Community consultation underway on Bombala Multipurpose Service expansion

Bombala and surrounding communities are invited to provide feedback and learn more about the Bombala Multipurpose Service expansion, at a series of community consultation sessions in October.

The NSW and Australian Governments have committed $40 million for the project to deliver improved access to residential aged care services in Bombala, to help meet the current and future healthcare needs of the region.

Planning is progressing for the project which is expected to deliver 20 additional aged care beds, which will provide a significant boost to aged care accommodation in Bombala and surrounding areas.

The new aged care spaces will be designed to ensure comfort, safety and dignity for patients, within a welcoming, home-like environment. Planning for new staff accommodation is also underway to help attract and retain healthcare professionals in the region.

In October, Health Infrastructure and Southern NSW Local Health District, together with Nordon Jago Architects, will host a 2-hour community workshop to gain local insights and feedback that will help shape planning for the new facility and experience of residents.

The Bombala community can also attend an online presentation and Q&A or drop-in information session giving residents an opportunity to meet members of the project team, ask questions and learn more about the Bombala Multipurpose Service expansion.

Feedback can also be provided via an interactive online survey until Thursday 23 October 2025.

The project is being delivered by Southern NSW Local Health District and Health Infrastructure.

Construction timeframes will be confirmed following planning approval and the appointment of a building contractor.

Dates and locations:

Monday 13 October, 6.00pm to 7.00pm: Online community presentation and Q&A, registration is essential.

Tuesday 14 October, anytime between 3.00pm to 5.00pm:  Drop-in information stall, outside Bombala IGA.

Wednesday 15 October, 10.00am to 12.00pm: Community workshop, Bombala Library. Registration is essential and attendees must be available to attend for the 2-hour workshop.

To register interest in attending the workshop, or to complete the online survey visit Bombala Multipurpose Service expansion.

For more information about the Bombala MPS expansion, visit Bombala Multipurpose Service Expansion or email hi-bombalamps@health.nsw.gov.au.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“It’s exciting to see planning for the Bombala Multipurpose Service expansion progressing, helping to deliver a patient-focused facility for Bombala and surrounding communities.

“Feedback and valuable input from patients, families, carers, staff and community members will be integral in helping shape the design of this new facility that will improve access to residential aged care services.”

Member for Monaro Steve Whan:

“Older people should be able to get care wherever they live, and this is another step forward to delivering enhanced services for Bombala and surrounding communities.

“I encourage everyone to attend one of the upcoming community information sessions and speak with the project team to learn more about the expansion, to ensure the facility reflects the needs and priorities of our community.

“The Bombala Multipurpose Service expansion will boost access to quality aged care services in the community, while also supporting the broader health care needs of the whole community.”

Maintenance and incident management overhaul in response to Independent Rail Review

The Minns Labor Government has accepted every recommendation of the Independent Rail Review into Sydney Trains, announcing an overhaul to maintenance, incident management and passenger communications after the system’s failings caused two days of chaos for commuters in May.

The Independent Rail Review is a sobering read. It makes clear the performance of Sydney’s rail system is not where it needs to be.

It’s important the community sees it in full which is why we are releasing the Review in full and acting on every recommendation.

The Review, commissioned after the 20 May 2025 overhead wiring failure at Homebush, was led by Dr Kerry Schott AO, Carolyn Walsh, and Trevor Armstrong.

It examined the cause of the incident, the impact of recent repair and fleet investment, and whether passenger communications were adequate during major disruptions.

The Review found that:

  • The overhead wire which failed had been identified as a risk in 2020 but was never entered into Sydney Trains’ defect management system and not repaired.
  • The fault caused city-wide disruption, with the impact spreading across multiple lines.
  • Recovery of services was far too slow, including a three-hour operation to detrain passengers.
  • Communication with passengers and within the Rail Operations Centre (ROC) was inadequate, contributing to confusion and delay.

The Government has accepted all 12 recommendations of the Review and will implement them with clear timelines and accountability measures.

This will be supported by an investment of $458.4 million over four years.

