Category: NSW News

City of Newcastle is asking the NSW Government to part fund a project worth up to $250,000 to help address anti-social behaviour on Beaumont Street.

The Community Building Partnership grant would deliver much-needed positive change to Hamilton Station Park with the proposed project featuring security and ambient lighting, upgraded utilities, as well as accessible seating and landscaping.

Ward Two Councillors Jennie Barry, Joel Pringle and Paige Johnson at Hamilton Station Park.Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge said City of Newcastle has identified several elements that can be implemented to help create a more welcoming and supportive environment for all.

“This is a complex site that requires a collaborative effort between multiple agencies to make sustainable and positive changes to how the park is used,” Cr Kerridge said.

“We want to revitalise the park and make it a safer one too, while at the same time providing economic benefit for local businesses through positive activation.”

The NSW Government’s $41.85 million Community Building Partnership program awards grants for community infrastructure projects that deliver positive social, environmental and recreational outcomes while also promoting community participation, inclusion and cohesion.

Executive Director Creative and Community Services Alissa Jones said the proposal has been developed utilising the principles of crime prevention through environmental design to make the park a safer and more welcoming community space.

“The State Member for Newcastle, Tim Crakanthorp, made us aware of the grant opportunity, informing me that it represented a great opportunity to improve Hamilton Station Park,” Ms Jones.

“City of Newcastle organised cross agency workshops, attended community meetings and conducted consultation with students, members of the public and business owners to develop the plan.”

Another element of the proposal would be a dual-sided noticeboard featuring information about events and local support services on one side and the local Aboriginal cultural story on the other.

The area is known as Ahwar-tah Bulboolba, which translates to ‘flat it is, Wallaby Place. A place of sand flats covered in tea tree scrub and an abundance of wildlife.’

“The local Aboriginal community will be involved in the park improvements, interpreting and displaying artwork and the Indigenous history of the area, contributing to feelings of pride and inclusion,” Ms Jones said.

Other elements of the project include the removal of the park’s perimeter fence to improve sight lines and deter anti-social behaviour, the installation of a water filling station, as well as electrical connections and a hard stand that can be used for pop-up events.

Ward Two Councillors have backed the Beaumont Street project as part of ongoing efforts to improve community safety and wellbeing.

“We know crime prevention through environmental design can be successful in Newcastle, as we have seen with the renewal of Islington Park, which was at one time experiencing similar social and safety issues,” Cr Jenny Barrie said.

“City of Newcastle started work on improving the space in 2023 with the Hamilton Station Park Graffiti Management project, which began to reduce the incidence of graffiti vandalism on the walls and improved the visual appearance of the area.

“If we can make the park an even more welcoming and supportive environment it can be enjoyed by residents and visitors, and become a venue for outreach support activities and community events.”

Councillor Joel Pringle said the project takes into consideration the retention of urban green space and amenity in the space.

“The proposed plan maintains existing vegetation and addresses root protection for the iconic fig trees,” Cr Pringle said.

“It’s great to see projects like this that enhance our community spaces for all to enjoy.”

The park’s free community pantry is proposed to be relocated to a well-lit location closer to Beaumont Street and upgraded with a purpose-built structure to provide better protection from rain and sunlight.

Councillor Paige Johnson noted the Hamilton Station Park proposal is part of the ongoing collaboration to deliver improvements for Hamilton.

“There has been a lot of positive conversations with stakeholders on infrastructure needs for the space which will continue as the design for the project progresses, to get the best outcome for our local community,” Cr Johnson said.

Should the NSW Government provide the maximum $100,000 grant to the project, City of Newcastle will contribute $150,000, bringing the total to $250,000.

Each State electorate is allocated $450,000 to award grants for community, infrastructure projects that deliver positive social, environmental and recreational outcomes.

Should the NSW Government commit less than the requested $100,000 grant funding then the project will require rescoping.

As part of the Minn Government’s plan to strengthen the State’s primary industry sector the Government is calling on stakeholders to provide feedback on the development of an industry-wide strategy designed to create a more resilient and skilled NSW primary industries workforce.

The consultation, which was a 2023 election commitment, is an important step in ensuring the NSW agriculture and primary industries have a workforce suited for the constant changes within the State’s $20 billion primary industries sector.

