Category: NSW News

Recreation and conservation have emerged as top priorities for the community from extensive consultation on the proposed Great Koala National Park.

The What We Heard report has been released, summarising feedback from members of the public about how they currently use the area, and what they envisage for the park in the future.

It reveals people in the local region and across NSW widely appreciate the area for its recreation opportunities, outstanding conservation values, natural beauty and wellbeing benefits.

There is strong support for improved protection for koalas and other threatened species while also ensuring that a broad range of recreational uses are available in the park.

This aligns with the Minns Labor Government’s vision for the Great Koala National Park to be one of the most significant conservation initiatives in NSW as well as a must-see destination attracting visitors and contributing to the local economy.

Key feedback themes include:

• How people use the area: Bushwalking is the most popular activity, alongside camping, sightseeing, wildlife watching, four-wheel driving, swimming, mountain biking and trail bike riding.
• What people value most: Protecting habitat and wildlife, while continuing opportunities for a wide range of recreational activities people currently enjoy.
• Ideas for the future park: Upgraded trails and infrastructure, new recreation opportunities, supporting education, exploring tourism and nature-based experiences and ongoing community involvement.

The consultation is one of the largest ever undertaken for a new national park. It attracted around 4,000 survey responses and involved more than 70 face-to-face meetings, group forums, community events and online sessions.

The What We Heard report will be used to inform reserve categories and future management. This is not the end of the consultation: collaboration with Aboriginal stakeholders, neighbours, councils, tourism operators, recreation and conservation groups is ongoing.

The NSW Government is working to register a carbon project for the Great Koala National park with the Clean Energy Regulator. The creation of the Park is conditional on the successful registration of this project.

The What We Heard report is available here: https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/publications/what-we-heard-report-proposed-great-koala-national-park-community-consultation

Acting Minister for the Environment Jihad Dib said:

“Creating the Great Koala National Park is about protecting the future of koalas in the wild, safeguarding some of their best habitat in NSW while giving locals and visitors the chance to enjoy a world-class park.

“We appreciate the strong community input and we are listening carefully. Through consultation the feedback is that people want the park to deliver great opportunities for recreation and nature-based experiences.”

Minister for North Coast Janelle Saffin said:

“This report shows we can absolutely protect our environment while also backing our local economy.

“Our community has spoken loud and clear: they want a park that is active, accessible, and alive with recreation.  

“By listening to the 4,000 people who engaged with this survey, we are designing a world-class destination that keeps the outdoor activities locals love, while unlocking economic opportunities for our regional businesses, tour operators, and our hospitality sector.  

“Local voices are driving this process, and that’s exactly how it should be.” 

The Minns Labor Government will give 22 NSW startups and small businesses a share of more than $1 million in funding under the second round of the 2025-26 MVP Ventures Program, helping turn innovative ideas into jobs, investment and economic growth.

The latest funding round backs NSW innovators developing practical solutions to some of the state’s biggest challenges, including housing affordability, advanced manufacturing, clean energy and health, strengthening the state’s position as the national leader in innovation.

The projects demonstrate the depth and diversity of innovation across NSW, with successful applicants including businesses that are developing modular and low-cost housing solutions for regional communities, new clean energy and wastewater technologies for industry, and advanced manufacturing innovations that improve safety and productivity.

By supporting businesses to move beyond the prototype stage and into commercialisation, the MVP Ventures Program helps ensure ideas developed in NSW deliver economic benefits for NSW.

The program provides targeted funding to help startups and small businesses bridge the critical gap between research and commercial success, accelerating their path to market and helping them attract investment.

Innovation drives productivity, supports economic growth and helps create the industries that will shape NSW’s future. The Minns Labor Government is committed to ensuring businesses and communities across metropolitan and regional NSW can share in those opportunities.

