Apartment renters being smashed as Labor leaves rent increases uncapped

The Victorian Greens say that new data revealing that Melbourne unit rents have hit an all time high is more proof that Labor’s screwing renters by refusing to implement rent controls. 

With unit rents now sitting at $580 a week, matching house rents for the first time in more than a decade, apartment renters are being forced to pay more for smaller homes with less security, in what’s been labelled a blatant ‘landlord’s market’.

It comes as Melbourne’s rental vacancy remains below 2% leaving renters competing in overcrowded inspections and forced to accept homes that don’t meet their needs and in unfair power dynamics with landlords that leave them paralysed to assert their basic rights out of fear of a massive rent increase. 

Without rent controls, the Greens warn the rental crisis will continue to worsen in Victoria. The ACT remains the only jurisdiction in the country where rental affordability is improving, after rent controls were introduced with the Greens in shared government.

The Victorian Greens spokesperson for Housing and Renting, Gabrielle de Vietri said that apartment rents spiralling is not accidental and that Labor’s special treatment for property developers and investors is why they’ve not intervened while the rental crisis has worsened. 

Victorian Greens spokesperson for Housing and Renting, Gabrielle de Vietri: 

“Labor’s chosen to screw over renters to give special treatment to property developers and investors. Make no mistake, if it’s a landlords market, it’s because Labor’s chosen it to be that way. 

“Four out of five renters in Victoria have copped an unaffordable rent increase in the past two years. Labor has watched and done nothing to make renting more affordable.

“The ACT has shown that rent controls work. It’s the only place where rental affordability is improving. We did it there, and there is no reason Victoria can’t do it too.”

Statement on Proposed National Security Legislation

The Opposition was not provided with the legislation prior to the Prime Minister’s announcement. Later today, we will be given the opportunity to review it and will do so carefully. 

We are deeply sceptical of the Prime Minister’s decision to introduce a single bill that will attempt to cover multiple complex and unrelated policy areas, for example issues of speech are clearly separate from the ownership and management of firearms. 

As is so often the case with this Prime Minister, he is squarely focused on what he perceives to be his political interests, not the national interest. This is a political decision, aimed at fostering division – not creating unity.

Just days ago, the Prime Minister was dragged kicking and screaming to a Commonwealth Royal Commission, which is why Australians are right to be cautious when he preaches cooperation but does not practice it.

City of Newcastle backs local events to make a splash for visitor economy

Almost 400 paddlers will put their power to the test in Newcastle this weekend as the city hosts the state’s largest regatta for outrigger canoes.

Newcastle Outrigger Canoe Club will bring the ancient Polynesian tradition, turned popular sport, to the city’s harbour as teams from across NSW battle it out in a spectacular display of speed, balance and endurance. 

Deputy Lord Mayor Cr McCabe joins Newcastle Outrigger Canoe Club Vice President Vaughan Hakaraia with club members alongside a six-person outrigger canoe, named Whibayganba at Throsby Creek. The Pasha Dasha Regatta is one of 19 events to have shared in more than $155,000 from City of Newcastle’s annual event sponsorship program.

Deputy Lord Mayor Charlotte McCabe said the funding program helps support the growth and sustainability of the city’s visitor economy while enhancing Newcastle’s reputation as an events destination.

“City of Newcastle is committed to getting behind events that showcase Newcastle as a vibrant destination for visitors and locals,” Cr McCabe said.

“Through our annual sponsorship program we support events at all levels, from local community activations to nationally recognised events, helping to drive visitation and deliver meaningful economic benefits to the city.

“We’re thrilled to welcome hundreds of competitors, their families and supporters to Newcastle for this weekend’s Pasha Dasha Regatta, which will also provide a fantastic spectacle for locals to watch and enjoy.” 

Newcastle Outrigger Canoe Club Vice President Vaughan Hakaraia said he was grateful for the support from City of Newcastle, which will help them deliver their 15th annual Pasha Dasha Regatta on 17 January. 

“As a local club, we’re proud to facilitate what has become the largest club regatta in New South Wales,” Mr Hakaraia said.

“This is our biggest annual event, attracting hundreds of participants from across the state, travelling from the south at Wollongong and north from Port Macquarie. 

