New Bondi Junction Service Centre hits the mark

More than 20,000 customers have already utilised the services at the new Bondi Junction Service Centre since it opened for business three months ago.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello joined Member for Vaucluse Gabrielle Upton today to officially open the relocated Service Centre at 19-23 Hollywood Avenue, corner of Ebley Street.

“Customers in Sydney’s eastern suburbs are set to benefit for years to come from the opening of this new state of the art Service Centre right in the heart of Bondi Junction,” Mr Dominello said.

“Customers have enjoyed a seamless transfer of services to the new centre which is a larger facility with Service NSW’s trademark modern digital-first design, just 100 metres up the street from the previous centre.

“Whether it’s applying for a Seniors Card, renewing rego or accessing maritime services, customers have given the new centre a big thumbs up with a nearly 96 per cent satisfaction rating.”

“It’s a small step for customers, but a giant leap for customer experience.” 

Member for Vaucluse Gabrielle Upton welcomed the opening of the new state of the art Service Centre which will help to cater for growing demand for Service NSW programs and services in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.

“About 1800 transactions are completed each week at Bondi Junction Service Centre with driver licence renewals, Working with Children Check applications and renewals and driving tests among the most popular services,” Mrs Upton said.

“There are 120 driving test appointments available each week at the new location with four dedicated driver testing spots conveniently located on Ebley Street for when customers arrive for their test, while about 500  computer-based Driver Knowledge Tests are available weekly  at the new centre, double the amount from the previous centre location.

“I encourage residents to book an appointment with the centre’s Saving Specialist who can provide one-one-one tailored information on more than 70 government rebates and vouchers available through the Savings Finder program such as Toll Relief Rebate, Back to School NSW and Family Energy Rebate.”

The previous Bondi Junction Service Centre opened in March 2015. The new centre’s opening hours are 8.30am-5pm Monday to Friday and 8.30am-12.30pm on Saturdays.

A new Service Centre will also shortly open at Eastgardens, giving customers in Sydney’s east and south more options when they need to visit a Service NSW centre.

Since 2013, the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government has opened 114 Service Centres across the state, transforming the way services are delivered and putting an end to the byzantine RTA Motor Registry service model. 

For more information, visit https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/service-centre/bondi-junction-service-centre

Five out of five – Illawarra REZ declared

The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government has declared the fifth Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) in the Illawarra to ensure the region plays a central role in the State’s clean energy future.

The move makes the Illawarra the final REZ to be declared of the five zones identified under the nation-leading NSW Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap.

Treasurer and Minister for Energy Matt Kean said the announcement is part of the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s long term plan to modernise the electricity grid with renewable energy and storage, helping to drive down prices and keep the system reliable.

“The Illawarra has a proud history of manufacturing and the REZ will only build on this legacy, powering existing and emerging industries such as offshore wind, green hydrogen and green steel production,” Mr Kean said.

“The Illawarra is an ideal region to host a REZ, thanks to its existing energy, port and transport infrastructure, its highly skilled workforce and strong demand from existing industries to decarbonise.

“This is a huge win for the Illawarra with projects registering their interest showing a potential to create more than 8,300 jobs, not including the huge employment potential of offshore wind.”

The Illawarra REZ runs down the coastline from Wollongong to Shellharbour and around to Dapto capturing existing infrastructure such as Port Kembla, Dapto Substation and the Tallawarra Power Station.

There is strong commercial interest in the Illawarra region with the potential to unlock more than 17 gigawatts and more than $43 billion of private investment in wind, battery storage, pumped hydro, hydrogen and new load projects, including green steel manufacturing.

“These projects have the potential to deliver thousands of jobs in the Illawarra as the region moves to a clean energy future,” Mr Kean said.

“This is just another example of the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government getting on with the job of transforming our State’s energy system, while the Labor Party develops its secret plan to nationalise the grid which will spook investment and push up power prices.

“Chris Minns has promised to provide no energy bill relief for seven years. The Liberals and Nationals will provide immediate relief of $250. Plus we are already delivering hundreds of millions in energy bill rebates.”

EnergyCo will begin the next phase of development, including continuing to engage closely with the local community, industry, councils and other stakeholders in 2023.

