Tiny tax tweak Budget a missed opportunity to get dental into Medicare, tax the big corporations: Greens

The Australian Greens have said today’s budget was a missed opportunity to deliver real cost of living relief by getting dental into Medicare, and to pay for it by making the big corporations pay their fair share of tax, which would have delivered more help than tiny tax tweaks that are 15 months away.

In a wealthy country like ours, everyone should be able to afford the basics – a home, food, and have access to world class health and education.

Instead, many people are struggling to afford the essentials while one in three big corporations is paying no tax.

Labor’s budget has delivered $56 billion in fossil fuel subsidies and $176 billion for wealthy property investors, but failed to deliver the bold reforms needed to support people being smashed by the skyrocketing cost-of-living.

The two new tax cuts announced by the government will barely scratch the surface for people struggling to pay for food or rent, and won’t come into effect for 15 months, with low income workers saving only 73 cents a day, which wouldn’t even cover one cup of coffee per week.

Meanwhile, the government’s previous stage three tax cuts delivered $4,500 in tax cuts for billionaires, with these new cuts increasing those savings to more than $5,000 for billionaires like Gina Rinehart and Clive Palmer.

There are no increases to Job Seeker or Youth Allowance in this budget, meaning the more than one million on these income supports will remain in poverty.

And the government has forecast billions more in cuts to the NDIS.

On housing, the government has fixed some of the problems the Greens have highlighted in the Help to Buy scheme, but there is nothing new for renters, who didn’t even get a mention in the Treasurer’s speech.

Climate and the environment got zero mention in the Treasurer’s speech as well. Perhaps this is not surprising as Labor has approved over 30 coal and gas projects in this term of Parliament alone and is gutting Australia’s environment laws.

The government is also continuing to pour billions of dollars more into nuclear submarines as AUKUS costs increase, with funding in this budget blowing out from $12 billion to $18 billion.

Labor has also broken its promise on refugees, by failing to increase the humanitarian intake.

In a sign that Greens’ pressure works, Labor did commit to adopting part of the Greens’ plan to see the GP for free, by tripling the bulk-billing incentive.

Labor also locked in their commitment to wipe 20 per cent off student debt, a step towards the Greens’ plan to wipe it completely.

Labor has also made a significant investment in women’s sexual and reproductive health, including cheaper contraceptives, more accessible menopause treatment, and investment in the maternal health workforce. This follows a Greens’ campaign including two Greens-initiated Senate inquiries.

However, the Greens say it is disappointing that rather than locking in that cost-of-living relief right now, Labor has used the cover of the budget to do a dodgy deal with Dutton to gut environment and climate laws.

While everyone was focused on the budget, Labor and the Liberals have teamed up to ram through legislation in Parliament to gut our climate and environment laws making it easier for big corporations to trash our precious natural environment and approve more coal and gas. 

It shows you can’t keep voting for the same two parties and expecting a different result.

This election the Greens will keep Dutton out and get Labor to act on what people need like getting dental and mental health into Medicare, seeing the GP for free, capping rent increases and lowering mortgages, and taking strong climate action.

The Greens’ previously announced plan to tax the excessive profits of big corporations across different sectors of the economy would raise $514 billion dollars over the next decade.

Leader of the Australian Greens, Adam Bandt MP:

“This tiny tax tweak budget was a missed opportunity to provide urgent cost of living relief, like dental into Medicare. Instead, Labor teamed up with the Liberals to gut our environment laws.

“An extra 73 cents a day in 15 months’ time won’t do much when your rent has already gone up hundreds of dollars a week.

“Billionaires and politicians still end up with tax cuts four times as big as low income earners.

“In a wealthy country like ours, everyone should be able to afford the basics: a home, food, and have access to world class health and education. 

“Under this Budget, one in three big corporations pays zero tax.

“We can’t keep voting for the same two parties and expecting a different result.

“We should tax big corporations and billionaires to fund what we all need like getting dental and mental health into Medicare, seeing the GP for free, capping rent increases and lowering mortgages, and taking strong climate action.

“There will be a minority government and the Greens are within reach of winning seats right across the country. Last time there was a minority government, the Greens got dental into Medicare for kids. This is our chance to deliver it for everyone.

