Greens welcome end to cruel, draconian laws criminalising begging

The Victorian Greens have welcomed the long overdue passage of reforms to decriminalise begging and void outdated historic imprisonment warrants for unpaid fines after years of advocacy from the Greens and community legal organisations.

The Greens were proud to support amendments in Parliament today to decriminalise begging and stop people being thrown in jail for something that should be shown compassion instead. This comes after the Greens have moved their own amendments to decriminalise begging many times, which Labor blocked.

The Greens have campaigned to decriminalise begging for more than a decade, with former Greens justice spokesperson Sue Pennicuik introducing legislation to repeal the offence in 2016 and local Greens MP Ellen Sandell campaigning heavily on the issue as far back as 2017. At the time, Labor explicitly rejected the Greens’ push.

Victorian Greens leader Ellen Sandell MP:

“For more than a decade, the Greens and I have fought to end these cruel and outdated laws.
People who are begging should be treated with compassion not threatened with jail time, and I’m proud to have stood with people experiencing homelessness and the community legal sector to push for this important change to our laws.

“When the Greens introduced legislation to decriminalise begging back in 2016, Labor refused to support it. We didn’t give up, and we’re incredibly pleased that this reform has finally become law.”

Victorian Greens justice spokesperson Katherine Copsey MLC:

“Being poor should never have been a crime. Asking another person for help should never have put someone at risk of a fine, a criminal record or prison.

“It’s well past time to recognise that in a wealthy country, poverty is a failure of governments, not individuals.

“People begging on our streets need housing, income and support – not police, courts and punishment. Criminalising poverty only pushes people already doing it tough further into the justice system.

“This reform has been a long time coming, and it is a testament to the advocates, legal services and people with lived experience who have fought for a more compassionate justice system.”

Greens condemn vile Islamophobic attack on Warragul Mosque, warn that racist and far-right hate is becoming emboldened in Victoria

The Victorian Greens have condemned the vile Islamophobic attack on the Warragul Mosque and warned that racist and far-right hate is becoming increasingly emboldened across Victoria.

CCTV captured a man deliberately throwing bacon and ham around the entrance and signage of the mosque on Wednesday, just days after inflammatory social media posts about the mosque attracted comments encouraging people to target the site with pork products.

The attack follows other recent incidents targeting Victoria’s Muslim community, and the Greens say that political leaders cannot keep treating racist and religiously motivated attacks as isolated – warning that incidents targeting Muslim, migrant and multicultural communities are being increasingly normalised online and in public debate.

Leader of the Victorian Greens, Ellen Sandell:

“This was a vile, deliberate act of Islamophobic hate designed to intimidate Muslim Victorians simply for practising their faith.

“It is no coincidence that at a time when parties like One Nation are being given a massive megaphone, Muslims and multicultural communities are being targeted.

“Every political leader has the responsibility to do everything in their power to loudly call out the escalation in these vile, racist attacks and do everything in their power to fight back against the far-right extremism that’s fuelling it.
“The Greens stand unequivocally with the Warragul Mosque and Muslim communities across Victoria. There can be absolutely no tolerance for Islamophobia, or any kind of racism in Victoria.”

Victorian Greens spokesperson for Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism, Anasina Gray Barberio:

“Our Muslim communities should not have to become ‘used to’ or expected to be ‘resilient’ every time they are targeted by racism. Nobody should have to wonder whether their mosque, their women and children will be the next target.

“The Muslim community is our community, and the overwhelming solidarity shown to the Warragul Muslim community is a much better reflection of who we are than the pathetic actions of racists trying to spread hate and division.

“We are seeing an increasingly toxic political environment where racism and white supremacy is being legitimised by the likes of One Nation and people who trade in hate feel emboldened to take that hatred into the real world. The people responsible for this disgusting attack wanted to make the Muslim community in Warragul feel unwelcome. They have failed.”

Labor loses control of gutted WFH Bill – Greens demand Parliament be recalled to pass it now

Victorian Labor has spectacularly failed to pass its own gutted work-from-home (WFH) laws, leaving workers’ promised rights in limbo and raising serious doubts about whether they will ever become law.

After already delaying and hollowing its WFH commitment to appease CEOs, corporations and the property lobby, Labor today failed to manage the parliamentary numbers needed to pass its own legislation, with the laws instead sent to an inquiry and now unlikely to pass before the November election.

The Victorian Greens say Premier Ben Carroll must immediately commit to recalling Parliament to pass WFH rights before the election, and work constructively with the Greens to get the bill through instead of sabotaging the laws to appease bosses and corporations.

