Category: Australian News

The ACT Greens are calling for fresh hearings in the parliamentary inquiry into Caretaker Conventions, after documents released under Freedom of Information revealed multiple potential breaches of the rules before and after the 2024 ACT Election.

“These FOI documents show Labor used government resources and the ACT Public Service to help coordinate and support election campaign events, so it’s pretty clear the caretaker conventions are not having the effect they’re meant to,” said Andrew Braddock MLA, Greens spokesperson on Democracy and Integrity.

“The public service is a crucial asset to our democracy, and I will always defend it. This evidence shows a direct threat to the apolitical and unbiased nature of the public service.

“I think Labor has been in government for such a long time that there’s complacency on both sides, among the politicians and the public service, that’s not so much nefarious as it is foreseeable and disappointing.

“In one case, we’ve got Labor candidates posing for social media pictures in the refurbished Fitzroy Pavilion at EPIC, seven weeks before the ACT Government officially reopened it,” Mr Braddock said.

“There was even an instance of the public service preparing an entire briefing pack for Andrew Barr – with speaking notes, instructions on where to park, a list of attending VIPs and which media outlets would be there – for the opening of Carlotta Restaurant less than 48 hours before election day.

“How could anyone think it’s appropriate to use Territory resources to support Andrew Barr to cut a ribbon, two days before polls closed?

“This is clearly a case where Mr Barr could have attended without the assistance of the ACT Public Service, or, as the caretaker conventions say, the public service could have also briefed the opposition and the crossbench.

“And that is why I have brought these issues to light – because I believe it is vital that there are appropriate protections and mechanisms to ensure our public servants can remain apolitical at all times, especially during caretaker.”

“As a public service town, Canberrans understand the importance of remaining impartial and able to provide frank, fearless advice to the government of the day. When those boundaries blur, we must examine the causes, address entrenched issues and strengthen the ACTPS so public servants have the independence to do their jobs as intended.

“Political parties and candidates can ask for access to government facilities for electioneering, and the public service can provide it. But in these cases, it was the Chief Minister’s office asking, and the public service is in the habit of saying yes.”

Background

Ministerial offices and the ACT Public Sector switch into ‘caretaker’ mode in the lead up to an election, to make sure the ordinary services of government continue while politicians are kept at arm’s length.

The rules around the caretaker period are not legally enforceable, but they are a convention followed in democracies around the world to avoid binding an incoming government. They effectively level out the advantage of being an incumbent government.

The ACT’s caretaker conventions reinforce the apolitical nature of the ACT Public Service “by avoiding the use of Territory resources in a manner that advantages a particular party.”

The documents provided under FOI show Labor staffers and ACT public servants used Territory resources to set up Labor campaign events and unnecessarily support candidate community engagement.

CMTEDDFOI 2025-088 is available on the ACT Government’s FOI Disclosure Log.

On the day of a national meeting of Education Ministers, the Greens are urging ministers to go beyond band-aid fixes and tackle the systemic problems undermining safety and quality in childcare.

The Greens say yesterday’s naming of 29 centres under new laws is a start, but it won’t lift overall quality or address the deeper failures of the for-profit model.

Last week, the Greens announced they will move to establish a Senate Inquiry into the quality and safety of early education and care as soon as Parliament resumes. The inquiry will, among other things, examine how the childcare subsidy model props up for-profit providers and undermines standards.

Australian Greens spokesperson for early childhood education and care, Senator Steph Hodgins-May: 

“More and more evidence is mounting that the profit-driven model of early learning is failing by treating children as revenue streams, not as young people deserving of quality care and education.

“As Education Ministers meet today I urge them to go beyond band-aid fixes and confront the real issue putting our kids at risk – a system that puts profit ahead of care. 

“The rapid review in Victoria warns providers are putting profits ahead of children’s safety, while the recent NSW review exposed the inherent conflict between profit and quality care. When will the Government finally reckon with this?

“The difference is stark: only 13 per cent of for-profit centres exceed the national quality standard, compared with almost one-third of community and not-for-profit centres.

“Naming and shaming poor quality providers is a first step, but it’s not enough. These are our children we’re talking about, not line items on a balance sheet.” 

The Greens say the Government’s roundtable has delivered nothing for workers, renters and first home buyers, according to Greens Senator Barbara Pocock.

With the Treasurer just today identifying the need to move on intergenerational inequality, the Greens say the government must move beyond talk, into action on tax reform and improved conditions for workers.

