Police Officer charged with assault of Hannah Thomas at anti-Israel protest

A police officer has now been charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm of Hannah Thomas, who was punched in the face at a peaceful anti-Israel protest outside weapons-plating corporation SEC Plating in Belmore in June. This has renewed pressure to stand down Assistant Commissioner Brett McFadden after he told the media he had reviewed the body camera footage that showed the assault, and saw “no information at this stage that’s before me that indicates any misconduct on behalf of my officers”.

Greens MP Sue Higginson has today written to the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission, the Police Commissioner and the Police Minister Yasmin Catley calling for McFadden to be stood down as an Assistant Commissioner, and for an immediate investigation into his conduct.

Labor Premier Chris Minns is also facing pressure to repeal his anti-protest laws, which are claimed to be contributing to an escalation in police brutality toward peaceful protesters.

Charges initially laid against Ms Thomas have now been withdrawn and she and four fellow protesters have been awarded over $40,000 in costs. Ms Thomas has also lodged a civil claim against the NSW Police.

NSW Greens MP, Justice Spokesperson and solicitor Sue Higginson said:

“It’s a just and welcomed step to see charges finally laid against the police officer who brutally assaulted Hannah Thomas while she was attending a peaceful protest. But there is more to the police brutality and misconduct on that day, there are now serious questions over the police misconduct following the incident and we must confront the source of this injustice, the impunity given to police by Labor Premier Chris Minns through the anti-protest laws and rhetoric he espouses,”

“It would now appear that Assistant Commissioner Brett McFadden blatantly tried to cover up the violent assault on Hannah Thomas. Commissioner McFadden reviewed body camera footage that shows Ms Thomas being assaulted, and then told the media he saw no evidence of police misconduct. He excused police violence towards an innocent woman, he argued against further oversight, and under his leadership police issued statements criticizing the very protesters they had assaulted,”

“Assistant Commissioner McFadden needs to stand down immediately. I have written urgently to Police Minister Yasmin Catley, the Police Commissioner and to the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission calling for him to be stood down and for an investigation into his misconduct,”

“Police should not have been given the power or the impunity to issue move-on directions to peaceful protesters who were committing no crime. We saw that police referenced Chris Minns’ new draconian anti-protest laws in their fact sheet, referring to a place of worship in Belmore to justify the violent arrest of Hannah Thomas and her fellow protesters,”

“The Premier now also needs to apologise for laying the blame at Ms Thomas’ feet and implying she was responsible for her own assault, without even viewing the body camera footage himself,”

“It is really concerning that Hannah Thomas was not made aware that these charges had been laid, the first she heard was in media reports. There’s a complete disregard towards victims of police brutality from NSW Police and it’s got to change,”

“This demonization of peaceful protest is reckless political behaviour and it leads to innocent people of good conscience getting hurt. Innocent people have the right to peacefully call for an end to Israel’s genocide in Gaza, and they have the right to do so without being victims of heinous police brutality at the hands of an emboldened NSW Police force”.

Greens push for separated bike lanes, safety review following cyclist death

Victorian Greens Leader and local Melbourne MP Ellen Sandell has said separated bike lanes must be installed on Macaulay Road as a matter of urgency, and the dangerous intersection urgently reviewed, following the tragic death of a cyclist yesterday in Kensington, where Ms Sandell also lives.

A young cyclist reportedly tragically died in a crash with a truck near the intersection of Macaulay Road and Rankins Road on Monday afternoon, close to Kensington train station. This follows several other cyclists who have died or been seriously injured following collisions with trucks in the last few years in the electorate of Melbourne, including Angus Collins in West Melbourne.

However, despite the Council approving funding for separated bike lanes along Macaulay Road every year since 2021, the bike lanes have been constantly delayed due to the Victorian Government Department of Transport not approving them.

The Greens have also called on the City of Melbourne to urgently review the safety of the Rankins Rd/Macaulay Rd intersection where the death occurred.

As part of this review the Council should also explore whether the current traffic management plans have been sufficient amid all the construction happening in Kensington, and increase in trucks using local roads.

The Greens say that, while the circumstances are not yet fully known, it would be heartbreaking if yesterday’s death could potentially have been avoided if safer transport infrastructure like separated bike lanes had been installed.

To prevent future cyclist injuries, collisions, and deaths on Victorian roads, the state must make improving bike and pedestrian infrastructure a matter of priority.

