Category: Australian News

Just one day after Labor was spectacularly forced into a backflip by the Greens, Opposition and the crossbench over its stubborn refusal to address the aged care waitlist, a new independent report has smashed Labor’s aged care reforms and calls the entire system into question.

The Inspector-General of Aged Care report has unequivocally said that the Government’s aged care reforms will not deliver the change recommended by the Aged Care Royal Commission four years ago.

The report has sounded the alarm on growing fees and co-payments, raising the prospect of older Australians being forced to forgo the care that they need due to cost. 

The Greens have long supported an end to the ‘rationing’ of aged care, which has led to the current aged care waitlist.

Greens spokesperson for older people Senator Penny Allman-Payne has called on the government to come clean on how much older people will pay under the new system; and as the report has called for, to immediately commission independent modelling on the impact of aged care fees and co-payments on the ability of older people to access the care they need.

Senator Penny Allman-Payne, Greens spokesperson for Older People:

“This is a shocking wake up call for supporters of the new Act. This report has warned of a two-tiered system, where aged care increasingly becomes about the care you can afford rather than the care you need. 

“I am scared stiff for older people under this new system. 

“We have just managed to drag the Government to deliver more home care packages, but this report shows that there is a co-payment tsunami about to break on the older people in this country. 

“The financialisation of aged care is terrifying.

“Labor needs to come clean about how much older people will pay under this new system and whether they will be able to access care.

“As the report calls for, the Government must immediately commission further independent modelling of the impact of co-payments on wait times, hospital bed block, and access to care, and they must not hide the findings like they have done throughout this entire process. 

“Now more than ever, we need transparency for older people.”

“The inquiry I chaired had to fight tooth and nail for every scrap of information. I am warning the Government now that the Greens will do the same again if we have to, to expose this aged care debacle.”

Extracts from the Aged Care Royal Commission Implementation Report 2025: 

“The Royal Commission recommended the government create an entitlement to aged care. The government chose not to accept this recommendation and therefore the new Act retains a rationed system: the new Support at Home program will eventually aim to achieve average waiting periods of 3 months. This is not the model of timely access to care that the Commissioners called for.” – page 7

“However, in this report, the Inspector-General queries whether particular reforms will have the inadvertent effect of both prejudicing access for those who need it most and potentially creating unnecessary expenditure at the tertiary level of aged care.” – page 7

“The Inspector-General shares the fears of stakeholders that the manner in which co-payments and other aspects of the reforms have been structured, could potentially both prejudice equity of access to care and create inadvertent cost blow in other areas.” – page 28 

“It must be said that co-payments are contrary to the Royal Commission’s intent. While the Inspector-General understands the reality of the budget constraints, she holds genuine fears that the manner of implementing co-payments may set up a scenario where vulnerable older Australians will forego care: either because they cannot afford it or because they are worried about the cost. This will be a keen area of monitoring for the Inspector-General going forward.” – page 8

“…the current government funding model sees funding primarily focussed on clinical care, with ‘non-clinical care’ subject to significant co-payments. This leaves open the possibility that those with the least means will end up receiving the lowest level of care due to their inability to fund the co-payments, despite their entitlement to high quality care under the Act.” – page 8

“However, from the primary legislation alone, there is a clear case for some concern. Outstanding recommendations from the Royal Commission are not being delivered. The transformational change Commissioners envisaged has not been delivered to date and will not be delivered by the Act. As outlined in Chapter 4, stakeholders and the Inspector-General are anticipating a range of unintended, and intended but undesirable, consequences to become evident following the Act’s commencement.” – page 51

“Stakeholder dissatisfaction and uncertainty with the new co-payment requirements has been one of the most striking features of the consultation process for this report. As one submission put it, co-payments will result in the Act ‘establishing, if not outright endorsing, a system where continuity of care is increasingly tied to one’s ability to cover out-of-pocket costs and co-payments. Rather than ensuring equitable access, such a framework risks marginalising those who cannot afford to bridge the financial gaps’. Such a notion was ‘never part of the Royal Commission’s vision.’ – page 29

Groundbreaking technology which will help improve the way services are delivered for people across NSW will be enabled through a new Office for Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The Office for AI within Digital NSW in the Department of Customer Service will help drive and coordinate the safe, strategic adoption of AI across the NSW Government.

It will set robust standards and provide expert advice to support best practice use of AI in helping to enhance public sector productivity and ensure the technology and its use are trustworthy for the community.

