Albanese Government delivering for Defence and our veterans

The 2026-27 Budget delivers on the Albanese Labor Government’s recently released 2026 National Defence Strategy and Integrated Investment Program outlining an additional $14 billion over the next four years and $53 billion over the decade that the government has invested in Defence in recognition of Australia’s strategic environment. 

As the Government has made clear, we identify the capabilities we need to keep Australians safe and we fund them appropriately.

The 2026 National Defence Strategy builds on the Government’s strong track record in Defence investments. Together with the additional investments in 2024, the Albanese Government is investing a record additional $30 billion over the forward estimates and $117 billion over the decade.

This brings total funding in the portfolio to $887 billion to 2035-36 including for the Australian Signals Directorate, the Australian Submarine Agency and the Australian Naval Nuclear Power Regulator.

Of this, the Government is investing $425 billion over the decade to deliver accelerated capability for the integrated, focused force – to increase the ADF’s self-reliance and contribute to regional deterrence.

This additional investment from the Albanese Government through the 2024 NDS and the 2026 NDS is the largest peacetime increase in defence spending in our nation’s history, and delivers critical Defence projects that underpin Australia’s maritime capability and defence industrial strategy, including the Henderson Defence Precinct, the Nuclear-Powered Submarine Program and General Purpose Frigates.

The Government has identified around $5 billion over the forward estimates and $15 billion over the decade in projects for which Defence will prioritise developing alternative financing options as part of the additional investment in the 2026 National Defence Strategy. 

This includes projects in the Defence estate, the Henderson Defence Precinct and the Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance enterprise.

Appropriately funding Defence to keep Australians safe is also creating tens of thousands of well-paid local jobs right across Australia and across the supply chain. It also means a growing ADF with recruitment surging to the highest in more than a decade.

We’re continuing to deliver on the Albanese Government’s response to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide with an allocation of more than $770 million in additional funding to deliver on Royal Commission recommendations. 

This funding includes $169.7 million funding over five years to increase fees for allied health providers from 1 July 2027, the largest investment in allied health fees for veterans in over 20 years. 

This Budget will provide $29.8 million to support the establishment of a National Veterans’ Data Asset, and $16.6 million for the Defence and Veterans’ Service Commission to conduct an independent Inquiry into Military Sexual Violence in the Australian Defence Force from the middle of 2026. 

The record investment in Defence is also matched by historic reforms to ensure there is a renewed focus on value for money and greater speed to capability, including through the establishment of the Defence Delivery Agency on 1 July 2027.

The Albanese Labor Government continues to make historic investments in Defence, to keep Australians safe.

Three more NSW hospitals flailing under a public-private partnership, Inquiry hears

Staff at Bathurst, Orange and Bloomfield hospitals told an inquiry today about the failures of their profit-driven management model, including a staff member being repeatedly threatened with sexual assault by a patient and kept on the same ward by her supervisor until she quit, and medical and other inappropriately trained staff being relied on to respond to security incidents due to understaffing.

The NSW parliamentary inquiry into the issues at Calvary Mater Hospital in Newcastle heard from staff and union representatives about three hospitals operating under another public-private partnership.

Bathurst, Orange and Bloomfields hospitals are public hospitals where non-clinical services like cleaning and security are managed by ASX-listed firm, Downer Group.

Greens spokesperson for Health and Chair of the inquiry Dr Amanda Cohn said:

“We heard even more evidence that profit motives in public health care are compromising staff and patient safety.”

The committee heard serious allegations about patient and worker safety, including bullying and harassment, and “the absolutely disgusting” state of the wards, including mould in an area serving immunocompromised patients.

Karl Banham told the hearing he worked for NSW Health for 16 years as a plumber and now as a health security assistant at Orange Hospital.

“Mould has been found on roof, panels and walls, resulting in the closure and air around the renal dialysis area,” he said. “How can we be letting this happen in a public health area?”

Robert Danelon is employed by NSW Health as a wardsperson at Bathurst Hospital. He described how the hospital’s 18-year-old beds moved “more like dodgy shopping trolleys and less like modern, specialised beds designed to carry patients” causing him two separate injuries.

“Why are taxpayers paying Downer to manage our hospital if they can’t even replace faulty ward beds?” he said. “I love my job, but I do not love the working environment that Downer has created.”

