16 News – Newcastle and Australian News

Call for Stronger Action Against Laos for Failing Bianca and Holly

The Prime Minister should immediately summon the Laotian Ambassador for a formal explanation following revelations that those responsible for the deaths of Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles by ethanol poisoning have only received fines of just AUD$185.

Australians are rightly shocked. Four other tourists, two Danish women, a US tourist and a British woman, also died in this mass poisoning event.

A year ago we learned the Laos Government was refusing Australian Federal Police assistance in the investigation. A year ago Australians were told by the Albanese Government that the matter was in hand. At the time the Leader made the point on Channel 7’s Sunrise.

We now know there has been no meaningful justice for Holly and Bianca, and their families did not learn of these outcomes from their own government but via the British woman’s family.

Australia makes a significant contribution to Laos through our foreign aid program and other development assistance.

The Albanese Government should remind the Laotian Government of the important contributions Australian taxpayers make to key programs in Laos in-line with the friendship between our two countries.

It is in that same spirit of friendship and cooperation that Australians rightly have an expectation of proper justice and accountability for the deaths of two young Australians.

The Albanese Government must also explain the clear failures of consular support and diplomacy in this instance, and why the families of Holly and Bianca were not kept properly informed of these developments.

Holly and Bianca deserve justice, their families deserve answers and Australia should be using every diplomatic lever at its disposal to secure both.

Newcastle Art Gallery set to make its mark with opening weekend celebrations

Three art lovers are being given the chance to walk away with a permanent reminder of Newcastle Art Gallery’s nationally significant collection as part of the opening weekend celebrations.

But they won’t have to worry about finding the perfect space to hang their prize, with the work of art instead being a bespoke tattoo inspired by the Iconic Loved Unexpected exhibition.

Fresh from supporting Katy Perry on a national tour, Hunter musicians Kinder will be among the live performance highlights at the Friday night street party, which kicks off Newcastle Art Gallery’s opening weekend celebrations. Picture credit: Billy Zammit

The winners will be inked during the Friday night street party by Newcastle artist and tattooer Eddy Lou, as part of a packed opening weekend program of art, music and interactive experiences.

Director Lauretta Morton OAM said while the tattoos were a quirky way to celebrate the milestone, every visit to Newcastle Art Gallery was designed to leave a lasting impression.

“Our collection offers an extraordinary time capsule of art from around the world, incorporating significant First Nations artists, colonial era Australian icons, internationally important Japanese Sodeisha ceramics, contemporary pieces and so much more,” Ms Morton said.

“Throughout our seasonal exhibitions we will also be providing visitors with a chance to experience ambitious programs that are locally grounded, nationally engaged and globally minded.

“The expansion project is about more than just increasing the exhibition space; it’s about reimagining the Gallery to redefine what we offer as a destination.

“Regardless of why people come to the Gallery, we want to ensure they leave different as a result of the experience, with memories to cherish and a desire to return again and again.”

The opening weekend will be a celebration of all the Gallery has to offer, incorporating artists from the collection and successful creatives from across the region to become cultural ambassadors for the Gallery.

Laman Street will be closed to traffic and transformed into a street party from 5pm to 9pm on Friday 27 February.

Explore the temporary sculpture park featuring works by Braddon Snape and Dani Marti, as well as a disco-inspired garden created by Jen Denzin and David Lobb, which will evolve throughout the weekend thanks to interactive art-making activities perfect for the whole family.

A live music stage will feature a diverse line-up, including performances by Newcastle artist James Drinkwater and his surf rock band The Pitts, Maitland siblings Kinder, who are fresh from supporting Katy Perry on her Australian tour, and headliner DJ, songwriter and producer Jayteehazard.

Live performances will also be taking place inside the Gallery, including the CREATION choir led by multidisciplinary collection artists Deborah Kelly, Newcastle-based Torres Strait Islander artist Toby Cedar and his dance group, and artist Tina Havelock Stevens, who will combine movement and music in a one-of-a-kind drumming solo.

