After significant delay, the Minns Labor Government has finalised Stage 2 of its Low and Mid-Rise Housing Reforms with no plan to deliver the roads, schools, and essential services needed to support growing communities.
The Coalition believe that higher-density housing around transport hubs is a sensible way to grow our cities—when it’s done right, with proper infrastructure and community input. The Coalition will continue our constructive engagement with the Government to build a planning system that is fit for purpose to support the delivery of greatly needed housing growth.
NSW Opposition Leader Mark Speakman said that whilst the Government picked 171 town centres and stations across metropolitan Sydney, the Central Coast, Illawarra and Hunter for additional density, the Minns Labor Government has failed to outline an infrastructure plan to support these communities.
“You don’t build the house before laying the foundation, but that’s exactly what Labor is doing—establishing density without the infrastructure to support it. Labor refuse to commit a single dollar in additional infrastructure funding for the 171 targeted communities as a result of these reforms,” Mr Speakman said.
“Train stations and town centres alone do not make a liveable community. We want to see more homes built, but well-located areas come with upgrades to roads, schools, hospitals and essential public space to support denser communities.
“For local communities to embrace new developments and to make a dent into the housing crisis, the Government must provide the funding to address schools that are already overcrowded, roads that are gridlocked, and local hospitals under strain.”
Shadow Planning and Housing Minister Scott Farlow said that while Labor have now finalised their plan for density, there was no infrastructure plan to support it.
“The Coalition support planned growth around public transport hubs, but Labor’s approach is all density, no infrastructure,” Mr Farlow said.
“Without proper investment in services communities will suffer. It’s vital that these reforms are matched with a supporting plan to ease congestion and improve local services.
“Labor introduced a $12,000 tax on every new home, which has made development less feasible across NSW.
“While Labor’s been happy to collect the tax, they still haven’t outlined a detailed infrastructure plan to show what will be delivered,” Mr Farlow concluded.
Chris Minns needs to pick up the phone, call Anthony Albanese, call Murray Watt
The Minns Labor Government has lost the plot. The RTBU is running the show, the train network is in freefall, and commuters are being treated like collateral damage.
Premier – pick up the phone, call your ally Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and admit what everyone in NSW already knows—you haven’t got a clue how to fix the mess you created by your unaffordable promises to union bosses before the election. Ask him to send in Murray Watt, the federal Workplace Relations Minister, and see if he has the spine to pull the handbrake on this rolling disaster.
Because this is no longer just a state issue—this is a full-blown Labor catastrophe, and the federal government has the power to stop it by invoking section 431 of the Fair Work Act. But what do we hear from Anthony Albanese and Murray Watt? Silence.
They could fix this today, but they won’t. Because Labor is Labor. Whether it’s in Sydney or Canberra, the unions pull the strings, and Chris Minns, Anthony Albanese and Murray Watt are all too weak to cut them.
Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said Chris Minns has lost control, and he knows it.
“Chris Minns has two choices—call in Murray Watt or keep pretending he’s in charge while Sydney grinds to a halt,” Mr Speakman said.
And what about Murray Watt? He’s ghosting New South Wales.
The only time we see Murray Watt act is when it suits Canberra’s politics, but when it comes to protecting NSW’s economy, he’s nowhere to be found. He and Anthony Albanese have left Chris Minns to flounder like a deer in the headlights—too scared to fix the problem, too scared to be attached to it.
Shadow Minister for Transport and Roads Natalie Ward said Chris Minns has one job—keep NSW moving and he’s failed.
“If he won’t stand up to the RTBU, then let’s see if his ally Anthony Albanese has any backbone. Because right now, NSW has no Premier—just a union sheep in a suit,” Ms Ward said.
Shadow Minister for Industrial Relations and Transport Damien Tudehope said Chris Minns isn’t running NSW—the RTBU is.
“He’s too scared to stand up to them, too scared to ask Canberra for help, and too scared to admit he’s failed. If he had any guts, he’d be on the phone to Anthony Albanese.”
What’s it going to be, Premier?
