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Australia’s NSW Bans New Coal Mines

New South Wales, Australia’s second largest coal-producing state, revealed plans to stop accepting applications for new coal mines in its NSW Coal Industry 2026-50 strategy and net zero 2050 emissions plan. The ban applies only to greenfield projects, existing mines and extensions are unaffected, allowing them to continue operating for decades. The state will also cease new coal exploration funding. Japan, China and Taiwan are the state’s largest coal buyers. Environmental groups welcomed the announcement but said continued approval of extensions to that mine was inconsistent with the state’s own climate legislation.

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NSW Extends Hate Speech Laws to Schools

NSW Extends Hate Speech Laws to Schools

New South Wales is cracking down on racial hate speech by bringing classrooms under the state’s public incitement laws. Premier Chris Minns announced that teachers across public, private, and Catholic schools will now be bound by a strict code of conduct. The changes give the state education board the authority to remove teachers found to be promoting racial hatred. The government is also introducing tougher rules to shut down illegal prayer halls and increasing fines for unauthorised places of worship to improve community safety.

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AutoGrab - AutoGrab raises $80m Series B to expand its automotive data platform and improve vehicle and EV valuation accuracy.

AutoGrab Secures $80M Series B to Grow Vehicle Data Services

AutoGrab has raised $80 million in a Series B funding round to accelerate global expansion and strengthen its automotive data and valuation platform. The Melbourne-founded startup provides real-time vehicle intelligence used by dealerships, insurers, fleet operators and finance providers. The startup plans to use the capital to expand operations in the UK and Europe, invest in product development and address growing complexity in vehicle and electric vehicle valuations. The funding round values AutoGrab at about A$230 million.

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NSW Beaches Shut After 4 Shark Attacks in Two Days

Compilation after series of NSW coast attacks Shark attack fears A STRING of shark attacks has sent shivers down the spine of the New South Wales coast, with four separate incidents reported in just 48 hours. Two of the victims, a young boy and a man in his 20s, are in critical condition with severe head injuries. Heavy rainfall and murky waters have formed a “perfect storm” for two to three dozen bull sharks to move in closer to shore, authorities say. Every northern beach in Sydney is now closed as specialists deploy drones and helicopters to monitor the water for more danger.

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Sydney Protests Banned For 14 Days Under New Laws

Sydney Protests Banned For 14 Days Under New Laws

Public gatherings remain forbidden in the city of Sydney for two weeks following the exercise of powers introduced post the Bondi Beach terror attack by the Commissioner of NSW Police. Taking part in any gathering in the South West Metropolitan, North West Metropolitan, and Central Metropolitan regions will be considered an unauthorised assembly. Commissioner Mal Layon stated that holding protests would increase fear and division. The period during which the order may remain in force is three months. The laws were passed on Christmas Eve because of the December 14 shooting incident in which 15 people were slain

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NSW Passes Toughest Gun Laws After Bondi Tragedy

NSW Passes Toughest Gun Laws After Bondi Tragedy

Australia’s New South Wales passed sweeping gun and anti-terror rules after the Bondi Beach mass shooting, capping individual gun ownership at four firearms and banning public display of terror symbols. The upper house approved the bill 18 votes to eight. Police get more powers to restrict protests for up to three months after terror attacks. Activist groups plan a constitutional challenge calling the laws draconian. Fifteen people were killed in the December 14 shooting at a Jewish Hanukkah celebration.

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NSW Bushfire Crisis Escalates: 16 Homes Lost as Firefighters Battle 70+ Blazes

NWS Alert: 70 Bushfires Burning Across New South Wales

Australia’s most populous state is facing a catastrophic bushfire emergency as more than 75 uncontrolled blazes tear through New South Wales, destroying homes, forcing thousands to evacuate, and pushing firefighting resources to their limits. What began as isolated incidents has rapidly escalated into one of the most dangerous fire situations the state has experienced in…

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Police Arrest 141 Protesters at Newcastle Port in NSW

Police Arrest 141 Protesters at Newcastle Port in NSW

NSW Police detained 141 individuals among them 18 minors at climate protests at Port of Newcastle on Sunday. Rising Tide activists obstructed coal vessels by using kayaks. They demanded fossil fuel levies. Halting new coal mining projects. Authorities pressed charges on 123 adults under the Crimes Act and Marine Safety Act. Two women were taken into custody aboard a ship after displaying a banner advocating for the phase-out of coal and gas. Police reported a protester’s boat collided with a police jet ski. A clash, at Foreshore Park hospitalized a 46-year- man. Port ships 150 million tonnes coal yearly. Police took zero-tolerance approach. 

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NSW Protesters Shut Newcastle Harbour, Demand No Coal

NSW Protesters Shut Newcastle Harbour, Demand No Coal

On Saturday thousands of climate activists paddled kayaks and sailed boats into Newcastle Harbour for a consecutive day blocking coal shipments. Since Friday police have enforced the exclusion zone issuing warnings of strict enforcement. The Rising Tide event organisers anticipated over 7000 participants by Sunday to call for halting coal and gas project approvals. Greens leader Melissa Waters took part in the flotilla with supporters Professor David Hood and Dr Stanley Chen. A Viking Cruise Line cancelled its harbour entry, at a cost to the local economy of $800,000. The event was described as a peaceful, family-friendly mobilisation. Protests continue through Sunday before the exclusion zone lifts on Monday morning. 

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NSW to Launch Digital Birth Certificates in 2026

NSW to Launch Digital Birth Certificates in 2026

Beginning March 2026 NSW will roll out birth certificates for residents aged 16 to 21. These optional certificates will be accessible to individuals born in NSW who possess a photo card or driver’s licence. At first they can only be used at Service NSW centres for government-related transactions, including RSA and RCG card applications. Minister Jihad Dib states this offers secure identity verification and enhanced data management. The government piloted the system in 2024 with 1400 participants. Service NSW is collaborating with industries to broaden acceptance, to businesses, schools and other organizations. NSW introduced digital drivers licenses statewide in October 2019. 

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