Greens urge end to Robodebt, two years on from Royal Commission

The Greens have called on Labor to finally end Robodebt amid growing calls from welfare organisations to fully implement the recommendations from the 2023 Royal Commission.

Two years on from the Robodebt Royal Commission report, Labor have failed to fully implement the commissioner’s recommendations, and as a result, income support recipients continue to receive cruel and potentially unlawful debt notices and payment suspensions based on automatic Robodebt-style compliance.

The Greens call follows similar calls from the Australian Council of Social Services and from Economic Justice Australia, and comes ahead of an expected report from the Commonwealth Ombudsman into the so-called Targeted Compliance Framework.

Recommendations from the Royal Commission which the government have failed to implement include a statute of limitations on the recovery of old debts, establishing a duty of care for the Department, and automatically protecting people experiencing hardship from receiving compliance notices.

Greens spokesperson for Social Services, Senator Penny Allman-Payne:

“Robodebt lives on today. It’s been two years since the Royal Commission and still Labor have refused to act on the commission’s recommendations to protect income recipients.”

“Labor continues to aggressively target income support recipients using questionable and potentially unlawful automated debt collection practices that can see people lose access to income support payments that are already below the poverty line.”

“We know people are still being flogged with ridiculous debt notices for supposed issues dating back to the 1970s, and the government still has no protections in place to prevent individuals already experiencing severe hardship from being further punished.”

“Fully implementing these recommendations is the least that Labor could do to correct this cruel system which treats welfare recipients as suspects.”

“The Greens are calling on Labor to implement the Robodebt Royal Commission’s recommendations in full now, and we’ll continue to fight to restore the Commonwealth Employment Service and bring an end to the punitive mutual obligations system.”

From words to welding bays: TAFE NSW Tamworth celebrates culture and skills investment

TAFE NSW Tamworth is embracing NAIDOC Week 2025 with a dual investment in culture and skills, as the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to rebuilding TAFE NSW delivers both infrastructure upgrades and the long-awaited return of Aboriginal language training to the region.

After more than five years, the Certificate I in Aboriginal Languages for Everyday Use will be offered at TAFE NSW Tamworth, Quirindi, and Gunnedah, reconnecting local Aboriginal communities with language, identity, and intergenerational learning.

The Minns Labor Government is committed to supporting Aboriginal communities to reawaken and claim languages. Language means everything to communities who have kept their languages alive despite significant barriers, and this inclusion helps ensure they are preserved for the future.

At the same time, the Tamworth campus has undergone an $850,000 upgrade, including an expansion of the welding fabrication bays and significant toilet renovations to improve student amenities and inclusivity in trades training.

The welding upgrade, valued at around $350,000, will accommodate more students in high-demand trades, while the $500,000 toilet upgrade delivers code-compliant and inclusive facilities, including female amenities in a previously male-dominated training area.

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

“The Minns Labor Government is delivering on its promise to rebuild TAFE NSW as a high-quality, inclusive and community-focused public education provider – right across regional NSW.

“This is Rebuilding TAFE in action. Upgrading infrastructure, restoring vital training, and making campuses more inclusive for every student.

“Through the new TAFE NSW Charter, we’re ensuring TAFE NSW remains a strong, publicly owned provider that meets the needs of its communities.

“Whether it’s expanding access to trade skills or reviving Aboriginal language training, we’re delivering on our commitment to make TAFE NSW a place where culture, opportunity and community come together.

The announcements reflect the 2025 NAIDOC Week theme, “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy”, with the return of Aboriginal language training helping preserve and celebrate cultural identity, while the campus upgrades support inclusive, future-focused learning environments for all students.”

Tweed to host Minns Labor Government Community Cabinet

Premier Chris Minns and NSW Government Ministers will head to the Tweed in the state’s Northern Rivers for the Minns Labor Government’s next Community Cabinet.

Community Cabinet provides valuable insights into the diverse needs and opportunities for the different regions across NSW and connects communities with the state’s decision-makers.

The Premier and Ministers will engage with community members and organisations and host a community forum on Wednesday 30 July.