Senator Larissa Waters, Leader of the Australian Greens:

“What a flop that the roundtable didn’t result in anything more than Labor’s minimal pre-election plans. No action on big corporations paying their fair share, no changing housing tax settings that have cooked affordability, and no understanding that climate action is key to future economic prosperity. What a visionless approach,” Senator Waters said.

“The roundtable didn’t consider taxes on rich coal and gas corporations or take action on handouts for wealthy property investors. It didn’t move us towards a four day work week or raise income support. Instead, the major outcomes seem likely to push up emissions and slow down rooftop solar.

“The Treasurer’s calls for action on intergenerational inequality moments after the economic roundtable finished show how little the three day event achieved.

“Labor can’t keep putting off important reforms year after year, talking about problems like the housing crisis or intergenerational inequality while doing little to fix them. It’s time to put the talk aside and take action.”

Australian Greens spokesperson for finance, employment and workplace relations, Senator Barbara Pocock:

“This is a missed opportunity for bold action from the Government. Labor could deliver genuine tax reform today that would tackle intergenerational inequality, improve conditions for workers and boost productivity. Long delays on tax reform aren’t going to fix anything.

“Labor is supposed to be the party of the worker and yet its economic roundtable has delivered nothing for workers. Despite weeks of proposals from unions, we’ve seen zero commitments from the Government to improving working conditions that would ultimately boost productivity. What’s the point of inviting workers’ representatives to a roundtable if you’re not going to listen to them.

“The evidence is clear – flexible working arrangements – such as the right to work from home and a shorter working week with the same pay – reduce the time spent on commuting, improve work-life balance, increase mental and physical wellbeing, and boosts workforce participation and productivity. They are good for women.

“This is about justice for working people. The profit share of GDP has risen while workers’ share has shrunk. It’s time for workers to get their fair share. The Government has the support of unions for real reform for workers and their families. The Greens stand ready to pass them in parliament. 

“Ending the housing crisis is possible but cutting red tape won’t cut it. We have to bite the bullet on tax. That means winding back unfair tax handouts to wealthy property investors which are cooking our housing system, fuelling intergenerational inequality and helping to shut an entire generation out of home ownership.

“Unless the Government makes the necessary reforms to the tax concessions for property investors, we’ll continue to see house prices rise and rents spiral. Labor must listen to the experts and deliver tax reforms that will actually help Australians put a roof over their head.

“Labor must deliver on essential tax reform to deal with the housing crisis, ensure workers get their fair share and strengthen flexible working arrangements which we know boosts productivity.” 

The NSW Government has accepted all recommendations of an independent review into the delivery of this year’s selective education placement tests, with the 2026 tests and beyond to be held at smaller venues and logistics to be overseen directly by the NSW Department of Education.

Respected education academic Dr Michele Bruniges AM examined the issues that caused significant disruption to 2025 testing held at larger testing venues. Dr Bruniges has also chaired the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s Programme for International Student Assessment Governing Board since 2017.

Disruptions on the first day of testing resulted in the department shifting subsequent testing to alternative smaller venues, managed by departmental staff. This approach will continue in 2026.

Dr Bruniges’ recommendations for the department, include holding only one placement test session per day per school, with a maximum number of 300 students in large school venues and 180 students in the smaller school venues.

In her report, Dr Bruniges notes the department’s successful establishment of computer-based test design and delivery outside of the three large testing venues.

Planning is underway for the 2026 tests. The first round of offers for next year’s selective high school cohort will be today.

Along with the Bruniges Review, separate independent advice into the fairness and integrity of the 2025 tests was provided by Professor Jim Tognolini, Director of the Centre for Educational Measurement and Assessment at the University of Sydney.

Professor Tognolini’s work examined whether students who sat the test twice due to disruption had an advantage and whether all test versions were comparable and equally difficult.

His review found:

• No evidence of advantage for students re-sitting the test.
• Minimal difference between the scores on the first and second test for students who sat the Selective High School and Opportunity Class test twice.
• All test versions, including re-sits, were of equal difficulty.
• Where common questions were used between tests, proven methods were applied to ensure fairness.

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:

“The NSW Government is accepting all of Dr Bruniges recommendations including that future tests take place in smaller cohorts at local schools, ensuring we don’t see the disruption we saw this year again.

