GREENS WELCOME CRACKDOWN ON UNDERQUOTING BUT WARN LABOR DOING NOTHING FOR AFFORDABILITY

The Victorian Greens have welcomed the Allan Labor Government’s decision to force reserve-price disclosure before auctions, noting that the reform closely mirrors a Greens Bill first introduced in Parliament in August.

Underquoting has run rampant across Victoria for years, with countless first-home buyers spending thousands on building and pest inspections for homes that were never genuinely within the advertised range. Labor has only exacerbated the problem with its 5% deposit scheme, which has fuelled competition and driven prices even higher without doing anything to improve affordability.

The Greens say Labor is only acting now because of sustained public pressure and a damning media investigation and have urged Labor to go much further if it’s serious about fixing a system stacked against first home buyers.

While Labor’s proposal would require reserve prices to be published just one week before an auction, the Greens’ Bill goes further by mandating that reserve prices be disclosed from the moment a property is listed, giving buyers full transparency from day one.

The Greens say that if Labor genuinely wants to make housing fairer, transparency reforms are only the first step – and what Victoria really needs is proper investment in public housing and strong rent controls to address the root causes of the crisis.

Victorian Greens housing spokesperson, Gabrielle de Vietri:

“Labor’s finally catching up. First-home buyers have been getting completely screwed for years, wasting time and spending thousands on inspections for homes they were never going to afford.

“People deserve honesty, not false hope, and Labor should go further like the Greens’ Bill does by making agents disclose reserve prices from day one.

“Being told the reserve early is helpful, but it doesn’t change the reality that most young people can’t afford the reserve in the first place, but right now Labor’s making the housing crisis worse by demolishing public housing and pushing prices up with no plan to address affordability.”

Voluntary Assisted Dying Rights Protected

Older Australians will retain the right to access end-of-life healthcare in their homes, regardless of where they live, following a conscience vote in NSW Parliament last night.

Labor, Liberal and National party members were granted a conscience vote and were divided on the issue, but the amendments were ultimately rejected by the Legislative Council, with 23 votes against and 16 votes in favour of the changes.

According to Greens spokesperson for Health and former rural GP Dr Amanda Cohn, aged care and health care advocates have welcomed Parliament’s decision to reject amendments to the Voluntary Assisted Dying Amendment (Residential Facilities) Bill 2025 introduced by Liberal MLC Susan Carter.

“The proposed changes to the bill could have denied elderly people living in faith-based aged care facilities access to voluntary assisted dying in their homes,” Dr Cohn said.

The bill threatened the health rights of individuals based on the religious views held by facility management.

“Residential aged care facilities are people’s homes. We know that elderly people have limited choice of providers and, in some regional communities, there is only one facility available.”

“Moving frail and terminally ill people at the end of their life is far from simple. Most people want to die at home, not in a hospital.”

“Changes to access would have meant that anyone living in a faith-based facility, whether they shared that faith or not, would have fewer rights than everyone else. This is completely unjust.”

“Voluntary assisted dying laws in NSW were hard-fought and carefully negotiated in 2022. The upper house has strongly rejected this piecemeal and poorly considered reform. We have heard clearly that the community does not want to see access to voluntary assisted dying eroded.”

There was widespread opposition to Susan Carter’s proposed changes from health care providers and seniors advocates, including the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, the NSW Nurses and Midwives Association, the Australian Paramedics Association (NSW), Seniors Rights Service, Older Women’s Network NSW, Council on the Ageing NSW, Uniting NSW.ACT, Go Gentle, Dying with Dignity NSW, Cancer Voices NSW and others.

Dr Cohn’s full contribution in Parliament on the bill on 15 October can be found here.

Milestone moment as development application lodged for Newcastle Ocean Baths

The final stage of the Newcastle Ocean Baths upgrade will enhance comfort, convenience and opportunities for connection for visitors while preserving the site’s heritage. 

City of Newcastle has lodged the development application for the revitalisation of the pavilion building including its distinctive Art Deco façade, which will undergo conservation and refurbishment works including measures to retain its structural stability.

