Category: NSW News

The Minns Labor Government is backing communities in far Western NSW by extending the Western Air Services Subsidy for another year to keep affordable, reliable air services flying to Bourke, Walgett, Lightning Ridge and Cobar.

The subsidy, which was due to expire in November this year, will now continue through to November 2027, ensuring people living in some of NSW’s most remote communities can stay connected to essential services, jobs and larger regional centres.

The Minns Labor Government is also looking beyond the immediate extension, working with Far North West regional councils to develop longer-term arrangements for air services beyond November 2027.

Covering an area of more than 111,000 square kilometres, the Western Air Services Subsidy makes it easier for Western NSW residents to access health care, education, emergency services and business opportunities, while staying connected with family and friends.

Under the agreement, FlyPelican operates six return flights each week between Sydney and Cobar, while Air Link operates eight return routes each week servicing Bourke, Walgett and Lightning Ridge.

A survey conducted by the Far North West Joint Organisation found 94 per cent of residents and stakeholders consider the flights critical, with health care and medical travel the most common reason for using the service at 35 per cent.

The survey also found the flights are saving passengers on average up to seven hours for a one-way trip compared with road travel.

Residents, businesses, visitors, doctors, specialists, nurses, social workers, trades and other essential workers use the flights to travel to and from these communities.

The subsidy is funded through the NSW Government’s $400 million Regional Development Trust, which invests in projects that improve transport, liveability, economic opportunity and services across regional NSW.

For more information, go to: nsw.gov.au/regionaldevelopmenttrust

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“Reliable air services are helping keep Western NSW communities connected to the people, services and opportunities that matter most.

“For people in Bourke, Walgett, Lightning Ridge and Cobar, these flights make it easier to access health care, education, jobs, business opportunities and stay connected with family and friends.

“Extending this subsidy gives communities greater certainty and confidence, while supporting the strong regional connections that help Western NSW thrive.

“The Minns Labor Government is proud to continue supporting these vital services and investing in the future of communities across Western NSW.”

The Minns Labor Government is taking the next step in modernising the management of the Rural Fire Service’s (RFS) 6,000-strong bush firefighting fleet, helping to better protect communities across NSW.

Amendments to the Rural Fires Act 1997 were introduced to NSW Parliament today to enable the transition of the ‘red fleet’ from council ownership to the RFS from 1 July 2027.

The transition is backed by a $470 million investment over ten years and will give the NSW Government greater oversight of the vehicles that firefighters and communities rely upon to respond to bushfires and other emergencies.

The new arrangement will deliver consistent statewide standards, improved reliability and better vehicle lifecycle management, while continuing the longstanding partnership with councils to support emergency services.

A key part of the transition will be establishing a network of up to eight regional maintenance hubs, with more than $29 million to be invested over two years to get the network up and running.

The regional hubs will also create jobs and apprenticeship opportunities while supporting local industry and strengthening the resilience of the RFS into the future.

A further $106 million will be invested over four years for critical maintenance and safety upgrades across the state.

Councils will be engaged over the coming months to support the transition and identify opportunities to support future maintenance.

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“This isn’t just an investment in trucks – we’re building the maintenance network behind them while creating regional jobs and making sure our RFS fleet is reliable and ready to respond.

“We’re making sure our firefighters have the vehicles and facilities they need to do their job when communities count on them the most.

“By investing in our firefighting fleet, support vehicles and facilities, we’re strengthening community safety and the resilience of our emergency response well into the future.”

Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig said:

“The current arrangements have left councils owning vehicles that are operated and managed by the RFS. This reform addresses that longstanding mismatch by aligning ownership with operational responsibility.

“Councils have an important role in bushfire prevention, hazard reduction and emergency management, and that partnership will continue.

“A transition of this scale needs to be carefully managed. Over the next 12 months, we will work closely with councils to make sure they are properly supported, that local knowledge is retained, and that the move to the new arrangements is practical and orderly.

“The Government’s $470 million investment over the next decade will support that transition and help deliver a safer, more reliable RFS fleet for communities across NSW.”

RFS Commissioner, Trent Curtin said:

“This is a landmark and momentous reform for the RFS and one of the most significant investments in our operational capability in recent years.