Leader of the Victorian Greens, Ellen Sandell MP:

“My thoughts are with the man who was tragically killed on his bike yesterday, and his loved ones.

“Every year in Australia nine cyclists are killed on our roads, yet Governments often make safety for cyclists an afterthought. Pedestrians and bike riders should be able to use our roads without fear of being killed.

“Yesterday’s tragic death needs to be a wake-up call for the State Labor Government. Too often, Labor makes safe bike lanes an afterthought, when they must be a priority, so no more bike riders die after being hit by cars and trucks.”

Prime Minister does not have faith in his own plan to bring down power prices

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has no faith in his own promise to bring down power prices.

When asked today when bills will actually fall and by how much, he refused to answer.

Instead of standing by his plan, he dodged, deflected and smeared.

That is not the confidence of a leader who believes in his policy, it is the behaviour of a disappointing Prime Minister who knows his word cannot be trusted.

What Australians do know is power prices have not come down by $275 as promised by Anthony Albanese, instead they’re up $1,300.

Incredibly today Energy Minister Chris Bowen claimed that the Climate Change Authority’s advice, that there would be a 20 per cent reduction in household energy prices within the decade, or $1,000 annually “was not a political commitment.”

He did this because he knows the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) gave evidence to a senate inquiry last year that it could make no guarantees on lower prices with more renewables.

This is advice the Government is basing its entire emissions policy on yet Minister after Minister have refused to back its claim on power prices.

The truth is Anthony Albanese and Chris Bowen have lied to Australians before and now they have no confidence in their new fantasy.

If they had confidence in their plan they would tell Australians how much it was going to cost and put a dollar figure on what it will do to power bills.

As the Prime Minister jets off overseas once again Australians will be left with the bill and left disappointed in the years ahead.

Ordinary Council Meeting Tuesday 23 September

Council update: Ordinary Council Meeting Tuesday 23 September 2025 

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council Meeting of Tuesday 23 September 2025. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.

Lord Mayoral Minutes  

Newcastle Jets Australia Cup Final

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that congratulates the Newcastle Jets for reaching the Australia Cup Final where they’ll play Heidelberg United in Melbourne on 4 October and expresses Newcastle’s best wishes to the team.

Continued advocacy for New Lambton residents impacted by the landslip

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that reaffirms Council’s support for the affected residents of the New Lambton landslip and resolves to write to the NSW Premier and Leader of the Opposition to advocate for Council’s position that the Reconstruction Authority should lead recovery efforts and resolves to write to local State MPs requesting their support.

2005 Bali bombing commemoration

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that notes 1 October marks 20 years since the tragic events of the 2005 Bali bombings, which claimed the lives of 20 civilians including Newcastle residents Jenny Williamson, and Colin and Fiona Zwolinski.

Ordinary business

2025 Local Government NSW Conference

Council voted to endorse 47 motions for submission to the Local Government New South Wales 2025 Annual Conference and nominated the following councillors as voting delegates: Lord Mayor Cr Dr Ross Kerridge, Deputy Lord Mayor Cr Callum Pull, Cr Charlotte McCabe, Cr Declan Clausen, Cr Deahnna Richardson, Cr Dr Elizabeth Adamczyk and Cr Paige Johnson.

Adoption of council policies

Council voted unanimously to approve the Code of Conduct for Councillors, Staff, Council Committee Members, Delegates of Council and Council Advisors, and additionally the Procedures for Administration of the Code of Conduct. Council laid on the table the approval of the Effective Communication Between Councillors and Staff Policy.

Adoption of Newcastle Local Strategic Planning Statement amendment

Council voted to adopt the Newcastle Local Strategic Planning Statement 2020 (LSPS 2020 (Update 2025).

Public exhibition of draft Community Land Plan of Management

Council voted unanimously to publicly exhibit the draft Community Land Plan of Management for a minimum of 28 days in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993.

Newcastle Show Day 2026 and 2027

Council voted to make a biennial application to the Minister for Industrial Relations seeking a Local Public Holiday for Newcastle Show Day in 2026 and 2027. If that’s not approved, Council requests approval for it to be proclaimed as a half day Local Public Holiday, and if that’s not approved, request it be proclaimed as a Local Event Day.

