All hands on deck: construction industry called to lead Northern Rivers final rebuild push

The Northern Rivers is entering its most critical home rebuilding phase, as the NSW Government issues a region-wide call for licensed builders and trades to help homeowners upgrade, raise, rebuild or relocate homes impacted by the 2022 floods.

With a 2027 program deadline looming, the focus has shifted from administrative assessments to active construction sites.

Builders, designers, engineers, architects, project managers and house relocation specialists are urgently needed to support communities to meet this deadline.

With a multi-year pipeline of work now confirmed, there has never been a better time for builders and contractors to get involved in the Northern Rivers recovery. To ensure the industry is briefed on these significant opportunities and the technical requirements for resilient construction, the NSW Reconstruction Authority is hosting a series of regional engagement sessions.

Local trades are encouraged to attend an upcoming ‘Builder Brekkie’ or information workshop to connect with the program team and learn how to access this work. The full list is below or more detail can also be found at https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/nsw-reconstruction-authority/our-work/events

Following the devastating 2022 floods, the Australian and NSW Governments established the Northern Rivers Resilient Homes Program (RHP) to reduce long-term flood risk across seven local government areas. The program supports voluntary home buybacks and resilience measures including house raising, retrofitting, rebuilding and relocation.

In addition, the NSW Reconstruction Authority is working with delivery partners to unlock land for hundreds of homes across the region in 2026, with thousands more in future years, driving demand for builders and skilled workers to construct housing options ranging from small one and two-bed homes and terraces to larger three and four- bed family homes. Coupled with private developments taking off across the Northern Rivers, there is a clear pipeline of work for many years to come.

These efforts will sit alongside the NSW Reconstruction Authority’s work with councils and communities planning for the future use of vacant buyback land, with consultation to occur throughout 2026 for all areas with buyback land, particularly in Lismore, South Murwillumbah, Kyogle, and Richmond Valley.

FAST FACTS: Northern Rivers Resilient Homes Program

  • Total Program Funding: $880 million co-funded by the NSW and Australian Governments.
  • The Deadline: All building and renovation works must be completed by 31 March 2027.
  • Pipeline of Work: Approximately 600 homes are slated for Resilient Measures (raising, retrofitting, or rebuilding) in this final phase.
  • Grants available for homeowners:
    • Home Raising / Rebuild / Relocation: Grants up to $100,000.
    • Home Retrofit: Grants up to $50,000 for flood-resilient materials and modifications.
    • Co-Contribution Bonus: The program will match homeowner contributions dollar-for-dollar, potentially doubling total project value (up to $200,000 for raising/rebuilds or $100,000 for retrofits).
  • Design Support: Homeowners can access an additional $20,000 grant specifically for planning, design, and development application (DA) costs.
  • Priority Areas: Recovery efforts are concentrated across the seven Local Government Areas of Lismore, Ballina, Byron, Clarence Valley, Kyogle, Richmond Valley, and Tweed.

Minister for Recovery and Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said:

“We have reached a critical juncture in the Northern Rivers rebuild. Plans are being finalised, funding is in place and now we need boots on the ground to turn these designs into resilient homes.”

“This is a massive call to arms for our local construction industry. We have a clear window between now and March 2027 to complete these vital works.

“By stepping up now, our builders and trades aren’t just completing a job—they are laying the foundations for a stronger, more connected Northern Rivers, bringing our neighbors home and building a legacy that will define our towns for decades to come.”

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

“The scale of work now underway across the Northern Rivers is unprecedented, and we need skilled builders and construction specialists to help us deliver it.

“This is about working alongside communities to rebuild homes that are safer, stronger and more resilient, while meeting ambitious timeframes and supporting the long-term recovery of the region.”

