Month: August 2025

The Minns Labor Government has today introduced legislation into Parliament to strengthen Working with Children Checks (WWCC) to better protect children from harm.

The legislation will ensure only the Office of the Children’s Guardian – the state’s independent child safety regulator – will be responsible for reviewing WWCC decisions, removing external appeal pathways through the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT).

Currently, people with serious criminal histories – including offences involving children – can have decisions made by the Office of the Children’s Guardian overturned. In some cases, this has allowed individuals who were disqualified to return to child-related work.

This reform ensures decisions about who can work with children are made – and reviewed – by the body best placed to assess risk to children, the Office of the Children’s Guardian.

The same change will be made for NDIS Worker Checks, strengthening the existing internal appeals process within the Office of the Children’s Guardian to provide a more consistent and specialist approach to safety for people with disability.

To close gaps in the system across the country, the NSW Government will also advocate for a national register of Working with Children Checks at National Cabinet– so parents can be confident that individuals working with children have been properly cleared – no matter which state or territory they’ve previously worked in.

NSW will work with the Commonwealth and other jurisdictions to integrate WWCC systems and close information gaps that offenders may exploit by moving interstate.

The legislation is part of the Minns Labor Government’s broader commitment to child safety – including recent reforms to lift standards and accountability in early childhood education and care, such as:

• Higher fines for service breaches;
• A new, standalone regulator with stronger enforcement powers;
• Greater transparency for families on the safety record of providers;
• A CCTV trial to improve oversight of underperforming services.

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:

“Families need to know the system will catch the people it’s supposed to.

“Stronger regulation isn’t just overdue — it’s essential. We’re putting safety and accountability back at the heart of early education and care.”

Minister for Families and Communities, and Disability Inclusion, Kate Washington said:

“Convicted sex offenders should not have a pathway back into child-related work, full stop.

“This legislation closes that loophole for good. It puts child safety decisions where they belong — with the independent expert regulator whose job it is to protect children.”

The Minns Labor Government is continuing work to deliver the vital infrastructure rapidly growing Western Sydney communities need, with an upgraded section of Elizabeth Drive opening to traffic – a major milestone in the $2.1 billion toll-free M12 Motorway project.

Significant upgrades have taken a 2.2km stretch of Elizabeth Drive from a one lane road, to a three-lane dual carriageway. This transformation will increase road safety by significantly easing congestion for the 28,000 vehicles who drive this route daily.

As well as tripling the roadway for motorists, these upgrades also included a bridge that will stretch over the new Western Sydney Airport metro line, and Worimi Drive.

Elizabeth Drive is a key access route to the Western Sydney (Nancy-Bird) International Airport and rapidly growing Western Sydney communities including Bradfield, Badgerys Creek, Kemps Creek and greater Liverpool.

Once opened the M12 will provide direct access to the Airport and connect the Northern Road in the west with Elizabeth Drive and the M7 Motorway in the East. 

Delivered in partnership with Albanese Labor Federal Government the M12 Motorway is on Budget and on time, with 14km of 16km of roadworks now completed opening of the motorway is on track for early next year. Under a Labor Government this road will remain in public hands.

The Minns and Albanese Government are also investing a further $800 million for additional improvements on another section of Elizabeth drive, which will see the widening of an additional section from Devonshire Road towards the Airport from one to two lanes in each direction.

Planning for this work which will address congestion and increase reliability and safety for the community is currently underway.

In this year’s Budget the Minns Labor Government is investing over $2.7 billion for road infrastructure which will ensure the Aerotropolis meets its full potential, and growing local communities are receiving their fair share. These works which will complement the M12, include:

• $50 million for critical road upgrades across the Aerotropolis, including traffic lights and signals at the Elizabeth Drive and Luddenham Road intersection and a new turning lane at the Mamre Road and Kerrs Road intersection
• $39 million to plan three key routes – Devonshire Road, Devonshire Link Road and Bradfield Metro Link Road – including a $12.5 million contribution from the Albanese Labor Government
• $29.6 million for an incident management and response team to deploy rapidly to accidents and traffic delays. The new team will support key routes to and from the airport, along with the broader South Western Sydney road network
• $30 million for more than 1000 new green directional signs across Sydney directing to the Aerotropolis and Western Sydney Airport.