“If you want change, the first step is to vote for it.”

Greens Treasury spokesperson, Senator Nick McKim:

“This budget is far more notable for what it doesn’t contain than what it does. It’s a massive, missed opportunity to deliver genuine cost of living relief funded by making ultra-wealthy billionaires and big corporations pay their fair share of tax.

“Instead of colluding with Peter Dutton to weaken Australian environment laws, Labor should have spent this week working with the Greens to put dental into Medicare and better protect our environment.”

Greens Finance spokesperson, Senator Barbara Pocock:

“Australians need cost-of-living relief and a wealthy country like ours can afford world class health and education services.

“These vital services depend on a healthy, well-funded public sector. We must end the rorting of consultants and the endless outsourcing of government services to private contractors.

“The way to get value for money and to ensure adequate services is to build capacity in the public service. We need assurances from Labor that the reduction in spending on external contractors will actually reduce the government’s reliance on consultants.”

Foreshore Park playspace to become flagship destination for inclusive recreation

Construction will begin this year on Newcastle’s first purpose-built inclusive playspace and waterplay area should councillors award a tender for the Foreshore Park project on Tuesday evening.

The regional-level playground has been developed following more than five years of input from the community and the Touched by Olivia Foundation, a charity dedicated to the creation of inclusive playspaces across Australia.

An artist's impression of the waterplay area, which is part of the inclusive Foreshore Park playground project.An artist’s impression of the waterplay area, which is part of the inclusive Foreshore Park playground project.

It was designed in accordance with the NSW Government’s Everyone Can Play guidelines and will promote intergenerational, inclusive play, with opportunities for visitors of all ages and abilities.

“Quality community spaces play a significant role in enhancing the lives of people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities,” Cr Pull said.

“When completed, this will be by far one of the best facilities in our city, and I am very proud that our city is in a position to deliver such a fantastic project. 

“This will create a flagship inclusive playspace that will become a thriving hub for intergenerational community building, positively supporting the physical and mental wellbeing of residents and visitors.”

Councillor Declan Clausen, who has submitted two notices of motion to Council this term supporting the delivery of the Foreshore Park playspace, said it would be a valued community facility. 

“City of Newcastle has been engaging with the community since 2020 to create a shared vision for the Foreshore Park precinct, to ensure it meets the needs and expectations as our premier regional park, for all Newcastle residents, workers and visitors to enjoy,” Cr Clausen said.

“We are committed to creating accessible and inclusive public spaces, ensuring high-quality playgrounds and park facilities are available to all Novocastrians.”

The playspace is the centrepiece of the Harbour Foreshore Masterplan and will be located at the western end of Foreshore Park.

It will have four separate zones including junior and toddler areas, water and nature-based play areas and quiet spaces, connected via accessible paths, seating, shade, gardens and lawns.

Bespoke playground equipment will add to its distinctly Newcastle character, including a central whale-themed swing and picnic area paying tribute to the city’s Worimi and Awabakal heritage.

The waterplay area will be linked to Newcastle’s maritime history and coastal ecologies, while an elevated “nuts and bolts” play structure will symbolise Newcastle’s strong industrial ties and include an accessible ramp to the first level of the tower.

An accessible slide, sandpit, carousel and sensory pathway are among the other key features of the inclusive design. Navigation through the space will be made easier with a logical and accessible path of travel, while charging points for wheelchairs and mobility devices are also included.

Final detailed designs will be completed by the successful tenderer before construction kicks off later in the year. 

Justine Perkins, Founder of Touched by Olivia, and Livvi’s Mum, said play is important and beneficial for everyone. 

“Creating (play)spaces that are fun, safe, welcoming and enjoyable by children, youth and adults alike, is what we are about,” Ms Perkins said.

“This Livvi’s Place design is truly inclusive and intergenerational and has a wonderful connection to place. 

“The nuts and bolts play tower features ramps and graduated stairs so all children and adults can join in the fun on the upper play decks, the incredible pathways and accessible routes for fun and adventure throughout, and the multitude of challenge and choice, will ensure there are many, many play hours for us all at Foreshore Park. 

“The design is subtle and seamless and shows how creative inclusive design can be. 

