Category: NSW News

The Minns Labor Government has delivered three new social homes in Shellharbour using Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), with another one on the way by April 2026.

The Shellharbour homes demonstrate how modular construction can dramatically reduce delivery times, with each home taking an average of 14-16 weeks from development approval to completion.

Modular construction allows houses to be built off-site while site works happen in parallel. This reduces weather delays and onsite inefficiencies, delivering homes up to 20% faster than traditional construction, without compromising on quality.

Three new homes are now ready for Shellharbour residents to move in, with a fourth on track for installation in April. Homes NSW worked with Australian manufacturer Moov Modular to deliver these safe, high-quality homes for those in need.

The Minns Labor Government is leading the way using MMC to take housing delivery to the next level, all backed by a record-breaking $6.6 billion investment in social housing.

Eight modular social homes were completed in 2025, including three in Wollongong and five in Lake Macquarie.

A total of 90 homes will be delivered using MMC across Greater Sydney and regional NSW by the end of this year, providing new homes for up to 200 people.

Minister for Housing Rose Jackson said:

“These Shellharbour homes show what’s possible when government builds smarter. Using modular construction, we’re delivering high-quality social homes in a matter of weeks, not years, getting people into safe, secure housing sooner. 

“Modern Methods of Construction doesn’t mean cutting corners, these homes are built to the same standards as traditional housing, with precision manufacturing, durability and comfort front of mind.

“These homes are part of a growing pipeline of modular housing across NSW, backed by record investment and a clear focus on delivery.” 

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

“Modern methods of construction are allowing us to take housing delivery to the next level and I’m thrilled to see the results of that investment here in Shellharbour.

“By moving the building process into a controlled factory environment, we’re getting more families into homes sooner. That’s the kind of innovation we need to tackle the housing crisis in the Illawarra.”

Member for Shellharbour Anna Watson said:

“I’m incredibly proud to see Shellharbour at the forefront of this housing revolution. These are high-quality, modern houses that will fit seamlessly into our community.

“For the residents moving in, it means a fresh start in a safe, secure home months earlier than traditional building methods would have allowed.”

The NSW Government’s Agriculture Economics research team is reporting that the state’s primary industries’ Gross Value of Production (GVP) has continued its strong recovery since the 2017–19 drought, reaching record levels in cropping and livestock.

Analysis of the latest data, from 2024–25 activities, confirms the sector has continued to bound upwards, with robust results across cropping, livestock and key sectors driving growth and jobs.

The Minns Government is continuing to help build-up and protect the state’s primary industries with $100 million invested in agricultural research and $1 billion in biosecurity systems and programs.

Over the last five years primary industries’ GVP rose from drought‑impacted levels to a new record level of $25.5 billion, an increase of $13.6 billion or 114%.

The data shows particularly strong results in cropping and livestock:

• Cropping GVP surged 33% to $11.6 billion, supported by above‑average yields and record pulse production across much of the state.
• Livestock GVP leaped 28% to $7.2 billion, driven by record meat production volumes and strong price conditions, including exceptionally high lamb prices.
• Farm cash incomes are estimated to have hit record highs with the average broadacre far cash income estimated to have reached a record high of $419k, up 24% from the previous record high in 2021-22.
• The forecasts for 2025-26 have farm cash incomes staying relatively high (above 5 and 10-year averages)
• Average NSW broadacre farm has seen its equity ratio increase from 84.5% in 2014 to 91.9% in the latest data.

These results reflect favourable seasonal conditions in the central, coastal and northern districts of NSW and sustained global demand for quality NSW agricultural products reaching $13 billion.

Farm balance sheets across NSW also remain in strong shape, positioning producers to confidently buffer future financial risks, including drought conditions.

Average broadacre farm capital reached $13.7 million in NSW underscoring the financial strength of regional agricultural enterprises.

Backed by record production levels, strong financial health and continued investment in drought preparedness, NSW farm businesses are well placed to respond to seasonal and market conditions.

For the full report, visit the NSW DPIRD Performance Data and Insights.  

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:

“These numbers show that NSW producers have not only recovered from the 2017–19 drought, they have persevered through the volatility of the environmental conditions and foreign trading surprises, and emerged stronger than ever.

