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Greens would support reforms to CGT, negative gearing, and a fossil fuel export levy in the senate

The Australian Greens welcome the ACTU’s calls to urgently address the unfair tax breaks that benefit property investors, as well as their call for a 25 percent levy on coal and gas exports at Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ Economic Roundtable.

The Greens’ have taken policies for changes to the CGT discount and negative gearing to successive elections. In 2025 the Greens’ policy to wind back these generous tax concessions to property investors which supercharge house prices was announced at the National Press Club in April.

Under the Greens election policy, both negative gearing and the CGT discount would be grandfathered to one existing investment property and removed on all second and subsequent properties, ensuring “mum and dad” investors with a single investment property are not negatively impacted, while disincentivising future speculative and unproductive investment in the property market.

The Greens also welcome the ACTU’s demand for a 25 percent tax on coal and gas export revenue. As former Treasury head Ken Henry has argued, fossil fuel exporters reap vast profits while paying minimal tax here and sending those profits offshore.

Greens Leader and spokesperson on Climate and Energy, Larissa Waters:

“People and nature should be the beneficiaries of the economic roundtable, and the mega profits of big companies should be in the government’s sights.

“We can’t fix the housing crisis unless we scrap massive tax discounts that give property investors a leg up while locking first homebuyers out of the market.

“It’s absolutely imperative that changes to negative gearing and CGT concessions are on the Economic Roundtable agenda. Young Australians shouldn’t be locked out of home ownership while a small cohort of investors get an unfair tax advantage.

“The cost of climate change shouldn’t be left to ordinary Australians. Fossil fuel exporters are mainly foreign companies that pay little to no tax and send their profits offshore along with our gas or coal.

“It’s time these big polluters paid their fair share, including for the damage they are causing to ordinary Australians whose cost of living and livelihoods are being exacerbated by climate change.

“A 25 percent levy on fossil fuel exporters should be on the summit and the government’s agenda.

“Nurses, teachers and community workers already pay more tax than oil and gas companies. That simply isn’t fair, especially when those industries’ emissions are driving more extreme weather events that we all suffer through.

“Australia urgently needs comprehensive economic reform that tackles both the housing crisis and the climate crisis.

“The Greens would be happy to see reforms in all of these areas come to the senate and to work with Labor to pass them.”

Senator Barbara Pocock, Greens housing spokesperson:

“If the Government genuinely wants to fix the housing crisis, scrapping tax breaks for wealthy property investors – such as the capital gains tax discount and negative gearing – is an essential and long overdue reform.

“Let’s be clear – this is a tax break for wealthy property investors, a tax break which comes at a cost to first home buyers and owner occupiers. This is also a tax break that increases levels of homelessness, which have increased by 10 percent under this government since it was elected in 2022.

“Massive tax breaks for wealthy property investors are cooking our housing system. Instead of everyone having a roof over their head, houses have become an investment asset class – which fuels intergenerational inequality.

“Instead of funding tax breaks for rich property investors, this government could be redirecting funds to building more public and affordable housing.

“Unless the Government makes the necessary reforms to the tax concessions for property investors, we’ll continue to see house prices rise and rents spiral. The Greens stand ready to work with Labor to action this urgent reform.”

The final jewels in Sydney Harbour’s ‘green necklace’ added to the NSW State Heritage Register

Six reserves and parks along the inner Sydney Harbour have been added to the NSW State Heritage Register, recognising their unique cultural, environmental, and industrial histories while safeguarding Sydney Harbour’s natural beauty for generations to come.

Nestled across one of the most stunning harbours in the world, the ‘green necklace’ is a series of iconic cultural landscapes around the headlands and water planes that connect the northern and southern shores.

The Green Necklace is formed by:

Badangi Reserve, encompassing Berrys Island Reserve and Wollstonecraft Foreshore Reserve
Ballast Point Park, an acclaimed park in Birchgrove built on a former Caltex Oil site
Balls Head Reserve in Waverton, a rare surviving natural headland that was dedicated as a public reserve following an environmental campaign in the 1920s and 30s
Berrys Bay (Carradah Park) in Waverton, the former site of a BP refinery
Yurulbin Park and Foreshore in Birchgrove, an early example of the successful transformation of industrial land to public use, recapturing the qualities of an Indigenous landscape. It was the site of the launch of the Australian government’s Local Government Reconciliation Program in 1994.

