Study hard: students urged to know their rental rights before signing a lease

As thousands of students across NSW have commenced the academic year this week at university, TAFE and other vocational education, NSW Fair Trading is reminding renters to keep their rental rights in mind before they sign on the dotted line.

With more than 431,000 students enrolled across NSW universities, and a further 218,465 enrolled in TAFE, many young people will be moving out of home for the first time. This monumental life change makes it crucial for students and other first-time renters to understand their protections and obligations before signing a lease. 

Students entering into leases should understand their rights and responsibilities in NSW, including:

  • Always have a written lease agreement: A written agreement outlines key terms, such as rent amounts, how often you pay rent, bond requirements, and other responsibilities. The landlord must give you a copy of the signed lease agreement – that includes their full contact details and, if there is agent, the contact details of the agent.
  • Know how a rental bond works: A bond cannot be more than four weeks’ rent and is fully refundable at the end of the tenancy, provided there is no unpaid rent or damage. Landlords and agents must lodge all bonds with NSW Fair Trading.
  • Understand landlord responsibilities: Landlords have several legal responsibilities they must meet under a tenancy agreement, including providing and maintaining the property in a safe, liveable condition and completing necessary repairs.
  • Know your rights when it comes to evictions: Landlords and agents must have valid grounds to evict a renter and must follow the correct legal process. No-grounds evictions are now banned in NSW.
  • Where to seek support: If students are unsure about their rights or responsibilities, they can contact NSW Fair Trading for information and guidance on rental matters, including bonds, rent, and repairs. NSW Fair Trading can also assist renters and their landlord or agent in resolving disputes about their tenancy agreement.
  • Where to seek legal assistance: To find your nearest Tenants Advice and Advocacy Service, visit www.tenants.org.au or call 1800 251 101.

Students should also be aware of the landmark rental reforms introduced by the Minns Labor Government, which have created new protections for renters.

These changes include:

  • Limiting rental increases to once a year.
  • Giving renters security by banning no-grounds evictions.
  • Saving renters money by mandating fee-free ways to pay their rent.
  • Banning solicited rent bidding so renters can’t be coerced into offering higher rent to secure a place to live.
  • Funding the NSW Rental Taskforce to protect renters by enforcing the new laws.
  • Delivering the free Rent Check website so people can be sure what they’re asking to pay in rent is fair.

For more information on your rights as a renter, please visit the NSW Fair Trading website.

For more information on sharing a rental property, please visit the NSW Fair Trading website.

Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“Students deserve stability and certainty when securing a home, and the Minns Labor Government’s landmark rental reforms help ensure they get exactly that.

“This Government has banned no-grounds evictions, funded crucial tools and delivered tangible policies to help renters save money – and we want everyone to know about it.

“Renters deserve to enjoy the full extent of these changes, especially if they’re entering into their first lease.   

“That’s why we’re making it easier to understand your rights, manage costs, and feel secure in your living arrangements.”

NSW Rental Commissioner Trina Jones said:

“Renting as a student has long been a rite of passage for young people, but understanding rental rights and obligations early helps prevent disputes and ensures a safe, fair living arrangement.

“Starting tertiary study is an exciting milestone, and for many students it’s the first time living out of home. We want young renters to feel confident, informed, and protected when securing accommodation.

“We encourage all students to take the time to read their rental agreements, ask questions, and never sign anything they don’t fully understand. Students are encouraged to contact NSW Fair Trading to report breaches of rental laws.”

Hexham bottleneck cleared in one of the Hunter’s biggest road upgrades

Motorists and the Hunter can finally say goodbye to the infamous Hexham bottleneck, with the long-awaited widening and higher speed limits now complete. 

From today, motorists can now travel on three lanes in each direction, along the full six-kilometre stretch. The speed limit has been increased to 80 kilometres per hour – marking a significant boost to traffic flow through one of the region’s busiest corridors. The opening of the full corridor marks a long-awaited milestone for the thousands of motorists who rely on this corridor every day.  

The M1 to Raymond Terrace extension and Hexham Straight Widening is one of the largest transport infrastructure commitments in the region’s history.  

The Albanese Government is contributing over $1.79 billion towards the project, with the Minns Labor Government contributing $448 million.

The completed project includes new twin bridges over Ironbark Creek to support the widened roadway, upgraded and modernised traffic lights at the intersection of the bypass and Old Maitland Road, a new U-turn facility, and improved pedestrian crossings and bus stops in front of St Joseph’s Calvary Aged Care. 