Resilient Measures information sessions for homeowners and the construction industry:

5 March – Tweed LGA – Murwillumbah Community Centre.

11 March – Byron LGA – Mullumbimby Civic Hall.

17 March – Clarence Valley LGA – Maclean Bowling Club.

18 March – Richmond Valley LGA – Woodburn Community Building

RHP Expos:

29 April – Lismore Workers Club

13 May – Murwillumbah Civic Centre

Builder brekkies:

23 April, 14 May and 4 June – Lismore – The Bank Café.

26 February, 7 May – Murwillumbah – Keith Cafe.

4 March – Mullumbimby – Lulu’s Cafe.

12 March – Casino – Walker Street Café.

18 June – Grafton – Vines at 139

NSW Government ensures standards for fairness, integrity and compliance in building and construction

The NSW Government is launching a new initiative to ensure compliance and improve transparency across the NSW building and construction industry.

Led by the NSW Industrial Relations Construction Compliance Unit (CCU), the initiative is designed to support government agencies and contractors to meet existing legislative, policy and contractual obligations across the construction supply chain.

This priority work reflects the Government’s commitment to ensuring that all reasonable steps are taken to uphold lawful and ethical industrial practices throughout the industry, in line with existing legislative requirements. This will support the delivery of new schools, hospitals and public transport for the people of NSW.

Set to commence on 1 March 2026, the initiative will be delivered through three complementary streams of work:

  • Prior to Government awarding a contract, the CCU will conduct checks of publicly available records held by relevant regulators. A report of any findings will be provided to the procuring agency to support its due diligence process.
  • The CCU will work with client agencies and head contractors to develop and maintain a database of subcontractors operating on NSW Government construction sites, improving transparency and oversight
  • The CCU will conduct audits of head contractors and subcontractors to assess compliance with industrial relations obligations, including the payment of wages and superannuation. The CCU will continue to work closely with existing contractors and the broader industry as the initiative is implemented.

The NSW Government will monitor the initiative closely over the next 18 months and look for opportunities to continue to improve compliance.

The announcement is the latest milestone in the NSW Government’s industrial relations and government procurement reform agenda, which includes:

  • An ‘If not, why not’ mandate for NSW Government agencies to engage with local NSW suppliers before going to tender for projects worth more than $7.5 million.
  • Updated requirements for NSW Government agencies to take stronger action to address modern slavery risks across government supply chains.
  • Re-establishing the Industrial Court of New South Wales to provide workers with access to workplace justice and improved workplace safety with specialist judges

Minister for Industrial Relations Sophie Cotsis said:

“I’m proud to announce the latest major milestone in our committed industrial relations reform agenda.

“The Supply Chain Initiative will play a key role in protecting hardworking building and construction workers across our state, and will ensure compliance and ethical standards across the entire supply chain. It will protect and promote businesses who do the right thing by complying with their legal and industrial obligations.

“We will work closely with workers and industry to ensure that the initiative is implemented effectively, makes sense on the ground, and truly delivers over the long-term.”

Minister for Domestic Manufacturing and Government Procurement Courtney Houssos said:

“Our procurement reforms allow us to grow the NSW economy and support local jobs, while upholding high standards of integrity and compliance.

“With a multi-billion dollar infrastructure pipeline, we have an opportunity to drive domestic manufacturing, strengthen local supply chains and back businesses that invest in their workers.

“Better leveraging government spending to deliver value for money supports local jobs and the infrastructure and essential services that communities need, all at once, as part of one plan.”

Mardi Gras All-Nighter: 24-hour metro and late-night trade

This year’s Mardi Gras will get a big boost with metro and rail services running 24 hours for the first time ever and plans for venues to trade into the early morning, as part of the Minns Labor Government’s ongoing push to rebuild Sydney’s night-time economy.

This year’s event is set to benefit from special event trading hours which would allow eligible hotels, bars, clubs, restaurants, nightclubs and live music venues in the Oxford Street cultural and creative precinct to trade until 6am on Sunday 1 March.

Supporting the parade and the late trade, partygoers can jump on a metro train every 5–10 minutes from 5pm to 2am, then every 20 minutes until regular daytime frequencies resume at 5am.  This builds on two years of successful all night metro services on New Years Eve.