Dedication of roads, lanes and pathways – Roads Dedication Project 2024

Council voted unanimously to approve the dedication of nominated and reassessed Roads, Lanes and Pathways that were previously private, and dedicate one Council-owned parcel of land as public road and note the completed transfer of Crown lanes.

Asset Advisory Committee Charter review

Council approved the reviewed Asset Advisory Committee Charter.

Executive monthly performance report

Council voted to receive the Executive Monthly Performance Report for August 2025.

Notices of Motion 

Notice of motion to rescind a council resolution – State Significant Development – planning proposal for 144 Boundary Road (Eden Estates)

Council voted to rescind the previous resolution for the State Significant Development Planning Proposal for 144 Boundary Road, Wallsend, to enable further consideration and discussion between Councillors.

Submission to State Government – Review of the response to the May 2025 East Coast severe weather event

Council voted unanimously to request the CEO prepare a submission to the State Government review of the response to the May 2025 East Coast severe weather event, with reference to the Reconstruction Authority’s response to the New Lambton landslip.

Lord Mayor Earthquake Fund

Council voted unanimously to establish if funds from the Lord Mayor’s Earthquake Fund are able to be utlised by residents and/or City of Newcastle as part of the recovery phase of New Lambton landslip.

Protecting koala populations

Council voted unanimously to request the NSW Government update the Blue Gum Hills National Park Plan of Management 2007 to incorporate the results of City of Newcastle’s koala drone surveys and consider the inclusion of the Blue Gum Hills National Park in the NSW Great Koala Park. Council also requests that as part of the assessment of the State-led planning Project at 144 Boundary Road, Wallsend, a drone survey be undertaken to assess the site for koalas.

Commitments for social and affordable housing on State Government land in Broadmeadow

Council voted to write to the Minister for Planning, Minister for Housing, and Member for Newcastle to call for increased social and affordable housing targets on three parcels of state government re-zoned land within the Broadmeadow Precinct to deliver 30% social and affordable housing on government owned land.

Transition plan for the greyhound racing industry in Newcastle

Council noted the regulation of the greyhound racing industry, including animal welfare standards and licensing of tracks, is the responsibility of the NSW Government and endorsed the establishment of a transition program for industry workers and community
 associated with The Gardens in the event the NSW Government decides to phase out Greyhound racing.

Newcastle council stands with community: racism has no place in Newcastle

Council voted to reaffirm Newcastle’s commitment as a welcoming city for every person, regardless of ethnicity, age, sexuality, religion, ability, language, gender, culture, country of origin, or visa status.

$1 million to further strengthen Newcastle Port precinct

The Minns Government has announced that one of Australia’s most iconic port towns, Newcastle, will be further invigorated now that applications are open with $1 million available to support local groups or businesses to undertake projects to boost activation, heritage or tourism.

The Newcastle Port Community Contributions Fund provides grants of between $10,000 and $250,000 for projects that benefit the environment, public domain, infrastructure, heritage restoration, activation, smart technology, events or community.

Applications for Newcastle Port Community Contribution Fund Round 9 will open at 12 midday on Tuesday 7 October and close on Monday 1 December 2025.

Following feedback from the local community and Newcastle City Council, the NSW Government has improved how funding is being provided for community use to progress the precinct.

The Fund sets out to deliver high-quality projects that:

  • foster stronger community bonds
  • enhance accessibility
  • boost visitation
  • increase participation in cultural and artistic life
  • and enhance public, environmental and business infrastructure which can be achieved through efficient program design.

The program, which has provided more than $7 million in funding so far, has delivered projects including upgrades to Soul Hub, a centre deliver life-changing services to disadvantaged, the Cottage Creek Southeast Public Domain Artwork for new public art and the Digitalise, revitalise and reimagine Delprat Cottage installing virtual restoration that transports visitors to the past, present and future of the site.

This announcement follows an announcement in early August when the Minns Government stated it was investing $8.73 million into two Hunter projects to build a new maritime facility in Newcastle to attract servicing of international super yachts, and upgrade saleyards infrastructure in Singleton.

Program guidelines and eligibility criteria will be available from 7 October at nsw.gov.au/npccf

Minister for Agriculture, and Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“The Port of Newcastle is a vital economic, industrial and tourist hub and it was important to improve how community groups and businesses can access these funds and deliver real results.

“The Minns Government is committed to reshaping how we support regional projects and communities and to ensure we can deliver what people really want.

