Celebrating generations of care on International Day of the Midwife

Scientists from the NSW Government’s Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) are taking the lead on multi-million-dollar research projects focussing on tackling soil-borne diseases that are costing Australian crop farmers more than a billion dollars a year.

The projects are part of the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) Soilborne Disease Initiative, a coordinated $34.6 million, five-year, Australia-wide research program. GRDC estimates soil-borne diseases cause $1.71 billion in lost grain production annually nationwide, including $1.23 billion in wheat alone.

The research projects are part of the Minns Labor Government’s record $1 billion biosecurity investment to protect and boost the economic growth of the state’s $25 billion primary industries sector.

The research, which is focused on fusarium crown rot in grains and cereals and Sclerotinia stem rot in broadleaf crops will provide growers with integrated disease management strategies to minimise yield loss and economic impacts.

Integrated disease management strategies could include a combination of crop rotation, stubble management, varietal disease tolerance, strategic fungicide use and novel strategies such as application of biological control agents.

  • Fusarium crown rot mainly affects winter cereal crops including wheat, barley, durum wheat and triticale and is a major issue in dryland farming systems across Australia, including NSW. It is estimated to cost growers in NSW and Queensland around $112 million annually.
  • Sclerotinia stem rot, often called “white mould”, is a major fungal disease that affects a range of broadleaf crops, particularly in higher rainfall or irrigated systems, including canola, chickpea, lupin, and faba bean. It is estimated to cost NSW southern region growers around $70 million annually.

The projects will also have a strong focus on skills transfer of research methodologies and capacity building to support the management of future soil-borne disease issues.

NSW DPIRD plant pathologist Dr Steven Simpfendorfer, a national expert on Fusarium crown rot, is leading the state’s contribution to that disease theme and DPIRD broadleaf crop pathologist Dr Kurt Lindbeck is leading the national theme on Sclerotinia stem rot.

The importance of managing soil-borne diseases has increased as growers adopt conservation cropping practices, in particular stubble retention, which has associated environmental benefits of reduced soil erosion, reduced air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, increased water use efficiency, and improved drought resilience.

Soil-borne diseases also reduce nitrogen use efficiency, which not only increases the economic impact to farmers but also elevates greenhouse gas emissions through the need to apply more artificial fertiliser to compensate.

Recent crop vulnerability studies have highlighted that the impact of soil-borne diseases will increase further under future climate scenarios making this is a priority area for future sustainable land use and nature positive research.

Visit the GRDC website to learn more about the Soil-borne disease initiative.

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:

“Cropping is worth $11.6 billion to the NSW economy, so this research partnership between the NSW Government and the Grains Research and Development Corporation is vital to provide growers with the knowledge and tools to tackle soil-borne diseases on their farms.

“This initiative will provide crop producers with the scientifically proven disease management strategies so they can remain productive as part of the state’s annual primary industries output worth $25.5 billion.

“These projects will bring wider benefits to the economic growth of NSW and maintain regional biosecurity expertise to respond to endemic and exotic crop disease issues.”

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Director Cropping Systems Guy McMullen said:

“NSW growers need regionally proven integrated disease management strategies so that soil-borne diseases do not become an economic barrier to continuing and further adoption of environmentally beneficial farming practices.

“Without such intervention, growers may have to resort to more aggressive stubble management practices such as burning and cultivation, which have associated negative impacts on the environment from soil erosion, air pollution through increased frequency of dust storms, and greenhouse gas emissions.

“The capacity building part of these projects is critical to ensuring the availability of expertise to respond to sporadic issues with endemic diseases and regional biosecurity capacity in the event of exotic incursions.”

Grains Research and Development Corporation Board Chair Sharon Starick said:

“Soil-borne diseases are responsible for more than half of total yield losses from disease in Australian grain crops.

“Through this initiative, GRDC will invest $20 million nationally, complemented by an additional $14 million from collaborating research partners.

