Category: Australian News

The rebuild of Tumbulgum Public School following the devastating 2022 floods has reached a major milestone, with the delivery and installation of new building modules.

Students and staff gathered this week to watch as cranes positioned the 22 modules that will make up the new school onto flood resilient steel structures.

Manufactured offsite for rapid onsite assembly, these modules will fast-track the delivery of the school’s new library, administration area and modern classrooms.

The project at Tumbulgum Public School includes restoring the old school bell and incorporating select pieces of the school’s signage and plaques, ensuring the school’s history remains part of its future.

The elevated and flood-resilient school will also include a canteen, outdoor landscaping, and a playground.

The rebuild is expected to be completed and ready for students and teachers to use later this year.

Since 2022, 16 flood-damaged schools have been repaired or rebuilt in the Northern Rivers, including Blakebrook Public School which opened to students this term.

Construction is also underway at nearby Condong Public School, while construction is expected to begin on Lismore South Public School in the coming weeks.

The Minns Labor Government is committed to rebuilding flood-affected schools in the Northern Rivers region, ensuring schools are built back better with flood resilience for local students and local communities.

Funding to rebuild nine extensively flood-damaged schools, including Tumbulgum Public School, has also been provided by the Infrastructure Betterment Fund, which is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:

“The arrival and installation of these new modules is a huge step forward in rebuilding Tumbulgum Public School and having visited the school in July I know how exciting this will be for all of the students and staff.

“The new school has been specially designed to be flood-resilient, giving students, teachers, and the community confidence that learning can continue no matter what challenges arise.

“Students have been learning from Tumbulgum Public School for more than 150 years. The Minns Labor Government is committed to building back stronger, ensuring we provide the foundation for many more generations of education in this beautiful community.”

Minister for Recovery and the North Coast Janelle Saffin said:

“It’s fantastic to see the rebuild progressing at Tumbulgum Public School and to share in the students’ excitement as they see their new classrooms coming together.

“Rebuilding schools like Tumbulgum is a central part of the recovery work we are doing to create more resilient communities following the 2022 floods.

“We are building back stronger, ensuring our kids can thrive in schools that meets their educational needs in a resilient and safe environment.”

Tumbulgum Public School Relieving Principal Genevieve Esgate said:

“We are thrilled to see the new school buildings coming together at Tumbulgum Public School.

“Our students are buzzing with excitement and curiosity as their future classrooms are assembled, and we are eagerly looking forward to moving into our new buildings later this year.

“Our students and community have shown incredible resilience and adaptability throughout this journey, and these new facilities will be a wonderful celebration of everyone’s perseverance.”

New rules for council meetings will soon be in place as the Minns Labor Government spearheads a change of culture to boost transparency and community confidence in local government.

A new Model Code of Meeting Practice for local councils has been released today and will come into effect in councils from 1 January 2026.

The changes to the Model Meeting Code are part of the broader set of reforms the Minns Labor Government is progressing to improve confidence, trust and transparency across NSW councils.

Changes to the code have simplified the way meetings are conducted, ensure disorder is dealt with more effectively, that councillors make decisions in full view of the communities they represent, and dignity is returned to council chambers.

All councils will need to adopt a code of meeting practice that contains the mandatory provisions of the updated Model Meeting Code by 31 December 2025.

Key changes to the Model Code of Meeting Practice include:

• Preventing councils from holding private councillor briefing sessions to discuss matters that should be considered in the public domain at committee and council meetings (unless they are confidential)
• Encouraging councils to hold public forums preferably before committee meetings, or if they choose council meetings, to enable community engagement in local matters
• Expanding the powers of the mayor to remove councillors from meetings for acts of disorder
• Expanding the powers of the mayor to remove members of the public if they disrupt council meetings
• Requiring information considered at closed meetings to be made public after it ceases to be confidential
• Requiring councils to give reasons when making decisions on planning matters that depart from staff recommendations (as recommended by ICAC)
• Promoting neutrality in the role of the general manager
• Requiring council and committee meetings to be live streamed to give the community and media access to council decision making, and to require those videos to be public for at least the rest of the council term, or 12 months in the case of a meeting in an election year

The changes to the Meeting Code are part of a broader suite of reforms by the Minns Labor Government to improve conduct and accountability and rebuild public trust in councils.

