Stand up for quality journalism against Trump & big tech: Greens

The Greens say Australia must stand up for quality journalism, responding to reports today that the Albanese Government will halt the implementation of a News Media Bargaining Incentive policy, over fears of a Trumpian backlash.

Sarah Hanson-Young is Greens Spokesperson for Communications & Senator for South Australia:

“Cowering to the bully won’t protect Australia’s interests or ensure public interest journalism is protected.

“The tech bro billionaires and President Trump are a threat to democracy and they will not respect a strategy of appeasement and delay.

“With President Trump acting dangerously outside his jurisdiction, creating chaos not just in the US, but across the rest of the world, Australia needs to stand up for quality public interest journalism now more than ever.

“Reports today that the Albanese Government is abandoning its News Media Bargaining Incentive policy are concerning. Australia should stand up to bullies, not allow them to dictate our public policy.

“The big tech corporations like Meta, X & Google should not be able to profit off the publication and sharing of news content without paying a fair price to the people who produce it.

“The backdown now begs the question, what about all policies that seek to hold the tech giants to account and make platforms safer? From social media age bans, duty of care obligations and scam laws, is the Albanese Government abandoning those too?

“Donald Trump is not our President – and his anti-truth, anti-journalism agenda should not dictate policy here in Australia.”

Public invited to have their say on next tranche of gaming reforms

The public is invited to have its say on two new schemes that fulfill election commitments and build on the Minns Labor Government’s delivery of gaming reforms to address gambling harm and money laundering while supporting a thriving hospitality industry.

From today the community can give feedback on consultation papers for a proposed third-party exclusion scheme and proposed mandatory facial recognition technology to support a statewide exclusion register for NSW hotels and clubs with gaming machines. 

Facial recognition technology will support gambling harm-minimisation by removing the guesswork of staff identifying excluded patrons, often in crowded venues. There would still need to be human interaction to verify the match made by the system. Currently, the list of excluded patrons and images that venue staff need to memorise can be difficult to manage.

The Government is building strict parameters into the reforms to protect people’s privacy to ensure hotels and clubs can only use facial recognition for the purpose of identifying excluded patrons. Venues will be prohibited from using the technology for customer tracking, surveillance and marketing purposes.

The Government is also delivering on its election commitment to introduce a third-party exclusion scheme that would allow family, friends and venues to apply to ban someone experiencing significant gambling harm.

Research estimates that more than a million Australians experienced harm in the past year because of another person’s gambling.

It is proposed the minimum period for an exclusion order would be 12 months, with a maximum period of two or three years, with a temporary exclusion of 21 days while an application is considered.

In addition to the consultation papers, the Government has also developed a draft facial recognition Code of Practice that gives pubs and clubs already operating the technology guidelines to support identification of self-excluded patrons.

The code has been developed over several rounds of consultation with government, industry and community stakeholders, including cyber security and privacy experts.

The Independent Panel for Gaming Reform provided advice on considerations for third party exclusion and facial recognition technology in its Roadmap Report. The issues raised in this advice were incorporated in both discussion papers.   

These measures are the latest in a suite of reforms introduced by the Minns Labor Government to reduce gambling harm, delivering more in 22 months than the previous government did in 12 years, including:

  • reducing the cash input limit from $5,000 to $500 for all new gaming machines;
  • reducing the state-wide cap on gaming machine entitlements by approximately 3,000;
  • banning political donations from clubs with electronic gaming machines;
  • banning external gaming-related signage, and internal gaming-related signage that can be seen from outside the venue;
  • requiring that venues with more than 20 gaming machine entitlements have a Responsible Gambling Officer on duty while poker machines are in operation;
  • mandating that venues keep an updated Gaming Plan of Management and a Gaming Incident Register;
  • banning the placement of any signage or advertising relating to gaming machines either on, or visible from an ATM or EFTPOS terminal with cash withdrawal facilities;
  • announcing a ban on gaming advertising from public transport; and
  • establishing the Independent Panel for Gaming Reform and commissioning its roadmap report, which the Government is considering.

