Category: NSW News

The Minns Labor Government has launched the Expert Advisory Network (EAN), a new initiative to better utilise in-house expertise across the public sector and reduce its reliance on external consultants. 

Established in the Premier’s Department, the network has created an initial list of 30 existing teams across the public service. They will be able to provide projects across government with specialist advice and project support, including on policy and strategy, stakeholder engagement, financial and commercial services, actuarial services, infrastructure, technology, and environmental services.

Teams already on the list include Investment NSW’s economic and analytics capabilities team and Multicultural NSW’s interpretation and translation services.

Support from the Expert Advisory Network will take different forms depending on the nature of the project, including one-off advice, ongoing project coaching, direct project delivery, peer review, and financial and commercial advisory services. 

This will enable EAN teams working on short-term projects to share their knowledge and allow agencies to build their own institutional capacity.

As more specialist teams join the network, it will allow the government to deliver more projects internally with fewer external resources.

Under the previous Liberal-National Government, the Auditor-General identified that more than $1 billion was spent on external consultants without adequate procurement and management policies in place. Further analysis found that more than 15% of contracts were for ‘generalist work’ on policy design, program evaluation and report writing.

In 2023-24, the Minns Labor Government delivered $450 million in savings on consultant and contingent labour spend.

The Expert Advisory Network will continue that work by allowing agencies to identify existing expertise inside government rather than sending taxpayer funds to external consultants.

A 2024 report undertaken by The Cabinet Office found that utilising existing expertise within the public service could save as much as 52% on each contract.

The Minns Labor Government has implemented strict controls on consultant and external labour spend and issued clear instructions to agencies around the use of consultants. 

These measures deliver on Labor’s plans to reduce spend on consultants, bolster the public service and improve essential services for families and households across NSW.

For more information on the Expert Advisory Network, visit nsw.gov.au/expert-advisory-network.

Minister for Domestic Manufacturing and Government Procurement Courtney Houssos: 

“Establishing this network is a step forward as we undertake reforms on how the government spends money on goods and services. This is a common-sense reform and makes sure we work smarter within the public service and ensure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely. 

“We need to deliver value-for-money for taxpayers by spending more money on essential services and less money on unnecessary consultants.

“Consultants should be offering specific, expert advice to government, not replicating work that can be done with existing resources inside government agencies.

“With the Expert Advisory Network, we will save the public money and boost capacity in the public service, allowing us to deliver on the essential services that families and households rely on.”

Women experiencing severe or complex menopause symptoms now have improved access to additional support following the establishment of Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District’s (NBMLHD) new menopause referral service.

NBMLHD’s new Specialised Menopause Referral Service aims to provide assistance and support for women whose symptoms have not responded to previous treatments, or those women who face additional complications from other medical conditions.

The new service has been established as part of NSW Health’s menopause network, which has four hubs and multiple referral sites across the state and is networked with the South-Western Sydney LHD hub.

Care Coordinators will assist with triage and navigate care locally, supporting the medically-led, multi-disciplinary hub team of nursing and allied health professionals to provide holistic support.

The NBMLHD Specialised Menopause Referral Service will deliver care using a hybrid approach, with a largely virtual service coupled with face-to-face consultations when they are required.

General practitioners, specialists, and nurse practitioners can refer eligible women for advanced care, and are welcome to contact the service directly by emailing nbmlhd-menopause@health.nsw.gov.au.

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“This Specialised Menopause Referral Service will promote flexibility and choice in the way women in the Nepean Blue Mountains region access support to manage severe menopause symptoms.

“By continuing to break down barriers like geographic isolation through effective use of virtual care technology, this service will help us continue to improve health outcomes in the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District.”

Minister for Women, Jodie Harrison:

“Women’s health and wellbeing is a key priority for the NSW Government.

“Menopause management can be complex. The opening of this new menopause referral service, as part of a wider network that includes four Menopause Hubs, ensures support is available for women experiencing severe menopause symptoms.

“It is one way the NSW Government is making sure women get the important holistic healthcare they need.”

