Category: NSW News

Safe drivers and motorcyclists across NSW are set to receive an early Christmas present, with the Minns Labor Government today announcing the Demerit Point Reward Program will be made permanent.

The program removes one demerit point from unrestricted licence holders who stay offence-free for a 12-month period, offering a practical incentive that recognises safe behaviour over time.

Since the first trial began in 2023, more than 1.7 million licence holders have benefited from having at least one point removed.

This year alone, more than one million NSW licence holders are eligible to have a point wiped if they continue to do the right thing and remain offence-free.

Making the program permanent is another example of the Minns Government backing commonsense on NSW roads and recognising the millions of motorists who choose safer, more responsible driving every day.

The announcement comes as NSW roads will see increased traffic during the Christmas and summer holiday period, reinforcing the importance of safe decisions behind the wheel.

The Minns Government will introduce legislation to support the permanent Demerit Point Reward Program in early 2026, when Parliament resumes in February.

Once legislated, the permanent program will sit alongside the Minns Government’s broader road safety agenda, which sees a record investment of $2.8 billion over four years, with a focus on education, essential infrastructure upgrades, targeted enforcement, and rebuilding a stronger culture of safety and personal responsibility on our roads.

Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison said:

“Road safety programs should recognise and reinforce safe, responsible behaviour, especially where people have made mistakes in the past, but have improved their road safety behaviour on the road over the past year.

“The Minns Labor Government will always back commonsense reform on our roads.

“We want people who have made poor choices in the past to develop and sustain safer habits in the future. This is adopting a “carrot” approach to encourage people to engage in safe, responsible behaviour every time they drive.

“In addition to this reform, we have invested $2.8 billion in road safety which is helping to strengthen enforcement, identified ways to strengthen the demerit point system, boosted road safety infrastructure programs and leveraged new technologies to catch dangerous behaviour.

“With the Christmas break and school holidays approaching and some of the busiest weeks on our roads ahead, I’m urging everyone to drive so others survive: slow down, put your phone away, buckle up properly, and never drive tired or after drinking alcohol or using drugs.”

The NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT) has commenced an investigation into a mass causality public place shooting that resulted in 16 people dying and 40 people being injured in Sydney’s east yesterday evening.

About 6.40pm (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 immediately responded and located two men using long arms to fire into crowds of people.

Multiple officers exchanged fire with the two men with two officers – a constable and probationary constable – suffering gunshot wounds.

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

The other shooter – a 24-year-old man – suffered critical injuries and was taken to hospital under police guard.

Both men are known to each other.

As a result of the incident 14 people died – including the 50-year-old shooter – at the scene and 42 people – including four children and the 24-year-old shooter – were taken to hospitals across Sydney

Police have since been told two other people – a 10-year-old girl and a 40-year-old man – have since died in hospital.

Those who died are yet to be formally identified; however, police believe their ages range between 10 and 87.

Six people remain in critical conditions with 27 people remain in serious and stable conditions.

Both officers remain in serious but stable conditions.

A declaration by NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon APM has deemed the incident terror related.

The NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT) investigation will be led by the NSW Police Force 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 initial inquiries, JCTT detectives located and seized three firearms and two improvised explosive devices (IED) from the scene. They will all undergo forensic examination.

Detectives have attended two homes in Bonnyrigg and Campsie overnight as part of ongoing investigations.

During these searches, detectives located and seized a number of additional items including two additional firearms. All items seized will undergo forensic examination.

Following further inquiries, a sixth firearm and third IED were located at the Bondi crime scene today (Monday 15 December 2025). Both are undergoing forensic examinations.

A critical incident team from State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad has commenced Strike Force Belen and will lead the investigation into the circumstances of the police involvement in the incident.

The investigation will be reviewed by the Professional Standards Command and oversighted by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC).

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.

Police are continuing to investigate a mass shooting that resulted in 16 people dying and 40 people being injured in Sydney’s east yesterday evening.

About 6.40pm (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 immediately responded and located two men using long arms to fire into crowds of people.

Multiple officers exchanged fire with the two men with two officers – a constable and probationary constable – suffering gunshot wounds.

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

The other shooter – a 24-year-old man – suffered critical injuries and was taken to hospital under police guard.

