Category: NSW News

The Minns Labor Government will introduce a new package of laws designed to target the modern operating model of organised crime and give NSW Police and the NSW Crime Commission stronger tools to disrupt criminal networks and bring these offenders to justice.

Organised crime has changed, criminal groups are increasingly outsourcing violence, using encrypted technology, recruiting children and relying on layers of associates to distance themselves from the crimes they commission.

This is not the way traditional organised crime operates, and it requires innovative policing and modern laws to match these new threats.

The legislation will:

• Strengthen police powers to issue Digital Evidence Access Orders (DEAO): The new laws will remove the requirement for an accompanying search or crime scene warrant where suspected of organised crime, allowing police to apply for a DEAO where a device has been lawfully seized during an arrest, roadside stop or other lawful detention. This will enable investigators to compel a person to provide access information such as PINs or passwords, with failure to comply or providing false information constituting an offence, ensuring timely access to critical digital evidence in fast-moving organised crime investigations where delays can risk loss, encryption or remote wiping of data.
• Double penalties for refusing to answer questions or providing false or misleading information to the Crime Commission, including during investigations, with the maximum penalty increased to up to 10 years imprisonment.

These laws are the latest in a suite of reforms and funding aimed at giving NSW Police and the NSW Crime Commission the powers they need to disrupt and dismantle organised crimes networks.

They recognise that organised crime today rarely involves a single offender. Instead, criminal networks increasingly rely on third parties and technology to try and evade the law.

The Minns Labor Government recently passed legislation targeting organised crime networks including:

• Increased penalties for public shootings, firebombings, the use of ‘kill cars’ to facilitate gang crime and recruitment of children by organised criminals
• Strengthening our bail laws to keep organised criminals off our streets
• Making it easier to seize illegal assets and go after criminals’ unexplained wealth.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“Enough is enough. Too many organised criminals think they can hide behind technology and avoid responsibility for the damage they cause.

“Organised crime today doesn’t operate the way it did a decade ago. These networks are using encrypted technology, middlemen and vulnerable young people to distance themselves from the violence they commission.

“Our message is simple: if you’re helping organised crime, we’re coming after you too.”

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said:

“Organised crime is changing and the tactics these thugs are using are more sophisticated.

“These criminals are trying to stay one step ahead by using encrypted phones, middlemen and recruiting children as their foot soldiers so they can hide from police and avoid responsibility.

“We will not stand for it.

“We must be agile and that is why we are firing back with stronger laws, stronger powers and stronger tools to access and compel information and get the people driving this crime and put them behind bars.”

The Minns Labor Government will strengthen the capability of the NSW Police Force and NSW Crime Commission to fight crime and keep the community safe with a $126.2 million investment in the 2026-27 NSW Budget.

The NSW Police Force and NSW Crime Commission are on the frontline of a fast-moving and evolving threat environment, and this investment will give them the digital infrastructure and tools they need to outpace criminals.

Modern criminal activity, particularly in organised and gang crime, is heavily enabled by digital platforms. Organised crime figures are essentially using ‘click to order’ criminal services on encrypted mobile devices and the dark web to carry out serious crimes and illegal activity.

Ten years ago, a mobile phone seized by police typically held 16 to 64 GB of data. Today an equivalent device holds 1 to 2 TB of data – representing up to 60 times increase in data that police must analyse, investigate and then store for 99 years.

Modern technology for a modern police force

As part of the 2026-27 NSW Budget, the Minns Labor Government will invest $108.8 million to fund major technology upgrades for the NSW Police Force including cutting-edge technology and digital evidence management systems, equipping police with nation-leading digital ICT infrastructure and capability to police smarter and stay ahead of threats.

This includes core policing technology and systems that allow the public to report crimes and police to gather evidence, including: BluLink – a secure police platform allowing the public to share location and live video with police; and Evidence.com – a digital evidence management system for police investigators that covers serious and organised crime.

Funding will upgrade critical platforms assisting with forensics, exhibits, intel and data analytics and will also upgrade police vehicle terminals and mobile police devices, so that NSW Police have the most reliable, modern tools and access to the best systems – anytime, anywhere.

