Category: NSW News

NSW will no longer have the power to surveil conversations between incarcerated people and legal practitioners, after a disallowance motion moved by Greens justice spokesperson Sue Higginson passed the Legislative Council with the support of the Opposition and the entire crossbench.

Members of Parliament, police, and legal practitioners are exempt from surveillance under regulation, meaning any phone calls or letters between those persons and inmates cannot be monitored or recorded. A regulation made earlier this year restricted the surveillance exemption to legal practitioners who gave legal advice to specific inmates.

The 2024 Inquiry into prison guard Wayne Astill’s sexual offending against female prisoners raised concerns that prison guards had “systematically” used information “gleaned from monitoring inmate calls, visits and letters as a means of intimidation”.

Greens MP, spokesperson for Justice and solicitor Sue Higginson said:

“Conversations between lawyers and incarcerated people should not be monitored by the state.

“Incarcerated people have a right to access lawyers free of state interference, lawyer and client confidentiality and legal professional privilege are important basic tenants of access to justice,

“Women in prison who were victims of Wayne Astill’s heinous sexual offending were terrified of raising their experiences because they knew prison guards were spying on their conversations with lawyers unlawfully. This practice has continued under the Minns Labor Government and Minister for Corrections Anoulack Chanthivong, and to date he has done nothing to protect the privacy of vulnerable people in custody, he has only made regulations that increase the risks of this happening again,

“The Minns Labor Government made a clumsy and authoritarian attempt to intercept conversations between lawyers and incarcerated people by regulation, but this attempt has failed after the parliament disallowed the regulation,”

“The ramifications of breaching legal professional privilege by spying on conversations with lawyers are severe. The Supreme Court has been clear that Courts can permanently stay any proceeding where a breach of legal professional privilege has been identified, meaning this regulation could have risked entire criminal cases being thrown out,

“I have no doubt that Corrective Services routinely spy on conversations that inmates have with me, even though Members of Parliament are also exempt from surveillance. Prison guards often retaliate against incarcerated people who are seeking my assistance with urgent health issues and matters of injustice,

“I have written to the Minister for Corrections raising these concerns and I have been ignored. It wasn’t until Minister Chanthivong was questioned by journalists that he gave any assurance that my allegations of unlawful conduct were being investigated. It shouldn’t be journalists’ job to persuade the Minister to do his job,”

“The Minister for Corrections is wilfully overseeing a system of rampant non-compliance with the law in which privileged conversations can be spied upon. His continued inaction has created a significant mess and he must act to clean it up, or the parliament and the press will keep doing it for him,” Ms Higginson said.

Construction is underway on a new refuge in Maitland LGA to provide women and children escaping domestic and family violence with more access to secure accommodation, as part of the Minns Labor Government’s efforts to build a safer New South Wales for victim-survivors.

Housing Plus is developing the refuge, with specialist support services to be delivered onsite by Carrie’s Place Domestic Violence and Homelessness Services once the project is complete.

Under the NSW Government’s Core and Cluster program, Housing Plus has been awarded $6.4 million to deliver the refuge, which will provide eight units of crisis accommodation for women and children leaving violence.

The project will include a mix of studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units designed to support different household types. One unit will be wheelchair accessible, and the shared areas will also be accessible for residents with restricted mobility.

Each unit will be fully self-contained, featuring its own kitchen, bathroom and laundry facilities, private outdoor space and an area for pets.

The refuge will feature indoor and outdoor play spaces for children, as well as designated areas for communal activities.

This investment forms part of the NSW Government’s $426.6 million Core and Cluster program to expand crisis accommodation and provide on-site specialist support for women and children fleeing violence.

Once complete, the program will support more than 2,900 additional victim-survivors of domestic and family violence each year.

The initiative also contributes to the Minns Government’s broader response to domestic and family violence, including an historic $6.6 billion investment in social and affordable housing, with at least half the new homes prioritised for victim-survivors.

It also includes actions to address domestic, family and sexual violence from all angles, such as expanding frontline support services, holding perpetrators to account, early intervention and primary prevention.

Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Rose Jackson said:

“Domestic and family violence remains one of the leading causes of homelessness in NSW and that’s why we’re investing in purpose-built refuge accommodation so when someone makes the courageous decision to leave violence, they can be certain there’s a safe place to turn when they need it most.

“No one should have to choose between staying in danger or facing homelessness. These refuges offer far more than a roof over someone’s head, they’re spaces designed to provide privacy, independence and specialist support in one place.

