Category: Australian News

As the community gets ready to celebrate the long weekend by catching up with loved ones and watching the rugby league grand final, the Minns Labor Government is reminding everyone to look after each other.

Everyone can play a role in building a safer New South Wales, and that starts with looking out for your mates, and respecting other members of the community.

For those planning to drink this weekend, remember to do it responsibly, and absolutely never get behind the wheel of a car.

New South Wales Police Officers will be targeting drink and drug driving, fatigue, mobile phone use, speeding and seatbelt and helmet offences, with double demerits in place from 12:01am Friday 3 October 2025 and concluding at 11:59pm on Monday 6 October 2025.

Sadly, while many celebrate this weekend there will be others who do not feel safe in their own homes, with a concerning trend over recent years of increased rates of domestic, family and sexual violence at times of large events across the state.

If you witness unacceptable behaviour, call it out.

If you are concerned about the safety of someone you know, or your own, please contact:

• The NSW Domestic Violence Line on: 1800 656 463
• Or, 1800 RESPECT on: 1800 737 732
• If it is an emergency, please contact Triple Zero: 000

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

“The first long weekend of the warmer months is one of the most exciting times of the year. We know people will be celebrating with family, friends and enjoying the sport that brings us together but we’re urging everyone to be responsible especially when alcohol is involved.

“Drinking can be part of a great night but only if you’re in control. Decide how your night ends before it begins by setting a limit, locking in how you’re getting home and telling your mates to keep you accountable.

“Police will be out in force, working hard to keep our roads and communities safe. Stay alert, follow the rules and help us make it a weekend to remember for all the right reasons.”

Minister for Sport, Steve Kamper said:

“This weekend is one of the undisputed highlights on our states sporting calendar –  even if St George aren’t playing.

“It’s a time for people right across New South Wales to come together, to relax, and to enjoy the footy.

“But it’s also a time to look after each other, whether that’s making sure your mates get home safe, or checking in on someone who might be doing it tough.”

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

“As a Government, we genuinely understand our responsibility to take meaningful, ongoing action to build a safer New South Wales, but we know we cannot do it without the community’s help.

“This long weekend, check on your friends, do not ignore signs of concerning behaviour and help us in our work towards creating a safer New South Wales.

“The stakes are far too high for anyone to not play their part.

“For those experiencing domestic and family violence, you have a right to safety and help is available.”

In an emergency, where there is an immediate risk of harm, contact emergency services on Triple Zero (000)

NSW Domestic Violence Help Line: 1800 65 64 63

1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732

Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14

Kids Helpline: 1800 55 18 00

Further information on if you suspect and want to help someone in a domestic violence situation is available here.

Information on how to spot the signs of coercive control is available here.

The Minns Labor Government aims to release a further 42 homes for sale across the Northern Rivers by Christmas, following an overwhelming community response to the first four home relocation auctions.

To date, 83 flood-affected properties, bought by the Government through the $880 million Resilient Homes Program, have been offered for sale to be relocated to flood-free land by the new owner. 

The ambitious Christmas target is part of the commitment to reuse and relocate as many flood-affected homes as possible.

Most buyers to date have been locals, with purchase prices ranging from $347 to $200,000.

This next release includes 12 buyback homes from South and North Lismore and central Lismore going to auction at the Lismore Workers Sports Club in Goonellabah from 5:30pm on October 7, 2025. An additional 22 buyback homes are planned to go to auction in November 2025.

There is no reserve price on these houses, meaning bidding can start and end at $1, making it one of the most accessible housing opportunities in Australia. Successful bidders have 12 months to relocate the houses to flood-free land.

As Australia’s largest climate adaptation initiative, the jointly funded Resilient Homes Program is creating safer communities by removing flood-prone homes from the floodplain. Currently, 464 homeowners in the Northern Rivers have received tailored home assessments to improve their homes’ flood resilience. Our target is to complete 1500 of these assessments by mid-2026.

Around 1600 homeowners in the flood-prone areas of the Northern Rivers may be eligible for government support to raise, repair, retrofit or have their home voluntarily bought back under the Program.