100,000 new jobs for Western Sydney

A re-elected Liberal and Nationals Government will create 100,000 new jobs in Western Sydney over the next five years, turbocharging the economy and ensuring Western Sydney remains a thriving place to live and work.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the Liberal and Nationals would deliver better paying jobs for the people of Western Sydney to support local businesses and futureproof the region.

“Western Sydney is one of the fastest growing regions in the country and the engine room of our state’s economy. That’s why we will deliver more better paying local jobs so the region continues to thrive,” Mr Perrottet said.

“We will deliver 100,000 new jobs in Western Sydney over the next five years across a range of sectors including construction, manufacturing, health, transport, professional services, science and more.

“Our Government has a strong track record of delivering jobs growth, with 209,100 more people employed in NSW now than before the pandemic, and that strong track record of jobs growth will only continue under the Liberal and Nationals.

“Our $116 billion infrastructure pipeline is already supporting thousands of jobs in Western Sydney, including on the new toll-free M12 motorway, Sydney Metro, and the Western Sydney Airport aerotropolis.

“Backing Western Sydney with 100,000 new jobs is only possible thanks to the Liberal and Nationals long-term economic plan to keep our state moving forward.”

Treasurer Matt Kean said creating more quality jobs will provide a significant boost to the economy.

“Western Sydney is the third largest economy in the country after Sydney and Melbourne and home to more than 230,000 businesses employing around 1 million people,” Mr Kean said.

“The state’s unemployment rate is currently 3.1 per cent which is the lowest in the country, but with so much happening in Western Sydney we know there is an opportunity to create thousands more jobs.

“This compliments our long term plan to help 95,000 women enter the workforce or take on more hours by making childcare more affordable and accessible.”

Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott said this government’s record $76.7 billion investment in transport infrastructure over the next four years signals a commitment to not only boost the NSW economy and jobs creation but also deliver a first-class, fast and reliable transport network for western Sydney.

“This government will continue to deliver on their promise to create job opportunities through the delivery of our infrastructure pipeline of Sydney Metro projects,” Mr Elliott said.

“The Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport project alone is supporting more than 14,000 jobs, including 250 new apprentices in an economic boost for NSW and more than 50,000 people will have worked on the Sydney Metro City & Southwest project by the time it is completed, while Sydney Metro West will create 10,000 direct and 70,000 indirect jobs during construction. 

“We have already demonstrated our commitment to jobs creation and business opportunities for western Sydney through our investment in transport infrastructure with more than 22,000 local jobs generated with the construction and operation of the Sydney Metro North West Line.”

New fire station to guard Sydney’s South West

Sydney’s newest fire station at Oran Park is now fully operational with the $6.1 million facility significantly enhancing emergency response capability in the south west growth corridor.

Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience Steph Cooke joined Member for Camden Peter Sidgreaves, Member for Mulgoa Tanya Davies, Camden Mayor Therese Fedeli and Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner Paul Baxter today to officially open the new station.

“This state-of-the-art station will have a permanent crew of firefighters operating 24 hours a day to protect the people of one of the fastest growing regions of our State,” Ms Cooke said.

“It includes separate amenities and rest areas for both female and male firefighters, designated ‘clean firefighter’ areas to eliminate carcinogen contamination, training areas and fitness facilities.

“It also has two firefighting appliances with specialised HAZMAT capability which are able to respond to dangerous chemical, biological or other toxic incidents.”

Mr Sidgreaves said Oran Park Fire Station has been strategically positioned to protect growing communities.

“This new station is going to stand communities of the south west in good stead for years to come, joining Fire and Rescue NSW stations at Narellan and Camden to provide a strong network of protection,” Mr Sidgreaves said.

“We’ll also see the addition of 32 permanent firefighting jobs which will be a huge boost to our local economy and I’m thankful that despite the pandemic and wet weather impacts, we now have a fantastic facility to make our community safer and stronger.”

Commissioner Baxter said the station’s engine bay caters for a Hazmat fire pumper as well as a heavy Hazmat appliance.

“The inclusion of major Hazmat capability here provides an added layer of protection for the people of south west Sydney,” Commissioner Baxter said.

“The layout includes environmentally-friendly measures including a solar-power array, LED lighting and it was designed to face the north-west to lower the total cooling load on its air conditioning system. I’m certainly impressed seeing this project come to life and it will provide firefighters with a station they can be proud of for decades to come.”