“Once built, this refuge in Maitland will be a safe place for women with or without children to rebuild their lives and live free from abuse.”

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

“This new Core and Cluster refuge in Maitland will give families a secure place to stay while they receive the specialist support they need to rebuild their lives.

“Importantly, women and children can access tailored support services onsite, in a safe and purpose-built environment designed to meet their needs.

“By working with organisations like Housing Plus and Carrie’s Place, we are ensuring women and children leaving violence have access to safe accommodation and the support services they deserve.”

Member for Maitland, Jenny Aitchison said:

“A safe place to stay is about so much more than a bed and four walls. It can be the turning point that gives someone the space, dignity and strength to leave violence behind.

“For many women and children, refuges like this are more than accommodation, they are a lifeline – a chance to catch their breath, feel safe, and begin to rebuild.

“As the local member, my community has been crying out for these services for over a decade. I know how vital they are for communities, and I’m incredibly proud to see this refuge being delivered in Maitland to support those who need it most.

“Domestic and family violence remains a significant issue in Maitland, with Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) data showing domestic violence-related assault charges have increased by 3.6% and sexual assault charges by 14.3% in the last decade. A clear reminder of why investment in refuges like this is so critical.”

Acting CEO of Housing Plus Group, Maria Woods said:

“The commencement of construction on this state-of-the-art emergency accommodation marks an exciting milestone for our organisation and the Maitland community.

“The Core and Cluster model offers an innovative approach to independent living while ensuring access to vital support services, and we are proud to be leading the way in creating a safe and welcoming space for women and children.

“Our partnership with Carrie’s Place brings together our design and construction expertise with their deep local experience in service delivery, and we look forward to opening the doors together in 2027.”

CEO of Carrie’s Place, Jayne Clowes said:

“This Specialist Accommodation represents hope, safety, and a pathway forward for women and children experiencing violence.

“Demand for crisis accommodation continues to rise, and this purpose‑built facility will help ensure that families in danger have somewhere safe to turn.

“We are proud to be partnering with the NSW Government and Housing Plus on this essential project.”

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 domestic and family violence, call the NSW Domestic Violence Line on 1800 65 64 63 for free counselling and referrals, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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

For information on Men’s Behaviour Change Programs operating in your local area, contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491.

But where is the mens shelter?

A NSW Government report has revealed more people are protecting their skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays, however an estimated 700, 000 people across the state were recently sunburnt.

Released today, Cancer Institute NSW’s Sun Protection Behaviours Report shows 10 per cent of adults reported being sunburnt at least once in the four-week period before they were surveyed, down from almost 15 per cent from the previous report.

However, there was no improvement from the previous report in the number of young adults, aged 18-24 years, getting sunburnt, with around one in five (18.5%) reporting a recent sunburn. Young adults were also less likely to adopt sun protection behaviours such as wearing protective clothing, a hat and sunglasses.

The report also provided insights on sun exposure, finding around 40 per cent of all surveyed adults were frequently exposed to the sun from 11am-3pm, when UV levels are highest, yet only around 40 per cent used three or more forms of sun protection.

Two out of three Australians will be treated for skin cancer in their lifetime. In Australia, ninety-five per cent of melanoma and 99 per cent of non-melanoma skin cancers are caused by overexposure to UV radiation from the sun and can be prevented with proper sun protection. The general rule is to protect your skin from the sun when the UV index is at three or above, which in NSW is most of the year, including in winter.

The Cancer Institute NSW has several initiatives in place to reduce the incidence of skin cancer in NSW as part of the NSW Skin Cancer Prevention Strategy 2023-2030. Initiatives include behaviour change campaigns, influencing shade provision in public spaces and working with organisations in areas where people work, live and play to adopt sun protection policies and behaviours.

The most effective defence against overexposure to UV radiation is to follow these five key steps:

1. Slip on protective clothing
2. Slop on SPF50+ sunscreen 20 minutes before you go out, and reapply every two hours
3. Slap on a wide brimmed hat that covers your face, ears and neck
4. Seek shade throughout the day
5. Slide on sunglasses that meet Australian Standards

Other report insights

• More than 85 per cent of adults used at least one form of sun protection, however, only 38 per cent used three or more, and less than 5 per cent used all five forms of sun protection.
• Men aged 40 and over were more likely than the overall population to be exposed to the sun during peak UV hours (11am–3pm). Although they were more likely to wear a sun-safe hat, they were less likely to use sunscreen.
• People from coastal and regional and rural areas were significantly more likely to be exposed to the sun during peak UV hours compared to those from Sydney metropolitan areas, but their use of sun protection was generally higher and there were no geographical differences in reports of sunburn.

