Category: NSW News

The Minns Labor Government will invest $900,000 in a NSW Farmers project as part of its commitment to support livestock welfare across agricultural industries and strengthen the operation of the joint government and industry Stock Welfare Panels.

The funding will support the NSW Farmers ‘One Welfare in Action – Improving Stock Welfare Panels in NSW’ project, which recognises animal welfare is intrinsically linked to human and environmental health and wellbeing.

Stock Welfare Panels are joint industry and government advisory bodies that deal with livestock welfare matters.

They include veterinarians and representatives from NSW Farmers, NSW Government Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and Local Land Services, and animal welfare organisations.

NSW Farmers will use the funding to develop educational materials to improve skills and knowledge of panel members and farmers, deliver educational and other resources to targeted audiences, consult with people involved in administrating, operating or participating in the panels and streamline the panel process.  

Panels can be established by government agencies when an enforcement agency, such as the RSPCA NSW or Animal Welfare League NSW, find a significant animal welfare issue, such as livestock that have not been provided with appropriate food, water, shelter or veterinary treatment.

The panels can intervene in complex livestock welfare cases by providing a cost-effective and efficient alternative to drawn-out and costly court action. They act to ensure the animal welfare issues are addressed and animals receive the right management.

The NSW Farmers project is designed to enhance livestock welfare and transparency across the sector. The project aims to improve industry awareness of animal welfare obligations, which will ultimately lead to less intervention from the panels.

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to maintaining a high level of animal welfare across the state for all livestock.

“Stock Welfare Panels provide an important function and there is always room for improvement. By funding this project, those improvements can be pinpointed and implemented.

“NSW Farmers works across the state with farmers in the livestock industry.

“It makes sense for them to conduct this project, to work with the people who have extensive experience in this area, whether they be livestock farmers, or those who are involved with Stock Welfare Panels.

“By partnering with NSW Farmers, we are ensuring that this program is farmer-led and draws on the deep, on-the-ground expertise of those who know the NSW livestock the best.”

President of NSW Farmers, Xavier Martin said:

“NSW Farmers plays an essential role in the operation of Stock Welfare Panels as part of its broader work to ensure optimal animal welfare outcomes in agriculture.

“It’s vital the right processes are in place to ensure these panels deliver effective, timely decisions to address animal welfare issues, and we welcome the support of the Minns Government to help us ensure this.

“Farmers have the practical knowledge necessary to assist in achieving the best possible animal welfare outcomes through these panels, and we look forward to embarking on this project to ensure that experience is put to good use.”

The Minns Labor Government has today unveiled the nation’s largest Australia Day program, delivering an action-packed, Australia Day celebration that reflects NSW’s shared values and rich diversity.

The Minns Labor Government has today unveiled the nation’s largest Australia Day program, delivering an action-packed, Australia Day celebration that reflects NSW’s shared values and rich diversity.

From sunrise to nightfall, communities across NSW will come together with friends and families to enjoy a program filled with free events curated for all ages, and wrapping up with a special Australia Day Live concert at the Sydney Opera House forecourt.

Australia Day Live will feature an all-star Aussie lineup, including Cody Simpson, Kate Ceberano, William Barton and Jude York, alongside supergroup The Fabulous Caprettos, composed of Wendy Matthews, Rai Thistlethwayte, Dave Gleeson and Joe Camilleri.

The concert will include a tribute to the families and communities affected by the terror attack in Bondi last month and a performance by Sydney based band SHIR – Australian Jewish Music Festival, who performed their moving rendition of I Am Australian at the Bondi vigil last month.

The concert will feature a unique fireworks display and a spectacular aerial show over Circular Quay, delivering a memorable celebration for locals and visitors.

Sydney will mark the day with a series of major celebrations across the state, including via the Australia Day Ambassador Program featuring more than 100 inspirational Australians and a series of moving ceremonies in NSW.

From dawn and into the night on 26 January 2026, Circular Quay and Sydney Harbour will be the focal point of activity, with events across land, water and sky, designed for people of all ages.

