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Greens move vote on legislation to fix accountability gap in child abuse law

This afternoon Leader of the ACT Greens, Shane Rattenbury will move a vote on Greens legislation to broaden legal liability for institutions who have harboured perpetrators of child abuse.

“This legislation directly responds to a High Court ruling that institutions may not be liable for people who represented their organisation, enabling them to defeat legal claims from people who were abused when they were children,” said Mr Rattenbury.

“In a modern and caring society, Canberrans rightly expect organisations like churches, sports groups and scouts to take responsibility for the abuse that occurred within their institution. But instead, we have seen examples of using legal technicalities to avoid that responsibility. This legislation will close those loopholes.

“For affected communities and survivors, the passing of this legislation could not come soon enough. This is not just another piece of legislation in a place made for legislating. For those seeking justice and redress, this legislation will ensure they can get a fair hearing.

“It will mean survivors who were abused by people in volunteer positions as part of their engagement with an organisation like a church or scout group will be able make legal claims against the organisations who had responsibility for the offenders.

“Really, this bill is about ensuring victims have access to justice for the crimes committed against them as children, and it is about ensuring institutions make amends for the harms caused on their watch. It’s as simple as that.

“The passage of this change is fundamentally, first a foremost, a story of community. It is a story of people from Canberra and around Australia, making the clear case for reform, and bringing their expertise and experience to ensure this Bill does the job it needs to.

“If this bill passes, it is these people, these members of our community that are responsible for this change more than any politician in this place. It is people like these who have campaigned over the past year who should feel proud of their part in history.

“If this legislation passes, powerful and wealthy institutions will no longer be able to arm themselves to the hilt with lawyers and worm their way out of compensating the people who were abused in their organisations. That ends today.

Harry James, Your Reference Ain’t Relevant:

“This reform is a critical step towards justice for survivors. For too long, institutions have avoided accountability through technical loopholes that denied responsibility for abuse that occurred under their watch. The ACT leading the nation in closing this gap sends a powerful message — that survivors deserve truth, responsibility, and reform that truly reflects the harm done.”

Josh Byrnes, survivor of institutional child sexual abuse:

“This bill is the warm glow of some light at the end of tunnel. Too long have victim survivors had to bear witness to their stories become evidence to a prosecution case only for institutions and perpetrators find yet another legal loophole to escape responsibility and accountability.

As an institutional survivor I welcome this change and hope we can continue to bring some equity back to a process that is so unfairly weighted towards offenders. I thank Shane, Kate and the entire team for raising this bill. I thank them for their continued advocacy and camaraderie in this fight for justice.”

Clare Leaney, CEO National Survivors Foundation:

“I commend the ACT Parliament for taking the lead in debating and hopefully passing this important legislation for Survivors in the ACT. This model legislation demonstrates the importance of vicarious liability laws in ensuring justice for Survivors. This legislation is an exemplar demonstration of law makers putting the interest of Survivors front and centre and I encourage other jurisdictions to adopt a similar nonpartisan approach.”

Joe Stroud, Chair National Survivors’ Day:

“This legislation will have a profound and meaningful impact for Survivors in the ACT and will ensure that Survivors of abuse can receive like justice, for like harms inflicted. National Survivors’ Day thanks the ACT Parliament for taking the lead to close the gap Survivors throughout Australia are facing in their pursuit of justice.”

Carol Ronken, Director of Research, Bravehearts:

“Bravehearts strongly supports the Civil Law (Wrongs) (Organisational Child Abuse Liability) Amendment Bill 2025, recognising that these reforms are vital to ensuring survivors of institutional child sexual abuse have equitable access to justice, whether the abuse was committed by employees or by individuals in positions of organisational authority, including volunteers, religious leaders, scout leaders, and coaches.”

Dr Judy Courtin, Principal and Advocate of Judy Courtin Legal:

“With the passing of this Bill, the ACT can stand tall and proud as the country’s forerunner with these critical legislative reforms for victims/survivors of institutional child abuse. The ACT parliament is courageous in standing up for the rights of victims/survivors. The ACT’s legacy will be enduring and provides the requisite type of leadership and mettle expected of our elected members of parliament.”

Hassan Ehsan, Special Counsel, Turner Freeman Lawyers:

“This Bill is about ensuring institutions are held accountable and survivors aren’t left fighting legal loopholes instead of being heard. It’s about time. I welcome the reform, it’s been a long time coming.”