Are you going to keep fumbling through this crisis like a bad episode of “Yes, Minister,” or are you going to call your ally and ask for help?
NSW deserves better than this circus.
$13.6 million investment for world-class Illawarra sporting and community facility
The Albanese Government will invest $13.6 million towards the St George Illawarra Dragons Community and High Performance Centre (CHPC) – a world-class precinct and facility which would create significant legacy for sporting teams, fans and the Illawarra community into the future.
This Federal investment will allow the Dragons’ existing facilities to come together under one roof at the University of Wollongong’s Innovation Campus and allows for new opportunities for the Club’s elite and junior representative programs, as well a community partnership programs.
Critically, the new CHPC will enable increased female participation in sport, with an additional 6,000 women expected to play in the region over the next decade.
Community and High Performance Centres across the country have formed the pathways for so many athletes to go on to major national and international success.
The collaboration between the University of Wollongong and the St George Illawarra Dragons for the CHPC aims to deepen engagement with the wider Illawarra community through partnerships, programs, collaboration and learning.
The Albanese Government’s investment, alongside funding from the NSW Government and the St George Illawarra Dragons Club will deliver:
- Two full-sized NRL playing fields.
- Equitable male and female player facilities.
- Medical and treatment facilities.
- High-performance gym and sport science areas.
- Lecture theatre and meeting rooms.
- Community classroom and program spaces including an internal ‘grandstand’.
- Office space for football, community and administration staff, as well as for community partners.
- Communal function rooms.
- University of Wollongong research collaboration space.
- Allied Health area.
The St George Illawarra Dragons’ CHPC project is due to be completed in 2026.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:
“My Government understands the important role that community sporting facilities play in the quality of life for Australians.
“Our investment of $13.6 million to the St George Illawarra Dragons’ Community and High Performance Centre will provide a base for the Dragons to deliver the next chapter for the Illawarra.
“The Centre will include world-class high-performance training, administration and community facilities as well as community programs to foster even greater rugby league talent.
“This project will help build a better future for the Dragons, University of Wollongong and the Illawarra community.”
the Minister for Sport, Anika Wells:
“The Albanese Government is determined to bridge gender sporting gaps and this investment in the Dragons new facility will help more women and girls have access to more sport.
“Having equitable male and female player facilities is what women in professional sport deserve.”
the Member for Whitlam, Stephen Jones:
“Sport is a major part of family life across the region, and the St George Illawarra Dragons are an integral part of the Illawarra community.
The Albanese Government is backing our region by investing in a world-class facility and community programs that families across the Illawarra will enjoy.
Kids across the Illawarra will now have access to the best facilities that will grow their love for the game of rugby league, while building resilient and healthy communities.
The Illawarra has a top-notch university and this investment will grow the Illawarra and our regions even further.”
the Member for Cunningham, Alison Byrnes:
“The St George Illawarra Dragons’ Community and High-Performance Centre will be a game-changer for the Illawarra, providing pathways for inclusive sporting opportunities, and upgrades to our much-needed community and sporting infrastructure.
“This state-of-the-art facility supported by the Albanese Labor Government will foster greater participation in sport – particularly for women and girls – while also supporting First Nations communities, Pasifika groups, and people of all abilities.
“With a strong focus on health, education, and community engagement, the CHPC will connect people through sport, learning, and resilience-building programs in partnership with the University of Wollongong.”
St George Illawarra Dragons CEO, Ryan Webb:
“On behalf of the Dragons, I’d like to sincerely thank Prime Minster Albanese and the Federal Government for believing in our vision and helping this project to become a reality.
“This Community and High Performance Centre will bring all our staff, coaches and male and female players together under one roof in a state-of-the-art facility that will take our preparation to the next level.
“The CHPC will also provide a significant boost to the local community via access to the NRL fields and community and education program spaces.”
National Foundation for Australia-China Relations grants and board appointments
I am pleased to announce the recipients of the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations grants round for 2024-25, and new appointments to its Advisory Board.
The Foundation is providing 29 grants to support cooperation and engagement between the people of Australia and China. These programs are focused on building capability in Australian industry, boardrooms, community and institutions to foster engagement in a risk-informed way.
