Greens oppose harmful changes to Anti-Discrimination Act

Background

The NT Greens oppose the harmful changes to the Anti-Discrimination Act passed by the Finocchiarro CLP government. The reforms make three key changes:

  1. Changes section 20A. The current law says it is unlawful to ‘offend, insult, humiliate or intimidate’ a person based on an attribute. This makes conduct unlawful based on the potential to cause harm. The proposed law would only make conduct unlawful if it ‘incites hatred, serious contempt or severe ridicule.’ 
  2. Introducing Section 35B, which allows religious education institutions the ability to lawfully refuse to hire, or impose behavioural rules on staff on the basis of religious beliefs. This exemption can be used if the institution publishes in writing a policy outlining their religious beliefs and how it impacts their employment processes and workplace conduct rules. 
  3. Amending the complaints process so that the Commissioner is no longer required to evaluate complaints before they are brought to the tribunal. 

These amendments go against the recommendations of the NT Anti-Discrimination Commissioner and fail to implement the recommendations of the Australian Law Reform Commission. 

The Greens opposed these amendments, alongside the Labor Party and the crossbench. We will always stand against discrimination in all its forms. 

Kat McNamara MLA, Member for Nightcliff

“Over the past year we have repeatedly heard that the CLP will put the rights of victims over the rights of offenders. But in this instance they’re putting the right for some in our community to engage in discrimination above the rights of others in our community to be safe from discrimination.”

“Vilification laws are essential because they are preventative – they help to prevent more serious discrimination and violence that are enabled by casual discrimination.”

“In a time when sexism, racism, homophobia and transphobia are on the rise, we need to stamp out any form of discrimination in its early stages to prevent it becoming more serious.”

“The CLP wants the freedom to crack homophobic jokes and use slurs without anyone being allowed to take offense. But under this same bill, they’re saying that religious institutions can refuse to employ a gay person – not because they’re unqualified, not because they can’t do the job – but simply because their existence might offend someone’s religious sensibilities.”

“The watering down of our anti-discrimination laws is another stunt, just like the transphobic commentary from the Chief Minister earlier this week, to distract the public from the real issues facing the Northern Territory – like housing, climate, cost of living, community safety, and closing the gap.”

Labor’s FOI bill is friendless. It’s time to learn what went wrong and build something better

Today’s hearing into Labor’s FOI Bill is demonstrating that the Bill is both friendless and irredeemable.

All non-Government stakeholders have rejected it including civil society and transparency advocates as well as anyone who has ever tried to do an FOI for government information. The Bill does not fix what is broken in the FOI system. Instead it entrenches the problems by expanding Cabinet confidentiality, introducing processing caps, and removing anonymous requests.

The real problems with FOI are simple and well-documented, and none are fixed with this Bill:

  • Cabinet confidentiality enabled Robodebt to flourish unchecked. The final report from Commissioner Catherine Holmes recommended repealing Section 34. The Bill expands it instead.
  • FOI processing is both underfunded and slow. The OAIC overseeing this is chronically under-resourced and has 967 reviews outstanding for over 16 months. Home Affairs is the worst offender and finalises only 35% of requests on time. This reflects a culture of non-disclosure, not too many requests.
  • Government ministers interfere in FOI determinations, delaying and blocking legitimate access.

Greens Senator and Justice Spokesperson David Shoebridge said: “If Labor is serious about reform, they need to listen to what every credible voice has told them: this bill doesn’t work and it can’t be fixed.

“Robodebt happened because governments could hide their actions and the Greens will use our numbers in the Senate to stop that happening again.

“We need to fix the laws that make FOI slow, expensive and restrictive, which means resourcing FOI properly and challenging the increasing culture of secrecy driven by Prime Minister Albanese.

“Democracy dies unless citizens can find out what their government is doing and we have governments that trust their community with the truth.

“This bill is dead in the water and every stakeholder has said so. Rather than defend it, Labor should reflect on what’s gone wrong and work with the Parliament to chart a positive path from here.

Greens: Australia must contribute aid to rebuilding Gaza and must demand accountability for the carnage

Senator Mehreen Faruqi, Deputy Leader of the Australian Greens and Spokesperson for International Aid and Global Justice, has called on the Australian Government to make a substantial contribution to rebuilding Gaza, saying Australia has a moral obligation to do so, especially given its failure to take any action to stop the genocide and destruction.

Senator Mehreen Faruqi:

“Australia has a moral obligation to contribute generously to rebuilding Gaza as part of a self-determined Palestinian state. Aid cannot just be the token amounts announced so far, it must be substantial. Aid to Gaza must be many times more than the $1.5 billion to Ukraine, given the scale of death and destruction of Israel’s genocide.