Boosting the NSW Crime Commission’s ability to disrupt criminal networks

The NSW Crime Commission will get a $17.4 million boost to disrupt organised crime networks and confiscate illegal and unexplained wealth.

This funding will allow the NSW Crime Commission to significantly scale up its coercive hearing capability – which compel suspected criminals to answer questions or risk jail. This will allow for a higher number of hearings to help breakdown and disrupt criminal syndicates.

It will also boost the Commission’s unique capability to seize the proceeds of organised crime, disrupt links between kingpins and hired offenders, and dismantle this evolving operating model by hiring additional analysts and forensic experts to follow the money.

The Minns Labor Government recently passed a suite of legislative reforms, giving police the power to crack down on organised crime, with new offences and tougher penalties for public place shootings, ‘kill cars’, firebombings and the recruitment of children for criminal activity.

The next step in the prevention and disruption of organised and gang crime requires a significant investment in next generation digital capability and intelligence, which is exactly what the Minns Labor Government is doing.

Rebuilding the NSW Police Force for the future

When we came to Government, we inherited a police force losing officers faster than it could recruit them and facing increasing pressure from more complex and sophisticated forms of crime.

Since then, we have been working to rebuild the force – strengthening laws, backing major police operations, improving pay and conditions and investing in the people, technology and capability police need to do their job.

Today’s investment is the next step in that work and further builds on the Minns Labor Government’s efforts to strengthen policing capabilities and keep communities safe, including:

• Delivering a once-in-a-generation pay rise for police officers
• Paying recruits to train at the Goulburn Police Academy, resulting in a 70% increase in applications to join the NSWPF
• 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

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“People are understandably concerned about the level of violence we’ve seen. These criminals don’t care who gets hurt and that’s why we will continue giving NSW Police every tool they need to hunt them down, break up their networks and protect innocent people.

“The reality is organised crime today looks very different to what it did ten years ago. Criminals are using encrypted devices, digital platforms and sophisticated technology to hide their activities, and police need the capability to keep up.

“We’ve strengthened the laws, we’ve backed police operations and now we’re investing in the next generation of technology and intelligence tools needed to disrupt criminal syndicates and help keep communities safer.”

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said:

“Technology is changing and Government needs to stay agile to keep up – that’s why we’re investing in the modern tools and capability the NSW Police Force needs to keep us safe.

“This investment ensures police technology remains gold standard and supports officers to prevent, disrupt and respond to crime.

“We’re backing the Crime Commission with $17 million to disrupt and seize the flow of ill-gotten funds and ultimately, break the operating model of organised crime.

“Only the Minns Labor Government backs our police with the resources, capability and strong laws they need to keep the community safe.”

NSW Police Force Commissioner Mal Lanyon said:

“Targeting organised crime remains one of my highest priorities and police will relentlessly pursue those who threaten community safety.

“The level of violence and blatant disregard for the safety of the public that we are seeing, is completely unacceptable—and it will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

“Task Force Falcon alone, has carried out more than 500 arrests and laid over 1,500 charges, since its formation.

“Let me be absolutely clear: this effort is ongoing, and we will continue, every single day, to target, disrupt and bring to justice those responsible for this criminal behaviour.”

NSW Crime Commissioner Stephen Dametto said:

“This funding will directly uplift the Commission’s ability to combat serious and organised crime, by increasing our capacity to conduct coercive hearings to break criminal silence.

“At its core, organised crime exists to make money. The additional funding will boost the Commission’s unique confiscations function and enhance the Commission’s ability to strip criminal wealth out of organised crime.

“This uplift will lead to the Commission conducting more hearings and restraining more proceeds of crime to keep NSW safe.”

The Minns Labor Government has unveiled a new $3.6 million pilot program over three years to better integrate social and wellbeing support for older people and their unpaid carers in New South Wales.

The Connecting Seniors and Carers Program builds on the foundations of the Connecting Seniors Grant Program with broader support to cover carers of older people.

