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Labor’s made-up $30 billion AUKUS ‘announceable’ for the SA election

The Federal Labor Government today delivered a made-up $30 billion AUKUS ‘announceable’ for South Australia, that is not backed up by any budget commitment and is a stark political play weeks out from the SA State election.

Only a fraction of these funds are in the budget forecasts, nominally to build facilities at Osborne for the construction of AUKUS submarines over a decade in the future for boats that have not yet been designed.

The AUKUS Agreement is intended to enable Australia to purchase second-hand US nuclear submarines, which experts say is unlikely to occur. Meanwhile, the UK is leading the design and production of the new type of AUKUS nuclear submarine, core parts of which the UK audit office says is ‘unachievable’.

Senator David Shoebridge, Greens Spokesperson for Defence, said: “This $30 billion is a made-up number, we saw the same thing from Labor late last year for the Henderson precinct in WA just weeks before Albanese went to Washington.

“Labor is shameless in announcing these multi-billion dollar, uncosted AUKUS numbers without even a shred of reality, let alone budget commitments, to back them in.

“The real budgeted amount for South Australia is only a fraction of what the Albanese Government has committed to the UK and the US submarine industries. That should show you everything about the priorities of Federal and State Labor.

“We have seen this all before in South Australia, the Government spending hundreds of millions building facilities for French submarines only to spend millions more to tear it all down when the project crashed. We are watching history repeat itself with AUKUS.

“The only secure jobs this will create are for retired Labor and Liberal politicians going to work in the US and UK defence industries after they leave politics.”

Robert Simms MLC, said: “While South Australians are desperate for cost-of-living relief, Labor are wasting billions of dollars on nuclear submarines when we could instead fund healthcare, education and housing.”

Lead Upper House Candidate Melanie Selwood, said: “The major parties are bending over backwards to deliver the doomed AUKUS plan. AUKUS ties our state’s economic future to the US, defence industries, and the storage of nuclear waste. Instead we could be building a future for our state by funding local infrastructure manufacturing, building affordable housing, and investing in educational programs that serve the interests of South Australians, not the US and the UK.”

Transcript of Press Conference Angus Taylor

Topics: Cost of Living, Housing, Labor’s Taxes, Shadow Ministry

E&OE.

LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION:

It’s great to be here in Goulburn, with Jane Hume, talking to a young family, Grant and Georgia, about the challenges for them in paying the bills, in owning a home, paying the mortgage every month, and getting by, which is incredibly difficult right now. And we’ve also been talking to a local builder about the huge reduction we’ve seen in the number of new houses coming on because it’s just got too hard to build a house and to find someone who can take that on. 

My top priority as the new leader, and Jane’s as well, is to protect Australians’ way of life and to restore their standard of living. And right at the heart of that is owning a home. Owning a home has always been an essential part of the Australian ideal, of the Australian journey, of what young Australians do as they start a family.

It’s an essential part of being part of this great nation. It’s an essential part of being able to build wealth, but also stability for a growing family. And that’s what we were just talking to Grant and Georgia about. But it is getting too hard. 

Young Australians are giving up hope. Builders are giving up hope that they can find a market for their houses because the costs and times involved are just too great.

And young families who do have a home and have a mortgage, in some cases, are giving up or having to take on second jobs just to be able to make ends meet. This is unacceptable. 

This Labor Government is making life harder for young Australians, Australians wanting to buy a home because it’s just got too expensive to make ends meet.

Interest rates are going up, inflation is surging, and now they’re talking about putting an additional tax on the home. 

If you want more homes, if you want more homes, we don’t need another tax. But that’s what Labor is proposing to do.

We will fight this tax. We will fight bad taxes from a bad Labor Government that’s making life harder for Australians. Jane, over to you.

DEPUTY LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION:

Thanks, Gus. Grant and Georgia are an amazing couple. They work really hard, two jobs each. They have two young kids who spend time at daycare and at preschool, but they can’t seem to get ahead. 

They bought this fabulous house back in 2020, and now they’re even considering selling it and downsizing it just to make ends meet. That’s because interest rates have gone up 13 times under Labor.

They’ve gone up 13 times because inflation keeps going up. That dragon has not been tamed. It makes it really hard when Grant and Georgia get those bills every month.

We saw their electricity bill, which they say has gone up by about 40 per cent since they bought this house. They’ve got childcare expenses, they’ve gone up, and they’ve got rates as well. We want families like Grant and Georgia’s to get a chance to get ahead.

We want families like Grant and Georgia to be able to say, next year is going to be better than this year. Maybe we can wind back one of those additional jobs. Maybe, Georgia, you can go and study and stop doing that second job that she’s taken on.

But it’s hard for Australians right now because this government has really let them down. A Liberal coalition government will focus on families just like Grant and Georgia’s, making sure that they have that chance to get ahead, that they have a chance for a brighter future, both them and for their kids. 

JOURNALIST:

Mr Taylor, it’s one thing to talk about all of these problems. The Opposition has been talking about these sorts of problems for a long time before you came to the job. These are big economic challenges. What are your big solutions? 

LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION:

We are up to fighting for Australians when it comes to these big economic challenges because they’re hurting Australians, and that’s exactly what we’ve heard.

But we do need to put downward pressure on inflation and interest rates. That means we need to be prudent in government spending. We don’t need waste. We have seen waste from this government, and we’re continuing to see waste from this government. 

We need to make it easier for builders and others right across Australia to do their jobs. If we’re going to have more homes, we’ve got to make it easier to build homes.

It’s really not that complicated, but Labor is making it harder to build homes. More red tape, more regulation, more regulators. That’s not what we need right now.

We need an economy where people can get out and do things, invest in building a house, invest in building their businesses, and if we make it easier for them to do that, it’s going to make it easier to own a home. And that’s the key. 

JOURNALIST:

You say you’re going to fight the tax. I’m assuming you’re talking about any possible changes to capital gains tax?

LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION:

That’s right.

JOURNALIST:

Some economists argue it would cool house price growth, house price inflation. Isn’t that the desirable outcome? 

LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION:

You know, there’s a pretty simple principle of economics: if you tax something more, you get less of it. If you make it more expensive, you get less of it. It’s the same for houses.

If you whack another tax on homes, you’re going to get less homes. It’s very simple. And Labor doesn’t get it, because Labor has run out of money. So they’re coming after yours. 

JOURNALIST:

Doesn’t the capital gains tax help property investors with 10, 20 homes rather than first home buyers, I’m assuming you’re looking to appeal to as opposition leader? 

LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION:

You can overcomplicate this. If you put an extra tax on something, you get less of it.

And we need more homes, not less. If we’re going to have more affordability, we need more supply, more homes. That’s the key.

Jim Chalmers doesn’t get this. And that’s why Australians are seeing with him as Treasurer and Anthony Albanese as Prime Minister, it’s getting harder to pay the bills. It’s getting harder to buy a home.

It’s getting harder to run a business. And it’s just getting harder to make ends meet. And we’re going to fight. Jane and I and our team are going to fight every single day for those hard-working Australians who are trying to get ahead, who believe in the Australian ideal and are giving up hope. Well, they shouldn’t give up hope, because we’re here to fight for them.

JOURNALIST:

So that’s one policy they’re opposing, the capital gains tax changes. When are we going to see any other kind of solid policies from you? Can you give us a bit of a timetable? We’ve been waiting for the immigration policy for a long time. When are we seeing policies? 

LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION:

Well, I think you’ve heard some strong comments from me in the last 24 hours on immigration. Immigration, clearly the numbers have been too high and the standards have been too low.

But we also need an immigration policy that’s true to our Australian values. If people want to come to this country and bring the hatred and violence of another place, the doors should be shut.

We’ll continue to announce our priorities and policies over the coming weeks and months. But I think these are important messages that we’re going to continue to convey.

And most importantly, we’re going to fight a bad Labor government who’s been getting these things wrong. 

JOURNALIST:

What about the seat of Farrer? You’re obviously going to be fighting a by-election in the not-too-distant future. It’s looking like it’s turning out to be a four-cornered contest. That’s a lot of people to be fighting against. Are you confident that Liberals will be able to retain that seat? 

LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION:

Well, it’s never going to be easy. We’ve got a popular local member leaving. That always makes it challenging. And we know that our starting point as leaders of the party is the worst the party’s been in since 1944. So we’re realistic about this.

But we’ve got to restore confidence of voters across Australia, including in Farrer, in us and in the Coalition, to fight for them. And that’s what we’re going to do, as I say, every single day. We’re going to be focused on their challenges and the failures of this government to meet their challenges.

JOURNALIST:

Will it be a measuring stick of your leadership? If you can win the Farrah by-election, you’ll be going up against One Nation and Climate 200. They’ve already both said they’re going to run. How do you fight both the left and right flank? 

LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION:

Well, of course it’s challenging. I mean, I’ve been the first to say, I said it yesterday, that Farrer, competing in Farrer, will be challenging. We’ve got a popular local member leaving. It will be a cast of many. I don’t know how many, but a cast of many, obviously. 

But we’re going to be out there fighting for our values, what we believe in. And we are absolutely committed to moving away from the politics of convenience to the politics of conviction.

We need to demonstrate to Australians that we stand for the values that Australians stand for, that we’ll fight to protect their way of life, to restore their way of living, at a time when they feel those things are under threat. 

JOURNALIST:

This is one perhaps for Jane. Obviously, we’re in a regional part of Australia now, but one of the main challenges for the Liberals is going to be winning back those city voters. What’s your pitch to them in terms of bringing back their confidence to the Liberal Party that they actually do stand for the interests of city voters as well? 

DEPUTY LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION:

You know, it doesn’t matter whether you’re in the city or whether you’re in the country. Families are feeling the same pain right around the country. That’s because the promise of a Labor government has come to naught.

