Category: NSW News

At least 88,000 additional public school students can start their school day right, with a nutritious, free breakfast, as the Minns Labor Government continues its work to double the number of schools participating in Foodbank’s School Breakfast 4 Health program.

The Minns Labor Government made a commitment in the lead up to the last state election to increase the number of participating public schools to 1,000 by 2027.

It is investing $8 million in partnership with Foodbank to give public school children the best possible start to their day, with the program having grown by over a third from 500 to 676 schools in less than two years.

New schools to take on the program in the last two years include Blacktown Girls High School, Birrong Public School, Melonba High School, Villawood North Public School, Whalan Public School, Nepean Creative and Performing Arts High School, Narellan Public School, Miller Public School and Maryland Public School.

Every day Foodbank staff and volunteers undertake a huge logistical exercise to supply high-quality breakfast foods including milks, juices, breakfast cereals, fruits and breads, so that every child enters the classroom well-fed, energised, focused and ready to learn.

Foodbank data indicates:

• 80 per cent of schools in the program reported an increase in attendance and;
• 89 per cent saw an increase in class engagement

The program improves students’ nutrition, eating habits, boosts their mental and physical health and can increase learning. Schools have also reported improvements in school attendance and engagement.

The program runs in schools across NSW, including rural and regional areas, and as the cost-of-living continues to affect many, this is one way Minns Labor Government is helping families make ends meet.

As work continues to grow the program further, the Minns Labor Government has been working closely with Foodbank to simplify and accelerate the onboarding process for schools, so they can access the program as quickly and seamlessly as possible. 

Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

“Parents and families are continuing to struggle with the cost-of-living, which is why this program has been so important, particularly over the past two years.

“Across NSW, thousands of students are benefitting from free breakfasts at their school every day and starting the day full of energy, and ready to learn, thanks to the hard work of Foodbank staff and volunteers.

“The Foodbank program helps ensure children are given the best chance to be ready to learn when they enter the classroom while helping families with cost-of-living pressures.”

Federal Member for Greenway Michelle Rowland said:

“Knowing your child will have a healthy breakfast at school is a fantastic thing for all families, and sets our public school children up for success.

“It is fantastic to see this simple and effective program continue to be so successful at so many schools across NSW.”

Chief Executive Officer, Foodbank NSW and ACT John Robertson said:

“We know that children learn their best when they have full bellies. We thank the Minns Labor Government for their continued support to help us get this vital program into more schools around NSW to ensure our future leaders have the best possible start to the day.”

Lalor Park Public School principal Dee Taylor said:

“We’re really grateful for our strong partnership with Foodbank. We have students from Preschool to Year 6 who know they can come to school and start the day with a nourishing breakfast.

“I can’t overstate the positive impact breakfast has on our students’ positive behaviour and ability to stay focused and engaged in the classroom throughout the morning. 

“The program also helps teach life skills at Lalor Park – clearing your own plate, using manners and helping those around you are key values of breakfast club.” 

NSW Ambulance has today welcomed 91 paramedics in training who were officially inducted into the service in a ceremony held at the State Operations Centre in Sydney, providing a further boost to frontline health services across the state.

This marks the first induction ceremony of the year, with this cohort part of a Post Employment Tertiary Pathway (PETP) course. The paramedics in training are employed by NSW Ambulance while they complete a degree in paramedicine at university.

They have just completed a comprehensive 12-week induction program at the NSW Ambulance Education Centre and begin their on-road training as paramedic students from tomorrow.

The PETP course is facilitated over four years and provides an alternate pathway for people with no prior medical experience to become a paramedic with NSW Ambulance. Once these paramedics in training have completed their degree qualification, they can apply to be registered paramedics.

Natalie Saridakis, formerly an emergency medical call-taker with NSW Ambulance, is one of 19 paramedic students who have joined this class after working in NSW Ambulance Control Centres.

Brad Carr also starts his career as a paramedic student today, following in the footsteps of his paramedic father Dominic, who works as an educator for NSW Ambulance.

Starting tomorrow, the paramedics in training will initially be posted across metropolitan and regional locations in NSW for the on-road training component of their course and will return to the NSW Ambulance Education Centre and their university regularly for additional training over the four-year course.

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“I’m thrilled to welcome 91 new paramedic students into the NSW Ambulance service, boosting frontline health services and playing a critical role in the health and wellbeing of the community.

