Month: February 2025

Thailand’s deportation of Uyghurs to China

The Australian Government strongly disagrees with the decision of the Thai Government to transfer a cohort of 40 Uyghurs to China against their will.

Australia expects all countries to adhere to their domestic and international legal obligations, including non-refoulement obligations. We have repeatedly raised our concerns with the Thai Government and have also now raised our expectations about the group’s treatment with the Chinese authorities.

The Australian Government has consistently expressed our grave concerns about the human rights situation in Xinjiang, and the treatment of Uyghur and other Muslim minorities in China. We continue to raise these concerns at the highest levels with China.

We urge China to uphold its international human rights obligations, including to ensure due process and proper treatment are afforded to these individuals.

Labor’s final emissions data shows Greens needed to stop new gas approvals

With today’s climate pollution data showing that emissions are up quarter on quarter and Australia still not on track to meet our emissions reduction goals, Adam Bandt says it is clear that the only option for avoiding catastrophic global heating is to elect more Greens at the next election to get Labor to act in minority government by stopping new coal and gas mines.

Labor has failed to release updated 2035 targets, instead focusing on approving new coal and gas projects. With the decision on Woodside’s North West Shelf project currently sitting on Tanya Plibersek’s desk, Labor has thus far approved 32 new coal and gas projects.

The data released today also shows electricity emissions going up 1.5% in the last year as state Labor Governments extend the life of coal-fired power stations, and should send alarm bells ringing on the future electricity sector reliant emissions cuts to 2030 that Labor needs to meet their 43% target.

Quarter on quarter emissions are also up, with the September quarter in 2024 seeing 110.3 million tonnes of emissions produced compared to the 110.0 emitted for the same quarter in 2023.

The quarterly data revealed 434.9 million tonnes of emissions were released in the year to September 2024. This is only a 0.9% reduction in the two and a quarter years since the 438.8 million tonnes emitted in the year to June 2022 when Labor first came into office.

This rate of decline puts even Labor’s paltry 43% targets out of reach without a rapid increase in policy ambition.

Leader of the Australian Greens, Adam Bandt MP:

“With emissions this high, Labor is blowing any chance of a safer climate and even their own weak climate goals are out of reach.” 

“Gas continues to keep emissions high, but Labor is continuing to open massive new gas projects, and is considering approving a Woodside mega-project for another 50 years.

“Labor’s continued approvals of new coal and gas means the country can’t cut emissions fast enough, and Peter Dutton would make pollution even worse. We can’t keep voting for the same two parties and expecting a different result.

“Nothing changes unless your vote does. The only chance of a safer climate is voting Greens to keep Peter Dutton out and get Labor to act by stopping new coal and gas mines.”

Minister must suspend broken Targeted Compliance Framework immediately

The Greens have called on Employment Relations Minister Murray Watt to immediately suspend the Targeted Compliance Framework (TCF) after Greens questioning during estimates revealed the Department had no confidence in the system.

Greens spokesperson on Social Services, Senator Penny Allman-Payne:

“It’s clear from their responses to my estimates questions that both the Department and the Minister have serious concerns about the TCF.

“Neither were able to provide any assurance that the mutual obligations regime is operating lawfully, which is a remarkable thing to admit given they continue to impose it on hundreds of thousands of people on income support.

“We know as many as a thousand people may have had their Centrelink payments cancelled illegally after welfare payments were incorrectly cut off due to Departmental mistakes, 10 of whom have subsequently died. 

“People on income support and their advocates are sick of Labor’s hand-waving about employment services reform. The Minister must immediately suspend the TCF so it can no longer inflict harm on people on some of the lowest incomes in the country.

“The Greens will continue fighting to eliminate for-profit providers from the employment services system, to restore the Commonwealth Employment Service, and abolish all mutual obligations.”

70 new units in Tweed Shire to help combat homelessness

The Minns Labor Government is taking important steps to address homelessness in the Northern Rivers, transforming a vacant retirement village into 70 supported temporary accommodation units.

In partnership with Homes NSW, community housing provider Social Futures plans to deliver 70 temporary beds at Tweed Heads, with wraparound support to help vulnerable locals get back on their feet.

The form­er residential village for over 55s was sitting vacant and unused since it was put on the market in 2023. Soon, it will provide a safe place to stay for community members including seniors and people with a disability, with the first stage of the project to deliver 20 new homes in coming weeks.

The NSW Government is taking decisive action to transform underutilised properties into secure, supported accommodation, run by experienced community housing providers—reducing reliance on costly hotels and motels.