A new Code of Conduct for councillors is being finalised as well as associated legislative changes, which will see significant changes to how misconduct is dealt with in local government.

Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig said:

“The council chamber should be a place of dignity, where debate and decision making takes place in full view of the community.

“Making decisions on behalf of communities is the very role of a councillor, and all councillors should never lose sight of this core responsibility.

“These changes should ensure that, in a council chamber or committee meeting, mechanisms are in place to prevent the derailing of meetings and overshadowing the important work of local government.

“Council and committee meetings must be effective, transparent and genuine, and strive for outcomes to benefit the community.

“Under the new code, mayors should be given the power to take immediate action against disorderly councillors. This should lessen the need for councils to resort to the broken code of conduct process and instead address misbehaviour immediately in the council chamber.

“I know not everyone will agree with these changes, but most people in this state would agree action is necessary to improve transparency, increase community confidence and faith in local government.

“They will make councillors more visibly in control of their councils to ensure they – as democratically elected representatives of their communities – drive the vision for their local area.”

The new Model Code of Meeting Practice is available here: https://www.olg.nsw.gov.au/councils/governance/model-code-of-meeting-practice/model-code-of-meeting-practice-for-local-councils-in-nsw/

Extensive consultation was undertaken on the proposed changes, all submissions received have been published here: https://www.olg.nsw.gov.au/councils/governance/model-code-of-meeting-practice/reforms-to-the-model-code-of-meeting-practice/

1. Australian and Indonesian Foreign and Defence Ministers met for the Ninth Australia– Indonesia Foreign and Defence Ministers’ 2+2 Meeting on 28 August 2025 in Canberra.
2. Ministers met in a spirit of genuine friendship, deep respect and shared resolve to deepen bilateral cooperation and discuss regional and global challenges.
3. Australian Ministers congratulated Indonesia on its 80th anniversary of independence on 17 August 2025. They recalled Prime Minister Albanese’s reflection in Jakarta in May that Australia was one of the first countries to support Indonesia’s independence — publicly and substantively — which was itself an assertion of Australia’s own independence.
4. Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to the sovereignty, unity, independence and territorial integrity of both countries, and the importance of the principles of good neighbourliness and non-interference, as enshrined in the 2006 Lombok Treaty.
5. Ministers reflected on the success of Prime Minister Albanese’s recent visit to Indonesia (May 2025) for the Annual Leaders’ Meeting (ALM), and the warmth and generous hospitality shown by President Prabowo and the Indonesian people. They welcomed the signing of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Plan of Action for 2025-2029 (CSP POA) and looked forward to its implementation, which intensifies bilateral cooperation in the fields of economic development, politics and security, and maritime cooperation; expands exchanges at all levels of society; and, contributes to stability and prosperity in the Indo- Pacific.
6. Ministers agreed to prioritise continued cooperation on defence and security matters and acknowledged the vital contribution of our bilateral relationship to regional security, prosperity, and stability.
7. Ministers looked forward to the entry-into-force of the Australia–Indonesia Defence Cooperation Agreement in both countries, and to further discussions on defence cooperation during the Defence Ministers’ Meeting.
8. Ministers welcomed the high-level engagements which progressed outcomes from the ALM in May 2025, including among others, Australian Minister for International Development Dr Anne Aly’s visit to Indonesia (August 2025), as well as the visit of Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration and Correctional Affairs Yusril Ihza Mahendra (June 2025).
9. Ministers acknowledged the importance of increasing dialogue and cooperation on economic resilience and economic security, amid increasing global economic headwinds. They noted the growth of the bilateral economic relationship in key areas, such as energy transition, and the strength of trade and investment, including in critical minerals and agriculture.
10. As the centrepiece of our economic relationship, Ministers welcomed the role the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA) has played in creating shared prosperity and deepening economic resilience. Ministers noted the solid progress of increasing two-way trade and investment under IA-CEPA. They welcomed Leaders’ recent announcement to review IA-CEPA.
11. Ministers welcomed positive developments in collaborating to promote the growth of the electric vehicle ecosystem, including battery manufacturing and critical industries in Indonesia and Australia. They further reiterated their shared commitment to support food security and facilitate two-way trade in agricultural products.
12. Ministers highlighted the importance of furthering regional economic cooperation, including to maintain a conducive trade environment and commitment to free and fair trade. Ministers welcomed the recent establishment of the ASEAN Geoeconomics Taskforce and its aims of strengthening regional resilience, promoting economic integration and addressing challenges in the face of a shifting geoeconomic landscape.
13. Australian Ministers reiterated their support for Indonesia’s ongoing preparations to accede to the OECD and CPTPP. Australian Ministers provided an update on the progress of Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040, as part of Australia’s commitment to increase two-way trade and investment with Southeast Asia.

