Category: Australian News

The Royal Hospital for Women, Randwick, has marked a significant milestone in its pioneering homebirth program, celebrating the 250th baby born at home under the care of its dedicated midwifery team.

Rona and Sam welcomed baby Piper at their home in Maroubra at 1.44am on Tuesday 7 October.

The publicly funded homebirth program offers women with low-risk pregnancies the opportunity to labour and birth in the familiarity of their own home, supported by known midwives.

The program has grown steadily since the model of care commenced, with families embracing the option of a safe, supported, and empowering birth experience that often involves the whole family.

The popularity of the program reflects the trust families place in the hospital’s team.

To be eligible for the Royal Hospital for Women’s homebirth program, women must have an uncomplicated, low-risk pregnancy and live within the hospital’s catchment area.

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“This milestone is a testament to the Royal Hospital for Women’s commitment to providing women with choice in their birthing experience.

“We are proud to support maternity models of care that empower families and deliver outstanding outcomes.

“The success of this program reflects NSW Health’s commitment to providing safe, sustainable, high-quality, woman-centred maternity care.”

Member for Coogee, Marjorie O’Neill:

“Birthing is such a personal and intimate experience. The Royal Hospital for Women’s homebirth program gives families the choice to welcome their babies safely at home, supported by trusted midwives.

“Thank you to the incredible staff at the Royal Hospital for Women. This milestone reflects their dedication, compassion and commitment to safe, family-centred care.”

General Manager, Royal Hospital for Women, Donna Garland:

“Each birth is a deeply personal and transformative experience. Our homebirth program honours that by supporting women’s choice to birth in a familiar, supported environment that they control.

“We are incredibly proud to have reached 250 births. For each midwife it is truly an honour to be invited to share such a sacred and intimate space with a family, and to welcome the new member of the family.”

Today I am pleased to announce the Honourable Jay Weatherill AO will be Australia’s next High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.

The United Kingdom is one of our closest friends and partners, and the appointment of Australia’s High Commissioner to the UK is one of the most important international appointments we make.

Jay Weatherill served as South Australia’s 45th Premier for over six years and championed national debate on sovereign defence capability, renewable energy targets and environmental protection issues. 

As Premier, he was instrumental in establishing South Australia’s leadership in the defence industry, including in construction of submarines. As a proud South Australian and as our next High Commissioner, Jay is well placed to take forward AUKUS in our nation’s interests.
  
Mr Weatherill served in the South Australian Parliament for 16 years in portfolios including Treasury, State Development, Education and the Environment.

I thank outgoing High Commissioner, the Hon Stephen Smith, for his service. Mr Smith has done an excellent job representing Australia’s interests in the UK across a range of security and defence matters. He has taken a leading role in Australia’s work with the Coalition of the Willing in support of Ukraine convened by Prime Minister Starmer and President Macron.

Mr Weatherill will begin his role in the new year.

The ACT Greens have proposed amendments to Labor’s Territory Priority Projects bill that better balance the ACT’s urgent need for more homes and environmental protection.

ACT Greens Deputy Leader Jo Clay said the Greens have consulted with the housing industry, community housing providers, environment organisations, Labor, Liberals and the Independents on the amendments.

In May, the Committee on Environment, Planning, Transport and City Services found significant flaws in Labor’s proposed legislation. Territory Priority Projects waive third party appeal rights but currently require pre-development application consultation and Parliamentary scrutiny.

Labor’s bill removed early consultation and Parliament oversight from public housing and health projects that are declared Territory Priority Projects, in addition to removing community housing from a development which can be put on the fast track through this process.

The ACT Greens amendments will fix the issues raised by the committee by allowing community housing to be declared a Territory Priority Project and add in essential environmental and First Nations cultural protections for all Territory Priority Projects.

“Canberra’s public housing waitlist has increased from 3,000 to 3,500 so far this year. We’ve seen the ACT Labor Government revoke the Rent Relief Fund before their replacement program is available, pushing more and more people towards homelessness,” Ms Clay said.