Sydney Trains will operate a 24-hour service with trains running every hour from midnight to the first regular Sunday services on the City Circle, T1 Western Line, T1 North Shore Line, T2 Inner West Line and T9 Northern Line and to Bondi Junction on the T4 Eastern Suburb Line until 3am Sunday.  

Light rail will run a 24-hour service on the L1 Dulwich Hill, L2 Randwick and L3 Kingsford lines with a service every 15 to 20 minutes until normal services resume Sunday morning.

Bus routes 370 and 343 will run 24 hours with added hourly services on Sunday. Around 300 extra bus services will run to the city from Inner West, Eastern Suburbs and North Shore throughout the afternoon, along with additional NightRide buses.

The special Mardi Gras transport services build on a year-round uplift in regular late night bus services which now includes 37 all night services.

With thousands of people attending the parade and major road closures in place from 4pm to 2am on Sunday morning.

For the best views of the parade:

  • Northern side viewing in Darlinghurst: Use Town Hall, St James, Martin Place or Kings Cross train stations, or Gadigal Metro station.
  • Southern side viewing in Surry Hills: Use Central station. For Parade viewing along Flinders Street, use the Moore Park Light Rail stop.

For more information on public transport for the parade, including extra services and trip planning, visit the event page at transportnsw.info or plan ahead using the Opal Travel app or other transport planning apps.  Motorists can check Live Traffic NSW for the latest information on road closures.

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“It’s great to be able to give the Mardis Gras a boost after the late cancellation of the official afterparty. We want unofficial afterparties to kick on all around Oxford Street, knowing there’s even more safe and affordable ways to get home.

“A great night out and good transport go hand in hand, and that’s why we’re running metro and rail services 24 hours in line with trading hour extensions for this year’s Mardis Gras.

“We know that public transport is a vital part of a thriving 24-hour economy. We’ve been increasing bus services at night and this is a great chance to see the impact of increased metro, rail and light rail services.”

Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said:

“Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is the pride of Australia’s major events calendar. Each year, the Parade brings tens of thousands of people to Sydney, which not only celebrates diversity and inclusion, but also makes a significant contribution to the businesses and jobs that rely on our visitor economy.

“We have been clear from the start; we want to bring the entertainment and vibrancy back to Sydney. Extending trading hours will mean locals and visitors alike can make the most of the Mardi Gras.”

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said:

“Mardi Gras is a festival of fun and celebration which continues well beyond the parade and the NSW Government wants to ensure venues and patrons can make the most of this hugely popular event.

“These extended trading hours will allow festival-goers to dance the night away and venues to benefit from the thousands of visitors and locals who flock to our city for this special celebration.”

Executive Director of Business Sydney Paul Nicolau said:

“Running Metro, train and light rail services around the clock for Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is a fantastic step forward for our city.

“It means people can celebrate safely, stay longer, and get home easily, while supporting local businesses and boosting the night-time economy.

Night Time Industries Association CEO Mick Gibb:

“This is a big win for Sydneysiders who want to come out and experience one of the best parties of the year.

“Industry has long said that when you give people safe, affordable ways to get home late at night, everyone wins.

“Late night venues can stay open with confidence, punters can enjoy themselves without stressing about the last train or breaking the bank on a taxi, and the city can actually function as the global destination it is. 

Mark Coure MP condemns divisive remarks targeting muslim Australians

Remarks by Senator Pauline Hanson questioning whether there are “good Muslims” are offensive, divisive, and completely inconsistent with Australian values.
 
To single out an entire faith group and question their goodness or legitimacy as Australians is not only wrong, it risks fuelling fear and prejudice along with division in our communities.
 
Muslim Australians are an integral part of the fabric of New South Wales they are our neighbours, our workmates, our doctors and nurses, our teachers, tradies, small business owners, volunteers and emergency service workers.
 
They raise families, run businesses, serve our communities and proudly call Australia home.
 
Their contribution to our state and country is significant and valued.
 
Rhetoric that targets people on the basis of faith undermines decades of work to build a harmonious, inclusive multicultural society.
 
Australia is one of the most successful multicultural nations in the world, we have people from all corners of the globe.
 