• The Sydney Opera House sails will be illuminated for the Dawn reflection at sunrise with a striking artwork by Garry Purchase, a proud Aboriginal man, which will be followed by the WugulOra Morning Ceremony at Barangaroo’s Walumil Lawns .
• The Harbourfest daytime program will be action packed with the Midday Salute honouring the contributions of Australian veterans through a tri-forces display, as well as Maritime Mayhem and the Harbour Parade, with vessels dressing to impress in a colourful display of national spirit, and the Australia Day Regatta.
• Surf Life Saving NSW will host its Fun in the Sun activation at First Fleet Lawn, offering free activities and games where children can engage with volunteers and learn how to stay safe in the water.
• The return of the popular Mega Kidz Zone at the Overseas Passenger Terminal will offer giant games, inflatables and arcade action for families.

Further announcements will be made ahead of Australia Day 2026, with full details available at australiaday.com.au.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“As we approach Australia Day, there is an opportunity to focus on what unites us rather than what divides us – a shared belief in freedom, respect and a fair go.

“This year, we are hosting the largest Australia Day celebration anywhere in the country, with free events from sunrise to nightfall that bring people together across Sydney Harbour and right around NSW.

“Throughout the day, Sydney Harbour will come alive with activities that celebrate the Australian spirit, showcase our vibrant multicultural communities, honour our First Nations history, and provide moments of reflection as we stand with those affected by the vile antisemitic Bondi terror attack.”

Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said:

“Australia Day is an opportunity to celebrate what unites us. Our shared values. Our diversity. The spirit of mateship that defines our nation and what makes us inherently Australian.

“At the end of 2025, we saw that spirit at its strongest, as communities came together to support one another in the wake of the tragic events at Bondi.

“Australia Day 2026 gives us the chance to come together again with care, respect and unity to reflect on who we are and what we stand for.

“The Minns Labor Government has delivered an action-packed program that’s bigger than ever, with free events for all ages across the day, and a special Australia Day Live concert at the Sydney Opera House.

“Whether you’re starting the day at Dawn Reflection, or firing up the BBQ, make the most of Australia Day 2026.”

More than 40,000 hospitality workers across NSW have completed the updated Australian-first Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) course in the seven months since prevention of sexual harassment and prevention of sexual assault training was added, marking a major milestone to making licensed venues safer for staff and patrons.

The training, introduced by the NSW Government in June 2025, provides practical guidance on preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct at pubs, clubs, bars, nightclubs, restaurants and other venues.

It teaches workers how to recognise warning signs, support patrons who may be at risk and respond appropriately to incidents.

In totally safe settings, staff undergo scenario-based learning in realistic situations they may encounter on the job, such as unwanted touching, inappropriate comments or suspected drink spiking. They are shown strategies to step in safely, whether that involves checking in with a patron, defusing a situation or escalating concerns to security or police.

The course also explains the law and principles of consent and coercion, giving workers the knowledge and tools needed to act appropriately and effectively.

Developed by Liquor & Gaming NSW with international experts Good Night Out, the training is designed to be practical and directly relevant to the challenges hospitality workers may face.

These reforms complement initiatives such as Think Safe to Drink Safe and Ask for Angela, reinforcing the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to a safer and more inclusive night-time economy.

RSA certification is mandatory for anyone serving, supplying or selling alcohol in NSW. The updated training content is included in the full RSA course for workers obtaining their accreditation for the first time.

The RSA Refresher course, which all existing holders must complete every five years to maintain their accreditation, is in the process of being updated to ensure the entire workforce receives the prevention of sexual harassment and prevention of sexual assault training.

Licensee training has also been strengthened to reflect employer obligations under the federal Respect@Work laws, which require businesses to take proactive steps to prevent workplace sexual harassment, including providing relevant education and training.

Minister for Music and the Night-Time Economy John Graham said:

“This is good for patrons and good for staff. We want to have the best venues possible and this is part of the government’s reform program to do this.

“Safety is a critical part of a good night out. I’m pleased to see this training has had a strong uptake.

“As we revive the night-time economy we have to make sure it’s safe. Giving staff the skills to prevent sexual assault on premises is an important step forward in making people safer.”

Minister for Work, Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said:

“Empowering more than 40,000 hospitality workers in just seven months is a powerful step toward creating safer, more respectful spaces for everyone in NSW’s vibrant hospitality industry.

“SafeWork NSW is continuing to implement its four-year Respect at Work Strategy (2023-27).

