Man charged over alleged assault – Newcastle

A man has been charged over the alleged assault of another man outside a café in Newcastle earlier this month.

Officers attached to Newcastle City Police District commenced an investigation on Tuesday 12 August 2025, following reports an 80-year-old man was assaulted outside a café on Maitland Road, Mayfield, about 2.45pm on Sunday 10 August 2025.

The 80-year-old man was uninjured.

Following inquiries, on Tuesday 19 August 2025, a 39-year-old man was issued a Field Court Attendance Notice for common assault.

He is due to appear before Newcastle Local Court on Thursday 2 October 2025.

Travel to Malaysia and Philippines

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 5th 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 2nd 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.”

Autistic Australians Used as Political Football in Minister’s Shameful Announcement

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.”

Melbourne Uni must apologise for privacy law breach, end crackdown on Palestine protestors

Greens Deputy Leader and Higher Education Spokesperson Senator Mehreen Faruqi has strongly condemned the University of Melbourne following findings by the Victorian Privacy and Data Protection deputy commissioner that the university unlawfully surveilled students and staff during a pro-Palestine protest by using Wi-Fi location data. The deputy commissioner found that because “the collection and use of the data involved the surveillance of students and staff, and surveillance by its nature is antithetical to human rights, the breach was serious”.

The University of Melbourne has maintained that its use of Wi-Fi location data was reasonable “given the overriding need to keep our community safe”.

Lines attributable to Senator Faruqi, Deputy Leader of the Australian Greens and spokesperson for Higher Education:

“The University of Melbourne has doubled down on unlawful surveillance and failed to apologise for its serious breach of privacy.

“Universities should nurture critical thought, dissent and protest. Surveillance is the tool of authoritarian states, not places of learning.

“Using Wi-Fi tracking, CCTV footage and email monitoring against students and staff is a profound betrayal of trust. A university that spies on its students has lost its moral compass.

“Universities should defend free expression, not police it. When a university treats protest as a crime, it betrays its own purpose.

“The University of Melbourne’s claim that the surveillance was justified to ensure community safety is a harmful narrative designed to smear protestors. The real threat to safety is Israel’s genocide in Gaza — and yet the University continues to maintain links with weapons companies fuelling that genocide.”

“Instead of doubling down on this punitive response—one which has already harmed students and staff—the University must offer an unconditional public apology, reverse all disciplinary actions against pro-Palestine protestors, end ties to weapons companies and immediately commit to transparent policy reform that respects privacy, academic freedom, and the right to protest.”

New strategy to boost support for specialist workers

The Minns Labor Government is continuing work to build a safer New South Wales for victim-survivors of domestic and family violence by strengthening the workforce and sector that provides them with crucial support.

The work our domestic and family violence specialist workers do is incredibly challenging, so it’s vital that they feel supported at work through better training, supervision and career opportunities, to avoid burnout.

A strong and robust workforce will be able to continue to provide the best care and support to victim-survivors.

Launching today, “Strengthening the NSW Domestic and Family Violence Sector: Workforce Development Strategy 2025-2035” lays the foundation for long-term reform of the NSW domestic and family violence sector, to support the recruitment and retention of highly skilled workers who help victim-survivors stay safe, heal and recover.

It includes actions such as prioritising workplace safety, health and wellbeing, improving workforce recruitment and renewal, driving workforce diversity, boosting collaboration and supporting skill and capability development.

Backed by $2.5 million in the 2025/26 Budget, this will allow us to begin critical work to make sure workers have access to high-quality supervision, recognise the value of lived experience in the workforce, and investigate models for student recruitment into the sector.

The Strategy was developed in consultation with over 100 organisations in the domestic and family violence sector, including Domestic Violence NSW, Women’s Legal Services, No to Violence, Aboriginal Women’s Advisory Network, and many others.

It is underpinned by significant research and evidence, including an extensive survey of the domestic and family violence specialist workforce.

This is part of the government’s wider effort to secure the future of our domestic and family frontline services, which includes moving to 5-year contracts for most services in the domestic and family violence sector, giving them funding certainty to attract and retain workers.

