Category: NSW News

On the 14th of December, Jack Hibbert was shot while fulfilling his role as a police officer at Bondi Beach.

While serving and protecting the community, Jack sustained two bullet wounds – one to his head and another to his shoulder. Jack was on duty, patrolling the Hanukkah celebration interacting with the community at Bondi Beach, when the incident first occurred.

Jack was taken to ICU where he was intubated and underwent multiple surgeries. Although miraculously surviving, Jack’s injuries have resulted in a loss of vision in one of his eyes and he now faces a long and challenging recovery ahead, with additional surgeries required.

Jack is just 22 years old and has only been in the police force for four months. Even so, in the face of a violent and tragic incident, he responded with courage, instinct, and selflessness, continuing to protect and help others whilst injured, until he was physically no longer able to.

Jack was simply doing his job – a job he deeply loves – driven by a commitment to protect the community, even at great personal cost.

Many of his colleagues who were present on the night of the incident have visited in hospital and given testaments to Jack’s bravery during the incident, describing his devotion to his community. They described how Jack acted, he moved toward people in need, not away from danger, and continued helping others while seriously injured.

The support from the police force and hospital staff has been unmatched and we are beyond grateful. We thank the wider community for their kindness, support, and prayers for Jack and our family during this difficult time.

We ask all to respect our privacy as we move through these next stages to support Jack and all his needs to a full recovery.

The NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team has formally charged a 24‑year‑old man alleged to be one of two gunmen responsible for the Bondi Beach mass shooting that claimed the lives of 15 people.

About 6.40pm on Sunday 14 December 2025, emergency services were called to Bondi Beach following reports of a public place shooting.

Officers attached to Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command, surrounding commands, and specialist police responded and located two men using long arms to fire into crowds of people.

Multiple officers exchanged fire with the gunmen, and two officers – a constable and probationary constable – suffered gunshot wounds.

During the incident, one gunman – a 50-year-old man – was shot by police and died at the scene.

The second gunman – his 24-year-old son – suffered critical injuries and was taken to hospital under police guard.  

Fifteen people died during the attack, with 41 people – including four children – taken to hospital.

There are currently 20 patients continuing to receive care across several Sydney hospitals.  

Those who died are still in the process of being formally identified; however, police believe their ages range between 10 and 87.

Of the two injured officers, the constable is in a stable condition, while the probationary constable remains in a critical but stable condition.

NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon APM declared the incident terror related, and the investigation was referred to the NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCCT) under Operation Arques.

The NSW JCTT comprises members from the NSW Police Force, Australian Federal Police, Australian Security Intelligence Organisation and the NSW Crime Commission.

Following extensive inquiries under Operation Arques, JCTT investigators attended a hospital today (Wednesday 17 December 2025) and charged the 24-year-old Bonnyrigg man with 59 offences, including:

• Commit terrorist act
• 15 counts of murder
• 40 counts of cause wounding/grievous bodily harm to person with intent to murder  
• Discharge firearm etc intend cause grievous bodily harm
• Cause public display of prohibited terrorist org symbol
• Place explosive in/near building with intent cause harm

He remains in hospital under police guard to face Bail Division Local Court 7 via AVL today.

Anyone with information about extremist activity or possible threats to the community should come forward, no matter how small or insignificant you may think the information may be. The National Security Hotline is 1800 123 400. 