“The event has been running since 2010 and we’re proud to host the 15th annual regatta in Newcastle and showcase the iconic harbour.”

The regatta is just the tip of the iceberg in a packed events calendar supported by City of Newcastle.

Upcoming sporting events will see competitors travel to Newcastle from across the Hunter and around the state, including for the sixth action-packed edition of the Beach 5s rugby festival, which will be held at Nobbys Beach from 24-26 January.

Hundreds of swimmers are expected to take to the open water for the 30th anniversary of Stockton Surf Lifesaving Club’s popular Newcastle Harbour Swim on 26 January, while Stockton will also play host to the Island Triathlon Festival on 31 January and 1 February with two fitness-fuelled days of running, triathlon, and aquathlon events. The focus will then be on the road when thousands of runners take on one of the city’s most challenging courses with the Hill to Harbour race on 29 March.

The Newcastle Show (27 February – 1 March) and Newcastle Chilli Festival (22 March) offer other options for locals and visitors looking to spice up a trip to the city in coming months, with City of Newcastle’s event sponsorship program also supporting a range of activities celebrating community, culture, food and drink.

To stay up-to-date with all the events happening across Newcastle visit visitnewcastle.com.au/whats-on, or to find out more about City of Newcastle’s annual event sponsorship program visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/sponsorship

Metro train goes end to end in first full line test run

A metro train has become the first to travel the entire length of the M1 Metro North West & Bankstown Line from Tallawong to Bankstown, marking an exciting milestone in the delivery of the extension.

The train in testing stopped at all 31 stations over the 66-kilometre route hitting speeds of 100km/h on the new section of the track

When the line opens later this year, a metro train will run every four minutes in the peak, with 15 metro trains an hour compared to eight trains an hour on the former heavy rail T3

Bankstown line, nearly doubling the services connecting South-West Sydney to rest of the city.  

Part of the Minns Labor Government’s record $30 billion a year infrastructure investment, the extended line will transform the connection to the rest of the city for communities in Sydney’s southwest and deliver more opportunities in education, employment and leisure.

Passengers at Bankstown will get to Gadigal Station in 30 minutes, saving a full 15 minutes compared to the 45 minutes it took to get to Town Hall on the former heavy rail line. 

Passengers across Sydney’s Southwest will benefit, with time savings that include:

  • Marrickville to Gadigal: 12 minutes – saving 12 minutes
  • Bankstown to Central: 28 minutes – saving six minutes
  • Campsie to Macquarie University: 44 minutes – saving 17 minutes
  • Lakemba to Victoria Cross: 37 minutes – saving 24 minutes

The current high-speed testing phase requires a minimum 9,000 hours and 30,000 kms of combined testing to be completed before the line opens.

Across the Southwest line, 79 per cent of work in the corridor and at stations is now complete, with tiling largely completed at four stations and works progressing at the remaining six. Painting and landscaping are also underway at most stations.

Testing is well underway on the platform screen doors and mechanical gap fillers, with this world-leading safety technology already passing its first round of tests at every station.

The next step is integration testing with the test train later this year.

During this high-speed testing phase on the Southwest extension, more than 70 key integration tests will be completed to ensure individual systems work together and to verify the performance, functionality and safety of the trains and new infrastructure.

As part of the final conversion, crews will complete work to integrate the Southwest Metro with the existing metro line. This will require a series of full and partial line closures of the M1 Line in the lead up to opening.

While disruptive, these closures are essential to allow for work to safely take place within the rail corridor

In January Metro services will not run on the following weekends to allow for essential systems testing: 

17–18 January

24–25 January

During closure periods, passengers will have access to replacement buses between Tallawong and Chatswood, and Sydney Trains services between Chatswood and Sydenham.

The Minns Labor Government thanks the communities in Sydney’s southwest for their patience as the project progresses and passengers on the M1 Line metro who will be affected by some upcoming weekend closures for essential work to integrate the new line. 

Minister for Transport, John Graham said:

“The first metro train to cover the entire 66-kilometre length of line is an exciting day for all of Sydney.

“It is even more exciting for the people of Southwest Sydney who have been patiently waiting for their turn to join the metro network.

“With a service every four minutes, metro will transform this area’s connection to the rest of the city, providing many more opportunities in jobs and education.