Staff and union representatives described widespread bullying, intimidation and micro-management by Downer staff. Formal complaints are handled by Downer internally, with workers describing outcomes as dismissive and inadequate.

Health Services Union Assistant Secretary Lauren Hutchins told the committee that two thirds of HSU members managed by Downer have not reported a workplace issue due to fear of management retaliation.

Donna Stedman, a hospital assistant at Bloomfield Hospital in Orange, spoke of her experiences being bullied. “I was belittled, yelled at, accused of stealing, had my job threatened… my supervisor remained silent.”

“The culture of arse-covering within Downer is scary,” she said.

Dr Cohn said the evidence shared by the hospital staff and union assistant secretary raised serious alarm bells.

“The tragic and preventable death of toddler Joe Massa prompted the NSW government to bring the Northern Beaches Hospital back into public hands,” Dr Cohn said.

“This time, the government shouldn’t wait for a tragedy. The Greens are ready to support the Minns Labor government to walk the talk on privatisation and bring the Calvary Mater Hospital back into public hands, and the Orange, Bathurst and Bloomfield hospitals back into fully public management.”

The hearing coincides with Premier Chris Minns posting on Facebook today about Labor successfully bringing Northern Beaches Hospital back into public hands. He wrote: “When something isn’t working, you fix it… The community deserves certainty, accountability and world-class healthcare.”

Labor’s budget backs corporate profits & the 1% over people

In their first budget of the term, Labor has chosen corporate profits over people, by delivering real cuts to services while allowing corporate profits to grow unchecked.

Labor’s fifth budget fails to include a tax on gas exports, which would have been worth at least $17b in revenue to the bottom line. Instead, Labor has chosen to gut critical services including the NDIS, climate, clean energy manufacturing, and to keep people on poverty level income support.

The changes to tax breaks for wealthy property investors tinker at the margins, when the housing crisis is compounding in urgency and requires significant reform. The Labor government has quarantined all of the tax handouts for existing property investments. This is a capitulation to the 1% and a missed opportunity that is unlikely to ease the housing crisis.

Labor’s self-proclaimed biggest cost of living relief measure in this budget, the Working Australians Tax Offset, equates to $4.81 a week and won’t hit people’s pockets until 2028.

While people are bearing the cost of inflation they didn’t cause, big corporations push up the cost of living and get special treatment from Labor.

People will be set back by Labor’s budget by:

  • The “biggest cost of living relief measure in this budget”, the $250 WATO, equates to $4.81 a week and people won’t see a cent of this until 2028
  • $37.8 billion in cuts to the NDIS, which will see at least 160,000 people lose critical disability supports
  • Nothing for renters or people experiencing homelessness
  • No new money to actually build housing, except for $110m for defence housing for US and UK troops under AUKUS
  • $4 billion in deep cuts to climate transition – the biggest rollback since the Morrison government, including:
    • $1.7b from electric vehicles
    • $2.2b of cuts to climate and the environment:
      • $255m cut from ARENA
      • Cuts to the domestic manufacturing of solar, batteries and hydrogen
  • No increase to any income support payments – Jobseeker, Youth Allowance, Age Pension or any other payment
  • No funding for the National Anti Racism Framework

Whereas Labor has backed big corporations and the 1% by:

  • Refusing to tax the exports of gas corporations, forgoing at least $17 billion in revenue
  • Over the last decade, corporate profits in Australia have grown at almost double the rate of wages
  • Leaving intact tens of billions in existing tax handouts for wealthy property investors through grandfathering, and including tax minimisation loopholes for property investment going forward
  • $53 billion in additional defence spending, a significant amount of which will go to AUKUS
  • $46 billion over the forwards for fossil fuel subsidies and $5 million this year to support new gas projects
  • Almost $1b on offshore processing last year, nearly $400m than previously budgeted, and a further $600m budgeted for the coming year, all to brutalise around 100 people

Senator Larissa Waters, Australian Greens Leader said:
“Tinkering around the edges of a broken system and spending billions for corporations and the 1%: that will be the legacy of the Albanese-Labor government.

“Labor should have used this budget to claw back the obscene profits of big corporations to pay for the things we all need. Instead they’re leaving $17 billion a year in the pockets of big gas corporations.

“This budget contains nothing for renters, no new money to build housing except for US and UK troops, and their biggest cost of living measure will add up to $4.81 a week that you’ll see in 2028.

