Category: NSW News

Today the Productivity Commission has released new Closing the Gap data, including data specific to NSW.

The data shows that while we have made some progress, there is still a great deal of work to be done.

Closing the Gap is a top priority of the NSW Labor Government.
It is pleasing that progress is being made, with the majority of the Closing the Gap outcomes in NSW improving. Six of the targets are on track in the state:

• healthy birthweight
• children enrolled in early childhood education
• young people completing tertiary education
• young people engaged in employment or education
• people of working age (25 to 64 years) are employed
• housing overcrowding.

These results show Aboriginal people are getting a better start in life and capitalising on that start with better education outcomes, leading to better employment outcomes.

While these results are welcome, they are not enough.

A number of targets are going backwards, including children thriving in their early years, the number of young people in the criminal justice system, suicide rates and children in out of home care.

The NSW Government is steadfast in its commitment to work in partnership with Aboriginal organisations, communities, and people to Close the Gap.

In February 2024, the NSW Government signed a new Partnership Agreement with the NSW Coalition of Aboriginal Peak Organisations and Local Government NSW.

Our focus is on shared decision-making. We know that when Closing the Gap solutions are designed, led, and implemented by Aboriginal people and communities, we get better outcomes.

NSW is looking beyond the four nationally agreed priorities to also focus on economic development.

We are the only jurisdiction to have a fifth priority reform under Closing the Gap, focused on employment, business growth and economic prosperity via the NSW Roadmap for Aboriginal Business Growth.

We are working closely with the Aboriginal business community to harness their potential and build economic opportunities. This includes twice yearly business roundtable events and the establishment of an Investment NSW one-stop-shop for Aboriginal business support.

Today’s data is a reminder that there is still a long road ahead. The NSW Government is committed to travelling that road with our Aboriginal partners to Close the Gap.

The NSW Government is investing more than $4.4 million in non-government organisations to enhance support and care for people nearing the end of their life.

The End of Life and Palliative Care Non-Government Organisations Grants Program will provide more than $3.5 million in funding over four years to six organisations, including peak body Palliative Care NSW.

Palliative Care NSW has been funded $671,076 to deliver an expanded Community Conversations program across NSW, which builds community capacity to have conversations about what matters most and to start advance care planning.

They will also deliver the PalliLEARN formal learning program, a course-based program designed to cultivate knowledge and compassion around death, dying and grieving.

The five other grants through the End of Life and Palliative Care Non-Government Organisations Grants Program have been awarded to organisations to deliver a broad range of community initiatives across NSW:

• Bullinah Aboriginal Health Service has been funded $632,250 to deliver End of Life and Palliative Care initiatives in co-design with the Bullinah Aboriginal community.
• Waminda South Coast Women’s Health & Wellbeing Aboriginal Corporation has been funded $670,019 to deliver End of Life and Palliative Care initiatives in co-design with the Waminda Aboriginal community.
• ACON has been funded $610,000 to establish a comprehensive ‘Taking Control’ End of Life and Palliative Care program, building on their existing co-designed LGBTQI+ toolkit for Palliative Care and End of Life decisions.
• Community Broadcasting Association of Australia has been funded $365,203 for the ‘Your Story, Your Decision’ project, using community radio stations to deliver relatable information about end of life and palliative care.
• The New South Wales Council for Intellectual Disability has been funded $560,119 to deliver training and e-learning for health professionals, people with intellectual disability, their families and carers.

Through a separate NGO grants process, Palliative Care NSW has also been awarded $900,000 over three years to continue the delivery of the NSW Palliative Care Volunteer Services Support Program.

This program champions palliative care volunteering, and supports palliative care volunteers and volunteer services, and their development.

For more information on Palliative Care NSW and its initiatives supporting people nearing the end of their life, as well as their families and volunteers, visit https://palliativecarensw.org.au/

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“The NSW Government is committed to enhancing palliative care services and supports for all people across NSW.

“These NGO initiatives that have been awarded grants will provide increased death and grief literacy, promote knowledge and implementation of advance care planning and provide increased grief and bereavement support for families and carers.

“The NSW Government also recognises the central role that volunteers provide for the delivery of compassionate palliative care and support for patients and families.”

Palliative Care NSW CEO Kirsty Blades

“Palliative care volunteers are actively involved in offering support and companionship to people receiving palliative care, their family, and carers.

