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$52 million to create manufacturing and renewable jobs

The Minns Labor Government is investing $52 million to supercharge NSW’s renewable manufacturing sectors, unlocking more than 100 construction jobs and 67 ongoing positions.

The investment is part of the NSW Government’s Net Zero Manufacturing Initiative, a $480 million push to help fast-track emissions reductions and build the technologies that we need to further our renewable transition.

The program is supporting over 1100 jobs across NSW in 40 different projects. 

This grant supports innovative businesses that will serve as the building blocks to a sustainable low carbon manufacturing industry in NSW. 

The successful businesses and projects announced:

  • Optimal Renewable Gas in Griffith will receive $20 million to convert agricultural organic waste from farms into a gas fuel. The gas can be used for gas heating and power generation.
  • Hiringa Energy near Moree will receive $9.4 million to expand the production of their low carbon ammonia fertiliser, to be used on cotton farms. This will help produce sustainable cotton and decarbonise farming operations.
  • Hiringa Refuelling Australia will receive $778,000 to help create hydrogen refuelling stations which aim to replace diesel in heavy vehicles – an important step towards building a green freight corridor between Sydney and Southeast Queensland.
  • Tyree Transformers will receive $22 million to build their transformers, which stop us from losing energy while its being transported from our solar and wind farms.

The Minister visited the Tyree Transformers facility in Braemar to launch the four grant recipients. Tyree will be expanding its facility’s operational capacity, helping us get the most out of the renewable energy we are already creating.

Find out more about the Net Zero Manufacturing Initiative: https://www.energy.nsw.gov.au/business-and-industry/programs-grants-and-schemes/net-zero-manufacturing

NSW Minister for Energy Penny Sharpe said:

“This is part of a $480 million investment to help NSW industries lead the clean energy transition and create skilled manufacturing jobs in our regions.

“We should be building the technology that will power our future right here in NSW.

“These projects will unlock 67 permanent jobs and support growth in communities across the Southern Highlands, Riverina and the state’s northwest.

“They show the power of partnering with industry to create jobs, cut emissions and build the clean technologies of tomorrow right here in NSW.” 

Labor digs in: no plan for problem e-bike behaviour

The Minns Labor Government’s latest rushed policy on e-bikes to impose age limits raises serious questions about enforcement, consistency and whether the reforms will actually change rider behaviour.
 
Media reports today show that the Government isn’t even sure what its own age limit policy is going to be, with the Government intending to ban children under 12, while Transport for NSW will look at banning children under 16, and a massive admission that the Government has no idea how it will be enforced.
 
Speaking on Sydney’s 2GB Radio in January 2026, Minister for Transport, John Graham, said of the NSW Liberals and Nationals’ proposal for an e-bike licence plate registration that it would be too hard to work out whether a 17-year-old rider was just saying they were 18-years-old to avoid needing a licence plate.
 
Now, under pressure, the Minister wants the NSW Police Force to read up on Puberty Blues.
 
The only feasible way to enforce the proposed age limit requires all legal riders, including those between the ages of 12 and 16 to carry a form of mandatory government-issued identification to prove basic identity information such as name, age and address.
 
Communities across NSW are not raising concerns about technical definitions; they want clear action that enforces behaviour to stop the reckless riding, the intimidation of pedestrians and a lack of visible enforcement.
 
Today’s “announcement” shows that the Minns Labor Government will do everything they possibly can to not adopt the NSW Liberals and Nationals’ sensible licence plate registration scheme for those under 18, delivery rider and shared service schemes.
 
The NSW Liberals and Nationals maintain that reforms must prioritise enforcement mechanisms that police can realistically apply on the ground and that parents can rely on when setting boundaries for their children.
 
Shadow Minister for Transport Natalie Ward said that the announcement seemed designed for media attention and continues the tin-ear approach of the Government when it comes to e-bikes.
 
“Labor’s announcement still doesn’t answer the most basic question: how behaviour will be enforced,” Ms Ward said.
 
“Until you enforce the rules and have accountability, nothing will change.”
 
“Police need a clear tool for enforcement of rider behaviour, and the NSW Liberals and Nationals’ policy will give them one.”
 
“This looks like another headline designed to sound tough and look like something is happening, while questions on practical enforcement remain unanswered.”

Three failures, one consequence: losing NSW’s data centre and AI future to Victoria

Shadow Minister for Digital, Artificial Intelligence and Investment, James Griffin, has today warned that NSW is losing ground in the global race for data centres and artificial intelligence infrastructure because the Minns Labor Government has no coordinated strategy across energy, planning or investment.
 
