Category: Australian News

Upgrades to the Light-to-Light Walk in Beowa National Park on Yuin Country, near Eden are now complete and open to the public, with the multi-day walk showcasing everything that makes the South Coast special. The works are part of a $14.9 million investment in the National Park.

Commencing in March 2023, the upgrade and restoration work stretches from Boyds Tower to Green Cape Lighthouse. Works include new and re-routed sections of the previous walk, as well as two new purpose-built campgrounds at Mowarry Point and Hegartys Bay.

These new campgrounds feature 10 new timber camping platforms and toilets to accommodate walkers on the upgraded track. 

Significant work has also been completed to repair damage after the 2019/2020 bushfires, including track repair, Boyds Tower precinct renewal, Green Cape precinct car park and Bittangabee Campground upgrades.

The funds for the upgrades and restoration work are jointly provided by the Regional Growth – Environment and Tourism Fund program and NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.

The 32km Grade 4 Light-to-Light walk can be tackled on your own, or on a guided tour. Several local companies offer guided tours which include stories of the area’s rich cultural history and ensure you don’t miss a thing along the way.  

Before embarking on any long distance or multi-day hike, it’s important to hire a personal locator beacon and to fill in a trip intention form. Further advice on hiking safety is available via the NPWS bushwalking webpage. 

Further upgrade works are planned this year for the Green Cape Lighthouse precinct accommodation located at the southern end of the walk. Information on the Light-to-Light Walk is available via the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service website.

Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast, Ryan Park:

“The Light-to-Light Walk is one of the crown jewels of the South Coast, and these upgrades ensure it remains a world-class experience for visitors.

“This investment reflects the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to sustainable tourism, regional jobs, and providing people with better access to nature and the stories of Country that make this place so special.”

Member for Bega, Dr Michael Holland:

“The Light-to-Light Walk is poised to bring great economic benefits to the region whether it is accommodation providers, tour companies, restaurants or cafes, we welcome visitors from across Australia and abroad to come and take in the beauty of the South Coast.”

The delivery of a modern, low carbon, low waste, climate resilient health system is at the heart of a new Roadmap launched by NSW Health.

The NSW Health Net Zero Roadmap is a first for NSW Health and sets out how the NSW public health system plans to reach zero emissions by 2050 while delivering quality, value, innovation and equity.

The Roadmap aligns closely with Future Health: guiding the next decade of care in NSW 2022-2032, setting the strategic priorities for the next decade and, in particular, the commitment to an environmentally sustainable footprint for future healthcare.

The Roadmap outlines six strategic priority areas which will support NSW Health to meet the ambitious net zero target, including:

• Healthcare – transitioning to modern high quality, low carbon models of care.
• Land and buildings – decarbonising design, construction, use and disposal of buildings and being stewards of land and waters
• Energy and water – improving air quality and health by using natural resources in sustainable ways
• Supply Chain – reducing environmental and financial supply chain costs through the purchase of goods and services and drive circularity
• Travel and transport –improving air quality and health by shifting towards active modes of transport, electrifying NSW Health transportation, and exploring new ways to deliver care remotely
• Food services –sustainable sourcing, production and provision of high quality, healthy food for patients, whilst minimising food waste

For more information on the plan visit the NSW Health website.

Minister for Climate Change, Penny Sharpe: 

“The NSW Health Net Zero Roadmap shows action is being delivered across the whole of government to deliver on our Net Zero targets.

“I commend NSW Health for their leadership to reduce the effects of climate change.”

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“The NSW Health Net Zero Roadmap will help us meet the ambitious goal of reaching zero emissions by 2050, all while clinicians and health care workers continue to deliver high quality care to the community.

“I’m grateful to everyone involved in the Roadmap’s development, taking a strategic and active approach to reducing waste and emissions, while maintaining and improving our high standards of care.

“The health of the planet is deeply linked with public health and this Roadmap will support a healthier and more sustainable community.”

NSW Health Secretary, Susan Pearce AM:

“The healthcare sector has historically been a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, and we all need to play our part to create a cleaner and more sustainable future.

“To that end, NSW Health staff are implementing innovative programs, technologies, policies and practices towards the NSW Government’s net zero targets.”

