Month: August 2024

Labor’s school funding promise gets an F for fake

The Greens say Labor’s Better and Fairer Schools Agreement (BFSA) locks in public school underfunding for a decade and fails to provide a coherent roadmap to deliver on its objectives.

The BFSA, which replaces the expiring National Schools Reform Agreement, would commit the Commonwealth to funding only 22.5% of public school resourcing for most states and territories by 2029, leaving another generation of public school kids and parents behind.

And the agreement’s enabling initiatives, to which Commonwealth funding is tied, would ramp up student surveillance and testing, but are all but silent on student wellbeing and inclusion and don’t address the growing divide between the overfunded private system and the neglected public system.

Greens spokesperson on Primary & Secondary Education, Senator Penny Allman-Payne:

“This is not a plan for full funding. This is a plan to lock in underfunding for another decade, ensuring another entire generation of public school kids misses out on the education they deserve.

“Labor claims that if all the states and territories sign up to its plan they’ll be able to deliver ‘full funding’ to public schools by 2029. This is plainly untrue.

“For one thing, the Gonski review never promised ‘full funding’ – it promised enough funding to get 80% of kids in a school up to the minimum NAPLAN standard. And for another, with the exception of the ACT, every state and territory is claiming a 4% deduction for non-school expenditure from their funding contribution.

“Labor has refused to commit to unwinding these dodgy Morrison-era deals despite being given multiple opportunities to do so.

“The BFSA reforms would require states and territories to do more surveillance, more monitoring and more testing. It does nothing to fundamentally reform our outdated education model, make schools more inclusive or reverse the growing inequities between the public and private systems.

“The Education Minister is waving the mission accomplished flag while teachers are fleeing the system, student disengagement and school can’t/school refusal is rising and cashed-up private schools draw more and more kids out of the public system.

“Even state Labor education ministers are begging Federal Labor to properly fund public schools, because they know that this is a make or break moment for the future of public schooling in this country.

“Labor needs to up the Commonwealth share of funding to a minimum of 25% in every state and territory, deliver 100% SRS funding to all public schools at the start of the BFSA in January 2025, and immediately end the overfunding of wealthy private schools that bank billions in public handouts every year.”

Labor’s DRC Response Insults Disabled Community

The Disability Community Royal Commission response was the opportunity for the Labor Government and the community’s work to achieve disability justice. They have failed.

The disability community has been waiting for the government’s response to the Disability Royal Commission for 11 months. Given the length of time, the disability community was hoping for a comprehensive and considered response. What they have received appears to be neither.


The Labor government has not committed to ending the cycle of segregation that so often leads to the abuse, violence, neglect, and exploitation of disabled people uncovered by the Commission. They made little to no mention of education, housing, or employment in their response.

Disabled people could have had genuine representation in government, but the Anthony Albanese government have confirmed that they will not support the recommendation to implement a federal Disability Minister.

There is also no action in sight from the government on issues such as forced sterilisation and marriage inequality for disabled people, which continue to plague our society in 2024.


The cycle of abuse, neglect and violence is ongoing and this response does nothing to set up a frame work to stop or even monitor it.

Senator Jordon Steele-John, Australian Greens spokesperson on Disability Rights:

“Labor claims there is no need to implement the core recommendations of the DRC, stating they are addressing these issues through other work. By ‘other work,’ do they mean cutting $14.4 billion from the NDIS? That clearly does not help disabled people.

“The only acceptable response to the profound injustices uncovered by the DRC is action. Labor’s continued inaction disrespects the immense contributions and emotional labour of the disability community to the DRC.

“We need the Government to commit funding for the radical transformation required to end ableism and discrimination in this country. We need a Minister for Disability to ensure this reform happens. We need collective liberation: to immediately raise the DSP, and end segregation in our workplaces, schools, and homes.

“Disabled people will no longer accept being kept out of view, restrained to our beds, locked in institutions, or subjected to ableism and segregation by government policies. Labor’s lacklustre response to the DRC shows they are willing to let these injustices continue, in order to balance their budget.

“Only 13 out of 222, or less than 6%, of the recommendations were accepted. Disabled people and our families gave so much to this commission, and this government has given so little in return.”

$11 billion blowout in Defence contract for the shells of just 3 ships

The Albanese Labor Government has handed a further $11 billion to the Australian subsidiary of a British weapons manufacturer to build just the steel hulls for three Hunter Class Frigates, making them some of the most expensive ships ever built, if we ever get them. 