The initiatives receiving grants are listed on the Foundation’s website and include:
- Long-term investment in Australia’s China capability, through scholarships and exchange programs for students, and training and mentoring programs for Australian businesses, academics and members of the public sector.
- Research, dialogue and cooperation in the priority areas of climate change, sustainable agriculture and decarbonisation.
- Celebrating Chinese-Australians with initiatives sharing the stories of those making powerful contributions to our communities.
- Through the convening power of sport, education and the arts, building understanding of Australia in China, and supporting stronger people-to-people connections.
Today I also announce the appointment of Advisory Board members for the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations.
The Advisory Board helps guide the Foundation in its work to promote and coordinate enhanced cooperation between Australia and China, in support of Australia’s national interest.
I am pleased to appoint Ms Wendy Huang, Publisher and Managing Director, 1688/Chinese Herald Australia to the Advisory Board.
I am pleased to confirm that Mr Rowan Callick, Dr Yin Cao, Ms Wesa Chau, Dr Courtney Fung, Mr Douglas Gautier AM, Ms Marina Go AM, Dr Jade Little, Professor Sharon Lewin AO, Mr Richard McGregor and Professor Rory Medcalf AM have been reappointed to the Advisory Board.
I am also delighted Ms Marina Go AM has accepted my invitation to become Chair of the Foundation in June 2025.
I pay tribute to outgoing Chair Ms Pru Bennett for her contribution to the Foundation as Chair since 2020.
I also thank outgoing Board Members Professor Brian Schmidt AC and Professor Duncan Lewis AO DSC CSC for their valuable support to the Foundation over recent years.
I look forward to the Foundation’s continued work to strengthen engagement with China in Australia’s interest and to reinforce social cohesion by partnering with Chinese-Australian communities to showcase their contributions.
200,000 young people to be better off under Greens’ changes to JobSeeker and Youth Allowance
200,000 more young people would get access to JobSeeker or Youth Allowance or increased payments to support them in further studies under the Greens’ proposed changes to eligibility criteria announced today in the party’s target seat of Wills in Melbourne’s inner north.
The PBO-costed election commitment will lower the JobSeeker eligibility age from 22 to 18 and eliminate the Youth Allowance parental income test for young people living away from home.
These changes will increase the average Youth Allowance payment for existing recipients by $4,700 and make 68,000 young people who are currently locked out of the payment newly eligible.
A further 76,000 Youth Allowance recipients will also become eligible for the higher JobSeeker payment, putting an average of $4,900 extra into their pockets in 2025-26.
The plan will cost $7.2 billion over the forward estimates.
The announcement comes as a growing number of students and young people face precarious housing, rising rents and soaring out of pocket costs. Among undergraduates considering leaving university early, 40% of them say that financial difficulties are the reason.
Today’s announcement is the first of a number of election commitments the Greens will make as part of the party’s plan to reform the social safety net and tackle poverty.
Australian Greens leader Adam Bandt MP:
“Finishing school and working out what’s next is a pivotal time for young people, but with rents, education fees and the cost of living all rising, many of them are finding completing further study is not a path they can afford.
“Starting out your adult life shouldn’t be this hard. Labor should be doing much more to support young people to get established in the field or industry they want to pursue.
“In a minority government, the Greens will keep Dutton out and get Labor to act on cost of living by making sure more young people can access Youth Allowance and are supported to get the education they need to be able to do what they want to do.”
Greens social services spokesperson Senator Penny Allman-Payne:
“Many people act like the soaring cost of living is an aberration, but for millions of young Australians financial stress has been a fact of life for years.
“We increasingly expect young people to undertake tertiary studies, but then we set them up to fail by putting roadblocks in their way: low-paying jobs, low-quality housing and rising rents, and unpaid placements.
“For many young people, the costs are just too great to make tertiary study an option. The Greens want to lower the barriers to study and support young people as they make the transition from high school to university life.
“We should be investing in our young people, not driving them into precarity and poverty. We need a social security system that lifts us all up, and allows uni students to live independent, secure lives.”
