Month: May 2025

Today, the largest class of NSW Police Force (NSWPF) recruits in 11 years attest the Goulburn Police Academy with the 302 new Probationary Constables set to start work in communities across NSW on Monday.

These new officers will help bolster the force’s frontline capabilities by providing more boots on the ground to fight crime and keep our communities safe.

Today, the Minns Labor Government is also announcing a new recruitment initiative – the Elite Athlete Recruitment Pilot Program – designed to attract top-performing athletes to the NSWPF.

Today’s attestation is a key milestone in the Government’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the force and addressing recruitment and retention issues following 12 years of neglect by the former Liberal-National Government.

Class 365 attests after successfully completing eight months in the Constable Education Program – four months of distance education and four months of rigorous, hands-on training at the Goulburn Police Academy.

The recruits will now begin 12 months of on-the-job training and will be deployed across:

• Central Metropolitan Region – 75
• Northwest Metropolitan Region – 66
• Northern Region – 45
• Southwest Metropolitan Region – 63
• Southern Region – 26
• Western Region – 27

Class 365 is made up of 221 men and 81 women. Eight recruits are receiving awards for outstanding academic or physical achievements.

Six dogs from the NSWPF Dog Unit will also be graduating, highlighting the important role our four-legged officers play in supporting frontline police work.

Class 365 received payment to train at the academy, following the Minns Labor Government’s historic announcement to pay recruits to train.

Eight Probationary Constables will also benefit from the new You Should Be a Cop in your Hometown initiative and are now returning to, or near, their hometown to start work.

The Minns Labor Government’s work to support the NSW Police Force and address the chronic shortage of police officers presided over by the former Liberal National Government has also included:

• abolishing the wages cap
• setting up a historic new scheme to pay students to study to become an officer, which has already seen applications surge by 70 per cent over the previous year
• two recently announced programs specifically aimed at attracting both experienced officers and regional recruits.

Since we announced paid study, more than 3,900 people have applied to join the NSWPF, a 70 per cent increase compared to before this announcement.

Additionally, the Police Mobility Program, which welcomes officers from other jurisdictions, has already resulted in 94 applications, showcasing its success in attracting experienced officers from other Australian states, territories and New Zealand.

We have also secured a historic pay rise for officers which puts them among the best paid in the country.

Today’s announcement of the Elite Athlete Recruitment Pilot Program will further assist to attract a more diverse range of recruits.

The program is designed to attract top-performing athletes and provide them with a flexible, supported pathway into policing while continuing their athletic careers.

The program acknowledges traits athletes possess are well aligned with policing, including discipline, resilience and teamwork.

While strong progress has been made in the way of recruitment and retention, the work is far from done and the NSW Government remains steadfast in its commitment to achieving more.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“To the around three-hundred new recruits: a big, warm welcome to the NSW Police Force. Thank you for putting yourself forward to protect the NSW community.

“Our Government’s number one priority is community safety, and our NSW police are on the frontline every day.

“This is the latest class to benefit from our paid study program, we have delivered police a historic pay rise, and we have launched initiatives to get cops back to the bush.

“While there is more work to do, we are turning around the police recruitment crisis left by the Nationals and Liberals.”

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said:

“We are so proud of Class 365 as they begin what we hope is a rich and rewarding career with the NSW Police Force. These Probationary Constables are stepping up with the integrity, courage and commitment NSW communities depend on.

“For many attesting today, becoming a police officer wouldn’t be possible without paid study. This landmark recruitment reform has given a diverse new cohort the opportunity to join the best police force in the country and our community is all the richer for it.

“The new officers will be deployed where they are needed the most, providing much-needed support for the hardworking police already on the frontline.

“We want to give more people the opportunity to join the NSW Police so I am pleased to announce the Elite Athlete Program to help achieve this.

“The NSW Labor Government backs our police every step of the way. We wish Class 365 all the best as they head out into the field – ready to serve and protect communities right across NSW.”

NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb APM said:

“This class demonstrates a major turning point in recruitment for the NSW Police Force.

