Category: NSW News

Motorists and freight operators travelling on the Newell Highway north of Moree will benefit from a $181 million major pavement upgrade, with the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments investing in smoother, safer and more reliable journeys on one of regional NSW’s most important freight corridors.

The 14.9-kilometre project will deliver a new heavy-duty pavement and a suite of safety improvements to tackle high crash rates and support local communities, industry and freight operators.

The project is backed by $144.8 million from the Australian Government and $36.2 million from the NSW Government.

Early work is expected to begin by mid-2027, with a construction contract expected to be awarded in 2028.

The project will deliver:

• new heavy-duty pavement to improve ride quality and support freight
• wider lanes, shoulders and centreline spacing to improve safety
• upgraded intersections and protected right-turn lanes
• improved drainage and flood resilience
• safer property access
• upgraded bus stops

The upgrade will improve safety on a section of highway with a history of crashes while increasing the reliability and resilience of this critical freight and transport link.

This investment will deliver the next stage of heavy-duty pavement upgrades on the Newell Highway, following completion of the heavy-duty pavement upgrade between Narrabri and Moree in 2025, the North Croppa safety upgrade in 2024, and ongoing work at Tackinbri and South Croppa.

Work is also underway to upgrade the twin Tycannah rest areas south of Moree, improving access to heavy vehicle rest facilities and supporting safer and more convenient journeys for all road users.

Together, these projects will provide continuous upgraded pavement and improved heavy vehicle rest facilities along the Newell Highway from Narrabri to Boggabilla, making one of Australia’s most important freight routes safer, more reliable and better prepared for future demand.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King:

“The Newell Highway is a major inland regional route that is used by thousands of locals, tourists and key freight operators every day.

“With a history of crashes along the highway, this project will deliver wider lanes and upgraded intersections to improve safety and ensure all Australians can return home safely.

“The Albanese Government is proud to be working with the NSW Government to deliver this much-needed upgrade on the Newell Highway.”

NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison:

“The Minns Labor Government is focused on delivering practical upgrades that make a real difference for communities, and this project is exactly that.

“The Newell Highway is one of the state’s most important regional corridors, supporting freight, tourism and local travel between Victoria and Queensland.

“These upgrades target some of the most important sections of the Newell Highway to deliver real safety improvements for the people who rely on it every day.

“Once complete, these works will deliver safer, more reliable journeys and help people get home sooner and more safely to family and friends.”

A new public school with co-located public early learning facilities is planned for Googong, helping meet the needs of the town’s growing population when it opens in 2028.

The Minns Labor Government has revealed the designs for Googong’s new primary school, giving the local community its first look at the project.

The new school will have classrooms with multipurpose spaces and shared common areas, specialist facilities for support classes, a multipurpose hall and canteen, library, staff and administration facilities, a multipurpose sports court, and co-located public early learning.  

Families and residents were shown the designs for the school, which will accommodate 650 students, at a drop-in information session on Thursday, July 23.  

The new school is scheduled to open Day 1, Term 1, 2028, and will be the town’s second public school after Googong Public School opened in 2023, helping meet rising enrolment demand in one of the fastest growing communities in the Monaro region.

The project is one of a raft of school infrastructure projects the Minns Labor Government is delivering in the Monaro region, including:

• Googong High School
• Jindabyne High School (delivered)
• Jindabyne Primary School (delivered) and new public preschool
• Bungendore High School
• Jerrabomberra High School expansion
• Queanbeyan East Public School new public preschool
• Queanbeyan South Public School new public preschool (delivered)

As part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to rebuild public education, the 2025-26 NSW Budget is delivering $2.3 billion for new and upgraded schools in regional NSW, ensuring families in growing communities like Googong have access to a world-class public education.

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

“We are pleased to be sharing these designs with the Googong community, giving families a first look at what this brand new public school will offer.

“Googong is one of the fastest growing communities in the state, and the Minns Labor Government is committed to ensuring local families in growing areas have access to public schools close to home.”

Member for Monaro Steve Whan said:

“It’s terrific to see these designs released and to have our community invited in to see them first-hand this week.

“I’m excited to see $46 million allocated in the budget by the Minns Labor Government to deliver the services and infrastructure the Googong community needs.

“It’s great to see this project taking shape and to see our locals getting involved, seeing the plans and speaking with the project team.” 

A rezoning proposal for Beverly Hills Town Centre (West) has been placed on public exhibition, with plans for around 800 new homes, local jobs, public spaces and improved connections close to transport and services.

Beverly Hills Town Centre (West) is set for its biggest transformation in decades, with a new rezoning proposal on public exhibition which could deliver around 800 new homes and approximately 190 jobs in the heart of the suburb.

