Category: NSW News

Today, our Government pays its deepest respects to those who have died from work-related incidents or illness on the International Day of Mourning.

Each year, the day stands as an important opportunity to remember the lives lost, and the families forever changed, by workplace incidents, injury or illness.

To those who have lost a loved one: our Government and the people of New South Wales stand with you amid the ongoing pain and grief.

Nothing we say could begin to fill the void left by your loved one, but as we reflect on the grief of those left behind, we rededicate ourselves to reducing workplace-related incidents and deaths.

Every worker deserves a safe workplace. Any workplace death is a tragedy and one death too many.

In 2024, 52 people in NSW tragically lost their lives due to work-related incidents. While lower than the previous year, it remains a devastating reminder of the importance of workplace safety.

Thank you to workers and unions, employers and industry groups, SafeWork NSW and other stakeholders who join us in building better, safer workplaces.

While we remember those who didn’t come home to their loved ones, the best tribute the NSW Government can offer is a safer future for others.

The Minns Labor Government has moved to bring a new level of accountability to employers. 

Our industrial manslaughter laws now place the responsibility for criminally unsafe workplaces on employers, encouraging safer workplaces and holding those responsible to account.

We have taken important steps to address the scourge of silicosis – a deadly disease contracted from exposure to silica dust – and continue looking for ways to better protect workers from it.

Transport gig workers now have the protection of our industrial regime.

In addition, SafeWork NSW will become a standalone agency from 1 July, sharpening the regulator’s focus on delivering safer workplaces for everyone in NSW.

A commemorative service will be held today, where families, workers, unions, and members of the community can gather to pay tribute.

We will never stop working to make workplaces safer, so that everyone can go to work and return home safely to their loved ones at the end of the day.

The rapidly growing Ryde area is set to benefit from a huge new local multi-sports facility being delivered by the Minns Labor Government, with construction now underway on the site.

The facility is being built on the former site of Marsden High School following the relocation of the school to the Meadowbank Education Precinct in 2022.

Once complete the new facility will provide a range of community and sporting spaces with a focus on netball, one of NSW’s highest participation sports, while also catering for growing sports such as basketball, futsal and badminton.

It will deliver a new 5,000 square metre indoor facility including 4 multipurpose courts and other indoor spaces, as well as outdoor facilities including 29 netball courts with amenities, communal space with open lawns, picnic tables and seating, and new car and bicycle parking spaces.

These new courts will replace existing rundown netball courts located on top of an old rubbish tip at Meadowbank Park.

As the NSW Government delivers more housing for young people and families, this project will also ensure that the community has access to world class sporting facilities and recreational spaces on their doorstep.

This multi-sports facility, was initially promised by the former Liberal National government in 2018 but they failed to even begin construction on the project. The facility will be delivered by the Minns Labor Government in 2026.

This project is part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to building a better NSW by providing the essential infrastructure growing communities deserve.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“This huge new facility that we’re delivering will create much needed sports and recreational space for this rapidly growing community.

“With over 30 new outdoor and indoor courts to open space, picnic areas and parking, this will be a great community space that people can come and enjoy whether they play sport or not.

“For years, this block was left to sit vacant. Now we’re turning it into a world class sporting facility that everyone will be able to use.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

“We are pleased to have begun construction on this new multi-sports facility, which will benefit local students and the broader community alike after years of delays under the Liberals.

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to ensuring growing communities across NSW are equipped with the infrastructure they need – whether that’s new or upgraded schools, or high quality sporting facilities for the whole community.

“Labor is committed to ensuring public assets continue to benefit the public, which is why we are redeveloping this former school site into a much-needed community sport facility.”

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

“We are focused on building better communities and that means ensuring everyone has access to grassroots sporting infrastructure.

“We look forward to this space becoming a vibrant community sporting hub for the entire community to enjoy.”

Member for Bennelong Jerome Laxale said:

“With the state government committed to a new school at Melrose Park, this investment in sporting facilities for our region is crucial.

“Netball has long suffered in Ryde at substandard facilities in Meadowbank. This huge boost will support all players of all ages and provide much needed indoor sports facilities locally.”

Councillor for City of Ryde Lyndal Howison said:

“I’m delighted that this regional sports facility will be located in Ryde. The Minns government is delivering a bright, community future for the former site of Marsden High School.

“Our community has waited long enough to see it come back to life and I thank local residents and ERNA for engaging so constructively in this long process. I want to reassure residents that I will keep listening to them as we watch this site take on an important new role.”

