$20 million boost for new maternity unit at Grafton Base Hospital

Pregnant women and their families across the Clarence Valley will benefit from an upgraded purpose-built maternity unit following a $20 million funding boost from the Minns Labor Government.

The additional funding as part of the 2026-27 NSW Budget brings the total contribution to the Grafton Base Hospital redevelopment to $283.8 million, and will deliver a contemporary maternity unit with dedicated birthing rooms and improved inpatient accommodation.

Funding will also enable the decommissioning and demolition of the existing unit.

Once complete, the purpose-built maternity unit will support the delivery of individualised, high quality and safe maternity care for families in the region.

The new unit forms part of the Grafton Base Hospital redevelopment, which will also deliver an expanded emergency department and short stay unit, medical imaging, MRI services, inpatient unit, day surgery and operating suite with two new operating theatres.

The maternity unit fit out is expected to be completed by 2029 – in the meantime, women will continue to receive maternity care at the existing unit.

The redevelopment has also recently reached a major milestone, with the main works contractor appointed and construction set to begin in the coming weeks. 

Richard Crookes Constructions has been appointed to deliver the main works, following a competitive tender process and planning approval.

The $20 million funding boost builds on the investment the Minns Labor has already delivered to improve maternity and family services, including the $83 million Maternity Package as part of the 2025-26 Budget.

For more information about the new Grafton Base Hospital redevelopment visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/health-and-wellbeing/health-infrastructure-projects/grafton-base-hospital-redevelopment

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:

“This investment will deliver women in the Clarence Valley improved access to world-class maternity care, closer to home.

“We know that contemporary maternity services and facilities lead to better outcomes and more positive experiences.

“This $20 million additional funding boost will enhance local maternity services and support women to access care that is consistent, compassionate and tailored to their needs.”

Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin:

“As Minister for the North Coast, I am thrilled to see this vital injection of funding for the Grafton Base Hospital redevelopment.

“This isn’t just about a new building; it’s about giving local women, babies, and hardworking healthcare staff the modern, purpose-built space they deserve.

“The Minns Labor Government is listening to regional communities and delivering the essential health infrastructure the Clarence Valley needs to thrive for generations to come.”

Labor Spokesperson for Clarence Emily Suvaal:

“This significant additional investment in maternity services is bringing the Grafton community and surrounding areas a step closer to improved health services.

“By building this new maternity unit, we are future-proofing much needed maternity services and care for the Clarence Valley community.”

Doctors plead with Minns Labor Government to drop three strikes drug driving policy

A joint letter by leading clinicians across NSW which raises urgent concerns about the Minns Labor Government’s three strikes drug driving policy, reinforces calls by the Liberals and Nationals to abandon the reckless change to road safety. 
 
Heads of trauma in major NSW hospitals and other specialists have co-signed the letter which says the policy is not supported by the medical evidence and should be withdrawn. 
 
The letter states the limit of 50 ng/ml permitted by Labor under their proposal: 
“…is not endorsed by any Australian or international peak clinical body. It is an administrative convenience that has been given the appearance of scientific authority it does not possess.”    
 
NSW Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane said Labor’s policy puts lives at risk. 
 
“When experts are warning that this policy could cost lives, pressing ahead regardless would be an extraordinary act of recklessness,” Ms Sloane said. 
 
“The Government should stop pretending this is evidence-based reform, withdraw the three-strikes policy and work with clinicians, road safety experts and patient groups on a system that protects both road users and medicinal cannabis patients.” 
  
Shadow Minister for Roads Mark Coure said the Minns Labor Government must immediately adopt the recommendations in the letter. 
 
“What more does Labor need to convince them this is a dangerous policy that puts at risk the safety of every road user,” Mr Coure said. 
 
“Those prescribed medicinal cannabis also deserve a legal system that protects them and not one that can’t tell if they took their medication two hours ago or 12.” 

Ending the gangland wars

A NSW Liberals and Nationals Government will create new offences targeting ‘violence brokers’ and go after the wealth of gangs to address the surge in gangland crime across Sydney.
 
Our Plan will:

  • Create new offences of using a violence broker or acting as a violence broker with a maximum penalty of 16 years or 20 years if a child is involved;
  • Double the funding to the NSW Crime Commission to allow it to identify more participants in organised crime and confiscate their unexplained wealth;
  • Extend unexplained wealth orders so they apply to anyone reasonably suspected of acting as or using a violence broker.
  • The Minns Labor Government has failed to curb escalating gangland violence across Sydney. When questioned by the Opposition, the Police Minister was unable to provide key details about the surge in criminal activity, offering only that “too many” incidents had occurred.