When political leaders use language that casts suspicion on entire communities, it does real harm. It makes people feel unwelcome, unsafe and unfairly judged in the country they love.
 
I have had the privilege of working closely with Muslim community leaders, families and organisations across our state, and what I see time and again are communities focused on education, opportunity, service and giving back. Values that reflect the very best of Australia.”
 
At a time when social cohesion has come under strain, everyone in public leadership should be seeking to unite Australians, not tearing them apart for political gain.
 
There is no place for fear-mongering, dog-whistle politics or divisive rhetoric in modern Australia.
 
Our future depends on unity, mutual respect and the shared belief that everyone deserves dignity and fairness.

Appeal to locate man missing from Thornton

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing from the Hunter region.

Benjamin Potroz, aged 34, was last seen in Thornton, about 10:30pm yesterday (Wednesday 18 February 2026).

When he could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were notified today (Thursday 19 February 2026) and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Police and family hold concerns for his welfare.

Benjamin is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 175cm tall, of thin build, with brown hair.

He may be travelling in a 2021 model silver Subaru sedan with NSW registration ESW07S.

He is known to frequent the Thornton, Newcastle and New Lambton areas.

Family First is calling on Ms Inman Grant to resign and for her to refund taxpayers.

Right to speak about school’s ‘queer club’ upheld by court in win for parents and free speech
 
 
Family First Party
 
 
Family First has welcomed yesterday’s Full Federal Court decision upholding a single mother’s right to speak: https://u26892420.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.czRgix5dsuISVD4k7s4OuahyH5PtF-2FmA9qG6Ls7sWGaogkDx5clVS0-2B45z-2FNYdVWesgPZYgMXH9ux9X5WYsr-2BvrUMzdcf-2FcY-2FGb8nbKZYPSzcyTBbLEaM77lQdydfi5bcJq7gFLP3F-2BGM3gGboQoiLGZ7WJpZ-2BsF2yuDYZ-2Bp4wX9LLT2se89VVh-2BrZuOqkGrTC8Tx5DEaAPpxFFVJpm-2Fspu9iIeBKJn-2BGczNROEQi4jIfPV5cPjkx7mUL-2F-2FLueZIgAUU-2Fl8exjvkqpZTu9LnLfvQhCIwL3AhZ2OS8oc3zVg-3DFyMI_6jWoDsucP9FaN5Fexj4dxWOO-2FkUHub1tMN3-2BS9OtpH-2BU66otuEpJeq2NeLOR3Yft-2FeFtrIWPvJw-2F2S2qALT5qcKkJkwr3Zz9KCZhh4aBwSnn-2BROJaiQDVxi848Cyfqej3s-2BAhQegilQaQmd3VzNTdaRClrjWbSUvX-2BJpmTTYcBS62ToiwE1vKom4mRp-2F2ZUwDAA1JpkPuxQexHbT9bjU44bNIRehUkmSxQE1o99pKiio-2B8Virfl7g-2FEAcGi7VlGUX2M0-2Bd9VcugNmsLOcyJ-2B7nhGBtY21MbpVWUG1SA1uYwOfNmUnT3yGBIF7gS-2BWoz1OF7-2Bd-2B8HmrSmYpu0A-2FBiEi5xbnXvp6PoJJt-2FAqH4rUM-3D out about a “queer club” operating in a Melbourne primary school, dismissing the appeal brought by eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant.
 
National Director and NSW upper house lead candidate Lyle Shelton congratulated Western Sydney mum Celine Baumgarten for standing firm against an attempt by Ms Inman Grant to censor the internet so speech about the appropriateness of LGBTQA+ activism in primary schools could be quashed.
 
“This is a tremendous victory for Celine, for free speech and for parental rights,” Mr Shelton said.
 
“No parent should be dragged through two years of litigation – at a reported cost of more than $250,000 to taxpayers – simply for expressing concern about a primary school hosting a so-called ‘queer club’ for children in Years 3 to 6.”
 
Mr Shelton said there is no place for indoctrinating children into LGBTQIA+ gender-fluid and sexualised ideology in primary schools – or high schools for that matter.
 