“As part of the program, which builds on past research, we aim to equip Australian grain growers with practical, economic and innovative soil-borne disease management strategies that reduce the financial impact of these diseases on their farming businesses.”

Grains Research and Development Corporation Managing Director Nigel Hart said:

“We know this is a critical area for growers and advisers, which is why we have committed to bringing current and new research together in a highly effective multi-disciplinary way.

“By bringing together Australia’s leading researchers and communication and extension specialists, we’re ensuring growers and advisers have the information, support and confidence they need to adopt and implement new and improved disease management strategies.

“To help address the specific needs of the northern cropping regions, nodes will be developed in partnership with NSW DPIRD, University of Queensland, and the University of Southern Queensland.”

Preventing antisemitic activities in Local Government facilities

The use of council-controlled facilities for activities deemed antisemitic will be prohibited under an amendment to the Local Government Act to be moved by the NSW Liberals and Nationals. 
 
The amendment to the Local Government Act 1993 would prohibit the use of council-controlled land or facilities by any person or organisation reasonably suspected of being likely to engage in antisemitic activities with consideration given to the use of the phrases “globalise the Intifada” and “from the river to the sea”. 
 
The amendments would draw on elements of the Prevention of Antisemitism Bill 2026 introduced by NSW Liberals and Nationals in February which adopts the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism. 
 
Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane said social cohesion is at the core of the change.  
 
“This is not some harmless phrase; it is an incitement to hatred and violence against the Jewish community, and allowing its use in a council-controlled venue puts at risk everything we have done to promote social cohesion,” Ms Sloane said.  
 
“By prohibiting antisemitic events in council venues, the Liberals and Nationals are drawing a line unlike the Premier who can’t even pick up the phone to Clover Moore.” 
 
“This amendment will ensure local government has to take action against divisive events like Tuesday’s forum.” 
 
Shadow Attorney General Damien Tudehope said considering events such as tonight’s public forum hosted by Stop The War in Palestine, action cannot wait.  
 
“The amendment is directed at antisemitic activities because antisemitism is a real current threat to the wellbeing of the Jewish community in New South Wales,” Mr Tudehope said.  
 
“Antisemitism has no place in our community. No local government facility should be made available to those wishing to promote the destruction of the Jewish people.”  

NSW Liberals and Nationals to move on e-bike rat-bag laws

Under the NSW Liberals and Nationals Government rat-bags on e-bikes will be held accountable.
 
The Opposition will move to amend the Road Transport Amendment (Non-registrable Motor Vehicles) Bill 2026 to enable the NSW Police Force to seize any e-bike, regardless of its legality, from the community if the rider’s behaviour falls short of community standards.
 
Adults would have their bike seized for 14 days, while minors would be forced to have a parent or guardian collect the device.
 
The rat-bag laws follow the Opposition’s strong action on e-bikes including its policy to introduce a licence plate scheme for particular rider cohorts if elected.
 
Shadow Minister for Transport Natalie Ward said the Labor Government is all talk and no action on out-of-control e-bike behaviour, ignoring the lived experience of the community.
 
“People are sick of dodging rat-bags on e-bikes while the Government sits on its hands and tells them to cop it. This is about consequences,” Mrs Ward said.
 
“Chris Minns and John Graham want headlines about crushing bikes, but they still won’t give police the powers they need to stop rat-bag behaviour.”
 
“If you ride responsibly, you have nothing to worry about. But if you’re tearing through shopping centres, abusing police or treating suburban streets like a racetrack, your e-bike will be taken.”
 
The Opposition amendments would allow NSW Police to seize legal e-bikes based on an agreed level of behaviour between the transport minister and NSW Police Commissioner.
 
As the Opposition does not have access to the NSW Police Force, it proposes that the regulations establish the clear guidelines that will be the criteria for seizure, and expects it to include dangerous or anti-social behaviour, reckless riding, intimidating the public, abusing police, or riding through private property and shopping centres.
 
