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Greens demand answers over potential misuse of millions for forest restoration 

The Victorian Greens say that Labor must explain why there is no evidence that $1.35 million of taxpayer money meant for forest restoration was used as intended.  

A new VAGO report states that $1.35 million given in grants specifically allocated for ‘site rehabilitation’ were gifted by Labor but they have failed to provide any evidence of work delivered, achieved environmental outcomes or that funds were used as intended. 

The Victorian Greens say that it’s outrageous that millions in public money can be spent with no evidence that forests were rehabilitated as planned – and as a result there are likely large tracts of Victorian forest that have been left with no forest rehabilitation. 

VAGO’s report only looks at one portion of the $1.5 billion the Victorian Labor Government has given to the logging industry to stop native forest logging.  

The report found that the Victorian Labor Government failed to comply with rules, leaving gaps in its recording and oversight processes.  

The audit followed a series of allegations dating back to May 2023 that government grants meant for supporting workers into sustainable jobs were being exploited to log Tasmanian forests. The Victorian Greens Leader, Ellen Sandell referred the allegations to VAGO in March 2024. 

the Leader of the Victorian Greens, Ellen Sandell: 

“Labor needs to explain why there is no evidence that taxpayer money specifically set aside for forest restoration and rehabilitation were used as intended. 

“It’s outrageous that there’s likely huge parts of the forest that have been left without any rehabilitation because Labor gave millions to the logging industry – and nobody ever had to prove how this money was spent. 

“Labor doesn’t care about our environment or our forests, but is happy to give millions handouts to loggers, and this is just another example of this”

Greens call for pop-up protected bike lanes on Sydney Road in response to fuel crisis

The Victorian Greens have called for pop-up protected bike lanes for six-months on Sydney Road to encourage more people to ride during the fuel crisis. 

The Greens say Sydney Road is notoriously dangerous for cyclists despite being a popular destination for locals who often travel by bike. The nearby Upfield bike path is overcrowded. 

Research from Monash University found that over 60 per cent of women would ride more often if they felt safer, and they particularly pointed to a lack of separated bike lanes.

A 2020 costing from the Victorian Parliamentary Budget Office found that temporary physically separated bike lanes in the stretch between Brunswick Road and Glenlyon Road would cost just $300,000 for 6-months. 

Safe cycling infrastructure group, Critical Mass, will be conducted a protest ride from the State Library to Sydney Road on Friday 24 April to call for safe bicycle infrastructure and accessible tram stops before the Brunswick level crossing removal works start in 2028. Critical Mass protests have attracted hundreds of cyclists at past protests.

The Greens say safer bike lanes would support more people to ride to shops, restaurants and locations along Sydney Road, supporting local business.

Victorian Greens Candidate for Brunswick, Adam Pulford 

“With the cost of fuel rising, people are driving less and more people are looking for free or cheap transport alternatives. When there is safe cycling infrastructure, more people choose to ride.”

“Our community has been calling out for protected bike lanes on Sydney Road for years and despite two people dying while riding on Sydney Road and countless other incidents, Labor has ignored us time and again.”

“The Greens are putting solutions on the table, protected bike lanes are a simple way the government can help people save money while also improving safety and cutting emissions.” 

Big tech must pay its fair share: Greens

The Greens are today calling on the Government to introduce a ‘Big Tech Tax’ following revelations that billions of dollars generated in Australia by global tech giants like Meta, Amazon and Google are being shipped offshore. 

Greens spokesperson for communications, Senator Sarah Hanson-Young: 

“Big tech companies make billions of dollars off Australians and it’s time to make them pay their fair share with a Digital Services Tax. 

“We will look closely at the details of the News Bargaining Incentive draft legislation that has been released today and participate in the consultation ahead of its introduction to the parliament.

“Big tech platforms make massive profits from ripping off the content of journalists and creators, but they are also making billions from monetising the personal data of Australians and shifting profits offshore.

“Billion-dollar tech corporations are exploiting loopholes and shifting profits offshore, and Australians are rightly asking why they’re getting away with it.

“It’s time to end the free ride for Tech billionaires and impose a proper and enforceable tax on big tech.  

“Companies that trade in Australia should pay tax on the money they make in Australia. It’s as simple as that.

“New reports show that in the last year alone, Meta generated around $1.7 billion in revenue from Australia, but shifted roughly $1.5 billion offshore. That’s about 87 cents in every dollar. 

“In the same period, Amazon generated close to $6 billion in Australian revenue, Google approximately $2 billion, and Meta itself billions more.

