Category: Australian News

Two veteran artists have received $20,000 in NSW Government funding thanks to the Anzac Memorial Veteran Artist in Residence program.

The program offers contemporary veterans with established creative practices the opportunity to engage with the Memorial and the broader community through an artwork or project.

Thanks to support from the Veterans Benevolent Fund, for the first time two residencies have been funded with veterans Hugh Semple and Warrick Young today announced as the 2025 Veteran Artists in Residence, with each awarded $10,000.

Semple, an Army veteran of the Royal Australian Corps of Transport is a watercolour painter.

What started as a therapeutic outlet, became a passion and full-time career after Semple found refuge in art to heal and find balance after medically discharging from the Army.

Young will use the residence to assist with production of a film titled Echoes of Sacrifice, which aims to bring the Memorial’s symbolism to life through poetry, music, and archival imagery.

Young’s Army career began in 1983 with a mixture of full-time and part-time service including deployment on operations, including Iraq.

Launched in 2019, the Veteran Artist in Residence program supports current veterans in their development as artists and the use of the creative process in their healing journeys. The program also recognises the strong historic connection between art and military experience.

The use of art to depict and record Australia’s involvement in war and its impact has resulted in a vast collection of trench art, paintings, music and poetry whilst also serving as an important tool in the rehabilitation and recovery of veterans that have been affected through their military career.

More information is available on the Veteran Artist in Residence web page.

Minister for Veterans David Harris said:

“I am pleased to announce the successful recipients of this year’s Anzac Memorial Veteran Artist in Residence program.

“I want to congratulate Hugh and Warwick for presenting two amazing concepts that won them selection this year.

“Art is a powerful tool whether practised as a hobby or profession, its importance to veterans can be priceless as a form or rehabilitation or a vehicle for sharing their experiences with the broader community.

“I am glad that this year’s program has enabled two veterans to use their art to share their story or to honour service to our nation.”

Hugh Semple said:

“The artist in residency for me is a way to connect back with my military roots. I will be producing a series of watercolour paintings on veterans, and their new journey after service. I will get to surround myself with Anzac spirit on a daily basis.

“Like my own story in finding purpose, I want to show the passions that other veterans have to keep them moving positively in life outside defence. I hope through this series of paintings I can inspire other veterans to take a new direction after service, that benefits their existence and gives purpose to their lives.

“After discharging most veterans feel a loss of identity. Through art, I have rebuilt who I am and now have a lasting purpose in life. I started painting a year after my medical discharge to bring purpose to my life. I was going down a road of darkness and destructive behaviour, so I decided to do something meaningful and rewarding to bring myself on track.

“Throughout the last 4 years I have had continued interest in painting and now have made a business out of it. I am proud to now call myself an artist.”

Warwick Young said:

“I’m deeply honoured and grateful for the opportunity to be one of the veterans to feature in this program. Creating a film that reflects the meaning of sacrifice at the heart of the Anzac Memorial is not just a privilege, it’s part of my own healing, and I hope it resonates with others in the veteran community too.

“I’m genuinely excited to make this film alongside fellow veterans from the Screen Warrior Program. Together we can honour the sacrifices of those who came before us, and those still serving, in a way that feels deeply personal and connects audiences across the whole state of NSW.”

The Minns Labor Government is partnering with coal-producing regions across NSW to deliver on its election commitment to establish the Future Jobs and Investment Authority.

The Authority will help guide the future economic development of the four coal mining regions – the Hunter, Central West, Illawarra, and North West – from coal production towards other economic opportunities and employment.

The 2025-26 NSW Budget will include $27.3 million over four years to fund the Authority, initially focussing on the Hunter and Central West regions.

This initiative will be backed by the Future Jobs and Investment Fund to unlock more than $100 million in funding held back under the previous Liberal-National Government’s Royalties for Rejuvenation scheme.

As part of its remit, the Future Jobs and Investment Authority will develop a framework to allow the funding to be spent on projects like infrastructure and post-mining land use planning, skills mapping, feasibility assessments and training programs. This will be done in concert with the Federal Government’s Net Zero Economy Authority.

