Category: Australian News

A North Strathfield development has become the first to deliver homes using the extra height and floor space offered under the Minns Labor Government’s infill affordable housing bonus.

The project delivered 29 affordable homes and 143 market homes, making the most of the policy to put roofs over the heads of families, essential workers and others in need of housing.

The Minns Labor Government’s infill affordable housing bonus allowed the project to build 41 extra homes with an additional 25 affordable homes. The original scope was 131 apartments with 4 affordable homes but the bonus allowed for 172 homes with 29 affordable homes.

Developments like this one from Urban Property Group which marry market and affordable homes are crucial to our state’s housing future, delivering homes in places that people want to live and work.

The Infill Affordable Housing bonus is a key part of the Minns Labor Government’s new housing reforms and offers height and floor space bonuses of up to 30% for residential developments when at least 10-15% of their total gross floor area is offered as affordable housing.

The reform is aimed at delivering more affordable housing where it is needed and this project is evidence of the reforms are driving real outcomes which will improve housing supply right across NSW.

The schemes’ state significant development pathway has now attracted proposals for more than 9,200 market and affordable homes, in addition to almost 4,000 which have already been approved. 

This is part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to build a better NSW with a greater choice of homes, so young people, families and workers have somewhere to live in the communities they choose.

For more information visit the In-fill affordable housing web page.

Premier of NSW Chris Minns said:

“This is a major milestone but it’s also only the beginning of our housing policies and reforms delivering tangible outcomes for the people of NSW.

“We’ve made affordable housing a priority, so people on low and moderate incomes have a chance of living in all parts of our cities.

“For too long planning reform has been put in the too hard basket, but we’re committed to delivering more homes for young people and families that have been locked out of housing.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“This is a clear example of how smart planning incentives can drive real results.

“Today 172 homes have been delivered in North Strathfield as a direct result of the Minns Labor Governments infill affordable housing bonus.

“We’re a government focused on outcomes and getting 172 new keys in new doors is a demonstration of our reforms delivering real results.” 

Minister for Housing Rose Jackson said:

“This is our housing reform in action. More affordable homes, delivered now. That’s the difference a Labor government serious about tackling the housing crisis makes.

“We’ve made it clear…If you want to build more affordable homes, this Government will back you. These are our reforms doing exactly what we said they would.

“We are delivering the biggest housing reforms in a generation, building the homes NSW needs for the people who need them. These aren’t just numbers. They’re roofs over heads, they’re security and they’re hope. That’s what these reforms are all about.”

Minister for Building Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“This project is tangible example of the Minns Labor government enabling private industry to deliver more homes for the people of NSW.

“We cannot meet housing demands without working to enable private industry which is why initiatives like the affordable housing bonus are so crucial to getting keys in doors.”

The Albanese Government is delivering on its commitment to double funding for the aerial surveillance component of the Pacific Maritime Security Program (PMSP).

The PMSP aerial surveillance program supports maritime security for our Pacific partners through the provision of fixed-wing aerial surveillance capabilities and uncrewed aerial vehicles.

Defence has recently closed a Request for Tender process to procure the Enhanced Aerial Surveillance Program’s civilian-based fixed-wing aerial surveillance contracted services. 

The Government will now consider all tender submissions and provide an outcome to industry on completion of the process.

The PMSP is Australia’s 30-year commitment to investing in maritime security partnerships throughout the Pacific.

To learn more about the PMSP, visit: https://www.defence.gov.au/defence-activities/programs-initiatives/pacific-engagement/maritime-capability

Minister for Defence Industry and Minister for Pacific Island Affairs, Pat Conroy:

“Australia is proud to be a security partner of choice for Pacific countries.

“This is another step forward in increasing regional security and enhancing coordination and communication in conjunction with our Pacific partners.”

The Albanese Government is deepening Australia’s cooperation with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and taking further action to support Ukraine and hold Russia to account for its illegal and immoral war.

During the NATO Leaders’ Summit in The Hague, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, announced Australia will make a further contribution to NATO operations in support of Ukraine.

