Greens: Albanese Government must put Australia First and Reject Trump’s Extraordinary Interference

Responding to Donald Trump’s interference in Australia’s domestic legislation, Greens spokesperson for Communications, Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said:

“Donald Trump is not our President and Big Tech are not our masters. Australians will not cop being bullied by Mr Trump and his tech bro mates.

“The intervention of the Trump administration into a domestic political debate in Australia is an extraordinary act of foreign interference and the Albanese Government needs to immediately reject it.

“Australians get to decide the laws of our country and how we protect our citizens from harm. For a foreign government to try and tell us what laws we can pass in our sovereign nation is an incredible overreach.

“Mr Trump might be used to trashing reason and convention in his own country, but we will not stand for the US trying to muscle in on Australian domestic policy.

“The Australian parliament can not be lectured on political censorship by a man who is locking journalists out when they do their job of holding him to account.

“The digital duty of care is not about censorship. It is about dealing with the harm created by addictive and dangerous technologies that have led to immense harm both in children and people of all ages.

“Freedom of choice is a cornerstone of democracy and a robust digital duty of care law will give all Australians the freedom to choose how they engage online.”

Aged care Senate inquiry hears Labor is denying rights to older people

Yesterday’s hearing of the Senate inquiry into Labor’s aged care ‘Support at Home’ program has heard more disturbing testimony of how the government is failing older people, denying them their right to care.

Support at Home is premised on the ideal of ‘rights based care.’ But, as pointed out in multiple submissions, the way care is rationed calls these ‘rights’ into question.

“Rights that exist in legislation but not in practice are not rights at all.” – Saviour Buhagair, Uniting NSW.ACT

Alternate to the government’s approach would be a ‘right to care.’ Rather than just guaranteeing rights once care has commenced, have a proactive right to receive essential aged care.

Labor continues to forge ahead with steep copayments, and the inquiry heard sharp criticism of the means testing for copayments from Professor David Cullen, former Chief Economist of the NDIA.

“The Support at Home means test is just economically illiterate.” – Professor David Cullen

Older people on the same income are paying significantly more or less depending on how much support they’re getting, which forces those with the highest needs into residential care. Professor Cullen calls this method of means testing a ‘stupid idea.’

The inquiry also heard more shocking evidence about the total inadequacy of support for older people with Motor Neurone Disease. The highest level of funding secures just two hours per day of care. Labor announced reforms to prioritise the delivery of care for those with MND, but hasn’t acted on the funding itself.

“Getting faster access to inadequate funding doesn’t solve the problem.” – Clare Sullivan, MND Australia

Worse, Labor’s broken aged care assessment tool is routinely underassessing those with MND. The highest level care, level 8, is still inadequate, but the assessment tool is often assigning recipients level 4 packages. This is approximately ten times less funding than they would receive on the NDIS. 

“The Integrated Assessment Tool is not working for people with MND. Our analysis shows no correlation between the packages that are allocated and their disease progression, their circumstance, their care needs. It just doesn’t marry up the assessments that people are getting to what we know they would need. And there’s no relativity in even the spread amongst them. It doesn’t make any sense and it doesn’t reflect what people need.” – Clare Sullivan, MND Australia

The Senate passed a Greens motion last month calling on the Integrated Assessment Tool to be abolished.

Senator Penny Allman-Payne, Greens Older People Spokesperson:

“The evidence proving that Labor’s aged care reforms are harming older Australians continues to pile up.

“Support at Home is rights-based in name only, and it’s past time Labor guaranteed a genuine right to care and an end to rationing.

“Copayments are denying care to the most vulnerable, and forcing them into the residential system or hospital.

“The Integrated Assessment Tool is broken and beyond fixing – the government needs to listen to the Senate and scrap it.

“Labor and the Minister are clearly out of their depth on aged care, and their ignorance and recklessness are hurting older people.”

Greens Call for Data Centre Moratorium Until Strong Framework Finalised

The ACT Greens will tomorrow move a motion calling for a moratorium on new data centres until the ACT Government finalises a comprehensive framework that protects Canberra’s environment, resources, and communities.