As a result of the incident 14 people died at the scene and 42 people – including four children – were taken to hospitals across Sydney

Police have since been told two other people – a 10-year-old girl and a 40-year-old man – have since died in hospital.

Those who died are yet to be formally identified; however, police believe their ages range between 10 and 87-years-old.

Five people remain in critical conditions with the others remaining in serious and stable conditions.

Both officers remain in serious but stable conditions.

A significant crime scene has been established closing Bondi Beach and surrounding roads, and detectives from the Joint Counter Terrorism Team have commenced an investigation into the incident.

Following initial inquiries, detectives have located and seized three firearms from the scene. They will all undergo forensic examination.

Investigations are continuing.

The Public Information and Inquiry Centre (PIIC) has been activated to support the multi-agency response to the Bondi Beach incident.

The Public Information and Inquiry Centre can be contacted by calling

1800 227 228

Members of the public can contact the Public Information and Inquiry Centre for information relating to people impacted by this afternoon’s incident.

It will operate on a 24-hour basis for as long as is necessary.

The NSW Police Force has also activated the ‘Register Find Reunite’ capability, to assist in the registration of those who have been affected by the incident.

Police are encouraging those impacted to register their movements using the Australian Red Cross’ ‘Register, Find, Reunite’ service.

The Register, Find, Reunite website – https://www.redcross.org.au/emergencies/about-register-find-reunite/ –is a National system managed and operated by Australian Red Cross.

It is a service which registers, finds and reunites family, friends and loved ones after an emergency. It allows people to,
Register to let people know they are safe,
Find people who may be affected by an emergency and know they are safe, and
Reunite through a matching process which enables police – with consent – to share details of family and friends with each other.

The PIIC will also be the place to register for people who were forced to leave personal possessions – including vehicles – behind during the emergency. Police warn if may be some days until these can be returned to their owners.

A memorial site is being arranged and will be shared once confirmed.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Australia (AMCA) is shocked and saddened at the loss of innocent lives in Bondi, Sydney. 

The AMCA prays for the families of those who have lost loved ones, and prays for a swift and complete recovery to all injured.

Imam Inam-ul-Haq Kauser, National President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Australia, stated:

“We are heartbroken by the brutality of this attack on a peaceful community gathering. Such acts of violence, targeting innocent people and aiming to sow division and fear, have absolutely no place in Australia. An attack on any community is an attack on all of us.”

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Australia urges Australians to stand together in unity and compassion during this difficult time, resisting any attempts to create division based on faith or background. We commend the swift and courageous response of the New South Wales Police and all emergency services personnel.

About the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community:

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, established in 1889, spans more than 200 countries with a membership exceeding tens of millions. It is the world’s largest and fastest-growing Islamic community, under one divinely appointed leader and the only Islamic community to believe in the long-awaited Messiah in the person of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (peace be upon him) (1835-1908) of Qadian. The community is the leading Islamic organisation advocating for peace and harmony across the globe. It is distinguished for its endorsement of the separation of religion and state. Today, it remains steadfast in its commitment to advocating for universal human rights and safeguarding religious and other minority groups. Moreover, it champions the empowerment and education of women. Members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community are renowned for their adherence to the law, educational pursuits, and active engagement in societal issues, making them exemplary citizens within the global community.

A police operation is ongoing after a public place shooting by two men at Bondi Beach earlier today.

Ten people have been confirmed dead, including a man believed to be one of the shooters. The second alleged shooter is in a critical condition.

At this time, a further 11 people are reported to be injured, two of which are police officers.

Emergency services were called to Campbell Parade about 6.45pm (Sunday 14 December 2025), responding to reports of shots being fired.

Officers attached to Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command attended assisted by multiple resources across the city.

A number of suspicious items located in the vicinity are being examined by specialist officers and an exclusion zone is in place.

A multi-agency response is continuing.

An extensive crime scene has been established and inquiries are now underway.There have been NO reports of any other incidents in Sydney connected to this incident.

Police are now appealing for anyone with mobile phone vision or dashcam vision relevant to this incident to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

What has happened this evening at Bondi Beach was a horrific attack on our community and on our way of life.

