Economic circumstances demand tax action, not capitulation to the 1%

The Greens say that Labor must not capitulate to the interests of greedy gas corporations and ultra-rich property investors by tinkering on what should be significant and generational reforms on gas tax and the capital gains tax discount. 

With the war economic crisis looming, this budget is critically timed.  Gas corporations are poised to make huge windfall gains off exports, while investors may be driven towards property as a ‘safe’ investment – further locking out renters and first homebuyers.

Momentum is growing for significant tax reform in the May budget, with dozens of groups coming out today calling for a tax on gas exports of at least 25%  to be included in the May budget. This Greens-led Senate inquiry into gas taxation has its first hearing tomorrow. 

With Labor leaks signalling attempts from within the party to water down or prevent reform, the Greens say that this budget is critical for action to help with people, not corporate profits. 

Greens Leader Senator Larissa Waters said:

“The war is pushing up the cost of living for everyone – but corporations and billionaires are making massive profits off it.

“People are demanding big changes in this budget – and Labor can’t fumble this historic opportunity to tax greedy gas corporations fairly and help first homebuyers get a roof over their heads.

“Labor keeps trying to weaken changes that would tax big gas corporations and wealthy property investors, capitulating to them at the expense of the rest of us.

“If Labor doesn’t act in this budget, gas corporations will make massive export profits off people’s cost of living pain and ultra-wealthy property investors will keep more Australians out of a home. 

“A tax on gas exports could raise at least $17 billion – helping deliver cost of living support for everyone. 

“Labor shouldn’t be cutting support for disabled people to balance the budget – they should tax the gas corporations making windfall profits instead.”

Greens Treasury spokesperson Senator Nick McKim said:

“Labor cannot keep handing out billions in tax breaks to wealthy property investors, then turn around and claim there is no money to help renters or relieve cost-of-living pressures.

“Winding back the CGT discount would help renters, first home buyers and the budget. The evidence given to the Greens-led Senate inquiry has made the case for change overwhelming.

“We want to make the tax system fairer for young people and for working people, and make people who have accumulated large amounts of wealth pay their fair share.

“This is a once in a generation opportunity for genuinely progressive tax reform and to fix the housing crisis.

“The Greens are demanding that Labor meet this moment with high ambition. Tinkering around the edges is not going to cut it.”

Greens Resources spokesperson Steph Hodgins-May said:

“People are fed up with governments putting gas company profits ahead of them.

“The Greens have committed to backing a gas export tax of at least 25%. But if Labor tries to wave through a bill written by Woodside Energy, they shouldn’t expect our support.

“The gas cartel has been writing the rules for too long. When nurses and teachers are paying more tax on their incomes than gas giants pay on exports, the system is broken.

“These companies are raking in record war-time profits while families are doing it tough.

“Labor has a choice to stand with the gas lobby, or stand with everyday Australians.”

Kiwis cross the ditch for beaches bus driver drought

New Zealand bus drivers are assisting one of the biggest headaches for Sydney commuters: the prolonged driver shortage on the Northern Beaches.

Three in ten bus service cancellations in Sydney occur on Northern Beaches routes because the area struggles to attract and retain enough drivers.

Sydney’s bus driver deficit blew out past 500 after the Liberals privatised bus services and the Minns Labor Government has brought the deficit down to 179 last month through recruitment campaigns, free training and cash sign-on bonuses of up to $3000.

Due to its comparitively high housing costs which price many workers out of the area, the bus driver shortage at Northern Beaches depots has remained persistent over years and its services most susceptible to last-minute cancellation.

To address this, Transport for NSW has gone further afield than ever before in its recruitment search and has so far assisted 17 qualified bus drivers from New Zealand to get behind the wheel for private operator Keolis Downer in Region 8 which encompasses the lower north shore, Manly and Palm Beach.

Another 10-20 bus drivers are currently being recruited.

Kiwi drivers willing to answer NSW’s call have their air fare paid and six weeks accommodation in the area provided rent-free.

No visa is required for New Zealand drivers under mutual recognition arrangements between our two countries.

They do not qualify for the $2000-$3000 cash sign-on bonuses offered to new and experienced Australian drivers.

Overall, bus driver job vacancies across Sydney have fallen from around 500 in April 2023 to 162 this month, and cancellations are down to 1.54 per cent of all scheduled services.

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“Australians have a tradition of adopting New Zealanders as our own – think Russell Crowe, Neil Finn and Sam Neill. But if you’re waiting for a bus on Pittwater Road, the Kiwi driving the next service may just become your favourite import yet.

“We have worked overtime to reduce the bus driver shortage we inherited, but the deficit on the Northern Beaches has remained intractable. This is a special situation that has required a special fix.