“This is tens of billions of dollars out of the pockets of everyday Australian users,  being sent immediately offshore by these massive corporations without any contribution to Australian taxes. 

“They are gaming the system and ripping Australian households off. The community has had a gutful and want the system fixed.      

“It’s time the tech bros paid their fair share back to Australians.

“A Digital Services Tax would raise approximately $11.5 billion according to the Parliamentary Budget Office, which could be invested in real cost of living relief as Aussies struggle through the economic crisis caused by Donald Trump’s war. 

“A Big Tech Tax is a crucial first step in reining in the enormous power these companies wield. Not only are they making extraordinary profits, they are also harvesting and monetising the personal data of millions of Australians, while ripping off the work of Australian journalists and creators.

“These foreign-owned corporations continue to make huge profits from Australians while resisting regulation at every turn. That has to change.

“Now more than ever Australia needs to stand up for our national interest against Donald Trump’s billionaire oligarchs like Zuckerberg, Musk and Bezos.

Response to CSIRO funding ‘pathetic’: Greens

A Senate inquiry into the job and program cuts at the CSIRO has today released its final report, exposing a deliberate shift away from public good science at the nation’s leading scientific research agency.

The inquiry revealed the CSIRO is suffering chronic underfunding masked as strategic reform, causing workforce destruction, loss of sovereign capability, and deliberate subversion of climate science.

The Greens are urging the Government to reverse all funding and staffing cuts, commit to increased and ongoing funding for “public good” science, and urgently establish an audit of CSIRO facilities to ensure its sustainability and viability.

Greens spokesperson for finance, public sector, workplace relations and employment and Senator for South Australia, Barbara Pocock:

“The major parties’ responses to the evidence provided through this inquiry are pathetic. This was an inquiry into “funding and resourcing for the CSIRO” yet neither made a single recommendation to actually increase funding or resourcing. It’s frankly shameful, and our dissenting report calls out their failure.

“Sustained underfunding of CSIRO is actively degrading Australia’s scientific workforce and eroding sovereign capability.

“CSIRO workers are facing relentless uncertainty about their jobs and research. These are highly skilled workers essential to Australia’s scientific future. 

“Specialised scientific expertise takes years, often decades, to build. Once lost, it cannot be quickly or easily replaced. Losing their expertise would be a serious blow. 

“Australia is not just underfunding science – it is dismantling the workforce and capability needed to confront the defining challenges of this century.

“This is about choices and the Labor Government is choosing to subsidise fossil fuel companies in the midst of a climate crisis over ensuring our nation’s resilience and sovereign capability through essential science.

“Gutting CSIRO is part of a broader process by successive Labor and Coalition Governments to weaken Australia’s public sector.

Greens spokesperson for Science, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson:

“Evidence to the inquiry makes clear that the challenges facing the CSIRO are the direct consequence of chronic underfunding by governments. 

“These funding pressures are driving a shift toward short-term, applied work at the expense of deep, long-term climate science. This is not an incidental outcome, it is a direct consequence of policy and funding choices, and it carries significant national risk.

“The CSIRO has spent decades building the knowledge, infrastructure and skilled workforce needed to model Southern Hemisphere climate systems. This is not something that can simply be outsourced or picked up elsewhere. Rebuilding it would take years of sustained investment and the cuts now underway risk losing it altogether.

“The CSIRO needs additional funding and a new commitment from current and subsequent governments to real increases in the resources available to our premier public science organisation.

“With public good science funding under siege globally, it has never been more important for the Albanese government to invest in the CSIRO.”

Ordinary Council Meeting 28 April

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 28 April. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions. 

Ordinary business 

Endorsement of public exhibition for Draft Delivering Newcastle 2040 and 2026/27 Budget

Council voted to place the draft 2026/27 Delivering Newcastle 2040 and the draft 2026/27 Fees and Charges on public exhibition for a period of 28 days.

Closed Circuit Television trial

Council voted to endorse a trial of up to three years of Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) within a defined location(s) on Beaumont Street, Hamilton, conditional on the NSW Government contributing no less than 50% of the total cost.

Tender Report – East End regional precincts and partnerships program works

Council voted unanimously to reject all tenders received for the East End Public Domain Stages 3, 4, 7 and 8, and endorse not calling for fresh tender submissions. Council authorises the CEO to enter into negotiations with a view to entering into a contract.

Minister’s consent application for leasing City of Newcastle managed land 

Council voted to lay on the table for discussion at the next Ordinary Council Meeting an application to the Minister for Local Government for consent to grant a lease for food and drink premises on community land at Newcastle Ocean Baths for a term of five years with a five-year option.

