The Victorian Government has secured the passage of the Building Legislation and Treasury Legislation (Tax Relief) Amendment Bill 2026, introducing a suite of reforms aimed at improving consumer protection and confidence in the apartment market.

Resilience Insurance, Australia’s leading Latent Defects Insurance (LDI) provider, has welcomed the move.

The LDI elements of the Bill passed with bipartisan support and now moves to the Legislative Council where debate and passage are expected later this month. It represents a significant milestone in the national shift toward stronger, longer-term protection for apartment buyers.&nbsp;

The reform would deliver practical benefits across the housing system. Apartment owners will have stronger protection if major defects emerge, developers and builders will have a clearer quality framework to work within, and the State will reduce the risk of serious building failures becoming a long-term financial and social burden for households, communities and government.&nbsp;

LDI helps support apartment delivery while providing stronger protection for buyers and encouraging better construction outcomes.&nbsp;

Resilience LDI provides apartment owners with 10 years of insurance-backed cover for major structural defects from completion, with direct claim access to the insurer. This means owners are not required to first pursue developers or builders through costly legal action before accessing protection.&nbsp;

Resilience Insurance has been operating in Australia since 2022 and has already insured hundreds of development projects covering many thousands of apartments across Australia.&nbsp;

At approximately 1.8 per cent of build cost, it is a cost-competitive alternative to the traditional two per cent Strata Bond, bond while delivering significantly broader and longer protection.&nbsp;

“The Victorian Lower House vote shows that reforms like this succeed when they are practical, evidence-based and supported by industry," says Corey Nugent, CEO of Resilience Insurance.

"Victoria is moving quickly on a reform that will make a real difference for apartment buyers, while supporting better building outcomes and greater confidence in apartment delivery.

“This is step one. We look forward to the Bill completing its passage through the Legislative Council and to working with government and industry to implement the framework effectively.”&nbsp;

Fast Facts: What is Resilience LDI?&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Resilience Latent Defects Insurance (LDI): Covers major structural defects for 10 years from completion.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Consumer-first: Direct claim access, no need for lengthy legal action.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Cost advantage: At approximately 1.8% of build cost, LDI is typically priced below the traditional 2% Strata Bond while offering broader protection.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Market leader: Resilience Insurance is the first approved LDI provider in NSW.</li>
</ul>

The Building Legislation and Treasury Legislation (Tax Relief) Amendment Bill 2026 has passed the Victorian Lower House, putting Victoria on track to become the first state to legislate an industry workable LDI framework as a formal alternative to the Strata Building bond. 

Joel Robinson

10-year Latent Defects Insurance for new apartment buyers set to land in Victoria

Just a few months after acquiring a prime Broadbeach site on the corner of First Avenue and Surf Parade, family-run developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/raptis">Raptis</a> has filed fresh plans for a new apartment development.

Raptis is seeking to deliver a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/17-19-first-avenue-broadbeach-qld-4217">29-storey tower with 73 apartments</a> on the 818 sqm site. It will be the developer's seventh project in the suburb, as they are approaching completion of The Sterling on George Avenue.

There will be a pool, barbecue and outdoor dining area, residents lounge and dining, sauna and steam room, gym, and a Yoga and Pilates studio.

<img alt="Raptis" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b554da3f-7344-49aa-b1c9-44cf459af0d7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-05%20at%2010.41.45%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=zzjWu1iO1wnuYv4EV4fyOyf5nSXjGYut" />

Raptis Joint Managing Director, Evan Raptis, says they remain&nbsp;committed to developing quality infill sites across the Gold Coast in the lead-up to the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

"This project continues our long track record of delivery in Broadbeach, and we look forward to bringing another premium development to this thriving precinct."