“Our firefighters rely on these vehicles every day in some of the most demanding and unpredictable conditions, and it is essential we equip them with a fleet that is safe, reliable and fit for purpose.

“This reform establishes, for the first time, a consistent and modern approach to fleet management across NSW. It strengthens safety, improves reliability and ensures our members are always ready to respond when communities need them.”

The Minns Labor Government has launched the first major review of the NSW Community Transport Program in more than a decade, as the 40-year-old program continues to connect people across NSW with essential services and their communities.

Each year, the NSW Government invests $13 million in the vital program, which helps eligible people who may not have access to other forms of transport get where they need to go.

In the last year, the NSW Community Transport Program supported almost 13,000 people who took more than 240,000 trips across NSW. Around 82 per cent of these trips helped customers access medical care, do their shopping and participate in everyday life.

Community transport services travelled more than 14.3 million kilometres over the same period, reflecting the distances some customers need to travel, particularly in regional and remote communities.

The program currently contracts 63 providers across every local government area in NSW, with around three-quarters of recorded trips delivered outside Sydney.

With community transport playing such an important role in the everyday lives of people across NSW, the review will help ensure the program continues to deliver the right support, in the right places, for the people who need it most.

The review will examine the program’s current service delivery arrangements, effectiveness, sustainability and future design, identifying opportunities to strengthen the program and ensure it remains responsive to changing community needs.

Transport for NSW will conduct targeted consultation with community transport providers, customers, councils, health organisations and sector representatives to help shape the program’s future. The review is expected to conclude in mid-2027.

Minister for Roads and Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison:

“Community transport is a lifeline for thousands of people across NSW, particularly in regional communities where people often need to travel long distances to access services.

“After more than a decade without a major review, we’re making sure this vital program continues to deliver the right support, in the right places, for the people who need it most.

“Transport for NSW will work closely with passengers, providers and communities to strengthen the program and ensure it remains sustainable and responsive for years to come.”

Labour hire workers performing work for New South Wales councils will have their pay and conditions protected under legislative reforms that will be introduced by the Minns Labor Government.

Currently, NSW councils can undercut pay and conditions of their existing workforce by entering into a labour hire arrangement.

There is nothing stopping council park, maintenance or road workers, and many others, being replaced with a labour hire workforce doing the exact same job at the same place and same time, but on lower pay and conditions.

Under reforms announced by Premier Chris Minns at the United Services Union’s Annual Conference last night, the Government will introduce legislation to ensure all local government workers receive the same protections.

A council will not be able to enter into or amend a contract with a labour hire business for the supply of labour unless it is satisfied that each employee will receive at least the full rate of remuneration they would receive if employed directly by the council.

This will include applicable overtime and penalty rates, incentive-based payments and bonuses.

These reforms address a regulatory gap that means workers engaged by councils through labour hire businesses are some of the only workers in the country not provided pay and conditions protections.

They recognise that when councils have legitimate reasons to use labour hire firms over hiring staff in-house, these workers should receive the same renumeration for doing the same job.

This reform builds on the Minns Labor Government’s investment in the local government workforce, which includes directly funding the recruitment of an additional 1,700 apprentices, trainees and cadets in councils across the state, through the Fresh Start program.

The Government will introduce the Local Government Amendment (Labour Hire) Bill 2026 to Parliament next month to bring in these important protections for workers.

Minister for Industrial Relations Sophie Cotsis said:

“These reforms strike the right balance in giving councils the flexibility they need while making sure workers aren’t short-changed simply because they’re employed through labour hire.

“Two people doing the same job side-by-side deserve the same pay, no matter who is paying them.

“This is about a fair go for workers, a level playing field for employers and confidence in the local government workforce.”

Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig said:

“Council workers deserve a fair go. People doing the same work for the same council should not be paid less simply because they are employed through a labour hire company.

“NSW councils sit outside the national Fair Work system, so we are acting to make sure local government workers have proper protections.

But this is also about how we build stronger councils.

“Wherever possible, councils should be providing secure jobs rather than relying on labour hire to deliver the work communities depend on.

“Direct employment builds skills and experience inside councils. It provides more secure local jobs and gives councils greater capacity to deliver services and infrastructure themselves.

“More people employed directly by councils means stronger councils and a better capacity to serve their communities.