“There must be a big push to open all crossings, forcing Israel to let all the aid in and rebuild roads for faster distribution of desperately-needed food, water and other supplies.

“Australia must atone for its role in supplying F-35 parts and steel to the Israeli war machine that killed so many men, women and children. Our complicity demands accountability and reparations.

“UNRWA is the key United Nations agency providing relief and supporting the human development of Palestinian refugees. Australia must channel a significant portion of its funding through UNRWA, which it shamefully helped delegitimise based on flimsy Israeli propaganda.

“Israel has destroyed or damaged almost all infrastructure – schools, universities, hospitals and the vast majority of homes.

“Rebuilding Gaza must go hand in hand with justice and accountability. It must be coupled with holding Israel to account for the carnage it has caused and for the genocide it committed on the Palestinian people.

“The Palestinian people are not yet free. Israel still controls their borders, their movement, their aid, their resources and their future. Rebuilding must be part of a broader push for lasting freedom, justice and self-determination by Palestinians – not crony capitalists like is currently proposed.”

Townsville Training Incident

The Coalition extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the Australian Army soldier who tragically passed away following a training incident near the Townsville Field Training Area.

Our thoughts are also with the two other ADF personnel who were seriously injured, their families, and their fellow service members during this difficult time. 

Incidents like this are a stark reminder of the risks our Defence personnel face, even in training, in their commitment to serve and protect our nation with pride.

We also acknowledge and thank the first responders and medical teams who are providing care and support.

The 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (3RAR), is a tight-knit infantry unit. In times of tragedy, their strength as a community is clear. 

We extend our condolences to them as they rally around one another in the face of this heartbreaking loss.

Property purchase enhances financial futureproofing

City of Newcastle has looked close to home for its latest strategic investment, purchasing a significant industrial property in Sandgate to augment its long-term financial plans.

The 8.64-hectare land holding is the first Newcastle property acquired under City of Newcastle’s Future Fund, which was established to ensure it can meet the need for infrastructure and services across the city into the future. 

Executive Director of Corporate Services and Chief Financial Officer David Clarke said the Future Fund enables City of Newcastle to diversify its revenue base to cater for both the growing population and aging assets. 

“Ensuring the long-term sustainability of almost $3 billion worth of infrastructure we manage on behalf of the community is one of our key responsibilities,” Mr Clarke said.

“As our infrastructure ages, the cost of maintaining and renewing these essential assets increases, which is why we proactively set aside funds each year to meet these future needs.

“Our Future Fund is a strategic initiative that enables us to invest our cash reserves into a diversified portfolio of property and commercial assets. 

“This latest acquisition strengthens that portfolio and positions us to generate stable returns, protecting our financial position and ensuring we can continue to meet the needs of our growing community without putting extra pressure on rates.”

The Rural Drive property includes two warehouses that have existing leases in place with a number of businesses, which will generate ongoing rental income for City of Newcastle.

Mr Clarke said City of Newcastle will also consider potential longer term uses for the site.

“This strategic purchase also presents an opportunity to explore its use in the years ahead,” Mr Clarke said.

“We will undertake a master planning process on the site to determine the most suitable mix of operational and income producing uses. 

“One future consideration could include building a new, more modern facility for our Works Depot, which currently sits within the footprint of the Broadmeadow Precinct Investigation Area. 

“This master planning process will take some time and there is a lot to consider before any decision can be made at a later date.”

The Sandgate purchase was vetted by the Future Fund Governance Committee in line with its adopted investment strategy before being approved by the elected Council. 

The Committee’s membership includes representatives of City of Newcastle and the elected Council, as well as two independent members with appropriate professional capabilities and an independent Chairperson. 

It is the third property purchased under the Future Fund, with previous acquisitions including a Bunnings warehouse in Taree and a Wollongong medical centre.

Stories Matter: NSW leads the country with writing and literature strategy

The Minns Labor Government is delivering on a key commitment to support and grow the Creative Industries in NSW, with $3.2 million to deliver a writing and literature strategy.

Stories Matter: A Writing and Literature Strategy for NSW is our state’s first ever dedicated literature and writing strategy. Stories define our identity, reading and writing underpins educational success, promotes social cohesion, builds empathy and cultivates critical thinking.

The sector in NSW also generates around $1.3 billion annually in publishing and retail activity, supports up to 22,000 jobs, and delivers global recognition through rights sales, screen adaptations and tourism. Yet writers on average only earn $18,200 a year from their creative practice.

