Category: NSW News

Fair Trading has successfully prosecuted a Sydney furniture supplier who was ordered to pay more than $37,000 in compensation and sentenced to a 15-month Community Corrections Order after an investigation found he charged consumers thousands of dollars for furniture which never arrived.

Gerasimos Lord was convicted in Parramatta Local Court 30 April for 10 breaches of Australian Consumer Law for knowingly accepting payment for goods and failing to supply those goods within a reasonable time, if at all.

The offending related to a business, Gallery Furniture Pty Ltd, taking payment for goods but failing to deliver furniture including a $4,499.10 timber cabinet, $3,596 for dining chairs, and a marble side table worth $450.

The defendant was ordered by the court to pay $37,683.41 in compensation to seven consumers and acknowledged other consumers who did not receive goods gained refunds through credit card charge back facilities.

Failure to supply is a common complaint raised with NSW Fair Trading, which received more than 13,000 complaints about the issue from 2022-2024.

It occurs when a trader accepts payment for their goods or services but does not deliver the promised goods or services in a specified time, or within a reasonable time. 

In December, NSW Fair Trading successfully prosecuted Milano Republic Director, Branislav Supa, for seven offences of accepting payments without supplying goods within a reasonable time or at all.

In Parramatta Local Court, Mr Supa was fined $2,000 and ordered to pay $5,621 in compensation to affected customers.

Also in December, NSW Fair Trading successfully prosecuted Nicholas Paxinos and Open Close It Pty Ltd trading as Shutters Quickly, who was convicted of accepting payment and not supplying goods/services in time.

Mr Paxinos was fined $5,000 and ordered to pay more than $20,000 in compensation, while Open Close It Pty Ltd was fined $5,400 and ordered to pay $2,100 in compensation to customers.

For more information about consumer rights when you pay for goods and don’t receive them, visit the NSW Fair Trading website here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/legal-and-justice/consumer-rights-and-protection/when-you-dont-receive-products-or-services-paid-for

Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong:

“NSW Fair Trading will prosecute businesses who take the money but don’t deliver.

“There is nothing more frustrating than spending hundreds, if not thousands of dollars on furniture and going months without seeing your purchase arrive, if at all.

“When making major purchases, consumers should always research the seller by searching for online reviews on their products and by checking NSW Fair Trading’s Complaints Register.”

The Koori Rugby League Knockout is being memorialised with a blue plaque in Sydney’s inner west, to celebrate the grassroots sporting competition.

The plaque will today be unveiled at the first Koori Knockout venue, Camdenville Park, St Peters, to recognise what is considered one of the biggest annual gatherings of Aboriginal people in Australia. More than 40,000 spectators attend each year.

The Koori Knockout was formed by six young Indigenous men at Redfern’s Clifton Hotel, who wanted an opportunity to showcase Aboriginal sporting talent that had been overlooked by scouts. The founders – Victor Wright, Bob Smith, Bob Morgan, Bill Kennedy, Danny Rose and the late George Jackson – envisioned an event that was more than just a platform for football, but also a gathering of family, community and cultural pride.

The first Koori Knockout at Camdenville Park in 1971 brought together seven teams from across NSW: Koorie United, Redfern All Blacks, Kempsey, La Perouse, Walgett, Cowra and a combined Mt Druitt-South Coast side. It was a resounding success, setting the foundation for what has now become one of Australia’s most significant indigenous events.

The blue plaque recognising the Knockout’s importance to the state’s heritage has been incorporated into the renovations of Camdenville Park. Aboriginal community members who were there for the tournament’s conception, have flown into Sydney from around Australia to attend the unveiling of the blue plaque, to remember why the competition was started and celebrate what it has become.

The Koori Knockout continues to serve as a vibrant celebration of Aboriginal heritage, drawing together communities from across the state to compete, connect and celebrate their shared culture.

The popular Blue Plaque NSW program places round, blue plaques at sites across NSW to recognise and share the stories of individuals or moments in history. The installation of each new plaque brings added interest to the heritage of an area, encouraging locals to explore their backyards, and inviting those from further afield to learn more about the unique history of these communities.

For information about the Blue Plaques NSW program visit www.blueplaques.nsw.gov.au.