More details on the homes available can be found at: https://www.prd.com.au/northernrivers/relocation-homes/

Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said:

“We have set an ambitious target for relocation and reuse to ensure we are leading the way in ensuring we are creating the vibrant neighbourhoods and opportunities our community need.

“It’s giving many people, particularly those with young families, a chance at something affordable in the housing market in one of the best places to live.

“With these tin and timber homes we are delivering the hopes and dreams of a generation to home their own while ensuring the unique character of this region lives on.”

NSW Reconstruction Authority Executive Director Northern Rivers Adaptation Division Kristie Clarke said:

“The Resilient Homes Program is one of the most ambitious initiatives undertaken after a disaster in Australia.

“Through the buyback process, we’re removing homes from the floodplain and creating new opportunities by making some of these available for relocation.”

The Australian Army’s new attack helicopters have landed in Australia, with the delivery of the first two AH-64E Apaches to RAAF Base Townsville.

Acquired through foreign military sales with the United States, the Apache provides critical aviation effects including reconnaissance, communications and networking, firepower and offensive support.

These proven helicopters are a key element of Army’s transformation into a force optimised for littoral manoeuvre and long-range strike. 

Boeing Defence Australia will provide support to the new fleet of Apaches under a seven‑year contract worth $306 million. 

The contract will deliver maintenance, engineering, training and logistics services, and is expected to provide more than 240 industry jobs across Queensland, including 170 jobs in Townsville.

Additional training and employment opportunities are expected to be created through the establishment of the Townsville Aviation Training Academy, which will deliver technical courses to train new industry maintenance personnel for the AH-64E Apache and CH-47F Chinook helicopter fleets.  

The Albanese Government is also investing $700 million to provide essential infrastructure upgrades and facilities works at RAAF Base Townsville to support the introduction of the Apache fleet, and the relocation of the 1st Aviation Regiment and 16th Aviation Brigade Headquarters. The construction phase of this project is expected to create 275 jobs in the Townsville region.

To support the AH-64E’s introduction into service, Australian Army personnel have been undertaking training in the United States and the United Kingdom, with a number of air and ground crew already qualified on the Apache.

All 29 Apache aircraft expected to be delivered by 2029.

Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Richard Marles MP:

“The AH-64E Apache provides a critical step change in attack aviation capability for the Australian Army and builds on the Albanese Government’s investments to improve the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) ability to operate from Australia’s northern bases.

“The Apache is the most advanced attack helicopter operating today and the Albanese Government is pleased to welcome the first two helicopters to Townsville.

“Our investment in North Queensland to support the Apache fleet will not only provide significant training and employment opportunities through a ‘train local to stay local’ approach, but will make Townsville Australia’s largest defence helicopter industry hub – supporting local jobs.”

Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Pat Conroy MP:

“These new attack helicopters are critical to modernising the ADF and transforming the Army into a force optimised for littoral manoeuvre and long-range strike.

“The delivery of this key capability also demonstrates the Government’s commitment to supporting Australian industry as we work to give the ADF the capabilities it needs to keep Australians safe.

“This is also great news for the Townsville region with the contract with Boeing Defence Australia, along with essential upgrades to RAAF Base Townsville, to create hundreds of jobs for North Queenslanders and inject hundreds of millions of dollars into the local economy.”

The Albanese Government’s First Home Guarantee Scheme, which allows first-home buyers to purchase a home with a 5% deposit, will break the bank for many, according to data compiled by the parliamentary library.

The analysis looks at the affordability of repayments under the scheme on the median house and unit price in each Australian capital city for the most common professions.

It reveals that of the 3.8 million Australians in the top 10 most common professions in Australia, the vast majority would be unable to afford mortgage repayments on the median Australian home without falling into housing stress (spending at least 30% of their income on housing costs). 

The data shows that for many of the country’s most common and essential professions, home ownership under Labor’s scheme remains out of reach. For a nurse earning an average income to purchase a house in Sydney (where the median sale price is $1,490,000), they could be spending 76% of their earnings on mortgage repayments. For a school teacher, that figure could be as high as 87% of their income.