Partners in security and prosperity

14. Ministers welcomed the strong collaboration between Australia and Indonesia, working side-by-side and drawing on our respective strengths to address shared challenges and advance stability, prosperity and security.
15. Ministers welcomed the new Australia-Indonesia Partnership for Peace and Stability (Partnership), which will advance bilateral cooperation on conflict prevention. Ministers noted all states had a responsibility to foster a safe and stable region where all states operate by agreed rules, standards and norms. They encouraged all states to maintain open lines of communication and to take practical steps to prevent escalation or miscalculation. They committed to holding an inaugural Senior Officials’ Dialogue by the end of 2025 to deepen exchanges on geostrategic issues, with an emphasis on conflict prevention, management, and peacebuilding, and to agree future practical activities under the Partnership.
16. Ministers recognised the value of our enduring military education and training links and committed to further deepening defence engagement under the Defence Cooperation Agreement, including through cooperation on military medicine and defence industry and technology, exchange of personnel, building interoperability, and enhanced military exercises (including in the cyber domain).
17. Australian Ministers looked forward to an extensive schedule of planned military exercises in the coming year, including Indonesia’s participation in Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2025 and Exercise KAKADU in 2026. Australian Ministers welcomed the conducting of bilateral Exercise RAJAWALI AUSINDO at Morotai for the first time. Ministers noted their common interest in deepening defence cooperation with regional partners.
18. Ministers welcomed Australia’s participation in the Exercise SUPER GARUDA SHIELD 2025, which would include an expanded Australian contribution of Royal Australian Air Force F-35 aircraft. They welcomed the intention to discuss a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Coordinated Maritime Patrol Activity between the Indonesian Air Force and Royal Australian Air Force to facilitate the conduct of coordinated maritime patrols in mutually agreed areas.
19. Ministers welcomed the depth of cooperation to address strategic and security issues of common interest, including transnational crime, people smuggling and human trafficking, illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and their precursors, terrorism and violent extremism. They reaffirmed their commitment to the Jakarta Centre for Law Enforcement Cooperation, an enduring example of collaboration with the Indonesian National Police since 2004.
20. Ministers committed to expanding cooperation to ensure a peaceful, secure and stable maritime domain, including under the 2017 Joint Declaration on Maritime Cooperation and the updated maritime pillar of the CSP POA. Building on the maritime package announced at the Annual Leaders Meeting, Ministers welcomed new and enhanced cooperation, including an MoU between Geoscience Australia and the Indonesia Geospatial Agency to advance marine mapping; delivery of interagency maritime analytics short courses; and, Indonesia hosting the first maritime dialogue in 2025. They welcomed an increase in postgraduate maritime scholarships and law of the sea courses, and further support for information sharing, official exchanges and academic cooperation on topics of interest. Ministers affirmed the value of close and ongoing operational cooperation, including on illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUU).
21. Ministers welcomed the renewed commitment to enhance cooperation on cyber under the Memorandum of Understanding on Enhanced Cyber Security and Critical Technology Cooperation signed in Jakarta on 20 August 2025, which will provide a framework for bilateral cyber security and critical technology cooperation activities.
22. Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to a Pacific region that is peaceful, stable and prosperous, led by Pacific Islands Forum priorities highlighted within the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, which, among others, underlines respect for sovereignty and the principle of non-interference. Australian Ministers welcomed Indonesia’s increasing engagement with the region, as outlined in our Memorandum of Understanding Concerning Trilateral Cooperation with Pacific Island Countries, and demonstrated by Indonesia’s Pacific Elevation. Ministers reconfirmed their support for sustainable and effective trilateral development cooperation, through agreement to conclude an updated MoU by mid-2026. They noted the intention to design a new phase of the disaster risk reduction program, SIAP SIAGA, as an example of how the two countries work together to meet shared challenges.