Member for Canterbury, Sophie Cotsis said:

“The Southwest Metro is a transformational project that when complete will better cater for the transportation needs of southwest Sydney and deliver more job opportunities for the people of Canterbury.

“Once the Metro opens commuters will be able to travel from Wiley Park to Central, Gadigal and Barangaroo Metro stations in less than 30 minutes. 

“I would like to extend my deepest thanks to the local community for their flexibility in arranging alternative transport as this important project reaches another major milestone.

“I would also like to extend to the community my sincere thanks for their patience and understanding during this work.”

Member for Bankstown, Jihad Dib said:

“We know the construction and testing period has taken time and acknowledge the inconvenience this has caused people in south-west Sydney. I want to thank the community for their patience as we deliver a Metro that will provide frequent services and improved access across Sydney.

“Commuters travelling from the Bankstown Metro station will shave significant time off their journey to key stations such as Martin Place, Barangaroo, Macquarie University and Chatswood.”

Member for Summer Hill, Jo Haylen said:

“It’s been a long journey for our community, and I want to thank everyone for their patience as we’ve worked to deliver a better public transport network for Inner West and Canterbury-Bankstown residents.

“Once complete, the South West Metro will deliver a peak service every four minutes, getting passengers to Victoria Cross in just 21 minutes and to Chatswood in under 30 minutes from Dulwich Hill Station — a major improvement that will make daily travel faster, easier and more reliable, helping more people choose public transport more often.”

Blayney MPS Redevelopment reaches completion milestone

The Blayney Multipurpose Service (MPS) redevelopment project has reached a major milestone, with construction of Stage 1 now complete, delivering new and enhanced aged care and healthcare services for Blayney and surrounding communities.

The Blayney MPS redevelopment is the final site to be delivered under the NSW Government’s $297 million Multipurpose Service Program, which has improved health facilities across smaller rural and remote communities.

Stage 1 includes a new residential aged care wing featuring single rooms with private bathrooms, additional inpatient unit beds, chair-based services, with space for future expansion.

The Blayney community is invited to tour and explore the new facilities and services on Thursday, 22 January 2026 between 4.00pm and 6.00pm. The project team and health staff will be on hand to answer questions, and no registrations are required.

Staff, aged care residents and families have been engaged throughout the planning and design stages, providing valuable input to ensure the new facility is tailored to the current and future needs of the local community.

The Blayney MPS redevelopment is being delivered in stages to ensure all existing clinical services, including the existing MPS, continue to operate while construction is carried out.

The next phase of works will include demolition of existing buildings and construction of the new HealthOne, entry, reception, waiting room, staff area and ambulatory care zone. Construction is expected to be completed in 2027.

The Blayney MPS redevelopment is being delivered by Health Infrastructure and Western NSW Local Health District in partnership with Taylor Construction Group.

For more information on the project, visit www.nsw.gov.au/blayney-multipurpose-service-redevelopment

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:

“The Minns Labor Government is delivering more beds and improved access to the essential health care regional communities need.

“Our last budget included $3.5 billion in vital hospital upgrades across regional NSW after 12 years of delays and broken promises by the Coalition.

“The Blayney Multipurpose Service redevelopment will ensure the continued delivery of high-quality, contemporary, and accessible aged and health care to the community. 

“This modern facility will provide a safe, comfortable, and welcoming environment for residents, families, and staff, and will support aged care needs for generations to come.”

Government Spokesperson for Bathurst Stephen Lawrence:

“Residents of Blayney and surrounding communities will soon have access to a modern, purpose-built aged care facility, with construction of stage 1 now complete.

“Blayney MPS isn’t just a health facility – it’s also a home to those living in the residential aged care wing. The new Blayney MPS will ensure the residents have a modern and comfortable home with the provision of high-quality care they deserve.”

Designs unveiled for new ambulance stations in the Hunter

The Minns Labor Government has today unveiled artist’s impressions showcasing new ambulance stations at Caves Beach and Gateshead, providing a first look at the modern, purpose-built facilities that will soon bolster emergency and mobile medical care for Hunter communities.

The new ambulance stations are part of the NSW Government’s $615.5 million NSW Ambulance Infrastructure Program, which will deliver 30 additional ambulance stations and support paramedic infrastructure over the coming years.