Alessandra Pettit, Senior Associate, Stacks Goudkamp:

“The impact of institutional child sexual abuse is lifelong and, in my experience as a practitioner in this area, the reason survivors are coming forward is multifactorial. There is a justice element, there is an accountability element and then there is a financial element. To have a decision like Bird be handed down is devastating for all elements. The Civil Law (Wrongs)(Organisational Child Abuse Liability) Amendment Bill 2025 reflects the “new world” of this area and I commend the ACT Greens for being the leader of this change. I have no doubt that if the ACT is the first to follow the High Courts suggestion that this is a legislative fix, then other jurisdictions will do the same.”

Labor’s big business approval laws leave nature for dead

The Senate has today sent the Government’s controversial environment legislation to inquiry to report back in March next year, despite the Minister’s attempt to rush the pro-mining, pro-logging laws through the parliament.

Greens spokesperson for the environment, Senator Sarah Hanson-Young:

“Labor’s laws fail to protect our forests and fail to protect our climate. Despite the Government spin, this package leaves nature for dead.

“The Albanese Government’s proposed environment bill will make things worse for nature and the climate. It will take environment protections backwards while fast tracking approvals for business.

“Big business and the mining companies have had their grubby fingers all over this package, there’s no wonder the Government wanted to rush the laws through without scrutiny.

“Instead, the Senate has today sent the Bills to an Inquiry, to ensure the laws are properly scrutinised and that the community is given a say.

“Now that we have seen the full bill, it’s clear the only thing being protected here is the profits of the mining companies and big business.

“These are meant to be environment protection laws, not big business approval laws.

“This bill is riddled with weasel words and carve-out clauses for big business. It makes approvals quicker and cheaper for the mining and big business lobby, and fails to provide proper protections for nature.

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

“We need laws that protect nature, not make way for big business to make big profits. The Greens cannot pass these so-called environment laws in their current state.”

Labor’s housing failure: cost blowouts, less homes, and an overwhelmed housing waitlist

The Victorian Greens say Labor’s own annual report has exposed a housing system that’s costing Victorians more and delivering less – with cost blowouts, falling delivery, and billions in long-term payments locked into private developers under secretive contracts.

The Department of Families, Fairness and Housing 2024-25 Annual Report reveals that the cost of delivering housing has blown out by almost 25 per cent in a single year, driven by Labor’s plan to demolish and privatise all 44 public housing towers through long-term deals with private consortiums.

Despite the huge spend, the number of new social homes delivered fell by almost 20 per cent in the last year, while people escaping family violence and others on the social housing waitlist are waiting an average of more than 17 months for housing – nearly seven months longer than Labor’s own target.

The report also shows more than $10.8 million in payments to private consultants, with the tower-demolition and privatisation program alone accounting for nearly half of all consultancy spending – including multimillion-dollar contracts with Ontoit, KPMG, EY and Anne Dalton & Associates.

A letter within the report from the Victorian Auditor-General Office (VAGO) has flagged the controversial ground lease delivery model for the demolition and privatisation of the public housing towers as a key audit matter, citing the significant financial cost and a complex payment structure, which lacks transparency.

Financial statements show that Labor has already approved billions of dollars in the form of “service payments” and “grants of right to operate” which basically sees public money siphoned to these private companies who get to profit off the use of public land.

the Victorian Greens housing spokesperson, Gabrielle de Vietri:

“Labor is handing over billions in taxpayer money to deliver fewer homes for the people who need them.”

“Even the Auditor-General has sounded the alarm – Labor’s Ground Lease Model is dodgy, locking Victorians into decades of payments to private developers and paying obscene amounts to hand over public land for private housing, with zero transparency about the cost or the benefit.”

“This is privatisation by stealth – a model that gifts public land and guaranteed income streams to private investors while the most vulnerable Victorians wait years for a roof over their heads. It’s completely broken.”

“Labor is throwing billions at private developers and consultants to demolish and privatise public housing. We’re seeing no new public homes built, nearly 20 per cent fewer public and community homes delivered, and an overwhelmed waitlist. Victorians are paying more for less.”

Shine a light on Newcastle’s local legends for 2026 Citizen of the Year Awards

City of Newcastle is providing the opportunity to honour the hard work of outstanding Novocastrians as part of the 2026 Citizen of the Year Awards.

