First Phase of US Brokered Peace Plan in Middle East

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

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

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

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

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

Camp Shortland shifts gears from racetrack to recreation following community feedback

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ceremony celebrates Councillors’ commitment to share civic honour

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said:

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

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

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

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

Member for Leppington Nathan Hagarty said:

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

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

SafeWork Commissioner Janet Schorer said:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Business Events Sydney (BESydney) CEO Amanda Lampe said:

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

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

New suspension bridge to connect Casino community

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain

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

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

NSW Minister for Recovery and North Coast Janelle Saffin

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

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

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

the Hon Emily Suvaal MLC, Duty MLC for Tweed

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

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

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

Richmond Valley Council Mayor Robert Mustow

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

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

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

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

New intake of Extended Care Paramedics for NSW Ambulance

Fourteen newly trained Extended Care Paramedics (ECPs) have been deployed across the state following the successful completion of their training program at the NSW Ambulance State Operations Centre.

Extended Care Paramedics are paramedics already registered with NSW Ambulance who complete additional training and bring with them a diverse range of clinical backgrounds and experience.

After undertaking a 10-week intensive education program, which includes two weeks clinical placement on the road and at a hospital, the new ECPs will commence on road as independent clinicians from next week.

ECPs are paramedics who have the knowledge and skills required to care for patients with conditions suitable for alternative clinical pathways to an emergency department, where it is safe and clinically appropriate to do so.  

The class of fourteen new ECPs includes June Munday, a NSW Ambulance paramedic for five years most recently in Central West NSW, and Peter Wilson, a NSW Ambulance paramedic for more than 25 years, who is trained as a special operations and rescue paramedic.

This marks the 26th Extended Care Paramedic (ECP) course delivered by NSW Ambulance since the program began in 2007.

ECPs are now based across metropolitan Sydney, the Illawarra, Central Coast, Inner Hunter and, through a pilot program, on the North Coast. They can also be deployed to areas of greatest need, as demonstrated during the recovery phase following severe weather events on the Mid North Coast and in Hunter New England earlier this year.

The Minns Labor Government is committed to building an engaged, capable and supported workforce, by:

  • Abolishing the wages cap and delivering the largest wage increase to healthcare workers in a decade;
  • Recruiting and deploying 500 regional paramedics;
  • Implementing ratios in our emergency departments;
  • Saving 1,112 nurses which the Liberal Government planned to sack; and
  • Supporting our future health workforce through providing them with study subsidies.

Minister for Health, Ryan Park: 

“Extended Care Paramedics play a vital role in giving patients more options for safe and appropriate treatment outside of busy emergency departments.

“I want to congratulate this new class of Extended Care Paramedics and thank them for their dedication to delivering quality care for people in their time of need.

“More staff, lower response times, better patient outcomes – it’s as simple as that. 

NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan: 

“Our Extended Care Paramedics are a prime example of how NSW Ambulance continues to innovate to deliver better care for our patients. ECPs provide options that keep people well and supported in the community.

“This new intake of Extended Care Paramedics have shown outstanding commitment, skill and compassion throughout their training, and these qualities will make a real difference to the people of NSW.”

Extended Care Paramedic June Munday: 

“The part of the job I love the most is patient care, spending time with people and building a real rapport. Becoming an Extended Care Paramedic means I can do more of that while giving patients safe alternatives to hospital when it’s appropriate.

“This role is about empowering patients with information and options, while continuing to grow my own skills.”

“It’s rewarding to know we can provide the right care in the right setting and make a genuine difference in people’s lives.”

Extended Care Paramedic Peter Wilson:

“After more than 20 years as a paramedic, the knowledge I’ve gained through this course has been incredible. ECPs take a broad, holistic approach to patient care that really complements the work I’ve done across special operations.

“I’m looking forward to applying these skills in my local community and working closely with allied health providers to deliver care that keeps them safe and supported outside hospital where appropriate.”

Raptor North charge man for alleged role in violent armed robbery in Hunter Region

Raptor Squad have charged a man following an aggravated robbery in the state’s Hunter Region earlier this year under Strike Force Bromsgrove.

