Alcoa’s Exemption Order Revoked But Clearing Continues

Alcoa’s Exemption Order – which allows the company to continue mining without EPA approval – will be revoked this month to update the conditions they can operate under. The change follows multiple suspected breaches and a record federal ‘fine’ for illegal clearing.

Despite this, Alcoa will not be forced to stop work. The Cook Labor Government has indicated it will issue a new Exemption Order as soon as the existing one is revoked, ensuring there is no interruption to Alcoa’s clearing operations.

The Cook Labor Government has not clarified what the trigger was for reviewing the Mining Management Plan and revoking the Exemption Order, but it comes on the back of increasing scrutiny and community pressure. 

Since December 2025, Jess Beckerling MLC has submitted three reports of suspected breaches to the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER). 

The DWER response to these reports has been wholly inadequate and deeply concerning, with Ms Beckerling now waiting for documents related to the investigations to be released under FOI. 

It is clear the government is under unprecedented and increasing pressure over the American mining company’s actions. 

The Greens (WA) Environment spokesperson Jess Beckerling MLC said the announcement was proof that exposing Alcoa’s bad behaviour was having the desired effect on the Cook Labor Government.

“Of course Alcoa’s Exemption Order must be revoked, but the Cook Labor Government should not be even considering issuing a new one. 

“Alcoa is continuing to clear ancient jarrah forests, push black cockatoos to the brink of extinction and threaten our drinking water all while under EPA assessment, making an absolute mockery of our nature laws.

“While the EPA assesses Alcoa’s impacts on our Jarrah forests, there should be zero clearing yet the Cook Labor Government continues to bend over backwards to exempt their mining and clearing operations while they wait for approval.

“I have been appalled by the investigations into the suspected breaches I reported. In every case there remain serious questions to be answered, and I am awaiting documents under FOI laws concerning the first suspected breach. 

“In the case of the Hollowbutt Jarrah tree, the investigation shows DWER engaged a consultant who had found there had in fact been a breach. Yet, DWER decided to engage a second consultant who used a different methodology to conveniently conclude there had been no breach.

“This whole process has confirmed what we already knew: that the Cook Labor Government prioritises Alcoa’s interests over the community’s. This must change and I have no doubt that Alcoa’s social licence is nearing its expiry date.

“A fourteen day feedback period has just been opened, providing for anyone to contact the Environment Minister to have their say about Alcoa’s exemption order being revoked. 

“I expect thousands of people will make it very clear that Alcoa must stop clearing while their exemption order is revoked. 

“The Cook Government needs to take this opportunity to actually listen to the public who want Alcoa to be reined in and the forests and our water to be protected.”

Mothers and daughters recognised in NSW Parliament after 15 years of failed State justice for child sexual assault

Following reporting by the Sydney Morning Herald, the NSW Parliament has today passed a motion recognising the State harm caused to two very young children and their families more than 15 years ago, and acknowledged the significant public good served by their mothers. The Attorney general has received an application for an ex gratia payment to recognise these issues, and the Parliament called for that application to be considered urgently.

A non-publication order means pseudonyms should be used in any publication. Jacqui* and her daughter Julia*, and Rachel* and her daughter Rose*.

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

“Jacqui and Rachel, and their strong independent, now adult daughters, have achieved something extraordinary in the face of a justice system that failed to hear them when it mattered most,”

“These mothers did everything that the system asks victim survivors and families to do. They reported, they cooperated with police, they prepared their very young children for court, they pursued complaints, they gave evidence to the Royal Commission, and they helped drive reforms that now protect other children,”

“Their daughters were three years old when they were abused in a government-regulated childcare centre. The criminal case was discontinued because these very young children were considered unable to provide sufficient detail, but it has now been revealed that NSW Police did not seize or investigate electronic devices, and did not obtain video from the childcare centre,”

“That information was not given to these families at the time. It only came to light this year because of parliamentary questions and correspondence, and is the final piece of information that demands a proper response from the State,”

“The Attorney General has the application for an ex gratia payment. The Parliament has now recognised the public good served by these mothers and the harm caused by State systems. That application should be treated with urgency, and the 15 years of work by these women finally recognised,”

“The Government cannot undo what happened to Jacqui, Rachel, Julia and Rose. It can and should acknowledge the failures, and make an ex gratia payment that recognises the harm caused and the contribution these families have made to justice reform,” Ms Higginson said.