Round two MVP grant recipients include:

• Aquacultr Group – advancing a non-invasive ultrasonic technology aimed at reducing stress in fish, helping them stay healthier and perform better in aquaculture environments, such as fish farms.
• EClass Outboards – a clean technology startup developing an electric retrofit kit for petrol-powered jet skis to support the transition to lower-emissions marine transport.
• 14modular – an advanced manufacturing business applying lean manufacturing and industrialised construction to deliver high-quality modular housing at scale – faster, more efficiently, and at ever-lower prices.
• DermR Health – a medical technology company developing a less invasive way to diagnose skin cancer through its DermR® Patch microneedle technology and companion molecular diagnostic test.

Applications for round three of the 2025-26 MVP Ventures Program are currently being assessed with recipients expected to be announced later this year.

This is part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to build a better NSW by creating more jobs and increasing productivity across the state’s economy.

For more information visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/business-and-economy/innovation/grants-and-programs/mvp-ventures-program.

Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“From housing and clean energy to advanced manufacturing and health technologies, NSW innovators are developing practical solutions to some of our biggest challenges.

“The Minns Labor Government’s Innovation Blueprint is focused on turning that innovation into economic growth, new industries and high-skilled jobs, and the MVP Ventures Program plays an important role in that effort.

“Around half of this funding is supporting women-owned businesses, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-owned businesses and founders in regional NSW, helping ensure the benefits of innovation are shared right across the state.”

Minister for Small Business, Janelle Saffin said:

“Small Businesses are the backbone of the NSW economy, but taking an innovative concept from the drawing board to the market is incredibly challenging in the current climate.

“By bridging that critical funding gap, the Minns Labor Government is ensuring our home-grown talent has the support it needs to scale up, stay competitive, and create the highly skilled jobs of tomorrow right here in NSW.

“Start ups are key to innovation and they inspire new products, services and so much more.”

Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington said:

“Port Stephens has a proud history of marine science research and innovation, so it’s great to see Aquacultr Group receive support through the MVP Ventures Program.

“Their technology has the potential to boost productivity and strengthen the sustainability of aquaculture operations.

“This investment will help bring a locally developed innovation closer to market, supporting jobs and economic opportunities in our region.”

Member for Kiama Katelin McInerney said:

“It’s fantastic to see a Kiama-based business receive support through the MVP Ventures Program to grow an innovative local technology.

“EClass Outboards is taking an innovative approach to reducing emissions in the marine sector, demonstrating the ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit we have here on the South Coast.

“This funding will help the business continue developing its electric jet ski retrofit technology and take another important step towards bringing a NSW-made product to market.”

Aquacultr Group CEO Mat Goddard said:

“Aquaculture is one of the fastest-growing sources of food production globally, and advancing fish welfare and productivity will be critical to the sector’s long-term sustainability.

“This funding will help us commercialise our BioUltrasonics technology and expand its use across the industry to improve fish welfare, productivity and operational performance.”

EClass Outboards Founder Lynelle Johnson said:

“We’re developing practical solutions to help reduce emissions from recreational and commercial marine vessels without replacing existing equipment.

“The MVP Ventures grant will help us continue refining our electric jet ski conversion technology and move closer to bringing a viable zero-emissions alternative to market.”

14modular Founder and CEO David Hartigan said:

“We’re using lean manufacturing and industrialised construction to rethink how housing is delivered in Australia.

“The MVP Ventures grant will help 14modular accelerate the development of our modular housing platform and demonstrate how high-quality homes can be built faster, more efficiently and at a lower cost.”

DermR Health Founder and CEO Stefan Mazy said:

“Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, but clinicians still have limited tools to help identify which suspicious lesions are unlikely to be cancer. As a result, many patients are sent for biopsy to resolve uncertainty, placing them in an invasive diagnostic pathway that can involve discomfort, scarring and delays, even though many biopsies ultimately return benign.

“The MVP Ventures grant will help us advance the DermR® Patch test towards commercial readiness, bringing us closer to a faster, less invasive way to help rule out skin cancer earlier and guide the next step in care.”

The NSW Liberals and Nationals will move to protect the full 18-hole Moore Park Golf Course when Parliament resumes in August, as opposition grows to the Minns Labor Government’s plan to cut the course to 12 holes.
 