The specialist domestic and family violence workforce is a vital part of the work the Minns Government is doing to help victim-survivors escape violence and rebuild their lives. They are the frontline workers who provide supports including through the Staying Home Leaving Violence program, Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service, Safety Action Meetings and other casework.

The Strategy will help build the sustainability, capacity and capability of the sector, so workers can better support victim survivors, and enhance responses for people using violence.

This is in addition to funding to expand critical support services such as Staying Home Leaving Violence, strengthening our laws to protect victim-survivors and rolling out New South Wales’s first dedicated primary prevention strategy to stop the violence before it starts.

To learn more about the Workforce Strategy, go to: https://dcjnsw.info/DFV_WorkforceStrategy

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

“Eliminating domestic and family violence is a priority for the NSW Government, and we need to do everything we can to support the workforce that is committed to achieving this goal.

“This is long-term work that has been neglected and that the sector has been crying out for.

“Domestic and family violence specialist frontline workers who provide vital support for victim-survivors of abusive relationships are passionate about their work, have deep empathy for the people they work with, and are committed to ending domestic and family violence.

“That is why we must support them. This Strategy is the first step, setting out a 10-year roadmap for us to create a stronger, more robust workforce that feels supported and can attract new people to it.

“A strong and connected workforce will continue to respond to and create safety for families escaping violence.”

NSW Women’s Safety Commissioner Dr Hannah Tonkin said:

“Improving responses to domestic and family violence requires a specialist workforce that is well equipped, connected and supported to do this critical work. The specialist sector in NSW has incredible expertise and commitment, but many workers are overstretched and burdened by stress, burnout and vicarious trauma.

“This new workforce strategy has the potential to offer meaningful support to these vital frontline workers and better protect their health and welfare, while also improving their training and career opportunities and increasing pathways into the sector.

“I’m pleased to see the announcement of the workforce strategy and look forward to seeing it implemented across the state.”

Acting CEO Domestic Violence NSW Carolyn Hodge said:

“The specialist domestic and family violence workforce delivers complex, life-saving support to victim-survivors across NSW every day.

“This Strategy is an important opportunity to strengthen and expand this essential workforce, delivering better outcomes for people, families, and communities.

“In implementing this Strategy, we’ll be looking to ensure it’s backed by the sustained funding and resourcing needed to meet its objectives and ultimately enhance NSW’s response to ending domestic and family violence.”

The Adira Centre Casework Lead Dilini De Silva said:

“Domestic, family and sexual violence practitioners drive positive safety outcomes but need to be supported with the same dignity and recognition they offer victim-survivors.

“The new Strategy provides critical opportunities to build, enable and sustain a domestic, family and sexual violence workforce that reflects the diversity of the NSW community and is supported with the skills, knowledge and resources to provide culturally responsive care to improve equity of access and outcomes for all.”

Liberty Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Services People and Culture Manager Brooke Maggs said:

“This is a positive step to strengthen the domestic and family violence workforce and ensure long-term sustainability.

“The strategy creates a clear roadmap for building and investing in a workforce that is recognised for their expertise and better supported to respond to increasing demand for services.”

Support:

If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, call the Police on Triple Zero / 000.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence, call the NSW Domestic Violence Line on 1800 65 64 63 for free counselling and referrals, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For confidential advice, support, and referrals, contact 1800 RESPECT or 13 YARN.

Snowy Valleys Council given support to hold referendum on de-amalgamation

Residents in Snowy Valleys will have a say about the future of their local government area, with the Minister for Local Government today giving his support for the Council to start preparing for a referendum to vote on a potential de-amalgamation.

On Tuesday 19 August the Minister received a report from the NSW Local Government Boundaries Commission which examined the Council’s de-amalgamation proposal, including the Council’s implementation plan and financial sustainability plan.

The Boundaries Commission has recommended the Council’s proposal be supported. The Minister has accepted this recommendation and will now consult with the NSW Electoral Commissioner to allow Council to hold a constitutional referendum and let residents vote on whether they want to demerge.

