Major milestones for Australia’s air intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities

The Albanese Government is delivering a major uplift to Australia’s air intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, with three key Royal Australian Air Force platforms reaching significant milestones within six months.

Together, these milestones represent a significant strengthening of the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) ability to monitor and understand activity across Australia’s region and respond to emerging threats.

Consistent with the 2026 National Defence Strategy, these investments are delivering a complementary mix of crewed and uncrewed aircraft able to provide persistent surveillance, intelligence collection, maritime patrol and electronic warfare effects across Australia’s primary area of military interest.

  • MQ-4C Triton: Initial Operational Capability

The MQ-4C Triton has achieved Initial Operational Capability (IOC), following extensive operational testing and evaluation.

Operating from RAAF Bases Tindal and Edinburgh and supported by Northrop Grumman Australia, the MQ-4C Triton fleet is now providing a powerful new contribution to Australia’s long-range surveillance capability.

With the MQ-4C Triton now at IOC, Air Force has significantly strengthened its ability to deliver persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance effects across Australia’s primary area of military interest. 

The MQ-4C Triton is based at RAAF Base Tindal and operated by Air Force’s 
Number 9 Squadron, located at RAAF Base Edinburgh, South Australia.

  • P-8A Poseidon: Completion of the fleet, arrival of the first enhanced aircraft and commencement of the first domestic modification of the aircraft

The 14th and final P-8A Poseidon aircraft arrived in Australia in May, completing delivery of the P-8A Poseidon fleet and strengthening the ADF’s maritime patrol, anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare capabilities. 

The first of two P-8A Poseidon aircraft upgraded with Increment 3 Block 2 enhancements has also arrived in Australia, providing enhanced operational capability while maintaining interoperability with the United States Navy.

The remaining 12 P-8A Poseidon fleet will undergo these upgrades in Australia, supported by Boeing Defence Australia and local industry partners at the recently opened $200 million Deep Maintenance and Modification Facility at RAAF Base Edinburgh.

This work will build sovereign capacity to maintain and upgrade this critical capability in Australia while creating further opportunities for Australian defence industry.

Australia operates 14 P-8A Poseidon aircraft, based at RAAF Base Edinburgh in South Australia, and operated by Numbers 11, 12 and 292 Squadrons.

  • MC-55A Peregrine: Initial Operational Capability and upcoming arrival of the fourth and final aircraft 

The MC-55A Peregrine has achieved IOC, following extensive operational testing and evaluation.

The first three MC-55A Peregrine aircraft have now been delivered, with the fourth and final aircraft due to arrive later this year.

This will further expand Air Force’s ability to deliver integrated intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and electronic warfare effects in support of Defence operations.

The MC-55A Peregrine is based at RAAF Base Edinburgh, South Australia and operated by Air Force’s Number 10 Squadron.

These milestones also reinforce South Australia’s growing importance to Australia’s national defence.

RAAF Base Edinburgh is at the centre of Australia’s air intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance enterprise, supporting advanced Defence capabilities, highly skilled jobs and an increasingly sophisticated sovereign defence industry.

South Australia’s defence industry generated a record $2 billion in economic activity last financial year.

the Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon Richard Marles MP:

“These significant air intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance milestones demonstrate the Albanese Government’s commitment to our air intelligence, surveillance end reconnaissance.

“South Australia is central to this effort. RAAF Base Edinburgh is becoming one of the most important hubs for advanced Defence capability in the country, supporting our national security and highly skilled Australian jobs.

“The Albanese Government is investing approximately $5.5 billion over the decade to continue to enhance the ADF’s air intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and maritime patrol and response capabilities that will create additional opportunities for Australian industry well into the future.”

the Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Stephen Chappell DSC, CSC, OAM:

“Our people have been at the heart of delivering the air intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability for Australia, demonstrating exceptional skill, professionalism and dedication in bringing these complex systems into service.

“I congratulate our whole Air Domain team, from across industry, the public service and Air Force for their exceptional work to deliver these cutting edge capabilities for Australia. 

“The achievements announced today mark a significant step forward in Air Force capability, delivering persistent, long-range maritime surveillance that strengthens our ability to protect Australia’s interests and deliver highly effective air power as part of the integrated, focused force.”

Australia chairs MIKTA Meeting on UNGA sidelines

Today I chaired the 30th MIKTA Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New York joined by my counterparts from Mexico, Indonesia, the Republic of Korea and Türkiye.

At a time when global cooperation is being tested and there is a trend away from rules towards the exercise of power, MIKTA is working to create more common ground, and to transform that into shared opportunities.