Nominations are now open for the prestigious annual awards, celebrating those who have made a significant impact in Newcastle’s community.

Award categories include Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Senior Citizen of the Year and Community Group of the Year.

Deputy Lord Mayor Charlotte McCabe said these awards are a chance to recognise people who make Newcastle a better place to live.

“These awards shine a light on the everyday heroes who go above and beyond to support others, often without recognition,” Cr McCabe said.

“Whether it’s through volunteering, advocacy or simply lending a hand, these contributions strengthen our community and deserve to be celebrated.”

In 2025, the Community Group of the Year title was awarded to The Unforgettables, a choir dedicated to supporting people living with dementia and their carers.

Image: Associate Professors Michelle Kelly and Helen English, alongside the Unforgettables choir for people living with dementia, accepting the 2025 Community Group of the Year title at this year’s ceremony. The group meet every Saturday afternoon at the Newcastle Conservatorium of Music, providing a welcoming space where participants can engage with music.

Co-founder Associate Professor Helen English said the award meant a lot to everyone involved in the Unforgettables.

“The choir was very proud to have been recognised as the Community Group of the Year, as recognition is so important when you are vulnerable and marginalised due to such an insidious disease,” Dr English said.

“As a result of the award the choir has been asked to sing at more events than it can possibly manage and has become an important icon for the University of Newcastle, singled out in our new Arts and Culture Strategy publication and performing as part of the 60th anniversary celebrations.

“Dementia inclusive choirs are important for many reasons, including the social connections, joy in music and normalising through an accessible activity.

“Recognising our choir reinforces how vital these activities are for both cared-for and care-partners, and we thank City of Newcastle and the wider community.”

Last year’s recipients also included Bailey Myers, who received the Citizen of the Year Award for his 4,500km journey across Australia on foot to raise funds for Indigenous literacy.

Sixteen-year-old Khuslen Batmandakh was named young Citizen of the Year for her dedication to improving literacy through the establishment of the book nook in Jesmond, providing free books to local families.

Nominations are now open online at newcastle.nsw.gov.au/citizenoftheyear and close on 11 December 2025.

A selection panel including the Deputy Lord Mayor, CEO, councillors and the 2025 Award recipients will determine the award winners, who will be announced at a ceremony early in 2026.

Start Strong changes to drive quality standards as part of record early childhood investment

The Minns Labor Government is reforming early learning funding to link state investment to quality standards and direct it to areas most in need of better access to affordable, quality preschool.

As part of its ongoing reforms to the early childhood sector the Minns Government is introducing changes to its $900 million Start Strong preschool program, which forms part of a record $2 billion investment in Early Childhood Education and Care.

To ensure services receiving government funding provide the highest quality care, changes to Start Strong guidelines from 2026 will require services not meeting the National Quality Standard to lift their rating or risk loss of funding.

State government funding will be weighted towards services in regional and remote areas, and many areas that are currently undersupplied.

These reforms are the latest step in a suite of measures the Minns Government is taking to improve compliance with quality standards in the early learning sector in NSW, following our nation-leading legislation that passed NSW Parliament last week and is now law.

The changes work hand-in-hand with the NSW Early Childhood Education and Care Regulatory Authority’s policy requiring approved providers to act immediately to address quality concerns.

Under this policy, the regulator can compel approved providers to take immediate action to address quality concerns. Those unwilling or unable to improve will face loss of funding, enforcement action, including possible suspension or removal from the sector.

These changes are consistent with the Commonwealth’s direction to suspend funding for services failing to meet national standards, particularly in relation to child safety and quality.

The Start Strong funding program is part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to ensure every child in NSW has access to 600 hours of quality preschool education before starting school. This investment also includes:

More than $60 million to support children with high learning support needs.
Up to $15 million for the 2026 Start Strong Pathways program that funds place-based initiatives to provide early educational supports for children prior to preschool enrolment and supports engagement with families.

In addition to Start Strong funding, early learning services will benefit from further NSW Government programs, including:

$100 million to help community preschools expand their hours and cater for more children through the Expanding Quality Access Program.
More than $7.5 million to increase participation in the Health and Development Check in Early Childhood Education and Care program.
Up to $7 million in additional targeted equity funding for community and mobile preschools.
$20 million for The Flexible Initiatives Trial which provides grants to services to test and trial new options for families – including extended operating hours or flexible pick-up and drop-off times.
$5 million to support the viability and sustainability of small and stand-alone Early Childhood Education and Care providers through the Building Capability Development Program.
$20 million for the Building Early Learning Places program to assist not-for-profit providers looking to create more spaces for children aged 0-6 in communities with the greatest need.

