Category: NSW News

The Minns Labor Government is positioning NSW to be a global leader and industry partner in the race for critical minerals, rare earths elements and high-tech metals by supporting millions of dollars of investment in exploration.

The NSW Government has announced grants that will facilitate around $5 million of funding for 29 exploration projects to undertake drilling, geophysics and geochemistry exploration and find the next major critical minerals project.

Under the Critical Minerals and High Tech Metals Exploration Program, the NSW Government will provide almost $2.5 million in co-investment funding to the 29 projects. Explorers must then match it to receive the funding.

By partnering with the mining industry to pursue exploration, we can help discover more deposits of the critical minerals needed to manufacture modern technologies, including electric vehicles, mobile phones and solar panels.

Global demand for copper is rising rapidly, with prices climbing more than 20% this year. NSW is stepping up to meet this demand. Copper production in the state has increased by a third over the past three years, to around 190,000 tonnes this financial year.

With 21 of the 29 projects focused on copper exploration, this investment builds on NSW’s position as an industry partner and leading global supplier, and helps unlock new deposits to support the electrification of the economy, as well as AI data centres, clean energy technologies and infrastructure.

As demand for rare earth elements – naturally occurring metallic elements with powerful magnetic properties – grows in strategic importance, NSW is also supporting its exploration and production.

New exploration being supported by this round of funding is targeting opportunities for rare earth elements and zirconium.

Other minerals being targeted for exploration include silver and cobalt, vital to renewable energy technologies, manufacturing, infrastructure, and advanced medical equipment and diagnostics tools.

Successful applicants in the Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals Exploration Program include:

• Waratah Minerals to undertake drilling activities to explore for copper at the Spur Porphyry Project in the renowned Macquarie Arc. Waratah Minerals previously discovered one of the most significant copper-gold deposits in NSW in the last decade.
• Neo Double Eagle Resources will explore for rare earth elements crucial in the production of smartphones, electric vehicles, wind turbines and defence technologies, with drilling activities at Binge Grumble Mountain.
• Alkane Resources will undertake drilling activities in the Central West using a new exploration model suggesting that hidden deep beneath the historic gold mines at Peak Hill may lie undiscovered copper resources. This project demonstrates that underexplored areas exist underneath known historic deposits.
• Silverton Minerals will be employing an innovative, low-impact technology which passively measures the natural electromagnetic fields in an exploration area generated by distant lightning strikes to identify possible mineral-bearing structures beneath the ground northwest of Broken Hill.

Exploration is critical in the early stages of any mining project. Intense and highly scientific activities are required to confirm the strength of a mineral deposit and its viability before a company can consider going through the planning process.

Already, there are approximately 1500 exploration titles currently being explored for minerals across the state, and this funding will further aid the search for the next big critical minerals, high-tech metals or rare earth elements deposit.

There are currently 15 active major metals and critical minerals mines across NSW, employing more than 6,000 people, mostly across the Central West and Far West.

The announcement comes as NSW prepares to host the International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC), the largest international mining event in the Southern Hemisphere, with more than 10,000 delegates from 120 countries set to participate in Sydney this week.

The NSW Government is also hosting the Critical Minerals Investment Showcase, promoting investment-ready projects across the state to global funders from Europe, the Middle East, India, Korea and Japan.

This funding round is a key pillar of the NSW Government’s Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals Strategy which is driving new investment in critical minerals and high-tech metals exploration production, processing and manufacturing.

Successful projects will commence exploration in coming months, advancing the search for critical minerals and high-tech metals needed to support future industries and power our way to Net Zero. 

Further information about the successful projects and recipients is available at Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals Exploration Program.

Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos:

“NSW has the critical minerals and high-tech metals that the world needs to drive a clean energy future, create new jobs, and build resilient supply chains.

“Whether it’s the copper we need for data centres, antimony for batteries, or the rare earth elements for electric vehicles,  NSW has the opportunity be at the centre of the critical minerals boom.

“These co-investment grants highlight the Minns Labor Government’s partnering with industry, and for NSW to be a leading player in the global race for critical minerals.

“NSW has an abundance of critical minerals and high-tech metals waiting to be discovered. We’re supporting miners and explorers alike to boost supply of these strategically important resources. 

“This is the biggest round of exploration funding ever offered in NSW. From exploration to production, we are supporting targeted initiatives at each stage of the project pipeline.”

Live music venues will get an important boost from a new Spotify ‘Venue Pages’ feature after calls from the Minns Labor Government to prioritise NSW for the rollout.

