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First development to benefit from Labor’s affordable housing reforms officially opens

A North Strathfield development has become the first to deliver homes using the extra height and floor space offered under the Minns Labor Government’s infill affordable housing bonus.

The project delivered 29 affordable homes and 143 market homes, making the most of the policy to put roofs over the heads of families, essential workers and others in need of housing.

The Minns Labor Government’s infill affordable housing bonus allowed the project to build 41 extra homes with an additional 25 affordable homes. The original scope was 131 apartments with 4 affordable homes but the bonus allowed for 172 homes with 29 affordable homes.

Developments like this one from Urban Property Group which marry market and affordable homes are crucial to our state’s housing future, delivering homes in places that people want to live and work.

The Infill Affordable Housing bonus is a key part of the Minns Labor Government’s new housing reforms and offers height and floor space bonuses of up to 30% for residential developments when at least 10-15% of their total gross floor area is offered as affordable housing.

The reform is aimed at delivering more affordable housing where it is needed and this project is evidence of the reforms are driving real outcomes which will improve housing supply right across NSW.

The schemes’ state significant development pathway has now attracted proposals for more than 9,200 market and affordable homes, in addition to almost 4,000 which have already been approved.

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

For more information visit the In-fill affordable housing web page.

Premier of NSW Chris Minns said:

“This is a major milestone but it’s also only the beginning of our housing policies and reforms delivering tangible outcomes for the people of NSW.

“We’ve made affordable housing a priority, so people on low and moderate incomes have a chance of living in all parts of our cities.

“For too long planning reform has been put in the too hard basket, but we’re committed to delivering more homes for young people and families that have been locked out of housing.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“This is a clear example of how smart planning incentives can drive real results.

“Today 172 homes have been delivered in North Strathfield as a direct result of the Minns Labor Governments infill affordable housing bonus.

“We’re a government focused on outcomes and getting 172 new keys in new doors is a demonstration of our reforms delivering real results.”

Minister for Housing Rose Jackson said:

“This is our housing reform in action. More affordable homes, delivered now. That’s the difference a Labor government serious about tackling the housing crisis makes.

“We’ve made it clear…If you want to build more affordable homes, this Government will back you. These are our reforms doing exactly what we said they would.

“We are delivering the biggest housing reforms in a generation, building the homes NSW needs for the people who need them. These aren’t just numbers. They’re roofs over heads, they’re security and they’re hope. That’s what these reforms are all about.”

Minister for Building Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“This project is tangible example of the Minns Labor government enabling private industry to deliver more homes for the people of NSW.

“We cannot meet housing demands without working to enable private industry which is why initiatives like the affordable housing bonus are so crucial to getting keys in doors.”

NSW means business as Australia’s no.1 business events destination

NSW is celebrating a bumper year for business events, with the sector forecast to inject more than $192 million into the state’s visitor economy in 2025.

Tourism Research Australia data confirms NSW and Sydney were Australia’s number one region and city for business events in 2024. With 2025 already tracking strongly, NSW is poised to extend its lead as the nation’s business events capital.

Business Events Sydney has already secured 57 events for 2025, expected to generate $186 million in direct expenditure, with additional events still in the pipeline.

Destination NSW’s regional business events program, Business Events NSW, has also helped secure 57 events, forecast to deliver 14,500 visitor nights and more than $6 million in direct expenditure.

Leading events on the 2025 calendar include the International Astronautical Congress 2025, which will attract 4500 delegates to Sydney in September and generate an estimated $21 million in direct expenditure for the NSW economy.

Business events are a high-value driver of the NSW visitor economy. The NSW Visitor Economy Strategy Review identified the sector as a priority growth opportunity with business events delivering visitors who stay longer and spend more, and create year-round demand for hotels, venues and visitor experiences across the state.

In 2024, NSW welcomed 6.48 million business events visitors, including 3.41 million to Sydney. By comparison, Victoria recorded 4.84 million business events visitors and Melbourne attracted 3.06 million, reinforcing NSW’s national leadership in this space.

The state’s major events calendar is also stimulating demand for international conferences and corporate events. Hundreds of business events were hosted during Vivid Sydney 2025 (23 May to 14 June), including a harbour cruise for delegates attending the 16th World Congress on Endometriosis.

Secured by BESydney, the congress was held at ICC Sydney from 21-24 May 2025, drawing 1100 participants from 60 countries and generating an estimated $3.9 million in direct expenditure over four days.

Destination NSW highlighted the growing value of business events and corporate travel at its annual Business Events NSW Showcase at Machine Hall, Sydney on 25 June 2025.

