GovRadar
A platform for universities to track government announcements shaping Australia’s future.
About this tracker
GovRadar captures government announcements across key policy areas, giving university partners an easy way to browse and stay across emerging priorities. While not exhaustive, it highlights the majority of public-facing, policy-focused ministerial announcements at both state and federal levels. The tracker is updated on a monthly basis.
Major developments
September 2025
In September, the NSW Government focused on boosting infrastructure investment, technology adoption, and workforce development. Key announcements included the opening of the Investment Delivery Authority and the $1 billion Pre-sale Finance Guarantee, aimed at fast-tracking major projects. A strong emphasis on innovation was clear with the launch of a new strategy for Sydney’s Tech Central, the creation of a new Office for AI in the Department of Customer Service, and the opening of a healthcare robotics and innovation centre. In education, NSW announced the rollout of a purpose-built AI education tool to public school students from Year 5. The Government also advanced reforms in apprenticeships and traineeships and investments in skilled workforce development and regional development.
In the energy and environment sector, the Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone project received planning approval, and the NSW Government introduced new guidelines to simplify disaster adaptation planning, released a new Biosecurity Action Plan, and plans for reusing and recycling solar panels. The federal government adopted Australia’s 2035 climate target and pledged $1.1 billion to produce cleaner fuel.
Addressing housing supply remains a top priority, driven by major planning reforms and increased social protections. The Government announced over 12,000 new homes as state significant (in stages) alongside more support for build-to-rent housing and tougher rental protections for those facing domestic and family violence. Other developments included passing a world-leading Suicide Prevention Bill and reforms enhancing protections against deepfakes, image-based abuse, and sexual violence.
August 2025
The Economic Reform Roundtable took place in Canberra this month to outline measures to boost national productivity. In NSW, there has been a strong emphasis on economic development, job creation, and infrastructure. This includes $8.7 million in investment for jobs and industry infrastructure in the Hunter. The NSW Budget 2025-26 earmarks $12.4 billion for health infrastructure and significant funds for public transport projects, such as the Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2.
In the area of housing and social policy, the government has launched the NSW Homelessness Strategy 2025-2035, a long-term plan that shifts the focus from crisis management to early intervention and providing stable housing with support. This is complemented by initiatives to accelerate planning approvals for large-scale housing projects, including affordable and social housing. The government also announced a new National Health and Medical Research Strategy to enhance research capabilities and improve health outcomes.
In education, the Commonwealth Government is taking steps to create a more “joined-up tertiary education system” and to strengthen the powers of the university regulator. A new national code to protect staff and students from sexual violence in higher education has been introduced. Additionally, reforms to apprenticeship and traineeship programs are being prioritised to develop a skilled workforce for construction and other key sectors.
July 2025
The NSW Government announced a range of new measures in July, largely focused on infrastructure, housing, and public services. On the federal level, the 48th Parliament opened on 22 July in Canberra, with education and economic reform as the leading focus areas of ministerial announcements.
Several new housing initiatives were promoted, such as thousands of new homes being declared State Significant Developments, land purchased for new homes in flood-affected communities, and the launch of new housing pattern designs that can be approved quickly. Additionally, there were announcements about new public modular housing for tenants and homes for essential workers. Several announcements highlighted investments and new projects aimed at improving infrastructure, particularly in regional areas and Western Sydney. This includes $11.5 million of investment in Northern Rivers projects, a $2.24 billion road upgrade in Western Sydney, and a new vision and funding for a “creative boom” in Western Sydney.
Announcements also detailed reforms and initiatives in key sectors like education, energy, health, and worker safety. In the energy sector, the NSW Government is looking to boost energy security by investing $26.2 million in low-emissions clean technology. In addition, the official launch of the Energy Security Corporation aims to accelerate priority projects through $1 billion in co-investment. Health and wellbeing-related announcements included reforms to make ADHD care cheaper and more accessible, the establishment of a virtual health hub for menopause care, a lift in early support services for domestic violence, and reforms to the Working with Children Check. There was also a focus on workers’ safety through a blitz by SafeWork NSW and ongoing efforts to reform workers’ compensation, with legislative deliberation continuing in the NSW Parliament.
The Albanese Government announced a range of measures on economic and social policy. Notably, the government announced a 20 per cent cut to all student debts, fulfilling an election commitment. An Economic Reform Roundtable was announced to take place in August, and a consultation was launched on reforms to non-compete clauses to boost wages and productivity. The government also took steps on children’s use of social media and on reducing pharmaceutical costs. Internationally, the government was involved in G20 Finance Ministers meetings and a visit to the People’s Republic of China.