Appeal following suspicious fire – Wickham

Police are appealing for information from the public following a suspicious fire near Newcastle last week.

Just after midnight (Friday 23 January 2026), emergency services were called to a business on Albert Street, Wickham, after reports of smoke coming from the building.

Fire and Rescue NSW attended and found a fire burning on the ground floor before extinguishing the blaze. Smoke and water damage was occasioned to the ground floor.

Officers from Newcastle City Police District attended and established a crime scene, which was forensically examined.

Newcastle detectives have commenced inquiries into the incident under Strike Force Halesworth, which is being treated as suspicious and thought related to another similar incident on the night of the 20/1/26.

As inquiries continue, police have released CCTV footage of two men, and a small, light-coloured vehicle seen in the area about the time of fire. Police are appealing to members of the public if they saw anyone acting suspiciously last Friday night, or have dashcam footage, to contact police.

The first male is described as medium height and build, wearing long pants, a hooded jumper and joggers.

The second male is described as medium to thin build, wearing long pants, hooded jumper, socks and slides.

Government boosts response to drone threats

The Albanese Government is accelerating efforts to develop cutting-edge counter-drone technology, teaming with industry to drive innovation, while also updating Defence regulations to keep Australians safe.

A new industry panel has been established to advise Defence and other Australian Government agencies on counter small uncrewed aerial systems (CsUAS) services, enhancing Australia’s ability to detect, deter and respond to emerging drone threats.

The Albanese Government has also enacted the Defence Amendment (Counter-UXS Measures) Regulations 2025 to strengthen our national security by protecting ADF personnel, assets and facilities.

The amended Regulations give authority for Defence, in support of our law enforcement agencies, to detect and disable or destroy drones that are suspected of posing a threat to Australian Defence Force (ADF) assets and establishments.

Defence maintains a range of capabilities to engage with hostile drone technology, with the amendments set to better enable our capabilities to be employed in Australia where it is safe and reasonable to do so.

The Defence Project Land 156 Standing Offer Panel will support Defence and other Australian Government agencies in safeguarding critical infrastructure and operations within Australia.

The initiative represents a significant opportunity for industry to contribute to national security by competing for a diverse range of work across multiple Government agencies.

The first 28 companies selected to the Panel are:

  • Advanced Design Technology Pty Ltd
  • Anduril Australia Pty Ltd
  • Australian Systems Research Pty Ltd Trading as ASR Defence
  • Axon Public Safety Pty Ltd
  • Beca Pty Ltd
  • Codarra Advanced Systems Pty Ltd
  • Cubic Defence Australia Pty Ltd
  • DEWC Services Pty Ltd
  • Droneshield Group Pty Ltd
  • EPE OCEANIA Pty Ltd Trading as Explosive Protective Equipment (EPE)
  • HENSOLDT Australia Pty Ltd
  • HighCom Technology Pty Ltd
  • Insitec Pty Ltd
  • Integrated Frontline Services Pty Ltd
  • JVAT Solutions Pty Ltd
  • Leidos Australia Pty Ltd
  • Key Options Pty Ltd
  • L3HARRIS Space and Airborne Systems Australia Pty Ltd
  • NOVA Systems Pty Ltd
  • Protegas Australia Pty Ltd
  • QINETIQ Pty Ltd
  • Raytheon Australia Pty Ltd
  • SAAB Australia Pty Ltd
  • SME Gateway Pty Ltd
  • Solinnov Pty Ltd
  • SYPAQ Systems Pty Ltd
  • Systems Planning and Analysis Australia Pty Ltd
  • SYSTRA ANZ Pty Ltd

Additional suppliers will be confirmed in the coming weeks.

Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy:

“Counter-drone technology is critical to keeping Australia safe, and that’s why the Australian Government is ensuring that Defence and other Government agencies will have access to the best technology.

“This panel will help us to stay ahead of rapidly evolving drone and counter-drone technology.

“It will build on the contracts already announced as part of Land 156 to address the increasing threat of drones in modern warfare and will enhance Australia’s capacity to respond to emerging drone threats.”

Assistant Minister for Defence, Peter Khalil:

“Drones are swiftly becoming a tool of choice for malicious actors across the globe. These regulations will better enable ADF personnel here at home to protect themselves, their assets and the bases in which they operate, which is critical to ensuring we maintain a ready and deployable Defence Force.