Securing our shared region, together

23. Ministers reaffirmed the importance of working together through ASEAN-led mechanisms to promote an Indo-Pacific region that is peaceful, stable, resilient, prosperous and rules- based, underpinned by regional architecture with ASEAN at its centre that upholds international law. They noted the importance of a region where strategic competition is managed responsibly, sovereignty and territorial integrity are respected, where countries can freely and independently make decisions in their own interest, and disputes are managed peacefully in accordance with international law.
24. Ministers reaffirmed their shared commitment to maintaining and promoting security across the region’s shared maritime domain, and continuing cooperation on a full range of regional maritime threats, including those against sovereignty, smuggling of people, arms, drugs and money, human trafficking, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, terrorism and environmental concerns. The Bali Process was a strong example of Australian and Indonesian stewardship, as co-chairs, in the fight against people smuggling, trafficking in persons and related transnational crime.
25. Ministers expressed serious concerns about developments in the South China Sea and recognised the importance of maintaining and promoting peace, safety, security and stability. Ministers underlined the importance of developing practical cooperation and new initiatives towards this end. They expressed concerns regarding behaviour that increases the risk of miscalculation. Ministers expressed their concern at the continued militarisation of disputed features and encouraged all parties to exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities and avoid actions that may raise tensions.
26. Ministers underscored their strong support for freedom of navigation, overflight and unimpeded trade in the region, and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). They emphasised the universal and unified character of UNCLOS and reaffirmed that it is the comprehensive legal framework within which all activities in the oceans and seas must be carried out. Ministers emphasised the need for the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law, particularly UNCLOS. In this regard, Ministers recalled the 2016 ruling of the South China Sea Arbitral Tribunal, constituted under UNCLOS. They recognised the importance of the full and effective implementation of the 2002 Declaration of the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and underscored the importance of an effective, high quality and substantive Code of Conduct that is consistent with international law, including UNCLOS.
27. Ministers reaffirmed their steadfast commitment to uphold ASEAN Centrality and its vital role in regional engagement. They reflected on the norms, rules and values of ASEAN as the key regional mechanism to build confidence, and promote habits of dialogue and cooperation on shared challenges. They reaffirmed their support for an ASEAN-centered, open, inclusive, transparent, resilient, and rules-based regional architecture that upholds international law, built upon ASEAN-led mechanisms, including the East Asia Summit, ASEAN Regional Forum and ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus, to help facilitate dialogue, transparency, cooperation and trust-building, and prevent conflict. Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to the objectives and principles of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) and its practical implementation. They also reiterated their commitment to deepening the region’s capacity to reduce the risk of conflict and crisis.
28. Ministers welcomed Cambodia and Thailand’s agreement to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire and encouraged parties to honour the agreement in good faith and work towards a lasting and peaceful resolution.
29. Ministers looked forward to Timor-Leste’s accession as ASEAN’s eleventh member at the upcoming 47th ASEAN Summit in October. They agreed to continue supporting Timor-Leste’s ASEAN membership, and to progress trilateral cooperation with Timor-Leste more broadly.
30. Ministers welcomed the Quad’s support for ASEAN centrality, the AOIP, and practical cooperation in the region.
31. Ministers expressed grave concern at the worsening humanitarian situation in Myanmar. They called on stakeholders and parties in Myanmar, in particular the armed forces and security forces concerned, to immediately cease violence, including the targeting of civilians, release of all those unjustly detained, ensure safe and unhindered humanitarian access, and engage in genuine and inclusive political dialogue with the view to a return to a more peaceful and stable Myanmar. Ministers reiterated their strong support for the Five-Point Consensus and commended the ongoing efforts of ASEAN, including the Special Envoy, to seek a peaceful resolution.
32. Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to ongoing Australia-Indonesia-India trilateral cooperation to exchange views and collaborate on common challenges.
33. Ministers highlighted their commitment to the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) as the premier forum spanning the Indian Ocean region. They recognised IORA’s role in addressing regional challenges and expressed support for the implementation of the IORA Outlook on the Indo-Pacific.
34. Ministers highlighted the importance of advancing the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda in the region, and agreed to continue efforts for its full implementation.

