Greens announce plan to lower retirement age and lift pension above poverty line

The Greens have today announced a plan to lower the retirement age and lift the age pension above the poverty line, allowing Australians to retire earlier on a liveable income.

Greens leader Adam Bandt announced the plan in the party’s target seat of Richmond in northern NSW, along with Social Services spokesperson Senator Penny Allman-Payne and Greens candidate for Richmond Mandy Nolan.

By lowering the pension age from 67 to 65, recipients who benefit would on average receive $18,000 more a year. This includes those moving from JobSeeker to the Age Pension.

There are currently 54,295 JobSeeker recipients who are aged over 65. Since 2017 the proportion of people older than 65 receiving JobSeeker, DSP or the Carer Payment has doubled.

The commitment will largely benefit older women who are more likely than men to face the prospect of poverty in old age. The majority of JobSeeker recipients aged over 65 are women.

The pension rate was raised from 65 to 67 by the Rudd Labor government in 2009, with the Greens opposing the decision at the time.

Leader of the Australian Greens, Adam Bandt MP:

“In a wealthy country like ours, no one should retire into poverty. The Greens will fight for the right to retire earlier at 65, with an income that will actually pay the bills and support older Australians to enjoy the retirement they deserve.

“There is a poverty crisis among older Australians and it’s worse for older women, who are one of the fastest growing groups facing homelessness.

“One in three big corporations pay no tax, while thousands of older Australians are struggling to get by. By making billionaires and big corporations pay their fair share of tax, older Australians can retire earlier with a liveable income.

“In a minority Parliament, the Greens will keep Dutton out and restore respect and dignity in ageing by getting Labor to return the pension age to 65, and raise the pension rate above the poverty line.”

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

“Thousands of older people are in physically demanding, minimum wage jobs or accessing the much lower JobSeeker rate because successive Labor and Liberal governments have failed to give them the support they need.

“Older people deserve better from their government. The Greens will return the pension age to 65 and lift the pension above the poverty line, providing a well-deserved earlier retirement with liveable income support.”

Greens candidate for Richmond, Mandy Nolan:

“This region has among the highest house prices and least affordable rents in the country. We know too that this is the most climate-impacted, with house insurance becoming unaffordable for tens of thousands of Richmond households. Yet the pension has remained below the poverty line. In a wealthy country, housing stress and homelessness should not be an issue for our elders.

“I only need a 1.8% swing to win this seat from the same MP who has held it for 20 years. If I’m elected, I’ll work with Labor and the Independents to lower the pension age, and raise the pension rate above the poverty line.”

Labor’s public school plan rips $18 billion out of public schools, opens door for Dutton’s cuts

New analysis shows that public schools will have $18 billion ripped away due to Labor’s plan to push full public school funding back to 2034. 

The federal government’s share of public school funding is currently set at 20%, but is due to rise to 25% (40% in the NT) in order to reach the bare minimum funding required by Australia’s public schools. Analysis of budget papers and Labor’s statements reveals that the timeline for raising the federal contribution has been pushed back, with the vast majority of new funding planned for after 2029. 

Already struggling public schools will miss out on around $3 billion each year between now and 2029 when compared with raising the federal contribution from 2026. Labor’s plan sees an estimated $5.8 billion ripped out from NSW public schools by the end of the funding deal, with Victoria losing $5 billion and Queensland losing $4.4 billion. 

Peter Dutton has repeatedly committed to only funding public school agreements “as the numbers appear in the budget papers.” With promised funding not in the budget due to Labor pushing meaningful increases out past the forward estimates, Labor have handed Dutton a free pass to gut public school funding if he gets into office. Dutton’s positioning on only committing to expenditure detailed in the forward estimates has “all the hallmarks of the Abbott/Pyne abandonment of the Gonski funding plan in 2013” according to education expert Trevor Cobbold. 

Under the Greens’ plan the Commonwealth share of spending on public schools will rise in 2026 to 25% – except in the Northern Territory where it will be 40% – rather than making public school kids wait another decade for the bare minimum.