Strike Force Bromsgrove is an investigation by State Crime Command’s Raptor North into a series of related aggravated robbery related incidents in the Nelson Bay area in March 2025.

About 5.25am on Thursday 27 March 2025, emergency services were called to Salamander Way in Salamander Bay following reports of a home invasion.

On arrival, officers attached to Port Stephens Hunter Police District were told five unknown men dressed in dark clothing and face coverings – two armed with firearms, and one armed with a knife – had entered the home.

The group of males allegedly threatened the home’s occupants – a 48-year-old woman and two men aged 52 and 26 – demanding drugs before stealing their mobile phones, a luxury handbag, and a luxury hat.

The offenders then fled the scene in a white 4WD vehicle, suspected to be bearing stolen registration plates CX35UZ.

Local police commenced initial inquiries and NSW Ambulance paramedics treated the youngest man for a suspected broken nose.

The matter was then referred to State Crime Command’s Raptor North who commenced investigations under Strike Force Bromsgrove.

Following extensive inquiries, about 12.30pm yesterday (Thursday 9 October 2025), strike force detectives arrested a 31-year-old man in Ultimo.

He was taken to Day Street Police Station, where he was charged with accessory before the fact to robbery while armed with a dangerous weapon, and larceny value <=$2000.

The man was refused bail to appear in Bail Division Local Court 7 today (Friday 10 October 2025), where police will allege the man stole the number plates used in the robbery from an address in Claremont meadows on Wednesday 26 March 2025.

Investigations under Strike Force Bromsgrove continue.

Regional Pride on the Line at the 2025 Netball NSW Regional State Cup

The battle for regional supremacy will take centre stage this weekend as six powerhouse regions converge on Netball Central, Sydney Olympic Park for the 2025 Netball NSW Regional State Cup. Across Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 October, the state’s brightest netball talent will go head-to-head in a showcase of passion, precision, and regional pride.

Bringing together the top athletes from the Hunter & Central Coast, North Coast, North West, Riverina, South Coast and West Central West regions, the Cup represents the pinnacle of regional competition in New South Wales. Athletes aged between 16 and 22 years have been selected from their respective Regional League competitions, mirroring the standards and structures of the Netball NSW Premier League U23s.

Netball NSW General Manager of Performance and Pathways, Mardi Aplin, said the tournament continues to play a vital role in connecting regional talent to the state’s high-performance pathway.

“The Regional State Cup gives athletes, coaches and officials from across the state the chance to play for regional pride and compete in a high-performance environment as a region,” Aplin said.

“We’ve already seen players progress from this tournament into Premier League, with 14 athletes from last year’s event now competing at that level. It’s a weekend of great netball and an important opportunity for athletes to measure themselves against some of the best emerging talent in the state.”

A fierce rivalry is set to reignite between Riverina — perennial contenders for the title — and the combined Hunter & Central Coast team, a region with a proud history of success. With all teams playing each other twice over the two-day tournament, every quarter will count in the race for the 2025 crown.


The tournament is also proving to be a launching pad for future coaches. Georgia Fuller, former Riverina Head Coach, was appointed Assistant Coach of the Opens Premier League Central Coast Heart following her involvement in last year’s Cup, before stepping into a Premier League coaching role with Eastwood Ryde — clear evidence of the competition’s growing reputation as a pathway for both players and coaches.

With regional pride on the line and future stars set to emerge, the 2025 Regional State Cup is shaping as another key chapter in the story of regional netball in NSW.
What the Coaches Say

North Coast – Nikkia Humphries
“Regional State Cup is an exciting opportunity for our local talent to engage in a competitive, high-level environment. Our athletes travel long distances to train, so seeing their hard work come to life is incredibly rewarding. The teamwork and commitment within this group has been amazing. This competition empowers regional athletes to believe in themselves, refine their skills and take that next step in their netball journey.”