As of Oct 1st 2025, the Albanese Government lifted borrowing limits and income caps under the scheme, which the Australian Greens warn will push up house prices even further and saddle first-home buyers with huge levels of debt.

Greens finance, housing and homelessness spokesperson Senator Barbara Pocock: 

“Under this scheme, Labor is encouraging some of our lowest paid workers to take out loans on homes they can’t afford. First-home buyers with a 95% mortgage debt will be slammed with more than $1,000 in weekly mortgage repayments – that’s a recipe for disaster. 

“First-home buyers are being conned into thinking that it’s better to have an insurmountable debt than to pay off someone else’s mortgage. But what’s really going to happen is they’ll be forced to forgo weekly essentials just to pay their mortgage and will face deep financial stress. 

“Labor is asking our nurses and teachers to spend the bulk of their income on mortgage repayments – how are they supposed to live? It’s reckless to push people into loans they can’t afford while the banks cash in. Forcing first-home buyers into housing stress isn’t the answer to the housing crisis.

“This isn’t a housing fix – it ignores the real causes of the housing crisis. We should cut tax breaks for wealthy property investors and build affordable and social housing.”

“Without tackling the root causes of the housing crisis, Labor’s scheme will only inflate property prices further – locking even more people out of home ownership. That includes essential workers, such as nurses and teachers, who are already struggling to afford homes near their workplaces.

“Australia’s housing market is rigged in favour of wealthy property investors and banks and it’s failing everyone else. Tax concessions like negative gearing and capital gains tax discounts allow investors to outbid first-home buyers – leaving young people and low-income workers behind.

“This government has a chance to take real action on the housing crisis. But instead they are making the problem worse and risk shutting an entire generation out of home ownership altogether.”

Data:

Number of employees by occupation – Labour Force, Australia, Detailed, August 2025 | Australian Bureau of Statistics, for the November quarter 2024 and includes all employees regardless of employment status (e.g. full time or part time).

Weekly earnings by occupation –  Employee Earnings and Hours, Australia, May 2023 | Australian Bureau of Statistics, for May 2023.

Average Weekly Earnings, Australia, May 2025 | Australian Bureau of Statistics

Monthly Median dwelling sales prices by Capital City are taken from the Corelogic (now Cotality) Property Market Indices report, for May 2025

The three-month grace period for NSW retailers and wholesalers to apply for a licence to sell tobacco or non-tobacco smoking products as part of the Minns Labor Government’s new Tobacco Licensing Scheme ends at midnight tonight.

From tomorrow, retailers must have a valid tobacco licence and display it at the point of sale to sell tobacco or non-tobacco smoking products. Those who continue to do so without holding and displaying the license will face penalties.

If a retailer or wholesaler has submitted a valid licence application on or before 1 October 2025, they can continue to trade until notified of the outcome of their application.

The Minns Labor Government gave retailers and wholesalers a three-month grace period from 1 July to 1 October to apply for a licence, after the Tobacco Licensing Scheme laws came into effect.

The new Centre for Regulation and Enforcement (CRE) in NSW Health is a dedicated unit created to strengthen compliance and enforcement and will work closely with state and federal agencies to ensure a unified approach.

The licensing scheme comes into effect after the previous Liberal Government failed to implement the reform, leaving NSW the last state in the nation to do so.

The Minns Labor Government has now also passed the Tobacco Legislation (Closure Orders) Amendment Act 2025, adding to some of the toughest illegal tobacco penalties in Australia.

This Act, expected to be in effect in the coming months, will increase the maximum penalties for anyone caught selling products without a valid licence from $11,000 (first offence) or $44,000 (second offence) up to $660,000 for individuals and from $220,000 up to $880,000 for a corporation.

The Act will also introduce the power to issue short-term (up to 90 days) and long-term (up to 12 months) closure orders for premises selling illicit tobacco or illegal vaping goods or selling tobacco or non-tobacco smoking products without a licence.

