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Ms Kalina Koloff has been appointed as the state’s new Small Business Commissioner.

With more than 20 years’ experience spanning the public, private and not-for-profit sectors, Ms Koloff brings a wealth of expertise in strategy, stakeholder engagement and economic resilience to the position. Her background is uniquely suited to the role – she is an experienced small business owner and most recently served as the NSW Cross-Border Commissioner.

As Small Business Commissioner, Ms Koloff will lead a dedicated team tasked with improving the economic and regulatory environment for the state’s small business sector. Established under the NSW Small Business Commissioner Act 2013, the Commission serves as a vital advocate, ensuring the interests of small businesses are represented at the highest levels of government.

Ms Koloff’s distinguished career includes leading major recovery programs following the Black Summer bushfires and negotiating landmark cross-border agreements between NSW and neighbouring states and territories. She has also owned and operated several small business enterprises across the professional services, consulting and hospitality industries.

Ms Koloff will formally commence her term on 25 May 2026. Ms Catherine Ellis, who has served as Acting Small Business Commissioner during the recruitment process, will remain in the role until Ms Koloff starts.

To find out more about the role of the NSW Small Business Commission, go to smallbusiness.nsw.gov.au

Minister for Small Business Janelle Saffin said:

“I am delighted to welcome Kalina Koloff as the new NSW Small Business Commissioner. Her extensive experience in both the public sector and as a business owner ensures she has the perspective needed to champion our state’s small business community.

“Ms Koloff’s proven track record in business and working across all levels of government will be an incredible asset as we continue striving to reduce red tape and foster a more resilient business environment.

“I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to Ms Catherine Ellis for her dedicated service as Acting Commissioner. Her leadership has provided vital stability and support for our small businesses throughout this transition period.”

Incoming Small Business Commissioner Kalina Koloff said:

“I am looking forward to connecting with the breadth of small businesses across NSW and to working with them to highlight key challenges and resolve long-standing issues.

“Small business is at the heart of the NSW economy and I am committed to supporting them to do what they do best, even in difficult and uncertain times.”

The Minns Labor Government will today welcome 349 new probationary constables into the NSW Police Force, with Class 368 attesting at the Goulburn Police Academy.

The record-breaking class is the largest to join the NSW Police Force in more than 13 years, highlighting the Government’s commitment to rebuilding and boosting frontline resources across the state.

Today’s ceremony recognises that our newest officers have officially completed their eight months of training through the Constable Education Program and will now begin 12 months of on-the-job training as probationary constables.

Class 368 will be deployed to Police Area Commands and Police Districts across NSW, including:

• Central Metropolitan Region – 89
• South West Metropolitan Region – 72
• North West Metropolitan Region – 66
• Northern Region – 62
• Southern Region – 31
• Western Region – 29

The class includes 90 women, 20 First Nations recruits, and officers born in 20 different countries – reflecting the communities they will now serve.

This attestation builds on the previous record-breaking Class 366, which saw 314 recruits sworn in last August – then the largest class in more than a decade.

The milestone is further evidence that the Minns Labor Government’s police recruitment reforms are gaining momentum, including paid study for recruits, a once-in-a-generation pay rise, the Be a Cop In Your Hometown program and the Professional Mobility Program.

It also comes as the first intake of cadets trainees prepare to start in our police stations next Monday under the NSW Police Force Cadet Traineeship Program.

The 12-month pilot program gives school leavers and young adults hands-on experience in policing, with cadet trainees rotating through general duties, detectives unit, crime prevention and Police Transport Command.

Cadet trainees will gain early exposure to policing culture, values and expectations, complete a Certificate III in Business and be supported to apply for further study and training at the Police Academy.

The first cadet trainee pilot program will operate in The Hills Police Area Command and Sutherland Shire Police Area Command.

The Minns Labor Government’s work to rebuild the NSW Police Force includes:

• Delivering a once-in-a-generation pay rise for police officers
• Paying recruits to train at the Goulburn Police Academy
• Establishing the ‘Be a Cop In Your Hometown’ program
• Establishing the Professional Mobility Program to attract experienced officers from interstate and New Zealand
• Establishing the Cadet Traineeship Program to create a new early pathway into policing
• Establishing the Health, Safety and Wellbeing Command to support officers across their careers

NSW Premier, Chris Minns said:

“Today, 349 new probationary constables join the NSW Police Force – the largest class in more than a decade.