Service features include linking older people and their carers to local services designed to support wellbeing, independence, and community connection.

Under the new program, four local organisations will operate as ‘community connectors’ linking older people and their carers to vital services and community groups across 16 Local Government Areas in regional NSW.

The organisations are:

• Maari Ma Health Aboriginal Corporation (servicing Balranald, Broken Hill, Central Darling and Wentworth LGAs)
• CareWays Community (servicing Kiama, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven and Wollongong LGAs)
• Springwood Neighbourhood Centre Cooperative (servicing Blue Mountains and Lithgow LGAs)
• Northern Rivers Community Gateway Incorporated (servicing Ballina, Clarence Valley, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley and Tweed LGAs)

Carers and Seniors will benefit from access to wraparound support including:

• Information, education and advice
• Needs assessment
• Outreach and engagement
• Short-term case planning and coordination
• Outbound referrals to My Aged Care, Carers Gateway or NDIS.

Seniors and carers may be linked to additional support including financial wellbeing, legal, family and relationship or community engagement services.

An independent review into the Connecting Seniors Grant program had recommended a focus on providing a clear entry point into the service system and wraparound flexible support.

The new program aligns with the priorities in our Ageing Well Seniors Strategy and NSW Carers Strategy to promote social inclusion, community participation, and boost health and wellbeing.

All organisations were selected through a targeted tender process which assessed their experience and capacity to deliver on the appropriate service model.

This is part of the Minns Government’s ongoing efforts to support older people and carers in our state, so they can live active, healthy lives.

Further information on the Connecting Seniors and Carers Program can be found here: https://dcj.nsw.gov.au/community-inclusion/seniors/ageing-well-in-nsw-seniors-strategy-2021-2031/events-and-projects/connecting-seniors-and-carers-program.html

Minister for Seniors Jodie Harrison said:

“We know older people and their carers often report barriers to accessing the support they need.

“That’s why the Minns Labor Government is delivering the Connecting Seniors and Carers Program designed to provide simpler and clearer pathways to support for those who need it most.

“The four organisations funded through this new program have strong local service footprints and are well placed to empower seniors and carers to remain connected to the communities they know and love.”

The Minns Labor Government is celebrating the invaluable contributions of 80 outstanding regional women volunteers with the unveiling of the 2025 Hidden Treasures Honour Roll.

Recipients were announced at a volunteer celebration event held in Albury, acknowledging the vital volunteer roles women and girls play in our regional, rural and remote communities.

These women contribute across all areas of community life from supporting emergency responses, to mentoring the next generation of volunteers, and bringing people together through food, sport, music, dance and the arts.

They not only generously give their time, they also share their skills and varied experience which enriches the lives they touch, and helps build stronger, more connected communities across New South Wales.

Each recipient was nominated by their peers, friends, or organisation they volunteer with. They receive a certificate and letter of acknowledgement for their service, inclusion on a digital honour roll and a Hidden Treasures digital Credly badge for professional use on social media or resumes.

The Minns Government is working to build a better New South Wales for women and girls, focusing on boosting women’s empowerment, economic opportunity and advancement and health and wellbeing.

The Hidden Treasures Honour Roll, a NSW Government initiative coordinated by the Rural Women’s Network, aligns with our priority to uplift women across the state, in particular providing regional women with opportunities to connect and be recognised for their contributions.

Since its launch in 2010, over 1,300 regional, rural and remote NSW women have been recognised on the Hidden Treasures Honour Roll.

Find out who is on the 2025 Hidden Treasures Honour Roll and learn more about how volunteers are contributing to their communities here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/women-nsw/rural-womens-network/hidden-treasures-honour-roll

Nominate a volunteer

NSW Government and the Rural Women’s Network are encouraging communities across regional, rural and remote NSW to nominate outstanding woman volunteers and ensure their contributions are recognised.

Nominate a volunteer for the 2026 Honour Roll: https://hiddentreasures.awardsplatform.com/ Nominations for the Hidden Treasures Honour Roll 2026 are open until Thursday 31 December 2026.