“Australia already has sophisticated capabilities to detect and counter drones. The Defence Amendment Regulations will ensure those tools can be used safely and responsibly, so we can respond quickly to threats and keep our communities safe.

A new age of airspace authority begins at Tindal

Assistant Minister for Defence, Peter Khalil, will today officially open the new MQ-4C Triton facilities at RAAF Base Tindal in the Northern Territory, marking a major milestone for the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and delivering a significant boost to Australia’s air and maritime surveillance capabilities.

Delivered under the $355.7 million Remotely Piloted Aircraft System Facilities Project, RAAF Base Tindal will serve as the home of the Royal Australian Air Force’s MQ-4C Triton aircraft.

The aircraft will be launched at Tindal and flown by Air Force pilots from a ground station at RAAF Base Edinburgh in South Australia. The remotely piloted aircraft system allows the Triton to operate at higher altitudes and remain airborne for longer periods than a traditional piloted aircraft, providing persistent surveillance across Australia’s maritime approaches. 

Designed by BVN and constructed by Sitzler Pty Ltd, the project commenced in May 2023 and includes a purpose-built hangar, working accommodation, upgraded airfield pavements and supporting infrastructure to enable sustained Triton operations.

The new facilities strengthen Defence’s Cooperative Program with the United States Navy and support the 2024 National Defence Strategy, which prioritises enhancing northern bases and investing in uncrewed systems to expand Australia’s intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities across the air and space domains.

Since 2022, the Albanese Government has invested over $2.8 billion in strengthening the ADF’s presence across Northern Australia, with 43 projects either completed or underway. Over $166 million in contracts for the Triton facilities project were awarded to Northern Territory businesses, including $7.5 million to Indigenous subcontractors, delivering a significant economic contribution to the region.

Assistant Minister for Defence, Peter Khalil:

“The completion of these facilities at Tindal is a critical step in strengthening our northern defence capability and is yet another example of our commitment to deliver the priorities outlined in the 2024 National Defence Strategy.”

“This suite of new infrastructure will enable the ADF to operate advanced uncrewed aircraft from Australia’s north, enhancing persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance along our maritime boarders and across the broader region.”

“The project also deepens Australia’s Cooperative Program with the US Navy, by ensuring our forces can operate seamlessly together in support of regional stability.”

“Investing in critical infrastructure and advanced capabilities across our northern bases is critical to ensuring Australia is ready to face whatever challenges arise in the future.”

Federal Member for Lingiari, Marion Scrymgour:

“This project has delivered real benefits for the Territory, supporting local businesses, creating jobs and building skills that will continue to benefit the region well into the future.

“Working closely with local industry and Indigenous contractors has been central to this project, ensuring the investment strengthens not only Defence capability but also the local economy.

“RAAF Base Tindal is a valued part of the local community, and these new facilities will support the men and women who live and work here as they carry out their vital role.”

Special Envoy for Defence, Veterans’ Affairs & Northern Australia, Luke Gosling:

“The completion of the MQ-4C Triton facilities at RAAF Base Tindal reflects the Northern Territory’s central role in Australia’s national security. It recognises the work of our Defence personnel, the importance of our northern bases, and the strength of our local Defence industry in keeping Australians safe.

“This investment gives the ADF a powerful new capability to see further, stay airborne longer and maintain constant situational awareness. It will significantly strengthen our maritime surveillance and ensure Australia is better prepared to respond to emerging security challenges across the Indo-Pacific.”

Humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan

The Australian Government will provide a further $50 million in humanitarian support to the people of Afghanistan to address the deteriorating situation there.

This brings the total humanitarian support provided to the people of Afghanistan since the fall of Kabul in 2021 to $310 million.

The people of Afghanistan are enduring one of the world’s worst protracted humanitarian crises, exacerbated by the Taliban’s failure to meet basic needs.

Almost 22 million people in Afghanistan are in urgent need of humanitarian support.

The Taliban’s oppression of women and girls, including limiting access to employment, medical services, education and public life, mean they are disproportionately impacted.

Australia’s humanitarian assistance is focused on supporting women and girls, prioritising food security, health services, and protecting dignity, safety and rights.

Australia works with established United Nations partners to ensure our support helps those in need, and not the Taliban regime.