Ministers endorsed a renewed Vision Statement for MIKTA, focusing our collective efforts on protecting the multilateral system, advancing sustainable development, taking ambitious climate action and strengthening a rules-based trading system.

We also agreed to a Joint Statement on the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel from Misinformation, Disinformation and Harmful Narratives. This important statement reaffirms our commitment to safeguard humanitarian personnel and information from harm, in all forms, and to take practical steps that support the safety of those working on the front line.

Statements in full:

MIKTA Vision Statement

Joint Statement on the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel and Humanitarian Action from Misinformation, Disinformation and Harmful Narratives
 

Triple Zero Inquiry recommends nationalising of Triple 0, mandated domestic roaming and a review into ACMA’s role in regulating Triple Zero

The long running senate inquiry into the Triple Zero service outage has today released its report with 11 recommendations. The full report is available here.

The inquiry was established in the wake of the September 2025 Optus outage that saw catastrophic failures in the Triple Zero system and was associated with multiple deaths. Since then a number of other network outages have affected Triple Zero, including the national Telstra outage in July 2026.

The committee was deeply concerned that the failures examined during this inquiry have had real and tragic human impacts and has produced a comprehensive report with 11 recommendations that highlight the need for an overhaul of the Triple Zero system.

The committee’s report has been supported by the Greens, Labor and the Coalition.

Some of the key recommendations include:

  • A review and modernisation of the telecommunications act and associated regulations in relation to Triple Zero
  • The establishment of a statutory authority to take over Emergency Call Person operations and nationalise Triple Zero functions
  • The introduction of a comprehensive minimum performance and reliability standard for all Australian telcos with an automatic compensation scheme for those affected by network outages
  • The introduction of legislation to mandate domestic roaming for voice calls and text messages
  • The implementation of a reliable text-based service option for contacting Triple Zero in addition to voice calls.
  • An independent review of the Australian Communications and Media Authority’s (ACMA) role, powers, resourcing, technical capability and regulatory approach in relation to Triple Zero

Inquiry Chair Senator Sarah Hanson-Young is Greens spokesperson for Communications:  

“Australian telcos are now on notice, this is the end of the era of self-regulation.

“After months of work, this report recommends essential measures the government must enact if they want to end Australia’s telco crisis. 

“Telstra, Optus and TPG have all let down their customers and the Australian public. With the litany of outages we have seen millions of Australians affected. Something needs to change.

“Our telecommunications laws are out of date, successive governments have failed to ensure that regulation keeps pace with technology. Having access to a mobile phone and the internet is an essential part of everyday life for most Australians and our laws must treat it that way.

“Australian’s rightfully expect their phone to work no matter where they are in the country. The Federal Government must mandate domestic roaming so that all Australians, especially those in rural and regional areas, are always able to contact Triple Zero, get to work or call their mum. 

“Triple Zero is an essential service, it is often a matter of life or death for people. We can no longer allow it to be left to private companies to ensure the functioning of Triple Zero. Companies that put profits ahead of people should not be left to manage emergency services.

“Nationalising Triple Zero must be top of the Government’s to do list. Putting this emergency service back into public hands will ensure more accountability and more investment in protecting Australians.

“In 2026 telecommunications must be treated as the essential infrastructure it is. It is well past time that there are minimum performance and reliability standards imposed on telcos, just as there is for power companies. 

“Compensation should be automatic for all customers affected by outages. Australians shouldn’t be put through the ringer by telcos when seeking compensation for a service they spend thousands of dollars a year on. 

“Domestic roaming is already a reality around the world in countries like New Zealand, Canada and Europe. Australia must join these countries and ensure that we have a telecommunications network fit for the 21st century. 

“ACMA have utterly failed in their role to regulate the telcos and shown they are more of a lap dog than a watch dog. Throughout the inquiry, the committee heard of repeated failure to conduct basic due diligence or act with the level of concern of urgency that regulating an emergency service like Triple Zero requires. 

“An independent review of ACMA and their role in this saga is essential to help rebuild public trust and confidence in the Triple Zero system.

Full list of recommendations

Recommendation 1
The committee recommends that the Australian Government’s current review of the Triple Zero framework be used as an opportunity to modernise the Telecommunications Act 1997 and related legislation and regulatory instruments, with the objective of recognising Triple Zero as an essential public safety service and ensuring appropriate oversight, accountability and enforcement mechanisms. Recognising that this will be an extensive undertaking, the Australian Government must consider commencing this work now, with a view to modernising the legislation in future years. If such a review is undertaken, it should not delay more urgent reforms that will keep our community safe.

Recommendation 2
The committee recommends that the Australian Government consider establishing a statutory authority to assume responsibility for the Emergency Call Person function.

