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GREENS LAUNCH ELECTION PLAN FOR CHEAPER INSURANCE DURING A CLIMATE CRISIS, PUTTING $4 BILLION BACK IN PEOPLE’S POCKETS IN THE FIRST YEAR & MAKING FOSSIL FUEL COMPANIES PICK UP THE TAB

The Australian Greens have launched the first part of a comprehensive plan to deliver cheaper insurance during a climate crisis, in a bid to tackle the cost-of-living crisis and shift the costs of the climate crisis to those responsible for it.

Deputy Leader of the Australian Greens, Senator Mehreen Faruqi, will announce the first steps today alongside Greens’ candidate Mandy Nolan in the Greens’ winnable seat of Richmond, which is Australia’s second most at risk electorate to climate disasters. The Greens only need a 1.8% swing to win Richmond this election, and Mandy Nolan has been running a strong grassroots campaign in Richmond for over a year.

As at March 2024, more than 1.6 million households were experiencing home insurance affordability stress, with the climate crisis driving an increase in insurance premiums which significantly outpaced price rises for nearly all other goods and services. Meanwhile, insurance companies have been raking in record profits.

The Greens’ plan for cheaper insurance includes the following elements:

ENDING STAMP DUTY- Incentivising state governments to abolish stamp duty on house and car insurance.
EXPANDED REINSURANCE POOL- Expanding the coverage of the Cyclone Reinsurance Pool to include all natural disasters.
POLLUTER PAYS- Requiring coal, gas and oil companies to contribute to the reinsurance pool and Disaster Ready Fund.
CONSUMER PROTECTIONS- More ACCC powers and stronger disclosure obligations on insurance companies to explain premium pricing.
RISK MAP- Establishing a public national disaster risk map and database.

And more to be announced.

An independent costing by the Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO) shows that the stamp duty changes alone will put more than $4 billion back in people’s pockets across Australia in the first year.

In NSW, the removal of stamp duty could reduce insurance premiums by around 10% for home insurance. In areas of heightened climate risk, such as the Northern Rivers, testimony to a recent Senate Inquiry suggests this change alone could save households $500-600 each year. In addition, an expanded reinsurance pool, increased transparency, and better risk mapping will lower premiums even further.

With a minority parliament looming, the announcement is the latest in the series of the Greens’ ‘Robin Hood reforms’ that will be put on the table in any post-election negotiations, and will be funded by making big corporations and billionaires pay their fair share of tax.

Deputy Leader of the Australian Greens, Senator Mehreen Faruqi:

“The Greens will make fossil fuel companies pay their fair share to make insurance cheaper for everyday people.

“Families, renters and retirees should not have to pay skyrocketing insurance premiums for a climate crisis they did not cause. Filthy rich coal and gas companies caused the climate crisis and they should pick up the tab.

“During the Greens-led Senate inquiry into the impacts of climate risk on insurance, I heard from witness after witness about how extremely opaque insurance premium pricing is in Australia. There is a real lack of transparency and clarity, which makes it easier for insurance companies to price gouge and exploit the climate crisis to increase profit margins.

“People’s insurance premiums are skyrocketing with no explanation as to why. Consumers have a right to know how their premiums are being priced and deserve a meaningful explanation of why they are doubling and tripling in price.

“Stamp duty on insurance premiums is plainly unfair when people who face higher risks pay higher premiums and then more stamp duty on top. Abolishing these taxes is a no-brainer way to immediately reduce premiums. There also must be stronger oversight, monitoring, and disclosure requirements.

“A free, accessible and up to date national disaster risk map and database that take into account climate change are crucial for informing communities, councils, insurers and government to prepare for climate-driven disasters like floods, respond to the aftermath, and identify mitigation measures.

“The Albanese Government’s decision to approve 32 new coal and gas projects since coming to power will make the climate crisis worse and make insurance more expensive.

“The Greens will make corporations pay their fair share of tax to fund the services people need.

“With more Greens in parliament, like Mandy, we will end new coal and gas.”

Greens candidate for Richmond, Mandy Nolan:

“Our region is one of the most climate impacted and has some of the least affordable insurance in the country. The big corporations that caused this climate crisis should be the ones paying for it, not our local families who are already doing it tough.

“We’ve had the same Labor MP for 20 years and despite our region experiencing one of the worst climate fueled disasters in Australian history she has stood by while her government has approved 32 new coal and gas projects.

“We only need a 1.8% swing to win here. This election, you can vote to keep Dutton out, stop new coal and gas and make big fossil fuel companies pay their fair share.”

REFERENCES

https://www.climatecouncil.org.au/resources/uninsurable-nation-australi…

https://www.news.com.au/finance/business/other-industries/insurer-profi…;

https://www.revenue.nsw.gov.au/taxes-duties-levies-royalties/insurance-duty/types-of-insuranc

Vague New Laws Could Shut Down Protests Across Sydney, Greens Warn

The NSW Government has rushed through a suite of laws that will significantly restrict the right to protest in NSW. The government suggested these laws were necessary to address the alarming rise in racially charged attacks and hate crimes.

