Category: Australian News

The NSW Government has established a new dedicated enforcement unit to strengthen compliance and enforcement of tobacco and vaping laws across NSW.

The Centre for Regulation and Enforcement in NSW Health will comprise of a statewide team of 48 full-time equivalent staff.

These staff will operate across metropolitan, rural, and remote locations to ensure a consistent, calibrated, and effective compliance approach.

The Centre for Regulation and Enforcement will work closely with the Australian Border Force, Police, and the Therapeutic Goods Administration on intelligence sharing, joint operations, and regulatory alignment, ensuring a unified approach to enforcement.

The establishment of the Centre aligns with and strengthens the NSW Government’s capacity to enforce tough new tobacco compliance reforms and the commencement of the tobacco licensing scheme, as well as support the work of the cross agency Illicit Tobacco Taskforce.

The new tobacco compliance reforms introduced to NSW Parliament will bring in some of the toughest penalties in the country for the sale and commercial possession of illicit tobacco and will grant substantial powers for inspectors to close premises found to be in breach of the new rules.

The NSW Government will also commence a targeted consultation on a new offence for landlords who knowingly lease their premises to illicit tobacco and vape suppliers.

These new penalties and offences will complement the tobacco licensing scheme which was commenced on 1 July and will take effect from 1 October following a three month grace period.

The Centre for Regulation and Enforcement will work closely with the Illicit Tobacco Taskforce to continue to develop options and recommendations to strengthen compliance and enforcement activities in NSW to reduce the availability of illegal tobacco in the community.

From 1 January 2025 to 30 June 2025, NSW Health:

• conducted more than 700 retailer inspections and seized:
  • more than 90,000 nicotine vapes, e-liquids and pouches with an estimated street value around $2.9 million;
  • more than 6 million cigarettes and 1,100 kg of other illicit tobacco products with an estimated street value of around $6.8 million; and
• issued around 150 penalty notices, totalling around $316,000.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“This government has introduced some of the toughest illegal tobacco penalties in Australia.

“The creation of this new centre will ensure we have the tools and capabilities to back in our tough new illegal tobacco penalties.

“This dedicated tobacco enforcement unit will centralise our personnel and resources to facilitate more coordinated and effective compliance operations right across the state.”

The Minns Labor Government is investing $15 million over four years to boost immunisation rates for priority populations, including Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities across Sydney.

The Priority Populations Immunisation Program aims to increase vaccine access and uptake in population groups which have been identified as having low vaccination coverage or face barriers to vaccination.

The funding includes building immunisation capacity across NSW Health services through additional staff and a Community Connectors for Immunisation Grants Program.

These community connectors will work closely with local health districts to increase knowledge and understanding of vaccination within their communities and how to access immunisation services for a range of vaccines, including influenza, shingles and pneumococcal vaccination for eligible cohorts.

As part of the Grants Program, eight not-for-profit organisations will receive up to $100,000 per year to champion vaccination in CALD communities in Western Sydney, South Western Sydney, South Eastern Sydney and Sydney.

The eight organisations include:

• Accessible Diversity Services Australia
• Advanced Diversity Services
• Arab Council Australia
• CASS care
• Community Migrant Resource Centre
• Cumberland Community Radio
• Ethnic Communities’ Council of NSW
• Muslim Community Radio

The Program includes training and resource development to support these organisations to recruit community connectors who will raise awareness of the importance and effectiveness of vaccination for children, adolescents and adults, and identify barriers to accessing vaccination among these communities.

The NSW Health program is supported by behavioural insights experts from the University of NSW who have experience in developing and delivering training and relevant resources for CALD communities.

For more information on vaccination and NSW immunisation programs visit: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/immunisation/pages/default.aspx  

NSW Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“Making sure people get vaccinated helps keep our communities healthy and reduces the burden of preventable diseases on our health system.

“The NSW Government is committed to improving vaccination rates among priority populations, including people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

“This funding will enable NSW Health to work in partnership with community organisations to increase awareness and access of vaccines among CALD communities with the lowest vaccination rates.

“We want these communities to know that vaccination is safe and effective. It is the best way to protect yourself and the broader community from serious illness and hospitalisation from a range of diseases.”

NSW Minister for Multiculturalism, Steve Kamper:

“This is a fantastic initiative and important funding, which will help to better protect our diverse communities from serious illness.

“It’s important we do all we can to improve accessibility and educate our diverse communities on the benefits and importance of vaccination, to better protect themselves and their communities. This collaboration will go far in improving health outcomes for people from diverse backgrounds.”

