Editors Picks
27 April 2025
HEMP PUSHED AS MAINSTREAM CROP
THE NSW Government has released a draft Hemp Industry Development Plan for public comment, aiming to establish hemp as a mainstream, sustainable crop. The plan sets out a vision supported by four strategic objectives to guide industry growth and collaboration. Developed by the NSW Hemp Industry Taskforce, it identifies key opportunities to strengthen the sector. Public feedback is open until 19 May 2025 via the Have Your Say website.
27 April 2025
NEW HOMES BUILD AT LOWEST LEVELS
IN 2024, just 168,050 new homes began construction in Australia, the lowest level in over a decade, according to HIA Chief Economist Tim Reardon. He warned that the loss of skilled workers to other sectors threatens future building capacity. Australia must build over 250,000 homes annually to meet housing targets. Reardon urged immediate government action to reduce taxes and fees, alongside long-term reforms in land supply, infrastructure, planning, and taxation.
27 April 2025
AMBULANCE RAMPING HAS DOUBLED
AMBULANCE ramping in Australia has doubled in five years, with hospitals overwhelmed and patients suffering tragic delays, according to the AMA's latest report. AMA President Dr Danielle McMullen warned that under-resourcing, a lack of beds, and exit block are major issues, urging urgent action and a new National Health Reform Agreement. She called for more transparency in data reporting, highlighting the growing human and financial costs of the crisis.
Featured
19 April 2025
DRIVERS BEWARE DURING PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
Double demerit points in holiday season
NSW Police will be out in force during the Easter break prompting a Sydney lawyer to issue a warning to motorists as double demerit points apply.
12 April 2025
BETTER FEEDBACK FROM BREAST SCREENING
FROM April 2025, BreastScreen NSW will begin informing women of their breast density to help assess breast cancer risk. Dense breast tissue can make cancer harder to detect on mammograms and is a known risk factor. The change won’t affect appointment times, and women with high density are encouraged to speak with their doctor. Mammograms remain the best screen-ing method, especially for women aged 50–74, with earlier screening advised for Aboriginal women.
12 April 2025
ROUGH SLEEPING SURGES IN REGIONAL AREAS
ROUGH sleeping in Australia has surged 22% nationwide since 2020, with a 51% rise in NSW - especially in regional areas - due to a worsening housing crisis. More employed Australians are seeking help, and services are over-whelmed. Rising rents, limited social housing, and funding shortfalls are pushing more people into homelessness. Experts warn urgent action and in-vestment in prevention and housing solutions are needed to address what is now a national homelessness emergency.
12 April 2025
FIST RESPONDERS MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT
THE NSW Government has launched a new Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy for first responders, now including forestry, national parks, and transport workers alongside traditional emergency services. The strategy out-lines 15 priority actions to improve mental health support, with a focus on accessibility in regional areas. Measures include Psychological First Aid train-ing, clinical care referrals, and peer-support services. This proactive approach ensures all first responders receive tailored, trauma-informed support throughout their careers, promoting long-term wellbeing and workforce sustainability.