Mothers and daughters recognised in NSW Parliament after 15 years of failed State justice for child sexual assault

Following reporting by the Sydney Morning Herald, the NSW Parliament has today passed a motion recognising the State harm caused to two very young children and their families more than 15 years ago, and acknowledged the significant public good served by their mothers. The Attorney general has received an application for an ex gratia payment to recognise these issues, and the Parliament called for that application to be considered urgently.

A non-publication order means pseudonyms should be used in any publication. Jacqui* and her daughter Julia*, and Rachel* and her daughter Rose*.

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

“Jacqui and Rachel, and their strong independent, now adult daughters, have achieved something extraordinary in the face of a justice system that failed to hear them when it mattered most,”

“These mothers did everything that the system asks victim survivors and families to do. They reported, they cooperated with police, they prepared their very young children for court, they pursued complaints, they gave evidence to the Royal Commission, and they helped drive reforms that now protect other children,”

“Their daughters were three years old when they were abused in a government-regulated childcare centre. The criminal case was discontinued because these very young children were considered unable to provide sufficient detail, but it has now been revealed that NSW Police did not seize or investigate electronic devices, and did not obtain video from the childcare centre,”

“That information was not given to these families at the time. It only came to light this year because of parliamentary questions and correspondence, and is the final piece of information that demands a proper response from the State,”

“The Attorney General has the application for an ex gratia payment. The Parliament has now recognised the public good served by these mothers and the harm caused by State systems. That application should be treated with urgency, and the 15 years of work by these women finally recognised,”

“The Government cannot undo what happened to Jacqui, Rachel, Julia and Rose. It can and should acknowledge the failures, and make an ex gratia payment that recognises the harm caused and the contribution these families have made to justice reform,” Ms Higginson said.

Drug driving reform for medicinal cannabis patients a welcome relief: Greens

Today’s news that long-fought for reform to drug driving laws for medicinal cannabis patients will finally be introduced to the NSW Parliament, will be welcome relief for tens of thousands of people in New South Wales, says Greens MP and drug harm reduction spokesperson Cate Faehrmann.

“It’s been a decade since cannabis was legalised as a medicine in this country and finally our road laws are going to catch up. Many people will be very relieved at this news today,” said Cate Faehrmann.

Cate Faehrmann introduced a bill to provide a medical defence for cannabis on 12 Nov 2021. The bill was the subject of an Upper House inquiry but was voted down in the House 29 votes to 6 on 12 Oct 2022.

“It’s heartening to see that finally the voices of medicinal cannabis patients have been heard, with news that this long-fought for reform will happen.

”I’m yet to see the details of the legislation, and will work with all sides of politics to improve it if need be, but the Greens support this reform.

”The inability of people who are prescribed medicinal cannabis containing THC to drive without the risk of losing their licence, even if they aren’t impaired, is not only grossly unfair but has clogged up our courts system.

“My bill to introduce a medical defence for cannabis was defeated in 2022. I’m looking forward to voting for this important reform and ending the discrimination that medicinal cannabis patients have faced for too long,” says Cate Faehrmann.

Big 4 are making a mockery

The latest KPMG scandals show the Big 4 consultancy firms are making a mockery of the parliament, yet again.

Following multiple scandals, KPMG’s CEO has resigned and the COO has stepped down but the rot won’t go away.

KPMG has reluctantly admitted to a string of allegations, including misusing confidential client information to get more audit work, auditors using AI to cheat on internal exams, breaching audit independence, and “falling short” on the whistleblower’s concerns raised. 

Despite these revelations, however, the Government continues to employ KPMG’s services.The Department of Finance, alone, currently holds eight consultancy contracts worth $27 million with KPMG.

