Category: Australian News

This morning, a Victorian Greens request to urgently debate the Albanese Labor Government’s decision to approve the extension of the North West Shelf gas project in the Victorian Parliament was denied.

The Victorian Greens used a tool that allows MPs to bring matters of urgent public importance forward for debate in the Parliament at short notice – arguing that as the state faces worsening drought and NSW reels from once-in-500-year floods, the project’s 6.1 billion tonnes of emissions will fuel climate chaos impacting every Victorian, harming public health, driving up insurance costs, and endangering future generations.

The request was denied. In response, the Greens say: if Labor approving a climate bomb with projected emissions of up to 6.1 billion tonnes isn’t a matter of urgent public importance, then what is?

It comes on the same day that state Labor has made comments boasting of billions of dollars in new gas investment in Victoria this year alone.

The Greens have accused the Victorian Labor Government of following in Albo’s footsteps, saying that Labor is guilty of ‘climate betrayal’ at both levels of government.

The North West Shelf Project will release more emissions than every coal-fired power station in Australia combined, locking in fossil fuel use until 2070 – decades beyond the climate deadlines set by the IPCC and Paris Agreement.

The Victorian Greens say that the Parliament shouldn’t be avoiding scrutiny and debate on such an important matter that will impact every Victorian.

Leader of the Victorian Greens, Ellen Sandell:

“Woodside’s massive new gas project is a climate bomb – the equivalent of opening 12 new coal-fired power stations. Labor’s approval of this disastrous project will blow our climate targets, supercharging floods, bushfires and extreme weather already hitting Victorians. If that’s not a matter of urgent public importance for Parliament to debate, I don’t know what is.”

“It’s incredibly disappointing to see Labor here in Victoria boasting about new gas projects the day after their federal Labor colleagues approved Woodside’s climate disaster. Future generations will never forgive Labor for this climate betrayal”

As communities across the Mid North Coast and Hunter grapple with the aftermath of catastrophic flooding, NSW Greens MPs Tamara Smith and Sue Higginson have called on the NSW Government to urgently abandon its ongoing support for policies that fuel climate disaster, including coal and gas expansion and native forest logging.  

Tamara Smith MP, Member for Ballina and Greens NSW spokesperson for Disaster Relief said:

“No sooner have the people of the Northern Rivers marked the third anniversary of the devastating 2022 floods, than communities just south of us are facing another deadly climate-driven disaster,” 

“Some flood levels in the Hunter and Mid North Coast have exceeded those of 1929. These are not one-in-100-year events – they are our new reality, and they demand a serious response from Government.”  

Tamara Smith expressed her deep concern for affected residents, saying: 

“My heart goes out to those who have lost loved ones, the nearly 800 families who cannot return to their homes, to the townspeople and business owners whose lives have been upended, to the farmers who have lost stock and crops, and to the SES workers and volunteers holding these communities together. No one is untouched by this disaster.”  

Sue Higginson MLC, Greens NSW spokesperson for Climate Change, said the disaster must be a turning point for government action on climate.  

“The science has long warned us that climate change would drive more frequent and more intense flooding across the East Coast of NSW. We are now living that warning, and yet the Minns Government continues to approve new coal and gas projects, and allows the ongoing destruction of climate-critical native forests.”  

“The peer-reviewed attribution report produced by ClimaMeteras the floods were going on, demonstrate that the intensity of the floods were a direct result of human activity and climate change. The fact that the NSW Government approved the extension of a large coal mine during these climate fuelled floods, is a reckless act of harm against all communities living on the front lines of the climate crisis,” 

“The Government is committing acts of climate negligence. Every day they delay real action is another day it fails the people of NSW.”  

Both MPs have called for: 

• An immediate end to new coal and gas approvals in NSW. 
• A moratorium on native forest logging to protect carbon stores and natural flood mitigation. 
• Urgent review of planning and housing approvals in flood-prone regions. 
• Increased funding and permanent support for disaster preparedness and community resilience programs. 

“Climate change is not a future threat – it is here, and it is destroying lives,” said Tamara Smith.  

“To pretend these floods are simply freak weather events is wilful ignorance. The NSW Government must face reality and take responsibility.”  