The Minns Labor Government is seeking feedback on plans to turn 1.7 hectares along King Georges Road, between Beverly Hills train station and Stoney Creek Road, into a thriving new precinct.

Housing is the number one cost-of-living concern facing NSW families today, and as a result, more people are now leaving the state than coming in.  

When the Minns Labor Government came to office, forecasts showed NSW would build just 36,000 homes a year over the next five years, nowhere near enough to meet demand.  

As a result of planning reforms and initiatives including State-led rezonings such as this one, the Minns Labor Government has been turning home building and job creation around.  

Under the previous government, the Beverly Hills town centre languished while families across Sydney struggled to find a home close to jobs, schools and transport.  

The Minns Labor Government is not prepared to let another generation of Beverly Hills residents wait.

• The Beverly Hills Town Centre (West) rezoning proposal could deliver:
• around 800 new homes, including at least two per cent affordable housing,
• new public spaces and pedestrian links to open the precinct,
• approximately 190 local jobs through new shops and commercial space, and
• buildings ranging from 15 to 22 storeys.

The rezoning proposal is on public exhibition from today, until Friday, 21 August 2026.  

A community drop-in session will be held from 5pm to 8pm on Wednesday 5, August at Blackshaw Gould Community Pavilion, 34 Dora Street, Hurstville, giving interested community members the chance to speak directly with the project team.

For more information, including links to technical reports, and to make a submission, please visit: NSW Planning.  

Combined with a record $6.6 billion investment in 8,400 new social homes and the world-leading Pre-sale Finance Guarantee, NSW recently recorded its highest number of homes under construction in the last seven years.

The Minns Labor Government is building better communities, with more homes close to jobs, transport, public spaces, and infrastructure so people can live in the communities they choose.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully said:

“Beverly Hills residents have waited long enough for the area to be unlocked for more homes, jobs and public spaces that people can enjoy. This proposal means real homes, real jobs, and a real future for this town centre.

“Families and workers need homes close to where they work and the services they rely on. That is exactly what this precinct will deliver, right next to the train station.

“We are getting on with the job of building the homes NSW needs and giving the Beverly Hills community every opportunity to help shape its future.” 

This week, 16 highly qualified Intensive Care Paramedics (ICPs) have been deployed across NSW after completing an intensive 27-week specialist training program, designed to advance their clinical expertise and expand frontline critical care capability.

These newly trained ICPs complete a comprehensive program of training to develop and refine their advanced clinical skills while delivering critical care to patients across the state.

ICPs are specialised emergency clinicians equipped to perform complex medical procedures in high-pressure and time-critical environments. Their training emphasises advanced technical proficiency and strong interdisciplinary collaboration.

ICPs are qualified to deliver advanced airway management and provide life-saving interventions for patients experiencing severe chest trauma, traumatic brain injuries, acute cardiac events, and other life-threatening conditions requiring advanced pre-hospital care.

These specialist paramedics come from various locations across the state, including Illawarra-based Liam Jennings who became a father for the second time halfway through the rigorous course.

The Minns Labor Government is rebuilding essential services by recruiting more health staff, including paramedics, doctors, nurses, and allied health workers.

As of 4 June 2026, 880 Intensive Care Paramedics have been trained. In 2025-26, 37 newly trained Intensive Care Paramedics were deployed into regional NSW.

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“Intensive care paramedics are highly skilled, highly trained, and equipped for even the most difficult and traumatic cases.

“These additional ICPs will provide a critical boost to frontline health services right across NSW, helping people during some of their most difficult times.

“We are proud to welcome this new class of intensive care paramedics into NSW Ambulance, joining the ranks of one of the best emergency care services in the world.”

NSW Ambulance Interim Chief Executive Clare Beech:

“The graduation of these Intensive Care Paramedics marks their transition into clinicians with a wider scope of practice, bringing advanced care and decision making into pre-hospital care.

“These highly trained advanced paramedics can deliver critical care interventions in the most uncontrolled and unpredictable environments, enhancing patient treatment options.

“With enhanced capability comes leadership, setting a benchmark for colleagues and other agencies.”

Intensive Care Paramedic Liam Jennings:

“We had great camaraderie while doing the course which helped, it was intense, but I really enjoyed it.

“I became an Intensive Care Paramedic to challenge myself clinically, the timing of my son’s birth during the course could have been better, but everything worked out well in the end.”

The NSW Liberals and Nationals are demanding answers from the Premier after further reports show the Minister for Families and Communities had direct involvement in the payment of nearly $40,000 of taxpayers’ money to an NGO so it would drop legal action against a former foster carer with ties to the Labor Party.
 