Global solutions, shared responsibility

35. Amid global geopolitical and economic uncertainties, Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to upholding rules, norms and the integrity of the multilateral system, and continued cooperation within multilateral institutions. Such institutions had to remain effective, open and transparent, with Ministers noting the need to continue discussions on ambitious UN reform, including of the UN Security Council.
36. Ministers affirmed their commitment to uphold and champion international humanitarian law and drive action to protect humanitarian workers in conflict zones, including through their work to develop a new Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel.
37. Ministers called on all parties to the Hamas-Israel conflict to resume the ceasefire, release the remaining hostages, facilitate the exchange of prisoners, and support the flow of humanitarian aid. They reiterated their strong rejection of any attempt by Israel to make permanent its occupation over the Occupied Palestinian Territories, which the International Court of Justice had found to be unlawful and must be brought to an end as rapidly as possible. They also rejected all Israeli actions and policies to take over Gaza, change the demographic composition of Gaza, and further aggravate the catastrophic humanitarian crisis. Ministers restated the need for all parties to comply with international law, including international humanitarian law; humanitarian aid workers must be protected.
38. Ministers reiterated their commitment to a two-state solution as the only path to enduring peace and security for the Israeli and Palestinian peoples. In this context, Indonesia welcomed Australia’s intention to recognise the State of Palestine at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. Ministers welcomed the commitments made by states in the 29 July New York Call towards the full and immediate implementation of the Two-States Solution, especially the recognition of the State of Palestine. They reiterated that any annexation or expansion of settlements would violate international law and undermine long term peace and stability. Ministers discussed the desire to work in partnership with the international community to assist the Palestinian Authority in meeting new commitments, including to institute reforms to law enforcement and schooling. Ministers committed to joint cooperation in these areas by sharing Australia and Indonesia’s lessons with the Palestinian Authority and building momentum toward wider recognition of a Palestinian State.
39. Ministers discussed the war against Ukraine and reaffirmed their respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty, political independence and territorial integrity. They underscored their commitment to uphold international law, including the UN Charter. Ministers underscored the importance of inclusive and peaceful resolution of the conflict, and for all prisoners of war to be treated and protected in accordance with international humanitarian law. Ministers called for support from the international community to de-escalate and end the war.
40. Ministers highlighted their vision for a world without nuclear weapons and preserving the region as a region free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction. They recommitted to strengthening the global nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament regime, including the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). As founding members of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Ministers expressed their strong support for the IAEA and its mandate to uphold the NPT. Indonesian Ministers updated Australia on its ratification of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in 2024. Indonesian Ministers expressed their appreciation to Australia for its efforts in maintaining transparency regarding its acquisition of conventionally-armed, nuclear- powered submarines in the context of AUKUS.
41. Ministers welcomed ongoing cooperation between the Australian Safeguards and Non- Proliferation Office (ASNO) and the Indonesian Nuclear Regulatory Agency (BAPETEN), including the recent conclusion of a Memorandum of Understanding between the agencies that would advance cooperation on nuclear material security and safeguards.
42. Indonesian Ministers expressed their sincere gratitude to Australian Ministers for their warm welcome and hospitality during the Ninth 2+2 Meeting.

In a Budget Estimates Hearing today, Labor Attorney General Michael Daley told the hearing that “acquittal is not the same as innocence” and refused to answer whether he believed in Ms Folbigg’s innocence.   

He has also denied there was malicious prosecution or failure of police “it was not malfeasance of the state”, in spite of clear evidence from the Bathurst Inquiry that Ms Folbigg’s diary entries were misrepresented in the court proceedings.   

When asked if a forensic accountant was engaged to examine Ms Folbigg’s financial circumstances before the $2m ex-gratia payment was made, the Attorney General said “I don’t believe so… not on behalf of the government”.   

Greens MP, solicitor and spokesperson for Justice, Sue Higginson said:   

“NSW Labor’s Attorney General is just another man continuing the cycle of injustice and inhumanity in Kathleen Folbigg’s life,   

“Labor Premier Chris Minns and Attorney General Michael Daley are the two men with the power to right the 20 year wrongful imprisonment of Kathleen Folbigg, a mother who lost four children. But these two men are still refusing to meet with Kathleen, they are refusing to apologise to Kathleen, they are victim-blaming her in the media, and they are disputing there was any misogyny involved in Kathleen’s wrongful conviction and the inadequate amount of compensation now offered to her,   