The latest Sun Protection Behaviours Report analyses data from the 2024 NSW Health Population Health Survey, which asked about 10,000 people to report on their sun exposure, episodes of sunburn, adoption of the five sun protection behaviours and the ease of finding shade at public parks. These results were extrapolated to the NSW population.

More information on how to reduce your risk of skin cancer is available on the Cancer Institute NSW website.

Health Minister Ryan Park:

“The release of the latest Sun Protection Behaviours Report is a good reminder especially to the state’s young adults to protect their skin when outside.

“Australia has one of the highest skin cancer rates in the world and we need to take the threat of skin cancer seriously and follow the simple, life-saving steps needed to reduce our risk of this deadly disease.”

NSW Chief Cancer Officer and Chief Executive Cancer Institute NSW, Professor Tracey O’Brien AM:

“We are fortunate to live in a sun-drenched country but with that comes the increased risk of skin cancer, that’s why it is worrying that so many adults have been recently sunburnt.

“The report shows while progress has been made, we need to see more people protect their skin from the sun by doing the simple things we’ve been told for decades like seeking shade, wearing sunscreen, putting on a hat, sunglasses and protective clothing whenever we head outdoors.”

Katrina, diagnosed with melanoma aged 26 years

“I went to get my skin checked for the first time; a couple of my friends had been for skin checks so I thought it would be a good thing to do – like going to the dentist. The doctor biopsied one spot on my arm that looked suspicious. I was really shocked when I got the call to say it was an early-stage melanoma.

“I now encourage friends and siblings to get their skin checked. My melanoma was caught early, when it was treatable but it’s really scary for me to think about what might have happened if I hadn’t have had that skin check when I did.”

Residents of Rosebery, Eastlakes, Mascot, Pagewood and Eastgardens will be better connected by public transport, with the reinstatement of the 301 bus service starting on April 20. The reinstated service is part of the Minns Labor Government’s $452 million investment in rebuilding the state’s bus network.

The 301 route began in 1987 but was cut under the former Liberal government in 2021.

The restored route will service the Rosebery to Eastgardens part of the old route. It will be particularly beneficial for elderly residents in Rosebery and Eastlakes travelling to the Mascot shops and Westfield Eastgardens.

The new Route 301 will operate approximately every 30 minutes during off-peak periods Monday to Saturday, with the first service arriving at Eastgardens just before 10am and the last departing Eastgardens just after 5pm

There will be no changes to existing services in the area, including Routes 303, 306 and 350.

Transport for NSW is communicating these changes with passengers and communities to ensure they understand the service improvements and how best to plan their journey.

The restored 301 service is part of the wider $452 million bus investment announced in the 2025/26 budget by the Minns Labor Government. This follows a period of privatisation and underinvestment by the former Liberal government with the Bus Industry Taskforce 2024 calling bus ‘the forgotten mode’ due to a failure to invest in bus services, fleet and drivers.

Since coming to office in March 2023 the Minns Labor Government has delivered:

• 1357 additional new weekly services across Greater Sydney.
• Reduced the driver shortage from 500 down to 172.
• Ordered 923 new buses.
• Rebuilding local bus manufacturing – 571 buses ordered have over 50% local content.

Passengers are encouraged to plan ahead and check service information by visiting www.transportnsw.info.

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“Bus is no longer the forgotten mode under Labor, we’re investing in new services like the 301, recognising bus travel as a critical part of our public transport network,

“Reinstating this section of Route 301 will give people in Rosebery and Eastlakes another option to get where they need to go, including easier access to Westfield Eastgardens.

“This is the first stage of growth services in the region and part of the Minns Labor Government’s investment to improve bus services and better connect communities across Sydney’s South East.”

Member for Heffron Ron Hoenig said:

“Residents in Eastlakes, Mascot and Rosebery have been clear: getting to Westfield Eastgardens shouldn’t mean multiple buses and long waits.”

“The 301 to Eastgardens is back in business, making local trips simpler and more reliable for everyone.

“This is a real win for my community. Whether it’s heading to the shops, attending medical appointments, accessing government services, or visiting family, it’s a lifeline for older residents and those in public housing who rely on public transport.

“This service should never have been taken away by the former Liberal Government. I thank our community for their support in having this vital route reinstated.”