Upgrades to the Light-to-Light Walk in Beowa National Park on Yuin Country, near Eden are now complete and open to the public, with the multi-day walk showcasing everything that makes the South Coast special. The works are part of a $14.9 million investment in the National Park.

Commencing in March 2023, the upgrade and restoration work stretches from Boyds Tower to Green Cape Lighthouse. Works include new and re-routed sections of the previous walk, as well as two new purpose-built campgrounds at Mowarry Point and Hegartys Bay.

These new campgrounds feature 10 new timber camping platforms and toilets to accommodate walkers on the upgraded track. 

Significant work has also been completed to repair damage after the 2019/2020 bushfires, including track repair, Boyds Tower precinct renewal, Green Cape precinct car park and Bittangabee Campground upgrades.

The funds for the upgrades and restoration work are jointly provided by the Regional Growth – Environment and Tourism Fund program and NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.

The 32km Grade 4 Light-to-Light walk can be tackled on your own, or on a guided tour. Several local companies offer guided tours which include stories of the area’s rich cultural history and ensure you don’t miss a thing along the way.  

Before embarking on any long distance or multi-day hike, it’s important to hire a personal locator beacon and to fill in a trip intention form. Further advice on hiking safety is available via the NPWS bushwalking webpage. 

Further upgrade works are planned this year for the Green Cape Lighthouse precinct accommodation located at the southern end of the walk. Information on the Light-to-Light Walk is available via the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service website.

Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast, Ryan Park:

“The Light-to-Light Walk is one of the crown jewels of the South Coast, and these upgrades ensure it remains a world-class experience for visitors.

“This investment reflects the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to sustainable tourism, regional jobs, and providing people with better access to nature and the stories of Country that make this place so special.”

Member for Bega, Dr Michael Holland:

“The Light-to-Light Walk is poised to bring great economic benefits to the region whether it is accommodation providers, tour companies, restaurants or cafes, we welcome visitors from across Australia and abroad to come and take in the beauty of the South Coast.”

The delivery of a modern, low carbon, low waste, climate resilient health system is at the heart of a new Roadmap launched by NSW Health.

The NSW Health Net Zero Roadmap is a first for NSW Health and sets out how the NSW public health system plans to reach zero emissions by 2050 while delivering quality, value, innovation and equity.

The Roadmap aligns closely with Future Health: guiding the next decade of care in NSW 2022-2032, setting the strategic priorities for the next decade and, in particular, the commitment to an environmentally sustainable footprint for future healthcare.

The Roadmap outlines six strategic priority areas which will support NSW Health to meet the ambitious net zero target, including:

• Healthcare – transitioning to modern high quality, low carbon models of care.
• Land and buildings – decarbonising design, construction, use and disposal of buildings and being stewards of land and waters
• Energy and water – improving air quality and health by using natural resources in sustainable ways
• Supply Chain – reducing environmental and financial supply chain costs through the purchase of goods and services and drive circularity
• Travel and transport –improving air quality and health by shifting towards active modes of transport, electrifying NSW Health transportation, and exploring new ways to deliver care remotely
• Food services –sustainable sourcing, production and provision of high quality, healthy food for patients, whilst minimising food waste

For more information on the plan visit the NSW Health website.

Minister for Climate Change, Penny Sharpe: 

“The NSW Health Net Zero Roadmap shows action is being delivered across the whole of government to deliver on our Net Zero targets.

“I commend NSW Health for their leadership to reduce the effects of climate change.”

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“The NSW Health Net Zero Roadmap will help us meet the ambitious goal of reaching zero emissions by 2050, all while clinicians and health care workers continue to deliver high quality care to the community.

“I’m grateful to everyone involved in the Roadmap’s development, taking a strategic and active approach to reducing waste and emissions, while maintaining and improving our high standards of care.

“The health of the planet is deeply linked with public health and this Roadmap will support a healthier and more sustainable community.”

NSW Health Secretary, Susan Pearce AM:

“The healthcare sector has historically been a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, and we all need to play our part to create a cleaner and more sustainable future.

“To that end, NSW Health staff are implementing innovative programs, technologies, policies and practices towards the NSW Government’s net zero targets.”

Building Commission NSW has conducted a building compliance blitz in the Tweed in an effort to crack down on unlicenced construction work, non-compliant electrical work, and other compliance issues.