Shadow Minister for Police Anthony Roberts said the Government’s approach is weak, reactive and completely disconnected from what communities are demanding.
 
“The NSW Liberals and Nationals are on the side of families, local communities and police officers who are sick of seeing the rules ignored with no meaningful deterrent,” Mr Roberts said.
 
Mrs Ward said Labor now faced a clear choice.
 
“They can back common-sense powers for police, or they can keep protecting e-bike rat-bags while communities suffer.”

The System is Broken: ACT Greens Demand Real Cost-of-Living Relief in a Feul Crisis

The ACT Greens have written to the Chief Minister, advocating for urgent cost-of-living relief and long-term investment in the 2026–27 Budget.

This will be critical to shielding Canberrans from surging fuel and food costs, while preparing our city to withstand the crises ahead.

The key measures proposed:  

1. Targeted support for low-income households, including reinstating programs to help switch to electric appliances and vehicles.

2. Financial incentives for e-bikes and e-scooters to help people transition to cheaper, cleaner transport.

3. Free public transport for the duration of the crisis to ease cost-of-living pressures and reduce reliance on expensive fuel.

4. Stronger tax settings to encourage low and zero-emissions vehicles.

5. Faster investment in electric buses and light rail expansion, to help us grow a better and more frequent public transport network.

6. Accelerated transition to all-electric homes and a phase-out of the fossil fuel gas network

Andrew Braddock, ACT Greens spokesperson for Transport will be introducing a motion to the Assembly on Tuesday to help Canberrans make the switch to cheaper and greener transport options in a fuel crisis. 

Andrew Braddock, ACT Greens spokesperson for Transport:

“Canberrans are feeling the pressure, at the bowser, and in the supermarket and desperately looking for any way to reduce their household costs.

“Public transport, EVs and e-bikes offer a clear, cheaper alternative to fuel-hungry cars. This crisis is already pushing many people to make the switch, and motion aims to support those who need help to do so.

“The Government needs to step up and support people to make this transition to cleaner, greener and cheaper transport.

“People are crying out for affordable alternatives, but what we’re seeing instead is hesitation and timidness from Labor, both in delivering immediate relief and in committing to long-term solutions.

“Right now, the system is fundamentally broken. When people can’t afford the basics and aren’t given real alternatives, it’s everyday households who pay the price.

“But it doesn’t have to be this way. The Greens have practical, cost-effective solutions ready to deliver real relief to households across the ACT. Labor just needs to say yes.

“With the Budget coming up in June, there’s a real opportunity to deliver immediate relief while investing in long-term solutions that set Canberra up for the future, no matter what it holds.”

Jo Clay, Deputy Leader of the ACT Greens:

“The Budget should send a clear signal: the future is zero emissions, and our policies need to back that in.

“This crisis won’t be the last. The real question is whether we use this moment to make it easy for every household to phase out fossil fuels – in their homes and their transport – because that’s how we protect Canberrans from future shocks.

“Canberrans deserve better than short-term band-aids. They deserve a government willing to deliver lasting solutions that protect them from crisis after crisis.” 

Woden Light Rail Extension Comment: Andrew Braddock

Andrew Braddock MLA, ACT Greens spokesperson for Transport: 

“The Greens have backed light rail to Woden from day one, and an extension to Mawson since before the 2020 election. Delivering Stage 1 is a key part of Shane Rattenbury’s legacy, and we’re proud to making it happen.

“Our focus now is getting Stage 2 built – and built on time – so more Canberrans can access cleaner, greener, more reliable public transport.

“We welcome the Government’s announcement on the State Circle alignment. It’s a positive step forward, but it’s long overdue. This project needs to get moving.

“Securing Federal Government support is now critical. Andrew Braddock MLA is petitioning the House of Representatives to back light rail, and is calling on Canberrans to sign and share. You can add your support here: https://www.aph.gov.au/e-petitions/petition/EN9851

Greens: CIT Report Exposes Urgent Need For Systemic Higher Education Reform

The ACT Greens are extremely concerned about the findings of the ‘Inquiry into the CIT CEO recruitment process’ report tabled today which point to deep, systemic failures in higher education governance.

