Six months on NSW Rental Taskforce has recovered over $166,000 in illegal fees, issued nearly $240,000 in fines and unveils new automated compliance tool

Since its establishment by the Minns Labor Government in February 2025, the NSW Rental Taskforce has recovered more than $166,000 in unlawful fees for more than 2,000 renters, issued more than 200 penalty notices totalling just shy of $240,000, and conducted 300 property inspections to check compliance with minimum standards.

During that time, the Taskforce also commenced more than 300 investigations, with more than 80 currently ongoing and three court proceedings resulting in the successful prosecution of two people for rental bond fraud.

To mark the six months since its inception, the NSW Rental Taskforce is unveiling a new automated compliance monitoring tool which detects unlawful re-letting in near real time.

The system began operating in July and uses advanced data-matching to track more than 950,000 rental properties across NSW, cross-referencing landlord reports, rental listings, bond lodgements and tenant complaints.

It is a crucial tool to enforce the Minns Labor Government’s historic rental reforms which started on 19 May 2025. We have ended ‘no grounds’ evictions by requiring landlords to have a valid reason to end a lease. The reforms are backed by evidence requirements and re-letting exclusion periods to ensure people are doing the right thing.

In its first two months, the tool flagged 21 potential breaches of re-letting exclusion periods which were escalated for further investigation, while more than 2000 properties were added to a watchlist for ongoing compliance monitoring.

The intelligence-led approach ensures resources are focused on the highest-risk cases while reducing the burden on compliant landlords and agents, forming part of a broader suite of data-driven initiatives introduced by NSW Fair Trading to strengthen transparency and accountability in the rental market.

This includes mandatory landlord reporting on reasons they have ended a lease, end-of-tenancy surveys integrated into the bond claim process, and the popular Rent Check website, which has attracted more than 330,000 visits since launching in September 2024.

Education has also been a key focus, with renter awareness of their rights and new laws rising from 33 per cent to 80 per cent during the corresponding education campaign period, bolstered by almost 60 stakeholder events, targeted outreach to Aboriginal and multicultural communities and a surge in website traffic from 35,000 to 330,000 monthly visits.

The Government has invested $8.4 million across four years to strengthen compliance and enforcement in the rental market though the Rental Taskforce in NSW Fair Trading.

Led by the NSW Rental Commissioner, the 21-person multidisciplinary team includes 14 frontline inspectors dedicated to monitoring and enforcing rental laws, improving transparency, and protecting renters.

NSW Fair Trading is committed to protecting renters and ensuring a fair, transparent rental market through strong enforcement and education so to learn more about its compliance and enforcement priorities, please visit: www.nsw.gov.au/fair-trading/compliance-priorities

Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“The Taskforce’s results in the first six months speak for themselves – from refunding over $166,000 in illegal fees, to issuing nearly $240,000 in fines, to driving 99 per cent compliance on rent bidding and pet advertising, it is delivering real benefits for renters across the state.

“We’re using data and innovation to make compliance easier for honest operators while cracking down on those who break the rules. This is about creating a fairer, more transparent rental market for everyone in NSW.

“This new automated tool ensures landlords and agents follow the law by harnessing technology to detect unlawful re-letting in real time so swift action can be taken to protect renters from unfair practices.”

NSW Rental Commissioner Trina Jones said:

“NSW Fair Trading’s intelligence-led approach means the highest-risk breaches are targeted quickly and effectively, rather than relying on complaints alone. This is smarter regulation in action.

“We’ve seen renter awareness jump from 33 to 80 per cent, and that’s critical to making sure people know their rights and where to access help when they need it.

“With more than 2200 properties under active monitoring and only 1.1 per cent requiring investigation, instruments like the re-letting tool mean as regulators we can have a greater focus on problem areas without burdening compliant landlords and agents.”

Capped cab fare from Sydney Airport to give visitors a fair go

Millions of people who arrive at Sydney Airport each year will have the confidence they are getting a fair ride to the CBD, with the introduction of a $60 flat rate taxi fare.

The Minns Labor Government is introducing a trial of fixed fares between the airport and the city as part of measures to crackdown on taxi rip-offs that blight the experience of landing in Sydney for many tourists and visitors.