Sydney will join New York, London, and Paris as one of the first cities in the world to benefit from this new feature. This is the result of direct discussions between the Minns Labor Government and Spotify AUNZ about bringing more of the benefits of music streaming to local venues and artists.

Launching today across nine countries, Venue Pages will give NSW live music venues their own home on Spotify, to list their gigs to make it easier for fans to go from streaming their favourite artists to buying tickets and seeing them live. Features include:

• Dedicated venues pages which allow users to search for venues, follow their favourites, save them to their libraries, access their gig guides, show details and new announcements.
• A live events feed updated daily, delivering show recommendations curated on user location, listening habits, and venues followed.
• Direct link from Spotify venue listings to official ticketing partner to securely purchase tickets, creating a quick link between music discovery and live music experiences.
• Spotify will run an on-platform marketing campaign and educations sessions for NSW venues in the weeks following tomorrow’s announcement.

Working with Spotify to increase its positive impact on the local live music scene is part of a wider set of initiatives from the Minns Labor Government to support the industry as it faces challenges from cost increases, changing audience habits and an increase in local audiences streaming overseas artists. Key measures have included the establishment of a $160,000 prize pool for the NSW Music Prize and the adoption of Michael’s Rule which incentivises international artists to book an Australian support act.

The NSW Government will continue to work with Spotify AUNZ on the roll out and will also support local venues with training to maximise their engagement with this new feature.

Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy John Graham said: 

“We applaud Spotify for bringing Venue Pages to Australia and expect it to drive more local listeners to local gigs, which is great news.

“We’ve been working with Spotify, discussing ways they can use their immense global power to boost our local music scene. Streaming has sometimes hurt the local music scene, but this is a turning point where Spotify is increasing its support for it.

“Our local live music scene is the talent factory for the future of NSW music, but local gigs and venues have been under cost and demand pressures. This boost from Spotify is extremely welcome and dovetails perfectly with all the other support we’re delivering.

“Spotify helps Australian artists reach overseas audiences, but local audiences have increasingly been drawn to overseas artists. This initiative helps swing more of the benefits of Spotify to local artists and venues, which is much welcomed.” 

Alicia Sbrugnera, Head of Music at Spotify AUNZ, said:

“Venues are the foundation of a thriving local music scene, so giving venues a home on Spotify means helping fans to go from streaming their favourite artists to seeing them live.

“In the Australian rollout of Venue Pages, we’re excited to work closely with the NSW Government and the Minister for Music and Night-time Economy, John Graham, to support venues, artists, and Australian music.”

The Minns Labor Government is supporting a more stable gas supply for NSW by backing the repurposing of an existing pipeline to transport gas from South Australia to the east coast of NSW.

The NSW Government has given APA Group the green light to convert its Moomba to Sydney Ethane Pipeline, adding stability to the gas network by making better use of existing infrastructure.

The approved licence variation allows for the conversion and unlocks the opportunity to deliver an extra 20-25 terajoules of gas per day, which is equal to the annual gas use of about 1,300 NSW homes.

This switch helps ensure a more reliable gas supply to meet existing needs, as the state increases renewable energy generation to replace ageing coal-fired power stations.

The 1,200km high-pressure pipeline has sat idle since 2023 when the previous single customer of the pipeline ceased operations.

APA Group proposed to repurpose the pipeline as part of its East Coast Gas Grid expansion program, a five-year initiative aimed at enhancing the transmission and storage capacity of natural gas across the east coast.

The decision to approve the licence variation followed a rigorous review of the safety, environmental and technical considerations involved in the project.

Gas from the repurposed pipeline is expected to be flowing by the end of the year, to help reduce the supply gap emerging across the east coast.

Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Penny Sharpe:

“This decision demonstrates the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to maintaining a reliable supply of gas while we transition to a cleaner, more sustainable energy system.

“The plan to repurpose the pipeline is a short-term measure that will boost gas supply to the east coast and complements the other work we are doing to manage supply risks and price issues.”

Northern Rivers residents will take their adaptation stories to the big screen this week as part of the Adaptation Stories short films initiative.

Produced and curated by Living Lab Northern Rivers, in partnership with the NSW Reconstruction Authority, Adaptation Stories captures eight Northern Rivers locals as they navigate real change in response to the shifting climate.

Each film captures personal journeys of resilience and creativity, showcasing how individuals are thinking about what adaptation can mean for themselves and their communities.

From farmer-led strategies in Richmond Valley, to arts-based perspectives in Lismore, youth engagement in regenerative futures in Tweed, and lessons we can learn from Country in Byron, each film explores diverse approaches to adaptation across the region.