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“The Hidden Treasures Honour Roll is a wonderful way to recognise and thank the women whose volunteering strengthens regional, rural and remote communities across NSW.

“Their generosity, compassion and commitment to helping others is invaluable and integral to community life.

“Thank you for making an extraordinary difference to so many people’s lives.”  

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“Congratulations to the remarkable regional and rural women who have been recognised in the 2025 Hidden Treasures Honour Roll.

“Every nomination tells a story of commitment, compassion and quiet leadership. You all enrich the lives of so many people – young and old. You also help build stronger, more connected and resilient communities and we thank you for it.

“Volunteer work is truly the heartbeat of local communities across New South Wales, especially in regional, rural and remote towns.”

Hidden Treasures recipient, Deputy Commissioner – Regional, St John Ambulance NSW, Helen Chant, Order of St John said:

“I feel honoured to be included in this year’s Hidden Treasures roll.

“I see this as an opportunity to showcase the impact of contributions from rural women across the state.

“By hearing about the multitude of ways this year’s Hidden Treasures support our communities, I hope that many more will be inspired to volunteer.”

A record investment of $2.1 billion in maintenance will go into improving reliability and incident response on the Sydney Trains network.

As part of the 2026/2027 Budget, the Minns Labor Government’s record investment in a new Rail Reliability Plan delivers:

• An additional $200 million for network maintenancecompared to last year.
• $150 million over four years to deliver improvements at the Rail Operations Centre, including improved incident response and passenger support.
• More train drivers and guards for intercity services, delivering better reliability for passengers travelling between Sydney, the Illawarra, Central Coast, Newcastle, the Blue Mountains and beyond.
• Track, power and signalling improvements.

While the Minns Labor Government is delivering the massive Sydney Metro build across three lines, we are also investing in the vast, existing heavy rail network that moves just over a million people each weekday, to work, school, university, appointments and social events.

The targeted spend on improving maintenance, incident management, use of technology and passenger communications is guided by the findings of the Independent Rail Review into the overhead wire failure at Homebush that caused two days of chaos for commuters in May 2025.

The Review, delivered by Dr Kerry Schott in 2025, called for better targeted infrastructure maintenance in “critical zones” like the Homebush-Strathfield corridor.

The Minns Labor Government responded with an additional four-year $425 million asset renewal program that is upgrading track, signals, overhead wiring and drainage in flood-prone areas.

A dedicated $35 million reliability program has fast-tracked repairs in high-priority areas where infrastructure failures have the greatest flow-on impact to the most passengers across multiple train lines.

Investment in the Rail Operations Centre will improve incident response and customer communication after the former Liberal-National government cancelled plans for a customer information management system due to a $50 million budget overrun before the Centre opened in 2018.

The investment in reliability is also funding a new passenger care and support team whose focus is on passenger welfare during major disruptions. The team is being deployed dynamically based on the size and complexity of incidents, supporting customers onboard trains, at impacted stations, and at key interchanges during recovery.

The team will provide clear, face-to-face communication, deliver basic welfare support like water during delays, assist vulnerable passengers, and help people continue their journeys via alternative transport options.

New trains are a critical way to boost reliability, and the Minns Labor Government has introduced the first new intercity trains in almost 20 years, with the Mariyung now in service on the Central Coast and Newcastle Line, Blue Mountains Line and South Coast Line.

This has allowed for older trains to be retired and others refurbished for use on Sydney lines.

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“The vast Sydney Trains network of 14 lines, 288 stations and more than 1790 kilometres of track remains the backbone of the rail system and we are investing a record amount to ensure it delivers the reliable service that more than a million passengers a day rightly demand.

“While the former Liberal-National government overlooked the existing train network, we are delivering the targeted maintenance in the critical zones that is needed to improve on-time running.

“The 12 recommendations of the Independent Rail Review remain the blueprint for how we prioritise maintenance, but also deploy new technology, and raise standards around customer care during disruption or communicate to passengers on stations.

Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said:

“Passengers expect a rail system that is reliable, resilient and ready to meet demands of a growing population. This investment will deliver exactly that.