The event presented Destination NSW’s refreshed ‘Feel New’ positioning for business events in regional NSW. Under the banner ‘Corporate events that feel anything but’, Business Events NSW spotlighted the distinctive venues, experiences and communities that offer a compelling alternative to traditional business event formats and experience.

Minister for Tourism Steve Kamper said:

“Business events attract high-value visitors to NSW and the NSW Government has ambitious plans to turbocharge its domination in the sector.

“The annual Business Events NSW Showcase is a fantastic initiative to drive sector growth by spotlighting the diversity of transformative visitor experiences on offer in regional NSW.

“The opening of Newcastle Airport’s international terminal and Western Sydney International Airport will make it even more attractive for organisations to choose Sydney and regional NSW as immersive destinations for their next conference, corporate meeting or incentive event.”

Destination NSW CEO Karen Jones said:

“The business events sector is a powerhouse for the NSW visitor economy, driving high-yield visitation and long-term growth.

“Through the Business Events NSW Showcase, Destination NSW was proud to partner with industry across the state to reimagine what corporate events can be – engaging, meaningful, and distinctly NSW.

“With world-class venues and unique visitor experiences, regional NSW offers business events that spark real connection and deliver stronger outcomes for delegates and destinations alike.”

BESydney CEO Lyn Lewis-Smith OAM said:

“BESydney recently launched its ‘The Sydney Series: Beyond the Icons’ featuring some of the city’s leading experience providers as a guide for delegates who enjoy the road less travelled and want to experience something new and exciting in Sydney.

“Sydney is brimming with events and experiences that are geared towards visitors and locals alike and we want delegates who come to our city to feel at home and enjoy our warm Sydney welcome.

“We find major events like Vivid Sydney are particularly popular with our corporate and incentive groups that are seeking ‘money-can’t-buy’ experiences with the wow factor to inspire and reward their top performing team members and distributors with cultural pursuits that showcase Sydney ‘beyond the icons’.”

Safeguarding koala habitat by protecting bushland in Woronora Heights

The Minns Labor Government has secured the future of an important wildlife corridor in the Sutherland Shire with the purchase of more than 30 hectares of ecologically valuable bushland.

The Woronora Heights site is a habitat haven, with recent surveys showing the land is home to several vulnerable species including the Powerful Owl, Red-crowned Toadlet, Greater Broad-nosed Bat and the Eastern Pygmy-possum.

The area is also known to have a variety of koala feed trees. Locals have observed koalas taking a snack stop as they use the corridor to travel safely through suburban bushland.

The Minns Labor Government is proud to deliver this election commitment, to protect the environment and ensure our precious native creatures and plants exist here for generations to come.

The corridor, previously owned by Sydney Water, is well known for its walking track along a heritage pipeline. The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service will reserve the area as a regional park, which will allow for the continued walking of dogs on a lead.

Sydney Water will retain access rights to carry out essential maintenance of the pipeline while ensuring minimal impact on the surrounding environment.

Minister for the Environment, Penny Sharpe:

“I want to thank Maryanne Stuart and her community for their campaign to protect this land.

“There are so many important species that call this bushland home, and I’m thrilled it will now be protected forever in our National Parks system.”

Minister for Water, Rose Jackson:

“This is a win for the local community and the environment. By transferring this land into the hands of National Parks, we’re locking in long-term protection for precious bushland and vital koala habitat.

“It shows how the government can make better use of what we have – protecting nature while keeping our essential infrastructure running smoothly. Sydney Water can keep doing its job, and we can safeguard a key wildlife corridor for generations to come.”

Member for Heathcote, Maryanne Stuart:

“I am so happy to see this land saved as a wildlife corridor. I thank the residents and all who campaigned. During COVID we know how vital this bush land was for our community, our health and wellbeing.

“We are grateful to the Minister, Penny Sharpe and the National Parks and Wildlife Service for the action they’ve taken to protect this vital habitat for so many vulnerable species for generations to come.”

Irreplaceable: New SafeWork campaign and $127.7m Budget injection to further protect workers

The Minns Labor Government is launching a $2.9m SafeWork NSW ‘irreplaceable’ campaign highlighting the importance of staying safe at work and the impact of workplace injuries and fatalities on families, communities, and businesses.

The SafeWork campaign reinforces that while everyone is important at work, they are irreplaceable at home, whether they be a parent, son or daughter, sibling, partner, friend or teammate.

According to recent figures, there was an annual average of 52 work-related fatalities reported in NSW in the past three years. That’s one death every week over 12 months.

The initiative will be rolled out from Sunday 29 June across television, radio and social video platforms and caters for various Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) audiences.