“The Minns Labor Government didn’t even bother to ask a forensic accountant to consider the harm that the State of New South Wales had caused Ms Folbigg by locking her up for 20 years or what a woman in her position would need to be able to live her life in the absence of significant economic stress. They seemingly have no regard for Ms Folbigg’s wellbeing, and they have fundamentally undermined the community’s faith in our legal system,  

“In his evidence today, the Attorney General went as far as to deny Ms Folbigg the presumption of innocence. If you are acquitted, you are innocent, because the presumption of innocence is a fundamental principle of our legal system,   

“The Attorney General knows what happened to Ms Folbigg was wrong. He knew that had to make an ex-gratia payment. But he refused to look Kathleen in the eye, he didn’t bother asking anyone what she needs to avoid financial destitution, and he knows full well she can’t afford years of court battles with the NSW Government,   

“Our entire ex-gratia payment process is extremely flawed. Men in suits, in smoky back rooms, get to unilaterally decide what happens to women who are victims of grave injustice inflicted by errors of the state. There’s no oversight, no accountability, and no regard for the harm they might cause,   

“It just shouldn’t be this hard to get the Attorney General to care about justice, and to care about women who are victims of injustice,   

“Imagine what Kathleen must be feeling, having been wrongfully imprisoned for 20 years, losing four children, and now being ignored by the man who is supposed to embody justice in this State,   

“At the very least, the Attorney General should have enough empathy and humanity to sit down with Ms Folbigg and to understand the decades of loss she has endured.”

Criminal proceedings against the NSW Forestry Corporation have been commenced by the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) alleging 29 offences committed in Tallaganda State Forest in 2023. The offences under the coastal integrated logging rules, the Forestry Act and the Biodiversity Conservation Act include failure to conduct habitat surveys, failure to operate competently, logging of protected giant trees, and destruction of habitat of threatened species including the Greater Glider. The offences are alleged to have occurred across seven compartments in Tallaganda State Forest and have a maximum penalty that could exceed tens of millions of dollars.  

At the time of the alleged offences, a dead Southern Greater Glider was discovered near ongoing logging operations, and a review by the EPA discovered 20 protected den trees for the threatened glider species were set to be logged. These discoveries caused consecutive stop work orders to be issued by the EPA with the Corporation eventually declaring the logging ‘complete’ without any further work.  

Greens MP and spokesperson for the environment Sue Higginson said:

“The Forestry Corporation is a serial offender. This latest prosecution is well overdue, but it will not bring back the forest and the Greater Glider habitat that has already been destroyed and as time has shown, it will not stop further offending. The community is constantly reporting illegal logging to the EPA, yet logging continues across the state with the bare minimum of intervention.”  

“The Forestry Corporation is costing the public millions of dollars every year in losses and yet blame community scrutiny and legal action for their failed business model. Now the EPA is prosecuting them again, and taxpayers are footing the bill for the Corporation’s illegal actions as well as its financial losses.”  

“Industrial logging is destroying our native forests and driving the extinction of Greater Gliders and other forest-dependent species. It is also driving climate change by destroying our most important carbon stores. The Minns Labor Government cannot claim to be serious about biodiversity or climate while allowing this industry to continue.”  

“Tallaganda is not an isolated case. This prosecution is important, but more Tallagandas are happening every day across the state, often with no action taken at all. For every case that ends up in court, there are dozens more where illegal logging goes unchecked.”  

“Native forest logging is not just a crime against nature, it is a crime against the community. It is time for Premier Minns to end this industry once and for all. Until then, the Forestry Corporation will keep breaking the law, forests will keep being destroyed, and the public will keep paying the price.” 

“Racism against migrants and people of colour in this country is not new, but it has been blatantly normalised and legitimised in the media and by politicians fanning the flames of hate that foment right-wing extremism.

“Migrants like me have been told repeatedly to put up, shut up or ‘go back to where you come from’. Is it any wonder the far-right feel emboldened to publicise their racism on the streets of our cities? These rallies must be called out for what they are: acts of racist fear mongering and hate.

“The Labor government must end its racist dog-whistling on migrants and refugees and its crack down on pro-Palestine protestors and instead focus on the urgent implementation of the National Anti-Racism Framework.

“The Greens will continue to support communities who bear the brunt of white supremacy, neo-Nacism, and right wing extremism.”

Australian Greens Spokesperson for Immigration, Senator Shoebridge:

“As Greens, we will always oppose and actively seek to dismantle and disempower far-right extremism wherever we encounter it.