The initial $2.25 billion contract was for just the design and “productisation” of the Hunter Class Frigate, however, it was amended without tender this month and jumped to nearly $15 billion. It is understood that the additional $11 billion provided by the Government is just for the hulls of three ships, not including any weapons, radar or other essential equipment.

At $4 billion each, the Albanese Labor Government is now overseeing one of the most expensive ships ever built. The ship’s design has also been plagued with issues, as it is significantly outclassed by other ships that cost significantly less.  

This contract change comes a decade after the project was initiated and following the review of the Australian Navy’s surface fleet earlier this year that slashed the number of ships from nine to six. The Greens referred the Hunter Frigates program to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) last year.

Senator Shoebridge, Greens Spokesperson for Defence, said: 

“The Hunter Frigate program is turning into a black hole for the Labor Government to pour billions of dollars into. 

“The Albanese Labor Government has now had multiple opportunities to course correct but they have doubled down on failure.”

“If we look at countries like South Korea they are manufacturing bigger and better-equipped ships for a fraction of the price. 

“This is not about investing in defence, it’s about rewarding failure by politicians who repeatedly prove themselves incapable of holding Defence to account.
 
“The Greens referred this program to the NACC because it showed clear signs of corruption, but this whole program also shows a complete disregard for the public interest, value for money and what is in the best interests of the defence of Australia.

“Over the next decade, the Albanese Government has planned for nearly three-quarters of a trillion dollars to be spent on Defence. If that spending looks like the Hunter Frigates program we will blow endless billions of dollars and end the decade far less safe.”

Labor has failed to deal with inflation

Today’s quarterly inflation figures confirm what Australians are feeling and Labor is denying: Anthony Albanese and Jim Chalmers have failed to tame inflation.

Consumer prices grew by 1% in the quarter, increasing headline inflation to 3.8%.

Core inflation – the RBA’s preferred measure – is even higher at 3.9%, well above the RBA’s target, and above both the RBA and Treasury’s forecasts.

Inflation impacts absolutely everyone because we all face higher prices, higher interest rates and higher taxes.

Under this Labor Government, prices have increased by more than 10%, including:

  • Food by 11%
  • Housing by 15%
  • Rent by 15%
  • Electricity by 22%
  • Gas by 25%
  • Health by 11%
  • Education by 11%
  • Financial and insurance by 17%

For the last two years, the RBA has had its foot on the brake. But Labor keeps pressing down on the accelerator, with big spending policies that have only fuelled the inflationary fire.

There is no doubt that the cost of living pain Australians are feeling is here to stay because of Labor’s economic mismanagement. There is no plan to reverse the enormous collapse in their standard of living.

Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor says the Albanese Labor Government has completely failed to tackle inflation.

“Australians are in enormous pain because of Labor’s homegrown inflation crisis.

“After three failed budgets, Labor’s added $315 billion in extra spending, adding fuel to the inflationary fire. But the people left to pick up the bill are hardworking Australians.

“Australia is at the back of the pack when it comes to tackling inflation – we are the only G10 country which has had core inflation rise compared to December.

“Despite causing this mess, this weak government has left it up to the RBA and ordinary Australians to clean it up.

“Anthony Albanese and Jim Chalmers must stop pointing the finger at others, and finally acknowledge who is responsible for this mess – themselves.”

City of Newcastle delivers a splash of colour to Blackbutt Village

The first of three public art murals at Blackbutt Village is taking shape this week as part of the $4.5 million upgrade of Orchardtown Road shopping precinct.

Newcastle social and artistic enterprise UP&UP Inspirations will produce the murals at three locations in Blackbutt Village following consultation with the New Lambton community and local businesses, with the first adding colour to the northern façade of the Blackbutt Village Grocer. 

IMAGE CAPTION: (l-r) City of Newcastle Project Manager Alex Altuneg, Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz, Councillor Margaret Wood, Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley, artist Olas One and UP&UP Inspirations co-founder Faith Curtis at Blackbutt Village.

The public art is one of the final elements of City of Newcastle’s Local Centre upgrade of Blackbutt Village. The upgrade has already delivered improved access for pedestrians and shoppers, upgraded drainage and enhanced footpath connections to the popular Blackbutt Reserve, which is an inspiration for the murals.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said Blackbutt Village will be a more walkable, greener village, filled with local character under the full scope of the improvements.