Temporary accommodation is more than just immediate shelter, it’s a lifeline that helps prevent homelessness, connecting people with essential support services for long-term stability and better outcomes.

This project was made possible by a $525,800 grant from the first round of the $100 million Homelessness Innovation Fund.

The grants support new and improved approaches to tackling homelessness and are available to accredited homelessness services, registered Community Housing Providers, Aboriginal Community Housing Providers and those working toward accreditation or registration.

The first funding round backed 24 projects, distributing nearly $10 million, including $768,862 to Social Futures to convert a disused aged care facility into crisis accommodation in Lismore.

Round two recipients will be announced soon, with applications open until 30 April 2025.
To find out more, visit the links below:

The Homelessness Innovation Fund is a key part of the NSW Government’s $6.6 billion Building Homes for NSW program, which will deliver:

  • 8,400 new public housing homes
  • 21,000 affordable and market homes
  • Upgrades to 30,000 social housing properties

This investment reflects the NSW Government’s commitment to tackling homelessness, increasing housing supply and delivering better outcomes for regional communities.

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:

“Homelessness and housing are impacting people right across the state, but this is being felt particularly hard here in the Northern Rivers region.

“We know we need smarter solutions to deliver housing, faster – and last year, we created the Homelessness Innovation Fund to do just that.

“The Fund is about giving trusted community housing and homelessness organisations such as Social Futures a solid foundation to trial new approaches as we work together to tackle the housing crisis.

“We want to move away from relying on expensive hotels and motels for temporary accommodation. These are not appropriate places for the elderly, people with disabilities or families – particularly women and children fleeing domestic violence.

“This project will give vulnerable people in the region access to the care and resources they need – not just a roof over their heads.”

Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery and State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said:

“I have been deeply engaged with Tweed Shire Council, community housing providers like Social Futures and others to address the long-standing issue of homelessness in the Tweed, made worse by the 2022 floods which impacted parts of Murwillumbah and surrounds particularly hard.

“This repurposing model, whereby a vacant facility can be easily converted into managed temporary accommodation, will work well here in Tweed Heads, where the need is great.

“I congratulate Homes NSW and Social Futures on partnering in the Soorley Street project, which importantly, has wraparound support services for people who will live in the units.”

Federal Member for Richmond Justine Elliot MP said:

“Our community on the North Coast has one of the highest rates of homelessness across NSW and that’s why this project is vitally important for our region.

“The Federal and State Labor Governments are working together to address the issues of housing affordability, rental stress, and homelessness.

“The NSW Labor Government funding of $525,800 towards these 70 new supported temporary accommodation units in Tweed Heads will provide urgent relief for some of the most vulnerable members of our community.

“Social Futures is a trusted community housing and homelessness organisation that works across the region providing important support and services.”

Social Futures CEO Tony Davies said:

“Transforming this vacant property into supported temporary accommodation for people experiencing homelessness provides immediate relief for some of the most vulnerable members of our community.

“By working collaboratively with government, council, and community partners, we’re not only increasing the availability of temporary accommodation – we’re creating a pathway to lasting, positive change.”

“With onsite access to wrap-around support services, security and 24/7 onsite management we can deliver safe, supportive temporary accommodation that empowers people to regain stability and independence as they work toward securing long-term housing.

$1.82 million upgrade for TAFE NSW beauty training facility in time for Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras

Beauty students at TAFE NSW Ultimo now have access to the latest industry-aligned training equipment and fit-for-purpose teaching spaces, thanks to a $1.82 million upgrade to the beauty training facilities funded by the NSW Government.

Including dedicated nail and beauty therapy rooms, the modernised facilities will ensure students develop the practical skills and knowledge to start or continue a career in the booming beauty industry.

The teaching space is also equipped with the latest industry-standard tools and resources, including spa chairs, beauty beds, professional lighting, and advanced equipment for specialised skin treatments.

As the beauty services industry continues to grow, enrolments in TAFE NSW beauty courses have increased by 26 per cent over the past five years. The updated training facility will be used to train the future beauty therapists and nail technicians to meet demand.

The investment is part of the NSW Government’s ongoing commitment to strengthening vocational education and ensuring students have access to modern, industry-standard training environments.

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan visited TAFE NSW Ultimo to observe students and teachers performing creative Mardi Gras makeovers in the lead-up to the famous Sydney Mardi Gras Parade happening this weekend.

