Category: NSW News

With today’s climate pollution data showing that emissions are up quarter on quarter and Australia still not on track to meet our emissions reduction goals, Adam Bandt says it is clear that the only option for avoiding catastrophic global heating is to elect more Greens at the next election to get Labor to act in minority government by stopping new coal and gas mines.

Labor has failed to release updated 2035 targets, instead focusing on approving new coal and gas projects. With the decision on Woodside’s North West Shelf project currently sitting on Tanya Plibersek’s desk, Labor has thus far approved 32 new coal and gas projects.

The data released today also shows electricity emissions going up 1.5% in the last year as state Labor Governments extend the life of coal-fired power stations, and should send alarm bells ringing on the future electricity sector reliant emissions cuts to 2030 that Labor needs to meet their 43% target.

Quarter on quarter emissions are also up, with the September quarter in 2024 seeing 110.3 million tonnes of emissions produced compared to the 110.0 emitted for the same quarter in 2023.

The quarterly data revealed 434.9 million tonnes of emissions were released in the year to September 2024. This is only a 0.9% reduction in the two and a quarter years since the 438.8 million tonnes emitted in the year to June 2022 when Labor first came into office.

This rate of decline puts even Labor’s paltry 43% targets out of reach without a rapid increase in policy ambition.

Leader of the Australian Greens, Adam Bandt MP:

“With emissions this high, Labor is blowing any chance of a safer climate and even their own weak climate goals are out of reach.” 

“Gas continues to keep emissions high, but Labor is continuing to open massive new gas projects, and is considering approving a Woodside mega-project for another 50 years.

“Labor’s continued approvals of new coal and gas means the country can’t cut emissions fast enough, and Peter Dutton would make pollution even worse. We can’t keep voting for the same two parties and expecting a different result.

“Nothing changes unless your vote does. The only chance of a safer climate is voting Greens to keep Peter Dutton out and get Labor to act by stopping new coal and gas mines.”

The Minns Labor Government is taking important steps to address homelessness in the Northern Rivers, transforming a vacant retirement village into 70 supported temporary accommodation units.

In partnership with Homes NSW, community housing provider Social Futures plans to deliver 70 temporary beds at Tweed Heads, with wraparound support to help vulnerable locals get back on their feet.

The form­er residential village for over 55s was sitting vacant and unused since it was put on the market in 2023. Soon, it will provide a safe place to stay for community members including seniors and people with a disability, with the first stage of the project to deliver 20 new homes in coming weeks.

The NSW Government is taking decisive action to transform underutilised properties into secure, supported accommodation, run by experienced community housing providers—reducing reliance on costly hotels and motels.

Temporary accommodation is more than just immediate shelter, it’s a lifeline that helps prevent homelessness, connecting people with essential support services for long-term stability and better outcomes.

This project was made possible by a $525,800 grant from the first round of the $100 million Homelessness Innovation Fund.

The grants support new and improved approaches to tackling homelessness and are available to accredited homelessness services, registered Community Housing Providers, Aboriginal Community Housing Providers and those working toward accreditation or registration.

The first funding round backed 24 projects, distributing nearly $10 million, including $768,862 to Social Futures to convert a disused aged care facility into crisis accommodation in Lismore.

Round two recipients will be announced soon, with applications open until 30 April 2025.
To find out more, visit the links below:

• Reforming Temporary Accommodation Grant HIF
• Service Reform and Innovation Grant HIF

The Homelessness Innovation Fund is a key part of the NSW Government’s $6.6 billion Building Homes for NSW program, which will deliver:

• 8,400 new public housing homes
• 21,000 affordable and market homes
• Upgrades to 30,000 social housing properties

This investment reflects the NSW Government’s commitment to tackling homelessness, increasing housing supply and delivering better outcomes for regional communities.

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:

“Homelessness and housing are impacting people right across the state, but this is being felt particularly hard here in the Northern Rivers region.