Building Commission NSW has conducted a building compliance blitz in the Tweed in an effort to crack down on unlicenced construction work, non-compliant electrical work, and other compliance issues.

The blitz forms part of Building Commission NSW’s commitment to ensuring developers and contractors are meeting their obligations and are not skirting licencing and signage responsibilities.

The February operation saw inspectors visit 33 construction sites in three days, covering an 800km area from Tweed Heads to Ballina, and extending west to areas like Casino and Kyogle.

Inspectors engaged with 140 tradespersons across a range of disciplines, focusing on licence checks, supervision requirements, and specialist installations in the electrical and plumbing space.

As a result of the blitz, Building Commission NSW identified 38 offences, with the majority relating to incorrect signage (18), as well as unlicenced work and unlicenced contracting (15).

Of the 38 offences, 21 penalty infringement notices (PINs) totalling $16,320 were issued, thirteen trader education notices were issued, and four matters referred for further investigation.

Inspectors often use their discretion to provide education notices for minor infringements, which promotes compliance and prevent future offences, especially for apprentice tradespeople.

Five sites with significant safety issues were also referred to SafeWork NSW for further investigation.

Building Commission NSW is conducting a wide-ranging regional compliance campaign to ensure construction projects across NSW are completed to the highest standards by qualified individuals.

Inspectors are travelling across the state to ensure a range of sites meet the required standards and remind the industry that Building Commission NSW will hold builders to account for bad practices.

So far, the regional compliance campaign has seen more than 140 building sites inspected in the Tweed, Mid North Coast, as well as the Riverina Murray regions.

Minister for Building Anoulack Chanthivong:

“Building quality is one of the top priorities of the Minns Labor Government.

“Building Commission NSW is making it clear that no matter where you are in New South Wales, we’re keeping a close eye on licencing, supervision, and specialist electrical work across the state.

“This Tweed compliance blitz demonstrates our commitment to ensuring all builders and tradesmen, regardless of location, are held accountable to meet their legal obligations.

“Regional communities deserve the same level of oversight and protection as those in metropolitan areas, and Building Commission NSW will continue to inspect regional sites to ensure their compliance.”

Building Commission NSW Commissioner James Sherrard:

“The results of this compliance campaign is a reminder to the Tweed building industry that Building Commission NSW is enforcing signage, licencing, and supervision rules right across the state.

“The number of offences related to unlicenced contracting and non-compliant signage shows that there is certainly room for improvement in the Tweed region.

“Building Commission NSW will return to the Tweed in the future, to ensure the issues we identified during this blitz are addressed, and that these types of compliance issues don’t continue.”

The Minns Government is positioning Western Sydney at the forefront of advanced manufacturing with a new collaboration between the Bradfield Development Authority and leading Japanese automation company OMRON.

Under the agreement, the Bradfield Development Authority’s Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility (AMRF) will work with OMRON’s global network of Proof of Concept Centres to promote innovation, technology exchange, and productivity improvements across Western Sydney’s growing manufacturing sector.

OMRON is a global leader in industrial automation with a strong track record of supporting manufacturing innovation through robotics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed at Bradfield City Centre, marks another major step in the Minns Government’s vision to build Australia’s first city in 100 years, a city powered by high-tech industries and underpinned by a world-class advanced manufacturing ecosystem.

The AMRF, located in the heart of Bradfield City Centre, provides cutting-edge equipment, training, and expertise to support enterprises to innovate, scale and adopt new manufacturing technologies. The collaboration with OMRON will support shared research, technology demonstration, and industry upskilling.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said:

“Western Sydney is already a powerhouse of economic growth, and partnerships are critical in accelerating the region’s transformation into a hub for advanced manufacturing.

“Our continued focus on the growth and development of Bradfield means more high-quality, highly-skilled jobs for Western Sydney residents, in their own backyard.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“This partnership demonstrates how Bradfield is already becoming a magnet for global innovation, investment and opportunity.

“By connecting local industry with international leaders like OMRON, we’re helping Western Sydney businesses compete and thrive in a global market.”

Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“OMRON’s involvement with the Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility is the NSW Industry Policy in action and will see Western Sydney businesses gain access to cutting-edge automation technology, global best practice, and new opportunities to scale their ideas.

