October 2026 – Page 6

Minns Labor Government delivering more surgeries in Western Sydney

Around 3,500 patients in Western Sydney will benefit from improved access to planned surgery following the Minns Labor Government’s $30 million investment to expand High Volume Short Stay surgical services across the state.

As part of this investment, short stay surgery models have been established at Nepean Blue Mountains and Western Sydney local health districts.

At Nepean and Hawkesbury hospitals, the expansion of services as a result of the $30 million program is expected to deliver an estimated 500 surgeries by 1 July 2027, with the High Volume Short Stay model expanding to gynaecology, ear, nose, and throat surgeries.

In Western Sydney Local Health District, Auburn Hospital has enhanced its High Volume Short Stay service for those needing cataract surgery, increasing capacity to deliver more than 1,400 procedures each year.

The model helped Western Sydney Local Health District reduce its number of overdue planned surgery patients in the latest BHI Quarterly to less than 5, down from 2,021 in the same period four years ago. At Auburn, Westmead, and Mount Druitt Hospitals, the number of overdue planned surgeries reached zero.

High Volume Short Stay surgeries are planned procedures where patients are admitted for up to 72 hours.

Statewide, the number of overdue surgeries peaked at more than 18,000 under the Liberals in 2022. Since being elected, the Minns Labor Government has reduced the number of people waiting longer than clinically recommended from 14,059 in March 2023 to 3,955 in March 2026.

The $30 million one-off injection builds on the $200 million invested since 2024 to reduce overdue surgeries, and the establishment of the state’s first Surgery Hub at Northern Beaches Hospital, which has been active since 1 July and is expected to perform up to 5,000 additional surgeries per year.

The 2026-27 NSW Budget also included $10.3 billion to support increased capacity across the health system, including to deliver an estimated 2,900 additional planned surgeries.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“We do not want people in NSW to have to wait longer than they need to for their planned surgery. That’s why we have taken action to slash the overdue surgery wait lists left behind by the Coalition.

“We know the impacts of waiting for a planned procedure can be life-limiting, painful, and stressful.

“By investing in these innovative models, we can deliver more surgeries, help patients access timely care, and recover faster.”

Member for Penrith Karen McKeown:

“This investment is great news for patients and families across Penrith and Western Sydney, helping more people access the planned surgery they need sooner.

“By expanding short stay surgical services at Nepean and Hawkesbury hospitals, we’re increasing capacity, reducing wait times, and helping local residents get back to their everyday lives sooner.

“The Minns Labor Government is focused on delivering better healthcare closer to home and ensuring patients receive timely, quality care when they need it.”

Member for Blue Mountains Trish Doyle:

“It’s an extremely difficult time waiting for surgery. This model that makes inroads into the planned surgery wait list for residents of the Blue Mountains and surrounds, is very welcome indeed.”

Member for Auburn Lynda Voltz:

“Auburn Hospital is a crucial part of our local services. The addition of expanded Short Stay Surgeries at Auburn will not only make a significant difference to our community but will take pressure of Westmead Hospital helping everyone across Western Sydney.

“This is the NSW Labor Government at its best delivering services to local communities.”

Labor’s small business squeeze

A new campaign demanding an end to mounting small business costs should be a wake-up call for Chris Minns and Anthony Albanese, as NSW business owners face pressure from Labor governments in both Canberra and Macquarie Street.

The campaign, backed by Sydney mortgage broker Joseph Daoud, launches today as business owners warn rising costs, interest rates and federal tax changes are threatening their livelihoods.

The reports detail concerns about proposed changes to discretionary trusts, the cost of professional advice and restructuring, and businesses having to absorb card payment fees or pass them on to customers when surcharges are banned.

In NSW, those pressures are compounded by an economy that has flatlined, and a payroll tax threshold that remains frozen at $1.2 million, exposing businesses to higher tax bills as wages rise.[1]

Leader of the Opposition Kellie Sloane said Labor is punishing businesses instead of recognising their contribution to economic growth.

“Business owners are crying out for help after putting everything on the line, only to find the Minns and Albanese Governments taking more,” Ms Sloane said.

“At a time of record business closures, we must support businesses, because they are the key to economic growth and ensuring NSW returns to the top of the pack.”

Shadow Minister for Small Business and NSW Nationals Leader Gurmesh Singh said business owners needed relief from both levels of government.