The blitz forms part of Building Commission NSW’s commitment to ensuring developers and contractors are meeting their obligations and are not skirting licencing and signage responsibilities.

The February operation saw inspectors visit 33 construction sites in three days, covering an 800km area from Tweed Heads to Ballina, and extending west to areas like Casino and Kyogle.

Inspectors engaged with 140 tradespersons across a range of disciplines, focusing on licence checks, supervision requirements, and specialist installations in the electrical and plumbing space.

As a result of the blitz, Building Commission NSW identified 38 offences, with the majority relating to incorrect signage (18), as well as unlicenced work and unlicenced contracting (15).

Of the 38 offences, 21 penalty infringement notices (PINs) totalling $16,320 were issued, thirteen trader education notices were issued, and four matters referred for further investigation.

Inspectors often use their discretion to provide education notices for minor infringements, which promotes compliance and prevent future offences, especially for apprentice tradespeople.

Five sites with significant safety issues were also referred to SafeWork NSW for further investigation.

Building Commission NSW is conducting a wide-ranging regional compliance campaign to ensure construction projects across NSW are completed to the highest standards by qualified individuals.

Inspectors are travelling across the state to ensure a range of sites meet the required standards and remind the industry that Building Commission NSW will hold builders to account for bad practices.

So far, the regional compliance campaign has seen more than 140 building sites inspected in the Tweed, Mid North Coast, as well as the Riverina Murray regions.

Minister for Building Anoulack Chanthivong:

“Building quality is one of the top priorities of the Minns Labor Government.

“Building Commission NSW is making it clear that no matter where you are in New South Wales, we’re keeping a close eye on licencing, supervision, and specialist electrical work across the state.

“This Tweed compliance blitz demonstrates our commitment to ensuring all builders and tradesmen, regardless of location, are held accountable to meet their legal obligations.

“Regional communities deserve the same level of oversight and protection as those in metropolitan areas, and Building Commission NSW will continue to inspect regional sites to ensure their compliance.”

Building Commission NSW Commissioner James Sherrard:

“The results of this compliance campaign is a reminder to the Tweed building industry that Building Commission NSW is enforcing signage, licencing, and supervision rules right across the state.

“The number of offences related to unlicenced contracting and non-compliant signage shows that there is certainly room for improvement in the Tweed region.

“Building Commission NSW will return to the Tweed in the future, to ensure the issues we identified during this blitz are addressed, and that these types of compliance issues don’t continue.”

The Minns Government is positioning Western Sydney at the forefront of advanced manufacturing with a new collaboration between the Bradfield Development Authority and leading Japanese automation company OMRON.

Under the agreement, the Bradfield Development Authority’s Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility (AMRF) will work with OMRON’s global network of Proof of Concept Centres to promote innovation, technology exchange, and productivity improvements across Western Sydney’s growing manufacturing sector.

OMRON is a global leader in industrial automation with a strong track record of supporting manufacturing innovation through robotics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed at Bradfield City Centre, marks another major step in the Minns Government’s vision to build Australia’s first city in 100 years, a city powered by high-tech industries and underpinned by a world-class advanced manufacturing ecosystem.

The AMRF, located in the heart of Bradfield City Centre, provides cutting-edge equipment, training, and expertise to support enterprises to innovate, scale and adopt new manufacturing technologies. The collaboration with OMRON will support shared research, technology demonstration, and industry upskilling.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said:

“Western Sydney is already a powerhouse of economic growth, and partnerships are critical in accelerating the region’s transformation into a hub for advanced manufacturing.

“Our continued focus on the growth and development of Bradfield means more high-quality, highly-skilled jobs for Western Sydney residents, in their own backyard.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“This partnership demonstrates how Bradfield is already becoming a magnet for global innovation, investment and opportunity.

“By connecting local industry with international leaders like OMRON, we’re helping Western Sydney businesses compete and thrive in a global market.”

Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“OMRON’s involvement with the Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility is the NSW Industry Policy in action and will see Western Sydney businesses gain access to cutting-edge automation technology, global best practice, and new opportunities to scale their ideas.

“We’re proud to support initiatives that not only accelerate advanced manufacturing but also reinforce NSW as a leader in technological capability and industrial transformation.”

