United States Military Strikes in Iran

The Coalition supports actions taken by the United States of America to ensure that the Iranian regime is stopped from acquiring nuclear weapons.

It was made clear by the International Atomic and Energy Agency on 12 June that Iran was in breach of its Non-Proliferation Treaty obligations after stockpiling more than 400 kilograms of 60 per cent enriched uranium at Fordow—the last step in enrichment towards a nuclear weapon.

The world can never accept a nuclear-armed Iranian regime and today the United States military has taken proactive action to ensure that we never need to.

A nuclear armed Iranian regime would be a serious and direct threat to world peace and stability, especially as it continues to engage in terrorism including by supporting its proxies: Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in southern Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen.

While Australians will never seek conflict in the world we can never forget that the Iranian regime is a militantly theocratic autocracy. It expressly seeks the destruction of our allies, enacts extrajudicial killings of political dissidents and brutally represses the rights of women and girls. It is the Iranian people who are the victims of this brutal regime and we stand in solidarity with them.

The Coalition stands with the United States of America today. We can never allow the Iranian regime the capacity to enact its objectives of the destruction of the United States and Israel.

Councillor Sinead Francis-Coan

It is with profound sadness that City of Newcastle and the family of Councillor Sinead Francis-Coan announce her sudden and unexpected passing on Monday morning.

In honour of her service and memory, City of Newcastle will lower its flags to half-mast.

Cr Sinead Francis-CoanCouncillor Sinead Francis-Coan

Sinead was a passionate advocate for social justice, equity and community empowerment. Before her election to Council, she built a career in leisure and tourism studies and was a qualified mediator. She also served as the Organiser for the National Tertiary Education Union at the University of Newcastle, where she worked tirelessly to support staff and improve working conditions.

Her election as a Ward 3 Councillor was a significant milestone in her life. At her first Council meeting, Sinead spoke with pride about her Irish heritage and paid tribute to her late father, Ollie.  

Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Dr Ross Kerridge, said it is a great loss to Council. 

“I admired her thoughtful contributions and generally positive, honest and optimistic view of the world. She had a charming personality and a great sense of humour,” Cr Kerridge said.

“She took to being a Ward Councillor like a duck to water and she was hard-working for the community and was obviously really enjoying being a councillor and addressing issues for the community.”

City of Newcastle Chief Executive Officer Jeremy Bath said Sinead brought energy, compassion, and integrity to her role on Council. 

“Sinead served on the Youth Council Standing Committee, the Community and Culture Strategic Advisory Committee, and the Access Inclusion Standing Committee, where she championed the voices of young people, marginalised communities and people living with disability,” Mr Bath said.

“Despite feeling unwell, she continued to perform her duties as a Councillor last week including attending events for Refugee Week, and the nighttime economy, as well as meeting with constituents, reflecting her unwavering commitment to the causes she cared about.”

Former Greens Councillor Michael Osborne paid tribute to his Greens’ colleague. 

“It is with incredibly deep sorrow and shock that the Newcastle Greens acknowledge the sudden and unexpected death of Sinead Francis-Coan, City of Newcastle Councillor for Ward 3. Sinead was a fierce community campaigner, organiser, friend and colleague,” Mr Osborne said.

“Sinead was a dedicated and committed Councillor whose selfless work for the broader community was unstinting. Sinead’s integrity and service has left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of working with her. This tragic loss is felt deeply by our members and wider party, and we extend our deepest sympathies for Sinead’s family and loved ones. 

“We stand together with all who will honour Sinead’s legacy and memory.”

Sinead’s family moved to Newcastle when she was six months old and she was educated at Heaton Public School and the Hunter School of Performing Arts in Broadmeadow. 

She passed away at the age of 40, leaving behind her mother, Lyndall, and sisters Roisin and Ciara. Her family is heartbroken by her loss and grateful for the outpouring of love and support during this incredibly difficult time.

Sinead’s family kindly requests privacy as they grieve and await the findings of the Coroner’s report.

Keeping Communities Safe

The Minns Labor Government is delivering on its commitment to keep communities safe across NSW with record funding to protect our most vulnerable children and new investments to improve access to justice, address violence against women and children, and bolster the safety of people in their communities and online.

A landmark $1.2 billion child protection package cements our commitment to protect the state’s most vulnerable children.

For the first time in 20 years, the Foster Carer Allowance will be substantially increased to recognise the critical work foster carers do to keep children safe across NSW.

