Category: Australian News

The Minns Labor Government is delivering a permanent safety upgrade for the Valla Beach community, confirming a new roundabout will be built at the intersection of Valla Beach Road and Giinagay Way.

The decision was announced following strong community calls and extensive investigations by road safety and engineering experts were ordered by Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison.

Transport for NSW and the Centre for Road Safety identified a roundabout as the most effective solution after crashes and near misses at the site following a traffic study undertaken in recent months.

Design work on the roundabout is now under way, with construction timeframes to be finalised in coming weeks.

Site work is expected to commence this year, subject to planning and other approvals.

Transport for NSW will continue to keep the community informed as delivery progresses.

The planned roundabout builds on immediate safety measures introduced earlier this year, including the permanent reduction of the speed limit to 60 kilometres per hour, the installation of Vehicle Activated Speed (VAS) signs that encourage drivers to slow down, and a Road Safety Incident Investigation Camera (ROSICAM).

Data from the VAS is being used to inform Mobile Speed Camera initiatives and has been shared with NSW Police to support compliance activities. This data does not prompt any fines, but a total of three enforcement sites for Mobile Speed Cameras are now active on Giinagay Way and investigations continue into additional sites.

Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“Today’s announcement shows we are committed to delivering the safety fix this community has called for at Valla Beach.

“This decision follows extensive consultation with experts from the Centre for Road Safety, whose study of this intersection has provided evidence for Transport for NSW to determine the most appropriate solution.

“I have visited the site on several occasions and have been assured by our engineers and experts that a roundabout is the best solution to ensure a safer road.

“This roundabout will make travel safer for families, locals, businesses and tourists.”

Labor spokesperson for Oxley Anthony D’Adam said:

“This is welcome news for the people of Valla Beach and the wider Oxley community.

“The confirmation of a roundabout is the right outcome and reflects the Minns Government’s commitment to keeping all road users safe.”

This coming October Labour Day long weekend marks the start of the NSW trout fishing season with tens of thousands of anglers expected to experience the thrill of this well-loved freshwater sportfishing in New South Wale’s scenic alpine and high-country waterways.

The 2025-26 season officially opens on Saturday 4 October following the annual four-month closure to allow fish to spawn and reproduce. The season remains open to midnight 8 June 2026.

Rivers and streams across NSW are in prime condition for the opening with 2 million Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout and Atlantic Salmon to be stocked into rivers and lakes across the fishery over the coming six months.

The Minns Labor Government is committed to making recreational fishing more accessible and family friendly by promoting these opportunities during school holidays and through school education programs.

The Government’s Dutton and Gaden Trout Hatcheries produce millions of trout and salmon each year, as well as breeding endangered natives species, and in recognition of this important role the Government is considering how this can be increased.

Supporting the annual trout season through stocking programs is an important plank in the Minns Government’s plans to boost regional economies and generate jobs through the tourism and travel generated by sport fishing.

NSW boasts some of the best trout fishing locations in the country, stretching from the pristine rivers of the Snowy Mountains and the tree-lined creeks of the Central West to the clear, rocky streams of New England.

The recreational fishing generates thousands of visitors from across the country each year and produces around $3.4 billion in economic activity annually.

It is important that all recreational fishers check they have a current and valid NSW Recreational Fishing Fee Receipt (unless exempt) and take the opportunity to remind themselves of the fishing rules before wetting a line.

A summary of fishing rules and regulations is available via the FishSmart App or by accessing the NSW Recreational Freshwater Fishing Guide available at NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) offices, fishing fee agents or online.

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“The Minns Government is committed to strengthening the recreational fishing sector by providing high-quality fishing experiences, and especially those that benefit regional communities.

“Trout fishing in NSW is more than just a weekend hobby; it plays a significant role in supporting regional tourism and driving local economic activity.

“The beauty of trout fishing is that it also brings people into contact with nature, the environment and the serenity of looking at a stream brimming with life in the water and around its banks. These factors can play an important part in the wellbeing of individuals.

“NSW boasts some of the best trout fishing locations in the country, including streams in the New England, the iconic Thredbo and Eucumbene rivers in the Snowy Mountains, and the Fish River near Bathurst in the Central West.