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan said:

“The NSW Government’s investment to upgrade the beauty training facility at TAFE NSW Ultimo demonstrates our commitment to providing high-quality, hands-on training to meet industry and consumer demand.

“It’s important the learning spaces and equipment students are using to develop and practice their skills are industry-standard so when they graduate, they’re familiar with the tools and equipment they’ll be using in the workplace.

“The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is a major annual event attracting thousands of locals and visitors to Sydney, and thousands more tuning in to watch the famous parade on TV. It was amazing to see the creativity and skill that goes into some truly glamorous Mardi Gras makeovers.”

TAFE NSW Specialist Makeup Services Teacher, Emma Court said:

“It’s exciting to see students learn in our upgraded beauty facilities here at TAFE NSW Ultimo. These spaces offer hands-on training in a modern environment and provide our students with the skills they need to work in the beauty industry.

“The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival is an incredibly busy time for makeup artists and beauty therapists across the city. Everyone wants to look their best and demand skyrockets for beauty services including makeup, spray tanning, waxing and acrylic nails.

“In the classroom, we channel the students’ passion for artistry into a fun, practical, and skill-diverse course, setting our students on the best pathway to succeed in the industry. It’s wonderful to see the students nurture their talent and gain more creative confidence – it’s my favourite part of teaching.”

Light at the end of Sydney’s secret train tunnels

Abandoned train tunnels 20 metres below the Sydney CBD have been turned into a historic tourist hotspot after a million-dollar makeover by the Minns Labor Government.

Built in the 1920s, visitors will be able to explore hidden parts of the St James Tunnels following restoration and revitalisation works to create a unique underground experience.

St James Tunnels will combine a historical walking tour with an immersive multimedia and soundscape attraction, offering visitors a snapshot of our city’s transport and wartime past.

Once utilised as a World War II air raid shelter, tour groups will be able to walk through the disused southern tunnel, extending under Hyde Park, from busy St James station.

The tunnels were part of visionary engineer John Bradfield’s intended east-west rail corridor, but this was abandoned in the face of the Great Depression and disagreements over rail routes.

Two of the constructed tunnels at St James station have been in continuous use as part of the City Circle since opening in 1926, but the other two were never put into active service.

Experience-led tourism is a key priority of the NSW Government, with plans to help transform the state’s visitor economy into a $91 billion powerhouse by 2035.

The St James Tunnels tour is expected to be a visitor drawcard, similar to award-winning attractions in London which explore disused tube stations and secret wartime shelters.

The tour is anticipated to run several times a day and will be suitable for visitors aged 13 and above. Once an operator is appointed, tours are expected to commence later this year.

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“These historic tunnels are more than just infrastructure; they are an expression of Sydney’s development as a modern, international city. These tunnels belong to the people of NSW, so it’s fantastic news that they’ll become another of our city’s great public spaces.

“Tours like Bridgeclimb on the Harbour Bridge are now a must-do experience for Sydney locals and visitors alike. In time, we want to see tours of the St James tunnels become just as popular.

“I want to congratulate the teams who worked so hard underground in a difficult environment to preserve the heritage of the site and reimagine it into an exciting and educational experience.

TAM Chief Executive Lyndal Punch said:

“Transport Asset Manager of NSW (TAM) is proud to be leading this innovative project, unlocking a disused, historic rail asset while using multimedia technology to tell the story of Sydney’s city railway development.

“This new visitor attraction will ensure the stories of the past continue to inspire future generations.”

Sydney Trains Chief Executive Matt Longland said:

“We are very excited be part of this unique transport project which is turning a once disused and unseen heritage site into a fascinating, interactive and educational visitor experience.

“The St James Tunnels are a window into our transport past, a snapshot of World War II history, and the efforts of the workers who built Sydney’s transport infrastructure.”

Work begins on new refuge for women and children fleeing domestic violence in Newcastle LGA

The NSW Government is building a safer New South Wales for women and children escaping domestic violence with construction beginning on a new emergency refuge in the Newcastle LGA.

Home in Place has started building the nine-unit Core and Cluster complex that will feature a central hub of on-site support services to help victim-survivors rebuild their lives and heal from trauma. The site will also have a dedicated yarning space for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.

The NSW Government is investing $8.97 million into the construction, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.

The Core and Cluster model promotes independent living by providing a ‘cluster’ of self-contained accommodation located next to a ‘core’ of support including access to counselling, legal assistance, education, and employment support.