A trial of a flat fare from the airport was recommended by the pricing watchdog, the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal, in its report into taxi fares in May.

The NSW taxi industry and the operators of the airport support a flat fare structure.  

The NSW Point to Point Commission has received frequent complaints of taxi drivers taking advantage of first-time arrivals to Sydney, with hotel concierges livid to find out their guests have been slugged wildy-overpriced fares of more than $150 for the 13-kilometre trip.

The practice of overcharging and refusing to use meters has even led to drivers touting for business inside the arrivals hall at the airport.

The Point to Point Commissioner has issued more than 1,100 fines to taxi drivers since the introduction of the Taxi Fare Hotline in November 2022.

Earlier in the year, a Sydney cabbie was fined $2000 for refusing to use the meter and landing an overseas family with a $188.76 fare from the international terminal to a hotel in the CBD.

Flat fares have been introduced in other major cities, including New York’s JFK Airport.

A $60 fixed fare from the airport to the CBD will begin with a 12-month trial from 3 November. The trial will be assessed and made permanent if deemed a success.

A November start date allows for the installation of signage around the airport, a communication campaign to passengers and changes to meters inside cabs.

Road tolls and Sydney Airport ground transport access fees must NOT be passed on to the passenger in addition to the fixed fare.

Up to 5000 taxis a day queue to pick up visitors from the international and domestic terminals and some drivers complain about the wait times.

During consultation interviews, IPART found customer complaints centred around overcharging and refusal to use the meter, as well as a range of unexpected charges added to the fare at the end of the journey.

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“As Australians, we pride ourselves on a warm welcome and a fair go. This has not been the experience for many visitors to Sydney once they land in the cab rank.

“One bad experience for tourists can ricochet around the world in 2025 and we must be vigilant about maintaining the good image Sydney has earned over decades.

“It’s time for a fair fare, every time.”

“I want to thank IPART for its work and the support of the NSW Taxi Council and Sydney Airport for helping us make a positive change.”

Point to Point Transport Commissioner Anthony Wing said:

“This is about building trust in taxi services and delivering a consistent, predictable experience for all passengers – including tourists and travellers on business arriving in Sydney for the first time.

“This trial will help up us stop overcharging before it happens, and will complement the work of my on-street inspectors in helping make sure every ride is a safe ride in NSW”

“I recently called a meeting of taxi companies and meter and payment device providers to work through the trial’s technical details in order to make it as robust as possible. I am pleased that we are able to come together with Government and industry to improve outcomes for NSW passengers”

Sydney Airport CEO Scott Charlton said:

“The fixed fare trial puts Sydney on par with cities like New York and Paris and is an important step in improving the passenger experience for travellers to our city.

“More than 40 million people pass through Sydney Airport every year, and, for many, their first experience of Australia is when they get into a taxi.  Knowing how much they will pay to get to the city is a positive step.

“We welcome the leadership of Minister Graham and the NSW Government, and acknowledge the collaboration of the NSW Taxi Council and the Point to Point Transport Commissioner in making this trial possible.”

NSW Taxi Council CEO Nick Abrahimsaid:

“The NSW Taxi Council welcomes this announcement by the NSW Government, and we believe set fares will provide certainty and confidence for passengers when travelling in a taxi from the Airport. 

“Pending the success of the trial, we would like to see the set fares extended to other locations across Sydney, as well as reciprocated for trips coming back to the Airport.

A new life for Parramatta Road as up to 8,000 new homes could be delivered along the corridor

The Minns Labor Government and Inner West Councillors are today announcing an agreement to partner on rezoning along the Parramatta Road corridor that could deliver around 8,000 new homes close to the CBD.

The proposed rezoning would cover the section of Parramatta Road within the Inner West Local Government Area, complementing work already underway with Inner West Council, Burwood and Canada Bay Council.

This transport corridor which is serviced by a significant number of bus, light rail and train routes is close to the Sydney CBD with direct access to major hospitals including Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, a number of local public schools with existing capacity and green space.

Throughout the rezoning process affordable housing, active transport connections, new open space, retail and commercial opportunities, as well as improvements to the public domain will all be examined.