“Around the world, we’re seeing data centres demand more power, more water, and more land, while local communities are left carrying the impacts,” said Laura Nuttall MLA, ACT Greens Spokesperson for Air and Water.

“But Canberrans expect better, and as data centres become more prevalent, we have an opportunity to put the rules in place now to ensure they serve Canberra’s interests, so the community isn’t forced to pick up the tab later.

“If the Labor Government is dead set on approving more data centres, there are real-world, global examples of communities already making better use of waste heat for public benefit.

“In Scandinavia, the UK, Ireland, Canada and France, data centre waste heat is being explored or already used to heat homes, buildings, pools and district heating networks. Waste heat reuse is a proven technology – it shouldn’t be dismissed as fanciful or unrealistic.

“Frankly, it’s really disheartening to see the word of the Chief Minister, one of the most politically powerful men in the territory, taken over that of the young woman MLA who’s actually done her research, listened to experts, and is the one who actually brought this motion to the table.

“Canberrans deserve a genuine debate about what we’re proposing, rather than the Labor Chief Minister’s bad faith AI-generated jabs presented as Greens gospel.

“The Chief Minister is shadow-boxing with a proposal nobody made. The only thing we’ve said is: if Big Tech companies profit from ACT land, water, and energy, Canberrans should share in the benefits.

“Government has already committed to creating a Data Centre Framework, but they also need to ensure clear and genuine community consultation, and most importantly, with Traditional Custodians.

“My motion calls on the Government to enact a temporary pause on all new data centres until this framework is in place and there are clear requirements established to protect households and the environment.

“This will ensure the government can include provisions in the framework to ensure that new data centres do not drive up water or energy costs for Canberrans, are fully powered by additional renewable electricity, and demonstrate clear benefits to the community,” said Miss Nuttall.

Australia launches bid for United Nations Security Council seat

At a time of global uncertainty and major challenges, Australia is an untiring advocate for peace and security. We understand that this is best achieved through international cooperation, which is why we are launching our campaign for a seat on the United Nations Security Council, to serve a two-year term from 2029 to 2030.

Australia is seeking a seat because a safer world is one governed by rules, not by power and force alone. Our priority is to work across continents and regions to prevent conflict, advance ocean and climate security, and promote peaceful, resilient and inclusive digital futures.

The UN Security Council is the world’s principal body for the maintenance of international peace and security. As we know too well, conflicts overseas can affect Australia’s security, economy and way of life.

A seat on the Security Council would give Australia a stronger voice in the decisions that affect Australians and our region.

As a member of the Security Council, Australia will amplify the views of small and mid-sized states and ensure decisions are informed by a wide range of positions.

Australia’s campaign will be guided by a simple approach: listening with respect, partnering as equals and protecting what matters most.

As a founding member of the UN and the first President of the Security Council, Australia has been a consistent voice advocating for global peace and security for more than 80 years.

If elected, Australia will support bold, practical reform to ensure the UN can continue to fulfil its important mission well into the future.

The UN General Assembly will elect 2029-2030 Security Council members in June 2028. Australia last served on the Council in 2013-2014.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“The hopes of Australians are the hopes of people everywhere – to live in peace and to build a better future. That is the voice that Australia will bring to the security council.

“Australia played a pivotal role in the founding of the United Nations – because we have always understood how important it is for small and mid-sized nations to have their voices heard on the challenges facing our world.

“Our vision is simple: We listen with respect, we partner as equals and we protect what matters most.”

Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong

“A safer world is one governed by rules, not power and force alone. Australia’s vision is a world where all countries have the freedom to decide their own future.

“As an active and ambitious middle power, we have a practical contribution to make to international peace and security.

“Australia’s focus on the UN Security Council will be conflict prevention, the protection of civilians and defending the rules that protect us all.”

Ordinary Council Meeting 22 September 2026

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 22 September 2026. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.

