Category: NSW News

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.”

The Port Kembla community is set to benefit from improved facilities and community infrastructure, with $1 million in funding available for local businesses and community groups through the Port Kembla Community Investment Fund.

Applications for the $1 million Fund are now open, offering grants between $25,000 and $250,000 for projects designed to revitalise Port Kembla, attract visitors and build community pride.

The Port Kembla Community Fund is designed to support projects that focus on infrastructure, amenity or events that help activate or enhance the port, boost visitation, create strong community bonds and increase participation in cultural and artistic life.

The fund has delivered a range of projects including:

• Major upgrades to the Port Kembla Surf Life Saving Club to better support members and the community.
• New irrigation, drainage and returfing at the Port Kembla Pumas Soccer Club’s King George V Oval.
• Major upgrades to the Marine Rescue Port Kembla including an all accessible Marine Rescue radio operator’s room and refurbishment of the vessel base.
• Port Kembla Chamber of Commerce have delivered a new skate park and created large scale murals to create creative public infrastructure across Port Kembla.

Since the establishment of the fund more than $13.9 million had been distributed to 93 local projects that have delivered real community assets across Port Kembla.

The fund is designed to reinvest part of the economic benefit from the long-term lease of Port Kembla back into the Port Kembla area through community infrastructure, tourism, cultural, environmental, and revitalisation projects.

Applications will close on 2 November 2026 at 2pm. For further information about the program, including guidelines and eligibility criteria, go to Port Kembla Community Investment Fund.

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“The Port Kembla Community Investment Fund has a proven track record of backing projects that make a real difference, from sporting facilities and community infrastructure to public art and cultural initiatives.

“The NSW Government is continuing to invest in Port Kembla because we know local communities are best placed to identify the opportunities that will make a real difference to where they live.

“This new funding round will support projects that strengthen community connections, enhance local places and create more opportunities for people to come together and celebrate everything that makes Port Kembla unique.”

Minister for the Illawarra and South Coast Ryan Park said:

“Port Kembla is a proud and dynamic community with a rich industrial heritage, a thriving arts and culture scene, and enormous potential for future growth.

“With more than $13.9 million invested in local projects over the past years, this program continues to deliver benefits that can be seen and enjoyed across the community.”

“I encourage local organisations and businesses to think boldly about how they can contribute to Port Kembla’s future and take advantage of this funding opportunity.”

Member for Wollongong Paul Scully said:

“From a new skate park to improving our sports fields, supporting local jobs and enhancing our public spaces this program is helping bring local ideas to life.

“These grants are helping to deliver a brighter future for Port Kembla and create lasting benefits for local residents, businesses and visitors.

“With another grant round now open I encourage community groups and local businesses to make the most of the Port Kembla Community Investment Fund.”

Case Study: Port Kembla Community Skate Space

The Port Kembla Community Skate Space has transformed King George V Park into a vibrant recreational hub for local young people and families. Completed in 2025, the project delivered a purpose-built skate bowl, skate space and upgraded basketball court, creating a modern and inclusive community facility.

The project highlights the long-term impact of the Port Kembla Community Investment Fund, with the Port Kembla Chamber of Commerce successfully securing funding across multiple rounds.

The project demonstrates how the fund can support community-led initiatives over time, helping local organisations build on previous investments and deliver lasting benefits for Port Kembla residents.

Will Mitry, Committee Member with The Port Kembla Chamber of Commerce and Project Manager of the Skatepark Build said:

“The completed Community Skate Space has made our vision come to life, creating a space for active creativity, fun and community connection.

“This funding has helped create a space for kids, families and the community to gather and enjoy outdoor activities together. This skate space is bringing the community together as it supports connection across all ages and that is one of the best medicines for mental health and wellbeing”.

The Minns Labor Government’s legislation to create a more commonsense system for drivers who use lawfully prescribed medicinal cannabis has passed the NSW Parliament.