Recommendation 3
The committee recommends that the Australian Government require the Triple Zero Custodian to comprehensively review how welfare checks are carried out across the telecommunications system and assess the adequacy of these arrangements. The Triple Zero Custodian should investigate whether it would be preferable for the Emergency Call Person and its staff to conduct all welfare checks arising from unsuccessful Triple Zero call attempts during a telecommunications outage.

Recommendation 4
The committee recommends that the Australian Government establish a comprehensive reliability framework for telecommunications networks which provide access to the Triple Zero service. The framework should include mandatory reliability and performance standards applying to carriers and carriage service providers, substantial civil penalties for non-compliance, and a comprehensive automatic compensation scheme for those directly or indirectly affected by service outages. Any compensation arrangements would need to be integrated with existing consumer protections and compensation arrangements in the telecommunications sector. Extensive consultation with consumers, industry, regulators and other stakeholders should be undertaken before any compensation scheme is introduced.

Recommendation 5
The committee recommends that the Australian Government commission an independent review of the Australian Communications and Media Authority’s (ACMA) role, powers, resourcing, technical capability and regulatory approach in relation to Triple Zero, including whether the current institutional arrangements remain appropriate for the regulation of an essential public safety service. This review should take into account the ACMA’s current responsibilities and whether that is an appropriate model moving forward.

Recommendation 6
The committee recommends that the Australian Government amend relevant telecommunications legislation to provide the Australian Communications and Media Authority with substantiation notice powers, enabling it to compel the production of information and evidence necessary for compliance monitoring, investigations, and enforcement action in relation to telecommunications and Triple Zero obligations.

Recommendation 7
The committee recommends that the Australian Government amend the telecommunications legislation to mandate domestic mobile roaming for both voice calls and text messages.

Recommendation 8
The committee recommends that the Australian Government require telecommunications providers to support a reliable text-based service option for contacting Triple Zero in addition to voice calls.

Recommendation 9
The committee recommends that the Australian Communications and Media Authority work with mobile network operators and mobile device manufacturers to establish a public register of compliant and tested mobile devices sold in Australia. This register should work in concert with the National Telecom Resilience Centre.

Recommendation 10
The committee recommends that the Australian Government commission the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to develop a framework for the sharing of technical specifications between mobile network operators and mobile device manufacturers. The intent of this framework would be to assist in identifying network and device limitations without compromising commercially sensitive information or impacting anti-competitive laws.

Recommendation 11
The committee recommends that the Australian Government improve transparency and reporting across the Triple Zero ecosystem, including by:

  • considering whether the Triple Zero Custodian should have an ongoing role in publicly reporting on the Triple Zero framework’s performance, resilience and operation; and

introducing legislative requirements for telecommunications companies to publicly report outage data in their annual reports, including the total number, type, duration, cause and impact of service outages.   

‘Un-Australian scam artists”: Greens call for action on airline’s Grand Final gouging

Reports that Qantas and Virgin are charging Fremantle and Brisbane fans up to $6,000 for return flights to Melbourne this AFL Grand Final weekend, with some fares quadrupling in the hours after the preliminary finals, are the latest proof that Australia’s aviation market is broken, the Greens say.

Fremantle and Brisbane fans have been told they could fly to Europe and back for the same price as a trip to the MCG.

Elizabeth Watson-Brown MP, Greens MP for Ryan & spokesperson for Transport & Lions fan:

“The airline duopoly are un-Australian scam artists. 

“These companies will sign sponsorship deals to try and convince you that they love footy. They don’t. They love money. Your money. The more of it the better. 

“This is the kind of un-sportsmanlike behaviour we see everyday from big companies, big companies that the public used to own and run for the public good, not profit.

“Is it any wonder they get away with this appalling conduct when the responsible Minister, Catherine King, was just gifted a lifetime Chairman’s Lounge membership. 

“Ordinary fans who’ve followed their team all season are being slugged thousands of dollars just to watch a grand final, because two airlines control almost the entire domestic market and know Australians have no choices. 

“The former Chair of the ACCC says this is price gouging, and he’s right. The fact it’s not illegal to raise prices based on algorithms, says everything about how far successive governments have let privatisation run unchecked. These algorithms can include the post-code where you’re searching from and whether data on file suggests you’re a football fan – it’s a scam.

“Qantas and Virgin can point to adding extra flights all they like, but scarcity pricing on essential travel during a cost-of-living crisis isn’t ‘supply and demand’ — it’s a duopoly extracting maximum profit because it can.

“The Greens will keep pushing to end the Qantas-Virgin duopoly’s stranglehold on Australian skies, so footy fans and everyone else who has no real choice but to fly across this massive continent aren’t treated as a captive market to be squeezed dry.”

