Key events
NSW unveils sweeping foster care reform
The NSW Labor government has announced major changes to the state’s out-of-home-care system.
The Minns government this morning announced will implement tougher accountability measures for non-government providers in the sector that cares for more than 13,000 vulnerable children.
The government will also spearhead foster care recruitment and reduce the outsourcing of child protection services.
The Minister for families and communities, Kate Washington said:
Despite significant and rising taxpayer investment, rates of restoration, guardianship and adoption continue to fall. It’s clear the current program has failed to deliver, that’s why we undertaking significant reform.
Accountability is non-negotiable when it comes to children’s safety and public trust. We are building a new foster care system where kids come first – every child deserves to grow up with love, safety and stability.
Welcome
Good morning. Welcome to our live news blog this Sunday.
The federal government is moving quickly to respond to events in Iran.
Last night, Australia declared its support for US action to stop Tehran obtaining a nuclear weapon and to prevent threats to international peace and security.
Anthony Albanese said in a statement: “Australia stands with the brave people of Iran in their struggle against oppression.”
The prime minister said Iran’s ruling regime had been a “destabilising force” for decades through its ballistic missile and nuclear programs, support for armed proxies, and “brutal acts of violence and intimidation”.
The national security committee of cabinet is due to meet about 8.30am this morning, and the foreign affairs minister, Penny Wong, will speak from Adelaide about 9.45am.
The government has criticised the Iranian regime’s brutal crackdown on protesters, which has left thousands of Iranian civilians dead, and highlighted Iranian-led foreign attacks in Australia.
Iran directed at least two attacks on Australian soil in 2024, carried out to target the Jewish community. Australia expelled Iran’s ambassador to Australia last year.