This reform recognises the growing number of patients using prescribed medicinal cannabis under their doctor’s orders to manage a range of serious conditions such as cancer, nausea, severe pain and PTSD.

The old drug presence offence framework, which included an immediate three-month loss of licence, has been a significant barrier for medicinal cannabis patients needing to drive to work, appointments, and go about their daily lives.

The Minns Labor Government’s reform will mean drivers who register under the new system are no longer automatically penalised solely because THC is detected in their system, provided they meet strict conditions and do not drive while impaired.

Under the Road Transport Amendment (Medical Cannabis and Driving Offences) Bill 2026, eligible drivers will need to register with Transport for NSW, provide evidence of a valid prescription and complete an online education program about cannabis and driving safety.

Roadside drug testing will continue and there will be no changes to the roadside drug testing process carried out by police. Any registered medicinal cannabis patient who returns a positive roadside test will continue to receive an immediate 24-hour driving ban while their sample is sent for laboratory testing – as is the case for any driver who returns a positive roadside drug sample.

If the laboratory result shows THC below the maximum threshold of 50 ng/ml, no further action will be taken. If the laboratory result shows THC at or above the threshold, the driver will receive a warning for a first or second detection within two years.

A third detection within two years will result in penalties, including a $722 fine and a minimum three-month licence suspension.

The new system still maintains strong safeguards to protect road safety:

• There will be no changes to the threshold for THC detection at the roadside.
• The scheme will be limited to NSW unrestricted licence holders and will not apply to learner or P plate drivers, or commercial drivers.
• Registered medicinal cannabis patients cannot have any alcohol or other drugs in their system.
• Drivers showing signs of impairment, even if they are a registered medicinal cannabis patient will continue to be charged with serious driving under the influence offences.
• Standard drug driving penalties will continue to apply where multiple illicit drugs are detected.
• Registered medicinal cannabis patients will remain subject to post-crash blood and urine testing following serious crashes.

These safeguards are critical to ensuring police can continue to respond strongly to dangerous driving behaviour and thoroughly investigate serious crashes to protect all road users.

Transport for NSW is currently developing the education program which will be mandatory for medicinal cannabis patients under this legislation.

Implementation, including the registry and education module, are expected to be launched in late 2026-early 2027.

The new system will be reviewed after one year, in line with recommendations from the Drug Summit.

Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said:

“I’m proud to see this important legislation pass the Parliament, creating a more commonsense and respectful system for patients who are prescribed medicinal cannabis in NSW but need to drive.

“Like we’ve said from the beginning, these reforms balance road safety with the need for a new system for patients who rely on this legally prescribed medication, without the fear of being treated like a criminal.

“We cannot be any clearer: nobody should drive while impaired by cannabis, alcohol or any other drug. That is not changing, and drivers will continue to be tested.

“From now on, eligible medicinal cannabis patients, who are not impaired, will have a clearer system, more opportunities for education, and a chance to adjust their behaviour before facing penalties.”

Every firming project supported through Tender Round 2 of the NSW Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap is now complete, with three batteries and a virtual power plant up and running. Together, they can power around 400,000 households at peak demand.

The four projects can supply energy or reduce demand when the electricity system needs it most, bolstering reliability during periods of peak demand, such as on hot summer days.

The Minns Labor Government is delivering new firming capacity to keep the lights on and put downward pressure on prices as ageing coal-fired power stations retire.

Delivered by AGL, Akaysha Energy, Iberdrola Australia and Enel X, the projects represent more than $1.8 billion of investment in NSW:

Project	Company	Capacity	Storage capacity
Liddell Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) – Muswellbrook	AGL Energy	500 megawatts (MW)	1,000 megawatt hours (MWh)
Orana BESS – Montefiores	Akaysha Energy	415 MW	1,660 MWh
Smithfield BESS – Smithfield	Iberdrola Energy	65 MW	130 MWh
Virtual Power Plant – statewide	Enel X	95 MW demand response	Minimum dispatch duration of 2 hours

The projects have also delivered economic benefits for regional and metropolitan communities, supporting more than 1,500 jobs during construction while further strengthening NSW’s position as a destination for clean energy investment.