This package will be delivered by agencies including the World Food Programme and the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs’ Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong:

“The situation in Afghanistan is dire. The Australian Government remains firmly committed to supporting the people of Afghanistan, with a strong focus on women and girls.

“Australia’s humanitarian support will help save lives, alleviate suffering, and meet the basic needs of communities affected by the ongoing Afghanistan crisis.”

International Development Minister Anne Aly:

“This funding will help address urgent humanitarian needs and support vulnerable people across Afghanistan.

“Through this support, we’re continuing our work with trusted partners to ensure assistance is delivered safely, transparently and to those who need it most.”

Labor education underfunding driving teacher shortage

The Victorian Greens have expressed solidarity with teachers considering industrial action, saying the Allan Labor Government’s $2.4 billion cut to public schools has pushed educators to breaking point.

Victorian teachers are now the lowest paid in Australia, with many able to earn around $15,000 more simply by crossing the border to New South Wales – nearly $300 a week at a time when housing, groceries and everyday costs are soaring.

The bulk of the $2.4 billion of funding that Labor has delayed would have gone towards boosting school staff and increasing staff salaries. 

The Victorian Greens secured an inquiry into public school funding which will begin at the beginning of this year. 

Victorian Greens spokesperson for Education, Dr Tim Read: 

“If you want to know why over 300 teaching positions are vacant, you can ask Jacinta Allan’s Labor Government. It’s no wonder when all teachers have to do is cross the border to NSW to get an extra $15k a year, that’s a pretty enticing argument. 

“The problem will only get worse unless we increase teacher salaries to match their NSW counterparts. Inflation and cost of living are soaring and our teachers deserve better, instead they’re being locked into the lowest salaries in the country. 

“Labor likes to call Victoria the education state, but right now they’re funding schools to fail. We can do better by our teachers, and by our kids.”

Triple 0 Needs Overhaul

Greens spokesperson for communications and Senator for South Australia, Sarah Hanson-Young:

“It’s becoming clearer and clearer Australia needs an overhaul of the triple zero system. It is failing to keep up with changing technology and failing to deliver the most basic of essential services.

“It is a system that is clearly out of date, that relies on whether someone in an emergency has the right phone in their hand – putting people’s lives at risk.


“Sadly, and most worryingly, it’s the most vulnerable who are at the most risk – the elderly and the poorest in our community.

Dreams come true for 82,000 first home buyers

New data reveals more than 82,000 first home buyers have been given a helping hand by the Minns Labor Government, saving an average of $20,475 off the cost of their first home.

That’s an average of 80 new first homes buyers every single day under the Minns Labor Government.

The program provides a full stamp duty exemption of $30,412 for first home buyers purchasing a property up to $800,000 and a concession for homes priced between $800,000 and $1 million.

It replaces the previous Liberal-National Government’s forever tax on first-home buyers, which left first-home buyers paying an annual tax back to the Government.

In total, 82,174 first home buyers have saved a combined $1.7 billion since July 2023. Of those, 58,111 people paid no stamp duty at all, while 24,063 individuals paid a reduced amount.

Western Sydney buyers benefited the most, claiming nine spots on the top 10 suburbs list. More than 30,000 first home buyers putting down their roots in suburbs like Liverpool, Campbelltown and Paramatta.

Across regional NSW, more than 8,000 people were helped in the Hunter and Newcastle and 3,000 in the Illawarra.

The scheme also works with the Albanese Labor Government’s 5% Deposit and Shared Equity schemes, making it even easier for people and families to buy their first home.

Housing is the number one cost-of-living pressure on young people, families and downsizers.

Helping first home buyers is a critical piece of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to address these cost-of-living pressures and make sure NSW can be an accessible and affordable place to live.

That’s why the Minns Labor Government is delivering more homes to rent and buy, re-building essential services that families rely on, and providing long overdue investment in critical infrastructure across Western Sydney.

The First Home Buyers Assistance Dashboard has more statistics by suburb and Local Government Area and can be accessed at https://www.revenue.nsw.gov.au/help-centre/resources-library/statistics/fhba-dashboard.

More information about First Home Buyers Assistance is available at https://www.revenue.nsw.gov.au/grants-schemes/assistance-scheme.

Premier Chris Minns:

““For more than 80,000 people, this has meant paying less upfront and getting into a home sooner.

“We’re backing first home buyers because everyone deserves a fair shot at owning a home in NSW.”