The announcement follows strong delivery momentum for Raptis, with The Sterling Broadbeach nearing completion and construction well underway on the final stage of the Waterpoint community adjacent to Harbour Town. The developer's continued investment in the Gold Coast reflects confidence in the region's apartment market fundamentals, underpinned by sustained Southeast Queensland population growth.&nbsp;

The outlook for the region is further bolstered by infrastructure investment tied to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games, which is expected to drive continued economic and population growth across the SEQ corridor.&nbsp;

Subject to a favourable response from Gold Coast City Council, construction on the new First Avenue tower is targeted to commence before the end of 2026.&nbsp;

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/it-s-all-in-the-family-four-decades-later-raptis-continues-to-shape-the-gold-coast-skyline">It’s all in the family: Four decades later, Raptis continues to shape the Gold Coast skyline</a>

Read more: <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/raptis-secures-prime-surf-parade-site-for-next-broadbeach-apartment-development">Raptis secures prime Surf Parade site for next Broadbeach apartment development</a> 
&nbsp;

Gold Coast developer brings seventh Broadbeach project to market, targeting construction commencement before year end

First look: Raptis lodges plans for new 29-storey Broadbeach tower 

Brisbane development veteran Kevin Seymour's Seymour Group is set to deepen its presence on one of Brisbane's most tightly held riverfront addresses, lodging revised plans for a luxury apartment development on Oxlade, just a few doors down from The Oxlade, which it completed in 2024.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/70-72-oxlade-drive-new-farm-qld-4005">new project at 70-72 Oxlade Drive</a>, directly north of The Oxlade, will have 27 apartments across a seven-storey building&nbsp;overlooking the Brisbane River and Merthyr Park. It's a revision from a 2021-approved design.

Designed by bureau^proberts, the project has evolved from the previously approved 26-apartment scheme, introducing an additional penthouse level while maintaining a low-density, boutique character. The development will comprise 26 three-bedroom apartments and a single four-bedroom penthouse, supported by two basement levels with 86 car spaces and 34 bicycle spaces.

The architectural response is centred around two distinct building forms separated by a landscaped open-air atrium.&nbsp;"This dual composition captures and embraces Brisbane’s subtropical environment whilst breaking down built form and scale," the submission to the Brisbane City Council noted.

<img alt="First look: Seymour Group returns to Oxlade Drive with revised riverfront apartment plans in New Farm" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c12d84d0-bc11-4067-b46f-5bd2d786a34d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/new%20farm%20landscape.png?VersionId=YEPc2k5CAdh6aAPlu4uVpgZadh4MEfRd" />

A defining feature of the design is a deep landscaped void running through the centre of the building, creating what bureau^proberts describes as a "natural ravine" that enhances airflow, daylight penetration and resident amenity. The design report notes that the separation of the two building volumes is intended to maximise natural light, cross-ventilation and outlook while strengthening connections to the surrounding riverfront setting.

Curved balcony edges, integrated planting and extensive landscaping throughout the façade reinforce the subtropical design approach. The building's façade is softened by elevated gardens and planter beds, creating a green edge that complements the established landscape character of Oxlade Drive and neighbouring Merthyr Park.

New Farm has become one of Brisbane's most sought-after suburbs for developers delivering premium downsizer-focused apartments.

GRAYA has been particularly active in the precinct, completing both Chalk and York in recent years, while construction of Moray House, being delivered for Spyre, is now nearing completion. Architect-turned-developer Joe Adsett recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/arcilla-new-farm-by-joe-adsett-28-maxwell-street-new-farm-qld-4005">Arcilla on Maxwell Street</a>, an exclusive collection of just nine apartments.

First look: Seymour Group returns to New Farm's Oxlade Drive with riverfront apartment plans

A new residential tower will be the first piece of a broader mixed-use precinct set to reshape a prominent Newcastle West site, with local developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> bringing its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/cambridge-quarter-newcastle-west-12-denison-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Cambridge Quarter</a> vision to market.

The first release, Tempo, will introduce 87 apartments across a 24-storey tower, marking Stage 1 of the residential component of a larger urban regeneration project planned for the western end of Newcastle's city centre, encompassing the former Cambridge Hotel site.

Positioned on Denison Street, Tempo has been designed as the inaugural building within Cambridge Quarter, a precinct that will ultimately combine apartments, retail activation and revitalised public spaces including the revamping of the Cambridge Hotel.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135876 project_image_fid=368853]

The tower will comprise a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, including layouts with multipurpose rooms, catering to a broad cross-section of owner-occupiers. Apartment sizes range from around 60 sqm to 192 sqm, with a number of residences oriented to capture views across Newcastle Harbour, the city skyline and coastline.

