New legislation to crackdown on ‘factories of hate’

The NSW Government will today introduce legislation into Parliament to strengthen councils’ enforcement powers to shut down unlawful places of worship.

The legislation is a crackdown on ‘factories of hate’ which are unlawfully promoting hate, intimidation and dividing our community.

It will seek to bolster existing powers by increasing fines for illegal places of public worship and give councils the power to cut off their water and power if they breach planning laws and ignore orders to cease.

The Local Government and Other Legislation Amendment (Places of Public Worship) Bill 2026 will support the implementation of measures announced last month in response to the antisemitic terror attack in Bondi on 14 December by amending the Local Government Act 1993 and Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2021.

The proposed legislation will:

  • Allow councils to issue development control orders to stop activities on premises that breach planning laws or pose a risk to public health and safety.
  • Double existing penalty notice fines from $3,000 to $6,000 for individuals and from $6,000 to $12,000 for corporations.
  • Enable councils to apply to the Land and Environment Court for orders directing utility providers of water, electricity and gas to cut off services to hate preaching venues if they fail to comply with an order.
  • Increase the maximum existing failure to comply penalties from $11,000 to $110,000 for individuals and from $22,000 to $220,000 for corporations.

The changes will also be complemented by amendments to the Planning System SEPP that introduce a new requirement for local councils to consult with NSW Police on community safety matters before approving a development application for a new place of public worship, including approving changes to the use of an existing place of public worship.

These measures build on previous legislation to combat hate including new offences for inciting racial hatred and displaying Nazi symbols at Jewish places and additional protections for people seeking to attend their place of worship.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“These reforms give councils another practical tool to stop unlawful premises being used to spread hate and intimidation.

“If a place of worship is operating outside the law and dividing the community, councils will now have real power to shut it down.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“There’s no place for factories of hate in NSW. These changes are a practical step the Minns Labor Government are taking to stop hate preachers in their tracks.

“By strengthening enforcement powers and giving NSW Police visibility of development applications for places of public worship we are taking additional steps to keep our communities safe.”

Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig said:

“All sectors of the NSW government are working together to implement and enforce these changes which will safeguard and protect our communities.

“Freedom of religion is a fundamental right in NSW but that freedom does not extend to operating unlawfully or putting community safety at risk and this legislation will make sure councils have strong powers to shut down unlawful places of public worship manifesting hate.”

Stronger conduct rules for NSW schools, with explicit ban on hate speech

All NSW school staff, including principals and school leaders, will be subject to strengthened conduct requirements that explicitly prohibit hate speech, under reforms to be announced today by the Minns Labor Government.

The changes close a clear gap in existing guidance, which does not adequately address the incitement of hate speech, and make unequivocally clear that engaging in hate speech will not be tolerated by any NSW school.

The changes will come into effect immediately and will apply across more than 3,000 government, independent and Catholic schools and will tighten the rules governing the conduct of all school staff, including school leaders.

Hate speech will be explicitly prohibited in the Codes of Conduct set out by all school sectors and will now apply to all members of school staff.

These changes to the rules follow the new hate speech legislation passed by both the state and Commonwealth governments and build on the Minns Labor Government’s recent legislation to strengthen laws against hate speech and hate crimes, making clear that there is no place for extremism or vilification in our classrooms or our state.

A review into the process to assess a fit and proper person – the legal test required for school leadership – is currently underway to investigate if it is fit for purpose and whether the current standards meet community expectations.

Under the new arrangements, expectations around acceptable conduct will be made clearer in the school registration manuals.

NESA is updating its rules in early Term 1, 2026, which will require all schools to prohibit hate speech in their Codes of Conduct for all people employed at the school.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“Until now, the rules haven’t been clear enough. Schools should be places where young people feel safe, respected and supported, not exposed to hate or extremism.

“These changes make it absolutely clear that hate speech has no place in any NSW classroom, from any staff member, in any school and it gives the regulator clear guidelines to act.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

“The vast majority of principals and teachers in NSW schools do an incredible job. They are committed to our students and their education.

“These common sense changes are about maintaining this high standard and giving parents peace of mind.

“When parents send their children to school in NSW, they can know they’re learning in a safe and supportive environment.”

Statement marking five years since the military coup in Myanmar

Today marks five years since the Myanmar military overthrew the democratically elected government. Since 1 February 2021, the people of Myanmar have endured escalating violence, widespread human rights violations and severe humanitarian suffering.