Adaption Stories is part of the Community Conversations engagement initiative supporting the Northern Rivers Disaster Adaptation Plan (DAP) currently being developed by the NSW Reconstruction Authority, with the films aiming to spark conversations among community.

Free screenings will be held at Woodburn, Byron Bay, Grafton, Lismore, Uki and Ballina from Thursday 23 October until December. At each screening, a Q&A session will be held with local community leaders. The first screening is at Woodburn on Thursday 23 October 2025.

For more details on screenings and locations visit https://events.humanitix.com/host/living-lab-northern-rivers.

Learn more about the Northern Rivers Disaster Adaptation Plan including how the community can get involved at www.nsw.gov.au/reducingrisk/NRdap.

Minister for Recovery and North Coast Janelle Saffin said:

“We need to shift the dial to properly focus on adaptation and resilience to ensure communities are better prepared for and can recover better from disasters.

“We are creating the first ever Disaster Adaptation Plan for the Northern Rivers and sharing stories and experiences is vital its success. 

“I encourage everyone – young and old, to please attend a screening and listen and share your thoughts and ideas, because it’s too important not to.”

Living Lab Northern Rivers: Engagement Director Dan Etheridge said:

“We don’t adapt alone, we adapt together. These short films have been made to get people talking with each other. I want to know what other people in my community are thinking about climate change adaptation and this is especially true when our government is developing a new plan to drive adaptation and reduce our exposure to disasters.”

Filmmaker and director Poppy Walker said:

“These stories reveal the thoughtful and diverse ways people are engaging in climate adaptation. When audiences hear their neighbours — Traditional Custodians, farmers, artists and business owners — sharing their perspectives on what adaptation could look like, it helps shape thinking and conversations around what we can do in our communities.” 

The NSW Opposition acknowledges today’s announcement by the NSW Government that Northern Beaches Hospital will return to full public ownership by mid-2026.
 
We recognise the extraordinary courage and persistence of Elouise and Danny Massa, whose advocacy following the tragic death of their son, Joe, has led to this significant change.
 
The Opposition has consistently supported measures to improve safety and transparency at Northern Beaches Hospital, including:
 

• The Parliamentary Inquiry into the hospital’s performance,
• The Coronial Inquest and Independent Review of the Emergency Department, and
• The creation of Joe’s Law, to prevent any future public-private partnerships in acute care hospitals.

 
We have also supported the return of the public component of the hospital, including the emergency department, to full public control.
 
The Opposition also notes the concerns raised by doctors, the AMA, and the hospital’s Medical Advisory Committee about the future of private services under this arrangement.
 
The Northern Beaches community has one of the highest levels of private health insurance coverage in the state, and residents deserve reassurance that access to private care will not be diminished.
 
The Opposition remains ready to work cooperatively with the Government to ensure a smooth and safe transition that maintains choice, protects jobs, and delivers high-quality health care for the Northern Beaches community.

Apprenticeship and traineeship numbers have plunged across New South Wales, worsening the state’s housing crisis and leaving young people and small businesses without the skills needed to build the future.
 
New data from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) shows just over 42,000 apprentices and trainees commenced in the 12 months to March 2025.
 
This is the lowest level in more than five years.
 
The data also reveals more than 8,000 fewer apprentices are currently in training compared with the same period in 2024.
 
Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said the Minns Labor Government is failing to back the workers New South Wales needs.
 
“The Minns Labor Government promised to skill up the next generation, but instead they’re letting apprenticeship numbers fall off a cliff. Every lost apprentice means another young person missing out on a career and another builder, plumber or electrician not on the tools to build the homes families need,” Mr Speakman said.
 
Shadow Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Justin Clancy said the data is a warning sign for the future of housing and jobs in New South Wales.
 
“You can’t fix a housing shortage when there are fewer tradespeople to build homes. In just one year Labor has gone backwards on apprenticeships,” Mr Clancy said.
 
“The Government talks about adding 23,000 construction apprentices, but on these figures that’s simply not credible. Labor’s approach is failing young people who want a trade and employers who need skilled workers. The Minns Government needs to stop the spin and start delivering real results for skills, training and housing in New South Wales.”

The NSW Government has announced that NSW shooting organisations can share in $800,000 of funding following the opening of the Safe Shooting Program.

Eligible projects include improvements to storage, security and safety, as well as new equipment, such as electronic targets.

A key focus of the program is to boost participation among underrepresented groups, including women and girls, physically impaired people, First Nations peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and LGBTQIA+ people.