Tonight, on the first night of Hanukkah, members of our Jewish community had gathered peacefully in Bondi Beach and Dover Heights to mark the beginning of the Festival of Light.

That celebration was shattered by a violent and senseless attack on Bondi Beach which has seen lives lost, many seriously injured, and our entire community and state in shock and grief.

This situation is still ongoing.

This is not a time for speculation or blame beyond those responsible for this horrific act.

What has also been witnessed tonight is extraordinary bravery and humanity.

Members of the public, surf lifesavers, volunteers, police, paramedics, and health workers ran toward danger, helping strangers, comforting children, and doing everything possible to save lives.

No community in this country should live in fear.

This is an attack on our shared sense of safety and belonging

Tonight, our community and state stand together, determined that light will overcome darkness.

The NSW Government has completed its first comprehensive statewide koala survey, providing the most accurate picture to date of where koalas live and how populations are distributed across the state.

Using new tools such as heat-detecting drones and acoustic recorders, scientists surveyed more than 1,000 locations across national parks, state forests and private land.

The updated estimate of 274,000 koalas reflects improved technology and more extensive survey work.

Koalas in NSW remain endangered and there are many places in NSW where koalas no longer exist in the wild. Populations in NSW continue to face significant risks, including habitat loss and fragmentation, climate impacts, disease and vehicle strikes.

These threats are expected to intensify over coming decades, underscoring the importance of protecting key habitat and wildlife corridors.

This new baseline data comes as the Minns Government continues to prioritise koala conservation, including progressing the Great Koala National Park, which will protect habitat for more than 12,000 koalas, along with Greater Gliders and other threatened species.

Other koala conservation achievements include establishing the Warranmadhaa National Park along the Georges River in South-west Sydney. The NSW Government has also invested $8.5 million to support koala care and wildlife rehabilitators and establish a new koala care centre in the Macarthur region.

The NSW population estimate is in line with the recently released National Koala Monitoring Program, led by the Australian Government in partnership with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). The results will contribute to the Australian Government’s National Koala Monitoring Program and help strengthen long-term monitoring across the country.

The monitoring of koalas in NSW and across Australia will continue to evolve as more comprehensive surveys and analyses are conducted by state and federal agencies.

Previous estimates of NSW’s koala populations were conducted through more traditional survey methods such as visual sightings and scat analysis.

The sheer scale of this survey and use of advanced techniques helped scientists detect more koalas, faster, and with greater accuracy than ever before.

Minister for Climate Change and the Environment, Penny Sharpe said:

“This survey gives us a clearer understanding of where koalas remain in NSW. It is an important tool to guide conservation decisions.

“The Minns Labor Government has a strong record on koala conservation, and this survey shows we have been making the right decisions to ensure their survival.

“Koalas are still endangered, and the threats they face are real. This work helps ensure we are targeting the right areas so that future generations can continue to see koalas in the wild.”

Businesses and community sector providers will be spared significant increases to workers compensation premiums after agreement was reached on reforms to the state’s workers compensation scheme.

The agreement builds on the breakthrough compromise put forward by crossbench members in the Lower House.

The compromise agreed to includes:

• A legislated 18-month restriction on average premium increases.
• Retaining the Whole Person Impairment (WPI) thresholds moved by Lower House crossbenchers.
• A new “Return to Work” intensive program that provides an additional year of medical benefits and income replacement.
• New powers enabling the Treasurer to lower the WPI threshold, if in the public interest.
• A replacement program to Business Connect.
• Changes to terminology surrounding the reasonable management action defence.

Without these reforms, premiums for employers facing no claims against them were expected to rise by at least 36 per cent over three years.

The most significant reform to workers compensation in a generation will prioritise prevention and improve return to work. This work over the past year includes:

• Giving essential public-sector workers the right to seek court orders and damages to stop workplace bullying and sexual harassment.
• Agreeing to a definition for psychological injury
• Establishing a $344 million workplace mental health package.
• Funding to appoint 50 new SafeWork inspectors, including 20 new psychosocial focused inspectors and five psychosocial investigators.
• Commissioning the Chief Psychiatrist to devise a better system for psychiatric assessment in workers compensation claims.
• Clarifying and strengthening the Industrial Relation Commission’s powers to resolve industrial disputes and facilitate return to work for injured employees in the public sector.
• $15 million funding focused on delivering wraparound psychological services to provide earlier, more tailored support for injured workers to return injured workers back to work.