“It will help strengthen the foundations of the entire network, from critical upgrades, through to better incident response, and crucial passenger support.

“Any issues on the metropolitan rail network can have flow-on impacts to reliability and travel times for regional services. Better maintenance on key intercity routes means better outcomes for regional passengers across NSW.

“This investment, on top of the $100 million in joint funding in this Budget for upgrades to the rail corridor between Sydney and Canberra, ensures the entire system can continue to serve passengers for generations.”

Transport Secretary Josh Murray said:

“This is a significant step forward in strengthening the operational foundations of the rail network.

“We know reliability depends on more than just the recent investments to fleet and infrastructure; it depends on having a well-resourced, well-coordinated workforce supported by strong planning and decision-making.

“This funding enables a more integrated approach to operations—from workforce planning through to real-time service delivery—reducing risk and improving performance.

“Over time, passengers will see the benefit in more consistent services and a network that is better equipped to handle disruption.”

Chief Executive of Sydney Trains Matt Longland said:

“This investment strengthens reliability end-to-end—from upgrading critical infrastructure through to improving incident response, crewing and passenger support.

“Enhancements at the Rail Operations Centre will deliver better decision-making across the network and improve incident response capability.“

“Importantly, the Passenger Care & Support team will ensure we are looking after our customers during disruptions, providing clear information and practical support when it matters most.”

Pregnant women and their families across the Clarence Valley will benefit from an upgraded purpose-built maternity unit following a $20 million funding boost from the Minns Labor Government.

The additional funding as part of the 2026-27 NSW Budget brings the total contribution to the Grafton Base Hospital redevelopment to $283.8 million, and will deliver a contemporary maternity unit with dedicated birthing rooms and improved inpatient accommodation.

Funding will also enable the decommissioning and demolition of the existing unit.

Once complete, the purpose-built maternity unit will support the delivery of individualised, high quality and safe maternity care for families in the region.

The new unit forms part of the Grafton Base Hospital redevelopment, which will also deliver an expanded emergency department and short stay unit, medical imaging, MRI services, inpatient unit, day surgery and operating suite with two new operating theatres.

The maternity unit fit out is expected to be completed by 2029 – in the meantime, women will continue to receive maternity care at the existing unit.

The redevelopment has also recently reached a major milestone, with the main works contractor appointed and construction set to begin in the coming weeks. 

Richard Crookes Constructions has been appointed to deliver the main works, following a competitive tender process and planning approval.

The $20 million funding boost builds on the investment the Minns Labor has already delivered to improve maternity and family services, including the $83 million Maternity Package as part of the 2025-26 Budget.

For more information about the new Grafton Base Hospital redevelopment visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/health-and-wellbeing/health-infrastructure-projects/grafton-base-hospital-redevelopment

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:

“This investment will deliver women in the Clarence Valley improved access to world-class maternity care, closer to home.

“We know that contemporary maternity services and facilities lead to better outcomes and more positive experiences.

“This $20 million additional funding boost will enhance local maternity services and support women to access care that is consistent, compassionate and tailored to their needs.”

Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin:

“As Minister for the North Coast, I am thrilled to see this vital injection of funding for the Grafton Base Hospital redevelopment.

“This isn’t just about a new building; it’s about giving local women, babies, and hardworking healthcare staff the modern, purpose-built space they deserve.

“The Minns Labor Government is listening to regional communities and delivering the essential health infrastructure the Clarence Valley needs to thrive for generations to come.”

Labor Spokesperson for Clarence Emily Suvaal:

“This significant additional investment in maternity services is bringing the Grafton community and surrounding areas a step closer to improved health services.

“By building this new maternity unit, we are future-proofing much needed maternity services and care for the Clarence Valley community.”

A joint letter by leading clinicians across NSW which raises urgent concerns about the Minns Labor Government’s three strikes drug driving policy, reinforces calls by the Liberals and Nationals to abandon the reckless change to road safety. 
 
Heads of trauma in major NSW hospitals and other specialists have co-signed the letter which says the policy is not supported by the medical evidence and should be withdrawn. 
 
