Category: NSW News

The Minns Labor Government will inject $2.2 million to upgrade FuelCheck and help the people of NSW manage cost-of-living pressures as compliance activity ramps up.

FuelCheck is the NSW Government’s real-time fuel price transparency tool and provides motorists with instant access to prices from around 2,400 service stations across the state. It puts power back in the hands of consumers by exposing price hikes and ending guesswork at the bowser.

At a time, when the conflict in the Middle East is disrupting global fuel supply and driving up prices, transparency and compliance in pricing strategies is an important cost-of-living relief measure for communities.

The funding will pay for upgrades including:

• Better data collection from fuel retailers, such as making it easier for retailers to enter details about fuel supply.
• Better data analysis to help Government respond to the fuel crisis.
• Design updates for a better user experience.

FuelCheck has become even more essential to NSW drivers during the current fuel supply challenges. Daily visits to the app and website were between 8,000 and 10,000 in January, but by the end of March 2026, this has risen to around 500,000 each day

This is the latest boost to the Government’s efforts to better support NSW’s fuel supply response.

Over the last fortnight, the Government fast-tracked a statewide fuel price compliance blitz to strengthen fuel price transparency and protect motorists from misleading pricing.

Around 75 per cent of stations in NSW were inspected by the beginning of April, with around half located outside Sydney. Inspectors have carried out just under 1,800 service station inspections across the whole state during this period, issuing 93 penalty infringement notices.

Retailers who break the rules face serious consequences, including on-the-spot fines of $1,100, or Court penalties of up to $22,000 for individuals and $110,000 for corporations.

This strong enforcement action joins NSW Fair Trading’s latest efforts to better incorporate customer feedback in compliance activities and support the ACCC’s crackdown on price gouging.

To ensure businesses are properly passing on the cost savings promised by the Federal Government’s fuel excise reduction, consumers are urged to stay vigilant and report fuel price issues via FuelCheck or the NSW Fair Trading website.

This includes mismatches between bowser prices and FuelCheck listings, as well as suspected price exploitation following the fuel excise cuts.

Consumer reports are already directly supporting compliance activity, with NSW Fair Trading issuing 24 user intelligence-based fines this week alone. Consumer feedback strengthens NSW Fair Trading’s compliance work, allowing inspectors to identify issues faster and take action sooner.

NSW Fair Trading will continue to have boots on the ground from the Central Coast to the Central West over the Easter Long Weekend to ensure fuel retailers do the right thing and that motorists are not misled when filling up.

NSW Fair Trading is continuously updating its targets for inspection based on consumer complaints, intelligence and the changing conditions in the marketplace to ensure the most effective compliance response.

The Government has developed a robust inspection forward plan and expects to physically inspect the majority of NSW’s service stations in the coming weeks. As the program progresses, regional areas will remain a key target.

NSW Fair Trading continues to work closely with the ACCC, including by sharing data, to uphold strong consumer protection standards.

Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“Over the past two weeks, millions of NSW motorists have turned to FuelCheck to help find the best fuel price and navigate fuel supply gaps.

“This funding will allow us to make FuelCheck better for the hundreds of thousands of people who use it daily – through better data collection, stronger analysis, and streamlined user experience.

“These are uncertain times, but we want the people of New South Wales to have the utmost confidence in the real-time price transparency data provided by FuelCheck.

“Because when it comes to the cost-of-living, the Minns Labor Government’s message is clear: transparency, accountability and fairness matter.”

The Minns Labor Government is boosting support for emergency foster carers by more than doubling the immediate crisis care payment, recognising the vital role foster carers play when children need a safe home urgently.

Emergency foster carers provide safe and loving homes for children or sibling groups at short notice, while child protection caseworkers find a longer-term placement. The crisis payment is intended to help carers with essential items such as clothing, nappies, food and other immediate necessities.

Emergency foster carers with the Department of Communities and Justice will receive $200 for each child to cover immediate purchases, up from $75 and the first increase to the payment in over two decades.

All foster carers are provided with an ongoing Care Allowance, along with additional financial and practical support to assist with the care of children. This year, the Minns Labor Government delivered foster carers their first real increase to the allowance in over two decades, boosting the fortnightly payment by 20 per cent. A carer for a typical 14-year-old is now more than $4500 better off each year.