“And because Labor blinked on taxing big corporations and the wealthiest 1%, at least 160,000 people will lose access to critical, lifesaving disability support through the NDIS.

“This budget should have taxed gas exports. Instead they’ve cut $4 billion from the climate transition, and allocated $46 billion to fossil fuel subsidies.

“The government’s planned changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax discount look like little more than tinkering around the edges of a broken system. These changes will still give tens of billions of dollars in handouts to wealthy property investors to outbid renters at auctions around the country every weekend. This should have been a significant reform but instead it’s a damp squib.

“With this Budget, Labor have made their priorities clear. Instead of delivering for people, Labor has been captured by big corporations and the wealthiest 1%.

“Only the Greens are fighting for people over profits. Only the Greens will put the interests of renters, first homebuyers and mortgage holders, disabled people and people on income support, and the climate first, while Labor continues to deliver for the profits of their corporate donors and the wealthiest 1%.”

Senator Nick McKim, Greens Economic Justice spokesperson said:
“Labor has chosen to back big corporations and the 1% over everyday Australians and young people who are being ripped off by the tax system.

“Jim Chalmers clearly has a different definition of ‘ambitious’ than millions of Australians.

“In the face of a generational opportunity to respond to inequality and the housing crisis, Labor’s changes to negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount are abjectly lacking in courage and ambition.

“This budget betrays the overwhelming majority of Australians. By refusing to impose a gas export tax to fund essential services, Labor will fuel people’s anger at a system that isn’t working for them.

“We had a rare political opportunity to fix property investor tax breaks, capture massive gas export profits and rebuild a fairer country, but Labor’s corporate donors have won out once again.

“It’s getting harder to get ahead in Australia, but if you’re one of Australia’s 161 billionaires who are making $29 million a day, you’re having a great time.

“While most of us work harder trying to get ahead, the ultra-wealthy buy up assets, and their wealth grows in their sleep. This budget keeps on growing the gap between the 1% and the 99%.”

Senator Barbara Pocock, Greens Finance, Housing and Homelessness spokesperson said:
“This budget does nothing for ordinary people – renters, first-home buyers and mortgage holders – who are struggling to keep a roof over their heads. It does nothing for the homeless.

“The housing tax changes grandfather inequality. They protect the unfair wealth hoarding of wealthy multi-property investors and the 1%.

“Once again, Labor has over-promised and under-delivered on housing for young people, for renters, and for first-home buyers.

“This budget contains nothing for people on income support, and no new money to build housing except $110m for defence housing for US and UK troops under AUKUS.

“In this budget, Labor’s chosen to make ordinary people bear the brunt of the economic and housing crisis.

“Corporate profits are driving up inflation and the cost of living, but Labor hasn’t taxed them – instead, they’re giving corporations tax breaks if their profits go backwards.

“This budget reveals Labor’s mindset. Protect wealthy property investors, even if that leaves everyone else worse off.

“The Greens will fight against Labor’s cuts to essential services, public service jobs and the NDIS – people shouldn’t have to pay for inflation while big corporations continue to make obscene profits.”

Hidden details of Newcastle’s late 1800s revealed through digital preservation project

Previously unseen details from thousands of historic photographs are being revealed for the first time following a five-year digitisation project by City of Newcastle. 

More than 5,500 images taken by renowned Newcastle photographer Ralph Snowball have been meticulously scanned, catalogued, researched, and uploaded online by Newcastle Libraries staff and volunteers, uncovering new insights into the people, places and daily life from the late 1800s. 

Digitally archived image taken by Ralph Snowball of Watt Street and Newcastle Train Station.City of Newcastle Director of Museum Archive Libraries and Learning Julie Baird said the enhanced images are transforming how the collection is understood and used. 

“These photographs have long been an important part of our local history, but improved imaging is revealing remarkable new details,” Ms Baird said.

“Our team of staff and dedicated volunteers have captured high-resolution scans that uncover details previously unseen, from names on gravestones to business signage on buildings.

“This project ensures the collection remains a living resource, continuing to deepen our understanding of Newcastle’s history.”

The digitisation project began in 2021, with staff and volunteers working together to scan and catalogue the collection using specialist equipment in Newcastle Library’s digitisation lab. 