“We mean business and want to be smart in how we work with those people who know what is needed locally and what will work to improve the precinct or expand businesses.

Minister for the Hunter, and MP for Swansea, Yasmin Catley said:

“The Hunter is one of the most exciting and fastest-growing regions in the state and we’re laying the groundwork now so we are prepared for what’s to come.

“We’re investing heavily to make sure this region continues to succeed – not just as a great place to live and work, but as a destination people want to visit as well as a place people want to build their future.

“This is about celebrating our community, empowering local businesses and unlocking Newcastle’s full potential – something I’m proud to support.”

NSW MP for Newcastle, Timothy Crakanthorp said:

“The Newcastle Port Community Contributions Fund is a significant grant and funding program for local organisations and community groups.

“The Port of Newcastle is central to our city’s maritime history and economic future.

“I encourage all eligible groups to apply.”

Liverpool Hospital celebrates opening of NSW first integrated multimodality Interventional Radiology Suite

The opening of NSW’s first multifunctional Interventional Radiology Suite at Liverpool Hospital has set a new standard in life-saving patient care and medical innovation.

The facility, a highlight of the first phase of the $830 million Liverpool Health and Academic Precinct (LHAP) redevelopment, combines cutting-edge magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), angiogram, computed tomography (CT) and sonar (ultrasound) in one purpose-built, centralised location.

Dubbed the IR-MACS suite, the unit allows patients to undergo highly complex, combined procedures without leaving the table, delivering exceptional precision.

From minimally invasive procedures to kill cancer cells in tumours and block the flow of blood in aneurysms, IR-MACS is redefining interventional radiology in NSW.

The unit includes three state-of-the-art rooms, featuring the latest interventional CT, a ceiling-mounted angiographic suite and a wide-bore MRI. The technology can operate individually or as a single, seamless unit.

Specialist staff are equipped to deliver advanced care in a radiation-free environment, helping to keep them safe when providing care to patients.

The IR-MACS suite’s infrastructure supports new and innovative approaches to acute healthcare and provides staff with purpose-designed and built facilities for contemporary clinical practice.

Demolition works to prepare the site for phase 2 of the LHAP redevelopment are well underway. Phase 2 will deliver a second integrated services building, including an integrated cancer centre, with a wellness centre, and expanded women’s and children’s ambulatory care.

The project is expected to be completed in 2027.

the Minister for Health Ryan Park

“By the early 2030s, more than 1.2 million people are expected to call south western Sydney home.

“It is critical that cutting-edge services such as the incredible new Interventional Radiology suite are a major focus of the $830 million Liverpool Health and Academic Precinct to ensure the community continues to receive world-class care close to home.

“I congratulate the many teams involved in the opening of IR-MACS. We are building the healthcare of the future right here in the heart of Liverpool.’’

Member for Liverpool Charishma Kaliyanda

“This significant investment in Liverpool Hospital is transforming the experience of our patients, staff and community and the IR-MACS is a wonderful example of this transformation.

“I am proud and excited that our community is benefitting from this amazing technology and care in the IR-MACS suite, which is showcasing Liverpool Hospital as a beacon of clinical excellence nationally and internationally.

“Having access to this cutting-edge technology will mean our patients can potentially recover faster, go home quicker and have better long-term quality of life, which is fantastic”

Liverpool Hospital General Manager Scott McGrath

“The opening of the new IR-MACS suite represents a new era in care for Liverpool Hospital.

“The amazing IR-MACS technology provides minimally invasive treatments which stop bleeding, shrink tumours and save lives often in a single day.

“The Liverpool Health and Academic Precinct redevelopment is creating a centre for innovation and health research to provide a world-class working environment for our highly skilled clinicians and staff.’’

Liverpool Hospital Head of Department Interventional Radiology Dr Glen Schlaphoff

“Conceived in 2006, meticulously planned since 2009, and realised through years of sustained commitment, IR-MACS represents a landmark achievement in interventional radiology in NSW and a bold step into the future of image-guided therapy.

“As the first interventional radiology suite in NSW to integrate MRI, CT, and angiography within a single, co-located environment, it enables highly complex, minimally invasive procedures with unprecedented imaging precision and procedural flow, all without moving the patient from the table, enhancing both safety and therapeutic efficacy.

“The ability to perform real-time MRI-guided tumour ablations and complex, previously unachievable biopsies is taking interventional oncology to new levels of precision and treatment success.’’

