April 2025 – Page 6

NSW is 14,000 homes behind as Labor misses housing accord benchmarks again

Today’s ABS building activity report is the second quarterly report card on the Minns Labor Government and shows that the Government has fallen further behind meeting its housing targets, falling 37 per cent short after six months of the National Housing Accord.

Only 23,699 homes were completed in NSW in the first six months of the Housing Accord – 14,001 homes short of our six month target of 37,700 homes. This means that NSW now needs to complete 353,301 homes over the next four and a half years to reach the 377,000 new homes target that was set by Chris Minns and Anthony Albanese.

If the average figure across the first six months of the Housing Accord were replicated across every quarter, there would only be 236,990 homes built over the next five years, a shortfall of 140,010 homes from the Minns Labor Government’s housing accord target.

Chris Minns stated in January 2024 that “it’s really important NSW is first on the east coast when it comes to completions,” yet NSW is falling behind Victoria, which is meeting its housing accord targets.

Causing further concern, the future pipeline for NSW is looking bleaker, with commencement figures of just 10,653 homes in the December 2024 quarter, a 6.4 per cent decline on the same quarter in 2023. That decline shows that the Minns Labor Government’s policies are failing in driving new home construction – which will lead to NSW seeing fewer new homes completed in the future.

NSW Opposition Leader Mark Speakman said under the leadership of Chris Minns and Labor, higher taxes and charges have led to NSW becoming the worst performing state on mainland Australia.

“The Minns Labor Government has claimed that housing is the centrepiece of its agenda, but six months in, NSW can’t even beat Victoria and it’s clear that Labor won’t get anywhere close to delivering its promises under the National Housing Accord,” Mr Speakman said.

“Amid a mountain of Labor taxes and charges representing up to half the cost of new housing in NSW, declining commencements figures show that worsening feasibility for new housing projects is shattering the dreams of young families wanting to get onto the property ladder,” Mr Speakman said.

Shadow Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, and Housing Scott Farlow said the ABS building activity data shows that Labor has made the housing crisis worse amid a mountain of Labor taxes and charges and that Labor is unwilling to meaningfully address both supply and demand.

“As Labor imposes a $12,000 housing tax on new home builds in Greater Sydney, commencement figures running below completions figures show how the pipeline of new housing is running dry. New home delivery to market will only get worse,” Mr Farlow said.

“Chris Minns and Labor must finally face up to reality: NSW can’t tax our way to more housing.”

“The outlook for new housing is worsening but both state and federal Labor continue to drive higher demand for new housing with net migration increasing Australia’s population by one million people over the last two years.

“More people are being left to compete over fewer new homes, yet Chris Minns is completely unwilling to stand up to Anthony Albanese on rebalancing migration. NSW needs both demand and supply side solutions to the housing crisis.

“Labor has made the housing crisis worse by failing to deliver the homes to cater for our growing population, by making new homes more expensive and construction less viable and by failing to provide the essential infrastructure the sector needs to actually get on with the job of delivering more homes,” Mr Farlow said.

Western Sydney business collapse exposes Minns Labor government failures

The Minns Labor Government has abandoned Western Sydney businesses, with new data revealing that six of the highest-risk regions for business collapse in the entire country are in Sydney’s west.

Recent data[1] has revealed business-to-business payment defaults have surged by 42 per cent nationally over the past year, a clear sign of the worsening economic pressures facing local businesses.

The situation is most dire in Bringelly–Green Valley, which now holds the grim title of the highest forecast business closure rate in Australia, with 7.9 per cent of businesses expected to shut their doors in the next 12 months.

These regions are already under pressure — with high personal insolvency, lower-than-average income levels, and rising commercial rents driving businesses to the brink.

And still, Labor has no plan.

Western Sydney is not just a region — it’s a powerhouse. It is home to roughly one in every eleven Australians[2], boasts the third-largest economy in the country, and encompasses vast national parks, waterways and green spaces. Yet despite its scale and significance, Western Sydney suffers from higher-than-average unemployment and now, rising business failure.

Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said Western Sydney carries the weight of this state’s economic future — and yet under Labor, it’s been treated with contempt.