“It’s the biggest class in 11 years with more than 300 recruits marching off the parade ground, which is a milestone in our campaign to boost the ranks.

“Based on the weekly average, the number of applications has increased by 70% since November 2023 when I announced the new payment scheme for all recruits.

“Many of our new probationary officers would not be here today to reach their dream of becoming a police officer without that wage.

“Since November 2023, we have seen a 33% increase from female applicants which is a critical addition to the force.”

Construction is now underway on the new Warrawong Community Health Centre, which will improve access to a range of healthcare services for residents of the Illawarra.

Minister for Health Ryan Park and Minister for Planning and Public Spaces and Member for Wollongong Paul Scully joined health workers and the project team for a sod turn event to mark the major milestone.

The new Centre will be located at the northeast corner of the former Port Kembla Hospital site and is part of the more than $780 million of investments in health infrastructure in the Illawarra, funded by the NSW and Commonwealth Governments.

The new facility will bring together a range of speciality services in one purpose-built health centre including:

• Child and Family Health Services
• Binji and Boori (Aboriginal Maternal Infant Health Service)
• Community nursing
• Community Mental Health
• Sexual Health Services
• Drug and Alcohol Services and
• An equipment loan pool

The new Centre will feature courtyards to support patients accessing clinical services, providing spaces for outdoor education, respite and clinical therapies.

The Project will also include dedicated accessible parking spaces and landscaping which has been designed with input from local Aboriginal groups and features a variety of native plants and trees.

Stephen Edwards Constructions has been awarded the contract to build the new Community Health Centre which is expected to be completed in 2026.

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“It’s fantastic to see construction underway for this new Community Health Centre, which will deliver improved access to out-of-hospital care and support, close to home, for those who need it in our community.

“This new facility will make a significant difference for patients, their families, and staff by co-locating a range of support health services to create a more seamless flow of health service provision for all.”

Member for Wollongong Paul Scully:

“The new Warrawong Community Health Centre is an important part of the network of health infrastructure for the Illawarra that is being built or renewed.

“It is great to see shovels hit the ground, and am looking forward to seeing this exciting project come to life.

“After many years of advocating for this new Community Health Centre, Wollongong’s southern suburbs will be provided with a modern healthcare hub, bringing much-needed health care services together under one roof.”

The Minns Labor Government is boosting connectivity and resilience in Western NSW with up to $15 million funding for runway upgrades and safety improvements to accommodate larger planes.

The Minister for Western NSW, Tara Moriarty, was in Bourke today to announce that the Government is working closely with the Bourke Shire Council, Central Darling Shire Council and Edward River Council to future proof access at three priority airstrips.

The funding and work will enable better essential and emergency services access and allow for a greater range of operations at the airstrips. The funding is being made available as follows:

• $4.66 million available to strengthen the runway at Bourke Airport
• $5.76 million earmarked for improving White Cliffs airstrip
• $4.57 million set aside for enhancing Deniliquin Airport airstrip.

The funding is being made available as part of the NSW Government’s $400 million Regional Development Trust Fund set up to focus on community connection and capacity building, plus improving regional service delivery.

The Airstrip Improvements in Rural and Remote NSW Program aims to improve access to vital health and emergency services, specialist trades and general supplies in regional NSW, including in times of natural disasters.

Th program will support the three councils to deliver various improvements including increasing runway lengths, plus strengthening and widening to allow larger planes to take off and land safely. The work will also look at potential upgrades to lighting and line markings.

The ability to support larger aircraft will benefit health, community and emergency services, tourism operators, education and training providers and the business sector.

Improved air connectivity will also increase linkages between rural and remote towns, resulting in stronger, vibrant regional communities.

The projects have been informed by a NSW Government initiated statewide audit of rural and remote airstrips, which included consultation with asset owners and aeromedical service providers, to ascertain the priorities for undertaking improvements.

Work on the upgrades is expected to commence during 2025.

Minister for Regional NSW and Minister for Western NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“Our rural and remote airstrips are a lifeline for regional NSW communities and provide vital access points for health and emergency services, specialist trades and general supplies, including in times of natural disasters.