The Third-Party Exclusion Consultation Paper is available here: https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/third-party-exclusion-pubs-and-clubs and Facial Recognition Technology in Pubs and Clubs Consultation Paper is available here:  https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/facial-recognition-technology. The consultation period will close on 14 March 2025.

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to addressing gambling harm through evidence-based policy and it’s important that we get the balance right. 

“Third-party exclusions are designed to help those experiencing gambling harm and their loved ones when other avenues to seek help may have failed.

“It recognises the physical, psychological, emotional and financial flow-on effects of gambling on a person’s family and friends.

“This is complex reform which is why we are seeking feedback on a range of issues.

“Facial recognition will also be an important harm-minimisation tool by providing another way to identify excluded patrons in crowded venue environments, which can often be challenging for venue staff.

“I encourage everyone to have their say on these important harm-minimisation measures.”

$5.5 million for health worker accommodation in Coffs Harbour

The Coffs Harbour community is set to benefit from new Key Worker Accommodation which will help attract, recruit and retain more healthcare workers to the region.

The Minns Labor Government will invest $5.5 million in health worker housing in Coffs Harbour as part of the Key Health Worker Accommodation program.

The $200.1 million program supports more than 20 projects across rural, regional and remote NSW.

The funding will secure approximately 120 dwellings across regional NSW, which includes the building of new accommodation, refurbishment of existing living quarters and the purchase of suitable properties such as residential units.

The four-year program will support the recruitment and retention of more than 500 health workers and their families by providing a range of accommodation options.

The program is one of a number of investments the Minns Labor Government is making to strengthen the regional, rural and remote health workforce and builds on the success of the NSW Government’s $73.2 million investment in key health worker accommodation across five regional local health districts (Far West, Murrumbidgee, Southern NSW, Hunter New England and Western NSW).

Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to investing in modern, sustainable accommodation options for key health workers who are the backbone of our regional, rural and remote communities.

“Strengthening our regional health workforce is a key priority for our government and this $5.5 million investment in accommodation will support the attraction of key healthcare workers to Coffs Harbour.

“The Key Health Worker Accommodation program will support the Mid North Coast Local Health District in continuing to provide high-quality health services to the community.”

Labor Spokesperson for Coffs Harbour, Cameron Murphy MLC:

“The Mid North Coast is among the state’s fastest growing regions and demand for housing is only increasing.

“Coffs Harbour is already a fantastic place to live and work, but the Minns Labor Government’s investment in health worker housing here will just make it that little more attractive to prospective employees and their families.”

$250,000 investment in key health staff accommodation at Barraba

The NSW Government is investing $250,000 to upgrade key health worker accommodation at Barraba Multipurpose Service (MPS).

The funding boost is part of the Minns Labor Government’s $12 million investment in 61 projects as part of the Regional Health Minor Works Program.

The funding will modernise the Barraba MPS staff accommodation, including ensuites for the three bedrooms to improve privacy and comfort, and help incentivise and attract staff to the region.

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:

“One of the key issues we face in the healthcare system is staffing our facilities, and this issue is even more present in regional, rural and remote locations.

“Having modern, fit for purpose accommodation on site at healthcare facilities is a major drawcard in recruiting and retaining staff.

“Key Health Worker Accommodation is so important to this government, we’ve invested $200.1 million to increase the availability in critical locations.”

Labor Spokesperson for Tamworth, Anthony D’Adam MLC:

“We welcome this investment in Barraba MPS, and it’s great to be part of a government that is making working and living in rural areas more attractive to health workers.

“This upgrade to staff quarters at Barraba MPS will provide our health workers with modern and comfortable facilities.”

Acting Executive Director of Infrastructure, Planning, and Sustainability Anna Styles-Tape:

“This funding will provide staff with better amenities and will support our recruitment efforts and offerings to new and existing staff.”

Progress towards recycled water plant in Orange

Orange residents are closer to seeing a new innovative water supply solution roll into town as a preliminary business case gets underway to look at constructing the first purified recycled water treatment demonstration plant in regional NSW.

It’s thanks to a $400,000 partnership between the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments and Orange City Council to explore the feasibility of building pioneering new infrastructure that will showcase how this technology works and whether it will provide another option for long-term water security in the Central West.