“We must unequivocally condemn racism, Antisemitism, and Islamophobia. Every person, regardless of their background, has the right to feel safe and to practise their faith freely” said NSW Greens Democracy spokesperson Kobi Shetty.

“However, this bill does not effectively address those concerns. The bill wrongly conflates hate crimes with peaceful protest and grants sweeping new police powers that threaten our fundamental democratic freedoms.”

The bill introduces broad new police powers to issue “move on” orders to protestors near places of worship, without requiring intent to obstruct.

Ms Shetty warned that these vague provisions could be misused to stifle lawful protests, particularly in Sydney’s CBD, where many major places of worship are located.

“Under these laws, peaceful protests at Town Hall, Hyde Park, or even outside Parliament could be shut down simply for being ‘near’ a place of worship,” Ms Shetty said.

“There is no clear definition of what ‘near’ means, leaving it up to police discretion—a power that has repeatedly been used to disproportionately target First Nations people and other marginalised groups.”

Legal and human rights organisations, including the Human Rights Law Centre, have raised the alarm about the bill’s overreach. They argue that it lacks clear legal thresholds, fails to meet human rights standards, and is likely to face constitutional challenges.

“Religious vilification and intimidation are already criminal offences,” Ms Shetty said. “The violent incidents we’ve seen in recent months have been dealt with under existing laws. This bill is not about safety—it’s about suppressing dissent and expanding police powers to crackdown on protests.”

The Greens sought to amend the legislation last night to address ambiguity and to reduce the impact these laws would have on human rights. This included a move to ensure that these new laws would not override the common law right to protest.

“I’m incredibly disappointed that the NSW Labor Government did not support our sensible amendments to remove vague provisions and ensure the common law right to protest is protected.

“Instead, we have another anti-protest bill on the books. One that will not meaningfully protect faith-based communities, but that will have a chilling effect on our democracy,” Ms Shetty said.

Greens say community should have last word on Stoneville, not property developers

The Greens (WA) will push for Satterley’s North Stoneville development to be permanently scrapped, citing bushfire concerns and the impact on important habitat for threatened native species including the Chuditch, Phascogale and all three species of Black Cockatoo.

The North Stoneville development proposal remains a dangerous and destructive plan from more than three decades ago that fails to acknowledge climate risk and is totally inappropriate for Perth’s future.

the Greens (WA) Kalamunda candidate Janelle Sewell:

“I will stand alongside the community to ensure dangerous and environmentally destructive developments in the highly vulnerable and increasingly volatile Perth Hills – such as the despised Satterley North Stoneville development – will never proceed.

“I’ve rallied with Save Perth Hills against the Satterley Hills development from the beginning of the campaign and will continue to fight to protect our environmentally vulnerable region.

“It’s a fundamental duty of care for the Greens – and for me – to ensure that any development in our region, safeguards, not endangers our bushfire-risk communities; recent fires in California have only fortified this position.

“In the last 20 years the Liberals have accepted almost $300,000 in donations from Nigel Satterley and Satterley Property Group while Labor have accepted just under $240,000 in the same period, including more than $36,000 in the last 18 months.

“Only the Greens can be trusted to protect and preserve Perth Hills because we are the only party that does not take corporate donations from property developers, like Nigel Satterley, and we have a proud history of supporting this community campaign from the beginning, through consecutive Liberal and Labor governments that had ample opportunity to stop it.”

WA Greens Environment spokesperson and Legislative Council candidate, Jess Beckerling:

“The impacts of back-to-back record dry summers remain for all to see throughout the Perth Hills, from Pickering Brook to Worooloo and across to Darlington; it is unthinkable that Satterley would be allowed to clear 60,000 native trees across 200 hectares of bush at a time when our natural environment is under so much pressure.

“Endangered Black Cockatoos are already starving and this project will further reduce their crucial habitat, as well as impact on other endangered wildlife including Chuditches and Phascogales.

“The offsets proposed for this disastrous project will do nothing to protect these species because offsets are notoriously problematic and Satterley has 110 years to implement them!

“This project has been knocked back multiple times because of environmental impact and bushfire risk; It is a testament to the influence of property developers in this state that this project is still on the table after more than thirty years of community opposition.”

WA Greens MLC Dr Brad Pettitt:

“Nothing about this development makes sense and the Perth Hills community will be rightly disappointed in the federal Labor government for granting this approval to offset the destruction of critical habitat for endangered black cockatoos and chuditches.

“Perth desperately needs to stop the urban sprawl, which means not clearing important bush habitat to build these kinds of car-dependent developments in bushfire prone areas that have limited access to essential services and employment opportunities.

