Month: October 2025

A nation-leading program is giving sick children and their families in NSW a new option for care, allowing some children who would previously have been admitted to hospital short stay units to be safely managed at home.

This Virtual Care Awareness Week, the Minns Government is shining a light on the success of virtual care programs in NSW.

More than 100 paediatric patients have been admitted to the virtualKIDS Emergency Department (ED) Short Stay Unit since the trial began in March 2024, with 80 per cent recovering in the comfort of their own home.

The program developed in collaboration with the EDs and virtualKIDS at Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network has been proven so successful, it has now been awarded a $500,000 funding boost to expand services as part of the Translational Research Grants Scheme (TRGS).

TRGS funding will allow care provided through virtualKIDS ED Short Stay Unit to include state of the art home monitoring devices.

Suitable patients will be sent home with wearable devices which enable clinicians to remotely monitor vital signs such as oxygen levels and heart rate, enhancing the accuracy and effectiveness of virtual healthcare.

This will mean children with respiratory illnesses can avoid a hospital admission, while receiving ongoing care at home. The roll out will be staged and is expected to be underway by December.

The model is also being assessed for statewide expansion, with a potential roll out to regional partners in Dubbo.

The Minns Labor Government’s 2024-25 NSW Budget delivered a half a billion-dollar investment to relieve pressure on EDs, by creating more pathways to care outside the hospital, as well as improving patient flow inside the hospital.

Across the state, virtual care programs are providing much-needed relief to busy emergency departments while ensuring people receive quality care when they need it.

Families can access virtual care services by first phoning healthdirect, where you will speak to a registered nurse, who will assess what pathway is most appropriate.

healthdirect helps people access the right care – whether it’s advice on how to look after yourself at home, finding a nearby GP, or being connected to a doctor, urgent care service or other healthcare provider online.

Around 178 callers per day avoided unnecessary trips to the ED and were referred to an alternative health care provider during the last financial year.

This is a 42 per cent increase compared to the previous 12 months.

This helps to reduce pressure on NSW public hospitals while ensuring patients receive timely care through more appropriate care pathways.

The community is reminded to use the healthdirect service for non-life-threatening conditions. If you or someone you are with is experiencing a medical emergency, please continue to call Triple Zero (000) immediately.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“We are relieving pressure on our hospitals and emergency departments by investing in alternative care pathways.

“The virtualKIDS ED Short Stay Unit has already helped more than 100 children and their families avoid an extended stay in hospital while receiving expert medical care from home, for free.

“This research funding will help expand the already successful service, so we can continue to improve access to health care for everyone in NSW.

“More pathways to care outside of the hospital; more staff; more hospitals; lower wait times – it’s as simple as that.”

Minister for Medical Research David Harris:

“Programs like this innovative virtual short stay unit are a great example of how medical research can be translated into practical programs that have real positive outcomes for patients.

“It is particularly pleasing that this program is enabling sick children to receive state-of-the art care they need in the comfort of home with their family.

“The Translational Research Grants Scheme is an important part of our efforts to strengthen research capacity to ultimately improve the delivery of our health services.”

Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network Director of Research Adj A/Professor Paula Bray:

“This innovative program allows us to personalise care to eligible families, improving health outcomes and responding to the state’s evolving paediatric healthcare needs.

“It means families can access care that’s not only tailored to their needs but also backed by the latest scientific evidence.”

The Minns Labor Government is getting on with the job of busting congestion on the Central Coast, with work officially underway on the first stage of the $40 million Gosford Bypass upgrade.

The commencement of work marks the delivery of yet another election commitment for the Coast, with the Minns Government having now invested more than $294 million on Central Coast roads.

These early works mark the start of a series of projects designed to bust bottlenecks and get traffic moving for the 30,000 motorists who use the corridor every day.

The first stage of the project will prioritise the Manns Road and Stockyard Place intersection at West Gosford.

The upgrade will deliver:

• Extended southbound lanes north of the intersection to keep traffic flowing
• A new 2.5-metre-wide shared path for cyclists and pedestrians
• Improvements to the right-turn lane into Stockyard Place
• Smoother, safer road surfaces and line markings
• A relocated northbound bus stop for easier and safer access.

