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Land audit unlocks another 600 dwellings

The Minns Labor Government’s ongoing statewide property audit has identified a further seven government-owned sites with the potential to deliver more than 600 new homes as part of its Building Homes for NSW program.

All sites identified as part of the land audit are first offered to Homes NSW and Landcom, the NSW Government’s developer.

Among the latest tranche of government-owned sites, three are in Greater Sydney and four are in regional centres.

In the Northern Tablelands region, Homes NSW are investigating the former Duval High School site in Armidale which has the potential for over 100 new social, affordable and market dwellings to support regional growth driven by the New England Renewable Energy Zone.

The site at Valla Beach, north of Nambucca Heads and close to the Pacific Highway, could yield more than 160 new dwellings. With sites at Boolaroo in the Lake Macquarie region and Broken Hill capable of delivering 190 new homes.

Among the newly announced Greater Sydney locations, the site at Whalan in the Blacktown local government area currently comprises lots which may support more than 120 new homes. Other sites in North Kellyville and Prairiewood could collectively provide around 19 new dwellings.

The Prairiewood site in particular is suited to low-rise housing using the Government’s recently announced NSW Housing Pattern book, which offers high-quality architect designs supported by a 10-day planning approval pathway to make it faster and more affordable to design and build a home.

The specifics of housing delivery including the quantity and types of homes for all newly announced property audit sites will be available once due diligence, planning and regulatory approvals are complete.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“We are continuing to tackle the state’s housing crisis head-on, these new sites, delivering more than 600 homes, continues our strong response to the housing supply crisis.

“The property audit program is delivering a steady pipeline of new housing development opportunities on unutilised surplus government land, to help address our critical shortage in housing supply.

“While stimulating housing supply in our urban centres is critical, we have also been able to identify key sites in regional cities such as Broken Hill and Armidale to deliver much needed housing to our regional communities.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“As the land audit continues to unlock land for new homes, the Minns Government is identifying sites that suit the NSW Housing Pattern Book designs and their 10-day approval pathway so builders can get straight on with building.

“As we tackle our housing supply challenges, we want to make sure there are homes that are well-designed, sustainable and adaptable to a range of lifestyle choices.”

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:

“Our land audit is delivering real results. Approximately ten thousand potential homes identified in just over a year shows the scale of what is possible when government gets serious about housing supply.

“We are making sure surplus public land is put to work for the community, not left sitting idle. Every one of these sites has the potential to deliver hundreds of homes where they are needed most.

“This is about more than numbers. From Armidale to Broken Hill to Sydney’s west, these projects will mean more people can afford to live near work, near family, and with the security of a roof over their head.

“Whether it is social housing, affordable rentals or market homes, we are determined to build every type of housing people in NSW need. That is the only way to tackle the housing crisis and give people a fair shot at a secure home.”

NSW Government to Deliver More Social Housing in Albury

The Minns Labor Government is taking concrete steps to address the housing affordability and availability crisis across New South Wales. Today, Premier Chris Minns visited Albury to inspect the progress of the $12.8 million East Albury Housing project, which will deliver safe, modern homes for approximately 40 older residents before Christmas.

This project will include 14 one-bedroom and 10 two-bedroom units, providing vital affordable housing for the community.

In addition, planning approval has been granted for another 27 homes in North Albury, offering safe and well-located accommodation for over 40 residents. Located near bus stops serving Lavington and Albury, this development will feature 17 one-bedroom and 10 two-bedroom units, along with 19 car parking spaces, two internal lifts, landscaping, and fencing.

These projects form part of the Minns Government’s historic $6.6 billion investment to create a fairer and more accessible housing system across NSW by significantly boosting supply. Over the past year, the Government has delivered 1,711 new social and affordable homes, the largest increase in government-built public and community housing in over a decade.

This commitment contrasts sharply with the previous Liberal-National Government, which oversaw a dramatic reduction in public housing, decreasing from 110,805 homes in 2014 to just 95,765 in 2023. Between 2017 and 2021, their tenure saw only 2,257 new social homes built, while 3,269 properties were sold off or removed during that period.

The Minns Government remains dedicated to delivering more affordable and accessible housing for all New South Wales residents.