“This is not about one Minister or one department getting it wrong,” Mr Griffin said.
 
“This is about three critical failures, in energy, in planning, and in strategic coordination, that are feeding off each other and creating a toxic environment for investment.”
 
“Individually, each failure is a serious problem, but collectively they are handing NSW’s economic opportunity to Victoria on a silver platter,” Mr Griffin said.
 
Failure 1: An energy system that cannot guarantee scale or certainty
The energy transition in NSW is failing, with energy prices remaining high, significant transmission delays, and the government failing to listen to concerns about renewable energy projects.
 
At this rate, households will have to turn off their air-conditioning in summer, and that’s before having the state ready to power data centres.
 
Data centre demand is growing.
 
Transgrid reports more than 10GW of data centre connection enquiries, with electricity demand projected to grow from 307 GWh to 6,723 GWh by 2035, representing more than a twenty-fold increase.
 
Without firm, reliable and timely grid capacity, data centre projects will go elsewhere.
 
“Right now, NSW cannot guarantee the scale, speed or certainty that global and domestic investors require, and because of that, we are losing out to Victoria,” Mr Griffin said.
 
Failure 2: No critical digital infrastructure planning strategy
NSW still lacks a coherent planning and precinct strategy for digital infrastructure
 
There is:
No statewide data centre action plan
No identified digital infrastructure precinct strategy
No integrated land-use and energy coordination model


Industry feedback highlights inconsistent agency advice and uncertainty around zoning, grid access and water allocation.

In contrast, Victoria has funded a dedicated Sustainable Data Centre Action Plan and released a 2026 Artificial Intelligence Mission Statement, sending a clear signal it intends to lead.
 
“In NSW, there is no coordinated approach to zoning land, aligning utilities, or fast-tracking strategic AI infrastructure; we risk repeating mistakes of the past by not coordinating the placement of data centres.” Mr Griffin said.
 
 
Failure 3: No whole-of-government AI strategy
Most concerning is the absence of strategic coordination.
 
NSW has:
No AI mission statement with funding attached
No AI infrastructure roadmap
No cross-portfolio coordination linking Energy, Planning, Treasury and Investment NSW


“No one in the Minns Government is clearly responsible for ensuring NSW wins the AI and data centre investment race,” Mr Griffin said.
 
“Like in many other areas, the Minns Labor Government has packed up and gone home.”
 
The global data centre market is projected to reach US$4 trillion by 2030.
 
NSW should be the natural home for Asia-Pacific AI and data centre investment.
 
But without reliable energy delivery, coordinated planning and a clear AI strategy, capital will lock in elsewhere
 
“These three failures are not separate problems; they are one problem with one cause: a complacent government in the face of a global AI economy scaling at speed,” Mr Griffin said.
 
The upcoming Parliamentary Inquiry into data centres will test whether the Minns Labor Government intends to lead, or continue to drift while other states secure the jobs, investment and productivity gains of the AI era.

Fatal house fire – Port Stephens

A person has died following a house fire in the State’s north yesterday.

About 6.45pm (Friday 20 February 2026), emergency services were called to Bagnall Beach Road, Corlette, following reports of a fire.

Fire and Rescue NSW crews attended and extinguished the blaze, which caused extensive damage to the home.

A woman was found deceased inside the house.

She is yet to be formally identified.

Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District have established a crime scene and an investigation is underway into the circumstances surrounding the fire.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.

As inquiries continue, anyone with information is urged to contact Port Stephens-Hunter Police District or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Few things undermine marriage, family and the security of children more than the sex trade. One Nation’s promotion of sex trade culture shows it is not family or women-friendly

Family First National Director and NSW Legislative Council candidate Lyle Shelton today said One Nation’s promotion of its Victorian state secretary, Bianca Colecchia — who publicly celebrates her long-term management of a strip club — demonstrates that the party is not serious about upholding the dignity of women or strengthening families.
 
Mr Shelton said Australia needs political parties that will unapologetically put families first and defend the inherent worth and dignity of every woman — not normalise industries built on the commodification of women’s bodies for male entertainment.
 
“The sex trade is not empowering. It is an industry that too often exploits vulnerable young women and reduces them to products for consumption,” Mr Shelton said.
 
“Mainstream Australians want their daughters valued for their character, intelligence and contribution to society — not encouraged into an industry that thrives on objectification.”
 
Mr Shelton said Family First was established to promote strong families as the foundation of a healthy nation.
 
