Government’s proposed environment laws put big business and polluters ahead of nature

“We need environment laws that protect our forests and the climate; these laws do neither, they are not worth the paper they’re printed on.  

“The Environment Minister’s job is to protect the environment, not just make approvals easier and cheaper for big business. Labor’s laws fast track environmental destruction and do nothing to guarantee protection for the environment.

“Rather than closing loopholes that give bulldozers and chainsaws free reign, this package is riddled with carve-out clauses to suit industry.

“This bill has been drafted with the interests of mining industry front and centre. It weakens environmental protection. It will take us backwards and is worse than the status quo.

“While industry will no doubt say they haven’t got enough, their grubby fingerprints are all over it. These laws are written to help big business and the mining companies, at the expense of nature. 

“The Greens have been very clear from the start. We will not rubber stamp laws that fail to protect our native forests, wildlife and climate.

“If the Minister wants to protect nature, then he has a lot of work to do.”

Rent controls urgently needed to help fix power imbalance between renters and landlords

The Victorian Greens have said until Labor makes unlimited rent rises illegal by introducing rent controls, renters will continue to avoid asking for basic repairs and live in substandard, expensive, insecure homes.

A new report by the Consumer Policy Research Centre – Renting in Reality – has revealed that 79 per cent of Victorian renters experienced a major rental issue in the past year, yet only half lodged a complaint due to fears of retaliation from landlords.

It also found more than two-thirds of renters believed their homes didn’t meet minimum rental standards.

The Greens say the report lays bare the need for stronger renters rights, and that while Labor refuses to protect renters from huge rent hikes, renters across the state will be too afraid to speak up about any issues.

Victorian Greens housing spokesperson, Gabrielle de Vietri MP:

“Retaliatory rent rises are all too common. Is it any wonder renters aren’t speaking up about serious rental issues, when landlords have the power to hike rents as much as they want?

“The rental crisis is breaking people. Renters are living in too much insecurity and fear to even ask for basic repairs when they know one more rent hike will force them out of their home. 

“A massive rent hike may as well be an eviction notice, and while unlimited rent increases are still legal, everything else is just tinkering around the edges of the rental crisis. 

“We can make unlimited rent increases illegal today – just like they are in the ACT, Germany, the Netherlands, Ireland and other countries around the world.

“Labor just needs to stop ignoring renters and act.”

Sydney’s newest world-class venue takes shape beneath Barangaroo

The Minns Labor Government is continuing work to strengthen Sydney’s reputation as a world-class events and tourism destination, with construction on the brand-new Cutaway at Barangaroo reaching a major milestone.

The first of 13 sculptural timber elements have now been installed, marking 85% completion of the project and offering a first look at what will soon be one of Sydney’s most unique cultural and event spaces.

Once complete, The Cutaway will enhance Barangaroo’s standing as a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike, becoming Sydney’s premier venue for events, exhibitions, festivals and installations.

This project is part of the Minns Labor Government’s broader effort to recharge Sydney’s vibrancy, boosting the visitor economy by relaxing restrictions on nighttime trading, lifting concert caps, and investing in world-class events and attractions across the state.

The 13 sculptural timber “trees” form the centrepiece of the design, each standing 16 metres tall and made from up to 150 precision-crafted timber pieces. Beyond their architectural beauty, the structures also enhance the venue’s acoustics through perforated plywood and insulation.

Guided by principles of Connecting with Country, the redesign draws on deep collaboration with First Nations designers Shannon Foster and Jake Nash. The transformed Cutaway will reflect the curved forms of the giba-gunya (rock shelter), creating a space that is both welcoming and culturally resonant.

In line with Barangaroo’s sustainability goals, the project has achieved impressive environmental outcomes, diverting over 90% of construction waste from landfill, cutting carbon emissions by more than 50%, and sourcing all timber sustainably.

When completed in early 2026, The Cutaway will feature:

  • Two versatile event levels with flexible spaces
  • A grand main hall showcasing the original sandstone wall
  • Improved natural light and acoustic performance
  • Kitchen, green room and back-of-house facilities to support premium events.

Event programming is set to begin next year. For more information, visit NSW Government | The Cutaway.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“I’m excited to announce the Cutaway is now 85% complete, as we continue our work to bring Sydney back to life and restore our reputation as one of the great global cities for culture, nightlife and tourism.