The Opposition will move amendments to the Greater Sydney Parklands Bill 2026 requiring all reasonable steps be taken to retain the 18-hole course.
 
More than 32,000 people have signed an online petition opposing the Government’s proposal to reduce the course.
 
Leader of the Opposition Kellie Sloane said the Minns Labor Government had ignored a sensible compromise that would have delivered more public green space while preserving the full golf course.
 
“Labor had the opportunity to take a win-win compromise put forward by golfers, instead it has ignored common sense and pressed ahead with a plan that satisfies no one,” Ms Sloane said.
 
“The NSW Liberals and Nationals are listening to the thousands of people who want to protect this iconic public course and we’ll take that fight to Parliament.”
 
Shadow Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Chris Rath said Labor should back the amendment.
 
“Moore Park is one of Sydney’s most popular and affordable golf courses, not an exclusive private golf club. Labor wants to lock golfers out, but we will be legislating protections to stop them,” Mr Rath said.
 
“A petition with more than 32,000 signatures against the Moore Park South Establishment Plan is a clear sign that not enough has been done to get the community on board. We’re calling on Chris Minns to hit the pause button on this project.”

Staff working in Crookwell and surrounding communities will benefit from new Key Health Worker Accommodation. 

This new accommodation will help attract and retain essential healthcare staff to the region.

Crookwell is one of more than 20 Key Health Worker Accommodation projects in rural, regional and remote NSW, as part of the Minns Labor Government’s $200.1 million program.

The recently purchased accommodation includes two single storey duplexes. Each duplex includes three light filled bedrooms, two bathrooms and a double garage.

Southern NSW Local Health District is one of nine local health districts to benefit from the NSW Government’s investment to deliver accommodation for health workers under the Key Health Worker Accommodation Program.

The funding includes the building of new accommodation, refurbishment of existing living quarters, and the purchase of suitable properties such as residential units.

The Minns Labor Government’s $200.1 million program builds on the $45.3 million in accommodation for key healthcare workers in the Murrumbidgee, Southern NSW, and Far West Local Health Districts, which is now complete with all units delivered and fully operational.

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:

“This new accommodation in Crookwell is another example of our commitment to strengthen regional health services because we recognise that improving access to safe, modern, and affordable accommodation allows us to attract and retain nurses, doctors and allied health professionals.

“Healthcare workers are the backbone of our regional and rural communities, and this $200.1 million Key Health Worker Accommodation Program will help ensure they have the support they need to live and work locally.

“We know workforce attraction is one of the biggest challenges facing regional healthcare services and key worker accommodation is a practical investment that delivers real benefits, ensuring people can continue accessing the care they need, when they need it.”

Labor Spokesperson for Goulburn Bob Nanva MLC:

“Improving access to safe, modern and affordable accommodation that is close to the hospital helps to attract and retain nurses, doctors, and allied health professionals.

“This means the Crookwell community will have greater access to the vital services they need.”

Margaret Bennett, Chief Executive, SNSWLHD:

“It is fantastic to see new accommodation for our healthcare workers in Crookwell, which will go some way to helping us attract and retain healthcare staff.

“By reducing the pressure of securing suitable accommodation we can help people focus on their work and experience the best of what Southern NSW Local Health District has to offer.”

The Minns Labor Government has established a taskforce to advise on ways to enhance the safety for staff, patients, and visitors across the NSW public health system.

The NSW Health Safety Taskforce, which met for the first time earlier this week, is made up of representatives from unions, and NSW Health, including Sydney, Western Sydney and Western NSW Local Health Districts. The work of the Taskforce will focus on measures and provide suggestions to the Minister for Health and Minister for Regional Health to:

• improve hospital security systems and workforce capability
• reduce the incidence and impact of occupational violence
• strengthen prevention, response and recovery frameworks for workplace incidents
• ensure consistent and effective approaches across NSW Health facilities
• support workplace safety, wellbeing and retention.