Sydney is the second least affordable city in the world, with house prices having significantly outstripped wage growth over the last two decades and a NSW Productivity Commission report warning that Sydney is at risk of becoming a city without grandchildren as NSW is losing twice as many young people as it gains each year.

The Minns Labor Government has been leading the way with bold plans to deliver more housing for young people and families who have been locked out of desperately needed new homes

This builds on previous work from the Minns Government to increase homes along the Parramatta Road transport corridor including:

  • 8 projects along Parramatta Road that have been declared State Significant through the Housing Delivery Authority and the Infill Affordable Housing Bonus which could deliver 3,968 homes, including affordable housing.
  • Three sites from the government land audit, which will deliver around 800 homes, including social and key worker housing.
  • A Transport Oriented Development Accelerated Precinct and state-led rezoning at Homebush and North Burwood which combined will deliver up to 33,000 homes.
  • And 11 Low and Mid-Rise sites along the length of the corridor.

This has been further supported by once in a generation reforms introduced by the Minns Labor Government to build more well-located homes for young people and families including the largest rezoning in NSW history and delivering the largest investment in social and affordable housing in the state’s history at $6.6 billion.

The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure will work with council and the relevant State government agencies to progress the rezoning. There are no compulsory acquisitions proposed as part of this plan.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns:

“Parramatta Road has been talked about for decades with little result. It’s time to stop talking and start building.  What will transform this major corridor is more homes for people to revitalise this area. That’s what’s needed to deliver more vibrancy to one of our city’s most important corridors.

“We know Sydney is facing a housing crisis. That’s why my Government is working with councils like the Inner West to get homes built faster, and in places with existing services and infrastructure.

“We’re not just planning for more homes, we’re planning for better communities, with more affordable housing, better streetscapes and public spaces, and access to jobs and transport.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully:

“Parramatta Road needs more homes and jobs in vibrant communities. It’s a major transport corridor that connects so many communities to the city but it can be so much than a tired thoroughfare.

“By working closely with Inner West Council, we’ll make sure planning reflects the needs of local communities while providing the new homes Sydney so desperately needs.”

Member for Summer Hill Jo Haylen said:

“For too long Parramatta Road has been a missed opportunity to deliver more homes for young people and families.

“Today we are making real changes to deliver housing solutions that reflect our values—affordability, sustainability, and liveability, on a key transport link with buses to the city every 1-5 minutes in the peak.

“This partnership shows what’s possible when councils and government collaborate to tackle Sydney’s housing crisis head-on.”

Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne said:

“Our Inner West community wants to see more desperately needed new homes delivered and local people are telling us that the Parramatta Road corridor is the right location for higher residential densities.

“By partnering with the Government to build more homes on Parramatta Road we can give more of our young people and essential workers a place to live in the Inner West, and make sure that increased density is distributed fairly across our whole community.

Additional defence funding to deliver the Henderson Defence Precinct

The Albanese Government will provide $12 billion towards delivering a Defence Precinct at Henderson to deliver continuous naval shipbuilding and AUKUS in Western Australia.

Alongside the Albanese Government’s record investments across shipbuilding and AUKUS in the West, these commitments will support 10,000 direct jobs over the next two decades as well as providing opportunities for small and medium sized businesses across the state.

Today’s announcement of new money is a significant down payment for the Defence Precinct, with early independent planning and advice indicating the Henderson Precinct will require investment in the order of $25 billion over the decade.

This early commitment of funding will provide certainty to industry who will partner on the construction of infrastructure and facilities and will also kick-start early works whilst more detailed planning and design work for Henderson are finalised.

This initial investment will underpin the delivery of:

  • The construction of surface vessels for the Australian Defence Force, starting with Army’s Landing Craft and, pending successful consolidation, the domestic build element of Australia’s future general purpose frigates;
  • Facilities to support the sustainment of Australia’s surface combatant vessels;
  • Contingency docking capabilities for Australia’s future conventionally-armed, nuclear­ powered submarine fleet from the early 2030s; and
  • Depot-level maintenance, including graving docks.

Progressing these capabilities will be critical for Australia’s delivery of the AUKUS pathway and ensure Australia is ready to receive its first Virginia class submarine in the early 2030s.