Eastwood Ryde Netball Association (ERNA) President, Karen Waud said:

“Eastwood Ryde Netball Association are very excited about the commencing of the construction phase of our netball journey at our new facility.

“With 4 indoor courts, 29 outdoor courts, and café facilities, it will offer a fantastic experience for players and fans alike. This will be wonderful for our sports loving community in the City of Ryde.

“City of Ryde is growing, and so is the demand for quality sporting facilities.

“This is a big milestone for Eastwood Ryde Netball Association and all our members.”

The Minns Labor Government is putting the personal data of every NSW driver at risk, quietly preparing to privatise the production of driver licences in a time of when cyberattacks are an everyday occurrence across the world.
 
Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said Chris Minns and Customer Service Minister Jihad Dib were gambling with the privacy and security of millions of people.
 
” Chris Minns’ anti-privatisation rhetoric rings hollow. Cyberattacks are exploding across the world — yet he thinks now is the right time to hand over your name, your address and your facial image to private companies.
 
“This is another desperate grab to cover up the Government’s 2025 budget mess.”  Mr Speakman said.
 
Service NSW — once the gold standard for trusted, secure government services — is being gutted. First Labor axed the Fair Go for Safe Drivers program in February 2024, punishing safe drivers. Now they’re selling off your licence production without even admitting it.
 
Shadow Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government James Griffin said the move would make NSW drivers even more vulnerable to cybercriminals.
 
“Instead of investing in secure, government-controlled licence production, the Minns Labor Government is waving the white flag on privacy,” Mr Griffin said.
 
The Minns Labor Government is laying the groundwork for privatisation with NSW motorists — and hiding behind public servants and RFIs to do its dirty work.
 
This is what the Minns Labor Government wants to do — rip apart trusted services, risk your security, and leave families paying the price.
 
You can’t fix big problems with small targets. And the Minns Labor Government is the smallest target of all.

Today on Anzac Day, communities across NSW are coming together on this national day of remembrance to honour the service and sacrifice of our veterans and current members of the Australian Defence Force.

The NSW Dawn Service at the Cenotaph in Martin Place commenced this morning at 4:30am, the time it is believed the first ANZACs waded ashore at Gallipoli, 110 years ago.

The service was attended by representatives of the Commonwealth and NSW Governments, including the Premier and Minster for Veterans David Harris, ex-Service Organisations, veterans’ groups and a crowd in the thousands.

NSW Premier Chris Minns recited a poem, Salute by Elliott Napier, and laid a wreath to acknowledge the service of our veterans and military personnel from New South Wales.

The Anzac Day March starts at 9am on Elizabeth Street with over 8,000 current serving members and veterans expected to march past the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park.

The march will culminate with the Commemoration Service at the Anzac Memorial starting at 12:30pm with members of the public encouraged to attend.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service personnel will be recognised at the Coloured Digger event and march this afternoon in Redfern. Now in its 19th year, speeches will be given at 1pm at the Redfern Community Centre, with the march setting off at 2pm.

Official events in the Sydney CBD will close with the sunset service at the Cenotaph in Martin Place from 5pm.

With tens of thousands of people expected to attend commemorations in the CBD, it is recommended to use public transport for all Anzac Day travel.

Free travel is available for current and former Australian Defence Force members and their families on Anzac Day, with additional early morning services running into the city. To access free travel, commuters will need to: be in uniform; display service medals; or, have a War Widows Gold Card or a letter of accreditation from a branch of the RSL or other recognised ex-service organisation.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“It was 110 years ago today that the first ANZACs landed on the Gallipoli Peninsula.

“On this solemn day, we reflect on those ANZACs, and all who have served in the generations since, along with their families.

“There is no higher example of public service than giving one’s own life while serving in our defence forces. Today, with gratitude, we pause and acknowledge their sacrifice. Lest we forget.”

NSW Minister for Veterans David Harris said:

“Today we gather to commemorate 110 years since the landing at Gallipoli, to remember those brave ANZACs and all who have served and given sacrifice to our nation since.

“Anzac Day is our opportunity to pay tribute to all the servicemen and servicewomen that have gone before, who continue to serve, and their families who have allowed us to live freely in this great state and country.

“I encourage everyone in NSW who can, to attend a commemorative service in your community today and take time with your family and friends to pause and reflect.”

We’ve seen a horror period on the state’s roads with five deaths in less than 12 hours.

These are five people who are not coming home and five families who are now dealing with terrible grief.

Our thoughts are with their loved ones and our thoughts are also with the police and other first responders who attended these horrific crashes. It is deeply traumatic to be confronted by such scenes.

