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Greens call for seismic blasting moratorium as Woodside acknowledges risks to whales and turtles

The Australian Greens and The Greens (WA) have today issued a joint call for a seismic blasting moratorium in Western Australian and Commonwealth waters.

The call comes as fossil fuel giant Woodside gears up to pressure the state and federal government to allow the company to seismic blast in endangered blue whale habitat and feeding grounds at the pristine Scott Reef off the Kimberley coast — an activity that contradicts government funding to study the Australian Indigenous songlines to better protect Australia’s whales and dolphins, including tangible and intangible cultural heritage.

Woodside’s seismic blasting plans at Scott Reef were revealed earlier this month in an application by the company to the Federal Environment Department. In the document, the fossil fuel giant divulged its plan to carry out ongoing seismic blasting as part of its application to dump carbon under the seabed at the pristine coral reef, using risky and untested carbon capture and storage (CCS) practices never tried before in Australian waters. 

Woodside details the potential risks its planned activities at Scott Reef pose to endangered Blue Whales and four species of endangered and vulnerable sea turtles, acknowledging possible “direct or indirect impacts” from seismic blasting, drilling, subsea fluid discharges, unplanned discharges of hazardous waste or a hydrocarbon (condensate) spill. Woodside concedes that modelling for “underwater noise emissions” from seismic blasting indicated that “fauna injury/mortality is predicted if individuals remain close to the source for a long period of time” which the fossil fuel giant claims is “considered highly unlikely.”

The Greens are calling for federal regulators to reject Woodside’s application and for a seismic blasting moratorium to be put in place to protect Western Australia’s stunning marine environments and endangered marine life. 

Greens WA Fossil Fuel and Marine & Coastal Spokesperson Sophie McNeill: 

“Even Woodside acknowledges that its seismic blasting and carbon dumping plans at Scott Reef could harm endangered blue whales and loggerhead turtles. 

“It is unfathomable that the federal regulators could approve such activity in this highly sensitive marine environment, home to dozens of endangered, vulnerable and threatened species. 

“Western Australia’s oceans and our marine life are already suffering horrific consequences as a result of warming temperatures and continued fossil fuel production. 

“This month, a severe and deadly marine heatwave in WA’s northwest that has seen water temperatures rise above 30°C has been attributed for the deaths of more than 30,000 fish in the Pilbara and has also been blamed for the deaths of 10 melon-headed whales on the Kimberley coast near Broome.

“The WA community have made it clear that they want this government to protect our oceans, endangered marine life and our stunning Kimberley coast from companies like Woodside.

“The time to end seismic blasting and new oil and gas exploration off our WA coast is now.” 

Senator Peter Whish-Wilson, Australian Greens spokesperson for Healthy Oceans: 

“Last year one of the largest seismic blasting proposals ever in Australian history was withdrawn by its proponent following immense community pressure. It was a siren call to all the fossil fuel companies eyeing off our oceans: your time is up. 

“Increasingly West Australians understand their oceans are under siege and are unnecessarily being exploited by reckless and rapacious fossil fuel corporations. 

“In 2021 I moved for a Senate inquiry into seismic blasting. This inquiry was the first of its kind, with evidence revealing seismic blasting presents immense risk to coastal communities and marine wildlife. As chair of the inquiry I implore governments to review the evidence, and ban seismic blasting right across Australia’s coastlines.

“I’ve introduced the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Amendment (Fight for Australia’s Coastline) Bill to the Senate. If passed, this legislation would permanently stop some of the most destructive offshore oil and gas exploration in our oceans. We’ve seen NSW put an end to new oil and gas exploration in their state waters, and in the next parliament I intend to amend and progress the Bill I introduced to set a precedent right across Australia. 

“The tide is now turning, and what we need is a brave state and federal government ready to invest in a renewable future. But if you want change, you have to vote for it.” 