Minister for Heritage, Penny Sharpe:

“This is more than a tribute to a game of footy – it’s a celebration of the deep cultural connections, identity and resilience of Aboriginal communities across NSW. The Koori Knockout is a living celebration and it’s great to see it formally recognised today.

“The Koori Knockout is a proud legacy of Aboriginal leadership, determination and community spirit. It began as a grassroots initiative and has grown into one of the most significant cultural gatherings in the country. This plaque rightly honours that history.”

Member for Heffron, Minister Ron Hoenig:

“I’m proud that Camdenville Park in my electorate now bears a permanent reminder of the first Koori Knockout – an event that continues to bring people together in a powerful show of unity and culture.

“This plaque is a reminder of how local places carry national stories. The Koori Knockout began here, but its legacy stretches far and wide. The addition of this plaque in the wonderfully upgraded Camdenville Park cements this important legacy for generations to come.”

Member for Summer Hill, Jo Haylen:

“I am so proud that we have, right here in the Inner West, a recognition by the NSW Government of the Koori Knockout and its enduring cultural and community legacy.

“For over 50 years, the Koori Knockout has been more than just a rugby league competition. It is a demonstration of the power of cultural connections and community determination, and this oval in the heart of our Inner West community has put into motion decades of increased access for Aboriginal players from all over our state, many of whom have gone on to represent NSW, QLD or Australia, and bring the game of rugby league to new heights.”

The NSW Government has today released the NSW Trade and Investment Strategy 2035 – a 10-year plan with clear targets to grow and diversify the state’s exports and attract investment to develop and strengthen new and existing industries, as well as driving long-term economic prosperity.

As the impacts of tariffs flow through global markets, NSW is strengthening its commitment to an open economy that champions free and fair trade, with diversification of both what NSW’s exports and which countries we export to at the centre of our approach.

The release of the Strategy comes ahead of Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong undertaking a seven-day trade mission to the Republic of Korea and Japan – markets that present clear opportunities to increase trade and investment and advance the government’s ambitions in housing, the transition to net zero and local manufacturing.

The NSW Trade and Investment Strategy provides a clear path towards a more productive and resilient economy focused on the following outcomes by 2035:

Increase the value of NSW exports to $245 billion; a $100 billion increase from 2023-24

• NSW’s goods and services exports total $142.5 billion, which has grown by more than $70 billion over the last decade.
• NSW has set an ambitious export target focused on continued growth, taking advantage of opportunities arising from our proximity to high growth markets such as Southeast Asia, and opportunities created by the global energy transition.

Increase the diversity of NSW’s export markets

• NSW’s largest merchandise export markets in 2023-24 were Japan, mainland China, and Taiwan, comprising nearly 45% of goods export value.
• The Strategy seeks to diversify our export destinations through solidifying links with growing economies, at the same time as embracing new opportunities in current major markets

Increase the diversity of NSW’s export products

• NSW’s largest export products in 2023-24 were coal, international education and gold, comprising approximately 42% of total export value.
• Improving the diversity of goods and services that NSW exports around the globe will build the resilience of the NSW economy.

Support 10,000 businesses over 10 years to grow and export into new markets

• Investment NSW currently supports 800 businesses each year to export or to build their exporting capacity, with a target to grow this to 1,000 each year through new and existing initiatives.

Support the creation of 30,000 direct full time equivalent jobs through NSW Government investment attraction activities

• Our aim is to increase the number of jobs created through NSW Government investment attraction activities to an average of 3,000 per year.

Attract $25 billion in investment to NSW, with $17.5 billion into the Industry Policy Missions

• Targeting investment outcomes in the NSW Industry Policy missions – Housing, Net Zero & Energy Transition and Local Manufacturing – will be crucial to unlocking NSW’s economic potential, achieving the missions, and supporting government priorities.

During his mission to Korea and Japan, the Minister will advance the objectives of the Strategy in meetings with government and business leaders. He will also address an audience comprised of major Japanese businesses Expo 2025 in Osaka, where the NSW Government will host a major investment showcase at the Australian Pavilion.

The NSW Trade and Investment Strategy is aligned with the NSW Industry Policy – the overarching framework for delivering on the Government’s strategic priorities, and which also complements the goals of the Innovation Blueprint.