Liberal and Nationals Government Delivers 14,000 Extra Commuter Car Spaces

Catching public transport is now easier and more convenient for commuters in Sydney’s south-west following the official opening of the new Revesby Commuter Car Park.

The Liberal and Nationals Government has delivered more than 14,000 commuter car spaces across Sydney since 2011 with around 4000 additional spaces on the way.

Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott today officially opened the new car parking spaces with Member for East Hills, Wendy Lindsay.

Mr Elliott said major upgrade works to construct additional levels to the existing Revesby multi-storey commuter car park, delivered commuters access to more than 375 new car parking spaces, including nine accessible. 

“Commuter car parks play a critical role in improving access to public transport and delivering a more convenient and seamless journey, particularly in middle and outer metropolitan areas like Revesby,” Mr Elliott said.

“This project is being delivered as part of the Commuter Car Park Program which has committed more than $351 million over the next four years to provide more convenient access to public transport at key interchanges.”

Member for East Hills, Wendy Lindsay said the construction of hundreds of additional parking spaces delivered a significant improvement for commuters within the community.

“Key benefits of the upgrade works include extension of the lifts, stairs and internal ramps to the additional upper levels, additional accessible parking spaces, Park&Ride boom gates and provision for future electric vehicle charging spaces,” Ms Lindsay said.

“The project required 3504 cubic metres of concrete and 437 tonnes of steel with a total of 86,300 hours of work carried out by 900 workers across the lifespan of this project.”

Other features include rooftop solar panels as well as CCTV, lighting and wayfinding for improved safety and security.

The Liberal and Nationals Government has also committed more than $350 million over the next four years to see the delivery of more than 2000 additional car parking spaces for the surrounding communities in Beverly Hills, Como, Emu Plains, Edmondson Park North and Riverwood.

PRIME MINISTER’S CYBER SECURITY ROUNDTABLE

Today the Prime Minister led a Cyber Security Roundtable, focused on the whole-of-nation effort required to protect Australians and our economy, with the aim of making Australia the most cyber secure nation by 2030.

We invited leaders from the public service and our intelligence agencies, and independent experts from business, industry and civil society, to share their expertise and experience.

We discussed ideas including incentivising best practice cyber behaviours, growing Australia’s cyber security sector and raising national cyber awareness, to shape a new strategy.  One that will give Australian businesses and families confidence, stability and security, in the face of rapidly evolving threats.

The Albanese Government also announced it will establish a Coordinator for Cyber Security, supported by a National Office for Cyber Security within the Department of Home Affairs, to ensure a centrally coordinated approach to deliver Government’s cyber security responsibilities.

Input from today’s roundtable will inform the development of Government’s 2023-2030 Australian Cyber Security Strategy.  That Strategy will be led by the Minister for Home Affairs and Cyber Security, Clare O’Neil, the first Cabinet Minister to hold the portfolio of Cyber Security.

The Cyber Security Strategy Expert Advisory Board, appointed by Minister O’Neil, has released a public discussion paper seeking feedback on the development of the 2023-2030 Australian Cyber Security Strategy.

The Prime Minister and Minister O’Neil thank today’s leaders for their roundtable input, and encourage all Australians to share their views in the discussion for a safer cyber world.

The discussion paper can be found here.

Prime Minister, the Hon Anthony Albanese MP said:

“Strengthening Australia’s cyber security is a fundamental priority for our government because we recognise it is essential to the way every Australian lives and works and trades and learns and communicates.”

“This is a fast-moving, rapidly-evolving threat and for too many years, Australia has been off the pace. Our government is determined to change that. “

“I want to thank those who participated in the Roundtable for their innovative ideas, considered feedback and constructive approach to addressing the cyber security challenges facing our nation.”

“For businesses these days, cyber security is as important and essential as the shop having a lock on the door.  We need all Australian businesses to be able to protect themselves and – just as importantly – protect their customers.”

the Minister for Cyber Security, the Hon Clare O’Neil MP said:

“Getting our cyber security settings right will take time, and Australians should be prepared for more cyber incidents in the coming years. However, it is clear that Australians expect more from businesses holding their sensitive data, and Government has a central role to play to ensure everyone is pulling their weight.”