“In NSW, there are currently more than 1,100 volunteers from 38 palliative care volunteer services.  Services may provide, among other things, psychosocial support, carer respite, grief and bereavement support, and biography work, in hospitals, and at home in the community.

“Funding of the Palliative Care Volunteer Services Support Program provides resources, education and support to palliative care volunteers and volunteer services and helps build capacity in the sector.”

The NSW Government will engage with Central Coast Council over the next summer on shark management, with a focus on the future use of shark nets, and the exploration of local decision-making on the removal or use of nets. 

From September 2024 the newly elected Central Coast Council will have the opportunity to consult with the community on shark management at local beaches along the coast.

The future use or removal of shark nets along with other tools for managing shark interactions and safety on beaches, can be covered in the consultation.

This will ensure community expectations are met and the right balance is struck between ensuring beach goers are safe and protecting our local marine life.

There will also be engagement with Surf Life Saving NSW and Surfing NSW who are partners with the NSW Government in delivering the Shark Management Program for 2024-25 and into the future.

The Shark Management Program for the coming summer, released today, includes a suite of new measures to be trialled, which will increase protections for marine life while shark nets remain in use, including:

• Removing shark nets one month earlier on 31 March 2025, to respond to increased turtle activity in April
• Increasing the frequency of net inspections by contractors during March from every 3rd day to every 2nd day
• SLS drone surveillance increased over nets during March to scout for turtles on the days contractors aren’t inspecting
• Trial of lights on nets to deter turtles and prevent their entanglement during February and March.

Shark nets across NSW, including the 11 in operation on the Central Coast, are also fitted with acoustic warning devices, such as dolphin pingers and whale alarms, to deter and minimise the risks to those marine mammals.

Over the 2023-24 season 400 drone pilots for Surf Life Saving NSW were trained, who flew more than 36,000 flights across nearly 10,000 hours. Through this use of drones 362 sharks were observed.

SMART drumlines, including the 32 in operation on the Central Coast, have also been used as an effective tool to keep swimmers safe on New South Wales Beaches, allowing over 413 target sharks such as white, tiger and bull sharks, to be caught, tagged and released last year.

Once tagged, the state’s 37 coastal tagged shark listening stations, including the three on the Central Coast, can track these sharks near the beaches where the device is based – with this information available to anyone with the SharkSmart app, website of on X (Twitter).

Over 2,000 target sharks have been tagged over the life of the program and are monitored by listening stations.

Please go to this website to see a map of Central Coast shark mitigation measures: Central-Coast-LGA-Shark-Mitigation-Measures.pdf (nsw.gov.au)

People in Sydney’s inner south and Canterbury Bankstown area will be able to avoid unnecessary trips to the emergency department (ED) for urgent conditions, thanks to an expansion of local urgent care services.

The Minns Labor Government has announced two new urgent care services at Green Square and Belmore will open next Monday, 15 July.

Both services will be open 365 days a year, from 8am to 8pm, staffed by General Practitioners and nurses, with important diagnostic services close by including radiology and pathology.

The services are well-supported to treat a range of illnesses and injuries that are deemed urgent, but not life-threatening, such as minor wounds that need stitches, suspected broken bones and skin infections that need antibiotics.

To access the services, patients should call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222.

A registered nurse will assess the patient’s condition and then discuss with the patient the best place for their care needs.

This may include an appointment at an Urgent Care Service, a telehealth appointment with the virtualKIDS or virtualGP services, or escalating their care to other services like NSW Ambulance if required.

NSW Health is partnering with primary health networks to deliver additional urgent care services right across the state to ease pressure on busy hospital EDs and ensure the people of NSW continue to receive the right care in the right place at the right time.

The NSW Government has committed $124 million over two years to deliver 25 urgent care services in NSW by mid-2025. It is also supported by funding from the Commonwealth Government.

The Minns Labor Government has a plan to relieve pressure on EDs and reduce wait times, through our Budget emergency department relief package which will invest:

• $171.4 million to introduce additional virtual care services helping 180,000 people avoid a trip to the ED.
• $100 million to continue funding our urgent care services for a further two years to provide a pathway to care outside of our hospitals for an estimated 114,000 patients.
• $70 million to expand emergency department short stay units to improve patient flow to reduce ED wait times by nearly 80,000 hours.
• $15.1 million to for an Ambulance Matrix that provides real time hospital data to enable paramedics to transport patients to emergency departments with greater capacity and reducing wait times.
• $31.4 million to increase Hospital in the Home across the state allowing 3,500 additional patients each year to be cared for in their home rather than a hospital bed.
• $53.9 million to improve patient flow and support discharge planning by identifying patients early on that are suitable to be discharged home with the appropriate supports in place.