Preliminary concepts for the future of Tomaree Lodge – one of Port Stephens’ most iconic locations – will be unveiled at a public event next week, giving the community a first look at the exciting possibilities for the site.

Commissioned by the Minns Labor Government, the draft concepts have been developed by renowned Hunter-based SHAC Architects, drawing on ideas from community surveys and feedback from interest groups.

A detailed site assessment by SHAC Architects has considered the site’s significant cultural, heritage and environmental value, as well as the constraints that limit future use. While some suggestions were found to be unviable, many others offer strong potential for educational, conservation, cultural and recreational purposes.

These concepts lay the groundwork for the next stage of community engagement and consultation.

SHAC Architects is working closely with the Community Engagement Committee, NSW Government Steering Committee, Hunter Circles, and Worimi community leaders to ensure all perspectives are heard and reflected. These groups will continue to guide both short-term ‘meanwhile use’ initiatives and longer-term plans to enhance the site for future public use.

The release of the concepts will be a major milestone in the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to keeping Tomaree Lodge in public hands, for the community to enjoy for generations to come.

The concept ideas will be presented at a public information session being hosted by the Minister for Families and Communities, Kate Washington at Nelson Bay Bowling & Recreation Club on the evening of Wednesday, 27 August 2025.

Community members are encouraged to attend and have their say, and can register via email at tomareelodge@dcj.nsw.gov.au

Minister for Disability Inclusion and Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington said:

“The concept plans reveal the enormous and exciting opportunities ahead for this much-loved, very special site – I can’t wait to share them with our community.

“Please come to our forum to hear from SHAC Architects about their close consultation with our community that’s led to concept designs for you to consider, explore and provide feedback.

“This site has had a remarkable history, I want to make sure that our community helps shape its future, so together, we can create a world class destination we can all be proud of.”

Justin Hamilton FAIA, Managing Director SHAC, said:

“SHAC congratulate the community for collaborative and creative placemaking.

“As local architects, we are privileged to have curated custodianship principles for this significant cultural landscape, the water, the land, the forests, and the heritage, alongside and for people with common unity.

“We are excited to share these preliminary concepts for a framework for conservation, celebration, innovation and education for generations.”

The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments have announced a $50 million Housing Support Package to assist eligible homeowners, renters and primary producers who were impacted by the recent severe flooding in the Mid North Coast and in the Hunter.

Caravans and self-contained pod homes will be deployed for eligible flood-hit residents and primary producers whose homes were uninsured and uninhabitable so they can stay on their property during repairs.

This is an additional support to the Primary Producer Self Contained Pods Program already announced to support farmers to continue farming while undertaking repairs.

In a first for flood recovery, supports are being rolled out to help renters facing financial hardship and uncertainty to relocate their family or set themselves up in a new place – delivered through new rental grants.

Introduced in response to the record-breaking flooding in May, these new grants provide one-off financial assistance to help households return to home quickly, covering urgent costs such as removalists, rental bonds and other costs related to setting up a new home.

These will be delivered alongside grants to help homeowners with the costs of repairs, which will also be available to landlords to make repairs to private rental stock where they are willing to commit to returning supply to the private rental market.

In another first, a dedicated Housing Recovery Service will operate for residents across the impacted areas, providing a one-stop shop for assistance and to assess eligibility and guide them toward the support that best meets their individual recovery needs.

The package will be offered to flood-impacted residents whose homes were rendered uninhabitable across the 25 local government areas hardest hit by the May event, where they don’t have insurance cover for the damage.

The package draws on lessons from the Northern Rivers and Central West flood disasters in 2022, which highlighted that remaining on-site can assist rebuilding and provide a sense of security.

The package focuses on targeted financial assistance, helping provide access to safe and secure housing so that individuals and families can get back on their feet quickly.

Supports include:

• Provision of caravans for eligible households and self-contained pods for primary producers to live on-site during recovery and rebuilding.
• Rapid home repair grants for eligible homeowners and landlords to ensure homes are habitable.
• Support for eligible renters to cover costs associated with finding and moving into a new property, including bond and removalist fees.
• A new Housing Recovery Service, a special one-stop, concierge model, which will direct homeowners, renters, people in unstable housing and farmers to the best support for their recovery.
• The housing support package will be offered to those who are experiencing financial hardship, are uninsured and have uninhabitable homes, which includes non-functioning bathrooms or kitchens, or major structural damages to the roof walls or floors.

For more information on the support package go to:  https://www.nsw.gov.au/emergency/recovery/storm-recovery-updates/housing-support-package-for-nsw-mid-north-coast-and-hunter-floods

From Monday 25 August 2025, impacted residents will be able to call the Housing Recovery Service on 1800 695 043 for housing assistance and to access support services.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain

“The devastation caused by the East Coast floods has left many families and communities facing distress and uncertainty.