“While families lose cost-of-living support and businesses go to the wall, Chris Minns offer nothing but spin,” Mr Speakman said.

Shadow Minister for Western Sydney Robyn Preston said Western Sydney is being hit from all sides — rising costs, fewer jobs, and no support from the very government that promised to have their back.

“The people of Western Sydney deserve better than this,” Ms Preston said.

Shadow Minister for Small Business Tim James said Chris Minns Labor has turned his back on the small businesses that keep this state going.

“Whether it’s retail, construction or hospitality — these businesses are being crushed while the government cuts support and hopes no one notices,” Mr James said.

The Member for Badgerys Creek Tanya Davies said when payment defaults are up 42 per cent and entire sectors are collapsing, the Premier and Minister for Small Business should be front and centre.

“Instead, they’re nowhere to be found. The Minns Labor Government has walked away from Western Sydney,” Ms Davies said.

Labor’s decision to slash proven cost-of-living support like the Active Kids, Creative Kids, First Lap and Back-to-School vouchers has only made things worse for struggling families and small businesses.

These programs, introduced by the Liberals and Nationals, delivered practical relief when it was needed most.

Under Chris Minns, Western Sydney isn’t just being forgotten — it’s being left behind.

[1] https://creditorwatch.com.au/blog/b2b-payment-defaults-42-higher-than-a-year-ago-as-cost-pressures-mount-trump-trade-war-effects-looming

[1] https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/rcegws/rcegws/About/about_greater_western_sydney

Man dies when ute crashes off bridge – Hunter Valley

A man has died in a single-vehicle crash in the state’s Hunter Valley.

Emergency services were called to a bridge near Glendon Lane, Glendon, near Singleton, about 2.30pm yesterday (Wednesday 16 April 2025), and found a ute had crashed over the bridge and down an embankment.

The driver and sole occupant of the vehicle – a 49-year-old man – had died at the scene.

Officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District will preparea report for the coroner.

Fatal crash – Muswellbrook

A man has died in a two-vehicle crash in the Hunter Valley region.

About 5.30pm on Tuesday (15 April 2025) emergency services were called to Maitland Street, Muswellbrook, following reports of a crash.

Officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District attended and found a motorbike and a ute had collided.

The rider of the motorcycle – a man aged in his late teens – died at the scene.

He is yet to be formally identified.

The driver of the ute and his passenger – both men aged 19 – were uninjured.

The driver was taken to hospital for mandatory testing.

Police established a crime scene and commenced inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.

Tax reform for easier, faster, better tax returns

A re-elected Albanese Labor Government will make the tax system simpler and deliver more cost-of-living relief by introducing a $1,000 instant tax deduction from 2026-27.

The reform will allow taxpayers to choose to claim a $1,000 instant tax deduction instead of claiming individual work-related expenses, saving time and money.

Taxpayers won’t need to collect receipts for deductions less than $1,000 and will save on the costs of professional tax advice.

It means more than one in three taxpayers will only need to make six clicks to tick their tax return.

As a result of the instant deduction:

5.7 million taxpayers (39 per cent of taxpayers) who currently claim less than $1,000 in deductions will benefit.
The average amount of annual tax relief for those who benefit is $205.
Australians earning between $45,001 and $135,000 could get a benefit of up to $320.
Around 88 per cent of those that benefit would have a taxable income of less than $135,000 in 2026-27.

This is tax reform that cuts red tape and relief that comes on top of our new tax cuts for every taxpayer, helping Australians keep more of what they earn.

This election commitment will provide more permanent cost of living relief and make tax time quicker and easier for 5.7 million taxpayers.

When our tax cuts to every taxpayer are fully implemented, the average full time income earner on $103,000 will receive $2,790. This will rise to up to $3,110 when combined with this reform, for those taxpayers who weren’t already claiming deductions.

The time saving alone from reducing the burden of record keeping on millions of taxpayers is estimated to be worth about $200 million a year.

To be eligible for the instant tax deduction, taxpayers have to earn labour income. People who only earn business or investment income and no labour income can continue to claim their deductions in the usual way.

Taxpayers claiming more than $1,000 in work-related deductions will still be able to do so in the usual way. Charitable donations and other non-work related deductions would continue to be claimed on top of the instant tax deduction.