Ordinary business 

Financial Assistance Grant proposed methodology consultation

Council voted unanimously on an amended motion to endorse City of Newcastle’s submission to the Local Government Grants Commission on proposed changes to the Financial Assistance Grant methodology and write to our local MPs asking them to make clear their position on the proposed methodology and the capacity of ratepayers to pay more to maintain current services.

Local Government Performance Ratios

Council voted unanimously to endorse a proposed submission into the NSW Office of Local Government’s review into Local Government Performance Ratios.

City of Newcastle development assessment performance 

Council noted City of Newcastle’s development assessment performance, including the determination of 1,018 development applications in 2025/26, ranking sixth in NSW by volume, with an average assessment time of 65 days.

Landslide Planning Proposal – Amendment Newcastle Local Environmental Plan 2012

Council voted unanimously to endorse the commencement of the planning proposal to amend the Newcastle Local Environmental Plan 2012 to introduce a landslide risk assessment clause for land affected by the New Lambton landslide, including a Geotechnical Planning clause and Landslide Risk Map.

Endorsement of the public exhibition for Hexham and Woodberry swamp catchments flood study and adoption of the updated Throsby, Styx and Cottage Creek flood study

Council voted unanimously to endorse the public exhibition of the draft Hexham and Woodberry Swamp Catchments Flood Study 2026 for a minimum period of 28 days.

Endorsement of public exhibition for the draft Planning Agreement for 1 McIntosh Drive Mayfield West 

Council voted unanimously to endorse placing the draft Planning Agreement associated with the Steel River East battery energy storage system at 1 McIntosh Drive, Mayfield West on public exhibition for a minimum of 28 days.

Endorsement of motions for submission to the 2026 Local Government NSW Conference and nomination of delegates

Council voted unanimously to endorse the amended motions for submission to the Local Government New South Wales 2026 Annual Conference and nominate Lord Mayor Gavin Morris, Cr Clausen, Cr Winney-Baartz, Cr Johnson, Cr Brooker, Cr Barrie and Cr Isherwood as voting delegates.

Executive Monthly Performance Report

Council received the Executive Monthly Performance Report for August 2026.

Offsite storage services

Council voted unanimously to accept the tender for a 10-year contract for offsite storage services for City of Newcastle’s cultural collection, valued at more than $145 million and comprising 7,000 works of art.

Notices of Motion 

Recognising Meredith Laing 

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion to acknowledge the passing of Meredith Laing, whose work made a significant contribution to and leaves a lasting impact on biodiversity and the environment in Newcastle and the Hunter.

Congratulating the Newcastle Knights on an historic NRL season 2026 and wishing them success in the Preliminary Final

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion that City of Newcastle formally congratulates the Newcastle Knights on their remarkable turnaround and success during the 2026 NRL season, reaching the Preliminary Finals.

Responding to new technology and privacy risks 

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion to request the CEO work with the operators, licensees and lessees of City of Newcastle owned facilities to establish a technology-neutral framework within their conditions of entry addressing the use of wearable surveillance and recording technology.

New wave of lifeguards helping to turn the tide at Newcastle beaches

The number of female lifeguards on patrol at Newcastle’s beaches and Ocean Baths will reach an all-time high this summer thanks to City of Newcastle’s innovative trainee program.

Lexi Sutherland and Bronte Bowker will become the latest recruits to transition from a traineeship to the professional ranks when the new summer beach patrol season kicks off on Saturday.

Lifeguards Lexi Sutherland and Bronte Bowker at Dixon Park BeachLifeguards Lexi Sutherland and Bronte Bowker at Dixon Park BeachThe pair successfully completed last season’s six-week trainee program, where they worked alongside experienced mentors during the busy summer holidays.

City of Newcastle Executive Manager Community and Recreation Lynn Duffy said the initiative is helping to make a positive change.

“Women now account for around 40% of our lifeguards, with more and more girls applying to be part of the trainee program every year,” Ms Duffy said.

“We know some Councils are struggling to fill lifeguard roles because it’s a seasonal job that requires a unique set of skills. 