$5.88 million invested into Central Coast industry training, jobs and tourism

The Minns Labor Government is investing $3.17 million into two Central Coast projects as part of funding from the Government’s Regional Development Trust to promote economic growth and employment creation.

This is part of the Minns Government’s plan to drive regional economic development and support job creation based on demonstrated need and merit for projects that are ready to go.

Together with the co-contributions from the two successful applicants, these projects will inject a total of $5.88 million into the Central Coast.

The investments will deliver a purpose-built training facility at the Central Coast Food Manufacturing Precinct and Innovation Hub in Ourimbah, plus upgrading the visitor experience at the high-profile Australian Reptile Park in Somersby.

These two projects will see the Central Coast benefit from business infrastructure that will drive further economic benefits.

  • $2.54 million – Expand and upgrade the visitor experience at the Australian Reptile Park
    • The upgrades will modernise the visitor facilities, improve accessibility, and increase the Park’s ability to cater for more international visitors.
    • The project will create local employment and strengthen the tourism industry across the Central Coast.
  • $629,280 – Develop a training facility at the Central Coast Food Manufacturing Precinct and Innovation Hub
    • The project will deliver a needed state-of-the-art training facility at the Central Coast Food Manufacturing Precinct and Innovation Hub to provide training and workforce development opportunities for businesses, students, and job seekers.
    • The project aims to tackle skills shortages, drive technology adoption, strengthen the talent pipeline, and boost the region’s manufacturing sector.

This funding demonstrates the Minns Government’s smart approach to delivering sustainable and strategic investment on priorities that make a real difference to regional communities.

Investments from the Regional Development Trust are reviewed by the Regional Development Advisory Council, an independent body appointed by the Minister for Regional NSW to provide advice on investments and ensure the interests of regional communities are at the centre of government decision making.

Further announcements regarding other successful projects from the Regional Development Trust will be made in the coming months.

For more information, go to: nsw.gov.au/regionaldevelopmenttrust

Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“This funding backs regional communities with projects that create jobs, boost local businesses and improve services and forms part of the NSW Government’s plan to invest in projects in our regional and rural communities that deliver long-term benefits.

“The upgrades at the Australian Reptile Park will drive a bigger number of international and domestic visitors to the Central Coast and ensure this iconic family attraction stays on tourist’s must do list when visiting the region.

“The Central Coast is a powerhouse for food manufacturing and building a new training facility in Ourimbah will support the industry’s longevity in the region, ensuring skills gaps are identified and filled, and exploring how new technologies can be used to increase productivity.”

Minister for the Central Coast, David Harris said:

“It is fantastic to see this funding targeted to a burgeoning sector and a tourist institution that is already a significant contributor to the Central Coast on so many levels.

“The investment in a training facility at the Central Coast Food Manufacturing Precinct and Innovation Hub will further boost the region’s credentials as a cutting edge fine food and beverage producer.

“The Australian Reptile Park is the jewel in our region’s tourist crown, attracting hundreds of thousands of people and pumping around $50 million into the Central Coast economy every year, supporting many local jobs.”

Liesl Tesch, State Member for Gosford said:

“The Australian Reptile Park is such an exciting attraction, bringing in visitors from near and afar to learn about Australia’s native fauna.

“We know that visitors to the Reptile Park often go on to stay in our region, boosting our local economy and strengthening our regional tourism sector.

“The work of the Australian Reptile Park in conservation and venom research cannot be understated and I am thrilled that the Minns Labor Government is supporting their vital work.”

David Mehan, State Member for The Entrance said:

“The allocation of $3.17m by the Minns Government into these local projects will support our region’s position as a food manufacturer and allow the Reptile Park to continue providing its vibrant visitor experience.

“This funding boost is a welcome investment, which will not only create more local jobs but continue to drive economic growth to our region.”

Australian Reptile Park Managing Director, Tim Faulkner said:

“The Australian Reptile Park is proud to have been recognised as Australia’s Best Large Tourist Attraction, and this grant represents another exciting step in our expansion.

“Through the Regional Economic Development and Community Investment Program, we will further develop our entry precinct, creating an enhanced and elevated welcome for all guests, including our valued international visitors.”

Central Coast Industry Connect Executive Director, Frank Sammut said:

“Industry will benefit from upskilled workers across modern manufacturing operations, helping businesses lift quality, safety, and productivity while accelerating the adoption of advanced technologies such as automation and robotics.”

