Category: NSW News

Public Hospitals in the Illawarra Shoalhaven have welcomed 63 new medical graduate interns, providing a welcome boost to the local health workforce.

Having completed their orientation, the junior doctors are already providing care to local patients and much needed support to the region’s hardworking health staff.

Interns are medical graduates who have completed their medical degree and are required to complete a supervised year of practice in order to gain general registration.

The interns will work with and learn from NSW Health’s experienced and highly skilled medical staff in one of the world’s best health systems.

The new doctors starting their internship will be entering a training program with networked hospitals throughout the state, providing formal and on-the-job training.

They receive two-year contracts to rotate between metropolitan, regional and rural hospitals to ensure the diversity of their experience.

The interns also rotate across different specialties during the intern year, including surgery, medicine and emergency medicine.

The Minns Labor Government is building an engaged, capable and supported workforce, by:

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

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“These new medical graduate interns already play an important role in helping to provide high-quality care in our public hospitals. We are proud to have them on our team.

“Choosing to work here in NSW means these new junior doctors will have the opportunity to learn from some of the country’s very best, as part of Australia’s largest health system.”

“From doctors, to nurses, paramedics and allied health professionals – we are rebuilding an engaged, capable and supported workforce.

Member for Wollongong Paul Scully

“This is another great boost to our local health workforce which will make sure people can access quality healthcare when they need it.

“These junior doctors will bolster the already great staff of nurses, paramedics, doctors midwives and allied health professionals which serve our community everyday.” 

Member for South Coast Liza Butler:

“Welcoming 63 new medical graduate interns to our Illawarra Shoalhaven public hospitals is a real boost for patients, staff and the future of local healthcare. These junior doctors are already making a difference on the ground, while gaining invaluable experience alongside our highly skilled health professionals. It’s a clear example of our commitment to building a strong, supported health workforce that delivers high-quality care close to home.”

Member for Shellharbour Anna Watson:

“Welcoming 63 new medical interns to the Illawarra Shoalhaven is a fantastic boost for our local health services and our community,”

“These junior doctors are the future of our health system, and through the Minns Labor Government’s investment in wages, training and workforce support, we’re ensuring they have the skills, experience and backing they need to deliver high-quality care for patients across our region.”

Member for Kiama Katelin McInerney

‘It is wonderful to have more junior doctors boosting the capacity of our local health system. The Minns Labor Government is delivering for regional communities by investing in health workforce as we prepare for the redeveloped Shoalhaven District Memorial Hospital and the new Shellharbour Hospital.’

The NSW Labor Government’s energy affordability crisis is spiralling out of control, with the Government’s own annual reports revealing a shocking 12% year-on-year surge in families needing emergency crisis payments just to pay their power bills.

Shadow Minister for Energy James Griffin said the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water’s 2024-2025 annual report[1] exposed a catastrophic worsening of the energy affordability crisis on Labor’s watch, with an extra 9,000 families pushed into crisis in just one year.
“In their first full year in government, 75,000 NSW families needed crisis help with their power bills. Just one year later, that number has exploded to 84,000 – a 12% increase,” Mr Griffin said.

Mr Griffin said the 12% year-on-year increase represented real NSW families being pushed further into hardship under Labor.

“Every one of those 84,000 crisis payments represents a family in desperate circumstances who are choosing between heating and key items like food. The NSW Government can no longer hide from the fact that their energy transition is failing,” he said.

“That’s 9,000 more NSW families in desperate crisis this year compared to last. Under Labor, the energy affordability situation isn’t improving – it’s getting dramatically worse.”
 
Mr Griffin said despite Labor throwing billions of dollars at the problem through various rebates and relief packages, the underlying energy affordability crisis had worsened dramatically.