“Blackbutt Village is where New Lambton locals gather to support their local businesses, grab a coffee and connect with friends and family,” Cr Nelmes said.

“We’re committed to delivering a safer, more attractive place to shop for New Lambton residents through these upgrades, including the addition of 130 new trees and 23 landscaped garden beds, which will create a more appealing environment with increased shade and colour.

“The murals will add to this appeal, becoming a source of pride that captures how New Lambton locals feel about their green spaces, like the stunning Blackbutt Reserve.

“I’m thrilled with the improvements that have been completed so far in Blackbutt Village and can’t wait to see the final stage of the project taking shape over the next six months.”

The Blackbutt Village upgrades are made possible through $591,677 in support from the NSW Government. 

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said Blackbutt Village will have a chance to flourish through the investment by state and local government.

“Blackbutt Village and New Lambton are unique places that deserve to have their character celebrated while providing enhanced facilities, infrastructure and amenity for the suburb,” Minister Moriarty said.

“I’m delighted the NSW Government is working alongside City of Newcastle and the New Lambton community taking pride in this beautiful neighbourhood.”

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said it’s wonderful to see the long-awaited project nearing completion. 

“Blackbutt has long been a great place for families to spend weekends together. The new murals will inject colour and character into the precinct so locals can enjoy all it has to offer,” Minister Catley said

“It’s fantastic that the NSW Government is supporting community projects like this and ensuring we have access to modern public spaces, facilities, and infrastructure. I can’t wait to see the rest of the upgrades to Blackbutt village.”

City of Newcastle will continue the delivery of the final project stage with new community spaces on Myra Street and Carnley Avenue, and upgrades to the intersection and signals on Carnley Avenue later this year pending design approvals through Transport for NSW. 

The completed works will deliver a shared zone for pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles, an off-road shared pedestrian and cycleway, and a new pedestrian crossing providing a safer link between the car park and shops. 

A community gathering is planned for August 10 in Blackbutt Village to mark the project milestones.

Blackbutt Village is being upgraded through City of Newcastle’s Local Centres program, which invests in communities across Newcastle. 

Other centres renewal delivered include Beresford Avenue, Beresfield; Mitchell Street, Stockton; Young Street, Carrington; James Street Plaza, Hamilton; Llewellyn Street, Merewether; Joslin Street, Kotara, Sandgate Road, Shortland; Nelson Street, Wallsend; and Darby Street.

Students unleash creativity to promote water safety

Local primary school students will have the chance to design the city’s next water safety poster as part of a City of Newcastle program that has been saving lives for almost 60 years.

More than 150 Jesmond Public School students were amongst the first participants in this year’s Water Safety Education Program, which has been delivered annually by City of Newcastle’s lifeguards since 1966.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes joins City of Newcastle lifeguards Julian Boag, Dan Collins and Lily Forbes, and vice captains Rocky Stevenson and Vienna Wills at Jesmond Public School for a Water Safety Education session.Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes joins City of Newcastle lifeguards Julian Boag, Dan Collins and Lily Forbes, and vice captains Rocky Stevenson and Vienna Wills at Jesmond Public School for a Water Safety Education session.The free program teaches students vital water safety lessons they’re being asked to incorporate into a poster, with the winning design to be displayed across the city’s five inland swimming centres.

With close to 280 drowning deaths across Australia every year, Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said it is important to empower kids with the water safety knowledge to keep them safe.

“We are so lucky to have a stunning coastline and lots of swimming spots to enjoy in Newcastle, but it’s important to be aware of the risks and what we can do to minimise them,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Over the next eight weeks our amazing team of lifeguards and aquatics staff will utilise their extensive skills and experience to educate more than 13,000 students about dangerous water conditions, how to swim safely and what to do if they get into difficult situations.     

“This year’s poster competition not only gives students a chance to see their artwork displayed at our inland pools, but it is a great way to reinforce the lessons they learn through the Water Safety Education Program and to share them with the wider community.”

The school visits form one of City of Newcastle’s most significant youth engagement programs and are a key component of the overall approach to water safety.

Executive Manager Community and Recreation Lynn Duffy said City of Newcastle lifeguards commit more than 700 hours each year to educating and promoting water safety messages across the city, with delivery of the program being a highlight for many.

“Our lifeguards are passionate about engaging students in fun, smart and interactive ways to help prevent aquatic accidents and drownings,” Ms Duffy said.  