Central Coast Industry Connect Project Manager, Alex Blow said:

“This project will be a game-changer for our region, it will give people the skills, confidence and industry connections they need, and in turn this investment will help businesses grow and build a stronger local economy and more prosperous community.”

Greens (WA) urge stronger action on rental crisis as Housing Minister Carey says job is done

The Greens (WA) condemn Housing Minister John Carey’s claim that WA’s rental crisis fuelled by a growth in short-term accommodation is the responsibility of local councils, and urge the Cook Labor Government to do more to address its devastating impact on the long-term rental market.

In an ABC News article published this morning, Minister Carey said the state government “had done all it could” on the rental crisis, placing the responsibility for solutions instead onto local councils.

In Australia, housing laws and policies are overwhelmingly the responsibility of state and territory governments.

The Greens (WA) are calling on the Cook Labor Government to introduce bold regulatory reforms in order to push more investment homes into the long-term rental market and ease the squeeze on renters.

This should include greater incentives to push short-term accommodation back into the long-term market, and greater financial penalties and restrictions on short-term accommodation. 

Tim Clifford MLC, Greens WA spokesperson for Housing and Homelessness:

“Minister Carey has hit a new low by throwing local councils under the bus for a rental crisis his government is responsible not only for fixing, but for creating in the first place.

“It absolutely beggars belief that the Minister thinks this is what the state government doing its job looks like.

“Minister Carey says he wants to see fewer short-term rentals and yet he seems totally unwilling to do anything meaningful about it. Has he forgotten that he’s the Housing Minister, for God’s sake?

“Renters need immediate relief while we work on long-term solutions, like building the new houses the government continues to point to as a panacea. 

“That means looking at stronger regulations, rental reforms like banning no-fault evictions, vacant property taxes, and limiting short-stay rentals to 90 days a year.

“Last week the ACT Parliament passed Greens-led legislation enshrining housing as a human right. 

“The Greens will take every opportunity to achieve the same bold reforms we need here in WA – because if what Minister Carey says is anything to go by, WA Labor has done its job already.”

Dr Brad Pettitt MLC, Greens WA spokesperson for Housing (Planning):

“It’s deeply troubling to hear Minister Carey say the state government has done all it can to address what is clearly a spiralling rental crisis.

“All they have done is create a list with rental numbers that we already knew.

“This government must do more to discourage the move towards short-term accommodation in what is the worst housing crisis in living memory.

“We need stronger incentives for bringing short-term rental properties back to the long-term market, but carrots alone are not enough. 

“We also need sticks in the form of new regulations and penalties for those who choose to stay in the short-term market and make a substantial profit. 

“That could look like limiting the number of nights a dwelling can be rented for short stays, or imposing a targeted tax on residential properties left to sit vacant.

“There’s no doubt there is a place for short-stays, but the status quo is unsustainable, unfair to renters, and leaving families homeless.”

$1 billion Pre-sale Finance Guarantee open for business

Expressions of Interest (EOI) are now open for the Minns Labor Government’s world-leading Pre-sale Finance Guarantee program (PFG).

From today, eligible applicants can apply to have the NSW Government commit to purchasing off-the-plan dwellings in eligible residential developments to help secure finance and bring construction forward on much-needed housing across NSW.

The Minns Government has introduced a range of reforms to increase the number of homes entering the system and speed up assessment timeframes, but getting homes built is the next big challenge.

Under the five-year initiative, the Government will leverage its strong fiscal position to commit to buy up to 50 per cent of homes off the plan in approved NSW housing projects.

Eligible homes will be valued at up to $2 million each, with support ranging from $5 million to $50 million per project.

Up to $1 billion in pre-sales will be committed to over the life of the project, through the use of a revolving fund.

As homes are sold and projects are completed, builders will have the option to:

  • Rescind the commitments, releasing the funds and allowing the program to bring more homes forward for construction, or,
  • Call on the Guarantee, where the homes are then purchased by the NSW Government at a discounted rate and either rented, or sold into the market.

The challenge of meeting pre-sale requirements is one of the most common issues cited by stakeholders in securing finance, and has been outlined as a key hurdle for industry in the NSW Productivity and Equality Commission’s Review of housing supply challenges and policy options for New South Wales

In the past five years, the time between approval and commencement of new apartments has increased 39 per cent, from 5.6 months to 7.8 months, and in NSW there are more than 13,000 developments approved but not commenced.

