoid the return of crown lands subject to Aboriginal land claims,”

“The Government introduced the bill first and only tabled the statutory review report two days later. That is a highly flawed process in any circumstance, but it is especially unacceptable where the bill affects the already narrow and hard-fought framework for Aboriginal land rights,”

“The NSW Aboriginal Land Council is unequivocal in their opposition, and today a statewide conference of Land Councils has come to Parliament to make that opposition visible. When First Nations communities across NSW are forced to mobilise like this, the Government should understand it has lost any claim to having handled this issue in good faith,”

“ The Law Society of NSW has come out this morning clearly opposed to the Government attempting such a radical and unfair reform by stealth. When both the peak legal body and the peak Aboriginal land rights body are raising alarm, the Government cannot pretend this is ordinary or non-controversial reform,”

“If Labor wants to make major changes to Aboriginal land claims, it should do so openly, directly, and in consultation with the people whose rights are affected. It should not hide behind the language of a statutory review while trying to push through changes that many people in the Parliament, and I suspect many people in the Labor caucus, do not yet fully understand,”

“The Greens will scrutinise every provision of this bill and oppose any measure that weakens Aboriginal land rights, narrows access to land justice, or shifts more power back into the hands of the State over land that was never ceded,” Ms Higginson said.

New data confirms Treasurer left Australia exposed to current crisis through his active inflation agenda

“New inflation data shows Australia has been left vulnerable and exposed because the Treasurer’s active inflation agenda has been left to persist even before the inflation consequences of the global crisis,” said Shadow Treasurer, Tim Wilson, today.

Mr Wilson’s comments follow the release of the ABS’ February inflation data.

In February, prior to the start of the Iran conflict, inflation was running hotter here than in every major advanced economy.

At 3.7 per cent, inflation here is greater than France 0.9 per cent, Japan 1.3 per cent, Italy 1.5 per cent, Canada 1.8 per cent, Germany 1.9 per cent, United States 2.4 per cent, and the United Kingdom 3.0 per cent.

“Australians have lost confidence in Labor’s management of the economy and the Treasurer’s excuses as his active inflation agenda squeezes household budgets and new data confirms plummeting consumer confidence and skyrocketing inflation expectations.

“The most persistent inflation is homegrown – risen from 4.9 to 5.0 per cent – and fuelled by the Treasurer’s active inflation agenda that is pouring debt petrol on the inflation fire.”

Shadow Treasurer Tim Wilson said the latest CPI data confirms inflation remains a persistent challenge and combined with record low consumer confidence data, showed Labor was taking the country further behind.

“Australians are being hit from both sides. Their confidence is falling while their cost of living keeps rising,” Mr Wilson said.

“Under Labor, we are heading for a lost decade of productivity, leaving every Australian around $35,000 worse off.

“This reflects what families already know—their pay packets are not going as far, and the pressure is not easing.

“Instead of easing pressure, government spending is adding to inflation risks at a time when Australians need relief.”

“Australians are already paying the price through higher mortgages, groceries and energy bills. They need a government focused on restoring stability, not adding to uncertainty.”

Mr Wilson said Australia needs a renewed focus on economic discipline.

“That means getting spending under control, restoring respect for taxpayers, and backing policies that lift productivity so hard work pays off again,” he said.

“Australians deserve an economy where they can get ahead, not one where they feel like they’re falling behind.

“We know under the Albanese government there’s plenty of fuel for inflation, just not for farmers and families. Only the Coalition will protect Australians’ way of life and restore their standard of living,” Mr Wilson said.

Ordinary Council Meeting 24 March

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 24 March. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions. 

Ordinary business 

City of Newcastle Committees Annual Reports

Council received 2025 annual reports from the Access and Inclusion Standing Committee, Asset Advisory Committee, Community and Culture Strategic Advisory Committee, Future Fund Governance Committee, Guraki Aboriginal Standing Committee, Infrastructure Strategic Advisory Committee, Liveable Cities Strategic Advisory Committee, Public Art Standing Committee, Strategy and Innovation Strategic Advisory Committee and Youth Council Standing Committee.

Adoption of Community Land Plan of Management 

Council voted unanimously to adopt the Community Land Plan of Management, which guides the future management of all Council owned or managed public land classified as ‘community’ under the Local Government Act.

Executive Monthly Performance Report

Council voted unanimously to receive the Executive Monthly Performance Report for February 2026.

Tender report – processing of FOGO 

Council voted unanimously to accept a tender for the processing of Food and Garden Organics (FOGO) at a third-party facility for City of Newcastle and Port Stephens Council. City of Newcastle conducted the tender process on behalf of the Councils.