Member for Blue Mountains, Trish Doyle:

“Every woman’s experience of menopause is different, and this service will ensure women get the help they need to manage severe or complex symptoms.

“Up to one in four women endure severe and debilitating menopause symptoms, which is why services like this one are so important.”

Member for Penrith, Karen McKeown:

“Severe menopause symptoms don’t discriminate and we’re pleased women in the Nepean Blue Mountains region will have access to potentially life changing care.

“The service is a significant step forward in ensuring women with complex needs receive the specialised care they deserve.”

NBMLHD Menopause Service Coordinator Holly Miller:

“Our ability to escalate to multidisciplinary virtual care through the networked Specialist Menopause Service ensures access to a wider range of specialists.

“Through the service, we’re building a supportive community where women feel comfortable discussing their experiences and accessing the care they need.”

The NSW Government’s 12-month trial of body worn cameras continues to be rolled out in selected hospitals in NSW.

Liverpool and Bankstown-Lidcombe hospitals have now joined the trial, with the aim of improving safety for staff, patients and visitors.

Minister for Health Ryan Park said a total of five hospitals across northern Sydney, south western Sydney and the Illawarra are now participating in the trial, which commenced at Royal North Shore Hospital in December 2024.

Security staff in participating hospitals are equipped with body worn cameras and can activate these cameras in response to incidents involving aggression and violence in the hospital, where there is risk of harm to staff, patients or others.

The trial will determine how effective the presence of the cameras are at deterring and de-escalating violent incidents and will be independently evaluated once completed.

Body worn cameras are one strategy intended to keep everyone safe in NSW public hospitals. NSW Health facilities also have a number of other key strategies in place to ensure the safest possible environment for staff, patients and visitors. These include:

• Ongoing risk assessments to identify and manage emerging security risks.
• Safety huddles to share information on patient related safety risk with incoming workers.
• Patient management plans that set out specific arrangements to keep both the patient and healthcare workers safe when providing care.
• Multi-disciplinary Code Black (duress) response teams. This includes the use of NSW Health security staff/Health and Security Assistants to assist clinical staff with the management of incidents.
• Workplaces designed to enhance line of sight for staff and reduce entrapment, including dual egress at staff stations and in treatments rooms.
• Lockdown arrangements including secure entry points between public and clinical areas and secure perimeters for facilities, particularly after hours.
• Personal mobile and fixed duress alarms for staff to ensure they can summon assistance when necessary.
• Closed circuit television (CCTV) and effective lighting to ensure visibility.
• Procedures to enhance car park security, including regular security patrols.

This trial is part of the ongoing implementation of recommendations from the Anderson Review of Hospital Security and follows implementation of other recommendations by the NSW Government to improve hospital security.

These include the establishment of the Safety and Security Improvement Unit within the Ministry of Health, the standardising of code black procedures, and enhanced support for patient experience officers.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“The safety of our staff and patients is my top priority as the Minister for Health.

“Any instances of aggression towards staff will not be tolerated, and appropriate action will always be taken against individuals who behave in such a manner.

“I look forward to the results of this trial which will provide insight into how we can reduce instances of violence and aggression in our public hospitals.”

Member for Liverpool Charishma Kaliyanda:

“The trialling of body-worn cameras is a key step in our goal to give staff, patients, and visitors every assurance that they are safe and secure at our hospitals.

“Liverpool is one of the largest hospitals in our state. I am very pleased that it is one of the first to implement this key safety measure.

“The Government has been clear: aggression toward healthcare staff cannot be tolerated. I look forward to the results of this trial, which will inform how we can reduce violent incidents in our public hospitals.”

Member for East Hills Kylie Wilkinson:

“The NSW Government’s body-worn camera trial at Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital and Liverpool Hospital is a crucial step in ensuring our hospitals are safe places for all.

“We are committed to protecting our nurses, doctors, healthcare workers and patients, and this technology offers a vital layer of security.

“By rigorously evaluating this trial, we’re taking action to build a safer hospital environment for everyone.”

Member for Auburn Lynda Voltz:

“The body-worn cameras trial at Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital is an important step in safeguarding both our healthcare workers and patients.

