Category: NSW News

As the new year begins almost $300 million is sitting in the state’s unclaimed money pool – and the Minns Labor Government wants to see it returned to its rightful owners. Unclaimed money is money that you are legally entitled to, but where a business hasn’t been able to find you.

Money typically becomes unclaimed when people forget to update their name or contact details with businesses, have lost paperwork, or when estates are unaware of funds belonging to deceased relatives.

The North Coast has as many as 41,208 registered items worth $12,432,295 just waiting to be claimed by families and households. The unclaimed money register, managed by Revenue NSW, includes funds from overpayments, uncashed cheques, dividends, refunds, and other amounts owed to individuals.

In total, more than 800,000 items of unclaimed money – ranging from a few dollars to millions of dollars – is sitting with Revenue NSW and registered to an NSW address.

To find out if you have any unclaimed money, you can search the Revenue NSW website at www.revenue.nsw.gov.au/unclaimed-money. If you have any money owing, you fill in a form and provide your ID and your connection to the money. Claims are typically verified and processed by Revenue NSW within a month.

Last year, the Minns Labor Government upgraded systems to simplify and speed up the unclaimed money process. This includes additional integration with Service NSW to help identify you during the claims process.

The Government also reduced the timeframe for businesses who are holding money from six years to two, ensuring that money is reported to Revenue NSW, and returned to its owners sooner.

These reforms help put more money back into the hands of North Coast families.

Minister for Finance, Courtney Houssos

“Across the state, almost $300 million is sitting unclaimed, and we want to make sure as much of that as possible finds its way back to families.

“Last financial year, Revenue NSW returned more than $21 million to its rightful owners. With these new reforms, we’re making it faster and easier for people to get what they’re owed.

“While Revenue NSW regularly contacts potential owners, incomplete data means people are sometimes missed. That’s why we’re encouraging everyone to take a few minutes to check online – you might be surprised with what you find.”

Minister for the North Coast, Janelle Saffin

“There is over $12 million sitting in a vault that belongs right here in the North Coast community.

“We want that money out of government accounts and back into your pockets where it can actually make a difference.

“I encourage everyone on the North Coast to jump on to the Revenue NSW website today to check if they have anything to claim.”

Flood-affected residents and local builders in the Central West are being urged to take action as the $40 million Resilient Homes Program enters its final application phase.

With a deadline of 31 March 2026, the NSW Reconstruction Authority is hosting a series of local Expos to connect homeowners and construction professionals with funding and work opportunities.

Eligible homeowners in Cabonne, Forbes, Lachlan, Parkes, and Euabalong can access grants of up to $100,000 for home raising or relocation, and up to $50,000 for retrofitting with flood-resilient materials. To support the local economy and ensure project delivery, the NSW Reconstruction Authority is also hosting dedicated Construction Information Sessions for builders, engineers, and tradespeople to learn about upcoming work opportunities funded by these grants.

The Resilient Homes Expos provide a “one-stop shop” for residents to meet one-on-one with NSW Reconstruction Authority staff, local council representatives, SafeWork NSW, Building Commission NSW, industry experts, and local builders and businesses.

• Parkes: 28 Jan, 4pm–7pm | Parkes Services Club
• Forbes: 25 Feb, 4pm–7pm | Club Forbes
• Eugowra: 25 March, 4pm–7pm | Eugowra Multipurpose Centre
• Register at: nsw.gov.au/rhpevents

The NSW Reconstruction Authority is seeking local trades—including builders, certifiers, and designers—to deliver grant-funded works. Informal sessions (no registration required) will be held at:

• Parkes: 27 Jan, 4pm–5.30pm | Railway Hotel & Hart Bar
• Forbes: 28 Jan, 7am–8.30am | Sylo Cafe
• Orange: 29 Jan, 5pm–6.30pm | The Greenhouse of Orange

Minister for Recovery, Janelle Saffin said:

“These Expos are about giving people practical tools to rebuild safer as well as local builders an opportunity to bring these projects to life.”

“We want every eligible household to access this $40 million pool of funding before the March deadline to ensure their homes are protected for the future.”