“This new $50 million housing support package is a vital step in helping people regain stability and rebuild their lives.

“We know from past disasters that timely, targeted assistance makes a real difference. That’s why the Australian Government is proud to work alongside the NSW Government to deliver practical support – whether its helping people stay connected to their land, repair their homes or find safe accommodation.

“Recovery is never a one-size-fits-all process. This package reflects a shared commitment across governments to listen to communities, respond to their needs and stand with them as they recover.”

NSW Minister for Housing Rose Jackson

“When people have to jump through hoops to access to support, it adds to their trauma and causes unnecessary delays.

“The Housing Recovery Service will provide a no wrong door approach for households and community organisations, removing the guesswork for residents trying to get back on their feet.

“It will allow Homes NSW and the Reconstruction Authority to work collaboratively to match eligible flood-impacted people to the right support, avoiding duplication and added stress.

NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin

“For people who go through a catastrophic flood, they are dealing with shock and disbelief, as well as the mud, debris and destruction left behind.

“This $50 million housing support package has been designed to provide safe and secure living arrangements for those most in need, so that they can focus on rebuilding their lives.

“We know in the Northern Rivers and in the Central West that people value the option of keeping their connection to their home and local community and these programs will allow residents in the Mid North Coast and Hunter to do just this.

“We also recognise the impact of disasters on renters and the importance of giving them a helping hand to re-establish themselves.

“We’ve been with the community since the start of this disaster, and we’ll continue to support the community during recovery.” 

The NSW Premier has again turned his back on the people of Western Sydney, refusing to support an urgent inquiry into the worsening crisis at Blacktown Hospital.
 
In Budget Estimates today, Premier Chris Minns rejected Opposition calls for an inquiry, choosing excuses and political spin over real answers for patients and families.
 
Opposition Leader Mark Speakman said families in western Sydney deserve real answers on why their hospitals are some of the poorest performing in the State.
 
“The Premier’s refusal to support an inquiry shows he’s more interested in political spin than fixing the health crisis in Western Sydney.”
 
Shadow Health Minister Kellie Sloane said the decision was deeply disappointing for the many families who have bravely shared their stories.
 
“The people of Western Sydney deserve answers. Instead of acknowledging the crisis and committing to action, the Premier is hiding behind excuses about the past. Families are sick and tired of excuses – they want solutions.”
 
The NSW Opposition is calling for a parliamentary inquiry into health outcomes and hospital access in Western Sydney.
 
Blacktown and Westmead Hospital are the worst performing hospitals in state for patients starting treatment on time. They also score poorly on patient satisfaction surveys.
 
“No one should be forced to lie on the floor of an emergency department or sleep in their car waiting for treatment. That’s not a health system – that’s a disgrace,” Mr Speakman said.
 
The terms of reference for the inquiry include a review of the operational performance, clinical safety and quality of care provided at Blacktown, Mount Druitt, Westmead, Cumberland, and Auburn Hospitals.

Game-changing testing for brevetoxins in shellfish will soon be able to be carried out at a new national testing facility in suburban Adelaide, fast tracking results for small businesses impacted by South Australia’s algal bloom.

As part of the $28 million algal bloom support package jointly funded with the Albanese Government, the Malinauskas Government has engaged local company Agilex Biolabs to develop the methodology to allow the testing for brevetoxins to be carried out at its Thebarton laboratory.

Whilst the vast majority of South Australia’s oyster industry is open and trading as usual, brevetoxins have been detected in shellfish in Australian waters for the first time, forcing the temporary closure of some harvesting areas.

Earlier this month, the state’s mussel industry was able to reopen for business following a reduction in brevetoxin levels in consecutive testing.

Currently, the testing performed by the South Australian Quality Assurance Program (SASQAP) results in samples to be sent to New Zealand for analysis, resulting in delays of up to a week.

The move to a new national testing in Adelaide will significantly reduce that delay, meaning businesses can more quickly return to normal once brevetoxins reduce to safe levels.

All commercially available seafood from South Australian waters is safe to eat.