The new office will also build AI literacy across the public service to ensure agencies feel confident to incorporate the technology into solutions with tangible outcomes, like a recent trial of smart school zone signs in the Hunter which respond to vehicle behaviour in busy pedestrian areas.

Building on a strong foundation of data governance and compliance, NSW is taking a significant step forward in harnessing AI and its transformative capabilities.

While Generative AI (GenAI) is expected to contribute around $115 billion to the Australian economy by 2030, the dedicated office will help identify and limit risk in order to maximise potential benefits.           

The Government also plans to release an updated AI Assessment Framework later this year, following a partnership with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO).

The Office for AI has been established for an initial two-year period, reflecting the rapid changes in this evolving technology area. Its work will complement the role of the existing AI Review Committee which reviews high-risk AI projects being proposed by the NSW Government.

From 3 September, the AI Review Committee will be chaired by an independent member, Edward Santow,  Co-Director, UTS Human Technology Institute and Former Human Rights Commissioner for Australia.

The Government has also appointed seven new committee members:

• Dr Alex Antic (Faculty Head of AI Strategy at UNSW Canberra)
• Professor Nicholas Davis (Co-Director, UTS Human Technology Institute)
• Dr Kylie de Boer (Board Chair and Non-Executive Director Westmead Fertility Centre)
• Howard Elliott (litigation strategy advisor and expert witness)
• Ajoy Ghosh (Non-Executive Director, Amnesty International Australia)
• Lisa Schonstein (Group Chief Privacy Officer for QBE Insurance)
• Rodney Smith (Assistant Commissioner, State Intelligence Command, NSW Police).

To see the full list of AIRC members visit: www.digital.nsw.gov.au/policy/digital-assurance/ai-review-committee

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said:

“Artificial intelligence is increasingly part of our everyday lives and as a government we need to make sure it is used responsibly and provides clear benefits for the community.”

“The new Office for AI will not only lead NSW’s use of AI but will set the roadmap on how to safely and responsibly incorporate and manage emerging technologies for more effective delivery of government services in the future.”

Government Chief Information and Digital Officer Laura Christie said:

“This new function within Digital NSW positions the NSW public sector to drive use of AI and harness its benefits across departments and agencies and for the people of NSW.”

“We are building on our strong foundations to drive the trustworthiness and use of these new technologies which will change the way we support customers across the state.”

Chair of the AI Review Committee Edward Santow said:

“I welcome the opportunity to serve as independent chair of the NSW Government’s AI Review Committee, which plays a key role as part of the guardrails for the use of AI across the public sector.”

“I look forward to working with the new members who bring a wealth of experience and help ensure the Committee is well positioned to advise on how to deliver safe, responsible and effective AI projects across NSW.”

The Minns Labor Government is investing in regional services to support young people facing disadvantage. Down The Track has been awarded $1 million to provide young people in Central West NSW with practical hands-on support and employment opportunities to have the best chance at success.

The program has been operating since 2016 in the regional communities of Lake Cargelligo and Murrin Bridge, west of Parkes.

Down The Track helps young people affected by complex issues such as domestic and family violence, drug and alcohol use, or who are disengaged from school. The programs it provides include:

Back to Basics: Giving young people practical help to transition into the next phase of their lives, including setting up bank accounts, obtaining birth certificates and gaining their driver’s licence.

Trackin’ Good: Providing education and skills training, including hospitality and agricultural courses such as sheep shearing, to improve young peoples’ confidence and address skills gaps in the local community.

Helping Hand: Connecting young people to services and wellbeing support that help them to re-engage with the education pathways of their choice.

Down The Track has secured funding of $1,050,000 over five years, under the Community and Family Support program, which invests in a range of early intervention initiatives to improve outcomes for young people, their families and communities. An estimated 90% of Down The Track’s clients are Aboriginal.

This funding aligns with the Minns Labor Government’s ongoing commitment to divert young people away from the justice system.

Minister for Families and Communities Kate Washington announced the funding boost during a visit to the region on Thursday.

Minister for Families and Communities Kate Washington said:

“Down The Track has offered early intervention, mentoring and support for almost a decade, helping young people in Lake Cargelligo and Murrin Bridge to find stability and get ahead.

“The young people helped by these programs have turned their lives around by building skills, gaining confidence and becoming job ready, because Down the Track has had their back.

