Category: NSW News

Tomorrow, Chris Minns, and Daniel Mookhey will hand down their third state budget — while declaring the previous 10 years of progress in New South Wales a mistake.

Last week their government dismissed a decade of delivery, change and transformational infrastructure as “vanity” and they’re now asking households across NSW to believe that doing less, building slower and dreaming smaller is a vision for the future.

Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said the Minns Labor Government is not focused on your mortgage, your children’s future or the services people rely on — they’re focused on rewriting history.

“The former Coalition Government delivered a decade of leadership, with record investment in health, housing, education, and the infrastructure that makes our lives work,” Mr Speakman said. 

“That decade changed NSW — this budget risks wasting it.”

Shadow Treasurer Damien Tudehope said what Labor calls “vanity” is what millions of families depend on every day.

“What this Labor Government calls ‘vanity’ is what delivered jobs, trains, schools, and hospitals for millions of families across NSW.

“They want to cancel the future and rewrite the past. But parents doing the school run, households trying to get ahead, and workers stuck in traffic don’t have the luxury of Labor’s no ideas for change,” Mr Tudehope said. 

After 2 years in power, the Minns Labor Government still can’t explain how they’ll make housing more affordable, how they’ll fix emergency departments, or how they’ll deliver the next wave of opportunity.

This budget is their chance, but it’s also their test.

NSW can’t afford a government that governs by press conference and always fails to deliver. 

Families deserve leadership — not reannouncements and lectures.

Spectators were treated to a thrilling display of world-class netball on Sunday, as a sell-out crowd of more than 10,000 fans packed Ken Rosewall Arena to witness the best athletes in New South Wales go head-to-head in the highly anticipated Suncorp Super Netball Derby between the NSW Swifts and GIANTS Netball.  NSW Minister for Sport, the Honourable Stephen Kamper MP, delivered the match ball on court and addressed guests at a pre-game function, where he spoke about the importance of netball, it’s amazing female role models and the power of sport to connect and strengthen communities.  “Today is a celebration of the incredible growth and power of women’s sport in New South Wales,” Minister Kamper said. “The NSW Netball Derby is more than just a game — it’s a celebration of the state’s fiercest athletes and most passionate fans. It’s a showcase of skill, heart, and the unifying power of sport.” Looking ahead to the 2027 Netball World Cup, to be hosted in Sydney, the Minister highlighted the long-term impact of the event. “The 2027 Netball World Cup will be a defining moment for Australian sport. It’s not just about hosting the world’s best—it’s about creating real, lasting impact. The future of netball and women’s sport has never been brighter. We have seen unprecedented participation across the last few years. Including a record 2024 for Netball NSW, with the largest number of participant registrations in the organisation’s near 100-year history.” In a strong show of support, Netball NSW was also honoured to host Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of New South Wales, along with Members of Parliament Felicity Wilson, Donna Davis, Eleni Petinos, Tim James, David Harris, and Jodie Harrison.

Netball NSW Chief Executive Tracey Scott welcomed the Minister’s remarks and the presence of government representatives, noting the significance of the occasion.  “It’s inspiring to see our sport celebrated on such a grand stage, with the support of our state leaders and a crowd that reflects the strength of our netball community,” she said.   “We’re incredibly grateful to the Minister and all MPs in attendance for recognising the power of netball and the role it plays in shaping lives.”   While the Swifts and GIANTS delivered a fierce contest on court, the Swifts won 75 – 66, the 20th NSW Derby became something even more—a powerful moment of unity, purpose and pride in women’s sport.

Two much awaited Hunter Valley projects have received a major boost in this year’s State Budget, with the Thornton Bridge duplication project to receive an additional $35 million to get on with construction.

The additional $35 million in new funding for Thornton Bridge builds on existing funding of $15 million in previous State Budgets to kickstart planning work, making a total commitment of $50 million from the Minns Labor Government.

