NSW Police have taken more than 90 unlawful weapons off the streets and conducted 34 high-visibility wanding operations in an effort to reduce knife crime.On 9 December 2024, the NSW Government introduced legislation to target the possession of knives, reduce knife crime and improve the overall safety of the community.For the past three months, NSW Police officers have carried out Operation Ares, which are high-visibility policing operations in which officers use handheld scanners or electronic metal-detecting ‘wands’ to detect knives and other weapons.Under the legislation, a senior police officer of the rank of Assistant Commissioner or above can declare designated places, which gives police the power to scan people for knives or weapons without a warrant in those locations, such as:public transport station (including bus, train and tram stations) and surrounds;public transport vehicles within two scheduled stops of a designated public transport station;shopping precincts;certain sporting venues andother public places, designated by regulation, including special events and places that are part of the night-time economy.There have been 34 operations carried out across the state in Sydney CBD, Liverpool, Campbelltown, Blacktown, Mt Druitt, Parramatta, Newcastle, Coffs Harbour, Dubbo, Wollongong, Wagga Wagga, Nowra, Bomaderry, Albury and Lavington.In total, 4147 people have been scanned, with 91 unlawful weapons seized, and 67 people have been charged with 71 weapons offences laid.Police have seized an array of weapons, including Tasers (conducted energy devices), slingshots, knuckle dusters, machetes, and folding and kitchen knives.The Premier of NSW, Chris Minns, said that the new legislation is helping police make the community safer.“The number of weapons that have been seized already is shocking.“To have taken almost 100 knives and other weapons off our streets is as horrifying as it is important.“Our tough knife laws are working and getting weapons out of our community.“The NSW Government and NSW Police are confronting knife crime and sending a strong message that it is not tolerated.”Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism said everybody deserved to feel and be safe in public and it’s clear that these new laws are making NSW a safer place.“I want to thank the NSW Police who are working around the clock to seize dangerous weapons and keep our community safe from the devastating effects of knife crime,” Minister Catley said.“There are very few excuses to carry a knife in public – anyone thinking about leaving home with a dangerous weapon should think again.“The NSW Police are cracking down hard and you will be caught.”NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Peter Thurtell said the operations had successfully taken knives off the streets and made the community safer.“During the 34 operations we have not only seized dangerous knives and weapons but we have arrested 67 people with offences and put them before the courts,” Deputy Commissioner Thurtell said.“There are only very few purposes for anyone to have a knife in their possession in public. In most circumstances, it is illegal and will only lead to tragedy and the death of innocent people.“We want people to feel and be safe while they go about their daily lives at shopping centres or on public transport.“Our high-visibility operations are designed to send a message to people and deter them from carrying knives and weapons.”Police can request that a person produce a metal object, if detected, while in a designated place and failure to comply may result in a maximum penalty of a fine of $5500.Penalties of up to $11,000 or imprisonment of up to 4 years can apply for carrying a knife without a reasonable excuse.The legislation also made it illegal to sell knives to a child under the age of 18, with exemptions for retailers selling to young people who need a knife for their work or study. The penalties for selling knives to juveniles was also increased.

Average speed cameras will be switched on to warning mode for light vehicles in two key regional locations from 1 May.The trial, a recommendation from the 2024 NSW Road Safety Forum, will see the NSW Government flick the switch on cameras measuring a 15km stretch of the Pacific Highway between Kew and Lake Innes and cameras on the Hume Highway measuring a 16km stretch between Coolac and Gundagai to capture speeding light vehicles.These two stretches have been chosen based on several factors, including known crash history. There were a combined total of six fatalities and 33 serious injuries between 2018 and 2022 at these locations.In NSW, average speed cameras only enforce speeding offences for heavy vehicles. However, data shows that in the past five years (2018-2022), almost 80% of all fatalities and serious injuries across all 31 average speed camera lengths in NSW did not involve a heavy vehicle.NSW is unique in that it’s the only place known to use these cameras for just a subset of vehicles. Most other Australian jurisdictions either use Average Speed Cameras for all vehicles or plan to do so in the future. Studies from around the world have shown that average speed enforcement for all vehicles leads to significant reductions in crash-related injuries and fatalities.The trial will have a two-month warning letter period for light vehicle drivers caught speeding on both lengths of road before it is switched to full enforcement mode. From 1 July, those detected speeding will face fines and demerit point penalties. Existing enforcement of heavy vehicle offences at these sites will be unaffected by the trial.A comprehensive communications campaign will begin to roll out before the warning letter period to help alert motorists to the trial.Road signs will notify all drivers that their speed is being monitored by the cameras on the trial stretches, giving them the opportunity to adjust their speed as needed.The average speed camera trial builds on other road safety initiatives introduced by the Minns Labor Government, including:Seatbelt enforcement by the existing mobile phone camera detection networkRemoving a loophole to force all motorists driving on a foreign licence to convert to a NSW licence within six monthsThe demerit return trial that rewarded more than 1 million drivers for maintaining a demerit-offence-free driving record during the second year of the trial  Doubling roadside enforcement sites used for mobile speed cameras, with the addition of 2,700 new locations where a camera can be deployed. Enforcement hours will remain the sameHosting the state’s first Road Safety Forum with international and local expertsSigned National Road Safety Data Agreement with the CommonwealthMinister for Roads, John Graham said, “We know that speed remains our biggest killer on the road, contributing to 41 per cent of all fatalities over the past decade.“Studies from around the world show that using average speed enforcement cameras for all vehicles reduces the road toll, and road trauma.“We know the trial will be a change for motorists in New South Wales, so it will be supported by community and stakeholder communications. All average speed camera locations have warning signs installed.Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Jenny Aitchison said, “Regional NSW is home to a third of the population but is where two-thirds of all road deaths happen.“With the majority of road trauma occurring in our regions we have chosen two regional locations to test the impact these cameras could have on road safety for all road users.“I know this trial will be a change, particularly for regional people who travel through the areas where these two camera lengths are in place, which is why we are committed to ensuring that the community is aware of what we are doing.“We will have a communications strategy in place including the use of print, radio and social media as well as variable messaging signs and mobile billboards to help communicate the trial details to drivers and riders. “We will also have clear warning signs installed before the enforcement sites, but most importantly we will have a 60 day warning period in place so that people have an opportunity to adjust their driving behaviour before they receive a penalty.”