The emergency crisis payment increase is part of broader changes to ensure more support is available whenever a child is placed into out-of-home care with minimal notice, whether during business hours or overnight, improving consistency and fairness across the State.

The increase to the emergency payment responds directly to feedback from carers and Carer Advisory Groups. It builds on substantial reforms to improve support for foster carers including paid parental leave for public sector workers, increased investment in training, and independent assistance and advocacy.

The Minns Labor Government is undertaking comprehensive reforms of the foster care system backed by an historic $1.2 billion child protection package.

This Easter, the NSW Government is calling on more people to consider opening their homes and hearts by becoming a foster carer. For more information, visit nsw.gov.au/fostercare or call 1300 770 240 Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.

Minister for Families and Communities, Kate Washington said:

“Emergency foster carers do something truly remarkable. They care for children in crisis at short notice, providing them with a safe and loving home when they need it most.”

“When we came to government, I heard from foster carers that they hadn’t felt valued in years. Our reforms are designed to value and respect foster carers as key partners in keeping children safe.”

“This is a practical reform that reflects what carers have been asking for. Step by step we are delivering systemic improvements to make a difference for foster carers and improve outcomes for kids in care.”

CEO for Carers for Kids NSW, Renee Leigh said:

“Emergency Carers open their home at a moment’s notice to children arriving at their door with minimal belongings. Carers in our Carer Advisory Groups have raised the need for addressing set-up payments to assist carers purchasing immediately needed necessities including clothing and nappies. It is a win that their requests are being actioned, so they can sustain their vital roles.”

Department of Communities and Justice Secretary, Michael Tidball said:

“Emergency carers play a critical role in providing immediate stability and safety for children at a time of crisis.”

“This increase acknowledges the realities carers face when bringing a child into their home at short notice and strengthens our ability to support them to provide care that is safe, stable and responsive to children’s needs.”

The Minns Labor Government’s world-leading $1 billion Pre-sale Finance Guarantee is building momentum in the housing pipeline, with a further 300 new homes in Pyrmont and Westmead set to start construction sooner thanks to the scheme.

The Guarantees will support 38 of 280 new apartments in the $900 million Pyrmont Place project on Wattle Street, Pyrmont; and 13 of 30 new apartments, including six affordable homes, in the Elodie development on Good Street, Westmead.

This certainty will help developers, Landream and Gaby Group respectively, secure construction finance and start building sooner.

Pyrmont Place will deliver a mixed-use neighbourhood, supporting the Government’s wider Blackwattle Bay urban renewal plans; while Elodie will provide housing and childcare facilities on the doorsteps of the Parramatta CBD and Westmead’s emerging health and innovation district.

These commitments build on the support we’ve provided for the Rozelle Village revamp of the derelict former Balmain Leagues Club site which will deliver more than 225 new apartments, including 59 affordable homes.

Since launching in October, the Pre-sale Finance Guarantee has gained extraordinary traction from industry, with 45 expressions of interest already received from developers across the state – one third of which have already been invited to participate. It is also being adopted by other states.

To date pre-sale guarantees have been issued to accelerate the delivery of more than 540 new homes, with further pre-sale guarantee requests under assessment that, if approved, could unlock construction of over 130 new homes in regional NSW.

To keep the momentum building the Government has also appointed Australian property investment executives Deb Coakley and Tim Hallam as chair and deputy chair of the Pre-sale Finance Guarantee Advisory Committee.

Ms Coakley and Mr Hallam bring their expertise in governance, finance and project delivery to the committee, which assists in providing robust and independent evaluations of applications.

Under the program, the Minns Labor Government may commit to buy, off the plan, up to 50 per cent of homes, valued at up to $2 million each, in a residential development project. Support can range from $5 million to $50 million per project, depending on need.

By guaranteeing up to half of pre‑sales, the Government removes lender risk, unlocks finance, and gives developers certainty to get more homes built.

Up to $1 billion in pre-sales over the next five years will be committed through the revolving fund. For more information, or to apply, visit the Planning website.

The Pre-sale Finance Guarantee is just one of a suite of measures introduced by the Minns Labor Government to speed up the delivery of housing in NSW, including:

• Landmark reform to the State’s planning legislation
• The NSW Housing Pattern Book
• The largest rezoning in the state’s history

For more information, or to apply, visit the Planning website.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:

“This is about using the NSW Budget to help the household budget.

