Category: NSW News

Workers compensation reform in NSW has overcome a key hurdle, with legislation passing the parliament’s lower house despite the Coalition teaming up with the Greens to try and block its progress.

The Workers Compensation Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 is now expected to go before the upper house on Thursday.

The NSW Government is calling on the Parliament to pass this legislation so workers compensation can be protected for future generations.

The current system isn’t working, and it is not sustainable. It is failing injured workers, failing businesses and failing the state.

Since 2018, the number of psychological claims has doubled. Since 2020, the average cost of psychological injury claims has almost doubled.

Under the status quo, just 50 per cent of workers with psychological claims are back at work within a year. For physical injuries, the rate is 95 per cent.

The Government’s reforms will ensure businesses are not hit with an unnecessary $1 billion per year insurance premium increase. Without the reform, the premiums paid by businesses are set to increase by 36 per cent over three years to 2028.

Governments of both persuasions have put $6.1 billion since 2018 into bailing out the Treasury Managed Fund, which insures public sector workers.

The Bill currently before the Parliament has been informed by consultation with unions and experts, including through the release of an exposure draft and a parliamentary inquiry.

It includes a range of refinements to proposals that were contained in the exposure draft and is complemented by $344 million in new funding for a Workplace Mental Health package.

The legislation before Parliament will reform the way workers compensation system deals with psychological injury by addressing:

• the lack of focus on preventing psychological injury at work
• the low rate of recovery and return to work for psychologically injured workers
• the sharp rise in premiums for business and cost explosions for the NSW public.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:

“The Government has been able to get the workers compensation bill through the Legislative Assembly. This is despite the Liberals teaming up with the Greens to block this important reform.

“They should now unite to pass this legislation in the upper house.

“This Bill is about creating a modern system that will better protect workers from psychological injury and provide better help when they need it. I want to ensure that future generations of workers have a workers compensation system they can rely on.”

Industrial Relations Minister Sophie Cotsis said:

“The workers compensation system has failed injured workers. In particular it has failed workers with psychological injuries. It is designed to keep workers in the system.

“We are building a better system, one that supports workers to not only get help as soon as possible, but to return them back to a safe workplace as soon as they are able and not left languishing for many years.”

Minister for Customer Service Jihad Dib said:

“We are putting in place widespread reforms for workers that ensure those with the greatest need continue to receive support, and those who can return to work are supported.

“We need a workers compensation scheme that can serve injured workers into the future – that means it needs reform now, supported by greater effort on preventing injury, treating the injury and supporting the worker to make sure it can be sustainable.”

The community is invited to have their say on a new state-led rezoning proposal to transform Riverstone Town Centre into a flood-resilient community, with the potential for new homes and a new main street.

The proposal includes upgrades along George Street, and new housing located on nearby higher ground to reduce flood risk and support a more resilient town centre.

It features an upgraded transport hub with improved connections, surrounded by new open space, shops and services, which will support the creation of up to 1,200 new jobs.

The NSW and Commonwealth Governments are also investing $276 million to upgrade Garfield Road East and $520 million to widen nearby Richmond Road to six lanes, supporting traffic connections to Riverstone Town Centre.

In September 2024, the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure commenced a state-led rezoning proposal under the State Significant Rezoning Policy, following an earlier proposal from Blacktown City Council which did not proceed due to flood risk and traffic management concerns.

The State Significant Rezoning Policy aims to shorten the rezoning timeframe to better meet the housing and employment needs of NSW’s growing population. The new proposal will provide a long-term planning blueprint for Riverstone Town Centre over the next 30 years.

This is all part of the Minns Government’s plan to build a better NSW with more homes, jobs and services, so young people, families and key local workers have somewhere to live and in the communities they choose.

The community and industry are invited to have their say on the rezoning proposal, which is on exhibition until 2 July 2025. For more information, visit the NSW Planning Portal.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“We introduced the State Significant Rezoning Policy to make it easier for projects to move through the planning pipeline and deliver the homes that NSW needs.