Greens candidate for Wills Samantha Ratnam:
“With the cost of living so high, young people in Wills are telling me they are struggling to make ends meet while continuing to study. They are skipping going to the doctor or dentist regularly and often can’t afford the food or essentials they need.
“If we want young people to be able to get into further education and get the most out of it, we need to support them to do so. The Greens’ plan for more young people to get access to Youth Allowance and JobSeeker will help ease the pressure on young people who are studying at this foundational time of their lives.”
Australian Greens Deputy Leader and tertiary education spokesperson Senator Mehreen Faruqi:
“Time and time again, students and young people are being screwed over by the major parties who refuse to do more than tinker around the edges rather than actually tackling cost of living, rising fees and rents.
“Students deserve so much better than being forced into poverty as they pursue education. Our plan to expand access to Youth Allowance will ease the pressure on students, so they can focus on their education instead of worrying about how to survive.”
LABOR WOULDN’T HAVE TO CUT PUBLIC SERVICES IF THEY REVIEWED REVENUE AND TAXED THE BIG BANKS
The Victorian Greens say that Labor would not need to cut public service that people rely on if the Government properly taxed the big banks and corporations.
It comes as the Allan government announces that up to 3,000 public jobs could be on the chopping block following a major review into the public sector.
The Victorian Greens say that it’s essential that our public services are properly resourced to ensure they’re operating as effectively and efficiently as possible and that services Victorians need shouldn’t be compromised.
The Victorian Greens spokesperson for Economic Justice, Aiv Puglielli said that we wouldn’t need to sacrifice the efficiency of our public services and no one would have to lose their jobs if Labor implemented the Greens plan to put a levy on the big banks.
Victorian Greens spokesperson for Economic Justice, Aiv Puglielli:
“Labor should be ensuring the big banks pay their fair share of tax, rather than cutting public services that people rely on.
“I don’t think it’s reasonable that one big bank can rake in over $5 billion in profits in just six months while 3,000 public sector workers have their jobs on the chopping block.”
GREENS PUSH LABOR TO IMPROVE HATE SPEECH LAWS
The Victorians Greens are offering Labor a progressive pathway to pass effective hate speech laws, having long advocated for protections for the LGBTQIA+ and disabled communities.
The Greens have extensively consulted human rights, legal, faith and community groups and are seeking a number of amendments as we share some serious concerns about the adverse impacts that Labor’s recent changes could have on marginalised communities including the LGBTQIA+, disabled, multicultural, and First Nations communities.
We’re concerned by the expanded scope of the religious exception and will be seeking changes to ensure LGBTQIA+ and other marginalised groups are protected from hate speech that could hide under the guise of religion.
The Greens have raised our serious concerns about the criminal provisions of this Bill and how these could be disproportionately used against already over-policed groups experiencing systemic injustice. To safeguard against this we are seeking that decision-makers are required to consider context and power imbalances when applying these laws.
To safeguard the communities that are most likely to be unfairly impacted by these laws, like First Nations people, we will also be seeking a public interest defence for genuine and reasonable conduct in good faith.
Greens MP, Gabrielle de Vietri:
“The Greens are offering a progressive pathway for effective protections against hate speech. It’s essential that we get these important laws right.
“We’ve been working closely with human rights, legal, faith and community groups on changes and share their concerns that elements of this Bill could have an adverse impact on marginalised people including the LGBTQIA+, disabled, multicultural and First Nations communities.
“We’ve consistently said we want to work with Labor to pass effective protections against hate speech and now we implore them to come to the table so we can do just that.”
Minns Labor Government cracking down on relationships between prison staff and inmates
The Minns Labor Government has changed the law to make it easier to convict prison staff who have sexual relationships with inmates.
Under the change, all sexual relationships between prison staff and inmates will be illegal, with staff facing criminal liability, including a potential prison sentence.
The Crimes (Administration of Sentences) Act 1999 passed the NSW Parliament last nightand removes a requirement to prove that a sexual relationship between a member of staff and an inmate poses a risk to the safety and security of the prison.