This crisis, caused by the coup, continues unabated. In 2026, an estimated 16.2 million people will require lifesaving humanitarian assistance, and over 3.6 million people are internally displaced due to ongoing conflict. The economy has contracted significantly, and transnational and serious organised crime has flourished, threatening regional stability.

Recent regime elections were held amid ongoing violence and repression, and without meaningful participation from opposition parties. They did not meet the conditions for free, fair and inclusive elections.

Australia has consistently condemned the regime’s brutal and ongoing atrocities against the people of Myanmar, and we will continue to judge the Myanmar military by its actions. We continue to support ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus as the framework for addressing the situation in Myanmar and urge for its full implementation.

We look to the incoming Myanmar authorities to put in place measures that reflect the Five-Point Consensus, including the cessation of violence against civilians; safe and unhindered access to humanitarian support, without discrimination, for all those in need; and a commitment to genuine and inclusive dialogue amongst all stakeholders. We continue to call for the release of all those unjustly detained.

Australia is ready to support genuine efforts to alleviate humanitarian suffering, improve economic and social conditions and advance a sustainable resolution to the ongoing crisis.

We stand with the people of Myanmar, and share their ambitions for a better future.

Labor rewards property investors with billions while public housing waitlists grow

New data from ACOSS today shows the Federal Government spends more on housing investor tax breaks ($12.3bn in 2025) than on social housing, homelessness services and rent assistance combined ($9.6bn in 2025).

In the midst of a housing crisis, millions of Australian families are living in fear of a possible mortgage rate rise next Tuesday, driven largely by rising house prices resulting from Labor’s failed housing policies, including changes to the 5% deposit scheme which have poured fuel on the fire.

The Australian Greens say the housing and homelessness crisis cannot be solved unless the government winds back tax breaks, such as the capital gains tax discount and negative gearing, builds more public and affordable housing and stops pushing policies that fuel demand and make the crisis worse.

Greens spokesperson for finance, housing and homelessness Senator Barbara Pocock:

“Labor’s response to the housing crisis is making things worse. It is more concerned about rewarding property investors with tax breaks than about investing in social housing, homelessness services, and rent assistance altogether. 

“We are in a housing crisis and the government is adding fuel to the fire. Labor’s policies are driving up house prices, rents continue to skyrocket, and waits for social housing are getting longer.

“What’s clear is that Labor prioritises the wealth of property investors, many of whom have dozens of properties, instead of ensuring everybody has a roof over their head.

“For decades, successive Labor and Coalition Governments have put billions of dollars in the pockets of property investors, property developers and the banks. We won’t solve the housing crisis unless the government scraps its $181 billion tax breaks for wealthy investors.

“Labor needs to treat housing as a human right instead of a game of monopoly. What we need is real action and that means winding back tax breaks for wealthy property investors, as well as building affordable houses in the places where Australians need them.

“Labor needs to stop faffing around with the HAFF, which is too slow and too complex, and it needs to stop fuelling demand with policies like the 5% deposit changes which just make the crisis worse. The government must immediately fund social and affordable housing directly to drive down rental prices.” 

Pressure building on Labor to ditch billions in fuel tax credits in budget

The Australian Greens have backed in the momentum for the treasurer to abolish the billions of dollars in fossil fuel subsidies given to mining companies as an urgent measure in the upcoming budget.

Reports today show even Labor’s own Environment Action Network have come on board with a policy the Greens spearheaded 29 years ago, when Bob Brown first used a 1997 National Press Club address to call on the government to cap miners’ fuel tax credits. 

Independent analysis of the Fuel Tax Credit scheme shows major miners receive large sums of taxpayer money, BHP around $627 million a year and Rio Tinto around $416 million a year, that should be redirected into electrification and regional transition. 

The Greens took a policy to the last federal election that would see the end of all taxpayer handouts contributing to the climate crisis, including these Fuel Tax Credits  which are bankrolling highly profitable coal, oil and gas companies.

This would free up around $8 billion a year¹ which could be repurposed to provide cost of living relief to households. 

Leader of the Australian Greens, Larissa Waters:

“If these handouts to coal and gas corporations survive the budget chopping block this year, that’s a clear red flag that Labor is prioritising corporate profits over people.” said Senator Waters on Friday.

“Australians are being told to tighten their purse strings while the government gives wealthy coal and gas companies hundreds of millions of dollars to buy diesel. It’s not good enough and it shows exactly where Labor’s priorities lie.