“Record production levels, improved seasonal conditions and strategic business management and investment have all contributed to these outstanding results.

“Our Government has invested heavily in supporting, protecting and developing our primary industries so that there is a helping hand and shared knowledge on innovation and biosecurity so that farm businesses can use these recent strong seasons to build financial resilience.

“The Minns Government has delivered more than $100 million in new research, development and extension capabilities so we can work together with our farmers to modernise the sector and increase productivity.

“Having a strong Government agricultural research team analysing data enables our Government to monitor seasonal conditions and understand any impact on farm businesses and communities.

Thirty additional full-time equivalent tobacco inspectors will be recruited to boost the NSW Health’s newly established Centre for Regulation & Enforcement with additional funding from the Commonwealth Government.

The new Inspectors brings the dedicated state-wide team to a total of 78 staff.

Over half of the additional 30 have commenced or are about to commence, and the other half are in the process of being recruited.

The NSW and Commonwealth governments have previously discussed the impact of the high level of the federal tobacco excise which is driving many consumers towards cheaper illegal tobacco products.

Under the NSW Government’s tough new laws which have introduced closure order powers, NSW Health Inspectors, working together with NSW Police, are continuing to close down stores selling illicit tobacco and vaping goods.

The closure of five tobacconists in Sydney’s Inner West last week by NSW Health Inspectors and NSW Police brings the total to 66 stores closed since the laws came into effect in November 2025.

Between 1 January 2026 to 31 January 2026, NSW Health Inspectors have conducted 131 inspections, seizing around 560,000 cigarettes and 98kg of other illicit tobacco products and over 6000 illegal vaping goods with a combined estimated street value of around $830,000.

In January, NSW Health has also finalised 4 successful prosecutions with the courts imposing a total of $41,300 in fines related to e-cigarette and tobacco offences. There are currently 20 prosecutions before the Courts. 

The NSW Government is continuing to strengthen compliance and enforcement of tobacco and vaping goods laws across NSW, with the Public Health (Tobacco) Amendment (Landlord Offences) Bill 2025 currently before Parliament and expected to be debated in the coming weeks.

The legislation will build on recent reforms which target the illicit tobacco and illegal vaping market, including:

• a new offence for the possession of a commercial quantity of illicit tobacco with a maximum penalty of over $1.5 million and 7 years’ imprisonment, or both
• new penalties for the sale of illicit tobacco with a maximum penalty of over $1.5 million and 7 years’ imprisonment, or both
• the introduction of short-term (up to 90 days) and long-term (up to 12 months) closure orders for premises selling illicit tobacco, illegal vaping goods, or selling tobacco or non-tobacco smoking products without a licence
• new offences and penalties for anyone who breaches these closure orders, including for entering closed premises or selling products from closed premises
• new lease termination powers for landlords where a closure order is in place
• new nation-leading offences for falsely claiming to be licensed, resisting seizure, and attempting to retake seized products.

The NSW Government is also aware the sale of illicit tobacco and vaping products continues to evolve, with some retailers attempting to obscure and avoid the enforcement activities of NSW Health Inspectors, by using QR codes and social media communications to facilitate the ongoing sale of illicit tobacco to customers, after a closure order has been issued.  

NSW Police and NSW Health are working together to identify these methods and pivot their enforcement strategies to shut down this activity. 

Minister for Health Ryan Park: 

“I am very grateful for the additional support from the Commonwealth Government to assist in our tobacco enforcement efforts.

“It is an acknowledgement that the federal tobacco excise is out of step with the community and it is driving consumers towards cheaper illegal tobacco products.

“The assistance from the Commonwealth will help us get ahead of the prevalence of illegal tobacco over the next two years.

“But so long as the federal excise is where it is, we can continue to see illegal tobacco permeate throughout our high streets – and so I will continue to work constructively with our Commonwealth colleagues in establishing a more sustainable, long term and permanent funding stream for tobacco enforcement personnel.

“Our approach to illegal tobacco is more boots on the ground; tougher penalties; and more powers to close down bad actors.”