“For every community, this means a stronger police force, fit for the job today and into the future.

“You can’t make the job of a cop safe, you just need good, brave people willing to step up.”

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley said:

“To every officer attesting today, and every family standing behind them: thank you. NSW backs you, NSW is grateful, and we wish you a long, safe and rewarding career.

“Every one of these 349 officers represents more support for the frontline and more protection for communities right across the state – and each of them have chosen duty, service and the responsibility of keeping NSW safe.

“The Minns Government is proud to be rebuilding the NSW Police Force. For too long, the former government failed to invest properly in our police. They capped wages, let recruitment slide and left the Force under pressure – and we know thousands of experienced officers left because it.

“There is more to do, but the momentum is real – the last class broke a 13-year record, and this class has broken it again.”

NSW Police Force Commissioner, Mal Lanyon said:

“It is my privilege today to welcome part of a new generation of officers who will shape the future of the NSW Police Force,” Commissioner Lanyon said.

“Each recruit has already shown discipline, courage and commitment to becoming a police officer and I’m confident in their ability to serve the communities they have been placed in.

“I am proud to welcome the recruits to a career that will demand a lot of them but one that will make an impact.”

North west Sydney is a step closer to a state of the art healthcare facility, with the designs for the $910 million Rouse Hill Hospital officially locked in and early works underway.

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.

The delivery of this hospital is a major milestone for the community which was promised three times by the former Liberal National Government but never delivered.

The Coalition failed to deliver or properly fund major hospital projects around NSW leaving parts of the state missing entire hospitals and health systems under severe pressure.

The Minns Labor Government is fixing this by delivering more hospitals and more beds to meet the health needs of growing communities, including in Rouse Hill.

Early works have started to prepare the site and with the project now approved, the construction contract is expected to be awarded later this year.

Key features of the new hospital 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 project is expected to create 1,550 construction jobs.

This is another example of the Minns Labor Government delivering the vital infrastructure needed to support housing growth and create better communities.

The Minns Labor Government has a massive $30 billion per year infrastructure program – that’s $81 million a day – building the roads, schools, hospitals, water and transport for communities.

After the Coalition failed to deliver or properly fund major hospital projects in Western Sydney, the Minns Labor Government is making record investments to deliver more hospitals, more beds and better services.

The Minns Labor Government is investing $12.4 billion to deliver 32 new or upgraded hospitals, including:

• $910 million for the new Rouse Hill Hospital, which includes a $120 million contribution from the
• Commonwealth Government – which the Liberals promised at three elections and failed to deliver;
• $2 billion for the new Bankstown Hospital – which the Liberals promised in 2019 and failed to deliver;
• $630 million for the Fairfield Hospital Redevelopment, which includes a $80 million contribution from the Commonwealth Government;
• $350 million for the Canterbury Hospital Redevelopment;
• $120 million for additional beds for Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals.

For more information visit: http://nsw.gov.au/rouse-hill-hospital.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said:

“The Minns Labor Government is getting on with the job of delivering Rouse Hill Hospital for families in Sydney’s North West who waited too long after years of Liberal broken promises.

“This hospital will deliver the essential health infrastructure local residents deserve, including a full emergency department and comprehensive birthing services, which were missing under the former government’s inadequate plans, which they never delivered.

“This vital project is part of Labor’s record investment to deliver more hospitals, more beds and better services for families in Sydney’s growing west.”

Minister for Health Ryan Park said:

“This is a significant milestone and another step forward for the new Rouse Hill hospital, something the community has been waiting too long for.

“The Coalition’s failure to deliver on major hospital projects left parts of the state without whole hospitals, health systems under pressure, and jeopardised health services for local communities.

“The Minns Labor Government is making record investments to deliver more hospitals and more beds to meet the health needs of more patients in our growing communities.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“The new $910 million Rouse Hill Hospital will provide north west Sydney with much needed health services that were promised by the former Liberal National Government but never delivered.

“It’s taken the Minns Labor Government to move it from a promise to delivery.”

Member for Riverstone Warren Kirby said:

“Sydney’s north west were left out to dry by the former Government but where they failed the Minns Labor Government are getting on with the job.

“This approval is another exciting step forward for the project which will provide vital health services to the growing community for decades to come.”

Federal Member for Greenway Michelle Rowland said:

“I’m thrilled that families in my community are one step closer to having the high-quality hospital they deserve, close to home.