The new rooftop helipad delivered as part of the Shoalhaven Hospital Redevelopment is one step closer to becoming operational, with successful test landing and take-off exercises now complete.

The Minns Government is investing $440 million in the Hospital’s new seven storey acute services building, which will deliver modern and contemporary health facilities for the Illawarra region from later this year.

The rooftop helipad features one landing pad and a dedicated lift which will support patient transfers and a direct connection to critical care services including the emergency department and intensive care unit.

The new helipad was constructed using 30 truckloads of concrete, sits 34 metres above ground level and spans 25 metres in diameter.

Construction of the Shoalhaven Hospital Redevelopment is progressing, with internal fit-out continuing to take shape including delivery of major medical equipment and furniture.

Once complete, the redevelopment will provide the majority of emergency, critical care, acute, sub-acute and non-admitted health services locally and reduce the need to transfer patients to Wollongong and Sydney.

The Hospital’s new acute services building will directly connect to the existing hospital site and deliver a range of new and expanded health services including:

• A new emergency department and emergency short-stay unit
• new intensive care unit
• medical wards
• dedicated acute mental health unit
• double the number of operating theatres, endoscopy and procedure rooms
• a dedicated cardiology inpatient unit, coronary care unit and cardiac catheterisation laboratory
• a new rooftop helipad.

Consultation with staff, patients and the community has been a key part of planning and design for the redevelopment, ensuring the new hospital expansion meets the unique future and growing health needs of the Shoalhaven region.

The Shoalhaven Hospital Redevelopment is on track for construction completion in mid-‑2026 and will be followed by operational commissioning and testing to ensure the new building and staff are ready to welcome patients.

The Minns Labor Government is investing $12.4 billion to build and upgrade health infrastructure across NSW, including $3.5 billion for critical hospital upgrades in regional NSW.

Labor is making the long-term investments into recruiting more staff and building more hospitals to better meet the growing health needs of our community and relieve pressure on our health system.

The Coalition cut healthcare staff, capped their wages and refused to introduce ratios. They failed to deliver enough beds, delayed building hospitals and tried to privatise emergency departments.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“The successful test flight marks an important milestone for the redevelopment, bringing the new acute services building one step closer to welcoming patients.

“The new helipad will ensure patients have a direct connection to and from the hospital’s expanded emergency department and fast access to lifesaving emergency care when they need it most.

“The Shoalhaven Hospital Redevelopment is part of the Minns Government’s more than $1 billion in health infrastructure investment across the Illawarra Shoalhaven region which will provide high quality healthcare closer to home in Shellharbour, Wollongong, Milton and Ulladulla.”

Member for South Coast Liza Butler:

“The Shoalhaven Hospital Redevelopment will be a health hub for the region, and the new helipad will be a valuable service in helping patients access emergency and critical care quickly.

“I’m delighted to see the new acute services building nearing completion, which will deliver new and enhanced health facilities that will transform healthcare for the South Coast community and ensure people can continue to access high quality care, closer to home.”

Member for Kiama Katelin McInerney:

“With distance presenting a challenge for regional communities, this helipad provides a vital lifeline for our community and represents the kind of investment our government is prioritising – ensuring regional patients have the access to the best healthcare and emergency services and our hospitals have the  additional numbers of nurses, paramedics and clinicians we need to deliver that care” 

NSW Ambulance interim Chief Executive Clare Beech:

“NSW Ambulance has worked closely with Health Infrastructure and the Hospital’s local project team throughout the planning and development of the new rooftop helipad at Shoalhaven Hospital, with our aeromedical crews and aviation partner successfully carrying out test landings as part of the commissioning process.

“Having a dedicated rooftop helipad at Shoalhaven Hospital enhances our ability to bring critically unwell or injured patients directly into the hospital emergency department or intensive care unit as quickly and safely as possible, when every minute matters.”

The Minns Labor Government is investing $350 million in Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs), with twenty-two ACCOs winning new contracts to deliver improved supports to vulnerable families under a reformed Family Preservation program, following extensive co-design with Aboriginal communities. 

Family Preservation services offer intensive family support to prevent children entering foster care by strengthening family connections, building parenting skills and creating safe home environments.

Under a complete redesign of the program, over 4000 at-risk families each year will benefit from increased access to high-quality therapeutic services and a range of intensive supports across NSW. The previous program was fragmented, with families often referred into supports that didn’t match their needs.

The new Aboriginal Family Preservation program was developed in close partnership with AbSec over two years, alongside Aboriginal families, communities and ACCOs. This landmark investment aims to reduce overrepresentation of Aboriginal children, who make up over 46 per cent of children in out-of-home care.