Read the NSW Trade and Investment Strategy here: https://www.investment.nsw.gov.au/why-nsw/resources/nsw-trade-and-investment-strategy/

Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“NSW is Australia’s leader in trade and investment, and through the NSW Trade and Investment Strategy, we’ll take things to the next level.

“We have clear targets in place to grow exports, diversify the products we export and where they go, and support more NSW businesses with their international growth objectives.

“We will continue to position NSW as an attractive place for global investment and target outcomes associated with the Industry Policy Missions to deliver a more innovative and sustainable economy.

“NSW has numerous strengths – an extensive research and development sector, and unique advantages in sectors like digital technology, clean energy, defence and space, life sciences, health care, and agrifood.

“We have the skills, knowledge, and capabilities that make NSW a leading place to invest.

“My mission to Japan and the Republic of Korea has been targeted to promote the opportunities outlined in the NSW Trade and Investment Strategy.

“NSW is a long-standing and trusted trading partner to both Japan and the Republic of Korea.

“Opportunities also exist to turbo charge NSW housing by harnessing regional expertise in cutting edge building technology and encouraging investment in the housing sector.

“The NSW Government looks forward to leveraging our state’s global competitiveness to deliver better trade and investment outcomes for businesses and the people of NSW.”

The NSW Government is investing $14 million to strengthen support for people with a cognitive impairment who come into contact with the justice system.   

The Government is extending funding for the Justice Advocacy Service (JAS) which helps people understand their rights and responsibilities when interacting with police, legal representatives and the courts.  

The service is run by the Intellectual Disability Rights Service (IDRS) and has been extended for another two years until 30 June 2027.  

It is available across the state, including in regional and remote areas, and has supported more than 9,000 people since 2019.  

JAS also provides a voluntary diversion service helping eligible defendants to provide evidence of their impairment, apply for a diversion order, and access the NDIS and other support services.  

This diversion service is available across six local courts – Downing Centre, Parramatta, Blacktown, Penrith, Gosford and Lismore – and has helped more than 900 clients since 2022.  

Attorney General Michael Daley said:  

“This funding extension ensures the Justice Advocacy Service can continue providing support to people with a cognitive impairment when they interact with police, legal representatives and the courts.  

“This is important to ensure equitable access to justice and fairness for vulnerable community members.”  

Minister for Disability Inclusion Kate Washington said:  

“Legal processes can be complex for anyone – but for people with a cognitive impairment, navigating the courts without adequate support can result in unjust outcomes with life shattering consequences.  

“Thanks to the Justice Advocacy Service, people with cognitive impairment can access the support and advice they need as witnesses, victims or defendants.  

“By extending this funding, we’re backing a service that makes sure people’s needs are understood which helps to ensure everyone in our courts gets a fair hearing.”  

Intellectual Disability Rights Service Chief Executive Officer Joanne Yates said:  

“The Justice Advocacy Service supports more than 2,500 people with a cognitive impairment in their criminal proceedings each year.  

“JAS advocates contribute to the effective operations of the courts. Our work is critical in supporting vulnerable people with intellectual disability. This includes keeping them out of prison and diverting them into support services as appropriate.  

“We welcome the extension of our vital funding for these next two years and thank the Attorney General and the Minister for their ongoing support”.  

A former Justice Advocacy Service client said:  

“JAS saved me when I was at my lowest point in life and through their work has given me so many opportunities. I’m working and I can’t thank them enough for what they’ve done for me.  

“It changes lives in so many ways, support is unreal, they spend extra time with court matters.  

“It will keep a lot of people out of prison, having the diversion in courts is really beneficial for people with intellectual disability as it is keeping them out of somewhere that will make them even more vulnerable than they already are.”   

The NSW Government has today released the report from the Special Commission of Inquiry into Healthcare Funding.

This delivers on an election commitment from the Minns Labor Government to have an inquiry into healthcare spending.

The commission, led by Hon. Justice Richard Beasly, found the NSW Health system to be a high performing one with the treatment and care it provides to be among the best in the world.

As with any large and complex organisation, there is always room for improvement.

The inquiry received 226 written submissions as well as heard testimony from 225 witnesses over 70 days of hearings, including patients, providers and policy experts.