The campaign follows the NSW Government’s 2025-26 Budget announcement to strengthen the state’s work health and safety regulator with a major $127.7 million investment over the next four years to address psychosocial hazards and compliance and enforcement of safe work practices.

The Budget investment will see SafeWork NSW inspector numbers bolstered from 370 to 469 in total over the past two years which amounts to a 27 percent increase.

51 new inspector roles will be recruited, which includes 20 psychosocial-focused inspectors and five psychosocial investigators.

An expanded SafeWork NSW inspectorate sharpens the agency’s focus on psychological health at work, provides dedicated resources on psychosocial injury prevention, investigations and prosecutions, and ensures employers meet their return-to-work obligations to injured workers.

It also strengthens SafeWork NSW’s capacity and capability as the agency becomes an independent regulator on 1 July 2025.

The funding will also see SafeWork NSW establish a new Psychosocial Advisory Service, which will connect NSW workers with expert support, and where needed, escalate work health and safety breaches to dedicated psychosocial inspectors.

The service will be staffed by a team of seven appropriately qualified staff and deliver up to 25,000 consultations or assessments each year.

The targeted reform is part of a broader $344 million Workplace Mental Health package, strengthening mental health support and injury prevention strategies in NSW workplaces.

For more information, or for access to free advice, toolkits and resources to stay informed on workplace health and safety, visit the SafeWork NSW website here or call 13 10 50.

More information on how businesses should manage psychosocial risk at work is available on the SafeWork NSW website: https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/hazards-a-z/mental-health

Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said:

“I welcome this advertising campaign and new funding as we continue to reform and reshape SafeWork NSW into the strong and robust regulator needed to secure safe and healthy workplaces.

“We will take a firm stance to address persistent issues, working with industry, unions, workers and their representatives to secure compliance with our work health and safety laws.

“Every worker has the right to go to work and come home safely to their family and friends.”

SafeWork NSW Executive Director Strategic & Corporate Services Petrina Casey said:

“We hope this campaign can drive home the message that while we may be important at work, the people we go home to at the end of the day are what matters most and if this can help drive some behavioural changes in the workplace, it’ll go a long way to saving lives.

“Unfortunately, a lot of people believe workplace safety doesn’t impact them and that accidents at work happen to other people. We hope this campaign drives home the message that workplace safety affects everyone.

“Workplace safety is everyone’s responsibility because ultimately, we are all irreplaceable to the ones we love.

“This campaign will no doubt help SafeWork NSW continue its important role in addressing persistent issues, by working with workers, industry and unions to secure compliance with our work health and safety laws.

“We are continuing to reform and reshape SafeWork NSW into the strong and robust regulator needed to secure safe and healthy workplace in NSW.“

Teenage leaders to be champions for women’s and girls sport

Eight teenage girls have the future of women’s and girls sport in their hands following their selection to the Minns Labor Government’s first Teenage Advisory Committee, as part of the Play Her Way Strategy.

The teenage girls – ranging in ages 16 to 19 from across NSW – were chosen following a state-wide process to identify a group who could be a voice on some of the biggest issues affecting young women in sport. 

The Teenage Advisory Committee is an initiative of the Minns Labor Government’s Play Her Way Strategy, a four-year plan to get more NSW women and girls involved and staying in sport. 

Play Her Way has a focus on addressing the low rates of participation among adolescent girls after research found a 23 per cent gap in participation rates among boys and girls aged 15-17 in NSW. 

The Teenage Advisory Committee will provide advice to the NSW Government on how to break down the barriers preventing teenage girls participating in sport and propose new and innovative ways to keep teenage girls involved.

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

“The Teenage Advisory Committee is a fresh approach for the way government develops sporting programs for women and girls.  It flips the script by letting women and girls control their destiny and determine how they play sport. 

“The committee members come from a range of backgrounds, experiences and locations to represent the voices of teenage girls aged 16–20. 

“By giving them a voice, we’re providing a platform to create, advise and inspire change in sport for teenage girls. 

“The Teenage Advisory Committee will shape initiatives that increase participation and retention across NSW. 

“Through the Teenage Advisory Committee, Play Her Way is delivering on what it says: ensuring every woman and girl in NSW can play sport her way.” 

Teenage Advisory Committee Member Matilda Webb, 16, from Bella Vista said:

“I’m so excited to be chosen as part of this incredible group of diverse girls from across NSW to work on a really exciting strategy and government program to help empower girls and women in sport.  

“Hearing all the diverse voices in the group, it really highlighted that there are common themes that we all value in sport.” 

Teenage Advisory Committee Member Sadida Wilson, 18, from the Central Coast said:

“There are so many opportunities for girls in sport right now, whether they are playing or whether they are looking for a job working in the sports industry – it’s a really exciting time.”