Art-lovers keen to win the flash tattoo experience on the night will need to head along to the Gallery on Fridays, Saturday or Sundays in the lead up to the opening weekend to put their name in the barrel.

The celebrations will continue on Saturday 28 February with the official opening of the Iconic Loved Unexpected exhibition, displayed over both levels of the gallery, bringing together icons, favourites and unexpected gems from the Gallery’s $145 million collection.

A series of in-person talks will be held on the Saturday featuring collection artists including internationally acclaimed Quandamooka artist Megan Cope, whose striking work Kinyingarra Guwinyanba (Off Country) features 44 poles adorned with bouquets of rock oyster shells suspended within the new central atrium.

Another of the Gallery’s iconic suspended works of art, The sea sun of 5 bells by Newcastle’s own John Olsen, will also be the subject of an ‘in conversation’ program with internationally respected Gallerist Tim Olsen, and Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton who will discuss Olsen’s most significant paintings.

A visit to the Gallery won’t be complete without a trip to the retail shop, which champions local makers and creators, and the Gallery’s first permanent café, which will be open ready for the weekend celebrations.

Named Hilliers in honour of the Oliver Hillier Drapery Store previously on the Gallery site, it will be operated by Jacque and Tom Brown, founders of Sprout Catering in Newcastle, who will infuse their longstanding commitment to seasonal food, sustainability and community into the cafe.

“We’re incredibly proud to bring Hilliers to life inside the Newcastle Art Gallery. Being part of such an important cultural institution is a privilege, and we see the café as a place where people can continue their experience of art through food, conversation and connection,” Jacque Brown said.

“The name pays tribute to the original Hilliers store that once stood on the corner of Darby and Laman Streets, a place woven into Newcastle’s early social fabric. Our vision is to honour that history while creating a warm, contemporary space for visitors to pause, connect and enjoy locally crafted food and coffee.

“We want Hilliers to feel like an extension of the gallery – creative, welcoming and distinctly Newcastle.”

Visit https://newcastleartgallery.nsw.gov.au/ for more details on the Newcastle Art Gallery expansion project and full reopening program.

New Lambton landslip

City of Newcastle expresses its disappointment following confirmation the NSW Government will not provide rate relief to the residents displaced by the 2025 New Lambton landslip.

The elected Council resolved in September to seek an ‘act of grace’ payment from the NSW Government that would cover the annual council rates for the 16 property owners located within the danger zone for a 12-month period from 1 July last year.

A letter has since been received from NSW Recovery Minister Janelle Saffin rejecting the financial support requested on behalf of the residents.

City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath said the decision to withhold the funds was in stark contrast to the $40 million rates relief provided to victims of the natural disaster that hit the Northern Rivers in 2022.

“It’s disappointing that the NSW Government continues to ignore the residents of New Lambton who have been displaced from their homes since the landslip occurred in May last year,” Mr Bath said.

“The NSW Government has rightfully been very generous in its support of residents living on the mid and far north coast who were also impact by the same natural disaster in May last year. For reasons unknown, not one dollar has been provided to those in Newcastle.”

City of Newcastle is proceeding with its own process to grant financial assistance to the residents via a donation equal to the rates they have paid on their properties for the 2025/26 financial year.

This is in line with the restrictions of the Local Government Act, which prevent councils from waiving the rates and charges levied on a property. The process will cost City of Newcastle’s ratepayers $45,600.

Ward 3 Councillors Siobhan Isherwood, Peta Winney-Baartz and Mark Brooker urged the NSW Government to help support the affected residents.

“The Reconstruction Authority was set up to help communities recover from natural disasters. Our residents need help while they navigate the uncertainty and disruption and the financial challenges that they’ve been dealing with since May 2025,” Cr Isherwood said.

“Newcastle Council is doing all they can to support residents, but they don’t have the resources that are needed.

“It is well past time for the State Government to step in and help manage the load. The Reconstruction Authority must be directed to provide the same support to New Lambton residents that residents in other parts of the state have access to.”