Shadow Minister for Families and Communities Natasha Maclaren‑Jones said reports that NGO staff were directed to remove references to the Minister from correspondence, and a non‑disclosure agreement was drawn up, raise serious questions about what the Minister was trying to hide and suggest a deliberate effort to conceal her role.
 
“This was not a routine decision. Minister Washington overruled her own department and presided over a process to hide her role. This stinks to high heaven,” Mrs Maclaren‑Jones said.
 
“It has all the hallmarks of a cover‑up.”
 
“The public deserves straight answers. Were records altered? Was the NGO pressured? And why was ministerial intervention required at all?” Mrs Maclaren‑Jones said.
 
Mrs Maclaren-Jones said the Premier must answer these questions and explain why he continues to shield Minister Washington from accountability.
 
“When experienced stakeholders are warning that a Minister has misused her authority, Chris Minns cannot simply look the other way, Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.
 
“Chris Minns must explain why the public is only learning about this now. The public deserves transparency, but instead they get secret payouts, children placed with dangerous offenders, and welfare reports closed without kids even being seen.”
 
“The Minister has blamed her department for every disaster on her watch, children living with a serial killer, ROSH reports closed because there’s ‘no capacity to allocate’, kids not even being seen before their welfare reports are shut down. Not this time.”
 
“This payout was her call, her signature, her responsibility, and she has serious questions to answer about her judgment, transparency and integrity.”

A new public high school planned for Flinders will provide modern classrooms, specialist learning spaces and community facilities for up to 750 students.

Illawarra families are getting their first look at the new high school in Flinders, as the Minns Labor Government unveils designs ahead of the school opening its doors to students on Day 1, Term 1, 2029.

To be built next to Flinders Public School, and with space for 750 students, this will be the first public high school built in the Shellharbour electorate in 55 years.

Designed to ease pressure on nearby Warilla High School and meet local growth, the new school will include 33 modern classrooms and three support classrooms.

It will also include specialist workshops for science, woodwork, and metalwork, a covered outdoor learning area, a multipurpose hall for sports and school performances, a playing field, and a library.

Families can learn more about the new school during a community information session on Tuesday, 28 July, from 3:15 pm to 5:30 pm, at Flinders Public School.

This project builds on the 2023 election commitment made by the Minns Labor Government and the Member for Shellharbour, Anna Watson, to begin planning for a new high school in Flinders.

The Minns Labor Government will invest $2.3 billion in school infrastructure for regional NSW over the next four years, delivering new and upgraded schools to ensure every family has access to a world-class public education.

More than $220 million has already been invested in new school infrastructure in Shellharbour with construction underway on co-located public early learning at Barrack Heights and Lake Illawarra South Public Schools and work beginning, next year, on a new public school with co-located public early learning for West Dapto.

With the Flinders and Shell Cove communities set to grow by more than 1,500 homes over the next 15 years, this ensures families will have access to a world-class education, close to home.

In addition to ensuring students have modern classrooms and schools, the Minns Labor Government has transitioned more than 25,000 teachers and school support staff from uncertain temporary contracts to permanent employment.

This follows the Minns Labor Government’s move to abolish the Liberals and Nationals wages cap, delivering NSW teachers the biggest pay rise in a generation.

This reform is attracting teachers into public schools and helping retain those already there, with teacher vacancies at a 12-year low and the number of merged and cancelled classes in NSW halving since the election of the Minns Labor Government.

Deputy Premier of New South Wales and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

“For too long, Shellharbour families have watched new houses go up without a new local high school, and now that high school is exactly what the Minns Labor Government is delivering.

“We’ve not just delivered on our promise to plan for a new high school in Flinders, we’ve fully funded this project, ensuring it can open its doors for students on Day 1, Term 1, 2029.

“This will be the first public high school built in the Shellharbour electorate in more than half a century, and the first public school built in the area in over two decades.

“The Minns Labor Government is working to ensure every family has access to a world-class public education, close to home.”

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

“The Illawarra is a growing region, and communities like Flinders have been crying out for the essential services they need to keep up with that growth.  

“This new high school in Flinders will mean hundreds of families will have access to a world-class education right at their doorstep.

“We are investing in the services families and communities in the Illawarra need, from new schools and hospitals to roads and public spaces.”

Member for Shellharbour Anna Watson said:

“As one of the fastest growing areas in NSW, the new high school for Flinders is not just what local families deserve, it’s what we need.

“Being built right next door to Flinders Public School means local children can start and finish their entire school journey on the same site, close to home.

“I’m proud to be part of a Labor Government that has kept its promise to plan and deliver a brand-new high school for our growing community.”