Intergenerational report exposes failure of Albanese economic model for Australia today & tomorrow

“The Intergenerational Report reveals the cost of the Albanese economic model that is stoking inflation and higher interest rates, crashing wealth and wages, and setting future generations up for even lower standards of living”, said Shadow Treasurer, Tim Wilson.

Mr Wilson’s comments follow the release of the seventh Intergenerational Report by the Treasurer, Jim Chalmers, today.

The report outlines:

  1. Productivity growth is assumed to be 1.2 per cent annually, but the RBA assumes only 0.7 per cent and productivity growth under the Albanese government has gone backward by 5.0 per cent.
  2. Using the RBA’s productivity assumption for 40 years reveals Labor’s debt will be higher by nearly 40 percentage points of GDP. This would be a further $1.1 trillion in today’s dollars, or $28,000 per person.
  3. Inflation is assumed back in the band by mid-2027, but Labor’s record on inflation has been a failure, with underlying inflation now at 3.6 per cent, above the band for
    13 months in a row, and above target for their entire time in office.
  4. Labor’s permanently higher tax burden, with taxes reaching 24.2 per cent of GDP. This would lock in the highest rate ever – 2 percentage points higher than the average over the last Coalition term.
  5. These taxes will hit working and young people. Personal income taxes reach well over their highest share of income ever, more than 25 per cent higher than when the Coalition left office.
  6. The spending projections rely on Labor being able to achieve huge NDIS cuts.

“Because the Prime Minister and his Taxaholic Treasurer can’t kick their spending and inflation addiction, Australians are paying higher interest rates and supermarket prices, inflation is outstripping wage growth, and higher taxes are harming family home values”, Mr Wilson said.

“Over the long-term the next generation of Australians are being set up for lower standards of living as they inherit rising public debt and a less productive economy”.

“We need a reset from the Albanese economic model and to get back to a pathway of economic growth. Instead, the only growth is in regulation, and the number of times the Treasurer cooks the books”.

“Reports suggest that the Treasurer is flagging tax cuts, but every time he has offered a Clayton’s tax cut, it is quickly outstripped by inflation”.

“If the Treasurer is serious about giving the next generation of Australians a fair go, he would back our Tax Back Guarantee to end the bracket creep and deliver every working Australian a bigger, permanent tax cut, every year”.

“The Treasurer is ramping up his stealth inflation tax on every Australian, so that he can turn around and offer them a fake tax cut, in yet another deception of the Australian people”.

“Jim Chalmers is laying out his plan for the 2060’s, while Australians today are staring down the barrel of three interest rate rises wondering when the Government is going to get serious about its inflation addiction right now”.

“Under Labor, productivity has flatlined, and the Treasurer has backflipped to use old metrics he once described as ‘rubbish’ to paper over his failures”.

“It is unclear how the highest tax burden ever, particularly on investment, will achieve the miracle productivity turnaround this report is relying on”.

“No matter how the Treasurer wants to spin it, the reality is that under his watch, Australians have experienced the largest decline in living standards in the developed world”.

Development on rise as City of Newcastle slashes assessment timeframes

City of Newcastle has cut almost two weeks off the average time it takes to determine a development application (DA) as investment in the city continues to grow.

Just over 1,000 DAs were assessed by City of Newcastle last year with an average timeframe of 65 days, well below the NSW Government’s target for the city of 78 days.

More than $1.42 billion of development was approved by all consent authorities for Newcastle in the past year.

This is up 47% on the previous financial year, highlighting the significant nature of development unfolding in the city including the 280-apartment ERA development on Bull Street, Newcastle West ($189.6 million), the mixed use commercial and 191 residential apartments on Hunter Street, Newcastle West ($120.6 million) and the eight-storey student accommodation on University Drive, Callaghan, incorporating 450 beds ($128.5 million).

City of Newcastle Executive Director of Planning and Environment Michelle Bisson said assessment efficiency was delivering real benefits.

“Faster assessments are helping deliver housing, jobs, investment and critical infrastructure sooner for the Newcastle community,” Ms Bisson said.

“We are continuing to exceed NSW Government assessment expectations while managing one of the State’s highest development assessment workloads.

“This was acknowledged with the maximum funding allowance of $3 million under Round 1 of the NSW Government’s Faster Assessments Incentive Program, which will contribute to the Union Street streetscape renewal project in Wickham.

“The program rewards eligible councils that reduce and maintain low development assessment timeframes, with funding directed to infrastructure that supports housing growth.”