The Greens plan for public schools also includes free lunches and an annual payment of $800 made to families at the start of the school year for each child attending a public school, helping to meet growing out-of-pocket costs like uniforms, technology and school supplies.

The Greens are the party of public education, and the only party committed to fully funding our public schools in 2026.

Comments attributable to Greens spokesperson for Primary and Secondary Education, Senator Penny Allman-Payne:

“I think public school parents and teachers will be shocked at how much is being ripped out of their school. And what’s worse, this leaves the door open to funding cuts if Peter Dutton gets his way. 

“With Labor giving up on fighting inequality and the Liberals ideologically opposed to the very existence of public education, only the Greens are fighting for our public schools.

“This election is an opportunity to elect strong local Greens MPs that believe in public schools, or more major party backbenchers that will leave public schools underfunded for another decade.

“Every child deserves a free, world-class public education, and that’s what the Greens are committed to delivering – we think kids starting school next year deserve a fully funded education now, not in ten years.

“If you’re worried about your public school getting the funding it needs, we can’t keep voting for the same two parties and expecting a different result.”

$100,000 to support Love Your Sister to improve cancer care

The NSW Government has today announced $100,000 in funding for Love Your Sister, to support the charity in its goal of improving cancer care for people across Australia.

The one-off grant will assist with the charity’s fundraising activities. All charitable donations received by Love Your Sister are reinvested into Australian medical research focusing on precision medicine to improve cancer survival rates.

Precision cancer treatment aims to tailor therapies to the individual patient by analysing a tissue sample to understand their unique genetic makeup and cancer characteristics.

This approach is designed to increase positive health outcomes, decrease treatment times, minimise side effects and save costs on other, less effective treatments. The data from each sample also helps to further map cancer genetically, potentially saving lives.

Founded by Gold Logie-winning actor Samuel Johnson OAM, Love Your Sister was created after Samuel’s sister Connie, who was living with breast cancer, dared her brother to unicycle around the country to raise $1 million for cancer research and to remind every woman to be breast aware.

Since its inception in 2012, Love Your Sister has raised nearly $20 million for medical research.

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“Around one in every two people in NSW will be diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85, and ensuring they have access to treatments which can improve their outcome is a priority for this Government.

“Cancer touches everyone and the work that Love Your Sister does to ensure voices are heard through research is essential.”

Minister for Medical Research, David Harris:

“Love Your Sister is a wonderful charity that reinvests donations into research which is the key to unlocking continually improved outcomes of people with cancer.

“I am so pleased this funding will support Love Your Sister to boost cancer research right here in NSW.”

Love Your Sister Founder, Samuel Johnson, OAM:

“Love Your Sister proudly passes on every donation, and relies heavily on individuals, businesses, and governments to sponsor our vital work.

“Together we are stronger. Together we accelerate our progress towards Precision Medicine for all cancer patients, regardless of their postcode. Together, we are the solution.”

$5.2 million to expand renal dialysis services in south west Sydney

Residents of south west Sydney will have greater access to renal dialysis services as a result of a $5.2 million funding grant from the Minns Labor Government.

Camden Hospital will soon welcome a new renal dialysis unit servicing the local and broader Macarthur community, reducing the need to travel for this ongoing and frequent treatment.

Campbelltown, Bowral and Liverpool Hospitals will also expand their existing renal dialysis services, allowing more patients to receive critical care close to home.

The funding will purchase the specialist equipment needed to provide the services at all four hospitals and capital works at Camden and Liverpool Hospitals to repurpose existing spaces into state-of-the-art services.

The additional and expanded renal services are expected to be operational in 2026 and will provide for around 120 additional sessions per week.

Renal dialysis is a life sustaining treatment for people who have end stage kidney failure. The treatment filters blood when a patient is experiencing kidney failure, removing excess fluid and waste products.

Patients requiring dialysis usually attend treatment several times per week, for several hours at a time.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“This $5.2 million funding boost will offer more people greater access to this life saving and life extending treatment and care closer to home.