“Labour hire will still have a place when councils genuinely need it. But it should not be used to undercut the wages of council employees or as a substitute for maintaining a strong permanent workforce.

“More people employed directly by councils means stronger councils and a better capacity to serve their communities.”

General Secretary United Services Union Graeme Kelly said:

“The long-awaited decision by the Minns Labor Government to introduce Same Job Same Pay laws protecting local government jobs from contractors who undercut wages and conditions is fully supported by tens of thousands of council workers across NSW.

“These laws will ensure that anyone trying to undercut hard fought for conditions will now have maintain local government rates of pay and conditions.”

The Minns Labor Government has been sitting on detailed business cases for future rail links across Western Sydney, while refusing to say which projects will be backed and when growing communities will have access to the infrastructure they need. 
 
Documents obtained by Shadow Minister for Transport Natalie Ward reveal the station locations and alignment for the northern and southern extensions of the Sydney Metro Western Sydney Airport line and a heavy rail extension from Leppington.
 
The future plans for Sydney Metro revealed in the confidential documents include: 
 
Metro Northern extension:
·        A five station extension from the currently under construction St Marys station to the existing Tallawong station.
·        Including stations at Emerton, Bidwell, Marsden Park and Schofields.
 
Metro South West Sydney Extension:
·        An eight-station extension from the currently under construction Bradfield to Campbelltown train station.
·        Including stations at Bradfield South, Maryland, Pondicherry, Oran Park, Narellan, Mount Annan, Macarthur.
 
South West Rail Extension:
·        A connection from Leppington station into the Western Sydney Airport precinct will be via the extending the existing Sydney Trains network rather than a new Metro line however, the new route only includes a single new station at Rossmore. 
·        The final business cases’ recommended option includes building a new interchange between Sydney Metro and the Sydney Trains network which will occur at a new station called Bradfield South. 
 
This will require a one station extension of the under-construction Metro Western Sydney Airport line and the delivery of the heavy rail extension. 
 
The documents also reveal Labor has examined imposing a new tax on homes and development around the proposed stations to help fund the projects.
 
Shadow Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Natalie Ward said Labor must explain why the future of the Sydney Metro’s network has been had been sitting on ministers’ desks since May without a decision or delivery plan. 
 
“The Opposition shouldn’t have to uncover the future Sydney Metro Network; I don’t understand the secrecy” Ms Ward said.
 
“Western Sydney does not need another report gathering dust. The next question is how we get it built — what it costs, how it would be staged, when construction could begin and when Western Sydney families could actually use it.”
 
“It is time Labor stopped stalling and give the public a plan of action.”

For the second time in just four months, the Legislative Council has struck down the Minns Labor Government’s council meeting rules, delivering a damning rebuke to Local Government Minister Ron Hoenig and a win for local democracy.
 
Last night’s disallowance of the Local Government (General) Amendment (Meetings) Regulation 2026 overturned councillor briefing restrictions the Government reintroduced after Parliament disallowed its Model Code of Meeting Practice in May.
 
Shadow Minister for Local Government Tim James said the Minister must stop doubling down and work with councils to get the rules right.
 
“Two parliamentary rejections in four months amount to a vote of no confidence in this Minister’s handling of the issue,” Mr James said.
 
“The Minister has been all at sea and good council governance is suffering. When Parliament rejected his Model Code, he remade the briefings restriction instead of fixing it.”
 
“Residents expect councils to spend their money wisely and make sound decisions about local roads, parks and community facilities. That requires councillors who can test advice, understand costs and ask hard questions. The Government’s
approach undermined their ability to do that.”
 
“The Minister must now deliver the workable Code of Meeting Practice he should have produced at the start of the year. Councillors need a briefings framework that strengthens transparency and allows them to do their jobs. Safeguards against decisions being made behind closed doors must not prevent proper scrutiny or force councils into bureaucratic workarounds.”
 
Mr James also warned that the draft model for distributing Commonwealth Financial Assistance Grants risks becoming the Minister’s next mess, with many NSW councils facing substantial funding cuts.
 
“Councils are sounding the alarm about cuts that would put more pressure on local infrastructure, services and ratepayers. The Minister cannot keep ignoring the consequences of decisions affecting the sector.”
 
