Category: Australian News

The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments have announced a $50 million Housing Support Package to assist eligible homeowners, renters and primary producers who were impacted by the recent severe flooding in the Mid North Coast and in the Hunter.

Caravans and self-contained pod homes will be deployed for eligible flood-hit residents and primary producers whose homes were uninsured and uninhabitable so they can stay on their property during repairs.

This is an additional support to the Primary Producer Self Contained Pods Program already announced to support farmers to continue farming while undertaking repairs.

In a first for flood recovery, supports are being rolled out to help renters facing financial hardship and uncertainty to relocate their family or set themselves up in a new place – delivered through new rental grants.

Introduced in response to the record-breaking flooding in May, these new grants provide one-off financial assistance to help households return to home quickly, covering urgent costs such as removalists, rental bonds and other costs related to setting up a new home.

These will be delivered alongside grants to help homeowners with the costs of repairs, which will also be available to landlords to make repairs to private rental stock where they are willing to commit to returning supply to the private rental market.

In another first, a dedicated Housing Recovery Service will operate for residents across the impacted areas, providing a one-stop shop for assistance and to assess eligibility and guide them toward the support that best meets their individual recovery needs.

The package will be offered to flood-impacted residents whose homes were rendered uninhabitable across the 25 local government areas hardest hit by the May event, where they don’t have insurance cover for the damage.

The package draws on lessons from the Northern Rivers and Central West flood disasters in 2022, which highlighted that remaining on-site can assist rebuilding and provide a sense of security.

The package focuses on targeted financial assistance, helping provide access to safe and secure housing so that individuals and families can get back on their feet quickly.

Supports include:

• Provision of caravans for eligible households and self-contained pods for primary producers to live on-site during recovery and rebuilding.
• Rapid home repair grants for eligible homeowners and landlords to ensure homes are habitable.
• Support for eligible renters to cover costs associated with finding and moving into a new property, including bond and removalist fees.
• A new Housing Recovery Service, a special one-stop, concierge model, which will direct homeowners, renters, people in unstable housing and farmers to the best support for their recovery.
• The housing support package will be offered to those who are experiencing financial hardship, are uninsured and have uninhabitable homes, which includes non-functioning bathrooms or kitchens, or major structural damages to the roof walls or floors.

For more information on the support package go to:  https://www.nsw.gov.au/emergency/recovery/storm-recovery-updates/housing-support-package-for-nsw-mid-north-coast-and-hunter-floods

From Monday 25 August 2025, impacted residents will be able to call the Housing Recovery Service on 1800 695 043 for housing assistance and to access support services.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain

“The devastation caused by the East Coast floods has left many families and communities facing distress and uncertainty.

“This new $50 million housing support package is a vital step in helping people regain stability and rebuild their lives.

“We know from past disasters that timely, targeted assistance makes a real difference. That’s why the Australian Government is proud to work alongside the NSW Government to deliver practical support – whether its helping people stay connected to their land, repair their homes or find safe accommodation.

“Recovery is never a one-size-fits-all process. This package reflects a shared commitment across governments to listen to communities, respond to their needs and stand with them as they recover.”

NSW Minister for Housing Rose Jackson

“When people have to jump through hoops to access to support, it adds to their trauma and causes unnecessary delays.

“The Housing Recovery Service will provide a no wrong door approach for households and community organisations, removing the guesswork for residents trying to get back on their feet.

“It will allow Homes NSW and the Reconstruction Authority to work collaboratively to match eligible flood-impacted people to the right support, avoiding duplication and added stress.

NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin

“For people who go through a catastrophic flood, they are dealing with shock and disbelief, as well as the mud, debris and destruction left behind.

“This $50 million housing support package has been designed to provide safe and secure living arrangements for those most in need, so that they can focus on rebuilding their lives.

“We know in the Northern Rivers and in the Central West that people value the option of keeping their connection to their home and local community and these programs will allow residents in the Mid North Coast and Hunter to do just this.

“We also recognise the impact of disasters on renters and the importance of giving them a helping hand to re-establish themselves.