The Minister met with Snowy Valleys Council Mayor Cr Julia Ham, the Member for Wagga Wagga Dr Joe McGirr MP and the Member for Albury Justin Clancy MP, to release the report and discuss the next step in the demerger process.

Snowy Valleys Council has been following the demerger pathway made possible by legislation introduced and passed by the Minns Labor Government last year.

The Council was required to develop a business case for de-amalgamation which was referred to the Boundaries Commission.

The Commission asked Council for more detail on the implementation of the proposal to outline financial impacts (including increases to rates), long term strategic plans, and the capacity of the new councils to deliver services.

Council’s implementation plan was presented to the Commission, which also held public hearings before finalising its recommendations in a report to the Minister.

With the green light to proceed to the next step in the process, Snowy Valleys Council can now go ahead and commence planning for a referendum. This includes public exhibition of the business case and implementation plan.

The Minister made it clear during the meeting today with the Council that as part of this referendum residents must be made aware they will be facing rate increases and other costs to support the demerged councils, so they can make an informed decision.

The Boundaries Commission report details rates in a restored Tumut Shire would increase by almost 15% over seven years and between 45-65% in Tumbarumba over the same period. In addition, there would be a range of increases to various fees and charges including water and sewer, leases and licenses, commercial fees and drainage.

The majority of the whole council area must support this vote for the demerger to proceed.

Under the Local Government Act 1993 the Boundaries Commission report was required to be released publicly within 48 hours of the Minister receiving it.

Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig said:

“The communities of Snowy Valleys weren’t given a choice when the Liberal-National Government forced the amalgamation of Tumut and Tumbarumba councils.

“It has proven to be another local government disaster inflicted upon regional NSW communities.

“The impact the amalgamation continues to have on the Council, councillors and staff was made clear by the Boundaries Commission.

“Prior to coming to government, Labor made a commitment to the people of Snowy Valleys that we would support the Council in holding a referendum to vote on a possible demerger.

“I know it’s been a long road to get here, but the work the Council has done putting together a business case has been necessary to ensure demerging would be a viable option.

“If there is majority support in the referendum and residents are prepared to accept the financial costs, then the Council can progress with the transition work required to demerge.

“If the referendum is rejected, the community and the Council must respect that outcome and get on with it.

“The important thing is the communities of Snowy Valleys are given the choice to make this decision for themselves – not have it made for them by the state government which has no mandate to interfere with local democracy.”  

The Boundaries Commission report is available on the Office of Local Government website.

NSW Government ensures a $10.2 million boost for the South Coast’s economic development

The Minns Labor Government is investing in two projects to boost the South Coast’s local economy as part of its plan to drive economic development and support job creation in regional NSW.

The Government’s NSW Regional Development Trust program will fund $5.5 million, and the project’s proponents will invest $4.7 million to deliver much needed training opportunities for groups of vulnerable young people in key growth sectors and upgrading critical infrastructure that will deliver economic benefits.

This funding is part of the Minns Government’s approach to delivering smart investment, with local partners, to ensure there is a focus on priorities that make a real difference to regional communities.

The two South Coast projects receiving Regional Economic Development and Community Investment Program funds are as follows:

  • $5 million – Upgrade the key South Coast aviation hub – Merimbula Airport
    • The runway extension will allow for larger aircraft to operate at the airport, benefiting essential goods and health services, boosting passenger transport opportunities, strengthening capacity for aeromedical and emergency services, and increasing tourism opportunities.
    • The project will extend the Merimbula Airport runway at both ends, increasing take-off length from 1,602 metres to 1,800 metres.
  • $512,000 – Training young people in key horticulture and land management growth sectors
    • Deliver training in Bega in partnership with Kiama Community Colleges for 60 participants for the Grow your Future project where youth aged 15–24 years old, who face barriers to training and employment, will get the chance to develop skills in horticulture, ecosystem and conservation management, and business.
    • In addition, the project will also deliver another program for youth aged 12-17 years to encourage disengaged students to engage in outdoor learning across 8 school terms.
    • In total, 160 young people will participate in skills development for the in-demand sector of regenerative land management and sustainable business practices.