These reforms are part of the Minns Labor Government’s broader $900 million investment in a redesigned Family Preservation service system, with a further 30 non-government organisations funded to support vulnerable families.

For the first time, Family Preservation services will now be delivered based on data reflecting community need. Five-year contracts will ensure each organisation can support a stable workforce, deliver quality services and achieve better outcomes for families across the State.

The redesigned program and new services commence from 1 July 2026, with successful providers listed on the Department of Communities and Justice website.

Minister for Families and Communities, Kate Washington, said:

“Our Family Preservation reforms empower Aboriginal communities to deliver Aboriginal-designed, Aboriginal-led services that help keep Aboriginal children with their families.”

“This is the first time in our State’s history where the funding going to Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations in any child protection program actually reflects the clear need amongst Aboriginal families.”

“This is a historic reform to the NSW child protection system aimed at reducing the unacceptable and entrenched overrepresentation of Aboriginal children in out-of-home care, representing self-determination in action.”

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty, David Harris, said:

“The Minns Labor Government is delivering on our commitment to empower Aboriginal organisations who have been telling us they are best-placed to support their communities and families. By investing in ACCOs, we are strengthening our Closing the Gap commitments and delivering real support that reflects those voices.”

AbSec CEO, John Leha, said:

“The NSW Government’s commitment to invest in Aboriginal Family Preservation through Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations is a critical step forward. It reflects a growing recognition that Aboriginal people and communities hold the knowledge, cultural authority and lived expertise needed to design and deliver the most effective supports for our children and families.”

“Sustained, community-led funding to ACCOs strengthens self-determination, builds culturally responsive services, and helps keep Aboriginal children safe, strong and connected to family, community and culture. We welcome this commitment and look forward to continued partnership to ensure investment translates into meaningful outcomes on the ground.”

Secretary of the Department of Communities and Justice, Michael Tidball, said: 

“These reforms deliver a clearer, more consistent Family Preservation system so families get the right support, when they need it. A central part of this work is our partnership with AbSec and Aboriginal communities to create a framework designed by and for Aboriginal families. For the first time, ACCOs will lead the design and delivery of intensive, culturally grounded supports that keeps children safe at home and connected to culture. These changes will deliver better outcomes for children across NSW.” 

Primary producers across the Northern Rivers are reaping the rewards of the $5 million Northern Rivers Agricultural Drainage Reset Program jointly funded by the Albanese and NSW Governments.

Damaged drainage systems at 77 farm sites have been cleared out and repaired to reduce the impact of future flooding as part of the $150 million Primary Industry Support Package under the jointly funded Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, announced following the devastating 2022 Northern Rivers floods.

Vegetation and sediment were cleared from key drainage outlets, restoring water flow across low-lying agricultural land to stop water from pooling and damaging valuable crops. The work supports recovery for Northern Rivers primary producers across the sugarcane, horticulture, rice, soybeans, beef and dairy industries.

Led by the NSW Reconstruction Authority in partnership with the NSW Soil Conservation Service, eligible sites were assessed and prioritised to ensure the greatest benefit for flood impacted communities. Ballina Shire Council, Clarence Valley Council, Rous County Council, and Tweed Shire Council participated in the program.

Wardell cane grower Gordon Lowrey is enjoying one of his best years on his family’s property after participating in the $5 million pilot program across the Northern Rivers farmland drainage.

For more than 80 years, the Lowreys have grown cane south of Ballina and the rebuilding of the drain on his farm ensures water from a typical heavy fall is off the lowest part of his property within 12 hours. 

Building on these learnings, the NSW Government has already established a new Drainage Reset Program to address drainage issues following Tropical Cyclone Alfred, which is also jointly funded by the DRFA. Works are expected to commence in the coming months across affected local government areas.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Kristy McBain said:

“Both levels of government were delivering practical support helping people get back on their feet and for Northern Rivers farmers, restoring drainage is one of the quickest ways to protect crops, stock and livelihoods.

“This jointly funded investment with the NSW Government has repaired and cleared drainage at 77 farm sites, helping reduce the impacts of future flooding and supporting recovery after the devastating 2022 floods.

“Programs like this show what’s possible when we all work together to back our producers with on-the-ground works that strengthen resilience and keep regional economies moving.”

NSW Minister for Recovery, Janelle Saffin said:

“Our agricultural community provides significant economic and social benefit to our region, and their resilience since the 2022 floods has been incredible. By working closely with growers and local leaders, we identified that cleaning and restoring drainage networks was the essential first step in helping the whole community move forward.