The NSW Government has invested $426.6 million over four years in the Core and Cluster program to ensure support for more than an additional 2,900 women and children fleeing domestic and family violence across the state each year.

This is part of the Minns Labor Government’s work to address domestic and family violence in the state from every angle – by investing in primary prevention, early intervention, crisis responses and recovery. Making sure women and children have a safe place to go when they escape abuse is crucial to their recovery and helping them rebuild their lives.

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:

“Women fleeing abusive relationships need a safe and secure place to rebuild their lives, free from violence and the fear that comes with it.

“Core and Cluster refuges have already made a significant difference giving women and children a secure place to turn to when they need it most.

“With more Core and Cluster refuges underway—including right here in the Newcastle LGA—the NSW Government remains committed to providing women and children with the safety and support they deserve.”

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

“Having a safe place to stay is a crucial element in helping women and children escape domestic violence and recover.

“We want victim-survivors to know they have somewhere safe to go, with 49 brand new refuges under the Core and Cluster program expected to be operational across the state by 2026. Having services on site also means support is available when they need it most to help them heal, regain their confidence and rebuild their lives.

“This new refuge in the Newcastle LGA is an important addition to the region, as we work towards building a New South Wales free from domestic and family violence.”

Minister for Hunter Yasmin Catley said:

“Domestic and family violence is a huge issue all over NSW, and the Hunter is stepping up to be part of the solution – giving victim-survivors a safe space and a fresh start.

“We know the hardest part of leaving an unsafe situation is taking that first step, so we’re giving victims the confidence that once they’ve made it, the rest is taken care of – with the solutions they need for the journey ahead, right at their fingertips.”

Lyndall Robertshaw, CEO Australia of Home in Place, said:

“With almost four decades of experience in delivering housing projects for people who are most in need in our community, we understand the importance of designing safe spaces that encourage healing and rebuilding.

“Safe, appropriate housing is a fundamental human right. If you are worrying and organising where you or your family will sleep that night, it is very hard to work, study, raise children, take care of your physical or mental health or contribute to your community.”

Support:

If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, call the Police on Triple Zero / 000.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence, call the NSW Domestic Violence Line on 1800 65 64 63 for free counselling and referrals, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For confidential advice, support, and referrals, contact 1800 RESPECT or 13 YARN.

$25 million to power-up apartment solar and bring down power bills

The Albanese Labor Government is working with the Minns NSW Government to deliver a new $25 million program to help apartment residents save up to $600 on their energy bills annually.

The Solar for Apartment Residents incentive is the first-of-its-kind in NSW and provides co-funding to eligible owners’ corporations and strata managers to install shared rooftop solar systems.

Currently one in five NSW homes are apartments, yet only about 3.5 per cent of those are connected to solar.

This program will expand access to renewable technology and lower the cost of resident’s power bills.

It will cover up to 50 per cent of the cost of installing shared solar systems on apartments or other multi-unit dwellings, up to a maximum of $150,000 per project.

The incentive is funded by the Albanese Labor Government’s Solar Banks Scheme, which is focused on removing the barriers to accessing solar nationwide, and is a key action in the NSW Government’s Consumer Energy Strategy.

The program is designed and administered by the NSW Government, which will assess and approve applications, distribute funding to grant recipients and oversee the delivery of funded projects.

Owner’s corporations or strata managers of apartments or other multi-unit dwellings with 3-55 units that haven’t had a solar PV system installed in the last 10 years are eligible to apply.

Applications are now open and will close on 1 December 2025 or when funding is exhausted.

For more information on the initiative and to check your eligibility, visit Solar for apartment residents

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“My Government is Building Australia’s future. We want to makes sure all Australians have the services and the infrastructure they need now and into the future.

“That’s why we are working with the Minns Government to encourage the use of solar panels and help slash the cost of people’s power bills.

“This is good for families and good for the environment.”

Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen

“We want to make it cheaper and easier for every Australian to install rooftop solar, because whether a home is a house or apartment, everyone should be able to take advantage of cleaner, cheaper solar to bust bills for good.

“In the past it’s been difficult for apartment residents to reap the benefits of cleaner, cheaper solar- but Labor is helping households overcome those barriers and powering more Australian homes with renewables.”

NSW Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Penny Sharpe

“We’re excited to launch this initiative here in NSW, making solar power more accessible and affordable for the many people who live in apartments.

“Solar should be available to everyone. This program removes the barriers to renewable energy for units and apartments, making it easier and more affordable to adopt solar.”

