04 April 2026
FREE LAW HELP GROUP TURNS 25
LAWACCESS NSW is celebrating 25 years, having assisted 3.7 million people with free legal information and referrals. Demand continues to rise, with increasingly complex issues such as financial stress, housing and domestic violence. The service is adopting AI and digital tools to improve efficiency and access. In 2024–25, over 165,000 enquiries were handled, with a focus on expanding support and improving pathways to legal assistance.
04 April 2026
MOVE TO PROTECT RETAIL WORKERS
THE NSW Government will consult stakeholders on new measures to protect retail workers from violence, including proposed Workplace Protection Orders to ban offenders from stores. This builds on existing laws and a police-led retail crime strategy targeting repeat offenders. Since October 2025, hundreds have been charged and stolen goods recovered. The initiative is supported by industry collaboration and SafeWork NSW efforts to prevent workplace harassment and improve safety.
04 April 2026
MORE AGED CARE BEDS WELCOMED
AGEING Australia has welcomed the Albanese Government’s $115M investment to expand aged care beds, targeting key regions to ease hospital pressure. The funding supports faster delivery of new capacity, but leaders warn it falls short of demand. With Australia’s ageing population growing rapidly, far more beds are needed annually. The initiative is seen as a positive first step, but not a complete solution to the looming aged care shortfall.