“City of Newcastle has been a fantastic partner. They have been committed to really listening to the children, youth and community and ensuring co-creation from the start. 

“This playspace is a testament to their understanding that we all want to and need to be able to get outdoors and play together, with others, in our community to ensure we live happier, healthier lives.”

Access Inclusion Advisory Committee Co-Chair Councillor Elizabeth Adamczyk said the Foreshore Park playspace will contribute to an even more liveable, sustainable and inclusive Newcastle.

“The playspace project is a wonderful example of collaboration between City of Newcastle, our community and Touched by Olivia,” Cr Adamczyk said.

“Accessibility considerations have been incorporated into all aspects of the design, from the way users navigate through and interact with the space, to the choice and layout of the equipment and the inclusion of quiet areas to cater for everyone.

“The playspace and water play area will transform the Harbour Foreshore into an even more inviting recreational space that is inclusive and accessible for all members of the community, enabling children and youth of all abilities and ages to play side by side.”

Newcastle mother Amanda Robertson, who is also a community representative on City of Newcastle’s Access Inclusion Standing Committee, said her family was excited about the playspace. 

“As a family, we struggle to find safe accessible spaces for our twins who have a disability to play, explore and connect with the community,” Ms Robertson said.

“Not only will this playspace provide a unique opportunity for our children, and other children with disabilities, to enjoy playing outside, it’s also a step towards creating a more inclusive community. We are excited and grateful to have this opportunity available to us.”

The playspace will be complemented by a fully accessible amenities building and kiosk, which is currently under construction in Foreshore Park. It includes unisex ambulant toilets, a parent’s change room, and a Changing Places facility.

The Foreshore Park projects are supported by the NSW Government, Variety the Children’s Charity, the Touched by Olivia Foundation and the Newcastle Port Community Contribution Fund.

Newcastle creators invited to help shape new collection

Library lover and illustrator Laura Baker is being given the chance to combine her passions as part of a call for community contributions to a dedicated “zine” zone at Newcastle Libraries.

The 20-year-old TAFE student, who is completing a diploma of Library and Information Services, is among the first local zine-makers to have their work included within the new collection, which will be officially launched at the City branch next month.

City of Newcastle Innovative Collection Developer Emma Callaghan sits alongside James Turvey and Laura Baker with their zines to be featured in the new collection at Newcastle City Library.City of Newcastle Innovative Collection Developer Emma Callaghan sits alongside James Turvey and Laura Baker with their zines to be featured in the new collection at Newcastle City Library.

Zines are a type of small, self-published booklet or magazine often used as an outlet for personal expression, art, ideas or written stories, with no limitations on creativity or subject matter.

City of Newcastle’s Director Museum Archive Libraries and Learning, Julie Baird, said the new collection reinforces Newcastle Libraries’ role as a hub for self-expression and a custodian of cultural history.

“Zines have played a vital role in Newcastle’s youth, art, music and skate scenes for over 40 years, offering a uniquely liberating platform for creatives to express their ideas freely, outside the constraints of traditional publishing,” Ms Baird said.

“This collection is a significant statement of time and history, preserving voices, images and stories of our community for future generations. We invite zine makers, both local and from afar, to contribute their work and take part in archiving a piece of Newcastle’s cultural heritage.”

Library worker and archivist James Turvey, who has been making zines since he was 14 and working in libraries for over a decade, is passionate about documenting and preserving local stories that might otherwise be lost. 

The 42-year-old sees his contribution to the collection as his way of giving back to the community, showcasing the local skate scene while also making independent publishing more accessible. 

“Zines are a snapshot of a moment in time, whether it’s personal, political, or creative. They capture voices, ideas, and movements that don’t always make it into mainstream history,” Mr Turvey said. 

“Making creative work from within the community accessible is really important and having this space at Newcastle City Library will expose people to zines that might not otherwise have come across them.”

For emerging creators like Ms Baker, who started making zines two years ago, the collection offers a valuable opportunity to share their work and inspire others to explore the medium. 

“What I love about zines is the variety, some have poems, illustrations, comics, collages, photography or short fiction, and others are just unique. You can really do anything, and that’s what makes them so exciting,” she said.