“I look forward to continuing to advocate for the impacted families to ensure their needs are met and also to continue working alongside the NSW Government to support City of Newcastle in our endeavour to secure support and funding,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.

“This is not an opportunity for political point scoring it’s up to us all to work together to achieve tangible supports for these families.”

“It’s disappointing that the State Government has declined to offer financial assistance to the 16 displaced households of New Lambton,” Cr Brooker said.

“Through rates relief for the current year City of Newcastle has done all that it can to ease the financial burden being felt by these residents.”

A milestone in the recovery effort has occurred with the geotechnical report into the landslip currently with the NSW Public Works and Transport for NSW for peer review.

City of Newcastle is liaising with the agencies in preparation for the report, which is expected to be received in late February and will be followed by further advocacy to the NSW Reconstruction Authority and elected representatives for support through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

Aboriginal artists invited to help celebrate Newcastle’s cultural identity

City of Newcastle is seeking expressions of interest from Aboriginal artists to develop public art that reflects local stories and contributes to the city’s identity as an arts and cultural destination.

Projects on Union Street, Wickham and Market Street in the East End have been identified as two key opportunities to share cultural knowledge.

Public art elements have been included in recent public domain projects in Newcastle, such as the South Newcastle Beach Bathers Way work by local artist Ellie Hannon. Image credit: Lee Illfield.

Art will be incorporated into City of Newcastle’s planned public domain upgrades for these locations and may take the form of murals, sculptures, design features in footpaths, street furniture or walking trails.

Councillor Deahnna Richardson, proud Wiradjuri woman and co-chairperson of City of Newcastle’s Guraki Standing Committee, said public art provides opportunities to share stories, cultural knowledge and foster relationships between First Nations and non-Aboriginal communities.

“These cultural landmarks are significant to the Awabakal and Worimi peoples, and to the broader community. There is a deep sense of belonging and connection to place, which has been shaped by the ancestors over thousands of years,” Cr Richardson said.

“Learning about the rich history of these sites and the ongoing relationship that Aboriginal peoples have with the land encourages us all to respect and appreciate the places that we live, work and play on, and facilitates that dialogue that is necessary for reconciliation.

“By incorporating cultural knowledge into public art at these sites we hope to bring people together and continue to deliver positive outcomes for Aboriginal peoples and the broader community.”

The chosen artists will collaborate with a core group of representatives from local Aboriginal communities to ensure public artworks are meaningful, reflective and honour the heritage and stories of local Aboriginal peoples.

The process has been guided by best practice recommendations from the National Association of Visual Arts and the Connecting with Country Framework.

It has also been endorsed by City of Newcastle’s Guraki Aboriginal Standing Committee and Public Art Standing Committee.

Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton OAM said the EOI was open to both early career artists and those experienced in developing large-scale public art, with preference given to local artists, or those who have a strong connection to Newcastle and the identified site locations.

“It’s an exciting opportunity for young and emerging artists to develop their skills and experience, with the potential for mentoring and professional development,” Ms Morton said.

“It’s all about making the process inclusive and ensuring fairness, transparency and equal opportunity.

“There will be a range of minor, medium and major artwork projects developed across these sites, providing several artists the opportunity to have their art on display in the public domain.”

Following the expressions of interest process, a series of artwork briefs will be developed providing specific information about the location, scale, size, timeline and deliverables.

Shortlisted artists will be invited to prepare a concept design for a fee, responding to the creative brief and putting forward their own ideas for developing the artwork. Successful artists will work with the core group of Aboriginal representatives to incorporate themes and stories that are both meaningful and reflective of local Aboriginal culture.

Expressions of interest for Aboriginal artists are open until 10 March 2026.

For more information visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/yoursay.

Net zero home cuts energy bills and emissions

The Minns Labor Government has unveiled a new net zero display home which is making sustainability accessible and showing households how they can save on their energy bills.

The display home delivered by the NSW Government’s property and land developer Landcom, in partnership with McDonald Jones Homes, can generate as much or more energy than an average household consumes.

Designed for everyday families, it’s estimated the net zero home could save the average household up to $1,700 a year in bills.