“Every student deserves a fair go, and I thank Dr Bruniges and Professor Tognolini for their work to ensure we deliver fair and well-run tests for entry to selective schooling and opportunity classes.”

NSW Department of Education Secretary Murat Dizdar said:

“We will implement all recommendations of the Bruniges review to ensure a smooth process for students participating in next year’s tests.

“The disruption experienced at the larger testing centres earlier this year was not acceptable, and I’m pleased our steps to address the issues delivered a fair outcome.”

Dr Michele Bruniges AM said:

“For NSW families and their children, a decision to sit for placement tests for entry into selective education is significant.

“The use of large testing centres this year caused disruption, and the review has made recommendations to ensure the disruption experienced is not repeated.”

Professor Jim Tognolini said:

“Despite disruption to testing at major centres, students resitting the tests did not receive an advantage.

“There was minimal difference between scores on the original and re-sit tests, with proven testing methods ensuring fairness.”

Over-the-bed critical care cameras which provide real-time images of seriously ill babies and children are being installed at Northern Beaches Hospital following the Clinical Excellence Commission’s Independent Inquiry into the hospital’s emergency department, which identified the absence of this technology as a serious concern.

The Inquiry, commissioned by the Secretary of NSW Health was released earlier this month.

The Minister for Health, Ryan Park, today announced the cameras were undergoing testing and were expected to be switched on within a matter of weeks.

Specialist camera units are being installed in the emergency department, paediatric ward and special care nursery.

The cameras allow for a clinician to contact the Newborn and Paediatric Emergency Transport Service (NETS) to connect them with specialists from the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network, when a child is critically ill or facing an emergency.

Previously, Northern Beaches Hospital did not have a connection to NSW Health’s data network which would have enabled the video camera connection.

Clinicians would communicate with NETS via phone when seeking clinical advice in a neonatal or paediatric emergency.

Discussions between the Northern Beaches Hospital Taskforce, Healthscope and its receivers remain ongoing.

It remains the preference of the NSW Government that a negotiated agreement on the future control and operation of the Northern Beaches Hospital can be achieved.

NSW Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“One of the great benefits of these cameras is that when in use the NETS clinicians can become very involved in the care often acting as another pair of eyes.

“The cameras are controlled at the NETS end so they can zoom in and look closely at the patient, or at the monitoring equipment to watch real time changes as they occur.

“These cameras are vital in providing specialist advice to clinicians on the ground dealing with a paediatric emergency.

“I hope this will provide some reassurance to the Northern Beaches community in light of the tragic death of Joe Massa.

“I would like to thank Joe’s parents, Elouise and Danny Massa, who have advocated tirelessly on behalf of the community for improvements to be made at Northern Beaches Hospital.

“Today, I am pleased to say that as a result of NSW Health’s work with Healthscope, the operator of Northern Beaches Hospital, these cameras are now being installed.”
 

Commissioner Karen Webb will be farewelled at Goulburn today after an extraordinary 38-year career with the NSW Police Force.  

On behalf of the NSW Government, I thank her for her decades of self-sacrifice and service to the people of this state.

Commissioner Webb has been a force for change, achieving landmark reform that will leave a lasting legacy on the NSW Police Force. 

Joining the NSWPF in May 1987, she has held every rank in the NSWPF, working across General Duties and Specialist Commands in both metro and regional NSW.  

Under her leadership, we have introduced significant recruitment and retention measures including delivering a once-in-a-generation pay rise for police, paying recruits to train and establishing pathways for regional recruits to return to the bush and experienced officers to transfer from interstate and New Zealand to the NSWPF.

Commissioner Webb’s commitment to tackling one of society’s most shameful crimes – domestic and family violence – is to be commended. 

Under her command, the NSWPF now have the only Domestic and Family Violence Registry in Australia, a Domestic Violence Liaison officer in every Police Area Command and District, the strongest cooperation with WDVCAS workers in our buildings and so much more. 

Her achievements are an enduring legacy for how NSW Police will deal with domestic violence for decades to come

Commissioner Webb’s drive to modernise the force for the 21st century will have a lasting impact on our police and community. 

At today’s Attestation Parade for new recruits in Goulburn the Commissioner will ‘march off’ the parade ground a little over 38 years after she herself attested on the same ground. 

It is fitting she does so with her head held high as we welcome the largest class of recruits in more than a decade to the force – a result of her reforms to police recruitment and retention.

Commissioner Webb has a great deal to be proud of in her long and exemplary police career.  We all owe her a huge debt of gratitude.