“We’ve been with the community since the start of this disaster, and we’ll continue to support the community during recovery.” 

The NSW Premier has again turned his back on the people of Western Sydney, refusing to support an urgent inquiry into the worsening crisis at Blacktown Hospital.
 
In Budget Estimates today, Premier Chris Minns rejected Opposition calls for an inquiry, choosing excuses and political spin over real answers for patients and families.
 
Opposition Leader Mark Speakman said families in western Sydney deserve real answers on why their hospitals are some of the poorest performing in the State.
 
“The Premier’s refusal to support an inquiry shows he’s more interested in political spin than fixing the health crisis in Western Sydney.”
 
Shadow Health Minister Kellie Sloane said the decision was deeply disappointing for the many families who have bravely shared their stories.
 
“The people of Western Sydney deserve answers. Instead of acknowledging the crisis and committing to action, the Premier is hiding behind excuses about the past. Families are sick and tired of excuses – they want solutions.”
 
The NSW Opposition is calling for a parliamentary inquiry into health outcomes and hospital access in Western Sydney.
 
Blacktown and Westmead Hospital are the worst performing hospitals in state for patients starting treatment on time. They also score poorly on patient satisfaction surveys.
 
“No one should be forced to lie on the floor of an emergency department or sleep in their car waiting for treatment. That’s not a health system – that’s a disgrace,” Mr Speakman said.
 
The terms of reference for the inquiry include a review of the operational performance, clinical safety and quality of care provided at Blacktown, Mount Druitt, Westmead, Cumberland, and Auburn Hospitals.

Game-changing testing for brevetoxins in shellfish will soon be able to be carried out at a new national testing facility in suburban Adelaide, fast tracking results for small businesses impacted by South Australia’s algal bloom.

As part of the $28 million algal bloom support package jointly funded with the Albanese Government, the Malinauskas Government has engaged local company Agilex Biolabs to develop the methodology to allow the testing for brevetoxins to be carried out at its Thebarton laboratory.

Whilst the vast majority of South Australia’s oyster industry is open and trading as usual, brevetoxins have been detected in shellfish in Australian waters for the first time, forcing the temporary closure of some harvesting areas.

Earlier this month, the state’s mussel industry was able to reopen for business following a reduction in brevetoxin levels in consecutive testing.

Currently, the testing performed by the South Australian Quality Assurance Program (SASQAP) results in samples to be sent to New Zealand for analysis, resulting in delays of up to a week.

The move to a new national testing in Adelaide will significantly reduce that delay, meaning businesses can more quickly return to normal once brevetoxins reduce to safe levels.

All commercially available seafood from South Australian waters is safe to eat.

The algal bloom support package includes:

• $10,000 Small Business Support Grants for eligible small businesses
• Grants of up to $100,000 for eligible impacted fisheries and aquaculture businesses
• Financial counselling, mental health support and workforce advice to assist small businesses impacted by the harmful algal bloom to develop recovery and continuity plans, understand the short and long-term implications, and help manage financial and mental wellbeing
• Coastal Monitoring Network – investing in expanded early detection and monitoring of harmful algal bloom species through real time sensors (buoys), satellite imagery and oceanographic modelling, with rapid detection of harmful algal blooms and early warning systems for industry
• Rapid assessment of fish stocks and fisheries to quantify impact
• Public forums and information campaigns
• A Community Fund to support activities and small projects in affected communities
• Beach clean-up funding

Further information on the algal bloom and support package is available at algalbloom.sa.gov.au

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“Australians love their seafood – and they also know some of the best comes from across South Australia.

“The ability to monitor and test for brevetoxins here in Adelaide will speed up the necessary processes to ensure food is safe and allow more shellfish on more plates more quickly.

“My Government is committed to working with the South Australian Government to mitigate the worst effects of this significant ecological event on industry and the environment.”

Premier Peter Malinauskas

“Australians can buy South Australian seafood with absolute confidence – knowing it is of the highest quality anywhere in the world.

“One of the reasons they can be assured is the testing of shellfish through the SASQAP program, and this investment we are making in partnership with the Albanese Government will deliver testing for brevetoxins right here in Adelaide.