Artist's impression of the Newcastle Ocean Baths upgradeAn artist’s impression of how the final stage of the Newcastle Ocean Baths upgrade will look, revitalising the pavilion building and upper promenade.

The application also includes upgrades to the upper promenade and surrounding areas to create a safer, more inviting and inclusive destination for all members of the community.

City of Newcastle’s Interim Executive Director City Infrastructure, Rob Dudgeon, said this was a significant milestone for the project, which preserves the heritage of the facility while ensuring it is fit-for-purpose for future generations.  

“The Newcastle Ocean Baths have contributed to the social, historical and cultural fabric of our city for more than 100 years,” Mr Dudgeon said.

“They have become an iconic visual symbol of Newcastle’s coastal lifestyle and continue to be an important destination for community connection, recreation and leisure. 

“The upgrades delivered to the pool and lower promenade have been embraced by the community, with more than 181,000 people visiting between September 2024 and April 2025.

“This next stage of work will restore, protect and enhance the pavilion buildings and surrounding areas to ensure the much-loved facility remains accessible to all Novocastrians for generations to come.”

The project includes upgraded pedestrian access from Shortland Esplanade to the front of the building, where visitors can appreciate the Art Deco façade before making their way through to the upper promenade.

An expanded café and kiosk will be incorporated into the southern wing of the building, providing both sit-down dining and takeaway options. A community space adjacent to the café will be bookable through City of Newcastle, providing another option for community groups looking for somewhere to gather and meet.

New shade structures and seating will be installed overlooking the adjoining Canoe Pool, with informal terraces offering additional spaces for people to sit and relax. 

The northern pavilion building will feature inclusive changerooms that cater for all members of the community, including accessible amenities, a ‘Changing Places’ facility and two private family / non-gendered facilities.

The amenities will include a mix of open and enclosed spaces for changing, as well as new toilets and showers. 

The project’s design has been updated in response to feedback from the community and Heritage NSW, as well as considerations from technical studies. 

Key changes include a revised north-south layout for the changerooms, creating a central entry point facing the Baths, as well as an increase in changing space.

The height of the roof over the amenities has also been increased to provide natural light and an open air feeling balanced with privacy, security and protection for the historic façade. 

More outdoor seating and spaces for picnics have been incorporated into the design, along with a second service window for the kiosk overlooking the pool.

Mr Dudgeon said the community would have a chance to provide feedback on the development application before it is assessed for determination by the Hunter & Central Coast Regional Planning Panel. 

Should the DA be approved, the detailed design will be finalised ahead of a call for tender for construction. 

During this time, activities will also be underway to identify a suitable operator for the lease of the café and kiosk.

To find out the latest details including information on how to provide feedback when the Development Application goes live on the NSW Planning Portal and public exhibition starts, visit the project page on City of Newcastle’s website.

Legislation to make prisons safer passes through NSW Parliament

Today, the Minns Labor Government passed legislation through NSW Parliament to bring greater clarity and accountability to inmate misconduct proceedings. 

The Crimes (Administration of Sentences) Amendment (Standard of Proof) Bill 2025 changes the standard of proof for determining correctional centre offences to the civil standard of ‘the balance of probabilities.’ 

The amendments passed today align NSW with most other Australian jurisdictions, where the civil standard of the ‘balance of probabilities’ is applied in disciplinary proceedings.

The Bill responds to concerns about the potential impact the current legislated burden of proof on correctional system and community safety.

Enshrining the ‘balance of probabilities’ as the burden of proof will make the inmate discipline process more straightforward, maintain good order and security in correctional centres, and ensure inmates are held to account for their conduct.

The Bill is a crucial part of the Government’s efforts to strengthen staff safety at correctional facilities across the state, and its passage through Parliament complements a review of the way Corrective Services NSW (CSNSW) classifies inmates that was announced earlier this month.

This comprehensive review will assess the effectiveness of the classification, placement and case management processes of inmates across the state. It will ensure an inmate’s behavioural record in custody carries appropriate weight when decisions are being made about an inmate’s classification.

