Month: November 2025

Aboriginal community organisations and groups across NSW are invited to apply for grants to support events and activities that celebrate and strengthen Aboriginal cultures.

Aboriginal Affairs NSW is offering grants between $1,000 and $20,000 to support the continuation of living cultures – helping communities share knowledge, strengthen identity, and celebrate connection to country, culture and community.

The Cultural Grants Program 2025-2026 will be an open, rolling program where Aboriginal organisations can apply at any time until the $1.5 million in funding is allocated or the program closes on 31 March 2026.

Last year’s Cultural Grants Program supported more than 70 Aboriginal community organisations and groups across NSW to lead local events and initiatives that keep culture strong.

Past funded initiatives have included:

• Darkinjung Waters INC who support health and welbeing actvities to hold a culture camp for the community to come together to celebrate Aboriginal culture
• Country King Browns Rugby League Football Club to empower Aboriginal girls by fostering resilience and cultural connection through mental health workshops, cultural activities and a Yarn Up with Elders.

Aboriginal organisations interested in applying can receive support from their local Aboriginal Affairs NSW Regional Team.

Aboriginal Affairs NSW held a free online Cultural Grants Community Information Session on Wednesday 12 November,  a recording of the session is available here.

For more information on how to apply for a Cultural Grant visit Aboriginal Affairs NSW Cultural Grants Program.

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said: 

“Cultural Grants support Aboriginal people, communities and organisations to share, strengthen and celebrate culture in ways that are meaningful to them.

“The NSW Government is proud to support community-driven events that bring people together, pass on knowledge, and strengthen connections to Country and culture.

“This program is about celebrating the diversity, creativity and resilience of Aboriginal peoples and cultures, now and into the future.”

The Minns Labor Government is set to overhaul the state’s underquoting laws, with consultation beginning on proposed reforms to lift professional standards across the real estate sector, improve transparency in property listings and boost buyer confidence. 

The proposed changes aim to crack down on misleading price estimates in property listings, a practice known as underquoting, which leads to buyers wasting time and money pursuing homes that are well out of reach. 

The proposed reforms, subject to consultation, include:

• Significantly increased penalties for underquoting from the current $22,000 to $110,000 or three times the agent’s commission, whichever is greater.
• Mandating a price or price guide on all advertising so prospective buyers don’t waste their time on properties outside of their budget.
• Requiring agents to publish a Statement of Information (SOI) to help prospective buyers understand how the selling price was calculated, including comparable sales and suburb median prices.
• Requiring real estate agents to calculate and revise the estimated selling price of a property in accordance with new, clearer guidelines to be issued by the NSW Fair Trading Commissioner.
• Tightening advertising rules to ensure price guides are published, accurate and updated promptly, including preventing representations of a selling price that is less than a rejected offer or bid on a property.
• Strengthening record-keeping obligations, including requiring evidence to be kept around market feedback, offers made and refused, and consideration of changed market conditions, to help Fair Trading enforce the new laws.
• Boosting disciplinary action against agents by NSW Fair Trading, such as publicising any underquoting breaches, requiring independent valuers to certify the estimated selling price (at no cost to the vendor) or suspension of property sales activities under a licence.
• Create a standalone offence for failing to meet continuing professional development requirements for agents.  

In 2024 NSW Fair Trading issued more than 100 penalty notices for underquoting offences, forming a crucial part of the Strata and Property Services Taskforce’s work to strengthen compliance and enforcement in the rental market.  

The proposed changes have been modelled on Victorian laws introduced in 2016 which have led to millions in fines and are now widely accepted by industry. 

Legislation implementing the changes is expected to be introduced to Parliament next year.  

For more information on underquoting laws visit Price estimation and underquoting when selling a property.

Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong said: 

“There is broad recognition not only from buyers, but across the property industry, that stronger underquoting laws are needed to restore trust and improve transparency in property sales. 

“Our message is that we hear you – we’ve developed a package of reforms and are now consulting with the sector to ensure we get the balance right between consumer protection and practical implementation for industry. 

“The proposed laws will ensure NSW Fair Trading’s Strata and Property Taskforce can take meaningful action against misleading conduct in property advertising and transaction and clean up the NSW market.” 

NSW Strata and Property Services Commissioner Angus Abadee said: 

“These proposed reforms are designed to bring greater transparency to property sales and ensure buyers are not misled by inaccurate price guides.”  