Notices of Motion 

Strengthening seniors programming and progressing Newcastle as an age-friendly city

Council unanimously supported an amended notice of motion to hold an expression of interest process for membership of the Seniors Reference Group. The group would continue to advise Council on the options for planning and delivery of seniors-relevant activities and strategic priorities to support Newcastle becoming a more age-friendly city.

Bringing Newcastle buses back into public hands 

Council supported an amended notice of motion to write to the Minister for Transport and local State members for Newcastle, Charlestown and Wallsend to express support for the State Government to bring the bus contract back into public hands and provide increased funding to create a quality bus service worthy of NSW’s second largest city.

Mater maintenance mess 

Council voted to lay on the table a notice of motion to write to the Minister for Health and local State member for Wallsend seeking that the Public-Private Partnership with Novacare for the Mater Hospital be terminated and maintenance brought back into public hands.

Celebrating one million stories in Refugee Week 2026 

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion for City of Newcastle to work with local agencies, schools and cultural organisations to celebrate Refugee Week 2026 as part of the Neighbourly Newy Program.

International Women’s Day 2026 – standing against domestic violence

Council unanimously supported an amended notice of motion to request that the CEO investigate State and Federal grant funding programs alongside community organisations to support the development of a City of Newcastle Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Strategy.

Participatory budgeting and project co-design

Council supported an amended notice of motion that City of Newcastle explores a trial of participatory budgeting as part of the development of the 2027/28 Budget and Delivery Program, focusing on a clearly defined and manageable component of the budget to manage risks and strengthen representativeness.

Another milestone reached as thousands more move into new public housing

The Minns Labor Government has delivered 3,500 new public, community and affordable homes marking a significant milestone that is helping people right across NSW, including victim-survivors of domestic violence, find safety and rebuild their lives.

In the 2024-25 financial year, 1711 new social and affordable were built or brought back into use under the historic $6.6 billion Building Homes for New South Wales program.

Housing affordability and availability is the biggest single pressure facing the people of New South Wales, and for many, building our social and affordable housing stock can mean the difference between sleeping on the street or not being able to leave an unsafe household.

Women over 55 and people aged 55–64 are now the fastest-growing group experiencing homelessness in NSW and across Australia, driven by rental stress, limited superannuation and relationship breakdowns, underscoring the urgency of this investment.

We have already built hundreds of homes this year with months still remaining and are on track to deliver the largest expansion of public housing in modern NSW history.

This milestone represents a clear turnaround after a decade where more public housing was sold than built. For the first time in years, public housing in NSW is growing again.

This follows twelve years of privatisation, sell offs and neglect under the former Liberal National Government, which oversaw a net reduction in the state’s public housing from 110,805 homes in 2014 to 95,765 in 2023.

Between 2017 and 2021, just 2,257 social homes were built, far fewer than the 3,269 homes that were sold or removed over the same period.

The Minns Labor Government is building new homes at scale and restoring public housing as a core part of the housing system.

The $6.6 billion Building Homes for NSW Program is driving this shift, with thousands of new public homes being built and tens of thousands more upgraded.

The project on Cowper Street, Glebe is a clear example, replacing 19 ageing dwellings with 75 new, modern public homes in the heart of the city.

Located within walking distance of bus services and the Wentworth Park light rail, the development keeps residents connected to jobs, services and community.

Just around the corner, Bays West will deliver up to 8,500 new homes, including public and affordable housing, building on the work already underway here in Glebe.

The Minns Labor Government is delivering a comprehensive plan to build more homes across NSW and tackle the housing crisis.

This includes:

  • The $6.6 billion Building Homes for NSW Program, the largest investment in public and social housing in a generation
  • 8,400 new public homes being built across the state
  • 21,000 affordable and market homes to increase supply
  • Upgrades to 30,000 existing social housing properties
  • The largest planning reforms in a generation to unlock more homes
  • Establishing the Housing Development Authority to accelerate delivery
  • Building more homes in well-located areas close to transport, jobs and services.

Together, these actions are driving more homes across the system, including public housing, and restoring the role of government in building homes at scale.

This is all part of the Minns Government’s plan to build a better NSW with more homes and services, so people have somewhere to live and in the communities they choose.

NSW Premier Chris Minns:

“This is an important milestone. Not only do we have 75 new public homes right in the centre of Glebe, but since coming to office, we’ve delivered 3,500 new public, community and affordable homes across New South Wales.

“This means for the first time in years, public housing in NSW is growing again, not shrinking. Giving thousands of people, including victims of domestic and family violence, a safe and secure place to call home.

