Christmas comes early for safe drivers, Minns Government to make demerit point reward program permanent

Safe drivers and motorcyclists across NSW are set to receive an early Christmas present, with the Minns Labor Government today announcing the Demerit Point Reward Program will be made permanent.

The program removes one demerit point from unrestricted licence holders who stay offence-free for a 12-month period, offering a practical incentive that recognises safe behaviour over time.

Since the first trial began in 2023, more than 1.7 million licence holders have benefited from having at least one point removed.

This year alone, more than one million NSW licence holders are eligible to have a point wiped if they continue to do the right thing and remain offence-free.

Making the program permanent is another example of the Minns Government backing commonsense on NSW roads and recognising the millions of motorists who choose safer, more responsible driving every day.

The announcement comes as NSW roads will see increased traffic during the Christmas and summer holiday period, reinforcing the importance of safe decisions behind the wheel.

The Minns Government will introduce legislation to support the permanent Demerit Point Reward Program in early 2026, when Parliament resumes in February.

Once legislated, the permanent program will sit alongside the Minns Government’s broader road safety agenda, which sees a record investment of $2.8 billion over four years, with a focus on education, essential infrastructure upgrades, targeted enforcement, and rebuilding a stronger culture of safety and personal responsibility on our roads.

Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison said:

“Road safety programs should recognise and reinforce safe, responsible behaviour, especially where people have made mistakes in the past, but have improved their road safety behaviour on the road over the past year.

“The Minns Labor Government will always back commonsense reform on our roads.

“We want people who have made poor choices in the past to develop and sustain safer habits in the future. This is adopting a “carrot” approach to encourage people to engage in safe, responsible behaviour every time they drive.

“In addition to this reform, we have invested $2.8 billion in road safety which is helping to strengthen enforcement, identified ways to strengthen the demerit point system, boosted road safety infrastructure programs and leveraged new technologies to catch dangerous behaviour.

“With the Christmas break and school holidays approaching and some of the busiest weeks on our roads ahead, I’m urging everyone to drive so others survive: slow down, put your phone away, buckle up properly, and never drive tired or after drinking alcohol or using drugs.”

Opening remarks – Meeting of National Cabinet

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: I think we all regret the circumstances of this meeting of the National Cabinet. The antisemitic terrorism incident in Bondi, I think, has shaken the whole nation, not just people in Sydney and New South Wales, in particular, members of the Jewish community have been devastated by what is an unprecedented scale of attack on the Australian way of life. I thank the police and emergency services, the people, particularly in New South Wales, but our national security agencies, including the AFP as well, for the work that has been conducted over the last 20 hours or so. Today, I met with the Premier of New South Wales, and we made a declaration after being briefed by the New South Wales Police Commissioner who has joined us here today. And we also had a visit down to Bondi. There is quite horrific scenes there, and people are really hurting. What they’re looking for is confidence going forward. And today’s meeting is about making sure that we have states and territories aligned here, making sure we send a message as well to Jewish Australians that we stand together against antisemitism, giving a message to all Australians that we stand against terrorism and that we will do whatever it is that we can, if laws need to be adjusted, to make changes. One of the suggestions that will be on the agenda today is to have an examination of our gun laws to make sure that if there is any tightening or changes which are required, that we put in place mechanisms. Through this National Cabinet we, of course, have established the National Firearms Register. That is a significant step forward, and I know that work is progressing on that, but we need to, I think, accelerate the work in that area. But I thank all of you for joining us, and we will have, no doubt, a constructive discussion. And I thank as well the AFP Commissioner, the New South Wales Police Commissioner, and other authorities who’ve joined us, in particular at this difficult time.

Joint Counter Terrorism Team to investigate mass causality public place shooting – Bondi

The NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT) has commenced an investigation into a mass causality public place shooting that resulted in 16 people dying and 40 people being injured in Sydney’s east yesterday evening.

About 6.40pm (Sunday 14 December 2025), emergency services were called to Bondi Beach, following reports of a public place shooting.

Officers attached to Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command, surrounding commands and specialist police immediately responded and located two men using long arms to fire into crowds of people.

Multiple officers exchanged fire with the two men with two officers – a constable and probationary constable – suffering gunshot wounds.

During the incident one shooter – a 50-year-old man – was shot by police and died at the scene.

The other shooter – a 24-year-old man – suffered critical injuries and was taken to hospital under police guard.

Both men are known to each other.

As a result of the incident 14 people died – including the 50-year-old shooter – at the scene and 42 people – including four children and the 24-year-old shooter – were taken to hospitals across Sydney

Police have since been told two other people – a 10-year-old girl and a 40-year-old man – have since died in hospital.

Those who died are yet to be formally identified; however, police believe their ages range between 10 and 87.

Six people remain in critical conditions with 27 people remain in serious and stable conditions.