The NSW Government has announced the Western Sydney stadiums’ full strength beer trial will kick off this weekend at CommBank Stadium. The trial will be in place for a six-month period at all NRL, NRLW and A-Leagues matches at CommBank Stadium, Accor Stadium and at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle.CommBank Stadium will host three matches this weekend, starting with the Panthers-Roosters NRL clash tonight, Western Sydney Wanderers-Melbourne Victory on Saturday night and Parramatta Eels-Wests Tigers on Sunday afternoon.Fans in general public areas will now have access to full-strength, mid-strength, light and zero alcohol options. The success of the trial will be determined following consultation with NSW Police, liquor authorities, sport and entertainment partners and feedback from fans.Venues NSW and NSW Police will work closely to ensure the responsible service of alcohol, as has always been the case for event days. Fans are encouraged to make the most of public transport being included in their ticket, and to always have a Plan B if choosing to drink alcohol.Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said, “For too long there has been a disparity in how sports fans in the West are treated, compared to those in the East."Yesterday we announced that you can now get free public transport to games at CommBank, and today we are once again making full-strength beer available to those in the West and the Hunter.“We recognise that fans have been calling for this for a while and we’re excited to see this trial in place from Friday.”Member for Riverstone Warren Kirby said, “The decision to allow the sale of full-strength beer at CommBank and McDonald Jones stadiums brings much needed equity between city dwellers and those of us in the surrounding suburbs.“This decision is not about encouraging people to ‘get on the beers’, it recognises everyone, whether they are in the Eastern Suburbs, Western Sydney or Newcastle, can be equally responsible in their consumption of alcohol.“I congratulate Minister Kamper for bringing fairness and equality back for sporting fans by putting an end to the beer war between the East and West, recognising all of us as responsible adults.“The selection of beer offered should not be restricted by where you are going to watch the footy. This is a great decision by Minister Kamper to bring back equality in our sporting venues”

Canberra mother and Order of Australia recipient, Sarah McGoram OAM, will be climbing Australia’s highest peak this weekend, in the Rare Cancer Australia (RCA) Kosi Challenge, to raise awareness for people living with rare and less common cancers, of which she is one. She’ll be taking on the 21km climb with her husband Tom by her side, along with 700 others from Thredbo Village to the mountains peak and back, all in the name of rare, with a collective goal of raising $750,000 for the vital support services and crisis funding RCA provides its patients and their families.  At just 18, Sarah was diagnosed with Gastro Intestinal Stromal Tumours (GIST) and has lived with the rare cancer for her entire adult life. It wasn’t until 20 years after her diagnosis that she met another person who truly understood her situation and could offer real support and hope, that personwas RCA Co-Founder Kate Vines. “When I was diagnosed, there were no support groups, I couldn’t find any information about my disease, I didn’t know anyone else with my disease or have any prospect of support. I was 18 years old and completely lost,” Sarah recalls. “I remember one day, I finally called the RCA support line in a state of panic, and it was Kate who answered. Kate listened to all my questions, helped me understand why I was falling through the cracks in the system, and facing extraordinary treatment expenses, she assured me that I was not alone, and she was there the help.   “My conversation with her in that one phone call was the first time since I was diagnosed that I had felt someone else understood what I was going through and was a turning point for me as a person living with a rare cancer. “Ten years on, I am still being supported by the amazing navigators at RCA, and I am so excited to be feeling well enough to be able to give back and show my support for this wonderful organisation by taking on the Kosi Challenge. “What I love about this event is that it brings together a community of people who otherwise feel quite isolated in their cancer experience. To be able to hike up this mountain and raise a huge amount of money and awareness is so uplifting and it shows that there are people out there who care, and that change is possible,” Sarah says. Each year, over 40,000 Australians are diagnosed with a rare and less common cancer, accounting for 1 in 4 cancer diagnoses. Alarmingly, these cancers are responsible for 1 in 3 cancer deaths, that’s more than 16,000 lives lost every year. RCA CEO, Christine Cockburn, explained why those people diagnosed with a rare or less common type of cancer, face a battle not only for their lives but also against a deeply inequitable system.  “While individually rare and less common cancer types are small in numbers when viewed together, they represent a large number of people and a significant public health challenge,” Ms Cockburn explains. “Our rare community faces a deeply unequal system. Access to specialised expertise and essential treatment is limited and often comes with a heavy price - one that many families simply can’t afford. This “cancer lottery” isn’t just unfair, it’s devastating, and needs to change. “That’s why RCA exists and why we’re all lacing up the hiking boots to climb Mount Kosi this weekend. Together we can help change the story for rare,” she said. Following her climb on Saturday, Sarah will be travelling up to Sydney to have supplementary radiation therapy as a part of the ongoing management of her cancer, so it’s straight on from conquering one challenge to facing another, but this weekend she won't let it dampen her spirits or determination.  “My story is just one of many. I know many patients who are not well enough to walk up Mount Kosi right now, so I’m doing this for them. Individually we are rare, but collectively there are a lot of us. I'd encourage everyone to support Rare Cancers Australia, so they can continue to be a light for all patients in their darkest moments,” she concluded.   