It’s getting harder and harder to find a house to buy and harder and harder to find a house to rent. People are seeing their bills go up, doesn’t matter if it’s the city or the country. 

Grant and Georgia’s story is not an unusual one: 40% rises in energy bills and potentially another 24% forecast for this year. 13 interest rate rises because inflation is still out of control. We were talking about going to the supermarket today.

Every time you fill up that trolley, every time you fill up your basket, it’s just that little bit more. Families are looking for an opportunity to get ahead. They want to know that next year is going to be better than last year.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re in the city or in the country. It doesn’t matter whether you’re regional and rural and remote or whether you’re right in the heart of a CBD. We want families to get ahead, to have brighter days ahead of them, and we want them to see that in the Liberal Party’s and the Coalition’s offerings.

Because let’s face it, it’s a Coalition that represents all Australians, not sectional interests. 

JOURNALIST:

Angus, what’s your thinking around the shadow ministry? When would you like to get that out? Will you reward people that voted for you or will you reward performers like Andrew Bragg, Tim Wilson? And if I can ask you, Jane, have you decided what portfolio you’d like yet? 

LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION:

I’ll start and then Jane can add to it. Look, can I say, we’ve got a lot of talented people in the Liberal Party.

And what we need right now is everyone pulling together to work hard for hard-working Australians who are struggling. And I’m going to be putting a great team on the field. And we have a great team to put on the field.

This is the important point. And they’re going to be fighting hard for Australians every single day.

DEPUTY LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION:

I haven’t spoken to Angus about that yet. But I can assure you that the position, whatever position I take, will be one that allows me to best represent our party, our party’s values and our party’s priorities.

Art and environment combine to create community connections to Newcastle creek

A group of junior football players have kicked off a community art project designed to strengthen Newcastle residents’ relationships with their local waterways.

The Kotara South players took part in hands-on clay making and photography-based activities at Upper Styx Creek today, working with professional artists to create environmentally inspired artworks that will form part of a future exhibition at Newcastle Art Gallery.

Deputy Lord Mayor Charlotte McCabe joins Ellie Hannon and Future Creek workshop facilitators Therese Keogh, Chris Brown and Holly Macdonald as they prepare for the first workshop in Kotara South on Styx Creek. The Future Creek project is one of eight initiatives supported through City of Newcastle’s most recent round of environment grants, providing more than $65,000 to support activities that strengthen local biodiversity, environmental educational, habitat restoration and connection to place. 

Newcastle Deputy Lord Mayor Charlotte McCabe said the grants highlight the valuable role the community plays in caring for the local environment. 

“City of Newcastle is proud to support community-led environmental projects that empower people to learn, create and take action,” Cr McCabe said.

“Our grants help residents connect with nature, protect biodiversity and celebrate the green spaces that make our city unique. 

“These eight funded projects showcase the creativity and care that exist across Newcastle, from habitat restoration and native beehive installation to the creation of multicultural gardening spaces, the delivery of community workshops and the imaginative exploration of Styx Creek through art.” 

The Future Creek project is being delivered by Newcastle artist Ellie Hannon, who will use four seasonal workshops to explore community relationships with Styx Creek from the headwaters at Nesbitt Park to its outlet near the harbour. Participants will take part in clay work, photography, printmaking, letterpress and place-based cultural learning. 

An evolving moveable fabric structure known as the Future Creek Canopy will be set up at each of the workshops to act as a meeting point and will be incorporated into the final exhibition alongside artworks created during the program. 

Ellie Hannon said the program aims to spark deeper connections between people and their local waterways through creativity and shared experience. 

“Future Creek is all about connecting community with local waterways through creative, place-based learning. Styx Creek holds so many stories, and bringing young people, artists, ecologists and community members together is a way of building a more caring and reciprocal relationship with the urbanised environment we live in,” Hannon said.

“Each workshop explores the creek at a different moment in the year. As we move downstream, the artworks, conversations and the Future Creek Canopy will evolve with the landscape and I’m excited to see that journey culminate in an exhibition at Newcastle Art Gallery.”

Other grant recipients include Kotara’s March Street community garden, which also hosted its first event today in a seasonal series of pollinator workshops led by local artist Gemma Kirschner and environmental scientist Tristan Pintus. Workshops are open to members and the local community, covering topics of different pollinator species in Australia, how to keep them safe and guidance to encourage pollinators. 

Volunteers of Obelisk Hill Arcadia Park Landcare planted 250 native trees on Friday as part of the next stage of their restoration works in Nesca Park, supported by the City of Newcastle grant. This followed a range of recent activities, including weed-clearing and the installation of water points and nesting boxes throughout the par, while climate change plots and educational signage will be placed in coming months to complete the project. 

Other funded projects include a native beehive and student education program at Carrington Public School and the revegetation of 250 square metres on Ash Island led by the Friends of the Schoolmasters House, which will replace non-native grass with local native plants and eliminate the need for machine mowing while creating a habitat for bees, birds and other wildlife.

The grants also support Multicultural Neighbourhood Centre’s improvements to its community garden with new garden beds, a worm farm and compost bin, as well as a new sun shelter at Silsoe Street Community Garden. 