This new tax reform builds on Labor’s substantial and responsible cost-of-living relief which also includes tax cuts, energy bill relief, cheaper medicines and childcare, student debt relief and higher wages.

It forms part of the Government’s substantial tax reform agenda, which includes reforms to multinational tax, the Petroleum Resource Rent Tax and to make super tax concessions fairer, and our build to rent tax breaks, production tax credits and tax cuts for every taxpayer.

The introduction of the instant tax deduction will cost $2.4 billion over the forward estimates.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“Labor is building Australia’s future.

“We have already delivered a tax cut for every taxpayer, and we want to continue to reform the tax system to slash red tape and make it easier for people to keep more of what they earn.

“This is good for workers and good for our economy.”

Treasurer Jim Chalmers:

“We’re reforming the tax system to make it easier, simpler and faster to do your taxes.

“This is tax reform and additional, modest tax relief at the same time.

“Our economic plan is all about lower taxes and higher wages for workers.

“This election is a contest between a Labor Government making tax time easier, cutting taxes and delivering cost-of-living relief, and the Liberals who will hike up taxes and have no ongoing plan to help with the cost-of-living.”

Council update: Ordinary Council Meeting (items adjourned from 25 March) – Tuesday 15 April 2025

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council Meeting (items adjourned from 25 March) of Tuesday 15 April. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.

Ordinary business

Newcastle 2040 Review

Council voted unanimously to endorse the revised Community Strategic Plan Newcastle 2040, which provides the basis for the ongoing alignment of the City of Newcastle’s decision-making processes, strategies, and activities with the vision of the Newcastle community.

City of Newcastle Advisory Committee annual reports

Council voted unanimously to receive City of Newcastle’s Advisory Committee Annual Reports for 2024.

Tabling of Petition – off-leash dog area for small to medium dogs – Newcastle East

Council noted the tabling of a petition to establish an off-leash area for small to medium dogs in Newcastle East.

Executive Monthly Performance Report

Council received the Executive Monthly Performance Report for February 2025.

Notices of Motion

Bequest from the estate of the late Anne Powell to New Lambton Community Centre

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion to acknowledge and celebrate the bequest of almost $64,000 from the Estate of the late Anne Geraldine Powell to the New Lambton Community Centre to benefit community groups that utilise the centre.

Relocating the Wickham Return and Earn

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion to write to TOMRA Cleanaway, the NSW Environment Protection Authority and the State Member for Newcastle, reiterating ongoing issues with the location of the Wickham Return and Earn facility and request that it is relocated to a more suitable location.

Notice of Motion to receive a petition: Petition against the introduction of permit parking scheme – George, Mary, Power, Phoebe and Morgan Streets, Islington

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion to receive a petition from 115 Islington residents against the proposed introduction of a Permit Parking Scheme in George, Mary, Power, Phoebe and Morgan Streets, Islington.

Council noted the petition was generated in relation to a matter that was under an open public consultation process. This consultation process has now been completed and over 98% of submissions noted an objection to it. Given the results of the consultation, it has been resolved the proposal will not progress and there will be no changes to the on-street parking regulations in this area.

Protecting the integrity of the Hunter Estuary in Newcastle

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion to seek an update on behalf of the community of the actions underway to mitigate and redress the impacts from development on, and rehabilitation of, our wetlands ecosystem in Newcastle, particularly in Minmi and Fletcher. Council requests a briefing with representatives from the NSW Local Land Services, NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, and Council officers.

City of Newcastle looks to the future with strategic investments

City of Newcastle has taken another step in its long-term financial plans to ensure it can meet the need for infrastructure and services across the city into the future.

Councillors signed off last month on the purchase of a significant commercial landholding in Taree, which is operated by Bunnings under a 10-year lease.

This is the first property acquired under City of Newcastle’s Future Fund strategy, which was established to seek better financial returns through a range of strategic investments.

Executive Director of Corporate Services and Chief Financial Officer David Clarke said the Future Fund allowed City of Newcastle to diversify its revenue base to cater for both the growing population and aging assets.