“It’s a really accessible format and anyone can make them, all you need is a piece of paper and an idea. 

“I want to keep telling stories, it’s something I enjoy putting out into the world and I’m excited to share my work through this collection.” 

Creators interested in submitting their work to the collection can drop their donations at Newcastle City Library before Saturday, 5 April, when a special event will be held to officially launch of the zine collection.

The event will feature a mini zine market, a hands-on zine-making workshop and a panel discussion led by James Turvey. The discussion will feature acclaimed zine-makers Vanessa Berry, Nina Katzmarski, and Bastian Fox, who will chat about zine culture, collaboration, and community.

Visit the Newcastle Libraires website to find out more information about the zine collection.

Council update: Ordinary Council Meeting Tuesday 25 March 2025

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council Meeting of Tuesday 25 March 2025. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions. 

Lord Mayoral Minutes  

Five years on from COVID-19

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that acknowledged the work of City of Newcastle staff during the pandemic to continue delivering essential services throughout shutdown periods and acknowledged the work, commitment and dedication of emergency services and health and care workers in our local region.

Newcastle Maritime Museum Society

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that notes the CEO has confirmed his intention to write to Venues NSW seeking they waive the rent for the Newcastle Maritime Museum Society (NMMS) for a period of 12 months and seeks clarification on the relationship between the Lord Mayor and members of the committee, including any financial contributions to his election campaign. It also refers this matter to Davidson for consideration as part of the Davidson Review, noting the presence of conflicts of interest, the expenditure of ratepayers’ funds, and that the review is yet to be finalised and is set to be reported to Council in April 2025.

Supporting community safety in Beaumont Street

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that resolved to hold a workshop for all councillors to explore further strategies to reduce antisocial behaviour in Beaumont Street, Hamilton and continue working with State Government agencies and representatives to develop future plans to improve the street.

Ordinary business

Tender report – Design and construction Foreshore Park playspaces

Council voted to accept a tender for design and construction of the Foreshore Park play space, which will be an inclusive, community hub for intergenerational community building, and will be of a quality and scale that is commensurate with the role of the park and its importance to the city and the region.

Tender report – Carnley Avenue and Orchardtown Road traffic control signals

Council voted unanimously to accept a tender for installation of Orchardtown Road/Carnley Avenue traffic control signals and related civil works as part of the completion of the Blackbutt Village Local Centre upgrade.

Endorsement of Motions for Submissions to the 2025 National General Assembly and nomination of voting delegate

Council voted unanimously to nominate Councillor Winney-Baartz as City of Newcastle’s voting delegate at the Australian Local Government Association’s 2025 National General Assembly.

Adoption of the Newcastle Affordable Housing Scheme

Council voted to endorse finalising the statutory proposal to amend the Newcastle Local Environmental Plan 2012 to give effect to the Newcastle Affordable Housing Contributions Scheme, allowing City of Newcastle to impose conditions of consent on development applications for certain developments to levy affordable housing contributions.

Broadmeadow Place Strategy

Council voted unanimously to adopt the Broadmeadow Place Strategy and request that the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces issue a Ministerial Direction under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 to give the Place Strategy legal effect.

Notices of Motion

Recognising transgender day of visibility

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion to recognise and acknowledge International Transgender Day on 31 March each year to show our support for Newcastle’s transgender and gender diverse community.

Helping people in Northern NSW get back on their feet after ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred

The NSW Reconstruction Authority has helped more than 5680 people in Northern NSW get back on their feet after Tropical Cyclone Alfred through its Recovery Assistance Points and outreach services.

Recovery Assistance Points will stay open in key locations this week to make sure that communities in Northern NSW get the help that they need.

Recovery Assistance Points can be found at the following locations and times this week:

  • Lismore: Southern Cross University, Military Road, East Lismore, Room V1.19.
    Monday 24 to Friday 28 March from 9am to 5pm
  • Tweed: Tweed South Community Hall – Corner Heffron Street and Minjungbal Drive, South Tweed Heads
    Monday 24 to Friday 28 March from 9am to 5pm
  • Woodburn: Woodburn Memorial Hall, 127 River Street, Woodburn
    Tuesday 25 March from 12pm to 7pm
    Wednesday 26 March from 9am to 3pm


Mobile community outreach has also been undertaken to ensure that smaller communities are also able to connect with supports available and access financial and other assistance.