These changes come after extensive consultation and engagement on a revised inmate misconduct system with the Public Service Association.

They will guarantee that the State Parole Authority is provided an accurate record of inmates’ custodial conduct and can make considered, consistent decisions about release to parole to support public safety.

Earlier this year, the Government also introduced an internal mechanism enabling inmates to request reviews of discipline decisions made within correctional centres. The addition of an internal review mechanism, made at the NSW Ombudsman’s recommendation, provides an extra safeguard for inmate safety to lowering the burden of proof.  

Serious criminal misconduct behind bars will continue to be referred to the NSW Police Force for consideration of prosecution on the criminal test of beyond reasonable doubt.

Minister for Corrections Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“Community safety remains the Minns Labor Government’s top priority.

“This legislation is an important, practical step forward in achieving our shared goal with the union of making sure our state’s correctional centres are the safest environments possible.

“By bringing New South Wales in line with other Australian jurisdictions, we are confident the changes to the inmate disciplinary process enhance safety in prisons and support community safety at large.”

General Secretary of the Public Service Association Stewart Little said:

“We welcome the passing of this legislation through NSW Parliament and will continue to work with the Government to see the amendment succeed.

“These changes will make sure our members can operate prisons that are safer for staff, inmates, visitors and the wider community alike.”

Construction begins on Bulldogs High Performance Centre

The Minns Labor government together with players and coaches from the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs NRL club are marking the start of construction on the club’s $51 million Centre of Excellence at Belmore Oval.

The project reflects the important role sport plays in bringing communities together, creating opportunities for young people, and strengthening the neighbourhoods that support their local teams.

The new centre will be a state-of-the-art home for the club’s NRL and NRLW teams and serve as a training base for the club’s junior pathways athletes.

The facility will include a gymnasium and training areas, medical and aquatic rehabilitation facilities, meeting rooms, office space, and changerooms for both elite players and users of the adjacent Peter Moore Fields.

The NSW Government has contributed $40 million to the project, originally granted by the former government in 2023.

The Centre of Excellence is scheduled for completion by January 2027.

Premier Chris Minns said:

“Everyone knows 2026 is the year of the dogs.”

“It’s great to see construction underway on the Belmore Centre of Excellence. This is an important project for the Bulldogs and for the wider community.

“Some of the Bulldogs’ greatest names like Terry Lamb, George Peponis, Hazem El-Masri and Jacob Kiraz have come through their development pathways. The club has a long history of developing local talent, and this facility will help support that work into the future.

“What stands out is that this centre will benefit both the Bulldogs’ elite squads and the broader community who use these fields and facilities.”

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

“The Bulldogs Centre of Excellence will provide a high-performance training, education and administration facility that supports the development of promising young and high-performance male and female rugby league players.

“Once completed, the of dream of local juniors to wear the Bulldogs jersey will become more attainable with the facility providing a focal point for the development of women’s rugby league in Western Sydney in particular.

“Vitally, the Centre’s community facilities will support local clubs and community groups, strengthening the club’s connection with its passionate supporter base.”

Member for Canterbury, Sophie Cotsis said:

“The Bulldogs remain a celebrated symbol of success and a source of great pride for the people of southwest Sydney.

“This Centre of Excellence is not just an investment in elite sport but in our multicultural community and our young athletes.

“This is amazing news for our community, and this new facility ensures future generations of players, fans, and families will continue to be part of something special right here in our backyard.

“Once completed, this Centre will create a significant legacy that will benefit both the club and the wider community.”

Bulldogs CEO Aaron Warburton said:

“Today marks the start of an incredibly exciting new era for our Club.

“This moment has been years in the making – the vision, the planning, the collaboration and the enormous amount of hard work behind the scenes has led us to finally breaking ground on a home that will elevate every part of the Bulldogs’ football program.

Hands-on support to secure reliable town drinking water

The NSW Government is injecting an extra $2 million into helping 18 regional councils manage critical water infrastructure, securing high quality, reliable water supply for communities across the state.