“Fishers heading out for the start of the trout fishing season will be in for a treat, with our world-class stocking program ensuring great fishing opportunities for these highly popular sportfish.”

The Minns Labor Government is transforming a former Sydney Metro construction site in Chatswood’s CBD into hundreds of new homes, including 180 build-to-rent apartments for essential workers.

This is the second site to be secured under the Minns Labor Government’s $450 million investment in Landcom to deliver 400 build-to-rent homes for essential workers in Sydney, with 220 essential worker homes already being delivered in Annandale.

Master planning of the site in Chatswood by the NSW Government’s developer Landcom shows that it could deliver up to 1,500 new homes alongside new shops and outdoor areas.

The draft masterplan includes:

• Construction of 180 build-to-rent apartments that will be held in perpetuity and offered to essential workers like health workers, paramedics, teachers, police officers and firefighters.
• Up to 1,300 further apartments both for market sale and dedicated to affordable housing, with a mix of apartment sizes catering for different lifestyles.
• New retail and commercial spaces, landscaped outdoor spaces with new pedestrian and cycling connections to the wider area.
• Adaptive re-use of local heritage building Mowbray House, which operated as a boarding school from 1906 to 1954, for future community use.

Within easy walking distance of public transport including Chatswood Metro station and multiple train stations, shops and restaurants and close to schools and health centres this new development will allow future residents to live, work and play in the one community.

Construction on the site is expected to start in late 2026, with the first essential workers expected to move in by late 2028.

Landcom is inviting feedback on the proposal from the community and stakeholders until 9am, Monday 27 October 2025.

Work is also underway on new build-to-rent apartments on the NSW south coast and work is set to start later this year on new build-to-rent housing in Lismore to boost rental supply in the NSW Northern Rivers.

This is another example of the Minns Labor Government building better communities and rebuilding the states housing supply so critical workers like health workers, paramedics, teachers, police officers and firefighters no longer face lengthy commutes.

For more information visit here: www.landcom.com.au/chatswood

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“Essential workers are the backbone of not only Sydney but all of NSW and they deserve to have an affordable place to live near their job and community.

“This will be life changing for essential workers, who will get to live not only near their job but in one of the best-connected areas in all of Sydney.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“People should be able to live, work, relax and play all within one community. Delivering both 180 new essential worker homes and 1300 further market and affordable homes will give that opportunity and choice back hundreds of people.

“We’ve dedicated another 180 homes to essential workers in this project so workers like our teachers, nurses, paramedics and police offices can build a life close to both their home and job.

“This is yet another example of density done well, providing additional, homes and jobs in an area that’s already well serviced by public transport, shops, restaurants, schools and health centres.”

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“This is another fantastic example of the Minns Labor Government’s land audit delivering on the housing needs of our state in what will be a brilliant new development for our amazing essential workers.

“The audit has already delivered sites for about 9,000 new homes, but we’re not stopping there. Today’s announcement shows we are building more and better homes, done well and ideally located, for the people that need them.”

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:

“Our essential workers deserve a future in Sydney – a future that doesn’t involve commuting hours to get to work or the shops.

“We are delivering a better future for the next generation by embracing density where it makes sense, building more homes of all types, and locking in affordable housing from the start so that no one gets left behind.”

Landcom CEO Alex Wendler said:

“This is a highly productive time for Landcom where we are sustaining strong momentum across our entire delivery program. Here at Chatswood, we are leading the development of a major city precinct to do density well and make homes happen.

“This is a great example of Landcom making the government’s policy ambitions a reality and bringing to life the kind of housing options our city needs.”

From today, first home buyers can realise their dream of home ownership sooner with the launch of 5 per cent deposits for all first home buyers, delivered months ahead of schedule.

The Albanese Government’s expanded 5 per cent deposit scheme guarantees a portion of a buyer’s home loan, cutting years off the time it takes to save for a deposit and saving on Lenders Mortgage Insurance.

Already more than 185,000 Australians have been supported into home ownership through this scheme. Today’s expansion means more Australians will get the keys to their first home sooner.

All first home buyers are now eligible, with no caps on places or income. Property price caps have also been lifted in line with average house prices, giving buyers access to a wider range of homes.

The median home price in Australia today is $844,000 and 5 per cent of that is $42,200. The last time $42,200 covered the 20 per cent deposit for a median home was 2002, which shows the generational scale of this change.