Chris Minns, Premier of New South Wales said:

“Housing affordability and availability continue to be the biggest challenges facing families and young people across the entire state, no matter where they live.

“Our government is committed to reversing this trend by investing in new supply and cutting red tape to get things built faster.

“While there’s still more work to do, it’s fantastic to see this project nearing completion, ensuring that 40 people will have safe and secure housing just in time for Christmas.”

Rose Jackson, Minister for Housing and Minister for Homelessness said:

“We announced the start of this project in November last year and here we are today proudly standing in-front of 24 brand new social housing properties which will give approximately 40 older residents a safe and secure place to call home.”

“These new social housing projects in Albury are an important step forward in our work to address the shortage of affordable homes.

“Projects like this are about giving residents stability, security, and a place to call home. Our government is committed to doing just that through significant investment and real action on the ground.”

Decency, Unity and The Australia We Believe In

Today is a day for compassion. It’s a day to remember innocent lives lost in Israel and Gaza, and to stand together as Australians in our shared hope for peace.

The Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023, were despicable acts of terror that shocked the world with their brutality and barbarity. The grief for the worldwide Jewish diaspora remains deep, and the later suffering of Gaza civilians is undeniable. Both communities deserve understanding, not hostility.

The Sydney Opera House is a symbol of unity and creativity It should never be used as a backdrop for division or protest. It belongs to every Australian, no matter their faith or background.

New South Wales is a place where people of all faiths and backgrounds live side by side. What makes us stronger is our willingness to listen, to be respectful if we disagree and to protect one another from hate.

There is no place in our state for anyone who glorifies terrorism or celebrates violence. We can condemn terror while showing compassion for those suffering in conflict.

I call on all community and faith leaders to speak with calm and decency. The words we use matter. They can divide, or they can heal.

Australians have always believed in fairness, tolerance and respect. On this difficult day, we should live those values, together.

2nd anniversary of 7 October attack

The 7th of October 2023 was a day of pain and terror for Jewish people around the world, and we must never forget the atrocities that were inflicted by Hamas.

The attack on innocent people at a music festival that promoted ‘friends, love and infinite freedom’ underlined a core truth, that Hamas stands in opposition to all humanity, and all that we value as human beings.

Two years on, we remember all those who were lost on that day, the largest loss of Jewish life on any single day since the Holocaust. Over 1,200 innocent lives ruthlessly taken without mercy.

We remember Australian Galit Carbone, who was tragically murdered by Hamas. We hold Galit and her loved ones in our hearts.

Today, we also think of those still held hostage and join with our partners around the world in calling for the hostages to be returned immediately, and with dignity. We stand with their families, and with all those who have had to hold this two year vigil, which must feel like an eternity.

The Australian Government also stands with Jewish people around the world, who feel the cold shadow of history’s darkest chapter in any act of antisemitism. We will always stand against antisemitism, and so should everyone.

Australia welcomes President Trump’s plan to end the conflict in Gaza after almost two years of conflict and a devastating loss of civilian life.

Australia has consistently been part of the international pressure for a ceasefire in Gaza, the return of hostages, for aid to flow and for a two-state solution.

It is our duty to do everything in our power to see a just and lasting peace in the Middle East. The State of Israel and the State of Palestine living side by side, within internationally recognised borders, in peace and security.

Appeal to locate a man missing from Lake Macquarie

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing from the state’s north.

Leo Hampton-Tungutalum, aged 22, was last seen on The Boulevarde, Toronto, about 1.30pm on Friday 3 October 2025.

When he could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Police and family hold concerns for Leo’s welfare.

Leo is described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, 175cm tall, medium build, brown eyes, short beard and black hair.

He is known to frequent the Lake Macquarie and Sydney metropolitan areas.

Diamonds and Netball Greats Headline Masters State Titles

Some of the biggest names in Australian netball will hit the court in the Illawarra this weekend for the Netball NSW Masters State Titles, hosted at the Illawarra Netball Association’s Indoor Sports Centre.