“Projects like The Cutaway show what’s possible when we invest in world-class venues that attract visitors, create jobs and re-energise our nighttime economy.

“We’re rebuilding Sydney’s vibrancy by backing our creative industries, our venues and our local jobs.”

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“The new and improved Cutaway is set to become the beating heart of Barangaroo, drawing crowds from far and wide and providing a major boost to the local precinct and businesses.

“Delivering this new unique venue will ensure Barangaroo is a must-visit destination. Once completed, it will be another iconic institution set on Sydney’s harbour, hosting a diverse range of events, that will really assist in unlocking the potential of the precinct.”

Minister for the Arts, Minister for Music and Night-time Economy John Graham said:

“The design of the Cutaway maximises the potential of the space, transforming it into a globally attractive venue for arts and culture.

“Located in a culturally significant location and redesigned in collaboration with First Nations practitioners, the Cutaway will feature First Nations arts and culture programming.”

Member for Sydney Alex Greenwich said:

“These works will supercharge the Cutaway as an iconic destination for events and exhibitions in our great global city, and also shows the government’s commitment to strengthening vibrancy in our city.”

Northern Rivers Resilient Homes Expos to focus on preparing homes for future disasters

Flood-affected homeowners across the Northern Rivers are being encouraged to make their homes more resilient to future disasters, with practical support available through the Resilient Homes Program.

The NSW Reconstruction Authority is helping residents impacted by the 2022 floods take steps to protect their homes from future damage — whether that’s by raising, retrofitting, rebuilding or relocating their properties to safer ground.

Through the Resilient Measures stream, homeowners can access grants of up to $100,000 for house raising and up to $50,000 for retrofitting works to strengthen and adapt their homes, reducing the impact of future floods.

Homeowners eligible for Resilient Measures may also seek a grant for costs associated with other assessment activities, such as planning documentation, feasibility, design, and development approvals, where appropriate, up to a maximum of $20,000.

Through the Resilient Homes Program, homeowners can access matched funding, with the NSW Reconstruction Authority contributing dollar-for-dollar alongside eligible homeowner co-contributions up to $100,000 for house raising and up to $50,000 for retrofitting works to strengthen the flood resilience of homes.

To help residents understand what’s possible, the NSW Reconstruction Authority is hosting Resilient Homes Expos in Murwillumbah and Lismore, along with a series of Resilient Measures Information Sessions across the region.

These events will bring together experts in resilient design and construction, including architects, builders, relocation specialists, local council and RA staff, who can help homeowners along their journey.

So far, more than 580 home assessments have been completed, with hundreds of homeowners already receiving individual reports and beginning upgrades to make their homes safer and better prepared.

The NSW Reconstruction Authority is encouraging eligible homeowners to apply for the program before 31 March to ensure they can access tailored support through the program before it ends in June 2027.

The $880 million Resilient Homes Program is jointly funded by the Commonwealth and NSW Governments as part of the broader recovery package for the Northern Rivers, delivered through Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

Homeowners can register for upcoming Expos and information sessions at nsw.gov.au/nsw-reconstruction-authority/resilient-homes-expos-northern-rivers

Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said:

“The Minns Labor Government continues to support Northern Rivers communities recover and rebuild stronger.

“Where we can, we’re helping people future-proof their homes with practical, long-term measures that reduce the risk and impact of future floods.

“Through initiatives like the Resilient Homes Expo, we’re bringing together government, industry and community to ensure people have the information and support they need to make informed decisions about rebuilding safer and smarter.”

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

“We know every homeowner’s situation is different, and recovery doesn’t happen overnight.

“These Expos are a one-stop shop where residents can speak directly with our team and industry experts about grants, approvals, and practical steps to make their homes more resilient.

“Our message is simple — it’s not too late to take action to protect your home and your family.”