The Panorama Net Zero Home is part of Landcom’s sustainable 6 Star Green Star certified ‘Panorama’ development at North Wilton and will be open to the public from Saturday 14 February.

Visitors to the display home can get a practical, hands-on look at technologies, design and construction materials that can be used for new or existing homes.

These include:

Renewable energy: The home is fully electric, powered by rooftop solar and battery-ready technology, producing as much energy as it uses each year.
Better living: Designed to feel comfortable all year round, the home has good insulation, airtight design and a mechanical heat recovery ventilation system to maximise energy efficiency alongside smart moisture control to prevent condensation.
Climate-ready: The home is built to handle future climate conditions, with features like double glazed windows, weather resistive barriers and a roof with storm fasteners and that help it cope with heat, drought and major storms.
Efficiency: The home is fitted with water efficient fittings, a recycled water irrigation system, an induction cooktop and energy efficient appliances to maximise efficiency.
Reuse: To help reduce its impact on the planet, recycled materials were used wherever possible including in benchtops, tiling and tapware.

The home has been awarded some of the highest certifications in NSW including BASIX 100 Energy score, a Green Star Homes certification from the Green Building Council of Australia, and a leading 8.7 Star NatHERS rating.

For more information visit: https://www.landcom.com.au/about/sustainability/panorama-net-zero-demonstration-home/

Minister for Energy Penny Sharpe said:

“Making small energy efficient changes around your home can make a big difference in cutting your energy bills and emissions.

“This home shows you can be your own power station, lowering your energy bills at the same time.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“The Panorama net zero home demonstrates that sustainable house features aren’t just for premium high-end home builds. They can be delivered by the industry at scale and can help cut the cost of living by lowering water and energy bills with a potential saving of around $1,700 every year for homeowners.

“Increasingly people are interested in the choices that might be available to them to build and live more sustainably while reducing their bills. This display home will help to remove some of the mystery about available technologies and how they can be used in new and existing homes.

“I encourage both current and prospective homeowners to come check out the display home to get inspiration and advice for how they can make their existing or new build home more sustainable and cheaper to live in.”

Landcom CEO Alex Wendler said:

“At Panorama, we’re making homes happen and leading the way in delivering more sustainable, resilient and healthier homes.

“We’re demonstrating what’s possible with off-the-shelf technology and encourage the industry to make this the new normal in housing delivery.

“Landcom’s Panorama development is a fitting home for this innovation, where we’re unlocking up to 5,600 homes centred around sustainable living.”

McDonald Jones Homes CEO Rob Douglas said:

“Working on this project has provided our team with insights into what sustainable materials are available from across our supply chain.

“We plan to use this knowledge to explore opportunities that could be delivered at scale not only across our NSW business but nationally.

“McDonald Jones has found this project to be of great value for our business, and I encourage people interested in sustainable design practices to visit the home and see what is possible.”

From DA to done in 14 weeks: Three new modular homes delivered in Shellharbour

The Minns Labor Government has delivered three new social homes in Shellharbour using Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), with another one on the way by April 2026.

The Shellharbour homes demonstrate how modular construction can dramatically reduce delivery times, with each home taking an average of 14-16 weeks from development approval to completion.

Modular construction allows houses to be built off-site while site works happen in parallel. This reduces weather delays and onsite inefficiencies, delivering homes up to 20% faster than traditional construction, without compromising on quality.

Three new homes are now ready for Shellharbour residents to move in, with a fourth on track for installation in April. Homes NSW worked with Australian manufacturer Moov Modular to deliver these safe, high-quality homes for those in need.

The Minns Labor Government is leading the way using MMC to take housing delivery to the next level, all backed by a record-breaking $6.6 billion investment in social housing.

Eight modular social homes were completed in 2025, including three in Wollongong and five in Lake Macquarie.

A total of 90 homes will be delivered using MMC across Greater Sydney and regional NSW by the end of this year, providing new homes for up to 200 people.

