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Minns Government invests in expansion of more quality and accessible childcare to families

The Minns Labor Government is investing $100 million to help community preschools expand their hours and cater for more children, giving working families better access to quality early education.

This next stage of the Government’s early learning reforms will lift the quality of childcare by supporting not-for-profit providers to open longer and serve more families.

It forms part of the Government’s commitment to rebalance a sector increasingly dominated by for-profit providers, which have grown by 90 per cent in the past decade and now account for 58 per cent of NSW’s 6,300 services.

Community preschools will be encouraged to extend their operating hours, open more days, and expand the age range of children they serve, making it easier for working families to access trusted, quality care.

With strong community roots, and an excellent record of quality service, these not-for-profits are widely regarded as among the best providers in NSW.

Through the new Expanding Quality Access program, community preschools will be supported to extend beyond current 9am–3pm hours and cater for children from birth through to school age. A strong uptake could see thousands of children gain access to services prioritising early learning.

This announcement follows the Government’s landmark legislation introduced last week to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children and restore parents’ trust in early childhood education and care. The bill delivers 30 reforms to the Children (Education and Care Services National Law Application) Act 2010, including:

Enshrining in law the principle that the rights and best interests of children come first.
A 300 per cent increase in fines for non-compliant services, and a 900 per cent increase for large providers operating 25 or more services.
A new requirement for providers to display their compliance history and details of any current investigations.

Together, these initiatives build on the Minns Labor Government’s record investment in early education, including the commitment to build 100 new public preschools — the largest ever by a state government. This will double the number of public preschools in NSW and deliver up to 9,000 new preschool places.

The $100 million investment will support eligible preschools over two years to upgrade their facilities, improve IT and administration, and build workforce capability to support expanded services. Applications for the Expanding Quality Access program open today, with providers encouraged to apply.

The community preschool sector has been arguing for increased funding and while the NSW Government doesn’t fund wages in the sector, we do provide program funding, and this is a substantial uplift for the sector that can be accessed with an application to the Expanding Quality Access Program.

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:

“The Minns Labor Government understands the value of early education — it’s central to our commitment to universal preschool for our littlest learners. That’s why we’re backing the community preschool sector to provide more services for families who already value their fantastic, high-quality services.

“We believe every child should have access to the best possible education, regardless of their age, and this investment will help community preschools deliver that.

“We want more families to access quality early education close to home and at hours that suit them. The community preschool sector’s credentials are trusted by so many families, so it makes perfect sense to support them to grow and reach more.”

$5.4 million available for NSW surf clubs

The Minns Labor Government has announced it will provide $5.4 million to NSW Surf Life Saving Clubs through the Surf Club Facility Program.

The Program provides funding to keep clubs modern, inclusive and accessible with grants up to $1 million are available across three categories for projects that upgrade, restore or construct surf lifesaving facilities.

The Minns Labor Government is focused on its commitment to build better communities, and as such the program will now include grants for project design and planning, ensuring surf club projects are supported from concept to completion.

The Program aims to assist eligible Surf Life Saving Clubs throughout NSW to create new and upgraded inclusive and accessible facilities. Projects that encourage participation by women and girls, people with disability, First Nations peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and LGBTQIA+ are a priority of the Program.

Applications for Category 1 close 20 October 2025 while applications for Categories 2 and 3 close 10 November 2025.

For further information and to apply visit: Surf Club Facility Program.

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

“The weather is heating up and summer is almost here.

“The Surf Club Facility Program will provide critical funding to our surf lifesaving clubs to enable them to better protect beachgoers.

“The inclusion of grants for design and planning means clubs are supported from concept to completion and better equipped to apply for funding at later stages of projects.

“This Program is part of our four-year $21.6 million commitment to ensure our Surf Life Saving Clubs are modern, safe and inclusive.”

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“Our dedicated volunteers are dusting off their caps for the upcoming patrol season as the NSW Government delivers on its record investment in Surf Life Saving NSW.

“The $5.4 million in upgrades to be funded through this program will help surf life savers to better protect beach lovers along the entire NSW coastline.

“Coupled with the new and upgraded equipment, additional jet skis, and Emergency Response Beacons funded by the NSW Government, our volunteers are being equipped with the latest modern and safe equipment to continue their incredible work.”

President of Surf Life Saving NSW Peter Agnew said:

“The funding provided by the NSW Government is vital to ensuring our surf clubs are safe and fit for purpose in what are sometimes extreme weather conditions which take an enormous toll on our clubs’ facilities.