This will deliver more reliable travel times for freight and improve safety for all road users, including cyclists and pedestrians. 

All lanes are now open to traffic, with teams carrying out minor finishing work across the project including landscaping and signage. 

These finishing works will include upgrades to the reserve along the Hunter River, Foreshore Park, comprising of upgraded parking, seating and information signage that shares the cultural heritage of the area from an Indigenous perspective.

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

“I’m thrilled to announce the completion of the long-awaited Hexham Straight Widening project.  

“This project is delivering real benefits for people in the Hunter including safer journeys and improved travel times.

“The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are proud to be working together in delivering for the Hunter – not only through this project but also the broader M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace, the Singleton Bypass, and plans for the Muswellbrook Bypass and the westbound flyover at Maitland.”

NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison:

“Like so many people across the Hunter, I’ve sat in traffic at Hexham frustrated at the crawling speed and bottlenecks.

“I know firsthand how disruptive and exhausting those delays have been for commuters, families and freight operators. Today, that changes.

“With three lanes now open in each direction and the speed limit increased to 80km/h, motorists will see real improvements in travel times and reliability along this critical corridor.

“This is a fantastic outcome for our region and a genuine game-changer for the Hunter. It will improve travel times, strengthen freight productivity and play a major role in keeping our region moving as it continues to grow.”

NSW Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley:

“This is a landmark day for Hunter motorists and any driver who relies on this critical corridor. After years of delays and frustration, we can finally say the Hexham bottleneck is cleared.

“With three lanes now open in each direction and traffic moving more freely, this is about cutting congestion, improving reliability and giving people back precious time every single day.

“The Hunter deserves infrastructure that matches our ambition, and today’s milestone shows what can be achieved when we back our region and deliver.”

Federal Member for Newcastle, Sharon Claydon:  

“This completion of the Hexham Straight widening is a milestone moment for our region and the more than 50,000 motorists who travel this stretch of road every single day.

“For too long, Hexham straight has been a notorious bottleneck. Today, we are opening a safer, smoother, and more efficient journey for commuters.

“This project is a great example of how government investment in infrastructure can change lives and support local economies – reducing congestion, cutting travel times, boosting road safety, and unlocking freight routes.”

NSW Member for Newcastle, Tim Crakanthorp: 

“We have already seen the benefits for local motorists and freight operators with the progressive opening of lanes on the Hexham Straight.

“This project is a gamechanger for the 50,000 motorists who use this section of the highway daily.

“This is just the first in a suite of projects in the Hunter which will improve safety, congestion and connectivity for local motorists, visitors and freight operators.”

NSW Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery:

“Hexham has been a daily frustration for so many people in the community. Whether you’re heading to work, picking up the kids or moving freight through the Hunter, the bottleneck here has cost people time and added unnecessary stress.

“This project will make a real difference to the way our region runs. It improves safety, reduces congestion and helps keep Newcastle and the broader Hunter moving as our community continues to grow.

“Locals have been waiting a long time for this, and it’s fantastic to see it delivered.”

Hunter-Central Coast REZ kicks off construction jobs

Construction is officially underway on the Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), a project that will generate enough energy to power more than all the homes in the Hunter.

Minister Sharpe visited the site in Kurri Kurri, to meet the workers and see the beginning of construction.

This project is a milestone in the state’s renewable energy transition, creating 590 jobs during construction, with a further 220 secure local jobs once operational.

The network infrastructure project will connect an additional 1.8 GW of new renewable generation and storage projects.

It includes:

  •  upgrading approximately 85km sub-transmission lines
  • installing 18km of new underground fibre optic communications cable
  • building two new energy hubs in Muswellbrook LGA (Sandy Creek and Antiene), and
  • Upgrading existing substations, including the one at Kurri Kurri

Hunter-Central Coast Network Infrastructure Project is the first REZ project to upgrade existing distribution poles and wires instead of building all new transmission lines. 

Local businesses are being targeted to get on board with contract opportunities via an online directory for the work available across all REZ regions. This allows for local businesses to connect with upcoming job opportunities.

EnergyCo and network operator Ausgrid will work closely with the local community, industry and councils as the REZ unlocks long-term benefits for the Hunter region.

To view the directory, visit: https://www.energyco.nsw.gov.au/community/careers-training-business-opportunities.

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Penny Sharpe:

“Upgrading this critical infrastructure is another step forward in securing clean, affordable and reliable energy for households and businesses as ageing coal-fired power stations retire. 

“This project will unlock hundreds of local jobs and boost the economy in the Hunter region.”