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to making access for regional communities better and this investment from our Regional Development Trust Fund is delivering infrastructure to where it is needed and will make real improvements.

“These upgrades at the Bourke, Deniliquin and White Cliffs airstrips will ensure these important assets are well prepared for the future with the ability to accommodate larger planes as fleets change in size and grow to bring more people, goods and trade to regional NSW.

“The Bourke Airport is a critical hub in Western NSW that supports health professionals, emergency services and trades whilst also providing the community with access to commercial flights to Dubbo and beyond.”

The Minns Labor Government is investing more than $5.5 million into the construction of the crisis shelter in Clarence Valley LGA to ensure victim-survivors of domestic and family violence have a safe and secure place to go to when they escape abuse.

Local service provider Momentum Collective will deliver the building project. The refuge will have a cluster of up to six accommodation units, which are expected to open in 2026.

Based on the Core and Cluster model, each unit will be self-contained to ensure the privacy and independence of residents and to allow people to bring their family pet with them to safety.

A ‘core’ area will include open spaces for children to play, as well as private rooms to facilitate access to one-on-one support such as counselling or legal advice.

All spaces have also been designed to be culturally safe and appropriate, so all women and children who come through its doors feel supported to recover from trauma, restore their connection to community and rebuild their lives.

The NSW Government has invested $426.6 million over four years in the Core and Cluster program, which provides crisis accommodation and on-site support services to women and children leaving violence.

Once completed, Core and Cluster refuges will house and support more than an additional 2,900 victim-survivors of domestic violence each year.

The Minns Labor Government is building a safer New South Wales by addressing domestic and family violence from all angles. We are committed to providing wraparound supports to victim-survivors escaping abuse, as well as strengthening our justice system to make perpetrators accountable, intervening earlier so violence doesn’t escalate, and implementing a primary prevention strategy to stop the violence before it starts.

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:

“A woman fleeing an abusive relationship should not have the burden of worrying about where she and her children will sleep that night.

“No one should have to choose between homelessness and staying in a violent situation.This new refuge will provide vital support for women and children in  Clarence Valley, to ensure they have a safe place to go when they need it most.

“This refuge will give women and children the stability and care they need after escaping violence — helping them recover, reconnect and begin rebuilding their lives.”

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:

“It’s crucial that we continue to provide culturally safe services and supports for Aboriginal women and children escaping violence, as they may experience multiple and intersecting challenges impacting their experience of violence, and face additional barriers to seeking support and safety.

“This new refuge is one of nine under the Core and Cluster program that are Aboriginal-led to support the safety of Aborignal women and children, so they can turn their mind to rebuilding their lives and reconnecting with the community.

“We know there are better outcomes when Aboriginal organisations and people design, lead and implement Closing the Gap initiatives.”

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

“We know there is a great need for crisis accommodation for victim-survivors of domestic and family violence, especially in regional and rural New South Wales. We are working hard to deliver more refuges under the Core and Cluster program as fast as possible.

“Women and children fleeing violent and abusive homes have experienced trauma, and we’re making sure these refuges are designed to help women heal and recover by providing them with independent living spaces and culturally appropriate, trauma-informed, accessible, on-site support.

“We want all women and children to know that they don’t have to stay in an abusive relationship or return to a violent situation because they have no place to go.”

Labor spokesperson for Clarence Emily Suvaal MLC said:

“It’s wonderful to see the Core and Cluster model rolled out in the Clarence Valley.

“I want to commend the work of Momentum Collective and Gurehlgam, for the care taken to design a culturally safe place for our community.”  

Dr Tracey Mackie CEO of Momentum Collective said:

“Momentum Collective is on a mission to create inclusive opportunities and positive outcomes for all the people we work with, including women and children impacted by domestic and family violence.

“That’s why we’re building this service because we know that when people come through the doors, they will enter a safe place where they will be supported to heal from trauma and build brighter futures.