South Coast – Gemma Silver
“Representing the South Coast is always a proud moment. Our players have shown real commitment in their preparation, balancing work, study and travel to be here. We’ve focused on maintaining discipline and connection across all thirds, and I’m excited to see our game plan come together this weekend. The Regional State Cup is such an important step for regional athletes – it builds belief and provides genuine exposure to selectors and pathway opportunities.”
South Coast Netball Regional State Cup Team
West Central West – Linda Macleod
“It’s an amazing opportunity for our athletes and coaches to experience high-level competition. Being selected to represent West Central West is a real honour. With limited training opportunities, I’m looking forward to seeing the players put our tactical structures into practice and improve as the weekend progresses. This competition is invaluable for regional athletes looking to take the next step and gain exposure at the next level.”

North West – Charli Wright
“Representing North West is a proud moment for our entire group — players, coaches and managers. We’ve worked hard on transitions and court structures, and I’m excited to see how our players show up for each other and embrace the challenge. Regional State Cup is crucial for regional athletes — it pushes them out of their comfort zones and gives them the competition they need to grow. Our team is ready to rise to that challenge.”
Hunter and Central Coast Netball Regional State Cup Team
Hunter & Central Coast – Lauren Hill
“Wearing the green means more than just representing our region — it’s about honouring the legacy of those who came before us and the 160 athletes who trialled. Each of our 12 players brings something unique, and I can’t wait to see that come to life, especially through our defensive unit. The Regional State Cup is an incredible opportunity for regional athletes to showcase their talent on a bigger stage and experience what high-performance netball feels like.”

Event Details

2025 Netball NSW Regional State Cup
11–12 October 2025
Netball Central, Sydney Olympic Park

Participating Regions: Hunter & Central Coast, North Coast, North West, Riverina, South Coast, West Central West

Live Stream: Fans can catch all the action of the 2025 Regional State Cup live and on demand via NetballNSW.tv. Every game across the two-day tournament will be streamed live, giving family, friends and fans the chance to follow their region from anywhere.

A weekend pass is available for $9.99, providing full access to all matches. Please note that existing NetballNSW.tv account holders will still need to purchase a separate pass specifically for the Regional State Cup.

“I don’t understand the term biological men”, says $400K per year bureaucrat

Family First has renewed its call for the position of Sex Discrimination Commissioner — and the Australian Human Rights Commission along with its state-based equivalents — to be abolished following extraordinary comments by Commissioner Dr Anna Cody during Senate Estimates this week.

Dr Cody, who is paid more than $400,000 a year plus superannuation, told Liberal Senator Claire Chandler in Senate Estimates this week she did not “understand the term biological man” and that a male paedophile in a Victorian women’s prison was a woman.

When asked if biological men could be women, Dr Cody replied:

“I think we have different languages that perhaps you’re using than I would use … I don’t understand the term biological men.”

When asked about the high-profile case of a biological man housed in a Victorian women’s prison for sexually abusing his five-year-old daughter, Dr Cody said:

“So the person who I believe you’re referring to is a trans woman.”

Family First said such remarks reveal an alarming ideological capture at the highest levels of taxpayer-funded “human rights” bureaucracy which endanger the safety of girls and women.

How can a Sex Discrimination Commissioner not understand the biological categories that underpin the very Act she administers?

If the official charged with protecting women’s rights refuses to acknowledge biological sex, then women and girls have no defender within the system.

During the same hearing, Dr Cody claimed “there are a range of people who identify as women, who are women” — including “trans women” and “non-binary people” — effectively erasing the distinction between biological women and men who identify as female.

Family First said this position is a complete departure from common sense and reflects a dangerous ideology now being pushed through education, the media and public institutions by taxpayer-funded state and federal human rights commissions.

When powerful bureaucrats spread such lies, it puts enormous pressure on parents who simply want their children raised in truth and protected from confusion.

Parents want to know their daughters have safe single sex spaces and that their sport is fair 

Families should not have to battle their own government to defend basic biological reality.

The Party said Australia needs legislators with the courage to dismantle the taxpayer-funded industry which upholds radical LGBTIQA+ political ideology.

It is agendas like Dr Cody’s — and the major parties’ unwillingness to dismantle the taxpayer-funded institutions that enable them — that make Family First candidates essential in our Parliaments. 

Family First candidates Deepa Mathew (SA), Bernie Finn and Jane Foreman (VIC), and Lyle Shelton (NSW) are standing at up-coming state elections to take the pressure off families by fighting this ideological nonsense until every Australian girl and woman is safe from it.