The Government’s legislation also failed to strengthen non-parole periods for serious gangland offences, undermining its claims of tougher penalties. The Opposition sought to amend the legislation to close this loophole, but Labor voted with the Greens against the changes, leaving its so-called crackdown without meaningful consequences for the worst offenders.
 
Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane said more must be done to combat the people recruiting young criminals to act on behalf of gangs.
 
“Sydney families are sick of their suburbs being turned into battlegrounds and the Minns Labor Government has not done enough to stay ahead of these criminals and their methods,” Ms Sloane said.
 
“In order to address the surge in gangland violence we need to both target the recruiters and go after what really matters to them, and in many cases that’s their money.”
 
Shadow Attorney-General Damien Tudehope said the additional funding for the NSW Crime Commission would build on the new powers it was given by the former Liberal and Nationals Government.
 
“Under our changes the NSW Crime Commission will be able to expand its expert team and seize the assets and unexplained wealth of more organised criminals,” Mr Tudehope said.
 
“Stripping organised crime groups of their illicit wealth is one of the most effective ways to dismantle their operations.”

Shadow Minister for Police Anthony Roberts said senior police have repeatedly warned the Minns Labor Government that young, inexperienced men were being recruited to carry out gangland crimes.
 
“Organised criminals have laughed at the Minns Labor Government’s new ineffective penalties which they could have toughened up if they had accepted our amendments,” Mr Roberts said.
 
“The public expects governments to stay one step ahead of organised crime, because these gangs are becoming increasingly sophisticated and ruthless and that’s what the Liberals and Nationals are committed to doing.”

Albo. Mass migration needed to solve fuel crisis

An interesting new attack line by Albo. Apparently, the only way to have warm relations with our Asian neighbours is to accept continuing mass migration. According to Albo, any attempt to put a stop to mass migration from Asian countries would torpedo our relations and would have made things like our collaborative work with Asian neighbours over the fuel crisis impossible.

These comments by Albo are next-level moronic. Far from taking any credit for the fuel crisis easing, the Labor Government should reflect on why we were so dangerously exposed in the first place. This was largely because of poor planning by Albo and his inability to ensure we had adequate reserves. He has no shame.

US-Iran agreement

The Australian Government welcomes the agreement by the United States and Iran.

Australia has long called for de‑escalation and an end to the conflict, including in Lebanon. As we have said, the longer this war goes on, the greater the impact will be.

Continued restraint and constructive engagement will be essential to prevent further escalation and secure a lasting agreement.

We are pleased the agreement between the US and Iran includes steps towards reopening the Strait of Hormuz and the restoration of freedom of navigation. While full recovery will take time, restoring this vital trade corridor is essential to easing pressure on energy prices and economies, including in our region.

We will continue to do all we can to shield Australians from the worst impacts of this conflict. Australia now has more fuel in its reserves than ever and we will continue to work hard to ensure we have adequate supply.

We encourage all parties to use this opportunity to pursue a durable and lasting peace through dialogue and diplomacy. Iran must address longstanding concerns about its nuclear program and the threat it poses to international security.

We commend the efforts to date of Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and other mediating countries.

Australia will continue to engage with international partners to promote peace, stability and security in the Middle East.

NEWCASTLE INNER CITY BYPASS FULLY CONNECTED IN MAJOR PROJECT MILESTONE

Motorists travelling through Newcastle are a step closer to bypassing 11 sets of traffic lights and reduced peak travel times, with the Newcastle Inner City Bypass now fully connected between Rankin Park and Jesmond for the first time.

The project is backed by a $488.2 million investment from the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments, with $390.6 million from the Commonwealth and $97.6 million from New South Wales.

The fifth and final section of the Newcastle Inner City Bypass will improve safety, ease congestion and deliver faster, more reliable journeys for motorists.

Once complete, the bypass is expected to remove up to 30,000 vehicles a day from Newcastle Road, which is currently used by around 40,000 to 60,000 vehicles daily, as well as Croudace Street and Lookout Road – reducing pressure on local roads and improving travel times across the network.