The Reconstruction Authority has already visited Kyogle, Ocean Shores, Mullumbimby, Murwillumbah, Byron Bay, Coraki, Woodburn, Wardell, Dorrigo, Bellingen and Nana Glen. More visits are planned and will be announced very soon.


Support available for anyone who needs help at these one-stop shops includes direct support like grocery vouchers and hardship grants as well as legal, insurance and business advice, mental health and wellbeing services.
Anyone who has experienced lengthy power outages or evacuation orders is eligible for a Personal Hardship Assistance Payment of $180 for individuals and up to $900 for a family of five through Service NSW.

Service NSW has already distributed $1.5 million in Personal Hardship Allowance Payments to help people in Northern NSW get back on their feet. Anyone who needs support can visit a Recovery Assistance Point or Service NSW Centre to apply. You can also apply online through Service NSW at www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/northern-nsw-storm-relief-grant-individuals-march-2025;


Services Australia is also on hand at Recovery Assistance Points to help people who have lost income access income support and other Federal Government payments.


Small businesses and primary producers in Local Government Areas included in the Natural Disaster Declaration may be eligible for concessional loans up to $130,000 and primary producers may also be eligible for transport subsidies of up to $15,000. Applications can be made online via the Rural Assistance Authority – https://www.raa.nsw.gov.au/disaster-assistance/ndrl. Primary producers and small businesses can also call 1800 678 593 or email rural.assist@raa.nsw.gov.au for help with their applications.


Information on where to find help and the assistance available, including eligibility criteria for grants and how to apply, can be found at nsw.gov.au/cyclonealfredrecovery.


NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said:
“We are going to do everything we can to make sure people across Northern NSW can get back on their feet as quickly as possible. If you need help to support your family or to get your business back on track, then come to one of our Recovery Assistance Points.


“These one stop shops for anyone who needs help will stay open this week and the Reconstruction Authority will be visiting other communities too to make sure we don’t leave anyone behind.”


NSW Reconstruction Authority CEO Mal Lanyon said:
“The Reconstruction Authority has been working closely with residents in the 18 impacted Local Government Areas following Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred to ensure those impacted have access to the support they require.”


“We will continue to work through the Recovery Coordinator, Councils and our NGO partners to assist communities to recover.”

Additional NSW Ambulance paramedics for Yamba

The Northern Zone has received a significant boost to frontline emergency care with an additional 7 paramedics starting work this month.

This workforce expansion is part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to deliver 500 additional paramedics to regional and rural areas, ensuring these communities continue to receive timely and high-quality emergency medical care.

These additional paramedics will be based out of Yamba Ambulance Station, providing emergency and mobile health care across the Northern Zone as part of NSW Ambulance’s highly mobile workforce.

This workforce boost comes as part of the Strategic Workforce and Infrastructure Team (SWIFT) Program, which is delivering 2,500 additional NSW Ambulance staff, including 500 paramedics to rural and regional areas, and 30 new ambulance stations.

The new starters in the Northern Zone form part of an additional 125 paramedics set to begin working across regional NSW within the next few months. These 125 paramedics are the second group to join NSW Ambulance as part of the regional 500, with 125 paramedics starting work in regional NSW last year.

Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park: 

“We promised the people of regional, rural and remote NSW we’d deliver them 500 new paramedics, and I am really proud that the second cohort is about to hit the road and take up new roles in the bush.

“These highly skilled paramedics will help drive better health outcomes for patients and their families, ensuring regional communities receive the same high-quality care as metropolitan areas.

“We are committed to investing in our frontline healthcare workforce to support our paramedics and provide better emergency services to the people of NSW.”

Government Spokesperson for Clarence, Emily Suvaal MLC:

“The Minns Labor Government committed to improving health outcomes for the people of regional and rural New South Wales, and that is exactly what we’re doing.

“I welcome the new paramedics starting work in Yamba this month, and thank them for their work in providing effective, safe, and timely care to our regional communities.”