“The Government has invested $127.7 million in the health and safety regulator over the next four years to address psychosocial hazards in the workplace. Fifty-one inspectors are being recruited including 20 psychosocial-focused inspectors.

“The targeted reform is part of a broader $344 million Workplace Mental Health package, strengthening mental health support and injury prevention strategies in NSW workplaces.

“SafeWork continues to be proactive, launching a compliance program in June which issued 16 improvement notices to 11 hospitality venues across NSW in relation to sexual harassment work health and safety (WHS) hazards.

“In addition, last August SafeWork NSW held a Hospitality Industry Leaders Forum focused on the prevention of workplace sexual harassment.”

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said:

“Everyone deserves to feel safe and secure when they are out and about enjoying themselves in a pub, club or restaurant.

“This milestone shows we are well on track to ensuring a more vibrant nightlife that is also safer for everyone.

“By embedding prevention of sexual harassment and prevention of sexual assault into the RSA now and updating the Refresher course, we’re making sure the entire industry will have the skills to step in early, support patrons and deal with unacceptable behaviour.”

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said:

“This is an important milestone, demonstrating that the NSW Government has been working hard to build a safer New South Wales for people by making sure our pubs, clubs and restaurants are safe spaces.

“This training is crucial to ensure venue staff are able to identify, intervene early and respond to incidents of sexual assault on their premises.

“This is part of wider work that includes primary prevention, to change the beliefs and cultures that tolerate or condone violence in places where people live, learn, work, socialise and play.”

AHA NSW Director Policy Chris Gatfield said:

“AHA NSW is committed to ensuring our hotels are safe and welcoming places for both patrons and staff.

“Including more detailed information on preventing sexual harassment and assault in RSA and licensee training means licensees and staff from all hospitality settings receive these valuable tools.”

Fortune of War Hotel Licensee Steven Speed said:

“This information gives my staff a greater understanding of their responsibilities in this area. We want them to know the ground rules and we want them to know how to deal with a complaint or incident when it happens.”

Support: Anyone impacted by sexual violence can contact the NSW Sexual Violence Helpline 24/7 on 1800 424 017.

Additional charges have been laid against a former officer for allegedly providing false information.

Detectives attached to the Professional Standards Command established Strike Force Potsdam in September 2024 to investigate reports by a police officer of alleged misconduct.

Following extensive investigations, strike force detectives charged a 25-year-old woman with knowingly provide false/misleading information regarding police conduct.

Police allege at the time of the complaint she was a serving NSW police officer attached to the South West Metropolitan Region.

As part of further investigations, strike force officers yesterday (Tuesday 6 January 2026), charged the woman with an additional seven counts of knowingly provide false/misleading information regarding police conduct.

She remains before the courts and will next appear before Burwood Local Court on Monday 9 March 2026.

The woman left the NSW Police Force in November 2025.

A rare addition to the Sydney Harbour Bridge is expected to encourage a surge in north-south bike traffic as the Bridge cycleway ramp opens today. The ramp ends the decades-long challenge of bike riders being forced to lug their bikes up 55 stairs at the northern end of the famous Coathanger. The stairs have discouraged older cyclists and those with heavier e-bikes from crossing the harbour. The cycleway ramp is a rare addition to the Heritage-listed bridge and fills a major gap in Sydney’s cycling path infrastructure. The three-metre-wide ramp creates a continuous north-south route across the Harbour Bridge with links into the CBD via Kent Street, out to Sydney’s east via the Oxford Street Cycleway and to the west via the ANZAC Bridge. It has been carefully designed to fit its surrounds at Bradfield Park and Milsons Point Station, with granite sourced from Moruya, the same location the granite for the Harbour Bridge pylons came from, and bronze balustrades which reflect elements of the Sydney Opera House. The 1500 bronze balustrades for the ramp, produced mainly in Western Sydney, have been made from the same alloy type as the Sydney Opera House bronze and the ramp is being painted in the heritage-listed Sydney Harbour Bridge Grey. The ramp connects to a new cycle route extending along Alfred Street South to Middlemiss Street at North Sydney including new crossings on Alfred Street South and Lavender Street. About 130,000 granite pavers have created an intertwining eels artwork by Aboriginal artists Jason Wing and Maddie Gibbs. The eels, which honour the connection to the area of the Gadigal and Cammeraygal people, go north and south. Minister for Transport John Graham said: “John Bradfield’s original vision for the Harbour Bridge incorporated space for bicycles on the deck of the Bridge, but they were squeezed out by the growth of vehicle traffic by 1962. “This ramp is a long-overdue improvement for cyclists while being an architecturally sensitive addition to Bradfield’s famous Coathanger. “Bike traffic across the Harbour Bridge has surged in recent years and this ramp will unlock even more by delivering equality of access. “I want to thank the team of designers, engineer and construction workers who have created a ramp that truly fits its stunning surrounds.”