“In a dual cost of living and housing crisis, we are pulling every lever to support the delivery of desperately needed new homes.

“As demand for this program grows, we’re on track to support more building projects that create homes and economic opportunity right across NSW.”

Planning and Public Spaces Minister Paul Scully said:

“NSW needs new homes sooner. The Pre-sale Finance Guarantee is breaking down barriers and fast-tracking the start of construction for hundreds of much-needed homes for our communities.

“It’s great to have another two guarantees in place helping build momentum in both the scheme and the housing pipeline.

“I welcome the appointment of advisory committee chair, Deb Coakley, and deputy chair, Tim Hallam, who will bring outstanding leadership as the program continues to scale up.”

Landream Head of Development NSW, Chris Pratt, said:

“Pyrmont Place will deliver world-class residences within a mixed-use precinct which will create significant public amenity and much-needed hotel accommodation in this part of the city.

“There has been strong demand for the development which is reflected in the pre-sales achieved to date. This, coupled with the NSW Government Pre-sale Finance Guarantee, will allow us to now accelerate the delivery of 285 new homes.”

Director of Gaby Group, John Nehme, said:

“The Pre-sale Finance Guarantee has provided much-needed certainty, allowing us to move forward with confidence and accelerate the delivery of new homes in Westmead.

“Elodie represents our commitment to delivering well-designed, well-located affordable housing that supports the continued growth of the Parramatta and Westmead precinct.”

All fuel companies have complied with the NSW Minister for Energy’s direction to supply information that will help the Government map the supply chain and ensure fuel is delivered where it is needed.

Minister Penny Sharpe issued formal information notices to a number of liquid fuel companies as the State responds to fuel distribution challenges arising from unrest in the Middle East. The notices require businesses to outline how they will work with the NSW Government to support the supply and distribution of diesel and petrol, particularly to regional areas.

The Minns Labor Government thanks the fuel companies contacted for complying with the direction.

The responses are now being reviewed to:

• Assess whether the supply of liquid fuel to NSW, or any part of NSW, has been or is likely to be significantly disrupted.
• Build a clearer picture of the liquid fuel supply chain from import terminals to service stations and bulk customers.
• Support planning and preparation for further potential actions if required, such as maintaining supply to regional communities.

In parallel, the Liquid Fuel Emergency Operations Centre in Parramatta remains in regular contact with importers, distributors, suppliers and retailers. The team has contacted more than 200 retail fuel sites and established relationships with around 30 suppliers and independent distributors.

Fuel sales during the early stages of the shock were extraordinarily high, reaching around five times normal levels for some fuel distributors. Recent reports indicate sales are around double normal levels.

With the Easter school holidays underway, the NSW Government is urging people to continue with their travel plans. Where possible, public transport is a good alternative to driving.

During all peak holiday periods, travellers are encouraged to plan ahead, check local conditions and download FuelCheck, particularly when travelling longer distances or through regional areas.

The NSW community can help by:

• Only buying the fuel you need.
• Staying friendly at the servo.
• Taking FuelCheck with you to find the lowest prices.

Acting Premier of New South Wales, Prue Car said:

“NSW is taking action in a responsible way, in line with the National Fuel Security Plan developed with the States. That includes seeking information from businesses, and we appreciate their cooperation.

“This is the right plan for our State in uncertain times, supporting families and communities today while building a stronger NSW for tomorrow.”

Minister for Energy, Penny Sharpe said:

“I issued these information notices to get a clear picture of how fuel is moving across NSW.

“This information puts us in a strong position to work with industry and keep supply flowing where it is needed most.”

The Minns Labor Government is rolling out free nasal spray flu vaccines for 2-4 year olds to increase influenza vaccine uptake in young children following the worst flu season on record.

Under the NSW Nasal Spray Influenza Vaccination Program, the free nasal spray flu vaccine will be available for children aged two, three and four years across NSW through GPs, Aboriginal Medical Services and community pharmacies.

The vaccine is sprayed into the nose with one spray into each nostril. It is gentle, painless, and needle-free.

About a quarter of children (24.4%) under 5 were vaccinated in NSW in 2025, which is below the 40% target set in the NSW Immunisation Strategy 2024–2028. 

Last year’s extended flu season saw more than 24,500 cases of influenza (flu) in children under 5 in NSW.