Motorists travelling north–south on the new section of bypass will benefit from peak-period travel times expected to be more than halved. Completing these earthworks enabled crews to connect the main bypass alignment for the first time and continue work on road surfacing, safety barriers and noise walls.

With all major bridges now complete and the route connected, work is now focused on finishing the northern interchange ramps, final road surfacing, shared user path connections, traffic systems and landscaping ahead of opening.

The Rankin Park to Jesmond section is expected to open to traffic before the end of 2026, weather permitting.

The project will also strengthen connections to key destinations including Bennetts Green, Charlestown and Jesmond shopping centres, the University of Newcastle, the Pacific Highway and the John Hunter Hospital precinct.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King:

This transformational $488.2 million investment has supported local jobs and businesses during construction as well as delivering long-lasting productivity and liveability benefits for the entire Newcastle community.

By delivering this vital missing link, we are slashing congestion, significantly improving safety, and keeping Newcastle moving.”

NSW Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley:

This is a major milestone for Newcastle and the Hunter, connecting Rankin Park to Jesmond for the first time on a road our region has needed for decades.

As a Hunter local, I know how much pressure growth is putting on our roads, our hospital precinct and our key centres.

This bypass will help take that pressure off, cut congestion and keep people moving across the region.”

NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison:

Projects like the Newcastle Inner City Bypass are about something simple: helping people get where they need to be so they can spend more time with their family, doing things they love and less time on the road.

This milestone means we’re closer to delivering a bypass that will make every-day travel simpler, faster and more reliable for thousands of locals across Newcastle and the Hunter.

“Delivering major construction at one of the busiest intersections in the Hunter while keeping traffic moving is an enormous task, made even more challenging by periods of wet weather.

This milestone is a credit to the 900 workers who have safely delivered this complex work under difficult conditions, and I want to thank them for their commitment to keeping this project moving forward for the people of Newcastle and the Hunter.”

Federal Member for Newcastle, Sharon Claydon:

The Albanese Labor Government is making a massive investment in Newcastle’s future, delivering safer roads and faster journeys for thousands of local motorists every day.

“By bypassing up to 11 sets of traffic lights and peak travel times expected to reduce by half, this project will save people time and ease pressure on our local road network.

“This is the infrastructure Newcastle needs – reducing congestion, improving safety and helping our city keep moving.”

Federal Member for Paterson, Meryl Swanson:

Connecting these final pieces means taking up to 30,000 vehicles a day off the existing Lookout Road, Croudace Street, and Newcastle Road routes.

By bypassing up to 11 sets of traffic lights, motorists will see peak travel times reduced by more than half, meaning less time in traffic and more time at home with family.”

NSW Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery:

“People in Newcastle have been talking about the need for this connection for years, so seeing the bypass fully connected for the first time is a significant moment for our community.

“This project will take pressure off local roads, make trips more predictable and help people spend less time sitting in traffic.

“With the major structures complete and the route now connected, local residents can see the finish line. We’re getting closer to opening a piece of infrastructure that will improve the way people move around Newcastle every day.”

AUKUS partners take next steps towards Submarine Rotational Force-West

Submarine Rotational Force‑West (SRF-West) is another step closer to being established, with critical support elements now in place – as Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom continue to work at pace to deliver the AUKUS partnership. 

The Albanese Government is investing up to $8 billion to expand HMAS Stirling in Western Australia, creating around 3,000 direct Australian jobs. 

As part of this process, the US Navy has this week announced it will commence support activities at HMAS Stirling – in cooperation with Australia and the UK – with US personnel to begin rotating to HMAS Stirling later this year. This will include:

  • The reestablishment of US Submarine Squadron 3 to oversee the operation of US nuclear-powered submarines (SSNs) rotating from HMAS Stirling in support of SRF‑West. Submarine Squadron 3 will work alongside Australian and UK personnel to lay the groundwork for Australia’s own maintenance, logistics, and operational support of our sovereign controlled and operated SSNs.
  • The establishment of a Lead Maintenance Activity in WA from mid-2026 to support the maintenance of US submarines assigned to SRF-West, and provide ongoing valuable training to Australia’s workforce. 
  • The establishment of Naval Support Activity Stirling – which will grow in the coming months – to deliver support services and programs for US personnel, contractors, and their families rotating as part of SRF-West. 