BACKGROUND

  • Scott Reef is a globally significant marine ecosystem, home to hundreds of species, including sea snakes, sharks, rays and sawfish. It provides critical habitat to endangered pygmy blue whales and endangered green sea turtles.
  • According to the Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS), seismic blasting has a devastating effect on marine life and has been connected to temporary and permanent hearing loss, habitat abandonment, mating and feeding disruption and possible death in marine mammals like whales.
  • Research has found that seismic blasting also triggers extensive death in plankton, including krill, which are crucial foundations of marine food webs, from more than a kilometre away.
  • In 2022, a Federal Senate inquiry into seismic blasting moved by Senator Whish-Wilson heard evidence that the current regulatory framework does not provide sufficient environmental or economic protection from the impacts of seismic blasting and gives too much latitude to a regulator who is perceived to be too close to the petroleum industry.
  • Greenland, Spain, Denmark, Costa Rica, France, Belize and Portugal have all implemented bans on new oil and gas exploration, as did the New South Wales State government in 2022.
  • The Greens have introduced Federal legislation, Protecting the Spirit of Sea Country Bill 2023 and the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Amendment (Fight for Australia’s Coastline) Bill. Both Greens Bill would stop the most destructive offshore oil and gas exploration in our oceans, including Scott Reef.
  • In September 2024, a successful community-led campaign in Victoria saw Norwegian oil and gas exploration company TGS abandon plans to carry out the largest proposed seismic testing survey in Australian history in the Otway Basin. 

Construction begins on new Port Stephens refuge for women and children escaping domestic violence

The NSW Government is building a safer New South Wales for regional women and children with construction now beginning on a new safe haven in Port Stephens.

Built under the Core and Cluster program, $7.2 million is being invested in a new six-unit refuge in Port Stephens being developed by Hume Community Housing.

The Core and Cluster refuge model promotes independent living by providing self-contained accommodation located next to a ‘core’ of support that facilitates access to services such as counselling, legal assistance, education, and employment support.

Hume Community Housing is a Tier 1 Community Housing Provider with more than 30 years’ experience, providing social and affordable housing and specialist disability accommodation.

Port Stephens Family and Neighbourhood Services (PSFaNS) has been nominated as the future service provider to deliver tailored support services to victim-survivors at the completed refuge, helping them rebuild their lives and heal from trauma.

The NSW Government has invested $426.6 million over four years to provide new crisis accommodation across NSW for victim-survivors of domestic and family violence as part of the Core and Cluster program.

Once all 49 new Core and Cluster refuges are completed, and the replacement of eight existing government-owned women’s refuge buildings are refurbished, they will support more than an additional 2,900 women and children escaping domestic and family violence each year.

The Minns Labor Government is addressing domestic and family violence at all stages, by investing in primary prevention, early intervention, crisis responses and recovery. Making sure women and children have a safe place to go when they escape abuse is crucial to their recovery and helping them rebuild their lives.

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

“For women and children escaping abusive and violent homes, having a safe haven is vital to begin recovering, healing and rebuilding their lives.

“The NSW Government is continuing the roll out of Core and Cluster refuges for domestic violence victim-survivors across the state, with a total of 49 new refuges set to be up and running by 2026.

“We’re proud to partner with local service providers to ensure that Core and Cluster residents receive tailored support so they can regain their confidence, recover and thrive.”

Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington said:

“Domestic and family violence has a devastating impact on the lives of people in Port Stephens and across the state. It must stop.

“This new Core and Cluster refuge will be life-changing for local women and children, giving them a safe and secure place to begin rebuilding their lives after trauma.

“For too long, women and children in our community have had to leave behind their jobs, schools, and support networks to find safety. This refuge means they will now have access to the crisis accommodation and support they need, right here in Port Stephens.”

Brad Braithwaite, CEO of Hume Housing said:

“Hume Community Housing is proud to be partnering with the Department of Communities and Justice and Port Stephens Family and Neighbourhood Services to deliver this Core and Cluster refuge.

“Breaking ground today is just the beginning as we look towards providing a safe place for women and children fleeing domestic and family violence.