The NSW Liberals and Nationals have announced a refreshed Shadow Ministry that is ready to govern and deliver for the people of NSW. 

The new team combines experience and emerging talent to hold the Minns Labor Government to account while developing credible policies that support families, households, small businesses and communities across the State. 

With just over 14 months until the next NSW Election, the new NSW Liberal and Nationals team will be focused on delivery, not slogans, and on presenting a serious and responsible alternative government. 

The refreshed Shadow Ministry will deliver a long-term plan for New South Wales that drives economic growth, restores reliable and high-quality services including our trains and hospitals, continues investment in infrastructure, strengthens support for families and households, and presents credible solutions to the housing crisis. 

Changes to the new Shadow Ministry team reflect the depth of experience in the NSW Liberals and Nationals and includes: 

• Gurmesh Singh taking on the Shadow Small Business portfolio, elevating it as a key priority for the NSW Liberals and Nationals. 
• Scott Farlow moving to Shadow Treasurer. 
• Damien Tudehope moving to Shadow Attorney General. 
• Sarah Mitchell moving into the Shadow Health portfolio, combining responsibility for Regional Health and Mental Health. 
• Chris Rath moving into the Shadow Planning and Housing portfolio. 
• Mark Speakman moving into Shadow Education portfolio. 

New additions to the Shadow Ministry include a mix of experienced and fresh faces, includes: 

• Anthony Roberts as Shadow Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism. 
• Monica Tudehope as Shadow Minister for Finance and Shadow Minister for Western Sydney. 
• James Wallace as Shadow Minister for Industrial Relations and Shadow Minister for Government Procurement. 
• Jacqui Munro as Shadow Minister for the Environment, Shadow Minister for Science and Technology and Shadow Minister for Heritage. 
• Tanya Thompson as Shadow Minister for Emergency Services and Shadow Minister for Disaster Recovery. 
• Brendan Moylan as Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Shadow Minister for Prevention of Regional Crime. 
• Matt Cross as a non-voting member of the Shadow Ministry, serving as Shadow Cabinet Secretary. 
• NSW Liberal Leader, Kellie Sloane, said that the new team will work every day to earn the trust of the people of NSW 

“The Minns Labor Government doesn’t have a plan for our state, and as a result NSW is stalling, with families and households paying the price, businesses struggling and investment fleeing the state.” 

“The NSW Liberals and Nationals will be a government of vision and ambition, and will put the interests of families, businesses and communities back at the centre of decision-making in NSW.” 

“Our team will be developing practical policies that support families, ease the cost of doing business, makes housing more affordable, ensures reliable frontline services and empowers local communities.” 

“This is a team that understands government, respects taxpayers, and is committed to delivering a stronger, more affordable and more prosperous New South Wales,” Ms Sloane said. 

NSW Nationals Leader, Gurmesh Singh, said the new team is focussed on the wellbeing and security of everyone across NSW, regardless of where they call home. 

“The Minns Labor Government has shown time and time again that for them, regional NSW is an afterthought. We are the last to be consulted and the first to be stripped.” 

“The NSW Nationals are committed to improving the quality of life across the regions, and through this new Shadow Ministry, we will work tirelessly to ensure our communities are afforded the same services, jobs, and opportunities, as those in the city, Mr Singh said. 

The new NSW Liberal and Nationals Shadow Ministry will be supported by a team of Shadow Parliamentary Secretaries which will be announced in the coming days. 