“As a nation, we cannot sleepwalk into our cyber future. I want Australia to be the world’s most cyber secure country by 2030. I believe that is possible, but it will take a concerted effort from industry and Government alike.”

“Industry needs to put cyber security at the heart of its business decisions and practices, and Government needs to walk the talk and work with industry as genuine partners to build a nationally consistent approach.”

“Today’s roundtable demonstrated the potential for a truly national approach. I want to thank those who attended the roundtable for their willingness to contribute to Australia’s cyber security, and for their constructive feedback on the direction of the 2023-2030 Australian Cyber Security Strategy.”

Get on board the High Speed Rail Authority

The Australian Government continues to deliver on our commitment to establish a High Speed Rail Authority and has begun the search for Board members who will guide the development of the high speed rail network.

There will be a merit-based process to select the Board members, including the Chair, to ensure the Board is comprised of people who have the appropriate skills, qualifications, knowledge and experience to best bring high speed rail to reality. 

Experts from the rail and infrastructure sectors, as well as planning and financing are encouraged to apply.

The HSRA will be an independent body tasked with advising on, planning, developing and overseeing the construction and operation of a transformational network along Australia’s eastern seaboard.

A high-speed rail network will allow passengers to travel between major cities and regional cities at speeds exceeding 250 kilometres per hour.

The merit-based process will identify suitable candidates for appointment by the Minister. Applicants will be assessed by an Australian Government selection panel against specific criteria.

More detail on the Chair position can be found at: https://performancemanager10.successfactors.com/sfcareer/jobreqcareer?jobId=42536&company=DoIT

More detail on the Member position can be found at:

https://performancemanager10.successfactors.com/sfcareer/jobreqcareer?jobId=42535&company=DoIT

Applications should be emailed to hsra@infrastructure.gov.au by 11:59pm on Sunday 12 March 2023.

Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said:

“The High Speed Rail Network will not only revolutionise travel along the east coast, but has the potential to touch the lives of all Australians as the project continues to advance.

“The roles we are recruiting for will play a pivotal role in the future of high-speed rail in Australia.

“I am confident we will assemble a Board that can deliver on the Government’s vision for this transformational project. I look forward to working with the successful candidates.”

Sharon Claydon MP, Member for Newcastle said:

“This is a fantastic next step in progressing high speed rail from Sydney to Newcastle, which the Albanese Labor Government has determined is the first priority of the high-speed rail network.”

“Given the local depth of skills, knowledge and experience in the rail and infrastructure sectors, I encourage Novocastrians to put their name forward for this unique opportunity.”

FAIRER nsw RENTAL RULES FOR RENTERS AND OWNERS 

NSW Labor will deliver fairer rental rules for renters and owners by providing more certainty as well as reducing the upfront moving costs for renters. 

A NSW Labor Government will allow renters to directly transfer bonds from one property to another. 

These changes will also provide greater clarity on the circumstances in which a lease can end.

Portable bonds

A NSW Labor Government will streamline the rental bond process to allow renters to directly transfer bonds from one property to another, while ensuring owners still have access to funds they may need.

Currently, many renters must find thousands of dollars for a bond for a new property before their existing bond has been refunded.

This leaves renters out of pocket up to several thousand dollars, for up to several weeks. It places many renters in financial stress and forces some to take out personal loans.

The NSW Tenants Union estimates the basic costs of moving home is around $4,000, without taking into account renters being out of pocket for weeks while they wait for their bond to be refunded.

Yet recent data shows that one in three people would need to go into debt to cover an unexpected $600 payment, and one in 10 simply wouldn’t be able to cover it.

The NSW Rental Bond Board will still hold bonds on trust. But it will allow those bonds to be held on trust for the new property, while also ensuring the board can collect against it on behalf of owners for outstanding debt accrued by renters for property damage.

As a result, no owners will be left out of pocket from these changes.

The government has previously tried and failed to implement similar provisions. Despite legislation introduced in 2018, many renters still don’t have access to portable bonds, at a time of record rent increases and severe cost of living pressures.

Reasonable grounds for ending a lease

Labor will clearly outline the grounds on which a lease may be terminated and in effect bring an end to no-ground evictions.