Consultation on the proposed NSW Primary Industries Workforce Strategy 2025-2030 has opened today, with key stakeholders across the agriculture, fisheries, aquaculture and forestry industries urged to review and provide advice and input into the strategy to ensure it is fit for purpose.

The proposed strategy identifies three key priority areas for government and industry to concentrate their actions, including improving business management, adaptability and innovation, fostering a diverse workforce accessible across NSW and building on careers and capabilities across the industry.

Your feedback via the Have Your Say website closes on 30 April 2025:

www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/primary-industries-Workforce-Strategy

NSW Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Tara Moriarty said:

“Once the strategy has been finalised, all industry stakeholders will have an opportunity to develop plans, initiatives and programs that deliver the shared vision for a highly skilled and versatile NSW agriculture workforce.  

“We’re pleased to launch this consultation today and I encourage all stakeholders to get involved.  This consultation will play a big part in helping coordinate workforce strategies between both government and industry.  

“It’s important to highlight the wide range of rewarding careers available in primary industries.  

“The NSW primary industry sector is full of opportunity and innovation and together, we can develop plans that support and sustain the workforce that is vital to the sector’s growth.”

NSW Farmers’ Association President Xavier Martin said:

NSW Farmers’ is pleased to see this election commitment come to fruition and take this key step in creating a more resilient and skilled workforce across the agriculture industry.

“We know farmers play a vital role in feeding and clothing people both here and abroad, and that’s why having a strong agricultural workforce strategy is so important. 

“We look forward to providing feedback to ensure the strategy is robust and relevant.” 

The NSW Reconstruction Authority will launch three new Community Outreach services next week to ensure communities on the Mid North Coast and in Northern NSW continue to get the help they need after Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

Mobile Recovery Outreach services can be found at the following locations and times next week:

• Dorrigo – Dorrigo Community Hall, 36 Hickory St, Dorrigo
  Tuesday 1 April from 10am – 4pm
• Bellingen – Bellingen Citizens Centre, 29-31 Hyde St, Bellingen
  Thursday 3 April from 10am – 4pm

Recovery Assistance Points will also operate at the following location and time next week:

• Chinderah – Chinderah Scout Hall, 2A Chinderah Rd, Chinderah
  Wednesday 2 April from 9am – 5pm
• Tweed South Community Hall – Corner Heffron Street and Minjungbal Drive, South Tweed Heads
  Monday 31 March to Wednesday 2 April from 9am to 5pm

The RA has helped more than 5680 people through Recovery Assistance Points and Community Outreach at Lismore, Tweed, Ballina, Maclean, Woodburn, Kyogle, Ocean Shores, Mullumbimby, Murwillumbah, Byron Bay, Coraki, Grafton, Coutts Crossing, Wardell, Yamba, Dorrigo, Bellingen and Nana Glen.

Services available at the Community Outreach points include help with the NSW Government’s Personal Hardship Assistance Payment and general recovery support.

Residents who have experienced lengthy power outages or evacuation orders are eligible for a Personal Hardship Assistance Payment of $180 for individuals and up to $900 for a family of five through Service NSW.

Service NSW has already distributed over $2 million in Personal Hardship Assistance payment to help people across the Mid North Coast and Northern NSW get back on their feet. 

Anyone who needs support can visit a Community Outreach Pop Up or Service NSW Centre to apply. You can also apply online through Service NSW at www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/northern-nsw-storm-relief-grant-individuals-march-2025;

Small businesses and primary producers in Local Government Areas included in the Natural Disaster Declaration may be eligible for concessional loans up to $130,000 and primary producers may also be eligible for transport subsidies of up to $15,000.

Applications can be made online via the Rural Assistance Authority – https://www.raa.nsw.gov.au/disaster-assistance/ndrl;. Primary producers and small businesses can also call 1800 678 593 or email rural.assist@raa.nsw.gov.au for help with their applications.

Information on where to find help and the assistance available, including eligibility criteria for grants and how to apply, can be found at www.nsw.gov.au/cyclonealfredrecovery;.

NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said:

“We are opening up these new Community Outreach pop ups to ensure people have access to the support they need when they need it the most. This is about making sure people can get back to their day to day lives as soon as possible.”