In 2025, there were more than 4,600 presentations in children under 5 for influenza-like-illness to emergency departments in NSW and more than 960 admissions in children under 5 to hospitals. Compared to 2024, this is a more than 40 per cent increase in both presentations and admissions.

Across all age groups in 2025, NSW recorded its highest number of influenza cases on record, with 186,768 notifications. This is a 15.8 per cent jump (25,548 more) than in 2024 and a 79 per cent jump (82,439 more) compared with 2023.

The Minns Labor Government is urging the wider community to also book in now for their annual flu vaccination, both to keep themselves and their families healthy, and to help ease pressures on busy emergency departments over the winter period.

The flu vaccine is recommended yearly for everyone six months and over and offers the best protection against serious illness. The community is encouraged to get vaccinated early before cases begin rising again.

The 2026 flu vaccine injection is available for free under the National Immunisation Program for:

• children aged six months to under five years
• pregnant women
• Aboriginal people aged six months and over
• anyone aged 65 and over
• people with serious health conditions.

The community can book their flu vaccine at their GP, community pharmacy, or Aboriginal Medical Service.

The community are reminded there are a few simple steps they can take to protect themselves and others from respiratory illness, including:

• staying up to date with their vaccinations
• staying home if they’re sick and wearing a mask if they need to go out
• avoiding crowded spaces and getting together in well-ventilated spaces
• consider doing a rapid antigen test before visiting people at higher risk of severe illness
• making a plan with their doctor if they’re at higher risk of severe illness
• practicing good general hygiene, like regular handwashing.

If an illness is not serious or life-threatening, such as a mild case of influenza, the community is encouraged to call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222, for advice 24-hours a day. A nurse will answer your call, ask some questions and connect you with the right care.

For more information on respiratory illness, including to book your flu vaccination, visit: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/respiratory/Pages/default.aspx

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“I know how unsettling it can be for some parents taking a child to receive a vaccine, so being able to offer a needle-free alternative is a real win for those parents.

“We hope this option will help increase vaccine uptake in this age group, who we know are at higher risk of becoming more seriously unwell from influenza.

“The influenza vaccine is the best chance of protection against serious illness and I urge everyone in NSW to protect themselves and their families this winter.

“If you do get sick this winter, and it’s not an emergency, I encourage everyone to use our out-of-hospital care options, like healthdirect and our urgent care centres, so we can keep our emergency departments for the people who need them most.”

Member for Heathcote Maryanne Stuart:

“After the increase in children presenting to emergency departments last year, the nasal spray influenza vaccination is an important step in keeping our children out of hospital.

“Parents in our community want simple, stress‑free ways to keep their children healthy, and this needle‑free nasal spray vaccine delivers exactly that.

“If more of us are vaccinated this winter, we not only protect ourselves but also help ease pressure on our busy hospitals, so I strongly encourage taking up this free vaccine option.”

Executive Director Health Protection NSW, Dr Kerryn Coleman:

“The nasal spray influenza vaccine is a really simple option for children who are aged two, three and four. It is quick, pain-free and can be provided at your GP, Aboriginal Medical Service or community pharmacy.

“The injectable influenza vaccine is also now available and we are asking everyone to go out and get vaccinated. The earlier you get vaccinated, the sooner you will be protected.

“The most important way we can help reduce the spread, and try to prevent the prolonged influenza season like we saw last year, is to get you and your family vaccinated.”

Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) NSW/ACT Chair, Dr Rebekah Hoffman:

“Having needle-free vaccines for children aged two–four, at no cost to parents, is a game-changing policy.

“Two thirds of kids, and about a quarter of adults, have a strong fear of needles. As GPs, we know that’s a big barrier to achieving the immunity our young patients need.

“For these children and their parents, that barrier is now gone. More young children will be vaccinated, and that means fewer families in hospital and less pressure on our health system.

“Everyone over six months old is recommended to get a flu vaccine each year, but it’s especially important for anyone who is under five, over 65, pregnant, or at risk of severe illness. There were a record number of flu cases in 2025, so we want all of our patients to roll up their sleeves this flu season.”

NSW will no longer have the power to surveil conversations between incarcerated people and legal practitioners, after a disallowance motion moved by Greens justice spokesperson Sue Higginson passed the Legislative Council with the support of the Opposition and the entire crossbench.