We implore everyone to make safe choices on our roads this Anzac Day long weekend – take your time, stay focused, don’t drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs and don’t drive tired.

Double demerits are in force and police are saturating the roads right across the state, however they cannot be everywhere 24/7.

Every driver has a responsibility to themselves, their passengers and other road users every time they get behind the wheel. We all have a responsibility to make smart, safe choices on our roads.

Incidents include:

• A male learner motorcycle rider aged in his 20s died on Coomba Road, Coomba Park.
• A male motorcyclist in his late teens died in a collision with a ute at Mount Thorley.
• A woman in her 70s died after her car hit a tree and caught fire near Wauchope.
• A man aged in his 60s died after his 4WD crashed and rolled in South Kempsey.
• A single car crash on Berremangra Rd, Berremangra resulted in one death.

This follows the deaths of three people during the Easter long weekend, bringing the number of lives lost on NSW roads this year to 112, which is five more than the same time last year.

The Fairfield community is being invited to have its say by providing feedback on plans for the Fairfield Hospital Redevelopment, with the Master Plan for the project unveiled today.

The NSW Government is investing $550 million in the Fairfield Hospital Redevelopment to provide the community with new and enhanced integrated health care services closer to home.

The Master Plan outlines the vision for the redevelopment and shows how it will integrate with existing health facilities, while allowing for future development opportunities on the site.

A redevelopment zone at the front of the existing Fairfield Hospital building has been identified, where new clinical facilities could be housed in the future, conveniently located close to the existing hospital to enable integration with existing services. 

The scope for a new clinical services building, to be located within this zone, will be confirmed as part of the next stage of planning. Parking zones located close to either end of the hospital buildings have also been outlined, as well as green zones providing outdoor spaces. 

As part of early planning, hundreds of community members and health staff have provided valuable feedback to help shape the future of the redeveloped Fairfield Hospital, identifying features important to them, including natural light and views, simple drop-off and pick-up areas and a health facility that reflects the vibrant and diverse local community which Fairfield Hospital services. 

In a first for NSW Health capital works projects, new light scanning technology has been used to give precise measurements of hospital buildings helping to guide planning for the redevelopment. The technology relies on a state-of-the-art body-worn scanner which bounces lights off the walls, providing accurate floor plans instantly. 

The new technology enables a room to be measured in a few seconds, and because it does not capture images of people, both occupied and vacant rooms were quickly and easily scanned, without disturbing staff, visitors or patients. In six days, data was captured for 600 internal spaces in Fairfield Hospital as well as key service areas, the cafe, entries, roads and grounds. 

The Fairfield community is being encouraged to have their say on the Master Plan and provide feedback, with community information drop-in sessions planned at:  

Fairfield Hospital main foyer

• Tuesday, 6 May 12:00pm – 2:00pm
• Wednesday, 7 May, 7:00am – 9:00am

Bonnyrigg Plaza

• Friday, 9 May 10:00am – 12:00pm

Please check the website for additional dates and more information. The community is also being invited to participate in a new survey, which can be completed online to help shape planning for the $550 million redevelopment. 

South Western Sydney Local Health District is currently determining clinical priorities for the redevelopment, which is expected to be completed in the coming months. This will help inform the next stage of planning and outline the location and size of the project. 

Construction timeframes will be confirmed once a builder is engaged, and the community will continue to be updated as planning progresses. 

A re-elected Federal Albanese Labor Government will invest an additional $80 million to expand the hospital’s emergency department.

NSW Government is investing more than $3.6 billion over four years for new and upgraded hospitals and health services across western Sydney, one of the largest investments in the region’s health infrastructure in recent years.  

Other projects include:  

• the New Bankstown Hospital  
• Canterbury Hospital’s first major redevelopment since 1998   
• the expansion of Blacktown and Mount Druitt hospitals  
• the new Rouse Hill Hospital.  

For information on the Fairfield Hospital Redevelopment master plan, including community survey and information sessions visit:  https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/fairfield-hospital-redevelopment

For more information of the project visit: https://www.hinfra.health.nsw.gov.au/fairfieldhospitalredev  

Minister for Health Ryan Park: 

“Fairfield and surrounding communities deserve a hospital that meets their growing healthcare needs.

“I’m so pleased that the Fairfield Hospital redevelopment is a step closer to being realised.

“The release of the master plan is a critical stage when the community can have a first glimpse of the shape of the project and what it has to offer, as well as providing their valuable feedback.”

Member for Prospect Hugh McDermott:

“This master plan is an exciting new chapter for the future of our redeveloped hospital.