“This proposal allows us to connect to create more homes and jobs, connected to open space, while creating a flood-resilient town centre in Riverstone.

“This rezoning proposal is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when the State Government brings together council and agencies to solve complex planning issues such as flooding and evacuation.”

Member for Riverstone Warren Kirby said:

“I want to thank the residents in my electorate for their patience and assure them this rezoning proposal is worth the wait.

“We know that parts of Riverstone are flood prone so it’s good to see the consideration and planning that has gone into reimagining the town centre while respecting the environmental constraints and the community’s desire for increased greenspace.

“I’m confident the community will share my excitement about this vision for Riverstone’s future and encourage everyone to provide feedback during the exhibition.”

The NSW Opposition will support sensible reforms to the workers compensation scheme but Labor needs to agree to smart, fair amendments that protect small business, working families and people with genuine psychological injuries.

The Workers Compensation Legislation Amendment Bill 2025, dropped into Parliament just last week, is being rushed through by the Minns Labor Government under the false claim it must be passed by 1 July.

In fact, premiums for the 2025–26 financial year are already locked in at an 8% increase, and the next premium filing isn’t due until March 2026.

NSW Opposition Leader Mark Speakman said we support reform, but we won’t support a system that kicks severely injured people off support at 2.5 years with no justification or shifts public costs onto small business.

“These are serious changes, and they deserve serious scrutiny. We’re offering alternative amendments to make the scheme fair, sustainable, and focused on the people it’s meant to serve,” Mr Speakman said.

NSW Nationals Leader Dugald Saunders said in the regions, we see what pressure does to frontline workers, small business owners and communities.

“The last thing they need is a government making it harder to get help or asking them to pay for problems in Macquarie Street. These reforms need to be realistic and that’s what we’re pushing Labor to deliver,” Mr Saunders said.

Shadow Treasurer Damien Tudehope said the numbers don’t stack up. There’s no modelling showing how the harshest parts of this Bill save money—just spin.

“We back responsible cost savings, but not at the expense of the people who hold up our economy,” Mr Tudehope said.

The Opposition will move amendments to:

• Scrap the proposed 31% impairment threshold for psychological injury.
• Make savings instead by tightening bullying claims and removing vague or unworkable claim triggers like “excessive work demands”.
• Keep independent assessments with the Personal Injury Commission.
• Retain Parliament’s oversight of how injuries are assessed.
• Stop private business from subsidising public sector disputes.

If there is no satisfactory outcome of these amendments, the Opposition will seek to refer the Bill to an upper house inquiry for proper scrutiny.

Workers deserve dignity. Businesses deserve fairness. The public deserves better than a rush job.

The Minns Labor Government has unveiled the next chapter of the ‘Feel New’ campaign that showcases Sydney beyond the postcard-perfect icons, and asks Australians to rediscover the city and experience a new side of Sydney.

According to the Destination NSW Brand Engagement Monitor in April 2025, 79% of all Australian travellers have visited Sydney before. Sydney is currently ranked third for consideration to travel amongst domestic travellers in the next 12 months.

Qualitative research undertaken by The Lab has showed that people know Sydney for its incredible icons. But there’s a sense that once travellers have seen the well-known icons, Sydney doesn’t offer anything significantly different from other cities. They couldn’t be more wrong.

The next chapter of the ‘Feel New’ campaign targets ‘new experience seekers’ from around the country who want busy, full days when travelling.

The new campaign showcases the unique offering our city has to offer beyond the icons. World class food offerings, stunning natural beauty, exhilarating adventures, international sporting events and a vibrant arts and music culture.

The campaign showcases the depth and breadth of experiences on offer to visitors, from oyster farms to rooftop bars, hot air balloon rides to snorkelling in Sydney’s unique coastal locations like the Great Southern Reef at Shelley Beach.