Investments from the Regional Development Trust are reviewed by the Regional Development Advisory Council, an independent body appointed by the Minister for Regional NSW to provide advice to government on investments that must aim to meet the interests of regional communities.

Further announcements on successful projects across NSW from the Regional Development Trust will be made in the coming months.

For more information, go to: nsw.gov.au/regionaldevelopmenttrust

Minister for Agriculture and Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“This smart funding backs regional communities with projects that they have said are a priority and are ready to go, so that benefits can start flowing to those communities as soon as possible.

“The Minns Government is committed to demonstrating a new and better way of funding regional projects so that it involves local partners, meets a priority local need and has been recommended by experts and locals.

“These two South Coast projects in Merimbula and Bega will create jobs and boost local businesses so the benefits flow into those communities.

“The upgrades to Merimbula Airport will help future-proof the region in terms of essential and emergency services and position the South Coast to make the most of future tourism opportunities.

“The Minns Government is also pleased to be investing in regional young people, who are critical to the region’s future. These programs in horticulture, land management and business practices will make a real difference to the those involved, providing opportunities in growing sectors.”

Overdue surgeries reduced

The number of overdue surgeries has been reduced by more than 6,000 since the end of March, and by almost 12,000 since March 2023.

The NSW Government announced funding of $23 million as part of the 2025-26 Budget to further reduce the number of patients with planned surgeries waiting longer than clinically recommended.

This is in addition to the $186 million provided at the end of 2024 for planned surgery, which is already having an easing effect on wait times.

This investment has seen a massive improvement, with around 2,500 overdue surgeries at the end of June this year, a significant reduction from the over 8,500 overdue surgeries at the end of March.

NSW is one of the strongest performing states in Australia for planned surgery with the highest proportion of patients admitted within clinically recommended time at 85.3 per cent in 2023-24, above Queensland (81per cent), Victoria (80 per cent) and Western Australia (80 per cent).

Since the establishment of NSW Surgical Care Governance Taskforce in 2023, a range of innovative statewide strategies have been implemented to cut down wait times as well as improve and maintain access to planned surgery.

This includes the expansion of same-day surgery across NSW. Surgery that can be safely performed on the same day helps to meet the demand for surgery and improves patient experiences by enabling patients to return to the comfort of their home with support, where clinically appropriate.

The Surgical Care Strategic Committee is continuing the work of the Taskforce to ensure public hospital surgical services in NSW are sustainable and patients can continue to access the care they require in clinically recommended timeframes.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“This government is absolutely determined to ensure that everyone who needs surgery in NSW gets it as quickly as possible and drive down the overdue surgeries list.

“I want to say a massive thank you to NSW Health staff who have helped us reach this significant milestone, with many working on additional theatre lists on evenings and weekends to allow more procedures to be performed.

“We are going to continue to remain focused on reducing surgery wait times, including increasing the number of same-day surgeries where it’s safe to do so.”

NSW puts best foot forward with first ever fashion strategy

The Minns Labor Government, in partnership with leaders from the NSW fashion industry, has today released the NSW Fashion Sector Strategy, the first of its kind in Australia.

NSW designers are the heart of Australia’s multi-billion-dollar fashion industry with $7.2b export revenue generated annually. Nationally, this represents 1.7 per cent of all Australian exports.

In NSW, the fashion industry contributes $9.7b to the state economy and employs more than 174,000 people.

The industry has one of the highest rates of female employment. Nationally, 77 per cent the 489,000 workforce is female.

Fashion is one of Australia’s leading creative industries, showcasing diverse and emerging talent, and First Nations initiatives that are pivotal for inclusivity, cultural recognition and international distinctiveness.

The NSW Fashion Sector Strategy sets out a plan to develop the industry in NSW, to grow international profile and markets, and establish pathways for new designers.