The new stations will significantly enhance emergency care capacity, and support paramedics to deliver timely and high-quality emergency and mobile medical care to local communities.

The purpose-built ambulance stations will include internal parking for emergency ambulance vehicles, a dedicated vehicle wash bay, a multipurpose area for paramedics, a gym, meeting and training rooms, administration areas, logistics and storage facilities, and on-site parking.

With excellent access to the major road network, the sites are ideally situated to complement existing ambulance stations in the network and will help meet the growing health needs of the local region.

Locations for the new ambulance stations:

  • Gateshead Ambulance Station – 79 Oakdale Road, Gateshead
  • Caves Beach Ambulance Station – 2-4 Kayuga Close, Caves Beach.

Construction is expected to begin on the new stations this year, following planning approval and the appointment of building contractors.

New stations are also planned at East Maitland, Edgeworth and North Rothbury, further boosting mobile emergency care across the Hunter region. The community will continue to be updated as planning progresses.

The Minns Labor Government is recruiting 2,500 additional NSW Ambulance staff including 500 paramedics to rural and regional areas, to increase emergency and mobile healthcare for our metropolitan and regional communities.

The Hunter region is already benefiting from 62 additional paramedics to support emergency care in the region. This includes 12 paramedics who will work out of a temporary site at Sandgate while planning and delivery of a new ambulance station at Gateshead progresses.

For more information visit: www.nsw.gov.au/ambulance-infrastructure-program

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:

“These new ambulance stations will support our paramedics to deliver world-class emergency care to communities in the Hunter well into the future.

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to ensuring our growing communities receive the emergency care they need, when they need it.

“Our $615.5 million investment will help optimise response times and shows we’re backing our frontline workers with the infrastructure and resources they need to continue to deliver high-quality emergency care across NSW.”

Minister for the Hunter and Member for Swansea Yasmin Catley:

“Since becoming the Member for Swansea, I have been relentless in fighting to secure the services our community needs and today we are one step closer to delivering on that vision.

“As Swansea continues to grow, access to high-quality healthcare close to home is a necessity. No one should be left hoping an ambulance can get there in time.

“Locating a station closer to where people live means faster care when every second counts and that can be the difference between life and death. I’m pleased this project is moving forward, with construction expected to begin this year.”

Member for Charlestown Jodie Harrison:

“I welcome today’s announcement of the new Gateshead ambulance site and release of the artist impressions.

“It marks a significant milestone in delivering a vital health service for our local community and surrounding areas.

“This new Gateshead ambulance station is something that this growing community has been calling for and means people will soon be able to access the best emergency and mobile medical care close to home.”

$2 million more for sheep and goat farmers eID equipment rebate

The Minns Labor Government has announced $2 million in funding for the NSW Sheep and Goat eID Equipment Rebate, helping producers and livestock agents across the state gain affordable access to electronic identification (eID) equipment.

The roll out of the eID program is part of the Minns Government’s more than $1 billion biosecurity investment to protect and secure the agricultural sector.

Under the latest rebate program, eligible farmers and others can claim a 50 per cent rebate, up to a maximum of $1,500, on the purchase of a handheld eID reader. The rebate will be made available in early March 2026.

The latest round of funding is being offered to producers and livestock agents who may have missed out on the initial infrastructure rebate scheme in 2023.

Many producers and livestock agents are now recognising the practical value of this equipment, not just for meeting mandatory requirements such as property-to-property stock movements, but also for improving on-farm management through the collection of accurate individual animal data.

This information helps farmers make better-informed decisions, strengthening productivity, especially during challenging or variable seasonal conditions.

The equipment rebate follows a strong uptake of eID tags, with some 15.2 million eID tags purchased since November 2024, more than 1.79 million eIDs scanned in saleyards in 2025 and approximately 22.4 per cent of the sheep and goats coming through saleyards already equipped with an eID.

The NSW Government has committed $41 million for the implementation of mandatory electronic identification for sheep and goats in the state – the largest funding commitment of any state or territory.

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:

“The equipment rebate is part of the Minns Labor Government’s ongoing financial support for primary producers in the transition to electronic IDs.