Significantly, City of Newcastle had the fastest determination time for the top six Councils in NSW ranked by volume, followed by Sydney’s Inner West, which determined 1053 DAs in an average assessment time of 96 days. 

Within the Hunter, City of Newcastle continues strong performance, recording faster average assessment times than similar high-volume councils and a high proportion of applications meeting State expectations.

Newcastle’s development activity is also reflected in national construction indicators, RLB Crane Index, reinforcing the city’s position as one of Australia’s most active development markets. 

Executive Manager Planning and Development Amy Ryan said City of Newcastle’s innovative development assessment processes play an important role in supporting this continued development confidence and investment pipeline.

“Our award-winning Accelerated Development Application (ADA) model has been central to the improvement in determination times,” Ms Ryan said.

“It delivers a streamlined assessment process for low-risk, decision-ready applications, allowing planning teams to dedicate more time to complex projects and improving overall turnaround times.

“On the back of this program’s success, we were given $2 million by the NSW Government to develop a framework that would support its broader roll out to councils across the state.

“The successful adoption of the ADA model by other councils demonstrates Newcastle’s role as a leader in planning innovation and development assessment reform across NSW.

“Efficient decision-making provides greater certainty for applicants, investors and the community, helping to support housing supply, job creation and the timely delivery of development and infrastructure.”

NSW Government League Tables showing development assessment performance in 2025/26

Minns Labor Government introducing significant reforms to sexual assault prosecutions

The Minns Labor Government will reform the way adult sexual assault trials are run to reduce the distress and trauma experienced by complainants when giving evidence.

The reforms, to be introduced to NSW Parliament today, will ensure people who report sexual assault are better supported through the court process, while safeguarding the right to a fair trial.

Ground rules hearings pilot 

Ground rules hearings will be introduced for adult sexual assault proceedings, as a pilot, backed by a $4.8 million investment in the 2026-27 NSW Budget. 

Held before a complainant gives evidence, the hearings will allow the court to set clear directions for how they will be questions and identify any communication or support needs. 

This could include how long questioning can go for, how questions are asked, what topics can be covered and what support may be needed while a complainant gives evidence. 

The pilot will also require pre-trial discussion about relevant jury directions likely to be sought regarding consent, delay and differences in accounts. 

These changes will help improve the overall quality of evidence in sexual assault trials – ensuring questions are appropriate, relevant and focused on the issues in dispute – without compromising the accused’s right to test the prosecution case. 

The pilot will operate at Parramatta, Wollongong and Dubbo District Courts from 2027 until 2030. Ground rules hearings are already used for child sexual assault proceedings in NSW. 

Recorded evidence in chief 

Recorded police interviews with complainants and special witnesses will be able to be used as evidence in chief in adult sexual assault proceedings. 

This will help minimise distress and trauma for complainants who will only be required to provide their evidence in chief once including in case of retrial. 

These recordings are currently admissible as evidence in chief for children under 16 and people with a cognitive impairment. 

Recorded police evidence in chief is also used in domestic violence prosecutions. Our reforms will extend Domestic Violence Evidence in Chief (DVEC) provisions to standalone Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO) proceedings even if there are no criminal charges.

A separate statutory review of the Child Sexual Offence Evidence Program beginning early next year will consider the feasibility of allowing adult sexual assault complainants to pre-record the entirety of their evidence, including cross-examination and re-examination. 

Sexual Assault Communications Privilege

The Government will also strengthen protections around the private counselling records of sexual assault complainants as an independent research project considers broader changes, including whether they should be prohibited from use in all criminal proceedings.

The Criminal Procedure Act 1986 will be amended to ensure courts can only consider complainants’ communications records when it is necessary, as opposed to inspecting materials automatically or out of an abundance of caution.

Other changes will codify in law the requirement to seek leave to access records that have been produced in court.

This comes on top of the University of Sydney-led research, due to report back in mid-2027, which is examining how Sexual Assault Communications Privilege is operating and considering alternative models and options for reform.

These changes will be complemented by the rollout of specialist legal support, announced last month, to help sexual assault complainants navigate the justice system.

In addition, NSW’s first independent Victims of Crime Commissioner has been appointed to advocate for victim-survivors of crime, including sexual violence, on a systemic level.

Attorney General Michael Daley said:

“These commonsense reforms will go a long way towards making it less traumatising for sexual assault complainants to seek justice. Sexual assault complainants and witnesses are especially vulnerable in our justice system. We want to help them give their best evidence by ensuring they do not need to tell their story multiple times and deterring inappropriate and irrelevant questioning in court.

“These changes will make the trial process more robust, mirroring practices already in place for child sexual assault prosecutions. It is part of the Government’s ongoing work to improve the experience of complainants in the criminal justice system.”

