Under changes introduced by the NSW Government that take effect today, victim-survivors of serious offenders will receive mandatory notifications about NSW Victims’ Registers, including the information and services they can receive if they choose to register.  Victims of serious offenders will also be provided with assistance to register. The reforms, which were passed by the NSW Parliament in May this year, will bolster support for victim-survivors of serious crimes through what is often the most difficult time of their lives. The reforms apply to the three NSW Victims’ Registers: the Corrective Services NSW Victims’ Register, Youth Justice Victims’ Register, and the Specialist Victims’ Register for victims of forensic patients.  The changes have been introduced following extensive consultation with victim-survivors, victim advocates, and victim support services, to ensure that they reflect the views of the people the Register serves. All eligible victims will now receive a notification about the Register and their eligibility to opt-in, or will have the option to be contacted at a later date, to discuss the benefits of registration and re-consider whether they would like to be registered. Those who opt-in will receive timely, accurate, and trauma-informed updates regarding their perpetrator’s progress through the justice system.  This includes details about the offender's location while in custody, sentence, location while in custody, parole eligibility, and any changes that may affect the victim's safety and well-being.  The reforms will be complemented by a suite of public engagement measures to promote greater awareness for victims, including public education sessions and social media campaigns.  Education on the Registers will also be provided to frontline professionals across the justice system, including NSW Police, the NSW Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, and other relevant service providers.  This will ensure that those staff who engage with victims at all stages of the justice system are aware of the Registers and their purpose, and can share this information to better support victims. There is also work being done to make the Registers’ sign-up process simpler, with fewer technological or communication barriers for non-English speakers. The state government said it acknowledges the adverse impacts on people directly or indirectly exposed to crime, and it acknowledges that a person who has experienced personal violence can suffer long-lasting trauma and the feeling that their safety and security are constantly under threat.  These changes are fundamental in supporting victims through this reality.   Minister for Corrections Anoulack Chanthivong said, “No one chooses to become the victim of violent crime.  “One of our top priorities as a government is to ensure we are doing all we can to support victim-survivors in the aftermath of a crime.“These reforms will empower victim-survivors of the most heinous of crimes perpetrated in NSW, with the choice to access vital information that has a direct impact on their lives – such as opposing the perpetrator’s parole, and being informed if and when they are going to be released from prison.  “Victim-survivors of serious crimes deserve to be given the knowledge and agency to engage with the justice system in a manner that reflects their needs, including making an informed choice about whether they would like to be supported by a Victims’ Register.” Minister for Youth Justice Jihad Dib said, “Mandatory notifications help victim-survivors stay up to date with information about a young person’s sentence, providing the justice, reassurance and protection needed to build a safer community. “These reforms are an important step in giving victim-survivors back the power they lose when they experience a violent crime, without compromising the safety and security of young offenders.” Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson said, “We know that victim-survivors of serious crimes often experience severe mental injury, emotional suffering, grief, and trauma. “By allowing them to opt-in to trauma-informed updates about a perpetrator’s progress through the justice system, these reforms to the Victims’ Registers empower victim-survivors through their healing journeys.  “Furthermore, the Specialist Victims’ Register also allows victim-survivors to receive important information about certain changes concerning a forensic patient and their reviews before the Mental Health Review Tribunal.  “This is just one way we can provide victim-survivors with the mental health support they may need to feel safer in our communities.” Corrective Services NSW Commissioner Gary McCahon PSM, said, “Corrective Services NSW is committed to supporting victim-survivors through the CSNSW Victims’ Register.  “Our committed, dedicated staff are trauma-informed, and understand the vital role that clear, compassionate communication plays in the healing process. “From the moment an offender enters custody, we provide registered victims with timely updates on key developments in the offender’s sentence that may affect the victims’ lives. “We also help ensure that victims have the opportunity to be heard when critical decisions are being made about an offender’s release, which we hope will help restore a sense of control and empowerment to those affected by crime. “Having access to key information, especially regarding an offender’s potential release, can offer victims the confidence that they deserve.” Victims Advocate Howard Brown OAM said, “Knowing that these significant reforms to the Victims’ Registers are now in place and actively working, provides victim-survivors of serious crimes the reassurance that they will be provided with the information they need to stay informed and updated on the details of their perpetrator’s progress through the justice system.  “The Victims’ Registers provide the kind of timely, accurate, and trauma-sensitive information that victim-survivors may feel that they need to be able to take back control of their lives and well-being, sometimes many years after a serious crime has been committed against them. “Maximising free and full access to such a vital resource like the Victims’ Registers is a major step toward healing for victim-survivors of violent crimes.” CEO of the Homicide Victims’ Support Group & Acting CEO of The Road Trauma Support Group NSW Martha Jabour OAM said, “Family members of homicide can never reclaim what has been stolen from them through the devastating impact of homicide, just as families grieving the sudden and violent death of a loved one due to serious fatal road crime endure profound and lasting pain.  “However, having the choice to access meaningful information through the Victims’ Registers about their offender – should they wish to – represents a vital step in their journey towards healing. “These reforms to the Victims’ Registers mark an important step toward acknowledging the enduring impact of serious crimes, whether through homicide or fatal road crashes, ensuring that victims and survivors are not left to navigate their grief alone.” 

Hobart has replaced Adelaide as the oldest capital city in 2024, according to data released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).Tricia Chester, ABS head of demography statistics, said: ’Hobart’s median age of 39.3 years edged ahead of Adelaide’s 39.2 years, swapping positions for the first time since 2020. Darwin still had the youngest median age at 34.8 years.‘The areas within Australia with the oldest populations tended to be coastal retirement destinations. Tea Gardens - Hawks Nest on the NSW coast had the nation’s oldest median age at 66.5 years. ‘This was more than three times the median age of Acton in the ACT, home to the Australian National University, which had the youngest median age in the country at 21.1 years.’Sex ratios also varied considerably across the country. Hobart and Adelaide not only had the oldest populations, but they were also the capitals where women outnumbered men the most. ‘Our youngest capital, Darwin, was the only capital with more men than women,’ Ms Chester said. Men outnumbered women the most in Wacol, Brisbane, where multiple male correctional centres were based. Here, there were 290.1 males per 100 females. Conversely, women outnumbered men the most in Woollahra, Sydney, where there were 80 males for every 100 females. To find out more about your area, including its median age and sex ratio, see Regional population by age and sex.