At the same time, volunteers contributed to the ongoing research of the collection to update and expand the historical information attached to each image.

Originally discovered in 1988 in the basement of the Snowball family home in Lambton, the collection included around 8,000 glass plate negatives, with just over 5,000 becoming part of the Newcastle Library’s collection.

The images, taken between the 1890s and 1920s, capture an insight into life across Newcastle and the Hunter region, including street scenes, workplaces, beaches, public buildings and major civic developments. 

Subjects range from surf lifesavers at Newcastle Beach and afternoon tea at Fort Scratchley to workmen at the Obelisk, the construction of the Newcastle Ocean Baths and iconic landmarks such as the Newcastle Post Office and Christ Church Cathedral.

A special panel-style event, Celebrating Snowball, will be held at Newcastle City Library on Wednesday 13 May, showcasing the collection and the stories uncovered through the digitisation process. Digitally archived glass negative of Ralph Snowball with his horse and wagonette, taken 9 July 1988.City of Newcastle Director of Museum Archive Libraries and Learning Julie Baird said the Snowball collection continues to deliver lasting value for the Newcastle community.

“We’re now seeing details that simply weren’t visible before, which is helping researchers, historians and the community better understand the people and places captured in these photographs,” Ms Baird said.

“Importantly, this work makes our shared history more accessible, allowing more people to connect with Newcastle’s past and see how our city has evolved.”

The Ralph Snowball Collection is the largest photographic collection to be digitised by Newcastle Libraries and is part of the Local History Collection. 

Newcastle Libraries holds 5,500 glass plates and numerous original prints donated from various sources over the years, including Ralph’s son Frank Snowball and members of the community.  

City of Newcastle also recognised Snowball’s contribution to documenting Newcastle’s history in October 2025 by naming a previously unmarked lane off Bridges Road between Russell Road and Victoria Street in Lambton, after the photographer. 

The Ralph Snowball Collection can be explored online via the Hunter Photobank digital archive. 

The free Celebrating Snowball event will be held on Wednesday 13 May at the Lovett Gallery, Newcastle City Library from 6pm to 7pm. Bookings are not required but for more details visit the Newcastle Libraries website. 

History and details about Ralph Snowball

  • Ralph Snowball was born in 1848 in Leadgate, Durham, England. 
  • He arrived in Sydney aboard the Nineveh in 1879 with his wife Mary and infant son George and eventually settled on land that later became Clarence Road, New Lambton. 
  • He worked as a miner for five years at Lambton Colliery but after suffering an accident, he set up as a professional photographer in 1884. 
  • Snowball’s horse-drawn waggonette was well-known around the Newcastle district. He (and his bulky equipment) travelled further afield by whatever means would allow him to capture life and the countryside around Lake Macquarie and the lower Hunter.
  • Ralph retired in 1915 and continued taking the occasional photograph up until at least 1924. 
  • Outside of photographer, Snowball was active in the community in a number of roles, including becoming the first town clerk when the municipality of New Lambton was formed in 1889 and later a valuator for the council
  • He died on 4 August 1925 and was buried at Sandgate Cemetery.

First look at new mental health housing

In a state first, the Minns Labor Government is building homes for people living with complex, long-term mental health needs, offering up to 60 places in new purpose-built residences with specialist on-site support.

Communities across Sydney and the Hunter region are getting their first look at designs for the new mental health homes, which will offer a community-based alternative to hospital care.

These new homes form part of a record $3.1 billion mental health investment by the NSW Government to build a better New South Wales where people can get the support they need.

Each residence will provide a therapeutic environment where people can transition from long-stay hospital care into the community, supported 24/7 by specialist staff.

The residential services will provide on-site clinical and psychosocial support, supporting people with significant mental health needs to transition from long term or repeated hospital admissions into high-quality supported housing.

New artist impressions reveal plans for private and shared living areas, and outdoor spaces, all designed to create a safe, therapeutic environment that supports recovery, while helping residents build skills needed for more independent community living.

New homes, delivered under the Pathways to Community Living Initiative, will be built in:

  • Henley and North Ryde in Northern Sydney
  • Maitland and Waratah in the Hunter region
  • Lalor Park and Blacktown in Western Sydney.

This initiative is part of the $700 million Statewide Mental Health Infrastructure Program and complements the Minns Government’s record $6.6 billion Building Homes for NSW program, the largest investment in housing in our state’s history.