Resilient Homes Expo:

  • Murwillumbah – Wednesday 22 October, 4-7pm, Murwillumbah Civic and Cultural Centre
  • Lismore – Monday 10 November, 4-7pm, South Lismore Bowling Club

Resilient Measures Information Sessions:

  • Murwillumbah – Tuesday 28 October, 4–7 pm, Murwillumbah Community Centre
  • Coraki – Wednesday 19 November, 4–7 pm, Coraki Youth Hall

Greece and Crete named as destinations for 2026 Premier’s Anzac Memorial Scholarship tour

NSW Premier Chris Minns and Minister for Veterans David Harris today announced Greece and Crete as destinations for the 2026 Premier’s Anzac Memorial Scholarship school study tour exploring Australia’s military history of the Second World War.

The announcement comes a week after students from schools across NSW returned from the 2025 study tour to the Republic of Korea and Singapore.

The students visited the site of the Battle of Kapyong, the Demilitarised Zone and the UN First Battle Memorial in the Republic of Korea. In Singapore, the tour included visits to the Kranji War Memorial, Changi Prison Chapel and Museum, and the Fort Siloso and Surrender Chambers.

Sixteen students from across NSW will be selected to participate in next year’s study tour to Greece and Crete, with 2026 marking the 85th anniversary of the Greek and Crete campaigns of 1941.

Key locations on the tour include Athens, war cemeteries at Phaleron and Suda Bay, and the historic site of the Battle of Rethymno, where Australian and Greek troops faced a fierce German paratrooper assault. Of the more than 17,000 Australians who served in the campaigns, nearly 600 died and over 1,000 were wounded. Each site holds deep significance in the nation’s involvement in the Second World War.

Applications opened today for Accompanying Teachers for the 2026 tour that will take place in the Term 3 school holidays.

NSW teachers of Stage 5 History and/or Stage 6 Modern History are encouraged to apply for this unique professional development opportunity to enrich their understanding and teaching of Australian war time history.

Student applications will open in early 2026.

Applications for the role of Accompanying Teacher for the 2026 tour close at 11:59pm on 26 November 2025. Eligible teachers can apply here: https://veteransaffairs.smartygrants.com.au/PAMS2026Teachers.

Students who will be in Year 10 or 11 in 2026 are encouraged to register their interest. 

More information is available here: https://www.veterans.nsw.gov.au/education/premiers-anzac-memorial-scholarship/

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“The Premier’s Anzac Memorial Scholarship is a wonderful opportunity for high school History students to further develop their understanding of the history of Australians at war.

“The 85th anniversary of the Greek and Crete campaigns of 1941 provides a unique opportunity to offer NSW high school students passionate about history a chance to commemorate and better understand the experience of Australian men and women who served in this important theatre of the Second World War.”

Minister for Veterans David Harris said:

“The PAMS tour presents a unique opportunity for teachers and students from all over New South Wales, and I highly recommend that history teachers consider applying.

“The 2026 tour will explore Australia’s military history during the Second World War, visiting locations that experienced the war’s impact firsthand. Students and teachers will hear the stories of those who served and sacrificed their lives in these campaigns that defined our nation’s involvement in the Second World War.

“The study tour is an important initiative in ensuring the legacy of our Second World War veterans is preserved. By connecting young Australians with the places where our veterans served, we honour their courage, service and sacrifice, while strengthening our commitment to remembrance.”

Elizabeth Farmer, Nowra High School teacher and 2025 PAMS accompanying teacher said:

“The Premiers’ Anzac Memorial Scholarship experience is more incredible than can be believed. From gaining experiential learning ideas on the ground where Australians have fought to deepening your understanding of syllabus content, the study tour was an outstanding opportunity to further my knowledge of HSIE content, but to also link my family history and service to locations vital to Australian history.

“The Scholarship offers more than a chance to walk in the footsteps of our past servicemen and servicewomen, it offers the chance to help shape the way future generations interact with our shared history and our past, present and future veterans.”

Christian Bell, Christian Brothers’ High School Lewisham teacher and 2025 PAMS accompanying teacher said:

“The Premiers’ Anzac Memorial Scholarship tour is one of the most rewarding professional development experiences a History teacher can undertake. It offers the rare chance to explore overseas sites of Australian service, memorials including museums, and battlefields, alongside expert historians, whose knowledge and storytelling bring history vividly to life.

“Equally inspiring is working with the students. A group of curious, respectful, and deeply engaged young people whose enthusiasm for learning about Australia’s military past makes every moment on tour meaningful. I strongly encourage teachers to apply.”