“This is central to Hume’s purpose: to create homes and opportunities for people to heal, rebuild and prosper in vibrant and connected communities.”

Sue Pollock, Manager Port Stephens Family and Neighbourhood Services said:

“Port Stephens Family and Neighbourhood Services has been providing services to our community for over 35 years.

“For most of those years women in our community have been advocating for a refuge to be available for women and children living with domestic and family violence.

“Women in Karuah Aboriginal Community have been working for nearly two years now to make sure that the refuge will be a place of comfort and safety, a place where women and children can breathe and be nurtured by the surroundings. They have been meeting each week designing and sewing the soft furnishings and mapping out the outdoor and living areas. We are grateful for such generosity of spirit.

“With the hard work and commitment from women in this community, with Hume Community Housing and funding from Department of Communities and Justice, women and children can now know that a place of safety and respite will exist in their community. A place where they can stay close to their supports, their schools, their jobs. Everyone deserves to feel safe and supported and live a life free from violence.”

Support:

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.

$3 million to support leak detection and water efficiency

The Minns Labor Government is charging ahead with its commitment to save billions of litres of water by injecting $3 million into round 2 of its innovative Active Leak Detection Project, helping to boost long-term water security for regional towns and cities across New South Wales.

It forms part of the hugely successful Water Efficiency and Regional Leakage Reduction Program that has secured $11.3 million in further funding, on top of an initial $12.5 million investment, to continue its activities in the regions over the next two years.

The program has already achieved impressive results between 2022 and 2024, clocking up a staggering 7,500 megalitres (ML) per year in water savings in over 60 regional locations.

This next round aims to save up to 4,000ML of water per year, or enough to meet the annual water needs of around 20,000 NSW regional households.

The active leak detection project uses cutting-edge equipment including noise loggers, electronic listening sticks, ground microphones and leak noise correlators to detect leaks within local water networks that will then be repaired by local councils.

Crews will survey approximately 6,000 kilometres of regional water supply mains across more than 40 high priority areas that are severely impacted during dry months including Warrumbungle Shire, Warren, Moree Plains, Forbes, Cobar, Dubbo and Lithgow.

The NSW Government is locking in more locations over the coming weeks.

The next stage of the program will also focus on identifying leaks in residential properties, with homeowners to be notified if issues are found. Work commenced in January and will be rolled out until June 2026.

The $35.3 million Water Efficiency and Regional Leakage Reduction Program aims to create a more sustainable and resilient water future for country towns and cities across the state.

For more information, visit the Regional Leakage Reduction Program webpage. 

NSW Minister for Water Rose Jackson said:

“Our leak detection program has been smashing it out of the park by recovering a massive 7,500 megalitres of water in regional NSW per year since 2022 that would have otherwise gone to waste.

“That’s why I am absolutely thrilled to announce that we are rolling the program out to even more locations across the state over the next two years.

“While water levels are currently stable, the next drought could be just around the corner, so projects like this one are a simple solution to make the most of the water we already have by identifying and fixing leaks across local networks.

“You’d be amazed at how much town water gets lost every year because of cracks or holes in pipelines, which is why using high-tech equipment to pinpoint these leaks is one of the most effective ways to safeguard our long-term water supply.”  

Community consultation report on display for Mandalong Road at Morisset

The proposed upgrade to Mandalong Road at Morisset, southwest of Newcastle, has taken another step forward with the community consultation report for the preferred design display now published. 

The Australian Government is investing $56 million and the NSW Government is investing $20 million in upgrades to Mandalong Road.

The community and key stakeholders were invited to have their say on the preferred design for the proposed upgrade from 26 June to 4 August last year.

This design includes replacing the existing roundabout at the intersection of Wyee Road and Freemans Drive with traffic lights, a shared path between Ourimbah Street and Gimberts Road, as well as two new bus stops on Dora Street.

The Gimberts Road/Gateway Boulevard roundabout will now be separately upgraded by a private developer.

A total of 202 submissions were received during the display period, including 190 survey responses and 12 emails.