“By outlining our vision for clearer documentation and stronger penalties, we’re making it easier to hold agents accountable for underquoting.

“The proposed Statement of Information and advertising rules will help buyers make informed decisions and reduce wasted time and money – a win for consumers already struggling with cost of living pressures.” 

Wagga Wagga will host the 2026 NRLW Magic Round in August 2026 with all 12 womens teams playing at Geohex Park in what is set to be a huge economic, sporting and tourism boost for the region.

NRLW Magic Round is made possible thanks to a major three-year partnership between the Minns Labor Government and the NRL, showing a shared commitment to driving economic growth in regional communities while promoting greater participation and visibility for women in sport.

Off the field, NRLW Magic Round will deliver a major boost to local hotels, cafes, restaurants and retailers, as well as showcasing the region to global audience with every match broadcast live on television and through streaming.

The Minns Labor Government and NRL partnership also provides young girls and aspiring athletes with the opportunity to develop their skills through clinics, school visits, coaching workshops, and a Magic Round fan day ahead of the tournament.

The inaugural NRLW Magic Round held in Newcastle in August this year featured high-quality wet weather football in torrential rain, a tough and entertaining showcase that underlined the scale and promise of what this event can be.

Geohex Park in Wagga Wagga, which has a crowd capacity of 10,000, has previously hosted Canberra Raiders NRL Premiership matches, NRLW pre-season games and a Country v City Origin clash.

The partnership is part of the NSW government’s plans to build a better NSW and to highlight to metropolitan areas the opportunities to be found outside of Sydney.

Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“Wagga has a proud rugby league history and is the perfect stage for this national event.

“I’m thrilled that Wagga Wagga will host next year’s NRLW Magic Round, a celebration of elite women’s rugby league and the communities that support it.

“I am incredibly proud that the Minns Labor Government has partnered with the NRL to help bring the NRLW Magic Round to regional NSW. It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase our regional communities.

“I look forward to seeing hometown heroes like Newcastle Knights’ Tess Staines and Parramatta Eels’ Rachel Pearson shine over what will be a fantastic weekend in one of NSW greatest regional centres.

Minister for Sport and Tourism, Steve Kamper said:

“NSW is the home of the NRL, and it’s great to see Wagga Wagga host the 2026 NRLW Magic Round, where locals and those travelling from across NSW and beyond will have the opportunity to witness the NRLW’s biggest names.

This is a big win not just for NSW sports fans, but for our regional business community. By hosting the NRLW Magic Round in our regional centres, we’ll inject millions of extra dollars into local pubs, hotels and restaurants.”

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“Events like the NRLW Magic Round show how our state continues to lead the way in creating a brighter future for women in sport.

“We’ve seen a tremendous increase in women sport in recent years, and hosting the NRLW Magic Round in a regional town like Wagga Wagga means we are making sure that regional women benefit from this.

“These games will provide regional women and girls opportunities to grow their interest, and hopefully inspire them to follow in the footsteps of their sporting heroes.”

National Rugby League CEO, Andrew Abdo said:

“Wagga Wagga has a deep and historic connection to rugby league, producing several elite players who have represented at state and national levels.

“It’s also the largest inland city in New South Wales, a vibrant hub of culture and the arts, not to mention great restaurants, accommodation and wineries, making it an ideal host for the 2026 NRLW Magic Round for players and fans.”

Member for Wagga Wagga Dr Joe McGirr said:

“This is a huge win for Wagga Wagga, hosting next year’s NRLW Magic Round will bring an electrifying atmosphere to the region and shine a national spotlight on the local community. It’s not just a celebration of elite women’s rugby league, but a chance for Wagga Wagga to showcase its hospitality, and passion for sport.

“Beyond the stadium, the economic effect will be significant local businesses, tourism operators, and hospitality venues will all benefit from the influx of visitors and media attention.

“It’s a moment for Wagga Wagga to shine, and for the NRLW to continue its powerful momentum in growing women’s sport nationwide.”

The Minns Labor Government has today unveiled new designs showcasing the $910 million Rouse Hill Hospital, with the community invited to view and provide feedback.

The artist’s impressions of the state-of-the-art health facility include the main entry of the hospital, a new internal access road, drop off and pick up area, and green spaces. The design also showcases the ‘care arcade’, which will house retail and café spaces and other services for consumers, families and visitors.

