Greens slam state of childcare after more malpractice cases uncovered

The Greens say the early education and care system is in desperate need of overhaul after today’s shocking reports revealed further safety and reporting concerns and a preventable infant death in an unlicensed childcare centre.

Today, the ABC and The Sydney Morning Herald revealed:

  • Childcare company Affinity Education withheld information from detectives during the Joshua Brown investigation.
  • A 15 week old baby died in an unlicensed care centre while in an unsafe sleeping environment.

Senator Steph Hodgins-May, the Australian Greens spokesperson for early childhood education and care will question the federal Department of Education at Senate Estimates tomorrow (Friday) on key issues of quality and safety and the rollout of safety reforms announced by the Government. 

In August, the Greens successfully established a Senate Inquiry into the quality and safety of early childhood education and care after the government failed to adequately address the deep flaws in the system and responded with piecemeal fixes. 

Greens spokesperson for early education and care, Senator Steph Hodgins-May: 

“As a parent, it’s distressing to see our childcare system continue to let down children and families. 

“Time and time again, the system is allowing these cases of malpractice to go unchecked. It’s a symptom of a broken, profit-driven system. 

“While the Labor government drags its feet with band-aid fixes, children, parents and educators are paying the price through unsafe environments and ignored complaints. 

“A market-driven childcare system will always put profit over the safety and quality of our children’s care. 

“In Estimates tomorrow, I’ll be pressing  the Department of Education for answers on how it intends to provide the accountability parents deserve.

“We have also established a Senate Inquiry into the quality and safety of early learning, to uncover the systemic failings and put forward strong reforms so parents can finally trust the system. The inquiry will report back in March, and we look forward to its findings.

Calls for Opera House sails to be lit with Palestinian flag after Supreme Court decision

The two year anniversary of the current and ongoing genocide by Israel against the Palestinian people in Gaza should be recognised by the NSW Government by the lighting of the Sydney opera House sails with the Palestinian flag. The call comes as the NSW Police have prevented a community rally to mark the anniversary from being given protection from prosecution if it goes ahead.

Greens MP and spokesperson for justice Sue Higginson said:

“The Sydney Opera House has been lit to recognise international issues of importance for years, including for India’s independence, French victims of terrorism, the war crimes committed against Ukraine, and most recently with the flag of Israel. It’s time for the NSW Government to recognise the international atrocity of genocide being committed against the people of Palestine,”

“More than 67,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israel over the last two years, with at least 20,000 of them being children. This means a child has been murdered by Israel every hour since this genocide started,”

“The decision by the NSW Supreme Court today, to prohibit a planned rally at the Opera House this Sunday, is a setback for the right to protest in NSW, but it is not a setback to the community movement against Israel’s genocide,”

“Hundreds of thousands of people marched across the Harbour Bridge in the March for Humanity a few months ago, and likely tens of thousands more will be rallying in NSW again this Sunday. Premier Chris Minns should heed the community, and mark this two years of genocide by lighting the Opera House sails this Sunday evening in solidarity with all of those murdered Palestinians,”

“The community has rallied continuously for two years against the actions of Israel, and we will continue to rally until the genocide ends and the perpetrators are brought to international justice,” Ms Higginson said.

Faruqi joins families and supporters to welcome home Abubakir Rafiq, Juliet Lamont, and Hamish Paterson at Sydney Airport

Deputy Leader of the Australian Greens and spokesperson for International Aid & Global Justice, Senator Mehreen Faruqi, joined supporters and family members this morning to welcome home three of the courageous Australians who attempted to deliver aid to Gaza and break Israel’s illegal blockade, aboard the Sumud Flotilla.

Senator Mehreen Faruqi, Deputy Leader of the Greens and spokesperson for International Aid & Global Justice:

“I am so relieved to welcome our heroes back home and I am so proud of them. We have all been worried sick about what the Israeli military would do to them given their horrific track record.

“The Australian people are so proud of them. These are everyday people who are willing to put their lives on the line to deliver lifesaving food and medical supplies to Palestinians suffering Israel’s genocide and starvation.

“They carried with them not only lifesaving supplies, but hope. Hope that in a world where governments like ours choose to do nothing as a livestreamed genocide occurs, that there are people out there willing to risk it all to save lives. It reminds us of the good in this world. I am so grateful and thankful to them for stepping up where governments have failed.