Individual shooting clubs, shooting ranges and shooting organisations can apply for grants, which range from $10,000 to $50,000.

The program also supports projects which incorporate inclusive design, improved safety, environmental sustainability and climate resiliency.

The funding is part of the Minns Labor Government’s continued commitment to supporting community organisations and uplifting grassroots sports facilities across the state, to ensure more people can access opportunities.

Applications close Friday, 17 November 2025. For further information and to apply for a grant visit: https://www.sport.nsw.gov.au/grants/safe-shooting-program

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

“The Minns Labor Government remains committed to ensuring shooting facilities across the state are safe, inclusive and accessible to all.

“The Safe Shooting Program will improve the safety and quality of NSW shooting facilities, while supporting the development of the next generation of Olympic athletes. The program also aims to increase participation by removing barriers for underrepresented groups.

“Projects that receive funding will play a key role in supporting the next generation of Olympians and ensure Australia’s success at the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.”

Students and staff at Bowral High School are celebrating the opening of a brand new creative and performing arts centre delivered as part of the Minns Labor Government’s $100 million program of upgrades bringing high potential and gifted education opportunities to schools across NSW.

The new arts centre – nicknamed ‘The Theatre’ – will be a new hub for students to develop production skills, along with dance, drama, music, debating and movie-making opportunities.

Industry-standard facilities include tiered seating, the latest audio-visual equipment, and a mirrored dance studio.

Teachers at the school will receive dedicated professional learning to support the high potential and gifted education programs and opportunities at the school, making full use of the arts centre.

The arts centre will also be shared with local primary schools as a resource for all students in the Southern Highlands.

As part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to ensure students in every school across NSW have access to high potential and gifted education opportunities, the $6 million upgrade at Bowral High School also includes upgrades to specialist classrooms:

• Hospitality classrooms fitted out to industry standard
• Visual arts classrooms and science labs
• Wood and metal work rooms

These upgrades ensure local students are learning in state-of-the-art classrooms, enabling them to achieve their full potential.

Bowral High School is one of the 33 schools across NSW to receive a share of a $100 million investment from the Minns Labor Government as part of the high potential and gifted education partner schools’ program.

The program is delivering upgrades and improvements to facilities such as science and technology laboratories, libraries, creative arts spaces, sporting facilities and design workshops, enabling the schools to deliver talent development and extension opportunities across a range of subject areas.

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:

“The completion of this exciting new facility is the first of several upgrades the Minns Labor Government is delivering to Bowral High School to support every child to reach their full potential.

“Bowral High School is just one of the schools across the state to benefit from our commitment to deliver high potential and gifted education opportunities to all NSW public school students.”

Member for Wollondilly Judy Hannan said:

“This major improvement to Bowral High School is a welcome addition to the Southern Highlands.

“I’m sure teachers and students at our local primary schools will relish the opportunity to use this amazing new facility too.

“I’m looking forward to seeing what the students will be able to produce and a greater impact on the community as a result.”

Principal of Bowral High School Safija Bristina said:

“Students at the school are excited and there is a buzz in the air of enormous approval.

“We can bring back dance lessons and develop our students’ talent further, as well using it as a gallery for HSC major works and performances.”

The Minns Labor Government is today announcing the most significant motorcycle safety reforms in nearly 20 years. 

The reforms include targeted, evidence-based measures to protect novice riders and save lives, while complementing the government’s broader efforts to improve road safety infrastructure across NSW.

Coinciding with Motorcycle Awareness Month, the reforms to the Motorcycle Graduated Licensing Scheme (MGLS) form a cornerstone of the Government’s 2026 Road Safety Action Plan – with the long-term vision of zero deaths and serious injuries on NSW roads by 2050.

The reforms follow extensive consultation, including via the 2025 NSW Motorcycle Safety Roundtable, which brought together more than 70 riders, trainers and safety experts. Their recommendations, captured in an independent Insights Report, have directly informed these reforms and are released publicly today.

The Insights Report found overwhelming support for better rider training and education, protective gear standards and enhanced road infrastructure.

Key reforms include:

• Mandatory protective gloves for all learner and provisional riders.
• High-visibility vests for learner riders to improve visibility and awareness on the road.
• Extended pre-learner course, increasing training with experienced riding instructors, allowing for more and improved learning outcomes and skill development.
• New online learning modules and knowledge testing, to expand theory requirements.
• Group on-road coaching and assessment, bringing NSW into line with best practice in other states.

The Insights Report highlighted the growing trauma burden among motorcyclists.