The Premier of NSW Chris Minns said:

“At a time when our EDs are packed and it’s difficult to find a GP, this government is delivering alternative pathways to healthcare so people across the state get the timely healthcare they deserve.”

“It’s a win for patients who will get care closer to home when they need it, and it’s a win for hospitals because it helps relieve pressure on our busy EDs.”

The Minister for Health Ryan Park said:

“I’m committed to increasing availability of healthcare to communities through urgent care services just like these, which are aimed at bridging the gap between primary care and emergency care, ensuring that patients have fast access to the urgent care they need.”

“Our health care system is under immense pressure, especially at this time of year with a huge volume of respiratory viruses circulating in the community.”

The report exposes the full impact of toll road privatisation by the former government.

The report highlights Sydney’s toll road network is a poorly functioning patchwork of numerous different price structures that will cost motorists $195 billion in nominal terms in tolls over the next three and a half decades on top of the billions they have already paid.

The report notes the lack of a unified tolling system has created complexity, inefficiency, inequities and unfairness, with those in Western Sydney financially impacted the most.

There are a range of recommendations presented to Government by Professor Fels and Dr Cousins for consideration including:

• Tolls should be based on a declining distance basis charged on a per kilometre basis but with the per kilometre rate declining the greater the distance travelled. This would deliver greater fairness to motorists in Western Sydney.
• An infrastructure charge should be introduced for parts of toll roads that have been costly to build e.g. ventilated tunnels, Sydney Harbour Bridge.
• Two-way tolling on the two current Harbour crossings and the Eastern Distributor, with this additional revenue gained being put into the lowering of tolls on the remainder of the network. This will also ensure a consistent tolling and traffic integration approach when the Western Harbour tunnel opens around 2028.
• Decisions on toll setting should be overseen by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART).

The Government notes the final report also provides two distinct “bookend” scenarios that model the impact on motorists spend when additional toll relief is provided or removed from the system.

The NSW Government will now consider the report and respond in due course.

The Government promised at the election to introduce long-term reform for the world’s most tolled city and an end to the Liberals’ “toll mania” in Sydney.

The NSW Government is committed to reforming Sydney’s toll network to restore fairness, simplicity and transparency to the system and put the interests of motorists above those of private investors.

The Toll Review confirms this will be a complex task but one that the state must embark on as the Government provides essential cost-of-living relief through Labor’s $60 toll cap.

Roads Minister John Graham said:

“Toll reform is critical for Sydney and this is a once in a generation chance to address this issue.”

“Former governments have had an attitude of set and forget on tolls, but the result is now a combined burden of $195 billion to be paid out to 2060 and a city that is more congested, more divided.”

“Under these long-term contracts, Sydney is a place in which people make choices about where they work based on the need to avoid paying tolls. The problem grows each year. Over decades, it will become unsustainable.”

“We are determined to put motorists first as we push ahead with these challenging reforms.”

“I welcome the offer by motorway concessionaires to work with the Government on a new, network approach to tolling. We will also consider legislation consistent with the recommendations in the final report to achieve this important reform.”

NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:  

“The NSW Government is committed to relief and reform.”

“Relief began with our $60 toll cap.  And today’s report is the next important step in reforming an unnecessarily complex and costly system.”

“Every year motorists are paying $2.5 billion in tolls. Without reform, that burden will continue to land heaviest on those who can least afford it in Western Sydney and other car-reliant areas.”

Full final report of the Independent Toll Review: https://www.treasury.nsw.gov.au/toll-review 

Last quarter alone there were 810,291 ED attendances up 5.2% on the same quarter last year, which is an additional 40,235 attendances in just one quarter within 12 months.

If you combined the populations of the Penrith, Newcastle, Wollongong and Fairfield Local Government Areas you would still just fall short of the number of ED attendances in NSW hospitals over 3 months.

It’s why last month our Budget delivered almost a half a billion dollars towards an ED Relief Package.

Today I announce the first stages of implementing this critical investment.

Firstly, to support people with alternatives to EDs.

The fact of the matter is sometimes people turn up to hospital when it’s not an emergency.

We’ve seen what happens when alternatives are available.