NSW Ambulance Chief Executive, Dr Dominic Morgan: 

“This boost to our workforce in Yamba will help our clinicians deliver better health outcomes for patients, while also providing more support to our existing NSW Ambulance staff in regional NSW.

“As demand for our services continues to grow, we remain committed to providing excellence in care to our patients now and into the future.”

Additional NSW Ambulance paramedics for Albury and Deniliquin

The Murrumbidgee Zone has received a significant boost to frontline emergency care with an additional 25 paramedics starting work.

This workforce expansion is part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to deliver 500 additional paramedics to regional and rural areas, ensuring these communities continue to receive timely and high-quality emergency medical care.

These additional paramedics will providing emergency and mobile health care across the Murrumbidgee Zoneas part of NSW Ambulance’s highly mobile workforce.

10 additional paramedics will be based out Albury Ambulance Station and 15 additional paramedics will be based out of Deniliquin.

This workforce boost comes as part of the Strategic Workforce and Infrastructure Team (SWIFT) Program, which is delivering 2,500 additional NSW Ambulance staff, including 500 paramedics to rural and regional areas, and 30 new ambulance stations.

The new starters in the Murrumbidgee Zone form part of an additional 125 paramedics set to begin working across regional NSW within the next few months. These 125 paramedics are the second group to join NSW Ambulance as part of the regional 500, with 125 paramedics starting work in regional NSW last year.

Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park: 

“We promised the people of regional, rural and remote NSW we’d deliver them 500 new paramedics, and I am really proud that the second cohort is about to hit the road and take up new roles in the bush.

“These highly skilled paramedics will help drive better health outcomes for patients and their families, ensuring regional communities receive the same high-quality care as metropolitan areas.

“We are committed to investing in our frontline healthcare workforce to support our paramedics and provide better emergency services to the people of NSW.”

Government Spokesperson for Albury, Tara Moriarty MLC:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to ensuring rural and regional communities have access to high-quality healthcare by increasing our frontline workforce.

“Another 10 paramedics in Albury is a major boost to local ambulance services and a clear commitment from the Minns Government to regional communities.”

Member for Murray, Helen Dalton:

“Deniliquin and surrounding districts in the Murray electorate are in desperate need of highly skilled first responders. These 15 new recruits is a great start to addressing frontline essential workers staffing and recruitment shortfalls in the bush.

“Rural and remote regions deserve the same quality of medical care as our urban cousins. It’s reassuring to see the government committing to ensure better health outcomes for us in the bush.

“Paramedics play a critical role in rural and remote communities. Any boost to health care services in the bush is always welcomed, so I’m pleased to see an increase in paramedic numbers in the area.”

NSW Ambulance Chief Executive, Dr Dominic Morgan: 

“This boost to our workforce in Albury and Deniliquin will help our clinicians deliver better health outcomes for patients, while also providing more support to our existing NSW Ambulance staff in regional NSW.

“As demand for our services continues to grow, we remain committed to providing excellence in care to our patients now and into the future.

Biennale of Sydney returning to White Bay Power Station to celebrate its 25th edition

The Biennale of Sydney, one of the world’s leading international contemporary art events, will return to White Bay Power Station for its milestone 25th edition from 14 March – 14 June 2026. 

Following the incredible success of last year’s inaugural event at the historic landmark, the Biennale of Sydney will again power up the city’s cultural energy, continuing to enrich Australia’s engagement with the international art world. 

After 40 years of lying dormant, the old White Bay Power Station opened a year ago to host its first Biennale of Sydney as the city’s newest cultural space, combining bold contemporary art and a century old heritage building that proved a compelling event for art and history buffs alike, attracting 174,000 attendees. 

First held in 1973 and every two years since, the Biennale of Sydney is one of the longest running events of its kind in the world and has grown to become a significant visitor drawcard on Sydney’s major cultural calendar. Next year’s event is projected to attract more than 27,000 visitors to Sydney who will inject an estimated $18 million into the NSW visitor economy. 

Aligning with the state’s first cultural and creative industries policy, Creative Communities, and the recent review of the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy, Biennale of Sydney underscores the NSW Government’s commitment to creating inimitable cultural experiences for Sydney locals and visitors, to achieve its stretch goal of making the NSW visitor economy a $91 billion powerhouse by 2035. 

