Next-generation fire truck trial in the Illawarra

One of six ultra-large Tatra firefighting trucks to be delivered across NSW now has a new home in the Illawarra.

The Gerringong Rural Fire Brigade has taken delivery of the truck, the first of its kind for NSW, to take part in a trial to test next-generation firefighting vehicles for the Rural Fire Service (RFS).

The arrival of the $800,000 truck is part of the NSW Government’s commitment to ensuring local volunteers have the right tools to keep their community safe, especially in a region that knows all too well the impacts of bush fire.

The new truck is one of six Tatra vehicles to be trialled across the state as part of the RFS Next Generation Fleet Project, which aims to test and develop the next wave of modern firefighting appliances.

The high-performance 4×4 Tatra truck offers a combination of performance, water capacity and pumping power as well as advanced safety like the halo water protection system for the cabin.

Building on the NSW Bushfire Inquiry and other inquiry recommendations to modernise the RFS fleet, the trucks are equipped with Mobile Data Terminals (MDTs) to improve crews’ communication, connectivity and safety in remote and disaster-impacted areas.

Since the inquiry, the NSW Government has overhauled bushfire policy, preparedness and response, and is acting on all of the resulting 76 recommendations, including implementing night-time waterbombing.

Residents can get information about preparing their properties and bush fire survival plan on the RFS website at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/prepare

Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib:

“The delivery of this new Tatra truck is about making sure our hard-working RFS crews have the tools they need to protect the community.

“Communities like those in the Illawarra, who have seen the devastating impacts of bushfire firsthand, can be assured that their local crews are backed by the strongest truck capabilities we’ve ever had in the RFS.

“We listened to the experts and have acted on every recommendation from the NSW Bushfire Inquiry. Some long-term initiatives will take some time to complete but are already well underway.”

Member for Kiama Katelin McInerney:

“The Illawarra has seen its fair share of fires over the years, and our volunteers have always stood up when it matters most.

“RFS members are the heart of our regional communities, and it’s vital they have the latest and safest equipment to do their job and it’s fantastic to see Gerringong leading the way in this trial.

“It is a good reminder of the importance of the community to also get ready for the bush fire season, by preparing their homes and discussing their bush fire survival plan.”

RFS Illawarra/Sutherland District Manager, Superintendent Martin Surrey:

“The Gerringong Brigade have been quick to put their new truck to work and it has already been on a few callouts, including one where the front-mounted water cannon was used to great effect.

“The region has experienced some challenging fire seasons, and our brigades know how quickly conditions can change.

“Every new piece of equipment, every training opportunity and every innovation is an investment in the safety of our volunteers and the towns and communities they protect.”

Broken Hill Hospital’s upgraded Emergency Department completed

The $12 million upgrade of Broken Hill Hospital’s emergency department (ED) is now complete, delivering a modern facility to help meet the healthcare needs of local communities now and into the future.

Completed in stages, the ED has expanded with a full internal refurbishment and reconfiguration, providing expanded and upgraded treatment spaces and improved patient flow. 

Stage 3 is the final stage of the ED upgrade and includes a new main entry, reception area, waiting room and triage space, a new interview/consult room and two treatment bays. This stage also marks the completion of the broader Broken Hill Health Services redevelopment works.

The ED extension, reconfiguration of existing treatment bays, new staff areas and clinical back-of-house areas opened in stages earlier this year.

Artwork created by local artists has been installed in the paediatric bay, interview room and two new consult rooms to help create a supportive and healing environment for patients, visitors and staff.

ED patients and visitors are advised that permanent access is now in place, with signs installed. Access changes include:

A new 24/7 dedicated external entry, accessed from the left of the footpath as you enter from the rear carpark.

If accessing the ED from the Thomas Street entry to the hospital, please walk to the back doors in the main corridor, exit main door and enter the ED doors on the right.

The Broken Hill Health Service redevelopment works includes the $12 million ED upgrade and the new Acute Mental Health Inpatient Unit delivered as part of the NSW Government’s $700m Statewide Mental Health Infrastructure Program.

The Health and the Arts Framework 2024-2032 highlights the role of the arts in providing patients, staff and communities with positive experiences within healthcare settings. The Framework recognises and provides guidance for integrating the arts into our facilities and healthcare.

The community of Broken Hill will also benefit from new Key Health Worker Accommodation, the first to be delivered in the Far West Local Health District as part of the Minns Labor Government’s $200.1 million program.

This is in addition to the 20 new health worker units at Broken Hill Health Service completed earlier this year.