“This initiative will help create a safer environment as well as support the hard-working staff who are committed to providing care in challenging circumstances.”

The Minns Labor Government is publishing State Agency League Tables to monitor and hold the performance of 22 state Government agencies, state-owned corporations and electrical supply authorities delivering development in NSW to account.

Council performance on Development Application assessments have been published since July last year and this has resulted in a 10 per cent improvement in performance.

With the success of the Council League Tables in improving overall assessment timeframes for councils, the Government is launching a second league table to hold itself accountable on housing delivery and development across NSW.

The tracker has been developed by the Housing Taskforce, a multi-agency group within the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, tasked with accelerating the assessment and commencement of housing projects.

The State Agency League Tables will publish data on the number of Concurrences, Integrated development approvals and Referrals (CIRs) for each Government agency over the last six months.

It will also measure how many of these groups are meeting their legislated timeframes, with an expectation of meeting that timeframe in 90 per cent of all cases.

Delays or conflicts in approvals or advice from agencies can result in delays to a council issuing a development approval.

This means people are waiting longer to move into their new home, only worsening our housing supply challenges and locking the next generation out of housing.

The Minns Government formed the Housing Taskforce to tackle this problem by bringing representatives from each agency together to resolve these conflicts.

Since its formation, the Housing Taskforce has resolved 1,985 CIR cases unblocking around 31,800 dwellings. This has resulted in the determination of 704 Development Applications at a 94 per cent approval rate.

The release of the Agency League Table data is the next step in increasing transparency and accountability for each agency, state-owned corporation and electrical supply authority.

This is all part of the Minns Government’s plan to build a better NSW with more homes and services, so young people, families and key local workers have somewhere to live and in the communities they choose.

The State Agency League Table builds on the Minns Government’s recent reforms to the planning system to speed up the delivery of more homes, including:

• the development of the NSW Pattern Book and accelerated planning pathway for those who use the pre-approved patterns
• the largest rezoning in NSW history around transport hubs and shopping centres to address the ‘missing middle’
• the largest ever investment in the delivery of social and affordable housing in NSW
• $200 million in financial incentives for councils that meet the new expectations for development applications, planning proposals and strategic planning
• $450 million to build new apartments for essential workers including nurses, paramedics, teachers, allied health care workers, police officers and firefighters.

For more information and to view the State Agency League Table visit the Agency league table webpage.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“We want the planning pipeline from lodgement, to assessment, commencement and completion, to be working as efficiently as possible, because that is what will actually see a family, a downsizer or a young person put a key in the door of their new home.

“The Housing Taskforce has unlocked around 31,000 homes since it was formed, I anticipate that the Agency League Table will see even more homes move from approval to commencement.

“Just like what we have done with councils, this is about holding ourselves to account, improving our own performance and making sure that everyone is able to get into a home.”

The T6 Lidcombe & Bankstown Line will be closed for 9 weeks, with train services to be replaced by fare-free replacement buses for this period while commuters affected face disruption. 

The closure will allow Sydney Metro to undertake major construction works associated with the Southwest Metro. 

Work will be carried out between 27 April and 29 June.

When work is complete, the T6 Line will be future-proofed, enabling 8-car services to run. Currently, the line is limited to 4-car trains.

The T6 is a shuttle line of six stations that was created as part of the shutdown of the former T3 Bankstown line.

It carries approximately 11,000 passengers a day of the more than one million people who use the wider Sydney rail network. 

Passengers at Lidcombe, Berala and Regents Park can continue to use other rail lines at those stations as alternatives including T3 services

Passengers at Lidcombe heading into the city or Inner West can also continue to use the T1 Western Line, T2 Inner West Line or T3 Liverpool via Regents Park Line. There will be no change in service levels for these lines. 

The stations impacted and closed are Yagoona, Birrong and Bankstown.  

The work on the T6 line involves the extension of the Sydney Trains’ platforms at Bankstown Station to enable an 8-car service, including installation of a track layout that allows access to both platforms at Bankstown station, as well as signaling upgrades.