Our virtualKIDS service has cared for more than 3,600 children in just 4 months. We’ll next roll-out virtualADULTS to help to manage urgent care that can be safely assessed and treated by virtual care in the patient’s home.

If you or a loved one are feeling unwell, worried about symptoms or need health advice you can call healthdirect anytime on 1800 022 222 to get the help you need.

A registered nurse will assess your condition and connect you with the care you need, whether an appointment at a local urgent care service or virtual care.

It means healthcare, anywhere, in the time it takes to make a phone call.

Secondly, we need to enhance our capacity in EDs. Short Stay Units get people in and out of EDs swiftly and safely when they don’t require a hospital admission.

We’re investing a further $70 million in expanding these units.

The first additional unit is now operational at Maitland Hospital.

Thirdly, we seek to get patients safely out of hospital and into the comfort of their own homes quicker.

We’ve invested $53.9 million towards a new Discharge Concierge Service.

These roles will ensure the often complex and time-consuming discharge process is better coordinated.

The ED relief package will mean 290,00 trips to the ED and 76,800 hours waiting in the ED are avoided each year.

For health workers, who have been through so much in recent years, means more time with their patients, more colleagues to share this immense workload and better tools to do their job.

For patients, it will mean more options to get care beyond the ED, a shorter wait when they do need an ED – more time at home, less time in hospital.

For our state, it means the right level of care, support, and access.

The first of three public art murals at Blackbutt Village is taking shape this week as part of the $4.5 million upgrade of Orchardtown Road shopping precinct.

Newcastle social and artistic enterprise UP&UP Inspirations will produce the murals at three locations in Blackbutt Village following consultation with the New Lambton community and local businesses, with the first adding colour to the northern façade of the Blackbutt Village Grocer. 

IMAGE CAPTION: (l-r) City of Newcastle Project Manager Alex Altuneg, Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz, Councillor Margaret Wood, Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley, artist Olas One and UP&UP Inspirations co-founder Faith Curtis at Blackbutt Village.

The public art is one of the final elements of City of Newcastle’s Local Centre upgrade of Blackbutt Village. The upgrade has already delivered improved access for pedestrians and shoppers, upgraded drainage and enhanced footpath connections to the popular Blackbutt Reserve, which is an inspiration for the murals.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said Blackbutt Village will be a more walkable, greener village, filled with local character under the full scope of the improvements.

“Blackbutt Village is where New Lambton locals gather to support their local businesses, grab a coffee and connect with friends and family,” Cr Nelmes said.

“We’re committed to delivering a safer, more attractive place to shop for New Lambton residents through these upgrades, including the addition of 130 new trees and 23 landscaped garden beds, which will create a more appealing environment with increased shade and colour.

“The murals will add to this appeal, becoming a source of pride that captures how New Lambton locals feel about their green spaces, like the stunning Blackbutt Reserve.

“I’m thrilled with the improvements that have been completed so far in Blackbutt Village and can’t wait to see the final stage of the project taking shape over the next six months.”

The Blackbutt Village upgrades are made possible through $591,677 in support from the NSW Government. 

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said Blackbutt Village will have a chance to flourish through the investment by state and local government.

“Blackbutt Village and New Lambton are unique places that deserve to have their character celebrated while providing enhanced facilities, infrastructure and amenity for the suburb,” Minister Moriarty said.

“I’m delighted the NSW Government is working alongside City of Newcastle and the New Lambton community taking pride in this beautiful neighbourhood.”

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said it’s wonderful to see the long-awaited project nearing completion. 

“Blackbutt has long been a great place for families to spend weekends together. The new murals will inject colour and character into the precinct so locals can enjoy all it has to offer,” Minister Catley said

“It’s fantastic that the NSW Government is supporting community projects like this and ensuring we have access to modern public spaces, facilities, and infrastructure. I can’t wait to see the rest of the upgrades to Blackbutt village.”

City of Newcastle will continue the delivery of the final project stage with new community spaces on Myra Street and Carnley Avenue, and upgrades to the intersection and signals on Carnley Avenue later this year pending design approvals through Transport for NSW. 

The completed works will deliver a shared zone for pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles, an off-road shared pedestrian and cycleway, and a new pedestrian crossing providing a safer link between the car park and shops. 

A community gathering is planned for August 10 in Blackbutt Village to mark the project milestones.

Blackbutt Village is being upgraded through City of Newcastle’s Local Centres program, which invests in communities across Newcastle. 