“The Minns Labor Government wants to send a big kia ora to the 17 drivers from New Zealand who have so far helped us out with their experience and professionalism.”

Coordinator General Howard Collins said:

“This is a practical, targeted initiative that will help address driver shortages in one of the most challenging parts of the network to recruit for.

“Our door is always open to men and women who are interested in becoming bus drivers in NSW, and we encourage people from all backgrounds to consider this rewarding and essential career.

“By bringing in qualified drivers who can transition quickly into service, we’re strengthening reliability for passengers while continuing to build a sustainable local workforce.”

Minns Government secures future of Revesby Police Station with $8.3 million upgrade and major road fix

The Minns Labor Government has secured the future of Revesby Police Station, unveiling a major upgrade and expansion made possible by a critical local road upgrade at a key intersection.

Importantly, the $8.3 million upgrade will deliver better infrastructure to South-West Sydney and keep the station where it belongs – in the heart of Revesby.

Back in 2022, the former Liberal-National Government announced the upgrade of Revesby Police Station but never delivered it.

Our investment means officers will continue operating from a central, long-established and strategically significant location as part of Bankstown Police Area Command, with upgraded and expanded facilities to support modern policing.

The upgrade is made possible through a much-needed road safety fix at the intersection of The River Road, Sphinx Avenue and Marco Avenue.

As part of the project, Sphinx Avenue will be realigned to deliver a safer and more practical road layout for the growing local area, as well as ensuring the current station can not only remain, but be expanded.

The road upgrade will be delivered by Canterbury-Bankstown Council, with support from Transport for NSW, and backed by a $17.7 million commitment from the Federal Albanese Government.

This is a practical investment in police and public safety, and it ensures communities do not lose the local services they count on. It is also a major investment in local transport infrastructure.

While work is underway, policing won’t stop.

In NSW, every police vehicle is a mobile police station, ensuring communities across the state continue to have access to policing 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

This is part of the Minns Labor Government’s long-term plan to rebuild our essential services and ensure frontline police have the resources and capability to continue to fight crime.

The former Liberal-National Government had no plan for police recruitment, no plan for police retention and sent wages backwards for over a decade. Thousands of experienced officers left the force as a result.

We are working hard to turn that around and while there’s still more to do, that work includes:

  • Securing a once-in-a-generation pay increase.
  • Establishing a scheme to pay recruits to train, resulting in a 70% increase in applications to join the NSWPF.
  • Establishing the ‘Be a Cop In Your Hometown’ program to give regional recruits the opportunity to serve in or near their hometown after attesting.
  • Establishing the Professional Mobility Program to incentivise experienced officers from interstate and New Zealand to join.
  • Launching the new Cadet Traineeship Program to give young, aspiring officers a pathway into the NSWPF.
  • Establishing the Health Safety and Wellbeing Command to support existing officers to have long, healthy and rewarding careers with the NSW Police Force.

NSW Premier, Chris Minns said:

“This is part of our plan to help keep communities safer in NSW with more officers, better facilities, and the resources needed.

“This upgrade means Revesby keeps its police station right where the community expects it, close by and ready to respond.

“For local residents, it means faster response times, a stronger police presence and a station that’s fit for the job today and into the future.”

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley said:

“Today we are committing to keeping the Revesby Police Station where it belongs and showing what it will look like – a modern and expanded station in a central location.

“This $8.3 million upgrade backs the officers who serve this area every day and makes sure this community keeps the strong local police presence it relies on.

“The former Liberal member promised the world and delivered nothing. Our police deserve more than a headline and a hollow promise.

“I want to assure the community that while this work is underway, policing does not stop – every police vehicle is a mobile police station, and police are on the job 24/7.”

Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison said:

“This is a strong example of the Minns Labor Government working across portfolios to deliver the right outcome for the community.

“There were genuine safety and traffic issues at this intersection that needed to be addressed, but there was also a very strong case for retaining the location of the police station.

“I want to thank the teams at Transport for NSW, Council and our Federal colleagues for working closely together to achieve this outcome, while striking the right balance between improving safety and preserving an important local asset.

“This collaboration shows what’s possible when all levels of governments work together – delivering real improvements and safer, more reliable roads for our communities.”

NSW Police Commissioner, Mal Lanyon APM said:

“Securing the long-term future of Revesby Police station is an important commitment to ensuring the ongoing safety of the local community.

“Upgrading these facilities, helps us to meet future challenges, including shifts in crime trends and the demands of a growing population.

“It’s also important to ensure our officers have a safe and professional working environment so they can deliver the highest standard of policing to keep the community safe.”

