Category: Australian News

The ACT Greens say there’s no sense in scrapping the Rent Relief Fund when its cost to the budget is so small, and its positive impact in the community so large.

“Our job in the balance of power is to push back against the government when we think they’re making the wrong call,” said Shane Rattenbury, ACT Greens Leader.

“With 17 organisations sharing their fears about what will happen if the Rent Relief Fund is cut, this is one of those times when we think the government is making the wrong call.”

Mr Rattenbury was the Minister who established the Rent Relief Fund in 2023, and ensured funding continued in last year’s budget. Labor has now confirmed they intend to scrap it, in their first budget as a minority government next week.

“This critical support helps families and individuals in Canberra who might otherwise become homeless. It’s a terrible place to make savings in the budget,” Mr Rattenbury said.

“We’ve got a public housing waiting list in the ACT that barely moves because there aren’t enough properties, so if people lose their rental, where are they meant to go?

“The government only needs $1.7 million to keep this Fund going. If they need help finding that money, they can look to their own $3.8 million levy on Short Term Rentals that the Greens supported earlier this year, or they can pick up the proposal the Greens have given them to raise an extra $107 million by better taxing big corporations.”

Since its re-establishment in April 2023, the Rent Relief Fund has delivered over 1400 grants, equating to two grants per day, to households in need.

“This small spend has such a big impact. The Greens aren’t ready to give up on the Rent Relief Fund, so we’ll keep working with the community to get Labor to change their minds,” Mr Rattenbury said.

Earlier this month the Greens proposed a new tax rate for the largest corporations operating in the ACT, to keep paying for essential supports including the Rent Relief Fund.

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 17 June 2025. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions. 

Lord Mayoral Minutes  

Star Hotel heritage listing nomination

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that City of Newcastle write to the Heritage Council in support of the Star Hotel’s inclusion on the State Heritage Register.

Delegation to Ube

An amended Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported noting that Ube City has invited the Lord Mayor of Newcastle to lead a delegation of up to 10 to visit Ube for the 45-year celebration of the sister city relationship. The members of the delegation will be finalised in accordance with City of Newcastle’s Ube Sister City Policy.

Call for support for landslip affected residents

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that City of Newcastle write to the Minister for Recovery asking that the NSW Reconstruction Authority immediately take on the role of leading the recovery phase of the landslip in New Lambton, which for some residents may be long-term.

Acknowledging King’s birthday honours

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported acknowledging and congratulating the Novocastrians who received a King’s birthday honour in 2025.

Ordinary business 

Proposal for $2 inland swimming pool entry fee trial

Council voted to endorse an amended motion to implement a $2 pool entry fee trial at Beresfield, Mayfield, Stockton and Wallsend inland swimming pools for the 2025/26 swimming season. Lambton Pool will be actively considered for inclusion in any future expansion of the trial, or in the event that a permanent $2 fee structure is adopted, subject to further advice on risk management, safety, operational capacity and financial considerations.

Interest on overdue rates & charges for 2025/26

Council voted to adopt the maximum rate specified by the Minister for Local Government on interest on overdue rates and charges for the period 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026. All interest is waived for ratepayers who, on the basis of financial hardship, enter into an agreement to pay outstanding rates over an agreed period of time.

Adoption of Delivering Newcastle 2040 & making of the Rates & Charges

Council unanimously voted to adopt the 2025/2026 Delivering Newcastle 2040, the 2025/2026 Fees and Charges Register, the Resourcing Newcastle 2040 and make the Rates and Charges for the period 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026. Delivering Newcastle 2040 proposes a record Budget for 2025/2026 including a capital works program of $154.5 million, which is forecast to achieve a $300,000 net operating surplus.

Adoption of Council policies

Council unanimously voted to approve the amended Donations Program Policy and place both the Mobile Food Vending (Local Approvals) Policy and Outdoor Dining Policy on public exhibition for a period of 28 days.

Executive Monthly Performance Report

Council unanimously voted to receive the Executive Monthly Performance Report for May 2025.

Tender report – tree works services

Council voted to accept a tender for tree pruning, tree and stump removal and tree root grinding on public lands, roads and footways.

Notices of Motion 

Surfest 40th anniversary

Council unanimously supported an amended notice of motion recognising and celebrating the 40th anniversary of Surfest in 2026. Council will commemorate the milestone by commissioning a mural depicting Surfest to be delivered at Merewether Beach, with engagement via the Public Art Standing Committee. Council will also support and collaborate with the Surfest committee to host an event at City Hall celebrating Surfest and its success over 40 years, to coincide with the final challenger series event in 2026.