“This new national facility will ensure test results can be turned around more quickly – meaning shellfish businesses which endure temporary closure can be back in business sooner when brevetoxin levels drop.

“In the interim, those businesses can apply for significant financial assistance, with grants that are significantly more generous than those on offer through the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The Minister for Families and Communities has confirmed in Budget Estimates Hearings today that the out of home care service provider that was subject of a forensic audit under Project Mareeba is Allambi Care. Out of home care service providers are responsible for ensuring vulnerable young people in NSW can be kept safe and secure where they cannot safely remain at home.

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

“The report from Project Mareeba is sober reading, and the discovery that Allambi Care has engaged in the significant misuse of public money is a shocking revelation, but unsurprising. We have been watching the out of home care system outsourced, privatised and falling further into crisis for a long time now,”

“This provider receives some $70 million each year in public monies in order to provide care for some of the most vulnerable young people in NSW, this report reveals serious issues including a property investment scheme for senior employees that is profiting from money intended to support children,”

“Out of home care providers in NSW are a critical part of our program of supporting young people, there are many good providers that are compliant with the rules and who deliver critical services. It’s fundamental that organisations who are acting in bad faith are stopped and held to account,”

“I acknowledge that Minister Washington has been pursuing this much-needed greater oversight and is working to reform a system that was left in crisis by the former Coalition Government, but I am keen to hear how she will be ensuring that good faith organisations, particularly Aboriginal Controlled Community Organisations will not be punished for the wrongs committed by other providers. It is Aboriginal Controlled Community Organisations who are carrying the biggest load in this system because of the overrepresentation of First Nations children in the system,”

“This system needs to be accountable and safe, but we cannot allow critical services for vulnerable young people to be compromised by quick solutions that demand a one size fits all solution. This is a good step, but it’s just one of many,” Ms Higginson said.
For media contact: Dan Reid on 0421 926 233

Background:

Following the System Review into OOHC, the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) engaged KordaMentha Forensic to conduct a forensic audit on a particular non-government OOHC provider (a non-ACCO ‘not-for-profit’ receiving +$70 million per year) to investigate specific issues identified through the system review process. The forensic audit found various issues of non-compliance and misuse of funds, including:

• An unapproved financial scheme to personally benefit senior executives
• This provider established a government-funded property investment scheme for senior staff, including the CEO
• 12 properties have been purchased by senior executives, then rented back to the provider with a guaranteed 20% market premium, funded by the NSW OOHC program
• General ownership/upgrades/maintenance costs were then incorrectly charged to DCJ instead of the investment property owners, for example:
  • rates,
  • water charges,
  • storm water upgrades,
  • building repairs/upgrades immediately after the purchase of property but before use in the OOHC program, including replacing hot water systems, new air conditioning systems, new blinds, new carpet, floor repairs, painting the entire house.
• The provider has admitted these costs should have been borne by the property owners, but offered no explanation why OOHC funds were misused, instead.
• Significant undeclared financial conflicts of interest
• Unapproved subcontracting arrangements
• Instances where the provider did not provide the necessary information to support the audit or assess compliance
• The use of an accounting treatment that misrepresented the true financial position of the agency
• Provider has represented itself to be in ‘deficit,’ while they were likely in surplus
• Separately, $30 million in term-deposits were identified by the audit team

Australians should have the legal right to work from home at least two days a week where it is practical and reasonable, according to federal Greens spokesperson for employment and workplace relations Senator Barbara Pocock.

Under the new Greens policy, employers would be required to positively consider reasonable requests to work from home at least two days a week, provided working from home was not at odds with the inherent nature of a workers’ role. 

Flexible work arrangements, such as the ability to work from home, have enabled millions of workers, many of them women, to balance care responsibilities with paid work. Legislating the right to work from home, where it is sensible and doable, will not only protect women’s access to the labour market and economic equality gains, it will also increase workforce participation and ultimately boost productivity.

Greens Leader and spokesperson on Women, Larissa Waters

“The Prime Minister supports Victorian Labor Premier Jacinta Allen’s push for legislating work from home two days a week. Now he has a chance to work with the Greens in federal parliament to make this a reality for those Australians whose jobs it suits.