Both officers remain in serious but stable conditions.

A declaration by NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon APM has deemed the incident terror related.

The NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT) investigation will be led by the NSW Police Force under Operation Arques.

The NSW JCTT comprises members from the NSW Police Force, Australian Federal Police, Australian Security Intelligence Organisation and the NSW Crime Commission.

Following initial inquiries, JCTT detectives located and seized three firearms and two improvised explosive devices (IED) from the scene. They will all undergo forensic examination.

Detectives have attended two homes in Bonnyrigg and Campsie overnight as part of ongoing investigations.

During these searches, detectives located and seized a number of additional items including two additional firearms. All items seized will undergo forensic examination.

Following further inquiries, a sixth firearm and third IED were located at the Bondi crime scene today (Monday 15 December 2025). Both are undergoing forensic examinations.

A critical incident team from State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad has commenced Strike Force Belen and will lead the investigation into the circumstances of the police involvement in the incident.

The investigation will be reviewed by the Professional Standards Command and oversighted by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC).

Anyone with information about extremist activity or possible threats to the community should come forward, no matter how small or insignificant you may think the information may be. The National Security Hotline is 1800 123 400.

16 dead, 40 injured following public place shooting – Bondi

Police are continuing to investigate a mass shooting that resulted in 16 people dying and 40 people being injured in Sydney’s east yesterday evening.

About 6.40pm (Sunday 14 December 2025), emergency services were called to Bondi Beach, following reports of a public place shooting.

Officers attached to Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command, surrounding commands and specialist police immediately responded and located two men using long arms to fire into crowds of people.

Multiple officers exchanged fire with the two men with two officers – a constable and probationary constable – suffering gunshot wounds.

During the incident one shooter – a 50-year-old man – was shot by police and died at the scene.

The other shooter – a 24-year-old man – suffered critical injuries and was taken to hospital under police guard.

As a result of the incident 14 people died at the scene and 42 people – including four children – were taken to hospitals across Sydney

Police have since been told two other people – a 10-year-old girl and a 40-year-old man – have since died in hospital.

Those who died are yet to be formally identified; however, police believe their ages range between 10 and 87-years-old.

Five people remain in critical conditions with the others remaining in serious and stable conditions.

Both officers remain in serious but stable conditions.

A significant crime scene has been established closing Bondi Beach and surrounding roads, and detectives from the Joint Counter Terrorism Team have commenced an investigation into the incident.

Following initial inquiries, detectives have located and seized three firearms from the scene. They will all undergo forensic examination.

Investigations are continuing.

Public Information and Inquiry Centre opens following Bondi Beach shooting

The Public Information and Inquiry Centre (PIIC) has been activated to support the multi-agency response to the Bondi Beach incident.

The Public Information and Inquiry Centre can be contacted by calling

1800 227 228

Members of the public can contact the Public Information and Inquiry Centre for information relating to people impacted by this afternoon’s incident.

It will operate on a 24-hour basis for as long as is necessary.

The NSW Police Force has also activated the ‘Register Find Reunite’ capability, to assist in the registration of those who have been affected by the incident.

Police are encouraging those impacted to register their movements using the Australian Red Cross’ ‘Register, Find, Reunite’ service.

The Register, Find, Reunite website – https://www.redcross.org.au/emergencies/about-register-find-reunite/ –is a National system managed and operated by Australian Red Cross.

It is a service which registers, finds and reunites family, friends and loved ones after an emergency. It allows people to,
Register to let people know they are safe,
Find people who may be affected by an emergency and know they are safe, and
Reunite through a matching process which enables police – with consent – to share details of family and friends with each other.

The PIIC will also be the place to register for people who were forced to leave personal possessions – including vehicles – behind during the emergency. Police warn if may be some days until these can be returned to their owners.

A memorial site is being arranged and will be shared once confirmed.

Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Australia Condemns Bondi Attack

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Australia (AMCA) is shocked and saddened at the loss of innocent lives in Bondi, Sydney. 

The AMCA prays for the families of those who have lost loved ones, and prays for a swift and complete recovery to all injured.

Imam Inam-ul-Haq Kauser, National President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Australia, stated:

“We are heartbroken by the brutality of this attack on a peaceful community gathering. Such acts of violence, targeting innocent people and aiming to sow division and fear, have absolutely no place in Australia. An attack on any community is an attack on all of us.”

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Australia urges Australians to stand together in unity and compassion during this difficult time, resisting any attempts to create division based on faith or background. We commend the swift and courageous response of the New South Wales Police and all emergency services personnel.