“Children go to school to learn to read, write and count – not to be exposed to rainbow political activism or radical gender theory. Parents have every right to question what is being promoted in their local school.”
 
Family First is calling on Ms Inman Grant to resign and for her to refund taxpayers.
 
“A government regulator should not be weaponising taxpayer money to silence parents. The Australian people deserve a refund and a reset of the eSafety office to its core purpose – protecting children from real online harm.
 
“With elections approaching in South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales, Family First is standing candidates who will fight to ensure children are protected from rainbow ideology in our schools.
 
“If elected, Family First MPs will move to safeguard parental rights, restore common sense in education policy and ensure schools focus on academic excellence – not social engineering.”

Equality Australia is a political advocacy group that should not be subsidised by the taxpayer.

Taxpayer subsidy for radical LGBTQA+ group Equality Australia must be rejected

Family First has lodged a formal submission to the Senate Economics Legislation Committee opposing the Albanese Government’s move to grant special Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status to Equality Australia.

National Director Lyle Shelton said the proposal, contained in the Treasury Laws Amendment (Supporting Choice in Superannuation and Other Measures) Bill 2025, overrides the findings of the charities regulator, the Administrative Appeals Tribunal and the Federal Court — all of which rejected Equality Australia’s claim to Public Benevolent Institution status.

Equality Australia was found to be primarily an advocacy organisation, not a benevolent relief charity. Instead of accepting those rulings, it lobbied Assistant Treasurer Andrew Leigh for special legislative treatment,” Mr Shelton said.

The submission (PDF attached) also raises concerns about Equality Australia’s past use of Thorne Harbour Health to channel tax-deductible donations while its own DGR bid was rejected.

Tax-deductible status is a public subsidy. It should not be granted through political carve-outs,” Mr Shelton said.

Family First further argues it is inappropriate for taxpayers to subsidise an organisation that publicly campaigns for puberty blockers and hormone treatments for minors, at a time when such practices are being reassessed overseas, including in the United Kingdom following the closure of the Tavistock child gender clinic.

The submission also notes concerns about the appropriateness of Governor-General Sam Mostyn serving as patron of an organisation receiving special legislative preference.

Some organisations should not be more equal than others. The integrity of Australia’s tax and charity system is at stake,” Mr Shelton said.

A Game Changer: Netball NSW Foundation Launched

In a historic development, Netball NSW is today proud to officially launch the Netball NSW Foundation – a social impact initiative dedicated to amplifying the reach of the No.1 sport for women and girls across the state for generations to come.Netball is present in every metro and regional community, and the primary aim of the Netball NSW Foundation is to harness the spirit of the game to empower the communities it serves, and to further cement it as a place to belong, a place to thrive and a place to unite.In partnership with the Australian Sports Foundation, funds raised by the Foundation will deliver six impact programs aimed at ensuring the health and societal benefits of netball reach more people than ever before.The programs will range from financial support to keep people involved in the game, to inclusive formats and cultural connection focusing on First Nations and Multicultural communities.Programs will also be delivered to empower young people to find their voice and develop leadership skills.The Foundation will support, educate and empower communities to navigate and overcome social issues impacting our everyday lives.In 2026, the first areas of focus will be Mental Health, Body Image and the Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence.  As well as the Australian Sports Foundation, Netball NSW is delighted to welcome Tackle Your Feelings on board as a Strategic Impact Partner of the Foundation. This partnership will enable Netball NSW to bring free-of-charge mental health awareness and education workshops to participants all over the state.In another exciting development, former GIANTS Netball captain and current NSW Swifts Specialist Shooting Coach Jo Harten BEM will come on board as a Foundation Ambassador.Netball NSW CEO Tracey Scott said the launch of the Foundation was a momentous day in the organisation’s near 100-year history.“In 2025 over 120,000 participants across all ages, genders and backgrounds registered to be involved in netball,” she said.“No other sport in NSW delivers the same scale of impact when it comes to social connection, leadership and wellbeing.“The Netball NSW Foundation represents our commitment to netball’s future and is grounded in the belief that netball is more than a game: it is a powerful force for good.“Through donations and philanthropic investment, we will be able to create powerful, positive social outcomes for communities in every part of NSW.”“By removing barriers, we are empowering the leaders of a more productive tomorrow, and this Foundation will enable netball to be fully part of a shared and prosperous future.”Netball NSW Head of Foundation Janyne Hogan said she was excited to see what 2026 would bring.“We know the netball community pulls together when hard times hit and we saw an example of this last year when we raised over $22,000 to help Associations affected by flooding in northern NSW.“The Netball NSW Foundation will be driven by three guiding pillars which aim to help participants belong, unite and thrive in our game.“It will elevate netball as a place that fosters belonging, life-long learning and collective unity.“We are honoured to partner with the Australian Sports Foundation and Tackle Your Feelings who have been instrumental in the delivery of our first impact programs.“Now we are ready to demonstrate the powerful difference that netball can make and why investment in it changes the lives of people from all walks of life for the better.” To learn more about the Netball NSW Foundation, see how you can get involved or make a donation please visit nsw.netball.com.au/foundation: https://netballnsw.us9.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a61fdddc7216e646211550b26&id=0fad62f03c&e=5dd905e812 