“By investing in Down the Track, the Minns Labor Government is not only investing in young people, but also their families, their communities and the future.”

Member for Barwon Roy Butler said:

“This is fantastic news for Down The Track and the Lake Cargelligo community.

“Larn and her team at Down The Track do some amazing work with local youth and it has had a real impact in the town.

“They deliver a range of prosocial programs that have helped many young people develop practical skills and gain useful experience. It’s not complicated, Down The Track provides practical skills and assistance that helps young people get on track. The more we can do that, the more young people we will see become contributors to their community.”

Larn Masterson CEO of Down The Track said:

“This ongoing funding is a gamechanger for Down The Track and our local community. It allows us to increase our support for young people, build more pathways to employment, and bring real stability to our work.

“Most importantly, this funding lets us focus on what matters most – creating opportunities for young people that wouldn’t otherwise exist here in Lake Cargelligo.”

10,000 motorists a day have a new southbound route to the city via the Cahill Expressway from tomorrow, when a new 46-metre vehicle underpass opens under Mount Street at North Sydney, the Warringah Freeway Upgrade milestone delivered by the Minns Labor Government.

The underpass will provide a dedicated citybound connection for motorists travelling from the Warringah Freeway to the City East, Airport and Eastern Suburbs, reducing congestion and making journeys safer and more reliable for the community.

The Warringah Freeway is an enabling project for the Western Harbour Tunnel, the first new harbour crossing in 30 years being delivered by the Minns Labor Government. Together they will create a game-changing link between Sydney’s north, west and airport precincts.

The underpass will remove the need for thousands of buses and general traffic to weave and merge, when the dedicated southbound bus lane opens next year, giving bus users a direct and uninterrupted journey down the freeway to the city.

To get to the Cahill Expressway, drivers will need to keep left on the Warringah Freeway and take the newly opened section of the Kirribilli exit (Alfred Street North) to access the Mount Street underpass. Signage will guide drivers.

Motorists who miss the turn off should continue to the Sydney Harbour Bridge and detour through the CBD, via the Grosvenor Street exit, Bridge Street and Macquarie Street to the Eastern Distributor.

The digging of the underpass was unique for this project. Advanced mining technology in the shape of a remote-controlled, unmanned, hard rock continuous miner, was used to carve through sandstone and rock, excavating more than 3,000 cubic metres. The method was used as it minimises noise, reduces disturbance compared to other means and was faster than traditional rock hammering.

The underpass was built ‘upside down’ next to live traffic lanes using a technique where the roof of the new structure was built first. This meant pedestrians were still able to use Mount Street while the tunnel was excavated, rather than having to detour.

The Warringah Freeway is one of the busiest roads in Australia, with around 250,000 vehicles and 150,000 bus passengers using it each day.

Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“The infrastructure being completed on the Warringah Freeway Upgrade is coming thick and fast.

“The Mount Street underpass is the latest, vital piece of the Warringah Freeway puzzle which will help to make the Freeway more reliable and efficient, and an easier and safer road to drive on. More than 10,000 cars a day will use the underpass and take advantage of the benefits it will deliver.

Patients at Wollongong Hospital can now access a new and upgraded Medical Ambulatory Care (MAC) Unit at the hospital, as part of a $21.9 million investment from the Minns Labor Government to enhance health services and infrastructure at Wollongong Hospital.

The new MAC Unit, which opened to patients in June, provides care to members of the community following an emergency department stay or hospital admission.

This may include blood and immunoglobulin transfusions as well as complex infusions to assist and manage symptoms of acute medical conditions including various gastrological, renal and neurological conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis, Chronic Kidney Disease and Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

The MAC Unit has been relocated to Level 8 in Block C, enabling the Transit Lounge to be expanded into the former location on the Ground Floor (Hospital Street).

The Transit Lounge provides a safe area where medically stable patients can wait comfortably before being discharged to their place of residence, transferred to another facility, or are waiting for an inpatient bed to become available. Transit lounges help to free up acute care beds while ensuring patients receive all the necessary care and support they require.

The expanded Transit Lounge will enable our staff to better support increased demand in services by improving the flow of patients and providing more timely access to beds.

In addition to these works, a new MRI and CT scanner and supporting infrastructure will also be delivered at the Wollongong Hospital and is expected to be completed in 2026.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“The Minns Labor Government is delivering for the people of the Illawarra and surrounding areas with new and improved health services and facilities, supporting essential care to help patients avoid unnecessary waiting times.