Raising the roof at Penrith Stadium

The Minns Labor Government is powering ahead with the redevelopment of Penrith Stadium, reaching a major milestone with the installation of the first section of the eastern grandstand roof.

The modern roof design will significantly enhance the game-day experience. Once finished, more than half the seats in the eastern grandstand will be covered, nearly doubling the number of covered seats compared to the old grandstand.

Two Western Sydney businesses are playing a central role in the roof installation. Quality Rigging Services Australia (QRSA) is expertly rigging each of the four roof sections to prepare them for lifting, while Borgers Cranes is using a 600-tonne crane to lift the components into place, some weighing up to 70 tonnes.

In total, 172 prefabricated roof sheets each measuring 24 metres in length are being meticulously pre-assembled on the field of play to ensure precision and efficiency during installation.

Construction has progressed rapidly since the first structural members were installed late last year. All formed concrete seating plats on the eastern grandstand are now complete, while early works on the multi-level western grandstand are underway, including concrete poured for the player run-out area.

The Penrith Stadium redevelopment forms part of the Minns Labor Government’s historic multi-billion-dollar investment in Sydney’s western suburbs. It reflects the government’s commitment to building better communities across Western Sydney by investing in the critical infrastructure and services needed in both fast-growing and established areas connecting local families with jobs, recreation and opportunity.

This project will generate around 500 jobs during construction, with more than 650 ongoing jobs supported once the stadium is operational.

The next phase of works will see the installation of steps on the eastern grandstand and the pre-assembly of the western grandstand roof.

Accessibility, safety, comfort and inclusivity are at the heart of the new stadium design, featuring triple the number of wheelchair-accessible seats, double the number of female bathrooms and changerooms, improved wayfinding, and upgraded security and technology.

For more information visit: Penrith Stadium.

Deputy Premier of New South Wales and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said

“We are proud to be delivering this world-class stadium upgrade that continues to take shape, right in the heart of the West.

“In a win for Western Sydney, this project is creating hundreds of jobs during construction and will support hundreds more ongoing roles once the stadium opens.

“The community is looking forward to returning to the stands for the 2027 NRL season and cheering on the Panthers in their world-class stadium.”

Minister forJobs and Tourism, Lands and Property, Multiculturalism and Sport, Steve Kamper said:

“Penrith Stadium is about more than a stadium. It’s about driving local jobs, boosting small businesses and creating an entertainment destination that supports the local economy year-round.

“The installation of the first roof section marks another significant milestone and shows just how well construction is progressing. We’re one step closer to welcoming fans back through the gates.

“The precinct won’t just host events it will help power Penrith’s economy and cement Western Sydney as a premier destination for sport and entertainment.”

Local member for Penrith Karen McKeown said:

“This milestone highlights the enormous progress being made to deliver this much needed stadium upgrade to celebrate the passion and pride of the Panthers supporters and deliver year-round community benefits.

“This redevelopment is a game changer for our community, not just for sport fans and concerts goers, but for local businesses, such as QRS and Borgers Cranes.”

Minns Labor Government continues to deliver school upgrades for Western Sydney

The Minns Labor Government is delivering another major school upgrade for Western Sydney, with construction underway at Parramatta East Public School to replace all of the school’s demountables with modern permanent classrooms.

Parramatta East will go from having 21 demountable classrooms on site to zero, with students benefiting from 24 permanent new classrooms, a learning support unit with three classrooms, 12 common rooms and multipurpose spaces, and a library.

These brand-new facilities will open from Day 1, Term 1, 2027 as the Minns Government continues its work to rebuild public education across NSW.

Once complete, Parramatta East will have capacity for more than 650 students, future-proofing the school for one of the fastest growing communities in NSW.

For more than a decade, the Liberals and Nationals neglected public schools in Western Sydney despite once-in-a-generation student enrolment growth putting pressure on schools and leading to demountables clogging valuable play space.

The former government promised to upgrade Parramatta East Public School, but failed to do so.

The upgrade to Parramatta East Public School is among 16 major education infrastructure projects being delivered across the greater Parramatta region, that will see over 200 demountables removed and replaced with more than 300 permanent classrooms.

Once complete, this work across the greater Parramatta region will provide permanent capacity for almost 7,000 additional students.

The Minns Labor Government is also building three new public preschools at Melrose Park Public School, Oatlands Public School, and Ermington West, offering 280 places per week for the area’s youngest learners.

This is all part of a record $9 billion in new schools and upgrades, including a record $3.9 billion for new and upgraded schools in Western Sydney as well as more teachers in the classroom, giving our children access to a world class public education, right where they live.

This is the largest investment in school infrastructure in NSW history and $400 million higher than when the former government left office.

Around 230 new schools, public preschools, and major upgrades are currently underway across NSW.

The delivery of new classrooms is being matched with more teachers in NSW public schools, with teacher vacancies at a 12-year low at the beginning of the 2026 school year.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“We are delivering new and upgraded schools because every child deserves access to a world-class public education.