“The treatment of these Australians at the hands of Israel has shown that Minister Wong’s strategy of trying to appease a genocidal bully doesn’t work. Prime Minister Albanese and Minister Wong remained silent while these humanitarians were aboard the flotilla and then imprisoned by Israel, but surely they should hold Israel to account for illegally abducting, imprisoning and abusing Australian citizens, and for the genocide in Gaza.

“Palestinian people are still dying every day. They are still being starved. I have no doubt that people will take to the streets and take to the oceans until there is justice, long-lasting peace and liberation for Palestinians.”

Over two million visits to Medicare Urgent Care Clinics

Australians have clocked up more than two million visits to Labor’s free Medicare Urgent Care Clinics, easing pressure on hospital emergency departments and keeping critical care focused where it is needed most.

New data shows that the average number of visits to Medicare Urgent Care Clinics has risen to almost 26,000 per week nationally, and this number is expected to continue to grow as more clinics open.

Nearly half of all patients who attended a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic would have used a hospital emergency department if no clinic was available.

The Albanese Labor Government has delivered 90 Medicare Urgent Care Clinics with another 47 to open by mid-next year, which in total will provide services to around two million people every year.

Once all 137 clinics are open, 4 in 5 Australians will live within a 20-minute drive of a clinic according to analysis by the Department of Health and Aged Care.

Clinics are open for extended hours, filling a vital gap when regular GP practices are often closed. Nearly 30 per cent of visits to Medicare Urgent Care Clinics have taken place on weekends, and 25 per cent of patients have attended after 5pm on weekdays.

Medicare Urgent Care Clinics offer free care with no appointment needed, for illnesses and injuries that are urgent but not life-threatening, such as gastro, mild burns, sports injuries, insect bites, and minor infections. For more information, please visit Find your nearest Medicare Urgent Care Clinic.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“Two million visits is a testament to the value of Medicare Urgent Care Clinics, which are great for patients and vital for taking pressure off hospital emergency departments.

“When you go to an Urgent Care Clinic, all you will need is your Medicare card, not your credit card.

“Labor created Medicare, and we are building Australia’s future with the largest investment in Medicare in over 40 years.”

Health Minister Mark Butler:

“The Albanese Government’s Medicare Urgent Care Clinics have changed the face of health care in Australia.

“The clinics have been a game changer for communities around the country.

“No wonder over two million Australians have accessed this health care.

“They are taking the pressure off hospitals and delivering fully bulk billed urgent care with no appointment needed.

“All patients need is their Medicare card, not their credit card.”

First Phase of US Brokered Peace Plan in Middle East

The announcement by the President of the United States that Israel and Hamas have agreed to implement the first phase of a US-brokered peace plan should inspire hope in Australia and across the world.

All fair-minded Australians will welcome this announcement. We must remain hopeful today’s announcement will be borne out over the coming days.

The Coalition has supported the US-brokered peace plan from its announcement, and we have stood with Israel and the United States through this conflict. Such an outcome is why the Australian Government should always have stood with our closest ally the United States.

Today marks a hopeful first step toward the release of hostages held for over two years, the end of this war, and the beginning of enduring peace.

This development also underscores what the Coalition has been saying for weeks – now is not a time to protest, it is a time to provide our support to this effort which has delivered the real prospect of peace after two years of conflict.

Camp Shortland shifts gears from racetrack to recreation following community feedback

Overwhelming community support for free and accessible active recreation at Camp Shortland is helping drive the design for the future of the popular coastal site.

More than 500 participants weighed in on what should stay as part of City of Newcastle’s staged remediation of the former Newcastle 500 track.

Aerial view Camp ShortlandAn aerial view of Camp Shortland, including the existing temporary elements that were put in place on the former racetrack area.

Community members were invited to share how they use Camp Shortland and whether temporary fitness, sport and play elements introduced in 2020 to activate the racetrack area between events should remain as part of the site’s permanent landscape.

City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath said the consultation revealed clear priorities that will help guide the site’s design.

“The message from our community has been resoundingly clear, they want Camp Shortland to remain an accessible space for active recreation that welcomes people of all ages and abilities,” Mr Bath said.

“We’ve heard strong support for keeping the half basketball court and fitness equipment, along with suggestions to consolidate or relocate some of the exercise elements to achieve a better balance between active recreation and open green space.

“What’s particularly encouraging is the diversity of feedback, with 40 different suburbs represented, every age demographic from school-age to retirees, and more than 100 responses from beyond our local government area. 