Protection and adaptive reuse of community facilities at 48 Mordue Parade Jesmond 

Council supported a notice of motion endorsing City of Newcastle staff to work with internal stakeholders to identify and recommend the optimal future use of the building at 48 Mordue Parade, Jesmond. This was formerly occupied by Heaton Birmingham Garden Bowling Club building, which has ceased trading. The land is designated as community land and the building and contents have been acquired by City of Newcastle. Council supports the adaptive reuse of this facility to deliver on the social needs of the Jesmond community.

World Environment Day 

Council unanimously supported an amended notice of motion that recognised World Environment Day was celebrated on 5 June and noted the work being done by City of Newcastle including through its Newcastle Environment Strategy.

Public lighting strategy 

Council unanimously supported an amended notice of motion that City of Newcastle commits to developing a comprehensive Public Lighting Strategy and supports continued funding for projects within City of Newcastle’s Delivery Program that continue to integrate lighting outcomes across existing and future public space and infrastructure programs.

Calling for Newcastle investment from the Housing Australia Future Fund 

Council laid the notice of motion on the table.

SIX The Musical 

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion noting the success of the global phenomenon SIX the Musical at the Civic Theatre from 10 April to 4 May, which delivered an estimated economic impact for overnight visitors of $1.199 million and $2.293 million combining local and out of area visitors.

Tackling anti-social behaviour in Wallsend 

Council unanimously supported an amended notice of motion that Council writes to the Member for Wallsend and Minister for Police offering to engage in constructive discussions to identify the best strategy to combat anti-social activity in Wallsend and increase police patrols in the area during high-risk times. 

Member for Ballina Tamara Smith MP today announced her support for the Relationship Australia NSW policy paper, and the calls for action it champions to support the 15% of older people aged 65+ who are abused and lack support services.

Tamara Smith MP, Member for Ballina

“There is a disgraceful head in the sand approach to the care and support for older people who are suffering abusive treatment. Reforms that ensure that funding and support services are available and accessible are essential when at least 15% of older people experience abuse.”

“As NSW Greens spokesperson for Older People, and a regional MP, I am happy to support the Relationships Australia NSW policy paper’s calls for action on the growing crisis of elder abuse.”

“It’s time to shine a light on the struggles that older people are facing. Every Australian should have access to support and with 28% of people 60+ living outside of Sydney, due consideration for the challenges to access that the regions face should be accounted for.”

“Funding, research and protections are needed right now to ensure that our elders are afforded dignity and respect.”

“50% of young adults under 30 are living at home. This changing dynamic within our family units sees the risk of elder abuse quietly rising in our own households.”

“Coercive control laws, and strong protections in Enduring Power of Attorney arrangements are vital, in conjunction with accessible services that speak to marginalised communities and the 3 in 10 seniors in NSW living beyond the reach of Sydney’s services.”

“Access is not a buzzword. 50% of older people 65+ are living with a disability. When you combine that statistic with those living regionally, the numbers are very grim indeed.”

Background

Attorney General Marie-Claire Boothby yesterday announced changes to the Anti-Discrimination Act to weaken protections against discrimination and reinstate some employer’s right to discriminate on the basis of race, sexuality, gender, religious beliefs and other factors. She referred to it as “restoring balance” to anti-discrimination laws, and said it was part of the Finocchiaro Government’s push to restore our ‘Territory lifestyle.’

This announcement coincided with the concluding day of the 40th annual Darwin Pride, where the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies met to celebrate visibility and activism. Our hearts go out to the many members of our community who will face needless, preventable discrimination as a result of these changes.

Racial discrimination in particular is on the rise, fuelled by dog-whistle political rhetoric and policies that target and impact Aboriginal communities, particularly young people.

The NT Greens call on the Attorney General to release the list of stakeholders she consulted with before making these changes, and to abandon these needless, counterproductive reforms. 

During Estimates today, the Anti-Discrimination Commissioner confirmed that his office does not support the proposed changes to the Act and that he had advised the Attorney General to not proceed with the amendments announced today. 

Kat McNamara MLA, Member for Nightcliff

“Let’s be clear, the reintroduction of 37A is not about religious freedom, it is about allowing discrimination of teachers and students on the basis of their sexuality and beliefs. Discrimination should have no place in the Territory.”

“We learnt in Estimates today that the Anti-Discrimination Commissioner strongly opposes the proposed changes to the Anti- Discrimination Act and yet the CLP Government is recklessly proceeding regardless. Consultation is meaningless if you do not listen to the expert feedback provided.”