“Our membership continues to grow and with more than 83,000 lifesavers and Nippers.

“Providing safe, secure, and accessible facilities for members and the communities they protect is more important than ever.”

Applications open for funding to recognise service of NSW veterans

The NSW Government is making $100,000 dollars in funding available to support projects across the state that honour the service and sacrifice of our veterans via the 2025 Veteran Community Grants Program.

Formerly known as Anzac Community Grants, the program has been refreshed with a greater emphasis on assisting projects that support recognition of the veteran community and events that acknowledge significant military anniversaries.

Grants of up to $3,000 are available for projects that commemorate and educate local communities on the service and sacrifices of current and former service personnel. Activities that support the wellbeing of veterans in New South Wales are also eligible.

Funding is available across four categories: local community historical research and education; preservation or display of war memorabilia; public commemorative events; and projects that support the NSW veteran community.

Last year more than 90 projects were funded through the program.

Individuals and non-for-profit organisations in NSW, including local government authorities, ex-service organisations and educational institutions, are encouraged to apply for a grant.

The grant round closes at 5pm on Tuesday 11 November 2025.

More information and details on how to apply are available here: Veteran Community Grants Program.

Minister for Veterans David Harris said:

“I am pleased to announce the opening of the Veteran Community Grants Program. The funding available from this program will support a range of initiatives that recognise and support veterans and educate the local community on our military history.

“Since 2015, the program has been committed to honouring and commemorating the service and sacrifice of our ex-serving military personnel. The renewed Veteran Community Grants Program emphasises recognition and commemoration of veterans across NSW, which is a key pillar of the NSW Veterans Strategy 2025-2030.

“I encourage individuals and organisations who are interested in acknowledging the service and sacrifice of our veterans to apply and look forward to seeing the range of project proposals that are received.”

Legislation introduced allowing magistrates to be known as judges

The NSW Government will today introduce legislation allowing Local Court magistrates to be known as judges to better reflect the importance of work done in this jurisdiction.

Amendments to the Local Court Act 2007 will change the title of judicial officers including Chief Magistrate, Deputy Chief Magistrate, Children’s Magistrate, Chief Industrial Magistrate, Industrial Magistrate and Acting Magistrate.

This change reflects the nature and volume of work done by the Local Court which is Australia’s busiest court.

Last year, more than 388,000 criminal matters commenced in the Local Court, a 34% increase since 2014. There were also more than 67,800 civil matters commenced, up 31% since 2022.

The title of ‘magistrate’ stems from an era where judicial officers were appointed from the ranks of public servants and sat in the Court of Petty Sessions.

Since 1955, NSW magistrates have been required to hold legal qualifications.

The bill will also amend the Judicial Officers Act 1986 to reflect the new titles while amendments to the Constitution Act 1902 will ensure protections to safeguard the independence and integrity of magistrates continue to apply.

NSW will join the Northern Territory’s Local Court and Federal Circuit Court of Australia where the title of magistrate has been changed to judge.

Attorney General Michael Daley said:

“This important change is not just about a name.

“It’s about ensuring the skill and contributions of judicial officers in the Local Court are properly recognised.

“The Local Court is Australia’s busiest jurisdiction.

“It makes more than 90 per cent of all judicial decisions in NSW and the nature of its work is becoming increasingly complex.”

Celebrating 50 years of Papua New Guinea independence and democracy

As part of the celebrations of 50 years of Papua New Guinea’s independence, Australia will support the construction of a new ministerial wing for Papua New Guinea’s National Parliament.

This gift recognises our common understanding of the democratic principles that underpin the modern Australia-PNG relationship, and the role of our parliaments in reflecting the voices of our people.

The concept of yumi stap wantaim — side-by-side, step-by-step — will be incorporated into the design and delivery of the new ministerial wing.

Construction will follow a Papua New Guinea-led design and consultation process, and draw on local craftsmanship and expertise.

In January 2023, Prime Minister Albanese became the first foreign leader to address the National Parliament of Papua New Guinea.

Just over a year later, in February 2024, Prime Minister Marape was the first Pacific leader to address both Members and Senators in the Parliament of Australia.

This mutual recognition reflects the shared democratic values and warm friendship between Australia and Papua New Guinea, which continues to grow.

Prime Minister Albanese

“Our support for the expansion of Parliament House is an investment in Papua New Guinea’s democracy and sovereignty that will benefit future generations.

“At a ceremony held in Port Moresby on the day of independence in 1975, Australia’s then-Prime Minister Gough Whitlam observed ours is ‘a relationship of equals, based on mutual respect, understanding and trust’.

