The Victorian Greens have said the state’s housing crisis is one of Labor’s own making, after a scathing report found that decades of under-investment in community and public housing had fuelled it.
The Greens say at a time when Labor should be building more genuinely affordable housing, they’re instead preparing to tear Melbourne’s public housing towers down to give the land to private developers and push more people into the already stretched rental market.
The Council to Homeless Persons report was released overnight and found that Victoria’s housing woes had worsened across almost every key measure.
It found that more people were seeking homelessness support in Victoria than anywhere else in the country.
Yet Victoria still has the lowest proportion of public and community housing of all the states and territories in the country (3%).
Meanwhile the waitlist was continuing to grow, and people with priority access due to family violence were still, on average, waiting more than 19 months for a home.
It follows the release of a separate Tenants Victoria report last week which found that renters continued to face outrageous rent hikes, with 80% of rental providers raising rents in the past two years, with an average rental increase of 17%.
This is despite CPI increasing by only 2.4% in the last year.
Victorian Greens housing spokesperson, Gabrielle de Vietri MP:
“This has gotten seriously out of control – for all of Labor’s impressive numbers and big announcements, their response to the housing crisis has done nothing but line the pockets of property developers and push more and more people into housing stress and homelessness.
“Labor’s solution to the housing crisis is to demolish all the public housing towers in the state and lock renters into unlimited rent increases.
“Everyone deserves a safe, affordable place to live. But with Labor putting property developer profits over people, we are hurtling towards a housing disaster.”
With just weeks to go until Labor’s new aged care system commences on 1 November, the Greens-led Senate inquiry into Aged Care Service Delivery has handed down its report raising the alarm for older Australians, and finding that the reforms must be urgently reviewed and amended to avoid cruel and terrifying consequences for older Australians.
Ending shortages of care
The committee, chaired by Greens Spokesperson for Older People Senator Penny Allman-Payne, took the view that the ‘rationing’ of care through the periodic release of packages leads to significant, life altering and sometimes fatal consequences for older Australians (9.21).
The committee in its report also expressed “grave concern” that “vulnerable older people will forgo necessary care” (9.48) because they won’t be able to afford new co-payments for basic care, a key feature of the new Support at Home program.
Rather than rationing care, the majority committee report urges the government to work towards a universal entitlement to care (9.23) as the Royal Commission intended.
But Labor, in their dissenting comments, has rejected the recommendations of the majority report, locking in their support for policies creating deliberate shortages of care that have led to over 200,000 older Australians on the waitlist for care, many dying before receiving a package.
Inquiry raises serious concerns, more work to be done on Labor’s reforms
Under Support at Home, older Australians will be forced to pay up to $50 each time they need help with a shower, and the government has been warned of billions in flow-on costs due to poor design of the scheme in the form of early entry to the residential aged care system and avoidable hospitalisations.
Significantly, the committee also recommends the Senate further inquire into the government’s planned closure of the Community Home Support Program (CHSP). The CHSP currently supports more than 800,000 older Australians with everyday living needs, but is slated to close after 1 July 2027 and be transitioned into Support at Home.
Serious questions remain about how the government will address the waitlist for home care in the future if it goes ahead with the closure of the CHSP. The Senate committee has previously heard that the government has “no possibility” of reaching its home care waitlist target (down to 3 months by 1 July 2027), due to the flow on impacts of the closure of that program on demand for care packages. Responses to questions during the inquiry hearing made clear that the government had not modelled the impact of the planned closure of CHSP on the waitlist for home care packages.
After evidence surfaced during the public hearing for this inquiry successfully forced the government into a humiliating backdown over the delay of tens of thousands of home care packages last month, today’s committee report and the threat of further inquiries is a warning for the government that the Greens won’t let the neglect of older Australians go unnoticed.
Senator Penny Allman-Payne, Greens spokesperson for Older People and Chair of the Aged Care Service Delivery inquiry:
“This inquiry shows that the more you look at Labor’s aged care changes, the worse it is for older Australians.”