The consultation report includes feedback on the design, operational and network impacts, environmental impacts, project concerns and suggestions.

Feedback received about the preferred design has been considered as work on the concept design and environmental assessment continues.

Timing for construction is yet to be confirmed and is dependent on planning approvals and the finalisation of project costings and funding arrangements.

Consultation will continue with key stakeholders and the community will be kept informed as the project progresses.

For further information on the community consultation report and the project, visit the website of Transport NSW.

Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

“Mandalong Road provides a critical link from the M1 Pacific Motorway to Morisset and the southern part of the Lake Macquarie local government area.

“This upgrade will improve traffic flow and safety for about 17,000 road users daily, while helping meet the future needs of an increased population and employment in the Morisset area.

“The upgrade will also support retail, industry, commercial and housing growth along the corridor, with potentially upwards of 5,000 new dwellings in the surrounding area.”

NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison:

“We know this is an important project for the community with more than 200 submissions received during the consultation period.

“As part of the survey, respondents were asked to provide feedback on the level of project importance and support of the preferred design.

“I was pleased to note that 90 per cent of survey respondents believe the project to be very important or important, and more than 80 per cent supported the preferred design.

“I’m proud to be part of a government getting the work done to improve the daily lives of people living in NSW.”

Federal Member for Hunter Dan Repacholi:

“These traffic upgrades will be really significant for local and visiting motorists and pedestrians in terms of safety and also minimising delays on their journeys in this part of the lower Hunter.

“We will continue to engage with the NSW Government, key stakeholders and the community to deliver the best option for traffic and pedestrian movement in Morriset.”

Member for Lake Macquarie Greg Piper:

“Upgrading Mandalong Road is the most important transport priority in southern Lake Macquarie.

“Like other frustrated locals, I have been calling for a solution to the traffic and safety issues at Mandalong Road for years.

“With its strategic position, the Morisset area is poised to experience a surge in people, jobs, homes and industrial and commercial development. Upgrading Mandalong Road, along with other infrastructure and services, is essential to support this growth and help Morisset realise its full potential.”

Duty MLC for Lake Macquarie, Emily Suvaal:

“This is a key step in the upgrade process and I welcome the work the NSW Government, together with the Commonwealth, is doing to improve traffic conditions for motorists in Lake Macquarie.

“The much-needed Mandalong Road upgrades will significantly improve local traffic conditions and this next stage of consultation is vital to getting that work done.”

Albanese Labor Government building Victoria’s future with fee free TAFE

The Albanese Labor Government is building Australia’s future by investing in training and apprenticeships, with new data released today showing in Victoria there have been close to 110,000 enrolments in Free TAFE since the program began in January 2023.

We are continuing to deliver cost of living relief while encouraging more Australians into trades.

That’s why we’re making Free TAFE permanent.

It’s also why we’ve announced a $10,000 incentive payment for Australians in construction apprenticeships.

Labor’s plan for a Future Made in Australia is very clear: we want Australian workers to make more things here and that includes building more homes.

From July 1 2025, eligible apprentices will receive $10,000 in incentive payments, on top of their wages, over the life of their apprenticeship to work in housing construction.

As part of the Albanese Government’s Free TAFE program in Victoria, between January 2023 and September 2024, there have been:

  • more than 13,300 enrolments in the construction sector.
  • more than 34,300 in the care sector.
  • more than 5,900 in the agriculture sector.
  • more than 9,900 in the technology and digital sector.
  • more than 5,500 in the early childhood education and care sector.

This new data also shows popular Free TAFE courses in Victoria were:

  • Diploma of Nursing with students saving up to $17,150.
  • Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) with students saving up to $9,257.
  • Certificate IV in Training and Assessment with students saving up to $5,368.
  • Certificate IV in Cyber Security with students saving up to $4,108.
  • Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping with students saving up to $3,597.

Students from regional areas comprised more than a third of all enrolments.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“Building Australia’s Future is about so much more than bricks and mortar. It is about creating a better life for Australians, building better education and creating new employment opportunities.