The tax-free allowance will rise by 20 per cent, delivering the carer of a typical 14-year-old an additional $176 per fortnight.

We are investing a record $1 billion to rebuild the out-of-home care system, providing support to vulnerable children while we reform a neglected system. That includes 44 new purpose-built or upgraded homes, building on the work we have already done to keep at risk children from living in hotels and motels.

In addition, we are recruiting and retaining case workers with higher pay and more specialised training.

The 2025-26 Budget invests more than $650 million to support victim-survivors and provide better access to justice across NSW. This investment builds on a $6.1 billion social housing injection in our second budget, which included historic funding for new social housing that prioritises women and children fleeing domestic and family violence, as well as $527.6 million for homelessness services.

This year’s Budget includes $272.7 million for domestic, family and sexual violence services working to support victim-survivors and reduce violence against women and children. Of this, $11.2 million will go towards long-term reform to build a more sustainable system so we can intervene earlier and continue doing the crucial work of helping victim-survivors.

A further $49.4 million will fund a trauma-informed hub to support victim-survivors, including those who have experienced domestic, family and sexual violence, who are participating in legal proceedings.

We are also addressing the increase in demand for the Victims Support Scheme, with $226.8 million to ensure continued access to counselling and financial support.

We are enabling better access to justice with $34.5 million for five additional courtrooms and 10 new virtually-enabled courtrooms to be added in Sydney’s CBD. Plus, $61.1 million in new funding to bolster the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Child Sexual Offence Evidence Program, and an additional $6.7 million to prosecute industrial manslaughter. This boost will allow the DPP to hire additional staff including prosecutors, solicitors and witness assistance officers.

Community safety is a top priority of the Government and our tough new domestic violence bail laws have seen record numbers of alleged offenders held on remand.

In response, the budget provides an additional $100.5 million to ensure Corrective Services NSW is resourced to supervise offenders, while supporting rehabilitation and integration in line with community expectations.

We are also investing in crime prevention with $5.5 million in early intervention and diversion programs for young people in contact with criminal justice system.

At the same time, we are delivering critical upgrades for NSW Police. These include upgraded surveillance systems to support major investigations and more than $100 million to fund cutting-edge digital policing technology and resources. A new Patrol Vessel (the Nemesis) that provides Police the ability to conduct extended offshore operations including search and rescue, maritime and counter-terror protection that targets maritime crime and illegal drug importation, is also being funded.
This Budget builds on our historic investment in NSW Police, including a once in a generation pay increase and the decision to pay recruits to train, which has seen applications to join the NSW Police surge by 70 per cent.

We are also increasing our investment in keeping NSW safe online. $175.1 million will support cyber security across government agencies to prevent, detect, and when needed, recover from cyber incidents.
The Minns Labor Government is building a better NSW by investing in the safety of our communities and the protection of our most vulnerable people.

Rebuilding services for young people in out-of-home care

The Minns Labor Government is delivering the largest investment in out-of-home care (OOHC) and child protection in NSW history, with a commitment to rebuild the neglected system and keep our most vulnerable children safe.

A landmark $1.2 billion Child Protection Package in the 2025-26 Budget will increase support and protection for children and young people in out-of-home care, significantly increase allowances for carers, and deliver reforms that ensure every dollar spent delivers better outcomes for vulnerable families.

Significantly, the package includes the first real increase to the Foster Care Allowance in 20 years, with $143.9 million budgeted to recognise the critical role of foster carers to keep NSW children safe.

The tax-free allowance will rise by 20 per cent, meaning the carer of a typical 14-year-old will receive an increase from $880 per fortnight to $1056 per fortnight, equating to $4,576 more per year.

For the carer of a typical 5-year-old child, the tax-free allowance would rise from $656 to $787.20 per fortnight, meaning a $3,411.20 increase per year.

A record $1 billion investment to rebuild the out-of-home care system also includes:

  • $797.6 million to continue supporting children and young people in out-of-home care as reforms are designed and implemented, while also setting aside investment for a reformed OOHC program. This will improve the out-of-home care system and ensure all children and young people can thrive in supportive and stable environments
  • $49.2 million for 44 government owned, purpose-built or upgraded residential care homes that will deliver safe and stable housing for children over 12 years of age with complex needs
  • $10 million to support the Office of the Children’s Guardian to continue to oversee organisations and uphold children’s rights to be safe

In addition, $191.5 million will ensure we can recruit more than 200 new caseworkers and retain 2,126 caseworkers with higher pay and more specialised training, including 100 new leading caseworker roles. 