“This tells us Camp Shortland truly functions as a regional asset, not just a local park and is highly valued by the community as part of the broader regionally significant Foreshore Park precinct.”

The consultation also informed the community about planned upgrades to existing infrastructure including barbecues, seating and shelters, which will be incorporated into the final design to enhance the functionality and comfort of the space.

The feedback will be used to refine the final landscape plan for the staged remediation, which must balance social, environmental, technical and heritage requirements.

It will then be submitted to the NSW Department of Environment and Heritage for assessment. As Camp Shortland sits within the State Heritage-listed Coal River Precinct, any modifications require approval to ensure they preserve the area’s cultural and historical significance. 

Mr Bath said the community would have another opportunity to review and provide feedback on the updated plan before it proceeds to final endorsement.

“Before we submit anything for final Heritage approval we’re committed to bringing the updated landscape plan back to the community for review,” Mr Bath said. 

“We want residents to see how their feedback has shaped the design and have another opportunity to provide input.

“Our goal is to create a space that honours Camp Shortland’s heritage, serves our community’s wellbeing and can be enjoyed for generations to come. The feedback we’ve received gives us a strong foundation to achieve that outcome.”

For more information and to view the engagement reports, visit the Have Your Say section of City of Newcastle’s website.

Ceremony celebrates Councillors’ commitment to share civic honour

Newcastle’s youngest Deputy Lord Mayor has passed the baton of civic leadership to the first Greens councillor to hold the role in almost a decade during a ceremony at City Hall today.

Ward Four Liberal Councillor Callum Pull officially handed over the title, and the Deputy Lord Mayor’s chains, to Councillor Charlotte McCabe after completing a year-long stint in the role.

Councillor Callum Pull officially passes on the Deputy Lord Mayor chains to Councillor Charlotte McCabe as part of a handover ceremony at City Hall today.The transition marks the first changeover for this council term as part of a unanimously supported amendment moved by former Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen in October 2024, to share the position between four Councillors over four years.

Cr Pull became Newcastle’s youngest Deputy Lord Mayor when he was elected to the role at age 23 in October last year and is the second Liberal to hold the title following Councillor Brad Luke’s service from 2012-2014. 

He said it had been an “incredible honour” to serve as the Deputy Lord Mayor. 

“Throughout my 12 months as Deputy Lord Mayor I’ve been focused on initiatives that genuinely improve outcomes for the people I represent,” Cr Pull said.

“From championing an independent review of Council’s processes to the Minmi Road duplication as part of our record $145 million capital works program, I’ve focused every day on driving positive change. 

“The sharing of this role recognises the diverse political makeup of the Council our city elected. 

“It has been heartening to see that the majority of Councillors have been able to work across party lines and find compromise, because the political reality of the chamber is that compromise is essential and is the key to success.

“It has been one of the most eventful first 12 months of a Council term I’ve seen but through it all the city has continued to progress and that’s something I’m incredibly proud of and I hope will continue throughout the rest of the term.”

Cr McCabe is the first Greens Deputy Lord Mayor to serve in nearly a decade, following the term of former Councillor Michael Osbourne, which finished in 2016.  

She said she was honoured to take on the role of Deputy Lord Mayor.

“I think this strengthens the Council through bringing different skills and experience to the role. It also allows us to demonstrate that the diverse political perspectives of our electorate are included and acknowledged in a collaborative, inclusive governing body,” Cr McCabe said.

“As a second term Councillor it’s been incredible to see the tangible results taking place across the city after we’ve gone through the careful processes of consultation and refining plans, through to final adoption in the chamber.

“I’m looking forward to working closely with the Lord Mayor, Councillors and staff as we continue to deliver our strategic plans and respond to the needs of our community.”

From L-R: Cr Deahnna Richardson, Cr Callum Pull, Cr Charlotte McCabe and Cr Declan Clausen will share the role of Deputy Lord Mayor over the council term.Four councillors were nominated to serve a one-year tenure over the four-year period of this elected Council’s term. Cr McCabe will be followed by Labor Councillors Declan Clausen and Deahnna Richardson in 2026 and 2027 respectively. 

Minns Labor Government targets forklift safety as part of safe work month compliance blitz

The Minns Labor Government is launching a month-long compliance blitz campaign in October with a specific focus on forklift safety with over 250 SafeWork inspectors travelling across regional and metropolitan NSW to conduct unannounced checks.

The initiative is part of National Safe Work month and follows several injuries and fatalities, including a tragic forklift death last month in Sydney’s east.