In 2024, 68 riders and passengers were killed on NSW roads, a 34 per cent increase from the previous year. Motorcyclists remain 34 times more likely to die in a crash than other road users.

While motorcycles make up just 3.8 per cent of registered vehicles, they account for almost 20 per cent of road deaths.

Learner and provisional riders face the highest risk on NSW roads, with crash data revealing that learner riders are more than seven times as likely to be killed in a crash compared to fully licensed riders.

The evidence is clear: as riders progress through their licence stages, the risk of fatality falls, demonstrating that structured training and on-road experience save lives.

These changes strengthen that pathway, giving riders more time and support to build safe, confident habits from day one.

The landmark reforms complement the Minns Government’s investments in road safety infrastructure that helps to keep motorcyclists safe, including rub rails on barriers, improved shoulders, safer line markings and targeted road upgrades.

The Government acknowledges that these reforms may place additional demands on riders. However, NSW’s motorcycle training pathway is subsidised to support high-quality training for riders and will remain one of the most affordable in Australia.

The rollout of these reforms will be staged over multiple years to allow for detailed program design, industry-wide communication and preparation of training providers to deliver the enhanced training.

Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison said:

“We are delivering the most significant motorcycle safety reforms in almost two decades.

“These reforms are about smarter, safer riding. They’re grounded in data, evidence-based and shaped by insights from riders and safety experts and proven to work in other jurisdictions.

“The Motorcycle Safety Roundtable gave us strong direction, as is evident in the Insights Report we’ve released today. Riders want safer roads, better training, and more support to build good riding habits, especially for young and new riders.

“These reforms target novice riders because they are over seven times more likely to die in a crash than experienced riders.

“By strengthening training, improving on-road experience and mandating simple protective gear, we’re giving new riders the best possible start.

“We’re taking a whole-of-system approach: safer people, safer roads and safer vehicles. It’s all part of our Towards Zero vision of eliminating deaths and serious injuries by 2050.

“Every life lost on our roads is one too many. We all have a role to play in keeping NSW roads safe.”

Transport for NSW Secretary, Josh Murray, said:

“Each year Transport for NSW issues around 25,000 learner licences with approximately 40 per cent of new riders being under 25. These changes are designed to reduce the risk to this group who are over-represented in motorcycle trauma.

“Training and protective gear can save lives. Gloves reduce hand and wrist injuries by almost half, and high-vis vests make riders easier to see. These commonsense measures also improve safety appreciation from the start for novice riders.” 

Motorcycle Council of NSW Chairman, Vinnie Bee said: 

“The Motorcycle Council of NSW (MCCNSW) acknowledges and broadly supports initiatives aimed at improving rider safety, including proposed changes to protective gear requirements and the rider training scheme for novice riders.

“The MCCNSW is committed to working through these reforms with all relevant stakeholders to make sure these changes will improve safety for riders and to ensure the demand for an increase in training and supervision can be met while remaining affordable. 

“We await further detail as the proposals are finalised, and will continue to advocate for practical, evidence-based measures that genuinely enhance rider safety.”

The Minns Labor Government is continuing its efforts to strengthen integrity and crack down on corruption across New South Wales.

Amendments to the Surveillance Devices Act 2007 to be introduced to Parliament on Tuesday will strengthen the law by allowing investigative agencies to receive crucial evidence of crime and corruption.

The reforms will introduce a public interest exception so individuals or organisations who come into possession of unlawfully made surveillance recordings, but were not involved in making them, can share them with investigative agencies without fear of prosecution, provided they act promptly.

Currently, there is no such protection for people acting in the public interest to report crime or corruption.

The Independent Commission Against Corruption already has an exemption by way regulation under the Surveillance Devices Act 2007. But this bill will enshrine it in legislation for all statutory investigative agencies.

Recording someone without consent or committing offences such as trespass will remain illegal under these changes.

These reforms will help investigators expose and prosecute corrupt and criminal behaviour while upholding strong privacy protections. It will allow bodies such as ICAC to receive and rely on evidence that it would otherwise be impossible for them to use.

They follow extensive consultation with investigative agencies, legal experts and privacy bodies, and will bring NSW into line with other states.

Attributable to Attorney General Michael Daley:

“The NSW Government will allow investigative agencies to obtain and rely on evidence of criminal or corrupt conduct that would otherwise be unlawful.

“These changes will mean someone who comes into the possession of an audio or visual recording that has been obtained unlawfully will not face prosecution if they provide it promptly to authorities in the public interest.

“This reform has been carefully designed to aid investigations into suspected criminal or corrupt conduct while maintaining important privacy considerations.”