The announcement follows extensive consultation with business and unions, as well as the community and not-for-profit sector over the past year.

Charities, community organisations and business groups who have supported the reform include:

• The St Vincent de Paul Society
• The Mental Health Coordinating Council
• The NSW Council of Social Services
• National Disability Services
• Royal Australian College of GPs
• The Pharmacy Guild of Australia
• Business NSW and the Business Council of Australia
• Australian Hotels Association
• Clubs NSW

The agreement will allow the Workers Compensation Legislation Amendment (Reform and Modernisation) Bill 2025 to pass the Upper House in February.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:

“This compromise position allows us to stabilise the workers compensation system and return it to a secure footing.

“The scheme has been in dire need of modernisation. It has been failing injured workers, employers, the non-profit sector and taxpayers for too long. Continuing to do nothing was not an option.

“I want to thank all those members of parliament who have worked collaboratively with the Government to help solve this diabolically complex problem. Especially Alex Greenwich and the other independent members of the Lower House crossbench.

“I also want to acknowledge Business NSW, and all of the state’s major business organisations, as well as NCOSS and the state’s leading charities and not-for profits for their strong and relentless advocacy.

“Finally, I acknowledge the massive role the Labor caucus has played in delivering this reform. As well as the state’s union movement for its professionalism and engagement through many difficult conversations we had during 2025.“

Minister for Industrial Relations Sophie Cotsis said:

“This agreement ensures early support to injured workers, a road to recovery and return to work.

“It puts the scheme on the path to sustainability so that it can continue to care for injured workers and be affordable for business to fund.

“The reforms will help small businesses and not for profits, especially in regional areas, retain staff and create jobs.

“They are supported by a $344 million investment in injury prevention and a more person-centred claims management process.

“The hard work of implementation has already begun, and we will work in collaboration with all stakeholders to ensure the reforms are delivered effectively for workers and businesses.”

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said:

“We are providing certainty to ensure workers have the cover they need and through this sensible reform they can now get on with the job knowing that a secure safety net is in place.

“We welcome support to enable us to protect the scheme for generations to come. We can now get on with reform, as we scale up prevention efforts and wraparound support services for people navigating the claims process.

“It’s important that we continue to support injured workers and help them recover. To achieve this goal we are delivering a sustainable workers compensation scheme and we will continue to work with all stakeholders to deliver exactly that.”

The Minns Labor Government has today announced that faith-based organisations can share in $5m of funding to enhance the safety and security of religious communities across the state. 

Illustrating the government’s continued commitment to support NSW’s diverse communities, the funding helps ensure that every faith community can practice their religion safely.

This is the third and final round of the $15m Safe Places for Faith Communities Grants program. The first two rounds delivered $10m in funding to 258 religious organisations, with applications now open for this latest round of grants.  

Successful applicants could put the funding toward increased security measures – like CCTV and secure fencing, for example – the development of risk plans, or support services to build resilience, among others.

The funding is open to non-profit sharing organisations and could be put toward measures around places of worship, but also religious educational institutions, places of religious significance and faith-based community centres, among others.

Grant funding will support faith communities to:

• upgrade security and surveillance systems
• train staff and religious leaders to improve preparedness and risk mitigation
• build the resilience of faith groups.

The Safe Places for Faith Communities Grants program is administered by Multicultural NSW and this latest round of funding is open for applications until 4pm, Friday, 30 January 2026.

For more information visit https://multicultural.nsw.gov.au/safe-places-for-faith-communities-program/

Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said:

“Everyone deserves the right to come together to practise their faith. No one in NSW should ever feel unsafe when attending their place of worship or engaging with their religion – a central part of so many people’s lives.

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to supporting our diverse faith communities and this further round of funding illustrates that ongoing commitment.”

Multicultural NSW Chief Executive Officer Joseph La Posta said: 

“The program supports faith communities in taking proactive steps to safeguard their spaces and strengthen their resilience.  

“By investing in prevention, preparedness, response and recovery, we’re helping religious organisations to build their own capacity to protect their people, their values, and their right to gather in peace.”