16 News

The Minns Labor Government has today introduced a bill to Parliament extending tax cuts to boost new build-to-rent homes.

The legislation means that owners of an eligible new build-to-rent development will be able to access a land tax concession indefinitely, rather than the previous end date of 2039 which was set by the former government.

This ongoing program provides:

• A 50 per cent reduction in the assessable land value of eligible build-to-rent properties. There is no cap on the number of years owners can apply for the concession,
• Eligibility requirements including that construction have commenced on or after 1 July 2020 and the building has not been used for any other purpose, and
• A prohibition stopping build-to-rent properties from being subdivided, or otherwise having ownership divided, within the first 15 years of accessing the concession.

Removing the program’s end date gives confidence to developers who are making long term investment decisions, now. The changes mean developers can offer longer-term lease options, better security for tenants and more housing choices for people at different life stages.

The Minns Labor Government is working to build more homes for more people across NSW, and that includes build-to-rent options approved or underway including:

• 60 new affordable build-to-rent homes under construction in Bombaderry and due for completion in 2026.
• Approved plans for 50 new build-to-rent apartments via Landcom in Lismore.
• Plans are being finalised for 220 new build-to-rent apartments for essential workers in Annandale.

This bill also provides for exemptions or refunds for rates of stamp duty and land tax applied to foreign developers who qualify for the program.

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

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:

“Extending the tax cuts for build-to-rent developers gives industry the certainty to invest now.

“That confidence means we can unlock a steady pipeline of build-to-rent developments to build high-quality rental homes across NSW.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“In addition to the nine build-to-rent projects in the planning system, Landcom is undertaking build-to-rent projects in Bombaderry, Lismore and Annandale – and this legislation will help unlock many more across the state.

“This change removes unnecessary red tape and gives developers the confidence to commit to projects that will deliver homes for decades to come.”

Victim-survivors of domestic violence will soon have greater power to leave unsafe homes and protect their privacy under new rental reforms introduced by the Minns Labor Government in NSW Parliament today.

The Residential Tenancies Amendment (Domestic Violence Reform) Bill 2025 introduces changes to the process for leaving a tenancy due to domestic violence to better support victim-survivors.

The reforms will:

Make it easier for victim-survivors to leave a tenancy by:

• Removing the need for victim-survivors to notify an alleged perpetrator that they have left their shared lease due to domestic abuse;
• Expanding the list of approved people who can declare a renter is experiencing domestic violence so they can break a lease without penalty.
• The expanded list will help vulnerable groups such as people with a disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people from non-English speaking backgrounds better access protections under the Act.

Strengthen privacy and security protections by:

• Allowing locks to be changed without landlord approval if there is a court order or bail or parole conditions that exclude the alleged perpetrator from the property;
• Requiring permission from renters for images or videos of the exterior of the property that show their belongings to be published in advertising in order to reduce the risk of victim-survivors being tracked down by perpetrators.

Improve a ban on listing victims on residential tenancy databases by allowing Fair Trading to order a listing be removed if the victim-survivor can provide evidence of domestic abuse.

Make it clear victim-survivors are not liable for property damage caused by a perpetrator by allowing NCAT to decide whether the damage was likely to have been caused during an incident of domestic abuse.  

Support victim-survivors to recover their share of the rental bond by giving NCAT the power to break up the bond and ordering partial repayments to a co-tenant.

The changes follow extensive consultation with more than 400 individuals and 40 organisations, including frontline services, and deliver on recommendations from the statutory review of the domestic violence provisions in the Residential Tenancies Act 2010.

These reforms build on our work to expand the Rentstart Bond Loan scheme, which allows victim-survivors of domestic violence to access a loan of up to 100 per cent of their rental bond to secure accommodation.

Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns said:

“These reforms are about making common-sense changes so women and families can get out of unsafe situations quickly, without unnecessary red tape.”

“We’ve listened to victim-survivors and frontline services. The message was clear: the law needed to work better in real-life situations. That’s exactly what these changes deliver.”

Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“These rental reforms are practical and compassionate changes which make it easier for victim-survivors to leave unsafe situations without facing unnecessary barriers.

“Access to safe and affordable housing is a critical issue for victim-survivors of domestic violence. Many victim-survivors are unable to leave abusive relationships because they have nowhere else to live.

“For those victim-survivors who manage to leave, the negative consequences of the abusive relationship often reverberate through their lives and increase financial hardship for many years.

“We’ve listened to those with lived experience and the services that support them to ensure these changes provide real, meaningful protections.