“This important milestone is a testament to how federal and state Labor are continuing to deliver for the North West, particularly after a decade of Liberal neglect.”

Communities in the Central Coast are benefitting from more timely access to urgent care, with more than 25,000 visits made to the Long Jetty Urgent Care Service since it opened in December 2023.

Since opening, the service has supported the community with timely care for a wide range of conditions that can be safely and appropriately treated outside of busy public hospital emergency departments (EDs). These include musculoskeletal conditions (sprains, pains, minor fractures, and plaster care), respiratory conditions, infections, minor injuries, rashes, bites and stings.

This Urgent Care Service is just one example of the services the Minns Government is delivering and expanding, making it easier for patients and families to access the care they need.

Open seven days a week from 8am to 8pm, including public holidays, the Long Jetty Urgent Care Service is staffed by general practitioners, nurses and allied health clinicians. The service also offers access to onsite pathology and works with local radiology providers during business hours when imaging is required.

The multidisciplinary team is able to provide patients with high quality and safe healthcare, including referring them to Central Coast Local Health District’s Hospital in the Home service or other community services if additional care and support are needed.

Patients who have a non life-threatening condition should call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222 for free advice, anytime of the day or night. A registered nurse will assess the patient’s condition and connect them to the right care, which can include referral to an Urgent Care Service.

Patients needing language support can call TIS National on 131 450 and ask for Healthdirect.

The Minns Labor Government is investing in a suite of ED alternative pathways in an effort to ease pressure on busy hospital EDs and ensure the people of NSW receive the most appropriate care.

This includes:

• ​$171.4 million to introduce three additional virtual care services helping 180,000 avoid a trip to the ED.
• $100 million to continue urgent care services for a further two years to 30 June 2027 to provide a pathway to care outside of our hospitals for an estimated 114,000 patients
• $70 million to expand emergency department short stay units to improve patient flow to reduce ED wait times by nearly 80,000 hours
• $15.1 million for an Ambulance Matrix that provides real time hospital data to enable paramedics to transport patients to emergency departments with greater capacity and reducing wait times​
• $31.4 million to increase Hospital in the Home across the state allowing over 3,500 additional patients each year to be cared for in their home rather than a hospital bed
• $53.9 million to improve patient flow and support discharge planning by identified patients early on that are suitable to be discharged home with the appropriate supports in place.

Minister for Health Ryan Park

“Urgent Care Services like the one at Long Jetty are a key strategy in reducing pressure on our EDs and ensuring patients receive timely care.

“Every day we see how valuable this service is for the Central Coast community. Patients appreciate being able to receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time.

“This is why the Minns Government is continuing to invest in and expand access to ED alternatives.”

Minister for the Central Coast David Harris:

“The numbers speak for themselves, 25,000 visits to the Long Jetty Urgent Care Service since it opened less than two and a half years ago represents a lot of people receiving timely care and treatment and a large relief for our region’s busy EDs.

“It is wonderful that people in the growing north of the Coast have this care option and that they are making such good use of it.”

Member for The Entrance David Mehan:

“I want to thank the wonderful staff at the Long Jetty Urgent Care Service. Thanks to their dedication many people on the Central Coast have been able to receive timely advice and treatment without needing to attend a busy ED.

“I encourage anyone unsure about the type of care they need to contact Healthdirect, who can guide them to the most appropriate service.”

Central Coast Local Health District Acting Chief Executive Jude Constable:

“We are really pleased to be able to offer the community this service and to help make it easier for them to receive the care they need for urgent health conditions, particularly at times when they might find it difficult to make an appointment with their usual GP.

“Long Jetty Urgent Care Service is providing an important alternative option for the community while helping to keep our EDS for people with more serious conditions.”

Shadow Minister for Corrections Anthony Roberts has called on the Minns Labor Government to abandon any plan to scale back Goulburn Correctional Centre and instead commit to protecting local jobs, and expanding the site as a major corrections, rehabilitation and law-and-order training hub for New South Wales.
 
Mr Roberts said Goulburn had been a cornerstone of the State’s correctional system since 1884 and should be strengthened for the future, not quietly diminished.
 
“Goulburn is one of the most historic and important correctional sites in New South Wales – and historic does not mean obsolete,” Mr Roberts said.
 