The Australian National Imams Council, as the highest Islamic and religious authority in Australia, together with its member Imams and religious leaders, unequivocally condemns ISIS as an evil, dangerous terrorist organisation whose actions and ideology stand in complete opposition to the teachings of Islam and the values upheld by Muslims worldwide. This position has been clear and consistent by ANIC since the very emergence of ISIS and has been maintained without hesitation ever since. The Muslim world has suffered firsthand at the hands of ISIS, with the overwhelming majority of its victims being Muslims. Communities across the Middle East, Africa, and beyond have endured mass killings, displacement, and the destruction of places of worship, including mosques. ISIS does not represent Islam or the Muslim world in any way. Its ideology is evil and rooted in violence and terror. It bears no relationship to Islamic teachings, ethics, or scholarship, which emphasise the sanctity of life, justice, and mercy. ANIC and its member Imams have been clear, consistent, and vocal in opposing ISIS and its followers. In 2017, ISIS publicly listed ANIC’s senior members as targets to be killed. This was part of ISIS’s campaign of intimidation at the height of its activity and acts of terror. ANIC, together with Muslim leaders and scholars globally, firmly rejects the use of the term “Islamic State”. We call on all authorities, political leaders, and media agencies to refrain from using this label and to refer to the group only as ISIS or Daesh. This terrorist organisation does not deserve any association with Islam in name or description. We also reject any attempt to connect ISIS or its members to Islam or to frame its evil and dangerous ideology as a distorted version of the Islamic faith. All reputable and prominent Islamic institutions, scholars, and Muftis across the Muslim world have openly, repeatedly, and unequivocally condemned and denounced ISIS and its ideology. This includes leading global Islamic authorities such as Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, the Muslim World League, the International Union of Muslim Scholars, Dar al-Ifta al-Misriyyah (Egypt), Majelis Ulama Indonesia, the Council of Senior Scholars in Saudi Arabia, and the European Council for Fatwa and Research, among many others. There is no legitimacy, credibility, or scholarly support for ISIS within mainstream Islam. Anyone connected to, supporting, or promoting ISIS ideology must be denounced and held accountable. There can be no tolerance for the justification, glorification, or revival of an ideology built on violence and terror.

NSW Health is stepping up mental health support for anyone impacted by the tragic incident at Bondi on Sunday 14 December.

A mental health disaster response has been initiated to ensure help is available for anyone who needs it, with trained mental health clinicians working on the ground in Bondi and Coogee.

These mobile clinicians are there from 8am to 8pm wearing hi-vis NSW Health vests to be easily identified by the local community. They will continue to be visible in the Bondi Beach area over the coming days and weeks.

Anyone who is feeling distress is urged to seek support from our mental health clinicians, who can also provide referral to further appropriate services, if required.

The NSW Government has also been working with Jewish House to provide culturally appropriate services, and our partners in the NGO and community mental health sectors to ensure anyone who needs support receives it.

This includes disaster welfare officers, disaster chaplains and Red Cross staff at Coogee who are well-versed in psychological first aid.

NSW Health has boosted existing resources in the local area to ensure the right care is available to those who need it. Members of the Bondi community can access mental health care through:

• Safe Haven at the Sydney Children’s Hospital Randwick is operating extended hours from Monday 15 December to Friday 19 December from 10am to 7.30pm.
• Headspace Bondi Junction at 20 Bronte Road, Bondi Junction from 9am to 6pm Monday to Thursday and 9am to 5pm Friday.
• NSW Health public hospitals remain available for 24/7 mental health support, including Prince of Wales Hospital, St Vincent’s Hospital at Sydney Children’s Hospital.

The effects of this tragedy are being felt far and wide and the NSW Government strongly encourages anyone who needs help to please reach out for it.

NSW Health has increased staff coverage on NSW Health’s dedicated Mental Health Line, to improve the support available 24/7 on 1800 011 511.

The Transcultural Mental Health Line (1800 648 911) is available for people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

If you, or someone in your care, needs crisis support, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Children and young people can call Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or chat online at kidshelpline.com.au

Further information on support services for children and adolescents can be found on the NSW Health website. 

For non-crisis support, please talk to your GP or other trusted health or mental health professional. You can also call Beyond Blue for mental health advice and support on 1300 22 4636.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“We have initiated a mental health disaster response in the wake of the horrific incident in Bondi, providing mobile mental health clinicians in the local community.

“As we move past the immediate aftermath of this devastating event, I want to encourage anyone who is feeling distressed, anxious, or angry, to please seek support.

“We have stepped up support with more resources for our existing mental health care services, to ensure help is freely available to anyone who wants it.”

Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson:

“What happened in Bondi has shaken so many people right across Sydney and New South Wales.

“Whether you were there, know someone who was, or you’re feeling distressed by what you’ve seen online and in the news, it’s ok to not be ok.

“We are making free support available to anyone who needs it through our dedicated team of mental health clinicians in Bondi and Coogee, and boosting resources for existing services like headspace, Safe Haven, NSW Health’s Mental Health Line, or Lifeline.”