“We know we need smarter solutions to deliver housing, faster – and last year, we created the Homelessness Innovation Fund to do just that.

“The Fund is about giving trusted community housing and homelessness organisations such as Social Futures a solid foundation to trial new approaches as we work together to tackle the housing crisis.

“We want to move away from relying on expensive hotels and motels for temporary accommodation. These are not appropriate places for the elderly, people with disabilities or families – particularly women and children fleeing domestic violence.

“This project will give vulnerable people in the region access to the care and resources they need – not just a roof over their heads.”

Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery and State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said:

“I have been deeply engaged with Tweed Shire Council, community housing providers like Social Futures and others to address the long-standing issue of homelessness in the Tweed, made worse by the 2022 floods which impacted parts of Murwillumbah and surrounds particularly hard.

“This repurposing model, whereby a vacant facility can be easily converted into managed temporary accommodation, will work well here in Tweed Heads, where the need is great.

“I congratulate Homes NSW and Social Futures on partnering in the Soorley Street project, which importantly, has wraparound support services for people who will live in the units.”

Federal Member for Richmond Justine Elliot MP said:

“Our community on the North Coast has one of the highest rates of homelessness across NSW and that’s why this project is vitally important for our region.

“The Federal and State Labor Governments are working together to address the issues of housing affordability, rental stress, and homelessness.

“The NSW Labor Government funding of $525,800 towards these 70 new supported temporary accommodation units in Tweed Heads will provide urgent relief for some of the most vulnerable members of our community.

“Social Futures is a trusted community housing and homelessness organisation that works across the region providing important support and services.”

Social Futures CEO Tony Davies said:

“Transforming this vacant property into supported temporary accommodation for people experiencing homelessness provides immediate relief for some of the most vulnerable members of our community.

“By working collaboratively with government, council, and community partners, we’re not only increasing the availability of temporary accommodation – we’re creating a pathway to lasting, positive change.”

“With onsite access to wrap-around support services, security and 24/7 onsite management we can deliver safe, supportive temporary accommodation that empowers people to regain stability and independence as they work toward securing long-term housing.

Beauty students at TAFE NSW Ultimo now have access to the latest industry-aligned training equipment and fit-for-purpose teaching spaces, thanks to a $1.82 million upgrade to the beauty training facilities funded by the NSW Government.

Including dedicated nail and beauty therapy rooms, the modernised facilities will ensure students develop the practical skills and knowledge to start or continue a career in the booming beauty industry.

The teaching space is also equipped with the latest industry-standard tools and resources, including spa chairs, beauty beds, professional lighting, and advanced equipment for specialised skin treatments.

As the beauty services industry continues to grow, enrolments in TAFE NSW beauty courses have increased by 26 per cent over the past five years. The updated training facility will be used to train the future beauty therapists and nail technicians to meet demand.

The investment is part of the NSW Government’s ongoing commitment to strengthening vocational education and ensuring students have access to modern, industry-standard training environments.

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan visited TAFE NSW Ultimo to observe students and teachers performing creative Mardi Gras makeovers in the lead-up to the famous Sydney Mardi Gras Parade happening this weekend.

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

“The NSW Government’s investment to upgrade the beauty training facility at TAFE NSW Ultimo demonstrates our commitment to providing high-quality, hands-on training to meet industry and consumer demand.

“It’s important the learning spaces and equipment students are using to develop and practice their skills are industry-standard so when they graduate, they’re familiar with the tools and equipment they’ll be using in the workplace.

“The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is a major annual event attracting thousands of locals and visitors to Sydney, and thousands more tuning in to watch the famous parade on TV. It was amazing to see the creativity and skill that goes into some truly glamorous Mardi Gras makeovers.”

TAFE NSW Specialist Makeup Services Teacher, Emma Court said:

“It’s exciting to see students learn in our upgraded beauty facilities here at TAFE NSW Ultimo. These spaces offer hands-on training in a modern environment and provide our students with the skills they need to work in the beauty industry.