This strategy outlines a targeted framework to expand access to reading and writing, grow audiences, and build a sustainable, inclusive and globally connected literature and writing sector.

Developed in consultation with writers, publishers, educators, festivals, libraries and cultural organisations, Stories Matter is built upon five strategic pillars:

  1. Reinforce our foundations: develop state and federal partnerships and co-investment to increase the effectiveness of existing programs and organisations.
  2. Invest in authors: to make writing a sustainable career and enrich the sector as a whole.
  3. Promote reading: use the library network, schools and festivals to connect readers with authors, and address declining reading rates, especially amongst younger people.
  4. Strengthen the ecosystem: through strategic partnerships with schools, universities, libraries, cultural institutions and local government to expand opportunities for writers and increase the reach and impact of writing and literature across the state.
  5. Address structural challenges: Introduce freedom to collect legislation;advocateacross jurisdictions to support the sector.

The strategy commits to the following new key initiatives to grow the sector:

  • $100,000 to strengthen Western Sydneyliterature organisations, starting with Westwords, to deliver a Western Sydney school focused program and emerging writers academy.​
  • $500,000 Literary Fellowships Fund for authors, playwrights and illustrators.​
  • $225,000 for 3 x co-funded Writing Australia collaborations:​
    • LitUp Pilot for regional schools and communities to host events with authors and illustrators.​
    • International Market Development programs to promote opportunities for international sales.
    • Program to support writers to tour internationally or translate and publish their books for new markets
  • $200,000 for First Nations writers and publishing professionals’ development fund. ​
  • Collaborate with public libraries to launch a membership campaign and invest $630,000 for research and a pilot program to improve women, girls and gender diverse people’s access to libraries and their surrounding precincts.

Minister for Arts, John Graham said:

“Here in NSW, we have an incredible legacy of writers and the biggest publishing industry in the country, but there are still challenges.  

“Writers’ incomes remain low, publishers and reading rates are under pressure from digital media and artificial intelligence poses a profound threat to the publishing industry.

“This requires direct action, because there is too much to lose, and so much to gain, from a strong literary sector in NSW.

“We want our stories to be told, we want to be part of the global literary conversation, and we rely on the social cohesion that comes from the nuance and empathy that books build.”

Stories Matter strategy co-chairs, Brooke Webb and Olivia Lanchester said:

“Our stories aren’t created in a vacuum. Although writers are the primary producers at the heart of the literature sector, they are nurtured and supported by a complex ecosystem of publishers, booksellers, libraries, schools, tertiary institutions, literary festivals, literary organisations and community networks such as book clubs and reading groups.

“It is imperative we invest in the foundations of literary life: in writers and writing, in organisations that support creative development, and in the places and programs that connect people with books and ideas.

“This three–year strategy proposes a clear path forward. It outlines targeted actions to create meaningful career pathways for writers, support publishers and booksellers and grow diverse reading communities across the state.”

James Bradley, Author and working group member said:

“The NSW government’s new literature strategy will make a material difference to the lives of the state’s writers by investing in creators, strengthening the literary ecosystem, and fostering a range of new partnerships with universities, cultural institutions and other organisations.

“But it also helps ensure the benefits of reading and writing are available to everybody by investing in programs to improve literacy and promote reading in schools, supporting First Nations writers and publishing professionals, and allowing readers of all ages to connect with writers through events in libraries and elsewhere.”

Charlotte Wood, Author said:

“Literature is routinely ignored or omitted from general discussion of ‘the arts’, even from within arts organisations themselves. Literature has long been the most poorly funded art form in this country, despite all the studies showing how crucial reading is for our brains and social cohesion, and despite the fact that the book industry contributes more than $2 billion to the Australian economy – on the back of writers’ efforts. It is the most democratically available art form there is – anyone with a library card can access works of literature in the original form, wherever they are and no matter how much money they have. 

“I’m hopeful the strategy will recognise that Australian literature is not merely decorative, a nice thing somehow separate from the rest of life. Because its literature is absolutely central to the intellectual life and psychology of any nation. Australian books and writers are a dynamic contributor to the cultural, economic and political thinking that shapes our society. And unless governments begin to take reading and literary contribution seriously, that flourishing intellectual life is doomed to evaporate.”

Full load limit back on Scabbing Flat Bridge, in time for harvest season

The Minns Labor Government continues to deliver for regional NSW, today announcing that the full 42.5-tonne load limit on the Scabbing Flat Bridge at Geurie will be reinstated just in time for the 2025 summer harvest season.

The historic timber truss bridge is a key freight and farming route in the state’s Central West and the Minns Government has been carrying our essential repair and strengthening works to restore the bridge to its full load capacity and improve safety for all road users.