This investment reflects a commitment to building inclusive, community-based mental health programs and infrastructure.

Construction is expected to start this year, following planning approval, and residents are expected to move into the first new homes from 2028.

Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson:

”For the first time in NSW, we are delivering purpose‑built homes that will allow people to move out of hospital and move on with their lives. This is about giving people a real home with appropriate care and support, not a hospital bed while they recover.

“These new residences will support up to 60 people across Sydney and the Hunter to rebuild their lives in the community, with a safety net there to catch them.

“We know there is strong evidence to support the need for greater investment in programs that help people with mental health challenges to live independently in the community and that’s why we’re targeting our investment in this area.

“This is a step towards modernising mental health care in NSW and we’re excited to share a first look at these new homes, designed in consultation with people with lived experience, their carers, and mental health staff.”

Member for Maitland Jenny Aitchison:

“Local housing and infrastructure to support mental health needs in the Maitland region is very welcome.

“I have long advocated, along with many in the Maitland Community, for better support for people with complex mental health needs, and I am so proud that the NSW Government is delivering these homes.”

Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery:

“I’m pleased to see strong NSW Government investment in mental health support and housing infrastructure.

“These new residences in Waratah are on top of the construction of more than 50 social housing residences in nearby Wallsend, which is my electorate. We are committed to make further improvements in these sectors.”

Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp:  

“The transition from hospital into the community can be difficult, especially after a long stay.

“These purpose-built residences will ensure individuals receive appropriate care and support within a home-like environment to recover and transition to supported community living.”

Minns Labor Government introducing new offences, stronger penalties to gut organised crime networks

The Minns Labor Government is introducing tough new offences and stronger penalties for public shootings, firebombings, the use of ‘kill cars’ and recruitment of children by organised criminals.

The legislation being introduced to NSW Parliament today will also enhance the court’s ability to consider an accused’s organised crime links in bail decisions and expand the circumstances under which the granting of bail can be temporarily stayed.

The measures target criminals who threaten public safety, torch ‘kill cars’ which have been used to facilitate organised crime and recruit children to commit serious offences.

Cracking down on ‘kill cars’, recruiting children

A new aggravated offence will be created for destroying by fire a vehicle after it has been used to commit serious crimes such as firearms supply, drug trafficking and illicit tobacco offences.

The new offence will be punishable by up to 12 years’ imprisonment, two years higher than the current maximum penalty for destroying or damaging property by fire.

New offences will also be created and penalties strengthened to curb the increasing recruitment of young people by organised criminals to break into premises and steal cars.

The maximum penalty for recruiting a child to engage in criminal activity will increase from 10 to 12 years’ imprisonment. A higher maximum penalty of 15 years will apply if the child is under 16 years.

An aggravated offence, also punishable by up to 15 years’ imprisonment, will be created when a child is recruited for motor vehicle theft or serious criminal activity which is commonly linked to organised crime.

Targeting public shootings, firebombings

The Government is also acting to protect the community following a spate of public shootings as well as firebombings related to illicit tobacco distribution.

An aggravated offence will be created for shooting a pistol or prohibited firearm in public, punishable by up to 14 years’ imprisonment.

The maximum penalty for firing at dwellings or buildings will increase to 18 years and will be expanded to include firing at vehicles.

An additional offence will also be created for arson targeting a business with reckless disregard for others’ safety, punishable by up to 14 years’ imprisonment.

Cracking down on proceeds of crime

The Government is strengthening proceeds of crime laws to help law enforcement seize the criminal wealth of organised networks.

Under the reforms, authorities will have up to five years, instead of one, to seek forfeiture of assets held by people subject to Drug Trafficker Declarations.

The reforms will also ensure wealth hidden or accessed through trusts can be taken into account, closing another avenue used by organised criminals to shield their money.

Additional bail reform

The bill also builds on the Government’s strong track record of bail reform to help keep the community safe.

It will allow a decision to grant bail for certain serious firearm offences and the charge of specially aggravated kidnapping to be stayed for up to three days if the prosecution seeks an urgent detention application.

Currently, the granting of bail can only be temporarily stayed for serious offences such as murder, sexual assault and domestic violence.

The legislation will also put beyond doubt that organised crime connections are a relevant concern when it comes to bail.