The Greens say the Government needs to stop feigning outrage and expressing “deep concern” at corrupt practices of the Big 4 while dishing out millions of dollars to them in contracts. Labor needs to put an end to their special treatment and regulate them like other Australians businesses.

Greens Senator Barbara Pocock, spokesperson for finance and public sector:

“Australia’s Big 4 consulting firms are marauding pirates making a mockery of the parliament. They play by their own rules and get away with it, again and again.  

“After years of multiple internal inquiries and subsequent cover-ups, KPMG’s recent misdemeanours are being dragged into public view, thanks to a courageous whistleblower.

“Even while the PwC scandal was unfolding, KPMG who were engaged in their own corrupt behaviours and cover-ups, failed to notify the parliament despite giving evidence to multiple parliamentary inquiries. Such dishonesty beggars belief.  

“How many scandals does it take for this government to take action? 

“The Big 4 have lost their social licence. Australians have had enough of the repeated scandals. It’s time for the Big 4 to be regulated under Australia’s corporate regulatory regime.

“It’s time to rip the bandaid off. It’s time the government made these opaque, largely unregulated mega-partnerships accountable under the same corporate law, regulatory, whistleblower and tax regime as other large businesses in Australia. 

“Meanwhile, the big consulting firms are donating hundreds of thousands to politicians. How does this pass any conflict of interest test? 

“Labor needs to put an end to the Big 4 donations to political parties and governments with whom they hold multi-million dollar contracts. 

“It is time to end the special treatment and poor regulation of the Big 4 which has allowed them to get away with corruption and remain at the profitable trough of government consulting.”

Albanese wrecking ball crashing economy pre Iran & budget, propped up by migration

“Today’s National Accounts show the Albanese government’s economic policy is crashing the Australian economy, and Australians standards of living are declining”, said Shadow Treasurer Tim Wilson.

Mr Wilson’s comments come in the wake of the ABS’ National Accounts figures released today showing:

  • Growth of 0.3% in the March quarter is the weakest growth in the past year and below market expectations
  • GDP per capita declined 0.1% over the quarter, the tenth quarter of decline seen under Labor. We have already experienced Australia’s longest household recession under Labor.
  • Productivity is down 0.6% over the quarter the sharpest fall in two years. This takes the fall under Labor to more than 5%.
  • Australian’s living standards fell 0.6% in the quarter. Under this Labor Government, Australia has experienced the largest collapse in living standards in the developed world.
  • Australians are working harder and getting less, with hours worked up 14% under Labor.
  • Taxes continue to rise under Labor, Australians total income tax bill is almost 40% higher since Labor came to Government.
  • With 15 interest rate rises under the Labor Government, interest paid on mortgages has tripled under Labor.
  • Household savings are down to 6.2 percentage points, down more than 5 percentage points under Labor.

“The Albanese government’s policy is acting like a wrecking ball through the economy before Iran and the Budget, and since then the only solution to the small business and household confidence crisis is higher taxes”, Mr Wilson said.

“The Treasurer is in complete denial about the impact of the wrecking ball of his policy, and he keeps using public spending through private sector as a smokescreen”, Mr Wilson said.

“The Albanese government can only boast about private sector investment by importing machinery and equipment, not from home grown activity”.

“The Treasurer’s boasts don’t match the lived experience of Australian households and small businesses whose confidence has collapsed and are drowning under his policy”.

“Australians want a government that looks to the future with hope and aspiration, not one that only wants to manage their self-inflicted decline of the Australian economy”.

“The GDP figures are only being kept afloat because there are 2 million more people in the country since Labor came to office”.

“Australians are working longer, working harder, saving less, paying more, and being taxed more. They are worse off because of the policies of this Labor government”.

Newcastle set to soak up the sunset and bloom in the night during New Annual

City of Newcastle has revealed a sneak peek of New Annual’s 2026 program, including the return of live music at Newcastle Ocean Baths and a TWISTED art party celebrating self-expression.

The events offer the first taste of what’s to come from the sixth edition of City of Newcastle’s flagship arts festival, which will run from 25 September to 4 October.