At the request of NATO and Poland, a Royal Australian Air Force E-7A Wedgetail aircraft will deploy to Europe in August to help protect a vital international gateway for humanitarian and military assistance into Ukraine. 

Under Operation Kudu, up to 100 ADF personnel will deploy alongside the aircraft. The aircraft deployment is expected to conclude by November 2025.

This deployment of ADF aircraft and personnel complements Australia’s overall support to Ukraine of more than $1.5 billion since the start of Russia’s invasion.

As part of the Albanese Government’s ongoing work to hold Russia to account for its illegal invasion of Ukraine, Australia has also today imposed another wave of sanctions designed to further weaken Russia’s war economy.

This includes new targeted financial sanctions and travel bans on 37 individuals, and targeted financial sanctions on seven entities. 

These sanctions target Russia’s defence, energy, transport, insurance, electronics and finance sectors, as well as promulgators of Russian disinformation and propaganda.

During the Summit, Australia also signed an agreement with the NATO Support and Procurement Organisation (NSPO). The NSPO Agreement strengthens Australia’s cooperation with NATO partners on capability acquisition, systems support and logistics.

Under the agreement, the Australian Defence Force will be able to gain access to collaborative procurement efforts with NATO partners. 

The new partnership also unlocks wider opportunities for Australian defence industry to access new markets across NATO supply chains.

\Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Richard Marles MP:

“Australia is proud of its longstanding operational partnership with NATO.

“The deployment of an E-7A Wedgetail aircraft will again showcase our ability to operate from Europe, alongside NATO and partners, in support of Ukraine and international peace and security.

“Signing the NSPO Agreement opens the door to new partnerships for us to deliver capability and operational responsiveness for the Australian Defence Force.”

\Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong:

“Australia remains steadfast in our support for Ukraine and in our commitment to a com-prehensive, just and lasting peace.

“Our targeted sanctions reflect our close coordination with key NATO partners, including the UK, Canada and the European Union. 

“Australia has now imposed more than 1,500 sanctions in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. We will continue to work with partners to disrupt Russia’s ability to fund its illegal and immoral war.”
 

Australia will boost support for the 54th Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders’ Meeting in Solomon Islands as part of ongoing cooperation and commitment to a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.

As a founding member of the PIF, Australia is committed to working with the Pacific family.

At the request of the Solomon Islands Government, Australia will provide a comprehensive support package, both for the hosting of this important regional meeting and to bolster the enduring capability of Solomon Islands. This package includes the provision of approximately 60 security vehicles, support for cybersecurity, upgrades to Honiara’s roads, and approximately $3 million for logistics support.

This support will ensure the meeting delivers progress on the region’s priorities and positions Solomon Islands to drive greater regional coordination and unity for the year ahead.

Australia continues to be the Pacific’s largest development partner, and security partner of choice. Australia’s support is focussed on inclusive economic growth, sustainable infrastructure, jobs, skills, and connectivity. We recognise our role in contributing to a stronger Pacific family and upholding our common values so we can all make our own decisions as strong sovereign nations, free to grow and live together peacefully.

The PIF Leaders’ Meeting in September will be an opportunity to work together to seize new opportunities and overcome shared challenges.

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Penny Wong:

“In times of global uncertainty, the Pacific Islands Forum unites our region and makes us stronger.

“It is key to realising Pacific leaders’ vision for a peaceful, stable and prosperous Pacific region.

“We look forward to Solomon Islands taking on the leadership of this important institution and are committed to supporting Prime Minister Manele and his government to build a stronger, more united Blue Pacific Continent.”

Minister for Pacific Island Affairs, The Hon Pat Conroy MP:

“The Pacific is best served by Pacific-led institutions and processes.

“Our support will ensure the meeting delivers progress on the region’s priorities and positions Solomon Islands to drive greater regional coordination and unity for the year ahead.

“Australia’s commitment to Solomon Islands and the broader Pacific is steadfast. We are stronger together.”

Responding to a community protest supporting BREAZE, a volunteer-run renewable energy group recently cut from funding by the City of Ballarat, Senator Steph Hodgins-May and Sarah Mansfield MLC have raised serious concerns about transparency and fairness. 