“In Western Sydney, we were elected to address the school infrastructure backlog and deliver more classrooms and modern facilities for students and teachers.

“As the son of a public school teacher, I know just how important giving every kid access to the best education possible is, no matter where they live – and thanks to more teachers and better schools, that is exactly what we’re delivering.”

Deputy Premier of New South Wales and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

“The Minns Labor Government is building and upgrading schools where they’re needed, as we work to fix the mess left behind by the Liberals and Nationals.

“The former government oversaw record population growth in Western Sydney but failed to deliver the infrastructure required including new and upgraded public schools, despite promising to do so.

“Our government is working to ensure students are learning from the modern permanent classrooms they deserve.”

Member for Parramatta Donna Davis said:

“During their 12 years in government the Liberals and Nationals left Parramatta East Public School behind, and the 70-year-old facilities were bursting at the seams.

“The Minns Labor Government is getting on with the job of removing demountables and building permanent classrooms for local students.

“I’m proud to be part of a government delivering for families in Parramatta and across Western Sydney.”

Parramatta East Public School Principal Justine Miller said:

“It’s wonderful to see construction progressing on this much-needed upgrade for our school community.

“We look forward to the project continuing to take shape and seeing our students benefit from these new and improved facilities for many years to come.”

Additional public primary and public high school upgrades and new builds being delivered across the greater Parramatta region:

  • Carlingford West Public School – upgrade
  • Cumberland High School – upgrade
  • Darcy Road Public School – upgrade
  • Dundas Public School – upgrade
  • Ermington West Public School – upgrade
  • Girraween Public School – upgrade
  • Melrose Park – new high school
  • Melrose Park Public School – redevelopment
  • Newington Public School – upgrade
  • Northmead Public School – upgrade
  • Rydalmere Public School – upgrade
  • Rydalmere East Public School – upgrade
  • Telopea Public School – upgrade
  • Wentworth Point Public School – upgrade (Stage 2)
  • Westmead Public School – upgrade

$2.5m Lung Bus arrives in Blacktown to protect workers against dust diseases

The Minns Labor Government maintains its commitment to protect workers from dust diseases with its $2.5 million state-of-the -art Lung Health Mobile Clinic which is providing lung health checks to thousands of people across New South Wales.

The lung bus has arrived in Blacktown to provide free lung screening checks. These lung health checks can be lifesaving by ensuring early detection and treatment of dust diseases like asbestosis, silicosis and mesothelioma.

The lung bus program provides free lung screening checks to more than 5,000 workers annually in regional NSW.

In collaboration with SafeWork, icare also supports the NSW Silica Worker Register (SWR), which helps identify and monitor workers who have been exposed to respirable crystalline silica across their working lives.

By linking registry data with services such as the mobile clinic, icare is helping ensure workers most at risk are prioritised for screening, follow-up care and specialist referral where needed.

Data from SafeWork NSW shows there have been 12,214 workers registered on the SWR from 597 businesses as at 31 December 2025, most of which are in the construction and manufacturing industries. Close to 3,850 workers are listed as working in tunnelling-related roles.

Launched on 1 October 2025, the SWR is used to help monitor and track the health of at-risk workers undertaking high-risk processing of crystalline silica substances (CSS).

In Blacktown, 62 employers are currently on the Register, with their workers being prioritised for screening due to potential occupational silica exposure.

Lung health checks are painless and only take around 30 minutes. The process includes chest X-rays to detect abnormalities or damage, lung function testing to assess respiratory performance, consultation with a specialist doctor, who interprets results and provides tailored advice and referral for a CT scan, if required, to get a better image of the chest and lungs.

The Lung Health Mobile Clinic will be located at Blacktown International Sports Park – Athletics Centreon Monday 16 February.

Eliminating the risks associated with silica is a high priority for the Minns Government and the Lung Bus is one of several measures which have been introduced to reduce the risks of working with CSS in NSW.

These include:

  • Strengthening workplace safety through a Silica Worker Register (SWR) which monitors and tracks the health of at-risk workers undertaking high-risk processing of crystalline silica substances (CSS).
  • Leading the ban on engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs containing one per cent or greater crystalline silica. This included a national ban on its importation from January 1, 2025.
  • Establishing the Tunnelling Dust Safety Taskforce to help address silica related health risks for workers in tunnelling projects. The Taskforce is made up of Government, medical, industry and union representatives and provides expert guidance to prevent and manage silica and other dust related disease associated with tunnelling projects in NSW.
  • Establishing a dedicated silica unit within SafeWork NSW which includes a Silica Compliance Team to enforce strengthened regulations, including proactive visits to sites conducting high-risk CSS processing.
  • Allocating $5 million in critical funding for silicosis research and a patient support program for individuals and their families navigating the health risks associated with exposure to silica dust. The grant funding, administered collaboratively by icare and the Dust Diseases Board, will be provided over three years to the Asbestos and Dust Diseases Research Institute (ADDRI).