Other centres renewal delivered include Beresford Avenue, Beresfield; Mitchell Street, Stockton; Young Street, Carrington; James Street Plaza, Hamilton; Llewellyn Street, Merewether; Joslin Street, Kotara, Sandgate Road, Shortland; Nelson Street, Wallsend; and Darby Street.

Central Coast residents are invited to help shape the long-awaited Avoca Drive upgrade at Kincumber by having their say on proposed safety and efficiency improvements options.

To improve safety and reduce travel times the Albanese Labor Government is investing $100 million towards the upgrade project, while the Minns Labor Government is committing $30 million.

A current key feature of the overall design for comment includes providing two lanes in each direction on Avoca Drive between Boora Boora Road and Joalah Road.A new roundabout is also proposed at the intersection of Bungoona Road and Kincumber Street to further improve access.

Two options have been developed for the key intersection of Bungoona and Carrak roads, including split traffic signals at the Willesee Crescent intersection.

East of the town centre the proposal includes a new set of traffic signals at the intersection of Gunya Road and Tilba Street, combined with left in/left out restrictions at Davies Street on each side of Avoca Drive.

West of the town centre, the proposal includes a new set of traffic signals at the intersection of Algona Avenue, left in/left out restrictions at Island View Drive as well as restrictions to right-hand turns from Boora Boora Road onto Avoca Drive.

To discuss the upgrade options with the community, Transport for NSW team members will host drop in sessions at Kincumber Library on Tuesday 6 August from 9.30-11.30am and 4.30-6.30pm.

More information on how to have your say can be found at https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/current-projects/avoca-drive-upgrade-at-kincumber with submissions closing on Sunday 25 August.

Once the feedback period ends Transport for NSW will finalise the preferred design of the upgrades and progress required environmental assessments that are necessary to enable the priority first stage of construction to get underway.

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

“This upgrade will help reduce congestion and deliver improved safety on a critical stretch of road used by around 26,000 vehicles a day.

“Projects like this are part of our plan to help take the pressure off Central Coast commuters and make it easier for everyone to get around this beautiful region.”

NSW Central Coast Minister David Harris:

“Locals have long been frustrated with the traffic hold-ups during peak periods through Kincumber and now we’re finally seeing the upgrade plan progress.

“I encourage community members to take a look at what’s been proposed and have their say about what will be best for our region.”

NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison:

“The Avoca Drive upgrade is part of the NSW and Federal Labor governments’ plan to build even better communities and improve critical transport links right across regional NSW.

“Whether it’s the Central Coast Highway and Tumbi Road intersection upgrade or Avoca Drive, the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are getting the Central Coast moving again.”

Federal Member for Robertson Dr Gordon Reid:

“I’m pleased to see the Avoca Drive upgrade project progressing and I encourage everyone to share their ideas so we can get work happening as soon as possible.

“When complete this upgrade will make a huge difference in our community and the whole of the Central Coast will be an easier place to get around for locals and to visit for tourists.

“I made a commitment to the people of the Central Coast that I would secure funding to upgrade Avoca Drive through Kincumber, I welcome the next step for this project”.

NSW Labor Spokesperson for Terrigal Mark Buttigieg:

“We are excited to involve Central Coast residents in shaping the long-awaited Avoca Drive upgrade at Kincumber.

“With $130 million from the Albanese and Minns Labor governments aimed at improving safety and reducing travel times, community input is crucial – I urge everyone to take advantage of the drop-in sessions to get your questions answered.”

The late Shirley Adams OAM name has finally been etched permanently into the streets of the town she loved so much.

At a small ceremony in the Clarence Valley Council chambers today, the Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Jenny Aitchison, handed Mrs Adams’ family a replica of a street sign that officially recognises the name of the street over the new Grafton bridge as Shirley Adams Way.

Signs on either side of the Balun Bindarray Bridge were uncovered during the ceremony so the family could drive across the new bridge and see them in place.

The road was originally called Shirley Way but the family and Clarence Valley Council believed without using Shirley Adams’ full name, people might not associate the road name with the woman who was so loved by her community.

Mrs Adams was the first and only female Mayor of Grafton City Council in 145 years, before its amalgamation in 2004, a former Jacaranda Queen, Jacaranda Festival President in 1976 and 1977, a Jacaranda Festival Life Member and was deeply involved in NSW Girl Guides, the United Hospital Auxiliary, Meals on Wheels, the Clarence River Historical Society, Country Women’s Association, and many other organisations.