SOAK Live at the Baths for Newcastle Annual 2025Newcastle band Dust performed in front of thousands of people at the Newcastle Ocean Baths in 2025 for New Annual’s SOAK Live at the Baths sessions. Photo by Ange Maloney

Festival Director Tory Loudon said after record-breaking attendances in 2025, people were eagerly awaiting this year’s program.

“Last year’s festival was a testament to the strength of Newcastle’s creative community and the city’s growing reputation as a cultural destination,” Ms Loudon said. 

“Anticipation is running high for this year’s festival, which will once again see Newcastle’s coastline and civic spaces reimagined as vibrant stages for art, performance and community connection.”

One of the stand-out hits of 2025 was the introduction of SOAK, a series of free sunset sessions that transformed the Newcastle Ocean Baths into the city’s hottest new live music venue.

It will return this year with a four-night program featuring local and globally renowned artists.

“We were blown away by the response to SOAK last year,” Ms Loudon said.

“People came out in droves to soak up the atmosphere, soak up the setting and soak up the incredible talent on show during those live music sessions and I’m thrilled to be bringing it back.”

Lolo Brow at Torture Garden – Electrowerkz, London, 2023. Photo by Damien Frost.Lolo Brow at Torture Garden – Electrowerkz, London, 2023. Photo by Damien Frost.

The transformations will continue across the city, with Newcastle nightspot Bartholomew’s blooming for one night only into an immersive art party venue inspired by the darkly evocative work of former Newcastle artist Damien Frost.

The photographer has spent the past 14 years documenting London’s alternative queer nightlife through his acclaimed photographic series Night Flowers.

He will return to his “spiritual home” of Newcastle to present a collection of those images at Watt Space Gallery. The exhibition will also premiere new portraits captured for New Annual of Newcastle’s queer and alternative communities.

The exhibition will be complemented by the TWISTED: Night Flowers Party at Bartholomew’s, with guests invited to explore and celebrate their identities through costume, music and performance.

As one of the original founders of Newcastle arts organisation Octopod in the late 1990s, Frost said his work was influenced by his time in the city.

“Although the work centres on personal expression, it is just as much about community and chosen family – ideas I became deeply engaged with during the years I lived in Newcastle,” Frost said.

“There, I was actively involved in community arts projects and was struck by the strong sense of belonging and solidarity within both the broader city and its subcultures.”

Entry to the SOAK sessions and Night Flowers exhibition at Watt Space Gallery will be free, with tickets for TWISTED on sale from tomorrow, Thursday 4 June.

New Annual’s full 2026 program will be announced in coming months, showcasing local people, places and performances alongside some of the best theatre, art and music from Australia and overseas.

Councillor Jenny Barrie, Chair of City of Newcastle’s Community and Culture Strategic Advisory Committee, said New Annual is a festival for the entire community.

“New Annual offers a fantastic platform for new works and unique collaborations that takes art to audiences, presenting many of Newcastle’s most loved locations in an entirely unexpected light,” Cr Barrie said.

“The program is deliberately low-cost or free, providing local audiences with opportunities to engage with a range of arts while attracting cultural tourism to the city.”

New Annual is delivered by City of Newcastle with funding from the NSW Government in association with a Multicultural NSW Stronger Together grant, Transport for NSW Permit/Plug/Play pilot program and Create NSW. The University of Newcastle is a presenting partner for the 2026 event.

Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said events such as New Annual help celebrate the vibrant cultural diversity of local communities while also driving economic growth.

“The NSW Government is proud to support New Annual in its sixth year, cementing the event as a mainstay in Newcastle’s cultural calendar and enriching the local arts scene,” Mr Crakanthorp said.

“New Annual gets better and better every year. Through our investment across Create NSW, Transport for NSW, and Multicultural NSW, the State Government is ensuring that locals and visitors alike can experience vibrant public spaces, world-class art and unforgettable live performances for free or low cost.”

To keep up to date with the latest festival news visit www.newannual.com

Tickets for TWISTED will be on sale from 9am on Thursday 4 June via https://newannual.com/twisted-party

Making it easier for women in NSW to access the contraceptive pill

Starting this Friday, women in NSW will have improved access to the oral contraceptive pill thanks to a reform from the Minns Labor Government.

