Category: NSW News

The NSW Government is investing $250,000 to upgrade key health worker accommodation at Barraba Multipurpose Service (MPS).

The funding boost is part of the Minns Labor Government’s $12 million investment in 61 projects as part of the Regional Health Minor Works Program.

The funding will modernise the Barraba MPS staff accommodation, including ensuites for the three bedrooms to improve privacy and comfort, and help incentivise and attract staff to the region.

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:

“One of the key issues we face in the healthcare system is staffing our facilities, and this issue is even more present in regional, rural and remote locations.

“Having modern, fit for purpose accommodation on site at healthcare facilities is a major drawcard in recruiting and retaining staff.

“Key Health Worker Accommodation is so important to this government, we’ve invested $200.1 million to increase the availability in critical locations.”

Labor Spokesperson for Tamworth, Anthony D’Adam MLC:

“We welcome this investment in Barraba MPS, and it’s great to be part of a government that is making working and living in rural areas more attractive to health workers.

“This upgrade to staff quarters at Barraba MPS will provide our health workers with modern and comfortable facilities.”

Acting Executive Director of Infrastructure, Planning, and Sustainability Anna Styles-Tape:

“This funding will provide staff with better amenities and will support our recruitment efforts and offerings to new and existing staff.”

The Minns Labor Government is continuing work to build better regional communities and address concerning rates of regional youth crime with a new partnership with the National Rugby League  and PCYC to help keep kids on the right track. 

Over $270,000 is being invested into the program which will see senior NRL players including Brad Fittler, PCYC staff and NSW Police representatives engaging with young people across a series of events including Schoolboy and Schoolgirl Cup games, PCYC centre events and Fit for Life sessions.

Designed to support social cohesion, collaboration and skills building, the program will also engage young people in important conversations about mental health, physical fitness and nutrition.

As the Government continues to pull every lever to increase community safety across regional NSW these programs will be rolled out in all corners of regional New South Wales, including Dubbo, Cessnock, Queanbeyan, the Central Coast, Wagga Wagga, Albury, Coffs Harbour and Tamworth.

This is part of the Minns Labor Government’s ongoing work to engage young people and crackdown on crime across the state, which has included:

• Amending the Bail Act to include an additional bail test for young people between 14 and 18 charged with committing a ‘serious break and enter offence’ or motor vehicle offence while on bail for a similar offence.
• Creating a new ‘post and boast’ offence under the Crimes Act, criminalising the filming and disseminating of footage of certain serious offences to publicise or advertise the commission of that offence.
• Paying recruits to attend the Goulburn Police Academy and welcoming 294 probational constables to the NSWPF ranks in December, the largest class to graduate in a decade.
• Passing and enacting ‘Jacks Law’ which provides NSW Police with powers to scan people for knives without a warrant and raised the age from 16 to 18 for the sale of knives to young people.
• Doubling the maximum penalty for certain knife crimes.

Further, this follows the launch of Project Pathfinder last year, a partnership between the NSW Police Force, National Rugby League and Youth Justice NSW which provides at risk teenagers from regional areas with mentorships and opportunities to reach their full potential.

Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns said:

“This is a great initiative and one the NSW Government is really proud to support.

“We want our regional communities to be safe, which is why we are working around the clock to take every action we can from legislative reform, to supporting grassroots interventions.

“Programs like this are vital to keeping kids engaged with their local community and on the right track.”

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

“The NSW Police and Government are doing everything we can to keep our regional communities safe – we don’t want to see anyone living in fear.

“Our police are working around the clock to not only investigate crimes but to engage with young people and show them positive alternatives to crime.

“I thank the NRL and PCYC for their continued support for our young people and regional communities.”

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“The NSW Government is putting resources into initiatives like this that are ready to go, and use methods which regional youth will relate to and engage with and then experience activities and learnings which can create conversations that help build a brighter future.

“This partnership means more kids in regional NSW will have the opportunity to come together, learn, stay fit and grow through a shared love for rugby league.

“This initiative is about opening doors for regional youth by turning sport into platforms for connection, resilience and community empowerment.”

Minister for Sport, Steve Kamper said:

“The outcome of sport is so often greater than the scoreboard. Sporting communities in many cases are the heart of our regional communities and they can be great ways to engage our younger generations and promote positive role models.”