For more information about the M12 Motorway and the Elizabeth Drive projects, go to the M12 Motorway web page and the Elizabeth Drive upgrade web page.   

Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“This is a really exciting milestone, for families and industry alike.

“These upgrades will increase safety for the 28,000 drivers who use this road daily by massively easing congestion.

“The previous Liberal-National Government failed to move this project along as quickly as they could have. Time and again they made announcements they didn’t fund or get started.

“In contrast, we have been pushing for completion on the M12 and Elizabeth Drive Upgrade and committed an extra $800 million together with the Albanese Government to get the job done properly.

“The recent Budget contained a further package of $150 million towards other essential roads upgrades and projects around the Aerotropolis.

“That is on top of $2.55 billion allocated to existing Aerotropolis roads projects over four years, taking the total commitment to $2.7 billion.”

Each March, the Minns Labor Government recognises and celebrates the outstanding contributions women make to our community with the NSW Women of the Year Awards, inspiring and empowering future generations to achieve great things.

The Awards are also a culmination of NSW Women’s Week – when we encourage women to take part in a week of exciting activities and events across the state that aim to uplift, as well as advance gender equality.

Nominations open

Nominations for the 2026 NSW Women of the Year Awards are now open.

The awards program, now in its 14th year, aims to recognise and celebrate incredible women who improve the lives of people in New South Wales. 

The Awards are seeking nomination of women and girls excelling in the following categories:

• NSW Premier’s Woman of Excellence
• NSW Community Hero
• NSW Young Woman of the Year (aged 16-30)
• NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year
• NSW Regional Woman of the Year

Young girls aged 7-15 who show acts of courage, strength, determination and kindness to help support those around them can also be nominated in the Ones-to-Watch award category by parents, carers and teachers. 

The NSW Government’s Women of the Year Awards will be held at the International Convention Centre in Sydney on Thursday 5 March 2026.

To nominate an exceptional woman in your life or community, visit the NSW Women of the Year Awards web page. Nominations close Tuesday 9 September.

Apply for Women’s Week Grants now

Grant applications of up to $50,000 for organisations to host NSW Women’s Week events in March 2026 are now open.

NSW Women’s Week is about recognising and celebrating the outstanding contributions women make to our community.

Events must be held within NSW Women’s Week, which begins Monday 2 March and ends on International Women’s Day, Sunday 8 March. They must also align with the objectives of the NSW Women’s Strategy (2023-2026), including:

• increasing opportunities and providing career pathways for women in the workplace
• improving women’s health and wellbeing, and safety in the community
• challenging gendered expectations and supporting women’s participation in society.

Organisations interested in hosting events that encourage women and girls to participate, uplift focus communities and challenge gendered norms are invited to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI).

Successful EOIs will be invited to complete a full grant application.

To view the guidelines and submit an EOI, please visit the 2026 NSW Women’s Week web page. EOI applications for the NSW Women Week grants close on Tuesday 19 August.

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“We all know extraordinary women and girls in our lives and our communities. They’re from all walks of life, doing their best to make the world a better place. They might be ground-breaking thinkers, social reformers, innovative role models or just everyday heroes. Help us give them the recognition they deserve by nominating them for a NSW Women of the Year Award.

“The NSW Government is keen to work with local organisations to develop events and activities for NSW Women’s Week to help celebrate, connect and honour the women and girls in our lives. This annual showcase of the stories and remarkable achievements of women across our state is a chance to highlight the incredible creativity and diversity of the fantastic women in New South Wales.