“When this project was first conceptualised way back in 1991 there was less of an understanding of the impacts of climate change; now there is no excuse. This development no longer makes sense and to build it would put future residents at serious risk of climate-related impacts, especially bushfires.

“Perth needs smarter and more sustainable infill, not dangerous fringe development. Let’s preserve Perth Hills’ environmental biodiversity and create a more liveable Perth by rethinking how we build houses and communities for our growing population.”

Vital XPT rail fleet refurbishment program ramps up

The Minns Labor Government is continuing work to build better regional communities by undertaking vital upgrades to the XPT rail fleet which services Grafton and other regional centres across the state.

The XPT fleet has reached an impressive 40-plus years in service and work is underway to ensure the fleet continues to provide passengers with a safe and comfortable service until the next generation Regional Rail Fleet is ready to be introduced into passenger service.

The NSW Government has committed $40.3 million over five years for the XPT Life Extension Project.

The upgrades of the XPT fleet, to be carried out locally in NSW by Sydney Trains, include:

extensive mechanical work to improve service reliability
new carpeting and refurbished seats
maintenance to improve operation of the air-conditioning and toilets
repaint and refurbishment of the power cars.

These upgrades follow the former Liberal Nationals Government’s failure to deliver a single new regional train after their announcement of the new fleet more than a decade ago. Like the New Intercity Fleet, which the Minns Government is now successfully rolling out on the Central Coast line, the former Liberal National Government oversaw the new Regional Rail Fleet ballooning in cost and missing deadline after deadline. As a direct consequence of this mismanagement, regional passengers have been forced to travel on the old XPTs for years longer than necessary.

To allow for these essential upgrades of the XPT fleet, NSW TrainLink will operate two out of the six daily rail services between Grafton and Sydney with premium coaches for approximately 12 months from mid-March 2025. The remaining four daily rail services will continue to operate with XPT trains.

NSW TrainLink is going through a public tender process to secure a coach provider to provide premium wheelchair accessible vehicles for this service.

This will provide travelers from Grafton the opportunity to choose between premium quality coach services or rail options, depending on their time of travel.

The community will be updated before the two new coach services start with details about the timetable.

Ticket prices will be the same as the rail service and bookings will continue as usual through the NSW TrainLink booking website or by calling 13 22 32.

This investment in upgrading the rail fleet is part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to rebuild and renew our regional transport and roads, ensuring communities across our regions have access to safe and connected infrastructure and services. This ongoing work includes:

Delivering more than $300 million to regional councils across the state to accelerate the repair of roads and transport infrastructure damaged by natural disasters
Investing a record close to $250 million in upgrades to make our regional roads safer
Releasing Draft Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plans for the Hunter and South East and Tablelands, and commencing development on plans for other regions of NSW, to provide a vision for regional initiatives in the short to long term.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to building a better transport system for regional NSW including the network of NSW TrainLink trains and coaches.

“To ensure passengers can continue to travel safely, comfortably and reliably in the longer term, over $40 million in essential upgrades are getting underway on the ageing XPT fleet now.

“The Liberals and Nationals sat back for 12 years and ran the XPT fleet into the ground while leaving communities at risk of losing services. We’re fixing the mess and investing to improve services.”

Labor spokesperson for Clarence Emily Suvaal:

“Passengers who use two of the six daily NSW TrainLink Grafton services – which will be replaced by coaches while work on the XPTs is carried out – can look forward to a timetabled service on a premium, airconditioned, wheelchair-accessible vehicle during the upgrade. The trains will return to service at the completion of the upgrade process.

“The other four daily North Coast train services which service Grafton will continue as rail services, so travelers can choose the time of day and mode of transport that best suits their needs.”

$5.6 million to help develop Aboriginal organisations and businesses across NSW

The Minns Government is providing Aboriginal businesses and organisations with business investment, skills development and training opportunities that will help them attract new customers, expand their operations and plan and prepare for the future.

A total of 42 Aboriginal businesses and organisations will receive a share of $5.6 million to invest in business mentoring and coaching, upskilling and training, the development of strategic business plans and governance frameworks and purchasing assets to expand operations.

The Aboriginal business sector in regional NSW is growing and access to training, development, and investment is vital for the success of both Aboriginal organisations and communities.

Dharra Jerky and Secret Harvest in Dubbo, Booma Food Group in Cessnock, Binjang Tea in Wellington, Deniliquin’s Barka Treats, and Native Botanical Brewery and Dream Builders on Country in the Central Coast are among the businesses who will boost production and pursue larger market opportunities through this funding.

The NSW Government is dedicated to closing the gap by removing barriers that hinder access to business training, mentoring and capital investment for Aboriginal people in regional NSW.