“Encouraging students to tap into their creative side to design a water safety poster is another way we can ensure the next generation understands and appreciates these potentially life-saving lessons.”

Students from the school with the winning design will also have the chance to cool off with a fun-filled pool party at Lambton Park War Memorial Swimming Centre in the lead up to summer.

First new work commissioned for expanded Newcastle Art Gallery

Art lovers are being given an early glimpse of the six-metre-wide suspended sculpture that will eventually fill the atrium and greet visitors at the new-look Newcastle Art Gallery.

Seventh generation Novocastrian and proud Awabakal descendant Shellie Smith has completed the design and concept proposal for the work of art, which will be made up of 30 cast aluminium fish shimmering in a spiralling school.

Councillor Margaret Wood, Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton OAM, Councillor Deahnna Richardson, artist Julie Squires, artist Shellie Smith, Councillor Carol Duncan, and Newcastle Art Gallery Society President, Prue Viggers OAM and Vice Chair Gael Davies OAM with part of the commissioned work.Councillor Margaret Wood, Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton OAM, Councillor Deahnna Richardson, artist Julie Squires, artist Shellie Smith, Councillor Carol Duncan, and Newcastle Art Gallery Society President, Prue Viggers OAM and Vice Chair Gael Davies OAM with part of the commissioned work.Inspired by Smith’s personal stories of fishing with her grandmother in the Port Stephens area, the work will be visible from the ground floor and first-floor corridor, which will connect the existing building with the new galleries.

Fellow artist and fabricator Julie Squires will work with Shellie to produce the sculpture, which will be based on Smith’s original fibre weaving.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said this is the first of three new major works of art being planned for the expanded gallery.

“It’s fitting that two of our prominent local artists will collaborate to create an inspiring welcome to the Newcastle Art Gallery, where visitors will have access to exhibitions from home and abroad,” Cr Nelmes said.

Ms Smith said the sculpture was partly inspired by an incredibly rare Aboriginal artefact she was privileged to view as part of the Smithsonian collection in Washington DC.

“It’s one of only a few intact possum skin cloaks in the world and features patterns and iconography of fish, people and water etched into the leather surface,” Ms Smith said.

“I feel so privileged to be given this opportunity to tell a story that’s really personal to me, but also very connected to Newcastle.

“This is one of my first major commissions. It’s a very large and substantial work for me.

“I’d really like to thank the Newcastle Art Gallery Society for supporting this commission, and I’m also really grateful to the Awabakal descendants for supporting me.”

Councillor Deahnna Richardson, a proud Wiradjuri woman, said Shellie Smith’s work provides a special connection to Country.

“As part of the Newcastle 2040 Community Strategic Plan, we are committed to recognising, acknowledging and celebrating the Awabakal and Worimi people’s strength, resilience and living culture,” Cr Richardson said.

“Shellie’s work uses First Nations traditional weaving techniques, drawing inspiration from Awabakal patterns and iconography. It will be a fitting tribute to the traditional owners of the land on which the Art Gallery stands.”

City of Newcastle’s Public Art Reference Group Chair, Councillor Carol Duncan said this work of art is another key step in creating a space that will attract Novocastrians and visitors.

“The expanded Newcastle Art Gallery will only enhance our reputation as a city that’s known for its culture,” Cr Duncan said.

“It will allow us to increase Newcastle’s opportunities in the areas of employment, education and the economy while celebrating the arts and Aboriginal culture.”

The Newcastle Art Gallery Society is supporting the project with a donation of $30,000.

“Newcastle Art Gallery Society is delighted to be associated with the acquisition of this work, one that records the history of Newcastle, while recognising the wealth of talented local artists in the city,” Society President Prue Viggers OAM said.

“Since the Art Gallery Society’s inception 55 years ago the proud tradition of assisting with the acquisition of works of art for the Gallery’s collection will be continued.”

Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton OAM said it will be exciting to have new works of art displayed alongside the gallery’s nationally significant collection.

“The completed Art Gallery will feature an additional 1,600 square meters of exhibition space, enabling us to show off more of our $126 million collection as well as some of the best touring exhibitions,” Director Morton OAM said.

“We look forward to announcing more commissions for the expanded Art Gallery in the near future.”