The group says the decision was made without good-faith engagement and was based on unrelated political views expressed by a former board member speaking out against the genocide in Gaza. 

BREAZE plays a crucial role in driving Ballarat’s clean energy transition. This move threatens to stall Ballarat’s renewable progress and erode community trust.

Greens Senator for Victoria, Steph Hodgins-May: 

“BREAZE is an incredible volunteer-run organisation helping power Ballarat’s clean energy future.

“The council has cut ties with this vital community group, and refuses to engage with them in good faith, all because of posts by a former board member that, like so many Australians, express horror at the genocide taking place in Gaza.

“This will jeopardise Ballarat’s ability to respond to the climate crisis and drive the renewable energy transition.  

“In a healthy democracy, we need space to speak openly and freely. 

“The community deserves transparency and fairness. This decision should be revisited and funding restored so BREAZE can get on with building a cleaner, brighter future for Ballarat.”   

Deputy Leader of the Victorian Greens and MLC for Western Victoria, Dr Sarah Mansfield: 

“The council’s decision to cut the funding of a community group working for real climate action with the people of Ballarat undermines crucial efforts towards cleaner, more sustainable energy, as well as community trust.

“The council has failed to engage fairly or transparently with BREAZE, raising serious concerns about this decision, and I’d urge them to restore funding to BREAZE so they can continue their vital work empowering the Ballarat community towards zero emissions.”

The ACT Greens have today announced they will not support the proposal from the ACT’s minority Labor Government to impose a $250 levy on every day Canberrans.

“Not only is this levy unfair, but it passes on the failures of both Territory and Federal Labor to create a truly universal healthcare system,” said ACT Greens Leader, Shane Rattenbury.

“A flat levy does not take into account a person’s ability to pay and does not reflect the type of city we want to build. It will unfairly impact a lot of people in our community.

“As the ABC reported – it essentially imposes a gap payment on Canberrans – whether they access healthcare or not, and no matter their income.

“Many Canberrans are already struggling, and even those on decent incomes are feeling the pinch.

“The irony is that this additional levy might be the difference between someone being able to buy essential medicine or healthy food – both key to maintaining good health, in order to fork out for the Government’s health bill.

“A good Budget raises revenue from those who can afford it, like big corporations, before passing the bill on to everyday people.

“The Greens put forward a proposal for a Big Corporations Tax that would introduce a new, higher tax threshold for big corporations like the supermarkets, banks and airlines.

“Companies that operate in our city and make billions in profits, like Qantas and Wesfarmers, should be paying their fair share of tax. But instead, they’re raking in massive profits while Canberrans struggle with the cost of living.

“Not only is a Big Corporations Tax a significantly fairer way to generate revenue, it also generates more than double the amount the government will receive from every day Canberrans through the proposed health levy.

“So the ACT Greens will not be supporting the $250 levy in the Appropriation Bill and we call on the Government to go back to the drawing board and come up with something fairer.

“The Greens recognise that we need to raise enough revenue to deliver the services that our community needs, but this is not the way to do it,” said Mr Rattenbury.

A link to the ACT Greens Budget Reply Speech can be found here: Budget Reply Speech 2025

The Minns Labor Government is investing $13.6 million over four years to design and deliver a state-of-the-art Service NSW Centre in South West Sydney’s Campbelltown as part of the 2025-26 Budget.

As part of this Government’s comprehensive plan to build better essential services, the new Service Centre will provide South West Sydney locals with improved access to 1,300 government transactions and essential services in one convenient location.

Campbelltown is one of the fastest-growing local government areas in South West Sydney with a population of more than 175,000. This investment from the Minns Labor Government will make it easier for local families to access services they need as the region continues to expand.

Once opened, the Campbelltown Service Centre increases the number of centres to 119 across NSW, including two driver testing locations.

Campbelltown Service Centre will provide another option for Ambarvale, Appin, Bradbury, Leumeah and Menangle Park locals, complementing existing centres in Edmondson Park and Gregory Hills.

Around 100,000 customer visits are expected at Campbelltown Service Centre in its first 12 months of operation, improving essential service access for this rapidly growing and diverse community.