Australian Diamonds greats will headline a star-studded player list, joined by NSW Premier League athletes including Emily Keenan. Together, they will showcase the talent, experience and passion that makes the Masters competition one of the highlights on the Netball NSW calendar.

For the Illawarra, excitement is building with the home association fielding two teams, ready to test themselves against defending champions Eastwood Ryde and strong challengers from across the state, including Newcastle, Manly Warringah, Gosford, Shoalhaven and Port Stephens.

“Masters is such a special event because it’s not just about competition, it’s about connection – teammates who’ve shared so much of their careers coming together again. We know the standard will be high, but we’re excited to test ourselves against some of the best netballers in the state,” said Bec Bulley, former Australian Diamond, NSW Swifts and GIANTS player.

“Eastwood Ryde is proud to come into the tournament as defending champions. Our team has a long history together and we are really excited to hit the court again and get our connections firing,” Emily Keenan, former NSW Swift and Eastwood Ryde Premier League athlete said.

“We’re looking forward to coming up against some tough competition, seeing how we can respond and having plenty of fun along the way.”

With every team playing each other once across the two-day tournament, fans can expect fierce competition, old rivalries reignited and new stories written as the best of the best come together in the Illawarra.

“Illawarra has a proud netball history and it’s really special to bring an event like this to our home court. Having two teams representing our association will add to the atmosphere and give the local community plenty to cheer about,” said Vanessa Sturman, President and Representative Coordinator of Illawarra District Netball Association.

Event Details:
11–12 October 2025
Illawarra Netball Association – Indoor Sports Centre

Teams: Baulkham Hills, Blacktown City, Eastwood Ryde, Gosford, Great Lakes, Hastings Valley, Illawarra (two teams), Manly Warringah, Newcastle, Port Stephens and Shoalhaven.

For detailed Team Lists, visit here.

NSW Insurance regulator preparing for suicides as NSW Labor’s planned cuts to workers compensation loom

The State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA) has quietly commissioned research into the identification of suicidal risk, and to enhance suicide prevention and postvention, in the workers compensation system.

The need for a targeted focus on suicide in the NSW workers compensation system comes in the wake of the NSW Labor government’s planned legislation that would raise barriers for entry into workers compensation for psychological injuries, as well as dramatically curtail access to ongoing critical assistance by way of medical treatments and weekly wage replacement for psychologically injured workers. Under the government’s proposed reforms, over 99% of all psychologically injured workers would have their access to assistance cut in half, to terminate after two and a half years.

The last time entitlements were curtailed through legislation such as this, we saw in the first year of effect 375 injured workers being identified as vulnerable to self harm, 13 instances of confirmed self-harm, and six deaths of workers on workers compensation being referred to the coroner. By 2020, when the majority of workers impacted by the changes were starting to feel its effect, there were 115 incidents of self-harm.

In the 2024 calendar year, 1,025 injured workers had their weekly payments terminated, and 2,013 injured workers had their medical entitlements terminated, due to the arbitrarily imposed legislative timeline. From 2020 to May 2024, SIRA has recorded 59 instances of suicides by injured workers receiving workers compensation support. icare recorded a further 33 attempted suicides during this period, and 170 incidents of self-harm for NSW government workers on workers compensation. SIRA has confirmed that incidence of suicide remains under-reported.

In response to questioning over the government’s planned legislation to cut entitlements further for psychologically injuried workers in particular, icare confirmed they had done no modelling or calculations as to the number of suicides or self-harm incidents that might result from the proposed legislation. 2 months after that evidence was given to parliament, SIRA commissioned new research into suicide in the workers compensation scheme, due to report back mid-next year – just before the predictable wave of self-harm incidents wouldlikely occur if the government’s proposed cuts to support for psychologically injured workers are allowed to pass.

Despite calls from SIRA themselves to reform the workers compensation scheme to become ‘person-centred’, the research Statement of Work expressly prohibits researchers speaking to anyone ‘who has lived experience of an attempted or actual suicide’.

Greens NSW MP, Abigail Boyd, Chair of the Public Accountability and Works Committee, and Greens NSW spokesperson for Work Health and Safety:

“The NSW Labor Government’s proposed cuts to workers compensation entitlements for workers with serious psychological injuries will have genuinely devastating effects on thousands of injured workers across this state.