“The ACT Government’s current level of investment in public housing is not meeting the demand. We need proper investment in public housing, in addition to supporting others who are providing affordable, secure homes — community housing providers.

“The bill the Labor Government introduced excluded community housing from becoming a Territory Priority Project. The Greens have proposed, and secured agreement from Labor, to put community housing into this legislation.

“These amendments also ensure that Commonwealth-funded public, community and social housing is prioritised, and that our environment and First Nations cultural rights are looked after while we do this.

“As our city continues to densify, we also need to ensure people have access to green spaces and nature. Our amendments also ensure there is a degree of scrutiny without delaying new public and community homes from being built.”

Chief Executive Officer of YWCA Canberra, Frances Crimmins:

“YWCA Canberra welcomes the ACT Greens’ decision to support sensible planning reforms that will facilitate the delivery of much-needed social, community and public housing in Canberra. 

“Our city is facing an unprecedented housing and homelessness crisis, and meaningful change is long overdue to address the critical need for housing for low-income earners.

“Canberrans now face a clear choice: do we continue to see people experiencing homelessness on our streets, or do we choose to ensure they have a place to call home in our neighbourhoods?

“We can no longer afford to overlook practical and effective legislative reforms that will expedite the construction of public, social and affordable homes. 

“This amendment makes sense. It supports low-income Canberrans and brings us closer to a community where everyone has a safe place to live.”

Ms Clay’s amendments and explanatory statement are available on the ACT Legislative Assembly website.

The Australian Greens say a new report showing a collapse in confidence in democracy is a consequence of a system that is increasingly closed, captured by corporate interests, and leaving young and regional Australians behind.

The McKinnon Index of Australian Democracy found confidence in Australia’s democratic system is weakest among young people and those living outside major cities.

The Greens have repeatedly called for reforms to strengthen Australia’s democratic institutions, including removing the influence of big money in politics, stronger freedom of information laws, greater political donation transparency and a national integrity system with real teeth.

Senator Steph Hodgins-May, Australian Greens spokesperson for democracy:

“When both major parties spend decades protecting corporate profits over improving people’s lives, it’s no wonder Australians are losing faith in the democratic institutions that are meant to serve them.

“Labor came in the door promising transparency, but instead we’ve seen a downward spiral into secrecy that fuels distrust and cynicism, especially among younger Australians who already feel disengaged.

“How can young people trust the government when all they see from both major parties are backroom deals, corporate capitulation and laws that continue to sell out their future for private profits?

“The climate crisis is getting worse, the housing market is dystopian and basic rights like education are becoming further out of reach. In the PM’s own words, this approach is ‘delulu with no selulu’.

“People in regional and rural communities watch corporations make billions and use tax loopholes to skip out on paying their fair share, while their local services close and the government tells them there’s no money for public housing or healthcare. 

“This isn’t apathy, it’s a natural response to seeing your government work so hard for Gina and Clive and do the bare minimum for everyone else.

“If our government is serious about restoring faith in democracy, it should start by breaking the stranglehold of corporate money on politics and prioritise integrity over political ambitions.

Local initiatives designed to promote cultural diversity, tackle food insecurity and foster social connections have received a $220,000 boost from City of Newcastle.

The funding pool is part of City of Newcastle’s annual grants and sponsorships program, which this year is providing 87 projects with a share of almost $900,000 across 10 funding categories.

Councillor Elizabeth Adamczyk visited the Full Circle Collective retail shop to view products handmade by women from refugee backgrounds through the Shared World Collective. She was joined by Katrina Gulbrandsen from Shared World Collective, Bianca Bartlett from Full Circle Collective and Mosaic representatives Maram Mohamed and Mirja Colding-Moran.

Twenty-two Social Inclusion projects will support Newcastle’s most vulnerable, with grants ranging from $2,500 to $20,000 each.

Councillor Elizabeth Adamczyk, Co-chair of City of Newcastle’s Access Inclusion Standing Committee, said that the funding removes barriers to inclusion and supports equal opportunity. 