This is on top of $100 million to deliver a Westbound Overpass on the New England Highway at Maitland, recently committed by the Albanese Labor Government to enable major work to be undertaken.

These projects are prime examples of the Minns and Albanese Labor Governments getting on with providing fast growing communities facing traffic congestion with the new and widened roads they need.

When delivered, the Thornton Bridge project will ease congestion and expand access to Thornton Road which is an essential flood-free route for local residents during natural disasters.

Transport for NSW are currently carrying out early works, which includes surveying the road surface of Thornton Road and Railway Avenue between Huntingdale Drive and Glenroy Street that will help inform a design solution for the project.

Thornton Bridge is one of the many vital regional road projects that the former Coalition government failed to complete in 12 years. Instead, the former government removed the cap on development north of the bridge, allowing more homes to be built without committing more funding to regional infrastructure.

The NSW Government has quickly added the recent commitment by the Australian Government of $100 million to deliver a westbound overpass on the New England Highway at Maitland Station into its forward program of road projects.

Early investigation work has been completed by Transport for NSW, so work can begin quickly when design scoping is complete and construction contracts signed. The Hunter is the most populous area of regional NSW, with more than one million people living in the region.

These projects add to a long list of improvements to major road projects in the Hunter Region to improve connectivity, reduce travel time, and bolster road safety. This includes:

• the Singleton bypass
• the Muswellbrook bypass
• upgrades to the New England Highway
• the Golden Highway upgrade projects
• Newcastle Inner City Bypass
• extension of the M1 Pacific Motorway to Raymond Terrace
• widening of Hexham Straight to connect journeys from M1/Hunter Expressway through to the Port of Newcastle
• Nelson Bay Road from Williamtown to Bobs Farm Upgrade
• other intersection and road upgrades.

NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison, said:

“The Minns Labor Government is getting on with delivering the roads infrastructure that the Hunter Valley community needs.

“This is a fast-growing community that needs new and improved road links to bust congestion and improve safety.

“The Liberals and Nationals prioritised building massive toll roads in Sydney at the expense of regional roads but the Minns Government is determined to get important regional infrastructure back on track.

“Peak hour congestion around Thornton Bridge is so bad it is like a massive car park. This will be a game changer for the community connecting people to home, work and essential services.

“When the eastern overpass of the Maitland Station roundabout opened in 2016, I said it was a job half-done. I am delighted that the Australian Government has stepped in to support the NSW Government to deliver this essential project.”

NSW Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley, said:

“The Hunter is quickly becoming one of the best places to live, work and play– and that means we need smart, future-ready infrastructure to keep up – something the Minns Labor Government is getting on with delivering.

“We’re focused on the essentials like safer roads, stronger bridges and upgraded intersections that locals use every single day – cutting congestion, boosting safety and making life easier for everyone.

“We’re already delivering major projects like the Singleton Bypass, the Muswellbrook Bypass, the Newcastle Inner City Bypass and the M1 extension to Raymond Terrace – and this is just another step forward in getting it done for our communities.”

Federal MP for Paterson Meryl Swanson said:

“The Westbound Overpass project will improve safety, reduce congestion, and make travel easier for families and businesses.

“It will be a game-changer for daily commuters, finishing what was left incomplete and give Maitland the infrastructure it deserves.

“This is about the safe travel of local residents, businesses, and tourists and maintaining vital links in our community.”

The Minns Labor Government will introduce amendments to the Member for Wakehurst’s Private Member’s Bill next week, which would enable the NSW Government, if required, to terminate the Northern Beaches PPP contract as if a hospital operator default had occurred.

This follows the appointment of receivers to the parent entities of Healthscope, which the NSW Government considers a default under the contract. 

It is the preference of the NSW Government that agreement on the future control and operation of the Northern Beaches Hospital can be reached with Healthscope and its receivers.

However, the Government must be able to act decisively to avoid a prolonged dispute for members of the Northern Beaches community, staff working at the hospital and for NSW taxpayers.