The Advanced Operational Support (AOS) initiative is supporting local water utilities with hands-on technical training to optimise existing water treatment plants and extend the lifespan of these essential assets.

The Minns Labor Government has invested more than $10 million into the AOS program, including $4.1 million in direct grants to local water utilities, to build better regional communities with a dependable supply of quality drinking water.

Under this phase of the program, participating councils will benefit from engineering and technical support to give them the tools and skills they need to improve water operations, saving tens of thousands of dollars each year.

Grants of up to $150,000 will also support a range of projects at water treatment plants, including:

  • installing new monitoring equipment for 24-hour water quality oversight
  • upgrading filtration and treatment systems to improve water purity
  • implementing high-tech automated systems to enable councils to respond faster to potential water quality issues

AOS is part of the successful $52.8 million Town Water Risk Reduction Program, which has provided support to local water utilities across regional NSW addressing issues including water quality, dam safety and training for utility operators.

More information about the program and participants is available here.

Minister for Water Rose Jackson said:

“We know regional towns need a leg up to get the most out of their water treatment plants and lock-in a clean, dependable water supply.

“Infrastructure is one piece of the puzzle but on-the-ground operational support is also extremely valuable.

“This program empowers operators with the skills and knowledge they need to problem-solve and consistently deliver quality water to their communities.”

Full list of successful councils and water treatment plants:

  • Snowy Valleys Council – Talbingo and Batlow
  • Brewarrina Shire Council – Brewarrina
  • Lachlan Shire Council – Lake Cargelligo and Condobolin
  • Snowy Monaro Regional Council – Cooma
  • Warrumbungle Shire Council – Coonabarabran
  • Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council – Gundagai
  • Moree Plains Shire Council – Mungindi
  • Liverpool Plains Shire Council – Quipolly
  • Tenterfield Shire Council – Tenterfield
  • Central Darling Shire Council – White Cliffs
  • Uralla Shire Council – Bundarra
  • Richmond Valley Council – Casino
  • Bellingen Shire Council – Dorrigo
  • Balranald Shire Council – Euston
  • Forbes Shire Council – Forbes
  • Muswellbrook Shire Council – Muswellbrook
  • Wentworth Shire Council – Pooncarie
  • Dubbo Regional Council – Wellington.

Minns Labor Government delivers on strengthening protections for the state’s principal war memorial

The Minns Labor Government has delivered on its commitment to modernise 100-year-old legislation and strengthen protections for the Anzac Memorial, enshrining it as NSW’s most significant monument to honour sacrifice and service.

Last night the NSW Parliament voted to pass the Anzac Memorial Bill 2025, to update legislation around the state’s principal war memorial that has remained largely unchanged since the Anzac Memorial Act was passed in 1923 and its accompanying by-laws in 1937.

These updates consolidate the Act and by-laws into a single piece of legislation to streamline governance and bring outdated provisions into the 21st century.

The legislation ensures the status of the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park as the principal war memorial in NSW and further protects the amenity of the building and its surrounds which are now defined by a new map that incorporates the Pool of Reflection and Water Cascade.

In addition to these updates this legislation also now makes it an offence to ride a bike, scooter, or skateboard in or on the memorial building. It also enables authorised security officers to direct people to leave the memorial area if the officer is of the opinion that the person is committing an offence under the Act.

Recent acts of vandalism and anti-social behaviour at the memorial have highlighted the need to ensure appropriate protections are in place and this updated legislation will ensure that the service and sacrifice of our veterans are protected.

The Bill complements the NSW Government’s Crimes Legislation Amendment (War Memorial Offences) Bill 2025 which passed Parliament on 22 October 2025 to increase penalties for vandals who seriously damage war memorials across NSW, including the Anzac Memorial.

That legislation increases the maximum penalty from five to seven years’ imprisonment for intentionally or recklessly damaging a war memorial.

Minister for Veterans David Harris said:

“I am proud that the Minns Labor government is delivering for our veterans and their families with legislation that enshrines in law the Anzac Memorial as our state’s pre-eminent memorial and strengthens protections around it.