“We know that for millions of Australians, especially women, the ability to work from home provides the flexibility they need to balance work with the other important things in their lives, including care. Many men are also looking for this flexibility, and it will help them be more involved in care responsibilities, and reduce commute time and cost for workers everywhere.

“In the same way that the Greens worked with Labor to establish the very successful Right to Disconnect, we want to work together to establish a reasonable right to work from home that will increase productivity and flexibility in workplaces.

“Given that most workers in Australia are covered by federal workplace law, it makes sense to create this right at the national level. We need a sensible, national approach.

Australian Greens spokesperson for employment and workplace relations, Senator Barbara Pocock:

“Working from home is not possible in all roles but where it is practical, workers should have a reasonable right to work from home for up to a couple of days a week. They should not be at risk of having that right arbitrarily removed when it is working in practical ways that boost productivity and help workers. 

“Women shouldn’t have to give up their careers to have a family. By improving work from home rights, we’re protecting women’s rights to work while caring for their families. This isn’t just a win for women, workers and families, it’s a win for our economy.

“The ability to work from home has many benefits, not only for women and carers – it also reduces the time spent on commuting, improves work-life balance, increases emotional and physical wellbeing, and boosts workforce participation and productivity.

“The Productivity Commission has found that working from home not only reduces breaks and sick days, it can be less distracting than working on-site, which can lead to improved productivity. Similarly, OECD research shows that working from home—especially in hybrid models—can boost productivity and employee well-being, provided businesses invest in digital tools and smart management practices.

“The Greens want to see real improvements in the conditions and rights of Australian workers that reflects the modern workplaces of 2025 and beyond. The Prime Minister has already acknowledged the benefits of working from home. Now he has an opportunity to work with the Greens to enshri

At a time when dialogue and diplomacy are needed more than ever, the Netanyahu Government is isolating Israel and undermining international efforts towards peace and a two-state solution.

This is an unjustified reaction, following Australia’s decision to recognise Palestine.

We will continue to work with partners as we contribute international momentum to a two-state solution, a ceasefire in Gaza and release of the hostages.

Australia welcomes different races, religions and views, united by respect for each other’s humanity and for each other’s right to live in peace.

We safeguard our communities and protect all Australians from hate and harm.

The Australian Government will always take decisive action against antisemitism.

The Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC) has confirmed in a letter to Greens MP Sue Higginson that it will investigate whether the conduct of police officers involved in the response to the assault, manslaughter and death of Ballina woman, Lindy Lucena, amounted to serious misconduct or serious maladministration.

Greens MP and spokesperson for justice, Sue Higginson said:

“This is a significant and necessary step towards justice for Lindy Lucena, her family and her community. On the night Lindy was violently assaulted and later died, a witness called triple-0 to report the incident just minutes from the Ballina Police Station. It took 55 minutes for police to respond and, when they did, they remained in their vehicle and failed to properly investigate the location,”

“The NSW Police have already interfered with justice for Lindy by refusing to declare her death a critical incident. This decision denied an immediate investigation with any oversight into the circumstances of the police failure of Lindy. When police fail in their duty in such serious circumstances, it should not be for police to investigate police to decide if their conduct was appropriate or not,”

“The NSW Police Force’s own Domestic and Family Violence Policy commits to a timely and professional response. Lindy got neither of these and it was clearly as a direct result of the actions of the police officers involved. This is why the LECC’s role is so important and I’m glad that they have agreed to undertake this investigation,”

“It shouldn’t come down to the family and loved ones of people who are failed by the police, or who are made victims by the police, to have to demand these types of investigations. Where police have had a role in the death of anyone, there should be an automatic and strong investigation by a truly independent and well-resourced watchdog,”

“My thoughts remain with Lindy’s family, friends and the Ballina community as they continue to seek justice for a loving mother, sister and local woman.”

LECC Letter to Sue Higginson attached.