The number of inmates in NSW correctional facilities completing traineeships has more than doubled in the past four years, with offenders learning new skills and improving their job prospects post-release. While many inmates enter prison with limited education or work experience, traineeships inside correctional centres address these gaps and provide them with nationally recognised qualifications and practical job skills, with the aim to reduce reoffending across the state. Education and skills training plays an important role in reducing recidivism, with BOCSAR data from 2021 revealing that 12 months after inmate trainees were released from custody, there was a 45 per cent reduction in property offending among all groups of trainees.  The Department of Education’s Training Services provides funding and regulatory support for these vocational education programs, delivered to inmates through Corrective Services Industries.  Through the Smart and Skilled program, the NSW Government is also giving inmates access to quality training that builds real-world skills and supports rehabilitation.  A strong partnership between the Department of Education and Corrective Services NSW has meant training providers, such as TAFE NSW, can deliver courses in areas of skills shortage, with fees waived for eligible inmates. In the past financial year, there were 906 inmate trainee participants within Corrective Services NSW correctional facilities – a significant increase since 2021, when there were 250 inmate trainees.  For example, at the Metropolitan Special Programs Centre within the Long Bay Correctional Complex, there are currently 39 inmates studying and completing skills courses with registered training providers, including TAFE NSW. These traineeships take place across numerous industries, including the Reg Boys Bakery and print unit. Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan, and Minister for Corrections Anoulack Chanthivong visited these two industry units on Tuesday to see the operational model first-hand. Minister for Corrections Anoulack Chanthivong said, “Community safety is one of the Minns Labor Government’s top priorities. “We are committed to keeping our communities safer by reducing reoffending and supporting rehabilitation through education and vocational training.  “These vocational education programs are currently enabling more than 500 inmates across NSW correctional facilities real opportunities to turn their lives around. “It takes collaboration across agencies and communities to break the cycle of reoffending, and together, we are working to turn challenges into opportunities.” Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said, “These traineeships are excellent demonstrations of our agencies working together to deliver real outcomes.  “The Regs Boys Bakery and the Print Unit are two shining examples of the range of skills training provided to inmates, ranging from hospitality to logistics to construction. “These are nationally recognised qualifications that are not only instrumental to improving inmates’ employability but also developing their personal confidence and self-esteem. “We are proud to provide inmates with these quality opportunities to participate in meaningful work and develop skills they can use in the community upon their release.” Corrective Services NSW Commissioner Gary McCahon PSM said, “Rehabilitation is the path to reducing reoffending.  “When we equip inmates with skills and confidence, we open doors for their future in the community. “Every individual has the potential to change, and our role is to guide and support that change, restoring hope and dignity.” 

The monthly Consumer Price Index (CPI) indicator rose 2.8 per cent in the 12 months to July 2025, according to the latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). Michelle Marquardt, ABS head of prices statistics, said: ‘The 2.8 per cent annual CPI inflation to July was up from 1.9 per cent to June. This is the highest annual inflation rate since July 2024, following several months of easing inflation.’The largest contributors to this rise were Housing (+3.6 per cent), Food and non-alcoholic beverages (+3.0 per cent), and Alcohol and tobacco (+6.5 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 2.7 per cent to July 2025. This was up from 2.1 per cent inflation to June and similar to the rate that we saw three months ago’, Ms Marquardt said.The CPI excluding volatile items and holiday travel measure rose 3.2 per cent in the 12 months to July, compared to a 2.5 per cent rise in the 12 months to June.Annual Housing inflation was 3.6 per cent to July, up from 1.6 per cent to June, reflecting increases in Electricity costs. Electricity costs rose 13.1 per cent in the 12 months to July, compared to a 6.3 per cent fall in the 12 months to June.In monthly terms, electricity costs rose 13.0 per cent in July. There were two main contributors to the monthly increase. The largest contributor was that households in NSW and ACT did not receive payments of the extended Commonwealth Energy Bill Relief Fund (EBRF) in July. Payment of rebates for households in NSW and ACT will instead commence in August. This means that those households had higher out-of-pocket costs for electricity in July. In addition to this, prices rose due to annual electricity price reviews coming into effect. Comparing the indexes for Electricity with and without changes related to the Commonwealth Energy Bill Relief Fund (EBRF) shows that, for the month of July, costs excluding the impact of EBRF rose 4.8 per cent. The increase in electricity costs inclusive of the impact of EBRF was higher (13.0 per cent) mainly due to households in NSW and ACT not receiving rebates in July.Comparing the indexes for Electricity with and without changes related to the Commonwealth Energy Bill Relief Fund (EBRF) shows that, for the month of July, costs excluding the impact of EBRF rose 4.8 per cent. The increase in electricity costs inclusive of the impact of EBRF was higher (13.0 per cent) mainly due to households in NSW and ACT not receiving rebates in July.  Rents rose 3.9 per cent in the 12 months to July, following a 4.2 per cent rise in the 12 months to June. 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 0.4 per cent in the 12 months to July, unchanged from the 0.4 per cent rise in the 12 months to June. Annual growth in new dwelling prices remains low reflecting a subdued new home market. Holiday travel and accommodation prices rose 3.3 per cent in the 12 months to July, after seeing a 3.7 per cent fall in the 12 months to June. In monthly terms, Holiday travel and accommodation prices rose 4.7 per cent in July, as the July school holidays saw strong demand, and higher prices for domestic airfares and accommodation. Annual inflation for Food and non-alcoholic beverages was 3.0 per cent to July, compared to 3.2 per cent to June, and has remained around 3 per cent for the past eleven months.‘While annual inflation eased for some food categories in July, coffee, tea and cocoa prices continued to rise, up 14.4 per cent in the past 12 months. ‘This comes as supply has been affected by adverse weather conditions impacting major overseas coffee bean-growing areas,’ Ms Marquardt said.