“We saw the heartbreaking and life-shattering impacts last time cuts such as these were introduced. These cuts are even more targeted towards people who are already more vulnerable by the nature of their injury, and so the impact can be expected to be even more acute and devastating.

“I cannot emphasise enough how dangerous this government’s proposed cuts will be, ripping away support from those who need it the most.

“The government and business lobby are desperate to cut off workers who have been injured as a result of their work just to save a few dollars in the short-term, rather than actually doing the hard work of reforming a system in which poor claims management, administrative inefficiencies and faulty premium calculation methodologies are driving bad outcomes for injured workers and employers alike.

“This government is proposing the blunt and lazy option of eliminating nearly an entire class of injured workers from support when they need it the most. The government’s plan to cut costs will leave injured workers and their families paying the price.”

Australia and Papua New Guinea sign Mutual Defence Treaty

Media release

Australia and Papua New Guinea have elevated our relationship to an Alliance, with the signing of the Papua New Guinea – Australia Mutual Defence Treaty.

The Alliance will be Australia’s first in more than 70 years, and Papua New Guinea’s first with any country.

Signed today in Canberra by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, Hon James Marape MP, the Treaty reflects a shared commitment to peace and stability in the Pacific.

It will enter into force upon completion of both countries’ domestic treaty-making processes.

Building on our countries’ deep strategic trust and respect, the Treaty contains mutual defence obligations. Both countries recognise an armed attack on either would be a danger to the peace and security of both, and declare they would act together to meet the common danger.

The Treaty explicitly refers to both Australia’s and Papua New Guinea’s respect for the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of our neighbours.

It provides for the expansion and modernisation of Australia’s and Papua New Guinea’s defence relationship, including potential future recruitment of each countries’ citizens into respective forces.

Consultations will commence on a recruitment pathway to enable Papua New Guinea citizens to join the Australian Defence Force.

As the first step, from 1 January 2026, eligible permanent residents living in Australia who are also Papua New Guinea citizens will be able to apply to join the Australian Defence Force.

Today’s signing follows a Joint Communiqué released by both leaders at Papua New Guinea’s Golden Jubilee celebrations in Port Moresby last month, which set out the core principles of the Treaty.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“Building on more than 50 years of cooperation and respect, the signing of the Papua New Guinea – Australia Mutual Defence Treaty is a shared historic moment for our two nations.

“The Treaty reflects the deep trust between Australia and Papua New Guinea across the breadth of our bilateral relationship.

“Papua New Guinea proposed this Treaty, and we were honoured to agree.

“Our Alliance is built on generations of mutual trust, and demonstrates our commitment to ensuring the Pacific remains peaceful, stable and prosperous.

“By continuing to build our security relationships in the region, we safeguard our own security.”

Fatal crash – Maitland

A man has died in a two-vehicle crash in the state’s Hunter Region.

About 1.40pm yesterday (Sunday 5 October 2025), emergency services were called to Maitland Vale Road, Melville, following reports of a crash.

Officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District attended and found two vehicles – a motorcycle and an SUV – had collided.

The motorcycle rider was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics but died at the scene.

While he is yet to be formally identified, he is believed to be aged in his 60s.

The driver of the SUV – a 56-year-old woman – was uninjured. She was taken to Maitland Hospital for mandatory testing.

Police established a crime scene and commenced inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.

Appeal for information after dog dies – Newcastle

Police are appealing for public assistance as an investigation into the death of a dog in Newcastle commenced.
About 2pm yesterday, (Sunday 5 October 2025), officers attached to Newcastle City Police District commenced an investigation following reports a dog had died after it was found with serious injuries.
Police were told about 12pm on Friday (3 October 2025), the dog’s owner tied the Rottweiler up to a tree on Steel Street, Newcastle West, before he attended a nearby shopping centre.
About 12.15pm, the man returned and located the dog suffering from serious injuries.
The man took the dog to a vet; however, due to the extent of its injures, the dog was euthanized.
It is believed the dog was assaulted by a group of people while it was tied to the tree.
A crime scene has been established, and police commenced an investigation into the incident.