“The renewable energy sector directories open another door for local businesses to participate in the growing pipeline of energy projects across the state.”

Member for Cessnock Clayton Barr:

“It is a great day when you can announce hundreds of new jobs coming to our local area. I would strongly encourage locals to make every effort to be a part of this exciting time in upgrading our electricity system network.

“We are getting on with the job of bringing our future electricity supply to the homes and businesses that are our community.”

EnergyCo Chief Executive Hannah McCaughey:

“The start of construction is a major milestone for energy security in NSW and we are proud that 90% of the ongoing jobs are expected to be filled by locals.

“The Hunter region has a rich history when it comes to energy in NSW, and the REZ will ensure it remains a major player in future electricity generation.”

Dr Helen Nugent AC, Independent Chairman Ausgrid Board:

“As Australia’s first Distribution REZ, Ausgrid is proud to lead the way in demonstrating how we can play a key role in the energy transition.

“I’m incredibly proud of the work Ausgrid has done over the past 12 months to plan this project – and importantly to carry out extensive engagement with landowners, residents and local businesses.

“We look forward to our solution providing ongoing benefits for the Hunter Region, for generations to come.”

NSW deserves more than an ‘I don’t know’ on ISIS brides return

The Minns Labor Government has been left exposed after the Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism admitted under questioning that she does not know where ISIS brides returning to New South Wales will be residing.
 
During Supplementary Budget Estimates today, the Minister confirmed she had “no idea” which police districts would be affected by the repatriation of five adult female ISIS members and seven children to NSW.
 
Despite holding the Counter-terrorism portfolio, the Minister conceded she is not a decision-maker in the process and is merely being briefed, while responsibility rests elsewhere within government and with bureaucrats.
 
Shadow Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Anthony Roberts, said the admission that the Minister is not in control of processes is deeply concerning.
 
“Community safety must always come first, particularly when dealing with individuals returning from conflict zones with links to ISIS,” Mr Roberts said.
 
“It beggars belief that the Police Minister does not know where these individuals will be settled, or which communities will be directly impacted.”
 
“The people of New South Wales deserve transparency and confidence that appropriate security and counter-terrorism measures are in place. Instead, we have a Minister who admits she is not across critical operational details.”
 
Mr Roberts said the Government must clarify who is making these decisions and what safeguards are being implemented to protect local communities.
 
“On an issue as serious as ISIS repatriation, being ‘briefed’ is not enough.”
 
“The Police Minister should be leading from the front, not sitting on the sidelines.”

Gangland violence allowed to escalate under the Minns Labor Government

The escalation in gangland violence across Sydney is a predictable consequence of the Minns Labor Government taking its eye off community safety. 
  
The kidnapping and death of Chris Baghsarian and shootings in St Clair and Guildford West and Greenacre are the latest in an upswing in violence in Sydney’s West, North West and South West.  
  
Under the watch of the Minns Labor Government organised criminal networks have been left unchecked, and communities left anxious as we pay the price for the failure to take decisive action sooner.  
  
Shadow Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Anthony Roberts, said while welcome, today’s announcement about the expansion of Operation Shelter raises questions about resourcing. 
  
“NSW and law-abiding members of the community deserve better than a reactive approach to law and order in this state,” Mr Roberts said. 
  
“These criminals have been emboldened to continue with the tit for tat violence as a direct result of the Minns Labor Government’s failure to act.” 
  
“There are critical questions as to whether NSW Police have the resourcing they need to staff this new unit without diverting officers from critical frontline policing roles particularly in Sydney’s West, South West and North West,” Mr Roberts said. 
  
“The Minns Labor Government needs to invest in our police to ensure they have the capability to respond to incidents, threats and high-risk areas as well as combat the criminals that are running rampant in parts of Sydney.” 

Appeal to locate teenagers missing from Lake Macquarie

Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate two teenage girls missing from the state’s north.

Isabelle Crews, aged 14, was last seen on Buttaba Road, Bright Water, about 7.50am yesterday (Friday 27 February 2026).

Annabelle Knight, also aged 14, was last seen on Deer Street, Morisset Park, about 7.50am yesterday (Friday 27 February 2026).

Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into their whereabouts.

Police hold concerns for the girls’ welfare due to their age.

Inquiries established both girls are together.

Isabelle is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 160cm tall, of small build, with red hair and hazel eyes.

Annabelle is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 160cm tall, of medium build, with blonde hair and blue eyes.

Both Isabelle and Annabelle were last seen wearing a school uniform consisting of a white shirt and a green/white skirt.