The following replacement bus routes will operate between Bankstown and Lidcombe during this time:  

• 8T6: stopping all stations between Bankstown and Lidcombe
• 8AT6: Bankstown, then Lidcombe and return (express) 

Passengers will be able to interchange to train services at Lidcombe and Regents Park, or interchange onto the pink Southwest Link buses at Bankstown. 

Communities and passengers along the line will be informed about the transport changes via comprehensive communications and engagement activities. 

Southwest Link bus services will continue to operate as normal between Sydenham and Bankstown.

Visit transportnsw.info to get more information about the network changes.

Minister for Transport John Graham:

“Communities that use this line will experience disruption due to these necessary rail upgrades, however once complete, the line will be able to accommodate rail services with double the capacity while connecting to a world class new Southwest Metro service.

“This is a relatively small shuttle line by passenger numbers, but the loss of services for nine weeks will be disruptive for the passengers who use the T6 Line and we want to make sure commuters are aware and know what the alternatives are.

“We will have fare-free rail-replacement buses in place and marshals on the ground to ensure all passengers can continue to get where they need to go.”

Transport for NSW Acting Coordinator-General Barbara Wise:

“We know this will be disruptive for passengers and the community that relies on the T6 line, and we apologise for the inconvenience.

“Transport for NSW will have people on the ground to make sure that people who need them get to their free replacement bus.  

The Minns Labor Government has completed construction of the $40 million Tuggerah Station upgrade.

The upgrade includes installing new lifts, a new footbridge and concourse, and improved accessible public toilets.

There are also 15 new accessible parking spaces in the commuter car park, upgraded bus stops, new footpaths, enhanced lighting, CCTV and pedestrian signage.

The upgrade also provides a Boarding Assistance Zone.

Central Coast commuters now have a train station that is easy to use for all passengers – especially people with disability, older people, people with prams or luggage and others who might be experiencing mobility problems.

This is the first upgrade at Tuggerah since ramps and a footbridge were added in 1988.

These latest works come as part of the Minns Labor Government’s $800 million Safe Accessible Transport program, which is accelerating train station upgrades across the network.

Thousands of commuters will benefit from the rollout of the program designed to make public transport safer and more accessible, particularly for vulnerable members of the community.

Other features include new and extended canopies at station platforms and a widened platform around the entrance.

Two new lifts at Tuggerah were opened in October 2024 as the two-year project progressed.

A small amount of finishing work will continue through mid-2025.

This is another example of the Minns Labor Government delivering the infrastructure growing communities need, with Tuggerah part of the Transport Oriented Development Program.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“The Central Coast is a growing community with many workers commuting to Sydney to work.

“We have delivered the upgraded train station and transport interchange that Tuggerah deserves.

“Thousands of Tuggerah commuters will benefit from this upgrade – the first major upgrade in nearly 40 years for this station.”

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“This upgrade to Tuggerah Station is so important to ensuring everyone in this Central Coast community has equality of opportunity and can lead their lives without impediment.

“We continue to work towards delivering accessibility to all public transport passengers regardless of their needs or where they live.”

Kate Washington, Minister for Disability Inclusion said:

“This Tuggerah Station upgrade is another milestone in the Minns Labor Government’s plans to build a more inclusive NSW.

“Investing in accessible public transport is an investment in an inclusive society, where everyone can travel with dignity and independence.

“Upgrades like this don’t just improve infrastructure—they improve lives by enabling everyone to fully participate in their communities.”

Minister for the Central Coast and MP for Wyong David Harris said:

“This upgrade delivers significant enhancements to the public domain around Tuggerah Station, with a new footbridge and concourse, along with improvements to footpaths and station entrances.

“As a result of these upgrades, connectivity between the station and the Tuggerah Precinct has been improved and is now inclusive for all.

“I’m delighted to be part of a government that has delivered a major win for our commuters here on the Central Coast after so many false starts by the previous government.”

Federal Member for Dobell Emma McBride said:

“Each day commuters from right across the Coast use Tuggerah Station for travel to Sydney or Newcastle for work or study.