The Taskforce will meet monthly and report progress to the Minister for Health and Minister for Regional Health and the Secretary NSW Health.

NSW Health is also ensuring security staff have the authority to direct and escort individuals from hospital premises when their behaviour creates a risk.

Security staff in NSW Health play a vital role supporting clinical staff in NSW Health. Updated information is being provided to all staff to ensure they understand this role.

Specialised training is being explored to support their work.

These measures add to a number of key strategies already in place across the public hospital system, which include:

• A trial of body worn cameras for security staff at 15 hospitals across the state, which has been extended until November 2026.
• Ongoing risk assessments to identify and manage emerging security risks.
• Safety huddles to share information on patient related safety risk.
• Patient management plans that set out specific arrangements to keep both the patient and healthcare workers safe when providing care.
• Multi-disciplinary Code Black (duress) response teams. This includes the use of NSW Health security staff/Health and Security Assistants to assist clinical staff with the management of incidents.
• Workplaces designed to enhance line of sight for staff, including dual egress at staff stations and in treatments rooms.
• Lockdown arrangements including secure entry points between public and clinical areas and secure perimeters for facilities, particularly after hours.
• Personal mobile and fixed duress alarms for staff to ensure they can summon assistance when necessary.
• Closed circuit television (CCTV) and effective lighting to ensure visibility.
• Procedures to enhance car park security, including regular security patrols.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“The safety of our healthcare staff and patients is a priority and the Minns Government has a zero-tolerance approach to violence and aggression in our public hospitals.

“If you are acting aggressively towards others, you do not have a right to remain on hospital premises.

“The Safety Taskforce will provide valuable insights into how we can build on work already being undertaken by health staff, to reduce instances of violence and aggression in our health system.”

Health Services Union Secretary Gerard Hayes:

“We must eradicate violence and aggression directed at health workers.

“It’s unacceptable that we’ve seen an increase in violent incidents in hospitals, but these new measures will make a real difference in creating safer work environments.

“The Safety Taskforce is key to attracting and retaining the health workforce the state needs.”

General Secretary, NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association Michael Whaites:

“We know that physical violence and verbal aggression towards our nurses and midwives is on the rise. Our recently released report, ‘Occupational Violence: has no place in my workplace’ outlined that 88% of nurses and midwives surveyed had experienced violence in the last year, with public sector staff most commonly at risk.

“This is unacceptable. Nurses and midwives should feel safe at work. We welcome the establishment of the Safety Taskforce and will work to ensure that it delivers meaningful change as quickly as possible.”

ASMOF NSW President Dr Nicholas Spooner:

“ASMOF NSW welcomes the establishment of the NSW Health Safety Taskforce as an important step towards improving safety across the NSW public health system.

“Every doctor has the right to come to work without fear of violence, threats, aggression or intimidation. Violence against healthcare workers is unacceptable and should never be accepted as part of working in our public hospitals.

“Our members have repeatedly raised concerns about increasing incidents of occupational violence. We look forward to working with NSW Health, the Government and other unions to ensure the Taskforce delivers meaningful improvements to safety across the public health system.”

Young people in Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains now have better access to mental health care with the opening of the new Nepean Adolescent Mental Health Unit at Nepean Hospital.

It comes as the Minns Labor Government delivers a record $3.3 billion investment in mental health services in the 2026-27 Budget, representing a 20 per cent increase in funding since FY2022-23.

Delivered as part of the NSW Government’s $700 million Statewide Mental Health Infrastructure Program, the new purpose-built unit will provide specialist mental health support to young people between the ages of 12 and 17.

The new unit includes:

• 10 single bedrooms with ensuites.
• Light-filled communal areas and secure outdoor courtyards.
• Specialised clinical spaces, including a sensory room and a media room.
• Learning and recreational spaces to help young people maintain their routine.
• A dedicated carer’s suite, recognizing the vital role families play in recovery.

Doors opened in June with four places for young people. All ten beds are planned to be operational by the end of the year.