This record investment provides stable funding for the child protection system for the first time in at least a decade.

It underscores the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to improve the lives of children and young people in a system that was neglected under the Liberals and Nationals for too long.

We know we have more to do, but this announcement builds on strong foundations. In our first two years, the Minns Labor Government has:

  • Ended unaccredited emergency accommodation for vulnerable children – meaning no children are living in places like hotels and motels as of April this year
  • Reduced the number of children placed in all types of High-Cost Emergency Arrangements (HCEA) by 35 per cent since November 2023
  • Restarted the recruitment of foster carers in the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ), a critical program which was disgracefully abandoned by the Liberals and Nationals more than a decade ago
  • Recruited more than 240 emergency carers so far, who have kept hundreds of children out of emergency arrangements
  • Delivered a record $350 million investment for family preservation programs delivered by Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations
  • Created DCJ-managed Waratah Care Cottages to better support children and sibling groups who would otherwise be stuck in emergency placements
  • Redeployed our best and brightest casework specialists back to the frontline. Already this means more than 300 additional vulnerable children have been given support
  • Insourced 300 family time workers, directly employing staff to keep children in OOHC connected to their parents
  • The Minns Labor Government has released a comprehensive roadmap for reform. 

This includes a commitment to overhaul the former government’s failed Permanency Support Program (PSP), a model that outsourced the care of our most vulnerable children to non-government providers, without the oversight or accountability needed to keep children safe.

As part of these reforms, key services will return to direct government delivery through the Department of Communities and Justice, restoring public accountability and responsibility for children’s care.

With reform underway and historic funding now secured, the NSW Government is focused on building a system that delivers the care, stability and support that every child deserves.

Accelerating housing with world-leading Pre-sale Finance Guarantee

The Minns Labor Government is today announcing a Pre-Sale Finance Guarantee to accelerate housing construction and help tackle the state’s housing supply challenges as part of the 2025-26 Budget.

Under the five-year Pre-sale Finance Guarantee, the NSW Government will leverage its strong fiscal position to go guarantor on up to 50 per cent of approved housing projects so developers can begin construction.

The Government will guarantee residential pre-sales for up to $1 billion of housing projects at a time through a revolving fund.

The Australian first will provide between $5 million and $50 million in pre-sale guarantees for each project and is expected to be accepting applications by the end of 2025.

How the Pre-sale Finance Guarantee Works

  • Developers with planning approval and initial pre-sales can apply for the Pre-sale Finance Guarantee, subject to lender approval
  • The NSW Government will assess projects and developers based on their credibility, capability, and capacity
  • If approved, construction must begin within six months of signing the documents
  • After projects are complete and dwellings sold, the government will issue further guarantees for up to $1 billion of projects at any one time for the 5-year duration of the program
  • If dwellings remain unsold, the developer can “call” on the guarantee and the Government will purchase them at a discounted rate
  • These homes could then be sold to buy or rent, or kept as affordable or social housing 

Meeting pre-sale requirements has been the most common issue cited by stakeholders in securing finance, and has been outlined as a key hurdle for industry in the NSW Productivity and Equality Commission’s Review of housing supply challenges and policy options for New South Wales.

In fact, the number of pre-sales required to secure funding from a registered financial lender has increased in some cases, from 50 per cent of the dwellings to 80 per cent of the dwellings over the last few years.

This leads to projects remaining on hold while the requisite number of pre-sales is secured, which can delay construction for months or even years.

This announcement builds on the strong foundations we have laid to make sure more people have access to more homes across NSW, including:

  • Our Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy, which is set to deliver 112,000 homes across NSW over the next five years
  • Transport Oriented Developments which will deliver 230,000 more affordable, well-located homes around 45 transport hubs
  • The Housing Delivery Authority which has recommended that 136 projects be declared as State Significant since it commenced in January 2025. If approved, these projects will deliver 53,500 new homes – more than the entire number of homes built in NSW last year
  • Planning approvals are already 17 per cent faster than in March 2023, applications to build are up 28 per cent on last year, and more than 70,000 homes are under construction
  • We have created a better, fairer system for 2.3 million renters and have helped more than 60,000 first home buyers achieve their dream with no or discounted stamp duty under our First Home Buyers Assistance program

And there’s more still to come as the Minns Labor Government works to build a better NSW for today and for future generations.