“Sheep and goat producers, along with livestock agents will benefit from this rebate, targeted specifically to reduce the cost of meeting mandatory eID requirements.

“This program ensures NSW producers will continue to lead the world in biosecurity safety and maintain their export premiums.

“We will continue working with producers, agents, saleyards and processors to implement eID in their operations.”

E-bike Reform After Overnight Incidents

Following two separate e-bike incidents last night, Shadow Minister for Transport Natalie Ward has called on Transport Minister John Graham to urgently act, accusing the Minns Labor Government of putting ideology ahead of community safety.

While the Opposition has had a clear, practical policy to introduce low-cost identification plates for young riders and commercial e-bike operators that would enforce the rules, change behaviour, and prevent crashes –the Minns Government response has been to continue to do nothing.

If the Government doesn’t like the Opposition’s plan, what is theirs to protect riders and the community? 

The Opposition’s proposed license plate scheme would require specific rider cohorts to have a government issued license plate attached to an e-bike when in use, including: 

  • Riders who are under the age of 18; 
  • Riders who use e–bikes for a commercial purpose; and 
  • Commercial shared service schemes.

Riders aged 18 and over who use a privately-owned e-bike would be exempt from the scheme. 

The plan also includes new penalties for non-compliance, alongside expanded safety education to ensure young riders understand the risks associated with e-bike technology and how to use these devices safely in the community.

Shadow Minister for Transport Natalie Ward said the Government’s obsession with tinkering around the edges – debating wattage, speed caps and technical specifications – puts bureaucrats before people, ignoring what communities are asking for – safe riding and enforcement of the road rules. 

“I am hearing loud and clear that the community wants enforcement and accountability for e-bikes that prevent crashes – the Opposition has a plan to deliver it, while the Government tinkers.”

“This isn’t complicated. If Labor don’t like our solution, what is their plan? It’s time for action and accountability whether it is an e-bike rider or the Transport Minister.”

“Under a Liberal and Nationals Government, if a crash or dangerous riding occurs we can tell you who it was. Under Labor, they will be asking you what the wattage of the bike was.”

M1 PACIFIC MOTORWAY EXTENSION: BRIDGE FOUNDATIONS COMPLETE, CONSTRUCTION SURGES AHEAD

The M1 Pacific Motorway extension has hit a significant construction milestone, with crews driving the final pile to complete foundation works for 11 new bridges between Black Hill and Raymond Terrace.

The milestone clears the way for the next phase of high-intensity construction on one of the Hunter’s most important road projects.

Since February 2024, project teams have installed 278 bridge piles across the 15-kilometre corridor, including 173 piles for the 2.6-kilometre viaduct that will span the Hunter River and surrounding floodplain.

Sixteen piles were installed directly into the riverbed using heavy-lift barges – a complex operation delivered safely and efficiently.

Motorists have already benefited throughout the busy summer period, after new bridges opened at Black Hill, Tomago and Raymond Terrace, and the Masonite Road bridge at Heatherbrae opened in October.

The remaining seven bridges, including the Hunter River viaduct, will open progressively as construction gathers pace.

The $2.24 billion M1 extension project, jointly funded by the Federal Albanese and the NSW Minns Labor Governments, with the Commonwealth contributing $1.792 billion, and NSW contributing $448 million. The project will also deliver the critical Hexham Straight widening, unlocking safer, faster and more reliable journeys across the Hunter.

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

These bridge piles are the literal foundations for the nationally significant M1 extension and getting them in place is a major step forward.

This is one of the busiest sections of the Pacific Highway, and I’m pleased the Albanese and Minns Governments are working together to deliver this major improvement.”

NSW Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison:

Driving the final pile is a powerful milestone – it means the foundations are done and the finish line is firmly in sight.

Along with the Coffs Harbour Bypass, this is a nation-changing piece of infrastructure, and the missing link between Queensland and Victoria – which enable everyone to drive between these two states without passing through a single traffic light.

The M1 extension to Raymond Terrace will transform travel across the Hunter, improving safety, reliability and daily journeys for thousands of motorists.”

NSW Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley:

This is an important milestone for the Hunter. Completing the bridge foundations brings us another step closer to improving how people move to, from and around the region.