“The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival is an incredibly busy time for makeup artists and beauty therapists across the city. Everyone wants to look their best and demand skyrockets for beauty services including makeup, spray tanning, waxing and acrylic nails.

“In the classroom, we channel the students’ passion for artistry into a fun, practical, and skill-diverse course, setting our students on the best pathway to succeed in the industry. It’s wonderful to see the students nurture their talent and gain more creative confidence – it’s my favourite part of teaching.”

Abandoned train tunnels 20 metres below the Sydney CBD have been turned into a historic tourist hotspot after a million-dollar makeover by the Minns Labor Government.

Built in the 1920s, visitors will be able to explore hidden parts of the St James Tunnels following restoration and revitalisation works to create a unique underground experience.

St James Tunnels will combine a historical walking tour with an immersive multimedia and soundscape attraction, offering visitors a snapshot of our city’s transport and wartime past.

Once utilised as a World War II air raid shelter, tour groups will be able to walk through the disused southern tunnel, extending under Hyde Park, from busy St James station.

The tunnels were part of visionary engineer John Bradfield’s intended east-west rail corridor, but this was abandoned in the face of the Great Depression and disagreements over rail routes.

Two of the constructed tunnels at St James station have been in continuous use as part of the City Circle since opening in 1926, but the other two were never put into active service.

Experience-led tourism is a key priority of the NSW Government, with plans to help transform the state’s visitor economy into a $91 billion powerhouse by 2035.

The St James Tunnels tour is expected to be a visitor drawcard, similar to award-winning attractions in London which explore disused tube stations and secret wartime shelters.

The tour is anticipated to run several times a day and will be suitable for visitors aged 13 and above. Once an operator is appointed, tours are expected to commence later this year.

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“These historic tunnels are more than just infrastructure; they are an expression of Sydney’s development as a modern, international city. These tunnels belong to the people of NSW, so it’s fantastic news that they’ll become another of our city’s great public spaces.

“Tours like Bridgeclimb on the Harbour Bridge are now a must-do experience for Sydney locals and visitors alike. In time, we want to see tours of the St James tunnels become just as popular.

“I want to congratulate the teams who worked so hard underground in a difficult environment to preserve the heritage of the site and reimagine it into an exciting and educational experience.

TAM Chief Executive Lyndal Punch said:

“Transport Asset Manager of NSW (TAM) is proud to be leading this innovative project, unlocking a disused, historic rail asset while using multimedia technology to tell the story of Sydney’s city railway development.

“This new visitor attraction will ensure the stories of the past continue to inspire future generations.”

Sydney Trains Chief Executive Matt Longland said:

“We are very excited be part of this unique transport project which is turning a once disused and unseen heritage site into a fascinating, interactive and educational visitor experience.

“The St James Tunnels are a window into our transport past, a snapshot of World War II history, and the efforts of the workers who built Sydney’s transport infrastructure.”

Used-car buyers are being urged to check a vehicle’s history before purchase after NSW Fair Trading issued 28 fines in a month and a man was sentenced to a nine-month intensive corrections order for unlicensed motor dealing and odometer tampering.

During the crackdown, NSW Fair Trading issued 54 penalty notices in relation to car sales and repairs valued at more than $100,000. While more than half were for odometer interference, other offences included the non-supply of goods and services, and unlicensed vehicles and sales.

Additionally, Andrew Rodney Leech pled guilty to operating without a motor dealer’s licence and odometer tampering. Between 2020 and 2022 Leech sold 16 vehicles while unlicensed, online with one car having an odometer that had been wound back by more than 200,000 kilometres. 

Buyers of used vehicles are being urged to research the car’s history to ensure it has no outstanding finance, has not been written off in a crash, and has accurate odometer readings. 