Over 15 months of work, repair crews have replaced ageing timber, repaired bridge piers and installed a temporary Bailey bridge to support the structure while truss restoration work continues.

The progression of the strengthening works means local farmers and freight operators will be able to move their produce across the bridge safely and efficiently this harvest season.

From noon today (17 October), the 42.5-tonne limit will be reinstated.

Some temporary traffic conditions will remain in place, including a 20 km/h speed limit and 3.4-metre lane width restriction while final truss repairs continue.

Wider vehicles will still need to use approved detours via Wellington or Dubbo, and occasional closures of up to 15 minutes may be needed to allow crews to work safely.

Once the truss work is complete later this year, the Bailey Bridge will be removed, and normal traffic conditions will return.

For real-time updates, visit www.livetraffic.com or follow “Geurie – the Bailey bridge Arthurville Road” in the Live Traffic app.

Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“This is welcome news for farmers, freight operators and everyone who relies on this vital local link.

“We know how important this bridge is to farmers and the local economy, and crews have worked around the clock to make sure it was back to full strength in time for harvest.

“As the party of the bush, the Minns Labor Government is investing in regional infrastructure, fixing roads and bridges, and getting on with the job of delivering safer, stronger connections for regional communities across our state.

“I want to thank the Mayor of Dubbo Cr Josh Black who has been a tireless advocate for farmers and producers in getting this bridge re-opened.”

Labor Duty MLC for Dubbo Stephen Lawrence MLC said:

“The Scabbing Flat Bridge is critical Central West freight infrastructure, and it’s outstanding that it comes back online prior to harvest. This change means safer and more efficient transport for farmers and freight operators, and supports local jobs and the local economy.”

Mayor of Dubbo Regional Council Cr Josh Black said:

“Our community has been waiting a long time for this moment, and it’s fantastic to see the bridge back to full strength in time for harvest.

“Scabbing Flat Bridge is a vital connection for our farmers and freight operators, and these works will make a real difference to local productivity and safety.

“We thank the Minns Government for listening to the community and getting this project done.”

Head of Supply Chain for GrainCorp Josh Connell said: 

“We welcome the NSW Government’s investment in regional infrastructure. This upgrade will provide long-term value for the grain industry, helping to connect local growers to domestic and export opportunities.

“Investment that improves road access and freight efficiency is good for growers, the broader supply chain and the environment. Upgrades that enable higher productivity vehicles can lower carbon emissions while also improving safety by supporting newer equipment.

“With another busy harvest approaching in NSW, targeted investment in freight routes is essential to maintaining supply chain reliability and delivering strong outcomes for growers.”

Lismore South Public School rebuild underway

The Minns Labor Government is rebuilding essential education infrastructure in regional NSW, with students turning the first sod to mark the beginning of construction on new permanent buildings for Lismore South Public School and Lismore South Ngulliboo Jarjums Preschool.

Both the public school and co-located public preschool are being rebuilt at their original Phyllis Street site following the devastating 2022 Northern Rivers floods.

The new flood-resilient public school and preschool include 13 modern permanent classrooms, a library, a multipurpose hall, undercover learning and play areas, and a games court.

The flood-resilient buildings have been designed to meet the long-term needs of preschool and primary school students in South Lismore and minimise potential disruption from any future flood events, including early evacuation.

The new buildings are being manufactured offsite and will be delivered to the school site and installed by crane onto a flood-resilient steel platform, in early 2026.

Enhanced planning powers under section 68 of the NSW Reconstruction Authority Act 2022 have been used to fast-track the rebuild of the school. This is the third time these powers have been exercised by the Minister for Recovery to accelerate the reconstruction of a flood-affected public school, supporting the NSW Government’s commitment to deliver safer, more resilient learning environments for local communities. The Minns Labor Government is committed to rebuilding flood-affected schools in the Northern Rivers, ensuring schools are built back better for local communities.

Since 2022, 16 flood-damaged schools have been repaired or rebuilt in the Northern Rivers, including Blakebrook Public School which opened to students earlier this year. Work is also underway rebuilding Condong Public School and Tumbulgum Public School in the Tweed.

Funding to rebuild nine extensively damaged schools, including Lismore South Public School, has been provided through the Infrastructure Betterment Fund, which is jointly funded by the Commonwealth and NSW Governments through Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

As part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to rebuild public education in NSW, the 2025-26 Budget delivered $2.1 billion for new and upgraded schools in regional NSW.

This targeted investment ensures growing regional communities can access a world class public education. 