These landscapes represent the ever-evolving nature of land and water use on Sydney Harbour, showcasing the change from undisturbed bush to industrial use to green space preservation.

Each park and reserve has its own story that has been shaped by thousands of years of Aboriginal connection and more recent layers of industrial, artistic and community history. They reflect how people have interacted with, altered, and valued the land over time.

Listing these landscapes means their heritage value will be safeguarded into the future, in a context where Sydney’s built environment is fast growing. The listing is a shift away from traditional listings such as physical buildings and instead recognises the importance of a cultural landscapes and the environment in NSW’s rich history.

The ‘green necklace’ was coined in a 2018 cultural landscape study by the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) NSW. The listing follows extensive consultation with local councils, heritage experts, and community groups.

Minister for Heritage Penny Sharpe said:

“These parklands really are the jewels in the Sydney Harbour crown and their inclusion on the State Heritage Register ensures their stories, fabric and significance are preserved for future generations.

“They are not only green spaces but living archives of Sydney’s cultural and industrial evolution, and a reminder of the rich and enduring Aboriginal history we are surrounded by.

“I want to acknowledge the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects for starting this listing process many years ago, and congratulate them on the wonderful outcome of their work and advocacy.”

Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne said:

“The addition of Ballast Point and Yurulbin Park to the State Heritage Register marks the final transformation of these former industrial sites to some of the world’s most beautiful harbourside parks.

“The advocacy of many people including Tom Uren and Paul Keating is what has led to this magnificent outcome.”

Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) NSW President, David Moir said:

“AILA commends the Minister for her foresight in protecting these critically important landscapes. These iconic landscape elements, integral to the internationally significant Sydney Harbour setting, are foundational to the city’s identity as a global destination.

“Through visionary landscape planning and design, once-derelict industrial sites have been transformed into inclusive public spaces where communities can connect with nature in an increasingly urbanised environment.

“Their inclusion on the State Heritage Register and the commitment to their ongoing conservation reflect enduring community values and a deep respect for our shared landscape legacy.”

Minns Labor Government initiatives drive 61% drop in teacher vacancies

The Minns Labor Government has slashed the number of permanent teacher vacancies by 61 per cent, ensuring thousands more NSW public school students are receiving a quality and consistent public education.

New data released today on the first day of Public Education Week shows NSW public schools began Term 3 with 962 permanent teacher vacancies, down from 2,460 at the same time in 2022 under the former Liberal National Government.

While there’s more to do, the 61 per cent drop in vacancies has brought the number of permanent teacher vacancies to the lowest level in four years.

This progress follows the Minns Labor Government’s decision to scrap the unfair wages cap that held teacher salaries back and devalued the profession for more than a decade.

In contrast to the record 3,311 vacancies under the former Liberal National Government in late 2022 — which led to widespread class cancellations and merged lessons — public schools began Term 3 this year with just 962 vacancies, down from 2,460 at the same point in 2022.

There’s also been a sharp drop in the number of schools affected. Just 566 schools — a quarter of NSW’s 2,200 public schools — reported a vacancy in Term 3, down from 1,383 schools in 2022.

Areas with the fewest vacancies include the electorates of Kiama and Lane Cove, which both reported just one vacancy each at the beginning of Term 3, and the electorates of Castle Hill, Drummoyne, Heathcote, Cronulla and Vaucluse, which all reported two vacancies each.

Under the Minns Labor Government, the Department of Education has also ramped up efforts to provide dedicated support to schools facing recruitments challenges.

The Priority Recruitment Support initiative has been expanded from 79 to more than 150 schools with three quarters being in regional and rural areas – bringing fairness to communities that have been left behind for too long.

From this year, every NSW public school principal has been supported by a dedicated Recruitment Officer who will be a first point of contact and work closely with them to manage all recruitment in the school.

Over the past 12 months, 6,398 permanent teachers have been appointed, while resignation and retirement rates have declined — pointing to better retention and a stabilising workforce.

While there is more work to do, the reduction in vacancies is a demonstration of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to rebuild public education, value the teaching profession and lift student outcomes.