“By aspiring to join the paramedic ranks, these paramedics in training will become part of a legacy of service and dedication. The work they do not only changes lives but will uphold the values and standards of a profession that is deeply respected and admired.”

NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan:

“These paramedic students join an incredible team that is united by a shared commitment to provide emergency medical care and comfort to members of our community when it matters most.

“Paramedics are not only healthcare providers but also trusted and respected individuals in our community.”

Natalie Saridakis:

“For many years I was a carer for my mum, having frequent contact with the local paramedics.

“I was always impressed by their compassion and kindness that it really inspired me to join NSW Ambulance.

“I started out as an emergency medical call-taker which was a great start, but right now I am so excited to begin this new chapter.”

Brad Carr:

“I am proud to continue a family legacy in becoming a paramedic.

“My father has had a lengthy career, and I am looking forward to forging my own path.”

For many couples, planning and paying for a wedding can feel overwhelming, but happily ever after doesn’t always have to break the bank.

With the typical cost of a wedding rising, more couples are opting to tie the knot with the NSW Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages, a simple and stunning alternative, at just a fraction of the cost.

In 2024 alone, the Registry helped 3,306 newlywed couples turn their dream day a reality, with wedding packages starting at just $479.

The number choosing to celebrate their love with a Registry wedding each year is steadily rising, with 2024’s figure a 32 per cent increase on the 2500 registry weddings held in 2023.

With a recent survey conducted by the Department of Customer Service revealing more than 80 per cent of people living in NSW are concerned about the cost of living, it’s no wonder Registry weddings are surging in popularity.

Couples can say ‘I do’ in some of the most beautiful locations the state has on offer, like the breathtaking Pyrmont Wedding Registry, the historic Old Wollongong Court House, and the iconic Sydney Opera House, available exclusively on Valentine’s Day.

Registry weddings are easy to plan and customise, with couples able to opt for a simple affair or choose to add all the bells and whistles like photography and flowers.

From intimate, legal-only ceremonies to vow renewals and premium ceremonies for up to 70 guests, there’s an option to suit every couple’s needs, style, and budget.

To find out more about getting married with the Registry, visit the BDM website: https://www.nsw.gov.au/family-and-relationships/marriages/get-married-by-registry

Bookings must be made at least one month prior to the wedding date.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government, Jihad Dib said:

“Getting married is one of life’s most memorable moments, and should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their budget. Big memories don’t need a big price tag.

“The NSW Government offers couples the chance to make their dream day a reality, without breaking the bank.

“With beautiful, unique locations to choose from for a wedding, these Registry options have evolved into a great alternative for those celebrating their special day.”

Registrar for NSW Births, Deaths, and Marriages, Theresa Fairman said:

“When the team speaks with brides and grooms, one of the main key concerns is cost. We are always looking at ways to make the perfect day achievable for every budget.

“Whether it’s an intimate, no-fuss ceremony or something a little more extravagant, we’re here to make your special day memorable without the financial strain.”

City of Newcastle is progressing the development of its plans for the final stage of the Newcastle Ocean Baths upgrade following feedback from the community.

A comprehensive engagement campaign conducted between 17 June and 5 August last year generated significant interest, with the community engaging with project information almost half a million times.

Following a recent workshop to bring newly elected Councillors up to speed on this priority project, City of Newcastle has published the outcomes of these community engagement activities on its website.

City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath acknowledged the importance of the Newcastle Ocean Baths.

“The Baths are a much-loved heritage icon for our city, with so many memories created and celebrated by both residents and visitors, making community engagement on the site integral to its upgrade,” Mr Bath said.

The concept plans incorporate the revitalisation of the pavilion buildings including the Art Deco façade, while also enhancing the upper promenade and surrounding areas.

The project involved an extensive social media campaign, as well as a series of in-person events. More than 500 pieces of feedback were received, representing a wide range of views and suggestions from the community.

Executive Director City Infrastructure Clint Thomson reflected on the value of the feedback provided by a broad cross section of the local community.

“The community feedback we received included a broad range of views on the proposed design, with themes of interest including provision of seating and shade, the layout of change rooms, and calls for both changes to and support of the proposed roof design,” Mr Thomson said.

“The detailed design phase will explore the results of this consultation in combination with technical studies, to inform how, what, and where refinements and enhancements can be facilitated.