The community forum will include an opportunity for community members to ask questions to the NSW Premier and Cabinet Ministers and raise matters of importance in the Tweed region.

This will be the Minns Labor Government’s third Community Cabinet of 2025 and eighth since forming Government, as they continue work to build a better New South Wales informed by local voices.

Community Cabinets have also been held on the South Coast and the Central Coast as well as in Broken Hill, Orange, Riverstone, East Hills and Penrith.

Community Q&A Forum

The Premier, will be joined by NSW Ministers for a Community Q&A, giving members of the community an opportunity to directly engage with the NSW Government about local matters of importance.

WHERE: Twin Towns Clubs and Resorts, Level 5, 2 Wharf Street, Tweed Heads.

WHEN: 12:00pm-1:15pm, Wednesday 30 July 2025.

NOTE: Registration is required to attend this event.

Members of the community can register by visiting nsw.gov.au/communitycabinet or phoning, 02 9228 5188.

Media can register by emailing bess.graham@premier.nsw.gov.au

Registration is free and closes on Monday 28 July. Pre-registration is required as places are limited.

NSW Premier, Chris Minns said:

“The North Coast, including Tweed Heads have faced a difficult few years, from historic floods, to Cyclone Alfred as well as the threat of fire ants along the Queensland boarder – it is not an exaggeration to say this part of our state is home to some of the most resilient communities in our country.

“Community Cabinets are vital in our work to ensure we deliver solutions informed by local voices, I’m looking forward to hearing firsthand about the opportunities and challenges that are front of mind on the ground.

“I’ve made multiple visits to the region over the past two years, but coming for Community Cabinet is special because it’s not about one or two major issues of the day: it’s about hearing everything.

“Flood preparedness and recovery is high on our radar, and we want to know how that’s tracking, but we also want to ensure we have a deep understanding of all issues that and opportunities that affect the region.”

Minister for the North Coast, Janelle Saffin said:

“I’m pleased to be bringing Community Cabinet to the Tweed to continue strengthening the connection between the government and our passionate residents.

“This event is a chance for the Tweed community to meet with government leaders and help them better understand the challenges, benefits and way of life up here in Tweed.

“Our residents and businesses experience unique circumstances, particularly as a border community, and it’s important for government decisions to reflect and respect those experiences.

“I strongly encourage everyone to take advantage of this opportunity to meet with the Premier and Ministers and share their perspectives, ensuring their priorities are heard and recognised.”

Nominations open to celebrate women in local government

The NSW Government is encouraging nominations for the 2025 Ministers’ Awards for Women in Local Government, which recognise the achievements of talented and inspirational women in councils across NSW.

The 18th annual Awards will be presented on Thursday, 23 October during a ceremony at NSW Parliament House, co-hosted by Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig and Minister for Women Jodie Harrison.

The Awards celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of women working and serving in local government, along with successful council programs aimed at supporting female participation.

Nominations are now open for awards covering both metropolitan and rural/regional areas:

  • Alternative Pathways Award – a female staff member who is breaking down gender stereotypes
  • Champion of Change Award – a general manager or senior manager who has excelled in supporting and encouraging women’s participation at their council
  • Elected Representative Award – a female councillor who has advanced the position of female elected representatives
  • Employment Diversity Award –a council with a successful program that increases female representation in senior leadership or elected representative roles
  • Woman of Distinction Award – a woman who has demonstrated exceptional innovation, integrity and initiative, or who has a positive influence on others
  • Young Achiever’s Award – an outstanding female staff member (including trainees and apprentices) aged 25 and under
  • Councillor Lilliane Brady OAM Award – winner determined by the Minister for Local Government, to recognise and honour the dedication and tireless work of a female council staff member or elected representative (nominations not required)

Nominations close on Tuesday 19 August and can be made on the Office of Local Government website: https://www.olg.nsw.gov.au/our-minister/ministers-awards-for-women-in-local-government/

Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig said:

“One of the great joys of being Minister is visiting councils across NSW, meeting the many talented women dedicated to making their local community a better place to live and work. 