The NSW Government has delivered an extra 260 support classes in NSW public schools this year, making it easier for students with disability to access high-quality learning environments, closer to home.With this expansion, more than 34,000 students can now access support classes across NSW public schools. Classes have now been established in more than 30 schools without a previous support class provision, giving them the resources to provide extra support.This work forms part of the state government’s commitment to delivering support for students with disability closer to where they live, with 244 support classes across mainstream schools and the remainder in Schools for Specific Purposes.More than one-third of the extra support classes delivered this year are in Western and South Western Sydney public schools.As part of this work, an updated enrolment policy will also be rolled out for students requiring additional support, making it easier for students requiring a support class provision to attend a school closer to home and attend the same school as their siblings.This will also ensure an equitable distribution of support classes across NSW public schools, so schools are better meeting the needs of their local communities.The Department of Education is also working to develop post-schooling resources to help students with additional needs transition into further study, training, or work.The Minns Government is also investing $100 million to improve classroom and school accessibility for NSW public school students living with disability.The investment covers more than 340 projects across NSW public schools, providing much-needed infrastructure, including ramps and handrails.This expansion forms part of the NSW Government’s historic investment in public education across the state.Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said, “The Minns Labor Government is committed to ensuring every student is supported to reach their full potential at school and beyond.“We’re working to provide stronger support for students with disability to learn in high-quality, inclusive environments closer to home.”Minister for Disability Inclusion Kate Washington said, “Families across NSW have told us what they need, and we’re delivering. We’re proud to be making these changes with students and their families, not just for them.“By building accessibility into our schools, we’re not only ensuring students living with disability can participate fully in their education, but we’re also fostering a culture of acceptance, empathy and understanding.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has released the following statement regarding Iran's involvement in terrorist attacks against the Jewish community in Sydney and Melbourne.Since the terrible events of October 7, 2023, we have witnessed a number of appalling antisemitic attacks against Australia’s Jewish community. The Albanese Government asked ASIO and the Australian Federal Police to investigate these incidents as a priority because they have no place in Australia. Enough credible intelligence has now been gathered to reach the deeply disturbing conclusion that the Iranian Government has directed at least two of these attacks. Iran has sought to disguise its involvement but ASIO assesses it was behind the attacks on:Lewis’ Continental Kitchen in Sydney on October 20 last year; andThe Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne on December 6 last yearASIO assesses it is likely Iran directed further attacks as well. These were extraordinary and dangerous acts of aggression orchestrated by a foreign nation on Australian soil. This is an attack on our society, aimed at creating fear, stoking internal divisions and eroding social cohesion. These attacks on our society are totally unacceptable and the Australian Government is taking strong and decisive action in response:We have informed the Iranian ambassador to Australia he and three additional Iranian diplomats will be expelled.We have suspended operations at our embassy in Tehran and all our diplomats are now safe in a third country.The Government will legislate so we can list Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps – the IRGC - as a terrorist organisation. The Australian people want the killing and hatred to stop, and they don’t want the conflict in the Middle East brought here. Iran has sought to do just that. They have sought to harm and terrify Jewish Australians, and to sow hatred and division in our community. The actions of the Albanese Government send a clear message that we stand against antisemitism and violence. It also sends a message to those who try to interfere in our country: your aggression will not be tolerated.

The Federal Government has released good news for first home buyers by launching 5 per cent deposits early, on 1 October 2025, instead of next year. Through the expanded 5 per cent deposit scheme, the government will guarantee a portion of a first home buyer’s home loan, so they can purchase with a lower deposit and not pay Lenders Mortgage Insurance. Under the changes, all first home buyers will have access, with no caps on places or income limits. Property price caps will also be set higher in line with average house prices, providing access to a greater variety of homes. For the average first home buyer, access to the scheme cuts years off the time it takes to save for a deposit and saves tens of thousands of dollars on Lenders Mortgage Insurance. In just the first year alone, first home buyers using the scheme are expected to avoid around $1.5 billion in potential mortgage insurance costs. The median home price in Australia today is $844,000, and 5 per cent of that is $42,200. The last time $42,200 covered the 20 per cent deposit for a median home was 2002, which shows the generational scale of this change. The expanded scheme means a first home buyer in Brisbane can purchase a $1 million home with a $50,000 deposit. They could save up to 10 years off the time it takes to save for a deposit, save about $42,000 in mortgage insurance, and could pay up to $350,000 towards their own loan instead of paying rent. It means that a first home buyer in Bendigo could purchase a $600,000 home with only a $30,000 deposit. They could save up to 6 years off the time it takes to save for a deposit, save about $25,000 in mortgage insurance, and could pay up to $126,000 towards their own loan instead of paying rent. After consulting with industry, the Government will also direct Housing Australia to promote the diversity of lenders who offer the scheme, giving first home buyers greater choice to buy a home through smaller, customer-owned and regional banks. For more information on the 5 per cent deposits scheme, go to the Housing Australia website at https://www.housingaustralia.gov.au.Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, “We want to help young people and first home buyers achieve the dream of home ownership sooner. “Bringing the start date of our 5 per cent deposit scheme forward will do just that. “Getting more Australians into their own home quicker, while saving them money along the way. “Labor was re-elected with a clear mandate to bring down the deposit hurdle for first home buyers, and we’re delivering.”Minister for Housing, Clare O’Neil said, “5 per cent deposits for all first home buyers will mean people can get into their own home sooner.” “The Albanese Labor Government is stepping up to level the playing field and back a new generation of first home buyers into the housing market.” “It’s just not right that an entire generation of young Australians have been locked out of the housing market – saving for decades while paying off someone else’s mortgage. So Labor’s changing it.” “Yesterday we announced reforms to unlock tens of thousands of new homes and today we’re announcing changes to help tens of thousands of first home buyers get into home ownership.”