Executive Monthly Performance Report

Council received the Executive Monthly Performance Report for March 2026.

Notices of Motion 

Affirming commitment to the genocide convention

Council supported a notice of motion affirming commitment to the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, in accordance with Australia’s obligations.

Late items

Awaba Park food pantry

Council supported a foreshadowed notice of motion that City of Newcastle ensures that ongoing maintenance and space activation is built into the new design of the Awaba Park pantry facility.

Support for Newcastle Jets finishing top of the ladder

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion to acknowledge and congratulate the Newcastle Jets for their Premiers Plate success and ensure plans are in place to provide the Newcastle Jets with a Civic Reception should they secure the Premiership.

Modern ticketing upgrade to deliver more reliable, everyday public transport for NSW

A new Opal app, easier ways to save money and the introduction of a digital Opal card will be delivered under the biggest overhaul of the NSW public transport ticketing system since its rollout 13 years ago. 

The $820 million investment will deliver much better real-time information on public transport services, including the installation of digital information screens on 5,000 buses for the first time.

This will provide passengers with information on upcoming stops and destination timings – as well as onboard audio announcements.

Passengers waiting at bus stops will now get much better information on the next service, ending the longtime commuter frustration of ‘ghost buses’ that show up on apps and maps but not in real life.

As announced earlier this month, almost a million public transport passengers will shortly be able to claim their concession, pensioner or seniors fares – and the lower weekly fare cap – through contactless technology on their device under the digital upgrade to the Opal network. 

Adult fares are capped at $50 weekly, Concessions and Child/Youth at $25, and a $2.50 daily cap is in place for Senior/Pensioner travellers – meaning once you hit those caps, your trips are free. On Fridays, weekends, public holidays and outside peak times, fares are 30 per cent cheaper on metro, train, bus and light rail services.

The project, Opal 2.0, has passed a significant milestone, with contracts now signed with two leading industry suppliers to deliver the ticketing overhaul.

Contractors will install 25,000 new Opal readers across rail, metro, bus, light rail and ferries, replacing the familiar machines passengers have “tapped on” to for more than a decade and have now reached their end of life.

Development of the new system will progress throughout 2026 before the first hardware installations starting in 2027 and completion expected in 2028.

This investment is part of a broader shift to focus on the parts of the public transport network people use every day like buses and heavy rail, alongside new metro lines.

For too long, investment has been concentrated in major metro projects, while reliability and customer experience on existing services has lagged. That is changing.

This upgrade will improve the day-to-day experience for millions of passengers, making services more predictable, easier to use and better connected.

Passenger benefits of Opal 2.0 include:

  • Automatic fare adjustment if an incorrect fare is charged, without needing to contact customer service
  • Digital Opal cards that can be added to your device of choice
  • World-leading and Australian-first Contactless Concessions
  • New and improved Opal travel app
  • Personalised notifications sent after a passenger taps with advice on trip and fare
  • Faster and more accurate patronage data to warn how busy onboard an upcoming service will be
  • Information screens on 5000 buses
  • Ability for event-goers to scan the QR code on their ticket at an Opal reader to access free transport
  • Passenger information screens that display upcoming stops on all Greater Sydney and outer metropolitan buses
  • Better real-time bus tracking and patronage accuracy

Following a competitive international procurement process, Transport for NSW has awarded contracts for the Opal 2.0 upgrade.

INIT Pty Ltd will deliver the Account Based Ticketing system. Headquartered in Germany with a Sydney office, INIT has delivered ticketing systems in more than 140 cities worldwide.

Trapeze Group will deliver the Bus Solution. With a workshop in Western Sydney, Trapeze operates in more than 70 locations globally and delivers transport technology across Australia, including for Yarra Trams and NSW Ambulance.

The NSW Government has allocated $77.8 billion over four years in the 2025-26 Budget to support public transport services and infrastructure, and the functions that keep them running.

Opal 2.0 budget remains within budget at $738 million, as previously announced, with new funding for the bus upgrades taking the overall investment to $820 million.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“At a time when families are under pressure, we are focused on making public transport a more reliable and affordable option for millions of people across NSW.”

“This upgrade is about improving the everyday experience, making it easier to get around, to save money and easier to rely on public transport.

“We are investing not just in new lines, but in the services people use every day like buses, trains and the systems that keep them running.”

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“Opal was introduced more than six years before the first metro service even ran in Sydney. It’s time for this tech-led transformation.”

“So-called ‘ghost buses’ have been a bugbear for Sydney commuters, and this solution is going to end that era once and for all.