Minister for Housing Rose Jackson said:

“These Shellharbour homes show what’s possible when government builds smarter. Using modular construction, we’re delivering high-quality social homes in a matter of weeks, not years, getting people into safe, secure housing sooner.

“Modern Methods of Construction doesn’t mean cutting corners, these homes are built to the same standards as traditional housing, with precision manufacturing, durability and comfort front of mind.

“These homes are part of a growing pipeline of modular housing across NSW, backed by record investment and a clear focus on delivery.”

Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast Ryan Park said:

“Modern methods of construction are allowing us to take housing delivery to the next level and I’m thrilled to see the results of that investment here in Shellharbour.

“By moving the building process into a controlled factory environment, we’re getting more families into homes sooner. That’s the kind of innovation we need to tackle the housing crisis in the Illawarra.”

Member for Shellharbour Anna Watson said:

“I’m incredibly proud to see Shellharbour at the forefront of this housing revolution. These are high-quality, modern houses that will fit seamlessly into our community.

“For the residents moving in, it means a fresh start in a safe, secure home months earlier than traditional building methods would have allowed.”

Data shows NSW farming’s record‑breaking growth across cropping and livestock

The NSW Government’s Agriculture Economics research team is reporting that the state’s primary industries’ Gross Value of Production (GVP) has continued its strong recovery since the 2017–19 drought, reaching record levels in cropping and livestock.

Analysis of the latest data, from 2024–25 activities, confirms the sector has continued to bound upwards, with robust results across cropping, livestock and key sectors driving growth and jobs.

The Minns Government is continuing to help build-up and protect the state’s primary industries with $100 million invested in agricultural research and $1 billion in biosecurity systems and programs.

Over the last five years primary industries’ GVP rose from drought‑impacted levels to a new record level of $25.5 billion, an increase of $13.6 billion or 114%.

The data shows particularly strong results in cropping and livestock:

Cropping GVP surged 33% to $11.6 billion, supported by above‑average yields and record pulse production across much of the state.
Livestock GVP leaped 28% to $7.2 billion, driven by record meat production volumes and strong price conditions, including exceptionally high lamb prices.
Farm cash incomes are estimated to have hit record highs with the average broadacre far cash income estimated to have reached a record high of $419k, up 24% from the previous record high in 2021-22.
The forecasts for 2025-26 have farm cash incomes staying relatively high (above 5 and 10-year averages)
Average NSW broadacre farm has seen its equity ratio increase from 84.5% in 2014 to 91.9% in the latest data.

These results reflect favourable seasonal conditions in the central, coastal and northern districts of NSW and sustained global demand for quality NSW agricultural products reaching $13 billion.

Farm balance sheets across NSW also remain in strong shape, positioning producers to confidently buffer future financial risks, including drought conditions.

Average broadacre farm capital reached $13.7 million in NSW underscoring the financial strength of regional agricultural enterprises.

Backed by record production levels, strong financial health and continued investment in drought preparedness, NSW farm businesses are well placed to respond to seasonal and market conditions.

For the full report, visit the NSW DPIRD Performance Data and Insights.

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:

“These numbers show that NSW producers have not only recovered from the 2017–19 drought, they have persevered through the volatility of the environmental conditions and foreign trading surprises, and emerged stronger than ever.

“Record production levels, improved seasonal conditions and strategic business management and investment have all contributed to these outstanding results.

“Our Government has invested heavily in supporting, protecting and developing our primary industries so that there is a helping hand and shared knowledge on innovation and biosecurity so that farm businesses can use these recent strong seasons to build financial resilience.

“The Minns Government has delivered more than $100 million in new research, development and extension capabilities so we can work together with our farmers to modernise the sector and increase productivity.

“Having a strong Government agricultural research team analysing data enables our Government to monitor seasonal conditions and understand any impact on farm businesses and communities.

More boots on the ground to tackle illegal tobacco

Thirty additional full-time equivalent tobacco inspectors will be recruited to boost the NSW Health’s newly established Centre for Regulation & Enforcement with additional funding from the Commonwealth Government.

The new Inspectors brings the dedicated state-wide team to a total of 78 staff.