Teenage Advisory Committee Member Jasmine Patankar, 18, from Kellyville said:

“I’m most excited to be able to contribute to offering better and more positive experiences for girls in sport.

“I’m involved in coaching, so to be able to see the opportunities and experiences the girls I coach are wanting to have, and to be able to have a positive impact on that, will be really cool.”

Albanese Government supporting Pacific partners through investment in regional maritime security

The Albanese Government is delivering on its commitment to double funding for the aerial surveillance component of the Pacific Maritime Security Program (PMSP).

The PMSP aerial surveillance program supports maritime security for our Pacific partners through the provision of fixed-wing aerial surveillance capabilities and uncrewed aerial vehicles.

Defence has recently closed a Request for Tender process to procure the Enhanced Aerial Surveillance Program’s civilian-based fixed-wing aerial surveillance contracted services.

The Government will now consider all tender submissions and provide an outcome to industry on completion of the process.

The PMSP is Australia’s 30-year commitment to investing in maritime security partnerships throughout the Pacific.

To learn more about the PMSP, visit: https://www.defence.gov.au/defence-activities/programs-initiatives/pacific-engagement/maritime-capability

Minister for Defence Industry and Minister for Pacific Island Affairs, Pat Conroy:

“Australia is proud to be a security partner of choice for Pacific countries.

“This is another step forward in increasing regional security and enhancing coordination and communication in conjunction with our Pacific partners.”

Australia deepens collaboration with NATO and takes further action to hold Russia to account

The Albanese Government is deepening Australia’s cooperation with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and taking further action to support Ukraine and hold Russia to account for its illegal and immoral war.

During the NATO Leaders’ Summit in The Hague, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, announced Australia will make a further contribution to NATO operations in support of Ukraine.

At the request of NATO and Poland, a Royal Australian Air Force E-7A Wedgetail aircraft will deploy to Europe in August to help protect a vital international gateway for humanitarian and military assistance into Ukraine.

Under Operation Kudu, up to 100 ADF personnel will deploy alongside the aircraft. The aircraft deployment is expected to conclude by November 2025.

This deployment of ADF aircraft and personnel complements Australia’s overall support to Ukraine of more than $1.5 billion since the start of Russia’s invasion.

As part of the Albanese Government’s ongoing work to hold Russia to account for its illegal invasion of Ukraine, Australia has also today imposed another wave of sanctions designed to further weaken Russia’s war economy.

This includes new targeted financial sanctions and travel bans on 37 individuals, and targeted financial sanctions on seven entities.

These sanctions target Russia’s defence, energy, transport, insurance, electronics and finance sectors, as well as promulgators of Russian disinformation and propaganda.

During the Summit, Australia also signed an agreement with the NATO Support and Procurement Organisation (NSPO). The NSPO Agreement strengthens Australia’s cooperation with NATO partners on capability acquisition, systems support and logistics.

Under the agreement, the Australian Defence Force will be able to gain access to collaborative procurement efforts with NATO partners.

The new partnership also unlocks wider opportunities for Australian defence industry to access new markets across NATO supply chains.

\Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Richard Marles MP:

“Australia is proud of its longstanding operational partnership with NATO.

“The deployment of an E-7A Wedgetail aircraft will again showcase our ability to operate from Europe, alongside NATO and partners, in support of Ukraine and international peace and security.

“Signing the NSPO Agreement opens the door to new partnerships for us to deliver capability and operational responsiveness for the Australian Defence Force.”

\Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong:

“Australia remains steadfast in our support for Ukraine and in our commitment to a com-prehensive, just and lasting peace.

“Our targeted sanctions reflect our close coordination with key NATO partners, including the UK, Canada and the European Union.

“Australia has now imposed more than 1,500 sanctions in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. We will continue to work with partners to disrupt Russia’s ability to fund its illegal and immoral war.”

Australia to boost support for Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting in Solomon Islands

Australia will boost support for the 54th Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders’ Meeting in Solomon Islands as part of ongoing cooperation and commitment to a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.

As a founding member of the PIF, Australia is committed to working with the Pacific family.

At the request of the Solomon Islands Government, Australia will provide a comprehensive support package, both for the hosting of this important regional meeting and to bolster the enduring capability of Solomon Islands. This package includes the provision of approximately 60 security vehicles, support for cybersecurity, upgrades to Honiara’s roads, and approximately $3 million for logistics support.

This support will ensure the meeting delivers progress on the region’s priorities and positions Solomon Islands to drive greater regional coordination and unity for the year ahead.