Work is expected to take about six weeks to complete, weather permitting, with construction carried out at night between 7pm and 4am to minimise disruption on locals.

Some lane closures will be required, and a reduced speed limit of 40km/h will apply as work is completed.

The Gosford Bypass program is being delivered in stages, combining short-term congestion-busting improvements with planning for future major upgrades along the corridor. Two further projects are currently in design and expected to be finalised in early 2026:

1. Pacific Highway and Parsons Road intersection (roundabout capacity upgrade)
2. Pacific Highway between Newling Street and Kathleen Morreau Road (safety and pedestrian improvements)

For more information and project updates, visit transport.nsw.gov.au/GosfordBypass.

Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“The Minns Labor Government is delivering on its promise to ease congestion and get traffic moving on the Central Coast.

“The Gosford Bypass is a vital north–south link for locals, freight and visitors, and we’re getting on with the job of improving safety and reliability for every road user.

“This investment will make a real difference for thousands of motorists, cyclists and pedestrians who rely on this corridor every day.”

Minister for the Central Coast David Harris said:

“Progressing this region-enhancing project is a major win for the Central Coast.

“The Gosford Bypass upgrades will cut travel times, reduce congestion and make our roads safer for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike.

“It’s exactly the kind of infrastructure our growing region needs and deserves.”

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said:

“We promised to fix congestion on the Gosford Bypass and that’s exactly what we’re doing.

“This upgrade will mean smoother, safer and faster trips for locals, and better connections between West Gosford and the M1.

“I want to thank the community for their patience as we deliver this important project for our community.”

Member for The Entrance David Mehan said:

“Promises made, promises kept. This is a great milestone for the people of the Central Coast.

“These works represent real progress on delivery of the Gosford Bypass.”

NSW Ambulance proudly welcomed 40 new paramedic interns and 21 trainee emergency medical call takers today, officially inducting them into the service during a ceremony at the State Operations Centre in Sydney Olympic Park.

With this latest intake, NSW Ambulance has now added around 800 new paramedic trainees, along with more than 150 emergency medical call takers since the start of the year, providing an important boost to frontline health services across the state.

The recruits bring with them a diverse range of skills and experiences, including paramedic intern Shoallea Attoe, who overcame several personal obstacles to fulfill her dream and Niko Auer, who previously worked in media and will be joining the ranks of our emergency medical call takers.

Paramedic interns will now begin the on-road phase of their 12-month internships at various locations across NSW, before taking up permanent positions in both metropolitan and regional communities.

The trainee emergency medical call takers will be posted to the Sydney control centre.

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“I’m so proud to welcome these incredible new paramedics and emergency call takers to NSW Ambulance.

“These additional recruits will play an important role in supporting our community in emergencies, strengthening our frontline workforce and helping form the backbone of our healthcare system.

“The Minns Labor Government knows that investing in additional paramedics and emergency call takers is vital for the evolution of NSW Ambulance, as it continues to deliver exceptional patient care.”

NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan:

“I am delighted to welcome this latest group of paramedics and emergency call takers, with both roles critical in delivering timely and high-quality care.

“The diverse background and experiences of these new recruits will enrich the service and benefit communities across the state.

“Welcoming new staff is not just about increasing numbers; it is about building a team that patients can trust to deliver world class responses and treatment.”

paramedic intern, Shoallea Attoe:

“I had dreams of becoming a paramedic, but as a teenage mum it felt so far out of reach that I dismissed it.

“I am so proud of how far I’ve come, and of the example I’ve been able to set for my daughter that no matter your background, dreams that once felt impossible can be reached.”

trainee emergency medical call taker, Niko Auer: 

“I wanted to find a more meaningful job, something community focused and with a positive career progression.

“To be such an integral part of an emergency service is the right direction for me.”

Victim survivors of crime in NSW will have a stronger voice after the Minns Labor Government passed legislation to establish an independent commissioner to advocate for their rights.

The Victim Rights and Victims of Crime Commissioner Bill 2025 passed Parliament late on Wednesday, fulfilling an election promise to establish an Independent Victims Commissioner.