“Going through a storm like Alfred is a very traumatic thing, and recovery can often seem overwhelming. If you need help please come one of our pop up community outreach services or to one of our Recovery Assistance Points because the Reconstruction Authority is here to help.”

NSW Reconstruction Authority CEO Mal Lanyon said:

“While the impact of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred may have passed, we know that many people are only starting their recovery journey and some have never experienced anything like the recent storms, which is why we are operating these Community Outreach pop ups in new locations so people can access support services.”

“The Reconstruction Authority has been on the ground before, during and post Alfred, and will continue working with anyone who has been impacted until the Mid North Coast and Northern NSW has recovered.”

The Minns Labor Government is today announcing sweeping legislation that will ban all future public private partnerships being imposed on the state’s acute hospitals.

The legislation will protect hospitals which provide services such as emergency, surgical and inpatient services from any future government entering into such partnerships which limit public control over hospital services.

The Health Services Amendment (PPP Prohibition) Bill 2025 (NSW) will achieve this by preventing governments from entering into a Northern Beaches-style arrangement to build or operate an acute public hospital.

This law will honour the memory and legacy of toddler Joe Massa who tragically died in September last year.

The protection of the state’s acute hospitals will apply to any future government who seeks to pursue a privatisation agenda.

Health Minister Ryan Park will introduce legislation in the NSW Legislative Assembly to amend the Health Services Act 1997 (NSW) to this effect.

This legislation forms part of the Government’s broader response to ongoing community concerns in relation to the quality and safety of health services delivered at Northern Beaches Hospital, including:

• A parliamentary inquiry into the hospital;
• A review of the systems and processes surrounding paediatric care at Northern Beaches Hospital, led by the Clinical Excellence Commission;
• A roundtable to improve the accessibility of the REACH protocol (Recognise, Engage, Act, Call, Help is on its way);
• Requesting a coronial inquest; and
• A commitment to ensure Healthscope implements all recommendations of the Serious Adverse Event Review into Joe Massa’s death.

Premier Chris Minns:

“Today we are announcing that under ‘Joe’s Law’, NSW will ban all future public private partnerships being imposed on the state’s acute hospitals.

“As a Labor government, we believe critical public services like acute hospitals should remain in public hands, safeguarded from privatisation.

“The NSW Government is committed to delivering the healthcare that the people of NSW rely on to keep our communities safe.”

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“Today, we are announcing a ban on public private partnerships being imposed on our state’s acute hospitals.

“From the very beginning, we’ve adamantly opposed these sorts of arrangements – and we will continue to oppose them, now and into the future.

“What we are doing today is to deliver further protection of our hospitals – honouring the memory and legacy of toddler Joe Massa.

“Joe’s Law will mean that public hospitals which provide services such as emergency, surgical and inpatient services, will be protected under this government and from any future government that wishes to enter into such partnerships with private providers.

“Our major and local community hospitals should be run by the people.”

The NSW Opposition is pushing for strong and immediate legislative reform to stop repeat serious youth offenders from carrying out crime sprees across regional NSW.
 
Shadow Attorney General Alister Henskens will introduce the Crimes Legislation Amendment (Youth Crime) Bill 2025 in Parliament after in-depth collaboration between the Liberals and Nationals.
 
It will offer stronger measures than Labor’s changes to the Bail Act that were passed last week, by:
 

• Expanding the definition of repeat offences beyond serious break and enter and motor vehicle theft, to include all serious indictable offences like murder or sexual assault.
• Introducing electronic monitoring and a mandatory curfew as conditions of bail.
• Revoking bail if there is a breach of the bail conditions, if another charge is laid while on bail, or if there is any interference with the electronic monitoring device.
• Elevating the voice of victims in the court through the use of victim impact statements.

 
NSW Opposition Leader Mark Speakman said the Opposition bill builds on the Coalition’s efforts to strengthen Labor’s bill after the Minns Government refused to support any amendments.
 
“Chris Minns has been all talk but little action on youth crime — and regional communities are paying the price,” Mr Speakman said.
 