The Minns Labor Government is delivering more mental health facilities in New South Wales with new units recently completed in Tamworth and Broken Hill, and construction underway in Maitland and at Westmead Hospital.

The Government is also investing in alternatives to inpatient care, including funding for more community mental health clinicians and community-based care programs, building a network of free, walk-in Medicare Mental Health Centres and expanding support for Safe Havens.

Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson said:  

“Every young person deserves access to the mental health care they need, close to their family, school and support networks.

“This new purpose-built Nepean Adolescent Mental Health Unit at Nepean Hospital means young people in Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains can access specialist support closer to home, in an environment designed specifically for their needs.

“The Minns Labor Government is making record investments in mental health because we know families deserve a system that is accessible, contemporary and focused on recovery.”

Member for Penrith Karen McKeown said:

“This is an important investment in the health and wellbeing of young people across Penrith.

“Families facing some of the most difficult circumstances will now have access to specialist mental health care closer to home, reducing the need to travel and helping young people stay connected to their support networks.

“I’m grateful to have a new facility open its doors and begin supporting young people in my community.”

Member for the Blue Mountains Trish Doyle said:

“We know that access to mental health care close to home matters, particularly for young people and families already navigating challenging circumstances.

“This new unit will ensure young people from the Blue Mountains can access specialist care closer to the people and places that support their recovery.

“The dedicated carer’s suite is a fantastic addition that will make it easier for families travelling to visit loved ones in hospital, helping to ease some of the pressures that can come with extended stays.

“This is a welcome investment for the Blue Mountains community and another step towards building a stronger, more accessible mental health system.”

Staff working in Lake Cargelligo and surrounding communities will benefit from new Key Health Worker Accommodation.

This new accommodation will help attract and retain essential healthcare staff to the region.

Lake Cargelligo is one of more than 20 Key Health Worker Accommodation projects in rural, regional and remote NSW, as part of the Minns Labor Government’s $200.1 million program.

The recently purchased accommodation includes two attached single storey duplexes. Each duplex includes a light-filled living and dining area, modern kitchen, 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, and low maintenance backyards.

Murrumbidgee Local Health District is one of nine local health districts to benefit from the NSW Government’s investment to deliver accommodation for health workers under the Key Health Worker Accommodation Program.

The funding includes the building of new accommodation, refurbishment of existing living quarters, and the purchase of suitable properties such as residential units.

The Minns Labor Government’s $200.1 million program builds on the $45.3 million in accommodation for key healthcare workers in the Murrumbidgee, Southern NSW, and Far West Local Health Districts, which is now complete with all units delivered and fully operational.

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:

“This accommodation in Lake Cargelligo is another example of our commitment to strengthening regional health services.

“Healthcare workers are the backbone of our regional and rural communities, and this $200.1 million Key Health Worker Accommodation Program will help ensure they have the support they need to live and work locally.

“We know workforce attraction is one of the biggest challenges facing regional healthcare services and key worker accommodation is a practical investment that delivers real benefits, ensuring people can continue accessing the care they need, when they need it.”

Member for Barwon Roy Butler:

“It is fantastic to see the delivery of new accommodation for our healthcare workers in Lake Cargelligo.

“Improving access to safe, modern and affordable accommodation allows us to attract and attain nurses, doctors and allied health professionals and ensures the community has greater access to the vital services they need.”

Labor Spokesperson for Barwon Stephen Lawrence MLC:

“Through the Minns Labor Government’s $200.1 million program, we’re delivering real, practical investment in Lake Cargelligo — building the modern accommodation that attracts and retains the nurses, doctors and allied health professionals our regional communities deserve.”

Murrumbidgee Local Health District Chief Executive, Emma Field:

“By reducing the pressure of securing suitable accommodation in Lake Cargelligo, particularly for agency staff, we can help people focus on their work and experience the best of what Murrumbidgee Local Health District has to offer.”

The Minns Labor Government is investing in the next generation of community leaders, with seven new projects funded under the Multicultural NSW Community Partnership Action (COMPACT) Program.