NSW Member for East Hills, Kylie Wilkinson said:

“This is a really important outcome for local families.

“We have worked hard to save the location of the station, keeping it close to the community, close to local services and close to the people who rely on it.

“The unveiling of the preferred design is an exciting step and shows this government is serious about supporting police and delivering for our area.

“The upgrade to the police station will allow this confusing intersection to be made safer and easier to navigate, and I’m pleased to be working with all three levels of government to deliver a coordinated solution.”

Federal Member for Banks, Zhi Soon said:

“I grew up in Revesby and as long as I can remember this intersection has been a problem. It is why I promised Revesby residents funding to fix it in 2022.

“The announcement today is exactly the kind of practical solution the local community wants to see, allowing upgrades to the intersection to proceed, and securing the future for Revesby Police Station.

“The Albanese Federal Government is proud to be working with the Minns State Government to make our community safer.”

Mayor of Canterbury-Bankstown Council, Cr Bilal El-Hayek said:

“This is an important outcome for the Revesby community.

“Council has worked closely with all stakeholders to identify a preferred intersection layout that improves safety and traffic movement while allowing Revesby Police Station to remain in place.”

North Coast parks draw millions of visitors

National parks across the North Coast continue to attract millions of visitors each year, supporting tourism and regional communities. In 2024/25, there were 6.81 million visits to North Coast parks, up from 6.19 million in 2022.

The most visited parks were Coffs Coast Regional Park, Cape Byron State Conservation Area, Crowdy Bay, Arakoon and Bundjalung national parks, which each attracted over half a million visits.

These figures come from the most recent National Parks visitation survey that found more people than ever are choosing to experience the natural beauty of NSW, with a record 65.6 million visits to national parks in FY24/25.

This positions the state’s parks network as a major driver of economic activity, regional development and affordable outdoor recreation.

Visitation has grown strongly in recent years, up 24 per cent since 2022 statewide.

The Minns Labor Government has invested more than $49 million in the North Coast to support growing visitation and protect these iconic destinations.

This includes the new Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk in Tweed-Byron and upgrades to popular Trial Bay and Point Plomer campgrounds.

Planning is well underway for the redevelopment of the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre and creation of the Dorrigo Escarpment multi-day walk.

Alongside the iconic Great Koala National Park, these improvements support families, hikers and those seeking world class nature experiences and are making the North Coast a must-see visitor destination on the Australian East Coast.

From coastal reserves to hinterland rainforests, the region offers some of the most diverse nature-based experiences in NSW.

Minister for the North Coast, Janelle Saffin said:

“The North Coast is such a special part of the world, and it’s no surprise that so many people, both locals and visitors, are drawn to our incredible beaches and rainforests.

“Seeing 6.8 million visits to our local parks is a reflection of how much we value our natural backyard and how vital these spaces are for our regional economy.

“By investing more than $49 million into our parks, we are making sure that iconic spots like Cape Byron and the Coffs Coast are well maintained for our community to enjoy.

“It’s about protecting what we love so that our kids and grandkids can experience the same North Coast magic we do today.”

Additional paramedics for Cooma community

The Snowy Mountains is set to benefit from a boost to frontline emergency care, with an additional 17 paramedics starting work in the community from next month.

These additional paramedics will be based at Cooma Ambulance Station and will deliver emergency and out-of-hospital care across the broader Snowy Mountains as part of NSW Ambulance’s highly mobile workforce, including aeromedical coverage.

This increase in clinical staffing forms part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to deliver 500 additional paramedics to rural, regional and remote areas. NSW Ambulance is working with staff to prepare for their commencement in Cooma on Saturday 16 May.

The cohort is part of the third intake of 125 paramedics planned for regional NSW as part of the regional 500 initiative. They join the 125 paramedics who commenced across the state last year, and another 125 who began work in 2024.

Under this initiative, an additional 41 paramedics are already working across the southern NSW region.

The Minns Government will continue to roll out the additional 500 paramedics for regional NSW next year, with future locations determined through NSW Ambulance’s evidence-based, best practice service, and workforce planning, as well as consultation with staff and the Health Services Union.

Labor is making the long-term investments into recruiting more staff to meet the growing health needs of regional communities and relieve pressure on our health system.

Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park:

“The Minns Government is strengthening emergency health services in regional communities by adding more paramedics to the frontline.

“After 12 years of neglect by the Coalition, we are rebuilding a strong healthcare workforce to ensure our essential services can meet community needs, now and into the future.

“The addition of 17 paramedics based at Cooma will provide vital support to the Snowy Mountains, ensuring the local community receives optimal, high-quality care when they need it most.”