Principal of Flinders Public School Greg Wells said:

“’I’m thrilled with the announcement of the new high school being located beside our primary school.

“This outstanding investment will benefit both our students and the broader community by providing a seamless transition from primary to secondary school.

“We look forward to collaborating with the new high school to ensure our students achieve their full potential and contribute meaningfully to the broader community.” 

Hundreds more people will have access to safe and secure housing, with construction now underway on the next stage of Midtown Mac Park which will deliver more than 400 social homes.

The Minns Labor Government has partnered with the Albanese Labor Government to deliver an additional 190 social homes thanks to a funding injection from the  Building Homes for NSW Program and round two of the Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF).  

Start of work on stage two marks the next major step in the transformation of the former Ivanhoe Estate into a thriving mixed community.

The redevelopment is being delivered over eight stages and once complete will contain approximately 3,300 new homes, including:

• More than 1,100 social homes – an uplift of more than four times the social homes previously on the site
• 130 affordable homes
• More than 2,000 private homes
• Community facilities and public spaces including a new parks, childcare centres, shops and dining, a swimming pool, gym, and new road infrastructure.
• Macquarie Park Public School, which is expected to be ready for student from Term 1, 2027.

The latest stage will deliver 519 new homes, including 401 new social homes across two new residential buildings.

Expected to be completed in 2029, the new homes will provide more people with access to safe, modern housing in one of Sydney’s best-connected communities, close to public transport, jobs, schools and essential services.

The NSW Government has partnered with Frasers Property Australia and their partner Mitsui Fudosan Australia to deliver Midtown Mac Park, with Mission Australia Housing continuing its role as a community housing provider at the precinct.

Mission Australia Housing will manage 211 of the new social homes, with a competitive tender process planned for 2027 to appoint a community housing provider to part-own and manage the additional 190 homes.

The Minns Labor Government is boosting the supply of social housing in large scale housing renewals like Waterloo, Telopea, Tolland and Bellambi thanks to a record $6.6 billion investment in the  Building Homes for NSW program.  

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson:

“What makes Midtown Macquarie Park so significant is that we’re not simply replacing old housing, we’re delivering more than four times the number of social homes that were previously on this site, right in the heart of one of Sydney’s most connected communities.

“For too long, governments sold off public housing and failed to replace it. We’re taking a different approach by building vibrant mixed-tenure communities in sought-after locations, with an increased supply of social and affordable housing locked in from the start.

“This renewal brings together housing, transport, jobs, schools, parks and community facilities. That’s exactly the kind of neighbourhood people deserve and exactly the kind of housing project we can get behind and be proud to deliver.”

Frasers Property Australia CEO Cameron Leggatt:

“Frasers Property has delivered high-quality community housing developments across Australia partnering with Governments at all levels and in collaboration with community housing providers, and this is evident in the inclusive community being created at Midtown MacPark.  

“It’s extremely rewarding to actively contribute to the provision of much-needed social, affordable and market housing at Midtown that delivers a flourishing mixed-tenure neighbourhood enabling healthy, happy lifestyles for all residents.”

Mission Australia CEO Sharon Callister:

“Mission Australia is proud to be a part of the vibrant community that has grown at Midtown MacPark, providing social and affordable homes alongside the support people need to build stability and thrive. In just over two years, we’ve seen the difference that a safe, secure home can make, with residents connecting with each other and forming a sense of belonging at Midtown.  

“Midtown shows what can be achieved when residents are supported to sustain their tenancies, reach their goals and form community connections. There are residents here who have experienced the trauma of homelessness and housing instability who are now pursuing work and education opportunities and building a positive future.  

“The start of construction on more than 400 new social homes is an exciting milestone. We’re really looking forward to welcoming more people to Midtown MacPark and supporting them as they become part of this inclusive, connected community. This is what can be accomplished when governments, community housing providers and the private sector come together to deliver more homes where they’re needed most.” 

The Minns Labor Government is today announcing another major milestone as the new roof at Penrith stadium is now complete. The completion of the roof transforms the Western Sydney skyline and provides the first real glimpse of the world-class venue that will become the beating heart of sport, entertainment and community life in Western Sydney.

The roof was assembled on the ground before eight prefabricated modules weighing between 42 and 120 tonnes each were lifted into place by crane, seeing more of both the eastern and western grandstands covered.

When complete, more than half the seats in the stadium will be under cover, providing more shade and rain protection for crowds. The western grandstand roof is also fitted with solar panels which can generate up to 120 kilowatts of electricity, improving the stadium’s energy efficiency and reducing reliance on the electricity grid.

The stadium will have more food and beverage outlets (one point of sale for every 150 patrons) and around 450 toilets (three times more than the previous venue) and will be accessible, safe and inclusive for all users with 180 wheelchair compliant seats, up from 37 in the previous venue.

