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New Sydney Fish Market’s iconic floating roof now complete

The new Sydney Fish Market has reached a major milestone with the final roof panel installed on top of the 200-metre-long floating roof canopy, forming the iconic building’s crowning glory.

With the unique and spectacular roof now completed, Sydney’s skyline is set to change forever with this new architectural marvel, just as the Opera House did when it was built in 1973. 

This marks a pivotal moment in the project, as the focus shifts from structural work to internal finishes, bringing the building one step closer to construction completion.

The roof’s supporting structure is comprised of 594 timber roof beams – with the longest beams up to 32 metres in length – and was completed in December 2024.

Combined with over 400 roof panels, the roof weighs a staggering 2,500 tonnes. The roof requires some finishing touches including waterproofing, which will follow in the weeks ahead.

Since construction began, the project has provided a major boost to the local economy with delivery partner Multiplex awarding more than $670 million in contracts to Australian suppliers for services including maritime piling, steel reinforcement and installation of the roof cassettes.

The new Sydney Fish Market will offer a vibrant mix of retail, dining, and community spaces, including fresh seafood market, restaurants, and a seafood school. The new market will create a dynamic hub for both locals and tourists, celebrating Sydney’s reputation as a global seafood destination.

The new Sydney Fish Market is key to the transformation of Blackwattle Bay, which will unlock a connected waterfront promenade from Rozelle Bay to Woolloomooloo, 1,100 homes on the old fish market site and more than 6,000 square metres of public space, improving pedestrian and cycling links.

The project is also supporting over 700 jobs during construction, and a further 700 jobs once operational.

For more information about the new Sydney Fish Market visit: new Sydney Fish Market.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“The revamped market will be truly spectacular, offering a world-class, authentic seafood for an expected 6 million annual local and international visitors – ensuring it remains one of the most popular tourist destinations on offer in our harbour city.”

“Excitement around the new Sydney Fish Market is growing every day as this spectacular new building, now with a completed roof, comes to life at the head of Blackwattle Bay.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“Today marks a significant milestone with the completion of the roof at the new Sydney Fish Market, a testament to world-class engineering and design.

“The roof not only enhances the market’s aesthetic with its magnificent wave-like form now in place, but also the environmental sustainability of the building.

“It is incredibly exiting to have reached this stage in the build and start work on finishes. We’re on the home stretch now and getting closer to being able to set foot in the new Sydney Fish Market, which will be an icon for Sydney and a destination for all.”

NSW Regional Director Daniel Murphy at Multiplex said:

“This milestone is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our construction team and partners. We can’t wait to see visitors enjoying this impressive building when it opens to the public.”

One Nation to abolish excise on alcohol served at venues

One Nation will abolish the excise on alcohol served at licenced venues as part of its plan to put more money in Australians’ pockets and support small businesses struggling under Labor’s cost-of-living crisis.

Party leader Senator Pauline Hanson said the hospitality sector had felt the impact of the cost-of-living crisis more than most.
“Everyday we see pubs and restaurants across the country – some of them historic venues which have operated for decades or longer – being forced to close their doors because so many Australians can no longer afford to have a night out,” Senator Hanson said.

“They’re also being crippled by increased operating costs – energy bills, rents, insurance, council rates and state government regulations. Many of them rely on casual employees, but Labor’s IR changes mean that many of them can’t risk employing casuals anymore.

“One Nation’s policy will abolish the alcohol excise on drinks served in these businesses. This will not apply to take-away alcohol, however our policy also includes freezing the biannual increase in the excise on all alcoholic beverages.”

Senator Hanson said one of the more disturbing impacts of Labor’s cost-of-living crisis was the increase in drinking at home, which was fuelling higher rates of domestic violence.
“Our policy will help to reduce that,” she said. “We also see how Australians struggling to make ends meet are experiencing increased mental health issues. Having a schooner with mates at the pub, or socialising with friends at restaurants and other venues, has always been how many Australians spend their leisure time. Labor’s cost-of-living crisis has taken this option away from them.