Andrew Abdo, National Rugby League CEO said:

“Rugby league changes lives and this new partnership will harness the power of government, community and sport to positively impact on young people across NSW.

“Supporting youth in regional areas is important to us and this funding will help us reach even further into communities to provide opportunities and a support network to young people who need a helping hand.”

Ben Hobby, Police Citizens Youth Club NSW (PCYC NSW) CEO said:

‘’The PCYC has a strong and enduring tradition of working with youth in regional areas across NSW, and we know how impactful the role models in the NRL can be to these communities – young people look up to these incredible athletes and sports stars.

“We value our partnership with the Government and the NRL and know that having current and former players of the NRL and WNRL working with regional youth will be life-changing for the rising generation and the broader communities we support.”

The Minns Labor Government have delivered on another election commitment with Eagle Vale High School becoming Australia’s newest sports high school, as work continues to ensure families in Western Sydney have access to world class public education opportunities.

The school’s Talented Sports Program kicked off on day one term one this year with 60 students who successfully competed in the athletic trials last year excelling across Rugby League, Basketball and Cricket.

The delivery of this election commitment means for the first time families in the Macarthur region have a school on their doorstep catering for students excelling in sports alongside a strong academic program.

Previously, aspiring athletes in the region had to travel up to an hour to pursue their athletic ambitions at their nearest sports high school.

To support Eagle Vale High School’s students the NSW Government is funding multimillion-dollar upgrades to the school with new cricket nets and upgraded change rooms already delivered.

Further upgrade works are also underway including for a new running track, resurfacing the school’s full-sized playing field, new lighting for the sports field, new pickleball courts, a new multipurpose hall, a new Health and PE Learning Hub and a new PE Fitness Laboratory.

The Talented Sports Program has a proven track record of nurturing some of the country’s best up-and-coming athletes, including more than 170 national senior level representatives in NRL and AFL, and professional basketballers, golfers and surfers.  

Successful alumni of NSW sports high schools include Test cricketer Usman Khawaja, former national cricket captain Michael Clarke, soccer greats Harry Kewell and Alanna Kennedy, and former Australian rugby league captain Boyd Cordner.

This investment is part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to rebuild public education in NSW, ensuring families in growing Western Sydney communities have access to world-class schools, no matter their postcode. This ongoing work includes:

• Investing a record $3.6 billion to deliver new and upgraded schools in Western Sydney
• Delivering five new public schools across Western Sydney which welcomed students for the first time day one, term one 2025
• Valuing the workforce by delivering the largest pay rise in a generation to NSW’s 95,000 teachers
• Giving teachers job security by making 16,000 teachers and school support staff on temporary contacts permanent
• Reducing teacher vacancies by 40 per cent, ensuring more students have a qualified teacher at the front of their classrooms.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“No matter the postcode we want to ensure that children across New South Wales are given every opportunity to achieve their dreams.

“This means kids in South-West Sydney will have a real opportunity to pursue their sporting aspirations without their parents having to commit to hours of travel each day.

“For both budding athletes and their parents, this is a game changer.

“There is such a strong sporting culture in this part of Sydney and it’s great that the opportunities available to local school children finally reflects that.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Prue Car said:

“The population in the Macarthur region is continuing to grow, and the Minns Labor Government is committed to supporting young people to reach their potential in their local area.

“Previously, Macarthur students had to travel an hour or more each way to access a Talented Sports Program. Now, these students can follow their sporting dreams in their local area.

“Eagle Vale High will be a school where some of South-West Sydney’s most talented athletes get their start as possible future Olympic champions.”

Member for Leppington Nathan Hagarty said:

“It is fantastic to see the upgrade works underway at Eagle Vale High School.

“Delivering a selective sports stream for the Macarthur community is giving talented young athletes from our local area more opportunities.

“I cannot wait to see the dividends this investment delivers for our strong local sporting community.”

Eagle Vale High School principal Craig Butler said:

“The community is very excited about the new sports facilities. They think it’s wonderful that we’re supporting our kids and showing a commitment to the Macarthur area.

“We are going to have kids who will become Olympic champions and professional athletes, but as a sports high school, we can allow them to manage their study so they don’t have to make a choice between academic success and sport.

“The students know they are part of something special and talk about the school with pride.”

A shocking failure in the prison system has allowed a high-risk domestic violence offender to harass his victim with more than 1,500 phone calls while behind bars at John Morony Prison.
 