“At the last election the Greens were clear: taxpayers should not be propping up the pollution and profiteering of the coal, oil and gas industries.

“The Greens first called for an end to the diesel fuel rebate for mining 29 years ago. Our 1998 policy called to scrap the handouts to fossil fuels – they were unjustifiable in 1998 and they are indefensible now.

“Even those within Labor agree we shouldn’t be throwing taxpayer money at the multi-billion dollar fossil fuel sector. Jim Chalmers needs to make this a priority in the upcoming budget.

“The Greens want to see real reform that ends these fossil fuel handouts, not tinkering that leaves subsidies for wealthy mining corporations intact.”

Only community and Greens pressure can keep Great Barrier Reef hopes alive

A government report prepared for UNESCO on actions taken to stop the Great Barrier Reef losing its World Heritage status highlights that without community and Greens pressure, the Albanese government would have nothing to boast about. 

Greens spokesperson for healthy oceans, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson: 

“The most significant measure taken by the government to protect the Great Barrier Reef has only come about because of community and Greens pressure. 

“Deforestation was listed as a key factor in UNESCO’s decision whether to list the Great Barrier Reef as in danger or not – and the only reason vegetation within 50 metres of Reef catchments now receives assessment under Australia’s environment laws is because the community and Greens fought for it. 

“Tackling local threats like deforestation are obviously very important for the Reef’s short term protection, but they won’t save the Great Barrier Reef from being annihilated by the political stupidity of ripping open new coal and gas projects in a climate crisis.

“Obvious to everyone except Labor is that you simply cannot truly protect the Great Barrier Reef by making climate change worse.

“It is hypocritical for Labor to think it can be the trusted guardian of the world’s greatest natural wonder while also the third biggest exporter of fossil fuels on the planet. 

“So long as Labor is content with ripping open new coal and gas projects that are cooking our oceans, the Great Barrier Reef is at risk of losing its World Heritage values forever.”

Greens welcome regulatory action on Big Splash

After two years of sustained community and parliamentary pressure, the ACT Government has finally escalated action against the owner of Big Splash following their failure to maintain the site and open over the past two summers.

ACT Greens Deputy Leader and Member for Ginninderra, Jo Clay, says this is encouraging movement, with a consideration to terminate the lease, but a little too late.

“While this is welcome news and great the see that the ACT Government is finally listening to the community, it should have come sooner,” Ms Clay said.

“The reality is the Labor Government had authority to escalate regulatory action against the owner of Big Splash for failing to meet the condition of its lease from March 2025 – after being closed to the public for 12 months.

“Without the sustained pressure from the community including two petitions, in parliament, and countless questions to the Planning Minister, the ACT Labor Government would have sat back and watched Canberra’s only waterpark become one for the history books.

“Today’s announcement shows that Canberrans have power to drive government action. Now it’s time for us to uphold the government, ensure these are not empty words and ensure Canberra has a waterpark for future generations.”

The train on platform two has terminated after 55 years’ service

“V” is for valedictory today as the last V-set train pulls into Central Station for the final time after five and half decades in service.

The workhorse fleet of V-sets have travelled the equivalent distance of 298 times to the moon since hitting the tracks in 1970, serving millions of Sydney Trains passengers.

Notable for their stainless steel panelled exterior and distinctive ‘bush plum’ coloured seats and interior, the final V-set has been freshly sprayed in the classic ‘Blue Goose’ livery of royal blue and grey for its final run before entering retirement among the heritage fleet.

The final run leaves Lithgow at 5.47am to arrive at Central at 8.32am.

When it pulls into platform two it will mark the full introduction of the modern intercity Mariyung fleet on the Blue Mountains Line.

Mariyungs began taking over from the V-sets on the Central Coast & Newcastle Line in December 2024 and were then introduced on the Blue Mountains Line from October last year. 

The introduction of the modern Mariyungs will improve reliability for passengers on these lines, part of a $458 million push by the Minns Labor Government to bring rail reliability up to scratch.

The former Liberal-National government botched their introduction, spending $1.7 billion more than they estimated in 2014, according to the NSW Auditor-General, and failing to get them on the tracks while they were in office – despite promising they would be in service in 2019.

With extra leg room, high seat backs, tray tables for laptops, charging ports for mobile devices, accessible toilets and designated spaces for wheelchairs, bikes and prams, the Mariyung has been warmly received this year by intercity commuters.