“While the Greens and the majority of Senators have agreed to work towards ending the shortages of aged care, Labor have voted to continue deliberately rationing the availability of aged care each year.”
“By mandating shortages of care, Labor will ensure people die on waitlists without the care they need. That should be unthinkable in a country like Australia, let alone deliberate government policy.”
“In just over thirty days, harsh co-payments will mean thousands of older people will be forced to pay up to $50 just for help with a shower. Many will have to go without.”
“Politicians on big salaries might not have to worry about who will look after them in their old age, but ordinary Australians do.”
“Labor’s aged care changes mean the worse your health, the more you’ll pay.”
“The Greens have taken on Labor over the needless delay of home care packages and won. Now we’ll fight to make sure everyone can access the level of care that they need when they need it, not just the care they can afford to pay for.”
The parent company of Huon Salmon, Brazilian meat giant JBS, has been exposed as the largest company in Australia by revenue to pay no corporate tax in 2023–24.
JBS reported an income of almost $20 billion and paid no corporate tax according to the Australian Taxation Office’s corporate tax transparency report.
Greens Senator for Tasmania Nick McKim said the revelations show how parasitic the salmon industry has become.
“Huon Salmon’s parent company pulled in nearly $20 billion and didn’t pay a cent in corporate tax. That’s taking the piss,” Senator McKim said.
“It’s nothing short of scandalous that JBS pays no corporate tax while profiting from a business model based on animal cruelty, destroying marine ecosystems, killing dolphins and polluting coastlines.”
“Tasmanians are paying the price for this parasitic industry twice over, with trashed waterways and lost revenue for schools and hospitals.”
“Working people don’t get to dodge tax. But big salmon keep lining its pockets while Labor and the Liberals let them off the hook.”
“The Greens will keep fighting to make corporations like JBS pay their fair share so we can fund housing, health, education and the services our communities rely on.”
The Australian Taxation Office’s latest corporate tax transparency report shows that big corporations are still ripping Australians off when it comes to avoiding tax.
The ATO figures show that almost a third of large companies, including fossil fuel, gambling and airline corporations, paid no corporate tax at all in the 2023-24 financial year.
Greens Economic Justice Spokesperson Senator Nick McKim said the numbers are proof the system has been totally corrupted.
“Almost one in three big corporations paid nothing. That’s an economy-wide rip off,” Senator McKim said.
“Corporations that are wrecking the climate, destroying nature and sucking profits out of our communities are dodging tax which leaves working Australians to make up the difference.”
“You know the system is cooked when people going to work every day as nurses, cleaners or plumbers are paying more tax than nearly a third of big corporations.”
“Working people don’t get the option of skipping their tax bill. But big corporations keep buying their way out of it, and Labor and the Liberals keep letting them.”
“The Greens will keep fighting to make big corporations and billionaires pay their fair share so we can fund housing, health, education and the services people rely on.”
The Minns Labor Government is delivering a permanent safety upgrade for the Valla Beach community, confirming a new roundabout will be built at the intersection of Valla Beach Road and Giinagay Way.
The decision was announced following strong community calls and extensive investigations by road safety and engineering experts were ordered by Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison.
Transport for NSW and the Centre for Road Safety identified a roundabout as the most effective solution after crashes and near misses at the site following a traffic study undertaken in recent months.
Design work on the roundabout is now under way, with construction timeframes to be finalised in coming weeks.
Site work is expected to commence this year, subject to planning and other approvals.
Transport for NSW will continue to keep the community informed as delivery progresses.
The planned roundabout builds on immediate safety measures introduced earlier this year, including the permanent reduction of the speed limit to 60 kilometres per hour, the installation of Vehicle Activated Speed (VAS) signs that encourage drivers to slow down, and a Road Safety Incident Investigation Camera (ROSICAM).
Data from the VAS is being used to inform Mobile Speed Camera initiatives and has been shared with NSW Police to support compliance activities. This data does not prompt any fines, but a total of three enforcement sites for Mobile Speed Cameras are now active on Giinagay Way and investigations continue into additional sites.
Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said:
“Today’s announcement shows we are committed to delivering the safety fix this community has called for at Valla Beach.