Shirley Adams OAM was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in 1989.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“It gives me great pleasure to have been part of the move to ensure Shirley Adams is recognised fully in the community she worked so hard for, for so many years.

“Ensuring the road across the new Grafton Bridge is part of that recognition has taken time and effort. I thank everyone involved all for their hard work and look forward to their enjoyment of this recognition for years to come.”

Clarence Valley Council General Manager Laura Black said:

“Clarence Valley Council welcomes the renaming of Shirley Way to Shirley Adams Way.

“Council has been working for many years to see this the stretch of roadway named ‘Shirley Adams Way’ and appreciates the efforts of Transport for NSW and Minister Aitchison to make this a reality.”

Virginia Lambert, daughter of Shirley Adams OAM said:

“At heart, my mother was the quintessential public servant who listened to and acted on the expressed concerns and needs of those who came to her.

“I know she believed a life of service was a calling; a way to live with purpose, which she did so admirably.

“We hope that Shirley’s documented verve for life and her exemplary service will continue to inspire and ‘lead the way’ for future generations; especially for women.”

New preliminary data shows the overdue planned surgery waitlist at NSW public hospitals has reached its lowest level since before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since the Minns Labor Government established the Surgical Care Governance Taskforce in March 2023, NSW public hospitals have reduced the number of patients waiting longer than clinically recommended for a planned surgery by 86 per cent, from around 14,000 to around 1,900.

Minister for Health Ryan Park said the positive results are a testament to NSW’s highly-skilled healthcare staff whose hard work, combined with the strategic direction of the Surgical Care Governance Taskforce, is ensuring more people throughout NSW receive their surgical procedures in a timely manner.

The Taskforce has made sustainable long-term changes to the way NSW Health delivers planned surgery. The Taskforce has successfully implemented a range of innovative statewide strategies to cut down wait times as well as improve and maintain access to planned surgery.

The most recent Bureau of Health Information Healthcare Quarterly report showed 86.2 per cent of all planned surgeries were performed on time in NSW public hospitals during the January to March quarter this year, an improvement of 11.2 per centage points compared with the same quarter in 2023.

Overall, NSW public hospitals performed 51,149 planned surgeries in the first quarter of this year, with almost all urgent planned surgeries (98.7 per cent) performed on time. These planned surgeries were in addition to 26,000 emergency surgical procedures which were performed during the same period.

The taskforce forms one part of the NSW Government’s plan to build a better health system and alleviate pressure on the state’s busy hospitals, including:

• Investing $480.7 million in an ED relief package which will help to avoid an estimated 290,000 visits to emergency departments each year by providing alternatives to EDs and improving patient flow.
• Boosting staff and treatment spaces
• Reducing overdue surgeries by safely increasing short stay procedures
• Empowering pharmacies to prescribe low complex medications, relieving pressure on our GPs.
• The NSW Government has committed $124 million over two years to deliver 25 urgent care services in NSW by mid-2025. A further $100 million has been provided as part of the 2024-25 NSW Budget to continue the urgent care services program for a further two years to June 2027. It is also supported by funding from the Commonwealth Government.

NSW Health has also established the Surgical Care Strategic Committee to continue the important and positive work of the Taskforce on an ongoing basis.

These measures form part of the Government’s comprehensive plan to deliver the long-term repair of healthcare across NSW.

After 12 years of neglect and a lack of investment in our health system, the Minns Labor Government is rebuilding this essential service we all rely on.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“I’m pleased to announce today this significant milestone in our efforts to reduce overdue surgeries, this reduction is a massive turnaround and finally we’ve reached pre-pandemic levels.”

“Tackling the number of patients sitting on overdue surgery waitlists has been a priority of mine since the first day in this job.”

“In close to 15 months, the number of patients waiting longer than they should has been reduced by 86 per cent.”

“While we are really impressed with the progress to date, we know that there is still more to be done, as people waiting for surgeries longer than clinically recommended are often in a lot of discomfort, which has a major impact on their day to day life.”

Member for Liverpool Charishma Kaliyanda:

“These results are a testament to the hardworking and dedicated clinicians not just here at Liverpool Hospital, but across the entirety of NSW, without them none of this would have been possible.”

“Getting a much-needed planned surgery on time, means that patients can be on the road to recovery sooner, find relief and have enhanced long-term outcomes.”