Month: February 2026

Construction has officially begun on the new $910 million Rouse Hill Hospital, finally turning more than a decade of Coalition announcements into real construction on the ground.

The Minns Labor Government, in partnership with the Albanese Government, is delivering the new public hospital which will provide world class, comprehensive, integrated health care to the growing region of north west Sydney now and into the future.

Located on the corner of Commercial and Windsor roads, close to the Rouse Hill Metro Station and Rouse Hill Town Centre, the new hospital is located at the heart of the community.

For more than a decade, people across north western Sydney were promised a hospital under the former Coalition Government, who took it to three elections.

Today, construction is underway providing certainty to local families that the project is finally being delivered.

The new Rouse Hill Hospital, to be delivered by the Minns Labor Government, will include:

• an emergency department
• 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 State Significant Development Application for main works construction was recently placed on exhibition and submissions are currently being assessed. This next stage of work is expected to begin this year, following formal planning approval.

The Rouse Hill Hospital forms part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to end Western Sydney’s infrastructure drought, delivering infrastructure and the essential services growing communities need, all at once.

Because for too long, Western Sydney carried the weight of rapid growth without the matching investment in hospitals, schools and essential services. That is now changing.

The Minns Government’s 2025-26 NSW Budget included $3.4 billion of funding to support the delivery of health facilities and services across Western Sydney including:  

• an additional $700 million for the new Bankstown Hospital, increasing the total investment to $2 billion
• $120 million for additional beds for Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals

Other projects in the Western Sydney region include upgrades at Nepean, Liverpool, Canterbury, Fairfield, Camden and Campbelltown hospitals, and the new Integrated Mental Health Complex at Westmead.

Lendlease has been engaged as the ECI contractor for Rouse Hill Hospital, following a competitive tender process.

For more information on the Rouse Hill Hospital project, visit: http://nsw.gov.au/rouse-hill-hospital

Premier Chris Minns:

“For years, people in Rouse Hill and the north-west were told a hospital was coming. Today, construction is underway, and that gives this community the certainty it deserves.

“But this isn’t just about one hospital, it’s part of a much bigger shift in how we invest in Western Sydney.

“Communities here have grown fast, but without the hospitals, schools and essential services to match. We’re changing that by building the infrastructure communities were promised and delivering it properly.

“When we say we are going to do something we follow through, and Rouse Hill Hospital will transform the delivery of healthcare in one of the fastest growing regions in the country.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car:

“Every family in our community deserves access to world-class health care close to where they live, and that is why we are delivering Rouse Hill hospital with the services they have been asking for.

“For 12 years the residents of North-West Sydney were neglected and ignored by the former Liberal National government who failed to deliver even the basic services for our community.

“Labor is building a better NSW, and together with our $1.5 billion investment in new and upgraded schools in North-West Sydney, we’re delivering infrastructure that puts Western Sydney communities first.”

Minister for Health Ryan Park: 

“Today, we begin to rectify one of the single largest Liberal healthcare failures in our state’s history.

“Because of the Liberals’ broken promises, Western Sydney has had an entire hospital missing for almost a decade.

“The Minns Labor Government will deliver Rouse Hill Hospital – and we will deliver it with an ED; with birthing suites; and we will protect it from Liberal privatisation.

Federal Attorney General and Member for Greenway Michelle Rowland:

“The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are working together to provide world-class health services right here in North-West Sydney.

“I’m proud to have fought alongside the community to ensure this hospital opens with an emergency department, and full maternity services backed by $120 million in funding from the Albanese Government.”

Member for Riverstone Warren Kirby:

“This is a huge moment for our community. People here have backed this hospital for years, and now we can finally see it becoming a reality.”        

“This is something our community has fought hard for.

“It means mums don’t have to travel across Sydney to give birth, and families can get emergency care close to where they live.”

Labor Spokesperson for Kellyville Peter Primrose:

“Our growing community needs and deserves this new hospital. The Minns Labor Government is building and delivering the Rouse Hill Hospital, as well as new schools and other services throughout North-Western Sydney.”

Communities across regional NSW will benefit from a strategy to support arts and culture, and grow cultural tourism in regional NSW.