Foo Fighters are coming to Foocastle

Legendary rock band Foo Fighters have been confirmed to headline Foocastle’s McDonald Jones Stadium on November 12 as part of their Take Cover Tour, in a major coup for Newcastle and the Hunter’s booming visitor economy.

In honour of their first ever visit to Newcastle, the city is getting ready to welcome the 15-time Grammy Award winners with a Hollywood inspired attraction. The hill overlooking Newcastle’s famous Nobbys Beach will feature a giant FOOCASTLE sign today to celebrate the Foo Fighters’ first concert in the Hunter.

Foo Fighters fever will take over Foocastle in the lead up to the show, with the city to come alive with activations and tailored experiences to welcome fans from all over the state, country and world.  

Foocastle is the band’s fourth stop on their Australian tour, with a show also confirmed for Sydney’s Accor Stadium.  

World-class events like the Foo Fighters tour and global aviation links with the recent opening of the Newcastle International Airport are transforming Newcastle into a powerhouse for the regional visitor economy, creating jobs, backing local businesses and showcasing the Hunter to the world.

The Foo Fighters are the fourth major touring artist to visit Newcastle, following the success of Elton John, Paul McCartney and P!nk – the first concerts at McDonald Jones Stadium in over three decades, which delivered enormous economic benefits for local hotels, restaurants and small businesses.

The Minns Labor Government is committed to growing in regional NSW tourism and having major events, such as Foo Fighters, that attract visitors year-round, will deliver real economic benefits to local communities.

Minister for Tourism Steve Kamper said:

“Foo Fighters are one of the world’s biggest bands who will transform Foocastle and bring the Hunter to life.

“We are focused on transforming Newcastle into a major event destination with the Foo Fighters adding to a growing list of international touring artists and sporting events, with the Women’s State of Origin, the 2026 Rugby League World Cup and the 2027 Rugby World Cup to come.

“Foo Fighters tour landing in Newcastle reinforces the Hunter’s rapid rise as one of Australia’s premier regional event destinations, with major global acts choosing the harbour city for headline shows alongside major international capitals.

“This momentum is being supercharged through the new Newcastle International Terminal and our NSW Take Off Fund, which has unlocked Newcastle as a global gateway for tourism, trade and investment.”

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said: 

“The Hunter is back in the spotlight. International flights are landing, global superstars are arriving and the world is finally catching on to what we’ve known all along – that centre stage belongs to the Hunter.

“As the Foo Fighters roll into Newcastle, we’re rolling out the welcome mat to Australia and the world. Come and see for yourself why the Hunter is our state’s best-kept secret… not for much longer.”

Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said:

“Newcastle will put on a show for the Foo Fighters and their fans.

“We can’t wait to welcome all to Foocastle – home of the Foo Fighters for one night only.