In light of the US administration’s decision to impose tariffs on Australia's steel and aluminium, the NSW Government released a statement:The NSW Government supports the Federal Government continuing to engage with the US administration on this matter.Australia has no tariffs on the US and NSW supports keeping trade free. Tariffs are a recipe for more inflation and slower growth.NSW leads the nation in selling our intelligence and goods to the world, meaning open markets are in the interest of the people of our state.The US decision is also disappointing news given the work to undo 12 years of Liberal-National neglect, when manufacturing declined in eight out of 10 years, is underway.We are a key supplier of metallurgical coal, necessary for the manufacture of steel in Australia and among key US trading partners.As such, we will also be watching closely the impact of these tariffs on our mining sector.Businesses, workers, and economies around the world benefit from open, free and fair trade.These are the values that underpin our economic and trade policies and which we will continue to promote.The Minns Labor Government will continue to support local jobs and industries – including through our ‘If not, why not’ initiative, and the newly released Industry Policy – while reinforcing NSW’s commitment to free trade.The Minns Labor Government is committed to supporting local manufacturing workers and industries.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese released a statement about the U.S. imposing tariffs on Australian steel and aluminium.The United States' decision to impose tariffs on Australian steel and aluminium as part of a global decision is concerning. It has been foreshadowed that no country regardless of its relationship with the United States has been granted an exemption. Such a decision by the Trump Administration is entirely unjustified. This is against the spirit of our two nations’ enduring friendship and fundamentally at odds with the benefits our economic partnership has delivered over more than 70 years. Australia has no tariffs on goods from the United States. Our Government will continue to put forward a very strong case for an exemption and to advocate for Australian trade with the United States at every level and through every channel. Australia will continue working hard for a different outcome and discussions with the Trump Administration are ongoing. Our Government is prepared and has been engaging directly with the Australian steel and aluminium industry and will continue working through this with them.  As with the other products and resources that Australia has, we will continue to diversify markets for our products which are in demand globally. Australian steel and aluminium exports to the United States represent less than 0.2 per cent of the total value of our exports. Neither is in the top 10 of what Australia sells to the United States. Tariffs and escalating trade tensions are a form of economic self-harm and a recipe for slower growth and higher inflation. This is why Australia will not be imposing reciprocal tariffs on the United States. Such a course of action would only push up prices for Australian consumers. We will continue to engage constructively with the United States and to make the case for Australian trade and the benefits it delivers to Americans. Around the world and here at home, our Government will always stand up for Australian jobs and Australian industries. All Australians can join this effort and support our industries by taking the opportunity to buy Australian. The March Budget will provide additional support for our Buy Australian campaign.

A body has been located during a wide-scale search for a man who was swept into floodwaters about 25km north-east of Dorrigo yesterday afternoon.Emergency services were called to Wild Cattle Creek Bridge off Old Coramba Road, Megan, after a ute being driven across was swept into floodwaters.The driver – a 61-year-old man – was able to get out of the ute and climb into a tree about 30m from the riverbank; however, emergency personnel were unable to reach the man before he was swept away.Local police, Fire and Rescue NSW personnel and SES members immediately commenced a search of the area, which continued today.About 4.30pm today (Saturday, 8 March 2025), the body of a man was located nearby.While the body is yet to be formally identified, it is believed to be that of the missing man.A report will be prepared for the Coroner.