A total of $1.2 million has been awarded to the seven projects involving 24 partner organisations across NSW, who will become part of the state-wide COMPACT Alliance dedicated to engaging with young people to build resilience.

Bringing young people together across cultures through respectful dialogue, sport, storytelling and art, the projects will build understanding, empathy, confidence and leadership skills.

Among the seven new projects taking place over the next two years are:

• Young Voices, Strong Communities, a school-based youth podcast and digital literacy program will engage students across South West NSW. Young people will produce podcasts on themes of community, belonging, culture and resilience while also building skills in cross-cultural storytelling, audio production and journalism.
• Peace of Mind, which empowers young people across Western Sydney with leadership skills to become peer facilitators of intercultural discussion groups.
• Project NOAH, a cross-cultural program that invites school and university students into the Jewish community to build an understanding of Jewish culture, values and traditions.
• Bachar Houli Foundation’s sport programs, will engage Muslim youth through AFL alongside coaches and mentors. The program creates opportunities for interschool competitions and pathways into traditional sports programs and community clubs.

Now in its tenth year, the COMPACT program has engaged more than 80,000 young people, and this investment builds on the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to a stronger, more cohesive multicultural NSW.

NSW Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said:

“It’s fantastic to see more community organisations joining the COMPACT program, backing more young people to become leaders and make a real difference in their communities.

“The Minns Labor Government knows that a strong, resilient NSW is built on understanding and respect between communities. These projects are helping shape the next generation of leaders who will carry that forward.”

Multicultural NSW Acting CEO James Jegasothy said:

“Over the last 10 years, COMPACT has equipped thousands of young people with the skills to lead with empathy and to take a stand against divisive forces.

“We welcome seven innovative new projects, bringing the COMPACT Alliance to 89 organisations working across NSW to connect communities across difference and empowering young people to shape the future of their communities and our multicultural society.”

1,194 days ago, The Minns Labor Government started its toll reform review that has only achieved cost shifting and spin. Today, they have been caught out secretly increasing toll enforcement while collecting millions in unpaid toll fines, despite making multiple promises to leave drivers better off.
 
Under the new scheme, the Government has dramatically reduced the amount of time motorists have to pay an unpaid toll before enforcement action begins. Under the new system, motorists have just 21 days before toll road operators ensure debt collectors and fines are sent to drivers, compared with 78 days under the previous scheme.
 
When Labor promoted the removal of $10 toll notice administration fees as cost-of-living relief, it failed to tell motorists they would have less than one-third of the time to rectify an unpaid toll before facing penalties.
 
For comparison, if a driver failed to pay a toll after 21 days, under the old system they would be responsible for a $30 of admin fees in addition to the toll. Under Labor’s scheme, they will now be fined $237 in addition to the toll.
 
The changes also mean registered vehicle owners will be responsible for unpaid tolls incurred by anyone driving their vehicle, placing an additional burden on families and small businesses.
 
Shadow Minister for Transport and Roads Natalie Ward said the figures expose a Government that is more interested in raising revenue than helping motorists through the cost-of-living crisis.
 
“The Government made plenty of noise about scrapping the $10 administration fee but stayed very quiet about cutting the payment period from 78 days to just 21 days before motorists can be hit with a $237 fine.”
 
“Honest mistakes shouldn’t become another revenue stream for the Minns Government. It is cost shifting that will see people fined or have their licence suspended so the Minns Labor Government can chase a headline.”

The Minns Labor Government has unveiled that renters in Parramatta, the Central Coast and Penrith will be first to experience Smart Rental Bonds with a phased rollout across NSW starting in August.

Smart Rental Bonds will allow the 2.3 million renters across NSW to digitally transfer bonds between properties, eliminating the need to fork out thousands of dollars for another bond. This is expected to save renters up to $4,000 each time they move home.