GWH has emphasised liveability in the design, with open-plan layouts extending to generous balconies and terraces. Residents will have a choice of two interior palettes, while specifications include engineered stone benchtops, SMEG appliances, full-height bathroom tiling and secure building access. Premium upgrade packages will also be available.

Multiple rooftop resident retreats will provide communal outdoor space overlooking the harbour and city, offering an elevated amenity layer above the activity of the precinct below.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135876 project_image_fid=368851]

The broader Cambridge Quarter vision extends beyond the residential tower itself. Ground-level retail activation and landscaped public areas are planned throughout the precinct, creating a walkable neighbourhood environment connected to the surrounding renewal of Newcastle West. The Cambridge Hotel is also earmarked for future redevelopment into a family-friendly hospitality venue integrated with the new precinct.

The project is strategically positioned within walking distance of Newcastle Interchange, providing access to light rail, regional rail services and direct connections to Sydney. Residents will also be close to Honeysuckle, Newcastle Harbour and the city's beaches and coastal walkways.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135876 project_image_fid=368852]

For GWH, Cambridge Quarter represents one of its most significant Newcastle developments to date. The locally based developer, which has operated in the Hunter region since 1995, describes the project as a new chapter in the ongoing transformation of Newcastle West.

GWH Executive Director Jonathan Craig said the project had been shaped by a focus on creating lasting community connections.

"We take pride in creating places that last. Spaces where people feel connected, comfortable and a genuine sense of belonging," Craig said.

"Cambridge Quarter is something we are truly proud of, a place shaped by local knowledge, built with care and designed to be part of Newcastle's next chapter."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135876]

GWH unveils first release at landmark Cambridge Quarter precinct in Newcastle West

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ss-projects">S&amp;S Projects</a>,&nbsp;Rainbow Bay's busiest developer,&nbsp;has officially lodged plans for the largest development in its booming local portfolio, seeking approval for a further 88 apartments on Boundary Street.

The proposal&nbsp;at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/209-213-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">209–213 Boundary Street, Coolangatta</a>,&nbsp;marks the next chapter in the developer's transformation of the southern Gold Coast beachside precinct. It will be its fifth in the area, having already delivered Flow, Awaken and Esprit, while construction continues on the 38-apartment Radia. The new project would rise 57 metres above a consolidated 1,518 sqm site, on the same street as Radia and Esprit.

&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cottee-parker-architects">Cottee Parker</a>, the proposed development comprises 88 two and three-bedroom apartments across a contemporary podium-and-tower form that integrates extensive landscaping from street level through to the rooftop.

The tower would be delivered above a basement and multi-level podium accommodating resident and visitor parking, with the residential component commencing from level three. The design incorporates cascading planting throughout the façade, landscaped podium edges, and deep planting zones along the Boundary Street frontage.

<img alt="First look: S&amp;S Projects lodges plans for 88-apartment wellness tower at Coolangatta's Boundary Street" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="677e6615-b5c0-4b6c-b4f9-efb14fcde1a6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/ss%20da%20pers.png?VersionId=YOnPKQm7IFXv0M5H326djEpxk80500Hi" />

A key feature of the development is its expansive rooftop wellness and recreation precinct. Plans reveal a resort-style pool deck, gymnasium, sauna, steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, rooftop terraces, barbecue areas and landscaped relaxation spaces positioned to capture views across the southern Gold Coast coastline.

The rooftop wellness focus builds on the vision S&amp;S Projects first outlined when it acquired the site for $20.25 million last year.

"We are taking every advantage to create a truly unique rooftop wellness experience with a natural feel for residents, offering stone features throughout and an underlying theme that emulates a botanical garden," S&amp;S Projects founder and director Paul Gedoun said at the time.