“Abolishing the alcohol excise for hospitality venues is just one of many ways One Nation’s plan will put more money in Australians’ pockets. We hope to give venues a lifeline, a real shot in the arm, and enable Australians to again enjoy a night out without it breaking the budget. Our policy will also assist our brewers and our emerging world-class micro-brewery sector, which is being hit hard by government taxes too.

“One Nation puts Australia and Australians first.”

Hazard reduction burn in Tomaree National Park, Port Stephens

National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) will undertake a hazard reduction burn with support from the Rural Fire Service (RFS) in Tomaree National Park on Wednesday 19 February, weather permitting.

The 3-hectare burn next to Boat Harbour Drive will take advantage of a small window of optimal weather conditions.

By reducing the risk of wildfire, the burn will help protect the Boat Harbour community as well as natural assets in Tomaree National Park.

Firefighters will conduct a low-intensity burn to minimise any impacts to the environment and threatened species, including koalas, which have previously been recorded in Tomaree National Park.

The burn will take place in bushland near Blanch Street, Andrew Close, Emerald Close and Harbour View, with close neighbours receiving written notification. The burn is expected to take a day, while smoke and ground patrols may continue for up to a week pending weather.

Boat Harbour residents should be aware that smoke could carry across most of the suburb

Any motorists using surrounding roads are reminded to be aware of potential smoke hazards, to drive to conditions, and obey traffic management that will be in place.

Public access to a small area of Tomaree National Park will be closed while the burn is underway and will remain closed until firefighters have ensured there are no embers or trees in danger of falling. Check the NPWS website’s Alerts page for updates.

NPWS may conduct more burns in the Port Stephens area in the coming weeks, weather permitting.

People with asthma or who are susceptible to respiratory problems are advised to keep clear of the area or stay indoors with the windows shut.

The NPWS hazard reduction program for 2025 is focused on essential burns to protect park neighbours, park and catchment assets and park values.

All burns across NSW are coordinated with the RFS and FRNSW to ensure any impacts to the community, including from smoke, are assessed at a regional level.

Details on specific burns will be made available in advance on the Rural Fire Service website, Hazards Near Me app, and on NPWS Alerts website.

For health information relating to smoke from bush fires and hazard reduction burning, visit NSW Health or the Asthma Foundation. For up-to-date information on these, and other, planned hazard reduction activities, visit the Rural Fire Service.

Man charged following crash – Abermain

A man has been charged following a crash in the Hunter region which resulted in seven people being taken to the John Hunter Hospital.

About 12.05am yesterday (Sunday 16 February 2025), emergency services were called to Bromage Road, Abermain, following reports of a crash involving multiple people.

Officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District attended and were told a sedan was driving east when it hit two parked vehicles – another sedan and an SUV – causing the SUV to impact with a group of people.

NSW Ambulance paramedics treated seven people at the scene, with one airlifted to John Hunter Hospital and the remainder taken by road ambulance.

An eight-year-old girl remains in hospital with suspected internal injuries, while a 10-year-old girl was treated for minor injuries and released.
Two women, aged 25 and 31, also remain in hospital, with the older woman being treated for a head injury.
Two men, aged 24 and 25, were also taken to hospital; the younger man has a fractured leg while the older man was treated for a foot injury and released.
The driver, an 18-year-old man, was treated for facial injuries and has since been released from hospital.

A crime scene was established, and specialist officers attached to the Crash Investigations Unit (CIU) commenced an investigation into the crash.

Officers spoke with the driver after he was discharged from hospital earlier today (Monday 17 February 2025).

Following inquiries, his license was suspended, and he was charged with six offences:

Cause bodily harm by misconduct, in charge of motor vehicle (two counts)
Dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm – drive manner dangerous
Drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous
Driver not wear seatbelt properly adjusted and fastened
Use light vehicle not comply with tyres standard

He was issued a court attendance notice to appear before Kurri Kurri Local Court on Tuesday 29 April 2025.

Inquiries into the incident are ongoing.

Appointment of High Commissioners and Ambassadors

Today I announce the appointments of eight highly qualified individuals to lead Australia’s posts in Rarotonga, Suva, the Holy See, Wellington, Koror, Port Moresby, as well as Australia’s engagement with the UN in Geneva and our international work on counter-terrorism and countering violent extremism.