A new offence will also come into effect for the commercial possession of illicit tobacco, with a maximum penalty of up to $1.54 million, 7 years’ imprisonment, or both, and a new maximum penalty will commence for the sale of illicit tobacco of up to $1.54 million, 7 years’ imprisonment, or both.

Businesses can apply for a licence online using their MyServiceNSW account via the Service NSW website. Applicants are required to complete an online application, provide a recent criminal records check and pay the yearly licence fee. Businesses can get support to submit their licence application by calling the Tobacco Information Line on 1800 357 412.

In determining an application, the NSW Health Secretary may consider relevant information such as:

• If the applicant or relevant person has been found guilty of an offence relating to the sale or supply of tobacco or vaping goods under any relevant state or Commonwealth law;
• If the applicant has provided false or misleading information in their tobacco license application;
• If the applicant has failed to comply with another retail or wholesale licence they currently or have previously held
• the recommendation of a law enforcement agency, including the NSW Police Force, Australian Federal Police or other state, territory or Commonwealth agency. 

In the last financial year, NSW Health inspectors conducted approximately 1,750 retailer inspections, seizing more than 14 million cigarettes, 2,800 kgs of other illicit tobacco products and over 200,000 illegal vaping goods with a combined estimated street value of around $21.8 million.

In the same period, 16 prosecutions were finalised, with court-imposed fines totalling $432,660.

More information on the new Tobacco Licensing Scheme including how retailers and wholesalers can apply for a licence can be found on the NSW Health website: NSW tobacco licensing scheme.

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“The previous Liberal Government failed to implement a tobacco licensing scheme leaving us the last state in the country to do so and leaving us behind the ball in illegal tobacco enforcement.

“The system the previous Liberal Government left behind meant there was no way to clearly identify tobacconists selling illegal cigarettes.

“It’s for this reason we’re introducing a long overdue tobacco licensing scheme, to help us better identify illegal tobacconists.

“My message to those doing the wrong thing is that sooner or later, we will come for you.

“The Minns Labor Government is determined to protect the community from the impacts of tobacco and vapes. By working closely with other enforcement agencies at a state and national level we can address the sale of illicit tobacco.”

NSW Chief Health Officer, Dr Kerry Chant:

“The Tobacco Licensing Scheme gives us better oversight of retailers and wholesalers selling tobacco to ensure they are doing the right thing and to take appropriate action if they are not.

“Tobacco use remains one of the biggest factors in premature death. I acknowledge it’s not easy, but I encourage anyone who smokes to think about quitting for themselves and for their loved ones.

“Quitting smoking remains the most beneficial thing an individual can do to improve their health.

“If you need support to quit smoking or vaping talk to your GP or call the NSW Quitline on 13 7848. The Quitline is a free and confidential telephone counselling service that provides customised assistance to help you quit smoking.” 

The Minns Labor Government is delivering common sense reform to support farmers during the bushfire season, allowing farmers and rural landholders to register and use Farm Firefighting Vehicles (FFVs) to respond to emergency bushfires near their property.

The move follows recent trials of around 350 FFVs, which supported their use in emergencies and proposed a conditional registration scheme.

FFVs are often used on private property and are not typically registered for use on public roads.

The legal use of these vehicles on public roads in emergency situations is an important reform which will allow farmers and rural landholders to attend nearby fires, not just those on their own property.

The new scheme offers a lower cost conditional registration, which includes inspection for a light vehicle and the issuing of a licence plate expected to be a maximum of $209.

The cost for conditional registration will drop after the first year with the cost, including an inspection estimated at $126 (or only $75 when inspection not required), subject to CPI and CTP increases.

Conditional registration balances the practical need for FFVs to be available as an emergency resource while ensuring vehicle safety standards on NSW roads remain high.

Under the scheme, vehicles will be subject to the following requirements:

• Vehicle inspections as per the Authorised Inspection Scheme to establish registration, with inspection required every second year and registration to be renewed annually.
• Firefighting equipment must be permanently and securely attached to the vehicle.
• Vehicles must only be used for emergencies, not regular operations.
• May use roads up to 50km away from garaging address east of the Newell Highway, with no distance limit from garaging addresses west of the Newell Highway.

