New South Wales Archives - Inspirepreneur Magazine

KPMG Australia Fallout Deepens as RBA and Pension Fund Review Ties

ShivangiJune 5, 2026June 5, 202603 mins

KPMG Australia is facing increasing pressure as major institutions review their relationship with the firm following whistleblower allegations involving the misuse of confidential client information. The Reserve Bank of Australia is unlikely to renew KPMG’s whistleblower hotline contract, while pension fund Rest and the New South Wales government are seeking additional information and assurances. The controversy follows the resignation of KPMG Australia’s CEO and audit chief and has intensified scrutiny of Australia’s consulting industry. An independent review is now underway as regulators, clients and government bodies continue to examine the firm’s conduct.

NSW Opens First New Gas Exploration Areas in a Decade

ShivangiApril 29, 2026April 29, 202606 mins

New South Wales has launched its first new frontier gas exploration areas in a decade, reducing application fees from A$50,000 to only A$1 within the hope of resuscitating domestic exploration activity. It comes after Queensland and Victoria recently announced matching moves, as AEMO warned of east coast gas supply shortfalls by the end of the decade. NSW Farmers said the fee cut may lure low-resourced operators onto to agricultural land. Separately, BlueScope chief Tania Archibald called for more gas supply and price relief to save competitive manufacturing. Middle East tensions have focused Australia’s domestic energy security efforts

Australia’s NSW Bans New Coal Mines

ShivangiMarch 20, 2026March 20, 202607 mins

New South Wales, Australia’s second largest coal-producing state, revealed plans to stop accepting applications for new coal mines in its NSW Coal Industry 2026-50 strategy and net zero 2050 emissions plan. The ban applies only to greenfield projects, existing mines and extensions are unaffected, allowing them to continue operating for decades. The state will also cease new coal exploration funding. Japan, China and Taiwan are the state’s largest coal buyers. Environmental groups welcomed the announcement but said continued approval of extensions to that mine was inconsistent with the state’s own climate legislation.

NSW Extends Hate Speech Laws to Schools

ShivangiFebruary 3, 2026February 3, 202605 mins

New South Wales is cracking down on racial hate speech by bringing classrooms under the state’s public incitement laws. Premier Chris Minns announced that teachers across public, private, and Catholic schools will now be bound by a strict code of conduct. The changes give the state education board the authority to remove teachers found to be promoting racial hatred. The government is also introducing tougher rules to shut down illegal prayer halls and increasing fines for unauthorised places of worship to improve community safety.

AutoGrab - AutoGrab raises $80m Series B to expand its automotive data platform and improve vehicle and EV valuation accuracy.

AutoGrab Secures $80M Series B to Grow Vehicle Data Services

amanJanuary 27, 2026January 28, 202604 mins

AutoGrab has raised $80 million in a Series B funding round to accelerate global expansion and strengthen its automotive data and valuation platform. The Melbourne-founded startup provides real-time vehicle intelligence used by dealerships, insurers, fleet operators and finance providers. The startup plans to use the capital to expand operations in the UK and Europe, invest in product development and address growing complexity in vehicle and electric vehicle valuations. The funding round values AutoGrab at about A$230 million.

NSW Beaches Shut After 4 Shark Attacks in Two Days

ShivangiJanuary 20, 2026January 20, 202608 mins

Compilation after series of NSW coast attacks Shark attack fears A STRING of shark attacks has sent shivers down the spine of the New South Wales coast, with four separate incidents reported in just 48 hours. Two of the victims, a young boy and a man in his 20s, are in critical condition with severe head injuries. Heavy rainfall and murky waters have formed a “perfect storm” for two to three dozen bull sharks to move in closer to shore, authorities say. Every northern beach in Sydney is now closed as specialists deploy drones and helicopters to monitor the water for more danger.

Sydney Protests Banned For 14 Days Under New Laws

ShivangiDecember 26, 2025December 26, 202506 mins

Public gatherings remain forbidden in the city of Sydney for two weeks following the exercise of powers introduced post the Bondi Beach terror attack by the Commissioner of NSW Police. Taking part in any gathering in the South West Metropolitan, North West Metropolitan, and Central Metropolitan regions will be considered an unauthorised assembly. Commissioner Mal Layon stated that holding protests would increase fear and division. The period during which the order may remain in force is three months. The laws were passed on Christmas Eve because of the December 14 shooting incident in which 15 people were slain

NSW Passes Toughest Gun Laws After Bondi Tragedy

ShivangiDecember 24, 2025December 24, 202508 mins

Australia’s New South Wales passed sweeping gun and anti-terror rules after the Bondi Beach mass shooting, capping individual gun ownership at four firearms and banning public display of terror symbols. The upper house approved the bill 18 votes to eight. Police get more powers to restrict protests for up to three months after terror attacks. Activist groups plan a constitutional challenge calling the laws draconian. Fifteen people were killed in the December 14 shooting at a Jewish Hanukkah celebration.

NSW Bushfire Crisis Escalates: 16 Homes Lost as Firefighters Battle 70+ Blazes

NWS Alert: 70 Bushfires Burning Across New South Wales

manjula@inspirepreneur.com.auDecember 7, 2025December 8, 2025010 mins

Australia’s most populous state is facing a catastrophic bushfire emergency as more than 75 uncontrolled blazes tear through New South Wales, destroying homes, forcing thousands to evacuate, and pushing firefighting resources to their limits. What began as isolated incidents has rapidly escalated into one of the most dangerous fire situations the state has experienced in…

Police Arrest 141 Protesters at Newcastle Port in NSW

manjula@inspirepreneur.com.auDecember 1, 2025December 1, 202505 mins

NSW Police detained 141 individuals among them 18 minors at climate protests at Port of Newcastle on Sunday. Rising Tide activists obstructed coal vessels by using kayaks. They demanded fossil fuel levies. Halting new coal mining projects. Authorities pressed charges on 123 adults under the Crimes Act and Marine Safety Act. Two women were taken into custody aboard a ship after displaying a banner advocating for the phase-out of coal and gas. Police reported a protester’s boat collided with a police jet ski. A clash, at Foreshore Park hospitalized a 46-year- man. Port ships 150 million tonnes coal yearly. Police took zero-tolerance approach.