Over half of the additional 30 have commenced or are about to commence, and the other half are in the process of being recruited.

The NSW and Commonwealth governments have previously discussed the impact of the high level of the federal tobacco excise which is driving many consumers towards cheaper illegal tobacco products.

Under the NSW Government’s tough new laws which have introduced closure order powers, NSW Health Inspectors, working together with NSW Police, are continuing to close down stores selling illicit tobacco and vaping goods.

The closure of five tobacconists in Sydney’s Inner West last week by NSW Health Inspectors and NSW Police brings the total to 66 stores closed since the laws came into effect in November 2025.

Between 1 January 2026 to 31 January 2026, NSW Health Inspectors have conducted 131 inspections, seizing around 560,000 cigarettes and 98kg of other illicit tobacco products and over 6000 illegal vaping goods with a combined estimated street value of around $830,000.

In January, NSW Health has also finalised 4 successful prosecutions with the courts imposing a total of $41,300 in fines related to e-cigarette and tobacco offences. There are currently 20 prosecutions before the Courts.

The NSW Government is continuing to strengthen compliance and enforcement of tobacco and vaping goods laws across NSW, with the Public Health (Tobacco) Amendment (Landlord Offences) Bill 2025 currently before Parliament and expected to be debated in the coming weeks.

The legislation will build on recent reforms which target the illicit tobacco and illegal vaping market, including:

a new offence for the possession of a commercial quantity of illicit tobacco with a maximum penalty of over $1.5 million and 7 years’ imprisonment, or both
new penalties for the sale of illicit tobacco with a maximum penalty of over $1.5 million and 7 years’ imprisonment, or both
the introduction of short-term (up to 90 days) and long-term (up to 12 months) closure orders for premises selling illicit tobacco, illegal vaping goods, or selling tobacco or non-tobacco smoking products without a licence
new offences and penalties for anyone who breaches these closure orders, including for entering closed premises or selling products from closed premises
new lease termination powers for landlords where a closure order is in place
new nation-leading offences for falsely claiming to be licensed, resisting seizure, and attempting to retake seized products.

The NSW Government is also aware the sale of illicit tobacco and vaping products continues to evolve, with some retailers attempting to obscure and avoid the enforcement activities of NSW Health Inspectors, by using QR codes and social media communications to facilitate the ongoing sale of illicit tobacco to customers, after a closure order has been issued.  

NSW Police and NSW Health are working together to identify these methods and pivot their enforcement strategies to shut down this activity. 

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“I am very grateful for the additional support from the Commonwealth Government to assist in our tobacco enforcement efforts.

“It is an acknowledgement that the federal tobacco excise is out of step with the community and it is driving consumers towards cheaper illegal tobacco products.

“The assistance from the Commonwealth will help us get ahead of the prevalence of illegal tobacco over the next two years.

“But so long as the federal excise is where it is, we can continue to see illegal tobacco permeate throughout our high streets – and so I will continue to work constructively with our Commonwealth colleagues in establishing a more sustainable, long term and permanent funding stream for tobacco enforcement personnel.

“Our approach to illegal tobacco is more boots on the ground; tougher penalties; and more powers to close down bad actors.”

Minns government increases funding to $12.8 million to support animal welfare enforcement

The Minns Labor Government today announced two of the state’s key animal welfare organisations, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) NSW and Animal Welfare League (AWL) NSW, will receive $12.8 million towards their enforcement and compliance activities to better protect cats, dogs, livestock and other animals across the state.

Over the past two financial years, the NSW Government has provided $25.3 million to these organisations to help them carry out animal welfare enforcement activities.

An additional $300,000 has been provided this financial year as part of the Minns Government’s continuing improvements to animal welfare standards across NSW.

The funds will support animal welfare inspectors who play a crucial role in enforcing the state’s animal welfare laws allowing them to investigate animal cruelty complaints, protect vulnerable animals from harm or distress and provide care and shelter for seized animals.