If a mutual agreement is not reached, the proposed amendments would give the Health Minister the power to issue a termination notice to Healthscope. In addition, the Treasurer would have the power to ensure that compensation negotiations occur in a reasonable time frame and to appoint an independent person to determine compensation if agreement cannot be reached.

The alternative to this approach is for the NSW Government to exercise its voluntary termination rights.  Under the PPP contract signed by the Liberal Party, this would see compensation to Healthscope’s receivers and lenders run into the hundreds of millions of dollars. 

The government’s legislative approach will ensure there are no windfall gains to Healthscope or its receivers.

Discussions between the Northern Beaches Hospital Taskforce, Healthscope and its receivers remain ongoing, and we are hopeful of a productive outcome.

NSW Health will continue to work closely with Healthscope to ensure that patient safety and continuity of services at the Northern Beaches Hospital will not be compromised as negotiations continue.

The Minns Labor Government passed legislation earlier this month banning any repeat of the failed Northern Beaches PPP model in acute care, ensuring that the Liberals’ privatisation of acute public hospitals never happens again.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:

“This is not a decision we take lightly.

“But we are now in a position where the Liberal’s privatisation mess means Healthscope’s receivers are negotiating the future of the Northern Beaches Hospital.

“While an agreed exit from this failed PPP contract remains my preference – I must ensure the government has the right to step in and protect the Northern Beaches community from this dragging on.

“I thank the local Independent Members Michael Regan and Jacqui Scruby for their passion and advocacy.”

Health Minister Ryan Park said:

“We’ve made it clear from the very beginning that we don’t support this sort of arrangement.

“This is a complex contract but the community deserves certainty.

“The other mob may have created this mess, but we are going to be the ones to clean it up.”

The Minns Labor Government and Randwick City Council are getting on with the job of fixing Coogee Beach’s long-standing water quality issues, delivering $7 million to clean up one of Sydney’s most iconic beaches.

Locals and visiting beachgoers alike are set to benefit as the Government continues work to ensure that local communities don’t just have the essential services and housing they need, but thriving environments and free recreational spaces to enjoy.

Locals have known for years that stormwater pollution has been letting Coogee down, with Beachwatch consistently rating the beach as ‘Poor’. The 2025-2026 state budget includes $3 million to deliver this project in partnership with Randwick City Council and Sydney Water.

The Minns Labor Government are pushing ahead with the upgrade with works set to begin this year, with the construction of a new pump station and pressure mains.

Once complete, stormwater will be diverted away from Coogee and discharged further offshore. That means no more stormwater flowing across the beach after every downpour, significantly improving water quality and reducing public health risks.

This is about making Coogee swimmable all year round and delivering the water quality that locals, families and visitors expect from a world-class beach.

This is a vital investment in critical public infrastructure that will improve the environment, protect public health and make one of Sydney’s greatest beaches even better.

Rose Jackson, Minister for Water:

“People love Coogee but they’re rightly sick of the impacts of pollution when it rains. This is an overdue fix to a problem that’s been ignored for too long.

“We’re putting an end to this shitty situation once and for all so everyone can enjoy one the best beaches in the world.

“We’re delivering the public infrastructure locals deserve, clean water, safe swimming and a beach the community can be proud of.”

Marjorie O’Neill, Member for Coogee:

“This is a win for our community, who have long called for action to clean up Coogee Beach. I’m proud to have worked alongside residents, council and Sydney Water to secure this investment and deliver real improvements to one of the best beaches in the world.

“Improving water quality isn’t just about the environment—it’s about public health, it’s about tourism, and it’s about ensuring one of NSW’s most iconic beaches lives up to its name every day of the year.”

Mayor of Randwick, Dylan Parker:

“Coogee Beach is not only a popular coastal destination for visitors; it holds a special place in the hearts of local residents.

“This project will address a long-standing issue important to our local community, delivering a better experience for everyone at the beach and in the water, and is a significant step towards protecting our beautiful coastline”.