The serial offender was allegedly able to add his victim’s phone number to an approved call list, making an average of 20 calls a day over three months—an outrageous breach of protocol that should never have been possible.
 
Shadow Minister for Corrections Adam Crouch said the Minns Labor Government has serious questions to answer.
 
“This is an appalling breakdown in the system. The government has failed in its most basic duty—to protect the community, especially victims of crime.
 
Corrections officers should be stopping offenders from contacting their victims, not handing them an open line to continue their abuse. The Minister has announced an ‘investigation’ and offered an ‘apology’—but that does nothing to fix the problem or reassure victims that they are safe.
 
The offender’s phone access must be suspended immediately, and the government must be upfront with the public about how often these breaches are occurring,” Mr Crouch said.
 
With thousands of inmates given access to phones, how many other victims are being harassed right now? The Minister needs to come clean—how many times has this happened under his watch?
 
How can we expect victims of crime to come forward if the government can’t guarantee they won’t be harassed in this way.

Passengers are urged to avoid non-essential travel and allow extra travel time tomorrow (Monday 17 February) as lengthy delays and cancellations are expected to continue on the rail network next week due to industrial action.

Last week saw severe disruption to train services due to an unprecedented level of unplanned and unnotified staff absences.

Significant impacts are expected to continue into next week. However, the nature of this action is very unpredictable and we won’t have clarity on the impacts until the morning when train drivers and guards start to report for their shifts.

Sydney Trains and NSW TrainLink are urging employees to turn up to work tomorrow and help run a regular timetable. There is no ‘lockout’ in place and all staff undertaking their normal duties will be paid.

For parents of school children who would normally catch the train, our advice is to arrange alternative travel if possible.

We urge passengers to avoid non-essential travel, use alternative forms of public transport, and plan ahead by checking the latest updates on transportnsw.info and live travel apps.

Sydney Trains and NSW TrainLink apologise to our passengers once again for the disruption as our staff work hard to minimise the impacts of industrial action.

The matter will be heard in a full bench hearing of the Fair Work Commission on Wednesday (19 February).

Incident activity

• Ongoing – Today, 11:00pm

Details

Rail passengers are advised to plan ahead and allow extra travel time today due to industrial action. Plan ahead and check the latest updates before travelling. Allow extra travel time and see the news story for further information.

The Minns Labor Government has secured a multi-year pay deal with TAFE NSW teachers, benefiting nearly 9,000 teaching staff. Over 90 per cent of teaching staff, backed by the NSW Teachers Federation, voted to accept the government’s 10.5% baseline pay offer, higher than ever offered under the former government.

This comes after a decade long wages cap by the former Liberal-National Government that left thousands of teachers underpaid and in insecure employment.  

Nearly two thirds of NSW Public sector workers and their union have now signed wage agreements with the NSW Government.

The deal, which delivers on the Government’s election commitment to rebuild TAFE NSW, consists of:

• A 3.5% pay rise, plus a 0.5% superannuation boost for 2024-25;
• A 3% pay rise annually in both 2025-26 and 2026-27, plus a further 0.5% increase to super in 2025-26.

Additionally, the Government will undertake reforms within 12 months to remove TAFE NSW from the former Government’s “Smart and Skilled” competitive market, a key recommendation of the NSW VET Review.

This means TAFE NSW will no longer compete with the private training providers for funding and instead will have a more predictable annual budget.

These changes will slash red tape and give teachers more time to focus on the actual teaching of students.

In addition, the Minns Labor Government has transitioned more than 1700 casual teachers and delivery support staff from the beginning of this semester into permanent roles, providing long-overdue job security and stability for staff who have endured years of uncertainty.

80% of the TAFE NSW teaching workforce now enjoy greater job security, ensuring a stable, experienced workforce to deliver training in priority industries such as construction, manufacturing, and healthcare.

Minister for Industrial Relations, Sophie Cotsis said:

“This pay agreement with TAFE NSW teaching staff reaffirms the Minns Labor Government’s industrial relations framework is working.

“It recognises not only the important service our teachers and educators provide but acknowledges and rewards their efforts.

“This is a good step forward but there is always more work to do to ensure we have the best public service in the world.”