The report recommends that ‘take all steps possible to obtain and consider the findings of misconduct made against Dr McNeill by TAFE NSW with a view to considering whether Dr McNeill remains suitable to perform her role as CEO’.

The Committee further found that Dr McNeill ‘should have disclosed the information about the misconduct investigation or findings to the CIT Board in a timely manner and that she did not, and that she actively misled the CIT Board by denying that there was a finding of misconduct that had been made against her’.

“Given the seriousness of the Committee’s findings, it’s in the public interest for the CEO of CIT to resign,” said ACT Greens Deputy Leader Jo Clay.

“Findings and evidence in the report explain why.

“If she does not resign, the CIT Board should consider whether Dr McNeill remains a fit and proper person to be CEO for CIT and if so, the Board should be transparent with the Minister and community about how any decision is in the public interest.

“But this situation is not just about one person – it highlights structural problems in how our higher education institutions are governed. We need to fix the system that allowed this to occur in the first place.”

The Committee also found that governance arrangements of the CIT Board are not fit for purpose.

“Across the sector and Canberra, we have seen the boards and councils of higher education and training fail to demonstrate accountability and good outcomes to their students, staff, and the wider community. We need better systems that meet the needs and expectations of the people at the heart of our institutions.”

Today’s report follows the saga of the last CEO of CIT, Ms Leanne Cover, who resigned after findings of serious corrupt conduct by the Integrity Commission. Ms Cover resigned after receiving two years of paid leave. Her payouts and paid leave were in excess of $1 million.

Greens Stand in Solidarity With Striking Teachers and Education Workers

The ACT Greens have today expressed support for educators and other public school workers in the ACT after Australian Education Union workers voted to take industrial action.

“Educators and other public school workers have been offered a below-inflation pay deal which simply isn’t good enough,” said Miss Nuttall.

“In this context, it’s absolutely no surprise that they have voted to follow in the footsteps of fellow workers in Victoria and Tasmania and take industrial action.

Last week, Victorian teachers announced that they were escalating their industrial action after walking off the job last month, while Tasmanian teachers have recently come to a deal with their state government after a months long dispute.

“When workers come together to take action, employers are forced to listen and bring a fairer deal to the table.

“Amidst a war-induced cost of living crisis, Governments must ensure that pay keeps up with inflation – at the bare minimum.

“So far, the ACT Labor Government has responded to questions on these negotiations by simply stating the fact that workers have the right to strike. This alone isn’t enough.

“Public education is a vital function of our community. We all know how hard teachers work, and how dedicated they are to providing excellent education to Canberra’s children.

“The average salary of a teacher is $100,000 per year. It takes Gina Rinehart 4 hours to make this much money.

“In this context it is quite frankly insulting that there is a question about whether the Government should give our teachers the bare minimum pay increase.

“And we wonder why we’re struggling to hold onto all our great educators.

“The system is broken.

“The Government must do more to support our educators and public school workers to ensure they are paid enough to pay their bills and continue in the profession that they care so deeply about.

“The ACT Government must now come to the table and negotiate to ensure education workers receive a fairer deal.”

City of Newcastle amplifies commitment to inclusion

City of Newcastle is making live performance more inclusive for people who are hard of hearing thanks to new assisted listening technology at the Civic Theatre and Playhouse.

The new system transmits performance audio directly into hearing aids via Bluetooth and headphone jacks, with several options available to cater for a range of audio devices used by people in the community.

The upgrade is among dozens of actions being delivered under City of Newcastle’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2022–2026 (DIAP), which guides practical improvements to access and inclusion across Council services, facilities and public spaces.

City of Newcastle is now asking the community to share their experiences with disability, access, and inclusion to help shape an updated DIAP for 2027 – 2031.