A NSW Labor Government will work closely with stakeholder and advocacy groups to develop a list of reasonable grounds for an owner to end a tenancy, including minimum notice to vacate a property.

Owners will of course retain common sense rights to evict those who are breaking the law, damaging property or not paying rent.  

Reasonable grounds for eviction are already in place in Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania and the ACT – and these changes would modernise New South Wales’ rental laws.

Renting in New South Wales

Around one third of New South Wales residents live in rented properties – or 944,585 households.

Median rent in the state has increase almost ten per cent between 2016 and 2021 – from $386 to $420.

Over 35 per cent of tenanted households in New South Wales were in rental stress. (They had rent payments greater than 30 per cent of household income).

Chris Minns, NSW Labor Leader, said:

Anyone who rents in Sydney knows just how anxious and challenging a process it can be to find suitable accommodation, never mind the significant costs associated with moving.

“This is a sensible cost of living measure to help ease the pressure on the over 30 per cent of people in New South Wales currently renting.

 “These changes will create a fairer rental regime in this state by providing greater certainty as well as flexibility for both renters and owners.”


Courtney Houssos, NSW Shadow Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation, said:

“Moving house is considered one of life’s most stressful events. These changes will give renters and owners more certainty, allowing renters to build a home while also protecting owners.”

“Introducing reasons for eviction will update and modernise New South Wales’ rental laws and bring us in line with most other states.”

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

“There is a direct relationship between our unfair rental laws and increases in housing stress and homelessness. Ending unfair no grounds evictions will provide certainty to the overwhelming  majority of tenants who do the right thing that they have a place to call home.

“More and more people are renting – and renting for life. As our housing market changes, we need to update and modernize our laws to ensure we are getting the balance right.”

CHRIS MINNS  – BOOSTING SKILLS, CREATING JOBS IN THE HUNTER AND BRINGING DOMESTIC MANUFACTURING BACK TO NSW

A Minns Labor Government will establish TAFE Domestic Manufacturing Centres of Excellence to help rebuild TAFE and our state’s domestic manufacturing capacity, boost local skills and apprentices, and create thousands of new jobs – starting with the Hunter. 

The Domestic Manufacturing Centres of Excellence will be able to train, re-train, and upskill more than 300 local apprentices and workers in traditional and advanced manufacturing techniques and technologies every year. 

NSW Labor will commit $42.7 million towards upgrading and fitting out three facilities in the Hunter, the Illawarra, and Western Sydney, catering for around 1,000 students a year and offering courses like mechanical engineering and electrical fitting for free.  

The Domestic Manufacturing Centres of Excellence are a key part of NSW Labor’s plan to rebuild TAFE and boost domestic manufacturing to resolve the state-wide skills crisis. 

NSW Labor will build things here 

Labor has already announced that we will build new trains in New South Wales and begin the procurement process for the next set of trains to replace the ageing Tangara fleet in its first term. 

Today, Labor can announce that building the next set of trains in NSW will create 1000 good, long-term jobs, including 200 apprenticeships, during the design and build phase and many more in maintenance for the life of the trains.

Those apprentices will be trained here in NSW through one of the Domestic Manufacturing Centres of Excellence. 

Replacing the Tangaras will begin a long-term pipeline of manufacturing work and form the basis for the return of a sustainable rail manufacturing industry in New South Wales. 

NSW deserves a government that backs Australian-made and will buy Australian-made, and while we can’t rebuild an entire sector overnight, we must start somewhere. 


It took Victoria 7 years, but as a direct result of their procurement policies, they now support 40,000 local jobs – It’s time for a new direction in New South Wales. 

A fresh start for domestic manufacturing and TAFE 

After 12 years of Dominic Perrottet and the Liberals, there is a clear choice at the next election. 

More offshoring of skills and thousands of jobs overseas, bungled and broken transport infrastructure. 

Or a fresh start for domestic manufacturing in NSW, with a Minns Labor Government that will back building trains, ferries and buses right here. 