Paul Plowman, Acting Chief Executive Sydney Water:

“Sydney Water is pleased to be part of this important project to improve water quality and protect public health at Coogee Beach.

“By diverting stormwater away from the swimming area, we can make a meaningful difference to the beach environment and visitor experience.”

The NSW Government is investing $145.1 million in Building Commission NSW as part of the 2025-26 Budget, providing funding security for the dedicated building regulator so it can continue to restore confidence and quality in the sector.

Building Commission NSW employs more than 450 people including building and compliance inspectors, policy experts, investigators, intelligence analysts, lawyers, and industry engagement specialists.

The significant investment in the Minns Government’s third Budget will allow Building Commission NSW to continue to conduct inspections, investigate complex building issues, progress key building reforms and educate the industry.

Specifically, this new recurrent funding will allow the digitisation of penalty infringement notices, which will in turn sharpen the Commission’s data analytics resulting in more targeted inspections and ultimately more prosecutions.

The $145 million funding boost will also allow the Commission to standup joint taskforces with Fair Trading, ASIC, ASQA (Australian Skills Quality Authority) and the NSW State Coroner, to ensure all necessary prosecutions across different jurisdictions can be carried out.

So far this financial year, Building Commission NSW has inspected 1015 building sites for defects and has issued 455 orders as a result, with water ingress and fire safety defects among key issues.

Building Commission NSW has also inspected 401 residential building sites for building compliance issues, including licencing, specialist trade supervision and signage requirements, this financial year.  

These compliance inspections resulted in Building Commission NSW issuing 202 Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) for issues identified including unlicensed work and contractors working without the right licence.

Building Commission NSW also conducted nearly 20,000 plumbing inspections, more than 2000 electrical inspections, and close to 1000 gas inspections in 2024/25, targeting specialist trade work.

In 2025, Building Commission NSW also devoted significant resources towards ensuring building quality is maintained in regional and rural parts of the state.

This regional push saw teams of building quality and compliance inspectors in the North Coast, Mid-North Coast, Riverina and Murray, as well as the Central West regions of NSW.

These regional inspection blitzes resulted in visits to 223 residential building sites, the issuing or expected issuing of 3 orders with a further 55 orders to be finalised for building defects, and the issuing of 72 PINs.

Building Commission NSW continues to engage with industry on proposed building reforms to consolidate a patchwork of existing laws into a simple and modernised legal framework for rebuilding trust in the sector, improving consumer protections, and reducing defects.

In the 2024-25 financial year, Building Commission NSW’s Construct NSW platform delivered courses to more than 23,800 students and launched five new courses, to ensure the industry is well trained.

Building Commission NSW expects to launch a further 16 courses this year, including Mandarin translated courses on Asbestos and Silica awareness, Electrical and Air Conditioning Standards, Automated Vehicle Parking Systems, and Vehicle Lifts – Safety and Integration.

Minister for Building, Anoulack Chanthivong:

“Building quality is one of the top priorities of the Minns Government.

“Ensuring homes, whether they be apartments or free-standing houses, are built to the highest standards is critical to helping address the housing crisis we inherited in NSW.

“To do this, the NSW Government established Building Commission NSW as a dedicated regulator with the aim of restoring confidence in the construction sector and ensuring building quality is improved across the state.

“This $145 million investment secures the Commission’s funding over the next four years, so it can continue on its mission to uplift and improve the quality of the residential building sector.”

NSW Building Commissioner, James Sherrard:

“In 2024/25 alone we have conducted thousands of inspections on sites across NSW, with a particular focus on building our presence and programs in the regional and rural parts of the state.

“This $145 million investment over the next four years will provide the Commission the funding security it needs to keep inspections going and ensure building quality is maintained across the state.

“It will also allow us to continue to progress key building legislative reforms, and deliver education to the industry, so the sector is supported and can continue to improve into the future.”

The Minns Labor Government is delivering on its election commitment to repair Stockton Beach by allocating $21.5 million in the 2025-26 NSW Budget to continue crucial renourishment works.