“These awards highlight their outstanding achievements, as well as showcase the innovative council programs that support the participation of women in local government.

“I encourage everyone working alongside talented and inspirational women to make a nomination and give them the recognition they deserve.”

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“Women make exceptional contributions to councils across NSW and these awards are an opportunity to shine a spotlight on those achievements.

“Having worked and served in local government I know there are many wonderful women who contribute to their local community through their involvement in councils.

“It’s important to highlight women’s accomplishments and support female participation in councils to inspire the next generation of local government leaders.”

Lights a step closer as construction kicks off on Central Coast Highway with Tumbi road intersection upgrade

Safer, more reliable journeys are on the way for motorists who use the Central Coast Highway, with main construction works starting to upgrade the Central Coast Highway-Tumbi Road intersection.

The Albanese and Minns Labor governments are joining forces to deliver a $65.5 million upgrade that will significantly improve journeys for Central Coast motorists and the 26,000 vehicles using this stretch daily.

The transformation will slash travel times, improve safety, and boost the local economy with 125 construction jobs supported throughout the build.

This major investment will be split among the two governments, with the Albanese Government contributing $52.4 million, and the New South Wales Government investing $13.1 million.

Work has officially begun to replace the existing roundabout with modern traffic lights and expand the highway to two lanes in each direction, to the project boundary. This upgrade will address the notorious bottleneck and improve traffic flow and safety on the Central Coast Highway between Wamberal and Bateau Bay.

Key project features

The comprehensive upgrade includes:

  • Traffic lights replacing the roundabout
  • Highway widening to two lanes each way north of the intersection
  • Two right-turn lanes from Tumbi Road onto the highway
  • A right turn lane onto Tumbi Road from the Central Coast Highway southbound
  • Extended left-turn capacity into Tumbi Road
  • Upgraded footpaths and cycling infrastructure
  • Relocated bus stops for better passenger access, with two existing northbound bus stops moved to a common location north of the intersection

Timeline and consultation

Following extensive community consultation in 2021-2022 and preparatory works in 2023, Daracon Pty Ltd was awarded the construction contract in March 2025. The project is expected to be completed in 2027, weather permitting.

More information can be accessed here.

Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

“Endless queues down Tumbi Road will soon be a thing of the past as the Australian Government and the NSW Government work together to upgrade the Tumbi Road intersection.

“This upgrade will make the intersection safer, reduce delays and improve traffic flow. Traffic lights will also give NSW traffic controllers the ability to make changes to the timing and sequencing of lights to maintain traffic flow even in the busiest holiday periods.”

Federal Member for Dobell Emma McBride:

“The Tumbi Road roundabout is a known bottleneck and I’m delighted to see work start to address this long-standing issue.

“Replacing the roundabout with traffic lights will help better manage traffic flows, reducing congestion and cutting travel times.

NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison:

“It’s fantastic to see work start to upgrade the Tumbi Road intersection, which is one of the most congested on the Central Coast Highway.

“This upgrade will improve journey times and reliability for the 26,000 motorists who use this section of road every day.

“This day has been a long time coming and I’m delighted to be part of a Labor government that is delivering for the people of the Central Coast.”

NSW Minister for the Central Coast David Harris:

“This upgrade will benefit all local road users, whether they are driving, walking, riding or using public transport.

“This work will make journeys safer and quicker, which is good news for residents, local businesses and transport operators.

“It’s good news for the local economy too, with the project to create about 125 jobs throughout the construction phase.”

State Member for The Entrance David Mehan:

“This is a critical upgrade for communities across the Central Coast because the Central Coast Highway is a key regional link.

“It is absolutely fantastic see this work getting underway.

“All road users can look forward to reduced congestion and more reliable journeys.”

Largest Ever Netball Junior State Titles on Record

The 2025 HART Junior State Titles has officially concluded after three massive days of competition , marking the biggest event in the history of junior netball in New South Wales. 

With a record-breaking 240 teams from every corner of the state, this year’s Titles saw more than 2,500 young athletes descend on the courts at Baulkham Hills and Penrith, cementing the event as the largest junior netball tournament ever held in NSW. 