These growth opportunities have been made possible by $1.29 million from the NSW Government’s Regional Aboriginal Partnerships Program Round 2 and $4.33 million from the Regional Development Trust’s Aboriginal Economic Development Package.

According to a 2022 NSW Treasury report there are some 737 NSW Indigenous businesses registered with the Aboriginal procurement organisation, Supply Nation, the most of any state or territory.

Median annual revenue for these businesses is $303,000, with each employing a median full-time equivalent staff of 3.8.

Minister for Regional New South Wales Tara Moriarty said:

“Aboriginal businesses and organisations in regional NSW have a unique connection to land, culture and community, with traditional knowledge and cultural practices integrated into their businesses.

“Not only do Aboriginal businesses and organisations contribute to the regional local economies, but they also contribute to environmental sustainability and cultural development in regional communities.

“Getting the best training and resources into these regions is the first step in bridging skills gaps, supporting sustainable growth and creating jobs.”

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:

“The Minns Government is strongly committed to closing the gap by supporting Aboriginal-owned businesses and organisations to continue to grow and develop.

“NSW is unique in having a specific Closing the Gap Priority Reform – reform number 5 – focused on bolstering Aboriginal business growth and economic prosperity.

“By giving regional Aboriginal communities the tools they need we can help boost local economies now and into the future, promoting long term success.

“Thriving Aboriginal businesses are both the result and the source of thriving and empowered Aboriginal communities, with both sides of the coin key to closing the gap.”

CEO of the NSW Indigenous Chamber of Commerce Deb Barwick said:

“Access to tailored mentoring, training and business development opportunities will allow Aboriginal businesses to strengthen their operations and expand their reach.

“Supporting the growth of Aboriginal businesses in regional NSW drives economic development and creates lasting, meaningful opportunities for local communities.

“This funding ensures Aboriginal businesses are equipped with the tools to build their capacity, improve governance and unlock their full potential.”

Aboriginal business Dharra Jerky founder Hayden Williams said:

“I started making jerky as a hobby about six years ago and I have been proud to watch it begin to bloom into something much bigger.

“This support is giving me a great opportunity to upgrade my equipment so I can take my small business to the next level.”