They are believed to frequent the Lake Macquarie, Newcastle and Central Coast areas.

Pro-“Palestine” Activists call on Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras to reverse its decision to kick out pro-Palestine float on the eve of the parade

Pro-“Palestine” Activists are calling on the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras (SGLMG) to reverse its decision to remove a pro-Palestine float, and will gather at the Sydney Town Hall steps at 3:30pm to protest the decision.
The unprecedented move to kick out Pride in Protest’s “Celebration Without Compromise” float comes after years of refusal by SGLMG to exclude organisations alleged to have behaved in violent or homophobic ways from marching, in the name of “inclusivity” — such as the NSW Police Force and the Liberal Party.
The Mardi Gras CEO’s threat to remove Pride in Protest was issued at 11am on the day before the parade, giving just six hours until close of business to respond. It was based on allegations Pride in Protest had breached parade terms and conditions for a social media post critiquing the “pro-genocide” stance of another parade participant. In correspondence, the Mardi Gras CEO does not dispute the truth of Pride in Protest’s social media comments. Further correspondence from the Mardi Gras CEO confirmed he was kicking out Pride in Protest. (see attached)
image.jpeg Photo: 2025 Pride in Protest Mardi Gras Parade Float, Provided by Pride in Protest
Background:

In 2024, Dayenu publicly opposed the SGLMG Board’s open letter calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. At the time, LGBTQIA+ Jews of Tzedek Collective: https://www.tzedekcollective.com/statements/queer-jews-of-tzedek-collective-denounce-dayenus-anti-palestinian-statement/ denounced Dayenu’s “anti-Palestinian” statement and called them out for “holding onto Zionist ideologies and the perpetration of genocide”. Following this, Dayenu paid for then-director of SGLMG Louis Hudson to visit Israel.
The United Nations: https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2025/09/israel-has-committed-genocide-gaza-strip-un-commission-finds has found that Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

Evan Gray (they/them), Pride in Protest
“This is a disgusting and unprecedented overreach by the SGLMG leadership who are destroying the organisation with their vendettas. Ordering groups to remove social media posts criticising support for the genocide, regardless of the truth, is a way of equating Jewishness with genocide. It is Zionism.”
“The NSW Police have physically assaulted us, called us slurs, harassed and intimidated and discriminated against us. The Liberal Party has called us extremists and called for Mardi Gras to be defunded, and in other states is locking up trans women in men’s jails and taking healthcare away from trans kids. Neither of these organisations has been threatened with removal from the parade for their violence.”
“The SGLMG board are chasing Adelaide Writer’s Festival in a race to the bottom with their censorship. This is the same board that says it is unfair to encourage floats to support trans rights as that would be an ‘imposition,’ but is now demanding to control the social media of organisations who march in the parade.”
“Pride in Protest refuses to comply with this authoritarian censorship that silences speaking out about genocide. We refuse to be silent whether it is Minns’ cops, or the SGLMG co-chairs, trying to silence us.”

Latoya Aroha Rule (all pronouns), Wiradjuri, Te Ātiawa, takatāpui/queer researcher 
“From the earliest days of resistance to today, raising our voices has been how we have defended our land, our cultures, and our right to exist with dignity. Pride is protest, and protest is a vital expression of truth-telling and self-determination. When we stand together — Blak, queer, allied — we honour the strength of our Elders and create space for the next generation to live freely and proudly. The right to peaceful protest must be protected, because our voices have always mattered, and they always will.”

Dr Amanda Cohn (she/her), Member of the NSW Legislative Council
 
“It’s an extraordinary act of censorship to exclude Pride in Protest from the Sydney Mardi Gras parade, especially when the organisers are happy to include the Liberal Party who have called for the parade’s funding to be reviewed and continue to vote against LGBTQIA+ rights in Parliament.”
 
Michelle Berkon (she/her), Jews Against the Occupation ’48
 
“As proud anticolonial antizionist Jews, we are used to establishment Jewish communal bodies delegitimising our Jewishness for our criticism of Israel and rejection of Zionism. This disgraceful overreach by SGLMG leadership, claiming that Pride In Protest’s morally consistent opposition to oppression, erasure, and genocide places them outside the parameters of acceptable LGBTQIA+ identity is a tune from the same hypocritical disgraceful songbook. Dayenu and the SGLMG leadership are betraying the very principles of the struggle for equality that Mardi Gras is supposed to embody.”