White Bay Power Station was conserved by Placemaking NSW and transformed into a unique arts, cultural and creative industries space. The NSW Government is developing a long-term strategy for the building to ensure that it becomes a cultural asset for current and future generations.  

The program for the 25th Biennale of Sydney in 2026 will be announced later this year. Entry to the festival is free with more information available on the Biennale of Sydney website. 

For more information visit the White Bay Power Station website.

NSW Minister for the Arts, John Graham said: 

“The White Bay Power Station is a bold canvas for the colour and creativity of the Biennale of Sydney so it’s great to see it coming back next year. 

“It’s so exciting to have this former power station firing for big cultural events. It has the scale to stage big works, stunning backdrops, all centrally located for art lovers around Sydney and beyond. 

“We encourage everyone around the city, the state and the country to make plans to come to the 25th Biennale of Sydney at the White Bay Power Station in 2026.” 

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said: 

“The return of the Biennale will further cement White Bay Power Station’s status as a building dedicated to arts and culture.  

“The NSW Government invested $100 million to transform the historic landmark into public space for everyone in NSW to explore and enjoy. It will be great to see crowds flock to the facility again for the 25th Biennale.” 

Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said: 

“The Biennale of Sydney will be a standout on the NSW events calendar next year showcasing Sydney as a global cultural hub where art and creativity is celebrated. 

“The White Bay Power Station is an iconic venue and a place where locals and visitors can enjoy the most exciting and cutting-edge cultural experiences.”

Biennale of Sydney Chief Executive Officer Barbara Moore said: 

“The Biennale of Sydney was the first cultural organisation to bring White Bay Power Station to life, transforming this iconic and historic landmark into a dynamic hub for community events and exhibitions of international calibre. 

“The overwhelming success of the Biennale’s 24th edition showed the incredible potential of this space to inspire, engage, and connect people through a festival of contemporary art, music, and ideas. We are proud to return to White Bay Power Station in 2026 for the 25th edition in one of the city’s most exciting new creative precincts.” 

Minns Labor Government delivers on rental reform by ending no grounds evictions on 19 May 2025

More than 2.3 million renters in NSW will be better off thanks to the latest round of changes to rental laws which will help create a fairer rental market, including ending ‘no-grounds’ evictions and making it easier to keep a pet.

The reforms will come into effect on 19 May 2025 following extensive consultation with renters, investors, animal welfare groups and industry representatives.

They follow changes which commenced in October last year which ensure renters cannot be charged for background checks and limit rent increases to once per year.

Further reforms, including stronger privacy protections for renters and the introduction of a portable rental bond scheme, are set to be introduced later in 2025.

The latest key changes include:

  • Ending no-grounds evictions: Owners will now be required to provide a valid reason to end all lease types. Longer notice periods will apply for some leases, giving renters greater certainty and time to find a new home, while ensuring investors can still effectively manage their properties. Renters who find a new property after receiving an evictions notice will also have improved rights to end a lease early.
  • New rules for pets in rental homes: Tenants will be able to apply to keep a pet in their rental home, with owners only able to refuse for specific reasons, such as the owner living at the property or failure to comply with local council laws. A standard application form and process has been developed to make the system clearer and more efficient for both renters and owners. Approval will be automatic if owners do not respond to pet applications within 21 days.
  • Fee-free ways to pay rent: Renters will have access to convenient, free and electronic payment options such as direct bank transfer, preventing extra fees that can add to rental costs.

The NSW Rental Commissioner has engaged with more than 100 stakeholders including tenant advocates, owners and property providers, industry associations, animal welfare groups, and real estate agents, and also launched industry education to inform the rollout of these changes.

NSW Fair Trading continues to build awareness of the law changes, with a comprehensive engagement campaign already underway across online platforms which has seen visits to NSW Fair Trading’s rental information pages surge to more than 1.2 million page views between July and December last year.

Fair Trading officers have also hosted community information sessions attracting more than 4,000 registrations and recently hit the road to Dubbo to conduct information sessions about the upcoming changes, with further engagements planned for Western Sydney and the Sydney Royal Easter Show soon.