This commitment builds on the government’s initial $127 million commitment to progress planning for the Defence Precinct.

Additional funding requirements will be considered once detailed design works are finalised and as delivery models, including the opportunity for private financing models, are determined.

In partnership with the Western Australian Government, and in line with the Commonwealth­ State Cooperation Agreement, we will continue to work together on transition arrangements and certainty for current and future users of Henderson.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“Today’s investment is another way we are delivering record defence funding to bolster Australia’s capabilities.

“This world class precinct will create more than 10,000 local jobs and strong opportunities for local industry.

“There is no greater honour than serving our country in our nation’s uniform and my Government is dedicated to investing in the defence capabilities our nation requires.”

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles:

“The Albanese Government continues to increase defence spending to record levels to deliver the capabilities Australia needs.

“Henderson will be critical to Australia’s shipbuilding and sustainment industry while supporting continuous naval shipbuilding in Western Australia and Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine pathway.

“In less than a year from our announcement to establish the Defence Precinct at Henderson, today we are announcing additional funding to start delivering on key programs for the Australian Defence Force.”

Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy:

“This investment is part of the Albanese Government’s commitment to building our sovereign defence industry and supporting a future made in Australia.

“Western Australia already plays an important role in the delivery of capabilities for the ADF, and the consolidation of the Henderson precinct will be a significant boost for defence industry in the West.

“It will support around 10,000 highly skilled, well paid jobs over the next two decades, helping people across Western Australia build great futures for themselves and their families.”

Appeal to locate man missing from Toronto

Police are appealing for assistance to locate a man missing from Toronto, in the Lake Macquarie district.

Jason Zammit, aged 36, was last seen on Anzac Parade about 1am on Thursday 11 September 2025.

When he could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Jason is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 170cm tall, of muscular build, with light brown hair, brown eyes and a tattoo on his neck.

Jason may be in the East Maitland area.

Anyone with information on Jason’s whereabouts is urged to come forward and contact Lake Macquarie Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Man reported missing from Morisset located safe

A man reported missing from Morisset yesterday has been found safe.

The 65-year-old was was last seen in Morisset yesterday (12 September 2025).

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

Following inquiries, he was found safe in Ballina this morning (Saturday 13 September 2025).

Police would like to thank the public and media for their assistance.

Coordinating a National Response to PFAS at Defence Bases

The Albanese Government has begun the process of establishing the per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) National Coordinating Body with Assistant Minister of Defence, Peter Khalil set to provide oversight of the Body alongside NSW Minister for the Environment, Penny Sharpe, given the initial focus of operations.

The National Coordination Body will expand to encompass other locations over the next twelve months, with Ministers from other states and territories invited to nominate representatives to join the Body and become involved in its oversight. 

As this National approach evolves, both Ministers Khalil and Sharpe will also work closely with representatives from across government to establish the first community-based Working Group aimed at continuing to drive progress on PFAS-related issues near RAAF Base Williamtown.

Representatives from Defence, the Worimi Local Aboriginal Land Council, Port Stephens Council and NSW Government will form the first Working Group. Members of the Williamtown community are also invited to join the group, with expressions of interest now open for applications.

These advances at a national and state level mark a significant step toward continuing to address the needs of communities who have been impacted by PFAS contamination, while also improving the management and oversight of PFAS remediation across Australia. 

The establishment of a PFAS National Coordinating Body and Williamtown Working Group were key recommendations agreed in the Government response to the Independent Review of land uses around key Defence bases impacted by PFAS contamination, released in December 2024.

Defence is also continuing its scope of work to inform the Williamtown Working Group about options for drainage management across the area south of RAAF Base Williamtown. This work will be a practical first step in addressing key community concerns.

The expression of interest process to join the Williamtown Working Group opened earlier this week and is set to close on Friday, 03 October 2025. Community members who wish to join can complete an application form here.

Assistant Minister for Defence, Peter Khalil:

“Communities affected by PFAS contamination need action. That’s why we’re getting on with setting up the National Coordinating Body and the first Working Group in Williamtown to get things moving. 

“The Independent Review made it clear that a Working Group model is the most effective way to address community concerns and deliver meaningful reform to better support those impacted.