“Dictating to councils has failed. The Minister needs to start listening and get this right. Good local government depends on it.”

The Minns Labor Government will reform the way adult sexual assault trials are run to reduce the distress and trauma experienced by complainants when giving evidence.

The reforms, to be introduced to NSW Parliament today, will ensure people who report sexual assault are better supported through the court process, while safeguarding the right to a fair trial.

Ground rules hearings pilot 

Ground rules hearings will be introduced for adult sexual assault proceedings, as a pilot, backed by a $4.8 million investment in the 2026-27 NSW Budget. 

Held before a complainant gives evidence, the hearings will allow the court to set clear directions for how they will be questions and identify any communication or support needs. 

This could include how long questioning can go for, how questions are asked, what topics can be covered and what support may be needed while a complainant gives evidence. 

The pilot will also require pre-trial discussion about relevant jury directions likely to be sought regarding consent, delay and differences in accounts. 

These changes will help improve the overall quality of evidence in sexual assault trials – ensuring questions are appropriate, relevant and focused on the issues in dispute – without compromising the accused’s right to test the prosecution case. 

The pilot will operate at Parramatta, Wollongong and Dubbo District Courts from 2027 until 2030. Ground rules hearings are already used for child sexual assault proceedings in NSW. 

Recorded evidence in chief 

Recorded police interviews with complainants and special witnesses will be able to be used as evidence in chief in adult sexual assault proceedings. 

This will help minimise distress and trauma for complainants who will only be required to provide their evidence in chief once including in case of retrial. 

These recordings are currently admissible as evidence in chief for children under 16 and people with a cognitive impairment. 

Recorded police evidence in chief is also used in domestic violence prosecutions. Our reforms will extend Domestic Violence Evidence in Chief (DVEC) provisions to standalone Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO) proceedings even if there are no criminal charges.

A separate statutory review of the Child Sexual Offence Evidence Program beginning early next year will consider the feasibility of allowing adult sexual assault complainants to pre-record the entirety of their evidence, including cross-examination and re-examination. 

Sexual Assault Communications Privilege

The Government will also strengthen protections around the private counselling records of sexual assault complainants as an independent research project considers broader changes, including whether they should be prohibited from use in all criminal proceedings.

The Criminal Procedure Act 1986 will be amended to ensure courts can only consider complainants’ communications records when it is necessary, as opposed to inspecting materials automatically or out of an abundance of caution.

Other changes will codify in law the requirement to seek leave to access records that have been produced in court.

This comes on top of the University of Sydney-led research, due to report back in mid-2027, which is examining how Sexual Assault Communications Privilege is operating and considering alternative models and options for reform.

These changes will be complemented by the rollout of specialist legal support, announced last month, to help sexual assault complainants navigate the justice system.

In addition, NSW’s first independent Victims of Crime Commissioner has been appointed to advocate for victim-survivors of crime, including sexual violence, on a systemic level.

Attorney General Michael Daley said:

“These commonsense reforms will go a long way towards making it less traumatising for sexual assault complainants to seek justice. Sexual assault complainants and witnesses are especially vulnerable in our justice system. We want to help them give their best evidence by ensuring they do not need to tell their story multiple times and deterring inappropriate and irrelevant questioning in court.

“These changes will make the trial process more robust, mirroring practices already in place for child sexual assault prosecutions. It is part of the Government’s ongoing work to improve the experience of complainants in the criminal justice system.”

Minister for Women and Minister for the Prevention of Dometic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said:

“We know that victim-survivors often find reporting sexual assaults incredibly hard and the justice process can sometimes be distressing. The Minns Labor Government is taking action to make sure the trial process doesn’t re-traumatise victim-survivors, and they can give their best evidence. These reforms are an important part of the wider work we are doing to support victim-survivors, through justice system navigators and in healing and recovery.”

Full Stop Australia CEO Karen Bevan said:

“These are steps in the right direction for victim-survivors of sexual assault, and we welcome the ground rules hearings pilot, the use of recorded police interviews as evidence in chief and tighter limits on access to counselling records. We look forward to working with the Government to extend these reforms so that every victim-survivor in NSW benefits from them.”