It will require courts to consider whether an offence has been committed in the context of organised crime, and any non-compliance with Serious Crime Prevention Orders and Firearm Prohibition Orders.

Making involvement in organised crime an explicit factor in bail decisions will strengthen the ability of the legal system and law enforcement to keep the community safe.

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said:

“We’re backing police with stronger powers than ever before to disrupt, dismantle and take down organised crime networks.

“It is shocking to see young people lured into committing criminal acts by the promise of quick cash.

“These laws make it clear that this behaviour is reprehensible, cowardly and will result in serious consequences, including the possibility of time behind bars.

“Let me be blunt about who these people are: they are cowards, thugs and parasites.

“We do not want to see this violence on our streets; our community shouldn’t have to tolerate this. Police are working tirelessly to keep people safe and only the Minns Labor Government backs them to do their job.”

Attorney General Michael Daley said:

“These comprehensive reforms will help keep the community safe, and hold organised criminals to account for the destruction and harm they inflict on our streets.

“We are cracking down on gangs who put the community at risk with public shootings and firebombings and tackling the use of stolen ‘kill cars’ to facilitate these crimes.

“We are also strengthening penalties for hardened criminals who recruit children to steal these cars and do their dirty work for them.

“Important changes to our bail framework will also enhance the ability of courts to take someone’s organised crime links into account when deciding if they should be remanded until trial.” 

Minns Labor Government continuing to pursue ‘good character’ reforms

The Minns Labor Government is continuing to pursue reforms to ‘good character’ evidence at sentencing, after the Greens and Coalition voted to water down changes which would reduce trauma for victim-survivors.

The Government is urging the Greens and Coalition to back this reform, which seeks to remove ‘good character’ as a mitigating factor for all offences including sexual assault, murder, domestic and family violence and road crime.

The Greens and Coalition voted in the Legislative Council last week to gut the Government’s nation-leading reforms by removing ‘good character’ as a mitigating factor only for sexual offences.

Their amendments retained ‘good character’ for all other offences, with the court allowed discretion about whether to give it weight.

The removal of good character references for sexual offences is a step in the right direction, and the Government will not stand in the way of this change.

But it does not go far enough, and the Government will tomorrow introduce legislation to abolish ‘good character’ as a mitigating factor for all other offences.

This will ensure that no victim of crime, or family victim of a person murdered or killed by a dangerous driver, will be forced to sit in court and listen to a convicted offender be described as someone of otherwise ‘good character’.

The Government’s legislation is in line with recommendations from the independent NSW Sentencing Council, which engaged in extensive public consultation and recommended ‘good character’ be removed as a mitigating factor on sentencing for all offences.

The Sentencing Council found the use of ‘good character’ evidence was vague, subjective and perpetuated inequality within the criminal justice system because it was not equally available to all offenders.

Numerous submissions from organisations and individuals also made clear the substantial harm which is caused to victim-survivors by these irrelevant references.

This reform does not affect the fairness of a trial or a judge’s ability to consider the whole person at sentencing. It simply makes the criminal justice system less traumatising for people who are unfortunate enough to find themselves the victim of crime or have lost someone they love.

The Greens and Coalition have another chance to protect all victim-survivors of crime, and we urge them not to squib it again.

Attorney General Michael Daley said:

“Our bill will ensure that all victims of crime are afforded the same protections and spared the trauma that good character references are proven to cause.

“We are determined to fight for the people across our NSW community who are victims of crime.

“By introducing this legislation, we are giving the Greens and the Opposition another chance to back this evidence-based reform to make the justice system fairer and more trauma-informed.”

Rego reminder texts to help prevent accidental fines

Motorists who let their registration lapse will now be sent an SMS reminder as another safeguard to stop people accidentally driving unregistered vehicles on the State’s roads.

The Minns Labor Government is introducing the new text reminder to make NSW roads safer and help people who have forgotten their registration renewal avoid fines. Last year, more than 50,000 motorists were fined for driving unregistered and uninsured.

A new campaign has begun urging vehicle owners to sign up for digital registration reminders through Service NSW. It’s part of a broader initiative to make it easier for people to remember to renew their registration and reduce the number of people driving unregistered.

Almost one million people are already taking advantage of digital reminders, receiving notifications via email, their MyServiceNSW Account inbox and the Service NSW app six weeks before, two weeks before and one day after their registration expires.