“As Shadow Minister for Corrections and having held the Counter-Terrorism portfolio in Government, I know how serious decisions about this site need to be. The answer is not to run Goulburn down. The answer is to build it up.”
 
Mr Roberts said the Government’s first obligation must be to the workforce.
 
“These correctional officers and their families cannot simply pack up and move. They have mortgages, children in local schools and deep ties to the Goulburn community, and their jobs must be protected and grown, not used as line items in a budget exercise,” Mr Roberts said.
 
Mr Roberts reaffirmed the Liberal and Nationals’ position that the Supermax must remain at Goulburn while the broader site should be expanded across minimum and maximum security, Corrective Services Industries, education and training.
 
“The Supermax stays. That is non-negotiable,” Mr Roberts said.
 
“At the same time, this site should expand its minimum-security capacity, refurbish education and vocational facilities, grow Corrective Services Industries, and better prepare suitable inmates for life after custody through real work, real skills and real discipline.”
 
“Transferring suitable inmates from Long Bay to Goulburn would both revitalise the Goulburn Correctional Centre and assist the Long Bay transition.”
 
“A NSW Liberal and Nationals Government will invest in Goulburn Corrections, utilising the proceeds of our proposal to transition Long Bay into a future housing development.”
 
Mr Roberts acknowledged the strong advocacy of the Member for Goulburn, Wendy Tuckerman MP, and called on the Minister for Corrections to release the Government’s full plan for the site.

Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman MP said the facility should be operating at full capacity and supported by long-term investment.
 
“The Minns Labor Government has failed to plan and failed to recognise the importance of continued investment in this critical facility. That lack of foresight is putting local jobs and public safety at risk,” Mrs Tuckerman said.
 
Mrs Tuckerman challenged the Minister for Corrections to guarantee investment and job security for local officers.
 
“The people of Goulburn deserve answers. The workforce deserves certainty. What is the future bed capacity? What guarantees apply to local jobs? Has Long Bay transition capacity been properly assessed? Has an economic impact assessment for Goulburn been completed?” she said.
 
“Labor is looking at what it can shut down. The Liberals and Nationals are focused on what we can build.”

There are serious concerns about further delays on the stalled M6 motorway project on the eve of the 1 May deadline imposed by the Minns Labor Government, with no confirmation the contractor will resume work.
 
In March, Transport for NSW issued a formal default notice to the M6 contractor, directing it to resume substantive work, including tunnelling, on, or before 1 May 2026 or face potential legal action.
 
Shadow Minister for Roads, Mark Coure, said the Government’s silence as the deadline approaches is unacceptable.
 
“The Minns Labor Government set this deadline. They own it. But now, as 1 May approaches, they’re silent,” Mr Coure said.
 
“If the contractor fails to meet the deadline, what action is the Government taking? If they’re meeting it, why hasn’t the Government said so?”
 
“This is a critical moment for a $3.1 billion project, yet motorists are being kept in the dark.”
 
The M6 project has been effectively stalled since 2024 following major construction issues, with tunnelling yet to resume and completion now pushed out to at least 2028.
 
“Southern Sydney commuters have been waiting years for this road, only to be met with delays and disputes,” Mr Coure said.  
 
“This project has already been stuck in limbo for more than two years, while millions have reportedly been spent on legal disputes instead of getting the job done.”
 
“The Minister made a lot of noise only to go missing when it counts. The Minns Labor Government needs to front up today.”
 
Mr Coure is calling on the Minister to immediately disclose:
·        Whether the contractor has complied with the default notice;
·        What action will be taken if the deadline has not been met; and
·        A clear, updated timeline for completion of the M6.

I welcome today’s Interim Report of the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion.  
 
The antisemitic terrorist attack at Bondi was the worst terrorist attack our country has ever experienced. 15 people were killed and 40 more injured.  
 
Today, my thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those no longer with us, our Jewish community and the many people in my local community who still live with the pain of that day.  
 
Everyone has a moral obligation to stand with the Australian Jewish community to confront and eliminate antisemitism, and the work of the Royal Commission is an important part of that.  
 
The recommendation that police procedures in respect to Operation Jewish High Holy Day be applied to other high-risk Jewish festivals and events should be adopted by the NSW Government immediately. 
 
Jewish community members must feel protected as they celebrate their faith as is their right.  
 
I’ll continue to work with our Jewish community in the coming weeks and will have more to say as the Royal Commission process moves forward.