Tender Round 2 was delivered under the Roadmap, with additional support from the Commonwealth Government, to bring forward private investment in the firming infrastructure NSW needs to maintain reliability as coal-fired power stations retire.

Minister for Energy Penny Sharpe said:

“The completion of these batteries and the virtual power plant is an important milestone for NSW.

“Together, these projects can provide enough firming capacity to meet the peak electricity demand of around 400,000 homes, helping keep the lights on during the hot summer to come.

“These projects alone represent more than $1.8 billion of investment in NSW and have supported more than 1,500 jobs.”

Iberdrola Australia CEO Paul Simshauser AM said:

“We were excited to have Minister Sharpe officially open our 65 MW Smithfield BESS, which is now powering the equivalent of 20,000 homes in Western Sydney and importantly releasing energy during evening peaks which reduces costs to consumers.

“We’re proud to have delivered this project ahead of schedule, providing local jobs, using local businesses and equipment during construction.”

Akaysha Energy CEO Nick Carter said:

“The completion of these projects demonstrates how government policy and private investment can work together to accelerate the energy transition while maintaining reliability.

“As the developer and operator of the Orana BESS, one of the largest batteries in NSW, we’re proud to have delivered this on time and help support NSW’s energy security for years to come and provide critical capacity when the grid needs it most.”

AGL Chief Operations and Construction Officer Matthew Currie said:

“The Liddell Battery is one of Australia’s largest grid-scale batteries. It’s helping to support NSW’s transition to a renewable energy future.

“The 500-megawatt (MW) battery reached full commercial operations this month and is storing and dispatching energy to power homes and businesses.

“The battery is the first major development at the former Liddell Power Station site and is an important step in AGL’s plans to transform Liddell as part of our future Hunter Energy Hub.”

An Enel X spokesperson said:

“The work completed through this program demonstrates the important role of flexible demand in building a cleaner, more reliable electricity system.

“Enel X is proud to have delivered 95 MW of flexible demand capacity, with participating customers already helping the NSW grid during the December 2025 heat event and periods of peak demand.

“We look forward to continuing to strengthen NSW’s electricity system through future Roadmap initiatives, including delivery of an additional 32 MW under the latest Firming tender.”

The Minns Labor Government is helping ensure South Coast families and young people have the community sporting and lifestyle facilities they need with a $7 million investment in 24 projects that make our regions great places to live.

By backing community-led projects in Bega, Eurobodalla, Kiama, Shellharbour, and Wollongong, the Minns Government is ensuring that regional towns stay active, connected and thriving.

A connected community retains its workers and families, plus attracts essential workers such as teachers, police, nurses and vets that are critical to maintaining the vitality of regional towns.

Funding is kickstarting projects ranging from major regional events and lasting community infrastructure to local activities, cultural programs, employment support, neighbourhood initiatives and practical services that strengthen social connection and wellbeing.

Together, these successful projects will deliver opportunities for people to connect, volunteer, celebrate, play sport and support each other. Some of the projects receiving financial support include:

• $926,316 – Kiama Sports Complex – to upgrade LED sports field lighting, improving safety, evening access and participation for local clubs, schools, volunteers and the community.
• $760,788 – Eurobodalla Job Shop – to expand free employment, training and business support to help jobseekers overcome barriers, connect with local employers and build a stronger regional workforce.
• $177, 566 – Albion Park White Eagles Soccer Club – to provide a new awning and facilities upgrade at Terry Reserve
• $485,778 – Narooma Mountain Bike Club – to build a Pump track at Narooma Mountain Bike Trail network, and remote toilet facility and weather shade.
• $423,400 – Shoalhaven Rugby Football Club Inc – to upgrade Rugby Park with a new strength and conditioning facility, improving training, rehabilitation, storage and event capacity while supporting broader community fitness and participation.