$7.5 million Budget boost to deliver more free parking at Maitland Hospital

The Minns Labor Government will invest $7.5 million to significantly expand car parking capacity at the new Maitland Hospital, as part of the 2025-26 NSW Budget.

Patients and visitors to Maitland Hospital are set to benefit from 100 planned additional car parking spaces. This will complement the more than 800 existing spaces at the hospital, for staff and visitors, which were delivered as part of the $30 million New Maitland Hospital car park project.

Since the Minns Labor Government introduced the free car parking initiative at regional and rural hospitals in August 2023, there has been an increased demand for car parking at the new Maitland Hospital and this has necessitated the delivery of new parking spaces. 

The car park will remain free of charge.

In addition to the current and planned additional parking, there are also two drop-off areas for patients, accommodating up to nine vehicles for the main hospital and emergency department (ED), a bus stop zone and an emergency vehicle area.

The $470 million new Maitland Hospital opened in January 2022, and provides emergency care, surgical services, critical care, maternity services, paediatric care, cardiac catheterisation, mental health, palliative care, chemotherapy chairs, outpatient clinics and dental services.

Designed in collaboration with staff and the community, the new Maitland Hospital included an additional 150 beds and treatment spaces to meet the growing healthcare needs of the surrounding community.

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:

“This Government is committed to improving access and delivering high-quality health care to our rural, regional and remote communities.

“With the rollout of our free parking initiative across regional health facilities, we’re easing the financial burden on patients and visitors to our hospitals.

“We know trips to the hospital can be a challenging time for patients and their families and I’m so pleased we are further expanding free parking capacity at the new Maitland Hospital as part of this year’s Budget.

“The new Maitland Hospital has been transformational for healthcare delivery in the Hunter region, providing comprehensive services from emergency care to specialised treatments under one roof.”

Member for Maitland Jenny Aitchison:

“As the proud member for Maitland, I’m thrilled to deliver this $7.5 million investment that will make a real difference to our community.

“I’m pleased to have worked closely with the Health Minister to deliver new funding for Maitland as part of the 2025-26 NSW State Budget. 

“Since our Government introduced free parking at regional health facilities in 2023, we’ve seen increased demand at Maitland Hospital, which shows our policy is working – people are accessing the healthcare they need without the added burden of parking fees.

“The Minns Labor Government is building a better NSW and better communities by recognising that accessible healthcare means more than just quality medical services – it means removing every barrier that might prevent people from getting the care they need.”

Minns Labor Government budget delivers for the Central Coast

The third Minns Labor Budget is focussed on delivering on commitments for the Central Coast, building better essential services and the infrastructure we need while investing to grow the economy.

This budget builds on the strong foundations we have already laid to ensure that we continue to build a better NSW for all.

We’ve made a lot of progress, but there’s much more to do. Budget commitments across major areas that will benefit the people of the Central Coast include:

Health

  • Working to ease pressures on our emergency departments with the continuation of the $200 million stage 3 redevelopment of the Wyong Hospital, including:
    • a new Carer Support Unit
    • Nunyara Aboriginal Health Unit
    • Women’s Centre Clinics and workspaces for medical staff
  • $6.4 million for the Wyong Hospital’s Cancer Day Unit expansion to ensure cancer patients can get treatment close to home
  • $1.7 million to expand NSW Pathology services at Wyong Hospital
  • Works have commenced on the new Wyong Palliative Care Unit to support Central Coast residents in their final stages of life that will feature 12 patient bedrooms with ensuites,  communal areas, meeting spaces and flexible outdoor spaces  as part of the existing $93 million World Class End of Life Care program.
  • Ensuring locals get care quicker through the development of the New Lisarow Ambulance Station as part of the continuing $615.5 million NSW Ambulance Infrastructure Program
  • Pregnant women on the Central Coast to benefit from the $83 million in new funding to boost maternity across NSW, including:
    • Funding for an additional 53 midwives across regional local health districts, on the back of the successful recruitment of obstetricians and gynaecologists at Gosford Hospital and last week’s reinstatement of the hospital’s accreditation for obstetrics and gynaecology
  • Delivering $864,138 additional funding for First Nations-led suicide prevention initiatives.