“This Coalition response draws on the work of Dugald Saunders, who has been listening carefully and regularly to our communities, and the direct advocacy of Opposition regional MPs. We now have a united position on how to achieve tangible change.”
 
NSW Nationals Leader Dugald Saunders said this will provide swift and decisive action while leaving the door open to more reforms.
 
“Our residents are living in a constant state of panic and fear, as their homes are broken into, cars are stolen – and even worse, loved ones are hurt,” Mr Saunders said.
 
“We need an immediate circuit-breaker to stop repeat youth offenders from holding our communities to ransom and we will continue discussions with the Shadow Attorney General around potential changes to doli incapax along with diversionary programs.”
Shadow Attorney General Alister Henskens said he will continue working with regional MPs on further measures, but these initial changes can’t wait.
 
“The Coalition wants to demonstrate clearly to the community that it understands the anxiety that is being felt and the need to enhance community safety,” Mr Henskens said.
 
“Electronic monitoring for repeat serious criminal offenders will assist in deterring crime while these offenders are on bail, while mandatory curfews bolstered by this monitoring will help keep these repeat offenders off the streets and to stop them committing crimes until their matters are heard in court.”
 
Member for the Northern Tablelands Brendan Moylan said the Opposition bill builds on his initial private member’s bill.
 
“This crisis is the number one thing people in the regions are talking about right now and it’s becoming worse and worse by the day,” Mr Moylan said.
 
“Our team of Nationals MPs have been fighting to make their communities safe again, and we have been working hard as a Coalition to come up with changes that can actually deliver that.”

The NSW Reconstruction Authority has helped more than 5680 people in Northern NSW get back on their feet after Tropical Cyclone Alfred through its Recovery Assistance Points and outreach services.

Recovery Assistance Points will stay open in key locations this week to make sure that communities in Northern NSW get the help that they need.

Recovery Assistance Points can be found at the following locations and times this week:

• Lismore: Southern Cross University, Military Road, East Lismore, Room V1.19.
  Monday 24 to Friday 28 March from 9am to 5pm
• Tweed: Tweed South Community Hall – Corner Heffron Street and Minjungbal Drive, South Tweed Heads
  Monday 24 to Friday 28 March from 9am to 5pm
• Woodburn: Woodburn Memorial Hall, 127 River Street, Woodburn
  Tuesday 25 March from 12pm to 7pm
  Wednesday 26 March from 9am to 3pm

Mobile community outreach has also been undertaken to ensure that smaller communities are also able to connect with supports available and access financial and other assistance.

The Reconstruction Authority has already visited Kyogle, Ocean Shores, Mullumbimby, Murwillumbah, Byron Bay, Coraki, Woodburn, Wardell, Dorrigo, Bellingen and Nana Glen. More visits are planned and will be announced very soon.

Support available for anyone who needs help at these one-stop shops includes direct support like grocery vouchers and hardship grants as well as legal, insurance and business advice, mental health and wellbeing services.
Anyone who has experienced lengthy power outages or evacuation orders is eligible for a Personal Hardship Assistance Payment of $180 for individuals and up to $900 for a family of five through Service NSW.

Service NSW has already distributed $1.5 million in Personal Hardship Allowance Payments to help people in Northern NSW get back on their feet. Anyone who needs support can visit a Recovery Assistance Point or Service NSW Centre to apply. You can also apply online through Service NSW at www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/northern-nsw-storm-relief-grant-individuals-march-2025;

Services Australia is also on hand at Recovery Assistance Points to help people who have lost income access income support and other Federal Government payments.

Small businesses and primary producers in Local Government Areas included in the Natural Disaster Declaration may be eligible for concessional loans up to $130,000 and primary producers may also be eligible for transport subsidies of up to $15,000. Applications can be made online via the Rural Assistance Authority – https://www.raa.nsw.gov.au/disaster-assistance/ndrl. Primary producers and small businesses can also call 1800 678 593 or email rural.assist@raa.nsw.gov.au for help with their applications.

Information on where to find help and the assistance available, including eligibility criteria for grants and how to apply, can be found at nsw.gov.au/cyclonealfredrecovery.

NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said:
“We are going to do everything we can to make sure people across Northern NSW can get back on their feet as quickly as possible. If you need help to support your family or to get your business back on track, then come to one of our Recovery Assistance Points.