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan said:    

“I’m delighted that the TAFE NSW teaching staff have agreed to the Government’s offer, recognising their contribution to the state. Our teachers are on the front line of delivering the skills education to fill shortages in our critical industries and we value them.”  

“We’ve heard from teachers that they want to see reform in TAFE NSW, and alongside the increase in pay, this agreement builds on reform by no longer requiring TAFE NSW to compete with private training providers for funding.

“Removing TAFE NSW from the competitive (Smart and Skilled) market was a key recommendation of the Government’s VET Review.  It will result in a major reduction in administrative burden for TAFE NSW, but more importantly it enhances the recognition that TAFE NSW is the core provider of vocational training in NSW.  

“Funding certainty and a stable and secure vocational training workforce are crucial to meeting the increasing demand for skilled workers across several critical industries NSW communities rely on every day.” 

NSW Teachers Federation President, Henry Rajendra said:  

“The Federation enthusiastically welcomes the strengthening of TAFE NSW, with more than 1700 teachers transitioning from casual to permanent role starting earlier this term.

We also commend the removal of the constraints of the contestable funding market on TAFE NSW, and the introduction of a new three-year enterprise agreement that delivers solid pay increases to some of the most essential educators in NSW.  

“These are a clear demonstration of the NSW Government’s commitment to rebuilding a strong and stable TAFE NSW. 

“As the heart of the vocational education and training sector in Australia, TAFE NSW is critical to delivering the education and skills for our students, communities and economy across NSW. 

“TAFE NSW has a proven track record of excellence, delivering dependable public education that meets individual, industry and community needs.” 

The Minns Labor Government is continuing work to ensure the New South Wales farmers and agriculture industry are safeguarded into the future with the appointment of Alison Stone as the state’s first statutory Agriculture Commissioner.

Committed to during the state election and legislated last year, the Commissioner will provide independent advice, conduct reviews and make recommendations to the NSW Government on agricultural matters, including productivity, land use conflict and food security.

Commissioner Stone has over 40 years of experience across primary industries equipping her to provide informed advice to the NSW Government on future proofing this vital industry.

This experience has included 25 years as a farmer, policy experience across Land, Natural Resources, Foresty, Heritage and Wildlife Roles and experience in disaster resilience, response and recovery having led the codesign process for the Disaster Wise Communities Network.

Further, the Commissioner served on the NSW Government’s cornerstone Regional Advisory Council, the Victorian Fisheries Co-Management Council and the Commonwealth Government’s Forest Industry Advisory Council.

As Agriculture Commissioner, Ms Stone will serve an initial three-year term with work to include:

• Assisting the NSW Government in developing an ongoing system for defining, identifying, and mapping agricultural lands throughout the State
• Progressing the pilot of a Farm Practices Panel, which will look at ways to reduce conflict between agricultural producers and neighbours on a broader scale
• Providing input and advice to address challenges related to critical renewable energy infrastructure to support our energy transition and the impact it can have on landholders
• Promoting a coordinated and collaborative approach across the Commonwealth Government, the NSW Government and local government in relation to agricultural matters
• Work with the Net Zero Commissioner promoting a cohesive approach to policy making.

The appointment of the state’s first Statutory Agriculture Commissioner is part of the Minns Labor Government’s ongoing work to ensure regional communities and farmers can thrive. This work has included the following:

• The appointment of the state’s first Independent Biosecurity Commissioner Dr Marion Healy
• The creation of the $400 million Regional Development Trust Fund to deliver sustainable and strategic investment that make a real difference to regional communities
• A historic investment of $947 million in biosecurity protection and enforcement.

NSW Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:

“The Minns Government has delivered another key election commitment by ensuring farmers and the agricultural sector has a dedicated and independent Agriculture Commissioner to advise me and the Government on best options for matters such as land planning in regional NSW.

“Ms Stone’s extensive career across both the public and private sectors has made her a respected leader in agriculture and the Government is endorsing her for this role because she has a proven track record of resolving complex and contentious issues in areas such as land management reform.

“With 25 years of hands-on experience as a livestock farmer, she also understands the realities of rural life and the challenges faced by our farming communities.

“The appointment of a statutory Agricultural Commissioner marks an exciting new chapter for agriculture in NSW, and I look forward to working alongside Ms Stone to champion our farmers, protect valuable agricultural land, and build a stronger, more resilient agricultural sector.