The NSW Government is dedicated to the long-term future of this beach. This action, backed by funding, will protect the beach’s natural beauty, Aboriginal heritage, and its recreational and economic benefits.

The Stockton Beach Repair Blueprint outlines the actions required to preserve the beach. The NSW Government has already worked with the City of Newcastle Council to deliver 130,000 cubic metres of sand to nourish Stockton Beach.

The new funding in the 2025-26 NSW Budget will ensure the NSW Government can deliver the next phase of the Blueprint, which involves a range of action including finalising environmental approvals, creating and implementing an environmental monitoring plan, securing licences, planning the approach to procurement, and delivering beach nourishment.

This investment over five years is in addition to the $6.3 million stage one project administered by the NSW Government and jointly funded by the Australian Government and the City of Newcastle Council.

The NSW Government will continue to involve the community and seek their input on the restoration process. The Stockton Special Advisory Panel will continue to provide important stakeholder perspectives.

More information: www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/water/coasts/stockton-beach-repair-project.

Minister for the Environment, Penny Sharpe:

“The Minns Labor Government has made significant progress on the restoration of Stockton Beach, but there’s more to do.

“This investment delivers on our election commitment and funds the largest beach repair project ever undertaken in NSW.”

Chair of the Stockton Special Advisory Panel Chairman, Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp:

“I have been fighting for Stockton Beach alongside the community since I was first elected as the Member for Newcastle. I secured $21.5 million for mass sand nourishment, and I am so pleased to be delivering on that commitment.

“It’s one thing to have a blueprint – it’s another to have the funding confirmed in this year’s Budget and to be moving onto the net steps of getting sand back on the beach.

“I look forward to continuing as Chair of the Stockton Advisory Panel and working alongside the City of Newcastle in delivering for the Stockton community.”

Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley:

“Locals have fought for action on Stockton Beach for years, and now, the Minns Labor Government is delivering.

“We’ve already seen the first signs of recovery with sand returned to the beach. This next round of funding means we can keep that momentum going, push ahead with planning and approvals, and deliver the long-term solution Stockton needs.

“This is about protecting a place that means so much to locals – for lifestyle, for culture, and for the economy.”

The Minns NSW and Albanese Australian Governments have combined to provide matching funding worth a total of $500 million to kickstart the long-awaited congestion busting Mona Vale Road West project.

The Minns Government is prioritising delivering essential services that people rely on, including key road infrastructure, that will set NSW up for long-term prosperity.

This is about building a better NSW through better economic management, all without privatisation.

Mona Vale Road is one of the most critical arterial roads serving the Northern Beaches area, connecting the Peninsula to the Northern Suburbs. It is a long-standing traffic pinch point.

The NSW State Budget commits $250 million for the project, matching an Australian Government commitment of $250 million on 22 March by the Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Catherine King.

The project involves upgrading 3.4 kilometres of Mona Vale Road from two lanes to four lanes between McCarrs Creek Road, Terrey Hills and Powder Works Road, Ingleside.

Key features of the Mona Vale Road West upgrade include:

• A new traffic signal intersection with Kimbriki Road, including additional dedicated turning lanes and a truck climbing lane
• Relocating the intersection with Tumburra Street to the west by about 40 metres and changing access to left turn in and left turn out only
• Closing the existing intersection with Addison Road to general traffic and restricting access to emergency vehicles only
• Constructing a new local road connection between Bungendore Street and Powder Works Road, using the existing Harvey Road corridor, and extending the new local road east of Addison Road to meet the intersection of Mona Vale Road and Powder Works Road
• Removing bus stops near Tumburra Street and re-directing bus services along the new local road connection and Tumburra Street to serve existing and future land uses

Other features to encourage pedestrians and cyclists include a shared use path on the northern side of Mona Vale Road between McCarrs Creek Road and Addison Road and upgraded street lighting and landscaping for the full length of the project.