Mobile plant, vehicles and fixed machinery is one of SafeWork NSW’s five regulatory priorities and is a leading cause of traumatic injuries and fatalities in workplaces.

Since January 2024, more than 600 forklift incidents have been reported to SafeWork NSW. Four of these tragically resulted in a fatality, while two thirds were considered dangerous, where there was no injury to a worker but there was a potential of harm being caused. 

70 per cent of these forklift incidents occurred in the manufacturing, postal, transport and warehousing industries. 

Incidents involving forklifts include collisions, rollovers, and objects falling off forklifts and often have serious and life changing consequences.

The Safe Work Month Compliance blitz will also cover SafeWork NSW’s other regulatory priorities which cause the greatest risk to workers including: 

  • Falls from heights
  • Harms to workers in the health care and social assistance sector
  • Managing psychosocial risks at work – including sexual harassment
  • Exposure to hazardous substances including asbestos, crystalline silica and welding fumes

Business owners and workers can access a range of resources to help manage the risks of working with forklifts on the SafeWork NSW website at: https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/hazards-a-z/forklifts. 

For more information on National Safe Work Month, visit the Safe Work Australia website at https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/national-safe-work-month. 

Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said:

“SafeWork NSW’s month-long compliance blitz in October is a timely reminder that safety non-negotiable and should be the top priority for anyone operating a forklift.

“On average every year, one worker loses their life every week in the workplace. That’s one death too many.

“This compliance blitz builds on the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to make SafeWork NSW a tougher cop on the beat and follows a major $127.7 million investment over the next four years to address psychosocial hazards and compliance and enforcement of safe work practices.  

“Every worker has the right to go to work and return home safely to their loved ones.”

Member for Leppington Nathan Hagarty said:

“Every forklift incident is one too many. With so many industrial businesses in the Leppington electorate, safety must always be front and centre.

“These checks are about making sure every worker goes home safely at the end of the day—because no job, deadline or sense of urgency is worth a life.”

SafeWork Commissioner Janet Schorer said:

“Work health and safety is an everyday priority, and we should not limit ourselves to taking the correct precautions to one month a year.  

“Forklifts are used in construction sites across NSW daily, yet every year they continue to contribute workplace deaths and injuries that often result in substantial human and financial costs for workers, industry and the community. 

“SafeWork NSW remains committed to supporting industry and workplaces in keeping their workers safe and inspectors will be out in full force to ensure businesses with workers using mobile plant, vehicles or fixed machinery such forklifts are engaging with the proper practises for keeping safer workplaces.” 

Sydney makes a ‘big bang’ at record-breaking International Astronautical Congress

The International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2025) in Sydney has blasted past expectations with an estimated $47 million boost to the visitor economy, more than doubling original forecasts.

The global space gathering is officially the largest international conference held in Sydney since the COVID pandemic.

Visitor numbers broke records, with more than 7,400 delegates, including international space agencies, industry leaders, and academia from around 100 countries, descending on Sydney for the five-day event at the International Convention Centre (Sept 29 – Oct 3).

More than 12,000 members of the public, including many NSW school students, registered for the Congress’ ’Space Day – Powered by LEGO® Play’ on Friday, 3 October, where families and students got the chance to step into the shoes of space explorers and innovators.

In total, more than 19,000 people participated in IAC 2025 and Space Day, which showcased Australia and NSW’s cutting-edge space industry on the global stage.

More than 450 companies, institutions and governments from all over the world showcased their innovative solutions on the event’s huge 19,000sqm exhibition floor. This included more than 60 organisations from NSW.

One of the standout NSW innovations showcased at the IAC was ‘Charlotte’ – a fully autonomous 3D printing robot designed to support lunar exploration and deliver low-cost, low-carbon housing solutions here on Earth.

Crest Robotics – part of the NSW consortium that developed Charlotte – has signed an MoU with US space exploration company Intuitive Machines. The partnership will explore opportunities to integrate Charlotte’s technology into future lunar missions, leveraging Intuitive Machines’ expertise in Moon landings and space systems.

IAC 2025 marked a significant milestone for NSW’s space sector, elevating our local innovation on the global stage, opening new pathways for international commercialisation, and showing the world that NSW is not just participating in Australia’s space economy, but is a global leader.

The NSW Government thanks the International Astronautical Federation for partnering to make the 2025 Congress a success, and acknowledges its co-hosts, the Space Industry Association of Australia and the Australian Space Agency.