The Minns Labor Government today announced two of the state’s key animal welfare organisations, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) NSW and Animal Welfare League (AWL) NSW, will receive $12.8 million towards their enforcement and compliance activities to better protect cats, dogs, livestock and other animals across the state.

Over the past two financial years, the NSW Government has provided $25.3 million to these organisations to help them carry out animal welfare enforcement activities.

An additional $300,000 has been provided this financial year as part of the Minns Government’s continuing improvements to animal welfare standards across NSW.

The funds will support animal welfare inspectors who play a crucial role in enforcing the state’s animal welfare laws allowing them to investigate animal cruelty complaints, protect vulnerable animals from harm or distress and provide care and shelter for seized animals.

The NSW Government has introduced several measures to improve animal welfare including banning puppy farms, enhanced financial and performance reporting for the RSPCA NSW and AWL NSW, and reformed legislation to prevent people convicted of animal cruelty offences from keeping and breeding animals.  

The Government also recently announced proposed new offences for leaving dogs in hot vehicles, tougher animal fighting laws and banning the use of painful dog prong collars.

The changes made by the Minns Government to animal welfare laws represent the most comprehensive reform to the state’s animal welfare laws in years, recognising the need for modern legislation to align with community expectations.

The RSPCA and AWL funding applications were assessed in accordance with the requirements of the NSW Grants Administration Guide and recommended by an expert panel.

These grants support these organisations which carry out Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 enforcement and compliance activities for the current 2025-2026 financial year.

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:

“We recognise the importance of the compliance work the Animal Welfare League NSW and RSPCA NSW deliver and value the long-standing relationships we have with them to achieve better outcomes for animals.

“The welfare of animals is a key priority for the NSW Government, and this substantial funding directly supports the vital work of our animal welfare partners on the ground.

“We continue to work with stakeholders, advocates and the community to improve animal welfare and to build a better and stronger framework of animal protection. “

Animal Welfare League NSW chief executive officer Stephen Albin said:

“We welcome the funding announcement for our Inspectorate Services that are playing a critical role in protecting animals and enforcing the laws to prevent cruelty.

“The funding will support our expansion of services in both the Sydney metropolitan area and regional centres.

“Our inspectors have received an increase in the number of cruelty complaints, and this funding will also assist us meet that demand.

“Every animal deserves to find a loving home; this funding and other government initiatives are assisting our team on the ground deliver on this mission.”

The Minns Labor Government is backing safer choices on NSW roads, introducing a Bill to Parliament today to make the demerit point reward program permanent – part of a record $2.8 billion road safety investment.

Once passed, the reform will make the Demerit Point Reward Program a permanent feature of the state’s demerit point system, allowing eligible unrestricted licence holders to have one demerit point removed after remaining offence-free for a continuous 12-month period.

The reform builds on a successful trial delivered as an election commitment and reflects the Government’s clear view that lasting road safety comes from changing behaviour – not just punishing people after something has gone wrong.

Since the trial began in 2023, more than two million NSW demerits points have been removed, proving motorists can drive safely over time, with thousands more eligible drivers from the final year of the trial to have points returned later this year.

Legislating to make the program permanent is another example of the Minns Government backing commonsense on NSW roads and recognising the millions of motorists who choose safer, more responsible driving every day.

The reform is not a replacement for enforcement.

Penalties, fines, licence suspensions and police action remain firmly in place for dangerous and repeat offenders. This reform works alongside those measures by giving drivers a clear incentive to slow down, follow the rules and stick to safer habits.

Only unrestricted licence holders are eligible. Learner and provisional drivers remain excluded under the Graduated Licensing Scheme, reflecting their higher risk profile and lower demerit thresholds.

Drivers must also maintain an active licence and remain free of relevant offences for the full 12-month reduction period for a demerit point to be removed.

Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison said:

“For too long, road safety has relied almost entirely on penalties and enforcement, and while those tools remain absolutely essential, on their own they don’t always change behaviour for the long term.

“We believe the best approach is a clear carrot and stick – strong penalties for dangerous behaviour, combined with a real incentive for drivers who do the right thing and stay offence-free.

“This reform reflects a fair, practical approach to road safety that works with drivers while still holding people accountable.

“Let’s not forget, road safety isn’t about choosing between enforcement or education – we need both.