Biana Nguyen, 2025 PAMS Scholar, St George Girls High School:

“The Premier’s Anzac Memorial Scholarship tour to Korea and Singapore was a powerful experience that reshaped how I see history.

“Visiting sites of remembrance and learning about the impacts of war in both countries made the past feel real and immediate.

“Standing in places where Australians once served and hearing stories of resilience, loss and recovery gave me a deeper understanding of the legacy of military service.”

Liam Harrison, 2025 PAMS Scholar, Mereweather High School said:

“Participating in the PAMS tour was a transformative experience that deepened my understanding of history far beyond the classroom. Through immersive visits to significant sites and memorials, gained a significant appreciation for the complexities of war and the enduring legacy of those who served.

“I very much encourage other students to apply for the scholarship. It’s more than a tour, it’s an opportunity to grow, connect, and carry forward the memory of our shared past.”

More than 4,900 homes declared state significant

A further 18 projects have been declared as State Significant Development (SSD) following recommendations from the Housing Delivery Authority (HDA).

Of these declared proposals, 14 are in metropolitan Sydney and four are in regional New South Wales.

If lodged and approved, this could create more than 4,900 homes, including affordable homes, across New South Wales.

Since the formation of the HDA in January, 109 projects have had Secretary Environmental Assessment Requirements issued and 10 Development Applications have been lodged.

To date, 279 proposals amounting to more than 96,000 potential homes have been declared State significant.

Recommendations from the HDA are published as required under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 before the SSD declaration.

The Ministerial Order can be found here.

Appeal to locate boy missing from Morisset Park

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a boy missing from the Lake Macquarie region.

Rhylan O’Keefe, aged 14, was last seen on Barlee Street, Morisset Park, about 7.30am yesterday (Tuesday 21 October 2025).

When he could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District were notified and inquiries commenced to locate him.

Police and family hold concerns for Rhylan’s welfare due to his young age.

Rhylan is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 170-180cm tall, slim build with blue eyes and brown hair.

He was last seen wearing a black t-shirt, black pants, and black and white Nike shoes.

Rhylan is known to frequent the Morriset, Bonnells Bay and Newcastle areas.

University of Newcastle using tired tactics to avoid giving staff fair pay rise

The National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) has condemned the University of Newcastle’s decision to apply for Fair Work Commission intervention in enterprise bargaining.

The move comes as 140 job cuts loom over staff already experiencing severe stress and anxiety about their futures.

University management has applied for the Fair Work Commission to deal with a bargaining dispute, despite negotiations commencing just six months ago.

NTEU members are pushing for a fair pay rise, workload regulation and flexible work provisions.

NTEU members will strike for half a day on Thursday October 23.

The University of Newcastle attempted to sideline staff and their union from the bargaining process a little over two years ago.

UoN Vice-Chancellor Alex Zelinsky serves as Vice-President of the Australian Higher Education Industrial Association (AHEIA), the aggressive employer association known for advising universities on strategies to circumvent union negotiations.

NTEU General Secretary Damien Cahill said:

“The University of Newcastle has shown it would rather blow up negotiations and push disputes to the commission than engage constructively with staff seeking fair pay and conditions.

“Management is running to the Fair Work Commission rather than staying at the bargaining table and addressing the reasonable demands of staff for a fair pay rise, workload regulation and job security.

“This is a cynical tactic from a university whose vice-chancellor is the vice-president of the bosses’ association that is notorious for using aggressive industrial tactics.

“Staff are already under enormous pressure with 140 job cuts hanging over their heads. Now they must endure management’s aggressive industrial tactics designed to avoid genuine negotiation.

“The University of Newcastle appears to have lost faith in its own executives’ ability to negotiate a fair agreement. Instead of working with staff and the NTEU, they’re deploying the same failed playbook as they did last time.

“Universities that find common ground with the NTEU reach agreements that benefit everyone. But the University of Newcastle seems determined to pursue confrontation.

“The NTEU will continue to fight for fair pay, secure jobs and reasonable working conditions for all university staff.”

New $46.1 Million Military Range Boosts Northern Defence Capability

Australia and the United States have taken a major step forward in strengthening joint military capability with the completion of the country’s largest and most advanced Marksmanship Training Range at Kangaroo Flats Training Area near Darwin.