The proposal seeks a 57-metre building height, representing a 50 per cent uplift on the site's mapped 38-metre height limit. Planning documents argue the additional height is consistent with recently approved and emerging towers in the immediate Boundary Street and Rainbow Bay precinct.

Urbis, acting as planning consultant, said the development would provide "88 dwellings, comprising a mix of two and three-bedroom apartments, contributing to housing choice and supply within an established medium to high-rise coastal urban neighbourhood."

The scheme has undergone extensive pre-lodgement consultation with the City of Gold Coast, with the design refined following feedback relating to architectural expression, landscaping, traffic access and podium treatment.

<img alt="S&amp;S" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0a2d70fd-62ac-4b83-97c6-b798fc1243dd" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-05%20at%209.16.31%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=yHmghUwKM3IVGpBktQU1mE.0Lpf3WimG" />

The architectural team is led by Brisbane-based Cottee Parker, one of Australia's most active residential design studios, with landscape architecture by Dunn + Moran. The consultant team also includes ADG Engineers, Windtech and Acoustic Works.

S&amp;S Projects has become one of the most influential private developers operating on the southern Gold Coast. Since entering Rainbow Bay in 2022, the company has assembled a portfolio exceeding $1 billion in end value, establishing itself as a key player in the area's evolution into a premium apartment destination. Pezet Matheson will again handle the sales for S&amp;S.

Coolangatta is entering another wave of apartment development, following the delivery of several prominent residential projects in recent years.

John Kearney's Immerse Projects will launch&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kaiya-kirra-beach-5-haig-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Kaiya on Haig Street</a>&nbsp;soon, meanwhile, Palm Beach-based Sherpa Property Group is preparing to bring its debut Coolangatta development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-viver-87-griffith-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Flourish Viveré</a>, to market later this year, subject to approvals.

First look: S&S Projects proposes 88-apartment wellness tower at Coolangatta's Boundary Street

New South Wales

<html><body>
Grimes Cottage, at 50 Argyle Place in Millers Point, has been listed by the NSW government.
It is reportedly set to fetch more than $4 million at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-millers+point-119602867" target="_blank">its 21 May auction</a>.
The Colonial Georgian freestanding home comes with six bedrooms, north-facing garden, along with a self-contained studio flat.
There are views of the Harbour Bridge and The Rocks from its rear verandah.
Set on 416 square metres, the 1830s home was dubbed by the Australian Financial Review as a "jewel" within the social housing portfolio in the area.
McGrath agent Richard Shalhoub holds the listing.
To date, Government Property NSW has sold 12 out of the 293 properties that were used as government housing, fetching around $26.8 million.
The terraces along Kent Street, Argyle Place, Windmill Street and Lower Fort Street have fetched between $1.624 million and $3.95 million.
Minister for Family and Community Services, Brad Hazzard, recently announced that the money made from the sales had gone towards building 10 new two-bedroom seniors living dwellings in Lurnea in Sydney’s south west. 
The sales campaign, which is expected to generate more than $500 million for new housing projects outside the city,<a href="/news/nsw/millers-point-state-government-terrace-sell-off-resumes-post-election"> resumed </a><a href="/news/nsw/millers-point-state-government-terrace-sell-off-resumes-post-election">earlier</a><a href="/news/nsw/millers-point-state-government-terrace-sell-off-resumes-post-election"> this week</a> after the state election.
Grimes Cottage was built by whaler Charles Grimes who built a row of early 1840s terraces depicted in artist Conrad Marten’s work in 1843. 
</body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Grimes Cottage, Millers Point listed by NSW state government

<html><body>
Three more surplus government-owned property at Millers Point have been listed.
They are all on Kent Street including<a href="https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/house-millers-point-nsw-2000/257134/?searchID=49852710" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;"> 51 Kent Street</a> (pictured above), which is an 1855 terrace. 
The Georgian-style terrace is listed for 14 May auction through Peter Starr at McGrath Estate Agents.
The terraces at 39 and 49 Kent Street are also for sale. The 39 Kent Street was built for solicitor/politician Sir George Wigram Allen
The 47 Kent Street was auctioned last year at $1.64 million.
Properties sold late last year included 24, 28 and 32 Argyle Place fetching $2.3 million, $2.35 million and $2.15 million respectively.
The NSW government is proceeding with plans to sell the remaining 284 properties so funds can be reinvested back into the public housing system.
The government-owned properties in Millers Point secured a total of $21.9 million from the initial nine sales.
 