Initiatives include:

  • Australian Fashion Hub: The NSW Government, the University of Technology and City of Sydney will partner with the sector to develop a new hub, providing spaces for emerging and established industry participants to collaborate, and forge connections.
  • Australian Fashion Smart Factory: The NSW Government will support a feasibility study for an Australian-first pilot to combine testing and development, production and distribution.

The NSW Government will work with industry, and other government partners to develop this proposal to support the progress of further manufacturing in Australia.

  • Establishing export pathways: A new program will provide emerging NSW designers with opportunities to showcase their designs internationally. These showrooms will promote NSW designers and brands strengthening relationships with international buyers and support NSW designers to develop an international profile and new market opportunities.
  • Skills and training review: TAFE NSW and the University of Technology will lead a strategic skills review to help industry and government assess current skills and future needs.

TAFE NSW and Create NSW will partner to develop the Next Gen Creative Industries Hub at the TAFE NSW Ultimo campus on Harris Street as part of the broader Ultimo Creative Industries Precinct.

  • Australian Fashion Week: will continue to be a top tier Sydney event on the global fashion calendar, attracting domestic and international buyers, showcasing NSW internationally.
  • Connecting Audiences to Australian Fashion: The Powerhouse Museum will lead the state’s Cultural Institutions to support, amplify and connect audiences with the creativity of the NSW fashion industry.

The strategy has three key funding programs to support and develop emerging talent:

  • $250,000 to support emerging designers to develop export markets by showcasing their designs at the largest international industry trade show. This initiative will help NSW designers build profile with key international media and buyers, supporting the growth of their businesses in NSW.
  • $300,000 to support NSW First Nation and emerging fashion and designers show at Australian Fashion Week
  • $200,000 in quick response grants – supporting designers to purchase critical equipment for their practice or pursue professional development opportunities.

The full strategy is available here: NSW Fashion Sector Strategy 2025-2028 | NSW Government

Minister for the Arts, John Graham said

“NSW, and particularly Sydney, has long led the way for the Australian fashion industry. Generations of ground-breaking Sydney designers are not just Australian success stories but are consistently highly sought after internationally by global taste makers and wider retail markets.

“Beyond the glamour of fashion, it’s a complex sector that employs 77 per cent women and represents 1.7 per cent of all Australian exports.

“Despite the cultural and economic impact of the sector, this is the first time a government has developed a strategy recognising its importance and planning for growth.”

Minister for Tourism and Jobs, Steve Kamper said:

“The fashion industry is a complex ecosystem of design, textile, manufacturing, retail, and education and training – generating 174,000 jobs in NSW.

“Sydney has always been the home of Australian Fashion Week, and I’m pleased it will continue to be. It’s a natural fit – Sydney is the home of fashion, and our stunning city provides a beautiful backdrop for our world-class designers.

“Australian Fashion Week puts Sydney on the map with international taste-makers and influencers, and showcases our talents as well as our good looks. Sydney has never looked as sharp as it does during fashion week!”

Minister for Industry and Trade, Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“Sectors like fashion put us on a global map and reinforce NSW as a great exporter of innovation and creativity.

“I’m excited we can support our innovation ecosystem and local manufacturers through contributing to a feasibility study for the Australian Fashion Smart Factory. This consolidated manufacturing hub capable of testing, production, development and distribution has the potential to be the first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.

“It’s no accident that Australia’s leading creative and tech sectors are concentrated so close to each other in Sydney. I’m excited to see further collaboration between our innovation ecosystem and creative industries as we develop our Tech Central Economic Development Strategy.”

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan said:

“TAFE NSW alumni have gone on to become household names – some of our most successful designers including Nicky Zimmerman, Akira Isogawa, Romance Was Born, Alex Perry, Bianca Spender, Dion Lee, Chrisopher Esber, to name a few all began their careers at TAFE NSW.

“Supporting the next generation of creatives, through design, business and marketing courses will ensure the workforce and industry has the skills required to succeed.”