I am pleased to confirm the following appointments:

Australia is investing in all arms of national power to advance Australian interests and values in our region and the world – to keep Australians safe, to ensure our economic strength – and today’s appointments will bolster these efforts.

I thank the outgoing ambassadors and high commissioners for their important contributions.

Albanese Government uses forced deportations to Nauru to whip up fear and division on migration

The Albanese Government announced today it will force people in Australia to Nauru after bribing the country with an undisclosed amount of money.

The Albanese Labor Government, at the end of last year, worked hand-in-hand with Peter Dutton’s Coalition to push through the most extreme anti-migrant and anti-refugee policies Australia has seen in a generation.

One of these laws has allowed the Labor Government to bribe countries, like Nauru, to take up to 80,000 people who currently live in Australia. Once they arrive in Nauru, the law gives them no protection from being jailed or returned to the country they fled in fear of persecution.

An Australian offshore detention centre has operated in Nauru for over a decade. Along with a detention centre that previously operated in Papua New Guinea, Australia’s so-called ‘offshore processing regime’ has been directly linked to 14 deaths, including a murder by guards.

In January this year, the UN Human Rights Committee found, in two cases brought by people held in offshore detention, that Australia is responsible for people transferred offshore under the existing regime.

Senator David Shoebridge, Greens spokesperson for Immigration and Multiculturalism, said: “The Albanese Government’s attempt to run to the right of Dutton is cruel and wrong in principle, but it also won’t work politically.

“This posturing by Labor doesn’t build their brand, all it does is legitimise Dutton’s brutal rhetoric on migration and citizenship.

“No one is in immigration detention because they have committed a crime. They are in immigration detention because of a visa issue.

“Today’s announcement entrenches a two-class legal system where you can be subject to arbitrary detention and forced to a country you have no connections to because of where you were born.

“Dozens of other countries face far more pressing immigration issues than Australia, yet no other country has decided to bribe other countries to take people without any regard for human rights.

“What we are seeing is the Albanese Government picking and choosing who gets human rights. When you start picking and choosing who gets human rights, it takes us down a divisive and dehumanising path.

“The Albanese Government has shown no interest in standing up to Dutton and protecting multiculturalism in Australia. When it comes to migration and refugees they have no red lines.

“Make no mistake, history has told us what will happen next: people will die, families will be separated, and the major parties will still blame migrants for problems they created.”

Urgent inquiry needed into political interference at Creative Australia

The Greens have called for an urgent independent inquiry into Creative Australia’s shock decision to revoke Australia’s selection to the Venice Biennale, 6 days after awarding the commission to artist Khaled Sabsabi and curator Micheal Dagostino.

Citing the capitulation to political pressure, Greens spokesperson for the Arts, Senator Sarah Hanson-Young has called for a full and frank inquiry into the crisis that has now engulfed Australia’s art world and put into question the integrity and independence of the Creative Australia Board.

The Senator has vowed to hold the agency and Minister to account at the upcoming Senate Estimates, scheduled for Tuesday 25 February, and believes a specific Senate hearing is warranted.

Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, Greens spokesperson for the Arts:

“It’s an appalling capitulation that has plunged arts policy in Australia into crisis.

“It has undermined the entire integrity and credibility of the newly formed Creative Australia. Succumbing to political pressure from the Murdoch media and conservative politicians has brought the nation’s premium cultural institution into disrepute.

“Artistic expression must be free from political interference and intimidation. To allow this censorship of artistic thought and expression is to allow an attack on the very values of freedom and peace that are the lifeblood of our democracy.

“To award the submission to two of Australia’s great creative minds, only to revoke it 6 days later after political interference sets a dangerous precedent, not just in the art world but for all of our public institutions.

“This is nothing short of an international arts embarrassment for Australia.

“There must be a full and frank inquiry into how this decision was made, who was involved and how much it has cost the Australian taxpayer.

“What role did the Minister for the Arts, or any other members of government have in this cancel-culture calamity?

“The cancellation of the commission must be reversed, and the original contract with Mr Sabsabi and Mr Dagostino must be upheld.

“Senate Estimates can’t come soon enough. The agency has failed to stand with the arts community and the public deserves to know the full story.”

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.”