Albanese abandons disabled Australians in shameful deal with Liberals on NDIS cuts

The Australian Greens say the Albanese Labor government has abandoned disabled Australians in an appalling dirty deal with the Liberals.

This major party stitch up on the NDIS leaves hundreds of thousands without support, and solidifies Albanese’s legacy as one of commitment to protecting corporate profits over people.

Larissa Waters, Leader of the Australian Greens: 

“Today the Labor party becomes responsible for the largest cut to a government services program this century.

“This cowardly Labor-Liberal deal means Anthony Albanese is choosing to balance the budget off the backs of disabled people, rather than making the 1% pay their fair share.

“Albanese is choosing to kick 241,000 disabled people off the NDIS to save money, instead of a minimum 25% gas export tax that would raise at least $17 billion.

“It is a government’s job to look after people, but when Labor has the opportunity they side with the greedy gas corporations and leave Australians behind. 

“A vote for Labor is a vote for the vested interests they protect. A vote for the Greens is a vote for people, not profits.” 

Jordon Steele-John, Greens NDIS spokesperson:

“You can’t say you haven’t been warned.

“The community has made its position clear: the NDIS bill should not pass. What is clear now is that the major parties have come together behind closed doors in Canberra and signed away the rights, security and lives of people who depend on the NDIS.

“The passage of this bill is a betrayal, particularly of the people who trusted Labor to protect them and maintain the supports they rely on.

“And the government had choices.

“It could have chosen to properly tax gas corporations and ask those with the greatest capacity to contribute their fair share. Instead, it has chosen to strip back the safety net and the supports available to people who need them most.

“Shame on Labor.”

Labor humiliation: Senate votes to scrap automated aged care assessments

In another embarrassing defeat for Labor’s unravelling aged care reforms, the Senate has this afternoon backed a Greens motion demanding that the government abolish its Integrated Assessment Tool, which was the subject of yesterday’s damning Four Corners investigation.

The substantive motion was agreed to without a vote being recorded, after the Coalition and the crossbench earlier voted in support of the Greens motion to suspend standing orders.

This is the latest in a series of humiliations the parliament has inflicted on the Albanese Government’s new aged care system, including being forced by the parliament to release 20,000 more home care packages, backtracking on some co-payments, and launching a rapid review into the algorithm.

Just last month Labor suffered another parliamentary defeat when the Senate passed a bill co-sponsored by the Greens to restore human override to the IAT.

Greens Older People spokesperson Senator Penny Allman-Payne: 

“The writing is on the wall for Labor’s aged care assessment tool.

“It’s a friendless system that older people, carers and experts have been screaming about for months.

“It’s systematically under-assessing need and priority, denying care to thousands and leaving people with degenerative conditions desperately short of even the bare minimum funding they need.

“Now the parliament has been crystal clear: it’s time for Labor to go back to the drawing board on aged care assessments. Older people deserve a tested assessment system designed by experts that has their rights at its core.”

Full text of motion here:

Motion by leave— Integrated Assessment Tool (in between items of business)

That—the Senate:

(a) notes that the Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT) is untested, structurally flawed and systematically under-assessing the care needs of older Australians, especially those living with mental health conditions, cognitive issues and frailty; and

(b) calls on the Government to:

(i) take immediate action to abolish the IAT,

(ii) replace the IAT with a tested assessment system that is designed with clinical experts,

(iii) ensure this new assessment system has guaranteeing the rights of older people as its first priority, and

(iv) restore the role of clinical professionals in the assessment process and reinstate the ability for human override.

Address to the House of Representatives, Vietnam Veterans’ Day

Thank you, Speaker.

South Vietnam. Phuoc Tuy Province. The 18th of August 1966. 

D Company, 6th Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment – 100 men spread across three platoons.

They enter a rubber plantation near the village of Long Tan at 3:00 pm.

The Australians find themselves pinned down and outnumbered by a number of well-armed and highly skilled enemy, some 2,000 strong.

