Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) has approved Ballina Shire Council's application to increase its general income through a permanent special variation (SV) of 26.25% [in rates] over four years, from 2026-27 to 2029-30.

In an open letter to the NSW Premier, Attorney-General, Minister for Police, and Commissioner of Police, advocates and civil society organisations have called for the charges to be dropped against people protesting against the visit of the President of Israel on 9 February 2026.

NSW Greens MLC and Chair of the NSW Inquiry into PFAS contamination, Cate Faehrmann, say she has welcomed the federal government’s decision to launch legal action against chemicals giant 3M over PFAS contamination, but warned that communities and state governments must not again be left to foot the bill.