A police operation is continuing after a man was swept into floodwaters about 25km north-east of Dorrigo yesterday afternoon.Emergency services were called to Wild Cattle Creek Bridge off Old Coramba Road, Megan, after a ute being driven across was swept into floodwaters.The driver was able to get out of the ute and climb into a tree about 30m from the riverbank; however, emergency personnel were unable to reach the man before he was swept away. He has not been seen since.Local police, Fire and Rescue NSW personnel and SES members conducted a search of the area without success.With water levels across access roads continuing to rise, emergency personnel were withdrawn from the immediate vicinity due to the safety risk.Acting Coffs/Clarence Police District Commander, Detective Chief Inspector Guy Flaherty, said local police and emergency services have been attempting to access the area with weather conditions preventing the use of aerial assets and specialist rescue crews.“PolAir 4 has been based in Coffs Harbour for the past three days and is assisting where possible with the flood effort; however, the crew’s search today for the missing man has been hampered by weather conditions.“We are dealing with an evolving, dynamic weather event which presents unique search and rescue challenges.“Aside from the severe local weather and flood conditions, we have a responsibility to keep emergency personnel and volunteers safe from unnecessary risk.“The search and the assessment of the area has been ongoing by local police since this incident commenced.“We are using local knowledge to collate information as to how the river system progresses and identify key access point. But, again, we will only be looking at where we can safely put our SES and police into those areas,” Det Ch Insp Flaherty said.PolAir2 is leaving today to join the regional flood effort and will be based at Coffs Harbour.Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

The Albanese and Minns Governments are extending disaster assistance to the Armidale, Glen Innes Severn and Tenterfield Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Northern NSW as Tropical Cyclone Alfred’s impacts move inland.Support has been made available under the joint Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA). Assistance measures that may be provided to communities include:•       Assistance for eligible residents to help meet immediate needs like emergency accommodation and essential items generally provided from evacuation or recovery centres.•       Grants for eligible low-income residents to replace lost essential household items to maintain basic standard of living.•       Grants for eligible low-income residents to undertake essential structural repairs to restore their homes to a basic, safe and habitable condition.•       Support for affected local councils to help with the costs of cleaning up and restoring damaged essential public assets. Concessional interest rate loans for small businesses, primary producers, and non-profit organisations and grants to sporting and recreation clubs to repair or replace damaged or destroyed property.•       Freight subsidies for primary producers to help transport livestock and fodder.•       Financial support towards counter disaster activity undertaken by emergency service organisations to keep communities safe. Federal Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister said it’s a challenging time for communities in Northern NSW who are already experiencing the impacts of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.  “We are extending the support available to assist more flood impacted residents in the immediate recovery phase,” Minister McAllister said. “Thank you to all the community members who have heeded the advice of the local authorities and all the personnel out there working to keep their communities safe.“We are urging the community to know your local risk, listen to emergency services, have a plan. If it’s flooded, forget it.”“The Australian Government continue to work closely with the NSW Government as we prepare and respond to this event.” NSW Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said unlocking joint assistance will help communities begin the clean-up, rebuilding and recovery process as quickly as possible. “Communities are still dealing with rain and flooding from the cyclone, and this assistance will help us quickly shift to recovery as soon as the weather clears,” Minister Dib said.“We are rolling out support measures for communities we know are likely to be impacted by Tropical Cyclone Alfred and as impacts are known we will look at further measures to support the community.” “I would like to thank NSW State Emergency Service volunteers and emergency services who have been supporting the community across the state. The NSW Reconstruction Authority has also been on the ground in Northern NSW ready to begin recovery support and have appointed NSW Police Superintendent Scott Tanner as Recovery Coordinator.” “Communities have worked hard to prepare for this cyclone and we understand this has been difficult for Northern Rivers residents who experienced floods in 2022. We are committed to continuing to support this resilient community through these challenges.” More information on disaster assistance can be found at https://www.nsw.gov.au/emergency/recovery and www.disasterassist.gov.au

The number of offenders proceeded against by police in 2023-24 fell to its lowest level since the time series began in 2008-09, according to the latest figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).Samantha Hall, ABS head of crime and justice statistics, said: "There were 340,681 offenders in Australia in 2023-24, a fall of 2 per cent from the previous year.“Accounting for population growth, 2023-24 marked the lowest offender rate since we started collecting this data in 2008-09. The rate is now down to 1,430 offenders per 100,000 people. This was largely due to a fall in illicit drug and public order offences, with both categories reaching record lows for the time series.“Illicit drug offending has generally been falling over the last eight years with the offender rate at 202 offenders per 100,000 people in 2023-24 versus 399 offenders per 100,000 people in 2015-16.”The largest falls in illicit drug offenders since the previous year were in New South Wales (-2,287 offenders) and Queensland (-1,666 offenders). While the largest public order offender falls were in New South Wales (-1,686 offenders), Victoria (-1,442 offenders) and Queensland (-1,157 offenders).Despite the overall fall in offenders, family and domestic violence related offenders rose to 90,697 offenders in 2023-24, up 3 percent since 2022-23. This was driven by a rise in assault, which went up by 4 percent from 2022-23.Further details can be found in Recorded Crime – Offenders 2023-24 available as a free download from the ABS website www.abs.gov.au.