The annual reports reveal the devastating scale of Labor’s energy policy failure across two consecutive years in government:

• 2023-24 (Labor’s first full year): 75,000 households in crisis, $30.6 million in emergency support
• 2024-25 (Labor’s second year): 84,000+ households in crisis, $33 million in emergency support

“Since Labor came to power, there have been 159,000 instances where NSW families couldn’t afford to keep their lights on without emergency government intervention,” Mr Griffin said.

“Labor promised affordable, reliable renewable energy. Instead they’re delivering soaring bills, looming blackouts and a renewable energy roadmap that’s hopelessly failing,” Mr Griffin said.

“NSW families deserve an energy policy that delivers affordability and reliability, not one that drives thousands more into crisis every year. This Government has proven beyond doubt it cannot deliver either.”

The Bondi Junction tragedy was a senseless attack that shocked our state and the eastern suburbs community. 

We continue to remember the six innocent victims who were murdered that day, Pikria Darchia, Ashlee Good, Dawn Singleton, Jade Young, Cheng Yixuan and Faraz Ahmed Tahir. 

On behalf of the NSW Opposition, we extend our ongoing condolences to the families of the victims and all those who still live with the trauma and injuries of that day. 

Today will not be an easy day for many. The State Coroner’s finding’s and 23 recommendations will not heal the hurt the victims and families of that day live with, but they do provide a pathway forward. 

The State Coroner made a number of recommendations in relation to mental health services, which I call on the Government to adopt. 

The Bondi Junction tragedy reminded us of the incredible bravery of our first responders and everyday Australians. 

We honour the bravery of Inspector Amy Scott. As a police officer she has spent her career protecting others, often in the toughest of circumstances. The eastern suburbs community and our entire state stand with Amy as she battles cancer. 

The Opposition support’s the State Coroner’s recommendation to the Council for the Australian Bravery Decorations that Inspector Amy Scott, Ashlee Good, Noel McLaughlin, Damien Guerot (Bollard Man) and Silas Despreaux be recognised for their actions on that day. 

Reforms to repair the NSW workers compensation system have passed state parliament. 

Businesses and community sector providers will be spared significant increases to their workers compensation premiums as a result, and workers will have a much stronger pathway to recovery.

The resolution was based on a breakthrough compromise put forward by crossbench members in the lower house last year.

It won endorsement in the Legislative Assembly on Wednesday after passing the Legislative Council on Tuesday night. It includes:

• A legislated 18-month restriction on average premium increases.
• Retaining the Whole Person Impairment (WPI) thresholds moved by Lower House crossbenchers.
• A new “Return to Work” intensive program that provides an additional year of medical benefits and income replacement.
• New powers enabling the Treasurer to lower the WPI threshold, if in the public interest.
• A replacement program to Business Connect.
• Changes to terminology surrounding the reasonable management action defence.

It is the most significant reform to workers compensation in a generation. It stabilises the system and puts it on a path to financial stability. It prioritises prevention and improves return to work rates.

Without the reform, premiums for employers facing no claims against them were expected to rise by at least 36 per cent over three years.

The result follows extensive consultation over the past year with business and unions, as well as the community and not-for-profit sector.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey:

“These reforms finally allow us to stabilise the workers compensation system and return it to a secure footing.

“The scheme has been failing injured workers, employers, the non-profit sector and taxpayers for too long. That has now come to an end.

“I want to acknowledge Business NSW and the state’s major business organisations, as well as NCOSS and charities and not-for-profits for their advocacy. I also thank the Labor caucus and the union movement for its engagement through many difficult but necessary conversations.”

Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis:

“These reforms ensure early support to injured workers, a road to recovery and return to work.

“It puts the scheme on the path to sustainability so that it can continue to care for injured workers and be affordable for business to fund. 

“The reforms will help small businesses and not-for-profits, especially in regional areas, retain staff and create jobs.”

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government, Jihad Dib:

“These changes are about protecting the workers compensation scheme for the long term, so it remains strong, fair and able to support the people who rely on it.

“Workers now have the certainty they need and the confidence to get on with their recovery and their working lives, knowing the system will be there when they need it.”