The Greens had been fighting to strengthen the legislation and restore the original September 2026 commencement date after Labor delayed and watered down the Bill after heavy lobbying from the Property Council, whose corporate members wanted to force workers back to the office so as not to lose rental income from offices in the city.

Victorian Greens leader Ellen Sandell MP:

“Workers were promised a right to work from home. Labor delayed it, gutted it and then completely botched getting it through Parliament.

“Labor has snatched defeat from the jaws of victory. Labor had the opportunity to pass a Bill, and through sheer political incompetence and kow-towing to big corporations, they’ve now left workers with nothing.”

Victorian Greens spokesperson for workers’ rights Aiv Puglielli MP:

“Workers have been promised these rights for months. They shouldn’t lose them because Labor can’t manage its own legislation through Parliament.

“Ben Carroll bent over backwards to make this bill acceptable to big business, but apparently forgot he also needed to get it through Parliament.

“Labor and the Liberals can keep pandering to CEOs and corporate lobbyists. The Greens are the party of workers, and we’ll keep fighting to make sure Victorian workers actually get the rights they were promised.”

Labor’s economy pushing women and young Aussies into second jobs

Under Labor, the number of Australians working more than one job has passed one million for the first time on record, and it is women and young Australians who are having to work the hardest.

1,049,100 Australians worked more than one job in the June quarter 2026 and the multiple job-holding rate has climbed to the highest share on record.

The rate of women working more than one job has hit the highest level ever recorded, with new ABS figures released today showing one in thirteen employed women now hold multiple jobs.

More than one-in-nine workers aged 20-to-24 hold more than one job, also a record. The biggest increase since the change of government has been among 25-34 year olds, the generation facing the steepest rents and first mortgages in the aftermath of Labor’s disastrous economic management.

Since the Coalition left office, 151,600 more Australians are working more than one job, an increase of 16.9 per cent.

Labour Account data released last week shows secondary jobs now make up a record 7.1 per cent of all filled jobs, and that 57 per cent of employment growth under Labor has been in the non-market sector of public administration, education and health.

the Deputy Leader, Senator Jane Hume: 

“Under Labor, Australians are working harder than ever just to go backwards. More than one million Australians are now working multiple jobs just to make ends meet – that is not an economic success story, it is a cost of living crisis.

“When more than one in nine 20-to-24 year olds is working multiple jobs, and the rate for women has hit a record high, it shows the real human cost of Labor’s economic mismanagement.

“Labor promised Australians they would be better off, but wages have gone backwards, housing costs have surged and now a record number of Australians are taking on a second job.”

the Shadow Treasurer, Tim Wilson MP: 

“More than one million Australians are now working two jobs to get by in the economy Labor built and to survive the Albanese active inflation agenda.

“The Albanese active inflation agenda has led to real wages going backwards by $1,600 a year under this government, and that’s forcing people to work more jobs just to keep their head above financial water.”

DA approval paves the way for more homes in Bega

The Minns Labor Government is delivering on its commitment to build more homes for Bega, with approval granted for the next stage of a development to transform the former TAFE site.

The approved plans will create a 72-lot subdivision on the underutilised government owned land for around 95 new homes, with 30 per cent dedicated to social and affordable housing.

This is part of the NSW Government’s plan to help ease the ongoing housing crisis by unlocking surplus government land that can be repurposed to create more housing supply for more people, including seniors, families, key workers and those on the social housing waitlist.

Designed with community in mind, the subdivision will include:

  • infrastructure to support a mix of private, social and affordable housing lots
  • space for single dwellings, duplexes and seniors’ housing
  • safe, connected walking paths and improved streets
  • landscaping and street lighting to enhance amenity
  • a bio detention basin to manage stormwater and protect the environment.

Located on the traditional lands of the Yuin Nation people, the project demonstrates how government and local council can work together to deliver more homes and stronger regional communities.

This development is part of the NSW Government’s historic $6.6 billion Building Homes for NSW program, which will deliver 8,400 social housing homes, 21,000 affordable and market homes, and upgrades to 30,000 existing social housing properties.

Subdivision works are expected to begin on site in early 2027 and be completed by early 2028, with construction of homes anticipated to start later that year.

Housing is the number one issue for the people of New South Wales and the Minns Labor Government will continue to deliver the largest housing and planning reform agenda in the state’s history.

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson:   

“This approval is a significant step towards delivering almost 100 new homes. After years of sitting empty and underutilised, this land is now the canvass for a whole new community which will provide safe and secure housing for so many people.

“We know the need for housing in regional areas like Bega has never been greater, which is why this is exactly the kind of smart, flexible thinking we need.

