Category: Australian News

“This is a victory for the artistic and wider community that had the courage to stand up to the cowardly lobbying of sections of the right wing media, conservative politicians and others whose prejudice sought to tear down a great Australian artist.

“The reinstatement of artist Khaled Sabsabi and curator Michael Dagostino as Australia’s artistic team for the Venice Biennale is a win for freedom of artistic expression but it highlights just how much of a farce this whole situation has been.

“Today’s decision is a vindication for all those who stood up for Khaled in the artistic and wider community. We have been completely vindicated and those who had the courage to stand up for Khaled should be congratulated.

“This is the right end to a very sorry saga but it’s a terrible day for the board and CEO of Creative Australia who have disgraced themselves throughout this ordeal.

“It is clear that the leadership of Creative Australia needs a clean out in order to rebuild trust within the artistic community and the Australian public.”

Tens of thousands of frontline community services workers will receive a 3.5 per cent pay rise as part of the Minns Labor Government’s 2025-26 Budget.

The pay rise is the result of a Budget decision to provide $122 million of additional funding to Non-Government Organisations so they can pay the increase in the minimum wage for community services workers. It follows the Fair Work Commission’s annual minimum wage determination.

Those receiving the pay rise include crisis accommodation workers, counsellors, social workers, youth workers and legal officers working for organisations with relevant NSW government contracts.

A typical community service worker is $57.29 better of per week after this year’s minimum wage decision. In total, their wages are 202.22 higher after the Minns Government’s responses to Fair Work decisions in its first three budgets. Around 80 per cent of these workers are women.

The contracts relate to services delivered on behalf of Department of Communities and Justice, NSW Health, Department of Education, Department of Customer Service and the Rental Bond Board.

The increase follows the 2025-26 Budget’s record $1.2 billion investment in the state’s child protection system. The child protection package includes a 20 per cent increase in the foster carer allowance, as well as funding for more, better trained public sector caseworkers.

The Minns Labor Government is committed to getting real wages moving, having reached multi-year agreements with more than 60 per cent of the public sector workforce and delivering real wages growth for the first time since 2019-20, after abolishing the Coalition’s unfair wages cap.

Real wages:    

• Have grown 1.2% under the Minns Government since March 2023.
• Fell by 1.2% under the former Liberal Government.
• Are expected to grow by an average of 0.4% per year over the coming four years to June 2029.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey:

“We are making sure crisis workers, counsellors and youth workers get the pay rise they deserve, while their employers can get on with grappling with some of our toughest social challenges.

“As real wages begin to grow again in NSW, this $122 million funding injection will make sure real wages grow for community service workers too.”

Minister for Families and Communities Kate Washington:

“This is about supporting the people who support our communities.

“These workers provide vital support to children, families, and vulnerable people – often in times of emergency and crisis.

“This pay rise is an important step in valuing that work, because communities thrive when our frontline staff are properly supported.”

Cara Varian, CEO of the NSW Council of Social Services:

“NCOSS welcomes the NSW Government’s decision to increase funding to reflect the rising costs of delivering essential social services for communities across NSW. 

“Reliable, sustained indexation is vital to ensure social services organisations can continue to support people and communities in need.

“We look forward to working with the NSW Government to build on this step by implementing their reforms, which will provide funding certainty for the social service sector across the state, such as an evidence-based approach to calculating indexation.” 

Angus McFarland, Australian Services Union NSW and ACT Secretary:

“These workers deserve a decent pay rise to keep up with cost of living and to support their own families.

“The 3.5 per cent boost to funding of NGOs in NSW is welcomed by the ASU as the union for these workers.

“This funding injection will mean that service providers can pass on the minimum wage increase for award workers without impacting services or jobs in the industry.

“It also provides the recognition that these workers deserve for their work supporting others in our community.”

The Greens have said the gas market review must prevent gas companies like Santos from exploiting loopholes in the Australian market to meet their over-ambitious export contracts.