“We’re proud to support initiatives that not only accelerate advanced manufacturing but also reinforce NSW as a leader in technological capability and industrial transformation.”

Managing Director of OMRON Australia Henry Zhou said:

“We are thrilled to collaborate with the Bradfield Development Authority to advance Western Sydney’s emerging advanced manufacturing sector.”

Company President of OMRON’s Industrial Automation Motohiro Yamanishi division:

“This initiative strengthens the long-standing Australia–Japan economic partnership and reinforces the close business relationship between Japanese industry and the NSW Government.”

The Victorian Greens are pushing for a parliamentary inquiry and have distributed an open letter calling on Premier Jacinta Allan to reverse her government’s $2.4 billion cut to public schools, as part of a two-pronged campaign to ensure every Victorian child gets the education they deserve. 

This week the Greens have distributed an Open Letter to the Premier demanding the immediate reinstatement of funding to meet the Gonski Schooling Resource Standard (SRS) by 2028, not 2031 as Labor quietly decided and concealed. 

The Victorian Greens are also pushing for a parliamentary inquiry to examine the consequences of effectively cutting $2.4 billion from public school funding, with the cumulative impact, including lost federal contributions nearing $3 billion and entrenching Victoria as the lowest funder of public schools in the country. 

The Greens will move in the Upper House on Wednesday, for the Legislative Council Legal and Social Issues Committee to inquire and consider the impact of the delay of Gonski funding for Victorian students, teachers and schools, with the inquiry set to report by April 2026. 

The Victorian Greens say an inquiry is essential, as Victoria already has the lowest-funded public schools in the country, Labor’s decision to delay Gonski funding will only make things worse and has jeopardised millions in additional funding from the Commonwealth. 

Victorian Greens Education spokesperson, Dr Tim Read: 

“Victorians deserve to know the consequences of this quiet decision made by the Premier and concealed in Budget papers that essentially rips $2.4 billion from our already underfunded schools and puts millions in Commonwealth support at risk. 

“This is critical funding. Teachers are burning out, schools are under pressure, children don’t have access to the support they need – and this decision means that a child starting prep today won’t get full funding until Grade Six. 

“The Premier has serious questions to answer. In the so-called Education State, why is Victoria stepping back while every other state steps up?”

The Victorian Greens have urged the Labor Government to reverse their decision to quietly axe the state’s no-interest solar battery loan program, warning the move will lock out low-income households from accessing cheaper, renewable energy.

The $8,800 interest-free loan scheme, designed to help households install battery storage, will officially end on 30 June. But today, Solar Victoria confirmed it is no longer taking new applications – effectively shutting down the program early. The cut coincides with a funding reduction of nearly 12% to Solar Victoria in last week’s State Budget.

The new federal $4,500 battery rebate is a welcome step, but leaves many Victorians in the lurch: with good-quality battery systems still costing over $13,000, lower-income households lack viable options to transition to cheaper, renewable energy without a loan program.

The Greens say that there was no reason to cancel the largely cost-neutral loan scheme, which should coincide with the federal rebates and could be expanded to help renters, apartment dwellers, and social housing residents – groups who continue to face barriers to accessing cheaper, renewable energy.

While any cost-of-living relief for low-income households is welcome, Labor’s $100 energy bill payment mainly benefits fossil fuel-powered energy companies and pales in comparison to the long-term savings and energy independence that solar batteries offer.

Victorian Greens spokesperson for coal transition, Dr Tim Read:

“Labor’s decision means people who would benefit most from cheaper, cleaner energy remain locked out by the cost of batteries.

“This was a sensible, low-risk scheme that let people take control of their energy bills and reduce their reliance on fossil fuels.

“Helping more people electrify their homes is one of the most effective ways to reduce energy bills and reduce emissions, we should be scaling this up, not winding it down.”

 Today’s guilty plea by whistleblower Richard Boyle is a damning indictment of Australia’s broken whistleblower protection laws. Richard told the truth about appalling practices inside the ATO that unfairly ruined lives and ruined businesses. Today as the Labor government forces a criminal conviction on him, the Greens join with millions of Australians to thank him for his courage and to offer urgent bipartisan support to fix these broken laws.

Greens Senator for NSW and Justice Spokesperson David Shoebridge:

“Today ATO whistleblower Richard Boyle has been forced to plead guilty to four criminal charges and the end result is that Australia has now criminalised courage.