Congratulations Commissioner Webb.

314 police recruits – the largest class in 13 years – will be sworn into the NSW Police Force (NSWPF) today – bolstering frontline policing right across the state.

The Minns Labor Government will officially welcome Class 366 to the NSWPF this morning as they attest at the Goulburn Police Academy.

Today’s record-breaking class is clear proof that the Minns Labor Government’s reforms to police pay, and recruitment are working.

While there is more to do, these results show we are making inroads to turning around recruitment and rebuilding the NSWPF after 12 years of the Liberals unfair wages cap.

The new officers will be deployed to 57 Police Area Commands and Police Districts across the state, strengthening the NSWPF’s capability to fight crime and keep our communities safe.

Class 366 is made up of 221 men and 93 women (aged between 19 and 59). The cohort also includes 18 First Nations officers and officers who were born in 18 different countries.

The recruits will now begin 12 months of on-the-job training and will be deployed across:

• Central Metropolitan Region – 69
• Northern Region – 67
• North West Metropolitan Region – 63
• South West Metropolitan Region – 64
• Southern Region – 29
• Western Region – 22

13 recruits are taking advantage of the Minns Labor Government’s Be A Cop In Your Hometown program – electing to serve in or near their hometown after attesting.

This cohort is returning to the Mid North Coast PD, Coffs/Clarence PD, Oxley PD, Hunter Valley PD, Riverina PD and Murray River PD.

Strong local policing is particularly important in regional and rural NSW, where officers are trusted community figures and often the first point of support in times of crisis.

Class 366 has completed eight months of training (four months via distance education and four months of in-person training at Goulburn) and will now begin 12 months of on the job training as Probationary Constables.

The former Liberal-National Government had no plan for police recruitment, no plan for police retention and sent wages backwards for more than a decade. Thousands of experienced officers left the force as a result.

We are working hard to rebuild the NSWPF and create safer communities. While there is more to do, that work includes:

• Delivering a once-in-a-generation pay rise for police officers
• Establishing an historic scheme to pay recruits to train, resulting in a 72% increase in applications to join the NSWPF
• Establishing the Be a Cop In Your Hometown program
• Establishing the Professional Mobility Program to incentivise experienced officers from interstate and New Zealand to join the NSWPF

Premier Chris Minns said:

“A massive congratulations to class 366, and welcome to the NSW Police Force.

“On behalf of the people of NSW, I thank you for putting your hand up to serve and protect our communities.

“Policing is a tough and demanding profession, but it also offers extraordinary opportunities for a rewarding career.

“This record class shows our reforms are working – paying recruits to study, delivering a historic pay rise, and opening new pathways to serve regional NSW.”

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said:

“Every single one of these new recruits has shown a steadfast commitment to make our state a safer place. I wish them all a long, rich and rewarding career with the NSW Police Force.

“These recruits are going to where they’re needed most and are ready to hit the ground running and make a real difference in their communities.

“For many attesting today, becoming a police officer wouldn’t be possible without paid study. This historic reform is attracting not only more recruits, but a more diverse cohort with significant life experience – NSW is all the richer for it.

“The Minns Labor Government is working hard to get more boots on the ground. While there’s more to do, we have secured better pay, are paying recruits to train and have set up pathways for regional recruits to serve in or near their hometown and experienced officers to transfer to NSW.

“Class 366 is the largest class in 13 years, the class before this was the largest class in 11. That’s down to the leadership of Commissioner Webb and the landmark initiatives she’s helped us achieve.”

Acting Commissioner Paul Pisanos said:

“As we welcome a new generation of officers into the NSW Police Force, today is a day to mark the significant contribution Commissioner Webb has had on our organisation.

“We thank Commissioner Webb for her incredible commitment to serve the community, and the NSW Police Force.

“Commissioner Webb as the first female Police Commissioner, shattered barriers and blazed a trail of progress, paving the way for future generations and inspiring probationary constables to believe in their potential.”

Senior police will plunge into icy ocean water in Newcastle today to raise money for a good cause.

The Polar Plunge sees participants enter the water at 19 locations across Australia between Saturday 19 July 2025 to Saturday 30 August 2025, with eight of these taking place at various locations across NSW.

Law Enforcement Torch Run is a charity made of up of NSW Police Force and other law enforcement agencies, and it coordinates events – including the Polar Plunge – to raise money for the athletes of Special Olympics Australia.