Speeding offences have reduced by nearly half across two trial locations after one month of enforcement mode in the NSW Government’s average speed camera trial for light vehicles.The average speed camera trial locations on the Pacific and Hume Highways switched to enforcement mode on 1 July 2025, following a two-month warning period where light vehicles that were detected speeding were issued with a warning letter as opposed to a fine.The trial is part of the state government’s efforts to reduce crashes and ensure more motorists get home alive.In the first month of the trial in May, one in every 143 light vehicles checked across both trial locations was found to be speeding and issued a warning letter, while in July that figure dropped to one in every 276 light vehicles issued a fine, which is a 48 per cent improvement rate.Since the trial began, the cameras have checked the speeds of over 1.8 million light vehicles.In July, when enforcement mode commenced for light vehicles, there were 2310 infringements issued to light vehicles across both trial locations, with 1398 on the Pacific Highway and 912 on the Hume Highway.At the Pacific Highway trial location, a 15km stretch between Kew and Lake Innes (Port Macquarie), the rate of non-compliance has more than halved since the beginning of the trial. These locations have monitored heavy vehicle speeds for years prior to the light vehicle trial.In May, one in every 146 light vehicles checked was found to be speeding, compared to July when the figure dropped to one in every 317 light vehicles.At the Hume Highway trial location, which is a 16km stretch between Coolac and Gundagai, the rate of non-compliance dropped by more than a third. In May, one in every 138 light vehicles checked was found to be speeding, compared to July when the figure dropped to one in every 214 light vehicles.The average speed camera trial for light vehicles is set to run until 30 June 2026. All other average speed cameras around the state continue to only enforce heavy vehicle speeding.All fine revenue from camera-detected speeding, red-light, mobile phone use and seatbelt offences goes into the Community Road Safety Fund, which is used to fund priority road safety programs and initiatives.You can find out more about the trial here: https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/roadsafety/topics-tips/speeding/enforcement-cameras/average-speed-camerasThe Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison, said, “Speeding is the biggest killer on NSW roads and is a factor in around 40 per cent of all fatalities, and I make no apologies for doing everything possible to lower that figure."Camera enforcement is one of the most effective, evidence-based measures to increase safer driving. It saves lives and prevents injuries. “The trial is having the desired effect, with speeding offences almost halving across both locations. It’s pleasing to see an improvement in driver behaviour as we continue to monitor the effectiveness of this trial.  “Speed increases the risk of having a crash and the severity of the crash. Road safety is everyone’s responsibility, and we want everyone to make it home in one piece every time they get behind the wheel.”

Business Expenditure on Research & Development (R&D) grew by 18 per cent to $24.4 billion in 2023-24, according to new data released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). Robert Ewing, ABS head of business statistics, said: ‘The strongest growth in R&D was seen in the Information and computing sciences research field. This includes spending on Artificial Intelligence, or AI, which grew by 142 per cent since 2021-2022. ‘Businesses more than doubled their investment, putting $668.3 million into AI R&D in 2023-24, compared to $276.3 million in 2021-22. This shows how rapidly Australian firms have begun investing in AI.‘But it was Software engineering that made the largest contribution to the Information and computing sciences research field. This category grew by 26 per cent to $4.9 billion.’The Professional, scientific and technical services industry made up 38 per cent of R&D expenditure in 2023-24, totalling $9.2 billion. This was followed by the Manufacturing industry at 21 per cent, or $5.0 billion. The Financial and insurance services industry was third highest at 14 per cent, or $3.5 billion.  Business spending on R&D kept pace with the growth of the overall economy, remaining at 0.9 per cent of GDP for 2023-24. Today’s figures also showed business R&D spending by its intended purpose or outcome, known as Socio-Economic Objective (SEO). Understanding the SEO categories is important for R&D policy and planning. Information and communication services, Manufacturing, and Health make up 58 per cent of total R&D business expenditure by SEO. ‘R&D spending on Information and communication services is now the leading SEO in Australia, overtaking Manufacturing,’ Mr Ewing said. ‘Growth in Information and communication services was up 50 per cent to $5.9 billion. Manufacturing dropped 3 per cent to $4.6 billion, continuing a downward trend since 2019-20.’Today’s release gives governments and researchers information about the level and nature of business spending on R&D. This helps inform policy and strategy decisions to support businesses to improve research outcomes.