Key actions in response to the Review include:

1. Maintenance overhaul and rapid response repair teams

  • Sydney Trains will declare “maintenance critical zones” on the network, starting with the Homebush–Strathfield corridor where multiple lines converge.
  • An additional four-year $423.4 million asset renewal program will upgrade track, signals, overhead wiring and drainage in flood-prone areas. Just over $41 million will be spent this financial year.
  • A dedicated $35 million reliability program is being spent this financial year to fast-track repairs in these high-priority areas, covering overhead wiring, track, signalling and power systems.
  • In a significant change, Sydney Trains will move from time-based to risk-based maintenance, targeting areas with the greatest impact on network reliability.
  • Two new rapid incident response teams will be established, based at Redfern (by late 2025) and Homebush (by early 2026).
  • Two teams of 32 skilled staff will be rostered from 3am to 10pm to cover both the morning and evening peaks.
  • These teams will be deployed during major incidents and special events to minimise disruption and restore services faster.

TIMEFRAME: Underway. Next steps from October 2025


2. Technology upgrades

  • Annual digital scans of the overhead wiring network have already been introduced, detecting 126 points of risk since May, all of which have been addressed.
  • Sydney Trains will roll out new laser hand-held devices by December 2025. These devices check wire thickness and will replace binocular inspections and significantly improve accuracy.

TIMEFRAME: Underway. Next steps from December 2025

3. Reforming the Rail Operations Centre

  • A new Executive Director of Incident Response and Service Recovery has been appointed
  • A Crisis Management Team model is now in place, with simplified command structures to end “decision by committee”.
  • Incident management procedures are being simplified, and new contingency timetables will be developed to allow faster recovery when the system is disrupted

TIMEFRAME: Underway. Next steps from December 2025

4. Passenger communications and care

  • Sydney Trains will implement a new systems so passengers receive clearer information on platforms, in apps and on trains when services are disrupted
  • Opal Travel App alerts will be triggered automatically when major incidents occur, with a campaign to encourage more users to opt in
  • Passenger Care and Support teams will be established to provide assistance at stations or on-board trains during incidents

TIMEFRAME: Underway. Next steps from December 2025

5. Fleet and workforce improvements

  • The new Mariyung intercity fleet will enter service on the Blue Mountains Line in October 2025, followed by the South Coast Line in 2026, replacing older V-Sets
  • The existing $447 million Tangara Life Extension Program will refurbish 445 carriages, extending their life and improving safety, disability compliance and onboard information systems
  • Sydney Trains will also recruit additional train crew in 2026 to address staff shortages that have caused cancellations and delays on intercity services

TIMEFRAME: Ongoing

The Independent Rail Review is available here

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“The people of Sydney expect a safe and reliable rail network — and right now, it’s not up to scratch.

“The Review makes tough reading for the Government and will be disappointing for those 1.1 million people who rely on Sydney Trains every day. Even more so for commuters who were inconvenienced, or even stranded, on trains and platforms that day.

“This Review shows just how much work there is to do, and we’re determined to get on with it.

“Incidents are inevitable from time to time on a rail network the size and age of Sydney’s, but the missteps and mishandling of the response ensured two days of chaos on our city’s public transport system when a well-managed response could – and should – have limited disruption to one day.

“A well-managed rail maintenance program could – and should – have fixed this fault after it was detected and prevented the disruption affecting so many.

“I want to thank the Reviewers for their work. The Government is accepting all their recommendations and Sydney Trains and Transport for NSW will now have specific timelines to implement the improvements needed.

New modular homes land in Lake Macquarie

The NSW Government is supercharging housing supply in Lake Macquarie, with four modular homes nearly ready for move in and a fifth on the way this year.

The five new homes have been delivered under the Minns Labor Government’s record $6.6 billion Building Homes for NSW program, which is backing a $75 million investment in MMC to fast-track delivery and tackle the state’s housing crisis head-on.

Built by Moov Modular using Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), the Lake Macquarie homes were constructed off-site and installed in less than four weeks, showing how innovation can deliver premium housing faster and at scale.

The NSW Government will deliver 90 MMC homes in the 2025-26 financial year across metropolitan and regional NSW, including:
26 metropolitan Sydney sites in Guildford West, Quakers Hill, Lalor Park, Greenacre, Riverstone, Whalan, Chester Hill, Ashcroft, and Blacktown.
34 regional NSW sites in Lake Macquarie, Shellharbour, Wagga and Dubbo.