This South Coast announcement is the first for the rollout of the $50 million Active Regional Communities Package that the Minns Government initiated to back projects that make towns more liveable, connected and attractive places to call home.

The Active Regional Communities Package is part of the more than $223 million that has been provided to regional communities, councils and businesses from the Regional Development Trust Fund to grow and succeed.

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

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

“The South Coast is home to strong, active communities and the $7 million being invested into projects will help give local people more places, programs and facilities to come together, participate and stay connected.

“The NSW Government is proud to invest in community-led projects across Kiama, Eurobodalla, Shoalhaven, Shellharbour, Bega Valley, Wollongong and surrounding areas that will support healthier, more connected and more resilient regional communities.

Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“Regional communities know what will make the biggest difference in their towns, and the successful projects announced today show the depth of ideas, leadership and local ambition across the South Coast.

“This funding is about backing the people, organisations and partnerships already doing the work on the ground to bring communities together and strengthen the places they call home.

“From regional events and sporting facilities to cultural programs, shared spaces and practical local services, these projects will help more people participate locally and give communities assets and activities they can build on.

“Strong communities are the foundation of strong regional economies, and this program will help deliver a more cohesive, active and connected regional NSW.”

Member for Bega, Dr Michael Holland said:

“Strong communities are built around opportunities for people to come together, whether that’s through sport, employment, volunteering or simply being part of something local.

“This funding will support projects across our region that create those opportunities and make our towns more connected, active and enjoyable places to live.

“From the Narooma Mountain Bike Club’s new pump track to the support being provided through the Eurobodalla Job Shop, these projects respond to what our local communities have told us they need.

“I’m pleased to see the NSW Government backing community-led projects that will have a practical, lasting impact and help make the Far South Coast an even better place to live, work and raise a family.”

Member for Kiama, Katelin McInerney said:

“Kiama is home to proud sport and lifesaving clubs, with strong community organisations and “This funding will make a real difference at the grassroots right across our electorate and will ensure community groups, our sporting and lifesaving clubs, all our passionate local volunteers can continue and build on the important work they do connecting people and helping our region thrive.”

Member for Shellharbour Anna Watson said:

“The clubs in Shellharbour receiving this funding are well loved by our community and the enhancements they can now get underway will improve their facilities and make a welcome difference.

Member for South Coast, Liza Butler said:

“I am delighted the Shoalhaven Rugby Football Club will receive $423,400 to deliver an important upgrade to Rugby Park.”

“This funding will provide a new strength and conditioning facility, supporting safer and more effective training, rehabilitation, equipment storage and the club’s capacity to host events.”

“Local sporting clubs are at the heart of our community. They bring people together, encourage healthy lifestyles and give people of all ages a place to connect and belong.”

“The Minns Labor Government is proud to invest in community-led projects that make regional communities like ours even better places to live, work and raise a family.”

Member for Wollongong, Paul Scully said:

“Whether it is helping more women and girls take part in sport, supporting local clubs to improve safety and accessibility, or creating new opportunities for young people and volunteers, these projects are about strengthening the everyday life of Wollongong and the South Coast.”

The NSW Liberals have unveiled a comprehensive plan to combat the real threats to community safety: organised crime, gangland violence, terrorism, firearms trafficking and illegal guns.

Following the Bondi terrorist attack, the Liberals made clear that firearms reforms must strengthen community safety by targeting dangerous individuals, criminal networks and illegal firearms.

Instead, Labor rushed complex legislation through Parliament without proper consultation and has since failed to meaningfully engage with licensed firearm owners, farmers, sporting shooters, collectors, firearms businesses and other affected stakeholders.

The result is poorly designed laws that impose unfair consequences on law-abiding citizens without doing enough to target those who pose the greatest threat to the community.

The NSW Liberals’ plan will correct these unintended consequences while maintaining strong firearms controls and strengthening the focus on criminals, gangs and terrorists.

