Greens demand greater transparency after Albanese Government ranked among worst on document releases

Damning new research from the Centre for Public Integrity has revealed that the Albanese Government is worse than the Morrison Government when it comes to refusing Senate Orders for the Production of Documents – critical tools used by the Senate to scrutinise government decisions. 

The Albanese Government’s compliance rate in the 47th Parliament was just 32.8 per cent, the second-worst performance of any federal Parliament since 1993. 

Australian Greens spokesperson for democracy, Senator Steph Hodgins-May:

“This research confirms what Australians already suspect: the Albanese Government is hiding critical decisions from the public.

“These document requests aren’t just political theatre, they’re about exposing how decisions are made, who influences them and whether the public interest is being served. 

“From fossil fuel approvals to billion-dollar contracts, the public has a right to know whose interests are being served, and the Senate has a right to perform its job as a house of review.

“Labor’s track record is worse than even the Morrison Government – less than a third of document orders have been fulfilled. That’s not transparency, that’s secrecy. And the question every Australian should be asking is, what are they hiding?

“When governments dodge scrutiny, it’s usually because powerful corporate lobbies – like the fossil fuel industry – are pulling the strings. If Labor wants to govern for people, not profits, it needs to open its books.

“Our vision is simple: a democracy where the government works for the public, not powerful donors. Where decisions are made in daylight, not darkness.”

Legal Breakthrough: Courts hold that NSW Government must consider climate impacts of fossil fuel developments

A decision handed down by the NSW Supreme Court of Appeal has today confirmed that the NSW Government under the Planning System must consider the local impacts of climate change of the coal that is burnt, regardless of where that is, as a result of the approval of coal mines in NSW. This recognises the causal link between the impacts of climate change and fossil fuel production.  

The Court’s decision has overturned years of denial by the NSW Government and their Independent Planning Commission (IPC), that the planning laws of NSW don’t require scope 3 emissions (emissions from a project that result from the burning of extracted fossil fuels) and their impacts to be considered when assessing fossil fuel projects.   

Greens MP, Solicitor, and spokesperson for Planning and the Environment Sue Higginson said:

“This decision is a significant legal break through and will send shockwaves through a planning system and a Government that has been failing to take real action to prevent climate breakdown,”  

“The years of denial from successive NSW Governments about the facts of the causes of climate change is over. The Court has ruled that the Government bears responsibility for the emissions that they create as a result of the fossil fuel projects they approve. This is a giant leap forward in holding our Governments to account when it comes to the damage they are doing to our climate and local communities through waving through more coal and gas projects,”  

“The coal project that has now been knocked back, Mt Pleasant by MACH Energy, was set to be one of the biggest, dirtiest and highest polluting coal projects in NSW. It would have been allowed to continue for another 22 years, smashing our emissions reductions targets and pouring millions of tons of fuel on the climate fire,”  

“To date, the NSW Government has been able to hide behind our commitment to the Paris Agreement and the Federal Government’s 43% emissions reduction commitment, that’s now over. The Court has held that that is unacceptable and mere lip service to the obligations under NSW planning law to consider the impact of developments that they approve,”  

“Under NSW Law, there is a clear requirement for climate impacts to be assessed when considering polluting projects. The clear and growing scientific body of evidence around the impacts of emissions and the deadly climate impacts hammering our communities has finally cracked through in this decision. The NSW Government will no longer be able to ignore the impacts that emissions are having on our environment and communities when signing off on more coal mines,”  

“Once again, it is the work, courage and strength of local communities who are on the frontline of climate breakdown, witnessing the harm that these massive coal mines are doing to their local environments. They have held the government to account through upholding the law in an epic David Vs Goliath battle, I have run these cases in the court and I know how hard they are,”  

“There is a legal and moral responsibility to minimise climate emissions to the greatest extent possible. With this decision, the Government must now reckon with the fact that they have a responsibility to the whole planet when it comes to allowing more coal to be dug up and burnt. The status quo of setting emissions reduction targets domestically and then exporting the climate crisis is now broken with this decision,” Ms Higginson said.   

Newcastle community invited to consider Council meeting guidelines

City of Newcastle is asking community members to provide feedback on the rules that guide Council meetings. 