More than 1,300 workers have contributed to the new beating heart of Penrith, delivering essential local jobs and keeping construction activity flowing through the Western Sydney economy.

The precinct will be accessible to the community all-year round with access to a landscaped forecourt, including basketball hoops and a playing field.

The completion of the roof follows the Western Grandstand reaching its highest point last month highlighting the steepness of the stands which will significantly improve vantage points for spectators.

The next steps in the project will include the internal fit out (corporate suites, function rooms, player facilities, food and beverage stands and amenities), installing seating and the field of play. The stadium is expected to open in 2027 in time for the NRL season and will be known as Helloworld Stadium.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney, Prue Car said:

“ We’re one step closer to returning local fans to the stands for the 2027 NRL season to cheer on the mighty Panthers in their new world-class stadium.”

“Built by Western Sydney, for Western Sydney – this government is delivering on its commitment for a brand-new stadium in Penrith.”

Acting Minister for Lands and Property, Kate Washington said:

“Penrith Stadium is taking shape – the roof is on and anticipation is building.

“Fans are excited to raise this new roof, cheering on their favourite sports team or rocking out to incredible live music when it opens next year.”

Member for Penrith, Karen McKeown said:

“The roof is on and Penrith Stadium cuts a striking silhouette, taking pride of place on the Western Sydney skyline.

“We’re looking forward to the return of our mighty Penrith Panthers and hosting headline acts. “Our stadium will be the beating heart of Penrith the premier major sporting and cultural hub – attracting visitors, creating jobs and supporting local businesses.”

Quality Rigging Structural Erectors (QRSE), Director, John Neilsen said:

“Being involved in the Penrith Stadium redevelopment has been a project that our team at QRSE is incredibly proud of.

“Watching the stadium take shape and knowing that our work contributes to the future of the Penrith community and the passionate fans who will fill the stands is something truly special.

“From a 320kg step to the 155-tonne roof module and all 3480 critical lifts in between, we’re honoured to have played a role in delivering a lasting landmark for Western Sydney.”

The eight-level Shellharbour Hospital has reached a key milestone, moving the region closer to accessing a broader range of health services closer to home.

Communities across the Illawarra are a step closer to accessing expanded health services, with the construction of the new eight-level Shellharbour Hospital reaching its highest point.  

A traditional ‘topping out’ ceremony was held on site today, to mark the structural completion milestone.

The new facility features a rooftop helipad which will provide Illawarra residents with faster access to emergency and critical care services once the hospital becomes operational.  

Overlooking expansive views of the escarpment, the purpose-built facility provides a welcoming and supportive environment for staff, patients, and visitors.

Over the coming months, work will progress on the internal fit-out and external works to install the façade of the building.

Construction of the new Shellharbour Hospital is on track to be completed in late 2027 and will deliver a broad range of health services, helping communities across the Illawarra access care and treatment closer to home. This includes:

• An expanded emergency department  
• Specialised elective surgery services  
• Rehabilitation and aged care services  
• Paediatric Assessment Unit  
• Acute medical services  
• Expanded mental health services  
• Maternity services including midwifery-led clinics, doctor-led clinics, midwifery group practice (MGP) clinics, and pre- and post-natal care.
• A new drug and alcohol unit  
• Renal dialysis services  
• Outpatient care services  
• Car parking  
• A rooftop helipad  

The hospital campus will also include transport connections, a new bus stop and green spaces to enhance access to the hospital.  

The Geera Gardens will span approximately 15,000 square metres, the equivalent to around three football fields, and has been co-designed with local Aboriginal groups. The gardens will feature native species and offer a welcoming and recreational space for patients, visitors and staff.  

The Coalition failed to deliver or properly fund major health facilities around NSW, leaving parts of the state missing entire hospitals and health systems under severe pressure. The Minns Labor Government is fixing this by delivering more hospitals and more beds to meet the health needs of growing communities.

The NSW and Commonwealth governments have committed $828.9 million towards the New Shellharbour Hospital and Integrated Services project, which includes improved road infrastructure, a new safe assessment unit, and other essential works.  

The new Shellharbour Hospital project is being delivered by Health Infrastructure in partnership with the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, with BESIX Watpac as the principal contractor.  

Minister for Health Ryan Park:  

“This milestone means we are one step closer to the hospital opening its doors, providing a much-needed uplift to health services in the region.

“The Minns Labor Government is making record investments to deliver more hospitals, more beds, and more staff for growing communities in the Illawarra and right across NSW.