The inquiry also visited every local health district and specialty health network across metropolitan as well as regional NSW, including meeting management, clinicians, health consumers, and healthcare providers such as General Practitioners, Non-Government Organisations, and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations and Aboriginal Medical Services.

From this, the report has produced 41 recommendations across 12 priority areas including:

• the need for allied and preventative healthcare
• challenges around primary and aged care
• the health workforce
• statewide health service planning
• procurement processes
• innovation.

The Government will now carefully consider these findings and respond in due course.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“I want to say from the outset that the NSW health system is one of the highest performing in the world, supported by the most talented and dedicated clinicians and workers.

“It doesn’t mean that we don’t have our challenges, and it doesn’t mean we can’t find more ways to improve.

“This is why we delivered on our election commitment to establish a Special Commission of Inquiry into healthcare spending.

“I am so grateful to the commission and the many people from every level of our health system who generously shared their insights with the inquiry.

“It is now time to give the findings and recommendations of this report the consideration it deserves.”

Health Services Union Secretary Gerard Hayes:

“We have an opportunity to fundamentally shift our health system’s focus by embracing this report.

“We know the future of healthcare is in allied and preventative care, which will keep people out of hospital and help them recover faster.

“The HSU is ready to work with the state government to implement the reforms recommended in the report, which will improve the health of the people of NSW.

“Shifting our attention from costly emergency and surgical intervention to allied and preventative care will save money and improve peoples’ health, which is not only good for individuals but the wider community.”

The Minns Labor Government is continuing to prioritise safety and accessibility for school students, with a $10 million boost in walking and cycling infrastructure near schools.

Some 24 locations will receive improvements including new and upgraded shared paths, footpaths and raised pedestrian crossings that make it safer for children and parents to walk to school.

The funding announced today coincides with NSW Walk Safely to School Day. It is part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to building better communities through essential infrastructure.

Data shows less than one in four NSW school children currently walk or ride to and from school, while over 70 per cent of parents and carers indicated they would like to walk to school with their children most days. Children are only spending 18 minutes per day walking or riding a bike, less than a third of the daily recommendation.

National Walk Safely to School Day is a Pedestrian Council of Australia initiative that falls within National Road Safety Week, an annual initiative of Safer Australian Roads and Highways (SARAH) Group to encourage safer behaviour on our roads.

This builds on funding programs to deliver safety around schools, including through measures such as school zones, flashing lights and the NSW Road Safety Education Program.

Examples of projects funded by the program include:

• $979,489 towards the removal of the Children’s Crossing and the installation of a raised pedestrian crossing with a pedestrian refuge island and speed cushion on Greenbridge Drive in Wilton.
• $807,180 towards the North Lismore Connections project, delivering safe pathways linking residents to the CBD, sporting fields, showgrounds, and the proposed high school, enhancing active transport, connectivity, and safety.
• $795,421.55 towards the construction of a 3m wide shared path on Tennant Street Bellbird from Balangara Way to Sparke St, and a 1.8m wide walking path on Doyle Street, including a pedestrian refuge at the Sparke Street and Doyle Street intersection.
• $758,911 towards improving pedestrian crossing safety at the Conadilly-Henry Street intersection in Gunnedah, reducing conflicts between pedestrians and 26-meter B-double vehicles near a school, church, and businesses.
• $615,000 towards the construction of a 3.0m wide shared path along Military Road in Port Kembla and a 1.5m wide footpath along Olympic Boulevard, connecting the Foreshore, Town Centre, and Train Station to community facilities and public transport.

View a full list of projects funded by the program here:

• FileGet Kids Active 20256-2026 projects (PDF 130.55KB)

For more information on Walk Safely to School Day, visit the 2025 Walk Safely to School Day web page.

Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said:

“On this Walk Safely to School Day, I’m delighted to share details of the $10 million worth of active transport projects that have been funded by the NSW Government.

“Tragically, two child pedestrians died and 36 were seriously injured in active school zones in the five-year period from 2019 to 2023.

“Improving safety is our number one priority. We want parents and carers to feel confident to walk, ride and scoot their kids to school – it’s critically important to their mental and physical health.