Australia continues to be the Pacific’s largest development partner, and security partner of choice. Australia’s support is focussed on inclusive economic growth, sustainable infrastructure, jobs, skills, and connectivity. We recognise our role in contributing to a stronger Pacific family and upholding our common values so we can all make our own decisions as strong sovereign nations, free to grow and live together peacefully.

The PIF Leaders’ Meeting in September will be an opportunity to work together to seize new opportunities and overcome shared challenges.

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Penny Wong:

“In times of global uncertainty, the Pacific Islands Forum unites our region and makes us stronger.

“It is key to realising Pacific leaders’ vision for a peaceful, stable and prosperous Pacific region.

“We look forward to Solomon Islands taking on the leadership of this important institution and are committed to supporting Prime Minister Manele and his government to build a stronger, more united Blue Pacific Continent.”

Minister for Pacific Island Affairs, The Hon Pat Conroy MP:

“The Pacific is best served by Pacific-led institutions and processes.

“Our support will ensure the meeting delivers progress on the region’s priorities and positions Solomon Islands to drive greater regional coordination and unity for the year ahead.

“Australia’s commitment to Solomon Islands and the broader Pacific is steadfast. We are stronger together.”

Unfair funding cut to BREAZE threatens Ballarat’s clean energy progress

Responding to a community protest supporting BREAZE, a volunteer-run renewable energy group recently cut from funding by the City of Ballarat, Senator Steph Hodgins-May and Sarah Mansfield MLC have raised serious concerns about transparency and fairness.

The group says the decision was made without good-faith engagement and was based on unrelated political views expressed by a former board member speaking out against the genocide in Gaza.

BREAZE plays a crucial role in driving Ballarat’s clean energy transition. This move threatens to stall Ballarat’s renewable progress and erode community trust.

Greens Senator for Victoria, Steph Hodgins-May:

“BREAZE is an incredible volunteer-run organisation helping power Ballarat’s clean energy future.

“The council has cut ties with this vital community group, and refuses to engage with them in good faith, all because of posts by a former board member that, like so many Australians, express horror at the genocide taking place in Gaza.

“This will jeopardise Ballarat’s ability to respond to the climate crisis and drive the renewable energy transition.

“In a healthy democracy, we need space to speak openly and freely.

“The community deserves transparency and fairness. This decision should be revisited and funding restored so BREAZE can get on with building a cleaner, brighter future for Ballarat.”

Deputy Leader of the Victorian Greens and MLC for Western Victoria, Dr Sarah Mansfield:

“The council’s decision to cut the funding of a community group working for real climate action with the people of Ballarat undermines crucial efforts towards cleaner, more sustainable energy, as well as community trust.

“The council has failed to engage fairly or transparently with BREAZE, raising serious concerns about this decision, and I’d urge them to restore funding to BREAZE so they can continue their vital work empowering the Ballarat community towards zero emissions.”

ACT Greens reject Labor’s unfair levy on every day Canberrans

The ACT Greens have today announced they will not support the proposal from the ACT’s minority Labor Government to impose a $250 levy on every day Canberrans.

“Not only is this levy unfair, but it passes on the failures of both Territory and Federal Labor to create a truly universal healthcare system,” said ACT Greens Leader, Shane Rattenbury.

“A flat levy does not take into account a person’s ability to pay and does not reflect the type of city we want to build. It will unfairly impact a lot of people in our community.

“As the ABC reported – it essentially imposes a gap payment on Canberrans – whether they access healthcare or not, and no matter their income.

“Many Canberrans are already struggling, and even those on decent incomes are feeling the pinch.

“The irony is that this additional levy might be the difference between someone being able to buy essential medicine or healthy food – both key to maintaining good health, in order to fork out for the Government’s health bill.

“A good Budget raises revenue from those who can afford it, like big corporations, before passing the bill on to everyday people.

“The Greens put forward a proposal for a Big Corporations Tax that would introduce a new, higher tax threshold for big corporations like the supermarkets, banks and airlines.

“Companies that operate in our city and make billions in profits, like Qantas and Wesfarmers, should be paying their fair share of tax. But instead, they’re raking in massive profits while Canberrans struggle with the cost of living.

“Not only is a Big Corporations Tax a significantly fairer way to generate revenue, it also generates more than double the amount the government will receive from every day Canberrans through the proposed health levy.

“So the ACT Greens will not be supporting the $250 levy in the Appropriation Bill and we call on the Government to go back to the drawing board and come up with something fairer.

“The Greens recognise that we need to raise enough revenue to deliver the services that our community needs, but this is not the way to do it,” said Mr Rattenbury.

A link to the ACT Greens Budget Reply Speech can be found here: Budget Reply Speech 2025