“Our team is exploring a north – south split within changerooms in the northern pavilion building following feedback from the community about the proposed east – west layout, as well as ways to incorporate natural lighting and ventilation through the roof space of the change rooms.”

Prepared by highly regarded Principal Design Consultant Tonkin Zulaikha Greer, the design continues to be informed by community engagement and feedback as well as industry leading heritage expertise, with input from environment, engineering and architecture professionals.

The baths site is protected as a heritage item of local significance by the Newcastle Local Environmental Plan 2012 in accordance with the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979. 

The design for both stages of the upgrade takes this, and the requirements of a possible State Heritage Listing, into account.

Following revisions to the design based on the engagement campaign, City of Newcastle will seek planning approval through a development application process, which includes Heritage NSW. This will be followed by detailed design for Stage Two, with the aim of having the project tendered and construction commenced within the current Council term.

A quality experience for swimmers remains a core focus for City of Newcastle, with upcoming inspections and a deep clean planned later this month.

“It’s been just over a year since the pool re-opened for swimming following the Stage One upgrade, and since the peak holiday period has passed, it’s now time to take a closer look at the pool to see how it has fared in its first year,” Mr Thomson said.

“On Monday 24 February our team will close and drain the Baths, and use machinery to move large volumes of sand that has built up to enable inspection of the pool floor and walls.

“While we are there, we will also take the opportunity to complete a deep clean of the Baths to maintain water quality for swimmers in the months ahead.”

The Baths are expected to be closed for up to a week, depending on weather conditions. 

Swimmers are able to enjoy Merewether Ocean Baths, nearby beaches or our inland pools during this short-term closure of Newcastle Ocean Baths.

The Engagement Report can be viewed at newcastle.nsw.gov.au/yoursay

The latest information about cleaning and closures of our Ocean Baths can be found at newcastle.nsw.gov.au/oceanbaths

A new range of activities to help NSW seniors reduce social isolation will soon launch after the NSW Government provided $840,000 in funding as part of the 2025 Connecting Seniors Grant Program.

From singing to storytelling, cooking classes to croquet lessons, the funded projects will empower older people to engage with their communities and combat loneliness in innovative ways.

Some old favourites from 2024 will also be making a comeback, including water safety classes, Foodies Clubs and Community Circles.

Activities will be delivered across NSW through 28 organisations divided into five categories including Aboriginal, Multicultural, Creation, Enhancement or Expansion, and Local Council.

The Aboriginal and multicultural categories are new this year and projects include activities such as Aboriginal dance workshops, technology mentorship, excursions, and a range of classes such as exercise and art.

In 2024, COTA NSW’s Voice of Solitude: Loneliness and Social Isolation Among Older Adults in NSW found 60 per cent of people aged over 50 were lonely with 25 per cent experiencing extreme levels of loneliness, and 50 percent feeling socially isolated.

The Connecting Seniors Grant Program builds on previous grant rounds, which have been proven to reduce social isolation for thousands of seniors in NSW. The program supports the Ageing Well in NSW: Seniors Strategy 2021-2031, demonstrating the NSW Government’s commitment to creating a more inclusive community and addressing isolation and loneliness.

The addition of Aboriginal and Multicultural categories in 2025 aligns with the NSW Government’s Closing the Gap commitments and the Multicultural NSW Strategic Plan 2021-2025.

Since its launch in 2020, the grant program has funded more than 120 projects with over 30,000 seniors taking part across 82 Local Government Areas across NSW.

For more information about the Connecting Seniors Grant Program and the full list of recipients, visit: https://dcj.nsw.gov.au/community-inclusion/seniors/ageing-well-in-nsw-seniors-strategy-2021-2031/events-and-projects/connecting-seniors-grant-program-2025.html

Minister for Seniors Jodie Harrison said:

“With 28 projects funded in 2025 across the state, there is something for everyone to get involved in.

“These projects can provide a social lifeline for seniors who often live alone. They help older people stay connected and age well.

“It’s important that we provide as many opportunities as we can for seniors to stay engaged with their communities and even try new experiences.

“Congratulations to the recipients – I’m looking forward to seeing our seniors make excellent use of the programs and activities on offer.”

Ian Westmorelandfrom Kintsugi Heroessaid:

“We are thrilled to receive this grant which will enable us to use the power of storytelling to inspire and provide hope to seniors who may be experiencing life challenges like elder abuse, loneliness and social isolation.