“That’s why my Government is backing training and apprenticeships, to set up the next generation for the future.

“Only a Labor Government is building Australia’s future.”

Minister for Skills and Training Andrew Giles:

“Free TAFE is providing an accessible pathway to secure work and cost-of-living relief to more than 108,000 enrolments in Victoria.

“The Albanese Labor Government is committed to building the future of our country which is we introduced our Free TAFE Bill in Parliament, to make Free TAFE enduring.

“As I travel around Victoria, at every TAFE I visit, I meet students who tell me how much Free TAFE has changed their life.

“Now – with our additional $10,000 incentive payments and increased support for apprentices – there is no better time to pick up the tools, build homes for Australians and earn while you learn.

“The Liberal party believes that if you don’t pay for something, you don’t value it. Well I believe the tens of thousands of Victorians who’ve enrolled in Free TAFE value their TAFE education and the doors it opens.

“It’s great to see Victorians embracing the opportunity to lay the foundations for their future careers through Free TAFE. I’m proud that they can make this decision without having to consider the burden of financial pressure of training costs.

“Peter Dutton and the Liberals are blocking Free TAFE, but with Anthony Albanese and the Australian Labor Party, Free TAFE is here to stay.”

Victorian Minister for Skills and TAFE Gayle Tierney:

“Victoria is the birthplace of Free TAFE. Since 2019, almost 190,000 Victorian Students have accessed Free TAFE, saving over $550 million in tuition fees.

“The Allan Labor Government is leading the Nation when it comes to Vocational Education and Training, apprenticeships and addressing skills shortages.

“Implementing our response to the Victorian-led Apprenticeship Taskforce is making apprenticeships safer and fairer.”

Hunter welcomes new principals for first day of school 

Students and teachers in the Hunter are welcoming eleven new principals today, to mark the first day of the 2025 school year. 

Kim Cummings, Melanie Elks and Jaclyn Zoneff have become principals for the first time at Wallsend Public School, Mannering Park Public School and Laguna Public School respectively.

All three have moved from previous roles as Assistant Principals, Ms Cummings at Rutherford Public School, Ms Elks at Swansea Public School and Ms Zoneff at Bellbird Public School.

The remaining eight new principals are moving from existing principalships:

  • Kim Smith has moved to Clarence Town Public School from Goulburn Public School
  • Susan Xenos has moved to Hunter River High School from Tomaree High School
  • Emma Pezet has moved to Barnsley Public School from Lisarow Public School
  • Peter Riley has moved to Callaghan College, Jesmond Campus from Cessnock High School
  • Sharon Morris has moved to Metford Public School from Greta Public School
  • Lesley Burley has moved to Nulkaba Public School from Pelaw Main Public School
  • Adam Lewis has moved to Toronto Public School from Fassifern Public School
  • Lisa Noble has moved to Cardiff South Public School from Hamilton North Public School.

Across NSW, 62 new principals are starting to meet staff, students and families to outline their leadership priorities and aspirations for student success for the school year. 

Of these principals, 28 are taking up the leadership role for the first time and 34 are principals starting at a new school.

Education Secretary Murat Dizdar welcomed the new principals to their new schools for the start of the 2025 school year.

“Our principals and their executive teams play a vital role in providing every student in NSW public schools with a great education and the best start in life,” he said.

“They have a significant impact on classroom results, guide teacher development, and lead engagement with their school community.

“Our principals create a culture where everyone can be their best, by embedding the best teaching and learning based on evidence and growing the next generation of leaders – both students and staff.”

Research shows that effective principals play an essential role in guiding their schools and nurturing student learning.

“We invest in leadership development through our School Leadership Institute because key education research shows there is a direct connection between school leadership, teacher professional learning and improved student outcomes,” Mr Dizdar said.

“Our principals demonstrate collective responsibility for the success of the public education system by supporting the leadership development of others.