The new reform enables community pharmacists to directly prescribe and supply the oral contraceptive pill to low-risk women between the ages of 18 and 39.

From Friday, there are 30 eligible pharmacists who have met approved training requirements to be able to prescribe the pill, with numbers expected to grow significantly as more pharmacists complete training over the coming months.

To boost the number of eligible pharmacists, the Minns Government is today announcing a new partnership with Family Planning Australia to develop a stand-alone training course.

This course will be subsidised by the Minns Government for 100 rural and remote pharmacists, and pharmacists in under-serviced metro areas, including time taken from their working days to attend clinics.

The course will be up and running in October 2026, and take eligible applicants around two weeks to complete.

This will give women faster access to care while reducing pressure on GPs.

The initial tranche of pharmacists available to prescribe the pill are across metro and regional NSW, including Western Sydney, the Hunter, northern NSW, the Mid North Coast, the Northern Rivers, and the Central West.  

More pharmacists are expected to come online as they complete training, with around 250  expected by the end of the year.

As part of this reform, the Minns Government will cover the cost of the first 5,000 consultations for women an with participating pharmacists across the state.

Patients will still need to pay for their medicines which may cost around $15-$60.

Already across NSW there are more than 700 pharmacies with a pharmacist who is qualified to renew the oral contraceptive pill.

This is one part of a suite of reforms by the Minns Labor Government to make healthcare more accessible and affordable for people and families including:

  • Allowing GPs to diagnose ADHD and provide ongoing treatment
  • Expanding the treatment services available in pharmacy including for uncomplicated UTIs and common skin conditions.

Premier Chris Minns:

“These are common sense changes, which make it easy for women to access essential medication without needing to visit a GP.

“These changes are a long overdue reform for our healthcare system, which will make it quicker and cheaper to access the pill.”

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“For many women, the contraceptive pill is essential health care. Getting access to this care shouldn’t cost them huge amounts of time and money.

“These reforms are about bringing down barriers and improving access to care for women right across NSW, saving them time and money and making life just a little bit easier.

“The 30 pharmacists who will be able to start prescribing from Friday are just the beginning, as we begin to roll out more training to make this care even more accessible.”

Minister for Youth Rose Jackson:

“We’ve listened to women, and they’ve told us clearly – expanding access to the oral contraceptive pill is going to make a real difference to their daily lives.

“Women are juggling a lot, careers, study, family, and everything in between and finding time to book a GP appointment just to get a routine prescription is one obstacle too many. It simply shouldn’t be that hard.

“This is a practical, common-sense reform that saves women time and money, empowering them manage their reproductive health without unnecessary barriers standing in the way.”

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison:

“Making oral contraceptive pills available through community pharmacists is a real win for the busy women of New South Wales.

“Our government is focused on improving women’s health outcomes and these changes are one of the practical ways we can make a difference.”

Catherine Bronger, Vice-President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, NSW Branch:

“This is a step forward in recognising the role highly trained pharmacists can play in Australia’s healthcare system, delivering safe healthcare for women. 

“Pharmacists are the most accessible healthcare professionals in the system, this reform simply makes better use of that.”  

Minns Labor Government to introduce commonsense medicinal cannabis driving reforms

The Minns Labor Government will introduce laws to Parliament to create a more commonsense approach for people using lawfully prescribed medicinal cannabis, while maintaining strong road safety protections.

Under the reforms, drivers taking prescribed medicinal cannabis containing THC will no longer be automatically penalised under the current drug presence offence framework in certain circumstances.

The Government recognises these are significant changes and will implement them cautiously, with strong safeguards and road safety protections built into every stage of the new system.

There are around one million medicinal cannabis users in Australia, with up to a third (over 300,000) estimated in NSW and growing, with the number of cannabis medicines dispensed each month in NSW almost doubling in a 12 month period.

Many people rely on these prescriptions to continue working, caring for family members and going about their daily lives. The Government’s proposed changes recognise that reality, while ensuring anyone who is driving impaired by drugs or alcohol continues to face serious consequences.