“Children are only spending 18 minutes per day – less than one third of the recommended daily time – walking or riding a bike. I encourage parents to leave the car at home and take the time to walk or cycle with their kids, always hold their hand when walking on the footpath and cross at pedestrian crossings.” 

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“There are so many benefits for children walking or riding safely to school. It builds independence and self-confidence, improves health and can establish being active as a lifelong pattern.

“The reduction in traffic congestion on the road network when we have fewer parents in fewer cars doing fewer trips to school is another positive result of kids getting to school on foot or by bike or scooter.

“Upgraded and wider footpaths, quality crossings and more trees are among the small changes that can make a big difference to getting kids active on the way to school.”

Pedestrian Council of Australia CEO Harold Scruby said:    

“As our motto says – active kids are healthy kids, and the best form of physical activity for all Australians is walking regularly. Children need at least 60 minutes of physical activity a day. We also encourage parents and carers to take their children on a walk to school each day to teach them life-long road safety habits. 

“Being active every day, including walking to school, provides social, emotional, physical and mental health benefits, including improving self-esteem and confidence and helping concentration.  And the best way to do this is to build walking into your daily routine. 

“Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or carer – everyone has a role to play in helping children and young people to lead active healthy lives. Remember to hold your child’s hand and always stop, look, listen and think before crossing the road.”

Slowly but surely Sydney is getting back to its best, and this result is more proof.

There was a lost decade of lockouts and lockdowns where our nightlife and culture suffered, and the glory days of the Sydney Olympics seemed like long lost memories.

Since coming to government two years ago we’ve been fighting to bring Sydney back to life, which has involved cutting lots of red tape that was holding back small venues through to large cultural events.

We’ve lifted the concert cap on our stadiums and put local support acts on our biggest stages. We’ve continued backing incredible events like Vivid Sydney, SXSW Sydney, Sydney Festival, Sydney Fringe, Sydney Film Festival, Sydney Comedy Festival and the Sydney Marathon, whilst supporting our world class cultural institutions like the Sydney Opera House, Art Gallery of NSW and the Australian Museum.

We’ve also stopped serial single noise complainants from shutting down entertainment venues, extended trading hours, incentivised venues to host live music, scrapped the 5km rule at clubs, given adults the right to stand up when having a drink outside and started rolling out Special Entertainment Precincts across the state.

But it’s not mission accomplished, the hard work continues, so stay tuned as we rebuild our night-time economy block-by-block neighbourhood-by-neighbourhood.

People often talk down Sydney’s cultural life, and sometimes they’ve had reason to, but that’s changing. I think it’s time to be proud of our city and our state again.

Click here for Sydney has just ranked in the world’s top 5 cities for culture on this global Time Out list

The Minns Labor Government has released a draft of NSW’s Waste and Circular Infrastructure Plan, which is needed to prevent Greater Sydney running out of landfill. Without intervention, waste collection and disposal services could be severely impacted by 2030, forcing councils to transport rubbish to regional areas or interstate.

Failure to tackle this would drive up the cost of kerbside bin collections and lead to costs for residents and businesses increasing by around 20%.

A slowdown in rubbish collection would also impact critical infrastructure projects, such as new housing developments. It’s estimated that it could cost the economy around $23 billion.

The first chapter of the draft NSW Waste and Circular Infrastructure Plan will consult councils, industry and the community on the next steps to build the infrastructure required across Greater Sydney.

Future chapters are expected to be released later this year and will focus on enhancing recycling infrastructure and addressing the unique waste challenges facing regional and remote NSW.

The release of this chapter lays out how the NSW Government will:

• safely manage the waste we don’t recycle and avoid Greater Sydney’s imminent shortfalls in landfill capacity
• collect and process increased volumes of organic waste, as source-separated FOGO collections are rolled out across Greater Sydney.

The Minns Labor Government recognises that a state government cannot do this alone. A new Ministerial Advisory Committee will be established to guide the plan’s implementation and advise on local barriers, identify opportunities for investment and report on progress.

This plan follows the NSW Government’s recent mandate of Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) recycling. FOGO will reduce the volume of food waste sent to landfill, by diverting up to 950,000 tonnes of each year.