“The new hospital forms part of more than $1 billion in health infrastructure investments across the region, including Shoalhaven, Shellharbour, Wollongong and Milton Ulladulla, helping to ensure people have access to world-class care closer to home.”  

Federal Minister for Health Mark Butler:  

“It’s fantastic to see construction of the new Shellharbour Hospital is on track to deliver new and expanded health services for the Illawarra-Shoalhaven communities.  

“The Albanese Government is working with the Minns Government to deliver this new public hospital, supporting the healthcare demands of the Illawarra–Shoalhaven’s rapidly growing population.

“The Albanese Government’s record investment in public hospitals means New South Wales is forecast to receive $64 billion in Commonwealth funding over the next five years, helping to deliver projects, like the Shellharbour Hospital. This project will ensure patients in the local community, can access the care they need, close to home.”

Member for Shellharbour Anna Watson:  

“This is a major milestone for our community and brings us another step closer to opening the new Shellharbour Hospital.”

“The new hospital will provide expanded emergency, mental health, surgical and rehabilitation services, giving local families better access to care closer to home.

“I am pleased to see the progress being made and proud to be part of a government delivering this important investment for Shellharbour and the wider Illawarra.”  

Member for Kiama Katelin McInerney:

“For the community in the Kiama Electorate this represents an exciting new chapter in accessible regional healthcare, taking us one step closer to hospital that will deliver for the current and future needs of our community.  

“This project represents the single largest investment in a regional hospital in NSW’s history and reflects commitment of the Minns Labor Government to ensuring regional residents receive accessible, quality healthcare close to home.” 

SPEECH

Thank you, Xavier for your leadership over the past four years. 
 
And congratulations to Rebecca (Rebbeca Reardon).
 
Thank you to everyone for having me here today. 
 

Can I acknowledge my colleagues in the room:

The Leader of NSW Nationals Gurmesh Singh,

The Shadow Minister for Agriculture Brendan Moylan,

Shadow Minister for Water Steph Cooke,

Richie Williamson,

Michael Kemp,

Sarah Mitchell,

Scott Barrett,

Wes Fang, and

Dugald Saunders.

 
I am proud to work alongside my Nationals colleagues every day. 
 
Many of them who have farming backgrounds, including Gurmesh. 
 
We are a united team.
 
Ready for government with a clear plan to build a stronger NSW.  
 
Not many of you in the room know me well. 
 
Even though I am the Member for Vaucluse, representing one the most densely populated communities in the state, I am a country girl at heart. 
 
I grew up in regional South Australia.  
 
First on the west coast, where my dad was an insurance salesman for regional and rural communities.  
 
So I spent a lot of time on farms with him and at field days, which I absolutely loved.  
 
My husband Adam and I are raising three boys.  When I first met my husband, he was working for NSW Farmers.  
 
So, I had quite an insight into Agri-politics. 
 
I have lot of respect for the advocacy you have for your communities.  
 
I won’t pretend I’m from the land, the closest I came to it was a property Adam and I had at Rylstone.  
 
But I’ll be quite straight with you the only thing we grew there were kangaroos and woody weed.  
 
So I’ll rely on the experts in my team and you in the room to help shape the policies to get regional economies moving. 
 
Backing you means listening to you.  
 
Working in partnership with you. 
 
To have you tell us what we need to do to reach the untapped potential of regional NSW.  
 
The truth is NSW Farmers and regional communities in our state are not being listened to often enough. 
 
You are not getting your fair share from the current state and federal Labor Governments.
 
That must change. 
 
The recent global instability and the ongoing conflict in the middle east have shown how exposed our farmers are to supply chain disruptions.  
 
Nine in ten meals on the kitchen tables of families in this state come from Aussie farmers.
 
So when fuel shortages, fertiliser shortages and the risk posed by hotter and drier conditions caused by El Nino occur, they don’t just push up food prices at the checkout, they also put your livelihoods at risk.
 
We recognise that.
 
It needs to change because biosecurity threats to your farms are growing.  
 
From feral pigs to varroa mite and now the threat posed by bird flu.  
 
Over Easter, I had a great trip out to Greater Western NSW past Narromine to a place we go almost every Easter, Gulargambone. 
 
I had a great time at the Hermidale Gymkhana, which was fantastic. 
 
It is those experiences that really have given me great insights into the problems you have particularly with feral pests, like pigs.  
 
Seeing the way they absolutely decimate the crops.  
 
Seeing how heartbreaking it is for the farmers when they kill the lambs. 
 
I’ve seen what happens when you have a neighbour who doesn’t control the woody weed on their property and the pigs come in from there.  
 
I’ve seen how much it costs you if you want to put up an electric fence and try and keep a barrier there.  
 
