The NSW Government is introducing updated Safety Management System (SMS) Guidelines to take effect from Friday, 24 October, to deliver safer, more reliable bus services across all parts of the state.The government says this is a major step forward, shifting operators away from outdated, one-size-fits-all rules to a modern, risk-based framework that reflects contemporary workplace safety standards.The new measures were a key recommendation of the NSW Bus Industry Taskforce and mark the first major update to the Guidelines since 2005.The reforms are part of the Government’s broader transformation agenda to lift safety, reliability and service quality across the state’s bus network. Initiatives already in place include retrofitting seatbelts, rolling out awareness campaigns and reducing Sydney’s bus driver shortfall from 500 in April 2023 to just 123 today, with 176 more drivers in training.One year on from the Bus Industry Taskforce’s final report, the government is continuing to build on the improvements made to buses across the state.Key elements of the updated SMS Guidelines include:A stronger focus on identifying and managing safety hazards.Flexibility for operators to tailor safety systems to their size, complexity and risks.Full alignment with workplace health and safety laws.A culture of continuous safety improvement across the industry.Transport for NSW will be providing education and support to help operators transition, with the Guidelines forming part of a broader reform program to strengthen regulation of the bus industry.The NSW Government committed $452 million in the 2025–26 Budget, which will fund these improvements, ensuring more services, new buses and support for local operators across the state.Minister for Transport John Graham said, “These reforms are about putting passenger and driver safety first, while modernising the way our bus system is regulated.“The updated Guidelines give operators the flexibility they need to manage risks effectively, while ensuring every journey is backed by the highest standards of safety.“Under the Minns Labor Government, people can have confidence that our bus network is safer, stronger and built for the future.”Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said, “Whether you live in the city or the country, buses are a lifeline that keep people connected and improve access to health, education, jobs and opportunity.“These reforms will help regional operators put in place systems that reflect their unique risks and challenges, while staying aligned with best practice across the state.“The Minns Government is delivering safer, more reliable bus services for every community in NSW.”

Commissioner Mal Lanyon APM has been formally appointed as the 24th NSW Police Force Commissioner, following a ceremony at Balmain Police Station today.The ceremony was conducted in the presence of Her Excellency, The Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC and Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, The Honourable Yasmin Catley MP, as well as a number of other dignitaries and senior officers.Commissioner Lanyon started his career at Glebe on March 27, 1987, and brings more than 37 years of policing experience to the role.Commissioner Lanyon has held a range of senior operational leadership roles, including leading the State Crime Command and serving as Deputy Commissioner since January 2019.From April 2024, Commissioner Lanyon worked as the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the NSW Reconstruction Authority, guiding the state’s natural disaster management efforts.Commissioner Lanyon said his years of public service gave him a deep understanding of the challenges facing the community and modern policing.“It’s an honour to be appointed as the next Commissioner of the NSW Police Force. This is one of the greatest responsibilities in public service,” Commissioner Lanyon said. “I can’t wait to get to work, tackling key priority areas: organised crime, community safety in our regions, supporting victims of domestic and family violence, and ensuring there is social cohesion within the community.“I take on this role with humility and a deep sense of duty.“And I want to ensure that every police officer feels united and part of one team, motivated by the purpose and commitment to serve the community of NSW.”Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley has congratulated Commissioner Lanyon on his appointment.“Commissioner Lanyon has proven himself with almost four decades of exceptional service across frontline and leadership roles. “He is ready to hit the ground running and has the experience and vision to lead the NSW Police Force into a bright, new era.“Congratulations Commissioner. I look forward to working together.”