Workers can also arrange a free lung screening at icare’s Sydney CBD clinic, or with local providers regionally when the lung bus is not in that part of the state. To book a free lung health check, contact icare on 1800 550 027.

The Dust Diseases Care team can help facilitate lung health checks at icare’s Sydney CBD Kent Street clinic or their mobile clinic or through local services.

Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said:

“The icare Mobile Clinic underscores the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to removing barriers like cost and location, ensuring workers across NSW have access to the critical support and care they need to safeguard their health.

“The Lung Bus is another important step towards protecting workers from dust diseases and builds on the Government’s recent actions including the Silica Worker Register, the ban on engineered stone, the establishment of the Tunnelling Dust Safety Taskforce and a dedicated Silica unit within SafeWork NSW.

“Every worker has the right to go to work and return home safely.”

Member for Blacktown Stephen Bali said:

“We want to make sure that people in Blacktown have access to the healthcare they need, when and where they need it.

“For too many, life gets in the way of regular check-ups so by bringing this service directly to the community, we’re removing one more barrier to staying healthy.

“Whether you’re working in construction, mining, manufacturing or just living in the area – we’re urging everyone to take a few minutes to get checked.”

Member for Riverstone Warren Kirby said:

“The Lung Bus is a terrific initiative that plays a vital role in keeping workers safe and healthy.

“These health checks can be lifesaving by enabling the early detection and treatment of dust-related diseases.

“By bringing these essential services directly to the communities that need them most, the icare Lung Bus is helping to protect the health and futures of our workers.”

Icare Group Executive of General Insurance and Care Sarah Johnson said:

“A lung health check could save your life.

“Early detection is critical to effective treatment, and we’re here to make sure every worker, no matter where they live, has access to world-class care.”

Drought support increased for farmers across affected areas

The Minns Labor Government is expanding its drought plan with new financial support products and services for farmers and communities as dry conditions continue across parts of NSW.

Following discussions by the Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty and the Southern NSW Drought Coordinator with farmers and their families, plus mayors and local MPs, further assistance will be immediately rolled out to help those in need.

The new additional measures have been identified following comprehensive consultation across southern NSW, with the drought coordinator attending more than 60 events and meeting hundreds of people in the last three months.

Collectively these new initiatives and services give farmers additional help to manage risk, protect livestock, cover short term cash-flow needs, and make better informed decisions.

The Minns Government’s expanded drought plan for assistance and services will now include:

  • Doubling the loan amount available from $250,000 up to $500,000 under the $250 million Drought Ready and Resilient Fund – this has been called for by farmers because doubling the cap to $500,000 enables them to undertake larger, sustainability‑focused drought resilience projects while also covering operational costs such as feed and transport.
  • New small Drought Relief Loan of up to $100,000 established – this new product will provide farmers with immediate, low‑cost finance to help manage the impacts of drought. With an upfront payment option, reduced documentation requirements, and no property as security on the loan requirement – farmers can get funds faster, easier and cheaper.
  • NSW Rural Financial Counselling Service $1.8M funding – provides free and independent financial counselling to eligible farmers experiencing, or at risk of, financial hardship.
  • Drought Adoption Officer Program funding extended $1.2 million funding – this Minns Government initiative started in late 2023 has been extended to December 2026, due to the success delivered – 2,000 one-on-one landholder consultations, & 880 events and farm visits.
  • Term of the Southern NSW Drought Coordinator extended – initial six months now extended to end of 2026 and expanded to western NSW where dry conditions are challenging farmers.
  • Free feed and water testing available statewide, $250,000 funding – Local Land Services will make available statewide test kits to help farmers assess feed and water quality to plan feed budgets and manage their livestock’s health.
  • Reduce kangaroo populations in drought affected western NSW, $1.2 million funding – to help combat the emerging kangaroo grazing pressure competing for feed and water.
  • Increase the targeting of feral pigs and deer for landholder, $2 million program – supporting landholders in drought-impacted regions where limited food and water drives the feral and pest animals to compete with livestock around critical water points and shaded areas.

To ensure farmers and communities become aware of these new services and the whole suite of assistance, a series of local events will be delivered across southern and western NSW.

The new loans will be administered by the Minns Government’s Rural Assistance Authority with applications opening from 10 March 2026.

These measures complement the Minns Government’s existing drought plan’s support such as:

  • $250 million Drought Ready and Resilient Fund established in late 2023 provides low‑interest loans for farmers.
  • Recently announced additional $43.2 million for the Farm Business Resilience Program jointly funded through the Future Drought Fund to help farmers manage drought, adapt to climate change, and build resilience.
  • Continued funding, as announced in the 2025/26 budget, for the Farmgate Support Program, enabling essential mental health support for farmers and farming families.
  • $20 million Regional Drought Resilience Planning Program, co-funded with the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund to develop practical plans to prepare and recover.
  • Local Land Services farmer extension services – on-the-ground expert drought, agricultural, biosecurity, and veterinary advice. Including the Drought Adoption Officers program launched in late 2023 and now extended.
  • Tool and resources – such as myStockPlanner launched in October 2025, a free planning platform to help farmers calculate livestock requirements, feed plans, projected costs of livestock, plus sale and retention options to get through challenging times.