The NSW Government, in partnership with leaders from the NSW fashion industry, has today released the NSW Fashion Sector Strategy, the first of its kind in Australia.NSW designers are the heart of Australia’s multi-billion-dollar fashion industry, with $7.2 billion export revenue generated annually. Nationally, this represents 1.7 per cent of all Australian exports. In NSW, the fashion industry contributes $9.7b to the state economy and employs more than 174,000 people.The industry has one of the highest rates of female employment. Nationally, 77 per cent the 489,000 workforce is female.Fashion is one of Australia’s leading creative industries, showcasing diverse and emerging talent, and First Nations initiatives that are pivotal for inclusivity, cultural recognition and international distinctiveness. The NSW Fashion Sector Strategy sets out a plan to develop the industry in NSW, to grow international profile and markets, and establish pathways for new designers.Initiatives include:Australian Fashion Hub: The NSW Government, the University of Technology and City of Sydney will partner with the sector to develop a new hub, providing spaces for emerging and established industry participants to collaborate, and forge connections.Australian Fashion Smart Factory: The NSW Government will support a feasibility study for an Australian-first pilot to combine testing and development, production and distribution.The NSW Government will work with industry, and other government partners to develop this proposal to support the progress of further manufacturing in Australia. Establishing export pathways: A new program will provide emerging NSW designers with opportunities to showcase their designs internationally. These showrooms will promote NSW designers and brands strengthening relationships with international buyers and support NSW designers to develop an international profile and new market opportunities. Skills and training review: TAFE NSW and the University of Technology will lead a strategic skills review to help industry and government assess current skills and future needs.TAFE NSW and Create NSW will partner to develop the Next Gen Creative Industries Hub at the TAFE NSW Ultimo campus on Harris Street as part of the broader Ultimo Creative Industries Precinct.Australian Fashion Week: will continue to be a top tier Sydney event on the global fashion calendar, attracting domestic and international buyers, showcasing NSW internationally.Connecting Audiences to Australian Fashion: The Powerhouse Museum will lead the state’s Cultural Institutions to support, amplify and connect audiences with the creativity of the NSW fashion industry.The strategy has three key funding programs to support and develop emerging talent: $250,000 to support emerging designers to develop export markets by showcasing their designs at the largest international industry trade show. This initiative will help NSW designers build profile with key international media and buyers, supporting the growth of their businesses in NSW.$300,000 to support NSW First Nation and emerging fashion and designers show at Australian Fashion Week$200,000 in quick response grants – supporting designers to purchase critical equipment for their practice or pursue professional development opportunities. The full strategy is available here: NSW Fashion Sector Strategy 2025-2028 | NSW Government.Minister for the Arts, John Graham said, “NSW, and particularly Sydney, has long led the way for the Australian fashion industry. Generations of ground-breaking Sydney designers are not just Australian success stories but are consistently highly sought after internationally by global taste makers and wider retail markets.“Beyond the glamour of fashion, it's a complex sector that employs 77 per cent women and represents 1.7 per cent of all Australian exports.“Despite the cultural and economic impact of the sector, this is the first time a government has developed a strategy recognising its importance and planning for growth.”Minister for Tourism and Jobs, Steve Kamper said, “The fashion industry is a complex ecosystem of design, textile, manufacturing, retail, and education and training – generating 174,000 jobs in NSW.“Sydney has always been the home of Australian Fashion Week, and I’m pleased it will continue to be. It’s a natural fit – Sydney is the home of fashion, and our stunning city provides a beautiful backdrop for our world-class designers. “Australian Fashion Week puts Sydney on the map with international taste-makers and influencers, and showcases our talents as well as our good looks. Sydney has never looked as sharp as it does during fashion week!” Minister for Industry and Trade, Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology Anoulack Chanthivong said, “Sectors like fashion put us on a global map and reinforce NSW as a great exporter of innovation and creativity.“I’m excited we can support our innovation ecosystem and local manufacturers through contributing to a feasibility study for the Australian Fashion Smart Factory. This consolidated manufacturing hub capable of testing, production, development and distribution has the potential to be the first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.“It’s no accident that Australia’s leading creative and tech sectors are concentrated so close to each other in Sydney. I’m excited to see further collaboration between our innovation ecosystem and creative industries as we develop our Tech Central Economic Development Strategy.”Co-Chairs, Alex Schuman and Edwina McCann said, “The fashion industry in NSW is not only a major economic driver but also a cultural force that showcases our state’s creativity and global influence.“This strategy addresses critical areas within the business of fashion, including innovation, sustainability, workforce development and market access. It is designed to foster a vibrant, globally competitive fashion industry in New South Wales, while ensuring that local businesses and creatives succeed in a rapidly evolving landscape.”Vice Chancellor of UTS, Professor Andrew Parfitt said, “The NSW Fashion Sector Strategy strengthens the next stage of UTS’s collaboration with TAFE NSW, Australian Fashion Council and the Powerhouse Museum to support and grow the creative industries precinct in Sydney’s southern CBD. “It builds on the establishment of the Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Fashion and Textiles with TAFE NSW in 2021 and a partnership with the Powerhouse aimed at creating a dynamic, place-based creative industries ecosystem to expand the profile of Australian fashion, textiles, and design on the national and global stage.“Our support of the NSW Fashion Hub and the Australian Fashion Smart Factory reinforces our strong commitment to developing our precinct as a destination for innovation across disciplines. 

Total wages and salaries paid by employers were $103.9 billion in June 2025, up 5.9 per cent from June 2024, according to figures released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). Sean Crick, ABS head of labour statistics, said: ‘The 5.9 per cent annual growth in total wages and salaries paid by employers between June 2024 and June 2025 was similar to the annual growth we saw to June 2024, when wages grew by 6.0 per cent.’ Aggregate measures of wages can be heavily influenced by differences in the number of persons paid, hours worked, seasonal payments and one-off events in any given month. By adding together 12 months of wages and salaries paid in a financial year, and comparing the annual growth, we can gain better insights into underlying growth.  ‘Total wages and salaries paid by employers totalled $1,219 billion in the 2024-25 financial year, growing 5.9 per cent from the 2023-24 financial year.  ‘This was lower than the 7.0 per cent between the 2022-23 and 2023-24 years.’ Mr Crick said.  Health care and social assistance industry over a fifth of wages growth in 2024-25‘The Health care and social assistance services industry held the largest share of total wages and salaries paid by employers, with 14.6 per cent of the 2024-25 financial year estimate,’ Mr Crick said.‘This industry’s rise of $14.8 billion from the 2023-24 financial year, was 21.6 per cent of the total increase in wages and salaries paid by all employers in the 2024-25 financial year.’The Public administration and safety industry saw the second largest growth in wages and salaries in dollar terms in the 2024-25 financial year of $8.5 billion, and also had the strongest increase from 2023-24 financial year growth (up $1.3 billion).The stronger 2024-25 growth was influenced by large state government pay rises, one-off payments such as backpay, and temporary jobs which supported the federal election in May 2025. 