“This campaign reflects the frustration of people who have poured their savings and years of hard work into a business, only to find it getting harder to keep the doors open,” Mr Singh said.

“Anthony Albanese is adding tax uncertainty in Canberra while Chris Minns leaves businesses exposed to rising payroll tax bills in NSW.”

Shadow Treasurer Scott Farlow said the reforms would address a cost the NSW Government had direct power to reduce.

“A higher wages bill does not mean higher profits, but with the threshold frozen under Chris Minns, businesses can face a bigger tax bill simply for keeping pace with wages,” Mr Farlow said.

“When it comes to discretionary trusts, NSW has also left the door open to adding insult to injury by collecting stamp duty on small businesses who are forced to change their arrangements as a result of the Albanese Government’s tax grab.”

A NSW Liberals and Nationals Government will:

Raise the payroll tax-free threshold from $1.2 million to $1.5 million.
Reduce the payroll tax rate from 5.45 per cent to 4.75 per cent for businesses with a total Australian payroll below $10 million.
Index payroll tax thresholds to CPI to end bracket creep.

Payroll Tax Relief

The NSW Liberals and Nationals will introduce legislation to deliver payroll tax relief, challenging the Minns Labor Government to back small and family businesses struggling with rising costs and taxes.

The legislation will put the Liberals and Nationals’ signature payroll tax policy before the Parliament, giving Labor the opportunity to support reforms that reduce the cost of doing business, encourage investment in NSW and grow the economy.

Accountant Belinda Raso said this week that businesses have had “a year from hell”, with business confidence falling to record lows, lower than during the pandemic, and 6,200 businesses closed their doors last year.

The Liberals and Nationals plan to back business will create the most competitive payroll tax regime in the country which includes:
Raising the payroll tax threshold from $1.2 million to $1.5 million.
Reducing the payroll tax rate from 5.45 per cent to 4.75 per cent for businesses with a total Australian payroll below $10 million.
Introducing CPI indexation to payroll tax thresholds to eliminate bracket creep.
NSW Liberal Leader Kellie Sloane said when the NSW Liberals and Nationals were in government, NSW businesses benefitted from NSW having the strongest economy in the nation.

“Every time I visit a local business, I hear about the pressure of rising taxes and costs. The NSW Liberals and Nationals’ legislation gives the Government the opportunity to do something about it,” Ms Sloane said.

“We want business owners to have the confidence to take on another worker or apprentice, expand their operations and invest in their future.”

“Backing business is essential to get the NSW economy moving again at a time when growth has flatlined and Labor should back that push by supporting this legislation.”

Shadow Minister for Small Business and NSW Nationals Leader Gurmesh Singh said business owners needed relief that made a difference to their bottom line.

“Small businesses are fighting to stay afloat as extra taxes, fees and charges eat into already thin margins, yet the Minns and Albanese Labor governments keep asking more of the people who can least afford it,” Mr Singh said.

“Behind every local business are people who have put their savings, their homes and years of hard work on the line and Labor should support them by backing this legislation.”

Shadow Treasurer Scott Farlow said payroll tax reform would strengthen NSW’s ability to compete for jobs and investment.

“Payroll tax makes it more expensive to employ people. Reducing that burden gives businesses more room to grow and NSW a stronger case to attract investment,” Mr Farlow said.

“Labor can support payroll tax relief or explain to employers why it wants to keep the burden in place.”

25 years since Australians answered the call in Afghanistan

Today marks 25 years since the commencement of Operation Slipper, Australia’s first military contribution to the war in Afghanistan and the beginning of a significant chapter in our nation’s military history.

In the wake of the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States, Australia joined an international coalition to combat terrorism and support security and stability in Afghanistan.

Over the next two decades, more than 35,000 Australian Defence Force (ADF) members deployed on operations in support of Afghanistan, shaping a generation of Defence personnel, veterans and families.

Australian missions initially focused on counterterrorism and counterinsurgency before evolving to include reconstruction, training, mentoring and humanitarian efforts.

For many, service in Afghanistan often meant long periods away from loved ones, operating in dangerous and demanding environments, and working alongside coalition partners, Afghan forces and Australian government and non-government organisations.