While this work is ongoing, it is already delivering results and has included:

Delivering the largest pay rise in a generation to all of NSW’s public school teachers.
Making over 16,000 teachers and school support staff on temporary contracts permanent.
Banning mobile phones in all public schools, minimising classroom distractions.
Addressing workload by allowing additional time to roll out a new curriculum, improving mandatory training and professional learning requirements, providing access to AI assistance, providing additional administrative support in schools.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“This is a step in the right direction. I’ve always said you can’t replace a teacher in front of the classroom.”

“We know there’s still work to do, but fewer vacancies means more consistency for students and less strain on schools.

“We scrapped the unfair wages cap, we’re making more roles permanent, and we’ll keep doing the work to rebuild public education properly.”

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:

“The Minns Labor Government has demonstrated that when you stop suppressing teachers’ wages and genuinely value the expertise of the teaching profession, then you’ll keep more of our high-quality teachers in the classroom.

“Teachers are the most critical factor when it comes to improving student outcomes and that’s why, under the leadership of the Deputy Premier, we have been so determined to address the teacher shortage crisis we inherited.”

“There is still more work to do, but the 60% reduction in teacher vacancies is a clear demonstration of the Minns Labor’s Government commitment to rebuilding public education.”

“Families across NSW should know that while thousands more students now have permanent teacher in their classrooms, this could all be undone if the Liberals and Nationals succeed in their promise to bring back the wages cap.”

NSW Government delivers world-first foot and mouth vaccine to protect livestock industries & food supply

In a world-first, the Minns Labor Government and international biotechnology leader, Tiba BioTech, have developed a breakthrough foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccine that is fast to produce and will see Australia become one of the few nations with the capacity to produce its own vaccine.

FMD is a highly infectious viral disease that affects cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs. It remains widespread globally and is endemic in many countries, particularly in Africa, Asia and Middle East.

The development of this new vaccine is part of the Minns Government’s $1 billion biosecurity plan to protect the state’s $8 billion livestock industry and Australia’s food security.

Australia is one of the few fortunate countries free of FMD but if a widespread outbreak was to occur it would have a catastrophic impact on meat supply and exports costing the Australian economy up to $80 billion.

The aim of the vaccine is to protect our community from the potential dramatic impact from FMD on the supply of meat, milk or lamb into Australian supermarkets due to reducing domestic livestock, disrupted processing and transport, and potential shortages for consumers.

As a result of the vaccine’s development, Australia is now one of only a handful of countries with the local capacity to produce a FMD vaccine.

Developing this capacity to guard against emergency animal diseases is a critical priority for the Minns Government to protect our agricultural industries and build a better economy.

The vaccine has taken less than 18 months to develop and has cost about $2.5 million. The work is part of a $20 million project funded by Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) and the NSW Government.

This FMD vaccine is an mRNA vaccine which is unique in that it is fully synthetic making it safer and much faster to produce.

Using this technique, the vaccine can be manufactured without the use of infectious material. This is an important consideration for safely managing an outbreak and the overall response.

The vaccine is now undergoing further testing to demonstrate it meets the standards set by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) before it can be approved for use in an emergency if there was a FMD incursion into Australia.

The project is a consortium of local and international partners with the biotechnology leader, Tiba Biotech, the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Meat & Livestock Australia, the German Friedrich –Loeffler Institut.

Local manufacture of mRNA animal vaccines is supported by the University of NSW’s RNA Institute who have a demonstrated capacity to manufacture mRNA vaccines.

In recent overseas trials, vaccinated cattle exposed to the virus did not contract the disease and importantly did not shed the virus to infect others.

Minister for Agriculture, Regional and Western NSW, Tara Moriarty, said:

“The delivery of an FMD vaccine is part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to safeguarding livestock from key biosecurity threats and ensuring the state’s agriculture industry can thrive.

“Developing local manufacturing capacity to produce vaccines against emergency animal diseases is a critical priority for the Minns Government so that we can protect Australia’s livestock industries, our economy and our food supply.

“The Minns Government is determined to build a better agricultural sector and grow our livestock industry and that is why we have invested a historic $1.05 billion into biosecurity.

“We have a plan we are implementing to strengthen our research sector and have funded an additional $100 million into modernising the state’s research and development program so it can keep on delivering world class work like this vaccine.