Co-chair of City of Newcastle’s Access Inclusion Standing Committee, Councillor Elizabeth Adamczyk, said community feedback is crucial to make sure we understand how the city can continue to become more welcoming and inclusive for everyone. 

“For someone who is hard of hearing, this new assisted listening technology can help make live performances fun, engaging, and more accessible, and it represents meaningful progress towards a more inclusive Newcastle,” Cr Adamczyk said. 

“Some other examples of actions being carried out as part of the current DIAP include delivering more inclusive programming, like Low Sensory Days at Newcastle Museum and Auslan Storytime at Newcastle Libraries.

“To see actions from our current DIAP coming off the pages and into the real world as tangible outcomes is fantastic and shows how important it is that we get strong feedback from our community to continue improving accessibility across Newcastle.

“City of Newcastle staff have worked with Community Disability Hunter Alliance (CDAH) to co-design the engagement process, to ensure every person in our community can meaningfully participate and have their say. 

“I encourage anyone who has experience with disability to get involved, give feedback on what you love, what we need more of, and where we can work together to continue making our city more inclusive and accessible.”

Newcastle mother-of-two Amanda Robertson is a community representative on the Access Inclusion Standing Committee, and said her family is experiencing firsthand how the DIAP can change the city for the better. 

“I’m proud to have been working with City of Newcastle and seeing up close how the current DIAP is implemented has shown me how important it is to share my experiences as a mother to twins with mobility disabilities,” Ms Robertson said. 

“For families like ours, things like the Foreshore Park playground, which opens later in the year, and more improvements to Newcastle’s footpaths through the Pedestrian Mobility and Access Plan will genuinely make our lives better.  

“These actions are included in the current DIAP and are clear examples of how feedback from people in the community with lived experience can make a real difference.”

Minister for Families and Communities and Member for Port Stephens, Kate Washington, said local government plays an important role in making communities better for everyone.

“In December, the Minns Labor Government launched our ambitious four-year plan to build a more inclusive and accessible NSW. Local councils have the task of reflecting that ambition, working within communities to develop their new Disability Inclusion Action Plans,” Ms Washington said.

“I congratulate the City of Newcastle on its work done to date to improve inclusion across the city and encourage Novocastrians to have their say about the next steps needed to build an even more inclusive Newy.”

A mix of online and in-person workshops, high-visibility pop-up events across Newcastle, and a comprehensive online campaign will capture the experiences, opinions, and input that guides the DIAP for 2027 – 2031. 

Through a partnership with Community Disability Alliance Hunter there will be a focus on learning directly from people with lived experience, carers and other stakeholders to ensure the perspectives of under-represented and marginalised people are included. 

Community members can find out more and make a submission via the Have Your Say page on City of Newcastle’s website, before Monday 15 June.

Access for all as Carramar and Yennora stations get the green light for upgrades

Two communities in southwest Sydney will receive long-awaited accessibility upgrades at their local train stations, with Carramar and Yennora stations set for new lifts and other essential works.

Left behind by the former Liberal-National government, these two suburban stations have never been fully accessible despite hosting diverse communities with a high proportion of young families with prams, people with disability and elderly people.

After local campaigns, supported by their local Labor MPs, Carramar, which opened in 1924, and Yennora, which opened in 1927, will both receive major works.

Carramar will:

  • Now have lift access from underpass to platform
  • Upgraded ramps and pathways
  • New tactile indicators to assist blind and vision-impaired passengers

Yennora will:

  • Now have lift access connecting an upgraded footbridge with street and platforms
  • New station forecourts featuring landscaping, seating and lighting
  • A new station building

Both stations will have power supply upgrades, better lighting, CCTV, clearer signage, family accessible and unisex ambulant toilets, accessible parking, and kiss and ride parking.

The work is being funded by the Minns Labor Government’s $800 million Safe Accessible Transport program which currently has 15 projects funded for delivery and 16 for design and investigation.