“This decision follows extensive consultation with experts from the Centre for Road Safety, whose study of this intersection has provided evidence for Transport for NSW to determine the most appropriate solution.
“I have visited the site on several occasions and have been assured by our engineers and experts that a roundabout is the best solution to ensure a safer road.
“This roundabout will make travel safer for families, locals, businesses and tourists.”
Labor spokesperson for Oxley Anthony D’Adam said:
“This is welcome news for the people of Valla Beach and the wider Oxley community.
“The confirmation of a roundabout is the right outcome and reflects the Minns Government’s commitment to keeping all road users safe.”
This coming October Labour Day long weekend marks the start of the NSW trout fishing season with tens of thousands of anglers expected to experience the thrill of this well-loved freshwater sportfishing in New South Wale’s scenic alpine and high-country waterways.
The 2025-26 season officially opens on Saturday 4 October following the annual four-month closure to allow fish to spawn and reproduce. The season remains open to midnight 8 June 2026.
Rivers and streams across NSW are in prime condition for the opening with 2 million Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout and Atlantic Salmon to be stocked into rivers and lakes across the fishery over the coming six months.
The Minns Labor Government is committed to making recreational fishing more accessible and family friendly by promoting these opportunities during school holidays and through school education programs.
The Government’s Dutton and Gaden Trout Hatcheries produce millions of trout and salmon each year, as well as breeding endangered natives species, and in recognition of this important role the Government is considering how this can be increased.
Supporting the annual trout season through stocking programs is an important plank in the Minns Government’s plans to boost regional economies and generate jobs through the tourism and travel generated by sport fishing.
NSW boasts some of the best trout fishing locations in the country, stretching from the pristine rivers of the Snowy Mountains and the tree-lined creeks of the Central West to the clear, rocky streams of New England.
The recreational fishing generates thousands of visitors from across the country each year and produces around $3.4 billion in economic activity annually.
It is important that all recreational fishers check they have a current and valid NSW Recreational Fishing Fee Receipt (unless exempt) and take the opportunity to remind themselves of the fishing rules before wetting a line.
A summary of fishing rules and regulations is available via the FishSmart App or by accessing the NSW Recreational Freshwater Fishing Guide available at NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) offices, fishing fee agents or online.
Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:
“The Minns Government is committed to strengthening the recreational fishing sector by providing high-quality fishing experiences, and especially those that benefit regional communities.
“Trout fishing in NSW is more than just a weekend hobby; it plays a significant role in supporting regional tourism and driving local economic activity.
“The beauty of trout fishing is that it also brings people into contact with nature, the environment and the serenity of looking at a stream brimming with life in the water and around its banks. These factors can play an important part in the wellbeing of individuals.
“NSW boasts some of the best trout fishing locations in the country, including streams in the New England, the iconic Thredbo and Eucumbene rivers in the Snowy Mountains, and the Fish River near Bathurst in the Central West.
“Fishers heading out for the start of the trout fishing season will be in for a treat, with our world-class stocking program ensuring great fishing opportunities for these highly popular sportfish.”
The Minns Labor Government is clearing the way for more world-class festivals and events at Centennial Parklands, increasing the cap on major events to support Sydney’s vibrancy agenda while protecting public green spaces.
Building on a legacy of Centennial Park concerts that have hosted Bob Dylan, James Brown, INXS, Flume and Tame Impala – a new Regulation will mean the number of events attracting more than 20,000 people will increase from eight to twelve each year.
The increase will allow Greater Sydney Parklands, as manager of Centennial Parklands, to host more large-scale cultural, sporting and music events – helping to boost Sydney’s economy and night-time vibrancy and lowering costs for festival organisers – while making measures are in place to manage traffic, noise and environmental impacts.
Events of this size will continue to be held on the Brazilian Fields, located at the centre of Centennial Park. Greater Sydney Parklands is also investigating infrastructure improvements and transport solutions to better support these events and reduce disruption for other park users.
In 2024, the Minns Government lifted the SCG precinct concert cap from an average of 4 events a year to 20 events a year. Lifting these restrictions has meant more events, fun and investment in NSW.