“We are committed to getting more homes built, unlocking more supply and ensuring regional communities like Bega have access to safe, secure and affordable housing for the future.” 

Member for Bega Dr Michael Holland said:

“This is a significant step forward for Bega and for local people who are looking for a place to call home.

“For too long, this government-owned land has been underutilised while families, seniors and key workers have faced increasing difficulty finding secure and affordable housing locally.

“The delivery of around 95 new homes, with 30 per cent dedicated to social and affordable housing, will make a real difference. Importantly, this development provides a mix of housing options, recognising that our community needs homes for families, seniors, workers and people who need the security of social housing.

“This is about putting government land to work for the community and delivering housing where it is needed. I look forward to seeing work begin in 2027 and, ultimately, seeing new families and residents call this part of Bega home.”

Bega Valley Shire Mayor Russell Fitzpatrick:

“It’s great to see multiple agencies working together to tackle our local housing shortage head on. The housing crisis is wide-reaching and we need broad, practical solutions that deliver homes for the people who live and work here.

“This is a smart step forward because it caters for a broad cross-section of our community, including older residents, growing families, essential workers and people who need a secure and affordable home.”

Ministerial travel audit

My office has completed an audit of all Ministerial and staff travel expenses since I became a Minister in March 2025. The audit was done with advice and support from the Department of Parliamentary Services, The Cabinet Office and the Premier’s Department.

I ordered this audit to ensure that all travel expenses were appropriate and claimed in accordance with the Ministers’ Office Handbook and the Parliamentary Remuneration Tribunal’s determination. All of my travel expenses have been declared and published since my appointment as Minister.

The audit has confirmed that expenses associated with official travel to Sydney were inadvertently paid for from my Ministerial office budget.

Expenses relating to parliamentary business should have been funded from the Sydney Allowance provided to MPs in non-metropolitan electorates.

As a result of the audit, I will reimburse my Ministerial office budget for these travel expenses. Costs associated with travel to Sydney will instead be claimed from the parliamentary Sydney Allowance as appropriate, in accordance with the usual process for MPs claiming parliamentary entitlements.

The audit has separately reviewed Ministerial staff travel expenses and has not identified any further issues requiring action.

I regret that this administrative error was not picked up and rectified sooner but I hope my experience will result in greater awareness of Ministerial and MPs’ entitlements for everyone.

I strongly believe regional MPs should be able to serve as Ministers. Regional communities deserve a strong voice around the Cabinet table, and the practical reality of living outside Sydney should never be a barrier to that.

In my 22 years of public service as an elected official, I have always acted with integrity and will continue to do so. It is my great honour and privilege to serve the people of my Lismore Electorate and the people of NSW as Minister for Small Business, Recovery and the North Coast.

S&P Global upgrades New South Wales Outlook

The decision of S&P Global to upgrade its outlook for New South Wales to Stable and reaffirm its AA+ credit rating is a strong endorsement of the Minns Labor Government’s responsible economic stewardship.

S&P Global credited the Government’s “excellent financial management” for the upgrade and noted the state’s “highly diversified economy” in support of its decision.

For four Budgets, we have made consistent and careful decisions to improve the state’s fiscal position.

  • We have delivered the biggest budget turnaround in the state’s history
  • Debt is nearly $10 billion lower than the former Liberal National Government had projected
  • We have sought out and cut wasteful spending
  • The year before Labor was elected, NSW ran a record deficit of $15.3 billion
  • The deficit is down to $2.3 billion in 2026-27 and a surplus of $1.1b is forecast next financial year
  • In the first 3 years of the Minns Government expenses growth has been kept to just 3.7%, the lowest of any state.

Today’s decision shows why that record matters.

NSW stands alone

We know there is more to do but NSW is the first Australian state in three years to have its credit outlook improved by S&P – a distinction earned through fiscal discipline during a period of global economic uncertainty.

We have restrained spending while protecting essential services.

We have reduced our reliance on debt to fund infrastructure.

We have repaired the Budget, while continuing to invest in housing, schools, hospitals and transport.

And we have done it through successive global economic shocks.

This week global ratings agency Fitch affirmed its Triple-A credit rating for NSW.

The state also holds a Triple-A rating with Moody’s.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:

“This decision confirms NSW is on the right track, and is a credit to the people, businesses and workers who keep this state growing.

“But we know there’s more work to be done.

“Working families are doing it tough and they want to know their Government is taking as much care of the state’s finances as they are with their household budget.

“Our strong balance sheet is not only a platform for growth but also a foundation to support families through this cost-of-living crisis.”

Minister for Finance Courtney Houssos said:

“Investors and businesses are taking note of this Government’s responsible economic management.