The new accommodation will help attract and retain essential healthcare workers to the region.

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:

“We are committed to ensuring regional communities in NSW can access the care they need, when they need, closer to home.

“The upgrade will not only help ED staff deliver high-quality-care but also ensures Broken Hill and surrounding communities have access to a first-class and modern health facility.

“It’s a fantastic achievement after almost 18 months of construction. I thank all staff, patients and visitors for their patience and understanding during the delivery of this important upgrade.”

Member for Barwon Roy Butler: 

“The ED upgrade is an important project and it’s wonderful to see it completed, ensuring patients and visitors receive high-quality care in a modern and functional space.  

“The completion of the ED upgrade and the recent completion of the new Acute Mental Health Inpatient Unit will improve patient experiences and support physical and psychological recovery.

“The Broken Hill Health Service Redevelopment, boosted by the delivery and investment of new key health worker accommodation, is also putting Broken Hill on the map to help attract and retain clinicians further improving the local community’s access to the best possible care.”

Police recruitment hits new high as third record-breaking class attests in Goulburn

The Minns Labor Government is delivering 341 new police recruits to help make NSW safer with the largest class in 13 years attesting at the Goulburn Police Academy today. 

Class 367 is the third record-breaking class to attest in 2025, proof that the Minns Labor Government’s reforms to police pay and recruitment are making inroads to rebuild the NSWPF after 12 years of neglect by the former Liberal-National Government. 

Class 367 will be deployed to 57 Police Area Commands and Police Districts, serving as General Duties officers and strengthening the NSWPF’s capability to fight crime and keep the community safe. 

On Monday, the Probationary Constables will begin 12 months of on-the-job training across NSW including:

  • Central Metropolitan Region – 77
  • Northern Region – 65
  • North West Metropolitan Region – 74
  • South West Metropolitan Region – 65
  • Southern Region – 30
  • Western Region – 30 

Class 367 is made up of 248 men and 93 women, aged between 19 and 54. The cohort also includes 14 First Nations officers and officers who were born in 19 different countries.

Class 367 not only includes recruits that applied directly after finishing their HSC, but also from a wide range of vocations including hospitality, plumbing and mechanics. 

Policing works best when it reflects the community it serves, and today’s class shows exactly that.  Diverse in age, culture and life experience.

Today’s class also includes 50 officers from regional communities who have elected to serve in or near their hometown after attesting, taking advantage of the Minns Labor Government’s Be A Cop In Your Hometown program and bolstering regional policing resources. 

The former Liberal-National Government had no plan for police recruitment, no plan for police retention and sent wages backwards for more than a decade with its unfair wages cap. Thousands of experienced officers left the force as a result.  

Since the Minns Labor Government delivered a once-in-a-generation pay rise for police in November 2024, we have seen an additional 1,255 new recruits join the force. That is more than double the recruits from the previous 12-month period. 

We are continuing to work hard to rebuild the NSWPF and create safer communities through:  

  • Establishing an historic scheme to pay recruits to train, resulting in a 70% increase in applications to join the NSWPF.
  • Establishing the Be a Cop In Your Hometown program to give regional recruits the opportunity to serve in or near their hometown after attesting.
  • Establishing the Professional Mobility Program to incentivise experienced officers from interstate and New Zealand to join.
  • Launching the new Cadet Traineeship Program to give young, aspiring officers a pathway into the NSWPF.
  • Establishing the Health Safety and Wellbeing Command to support existing officers to have long, healthy and rewarding careers with the NSWPF.  

While we’ve made progress, there is more to do and we’ll continue working hard to rebuild the NSW Police Force and deliver a safer NSW for all. 

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said: 

“Congratulations Class 367 – today marks the end of your training at the Goulburn Police Academy but the beginning of your responsibility to NSW.

“Policing is an incredibly rewarding yet challenging career and each one of today’s 341 recruits is stepping up with integrity, professionalism and dedication. 

“Class 367 is proof that the Minns Labor Government’s reforms to rebuild the NSWPF are working. 

“We are paying recruits to train, offering pathways to serve in or near their regional hometown after attesting and backing them every step of the way – there’s never been a better time to join the NSW Police Force.”

NSW Police Force Commissioner Mal Lanyon said: 

“Reaching the milestone of 1000 students attesting this year is an achievement that reflects our ongoing commitment to building a strong and capable police force for the future.” 

“The newest class of probationary officers represents the next generation of policing in NSW, and I have every confidence in their ability to serve our communities with professionalism and integrity.