“The fact that the Attorney General thought it was appropriate to make this announcement on the final day of Darwin Pride shows careless arrogance, deep ignorance, or both.”

“The Attorney General says this is part of restoring our ‘iconic Territory lifestyle.’ The idea that being able to vilify members of our community is part of our lifestyle is both offensive and ridiculous.”

“These changes will embolden individuals and organisations to discriminate.”

Nic Carson, Acting Convenor of the Northern Territory Greens

“The NT Greens stand in solidarity with our LGBTQIA+ community, our multicultural community, our First Nations community, our community living with disability, and others who will face needless discrimination as a result of these changes.” 

“This demonstrates the CLP’s ignorance about the scale and impact of discriminatory practice and hate speech in the NT. Rather than shutting it down, they want to create space for more or the behaviours that produce systemic discrimination in the Territory.”

“What the CLP sees as ‘harmless jokes’ are the tip of the iceberg. Beneath them are layers of prejudice, exclusion, and discrimination that are an underlying cause of deaths in custody, gender inequality in workplaces, anti-trans narratives, and over-incarceration of First Nations people.” 

“There are people in our community being shut out of employment, shut out of accessing public amenity and patronage, due to their gender, age, sexuality, disability, racial background, and other factors. This has to stop.”

The Minns Labor Government today announced it will provide $1 million toward upgrades to Henson Park to help transform the much-loved suburban ground into a fit-for-purpose community facility.

The NSW Government is committed to investing in grassroots sporting infrastructure and these funds will go towards upgrades that include a new scoreboard and public address system, refurbished accessible rest rooms, plus roof repairs and refurbishment of the first-floor clubroom.

The funding supports other major upgrades at the venue, including the $12.5 million Henson Park Grandstand Redevelopment which will provide a modern and inclusive home ground and training base for the many sports that use it, including the Sydney Swans and GIANTS AFLW teams and the Newtown Jets NSW Cup rugby league team.

Today’s announcement comes on top of $5 million the NSW Government provided to Henson Park Redevelopment Project Stage One which includes:

• Female friendly changerooms
• Stairs, ramps and lifts
• Improved fire safety systems
• Two universally inclusive changerooms
• Refurbished referees and first aid area
• A new gymnasium
• A new multi-use club room

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

“Henson Park is one of the most iconic suburban sports grounds in Sydney, home to the Sydney Swans AFLW team and Newtown Jets, one of Australia’s oldest and most storied rugby league clubs.

“The venue is loved by the local community, regularly hosting large crowds and televised matches.

“Upgrading the facilities will ensure Henson Park reaches its full potential, supporting the growth of women’s and community sport, and providing long-term benefit to the many sporting groups that use the ground.”

Member for Summer Hill Jo Haylen said:

“Henson Park is an iconic Inner West Institution; it is the heart of sport in the Inner West.

“This is the last piece in the puzzle to upgrade our much-loved Henson Park. Not only is this the new home of women’s AFL and the Jets, but it is also a community hub. An afternoon on the hill with family and friends will now be all the better with a brand-new toilet block to go along with all the fantastic new facilities that are on the way.”

Deputy Mayor Inner West Council Mat Howard said:

“We’re committed to making the Inner West the home ground of women’s sport in NSW. That starts with the project to upgrade Henson Park. This new commitment of funding is excellent news for the players with the AFLW, the Newtown Jets, and for spectators and the community as a whole.”

Sydney Swans CEO Tom Harley said:

“The Sydney Swans welcome the upgrades, that come as the club counts down to the start of the AFLW season.  

“Henson Park is a terrific Sydney venue in the heart of the Inner West, and an important home ground for our AFLW team, so we welcome any improvements that will enhance the experience for our members and fans.

“We look forward to our women’s team returning to Henson Park on Sunday, 7 September for a home game against Fremantle.”

Newtown Jets CEO Stuart McCarthy said:

“Henson Park is Sydney’s greatest natural amphitheatre and a venue like no other. It is iconic, especially to the community of the inner west. It has been the spiritual home of the Newtown Jets since 1936.

“Upgrades to the Scoreboard Building on its famous hill which include a new scoreboard and public address system as well as kiosk upgrades, refurbished accessible rest rooms plus roof repairs and refurbishment of the first-floor clubroom is the final piece in the puzzle to providing a truly remarkable facility for both sporting participants, female & male, grass roots & elite, all abilities and the general public.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese joined Amazon Web Services (AWS) CEO Matt Garman in Seattle today to welcome AWS’s investment of AUD$20 billion into data centre infrastructure in Australia.