To be eligible for the new system, drivers will be required to enrol as a registered medicinal cannabis user with Transport for NSW, provide proof of a valid prescription and complete an online education program about cannabis and driving safety.

The changes will only apply to NSW drivers on an unrestricted licence and excludes L or P plate drivers and commercial drivers.

The Government will introduce a measured three-strike approach for registered medicinal cannabis users, recognising some drivers may test positive to THC despite using their medication lawfully and responsibly.

Under the new system, registered medicinal cannabis users will still be roadside drug tested. If a driver returns a positive roadside test, they will continue to receive an immediate 24-hour driving ban while the sample is sent for laboratory testing.

If the laboratory result shows THC below the maximum threshold there will be no charge or further action. If the laboratory result shows THC at or above the threshold, the driver will receive a warning letter for a first or second detection within two years. This will give drivers the opportunity to adjust their dose and driving behaviour after medicine use.

A third detection above the threshold within the two year period will result in penalties, including a fine of $704 and a minimum three-month licence suspension.

If the driver has alcohol present, or the lab result shows multiple illicit drugs, or any drug other than THC, the driver will face the standard drug driving offence.

Registered users will continue to be subject to post-crash blood and urine testing following serious crashes and will still face serious charges if they are found to be driving while impaired.

These safeguards are critical to ensuring police can continue to respond strongly to dangerous driving behaviour and thoroughly investigate serious crashes.

In line with the recommendations from the Drug Summit, the new system will be reviewed after a year of implementation.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“This is a significant reform for NSW, but it’s one we are approaching carefully and with road safety at the centre of every decision.

“For thousands of people, medically prescribed cannabis is life-changing medication that is necessary for people to go about their daily lives.

“Our current laws enable people to safely and legally drive while taking a wide range of prescription medications but that doesn’t include cannabis prescribed by a medical practitioner.

“These changes strike a careful balance of providing a more practical approach for medicinal cannabis users while maintaining strong road safety protections for the community.”

Minister for Health Ryan Park said:

“Medicinal cannabis is allowing many people in our community to go about their daily lives.

“These reforms work to get a balance right between safety and legal use of medicinal cannabis.”

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said:

“Road safety remains the number one priority and these reforms do not change the ability of NSW Police to take dangerous drivers off our roads.

“NSW Police will operationalise this reform as part of their role to enforce our laws, including roadside drug testing and action against impaired drivers.

“Every driver has a personal responsibility to know what they are taking and never get behind the wheel impaired.”

Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“At the 2024 Drug Summit we heard clearly that more consideration needs to be given to people who use medicinal cannabis while also needing to be able to drive.

“The issue is a complicated one and it’s important we strike a balance between keeping our roads as safe as possible, while also ensuring people using medicinal cannabis on prescription can drive a vehicle where they are not under the influence.

“This change does not give anyone permission to drive a vehicle while affected by cannabis or any other drug. If you are caught driving while impaired by drugs you will face the full force of the law.

“We want to give drivers two warnings, so they can manage their medicine use and driving. If caught a third time they will be charged with an offence and face penalties, including licence suspension.”      

Minns Labor Government boosts services and peer support to combat gambling harm

The Minns Labor Government is boosting annual funding for GambleAware by $1.3 million to provide people experiencing gambling harm with greater access to peer support workers and services in 44 per cent more locations across NSW.

GambleAware provides free and confidential support to people experiencing gambling harm, whether from their own or someone else’s gambling.

Services offered include gambling counselling, financial counselling and peer support.

GambleAware staff also go out into the community to raise awareness of the risks of gambling and how to get support.

The extra funding will bolster the number of service locations across the state from 34 to 49, and employ five more peer support workers, bringing the total number to 16. This is in addition to the gambling and financial counsellors already providing personalised support through GambleAware service providers across the state.

In 2024-25, GambleAware services supported 4,170 people in more than 19,000 counselling sessions and the GambleAware Helpline provided more than 9,500 people with telephone crisis support.

The funding boost builds on the Minns Government’s strengthened commitment to the Responsible Gambling Fund which it supported with $20.7 million in funding in the 2025-26 Financial Year, up from $19.2 million the previous year.