“Richard Boyle exposed ATO thuggery and saved countless taxpayers from abuse and for that this government rewarded him with a criminal conviction. This is a national disgrace.

“The message that is sent with this is crystal clear, if you dare to expose government wrongdoing, then the government will destroy you.

“Richard Boyle put his career and his freedom on the line to stop people’s lives being smashed by unethical practices in the ATO. He should get a medal for that, not a conviction.

“What has happened to Richard, and to other high profile whistleblowers like David McBride, proves that our whistleblower laws are dangerous for whistleblowers.

“This is the moment to act, with a new Parliament and new gross injustice.

“The Greens again invite Labor to join with us and use the guaranteed majority in both Houses of Parliament to urgently pass whistleblower reforms so that they do their job and protect truth telling.”

An expert panel of three has been appointed to conduct a short review into the overhead wiring incident that caused disruption across the Sydney Trains network last week and take a system-wide look at maintenance and reliability.

Transport and Infrastructure expert Kerry Schott AO, former chief executive of the NSW Independent Transport Safety and Reliability Regulator (ITSRR) Carolyn Walsh, and former Ausgrid CEO Trevor Armstrong will lead the independent review.

Ms Walsh led the Sydney Trains’ Rail Infrastructure and Systems Review of 2023.

They will be supported by the Premier’s Department and Transport for NSW in a rapid investigation into three key areas of concern:

• the specific cause of the Tuesday 20 May electrical incident and what can be done to ensure the system is as resilient as possible in future
• investment in the system made after the recent Rail Repair and Fleet Repair Plans, and whether that improved reliability resulted
• passenger experience – whether communications with passengers, real time updates and internal communication by Sydney Trains during disruptions is up to scratch.

The three investigators will meet this week to finalise their Terms of Reference.

Sydney Trains has begun its own internal investigation and metallurgical analysis of the failed wire and will report findings to the investigators. 

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“We have heard loud and clear the frustration of the commuting public and this expert and independent panel of three reviewers is going to assist in making sure we are focused in exactly the right areas to drive the improvements to the train system that passengers expect.

“A short and sharp independent review into maintenance, punctuality and customer communications will assist in understanding how we can do better.

“The NSW Government is investing record amounts into maintenance and reliability, guided by the Rail Repair Plan and Train Repair Plan. We have driven down delays from temporary speed restrictions but we know there is much more to do.

“The aim here is not to repeat the previous review of Carolyn Walsh but I am confident her detailed knowledge of this issue and Kerry Schott’s vast experience supported by Trevor Armstrong will ensure valuable new insights are delivered.”

Panel

Dr Kerry Schott AO

Kerry Schott has extensive experience in transport and infrastructure. She has served at Board level on transport operators like Moorebank Intermodal, Sydney Metro, Sydney Light Rail and ARTC, amongst others.

Dr Schott is currently a Director of AGL, a member of Aware Super’s Direct Asset Committee, and Chair of the Australian Government’s Competition Review Panel. She has been a Director of the National Broadband Network (2012-2022), a director of NSW Treasury Corporation (TCorp) (2012-2019) and CEO and Managing Director of Sydney Water (2006-2011).

Carolyn Walsh

Carolyn Walsh has 40 years’ experience in the Commonwealth and NSW public services, focusing on industry, science and transport issues.

She is currently the Chair of the National Transport Commission, a member of the Board of the NSW Environment Protection Authority, and Chair of the Transport Asset Manager (TAM).

Carolyn is a former Commissioner of the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (2010-2020) and was Chief Executive of NSW’s Independent Transport Safety and Reliability Regulator (ITSRR) – the then rail safety regulator in NSW – from 2004 to 2009.

Trevor Armstrong

Trevor has over 35 years of experience in the energy industry, and has previously held senior executive roles at Ausgrid, including CEO. His experience includes leading large and complex engineering operations with a focus on safety in high-risk environments. He also has extensive asset and incident management experience in the NSW electricity industry.

He was a member of the Australian Energy Market Commission Reliability Panel for 10 years. Until April 2025 he was the CEO of the Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone and is currently on the Board of Power and Water Corporation in the Northern Territory.