The expanded scheme means a first home buyer in Sydney can purchase a $1 million home with a $50,000 deposit. They could save up to 10 years off the time it takes to save for a deposit, save about $42,000 in mortgage insurance, and could pay up to $350,000 towards their own loan instead of paying rent.

It means that a first home buyer in Bendigo could purchase a $600,000 home with only a $30,000 deposit. They could save up to 6 years off the time it takes to save for a deposit, save about $25,000 in mortgage insurance, and could pay up to $126,000 towards their own loan instead of paying rent.

This is part of the Albanese Labor Government’s $43 billion housing agenda to build more homes, back first home buyers, and get renters a better deal.

More information on the 5 per cent deposits scheme is available from the Housing Australia website.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“We’re making it easier for young people and first home buyers to achieve the dream of owning a home.

“From today, the 5 per cent deposit scheme will be available for all first home buyers meaning more Australians can get into their own home sooner.

“This change will open the door to thousands more buyers, helping them save money and get their keys faster.”

Minister for Housing Clare O’Neil:

“The Albanese Government has a target to support the building of more houses in five years than has ever been built before. But we’re not going to leave a generation behind while we fix decades of neglect. We can build more homes and help first home buyers at the same time.

“From today, every first home buyer can purchase their own home with just a 5 per cent deposit. That will cut the average time it takes to save a deposit from 11 years down to just 2 or 3, which will mean the difference between being stuck renting in your thirties or owning your own place.

“It’s really tough for young people trying to get into the housing market. Expanding this scheme means thousands more Australians can stop paying off someone else’s mortgage and start building equity in their own home.”

Greens Deputy Leader and spokesperson for International Aid and Global Justice, Senator Mehreen Faruqi, has called on Foreign Minister Penny Wong to take urgent action to protect the more than 50 boats of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which are carrying vital, lifesaving aid for the victims of Israel’s genocide and forced starvation. Seven Australians are on board the Flotilla.

Senator Faruqi is calling on Minister Wong to uphold her recently launched ‘Declaration for the protection of Humanitarian Personnel’ at the UN.

Senator Faruqi, Deputy Leader of the Australian Greens and spokesperson for International Aid & Global Justice:

“Right now, hundreds of people on the Flotilla are risking their lives to deliver food, water and medical supplies directly to the people of Gaza, who are being deliberately starved by Israel. Minister Wong must honour her commitment to those delivering humanitarian aid and guarantee the Government will do everything in its power to protect the Flotilla and its mission.

“Just last week, the Foreign Minister said we must protect aid workers who deliver the food, water and medicine that civilians need to survive. Now is the test of whether she actually meant it, or whether it was just more of the empty words we have come to expect from this Government.

“There is no place more dangerous to be an aid worker than Gaza, where Israel’s bombardment of Palestinians has also targeted health workers, journalists, and aid workers, yet these courageous people from across the world are sailing to Gaza to deliver urgently needed aid.  

“Minister Wong has touted her commitment to aid personnel on the world stage, and this will be the first test of whether the Australian Government will stand up to Israel and demand free passage of humanitarian aid. 

“The Labor Government allowed the Israeli Government to whitewash the killing of Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom with a sham investigation. Zomi’s killers continue to walk free, and not a single person or entity has been sanctioned for her killing. The time for impunity is over.

“I am also deeply concerned to hear that the Government has all but abandoned consular support for the Australians on the Flotilla and their families. This is unacceptable. 

“If the Labor Government recognises the State of Palestine, it must also recognise the genocide Palestinians are experiencing under Israeli occupation. The Albanese Government must sanction Israel and support every effort to break the illegal Israeli blockade that is killing Palestinians every day.

“We live in hope that Minister Wong will finally do something tangible and take action to stop Israel’s genocide and war crimes. The Genocide Convention requires it, international law requires it, and her conscience must require it.

“The flotilla represents the best of humanity—ordinary people stepping forward where governments have failed. The Labor government must break its silence and publicly support and protect this humanitarian mission.”

The Australian Greens have labelled the federal government weak after revelations the Environment Minister bowed to pressure from Woodside to weaken proposed protections for rock art from Woodside’s North West Shelf project, and relied on dodgy state government documentation.