Education

  • Improving secondary education on the Central Coast with upgrades to high schools in Lisarow and Narara Valley, delivered through the High Potential and Gifted Education School Partner Program.
  • Continuing to deliver public preschools at the Tuggerawong and Umina Beach public schools as part of the NSW Government’s commitment of 100 public preschools state-wide.
  • $10.2 million towards upgrading facilities and aligning course delivery across the three Central Coast TAFE campuses to align with the needs of the community as part of the TAFE NSW investment to fund critical investments to upgrade facilities, boost permanent teaching staff, and modernise campuses—laying the groundwork for a more skilled and future-ready workforce.

Transport and Roads

Over the next four years, the Budget contains funding through various NSW and Australian Government-funded projects, including:

  • Continuing the NSW Government’s $84 million commitment to begin work on the $420 million Wyong Town Centre upgrade
  • $75 million for the Terrigal Drive upgrade
  • $50.7 million to continue the upgrade of Avoca Drive in Kincumber
  • $47.8 million to continue the Tumbi Road and Central Coast Highway intersection upgrade.
  • $29 million to continue planning and design for the Gosford Bypass
  • $15 million for the Empire Bay Drive Intersection Strategy
  • Central Coast residents will also benefit from a $150 million state-wide investment to expand bus routes in regional areas and the outer suburbs of Sydney.

Planning, Housing and Infrastructure

  • The Central Coast will benefit from the record $3.4 billion investment in TAFE and skills funding, as part of the Government’s plan to tackle the housing crisis that includes:
    • $40.2 million towards an additional 23,000 fee-free construction apprenticeships over the next two years
    • $13.8 million Construction Workforce Package to upskill 4,800 workers into residential construction jobs over the next two years tobuild the skilled workforce needed to speed up delivery of much-needed more homes across the state
  • $6 million over two years to explore design and delivery of short-term public domain improvements for the Gosford Waterfront while continuing to investigate long-term planning for this prime area
  • The NSW Government is making it easier to deliver more homes on the Central Coast by extending tax concessions for new build-to-rent housing developments; and releasing draft guidelines to speed up the delivery of homes and infrastructure through works-in-kind agreements with developers
  • $10,000 grant for eligible Central Coast first home buyers of a newly built house, townhouse and apartment below $600,000 or land and new house package below $750,000.

Cost of Living

Central Coast residents will benefit from a number of budget measures to help households with cost-of-living pressures, including:

  • Energy bill relief that extends the $150 payment to the end of 2025 for all Central Coast households and eligible small businesses
  • Assistance for eligible Central Coast residents to pay their energy accounts and energy rebates for eligible concession card holders, Family Tax Benefit recipients, seniors and others who rely on mechanical and life support equipment
  • Water rebates for eligible Central Coast pension and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs card holders and community organisations
  • Around 30 per cent discount on the upfront cost of installing small-scale battery systems through the Cheaper Home Batteries Program for eligible Central Coast households and small businesses
  • Doubling the incentive with up to $1,500 discount to set up a virtual power plant
  • Increased solar battery discount from 1 July 2025
  • Expanded free access to NSW National Parks for all our Central Coast Commonwealth Veteran Card holders as part of $5.3 million funding to give NSW veterans a free pass where a vehicle entry fee applies
  • In addition, the Government has reached multi-year pay agreements with employees including school and TAFE teachers, police, correctional officers, school support staff and paramedics (including those in the Central Coast). This is on top of the biggest pay increase to public sector workers in over a decade in 2023-24.

Minister for the Central Coast and Member for Wyong David Harris said:

“The Minns Labor Government is continuing to build a better NSW by this year focussing on delivery of our election commitments to the Central Coast community and investing in our people.

“We’ve been working meticulously to deliver better essential services that people rely on, to build the homes and infrastructure we need and investing to grow the economy to continue setting up our fast-growing region for long-term prosperity.”

Minister for the Hunter and Member for Swansea, Yasmin Catley said:

“This budget delivers for our residents in the Central Coast – investing in the essential services we rely on, building the infrastructure we need, and supporting families doing it tough.

“Whether it’s better healthcare, more preschool places for our young families, or critical upgrades to our local roads – this is a budget that puts the Central Coast first.

“We’ve made significant progress since coming to government – but we know there’s more to do, and this budget keeps us moving in the right direction.”

Member for The Entrance David Mehan said: 

“Labor’s third budget continues our work to rebuild our essential public services and deliver on the promises made in 2023.”