Member for Monaro, Steve Whan:

“Seventeen additional paramedics for Cooma more than doubles the numbers we have had previously.  It is a huge boost for emergency care helping Cooma and the region.  It is also going to be a significant help to our busy and dedicated existing paramedics. 

“I’ve been working with health Minister Ryan Park for the last couple of years on getting more Paramedics for the Snowy Monaro region.  He has visited stations with me and we have discussed response times and needs.  I’m thrilled that the Minns Labor Government has been able to deliver this massive boost.

“This recognises that Cooma is a key hub for the Snowy Monaro, it will enhance services for Cooma but also help Bombala, Jindabyne and Adaminaby along with all the rural areas.  This is a big day for emergency services in our area and I am delighted to be able to deliver. 

“Long term residents will know my commitment to emergency services and ambulance in this region, in my previous period as local member we got new Bombala and Cooma ambulance stations and just recently I announced progress on the new Jindabyne station.”

NSW Ambulance Interim Chief Executive Clare Beech: 

The boost to our paramedic workforce in Cooma will further enhance frontline emergency care for local residents and visitors across the Snowy Mountains.

“Ahead of a busy winter and snow season, this extra staffing will help ensure NSW Ambulance is well‑placed to respond to emergencies and continue delivering timely, high‑quality care when it’s needed most.”

Man dies following stabbing – Argenton

A man has died after being stabbed in the state’s north this morning.

Shortly after 4am (Sunday 19 April 2026), emergency services were called to Montgomery Street, Argenton, following reports of an assault.

Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District arrived to find a man aged in his 30s had been stabbed.

The man was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics; however, he died at the scene.

He is yet to be formally identified.

A crime scene has been established, with Lake Macquarie detectives – assisted by State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad detectives – commencing an investigation into the incident.

The area is expected to remain a crime scene for a considerable amount of time and motorists are urged to avoid the area.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Lake Macquarie or Crime Stoppers on 1800 33 000.

Man charged with murder after woman found dead – Lake Macquarie

A man will face court after the body of a woman was found in the state’s north.

Just after 8pm yesterday (Saturday 18 April 2026), emergency services were called to a home on Merrigum Street, Windale, following reports of a concern for welfare.

Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District arrived to find the body of woman – believed to be aged in her 40s.

NSW Ambulance paramedics attempted to treat the woman; however, she could not be revived.

She has yet to be formally identified.

A crime scene has been established, and investigations have commenced.

A 25-year-old man was arrested at the scene and taken to Belmont Police Station where he was charged with murder (DV).

He was refused bail to appear before Bail Division Court 2 today (Sunday 19 April 2026).

Major funding boost for Swansea Surf Clubs

The Minns Labor Government is backing Swansea Surf Clubs with over $200,000 in funding for new and upgraded facilities.

Swansea Belmont Surf Life Saving Club received $176,622 to replace the existing shade cover which is over 20 years old and no longer safe.

The new structure will provide a safe, all-weather space for members, Nippers, surf sports events and community functions all year round.

The grant will also fund a full upgrade to the male amenities, providing safe, modern and accessible facilities for members, guests and the wider community.

The Lakes Surf Life Saving Club received $41,200 to replace 15 deteriorated windows with modern, coastal-grade windows. The new glazing will improve safety, security ventilation and weatherproofing.

The new windows will also protect lifesaving assets, helping the club continue to deliver lifesaving activities, training youth development and community programs.

The Surf Club Facility Program provides grants of up to $1 million for projects that involve upgrading, resorting or building new surf life saving club facilities.

This year’s Program also included grants for project design and planning, ensuring surf club projects are supported from concept to completion.

Projects that encourage the participation of women and girls, people with disability, First Nations peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and LGBTQIA+ are a priority of the Program.

Member for Swansea, Yasmin Catley said:

This funding is a big win for our local clubs.

Surf life savers give so much to our community from keeping beachgoers safe, to training the next generation of champions and this investment will help them continue this vital work.

These grants will support the development of modern, fit for purpose facilities that ensure our surf life savers can continue to deliver a world-class service.

Swansea-Belmont SLSC recently hosted the NSW State Championships with the event set to return in 2027. This funding will help ensure the club’s facilities reflect the strength of our community and showcase it to the rest of the state.

I look forward to the benefits these projects will bring to the Swansea community.”

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

The Surf Club Facility Program provides critical funding to our surf lifesaving clubs to enable them to better protect beachgoers.

The awarding of $5.48 million for 61 projects is part of our four-year $21.6 million commitment to ensure our Surf Life Saving Clubs are modern, safe and inclusive.