BACK THE POLICE
The Liberals will deliver a significant law-and-order package giving NSW Police stronger laws, specialist officers, intelligence capabilities and operational resources to tackle illegal firearms, organised crime and terrorism.

The package will:
Increase funding for the NSW Firearms Registry to improve its technology, intelligence and capacity to monitor suspicious activity and emerging risks.
Increase funding and resourcing to the New South Wales Police’s State Crime Command and Counter Terrorism & Special Tactics Command. This will provide additional specialist officers, intelligence capabilities and operational resources to disrupt organised criminal networks, seize illegal firearms and ammunition as well as combat gangland violence.
Increase the maximum penalty for trafficking firearms or ammunition from 20 years’ imprisonment to life imprisonment, with a standard non-parole period.
Anyone found carrying an illegal gun will face mandatory time in jail, under tough new sentencing laws.
Strengthen NSW Firearms Prohibition Orders to give police an even more effective tool to disrupt organised crime, gang violence, terrorism and other serious offending. Firearms Prohibition Order would be mandatory following conviction for prescribed serious offences, with the final categories to be settled following consultation with NSW Police and appropriate legal safeguards.
Establish a Parliamentary Committee on Intelligence and Community Safety focused on terrorism, violent extremism, hate groups, firearms trafficking, social cohesion and emerging threats.
RECOGNISE GENUINE NEED
A NSW Liberals Government will scrap Labor’s arbitrary firearm caps for primary producers and competition sporting shooters with a genuine and demonstrable need.

Strict limits will remain for people without a legitimate reason to possess additional firearms.
A Commission of Inquiry will also identify a workable pathway for recreational hunters who can demonstrate a genuine need to support primary producers with pest control.

FREEZE THE BUYBACK
The NSW Liberals will freeze the buyback for all licensed firearm owners until the Commission of Inquiry has completed its work and the Government has responded to its recommendations.

During the freeze, licensed owners will not be forced to surrender firearms under Labor’s new limits. NSW Police will retain all existing powers to suspend or cancel licences and seize firearms where there is a risk to public safety.

Following the inquiry, any buyback will be better targeted, provide fair compensation and allow associated ammunition and accessories to be surrendered in the same transaction.

FIX THE LAWS
A NSW Liberals Government will establish a Commission of Inquiry to review and improve Labor’s rushed laws and recommend sensible firearms reforms targeting terrorists, criminals and illegal guns.

The inquiry will examine the operation of the Firearms Registry and NSW firearms laws, including background checks, intelligence sharing, licence categories and conditions, genuine-reason requirements and a risk-based licence-renewal system.

It will ensure permanent reforms are informed by evidence, operational experience and proper consultation with NSW Police, security agencies, licensed firearm owners and affected industries.

Leader of the Opposition Kellie Sloane said the plan presented a clear choice between Labor’s rushed, reactive and failed approach to crime or a Liberal Government that gives police the powers and resources they need and is focused on the criminals, gangs and terrorists who threaten our community.

“We will fix Labor’s flawed laws and back our police with the powers and resources they need,” Ms Sloane said.

“Responsible farmers, sporting shooters and professionals with a genuine operational need should not be unfairly punished because Chris Minns and Labor failed to properly consult or design workable laws.”

“Our approach will maintain strong firearms controls while focusing the full force of the law on criminals, gangs and terrorists who threaten our community.”

Shadow Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Anthony Roberts said NSW families were sick of waking up to news of shootings, firebombings and kidnappings.

“The test of firearms reform is not whether it produces the loudest headline. The test is whether it disrupts criminal networks, identifies dangerous individuals, removes illegal firearms from our streets and makes the community safer,” Mr Roberts said.

“Our plan is tough where it needs to be, fair where it should be and focused squarely on the people who pose a genuine threat to the community.”

“We also need a buyback that people will actually participate in, one that is properly funded, provides fair compensation and allows associated ammunition and accessories to be surrendered safely.”