Otherwise, the review announced yesterday risks doubling down on fossil fuel dependence and undermining Australia’s climate goals by encouraging the creation of new supply instead of phasing out exports and reducing gas demand. 

According to information provided by the ACCC to the Greens, Australia could save 1,452 petajoules of gas over the next decade, enough to cover domestic shortfalls without opening a single new gas field, if it stopped gas exporters from draining the domestic market. 

Australian Greens acting leader, Senator Sarah Hanson-Young:

“Massive gas corporations are exploiting loopholes to make massive profits off Australia’s gas. They get most of most of the gas for free, pay barely any tax, and ship it overseas for massive profits – and you’re funding their greed with every energy bill,” Hanson-Young said.

“This gas review needs to make the big polluters’ profiteering illegal, not reward the bad behaviour of the greedy gas corporations by opening new gas fields.

“With NSW currently being battered by severe storms, we’re in the grips of yet another extreme weather event made worse by coal and gas. This review isn’t an academic exercise – it has massive implications for people’s lives and the climate.

“Every new coal and gas mine makes global heating worse, and we need to be moving off expensive, dirty gas faster than we are. The Australian Greens will push to stop greedy gas corporations from profiting off people’s power bill pain.”

Australian Greens resources spokesperson, Senator Steph Hodgins-May: 

“The Government can’t reward the gas lobby’s conduct and shift the cost to everyday Australians, who will pay higher energy bills and higher insurance prices from more intense and frequent floods and fires caused by fossil fuels.

“We don’t need any new gas fields, we need to stop gas exporters like Santos robbing gas from the domestic market to sell overseas, pushing up prices for Australian households and industry. 

“If the government helps homes and businesses electrify and we pass laws to stop these gas thieves in their tracks, we can transition to net zero without a single new gas mine.

“Our kids deserve a safe climate future. As we head back to parliament, the Greens will be firm, constructive and unrelenting in our push for real climate action.”

Footy fans in regional South Australia are devastated that as of today (July 1), they’ll be unable to watch the footy on free to air television.

A deal between the AFL and Foxtel already meant the first 8 rounds were not broadcast on free to air television in South Australia and many other parts of the country, but the breakdown of a private agreement between WIN TV and Seven West Media will now leave thousands of regional fans locked out for good.

Sarah Hanson-Young, Senator for SA and Greens spokesperson for communications:

“There’s nothing more Australian than a night on the couch watching the AFL. But footy fans in regional SA will be forced to whip out their credit card to watch their favorite team as of July 1.

“South Australians expect to be able to watch the Adelaide Crows or Port Adelaide for free, but the current regulation is not working for them.

“Across the country thousands of footy fans, including right here in South Australia, were locked out of watching Saturday matches for free in the first 8 rounds. Now this is about to be a permanent reality for all fans in regional SA.

“This is just un-Australian.

“Regional footy fans shouldn’t have to miss out on watching the footy for free just because these media companies couldn’t come to an agreement.

“Any South Aussie will tell you how important the Showdown is, but with the second Showdown of the season this month and Seven’s broadcasts ending across Mount Gambier and the Riverland this week – how will regional fans be able to tune in for free?

“The anti-siphoning list acknowledges the cultural importance of the AFL, but the laws have left many footy fans locked out. We need media regulations that are fit for the 21st century.

“In a cost of living crisis, regional South Australians shouldn’t have to fork out extra cash to pay for Foxtel or Kayo just to watch their team play, let alone fixing up poor internet connections that regional communities are often burdened with.

“All Australians should be able to watch the footy for free, and the Greens will act to fix this law when parliament returns.”

Work has begun on the construction of City of Newcastle’s highly anticipated regional level accessible playspace and waterplay area at Foreshore Park. 

The project is the centrepiece of the Harbour Foreshore Masterplan and will deliver a flagship destination for inclusive recreation that celebrates the city’s industrial, maritime and Indigenous heritage. 