“This new MAC Unit will provide a wide range of services for patient treatments such as infusions, blood transfusions, consultations, and diagnostic tests.

“This is one of several upgrades at Wollongong Hospital to help our region’s busiest hospital continue to provide care for the community, now and into the future.”

Member for Wollongong Paul Scully:

“The completion of the new MAC Unit has enhanced patient care and enabled the expansion of the busy Transit Lounge so we can get people back to their homes and families sooner.

“The Minns Labor Government continues to invest in Wollongong Hospital. These upgrades are in addition to a new CT scanner and MRI, roll out of safe staffing levels for the ED and a commitment of $220 million in the June Budget.

“As the Illawarra’s population continues to grow the government will continue to invest in health infrastructure and the Illawarra’s health workforce.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles and Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong will travel to Japan to attend the 12th Australia-Japan Foreign and Defence Ministers’ Meeting on 5 September 2025. 

The meeting, with Japan’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, H.E Iwaya Takeshi, and Minister of Defense, H.E. Nakatani Gen, will focus on shared geostrategic priorities as well as increasing collaboration across critical areas including economic ties, cyber security, regional security, and multilateral affairs. 

Deputy Prime Minister Marles and Foreign Minister Wong will also conduct bilateral talks with their counterparts to advance defence and security engagement and shared foreign policy objectives, respectively.

Australia and Japan share a rich history, shaped by decades of peaceful engagement and cooperation.  

Our relationship is underpinned by a shared vision for our region and enhancing our Special Strategic Partnership as we work together to respond to increasingly complex global challenges. 

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles: 

“Japan is an indispensable partner for Australia. Our defence and security ties are underpinned by a growing strategic alignment and deep trust.

“This year has been a milestone year of defence cooperation, which included the largest ever Japanese participation in Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025, and I look to furthering our discussions while in Tokyo.”

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Penny Wong: 

“Australia and Japan are strategic partners and close friends, with a relationship built on trust, aligned values, and mutual interests. Together, we support a free and open Indo-Pacific that is inclusive and resilient. 

“Our relationship with Japan is going from strength to strength, underpinned by increasing alignment and a shared commitment to upholding a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.” 

The Australian Government will provide $1 million to support the people of Afghanistan following the deadly earthquake which struck Nangarhar Province.

The earthquake has exacerbated the dire humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, with almost half the population already in desperate need.

Our thoughts are with the victims of this tragic earthquake, their families and loved ones, and the Afghanistan community in Australia.

Australia’s assistance will be directed through the Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund (AHF), led by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

Australia works with established partners such as UN OCHA to ensure our support helps those in need, and not the Taliban regime.

Australia welcomes the release of US$5 million from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to support this response. Australia is a longstanding donor to the CERF, contributing $11 million each year.

The Government remains firmly committed to supporting the Afghan people. Australia has provided over $260 million to the ongoing crisis in Afghanistan since 2021, with a particular focus on women and girls.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles and Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong will travel to Japan to attend the 12th Australia-Japan Foreign and Defence Ministers’ Meeting on 5 September 2025.

The meeting, with Japan’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, H.E Iwaya Takeshi, and Minister of Defense, H.E. Nakatani Gen, will focus on shared geostrategic priorities as well as in-creasing collaboration across critical areas including economic ties, cyber security, regional security, and multilateral affairs.

Deputy Prime Minister Marles and Foreign Minister Wong will also conduct bilateral talks with their counterparts to advance defence and security engagement and shared foreign policy objectives, respectively.

Australia and Japan share a rich history, shaped by decades of peaceful engagement and cooperation.

Our relationship is underpinned by a shared vision for our region and enhancing our Special Strategic Partnership as we work together to respond to increasingly complex global challenges.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles:

“Japan is an indispensable partner for Australia. Our defence and security ties are underpinned by a growing strategic alignment and deep trust.

“This year has been a milestone year of defence cooperation, which included the largest ever Japanese participation in Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025, and I look to furthering our discussions while in Tokyo.”

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Penny Wong:

“Australia and Japan are strategic partners and close friends, with a relationship built on trust, aligned values, and mutual interests. Together, we support a free and open Indo-Pacific that is inclusive and resilient.

“Our relationship with Japan is going from strength to strength, underpinned by increasing alignment and a shared commitment to upholding a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.” 