The algal bloom support package includes:

• $10,000 Small Business Support Grants for eligible small businesses
• Grants of up to $100,000 for eligible impacted fisheries and aquaculture businesses
• Financial counselling, mental health support and workforce advice to assist small businesses impacted by the harmful algal bloom to develop recovery and continuity plans, understand the short and long-term implications, and help manage financial and mental wellbeing
• Coastal Monitoring Network – investing in expanded early detection and monitoring of harmful algal bloom species through real time sensors (buoys), satellite imagery and oceanographic modelling, with rapid detection of harmful algal blooms and early warning systems for industry
• Rapid assessment of fish stocks and fisheries to quantify impact
• Public forums and information campaigns
• A Community Fund to support activities and small projects in affected communities
• Beach clean-up funding

Further information on the algal bloom and support package is available at algalbloom.sa.gov.au

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“Australians love their seafood – and they also know some of the best comes from across South Australia.

“The ability to monitor and test for brevetoxins here in Adelaide will speed up the necessary processes to ensure food is safe and allow more shellfish on more plates more quickly.

“My Government is committed to working with the South Australian Government to mitigate the worst effects of this significant ecological event on industry and the environment.”

Premier Peter Malinauskas

“Australians can buy South Australian seafood with absolute confidence – knowing it is of the highest quality anywhere in the world.

“One of the reasons they can be assured is the testing of shellfish through the SASQAP program, and this investment we are making in partnership with the Albanese Government will deliver testing for brevetoxins right here in Adelaide.

“This new national facility will ensure test results can be turned around more quickly – meaning shellfish businesses which endure temporary closure can be back in business sooner when brevetoxin levels drop.

“In the interim, those businesses can apply for significant financial assistance, with grants that are significantly more generous than those on offer through the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The Minister for Families and Communities has confirmed in Budget Estimates Hearings today that the out of home care service provider that was subject of a forensic audit under Project Mareeba is Allambi Care. Out of home care service providers are responsible for ensuring vulnerable young people in NSW can be kept safe and secure where they cannot safely remain at home.

Greens MP and spokesperson for Youth Justice, Sue Higginson said:

“The report from Project Mareeba is sober reading, and the discovery that Allambi Care has engaged in the significant misuse of public money is a shocking revelation, but unsurprising. We have been watching the out of home care system outsourced, privatised and falling further into crisis for a long time now,”

“This provider receives some $70 million each year in public monies in order to provide care for some of the most vulnerable young people in NSW, this report reveals serious issues including a property investment scheme for senior employees that is profiting from money intended to support children,”

“Out of home care providers in NSW are a critical part of our program of supporting young people, there are many good providers that are compliant with the rules and who deliver critical services. It’s fundamental that organisations who are acting in bad faith are stopped and held to account,”

“I acknowledge that Minister Washington has been pursuing this much-needed greater oversight and is working to reform a system that was left in crisis by the former Coalition Government, but I am keen to hear how she will be ensuring that good faith organisations, particularly Aboriginal Controlled Community Organisations will not be punished for the wrongs committed by other providers. It is Aboriginal Controlled Community Organisations who are carrying the biggest load in this system because of the overrepresentation of First Nations children in the system,”

“This system needs to be accountable and safe, but we cannot allow critical services for vulnerable young people to be compromised by quick solutions that demand a one size fits all solution. This is a good step, but it’s just one of many,” Ms Higginson said.
For media contact: Dan Reid on 0421 926 233

Background:

Following the System Review into OOHC, the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) engaged KordaMentha Forensic to conduct a forensic audit on a particular non-government OOHC provider (a non-ACCO ‘not-for-profit’ receiving +$70 million per year) to investigate specific issues identified through the system review process. The forensic audit found various issues of non-compliance and misuse of funds, including:

• An unapproved financial scheme to personally benefit senior executives
• This provider established a government-funded property investment scheme for senior staff, including the CEO
• 12 properties have been purchased by senior executives, then rented back to the provider with a guaranteed 20% market premium, funded by the NSW OOHC program
• General ownership/upgrades/maintenance costs were then incorrectly charged to DCJ instead of the investment property owners, for example:
  • rates,
  • water charges,
  • storm water upgrades,
  • building repairs/upgrades immediately after the purchase of property but before use in the OOHC program, including replacing hot water systems, new air conditioning systems, new blinds, new carpet, floor repairs, painting the entire house.
• The provider has admitted these costs should have been borne by the property owners, but offered no explanation why OOHC funds were misused, instead.
• Significant undeclared financial conflicts of interest
• Unapproved subcontracting arrangements
• Instances where the provider did not provide the necessary information to support the audit or assess compliance
• The use of an accounting treatment that misrepresented the true financial position of the agency
• Provider has represented itself to be in ‘deficit,’ while they were likely in surplus
• Separately, $30 million in term-deposits were identified by the audit team

Australians should have the legal right to work from home at least two days a week where it is practical and reasonable, according to federal Greens spokesperson for employment and workplace relations Senator Barbara Pocock.