The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments have reached an Agreement to fully and fairly fund New South Wales public schools. As part of the Heads of Agreements signed today, the Commonwealth will provide an additional 5 per cent of the Schooling Resource Standard (SRS) to New South Wales. This will lift the Commonwealth contribution from 20 per cent to 25 per cent of the SRS by 2034 and follows New South Wales delivering its election commitment to reach 75 per cent of the SRS in 2025, two years ahead of the former Liberal National Government. This will see an estimated $4.8 billion in additional Commonwealth funding to New South Wales public schools over the next 10 years.This represents the biggest ever new investment in New South Wales public schools by the Australian Government. New South Wales has also committed to removing the 4 per cent provision of indirect school costs such as capital depreciation so that New South Wales schools will be fully funded over the life of the Agreement. Commonwealth funding will be tied to the reforms needed to lift education standards across the country, including more individualised support for students, continuing evidence-based teaching practices, and more mental health and wellbeing support for schools.This is not a blank cheque. The Agreement will be accompanied by a New South Wales Bilateral Agreement, which ties funding to reforms that will help students catch up, keep up and finish school, such as: Year 1 phonics and early years of schooling numeracy checks to identify students who need additional help;evidence-based teaching and targeted and intensive supports such as small-group or catch-up tutoring to help students who fall behind;initiatives that support wellbeing for learning – including greater access to mental health professionals;access to high-quality and evidence-based professional learning, andinitiatives that improve the attraction and retention of teachers.In addition to these reforms, the Agreements have national targets that complement the New South Wales Government’s own public school targets released last week.National targets include: Improving NAPLAN proficiency levels for reading and numeracy across all year levels;Increasing the outcomes for priority equity cohorts in NAPLAN results;Increasing the Student Attendance Rate;Increasing the engagement rate (completed or still enrolled) of initial teacher education students; andIncreasing the proportion of students leaving school with a Year 12 certificate.This means more help for students and more support for teachers.Today’s agreement with New South Wales follows agreements with Western Australia, the Northern Territory, Tasmania, the Australian Capital Territory, South Australia and Victoria. The Commonwealth is continuing to work with Queensland. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, “Building Australia’s Future means investing in the next generation. “That’s why every dollar of this funding will go into helping children learn. “We know that education opens the doors of opportunity, and we want to widen them for every child in Australia. “This is about investing in real reform with real funding – so all Australian children get the best possible education.” New South Wales Premier Chris Minns said, “Public education is the best investment any government can make. Every dollar spent in this space is a dollar spent on the future of our country.“Every single child in Australia has the right to a quality, free public education and we are proud to work with the Albanese Labor Government to ensure New South Wales schools are fully funded. “We’ve seen a 40% reduction in teacher vacancies since we came to government, but we know there’s still more to do."This investment is vital as we work to lift education standards across the state by ensuring there is a qualified, dedicated teacher at the front of the classroom.” Minister for Education, Jason Clare said, “This is big. The biggest state in the country has now signed up. “This will help more than 780,000 kids in more than 2,200 public schools. “This is real funding tied to real reforms to help students catch up, keep up and finish school. “It’s not a blank cheque. I want this money to get results. “That’s why funding will be directly tied to reforms that we know work. “It will help make sure every child gets a great start in life. What every parent wants. And what every Australian child deserves.” New South Wales Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said, “This incredible outcome for public schools will allow us to deliver on the ambitious targets we have set for the public education system in New South Wales."Our commitment to rebuilding public education will now be underpinned by an agreement that delivers full funding for public schools. “The Minns Labor Government inherited a teacher shortage crisis and falling outcomes after a decade of under funding by Federal and State Liberal and National Governments that saw 10,000 merged and cancelled classes daily and over 3000 teacher vacancies. “With teacher vacancies now down 40 per cent and the number of cancelled classes halved, we are delivering tangible results. "This investment will enable us to restore public education in New South Wales to the world-leading standards that families deserve.”