Backed by ongoing investment in aviation, events, and experiences, the campaign is just one of several initiatives to grow domestic visitation and grow the local visitor economy.

Research has shown that audiences who have engaged with the Feel New brand are more likely to book a trip or extend their stay and have injected an additional $323 million into the NSW visitor economy to date.

Destination NSW has also partnered with six NSW ‘icons of culture’ who have curated their own emotion-led personal itineraries to help visitors live like a local. The NSW ‘icons of culture’ all live in Sydney or were born in NSW and include Olympian Jess Fox, celebrated chef Dan Hong, writer, broadcaster and comedian Lucinda Price (Froomes), ultra-marathon runner Nedd Brockmann, award winning musician Budjerah and comedic duo The Inspired Unemployed.

The campaign will roll out across TV, outdoor, radio, digital and social channels until 30 August 2025.

Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said:

“Sydney was just ranked as one of Time Out’s top five global cities for culture, but when you ask Australians about Sydney they’ll say “I’ve already seen the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House.”

“What is clear in the research is that our icons alone are not enough to get people to visit and revisit Sydney. We need to do a better job at showcasing all our city has to offer, we need to be more than our icons.

“We have the Blue Mountains, the best beaches, award-winning vineyards, and world-class snorkelling, and all within a couple hours. Sydney is home to world leading restaurants, an exciting blend of food cultures, the largest sporting events and a vibrant arts and music scene.

“We have so much to offer, which is why we are asking Australians to explore our beautiful city, dive deeper and feel a new side of Sydney.

“There are infinite combinations of experiences on offer, and I think this campaign puts them top of mind for potential visitors.”

Business Sydney Executive Director Paul Nicolaou said:

“This next phase of the ‘Feel New’ campaign is exactly what Sydney needs. As an international and global city, we’ve long been defined by our stunning icons—but what keeps people coming back are the stories, the communities, and the experiences that can’t be captured in a postcard.

“By spotlighting the vibrant layers of local culture, food, art, and nature that exist beyond the usual landmarks, this campaign not only diversifies the visitor experience but also supports the small businesses and local creatives who are the lifeblood of our city.”

“Post-pandemic travel habits have shifted, with more Australians seeking meaningful, immersive experiences over traditional sightseeing. Campaigns like ‘Feel New’ respond directly to this change by encouraging travellers to go beyond the surface.

“Whether it’s discovering a hidden laneway bar, attending a local festival, or hiking coastal trails that locals love, this initiative repositions Sydney as not just a destination, but an experience that evolves with every visit.”

Transport and Tourism Forum CEO Margy Osmond said:

“It’s fantastic to see the NSW Government investing in Sydney’s unique tourism offering, from world-class culinary options, nightlife, cultural experiences and more, well beyond the bridge and the sails.

“This campaign is about inviting the world to see beyond Sydney’s icons and why locals love living in this evolving and exciting destination – a city bursting with energy, culture and creativity at every turn. We see enormous potential to increase visitation and deliver long-term economic benefits for Sydney’s communities and businesses”.

Chef, restaurateur and author Dan Hong said:

“The driving force behind this new marketing campaign for Sydney is to attract more visitors who will have the opportunity to discover Sydney’s world-class food scene. Increased visitation directly benefits the hospitality sector and creates a ripple effect that supports local jobs and stimulates the economy. I’m proud of the quality of food that Sydney serves up and want more people to know about what we have on offer.”

Emeritus Professor Rosalind Croucher AM, distinguished lawyer, educator and human rights advocate has been appointed the NSW Information Commissioner. 

In her role as Information Commissioner, Professor Croucher will lead the Information and Privacy Commission NSW (IPC), an independent statutory authority administering NSW legislation dealing with privacy and access to government information. 

Professor Croucher brings extensive experience from a distinguished career spanning senior executive roles in both the private and public sectors. She previously served as President of the Australian Human Rights Commission and as President and Commissioner of the Australian Law Reform Commission where she led several major law reform inquiries. 