“Focusing on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, the seniors who share their stories will be invited to speak at community events around the Hornsby LGA area to encourage other seniors to engage and connect.”

The NSW Government’s successful Single Employer Model is continuing to boost the regional health workforce, with another 29 doctors joining the Rural Generalist Single Employer Pathway (RGSEP) this week.

RGSEP is an employment pathway for doctors seeking a career as a rural generalist who work across both primary care and hospital settings.

Rural generalists are General Practitioners (GPs) who have an extended skill in a specialty area such as anaesthetics, obstetrics, paediatrics, emergency medicine, mental health or palliative care.

RGSEP trainees are offered a length-of-training contract with a Local Health District (LHD) in regional NSW. This allows trainees to retain and use their NSW Health Award entitlements during GP training.

Rural generalist trainees also receive the same pay and conditions as their hospital trained counterparts.

The new recruits bring the total number of doctors participating in the Program to 44 across Far West, Illawarra Shoalhaven, Hunter New England, Mid North Coast, Murrumbidgee, Northern NSW, Southern NSW and Western NSW LHDs.

RGSEP trainee Dr Marty Ryan has worked across health facilities in Temora, Cootamundra Gundagai and Wagga Wagga and is encouraging other doctors to consider becoming a rural generalist.

Regional Health Minister Ryan Park:

“I’m excited to welcome 29 new trainees to the Rural Generalist Single Employer Pathway, all with a commitment and passion for regional healthcare and communities.

“The program supports rural generalist trainees throughout their training, helping to prepare them for a career providing our regional, rural and remote communities with the essential care they need.

“This year, we have trainees working in regional centres such as Broken Hill, Tamworth and Dubbo, but also in GP practices in our smaller regional communities like Condobolin, Guyra and Tumut.

“Being a rural generalist means being a part of the community. It’s a unique, challenging and rewarding career, and it’s exciting to see our trainee numbers continue to grow year on year.”

Dr Marty Ryan, Rural Generalist Trainee:

“The beauty of this model is it allows the seamless transition from the primary setting into a hospital under the one contract.

“The breadth of experience you get as a rural generalist gives you so much job satisfaction and variety.

“One moment you’re at a hospital treating someone with pneumonia and the next hour you’re back down at the general practice clinic. It’s constant mental stimulation. That’s why I love the job.

“Growing up in a country town I know how deep the community spirit runs through them in the hard times as well as the good. It is such a special role and every day there are always compliments from patients who are so grateful to have you here.

“I thoroughly recommend this program to other doctors who are thinking of becoming a rural generalist.”

The huge trade potential of Wollongong and the wider Illawarra area will be the focus of the latest NSW Government ASEAN Market Update for NSW Businesses series being held in Wollongong today.

The updates provide local businesses with information about trends and export opportunities across Southeast Asian markets.

The ASEAN bloc is NSW’s second-largest trading partner, with two-way trade in goods growing by more than nine per cent in the past year. Continued rapid growth is expected in sectors where NSW businesses excel, such as food and beverage, health, and the digital economy.

Held in partnership with Asialink Business, today’s session will bring together around 80 participants, including Wollongong businesses, industry groups, and diplomatic representatives from Southeast Asian nations, at iAccelerate within the University of Wollongong’s Innovation Campus.

Speakers at the forum include NSW exporters who have already utilised Investment NSW’s export support services to build connections and drive export sales across Southeast Asia.

The NSW Government is focussed on promoting ASEAN market opportunities to NSW businesses, with the region expected to become the world’s fourth largest economy by 2040.

The ASEAN Market Updates series, is supported by other initiatives led by Investment NSW to help small and medium businesses pursue international growth objectives in Southeast Asia and other important export markets around the globe.

In 2024/25, these include supporting cleantech companies to export to Malaysia and Singapore, and wine to be exported to Vietnam.

The ASEAN Market Updates series began with a session in Western Sydney last October and will continue in the coming months with events in the Northern Rivers, the Hunter and Wagga Wagga.

For more information on how the NSW Government supports business to export, visit Investment NSW: https://www.investment.nsw.gov.au/export/

Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“The ASEAN region is entering a golden age, propelled by a young population, industrialisation and technological advances, which present significant opportunities for NSW exporters.

“ASEAN nations are actively pursuing economic growth, with an increasing focus on sustainable development, food and health resilience, the digital economy and skills.