“If diseases like Foot and Mouth were to enter the country it would cause major disruptions to the livestock industry and catastrophic market impacts across rural Australia, so this breakthrough is greatly received.”

Meat & Livestock Australia Managing Director, Michael Crowley, said:

“While we hope an FMD vaccine is never needed, the research is a proactive approach to managing biosecurity risk.

“FMD is present in nearby countries to Australia and is front of mind for industry in terms of potential biosecurity risks.

“Australia is one of a fortunate number of countries with FMD-free status and an incursion would have serious implications for our industry and trade.

“While vaccination may not necessarily be required in the event of an incursion, this research confirms the Australian livestock industry is proactive and prepared.”

Tiba Biotech Chief Financial Officer, Peter McGrath, said:

“We’re proud to contribute to safeguarding Australia’s livestock industry and the future of animal health with this breakthrough next-generation solution.

“Unlike current mRNA technologies, our vaccines can be stored long-term at standard refrigeration temperatures and at room temperature for at least one month – a critical advantage in livestock applications.

“Our focus now shifts to working closely with regulators to ensure the vaccine meets the highest standards of safety and effectiveness for livestock and consumers.

“Livestock mRNA vaccines offer a safe, efficient and effective approach to enhancing animal health, benefiting both the agricultural industry and consumers.”

NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Virology Laboratory Manager, Dr Peter Kirkland, said:

“This vaccine research investment plays a vital role in protecting Australia’s multi-billion-dollar livestock industries, safeguarding the communities that depend on them and maintaining access to critical export markets.

“There is no mRNA vaccine currently registered for use in livestock in Australia and delivering the first shows the way for the nation’s research and development sector.

“If this mRNA vaccine now moves to being approved by the APVMA, it would offer biosecurity advantages.

“It would allow Australia the ability to differentiate between vaccinated and infected animals, which could support a speedier return to normal domestic production and international trade in the event of an emergency animal disease outbreak.”

NSW Health to further empower parents and carers to raise concerns

Parents, carers and children across NSW will benefit from a new hospital initiative aimed at better supporting parents to raise concerns about their child’s condition if they feel it is getting worse.

The new tool will require healthcare workers to regularly ask families: ‘Are you worried they are getting worse?’ to help capture important changes in their child’s condition.

The question will be embedded in paediatric and neonatal observation charts in emergency department and inpatient units across the state.

The potentially life-saving tool Worried they’re getting worse is based on new research from Monash Health and developed by the Clinical Excellence Commission, and recognises parents, families and carers know their children best.

The question recognises that parents and carers are oftentimes able to detect early changes or deterioration in their child’s behaviour or temperament that could signal a clinical concern.

If parents or caregivers indicate they believe their child is getting worse or deteriorating, it will trigger a review by a senior healthcare worker.

All NSW public hospitals will implement the tool by October 2025 and the program will be extended into maternity and adult wards in early 2026.

The tool was first trialled at Hunter New England Local Health District in March 2025 and began its statewide rollout at Sydney Children’s Hospital Network on 21 July 2025.

Separately, the REACH program is also available for parents and carers when they have concerns their child is becoming seriously unwell. A REACH call prompts an urgent patient review by a senior health worker. This program continues to be accessible in all NSW hospitals with work underway to strengthen this safety net.

NSW Health Minister Ryan Park:

“When you bring your child into our hospitals, we know that you know them best.

“Parents and carers can recognise small changes in a child’s condition sometimes before healthcare workers can observe changes in things like heart rate or breathing.

“Feedback from parents and carers is critical in capturing information about a child who is becoming seriously unwell.

“When your doctor or nurse asks: ‘Are you worried they’re getting worse?’ we need you to tell us even if it is something small, because if you’re worried, we’re worried.”

Member for Coogee Marjorie O’Neill:

“The statewide rollout of this new tool will empower everyone, including parents and caregivers, to speak up when they have a concern about a loved one who is receiving care and is getting worse.

“At any time when a nurse or a doctor asks you this question, rest assured your concerns will be listened to and they will check your child’s clinical condition with the nurse in charge.”

Secretary of NSW Health, Susan Pearce AM:

“We know staff right across the NSW public health system work incredibly hard to deliver the highest quality of care for patients and we need to ensure the right systems are in place that support them to continue to do so.