“These one stop shops for anyone who needs help will stay open this week and the Reconstruction Authority will be visiting other communities too to make sure we don’t leave anyone behind.”

NSW Reconstruction Authority CEO Mal Lanyon said:
“The Reconstruction Authority has been working closely with residents in the 18 impacted Local Government Areas following Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred to ensure those impacted have access to the support they require.”

“We will continue to work through the Recovery Coordinator, Councils and our NGO partners to assist communities to recover.”

The Northern Zone has received a significant boost to frontline emergency care with an additional 7 paramedics starting work this month.

This workforce expansion is part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to deliver 500 additional paramedics to regional and rural areas, ensuring these communities continue to receive timely and high-quality emergency medical care.

These additional paramedics will be based out of Yamba Ambulance Station, providing emergency and mobile health care across the Northern Zone as part of NSW Ambulance’s highly mobile workforce.

This workforce boost comes as part of the Strategic Workforce and Infrastructure Team (SWIFT) Program, which is delivering 2,500 additional NSW Ambulance staff, including 500 paramedics to rural and regional areas, and 30 new ambulance stations.

The new starters in the Northern Zone form part of an additional 125 paramedics set to begin working across regional NSW within the next few months. These 125 paramedics are the second group to join NSW Ambulance as part of the regional 500, with 125 paramedics starting work in regional NSW last year.

Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park: 

“We promised the people of regional, rural and remote NSW we’d deliver them 500 new paramedics, and I am really proud that the second cohort is about to hit the road and take up new roles in the bush.

“These highly skilled paramedics will help drive better health outcomes for patients and their families, ensuring regional communities receive the same high-quality care as metropolitan areas.

“We are committed to investing in our frontline healthcare workforce to support our paramedics and provide better emergency services to the people of NSW.”

Government Spokesperson for Clarence, Emily Suvaal MLC:

“The Minns Labor Government committed to improving health outcomes for the people of regional and rural New South Wales, and that is exactly what we’re doing.

“I welcome the new paramedics starting work in Yamba this month, and thank them for their work in providing effective, safe, and timely care to our regional communities.”

NSW Ambulance Chief Executive, Dr Dominic Morgan: 

“This boost to our workforce in Yamba will help our clinicians deliver better health outcomes for patients, while also providing more support to our existing NSW Ambulance staff in regional NSW.

“As demand for our services continues to grow, we remain committed to providing excellence in care to our patients now and into the future.”

The Murrumbidgee Zone has received a significant boost to frontline emergency care with an additional 25 paramedics starting work.

This workforce expansion is part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to deliver 500 additional paramedics to regional and rural areas, ensuring these communities continue to receive timely and high-quality emergency medical care.

These additional paramedics will providing emergency and mobile health care across the Murrumbidgee Zoneas part of NSW Ambulance’s highly mobile workforce.

10 additional paramedics will be based out Albury Ambulance Station and 15 additional paramedics will be based out of Deniliquin.

This workforce boost comes as part of the Strategic Workforce and Infrastructure Team (SWIFT) Program, which is delivering 2,500 additional NSW Ambulance staff, including 500 paramedics to rural and regional areas, and 30 new ambulance stations.

The new starters in the Murrumbidgee Zone form part of an additional 125 paramedics set to begin working across regional NSW within the next few months. These 125 paramedics are the second group to join NSW Ambulance as part of the regional 500, with 125 paramedics starting work in regional NSW last year.

Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park: 

“We promised the people of regional, rural and remote NSW we’d deliver them 500 new paramedics, and I am really proud that the second cohort is about to hit the road and take up new roles in the bush.

“These highly skilled paramedics will help drive better health outcomes for patients and their families, ensuring regional communities receive the same high-quality care as metropolitan areas.

“We are committed to investing in our frontline healthcare workforce to support our paramedics and provide better emergency services to the people of NSW.”

Government Spokesperson for Albury, Tara Moriarty MLC:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to ensuring rural and regional communities have access to high-quality healthcare by increasing our frontline workforce.

“Another 10 paramedics in Albury is a major boost to local ambulance services and a clear commitment from the Minns Government to regional communities.”