“This is the biggest weekend on our junior netball calendar, and this year, it’s bigger than ever,” said Stacy Harding, Netball NSW General Manager of Competitions.

“We’re incredibly proud to have brought together so many communities from across the state in one place to celebrate the sport.” 

The HART Junior State Titles is the pinnacle event for netballers aged 12–14, uniting players, coaches, umpires, and officials for a showcase of talent, teamwork and state pride. 

2206 games were played nearly 50,000 goals scored, and with over 6,000 spectators across both venues, all contributing to an unforgettable celebration of grassroots sport. 

“While the Junior State Titles are about recognising the top-performing teams in the state, they’re just as much about creating a love for netball that lasts a lifetime,” said Trish Crews, Executive General Manager of Community at Netball NSW.

“The memories made here will stay with these players well beyond the final whistle.” 

Baulkham Hills Shire Netball Association hosted the 12U, 13U and 14U Championship and Division 2 teams, along with the 14U Male Championship. Penrith District Netball Association welcomed Division 3 and 4 teams in the 12U, 13U and 14U categories. 

Teams who finished top of Division 1 in their age group have now earned the prestigious title of 2025 State Champions. 

Netball NSW would like to sincerely thank every player, coach, umpire, volunteer, supporter and staff member who contributed to making this year’s event such a resounding success. 

A special acknowledgment goes to the dedicated volunteers at both host Associations, Baulkham Hills and Penrith, Naming Rights Partner HART Sport, and the Baulkham Hills and Penrith Councils for their continued support of this milestone event. 

Below is an overview of the winners and runners up in each Division. For full results please visit the PlayHQ Page and use the navigation menu at the top to select Divisions. 

14U Division 1 

Champions: Randwick Netball Association 
Runners up: Sutherland Shire Netball Association 

14U Division 2 

Winners: Hawkesbury City Netball Association 
Runners up: Wagga Wagga Netball Association 
 

14U Division 3 

Winners: Kurri Kurri Netball Association 
Runners up: Ballina Netball Association 

14U Division 4 

Winners: Wollondilly Netball Association 
Runners up: Woolgoolga District Netball Association 

13U Division 1 

Winners: Manly Warringah Netball Association 
Runners up: Bankstown City Netball Association  

13U Division 2 

Winners: Hills District Netball Association 
Runners up: Bankstown City Netball Association 

13U Division 3 

Winners: Queanbeyan Netball Association 
Runners up: Tamworth Netball Association 

13U Division 4 

Winners: Inverell Netball Association 
Runners up: Singleton Netball Association 

12U Division 1 

Champions: Lakeside Netball Association 
Runners up: Penrith District Netball Association 

12U Division 2 

Winners: Bankstown Netball Association 

Runners up: Hills District Netball Association 

12U Division 3 

Winners: Kiama Netball Association 
Runners up: Singleton Netball Association 

12U Division 4 

Winners: West Wyalong Netball Association  
Runners up: Musswellbrook Netball Association 

14U Male State Champions 

Winners: Ku-ring-gai Netball Association 
Runners up: Inner West Netball Association 

Australia and Fiji to elevate Vuvale Partnership

Australia and Fiji are taking steps to formally elevate and deepen the Vuvale Partnership as we work together to ensure a peaceful, stable and prosperous Pacific.

During Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s visit to Australia, we affirmed our support for Prime Minister Rabuka’s vision for an “Ocean of Peace” including family first Pacific regionalism and Pacific-led solutions to Pacific challenges.

As part of this next step in our Vuvale Partnership (meaning ‘family’), Australia will support Fiji to implement key priorities including: 

  • funding two technical advisers to lead the implementation of Fiji’s new National Security Strategy
  • embedding Australian Federal Police officers in the Fiji Police Force to extend policing cooperation
  • providing $12 million (FJD 17.6 million) to strengthen border security by improving shipping container screening at Lautoka and Suva Ports; and
  • increasing Australia’s bilateral development assistance to Fiji by $40 million (FJD 56 million) over four years, taking the total to just under $500 million (FJD 734 million) from 2025 to 2029.