“This upgrade delivers a safer and more accessible train station for locals.

“It’s Labor Governments that deliver state-of-the-art infrastructure, like this upgrade, here on the Central Coast.”

David Mehan, MP for The Entrance said:

“Central Coast rail travellers now have a station that is safe, inclusive and easy to use for all passengers, including people with disability, older people, people with prams or luggage, and others who might be experiencing mobility problems.

“The community has campaigned long and hard for this upgrade and it is good to see this has been delivered by a Labor government.”

Liesl Tesch, MP for Gosford and Parliamentary Secretary for Disability Inclusion, said:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to ensuring equality of access so all New South Wales residents can access the freedom that public transport allows.

“The Tuggerah station upgrade is one of many that have been completed or are underway as part of the Safe Accessible Transport program.

“Every time another station becomes accessible to ensure everyone can get to work or school and access the services they need to live a fulfilling and productive life it gives me great joy.”

The Minns Labor Government has unveiled a bold new strategy to ensure universities align with the state’s workforce and community needs over the next five years.

Public Partnerships for Public Benefit: The NSW Higher Education Strategy 2025-29 sets out a strategic framework to enable stronger collaboration between government and universities that targets workforce needs, student pathways, equity and effective public policy. The Government will now work with universities to ensure that academic programs are aligned with current and future workforce demands.

Developed in partnership with the state’s public universities, the strategy is the only one of its kind in Australia.

A key focus of the strategy is prioritising regional workforce development, addressing critical skills shortages in areas such as early childhood education, aged and disability care, nursing and health related professions to support local economies and communities. 

The NSW Government will work with universities to streamline credit recognition and transfer systems between vocational and higher education, making it easier for students to move between different types of study and to tailor their learning to suit their career goals.

This is a key pillar of the Minns Labor Government’s broader tertiary education reform agenda, working alongside the NSW Skills Plan, the Industry Policy and Innovation Blueprint to strengthen connections between universities, TAFE NSW, and employers to ensure the state’s workforce is ready for the future.

By 2036, nine out of 10 jobs will require a post-secondary qualification, with around half requiring a university degree, and 44% requiring a vocational education and training pathway.

The NSW Government will collaborate with the Commonwealth, Jobs and Skills Australia, and education providers to deliver these reforms and create a higher education sector that provides the skilled workforce we need today and into the future.

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan said:

“This is an exciting step forward for NSW. Our universities are world-class, and with this strategy, we are ensuring they remain at the forefront of education, research, and industry collaboration.

“We know NSW faces major workforce challenges, and this strategy ensures our tertiary sector is agile and responsive to those needs.

“Importantly, this is about ensuring people—particularly in regional areas— can access the training and education required to fill critical skill gaps.

“By working closely with universities, TAFE NSW, industry, and the Commonwealth, we’re creating a system that empowers students, supports communities, and drives our state’s economic growth.”

Sydney Water Managing Director, Roch Cheroux, will conclude his tenure after six years leading the organisation through key operational and planning phases.

Since his appointment in 2019, Mr Cheroux has progressed sustainable water management initiatives and laid the groundwork for major infrastructure projects to improve services across Greater Sydney.

Mr Cheroux has held senior water industry roles across Australia, Europe and Asia, including as Chief Executive of SA Water.

As Sydney Water moves into its next phase of delivery and strategic planning, the Board of Directors has initiated a change in leadership to support this transition.

The process to appoint a new Managing Director will now commence. In the interim, Sydney Water’s Executive General Manager, Paul Plowman, will be the Acting Chief Executive.

Minister for Water Rose Jackson said:

“During his tenure, Roch Cheroux helped guide Sydney Water through a range of challenges including drought, urban growth and climate impacts.

“His leadership has helped lay the foundations for the future of water in Greater Sydney.

“I thank Mr Cheroux for his contribution to Sydney Water and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”

Chair of the Sydney Water Board, The Hon. Niall Blair said:

“On behalf of the Board, I want to thank Roch for his leadership, professionalism and dedication over the past six years.