City of Newcastle’s Code of Meeting Practice applies to all Council meetings. 

City of Newcastle Executive Director of Corporate Services David Clarke said NSW legislation requires all Councils in NSW to adopt a Code of Meeting Practice, based on the prescribed Model Code of Meeting Practice, within the first 12 months following an election. 

“The draft Code also contains some additional clauses and changes to align with City of Newcastle practices and procedures,” Mr Clarke said. 

“The recent Davidson Independent Review made findings and recommendations into the conduct of Council meetings, so it is timely to review the Code of Meeting Practice.  

“We’re asking community members to take a look at the Code and share their thoughts on the provisions, as well as any changes they think should be considered.” 

The Code of Meeting Practice covers all aspects of Council meetings, including everything from the agenda and order of business to the rules of debate and voting. 

It also sets guidelines around the timing and notification of meetings, who can attend and the way in which they are recorded and broadcast to the public. 

City of Newcastle will review submissions received during the public exhibition period and prepare a summary to be included in a report to the September Ordinary Council Meeting.  

If no submissions are received, the draft Code of Meeting Practice will be considered adopted without a further report to Council. 

Community members can find out more or make a submission via the Have Your Say page on City of Newcastle’s website. The public exhibition period will close at 5pm on Wednesday 3 September 2025.

Flood study to help build understanding and community resilience in Newcastle

Residents in Newcastle’s western suburbs are being invited to share their experiences of local flooding to help City of Newcastle develop an updated study to inform mitigation and management strategies for the area.

The Hexham and Woodberry Swamp Flood Study will increase City of Newcastle’s understanding of flood behaviour and risk, enhance resident awareness and improve community resilience to flooding and climate change.

Feedback from the community will build on existing information to improve the accuracy and reliability of the study, which will be used to plan and prepare for flash flooding events and more effectively manage the risk to people and property.

City of Newcastle is partnering with Maitland City Council, Cessnock City Council and the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water to prepare the study, which will cover approximately 200 square kilometres of catchment incorporating the local town centres of Wallsend, Jesmond, Fletcher and Beresfield.

Executive Manager Environment and Sustainability Marnie Kikken said the current work will update City of Newcastle’s last flood study for the area.

“Since the last study was completed in 2008 there have been significant advances in flood modelling capability and remote sensing technology, as well as an increase in development across Newcastle,” Ms Kikken said.

“The Newcastle Local Government Area was built on a low-lying floodplain and approximately 30% of current residential properties are impacted by flash flooding.

“It’s not possible to stop significant flooding from occurring by simply widening channels or investing in larger pipes. Rebuilding the city’s drainage system to accommodate flooding would require massive changes that would make many suburbs unrecognisable.

“For this reason, we are seeking to gain a better understanding of flash floods, including their depths, extent and hazards, as well as the impacts of climate change on flooding behaviour, to inform the most effective management strategies to deal with flood risk.

“We have already undertaken a similar study in the eastern section of the local government area, covering the Throsby, Styx and Cottage Creek catchment area.

“We will use information from both studies to guide flood mitigation and management measures.”

The State Emergency Service (SES) is currently updating their Flood Emergency Management Plan across the western suburbs.

City of Newcastle will share the outcomes of this study with the SES, who will use it to assist with improving their emergency flood response.

Acting Northern Zone Commander Graeme Craig said NSW SES looks forward to the results of this study.

“It could help inform future plans and community preparedness ahead of flooding,” Acting Commander Craig said.

“It is critical people understand their flood risk, and we will continue to work with local councils and the community.”

The Hexham and Woodberry Swamp Flood Study is being delivered by City of Newcastle, with the support of a grant from the NSW Government’s Floodplain Management program.

Maitland and Cessnock City Councils have also helped partially fund the study as its scope includes small sections of their LGAs.

Flood studies are prepared in accordance with the NSW Flood Risk Management Manual (2023) and Australian Rainfall and Runoff Guidelines (2019).

The community can contribute to the Hexham and Woodberry Swamp Flood Study by visiting the Have Your Say page and completing the online survey or by adding comments and photos to an interactive map.

Ordinary Council Meeting Tuesday 22 July 2025

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council Meeting of Tuesday 22 July 2025. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions. 