Today we honour all Australians – Navy, Army, Air Force and civilian – who served in Afghanistan and in the Middle East Area of Operations. We also recognise their families, friends and communities who carried the weight of that service alongside them.

We remember all who died during or as a result of their service in Afghanistan, including the 47 ADF members currently listed on the Australian War Memorial’s Roll of Honour. We also recognise those who returned carrying visible and invisible wounds.

A quarter of a century on, Australian service in Afghanistan forms part of our national story, marked by sacrifice, mateship, resilience and an enduring commitment to service.

MAITLAND COMPANY FINED FOR OPERATING ILLEGAL WASTE FACILITY

Maitland-based company ROBBOR Pty Ltd (ROBBOR) has been fined $30,000 for unlawfully operating a waste facility on a rural property it owns near Woodberry.
An investigation by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) found ROBBOR was using the property to receive, store and sort a range of mixed waste materials, including demolition timber and scrap metals, despite not having the required environmental approvals.
NSW EPA Director Field Operations Greg Sheehy said ROBBOR’s actions demonstrate a clear disregard for environmental law, especially as its director has previously been convicted of the same offence.
“This is not a case of an operator being unaware of their responsibilities. The director has a prior conviction for unlawfully operating a waste facility through a different company and knew, or should have known, that activities at the site required proper approval.
“Instead, waste materials were brought to the property, stored and sorted without approval from either the local council or the EPA.
“This is particularly concerning because EPA officers identified stockpiles of hazardous materials on site, including fragments of asbestos and end-of-life electronics, which can pose significant risks to human health and the environment if not managed properly.
“Companies and individuals cannot simply ignore the rules and bypass the planning and environmental safeguards designed to ensure waste is handled safely and lawfully.
“Repeated non-compliance will not be tolerated, and those who choose to operate outside their legal obligations can expect the EPA to take strong enforcement action.”
Under NSW environmental laws, a waste facility is any site used to receive, store, sort, process, recycle or dispose of waste. It is an offence to operate a waste facility without the necessary land-use planning or environmental approvals.
Follow up inspections of the property confirmed waste activities at the site have now ceased and the waste material has been cleaned up.

Greater recognition for Rifle Company Butterworth veterans

The Australian Government will reclassify service at Butterworth in Malaysia between 1970 and 1989 as ‘non-warlike service’, replacing the previous ‘peacetime service’ classification.

This decision acknowledges the unique environment in which Australian Defence Force personnel served while protecting RAAF Base Butterworth and supporting Australia’s longstanding security commitment in the region.

The decision follows a Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal Inquiry into Medallic Recognition for Service with Rifle Company Butterworth, which recommended this change. The Government has accepted the Tribunal’s recommendations.

The Australian Government acknowledges that recognition has been sought by Butterworth veterans, families and ex-service organisations for some time. Their advocacy has helped ensure the experiences of those who served at Rifle Company Butterworth have been properly considered and understood.

We acknowledge those who served with Rifle Company Butterworth and of the role they played in advancing Australia’s interests abroad.

To all those who served, the Australian Government recognises your contribution and thanks you for your service. These veterans will continue to be recognised with the Australian Service Medal.

Importantly, following registration of the legislative instruments, recognition as non-warlike service may provide access to additional veterans’ entitlements and support as well as more beneficial claims assessment for conditions relating to this service.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel, the Hon Matt Keogh MP:

“Veterans who deployed with Rifle Company Butterworth between 1970 and 1989 made a valuable contribution to the security and stability of Malaysia during a time of uncertainty.

“The Government values their service, and that’s why we’ve carefully considered their submissions, as well as the recommendations of the independent Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal.”

Schoolies: celebrating overseas safely

With end-of-year celebrations fast approaching, the Albanese Government is helping school leavers prepare for safe, confident travel abroad.

This week, Smartraveller has launched TravelSmarts, a new interactive learning tool guiding young Australians through real-world travel scenarios. It equips them to make informed choices, look after their mates and return home with positive memories.

Through our Schoolies partnership with DrinkWise and Red Frogs, we are delivering targeted digital content, educational resources, and practical advice to reduce alcohol-related harm and promote safer travel behaviours.