“Our government is committed to honouring our veterans and their families and this updated legislation sends a clear message to the community that any act to disrespect or damage to the memorial is totally unacceptable.

“These changes come thanks to extensive consultation with key stakeholders Their input has been instrumental in shaping a modern, practical, legislative framework that reflects the Memorial’s enduring significance in the modern context.”

Congratulations Kellie Sloane

The NSW Liberal Party congratulates the newly elected leader of the Parliamentary Party Kellie Sloane.
 
Chairman of the NSW Liberal Party Management Committee, Nick Greiner, welcomed Kellie’s unanimous election as the NSW Leader, to set the Party on a course for victory at the 2027 state election.
 
“I congratulate Kellie on her election. She has aways been driven by community service – from her almost 20 years in journalism to her work as the National CEO of Life Education – striving to deliver real change for our community.
 
“Liberal Party members across the state are behind Kellie, as the parliamentary and volunteer wings of our Party work together towards a Liberal election victory that will deliver a thriving NSW.
 
“Now is the time for a unified approach behind Kellie and Natalie Ward to ensure the Party looks outward and forward as an alternative government with a laser focus on winning in 2027.”

Visit to South Africa for G20 Leaders’ Summit

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will travel to Johannesburg, South Africa for the annual G20 Leaders’ Summit from 20 to 22 November 2025.

The Summit brings together world leaders under South Africa’s G20 Presidency and the theme of Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability.

This will be the first time the G20 Leaders’ Summit has been held on the African continent.

Discussions at the Summit will focus on advancing inclusive and sustainable growth, reinforcing the G20’s contribution to global resilience and championing a fair and just future for all.

While in South Africa, the Prime Minister will also hold bilateral meetings with other world leaders to advance Australia’s economic and strategic interests.

The Prime Minister will be the first Australian Prime Minister to visit South Africa since 2013.

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles will be Acting Prime Minister until the Prime Minister’s return from overseas.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“The G20 brings together the countries that drive the world’s economies and Australia is a key part of that.

“Now more than ever, Australia needs to be working with our international partners to tackle the shared challenges and opportunities ahead.

“G20 member countries make up 85 per cent of the world’s economic output.  Being part of the G20 helps build a stronger, more resilient global economy which benefits all Australians at home.”

Honouring Australians who fought against apartheid

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will today honour three prominent Australians who played an influential role in advocating for the end of apartheid in South Africa.

The names of former Prime Ministers Malcolm Fraser and Bob Hawke, and former diplomat Bruce Haigh, have been inscribed on the Wall of Names in Freedom Park Heritage Site and Museum in Pretoria in recognition of their support for racial equality in South Africa.

Freedom Park Heritage Site and Museum was created after apartheid to honour those who fought for South Africa’s freedom and democracy, and to promote reconciliation and understanding.

Malcom Fraser worked with the United Nations and the Commonwealth of Nations to investigate apartheid in South Africa. He was one of the first world leaders to visit Nelson Mandela in prison and strongly pushed for sanctions against the apartheid regime.

Bob Hawke also advocated for sanctions against the apartheid regime through the Commonwealth of Nations and the Australian Council of Trade Unions, as well as sporting boycotts.

Bruce Haigh established contact with anti-apartheid activists and shone a light on the injustices of apartheid during his posting to South Africa from 1976 to 1979. His legacy was captured in Richard Attenborough’s 1987 film Cry Freedom.

The three names join two other Australians already listed on the Wall. Freda Brown was a journalist, actress and President of both the Union of Australian Women and the Women’s International Democratic Federation. Peter McGregor was a university lecturer and activist.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“It is a great honour to see the names of these great Australians on the Wall of Names at Freedom Park, alongside others who fought for freedom and democracy in South Africa.

“Malcolm Fraser, Bob Hawke and Bruce Haigh displayed the best of who we are as Australians. They stood up for what was right and fought for equality and dignity.

“Their belief that racial discrimination has no place in society, and courage to speak out on the world stage, helped contribute to the end of apartheid in South Africa.

“The legacy of these great Australians is a powerful reminder that standing up for what is right is what matters most.”