Ordinary business 

Exhibition of Code of Meeting Practice

Council unanimously voted to place an amended draft Code of Meeting Practice 2025 on public exhibition for a minimum of 28 days. Should no submissions be received, the draft will be considered adopted without a further report to Council.

Urban Design Review Panel Annual Report 2024

Council received the Urban Design Review Panel Annual Report 2024. The Panel provides independent, expert advice to City of Newcastle and applicants about the quality of the urban design and amenity of developments. 

Financial assistance for ratepayers impacted by New Lambton landslip incident

Council unanimously voted to publicly notify City of Newcastle’s intention to grant financial assistance to ratepayers impacted by the 23 May 2025 New Lambton landslip.

Tender report – OEM parts and service suppliers 2025-2028

Council voted unanimously to accept an exemption to tendering requirements for the supply of Original Equipment Manufacturer parts and services for City of Newcastle fleet vehicles. 

Notices of Motion 

Honouring the life, achievements and service of Councillor Sinead Francis-Coan

Council honoured the life, achievements and service of Councillor Sinead Francis-Coan and extended condolences to Cr Francis-Coan’s family and friends after her sudden and tragic passing.

Remembering former Lord Mayor Jeff McCloy

Council extended condolences to the McCloy family following the passing of former Lord Mayor Jeff McCloy after a battle with motor neurone disease. A service was held on 8 July 2025 at Newcastle City Hall to remember and celebrate the life, legacy and achievements of Mr McCloy.

Hunter Street Mall – Newcomen to Thorn Streets

Council noted the significant investment committed by City of Newcastle to the East End Public Domain Plan, including the Hunter Street Mall between Thorn and Newcomen Streets, as outlined in the Budget and upcoming detailed design work, and acknowledges the short-term safety and amenity upgrades completed since January 2025, including lighting repairs, pavement remediation, and graffiti removal on public assets.

Hamilton BIA board changeover

Council thanked Reece Hignell and Amanda Hinds for four years as Chair and Vice Chair of the Hamilton Business Improvement Association, and welcomed new members Alissa McCulloch (Chair), Evan Reid (Vice Chair), and Kathy Sloss (Secretary). Council also thanked Kasey Pollard (Treasurer), Josh Distefano, Ram Khatri and Lovkesh Asija for their continued efforts as volunteer members of the Board of the Hamilton BIA.

Horseshoe Beach / Camp Shortland

Council unanimously voted to write to the Member for Newcastle, Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, and Transport for NSW requesting them to address a range of issues relating to the Horseshoe Beach precinct.

Recognising the 80th anniversary of Hiroshima and Nagasaki

Council unanimously voted to commemorate the 80th anniversaries of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and affirm that nuclear weapons continue to pose an unacceptable threat to humanity and our shared environment.

505 Minmi Road

Council recognised the State Government’s decision on 505 Minmi Road and unanimously voted to continue advocating on this issue.

Metro mega-borers’ last stop before CBD

Two mega tunnel boring machines have smashed through solid rock to arrive within hours of each other in the Pyrmont metro station cavern, with just over one kilometre to their final stop in the Sydney CBD at the future Hunter Street station.

TBMs Jessie and Ruby started their journey from The Bays precinct in May 2024, completing one of the most complex digs on the Metro West project.

The tunnel between The Bays and Pyrmont comes within 25 metres of the Anzac Bridge, goes under Johnstons Bay and through the complex geographical ground of the Luna Park Fault Zone.

The machines broke through within five hours of each other, making it only the second double TBM breakthrough for the Sydney Metro West project.

Following a five-week pit stop 24 metres underground, Jessie and Ruby will start their final stretch of tunnelling under Darling Harbour to connect the city-shaping project to Hunter Street in the heart of Sydney’s CBD.

Work to unlock the transformation of the western harbour foreshore has also leapt forward, with planning approval for a vibrant mixed-use precinct at Pyrmont given the green light.

A 31-storey over station development will rise above the future metro station, with room for 160 residential apartments and five levels of commercial and retail opportunities.