Proponent	Project name	Location
Yurruungga Aboriginal Corporation	Governance Enhancement Initiative for Yurruungga Aboriginal Corporation	Bellingen Shire Council
Gathangga Wakulda Aboriginal Corporation	Growing Atanga Wakulda	Port Macquarie-hastings Council
Djiyagan Dhanbaan Incorporation	Nyiirun Djiyagan Wakulda, Women’s Festival	Port Macquarie-hastings Council
Walhallow Local Aboriginal Land Council	Walhallow Aboriginal Cultural Tourism Business Capacity Building	Liverpool Plains Shire Council
Barka Treats	Dog Food Production Enhancement	Edward River Council
Bunyah Local Aboriginal Land Council	Bunyah LALC Guulabaa Cafe Enterprise Equipment	Port Macquarie-hastings Council
Binjang Tea	Binjang Tea Capacity Building: Fostering Cultural Heritage and Sustainable Business Growth	Dubbo Regional Council
Native Botanical Brewery	Native Botanical Brewery’s “Pops Country” Initiative: Cultivating Indigenous Heritage from Bush to Brewery	Central Coast Council
BS Ellis and ML Ellis	Business diversification and capacity uplift	Eurobodalla Shire Council
Strong Movement	The Athlete Performance and Conditioning Enhancement Program	Tamworth Regional Council
LORE AUSTRALIA PTY LTD	Develop a business plan to grow and expand LORE Australia	Bellingen Shire Council
Bugalwan Indigenous Corporation	Ma Banyahr	Central Coast Council
Strong Spirit Services Ltd	Strong Spirit Cultural Pathways Program	Port Macquarie-hastings Council
Aboriginal Advancement Alliance Trading As Acadiam	Buzz Bus Activating Communities Road Trip – engaging, aligning and pathways to local jobs	Cessnock City Council
Mingaan Wiradjuri Aboriginal Corporation	Mingaan Wiradjuri Aboriginal Corporation Website upgrade with booking platform	Lithgow City Council
Bangguri Gadhu Cultural Tours	Bermagui Survival Day	Bega Valley Shire Council
Bara Barang Corporation Ltd	Dream Builders On Country : Raspberry Fields Business Planning	Central Coast Council
Dharra Jerky	Expanding Indigenous-Owned Dharra Jerky: Strengthening Manufacturing, Retail, and Wholesale Operations for Regional Growth	Dubbo Regional Council
Red Chief Local Aboriginal Land Council	Red Chief Aboriginal Cultural Tourism Business Planning Initiative	Gunnedah Shire Council
Integr8y	Integr8y – Building Capacity for Aboriginal Business Growth through Tender and Grant Writing Expertise: A Strategic Approach to Securing Contracts and Economic Empowerment	Tamworth Regional Council
Brennan Cultural Enterprise Pty Ltd T/A Waagayamba Consultants	Igniting Growth: Empowering Aboriginal Businesses with Virtual Support and Mentoring	Clarence Valley Council
Mara-Mara Community Incorporated	Renovations To Mara-Mara Community Incorporated	Tamworth Regional Council
JA Berry & DJ Carney t/as Cafe2823	Cafe2823 Courtyard & Function Area	Narromine Shire Council
Euraba Paper Aboriginal Corporation	Euraba Paper Company upgrade project	Moree Plains Shire Council
Tranby Aboriginal Co-operative Limited	Community Capacity Development Project: Building Governance and Enterprise Development opportunities	Mid North Coast and North Western LALC regions
Secret Harvest Pty Ltd	Skin Care Manufacturing	Dubbo Regional Council
Twofold Aboriginal Corporation	Twofold Solar Energy System – Off Grid Solar System to supply campground and other buildings on site	Bega Valley Shire Council
Unkya Local Aboriginal Land Council	Gumbaynggirr Keeping Place – Completion & Activation Project	Nambucca Valley Council
Jaanymili Bawrrungga Aboriginal Corporation	Gumbaynggirr Native Seedling Enterprise: Cultivating Growth and Sustainability	Nambucca Valley Council
Native Botanical Brewery	Native Botanical Brewery Expansion Wambelong Creek Coffee “Bush to Brewery” initiative	Central Coast Council
Awabakal Local Aboriginal Land Council	Winjirra Events	Lake Macquarie City Council
Booma Food Group Pty Ltd	Booma Food Biz Growth	Cessnock City Council
Waminda South Coast Women’s Health & Wellbeing Aboriginal Corporation	Sustaining our Blak Cede Enterprise	Shoalhaven City Council
More Cultural Rehabs Less Jails	Yindyamarra Landcare	Dubbo Regional Council
Gari Yala Pty Ltd T/As Chocolate On Purpose	Ngunggilanha Native Garden & Chocolate Nexus: Reclaiming Culture, Activating Wisdom, Empowering Community	Wingecarribee Shire Council
Grafton Ngerrie Local Aboriginal Land Council	Grafton Ngerrie Nursery Enterprise: Cultivating Economic Growth and Cultural Prosperity	Clarence Valley Council
Home Of Recovery	Home of Recovery Up Lift	Dubbo Regional Council
Gadhungal Marring	Native nursery, mentorship program and managment tools	Shoalhaven City Council
Aralumbin Pty Ltd	Project “Bush to You” brings bush foods to every plate, bridging the gap and collectively educating Australia.	Tweed Shire Council
Yurruga Indigenous Corporation	Yurruga Sustainable Solar Project Uplift and Expansion	Dubbo Regional Council
Bega Local Aboriginal Land Council	Building resilience and sustainability and focusing on circularity through a cultural lens	Bega Valley Shire Council
Wiradjuri Condobolin Corporation Limited	Galari Horticulture – Green hou

Men’s behaviour change program expanded

The Minns Labor Government is continuing work to create a safer New South Wales by taking a whole of community approach to addressing domestic and family violence, with Men’s Behaviour Change Programs (MBCPs) rolled out across an additional seven locations.

$10 million is being invested to increase the availability of these programs across the state as part of the Minns Labor Government’s $245.6 million package to address domestic and family violence in New South Wales, which has included:

Implementing the state’s first ever Primary Prevention Strategy
Working to expand the Staying Home Leaving Violence program state wide
Introducing new offences for repeated and serious breaches of Apprehended Domesticc Violence Orders
Making it harder than ever for alleged domestic violence offenders to get bail
Introducing Serious Domestic Abuse Prevention Orders
Modernising the definition of ‘stalking’ to include technology based harassment.

MBCPs are evidence-based group programs and services that focus on working with perpetrators of domestic and family violence to reduce or prevent the recurrence of abusive behaviour by a perpetrator towards a partner or family member. Between 2022 and 2024, 1,800 men participated in MBCPs in NSW.

The Minns Labor Government’s priority remains the safety of victim-survivors of domestic and family violence and ensuring they have access to support when they need it.

Following this expansion, the programs will now be available across 35 locations through 15 providers. The new locations are:

Nowra, Shoalhaven LGA – Anglicare
Ulladulla, Shoalhaven LGA – Anglicare
Forster, Mid-Coast LGA – Manning Support Services
Gloucester, Mid-Coast LGA – Manning Support Services
Lithgow, Lithgow LGA – Plus Community
Blacktown, Blacktown LGA – Relationships Australia
Maitland, Maitland LGA – Relationships Australia

Providers must be registered as compliant with the Practice Standards for Men’s Domestic Violence Behaviour Change Programs and deliver evidence-based interventions, as well as additional one-on-one supports.