The NSW Government offers a free vehicle registration check where prospective buyers have access to a NSW-registered vehicle’s previous three annual odometer readings, as well as basic details like vehicle make, registration and insurance history.

Across the motor vehicle industry in 2024, NSW Fair Trading took disciplinary action against 21 licensed motor vehicle dealers and repairers, resulting in 10 licence cancellations, 13 disqualifications including three permanent, and one suspension.

For more information on consumer protections relating to purchasing a used vehicle visit the NSW Fair Trading website.

To check registration, including odometer reading visit the website of Service NSW or the Service NSW App.

Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong:

“Odometer tampering is used by unscrupulous sellers to increase the value of a vehicle leaving the buyer with a vehicle which is not in the condition advertised, and likely to require repairs at cost and inconvenience to the buyer.

“Sellers of used cars who reduce the number of kilometres displayed on the vehicle can be fined $1,100 per offence, and if taken to court can receive a penalty of up to $55,000 per offence.

“Any buyer of a used car from any source, whether that be online like Facebook Marketplace or through a licenced car dealer, should do their homework including visiting the Service NSW website to run a free history check on the car they wish to purchase.”

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris has announced the appointment of Shannon Durrant to the Harness Racing NSW (HRNSW) Board.

Ms Durrant brings extensive expertise in compliance, audit and risk management, with senior leadership experience in the financial services sector. She is currently the Group Chief Risk Officer at Grimsey Wealth and has previously held key roles at Colonial First State and AMP.

Alongside her corporate background, Ms Durrant is deeply engaged in equine sports. She serves as a Director and Company Secretary of Riding for the Disabled Association Australia and is a former Director of Pony Club Australia.

Ms Durrant has been appointed for a four-year term, until February 2029, following a merit-based selection process.

Her appointment replaces Peter Nugent, who is voluntarily departing the board after serving two four-year tenures.

HRNSW is the independent body responsible for the governance, regulation and development of harness racing in NSW. Ms Durrant’s appointment reflects the NSW Government’s commitment to strong leadership and strategic oversight in the industry.

For more information about HRNSW and the full list of Board members, visit the HRNSW website: https://www.hrnsw.com.au/hrnsw/about-us/board

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said:

“Harness racing plays an important role in communities across NSW, supporting jobs, entertainment and our regional economy. This is particularly highlighted with the Carnival of Cups series currently showcasing the sport across our state.

“Shannon Durrant is highly respected in her field, and her expertise in risk management and compliance, combined with her passion for equine sports, makes her an outstanding addition to the Harness Racing NSW Board.

“Her leadership will help strengthen governance, assist growth and ensure the ongoing integrity of the industry.

“I would like to acknowledge the contributions of outgoing Board member Peter Nugent over the past eight years and thank him for his dedicated service to the industry.”

Some of the busiest hospitals in Australia have significantly reduced the time people are waiting for treatment to commence in emergency departments.

Liverpool ED – which receives more than  90,000 presentations each year – has halved average time to treatment for triage 2 emergency patients, from 18 minutes to 9 minutes over the past year.

Westmead ED – which receives close to 80,000 presentations each year – has reduced average time to treatment for triage 2 emergency patients by over a third, from 15 minutes to 9 minutes.

Nepean ED – which receives close to 90,000 presentations each year – has seen the percentage of patients transferred from paramedics to ED staff on time increase from 65.1 per cent to 82.2 per cent. This figure also indicates significant a improvement to ambulance access at the hospital.

Triage 2 emergency cases are categorised as people with an imminently life-threatening condition.

People in this category could be suffering from chest pain, difficulty breathing, stroke, or severe fractures.

Meanwhile, Gosford ED – which receives almost 80,000 presentations each year – has seen a reduction in wait times for non-urgent conditions from 86 minutes to 72 minutes.