The monthly Consumer Price Index (CPI) indicator rose 3.0 per cent in the 12 months to August 2025, according to the latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). Michelle Marquardt, ABS head of prices statistics, said: ‘The 3.0 per cent annual CPI inflation to August was up from 2.8 per cent to July, making this the highest annual inflation rate since July 2024.’The largest contributors to annual inflation were Housing (+4.5 per cent), Food and non-alcoholic beverages (+3.0 per cent), and Alcohol and tobacco (+6.0 per cent).When prices for some items change significantly, measures of underlying inflation (like the annual trimmed mean and CPI excluding volatile items and holiday travel) can give more insights into how inflation is trending.‘Annual trimmed mean inflation was 2.6 per cent to August 2025. This is down from 2.7 per cent to July 2025’, Ms Marquardt said.CPI excluding volatile items and holiday travel rose 3.4 per cent in the 12 months to August, compared to a 3.2 per cent rise in the 12 months to July. All groups monthly CPI indicator, Australia, annual movement (%) Annual Housing inflation was 4.5 per cent to August, up from 3.6 per cent to July, reflecting increases in Electricity costs. Electricity costs rose 24.6 per cent in the 12 months to August. Ms Marquardt said, ‘The annual rise in electricity costs is primarily related to households in Queensland, Western Australia and Tasmania having higher out-of-pocket costs in August 2025 than they did in August 2024. In August last year, State Government electricity rebates were in place for Queensland ($1000), Western Australia ($400) and Tasmania ($250). Over the year, those rebates have been used up and those programs have finished. Excluding the impact of the various changes in Commonwealth and State electricity rebates over the last year electricity prices rose 5.9 per cent’. In monthly terms, electricity costs fell 6.3 per cent in August 2025. The fall in costs this month was driven by NSW and ACT, with households in those States receiving their first payments of the extended Commonwealth Energy Bill Relief Fund (EBRF) rebates. Electricity, Australia, monthly and annual movement (%) (a) Electricity index, Australia, index number (June 2023 = 100) Rents rose 3.7 per cent in the 12 months to August, following a 3.9 per cent rise in the 12 months to July. This is the lowest annual growth in rental prices since November 2022, consistent with stable vacancy rates across most capital cities. New dwelling prices rose 0.7 per cent in the 12 months to August, up from the 0.4 per cent rise in the 12 months to July. Annual growth in new dwelling prices remains low reflecting a subdued new home market. New dwellings and Rents, Australia, annual movement (%) Annual inflation for Food and non-alcoholic beverages was 3.0 per cent to August, unchanged from the annual inflation to July, and has remained around 3 per cent over the past 12 months.Prices for meat and seafood increased 2.9 per cent in the 12 months to August up from a 2.4 per cent rise to July.Fruit and vegetable prices increased 1.1 per cent in the 12 months to August down from a 4.8 per cent increase to July. In monthly terms, Vegetable prices fell 4.6 per cent in August with lower prices for broccoli, tomatoes and cauliflower.Grocery products, Australia, annual movement (%) Holiday travel and accommodation prices rose 1.1 per cent in the 12 months to August, after seeing a 3.3 per cent annual rise to July. In monthly terms, Holiday travel and accommodation prices fell 3.5 per cent in August after the July school holidays ended. 

NSW has cemented its position as Australia’s number one visitor economy, leading the nation in visitors, nights and expenditure in the financial year ending June 2025, according to Tourism Research Australia (TRA).The results align with the NSW Government's ambitious NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2035, which sets targets of $91 billion in annual visitor expenditure, 40,400 new accommodation rooms, 8.5 million new airline seats and 150,000 additional jobs by 2035.Total visitor expenditure reached $55.9 billion, up 5.7 per cent year on year. International visitor expenditure grew even faster, rising 15.1 per cent to a record $13.9 billion.Other highlights included:124.6 million international and domestic visitors - 9.7 million more than Victoria and 44.8 million more than Queensland.3.9 million international visitors (+5.4 per cent year on year) — 1.1 million more than Victoria and 1.7 million more than Queensland.Four international markets surpassing 2019 visitor levels: South Korea (140 per cent), India (111 per cent), Philippines (132 per cent) and Vietnam (140 per cent).International expenditure reaching 123 per cent of 2019 levels.Average accommodation occupancy across NSW reached 74.6 per cent, up 1.2 per cent year on year and 2.7 per cent ahead of the national average (71.9 per cent).New England North West (+3.5 per cent) and the Blue Mountains (+2.7 per cent) recorded the strongest regional growth in occupancy.Sydney peaks included 94.5 per cent occupancy on New Year’s Eve and 89.1 per cent during Vivid Sydney.Total accommodation takings reached $7.1 billion, up three per cent year on year.China was the largest contributor to NSW’s international visitor growth (+23.7 per cent), followed by the United States and New Zealand.Sydney Airport recorded the highest seat capacity from mainland China of any Australian airport, welcoming its ninth mainland carrier, Juneyao Air, in December 2024 under the NSW Government’s Aviation Attraction Fund (AAF).Destination NSW has also supported more than 75 events across Sydney and regional NSW.Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said, “The numbers are in, and NSW remains the number one destination for domestic and international tourists. These record results confirm the NSW Government is firmly on track to achieve its goal of $59 billion in visitor expenditure by 2026.“The Minns Labor Government is focused on growing our visitor economy. Our strategy aims to build aviation capacity by adding 8.5 million seats through our Take Off Funds, and unlocking more than 40,000 new accommodation rooms through the new IDA pathway for hotel investment.“We already have the most outstanding destinations, experiences and events, and we will continue to drive investment in our visitor economy and strengthen NSW’s position as Australia’s leading destination for domestic and international visitors.FAST FACTSTotal domestic visitation to NSW increased 4.1 per cent to 120.7 million in the year ending June 2025Regional NSW was Australia’s top regional destination for domestic visitors, nights and expenditure during the periodThe North Coast was the state’s top domestic overnight holiday destination, attracting 1.5 million visitorsThe Hunter was the domestic day trip capital of regional NSW, welcoming two million visitors in the year ending June 20251.2 million international visitors to NSW engaged in a food experience during their trip (up 10.7 per cent year on year)3.3 million international visitors to NSW engaged in nature and outdoor-based activities during their trip (up 5.5 per cent year on year)46.7 per cent of domestic overnight visitors to Sydney visited Western Sydney. There were 1.5 million visitors to the region, who stayed 3.5 million nights and spent $0.9 billion.

Legendary rock band Metallica is turning up the volume on blood donation, joining forces with Australian Red Cross Lifeblood during its upcoming Australian tour to celebrate the lifesaving power of blood and plasma donors.The collaboration, in conjunction with Metallica’s foundation All Within My Hands, will see Aussie donors, who donate in selected CBD donor centres in the week before each tour stop, receive a limited-edition Metallica t-shirt designed by the band’s iconic artist SQUINDO.The one-of-a-kind design for Aussie donors features the band’s famous ‘A Sea of Hearts Beat As One’ lyric, encapsulated within a blood drop, as well as a visual nod to Aussie Metallica fans.The t-shirts will be available to donors who sign up, or have previously signed up to Lifeblood's loyalty program Lifeblood Gifts, and who donate at: Perth Donor Centre from October 25 to October 31; Adelaide Donor Centre from October 29 to November 4; Melbourne CBD Donor Centre from November 1–7; Brisbane Donor Centre from November 5–11; and at the Town Hall and York Street Donor Centres in Sydney from November 8–14.Australian Red Cross Lifeblood ’s Executive Director of Donor Experience, Cath Stone said Lifeblood was thrilled to be collaborating with Metallica and All Within My Hands to raise awareness of the critical need for blood donations and encourage more Australians to roll up their sleeves.“Metallica and their foundation’s commitment to making every tour stop a better place, by rallying fans to donate blood and plasma, is a selfless act that will have a lifesaving impact on so many individuals and their families,” Cath said.“With demand for blood at a 12-year-high and plasma demand at record levels, we hope this partnership will fuel an influx of Metallica fan donors that we can welcome home to our donor centres.“Don’t let blood donation be the day that never comes, because when you’re saving lives, nothing else matters.”This collaboration with Lifeblood builds on Metallica’s global legacy of giving, including its partnership with the American Red Cross. During the recent M72 World Tour in the US, Metallica and the All Within My Hands Foundation helped the Red Cross collect more than 2,000 blood and platelet donations to save lives through a series of Red Cross x Metallica blood drives and has recently announced an expansion of their partnership.Just one donation can save up to three lives and helps people living with cancer and immune deficiencies, new mothers, trauma patients and people undergoing surgery.*Fun fact: If you have tattoos you are likely to be eligible to donate. You can donate plasma straight away after a tattoo, as long as it was done in a licensed tattoo parlour in Australia. And you’ll need to wait just one week to give blood or platelets.To find out more and book a donation, visit lifeblood.com.au/metallica or call 13 14 95.