Professor Croucher was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2015 for significant service to the law as an academic, to legal reform and education, to professional development and to the arts. 

The Information Commissioner’s statutory roles include promoting public awareness and understanding of the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (GIPA Act); providing information, advice, assistance, and training to agencies and the public; dealing with complaints about agencies; investigating agencies’ systems, policies and practices; and reporting on compliance with the GIPA Act. 

Find out more about the Information and Privacy Commission NSW here: https://www.ipc.nsw.gov.au/ 

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said: 

“I welcome the appointment of Rosalind Croucher AM as NSW Information Commissioner. 

“Professor Croucher has extensive experience across highly respected and important programs of work which are testament to her capabilities and values. 

“Her appointment reflects the NSW Government’s commitment to promoting trust and transparency, with the role of Information Commissioner essential in strengthening the relationship between government and the public.” 

Attorney General Michael Daley said: 

“I congratulate Rosalind Croucher AM on her appointment as NSW Information Commissioner. She is an eminently qualified appointee who brings significant government, private sector and legal experience to the role.” 

NSW Information Commissioner Rosalind Croucher said: 

“It’s an honour to be appointed to the role of NSW Information Commissioner, and I look forward to working with the Privacy Commissioner, NSW Government agencies and the community to promote the important work of the Information and Privacy Commission NSW. 

“The people of NSW deserve full confidence in how government information is handled and protected. They should also understand their rights to access information and how to exercise those rights.” 

The Minns Labor Government is making sure Bradfield will be a fully digital city from day one, equipped to support high-tech industries, institutions, and technologies, after a digital infrastructure partnership was formed with Australian telecommunications company and internet service provider Superloop. 

Under the commercial deal, Superloop and partner OneWiFi will deliver critical infrastructure services to support the city as an innovation hub and great place to live and work. 

The Minns Labor Government are building better communities by delivering critical supporting infrastructure, including roads, transport, open spaces and digital connectivity.

The City Centre will offer free public Wi-Fi in streets and parks to enhance digital coverage and convenience for residents, workers, students, and visitors.  

As part of the deal Superloop will deliver a network of serviced Multi-Function Poles around the city with CCTV cameras, electric bike charging, environmental sensors and banner space for public art, providing both convenience and safety.  

The streets of Bradfield will be free of bulky telecommunications cabinetry with the necessary infrastructure hidden in high-quality urban design.  

The digital infrastructure will activate the precinct ahead of the development of the first 4.8 hectare mixed-use Superlot that will see homes, a hotel, retail, food and beverage, as well as commercial, research, education and other services at its heart. 

This is all part of the Minns Labor Government’s $1.2 billion dollar investment to deliver Bradfield City Centre, with 20,000 new jobs and advanced industries building a stronger future for Western Sydney.  

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:   

“Bradfield is Australia’s first new city in 100 years and this agreement will make sure it has the digital infrastructure required to support future businesses and residents from day one. 

“With abundant digital capacity for high-tech industries today and in the future, we’re laying the foundations for 20,000 high value jobs and 10,000 new homes in the new city. 

“We need to get the digital capability of Bradfield right for generations to come.” 

Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said:  

“We are working to ensure the new Bradfield City Centre supports its residents with quality infrastructure and technology, so this new Western Sydney community can flourish. 

“The Bradfield area stands to create fantastic opportunities for its residents and the people of Western Sydney, particularly as we draw closer to the opening of the new Western Sydney Airport. 

“Ensuring the residents of this new city are digitally connected from day one is part of our broader commitment to build better communities for the people of Western Sydney.” 

Superloop CEO Paul Tyler said:  

“It’s fitting that one of Australia’s fastest growing internet providers has been tapped to enable one of Australia’s fastest growing regions.   

“We share an ambition to create an intelligent, connected community that benefits from high-speed internet that opens up opportunities and unlocks a better quality of life. 