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:

“The Minns Government recognises the pressures facing farmers in these dry conditions, and the expansion of our drought assistance and services demonstrates we will act to support those in need.

“Our innovative and practical approach is shown by the new range of low-cost financial products so farmers can get funds faster, easier and cheaper. This is what they wanted and we are delivering.

“Our Government has been implementing new drought initiatives over the last six months following meetings I’ve had with farmers, mayors and local MPs.

“Just two weeks ago I met the MP for Cootamundra and her electorate’s local mayors. Next week I am meeting all the Riverina East Mayors in Wagga to discuss how these new measures are being rolled out.

“Practical measures have been boosted to benefit the operations of the farm, such as free water and feed testing, and enhanced targeting of feral pigs, pests and kangaroos who are competing against livestock for food and water across the drier grazing areas.

“The southern NSW drought coordinator and drought adoption officer program we introduced has demonstrated its success and that is why we are funding the extension of the role and program to keep working with farmers and assist them to access services and support.

“The Minns Government knows farmers and their families need mental health or financial counselling services during these challenging times and we have funded those services to make sure they are available.

“There have been some calls for transport and feed subsidies, but expert advice from the previous Nationals-Liberal Government’s 2021 evaluation report into drought relief measures, showed they provide very low value for money. We also know they can drive up prices of transport and feed.

“Our Government is focused on cost effective measures that deliver real benefits for farmers and communities. This enables us to direct funding in times of drought to the practical, cost-effective support that makes a real difference.”

Albanese and Malinauskas governments back submarine building in SA

The Albanese and Malinauskas Labor Governments are ensuring that South Australia remains the home of Australia’s submarine construction, with expenditure projected to be billions of dollars in the state over coming decades.

Today the Albanese Government is announcing it will invest $3.9 billion as a down payment to deliver the new Submarine Construction Yard in Osborne.

While the design process continues, significant investment is critical to delivering Australia’s conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines which will create nearly 10,000 jobs across the entire program in South Australia alone.

The Osborne construction yard will comprise three substantive areas, including fabrication, outfitting and further area for consolidation, testing launching and commission.

Australian Naval Infrastructure (ANI) projections show an estimated projected investment of $30 billion over coming decades, to build the construction yard in Osborne.

Enabling works and the Skills and Training Academy (STA) are expected to cost approximately $2 billion and more than $500 million respectively.

Both state and federal governments are strengthening Defence investment in South Australia. This investment complements the existing Collins-class sustainment facilities and Hunter-class shipyard, also located in Osborne.

The total floor area of the new Submarine Construction Yard is expected to be 10 times larger than the existing Osborne South Development project. Construction is expected to use 66 million man hours – 44 times more than Osborne South.

Construction is expected to use 126,000 tonnes of structural steel, equal to the weight of steel in 17 Eiffel Towers.

The Fabrication Hall in Area 1 is 420 metres long, which is 2.5 times the length of Adelaide Oval.

All of these works continue at pace, with future investment decisions to follow as infrastructure needs are further defined, designs mature and licences are progressed across the yard including for consolidation, launch and commissioning facilities.

The total construction costs associated with the infrastructure program will depend on the details of design and commercial delivery arrangements to be negotiated by Australian Naval Infrastructure (ANI) Pty Ltd, as the Government’s appointed design and delivery partner for the yard.

ANI is also delivering progress across the precinct with the recent completion of construction of a new link road that will streamline access to the shipyards for thousands of workers.

Eurimbla Way will connect Pelican Point Road in the east with the shipyard and is part of critical supporting infrastructure at the construction yard that will enable a direct route bypassing the existing railway line, ensuring secure access to both current and future shipyards.

Around 170 workers completed Eurimbla Way on time and on budget and it became operational for traffic at the beginning of this week (9 February 26).

More than 500 South Australians are already on the job helping to build the STA Campus and the Production Demonstration Facilities within the Submarine Construction Yard.

Works for the STA Campus began in 2025, with the first students of the Skills and Training Academy to commence in 2028 ensuring a pipeline of skilled workers for decades to come. This Campus will be a world-class training facility, designed to support up to 1,000 learners each year.

This landmark investment will create thousands of jobs in South Australia with at least 4,000 workers who will design and build the submarine construction yard, and around 5,500 workers who will support nuclear-powered submarine production at its peak.

Roles will range from engineers and skilled trades to project managers and logistics specialists.

Development of the Submarine Construction Yard is coupled with the South Australian Defence Industry Workforce and Skills Action Plan, which has committed $300 million to workforce development initiatives aligned with defence industry and the creation of Technical Colleges in South Australia.

the Prime Minister, the Hon Anthony Albanese MP

“Together with the Malinauskas Government in SA, we are accelerating AUKUS opportunities to secure Australia’s future defence capability and create lasting prosperity and jobs for the state.