HEXHAM BOTTLENECK CLEARED IN ONE OF THE HUNTER’S BIGGEST ROAD UPGRADES

Motorists and the Hunter can finally say goodbye to the infamous Hexham bottleneck, with the long-awaited widening and higher speed limits now complete.

From today, motorists can now travel on three lanes in each direction, along the full six-kilometre stretch. The speed limit has been increased to 80 kilometres per hour – marking a significant boost to traffic flow through one of the region’s busiest corridors. The opening of the full corridor marks a long-awaited milestone for the thousands of motorists who rely on this corridor every day.

The M1 to Raymond Terrace extension and Hexham Straight Widening is one of the largest transport infrastructure commitments in the region’s history.

The Albanese Government is contributing over $1.79 billion towards the project, with the Minns Labor Government contributing $448 million.

The completed project includes new twin bridges over Ironbark Creek to support the widened roadway, upgraded and modernised traffic lights at the intersection of the bypass and Old Maitland Road, a new U-turn facility, and improved pedestrian crossings and bus stops in front of St Joseph’s Calvary Aged Care.

This will deliver more reliable travel times for freight and improve safety for all road users, including cyclists and pedestrians. 

All lanes are now open to traffic, with teams carrying out minor finishing work across the project including landscaping and signage.

These finishing works will include upgrades to the reserve along the Hunter River, Foreshore Park, comprising of upgraded parking, seating and information signage that shares the cultural heritage of the area from an Indigenous perspective.

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

I’m thrilled to announce the completion of the long-awaited Hexham Straight Widening project.

This project is delivering real benefits for people in the Hunter including safer journeys and improved travel times.

The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are proud to be working together in delivering for the Hunter – not only through this project but also the broader M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace, the Singleton Bypass, and plans for the Muswellbrook Bypass and the westbound flyover at Maitland.”

NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison:

Like so many people across the Hunter, I’ve sat in traffic at Hexham frustrated at the crawling speed and bottlenecks.

I know firsthand how disruptive and exhausting those delays have been for commuters, families and freight operators. Today, that changes.

With three lanes now open in each direction and the speed limit increased to 80km/h, motorists will see real improvements in travel times and reliability along this critical corridor.

This is a fantastic outcome for our region and a genuine game-changer for the Hunter. It will improve travel times, strengthen freight productivity and play a major role in keeping our region moving as it continues to grow.”

NSW Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley:

This is a landmark day for Hunter motorists and any driver who relies on this critical corridor. After years of delays and frustration, we can finally say the Hexham bottleneck is cleared.

With three lanes now open in each direction and traffic moving more freely, this is about cutting congestion, improving reliability and giving people back precious time every single day.

The Hunter deserves infrastructure that matches our ambition, and today’s milestone shows what can be achieved when we back our region and deliver.”

Federal Member for Newcastle, Sharon Claydon:

This completion of the Hexham Straight widening is a milestone moment for our region and the more than 50,000 motorists who travel this stretch of road every single day.

For too long, Hexham straight has been a notorious bottleneck. Today, we are opening a safer, smoother, and more efficient journey for commuters.

This project is a great example of how government investment in infrastructure can change lives and support local economies – reducing congestion, cutting travel times, boosting road safety, and unlocking freight routes.”

NSW Member for Newcastle, Tim Crakanthorp:

We have already seen the benefits for local motorists and freight operators with the progressive opening of lanes on the Hexham Straight.

This project is a gamechanger for the 50,000 motorists who use this section of the highway daily.

This is just the first in a suite of projects in the Hunter which will improve safety, congestion and connectivity for local motorists, visitors and freight operators.”

NSW Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery:

Hexham has been a daily frustration for so many people in the community. Whether you’re heading to work, picking up the kids or moving freight through the Hunter, the bottleneck here has cost people time and added unnecessary stress.

This project will make a real difference to the way our region runs. It improves safety, reduces congestion and helps keep Newcastle and the broader Hunter moving as our community continues to grow.

Locals have been waiting a long time for this, and it’s fantastic to see it delivered.”

Australia welcomes decision to host pre-COP in Fiji and Tuvalu

Australia welcomes the Pacific Islands Forum announcement that Fiji and Tuvalu will bring the world to the Pacific as part of the pre-COP climate events to be held later this year.

Fiji will host the pre-COP meetings, while Tuvalu will have a special leaders’ component – ensuring that Pacific priorities are front and centre in global climate negotiations, a critical priority for our region. In addition, Palau will host a special climate event as part of the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in August. Pre-COP is expected to be held in October and will act as a springboard to launch outcomes in the annual UN climate conference.