The scheme will commence on 7 October.

Service NSW is ready to assist people with their applications with eligible customers able to apply and pay their registrations in-person at their nearest Service NSW Centre.

More details including eligibility requirements are available on the Service NSW website.

Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison said:

“During the 2019 2020 bushfires, I spent a lot of time with farmers, tourism operators and other members of regional and rural communities who were so badly impacted by that catastrophic bushfire season. I heard firsthand stories of the heroism and bravery shown by farmers standing side-by-side with our RFS and other emergency services to fight bushfires.

“I’m incredibly proud of the work that the Minns Labor government has been able to achieve in establishing a scheme which allows neighbours to help each other in the very worst of times.

“We know that in many regional areas, farmers are often the first on scene at bushfires. This change is about ensuring farmers and other road users are safe when they respond to bushfire emergencies.”

Acting Minister for Emergency Services, Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“We thank people who contribute to the wellbeing of others and this change is about making sure our farmers and rural communities have the tools they need to act quickly and safely when bushfires breakout.

“Every minute counts during an emergency and enabling farmers to legally use these vehicles on nearby roads could help protect lives and properties.

“Farm Firefighting Vehicles are already playing an important role on the frontline. By introducing conditional registration, we’re ensuring they can be used in a safe and regulated way, giving farmers confidence while protecting other road users.

“I encourage any farmer needing help to navigate the application process to contact our dedicated Service NSW team members on 13 77 88 or visit their nearest Service NSW Centre for more information about eligibility, documentation required or any other assistance.”

NSW RFS Commissioner Trent Curtin said:

“With most of the state entering the Bush Fire Danger Period today, this reform comes at a crucial time.

“Farmers know their land better than anyone, and when a fire starts nearby their quick action can make all the difference.

“This reform will continue the strong relationship between landholders and the RFS, leveraging all available resources and the expertise and dedication of farmers in safeguarding our communities.”

NSW Farmers President, Xavier Martin said:

“Farmers must have the tools they need to safely and effectively fight fires, and it’s good to see the Minns Government recognise that.”

“NSW Farmers has long been calling for a new restricted use conditional vehicle registration category for farm firefighting units – so they can be used legally to get to fires and support the emergency response.

“The best response is a local response to the get bushfires under control as quickly as possible – and we look forward to working with the NSW Government to ensure this registration scheme is fit-for-purpose”

The Illawarra community is one step closer to benefitting from enhanced access to medical imaging services, with a new MRI machine installed at Wollongong Hospital as part of a $21.9 million investment to upgrade health services and infrastructure.

The MRI machine was carefully craned into its new home on Level Two around 1am this morning, marking a major step in the delivery of new medical imaging facilities at Wollongong Hospital, which will expand imaging capacity and include an additional CT scanner. 

When fully operational, the additional MRI will help deliver diagnostic services for a wider range of patients, including those requiring breast imaging, biopsy services, and cardiac imaging.

The new medical imaging facilities will be located across two levels, with the CT scanner near the Emergency Department on Level One, enabling improved access for diagnostic services. 

With the MRI in place, equipment commissioning and testing is being carried out, in preparation for radiographers and nurses to undertake training for the machine ahead of operations commencing.

Work on the expanded medical imaging department is expected to be complete in early 2026.

In addition to the medical imaging upgrades, a relocated Medical Ambulatory Care Unit and an expanded Transit Lounge was recently completed as part of the works at Wollongong Hospital, improving patient flow and supporting outpatient care.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“We are delivering the health infrastructure our growing community needs.

“The installation of the new MRI machine is a key step in delivering expanded medical imaging capacity at Wollongong Hospital.”

“The new medical imaging facilities ensure people have access to world-class diagnostic technology closer to home.”

Member for Wollongong Paul Scully:

“This is a major milestone in the ongoing investment in Wollongong Hospital which will improve patient care. 