Women’s Safety Commissioner Dr Hannah Tonkin said:

“These reforms represent a positive step towards a more trauma-informed legal process for victim-survivors of sexual assault.”

“Many sexual assault complainants are required to give detailed evidence years after their assault, and they are often subjected to inappropriate questioning that is of little relevance to the issues in dispute. This takes an immense toll on their wellbeing, healing and recovery.

“Allowing complainants’ pre-recorded evidence in chief to be used during sexual assault trials will enable them to give their account much earlier, in a safe setting, and to start rebuilding their lives sooner. This will significantly reduce the trauma experienced by those pursuing justice, while also improving the quality of their evidence.

“Similarly, the introduction of ground rules hearings will reduce stress for complainants and improve the precision of their evidence and the efficiency of trials by ensuring that questions directed at the complainant are appropriate, relevant, and focused on the issues in dispute.”

Unions NSW Secretary Thomas Costa said:

“People who make sexual assault complaints in the NSW criminal justice system are too often subjected to treatment that is humiliating, harmful and, in many cases, cruel. We commend the NSW Attorney General and the Minns Government for introducing these much-needed protections in sexual assault matters.

“Unions NSW supports the appointment of an Independent Commissioner in NSW to advocate for people who experience crime, including sexual assault. We look forward to continuing to work with the Minns Government to make the justice system fairer, particularly in sexual assault matters.”

Research to improve the quality of life and outcomes of children with an inherited cancer risk is among three initiatives sharing more than $700,000 in funding from the Minns Labor Government.

Andrew Grant, a clinical care nurse specialist from the University of NSW has been awarded $250,000 for a study exploring the needs of children at inherited risk of cancer who may need lifelong cancer surveillance, impacting childhood and family life.

Cancer Institute of NSW Nursing Fellowship Grants support nurses to develop their expertise and leadership in research to build and retain clinical cancer research expertise.

Mr Grant’s findings will be used to co-design and test a dedicated model of care, including the role of a specialist nurse, in improving support for children and their families navigating the surveillance process.

The other two recipients of the 2026 Nursing Fellowship Grants are:

• Agnes Le from the Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research will receive $250,000 to improve recovery support for people following colorectal surgery.
• Katrina Debosz from the University of Sydney will receive almost $244,000 to improve access to high quality and coordinated follow-up care for those returning to regional and rural NSW after receiving CAR-T therapy at metropolitan hospitals.

The Minns Government is one of the largest funders of cancer research in NSW, having awarded more than $300 million in cancer research funding, including clinical trials, over the past 10 years.

Minister for Medical Research David Harris said:

“Supporting nurses to develop as researchers is an investment in the future of cancer care.

“These Nursing Fellowships strengthen our clinical workforce, build research capability and ultimately help deliver better care and better outcomes for patients across the NSW health system.

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

“Our cancer nurses are at the heart of cancer care in NSW. They see first hand the challenges and opportunities to improve care, giving them a unique perspective to help lead meaningful and impactful research grounded in real-world clinical experience.

“These Nursing Fellowships recognise the invaluable expertise of our cancer nurses and support them to turn their insights into better experiences and outcomes for people living with and beyond cancer.”

University of NSW Nursing Fellowship Grant recipient andclinical nurse specialist at the Minderoo Comprehensive Children’s Cancer Centre at the Sydney Children’s Hospital, Andrew Grant said:

“As a paediatric oncology nurse, I have seen firsthand the impact cancer has on children and their families. This research will deepen our understanding of children with a genetic predisposition to cancer and help ensure their cancer risk is managed.

“Early findings highlight the critical role specialist nurses play in supporting children and families throughout their care. This research will inform family-centred approaches and improve outcomes for children at increased risk of developing cancer.”

Jacqui, mother of 13-year-old Sophie who has a genetic risk of cancer said:

“Sophie has Li-Fraumeni Syndrome which brings a high risk for all types of cancers. By following the screening protocol of regular testing, we have the best chance of finding tumours for Sophie early and treating them successfully. This will give Sophie the best chance for the longest life possible. It means the world to me.

“Before the clinic, I needed to coordinate the screening process myself which was a huge workload and responsibility. I had to find the psychological strength to drive the whole process, and I had to find enormous resilience and tenacity to keep going.