It follows the Minns Labor Government’s investment of half a billion dollars to relieve pressure on NSW EDs – designed to create more pathways to care outside the hospital, as well as improve patient flow inside the hospital – which includes:

• $171.4 million to introduce three additional virtual care services helping 180,000 avoid a trip to the ED;
• $100 million to back in our urgent care services to become a mainstay and key instrument of the health system in providing a pathway to care outside of our hospitals for an estimated 114,000 patients;
• $70 million to expand ED short stay units to improve patient flow to reduce ED wait times by nearly 80,000 hours;
• $15.1 million for an Ambulance Matrix that provides real time hospital data to enable paramedics to transport patients to emergency departments with greater capacity and reducing wait times;
• $31.4 million to increase Hospital in the Home across the state allowing over 3,500 additional patients each year to be cared for in their home rather than a hospital bed; and
• $53.9 million to improve patient flow and support discharge planning by identified  patients early on that are suitable to be discharged home with the appropriate supports in place.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“I don’t want us to get ahead of ourselves because these figures while encouraging, will fluctuate.

“Our EDs continue to grapple with record pressure and demand, and we mustn’t forget that.

“These reduced wait times are a testament to the hard working health staff in some of the busiest hospitals in one of the busiest health systems in the world.

“I want to remind people who struggle to find a GP, you can ring HealthDirect on 1800 022 222 where you will speak with a registered nurse who can direct you to an urgent care service or clinic.

“It’s free and it could save you waiting unnecessarily in an ED.”

The Minister for Planning and Public Spaces has declared a further 18 housing proposals State Significant Developments (SSDs) following the second round of recommendations from the Housing Delivery Authority.

The new housing proposals, if approved, could deliver more than 8600 much-needed new homes.

At its first two meetings, the authority has declared 29 proposals with more than 15,000 potential homes as state significant.

The Housing Delivery Authority (HDA) has been established by the Minns Labor Government with a strong mandate to speed up assessment timeframes.

This is part of the Minns Labor 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 HDA is now accepting expressions of interest for major residential developments above $60 million in metropolitan areas and $30 million in regional NSW.

To date, the authority has received over 200 expressions of interest since it first invited proposals in January 2025. At its latest meeting, a further 39 proposals were examined.

The authority is prioritising high-quality housing projects with detailed plans that can be submitted within nine months and can begin construction within 12 months of approval.

All proposals declared as an SSD will have their development applications assessed by the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure.

Without needing to be approved by councils, this can cut approval times and speed up the delivery of new homes.

These complex proposals often require greater resources and planning capabilities and as a result, the projects can get stuck in council planning systems for years.

The HDA offers proponents a new State Significant Development pathway, with the option of concurrent rezoning and assessment.

The SSD applications will be publicly exhibited before they are determined, and the planning department will seek input from councils.

The HDA 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.
• 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.

Once a project has been declared SSD, the proponent will be issued Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEAR). Proponents then have nine months to prepare their Environmental Impact Statement or the SEARs will be revoked.

Clear advice and guidance will be provided to all applicants by the department on the next steps to take with their development proposal. This advice includes an alternative planning pathway for major housing projects that may require a concurrent rezoning but do not satisfy the criteria of the HDA pathway.

Recommendations from the HDA are published as required under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 before the SSD declaration. For more information visit the Housing Delivery Authority webpage.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“We are fast-tracking quality housing proposals to help deliver homes our state desperately needs.

“These major projects could deliver thousands of homes for young people, families and workers.

“The Housing Delivery Authority is a major change that is already making it easier and faster to get started.

“Without our changes to increase housing supply, Sydney risks becoming a city without a future because it’s simply too expensive to put a roof over your head.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“The Minns Labor Government established the HDA to reduce the time it takes for proposals to progress through a planning pathway, and it is pleasing to see the that the first two HDA meetings have delivered quality proposals that will now develop detailed proposals.

“So far, 29 proposals amounting to more than 15,000 potential homes have been declared state significant.