“Really listening to parents, carers and family members is critical when caring for children in hospital and this new initiative recognises the vital role they play in their child’s care alongside our excellent healthcare professionals.

“By working together, we can strengthen patient safety for children and babies and provide an environment where parents and carers are encouraged and empowered to raise concerns.”

First Nations Economic Partnership

The Albanese Government has established a new First Nations Economic Partnership – with the Coalition of Peaks and the First Nations Economic Empowerment Alliance.

The Partnership will work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people around Australia to leverage land and Native Title, boost skills and education, create jobs and back business.

The Partnership is an example of the Government’s commitment to the Priority Reforms of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, to work in partnership, invest in the First Nations community-controlled sector, and transform mainstream systems to achieve better outcomes for First Nations people.

We are investing an additional $75 million to support Prescribed Bodies Corporate.

This will help Native Title holders to build capacity and work with the private sector to build wealth.

It is about securing better deals, driving faster approvals and delivering more jobs and an economic legacy for communities.

The first priorities for the Economic Partnership will include improving the funding model for Prescribed Bodies Corporate, through this new investment.

Along with ensuring Special Investment Vehicles like the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility and the Australian Renewable Energy Agency are delivering for First Nations communities across Australia.

And looking at how the work of Indigenous Business Australia and the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation can better deliver for all Indigenous communities, whether they hold Native Title or not.

The Albanese Government will also invest $31 million to establish 12 Mobile TAFE services.

These will be delivered in partnership with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled sector, states and territories.

Delivering training on Country – so locals have the skills to get jobs in construction, maintenance, health care, hospitality, resources and renewable energy.

We are also continuing to deliver tangible outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, including:

Opening expressions of interest as part of $70 million in First Nations Clean Energy funding – to help get local projects up and running.
A new round of 800 jobs in the Remote Jobs and Economic Development program – on top of the 650 jobs already delivered.
A further 6 remote water upgrades – on top of the 33 already underway, bringing the total number of people who will benefit from clean and secure water supplies to 34,000.

the Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese

“Making sure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians can get a secure job, make the most of business opportunities and benefit from their land is a big part of Closing the Gap.

“The First Nations Economic Partnership will help put communities in the driver’s seat of economic opportunity, ownership and equity.

“Mobile TAFE will offer hands-on training on Country and will bring skills and jobs to communities.

“Locals will be able to learn trade skills, get a qualification and build a career without having to leave home.”

the Treasurer, Jim Chalmers

“This Partnership is about recognising and realising the enormous economic potential of First Nations communities, not just as participants in our economy but as partners in our shared prosperity.

“We’re investing to equip Traditional Owners to leverage their land and sea assets, to get better deals and to bring jobs and wealth to First Nations communities.

“Our economic agenda is about growth that’s stronger and more inclusive. Backing First Nations businesses, jobs and skills is a central part of that – because we know our economy works better when everyone has the chance to succeed.”

the Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy

“Economic empowerment is about self-determination and creating opportunities that reflect the aspirations of First Nations communities.

“Prescribed Bodies Corporate are critical partners for Traditional Owners, the first point of contact in commercial negotiations and strong vehicles for First Nations economic empowerment.

“The Albanese Government knows investing in remote First Nations communities is vital to unlocking their long-term prosperity.”

Appointment of Australian Federal Police Commissioner

The Government will recommend to the Administrator of the Commonwealth that Ms Krissy Barrett APM be appointed the ninth Australian Federal Police (AFP) Commissioner.

This will be a historic appointment for the AFP, with Ms Barrett becoming the first woman to hold the position of Commissioner.

Bringing close to 25 years of law enforcement experience to the position, Ms Barrett is recognised for her leadership capability. She also has expertise in community policing and operations, counter terrorism first response, serious financial crime, and transnational serious and organised crime. In her most recent position as a Deputy Commissioner with the AFP, Ms Barrett has managed the National Security portfolio.

For her distinguished service to the Solomon Islands and Bali Bombings investigation, Ms Barrett was recognised for her leadership and contribution with a Police Overseas Service Medal in 2004 and an Operations Medal in 2005.

Ms Barrett’s appointment will commence on 4 October 2025 for a five-year period.