Since the Mariyung replaced the V-sets on the Central Coast Newcastle Line, there has been a decrease in security and vandalism incidents thanks to the enhanced safety and design features of the newer Mariyung fleet in conjunction with the retirement of the V-sets.

When the V-sets first entered service, between Sydney and Gosford and later to Newcastle and the Blue Mountains, their sturdy double-deck design marked a new era in high-capacity rail travel and were lauded as a smooth ride on the longer intercity routes.

At least four carriages of the ‘Blue Goose’ V-set used for the final service will be retained for heritage purposes, while the future of the remaining 81 retired V-set carriages is still being determined.

Sydney Trains recently completed an Expression of Interest open to the public – including heritage groups and private collectors – to acquire the retired carriages, with applications currently being assessed.

Mariyung trains are currently targeted to be launched on the South Coast Line by the first half of this year.  

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“These are the trains that for over two generations have carried visiting tourists, weary commuters and train lovers alike.  

“In those more than five decades on the tracks, the distance the fleet has travelled is the equivalent of going to the moon about 298 times.

“We all know these trains, whether that’s by their distinctive stainless-steel exterior with the ‘blue goose’ livery or the ‘bush plum’ coloured seats inside, often referred to as ‘eggplant’.

“Happily, this farewell marks the full introduction of the intercity Mariyungs on the Blue Mountains Line bringing a major step up in comfort and accessibility.

Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said:

“The V-sets were described as luxurious when they first hit the tracks in the 1970’s, and over the decades they have become a much-loved and iconic part of travel between   Sydney, Newcastle, Lithgow and Wollongong. 

“Now it’s time to say final farewells to the trains affectionately known as the ‘steel rattlers’ and deliver the full complement of Mariyungs to the Blue Mountains Line. 

“The Mariyung trains represent a major upgrade – offering improved comfort, safety and accessibility features.” 

Member for Blue Mountains Trish Doyle said: 

“It’s an honour to be travelling aboard the final Blue Mountains V-set passenger train with many other train lovers. These locally developed and built trains have served our community well for more than 50 years. 

“Honoured to be dubbed ‘The Train Lady’ some years back – for my support of workers, the V-sets and Transport Heritage – I particularly want to applaud the hard work of our drivers, guards, and crews of these workhorses over this long period of service. 

“We are a community that commutes, and I am committed to ensuring our public transport network is the best it can be.”  

Member for Parramatta Donna Davis said:  

“Since 1970 the V-set trains have been the workhorse for the intercity fleet. From the Blue Mountains to Parramatta, these trains have provided commuters with the opportunity to travel across our great state.” 

“While the familiarity of the V-sets will be missed by commuters and train enthusiasts alike, the introduction of the Mariyung fleet will provide a modern, accessible and worthy successor to these iconic trains.” 

Member for Blacktown Stephen Bali said:  

“These final V-set trains are part of the 1977 fleet, a major initiative of the Wran Labor Government to boost service quality and safety. Now the Minns Labor Government is modernising the fleet again with the implementation of the Mariyung fleet for modern commuter standards.  

“The V-sets have served the community well through most of my lifetime and I have fond memories of catching them from Blacktown into the city.” 

Member for Penrith Karen McKeown OAM said: 

“Today we mark the final run of the much-loved V-sets on the Blue Mountains Line — trains that have served our Penrith community for generations. As we farewell these icons of our rail history, we also look ahead with excitement to the Mariyung trains, which deliver a more modern, accessible, and comfortable journey for passengers of our community. 

“While many Penrith residents will feel nostalgic farewelling the V-sets, the new Mariyung trains will deliver a more reliable journey for our community now and into the future.” 

Chief Executive of Sydney Trains Matt Longland said:

“It will be emotional when the Blue Goose heads down the Blue Mountains for the last time, and we will give the V-sets a fitting farewell for their 55 years of service at Central Station.

“While it’s a day for nostalgia, it’s also important we modernise our fleet for the benefit of the millions of train passengers that use the intercity network every year.

“So, it’s exciting to be delivering on the full Mariyung rollout on the Blue Mountains Line, and we look forward to launching these more modern, comfortable and accessible trains on the South Coast Line soon.”

Higher Ground: New housing milestone for North Lismore recovery

The NSW Government has hit a major milestone in the flood recovery of the Northern Rivers, officially acquiring 18.5 hectares of high-ground land in North Lismore, as part of the $100 million Resilient Lands Program. 

The site will provide 85 land lots to enable construction of social, affordable, and private housing—all located above the 2022 flood line.