SLOANE SHADOW MINISTRY 

SHADOW MINISTER	TITLE
Kellie Sloane	Leader of the Opposition Leader of the Liberals
Gurmesh Singh	Shadow Minister for Regional NSW Shadow Minister for Small Business Shadow Minister for Trade Shadow Minister for the North Coast Leader of the Nationals
Natalie Ward	Shadow Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Shadow Minister for SportDeputy Leader of the Liberals Deputy Leader of the Liberals in the Legislative Council
Kevin Anderson	Shadow Minister for Hospitality and Gaming Shadow Minister for Tourism Shadow Minister for Western NSW Shadow Minister for Seniors Deputy Leader of the Nationals
Damien Tudehope	Shadow Attorney General Shadow Minister for Youth Justice Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council
Sarah Mitchell	Shadow Minister for HealthShadow Minister for Regional Health Shadow Minister for Mental Health Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council
Justin Clancy	Shadow Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Shadow Minister for Medical Research Deputy Leader of the Liberals in the Legislative Assembly
Scott Farlow	Shadow Treasurer Shadow Minister for the Hunter
Mark Coure	Shadow Minister for Roads Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism Shadow Minister for South Western Sydney
James Griffin	Shadow Minister for Energy and Climate Change Shadow Minister for Digital, Artificial Intelligence and InvestmentShadow Minister for Customer ServiceManager of Opposition Business in the Legislative Assembly
Tim James	Shadow Minister for Fair Trading, Work Health and Safety and BuildingShadow Minister for Local Government Shadow Minister for Veterans
Mark Speakman	Shadow Minister for Education
Paul Toole	Shadow Minister for Regional Transport and Roads
Natasha Maclaren-Jones	Shadow Minister for Families and CommunitiesShadow Minister for Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual AssaultShadow Minister for Disability InclusionShadow Minister for Homelessness Shadow Minister for Youth
Dave Layzell	Shadow Minister for Mining and Natural Resources Shadow Minister for Racing

Chris Rath	Shadow Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Shadow Minister for HousingShadow Minister for Cities Shadow Minister for the ArtsShadow Minister for the Illawarra and South Coast
Anthony Roberts	Shadow Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Shadow Minister for Corrections
Felicity Wilson	Shadow Minister for Women Shadow Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Shadow Minister for Early Education
Eleni Petinos	Shadow Minister for Jobs Shadow Minister for Industry and Domestic Manufacturing
Alister Henskens	Shadow Special Minister of State Shadow Minister for Government Accountability
Steph Cooke	Shadow Minister for Water Shadow Minister for Crown Lands
Monica Tudehope	Shadow Minister for Finance Shadow Minister for Western Sydney
Tanya Thompson	Shadow Minister for Emergency Services Shadow Minister for Disaster Recovery
James Wallace	Shadow Minister for Industrial Relations Shadow Minister for Government Procurement
Jacqui Munro	Shadow Minister for the Environment Shadow Minister for Science and Technology Shadow Minister for Heritage Shadow Minister for the Central Coast
Brendan Moylan	Shadow Minister for Agriculture Shadow Minister for Prevention of Regional Crime

Police are reminding the community that unauthorised public assemblies are currently restricted following a declaration made by the NSW Police Commissioner.

On Wednesday (24 December 2025), Commissioner Mal Lanyon made a Public Assembly Restriction Declaration (a declaration) under new laws following the Bondi terror attack.

The declaration restricts public assemblies across the entire Sydney metropolitan region for 14 days.

Gatherings are permitted but police may issue move on directions for people causing obstructions or behaving in an intimidatory or harassing manner, or people who might cause or be likely to cause fear in another person.

Police will also have authority to require removal of any face coverings worn by people suspected of committing offences for identification purposes.

Police are aware of social media posts regarding an alleged violent call to action at a beach in Sydney’s south tomorrow (Saturday 27 December 2025).

Operation Shelter Commander, Acting Assistant Commissioner Brendan Gorman, is reminding the public that there is no place for hatred or violence in our community.

The NSW Police Force has zero tolerance for any behaviour that threatens social cohesion in our state,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Gorman said.

Everyone in NSW deserves to be safe and feel safe.

Now is not the time for any behaviour that will cause division in our community.

Police officers are out in force to ensure the safety of the community and will be ready to respond to anyone who incites violence or hatred, commits violent offences, or participates in anti-social behaviour, harassment or intimidation.

Action will be taken against anyone who engages in criminal activity that is motivated by hate.”