The letter states the limit of 50 ng/ml permitted by Labor under their proposal: 
“…is not endorsed by any Australian or international peak clinical body. It is an administrative convenience that has been given the appearance of scientific authority it does not possess.”    
 
NSW Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane said Labor’s policy puts lives at risk. 
 
“When experts are warning that this policy could cost lives, pressing ahead regardless would be an extraordinary act of recklessness,” Ms Sloane said. 
 
“The Government should stop pretending this is evidence-based reform, withdraw the three-strikes policy and work with clinicians, road safety experts and patient groups on a system that protects both road users and medicinal cannabis patients.” 
  
Shadow Minister for Roads Mark Coure said the Minns Labor Government must immediately adopt the recommendations in the letter. 
 
“What more does Labor need to convince them this is a dangerous policy that puts at risk the safety of every road user,” Mr Coure said. 
 
“Those prescribed medicinal cannabis also deserve a legal system that protects them and not one that can’t tell if they took their medication two hours ago or 12.” 

A NSW Liberals and Nationals Government will create new offences targeting ‘violence brokers’ and go after the wealth of gangs to address the surge in gangland crime across Sydney.
 
Our Plan will:

• Create new offences of using a violence broker or acting as a violence broker with a maximum penalty of 16 years or 20 years if a child is involved;
• Double the funding to the NSW Crime Commission to allow it to identify more participants in organised crime and confiscate their unexplained wealth;
• Extend unexplained wealth orders so they apply to anyone reasonably suspected of acting as or using a violence broker.
• The Minns Labor Government has failed to curb escalating gangland violence across Sydney. When questioned by the Opposition, the Police Minister was unable to provide key details about the surge in criminal activity, offering only that “too many” incidents had occurred.

The Government’s legislation also failed to strengthen non-parole periods for serious gangland offences, undermining its claims of tougher penalties. The Opposition sought to amend the legislation to close this loophole, but Labor voted with the Greens against the changes, leaving its so-called crackdown without meaningful consequences for the worst offenders.
 
Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane said more must be done to combat the people recruiting young criminals to act on behalf of gangs.
 
“Sydney families are sick of their suburbs being turned into battlegrounds and the Minns Labor Government has not done enough to stay ahead of these criminals and their methods,” Ms Sloane said.
 
“In order to address the surge in gangland violence we need to both target the recruiters and go after what really matters to them, and in many cases that’s their money.”
 
Shadow Attorney-General Damien Tudehope said the additional funding for the NSW Crime Commission would build on the new powers it was given by the former Liberal and Nationals Government.
 
“Under our changes the NSW Crime Commission will be able to expand its expert team and seize the assets and unexplained wealth of more organised criminals,” Mr Tudehope said.
 
“Stripping organised crime groups of their illicit wealth is one of the most effective ways to dismantle their operations.”

Shadow Minister for Police Anthony Roberts said senior police have repeatedly warned the Minns Labor Government that young, inexperienced men were being recruited to carry out gangland crimes.
 
“Organised criminals have laughed at the Minns Labor Government’s new ineffective penalties which they could have toughened up if they had accepted our amendments,” Mr Roberts said.
 
“The public expects governments to stay one step ahead of organised crime, because these gangs are becoming increasingly sophisticated and ruthless and that’s what the Liberals and Nationals are committed to doing.”

Pressure is mounting on the Minns Labor Government to bolster the powers and remit of the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission to investigate NSW Police after an independent review into police lambasted the culture.

The report detailed systemic sexual harassment, bullying, discrimination and abuse perpetrated against female officers and victims of crime and chronic failures of the very systems designed to prevent or address these harmful behaviours and practices.

Greens MP and spokesperson for justice and solicitor Sue Higginson said: 

“The independent review has proven the toxic, misogynist and unsafe culture within New South Wales Police is not confined to a few bad apples. We need to be real about what this report has found, we are talking about a system that is rotten at its core that threatens the integrity of our system of law enforcement,

“Every single woman interviewed in the police force disclosed harassment and abuse without exception, this must be a wake-up call for the Minns Labor Government,

“Police are subjecting women within their own ranks to serious harm, women are blackmailed into sex, subject to racial slurs and choked in the name of ‘teaching them the ropes’. This is how police treat their own, and we have recently had a glimpse of how they treat the people of New South Wales in the recent 4 Corners,

“Police are entrusted with extraordinary surveillance powers and deadly weapons, and public confidence in police is cascading.