“Designing equitable, high speed, reliable network solutions with capacity to scale is core to our DNA and our wholesale roots. Partnering with the Bradfield Development Authority now means Superloop can build a future-ready network for the community that serves as a springboard for innovation and growth.  

“We’re thrilled that Superloop has been chosen to set this once in a generation new city up to thrive. It’s a fantastic endorsement of the Superloop network, and we can’t wait to see the people of Bradfield enjoying truly great internet.”  

Background:  

• Superloop is a major Australian telecommunications company with a reputation for providing high-speed internet connections.  
• Founded in 2014, this ASX-listed telecommunications company has a current market capital value of $995 million.
• Superloop employs over 600 people and provides telecommunication services to residential, business and wholesale markets with a reputation for competitive pricing across the faster speed tiers.  
• Established in 2012, OneWiFi is delivering best-in-class solutions to over 1,200 locations across Australia, including retail precincts, shopping centres, hospitality venues, commercial buildings, and regional communities.  
• Under the commercial deal Superloop will:
  • operate the first 18km of pit and pipe infrastructure built in the city as the new asset owner and provide high-speed fibre and wholesale internet services to the many retailers serving end customers.
  • operate the first 101 Multi-Function Poles in the city, including providing services to create a vibrant and safe place with seasonal banners, CCTV and environmental sensors.
• Access to the pit and pipe infrastructure owned by Superloop will be available to other telecommunication providers and business and residents will have their choice internet retailers. 

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Moama and surrounding communities will benefit from a new ambulance station which will boost frontline emergency and mobile medical care for the region.

NSW Ambulance is hosting a drop-in session for community members to find out more about the new station from 10.00am to 2.00pm on Thursday 5 June at Service NSW, Murray River Council, 52 Perricoota Road, Moama.

The new ambulance station is proposed to be located in a new building at Wild Avenue, Moama. The new ambulance station will be fitted out to provide a safe working environment which meets the operational needs of paramedics. Three NSW ambulances have been allocated to the new Moama ambulance station.

The new station will be staffed by 5 paramedics as part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to deliver 500 additional paramedics to regional and rural areas of the state.

These paramedics are in addition to the extra 15 paramedics allocated to Deniliquin and 10 paramedics allocated to Albury announced in March 2025.

NSW Ambulance identified Moama area as a high priority location for a new ambulance station following a comprehensive service planning process to enhance cross border resilience with Victoria.

New ambulance stations are located at places which optimise ambulance response performance and meet the emergency and mobile medical care needs of the local community.

The new Moama Ambulance Station is planned to commence operations later this year, serving as a critical hub for paramedics responding to emergencies across the region.

Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park:

“A new station for Moama station means our highly skilled paramedics will have a local base to deliver life-saving care when and where it’s needed most.

“This is a significant investment in the health and safety of the Moama community and surrounding districts. This is about making sure people in Moama and nearby communities can continue to count on timely, high-quality emergency care by NSW Ambulance paramedics.”

Member for Murray, Helen Dalton:

“Ensuring rapid emergency response capabilities for the growing community and those in the district has been long awaited and is welcome news.

“This infrastructure ensures immediate access to life-saving services for residents and visitors. It also releases the strain on jurisdictional complications that could mean the difference between life and death.”

NSW Ambulance Chief Executive, Dr Dominic Morgan:

“As demand for services continues to grow, the new station at Moama will ensure we have redundancy to support cross-border arrangements.

“I encourage Moama locals to drop in to Service NSW this Thursday to learn about the new service, ask questions, and share what matters most to them before we finalise operational arrangements.

“The new ambulance station will support NSW Ambulance paramedics in the Murray River region to provide the best emergency and mobile health care for this growing region, now and into the future.”

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The redevelopment of the old Sydney Fish Market site at Blackwattle Bay is set to deliver more than 1500 homes after the NSW Government fast tracked a rezoning to unlock an additional 320 homes, in the precinct.

Critically the development will include a 7.5 per cent affordable housing contribution that will remain affordable housing in perpetuity.