“The careful and at times difficult decisions we have made are improving the state’s long-term outlook.

“In an uncertain world, NSW, under Labor, offers something increasingly valuable: stability, discipline and confidence.”

Works get underway on Gosford Waterfront revitalisation

The Minns Labor Government has begun work on revitalising the Gosford waterfront precinct, delivering on an election commitment to unlock the potential for a long-overlooked precinct.

These works, funded by an $8.5 million investment from the Minns Labor Government, will revitalise 3 key sites, improving public space and connectivity to deliver the first stage of the Gosford Waterfront Public Domain Plan, shaped by the community and released today.

The initial works include upgrades to a shared pathway linking from Polytec Stadium to the waterfront past Brian McGowan Bridge and onto Gosford Sailing Club, creating a safer, more accessible promenade for walkers and cyclists that will feature newly installed seating and lighting.

The next stage of works will be the construction of a new café and public plaza at the space near the waterfront carpark, creating a versatile space for locals and visitors to relax and gather.

The area around Brian McGowan Bridge will also undergo much-needed car park improvements and feature a decorative lighting installation.

These works follow more than a year of study and engagement, from movement and usage assessments to a community consultation survey and workshops, all of which informed the new Public Domain Plan.

NSW family-owned engineering and construction business Daracon is delivering the first stage of pathway improvements at the Gosford Sailing Club expected to be completed before the end of 2026, using local expertise to continue its strong history of quality projects on the Central Coast.

Tenders for the café and plaza have just closed, with these works continuing into 2027.

The shared pathway will connect seamlessly with the planned Gosford to Point Clare boardwalk for pedestrians and cyclists announced in June as part of the Minns Government’s $41 million investment in the 2026/27 NSW Budget to supercharge work on the revitalisation of the Gosford waterfront.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully said:

“We have worked hand-in-hand with the Gosford community to design this revitalisation.

“Today’s announcement is about turning the community’s vision into reality with shovels now in the ground.”

Minister for the Central Coast, David Harris said:

“This stage of work is just the beginning. After years of talk, the Minns Labor Government is delivering on its promise to the Central Coast community by getting on with the job of revitalising Gosford’s waterfront.

“From better shared pathways to a new plaza and soon, new café, these first steps will make a difference to the locals who walk, ride, gather and relax on this beautiful part of the Central Coast capital.”

Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch said:

“Gosford Waterfront is one of our greatest natural assets, and this Government is committed to making sure the public spaces around it are just as special.

“This builds on our landmark $41-million investment in the waterfront as part of the 2026-27 NSW Budget, which also cemented plans for a stunning shared path across Brisbane Water.”

Chief Executive of Project lead the Hunter Central Coast Development Corporation, Valentina Misevska said:

“HCCDC was tasked with delivering real change on Gosford Waterfront and the Public Domain Plan, shaped by almost 3,500 community responses, sets out exactly how that can be done now and in the future.

“We are providing a comprehensive roadmap for one of the Central Coast’s favourite public spaces, and today’s construction start shows that plan already becoming a reality.”

$150 million investment strengthens Eurobodalla’s water security

A landmark investment in Eurobodalla’s water future has been delivered, with the completion of the Southern Storage Facility dam strengthening drought resilience and improving water security for the region for decades to come.

Jointly funded by the Albanese Government, through the National Water Grid Fund, the New South Wales Government and Eurobodalla Shire Council, the $150 million project includes the new Tuross River pump station and a new 3,000 megalitre (ML) storage dam located near Bodalla.

During periods of high river flows, water is pumped from the Tuross River and stored in the new dam for use when supplies are under pressure.

The water will support the region’s existing supply system for consumption and productive use and will deliver an additional 581 ML of water downstream for irrigation and stock watering each year.

The dam is now being filled and is expected to reach capacity by mid-2027, subject to river conditions.

Measuring 38 metres deep and 370 metres long, the facility incorporates flood management infrastructure and advanced water quality monitoring technology.

Once full, the storage facility will provide a vital backup water source during drought and periods of high demand, helping keep water flowing to homes, businesses and farms across the Eurobodalla Shire.

Key benefits include:

  • enhanced water security across the Eurobodalla Shire, reducing the likelihood of water restrictions
  • greater resilience during droughts and periods of high demand
  • sustainably managed water supplies through selective pumping during high river flows, in accordance with the Tuross River Water Sharing Plan .

Find out more at www.nationalwatergrid.gov.au/projects/eurobodalla-southern-storage

Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Murray Watt:

“This investment by all levels of government delivers reliability and resilience, helping to protect the Eurobodalla region against future drought and climate challenges.