To support workforce supply and quality over the coming years, the NSW Government is also investing up to:

$27 million for the Early Childhood Education and Care Scholarship program to help 2,000 more aspiring and existing Early Education and Care professionals advance their careers in early learning.
$7 million to support more than 400 early childhood educators to turn their diplomas into degrees with university partners delivering the Early Learning Diploma to Degree program.
$10 million to provide fee-free professional learning courses for more than 4,000 ECEC professionals, in partnership with TAFE NSW.

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:

“We’re introducing important changes for childhood education and care services in NSW to lift standards and improve access to quality preschool education in areas where it’s needed most.

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to ensuring early learning services in NSW provide the highest standards for our youngest learners and that every dollar of funding directly benefits families who need it most.

“While most early learning services provide excellent care, providers who are underperforming will be required to take swift action to lift their quality standards, or risk losing their funding.

“These changes are the latest step the Minns Labor Government is taking to ensure children in NSW have access to safe and quality early learning and care, as we work to rebuild trust in the sector.”

Unique program gives Northern Rivers students strength and skills to deal with disasters

Students across the Northern Rivers are invited to participate in a unique learning experience that nurtures critical thinking, collective action and creative expression, as part of a region-wide flood preparedness campaign.

The Future Feast in Schools, from Northern Rivers Performing Arts (NORPA), embeds disaster awareness through storytelling, fostering curiosity, connection and creativity.

The learning experience is underpinned by four key regional preparedness steps:

know your river and your risk
know the warnings
have a plan
look after each other.

NORPA is leading the Future Feasts in Schools workshops at Broadwater Public School, Empire Vale Public School, Stoker’s Siding Public School, Main Arm Public School and Palmers Island Public School from October 15 to November 12.

Guided by professional artists in Drama, Dance, and Visual & Video Arts, students engage in handson workshops that explore themes of disaster, resilience, and renewal. Through movement, storytelling, and collaborative performance-making, they draw on their lived experiences and hopes for the future.

The students’ artistic responses will also contribute to a broader regional project, a NORPA major creative work, Dinner Party at the End of the World, a multi-artform work inspired by local responses to natural hazards.

Teachers are also supported throughout with curriculum-aligned resources and opportunities for professional learning alongside experienced artists.

Future Feasts received funding from the Australian and NSW Government through the Northern Rivers Recovery and Resilience Program, administered by the NSW Reconstruction Authority. It is
also presented in partnership with the Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools Office.

This program is an example of how the Minns Labor NSW Government is empowering young people to build the skills and traits they need to stay strong, resilient, and ready to face future disasters.

Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said:
“We recognise, more than ever, the need to harness the skills and voices of young people to be better prepared for disasters.

“This creative learning experience does just that, by empowering students to know the risks, to have a plan and look out for each other as we prepare for future disasters.

“This program shows our young people they have the power to create a more resilient Northern Rivers and build the kind of community they want to live in.

“I thank NORPA for their creative approach to ensuring young people’s voices are heard and for supporting them to be ready for disasters today and in the future.”

NORPA Artistic Director Julian Louis said:
“Future Feasts is a chance for students to unleash their imagination on a difficult subject for many people in their community.

“The idea of climate change is often abstract and hard to understand, but this gives young people the chance to express themselves among friends and peers in a creative endeavour and learning environment about very real events and issues that directly affected them and their school.”

Reconstruction Authority Executive Director Reconstruction Graham Kennett said:
“Dealing with natural hazards is a fact of everyday life in the Northern Rivers, where knowledge of the region and clear and calm thinking are essentials for navigating these turbulent events.

“Future Feasts helps young people to absorb these tools of local life and puts into practice how community can come together to wield them.”

Six young leaders join boards of NSW’s oldest cultural institutions

The state’s oldest cultural institutions, the Sydney Opera House, Art Gallery of NSW, Powerhouse Museum, Australian Museum, State Library of NSW and Museums of History NSW, have each added a new director aged 18-28 to their boards.