“Few things undermine marriage, family and the security of children more than the sex trade.
 
“A party that elevates and celebrates involvement in the commercial sex industry cannot credibly claim to be family-focused or pro-women,” he said.
 
“The dignity of women matters. The protection of families matters. Cultural signals from political leaders matter. This is something Pauline Hanson, Barnaby Joyce and Cory Bernardi should reflect on.”
 
Mr Shelton said One Nation’s inability to recognise the importance of upholding the family and resisting the normalisation of the sex trade makes it unworthy of the support of Australians who want their communities to be safe, stable and family-centred.
 
“If elected to the NSW Parliament in 2027, I will continue to advocate for laws and policies that strengthen families and resist the cultural forces that seek to exploit women and harm families.”

Appeal to locate teen missing from Metford

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing from the Port Stephens area.

Jack Taylor, aged 14, was last seen on Schank Drive, Metford, about 8.25am today (Thursday 19 February 2026).

When he failed to return home and could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Police and family hold concerns for Jack’s welfare as he lives with a number of medical conditions which require regular medication.

Jack is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 165cm tall, of slim build, with short brown hair.

He was last seen wearing a school uniform consisting of black shorts, a white shirt, and black shoes.

Jack was last seen heading in the direction of Metford Railway Station and is known to frequent the Thornton shopping centre.

Australian Government seeking proposals to co-invest in Aussie ingenuity through venture capital market

To turbo charge our home-grown defence industry, the Australian Government is seeking proposals from Australia’s private capital market for potential co-investments in local industry.

The Albanese Government has dramatically increased funding for our defence force and we are making record investments in our defence industry. 

To further drive growth and innovation in Australia’s defence industry, the Government is seeking proposals from the private capital market to co-invest in Australian businesses developing defence and dual‑use advanced capabilities.

These investments will target the advanced capabilities and exports of tomorrow, including cyber, artificial intelligence and autonomy, electronic warfare, quantum technologies, and undersea warfare. 

Investing in advanced capabilities that have export potential helps build a bigger defence industry and supply chain, that’s more resilient and better for local businesses. 

The Request for Expressions of Interest is now open on AusTender to identify one or more suitable private capital partner/s to potentially manage the investment.

The size of investment that may be considered would be for a co-contribution of up to $500 million from the Government, with the decision to invest and final terms, to be determined in partnership with the successful fund manager/s and subject to further Government consideration. 

Once selected by Defence, the successful firm or firms will work with Government to develop the investment proposal further for the Government’s consideration. 

This initiative reflects the Government’s commitment, as outlined in the 2024 Defence Industry Development Strategy, to work with venture capital fund managers and other investors to explore opportunities for private capital investment in Australian businesses developing critical defence capabilities. 

Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy:

“Australia’s current strategic environment tells us that we need to do all we can to drive investment in new capabilities. 

“Joint investment between the government and private sector has enormous potential to further unlock Australian jobs and innovation. 

“In developing potential options for co-investment, the government is looking for ways to catalyse growth of Australia’s innovation ecosystem, sovereign industry capability and exports potential, all while putting money back into Australian pockets.

“The Government will explore options to partner with private capital to invest in eligible Australian small and medium enterprises that are developing the capabilities we need.”

Wages lag behind soaring costs of housing and healthcare

New quarterly ABS data released today show wages are not keeping up with inflation, as yet another bank, NAB, announces a quarterly profit of $2.1 billion.

While wages rose 0.8% in the December quarter and 3.4% over the year, inflation climbed even faster at 3.8% – meaning workers’ pay packets are going backwards in real terms.

Government decisions are driving this real reduction in wages – with the housing crisis spurred on by handouts to wealthy property investors, a 5% deposit scheme debacle that is fuelling house price rises, and government approval of a 4.4% rise to healthcare premiums, the biggest in eight years. 

While the big banks’ rake in the profits of a housing crisis spurred on by Labor’s policies, working Australians struggle to afford soaring rents and rising mortgages, let alone get into the housing market. 

The Greens say Labor needs to start making policies for renters, first home buyers and mortgage holders instead of working for the banks and property hoarders.

Greens spokesperson for finance, workplace relations, employment and housing Senator Barbara Pocock: 

“Working people are seeing their real wages go backwards, while interest rates rise and Labor lets the cost of housing and healthcare surge out of control.

“Working Australians have had enough. They’re fed up with seeing the banks and wealthy property investors profit from a housing crisis out of control, while wages aren’t keeping up and workers are going backwards.