An artist’s impression of the industrial themed play structure that will be built at Foreshore Park, which includes an accessible ramp to the first level of the tower.

City of Newcastle awarded a tender for the detailed design and construction of the project to Regal Innovations at the March Council meeting, with the playspace expected to be completed by late next year. 

Executive Manager Community and Recreation Lynn Duffy said City of Newcastle was committed to providing enhanced recreational opportunities for all members of the community. 

“Providing access to quality community spaces is a key commitment in our Community Strategic Plan as we deliver our shared vision for Newcastle to be a liveable, sustainable, inclusive, global city,” Ms Duffy said. 

“Our flagship Foreshore Park Livvi’s Place inclusive playspace and waterplay area will offer valuable opportunities for intergenerational community building, positively supporting the physical and mental wellbeing of residents and visitors.” 

The inclusive playspace project is the result of more than five years of input from the community. 

Feedback on the detailed design was received from the Guraki Aboriginal Standing Committee, an accessibility working group established by City of Newcastle for the project, and the Touched by Olivia Foundation, a charity dedicated to the creation of inclusive playspaces across Australia. 

It was designed in accordance with the NSW Government’s Everyone Can Play guidelines and will promote intergenerational, inclusive play, with opportunities for visitors of all ages and abilities. 

Justine Perkins, Founder of Touched by Olivia, and Livvi’s Mum, said play is important and beneficial for everyone.  

“This Livvi’s Place design is truly inclusive and intergenerational and has a wonderful connection to place,” Ms Perkins said. 

“City of Newcastle has been a fantastic partner. They have been committed to really listening to the children, youth and community and ensuring co-creation from the start.  

“This playspace is a testament to their understanding that we all want to and need to be able to get outdoors and play together, with others, in our community to ensure we live happier, healthier lives.” 

Located at the western end of Foreshore Park, the playspace will feature four separate zones including junior and toddler areas, water and nature-based play areas and quiet spaces, connected via accessible paths, seating, shade, gardens and lawns. 

Bespoke playground equipment will add to its distinctly Newcastle character, including a central whale-themed swing set and picnic area paying tribute to the city’s Worimi and Awabakal heritage. 

An artist’s impression of the waterplay area that will be built at part of the Foreshore Park inclusive playspace.

The waterplay area will be linked to Newcastle’s maritime history and coastal ecologies, while an elevated “nuts and bolts” play structure will symbolise Newcastle’s strong industrial ties and include an accessible ramp to the first level of the tower. 

An accessible slide, sandpit, carousel and sensory pathway are among the other key features of the inclusive design.  

Navigation through the space will be made easier with a logical and accessible path of travel, while charging points for wheelchairs and mobility devices are also included. 

The playspace will be complemented by a fully accessible amenities building and kiosk, which is currently under construction in Foreshore Park to serve the broader precinct. It includes unisex ambulant toilets, a parent’s change room, and a Changing Places facility. 

The Foreshore Park projects are supported by the NSW Government, Variety the Children’s Charity, the Touched by Olivia Foundation and the Newcastle Port Community Contribution Fund.

The Western Harbour Tunnel and M6 Stage 1 are both on track to open in 2028, and as always planned, these will be tolled motorways.

It’s important to be clear: the large forecast increase in toll revenue in budget year 2028 is due to the one-off scheduled opening of two new motorways in that year.

But unlike the former Liberal-National Government, we are not handing these motorways over to the highest bidder in the private sector.

Under the Liberal model, motorways were sold off with ironclad guarantees—decades of rising tolls and assured profits locked in for private operators while motorists were left footing a bill of $195 billion out to 2060.

The Minns Labor Government is changing that. We are keeping the Western Harbour Tunnel and M6 Stage 1 in public hands, along with the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Tunnel.

This will double the number of toll roads in the network that are not privately owned—essential to rebuilding competition and wrestle back some control and ownership for the people of NSW.

We were honest with the public from day one: the toll situation would get worse before it got better.