“The quality of proposals recommended to me by the HDA shows that developers are hearing the message, we’re looking for major housing developments that can get out of the ground quickly.”

The NSW Opposition has today called on the Minns Labor Government to commit to providing free vaccines to all NSW residents this flu season, amid warnings of a potentially severe outbreak.
 
Opposition Leader Mark Speakman said 2024 had been one of the worst flu seasons on record for NSW with over 160,000 reported cases, and data out of Europe and the US showing 2025 could be even worse.
 
“We cannot afford to sit back and wait while flu cases skyrocket,” Mr Speakman said.
 
“The Minns Labor Government needs to step up and ensure every NSW resident can access a free flu vaccine—this is a simple, effective step to protect lives and ease pressure on our health system.”
 
Shadow Minister for Health Kellie Sloane said the former Coalition Government successfully provided free flu vaccines in 2022, a program that was not continued by the Minns Government.
 
“With a monster flu season approaching, we need a vaccination blitz across NSW to save lives and ease the pressure on our already stretched emergency departments,” Ms Sloane said. 
 
“Flu isn’t just a bad cold—it can be deadly. Free vaccines mean fewer hospital visits, fewer sick days, and more lives saved. We need to make it as easy as possible for every NSW resident to get protected this flu season.”
 
Shadow Minister for Regional Health Gurmesh Singh says that declining vaccine rates in NSW in 2023 and 2024 showed that the Government needed to do more to help people access the flu vaccine.
 
“Flu Vaccination rates in NSW are lagging other states and declined 4.9% last year. In a cost-of-living crisis, the Government should be supporting families with access to free flu vaccines,” he said.
 
Health experts also support the Opposition’s calls for free vaccines.
 
Dr Rebekah Hoffman, specialist GP and Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) NSW&ACT Chair, urged NSW families to fight vaccine fatigue and book an appointment with their GP.
 
“We too often forget just how devastating the flu can be,” Dr Hoffman said.
 
“Australia has been grappling with falling vaccination rates, and we’re seeing a resurgence of influenza and other preventable diseases as a result. We can’t be complacent. Viruses don’t suffer from ‘vaccine fatigue’ – they thrive in it. 
 
Founding director of the Immunisation Foundation of Australia, Catherine Hughes AM says the NSW Government must act now to provide free flu vaccines.
 
“Cost should not be a barrier to protecting yourself and your family from influenza, a serious illness that can have devastating consequences, particularly for the vulnerable. A free flu vaccine program ensures equitable access for all members of our community, especially those most at risk, including the elderly, young children, and people with chronic health conditions”, said Ms Hughes
 
“We’ve seen the positive impact of free flu vaccine initiatives in other states, and it’s time for NSW to prioritize the health of its residents by making this essential preventative measure accessible to everyone.
 
 
BACKGROUND:
 

• In 2022, the Coalition Government ran a free vaccine program for all NSW residents in June and July. This was not continued in 2023 or 2024 by the Minns Labor Government.
• Health officials estimated the cost of providing these free vaccines in 2022 was between $20-$25 million.
• 3,417,365 people were vaccinated for Flu in 2022 in NSW. 2,649,895 people were vaccinated for Flu in NSW In 2024.
• In the July-September Bureau of Health Information data (which aligns with the peak of the flu Season) NSW saw 787,590 ED attendances a 2.1% increase and only 61.3% of patients starting their treatment on time – the lowest on record.
• According to the NSW Productivity Commission, making flu vaccines free for all could have major health and economic benefits for our community – saving around 500 lives and $530 million annually in NSW if just 55% of under 65s had the flu vaccine.
• The Australian Respiratory Surveillance Report found that those vaccinated were 62% less likely to attend a GP practice and 56% less likely to be hospitalised.
• Queensland is offering free flu vaccines for all residents from 1 March 2025 to 30 September.
• Western Australia offered free flu vaccines for all residents in May and June 2024.
• The United States is currently experiencing its worst flu season in 15 years.