Managing Director of OMRON Australia Henry Zhou said:

“We are thrilled to collaborate with the Bradfield Development Authority to advance Western Sydney’s emerging advanced manufacturing sector.”

Company President of OMRON’s Industrial Automation Motohiro Yamanishi division:

“This initiative strengthens the long-standing Australia–Japan economic partnership and reinforces the close business relationship between Japanese industry and the NSW Government.”

The Victorian Greens are pushing for a parliamentary inquiry and have distributed an open letter calling on Premier Jacinta Allan to reverse her government’s $2.4 billion cut to public schools, as part of a two-pronged campaign to ensure every Victorian child gets the education they deserve. 

This week the Greens have distributed an Open Letter to the Premier demanding the immediate reinstatement of funding to meet the Gonski Schooling Resource Standard (SRS) by 2028, not 2031 as Labor quietly decided and concealed. 

The Victorian Greens are also pushing for a parliamentary inquiry to examine the consequences of effectively cutting $2.4 billion from public school funding, with the cumulative impact, including lost federal contributions nearing $3 billion and entrenching Victoria as the lowest funder of public schools in the country. 

The Greens will move in the Upper House on Wednesday, for the Legislative Council Legal and Social Issues Committee to inquire and consider the impact of the delay of Gonski funding for Victorian students, teachers and schools, with the inquiry set to report by April 2026. 

The Victorian Greens say an inquiry is essential, as Victoria already has the lowest-funded public schools in the country, Labor’s decision to delay Gonski funding will only make things worse and has jeopardised millions in additional funding from the Commonwealth. 

Victorian Greens Education spokesperson, Dr Tim Read: 

“Victorians deserve to know the consequences of this quiet decision made by the Premier and concealed in Budget papers that essentially rips $2.4 billion from our already underfunded schools and puts millions in Commonwealth support at risk. 

“This is critical funding. Teachers are burning out, schools are under pressure, children don’t have access to the support they need – and this decision means that a child starting prep today won’t get full funding until Grade Six. 

“The Premier has serious questions to answer. In the so-called Education State, why is Victoria stepping back while every other state steps up?”

The Victorian Greens have urged the Labor Government to reverse their decision to quietly axe the state’s no-interest solar battery loan program, warning the move will lock out low-income households from accessing cheaper, renewable energy.

The $8,800 interest-free loan scheme, designed to help households install battery storage, will officially end on 30 June. But today, Solar Victoria confirmed it is no longer taking new applications – effectively shutting down the program early. The cut coincides with a funding reduction of nearly 12% to Solar Victoria in last week’s State Budget.

The new federal $4,500 battery rebate is a welcome step, but leaves many Victorians in the lurch: with good-quality battery systems still costing over $13,000, lower-income households lack viable options to transition to cheaper, renewable energy without a loan program.

The Greens say that there was no reason to cancel the largely cost-neutral loan scheme, which should coincide with the federal rebates and could be expanded to help renters, apartment dwellers, and social housing residents – groups who continue to face barriers to accessing cheaper, renewable energy.

While any cost-of-living relief for low-income households is welcome, Labor’s $100 energy bill payment mainly benefits fossil fuel-powered energy companies and pales in comparison to the long-term savings and energy independence that solar batteries offer.

Victorian Greens spokesperson for coal transition, Dr Tim Read:

“Labor’s decision means people who would benefit most from cheaper, cleaner energy remain locked out by the cost of batteries.

“This was a sensible, low-risk scheme that let people take control of their energy bills and reduce their reliance on fossil fuels.

“Helping more people electrify their homes is one of the most effective ways to reduce energy bills and reduce emissions, we should be scaling this up, not winding it down.”

 Today’s guilty plea by whistleblower Richard Boyle is a damning indictment of Australia’s broken whistleblower protection laws. Richard told the truth about appalling practices inside the ATO that unfairly ruined lives and ruined businesses. Today as the Labor government forces a criminal conviction on him, the Greens join with millions of Australians to thank him for his courage and to offer urgent bipartisan support to fix these broken laws.

Greens Senator for NSW and Justice Spokesperson David Shoebridge:

“Today ATO whistleblower Richard Boyle has been forced to plead guilty to four criminal charges and the end result is that Australia has now criminalised courage.