Co-Chairs, Alex Schuman and Edwina McCann said:

“The fashion industry in NSW is not only a major economic driver but also a cultural force that showcases our state’s creativity and global influence.

“This strategy addresses critical areas within the business of fashion, including innovation, sustainability, workforce development and market access. It is designed to foster a vibrant, globally competitive fashion industry in New South Wales, while ensuring that local businesses and creatives succeed in a rapidly evolving landscape.”

Vice Chancellor of UTS, Professor Andrew Parfitt said:

“The NSW Fashion Sector Strategy strengthens the next stage of UTS’s collaboration with TAFE NSW, Australian Fashion Council and the Powerhouse Museum to support and grow the creative industries precinct in Sydney’s southern CBD.

“It builds on the establishment of the Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Fashion and Textiles with TAFE NSW in 2021 and a partnership with the Powerhouse aimed at creating a dynamic, place-based creative industries ecosystem to expand the profile of Australian fashion, textiles, and design on the national and global stage.

“Our support of the NSW Fashion Hub and the Australian Fashion Smart Factory reinforces our strong commitment to developing our precinct as a destination for innovation across disciplines.

Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore said:

“The City of Sydney’s cultural and economic strategies identify the importance of creative professionals not only to our economy, but also our identity as a global city. “We are excited to partner with the NSW Government, UTS and the fashion industry so creative communities and industries remain a key pillar for our future.”

Background

  • NSW has long been the home of the Australian fashion industry, with well-established precincts in Surry Hills, Alexandria, Rosebery, Redfern, Marrickville, and Cabramatta.
  • The New South Wales fashion industry is a complex ecosystem of design, textile, manufacturing, retail and education and training. It is heavily interlinked with the broader national fashion and retail economy contributing a high-value component of Australia’s trade and export portfolio.

New dedicated enforcement unit to tackle illicit tobacco

The NSW Government has established a new dedicated enforcement unit to strengthen compliance and enforcement of tobacco and vaping laws across NSW.

The Centre for Regulation and Enforcement in NSW Health will comprise of a statewide team of 48 full-time equivalent staff.

These staff will operate across metropolitan, rural, and remote locations to ensure a consistent, calibrated, and effective compliance approach.

The Centre for Regulation and Enforcement will work closely with the Australian Border Force, Police, and the Therapeutic Goods Administration on intelligence sharing, joint operations, and regulatory alignment, ensuring a unified approach to enforcement.

The establishment of the Centre aligns with and strengthens the NSW Government’s capacity to enforce tough new tobacco compliance reforms and the commencement of the tobacco licensing scheme, as well as support the work of the cross agency Illicit Tobacco Taskforce.

The new tobacco compliance reforms introduced to NSW Parliament will bring in some of the toughest penalties in the country for the sale and commercial possession of illicit tobacco and will grant substantial powers for inspectors to close premises found to be in breach of the new rules.

The NSW Government will also commence a targeted consultation on a new offence for landlords who knowingly lease their premises to illicit tobacco and vape suppliers.

These new penalties and offences will complement the tobacco licensing scheme which was commenced on 1 July and will take effect from 1 October following a three month grace period.

The Centre for Regulation and Enforcement will work closely with the Illicit Tobacco Taskforce to continue to develop options and recommendations to strengthen compliance and enforcement activities in NSW to reduce the availability of illegal tobacco in the community.

From 1 January 2025 to 30 June 2025, NSW Health:

  • conducted more than 700 retailer inspections and seized:
    • more than 90,000 nicotine vapes, e-liquids and pouches with an estimated street value around $2.9 million;
    • more than 6 million cigarettes and 1,100 kg of other illicit tobacco products with an estimated street value of around $6.8 million; and
  • issued around 150 penalty notices, totalling around $316,000.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“This government has introduced some of the toughest illegal tobacco penalties in Australia.

“The creation of this new centre will ensure we have the tools and capabilities to back in our tough new illegal tobacco penalties.

“This dedicated tobacco enforcement unit will centralise our personnel and resources to facilitate more coordinated and effective compliance operations right across the state.”