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:

“Construction beginning on the Lismore South Public School rebuild is an important step forward for this resilient community.

“The Northern Rivers has been through so much and our government, with the leadership of Deputy Premier and Education Minister Prue Car and local champion Minister Janelle Saffin, is ensuring students can return to a brand-new permanent school.   

“The flood-resilient design will minimise potential future disruptions, supporting these students and the community for years to come.”

Minister for Recovery and the North Coast Janelle Saffin said:

“This project is more than a rebuild – it’s an investment in the future of the South Lismore community, ensuring students have the facilities they deserve and reducing the risk of disruption from future floods.

“Rebuilding Lismore South Public School and Lismore South Ngulliboo Jarjums Preschool is a central part of the recovery work the Minns Labor Government is undertaking to create more resilient communities following the 2022 floods.

“I want to acknowledge the incredible resilience and strength of the South Lismore community, who have faced significant challenges. Together, we’re building back a better, brighter, and more resilient future.”

Lismore South Public School Principal Larissa Polak said:

“Breaking ground on our new school rebuild is an exciting moment for our entire school community. 

“It’s the start of a great new chapter that’s going to be beneficial for our students, staff, and the Lismore South community for generations to come.

“This rebuild will deliver resilient school buildings to cater to the needs of our community, and we look forward to seeing our future school take shape.”

Applications to open for 2027 selective school entry, with a healthy gender balance introduced

Applications for 2027 entry to NSW selective schools and opportunity classes will open on 6 November 2025, with the Minns Labor Government addressing a growing gender imbalance in coeducational selective schools.

From the 2027 intake onwards, there will be an equal number of selective places available for girls and boys at all selective and partially selective high schools, as well as opportunity classes in public primary schools.

This change aims to address a decline in girls accepting, as well as applying for, places in opportunity classes and coeducational selective schools.

The gender mix in selective high schools is now 58 per cent boys and 42 per cent girls, while in opportunity classes it is 60 per cent and 40 per cent respectively.

The imbalance has grown in recent years, from 45 percent of Year 7 places being taken up by girls in 2019 to only 41 per cent in 2025.

In some circumstances, this has led to imbalanced cohorts that are more than 75 per cent male.

Parent feedback has shown girls have concerns about the over-representation of boys at coeducational selective schools, leading girls not to accept places offered to them.

Introducing an equal number of places in opportunity classes and selective and partially selective high schools ensures a healthy gender balance across classes and schools.

Entry to opportunity classes and selective high schools for boys and girls will continue to be based on performance in the placement test.

All students currently enrolled in a selective high school or opportunity class, or who are offered places for 2026, are not affected by these changes.

Applications for 2027 entry will close on 20 February 2026. As announced earlier this year, testing will be conducted at local public school settings from 2026.

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:

“The Minns Labor Government is working to provide opportunities for students to thrive, with applications to open for 2027 selective school and opportunity class entry in the coming weeks.

“There’s a growing decline in girls accepting places in opportunity classes and selective high schools, and we want to ensure our schools have a healthy gender balance.

“Alongside our work to rollout high potential and gifted education across all of our public schools, we are committed to ensuring every student has the opportunity to reach their potential.”

HSC kicks off across NSW

The NSW Opposition is wishing all students preparing to sit their Higher School Certificate the best of luck as exams officially commence today.
 
Of the cohort, almost 75,000 students are on track to complete their studies while more than 9,000 took on one or more HSC course before they reach Year 12.
 
Opposition Leader Mark Speakman congratulated them on such an important milestone.
 
“This is a time to focus on the task ahead but it’s also a time to celebrate and reflect on everything you’ve achieved over the course of your studies,” Mr Speakman said.
 
“No matter how the exams go, or what results you get, every student should take satisfaction in getting to this point as it will give them a strong foundation for success in their post-school lives.”
 
NSW Nationals Leader Dugald Saunders encouraged students to try and enjoy some down time.
 
“This will be a stressful period as students put into practice everything they’ve learnt over the past 13 years but remember it’s not the be all and end all and everyone should just do their best,” Mr Saunders said.
 
“It’s also important to do the things you love, whether that be hanging out with family and friends, playing sport, or just getting out of the house to recharge the brain batteries when needed.”
 
Shadow Education Minister Sarah Mitchell also commended everyone who has been a part of the journey.
 
“I want to say a big thank you to all the staff, including principals, leaders, teachers, and school administrative support teams who work tirelessly to give our children the best education possible,” Mrs Mitchell said.
 
“To all the students who might be feeling a little nervous today, just know you’ve got this and we’re cheering you on every step of the way.”