These innovative homes will provide modern, high-quality housing for up to 200 people on the social housing waitlist and support around 300 local construction and manufacturing jobs.

The NSW Government is also ramping up housing support in Lake Macquarie through its landmark $100 million Homelessness Innovation Fund, delivering real solutions for those most in need.

As part of this initiative, $400,000 has been allocated to the St Vincent de Paul Society’s Swansea Supported Temporary Accommodation Project. This funding is transforming a former aged care facility into 32 safe and secure units, providing vital accommodation for vulnerable women and children in the community.

For more information, please visit: http://www.nsw.gov.au/homes-nsw/MMC

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:

Modular homes are a game-changer – in just a matter of weeks, we’ve turned a construction site into quality homes that are ready for people to move into and start their next chapter.

Every home we deliver through modular construction means another family off the waitlist and into housing they can rely on.

This is proof that when we embrace innovation, we can cut through the red tape, deliver homes faster, and still maintain the quality people deserve.”

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:

To address the shortage of housing particularly for the most vulnerable has required the Government to think outside the square to quickly put rooves over people’s head.

“This announcement shows that with the right approach, we can cut through red tape and get things done.

“Getting these homes built quickly can mean the difference between families having nowhere to go and finally having somewhere to call home – something I’m proud to support.”

Member for Charlestown Jodie Harrison said:

The government’s adoption of modular building practices to deliver social and affordable homes in the Newcastle region is welcomed.

Modular construction means vulnerable women and children in our community will be able to access safe and secure homes faster, so they can start rebuilding their lives.”

Managing Director of Moov Modular Nicholas O’Neill said:

Delivering housing for people that need it the most is core to the Moov Modular business and team, and we believe modular and modern methods of construction can do this at scale and fast.

Partnering with Homes NSW has not just provided an opportunity to deliver homes but shown how passionate their team is to solve the housing crisis. Working together with industry, using fast construction methods and really caring about the people who will live in the homes has been at the heart of how we have worked together.

We really look forward to seeing people move into these Lake Macquarie homes and for the whole modular industry to deliver homes that are needed in NSW.”

Appeal to locate child missing from Toronto

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a boy missing from the state’s Lake Macquarie region.

Trey Young, aged 11, was last seen in Toronto about 2pm yesterday (Sunday 21 September 2025)

When he was unable to be contacted or located, officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Police have concerns for Trey’s welfare due to his young age. 

Trey is described as Caucasian appearance, 170cm tall, thin build, brown eyes, short brown hair with small mullet. 

He was last seen wearing a multicoloured shirt, black shorts and blue/white coloured sneakers. 

Trey is known to frequent the Lake Macquarie, Newcastle and Sydney CBD. He may utilise the rail network. 

Inquiries have established that he maybe in company with several other young persons.

Anyone who sees Trey is urged to contact Toronto Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Australia recognises the State of Palestine

Effective today, Sunday the 21st of September 2025, the Commonwealth of Australia formally recognises the independent and sovereign State of Palestine.

In doing so, Australia recognises the legitimate and long held aspirations of the people of Palestine to a state of their own.

Australia’s recognition of Palestine today, alongside Canada and the United Kingdom, is part of a co-ordinated international effort to build new momentum for a two-state solution, starting with a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of the hostages taken in the atrocities of October 7, 2023.

Today’s act of recognition reflects Australia’s longstanding commitment to a two-state solution, which has always been the only path to enduring peace and security for the Israeli and the Palestinian peoples.

The international community has set out clear requirements for the Palestinian Authority.

The President of the Palestinian Authority has restated its recognition of Israel’s right to exist, and given direct undertakings to Australia, including commitments to hold democratic elections and enact significant reform to finance, governance and education.

The terrorist organisation Hamas must have no role in Palestine.

Further steps, including the establishment of diplomatic relations and opening of embassies, will be considered as the Palestinian Authority makes progress on its commitments to reform.

Already, crucial work is underway across the international community to develop a credible peace plan that enables the reconstruction of Gaza, builds the capacity of the state of Palestine and guarantees the security of Israel.

The leadership of the countries of the Arab League and the United States is vital to this task.

Australia will continue to work with our international partners to help build on today’s act of recognition and to bring the Middle East closer to the lasting peace and security that is the hope, and the right, of all humanity.