On the doorstep of Darling Harbour and the new Sydney Fish Market, the new Pyrmont metro precinct will connect more passengers than ever before to the harbourside suburb, creating new jobs and housing supply in the process.

When it opens in 2032, Sydney Metro West will connect Pyrmont to Hunter Street in just two minutes.

For further information, including a 3D interactive model of the proposed development at Pyrmont, visit the Sydney Metro West interactive portal.

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“TBMs Ruby and Jessie are doing a smashing job delivering this complex section of tunnels into Pyrmont.

“These tunnels will form what will be a critical public transport connection between the Sydney CBD and the Parramatta CBD.

“Pyrmont’s new metro station precinct will be a dynamic hub and play a key role in supporting the transformation of Sydney’s western harbourside into a growing entertainment destination.

“Sydney Metro West is more than just a transport project – along with moving hundreds of thousands of passengers each day, it will deliver up to 1,600 well-located homes within its station precincts.”

Upgraded fire stations improving community safety for Western Sydney and the Southern Highlands

The Minns Labor Government is investing $13.9 million in critical Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) station upgrades in Western Sydney and the Southern Highlands, strengthening the state’s frontline emergency service response.

Moss Vale, Parramatta and Wentworthville station upgrades and rebuild form part of a $98.7 million capital investment by the NSW Government, in addition to the $42.2 million being invested to operate a new 24-hour fire station at Badgerys Creek.

This investment is part of crucial work to rebuild essential services people rely on after more than a decade of neglect by the former Liberal-National government.

The Parramatta precinct project includes the expansion of Parramatta Fire Station, supporting future growth and meeting the increasing operational demands of the area, while Wentworthville receives a new fit-for-purpose station.

Work is underway to upgrade Parramatta Station, with completion expected in early 2026.

Once work at Parramatta is complete, Wentworthville Station will be demolished and rebuilt, delivering a new purpose-built facility for Western Sydney by the end of 2027.

During construction of the new station, Wentworthville firefighters will be temporarily relocated to the upgraded Parramatta Fire Station.

As well as support from Parramatta, Wentworthville and surrounds will continue to be serviced by staff at Merrylands, Rydalmere and Seven Hills, as well as benefitting from resources across Sydney as required.

Work has also begun to upgrade Moss Vale Fire Station. The station is receiving a major refurbishment transforming the current facility into a modern, fit for purpose fire station, delivering on this Government’s election commitment to improve fire services in Moss Vale.

The investment forms part of the Minns Labor Government and FRNSWs station renewal program, part of our work to keep people safe and better serve communities by supporting frontline emergency services.

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“We’re investing in our emergency services in Western Sydney and the Southern Highlands to deliver the equipment and infrastructure required to keep people and property safe.

“This investment future proofs our response capabilities in Western Sydney and the Southern Highlands while delivering safer, more modern workplaces for our firefighters.

“This year’s multi-million-dollar commitment to modern firefighting stations will protect communities across Western Sydney and the Southern Highlands for years to come.”

Member for Parramatta Donna Davis said:

“Fire stations are an integral part of every community, providing an essential service to keep our community safe.

“The Parramatta station upgrade will deliver a modern facility, allowing the team to better support our fast-growing Western Sydney communities.”

Member for Prospect Dr Hugh McDermott said:

“The rebuild of Wentworthville Fire Station is an important investment in the safety of our community.

“This new fire station will play an important role in strengthening our emergency response for years to come.”

FRNSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell AFSM said:

“These station upgrades will provide our crews with facilities to train, respond and operate at their best.

“We’ll continue to work with the NSW Government to modernise our facilities and best serve communities.”

More than 10,800 more homes declared state significant

A further 30 projects have been declared as State Significant Development following recommendations from the Housing Delivery Authority (HDA).

Of these proposals, 29 are in metropolitan Sydney and one in regional NSW.

If lodged and approved, this could create more than 10,800 homes, including affordable housing across New South Wales.

To date, 187 proposals amounting to more than 70,100 potential homes have been declared state significant.

Since the formation of the HDA in January this year, 60 projects have had Secretary Environmental Assessment Requirements issued and two Development Applications have been lodged.

Recommendations from the HDA are published as required under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 before the SSD declaration.