UniSA scientists will use a $2.9 million Federal Government grant to uncover the genetic drivers of diffuse midline glioma (DMG), the most devastating paediatric brain cancer that kills around 25 children in Australia every year.Associate Professor Quenten Schwarz will lead a team of researchers in Adelaide and Sydney over the next five years, using engineered and patient-derived stem cell technology to investigate the genetic abnormalities present in children with the disease and identify better treatment options. His project is one of three brain cancer research groups in Australia awarded a total of $23.3 million by theMedical Research Future Fund, announced over the weekend. With no cure, and an average survival rate of just nine months following diagnosis, Assoc Prof Schwarz says more research is urgently needed to address this brutal disease. “There has been very little progress made in identifying the causes and finding effective treatments for DMG over decades,” he says. “We need to do better”. “This grant offers an exciting opportunity to pioneer a new approach to uncover the genetic and environmental factors that lead to the development of childhood brain cancer. “There are limited treatment options right now, but we believe our research will provide vital insights into the mechanism behind the origins of DMG, paving the way for more effective therapies.” Led by UniSA’s Centre for Cancer Biology, the project will bring together leading brain tumour research groups across Adelaide and will be delivered in close collaboration with the Children’s Cancer Institute in Sydney. Adelaide father Steve Bickley lost his 11-year-old daughter Jess to brain cancer in September 2023, nine months after her first symptoms (recurring pain in her neck). “The diagnosis in April 2023 came like a bolt out of the blue,” Steve says. “Nothing can prepare you for that. We were told there was no cure, and ‘to go home and make memories’ for the short time that Jess had left.” In the past two years Steve has supported charities in Adelaide and interstate to fund much needed research into DMG in the hope that other parents can be spared the same fate in years to come. “Research is vital into this cruel and devastating disease. It’s heartening to know that Adelaide has some of the best brain cancer scientists in the country who will be doing everything possible to uncover the causes and best treatment options for DMG.” 

Train passengers and staff will be less at risk from lithium-ion battery fires as a result of a ban on converted e-bikes on the NSW rail network.Converted e-bikes are defined as regular pedal bikes that have been fitted with batteries and motors. These have a higher risk of electrical failure due and fire risk due to DIY installations, inadequate wiring and use of second-hand batteries and incompatible or poor-quality components.  Other e-bikes, shared e-bikes and mobility devices will not be impacted; however Transport for NSW will continue to monitor all e-micromobility incidents closely. The decision will not apply to travel on concourses, lifts, escalators, or bike storage facilities outside of the fare gates. Riders passing through community access gates will not be impacted. The growing popularity of e-bikes has meant a greater prevalence on our train network. Due to the risk of e-bike lithium-ion batteries igniting, and the additional risk posed by poorly made and modified devices, it will be illegal to take a converted e-bike on Sydney Trains, NSW Trainlink and Metro services from 1 November.Carriage of a restricted converted e-bike would carry a penalty notice offence of $400 with a maximum penalty of 10 penalty units ($1,110). This is comparable to the existing offence for carrying a petrol-powered device on a train or railway premises. Ahead of the ban coming into effect, passengers are being asked not to bring any converted e-bikes on these services.The move comes after extensive consultation with the rail and fire authorities, unions, e-bike users, delivery services, shared scheme operators and passengers. That engagement included a Transport for NSW Have Your Say consultation that received around 3000 responses, and a ministerial reference group with key stakeholders. We thank all parties who took part in the consultation.Transport has been monitoring the risk of lithium-ion fires after two recent e-bike fires at Liverpool Station in August, Blacktown Station in April (which involved a converted e-bike) and on a Melbourne suburban train in March. So far this year, Fire and Rescue NSW have reported 77 e-micromobility-related lithium-ion battery fires.To support the ban of converted e-bikes on trains, Transport will provide additional training for staff, conduct hotspot blitzes, and increase public messaging about the fire risk of modified devices.To improve standards across all e-bikes, the NSW and Victorian Transport Ministers have written a joint letter to the Commonwealth Government requesting their support in strengthening Australia’s approach to the safety of e-devices, to ensure that all devices imported, sold and used in Australia are safe and fit for purpose.The NSW Government recognises the increasingly important role e-micromobility devices will play in the future of public transport, including the ability to mode shift and complete the ‘last mile’ between metro and train stations and destinations. In order to safely integrate e-bikes the government is currently drafting legislation to better regulate shared devices. Minster for Transport John Graham said, “We take the safety of our rail passengers and staff very seriously, which is why we are taking the highest risk e-bikes out of train carriages.