I know when you are doing the maintenance on your farms at the moment, the cost of diesel is always front of mine.  
 
Do you fix the dam now or do you wait a bit longer?
 
In recent months, the NSW Liberals and Nationals team have been setting out some of our policies around biosecurity, fuel resilience, and infrastructure investment. 
 
We have announced that if we are elected, we will fund a record $300 million biosecurity and control program to protect our critical primary industries sector.  
 
The money will be invested where it is needed most. 
 
More boots on the ground killing feral pigs;  
 
Better exclusion fencing;  
 
Better use of technology, and  
 
Rapid response measures to target outbreaks before these populations expand. 
 
This plan is about action.  
 
Putting the money where it works to reduce feral pests and strengthen biosecurity.
  
Contrast that to the current government who have only allocated $16.3 million for feral pig control and pest management in the 2026/27 Budget.
  
None of us have a crystal ball as to when the conflict in the middle east will end.
  
We must accept that ongoing instability and supply chain disruptions are part of the times we live in. 
 
We can’t control what the US and Iran decide to do next, but we can take steps in NSW to ensure we are better prepared for future shocks.  
 
The Coalition have already announced that if we are elected in March next year, we will implement a NSW Fuel Security and Resilience Strategy.
 
The Minns Labor Government was warned of our vulnerabilities to supply chain shocks when the NSW’s Chief Scientist assessed our energy preparedness. 
 
That report was provided the government over a year ago.
  
It has sat there collecting dust.  
 
They also recently made the decision to shut down the Fuel Crisis Committee they set up earlier this year, that was premature.  
 
Our fuel strategy will have a clear focus: 
 
Explore opportunities for domestic fuel production  
 
Assess the need to expand fuel storage capacity  
 
Audit supply chain vulnerabilities and map the links between 
 
Strengthen NSW against future supply shocks. 
 
There is a lot more for us to be doing in this space as events overseas move quickly.  
 
We are continuing to look at options around how we can support farming communities to boost their own fuel and fertiliser storage and will have more to say on this. 
 
Roughly 25 per cent of people live outside Greater Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong.
 
It’s only fair, in our opinion, that people outside the cities get as much as the people who live in them.  
 
Regional NSW is being left behind. 
 
Basic infrastructure and roads has fallen into disrepair.  
 
Labor’s budget papers show that only 13 per cent of infrastructure spending is allocated for regional NSW.
 
That is not fair.  
 
If the Liberals and Nationals are elected next year, we will guarantee, at minimum, 25 per cent of new infrastructure spending is allocated to regional NSW.
 
Investing in new infrastructure is not just about supporting your communities by building better hospitals, schools and roads. 
 
It is also about strengthening the economic potential of regional NSW. 
 
We want you to be able to unlock your businesses. 
 
That is why we have announced the Liberals and Nationals will establish the most competitive payroll tax regime of any state in Australia.  
 
We will: 
 
Raise the annual payroll tax threshold from $1.2 million to $1.5 million.  
  
Lower the payroll tax rate from 5.45% to 4.75% for businesses with a total Australian payroll below $10 million.  
  
⁠Introduce CPI indexation to both thresholds to eliminate bracket creep.  
  
These reforms will save an estimated 4,000 businesses from paying payroll tax and mean an additional 25,000 businesses will have the lowest payroll tax rate of any Australian State.   
 
This is important. 
 
We need to drive our economy again. 
  
If you look at GSP, which is our gross state product in our state, we’ve gone from the best performing economy in the country when the Liberals and Nationals left government a few years ago. With a GSP of 4.1 per cent, we are now at the bottom of the pack, with the GSP of 0.9 per cent.  
 
We also know that the recent NCAT judgement on Zonadi on the land tax dominant use test poses many risks for a number of your businesses.  
 
I don’t have an announcement to make today, but I want you to know we are actively looking at this issue.  
 
There is a lot more work for us to do in the months ahead as we approach the 2027 election. 
 
What is clear is that farming communities want a government that listens to them.  
 
I can promise you that I will always be someone that listens.  
 
When farmers from Walcha came to Sydney to meet with their Premier and their Government.
 
To be heard about their concerns about the 500kv transmission lines being built every 400 metres.
 
Taller than the Opera House right through prime agricultural land. 

They were met with closed doors by the Premier and his team.  
 
When they took their petition of 22,000 signatures into the parliament it was a disgraceful no show by members opposite.   
 
Only one turned up.  
 
We sat down.
 
We listened.  
 
And the Liberals and Nationals have announced that if we are elected next year, we will dramatically revise the New England REZ down.  
 
That is our commitment to you.  
 
It was universally adopted.  
 