About the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community:

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, established in 1889, spans more than 200 countries with a membership exceeding tens of millions. It is the world’s largest and fastest-growing Islamic community, under one divinely appointed leader and the only Islamic community to believe in the long-awaited Messiah in the person of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (peace be upon him) (1835-1908) of Qadian. The community is the leading Islamic organisation advocating for peace and harmony across the globe. It is distinguished for its endorsement of the separation of religion and state. Today, it remains steadfast in its commitment to advocating for universal human rights and safeguarding religious and other minority groups. Moreover, it champions the empowerment and education of women. Members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community are renowned for their adherence to the law, educational pursuits, and active engagement in societal issues, making them exemplary citizens within the global community.

Coal communities need stability and consistency following Net Zero Commission report

MEU: Coal communities need stability and consistency following Net Zero Commission reportMining and Energy Union

The Mining and Energy Union has responded to the NSW Net Zero Commission’s Coal Mining Emissions Spotlight Report, emphasising the continuing importance of coal mining to the state’s economy and regional communities, and the need for clear, consistent emissions policy.

MEU General Secretary Grahame Kelly said coal mining remains a foundation of regional prosperity in NSW, supporting jobs, local small businesses and billions in annual state revenue.

“Coal mining delivers more than $3 billion a year in royalties for NSW and supports thousands of secure, well-paid regional jobs,” Mr Kelly said. “It also accounts for just 12 per cent of the state’s total emissions. Any policy discussion needs to recognise both sides of that equation.”

“We look forward to the Commission applying the same level of attention to the other 88 per cent of emissions across the state’s economy,” Mr Kelly said. 

Mr Kelly said the union has been clear in consultations with the Commission that the Commonwealth Safeguard Mechanism is already the established national framework for regulating emissions from coal mines. 

“The Safeguard Mechanism already requires mines to measure, report and reduce emissions, and it is driving investment in new technology,” he said. “Introducing additional state-based requirements of the kind suggested in the report risks creating overlapping obligations when a national system is already in place. Workers and communities need consistency and stability, not multiple sets of rules.”

Mr Kelly said coal mining will remain central to regional economies as new industries develop over time.

“Coal communities in the Hunter, Illawarra, Central West and North West have powered NSW for generations,” he said. “Coal continues to provide the economic base that allows regional communities to plan for the future.”

He said the MEU supports orderly, well-planned regional transition — not premature measures that could affect existing jobs.

“A balanced approach is essential,” Mr Kelly said. “We welcome investment in new industries, but the Commission should avoid recommending policies that would constrain necessary and viable coal operations at a time when those jobs, royalties and export earnings remain critical for regional NSW.”

Mr Kelly said the MEU will continue to engage constructively with the NSW Government and the Commission.

“Our priority is ensuring that emissions policy is fair, nationally consistent and supports the long-term wellbeing of workers and regional communities.” He said.

Jewish Council of Australia: Mass shooting at Chanukah event in Bondi

We are horrified and shaken in the wake of the mass shooting at a Chanukah event in Bondi this evening, which has left at least ten people dead and injured many more. 
This is the first night of Chanukah when we gather with loved ones and friends to light the Chanukiah. Many within our community have just received the worst news of their lives. Others are caring for injured loved ones, and some are still waiting to hear that their families are safe.
­
Bart Shteinman, Executive Member
We should all be able to gather with our communities, practice our culture, and worship in safety.
Our hearts are with our friends, family, fellow community members and everyone impacted by this terrifying event. 
Sarah Schwartz, Executive Officer
To be confronted with this horrific act of antisemitic violence during the Jewish festival of light and hope is shattering. In moments like this, we hold each other close.

Appeal to locate Korora girl, possibly in Newcastle

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate teenage girl missing from the state’s North Coast, who may now be in Newcastle.

Tamesa Mulherin, aged 15, was last seen at Korora 6.15am yesterday (Saturday 13 December 2025).

When she was unable to be located or contacted, officers attached to Coffs/Clarence Police District were notified late yesterday and commenced inquiries to locate her.

There are concerns for Tamesa’s welfare due to her young age.

Tamesa is described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, about 170cm to 180cm tall, of thin build, with brown hair and brown eyes.

Inquiries have indicated Tamesa caught a bus to Broadmeadows in the Newcastle area, possibly arriving yesterday afternoon.

Police operation continues at Bondi Beach

A police operation is ongoing after a public place shooting by two men at Bondi Beach earlier today.

Ten people have been confirmed dead, including a man believed to be one of the shooters. The second alleged shooter is in a critical condition.

At this time, a further 11 people are reported to be injured, two of which are police officers.

Emergency services were called to Campbell Parade about 6.45pm (Sunday 14 December 2025), responding to reports of shots being fired.

Officers attached to Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command attended assisted by multiple resources across the city.

A number of suspicious items located in the vicinity are being examined by specialist officers and an exclusion zone is in place.

A multi-agency response is continuing.

An extensive crime scene has been established and inquiries are now underway.There have been NO reports of any other incidents in Sydney connected to this incident.

Police are now appealing for anyone with mobile phone vision or dashcam vision relevant to this incident to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.