Disaster assistance announced for NSW bushfire affected areas
Those who lost their homes in bushfires on the New South Wales central and mid north coasts will receive assistance from the federal and state government.
Speaking to the ABC on Sunday morning, the NSW premier, Chris Minns, said small businesses, primary producers, logistics and transport companies and local councils engaged in clean-up efforts will be able to access support.
Hardship grants will also be available for the uninsured who have lost their homes.
We know that at least 12 homes have been destroyed on the Central Coast but that number is likely to be higher. We are devastated for those families. Obviously that’s the worst news imaginable in the run-up to Christmas, exactly what they didn’t need and a reminder of how devastating these bushfires can be.
The premier said that number is expected to rise as the situation on the ground becomes clear, with reports up to 16 houses have been lost.
Minns said support services are working to engage with those affected local councils to keep roads open.
The good news is that transport has been reconnected so that line running from the Central Coast to Newcastle and Sydney will be back and operational as of today, which is important for transport and logistics …
Chris Minns. Photograph: Dan Himbrechts/AAPShare
Updated at 17.03 EST
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There are 60 people in the Gosford evacuation with 25 adults and two children currently in emergency accomodation, the ABC reports following a briefing by local authorities.
The situation remains ongoing with no clear information on how many homes have been affected, or how many people have been forced, as many residents have evacuated and are staying with friends and family.
Ben Shepherd from the NSW RFS is expected to speak to the ABC shortly to provide an update on the situation.
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Residents of Dolphin Sands in Tasmanian have been told it is still not safe to return after the Tasmania Fire Service issued a watch and act notice overnight.
The fire at Dolphin Sands had been contained as of Saturday night, but firefighting efforts will still underway to suppress the fire.
Residents were advised that it was not safe to enter the area with emergency crews continuing to work on the roadway. Fire investigation and hazard-identification activities are underway, and access remains dangerous.
Those who did not evacuate the area are advised to continue to monitor conditions and remain alert for changes with conditions expected to be fluid going into Sunday.
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State and federal governments are working closely with firefighting services working to contain the bushfires burning along the New South Wales coast, Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin says.
Saffin said four natural disaster declarations have been made to ensure assistance for those affected in communities in six local government areas including Central Coast, Mid Coast, Upper Hunter, Muswellbrook, Warrumbungle, and Dubbo.
We moved quickly, both governments to make sure there was that basic assistances, straight up.
This support will enable immediate financial assistance and accomodation for those who have had to evacuate their homes.
The Minister, who was herself rescued from floodwaters in the catastrophic flooding that swept the Northern Rivers in 2022, also expressed sympathy with those who have been affected by the bushfires.
To the people who are today in shock and distress, I just distress my, sort of, sympathy to them, and just give assurance that we will do everything we can to support them.
Saffin said that the extent of damage is not yet known as the RFS has yet to complete a damage assessment and the status of key infrastructure such as power is in the process of being restored.
Saffin says New South Wales recovery authorities are on the ground now “working hand in glove” with first responders to be ready for a formal hand over.
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Albanese: ‘You’ve got to show the Australian people their faith in democracy is deserved’
Closing out the conversation, the prime minister returns to a familiar theme of his administration: concern about a lack of faith in the democratic process.
I am quite pleased, if you like, that the government has put in place a system through our cabinet committee process where we’ve gone through literally and ticked off the big commitments that we made to the Australian people. You’ve got to show the Australian people their faith in democracy is deserved.
If we got elected and thrown it all out, that would’ve been undermined. There’s more to do. There will be inevitably issues arise that we can’t foresee now. I look forward to speaking to you at the beginning of next year. I’m sure some of those would have arisen over the summer break.
And that’s a wrap.
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Updated at 17.37 EST
Albanese says this year’s achievements not ‘limit of our ambition’
With the end of year closing in, the PM on a political high, Albanese is asked for his read of the political landscape given the government’s commanding political majority.
I went to the National Press Club straight after the election and made it clear for those people who thought oh well, they’ve got this majority, now they should ignore what they went to the election with. That wasn’t what we would do. This would be a year of delivery.
So we’ve gone through one by one and ticked that off. Paid parental leave extended, superannuation on paid parental leave, the increased wages in the minimum wage, the energy support through the batteries program that has made a difference. 20% off student debt.
One by one, ticking off the commitments we made at the election campaign. And then delivering it.
The PM says that these achievements do not represent the “limit of our ambition” and flags that his government will continue to address other issues including tax reform, saying “we’ll give consideration to the full suite of policy measures”, with the economy “front and centre” in the lead-up to the next budget.
So this year is, if you like, should be seen as a step on the journey, not the destination.
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Updated at 17.35 EST
Albanese says announcement on gas to be made ‘before end of the year’
In another cost of living question, the prime minister is asked about whether the government will extend the household energy rebate, which is worth $150 every six months, and says that the government has been clear “this wouldn’t be in place forever”.