File

Attachment	Size
Letter_from_Chief_Commissioner_re_Formal_complaint_death_of_Lindy.pdf	207.76 KB

The Minister for Families and Communities has confirmed in Budget Estimates Hearings today that the out of home care service provider that was subject of a forensic audit under Project Mareeba is Allambi Care. Out of home care service providers are responsible for ensuring vulnerable young people in NSW can be kept safe and secure where they cannot safely remain at home.

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

“The report from Project Mareeba is sober reading, and the discovery that Allambi Care has engaged in the significant misuse of public money is a shocking revelation, but unsurprising. We have been watching the out of home care system outsourced, privatised and falling further into crisis for a long time now,”

“This provider receives some $70 million each year in public monies in order to provide care for some of the most vulnerable young people in NSW, this report reveals serious issues including a property investment scheme for senior employees that is profiting from money intended to support children,”

“Out of home care providers in NSW are a critical part of our program of supporting young people, there are many good providers that are compliant with the rules and who deliver critical services. It’s fundamental that organisations who are acting in bad faith are stopped and held to account,”

“I acknowledge that Minister Washington has been pursuing this much-needed greater oversight and is working to reform a system that was left in crisis by the former Coalition Government, but I am keen to hear how she will be ensuring that good faith organisations, particularly Aboriginal Controlled Community Organisations will not be punished for the wrongs committed by other providers. It is Aboriginal Controlled Community Organisations who are carrying the biggest load in this system because of the overrepresentation of First Nations children in the system,”

“This system needs to be accountable and safe, but we cannot allow critical services for vulnerable young people to be compromised by quick solutions that demand a one size fits all solution. This is a good step, but it’s just one of many,” Ms Higginson said.
For media contact: Dan Reid on 0421 926 233

Background:

Following the System Review into OOHC, the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) engaged KordaMentha Forensic to conduct a forensic audit on a particular non-government OOHC provider (a non-ACCO ‘not-for-profit’ receiving +$70 million per year) to investigate specific issues identified through the system review process. The forensic audit found various issues of non-compliance and misuse of funds, including:

• An unapproved financial scheme to personally benefit senior executives
• This provider established a government-funded property investment scheme for senior staff, including the CEO
• 12 properties have been purchased by senior executives, then rented back to the provider with a guaranteed 20% market premium, funded by the NSW OOHC program
• General ownership/upgrades/maintenance costs were then incorrectly charged to DCJ instead of the investment property owners, for example:
  • rates,
  • water charges,
  • storm water upgrades,
  • building repairs/upgrades immediately after the purchase of property but before use in the OOHC program, including replacing hot water systems, new air conditioning systems, new blinds, new carpet, floor repairs, painting the entire house.
• The provider has admitted these costs should have been borne by the property owners, but offered no explanation why OOHC funds were misused, instead.
• Significant undeclared financial conflicts of interest
• Unapproved subcontracting arrangements
• Instances where the provider did not provide the necessary information to support the audit or assess compliance
• The use of an accounting treatment that misrepresented the true financial position of the agency
• Provider has represented itself to be in ‘deficit,’ while they were likely in surplus
• Separately, $30 million in term-deposits were identified by the audit team

Today we announce the appointment of Ms Jane Duke as Australia’s next Ambassador to Counter Modern Slavery, People Smuggling and Human Trafficking.

Ms Duke’s appointment highlights the Albanese Government’s ongoing commitment to working with partners as we strive to eradicate all forms of modern slavery.

Ms Duke will play a leading role in driving international cooperation, including close collaboration our region, to strengthen responses to modern slavery.

She will also be fundamental in promoting Australia’s work as Co-Chair of the Bali Process – the preeminent regional consultative forum for addressing the abhorrent crimes of people smuggling, human trafficking and related transnational crime.

Ms Duke is a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and was most recently Assistant Secretary, Southeast Asia Maritime Branch.

She has previously served overseas as Consul-General, Los Angeles; Ambassador to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Jakarta; Deputy Head of Mission, Australian High Commission, Kuala Lumpur; and Counsellor (Immigration), Australian Permanent Mission to the United Nations, Geneva.

The Albanese Government has worked hard to enhance our efforts to counter modern slavery. Last year, we established Australia’s first Anti-Slavery Commissioner to support victims, raise awareness, and help businesses address risks in their supply chains.