“This $5 million investment is about giving our farmers the confidence to plant again. Seeing the results on properties like the Lowreys’ in Wardell proves that when we get the technical work right, the benefits ripple out across the entire region.

“I’m proud that we didn’t just ‘fix’ the problem and walk away. We have used this success to establish a permanent Drainage Reset Program, ensuring we now have a proven blueprint ready to protect our agricultural heart whenever disaster strikes.”

“I have stated that the barriers that prevented our farmers from clearing their drains previously should not happen again and we have proven that it can be done.  I have further stated that this work belongs in the Disaster Adaptation Programs (DAP) with one currently underway in the Northern Rivers.”

Cane Grower and Consultant to the NSW Canegrowers Associations, Mick O’Connor said:

“The drain cleaning program has delivered real benefits for both farmers and the river system. By restoring the drainage network to its intended function, water can now move off cultivated land more efficiently before it loses oxygen and degrades in quality.

“This is a win for farmers through improved productivity and healthier soils, and a win for the river as better-oxygenated runoff replaces the poor-quality water that can occur when drainage outlets are not maintained.”

Richmond River Cane Growers Association chairman Geoff Pye said:

The program has had a positive impact on the local environment. With the drainage system now being restored, highly productive floodplain land is once again contributing to both the local economy and the health of the broader environment.

“The program highlights how a well-maintained drainage network can support productive agriculture while also improving water quality outcomes for the river and the wider community.”

The Minns Labor Government has joined with Business Sydney to launch a new report highlighting the growing economic and social contribution of social enterprises and outlining how government and business procurement can help unlock their full potential.

Released today at Business Sydney’s Social Enterprise: Unlocking Life Changing Economic Power event, the report shows around one-third of Australia’s social enterprises are based in NSW, contributing almost $9 billion to the state economy in the year to June 2025, while creating jobs and training opportunities for people facing the greatest barriers to employment.

The launch comes as the Minns Labor Government is implementing a series of procurement reforms designed to drive local economic development and create more jobs for NSW workers and businesses, that will create new opportunities for social enterprises.

These reforms include establishing a Local Jobs First Commission to support local industries, and introducing an ‘If not, why not’ mandate requiring NSW Government agencies to engage with local NSW suppliers before going to tender for projects worth more than $7.5 million.

Social enterprises are businesses that trade with a social, cultural or environmental purpose. They operate across a wide range of industries, from construction, cleaning and hospitality to technology, logistics, training and design, combining commercial success with a commitment to people and the planet.

By engaging social enterprises through procurement policies, the NSW Government is supporting inclusive economic development that delivers financial value alongside measurable social and environmental impact for local communities.

This approach aligns with the NSW Performance and Wellbeing Framework, which recognises the importance of considering social, wellbeing and economic outcomes alongside the performance of government services.

Minister for Domestic Manufacturing and Government Procurement Courtney Houssos will today address social enterprise and business leaders at Business Sydney’s event to formally launch the report. The report includes a five-point plan to support the long-term growth and sustainability of the sector, alongside case studies demonstrating the impact of social enterprises across NSW.

Business Sydney Executive Director Paul Nicolaou welcomed the NSW Government’s leadership in recognising social enterprises as a valued and growing part of the state economy.

The report highlights that social enterprises reinvest an average of 27 per cent of their revenue into social and environmental impact, with 43 per cent of jobs going to people facing the greatest barriers to employment. It also points to research showing how governments can achieve cost savings when investing in social enterprises through procurement.

The event provides an opportunity to recognise the significant contribution social enterprises make to the NSW economy and to encourage more businesses to include them in their own procurement policies.

To view the report, visit the Business Sydney website

Minister for Domestic Manufacturing and Government Procurement, Courtney Houssos said:

“Social enterprises deliver genuine economic and social benefits for communities across NSW.

“By joining with Business Sydney to launch this report, we are highlighting the important role social enterprises play in creating jobs, strengthening communities and driving inclusive economic growth.

“Many of these organisations are deeply connected to their local communities, reinvesting profits back into services, training and employment opportunities for people who need them most.

“The Minns Labor Government is using the weight of government procurement to drive better outcomes for NSW, which means more local jobs, stronger supply chains and more inclusive growth.”

Business Sydney Executive Director Paul Nicolaousaid

“The Government’s Local Jobs First Commission and its “if not, why not” mandate for government agencies to engage with NSW suppliers before going to tender for projects valued at more than $7.5 million could also benefit social enterprises.