“These critical reforms have been developed in close consultation with victim-survivors and frontline service providers. They will make a real difference to the safety and security of people experiencing domestic violence in NSW.

“At the heart of these reforms are safety, dignity and fairness and a desire to ensure rental laws work for those who need them most.”

Minister for Women and Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said:

“No one should have to choose between their safety and their home, and these changes make it easier for victim survivors to leave their rental home quickly and reduce risk of further financial harm.”

“These reforms are about the NSW Government strengthening protections for victim survivors of domestic and family violence including reducing liability for property damage and supporting them to recover their share of the rental bond.

“We’re continuing to work hard to address domestic and family violence in our state and these changes ensure victim-survivors have clear, practical pathways to safety.”

After strong pressure by the Kiama community and advocacy by the Kiama Liberal candidate Serena Copley, Labor has been dragged kicking and screaming to guaranteeing the future of David Berry Hospital.
 
Shadow Minister for Health Kellie Sloane said that while the NSW Liberals had been committed to saving David Berry Hospital, the Labor Government had only agreed to keep delivering public health services at the Hospital because of the pending by-election.
 
“When legislation was introduced into Parliament to protect David Berry Hospital, the Liberals supported it but Labor didn’t,” said Ms Sloane.
 
“We’ve always wanted to safeguard David Berry Hospital’s health services for the people of Berry.
 
“This community deserves quality healthcare delivered in the community, rather than being sold off by the Labor Government.
 
“This is how the Labor Government has been treating Kiama for the last two years, they’ve been ignoring the community’s needs and wishes – and are only paying attention now that there’s a by-election.
 
“Kiama voters have a clear choice at this by-election, and Labor should not be rewarded for ignoring this community for two years.”

The Minns Labor Government’s long-term vision to transform the State Library of NSW’s forecourt into a new 3,000 square metre public domain is one step closer with development approval by the City of Sydney.

The plans allow for nearly double the size of the existing forecourt, creating a vibrant public space with new native trees and plants, public art, and a central lawn plaza for library events and community activities. The design also incorporates improved lighting and wayfinding signage, seating, and space for a new kiosk.

The State Library Public Domain plan includes the realignment of Sir John Young Crescent and Hospital Road to increase safety for pedestrians and drivers and improve access to the Royal Botanic Gardens and The Domain.

Under the plan, the Shakespeare Memorial will be relocated to the front of the Library’s Shakespeare Room where it can be more easily enjoyed by the public. New art works and interpretations will also be introduced as part of a comprehensive precinct public art program led by First Nations curators.

The revitalisation of the State Library forecourt is an initiative under the government’s 20-year vision to elevate the Macquarie Street East Precinct into a vibrant arts and culture destination, while protecting the precinct’s historic integrity and original character.

Situated on Gadigal Land, Macquarie Street features some of Australia’s most significant civic and cultural institutions housed in heritage buildings. These new public spaces provide opportunities to tell the long history of this place, sharing stories of Country and culture.

For more information, visit Macquarie Street East Precinct.

Minister for the Arts John Graham said:

“For almost 200 years the State Library has been a central place of learning and ideas in our city – a home to the state’s readers, writers and researchers.

“The ambition to reimagine the forecourt looks to the next 200-years for the library and library precinct. The vision is to reset the civic space, to make entry from the Royal Botanic Gardens, The Domain or Art Gallery of NSW, easier and more welcoming.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“Modern libraries are critical places for reading and research, but they are also important public spaces, so extending the forecourt will allow us to expand community use beyond the doors of the library.

“Bringing this vision to life with added native trees and plants will help create a seamless transition of open spaces from the State Library’s forecourt into The Domain and Royal Botanic Gardens.”

Minister for Lands and Property, Steve Kamper said:

“This project is part of a long-term vision to create spaces in the Macquarie Street East Precinct that celebrate our history and heritage, and that are welcoming and engaging for all.

“The revitalisation of the State Library forecourt will be the next step in the vision to create a vibrant, connected, people-friendly arts and culture destination for the people of NSW.”

State Librarian Dr Caroline Butler-Bowdon said:

“The State Library of New South Wales is one of the great libraries of the world. Greatly loved, it is a hive of reading, research and creativity for over a million visitors who walk through our doors each year to use our collection, explore our galleries and enjoy our cultural and learning programs.

“The new public forecourt will further elevate the library as both a cultural destination and a welcoming and magnificent setting for discovery for everyone, every day of the week.”