The strengthening of the misconduct offence was recommended by the Special Commission of Inquiry into Offending by Former Officer Wayne Astill at Dillwynia Correctional Centre.
The inquiry found multiple failings in the management and culture at Dillwynia Correctional Centre and across the Corrective Services NSW system.
The Minns Labor Government accepted all 31 recommendations of the Inquiry, in full or in principle, as a commitment to lifting standards and restoring confidence in our prisons and improving safety for both staff and inmates.
The change is one of a number of amendments introduced in the Crimes (Administration of Sentences) Amendment Bill 2024 to strengthen processes, enhance transparency, and improve Corrective Services NSW’s operations.
The Government is rebuilding trust in the NSW corrective services system through:
- Installing hundreds of new CCTV cameras and a network-wide capacity to store and access footage for at least 90 days so that serious matters can be reviewed.
- Establishing a new Sexual Misconduct Reporting Line and new advocacy service to ensure inmates can voice concerns.
- All uniformed staff at Dillwynia Correctional Centre who work with inmates now have body-worn cameras.
- Mandatory training for all new Corrective Services staff working in female correctional centres.
- Corrective Services NSW has been elevated to a stand-alone agency directly accountable to the Minister and the Government.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Corrections Anoulack Chanthivong:
“Corrective Services staff engaging in sexual conduct with inmates is utterly unacceptable and a total abuse of authority, which is why it is now a crime in any circumstance.
“Such behaviour indicates a deplorable abuse of the staff’s position and a breach of their duty of care to the inmate.
“While the majority of our Corrective Services staff do the right thing, for those that don’t, the days of receiving a slap on the wrist are over.
“We have provided $30 million for priority reforms so far in response to the Astill Inquiry, including setting up a sexual misconduct line to provide a free and confidential avenue for inmates to report illegal behaviour.
“We’ve also increased the number of CCTV cameras in our prisons and boosted our capacity to store and access footage for at least 90 days, to enable serious matters to be reviewed more effectively.”
New strata laws ensure fairer rules for fees and charges
Legislation improving the way strata communities operate passed the NSW Parliament last night.
The reforms will help owners repair and maintain common property, support the uptake of sustainability and accessibility infrastructure, and give owners more options to pay levies when facing financial stress.
This legislation is the Minns Labor Government’s third tranche of strata law reforms and builds on changes which came into effect on 3 February 2025, requiring strata managers in NSW to provide significantly more The reforms will help owners repair and maintain common property, support the uptake of sustainability and accessibility infrastructure, and give owners more options to pay levies when facing financial stress.
The laws will:
- Protect owners corporations from unfair contract terms such as limits on a strata managing agent’s liability.
- Encourage the uptake of sustainable infrastructure such as solar panels and electric vehicle charging by prohibiting bylaws that block the infrastructure due to external appearance.
- Protect owners from bill shock by requiring developers to have initial levy estimates to be independently certified, including increased penalties for non-compliance.
- Make it easier to terminate strata managing agents and building manager agreements if they carry on a business that is contrary to the law.
- Prescribe training requirements for strata committee members to help them perform their roles.
- Allow Fair Trading to enter into enforceable undertakings with owners corporations that do not meet their duties to maintain and repair common property.
- Help owners in financial hardship by requiring owners corporations to offer a payment plan before taking debt recovery action and prohibiting blanket rules to refuse payment plans.
- Make it easier to install accessibility infrastructure in common areas by lowering the voting threshold for approval from 75% to a majority vote.
This legislation is the Minns Labor Government’s third tranche of strata law reforms and builds on changes which came into effect on 3 February 2025, requiring strata managers in NSW to provide significantly more detailed information to owners’ corporations about their services and relationships, to increase transparency and accountability within the strata sector.
Strata managers must now disclose any connections with suppliers and developers, provide detailed breakdowns of insurance quotes including commissions and broker fees, and report in real time if any new connections or interests arise.
The NSW Government’s reforms will be enforced by a dedicated Strata and Property Services Taskforce within NSW Fair Trading, backed by an $8.4 million investment.