The Bondi Junction tragedy has left a lasting impact on the community, and the delivery of the coronial findings today will be difficult for anyone impacted.

The final report contains 23 recommendations, 12 of which relate to the NSW Government, these include:

• Considering options to support the roll-out of appropriate co-responder models so that they are more widely available throughout NSW.
• Monitoring and assessing the trial of the amendments to the Law Enforcement Powers and Responsibilities Act 2002 (NSW) in respect of “wanding”.
• Promoting, by way of an advertising campaign, the principles of “Escape. Hide. Tell.”

The NSW Government will now carefully consider the Coroner’s recommendations to assess how they can be implemented to further strengthen our mental health system and improve community safety.

Over the past 18 months, the NSW Government has undertaken work to identify systemic contributors to this tragedy and take proactive steps to address them.

In direct response to the Bondi Junction tragedy, the NSW Government delivered a $111 million package to strengthen community mental health services.

This included leading national work to establish a principles-based framework to improve interjurisdictional information sharing for both voluntary and involuntary mental health consumers.

In September 2025, all Ministers for Health and Ministers for Mental Health across Australia formally endorsed the framework, reflecting a shared national commitment to safer, more connected mental health systems.

These investments focus on streamlining access to state mental health services to reduce fragmentation and barriers to care, expanding assertive outreach models to better engage transient and hard-to-reach individuals, and enhancing mental health housing for people living with severe and persistent mental illness.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“This will be a difficult day for many, particularly for the families who lost loved ones, those who were injured, first responders, and everyone in the Bondi community whose lives were changed forever.

“We will now carefully consider the Coroner’s recommendations and work to implement measures that strengthen our mental health system and community safety.”

Minister for Health Ryan Park said:

“I want to commend the bravery, skill and compassion shown by NSW Ambulance, hospital staff and all first responders who worked under immense pressure to save lives on that tragic day.

“The effects of the tragedy have been felt far and wide. I extend my deepest sympathies to the families, friends and loved ones of those who were affected.”

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said:

“My thoughts are with the families who will forever be affected by this horrific event and I thank the Coroner for her diligent work and her recommendations.

“I cannot overstate the bravery of our police officers that day. Their actions epitomised the very best of the NSW Police Force, confronting danger to protect others. I particularly want to acknowledge Detective Inspector Amy Scott for her remarkable actions.

“It’s critical that people experiencing a mental health incident receive the help they need which is why we are working with Health on a mental health led response to incidents in our community.”

Attorney-General Michael Daley said:

“The NSW Government thanks the Coroner for her thorough investigation and findings. We will take the time to consider the recommendations before formally responding.”

Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson said:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to supporting people with complex mental health concerns to access support services.

“We’ve taken immediate action in the aftermath of the Bondi Junction tragedy to strengthen community mental health supports and improve information sharing across all Australian jurisdictions, but there is always more work to do.”

NSW Public hospitals have welcomed more than 1,000 new medical graduate interns, as an interim pay rise begins to land in the accounts of doctors employed by NSW Health.

The Minns Labor Government reached an interim agreement with the Australian Salaried Medical Officers’ Federation NSW (ASMOF) and the Health Services Union NSW (HSU) to increase pay and enhance conditions for more than 16,000 doctors, with the pay rise landing in bank accounts from February.

At the same time, the latest cohort of junior doctors have joined the NSW public health system, providing a welcome boost to the health workforce across the state.

Having completed their orientation in January, the junior doctors are already providing care to patients and much needed support to NSW’s hardworking health staff.

Interim agreement for doctors’ pay

The agreement provides for an interim 3.5 per cent pay increase (inclusive of 0.5% superannuation) for doctors employed in NSW Health, paid retrospectively from 1 July 2024, and a further 3.5 per cent pay increase (inclusive of 0.5% superannuation), paid retrospectively from 1 July 2025. This represents an immediate effective 7% pay increase (inclusive of superannuation), with backpay.