Over the next five years, this landmark investment will provide the world’s most advanced infrastructure that can support complex artificial intelligence (AI) and all other technology applications, enabling organisations across Australia to train and deploy AI models and continue to rapidly innovate.

It will drive the development and expansion of data centres in Melbourne and Sydney that include storage, networking, analytics, and other advanced, highly secure services, supporting cloud and AI demand.

Australia is keen to seize the economic opportunities that AI and other digital technologies offer.

This investment will boost Australia’s economic growth, resilience and productivity.

It will expand Australia’s growing data centre infrastructure and support technology adoption by Australian businesses.

AWS matches 100% of its electricity consumption with renewable energy across its global operations, including Australian data centres, as part of its plans to achieve net zero by 2040.

The significant investment builds on the Australian Government’s strategic partnership with AWS to deliver a sovereign Top Secret Cloud which will generate up to 2,000 Australian jobs.

AWS has already invested AUD$9.1 billion in Australia since it first established a presence in Sydney in 2012.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“This significant investment will offer Australian industries the ability to take advantage of the revolutionary opportunities provided by artificial intelligence.

“It will build on Australia’s growing data centre infrastructure and contribute to our economic growth and resilience, including by providing more skilled jobs and AI-ready infrastructure.

“This investment highlights AWS’s role as a trusted US-based global technology provider, with a strong presence in and commitment to Australia, reflecting Australia’s continued strength as an attractive destination for business and investment.”

Australia will provide a further $10 million to enable the distribution of urgent medical and nutrition supplies to Gaza to help address the catastrophic humanitarian conditions due to the ongoing conflict.

This funding brings Australia’s total humanitarian assistance for civilians affected by conflict in Gaza and Lebanon to over $110 million since 7 October 2023.

Infrastructure and health systems in Gaza have been devastated by Israel’s military operations. Food, medicines and essential supplies have been exhausted.

As part of the Albanese Government’s ongoing humanitarian support, Australia is partnering with the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to provide urgent medical care to Palestinians suffering serious illness or injury in Gaza.

The Australian Government will contribute $5 million to the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization for critical medical supplies to support field hospitals in Gaza.

Australia’s support builds on the charity’s existing work, including with the Palestinian Australian New Zealand Medical Association, which has also donated essential medical supplies to Gaza.

Australia will also provide $5 million to UNICEF for nutritional support for children affected by the conflict. Gaza is experiencing a critical food security crisis, with children under the age of five the most impacted.

This contribution will help UNICEF provide 2.9 million rations of nutritional support, enough to meet the needs of 8,000 children for four months.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong:

“Australia has consistently been part of the international call on Israel to allow a full and immediate resumption of aid to Gaza, in line with the binding orders of the International Court of Justice.

“Aid is being prevented from reaching those who need it. Children are injured and starving. Israel’s ongoing restriction on aid into Gaza is costing lives.

“Our new partnership with Jordan will enable us to provide urgent medical support with those who need it most.

“We will continue to work with our international partners to press for a ceasefire, the return of hostages, and the protection of civilians and humanitarian personnel.”

International Development Minister Anne Aly:

“The devastation and suffering in Gaza are unconscionable. Australia’s support will help deliver lifesaving assistance and care to civilians injured in Gaza.

“Civilians cannot pay the price in this conflict. Every child deserves safety. Every child deserves access to food and medical care.

“The Albanese Government is working with the international community and trusted humanitarian organisations, like UNICEF, as part of our ongoing efforts to ensure critical aid enters Gaza and reaches those who need it.”

Ballina Shire Council has been awarded $34,200 by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) to help deliver innovative local waste and recycling solutions, supporting the state’s transition to a circular economy.

The Creating a Circular Clothing Community project will Help divert textile waste from landfill by working with local and regional partners to shift community behaviours and promote reuse and repair.

This is one of 13 successful projects, led by councils and regional waste groups, to share in $2.9 million as part of the EPA’s Local Government Waste Solutions (LGWS) Fund program.

The funding will help deliver circular waste solutions across a diverse range of projects like eliminating waste in construction works and council operations, trialling services to divert waste from landfill and researching new technology to help recover or reuse materials.

Round four of the LGWS fund is planned to open in September 2025.

Individual councils, a group of councils, or regional waste groups in the waste levy paying area are eligible to apply. Individual councils can apply for up to $200,000 in funding, and groups of two or more councils can apply for up to $400,000 in funding.

For more information on Round 3 grantees and to learn how to apply for Round 4 visit: https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/working-together/grants/councils/local-government-waste-solutions-fund

Tamara Smith MP, Member for Ballina:

“It’s fantastic to see Ballina Shire Council awarded funding for their Creating a Circular Clothing Community which will help minimise waste, keep valuable resources out of landfill and drive NSW towards a circular economy.”