“The overwhelming message from the consultation was that banning all e-bikes from trains would go too far. Taking out the highest risk e-bikes is a sensible and balanced step, but we will watch this space very closely and take further action if necessary. “E-bikes are becoming more popular and playing an increasing role in our transport network. Our aim is to allow people to enjoy their advantages whilst keeping everyone safe.“It’s a timely reminder ahead of Christmas – if you’re thinking of getting an e-bike, take a look at the Fair Trading website and look for a quality bike, to make sure you’re investing in safety.” Transport for NSW Secretary Josh Murray said, “Electronic devices have transformed the way we live, work, and commute – but without boundaries, some have also introduced new risks and the potential to disrupt our safe rail operations. “This isn’t a matter of jumping at shadows. Our safety experts have been monitoring this emerging situation very closely, and we’re taking a sensible approach in consultation with our rail and transport operators. “We urge people to purchase good quality e-bikes that comply with minimum product safety standards and avoid any modification to their bike. “Put simply, the idea of blocked aisles, confined spaces and battery fires from risky devices don’t mix.” 

The NSW Government has passed legislation to strengthen Working with Children Checks (WWCC) to better protect children from harm.The legislation ensures only the Office of the Children’s Guardian – the state’s independent child safety regulator – will be responsible for reviewing WWCC decisions, removing external appeal pathways through the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT).This closes a loophole that previously allowed disqualified people to be granted a WWCC through the NCAT.Under the previous arrangements, people with serious criminal histories – including offences involving children – could be granted ‘enabling orders’ against advice of the Office of the Children’s Guardian. In some cases, this allowed disqualified individuals to return to child-related work.Now, the Office of the Children’s Guardian – the state’s independent child safety regulator – will be exclusively responsible for making and reviewing WWCC decisions. The NSW Government’s laws establish a robust internal appeals process within the Office of the Children’s Guardian to provide a more consistent and specialist approach to making and reviewing WWCC decisions, in accordance with community expectations.The legislation also ensures all negative notices from interstate jurisdictions will automatically apply in NSW, including people subject to interim bars in other states and territories.The NSW Government has also been leading the push for a national register of Working with Children Checks – so parents can be confident that anyone working with children has been properly cleared, no matter which state or territory they’ve previously worked in.Additional reforms to further strengthen the system are also being considered, with the Office of the Children’s Guardian soon to release a public discussion paper for community feedback.Minister for Families and Communities Kate Washington said, “NSW already has the strongest Working with Children Check system in the country and this week, we’ve made it stronger.“Parents who are taking their kids to childcare or weekend sport need to have confidence that their kids are safe, and they deserve to know that the adults in these settings are cleared to work with children.“The safety, welfare and wellbeing of kids is an absolute priority for the Minns Labor Government. We’re leading national conversations, and we’re closing loopholes to prevent perpetrators from sneaking through them.”

Australia's population grew by 1.6 per cent in cent in the 12 months to March 2025, according to the latest figures released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).Beidar Cho, ABS head of demography, said: 'Our population at 31 March 2025 was 27.5 million people, that's 423,400 more than the same time in 2024. ‘Natural increase, that is the number of people born minus those who died, added 107,400 people from March 2024 to March 2025. Both births and deaths registered in Australia went up by 2.1 per cent.‘We saw 315,900 people added to our population from overseas migration from March 2024 to March 2025. This compares with 493,800 people in the previous 12 months.'Western Australia had the fastest rise in population of 2.3 per cent with Victoria and Queensland equal second highest, as both grew by 1.8 per cent,' Ms Cho said.Tasmania saw the slowest growth over the 12-month period, with a 0.2 per cent rise in population.