Greens announce Great Southern Forest National Park on the NSW South Coast

Momentum is gathering for an end to native forest logging. A 2024 survey showed that 70% of people in NSW support an end to native forest logging on public land, with 69% in support nationally. Ending native forest logging in NSW is no longer a question of if, but when. 

Under the Greens’ plan, the NSW Government will be able to access $140.4 million of Commonwealth funding per year, for 20 years, contingent on an end to all native forest logging in the state. This funding will go directly towards ecological restoration and ensuring a just transition for communities and workers. The Greens will pay for this plan by making the big corporations pay their fair share of tax. 

The Greens will advocate for this funding to contribute to establishing the Great Southern National Park, which will ensure the protection and enjoyment of our forests by all for generations to come. Under this proposal, there is the potential for over 400,000 hectares of state forest to be added to the reserve system once native forest logging ends. Additionally, funding could go towards rehabilitating and restoring our forests, creating sustainable communities and jobs, working with Traditional Owners, supporting sustainable plantations, and increasing disaster resilience and management capability, including remote area firefighting

The proposal for a Great Southern Forest National Park is one that has been coordinated by local community groups and environmental NGOs over a number of years, including the Great Southern Forest NSW organisation and the National Parks Association of NSW. 

The Greens will be launching their policy initiative on NSW’s South Coast, which suffered immense devastation during the 2019–2020 Black Summer bushfires and continues to remain in the grip of an ecological crisis, with logging continuing to destroy critical habitats, including those of the endangered greater glider. The fires burned over 1.1 million hectares in the region, with 61% of the affected area experiencing high or very high severity burns—devastating local communities, wildlife, and ecosystems. 

Senator Mehreen Faruqi, Deputy Leader of the Australian Greens, Senator Nick McKim, Greens spokesperson for Forests, and Sue Higginson MLC, NSW Greens spokesperson for the Environment, are in Batemans Bay today to announce the Australian Greens’ plan to end native forest logging in NSW and create the Great Southern Forest National Park. 

Senator Mehreen Faruqi, Deputy Leader of the Australian Greens: 

“Ending native forest logging once and for all and restoring them is necessary for our environment, climate and community. Logging native forests is not just unsustainable, it’s untenable.

“The NSW South Coast forests and communities have been through devastating bushfires and logging continues to destroy the habitat of endangered species like the greater glider. Creating the Great Southern Forest National Park will ensure the protection and restoration of our precious forests and the wildlife within for generations to come. If we don’t step up for nature now – the ancient living breathing forests will become graveyards.

“By not ending native forest logging the Federal and NSW Labor governments have failed our environment, climate and communities, all to serve corporate interests over people and the planet.

“Our magnificent forests should be a sanctuary for wildlife like the Greater Gliders, not a sacrifice to industry. Yet, Federal and State Governments have sanctioned native forest logging and stood by and watched the trees fall. 

“It is time for the government to stop siding with industry and start protecting our forests, climate, water, and our future.” 

Senator Nick McKim, Australian Greens Spokesperson for Forests: 

“Our beautiful native forests are worth more standing. They are rich in carbon and biodiversity, and critical in the fight for a safe climate and healthy ecosystems. 

“Ending native forest logging is a huge opportunity for the people of NSW, particularly regional communities.

“We can protect nature, take climate action, and create thousands of new, well paid, skilled jobs in firefighting, rewinding and environmental restoration and management.”

Sue Higginson MLC, NSW Greens Spokesperson for the Environment: 

“It’s past time that native forest logging ended in NSW. It is driving the extinction and climate crises, and our precious forests need to be protected and regenerated.

“Stitching together the unfinished Great Southern Forests is just part of the fantastic project that is protecting and regenerating all native forests in NSW – and the Greens are putting our plan to fund it on the table.

“If the NSW Minns Labor Government wants to recover any of their credibility on the environment and forests, then they should grab this opportunity with both hands.”