“We’re investing a record $2.8 billion over four years in road safety – safer roads, better infrastructure, stronger enforcement and education – and we will rule nothing out when it comes to saving lives.

“Most drivers want to do the right thing. This program gives people who’ve made mistakes in the past a real reason to change their behaviour and keep doing better.

“If you break the rules, the penalties apply – fines, points and suspensions are still there.

“But if you slow down, follow the rules and drive safely over time, that effort is recognised, and we think that balance gives us the best chance of changing behaviour and saving lives.”

Deniliquin High School students returned for Day 1, Term 1 2026 to a fully-equipped temporary campus, as the NSW Government works to swiftly address damage after a fire destroyed classrooms and the school library in late 2025.

Construction took place over the school holidays to ensure all students started the school year in the temporary facilities. The temporary campus includes 24 demountable classrooms, with fully equipped Technology and Applied Science workshops, science labs, a library and staff rooms. The buildings not affected by fire have been inspected and cleared for use.

Located on the school’s grounds, the temporary campus has been designed to maintain playground space and preserve existing basketball courts for student use. Minor onsite works including deck installations, ramps, covered walkways, and connection of services will continue throughout Term 1 2026.

The Department of Education will continue to keep the school and broader Deniliquin community up to date as planning for the permanent rebuild progresses.

Separately, construction is also underway on a brand-new public preschool at nearby Deniliquin South Public School. The public preschool will accommodate up to 80 children per week and will open early 2027. The preschool will offer playrooms, an outside play space, an administration area, amenities, staff kitchen, and storage spaces.

As the biggest expansion of public preschools in the state’s history, the Minns Labor Government’s rollout of 100 new public preschools will provide access to high quality early learning for up to 9,000 children across NSW by 2027.

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

“The temporary facilities at Deniliquin High School will ensure continuity of quality education as the dedicated rebuild gets underway.

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to supporting regional communities, and we will deliver a fit-for-purpose high school rebuild for local students.

“For far too long, families in Regional NSW had limited access to quality early childhood education. The new Deniliquin South Public Preschool will provide local families greater access to quality early learning close to home.”

Member for Murray Helen Dalton said:

“The fire at Deniliquin High School was a shock to our community, and parents and students were concerned that the incident would prove incredibly disruptive.

“But the fast action by the Minns Government to build temporary facilities means this disruption has been largely avoided.

“This is a great outcome, and the Minns Government should be commended for stepping up so quickly to support the people of Deniliquin, following the High School fire.”

Deniliquin High School Principal Glen Warren said:

“The past few months have been challenging for our whole school community, but the dedication and support we have received from the department, and the wider community is heartening.

“We are excited to welcome students back to a safe and well-equipped temporary campus.”

NSW public hospitals and health services will welcome more than 3,200 new graduate nurses and midwives this year, providing a boost to frontline healthcare across the state.

The new nurses and midwives will gain experience in a variety of clinical settings, including emergency departments, acute services, maternity, mental health, and a range of other specialities.

The graduates will work across NSW in multidisciplinary teams alongside experienced staff who will support them to gain the skills and knowledge required to care for NSW’s diverse communities.

The Minns Labor Government has introduced a broad suite of reforms to further strengthen and rebuild the state’s health workforce following 12 years of neglect by the Liberals and Nationals, including:

• Abolishing the wages cap and delivering the largest wage increase to healthcare workers in a decade;
• Implementing safe staffing levels in our emergency departments;
• Saving 1,112 nurses which the Liberal Government planned to sack; and
• Supporting our future health workforce by providing them with study subsidies

For more information on careers in nursing and midwifery in NSW, visit the NSW Health website.

Minister for Health Ryan Park

“I want to thank each and every one of these graduate nurses and midwives for choosing to work here in Australia’s largest health system, where they will have the opportunity to work with and learn from some of the very best.

“These new nurses and midwives will provide a welcome boost to the NSW Health workforce, delivering essential support to patients, their families and carers.

“The Minns Government is recruiting more nurses, doctors, paramedics, and allied health professionals, rebuilding the health workforce to deliver better patient outcomes.”

Jacqui Cross, Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer

“It is wonderful to be able to welcome so many new nurses and midwives starting their careers caring for the people of NSW.