Consumer confidence in strata is vital to the government’s housing agenda, and the Taskforce will be focussed on high impact initiatives to support the 1.2 million people living in strata across NSW.
The Taskforce will strengthen compliance and enforcement, dispute resolution, and regulatory reform within the strata sector, with a focus on raising professional standards and delivering better outcomes for consumers.
For more information, visit the NSW Fair Trading website here: https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/housing-and-property/strata-and-community-living
Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong:
“The family home is often the biggest financial investment most of us will make – when it is in a strata community the Minns Labor Government is making sure that there are protections in place to help owners make informed decisions on the future of the property.
“Repairs to common property are the obligation of the owners’ corporation, and these reforms help to ensure the hard-earned money of individual owners invested in the property will prevent it from being run down, become a safety risk or cause greater damage through neglect.
“These changes will make buying into strata more transparent and improve the building owners experience when they receive the keys from the developer.”
Fair Trading Commissioner Natasha Mann:
“The number of strata schemes in New South Wales has grown from around 70,000 at the end of 2015 to more than 87,000 – creating a greater need for targeted, proactive regulation to ensure practitioners and businesses in the property industry are properly trained and supervised.
“The Strata and Property Services Taskforce is improving the NSW Government’s oversight of real estate and strata managing agents by bringing together new and existing specialist staff across Fair Trading to uplift its enforcement of NSW strata and property laws – restoring consumer confidence and lifting standards across the sector.”
New lease on life for historic lock up
A significant heritage building in the historic Lock Up complex in the heart of Newcastle has been given a face-lift thanks to a $70,000 grant from the NSW Government.
Number 88, located on Hunter Street, is one of the oldest buildings in the city. The historic, stone and painted masonry structure was first constructed in 1861 and served as a telegraph office, gaining a second storey in 1879.
New flooring was installed, replacing damaged carpet. As workers removed carpet tiles they discovered the original cedar staircase remained intact. The staircase was sanded, resealed and now takes pride of place as a central, period feature in the building.
Unoccupied since 2018 due to building deterioration and the COVID, the repairs have assisted the Newcastle Historic Reserve Land Manager to secure a new long-term tenant, which will help the reserve to fund maintenance and improvements in the future.
Buildings 74, 88 and 90 Hunter Street form a suite of three historic stone and painted masonry buildings. Building 74 was constructed in 1873 and was Newcastle’s original post office. Number 90 was a police station built in 1861 and closed in 1982.
Building number 90 is known locally as ‘The Lock-Up’ and was originally built to support the Newcastle police station and was used from 1861 until its closure in 1982. The building has been re-imagined as an award-winning contemporary art space that showcases local, national and international artists. An artist in residency program invites artists to respond to the building’s history. The Lock-Up’s padded cell is acknowledged as one of the best preserved in Australia.
Crown Lands in the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure funded the upgrade work through its Crown Reserves Improvement Fund (CRIF).
Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:
“The NSW Government is focused on building better communities, which is why we are committed to helping maintain these three beautiful heritage buildings in the heart of Newcastle’s CBD.
“Our statewide investments in Crown reserves help ensure they can continue to serve their communities for many years to come.”
Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said:
“This is fantastic news. These buildings have become an integral hub for our local artists and are an iconic piece of Newcastle’s history dating all the way back to the 19th century.
“It is vital we continue to care for these buildings, which reflect important parts of our history here in Newcastle. I am very pleased Crown Lands has continued to fund this important maintenance work that will ensure our heritage buildings remain intact for future generations.”
Newcastle Historic Reserve Land Manager Chairperson Gillean Shaw said:
“We are grateful to Crown Lands for their continued support in helping to protect these three historic buildings. This particular round of funding has helped upgrade number 88, keeping it consistent with its grand, mid 19th century character.
“Number 88 had been without a commercial tenant since 2018, due to the building’s deterioration over recent years. As a direct result of these upgrades, NHRLM have attracted a long-term tenant, which will bring in a new revenue stream, allowing the land manager to continue to fund important maintenance to preserve these significant buildings for future generations.”