References

1.  Australia Institute (2024) Polling Research: Ending Native Forest Logging Across Australia

2. Eurobodolla Shire Council, Bushfire Recovery

Greens announce War Crimes Investigation Unit

Talking big on community cohesion while letting war criminals live freely among the people they have harmed is a farce. Australia shouldn’t be a safe haven for war criminals, but right now, it is. This is why the Australian Greens will create a dedicated permanent body that can investigate and prosecute war crimes. 

This initiative involves a $10 million annual commitment. It would create an office similar to the existing Office of the Special Investigator but without a politicised remit that restricts its ability to make findings and undertake prosecutions. 

Numerous countries, including the UK, Canada, Netherlands, Sweden, Germany, Belgium, France and Switzerland, have permanent and specialised bodies to investigate and prosecute international crimes. 

These units have led to successful investigations, arrests and prosecutions. In 2022, Sweden prosecuted Hamid Nouri for his involvement in the 1988 executions of Iranian political prisoners. The same year, the UK investigated and arrested a suspect in the murder of the reporter Mylvaganam Nimalarajan during the Sri Lankan civil war.

Many multicultural and diaspora community groups, including Rwandans, Sri Lankans, Tamils, Fijians, Ukrainians and Palestinians, have voiced concerns about war criminals in Australia not facing justice and the risks they pose to their communities. Alleged war criminals who have harmed these communities should be subject to proper investigation and prosecution in Australia. 

Greens Senator and Justice Spokesperson David Shoebridge said: 

“Community members who have experienced torture or been subject to genocide and war crimes need to know they are safe here from those who committed these crimes. That’s what this War Crimes Investigation Unit will produce. 

“The community expects war crimes to be treated seriously but instead have seen delay and avoidance that has prevented accountability for war crimes, even those committed by Australian troops. 

“While Labor flip-flopped about whether it would arrest Benjamin Netanyahu for his role in perpetrating a genocide, the Greens won’t. The Government isn’t even monitoring which Australians are fighting for the Russian or Israeli militaries despite the clear risks of involvement in serious war crimes in both conflicts. 

“Not only has Labor not taken action on his war crimes, but they appointed Fijian Colonel Penioni Naliva to a senior role within the Defence force despite serious allegations of torture against him. 

“In recent years, alleged war criminals have treated Australia as a safe haven, knowing they won’t face justice because it’s nobody’s job to investigate them. This impunity must end.  

“Establishing a War Crimes Investigation Unit is an essential part of upholding the international order and global human rights and it is criminal that Australia does not already have one. 

“The major parties won’t take responsibility for upholding international law, but the Greens recognise that a strong international system is a pathway to peace.”

City of Newcastle seeks partner for landmark affordable housing project

City of Newcastle is seeking a development partner for its landmark affordable housing project located on vacant land in the Newcastle CBD.

Known as Rail Bridge Row, the site on Hunter Street, which is part of the former heavy rail corridor, is set to play a key role in increasing affordable housing supply in the city.

A national invitation for expressions of interest (EOI) has been issued to find suitable partners with the capabilities and expertise to deliver the project in collaboration with the City.

Executive Director Corporate Services and Chief Financial Officer, David Clarke, said City of Newcastle is embarking on a journey to forge a vibrant community where everyone can thrive.

“As we prepare for a significant population increase of more than 40,000 by 2041, we are fully aware of the pressing need for safe, convenient and affordable housing,” Mr Clarke said.

“By seeking to partner with an experienced community housing provider and other interested parties to deliver this project, we are creating a new affordable housing model that could potentially be replicated at other sites within Newcastle.

“Our long-term strategy is based on thoughtful collaboration with housing experts and industry stakeholders. Through strategic collaboration, meticulous planning, and unwavering dedication, we are not just dreaming of a better Newcastle – we are creating it.

“Our commitment to achieve our vision is strengthened by a groundbreaking partnership between the City of Newcastle and the NSW Government leading to a historic $12 million investment in social housing right here in our city.

“This partnership has already begun to positively impact our local area with the rapid development of additional social housing in Wallsend. 