The NSW and South Australia state governments are continuing their collaboration on initiatives to help improve the wellbeing of our schoolkids with an agreement to work on measures to combat bullying.Deputy Premier and NSW Education Minister Prue Car and her South Australian education counterpart Blair Boyer signed a joint agreement to tackle the scourge of bullying.The joint effort follows the success of last year's groundbreaking Social Media Summit, organised jointly by the NSW and SA Premiers, to explore and address the impacts of social media on children and young people.The MOU binds the two states to “undertake a coordinated approach to information sharing and collaboration to minimise the impacts of bullying in schools and support positive school environments”.Work will commence immediately on the sharing of best practice prevention strategies that are already working in NSW and SA schools, curriculum materials and tools for educators to combat bullying, including cyberbullying, in our schools. Last year NSW Premier Chris Minns and Deputy Premier Car announced they would lead the development of a statewide bullying framework for all NSW schools. The regulator of schools, the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA), has already convened its first meeting with the school sectors to progress the work on the anti-bullying framework.The MOU is just part of a suite of measures the Minns Labor Government has initiated to deal with challenges facing our schools:Banned mobile phones in all NSW Public schools, with a recent survey showing that 86% of principals believing socialising has improved since this came into effect. Implemented a new, stronger behaviour policy which provides teachers and principals with the authority they need to appropriately manage student behaviour. Introduced a revised school curriculum which includes lessons on bullying, respectful relationships and consent education.Hosted a Social Media Summit alongside the South Australian Government, and supported the Federal Government’s decision to raise the minimum age for social media to 16. Recruited 92 new school counsellors and psychologists since the beginning of this year.Launched the Spotlight on Cyberbullying Website which provides free and easily accessibly cyberbullying resources for parents, carers, teachers and schools. NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said, “Bullying is a scourge that impacts children across all school sectors, states and territories, and we all have a crucial role to play in stamping it out.“NSW is leading the way nationally to address bullying and cyberbullying so children at all schools feel safe and supported to focus on their learning.“I am proud to work with South Australia in progressing this issue. There is much that we can share with each other to come up with the best approaches to prevention.“We all want the same outcome - which is to keep our kids safe and happy so that they can get the best out of their education.“As we progress this work in NSW, we look forward to working with our state and federal counterparts on a consistent national approach.”SA Minister for Education, Training and Skills Blair Boyer said, “Preventing bullying before it starts is the best action we can take to make sure every child can get the education they deserve.“That’s why we’ve focused our efforts on training teachers to better respond to bullying and bolstering the respectful relationships curriculum.“Prue Car and I have made tackling bullying a priority and our new partnership will give staff more tools to act and support students.“This action builds on South Australia’s nation-leading mobile phone ban, the rollout of explicit teaching of behaviour in schools, and 100FTE mental health and learning specialists in schools.“Bullying impacts all schools in all sectors. That’s why we’re sharing resources and training across all sectors to take action across all schools.”   

There were 26,068 full-fee paying overseas students enrolled in Australian schools in 2024, an increase of 23.4 per cent (or 4,944 students) from 2023, according to data released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). Mell Plumb, ABS head of education statistics, said: "2024 was the second year in a row of year-on-year growth in the number of full-fee paying overseas students in Australian schools since before the COVID-19 pandemic."The pandemic years saw a drop of 41.9 per cent from 26,593 full-fee paying overseas school students in 2019 to 15,461 in 2022.Across Australia, the highest percentage year-on-year growth in the number of full-fee paying overseas school students were seen in Tasmania (+39.9 per cent, an increase of 93 students), followed by the Australian Capital Territory (+28.0 per cent, an increase of 198 students), and Victoria (+27.5 per cent, an increase of 2,024 students) between 2023 to 2024.

The first release of experimental National Ecosystem Accounts released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) estimate that in 2020–21, climate regulation through carbon storage was the most valuable service provided by select Australian ecosystems.This is the first release of the Australian experimental National Ecosystem Accounts, which provides insights across four account types. The accounts align to the international System of Environmental and Economic Accounts. Ecosystems are difficult to measure and over time, modifications will be made to the methods. This initiative has been made possible via an ABS and Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) partnership. Jonathon Khoo, ABS head of environment statistics said: ‘Over 34.5 million kilotonnes of carbon was stored by ecosystems, with a combined monetary value of $43.2 billion’.‘The ecosystem which contributed the most to carbon storage was grasslands, with $18.1 billion. This was followed by native forests which contributed $17.8 billion, and savannas which contributed $7.1 billion.’Climate regulation is one of many ecosystem services measured in this release. Other services include grazed biomass ($40.4 billion), water provisioning ($1.4 billion), and wild fish provisioning ($39.2 million).‘Grazed biomass is the amount of feed naturally produced by the environment for sheep and cattle. The $40.4 billion is the estimated amount of money farmers saved by feeding their livestock things like grass and vegetation growing on their land,’ Mr Khoo said. ‘Water provisioning is the naturally occurring surface water taken from our ecosystems. This water is used for drinking water, energy production, and things like cooling, irrigation and manufacturing.‘Wild fish provisioning is growing fish in the wild to then be caught by fishers and sold for us to eat.’ The new experimental estimates also reveal how much our natural landscapes protect our coastlines. Ecosystems like coral reefs, sandbanks, dunes and mangroves act as a buffer against tidal and storm surges. ‘We estimate that mangroves protected 4,006 dwellings and 7,653 people around Australian coastlines. These mangroves prevented more than an estimated $57 million worth of damages to these dwellings,’ Mr Khoo said.‘We also measured the size of these ecosystems. In 2021, mangroves covered an estimated 1.1 million hectares of Australia’s coastal areas. Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory were home to 97 per cent of mangroves in Australia.‘In comparison, desert ecosystems cover 383.8 million hectares, or 50 per cent of Australia’s terrestrial landscape.’We would like to thank all organisations and individuals who contributed to the first release of National Ecosystem Accounts.