The plant will use cutting-edge technology to treat and recycle wastewater to an extremely high standard that will be used by the Cadia Gold Mine for industrial purposes.

It’s estimated the plant will produce approximately 3.5 megalitres of water per day, which is roughly a quarter of Orange’s daily needs.

Using purified recycled water (PRW) is a great way to increase water supply resilience and takes the pressure off existing water sources.

The design will allow for future expansion down the track if the plant proves to be successful and the community supports this move.

A learning centre is in scope to be built alongside the demonstration plant to enable locals to come along and get a better understanding of the benefits of recycled water and how the process works.

If approved, the plant will be the second groundbreaking water security solution for the region following the introduction of stormwater harvesting in 2009 which can deliver up to a quarter of the town’s water needs.

The funding for the preliminary business case includes $200,000 from the Australian Government’s National Water Grid Fund, $100,000 from the NSW Government and $100,000 from Orange City Council.

Work will begin shortly and is expected to be complete by June 2025.

The NSW Government’s draft Recycled Water Roadmap outlines actions to address barriers and pave the way for increased and expanded recycled water use in the future, including drinking and non-drinking purposes, where it is safe, beneficial and cost-effective.

For more information, consult the Recycled Water Roadmap.

Senator for New South Wales, Senator Deborah O’Neill:

“This $400,000 investment is a bold step toward increasing water security for the Central West, offering a pioneering solution to the region’s water challenges. The collaboration highlights the Albanese Government’s commitment to innovative infrastructure solutions that improve resilience in the face of climate challenges.”

“It’s exciting to see the Albanese Government’s National Water Grid Fund supporting Orange’s water security future. It’s another example of how federal and state Labor governments are working together to support communities in regional NSW.”

“Through a joint effort between the federal and state governments and Orange City Council, we’re working to bring cutting-edge water technology to the region. The proposed purified recycled water treatment plant will not only help secure a sustainable water supply for industrial use at Cadia Gold Mine but also serve as a vital demonstration of how this technology can support the region’s long-term water needs. The investment reflects our dedication to finding practical, forward-thinking solutions that benefit local communities and bolster water resilience across New South Wales.”

NSW Minister for Water Rose Jackson MLC said:

“I’m proud to announce that we’ve come together with the Federal Government and Orange City Council to explore the possibility of using purified recycled water.

“This is an ingenious solution that makes the most of the water we already have and increases our resilience to challenges such as drought and a changing climate.

“Recycled water is already being used in 35 cities across the globe and is currently being tested at Quakers Hill in Sydney’s west.

“It is still early days for New South Wales, and we have to do our due diligence first, but it’s exciting to think of the possibilities this cutting-edge technology could offer as we progress work on the draft Recycled Water Roadmap.”

Member for Orange Phil Donato MP said:

“Orange is one of the fastest growing regional towns in the state with tourism, agriculture and mining and that’s one of the reasons water security is so critically important for the Central West.

“I’m pleased that this business case is progressing thanks to support from all levels of Government. If it goes ahead, this demonstration facility can play an important role in long-term work to improve regional water security and can also unlock jobs and greater economic development in the area.”

Mayor of Orange City Council, Tony Mileto said:

“Orange has proven it’s on the front foot when it comes to water solutions, such as our award-winning stormwater harvesting scheme – we’ve always been forward thinking when it comes to looking at alternative ways to secure and use water.

“We’re looking forward to becoming the first regional city in NSW to look at trialing purified recycled water to safeguard our resources, and ensure our community is in a stronger position to withstand the next drought.

“Because of our experience using stormwater harvesting for potable use, survey results show that residents are open to exploring the use of using recycled water, and having a demonstration plant will enable them to see how the technology works up close and in action.”

Central Barangaroo gets the tick of approval

Barangaroo has reached its next major milestone with the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces granting approval of the modification request for Central Barangaroo.

This decision follows more than a decade of inaction and indecision from the former Government which left this site stuck in limbo.

The planning determination means that the central Barangaroo proposal can proceed subject to conditions.