The Minns Labor Government is building better communities and that means rebuilding vibrancy and the 24-hour economy which is still recovering from a decade of lockouts and then lockdowns.
The lifting of the Centennial Park concert cap builds on two years of vibrancy reforms including last week’s boost to capacity, entertainment and events, along with supporting more than 20 local councils to establish Special Entertainment Precincts, ending single serial noise complaints, extending trading hours for venues that host live entertainment, reducing red tape around entertainment and outdoor spaces, scrapping the 5km sign in rule at clubs and rolling out $14.9 million in Uptown Grants to support entertainment hubs.
The new cap will take effect ahead of the 2026 events calendar. The Greater Sydney Parklands will continue to work industry and community to support a smooth transition.
Minister for the Arts and Night-time Economy John Graham said:
“We’re lifting the cap on good times, outdoor events and opportunities for artists and workers.
“Centennial Park is one of the most beautiful and versatile parklands in the world, and this is a sensible boost in its capacity to host a great day out.”
“The lifting of yet another restriction on fun, is part of our agenda to restore Sydney back to its 2000 Olympics heyday, where our events and nightlife were the envy of the world.”
“With more events occurring, we are encouraging the opportunity for events to go back to back over a single weekend. That means they can share infrastructure and reduce costs, which should mean lower costs for event organisers and the public. It’s a very practical way of keeping costs down.”
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:
“We want Sydney to host more events that people love, so we’re lifting restrictions that have held back the festivals, concerts and cultural celebrations that bring energy and life to our city.
“At the same time, we’re putting in place safeguards to protect our parklands so they can continue to be enjoyed by everyone.
“This is about making Sydney a truly 24-hour city – vibrant, welcoming and full of life.”
Australian Festival Association CEO Olly Arkins said:
“This is a big win for Sydney’s cultural life, which the AFA has long called for. More events mean more opportunities for local artists and businesses, and importantly, the chance for festivals to share infrastructure and reduce their costs. This welcome change gives organisers the certainty they need to invest and deliver world-class experiences in one of our city’s largest and most iconic outdoor venues.”
The Minns Labor Government is transforming a former Sydney Metro construction site in Chatswood’s CBD into hundreds of new homes, including 180 build-to-rent apartments for essential workers.
This is the second site to be secured under the Minns Labor Government’s $450 million investment in Landcom to deliver 400 build-to-rent homes for essential workers in Sydney, with 220 essential worker homes already being delivered in Annandale.
Master planning of the site in Chatswood by the NSW Government’s developer Landcom shows that it could deliver up to 1,500 new homes alongside new shops and outdoor areas.
The draft masterplan includes:
Construction of 180 build-to-rent apartments that will be held in perpetuity and offered to essential workers like health workers, paramedics, teachers, police officers and firefighters.
Up to 1,300 further apartments both for market sale and dedicated to affordable housing, with a mix of apartment sizes catering for different lifestyles.
New retail and commercial spaces, landscaped outdoor spaces with new pedestrian and cycling connections to the wider area.
Adaptive re-use of local heritage building Mowbray House, which operated as a boarding school from 1906 to 1954, for future community use.
Within easy walking distance of public transport including Chatswood Metro station and multiple train stations, shops and restaurants and close to schools and health centres this new development will allow future residents to live, work and play in the one community.
Construction on the site is expected to start in late 2026, with the first essential workers expected to move in by late 2028.
Landcom is inviting feedback on the proposal from the community and stakeholders until 9am, Monday 27 October 2025.
Work is also underway on new build-to-rent apartments on the NSW south coast and work is set to start later this year on new build-to-rent housing in Lismore to boost rental supply in the NSW Northern Rivers.
This is another example of the Minns Labor Government building better communities and rebuilding the states housing supply so critical workers like health workers, paramedics, teachers, police officers and firefighters no longer face lengthy commutes.
“Essential workers are the backbone of not only Sydney but all of NSW and they deserve to have an affordable place to live near their job and community.