“In the last financial year alone, more than 1,700 social and affordable homes have been built or restored through our $6.6 billion Building Homes for NSW program. This is what rebuilding public housing looks like.”

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson:

“Last year we said it was the biggest year for public and affordable housing in our state’s modern history. This year isn’t even over and we’ve already built more.”

“For too long, governments walked away from fixing the housing crisis. We’re tackling it head on, brick by brick, house by house, street by street.”

“For too many people, the Australian dream has slipped out of reach. I want our city to dream again, a future where people can afford a home and live in the communities they love.”

“This is about building more public housing in the right places, close to jobs, transport and services, so people aren’t locked out of their own city.”

“This is about dignity. Making sure everyone has a safe, secure place to call home.”

CEO of Bridge Housing Laurie Leigh:

“We applaud the NSW Government’s and the Kings Trust’s commitment to delivering additional quality social housing. They are ensuring that residents have the certainty of a stable, affordable home and the right foundation to plan their futures.

“This project stands proud in the community through thoughtful design, sustainable building practices, and exceptional craftsmanship of the building façade.  Today is a win for changing lives and strengthening communities.”

Retirement of Harness Racing NSW chairman Ken Brown

On behalf of the NSW Government, I would like to thank Ken Brown AM for his dedicated service as Harness Racing NSW (HRNSW) Chair, following his retirement.

Mr Brown has been a HRNSW Member since 2017 and his long-standing service is a testament to his commitment to the harness racing industry.

During his tenure he has helped guide and shape our state’s harness racing industry into the strong position it is in.

I commend Mr Brown for his dedication, professionalism and deep knowledge of the racing codes.

I wish him all the best in his future endeavours.

I would also like to congratulate Doug Freeman on his appointment by the HRNSW Board as its new Chair.

Mr Freeman brings expertise and a lifelong connection to harness racing and I look forward to working constructively with him during his 12-month term.

To address the vacancies on the HRNSW Board, I have made the following appointments, effective 17 March, in accordance with the Harness Racing Act 2009:

  • Maggie Hundertmark as a member of the board for a four-year term, expiring 16 March 2030.
  • Mark Holton as a member of the board for a two-year term, expiring 16 March 2028.

Minns Labor Government to install high-tech safety upgrades to address level crossing collisions at Mary Gilmore Way, Bribbaree

The Minns Labor Government has started design work on a proposed major safety upgrade of the level crossing at Mary Gilmore Way, Bribbaree, south of Grenfell, while interim improvements will also be delivered on the road approach to the crossing.

The proposed upgrade would transform the crossing from a passive crossing into an active one, delivering new retro-reflective boom gates, updated signage, LED flashing lights and warning bells to better protect motorists, freight operators and local communities using this important regional road.

Starting design work now will allow construction of the active crossing infrastructure to be fast tracked once the remaining 19 high priority projects under the Regional Level Crossing Upgrade Fund are completed.

While design and development work for the proposed major upgrade progresses, the Minns Labor Government is also delivering practical interim safety improvements on the road approach to the Mary Gilmore Way crossing.

These improvements include installing rumble strips and investigating photoluminescent line markings, known as glow roads technology, to improve visibility for drivers approaching the crossing. 

Transport for NSW will also review the size and placement of advanced warning signage and increase it where appropriate.

Until the crossing is upgraded to an active crossing, Transport for NSW will retain the existing Augmented Stop Signs and Advance Warning Signs system and investigate upgrades to its hardware so it can take advantage of emerging machine learning technologies.

The Augmented Stop Signs and Advance Warning Signs technology was installed in 2023 as a trial. It uses radar to detect approaching vehicles, activating flashing LED lights on stop signs at the crossing and advance warning signs on the road approach.

The solar powered system provides an additional visual warning for drivers and has already resulted in a marked improvement in the number of motorists stopping or significantly slowing compared with static signage alone.

Transport for NSW and the Australian Rail Track Corporation are jointly funding the design work for the proposed upgrade to an active crossing. Designs are expected to be completed by the end of the 2025 to 2026 financial year.

The proposed upgrade would then be delivered by ARTC under Transport’s Level Crossing Improvement Program, with construction timing to be determined once the current program of upgrades under the Regional Level Crossing Upgrade Fund is complete.

Transport for NSW will continue to keep the community updated as work progresses.

Minister for Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison said:

“Level crossing crashes can have devastating consequences for regional communities, which is why the Minns Labor Government is getting on with the work needed to improve safety at crossings across the state.

“The community has been clear that Mary Gilmore Way at Bribbaree needs attention, and I thank Weddin Shire Council for its strong advocacy on behalf of local residents.