Major milestones were reached at Macquarie Fields and Chester Hill stations over the weekend, with work on lift installation, platform resurfacing, and safety screens.

Work will be completed on the Bardwell Park station upgrade in coming months.

Recently delivered upgrades include stations at Griffith, Moss Vale, Queanbeyan, and Tuggerah.

While delivering the massive metro and road infrastructure Sydney needs, the Minns Labor Government is focused on improving the daily journeys of the 1.1 million people each weekday who use Sydney Trains.

An investment of $458 million is currently bringing rail reliability up to scratch, with work on tracks, signals and overhead wires recommended by the 2025 Independent Rail Review led by Kerry Schott.

At the same time, a new and upgraded train fleet is rolling on to the tracks. In April, the new intercity Mariyung train went into service on the South Coast Line, following its introduction on the Central Coast & Newcastle Line in December 2024 and the Blue Mountains Line in October last year.

The $447 million Tangara Life Extension program is updating 55 trains. Newer trains mean fewer breakdowns and delays.

The NSW Government is also overhauling the Opal ticketing system, with a new Opal app, easier ways to save money and the introduction of a digital Opal card as part of an $820 million investment in convenience, affordability and reliability.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“South West Sydney has been forgotten by successive governments and we’re not doing that.

“The communities around Yennora and Carramar have been crying out for decades for the lifts and accessibility features that are enjoyed at so many other railway stations and right across the Sydney Metro system.

“A single lift to a platform or a better ramp can be the difference between someone being able to use the Sydney Trains network and get around like everyone else to work, study and social outings.

“We are focused on improving the everyday experience of those 1.1 million people who use the Sydney Trains network as we invest in reliability, convenience, technology and accessibility.”

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“I want to particularly thank local Labor MP David Saliba for his tireless advocacy for these upgrades, which included doorknocking thousands of homes in the area before knocking at my door as minister to ask for action.

“Carramar and Yennora stations have changed very little since they were built in the 1920s and both are past due for these updates.”

Minister for Disability Inclusion Kate Washington said:

“This will be a gamechanger for locals with disability, elderly people, and families with prams. We are investing in accessible upgrades across the State because we know that removing barriers to getting around is a win for everyone.

“Station by station, the Minns Labor Government is making NSW more accessible and inclusive.”

Member for Fairfield David Saliba said:

“After 12 years of neglect from the former government, the Carramar and Yennora community is getting what it so desperately needs.

“Our petition for these upgrades received thousands of signatures, with many residents in the community telling me these are essential for getting to work and visiting family and friends — and now that’s becoming a reality.

“This project shows the power of the people at work, and I am proud to be part of a government delivering this for Carramar and Yennora.”

Member for Cabramatta Tri Vo said:

“Upgrading our local train stations is a major win for our local community, making public transport safer, more accessible and more inclusive for everyone.

“These long-awaited upgrades will transform how people in our community access public transport, ensuring no one is left behind.

“It’s fantastic that everyone in our community will now be able to access public transport with these upgrades.”

Member for Granville Julia Finn said:

“I am thrilled that these stations will be upgraded, as the residents and businesses have been advocating for these improvements for such a long time.

“This investment is delivering modern, accessible facilities that meet the needs of our growing and diverse community.”

Significant cyber incident downgraded

The NSW Chief Cyber Security Officer has downgraded the recently declared ‘significant cyber incident’ allegedly involving a Treasury staff member.

Her declaration comes after the Taskforce the Government established in response to the data breach confirmed:

  • The incident has been contained and is now in the recovery phase; and
  • Agencies have implemented appropriate remediation measures.

While legal reviews are continuing, efforts to date to determine any potential impacts on active or past government procurements show that no project has been adversely affected.

I thank again Cyber Security NSW, the Taskforce, NSW Treasury and the NSW Police for their rapid actions since the breach was discovered, including launching Strike Force Civic.

The matter remains before the courts and is subject to an internal investigation.