“This will be life changing for essential workers, who will get to live not only near their job but in one of the best-connected areas in all of Sydney.”
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:
“People should be able to live, work, relax and play all within one community. Delivering both 180 new essential worker homes and 1300 further market and affordable homes will give that opportunity and choice back hundreds of people.
“We’ve dedicated another 180 homes to essential workers in this project so workers like our teachers, nurses, paramedics and police offices can build a life close to both their home and job.
“This is yet another example of density done well, providing additional, homes and jobs in an area that’s already well serviced by public transport, shops, restaurants, schools and health centres.”
Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:
“This is another fantastic example of the Minns Labor Government’s land audit delivering on the housing needs of our state in what will be a brilliant new development for our amazing essential workers.
“The audit has already delivered sites for about 9,000 new homes, but we’re not stopping there. Today’s announcement shows we are building more and better homes, done well and ideally located, for the people that need them.”
Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:
“Our essential workers deserve a future in Sydney – a future that doesn’t involve commuting hours to get to work or the shops.
“We are delivering a better future for the next generation by embracing density where it makes sense, building more homes of all types, and locking in affordable housing from the start so that no one gets left behind.”
Landcom CEO Alex Wendler said:
“This is a highly productive time for Landcom where we are sustaining strong momentum across our entire delivery program. Here at Chatswood, we are leading the development of a major city precinct to do density well and make homes happen.
“This is a great example of Landcom making the government’s policy ambitions a reality and bringing to life the kind of housing options our city needs.”
Global social media sensation and pop violinist Joel Sunny will deliver an exclusive Australian performance at the Newcastle Ocean Baths tomorrow as part of City of Newcastle’s flagship arts festival.
The Baths have emerged as the city’s hottest new live music destination, attracting more than 4,000 visitors over the first two nights of New Annual’s unique free sunset concert series, SOAK.
Newcastle post punk band DUST drew huge crowds to the Newcastle Ocean Baths as it was transformed into a live music venue for New Annual.
New Annual Festival Director Tory Loudon said Novocastrians and visitors were embracing the opportunity to experience art in iconic local spaces and responding to the unique collaborations on offer.
“People are coming out in droves to soak up the atmosphere, soak up the setting and soak up the incredible talent on show during these live music sessions,” Ms Loudon said.
“This has never been done at the Ocean Baths before and I’ve been thrilled by the reception we’ve received for SOAK and the wider New Annual festival.
“This year’s program is opening up a range of experiences to people who might not usually engage with more traditional arts venues.
“We’re only halfway through the festival and there’s so much more to come, so I hope everyone jumps online to see what’s in store for the rest of this week and into the weekend.”
SOAK: Live at the Baths opened with Newcastle post-punk favourites DUST performing a spectacular set on a floating stage on Saturday.
It shifted gears the following night with a conservation-themed collaboration between world-renowned beatboxer, Tom Thum, Filipino and Murrawarri artist DOBBY and leading jazz artist Freyja Garbett.
Internationally acclaimed pop violinist Joel Sunny will perform at the Newcastle Ocean Baths as part of New Annual’s SOAK: Live at the Baths program. Photo credit: Cal McIntyre
It will kick up another notch tomorrow night when Joel Sunny turns the curved art deco stairs into his stage as part of his global tour. He will deliver his trademark classical compositions with a pop sensibility, which have helped him amass more than four million social media followers worldwide.
Friday night will be another first when four of Australia’s brightest R&B and hip-hop artists – A.Girl, Dean Brady, BOY SODA and Finbar Stuart – deliver an unmissable supergroup-style performance alongside a live band and string section.
The SOAK programming wraps up on Saturday night with the city’s most unique pool party soundtracked by legendary local DJ jaytee hazard alongside DJ GNGR, who is one of Australia’s finest Afrobeats DJs.
SOAK is not the only free, family-friendly event to look forward to during the closing weekend of New Annual, with Global Gathering also offering a diverse line-up of music, dance, culture and food on Saturday 4 October.
Hamilton’s rich cultural history and cosmopolitan dining destination, Beaumont Street, will provide the perfect backdrop for Global Gathering’s community celebration, which runs from 2pm to 9pm.