Minister for Women and Minister for the Prevention of Dometic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said:

“We know that victim-survivors often find reporting sexual assaults incredibly hard and the justice process can sometimes be distressing. The Minns Labor Government is taking action to make sure the trial process doesn’t re-traumatise victim-survivors, and they can give their best evidence. These reforms are an important part of the wider work we are doing to support victim-survivors, through justice system navigators and in healing and recovery.”

Full Stop Australia CEO Karen Bevan said:

“These are steps in the right direction for victim-survivors of sexual assault, and we welcome the ground rules hearings pilot, the use of recorded police interviews as evidence in chief and tighter limits on access to counselling records. We look forward to working with the Government to extend these reforms so that every victim-survivor in NSW benefits from them.”

Women’s Safety Commissioner Dr Hannah Tonkin said:

“These reforms represent a positive step towards a more trauma-informed legal process for victim-survivors of sexual assault.”

“Many sexual assault complainants are required to give detailed evidence years after their assault, and they are often subjected to inappropriate questioning that is of little relevance to the issues in dispute. This takes an immense toll on their wellbeing, healing and recovery.

“Allowing complainants’ pre-recorded evidence in chief to be used during sexual assault trials will enable them to give their account much earlier, in a safe setting, and to start rebuilding their lives sooner. This will significantly reduce the trauma experienced by those pursuing justice, while also improving the quality of their evidence.

“Similarly, the introduction of ground rules hearings will reduce stress for complainants and improve the precision of their evidence and the efficiency of trials by ensuring that questions directed at the complainant are appropriate, relevant, and focused on the issues in dispute.”

Unions NSW Secretary Thomas Costa said:

“People who make sexual assault complaints in the NSW criminal justice system are too often subjected to treatment that is humiliating, harmful and, in many cases, cruel. We commend the NSW Attorney General and the Minns Government for introducing these much-needed protections in sexual assault matters.

“Unions NSW supports the appointment of an Independent Commissioner in NSW to advocate for people who experience crime, including sexual assault. We look forward to continuing to work with the Minns Government to make the justice system fairer, particularly in sexual assault matters.”

Research to support children with inherited cancer risk shares in Minns Labor Government funding boost

Research to improve the quality of life and outcomes of children with an inherited cancer risk is among three initiatives sharing more than $700,000 in funding from the Minns Labor Government.

Andrew Grant, a clinical care nurse specialist from the University of NSW has been awarded $250,000 for a study exploring the needs of children at inherited risk of cancer who may need lifelong cancer surveillance, impacting childhood and family life.

Cancer Institute of NSW Nursing Fellowship Grants support nurses to develop their expertise and leadership in research to build and retain clinical cancer research expertise.

Mr Grant’s findings will be used to co-design and test a dedicated model of care, including the role of a specialist nurse, in improving support for children and their families navigating the surveillance process.

The other two recipients of the 2026 Nursing Fellowship Grants are:

  • Agnes Le from the Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research will receive $250,000 to improve recovery support for people following colorectal surgery.
  • Katrina Debosz from the University of Sydney will receive almost $244,000 to improve access to high quality and coordinated follow-up care for those returning to regional and rural NSW after receiving CAR-T therapy at metropolitan hospitals.

The Minns Government is one of the largest funders of cancer research in NSW, having awarded more than $300 million in cancer research funding, including clinical trials, over the past 10 years.

Minister for Medical Research David Harris said:

“Supporting nurses to develop as researchers is an investment in the future of cancer care.

“These Nursing Fellowships strengthen our clinical workforce, build research capability and ultimately help deliver better care and better outcomes for patients across the NSW health system.

NSW Chief Cancer Officer and CEO Cancer Institute NSW, Professor Tracey O’Brien AM said:

“Our cancer nurses are at the heart of cancer care in NSW. They see first hand the challenges and opportunities to improve care, giving them a unique perspective to help lead meaningful and impactful research grounded in real-world clinical experience.

“These Nursing Fellowships recognise the invaluable expertise of our cancer nurses and support them to turn their insights into better experiences and outcomes for people living with and beyond cancer.”

University of NSW Nursing Fellowship Grant recipient andclinical nurse specialist at the Minderoo Comprehensive Children’s Cancer Centre at the Sydney Children’s Hospital, Andrew Grant said:

“As a paediatric oncology nurse, I have seen firsthand the impact cancer has on children and their families. This research will deepen our understanding of children with a genetic predisposition to cancer and help ensure their cancer risk is managed.

“Early findings highlight the critical role specialist nurses play in supporting children and families throughout their care. This research will inform family-centred approaches and improve outcomes for children at increased risk of developing cancer.”