“Our program helps us maintain a dedicated team of professional lifeguards who have comprehensive knowledge of our beaches and our procedures.

“The innovative trainee initiative launched in 2021 and so far every participant has come back to City of Newcastle to work as a professional lifeguard in some capacity.

“Applications for this summer’s trainee program close on 6 October, with four high school students being offered the chance to gain hands-on experience.”

The trainee program is delivered in partnership with Hunter Surf Life Saving and was the first program of its kind in NSW.

Currently completing their Higher School Certificates, Lexi Sutherland and Bronte Bowker already have impressive resumes.

Sutherland took out the Under 17 female ironperson title at the NSW Championships in March, while Bowker was part of the team that won the Under 19 ski relay title.

Both lifeguards say they’re excited about the prospect of launching their careers at the beach.

“I wanted to apply for the casual lifeguard role because the trainee program allowed me to create so many valuable friendships,” Ms Sutherland said.

“I developed so many new skills and had amazing learning experiences that I hope to keep building on this season.”

“I decided to apply for the casual position because I really enjoyed my traineeship and working with such a friendly team,” Ms Bowker said.

“I gained valuable insights into the role across morning and afternoon shifts, developing my understanding of beach operations and confidence in handling different situations.”

Lifeguard patrols return to all six Newcastle beaches this Saturday, adding to the year-round patrols that also take place at three beaches and Merewether and Newcastle Ocean Baths.

Ms Duffy said recent tragic incidents in Newcastle and on the Mid North Coast were a reminder to always follow key water safety rules.

“When you’re enjoying our beautiful beaches, you should never swim alone, always swim between the red and yellow flags, ask lifeguards for advice about conditions and if you’re in trouble, put your hand up and yell for help,” Ms Duffy said.

Swimmers will also be welcomed back to City of Newcastle’s inland pools at Wallsend, Mayfield, Stockton and Beresfield on Saturday, following the reopening of Lambton Park War Memorial Swimming Centre in August,

City of Newcastle is expecting another busy season at the pools, which attracted more than 537,000 visits during the 2025/26 season, highlighting their importance as destinations for family-friendly recreation and reinforcing their role in supporting community wellbeing and social connection.

The winter break provided an important period for essential maintenance activity with City of Newcastle completing a range of works across the network including safety upgrades, painting of non-slip surfaces and plumbing repairs.

There was a major service of Lambton’s popular splash park feature and new fencing for the waterslide, playground maintenance and kiosk improvements at Beresfield, while Stockton’s bench seating was replaced.

Security improvements were carried out at Wallsend, while the 50-metre pool was emptied to enable floor tile repairs and the replacement of expansion joints.

A detailed inspection of the pool shell was also carried out, while pipe fittings were replaced to reduce the risk of water leakage during power outages in the plantroom.

Minns Government’s far western flight subsidies to continue

The Minns Labor Government is backing communities in far Western NSW by extending the Western Air Services Subsidy for another year to keep affordable, reliable air services flying to Bourke, Walgett, Lightning Ridge and Cobar.

The subsidy, which was due to expire in November this year, will now continue through to November 2027, ensuring people living in some of NSW’s most remote communities can stay connected to essential services, jobs and larger regional centres.

The Minns Labor Government is also looking beyond the immediate extension, working with Far North West regional councils to develop longer-term arrangements for air services beyond November 2027.

Covering an area of more than 111,000 square kilometres, the Western Air Services Subsidy makes it easier for Western NSW residents to access health care, education, emergency services and business opportunities, while staying connected with family and friends.

Under the agreement, FlyPelican operates six return flights each week between Sydney and Cobar, while Air Link operates eight return routes each week servicing Bourke, Walgett and Lightning Ridge.

A survey conducted by the Far North West Joint Organisation found 94 per cent of residents and stakeholders consider the flights critical, with health care and medical travel the most common reason for using the service at 35 per cent.

The survey also found the flights are saving passengers on average up to seven hours for a one-way trip compared with road travel.