“We know clothing waste is a major pollutant. I will be excited to follow along as this program gets underway.”

“I look forward to seeing the exciting opportunities this opens for Ballina communities. Moving to a circular economy not only protects our environment into the future but also strengthens communities and local economies.”

NSW EPA Executive Director of Programs and Innovation, Alexandra Geddes:

“NSW is on the cusp of a waste crisis with Greater Sydney’s landfill space predicted to run out by 2030. We need to work with councils and communities to plan for, design and pilot new ways of managing, recovering and reusing waste.

“This funding aims to tackle local waste and resource recovery challenges by delivering innovative community-specific solutions.

“Councils and waste groups are at the forefront of managing waste for their communities and they are pivotal to our transition to a circular economy.”

Israel’s latest attacks on Iran, with the open backing of the United States, are another dangerous escalation in the region and risk tipping the world into a larger war. 

Australia must clearly and unambiguously state that we will not participate in the conflict and we will prohibit the use of any military facilities, including Pine Gap and other joint US facilities, in these attacks.  

Unilateral attacks on third countries are unlawful under international law and, whether undertaken by perceived Australian friends or enemies, must be opposed to prevent even more dangerous international precedents being set. 

Senator David Shoebridge, Greens Foreign Affairs and Defence Spokesperson, said:

“The Australian Greens condemn these latest Israeli attacks on Iran as yet another breach of international law by Israel and call on the Government to do the same. 

“No nation should be above international law. The Australian government must call on Israel to step back from military brinkmanship and engage with international legal processes and diplomatic solutions.

“Australia must not be drawn into another endless conflict. Our role needs to be as peacemakers who uphold international law, not as combatants who trash it.

“Bush said Iraq was ‘preemptive.’ Putin calls Ukraine ‘preemptive’ and now this. It’s the oldest trick in the warmonger’s playbook. 

“Israel’s actions threaten to ignite a wider regional conflict that would have devastating consequences for tens of millions of people around the world. 

“We see again and again that every ‘strategic target’ is someone’s neighborhood and that is happening right now in the suburbs of Tehran. The international community can either help stop this carnage or again own the body count. 

“Netanyahu and Trump seem to be sharing the same chaotic rule book to escalate conflict so they can avoid accountability for domestic and foreign policy failures. 

“Don’t let bombs and new breaches of international law distract from starving kids in Gaza. War crimes don’t disappear because a new war starts.

“Australia needs to stop being America’s deputy sheriff and prevent the US using any military facilities or bases in Australia in this unilateral attack on Iran.”

The ACT Greens say today’s pre-budget announcement from the minority Labor Government is enough for the community sector to survive, but not enough to create a truly strong safety net for people in Canberra.

“More people than ever are turning to local community organisations to cover the basics like food, housing, healthcare and household needs, so if today’s funding announcement is the end of it, that’s a real problem,” said ACT Greens Leader Shane Rattenbury.

“The Greens have been working with the community sector ahead of this year’s budget to really pressure Labor not to balance the books at the expense of people who most need the government’s support.

“Today’s announcement shows pressure works, and we’ve got to keep pushing.

“If Labor uses this budget to shut down the Rent Relief Fund or cut other essential supports, even more people are going be forced to seek help from the community sector.

“Today’s announcement only helps community organisations with multi-year government funding arrangements. Other services have an anxious wait, year after year, to find out if they’ll be able to keep operating.

“That has real life consequences for Canberrans who may lose their jobs, their support networks, or the roof over their heads,” Mr Rattenbury said.

“Today’s announcement of $10 million sounds nice, but spread across two years and 150 organisations – an average of $33,000 per year won’t go far.

“When you hold this $5 million per year up against the $100 million we could raise every year from taxing big corporations in a way they’d barely notice, you see how much more the government could do.

“I’m urging the Treasurer to take up the Greens’ proposal and raise extra revenue from the banks, the supermarkets, the airlines and the big retailers, which are contributing to cost of living pressures while racking up billions of dollars in profits.

“These corporations that love the ACT for being a prosperous, growing market should contribute more to our community. A drop from their ocean would be a significant pool of revenue for the ACT Government to properly fund the services Canberrans really need.

“The ACT Greens’ vision is for Canberra to be a genuinely progressive city where we look out for one another. That’s why we’ve got community services as a priority in our balance of power agreement that allowed Labor to form minority government, and why we’re watching the unveiling of this budget very closely.”