“Richard Boyle exposed ATO thuggery and saved countless taxpayers from abuse and for that this government rewarded him with a criminal conviction. This is a national disgrace.

“The message that is sent with this is crystal clear, if you dare to expose government wrongdoing, then the government will destroy you.

“Richard Boyle put his career and his freedom on the line to stop people’s lives being smashed by unethical practices in the ATO. He should get a medal for that, not a conviction.

“What has happened to Richard, and to other high profile whistleblowers like David McBride, proves that our whistleblower laws are dangerous for whistleblowers.

“This is the moment to act, with a new Parliament and new gross injustice.

“The Greens again invite Labor to join with us and use the guaranteed majority in both Houses of Parliament to urgently pass whistleblower reforms so that they do their job and protect truth telling.”

An expert panel of three has been appointed to conduct a short review into the overhead wiring incident that caused disruption across the Sydney Trains network last week and take a system-wide look at maintenance and reliability.

Transport and Infrastructure expert Kerry Schott AO, former chief executive of the NSW Independent Transport Safety and Reliability Regulator (ITSRR) Carolyn Walsh, and former Ausgrid CEO Trevor Armstrong will lead the independent review.

Ms Walsh led the Sydney Trains’ Rail Infrastructure and Systems Review of 2023.

They will be supported by the Premier’s Department and Transport for NSW in a rapid investigation into three key areas of concern:

• the specific cause of the Tuesday 20 May electrical incident and what can be done to ensure the system is as resilient as possible in future
• investment in the system made after the recent Rail Repair and Fleet Repair Plans, and whether that improved reliability resulted
• passenger experience – whether communications with passengers, real time updates and internal communication by Sydney Trains during disruptions is up to scratch.

The three investigators will meet this week to finalise their Terms of Reference.

Sydney Trains has begun its own internal investigation and metallurgical analysis of the failed wire and will report findings to the investigators. 

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“We have heard loud and clear the frustration of the commuting public and this expert and independent panel of three reviewers is going to assist in making sure we are focused in exactly the right areas to drive the improvements to the train system that passengers expect.

“A short and sharp independent review into maintenance, punctuality and customer communications will assist in understanding how we can do better.

“The NSW Government is investing record amounts into maintenance and reliability, guided by the Rail Repair Plan and Train Repair Plan. We have driven down delays from temporary speed restrictions but we know there is much more to do.

“The aim here is not to repeat the previous review of Carolyn Walsh but I am confident her detailed knowledge of this issue and Kerry Schott’s vast experience supported by Trevor Armstrong will ensure valuable new insights are delivered.”

Panel

Dr Kerry Schott AO

Kerry Schott has extensive experience in transport and infrastructure. She has served at Board level on transport operators like Moorebank Intermodal, Sydney Metro, Sydney Light Rail and ARTC, amongst others.

Dr Schott is currently a Director of AGL, a member of Aware Super’s Direct Asset Committee, and Chair of the Australian Government’s Competition Review Panel. She has been a Director of the National Broadband Network (2012-2022), a director of NSW Treasury Corporation (TCorp) (2012-2019) and CEO and Managing Director of Sydney Water (2006-2011).

Carolyn Walsh

Carolyn Walsh has 40 years’ experience in the Commonwealth and NSW public services, focusing on industry, science and transport issues.

She is currently the Chair of the National Transport Commission, a member of the Board of the NSW Environment Protection Authority, and Chair of the Transport Asset Manager (TAM).

Carolyn is a former Commissioner of the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (2010-2020) and was Chief Executive of NSW’s Independent Transport Safety and Reliability Regulator (ITSRR) – the then rail safety regulator in NSW – from 2004 to 2009.

Trevor Armstrong

Trevor has over 35 years of experience in the energy industry, and has previously held senior executive roles at Ausgrid, including CEO. His experience includes leading large and complex engineering operations with a focus on safety in high-risk environments. He also has extensive asset and incident management experience in the NSW electricity industry.

He was a member of the Australian Energy Market Commission Reliability Panel for 10 years. Until April 2025 he was the CEO of the Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone and is currently on the Board of Power and Water Corporation in the Northern Territory.