The Rouse Hill Hospital will cater for the growing healthcare needs of North West Sydney communities now and into the future.

The State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for main works construction of the new Rouse Hill Hospital is now on public exhibition, and the community is invited to have their say on the project. Community consultation will happen over coming weeks.

The SSDA is available to view here. 

Feedback can be provided until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 10 December.

The Liberals promised and failed to deliver Rouse Hill Hospital at three elections – with no plans to include an emergency department, birthing services, or rehabilitation services.

The final scope for the new $910 million Rouse Hill Hospital development delivered by the Labor Government is expected to include:

• an Emergency Department and primary access clinic
• comprehensive birthing services including birthing rooms and a maternity inpatient unit
• inpatient beds and day surgery services
• short stay medical assessment services
• pathology, pharmacy and medical imaging services
• outpatient and ambulatory care services including paediatrics and renal dialysis
• virtual care and hospital in the home services
• prehabilitation, rehabilitation and lifestyle medicine

The new hospital design, which includes a multi-storey car park, has been carefully future-proofed allowing for the growth and delivery of future health services.

Planning and design for new hospital is being guided by ongoing community feedback, including new comprehensive birthing and maternity services boosted by an additional $210 million committed to the project by the NSW and Commonwealth Governments.

An early works contractor is expected to be appointed in the coming months, and these works will be carried out to prepare the site for construction of the new hospital.

For more information visit Rouse Hill Hospital project.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:  

“This is a hospital that the Liberals failed to deliver. The Minns Government is now getting on with the job of building the health services communities in North West Sydney need.

“With the State Significant Development Application now on exhibition, we are one step closer to making the health facility a reality.

“The new designs show the Minns Government’s commitment to creating a state-of-the-art hospital that will service the growing North West Sydney community for generations to come.

“More hospitals, more beds, lower wait times. It’s as simple as that.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“Rouse Hill Hospital will provide vital health services for North West Sydney’s growing community.

“With increasing density in the region it’s crucial we get the delivery of this hospital right, so I encourage the community to have their say on the detailed designs.

“The Minns Labor Government is delivering homes, jobs and infrastructure together for North West Sydney where the Liberals and National failed.

Attorney-General and Federal Member for Greenway Michelle Rowland

“I am delighted that families in North West Sydney are now one step closer to having the high-quality public hospital they deserve, close to home.

“I look forward to the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments continuing to work together to deliver the best quality health services to support our growing community.”

Member for Riverstone Warren Kirby

“Having the SSDA on public exhibition is a clear indication the Minns Labor Government is going to deliver the Rouse Hill Hospital after more than a decade of false promises and fake sod turnings under the Liberals which did nothing more than make our community frustrated and cynical.

“This is a tangible step forward for the Rouse Hill Hospital and a clear sign the Minns Labor Government will live up to our promise to build the Rouse Hill hospital.

“Approval of the SSDA is the final step towards getting construction underway for the Rouse Hill hospital. I congratulate the Minister for Health for his commitment to provide Sydney’s North West Growth area with a healthcare facility designed to meet the needs of our growing population”

Labor Spokesperson for Kellyville Peter Primrose

“The former Liberal Government promised us a hospital, but all we ever got was temporary fencing with tattered plastic bunting. Now funding for our new Rouse Hill Hospital has been approved, and the planning and design work is being finalised so construction can begin.”

The NSW Opposition has welcomed the passage of the Planning System Reform Bill 2025, recognising the need for a modern, faster and fairer planning system to help address the housing crisis that continues to put pressure on families, renters and first home buyers across the state. 
 
To improve the legislation the Coalition worked constructively with the Government to move and support amendments in response to concerns from the community about transparency, community consultation and the assessment of large-scale non-residential projects. 
 
While cost of living remains the biggest challenge for households under Labor, both federally and at a state level, the housing crisis is just as urgent. It affects young people trying to buy their first home, families looking to upgrade, and renters struggling to find a place they can afford. 
 
This reform began when the Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman, Leader of the NSW Nationals Dugald Saunders, and Shadow Minister for Planning Scott Farlow wrote to the Premier and the Minister for Planning in December 2024 offering bipartisanship and cooperation to get meaningful reform done. 
 
The NSW Liberals and Nationals first tried to deliver changes like these back in 2013, when the Coalition’s Planning Bill 2013, introduced by then Minister for Planning Brad Hazzard, sought to simplify planning approvals, speed up housing supply, and create a more transparent system.  
 