They fight in a torrential downpour which hits the red earth and kicks up ‘mud mist’ – reducing visibility.

On the verge of being overrun, the Australians are saved by the guns of a New Zealand artillery battery.

Then, as ammunition runs low, two RAAF helicopters fly a daring mission in atrocious conditions and resupply D Company at the critical moment.

As the Viet Cong prepares for an all-in attack, hope appears on the horizon.

And like friendly cavalry coming over the hill, Australian armoured personnel carriers arrive carrying A Company.

The enemy withdraws and the battle ends.

At least 245 Viet Cong soldiers have been killed.

The men of D Company have endured three-and-a-half hours of hell against all the odds.

But not without cost – Seventeen Australians have fallen, 25 Australians have been wounded.

One will die of his wounds days later.

Speaker, The Battle of Long Tan reinforced the courage, camaraderie, and composure that defines Anzacs in war.

And it came to represent Australia’s commitment to the Vietnam War.

That is why, every year, on the 18th of August, we commemorate Vietnam Veterans’ Day.

Today, on the 60th Anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, we not only remember those who fought and fell in that fray.

We also acknowledge the spirit, suffering, and the sacrifice of all of our Vietnam veterans.

Between ‘62 and ‘73, some 60,000 Australians served in Vietnam.

Some 15,000 were ‘Nashos’ – men conscripted who went to war without complaint and served as wholeheartedly as the regulars.

The War saw 3,000 Australians wounded and 523 Australians tragically killed.

And, as we just heard from the Prime Minister, this country did take too long to recognise the sacrifice of our Vietnam veterans.

To the warfighters, freedom fighters, and heroes of Vietnam, on your day – Vietnam Veterans’ Day – we remember you, we honour you, we thank you for your service, your suffering, your sacrifice.

Lest we forget.

Award-winning solar and battery program back by popular demand

A Council-led program that will help cut household power bills in Newcastle, Maitland and Lake Macquarie by more than $760,000 per year has reopened with more incentives to make the switch.

More than 360 people are already on the waiting list for the second round of Solar Neighbourhoods, a program that makes purchasing quality solar and batteries simpler and more affordable.

The program was introduced as a joint initiative of the three neighbouring councils in 2025, generating almost $5 million in community investment in renewable energy through the installation of 158 solar systems and 167 home batteries. 

Liveable Cities Strategic Advisory Committee Chair, Councillor Joel Pringle said Solar Neighbourhoods makes it easy to install renewable energy at a time when households are struggling with cost-of-living pressures.

“Solar Neighbourhoods makes it easier and more affordable for households to slash their energy bills by installing solar and batteries, by addressing cost, complexity and trust,” Cr Pringle said.

“A key priority in our Newcastle Environment Strategy is to support the transition of the Newcastle LGA to net zero emissions by 2040 through an accelerated uptake of solar and batteries.

“Round one of the program showed that you can achieve annual energy savings of almost $3,800 per household, per year. If you missed out then, you can now sign up for Round 2.

“Old solar systems removed for upgrades under the scheme are recycled at City of Newcastle’s Summerhill Waste Management Centre at no cost to households. The projected emission reductions are equivalent to removing 741 cars from the road each year.”

Solar Neighbourhoods was recognised at the NSW Local Government Excellence Awards in June for setting a new standard in environmental leadership.

City of Newcastle’s Executive Manager Environment & Sustainability Marnie Kikken said the 2026 program is designed to reach more people in the community.

“Rooftop solar and batteries allow households and businesses to generate and consume their own renewable electricity, significantly reducing their power bills,” Ms Kikken said.

“Round two of the Solar Neighbourhoods program has been expanded to include small-to-medium businesses and landlords, and we’ve also added extra-large packages for households with higher energy needs.

“We still have a $1,250 program discount per household, which delivered more than $250,000 in direct savings for participants last year, and we’ve updated the products offered to include different types of solar panels and Tesla EV chargers.