The finalised Rezoning Proposal made possible by the Minns Labor Government’s State Significant Rezoning Policy has amended planning controls in the Sydney Local Environmental Plan 2012 (LEP) to allow more residential floor space as part of the revitalisation of the harbour foreshore.

Sydney is losing twice as many young people as we are gaining with housing costs now the single largest cost to families in our state. This project will deliver critical new homes for these young people and families who have been locked out of housing. 

Along with the delivery of new homes close to transport, over half of the Blackwattle Bay precinct will become open and accessible to the public, including a 1.1 hectare waterside park surrounding the southern pylon of the Anzac Bridge.

A new waterfront promenade will complete the missing link of the 15 km foreshore walk connecting Rozelle Bay to Woolloomooloo.

Infrastructure NSW will soon select a development partner to deliver the 3.6-hectare mixed-used site, following an open and competitive expression of interest process.

The three shortlisted developers Lendlease, Mirvac and Stockland will submit their proposals for evaluation in July.

The NSW Government will then work with the preferred development partner to commence work on the project as soon as possible, prioritising delivery of public spaces along the waterfront.

When complete, the landmark site will deliver housing, commercial spaces, retail and cultural experiences to create a vibrant, sustainable and thriving community.  

The first new homes are expected to be built by 2028, with construction likely to continue steadily delivering more homes for another six to eight years.

The Department publicly exhibited the draft Rezoning Proposal and supporting documentation from 12 December 2024 to 31 January 2025. Feedback received during exhibition helped inform its finalisation. 

This is part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to build a better NSW with a greater choice of homes, so young people, families and workers have somewhere to live in the communities they choose.

For more information on the Blackwattle Bay precinct visit: Blackwattle Bay | Planning

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“The Minns Labor Government are removing unnecessary barriers in the planning process to make it easier and faster to build quality homes, close to transport and services.

“This project is an example of that and will now provide more than 1,500 new homes for Blackwattle Bay, while also unlocking the economic and social potential of this unique part of Sydney’s foreshore.

“This is a once-in-a-generation waterfront renewal project that will open a hidden part of the harbour to the city and its people for the first time in over a century while suppling more homes.”

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“The Minns Labor Government is acting now to address housing supply. We understand that we are facing a generational housing crisis, and we need to ensure we can deliver well-located homes close to transport, jobs and community amenity.

“The Blackwattle Bay rezoning finalisation will unlock new homes and will help to revitalise the harbour foreshore area, which will include a continuous boardwalk from Rozelle Bay all the way to Woolloomooloo.”

The Minns Labor Government has passed legislation banning the use of privately arranged and funded electronic monitoring for people on bail. 

The Bail Amendment (Ban on Private Electronic Monitoring) Bill 2025 passed the Legislative Council on Thursday night ensuring private electronic monitoring bail conditions can no longer be imposed.

The legislation allows for a three-month transition period where existing private electronic monitoring conditions will continue to apply.

During this period, a magistrate or judge will be required to decide whether bail concerns can be addressed through other conditions. 

People will be remanded in custody if they pose an unacceptable risk. 

The Minns Labor Government banned private electronic monitoring over concerns about the ability of the justice system to oversee private providers after BailSafe collapsed without notifying the government.

The Government determined privately funded monitoring of serious offenders on bail was a risk to the public and that it would not continue. 

The ban does not affect electronic monitoring overseen by Corrective Services NSW, including accused serious domestic violence offenders captured by the Government’s bail reforms introduced last year.

Corrective Services NSW will continue to manage mandatory electronic monitoring for people accused of serious domestic violence offences and offenders on parole.

Attorney General Michael Daley said:

“The Minns Labor Government is focused on ensuring community safety which is why we have banned privately funded electronic monitoring.

“Electronic monitoring standards set under the former government left us without any oversight of the quality of private providers and limited options when they failed to comply with minimum standards.

“These arrangements were not working to keep the community safe and we recognised they needed to change.”