“Foo Fighters will be one of the biggest events we’ve ever hosted in Newcastle, and we’ll be making sure it will be an unforgettable night for the band and all who come to see the legendary rockstars in action.”

City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath said:

“Major events don’t come much bigger or louder, than the Foo Fighters.

“Having Foo Fighters for a stadium show is a huge coup for Newcastle and once again puts our city up in lights on the international stage.

“Novocastrians and visitors will no doubt pack out the stadium for what will be a night to remember. As someone who has seen his fair share of Foo Fighters concerts, the good news is even if you miss out on a ticket, pretty much all of Newcastle will still be able to hear it!”

Frontier Touring CEO Dion Brant said: 

“The Foo Fighters tour of Australia will see the band visit seven cities, and we’re delighted that Newcastle fans would be treated to their first ever visit from the legendary rockers.”

Black-market seafood crackdown in Sydney restaurants

The Minns Government is cracking down on the illegal abalone and seafood trade in restaurants and other outlets, completing a three-day compliance blitz across Sydney.

Joint covert and overt operations were undertaken over 14-16 February to disrupt the black-market seafood trade, when restaurants and other seafood outlets purchase abalone, fish and other seafood outside the legal supply chain.

Fisheries officers and food inspectors from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) inspected 15 restaurants across the city, from the CBD and inner west to the north shore, western suburbs and southern Sydney.

The inspections were carried out to ensure all seafood for sale in each premises was purchased from legitimate sources, such as commercial fishers, co-ops and fish markets, or other licenced fish receivers, with premise owners required to provide purchase records.

The sale of illegal seafood undermines legitimate operators and commercial fishers who work hard to provide consumers with safe and premium quality seafood.

The three-day compliance operation primarily focused on black market abalone illegally poached from fisheries on the NSW South Coast and sold to restaurants wanting to bypass the legal supply chain because of monetary gain. During the operation:

  • 15 premises were inspected by NSW Fisheries Officers and Food Authority Compliance Officers in locations where abalone is sold in restaurants, including the CBD, Marrickville, Burwood, Hurstville and Eastwood.
  • Seven of those premises were found to be selling abalone that was not labelled in accordance with the NSW abalone labelling regulations. The offences will be dealt with by way of formal written caution, and penalty infringement notice.
  • A total of 106 abalone were seized from four separate premises, including frozen black lip abalone and a quantity of dried abalone.
  • The total weight of abalone seized was approximately 15kg. The average price these abalone were being sold for was $120/kg for frozen black lip, while dried abalone can retail more than $1000/kg.

The estimated total illegal, unreported and unregulated catch for abalone in 2025/26 was 30 tonnes.

Due to the impact of illegal poaching of abalone this year the Government had to reduce the total allowable catch for commercial fishers by 12%, based on scientific advice that was concerned by the depletion occurring.

The Government is progressing the introduction of new regulation that will strengthen the requirement of restaurants to only buy from the legal commercial supply chain.

The penalties for involvement in the black-market seafood trade are severe, with fines and possible imprisonment for both sellers and buyers.

In NSW, legally harvested abalone is labelled to show it meets regulatory requirements, while Eastern Rock Lobsters are tagged to prove they have been legally caught.

The public are urged to report illegal or suspected illegal fishing activities to the Fishers Watch Phoneline on 1800 043 536 or via the online report form.

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“I have instructed Fisheries Compliance officers to undertake this major seafood crackdown so that we are able to guarantee the sustainability of our seafood industry now and into the future.

“We are working hard to undermine the black market for abalone and lobster by going after the restaurants and markets that think they will be able to get away with buying illegal product.

“These compliance activities are going to continue, and restaurants and illegal sellers are on notice that NSW fisheries officers could soon be walking through their doors.

“The NSW commercial fishing and aquaculture industries are a cornerstone of our regional economy, supporting thousands of jobs and delivering premium produce to tables across the state.

“I have moved to introduce new regulation to close a loophole, so that restaurants and buyers of abalone can only buy from the legal commercial supply chain. We are moving to sideline the black-market supply chain and close it down.”