These appointments fulfil one of the key commitments in the Creative Communities policy to ensure the next generation of cultural leaders are at the decision-making table.

Selected through a rigorous Expression of Interest appointment process that received almost 1,000 submissions from nearly 400 candidates across NSW.

The inaugural six Cultural Institution Young Board Member appointees are:

Dylan Goh – Sydney Opera House: an independent street dancer, producer, and curator with a decade of experience in the creative industries. He is the Australian founder of Palette Session, a not-for-profit experimental dance collective in Sydney and Seoul.
Elijah Ingram – Museums of History NSW: a Wiradyuri digital artist, filmmaker, and cultural leader based in regional NSW, dedicated to First Nations storytelling, language revitalisation, and youth advocacy. He is the Co-Founder and Creative Director of Miil Miil Productions.
Hamani Tanginoa – Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences (Powerhouse): a proud Wiradjuri, Dharug, Gooreng Gooreng, and Tongan man, with Kinship connections to Dharawal, Yuin and Dhungutti Country, and currently resides on Dharawal Country, in Campbelltown, NSW. Hamani has a strong background in Community leadership, youth advocacy, and governance.
Melissa Applin – Australian Museum: an emerging arts and culture professional with a strong foundation in archaeology, museum education, youth leadership and performing arts.
Vivian Pham – State Library of NSW: a Vietnamese-Australian writer, educator, and literary advocate from Western Sydney, her debut novel The Coconut Children was published by Penguin Random House in 2020.
Will Cook – Art Gallery of NSW: strategic public relations professional with extensive experience in tourism, media relations, and stakeholder engagement.

Each member will serve a three-year term. They will each receive training from the Australian Institute of Company Directors to undertake the Foundations of Directorship™ (Public Sector) course. The Advocate for Children and Young People will also support their onboarding process.

The six appointees will also take up a senior membership role in the Creative Youth Network to develop its future priorities. The Creative Youth Network advises key government Ministers directly on issues impacting young people engaged in the arts, culture and creative industries.

Minister for the Arts John Graham said:

“The overwhelming interest, and calibre of candidates is a testament to the important role our Cultural Institutions play in our state.

“I congratulate Will, Melissa, Vivian, Elijah, Hamani and Dylan on their appointments. Our Cultural Institutions, and everyone who loves the arts, will benefit from your ideas and perspectives.

“Young, next generation practitioners and audiences are essential to strengthen NSW’s arts, culture and creative industries for the long-term.

Minister for Youth Rose Jackson said:

“Young people are the future of our state’s oldest and revered Cultural Institutions so including them on governing boards just makes sense if we want them to thrive in years to come.

“We are delivering on our firm commitment to ensure the next generation of creative leaders are at the decision-making table, confirming NSW’s position as the national leader in cultural policy.

“These young directors will bring new life to the state’s six iconic Cultural institutions with their unique insights, expertise and experience.

“We will all benefit from empowering the next generation of leaders to play a crucial role in shaping and strengthening the future of arts, culture and science in NSW.

NSW Advocate for Children and Young People, Zoe Robinson said:

“I look forward to supporting Will, Melissa, Vivian, Elijah, Hamani and Dylan, who will play a crucial role in shaping and strengthening the future of arts, culture and science in NSW.

“We know that young people are engaging in our cultural and creative industries, and having these incredible young people on these boards will ensure that their peers are represented in the spaces that matter.

“I commend the NSW Government for ensuring the voices and experiences of young people are heard in these spaces, and I look forward to providing ongoing support throughout the onboarding process.”

NSW Primary Industries Sector reaches record $25.5 billion in 2024/25

The NSW Primary Industries have reached a historic milestone, recording an estimated Gross Value of Production (GVP) of $25.5 billion, underscoring the sector’s enduring resilience, ongoing innovation, and its vital contribution to driving the state’s economy.

GVP is a key metric used by the Minns Labor Government to report on the performance of NSW primary industries and has been measured and reported by NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) for the past 10 years.

This record figure for the 2024/25 financial year, released today by the NSW Government, marks a 22% increase from last year and is $2.4 billion above the previous record of $23.1 billion set in 2021-22.

Significantly, it is 16% above the 5-year average and more than double the $12.5 billion recorded in 2014-15 demonstrating a sustained growth across all sectors.