That’s the reality of the infrastructure pipeline locked in by our predecessors.

And now, the most recent NSW Budget reflects that—with toll revenue projected to rise from $180 million to $283 million in the 2028–29 financial year.

That jump is simply the start of toll collection on those two new roads.

The projected revenue is based on Environmental Impact Statements and planning documents developed and released under the former Liberal Government.

No new decisions have been made to increase tolls or implement two-way tolling, and forecasts will be updated as real-world data comes in.

In the meantime, the NSW Government has already taken action to reduce the burden on motorists through the $60 weekly toll cap—one of the most substantial cost-of-living relief on tolls NSW has ever seen.

This cap ensures that regular commuters aren’t punished for living in Western Sydney or using the road network to get to work and back.

We’re also undertaking a comprehensive review of the entire tolling system to move toward a model that puts the interests of motorists ahead of private profits.

That means more transparency, more public accountability, and a vision for toll reform built around fairness and affordability—not shareholder returns.

Since the Minns Labor Government’s toll cap was introduced on 1 January 2024:

• Number of claims paid: 476,894
• Total claims paid: $139,740,215

Hundreds of families in the New England region are closer to fee-free early learning, with contracts awarded to deliver three new public preschools.

Each public preschool will be co-located with an existing public primary school, making drop-off and pick up easier for busy families and helping children transition into kindergarten with confidence.

As the biggest expansion of public preschools in the state’s history, the NSW Government’s rollout of 100 more public preschools will provide access to high quality early learning for up to 9,000 children across NSW by 2027. Of the 100 new public preschools, 51 are metropolitan Sydney and 49 are in regional NSW, prioritised in areas of highest need based on a rigorous selection process.

The three public preschools will be built at:

• Warialda Public School
• Toomelah Public School
• Hillvue Public School

Once open, the three sites will cater for up to 200 local children a week.

Lipman Construction Pty Ltd will deliver the public preschools at Warialda and Hillvue public schools, with construction expected to begin later this year. Contracts for the public preschool at Toomelah Public School will be awarded later this year.

Doors will open for all three public preschools by early 2027.

They will join the recently opened Gulyangarri Public Preschool in Liverpool – the first new public preschool built in NSW in almost 20 years.

This is part of the Minns Labor Government’s record investment to rapidly expand the provision of public preschool in NSW, funded by our record investment in the 2024-25 Budget. 

This historic investment is a major turnaround from the former Liberal National Government, who didn’t build a single public preschool in 12 years. 

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said: 

“Access to preschool can be difficult for young families, particularly in regional areas, which is why we are delivering three new public preschools in the New England region.  

“The Minns Labor Government, with the advocacy of Deputy Premier Prue Car, is committed to improving access to free, quality public preschool for our youngest learners because we know how crucial early learning is for a child’s development.   

“The former Liberal National government failed to deliver for young families in the regions and didn’t build a single new public preschool while in office.  

“The Minns Labor Government made this historic commitment to deliver the biggest expansion in public preschools in NSW’s history because we strongly believe all children should have access to high-quality early education, no matter their postcode.” 

Minister for Regional New South Wales Tara Moriarty said:

“Early learning is a vital first step in a child’s education and these new fee-free preschools will help our regional communities thrive. 

“With 49 new public preschools across regional NSW, this historic investment is a major turning point for regional families after years of neglect by the former Liberal National Government who failed to invest in public preschools.

“Families in our regions deserve access to high-quality early learning and I am proud to see the Minns Labor Government continuing to make significant investment in regional communities.”

Warialda Public School Principal Tracey Digby said:

“The start of construction for our new preschool will be an exciting step forward for the Warialda community.

“A free preschool providing quality education on site will improve transition to school for our Kindergarten children, improve learning outcomes and offer convenience for parents.”

Toomelah Public School Executive Principal Matt Jackman said:

“Our community is looking forward to having a public preschool on the same site as Toomelah Public School.