The plan builds on the Liberals’ commitment to strengthen laws targeting organised criminal networks and violence brokers, double resources for the NSW Crime Commission deliver Anytime, Anywhere Knife Wanding powers for police and deter youth crime through Adult Crime Adult Time reforms.

Business and community leaders from across New South Wales have joined the Minns Labor Government in calling for an overhaul of the broken and unfair GST distribution system.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey will take their message to the Commonwealth Productivity Commission today, when he tells a public hearing that every Australian deserves a fair share of the GST.

An Australian living and working in Coogee in Sydney should receive the same government support as an Australian living and working in Coogee in Perth.

The independent Productivity Commission has exposed the current GST distribution arrangement as an expensive failure.

Its landmark report has prompted NSW unions and business, welfare organisations and property developers, city and country mayors to come together to demand a fairer way forward.

As drivers of the nation’s largest state economy, accounting for approximately a third of Australia’s economic output, they are united in calling for a carve-up that’s transparent and equitable.

The action includes advertisements in major newspapers calling for change, and directing readers to a NSW Government web page.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:

“All Australians have an equal claim on essential services – but the GST system has not been based on this principle for eight years now.

“That’s why so many groups are coming together to support reform in newspaper ads today: unions and business, welfare organisations and property developers, city and country mayors.

“A cause that can unite this much support is hard to ignore.”

Minister for Finance Courtney Houssos said:

“We joined this broad coalition in advocating for the interest of the people of NSW. Until we get a fair and reliable share of our GST, further productivity reforms to our state’s revenue sources are unlikely.”

More than ten thousand weekly commuters will benefit from significant improvements to Macquarie Fields station, including a new footbridge, two new lifts, and increased canopy coverage to the platforms.

Originally built in 1888 Macquarie Fields station last received significant upgrades in the 1970s. For the past five decades, passengers needed to climb up to 92 stairs, or 78 stairs and a steep ramp, to access the platforms.

For some passengers using mobility scooters or similar aids it was easier to travel to other stations, such as Ingleburn or Glenfield Stations, to catch a train with access lifts. A 23-metre-long passenger footbridge, connected by lifts and the pedestrian overbridge will now make daily travel easier for people using mobility scooters, prams, luggage, wheelchairs or other mobility limitations.

The Macquarie Fields station upgrade was delivered ahead of schedule and has delivered tangible benefits, improving everyday commutes, enabling local residents to better access and use their local train station.

Commuters will find it easier to access transport options, thanks to an upgraded station forecourt and greater pedestrian connections, as well as five accessible parking spaces, eight additional bike parking spaces and a relocated bus stop on Railway Parade.

Upgrades to Macquarie Fields Station include:

• Two new lifts
• A new passenger footbridge
• Upgraded station forecourt, including new ramp and stairs to Platform 2
• Improved Boarding Assistance Zones on both platforms with canopy coverage, with a new dedicated Boarding Assistance Zone waiting area on Platform 2
• Accessible parking spaces, kiss and ride spaces and one longer accessible community bus bay to accommodate accessible community transport vehicles
• A new pedestrian crossing across Railway Parade to the station entrance
• Safety and security improvements at the station and surrounding precinct
• Bus stop relocation on Railway Parade
• Eight new bicycle spaces at the station access from Railway Parade

Compliance with the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport was one of the Minns Government’s early commitments and this shows that we are continuing to deliver on that commitment.

An additional $200 million allocated to the Safe Accessible Transport program in the 2026–27 NSW Budget will accelerate accessibility upgrades at several stations, bringing the Government’s total investment in the program to more than $1 billion since the 2023–24 Budget.

The Minns Labor Government is continuing to accelerate maintenance work to strengthen reliability and safety across the Sydney Trains network, with a record $2.1 billion investment in the 2026-27 Budget.

Further improvements are on the way, with precinct work to be delivered in the coming months.  For more information visit the project website.