Members of Parliament, police, and legal practitioners are exempt from surveillance under regulation, meaning any phone calls or letters between those persons and inmates cannot be monitored or recorded. A regulation made earlier this year restricted the surveillance exemption to legal practitioners who gave legal advice to specific inmates.

The 2024 Inquiry into prison guard Wayne Astill’s sexual offending against female prisoners raised concerns that prison guards had “systematically” used information “gleaned from monitoring inmate calls, visits and letters as a means of intimidation”.

Greens MP, spokesperson for Justice and solicitor Sue Higginson said:

“Conversations between lawyers and incarcerated people should not be monitored by the state.

“Incarcerated people have a right to access lawyers free of state interference, lawyer and client confidentiality and legal professional privilege are important basic tenants of access to justice,

“Women in prison who were victims of Wayne Astill’s heinous sexual offending were terrified of raising their experiences because they knew prison guards were spying on their conversations with lawyers unlawfully. This practice has continued under the Minns Labor Government and Minister for Corrections Anoulack Chanthivong, and to date he has done nothing to protect the privacy of vulnerable people in custody, he has only made regulations that increase the risks of this happening again,

“The Minns Labor Government made a clumsy and authoritarian attempt to intercept conversations between lawyers and incarcerated people by regulation, but this attempt has failed after the parliament disallowed the regulation,”

“The ramifications of breaching legal professional privilege by spying on conversations with lawyers are severe. The Supreme Court has been clear that Courts can permanently stay any proceeding where a breach of legal professional privilege has been identified, meaning this regulation could have risked entire criminal cases being thrown out,

“I have no doubt that Corrective Services routinely spy on conversations that inmates have with me, even though Members of Parliament are also exempt from surveillance. Prison guards often retaliate against incarcerated people who are seeking my assistance with urgent health issues and matters of injustice,

“I have written to the Minister for Corrections raising these concerns and I have been ignored. It wasn’t until Minister Chanthivong was questioned by journalists that he gave any assurance that my allegations of unlawful conduct were being investigated. It shouldn’t be journalists’ job to persuade the Minister to do his job,”

“The Minister for Corrections is wilfully overseeing a system of rampant non-compliance with the law in which privileged conversations can be spied upon. His continued inaction has created a significant mess and he must act to clean it up, or the parliament and the press will keep doing it for him,” Ms Higginson said.

Construction is underway on a new refuge in Maitland LGA to provide women and children escaping domestic and family violence with more access to secure accommodation, as part of the Minns Labor Government’s efforts to build a safer New South Wales for victim-survivors.

Housing Plus is developing the refuge, with specialist support services to be delivered onsite by Carrie’s Place Domestic Violence and Homelessness Services once the project is complete.

Under the NSW Government’s Core and Cluster program, Housing Plus has been awarded $6.4 million to deliver the refuge, which will provide eight units of crisis accommodation for women and children leaving violence.

The project will include a mix of studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units designed to support different household types. One unit will be wheelchair accessible, and the shared areas will also be accessible for residents with restricted mobility.

Each unit will be fully self-contained, featuring its own kitchen, bathroom and laundry facilities, private outdoor space and an area for pets.

The refuge will feature indoor and outdoor play spaces for children, as well as designated areas for communal activities.

This investment forms part of the NSW Government’s $426.6 million Core and Cluster program to expand crisis accommodation and provide on-site specialist support for women and children fleeing violence.

Once complete, the program will support more than 2,900 additional victim-survivors of domestic and family violence each year.

The initiative also contributes to the Minns Government’s broader response to domestic and family violence, including an historic $6.6 billion investment in social and affordable housing, with at least half the new homes prioritised for victim-survivors.

It also includes actions to address domestic, family and sexual violence from all angles, such as expanding frontline support services, holding perpetrators to account, early intervention and primary prevention.

Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Rose Jackson said:

“Domestic and family violence remains one of the leading causes of homelessness in NSW and that’s why we’re investing in purpose-built refuge accommodation so when someone makes the courageous decision to leave violence, they can be certain there’s a safe place to turn when they need it most.

“No one should have to choose between staying in danger or facing homelessness. These refuges offer far more than a roof over someone’s head, they’re spaces designed to provide privacy, independence and specialist support in one place.