NSW Ambulance staff from across Northern NSW have been recognised for their unwavering service and dedication at an awards ceremony in Ballina.

Among those recognised were members of the aeromedical team who winched an elderly mother and son to safety after their house was pulled from its foundations and down a slope during severe flooding in northern NSW in March 2022. The delicate rescue operation at Main Arm, near Mullumbimby, took several hours and was successful thanks to the professionalism and teamwork shown by the pilots and crew.

Critical Care Paramedic William Brand received the National Medal and acknowledgement for his pivotal leadership role during Tropical Cyclone Alfred in March. He was also one of more than 25 paramedics and control centre staff also recognised for their service as part of the NSW Ambulance response to the Northern NSW floods in early 2022.

In addition, a number of community members were recognised for their bravery during emergencies, including seven-year-old Elijah Phillips who called Triple Zero (000) after his mother experienced a seizure in February. He used a picture he’d drawn of his house and kept in his ‘emergency box’ to confirm his house number and street name.

Staff and volunteers were also acknowledged with Long Service Good Conduct medals, Commissioner’s Conspicuous Service Medals, Certificates of Appreciation and Commissioner’s Honour Awards. They included Northern Rivers paramedic Terence Savage, one of the service’s earliest critical care paramedics, who received a swag of medals in honour of his 44-year career.

The Northern NSW Awards and Recognition Ceremony is the third of four events being held in 2025 to recognise NSW Ambulance staff and volunteers from across the state. Ceremonies have been held in Dubbo and Newcastle, and a ceremony will be held in Sydney in December.

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:        

“I want to acknowledge the incredible work of the team at NSW Ambulance – from paramedics, to call takers and control centre staff, through to volunteers. Every single contribution plays a vital role in ensuring our communities get help when they need it most.

“Those being honoured today have shown incredible bravery and dedication, and I want to thank them for their outstanding service to the community.

“Communities in Northern NSW have experienced extreme weather events in recent years and I admire their resilience, and I am thankful for those staff who have been there to assist and care for people during challenging times.”

Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin:

“I have seen first hand how our first responders do the most extraordinary things to save lives when disasters strike. 

“It is great to see our first responders. brave community members and volunteers recognised for their service and commitment to keeping us safe.

“I know I express the wishes of the entire community when I say that we thank each and every one of them from the bottom of our hearts.”

Labor Spokesperson for Ballina Emily Suvaal:

“I want to congratulate all NSW Ambulance award recipients recognised for demonstrating kindness, passion and bravery during service in often challenging and difficult circumstances.

“NSW Ambulance staff and volunteers play a vital role in our health system – I’d like to express my gratitude to all those staff that support the region and thank them for their ongoing contributions to the community.”

NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan: 

“It is an absolute privilege to stand here today and recognise the extraordinary contributions of our award recipients who provide critical care in life-threatening and often precarious conditions.

“That includes the dedicated aeromedical crew receiving the Commissioner’s Unit Citation for Service for the remarkable rescue of two people trapped in their home after a mudslide, as well as well-deserved recognition for staff who attended the Eugowra floods in November 2022.

“We also pay thanks to our long-serving paramedics for their diligent service with Long Service Good Conduct medals and the NSW Service Medallion. As well we recognise members of the public who have selflessly stepped in to assist others in their times of need.”

The Australian Government is imposing further targeted financial sanctions and travel bans against 14 individuals responsible for silencing political expression in Russia, as well as enabling the illegal and immoral invasion of Ukraine.

The human rights situation in Russia continues to deteriorate with violent crackdowns aimed at suppressing human rights and anti-war advocacy.

We condemn Russia’s intimidation and reprisals against civil society and human rights defenders, and reiterate our call for Russia to comply with its international human rights obligations.

This announcement builds on our comprehensive framework of sanctions against Russia, including three packages since 2022 targeting individuals involved in the poisoning, mistreatment and death of Alexei Navalny.

Today, I will meet with Yulia Navalnaya, Chair of the International Anti-Corruption Foundation Advisory Board and widow of Alexei Navalny.

Ms Navalnaya is a fearless voice for democracy in Russia, continuing her fight at immense personal cost.

Russia failed to undertake an independent and transparent investigation into Mr Navalny’s death, and Australia holds President Putin and the Russian Government responsible.

We honour Ms Navalnaya’s courage and reflect on Mr Navalny’s sacrifice and enduring legacy in the fight for freedom and justice.