Backed by an $8.4 million investment, the Rental Taskforce within NSW Fair Trading will lead the way in ensuring compliance with the new laws.

People are encouraged to visit the NSW Fair Trading website for clear, up-to-date guidance on the new rental laws and their rights and obligations on the Renting a place to live webpage.

Premier Chris Minns:

“Today we are letting renters and owners know these major changes will begin in under two months’ time.

“By banning no grounds evictions, this will give renters much-needed housing security. This will let them make a house a home.

“This will make it fairer for millions of renters by bringing the rental market into the 21st century.

“More people than ever are renting, and they are renting for longer.

“With more than two million renters in NSW and over 600,000 investors, we have taken the time to get these major changes right.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong:

“Whether it’s ending no-grounds evictions, making it easier to keep pets, or ensuring renters have fee-free ways to pay rent, these reforms deliver practical improvements that will benefit millions of people across NSW.

“These reforms are about creating a fairer, more balanced rental market that gives tenants greater security while ensuring owners have clear and transparent processes to follow.

“We’ve listened to renters, owners, and industry experts to shape these changes, and we’ll continue working closely with stakeholders to ensure the transition is smooth and well understood.”

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson:

“Ending no-grounds evictions is a massive win for renters. It gives people the stability they need to build a life and plan for the future.

“We’ve inherited a rental system that was never designed for long-term tenants — this reform starts to lay new foundations for a fairer system.

“Housing security shouldn’t be a privilege, it should be the baseline. These changes finally begin to reflect that in law.

“You can’t tackle the housing crisis without fixing renting. This is a vital step toward a system that delivers real stability and security for the millions of people in NSW who rent.”

NSW Rental Commissioner Trina Jones:

“From regional roadshows to industry roundtables, our team has been on the ground meeting with stakeholders across NSW – holding 41 engagement sessions this financial year alone to ensure diverse voices are reflected in the way we communicate and implement these changes.

“Understanding your rights and responsibilities under the new rental laws will help you avoid penalties and disputes, and NSW Fair Trading is here to ensure renters, owners, and agents have the right information to comply with the changes.

“There’s no need to rely on misinformation or guesswork and it doesn’t matter if you’re a renter, owner or agent – from commencement we will make information available on the NSW Fair Trading website for clear, up-to-date guidance on rental laws and obligations.”

“A fresh start” that’s gone nowhere – two years of the Minns Labor government

Two years ago, Chris Minns campaigned on “a fresh start” and stood shoulder to shoulder with Anthony Albanese.
 
Today, we’re stuck with the same old Labor – all talk, no delivery.
 
No commitment to new metro projects and any construction not before 2040 (and finishing many years after that).
Deteriorating hospital emergency department and elective surgery waiting lists and times.
Ongoing union chaos across our transport systems.
A housing crisis getting worse by the week.
Announcements that become re-announcements. 
 
Labor’s own plans quietly confirm what families across Western Sydney already know – that little is getting built. Critical road infrastructure projects like the Eastern Ring Road, Devonshire Link Road, and Bradfield Metro Link Road have zero funding and zero construction before 2040, with lengthy delays on other projects.
 
The Minns Labor Government inherited momentum, progress and ribbons to cut from the Liberals and Nationals, but now all it delivers are delays, reviews and spin.
 
This isn’t a fresh start. This is Bob Carr Labor all over again – and Chris Minns is taking his cues straight from Anthony Albanese.
 
Big promises. Slick press conferences. Announcements. Re-announcements and no results.
 
This week NSW will hear the same tired lines from the Premier when he says, “We know there’s more to do”, “Nobody’s taking a victory lap” and that “no one’s doing a lap of honour” and that “the “average voter doesn’t think about it”.
 
But the people of NSW have thought about it.
 
They’ve noticed the metro projects will now stop.
They’ve noticed hospital wait times are blowing out.
They’ve noticed the unions are running the show.
They’ve noticed nothing is being delivered.
They’ve noticed no real cost of living relief.
 
The Liberals and Nationals delivered the roads, the hospitals, the schools, the metros and cost of living relief. We got NSW moving.
 
Labor promised a fresh start. All we’ve got is a dead stop.
 
NSW is worse off under the Minns Labor Government.