Jacqui, mother of 13-year-old Sophie who has a genetic risk of cancer said:

“Sophie has Li-Fraumeni Syndrome which brings a high risk for all types of cancers. By following the screening protocol of regular testing, we have the best chance of finding tumours for Sophie early and treating them successfully. This will give Sophie the best chance for the longest life possible. It means the world to me.

“Before the clinic, I needed to coordinate the screening process myself which was a huge workload and responsibility. I had to find the psychological strength to drive the whole process, and I had to find enormous resilience and tenacity to keep going.

“The role of the specialist nurse takes an enormous weight and workload off my shoulders. They find the doctors, create referrals, book appointments and communicate with other hospital departments, as well as provide over the phone support. it’s unbelievably wonderful.

“It completely changed my experience. I don’t have to find that enormous strength and tenacity to keep going anymore. With this level of support Sophie and I will be able to continue to do this for Sophie’s lifetime.”

Minns Labor Government launches Psychosocial Advisory Service to address the rise in psychosocial incidents in the workplace

With psychosocial requests for service to SafeWork NSW more than doubling over the past five years and psychosocial incidents in the workplace on the rise, the Minns Labor Government has launched a dedicated Psychosocial Advisory Service (PAS).

Developed in partnership with the Black Dog Institute, the PAS connects workers and employers directly with trained advisors who can help them understand, respond to and prevent issues such as bullying, harassment, work-related stress and mental harm in a trauma-informed way.

Backed by the NSW Government’s $127.7 million investment to enhance SafeWork NSW capability and capacity which includes 20 additional specialised psychosocial inspectors, the PAS forms part of the NSW Government’s $344 million Workplace Mental Health package for strengthening mental health support and injury prevention strategies in NSW workplaces.

Between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2026, SafeWork NSW received 3,145 psychosocial related requests for service (RFS), accounting for 20.5% of all RFS received, compared with 10% in 2021/22.

The advisory service acts as both a support and early intervention service designed to help workers and businesses resolve issues before they escalate into serious harm or require formal regulatory action.

The launch of the PAS comes off the back of SafeWork NSW’s largest ever psychosocial compliance blitz.

Inspectors targeted medium to large businesses across all industries with higher rates and severity of psychosocial harm. They visited over 200 workplaces across a range of industries and issued over 80 improvement notices relating to psychosocial hazards and risk management.

During visits, inspectors used a structured psychosocial checklist to guide discussions with businesses and workers, assessing how psychosocial risks were identified, managed and monitored in practice.

Key features of the PAS include:

  • A dedicated pathway for people reporting via the 13 10 50 hotline (press 3 for PAS) submitting online enquiries, or using the SpeakUp web-based interface, where they will receive direct support from trained staff.
  • Trauma-trained advisors to support customers accessing the service.
  • Improved psychosocial resources to increase capability and educate customers on how to manage psychosocial harms and risks in the workplace.
  • A holistic approach to care with options to provide customers in need of mental health support with referrals to external services.
  • Improved data-driven triaging to prioritise time-sensitive or severe incidents involving bullying, harassment or suicidal risk.

SafeWork NSW also worked with Lifeline Northern Beaches to provide staff with specialised training and expertise in mental health, crisis response, and psychosocial risk management.

The launch of the PAS aligns with major reforms to the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 that came into effect on 1 July 2026 including codes of pratice being legally binding in NSW.

The reforms give NSW the strongest position on codes of practice in the country and mean businesses must comply with relevant codes of practice, including the Managing Psychosocial Hazards at Work Code of Practice or risk breaching the Act.

Workers who have concerns about workplace health and safety can lodge a psychosocial request for service on the SafeWork NSW website or anonymously contact SafeWork on 13 10 50 or through the Speak Up Save Lives website.

More details on the updated codes of practice can be found on the SafeWork NSW website.

Minister for Industrial Relations Sophie Cotsis said:

“Modern workplaces present modern risks. The Minns Labor Government is taking strong action to support the health and wellbeing of workers.

“The Psychosocial Advisory Service will help to keep workers safe and support businesses with the tools they need to address psychosocial risks and prevent potential harms.

“With requests for service to SafeWork more than doubling over the past five years, this service is part of the NSW Government’s commitment to building safer workplaces, ensuring workers come home safely to their families both physically and mentally.

Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson said:

“The Minns Labor Government believes that anyone who is struggling with their mental health should be able to access the help that they need.

“The Psychosocial Advisory Service will be an important resource for workers who may be struggling, and a great tool for employers who want to create safe workplaces.