Member for Orange, Phil Donato said:

“In the wake of the 2022 Central West floods, the Resilient Homes Program has played a key role in helping communities rebuild stronger and better prepared for the future.”

“As the program moves into its final phase, many households are now beginning to see the benefits, with resilience upgrades being delivered to affected properties.”

“Homeowners who were impacted by the floods and have not yet applied for assistance are strongly encouraged to take action. Applications for the Resilient Homes Program remain open until 31 March 2026, and this is the final opportunity to access available support from this program.”

NSW Reconstruction Authority Director Central West Orana and Far West, Ken Harrison said:

“These Expos allow us to meet people face to face, answer questions and provide tailored advice based on individual circumstances.

“With the application close approaching, now is the time for homeowners who haven’t yet engaged with the program to get in touch and take the next step.”

Fast Facts:

• Deadline: Final applications must be in by 31 March 2026.
• Progress: Over 340 applications received and 200+ assessments completed to date.
• Funding: Grants cover retrofitting, raising, or relocating, plus up to $20,000 for upfront design costs.
• Contact: Call 1800 844 085 or visit nsw.gov.au/resilienthomesprogram.

More working families in NSW will benefit from convenient and accessible early childhood education and care, as the Flexible Initiatives Trial delivers its third round of funding.

The Minns Labor Government will invest more than $3 million in 28 early learning centres across the state, including 20 in regional NSW and six in Western Sydney, which will benefit up to 840 children and their families.

This round of funding will allow the services receiving grants to trial new or or adapted initiatives to best serve the needs of their communities, including:

• Supporting seven family day care providers in regional and remote communities to establish new educator roles.
• Creating 18 new educator roles within community preschools to support extended hours of care.
• Providing extended hours of care for up to 120 children with outside of school hours services at four public schools, as well as establishing seven new holiday care programs.

The Flexible Initiatives Trial benefits working families by providing more convenient and accessible early childhood education and care.

In previous funding rounds this included providing families with more flexible care arrangements, including flexible pick-up and drop-off times, as well as increasing the availability of places for children where and when they are needed most.

The trial also helps establish new family day care options in regional and remote parts of NSW.

The Flexible Initiatives Trial began in 2023 and is the first grants program to be delivered under the Childcare and Economic Opportunity Fund.

During the first two rounds of funding, more than $8 million was awarded to 53 early learning centres across the state.

The program is part of the Minns Government’s long-term commitment to support children and young families, including an historic $769 million investment t o build 100 new public preschools in NSW, the largest investment in public preschools in the state’s history.

The Minns Government has also committed $60 million to build and upgrade preschools at non-government schools in areas where they are needed most.

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:

“Our Flexible Initiatives Trial is all about giving working families all across NSW better access to affordable and quality early learning services which meet their needs.

“The Minns Labor Government, with the leadership of Deputy Premier Prue Car, wants every family to have access to high quality early learning, regardless of where they live or what they earn.

“Our government is supporting services to offer the care families and communities need, where and when they need it.”

People have just over a week to secure their dream home design for just $1 with the NSW Pattern Book introductory offer for an architect design of a low-rise home set to end on 31 January.

Since launching in July last year, there have been more than 21,000 pattern designs purchased from the world-leading Pattern Book, with several projects already approved for construction.

There’s no surprise the patterns have flown off the shelf when you consider the other things you can buy for one dollar. Other products you can purchase for a dollar or less include a 100g bag of popcorn, one chupa chup lollipop, a can of lentils and a pack of three stainless steel scourers.

After 31 January, the eight low rise designs for terraces, town houses and manor homes will cost $1,000 which is still a fraction of the over $20,000 cost of typical custom architectural fees for a similar home.

People that purchase a low-rise pattern book design also save both time and money by gaining access to a fast-track Complying Development pathway which means applications can be approved in as little as 10 days.

The world-leading NSW Housing Pattern Book also added nine mid-rise designs by leading architects from across Australia and New Zealand for 3 to 6-storey apartment buildings in November last year.

The mid-rise designs are available for $1,500 for small lot and corner lot designs and $2500 for large lot designs until 31 May.

Designs from the NSW Pattern Book have now been purchased in 24 countries across the globe.