“Recruitment at this scale means we can meet the needs of a growing state, boost our frontline services, and uphold the trust and safety of communities across NSW.”

Raptor Squad North release CCTV as they appeal for information into arson attack – East Maitland

Raptor Squad North are appealing for information after a barber shop was set alight in the state’s Hunter region earlier this year.
About 1am on Saturday 14 September 2025, emergency services were called to a shopping precinct on Garnett Road, East Maitland, following reports of a suspicious fire.

Officers established a crime scene and commenced inquiries before the matter was referred to the State Crime Command’s Raptor Squad North under Strike Force Samton.

Following extensive enquiries, detectives believe that about 10.20pm on Friday 13 September 2025, two unknown men – one wearing a dark hooded jumper with a yellow logo – were seen walking from Alfred Close into the shopping precinct.
Detectives have released CCTV as they believe these men could assist with their inquiries.
About 11pm, the hooded man returned to the barber shop with another unknown male who was wearing grey tracksuit pants, a dark jumper and a moon boot.

The men left the precinct then returned in a silver Commodore and white van.

As inquiries continue, detectives are appealing for anyone with information about the identity of the men and movement of the vehicles at the time of the incident.

Building young Australians’ Asia capability through the New Colombo Plan

I am pleased to announce the outcomes of the 2026 round of the New Colombo Plan (NCP), which is supporting record numbers of Australian students to deepen their Asia capability and expertise.

The 2026 round will see a record 328 NCP scholarships offered to Australian undergraduates, an increase of almost 50 per cent from 2025.

The 2026 round will also see 1,247 student grants offered under the new Semester Program, and 1,635 student grants offered under the Mobility Program.

The reforms to the New Colombo Plan that I announced in July this year are now in action. More NCP participants are now developing the skills and capabilities Australia needs to deepen our national understanding of the region, strengthen the ties between our people, and increase engagement with Australian businesses operating in the region.

Importantly, a record number of students will undertake long-term study programs in Asian languages, including Bahasa Indonesia, Mandarin, Japanese and Vietnamese.

Launched in 2014, the NCP has supported over 56,000 Australian undergraduate students through study, internships and language training in the Indo-Pacific. I look forward to the continued impact of the program as more young Australians develop their Indo-Pacific capability and Asia literacy.

I extend my congratulations to all the successful students.

Drake Report released – Minns government response to greyhound racing report stinks of a political coverup

The NSW Government has dismissed key recommendations of the long-awaited and damning report of the NSW greyhound racing industry.

Greens NSW MP and Animal Welfare spokesperson Abigail Boyd has condemned the government’s failure to respond adequately to the report and the ongoing support for the greyhound racing industry as an ongoing political cover up of the greyhound racing and gambling lobby.

Abigail Boyd, Greens NSW MP and spokesperson for animal welfare:

“Across 722 pages, Commissioner Drake paints a damning picture of the greyhound racing industry, detailing persistent and systemic governance and animal welfare failures. Constrained by the inquiry’s terms of reference, the Commissioner walked right up to the line and all but called for the shutting down of the entire greyhound racing industry in NSW.

“After sitting on the report for months, the feeble response from the Minister in the face of incontrovertible evidence, shows what we have known and said all along, this inquiry and report process was nothing more than a political fix from a government in the thralls of the gambling and racing industry.

“Commissioner Drake’s recommendations include a breeding cap, genuine whole-of-life tracking for greyhounds, independent oversight of both the racing industry’s corporate arm as well as the regulator, overhaul of the industry’s rehoming regime, implementation of minimum track standards, and an end to the export program sending greyhounds overseas.

“We have known all along that the greyhound racing industry is incapable of reform. It seems now the Minister agrees, and so has no intention of requiring it to.

“Today’s Wentworth Park announcement stinks of cheap politics and a shoddy attempt to obscure the government’s far deeper failure to protect greyhounds across NSW.

“How many more inquiries, corruption scandals, and well-documented evidence of live baiting, doping and discarded greyhounds do we have to have before the NSW government finally listens and shuts this morally bankrupt industry down?”

Labor’s special treatment for fossil fuel corporations abandons climate science and will slow transition to cheaper, cleaner energy

The Victorian Greens have slammed Jacinta Allan’s Labor Government for approving new gas drilling in the Otway and Gippsland basins, warning it locks Victoria into decades more fossil fuel pollution, accelerates climate-driven disasters, and hands special treatment to gas corporations at the expense of ordinary Victorians.