Service NSW is working with Property and Development NSW to find a suitable location for the new centre, ensuring it is accessible and convenient for the Campbelltown community.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said:

“With more than 6.6 million customer visits across NSW last year, investing in new and improved Service Centres helps ensure access for those who need the essential services they provide.

“As South West Sydney’s population grows, we’re seeing increasing demand for government services and transactions from the local community.

“This investment by the Minns Labor Government will provide the services people rely on, whether they are looking for cost of living support, applying for a Seniors Card, or requesting personalised business advice through the Service NSW Business Bureau.”

Member for Campbelltown Greg Warren said:

“I fought and opposed the Liberal National government’s shortsighted decision to close our former Campbelltown centre and promised the community I’d bring this essential service back.

“I’m so proud Campbelltown is getting what we need and deserve for our growing area, and the broader Macarthur community.

“I acknowledge everyone in our community I’ve fought with to return this critical service to Campbelltown.”

Today NSW Greens Spokesperson for Treasury, Abigail Boyd, has said that the Minns Government’s 2025/26 Budget is a missed opportunity to help millions of people struggling to pay their bills.

Abigail Boyd, Greens NSW MP:

“Right now, people in our communities are suffocating under the Minns Labor government’s business as usual agenda which does nothing to combat skyrocketing grocery prices, energy bills and out-of-pocket education and health costs, nor does it come close to delivering the investment we need in accessible, affordable housing,” said Ms Boyd.

“This is not a budget for people–it’s a budget for Big Business, the gambling lobby, private developers and climate-wrecking corporations. The Minns Labor government’s third Budget is a betrayal to all those in our communities doing it toughest – failing to address the rising cost of living in this state or lift people out of poverty, while leaving billions in uncollected revenue on the table from big business. Whether its failing to rein in subsidies for pokies operators, leaving high-end taxes lower than in other jurisdictions, or failing to innovate to raise revenue from the big corporations who can most afford it, the Minns Labor government would rather turn its back on workers and everyday people than take on the vested interests in our State with the bold reforms it once promised.

“This is a Labor government that refuses to pay nurses and midwives a fair wage and is trying to strip injured workers of their entitlements due to so-called budget constraints, while all the while cosying up to its mates in the clubs industry by failing to rein in pokies subsidies that are costing billions. The only ones thanking Minns and Mookhey for this budget is the Business lobby, which shows you how far the Labor party will go to turn their backs on workers.”

“Across the State, nurses, midwives and other essential workers are without hope that they will ever earn fair wages and conditions after the Labor Minns government has forced them to beg for scraps under its failed mutual bargaining regime. The impact on essential public services like hospitals has been particularly catastrophic, with workers fleeing the state for higher wages elsewhere and people going without the medical treatment they need. This is a fundamental betrayal and a slap in the face to all those who voted this government in.

“We know that the greatest issues of our time – climate change, the cost of living, housing affordability – will negatively impact marginalised communities disproportionately. And yet this Budget does nothing to provide for those doing it toughest.

“Labor has put no extra money into frontline domestic violence services. Instead, they’ve made a desperate, and frankly sad attempt to spin funding for courts as funding for victim-survivors of domestic, family and sexual violence.

“While acknowledging the catastrophic impact that more severe and frequent weather events are having on the people and finances of our State, there is nothing new in this Budget to properly tackle the climate crisis and accelerate our State’s transition to 100% renewable energy.

“For years, the Greens have consistently offered constructive options for how the government can increase revenue in order to better fund the universal services our community desperately needs. These proposals include:

•   A progressive payroll tax system that expands in scope to capture rideshare, delivery and other gig worker platforms as well as consulting firms and others currently dodging basic taxes.
•   A luxury motor vehicle duty that progressively increases taxation on cars according to their retail market price.
•   A ‘vacancy tax’ for properties left empty for more than six months in areas with high levels of housing stress.
•   A supplementary banking levy that taxes banks on the assets they hold in New South Wales, raising at least $600 million each year.

“There is no excuse for the Treasurer’s cowardly retreat on removing subsidies for pokies operators and failing to redirect billions towards the services people in this state rely on.