Delivered under the $747 million United States Force Posture Initiatives Northern Territory Training Areas and Ranges Project, the new $46.1 million facility will enable marksmanship training for both nations, supporting a wide range of operational scenarios. 

The state-of-the-art range features 24 firing lanes with cutting-edge fixed and moving targets extending to 600 metres, and eight sniper lanes capable of reaching 1100 metres. It also supports vehicle-mounted firing and night-vision training, significantly expanding tactical readiness. 

The new Marksmanship Training Range is part of a broader upgrade initiative across four Defence training areas in the Northern Territory, with the full project scheduled for completion by mid-2026.

The upgrades reinforce networked and resilient base infrastructure in northern Australia, boosting the Australian Defence Force’s ability to deter potential adversaries and deepen international defence cooperation.

Assistant Minister for Defence, Peter Khalil:

“The new range supports a variety of weapons platforms and activities, delivering enhanced training outcomes for the Australian Defence Force and its partners, particularly the United States.

“These upgrades are a critical step in strengthening Defence’s capabilities in northern Australia and advancing the Government’s ambitious agenda outlined in the Government’s 2024 National Defence Strategy.

“This investment reinforces our enduring alliance with the United States, creating new opportunities for joint training and collaboration that enhance capability and interoperability.”

Special Envoy for Defence, Veterans’ Affairs & Northern Australia, Luke Gosling:

“Marksmanship is a core soldier skill and this new range will enable its mastery by both Australian and United States’ soldiers. 

“This new training facility will provide world-class marksmanship training and increase both interoperability with our partners and military preparedness.

“The completion of this state-of-the-art range shows that the Government continues to successfully deliver key investments in Defence capability, including in Northern Australia.”

Federal Member for Lingiari, Marion Scrymgour:

“I welcome this investment in the electorate of Lingiari and the impact this investment will have on national security.

“Building our defensive capabilities in the Northern Territory has a benefit to local communities, but also works to safeguard our strategic interests.”

Dead Koalas raise animal cruelty allegations against Government

The deaths of eight Koalas as part of a NSW Government translocation program have been slammed as too risky and referred to the RSPCA for animal cruelty investigations after an expert panel raised serious concerns with the program. Documents released after a call for papers passed the NSW Parliament last month reveal the Government rejected expert advice and pushed ahead with moving the animals despite concerns that it was not safe to do so.

Greens MP and spokesperson for the environment Sue Higginson:

“I am so shocked by what has been found in these documents, and the Government and Department should be independently investigated for an avoidable failure where they sidelined experts and pushed ahead with meeting their internal objectives with no care for the animals they were supposed to be protecting. This is why I have referred the Department to the RSPCA for animal cruelty crimes,”

“These documents show a coordinated determination to meet politically motivated departmental relocation targets that led to a reckless indifference to the welfare and fate of the individual animals. Independent expert advice warning of the risks of failure was sidelined, licences were granted in the face of the identified risk of failure and death, animals were left to die after the first koalas were found starved to death, and then what took place can only be described as a coordinated cover up of the truth,”

“The details of these deaths are terrible and show that despite the first discovery that some Koalas had died, the others were left where they were to die as well. One of the koala victims was a perfectly healthy female with an unfurred joey in her pouch when she was taken from her home. She was taken hundreds of kilometres away from her home and released into the wild. There was no soft release for close monitoring and when she was recaptured for checking her joey had died and instead of being taken into care she was left in situ and found dead a few weeks later,”

“Experts have been raising alarm for years about the Department’s lack of expertise to be conducting these types of experiments on Koalas, and these deaths are the tragic outcome of the Government ignoring those concerns. The Department’s determination to meet their targets for political reasons has made them blind to the experts and the evidence and these dead Koalas are the result,”

“Koala translocation is fraught with risk and failure, yet the Department pushed ahead despite expert advice to meet their own internal target. Increasing genetic diversity of koala populations due to habitat destruction is necessary, but we can not engage in such reckless un-scientific experiments in the name of conservation,”

“This was not a koala conservation project, it was a politically motivated animal experimentation. These koalas were treated as lab rats instead of as part of critical conservation work.”