Member for Murray, Helen Dalton:

“Deniliquin and surrounding districts in the Murray electorate are in desperate need of highly skilled first responders. These 15 new recruits is a great start to addressing frontline essential workers staffing and recruitment shortfalls in the bush.

“Rural and remote regions deserve the same quality of medical care as our urban cousins. It’s reassuring to see the government committing to ensure better health outcomes for us in the bush.

“Paramedics play a critical role in rural and remote communities. Any boost to health care services in the bush is always welcomed, so I’m pleased to see an increase in paramedic numbers in the area.”

NSW Ambulance Chief Executive, Dr Dominic Morgan: 

“This boost to our workforce in Albury and Deniliquin will help our clinicians deliver better health outcomes for patients, while also providing more support to our existing NSW Ambulance staff in regional NSW.

“As demand for our services continues to grow, we remain committed to providing excellence in care to our patients now and into the future.

The Biennale of Sydney, one of the world’s leading international contemporary art events, will return to White Bay Power Station for its milestone 25^th edition from 14 March – 14 June 2026. 

Following the incredible success of last year’s inaugural event at the historic landmark, the Biennale of Sydney will again power up the city’s cultural energy, continuing to enrich Australia’s engagement with the international art world. 

After 40 years of lying dormant, the old White Bay Power Station opened a year ago to host its first Biennale of Sydney as the city’s newest cultural space, combining bold contemporary art and a century old heritage building that proved a compelling event for art and history buffs alike, attracting 174,000 attendees. 

First held in 1973 and every two years since, the Biennale of Sydney is one of the longest running events of its kind in the world and has grown to become a significant visitor drawcard on Sydney’s major cultural calendar. Next year’s event is projected to attract more than 27,000 visitors to Sydney who will inject an estimated $18 million into the NSW visitor economy. 

Aligning with the state’s first cultural and creative industries policy, Creative Communities, and the recent review of the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy, Biennale of Sydney underscores the NSW Government’s commitment to creating inimitable cultural experiences for Sydney locals and visitors, to achieve its stretch goal of making the NSW visitor economy a $91 billion powerhouse by 2035. 

White Bay Power Station was conserved by Placemaking NSW and transformed into a unique arts, cultural and creative industries space. The NSW Government is developing a long-term strategy for the building to ensure that it becomes a cultural asset for current and future generations.  

The program for the 25^th Biennale of Sydney in 2026 will be announced later this year. Entry to the festival is free with more information available on the Biennale of Sydney website. 

For more information visit the White Bay Power Station website.

NSW Minister for the Arts, John Graham said: 

“The White Bay Power Station is a bold canvas for the colour and creativity of the Biennale of Sydney so it’s great to see it coming back next year. 

“It’s so exciting to have this former power station firing for big cultural events. It has the scale to stage big works, stunning backdrops, all centrally located for art lovers around Sydney and beyond. 

“We encourage everyone around the city, the state and the country to make plans to come to the 25th Biennale of Sydney at the White Bay Power Station in 2026.” 

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said: 

“The return of the Biennale will further cement White Bay Power Station’s status as a building dedicated to arts and culture.  

“The NSW Government invested $100 million to transform the historic landmark into public space for everyone in NSW to explore and enjoy. It will be great to see crowds flock to the facility again for the 25^th Biennale.” 

Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said: 

“The Biennale of Sydney will be a standout on the NSW events calendar next year showcasing Sydney as a global cultural hub where art and creativity is celebrated. 

“The White Bay Power Station is an iconic venue and a place where locals and visitors can enjoy the most exciting and cutting-edge cultural experiences.”

Biennale of Sydney Chief Executive Officer Barbara Moore said: 

“The Biennale of Sydney was the first cultural organisation to bring White Bay Power Station to life, transforming this iconic and historic landmark into a dynamic hub for community events and exhibitions of international calibre. 

“The overwhelming success of the Biennale’s 24th edition showed the incredible potential of this space to inspire, engage, and connect people through a festival of contemporary art, music, and ideas. We are proud to return to White Bay Power Station in 2026 for the 25th edition in one of the city’s most exciting new creative precincts.” 

More than 2.3 million renters in NSW will be better off thanks to the latest round of changes to rental laws which will help create a fairer rental market, including ending ‘no-grounds’ evictions and making it easier to keep a pet.