“The Greens are calling on the Minns Labor government to have the courage to raise revenue from those who ought to be paying a fair share–the fossil fuel industry, gambling companies, big banks and the very wealthy–in order to provide a better life for the people of New South Wales.”

The Minns Labor government has today handed down a Budget that once again utterly fails victim-survivors of domestic and family violence-with no new investment in existing frontline domestic and family violence services, and mere crumbs for initiatives and programs that have gone underfunded for years.

The Greens have consistently backed calls from countless experts, victim-survivors and dedicated specialist frontline workers who have categorically called for a significant and permanent increase in baseline funding for existing frontline services.

Abigail Boyd, Greens NSW Spokesperson for Gendered Violence and Abuse:

“Over a year on from the Minns Labor government’s so-called ’emergency funding package’ and its promise to listen to calls from experts and the community, today’s Budget has nothing for existing frontline domestic and family violence services.
“These services provide genuinely critical, irreplaceable and life-saving support to women and children fleeing violence-victim-survivors who are already waiting an average of two months to access support.

“The Minns Labor government has not only failed to meet repeated calls from domestic and family violence experts for a 50% increase in baseline funding for frontline services, but it has embarked on yet another attempt at spin-dressing up a cash splash for courts and the corrections system as somehow being funding for domestic and family violence victim-survivors.

“To claim this as an investment in ending domestic and family violence is not only blatantly dishonest-it’s an arrogant betrayal of the over-stretched frontline workers who are working incredibly hard every day to deliver the services and programs that we know provide victim-survivors with sorely needed protection and refuge.

“Peel back the spin and what are we left with? A few piecemeal operational reforms and crumbs for strategies and plans we’ve been waiting on for years, which is nothing compared to the level of investment needed to tackle the gendered violence crisis.

“According to Domestic Violence NSW, it would only take $163 million to sufficiently resource frontline services to meet demand in 2025-26. Imagine what we could do to turn around the domestic and family violence crisis if Labor would finally fund the evidence-based services and programs the sector has been consistently crying out for.

“This Budget is all spin and no action, painting a clear picture of just how little the NSW Labor government cares about ending violence against women and children in our state.”

Background

As reported by the Guardian today, leaked documents reveal that a consultancy firm Good Advice, run by a former NLC employee, played a central role in facilitating private meetings between Empire Energy and Traditional Owners in the Beetaloo region. 

Had the proper process for such meetings have been followed, the Northern Land Council would have facilitated this meeting to ensure no undue influence. Instead these two meetings were held in mid-2024 in Mataranka, designed to obtain signatures from Traditional Owners in support of a sacred site authority certificate needed for fracking approvals in the Beetaloo Basin. 

The Guardian reported that in these meetings there were unrealistic promises of large royalties and other benefits, with some Traditional Owners even thinking they were simply signing an attendance sheet. At least two current members of the NLC’s full council are also employed by Good Advice and were reported to have been wearing their NLC uniforms when canvassing communities to support fracking. 

First Nations communities have been speaking up against fracking for a decade now, including Nurrdalinji Aboriginal Corporation, a vocal group of Traditional Owners from the affected area. Yet the CLP Government continues to charge ahead. 

Empire Energy are attempting to hide from this scandal and the many that have come before it including that they have changed their business name to Beetaloo Energy. The CLP Government continues to subsidise the gas industry despite their exploitation of communities and Country.

This deceptive and immoral conduct from Good Advice and Empire Energy undermines the Aboriginal Land Rights Act and damages trust in our Land Councils. 

The NT Greens call on the Albanese government to urgently intervene to stop this project going ahead, and to investigate Good Advice consultancy and Beetaloo Energy.  

Kat McNamara MLA, Member for Nightcliff

“The gas industry views gaining consent from Traditional Owners as a mere box-ticking exercise that they are willing to achieve by any means necessary.”

“This exploitative industry cannot be trusted. Fracking cannot continue under these current conditions.”

“Across the NT we continue to see the revolving door from Government or Statutory bodies to the private sector. To prevent community members from being taken advantage of, we must introduce stronger regulations.”

“Empire Energy thinks they can wash their hands of this deceit simply by changing their name, but we will hold them to account.”