“Careers in nursing and midwifery are very rewarding, supporting people and their families at some of their most critical moments in life.

“Graduates will work across multidisciplinary teams alongside our experienced staff, who will support them to gain skills and knowledge in one of the world’s best health systems.”

The Minns Labor Government is providing more than $112,000 in funding to support 70 veterans-related programs as part of the Veteran Community Grants Program (VCGP).

Funding will be provided to individuals, community groups, schools and ex-service organisations across the state, from Broken Hill in the far west, Bilambil Heights in the far north and the bordertown of Albury in the south.

Formerly known as the Anzac Community Grants Program, the 2025 round of the VCGP was the first delivered under a refreshed program design with more emphasis on funding projects that enhance veteran wellbeing, support recognition of the veteran community and events that acknowledge significant military anniversaries. 

Successful applicants have been awarded up to $3,000 for projects that benefit both veterans and the wider community, including 24 educational institutions, 22 RSL sub-Branches and 9 other veteran organisations.

Grant recipients include the 2/30th Battalion A.I.F. Association who received $3,000 to assist with the commemoration of the 85th Anniversary of the Battle of Gemas.

The North Sydney RSL sub-Branch also received $2,400 in funding to support a series of safeTALK suicide awareness training courses to raise awareness about suicide and equip people will skills on how to take action when they encounter someone at risk.

The full list of VCGP recipients and more information about the program can be viewed here: https://www.veterans.nsw.gov.au/vcgp2025 

Minister for Veterans David Harris said:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to honouring and supporting veterans and their families.

“The newly refurbished Veteran Community Grants Program provides funding for a wide range of exceptional projects and initiatives that allow communities across the state to acknowledge Australia’s military service history along with educating future generations and enhancing the wellbeing of the veteran community.

“Applications were received for projects across 98 NSW suburbs, within 61 Local Government Areas and 66 State electorates and this funding awarded will make a real difference for many of these communities.”

Kerry Gilbert, President, 2/30^th Battalion A.I.F. Association said:

“Thank you to the NSW Government for this funding which will contribute to the 85th Anniversary of the Battle of Gemas commemoration in 2027.

“This funding will help us bring together the descendants, families and friends of the men who served in the 2/30th Battalion and honour their service and sacrifice on this significant military anniversary.”

Bronte Pollard, Volunteer Advocate, North Sydney RSL sub-Branch said:

“On behalf of the North Sydney RSL sub-Branch, thank you to the NSW Government for this funding which will allow us to hold several safeTALK suicide awareness training sessions for veterans and their families.

“With these courses, we hope to not only educate and provide basic tools to help a person experiencing thoughts of suicide but to also breakdown the stigma attached to having such thoughts.”

Commuters in Bankstown, Lakemba, Canterbury, Marrickville and surrounding suburbs are closer to enjoying the world class Southwest metro service with testing successfully simulating a fully loaded train.

To replicate the weight of 1,540 passengers, Sydney Metro has been testing a train loaded with 106 containers filled with 115,500 litres of water. Since the simulation commenced the train has successfully completed more than 500 kilometres of critical performance and safety testing on the new Southwest Metro line.

This trial tests the safe and reliable performance of the train under real-world operating conditions. The test train simulates the approximate 115,500-kilogram weight of a fully loaded passenger service to validate braking, acceleration and stopping distances, check interfaces between the train, track and platforms functions safely and ensure the power and signalling systems operate correctly under peak demand.

Since higher-speed testing began on 10 November 2025, more than 1,200 of the required 9,000 hours have been completed at speeds of up to 100 km/h, along with around 13,000 kilometres of the required 30,000 kilometres of testing.

A second train has also joined the testing on the Southwest Metro line. From March onwards up to six trains will be part of the testing fleet which will conduct multi train testing and system integration acceptance tests. Testing will be completed later this year before the trial running phase commences.    

Once complete, passengers will benefit from faster, more reliable and more frequent services, including:

• Marrickville to Gadigal: 12 minutes – saving 12 minutes
• Bankstown to Central: 28 minutes – saving six minutes
• Campsie to Macquarie University: 44 minutes – saving 17 minutes
• Lakemba to Victoria Cross: 37 minutes – saving 24 minutes

Work to upgrade 10 stations across Sydney’s southwest is also reaching its final stage, with 80% of overall construction of the Southwest Metro Conversion and Station Works now finished.