</body></html>

Millers Point state government terrace sell-off resumes post-election

<html><body>
The No Land Tax Party candidate Peter Jones has missed out on his seat in the NSW Legislative Council.
The party was thought likely to win the 21st and last position up for grabs in the NS Upper House, but lost out to the Animal Justice Party.
The ABC election analyst Antony Green told 2GB's Ray Hadley that Green preferences swung the final result.
Animal Justice Party parliamentarian Mark Pearson said he was thrilled that the voice of animals would be heard in a house of parliament for the first time.
Mark Pearson is executive director of Animal Liberation in Australia.
Photo courtesy of J Bar/<a class="mw-mmv-license" href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/" target="_blank">CC BY-SA 3.0</a>.
</body></html>

No Land Tax party misses out on NSW Upper House seat

<html><body>
The "Old Church at Milton" has been listed for 23 May auction.
Set in established grounds, the restored residence overlooks Milton.
<a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/71-croobyar-road-milton/Property-Details-buy-residential-8670226" target="_blank">The church</a> dates back to 1883. It last traded at $875,000 in 2002.
About $1.4 million plus is tipped for the two title 71 Croobyar Road offering through LJ Hooker Ulludulla agent Lisa Cox.
Behind the church is the "Old Sunday School" offering potential for guest accommodation, home business or artisan studio.   "In keeping with it's rare and unique appeal it is proudly offered for sale with its pair of original parchment deed of title manuscripts dated 1856 and its original wrought iron front door keys," agent Lisa Cox said.
</body></html>

Original keys come with South Coast Milton 1883 church offering

<html><body>
The Anglican Diocese of Newcastle has put its Bishopscourt estate for 11 May Walkom Real Estate tender.
<a href="https://www.domain.com.au/for-sale/34-brown-street-newcastle-nsw-2300-2011896329" target="_blank">The 4,130 square metre Brown Street property</a> housed the city’s successive Anglican bishops until current bishop Greg Thompson chose to reside elsewhere.
The local Fairfax Media paper suggests $4.75 million plus, but new moves to have an interim heritage order placed on the property could be bothersome.
The seven bedroom, four bathroom 1929 Bishopscourt is not heritage listed but parts of its grounds are. 
<a href="/news/unsold-bishopscourt-darling-point-gets-eighth-archbishop-he-said-she-said">The Sydney Bishopscourt</a> failed to sell on its recent listing.
</body></html>

Newcastle Anglicans join the Bishopscourt sell-off trend

<html><body>
The Byron Bay property of the founder of the Byron Bay Arts Factory Lodge, Bob Lowry, and his wife, Pattie, has been listed for sale.
It is a Bali-style villa expected to fetch $2.2 million plus.
Lowry bought the 19 Gordon Street, Byron Bay home in September 2002 for $350,000, then undertaking a major renovation.
It is a two bedroom, two bathroom home with a heated pool.
It has been listed through Karin Heller of Parkinson Real Estate.
</body></html>