MasterChef fan favourites including social media star Brendan Pang, Cake Boi’s Reece Hignell, Good Food columnist Emelia Jackson and Novocastrian Depinder Chhibber will add a culinary twist to the cultural feast, dishing up exclusive live cooking demonstrations on the food stage.
Adding extra spice to the program, the chefs will be interviewed live by acclaimed hosts Benjamin Law and Jennifer Wong. The duo will delve into each chef’s approach to food, their favourite ingredients and the personal family histories that inspired their passion for cooking.
Beyond the food, the main entertainment stage will showcase the rich diversity of Newcastle’s community, featuring flamenco guitarist Paco Lara, the storytelling movement of Minangay Dreaming, and the high-energy spectacle of Samoan Dance.
Audiences can also experience the powerful rhythms of ILE ILU, a collective of women drummers, horn players, and dancers from Sydney, the Central Coast, and Newcastle led by Marina Da Silva, and the genre-bending soundscapes of GabzaK & Dance of Worlds.
New Annual is proudly supported by the NSW Government in association with Transport for NSW Open Streets and Permit/Plug/Play Pilot programs, Multicultural NSW Stronger Together grant, Create NSW and the Destination NSW Regional Event Fund.
The University of Newcastle, Equip Multimedia and Newcastle Art Gallery are presenting partners of the 2025 event.
New Annual runs from 26 September until 5 October with 10 days of music, theatre, dance, visual arts and public art. More than 60% of the events are free and family friendly.
From today, first home buyers can realise their dream of home ownership sooner with the launch of 5 per cent deposits for all first home buyers, delivered months ahead of schedule.
The Albanese Government’s expanded 5 per cent deposit scheme guarantees a portion of a buyer’s home loan, cutting years off the time it takes to save for a deposit and saving on Lenders Mortgage Insurance.
Already more than 185,000 Australians have been supported into home ownership through this scheme. Today’s expansion means more Australians will get the keys to their first home sooner.
All first home buyers are now eligible, with no caps on places or income. Property price caps have also been lifted in line with average house prices, giving buyers access to a wider range of homes.
The median home price in Australia today is $844,000 and 5 per cent of that is $42,200. The last time $42,200 covered the 20 per cent deposit for a median home was 2002, which shows the generational scale of this change.
The expanded scheme means a first home buyer in Sydney can purchase a $1 million home with a $50,000 deposit. They could save up to 10 years off the time it takes to save for a deposit, save about $42,000 in mortgage insurance, and could pay up to $350,000 towards their own loan instead of paying rent.
It means that a first home buyer in Bendigo could purchase a $600,000 home with only a $30,000 deposit. They could save up to 6 years off the time it takes to save for a deposit, save about $25,000 in mortgage insurance, and could pay up to $126,000 towards their own loan instead of paying rent.
This is part of the Albanese Labor Government’s $43 billion housing agenda to build more homes, back first home buyers, and get renters a better deal.
“We’re making it easier for young people and first home buyers to achieve the dream of owning a home.
“From today, the 5 per cent deposit scheme will be available for all first home buyers meaning more Australians can get into their own home sooner.
“This change will open the door to thousands more buyers, helping them save money and get their keys faster.”
Minister for Housing Clare O’Neil:
“The Albanese Government has a target to support the building of more houses in five years than has ever been built before. But we’re not going to leave a generation behind while we fix decades of neglect. We can build more homes and help first home buyers at the same time.
“From today, every first home buyer can purchase their own home with just a 5 per cent deposit. That will cut the average time it takes to save a deposit from 11 years down to just 2 or 3, which will mean the difference between being stuck renting in your thirties or owning your own place.
“It’s really tough for young people trying to get into the housing market. Expanding this scheme means thousands more Australians can stop paying off someone else’s mortgage and start building equity in their own home.”
Newcastle post punk band DUST drew huge crowds to the Newcastle Ocean Baths as it was transformed into a live music venue for New Annual.-web.jpg "Joel Sunny will perform at the Newcastle Ocean Baths")