“We’re continuing to think outside the square when it comes to how we deliver for our city,” Mr Clarke said.

“City of Newcastle manages $2.7 billion worth of infrastructure assets on behalf of the community.

“While these assets have long, useful lives, they do need greater levels of investment over time as they age, which is why we put aside funds each year to ensure we are able to cover the cost of their future renewal.

“The Future Fund allows us to increase investment of our cash reserves into a diverse portfolio of land, buildings and City of Newcastle’s commercial operations.

“This will provide the growth we need as we balance financial stewardship with innovation, ensuring that every decision we make today contributes to a thriving city for generations to come.”

The Bunnings purchase was vetted by the Future Fund Governance Committee in line with its adopted investment strategy and follows the review of more than 20 properties during the past 12 months.

The Committee’s membership includes representatives of City of Newcastle and the elected Council, as well as two independent members with appropriate professional capabilities and an independent Chairperson.

Construction underway on new $20 million Batemans Bay Community Health facility

Construction is underway on the new Batemans Bay Community Health facility, which will provide a sustainable, purpose-built community health service for the local community.

Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Regional Health and Member for Bega Dr Michael Holland attended a sod turn event to mark the major milestone, which included planting three trees on site.

The NSW Government is investing $20 million to deliver a range of community-based services in one location for the communities of Batemans Bay and surrounding areas.

The new, purpose-built Batemans Bay Community Health facility will include:

Allied health
Child, youth and family services
Women’s health
Sexual health
Community nursing and wound management
Palliative care
Aboriginal health
Community mental health and drug & alcohol
Specialist outpatient clinics
Pathology

The new facility will be built on the existing Batemans Bay Hospital site and located close to the Medicare Urgent Care Clinic which opened it 2023. The build will deliver a modern health facility with more spaces to better support healthcare teams in providing enhanced care to the local community.

The facility will include interview, consultation, and treatment rooms for a range of services, a gymnasium, as well as larger rooms that can accommodate groups and families and be used as education spaces.

The investment into community health in Batemans Bay builds on the $330 million new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital which will deliver an enhanced level of healthcare service and more beds than Moruya and Batemans Bay hospitals combined.

The new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital will include a new and expanded Emergency Department, an eight bed Intensive Care Unit and the first paediatric unit for the region. There will also be increased access to chemotherapy treatments and renal dialysis, modern surgical and operating theatres, expanded medical imaging, mental health service, ambulatory care and outpatient services; and education facilities which will support the needs of the entire Eurobodalla Shire from Narooma to Batemans Bay.

Monarch Building Solutions Pty Limited has been awarded the contract to deliver the new Batemans Bay Community Health facility following a competitive tender process. Site establishment works will commence in the coming weeks, which will include the installation of site fencing and sheds.

Batemans Bay Hospital, including the current Community Health service, will continue to operate while the new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital and Batemans Bay Community Health facility are built.

Further information on the redevelopment is available by visiting the project website: http://hinfra.health.nsw.gov.au/bbch

Construction of the new health facility is expected to be completed in 2026, followed by an operational commissioning stage to support staff moving into the new facility.

Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park:

“It is terrific to see construction underway on the new, purpose-built Batemans Bay Community Health facility, which will be transformative for staff and the local community.

“Having services including child and family health, Aboriginal and women’s health and drug and alcohol services all under the one roof will enhance accessibility and better support the health needs of people in Batemans Bay and surrounding areas.” 

Member for Bega, Dr Michael Holland:

“I look forward to seeing the new Batemans Bay Community Health facility come to life, with the contractor appointed and construction underway.

“The new health facility will complement the $330 million Eurobodalla Regional Hospital, currently under construction, ensuring our community always has access to the right healthcare in the most appropriate setting.”

Funding boost for Small Group Tuition lifting literacy and numeracy outcomes for students

The Minns Labor Government is delivering increased funding for the Small Group Tuition Program in NSW public schools this year, with $80 million invested to lift literacy and numeracy outcomes for students who need extra support to keep on track and meet their potential.

Initially introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Small Group Tuition Program was made permanent in NSW public schools through an election commitment delivered by the Minns Labor Government.

This will enable students to get access to intensive and targeted teaching in the critical foundational skills of literacy and numeracy.