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said:

“The NSW Government is working hard to build a safer New South Wales.

“These programs are about taking accountability, about breaking the cycle of violence by working with perpetrators to understand their behaviour is never acceptable.

“The fact is to build a safer New South Wales, free from domestic and family violence, we need men who use violence to take responsibility for their actions and change their behaviour.”

NSW Women’s Safety Commissioner Dr Hannah Tonkin said:

“Addressing domestic and family violence is a priority in our state and nation.

“The expansion of the Men’s Behaviour Change Program will promote the safety of women and children by holding men accountable for their violent and abusive behaviour and supporting them to change.

“Programs like this can encourage participants to take responsibility for their behaviour and provide them with the skills and tools necessary to stop using violence and maintain respectful relationships.”

MBCP provider Relationships Australia NSW CEO Elisabeth Shaw said:

“Promoting the safety of women and children is essential to preventing domestic and family violence in our communities.

“Our Men’s Behaviour Change Program works with men who use violence to take responsibility, guiding them to be accountable for their actions and stop abusive behaviours in their family relationships.

“These men have recognised the need to change and have sought support to become safer partners and fathers. Through the program, they reflect on their behaviour, understand the underlying drivers of violence, and learn practical tools and strategies to manage themselves and de-escalate potentially aggressive situations.

“We also work with the men’s current or former partners and their children to ensure their safety and support recovery. Many have shared with us that they are now living in safe and respectful homes, free from violence.”

Support services:

For information on Men’s Behaviour Change Programs operating in your local area, contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491.

If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, call the Police on Triple Zero / 000.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence, call the NSW Domestic Violence Line on 1800 65 64 63 for free counselling and referrals, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For confidential advice, support, and referrals, contact 1800 RESPECT or 13 YARN on 13 92 76.

$10 million Good Neighbours Program to tackle pest and weeds across NSW

The Minns Labor Government is delivering on its election commitment to tackle pest and weed infestations between neighbouring public and private lands across the state through its $10 million investment in new or expanded, on the ground, biosecurity projects.

The Good Neighbours Program, led by Local Land Services, will undertake 21 initial projects in priority areas across NSW.

The initiative is part of the Government’s $945 million commitment to addressing biosecurity threats to the state’s $20 billion primary industries sector.

The Good Neighbours projects will target pest animals and problem weeds, including feral deer, feral pigs, tropical soda apple and hudson pear.

Improved on-ground outcomes will be achieved through coordinated pest animal and weed control programs, as well as capacity-building workshops, training and education for landholders and land managers.

The 21 projects will be delivered in partnership with respective public land managers including Forestry Corporation, the National Parks and Wildlife Service and local councils.

The Good Neighbours Program highlights the importance of public and private land managers working together to prevent the spread of pests and weeds and protect the NSW economy, environment and community.

Pest animals and weeds impact more than 70 per cent of the state’s threatened species and endangered ecological communities, posing a significant agricultural threat.

The Good Neighbours Program brings together a range of stakeholders and agencies to combat the issue and educate landholders and land managers about their shared general biosecurity duty under the NSW Biosecurity Act 2015 to control pests and weeds on their properties.

The program will run until mid-2026, with additional projects to be funded. Visit nsw.gov.au/good-neighbours to learn more.

Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty said:

“Effective pest and weed management are critical to supporting agricultural productivity and biodiversity in NSW, and it’s best achieved by working as a united front.”

“The Good Neighbours program demonstrates the NSW Government’s commitment to protecting our natural environment and agricultural industry by focusing our resources on areas where we can work together to achieve the best results.

“As the saying goes, everybody needs good neighbours. Biosecurity is a shared responsibility, and we all have a part to play.”

Local Land Services Project Manager Good Neighbours Program, Dale Kirby said:

“When it comes to coordinated pest animal and weed control programs, many hands make light work.”

“We can achieve far better outcomes when private and public landholders work together, with expert advice and support from Local Land Services, to reduce impacts and limit the spread of pests and weeds across the landscape.”