“Renal dialysis is a life sustaining treatment and with the expected increase in population across south western Sydney, we are delivering new these new facilities to ensure capacity can meet demand.”

Member for Camden, Sally Quinnell:

“This funding boost to our local Camden hospital is crucial in ensuring our community has access to timely, accessible and quality healthcare.

“Delivering essential healthcare services across the Macarthur region means travel time will be reduced for patients and families, making lives easier.

“I’m proud to be part of a government that is bringing Camden’s healthcare opportunities back into the forefront of planning.”

Member for Liverpool, Charishma Kaliyanda:

“Dialysis is not optional—it’s essential. The expansion of services at Liverpool Hospital means our community can access this lifesaving treatment closer to home.

“This will make a real difference for many renal patients who, at present, are travelling long distances to access care.”

Member for Campbelltown, Greg Warren:

“This funding boost of $5.2 million will allow residents of Campbelltown, and the broader Macarthur region to access this critical treatment and care closer to home.

“As demand for these services continues to rise in Southwest Sydney, it is crucial that we continue to support our hospitals to meet that demand.

“For patients in South West Sydney who have to regularly attend dialysis, giving them options for care close to home can make a major, positive impact.”

Member for Wollondilly, Judy Hannan:

“This is a wonderful funding boost to a historic Hospital that means so much to the Macarthur region.

“I welcome this funding and thank the Government for their investment that matches the growth that our area is facing.

“I hope this funding shows the community the ongoing support for Camden Hospital, I look forward to further investments in future in Wollondilly and the surrounds and continuation of clinical services that are provided there at the moment.”

Sonia Marshall, Chief Executive, South Western Sydney Local Health District:

“Renal dialysis requires frequent and often lengthy treatments, allowing patients in kidney failure to live longer and maintain their quality of life.

“The expansion will mean more people than ever before across our district have access to life saving treatments that deliver for our communities.”

International Day of Mourning – commemorating lives lost at work

Today, our Government pays its deepest respects to those who have died from work-related incidents or illness on the International Day of Mourning.

Each year, the day stands as an important opportunity to remember the lives lost, and the families forever changed, by workplace incidents, injury or illness.

To those who have lost a loved one: our Government and the people of New South Wales stand with you amid the ongoing pain and grief.

Nothing we say could begin to fill the void left by your loved one, but as we reflect on the grief of those left behind, we rededicate ourselves to reducing workplace-related incidents and deaths.

Every worker deserves a safe workplace. Any workplace death is a tragedy and one death too many.

In 2024, 52 people in NSW tragically lost their lives due to work-related incidents. While lower than the previous year, it remains a devastating reminder of the importance of workplace safety.

Thank you to workers and unions, employers and industry groups, SafeWork NSW and other stakeholders who join us in building better, safer workplaces.

While we remember those who didn’t come home to their loved ones, the best tribute the NSW Government can offer is a safer future for others.

The Minns Labor Government has moved to bring a new level of accountability to employers. 

Our industrial manslaughter laws now place the responsibility for criminally unsafe workplaces on employers, encouraging safer workplaces and holding those responsible to account.

We have taken important steps to address the scourge of silicosis – a deadly disease contracted from exposure to silica dust – and continue looking for ways to better protect workers from it.

Transport gig workers now have the protection of our industrial regime.

In addition, SafeWork NSW will become a standalone agency from 1 July, sharpening the regulator’s focus on delivering safer workplaces for everyone in NSW.

A commemorative service will be held today, where families, workers, unions, and members of the community can gather to pay tribute.

We will never stop working to make workplaces safer, so that everyone can go to work and return home safely to their loved ones at the end of the day.

Construction begins on new West Ryde Multi-Sports Facility

The rapidly growing Ryde area is set to benefit from a huge new local multi-sports facility being delivered by the Minns Labor Government, with construction now underway on the site.

The facility is being built on the former site of Marsden High School following the relocation of the school to the Meadowbank Education Precinct in 2022.