“We are also in discussions with the NSW Government about the potential for a new battery rebate pilot program, targeting low-income households, social housing and rental properties.”

Lake Macquarie City Council Manager Community Partnerships Matt Holloway said local government continues to lead the way on sustainability with this collaborative program.

“The success of the inaugural Solar Neighbourhoods program demonstrates that our community is eager to embrace practical, sustainable solutions that reduce household energy costs while lowering emissions,” Mr Holloway said.

“With more than 200 local households signing up in the first year, we’re excited to help even more residents and businesses take advantage of clean energy in round two.”

Maitland City Council Executive Manager City Futures, Gunika Singh said Solar Neighbourhoods was proof councils could show leadership and help shape community involvement in environmental sustainability.

“To us, success looks like a community where our residents and businessowners have the information they need to consider sustainability in their decision making,” Ms Singh said.

Round two of Solar Neighbourhoods is now open and will close on 20 December 2026, providing access to quality solar, batteries and electric vehicle chargers from program partner 1KOMMA5 Australia and their network of local installers.

The NSW Government’s Home Energy Saver Program allows eligible households to access fee-free and interest-free loans of up to $15,000 to purchase products, such as solar, batteries and EV chargers. 

Nine of the 12 Solar Neighbourhoods packages are priced under $15,000.

Participants must sign a contract by 31 October to access 2026 pricing and maximise the available government rebates.

To be part of this year’s Solar Neighbourhoods program head to the website for more information: https://solarneighbourhoods.com.au/

Future of disability advocacy secured in NSW with $75 million investment

People with disability across NSW will benefit from strengthened advocacy services as the Minns Labor Government invests over $75 million in representative disability organisations.

This critical investment into the NSW disability sector will support 20 not-for-profit non-government organisations deliver individual, systemic, and representative advocacy to all people with disability in NSW, regardless of whether or not they are an National Disability Insurance Scheme participant.

The Disability Advocacy Futures Program also funds the NSW Disability Advocacy Network, which coordinates and supports funded providers, drives advice to the NSW Government, and builds innovation and learning across the disability sector.

This investment will also complement the rollout of the new Thriving Kids program, with general supports including disability-specific parenting programs and supported playgroups due to commence from October this year.

Secure government funding provides community organisations with certainty, allowing them to retain experienced staff and enhance and expand services with confidence. The length of the new DAFP contracts will more than double to five years, from the previous two year contracts. This is in line with the Minns Labor Government’s nation-leading Secure Jobs and Funding Certainty agreement.

As part of this $75 million program, the Minns Labor Government is investing nearly $2 million in Side By Side Advocacy to provide specialist advocacy support for people with intellectual disability. Thanks to this funding, the Parramatta-based organisation will now be able to expand its services statewide.

The full list of the funded disability advocacy services is available on the Department of Communities and Justice website.

Minister for Disability Inclusion, Kate Washington said:

“The Minns Labor Government is investing $75 million in disability advocacy services because they are critical to building a stronger and fairer community.

“I’m grateful to the disability advocacy organisations for the support, advice and information they deliver to people of disability, whilst ensuring their voices are heard by government. Working together, we’re determined to build a more inclusive and accessible NSW.”

Member for Parramatta, Donna Davis said:

“The Minns Labor Government is securing the future for community services in NSW, including disability supports like Side by Side Advocacy in Parramatta.

“Side by Side Advocacy does amazing work supporting people with intellectual disability in our community. This investment means Side by Side can grow and provide greater supports across NSW for people with disability.”

Physical Disability Council of NSW CEO and NSW Disability Advocacy Network Chair, Edward Morris said:

“Strong independent advocacy is essential to making an inclusive society a reality, particularly at a time when people are navigating a complex and changing disability support system.

“We welcome this significant long-term investment in disability advocacy services in NSW. This commitment supports the rights, inclusion and independence of people with disability across NSW.”