A competitive tender process was recently undertaken to continue GambleAware services in 10 NSW regions to ensure essential support is available state-wide.

Contracts for three years plus a two-year extension option have been awarded to the following service providers:

  • Wesley Community Services
  • Regional Community Care
  • Armidale CentaCare New England North West
  • Mission Australia
  • Uniting
  • St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney.

Proud Wiradjuri man Dean Dries has been a peer support worker with GambleAware for almost a year.

Mr Dries provides care and guidance to the Northern Sydney and Central Coast regions, drawing on more than 20 years of lived experience with gambling harm and alcohol and drug addiction.

At 18, he turned to several types of gambling to escape feelings of loneliness and not belonging after being bullied at school.

Mr Dries said his gambling grew to be a major financial and emotional burden for himself and his family until he turned his life around with the help of GambleAware services which he is now providing to support others.

The Minns Labor Government is committed to gambling reform to reduce gambling harm in pubs and clubs, money laundering and other criminal activity

We have introduced a series of reforms, achieving more since coming to office than the previous Liberal Coalition Government did in 12 years.

The Government is committed to building on these reforms with evidence-based measures that we know will make a difference and get the balance right.

The reforms the Government has introduced include:

  • reducing the overall State cap on Gaming Machine Entitlements by more than 3,000
  • reducing the cash input limit from $5,000 to $500 for all new gaming machines with approximately 56% of all machines now having the $500 limit
  • introducing Responsible Gambling Officers into pubs and clubs with more than 20 gaming machines to identify and support people experiencing gambling harm
  • introducing mandatory gambling incident registers and gaming plans of management for all venues with gaming machines to ensure clubs and hotels actively monitor gaming in their venues and respond to gaming-related situations
  • strengthening requirements to ensure ATMs are not located in areas of hotels and clubs that have gaming machines to create important breaks in play
  • banning all external gambling signage at venues to protect minors and people experiencing gambling harm from exposure to gambling promotion outside the venue
  • banning political donations from clubs with gaming machines to achieve parity with other gambling sectors
  • revoking more than 650 outdated exemptions to the mandatory gaming machine shutdown period to restore a uniform break in play from 4am to 10am across the state
  • introducing a facial recognition technology (FRT) code of practice for venues voluntarily using FRT to support self-exclusion to help ensure privacy and data is protected to the highest standard.
  • committing to creating a statewide exclusion register and introducing a third-party exclusion scheme, as well as further implementing FRT to help venues identify players who may be breaching self-exclusion.
  • banning gambling advertising on Transport for NSW owned and controlled assets, including internal and external advertising on trains, metro, buses, light rail, train stations and ferry terminals.

Information about GambleAware services, plus resources and support information are available at www.gambleaware.nsw.gov.au

Call the 24-hour GambleAware Helpline on 1800 858 858 for free and confidential support. In-language support is also available for those from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said:

“The Minns Labor Government is laser focussed on preventing and responding to gambling harm which can have a devastating impact on the relatively small number of people it impacts, along with their loved ones.

“GambleAware is an important gambling harm minimisation service that provides a range of access options to ensure people can get confidential help any time in the way they feel most comfortable.

“An independent evaluation of GambleAware services found that the system is operating well and delivers high-quality, safe, efficient and effective services but could do with increased funding for community engagement, peer support and operational costs.

“That’s why we have responded with a funding boost of $1.3 million for the coming year.”

GambleAware peer support and person with lived experience of gambling harm Dean Dries said:

“Recovery is not easy, I had to learn how to retrain my brain and if you’re aware of your actions, you can take action and walk away.

“I’ve got my kids back today and I’ve got a great job and I’m doing something I’m very passionate about.

“I want to give back to the community and let them know they’re not alone, there are people who care about them and there is hope.

“The hardest part is to reach out. It’s okay to ask for help and it takes a lot of courage.

“I understand what they’re going through, as I’ve been there myself. It’s about supporting little wins and connections you build with clients – listening and open and honest conversations without judgment and letting people know they’re not alone.”