“Community and staff feedback is so valuable, I encourage our local community to attend the information sessions and to have their say via the online survey.”

Member for Fairfield David Saliba:

“The project will provide a significant boost in employment. The Fairfield Hospital Redevelopment will support an estimated 1000 jobs with the potential for supporting thousands of indirect jobs throughout the life of the project.”

Member for Cabramatta Tri Vo:

“I’m pleased to see this project is progressing, and I encourage the community to attend the drop-in sessions to see the plans and provide their feedback.”

Chief Executive South Western Sydney Local Health District, Sonia Marshall:

“The launch of the Master Plan for Fairfield Hospital signals an important milestone in providing expanded and enhanced facilities for our staff and community.”

“I am excited that our staff and the community will have the opportunity to give their feedback at upcoming information sessions which will help shape this fantastic redevelopment.’’

Acting Fairfield Hospital General Manager, Cara Egan:

“The momentum is clearly building on the ground at Fairfield Hospital, with staff and the community excited about the announcement of the Master Plan which will guide our redevelopment.”

“This redevelopment will provide contemporary, purpose-built health facilities and services to care for our growing community closer to home.’’

At a time when many are drowning in bills, skipping meals and scraping every dollar to survive, a convicted corrupt former NSW Labor Minister has been allowed to walk away with $30 million.
 
There will be no action taken to confiscate Eddie Obeid’s fortune — and yet the Minns Labor Government is nowhere to be seen.
 
Eddie Obeid wasn’t just any Labor figure. He was at the core of the former Labor Governments — a powerbroker whose name became synonymous with the worst corruption in NSW political history.
 
Now he keeps his $30 million, and the Minns Labor Government has nothing to say?
 
Everyday people in NSW are being punished by the cost-of-living crisis, while one of Labor’s most corrupt figures keeps his millions.
 
We are calling on the Acting Premier and Acting Attorney General to come out from hiding, front up to the people of NSW, and explain in detail why there are no legal proceedings to recover every single cent.
 
This isn’t about legal loopholes — it’s about moral leadership and public confidence in our legal and political systems.
 
The public can’t be left with the impression that that corruption in this state is fine as long as you’re Labor royalty.

The Minns Labor Government is responding to calls from local government to help address the growing number of cases of illegal tree clearing in NSW.

An Explanation of Intended Effect (EIE) has been released today and offers stakeholders the opportunity to help shape reforms to the urban tree clearing framework.

A new resource to help planners, developers and builders tackle urban heat has also been released.

The EIE is aimed at protecting tree canopy by proposing stronger penalties for illegal tree and vegetation clearing.

Under the proposed policy changes, additional enforcement powers would be given to councils and exemptions would be tightened for dead, dying and dangerous vegetation to close loopholes that have been open to abuse.

The EIE responds to growing concerns among councils, the community and stakeholders that the current framework needs to be updated.

In addition to the EIE, the new Cooler Places hub has also been launched today to help address urban heat.

The NSW Government’s Cooler Places online resource has also been released to assist councils, residents and developers in accessing practical guidance to incorporate cooling measures into their homes and designs.

Urban heat can have negative effects on communities’ wellbeing, creating hotter homes and streetscapes. Some features of our urban landscape, such as the large areas of hard and dark surfaces, contribute to rising temperatures and amplify heatwaves.

The resource encourages cooling through low cost and innovative measures such as water saving features, trees, shrubs awnings and the use of materials and colours that absorb less heat.

In 2020, a study from Macquarie University found shade provided by urban trees can lower temperatures at ground level by up to 6°C.

Similarly, research from Wollongong University in 2019 showed that areas with at least 30 per cent tree canopy cover experience improved mental and physical health outcomes.

Cooler Places will help deliver cooler, more resilient cities, precincts, streets, parks and homes.

To read the illegal tree and vegetation clearing EIE and make a submission visit the Vegetation in non-rural areas web page.

The consultation period closes on 5pm on Wednesday, 4 June 2025

For more information on Cooler Places visit the Cooler Places web page.

Minister for Environment and Climate Change Penny Sharpe said:

“NSW records some of the hottest temperatures on the planet and we need to minimise the impacts of urban heat and build climate resilience.

“Tackling illegal tree clearing is an essential part of this.

“Working with councils on these proposed measures will increase the ability to crack down on illegal activity.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“Communities have become increasingly frustrated by the growing number of instances of illegal tree clearing in urban areas, particularly on public land.