“We also need to be honest about the fact that anti-migrant rhetoric inside the Parliament and in the media has fed into these extremist views.

“Too often, the policies and discourse in Australian politics seek to divide and whip up fear. This has real-world implications, and we are unfortunately watching that in real time now.

“Immigration and welcoming new friends, workmates and family to this country only strengthens us as a nation, and it helps build a better and richer society for us all.”

“We are in solidarity with every community that is targeted and concerned by these hateful rallies.

“While a handful of bigots are pushing to divide us, let’s instead centre and empower the millions of Australians who are helping to build and be part of, a caring and welcoming country. They are the voices we need to prioritise and they come from across the rainbow of people, places, faiths and nations that make up multicultural Australia.”

Evidence at the Greens-led Senate inquiry into the Government’s delayed aged care changes have revealed the shocking state of the Home Care Package waitlist is much longer than previously thought.

Department officials also revealed that zero new aged care packages have been released since 1 July, contrary to the Minister for Aged Care Sam Rae’s claims this week.

Waitlist blowout

Department officials made available new data revealing 121,596 people as at the end of July are awaiting an ACAT assessment. The official waitlist of people already in receipt of a Home Care Package shows over 87,000 people are waiting for care for which they have been assessed. [1]

This suggests that the effective total number of people awaiting home care is already over 200,000 long.

The waitlist is only growing thanks to the Government’s delays on aged care from 1 July to 1 November. 

Zero new packages since 1 July

Under questioning from Greens Senator Penny Allman-Payne, Department officials also revealed that there have been no new packages released since 1 July.

Labor have been defending the delay by saying that they’ve been releasing more than 2700 packages a week [3]

The Government has been under intense pressure over the growing waitlist, and a majority of Senators have signalled their intention to use the passage of enabling Aged Care legislation through the Senate to force the Government to address the blow out in the delay.

The inquiry on Friday heard that there is universal agreement among providers and independent experts that the overall delay in aged care reforms to 1 November is prudent, but there is no reason the government could not release additional home care packages now.

Officially, wait times for medium priority packages are 9-12 months from assessment, including for the highest “Level 4” level of care.

The Greens were the only senators to oppose the original Aged Care Bill 2024, with both major parties and the rest of the crossbench supporting its passage. 

Senator Penny Allman-Payne, Greens Spokesperson for Older People and Chair of the Inquiry:

“The Greens are calling on Labor to urgently release enough home care packages for everyone who needs one, and they could do it this week in the Senate.”

“There is literally no reason why the Government cannot release more packages aside from stubbornness by a Minister who is out of his depth, and a Labor party that can never admit when they’re wrong.

“Minister Rae has misled older people when he says he has been releasing packages each week. Today it was revealed that no new packages have been released since June.”  

“Under this system you have to wait for someone else to die or move into residential aged care before you can get support at home. It’s unconscionable.

“The wait list for home care has exploded out to 200,000, a figure that the Government was desperate to hide. The minister must front up, release more packages, and explain himself.

“Older people are not commodities, they must be treated with respect, dignity and care, but this system resembles a cattle yard with an indifferent Minister at the gate. 

“As the Royal Commission said, the financialisation of aged care has been a disaster. We must build an aged care system that is actually about delivering the care that is needed, when it is needed.”

References

[1] From the inquiry:

4:42pm: Joan Blackwood, assistant secretary, accessing homes division. The data we have given you is from the date that the referral is issued to the date that the support claim is completed for the relevant individual. Thank you. I can also speak to the point around the number of people waiting for an aged care assessment. I do have some data available, if that would be helpful. So as at the end of July, we have a couple of ways that we track this. One is total assessments on hand that are outside the recommended KPI markers for assessments, and one is total assessments on hand. The second number is 121,596 people.

[2] From the inquiry, approx 4:45pm:

Senator Allman-Payne: Is this actually a new supplier packages or is this the recycling of packages from people who no longer need them? 

Department: Thank you Senator, it is the latter and I believe the minister has been clear about that in his public commentary as well. 

[…]

Senator Allman-Payne: Okay. So I’d just want to make sure, we have got an ageing population, we got more people in need of care every week and a growing waitlist but there hasn’t been an increase in the overall number of packages that have been released at this point, we are just seeing packages recycling through the system. 

Department: Yes. 