“Investing in the Submarine Construction Yard at Osborne is critical to delivering Australia’s conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines.

“Labor will always back continuous naval shipbuilding and advanced manufacturing, which is vital to South Australia’s economy and long-term growth in local industry.”

Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Richard Marles MP

“The Albanese Government is unwavering in its commitment to delivering Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine capability under AUKUS. The momentum is real and the scale of what is being achieved at Osborne is extraordinary.

“South Australia is at the centre of one of the most significant defence undertakings in our history. Osborne will be critical to Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine program under AUKUS, while supporting continuous naval shipbuilding and sustainment.

“From construction of the submarine yard to delivery of critical infrastructure and the development of a skilled workforce, progress is accelerating. The transformation underway at Osborne shows Australia is on track to deliver the sovereign capability to build our nuclear-powered submarines for decades to come.”

the Premier of South Australia, the Hon Peter Malinauskas MP

“AUKUS presents a watershed moment for the South Australian economy, and the scale of the work coming our way is difficult for most people to comprehend.

“At least $30 billion will be invested at Osborne constructing the shipyard. That investment has already started flowing and is only set to grow.

“This is just the beginning. That figure only represents the task of building enabling infrastructure. There will be many billions more invested in the incredibly complex task of building nuclear-powered submarines, which will in itself provide for thousands of highly skilled, well-paid jobs for decades.

This work, and the accompanying research and development, presents an opportunity to lift skills, wages and economic complexity, providing a better standard of living for all South Australians.

Henson Park saved for generations to come

Media release

The $20 million renovation of Henson Park is now complete, securing the future of one of Sydney’s most iconic sporting venues for generations to come.

Last year, the first stage of works for the project delivered a much-needed upgrade to the King George V Grandstand and four new female friendly change rooms. The facilities were in dire need of an upgrade as they were constructed for the 1938 Empire Games.

These works were jointly funded by the Inner West Council, the NSW Government, the Australian Football League (AFL) and the Australian Government.

Now, in the second stage of the project, Council has delivered a new multipurpose building with public amenities, a canteen, coaches’ boxes and media broadcast facilities.

These brand-new extra facilities will elevate the game-day experience for players, officials, media and fans at what is fast becoming a hub for women’s football from grassroots to elite players and continues to be the home of the mighty Newtown Jets.

These new facilities will also allow top flight AFL and rugby league to be broadcast.

Stage 2 of this project is jointly funded by Inner West Council and NSW AFL with grant funding from NSW Government.

Improvements to Henson Park include: 

  • An improved grandstand including repairs to the first-floor seating area, and accessibility upgrades to the upper levels with lift access  
  • Updated player amenities with female-friendly change areas, accessible toilets and increased storage areas for sporting equipment 
  • A new multi-purpose building at the rear of the grandstand with female-friendly change rooms, toilets, gym and community function space  
  • Accessible public toilets and baby change facilities 
  • Modern coaches’ boxes and broadcast facilities 

Prime Minister and Federal Member for Grayndler Anthony Albanese

“Henson Park is a part of who we are in the Inner West.

“Our support for an upgraded grandstand and new facilities – including women’s change rooms – will make such a difference.

“Whether it’s AFL, NRL or community sport this sets up Henson Park for future generations.”

Jo Haylen, Member for Summer Hill

“The Minns Labor Government investment reflects its dedication to supporting community sporting facilities.

“Henson Park is for the people. From grassroots to the elite level, our sporting facilities should accommodate all members of our community.

“Whether it’s the Newtown Jets, the Sydney Swans, or the Summer Beer Footy and Food Festival, these upgraded facilities will ensure we can continue to host incredible events at Henson Park, the beating heart of Inner West sport.”

Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne

“This renovation ensures this iconic community asset can be enjoyed by our community for decades to come.

“Henson Park is the heart and soul of Inner West sport, and these major upgrades for players and fans will keep it that way.

“Anyone who has spent an afternoon at Henson cheering on the Jets, the Giants or the Swans knows what a unique and unforgettable experience it is and now we’ve made that experience even better.

“The completion of these much-needed new facilities is a major reason why the NRL is returning to Henson Park for the first time in 36 years this Sunday when the Sharks take on the Eels in the NRL Pre-season Challenge.

“This investment secures Henson Park as a premier sporting ground and a permanent home for the mighty Newtown Jets, as well as the Sydney Swans and GWS Giants AFLW teams.”Media release

Fatal bike crash near Maitland

A teenage boy has died following a crash in the state’s Hunter region.

About 8:30pm yesterday (Sunday 15 February 2026), emergency services were called to Wollombi Road, Bishops Bridge (approximately 10km west of Maitland), following reports of a collision between a car and a push bike.

On arrival, officers attached to Port Stephens Hunter Police District found a 15-year-old boy with serious injuries.

He was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics; however, he died at the sene.

Police established a crime scene and an investigation into the cause of the incident has commenced.

A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.

As inquiries continue, anyone with information about this incident, or CCTV, is urged to contact Maitland Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.