Project Highlights:

  • Priority Access: 76 land lots to be made available for Resilient Homes Program participants, giving flood-impacted residents the first opportunity to relocate to safer ground.
  • Social & Key Worker Housing: Homes NSW will construct 24 social dwellings and provide four land lots for affordable key worker housing.
  • Integrated Community: The precinct will sit alongside the new Rivers Secondary College Richmond River High Campus, set to open in 2027.
  • Economic Boost: The nearby Lismore Showground is receiving a $4.7 million upgrade to support major regional events like Primex, further anchoring the precinct’s recovery.
  • Timeline: Development application approvals are in place and preparatory work has commenced, with land expected to be available for sale in mid-2026, with home relocations beginning in early 2027.

The development is a collaborative effort between the NSW Reconstruction Authority and Homes NSW, ensuring the new neighbourhood is well-connected to schools, transport, and green space while respecting the cultural heritage of the Widjabul Wia-bal people.

For more information go to nsw.gov.au/resilientlandsprogram

Minister for Housing, Rose Jackson said:

“By securing this land, we are delivering on our promise to provide safe, diverse, and affordable housing for the people of Lismore.

“This isn’t just about blocks of land; it’s about providing a fresh start for families on ground they can trust.”

Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said:

“Acquiring this land is a huge win for the North Lismore community.

“We know how much it means to people to stay connected to their neighbours, their schools, and their community, but with the peace of mind that comes from being on higher ground.

“This is about building a secure, connected future for North Lismore.”

Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 tracking to main construction

The Minns Labor Government has given the green light to begin construction of the main works on the second stage of Parramatta Light Rail, a project which will eventually connect Sydney’s second CBD with Sydney Olympic Park.  

Fulfilling a Labor election commitment, construction will begin in early 2027 on the new 10-kilometre route that will link Camellia, Rydalmere, Ermington, Melrose Park, Wentworth Point and Olympic Park over 14 light rail stops.  

The project runs through one of the fastest-growing areas of Sydney and will provide the transport infrastructure to support new housing going in, particularly around Wentworth Point which has developed without sufficient public transport links.  

The former Liberal government promised more than a dozen times to proceed with Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 but never managed to get a single shovel into the ground.    

In the coming weeks, the NSW Government will begin procurement for the next phase of construction works – known as Stage 2a - from Camellia to Wentworth Point.

This phase of new work is expected to create more than 2000 construction and other jobs in Western Sydney. 

Main Works will deliver: 

  • 4.5kms of track 
  • a new bridge linking Camellia and Rydalmere 
  • nine new stops 
  • an expanded Stabling and Maintenance Facility 
  • additional light rail vehicles.

With funding to date of $3 billion, Stage 2 will link to the existing Parramatta Light Rail system which carries up to 90,000 passengers a week.  

Along with the procurement of the Main Works contract, the project will now focus on early works, site investigations, detailed utility designs, and commencement of property acquisitions.  

Major construction is already underway on the first phase – the enabling works for Stage 2, which includes the construction of piles that will hold the first new public and active transport bridge crossing of the Parramatta River in more than three and a half decades.  

Since 2023, the Minns Labor Government has accelerated planning and finalised the business case for Stage 2, which has already secured Federal Environmental and NSW Planning approvals.  

For more information: nsw.gov.au/parramatta-light-rail.   

Minister for Transport John Graham said:  

“Labor committed to delivering the second stage of the Parramatta Light Rail system and today we open the way for construction works to begin via the main works contract, which will shortly go out to tender.  

“Linking Parramatta to Sydney Olympic Park will provide a much-needed public transport link that was so often promised under the former Liberal government but never delivered, despite the rapid population and housing growth that has made this part of Sydney such a fast-growing area.  

“The Minns Labor Government is focused on delivery of transport infrastructure that keeps up with the housing development Sydney needs and gives people – particularly those who have moved into Western Sydney – a viable alternative to sitting in a car in traffic.”   

Member for Parramatta Donna Davis said:  

“Giving the green light to begin construction of Stage 2a Main Works will boost Western Sydney’s economy and support the new housing hubs at Melrose Park, Wentworth Point, Sydney Olympic Park and the Carter Street precinct.

“Expanding the system to Sydney Olympic Park will be another game-changer for jobs, leisure and, importantly, to provide public transport to some areas that have never had it before.  

“Parramatta Light Rail’s first year of operation has improved connectivity in our area, giving local residents and visitors to our city another transport alternative to jumping in the car.”