The Minns Labor Government will also continue its existing commitment to deliver $22.5 million into the fund each year.

The model of the Future Jobs and Investment Authority follows the release of a proposed structure in mid-2024, and ongoing consultation with workers, communities and industry. The final Authority model integrates much of the feedback received by the government.

The Future Jobs and Investment Authority will include:

• Establishing a coordinating Authority to be led by a Chief Executive Officer. The Authority will have a clear mandate to deliver tangible outcomes for coal-reliant regions.
• Establishing four local Divisions in the Hunter, Illawarra, Central West and North West to support the Authority. This will ensure direct representation to the Authority and that all decisions are informed by local needs and priorities. Local Divisions will include representatives of industry, workers, local government and community groups to ensure local voices are guiding government action.
• Assuring accountability and governance through an advisory board reporting to the Minister for Natural Resources. The advisory board will be chaired by an independent Chair/Advocate and membership will include the chairs of each Local Division.
• Collaborating with the Net Zero Economy Authority and the Commonwealth Government to streamline projects and strengthen delivery.
• Enshrining the Authority in legislation, providing long-term certainty for communities.

Currently, around 25,000 people are directly employed in coal mines. While coal mining will continue for decades to come this, highlights the importance of establishing the Authority to begin planning for a future beyond coal.

The Future Jobs and Investment Authority will prioritise:

• Facilitating strategic land use planning, land prioritisation and activation, including land previously used for mining. This will enable new and emerging employment-generating industries.
• Driving investment attraction activities to support the development of new industries in coal-producing communities.
• Developing new initiatives to ensure workers are equipped with necessary training to create a stable and secure future for them, their families and their communities.
• Undertaking detailed data collection and analysis to inform the timing of impacts on workers and the economy and drive a strong evidence-based approach to government action.
• Leading effective consultation, collaboration and partnership with local communities, and sharing that engagement across NSW Government agencies, and all three levels of government.

While coal will remain an important regional employer and economic driver for decades, global demand is forecast to decrease in coming decades. Under current planning approvals, by 2040 all four of the state’s coal-fired power stations, and 32 of the state’s 39 coal mines will close.

More information about the Future Jobs and Investment Authority is available on the Future Jobs and Investment Authority web page.

The NSW Government will legislate these changes over the coming months.

Minister for the Illawarra & the South Coast Ryan Park:

“The Future Jobs & Investment Authority will play a key role in driving job creation in this region, including in the future energy sector. The Hunter has always been the engine room of NSW – now it’s time to position ourselves as a national leader in clean energy and advanced manufacturing as well.

“We need innovative, creative job opportunities, and the Authority opens up new possibilities, setting a clear pathway for growth. The Authority will work hand-in-hand with our local communities, industry and education providers to ensure our region is at the forefront of this transformation – not left behind by it.

“This is about putting the right structures in place to support our workers today while building a stronger, more diverse economy for tomorrow. It’s about future-proofing the Hunter, ensuring that we continue to be a place of opportunity, stability and prosperity for generations to come.”

Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos:

“Thank you to workers, communities and the broader industry for their feedback as we deliver the Future Jobs and Investment Authority, a key election commitment.

“Our Future Jobs and Investment Authority will help plan for a future for our regions beyond coal. It will be a strong authority to guide government decision making. Having its work report directly to the Minister, and supported by local divisions, means voices from each region will be heard.

“We’ll be looking to the Authority to leverage its local expertise to identify and shape projects that will unlock the potential for new industrial and employment opportunities.

“Coal mining will continue to support thousands of local jobs and underpin the state’s energy grid for many years to come. As the global demand for coal decreases, we want to ensure we partner with workers, communities and regional centres to plan for the future.”

Duty MLC for Lake Macquarie Emily Suvaal:

“As I walk through my community I see and speak with so many small businesses that rely on the mining industry to provide secure jobs and economic growth.

“Mining will continue to be a massive employer to so many in the Hunter for years to come, however we must be ready for the reliance on coal to decrease.

“The establishment of the Future Jobs and Investment Authority gives everyone in mining and the supply chain time to reskill and take advantage of the new wave of opportunities coming to the Hunter.”