The Minns Labor Government is delivering Heartland: A Plan for Regional NSW Arts, Culture and Creative Industries, backed by a $5.2 million investment, to boost regional creativity and vibrancy.

Regional creativity is already a powerhouse for NSW, employing 52,520 people and contributing over $6.2 billion in cultural tourism spend.

The first of its kind, the plan came from extensive consultation with communities from Lismore to Bega, Wollongong to Wagga Wagga, the Hunter to Broken Hill, and beyond.

Across the state, regional communities emphasised the role of arts and culture in bringing people together, of keeping young people in their communities, and as an important way to support those struggling with disasters ranging between drought, flood and fire.

An investment of almost $3.2 million will build partnerships, strengthen investment, activate networks, and expand creative opportunities:

• $1 million for a Regional NSW Strategic Partnerships Fund, supporting co-funded initiatives with arts and cultural organisations, councils, universities, philanthropists and business.
• $500,000 toincrease support for regional touring programs, with a focus on activity that contributes to skill development for arts practitioners and the growth of new audiences.
• $400,000 over two years to work with First Nations creative and cultural communities to exploreopportunities tobring arts and cultural practitioners together.
• $250,000 to fund 16 paid internship positions delivered by regional art and cultural organisations to build skills and career pathways.
• $250,000 to support the employment of producer and touring brokerage roles in regional NSW to develop and deliver touring programs that support the Regional Touring Fund.
• $250,000 to establish a Local Government pilot program to encourage place-based philanthropy in regional NSW for arts and cultural activity.
• $200,000 to deliver an Arts and Cultural Tourism Program for NSW First Nations practitioners and communities.
• $200,000 for new creative and community hubs through the Creative Heritage Rail program.
• $100,000 to invest in capacity building for regional touring framework organisations, starting with Music in the Regions.
• $50,000 for regional community bands to support youth participation and engagement.

A $2 million investment to deliver the Regional Night-Time Economy Program pilot will support 10 regional town business collectives to develop their local economies from the day into the night.

Additionally, in recognition of the importance of the Regional Arts Development Organisation (RAD0) network, establish the RADO sustainability fund to restore funding levels, ensuring the stability of the network and providing a safety net for RADOs going through the process of restructure and revitalisation.

This builds on the NSW Government’s ongoing commitment to regional NSW, including $14 million in 2024-25, through the Arts and Cultural Funding Program.

Read Heartland: APlan for Regional NSW Arts, Culture and Creative Industries  here.

Minister for the Arts John Graham said:

“Regional artists, creative organisations and cultural festivals play a critical role in their local communities – culture brings people together and boosts local economies.

“From artists in small towns to cultural festivals that define their communities, this Plan gives regional creatives better support, and the opportunities they deserve – strengthening the creative life of regional NSW for generations to come.

“That is why we’re investing in regional artists and cultural organisations to do what they do best – tell local stories, bring communities together, and contribute to the economic life of the regions.”

Regional Plan Working Group said:

“Regional NSW represents nearly 40% of the state’s population and is rich with creative talent, distinctive cultural traditions and stories that deserve to be seen and celebrated.

“This Regional Plan is an exciting step forward in a decade-long process of investment, research and co-design, prompted by the NSW Government’s Creative Communities policy. 

“The Plan recognises the strength, diversity and cultural vitality of regional NSW, with actions that will carefully address the needs and strengths of communities large and small, across a range of artforms and sectors.

“It will support artists, creative groups and community cultural organisations to hum with activity, connection and pride, and will help bring regional stories to life where culture thrives.”

BACKGROUND

Heartland: A Plan for Regional Arts, Culture and Creative Industries identifies six key priorities to address the unique opportunities and challenges faced by regional NSW. These include:

• Champion Regional First Nations Arts and Culture: advancing the profile and economic potential of First Nations arts and cultural practitioners and Aboriginal-led organisations.
• Strengthen Regional Partnerships and Networks: strengthening capacity and investment in regional arts and culture, improving connections and nurturing new partnership and philanthropic models.
• Unlock Regional Creative Spaces: collaborating across government, universities and vocational education providers to deliver new creative spaces and hubs in regional NSW.
• Open Doors to Regional Creative Careers: developing new career pathways for regional creative workers, volunteers and young people, supporting retention and skills development.
• Showcase Regional Storytelling and Creative Innovation: expanding access to arts and culture in regional NSW, incentivising and supporting touring.
• Amplify Statewide Arts and Cultural Tourism: driving arts and cultural tourism development

One of NSW’s most cherished country race meetings, the Yass Picnic Races, will mark its 125th anniversary on February 28 on the back of significant upgrades to Marchmont Racecourse, which have improved safety and access for local, regional and interstate visitors.