“The role of the specialist nurse takes an enormous weight and workload off my shoulders. They find the doctors, create referrals, book appointments and communicate with other hospital departments, as well as provide over the phone support. it’s unbelievably wonderful.

“It completely changed my experience. I don’t have to find that enormous strength and tenacity to keep going anymore. With this level of support Sophie and I will be able to continue to do this for Sophie’s lifetime.”

With psychosocial requests for service to SafeWork NSW more than doubling over the past five years and psychosocial incidents in the workplace on the rise, the Minns Labor Government has launched a dedicated Psychosocial Advisory Service (PAS).

Developed in partnership with the Black Dog Institute, the PAS connects workers and employers directly with trained advisors who can help them understand, respond to and prevent issues such as bullying, harassment, work-related stress and mental harm in a trauma-informed way.

Backed by the NSW Government’s $127.7 million investment to enhance SafeWork NSW capability and capacity which includes 20 additional specialised psychosocial inspectors, the PAS forms part of the NSW Government’s $344 million Workplace Mental Health package for strengthening mental health support and injury prevention strategies in NSW workplaces.

Between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2026, SafeWork NSW received 3,145 psychosocial related requests for service (RFS), accounting for 20.5% of all RFS received, compared with 10% in 2021/22.

The advisory service acts as both a support and early intervention service designed to help workers and businesses resolve issues before they escalate into serious harm or require formal regulatory action.

The launch of the PAS comes off the back of SafeWork NSW’s largest ever psychosocial compliance blitz.

Inspectors targeted medium to large businesses across all industries with higher rates and severity of psychosocial harm. They visited over 200 workplaces across a range of industries and issued over 80 improvement notices relating to psychosocial hazards and risk management.

During visits, inspectors used a structured psychosocial checklist to guide discussions with businesses and workers, assessing how psychosocial risks were identified, managed and monitored in practice.

Key features of the PAS include:

• A dedicated pathway for people reporting via the 13 10 50 hotline (press 3 for PAS) submitting online enquiries, or using the SpeakUp web-based interface, where they will receive direct support from trained staff.
• Trauma-trained advisors to support customers accessing the service.
• Improved psychosocial resources to increase capability and educate customers on how to manage psychosocial harms and risks in the workplace.
• A holistic approach to care with options to provide customers in need of mental health support with referrals to external services.
• Improved data-driven triaging to prioritise time-sensitive or severe incidents involving bullying, harassment or suicidal risk.

SafeWork NSW also worked with Lifeline Northern Beaches to provide staff with specialised training and expertise in mental health, crisis response, and psychosocial risk management.

The launch of the PAS aligns with major reforms to the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 that came into effect on 1 July 2026 including codes of pratice being legally binding in NSW.

The reforms give NSW the strongest position on codes of practice in the country and mean businesses must comply with relevant codes of practice, including the Managing Psychosocial Hazards at Work Code of Practice or risk breaching the Act.

Workers who have concerns about workplace health and safety can lodge a psychosocial request for service on the SafeWork NSW website or anonymously contact SafeWork on 13 10 50 or through the Speak Up Save Lives website.

More details on the updated codes of practice can be found on the SafeWork NSW website.

Minister for Industrial Relations Sophie Cotsis said:

“Modern workplaces present modern risks. The Minns Labor Government is taking strong action to support the health and wellbeing of workers.

“The Psychosocial Advisory Service will help to keep workers safe and support businesses with the tools they need to address psychosocial risks and prevent potential harms.

“With requests for service to SafeWork more than doubling over the past five years, this service is part of the NSW Government’s commitment to building safer workplaces, ensuring workers come home safely to their families both physically and mentally.

Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson said:

“The Minns Labor Government believes that anyone who is struggling with their mental health should be able to access the help that they need.

“The Psychosocial Advisory Service will be an important resource for workers who may be struggling, and a great tool for employers who want to create safe workplaces.

“The launch of the Psychosocial Advisory Service builds on the work of our landmark Suicide Prevention Act 2025, which is about taking a whole-of-government response to mental health and suicide prevention.”

SafeWork Commissioner Janet Schorer said:

“The new Psychosocial Advisory Service is more than just a hotline. It offers in-depth conversations and practical, structured advice for those who need it most.