MEDIA: Michael Salmon | Minister Moriarty | 0417495018

Good Neighbours projects

Cane Toad Program (North Coast) – Joint efforts between the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Local Land Services, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Forestry Corporation of NSW, Landcare and private landholders to control cane toads on the North Coast.
Chinese Violet Program (North Coast) – This program is based in the Tweed Shire, where Rous County Council is targeting Chinese violet on the fringes of the Heritage Wollumbin National Park and Jerusalem National Park.
Job’s Tears Eradication Program (North Coast) – Led by Rous County Council, Landcare and landholders, this program aims to eradicate Job’s tears from creek lines in the Kyogle and Lismore shires.
Tropical Soda Apple Eradication (TSA) Program (North Coast) – This program targets Tropical soda apple across the Lismore, Kyogle, Ballina, Byron, Richmond Valley and Tweed local government areas, led by Rous County Council, community groups and landholders.
Far South Coast Coastal Weeds Program (South East) – Tackling weeds such as coastal bitou bush and sea spurge on the Far South Coast between Tuross and Wonboyn, led by Far South Coast Landcare, local councils, Local Land Services and the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
Hudson Pear Control Program – Kinchega National Park (Western) – Combating Hudson Pear in the middle reaches of Stephens Creek to the west of Kinchega National Park, led by the managers of Kars and Eureka stations, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Castlereagh Macquarie County Council and Local Land Services.
Jumping Cholla Control Program (Western) – Targeting Jumping cholla in the Living Desert State Park and nearby Limestone and Nine Mile stations in the Broken Hill area, with the help of the station owners, Broken Hill City Council, Castlereagh Macquarie County Council and Local Land Services.
Parthenium Weed Eradication (North West) Management and control of Parthenium weed across two Travelling Stock Reserves (TSR) at Croppa Creek, led by North West Local Land Services and supported by local councils, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, TSR users, landholders and Traditional Owners.
Mt Stuart Boxing Glove Control Program (Western) – Tackling the spread of Boxing glove cactus in Tibooburra, south of the Sturt National Park, in partnership with the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Mt Stuart Station neighbours, Castlereagh Macquarie County Council, Crown Lands and Local Land Services.
North Coast Branch Pig Control Program (North Coast and Northern Tablelands) – Feral pig control led by the North Coast branch of the National Parks and Wildlife Service across 12 reserves from western Richmond River to the coast, from Ballina in the north to Hat Head in the south.
Orange Hawkweed Eradication Program (South East) – A collaboration between Snowy Monaro Council, Snowy Valleys Council, Local Land Services, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and private landholders targeting Hawkweed in the Kosciuszko National Park and surrounding private land.
Strategic Weed Management and Control – Blackberry and St John’s Wort (Central West) – Coordinated control of priority weeds within Goobang National Park, led by Parkes Shire Council, Macquarie and Lachlan Valley Weeds Committee, Central West and Central Tablelands regional weeds committees and neighbouring landholders.
Wild Horse Cross Tenure Eradication Program (North Coast) – Wild horse control focused on the Barcoongere area, south of Grafton, in conjunction with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, National Parks and Wildlife Service and landholders.
Bathurst Joint Weed Program (Central Tablelands) – Working with the Forestry Corporation of NSW and private landholders to control weeds such as broom, gorse and Chilean needle grass between state forest and private land in Bathurst.
Bathurst Pest Program – Feral Pig Management Program (Central Tablelands) – Support for a feral pig baiting program involving the Forestry Corporation of NSW, Crown Lands and neighbouring land managers.
Feral deer control – Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area (Central Tablelands, Hunter, Greater Sydney and South East) – Coordinated efforts between the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Local Land Services, the Invasive Species Council, Crown Lands and public land managers to reduce the impacts of feral deer.
Forestry Pest Management Neighbour’s Program (Western, Central West, Central Tablelands, North West, Riverina and Murray) – Targeting feral pig populations on properties with state forest boundaries in the Western NSW region, led by the Forestry Corporation of NSW and state forest neighbours.
Koala Habitat Restoration (North Coast) – Protecting and restoring koala habitat in the Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie areas in conjunction with private landholders, Local Aboriginal Land Councils, Landcare groups, National Parks and Wildlife Service, and the Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.
North Coast Feral Deer Management Program (North Coast) – An existing feral deer coordinated control program based in the Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie areas involving local councils, Forestry Corporation of NSW, National Parks and Wildlife Service and private landholders.
Red Cestrum Management and Control (North Coast) – This program is focused on controlling Red cestrum infestations on the Dorrigo Plateau, led by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Forestry Corporation of NSW, Bellingen Shire Council and private landholders.
Tamworth Peri Urban Pest Species Project (North West) – Targeting feral goats, pigs and deer within the Tamworth Local Government Area, supported by Tamworth Regional Council, Crown Lands and private landholders.

Faster water approvals to supercharge housing delivery

The Minns Labor Government is slashing red tape to get more homes built faster across the state, unveiling a clear blueprint to speed up approvals and ensure new properties are connected and ready to turn on the tap sooner.

The Housing Approval Reform Action Plan is a joint initiative between the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), Sydney Water, and WaterNSW to streamline approvals and accelerate the delivery of critical infrastructure.

After more than a decade of underinvestment and stalled approvals, the NSW Government is taking action, establishing a cross-government team to fast-track water and wastewater infrastructure, ensuring developments stay on track and homes are delivered sooner.

Every new home requires essential infrastructure. From providing drinking water and wastewater management to handling stormwater, a robust water cycle management plan is a key factor in assessing land use and development proposals in NSW.