Transport Secretary Josh Murray said: 

“This is the next frontier of Opal – helping us to achieve a safe, equitable, accessible and integrated transport network.

“The original Opal relied on technology from London’s Oyster system, which was first introduced in 2000. Like corresponding technology from the start of the century such as the Blu-Ray Player and the first Blackberry – it’s time for an overhaul.”

INIT Executive Vice President MENA-ANZ Eyad Tayeb said:

“We are delighted to bring the very latest account-based ticketing technology to NSW.

“Our technology is used in dozens of world class public transport systems across the globe, including playing a critical role in Atlanta and Houston’s hosting of the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, as well as the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics and the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Munich.

Trapeze Group ANZ Head of Intelligent Transport Systems David Eason said:

“The NSW Government has set a bold and progressive vision for the future of bus operations. Passengers across Greater Sydney and outer-metropolitan areas deserve a predictable, reliable, and easy to use bus network that connects communities.” 

$3.8 million to fast-track more than 68,000 new homes across regional NSW

The Minns Labor Government is accelerating the delivery of more than 68,000 new homes across regional communities, with a $3.8 million investment to help councils unlock housing supply sooner.

Twenty regional councils across NSW will share in the latest funding from the Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund (RHSPF), which will support critical planning work needed to enable thousands of more homes.

This funding will fast-track work which is critical to support sustainable growth that aligns with both demand and infrastructure needs.

This investment is supporting councils right across NSW from Newcastle to the Central West, Riverina, Murray, Northern Rivers and more so they will be better equipped to deliver more diverse, well-located and affordable homes.

The funding will be used to deliver technical studies and policy frameworks needed to guide future growth, such as local housing strategies, infrastructure servicing plans, contributions plans, and development control plans.

Councils have co-contributed $1.1 million, bringing total investment in this round to $4.9 million.

Since its launch, the RHSPF program has funded 80 strategic planning projects worth $20.3 million. Councils have completed 36 projects under rounds 1 to 3, helping to advance an estimated 62,000 dwellings along the housing supply pipeline.

This is part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to build a better NSW with more homes and services, so people have somewhere to live and in the communities they choose.

For more information about the RHSPF, visit: Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“We’re backing regional communities with the planning they need to deliver more homes, sooner.

“This investment is about making sure councils have the tools to unlock land, coordinate infrastructure and support growing communities.”

New podcast shines light on the strength and leadership of NSW regional and rural women

The Minns Labor Government is celebrating the achievements and lives of regional and rural women in New South Wales with the launch of a new podcast today.

Called ‘Wise, Wild and Woven’, the podcast tells the stories of 13 women, over 40, from across the state from as far south as Deniliquin right up to Tweed Heads in the north.

The 13-espisode series offers an impressive lineup of women including Regional Woman of the Year recipients, AgriFutures Rural Women’s award finalists and winners, Hidden Treasures Honour Roll nominees, business founders and volunteers.

Developed by the NSW Rural Women’s Network and hosted by Dimity Brassil, Program Producer of A Lasting Tale and the 2023 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award NSW/ACT State Finalist, the podcast delivers thought-provoking conversations that explore living and working in regional and remote New South Wales.

It also aims to challenge negative stereotypes about gender and ageing, and illustrate the breadth of achievement, leadership and resilience across the state.

Four episodes are available to stream now on all major podcast platforms:

  • Mary Hollingworth, based in Glen Innes, is a long‑time community contributor and Country Women’s Association member, recognised as both a Hidden Treasures and Women of the Year nominee. Her story reflects the quiet, consistent leadership that keeps regional communities strong
  • Dr Saba Nabi, based in Wagga Wagga, is a health professional, advocate and board member of Multicultural NSW. Her reflections speak to identity, wellbeing and the importance of inclusive voices in regional leadership
  • Kirsty Evans, from Orange, is the 2025 NSW Regional Woman of the Year. A lawyer and community advocate, she’s known for her calm leadership and commitment to supporting regional communities through challenges and change
  • Jane Harris, from the Southern Riverina, is a community builder and leader whose work spans education, collaboration and local wellbeing. Her story is one of connection, service and creating spaces where communities can thrive.

Remaining episodes will be released monthly throughout 2026.

The Minns Government is working to build a better New South Wales for women and girls, focusing on boosting women’s empowerment, economic opportunity and advancement and health and wellbeing. Funding for this podcast aligns with our priorities to support and uplift women across the state, providing regional women with a platform to connect and share their stories.

For more information, visit www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/women-nsw/rural-womens-network/wise-wild-woven.

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“This new podcast shines a light on women across regional and rural New South Wales whose voices are often underrepresented.