We encourage anyone who is the victim of a hate crime or witnesses a hate crime to report the matter to police via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. In an emergency, dial Triple Zero.

Important reforms tightening gun laws, cracking down on hateful symbols, restricting public assemblies following a terrorist attack and giving police more tools to protect the community have passed NSW Parliament.

The Terrorism and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 passed Parliament today following the horrific antisemitic terror attack at Bondi which killed 15 innocent people earlier this month.

Toughest gun law reforms in a generation

The bill ensures that NSW has the toughest gun laws in the country, imposing a cap meaning that an individual can have no more than 4 firearms, with exemptions for primary producers who can have up to 10.

It limits straight-pull/pump action and button/lever release firearms to primary producers, reduces magazine capacity for category A and B firearms and prohibits firearms using belt-fed magazines.

Gun club membership will be mandatory for all firearms licence holders and people will no longer be able to seek to overturn a licence decision through the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

Other significant gun reforms include requiring all gun clubs to use the GunSafe online platform, and a mandate of safe storage inspections before the issue of a permit.

This legislation will be accompanied by a comprehensive audit of existing firearms licences, as well as a gun buyback scheme, in partnership with the Federal Government.

Prohibiting hateful symbols

There is no excuse for hateful symbols which divide and inflame community tensions.

The legislation makes it an offence under NSW law to display publicly and without reasonable excuse a prohibited terrorist organisation’s symbol such as an ISIS, Hamas or Hezbollah flag.

This will carry a maximum penalty of two years’ imprisonment or a $22,000 fine or $110,000 for organisations.

A reasonable excuse includes for an academic purpose or another purpose in the public interest.

Restricting the authorisation of public assemblies

The bill also allows the Police Commissioner or Deputy Commissioner with the Minister for Police to restrict authorised assemblies in specific areas for 14 days following a terrorism declaration.

This is designed to deter divisive, inflammatory public assemblies which put community safety and cohesion at risk in the immediate aftermath of an attack.

Once a declaration is made, no public assemblies can be authorised in designated areas including by a court and police will be able to move people on if their behaviour or presence obstructs traffic or causes fear, harassment or intimidation.

The declaration can be extended by 14-day periods for up to three months. It will not stop quiet reflection, prayer or peaceful gatherings, which are not likely to cause fear or safety concerns.

The legislation also gives police greater powers to require someone suspected of committing an offence during a public assembly to remove their face covering.

Anyone at a public assembly who is suspected of committing an offence can be required to remove their face covering. Previously, this requirement only applied to someone suspected of committing an indictable offence.

Further measures to combat hate speech

Horrific recent events also show chants and slogans can shatter community cohesion and encourage violence.

Serious concerns have been raised over chants like “globalise the intifada” and hateful statements used to vilify and intimidate our community must be banned. 

The Attorney General has asked the Legislative Assembly Committee on Law and Safety to conduct an inquiry into hateful statements.

It will recommend what laws should be introduced to tackle this abhorrent conduct with a view to introducing them when parliament returns in the new year.

These measures build on previous legislation to combat hate including new offences for inciting racial hatred and displaying Nazi symbols at Jewish places and additional protections for people seeking to attend their place of worship.

Premier Chris Minns said:

“None of these measures alone will end antisemitism and violence but together these reforms are the single best thing we can do to keep the people of New South Wales safe and prevent further harm.

“I acknowledge that these are very significant changes that not everyone will agree with, but our state has changed following the horrific antisemitic attack on Bondi Beach and our laws must change too.

“These laws get the balance right by providing police with the tools they need to calm a combustible situation in our state and keep people safe, while restricting access to dangerous weapons on our streets to reduce the risk of this happening again.”

Minister for Police Yasmin Catley said:

“The antisemitic terror attack at Bondi Beach has changed us forever and the Government is responding to try to prevent future harm.

“These reforms strengthen oversight, improve enforcement and reduce the risk when it comes to firearm ownership.

“We’re giving police the powers they need to best ensure the community is safe.”

Attorney General Michael Daley said:

“These measures form a strong regime to protect the community from those who would seek to do us harm and tear us apart.

“There is no place for conduct which espouses hate, threatens or intimidates others and we are giving police the tools they need to hold perpetrators to account.