The fast-growing communities in the Paramatta, the Central Coast and Penrith Local Government Areas have some of the state’s highest rates of daily bond lodgement, with Smart Rental Bonds delivering crucial cost-of-living savings to renters in metropolitan and regional NSW.

Now is the best time for renters, landlords and agents in these areas to understand how the system will work, with new rules of operation recently made publicly available. To be eligible to participate in Smart Rental Bonds, renters must:

• Be at least 18 years old,
• Be moving between two rental properties in NSW within four weeks of the tenancy ending,
• Have no current claim against their bond at the time of transferring, with most renters expected to be eligible as a claim on a bond can typically only be made after the lease has ended,
• And ensure they pay back any future agreed claims on the bond.

With Smart Rental Bonds expected to be popular, a phased approach is the most responsible way to roll out the system. Renters moving into or within Parramatta, the Central Coast and Penrith Local Government Areas will be able to use Smart Rental Bonds in this initial phase of the rollout. It is expected that all renters in NSW will have access to the system by the end of this year.

This reform delivers on the Minns Labor Government’s election commitment to introduce a portable rental bonds system, providing cost-of-living relief for renters while still protecting landlords through government-backed guarantees for claims against the bond.

This is all part of the Government’s reforms to make renting fairer. The Government has:

• Banned no-grounds evictions.
• Limited rent increases to once a year.
• Ensured renters have fee-free ways to pay rent.
• Banned fees for background checks.
• Made it easier to have pets in rentals.
• Invested $6.6 million to build Smart Rental Bonds, an initiative due to be launched in mid-2026 that will help renters save thousands of dollars when moving home.

For more information on Smart Rental Bonds, please visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/housing-and-construction/renting-a-place-to-live/residential-rental-bonds/smart-rental-bonds.

Deputy Premier of New South Wales and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said:

“This important reform will ease cost-of-living pressure and make renting fairer, simpler, and more flexible for the hundreds of thousands of renters across Western Sydney.

“Reforming the rental system is an important step as the Minns Labor Government rebuilds the NSW housing system, which was left in a mess by the Liberals and Nationals.

“Every dollar counts and ensuring that renters don’t have to put money forward for a bond while waiting for the return of their current bond could save them thousands of dollars.”

Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“More than one year on from our landmark reforms that banned no-grounds evictions, it’s clear that the Minns Labor Government is delivering on its promise to make renting fairer.

“This is the first time in our state’s history that renters will have access to a simple, no-fuss way to transfer their bond when moving house.

“We’re proud to deliver this crucial reform to flourishing communities like Parramatta, the Central Coast and Penrith – and soon, to every single renter in NSW.

“I encourage renters in these areas to learn how Smart Rental Bonds works so they can take advantage of this cost-of-living measure the next time they move.

“The Liberals promised this scheme in 2018 and never delivered it. All they gave renters is broken promises. Only a Labor Government can be trusted to create a fairer rental market for everyone.”

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

“We have heard renters in the Central Coast loud and clear: moving between properties is stressful, and coming up with a new bond every time is expensive.

“That’s why the Minns Labor Government is rolling out Smart Rental Bonds in our growing community, saving renters the money they need to set up their new homes.”

Member for Parramatta Donna Davis said:

“ Smart Rental Bonds is about making renting fairer for the thousands of renters in Parramatta.

“We are so pleased to lead the Minns Labor Government’s phased rollout of this game changing reform, delivering crucial cost-of-living help to those who need it most.”

Member for Penrith Karen McKeown said:

“ Smart Rental Bonds is the latest way the Minns Labor Government is delivering on its promise to make renting fairer – and Penrith is at the forefront.

“This is a major win for renters in our community that will put hard-earned money back in their pockets.”

NSW Rental Commissioner Trina Jones:

“This is a significant moment for renting in NSW, and it’s important that everyone involved understands how these changes will work in practice.

“In a tight rental market, tenants should feel empowered to move when the time is right, not held back by the cost of paying two bonds at once.

“Smart Rental Bonds strikes the right balance, making renting fairer for tenants while maintaining strong protections for landlords.”