Once complete the new facility will provide a range of community and sporting spaces with a focus on netball, one of NSW’s highest participation sports, while also catering for growing sports such as basketball, futsal and badminton.

It will deliver a new 5,000 square metre indoor facility including 4 multipurpose courts and other indoor spaces, as well as outdoor facilities including 29 netball courts with amenities, communal space with open lawns, picnic tables and seating, and new car and bicycle parking spaces.

These new courts will replace existing rundown netball courts located on top of an old rubbish tip at Meadowbank Park.

As the NSW Government delivers more housing for young people and families, this project will also ensure that the community has access to world class sporting facilities and recreational spaces on their doorstep.

This multi-sports facility, was initially promised by the former Liberal National government in 2018 but they failed to even begin construction on the project. The facility will be delivered by the Minns Labor Government in 2026.

This project is part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to building a better NSW by providing the essential infrastructure growing communities deserve.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“This huge new facility that we’re delivering will create much needed sports and recreational space for this rapidly growing community.

“With over 30 new outdoor and indoor courts to open space, picnic areas and parking, this will be a great community space that people can come and enjoy whether they play sport or not.

“For years, this block was left to sit vacant. Now we’re turning it into a world class sporting facility that everyone will be able to use.”

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

“We are pleased to have begun construction on this new multi-sports facility, which will benefit local students and the broader community alike after years of delays under the Liberals.

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to ensuring growing communities across NSW are equipped with the infrastructure they need – whether that’s new or upgraded schools, or high quality sporting facilities for the whole community.

“Labor is committed to ensuring public assets continue to benefit the public, which is why we are redeveloping this former school site into a much-needed community sport facility.”

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

“We are focused on building better communities and that means ensuring everyone has access to grassroots sporting infrastructure.

“We look forward to this space becoming a vibrant community sporting hub for the entire community to enjoy.”

Member for Bennelong Jerome Laxale said:

“With the state government committed to a new school at Melrose Park, this investment in sporting facilities for our region is crucial.

“Netball has long suffered in Ryde at substandard facilities in Meadowbank. This huge boost will support all players of all ages and provide much needed indoor sports facilities locally.”

Councillor for City of Ryde Lyndal Howison said:

“I’m delighted that this regional sports facility will be located in Ryde. The Minns government is delivering a bright, community future for the former site of Marsden High School.

“Our community has waited long enough to see it come back to life and I thank local residents and ERNA for engaging so constructively in this long process. I want to reassure residents that I will keep listening to them as we watch this site take on an important new role.”

Eastwood Ryde Netball Association (ERNA) President, Karen Waud said:

“Eastwood Ryde Netball Association are very excited about the commencing of the construction phase of our netball journey at our new facility.

“With 4 indoor courts, 29 outdoor courts, and café facilities, it will offer a fantastic experience for players and fans alike. This will be wonderful for our sports loving community in the City of Ryde.

“City of Ryde is growing, and so is the demand for quality sporting facilities.

“This is a big milestone for Eastwood Ryde Netball Association and all our members.”

Minns Government boosting Western Sydney’s Industrial future

The Minns Government is supporting jobs and investment for Western Sydney with the approval of a new $139 million warehousing estate that will create more than 600 jobs within the booming Western Sydney Aerotropolis.

The 19.4 hectare estate has been approved as a State Significant Development and will offer a diverse range of warehousing options from around 1,000 square metres up to 30,000 square metres, with a total of more than 63,500 square metres of floor area spread across seven buildings.

In addition to the warehousing use, the development also proposes an onsite café, ancillary office spaces, an estate road network, two landscaped open space areas, stormwater management works, signage, waterway rehabilitation, car parking and infrastructure installation, as well as estate wide landscaping.

The development is one of the first in the Aerotropolis and would support its growth by providing crucial logistics and warehousing space.

The Barings Luddenham Industrial Park will create 250 ongoing roles and 390 construction jobs close to the new Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport due to open in 2026.

The approval follows the recent approval of Bradfield City’s Central Park and the opening of the First Building.