Expanding gas slows down the renewable transition by diverting investment and delaying electrification. AEMO’s modelling does not suggest Victoria needs new gas projects – the real bottleneck is the slow rollout of renewable energy, storage and transmission.

Experts and economists have made it clear that opening new fossil fuel projects delays the transition and locks pollution into the grid for decades. Instead of fixing those failures, Labor is giving fossil fuel corporations exactly what they want.

The Greens say Labor is speaking out of both sides of its mouth on climate – and that they’re misleading Victorians by claiming to accelerate the transition while approving fossil fuel projects that make the climate crisis worse and energy more expensive.

Leader of the Victorian Greens, Ellen Sandell: 

“Jacinta Allan’s Labor is giving special treatment to fossil fuel corporations while Victorians face higher bills and worsening climate disasters.”

“Approving new fossil fuels in the middle of a worsening fire season is reckless. Real leadership listens to climate science and puts communities first, not gas corporations.”

Victorian Greens clean energy transition spokesperson, Dr Tim Read: 

“Victoria doesn’t have a gas supply problem, we have a political problem. Labor is choosing special treatment for gas corporations instead of accelerating electrification and renewables, which would mean cheaper bills and improved energy security” 

“Every new gas approval diverts investment away from clean energy and slows down the transition Victorians are already making. If Labor was serious about affordability or climate action, they’d speed up renewables, not hand out favours to fossil fuel corporations.”

Labor’s Antarctic plan is giving with one hand but taking with the other

Today’s Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) funding announcement is welcome but will be of little comfort to the Hobart-based Antarctic and Southern Ocean researchers that are still suffering a substantial reduction in government funding for their critical science programs.

Greens spokesperson for science, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson: 

“Today’s Antarctic funding announcement is welcome but can’t be used to hide the fact that yet again scientists are facing funding cuts and imminent job losses at other critical Antarctic research programs like the Australia Centre for Excellence in Antarctic Science (ACEAS) and at the CSIRO. 

“Current funding for the ACEAS is $6.7m per annum which expires imminently. Despite lobbying for a long-term government commitment this critical cooperative research centre has only received $5m for two years – which will result in significant job losses. 

“We still don’t understand how many job losses will occur at the CSIRO in Tasmania, but we know the Environmental Research Unit (ERU) is facing the brunt of job cuts, which includes many oceans, climate, and nature-based researchers based in Hobart.   

“Why is the Minister giving with one hand and taking with the other? Either you are committed to funding Antarctic and Southern Ocean science and research, or you are not. 

“Disappointingly there still appears to be no long term, holistic plan for Antarctic science funding, with no sign of any details on Labor’s long-promised decadal plan for Antarctic science funding and priorities.  

“A well thought-through decadal plan for Antarctic science was a key recommendation of a recent Senate Inquiry into funding at the AAD. This decadal plan is again proving more elusive than the Scarlet Pimpernel.

“More short-term funding top-ups without a plan just won’t cut it anymore for our Antarctic efforts, which require critical long-term government commitment. 

“Antarctica is the heartbeat of our planet, and is facing significant challenges from a warming climate, primarily caused by the burning of fossil fuels. As Antarctica changes it presents significant risks to our planet, and our research efforts to better understand this are critical.”

City of Newcastle selects partner to deliver landmark affordable housing project

Forty-eight affordable housing units are proposed to be developed on what is the last remaining parcel of land to be developed of the former heavy rail line into Newcastle.

Councillors voted last night to endorse the proposal by specialist community housing provider Home in Place following a rigorous two-stage selection supported by independent probity oversight.

An artists impression of the proposed affordable housing project at Rail Bridge Row.An artist’s impression of the proposed affordable housing project at Rail Bridge Row.

City of Newcastle Chief Executive Officer Jeremy Bath said the appointment of a not-for-profit, community-focused provider marks a pivotal step forward to help address the city’s housing crisis.

“Home in Place has demonstrated the capability, experience and vision needed to bring this project to life,” Mr Bath said.

“Their strong financial foundations and proven success in delivering affordable housing gave us great confidence in selecting them to partner with us on this landmark project, which is the first of its kind in the Hunter.”

The 4,125 sqm lot at 280 Hunter Street, known as Rail Bridge Row, stretches from Brown Street to near the intersection of Darby and Hunter Street and is opposite the Crown Street light rail stop. 

It was purchased by City of Newcastle from Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation in 2020 and is the final piece of the former heavy rail corridor to be redeveloped.