Ms Alison Stone, endorsed to be the first statutory NSW Agriculture Commissioner said:

“Agriculture is the backbone of our state, and my role is to collaborate with government, landowners and industry leaders to drive tangible, on-the-ground  outcomes and practices to ensure NSW has a strong and prosperous agriculture sector.”

“NSW’s primary industries sector is one of the most diverse in the country, with a wide range of agricultural commodities and farming systems. While this presents challenges, it also creates valuable opportunities for growth and innovation.

“One of my key priorities is helping government to protect and support our agricultural land, ensuring productivity remains on the government’s agenda alongside its priorities for renewable energy and housing.

“I am honoured to be endorsed by the NSW Government for the first statutory Agriculture Commissioner and to work alongside Minister Moriarty and the farming sector to build a more resilient and prosperous future.

The Minns Labor Government and wind farm developer WestWind Energy Pty Ltd have signed a lease agreement to help facilitate a wind farm with up to 201 turbines on Crown land in south-west NSW. 

WestWind Energy is aiming to construct the wind farm over a 2-3 year period from 2029 to 2032, subject to planning approvals and community consultation.  

The project has an estimated capital expenditure of $3.8 billion and will have an installed capacity of up to about 1,000 megawatts with an annual energy production of approximately 3,400 gigawatt-hours, capable of powering up to 700,000 homes.

The project will also include up to three battery energy storage systems with a total of 1500 megawatt hours storage to provide a more secure and consistent supply of electricity.

The proposed Lake Victoria Wind Farm, could support up to 375 jobs during construction and up to 70 ongoing jobs once completed to maintain the infrastructure and manage ongoing operations of the facility. 

Crown Lands has negotiated the agreement for a special purpose lease which would provide WestWind Energy with an initial 25-year lease with two 7-year options to extend the lease a further 14 years.

The lease agreement allows WestWind Energy to progress planning for its proposed Lake Victoria Wind Farm, would be located about 30 kilometres north-west of Wentworth near the Victorian border. 

The project is listed on the NSW Planning website to be assessed as a State Significant Development once a development application is lodged.  

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“The Lake Victoria Wind Farm proposal has the potential to deliver major economic investment, well paid regional jobs and more green energy for NSW.

“The Lake Victoria Wind Farm is a significant clean energy initiative that can play a vital role in powering our economy for generations to come.

“The rental income will be reinvested into the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund to provide grants to maintain and improve Crown reserves across the state, such as regional showgrounds, war memorials and community sporting grounds.” 

Communities in Scone, Muswellbrook, and Dungog will benefit from a $750,000 funding boost from the NSW Government to upgrade hospitals and health facilities in the region.

The Minns Labor Government is investing a total of almost $12 million in 61 projects as part of the Regional Health Minor Works Program.

Projects for the Upper Hunter region include:

• $250,000 for an Emergency Department expansion at Scone Memorial Hospital, which will convert a temporary overflow area into a permanent space and support the continuation of clinical care
• $250,000 for a new palliative care room at Muswellbrook Hospital, with an ensuite and carer support space
• $250,000 to deliver new staff accommodation at Dungog Hospital, enhancing safety and improving capacity for temporary staff.

Hunter New England Local Health District is planning to complete these projects in the 2025/2026 financial year.

Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to investing in upgrading health facilities to support better health outcomes for rural and regional communities.

“The Regional Minor Works Program will allow Hunter New England Local Health District to expand the size of the ED at Scone, create a more comfortable space for palliative care patients and their loved ones at Muswellbrook and boost the availability of key health worker accommodation at Dungog. 

“The program is one of a number of investments the Minns Labor Government is making to strengthen rural and regional health services, so people have access to the best possible care close to home.”

Labor Spokesperson for the Upper Hunter, Emily Suvaal MLC:

“This Government’s committed to investing in regional, rural and remote healthcare.

“Being in or caring for a loved one in Palliative Care can be incredibly difficult, so the $250,000 investment in the palliative care space at Muswellbrook will be very welcome.

“The Emergency Department expansion at Scone will assist the hard-working staff there in providing the best possible care to the Upper Hunter community”

Acting Executive Director of Infrastructure, Planning, and Sustainability Anna Styles-Tape:

“These investments continue our District’s goal of improving healthcare for regional areas, and we look forward to sharing updates with the local communities about each project as they progress.”