The upgrades come as part of a $270,000 grant from the Minns Labor Government’s Crown Reserves Improvement Fund, and futureproofs the iconic course for racing enthusiasts, locals and visitors alike.

The races draw thousands of visitors to the Yass Valley for a vibrant late-summer weekend that blends sport with the region’s renowned food, wine, and heritage experiences, and this year’s quasquicentennial celebration is set to be one of the most special yet.

NSW, interstate and overseas visitors are expected to flock to the valley on February 28, boosting the region’s visitor economy, and supporting local jobs and businesses.

The $270,000 grant funded upgrades to energy infrastructure, with new power poles, lines, and a substation installed as well as a solar water pump. New power circuits now service sheds and the camping area, improving safety, reducing noise, and enhancing accessibility for extended, multi-day events.

The revitalised venue has already secured a major coup, with the Yass Polocrosse Club returning to Marchmont on 26–27 April 2026 after more than 40 years of playing in the ACT. Their two-day carnival is expected to attract over 200 horses and riders from across the region, marking a milestone for one of

Australia’s oldest continuously active polocrosse clubs.

These improvements build on a previous grant – which cleared waste material, and repaired internal roads and fencing – and these new upgrades ensure Marchmont remains a vibrant hub for sport, tourism, and community connection in the Yass Valley.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“The Yass Picnic Races and the return of polocrosse to Marchmont are a testament to regional pride, tradition and community spirit. These upgrades are about more than infrastructure; they support volunteers, stimulate tourism, and guarantee Marchmont remains a lively venue for generations to come.

“Fantastic events like the Picnic Races draw thousands of visitors to the area and support local businesses, helping us reach our ambitious target of $91 billion in annual visitor expenditure by 2035 – the key goal of our new Visitor Economy Strategy, which regional NSW is a huge part of.”

Marchmont Racecourse Secretary Catherine Bennett said:

“I am proud of the work the Trust has done in recent years to bring the asset back to a quality state and to develop a vision for future use. Bringing polocrosse back to Marchmont after four decades is an honourable milestone for our club and community.

“We’re honoured to contribute to Marchmont’s legacy and to welcome riders and racegoers to a safer, more accessible venue. This year’s celebrations are especially meaningful as we mark the 125th anniversary of the Yass Picnic Races.

“We look forward to celebrating this historic occasion with the entire Yass Valley community and our visitors.”

The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are building a safer New South Wales for older women, with the launch today of new training and resources to improve supports for those who have experienced sexual violence.

The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are building a safer New South Wales for older women, with the launch today of new training and resources to improve supports for those who have experienced sexual violence.

Developed with over $500,000 funding from the Sexual Violence Project Fund, the Older Women’s Network NSW has created a package of resources, including four moving videos to raise awareness of sexual violence experienced by older women, and tools and guides to assist specialist sexual assault services respond to reports of abuse.

The 2021-22 Personal Safety Survey by the Australian Bureau of Statistics estimated that 3.2 per cent of women over 65 years had experienced sexual harassment in the last 12 months, and 0.5 per cent of those over 55 had experienced sexual violence in the last two years.

Sexual violence is often under-reported usually due to shame, fear, or guilt. Older women face similar barriers, as well as those related to ageism, positioning them as asexual, less credible and less valuable, creating a context in which disclosures are minimised or never made.

The “Hear Our Voices” initiative challenges this, and includes resources to support reporting:

• A report documenting key themes and barriers to help-seeking
• A ‘body mapping’ gallery documenting older women’s experiences of sexual violence, disclosure, healing and resilience
• Practitioner fact sheets
• An audit and planning tool
• Guides for frontline services and specialist workers
• Guide for trainers, educators and facilitators to deliver training safely and effectively.

The resources and training package were co-designed with older women, putting victim-survivor voices at the centre and ensuring a trauma-informed approach that is responsive to the needs of older women.