“The installation of this MRI and upgraded medical imaging department will provide patients with better access to diagnostic services ultimately leading to better health outcomes.

“This investment coupled with the additional nursing staff recruited to meet staffing ratios in the Emergency Department and the $220 million commitment in the recent Budget for the next redevelopment of Wollongong Hospital will expand health services in the region to help meet growing demand.”

The Minns Labor Government has confirmed the inclusion of an outdoor Learn to Swim pool as the final scope of the Carss Park Pool redevelopment gets a tick.

Kogarah War Memorial Pool at Carss Park was permanently closed in 2019 after it was found to be polluting Kogarah Bay. In 2023, the Minns Labor Government committed to working with the Federal Government and Georges River Council to rebuild the 50 metre pool following a community campaign.

With council now committing an additional $5 million bringing their total contribution to $15 million, we will not only be able to deliver the 50-metre pool but we will be able to include a 20-metre by 8-metre Learn to Swim pool as part of the project scope.

The NSW Government through the Office of Sport, is leading the project on behalf of Georges River Council with a Principal Design Consultant expected to be appointed in late 2025.

The NSW Government will call for construction tenders in early 2026 with a contractor expected to be appointed in mid-2026 and the new facility is expected to open to the public in late 2027.

NSW Premier and Member for Kogarah Chris Minns said:

“Kogarah War Memorial Pool at Carss Park was an iconic facility that I am determined to return to the community.

“This increased investment will ensure we are able to expand the project’s scope to support the entire community, from our newest swimmers to masters.

“I look forward to getting on with the job of building this vital community asset and seeing it come back to life in two summers’ time.”

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

“Today is a landmark day in the Carss Park Pool redevelopment project, we are locking in

“The NSW Government’s commitment gives the Kogarah community confidence that Carss Park Pool can return to its glory days as a breeding ground for World and Olympic champions.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, will welcome New Zealand Minister of Defence, The Hon Judith Collins KC, to Australia today for a bilateral Defence Ministers’ Meeting.

Australia and New Zealand are closer than ever, tightly bound by our shared history, deep people-to-people links, and alignment in our strategic, foreign and trade interests. 

The Deputy Prime Minister will host Minister Collins in Sydney where they will discuss their shared commitment to modernise and strengthen the bilateral defence alliance between our two countries.  

Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles:

“Australia’s security partnership with New Zealand was founded in the days of the first ANZACs and formalised through ANZUS. Today, that partnership is stronger than ever.

“Our Trans-Tasman Alliance is seeing us train, integrate and operate more closely together.

“We look forward to continuing to work together to advance our collective interests, and contribute to the peace, stability and security of our shared region.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, will travel to the Republic of Fiji from 2 – 4 October 2025 to meet with Fiji’s Minister for Defence and Veterans’ Affairs, the Hon Pio Tikoduadua MP. 

Australia deeply values our close security and defence partnership with Fiji, underpinned by our renewed and elevated Vuvale Partnership.

During the visit, Deputy Prime Minister will attend the opening of the Australian-funded Vuvale Maritime Essential Services Centre – a multi-agency facility that is home to the Republic of Fiji Navy Headquarters, as well as other government agencies, including the Hydrographic Office, Rescue Coordination Centre and Suva Radio Coastal Radio Station.

This facility will support the Government of Fiji in its efforts to protect local fishing industries, respond to natural disasters, facilitate search and rescue operations, and respond to transnational crime. 

Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles:

“Our defence relationship with Fiji continues to grow, with increased interoperability between our forces. 

“In a landmark year, 130 Republic of Fiji Military Forces personnel embed with the Australian Army for five months – training and learning together. I look forward to discussing future rotations with my counterpart while in Suva.

“Australia is proud to support the construction and development of Fiji’s newly opened Vuvale Maritime Essential Services Centre, a vital enhancement of Fiji’s maritime response and coordination capabilities.

“We are committed to working with our Pacific family to uphold common values, so we can make our own decisions as strong sovereign nations.”