Under the new Greens policy, employers would be required to positively consider reasonable requests to work from home at least two days a week, provided working from home was not at odds with the inherent nature of a workers’ role. 

Flexible work arrangements, such as the ability to work from home, have enabled millions of workers, many of them women, to balance care responsibilities with paid work. Legislating the right to work from home, where it is sensible and doable, will not only protect women’s access to the labour market and economic equality gains, it will also increase workforce participation and ultimately boost productivity.

Greens Leader and spokesperson on Women, Larissa Waters

“The Prime Minister supports Victorian Labor Premier Jacinta Allen’s push for legislating work from home two days a week. Now he has a chance to work with the Greens in federal parliament to make this a reality for those Australians whose jobs it suits.

“We know that for millions of Australians, especially women, the ability to work from home provides the flexibility they need to balance work with the other important things in their lives, including care. Many men are also looking for this flexibility, and it will help them be more involved in care responsibilities, and reduce commute time and cost for workers everywhere.

“In the same way that the Greens worked with Labor to establish the very successful Right to Disconnect, we want to work together to establish a reasonable right to work from home that will increase productivity and flexibility in workplaces.

“Given that most workers in Australia are covered by federal workplace law, it makes sense to create this right at the national level. We need a sensible, national approach.

Australian Greens spokesperson for employment and workplace relations, Senator Barbara Pocock:

“Working from home is not possible in all roles but where it is practical, workers should have a reasonable right to work from home for up to a couple of days a week. They should not be at risk of having that right arbitrarily removed when it is working in practical ways that boost productivity and help workers. 

“Women shouldn’t have to give up their careers to have a family. By improving work from home rights, we’re protecting women’s rights to work while caring for their families. This isn’t just a win for women, workers and families, it’s a win for our economy.

“The ability to work from home has many benefits, not only for women and carers – it also reduces the time spent on commuting, improves work-life balance, increases emotional and physical wellbeing, and boosts workforce participation and productivity.

“The Productivity Commission has found that working from home not only reduces breaks and sick days, it can be less distracting than working on-site, which can lead to improved productivity. Similarly, OECD research shows that working from home—especially in hybrid models—can boost productivity and employee well-being, provided businesses invest in digital tools and smart management practices.

“The Greens want to see real improvements in the conditions and rights of Australian workers that reflects the modern workplaces of 2025 and beyond. The Prime Minister has already acknowledged the benefits of working from home. Now he has an opportunity to work with the Greens to enshri

At a time when dialogue and diplomacy are needed more than ever, the Netanyahu Government is isolating Israel and undermining international efforts towards peace and a two-state solution.

This is an unjustified reaction, following Australia’s decision to recognise Palestine.

We will continue to work with partners as we contribute international momentum to a two-state solution, a ceasefire in Gaza and release of the hostages.

Australia welcomes different races, religions and views, united by respect for each other’s humanity and for each other’s right to live in peace.

We safeguard our communities and protect all Australians from hate and harm.

The Australian Government will always take decisive action against antisemitism.

The Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC) has confirmed in a letter to Greens MP Sue Higginson that it will investigate whether the conduct of police officers involved in the response to the assault, manslaughter and death of Ballina woman, Lindy Lucena, amounted to serious misconduct or serious maladministration.

Greens MP and spokesperson for justice, Sue Higginson said:

“This is a significant and necessary step towards justice for Lindy Lucena, her family and her community. On the night Lindy was violently assaulted and later died, a witness called triple-0 to report the incident just minutes from the Ballina Police Station. It took 55 minutes for police to respond and, when they did, they remained in their vehicle and failed to properly investigate the location,”

“The NSW Police have already interfered with justice for Lindy by refusing to declare her death a critical incident. This decision denied an immediate investigation with any oversight into the circumstances of the police failure of Lindy. When police fail in their duty in such serious circumstances, it should not be for police to investigate police to decide if their conduct was appropriate or not,”

“The NSW Police Force’s own Domestic and Family Violence Policy commits to a timely and professional response. Lindy got neither of these and it was clearly as a direct result of the actions of the police officers involved. This is why the LECC’s role is so important and I’m glad that they have agreed to undertake this investigation,”

“It shouldn’t come down to the family and loved ones of people who are failed by the police, or who are made victims by the police, to have to demand these types of investigations. Where police have had a role in the death of anyone, there should be an automatic and strong investigation by a truly independent and well-resourced watchdog,”

“My thoughts remain with Lindy’s family, friends and the Ballina community as they continue to seek justice for a loving mother, sister and local woman.”

LECC Letter to Sue Higginson attached.

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