“Once built, this refuge in Maitland will be a safe place for women with or without children to rebuild their lives and live free from abuse.”

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, Jodie Harrison said:

“This new Core and Cluster refuge in Maitland will give families a secure place to stay while they receive the specialist support they need to rebuild their lives.

“Importantly, women and children can access tailored support services onsite, in a safe and purpose-built environment designed to meet their needs.

“By working with organisations like Housing Plus and Carrie’s Place, we are ensuring women and children leaving violence have access to safe accommodation and the support services they deserve.”

Member for Maitland, Jenny Aitchison said:

“A safe place to stay is about so much more than a bed and four walls. It can be the turning point that gives someone the space, dignity and strength to leave violence behind.

“For many women and children, refuges like this are more than accommodation, they are a lifeline – a chance to catch their breath, feel safe, and begin to rebuild.

“As the local member, my community has been crying out for these services for over a decade. I know how vital they are for communities, and I’m incredibly proud to see this refuge being delivered in Maitland to support those who need it most.

“Domestic and family violence remains a significant issue in Maitland, with Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) data showing domestic violence-related assault charges have increased by 3.6% and sexual assault charges by 14.3% in the last decade. A clear reminder of why investment in refuges like this is so critical.”

Acting CEO of Housing Plus Group, Maria Woods said:

“The commencement of construction on this state-of-the-art emergency accommodation marks an exciting milestone for our organisation and the Maitland community.

“The Core and Cluster model offers an innovative approach to independent living while ensuring access to vital support services, and we are proud to be leading the way in creating a safe and welcoming space for women and children.

“Our partnership with Carrie’s Place brings together our design and construction expertise with their deep local experience in service delivery, and we look forward to opening the doors together in 2027.”

CEO of Carrie’s Place, Jayne Clowes said:

“This Specialist Accommodation represents hope, safety, and a pathway forward for women and children experiencing violence.

“Demand for crisis accommodation continues to rise, and this purpose‑built facility will help ensure that families in danger have somewhere safe to turn.

“We are proud to be partnering with the NSW Government and Housing Plus on this essential project.”

Support:

If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, call the Police on Triple Zero / 000.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence, call the NSW Domestic Violence Line on 1800 65 64 63 for free counselling and referrals, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For confidential advice, support, and referrals, contact 1800 RESPECT or 13 YARN.

For information on Men’s Behaviour Change Programs operating in your local area, contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491.

But where is the mens shelter?

A NSW Government report has revealed more people are protecting their skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays, however an estimated 700, 000 people across the state were recently sunburnt.

Released today, Cancer Institute NSW’s Sun Protection Behaviours Report shows 10 per cent of adults reported being sunburnt at least once in the four-week period before they were surveyed, down from almost 15 per cent from the previous report.

However, there was no improvement from the previous report in the number of young adults, aged 18-24 years, getting sunburnt, with around one in five (18.5%) reporting a recent sunburn. Young adults were also less likely to adopt sun protection behaviours such as wearing protective clothing, a hat and sunglasses.

The report also provided insights on sun exposure, finding around 40 per cent of all surveyed adults were frequently exposed to the sun from 11am-3pm, when UV levels are highest, yet only around 40 per cent used three or more forms of sun protection.

Two out of three Australians will be treated for skin cancer in their lifetime. In Australia, ninety-five per cent of melanoma and 99 per cent of non-melanoma skin cancers are caused by overexposure to UV radiation from the sun and can be prevented with proper sun protection. The general rule is to protect your skin from the sun when the UV index is at three or above, which in NSW is most of the year, including in winter.

The Cancer Institute NSW has several initiatives in place to reduce the incidence of skin cancer in NSW as part of the NSW Skin Cancer Prevention Strategy 2023-2030. Initiatives include behaviour change campaigns, influencing shade provision in public spaces and working with organisations in areas where people work, live and play to adopt sun protection policies and behaviours.