Side by Side Advocacy Executive Officer, Kim Roots said:

“Receiving NSW Government Disability Advocacy Futures Program funding for the first time marks an exciting new chapter for Side By Side Advocacy and recognises more than 30 years of specialist expertise in supporting people with intellectual disability to participate in civic life and influence the decisions that affect them.

“This investment will enable us to engage more people across NSW, including people who face barriers to participation, and bring a broader range of lived experience and community perspectives into public decision-making. This will ensure more people with intellectual disability have the opportunity to contribute.”

More than 730 charged as Minns Government backs NSW Police in major DV crackdown

NSW Police have charged 732 people with 1,589 offences in just three days as part of the latest crackdown on domestic violence, backed by the Minns Labor Government.

Operation Amarok XIV ran from Friday 14 to Sunday 16 August, targeting repeat, wanted and high-risk domestic and family violence offenders across NSW.

Police executed 228 arrest warrants and conducted 12,054 apprehended domestic violence order compliance checks, identifying 321 alleged breaches.

Officers also conducted 1,497 bail compliance checks, identifying a further 225 alleged breaches.

Police carried out 93 Firearms Prohibition Order searches and seized 118 firearms and 16 other weapons.

The results are sobering and a stark reminder of the scale of domestic violence in NSW and why we cannot let up.

For the first time, NSW Police partnered with ACT Policing during the operation, strengthening cross-border enforcement and making it harder for alleged offenders to evade police.

Operation Amarok has now been deployed 14 times since it began in 2023, resulting in more than 8,000 arrests and more than 16,500 charges.

The intelligence-led operation is coordinated by the NSW Police Domestic and Family Violence Command, which was introduced by the Minns Government, bringing together police districts, high-risk offender teams and specialist commands.

The Minns Government has also given NSW Police and the courts stronger tools to hold alleged offenders to account.

Since March 2023, the Government has implemented coercive control laws, made bail tougher, introduced electronic monitoring, strengthened penalties for serious and repeat ADVO breaches and introduced Serious Domestic Abuse Prevention Orders for high-risk offenders.

NSW has also legislated Australia’s first specific 25-year standard non-parole period for the murder of a current or former intimate partner.

The Government is investing an additional $184.1 million to increase funding for six frontline specialist domestic and family violence programs by 50 per cent over four years.

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said:

“732 people charged. 1,589 offences. Three days. These are the results police deliver when we back them with the resources and support to crack down on offenders.

“This is the fourteenth Operation Amarok, and our police are not slowing down. The Minns Government supports this operation and backs every officer going through doors to protect victim-survivors.

“These alleged offenders rely on fear and control. Amarok turns that pressure back onto them.

“For the first time, NSW Police worked with ACT Policing. A border is not a hiding place, and it should not protect alleged offenders from the consequences of their actions.”

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said:

“The recent results of Operation Amarok are sobering. But it also means many more victim-survivors are safer at home and in the community.

“With our Police now working with ACT Police in this recent operation, perpetrators can no longer escape by crossing the border.

“The Minns Labor Government continues to work hard to support victim-survivors when they escape violence through increased funding for specialist support programs and taking strong action to hold domestic and family violence perpetrators to account.”

Additional support for families facing longer school journeys during Victoria Pass closure

Families affected by the ongoing closure of the Great Western Highway at Victoria Pass will receive additional support through a temporary amendment of the School Drive Subsidy Scheme, alongside further improvements to school bus services which have been in place since the start of Term 3.

While Transport for NSW has worked to improve public transport connections, for some impacted families, current detours and extended journey times mean driving children to school is the preferred or only option for parents.

The School Drive Subsidy Scheme is in place to help families cover some of the costs of driving children to school when public transport isn’t available. Payments are calculated based on the approved distance between home and school or public transport drop-off, the number of days the student attends school, and the applicable subsidy rate.