The NSW Government has backed national plans to strengthen Working with Children Checks (WWCCs) and shut down loopholes which put children at risk. At today’s Standing Council of Attorneys-General (SCAG) meeting, Attorneys-General from across Australia agreed to urgently work towards implementing mutual recognition of negative WWCC notices by the end of 2025.  This will ensure that anyone denied or stripped of a clearance in one state will be barred from working with children in other states. The state government also agreed with other states and the Commonwealth to strengthen and improve consistency for a national approach to WWCCs and remove barriers for information sharing. This will include a consistent risk-assessment framework and WWCC exclusion criteria for consideration at SCAG in late 2025. Attorneys-General noted the Commonwealth’s commitment to deliver a new National Continuous Checking Capability (NCCC) – a secure system continuously monitoring WWCC holders against fresh criminal history information from national, state and territory datasets. These national reforms follow major child safety legislation introduced in the NSW Parliament last week, including:  Removing external appeal rights for denied WWCCs Removing external appeal rights for denied NDIS Worker Checks Transferring all appeals to the Office of the Children’s Guardian — the agency best placed to assess risk to children   Attorney General Michael Daley said, “NSW has already acted to close loopholes in our WWCC system. Today’s agreement ensures denied Working with Children Checks will be recognised nationally, so offenders cannot move between states to gain access to children.” Minister for Families and Communities Kate Washington said, “The NSW Government is determined to see the strengthening of the WWCC system across Australia. Because we want parents to know that people who prey on children can’t slip across state borders unseen.” 

Hunter motorists are getting a taste of the future, with the first widened section on the Hexham Straight now open to traffic with three lanes in each direction. This will also affect Northern Rivers residents travelling to Sydney.The federal and state governments are collectively investing $2.2 billion in the M1 to Raymond Terrace extension and the Hexham Straight Widening to reduce congestion and improve safety for all road users.The Australian Government is contributing over $1.79 billion towards the project, with the NSW Government contributing $448 million.Motorists turning left onto Maitland Road from the Newcastle Inner City Bypass are now benefiting from an additional lane for about 650 metres, including an extension to the turning lane from the bypass.There is also an additional lane for inbound traffic on Maitland Road from about 650 metres north of the bypass, including more space for traffic turning right onto the Newcastle Inner City Bypass.The latest works also include an upgrade to the traffic lights at the intersection of the Newcastle Inner City Bypass and Old Maitland Road, while the U-turn facility there is also complete.In addition, a new pedestrian crossing and bus stops in front of St Joseph’s Calvary Aged Care will also be put in place.When complete, the Hexham Straight will comprise three lanes in each direction for its entire six-kilometre length, from the Newcastle Inner City Bypass to Hexham Bridge.This will deliver more reliable travel times for freight and improve safety for all road users, including cyclists and pedestrians.The project is expected to open to traffic in 2026. `Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said, “This is a significant milestone for the Hexham Straight Widening project, with motorists getting access to three lanes in each direction, even if only for part of the journey.“This is a taste of things to come, with the project still on track to be completed and open to traffic in 2026.“The Australian Government is getting on with the job of delivering for the Hunter, not only through this project but also the broader M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace, the Singleton Bypass, and plans for the Muswellbrook Bypass and the westbound flyover at Maitland.”Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon said, “This is a milestone moment for our region and the more than 50,000 motorists who travel this stretch of road every single day.“For too long, Hexham straight has been a notorious bottleneck. Today, we are opening the first stage of a safer, smoother, and more efficient journey for commuters.“This project is a great example of how government investment in infrastructure can change lives and support local economies – reducing congestion, cutting travel times, boosting road safety, and unlocking freight routes.“I am proud to be part of an Albanese Labor Government that is delivering the infrastructure that Novocastrians deserve.”State Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said, "The Hunter is the economic powerhouse of NSW, and this project demonstrates our government's commitment to ensuring our region has the world-class infrastructure it deserves."The Hexham Straight is a vital link in our broader Hunter transport network, connecting our growing residential areas with major employment hubs, the Port of Newcastle, and key industrial precincts."This $2.2 billion investment shows what can be achieved when governments work together with a shared vision for the Hunter's future.”State Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said, “The Hexham Straight Widening is part of a suite of road projects that are transforming the Hunter road network.“This project will help thousands of people get where they’re going more quickly and easily, helping improve their quality of life and underpinning economic growth.“The Minns and Albanese Governments are working together to deliver infrastructure that will meet the needs of the community and motorists now and into the future.”

The number of new investment loans rose by 3.5 per cent in the June quarter, while new owner-occupier loans rose by 0.9 per cent, according to data released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). Dr Mish Tan, ABS head of finance statistics, said, ‘June quarter’s overall rise in home loans followed a fall in the March quarter. Through the year growth was more subdued at around 0.2 per cent. That said, lending activity is still at relatively high levels. While there were rate cuts in February and May, we will not see the full impact of these on new home lending activity until later in the year.’  Lending to owner-occupiersThere were 80,929 new owner-occupier loans approved in the June quarter 2025, a 0.9 per cent (758 loans) rise compared to the previous quarter. The total value was $54.7 billion, a rise of 2.4 per cent ($1.3 billion). The average loan size rose by $17,804 to $678,011.‘While the number of new owner-occupier loans in the June quarter was slightly lower than this time last year, the value of loans rose by 7.4 per cent. The average loan size has grown by 7.5 per cent since the June quarter 2024. This was consistent with higher property prices, noting growth has been stronger in Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia,’ Dr Tan said.The June quarter rise in the number of loans was driven by Queensland (255 loans), South Australia (137 loans), Tasmania (59 loans) and the Northern Territory (57 loans).The total number of loans refinanced between lenders rose by 175 (0.3 per cent) to 65,205 in the June quarter and was 24.1 per cent higher than this time last year.Lending to investorsThere were 49,065 new investment loans approved in the June quarter 2025, a 3.5 per cent (1,656 loans) rise compared to the previous quarter. The total value of new investment loans was $32.9 billion, a rise of 1.4 per cent ($443 million). The average loan size rose by $1,103 to $674,259.‘The 3.5 per cent quarterly growth in the number of investment loans follows two consecutive quarterly falls. While annual growth slowed to 0.8 per cent from 27.0 per cent in the June quarter 2024, the number of new loans remained historically high,’ Dr Tan said.  The number of new loans rose in most states and territories, the largest in the Northern Territory, which rose 21.1 per cent (96 loans) and Western Australia, which rose 1.4 percent (85 loans).First home buyer loansThe number of owner occupier first home buyer loans grew by 1.7 per cent (492 loans) to 28,861. There were rises in Queensland (226 loans), New South Wales (187 loans), Victoria (88 loans), Tasmania (80 loans), the Australian Capital Territory (58 loans) and the Northern Territory (32 loans).