Once completed, these 61 projects will ensure our surf life saving clubs can continue to deliver a world-class service and keep our beaches safe.”

Chief Operating Officer of Surf Life Saving NSW Phil Ayres said:

Across NSW there are 129 surf clubs that are pillars of safety within their communities, sustained by a growing volunteer membership of over 85,000.

The NSW Government’s support through the Surf Club Facilities Program will assist more than a third of our clubs, through 61 individual projects in 2026, to remain fit for purpose and give our volunteer lifesavers the facilities they need to ensure they can be rescue ready should the worst happen on our coastline.

Not only this, but the funding from this Program delivers safe, secure, and accessible facilities for members and the communities that they protect.”

Australia locks in delivery of our first three general purpose frigates

The Albanese Government has taken a major step towards delivering a larger and more lethal surface combatant fleet with contracts now signed for Australia’s first three general purpose frigates.

Built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), the ships will be of the upgraded Japanese Mogami class frigate design, with the first scheduled to be delivered to the Royal Australian Navy in 2029.

The Albanese Government is working closely with the Japanese Government and industry with future ships to be constructed in Western Australia, subject to consolidation of the Henderson Defence Precinct, in line with the Government’s commitment to continuous naval shipbuilding.

Defence is also working with Japanese industry and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force to develop an initial capability to sustain and operate the upgraded Mogami class frigates in Australia, supported by Australian industry and workers.

The upgraded Mogami class frigate has a range of up to 10,000 nautical miles and a 32-cell Vertical Launch System. It will be equipped with surface-to-air and anti-ship missiles, crewed by 92 Royal Australian Navy sailors and officers, and capable of operating Navy’s MH-60R Seahawk maritime combat helicopter.

The decision to acquire upgraded Japanese Mogami class frigates accords with the Albanese Government’s commitment to more than double the size of Navy’s surface combatant fleet, following the 2024 independent analysis of Navy’s surface combatant fleet. In the 2026 Integrated Investment Program released this week, the Government committed to the investment of up to $20 billion over the decade into general purpose frigates.

The contract-signing was marked by the Deputy Prime Minister and his counterpart, the Japanese Minister of Defense, Koizumi Shinjirō signing the ‘Mogami Memorandum’, reaffirming the Australian and Japanese Governments’ shared commitment to the successful delivery of Australia’s general purpose frigates and deeper defence industry cooperation.

Royal Australian Navy personnel trained with the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force aboard the Mogami class frigate Japan Ship Kumano during its transit to Australia for Exercise Kakadu, further strengthening interoperability and the longstanding defence relationship between Australia and Japan.

The next two decades will see tens of billions of dollars invested in defence capabilities in Western Australia, including the build of future upgraded Mogami class frigates at the Henderson Defence Precinct, supporting around 10,000 high-skilled jobs.

Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles:

“Acquiring upgraded-Mogami class frigates demonstrates the Albanese Government’s focus on investing in the capabilities we need to keep Australians safe.

“Our surface fleet is more important than at any time in decades. These general purpose frigates will help secure our maritime trade routes and northern approaches as part of a larger and more lethal surface combatant fleet.”

Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy:

“This is the fastest acquisition for the Royal Australian Navy in peacetime. We are working closely with Japanese and Australian industry partners as we acquire one of the most, if not the most, advanced general-purpose frigate in the world.

“We are delivering these commitments at pace, supporting and creating jobs for Australians, and deepening Australia’s industrial base. The first three frigates will be built offshore in Japan. We will then transition to an onshore build in line with the Government’s commitment to continuous naval shipbuilding and a future made in Australia.”

Visit by Japan’s Minister of Defense

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles will tomorrow welcome Japan’s Minister of Defense, Koizumi Shinjiro, to Australia. 

The Ministers will convene in Melbourne for an Australia-Japan Defence Ministers’ Meeting and a tour of JS Kumano, a Mogami class frigate of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. 

Japan is an indispensable partner to Australia. As Special Strategic Partners, we have one of the closest and most enduring partnerships in the Indo-Pacific, underpinned by deep mutual trust, shared values and a high level of strategic alignment built over decades of cooperation. 

Defence engagement is a central pillar of the Australia-Japan partnership, reflecting our shared commitment to regional stability and the deep practical cooperation between our defence forces. The selection of the upgraded Mogami class frigate as Australia’s future general purpose frigate will see our two countries working more closely than ever before. 

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles:

“This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between Australia and Japan, and our partnership continues to go from strength to strength. 

“I look forward to meeting with my good friend Minister Koizumi today to discuss opportunities to deepen Australia and Japan’s defence partnership, including by increasing collaboration between our defence industrial bases through Australia’s general purpose frigate program.”