In response to a question about what the government is doing to “get more gas into the system” to reduce prices for retail customers, and specifically whether the government will introduce a gas reservation policy, Albanese says:
We want to make sure, importantly, you’ve got to address what the objective is. The objective is cheaper gas. And so we’re examining that. We won’t be making a decision tomorrow, contrary to what has been reported. What we’re doing is working those issues through and we’ll make an announcement before the end of the year.
The PM says he won’t say whether all gas exporters may be covered but that the government will “do a proper analysis and discussion through a cabinet government that I lead” before reiterating that the government will “make an announcement before the end of the year”.
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Updated at 17.31 EST
Albanese is asked about cuts in aged care support
Albanese is now being asked about changes to the aged care system and how a cutback in support means elderly people are having to pay between $80 and $120 for help to have a shower, with the number of showers now cut back each week.
The PM says his government “inherited an aged care system that has been summarised by the royal commission’s interim findings by its title: neglect. What we have done is repair the system.
The PM then begins by listing his reforms – which he says are the “biggest reforms that have been put in place this century” – that include pay increases for aged care workers, more nurses and more time for aged care.
Asked specifically about the issue of people being charged for showers, Albanese says “we took advice from the experts on what clinical care was.”
Asked whether this should be reviewed, the PM says:
What we do constantly is we always monitor a new system, that’s what we do.
Pressed on whether that means the decision is open to change, the PM says:
We review the system at all times to make sure it’s delivering the care that is required.
Which is not a no, but also not a yes.
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Updated at 17.27 EST
Albanese defends Anika Wells over reports of taxpayer-funded travel expenses
Albanese has also defended a $100k expense for communications minister Anika Wells, a staffer and a public servant to join the prime minister and foreign minister Penny Wong in New York for a United Nations meeting.
Anika Wells was doing her job as the communications minister who is in charge of this world-leading, world-leading legislation, passed with bipartisan support, to give credit to Peter Dutton when he was opposition leader. And it was an important event. And it wasn’t just the event there, it was then the follow-up of people wanting to have meetings, have discussions, how is this going to work? What can we do to get buy-in here? When you’ve got Australia, a middle power, taking on these global giants.
The PM fields a series of calls about the flights, who was responsible and the size of the bill, particularly in the context of reporting today that Wells billed taxpayers $3,000 to fly her family to be with her at Thredbo, where Wells was there in her capacity as minister for an event associated with the Paralympics.
There’s family reunion entitlements, all of the travel within guidelines.
When pressed, Albanese continued to support his minister, saying the trip was “completely within rules”.
I’m saying it was within entitlements and Anika Wells was working on that trip as sports minister, participating the lifting up of para-sport.
Minister for communications Anika Wells. Photograph: Mick Tsikas/AAPShare
Updated at 17.28 EST
Asked about social media backdoors, Albanese says situation will be ‘monitored’
Asked about how the government will respond as young people find work-arounds and backdoors into social media platforms, the PM says the government will continue to “monitor” the situation.
But we’ve said very clearly that this won’t be perfect. Just like chances last night was Saturday night, somewhere in Australia, somewhere under 18s got a drink in a pub. But it’s the right thing to do for society to express its views, its judgement about what is appropriate.
The PM adds that Malaysia, New Zealand and the EU are all considering or implementing similar policies.
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Updated at 17.21 EST
Albanese says social media ban ‘a success already’
In seeking to prepare the public for a rough bushfire season and making his presence known, the PM is seeking to cut a sharp contrast between his administration and the response of Scott Morrison during the Black Summer bushfires in case this gets out of hand.
But the next question pivots to the government’s social media ban for under 16s, which the PM brands a “success already”.
What is happening is that parents are having this discussion with their young ones. We had a discussion with some of the kids visiting the studio here this morning. That will happen. That will happen. It’s happening in schools, it’s happening with parents having those discussions with children. It’s happening as well to hold these social media giants to account.
Anyone who reads the stories of parents in the Sunday newspapers today, who have lost loved ones, would have their heart torn. This is a change that hasn’t come from government, this is a change that has come from parents, taking what is a personal tragedy and channelling that into wanting no other parents to go through the heartbreak they have experienced.
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Updated at 17.17 EST
NSW fire season to be ‘quite difficult’ this year, Albanese says on Insiders
New South Wales is expected to experience “quite a difficult” fire season going into summer, the prime minister, Anthony Albanese, says.
Albanese is speaking to ABC Insiders host David Speers on Sunday morning after visiting the Emergency Management Australia headquarters an hour ago.
Houses lost yesterday, fortunately no loss life, that is always the priority. But fires burning as well as in the upper Hunter. There’s been some issues in Tasmania. And in Western Australia, around the Kimberley region as well. And the Pilbara.
So this summer of course, like all summers that would appear in recent times, is going to be a difficult one. But New South Wales in particular has a range of pre-conditions if you like for being quite a difficult one.