Home in Place’s concept design proposes the delivery of 48 units in a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments above a ground floor commercial development, supported by 37 car spaces for residents and retail tenants.

The proposal also includes a new laneway connecting Argyle Lane with Wharf Road and a cycleway link to Market Street for bicycle riders.

Chair of City of Newcastle’s Asset Advisory Committee, Cr Declan Clausen, said the selection of Home in Place follows a detailed and competitive process.

“This appointment comes after a thorough assessment of proposals from across the sector,” Cr Clausen said.

“Through the competitive procurement process, Home in Place demonstrated capability and experience, with a strong local track record of delivering high-quality, well-located homes for people who need them most.

“Their proposal gives us confidence that Rail Bridge Row will progress with momentum and deliver meaningful outcomes for our community.

“In addition to City of Newcastle’s substantial direct and in-kind contributions, this exciting project will be well placed to pursue additional funding opportunities, including through the Housing Australia Future Fund when applications open in early 2026.”

The appointment follows extensive geotechnical, environmental and cultural heritage investigations conducted on the Hunter Street site.

A Development Application currently under assessment seeks approval for mine investigation and remediation works beneath the site.

Subject to approval, grout-based remediation targeting historic workings is expected to begin in 2026. These works are essential to stabilise the site prior to future construction.

Home in Place Group Chief Executive Officer Lyndall Robertshaw welcomed the opportunity to partner with City of Newcastle on a strategically located, community-focused housing project.

“We are proud to be working with the City of Newcastle to increase affordable housing in Newcastle. Each new home means more people will have the chance to live in safe, secure and affordable housing, and that is at the very heart of what we do,” Ms Robertshaw said.

“Access to affordable housing is vital for building a thriving city. Projects such as Rail Bridge Row demonstrate the dedication of Home in Place and the City of Newcastle to providing affordable homes near essential facilities, services, infrastructure, schools and employment opportunities.

“With affordability in the private market continuing to deteriorate, affordable housing projects like this one are crucial.

“To be working in partnership with the City of Newcastle on a major project in the same area where our story began four decades ago reflects how deeply connected, we remain to our local roots and to the ongoing need for safe, affordable housing.” 

Rail Bridge Row forms part of City of Newcastle’s long-term plan to support a growing, diverse and inclusive community as Newcastle prepares for a population increase of more than 40,000 people by 2041.

More information is available at newcastle.nsw.gov.au/rail-bridge-row.

Additional $4.5 million to support prawn fishers affected by white spot biosecurity control order

The Minns Labor Government is supporting prawn fishers and farmers in the Clarence, Evans and Richmond Rivers affected by the detection of white spot in wild prawns with an additional financial assistance package of $4.5 million.

The package will assist impacted fishers to exit the industry and includes funding for voluntary share and business buyouts and business training to support those fishers in the region who decide to exit.

Over the last two years, the Minns Government has invested $21.4 million to respond to the outbreak, enhance biosecurity controls and support affected prawn fishers in the Clarence, Evans and Richmond Rivers, with act-of-grace payments, business share buyouts, fee waivers, Crown Land rent waivers and mental health support services.

White spot is now considered established in wild prawn populations within the existing areas of detection in northern NSW and that has led to a new biosecurity control order enlarging the impacted area being declared and dated till 2030.

Prawn fishers in the control zone have restrictions on how they can move uncooked or unprocessed prawns outside the zone, and this will have considerable impact on their businesses.

Biosecurity control orders have been operating in the Northern Rivers of NSW since 2022. The objective of potentially being able to stand the control orders down has dissipated due to repeated positive testing for white spot within the coastal sea off those rivers.

The NSW Government has been undertaking testing, assisting industry, and advocating to the Commonwealth Government to determine if the national biosecurity approach could be modified when considering the need for a biosecurity control order for northern NSW region.

However, the impacts on national trade and standing within international trade led to a retaining of the existing requirement to maintain the restrictions within the control order.

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“The Minns Government has provided significant financial support of more than $21 million to the prawn farming and fishing industry in northern NSW during the last few challenging years and this $4.5 million financial transition package demonstrates our continuing commitment.

“With white spot now confirmed as established in wild prawn populations in the affected areas, the NSW Government has developed this funding package to help fishing businesses transition out with financial buybacks, business retraining and other support measures.

“The NSW Government acknowledges this has been a challenging time for workers and businesses in the industry and I encourage them to utilise the available mental health and financial counselling.

“Consumers are assured that white spot does not pose a threat to human health or food safety.”