Support includes:

updated resources on Smartraveller’s Partying Safely Hub, including destination-specific advice and travel safety tools
partnerships with Unleashed and Schoolies.com to engage travellers at their destination via social media, welcome packs, information sessions and on-the-ground activities
targeted on-departure safety messaging
partnerships with airlines, youth media outlets and content creators, supported by digital advertising, to reach young Australians through the channels they use most.

These activities will help young Australians better understand risks they may encounter overseas, including drink spiking, methanol poisoning, and unfamiliar local laws, as well as how to stay contactable and seek help if something goes wrong.

Young Australians heading overseas are encouraged to visit Smartraveller.gov.au, test their TravelSmarts, explore the Partying Safely Hub and subscribe for travel advice updates before they leave Australia.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong:

“Every Australian parent who waves their child off at the airport, expects them to come home safely.

“Our responsibility is to ensure young Australians have the information and tools to travel safely, to understand the risks, and make informed choices so their first independent travel experience overseas is a positive one.”

Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Matt Thistlethwaite:

“Travel safety doesn’t start at the airport. It starts well before departure, when young people are planning their trip, booking travel insurance and talking to friends and family about their plans.

“TravelSmarts, the Partying Safely Hub and our partnerships with schools, youth organisations and the travel industry are all designed to give school leavers practical advice before they leave Australia, so they can focus on enjoying their overseas trip.”

No Sleap-ing on the job as Citizen of the Year continues to inspire

A family devastated by the impact of cancer is giving back to the community by supporting the charitable work of City of Newcastle’s Citizen of the Year, Peter Sleap.

Cameron and Michelle Turner received much-needed practical and financial assistance from the charity Mr Sleap created, Sleapy’s Foundation, as their daughter Florence underwent a 13-month battle with paediatric brain cancer.

Following her passing, the couple created Flo’s Day to celebrate her spirit and raise money for families in need, with part of the proceeds from this month’s fundraiser going to the Foundation.

Peter and Robynn Sleap holding the Citizen of the Year medal Peter and Robynn Sleap celebrate Peter’s Citizen of the Year award from City of Newcastle in 2026.

Mr Sleap was named City of Newcastle’s Citizen of the Year in 2026 for his work with Sleapy’s Foundation.

Nominations are now open for the 2027 Citizen of the Year awards across four categories.

Mr Turner said the awards are a wonderful way of recognising those people who make Newcastle a better place.

“Sleapy’s Foundation was there for us during some of our darkest moments. Their kindness and generosity helped ease some of the immense pressure our family was facing,” Mr Turner said.

“Our way of saying thank you is by using Flo’s Day to ensure Sleapy’s Foundation can continue providing that same support to families facing childhood cancer in the future.

“I think the Citizen of the Year awards are another great way for our community to show their thanks for everyone who goes above and beyond to help others.

“People like Peter don’t do what they do for awards or praise, but I am so glad someone made the effort to nominate him last year.”

Since 2019, Mr Sleap’s charity has delivered financial relief, meaningful experiences and practical programs for cancer victims and their families, with the majority of funds going directly back into the community.

Mr Sleap said it was an unexpected honour when he was named Citizen of the Year in 2026.

“After surviving stage four throat cancer I wanted to give back to the community and that’s when I started Sleapy’s Foundation,” Mr Sleap said.

“There are people in the community that don’t think they are doing extraordinary things, but they are.

“Someone took the time to nominate me and it reminded me that kindness matters.

“I wanted to share the award with everyone, from those who’ve donated or partnered with the Foundation, attended events or simply supported our work along the way.

“Their efforts show how amazing Newcastle is as a community and I want to encourage people to nominate another worthy recipient.”

Lord Mayor Gavin Morris said these awards are about making Newcastle stronger, kinder and more connected.

“Every day across Newcastle, there are people quietly making a difference. They do it simply because they care,” Cr Morris said.

“Imagine what your nomination could mean to someone who’s been helping the community for years.”

Nominations are open via City of Newcastle’s website for the 2027 Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Senior Citizen of the Year and Community Group of the Year.

Nominations close on 20 November 2026, with recipients to be announced in early 2027.

Flo’s Day will take place on Saturday 24 October 2026 from 12pm at Club Lambton. For more information visit the website at https://flos-day.com/

More Extended Care Paramedics for Sydney region

NSW Ambulance has deployed 11 newly trained Extended Care Paramedics (ECPs) following the successful completion of their training program at the State Operations Centre.