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey:

“More than 82,000 people have got the keys to their first home faster thanks to this program.

“As our landmark planning reforms deliver more homes, we will continue making it easier for first-time buyers to make them their own.”

Minister for Finance Courtney Houssos:

“This is a critical piece of the puzzle in the Government’s plan to help families plant their roots across the state.

“Saving up to $30,000 on stamp duty means more money in the pockets of families and more opportunities for them to achieve the dream of home ownership.”

 

More than 8,000 first home buyers get their start in the Hunter, Newcastle and Lake Macquarie

New data reveals that 8,280 first home buyers in the Hunter, Newcastle and Lake Macquarie have been given a helping hand by the Minns Labor Government, saving an average of $21,513 off the cost of their first home.

The program provides a full stamp duty exemption of $30,412 for first home buyers purchasing a property up to $800,000 and a concession for homes priced between $800,000 and $1 million.  

It replaces the previous Liberal-National Government’s forever tax on first-home buyers, which left first-home buyers paying an annual tax back to the Government.

Across the region, the top suburbs to benefit are Wallsend (641 first homes), Maitland (586), Cardiff (570) and Cessnock (520).

It includes 2,302 first home buyers in the Lake Macquarie LGA, 1,983 in Newcastle LGA, and 1,575 in Maitland LGA, 1,275 in Cessnock LGA and 613 in Port Stephens LGA.

Across NSW, 82,174 first home buyers have benefited from the First Home Buyers Assistance since July 2023.  Of those, 58,111 people paid no stamp duty at all, while 24,063 individuals paid a reduced amount.

The scheme also works with the Albanese Labor Government’s 5% Deposit and Shared Equity schemes, making it even easier for people and families to buy their first home.

Housing is the number one cost-of-living pressure on young people, families and downsizers.  

Helping first home buyers is a critical piece of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to address these cost-of-living pressures and make sure NSW can be an accessible and affordable place to live.

That’s why the Minns Labor Government is delivering more homes to rent and buy, re-building essential services that families rely on, and providing long overdue investment in critical infrastructure across the Hunter, Newcastle and Lake Macquarie.

The First Home Buyers Assistance Dashboard has more statistics by suburb and Local Government Area and can be accessed at https://www.revenue.nsw.gov.au/help-centre/resources-library/statistics/fhba-dashboard

More information about First Home Buyers Assistance is available at https://www.revenue.nsw.gov.au/grants-schemes/assistance-scheme

Acting Minister for the Hunter Paul Scully:

“The Hunter is quickly earning its reputation as one of the state’s most desirable places to live, work and build a future. This announcement is a clear reflection of that momentum.

“When we came into government, we made a clear commitment to help people access the basics including housing and we’re delivered on it.

“We’re proud to be delivering affordable housing across the Hunter, giving more people the chance to put down roots in a region full of opportunity, strong communities and a bright future.”

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey:

“For more than 80,000 people, this has meant paying less upfront and getting into a home sooner.

“We’re backing first home buyers because everyone deserves a fair shot at owning a home in NSW.

“As our landmark planning reforms deliver more homes, we will continue making it easier for first-time buyers to make them their own.”

Minister for Finance Courtney Houssos:

“This is a critical piece of the puzzle in the Government’s plan to help families plant their roots across the state.

“Saving up to $30,000 on stamp duty means more money in the pockets of families and more opportunities for them to achieve the dream of home ownership.”

More than 3,000 first home buyers get their start in the Illawarra

New data reveals that 3,078 first home buyers in the Illawarra have been given a helping hand by the Minns Labor Government, saving an average of $22,502 off the cost of their first home.

The program provides a full stamp duty exemption of $30,412 for first home buyers purchasing a property up to $800,000 and a concession for homes priced between $800,000 and $1 million.  

It replaces the previous Liberal-National Government’s forever tax on first-home buyers, which left first-home buyers paying an annual tax back to the Government.

In the Illawarra, the top suburbs to benefit are Wollongong (618 first homes), Albion Park (519), Dapto (517) and Warilla (231).

It includes 2,103 first home buyers in the Wollongong LGA, 947 in Shellharbour LGA, and 28 in Kiama LGA.

Across NSW, 82,174 first home buyers have benefited from the First Homebuyers Assistance since July 2023. Of those, 58,111 people paid no stamp duty at all, while 24,063 individuals paid a reduced amount.