“It is just as imperative that businesses give due consideration to engaging with social enterprises by making them part of their supply chain procurement policies.

“We would like to see businesses follow the government’s lead in recognising social enterprises as one of the most innovative and inspiring sectors of the business community.

“With 4,000 social enterprises in NSW contributing $9 billion to the state economy, our state is the leader in this growing sector.

“Social enterprises give vulnerable groups in the community to find work and career opportunities that might not otherwise exist, and we must do everything possible to help them prosper.”

The Minns Labor Government is relieving pressure on the busy Westmead Emergency Department by creating a dedicated unit for patients experiencing heightened distress or aggression.

It’s another step from the Minns Labor Government to improve mental healthcare in New South Wales, create safer environments for staff, and reduce wait times at emergency departments.

The Coalition’s failure to build critical health infrastructure like Rouse Hill Hospital or implement safe staffing levels for nurses has contributed to the pressure on Western Sydney hospitals, including Westmead.

The Minns Labor Government is slowly undoing this by delivering much needed infrastructure and rebuilding the health workforce.

The new purpose-built unit within Westmead ED will provide a secure, therapeutic environment designed to support patients experiencing acute distress.

In the past five years, Westmead has seen a 31 per cent increase in presentations where a patient is experiencing mental health or behavioural related issues.

There’s also been a significant increase in aggression towards frontline health staff in the Western Sydney Local Health District.

These issues may be related to substance abuse and can be exacerbated in a busy emergency department environment.

The new 6-bed unit will be a quiet space with less stimulation, better suited to patients who are at risk of becoming agitated or aggressive. It aims to:

• Improve safety for patients and staff.
• Lower ED wait times and reduce disruption to other patients.
• Improve outcomes and reduce length of stay for these patients.

Similar models of care at Nepean and Prince of Wales hospitals have resulted in reduced need for sedation and restraint, as well as a reduction in the length of stay and time to be seen in EDs.

Construction will begin in August with the new unit expected to be completed in early 2027.

The unit will complement the Westmead Integrated Mental Health Complex which is currently under construction and due for completion in late 2027.

The Minns Labor Government invested a record $3.1 billion on mental health in the 2025-26 financial year and is investing in more staff and more hospitals to reverse the Coalition’s legacy of staff cuts and hospital construction failures which devastated the health system.

The Government is building Rouse Hill Hospital with an emergency department and birthing services, which the Coalition promised at three elections but failed to deliver on, leaving Western Sydney missing a much-needed new hospital.

It’s also investing in more beds for Blacktown and Mount Druitt hospitals after the Coalition failed to build enough beds.

The Government is also recruiting 237 additional nurses in Western and South-Western Sydney as part of delivering safe staffing ratios and saved 228 nurses from the region that the Liberals planned to cut.

The Minns Labor Government is also investing in more security for hospitals including the roll out of more safe assessment units to more safely care for patients experiencing heightened distress, as well as recruiting over 160 more security personnel since taking office. 

Minister for Health Ryan Park said:

“We are focused on delivering more beds and recruiting more staff to meet the increasing pressure on our hospital system.

“The failure of the Liberals to deliver enough beds and their refusal to recruit enough staff has caused significant strain on Western Sydney’s hospital system.

“Added to this, we are seeing increasing behavioural issues among patients which presents a security and safety concern for staff and other patients.

“This new acute behavioural assessment unit will create a safer environment for both staff as well as patients experiencing heightened distress.

“It’s part of a broader range of measures we are undertaking to improve safety and security in our hospitals.”

Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson said:

“Our nurses and clinicians who work at Westmead ED have told us they are seeing more and more patients who become aggressive or violent and it’s making their job harder.

“Some patients don’t deal well in the loud, busy environment of an emergency department, it can cause them to behave in a way that puts the safety of our staff and other patients at risk.

“That’s why we’re building a new, specialist unit to divert these patients away from the ED waiting room, improving outcomes for them and for our staff.

“It’s just one of steps we’re taking to build a better public health system and relieve pressure on EDs. We’re also building a network of Safe Havens and Medicare Mental Health Centres so that people experiencing mental health concerns have another place to go other than the ED.”

Member for Parramatta Donna Davis said:

“The new unit is an important addition for mental health care in Western Sydney – and one of the state’s busiest hospitals at Westmead.

“Patient and staff safety are critical to the design this new space. Care will be delivered by experts and emergency clinicians trained in deescalation, mental health and drug health.”

NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association, General Secretary, Michael Whaites:

“We welcome the creation of a dedicated, purpose-built unit in Westmead ED in order to combat the rising violence and aggression our members are experiencing.

“This is a great example of what can be achieved when we come together to find solutions to make hospitals safer for staff and patients, while ensuring the community has access to quality, timely care.

“We are proud of our members’ ongoing advocacy and grateful for the collaborative approach that has delivered this outcome.

“This specialised unit will strengthen hospital safety, improve patient outcomes, and is a strong investment into the future of our public health system.”

The Minns and Albanese Labor Governments are continuing to deliver better roads for the Illawarra, with work soaring ahead on the $405 million Mount Ousley Interchange project.  

The new interchange between Princes Motorway and Mount Ousley Road will improve connectivity, safety and efficiency for those travelling through the region.

Sixteen pre-cast concrete girders, each 15 metres long, now form the structure that will connect Mount Ousley Road over the heavy vehicle bypass.

A further twenty girders, ranging from 17-25 metres in length will make up the new shared path over the southbound access road.

In an effort to inspire the next generation of civil engineers and construction workers, over 40 engineering and STEM students from the University of Wollongong and Keira High School were invited on-site to watch the girders being lifted into place.

Crews will now progress the construction of these bridges with deck formwork and building of the bridge deck, shared path, approach slabs and concrete parapets.

Recent night closures of the M1 Motorway have seen extensive work carried out in the corridor, including:

• pavement construction connecting the new safety ramp to the existing Princes Motorway
• construction of new sign gantries to indicate the location of the new heavy vehicle safety ramp
• drainage works to ensure that the motorway is safe to drive on during wet conditions.  

The new safety ramp, which opened in the early hours of this morning, provides a safe area for trucks and buses to gradually come to a stop if they experience brake failure while descending Mt Ousley.

Designed in line with the highest standards, the ramp features concrete barriers and a gravel base for the vehicles to gently sink into causing them to slow and stop.

The ramp is 220 metres long and five metres wide and has been designed for a B-double up to 26 metres in length. An access road has also been constructed for maintenance of the ramp and vehicle recovery.

The Mount Ousley interchange project is on track for completion in 2028.

More information is available at transport.nsw.gov.au/mountousley

Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said:

“This is a significant investment in the Illawarra, improving safety and reliability on one of the region’s busiest highways.

“With key bridge structures now in place and the first heavy vehicle safety ramp now open to traffic, welcome progress on the project is now visible for all to see.

“This is an important investment from the Albanese and Minns Labor governments that will keep people and freight moving safely and efficiently in and out of Wollongong.”

NSW Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast and Member for Keira, Ryan Park said:

“This is an important milestone for a project that will deliver safer, more reliable journeys across the Illawarra.

“Mount Ousley is the front door to Wollongong, and this interchange will make a real difference to how people and freight move through this corridor each day.

“We’re getting on with delivering the infrastructure our growing region needs.”

NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces and Member for Wollongong, Paul Scully said:

“This project is building real momentum, and you can now clearly see the scale of what’s being delivered for Wollongong and the wider Illawarra.

“The new interchange will improve connectivity for motorists, freight and active transport users, while making this key gateway safer and more efficient.

“This is a critical upgrade that coupled with the Minns Labor Government’s recent $270 million commitment to improve roads near the port will support the Wollongong and the Illawarra’s growth for years to come.”

NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison said:

“This is a complex project on one of the Illawarra’s most important road corridors, and it’s good to see this next stage coming together.

“With the first heavy vehicle safety ramp now open, we’re putting in place a safer option for truck and bus drivers coming down Mount Ousley.

“If something goes wrong on that descent, drivers need somewhere safe to go. That’s exactly what this ramp provides.

“More than 50,000 vehicles use this route every day, including a lot of freight, so safety has to come first.

“This new interchange will deliver safer, more efficient journeys for motorists across the Illawarra.”

Member for Cunningham, Alison Byrnes said:

“We are working hard across all levels of government to ensure that our local road corridors are safer and more reliable.

“The opening of the new heavy vehicle safety ramp is an important step forward for safety on Mount Ousley, and it is great to see yet another element of this monumental project start to benefit the community.

“I again want to thank the community for their patience and understanding while these major works are ongoing – as the gateway to the Illawarra, this intersection is hugely important for our entire region.

“We’re focused on delivering a safer and more accessible interchange for the benefit of local people, industry and visitors alike.