It is an unprecedented opportunity to bring the world to the Pacific, to experience climate impacts and solutions firsthand.

Through Pre-COP and our Negotiations Presidency, Australia and the Pacific will play a critical role in COP31. Australia will also provide operational and logistical support for the Pacific event.

Türkiye will host COP31 and a World Leaders Summit in Antalya in November 2026.

Australia acknowledges the role of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Chair, Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, the PIF Troika and the PIF Secretariat for facilitating the Pre-COP decision-making process.

Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong:

“Pacific countries have long been leaders on climate action, and their voices are central to shaping the global response.

“Hosting these COP meetings is an opportunity for the global community to hear directly from the people of the Pacific.

“Australia will work closely with our Pacific partners to support a successful Pre-COP as part of our shared effort to address the climate challenge.”

Australian Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen:

“Our region is at the frontline of the climate crisis, where the effects of climate change are real and immediate.

“Hosting pre-COP in Fiji, with a leaders’ component in Tuvalu,  will bring a global focus to the most pressing challenges facing our region and support investment in solutions which are fit for purpose for our region.

“Leading the COP31 negotiations in partnership with the Pacific will strengthen our ties with our closest neighbours, raising our region’s profile in support of shared prosperity, stability and security.”

Australian Minister for Pacific Island Affairs Pat Conroy:

“Pacific nations are bearing the brunt of the devastating effects of climate change but have contributed the least to it.

“Pre-COP will be an unprecedented opportunity for the world to listen to the Pacific and understand the existential threat climate change poses for the region.

“Hosting the Pre-COP and a leaders’ event in the Blue Pacific is an opportunity for the region to work together on this critical issue and bring global attention to their leadership”.

NSW Government rejects Public Toilets Inquiry recommendations

The NSW Government has rejected 20 of the 22 recommendations from the Parliamentary Inquiry into Public Toilets, accepting only two recommendations in principle.

According to Greens MLC Dr Amanda Cohn, who chaired the inquiry, it’s an unusually dismissive response.

The inquiry was the most comprehensive examination of public toilet provision to be conducted in New South Wales. It heard from 60 witnesses across five public hearings, and produced six findings and 22 recommendations aimed at modernising a regulatory framework the committee found to be “not fit for purpose.”

The inquiry recommended a significant overhaul of public toilet regulation in NSW, including development of a statewide public toilets strategy and establishment of benchmark standards for provision, accessibility and inclusive design. The committee’s report was supported by consensus by Labor and Liberal MPs.

“The inquiry found, for example, that toilets should be designed using universal design principles so they are accessible and usable by people with a disability, older people, and people with prams. Another recommendation was the inclusion of baby change tables.”

“It is deeply disappointing to see such a sweeping rejection of the committee’s work,” Dr Cohn said.

“The inquiry demonstrated overwhelmingly that public toilets are failing large parts of the community and excluding them from public life as a result.”

“The Government had an opportunity to act on strong, cross-sector evidence and tripartisan recommendations to improve public health, inclusion and dignity. Instead, it has chosen to back the status quo of poorly regulated and inadequate public toilet provision.”

The committee’s findings highlighted that inadequate access to public toilets disproportionately affects people with disability, people who experience incontinence, people who menstruate, LGBTQIA+ communities, people experiencing homelessness, First Nations people, and those living in rural and remote areas.

Advocates are calling on the NSW Government to reconsider its response and engage seriously with the inquiry’s findings to ensure public toilets across the state meet the needs of the whole community.

advocates who provided submissions to the inquiry

Megan Spindler-Smith, Acting CEO of People with Disability Australia, said: “People with disability shared deeply personal experiences with this inquiry about planning their whole day around toilet access, facing humiliating and undignified situations, or staying home because accessible facilities simply are not available. Seeing those voices and lived experiences met with inaction is deeply disappointing. Safe and truly accessible public toilets and Changing Places facilities are rights-supporting and rights-affirming and are a basic requirement for people with disability to live, work and participate in community life. The NSW Government cannot keep passing the buck to local councils, it must show leadership and deliver a statewide public toilet strategy that guarantees consistent, accessible facilities across NSW.”

Public toilets researcher and expert Katherine Webber said: “While the NSW Government response agrees that public toilets are an essential component of urban infrastructure, their response fails to acknowledge the connection between public toilets and the health and wellbeing of people in NSW. Subsequently, it is disappointing that the NSW Government has decided not to take a leadership role in public toilet policy at this time.”