“We are ensuring those who publicly display terrorist symbols are met with the full force of the law.

“I know there is more work to do and have asked the Committee on Law and Safety to provide recommendations about further reforms to curb hate speech.

“The Government will take whatever measures needed to keep the community safe.”

As we wrap up another big year for New South Wales, I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year.

This time of the year is about spending time with loved ones and enjoying everything that summer in our state has to offer. But I know that for countless families and communities, this season has been overshadowed by the horrific terror attack at Bondi Beach. It was an act of violence that shocked our city, rocked our state, and left a deep mark on all of us.

December the 14th should have been a normal summer day at one of the world’s most iconic places, but it became something none of us will ever forget. We grieve for the innocent lives lost, we hold their families tight and we continue to support those who were injured or traumatised. The pain of that day is real, and it will not be forgotten.

I also want to acknowledge the extraordinary courage and bravery shown in the face of unimaginable violence, from members of the public who acted instinctively to protect others, to the police, paramedics, lifesavers and hospital staff who responded with professionalism, compassion and bravery.

Their actions saved lives and reminded us of the very best of our community.

At the same time, we cannot allow terror, hatred or fear to define who we are as a city or a state. Our state is strong and united. Our beaches, our parks, our streets and our neighbourhoods belong to everyone. We will continue to enjoy our summer, support one another, and look out for each other.

I know not everyone will get to take a break this Christmas. So, to our essential workers, thank you for continuing to keep us safe, we are deeply grateful.

I wish you and your loved ones a safe and joyful Christmas and New Years.

The first project has been approved through the Minns Labor Government’s Housing Delivery Authority (HDA) pathway, paving the way for homes to progress to construction.

The Gordon project is one of more than 300 proposals amounting to over 102,000 potential new homes to be declared State significant following the HDA’s recommendation and the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces’ declaration. It has been assessed and approved in seven months, faster than the nine month average expected timeframe.

The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure then assessed, publicly exhibited and finalised the $110 million development under the Gordon Transport Oriented Development controls.

It will deliver two connected 7-8 storey towers with 106 apartments including affordable housing, landscaping and new communal open spaces.

Located just 200 metres from Gordon’s shops, residents will also be within a five-minute walk of Gordon train station.

The proposal underwent a full assessment process and community consultation to consider its economic, environmental, and social impacts.

The project is expected to generate 165 jobs – 160 construction roles and five ongoing operational roles – delivering a jobs and housing boost to North Sydney.

The NSW Government established the HDA to help streamline the delivery of high yield, well-located homes and help the state reach its Housing Accord target.

It offers a clear planning pathway for large residential and mixed-use developments to be assessed as State significant development or State significant development with a concurrent rezoning.

The HDA builds on the Minns Labor Government’s reforms to the planning system to supercharge the delivery of more homes, including:

• Passage of the landmark Planning System Reforms Bill 2025 through both houses of Parliament with almost universal support.
• The development of the NSW Pattern Book and accelerated planning pathway for those who use the pre-approved patterns.
• The largest rezoning in NSW history around transport hubs and shopping centres to address the “missing middle.”
• The largest ever investment in the delivery of social and affordable housing in NSW.
• $200 million in financial incentives for councils that meet the new expectations for development applications, planning proposals and strategic planning.
• $450 million to build new apartments for essential workers including nurses, paramedics, teachers, allied health care workers, police officers and firefighters.
• The Pre-sale Finance Guarantee to accelerate housing supply by reducing the risk for lenders and getting residential construction started.

Since the formation of the HDA, 146 projects have had Secretary Environmental Assessment Requirements issued and 21 projects have lodged State significant applications under the pathway.

Construction of the Gordon project is expected to begin in mid-2026.

For more information visit the Housing Delivery Authority web page.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“Less than 12 months after setting up the Housing Delivery Authority, we’re seeing major progress with the HDA pathway fast-tracking homes that will soon be under construction.

“This shows what happens when we remove roadblocks and provide clear planning pathways.

“This project was enabled under our Transport Oriented Development planning controls. This is our Government’s planning reforms working together to deliver homes for families, young people and downsizers.

“We have seen housing proposals of this size and scale getting stuck in local planning systems for too long, this project was assessed and approved in seven months, less than our expected assessment timeframe of nine months.”