“City of Newcastle is proud to partner with local organisations to deliver innovative, evidence-based programs that make a real difference for people in our community who may experience additional barriers or disadvantage, such as families, refugees, people with disability, young people, and culturally diverse communities,” Cr Adamczyk said.

“Our Social Strategy 2030 places people at the heart of our vision, with these grants providing a solid foundation for strengthening health, wellbeing and cultural connection to build a city where diversity is celebrated and inclusion is the norm.” 

Among the successful applicants is Shared World Collective, whose project will bring together culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) women through artisan and small business skill development. 

Shared World Collective Director Katrina Gulbrandsen said the creative workshop program will foster cultural expression and create pathways to economic participation.

“The Gather, Make & Market project delivered in partnership with Mosaic Cultural Connections, is a meaningful way to support women from African, Afghan and Arabic refugee backgrounds in Newcastle,” Ms Gulbrandsen said. 

“By building on existing skills in sewing and embroidery, and introducing new techniques through workshops, maker sessions and sustainable sourcing and selling tour, participants are empowered to create handmade products for sale at local markets or retail outlets like The Full Circle Collective. 

“The program also includes small business training to help women turn their creativity into real economic opportunity. This program will build confidence, community connections and pathways to economic independence. It’s about recognising the strengths they already have and supporting them to thrive.”

A range of other grant recipients will also deliver programs for Newcastle’s culturally diverse communities including the CALD Connect Foundation, whose Newcastle Multicultural Soccer Tournament will be held over four weekends in 2026 to foster inclusion, celebrate diversity and strengthen community connections through sport. 

Issues around food insecurity will be addressed across a number of initiatives including a community lunch service from the Salvation Army and the Samaritan Foundation’s annual Christmas Lunch in the Park event.

Creating new social networks is at the heart of several projects including Connection Club’s Fast Friends events, which are designed to break down barriers to foster meaningful peer connections, build social skills and reduce isolation for people with a disability. 

For more information about City of Newcastle’s Grants and Sponsorships program visit www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/community/grants-and-sponsorships

Tales spanning technological change, women’s empowerment and New South Wales’s natural beauty are among 100 literary masterpieces featured in Volume 11 of Seniors’ Stories launched today at Parliament House.

Seniors’ Stories elevates the voices of seniors and provides a platform for older authors to reflect on the theme of ‘Then and Now’.

Readers are offered insights into authors’ youthful memories, changing times and life-shaping moments.

Cranebrook author Marie Nevin, who turned 96 in September, is the oldest contributor for this year’s edition. Marie’s story ‘Ninety-Five Not Out’ vividly portrays her transition from childhood to embracing modern technology later in life.

“I was born in 1929 in Marrickville . . . I remember while driving there, the ‘Bottle‑O’ would come down the street in a horse and cart calling ‘Bottle‑o, Bottle‑o’,” she writes.

“I am now ninety‑five years old. I like to go out and have coffee and cake … I have thirty‑four grandchildren, forty great‑grandchildren … I am thankful for having a mobile phone as it keeps me in touch with them all … I have an iPad which I use every day, playing word games to keep my mind active.”

For Marie, writing is a family affair. Her son-in-law Paul Ryan, from Emu Plains, also contributed a short story titled ‘The Wharf’. 

Seniors’ Stories Volume 11 features nine stories translated to an author’s chosen language alongside English versions to reflect the cultural diversity of communities across the state.

Translated languages include Bengali, Cantonese, Dutch, French, German, Hindi, Italian, Malayalam and Sinhalese.

More than 1,100 personal stories of older people across NSW have been published in Seniors’ Stories since the NSW Government launched the initiative in 2013.

The program is open to all Seniors Card and Senior Savers Card holders. Authors from all backgrounds and languages are encouraged to submit their work.

The Fellowship of Australian Writers NSW has led writing workshops to provide guidance and support for seniors seeking to share their stories.

More information on Seniors’ Stories is available at NSW Seniors Card.

Minister for Seniors Jodie Harrison said:

“Seniors’ Stories is a special publication which offers a glimpse into how the lives of older people in New South Wales have evolved over the years.