The new Commissioner will assume the advocacy functions of the current Commissioner of Victims Rights, who will continue to administer the Victims Support Scheme and register for victims of forensic patients. The new Commissioner will:

• Be appointed by the Governor and operate independently of Government.
• Advocate on behalf of victims of crime on a systemic level and oversee the Charter of Victims’ Rights, which sets out how victims of crime should be treated.
• Have the power to request or require an individual or agency to produce information or documents related to an alleged breach of the Charter.
• Be able to prepare special reports for NSW Parliament on relevant matters, including the Charter of Victims’ Rights, and enter information-sharing arrangements with public sector agencies.
• Be responsible for identifying, reviewing and conducting research into systemic issues faced by victims of crime, consulting with victims of crime and their supporters, and making recommendations to the Attorney General.

The Bill also renamed the Victims Rights and Support Act 2013 as the Victims Support Act 2013.

This will allow the Independent Victims Commissioner to appoint a new Victims Advisory Committee to replace the existing Victims Advisory Board.

The new committee will include representatives from the general community who have relevant knowledge of and experience in matters relating to victims of crime.

It will also include an Aboriginal representative as well as representation from NSW Police, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Legal Aid and the Department of Communities and Justice.

The passage of the legislation follows detailed and extensive consultation with key groups including victims’ support bodies and justice agencies.

Attributable to Attorney General Michael Daley:

“The Minns Labor Government is delivering on its promise to give victim survivors of crime a stronger voice.

“This legislation will allow for the establishment of an advocate for victim survivors of crime operating independently of Government.

“The Independent Victims Commissioner will play a crucial role in shaping policies affecting victim survivors and champion their interests.”

An elected NSW Liberals and Nationals Government will unlock the Erskineville, Macdonaldtown, Newtown and St Peters area for new housing, transforming land around four train stations for a vibrant, connected community with thousands of new homes.

This announcement follows on from the Long Bay plan for thousands of homes unveiled last month.  Together they mark the beginning of a series of bold commitments to tackle the housing shortage and give more families, renters and first-time buyers a fair go.

The precinct commitment today covers more than 100 hectares of land located in the City of Sydney local government area and within minutes of Central Station. Today it holds mostly low-rise housing. The plan is to protect the character of key heritage streets while focusing new homes near stations and on suitable redevelopment sites. 

Early estimates suggest the area could support up to 15,000 new homes, staged over time with schools, childcare centres, green spaces and community facilities.

Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said the renewal would change lives by putting more housing where transport and services already exist.

“We’re putting forward a vision that makes sense for Sydney. These are neighbourhoods with trains, hospitals, schools and universities on their doorstep. Our plan is about making sure the next generation can afford to live here too. We won’t sit by while others make excuses,” Mr Speakman said.

Shadow Minister for Transport and Roads Natalie Ward said the plan shows how infrastructure and housing can work together.

“With four stations already in place, this community can grow without forcing people further away from jobs and study. Macdonaldtown station already has an upgrade planned and we would improve cycleways and safer walking links. Just like we built the metros and light rail, we will deliver the transport that makes housing possible,” Ms Ward said.

Shadow Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Scott Farlow said the renewal would show how density and amenity can work hand in hand.

“This is about homes with heart. We will renew communities with open space and give people the schools and services they need. This is a once-in-a-generation chance to bring new life to the inner city while protecting what makes it special,” Mr Farlow said.

Key features of the plan include:

• A staged renewal with a master planning process focussed within an 800-metre radius of Erskineville station and 400-metre radius of Macdonaldtown, Newtown and St Peters stations, limited to within the City of Sydney Council area. The total investigation area would be in excess of 100 hectares,  delivering up to 15,000 new homes depending on final boundaries and configuration.
• Completing upgrades to Macdonaldtown station and early delivery of new cycling corridors and pedestrian connections.
• Expansion of local schools and new childcare centres to keep pace with population growth.
• New parks, community facilities and sustainability standards to support liveability.
• A planning approach that considers local heritage and places higher density near stations, with high frequency services within 10 minutes off Central. 

This renewal is just one element of the Liberals’ and Nationals’ housing agenda for 2027, showing that bold ideas and practical delivery can transform Sydney for the better.