US force posture cooperation in Australia, including SRF-West, takes place under the Force Posture Agreement. This recognises that access and use of Australian facilities and areas is on a rotational basis, as mutually determined and at the invitation of Australia, with full respect for Australian sovereignty.

Defence and the Australian Submarine Agency will work with the US to ensure its personnel can seamlessly integrate into the WA community, minimising impact, including on housing, transport, and healthcare.  

SRF-West will significantly develop Australia’s ability to operate, maintain and safely steward our future conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines. Deploying our Navy personnel on visiting UK and US boats will provide valuable at-sea experience with naval nuclear propulsion. It will also strengthen the skills, systems and supply chains required to build and maintain Australian submarines. 

This builds on work already underway in the US, where the Royal Australian Navy has more than 200 personnel on training and postings, focusing on the safe operation and qualification on nuclear-powered submarines.

In addition, more than 220 Australian industry personnel are now in the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, building the experience needed to sustain Virginia class submarines. Since December 2025, more than ten of these industry workers have returned to Australia, and are applying their skills in Australia.

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles: 

“The Albanese Government welcomes this announcement from the United States which demonstrates that AUKUS is on track and it is happening now.

“AUKUS is delivering a generational investment in the Western Australian economy, one that will support thousands of jobs for decades to come.

“SRF-West will directly support submarine deployments by expanding maintenance options and sustainment infrastructure and achieve Australia’s ability to own, operate, maintain and sustain our own conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarine capability.

Joint announcement on the International Peace Fund for Israel and Palestine

Today, we the Foreign Ministers of the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada are pleased to announce that we will establish a new International Peace Fund for Israelis and Palestinians, a multi-donor initiative to support peacebuilding efforts to establish the conditions for a lasting peace.

We are doing so at a moment of acute crisis in Israel and Palestine. The last three years have exacted a devastating and dehumanising toll on civilians and deepened mistrust and division between communities. At the same time, civil society has faced increasing restrictions and unprecedented pressure.

As prospects for a two-state solution remain challenging in the short term, there is an urgent need to invest in the conditions that can make future peace possible, through sustained dialogue and vital grassroots engagement.

We remain committed to a just and lasting resolution to the Israel-Palestine conflict, based on a negotiated two-state solution in which Israeli and Palestinian people can live in peace, security and dignity.

The fund will help strengthen the voices of moderates and marginalise the extremists, including Hamas.

As we have learned from other entrenched conflicts around the world, peace cannot be achieved through political and security measures alone. It also requires sustained effort to rebuild trust, to strengthen cooperation, and to highlight the shared humanity of people.

The Peace Fund will invest in programmes that advance a two-state solution, help reduce division, strengthen civil society, and support dialogue and cooperation within and between Israeli and Palestinian communities, building the foundations for peace.

The Fund will complement existing diplomatic, humanitarian and development efforts by helping to build the relationships, confidence and shared understanding needed for successful negotiations.

Funding contributions underscore strong international commitment to this initiative. As such, we will each be contributing initial seed funding equivalent to £1 million over three years. Once established, the Fund will be open to additional financial contributions from international partners committed to advancing peace.

Funding will be directed to trusted civil society organisations (CSOs) in both Israel and Palestine, with demonstrated expertise in peacebuilding and dialogue. Additional information on the fund, and its modalities will be announced shortly.

We call on our international partners to support this initiative and invest in the long-term foundations of peace. We also urge all parties to the conflict to take steps to reduce tensions, protect civilians, including humanitarian workers, and uphold international law.

The United Kingdom, Australia and Canada remain committed to working with partners to advance a two-state solution, as the only viable option for peace, security and dignity for Israelis and Palestinians.

Inquiry reveals human cost of housing crisis

The Brisbane public hearing for the Greeens-led Senate Inquiry into intergenerational housing inequity has today revealed the human cost of the housing crisis.