The baton has been passed to Atalya in Turkey, which will host next year’s IAC.

Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said:

“The success of IAC 2025 showed the importance of high-value events to the state’s visitor economy.

“With over 7,400 delegates from more than 90 countries, IAC 2025 has delivered a significant boost to the NSW visitor economy, filling hotels, restaurants and attractions.

“High-value events like the IAC are critical to the NSW Visitor Economy strategy, and it’s goal of $91 billion in visitor expenditure by 2035 — supporting local businesses and jobs, and fostering industry collaboration and growth.”

Minister for Industry and Trade and Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“Events such as the IAC are magnets for talent and investment. They fuel our knowledge economy and showcase Sydney’s capacity to host world-class events.

“We’re proud to have welcomed thousands of international delegates, industry leaders and space enthusiasts to our city – the event has exceeded all expectations.

“We might not always think about it, but space and satellites keep our world spinning – powering everything from crops to commerce – so it’s vital that we continue to inspire the next generation of scientists who will keep building the Australian space industry.

“As the biggest international conference held in Sydney post-pandemic, the IAC in Sydney has been a transformative moment – not only for businesses within our space ecosystem to pursue new growth opportunities, but also for inspiring the next generation to explore futures in STEM.”

Business Events Sydney (BESydney) CEO Amanda Lampe said:

“When we secured this event four years ago, coming out of the pandemic, our estimates of what it could bring to the state were understandably conservative. Reaching this participation milestone is a credit to the collaborative efforts of state and federal governments working hand in hand in glove with industry and the academic community in a shared drive to achieve great things for Australia’s future.

“Over and above the $47 million economic injection into the visitor economy, IAC 2025 has advanced science, fostered innovation, catalysed trade and investment and shone the light on our city as the best place to live, work, study, advance research and do business.”

New suspension bridge to connect Casino community

Construction has officially commenced on an iconic suspension bridge across the Richmond River in the NSW Northern Rivers, marking a major step towards better connecting the Casino community into the future.

The landmark suspension bridge, jointly funded by the Albanese and Minns Governments, will form the centrepiece of a proposed new riverside precinct, connecting the Casino CBD with Queen Elizabeth Park’s sporting facilities, river walks and open spaces.

The precinct forms part of the Casino CBD Activation Project, which will provide a more vibrant central business district, with increased retail, residential and community space.

The existing Casino Footbridge sustained repeated damage during recent flood events, prompting the need for a more resilient structure in a new location.

The new suspension bridge will provide a safe, reliable and accessible shared path for both pedestrians and cyclists, improving connectivity between key recreational spaces and the town centre.

The structure will be built above flood levels and designed to withstand strong river flows, ensuring improved reliability and safety during major weather events.

The project received $3,505,767 from the Community Local Infrastructure Recovery Package under the 2022 Community Assets Program. This package is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

Council has accepted the tender from Forge Outdoors Pty Ltd (formerly Fleetwood Urban) to deliver the project.

Completion of the bridge is anticipated by the end of June 2026, weather permitting.

Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain

“This exciting initiative is a strong demonstration of the Albanese Government’s commitment to supporting communities to not just recover after disasters but to build better communities for the future.

“The new suspension bridge in Casino will provide a safe, accessible connection between key recreational spaces and the town centre, helping locals stay connected and active.”

NSW Minister for Recovery and North Coast Janelle Saffin

“This new suspension bridge is more than just infrastructure it’s an investment in the future of our community.

“By improving access between the Casino CBD and our beautiful parks, we’re creating safer, more inclusive spaces for people to walk, cycle and connect.

“We are building back better to withstand future floods, ensuring our community stays connected even during challenging times.”

the Hon Emily Suvaal MLC, Duty MLC for Tweed

“The suspension bridge will connect local communities and visitors across the Richmond River.

“It will also provide a great boost to local jobs during construction and ongoing through the tourism opportunities it will present.

“It’s great to see all three levels of government working together to delivering for the growing communities of the Richmond Valley.”

Richmond Valley Council Mayor Robert Mustow

“The new bridge was identified in the Casino Place Plan as an important way of connecting the community to the CBD, sports fields and the river.

“I have fond memories of using the old footbridge throughout my life, and I’m sure this new, more flood-resistant and safer crossing will do the same for future generations.

“I believe it will be an iconic part of Casino, its landscape, and a tourist attraction.

“We would like to thank the Australian and NSW Governments for this vital piece of work that allows this connection to remain following flooding and weather events”