Over the past two days, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has met with leaders from across the world at the G7 Leaders’ Summit in Alberta, Canada.

The Prime Minister participated with other G7 invited guests in a session on the future of global energy security.

Leaders discussed the need to diversify energy sources and strengthen critical minerals supply chains.

Australia endorsed the G7 Critical Minerals Action Plan, which increases cooperation to build standards-based markets, mobilise capital and promote innovation.

This opens up the prospect of further expansion of the Australian critical minerals and rare earths industry.

Leaders also discussed how innovation in emerging technologies like AI and quantum can support productivity and economic growth.

The Prime Minister joined G7 members in endorsing the Kananaskis Wildfire Charter, which aims to build a stronger and more coordinated global approach to preventing, fighting and recovering from bushfires.

As a nation, Australia knows the complete destruction bushfires can cause.

Across the world, bushfires are becoming more severe with climate change impacting their frequency and severity.

The Australian Government welcomes the global effort to fight what can be absolutely devastating events.

Australian and Canadian firefighters travel across seas regularly to provide support during our respective fire seasons, and just this month, Australia deployed a contingent of 97 personnel to Canada to assist in combating its recent wildfires.

Prime Minister Albanese thanked Prime Minister Mark Carney for inviting Australia to his hosting of the G7 this year.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“Our participation in the G7 Leaders’ Summit reinforces Australia as a key voice in global economic affairs.

“My Government is building on the foundation we have laid over the past three years for future sustainable growth, which makes participation in economic forums like the G7 all the more important.

“I look forward to capitalising on the outcomes of the Summit, including the cooperation outlined in the Critical Minerals Action Plan, which will deliver benefits to our nation and our region.

“I am pleased Australia has been able to help our Canadian friends battle the recent wildfires – Australia has not forgotten Canada’s assistance during our Black Summer bushfire response in 2019-20.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese today met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa and agreed to start negotiations on a Security and Defence Partnership (SDP) with the EU at the G7 Leaders’ Summit in Alberta, Canada.

The Partnership will provide a framework for current and future cooperation including in areas such as defence industry, cyber and counter-terrorism. 

Existing SDPs the EU has with other countries include cooperation on cyber, countering hybrid threats, maritime security, non-proliferation and disarmament, space and economic security.

A Security and Defence Partnership (SDP) aims to strengthen cooperation on global security challenges.

It does not have military deployment obligations.

Discussions on an SDP with the EU and renewed engagement to conclude an Australia-EU Free Trade Agreement, demonstrate strong momentum in the Australia – Europe relationship.

Negotiation of an SDP will remain separate to efforts to conclude an Australia-EU Free Trade Agreement that we are focussed on taking forward in Australia’s national interest.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“I am pleased to announce we’re stepping up our cooperation with the European Union today.

“We see how deeply connected Europe’s security and the Indo-Pacific region have become.

“I very much welcome the EU’s offer for a Security and Defence Partnership and Australia will warmly take it up and commence work immediately.

“This will open the door to joint defence procurement opportunities and will benefit both our industries and our security.

“At a time of global uncertainty, it is our collective responsibility to work together to uphold peace, security and economic prosperity.

“That is what I will continue to do every day and that has been a key take out of our work here at the G7 today.”

President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen:

“In a time of rising tensions and strategic competition, trusted partners must stand together.

“Europe and Australia’s enduring friendship enters a new chapter today.

“Recognising the shared security of Europe and the Indo-Pacific, we are launching talks on a Security and Defence Partnership.

“We’re also committed to advancing free trade negotiations—because economic security matters too.”

President of the European Council Antonio Costa:

“Australia is an important partner for the European Union.

“We share the same values and a strong commitment to multilateralism and the rules-based global order.

“Europe’s and the Indo-Pacific’s regions are connected.

“Opening negotiations on a Security and Defence Partnership opens new opportunities to further strengthen our cooperation.”

Today the Victorian Greens are calling for bipartisan support to make housing a human right in the Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities (the Charter).