This development is the final piece of Barangaroo to proceed, enabling the transformation of a once neglected and inaccessible part of the city into a dynamic cultural, residential, business and retail hub.

The development will comprise a mix of residential and retail including restaurants and bars, a hotel and community facilities.  It allows for the area to become a destination in its own right on the Sydney Harbour foreshore due to its proximity to the new Barangaroo Metro.

The approval requires high standards of quality and sustainability, in line with the rest of Barangaroo, with a focus on water efficiency, carbon neutrality, and zero waste.

At least 50% of public open space will be maintained, a key principle of the original proposal.

The modification also delivers an extra 800 square metres of community floor space and two new public plazas. It also establishes view corridors along the northern and southern plazas.

On the nearby Central Barangaroo foreshore there are also separate plans for a new 1.8-hectare waterfront public park for recreation, events and entertainment, currently known as Harbour Park.

When assessing the proposal, the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) carefully assessed the historic view impacts of the proposal, particularly between Observatory Hill and Sydney Harbour. Conditions on the project include incorporating the Heritage Impact Statement into the consent.

It also included a condition being imposed requiring the height of the northern part of the block facing Nawi Cove to be reduced from 8 storeys down to 5 storeys. This provides continued connection to the water view from Observatory Hill.

In addition, the measures outlined in the Heritage Impact Assessment together with design guidelines will support a design within the building envelope which will further minimise impacts on historic views.

The planning approval enables the proponent to undertake detailed design work, which will include community consultation.

For more information visit: Central Barangaroo | Barangaroo

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“The renewal of the strategically important Barangaroo site has always been about providing greater access to Sydney’s harbour foreshore. It will create jobs and homes, enhance our cultural facilities, civic spaces and parkland, and create diverse experiences and destinations – all easily accessible by public transport.

“Detailed design work can now proceed on this prominent space under consent conditions to support design excellence to respect the surrounding area.

“This approval considers Barangaroo’s prominent position and is respectful of the contribution of the area to Sydney’s development and future.”

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“Under the former Government this project was stuck in planning purgatory for over a decade, and this site had been a blight on the harbour for many years before that.

“This is a fantastic outcome. Now that planning approval has been granted, we can get on with the job of delivering the final piece of the Barangaroo puzzle.

“With the Barangaroo Metro station now open, the Pier Pavilion and the Cutaway nearing completion, Barangaroo Reserve, Marrinawi and Nawi Cove open, it will be fantastic to see the full vision for Barangaroo finally realised for locals and visitors to enjoy.”

NSW Government partners with NRL and PCYC to keep kids on the right track

The Minns Labor Government is continuing work to build better regional communities and address concerning rates of regional youth crime with a new partnership with the National Rugby League  and PCYC to help keep kids on the right track. 

Over $270,000 is being invested into the program which will see senior NRL players including Brad Fittler, PCYC staff and NSW Police representatives engaging with young people across a series of events including Schoolboy and Schoolgirl Cup games, PCYC centre events and Fit for Life sessions.

Designed to support social cohesion, collaboration and skills building, the program will also engage young people in important conversations about mental health, physical fitness and nutrition.

As the Government continues to pull every lever to increase community safety across regional NSW these programs will be rolled out in all corners of regional New South Wales, including Dubbo, Cessnock, Queanbeyan, the Central Coast, Wagga Wagga, Albury, Coffs Harbour and Tamworth.

This is part of the Minns Labor Government’s ongoing work to engage young people and crackdown on crime across the state, which has included:

  • Amending the Bail Act to include an additional bail test for young people between 14 and 18 charged with committing a ‘serious break and enter offence’ or motor vehicle offence while on bail for a similar offence.
  • Creating a new ‘post and boast’ offence under the Crimes Act, criminalising the filming and disseminating of footage of certain serious offences to publicise or advertise the commission of that offence.
  • Paying recruits to attend the Goulburn Police Academy and welcoming 294 probational constables to the NSWPF ranks in December, the largest class to graduate in a decade.
  • Passing and enacting ‘Jacks Law’ which provides NSW Police with powers to scan people for knives without a warrant and raised the age from 16 to 18 for the sale of knives to young people.
  • Doubling the maximum penalty for certain knife crimes.