“I encourage organisations to put your heads together and share your ideas with us to help make our 2026 Women’s Week the best yet.”

The Minns Labor Government is leading its Closing the Gap commitments through a $4 million targeted program delivering job and training opportunities for Aboriginal people across the state.

The Elsa Dixon Aboriginal Employment Grant is named in honour of the first Aboriginal woman to secure a pilot’s licence and one of the original founders of several critical Aboriginal institutions such as the Aboriginal Medical and Legal services.

Last year, the grant created more than 300 positions, with 219 of these being school-based apprenticeships and traineeships.

The grant gives employers the extra support needed to hire new staff, keep them in work, and help them build skills. It also helps cover wages and training costs for Aboriginal employees in government, local councils and Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations.

Funding is available for a range of roles, including school-based traineeships, full-time jobs, and support for people finishing school or taking on adult apprenticeships. There’s also funding to help upskill current Aboriginal staff or support part-time study.

The program is already changing lives. Korey Omeragic, who started a school-based traineeship in animal care, is now working as a Trainee Keeper at Taronga Zoo Sydney.

With support from the grant, Korey has gained practical skills and is working toward his goal of a long-term career in wildlife care.

As part of its ongoing commitment to Closing the Gap and strengthening Aboriginal employment outcomes, the Minns Labor Government continues to invest in targeted initiatives such as the Barranggirra Mentoring Program.

This initiative provides culturally appropriate wraparound support to Aboriginal learners in vocational training, and Opportunity Hubs, connecting Aboriginal students with tailored education, training, and employment pathways from school to work.

Applications are now open for the 2025/26 Elsa Dixon Aboriginal Employment Grant. To find out more or apply by 30 September 2025, visit here.

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said:

“We know that when people are supported into work or training early, it sets them up for the future, and this program plays a big part in making that possible.

“We want a workforce that reflects the diversity and strength of our communities, and this grant helps deliver that by supporting more Aboriginal people into good, secure employment.”

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to working to continue to close the gap for Aboriginal people in NSW.

“Programs like this are an opportunity to bolster the employment of Aboriginal people and assist them in building new skills for their future.

“NSW is the only state or territory in Australia to have an additional Closing the Gap priority reform to uplift and support the growth of Aboriginal employment, business and economic prosperity.”

Elsa Dixon Aboriginal Employment Grant recipient Korey Omeragic said:

“My goal is to keep building a career at Taronga Zoo, both as a zookeeper and by working in community programs.

“I’ve been able to take on more responsibility in the Australian Birds Department and continue learning through my traineeship thanks to the Elsa Dixon Grant.”

More than 28,600 NSW high school students will be taken from the classroom to crash scenes at Australia’s largest road safety event, bstreetsmart.

Now in its 21st year, the event continues to help educate young people about the responsibilities and potential risks of being a passenger and getting behind the wheel through an engaging, eye-opening experience focusing on awareness and choices.

The students aged from 16 to 18 years old, from 221 schools, will observe first-hand the consequences of a road crash, as they participate in the captivating education event at Sydney Olympic Park, from 5 to 7 August.

Founded in 2004, bstreetsmart is the brainchild of Westmead Hospital trauma nurses Julie Seggie and Stephanie Wilson. Their events have become well-known and respected for its real-life simulated crash scenarios and personal testimonials, which aim to help educate the next generation of drivers in NSW.

In 2024, young adults aged between 17–25 years old represented just 13 percent of all licence holders but accounted for 20 percent of all drivers and riders involved in fatal crashes.

In its inaugural year, bstreetsmart hosted 10 schools and was attended by 464 students.

Approximately 300,000 NSW high school students have attended bstreetsmart during its history, helping educate them to make safer choices on the road.

Transport for NSW has supported the event since 2015 and is contributing $310,000 to this year’s program.

For more information, visit www.bstreetsmart.org

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“I am incredibly proud of this program created in Western Sydney that has been educating our young people on road safety for more than two decades.