The Albanese Government is expanding financial assistance for communities in the New South Wales Hunter and Mid North Coast regions impacted by the devastating floods – activating the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) and extending the Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA).

From 2:00pm local time on Wednesday 28 May, the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) will be available for people in the Bellingen, Coffs Harbour, Dungog, Kempsey, Maitland, Mid Coast, Nambucca Valley, Port Macquarie-Hastings and Port Stephens Local Government Areas (LGAs).

The AGDRP helps those who have suffered the most serious impacts, including major damage to their home, serious injury, or loss of a loved one as a result of severe weather. It’s a one-off payment of $1,000 per eligible adult and $400 per eligible child.

From 2:00pm local time on Wednesday 28 May Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA) will be extended to people living in more LGAs. These are: Armidale, Bellingen, Central Coast, Cessnock, Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Muswellbrook, Nambucca Valley, Newcastle, Port Stephens, Singleton, Upper Hunter and Walcha.

This is in addition to those who can already claim in the Dungog, Kempsey, Mid-Coast, and Port Macquarie-Hastings LGAs.

DRA supports people who’ve lost income as a direct result of this event by providing up to 13 weeks of income support for workers and sole traders, depending on their personal circumstances.

People can check their eligibility for AGDRP and DRA on the Services Australia website: servicesaustralia.gov.au/disastersupport

These supports are on top of the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements that have been activated to help households, small business, primary producers, and councils.

The quickest way to claim is online through myGov.

If people need help to claim, they can call the Australian Government Emergency Information Line on 180 22 66.

To change or pause Centrelink debt repayments, affected people can do so online or in the mobile app (through the Money You Owe service), or by calling 1800 076 072.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“In the worst of times, we see the best of Australians.

“The heroes of the SES and other community volunteers – and neighbours looking out for each other.

“We are standing with these communities during the disaster and recovery.

“We are expanding our direct financial assistance to communities affected by the floods.

“We will continue to supplement the response and early relief initiatives being led by the New South Wales and local governments.”

Minister for Government Services Katy Gallagher:

“The financial assistance we are rolling out across impacted communities will help locals to focus on recovery efforts and ease some pressure during these incredibly distressing circumstances.

“Services Australia staff are working hard to ensure claims are processed as smoothly and as quickly as possible so that those impacted can access these essential supports.

“I encourage people in the impacted areas to check their eligibility for payments on Services Australia’s website.”

Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain:

“These flooding events has impacted communities across the region differently. We are working hand in hand with the New South Wales Government to roll out support for households, small businesses, primary producers and councils.

“Today’s extension of the Disaster Recovery Allowance will help eligible workers who have had their employments impacted by these floods.

“We know that this is still early days for the recovery, but we are here for the long haul and will continue working with all levels of government.”

The Australian Government welcomes the adoption of the World Health Organization (WHO) Pandemic Agreement.

The Agreement is a significant step towards strengthening pandemic prevention, preparedness and response.

The Agreement takes account of lessons learnt during the COVID-19 pandemic and supports collective action to address pandemic threats, including by strengthening multi-sectoral disease surveillance and access to vaccines.

While the Agreement has been adopted by the World Health Assembly, there are further steps remaining to finalise technical details. Australia will only commence our treaty making process after the Agreement opens for signature, which is not expected until at least mid-2026.

Once the Agreement has entered into force, Australia and our region will be better positioned to reduce pandemic risks and respond swiftly if a pandemic occurs, saving lives and mitigating the impacts on our economies. Australia will retain full sovereignty in making public health decisions which promote the interests of Australians.

Australia is proud to have served as Vice-Chair of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body for the Pandemic Agreement, representing our diverse Western Pacific region.

This outcome reaffirms the value of multilateral solutions to shared global challenges.

Australia will continue to play our part to ensure the international community is better prepared to respond to future pandemics

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong:

“We need international cooperation on health to help keep Australia, our region, and the world safe. The adoption of the WHO Pandemic Agreement demonstrates the value of the international community working together to find solutions to shared global challenges.”

Minister for Health and Ageing, Minister for Disability and the NDIS, the Hon Mark Butler MP:

“The next pandemic is not a matter of if, but when. We have a collective responsibility to protect public health in all of our countries. The adoption of the WHO Pandemic Agreement is an important step forward.”