To protect local wildlife, there will be a 40-metre fauna bridge over Mona Vale Road and two fauna underpasses. 

NSW Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to infrastructure that improves people’s lives in NSW.

“I am delighted to be able to give the green light on this project which will make a real difference to the local community with congestion and safety improvements over 3.4 km of one of the busiest arterial routes on the Northern Beaches.

“I acknowledge the constructive role played by the local State MP, Jacqui Scruby, and the local Federal MP, Sophie Scamps, in advocating for this project to be brought forward. This is an example of local representatives working together across the aisle for a good community outcome.

“The most important thing this announcement delivers in the certainty for the project to proceed. Transport for NSW will now be able to move ahead with critical planning work along this important corridor that has significant biodiversity, terrain and technical challenges to be addressed.”

The Minns Labor Government is returning 1.6 hectares of parkland to the people of the Inner West thanks to a $4.8 million investment in the 2025-26 Budget.

For years, central areas of Callan Park have been neglected and locked up by condemned buildings which are not only an eyesore but a safety hazard and a target for vandals. 

This Minns Labor Government investment will enable the demolition of nine derelict buildings over two years.

This work is crucial not only to remove unsafe buildings but to deliver more green and open space for the park’s 2.4 million yearly visitors and the area’s growing population. 

By 2041 the five kilometres around Callan Park is expected to be home to 415,000 people.

Unlocking more open space for people to play, relax and gather is a key step as the area welcomes more housing thanks to the Minns Government’s Transport Oriented Development Program and the Low and Mid-rise Housing Policy, which are expected to deliver higher density in well located areas.

Home to the popular Bay Run, Callan Park is a special place not just for locals but for visitors from all over Sydney and New South Wales, and an important link in Sydney’s broader network of parklands and waterways. 

This investment is part of the ongoing transformation of Callan Park into one of Sydney’s significant urban parklands, providing quality open space and recreation areas for locals and people from across Sydney and New South Wales.

The Minns Labor Government is building better communities for NSW by delivering the green and open space needed to support growing populations.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“The Minns Labor Government is putting an end to the neglect of Callan Park and investing to restore more quality green space for the growing Inner West community.

“Callan Park is a jewel in the crown of the Inner West, but these nine buildings have been left to deteriorate beyond repair becoming a stain on the park’s reputation.  

“By demolishing these buildings, we will return 1.6 hectares of green open space to the community which is the equivalent of 4000 large picnic blankets or two football fields.

“We’ve unlocked housing density in the streets and suburbs surrounding Callan Park and this funding will make sure future residents have more quality green space in their neighbourhood.”

Member for Summer Hill Jo Haylen said:

“Callan Park is beloved by the Inner West community as a space to gather with family and friends, relax, exercise, and connect with nature and this announcement will further expand its capacity to support our growing community.

“The Minns Labor government are reclaiming areas of Callan Park that have been neglected for years to again make it an inviting place for today and into the future while celebrating and respecting its past.

“I look forward to seeing green space replace the eyesore of these derelict buildings and returning use back to the community.”

In an Australian first, the Minns Labor Government has mandated all hospitality staff and liquor licence holders receive specialised sexual harassment and sexual violence prevention training.

The training will enable hospitality staff to identify and respond to sexual harassment and sexual violence in licensed venues, is part of an update to the state’s Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) training program.

The additional training is an important step in helping improve workplace safety for hospitality staff across NSW.

RSA training is mandatory for anyone who sells, serves or supplies alcohol in NSW. Certification is valid for five years and must be renewed to remain current.

The new sexual harassment and sexual violence course material was developed by Liquor & Gaming NSW in partnership with Good Night Out, an international campaigning organisation focused on gender-based violence prevention in night-time economies.

Approved training providers must now deliver all RSA courses using the updated materials.

This update builds on last year’s RSA training handbook revision, which included new guidance on drink spiking, and is part of a broader strategy to improve both patron and workplace safety in the hospitality industry.