NSW Health Chief Psychiatrist Dr Murray Wright:

“I extend my deepest sympathies to the families, friends and loved ones of those who died and were injured at Bondi Beach.

“It is really important people be mindful about taking care of their mental health over the coming days and weeks following this traumatic event.

“Everyone deals with serious trauma differently and processes in their own way. A range of feelings are a normal part of processing a trauma, so don’t be afraid to talk about what you’re going through.

“We strongly encourage anyone who needs help to please reach out for it. We have mental health clinicians in the Bondi community ready to help and a range of mental health supports available if you call NSW Health’s 24/7 dedicated Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511.”

Tonight, I made the decision to light the Sydney Opera House with candles on the Menorah, marking the second day of Chanukah.

In the wake of this horrific attack, it is more important than ever that the Jewish community in NSW knows they do not stand alone.

We cannot, and we will not allow Jewish Australians to feel they must hide their faith, their traditions, their religious celebrations or their identity.

Lighting the Opera House is a simple but powerful gesture: a message to the world that we cherish our Jewish community, that we honour their courage, and that we stand with them in solidarity and love.

Tonight, those candles are a symbol of resilience and a reminder that even in darkness, we choose to stand with one another.

Addressing the General Meeting of the Australian College of Nursing (ACN) Board in Canberra today, ACN President Kath Stein FACN offered condolences to all victims of the tragic terror event at Bondi Beach on Sunday evening.

Ms Stein said Australia’s nurses support the families of all those affected by the shooting and its aftermath and stand with Australia’s Jewish community during this period of grieving and recovery.

On behalf of the ACN Board and our members, I praise the nurses and their colleagues who are working around the clock caring for the innocent victims and the first responders who were injured in the attack,” Ms Stein said.

ACN also acknowledges the bravery and professionalism of the ambulance personnel, paramedics, doctors, police, lifesavers, and other health professionals who gave their all during and after this horrific attack.

There were local heroes, too – members of the local Jewish community and members of the public who put themselves in danger to help others.

There will be many others with injuries and trauma that we cannot see.

The nursing profession is here to care for everyone affected. It is important that we all care for ourselves and each other,” Ms Stein said.

People hoping to welcome a four-legged friend to the family this Christmas are being encouraged to adopt from council pounds and shelters to give dogs and cats in need a loving furr-ever home.

Pets are part of the family in thousands of NSW households, with over 78,000 dogs and 37,000 cats registered across the state this year alone.

But for those animals that don’t have a home, adopting from a council pound or rehoming organisation rather than buying from a breeder or pet shop, gives them a second chance at life. 

In the year ending 30 June 2025, 5,043 cats and 4,301 dogs were adopted from council pounds, up more than 10 per cent on the previous year.

Adopting takes pressure off animal rehoming organisations, many of which are run solely by volunteers who give their time to care for some of the most vulnerable animals in the state.

The Minns Government is providing a much needed boost to animal rehoming organisations committing $6 million in funding over the next four years to help these organisations continue caring and rehoming animals across NSW.

This funding complements further work the NSW Government is doing in this space including the first comprehensive review of the Companion Animals Act in more than 20 years. The Minns Labor Government has also banned puppy framing in NSW, with tougher laws for dog breeders coming into effect on 1 December this year.

To adopt a pet contact your local council for information on council pounds, or visit an approved rehoming organisation (PDF 207.52KB).

Pet owners are also being reminded to ensure their dog and cats are microchipped and registered on the NSW Digital Pet Registry. Registration is free-of-charge for desexed cats and dogs adopted from pounds, animal shelters and approved rehoming organisations.

Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig said:

“It’s fantastic to see an increase in the number of pets adopted from council pounds over the last year.

“While this makes a huge difference, there are still so many loving dogs and cats waiting for a family and a home to call their own this Christmas.

“Adopting a pet doesn’t just change their life, it can change yours. Pets bring love and companionship and are cherished members of the family in so many NSW households.

“I’d encourage anyone who is thinking about welcoming a pet to the family this Christmas to contact their local council or find their nearest rehoming centre.