Doctors will also see improvements to their working conditions with mandated minimum rest periods between shifts, a maximum 14-hour shift length for rostered shifts for non-specialist medical officers, recognition of the unique training requirements of doctors when accessing paid parental leave,  enhanced access to training, education and study leave for new staff specialists; and a right to access to union services if a doctor chooses to. This settles a number of claims in the arbitration case.

The NSW Industrial Relations Commission will continue to arbitrate additional awards claims by ASMOF.

NSW Health continues to work with ASMOF and the HSU to progress the arbitration in a timely manner.

Welcoming junior doctors to NSW Health

Interns are medical graduates who have completed their medical degree and are required to complete a supervised year of practice in order to gain general registration.

The interns will work with and learn from NSW Health’s experienced and highly skilled medical staff in one of the world’s best health systems.

The new doctors starting their internship will be entering a training program with networked hospitals throughout the state, providing formal and on-the-job training.

They receive two-year contracts to rotate between metropolitan, regional and rural hospitals to ensure the diversity of their experience, they’ll also be rotated through different specialities.

The Minns Labor Government is building an engaged, capable and supported workforce, by:

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

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“These new medical graduate interns already play an important role in helping to provide high-quality care in our public hospitals. We are proud to have them on our team.

“Choosing to work in NSW means these new junior doctors will have the opportunity to learn from some of the country’s very best, as part of Australia’s largest health system.

“This agreement gives doctors a pay rise now, whilst allowing a pathway for ASMOF’s remaining award claims to be determined by the NSW Industrial Relations Commission.

“As this new cohort of junior doctors commence with NSW Health, this agreement provides for better conditions including enhanced protections against fatigue.

“This interim deal heralds a stronger, more resilient relationship between the NSW Government and our public hospital doctors, where together we can build an even better health system for the people of NSW.

“We are recruiting more doctors, nurses, paramedics and allied health professionals, and rebuilding an engaged, capable and supported workforce.”

Minister for Industrial Relations Sophie Cotsis:

“We welcome this interim agreement with the Australian Salaried Medical Officers’ Federation NSW (ASMOF) and the Health Services Union NSW (HSU) to increase pay and enhance conditions for more than 16,000 doctors.

“We are proud to support those who care for our communities day and night.

“The Minns Labor Government continues the work of rebuilding the state’s essential services and reforming the industrial relations system.

“That work began with the scrapping of the Coalition’s wages cap which was in place for 12 years, introducing a fairer, modern bargaining framework, setting up an Industrial court and amending the Industrial Relations Act to include a new Object to achieve gender equality in the workplace.”

New data reveals that 3,370 first home buyers have found their dream hone on the Central Coast thanks to help by the Minns Labor Government, saving an average of $22,008 off the cost of their first home.

The popular initiative provides a full stamp duty exemption of $30,412 for first home buyers purchasing a property up to $800,000 and a concession for homes priced between $800,000 and $1 million.

It replaces the previous Liberal-National Government’s forever tax on first-home buyers, which left first-home buyers paying an annual tax back to the Government.

Gosford was the top suburb to benefit across the region, with 969 first buyers helped into homes, sharing in $20.6 million worth of savings, putting the Coast’s capital as 6^th in the state for new homeowners helped.

Wyong was close behind with 814 first buyers sharing in $17.5 million in savings, followed by The Entrance with 482 first buyers saving a combined $10.5 million.

Across NSW, 82,174 first home buyers have benefited from the First Home Buyers Assistance since July 2023. Of those, 58,111 people paid no stamp duty at all, while 24,063 individuals paid a reduced amount.

The scheme also works with the Albanese Labor Government’s 5% Deposit and Shared Equity schemes, making it even easier for people and families to buy their first home.

Housing is the number one cost-of-living pressure on young people, families and downsizers.

Helping first home buyers is a critical piece of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to address these cost-of-living pressures and make sure NSW can be an accessible and affordable place to live.