The NSW Government will provide a targeted, temporary amendment to the Scheme to assist families whose school journeys have been significantly disrupted by the closure and who are facing increased travel times and costs.

The assistance will be back dated to the start of the closure, from 8 March 2026, until the road reopens. This means eligible families will be able to apply retrospectively, with payments covering the period since the closure began.

Students who travel to and from school by private vehicle may be eligible if they:

  • Live in Hartley, Little Hartley, Hartley Vale, Kanimbla or Oberon.
  • Attend Mount Victoria Public School, Blackheath Public School, Mountains Christian College, Katoomba High School, Katoomba Public School or Blue Mountains Grammar School.
  • Obtain confirmation from their school principal that the Victoria Pass closure has increased their travel and that they are travelling by private vehicle.
  • Continue to meet all existing School Drive Subsidy eligibility requirements, including age, NSW residency and minimum distance criteria.

This measure recognises the significant and unique impact the Victoria Pass closure has had on a number of families and is aimed at reducing transport disadvantage for students whose journeys to and from school have been substantially affected.

For general information about the School Drive Subsidy, please visit: https://transportnsw.info/tickets-fares/eligibility-concessions/school-student-travel/guide-to-school-drive-subsidy-payments.

Deputy Premier of New South Wales and Minister for Education, Prue Car said:

“Families have been doing an incredible job navigating this disruption, and we want to support them to ensure their children continue to access their education.

“Alongside the improved school bus services this financial support will help ease pressure on families in the area.”

Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison said:

“We understand how challenging this closure has been, particularly for families and students facing longer journeys to and from school. For these families, it has meant a complete change in routine, with earlier mornings, longer drives and extra costs that add up.

“The temporary amendment to the School Drive Subsidy Scheme will help ease that financial pressure, and it applies retrospectively so families aren’t out of pocket.

“With a clear timeline in place and works underway, parents and students can plan ahead knowing this support will be there for the remainder of the closure.”

Member for Blue Mountains, Trish Doyle said:

“Parents, carers and particularly our students have struggled while dealing with the impacts of the Victoria Pass closure. It’s been a genuine challenge for these families and their schools, so this amended subsidy will be a welcome bit of relief.”

Vietnam Veterans’ Day, commemorating 60th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan

Today, on Vietnam Veterans’ Day, we honour the courage, service and sacrifice of Australians who served during the Vietnam War and commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, one of the most significant engagements in Australia’s military history.

On 18 August 1966, soldiers from D Company, 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, faced overwhelming odds and engaged a much larger Viet Cong and North Vietnamese force in a rubber plantation near Long Tan, in Phuoc Tuy Province, South Vietnam.

After three hours of intense fighting in difficult conditions, 18 Australians were killed and 24 were wounded.

The Battle of Long Tan has become an enduring part of Australia’s military history and remains a defining moment for those who served in the Vietnam War.

Sixty years later, the legacy of Long Tan continues to resonate across generations. Vietnam Veterans’ Day provides an opportunity to recognise not only those who served on the battlefield, but also the families, loved ones and communities who supported them during and after the conflict.

Today we also pay respect to the more than 60,000 Australian service men and women who served in the Vietnam War. Of those, 523 made the ultimate sacrifice and nearly 2,400 were wounded.

Many Vietnam veterans returned home to a nation deeply divided over the war. In the decades since, Australians have come to better understand and appreciate the challenges faced by those who served.

Today, we acknowledge their contribution and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring their stories are remembered.

A commemoration service will commence at 11am at the Martin Place Cenotaph.

NSW Minister for Veterans David Harris said:

“Today, on this 60th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, is an opportunity for Australians to pause, remember and acknowledge the service and sacrifice of a generation of Australians who served, and their families.

“The Battle of Long Tan stands as a powerful reminder of the service and sacrifice of diggers during the Vietnam War – a conflict that spanned more than a decade and saw Australians serve on land, in the air and at sea.