Australia launches global declaration to protect aid workers

After a year-long diplomatic effort to drive global action to protect humanitarian workers in conflict zones, Australia has today launched the Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel joined by more than 100 countries.

At a ceremony at the United Nations in New York, we honoured Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom and the 674 humanitarian personnel killed since the start of 2024.

The more than 100 countries – representing more than half of the United Nations – include Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, Japan, Jordan, Sierra Leone, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, who partnered with Australia to develop the Declaration.

Together, we are pledging to new, concrete measures to keep humanitarian personnel safe and enable them to do their lifesaving work in conflict and disaster zones.

This global pact delivers real protection for humanitarians risking their lives to protect others, at a time when they are facing unprecedented threats to their lives and safety.

These measures include a commitment to facilitate access and protect humanitarian personnel, ensure faster and more efficient visas and work permits, new joint training for military personnel and aid workers to protect innocent lives.

The Albanese Government will also provide $15 million in support for practical measures that better protect humanitarian personnel through the UN Department of Safety and Security, UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

Australia will provide funding to Legal Action Worldwide and the Red Family Fund to support aid workers and their families and to Humanitarian Outcomes to maintain the Aid Worker Security Database.

Australia is proud to lead this global effort to protect those who risk everything to help others.

We know that to protect civilians, we must also protect aid workers who deliver the food, water and medicine civilians need to survive.

This Declaration is a powerful recommitment to the rules that safeguard humanity and ensure aid reaches those who need it most.

Humanitarian workers save lives. This work should never cost them their own.

Together with our international partners we are reinvigorating commitment at the highest political level to protect aid workers in conflict zones.

The Declaration honours those that help others in their darkest hours and pays tribute to their legacy.

Recognition of Palestine long overdue, but it will not end the genocide in Gaza

Today at the UN General Assembly, Australia finally joined the vast majority of the world in recognising a Palestinian state. 

This step is a victory for the hundreds of thousands of Australians who have been pressuring the Government, but it will not end the genocide in Gaza. The Albanese Government must now sanction Israel for its criminal actions the same way it has sanctioned Russia for its criminal invasion of Ukraine. 

The UN and a consensus of genocide scholars have all made it clear that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. Far from doing everything in its power to prevent the genocide, the Albanese Government has continued to engage in a two-way arms trade with Israel and failed to sanction the extremist Netanyahu Security Cabinet. 

Senator David Shoebridge, Greens spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, said

“Statehood and the right to self-determination are fundamental rights of all people. Recognising this right of Palestinians is long overdue. 

“In making this decision, Australia has gone from an international outlier with the United States and a handful of its client states, to the international mainstream.  Recognising Palestine is complying with basic international principles, but it is not enough in the face of a genocide.

“It is no longer, and has never been, a choice between recognition and sanctions. There is an urgent legal and moral obligation now on the Albanese Government to do everything possible to end the genocide in Gaza. 

“Today’s actions will not end the genocide, it will not stop the starvation or the occupation, material action is needed. 

“It’s a brutal fact of this appalling genocide that Israeli F-35 fighter jets are being used in Gaza, and they can only operate with Australian-made parts.

“Whatever today’s votes, Australia is still purchasing billions in Israeli-made weapons, which have been tested on Palestinians in Gaza. This two-way arms trade must end and comprehensive sanctions need to be put on the Israeli Government.

“The Albanese Government should be using this time at the United Nations to work with other countries to build a global sanctions regime and work together to ensure there is a lasting and just peace.”

Pensioners will get smashed and lose care while Minister Rae hides

Older Australians will pay up to $50/hour for basic care at home under Labor’s aged care changes coming on November 1 according to reporting from the ABC based on Department of Health data.

Older Australians will be forced to forgo the care they need due to cost.

Minister for Aged Care Sam Rae and Minister for Health and Ageing Mark Butler reportedly declined to be interviewed in the ABC’s story and would not answer direct questions. The government has previously admitted 30% of full pensioners and 75% of part pensioners would pay more under Labor’s changes.

Labor have been desperate to hide the true impacts of their aged care policies. It took a Senate inquiry and weeks of pressure just to get straight answers on the true nature of the aged care waitlist, with over 200,000 older Australians waiting for care. 

Those revelations eventually lead to the Government’s first defeat in the Senate as a successful push from the Greens, crossbench and opposition led to the urgent release of 20,000 home care packages.