One of the plunges will be held at Merewether Ocean Baths this morning (Sunday 24 August 2025). The event starts with a brief torch run and opening ceremony at 10am, following by the plunge at 10.15am.

Participants from the NSW Police Force, emergency services, community and justice agencies, Special Olympics Clubs, individuals, and corporate partners will take the plunge.

Northern Region Commander, Assistant Commissioner David Waddell APM, will be jumping into the cold water at Merewether for the important cause.

“For over 20 years we’ve supported the Law Enforcement Torch Run NSW to raise awareness of the great work done by Special Olympics Australia,” Assistant Commissioner Waddell said.

“We are proud to be taking the plunge and to show our support for Special Olympics Australia who bring sport, joy and inclusion to people with intellectual disability and autism.”

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, the Hon Yasmin Catley MP, will also be taking the plunge.

“There’s no better example of the Australian spirit than a day like today, with the community coming together for the Polar Plunge,” Minister Catley said.

“The NSW Government is proud to support our police, whose selflessness is at the heart of everything they do – qualities that shine through in their support for Special Olympics Australia.

“A big thank you to everyone who made this event possible and brought it to Newcastle – and best of luck to all the participants taking the plunge!”

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles will travel to Malaysia and the Philippines this week – further strengthening our already close defence ties. 

In Malaysia, the Deputy Prime Minister will take part in the 5^th Malaysia-Australia High Level Committee on Defence Cooperation with Malaysia’s Minister of Defence, Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled bin Nordin.

Australia and Malaysia are longstanding partners and friends. Our shared military history, including through the Five Power Defence Arrangements, underscores our commitment to a peaceful and stable region.

In the Philippines, the Deputy Prime Minister will build on our cooperation and mutual trust through the 2^nd Australia-Philippines Defence Ministers’ Meeting with Philippine Secretary of National Defense, Hon Gilberto Teodoro Jr. 

During his visit, the Deputy Prime Minister will also visit Australian personnel taking part in Exercise Alon 25, Australia’s largest overseas joint training activity this year.

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles:

“Malaysia is one of Australia’s closest partners, and I look forward to meeting with Minister Khaled to discuss our ongoing commitment to regional peace and security.

“Australia and Malaysia share a longstanding defence partnership, built upon a comprehensive program of exchanges, training and exercises. 

“I look forward to meeting Secretary Teodoro in Manila to discuss ways to deepen Australia-Philippines defence cooperation; by building capacity and strengthening interoperability.

“Our cooperation through Exercise Alon reflects a shared commitment to working together to maintain a peaceful, secure and prosperous region where sovereignty is respected.”

At his National Press Club address, Minister Mark Butler announced changes to NDIS eligibility for children he described as having “mild to moderate autism” and developmental delay.

This announcement has been met with outrage from the autistic community and disability advocates, who warn that the move is discriminatory, dangerous, and based on political spin rather than evidence.

Senator Jordon Steele-John, Greens spokesperson for Disability Inclusion and the NDIS: 

“Autistic Australians are being used as a political football, and that is simply unacceptable.

“Autism is lifelong. There is no growing out of it. The Minister’s suggestion otherwise denies reality and risks stripping people of the supports they need to thrive.

“Autistic Australians deserve support from our government. They do not deserve further stigmatisation and the rug to be pulled out from under them by a politician on the national stage because this government is trying to balance its bottom line.

“This announcement is discriminatory, and it will drive poorer outcomes and increase risks of harm. Autistic people are already experiencing poorer mental health, and they are already three to four times more likely to die by suicide. 

“Politicians are making up definitions. Terms like “mild” and “moderate” autism have no clinical basis. They are political inventions, misleading the public and showing deep ignorance.

“This announcement was not co-designed, and there’s no lived experience at its heart. It’s political theatre at the expense of our community. 

“The so-called replacement programs are flawed. The government is pointing to programs such as Inklings and Thriving Kids. Inklings is designed for babies aged 6 – 18 months, and already, we have raised serious concerns about transparency and practice. Thriving Kids is a last-minute curveball without evidence to back it. A few medical appointments cannot replace lifelong disability supports. 

“The autistic community has already endured decades of exclusion, harmful therapies, and being misunderstood. This announcement is deeply shameful. People are scared, and once again, neurodivergent Australians are being left behind. They deserve real support from their government—not stigma, spin, and cuts dressed up as reform.”