The most effective defence against overexposure to UV radiation is to follow these five key steps:

1. Slip on protective clothing
2. Slop on SPF50+ sunscreen 20 minutes before you go out, and reapply every two hours
3. Slap on a wide brimmed hat that covers your face, ears and neck
4. Seek shade throughout the day
5. Slide on sunglasses that meet Australian Standards

Other report insights

• More than 85 per cent of adults used at least one form of sun protection, however, only 38 per cent used three or more, and less than 5 per cent used all five forms of sun protection.
• Men aged 40 and over were more likely than the overall population to be exposed to the sun during peak UV hours (11am–3pm). Although they were more likely to wear a sun-safe hat, they were less likely to use sunscreen.
• People from coastal and regional and rural areas were significantly more likely to be exposed to the sun during peak UV hours compared to those from Sydney metropolitan areas, but their use of sun protection was generally higher and there were no geographical differences in reports of sunburn.

The latest Sun Protection Behaviours Report analyses data from the 2024 NSW Health Population Health Survey, which asked about 10,000 people to report on their sun exposure, episodes of sunburn, adoption of the five sun protection behaviours and the ease of finding shade at public parks. These results were extrapolated to the NSW population.

More information on how to reduce your risk of skin cancer is available on the Cancer Institute NSW website.

Health Minister Ryan Park:

“The release of the latest Sun Protection Behaviours Report is a good reminder especially to the state’s young adults to protect their skin when outside.

“Australia has one of the highest skin cancer rates in the world and we need to take the threat of skin cancer seriously and follow the simple, life-saving steps needed to reduce our risk of this deadly disease.”

NSW Chief Cancer Officer and Chief Executive Cancer Institute NSW, Professor Tracey O’Brien AM:

“We are fortunate to live in a sun-drenched country but with that comes the increased risk of skin cancer, that’s why it is worrying that so many adults have been recently sunburnt.

“The report shows while progress has been made, we need to see more people protect their skin from the sun by doing the simple things we’ve been told for decades like seeking shade, wearing sunscreen, putting on a hat, sunglasses and protective clothing whenever we head outdoors.”

Katrina, diagnosed with melanoma aged 26 years

“I went to get my skin checked for the first time; a couple of my friends had been for skin checks so I thought it would be a good thing to do – like going to the dentist. The doctor biopsied one spot on my arm that looked suspicious. I was really shocked when I got the call to say it was an early-stage melanoma.

“I now encourage friends and siblings to get their skin checked. My melanoma was caught early, when it was treatable but it’s really scary for me to think about what might have happened if I hadn’t have had that skin check when I did.”

Residents of Rosebery, Eastlakes, Mascot, Pagewood and Eastgardens will be better connected by public transport, with the reinstatement of the 301 bus service starting on April 20. The reinstated service is part of the Minns Labor Government’s $452 million investment in rebuilding the state’s bus network.

The 301 route began in 1987 but was cut under the former Liberal government in 2021.

The restored route will service the Rosebery to Eastgardens part of the old route. It will be particularly beneficial for elderly residents in Rosebery and Eastlakes travelling to the Mascot shops and Westfield Eastgardens.

The new Route 301 will operate approximately every 30 minutes during off-peak periods Monday to Saturday, with the first service arriving at Eastgardens just before 10am and the last departing Eastgardens just after 5pm

There will be no changes to existing services in the area, including Routes 303, 306 and 350.

Transport for NSW is communicating these changes with passengers and communities to ensure they understand the service improvements and how best to plan their journey.

The restored 301 service is part of the wider $452 million bus investment announced in the 2025/26 budget by the Minns Labor Government. This follows a period of privatisation and underinvestment by the former Liberal government with the Bus Industry Taskforce 2024 calling bus ‘the forgotten mode’ due to a failure to invest in bus services, fleet and drivers.

Since coming to office in March 2023 the Minns Labor Government has delivered:

• 1357 additional new weekly services across Greater Sydney.
• Reduced the driver shortage from 500 down to 172.
• Ordered 923 new buses.
• Rebuilding local bus manufacturing – 571 buses ordered have over 50% local content.

Passengers are encouraged to plan ahead and check service information by visiting www.transportnsw.info.

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“Bus is no longer the forgotten mode under Labor, we’re investing in new services like the 301, recognising bus travel as a critical part of our public transport network,

“Reinstating this section of Route 301 will give people in Rosebery and Eastlakes another option to get where they need to go, including easier access to Westfield Eastgardens.

“This is the first stage of growth services in the region and part of the Minns Labor Government’s investment to improve bus services and better connect communities across Sydney’s South East.”

Member for Heffron Ron Hoenig said:

“Residents in Eastlakes, Mascot and Rosebery have been clear: getting to Westfield Eastgardens shouldn’t mean multiple buses and long waits.”