At stations, teams are focused on the installation of signage and the tiling of platforms. Testing and commissioning of the platform screen doors and mechanical gap fillers is ongoing and landscaping and streetscape work has commenced.

Customers planning metro travel, particularly on weekends, are encouraged to plan ahead by visiting transportnsw.info.    

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“This is an important milestone for the completion of this project.

“When complete this connection between Southwest and Northwest Sydney will truly transform the city, connecting different suburbs in a way they’ve never been linked before.

“This is a complicated project and I want to thank the residents along the old T3 rail line for their patience while we carry out this conversion.”

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“This vital part of the comprehensive testing program is ensuring the Southwest Metro line meets the highest standards of safety, reliability and performance.”

“The successful completion of over 500kms of water loaded testing shows the delivery of this city shaping transport infrastructure is tracking extremely well.

“We appreciate that the closure of the line has been a massive inconvenience for people living along the former T3 rail line, but the immense benefits will last for generations when the Southwest Metro opens later this year.

“In the coming months, there will be significant weekend disruption to services on the M1 Line as critical work is completed to integrate the Southwest Metro line. This is vital work, but we acknowledge the inconvenience for metro passengers during this time.”

Member for Canterbury Sophie Cotsis said:

“The Southwest Metro is a transformational project that when complete will better cater for the transportation needs of inner southwest Sydney and deliver more job opportunities for the people of Canterbury.

“I would like to extend my deepest thanks to the local community for their flexibility in arranging alternative transport as this important project reaches another major milestone.

“I would also like to extend to the community my sincere thanks for their patience and understanding during this work.”

Member for Bankstown Jihad Dib said:

“Testing is one of the last phases of the Metro construction and I’m very excited for our community as we near the finish line of this incredible piece of transport infrastructure.

“Again, I thank our community for their patience and I reaffirm, it will be worth the wait.”

Member for Summer Hill Jo Haylen said:

“This testing is a major milestone for Southwest Metro and shows that we are getting closer to getting passengers on board what will be a totally transformational public transport service for our community.

“It will mean better, more frequent, and faster journeys for everyone. Thank you to everyone for their patience during the disruptive construction. The wait will be worth it because everyone wins when more people can choose public transport more often.”

The latest BHI data has revealed that one in 10 emergency patients are waiting more than 24 hours for a hospital bed in NSW, while half of all admitted patients are waiting at least nine hours for an emergency bed, as the Minns Labor Government fails to come close to their promised hospital access targets. 
 
Only 30 per cent of NSW patients needing a hospital bed spent fewer than six hours in emergency, falling well short of Labor’s 80% target.
 
Western Sydney Hospitals are among the state’s worst with Blacktown reaching only 12.8%, Westmead at 13.9%, Fairfield at 20.8%, Liverpool at 22.8%, and Bankstown-Lidcombe with 28.3%.
 
Shadow Minister for Health Sarah Mitchell said three years of Labor at a state and federal level has left our health system in this condition.
 
“Chris Minns based his entire election campaign on improving health services so he could get into government – well he has failed miserably, and that’s especially clear in Western Sydney,” Mrs Mitchell said.
 
“While the NSW Opposition has proposed sensible solutions like hospital hotels to help address the worsening ED crisis across Western Sydney, the Minns Labor Government continues to blame their federal Labor colleagues.
 
“Instead of addressing the record-low number of patients receiving timely treatment in the Blacktown emergency department, Chris Minns is orchestrating a photoshoot around the corner by re-opening a mental health centre in February 2026, that was already opened in April 2025.”
 
Shadow Minister for Western Sydney Monica Tudehope said this data confirms what Western Sydney residents already knew – that they are being left behind when it comes to emergency services.
 
“The people and families of Western Sydney don’t want excuses, they just want to see a doctor,” Ms Tudehope said. 
 
“After three years in government, Chris Minns has delivered none of the 600 additional hospital beds he promised for Western Sydney.”