The Newcastle Art Gallery expansion project is supported by $5 million from the Australian Government under the Regional Recovery Partnerships and $5 million from the New South Wales Government under the Regional Recovery Package, as well as $12 million from the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation made possible through the Valerie and John Ryan bequest, Margaret Olley Trust, and community fundraising over many years. 

A further $1 million is currently being sought through the Foundation’s public fundraising campaign.

Response to Royal Commision designed to drive meaningful change for people with disability in NSW

The NSW Government has today released its initial response to the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability, committing to meaningful change.

To honour those who bravely shared their stories for the Royal Commission, the NSW Government is seizing the opportunity to re-shape the disability service system, increase inclusion and improve outcomes for all people with disability.

Since the Royal Commission handed down its final report in September last year, the NSW Government has partnered with the Disability Council NSW to host a number of forums with stakeholders from the disability sector to discuss the report’s findings.

During this process, we listened to the voices of people with disability, advocates and service providers.

The NSW Government’s initial response and reform commitments are guided by these voices and include:

  • Recognising the rights and autonomy of people with disability
  • Better outcomes for First Nations people with disability
  • Addressing barriers to promote inclusion and access
  • Building a strong ecosystem of disability supports
  • Services that are safe and inclusive

Importantly, implementation of the recommendations will be undertaken in partnership with people with disability, their families and the sector.

The NSW Government recognises that meaningful change for Australians with disability can’t be achieved in isolation. That’s why we’re also committed to working with other state, territory and Commonwealth governments towards a more equitable and inclusive Australia.

The Royal Commission was established in 2019 and investigated reports of violence, neglect, abuse and exploitation involving people with disability. It held 32 public hearings, examined 837 witnesses and received more than 10,000 submissions.

Progress reports on the recommendations will be made twice a year to the Disability Reform Ministerial Council and the community.

The NSW Government’s initial response can be found here: https://dcj.nsw.gov.au/community-inclusion/disability-and-inclusion/disability-royal-commission.html

The Commonwealth Government’s initial response can be found here: https://www.dss.gov.au/disability-and-carers/australian-government-response-to-the-disability-royal-commission

Minister for Disability Inclusion Kate Washington said:

“NSW must be a place where people with disability are safe, and their rights and dignity are respected.

“Our response is the first significant step in our long-term commitment to make meaningful change for people with disability in NSW.

“We are determined to honour the strength and courage of those who shared their stories with the Royal Commission.

“The NSW Government’s response is the roadmap for a safer, more inclusive NSW, a legacy paved by those who participated in the Royal Commission.

“We are committed to continuing to work in partnership with people with disability, their families and advocates to ensure that we’re seizing this opportunity to make lasting change.

“The reforms before us are ambitious, but we will all work together to drive the changes people with disability deserve and have fought hard for.”

New PDHPE syllabus to support student development and wellbeing

The Minns Labor Government is continuing work to ensure the lessons taught in New South Wales schools equip students with the tools they need to thrive in life after school, with the new Personal Development, Health and Physical Education [PDHPE] syllabus for years 7-10 released today.

For the first time, high school students in New South Wales will be explicitly taught about online safety and consent. This builds on the new syllabus for primary school students released last week which includes age appropriate lessons on these issues.

The updated syllabus reflects feedback from teachers, academics and school sectors.

Under the Minns Labor Government’s revised curriculum reform timelines, teachers have more than two years to familiarise themselves and implement the new syllabus, where previously they had just one year. Schools may choose to implement the updated syllabus before it becomes mandatory in 2027.

As social media and the digital world becomes increasingly prevalent in daily life, for the first-time students will be explicitly taught content aimed at helping them stay safe online. Informed by research, lessons will include content on:

  • Rights and responsibilities as digital citizens, including when communicating online
  • Strategies to deal with cyberbullying
  • Managing digital privacy

This addition supports the Government’s ongoing work to address the impact online platforms are having on children and young people, which includes banning mobile phones in all public schools,

and hosting a social media summit later this year.

Further, students will engage in lessons to understand the importance of lifelong physical activity, and the connection between nutrition, physical activity, mental health and wellbeing.

Consent has also now been made essential content that all students learn, where it was previously included as an example and not required teaching. Lessons will, in an age-appropriate way, teach that consent is freely given, reversible, informed and specific, with communication strategies, the importance of people’s choices and affirmative consent to be taught.

Students will continue to learn about respectful relationships, with the addition of lessons on how to recognise signs of coercive control, manipulation and controlling behaviours in relationships.