The Victorian Greens will introduce their Human Rights and Responsibilities Amendment (Right to Housing) Bill 2025 in the Victorian Parliament this week, which adds the right to adequate housing into the Charter.

Amending the Charter would mean that future legislation and regulations, Government departments, the police and the courts would all need to comply with and uphold the right to adequate housing. Under this Bill, making housing affordable, accessible, secure and habitable would become core to government decisions around housing.

The bill also specifies that housing should be structurally sound and located to appropriate public services and employment.

The Greens are calling on the Premier, Opposition and Cross Bench to support this bill.

The bill will be first read on Tuesday and second read on Wednesday in the Legislative Council.

Victorian Greens Housing Spokesperson, Gabrielle de Vietri:

“It’s time to fundamentally change the way we think about housing – not as a commodity but as a human right. This bill would do this.

“Today we are offering something all MPs across the political spectrum can agree on – that everyone has a right to a safe and affordable home.

“Anyone who votes down this bill will need a bloody good explanation for the more than 1 million Victorians in housing stress.

“Without a home, everything falls apart. You can’t access healthcare, education or work, you lose connections to family and community. Labor should look seriously at its responsibility to make sure Victorians have this basic human right protected now and into the future.”

The Victorian Greens are calling on the Victorian Labor Government to implement reforms that would allow GPs to diagnose and prescribe medication to treat ADHD, improving access and affordability for thousands of Victorians.

A Grattan Institute report released this week found that around 1 million Australians are delaying or skipping specialist appointments due to high cost and lack of availability. Psychiatrists are at the top of the list, charging fees that are inaccessible to many Victorians, especially those on lower incomes. 

To make matters worse, there are no public ADHD diagnostic services provided by Victorian health services for adults over 25. Most patients have to pay over $1000 for a private diagnostic assessment, some up to $2000.

In 2023, the Greens-initiated Federal Senate inquiry into the availability of ADHD treatment and support services in 2023 highlighted the urgent need for reforms to improve access and affordability of care. 

According to the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, up to 480,000 children and adults living with ADHD in Victoria are unable to access diagnosis and treatment due the high out of pocket cost and lack of appointment availability. 

GPs already play an important role in supporting patients who have ADHD, and are well-placed to take on the roles of assessment and prescribing. This would ensure that people have greater access to potentially life-changing care, and in a more holistic context.

These changes would bring the state in line with similar reforms in NSW, QLD, and WA. 

The Greens are urging the Victorian Labor Government to act to ensure people are receiving the care they deserve, regardless of where they live or what they earn.

Dr Sarah Mansfield MP, Victorian Greens Spokesperson for Mental Health:

“GPs already provide important care supporting people living with ADHD, and are well-placed to have an expanded role in diagnosis and prescribing.

“The high demand and low availability of psychiatrists, especially in regional Victoria, means that many people living with ADHD are getting left behind. Access to care shouldn’t depend on your postcode or income. 

“Expanding the role of GPs would provide more accessible support to help people living with ADHD thrive and free up specialist psychiatric appointments to provide other care.”

“The Greens will continue to advocate for immediate and meaningful changes to improve the lives of people with ADHD.”

The Australian Greens are calling on the Albanese Government and the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) to engage in urgent and meaningful consultation with health professionals and disability support providers following growing concerns over the changes in the NDIS Annual Pricing Review 2024-25.

The changes would see a reduction in the hourly rate for some allied health professionals, a continuation of multi-year price freezes for others, and a reduction in travel rates for all allied health professionals. 

The reforms, set to take effect from 1 July 2025, would revise the Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits (PAPL) for the 2025–26 financial year. Concerns have been raised by physiotherapists, podiatrists, dieticians, speech pathologists, psychologists, support coordinators, plan managers and occupational therapists. 

The Greens have raised serious concerns about the impact of the changes on service access, particularly in rural, regional and remote communities, and for participants who rely on in-home, face-to-face supports. 

Senator Jordon Steele-John, Australian Greens spokesperson for Disability Inclusion and the NDIS. 

“I am hearing loud and clear from providers across the country – these changes would affect the quality and accessibility of services for NDIS participants.