The Government thanks Mr Reece Kershaw APM for his decades of service and commitment to protecting Australians and Australia’s interest, including six years as AFP Commissioner. We wish him and his family all the best for the future. He has made an extraordinary contribution to public life and we are grateful for his service.

Man charged after fatal crash – Pokolbin

A man will face court after a fatal crash in the Hunter Valley earlier this year.

About 2.30am on Friday 28 March 2025, emergency services were called to Cessnock Road, Pokolbin, in the Singleton Military Area following reports of a crash.

At the scene, officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District were told a vehicle had left the roadway and crashed into a tree.

A passenger, a 42-year-old woman, died at the scene.

The driver, a 46-year-old man, was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics for serious injuries before being taken to John Hunter Hospital in a stable condition where he also underwent mandatory testing.

A crime scene was established and the Crash Investigation Unit commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Following extensive inquiries, on Sunday (3 August 2025), the man was issued a Court Attendance Notice charged with four offences:

Dangerous driving occasioning death-drive under influence,
Negligent driving (occasioning death),
Negligent driving (no death or grievous bodily harm), and
Drive vehicle illicit drug present in blood etc.

The man is set to appear before Singleton Local Court on Thursday 25 September 2025.

A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.

Greening our City program expanded to the Hunter

The Hunter is about to get a whole lot cooler, with the latest round of the Greening Our City program expanding beyond Greater Sydney for the first time.

Councils will now be able to apply for a share of $10 million to plant trees, shrubs, and native vegetation in parks, plazas, and other public spaces.

The Greening our City program is designed to increase tree planting, which helps reduce urban heat islands, supports our biodiversity and improves our public spaces and active transport routes.

By expanding the program to the Illawarra, Hunter and Central Coast, an additional 1.4 million residents will benefit from cooler and greener spaces, meaning more people living in cooler and more resilient communities.

Heat islands and biodiversity loss are a growing challenge and urban environments must be part of the solution. Our cities play an important role in supporting a diverse range of flora and fauna, while providing critical habitat for endangered species.

Eligible councils will receive funding and will be able to access data and strategic planning support to assist in effective urban greening.

A new advisory panel – comprising experts from industry, academia, and local government – will also be established later this year to guide the program’s delivery, provide feedback on policy, and help test new initiatives.

These projects play a vital role in building climate resilience, improving air quality, and creating cooler, more connected communities. This program is part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to build a better and more resilient NSW.

Funding for the program comes from the NSW Climate Change Fund.

The grant round is open until 5pm Friday 26 September 2025.

For more information visit Greening our City

Minister for Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Heritage Penny Sharpe said:

“The Minns Labor Government is proud to be planting more trees as part of the Greening our City program.

“Cooler streets and more comfortable neighbourhoods will make the Illawarra an even better place to live.”

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:

“The Hunter is the first region outside Sydney to benefit from the Greening Our City program, and that’s a big win as we work to make the Hunter an even better place to call home.

“More trees and green spaces mean more spots for people to slow down, enjoy nature and escape the heat – whether it’s in a quiet local park or right in the heart of town.

“From main streets to public plazas, this funding gives councils the tools to create spaces the whole community can enjoy for years to come.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“The NSW Government has developed a Biodiversity in Place Framework that guides the sensible and practical delivery of biodiversity in urban areas. These grants will go a long way to see that framework adopted and applied across our cities.

“Over many years, Hunter councils and community organisations have been engaged in improving and expanding local vegetation in parks and suburbs. Access to Greening our City program will help accelerate their efforts.

“More trees mean cooler streets, and better quality of life for residents. The Greening our City program is a major contributor to creating vibrant cities where people want to live.”

Statement on Father Chris Riley AM

It is with profound sadness that I acknowledge the passing of Father Chris Riley AM, whose visionary work changed the lives of tens of thousands of young people across New South Wales.

In founding Youth Off The Streets in 1991, he turned a single food van in Kings Cross into a lifesaving network of crisis accommodation, counselling and other wrap around support services.

Father Riley believed there is no child born bad, only circumstances to overcome, and he spent over three decades proving that with compassion and opportunity young lives can be transformed.

On behalf of the people of NSW, I extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, the Youth Off The Streets community, and the countless young people whose futures he helped build.