 
The Liberals and Nationals will not proceed with those brand-new transmission lines, and we will make do with what is there.
 
That’s important.  
 
See, the thing is that was our plan and at the time, it looked like a good idea.  
 
But governing is about leading.  
 
It is about looking at what is in front of you.  
 
It is about learning from the mistakes in other REZs.  
 
It is about saying, if this doesn’t work, if we don’t have the wind that we thought we were going to have, if we don’t have the investment, if companies like Squadron are pulling out, it doesn’t make sense.  
 
We are not going to spend up to $20 billion building infrastructure that will increase your bills and do damage to some of the best land in the state. 
 
We will be pragmatic.  
 
We will find other ways to get energy.  
 
That does not mean we won’t have renewables in our state. 
 
I’m not going to pretend that – we need it and we want it in many communities.
 
But we will be pragmatic. 
 
That is what good government’s do.
  
I also want to address another elephant in the room and that is guns.  
 
We’re continuing to hear concerns from farmers about the unintended consequences of the Minns Labor Government’s rushed changes to gun laws back in December.  
 
What is clear is that there are some real issues with these laws.  
 
There remains a lot of confusion and unanswered questions about the proposed guns buyback scheme.  
 
We have seen every other state pull out of Anthony Albanese’s proposed gun buyback and we still don’t know the full cost. 
 
The government’s laws were introduced eight days after the Bondi attack.  
 
Now, Bondi is my backyard.  
 
On that day, December 14 last year, I was nearby.  
 
I jumped in an ambulance as soon as I heard about the shooting, a local Jewish community ambulance, and I raced down to the scene.  
 
The final gunshots were being fired as I raced in. 
 
I saw firsthand the blood spilled on Bondi Beach.  
 
I saw the massacre of my own community members.
 
I sat there and I held the hand of a lady as she passed away. 
 
These are things that have deeply traumatized me, more so my community. 
 
I’m not saying this as an excuse, but as an explanation. 
 
That in the aftermath of that, after I’d spent the week attending funerals, going to memorials, dealing with the most unimaginable grief – the worst terrorism attack on Australian soil. 
 
That a week after that, eight days, we went into New South Wales Parliament and had to make an impossible choice.  
 
To debate legislation about gun laws to make our communities feel safe.  
 
Let’s be clear, the Opposition was not properly consulted on that. 
 
You were not consulted on that.  
 
We made a decision to, as Liberals, to support the legislation in the spirit of bipartisanship.  
 
When we did that, we said there will be unintended consequences.  
 
We said we expect the government to work with us if there are unintended consequences. 
 
I know there are many of you in this room that will be disappointed with me for that.  
 
What I’m saying to you is that we are listening and we have been speaking to stakeholders. 
 
I saw it on Bondi Beach.  
 
There were two terrorists that caused that attack.  
 
It was not farmers. 
 
I know you feel like you’re being punished. 
 
I know that those 10-gun caps in your communities feel unworkable.  
 
So I want to say that we are working with the government, with stakeholders, to make amends.  
 
I don’t know what that looks like yet, but we’ve been doing a lot of work. 
 
I just want you to know that.  
 
I’m not going to hide from that. 
 
I’m not going to shy from it. 
 
I’m not going to absolve myself of any responsibility.  
 
I’m just going to tell you the facts. 
 
I’m always going to do that. 
 
So I want you to know if you have an interest in this, come and have a chat to me and I will be all ears.  
 
CONCLUSION 
 
I’m going to finish on a nice story about where we are.  
 
It’s an important story for us Liberals and Nationals. 
 
Why are we here in Rosehill today?  
 
What’s the story behind it?
  
Governor Phillip tried to do something different here 240 years ago when the government farms weren’t working.  
 
He tried to back an individual.  
 
James Ruse worked the land of Experiment Farm. 
 
There were many setbacks.  
 
But by 1791 he demonstrated that he could sustain himself and his family.  
 
A farmer, a man, without having to, as someone else said, use the teat of government. 
 
In doing that, he proved that a fledgling colony could feed itself. 
 
It was an incredible moment in our nation’s history.  
 
It was because James Ruse was given the opportunity to succeed and Governor Phillip was prepared to trust him, that the foundations of Australian farming was born. 
 
From the thirty acres of land at Rosehill, to a multibillion industry today, our state has incredible story to tell when it comes to farming. 
 
NSW has always led the way and the future of farming in this state is full of opportunity.  
 
But it requires government that is going to be honest with you. 
 
That listens to you. 
 
That will admit mistakes. 
 
That will forge a way forward with you.  
 
That is what the Liberals and Nationals will always do. 
 
I look forward to a continued friendship.  
 
Thank you so much for the opportunity to address you today.