TheFederal Government will freeze the indexation on draught beer excise for two years, in a win for beer drinkers, brewers and hospitality businesses.Indexation is applied twice a year under arrangements in place for decades. While the February indexation accounted for a small percentage of the cost of a pint, this change will help pubs and their patrons.We will freeze indexation on draught beer for two years from the next indexation date of August 2025.This will take pressure off the price of a beer poured in pubs, clubs and other venues, supporting businesses, regional tourism and customers across Australia.The Government will consult with the sector on the implementation of this measure.This announcement comes on top of new tax relief announced last week for Australia’s distillers, brewers and wine producers.Currently brewers and distillers get a full remission of any excise paid up to $350,000 each year.We will increase the excise remission cap to $400,000 for all eligible alcohol manufacturers and we will also increase the Wine Equalisation Tax producer rebate cap to $400,000 from July 1 2026.Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, “My Government is building Australia’s future and to do that we need to support our small and medium local businesses to thrive.“Freezing the excise on draught beer is a common sense measure that is good for beer drinkers, good for brewers and good for pubs.”Treasurer Jim Chalmers said, "This is a modest change but will help take a little bit of the pressure off beer drinkers, brewers and bars."

Abandoned train tunnels 20 metres below the Sydney CBD have been turned into a historic tourist hotspot after a million-dollar makeover by the NSW Government.Built in the 1920s, visitors will be able to explore hidden parts of the St James Tunnels following restoration and revitalisation works to create a unique underground experience.St James Tunnels will combine a historical walking tour with an immersive multimedia and soundscape attraction, offering visitors a snapshot of our city’s transport and wartime past.Once utilised as a World War II air raid shelter, tour groups will be able to walk through the disused southern tunnel, extending under Hyde Park, from busy St James station.The tunnels were part of visionary engineer John Bradfield’s intended east-west rail corridor, but this was abandoned in the face of the Great Depression and disagreements over rail routes.Two of the constructed tunnels at St James station have been in continuous use as part of the City Circle since opening in 1926, but the other two were never put into active service.Experience-led tourism is a key priority of the NSW Government, with plans to help transform the state’s visitor economy into a $91 billion powerhouse by 2035.The St James Tunnels tour is expected to be a visitor drawcard, similar to award-winning attractions in London which explore disused tube stations and secret wartime shelters.The tour is anticipated to run several times a day and will be suitable for visitors aged 13 and above. Once an operator is appointed, tours are expected to commence later this year.Minister for Transport John Graham said, “These historic tunnels are more than just infrastructure; they are an expression of Sydney’s development as a modern, international city. These tunnels belong to the people of NSW, so it’s fantastic news that they’ll become another of our city’s great public spaces.“Tours like Bridgeclimb on the Harbour Bridge are now a must-do experience for Sydney locals and visitors alike. In time, we want to see tours of the St James tunnels become just as popular.“I want to congratulate the teams who worked so hard underground in a difficult environment to preserve the heritage of the site and reimagine it into an exciting and educational experience.TAM Chief Executive Lyndal Punch said, “Transport Asset Manager of NSW (TAM) is proud to be leading this innovative project, unlocking a disused, historic rail asset while using multimedia technology to tell the story of Sydney’s city railway development.“This new visitor attraction will ensure the stories of the past continue to inspire future generations.”Sydney Trains Chief Executive Matt Longland said, “We are very excited be part of this unique transport project which is turning a once disused and unseen heritage site into a fascinating, interactive and educational visitor experience.“The St James Tunnels are a window into our transport past, a snapshot of World War II history, and the efforts of the workers who built Sydney’s transport infrastructure.”

Regional Cities New South Wales (RCNSW) has taken its case for a $350 million government investment to clear chokepoints in the state’s freight network to Macquarie Street. A delegation representing RCNSW members has met with state government and shadow ministers to advocate for government support to recoup tens of millions of dollars in lost efficiencies each year across the freight network. RCNSW Chair Cr Steve Krieg said a business case commissioned by RCNSW had identified 93 chokepoints across the state’s freight network responsible for $80 million in lost efficiencies annually.  “The Regional Transport Pinch Point Program report took a detailed look across the state to identify areas in the freight network in need of upgrading. It found the network’s connectivity and efficiency would be improved with a $346 million investment in 10 priority projects,” Cr Krieg said. The delegation’s meetings last week included the Minister for Transport and Roads John Graham, Deputy Opposition Leader and Shadow Minister for Regional New South Wales Dugald Saunders, and Shadow Minister for Tourism, Gaming and Racing, and the Arts and Heritage and Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson. Other issues raised by the delegation included investment into regional cities across NSW to increase: ●       housing availability and affordability;●       water security and Water Risk Management (particularly in relation to per and polyfluoroalkyl);●       regional aviation and airports; and ●       access to more skills to support regional businesses and service delivery. Cr Krieg said the meetings were a valuable opportunity to advocate for government investment in the freight network ahead of the June 2025 State Budget. “Our RCNSW delegation also discussed with the government ways the State Government could help to address the shortage of housing in regional cities, including by assisting to speed up the development of shovel-ready land,” Cr Krieg said. “We also recommended a range of measures to enhance water security across its member cities, including ongoing funding for at-risk regional water infrastructure,” Cr Krieg concluded.