Labor has already announced: 

  • A target of 50 per cent minimum local content for future transport rolling stock contracts; 
  • Increased tender weightings for local content, jobs creation, small business and ethical supply chains to 30 per cent; 
  • A NSW Jobs First Commission – an independent, expert body – to oversee the implementation and growth of local industries. Its first job will be to audit our current domestic manufacturing capabilities; 
  • A guarantee of a minimum of 70 per cent of total skills funding goes to TAFE; 
  • A comprehensive review of the vocational education system; and 
  • Working collaboratively with industry to make the state government’s pipeline as easy as possible for local suppliers. 


Chris Minns, NSW Labor leader said: 

“I want to build trains, buses, and ferries here in the Hunter. But it will take a government with the political will to do – and I am determined to.” 

“The Hunter has missed out on the skills, the jobs and the work because this government was obsessed with offshoring transport projects.” 

“Under Labor, we’ll skill up our people, begin a pipeline of work and get NSW building things again.” 

Jo Haylen, NSW Shadow Minister for Transport said: 

“If you vote Labor, they will be built in Australia and NSW. If you vote for Dominic Perrottet and the Liberals, they will be built overseas, like all their other failed trains, trams and ferries.” 

Anoulack Chanthivong, NSW Shadow Minister for Industry and Trade said: 
 

“This Liberal Government has neglected our manufacturing industry for the past 12 years. This has led to job losses and declining skills and training opportunities for NSW workers.  

Tim Crakanthorp, NSW Shadow Minister for TAFE and Skills said: 

“Labor will bring transport manufacturing back home, and we build the workforce needed to get these projects rolling in NSW again.” 

“TAFE has a proud history and has trained generations of skilled workers but has been decimated by this government.” 

“Under Labor, TAFE will thrive and train the next generation so NSW can build great things right here, just like we used to.” 

Yasmin Catley, Shadow Minister for the Hunter: 

“Under the Liberals, thousands of manufacturing jobs have been shipped overseas. 

“Jobs from regions like ours have been the backbone of our local manufacturing for decades. 

“Under a Labor Government, this will end. We will rebuild our local manufacturing industry and bring jobs back to the Hunter.” 

Sonia Hornery, Member for Wallsend: 

“I’m so pleased to have NSW Labor Leader, Chris Minns in the Wallsend electorate at EDI Downer.” 

“The Hunter has a strong history of manufacturing trains, and under a future NSW Labor Government, we will see manufacturing return. 

“We have the policies to ensure our young school leavers can become apprentices building the transport assets of the future and building careers for themselves into the future.” 

“It is vital that we farewell the era of sending domestic manufacturing overseas. We should be building things here and creating jobs in New South Wales for New South Wales”. 

Jodie Harrison, Member for Charlestown: 

“We can and do make rolling stock here in the Hunter.” 

“We need to better support people who want to be part of the changing economy of the Hunter, and this policy will do that.” 

“Many of my family members achieved their trade qualifications at TAFE – we must ensure TAFE is the leading vocational education provider it can be. That’s why I’m so excited to be here for this commitment today.” 

45th Mardi Gras celebrated in high spirits and perfect weather

NSW Police are pleased with the behaviour of the overwhelming majority of revellers and supporters, with this year’s Mardi Gras parade conducted in perfect weather conditions.

Operation Commander, Assistant Commissioner Anthony Cooke, said with minor exceptions, the crowd was well-behaved and the 45th Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade proceeded yesterday (Saturday 26 February 2023), largely without incident.

Operation Mardi Gras 2023 incorporated a high-visibility policing operation partnering with stakeholders including parade organisers as well as governmental departments and agencies including Destination NSW, the Department of Premier and Cabinet, Transport for NSW, Sydney Trains, NSW Ambulance, Fire and Rescue NSW, and City of Sydney.

More than 900 officers were deployed into the field, comprising general duties officers attached to police area commands and police districts from across NSW, along with specialist officers from the Public Order and Riot Squad, Operations Support Group, Mounted Unit, Dog Unit, PolAir, Licensing Police, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, and Police Transport Command.

The NSW Police Force was once again represented in the Mardi Gras celebrations, a parade tradition since 1998.

One police officer suffered a suspected broken nose during an arrest in Oxford Street while a second officer suffered grazes and a black eye after being assaulted while enroute to Moore Park. Inquiries are continuing to identify those responsible.

Police arrested four people for offences including assault police.

As World Pride events continue this week, police are urging all participants to celebrate safely and to watch out for their mates.