The Minns Government is helping build-up and protect the state’s primary industries with $100 million invested over the last year in agricultural research and more than $1 billion in biosecurity systems and programs.

The strong GVP is built on record-breaking performance across key agricultural sectors, including unprecedented red meat and poultry production, exceptional horticulture output, and historic winter crop yield, particularly chickpeas, alongside above-average summer crop results, notably cotton and sorghum.

These outcomes are underpinned by farmer innovation, with producers adopting new technologies, farming practices, and strategies to help boost productivity and resilience.

The record comes despite external pressures from natural disasters, drier seasonal conditions, volatile prices and biosecurity challenges.

Sector breakdown for the Primary Industries portfolio 2024/25 showed:

Cropping GVP was up 31% to $11.6 billion est. and 14% above the 5-year average.
Livestock GVP was up 19% to $9.5 billion est. and 18% above the 5-year average.
Horticulture GVP was up 8% to $3.7 billion est. and 18% above the 5-year average.
Forestry GVP was up 6% to $468 million est. and 5% above the 5-year average.
Fisheries GVP is up 4% to $223 million est. (including a forecast $112.6 million from aquaculture) and 7% above the 5-year average.

The Government’s Performance and Data Insights report (DPI) provides an estimate of the GVP for all the major primary industries commodities produced in NSW and an analysis of key drivers of performance for each commodity.

The report is published annually, with 2025 marking the tenth publication. PDI estimates are published in November each year for the previous financial year, and is the most comprehensive data set available for NSW primary industries.

For more information and to access the full report, visit the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (NSW DPIRD) PDI webpage – https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/about-us/publications/pdi

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:

“If the State’s primary industry sector was in an Olympic event it would be Gold, Silver and Bronze for NSW farmers, fishers and foresters – this result is outstanding.

“A huge congratulation to the men and women from regional NSW who everyday go to work on the land and in our waterways to build a better and stronger NSW.

“By any measure this is an outstanding result and a testament to the hard work of our farmers, fishers, foresters and producers right across NSW.

“From cropping and livestock to horticulture and fisheries, our primary industries are thriving, and the Minns Government is proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the people who make that happen.

“We’ve delivered more than $100 million in new funding over the past year to modernise our research capabilities and strengthen biosecurity, upgrading facilities across regional NSW ensuring our producers have the tools and knowledge to adapt and thrive.

“We’re investing in research, biosecurity, and workforce development to ensure NSW remains a powerhouse of clean, green and safe food and fibre production.

“We hope these numbers continue to grow year-on-year, as ongoing improvements in conditions help create more opportunities for success.”

NSW Farmers President, Xavier Martin said:

“NSW agriculture has its sights set on producing $30 billion in farmgate value by 2030, and we’re clearly well on the way to achieving this key milestone for our sector.

“Over past year, farmers have faced no shortage of challenges in NSW, but they have managed through extraordinary risks in the landscape, and these results speak for themselves.

“Agriculture is an economic powerhouse that punches above its weight, supporting our rural communities and the state – all while feeding and clothing the world.

“However, the challenges farm businesses face are only intensifying, and our ability to grow food and fibre relies on continued investment into all aspects of our sector, from research and development to biosecurity and beyond.

“Investment in agriculture is an investment that will deliver productivity and dividends back to our communities and will play an important role in improving food security and futures here and around the globe.”

Local State Member for Orange Phil Donato said:

“This milestone is a win for every rural and regional community in NSW. Our producers are proving that innovation and hard work can deliver extraordinary outcomes.”

“Primary industries are the lifeblood of our towns. Their success fuels local jobs, supports families, and strengthens our communities.”

“Primary producers in Orange and the broader Central West have been instrumental in achieving this outstanding result.

“With thriving industries in sheep and beef livestock, cool climate viticulture, horticulture, and broadacre cropping, the region continues to demonstrate its strength as one of NSW’s most productive agricultural hubs.”

Michael Payten, who operates a 1,200-hectare mixed pastoral and cropping farm at Canowindra, said:

“While input costs are all going up so have our commodity prices, so we’re having a better season than we’ve had for a while.

“The productivity of the farm has been as good as it’s ever been. Our prime lamb prices have been defying gravity and lucerne hay saw a fair price rise too as things dried out a little bit and demand increased.

“This calendar year we’ve bred a record number of lambs. That’s on the back on a few good seasons and keeping our breeding stock in good condition.