Residents, businesses, visitors, doctors, specialists, nurses, social workers, trades and other essential workers use the flights to travel to and from these communities.

The subsidy is funded through the NSW Government’s $400 million Regional Development Trust, which invests in projects that improve transport, liveability, economic opportunity and services across regional NSW.

For more information, go to: nsw.gov.au/regionaldevelopmenttrust

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“Reliable air services are helping keep Western NSW communities connected to the people, services and opportunities that matter most.

“For people in Bourke, Walgett, Lightning Ridge and Cobar, these flights make it easier to access health care, education, jobs, business opportunities and stay connected with family and friends.

“Extending this subsidy gives communities greater certainty and confidence, while supporting the strong regional connections that help Western NSW thrive.

“The Minns Labor Government is proud to continue supporting these vital services and investing in the future of communities across Western NSW.”

One step closer to ensuring a stronger, more reliable firefighting fleet

The Minns Labor Government is taking the next step in modernising the management of the Rural Fire Service’s (RFS) 6,000-strong bush firefighting fleet, helping to better protect communities across NSW.

Amendments to the Rural Fires Act 1997 were introduced to NSW Parliament today to enable the transition of the ‘red fleet’ from council ownership to the RFS from 1 July 2027.

The transition is backed by a $470 million investment over ten years and will give the NSW Government greater oversight of the vehicles that firefighters and communities rely upon to respond to bushfires and other emergencies.

The new arrangement will deliver consistent statewide standards, improved reliability and better vehicle lifecycle management, while continuing the longstanding partnership with councils to support emergency services.

A key part of the transition will be establishing a network of up to eight regional maintenance hubs, with more than $29 million to be invested over two years to get the network up and running.

The regional hubs will also create jobs and apprenticeship opportunities while supporting local industry and strengthening the resilience of the RFS into the future.

A further $106 million will be invested over four years for critical maintenance and safety upgrades across the state.

Councils will be engaged over the coming months to support the transition and identify opportunities to support future maintenance.

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“This isn’t just an investment in trucks – we’re building the maintenance network behind them while creating regional jobs and making sure our RFS fleet is reliable and ready to respond.

“We’re making sure our firefighters have the vehicles and facilities they need to do their job when communities count on them the most.

“By investing in our firefighting fleet, support vehicles and facilities, we’re strengthening community safety and the resilience of our emergency response well into the future.”

Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig said:

“The current arrangements have left councils owning vehicles that are operated and managed by the RFS. This reform addresses that longstanding mismatch by aligning ownership with operational responsibility.

“Councils have an important role in bushfire prevention, hazard reduction and emergency management, and that partnership will continue.

“A transition of this scale needs to be carefully managed. Over the next 12 months, we will work closely with councils to make sure they are properly supported, that local knowledge is retained, and that the move to the new arrangements is practical and orderly.

“The Government’s $470 million investment over the next decade will support that transition and help deliver a safer, more reliable RFS fleet for communities across NSW.”

RFS Commissioner, Trent Curtin said:

“This is a landmark and momentous reform for the RFS and one of the most significant investments in our operational capability in recent years.

“Our firefighters rely on these vehicles every day in some of the most demanding and unpredictable conditions, and it is essential we equip them with a fleet that is safe, reliable and fit for purpose.

“This reform establishes, for the first time, a consistent and modern approach to fleet management across NSW. It strengthens safety, improves reliability and ensures our members are always ready to respond when communities need them.”

Major review launched to strengthen NSW Community Transport Program

The Minns Labor Government has launched the first major review of the NSW Community Transport Program in more than a decade, as the 40-year-old program continues to connect people across NSW with essential services and their communities.

Each year, the NSW Government invests $13 million in the vital program, which helps eligible people who may not have access to other forms of transport get where they need to go.

In the last year, the NSW Community Transport Program supported almost 13,000 people who took more than 240,000 trips across NSW. Around 82 per cent of these trips helped customers access medical care, do their shopping and participate in everyday life.

Community transport services travelled more than 14.3 million kilometres over the same period, reflecting the distances some customers need to travel, particularly in regional and remote communities.