“I am not surprised by anything I have read in this report. I have been hearing directly about this type of toxic culture since coming into Parliament. I tried very hard in 2023 to get an inquiry up into policing in NSW, and at that time the Police Minister seemed to be on board. I understand it was Premier Chris Minns who prevented any inquiry at that time,

“It is very clear that the only way out of this mess is a radical program of reform and greater independent oversight,

“I am once again calling on the Minister for Police Yasmin Catley to offer more than concern, and Premier Chris Minns to provide the independent police watchdog, the LECC, with more resources and immediately legislate powers the LECC has been calling for to investigate police misconduct,

“The police’s own Professional Standards Command have overseen this system of violence, bullying and sexual harassment because for too long, the Government have enabled a system of police investigating police. This system is enabling severe harm and immediate legislative intervention is a must,” Ms Higginson said.

The Minns Labor Government has paved the way for up to 2,500 new social, affordable, and private homes north of Wollongong, finalising the rezoning of the Bellambi estate today.

Homes NSW will lead a staged renewal of the 26‑hectare estate, replacing ageing social homes with at least 750 modern, safe, and well‑designed social homes, alongside private and affordable dwellings— at a minimum nearly double the social housing on the estate.

The renewal will deliver improved housing, replacing near 50 to 60 year old homes with new, modern, high-quality housing while also helping to ease pressure on the local housing market, offering more housing choices in the area.

Key features of the finalised rezoning:

• minimum of 30 per cent social housing
• maximum building heights of between three and four storey homes on the beach front and six storey homes in the centre of the estate
• floor space ratios between 0.8:1 and 1.8:1
• a new local centre and public plaza
• upgraded public open spaces and improved local streets with improved walking and cycling connections
• minimum tree canopy target of 30 per cent across the rezoning area.

Submissions received during the public exhibition period were carefully considered as part of the finalisation of the proposal.

As planning for the redevelopment progresses, Homes NSW will continue to work closely with existing residents at every step, keeping them informed and supported throughout.

Since the NSW Government identified the area as suitable for housing renewal in June 2024, Homes NSW has undertaken extensive engagement with residents and the local community, with findings published in the Bellambi People and Place Plan in October 2025.

The redevelopment of Bellambi estate will help meet housing targets set by the Illawarra Shoalhaven Regional Plan 2041 and the Wollongong Local Planning Statement 2025-2045.

For more information, visit NSW Planning.

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

“This investment in the Bellambi community is the most significant we have seen decades. It will replace ageing homes, many of which are 50 to 60 years old, with modern, energy-efficient housing that is warmer in winter, cooler in summer, and more accessible for some of our most vulnerable and elderly residents.

“This renewal will also deliver upgraded infrastructure and improved connectivity throughout Bellambi, helping to provide the quality housing, community facilities, and local improvements that will support the area’s growth and strengthen the community for generations to come.”

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

“Renewing the Bellambi estate will create thousands of new homes close to the beach, open space, and public transport along with thousands of jobs for tradespeople needed to deliver this multi-year build.

“This is an overdue investment that will replace homes more than 50 years old with new, modern, high-quality housing.

“This is the largest investment in Bellambi ever and is another example of the Minns Labor Government building better communities by delivering more social housing alongside market housing to either rent or buy at the same time.”

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:

“We’re delivering modern, high‑quality homes in Bellambi, along with better open spaces, improved community facilities, and a new local retail centre for residents.

“Since August 2024, we’ve been working closely with the community to shape Bellambi’s renewal, with plans to deliver thousands of new social, affordable, and private homes.

“Through our $6.6 billion Building Homes for NSW program, we’re making sure more people across the state can access a safe and secure home.”