“bstreetsmart truly is a one-of-a-kind road safety program for our teens and will have a lasting impact in helping to reduce the overrepresentation of young drivers in traumatic road accidents.”

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley:

“Tragically, this year we have seen more than 200 people lose their lives on NSW roads.

“That’s more than 200 individuals taken too soon, countless families destroyed and communities impacted forever. If we want to see a change in these numbers, then it’s driver behaviour that must change.

“This program teaches students early that they have a responsibility to themselves, their passengers and everyone else on the road every time they get behind the wheel.”

Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison:

“bstreetsmart is a great program to remind and encourage young people to make safe decisions on our roads so everyone can return home safely.

“Learning to drive is an exciting time for young people, but driving is a privilege that comes with responsibilities and can have devastating consequences.”

the Member for Parramatta, Donna Davis:

“With road crashes being a leading cause of death and serious injury among young people, bstreetsmart aims to educate and empower them to make safer choices.”

Westmead Hospital Trauma Nurse, Julie Seggie:

“As a nurse I am passionate about wanting to keep our youth out of our trauma units and this program empowers students to make safer choices as drivers and passengers.

“bstreetsmart uses interactive experiences, real-life crash survivor stories, and engaging content to deliver a powerful learning experience—building a safer future for everyone.”

NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan: 

“Our frontline teams, the NSW Ambulance clinicians working on the road and in the air – along with our dedicated control centre staff experience firsthand the devastating impact of motor vehicle crashes far too often.

“NSW Ambulance is proud to support bstreetsmart, an essential program empowering young people to reduce the tragic toll of road trauma in our communities.”

The Sheep and Goat eID Tag Discount Program has been extended to December 31, with an additional $4 million allocated to the program as part of the Minns Government’s plan to support producers in the implementation of mandatory electronic identification tags.

The roll out of the eID program is part of the Minns Government’s more than $1 billion biosecurity plans designed to protect and secure the State’s $20 billion primary industry sector from invasive pests and diseases.

The eID program is essential in strengthening the integrity of the state’s livestock traceability system and represents a significant step forward in biosecurity and livestock management for the NSW sheep and goat industry.

It also helps the NSW Government to respond more effectively to disease outbreaks and ensuring the continued competitiveness of the NSW agricultural industry.

The use of eID tags became mandatory on 1 January 2025 for all sheep and goats born from this date. The additional funding ensures producers will now receive a discount of $0.76 (including GST) for NLIS accredited white 2025 devices up until 31 December 2025, or until funds are exhausted.

The program extension comes following a strong uptake of eID tags, with approximately 9.8 million eID tags purchased since November 2024, more than 800,500 eIDs scanned in saleyards in 2025 so far and approximately 15.5% of the sheep and goats coming through saleyards already equipped with an eID.

Since January 1, NSW saleyards have been required to scan electronic identification devices in sheep and goats and producers have to use eID devices for movements of sheep and goats born from this date.

Processors, saleyards, agents and producers have benefited from a diverse range of support activities from the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development eID implementation team.

Since January 2024, extension staff have attended 895 industry events across 204 locations across the state, launched online and in-person training workshops, and developed stories showcasing the real-world application of eID on NSW farms.

For more information on the implementation of eID for sheep and goats in NSW please visit the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (NSW DPIRD) website and sign up to the NSW sheep and goat eID newsletter.

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:

“The eID Roll out is an important plank in the Government’s biosecurity plans.

It is about protecting our export markets, about protecting against exotic disease and it is about protecting the livelihood of famers and their families.

“We are really pleased to see such strong uptake and support for the program since January 1 and this additional funding will ensure more producers are supported during the implementation process.

“This program ensures NSW producers will continue to lead the world in biosecurity safety and maintain their export premiums.

“We will continue working with producers, agents, saleyards and processors to implement eID in their operations.”