“We invite all interested community housing providers and other parties to review the expression of interest documentation for the Rail Bridge Row Affordable Housing Project, with EOIs closing on 7 March 2025.”

City of Newcastle has undertaken detailed investigations on the site, which has the potential to provide more than 30 affordable housing units which would be operated by an experienced community housing provider, making the project ideal for funding through the Federal Government’s Housing Australia Future Fund.

Following assessment of the EOIs, a number of parties may be invited to submit detailed proposals later in 2025, with a view to the project then proceeding through formal design and approvals processes.  

The 4,125 sqm lot at 280 Hunter Street stretches from Brown Street to near the intersection of Darby and Hunter Streets and is opposite the Crown Street light rail stop. 

It was purchased by City of Newcastle from Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation in 2020.

Additionally, the site has also been earmarked to deliver an important east-west commuter cycleway connection between Argyle Street and Wharf Road, strengthening Newcastle’s cycling infrastructure while enhancing the sustainability and liveability of the city.

Regular updates about the Rail Bridge Row Affordable Housing Project will be provided on the City’s website.

Visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/works to read more about our current projects.

More families to benefit from flexible early childhood education and care

The Minns Labor Government has announced today that 36 early childhood education and care services will receive more than $5.9 million to trial extended hours and create an additional 350 places for children.

The recipients are part of the second round of the Minns Government’s Flexible Initiatives Trial (FIT). The first round in April 2024 saw 16 services across the state supported to offer longer hours, weekend operating hours and additional places. This year’s grant recipients include 6 in metropolitan Sydney, 9 in Western Sydney and 21 in regional NSW.

The trial supports services to test new and expanded operating models to better cater for local families’ needs, increase availability of places where and when they are needed most, and reduce barriers to workforce participation.

The grants will help services create up to 350 additional places in long day care services and community preschools, extend hours including before and after school and on weekends, fund new educator and teacher positions, open new rooms, expand programs and establish five new family day care services.

This is part of the NSW Labor Government’s long-term commitment to support children and young families in the early years, which includes an historic $769 million investment to build 100 new public preschools in NSW, which is the largest investment in public preschools in the state’s history.

We have also committed $60 million to build and upgrade preschools at non-government schools in areas where they are needed most, and $17 million to support capital works for early childhood services.

The new offerings include:

  • Choice Preschool Kindergarten Auburn plans to increase their licensed places by 20 and provide two sessions per day, from 9am to 12pm and from 3pm to 6pm. The service is in a community with a high proportion of new migrants and asylum seekers.
  • Koorana Croydon Street Preschool Lakemba plans to add a vacation care program for up to 18 preschool children in the April, July and October school holidays. The service supports children of all abilities, including those with additional needs. Children can also access NDIS-funded therapy on site during the term and as part of the new vacation care program.
  • Indigo Early Learning Centre Forresters Beach on the Central Coast will increase licensed places by 41, from 79 to 120.
  • Murray-Toola Damana (Many Hands) Preschool Mount Druitt will open for an extra day each week from three to four days, and employ a bus driver to pick up and drop children home.
  • Planet Long Day Care in Coledale plans to extend their operating hours by two hours each day, increasing licensed places by 20.
  • Eurobodalla Shire Council plans to establish five new family day care services to provide early childhood education and care for up to 50 children six days a week. It also proposes to employ a full-time family day care relief educator to cover leave across the shire’s family day care services.

The Flexible Initiatives Trial is a $20 million trial program launched by the Minns Labor Government in 2023, through the NSW Childcare and Economic Opportunity Fund. The program aims to improve equitable access to affordable quality early childhood education and care services.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to ensuring children across NSW get the best start in life through high-quality early learning – no matter their postcode.

“The Flexible Initiatives Trial is supporting our valued early childhood services, teachers and educators to trial new ways of meeting families’ needs.

“Not only does this program increase access for children in our state to early quality education and care, it also removes a barrier facing parents who wish to re-enter the workforce or enter it for the first time.

“The Minns Labor Government is delivering a plan to build stronger, more accessible education for families across the state.”