“With the sector already under enormous pressure from the cost-of-living crisis, a reduction in hourly rates could mean professionals leaving the sector altogether and some organisations being forced to shut their doors.

“Disabled people are being squeezed on all sides. These changes are being proposed at the same time that many are being removed from the NDIS or having their supports cut, with no foundational support system in place to catch them.

“The Greens are calling on the Federal Government to ensure that any changes to NDIS pricing do not undermine access to essential services and supports.

“These decisions cannot be made in a vacuum. We need a transparent, respectful, and evidence-based approach that puts the needs of disabled people first and supports our hardworking allied health professionals and disability support providers.”

The ACT Greens say there’s no sense in scrapping the Rent Relief Fund when its cost to the budget is so small, and its positive impact in the community so large.

“Our job in the balance of power is to push back against the government when we think they’re making the wrong call,” said Shane Rattenbury, ACT Greens Leader.

“With 17 organisations sharing their fears about what will happen if the Rent Relief Fund is cut, this is one of those times when we think the government is making the wrong call.”

Mr Rattenbury was the Minister who established the Rent Relief Fund in 2023, and ensured funding continued in last year’s budget. Labor has now confirmed they intend to scrap it, in their first budget as a minority government next week.

“This critical support helps families and individuals in Canberra who might otherwise become homeless. It’s a terrible place to make savings in the budget,” Mr Rattenbury said.

“We’ve got a public housing waiting list in the ACT that barely moves because there aren’t enough properties, so if people lose their rental, where are they meant to go?

“The government only needs $1.7 million to keep this Fund going. If they need help finding that money, they can look to their own $3.8 million levy on Short Term Rentals that the Greens supported earlier this year, or they can pick up the proposal the Greens have given them to raise an extra $107 million by better taxing big corporations.”

Since its re-establishment in April 2023, the Rent Relief Fund has delivered over 1400 grants, equating to two grants per day, to households in need.

“This small spend has such a big impact. The Greens aren’t ready to give up on the Rent Relief Fund, so we’ll keep working with the community to get Labor to change their minds,” Mr Rattenbury said.

Earlier this month the Greens proposed a new tax rate for the largest corporations operating in the ACT, to keep paying for essential supports including the Rent Relief Fund.

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 17 June 2025. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions. 

Lord Mayoral Minutes  

Star Hotel heritage listing nomination

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that City of Newcastle write to the Heritage Council in support of the Star Hotel’s inclusion on the State Heritage Register.

Delegation to Ube

An amended Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported noting that Ube City has invited the Lord Mayor of Newcastle to lead a delegation of up to 10 to visit Ube for the 45-year celebration of the sister city relationship. The members of the delegation will be finalised in accordance with City of Newcastle’s Ube Sister City Policy.

Call for support for landslip affected residents

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that City of Newcastle write to the Minister for Recovery asking that the NSW Reconstruction Authority immediately take on the role of leading the recovery phase of the landslip in New Lambton, which for some residents may be long-term.

Acknowledging King’s birthday honours

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported acknowledging and congratulating the Novocastrians who received a King’s birthday honour in 2025.

Ordinary business 

Proposal for $2 inland swimming pool entry fee trial

Council voted to endorse an amended motion to implement a $2 pool entry fee trial at Beresfield, Mayfield, Stockton and Wallsend inland swimming pools for the 2025/26 swimming season. Lambton Pool will be actively considered for inclusion in any future expansion of the trial, or in the event that a permanent $2 fee structure is adopted, subject to further advice on risk management, safety, operational capacity and financial considerations.

Interest on overdue rates & charges for 2025/26

Council voted to adopt the maximum rate specified by the Minister for Local Government on interest on overdue rates and charges for the period 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026. All interest is waived for ratepayers who, on the basis of financial hardship, enter into an agreement to pay outstanding rates over an agreed period of time.

Adoption of Delivering Newcastle 2040 & making of the Rates & Charges

Council unanimously voted to adopt the 2025/2026 Delivering Newcastle 2040, the 2025/2026 Fees and Charges Register, the Resourcing Newcastle 2040 and make the Rates and Charges for the period 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026. Delivering Newcastle 2040 proposes a record Budget for 2025/2026 including a capital works program of $154.5 million, which is forecast to achieve a $300,000 net operating surplus.