That’s why the Minns Labor Government is delivering more homes to rent and buy, re-building essential services that families rely on, and providing long overdue investment in critical infrastructure across the Hunter, Newcastle and Lake Macquarie.

The First Home Buyers Assistance Dashboard has more statistics by suburb and Local Government Area and can be accessed at https://www.revenue.nsw.gov.au/help-centre/resources-library/statistics/fhba-dashboard

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

“It is wonderful to see so many people making the most of this Minns Labor Government program, with 3,370 families, couples and singles able to have a place to call home sooner in our growing region.

“Our region is such a great place to live, work and play and this scheme is turning the home-owning dream into reality for so many Coasties saving up for a deposit by wiping an average of more than $22,000 off the money they need.”

Minister for the Hunter and Member for Swansea Yasmin Catley said:

“The Central Coast is an amazing place to live, work and raise a family, and these figures show real confidence in our community’s future.

“When we came to government, we made a clear commitment to help people access the basics, including a place to call home, and we’re getting on with delivering exactly that.

“I’m proud to see more than 645 first-home buyers calling Swansea home, giving more locals the chance to put down roots in a community that offers opportunity, connection and a great lifestyle.”

Minister for Finance Courtney Houssos said:

“This is a critical piece of the puzzle in the Government’s plan to help families enter the housing market.

“Saving up to $30,000 on stamp duty means more money in the pockets of families and more opportunities for them to achieve the dream of home ownership.”

Member for The Entrance David Mehan said:

“The Minns Labor Government is helping people save tens of thousands of dollars on stamp duty which can be the difference between continuing to rent and finally owning a home.

“It’s fantastic to see so many first home buyers across the Central Coast getting real, practical cost of living relief that helps them take that first step into the housing market and build their future.”

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said:

“Already, 969 first-home buyers across Gosford have benefited from this important scheme, saving more than $20.6 million in total and turning the dream of home ownership into a reality.

“This scheme is just one of the ways that the Minns Labor Government is committed to addressing the cost of living across our community, ensuring that Coasties can realise the dream of home ownership and build a bright future right here on the Central Coast.”

As students prepare to return to the classroom today, the NSW Government is providing comprehensive support for schools affected by the antisemitic terror attack at Bondi Beach.

The NSW Government is committed to ensuring every student and teacher feels safe and supported as the school year begins, with resources available across public and non-government schools to ensure a unified approach to community recovery.

In the lead-up to the new school year, principals have been working closely with their staff to identify specific needs and ensure tailored support plans are in place before students arrive.

Dedicated mental health and wellbeing resources have been deployed to schools across the eastern suburbs and Bondi, including increased access to school counsellors and specialist psychologists.

To ensure the highest level of care, counselling staff have undergone intensive training in psychological first aid and trauma response.

This training was delivered by the highly respected clinical psychologist Dr Rob Gordon OAM, ensuring staff have the necessary tools to support students through the ongoing recovery process.

Additional counselling support will be available for any NSW school requiring assistance during the first weeks of the term.

Strengthened security measures are also in place at schools and early learning centres with large Jewish student populations.

Alongside these measures, the NSW Government is working with the Commonwealth’s Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism to implement a training program for teachers and school leaders to prevent and counter antisemitism.

Any parents and carers who have queries about support as their child returns to school are encouraged to discuss these with their school principal.

The NSW Government is working to ensure that the return to school is a safe and supportive experience for all students and teachers in the eastern suburbs and across the broader Jewish community.

This ongoing support is part of a broader commitment from the NSW and Commonwealth Governments, with approximately $60 million allocated to date for resilience and recovery initiatives for those affected by the attack.

Premier of NSW Chris Minns said:

“Many of our schools and early learning centres across Bondi and the eastern suburbs have been deeply affected by the antisemitic terrorist attack so we’re making sure that everyone affected has the support they need.

“Our message to everyone affected by this horrific attack is clear – we’re with you now and for the long haul.”