The NSW Government has invested more than $1 billion to kickstart Bradfield City Centre, providing the early commercial buildings, infrastructure, and services needed to unlock billions in private development that will create more than 10,000 new homes and 20,000 new jobs.

There are also currently $14 billion worth of private development applications in the pipeline for the whole aerotropolis that would create 120,000 jobs.

Construction of the new industrial estate will begin mid-2025, with the first warehouse expected to open in December 2026.

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

To find out more about the Aerotropolis, visit the Western Sydney Aerotropolis web page. 

Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said:

“This investment is not just about warehouses, it’s about jobs, opportunity, and building a thriving future right here in the Aerotropolis. More than 600 jobs will be created through this development, and it’s just the beginning of what is to come.

“The Minns Government is delivering on our promise to grow Western Sydney by backing projects that create jobs, attract investment, and unlock opportunity. This project is a key step forward in activating the Aerotropolis and creating the jobs of tomorrow.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“With the Western Sydney International Airport on the horizon and developments like this one gaining momentum, we’re laying the foundations for a Western Sydney that’s more connected, more vibrant, and offers more opportunity than ever before.

“The NSW Government is helping to drive investment, create jobs and support the development of the Western Sydney Aerotropolis with vital space for logistics.

“This project shows confidence in Western Sydney’s economic future. From construction jobs to long-term roles in logistics and operations, it’s investments like this that are helping to power our state’s growth and prosperity.”

Minns Labor Government gambling with your privacy with driver licences up for privatisation

The Minns Labor Government is putting the personal data of every NSW driver at risk, quietly preparing to privatise the production of driver licences in a time of when cyberattacks are an everyday occurrence across the world.
 
Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said Chris Minns and Customer Service Minister Jihad Dib were gambling with the privacy and security of millions of people.
 
” Chris Minns’ anti-privatisation rhetoric rings hollow. Cyberattacks are exploding across the world — yet he thinks now is the right time to hand over your name, your address and your facial image to private companies.
 
“This is another desperate grab to cover up the Government’s 2025 budget mess.”  Mr Speakman said.
 
Service NSW — once the gold standard for trusted, secure government services — is being gutted. First Labor axed the Fair Go for Safe Drivers program in February 2024, punishing safe drivers. Now they’re selling off your licence production without even admitting it.
 
Shadow Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government James Griffin said the move would make NSW drivers even more vulnerable to cybercriminals.
 
“Instead of investing in secure, government-controlled licence production, the Minns Labor Government is waving the white flag on privacy,” Mr Griffin said.
 
The Minns Labor Government is laying the groundwork for privatisation with NSW motorists — and hiding behind public servants and RFIs to do its dirty work.
 
This is what the Minns Labor Government wants to do — rip apart trusted services, risk your security, and leave families paying the price.
 
You can’t fix big problems with small targets. And the Minns Labor Government is the smallest target of all.

Woman dies following crash near Newcastle

A woman has died following a crash near Newcastle earlier this week.

About 1.30pm on Thursday 24 April 2025, emergency services were called to a showground on Cowper St, Stroud, following reports of a crash.

Officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District attended and found two women – aged 72 and 82 – had been struck by a vehicle.

Both women were treated at the scene before the 82-year-old woman was taken to John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition.

About 9.30pm on Friday 25 April 2025, police were notified the 82-year-old had died.

The driver of the vehicle – a 68-year-old woman – was taken to Maitland 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.

Inquiries are ongoing.

Woman charged over alleged fraud – Port Stephens-Hunter PD

A woman has been charged following an investigation into an alleged fraud in the Hunter.

In May 2024, police attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were notified of fraudulent activity within the accounts of a cleaning business.

Police will allege in court that multiple deposits had fraudulently been made from a business account to the personal account of an employee between 2018 and 2024.

Following extensive inquiries, police arrested a 37-year-old woman at Maitland Police Station yesterday (Sunday 27 April 2025).

She was charged with seven counts of steal property as clerk/servant over $15000.

She was granted conditional bail to appear before Maitland Local Court on Wednesday 21 May 2025.