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said:

“The Minns Labor Government’s third budget is all about building on the groundwork already laid for a brighter future for our Central Coast, investing in essential services while navigating responsible financial management.

“After over a decade of budget mismanagement by the former Liberal-National government, this budget continues to make meaningful investment in the foundations of our community, upgrading major roads, strengthening emergency services, and improving education for all.

“By investing in the services that our community depends on, the Minns Labor Government is reinforcing the strong foundations we have already laid, working towards a fairer, stronger, and more prosperous NSW for everyone.”

One Nation Member Survey Update

Update on our party member survey: the issues important for One Nation to raise in parliament. A few weeks ago we asked our members to tell us what they want raised in Parliament.

We’re proud to report that hundreds of you took the time to share your thoughts, concerns, and priorities. It’s clear that One Nation members are passionate, well-informed, and deeply invested in Australia’s future. Our four Senators are now working through each submission, and thanks to your input, we’re prioritising real issues that matter to everyday Australians. 

Here are just a few of the strong voices we heard:

  • Beatrice from Victoria wants Australia to abandon the ‘Net Zero’ agenda and restore energy independence. And so we will, it is a position that aligns directly with One Nation’s commitment to affordable, reliable Australian energy.
  • Raymond from South Australia asked why multinational giants like Chevron receive our natural gas for free while Australians face soaring prices. This will be raised in parliament, because One Nation has long called for greater resource sovereignty and fairness in our domestic energy market.
  • Firzana from Western Australia questioned the financial and social costs of mass immigration. That’s a conversation One Nation has never been afraid to have, we believe immigration must serve the national interest and preserve social cohesion.
  • Bob from Queensland expressed support for a return to Australia’s traditional values and cultural identity, and these are themes central to our fight against politically correct overreach and revisionist history.
  • Wendy from Queensland asked why original land title deeds are no longer issued, calling for transparency and reform in property law. This will be raised because One Nation supports the rights of Australians to own and defend their property free from bureaucratic interference.
  • Keith from Queensland shared the challenges small business owners are facing due to rising taxes, red tape, and government waste. We’re pushing hard in Parliament for lower taxes and a fair go for small business, and these concerns will form the backbone of our parliamentary debates, questions and search for answers.
  • Pauline from Victoria raised alarm about the growing mental health crisis and its link to family breakdowns and institutional failures. We agree, mental health needs more than lip service, and support needs to reach the people on the ground – especially in rural and regional areas.
  • Adele from Victoria called for a forensic audit into government spending, questioning where taxpayer dollars are going. This lines up with One Nation’s demand for fiscal transparency and our opposition to wasteful bureaucracy. This term we will use this insight to turn a sharp focus on government spending and overreach.
  • Russell from South Australia demanded tougher penalties for youth crime and stronger consequences for repeat offenders. This is so crucial to our members, and One Nation will continue to push for law and order reforms that protect innocent Australians and put victims first.

Each of these examples reflects the kind of practical, grassroots wisdom we’ve come to expect from our members. These are real concerns from real Australians.

Thanks to our Direct Democracy model, we’re not just listening, we’re acting. The feedback we receive through this survey is helping shape the motions we put forward, the speeches we deliver, and ultimately, the policies we push to enact. Once we’ve raised your issues in Parliament, we’ll send responses back to local branches so they can build informed policy from the ground up.

This is what democracy should look like, led by the people, shaped by their voice, and delivered by their representatives.

Thank you to everyone who submitted a response. We will have more surveys and ways to involve yourself in policy development over the coming term of parliament. Together, we’re giving Australia back to Australians.

Brodie Taylor Becomes First Badged Wheelchair Netball Umpire in NSW

Eighteen-year-old Brodie Taylor from Albury-Wodonga has made history-becoming the first known badged wheelchair netball umpire in New South Wales, and possibly Australia, after recently receiving his C Badge accreditation.

Brodie’s journey into umpiring is remarkable not just for the milestone it represents, but for the determination and collaboration that made it possible.

“I honestly wasn’t planning on getting badged this year,” Brodie said. “I was just umpiring at a local Schools Cup event when Amanda [McLachlan] from Netball NSW came up to me and said, ‘Look, we’ve all been watching you-we’re very impressed. Would you consider going for your badge?’ I thought, why not? My mum’s badged, and this felt like a good achievement-something I never thought I’d do.”