“The 301 to Eastgardens is back in business, making local trips simpler and more reliable for everyone.

“This is a real win for my community. Whether it’s heading to the shops, attending medical appointments, accessing government services, or visiting family, it’s a lifeline for older residents and those in public housing who rely on public transport.

“This service should never have been taken away by the former Liberal Government. I thank our community for their support in having this vital route reinstated.”

The new rooftop helipad delivered as part of the Shoalhaven Hospital Redevelopment is one step closer to becoming operational, with successful test landing and take-off exercises now complete.

The Minns Government is investing $440 million in the Hospital’s new seven storey acute services building, which will deliver modern and contemporary health facilities for the Illawarra region from later this year.

The rooftop helipad features one landing pad and a dedicated lift which will support patient transfers and a direct connection to critical care services including the emergency department and intensive care unit.

The new helipad was constructed using 30 truckloads of concrete, sits 34 metres above ground level and spans 25 metres in diameter.

Construction of the Shoalhaven Hospital Redevelopment is progressing, with internal fit-out continuing to take shape including delivery of major medical equipment and furniture.

Once complete, the redevelopment will provide the majority of emergency, critical care, acute, sub-acute and non-admitted health services locally and reduce the need to transfer patients to Wollongong and Sydney.

The Hospital’s new acute services building will directly connect to the existing hospital site and deliver a range of new and expanded health services including:

• A new emergency department and emergency short-stay unit
• new intensive care unit
• medical wards
• dedicated acute mental health unit
• double the number of operating theatres, endoscopy and procedure rooms
• a dedicated cardiology inpatient unit, coronary care unit and cardiac catheterisation laboratory
• a new rooftop helipad.

Consultation with staff, patients and the community has been a key part of planning and design for the redevelopment, ensuring the new hospital expansion meets the unique future and growing health needs of the Shoalhaven region.

The Shoalhaven Hospital Redevelopment is on track for construction completion in mid-‑2026 and will be followed by operational commissioning and testing to ensure the new building and staff are ready to welcome patients.

The Minns Labor Government is investing $12.4 billion to build and upgrade health infrastructure across NSW, including $3.5 billion for critical hospital upgrades in regional NSW.

Labor is making the long-term investments into recruiting more staff and building more hospitals to better meet the growing health needs of our community and relieve pressure on our health system.

The Coalition cut healthcare staff, capped their wages and refused to introduce ratios. They failed to deliver enough beds, delayed building hospitals and tried to privatise emergency departments.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“The successful test flight marks an important milestone for the redevelopment, bringing the new acute services building one step closer to welcoming patients.

“The new helipad will ensure patients have a direct connection to and from the hospital’s expanded emergency department and fast access to lifesaving emergency care when they need it most.

“The Shoalhaven Hospital Redevelopment is part of the Minns Government’s more than $1 billion in health infrastructure investment across the Illawarra Shoalhaven region which will provide high quality healthcare closer to home in Shellharbour, Wollongong, Milton and Ulladulla.”

Member for South Coast Liza Butler:

“The Shoalhaven Hospital Redevelopment will be a health hub for the region, and the new helipad will be a valuable service in helping patients access emergency and critical care quickly.

“I’m delighted to see the new acute services building nearing completion, which will deliver new and enhanced health facilities that will transform healthcare for the South Coast community and ensure people can continue to access high quality care, closer to home.”

Member for Kiama Katelin McInerney:

“With distance presenting a challenge for regional communities, this helipad provides a vital lifeline for our community and represents the kind of investment our government is prioritising – ensuring regional patients have the access to the best healthcare and emergency services and our hospitals have the  additional numbers of nurses, paramedics and clinicians we need to deliver that care” 

NSW Ambulance interim Chief Executive Clare Beech:

“NSW Ambulance has worked closely with Health Infrastructure and the Hospital’s local project team throughout the planning and development of the new rooftop helipad at Shoalhaven Hospital, with our aeromedical crews and aviation partner successfully carrying out test landings as part of the commissioning process.

“Having a dedicated rooftop helipad at Shoalhaven Hospital enhances our ability to bring critically unwell or injured patients directly into the hospital emergency department or intensive care unit as quickly and safely as possible, when every minute matters.”