We were also recognised as one of 33 countries to achieve a Tier One ranking in the US Department of State 2024 Trafficking in Persons Report.

We thank former Ambassador Lynn Bell for her contribution and commitment to Australia’s mission to counter modern slavery, people smuggling and human trafficking.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong:

“Modern slavery knows no borders, which is why our ambassador’s role in engaging the international community is critical to our efforts to combat these abhorrent crimes.

“Human trafficking and modern slavery affect more than 50 million people worldwide.

“Australia remains committed to eradicating all forms of modern slavery, working internationally through our world-first ASEAN-Australia Counter Trafficking program and as a leader in the Bali Process, and at home through the establishment of our nation’s first independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner.”

Attorney-General Michelle Rowland:

“Modern slavery deprives victims of their dignity, fundamental rights and freedoms, and the Government has been clear that there is no place for these exploitative and sickening crimes.

“The Government is taking action to continue the fight against modern slavery, including through strengthening the Modern Slavery Act, building on our existing wide-ranging efforts to stamp out these practises.

“I congratulate Ms Duke on her appointment and look forward to working with her as we strive towards combatting modern slavery in all its forms.”

The Students in Northmead can look forward to making the most of new world-class public school facilities, following a recently-completed upgrade at Northmead Creative and Performing Arts High School, while a major upgrade of Northmead Public School is now underway.

The projects are part of the Minns Labor Government’s work to rebuild public education after a decade of Liberal and National neglect, with a record school infrastructure pipeline delivering new and upgraded schools to ensure every child has access to a world-class education at their local public school.

Acting Education Minister Courtney Houssos officially opened the new commercial-grade kitchen and other upgraded facilities at Northmead Creative and Performing Arts High School, before visiting Northmead Public School to mark the start of construction on a major upgrade that will replace demountables with permanent classrooms and return much needed playground space to students.

The new commercial kitchen at Northmead Creative and Performing Arts High School is equipped with industry-standard appliances meeting updated Vocational Education and Training (VET) requirements, providing students with a modern learning environment to support food technology studies.

The high school upgrade also delivered a new multipurpose room within the school library, along with a brand new toilet block and change room facilities.

The upgrade underway at Northmead Public School will replace demountable classrooms with four new permanent classrooms and two new special program rooms, and deliver refurbished administration facilities.

The construction contract for the Northmead Public School project has been awarded, with the project due for completion in 2026.

As part of the NSW Government’s plan to rebuild public education, the 2024-25 Budget is delivering record education funding, including $3.6 billion for new and upgraded schools in Western Sydney.

This targeted investment in schools in Western Sydney will ensure growing communities get access to a world class public education.

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:

“These important upgrades are part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to ensuring every child has access to the best educational facilities, no matter where they live.

“The new commercial kitchen at Northmead Creative and Performing Arts High School will give students hands-on experience in an industry-standard environment, ensuring they are well prepared for careers in hospitality and beyond.

“Replacing demountables with permanent classrooms is a key priority of the Minns Labor Government after the Liberals and Nationals made them a permanent fixture, crowding out playgrounds in too many schools across growing suburbs in Western Sydney.”

Northmead Creative and Performing Arts High School Principal Narelle Vazquez said:

“This upgrade will significantly enhance hands-on learning opportunities for our students, broadening the curriculum options to include Commercial Cookery and help them to prepare for real-world experiences in the hospitality industry.

“These state-of-the-art facilities are designed to enhance learning and foster creativity in the kitchen.

“We look forward to seeing our students thrive in this new learning environment, which offers them the opportunity to develop their culinary skills and passion for cooking.”

Northmead Public School Principal Elisa Baker said:

“We are thrilled to mark this milestone for our school community. This upgrade will give our students modern, permanent learning spaces that foster growth, curiosity, and success for years to come.

“Creating environments where students and teachers can thrive is an investment in our children’s future, which is why the start of construction is such an exciting moment for us.

“We look forward to watching the project take shape and seeing the positive impact it will have on our students, staff, and the wider community.”