Deputy Premier of New South Wales and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said:

“This much-needed upgrade will make it easier for locals to catch a train and move around the city, particularly the elderly, young families with prams, and people with a disability.

“Whether it’s public transport infrastructure, schools, or hospitals, the Minns Labor Government is working to ensure everyone in Western Sydney has access to the essential services they need.”

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“This project helps modernise the rail network, delivering improved access, safety and amenities for all passengers.

“These improvements reflect the needs of this diverse community - including young families, carers, people with disability, older residents, and those travelling with luggage. 

“I would like to thank the 600 workers who worked so hard to deliver this important community project ahead of schedule.

“The former government neglected these stations and the people with mobility support and disability needs. We are focused on improving their amenity and securing the role they play in the communities they serve, that’s why we’ve invested $1 billion in critical station upgrades like this.”

Member for Macquarie Fields, Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“The upgrade removes long-standing accessibility barriers for the Macquarie Fields community. It improves safety and convenience, and better integrates the station into the local transport network.

 “This is especially important for people with disability, older passengers, parents with prams, and anyone who may face mobility challenges. 

“Previously, the city-bound Platform 1 could only be reached by stairs, while Platform 2 was accessible via stairs and a steep ramp, making the station inaccessible for people with limited mobility.”

“This upgrade represents a significant investment in the local Macquarie Fields area and will provide lasting benefits for the community for years to come.

“It is a major win for our community, and I thank the community for its advocacy over many years to make the station accessible for all.”

Donna Palmer, Macquarie Fields resident said:

“I regularly use a mobility scooter and wheelchair. I used to have no choice but to travel to Ingleburn or Glenfield Stations to catch a train to access lifts.

“The station upgrade is a game changer for me and so many others in Macquarie Fields. Our community is grateful to Anoulack and the Minns Government for delivering on its commitment. It’s a great outcome for everyone.”

Essential government information is now easier to understand as the Minns Labor Government delivers on its Easy Read election commitment – with NSW taking out national awards for information accessibility.

Government communication can be complicated, but Easy Read cuts through the complexity with simplified language, large font sizes and images.

This can be particularly useful for the more than 150,000 people with intellectual disability in NSW, but it also benefits people with low literacy and those whose first language is not English.

Easy Read resources on the NSW Government website cover important topics like emergency services, fines and fees, housing, transport, and more. The Minns Labor Government has been working with the Council for Intellectual Disability and other stakeholders to collaborate and deliver on its commitment to inclusive government information.

NSW’s pioneering approach has been recognised at the Australian Access Awards. Last year, the NSW Government won ‘Website of the Year’ and ‘Government Website of the Year’, and the coveted ‘Accessibility Initiative of the Year’ award was taken out by the Department of Communities and Justice’s Accessibility Studio located in Parramatta.

The Accessibility Studio is designed to test communication and address accessibility barriers before government services are launched. Staff use new technology and specialists to check ease of access for people with low vision, low English proficiency, and other accessibility needs.

The Minns Labor Government has committed to ongoing expansion of information available in Easy Read through the State’s new four-year Disability Inclusion Plan.

Making digital services accessible, inclusive and connected for everyone in NSW is also a key outcome of the NSW Digital Strategy.

See the Easy Read section on the NSW Government website.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said:

“Digital inclusion is about more than just making sure people have internet access – it’s about making sure nobody is left behind while we all navigate an increasingly digital world.

“Essential government information should be accessible for everyone. Easy Read is about making sure more people can understand the services, support and opportunities available to them.

“People across NSW can now more easily understand how to access information which can help them with things like going to hospital or applying for TAFE, as well as how to make informed decisions in their everyday life whether it be catching a bus or responding to a fine.”

Minister for Disability Inclusion Kate Washington said:

“Government information can be difficult to understand, particularly for people with intellectual disability and low literacy. Our suite of Easy Read documents simplifies information so it’s more accessible.