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

“Students and staff at all schools have the right to feel safe and secure as they return for the first day of term.

“Our schools have a range of support services available, as our community continues to recover and students return to their school routines.

“I encourage anyone who is finding the return to the classroom difficult to reach out for support.”

The Minns Labor Government maintains its commitment to protect workers from dust diseases with its $2.5 million state-of-the -art Lung Health Mobile Clinic which is providing lung health checks to thousands of people across New South Wales.

The lung bus has arrived in Shellharbour to provide free lung screening checks. These lung health checks can be lifesaving by ensuring early detection and treatment of dust diseases like asbestosis, silicosis and mesothelioma.

The lung bus program provides free lung screening checks to more than 5,000 workers annually in regional NSW.

In collaboration with SafeWork, icare also supports the NSW Silica Worker Register (SWR), which helps identify and monitor workers who have been exposed to respirable crystalline silica across their working lives.

By linking registry data with services such as the mobile clinic, icare is helping ensure workers most at risk are prioritised for screening, follow-up care and specialist referral where needed.

Data from SafeWork NSW shows there have been 12,214 workers registered on the SWR from 597 businesses as at 31 December 2025, most of which are in the construction and manufacturing industries. Close to 3,850 workers are listed as working in tunnelling-related roles.

Launched on 1 October 2025, the SWR is used to help monitor and track the health of at-risk workers undertaking high-risk processing of crystalline silica substances (CSS).

In Shellharbour, 23 workers are currently on the Register and are being prioritised for screening due to potential occupational silica exposure.

Lung health checks are painless and only take around 30 minutes. The process includes chest X-rays to detect abnormalities or damage, lung function testing to assess respiratory performance, consultation with a specialist doctor, who interprets results and provides tailored advice and referral for a CT scan, if required, to get a better image of the chest and lungs.

The Lung Health Mobile Clinic will be located at Stockland Shellharbour, Lake Entrance Rd. on Monday 2 February.

Eliminating the risks associated with silica is a high priority for the Minns Government and the Lung Bus is one of several measures which have been introduced to reduce the risks of working with CSS in NSW.

These include:

• Strengthening workplace safety through a Silica Worker Register (SWR) which monitors and tracks the health of at-risk workers undertaking high-risk processing of crystalline silica substances (CSS).
• Leading the ban on engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs containing one per cent or greater crystalline silica. This included a national ban on its importation from January 1, 2025.
• Establishing the Tunnelling Dust Safety Taskforce to help address silica related health risks for workers in tunnelling projects. The Taskforce is made up of Government, medical, industry and union representatives and provides expert guidance to prevent and manage silica and other dust related disease associated with tunnelling projects in NSW.
• Establishing a dedicated silica unit within SafeWork NSW which includes a Silica Compliance Team to enforce strengthened regulations, including proactive visits to sites conducting high-risk CSS processing.
• Allocating $5 million in critical funding for silicosis research and a patient support program for individuals and their families navigating the health risks associated with exposure to silica dust. The grant funding, administered collaboratively by icare and the Dust Diseases Board, will be provided over three years to the Asbestos and Dust Diseases Research Institute (ADDRI).

Workers can also arrange a free lung screening at icare’s Sydney CBD Kent st clinic, or with local providers regionally when the lung bus is not in that part of the state.

To book a free lung health check, contact icare on 1800 550 027.

Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said:

“The icare Mobile Clinic underscores the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to removing barriers like cost and location, ensuring workers across NSW have access to the critical support and care they need to safeguard their health.

“The Lung Bus is another important step towards protecting workers from dust diseases and builds on the Government’s recent actions including the Silica Worker Register, the ban on engineered stone, the establishment of the Tunnelling Dust Safety Taskforce and a dedicated Silica unit within SafeWork NSW.

“Every worker has the right to go to work and return home safely.”

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

“The Lung Bus is a terrific initiative that plays a vital role in keeping workers safe and healthy.