“Our housing reforms have leant on the development of infill housing, near existing infrastructure and services because constant urban sprawl is not sustainable. These proposed changes will better protect the existing tree canopy as we deliver more homes in developed areas.

“I encourage everyone to have their say on the proposed changes.

“The Cooler Places resource contains tips and advice on how to design and build cooler homes and neighbourhoods, delivering better communities.”

The Draft Wollongong Health Precinct Strategy and the Wollongong Station Masterplan have been released for public consultation and provide a long-term plan to guide the future development of the area.

The Minns Government is seeking community feedback on the future of the Wollongong Health Precinct, which is set to become a world-class healthcare centre that meets the growing needs of the Illawarra region.

The Draft Strategy outlines strategic planning directions to inform public and private investment and to enable the community, businesses and investors to make informed decisions that will help realise the vision for the Precinct as an attractive, vibrant and thriving place.

The Draft Strategy also identifies a series of Government-led initiatives to unlock the potential and bring the vision for the Precinct to life. These include:

• public spaces and transport to support amenity and movement between key areas
• public safety and access within and around the Precinct – including links with the train station and the central business district
• opportunities for affordable housing for future residents and key workers.

The population of the Illawarra Shoalhaven region is projected to grow by 36 per cent to 575,000 by 2041, from 422,000 currently.

By 2031, it is expected there will be 25,000 more hospital admissions across the region, and an added 39,000 emergency department presentations.

The Draft Strategy puts in place the building blocks for agencies across Government to make sure the Wollongong Health Precinct meets the health and other service needs of this growing population, while supporting the housing needs for the workers required to deliver these services.

Additionally, Transport for NSW has developed a Draft Wollongong Station Precinct Masterplan which will be available for comment alongside the Draft Wollongong Health Precinct Strategy.

The Transport for NSW Draft Masterplan outlines a long-term vision for transforming the Station Precinct into a vibrant, connected and inviting transport hub that reflects the unique identity of Wollongong. It provides direct active and public transport links to the surrounding area including to the city centre, foreshore and hospital.

The Draft Masterplan proposes to upgrade the gateways to and from the station on Crown Street, Gladstone Avenue and Station Street and identifies ‘opportunity sites’ for future development.

Public consultation for both the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure’s (DPHI) Draft Wollongong Health Precinct Strategy and Transport for NSW’s Draft Wollongong Station Precinct Masterplan begins on 24 April 2025 and is open until 11 June 2025.

To read the Draft Strategy and Draft Masterplan and to make a submission, visit the Have your say web page. 

For more information on the Wollongong Health Precinct, visit the Wollongong Health Precinct web page.

Minister for Health, Regional Health, Illawarra and the South Coast Ryan Park said:

“The Wollongong Heath Precinct Strategy recognises that the Illawarra region needs greater access to high quality, patient-centred healthcare and medical research.

“Wollongong Public Hospital is the region’s principal referral hospital and specialises in a range of complex health services to support a growing and ageing population.

“It is running at near capacity, and strategic upgrades will be required to ensure it continues to meet the healthcare needs of the Illawarra now and into the future.

“The Draft Wollongong Health Precinct Strategy supports our Government’s $21.9 million investment to upgrade and expand Wollongong Hospital. Construction of a new MRI and CT imaging suite at the hospital is underway, and the existing Medical Ambulatory Care unit is being relocated to a new location, responding to the health needs of the growing local community.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces and Member for Wollongong Paul Scully said:

“As the population of the Illawarra Shoalhaven region is expected to grow to 575,000 by 2041, it has never been more important to get these crucial planning steps right.

“The Draft Wollongong Health Precinct Strategy is an exciting opportunity to deliver world-leading and innovative health care, improved connection to Wollongong Station, new and enhanced open public spaces, and new affordable housing choices.

“Making sure there is alignment between future plans for the health precinct and the future plans for the station is important so they are working together in the best interests of the future of the city.

“We need to make sure we have enough housing closer to where people work, and easily accessible health infrastructure.”

When Jorge Bergoglio was elected Pope, he took his papal name from St Francis of Assisi – as a model of humility, simplicity and love for the poor.

That is how Jorge Bergoglio lived his life – and that his how Pope Francis led the Catholic Church for over a decade.

To the end, Francis was a pope of the people.

As an Archbishop, he would catch the bus around Buenos Aires. And as Pope, he said no to the official limousine, and instead travelled across Rome in a blue Ford Focus.

Pope Francis understood that grace lives within every human being, whether they were born rich or poor, high or low.

Through the strength of his example and the quiet passion of his words, he showed us the power of the great Catholic teachings.