“Before the last election we promised that we would make essential government information easier to understand – the Minns Labor Government is delivering on that promise.

“This is just the beginning, we will continue to make NSW Government services and information more accessible because it will make our state fairer and stronger.”

Department of Communities and Justice Secretary Michael Tidball said:

“DCJ is committed to making its information and services accessible to everyone and Easy Read is a key part of that.

“In addition to the central Easy Read Hub on the NSW Government website, DCJ has its own Easy Read Hub where people can search by topic: from information on courts, your rights and law to support for families, health and housing.

“We’re also proud to have created the award-winning DCJ Accessibility Studio, where staff can get help from in-house experts to test and ensure their content is accessible for the public.”

Council for Intellectual Disability CEO Heath Dickens said:

“Easy Read makes information accessible to everyone. It removes unnecessary barriers so people can understand, engage and make informed decisions. When information is clear, people with intellectual disability are included and heard.

“CID has worked closely with the Department of Communities and Justice and other NSW Government agencies to ensure people with intellectual disability can access and understand important information. We acknowledge and are encouraged by the work the NSW Government is doing to build foundations for a more inclusive community.

“While there is still more to do, we look forward to continuing to work together to build on this progress.”

The Minns Labor Government is strengthening the state’s aquaculture industry with reforms that will boost investment, increase productivity and support jobs across regional communities.

Under proposed amendments to the Fisheries Management Act 1994 before the NSW Parliament, aquaculture lease terms will double from 15 to 30 years, giving businesses greater certainty to invest, innovate and plan for the long term.

These proposed changes will benefit 235 oyster aquaculture businesses, operating 2,421 aquaculture leases in 18 Local Government Areas along the NSW coast with the most leases in Mid North Coast, then Bega, Eurobodalla, Port Stephens, Port Macquarie, Central Coast and Shoalhaven.

The Minns Government’s proposed changes respond to long-standing calls from industry to deliver this reform so they can better engage with financial institutions and secure investment for operational expansions and enhancements that then lead to more productivity, jobs and local economic benefits.

The shorter-term leases have historically proven to be an impediment to accessing financial investment and have constrained growth.

These changes are a smart and practical solution to removing barriers for achieving the joint industry and NSW Government Aquaculture Vision that has set out to double the aquaculture sector’s farm gate value to $300 million by 2030. Extending the length of leases to 30 years will better align with the lifespan of modern aquaculture infrastructure.

The reforms are another demonstration of the Government’s work to provide more opportunities for growth and advancement in regional NSW.

The Bill before Parliament will also introduce stronger penalties to deter the theft of aquaculture stock and infrastructure, which is an ongoing issue impacting operators and undermining legitimate businesses.

Maximum penalties will be increased to up to $22,000 for an individual for a first offence, or up to $44,000 for repeat offenders.

These tougher penalties will protect aquaculture farmers from criminal activity, help combat black-market seafood trade and strengthen confidence across the industry.

The amendments form part of a broader package to modernise fisheries legislation, support sustainable resource management and ensure the long-term growth of the seafood industry.

Minister for Agriculture, Regional NSW and Western NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“These reforms are about backing our aquaculture industry to grow, invest and create jobs in regional NSW.

“Doubling lease terms gives businesses the certainty they need to plan for the future and invest in modern, sustainable operations.

“The former National and Liberal Government brushed this problem for the oyster industry to the side, but our Government is stepping forward to make this happen and I call upon the Coalition to back the Bill.

“It’s imperative that we move quickly to deliver this significant improvement for the industry.

“At the same time, the Bill will deliver stronger penalties to protect hardworking farming families and businesses by targeting those who steal stock or damage infrastructure.

“These proposed changes are another example of the Minns Government’s commitment to building a sustainable aquaculture sector, following the investment of $27 million from the Regional Development Trust into 31 seafood projects.

“We’re building a more stable, competitive aquaculture sector that can continue to thrive and deliver both for regional economies, and food for Australian tables.”