The “statement of reasons” document shows the Cook Western Australian government misrepresented the damage that the gas plant caused, and will continue to cause, the World Heritage listed Murujuga rock art.

It also found that conditions imposed on Woodside by the WA Labor government were “not sufficient to prevent harm” to rock art, yet federal Labor still caved to gas industry pressure by approving the 40-year extension.

Greens Leader Senator Larissa Waters:

“This incredibly incriminating document shows just how weak the Labor government is in letting Woodside write their own rules at the expense of ancient rock art and the climate.

“Labor has again conceded to their corporate donors letting them dictate the conditions on the approval of a carbon bomb.

“Woodside should not have had any say on the conditions, but when Woodside CEO Meg O’Neill asks for them to be watered down to protect their profits, Murray Watt delivers for her. 

“The statement of reasons document proves that Minister Watt knew about the risk to the World Heritage Murujuga ancient rock art, yet he approved Woodside’s 40-year extension anyway.

“If our environmental laws allow the destruction of Murujuga’s irreplaceable cultural heritage and the climate, it is clear they are broken. 

“Passing the buck onto state governments is not working, WA Labor time and time again prove to be working on behalf of Woodside’s interests over that of Country, the community, and our climate.

“It is disgraceful that Minister Watt sided with WA Labor and Woodside over the protection of irreplaceable cultural heritage and a climate safe future.

“Until we have strong federal environmental laws and a genuinely independent EPA, decisions will keep being made to protect industry and political careers, not to protect the environment or heritage.”

The Albanese Government is delivering on our ambitious trade diversification agenda through the entry into force of the landmark free trade agreement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on 1 October.

This agreement builds on the Government’s commitment to create new market access opportunities. It means more trade opportunities for Australian businesses and more high-paying local jobs for Australian workers.

When fully implemented, more than 99% of Australia’s exports will enter the UAE duty free – saving Australian farmers, miners, manufacturers and other exporters $185 million in its first year alone.

The UAE is already Australia’s largest trade and investment partner in the Middle East, with over $12.3 billion in two-way goods and services trade in 2024. Under this agreement, trade will accelerate, with independent modelling estimating an additional $678 million in Australian goods exports to enter the UAE annually.

The agreement will help attract some of the largest sovereign wealth funds in the world to Australia and will facilitate investment opportunities across the economy, including in renewable energy, digital infrastructure, agriculture and minerals.

Details on the full package and key benefits to Australia are published on the DFAT website.

The commencement of the free trade agreement coincides with 50 years of diplomatic relations between Australia and the UAE, and the elevation of the relationship to a Strategic Partnership.

The Strategic Partnership will provide the framework to take forward our shared interests with the UAE on economic, security and people to people cooperation.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“This trade agreement with the UAE delivers on my Government’s commitment to open new export opportunities and create more jobs in Australia.

“Our first trade deal in the Middle East provides Australian businesses with a competitive advantage in this fast-growing region. More trade means more opportunities for economic growth.

“As an important global logistics centre and hub, the UAE will serve as a gateway for Australia’s exports to the broader region and beyond.”

Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell:

“Australia’s free trade agreement with the UAE delivers for Australian businesses, consumers, and our economy.

“The removal of tariffs on key Australian exports to the UAE, from red meat and dairy to alumina, steel, and cosmetics, opens more opportunities for Australian businesses and creates more high-paying local jobs for Australian workers.”Media release

The Albanese Government is implementing the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide to reduce suicide and suicidality among current and ex-serving Australian Defence Force members.

Today, the Defence and Veterans’ Service Commission (DVSC) begins operation as a powerful force for change, overseeing sustained improvement in how we protect the lives of those who protect us.

For the first time, veterans and their families have a government entity with a specific, singular focus on preventing suicide among current and ex-serving ADF members.

Operating independently of government, and backed by significant evidence-gathering powers, the DVSC will drive ongoing, systemic reform across the defence and veteran ecosystem.

The creation of the DVSC implements Recommendation 122 of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide – to create a new, independent statutory entity. 

This recommendation was described by the Commission as its most important.

Standing up the DVSC is a foundational step in the Government’s ongoing program to implement Royal Commission recommendations.