This landmark program will not only shorten the time between approval and construction but also reduce risk in the residential construction finance sector, giving lenders and homebuyers greater certainty.

The NSW Building Commissioner will also be engaged as part of the program’s application assessment process so only developers, builders and their projects that meet capability, credibility and capacity benchmarks are supported.

Developers are now invited to submit an Expression of Interest to join the program. Applicants, who have planning and indicative or binding finance approvals, and are ready to build within six months, will be initially assessed to determine if they and their projects are eligible to participate in the program.

To submit your Expression of Interest, visit Pre-sale Finance Guarantee

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:

“This guarantee will give lenders greater confidence, reduce risk in the housing finance market and accelerate the delivery of new homes across NSW.

“This is about turning approvals into actual homes, supporting jobs, boosting housing supply and strengthening the state’s economy at the same time.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“This is a game changer. This will bring forward the construction of homes, offer greater certainty for our building industry and reduce the level of risk in the financing sector.

“We have more than 13,000 homes sitting there approved but construction has not commenced. This is bad outcome for our housing delivery, our economy and our communities.

“We’re checking capacity, credibility and capability, we want good quality homes from reputable builders, and we want them soon.”

Minister for Building Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“We established Building Commission NSW as a dedicated building regulator to restore confidence in the residential construction sector.

“As the Pre-sale Finance Guarantee supports delivering the homes our state desperately needs, the Building Commission NSW will be doing all it can to make sure those homes are well-built by trusted professionals.

“The Minns Labor Government won’t be sacrificing quality for quantity as we get our housing supply back on track.”

NAB Group Executive, Corporate and Institutional Banking Cathryn Carver said:

“This initiative will provide certainty for developers and get more houses built in NSW – which is exactly what’s needed to provide access to housing, let alone keep home ownership within reach. NAB is proud to contribute to innovative solutions that contribute to housing supply, helping more Australians achieve their home ownership goals.”

NSW to roll out purpose-built AI education tool to all public school students from Year 5

All public school students from years 5 to 12 will soon have access to the Department of Education’s purpose-built, state-of-the-art generative AI app following a successful trial in 50 schools.

The NSW Government will roll out NSWEduChat to all schools from the start of Term 4, ensuring public school students are equipped with the necessary skills and technology to thrive as 21st century learners.

As the sophistication and use of generative artificial intelligence rapidly grows, access to the curriculum-aligned NSWEduChat will enable students to build AI literacy and skills in a safe environment where content is filtered and their data is secure.

The expansion will also help to bridge the digital divide by ensuring all students have equal access to this free education tool in the classroom.

Principals from trial schools strongly support its expansion, having found NSWEduChat to be a valuable tool for fostering independent learning, critical thinking, and student engagement. 

Students in the trial said it helped them understand their work better, develop their writing skills and break down complex tasks. 

Crucially, NSWEduChat does not reveal full answers to students. Instead of providing direct answers like some other AI applications, it encourages critical thinking by asking guided questions and inviting students to reason on the outcome of their questions. 

Top five uses of NSWEduChat by students in the trial:

  • General feedback on writing
  • Brainstorming support for tasks
  • Virtual assistant, including supporting planning to complete assessment tasks, prepare for exams, etc
  • Consolidating learning e.g. prompting NSWEduChat with content from lesson and asking it to generate a quiz
  • Planning and structuring written responses

A separate NSWEduChat platform for teachers was rolled out to all schools earlier this year, with surveys showing it streamlines their workload and saves time in producing classroom resources to meet different ability levels.

In addition to this tool, the Department is launching Lesson Library, a new online platform providing streamlined access to quality curriculum resources written by NSW teachers, for NSW teachers, to help them deliver lessons aligned to the new knowledge-rich NSW syllabuses and explicit teaching.

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:

“The development of this safe, curriculum-aligned tool shows the power of our public education system to deliver world-leading innovation to classrooms across NSW.

“Generative AI is rapidly becoming part of everyday life, and through NSWEduChat we are helping our students to safely and responsibly build the digital literacy that will set them up for success in the jobs of the future.

“By making our free and effective AI tool available to all year five to 12 students, we are levelling the playing field when it comes to AI education in the classroom and ensuring that our educators, staff and students are at the forefront of emerging technologies.”