Already registered paramedics with NSW Ambulance, the ECPs come from a diverse range of clinical backgrounds and bring a wealth of experience to their new roles.

After completing an intensive education program, the new ECPs will be on the road as independent clinician across the Sydney region from next week.

Among the graduating class is Jason Bui, a paramedic with NSW Ambulance for 11 years and an intensive care paramedic for the last five, who began the course just weeks after welcoming his first child with his wife.

This graduation marks the 27th Extended Care Paramedic (ECP) course delivered by NSW Ambulance since the program began in 2007.

ECPs are paramedics with specialist knowledge and skills required to care for patients whose clinical needs can be appropriately and safely managed without requiring transport to an emergency department.

ECPs can be deployed to areas of greatest need, including during the recovery phase of severe weather events, and other multi-patient incidents requiring chronic and complex care.

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“Our highly specialised Extended Care Paramedics make a real and measurable difference for patients and for our hospitals.

“This new class of ECPs will provide a significant boost to the emergency care services and treatment options available to communities right across Sydney.

“We are glad to have this latest class complete their training, and look forward to seeing them on the road.”

NSW Ambulance Interim Chief Executive Clare Beech:

“Our Extended Care Paramedic program is a clear indicator of how NSW Ambulance continues to innovate to deliver better care for our patients. ECPs provide options that keep people well and supported in the community.

“This latest intake of Extended Care Paramedics has demonstrated outstanding commitment and compassion throughout their training, enhancing their capabilities to deliver positive outcomes and make a real difference to the people of NSW.”

Extended Care Paramedic Jason Bui:

“It has been a busy few months, but my wife Mel has been amazing – as an ECP herself, she has been very supportive of me taking on the course.

“The course has been challenging but I am looking forward to being able to provide more rounded care to my patients.”

$4 million to give young people more places to connect offline

Young people across NSW will have more opportunities to connect, make friends and learn skills, with the Minns Labor Government opening applications for more than $4 million in youth grants.

It’s part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to better support young people in New South Wales, led by the newly-established Office for Youth.

The Office for Youth has found that young people consistently ask for more government support to build third spaces where they can find a sense of community and belonging offline.

The enhanced funding package will support projects that help young people aged 8 to 24 make friends, develop confidence, and access new opportunities in the school holidays, regardless of where they live.

The $4 million youth grants package brings together funding through Connect IRL Phase 2, Youth Week 2027 and Holiday Break Autumn and Winter 2027.

Building on the first round of Connect IRL funding, which was developed in response to young people’s calls for more opportunities to connect face-to-face and foster a sense of belonging, the centrepiece of the package is the next round of Connect IRL grants.

More than $3 million available to councils, not-for-profits and community organisations to deliver practical initiatives that help young people strengthen social connections, build independence and create pathways into education and employment.

It comes as thousands of young people across NSW take part in free activities funded through the latest Holiday Break Spring and Summer 2026-27 round.

More than $780,000 has been awarded to 93 councils and community organisations to deliver activities ranging from sporting clinics and robotics workshops, to drumming, dumpling-making and outdoor adventure programs.

The Minns Labor Government is committed to ensuring young people can access meaningful opportunities regardless of where they live, with programs reaching metropolitan, regional, rural and remote communities across the state.

Applications for all three grant programs will be open from 9 October 2026 to 6 November, with successful applicants notified in early 2027. Visit the NSW Government grants and funding finder to find out more and apply.

Minister for Youth Rose Jackson said:

“Young people have told us they want and this is about acting on it. We’re investing in programs that will create new spaces for young people to connect with each other and their communities.

“These grants are about backing local organisations and councils that know their communities and can create meaningful opportunities for young people close to home.

“Whether it’s creating a new youth hub, delivering a Youth Week event, or running holiday activities, these programs will help ensure young people have more places to meet and hang out in real life.”

Advocate for Children and Young People Katherine McKernan said:

‘We know positive outcomes are strongest when programs are designed around what young people need and value, and children and young people have played an important role in shaping the priorities behind this investment.

‘These grants will support local organisations to deliver practical initiatives that help young people navigate important stages of life, from developing independence and employment skills to building stronger support networks in their communities.

‘Importantly, young people’s experiences and insights have helped shape these funding priorities, ensuring investment is directed towards areas where it can make the greatest difference.’