To have your say by 25 June 2025, visit the Draft NSW Waste and Circular Infrastructure Plan web page.

Minister for the Environment, Penny Sharpe:

“For too long, state governments have ignored the fact that Greater Sydney is running out of landfill.

“Waste collection is an essential service.

“This draft plan is the first of its kind and is long overdue.

“We can no longer kick this problem down the road. I look forward to working with local councils, industry and local communities to urgently address the problem.”

The dedication and compassion of palliative care health staff and volunteers across NSW is being recognised this National Palliative Care Week (11 – 17 May 2025).

We thank the many staff and volunteers who provide essential care and support to patients and families during the most challenging time in their lives.

The NSW Government is committed to further enhancing palliative care services across the state and has introduced a range of measures to better support patients and their families living with a life-limiting illness.

This includes a $93 million investment in capital works as part of the World Class End of Life Care program, which will deliver new or redeveloped palliative care facilities at five health facilities across the state including Wyong, Westmead, Tamworth, Nepean and Orange hospitals.

The Government is also committed to growing our specialist palliative care workforce, and is employing extra nurses, doctors and support staff, estimated at more than 570 additional full-time equivalent positions by 2026-27.

Last month, the Minns Labor Government announced an additional $2.8 million in funding to support a range of initiatives which will enhance paediatric palliative respite and end of life care across the state. This forms part of the NSW Government’s commitment to increase paediatric palliative care funding to approximately $80 million over 4 years from 2023-24 to 2026-27.

Twelve local health districts and speciality health networks have received additional funding to strengthen specialist paediatric palliative care and improve the physical spaces where palliative and end of life care is provided.

The NSW Government has also committed $3 million in funding for the End of Life and Palliative Care Research Grant Program, aimed at improving health outcomes for patients, carers and families with end of life and palliative care needs in NSW.

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to our palliative care teams who provide compassionate, high-quality care to patients and families in exceptionally difficult circumstances.

“Our specialist palliative care workforce is comprised of doctors, allied health professionals and nurses, Aboriginal Health Workers and volunteers.

“National Palliative Care Week is not only an opportunity to increase awareness about the importance of end of life and palliative care services, but also to begin conversations with family and friends about how one might to plan for their future requirements, including their own end-of-life care.”

The NSW Government is investing $15 million in the protection of Snowy Monaro communities, with work to begin on a new state-of-the-art bush fire and emergency management centre in Cooma.

The NSW Rural Fire Service has awarded the construction contract for the new Fire Control Centre (FCC), which will be co-located with an Emergency Operations Centre and aviation facility.

The centre will enable faster coordination and enhance frontline capabilities as emergency management experts are brought together under one roof during times of disaster.

The Snowy Monaro FCC is being developed in response to the 2020 NSW Bushfire Inquiry, which identified the need for upgraded emergency management infrastructure in the region.

Zauner Construction Pty Ltd will soon begin construction, with the project to be managed by NSW Public Works.

The facility will be located on a site adjoining the existing FCC and the Cooma/Polo Flat Aerodrome.

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“This new centre will be a vital resource for those on the frontline and provide our volunteers with the best possible infrastructure to assist in firefighting efforts.

“With purpose-built workspaces and training rooms, this facility provides our emergency service personnel with the modern technology they need to protect life and property.

“This investment enhances not just firefighting but also search and rescue capabilities, which are vital in remote and rugged parts of the region.”

Member for Monaro Steve Whan said:

“It’s great to see work finally starting on this important new facility.  I am aware that it has been many years in the planning and having visited the existing centre many times, I am aware of its limitations.

“Our region has a history of large bushfires, and this centre will provide the facilities, technology and working conditions to ensure that our incredible, dedicated, emergency service volunteers and staff can provide the most effective responses possible. 

“I’m very pleased to be a part of the Labor Government making the investment in this facility.  It builds on a number of new control centres built in Monaro during my last period as Member for Monaro.”

Commissioner of the RFS Rob Rogers said:

“This new centre will not only support day-to-day operations, but also better equip our personnel to manage multi-agency responses to a range of hazards.

“The inclusion of a secure helicopter hangar and crew accommodation will also boost our aerial firefighting and rescue capability across the region, enabling faster deployment and more effective response during critical incidents.”