The reforms will come into effect on 19 May 2025 following extensive consultation with renters, investors, animal welfare groups and industry representatives.

They follow changes which commenced in October last year which ensure renters cannot be charged for background checks and limit rent increases to once per year.

Further reforms, including stronger privacy protections for renters and the introduction of a portable rental bond scheme, are set to be introduced later in 2025.

The latest key changes include:

• Ending no-grounds evictions: Owners will now be required to provide a valid reason to end all lease types. Longer notice periods will apply for some leases, giving renters greater certainty and time to find a new home, while ensuring investors can still effectively manage their properties. Renters who find a new property after receiving an evictions notice will also have improved rights to end a lease early.
• New rules for pets in rental homes: Tenants will be able to apply to keep a pet in their rental home, with owners only able to refuse for specific reasons, such as the owner living at the property or failure to comply with local council laws. A standard application form and process has been developed to make the system clearer and more efficient for both renters and owners. Approval will be automatic if owners do not respond to pet applications within 21 days.
• Fee-free ways to pay rent: Renters will have access to convenient, free and electronic payment options such as direct bank transfer, preventing extra fees that can add to rental costs.

The NSW Rental Commissioner has engaged with more than 100 stakeholders including tenant advocates, owners and property providers, industry associations, animal welfare groups, and real estate agents, and also launched industry education to inform the rollout of these changes.

NSW Fair Trading continues to build awareness of the law changes, with a comprehensive engagement campaign already underway across online platforms which has seen visits to NSW Fair Trading’s rental information pages surge to more than 1.2 million page views between July and December last year.

Fair Trading officers have also hosted community information sessions attracting more than 4,000 registrations and recently hit the road to Dubbo to conduct information sessions about the upcoming changes, with further engagements planned for Western Sydney and the Sydney Royal Easter Show soon.

Backed by an $8.4 million investment, the Rental Taskforce within NSW Fair Trading will lead the way in ensuring compliance with the new laws.

People are encouraged to visit the NSW Fair Trading website for clear, up-to-date guidance on the new rental laws and their rights and obligations on the Renting a place to live webpage.

Premier Chris Minns:

“Today we are letting renters and owners know these major changes will begin in under two months’ time.

“By banning no grounds evictions, this will give renters much-needed housing security. This will let them make a house a home.

“This will make it fairer for millions of renters by bringing the rental market into the 21st century.

“More people than ever are renting, and they are renting for longer.

“With more than two million renters in NSW and over 600,000 investors, we have taken the time to get these major changes right.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong:

“Whether it’s ending no-grounds evictions, making it easier to keep pets, or ensuring renters have fee-free ways to pay rent, these reforms deliver practical improvements that will benefit millions of people across NSW.

“These reforms are about creating a fairer, more balanced rental market that gives tenants greater security while ensuring owners have clear and transparent processes to follow.

“We’ve listened to renters, owners, and industry experts to shape these changes, and we’ll continue working closely with stakeholders to ensure the transition is smooth and well understood.”

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson:

“Ending no-grounds evictions is a massive win for renters. It gives people the stability they need to build a life and plan for the future.

“We’ve inherited a rental system that was never designed for long-term tenants — this reform starts to lay new foundations for a fairer system.

“Housing security shouldn’t be a privilege, it should be the baseline. These changes finally begin to reflect that in law.

“You can’t tackle the housing crisis without fixing renting. This is a vital step toward a system that delivers real stability and security for the millions of people in NSW who rent.”

NSW Rental Commissioner Trina Jones:

“From regional roadshows to industry roundtables, our team has been on the ground meeting with stakeholders across NSW – holding 41 engagement sessions this financial year alone to ensure diverse voices are reflected in the way we communicate and implement these changes.

“Understanding your rights and responsibilities under the new rental laws will help you avoid penalties and disputes, and NSW Fair Trading is here to ensure renters, owners, and agents have the right information to comply with the changes.

“There’s no need to rely on misinformation or guesswork and it doesn’t matter if you’re a renter, owner or agent – from commencement we will make information available on the NSW Fair Trading website for clear, up-to-date guidance on rental laws and obligations.”