Other health issues such as addiction are now explicitly included and will be taught in an age appropriate way. These lessons will include how to recognise signs of addiction and strategies for students to support themselves and others, with teachers able to reference examples including gambling, vaping, alcohol and prescription medication.

Visit the NSW Curriculum website to view the syllabuses and support materials for teachers and families.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

“This new PDHPE syllabus equips students with essential knowledge, skills and strategies to help them take control of their health and wellbeing and navigate challenging situations.

“Students will now learn compulsory content to help them understand their responsibilities as citizens of the digital world and maintain their safety online.

“They will also learn to recognise and respond to the signs of domestic and family violence, and to understand consent, ensuring all NSW students have the knowledge and skills to protect

themselves and respect the boundaries of people around them.

“We need teachers to be equipped with age-appropriate, evidence-based content that aligns with community expectations. This new PDHPE syllabus does that.”

NSW Education Standards Authority CEO Paul Martin said:

“As with all reformed syllabuses, the new 7-10 PDHPE syllabus makes it clear what is essential content to deliver.

“Not only does that provide greater clarity and support for teachers who deliver the content, it bridges the gap with parents and carers with an interest in what their children are learning about.

“PDHPE deals with a broad range of learning – from physical health through to positive, safe and respectful behaviour online and offline.

“We will develop new resources to support teachers delivering new content and parents getting to know what is being covered in classrooms.”

Summer’s shark management approach announced

The NSW Government will continue to prioritise the safety of beach goers this summer, while increasing protections for marine life, with the release of the state’s 2024-25 Shark Management Program.

Over the 2024-25 season the Government will work to ensure the Shark Management Program is striking the right balance and meeting community expectations.

The Government will further engage with local councils on shark management with a focus on the future use of shark nets, and the exploration of local decision making on the removal or use of nets.

The Program released today includes a suite of new measures to be trialed, which will increase protections for marine life whilst shark nets remain in use, including:

  • Removing shark nets one month earlier, on 31 March 2025, to respond to increased turtle activity in April.
  • Increasing the frequency of net inspections by contractors during March from every 3rd day to every 2nd day.
  • SLS drone surveillance increased over nets during March to scout for turtles on the days contractors aren’t inspecting
  • Trial of lights on nets to deter turtles and prevent their entanglement during February and March.

Shark nets across NSW are also fitted with acoustic warning devices, such as dolphin pingers and whale alarms, to deter and minimise the risks to those marine mammals.

The $21.5 million Shark Management Program for 2024-25 is designed to protect the safety of beach users from the across 25 local government areas from Tweed to Bega, by reducing interactions with sharks, whilst minimising the impact on other marine life.

A range of techniques will be used in 2024-25 to achieve this objective, such as:

  • Drone surveillance program using 50 drones, partnering with Surf Life Saving NSW
  • 37 tagged shark listening stations, all year round along the NSW coast
  • 305 SMART (Shark-Management-Alert-in-Real-Time) drumlines across 19 LGAs, all year
  • Shark nets at 51 beaches across eight LGAs, 1 September 2024 to 31 March 25
  • Funding Surfing NSW $500,000 to provide mitigation support and services including trauma response kits, drones and training
  • SharkSmart community education program, including shark and social research.

Over the 2023-24 season 400 drone pilots for Surf Life Saving NSW were trained, who flew more than 36,000 flights across nearly 10,000 hours. Through this use of drones 362 sharks were observed.

SMART drumlines have also been used as an effective tool to keep swimmers safe on New South Wales Beaches, allowing over 413 target sharks such as white, tiger and bull sharks, to be caught, tagged and released last year.

Once tagged, the state’s 37 coastal tagged shark listening stations can track these sharks near the beaches where the device is based – with this information available to anyone with the SharkSmart app, website of on X (Twitter).

Over 2,000 target sharks have been tagged over the life of the program, and are monitored by listening stations.

For more information visit www.sharksmart.nsw.gov.au

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:

“The NSW Government’s priority is the safety of beach goers, at the same time we are committed to protecting our states marine life.

“We will be working closely with local governments, SLSNSW and Surfing NSW over this season to ensure the future of this program works for the communities it operates in.

“Importantly, this year we have responded to community feedback and taken significant steps to increase the program’s safeguards for marine animals.

“As we map the future of this program we will listen to local communities, and consider the best available evidence to ensure we are striking the right balance at our beaches.”