Further, this follows the launch of Project Pathfinder last year, a partnership between the NSW Police Force, National Rugby League and Youth Justice NSW which provides at risk teenagers from regional areas with mentorships and opportunities to reach their full potential.

Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns said:

“This is a great initiative and one the NSW Government is really proud to support.

“We want our regional communities to be safe, which is why we are working around the clock to take every action we can from legislative reform, to supporting grassroots interventions.

“Programs like this are vital to keeping kids engaged with their local community and on the right track.”

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley said:

“The NSW Police and Government are doing everything we can to keep our regional communities safe – we don’t want to see anyone living in fear.

“Our police are working around the clock to not only investigate crimes but to engage with young people and show them positive alternatives to crime.

“I thank the NRL and PCYC for their continued support for our young people and regional communities.”

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“The NSW Government is putting resources into initiatives like this that are ready to go, and use methods which regional youth will relate to and engage with and then experience activities and learnings which can create conversations that help build a brighter future.

“This partnership means more kids in regional NSW will have the opportunity to come together, learn, stay fit and grow through a shared love for rugby league.

“This initiative is about opening doors for regional youth by turning sport into platforms for connection, resilience and community empowerment.”

Minister for Sport, Steve Kamper said:

“The outcome of sport is so often greater than the scoreboard. Sporting communities in many cases are the heart of our regional communities and they can be great ways to engage our younger generations and promote positive role models.”

Andrew Abdo, National Rugby League CEO said:

“Rugby league changes lives and this new partnership will harness the power of government, community and sport to positively impact on young people across NSW.

“Supporting youth in regional areas is important to us and this funding will help us reach even further into communities to provide opportunities and a support network to young people who need a helping hand.”

Ben Hobby, Police Citizens Youth Club NSW (PCYC NSW) CEO said:

‘’The PCYC has a strong and enduring tradition of working with youth in regional areas across NSW, and we know how impactful the role models in the NRL can be to these communities – young people look up to these incredible athletes and sports stars.

“We value our partnership with the Government and the NRL and know that having current and former players of the NRL and WNRL working with regional youth will be life-changing for the rising generation and the broader communities we support.”

New sports high school for South-West Sydney

The Minns Labor Government have delivered on another election commitment with Eagle Vale High School becoming Australia’s newest sports high school, as work continues to ensure families in Western Sydney have access to world class public education opportunities.

The school’s Talented Sports Program kicked off on day one term one this year with 60 students who successfully competed in the athletic trials last year excelling across Rugby League, Basketball and Cricket.

The delivery of this election commitment means for the first time families in the Macarthur region have a school on their doorstep catering for students excelling in sports alongside a strong academic program.

Previously, aspiring athletes in the region had to travel up to an hour to pursue their athletic ambitions at their nearest sports high school.

To support Eagle Vale High School’s students the NSW Government is funding multimillion-dollar upgrades to the school with new cricket nets and upgraded change rooms already delivered.

Further upgrade works are also underway including for a new running track, resurfacing the school’s full-sized playing field, new lighting for the sports field, new pickleball courts, a new multipurpose hall, a new Health and PE Learning Hub and a new PE Fitness Laboratory.

The Talented Sports Program has a proven track record of nurturing some of the country’s best up-and-coming athletes, including more than 170 national senior level representatives in NRL and AFL, and professional basketballers, golfers and surfers.  

Successful alumni of NSW sports high schools include Test cricketer Usman Khawaja, former national cricket captain Michael Clarke, soccer greats Harry Kewell and Alanna Kennedy, and former Australian rugby league captain Boyd Cordner.