The scheme also works with the Albanese Labor Government’s 5% Deposit and Shared Equity schemes, making it even easier for people and families to buy their first home.

Housing is the number one cost-of-living pressure on young people, families and downsizers.  

Helping first home buyers is a critical piece of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to address these cost-of-living pressures and make sure NSW can be an accessible and affordable place to live.

That’s why the Minns Labor Government is delivering more homes to rent and buy, re-building essential services that families rely on, and providing long overdue investment in critical infrastructure across the Illawarra.

The First Home Buyers Assistance Dashboard has more statistics by suburb and Local Government Area and can be accessed at https://www.revenue.nsw.gov.au/help-centre/resources-library/statistics/fhba-dashboard

More information about First Home Buyers Assistance is available at https://www.revenue.nsw.gov.au/grants-schemes/assistance-scheme

Minister for the Illawarra Ryan Park:

“The Illawarra is a growing region, and I’m proud more people are choosing to call it home.

“This stamp duty relief is making the dream of homeownership a reality for thousands of young people and families across the Illawarra.”

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey:

“For more than 80,000 people, this has meant paying less upfront and getting into a home sooner.

“We’re backing first home buyers because everyone deserves a fair shot at owning a home in NSW.

“As our landmark planning reforms deliver more homes, we will continue making it easier for first-time buyers to make them their own.”

Minister for Finance Courtney Houssos:

“This is a critical piece of the puzzle in the Government’s plan to help families plant their roots across the state.

“Saving up to $30,000 on stamp duty means more money in the pockets of families and more opportunities for them to achieve the dream of home ownership.”

It’s a catch! World’s best fish market welcomes over 230,000 visitors in its first week

Sydney’s iconic new fish market has welcomed more than 230,000 people and traded more than 160 tonnes of seafood through its world-class auction, trading and retail facilities in its first week of operating.

Delivered by the Minns Labor Government, the new Sydney Fish Market is already on track to become one of Australia’s most visited destinations with hundreds of thousands of people visiting since opening last Monday.

The new Sydney Fish Market is expected to welcome over six million visitors a year and deliver a major boost to Sydney’s tourism economy and jobs sector.

As the state’s newest landmark and a striking new icon on Sydney Harbour, it is on track to receive global recognition on par with the Sydney Opera House.

This must-see waterfront experience will further secure Sydney’s reputation as a global food and tourism destination.

Seafood lovers, industry and the broader community are now enjoying double the retail space of the old fish market, with the spectacular new building offering 40 food and retail operators, from casual takeaway to premium waterfront restaurants.

The precinct features 6,000 square metres of public domain including a water play art feature, creative installations and a waterfront promenade where locals and visitors are relaxing, eating and connecting.

Additional light rail services will support the new Sydney Fish Market with even more public transport options to follow, including a new ferry wharf, upgrades to Wentworth Park light rail and the upcoming metro at Pyrmont.

The Minns Labor Government has also partnered with Mirvac to revitalise the old fish market site at Blackwattle Bay, where 1,400 new homes will be built, along with 2.6 hectares of public space as well as a new promenade completing the 15-kilometre foreshore walk from Rozelle Bay to Woolloomooloo.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“Sydney’s new fish market has been an instant hit for locals and visitors alike welcoming more than 230,000 people through its doors in the first week of trade.

“As Sydney’s latest iconic waterfront destination, the bumper visitor numbers show the demand for beautiful public spaces like this which provide a place for people to gather, relax and celebrate with family and friends.

“The unique mix of wholesalers, retail and dining all housed under one roof is proving to be a successful formula.”

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“What a success to welcome over 230,000 people through its doors in the first week – a testament to the beautiful building, and the quality and diversity of the retail offering.

“Locals and visitors alike are flocking to the new markets, and these numbers give us great confidence that we will surpass the expected six million visitors in its first year.

“We knew this would be a hit and we expect that these strong numbers will continue and people will be drawn back time and time again to try everything this icon has to offer.”

Sydney Fish Market CEO Daniel Jarosch said:

“We are absolutely thrilled with how Sydney has embraced our new Sydney Fish Market. The spectacular response from the community reinforces how important this place is to our city’s culture and identity.

“People are discovering a stunning new building, and a more diverse market experience, with an unparalleled range of seafood, dining and retail options catering for everyone, from those looking for every-day great value to an unforgettable waterfront experience.”