Motorists who opt in for digital reminders will now receive an additional SMS notification the day after their registration expires to both remind them to renew – and stop them driving an unregistered vehicle by mistake.

This instant phone notification is an extra, convenient contact method in case people miss an email.

Digital registration reminders are optional and customers who don’t opt in will continue to receive a paper reminder in the mail about six weeks before vehicle registration is due.

Messages encouraging up to 4.5 million people to sign up for digital vehicle registration reminders will be sent throughout May and June.

Motorists who fail to renew their vehicle registration must not drive their vehicle on roads until the registration is renewed. Vehicle registration ensures vehicles are roadworthy and have compulsory third party CTP insurance in case of a crash.

For more information and to opt in to digital vehicle registration reminders, visit the Service NSW website or click on ‘Registrations’ in the Service NSW app.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government, Jihad Dib said: 

“Thousands of motorists are fined each year for driving an unregistered car and I want to make sure a forgotten payment doesn’t cost you a fine.

“We know people lead busy lives and can carry huge mental to-do lists, and the reality is many vehicle registrations are not renewed on time because paperwork is misplaced or simply forgotten.

“By introducing an overdue SMS notification one day after expiry as a final reminder to get your registration sorted, we could save you hundreds of dollars in fines while keeping everyone safe on our roads.

“This is a simple idea that could make a huge difference to people; by giving drivers this option we are offering you a convenient reminder in the palm of your hand.

“It’s quick and easy to sign up via the Service NSW website or app and means you receive a range of email and phone reminders before and one day after your rego is due.”

Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison said:

“We understand that people are busy and it’s easy for rego renewal to slip down the to-do list, but the consequences of missing it can be serious.

“Driving unregistered doesn’t just risk a fine, it means being uninsured and putting yourself and others at risk on our roads.

“These SMS reminders are a simple, practical way to help people stay on top of their rego and avoid an honest mistake.

“I encourage everyone to sign up through the Service NSW app. It’s quick, easy and helps keep you and others safe on our roads.”

Great Koala National Park update

Minister for the Environment, Penny Sharpe is in Coffs Harbour to advance plans for the Great Koala National Park, a world leading park which will protect a nationally critical koala population and more than 100 threatened species.

The creation of the park is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to not only save vital habitat from extinction but build a world class tourist destination that protects the environment while boosting tourism and the local economy.

The final creation of the park is dependent on the successful registration of a carbon project under the proposed Improved Native Forest Management method. This is progressing following public consultation in January. The method is expected to be considered by the Commonwealth Government’s Independent Emissions Reduction Assurance Committee.

The future park is rich with opportunities for recreation and we want these to be shaped by community voices at every step. Dozens of consultation sessions, from local market stalls to meetings with recreational groups, have drawn strong participation. More than 4,000 survey responses have explained how people want to protect the forests and develop recreation activities that will make the Great Koala National Park a must-see destination.

The Minister will meet with the Aboriginal Advisory Panel in Coffs Harbour. For the first time, the park will appoint NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Aboriginal cultural heritage rangers, embedding cultural knowledge and care at the heart of park management.

Following extensive collaboration with Elders and Traditional Owners on the Aboriginal Advisory Panel, positions will be created for Aboriginal Rangers.

The area is a significant cultural landscape for the Gumbaynggirr and Dunghutti peoples including places of creation, ceremony and spirituality, traditional camps, resource gathering areas and pathways.

Extensive preparation is underway to ensure the park is ready from day one, including:

  • Boosting firefighting capacity with the NSW Rural Fire Service and Forestry Corporation NSW through more fire fighters, new equipment like fire trucks and early detection technologies.
  • Refining park boundaries for the best conservation possibilities and working with local tourism, counil and other partners to unlock new visitor and recreation opportunities.
  • Preparing legislation to reserve the Great Koala National Park in late 2026.

Minister for the Environment, Penny Sharpe said:

“The Great Koala National Park is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to protect one of Australia’s most important koala populations while recognising the deep cultural connection Traditional Owners have to this landscape.

“The Minns Labor Government has been working closely with the community to ensure planning delivers strong environmental protection, while driving nature‑based and recreational tourism on the Mid North Coast.”