“My ASEAN Market Updates series is all about unlocking the potential of NSW businesses to export and partner with Southeast Asia, where our two-way trade is worth $33.6 billion and continuing to grow.

“The attendance of so many senior ranking diplomats, including Ambassadors and Consuls General shows the international attractiveness of the NSW economy and is a big vote of confidence in the Illawarra region.”

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

“The Illawarra is home to innovative businesses with enormous export potential, and Southeast Asia presents a golden opportunity for growth.

“The NSW Government is here to support Wollongong businesses every step of the way to ensure they can compete and thrive on the global stage.”

Member for Wollongong Paul Scully said:

“I’m more than willing to take any opportunity to help sell Wollongong to the world.

“Wollongong has strong connections with the ASEAN region, but there remains enormous potential to take our trade and investment relationship to the next level.

“The University of Wollongong has opened three campuses across Malaysia and has several research partnerships, which is just one example of how we’re cultivating deeper connections with the ASEAN region.

“Today’s ASEAN Market Updates series is an important opportunity for our local businesses to learn more about this dynamic region and how exporting their products and services could turbocharge their growth.”

The Minns Labor Government is announcing a series of tough new measures to crack down on a recent escalation of troubling graffiti, racial hatred and antisemitism in the community.

The package of reforms will help give police and the community additional powers and resources to respond to disgusting acts of racial violence and hatred.

It sends a clear message to people who commit these crimes or intend to commit them that these acts have no place in NSW, and they will face severe and harsh penalties if they do.

In response to recent appalling attacks, the NSW Government will:

• Introduce a new criminal offence for intentionally inciting racial hatred, with a proposed maximum penalty of 2 years’ imprisonment.
• Introduce a new offence in section 93ZA of the Crimes Act 1900 directed at the display of a Nazi symbol on or near a synagogue, with an increased maximum penalty to 2 years’ imprisonment, and clarify that that graffiti is a ‘public act’.
• Expand the aggravating circumstance that applies on sentence when an offence is motivated by hatred or prejudice to ensure that it applies whether a crime is partially or wholly motivated by hatred or prejudice.
• Amend the Graffiti Control Act 2008 to create an aggravated offence for graffiti on a place of worship.
• Introduce a new offence in the Crimes Act 1900 to stop people in or near a place of worship from intentionally blocking access to the place of worship without reasonable excuse, or from harassing, intimidating or threatening people accessing places of worship, and provide police with associated move on powers. This new offence is proposed to have a maximum penalty of 2 years’ imprisonment.

In addition to these strengthened laws, the Minns Labor Government is also announcing:

• Increased funding to support the crucial work of the NSW Police Force Engagement and Hate Crime Unit by $525,000.  This will allow for boosted engagement and communications with the community, including additional synagogue and school visits.
• An increase to the NSW Local Government Social Cohesion Grants Program by $500,000.
• Training to support local governments address rising prevalence of hate crimes.

These reforms build on the significant work of the police over the summer:

• The NSW Police Force launched Operation Shelter on 11 October 2023 to respond to public safety in relation to the current conflict in the Middle East.
• More than 300 proactive patrols are conducted under Operation Shelter every day. These centre around significant sites such as places of worship.
• Resources from Traffic and Highway Patrol, the Regional Enforcement Squad, dog unit and Pol Air have also been brought in to help local police on the ground.
• Strike Force Pearl has been established to investigates these hate crimes – and doubled its fulltime dedicated detectives from 20 to 40.

The reforms send a strong message about the seriousness of committing acts of racial hatred and antisemitism, and the NSW Government’s commitment to send a clear message to perpetrators that they will be held responsible for these acts.

Premier Chris Minns said:

“We have seen disgusting acts of racial hatred and antisemitism.

“These are strong new laws, and they need to be because these attacks have to stop.

“NSW is a multicultural state, and these acts designed to intimidate and divide will not work.

“These laws have been drafted in response to the horrifying antisemitic violence in our community but it’s important to note that they will apply to anyone, preying on any person, of any religion.

“If you commit these acts, you will face severe penalties, and we make no apologies for that.”

Attorney General Michael Daley said:

“Blocking access to places of worship, graffitiing sacred sites, or inciting hatred are wholly unacceptable behaviours that have no place in our society. These proposed changes strengthen penalties and expand police powers to maintain order across the community.

“The Minns Government is expanding the criminal law to send a clear message that inciting hatred is not just unacceptable, it will soon be criminal.