The training package is available to all service providers at: https://voices.ownnsw.org.au/

The $10 million Sexual Violence Project Fund is jointly funded by the Commonwealth and NSW Governments for one-off, time-limited early intervention and response projects that address sexual violence.

It is part of the NSW Government’s wider effort to address sexual violence and elder abuse in our community. This includes funding for the NSW Sexual Violence Helpline and the NSW Ageing and Disability Commission.

Federal Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence Ged Kearney said:

“Women have fought for decades to have sexual violence addressed at every life stage. This funding recognises that older women deserve specialised, trauma-informed supports tailored to the unique barriers they face when accessing care.

“We know that sexual violence is underreported and under recognised, and this is especially true for older women. Age does not protect women from harm, often it can hide it and exclude them from supports. I want older women to know that we are determined to change that.

“The Albanese Labor Government has made the largest investment in Australia’s history to end family, domestic and sexual violence, $4 billion, and that commitment includes support for older women. We will continue to work in partnership with state and territory governments so that no women are left behind.”

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

“Sexual violence has a devastating impact on victim-survivors and those around them. Early intervention is critical to reducing the prevalence of sexual violence and improving responses.

“The Older Women’s Network project will close a gap in raising awareness in our community about elder sexual abuse, as well as making sure that frontline services are in a position to respond in a trauma-informed way.

“Thank you to the Older Women’s Network for its thorough approach to addressing this issue with the ‘Hear our Voices’ project.”

CEO Older Women’s Network NSW Yumi Lee said:

“For too many older women, sexual violence has been carried alone, dismissed because of their age, doubted because of stereotypes, or shamed into silence.

“This project says clearly and publicly: we hear you, we believe you, and we are building systems that will respond properly.

“I encourage all services to access these resources so older women can be better seen, heard and supported as they navigate their journey following sexual assaults, whether perpetrated in the distant past or now.”

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 sexual violence, call the 1800 FULLSTOP for free counselling and referrals, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For support for elder abuse, call the NSW Ageing and Disability Commission on

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

Graham ordered public service and consultants to model electorate impacts of toll reform options

The Minns Government has directed taxpayer funded consultants and public servants to model the electorate level impacts of toll reform options. That is not public administration. It is politics. 

Documents released to Parliament show that in January 2025, while four toll reform options were under active consideration, the Transport Minister’s office ordered modelling to assess how each option would affect individual electorates. 

Electorates are political constructs. They are not transport metrics. They are not economic metrics. They are not congestion metrics. 

There is no public interest in using taxpayer resources to understand the electorate implications of different toll reform options. The ICAC has made clear that an improper purpose arises where public power is exercised for a purpose foreign to that power, or where partisan advantage becomes relevant to decision making. 

The Ministerial Code of Conduct also makes Ministers responsible for the actions of their offices and they are required to always act in the public interest. 

By the end of December 2024, the Government had signed an MOU with concessionaires and entered live negotiations. 

Against that backdrop, The Minns Government direction to model how reform options would impact individual electorates had no legitimate purpose, was not in the public interest and was an unethical misuse of public resources. 

During a period in which the Government has refused to disclose detail under claims of cabinet confidentiality and commercial in confidence, it was using the public service to assess how different options would affect its electoral position. 

Once a deal is struck, there is no going back. 

The Opposition supports toll reform. But transparency and integrity matter. 

The Minister must answer: 

• Why was ordering electorate modelling in the public interest? 
• Does he believe this was an appropriate use of taxpayer resources? 
• Was it shared beyond the Minister’s office? 
• Will he be invoking the ‘Jo Haylen’ defence, saying he knows nothing about what happens in his office, on Toll Reform or this work – despite leading the reform for over 1000 days 

A NSW Police civilian employee has been charged following an investigation into an alleged domestic violence related assault in March 2025.

On Saturday 14 February 2026, officers attached to Newcastle City Police District commenced an investigation into the alleged domestic violence assault.

Later that day, police arrested a 41-year-old woman at Burwood.

She was charged with two counts of common assault (Domestic Violence) and granted conditional bail to appear at Burwood Local Court on Thursday 19 February 2026.

Her employment status is under review.