Adoption of Council policies

Council unanimously voted to approve the amended Donations Program Policy and place both the Mobile Food Vending (Local Approvals) Policy and Outdoor Dining Policy on public exhibition for a period of 28 days.

Executive Monthly Performance Report

Council unanimously voted to receive the Executive Monthly Performance Report for May 2025.

Tender report – tree works services

Council voted to accept a tender for tree pruning, tree and stump removal and tree root grinding on public lands, roads and footways.

Notices of Motion 

Surfest 40th anniversary

Council unanimously supported an amended notice of motion recognising and celebrating the 40th anniversary of Surfest in 2026. Council will commemorate the milestone by commissioning a mural depicting Surfest to be delivered at Merewether Beach, with engagement via the Public Art Standing Committee. Council will also support and collaborate with the Surfest committee to host an event at City Hall celebrating Surfest and its success over 40 years, to coincide with the final challenger series event in 2026.

Protection and adaptive reuse of community facilities at 48 Mordue Parade Jesmond 

Council supported a notice of motion endorsing City of Newcastle staff to work with internal stakeholders to identify and recommend the optimal future use of the building at 48 Mordue Parade, Jesmond. This was formerly occupied by Heaton Birmingham Garden Bowling Club building, which has ceased trading. The land is designated as community land and the building and contents have been acquired by City of Newcastle. Council supports the adaptive reuse of this facility to deliver on the social needs of the Jesmond community.

World Environment Day 

Council unanimously supported an amended notice of motion that recognised World Environment Day was celebrated on 5 June and noted the work being done by City of Newcastle including through its Newcastle Environment Strategy.

Public lighting strategy 

Council unanimously supported an amended notice of motion that City of Newcastle commits to developing a comprehensive Public Lighting Strategy and supports continued funding for projects within City of Newcastle’s Delivery Program that continue to integrate lighting outcomes across existing and future public space and infrastructure programs.

Calling for Newcastle investment from the Housing Australia Future Fund 

Council laid the notice of motion on the table.

SIX The Musical 

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion noting the success of the global phenomenon SIX the Musical at the Civic Theatre from 10 April to 4 May, which delivered an estimated economic impact for overnight visitors of $1.199 million and $2.293 million combining local and out of area visitors.

Tackling anti-social behaviour in Wallsend 

Council unanimously supported an amended notice of motion that Council writes to the Member for Wallsend and Minister for Police offering to engage in constructive discussions to identify the best strategy to combat anti-social activity in Wallsend and increase police patrols in the area during high-risk times. 

Member for Ballina Tamara Smith MP today announced her support for the Relationship Australia NSW policy paper, and the calls for action it champions to support the 15% of older people aged 65+ who are abused and lack support services.

Tamara Smith MP, Member for Ballina

“There is a disgraceful head in the sand approach to the care and support for older people who are suffering abusive treatment. Reforms that ensure that funding and support services are available and accessible are essential when at least 15% of older people experience abuse.”

“As NSW Greens spokesperson for Older People, and a regional MP, I am happy to support the Relationships Australia NSW policy paper’s calls for action on the growing crisis of elder abuse.”

“It’s time to shine a light on the struggles that older people are facing. Every Australian should have access to support and with 28% of people 60+ living outside of Sydney, due consideration for the challenges to access that the regions face should be accounted for.”

“Funding, research and protections are needed right now to ensure that our elders are afforded dignity and respect.”

“50% of young adults under 30 are living at home. This changing dynamic within our family units sees the risk of elder abuse quietly rising in our own households.”

“Coercive control laws, and strong protections in Enduring Power of Attorney arrangements are vital, in conjunction with accessible services that speak to marginalised communities and the 3 in 10 seniors in NSW living beyond the reach of Sydney’s services.”

“Access is not a buzzword. 50% of older people 65+ are living with a disability. When you combine that statistic with those living regionally, the numbers are very grim indeed.”