“As close neighbours and warm friends, the future prosperity of our two nations are bound together.”

Man to face court over alleged historic child sex offences – Collaroy

A man will face court over alleged child sex offences committed almost 50 years ago.

In late 2023 Detectives from Northern Beaches Police Area Command commenced investigations into allegations that two teenage girls had been sexually assaulted during the 1970’s.

It will be alleged that a man sexually assaulted the girls – both aged 13 at the time – who were known to him, on separate occasions between 1976 and 1977 at an address in Collaroy.

Following extensive inquiries on Wednesday 30 July 2025 a 74-year-old man was served with a Future Service Court Attendance notice at a home in Kurri Kurri

He was charged with five counts of rape, and commit act of indecency on female, under 16 years.

The man is due to appear at Manly Local Court today (Wednesday 17 September 2025).

SWANSEA JOINS RECYCLING TRIAL TO COMBAT BATTERY FIRES

Swansea will gain an additional drop off location under the NSW Government’s successful embedded batteries trial, allowing the community to safely dispose of items with built-in batteries for free.

Gadgets with embedded lithium-ion batteries are increasingly common in our homes, such as vapes, headphones, speakers, electric toothbrushes, e-scooters and smart watches.

Battery-powered items contain valuable recoverable materials but are also highly combustible. The waste industry says these items are causing thousands of hard-to-extinguish fires in trucks and landfills each year.

Nearly 200 battery fires have been attended by Fire and Rescue NSW so far in 2025, reflecting a serious risk to the community, households and waste workers.

The embedded batteries trial was first launched in September 2024, with 21 councils across NSW initially taking part to safely collect and recycle items with built-in batteries at Community Recycling Centres.

To date, more than 9,000 kilograms of this problem waste has been dropped off at centres and safely disposed of, reducing pressures on landfill and driving circular solutions.

The Belmont North Community Recycling Centre is one of more than 13 additional community recycling centres joining the trial, which is set to run until September 2026.

Swansea locals are encouraged to look at what unwanted battery-powered items they have in their home, and head down to their local Community Recycling Centre to drop them off.

For a full list of accepted items and locations, go to: https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/Your-environment/Recycling-and-reuse/household-recycling-overview/Embedded-batteries

For more information on loose battery recycling, go to: https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/Your-environment/Recycling-and-reuse/household-recycling-overview/Safe-battery-recycling

Member for Swansea, Yasmin Catley said:

“No battery should end up in the bin. Batteries that can be removed from a product should be taped and dropped off to a local recycling point and now we can do the same with embedded batteries.

“Swansea locals are now able to safely drop off embedded battery products at their local community recycling centre to reduce the risks of battery fires and contribute to a safer, more sustainable future for all.”

NSW Minister for the Environment Penny Sharpe said:

“New South Wales is leading the way to combat the risks of battery fires and making sure battery-powered items are being managed at the end of their usable life.

“Thanks to the success of the embedded batteries trial, we are making it easier for people to keep batteries out of the bin, so we can protect our environment, recycle more and keep our communities safe.”

Ninth Australia-China High Level Dialogue

This week, the Ninth Australia-China High Level Dialogue will be held in Beijing, bringing together representatives from government, industry, academia, media, health and the arts, as well as former political leaders.

Dialogue and direct engagement between Australia and China is central to a constructive relationship. Established in 2014, the Dialogue enables Australia and China to frankly discuss a range of shared interests including trade and investment, education, cultural ties, and regional and international security.

Former Trade Minister, the Hon Dr Craig Emerson, will again co-chair the Dialogue as head of the Australian delegation. Former federal government minister the Hon Warwick Smith AO will also join the Dialogue, reflecting continued bipartisan support.

The Australian delegation comprises senior representatives from businesses, peak bodies, cultural institutions and think tanks. Together they represent areas of significance to Australia’s relationship with China, today and into the future.

Australia’s Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China, Mr Scott Dewar, and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Deputy Secretary for Strategic Planning and Coordination, Ms Elly Lawson, will participate as delegates.

The Dialogue is co-hosted by the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations and the Chinese People’s Institute for Foreign Affairs (CPIFA). China’s delegation will be led by Mr Li Zhaoxing, Honorary President of CPIFA.