“These remarkable women come from all walks of life and represent the diverse breadth of achievement and experience in New South Wales – from high-profile achievements to quietly powerful contributions in their local communities.

“The podcast provides a platform for their authentic stories that I know will resonate with so many women across the state, fostering empowerment and connection within communities.”

Host and Program Producer of A Lasting Tale Dimity Brassil said:

“It’s been a privilege to interview these incredible women, all of whom are powerful and passionate community builders. I’ve loved hearing their stories and discovering what makes them tick.

“They’re doing great things and creating change where needed: raising mental health awareness in shearing sheds, fighting to get insurance for flood victims, running regional theatre awards that rival the Oscars, keeping agricultural shows alive, and putting the twinkle back in farmers’ toes for charity. And that’s just the start!” 

New Wentworth Urgent Care Centre now open

A new Urgent Care Centre is opening its doors to patients in Wentworth today, improving access to timely non-emergency healthcare and helping local communities avoid unnecessary trips to the emergency department.

The Minns Labor Government has been focused on delivering improved access to healthcare in regional NSW by delivering more services.

The Wentworth Urgent Care Centre is co-located in the new $30 million Wentworth Hospital and is open 365 days a year from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week. The Urgent Care Centre is staffed by nurses and supported by medical officers with important diagnostic services on-site including some pathology.

The Urgent Care Centre is equipped to treat a range of illnesses and injuries that are deemed urgent, but not life-threatening. This includes minor cuts, sprains or suspected fractures, minor infections, minor burns, rashes, insect or animal bites, cough, cold or flu, mild asthma attacks, earaches, fevers or chills.

To access the service, patients should call healthdirect on 1800 022 222. A registered nurse will assess the patient’s condition and guide them to the care they need. This may include an appointment at the Wentworth Urgent Care Centre, a specialist virtual care service or escalating their care to other services like NSW Ambulance if required.

Walk-in patients presenting to the Wentworth Urgent Care Centre will also be triaged, treated or transferred to the most appropriate facility to receive the right care, at the right time.

Healthcare provided at Wentworth Urgent Care Centre is bulk-billed.

The Minns Labor Government is working to improve access to care and reduce wait times, through the emergency department relief package which will invest an additional $100 million to fund urgent care services for a further two years, providing a pathway to care outside of our hospitals for an estimated 114,000 patients once fully implemented.

Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park:

“Families in Wentworth and surrounding areas now have more pathways to access timely care for conditions which can be safely and effectively treated outside of the emergency department.

“This new service is co-located in the new $30 million Wentworth hospital and will improve access to care and reduce wait times.

“The Minns Government is increasing availability of healthcare to communities through urgent care services just like this one, which are aimed at bridging the gap between primary care and emergency care, ensuring patients have fast access to the care they need.”

Member for Murray Helen Dalton:

“I welcome access to an urgent care service for the residents of Wentworth.

“The new Urgent Care Centre is a win for the community and is the perfect complement for the brand new $30 million Wentworth Hospital.”

Labor Spokesperson for Murray Bob Nanva:

“Importantly, the Urgent Care Centre at Wentworth Hospital will operate from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week.

“This is good news for local families, because illnesses and injuries can happen at any time, any day.”

30th anniversary of the Port Arthur massacre

Thirty years after the Port Arthur massacre, the terrible, indiscriminate cruelty of that day remains beyond understanding. 

Australia pauses today to remember the 35 people whose lives and futures were so pitilessly stolen from them just because they happened to be there.

We think of everyone whose world was shattered by the loss of those who had been the bright centre of their lives, their love left desperately wrapped around an absence. 

Our hearts go out to everyone who has lived with decades of loss, and every survivor and loved one who is no longer with us but was shadowed by an inconsolable grief for the rest of their days.

We think of all who survived but with memories that would never soften.

We express our gratitude to the first responders who arrived in scenes of unspeakable horror but somehow found the strength to do their duty.

We think of the broader Tasmanian community, which was shaken to the core, but came together in love and extraordinary resilience – and in the process, lifted Australia when we so desperately needed it.

We honour the extraordinary courage that emerged from shattering grief. We think of Walter Mikac who channelled his devastating loss into a call for national action on gun reform, writing to Prime Minister Howard with a message that echoes through the decades: “Be strong, act now”. 

Australia is a better place because the Government and the Parliament of the day came together to answer Walter’s call. 

This is what we hold on to – the abiding memory that somehow amid the most terrible darkness the best of humanity found a way to shine.

Three decades on from that day when our nation stopped, let us stand together as we stood together then, united in love for everyone who never came home.