Evidence to the committee today showed:

  • Astronomical house price increases are causing high levels of financial and emotional stress for households across the country, forcing people to make sacrifices, impoverishing people and causing homelessness.
  • The current rental market is the most unaffordable in Australian history with some of the highest rates of rental stress.
  • Australia’s population of “forever renters” is on the rise as homeownership becomes increasingly out of reach.
  • Renters, who make up a third of households, face deep housing insecurity, due to insecure rental contracts, unlimited rent increases and no-cause evictions.
  • Canberra is currently the most affordable city to rent due to the introduction of rent caps.
  • With 640,000 people in need of social housing, Labor’s 55,000 social and affordable homes aren’t making a dint.
  • Total social housing stock (public and community housing) declined by 240 homes between 2024 and 2025, in large part as a result of demolition and privatisation of public housing, despite the Labor Government’s flagship social housing policy the Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF). 
  • The Government’s building of public housing won’t meet existing demand. So far, 1,432 homes have been built under the HAFF while 190,000 people are on public housing wait lists.
  • Homelessness is a killer. Just one night of experiencing rough sleeping or homelessness can be lethal. People without stable housing are dying thirty years younger.
  • Up to 9 people a day are dying – for people with recent experience of homelessness. The majority of these deaths are preventable and avoidable.
  • The cost of living crisis and interest rate hikes are contributing to increased rates of domestic and family violence, resulting in homelessness.

Lines attributable to Greens spokesperson for finance, housing and homelessness and Senator for South Australia, Barbara Pocock:

“The evidence is clear: The housing crisis is killing people. 

“Australia is a wealthy country. We cannot accept that nine people a day are dying because of the housing crisis. We need to get people off the streets and into safe and secure housing. 

“Successive governments have prioritised property hoarding over building public, social and affordable housing. They have created an unfair housing system that benefits the top 20% instead of people needing a roof over their heads.

“Our housing system is not working for ordinary people. Big banks, big developers and property hoarders are profiting from a housing crisis that is literally costing people their lives.

“Renters around the country are facing some of the worst housing insecurity in living memory. Too many households are just one rent increase away from eviction or homelessness. 

“Despite Labor claiming to spend big on social housing, we’re actually going backwards and building less than before.

“In the 1960s, we had a government that built 18% of all homes in Australia. Now it’s an investor’s market. The Government needs to get back into the business of building affordable housing directly. It needs to start treating housing like a human right.

“We urgently need to build affordable and public housing to house the 190,000 people on public housing wait lists.

“The housing crisis is costing our country billions of dollars. The Government had the opportunity to actually fix the housing crisis in the federal budget but instead it chose to tinker around the edges. 

“High interest rates are passed onto renters who don’t have a buffer because they are the buffer for landlords. The Government must coordinate nationwide rent caps and a ban on no-cause evictions to protect renters.”

Public hearing link

Independent review slams NSW Police culture of violence, bullying, sexual harassment

Pressure is mounting on the Minns Labor Government to bolster the powers and remit of the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission to investigate NSW Police after an independent review into police lambasted the culture.

The report detailed systemic sexual harassment, bullying, discrimination and abuse perpetrated against female officers and victims of crime and chronic failures of the very systems designed to prevent or address these harmful behaviours and practices.

Greens MP and spokesperson for justice and solicitor Sue Higginson said: 

“The independent review has proven the toxic, misogynist and unsafe culture within New South Wales Police is not confined to a few bad apples. We need to be real about what this report has found, we are talking about a system that is rotten at its core that threatens the integrity of our system of law enforcement,

“Every single woman interviewed in the police force disclosed harassment and abuse without exception, this must be a wake-up call for the Minns Labor Government,

“Police are subjecting women within their own ranks to serious harm, women are blackmailed into sex, subject to racial slurs and choked in the name of ‘teaching them the ropes’. This is how police treat their own, and we have recently had a glimpse of how they treat the people of New South Wales in the recent 4 Corners,

“Police are entrusted with extraordinary surveillance powers and deadly weapons, and public confidence in police is cascading.

“I am not surprised by anything I have read in this report. I have been hearing directly about this type of toxic culture since coming into Parliament. I tried very hard in 2023 to get an inquiry up into policing in NSW, and at that time the Police Minister seemed to be on board. I understand it was Premier Chris Minns who prevented any inquiry at that time,

“It is very clear that the only way out of this mess is a radical program of reform and greater independent oversight,

“I am once again calling on the Minister for Police Yasmin Catley to offer more than concern, and Premier Chris Minns to provide the independent police watchdog, the LECC, with more resources and immediately legislate powers the LECC has been calling for to investigate police misconduct,

“The police’s own Professional Standards Command have overseen this system of violence, bullying and sexual harassment because for too long, the Government have enabled a system of police investigating police. This system is enabling severe harm and immediate legislative intervention is a must,” Ms Higginson said.