The program currently contracts 63 providers across every local government area in NSW, with around three-quarters of recorded trips delivered outside Sydney.

With community transport playing such an important role in the everyday lives of people across NSW, the review will help ensure the program continues to deliver the right support, in the right places, for the people who need it most.

The review will examine the program’s current service delivery arrangements, effectiveness, sustainability and future design, identifying opportunities to strengthen the program and ensure it remains responsive to changing community needs.

Transport for NSW will conduct targeted consultation with community transport providers, customers, councils, health organisations and sector representatives to help shape the program’s future. The review is expected to conclude in mid-2027.

Minister for Roads and Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison:

“Community transport is a lifeline for thousands of people across NSW, particularly in regional communities where people often need to travel long distances to access services.

“After more than a decade without a major review, we’re making sure this vital program continues to deliver the right support, in the right places, for the people who need it most.

“Transport for NSW will work closely with passengers, providers and communities to strengthen the program and ensure it remains sustainable and responsive for years to come.”

New outsourcing protections for NSW council workers

Labour hire workers performing work for New South Wales councils will have their pay and conditions protected under legislative reforms that will be introduced by the Minns Labor Government.

Currently, NSW councils can undercut pay and conditions of their existing workforce by entering into a labour hire arrangement.

There is nothing stopping council park, maintenance or road workers, and many others, being replaced with a labour hire workforce doing the exact same job at the same place and same time, but on lower pay and conditions.

Under reforms announced by Premier Chris Minns at the United Services Union’s Annual Conference last night, the Government will introduce legislation to ensure all local government workers receive the same protections.

A council will not be able to enter into or amend a contract with a labour hire business for the supply of labour unless it is satisfied that each employee will receive at least the full rate of remuneration they would receive if employed directly by the council.

This will include applicable overtime and penalty rates, incentive-based payments and bonuses.

These reforms address a regulatory gap that means workers engaged by councils through labour hire businesses are some of the only workers in the country not provided pay and conditions protections.

They recognise that when councils have legitimate reasons to use labour hire firms over hiring staff in-house, these workers should receive the same renumeration for doing the same job.

This reform builds on the Minns Labor Government’s investment in the local government workforce, which includes directly funding the recruitment of an additional 1,700 apprentices, trainees and cadets in councils across the state, through the Fresh Start program.

The Government will introduce the Local Government Amendment (Labour Hire) Bill 2026 to Parliament next month to bring in these important protections for workers.

Minister for Industrial Relations Sophie Cotsis said:

“These reforms strike the right balance in giving councils the flexibility they need while making sure workers aren’t short-changed simply because they’re employed through labour hire.

“Two people doing the same job side-by-side deserve the same pay, no matter who is paying them.

“This is about a fair go for workers, a level playing field for employers and confidence in the local government workforce.”

Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig said:

“Council workers deserve a fair go. People doing the same work for the same council should not be paid less simply because they are employed through a labour hire company.

“NSW councils sit outside the national Fair Work system, so we are acting to make sure local government workers have proper protections.

But this is also about how we build stronger councils.

“Wherever possible, councils should be providing secure jobs rather than relying on labour hire to deliver the work communities depend on.

“Direct employment builds skills and experience inside councils. It provides more secure local jobs and gives councils greater capacity to deliver services and infrastructure themselves.

“More people employed directly by councils means stronger councils and a better capacity to serve their communities.

“Labour hire will still have a place when councils genuinely need it. But it should not be used to undercut the wages of council employees or as a substitute for maintaining a strong permanent workforce.

“More people employed directly by councils means stronger councils and a better capacity to serve their communities.”

General Secretary United Services Union Graeme Kelly said:

“The long-awaited decision by the Minns Labor Government to introduce Same Job Same Pay laws protecting local government jobs from contractors who undercut wages and conditions is fully supported by tens of thousands of council workers across NSW.

“These laws will ensure that anyone trying to undercut hard fought for conditions will now have maintain local government rates of pay and conditions.”