“This service ensures workers are not left to face psychosocial issues alone or forced to wait until problems escalate beyond control.

“The data shows a clear increase in both reports of psychosocial workplace issues and requests for support, highlighting growing awareness of these risks and the need for early intervention across NSW.

“The launch of the Psychosocial Advisory Service demonstrates SafeWork NSW’s commitment to supporting employers and workers to identify, manage and prevent psychosocial risks, creating healthier and safer workplaces.

“Prevention and early intervention remain critical to meeting work health and safety obligations and SafeWork NSW encourages all employers and workers to seek advice and access the PAS before issues escalate and cause harm.”

Business NSW Chief Executive Officer, Dan Hunter said:

“Small businesses take the health and safety of their people seriously, but psychosocial risks can be difficult to navigate, particularly for owners who don’t have dedicated HR or safety teams.

“That’s why the Psychosocial Advisory Service is a welcome step. Giving SMEs access to clear, practical advice – and someone they can turn to when they have questions – will help businesses tackle issues early and with confidence.

“For small business, looking after your people and running a successful business go hand in hand. The more practical support we can give SMEs to create safe, healthy workplaces, the better for everyone.”

Black Dog Institute Chief Scientist and Executive Director Samuel Harvey said:

“One of the most significant developments in work health and safety is the growing recognition that psychological harms are as damaging as physical harm.

“Recognising and managing both physical and psychological risks is an essential part of creating safe, healthy and productive workplaces.

“The new psychosocial focused inspectors will strengthen early detection of psychological risks at places of employment and enable timely interventions to prevent harm before it occurs.”

The Minns Labor Government is unlocking well planned infill development enabling 545 new homes just 400 metres from Warwick Farm Train Station and close to Liverpool’s city centre, jobs, schools, health services, shops and community facilities.

The now finalised controls for the 3.2-hectare precinct will enable more new homes including at least 30 per cent social and affordable housing, alongside a significant increase in public open space.

Following technical investigations and consultations between Liverpool City Council and the proponent Homes NSW, the final Mannix Parade Precinct rezoning has been reduced in size from the proposal exhibited last year, while the amount of open space has increased by almost 40 percent.

Key features of the final proposal include:

• approximately 545 new homes, reduced from 670
• at least 30 per cent social and affordable housing in perpetuity
• building heights between 4 and 11 storeys
• a 2,500 square metre park, increased from 1,800 square metres
• new pedestrian and cycling connections
• floor space ratios between 1.5:1 and 2.5:1.

The precinct is just 1.1 kilometres from Liverpool Hospital, which is being transformed through the $930 million Liverpool Health and Academic Precinct to provide world-class healthcare and support the growing communities of Sydney’s south-west.

A new co-educational high school is also being delivered in Liverpool, just 950 metres from the precinct. The school will include 107 classrooms and seven dedicated support classrooms for up to 2,000 students.

The rezoning has been assessed under the NSW Government under the Social and Affordable Housing Rezoning pathway, which is designed to accelerate the delivery of social and affordable housing proposed by the state’s housing agencies.

For more information, visit the NSW Planning Portal.  

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“Mannix Parade is a great example of well-planned infill development, putting more homes close to public transport, jobs, schools, health services and other infrastructure people rely on every day.

“We’ve increased the amount of open space provided by almost 40 per cent while still delivering around 545 new mixed tenure homes, including at least 30 per cent social and affordable housing providing more housing options in the area.”

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:

“Everyone deserves a safe, secure and affordable place to call home, and this rezoning will help deliver hundreds of new homes for people in Western Sydney.

“At least 30 per cent of the homes enabled by this proposal will be social and affordable housing, providing more options for people who need them most, including key workers.

“This will be a mixed-tenure community with new public open space and better connections, giving future residents access to the services and infrastructure already being delivered in the heart of Liverpool.”

Member for Liverpool Charishma Kaliyanda said:

“This final proposal responds directly to community feedback, better balancing new homes with more open space.

“Liverpool is growing, and we want to make sure it grows well. That means putting new homes where people are already connected to schools, hospitals, public transport and jobs.

“This proposal will deliver more homes close to Warwick Farm Station and Liverpool’s city centre, while creating a better connected, more liveable neighbourhood for the people who call it home.”