“It will support local families to access quality early childhood education, and we’re eager to see the facilities take shape once the contract is awarded later this year.”

Hillvue Public School Principal Jayne Johnson said:

“This is a wonderful opportunity for our families across the Tamworth community. 

“Our new preschool will provide greater access and support for our young children as they transition to Kindergarten. We are very excited to welcome our newest learners and support the beginning of their learning journey.”

A further 21 projects have been declared as State Significant Development following recommendations from the Housing Delivery Authority (HDA).

Of these proposals, 17 are in metropolitan Sydney and 4 are in regional NSW.

If lodged and approved, this could create nearly 6,000 homes, including affordable housing across New South Wales.

To date, 157 proposals amounting to nearly 59,300 potential homes have been declared state significant.

Since the formation of the HDA, 56 projects have had Secretary Environmental Assessment Requirements issued and one Development Application has been lodged.

Recommendations from the HDA are published as required under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 before the SSD declaration.

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

The Ministerial Order can be found here.

The Minns Labor Government has failed its third budget test, only announcing one new school in its 2025-26 Budget and being forced to reannounce projects to cover for its lack of delivery.

Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said this budget proves the absence of Labor’s ambition for our schools. 

“Families across New South Wales, whether they’re raising kids in our growing suburbs or out in the regions, deserve better than recycled announcements and empty promises,” Mr Speakman said.

“Parents want to know their children will have access to quality classrooms, proper facilities and the support they need to thrive, no matter their postcode. 

Instead, Labor is spending more to deliver less, with no clear plan to fix the schools we already have or build the ones we’ve been promised. It’s not just a missed opportunity, it’s a failure to deliver on the basics.”

Shadow Education Minister Sarah Mitchell said it’s particularly bad news for the bush, with not a single new school or major school upgrade slated outside of Newcastle, Sydney or Wollongong.

“The fact there’s not one new school or major upgrade anywhere west of the divide, down south or on the north coast, speaks volumes about the Minns’ Government’s priorities for education in this state,” Mrs Mitchell said.

“All kids should have access to high quality schools and classrooms no matter where they live, but under Labor regional students completely miss out.

“The only exception is the forced rebuild of Willyama High School in Broken Hill due to a significant mould outbreak, and even that has only received funding in this year’s budget, despite it being promised in 2024.”

There are major concerns around the slowing infrastructure pipeline with the Government’s $2.6 billion package  only projected to build 140 new classrooms, despite the Coalition delivering close to 500 new classrooms, 55 specialist learning spaces, 13 halls, 12 libraries and 9 covered outdoor learning areas for $770m in the 2021 school year alone.

“The devil is in the detail when it comes to this budget and the numbers clearly don’t stack up,” Mrs Mitchell said.

“Not only is Labor spending more for less, but it’s also not being clear about how much money will go towards maintenance and minor works, with those figures missing from the budget papers.”

The budget also falls short when it comes to early childhood education and care, with just four new preschools due to be opened in 2025-26.

“Despite Labor’s promise in the lead up to the 2023 election to build 100 public preschools, it will take them three years to build just five preschools,” Mrs Mitchell said.

“It’s also unclear how the Government plans to uphold its commitment of deliver universal pre-Kindergarten for every child in NSW before 2030, because the amount on offer won’t create anywhere near enough places.”

This week, I will travel to the United States to participate in a meeting of Quad Foreign Ministers.

This will be the second Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting within six months, reflecting the importance of our partnership and the strategic circumstances confronting our region and the world.

I look forward to engaging with my Quad counterparts as we strengthen cooperation to ensure a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

While in Washington DC, I will also meet separately with each of my counterparts, Secretary of State Rubio, External Affairs Minister Jaishankar and Foreign Minister Iwaya, to progress bilateral cooperation.

The United States is our closest ally and principal strategic partner. Our alliance contributes to the peace, prosperity and stability of our countries and the region we share.

We will continue to work together to further our important economic and security partnership and advance our mutual interests.