“Chilling” revelations in National Climate Risk Assessment make net zero by 2035 imperative, say Greens

“Chilling” revelations in National Climate Risk Assessment make net zero by 2035 imperative, say Greens

The Greens forced the release of the National Climate Risk Assessment report via an order for production of documents (OPD) in the Senate as a necessary input to Labor’s upcoming decision on the new 2035 climate target or Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), required by each country under the Paris Agreement.

In light of the chilling revelations in the report, the Greens today reiterate their call on the government to set a science-based climate target of net zero by 2035.

Anything less than net zero emissions by 2035 would lock Australia into exceeding 2 degrees of warming, which as the report outlines, will have dire consequences for civilisation as well as the environment.

The report outlines scenarios such as:

Significant potential for loss of life and strain on health systems. If global heating rises above 3 degrees, heat-related deaths could surge over 400% in Sydney and Darwin.
Sea levels rising by half a metre would leave over 3 million people, a third of Australia’s coastal population, at a high risk of coastal inundation. Brisbane could flood 300 days a year, and Fremantle 200 days a year.
A cumulative wealth loss at $4.2 trillion by the end of the century, with over $600 billion wiped from the property market.

In terms of target aspirations, state and territory governments have already made and legislated climate target commitments, and a new federal target lower than 71% would actually take the current sum of commitments backwards.

The National Climate Risk Assessment report should have been released in 2024, meaning the Labor government was aware of the contents at the time of their approval of the North West Shelf gas project through to 2070 in May 2025. The North West Shelf is the Albanese government’s most polluting fossil fuel project so far, and will alone contribute the equivalent of 10 years of Australia’s total pollution to the atmosphere over its lifetime.

Greens Leader Senator Larissa Waters:

“The revelations about Australia’s future under climate change detailed in this report are chilling,” Senator Waters said.

“The Greens forced the public release of this report that the government sat on for months, while they ticked off on massive gas projects like the North West Shelf and the Ulan coal mine in their first months of the 48th parliament.

“Coal and gas is delivering Australia a bleak climate future and the polluting profits of the coal and gas industry are a dead weight on Australia’s climate target.

“The climate crisis is a risk to our safety, to nature, and to our economy and productivity. This report must be a wake up call for Labor ahead of their 2035 climate target decision.

“Anything less than net zero by 2035 puts Australia on track for more than 2 degrees warming.

“What this report shows is that a 2035 target of 65% means significant potential for loss of life and strain on health systems, more extreme heat, more devastating floods, crop failures, fires, global insecurity and the death of every coral reef around the world.

“If Labor fails to set a science-based climate target then it’s crystal clear: they have utterly prioritised coal and gas profits at the expense of community safety and nature.”

Greens Deputy Leader and spokesperson for Climate Adaptation, Senator Mehreen Faruqi:

“The Government has been hiding these shocking findings since 2024 and it took the Greens to force its release. ” said Faruqi.

“Now that the diabolical truth of what’s coming is laid bare, Labor has no choice but to set a strong climate target in line with science and with this dire reality. Anything less is signing Australia and the world up to devastating climate collapse.

“Labor is driving us off a climate cliff and backstabbing climate vulnerable communities in service of coal and gas profits and hoping nobody notices.

“It is unconscionable that Labor had this information when they chose to sign off on the North West Shelf gas project, which alone will release more than 10 years of Australia’s pollution over its lifetime.

“This is the moral test for this parliament – Labor could change course and work with the Greens to prevent climate collapse, or be responsible for consequences of the dire revelations in this report.”

ANZ taking the piss

ANZ’s blatant disregard for their customers and the law is yet another example of big corporations taking the piss, the Greens say.

“ANZ have shown absolute contempt for basic standards and for the people they’re supposed to serve,” Greens Economic Justice Spokesperson Senator Nick McKim said.

“They break the law. They negotiate a fine. And then they just pay it out of their obscene profits. All while sacking thousands of staff and showering their executives in bonuses.”

“ANZ charged fees to thousands of dead customers, stonewalled grieving families, lied about savings rates, and ripped tens of thousands of people off.”

“This is just standard operating procedure for corporate Australia. Time after time we see big corporations breaking the law and treating their customers with contempt, and when they get caught they get a slap on the wrist.”

“The banking Royal Commission demanded cultural changes in Australia’s big banks, but customers keep on getting screwed.”

“This is taking the piss. Ordinary people get punished for the smallest mistakes, while the big end of town get a slap on the wrist and a wink.”

“Labor and the Liberals are far too close to the banks to hold them to account.”

“The Greens are fighting for tougher penalties, stronger regulators, and to make sure these corporate crooks don’t get to keep treating our economy like their personal casino.”