“Once the dam is filled, this project will give Eurobodalla a secure and sustainable source of water that can be relied on – no matter the season.”

NSW Minister for Water, Rose Jackson said:

“This is a huge moment for Eurobodalla and a major milestone for one of the largest regional water security projects in NSW. I’m so pleased to see us delivering this infrastructure.

“At the end of the day, this project is about making sure families, businesses and farmers have access to reliable water when they need it most.

“It is a significant investment in the region’s future and a clear example of how we’re setting up communities for success in the face of a changing climate.”

Federal Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, and Member for Eden-Monaro, Kristy McBain:

“The Albanese Government is helping secure the future of the Eurobodalla region through this investment in water security for the region.

“I campaigned for the project as Member for Eden-Monaro and prior to that as Deputy Chair of the Canberra Region Joint Organisation.

“The new dam will provide better water security for our region for many decades to come, particularly in times of drought and bushfires.”

NSW Member for Bega Dr Michael Holland:

“This is a significant milestone for the Eurobodalla and a major investment in the future of our region.

“For farmers, businesses and industries, water security means greater certainty and greater control in the face of an element we can’t control — the weather.

“By storing water when it is available, this project will provide greater resilience through drought and periods of high demand, helping give our local economy the confidence to plan, invest and grow.

“This is an important investment in the Eurobodalla’s future, and one that will benefit our community for generations to come.”

Federal Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips:

“Growing up on the land, I know how crucial it is to have a reliable water supply, especially in regional areas like the Eurobodalla, where farmers and landholders rely heavily on access to water for irrigation and stock in times of drought and also during bushfires and other natural disasters.”

“This new dam will bolster local water supplies when needed most. The project is a fantastic example of three levels of government working together to provide important infrastructure for our community.”

Eurobodalla Shire Council Mayor, Mathew Hatcher, said:

“Completing the dam wall is a huge achievement for Eurobodalla. This project will give our community the water security we need to thrive, even during tough droughts.

“It’s an investment in our future and a big win for residents and businesses across the shire.”

Five additional H5 bird flu events in NSW

The Minns Government is responding to five new H5 bird flu events following positive tests from birds located at Dee Why, Goulburn, Hawks Nest and the south coast areas of Congo and Moruya.

These new events bring NSW to a total of 30 H5 bird flu events and 509 events for Australia.

The five new events are:

  • Greater Crested Tern at Dee Why
  • Greater Crested Tern in Goulburn
  • Greater Crested Tern in Hawks Nest
  • White fronted tern in Congo
  • Silver gull in Moruya

The event at Dee Why is the second event in the Sydney metropolitan area following the detection at Warriewood on the Northern Beaches earlier this month.

The NSW Government is working closely with the poultry industry based in Goulburn and across NSW to reduce the risk of the virus.

Bird flu has not been detected in commercial poultry flocks, or captive birds, and the risk to human health remains low.

The NSW Chief Veterinary Officer continues to advise that, where possible poultry are housed.

Any additional actions regarding housing of poultry will be determined by the Chief Veterinary Officer following a risk assessment.

There are no signs of any mass mortality in NSW and surveillance is continuing so we can detect any further cases early.

A national surveillance plan is in operation to monitor for any further detections and facilitate rapid, coordinated response.

If you see sick or dead wild birds, domestic birds, marine mammals or other wildlife showing signs of H5 bird flu – Avoid contact, Record what you see, Report it via the online reporting form or Emergency Animal Disease Hotline –1800 675 888.

Minister for the Environment, Penny Sharpe said:

“H5 bird flu is a serious and ongoing threat to wildlife, and there is no way to eradicate the disease once it is established in wild bird populations.

“The NSW Government has commenced a rollout of targeted vaccinations for vulnerable species of birds to help protect them against H5 avian influenza.

“We are focused on strong surveillance, preparedness and practical measures that reduce the spread of H5 bird flu and help protect our most vulnerable native wildlife.

“If you see a sick or dead bird, please ensure you and your pets avoid contact. Record what you see on your phone and report it via the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline.”

Minister for Agriculture, Regional and Western NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“These further detections demonstrate how important it is for us all to work together, to remain vigilant with our ongoing surveillance and reporting, so we can monitor and respond.

“There have been no detections in commercial poultry or captive birds anywhere in Australia, and the risk to human health remains low.

“We’re working closely with the poultry industry to reduce the risk of the virus spreading.

“NSW has recommended poultry owners voluntarily house birds and the NSW poultry industry continue to operate normally.

“Now is the time for everyone who has backyard chickens or pet birds in aviaries to take precautionary steps to ensure there are no interactions between their chooks and pets with wild birds.”