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Updated at 17.32 EST
Cool change brings relief but 20 fires remain uncontained across NSW
A welcome cool change is helping firefighters working to contain blazes along the New South Wales coast, but RFS deputy commissioner Ben Millington says those firefighting efforts continue.
Speaking to ABC on Sunday morning to give an update, Millington said there were 76 bush and grass fires burning across the state, with 20 that were not contained. He also said the focus is currently on the fire burning on the Central Coast with the potential for another shift in weather patterns to cause it to move once more.
That wind is now from the south so that could potentially move the fire to the north ,which has its own issues.
Millington added there was the potential for thunderstorms.
RFS damage assessment teams were on the ground on Sunday morning and he said an updated number on losses is expected as the situation becomes clear.
Firefighters mop up after a bushfire engulfed homes in the Koolewong area on the Central Coast, New South Wales (NSW), 6 December 2025. Photograph: Dan Himbrechts/EPA
Despite reports of power lines being down, Millington says the RFS is not aware of any injuries as a result and that evacuations have gone smoothly with all processes followed.
We are very thankful that they heeded the warnings and got out of the area. There is an exclusion zone still in place and we are asking people to remain clear of that area so firefighters can continue to work uninterrupted.
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Updated at 17.18 EST
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will speak to ABC Insiders host David Speers on Sunday morning.
We will bring you all the latest as it happens.
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Climate crisis means ‘more volatile weather periods’ ahead for NSW, Minns says
Climate breakdown is causing “more volatile weather periods” across New South Wales, the premier says.
“Can I just say that unfortunately we’re likely to have more volatile weather periods in the years ahead due to the changing climate, and I would love to say that we’re out of the woods or the worst is behind us, but the truth is that’s not the case,” Chris Minns said.
The premier said it was important people act on their fire plans and monitor all channels of information to keep across the situation.
Climate change has been caused by the mass burning of oil, gas and coal, which in turn has been forcing a chemical change in the atmosphere and is disrupting stable weather systems. The bushfires come while Australia is just beginning summer.
Minns was asked about the “irony” that the bushfires have come just as his government has announced it may keep the Eraring coal-fired power plant operating beyond 2027 – a connection the premier appeared to reject.
That would be pretty cynical.
Minns said the state was in the process of transitioning its energy grid, with 85% of the state’s power coming from coal “a few years ago” now down to 65% and “dropping”. The premier said there are “billions of dollars coming into the grid” to develop “massive” new renewable energy projects, but the state is in the process of undertaking the transition while “trying to keep the lights on”.
I think it’s consistent, but it is not an easy path. It is a difficult thing to pull off, but we’re not for turning. It is hugely important for New South Wales.
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Updated at 17.06 EST
High winds caused fire to jump 1km body of water, Chris Minns says
High winds on Saturday caused the fires to spread, including embers jumping a 1km stretch of water, Minns said, but firefighters have been able to contain it to stop the loss of additional homes.
This was a fast-moving, very dangerous fire in a residential area and we owe a huge debt of gratitude to members of the RFS, many of whom are volunteers who put their lives on the line and did an amazing public service for this state and we have a huge debt of gratitude to them.
For more, read the Guardian’s previous reporting on the bushfires burning across the state:
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Updated at 17.04 EST
Disaster assistance announced for NSW bushfire affected areas
Those who lost their homes in bushfires on the New South Wales central and mid north coasts will receive assistance from the federal and state government.
Speaking to the ABC on Sunday morning, the NSW premier, Chris Minns, said small businesses, primary producers, logistics and transport companies and local councils engaged in clean-up efforts will be able to access support.
Hardship grants will also be available for the uninsured who have lost their homes.
We know that at least 12 homes have been destroyed on the Central Coast but that number is likely to be higher. We are devastated for those families. Obviously that’s the worst news imaginable in the run-up to Christmas, exactly what they didn’t need and a reminder of how devastating these bushfires can be.
The premier said that number is expected to rise as the situation on the ground becomes clear, with reports up to 16 houses have been lost.
Minns said support services are working to engage with those affected local councils to keep roads open.
The good news is that transport has been reconnected so that line running from the Central Coast to Newcastle and Sydney will be back and operational as of today, which is important for transport and logistics …
Chris Minns. Photograph: Dan Himbrechts/AAPShare
Updated at 17.03 EST
Good morning
Welcome to another Sunday morning Guardian live blog.
Disaster assistance will be made available to those in fire zones and people who do not have insurance after bushfires burning on the New South Wales Central Coast are reported to have destroyed up to 16 homes overnight. The announcement on Sunday morning comes as New South Wales premier Chris Minns said hot and windy conditions allowed the fire front to jump a one kilometre body of water.
The federal government has refused to repatriate Australian children from Syrian refugee camps despite the US warning that leaving them there raises the risk they will be radicalised and harmed. Australia has refused to issue the children with travel documents and passports despite an offer to facilitate their evacuation.
I’m Royce Kurmelovs and I’ll be taking the blog through the day.
With that, let’s get started …
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