The ongoing Small Group Tuition Program is a central component of the Better and Fairer Schools Funding Agreement between the Commonwealth and NSW governments.

The Minns Labor Government has enhanced the program to clearly align with evidence-based explicit teaching, while new reporting requirements will also ensure there is a measurable impact on students’ learning progress.

The Small Group Tuition Program improves reading and numeracy skills for primary and secondary students, while also providing valuable practical experience for student-teachers pursuing their Initial Teacher Education (ITE) qualifications, as they can be employed as tutors in the program.

With the lift in funding for 2025, schools will be able to increase Small Group Tuition interventions from 10 to 15 weeks.

The program has been informed by research undertaken by Australian Education Research Organisation (AERO), which recommends tutoring students in small groups at the ‘needs additional support’ NAPLAN proficiency level. Additionally, Grattan Institute research found Small Group Tuition is the most effective way of reducing learning and development equity gaps.

Funding is determined based on the amount of students identified through the 2024 NAPLAN proficiency standards, ensuring that resources are allocated where they are needed most.

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

“The Minns Labor Government is making this significant investment as part of our record education funding, to ensure every public school student can achieve their full potential.

“In addition to this funding boost for Small Group Tuition, the new reporting guidelines will make sure we are monitoring student progress in developing critical literacy and numeracy skills.

“This is part of our work to reverse declining student outcomes after more than a decade of neglect and mismanagement under the former Liberal Nationals government.

“The Minns Labor Government is rebuilding the NSW public education system to ensure all students have access to a world class public education and the opportunity to succeed.”

NSW Government launches updated strategy to support veterans and their families

The Minns Labor Government is expanding support for the families of veterans as part of the NSW Veterans Strategy 2025-2030 released today.

The strategy sets out a whole-of-government approach to support the wellbeing of veterans and their families and acknowledge their vital contribution to NSW.

Building on the inaugural Veterans Strategy released in 2021, the strategy continues vital support while taking a greater focus on women veterans, along with the spouses and the children of veterans.

Key additions to the strategy include:

Building on the successful public service Veterans Employment Program by developing peer-support networks for veteran employees. The Veterans Employment program has been adopted by 30 councils and helped more than 1,000 veterans into jobs across NSW
Developing career resources for veterans’ partners. This digital road map will also deliver resources to educate employers, policymakers, and stakeholders about the experience of spouses and partners
Supporting the children of veterans by promoting resources for schools and teachers of defence force-connected students, such as when transitioning between schools.
Providing greater flexibility of school enrolment requirements for the children of veterans until a family has secured housing.
The NSW Office of Veterans Affairs is partnering with RSL NSW and Monash University on an important research project aimed at improving support services for women veterans in NSW.

The NSW Government has considered last year’s recommendations of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide and the Commonwealth Government’s response in finalising this strategy.

The Government’s ongoing engagement with veterans, their families and ex-service organisations has ensured lived experience has remained central to the strategy.

Its suite of programs and initiatives aims to ease the transition into civilian life for veterans and their families and honour service.

Other components of the strategy include:

Supporting the continued roll out of Veterans and Families Hubs that provide wellbeing services, support and opportunities for veterans and their families, with 5 hubs open and more to be announced soon
Resources to help veterans into employment and to establish or grow their careers such as conducting ‘jobs ready’ workshops for veterans and promote veteran friendly employment opportunities
Delivering a new memorial to acknowledge our contemporary veterans and their families.
Support for veterans affected by problem gambling.

Key actions of the current strategy are available in the NSW Veterans Strategy 2023–2024 Final Report.

To download a copy of the NSW Veterans Strategy and Action Plan 2025–2030.

Minister for Veterans, David Harris said:

“I am pleased to announce the second Veterans Strategy which will allow the NSW Government to better recognise, inform and support the almost 130,000 veterans and their families who call NSW home.

“This strategy is focussed on the experiences of veterans and their families, and the issues that matter most to them.

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to delivering outcomes to support veterans and their families and recognise them for the sacrifices they have made.

“The Strategy continues the great work of the first NSW Veterans Strategy and includes a number of new programs, initiatives and partnerships.”