“In partnership with local, Aboriginal-led Gurehlgam, we have secured a calm, tranquil and nature-rich location on which to create this safe space that supports breaking cycles of violence and empowering individuals to live free from violence and abuse.”

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.

Disaster assistance is now available in the Bourke, Brewarrina and Walgett Local Government Areas (LGAs) following the impact of flooding.

The assistance measures are being provided by the Australian and New South Wales Governments through the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Support includes:

• Assistance for impacted residents to help meet immediate needs like emergency accommodation.
• Grants for low income, uninsured residents to replace lost essential household items to maintain basic standard of living.
• Grants for low income, uninsured residents to undertake essential structural repairs to restore their homes to a safe and habitable condition.
• Support for affected local councils to help with the costs of cleaning up and restoring damaged essential public assets.
• Concessional interest rate loans for small businesses, primary producers, and non-profit organisations and grants to sporting and recreation clubs to repair or replace damaged or destroyed property.
• Freight subsidies for primary producers to help transport livestock and fodder.

The NSW SES, NSW Reconstruction Authority and other services are out on the ground assessing impacts and providing support. To apply for a concessional loan or freight subsidy, contact the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593 or visit www.raa.nsw.gov.au.

Further information on disaster assistance can be found on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website at www.disasterassist.gov.au.

Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin:
“We have seen that flooding has had a significant impact on the communities of Bourke, Brewarrina, and Walgett. The waters may have finally receded, but people still need help.”

“Recovery has a long tail, and it takes time, but the NSW Government will be working with our partners in the Commonwealth to make sure that communities in the Far West are listened to, and that they get the support they need.”

Remote residents of the Far West Local Health District are set to benefit from better access to the Magistrates Early Referral into Treatment (MERIT) program thanks to virtual care.

MERIT is a voluntary pre-plea Local Court diversion program that provides access to a range of alcohol and other drug treatment services for 12 weeks while court matters are adjourned. The virtual Program is in the initial implementation stage for people attending Broken Hill, Wilcannia and Wentworth Local Courts.

The virtual care technology adds an important new care option, helping to meet the unique needs of remote and rural communities in Far West NSW by increasing the reach and flexibility of service delivery.

The technology will support these communities with greater access to drug and alcohol treatment programs to ensure individuals receive support tailored to their needs.

MERIT provides access to a wide range of alcohol and other drug treatment services, such as care co-ordination, psychosocial support and individual counselling. It can also assist with referrals to addiction medicine specialists and NSW residential rehabilitation services.

The program has been shown to have positive outcomes for participants. Some of these benefits include decreased drug use and associated harms, decreased offending behaviour, improved health and wellbeing and the possibility of a better sentencing outcome.

In Far West NSW, referrals to the MERIT team can be made by calling the Broken Hill Mental Health Prevention and Rehabilitation Centre on 08 8080 1142 and through several sources, including magistrates, legal representatives, NSW Police, service providers working with the defendant or the defendant themselves.

MERIT is an inter-agency initiative of the Department of Communities and Justice, NSW Health, the Chief Magistrate’s Office and NSW Police Force.

The expansion of the MERIT program is part of the NSW Government’s response to the Special Commission of Inquiry into the Drug ‘Ice’.

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“Programs like this can be life changing for an individual as it can direct them out of custody and into health programs tailored to their needs, supporting them to get back on track.

“I am pleased people in Far West NSW will have better access to this important program thanks to the innovative virtual care options.”

Acting Attorney General, Ron Hoenig:

“We know programs like MERIT are helping to tackle substance abuse and reduce reoffending.

“The addition of virtual drug and alcohol treatment options will make it easier for those in regional and remote areas to access this support.”

Member for Barwon, Roy Butler:

“This virtual care technology means people in Far West NSW now have better access to essential alcohol and other drug treatment services, as part of the MERIT Program.

“Since starting in 2000, MERIT has helped over 27,000 people in NSW, supporting them to improve their health and wellbeing and reduce contact with the criminal justice system. I am pleased the Program is now more accessible to people in Far West NSW as a result of this technology.”