Brodie lives with acute transverse myelitis, a rare neurological condition that caused a spinal cord injury when he was just seven months old. He has spent his life in and out of power wheelchairs and undergoing surgeries. Despite the challenges, netball became a constant-thanks to his mum.

“I was always around the courts with Mum on Saturdays. My sister was off dancing with Nan, my brother was with Dad at rugby, and I just sat with Mum. I started out doing stats as her team manager. I love my stats-that’s what got me hooked.”

Brodie moved into coaching in 2023 and instantly made an impact, taking a club team to a premiership win and continuing to grow as a leader. His desire to empower young players shines through.

“I believe in showing our girls that they have potential-that they are just as capable as anyone else. That’s what I see as my role in netball.”

This year, he took up umpiring more seriously-just for fun at first-only to discover he had a knack for it. His talent didn’t go unnoticed.

Behind the scenes, Netball NSW worked hard to support Brodie’s accreditation journey. With guidance from Netball NSW Workforce Manager Chris Hall, the organisation worked with Netball Australia to navigate existing umpiring frameworks and make the pathway accessible for Brodie. Adjustments were made without compromising the integrity of the game or the standards required for badging.

Brodie’s C Badge assessment took place at Hume Netball Association in Jindera, south west NSW-cementing his place in netball history.

His story is not only a celebration of personal achievement, but also a reflection of what an inclusive sport netball is. With support, belief and opportunity, Brodie is proving that barriers can be broken-on and off the court.

2025-26 Budget deliver for the Hunter

The 2025-26 NSW Budget builds on the strong foundations the Minns Labor Government has laid since coming to office – continuing our plan to deliver better essential services, build the homes and infrastructure our growing state needs and invest in the future of the Hunter.

This year’s budget reflects a responsible and people-focused approach to economic management. It continues our record of structural reform – including reducing gross debt, lowering expense growth and delivering savings on interest payments – while investing in the long-term prosperity of communities across NSW.

In the Hunter, the 2025-26 Budget funds the continued delivery of key projects and vital new investments to keep our communities strong, safe and supported.

Hunter specific commitments across major areas includes:

Health

$7.5 million to increase car parking capacity at the new Maitland Hospital
Continuing delivery of the:

$835.0 million John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct
$180.0 million Lower Mid North Coast Health Service (Manning and Forster-Tuncurry)
$138.0 million Cessnock Hospital Redevelopment
$45.0 million Muswellbrook Hospital Redevelopment – Stage 3
Transport and Roads

An additional $35 million for Thornton Bridge duplication project
Partnering with the Australian Government to deliver:

$2.3 billion for restoration works to repair local and state roads damaged in major flood events, including in the Hunter and Northern Rivers
$741.7 million to continue the M1 to Raymond Terrace extension and Hexham Straight widening
$294.9 million to continue construction of the Singleton Bypass
$267.0 million to fast track the Muswellbrook Bypass
$100.0 million for the Westbound Overpass at the Maitland Roundabout
$10 million towards delivering the $275.0 million duplication of Nelson Bay Road from Williamtown to Bobs Farm
$5 million additional funding to upgrade the Speers Point roundabout, bringing the total commitment to $16 million.
Education

Upgrades to high schools in Lake Macquarie and Muswellbrook as part of the High Potential and Gifted Education School Partner Program
Net Zero Manufacturing Centre of Excellence at TAFE NSW Tighes Hill in Newcastle – training the future net zero workforce
The Minns Labor Government’s investment to address the teacher shortage crisis has resulted in a 64 per cent decrease in teacher vacancies across the Hunter Local Government Areas, compared to the peak of the teacher shortage crisis in 2022
Continuing delivery of:
A new primary school and high school in Huntlee, including a new preschool
An upgrade at Thornton Public School
A new high school at Medowie
The redevelopment of Gillieston Public School
The redevelopment of Newcastle High School
An upgrade to the Hunter River High School
Continuing delivery of the NSW Government’s 100 public preschools, including at:
Booragul, Cessnock, Ellalong, Gillieston, Kearsley, Kurri Kurri, Maryland, Moorland, Nulkaba, Shortland, Taree, Tenambit, Teralba and Weston public schools
Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water

$530.0 million to build the Belmont Desalination Plant – delivering up to 30 million litres per day of rainfall-independent water
$115.5 million to build the Newcastle Logistics Precinct – a key hub for the delivery of affordable renewable energy
$82.1 million over four years for the Hunter Valley Flood Mitigation Scheme Repairs and Rebuilding project
$21.5 million over five years for sand nourishment at Stockton Beach, protecting assets and rehabilitating the coastline
Communities and Justice