Information for media: Ashfield Case Study

Overview

  • The apartment building is a three-level brick block with nine units in Ashfield, NSW, built in 1970.
  • There is a mixture of owner-occupied and rentals in the building.
  • The occupants are a mix of young families, working adults and retirees.

Solar system information

  • Installed in December 2021.
  • 20kW solar photo-voltaic (PV) system with 55 x 370 W solar panels and a 20-kW inverter powering nine strata units plus the common property, with capacity to export surplus electricity to the grid.
  • The system is ‘battery-ready’.

Costs & savings

  • Total system cost and cost to install: $50,000 total, paid for with a $5,000 special levy on each unit and the balance taken from the Owners’ Corporation Capital Works Fund.
  • Approximate annual energy bill savings: $8,900 for the unit block, which is estimated to be $990 per household.
  • Savings they would have received under the SoAR grant program: With a total system cost of $50,000, they could have been eligible to receive grant funding of up to $25,000 from SoAR.

Man charged after alleged pursuit in state’s west

A man has been charged following an alleged pursuit in state’s west yesterday.

About 6pm on Wednesday (26 February 2025), police were called to a motel on Cumberland Street, Cessnock, for a concern for welfare.

Police were unable to find anyone at the location in connection with the report; however, due to concerns a crime scene was established and an investigation commenced.

Following inquiries into the incident, about 1am yesterday (Thursday 27 February 2025), officers attached to Hunter Valley Highway Patrol initiated a pursuit of a station wagon at Denman.

The station wagon allegedly reached speeds of up to 170km/h as it was followed for almost two hours to Mudgee, where the vehicle stopped on Robertson Road shortly after 2.20am.

Officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District and Orana Mid-Western Police District were approaching the vehicle when it was allegedly driven towards them in Robertson Road, striking an officer.

A number of shots were fired towards the vehicle, before the driver drove away, with the car seen travelling along the Castlereagh Highway.

The vehicle – which is a hire car – was found abandoned in Lewis Lane, Dunedoo, about 6am.

The officer did not seek medical treatment and remained on duty.

About 11.30am yesterday, officers attached to Orana Mid-Western Police District arrested a 30-year-old man in Mendooran. The man was taken to Dubbo Hospital for treatment for injuries believed to have been sustained in the Cessnock incident.

The man was then taken to Dubbo Police Station where he was charged with police pursuit not stop drive dangerously, use offensive weapon to prevent lawful detention, and an outstanding warrant.

He was refused bail to appear before Dubbo Local Court today (Friday 28 February 2025).

Renewed appeal to find missing man – Western Region

Police have renewed their appeal for help from the public to locate a man reported missing from Western NSW five years ago.

Thursday 27 February 2025 marks the fifth anniversary since James Hunter went missing from Western NSW in 2020.

James was the biological son of Australian actor Bill Hunter.

Detectives attached to Orana Mid-Western Police District established Strike Force Yurinigh in March 2022 to investigate the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of James Hunter.

James, who was 52 at the time he was last seen, lived in the Newcastle suburb of Tighes Hill and travelled to the state’s west for work, including to rural properties at Dubbo, Mendooran and Dunedoo. He was also known to frequent Walgett and Lightning Ridge where he mined for opals.

He maintained contact with family members, who last saw him in person in December 2019, when he was in the Newcastle area.

After failing to make contact with his family for several months, James was reported missing to police in July 2021.

Officers from Orana Mid-Western Police District commenced numerous inquiries and have conducted searches for James since that time; however he has not been located.

Inquiries have established James’ last known bank transaction was at a pharmacy on Macquarie Street in Dubbo on Wednesday 26 February 2020, but since then, he has not accessed his bank accounts.

On Friday 22 March 2024 and Saturday 23 March 2024, 1700 hectares of land north-west of Mendooran was searched with the use of high-tech drones that carried out 52 flights.

A total of 33,000 high-resolution images were captured and processed by investigators.

In March 2022, his vehicle – a blue 2005-model Toyota Hilux ute was located on a property he was working at in Mendooran, and it was seized for forensic examination.

Police and family continue to hold concerns for James’ welfare, and are renewing their appeal to the community to come forward with any information that may assist detectives with their ongoing investigations.

James is described as being Caucasian in appearance, about 175cm tall, and of a medium build with brown hair and eyes.

Police are continuing to speak and obtain statements from witnesses and encourage anyone who has information in relation to James’ whereabouts or of relevance to the investigation is urged to contact Dubbo Police Station on 02 6883 1599 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.