“The launch of the Psychosocial Advisory Service builds on the work of our landmark Suicide Prevention Act 2025, which is about taking a whole-of-government response to mental health and suicide prevention.”

SafeWork Commissioner Janet Schorer said:

“The new Psychosocial Advisory Service is more than just a hotline. It offers in-depth conversations and practical, structured advice for those who need it most.

“This service ensures workers are not left to face psychosocial issues alone or forced to wait until problems escalate beyond control.

“The data shows a clear increase in both reports of psychosocial workplace issues and requests for support, highlighting growing awareness of these risks and the need for early intervention across NSW.

“The launch of the Psychosocial Advisory Service demonstrates SafeWork NSW’s commitment to supporting employers and workers to identify, manage and prevent psychosocial risks, creating healthier and safer workplaces.

“Prevention and early intervention remain critical to meeting work health and safety obligations and SafeWork NSW encourages all employers and workers to seek advice and access the PAS before issues escalate and cause harm.”

Business NSW Chief Executive Officer, Dan Hunter said:

“Small businesses take the health and safety of their people seriously, but psychosocial risks can be difficult to navigate, particularly for owners who don’t have dedicated HR or safety teams.

“That’s why the Psychosocial Advisory Service is a welcome step. Giving SMEs access to clear, practical advice – and someone they can turn to when they have questions – will help businesses tackle issues early and with confidence.

“For small business, looking after your people and running a successful business go hand in hand. The more practical support we can give SMEs to create safe, healthy workplaces, the better for everyone.”

Black Dog Institute Chief Scientist and Executive Director Samuel Harvey said:

“One of the most significant developments in work health and safety is the growing recognition that psychological harms are as damaging as physical harm.

“Recognising and managing both physical and psychological risks is an essential part of creating safe, healthy and productive workplaces.

“The new psychosocial focused inspectors will strengthen early detection of psychological risks at places of employment and enable timely interventions to prevent harm before it occurs.”

Rezoning to unlock hundreds more homes for South West Sydney

The Minns Labor Government is unlocking well planned infill development enabling 545 new homes just 400 metres from Warwick Farm Train Station and close to Liverpool’s city centre, jobs, schools, health services, shops and community facilities.

The now finalised controls for the 3.2-hectare precinct will enable more new homes including at least 30 per cent social and affordable housing, alongside a significant increase in public open space.

Following technical investigations and consultations between Liverpool City Council and the proponent Homes NSW, the final Mannix Parade Precinct rezoning has been reduced in size from the proposal exhibited last year, while the amount of open space has increased by almost 40 percent.

Key features of the final proposal include:

  • approximately 545 new homes, reduced from 670
  • at least 30 per cent social and affordable housing in perpetuity
  • building heights between 4 and 11 storeys
  • a 2,500 square metre park, increased from 1,800 square metres
  • new pedestrian and cycling connections
  • floor space ratios between 1.5:1 and 2.5:1.

The precinct is just 1.1 kilometres from Liverpool Hospital, which is being transformed through the $930 million Liverpool Health and Academic Precinct to provide world-class healthcare and support the growing communities of Sydney’s south-west.

A new co-educational high school is also being delivered in Liverpool, just 950 metres from the precinct. The school will include 107 classrooms and seven dedicated support classrooms for up to 2,000 students.

The rezoning has been assessed under the NSW Government under the Social and Affordable Housing Rezoning pathway, which is designed to accelerate the delivery of social and affordable housing proposed by the state’s housing agencies.

For more information, visit the NSW Planning Portal.  

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“Mannix Parade is a great example of well-planned infill development, putting more homes close to public transport, jobs, schools, health services and other infrastructure people rely on every day.

“We’ve increased the amount of open space provided by almost 40 per cent while still delivering around 545 new mixed tenure homes, including at least 30 per cent social and affordable housing providing more housing options in the area.”

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:

“Everyone deserves a safe, secure and affordable place to call home, and this rezoning will help deliver hundreds of new homes for people in Western Sydney.

“At least 30 per cent of the homes enabled by this proposal will be social and affordable housing, providing more options for people who need them most, including key workers.

“This will be a mixed-tenure community with new public open space and better connections, giving future residents access to the services and infrastructure already being delivered in the heart of Liverpool.”

Member for Liverpool Charishma Kaliyanda said:

“This final proposal responds directly to community feedback, better balancing new homes with more open space.

“Liverpool is growing, and we want to make sure it grows well. That means putting new homes where people are already connected to schools, hospitals, public transport and jobs.

“This proposal will deliver more homes close to Warwick Farm Station and Liverpool’s city centre, while creating a better connected, more liveable neighbourhood for the people who call it home.”