The strengthened RSA module gives hospitality workers a clear understanding of the law, including the differences between sexual harassment, sexual assault and drink spiking.

It explains how alcohol can affect a person’s ability to consent and the role coercion can play. The training reinforces that alcohol is not the cause of sexual violence and is often used to excuse perpetrators and shift blame onto victims. Staff will also be trained in how to respond when patrons disclose sexual harassment, sexual violence or suspected drink spiking, and how to connect them with appropriate support services.

Licensee training has also been updated to reflect employers’ obligations under the federal government’s Respect@Work legislation, which requires businesses to take proactive steps to prevent workplace sexual harassment, including providing relevant education and training for all employees.

The licensee training now references workplace safety requirements for prevention of sexual harassment in addition to guidance on patron safety requirements.

These changes complement existing initiatives such as Think Safe to Drink Safe and Ask for Angela, reinforcing the NSW Government’s commitment to a safer, more inclusive night-time economy.

Minister for Music and the Night-Time Economy John Graham said:

“We want NSW to be the global gold standard for live music, nightlife and entertainment. That only happens if our venues are safe, welcoming and respectful for everyone who walks through the door.

“The updated RSA training course gives hospitality staff real-world tools and guidance needed to step in, defuse trouble and assist their patrons when it counts.

“One of the key priorities in the NSW Government’s 24-Hour Economy Strategy is safety for night-time workers and these changes are all about ensuring workers can look after their colleagues and customers.”

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said:

“Sexual harassment and sexual violence have no place in NSW and are completely unacceptable in our pubs, clubs, bars and restaurants.

“That’s why it is so important that RSA courses now include training on how to prevent and respond to sexual harassment and violence and that this training is required to gain certification to serve or supply alcohol in NSW.

“These changes will give the more than 100,000 workers who complete a course each year the skills and confidence to recognise and respond to unacceptable behaviour and is a major step towards making venues safer for everyone.”

Minister for Work, Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said:

“Sexual violence and harassment have no place in any workplace or community.

“SafeWork NSW is committed to educating employers, enforcing Work Health and Safety laws, and supporting respectful, safe workplaces across the state.

“With a dedicated Respect at Work team and the largest investment in workplace mental health in NSW history, we are strengthening protections and expanding specialist inspector roles to prevent psychosocial harm and workplace sexual harassment.

“Every worker deserves to go to work and return home safely to their loved ones.”

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said:

“The NSW Government has a zero tolerance approach towards sexual violence and harassment, and we are working to stop it before it starts.

“We are implementing the first dedicated Primary Prevention Strategy in NSW to address the underlying and gendered drivers of violence against women.

“It’s important for us to engage with people where they live, learn, work, socialise and play, including the hospitality sector.

“This training is one example of the work underway to change the beliefs and cultures that tolerate or condone violence.”

NSW Women’s Safety Commissioner Hannah Tonkin said:

“There should be no places or spaces where women in NSW feel unsafe. Everyone should feel confident that they’ll be safe when they’re socialising or working in a bar, club, restaurant or pub.

“These changes to RSA training represent an important step in making these spaces safer and more respectful for women. Women will be reassured that staff in licensed venues across NSW will now receive enhanced RSA training, and that this will better equip staff to recognise and respond to unsafe or unacceptable behaviour.”

Full Stop CEO Karen Bevan said:

“Full Stop Australia welcomes the addition of new and updated sexual violence prevention and response content in the Responsible Service of Alcohol framework. We were pleased to support the development of the content.

“Sexual violence is widespread and prevalent across the community, and particularly in nightlife settings. Ensuring hospitality staff are equipped to respond sensitively and safely to disclosures of sexual violence is a positive step towards improving outcomes for victim-survivors. Nights out should be fun and safe for everyone. This change is a step in the right direction to ensure the safety of all workers and patrons in NSW venues.”

Support: Anyone impacted by sexual violence can contact the NSW Sexual Violence Helpline 24/7 on 1800 424 017.