Minister for the North Coast, Janelle Saffin said:

“The Great Koala National Park is a landmark investment in the Mid North Coast, securing our unique environment while driving new local jobs and economic opportunities for our communities. “By putting local voices at the heart of this process, we are ensuring the park’s creation delivers for everyone who lives and works here.

“We are backing new Aboriginal cultural heritage roles, strengthening fire preparedness, and building sustainable tourism to ensure the North Coast continues to thrive as a world-class destination.” 

More than $10 million to keep biosecurity data sharing on track

A new $10.7 million hi-tech biosecurity platform, built on advances made during the COVID-19 pandemic and the latest in DNA technology, will make it easier and faster for scientists and researchers from around Australia to identify pest and disease threats to our primary industries.

The Minns Labor Government is taking the lead on delivering the Biosecurity Trakka, a five-year partnership designed to modernise Australia’s plant biosecurity defences.

Biosecurity Trakka will provide a secure online hub for DNA sequencing, data storage, analysis and aggregated viewing for stakeholders from around the country including scientists and decision-makers nationally.

The project will be led from the NSW Government’s Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute and is expected to be completed by 2030. The development of the Biosecurity Trakka is an extension of Aus Trakka which was used to support surveillance during COVID-19.

DNA sequencing is an important tool used by all Australian biosecurity departments to rapidly identify the significant number of pest and disease threats to primary industries.

Using the new shared DNA sequencing data platform will reduce response times by enabling quick identification of exotic plant pests and diseases, which can facilitate timely action to mitigate threats.

The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development will lead the project through the core delivery team and steering committee over the five years. Other partners include the vegetable industry and Hort Innovation, Australian governments, universities and Bioplatforms Australia, other plant research and development corporations.

For NSW the project delivers two key benefits:

  • By having access to vital information on biosecurity incursions in other jurisdictions we can test and develop new and effective diagnostics tools to detect and respond if interstate outbreaks reach NSW.
  • By building capacity in other jurisdictions to successfully detect and respond to biosecurity threats the impact on NSW is dramatically minimised.

The Biosecurity Trakka project brings together leading experts from across Australia including:

  • With NSW DPIRD as the lead, the University of Melbourne’s AusTrakka, used to trace the source of COVID infections during the Pandemic, will leverage existing Trakka expertise to lead platform analysis and advise on the data sharing agreement.
  • Agriculture Victoria will have design input and deliver beta testing, as well as host a national simulation exercise.
  • DPIRD WA will lead the user feedback group to ensure the platform is user friendly.
  • The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry will lead the data sharing agreement.
  • Australian National University and Bioplatforms Australia will support a Trakka training program to upskill multiple users in each jurisdiction.

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:

“This is a major project that is bringing together the nation’s experts to develop a world-leading tool to defend against some of the country’s most invasive and destructive pests and diseases.

“The collaboration will help expand access to bioinformatics expertise nationwide while strengthening biosecurity preparedness in our state’s $25 billion agriculture sector.

“Pest and diseases have no respect for State borders. This project recognises that the faster and more efficiently we identify and deal with outbreaks then the better off everyone is.

“Biosecurity Trakka will play a critical role in removing delays in DNA sequence sharing during suspected exotic pest outbreaks.

“It is exciting to know our NSW DPIRD staff will take the lead on this project to ensure outcomes are delivered that will enhance biosecurity preparedness not only for our state, but for all of Australia.”

Hort Innovation CEO Brett Fifield said:

“This is a powerful example of what’s possible when industry and government work together. Biosecurity Trakka brings pandemic-proven technology into plant health, delivering faster diagnostics, stronger national coordination and real, on-the-ground benefits for growers facing pest and disease incursions.

“The project is a strong example of innovation through collaboration, bringing together government and all seven plant RDCs to strengthen Australia’s biosecurity infrastructure and safeguard the future of Australian agriculture.”

Director Animal and Plant Biosecurity Research and Diagnostics Will Cuddy said:

“Everyone at the NSW DPIRD’s Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute is excited we are leading this project and delivering critical work to improve Australia’s preparedness for biosecurity threats.

“Our goal is to ensure we’re meeting the project’s outcomes by sharing our expertise and learnings gained from previous biosecurity responses to ensure Biosecurity Trakka supports a national uplift in capability.

“Being able to collaborate across jurisdictions and with key stakeholders makes this a special opportunity to deliver something that can benefit all industries and the economy.”