Bali-style at Byron Bay tipped to fetch $2.2 million plus

<html><body>
The determination by the NSW Land and Environment Court about minimum apartment sizes has created industry confusion, says the Urban Taskforce.
“The Land and Environment court has determined that a table of nine apartment types takes precedence over a ‘rule of thumb’ in the Residential Flat Design Code,” says Urban Taskforce CEO, Chris Johnson.
 “But the NSW Government issued a draft Apartment Design Guide in September 2014 that defined minimum apartment sizes in accordance with the earlier ‘rules of thumb’.”
“While the court may well be deciding on a technical interpretation in the current Residential Flat Design Code it is clear that the Government supports the ‘rule of thumb’ in the proposed replacement document.”
The Taskforce wants the new Minister for Planning, Rob Stokes to clarify the matter saying NSW now has planning legislation being redefined by "court decisions to the detriment of those looking to buy a new dwelling.”
“Some councils have argued for larger apartment sizes than the Government’s minimums and included these in their Development Control Plans. 
"All this does is increase the cost of apartments by up to $200,000 in some areas. 
"Sydney is already one of the most expensive cities in the world for housing and the NSW Government must do all it can to minimise costs. 
"One way to do this is to ensure that all councils conform to the same minimum apartment sizes.”
“The state’s planning system was going to be reformed four years ago but it became too difficult to achieve this."
“The Urban Taskforce believes the new Minister for Planning has an opportunity to begin sorting out the states complex planning system by clarifying the legal interpretation of minimum apartment sizes before Sydney’s 41 separate councils start setting their own standards now that the rules seem to have been changed by the court.”
</body></html>

Botany apartment size court decision needs ministerial intervention: Urban Taskforce

<html><body>
The No Land Tax Party candidate Peter Jones is ahead of the Liberal Party in the race for the final of 21 seats up for grabs in the NSW Legislative Council.
The Daily Telegraph report the Coalition on track to win nine, Labor seven, the Greens two and the Shooters and Fishers and Christian Democrats one each.
The final results should be declared on Friday with the veteran ABC election analyst Antony Green saying he was “confident” No Land Tax will take the 21st seat.
If No Land Tax does win a seat for the next eight years, it would leave the ­Coalition with 20 of 42 upper house seats. 
The party secured the prime Group A spot on the long Legislative Council ballot.
It secured about 80,000 upper house votes with 70% of the vote counted, representing about 2% of the overall vote. 
The party, which went close to imploding in the days before the 28 March election, owes money to a large number of the 3,600 people who worked by handing out how to vote cards on election day. 
The promised wage delivery had been revised, yet again, to be undertake this week.
"I profoundly apologise," party candidate Peter Jones told 2GB's Ben Fordham.
The No Land Tax Party was initially throught to be in battle with the Animal Justice Party for the 21st spot, with the election result feared set to be challenged.
Due to human error, the Animal Justice Party was left off about 19,000 iVote ballots in the early pre-poll voting.
</body></html>

No Land Tax looms as NSW Upper House policy gadfly

<html><body>
It's the Central Coast's surprise $70,000 block of land auction.
The vacant residential land holding is at Spencer, about 30 minutes off the M1 near Gosford.
There is a $70,000 plus estimate for its 12 April auction.
Set 20 minutes by boat from Brooklyn, Spencer is a small community on the banks of the Hawkesbury River.
The elevated half acre block is 300 metre from boat facilities.
The sloping 2,169 square metre block with bushland district views.
"All this for the price of an inner city car space," <a href="https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/land-spencer-nsw-2775/257062/?searchID=49296383" target="_blank">its McGrath listing agent Tim Eaton said</a>.
</body></html>

Central Coast's surprise $70,000 block of land auction at Spencer

<html><body>
Pittwater MP Rob Stokes will move from the NSW environment ministry to the more contentious planning ministry, following the post-election cabinet reshuffle announced by Premier Mike Baird yesterday.
The former Planning Minister Pru Goward - there since April 2014 - has become the Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence, while remaining Minister for Women. Goward will also become Assistant Health Minister and have responsibility for mental health and medical research.
The newly elected Cronulla MP Mark Speakman will be the Minister for Environment, Heritage and Assistant Planning. He has been tipped as potential future Attorney-General. 
Brad Hazzard was an earlier Coalition government Planning Minister.
Stokes entered parliament in 2007, succeeding former Liberal leader John Brodgen in the northern beaches seat. Stokes had been an adviser in Brogden's leader of the opposition office.
He is a close friend of Baird. Born and raised in the electorate, on election he had belonged to the Mona Vale Surf Club for 15 years. He briefly lived outside the district when he owned in Seaforth, but sold the house before winning pre-selection.
He has a PhD in environmental planning law and diploma in biblical studies.
He was once described by the SMH as having been a numbers man for the left of the NSW Liberal Party. 
 
</body></html>

New South Wales

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

New South Wales

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News