“Roch has been instrumental in modernising the organisation and preparing it for the long-term challenges of water security, infrastructure delivery and customer service in a rapidly growing city.

“We wish him all the best in his next chapter and look forward to working with Paul Plowman as Acting Chief Executive while we undertake the recruitment process.”

The NSW Minns Labor Government has passed legislation to provide long overdue protections for transport gig workers as well as modernising the provisions of the Industrial Relations Act that applies to part of the road transport industry.

The legislation is complementary to the Federal Government’s gig workers reform and follows consultation with unions, industry and the community to ensure the changes are fit-for-purpose for the gig economy and the modern transport sector like rideshare.

The legislation provides a mechanism for transport gig workers to access the same legal protections currently offered to owner driver truck drivers, couriers and taxi drivers under the NSW Industrial Relations Act (the Act).

The decision to reform the Act was an election commitment and will allow platform companies, employers and unions to apply to the Industrial Relations Commission for binding determinations on workers’ pay and conditions of employment for the first time.

Once the changes are implemented, eligible gig workers in the transport sector and their representative will be able to apply to the NSW IRC to have contract determinations or agreements that will regulate their pay and conditions.

The NSW Government’s bill will:

• Modernise the existing provisions of Chapter 6 of the Industrial Relations Act, including establishing objects for the Chapter.
• Allow the Commission to determine what is fair and reasonable pay and conditions for rideshare and other gig workers in the transport industry.
• Establish new offences of accessorial liability for those who break the law in a supply chain.
• Ensure there are enforceable standards across road transport supply chains to make sure everyone, no matter how big or small, can recover their costs.

Consistent with the approach of the Commonwealth Government, the existing exemptions for transport of livestock and produce will remain in place.

Minister for Industrial Relations Sophie Cotsis said:

“This new legislation will enable our Industrial Relations system to be fit for purpose when it comes to gig workers in the transport sector.

“The public relies on gig workers in the transport industry every day, and workers can rely on us for the same legal protections.

“This is an important step in supporting the thousands of gig workers to ensure they have the same industrial rights to access the industrial relations commission.”

The Minns Labor Government will provide an additional $300,000 to a peak community group to continue its valuable work in helping older people in the Illawarra Shoalhaven region to transition more quickly from hospital to aged care, when they are medically ready to be discharged.

The collaborative regional project, led by the Community Industry Group (CI Group), has spent the past 12 months working to implement sustainable strategies that enable improved transitioning of older people into residential aged care facilities (RACFs) following an initial $300,000 grant in May 2024. 

In its first 12 months, the CI Group has undertaken research into the drivers of discharge delays for older people into residential aged care facilities.

CI Group has also supported the creation of a team of discharge volunteers which assist with the process of transfer from hospital and established a multi-agency regional health and aged care taskforce to oversee these projects and develop a regional health and aged care plan.

The additional funding will enable the group to build on its existing work, while also focussing on engaging other external stakeholders and exploring options to expedite aged care transition process.

CI Group will provide assistance and expert advice, together with Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, to work with RACF providers to implement immediate occupancy expansion initiatives, and to identify and target other aged care options.

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“The lack of available local residential aged care facility beds has been a major challenge across NSW in recent years, particularly in the Illawarra Shoalhaven.

“Getting people out of hospital quicker, and into the most appropriate care is critical for the patient, and the system as a whole, and that is why the work being undertaken by the Community Industry Group is hugely important.

“This additional funding will enable the expansion of existing initiatives including the Supported Transition Assistance Response Scheme within local hospitals and focus on the development of more initiatives that will help ease pressure on our busy hospitals.”

CI Group CEO, Nicky Sloan:

“This additional funding will enable us to build on our research and work over the past 12 months.

“We have collaborated with stakeholders including aged care providers, the Local Health District, the Primary Health Network, local Councils, Dementia Services Australia as well as the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care to deliver three important initiatives that are now in place to support the discharge of older people into an aged care service.

“We are incredibly thankful for the ongoing support of our work so that we can continue to make a dent in the critical issue of our most vulnerable community members being unnecessarily stuck in hospital.”