“On this 60th anniversary, we honour all who served, remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and acknowledge the lasting impact of their service. We will remember them.”

Labor slow to act on data centres

The Minns Labor Government is scrambling to catch up, finally releasing a policy framework for data centres at a time when there are already billions of dollars in projects in the pipeline.
 
Shadow Minister for AI, Digital and Investment James Griffin said Labor had been far too slow to plan for the infrastructure demands created by one of the fastest-growing sectors of the economy.
 
“With more than 60 data centres already operating or being built and $50 billion in the pipeline, this framework is far too long overdue,” Mr Griffin said.
 
“Labor has been happy to point to data centre investment as one of the very few bright spots propping up the state’s finances but has done very little to manage that growth so far.”
 
“We support requiring proponents to pay their fair share of the infrastructure they need, rather than leaving households and small businesses to pick up the bill.”
 
“The bigger test for Labor is whether it can actually deliver the reliable and affordable energy, grid capacity and water infrastructure needed to support this investment.”
 
Mr Griffin said the NSW Liberals and Nationals recently announced plans for a dedicated Minister for AI, and Labor was right to adopt that policy.
 
“The NSW Liberals and Nationals believe NSW should be leading in the AI space, attracting investment and creating jobs while also ensuring a benefit for the community and that’s what our recently announced policy will achieve.”
 
“Investors need certainty that projects can connect to power and water and communities need confidence their bills and services will be protected.”

Labor must address serious flaws before gun buyback begins

The Minns Labor Government must urgently address legitimate concerns about its firearms buyback before the scheme begins on 2 November.
 
Following the Bondi terrorist attack, the NSW Liberals supported reforms to strengthen community safety. We also made clear that Labor needed to consult in good faith and ensure its rushed laws did not create serious unintended consequences.
 
Labor failed to do that. It rushed complex legislation through Parliament without proper consultation and has repeatedly ignored the concerns of licensed firearm owners, farmers, sporting shooters, collectors and firearms businesses.
 
Labor’s laws target law-abiding citizens while failing to confront the real threats to public safety exposed by the Bondi terrorist attack and ongoing criminal gang warfare. Chris Minns and NSW Labor must focus its efforts on terrorists, organised criminal networks and illegal firearms, instead of punishing licensed firearm owners who follow the law.
 
Chris Minns and Anthony Albanese have now announced a buyback that raises more questions than it answers.
 
Despite being promoted as a national scheme, NSW is the only state identified as having reached an implementation agreement with the Commonwealth, while four other jurisdictions have reportedly refused to participate.
 
The fixed payments announced for most firearms do not reflect their individual market value. While the Commonwealth and NSW have agreed to share the acquisition costs, the Government has not disclosed the scheme’s total anticipated cost or identified the NSW Budget allocation that will fund it.
 
The Government says it will provide a flat payment for associated ammunition but has failed to disclose the amount, eligibility criteria or whether affected accessories and other property rendered unusable by its laws will be compensated.
 
The Government must urgently explain:
 

  • What is the total anticipated cost of the buyback, and what NSW Budget allocation will fund the State’s share?
  • How was the fixed-price schedule determined, and why will most firearms not be assessed at fair market value?
  • What compensation will apply to ammunition, accessories and other property rendered unusable by the reforms?
  • How many firearms the Government expects will be surrendered?
  • Why NSW is proceeding before a genuinely national agreement has been secured?
  • What safeguards will protect licensed owners and businesses from financial loss?
  • Whether NSW Police has the resources and systems required to administer the scheme safely?

 
The NSW Liberals have consistently supported practical reforms that improve public safety. We will also continue to hold Labor accountable and ensure its laws are workable, properly funded and do not unfairly punish law-abiding citizens.
 
The Government must correct course, engage genuinely with affected stakeholders and resolve these concerns before the buyback begins.
 
Public safety requires properly designed laws and competent implementation, not rushed announcements and unanswered questions.