That reform was blocked in the Upper House by Labor, the Greens and the Shooters Party, who teamed up to frustrate progress and run scare campaigns about overdevelopment.  
 
The NSW Opposition welcomes this Bill 12 years later because housing supply matters, but it’s not enough to pass legislation. The real test will be delivering affordable homes in the right places, backed by schools, roads and public transport, with urgent addressing of record state government taxes and charges and ramping up the supply of skilled labour. 
 
Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said this is a reform that should have happened years ago.  
 
“We offered bipartisanship last December because housing is too important for politics. Our priority is to make it easier for anyone to find a home, not harder through more red tape or delay,” Mr Speakman said.  
 
NSW Nationals Leader Dugald Saunders said regional areas need fast-tracked solutions to help deliver on the demand they are seeing. 
 
“Housing is in short supply across regional NSW and we need a system that supports the growth and prosperity of our towns and cities, along with the infrastructure to match,” Mr Saunders said.  
 
Shadow Minister for Planning Scott Farlow said the Coalition first tried to fix this system in 2013.  
 
“We welcome the passage of the Bill, but the real measure will be delivery, homes on the ground, not headlines in a press release,” Mr Farlow said.  
 
Between now and the 2027 election, the NSW Liberals and Nationals will continue to unveil a series of new housing, infrastructure and planning policies to get NSW moving again, making home ownership achievable, making renting fairer, and helping every generation to find a place to call home. 

The Minns Labor Government has today chosen politics over public safety. When the NSW Opposition moved to suspend standing orders to debate stronger protest laws, Labor teamed up with the Greens to shut it down. 
 
This was a chance to act on laws that would have stopped extremist and repeat protests, protected families and businesses, and backed our police. Instead, Labor has once again taken the easy option. 
 
The Minns Labor Government is on the go-slow train. They are tired, small target, and running out of steam. Like Thomas the Tank Engine, they are full of smiles for the cameras but going nowhere fast. 
 
They said they were reviewing protest laws. They said they would act. Yet in less than six months, we have seen a second neo-Nazi protest outside Australia’s oldest parliament while Labor sits on its hands. Today’s performance from the Leader of the House, Ron Hoenig, looked more like his TikTok content than serious leadership.  
 
After the vote was lost, Labor’s Member for Blacktown, Stephen Bali, brushed it off as an “interruption”. That “interruption” was a plan to give police the power to order masked protesters to unmask or leave, to stop extremists using disguises to avoid accountability, and to make repeat protest organisers contribute to policing costs. 
 
It says everything about how out of touch this government has become. When issues hit too close to home, their instinct is to ignore the substance, attack the messenger and pretend the problem doesn’t exist.  
 
Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said the Minns Labor Government is asleep at the wheel while extremists and repeat protesters march through Sydney.  
 
“Twice in six months we’ve seen neo-Nazis take front up at Parliament and still Labor does nothing. NSW needs a government that stands up for the public, not one that hides behind the Greens,” Mr Speakman said.  
 
Shadow Attorney General Alister Henskens said it’s time that the Minns Labor Government stopped sitting on its hands. They should support our laws which would stop this terrible community division being played out on our streets. 
 
“Our bill would give police the power to unmask violent protesters and to stop repeat offenders from hijacking our streets. Labor blocked these changes being advanced through the Parliament. That says it all,” Mr Henskens said. 
 
Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism Mark Coure said this government had a choice today.  
 
“They could back the police or back the Greens. They chose the Greens. NSW deserves leadership, not excuses,” Mr Coure said.  
 
Shadow Minister for Police Paul Toole said Labor had a chance to show they stand with the men and women who keep this state safe, and they blew it. 
 
“When you side with the Greens instead of the police, you show exactly where your priorities are, and it’s not with the people of NSW,” Mr Toole said.  

The NSW Parliamentary Liberal Party has supported and continues to support a target of net zero emissions by 2050, with a sensible path to affordable, reliable and clean energy for businesses and households.
 
The Minns Labor Government is bungling the rollout of the electricity infrastructure roadmap to get there, leaving regional communities frustrated and forgotten and everyone paying skyrocketing energy prices.
 
The Parliamentary Liberal Party will continue to work, including with our NSW Nationals colleagues, on policies that deliver affordable, reliable and clean energy for businesses and households across NSW.