“The National Coordinating Body will support the Williamtown Working Group ensure all levels of government work together to directly address the many concerns raised by locals.

“As representatives from other states and territories join the National Body, I look forward to working with their corresponding Ministers to ensure people living in PFAS impacted areas are provided with the support they need.”

7th Australia-Malaysia Annual Foreign Ministers’ Meeting

Today, I am pleased to welcome Malaysia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, YB Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad Bin Haji Hasan, to Melbourne for the seventh Australia-Malaysia Annual Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AFMM), in the year we celebrate the 70th anniversary of Australia’s diplomatic presence in Malaysia.

The AFMM is an opportunity to strengthen cooperation under our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, including in trade and investment, defence and regional security, and governance and institutional reform.

I look forward to continuing discussions I had with Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan in Kuala Lumpur in July, and reiterating Australia’s support for Malaysia as ASEAN Chair this year.

Australia is a modern multicultural nation, and we share extensive people-to-people ties with Malaysia. Over 172,000 people of Malaysian heritage call Australia home, and more than 500,000 Malaysians have studied in Australia.

Our two countries’ longstanding partnership is grounded in a shared history of friendship and cooperation in support of a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region.

I look forward to deepening these ties through our discussions today.

Greens urge end to aged care shortages as figures reveal 2,500 people unnecessarily in hospital

State governments have told Labor today that nearly 2,500 people are unnecessarily in hospital waiting for residential aged care or home care packages. 

The Greens are calling on Labor to use today’s meeting of Health Ministers to help end the ‘rationing’ of aged care. Rationing of aged care means the release of a limited number of care spaces each year, meaning people who need care miss out. 

The Greens spokesperson for Older People, Senator Penny Allman-Payne, previously wrote to the Minister for Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, warning of the impacts of Labor’s shortage of aged care on the hospital system and urging him to take responsibility and act to end the aged care shortage.

Last week’s Aged Care Inspector-General report confirmed the government’s aged care reforms due in November will not deliver the change envisaged by the Aged Care Royal Commission four years ago, and would “both prejudice equity of access to care and create inadvertent cost blow in other areas.”

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

“We heard at the Greens-led Senate inquiry into Aged Care that older Australians were being forced into hospital because of Labor’s aged care shortages, and now today’s figures confirm it.

“2,500 older people have been left virtually homeless because Labor are rationing care out to those who can most afford it.

“In the for-profit aged care system, the worse your health is, the less likely you are to be cared for.

“Labor and the Liberals aged care system restricts the supply of care, and providers then choose from their most profitable customers. The Royal Commission said we should end this rationing of care, but Labor have ignored them.

“When 1 in 3 big corporations pay no tax, but an older person with dementia can’t get care, something is seriously wrong.”

“Labor had to be dragged kicking and screaming by the Greens and others in the Senate just to release 20,000 home care packages. This time, they should take heed of this warning from the states and use today’s meeting to help end the rationing of care so that everyone can access the care that they need.”

GREENS SECURE HUGE WIN FOR LOCAL COMMUNITY BY DEFEATING ALBERT PARK LAND GRAB

The Victorian Greens have helped secure a major win for locals in the South by forcing the Allan Labor Government to shelve legislation that would have tripled the annual lockout period of Albert Park for the Formula 1 Grand Prix. 

The Greens say the collapse of the Bill is a win for Albert Park residents and community groups who fought against the extension of the race period, which would have locked locals out of the park for up to three weeks each year.

Victorian Greens MLC for Southern Metropolitan, Katherine Copsey, said the Greens had opposed the Bill from the outset, standing with the local community against and ultimately forcing Labor’s hand in what was little more than an attempt to hand over public land for private profit.

Victorian Greens MLC for Southern Metropolitan, Katherine Copsey: 

“This was nothing more than a public land and access grab by the Labor Government. Albert Park is a public space and it should be for the local community, not a corporate paddock.” 

“We’ve already seen Labor hand over billions of taxpayer dollars to Liberty Media, the private overseas company that owns Formula 1. Albert Park belongs to the people and should be first and foremost for the enjoyment of our local community, not multinational corporations.”