This investment is part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to rebuild public education in NSW, ensuring families in growing Western Sydney communities have access to world-class schools, no matter their postcode. This ongoing work includes:

  • Investing a record $3.6 billion to deliver new and upgraded schools in Western Sydney
  • Delivering five new public schools across Western Sydney which welcomed students for the first time day one, term one 2025
  • Valuing the workforce by delivering the largest pay rise in a generation to NSW’s 95,000 teachers
  • Giving teachers job security by making 16,000 teachers and school support staff on temporary contacts permanent
  • Reducing teacher vacancies by 40 per cent, ensuring more students have a qualified teacher at the front of their classrooms.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“No matter the postcode we want to ensure that children across New South Wales are given every opportunity to achieve their dreams.

“This means kids in South-West Sydney will have a real opportunity to pursue their sporting aspirations without their parents having to commit to hours of travel each day.

“For both budding athletes and their parents, this is a game changer.

“There is such a strong sporting culture in this part of Sydney and it’s great that the opportunities available to local school children finally reflects that.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Prue Car said:

“The population in the Macarthur region is continuing to grow, and the Minns Labor Government is committed to supporting young people to reach their potential in their local area.

“Previously, Macarthur students had to travel an hour or more each way to access a Talented Sports Program. Now, these students can follow their sporting dreams in their local area.

“Eagle Vale High will be a school where some of South-West Sydney’s most talented athletes get their start as possible future Olympic champions.”

Member for Leppington Nathan Hagarty said:

“It is fantastic to see the upgrade works underway at Eagle Vale High School.

“Delivering a selective sports stream for the Macarthur community is giving talented young athletes from our local area more opportunities.

“I cannot wait to see the dividends this investment delivers for our strong local sporting community.”

Eagle Vale High School principal Craig Butler said:

“The community is very excited about the new sports facilities. They think it’s wonderful that we’re supporting our kids and showing a commitment to the Macarthur area.

“We are going to have kids who will become Olympic champions and professional athletes, but as a sports high school, we can allow them to manage their study so they don’t have to make a choice between academic success and sport.

“The students know they are part of something special and talk about the school with pride.”

The Minns Labor Government lets inmate harass victim from prison

A shocking failure in the prison system has allowed a high-risk domestic violence offender to harass his victim with more than 1,500 phone calls while behind bars at John Morony Prison.
 
The serial offender was allegedly able to add his victim’s phone number to an approved call list, making an average of 20 calls a day over three months—an outrageous breach of protocol that should never have been possible.
 
Shadow Minister for Corrections Adam Crouch said the Minns Labor Government has serious questions to answer.
 
“This is an appalling breakdown in the system. The government has failed in its most basic duty—to protect the community, especially victims of crime.
 
Corrections officers should be stopping offenders from contacting their victims, not handing them an open line to continue their abuse. The Minister has announced an ‘investigation’ and offered an ‘apology’—but that does nothing to fix the problem or reassure victims that they are safe.
 
The offender’s phone access must be suspended immediately, and the government must be upfront with the public about how often these breaches are occurring,” Mr Crouch said.
 
With thousands of inmates given access to phones, how many other victims are being harassed right now? The Minister needs to come clean—how many times has this happened under his watch?
 
How can we expect victims of crime to come forward if the government can’t guarantee they won’t be harassed in this way.

Rail disruption expected to continue from Monday

Passengers are urged to avoid non-essential travel and allow extra travel time tomorrow (Monday 17 February) as lengthy delays and cancellations are expected to continue on the rail network next week due to industrial action.

Last week saw severe disruption to train services due to an unprecedented level of unplanned and unnotified staff absences.

Significant impacts are expected to continue into next week. However, the nature of this action is very unpredictable and we won’t have clarity on the impacts until the morning when train drivers and guards start to report for their shifts.

Sydney Trains and NSW TrainLink are urging employees to turn up to work tomorrow and help run a regular timetable. There is no ‘lockout’ in place and all staff undertaking their normal duties will be paid.

For parents of school children who would normally catch the train, our advice is to arrange alternative travel if possible.

We urge passengers to avoid non-essential travel, use alternative forms of public transport, and plan ahead by checking the latest updates on transportnsw.info and live travel apps.

Sydney Trains and NSW TrainLink apologise to our passengers once again for the disruption as our staff work hard to minimise the impacts of industrial action.

The matter will be heard in a full bench hearing of the Fair Work Commission on Wednesday (19 February).