By working in partnership with the Albanese Government, we’re delivering infrastructure that improves safety, reliability and supports the Hunter as it continues to grow.”

Federal Member for Paterson Meryl Swanson:

These bridge foundations will stand for decades, supporting transport infrastructure and easing congestion for now and well into the future.

The Albanese and Minns Labor Government are investing in our fast-growing region to ensure the M1 Extension delivers lasting benefits for our local communities.”

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon:

The M1 extension is critical to keeping Newcastle and the Hunter moving.

Anyone who’s spent time sitting in traffic at Hexham over this summer holiday, or any other day, knows just how frustrating this bottleneck is for families and commuters.

Today’s milestone shows real progress – delivering congestion relief, better freight efficiency and stronger connections for our region.”

the State Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery:

This is a huge win for the Hunter workforce and local businesses.

Completing bridge foundations keeps momentum strong and brings us closer to an M1 extension that will support jobs, productivity and safer travel across the region.”

New Year, Same Reason to Extend the ACT’s Waste-to-Energy Ban

Following ongoing heatwaves and ongoing high fire risks, the ACT Greens are pushing for the ACT Government to renew their now lapsed policy to ban waste-to energy incinerators.

ACT Greens Deputy Leader Jo Clay says that there is no social license for waste-to-energy incinerator projects in the region.

“Right now we are seeing the real impact of climate disasters: destruction, disconnection and lives lost. We cannot afford for governments to stall on climate action – and that includes a long-lasting ban on waste-to-energy,” Ms Clay said.

“Following the NSW Government’s proposal for a waste-to-energy incinerator in Tarago, people in Canberra, and the Queanbeyan and Goulburn regions have contacted the Greens concerned about the impact it will have on our region.

“Waste-to-energy produces harmful byproducts and pollutants like heavy metals, toxic air pollutants, bottom ash, furans and dioxins. It poses many risks for people, nature, our waterways, agriculture and our climate.

“Burning waste for energy creates greenhouse gas emissions and is not a sustainable or efficient source of energy.

“The ACT’s Waste-to-energy Policy 2020-25 prohibits thermal waste-to-energy including incineration, gasification and pyrolysis. It’s time for Labor to put the conversation to rest and extend the ban indefinitely.

“Canberrans have a right to a healthy environment. They have a right to know the ACT Government will continue to prohibit harmful and polluting waste-to-energy incinerator projects.

“Considering the ACT is powered by 100% renewable electricity and is phasing out fossil fuel gas, there is no reason for the Government to delay renewing the ban.”

Ms Clay also urges the ACT Government to immediately progress establishing a circular economy in Canberra to manage waste without harming people and planet.

“Waste-to-energy disincentivises our moves towards a circular economy. It can also promote more waste generation than ever before.

“In the ACT, we have a resource recovery target of 90%. But our actual resource recovery has dropped to only 65%. We need the government to do more – to put policies in place that reduce waste production and create a lifecycle solution for waste we generate.

“We need local recycling facilities that can process household waste so there’s no need to burn it – like soft plastics.

“Instead, the ACT Labor Government sits back and waits for a federal scheme to manage soft plastics, even though it’s taken decades to progress.

“Governments at all levels must work with industry to design out waste and stop the problem at its source.

“If we don’t move towards a circular economy, we will see more waste in landfill and more harmful solutions for waste management like waste-to-energy projects.”

Chair of Toxics Free Australia, Jane Bremmer:

“The ACT has been a leader and a beacon of light in safeguarding a sustainable zero waste policy for a true Circular Economy in Australia.

“Burning our waste makes no sense when it is the most expensive and polluting way to make energy or manage what should be the smallest fraction of our waste stream – residual waste.

“Waste incineration threatens the urgent, global transition to clean renewable energy, emitting more carbon pollution than coal and gas per unit of energy, supports and vindicates the existing policy position of the ACT Government and the ACT Greens’ leadership.

“Advanced Waste Sorting Technologies coupled with non- combustion residual waste technologies can deliver the sustainable, climate friendly, cheaper and more secure, waste management framework that Australia needs and with 200 times more jobs.

“While the waste incineration industry currently has no social license to operate in Australia and with the EU turning away from this technology, the ACT should continue to uphold its ban for the protection of future generations.”