“The cost of living and housing crisis are being felt across the country. When national rents have risen 2.5 times faster than wages over the past five years, working households fall further behind through no fault of their own.

“The big banks are profiting off rising house prices and increased mortgages, while homeowners and renters pay the price of rising inflation. How is that fair?

“Amid rising cost-of-living pressures, renters are having to fork out more than one-third of their income just to keep a roof over their heads. That’s the definition of housing stress. 

“Labor’s policies – such as the 5% deposit scheme and the $181b tax breaks for property hoarders – are adding fuel to the fire, driving up house prices while the banks take all the profit.

“Labor must reform the tax concessions that are fuelling house prices and turbocharging inequality.  Scrapping the CGT discount is an opportunity for this government to change course and help fix, rather than fuel, the housing crisis.

“Without tackling the root causes of the housing crisis – which are the tax breaks for wealthy property hoarders and the lack of social and affordable housing – house prices will continue to spike, banks will continue to rake in the profits and workers will be thrown into more and more stress.”

Victorian Greens move to establish an inquiry into LGBTQIA+ hate crimes

The Victorian Greens will today move to establish a powerful parliamentary inquiry into the scale and scope of anti-LGBTQIA+ hate crimes across the state, following a disturbing string of attacks on gay and bi+ men.


This comes following a troubling string of attacks on gay and bi+ men which have seen them lured to public places through fake online dating profiles and violently attacked.


The inquiry, to be conducted by the Legal and Social Issues Committee, would examine how anti-LGBTQIA+ influencers and hate groups operate online, including far-right, misogynistic, and homophobic ‘alpha-male’ content, and explore strategies to protect young people from this influence.

It would also look at the adequacy of existing responses to preventing these crimes, and the support available to victim survivors.
The inquiry would examine ways to improve LGBTQIA+ community safety and support victim survivors of these and other hate crimes, as well as look into ways to combat anti-LGBTQI+ influence on young people particularly through hateful online content.


The Greens are urging all political parties to support the inquiry, which is due to report by 1 September 2026.


Victorian Greens equality spokesperson, Aiv Puglielli:

“No one should have to fear for their safety because of who they love.

“We are seeing gay and bi+ men being lured to public places through fake online dating profiles and violently attacked just for being who they are. As a queer person, it is genuinely terrifying to see this terrifying escalation of violence towards my community happening before our eyes.

“This doesn’t come out of nowhere. We know there’s a “manosphere” of anti-queer influences and far-right “alpha-male” networks that are grooming and radicalising young men online, building these hate networks and fuelling this very real hatred and people are being seriously harmed.

“We can’t look the other way while LGBTQIA+ people are being harassed, threatened, and terrorised. Enough is enough. We need to get to the root of this.”

Greens challenge Labor to support their follow the dollar laws and strengthen IBAC by the end of the week 

The Victorian Greens are challenging Jacinta Allan’s Labor Government to support their laws, saying that there is no reason we can’t strengthen IBAC and give it follow the dollar powers by the end of the week. 

The Greens say that given the astounding scale of corruption that’s been reported, Labor should be acting with urgency not keep making excuses. 

The Greens will move amendments as part of a wide-ranging omnibus Bill tomorrow to strengthen IBAC, giving it clear powers to “follow the dollar” allowing it to investigate how taxpayer money flows through subcontractors and labour hire firms on major government projects.

The Greens say that these are critical laws that go to the heart of how $15 billion dollars of taxpayer money could go missing on Labor’s major infrastructure projects. 

The Greens say Labor’s claim that the reforms cannot be passed this week is a “fake excuse”, noting the amendments have already been drafted and could be legislated immediately – with the Greens laws expecting to receive crossbench and Coalition support.

If passed in the Upper House, Labor would be forced to decide whether to support stronger anti-corruption powers – or use its Lower House majority to block these laws.

Leader of the Victorian Greens, Ellen Sandell: 

“There’s no reason that IBAC can’t have stronger powers to follow the dollar by the end of the week. Labor needs to stop hiding behind excuses and vote for these laws.

“Labor has handed billions of dollars in public money to private corporations and subcontractors while our anti-corruption watchdog doesn’t even have clear powers to follow that money.

“$15 billion is an extraordinary amount of money. You could build ten Footscray hospitals, dozens of schools and enough public housing to clear the housing waitlist.

“When Victorians hear that this amount of public money has gone missing on Labor’s watch, I think they will be pretty appalled to see Labor vote down laws that could stop it from happening again.”