As Fiji and Australia look to deepen Vuvale, we will also explore further cooperation across a range of areas including:

  • operationalising Ocean of Peace principles, including family first Pacific regionalism
  • delivering a modern, cyber-secure ICT Border Management System to support Fijians and visitors
  • enhancing cooperation on transnational crime, with a focus on responding to illicit drugs and opportunities for greater information sharing and surveillance efforts
  • strengthening policing capability through training and infrastructure
  • tackling HIV/AIDS, building on Australia’s $7.1 million (FJD 10.4 million) investment in Fiji’s health system
  • expanding maritime security, shipbuilding and maintenance through technical collaboration; and
  • growing economic opportunities through skills development and employment pathways.

In addition to meeting with Pacific Affairs Minister Conroy, the Fiji delegation also met the Governor-General, Prime Minister Albanese, Home Affairs Minister Burke and Attorney-General Rowland.

The Fiji delegation visited the 130-strong Royal Fiji Military Forces Rotational Company participating in Exercise South Queensland Warfighter as part of the Australian Defence Force 7th Brigade, as well as the Pacific Policing Initiative facilities in Pinkenba where Fiji is part of a regional policing effort, and the Australian Border Force-led Maritime Border Command.

Fiji is a regional leader, and the economic hub of the Pacific. Our First Nations’ peoples share deep connections to land and sea. Australia and Fiji stand together because we share an ocean and we share a future.

A strengthened Vuvale Partnership will help us build a region defined by peace, unity and prosperity.

We look forward to taking this important next step with our Fijian family.

Appointment of Ambassadors

Today I announce the appointments of five career diplomats to lead Australia’s posts in Copenhagen, Manila, Riyadh, Colombo and Ankara.

I am pleased to confirm the following appointments:

Australia’s diplomats drive our engagement with the world, building influence, creating opportunities for business and supporting Australians overseas.

In these uncertain times, Australia’s relationships with our partners and participation on the world stage are more important than ever.

I wish these senior appointees all the best as they work to advance Australia’s interests and I thank the outgoing ambassadors for their important contributions.

Greens condemn the shocking arson attack on the East Melbourne Synagogue

Responding to the shocking arson attack on the East Melbourne Synagogue last night, Greens Acting Leader, Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said:

“The Australian Greens stand with the community in condemning the shocking arson attack on the East Melbourne Synagogue last night.

“Our thoughts are with the families who were gathering inside for Shabbat at the time and for the broader Jewish community who are understandably distressed at such a horrific act of violence.

“There is no place for anti-semitism and violence against Jewish people in Australia.

“Everyone should be able to feel safe in their places of worship and community gatherings and attacks like this cannot be tolerated.

“Hate has no place in our communities and hurts us all.”

National disaster declaration needed for SA algal bloom

Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, Greens Senator for South Australia and spokesperson for the Environment has written to the Prime Minister to urge for a national response to the devastating South Australian algae bloom.

“For months, the coastline in South Australia has been under attack by a toxic algal bloom. So far, most of the response has been led by the local community, without any formal government support.

“Just last week we learned that senior members of the federal government were not even aware of the disaster unfolding on our beaches. This is simply not good enough.

“I have written to the Prime Minister because South Australians cannot be left to deal with this environmental disaster on our own. 

“If there were dead fish washing up on Bondi Beach every day, there would be a national outcry and response. South Australians deserve the same support from our federal government that east coast states would demand.”

“We know that this has been caused by the climate crisis, just like the extreme weather events like fires and floods. The federal government has an important role to play when it comes to managing climate change events, climate mitigation and adaptation. 

“A declaration of a national disaster is important to ensure that there are significant resources available to conduct the science that is desperately needed and support the communities and industries that are bearing the brunt of this crisis.

“Our fishing and tourism industries are being decimated by this disaster. The scientists tell us that we could be facing another 18 months with this toxic algal bloom. To protect our important industries we need a proper support package.”