“It’s a celebration of the diversity and resilience of older people in New South Wales, and I’m delighted to see seniors from all walks of life have shared their stories.

“These books are a beautiful reminder that we all have a story worth sharing.”

The Minns Labor Government has taken decisive action to shore up water supply in Narrabri, committing an additional $4 million in funding to deliver critical new infrastructure for drinking water.

The new funding for Narrabri Shire Council will deliver a portable water treatment plant to treat water from two PFAS-contaminated bores to a level that meets Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.

It will also support the investigation and delivery of new production bores to significantly increase town water supply.

PFAS was found in two of the town’s three bores in November last year and Narrabri Shire Council introduced water restrictions in early October 2025 when water demand began to increase.

In response to dropping reservoir levels, the NSW Government took the immediate step of providing the Council with $50,000 in emergency funding to deliver a new pump for the town’s operating bore, while working towards a long-term solution.

Fast and efficient to install, the new portable plant is expected to be up and running in a few months and will treat raw water from Narrabri’s existing bores to meet safe drinking water guidelines.  

It is the same system currently being used at Sydney Water’s Cascade Water Treatment Plant in the Blue Mountains.

Combined with the newly-installed pump, the portable plant will boost water supply for Narrabri’s 7,000 residents while the NSW Government works closely with Council to look at converting two new test bores at Salesyard and Logan Lane into production bores.

Minister for Water Rose Jackson said:

“I was very clear that we would go the extra mile to help Narrabri respond to the PFAS issue and secure a more reliable water supply.  Local member Roy Butler has also been a fierce advocate for his community.

“I recognise water restrictions have a big impact on residents, which is why we moved quickly to find a solution.

“We already put $50,000 on the table last month to fund a larger pump and now we are investing up to $4 million to get a mobile treatment plant up and running.

“Work has already started to find alternative bore sites that are free of PFAS and this funding will support that work, putting Narrabri in a stronger position to manage its water supplies.”

Member for Barwon Roy Butler said:

“Since Narrabri Shire Council asked for help in September, there has been an intensive effort across multiple government departments to quickly find solutions for Narrabri’s drinking water problem.

“Such a quick turnaround would not have been possible without the support of the government and, in particular, Water Minister Rose Jackson.

“I welcome this $4 million commitment to solve the problem and extend my thanks to Minister Jackson and the NSW Government.”

The one-year anniversary of the Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) Plan has been marked by the opening of an office in Newcastle dedicated to the $850 million missile manufacturing partnership with Kongsberg Defence Australia.

The new Kongsberg office is an important milestone in the partnership which is creating hundreds of jobs in the Hunter and is expected to pump $100 million into the local economy. It will see Australia home to only the second factory in the world, and the first outside of Norway, to produce the Joint Strike Missile and Naval Strike Missile. 

This missile manufacturing hub represents a deepening in Australia’s defence relationship with Norway. It will not only supply missiles to the Australian Defence Force (ADF), but also create opportunities for exporting missiles to trusted partners around the globe.

Released in October 2024, the GWEO plan is a blueprint for a generational uplift in Australia’s defence industrial capabilities. The Government is working closely with industry to ensure speed to capability through a number of key initiatives outlined in the GWEO Plan, including:

• Establishing a Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) missile manufacturing capability in Australia, with production on track to commence by the end of 2025.
• Investing up to $850 million with Kongsberg Defence Australia to build a Naval Strike Missile and Joint Strike Missile factory in New South Wales, with construction underway and missile production on track to start in 2027.
• Committing $11 million to establish a facility at Defence Establishment Orchard Hills to assemble and maintain explosive components for Naval Strike Missile and Joint Strike Missile.
• Funding more than $500 million to uplift Australian companies to manufacture and maintain guided weapon components.
• Delivering an initial commitment of $22 million towards the establishment of a solid rocket motor manufacturing capability.
• Signing agreements with the United States to support: Assembly and future co-production of GMLRS missiles; Transfer of Intellectual Property and standards for 155mm artillery; and Access to co-development, co-production and co-sustainment of Precision Strike Missiles (PrSM) under a cooperative program. 
• Signing a Joint Statement of Intent with Lockheed Martin and the United States Department of War, paving the way for further co-development and production of critical long-range fires, beginning with variants across the GMLRS family of munitions and the PrSM.
• Opening a joint office in Huntsville, Alabama, to serve as the central hub for coordination between Australia and the United States on the acquisition and development of the PrSM capability, and to oversee its production and sustainment.
• Committing $7 billion to acquire Standard Missile 2 Block IIIC and Standard Missile 6 from the United States.
• Committing $142 million to acquire the Joint Strike Missile and $650 million to acquire additional stocks of Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile – Extended Range.
• Acquiring additional quantities of AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles and AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles.
• Contracts have been awarded for torpedo production following the March 2025 agreement with the United States for additional MK-48 Heavy Weight Torpedo.

The focus on speed to capability has seen Defence already introduce a number of these capabilities into service following the successful live test firings of Naval Strike Missile, Standard Missile 6 and Tomahawk cruise missile in 2024, and the Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile and Precision Strike Missile in 2025. 

Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Pat Conroy MP:

“In just 12 months, Australia has come a long way towards sovereign missile manufacturing and increasing our long-range strike capabilities, backed by a commitment of up to $21 billion in the Defence Integrated Investment Program.

“Australian industry is at the heart of this plan, with more than $500 million set aside to uplift Australian companies and to help insulate us from global supply chain pressures.”

“By the end of this year, we will begin manufacturing Australia’s first guided missile on home soil – a significant feat that will strengthen sovereign Australian supply chains and get these weapons into the hands of the war fighter sooner.”

The Australian Government has imposed financial sanctions and travel bans on four entities and one individual engaged in cybercrime to support and fund North Korea’s unlawful weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs.

The scale of North Korea’s involvement in malicious cyber-enabled activities, including cryptocurrency theft, fraudulent IT work and espionage is deeply concerning.

UN-sanctioned North Korean entities have deep links with malicious cyber activities, as outlined in the second report by the Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team (MSMT). The report found:

• North Korean cyber actors stole at least $1.9 billion in cryptocurrency from companies around the world in 2024, and used a global network of North Korean nationals and foreign facilitators to launder stolen digital assets.
• North Korean officials used cryptocurrencies to sell and transfer military equipment and raw munitions materials such as copper.

The Australia Government is taking this action with the United States to apply pressure on North Korea’s illegal revenue generation networks and address its persistent challenges to security and stability.

Australia will continue to work with international partners to respond to malicious cyber activity, promote the framework for responsible state behaviour in cyberspace and keep Australians safe.

We call on North Korea to comply fully with United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions to abandon its unlawful weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs in a complete, verifiable and irreversible manner.

We encourage all Australians to be vigilant about their cyber security, and be aware that payments to entities and individuals listed under Australia’s autonomous sanctions framework could result in action by law enforcement agencies.

Today I met with Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, head of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus.

Ms Tsikhanouskaya is an advocate for a free and democratic Belarus. Her decision to run in the 2020 presidential election in Belarus after the politically motivated imprisonment of her husband Serhei reflects her determination to support the Belarusian people’s aspirations for a free and democratic future.

The 2020 elections, and those held in Belarus since, have been marked by a concerning lack of transparency.

Ms Tsikhanouskaya’s visit is an important reminder to Australians of the situation in Belarus under the Lukashenko regime. Reports that thousands of individuals in Belarus have been unjustly detained, subjected to torture, or forced into exile are alarming.

The Lukashenko regime’s support for Russia’s illegal and immoral invasion of Ukraine undermines security in Europe. The Australian Government has taken strong action in response, including sanctions on Lukashenko and others supporting Russia’s war.

The Government reiterates its call on the Lukashenko regime to fully adhere to its obligations under international law and to cease support for Russia’s destabilising actions.

I commend Ms Tsikhanouskaya’s bravery and her fight for universal values of democracy and human rights.