Greens spokesperson for Older People, Senator Penny Allman-Payne:

“Under Labor’s Aged Care Act the worse your health, the more you’ll pay.”

“Labor have been keeping older people in the dark about these changes since they passed last year, but it’s becoming clearer by the day that these changes aren’t about improving care, only about propping up private providers profits.”

“The Greens tried to remove co-payments when the bill came through parliament last year and we were the only ones to oppose the new laws.”

“The Aged Care Minister Sam Rae needs to stop hiding, come clean about how much he expects older people will pay under the new system and how many people are going to miss out on care.”

“Older Australians should be able to access the care they need, not just the care they can afford.”

“Labor’s bleeding pensioners dry while giving tax-dodging corporations a pass.”

Communications Minister must urgently intervene to put safety first

Under the urgent carrier licence condition, the Communications Minister has the power to appoint an independent technical expert to oversee Optus’ Triple 0 capability. This only requires cabinet sign off, not parliamentary, which means that it could be done today.

Greens Communications spokesperson, Senator Sarah Hanson-Young:

“This is a catastrophic failure of Optus, and a devastating regulatory failure too.

“Optus have put profits before safety and our telecommunications regulations have failed to protect the community.

“We need better regulation and better oversight and that’s why I am calling on the Communications Minster today to immediately put in place independent oversight of Optus.

“The Communications Minister has the power to intervene and put in place an independent technical expert to oversee Optus’ delivery of Triple 0. Given how little public faith there is in Optus now, the Minister should take this issue to Cabinet for sign off immediately.

“How many more strikes does Optus need? The company clearly can’t be trusted to do the right thing on its own. We don’t need another review for the Minister to take immediate action, she has the power to act and can intervene today.

“This is a matter of life and death and at the end of the day, responsibility sits with the Government to ensure that this most essential service is delivered to Australians.

“People need to know that when they dial Triple 0 they will get an answer. This is an industry that is largely self-regulated and it’s time that ended. We need direct regulation of these essential serv

International visit

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will depart on Saturday 20 September to travel to the United States, United Kingdom and United Arab Emirates.

In the United States, the Prime Minister will lead Australia’s delegation at the United Nations General Assembly for High Level Week. He will have a range of bilateral meetings with some of our major international partners.

This visit will allow Australia to continue working with our international partners to address the growing economic and security challenges facing the world today and to take forward outcomes that benefit Australian people at home in their everyday lives.

During High Level Week, the Prime Minister will promote investment in Australia, particularly in renewable energy and manufacturing, share Australia’s world-leading experience in protecting children online, and highlight our practical action on climate change.

The Prime Minister will attend a major conference on the two state solution hosted by France and Saudi Arabia. Australia is a longstanding supporter of a two-state solution as the only pathway to a secure and prosperous future for Israelis and Palestinians alike.

Prime Minister Albanese will then travel to London and meet with United Kingdom Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and hold a series of other high level meetings. The United Kingdom is Australia’s second-largest source of foreign investment and our second-largest destination for outgoing investment.

The UK is also our 11th largest two-way trading partner – with $31 billion in goods and services trade in 2022-23 – as well as our 12th largest export destination and our 9th largest source of imports.

On the return to Australia, Prime Minister Albanese will stop in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and meet President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to discuss Australia’s critical Free Trade Agreement with the UAE, the Australia-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), coming into force.

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles will be Acting Prime Minister while Prime Minister Albanese is overseas.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“This visit is focussed on taking forward Australian’s national and economic interests at home.

“I will be promoting investment in Australia in line with our Future Made in Australia agenda, highlighting world leading steps Australia is taking to keep children safe online and delivering Australia’s new climate target to the United Nations in line with our Paris Agreement obligations.

“This will be an opportunity to meet with some of Australia’s major international partners to discuss trade and economic opportunities that help to create jobs and growth at home.

“During the visit I will address the United National General Assembly for the first time as Prime Minister as part of High Level week.

“Australia played a pivotal role in the founding of the United Nations – because we have always understood how important it is for middle powers as well as smaller nations to have their voices heard in the big challenges facing our world.

“Australia’s commitment to the United Nations and the multilateral system is enduring – our sovereignty and prosperity are strengthened through global institutions and rules.”