“We’ve significantly improved our lambing percentages over the years by tapping into the department’s research in livestock production.

“Our recent participation in the Farms of the Future Agtech Education Program, and the Farm Business Resilience Program has also been beneficial. It just shows you’re never too old to learn something new.”

Sam White, who operates the 2,270-hectare Bald Angus stud in Guyra, said:

“It’s magic up here in Northern NSW at the moment, as conditions continue to improve due to recent rainfall.

“Right now, commodity prices are rising significantly compared to 2023, and the outlook is incredibly promising as we look ahead.

“As southern regions begin to recover from drought conditions, and US herd begins to rebuild, we expect this momentum to continue, further driving beef prices upward.

“We’re currently in a favourable phase of the commodity cycle for both beef and sheep so it’s a great time for the industry.

“We’re seeing amazing prospects as we look ahead. The future is promising for producers.

“We look forward to collaborating with NSW DPIRD as we work together toward a bright future for industry.”

Brandon Armstrong, oyster farmer on the mid north coast and chair of the NSW Farmers Oyster Committee, said:

“Oyster farmers across NSW are encouraged to see the forecasted value in production this financial year. Despite having gone through lots of challenges the past year including the May floods, the industry can recover and thrive.

“The resilience of the industry is amazing, and oyster farmers are pursuing ways to safeguard their businesses through things like flood proof infrastructure, species diversification, hatchery technology, and supply chain innovation.

“We are gearing up for a good Christmas season to provide oyster lovers with high quality sustainably produced seafood.

“We are working collaboratively with NSW DPIRD on the Aquaculture Vision Statement released in 2024, that is to see the industry value double by 2030. We’re looking forward to opportunities to work together with the Department on key priorities identified in the Vision Roadmap to help us reach this target.”

Paul Aquilina, who operates in the NSW Prawn Trawl and Estuary General Fishery, said:

“Fishers have been consistently impacted since Covid, especially though the fires and more recently regular floods. It’s been tough for many commercial fishers, but we’ve kept developing our fisheries and working with DPIRD Fisheries.

“We’ve had fee waivers through this time, most recently the to the licence that allows us to sell our product more freely to local consumers. This has supported a lot of small fishing businesses.

“There has also been scientific and managerial support from DPIRD for gear innovation trials to improve the fisheries ecological footprint. This has been awesome for our fishery to help us catch NSW seafood more selectively and sustainably.

“Our future in this fishery is very strong. Given we now have a cost-effective option to sell the product we catch, our prices have improved and more people, seafood consumers and the public, are understanding what commercial fishing provides and how we operate. This has been facilitated by DPIRD Fisheries and other organisations like Ocean Watch, the Australian Council of Prawn Fisheries and the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation.”

Man charged after alleged stabbing – Belmont

A man has been charged following an alleged stabbing in the Lake Macquarie region yesterday.

Just after 4pm yesterday (Wednesday 29 October 2025), emergency services were called to Railway Parade, Belmont, following reports a man had been stabbed.

Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District attended and found a 40-year-old man with a stab wound to his upper body.

He was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to John Hunter Hospital in a serious but stable condition.

Police declared a crime scene and commenced an investigation.

A 30-year-old man was arrested at the scene and taken to Belmont Hospital under police guard for treatment of minor injuries.

He was later taken to Belmont Police Station, where he was charged with wound person with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

The man was refused bail to appear before Bail Division Court 2 today (Thursday 30 October 2025).

Man charged following fire – Cessnock

A man has been charged following a fire at a Hunter Valley community club earlier this month.

About 8am on Sunday 19 October 2025, police responded to reports of a fire at a Cessnock community club on Short Street, Cessnock.

Officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District attended and found that entry had been gained to the foyer area of the club and a fire set with what police believed to be an accelerant. The fire failed to spread before self-extinguishing.

A crime scene was established and an investigation commenced into the circumstances of the fire.

Following a joint investigation from Hunter Valley Police District Proactive Crime Team and Hunter Valley Detectives, about 7:30am today (Wednesday 29 October 2025), officers arrested a 39-year-old man at a house in Kurri Kurri.

He was taken to Cessnock Police Station where he was then charged with two offences – break and enter with intent to commit serious indictable offence and damage property by fire/explosive.

He was granted strict conditional bail to appear at Cessnock Local Court on Wednesday 19 November 2025.