Used-car buyers are being urged to check a vehicle’s history before purchase after NSW Fair Trading issued 28 fines in a month and a man was sentenced to a nine-month intensive corrections order for unlicenced motor dealing and odometer tampering. During the crackdown, NSW Fair Trading issued 54 penalty notices in relation to car sales and repairs valued at more than $100,000. While more than half were for odometer interference, other offences included the non-supply of goods and services and unlicensed vehicles and sales.Additionally, Andrew Rodney Leech pled guilty to operating without a motor dealer’s licence and odometer tampering. Between 2020 and 2022, Leech sold 16 vehicles, while unlicensed, online, with one car having an odometer that had been wound back by more than 200,000 kilometres.  Buyers of used vehicles are being urged to research the car’s history to ensure it has no outstanding finance, has not been written off in a crash, and has accurate odometer readings. The NSW Government offers a free vehicle registration check where prospective buyers have access to a NSW-registered vehicle’s previous three annual odometer readings, as well as basic details like vehicle make, registration and insurance history. Across the motor vehicle industry in 2024, NSW Fair Trading took disciplinary action against 21 licensed motor vehicle dealers and repairers, resulting in 10 licence cancellations, 13 disqualifications, including three permanent, and one suspension. For more information on consumer protections relating to purchasing a used vehicle visit the NSW Fair Trading website here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/driving-boating-and-transport/buying-and-selling-vehicles/buying-a-used-vehicle. To check registration, including odometer reading visit: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/check-a-vehicle-registration or the Service NSW App.Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong said, “Odometer tampering is used by unscrupulous sellers to increase the value of a vehicle leaving the buyer with a vehicle which is not in the condition advertised, and likely to require repairs at cost and inconvenience to the buyer.“Sellers of used cars who reduce the number of kilometres displayed on the vehicle can be fined $1,100 per offence, and if taken to court can receive a penalty of up to $55,000 per offence.“Any buyer of a used car from any source, whether that be online like Facebook Marketplace or through a licenced car dealer, should do their homework, including visiting the Service NSW website to run a free history check on the car they wish to purchase.”

The NSW Police Force will launch a high-visibility operation to keep the community safe during the 47th Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade this weekend.Tens of thousands of people will line Oxford Street, Flinders Street and Anzac Parade from Hyde Park to Moore Park to watch more than 200 floats and 11,000 marches from all sections of the LGBTQIA+ community celebrate on Saturday 1 March 2025.The police operation will involve general duties officers assisted by specialist officers attached to Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, Police Transport Command, the Public Order and Riot Squad, Youth Command, Licensing Police and Mounted Command.Operation Mardi Gras 2025 Commander, Assistant Commissioner Rod Smith said the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras was a great opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate safely.“Police have been working closely with parade organisers and the LGBTIQA+ community to ensure a safe environment for all those participating in and supporting the event,” Assistant Commissioner Smith said.“We urge those attending the parade to plan ahead so you know how you are getting into the city, what you’re doing at the parade and how you’re getting home.“We ask people to please follow the directions of police and security staff when vantage points are full.”With significant crowds expected to make their way through major transport hubs before and after the parade on Saturday 1 March 2024, police will be focused on maintaining public safety and security.“There will be major road closures in the city, and we encourage people to use public transport,” Assistant Commissioner Smith said.“We also ask people to drink responsibly, know their limit and look after one another.“As with any major Sydney event with many people, a highly visible and mobile police operation is needed to ensure the public is safe.“Our focus will be on targeting criminal and anti-social behaviour, which undermines the celebratory spirit of the night.“Police will act in a fair but firm manner to ensure everyone has a good time but not at the expense of other people’s safety.”This year marks the 35th anniversary of the NSW Police Gay and Lesbian Liaison Officers (GLLO) and their dedicated service to LGBTQIA+ communities.Corporate Sponsor for Sexuality, Gender Diversity, and Intersex, Assistant Commissioner Leanne McCusker said there are more than 380 GLLO’s working across the state, in metropolitan and regional areas, who are dedicated to building trust and confidence between the NSW Police Force and LGBTIQA+ communities.“The LGBTIQA+ Liaison Officer Program was established in 1990,” Assistant Commissioner McCusker said.“GLLO’s are a contact point for members of LGBTIQA+ communities, as they utilise skills, knowledge and experience, to ensure the best policing response is provided.“This milestone underscores our ongoing commitment to developing and delivering, effective and sensitive policing responses that are accessible to all.”GLLO’s will be working on the night, talking to people and doing community engagement.Keep up to date with special event traffic information as well as live traffic reports by visiting www.livetraffic.com, and check the latest timetable and ticketing information for trains, buses, ferries and taxi ranks via www.transportnsw.infoFor more information about the 2024 Mardi Gras parade, visit www.mardigras.org.au. For further information on alcohol-free zones in Sydney visit the City of Sydney website: www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au.