[3] (Sky News, 27 August🙂 

RAE: We are rolling out packages every single week. The average since September last year is 2700 packages a week.

GILBERT: So it hasn’t dried up completely?

RAE: No. The average was 2700. Up until November, we’ll continue to roll out on average above 2000 packages every single week.

City of Newcastle and Port Stephens Council welcome confirmation today from the Office of Local Government (OLG) that ratepayers are not exposed to any financial risk associated with Newcastle Airport.

The OLG recently undertook a review of the financial relationship between Newcastle Airport and its shareholder Councils (City of Newcastle and Port Stephens Council). 

The review found that the OLG is satisfied that the airport’s operations and securitisation of its assets will not adversely affect the financial sustainability or operational capacity of either Council.

The outcome of the OLG’s review into the Airport’s financial structure is welcomed and we look forward to focusing on the Airport’s strategic role in driving the growth of tourism, exports and local economies for the future of the Hunter.

City of Newcastle is aware of a rally being promoted for Newcastle Foreshore on Sunday 31 August.

The event organisers do not have an Event Authorisation for the use of Foreshore Park or any other location and have had no engagement with City of Newcastle.

City of Newcastle also understands the event organisers have not engaged with NSW Police and have not applied for a Form One (Notice of Intention to Hold a Public Assembly).

City of Newcastle supports the right to peaceful protest but does not tolerate the racism promoted by event organisers.

Racism has no place in Newcastle.

The Minns Government is continuing its smart programs that deliver benefits to regional NSW communities with a new multimillion-dollar investment to address childcare shortages in three western NSW local government areas that will benefit many people and local economies.

The expansion of the Government’s Workforce Activation Program to three new areas – Carrathool, Hay and Warrumbungle Shires – will be funded with $4.39 million to expand or upgrade eligible early childhood education and care services.

Improving access to childcare can have a significant impact in helping stay-at-home parents, particularly in underserved rural areas, stay in the workforce.

A recent study by the Regional Australia Institute confirmed that not having access to childcare services is hampering the ability of people to maximise their contribution to the local workforce.

This disproportionately impacts regional towns like these and contributes to worker shortages in essential services such as health care and education, plus in local businesses.

By freeing up people to enter the workforce this will have an immediate positive input to the local economy.

Projects eligible for funding include workforce attraction and development initiatives to address workforce shortages, infrastructure upgrades to accommodate more children, and service improvements.

The second phase of the pilot program builds on the success of the $5.6 million announced in November 2024, which created 189 additional childcare places in Broken Hill, Bourke and Cobar over the next 18 months.

Since November 2024, childcare centres in Broken Hill, Bourke and Cobar have advertised for additional childcare educators, engaged experts to deliver staff training workshops and finalised building plans for expansion.

The pilot program expansion considered childcare places available, population growth and the needs of communities where families may face more barriers to accessing childcare.

Applications for the grants open on Friday 29 August 2025, and close on Friday 7 November 2025.

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“We know that access to childcare in regional NSW is key to helping parents and carers return to work or training which will then contribute to their local economy.

“This $4.39 million investment means more families can fully participate in the workforce in Carrathool, Hay and Warrumbungle Shires and that is a positive outcome on many levels.

“The Minns Government is committed to growing the economy in western NSW and breaking down barriers to workforce participation and helping more parents and carers, particularly women, delivers a great return for everyone.”

Program beneficiary Alex Page said:

“It’s important that my wife and I can remain at work, we both undertake fairly important roles in terms of servicing our local community.

“Without being able to access childcare, my colleagues and I wouldn’t be able to be in the workforce, and I’m one of the lucky parents whose kids have fulltime care across the week.

“All around Broken Hill it’s very hard to get employees to work full time because they can’t get childcare, and with greater access to childcare we’ll be able to have more people back into the workforce – it is a gamechanger.

“To have the ability to move to the region and have access to childcare more easily would make it far more palatable and enjoyable for families to move from a major metro centre.”

Program beneficiary Sarah Baum said:

“If I didn’t have access to childcare services, I wouldn’t be able to regain the financial independence to financially contribute to our household.

“With funding coming into childcare in Broken Hill creating additional childcare places will trickle on and flow out through the community.

“You’ll have more people earning more money and more people injecting those funds back to into the economy and you’ll have more people returning to work which will hopefully entice more people to come out to our region to help grow it.”