Government agencies evaluate a wide range of potential impacts on water quality, including stormwater management, erosion and sediment control during construction and wastewater disposal.

Beyond accelerating housing construction, the plan will focus on protecting, enhancing, and restoring waterways and water sources to ensure long-term sustainability.

The Housing Approval Reform Action Plan streamlines housing delivery and eases system pressure through clear actions, including:

Expanding risk-based triaging for all referrals to ensure homes that are ready can be connected without delay.
Streamlining the removal of groundwater process on building sites to ensure construction can commence quickly and safety.
Revising key performance indicators to mitigate inefficiencies.
Support developers and Water Servicing Coordinators in getting their applications right from
the start.
Facilitating early engagement for smoother applications.

Following an industry forum in August 2024, these reforms were shaped with key stakeholders and construction industry leaders, who highlighted real-world obstacles slowing housing development, to break down barriers and get more homes built faster.

This action plan strengthens the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to building a better NSW, including:

$2.2 billion infrastructure investment to fund more housing, critical infrastructure and better planning for housing.
Over $250 million to continue the overhaul of the planning system and planning reforms.
The development of the NSW Pattern Book and accelerated planning pathway for those who use the pre-approved patterns.
$5.1 billion to build 8,400 new public homes, the largest investment in social and affordable housing.
Creation of Housing Delivery Authority that recently announced plans to fast-track the delivery of 6,400 new homes.

To learn more, please visit: https://water.dpie.nsw.gov.au/our-work/plans-and-strategies/housing-approval-reform-action-plan/

Minister for Housing and Water Rose Jackson said:

“Drinking water, wastewater and stormwater might not be front of mind, but they’re make-or-break for getting homes built and ready to live in.

“We’re cutting red tape, speeding up approvals, and pulling every lever we’ve got to get more homes on the ground faster—because NSW can’t afford delays.

“This plan is about fixing the system. The entire NSW water sector has come together with developers to find solutions that actually work and get things moving.

“These are practical changes that will slash approval timeframes and address industry concerns—while still doing the right thing by our water sources and environment.”

NSW Executive Director of the Property Council of Australia Katie Stevenson said:

“When applications for apartment buildings get the stamp of approval from planning, there are often further strings attached where significant excavations need additional sign-off from water authorities and this adds costly further delays to the delivery of new housing.

“Today’s announcement effectively declares 2025 as a year of cultural change for the three water authorities involved in the pre-construction approval of new housing – it is the sort of leadership we need to align all aspects of the government’s activities toward the resolution of the housing crisis.

“We appreciate the priorities outlined in the action plan, along with the specific activities and timelines it includes, which have been created through extensive consultation with the industry.”

Fair Work Commission ruling means certainty for rail passengers

The Fair Work Commission yesterday ruled in favour of a “cooling off period” from 10pm last night (19 February 2025) until 1 July 2025.

This means all industrial action will end to allow Sydney Trains and NSW TrainLink to focus on negotiating and finalising a deal with the Combined Rail Unions (CRU).

The Commission found that it was “in the public interest” for industrial action to pause.

This morning, almost all rail services are currently running on time.

Passengers now have certainty that their rail services will not be affected with the types of disruption that industrial action has caused recently.

The Rail Agencies remain committed to continuing to negotiate with the CRU.

Sydney Trains and NSW TrainLink thank all passengers for their patience during this period of disruption.

Second teen charged over alleged bus assault – Newcastle

A second teenage boy has been charged after two bus drivers were allegedly assaulted in separate incidents in Newcastle last week.

Police Transport Command officers commenced an investigation after the two drivers were allegedly assaulted on Thursday 13 February 2025.

Police were told three males were fighting on a bus when the driver stopped at New Lambton Heights and asked them to get off. When leaving the bus, the driver was allegedly assaulted by one of the males.

A short time later, the males boarded another bus and allegedly began causing a disturbance to passengers. The bus stopped in Glendale where all passengers got off; however, the three males allegedly forced open the rear door and assaulted the driver.

Both drivers suffered minor injuries but were not taken to hospital.

Police were notified and inquiries into both incidents commenced by the Police Transport Command’s Northern Satellite team.

Following extensive inquiries, police arrested a 14-year-old boy yesterday afternoon (Tuesday 18 February 2025).

He was taken to Belmont Police Station where he was charged with two counts of common assault, stalk/intimidate intend fear physical etc harm, and hinder or resist police officer in the execution of duty.

The boy was refused bail to appear before a children’s court today (Wednesday 19 February 2025), where he was formally refused bail to appear before the same court on Monday 24 February 2025.

Following further inquiries, police arrested a second 14-year-old boy earlier today (Wednesday 19 February 2025).

He was taken to Cessnock Police Station where he was charged with common assault, and affray.

He was granted strict conditional bail to appear before a children’s court on Monday 24 March 2025.

Inquiries into the incident are ongoing.