“These health checks can be lifesaving by enabling the early detection and treatment of dust-related diseases.

“By bringing these essential services directly to the communities that need them most, the icare Lung Bus is helping to protect the health and futures of our workers.”

Member for Shellharbour Anna Watson said:

“We want to make sure that people in the Shellharbour electorate have access to the healthcare they need, when and where they need it.

“For too many, life gets in the way of regular check-ups so by bringing this service directly to the community, we’re removing one more barrier to staying healthy.

“Whether you’re working in construction, mining, manufacturing or just living in the area – we’re urging everyone to take a few minutes to get checked.”

Icare Group Executive of General Insurance and Care Sarah Johnson said:

“A lung health check could save your life.

“Early detection is critical to effective treatment, and we’re here to make sure every worker, no matter where they live, has access to world-class care.”

Thousands of public school students across NSW are today returning to 12 new and upgraded schools delivered under the Minns Labor Government’s record investment in public school infrastructure – ensuring every child has access to a world-class public education.

These new and upgraded schools include 7 new halls, 6 new libraries and more than 200 new classrooms providing more than 4,500 additional spaces for students, all while making way for the removal of more than 50 demountables.

The delivery of new classrooms is being matched with more teachers in NSW public schools, with teacher vacancies at a 12-year low for the start of 2026.

Among the new and upgraded schools welcoming students into brand new facilities today are:

• Cecil Hills High School – an upgrade delivering 50 new classrooms, including four STEM classrooms, a refurbished hall and expanded canteen.
• Concord High School – an upgrade delivering 40 new permanent classrooms across three new buildings.
• Box Hill High School – a new school fast-tracked to open in temporary facilities for Year 7 students in the fast-growing suburb ahead of the permanent school opening in 2028.
• The Forest High School – relocated and rebuilt with 73 modern classrooms, three Special Support Units and capacity for 1,500 students.
• Three new coeducational high schools – Asquith, Hornsby and Bayside high schools – supporting the election commitment for every public school student in NSW to have guaranteed access to a co-educational high school by 2027.
• Girraween Public School – a new building opening with 38 classrooms and three support classrooms, as well as an upgraded hall, as part of an ongoing major upgrade.
• Ryde Secondary College – an upgrade creating new specialised teaching spaces, extra classrooms and upgraded toilets, library and study areas.
• Wollumbin High School – an upgrade delivering redeveloped classrooms, new support classrooms, upgrades to TAS spaces and a new recording studio for music education.
• Condong Public School and Tumbulgum Public School – flood rebuild schools with new buildings completed in December.

In addition to these projects the Minns Labor Government has construction underway on more than 70 new and upgraded schools.

This stands in stark contrast to the former Liberal and National Government who failed to build schools where they were needed, while promising new schools and upgrades to communities that were never delivered.

This follows the Minns Labor Government’s plan to deliver more teachers and better schools through a record $9 billion investment in the 2025-26 Budget, giving our kids a world class education, right where they live.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“We’ve made sure that students and teachers across our state are starting the year in new classrooms, with more teachers and better facilities.

“As the son of a public school teacher, I know just how important giving every kid access to the best education possible is, no matter where they live – and thanks to more teachers and better schools, that is what we’re delivering.

“To every student starting at a new school and to the parents and families supporting them, I wish you a fantastic year ahead, I hope these new classrooms and facilities help make it an even more exciting time to start school.”

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

“I’m thrilled to be joining students and teachers as they celebrate the start of the 2026 year today, with thousands heading into brand new, upgraded and refurbished classrooms across NSW.

“This is part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to ensuring every child in NSW has access to a world class public education, backed by our record $9 billion investment in a huge pipeline of new and upgraded schools.

“Labor’s commitment to public education goes beyond bricks and mortar to ensuring every classroom has a qualified teacher, and I am proud that public schools are starting this year with vacancies at a 12-year low, a product of our work to raise wages and improve conditions for this vital profession.”