The Wage Price Index (WPI) rose 0.8 per cent in the June quarter 2025 and 3.4 per cent annually, according to seasonally adjusted data released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).Michelle Marquardt, ABS head of prices statistics, said: ‘Annual wage growth to the June quarter 2025 was unchanged from the 3.4 per cent rise seen in the March quarter 2025 but was down from the 4.1 per cent growth at the same time last year.’The WPI rose 0.8 per cent in the June quarter, lower than the 0.9 per cent rise in the March quarter 2025.Ms Marquardt added, ‘The share of wage changes greater than 4 per cent has declined since this time last year. The smaller proportion of jobs with larger wage increases has contributed to lower overall wage growth.’Seasonally adjusted quarterly private sector wages rose 0.8 per cent in June 2025, while public sector wages rose 1.0 per cent.‘This quarter’s lift in the public sector reflected backdated pay rises from recently approved state-based enterprise agreements coming into effect, coupled with regular scheduled pay increases.’ Ms Marquardt said.‘Both the private and the public sectors had lower annual wage growth compared to the June quarter 2024. Wages in the private sector grew 3.4 per cent over the previous 12 months, lower than the 4.1 per cent growth recorded in the year to June 2024. Annual public sector wage growth was at 3.7 per cent this quarter compared to 3.9 per cent at the same time last year.'More information can be found in Wage Price Index, Australia, June quarter 2025

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese released the following statement today:Australia will recognise the State of Palestine at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in September, to contribute to international momentum towards a two-state solution, a ceasefire in Gaza and release of the hostages.  Since 1947, Australia has supported Israel’s existence. In that year, Australia’s Foreign Minister Evatt chaired the UN committee that recommended the creation of two states side by side. Then, as now, the international community understood a two-state solution was the basis of peace and security for the peoples of the region.  Australia was the first country to raise its hand at the United Nations in support of Resolution 181, to create the State of Israel – and a Palestinian state. More than 77 years later, the world can no longer wait for the implementation of that Resolution to be negotiated between the parties.  Australia’s decision helps build the historic global momentum to break the cycle of violence in the Middle East. The Netanyahu Government is extinguishing the prospect of a two-state solution by rapidly expanding illegal settlements, threatening annexation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and explicitly opposing any Palestinian state.   The international community is moving to establish a Palestinian state consistent with a two-state solution.  In doing so, the world is seizing the opportunity of major new commitments from the Palestinian Authority, including to reform governance, terminate prisoner payments, institute schooling reform, demilitarise and hold general elections. The Palestinian Authority has also restated its recognition of Israel's right to exist. The President of the Palestinian Authority has reaffirmed these commitments directly to the Australian Government. Australia’s position is predicated on the commitments we have received from the Palestinian Authority. We will continue to work with the international community to hold the Palestinian Authority to its commitments and to encourage normalised relations between Israel and its neighbours. The commitments by the Palestinian Authority are strengthened by the Arab League’s unprecedented demand for the terrorist organisation Hamas to end its rule in Gaza and hand over its weapons.  Together these factors mean that this is the best opportunity Australia may ever have to support moderate voices for peace in the region, to undermine extremism and to further isolate Hamas. This is the movement to which Australia and so many countries are seeking to add momentum.  Hamas continues to damage the prospects of a two-state solution and rejects Israel’s right to exist. Hamas must release the hostages cruelly taken on October 7, 2023, immediately, unconditionally and with dignity. The Australian Government has consistently made clear there can be no role for Hamas in a Palestinian state. Australia is further compelled by the Netanyahu Government's disregard of the international community's calls, and its failure to comply with its legal and ethical obligations in Gaza. Israel is required to protect civilians and ensure the provision of food and medical supplies. Permanent forced displacement of civilians is illegal. Palestinian children deserve a future that looks nothing like their reality today. There is much more work to do in building the Palestinian state. We will work with partners on a credible peace plan that establishes governance and security arrangements for Palestine and ensures the security of Israel. Australia will continue to be a constructive partner in support of a two-state solution, as the only pathway to a secure and prosperous future that respects the aspirations of Israelis and Palestinians alike.

The NSW Government is strengthening protections against image-based abuse by outlawing the creation and distribution of sexually explicit deepfakes. Legislation will be introduced on Thursday to expand existing offences related to the production and distribution of intimate images without consent to cover those created entirely using artificial intelligence. It is already a crime in NSW to record or distribute intimate images of a person without their consent or to threaten to do so. This includes intimate images that have been digitally altered. The Crimes Act 1900 will be amended to make the production of a sexually explicit deepfake designed to be a genuine depiction of a real, identifiable person an offence punishable by up to three years’ jail.Sharing or threatening to share such images, even if the person hasn't created them, will also be a crime punishable by up to three years’ jail.In addition to these new offences, the Government will criminalise the creation, recording and distribution of sexually explicit audio, whether real or designed to sound like a real, identifiable person.The amendments will bring NSW into line with other jurisdictions that have criminalised the non-consensual production and distribution of sexually explicit material involving adults regardless of how it is created. It will not affect existing child abuse material offences that already criminalise the production, possession and dissemination of explicit material of a child.Attorney General Michael Daley said, “The NSW Government recognises the law needs to keep up with technology and we are moving to better protect people, particularly young women, from image-based abuse. “This bill closes a gap in NSW legislation that leaves women vulnerable to AI-generated sexual exploitation.” “We are ensuring that anyone who seeks to humiliate, intimidate or degrade someone using AI can be prosecuted.” Minister for Women and the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said, “The NSW Government is continuing to build a safer New South Wales for women and children across our state. “This Government takes image-based abuse seriously, and these new laws will criminalise behaviour that is becoming more common with the use of AI. “We are making sure that deepfakes are not weaponised against women, by strengthening the protections afforded to them.” NSW Women’s Safety Commissioner Hannah Tonkin said, “The devastating impacts of image-based abuse cannot be underestimated. Rapid developments in AI have made it easy to create extremely life-like, sexually explicit depictions of real people. “These images are humiliating and degrading in themselves, and they can be shared widely and used for intimidation or extortion. “We know that women and girls are the main targets of deepfake images. This is terrifying technology, which can be weaponised to cause immense harm. “It’s vital that the community understands that this form of abuse will not be tolerated – stronger legal protections help send this message.”Full Stop Australia CEO Karen Bevan said, “These changes catch up with the ways we know that AI is being harnessed to cause real-life harm, particularly to women.“The new law directly acknowledges the serious impacts that production and distribution of this non-consensual material have on victim-survivors.“This is a strong message - sexual abuse and harassment is not acceptable in any form or on any platform and the distribution of this material is unacceptable.” Support: Anyone impacted by sexual violence can contact the NSW Sexual Violence Helpline 24/7 on 1800 424 017.