$49.2 million for purpose-built or upgraded residential housing for children in out-of-home care aged 12 years and over with complex needs, including in the Hunter
$4.6 million to enhance the local community and visitor experience at the Tomaree Lodge site
Continuing delivery of:

A once in a generation pay rise for police
Paying police recruits to train which has resulted in a 71 per cent increase in the number of applications to join the NSW Police Force
Establishing a pathway for regional recruits to serve in or near their hometown after graduating the Goulburn Police Academy
Primary Industries and Regional Development

$27.3 million to establish the Future Jobs and Investment Authority to coordinate economic opportunities in coal-producing regions like the Hunter
Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism and Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley said:

“This budget delivers real results for the Hunter – from more hospital parking in Maitland to upgrades at local schools and a major investment in our region’s water security.

“With $530 million for the Belmont Desalination Plant and funding for flood mitigation, renewable energy logistics and coastal protection at Stockton, we’re securing the Hunter’s future.

“We’re fast-tracking the Muswellbrook Bypass, upgrading high schools in Lake Macquarie and Muswellbrook, and building a new westbound overpass at Maitland Roundabout to ease congestion.

“We’ve made real progress, but there’s more work to do – and this budget helps build a better future for the Hunter and for NSW.”

Minister Families and Community and Disability Inclusion and Member for Port Stephens, Kate Washington said:

“This Budget is about delivering on the things that matter most to our community – safer roads, better schools and more support for the places we love.

“Major upgrades like the M1 extension to Raymond Terrace and the widening of Hexham Straight will cut travel times and boost safety.

“Our government’s investment in our kids futures continues with a new Medowie High School on its way, major upgrades to Hunter River High School underway and we’re delivering a bigger and better hall for the Shoal Bay Public School students and families.

“We’re also backing Tomaree Lodge with more support to secure its future community use. It’s a place with deep cultural and community value – and this funding ensures it will play a meaningful role in the life of our region for decades to come.

“This is a Budget that backs Port Stephens – investing in what matters, now and into the future.”

Minister for Roads and Regional Transport and Member for Maitland, Jenny Aitchison said:

“The Hunter is a fast-growing community that needs new and improved road links to bust congestion and improve safety.

“This budget includes $35 million for the Thornton Bridge duplication for a total of $50 million combined with previous funds to get the project going.

“This is on top of $100 million to deliver a Westbound Overpass on the New England Highway at Maitland, recently committed by the Albanese Labor Government.

“This is on top of major Hunter Road projects such as the Singleton Bypass, the Muswellbrook Bypass, M1 to Raymond Terrace and Hexham Straight Widening and the Newcastle Inner City Bypass.”

Minister for Women, Seniors, the Prevention of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Member for Charlestown, Jodie Harrison said:

“This budget continues the work on building important infrastructure in the Hunter, including the John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct and social and affordable housing in the Charlestown electorate.

“Transport and road upgrades funded under this budget will also improve traffic flow and safety.

“The NSW Government continues to invest in the future of local communities and ensuring better regional communities.”

Member for Newcastle, Tim Crakanthorp said:

“This Budget is focussed on building a future-ready Newcastle.

“We’re investing in our people and places – a modern learning space for Newcastle High School students, improved conditions for commuters along Hexham Straight and critical protection efforts to preserve Stockton Beach for generations to come.

“The Budget is preparing Newcastle to be the epicentre of the renewable energy revolution, from establishing a Net Zero Manufacturing Centre of Excellence to train our future workforce, to locking in vital local jobs at the Newcastle Logistics Precinct.”

Member for Cessnock, Clayton Barr said:

“This budget delivers on key health infrastructure and projects including the Cessnock Hospital redevelopment.

“We will continue to rebuild NSW through investment in education, with the continued delivery of a new preschool, primary school and high school in Huntlee, over 100 public preschools including 6 new preschools in the Cessnock Electorate.”

Duty MLC for the Upper Hunter, Emily Suvaal said:

“The Budget delivers for the Upper Hunter – funding that speaks to who we are and what we value – strong hospitals, safer roads and quality education.

“We’re laying the foundations for stronger services, better facilities and a more connected region.

“When our communities speak, we listen and this funding reflects what matters most to people in the Upper Hunter.”