“We have started design work on a proposed major upgrade that would deliver boom gates, flashing lights and bells, transforming this crossing from a passive crossing into an active one.

“Importantly, we are not waiting for the long-term upgrade before taking action. We are also delivering practical interim improvements on the approach to the crossing, including rumble strips, improved signage and investigating glow road technology.

“By combining targeted infrastructure upgrades with new technology, the Minns Labor Government is working to make this crossing safer and help prevent serious crashes on regional roads.” 

Labor Spokesperson for Cootamundra, Stephen Lawrence said:

“People in our region know how dangerous this crossing can be, and they deserve to feel safe every time they travel through it.”

“This is exactly the kind of practical investment regional communities need, getting on with the job of improving safety while planning for the long term.”

“Upgrading this crossing from passive to active will make a real difference, but it’s just as important that interim measures are being rolled out now to reduce risk immediately.”

“Regional roads carry a heavy toll when it comes to serious crashes, and targeted upgrades like this are critical to turning that around.”

Mayor of Weddin Shire Council, Paul Best said:

“I am extremely pleased to see that further risk mitigation measures are being organised until a permanent solution is delivered. 

“Given the serious risk this crossing presents to both road users and rail operators, seeing this matter being attended to is welcomed.  

“I would like to thank members of the community who have advocated for improvements to level crossings in our region.  

“This is welcomed news.  

“I would also like to thank ARTC and Transport for NSW for working together with Council on this, to make it safer for our community.”

Director Infrastructure Projects, ARTC, Heather Parry said:

“ARTC manages more than 1,500 level crossings in NSW and we know the risks they can pose, particularly on regional roads. Tragically, level crossing incidents remain the leading cause of railway-related fatalities involving members of the public. 

“Trains cannot stop quickly, especially when carrying heavy loads, which is why upgrading Mary Gilmore Way from a passive to an active crossing is such an important safety improvement. 

“We are proud to partner with Transport for NSW to help deliver safer outcomes for the Bribbaree community and all road and rail users.” 

New park in train to support housing growth in Bella Vista

The Minns Labor Government has unveiled designs for a major new park near the Bella Vista Metro station, to be delivered as part of a $520 million investment in the Transport Oriented Development (TOD) Accelerated Precincts.

The designs for the three-hectare park are now on public exhibition so the community can help shape the park’s future.

Current plans will deliver a premier family-friendly open space which will provide shaded areas for nature-based recreation, community gatherings, and inclusive, accessible play.

Key design features include:

  • A community green bordered by open woodland, which can be used for both casual ball games and community events.
  • An amphitheatre for small performances with nearby picnic spaces.
  • Extensive woodland and native plantings and a generous tree canopy to create cool shaded environments.
  • Family-friendly play zones, including forest-themed play area, interactive waterplay and spaces for casual sport and active play.
  • Terraced lawns and quiet gathering areas.
  • A network of accessible paths and walking trails, winding through shaded groves, linking key play and gathering areas.
  • Culturally enriched spaces informed by Traditional Knowledge to support learning and reflect Connection to Country principles.

This is one of seven major parks to be delivered alongside the Transport Oriented Development (TOD) Accelerated Precincts.

Bella Vista Park celebrates the Cumberland Plain Woodland and will connect to the nearby Kellyville Centre Park, with the designs for both parks now on public exhibition for community feedback.

The Minns Labor Government has worked in close collaboration with the local community, The Hills Shire Council and Traditional Custodians to deliver the design.

The TOD Accelerated Precincts will support the delivery of almost 60,000 homes and more than 126,000 commercial and retail jobs around key transport hubs.

The Bella Vista District Park design is on public exhibition until 5pm Thursday, 23 April. For more information and to have your say, attend an in-person pop up in the local area and visit, NSW Planning.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said:

“The Minns Labor Government is working to deliver well-located, affordable homes near transport, jobs and amenities.

“Housing growth goes hand-in-hand with high-quality places for people to relax and play.

“This is the type of local infrastructure that we want to see come in preparation for new homes.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“This is another example of the Minns Labor Government delivering quality open spaces to support housing growth.

“The new Bella Vista park will be a place for people to come together to relax, play, exercise and enjoy nature for generations to come.

“The draft design has taken inspiration from the nearby Cumberland Plain Woodland to deliver a three-hectare park which reflects the area’s natural environment.”

Member for Riverstone, Warren Kirby said:

“This park will provide locals access to a great new open space right in the heart of Bella Vista where they can unwind, spend time together, and enjoy the great outdoors.

“As our communities grow, so too does the need for open spaces, I encourage people to have their say now to help shape the future of this great new park.”