“Bringing a pet home is a long-term commitment so it’s important anyone who is thinking of adopting understands this responsibility and is ready to provide the love and care their new pet needs.”

Animal Welfare League NSW Acting CEO Mark Seymour said:

“The Animal Welfare League NSW supports the Minister’s call to adopt rather than shop this Christmas.

“Every year we see how life-changing adoption can be, both for the animal and the family who welcomes them home.

“In 2024/25, Animal Welfare League NSW helped rehome more than 3,500 cats and dogs across New South Wales. Every one of those animals deserved a second chance, and thousands more across the state are still waiting for theirs.

“Choosing adoption eases pressure on local shelters and pounds, keeps vulnerable animals safe, and gives families a loyal companion who will bring years of love and joy.

“We encourage anyone considering a pet this Christmas to visit their local shelter and give a rescue animal the home they deserve.”

More than $330 million in commercial agreements between NSW businesses and businesses from Guangdong Province were secured last week during the 30th NSW–Guangdong Joint Economic Meeting (JEM) in Guangzhou, strengthening NSW’s economic ties with China’s largest provincial economy.

Led by NSW Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong, the trade mission focused on Health and Life Sciences, Trade, including food and beverage manufacturing and Net Zero and the Energy Transition.

Leading these outcomes was the announcement of a research collaboration between the Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences and Genesis Australia, aimed at driving innovation in sustainable agriculture through the development of microalgae-based organic fertilizers.

NSW based global hearing solutions leader Cochlear also secured a substantial long-term export pipeline into the Greater Bay Area, showcasing its latest cochlear implant technologies and reinforcing NSW’s reputation for advanced medical ingenuity. This is a direct result of the 2023 JEM, held in Sydney, which led to a nation-first agreement for Cochlear to supply medical devices across Guangdong’s Greater Bay Area hospitals.

Other key outcomes include:

• Memorandum of Understanding between Guangdong’s National New Energy Storage Innovation Center and Australia’s Smart Energy Council, paving the way for collaboration on battery technology R&D, industrial supply chain integration and market opportunity exploration.
• Highstar Sodium Battery secured a $130 million supply contract with Highflow Energy to deliver 1GWh of sodium-ion products into the Australian market over three years.
• Probev International established a $10 million long-term partnership with AusTiger to leverage its domestic sports event platform to introduce more high-quality Australian sports nutrition products to the sports community in Guangdong.
• MingMed Biotechnology partnered with Emerald Clinical Trials on a Phase II clinical trial valued at over $4 million.
• Dartsbio and Tigermed Australia signed a multi-million agreement to conduct early-stage clinical trials in NSW.
• Launch of the Greater Bay Area–NSW Innovation Channel to accelerate technology commercialisation and expand two-way flows of capital, talent, and research.

The mission included strategic bilateral and sector-specific meetings, as well as engagements in Hong Kong and Shanghai, expanding opportunities for NSW businesses across Greater China.

It also contributed to the bold vision to grow exports by $100 billion, attract $25 billion in investment, and create 30,000 new jobs by 2035 set out in the NSW Trade and Investment Strategy.

Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“This mission has delivered on the objectives of the NSW Trade and Investment Strategy 2035 to create jobs, attract investment, and diversify our trade base.

”NSW is a trading state and China is a major trading partner.

“The outcomes achieved in Guangzhou, Shanghai and Hong Kong demonstrate the strength of our long-standing sister-state relationship with Guangdong and the opportunities that flow from collaboration in net zero, health, technology and agriculture.

“From clean energy innovation, to clinical trials and sustainable farming, these partnerships will deliver tangible benefits for NSW businesses and communities.”

Pat Casey, Strategic Sourcing Director, Blackmores:

“The Joint Economic Meeting has provided Blackmores with a unique platform to deepen our collaboration with Sirio Pharma and represents a significant step forward in combining Blackmores’ R&D innovation with Sirio’s world‑class supply chain capabilities.

“This partnership strengthens our ability to innovate, expand our product portfolio, and meet growing demand in Asia’s largest health market.”