A key element of its mandate is to hold government to account by monitoring and reporting on progress to implement recommendations.

Families of veterans who have died by suicide have made it clear they expect this body to be at arm’s length from Government. 

That is why the Government will introduce standalone legislation for the Defence and Veterans’ Service Commission, with a Commissioner to be appointed by the Governor-General to ensure their independence and enhance oversight of the implementation of Royal Commission recommendations, and include defence and veteran families in the Commission’s functions.

Penny McKay will serve as Acting Commissioner while a merit-based recruitment process for the inaugural permanent DVSC Commissioner is underway right now.

Ms McKay comes to the role with a distinguished career that’s included serving as Deputy Commonwealth and Defence Force Ombudsman.

The Albanese Government acknowledges and thanks the Interim Head of the Defence and Veterans’ Service Commission, Mr Michael Manthorpe PSM, for his strong commitment and sound independent advice in establishing the new Commission.

Further details of the recruitment process for the inaugural Commissioner may be found at the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet website.

Further details about the DVSC can be found at www.DVSC.gov.au. 

Matt Keogh, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel:

“The Royal Commission said creating an independent body to oversee reform was its most important recommendation. 

“Today, less than a year after the Albanese Government accepted that recommendation, it is up and running.

“Now, veterans and their families have a powerful champion in their corner with a sole focus on fixing what has been a broken system.

“The Defence and Veterans’ Service Commission has a singular focus – to drive the reforms that, guided by the best evidence, will lower suicides and suicidality among current and ex-serving ADF members.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has concluded his official visit to the United Kingdom.

In London, the Prime Minister met with Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Sir Keir Starmer, to discuss defence and security cooperation, climate and energy transition, and trade and investment opportunities.

The Prime Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to the AUKUS partnership, which will expand security, create thousands of jobs in each nation and deliver significant industry and workforce benefits for all partners.

Leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation on critical minerals and critical technologies, particularly across the defence sector.

Prime Minister Albanese joined Prime Minister Starmer, Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada and Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir of Iceland at the Global Progress Action Summit. He had bilateral meetings with the Prime Ministers of Spain and Canada while at the Summit.

The Prime Minister had an audience with His Majesty King Charles III at Balmoral Castle.

The Prime Minister spoke at the UK Labour Party Conference at the invitation of Prime Minister Starmer.

The Prime Minister will now travel home to Australia, stopping off in Abu Dhabi where he will meet with President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, and discuss the historic commencement of the landmark Australia-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“Our focus always when representing Australia overseas is how it can benefit Australians at home.

“As old friends, the UK and Australia are working together to realise new opportunities for Australians and the British people on both sides of the world.

“It is always a pleasure to meet with Prime Minister Starmer and reaffirm the strength of the Australia–United Kingdom relationship, including through the AUKUS partnership with the United States.

“It was an honour to be received by His Majesty The King at Balmoral Castle.”

The Greens have written to the Aged Care Minister, Sam Rae, urging him to act to prevent aged care recipients from having to pay up to $50 each day just to get support with showering and taking medication when changes are introduced, as the ABC reported this week. 

Under the new co-payments system for aged care, due to come into effect on November 1, older Australians receiving home care for “non-clinical” supports will be subject to co-payments. 

The Inspector-General of Aged Care has raised concerns that the co-payments system will cause older Australians to forgoe essential care, and have downstream impacts for hospitalisations and premature entry into the residential care system.

The Greens opposed the new co-payments system and were the only Senators to vote to remove it when the Aged Care legislation moved through the Senate last year.

No one assessed for Aged Care after 12 September 2024 will be grandfathered or subject to the “no worse off” principle, meaning potentially hundreds of thousands of participants will be on the new rules from 1 November, many of whom may be unaware that they are about to face new charges due to the confusion of the government’s reforms.

Extract from the letter from Greens spokesperson for Older People, Senator Penny Allman-Payne, to the Minister for Aged Care, Sam Rae:

“All Australians want to have faith that they will be looked after in their old age, and be able to access the care that they need at the time that they need it.

“But unfortunately, these aged care reforms are taking Australia in another direction, where the worse your health is, the more you’ll pay. And many older Australians will be squeezed out of care entirely by the Government’s price increases.”
(full text available here)