“The entire community will be safer as a direct result of these changes. The proposed changes will mean that divisive and hateful behaviours will not succeed in dividing our community.”

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

“Police are doing everything they can to disrupt and investigate these vile crimes. Today’s announcement will further strengthen their capability to continue this critical work.

“Our community thrives on diversity and mutual respect. We refuse to let those driven by hate divide us.”

Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said:

“Our multicultural society is one of our greatest achievements, but it is not something we can afford to take for granted. It requires our constant attention.

“The Minns Government will continue to proactively address bad faith actors and explore every avenue to ensure social harmony and that our multicultural society is protected.”

Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig said:

“It’s vital that all tiers of government are united in the effort to stop antisemitism.

“I welcome the additional support and training for councils so that they can expand their work promoting unity and harmony within local communities.”

The Minns Labor Government has once again been caught napping, allowing Victoria to swoop in and snatch the rights to host in-season NFL matches—an opportunity that should have been Sydney’s to claim.
 
This is a government with no vision, no strategy, and no idea.
 
Chris Minns, John Graham and Steve Kamper were handed a golden opportunity to bring one of the world’s most lucrative sports to Sydney. Instead, they sat on their hands while Victoria did the deal. Sydney didn’t lose this event—Labor lost it for us.
 
Sydney will now miss out on three in-season NFL matches from 2026, set to be played at the MCG. This comes despite Sydney’s superior stadium, local NFL talent like Jordan Mailata, and the clear economic benefits the event would have delivered to NSW.
 
Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said the Government couldn’t see the value in bringing tens of thousands of tourists, international media, and millions in economic activity to Sydney.
 
“This is a government that reacts instead of leads. A government that always turns up late and empty-handed. And a government that is fast becoming the worst advertisement for doing business in NSW,” Mr Speakman said.
 
Shadow Minister for Sport Eleni Petinos said the Minns Labor Government has completely dropped the ball on this one—while Victoria runs away with the win. NSW had every opportunity to secure these NFL games, but Labor let it slip through their fingers.
 
“NSW had the home-ground advantage, but Labor fumbled it away,” Ms Petinos said.
 
Victoria will now host one of the worlds’ biggest sporting codes while NSW is left to watch from the sidelines under a Labor government too weak to even get in the game.

Jo Haylen has made the right call to resign as Transport Minister. But make no mistake—this wasn’t Chris Minns taking decisive action. This was three days of weak leadership, excuses and political protection before Ms Haylen finally fell on her sword.
 
For three days, Chris Minns had opportunity after opportunity to sack his Transport Minister. The evidence was there and kept mounting. The repeated use of taxpayer-funded vehicles that no fair and reasonable person would accept was clear. But instead of acting, Chris Minns stalled, deflected, and hoped the problem would go away.
 
This is because Jo Haylen isn’t just any minister—she’s was one of Chris Minns’ key Left faction allies. The Premier wanted her in Cabinet to keep his own job secure. Even when the facts were undeniable, even when new revelations kept emerging, he refused to act.
 
Jo Haylen also proudly declared, ‘I’m incredibly proud that we’ve managed to make public transport exciting again.’ Well, commuters don’t find cancelled trains and transport chaos very exciting.
 
Under her watch:

• Against professional advice, she hand-picked a Labor donor and mate of both hers and Chris Minns to run Transport for NSW.
• She had a taxpayer-funded department liaison officer doing political work in her office.
• She oversaw a train network meltdown with over 1,200 services cancelled in a single day – a record.
• She used her ministerial car and driver in a way that no fair-minded and reasonable person would accept.

To clarify, the Minns Labor Government inherited a transport system transformed by the former Liberals and Nationals Government — including world-class infrastructure like the Metro. But instead of embracing innovation, Labor insisted on putting drivers on driverless trains, all to keep their union mates happy. This was after 16 years of Labor doing nothing for NSW.
 
While Jo Haylen has gone for the time being, what about Rose Jackson? Instead, stories appeared that said “a senior government source” claimed she had no idea it was her birthday celebrations to protect Ms Jackson while her friend took the fall. Chris Minns had taken no action on Ms Jackson because he relies on her to bring him left faction support.
 
The Premier had three days to show leadership. Three days to take action. Three days to prove that standards matter. Instead, he failed. Jo Haylen may be gone for the moment, but the rot inside the Minns Labor Government runs much deep.