Frances Cui, Chief Representative, Greater China, Genesis:

“The NSW–Guangdong Joint Economic Meeting—and our 46‑year sister‑state agreement—give partners like us the trusted platform to move faster from lab to paddock.

“Through our collaboration with the Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, we’ll scale microalgae‑based organic fertilisers to strengthen sustainable agriculture across NSW and the Greater Bay Area.”

Barry Irvin, Executive Chairman, Bega Group:

“The JEM is an invaluable platform for food and beverage businesses like ours. It opens doors to markets and creates opportunities to build strong, long-term relationships with partners across Greater China.

These connections help us showcase the quality of NSW products and position our brand for sustainable growth in one of the world’s most dynamic regions.”

Bodie Lazar, Managing Director, Probev International:

“Participating in JEM has been a game‑changer for Probev.  Our partnership with AusTiger opens the door to Guangdong’s dynamic sports nutrition market, enabling us to showcase Australian innovation and quality to millions of new consumers.

“The mission has given us the confidence to pursue ambitious export goals and demonstrated the real value of NSW’s sister‑state relationship with Guangdong in driving business success.”

NSW Regional Exporter of the Year 2025, Flavourtech CEO and Chairman Leon Skaliotis said:

“Returning to JEM has progressed initial meetings into trusted partnerships for Flavourtech. For a regional manufacturer such as ourselves, it has helped accelerate projects through market access and opened doors across Guangdong and the Greater Bay Area.”

Bullying incidents will be triaged, recorded and responded to with urgency and care, under the NSW Anti-Bullying Framework released today by the Minns Labor Government.

All 3,120 government, Catholic and independent schools have committed to implementing anti-bullying policies consistent with the NSW Anti-Bullying Framework – the first sector wide approach to tackling bullying in the country.

For the first time, schools will only be registered if they have policies that clearly set out how they prevent bullying, how they support affected students in a timely way, typically within two school days, and how they record actions taken.

Schools must also introduce a triage process, so urgent cases are addressed immediately with student safety coming first.

Schools will begin implementing the framework next year and the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) will conduct spot checks from Term 1, 2027, to ensure all schools are meeting the requirements.

The new approach follows a directive in late 2024 from Deputy Premier and Education Minister Prue Car, asking NESA to work with the NSW Department of Education, Catholic Schools NSW and Independent Schools NSW to develop an evidence-based, best-practice model.

The work was guided by leading behaviour expert Professor Donna Cross OAM and shaped through extensive consultation – including input from more than 370 individuals, over 40 groups of parents, students, teachers and school leaders, and advice from 20 international experts across 10 countries.

The Framework aligns with recommendations from the Australian Government’s Rapid Review, ensuring NSW schools meet both state and national expectations. It means all NSW schools will have anti-bullying policies built on the same four mandatory criteria: prevention, response, implementation and community partnerships.

To support the rollout, NSW government, Catholic and independent school sectors have committed to sharing resources, materials and professional learning to help teachers and principals implement this nation-leading approach.

From Monday, the Anti-bullying Framework and supporting resources, including practice examples and recommended actions, will be made available at: https://www.nsw.gov.au/education-and-training/nesa/school-regulation/nsw-anti-bullying-framework

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:

“Our government is committed to addressing the scourge of bullying and will continue to work with all schools to stamp it out.

“Deputy Premier Prue Car established a process, so bullying is addressed for all students, no matter which school they attend.

“Under our approach, for the first time, every NSW school will follow a common, evidence-based approach to preventing and responding to bullying.

“Thanks to the work of Professor Donna Cross and our partners in the Catholic and Independent school sectors, along with the Commonwealth Government, we now have a framework built on extensive local and international expertise.

“This means schools can identify the strategies that work best for their students, backed by high-quality research and evidence, and put them into practice where they’ll make the most difference.”

Emeritus Professor Donna Cross OAM said:

“There is strong evidence, both locally, nationally and internationally that shows some approaches to reducing bullying are more helpful than others.

“In meeting with teachers, principals, students and families, it’s clear that schools in NSW have been working hard to reduce bullying in their communities.

“This Framework is designed to support schools with high quality evidence to identify where they should focus their efforts and resources to reduce bullying behaviour, and to stop doing what the research tells us is ineffective.”