All household types saw rises in quarterly living costs in the June 2025 quarter, ranging from 0.4 per cent to 1.0 per cent, according to the latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). Michelle Marquardt, ABS head of prices statistics, said: ‘Employee households had the smallest rise in living costs of all household types this quarter. The last time this happened was in the March 2022 quarter, before mortgage interest rates began rising.Households with government payments as their main source of income saw the largest rises in living costs this quarter.’ A significant difference between the Living Cost Indexes (LCIs) and the Consumer Price Index is that the LCIs include mortgage interest charges rather than the cost of building new dwellings. Employee households, whose main source of income are wages and salaries, benefitted most from falling mortgage interest charges, which are a larger part of their spending than for other household types.‘Mortgage interest charges fell 1.4 per cent in the quarter for employee households, as banks cut interest rates for both variable and new fixed rate home loans following the Reserve Bank of Australia’s decision to lower the cash rate target in February 2025,’ Ms Marquardt said. Housing and Food and non-alcoholic beverages were the main contributors to the rise in living costs across all household types.Out-of-pocket electricity costs rose this quarter as the second instalments of both the Commonwealth Energy Bill Relief Fund (EBRF) and State government rebates in Perth were used up by households in the previous quarter. Households in Queensland also contributed to the June quarter rise as they continued to use up the $1,000 State government rebate. Rebates reduce electricity costs for households.Food and non-alcoholic beverages rose across all household types driven by fruit and vegetables. Strawberries, blueberries, grapes, tomatoes and cucumbers saw price rises following reduced supply, which is typical at this time of year.Annual rises in living costs slowThe annual rise in living costs across all household types slowed this quarter compared to the March 2025 quarter. Smaller annual rises in living costs came with a continued slowing in growth for mortgage interest charges and a fall in automotive fuel prices. ‘Higher Housing and Food and non-alcoholic beverages prices over the year contributed to rises in annual living costs across all household types,’ Ms Marquardt said. Households with government payments as their main source of income saw the largest annual rises in living costs this quarter due to rises in electricity costs. These households saw a larger impact from the EBRF rebates being used up compared to other households types, which meant a proportionally bigger impact on their out-of-pocket electricity costs.Annual growth in living costs for Employee households has continued to slow, up 2.6 per cent in the 12 months to the June 2025 quarter, but down from a 3.4 per cent annual rise to the March 2025 quarter.The most significant contributor to rises in Employee households’ living costs was mortgage interest charges. Annual growth in mortgage interest charges has continued to slow, with an annual rise of 4.5 per cent to the June 2025 quarter, down from an 8.8 per cent annual rise last quarter.Pensioner living costs riseThe Pensioner and Beneficiary Living Cost Index (PBLCI) measures living costs for age pensioner and other government transfer recipient households. The PBLCI rose 2.9 per cent in the 12 months to June 2025 quarter, compared to an annual rise of 2.1 per cent in the CPI. Age pensioner and other government transfer recipient households saw larger annual price rises for Housing and Food and non-alcoholic beverages compared to the CPI. ‘Government pensions are indexed on 20 September and 20 March by the greater of the rise in the PBLCI and CPI over a six-month period. ‘Over the six months between the December 2024 quarter and June 2025 quarter, the PBLCI rose 2.7 per cent while the CPI rose 1.6 per cent,’ Ms Marquardt said. For more information on the topics covered in this media release, visit Selected Living Cost Indexes, Australia.

The NSW Government has today introduced legislation into Parliament to strengthen Working with Children Checks (WWCC) to better protect children from harm.The legislation will ensure 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). Currently, people with serious criminal histories – including offences involving children – can have decisions made by the Office of the Children’s Guardian overturned. In some cases, this has allowed individuals who were disqualified to return to child-related work.This reform ensures decisions about who can work with children are made – and reviewed – by the body best placed to assess risk to children, the Office of the Children’s Guardian.The same change will be made for NDIS Worker Checks, strengthening the existing internal appeals process within the Office of the Children’s Guardian to provide a more consistent and specialist approach to safety for people with disability.To close gaps in the system across the country, the NSW Government will also advocate for a national register of Working with Children Checks at National Cabinet– so parents can be confident that individuals working with children have been properly cleared – no matter which state or territory they’ve previously worked in.NSW will work with the Commonwealth and other jurisdictions to integrate WWCC systems and close information gaps that offenders may exploit by moving interstate.The legislation is part of the State Government’s broader commitment to child safety – including recent reforms to lift standards and accountability in early childhood education and care, such as:Higher fines for service breaches;A new, standalone regulator with stronger enforcement powers;Greater transparency for families on the safety record of providers;A CCTV trial to improve oversight of underperforming services.Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said, “Families need to know the system will catch the people it’s supposed to.“Stronger regulation isn’t just overdue — it’s essential. We’re putting safety and accountability back at the heart of early education and care.”Minister for Families and Communities, and Disability Inclusion, Kate Washington said, “Convicted sex offenders should not have a pathway back into child-related work, full stop.“This legislation closes that loophole for good. It puts child safety decisions where they belong — with the independent expert regulator whose job it is to protect children.”