The NSW Government has introduced several measures to improve animal welfare including banning puppy farms, enhanced financial and performance reporting for the RSPCA NSW and AWL NSW, and reformed legislation to prevent people convicted of animal cruelty offences from keeping and breeding animals.

The Government also recently announced proposed new offences for leaving dogs in hot vehicles, tougher animal fighting laws and banning the use of painful dog prong collars.

The changes made by the Minns Government to animal welfare laws represent the most comprehensive reform to the state’s animal welfare laws in years, recognising the need for modern legislation to align with community expectations.

The RSPCA and AWL funding applications were assessed in accordance with the requirements of the NSW Grants Administration Guide and recommended by an expert panel.

These grants support these organisations which carry out Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 enforcement and compliance activities for the current 2025-2026 financial year.

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:

“We recognise the importance of the compliance work the Animal Welfare League NSW and RSPCA NSW deliver and value the long-standing relationships we have with them to achieve better outcomes for animals.

“The welfare of animals is a key priority for the NSW Government, and this substantial funding directly supports the vital work of our animal welfare partners on the ground.

“We continue to work with stakeholders, advocates and the community to improve animal welfare and to build a better and stronger framework of animal protection. “

Animal Welfare League NSW chief executive officer Stephen Albin said:

“We welcome the funding announcement for our Inspectorate Services that are playing a critical role in protecting animals and enforcing the laws to prevent cruelty.

“The funding will support our expansion of services in both the Sydney metropolitan area and regional centres.

“Our inspectors have received an increase in the number of cruelty complaints, and this funding will also assist us meet that demand.

“Every animal deserves to find a loving home; this funding and other government initiatives are assisting our team on the ground deliver on this mission.”

Minns Government moves to permanently reward safe drivers

The Minns Labor Government is backing safer choices on NSW roads, introducing a Bill to Parliament today to make the demerit point reward program permanent – part of a record $2.8 billion road safety investment.

Once passed, the reform will make the Demerit Point Reward Program a permanent feature of the state’s demerit point system, allowing eligible unrestricted licence holders to have one demerit point removed after remaining offence-free for a continuous 12-month period.

The reform builds on a successful trial delivered as an election commitment and reflects the Government’s clear view that lasting road safety comes from changing behaviour – not just punishing people after something has gone wrong.

Since the trial began in 2023, more than two million NSW demerits points have been removed, proving motorists can drive safely over time, with thousands more eligible drivers from the final year of the trial to have points returned later this year.

Legislating to make the program permanent is another example of the Minns Government backing commonsense on NSW roads and recognising the millions of motorists who choose safer, more responsible driving every day.

The reform is not a replacement for enforcement.

Penalties, fines, licence suspensions and police action remain firmly in place for dangerous and repeat offenders. This reform works alongside those measures by giving drivers a clear incentive to slow down, follow the rules and stick to safer habits.

Only unrestricted licence holders are eligible. Learner and provisional drivers remain excluded under the Graduated Licensing Scheme, reflecting their higher risk profile and lower demerit thresholds.

Drivers must also maintain an active licence and remain free of relevant offences for the full 12-month reduction period for a demerit point to be removed.

Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison said:

“For too long, road safety has relied almost entirely on penalties and enforcement, and while those tools remain absolutely essential, on their own they don’t always change behaviour for the long term.

“We believe the best approach is a clear carrot and stick – strong penalties for dangerous behaviour, combined with a real incentive for drivers who do the right thing and stay offence-free.

“This reform reflects a fair, practical approach to road safety that works with drivers while still holding people accountable.

“Let’s not forget, road safety isn’t about choosing between enforcement or education – we need both.

“We’re investing a record $2.8 billion over four years in road safety – safer roads, better infrastructure, stronger enforcement and education – and we will rule nothing out when it comes to saving lives.

“Most drivers want to do the right thing. This program gives people who’ve made mistakes in the past a real reason to change their behaviour and keep doing better.

“If you break the rules, the penalties apply – fines, points and suspensions are still there.

“But if you slow down, follow the rules and drive safely over time, that effort is recognised, and we think that balance gives us the best chance of changing behaviour and saving lives.”