This is part of the Minns Government’s plan to build a better NSW with more homes and services, so young people, families and key local workers have somewhere to live and in the communities they choose.

The Ministerial Order can be found here.

Construction contract awarded for $13 million Wumbulgal rail siding project

The Minns Labor Government is delivering critical infrastructure to boost freight efficiency and strengthen regional supply chains, with a $13 million contract awarded for the construction of a new rail siding at Wumbulgal in the Riverina.

The project will deliver a 1,500-metre, multi-user rail siding between Griffith and Leeton – a major step forward in improving reliability for both freight and passenger services across the region.

Designed to be accessible to any rail operator, the new siding will address a major rail bottleneck where grain trains can currently take up to eight hours to load, blocking the main line and preventing other trains from passing.

The siding will allow trains up to 1.5 kilometres long to load, park or pass others without disrupting the main line – boosting capacity and improving efficiency on the track section between Coolamon and Griffith.

The upgrade also sets the groundwork for future connection into the proposed Western Riverina Connect (WR Connect) intermodal freight terminal, a project being developed by Griffith and Leeton councils.

Laing O’Rourke has been engaged to construct the new siding, with work set to begin this month.

This latest investment builds on the NSW Government’s recent $60 million, 25-tonne axle-load upgrade across 174 kilometres of track between Junee and Griffith, and an $8 million 1,500-metre siding extension at Coolamon.

Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said:

“Modern, efficient rail infrastructure like this siding at Wumbulgal means better outcomes for farmers, businesses and communities, and the Minns Labor Government is committed to strengthening regional freight networks now and into the future.

“This investment is part of our wider commitment to regional transport infrastructure – reducing bottlenecks, unlocking economic potential, and supporting jobs and industry across the Riverina.

“Through our RNEW Program, we’re planning for the future – with smarter, more strategic investment to ensure regional rail keeps pace with the needs of modern freight, agriculture and passenger services.”

Member for Murray Helen Dalton said:

“It’s great to see the government investing in an open access rail and road freight facility. The siding and internodal will not only improve safety, but productivity and efficiencies in partnership with the world’s largest freight company.

“The government and MEDLOG are committing to affordable, open access to all train truck companies which is a significant improvement for business and industry in the Riverina.

“The Wumbulgal rail siding addresses a key freight bottleneck, cutting grain loading times and stimulating investment in faster loading infrastructure. It’s a major win for Riverina producers and the wider regional economy.

“By improving freight capacity and reducing delays, we’re helping our local agricultural sector thrive – while taking pressure off local roads and improving safety for all motorists.”

State Government spokesperson for Murray Bob Nanva said:

“This is another example of the Minns Labor Government delivering real investment in regional NSW, backing the Riverina with the infrastructure needed to grow jobs and move goods faster and more reliably.

“Local businesses cannot grow without access to high-quality infrastructure such as roads and rail connections.

“That’s why projects like this are essential to delivering sustainable economic growth for regional NSW.”

SHARON CLAYDON RE-ELECTED DEPUTY SPEAKER

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon has been re-elected as Deputy Speak of the House of Representatives in the 48th Parliament.

As Deputy Speaker, Ms Claydon will support the Speaker, the Hon Milton Dick MP, in presiding over debates, maintaining order in the House, and ensuring parliamentary rules and procedures are followed.

This is Ms Claydon’s second term in the role, having served as Deputy Speaker in the 47th Parliament, during which time she oversaw the serious work of implementing the recommendations of the Set the Standard report. This work included drafting the first ever Codes of Conduct for the Commonwealth Government which were then accepted by the Parliament and implemented last year.

With the Parliamentary Codes of Conduct now in place, Ms Claydon welcomes the opportunity to build on these important reforms to improve parliamentary standards and behaviours.

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon:

“It is a tremendous privilege to be elected as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and I thank Members from all sides for placing their trust in me.

“I am incredibly proud to continue representing the people of Newcastle on the national stage. This appointment is recognition of the strength and voice of Newcastle in the Australian Parliament.”

“I take this responsibility very seriously and will approach the role with the fairness, integrity and respect that it demands. Our democracy depends on a Parliament that works efficiently and inclusively, and I am committed to ensuring all Members can contribute to a respectful and productive environment.”