Each design is adaptable for different family sizes and living needs. They combine style and practicality delivering modern layouts and energy-smart features – making them faster to build and better to live in.

We are already starting to see patterns turn into homes with eight pattern book homes approved to start construction in Gymea, Cronulla, Corrimal, Engadine, Chipping Norton, Carlton and Baulkham Hills.

The NSW Pattern Book combines good design and a 10-day approval pathway to speed up the delivery of homes in NSW so young people, families and downsizers have somewhere to live in the communities they choose.

Choose the design for your new home here. 

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“There’s no better value for money than getting an architect designed home, with a 10-day complying development pathway for one dollar.

“If you’re looking at building your own home the low-rise Pattern Book designs will make the process easier, faster and more affordable.

“These pattern designs give families and builders access to high-quality, architect-designed homes which are easy to build, sustainable and adaptable for different family sizes and housing needs.”

NSW Government Architect Abbie Galvin said:

“The NSW Housing Pattern Book offers practical, sustainable designs that integrate seamlessly into diverse neighbourhoods.

“These designs don’t just create homes – they help shape vibrant, walkable streets and foster a sense of place.”

NSW Ambulance is urging people to monitor conditions with the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) forecasting severe heatwave conditions for Northern Rivers, Mid North Coast, Hunter, Northern Tablelands, Central Tablelands, Snowy Mountains, North West Slopes and Plains, Central West Slopes and Plains, South West Slopes, Riverina, Lower Western and Upper Western weather districts from Friday 23 January 2026.  
 
NSW Ambulance Acting Chief Superintendent Bryce Picot,  Associate Director Emergency Management said people need to plan ahead and monitor conditions with temperatures forecast in the low to mid 40s across inland parts of NSW.   
 
“With heatwave conditions expected to intensify this weekend and early next week it’s vital everyone makes cooling down and hydration a priority, as the  real danger isn’t just one hot day, it’s the relentless heat over consecutive days,” Acting Chief Superintendent Bryce Picot said.  
 
Locations likely to be impacted include Armidale, Broken Hill, Bourke, Cobar, Condobolin, Hay, Ivanhoe, Dubbo, Deniliquin, Moree, Orange, Tamworth and Wagga Wagga.  
 
NSW Ambulance has issued Advice warnings for this severe heatwave. Stay up to date in case the situation changes.  
 
·        Stay hydrated  – make sure you drink plenty of water and carry a water bottle with you.  
·        Keep cool  – seek air-conditioned buildings, draw your blinds, use a fan, take cool showers and dress in light and loose clothing made of natural fabrics.    
·        Avoid the heat  – schedule activities in the coolest part of the day and avoid exercising in the heat.  
·        Check in on vulnerable people  – hot weather can affect everyone, but some people are at greater risk of heat-related health problems. This includes people aged 65 years and older, babies and young children, and people with some medical conditions.    
·        Never leave children or pets in a vehicle  – leaving children or pets unattended in a car can be fatal. The temperature inside a parked car can double in minutes.  
 
Signs of heat-related illness can include headache, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, fatigue and cramps. People with these symptoms should move out of the sun and seek shade or use a fan or air conditioning, take a cool shower or bath if possible and take sips of water.    
   
People who do not respond to these steps or who show symptoms suggesting a more severe illness, including a sudden rise in body temperature, who are no longer sweating, showing aggressive or strange behaviour or who are fitting, should seek urgent medical attention or call Triple Zero (000).    
 
For further information, updates and advice go to the  NSW Ambulance website: https://www.ambulance.nsw.gov.au/in-the-community/warnings  or follow NSW Ambulance on  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NSWAmbulance/ ,  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nswambulance/?hl=en ,  LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/company/nsw-ambulance  and  X: https://x.com/NSWAmbulance .  
 
For the latest weather forecasts and heatwave warnings go to the  Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) website: https://www.bom.gov.au/ .  

Police are appealing for assistance to locate a man wanted on outstanding warrant in the state’s west.
Julian Ingram also known as Pierpoint, aged 37, is wanted on an outstanding warrant for murder.

Police have released an image of Julian as inquiries continue to locate him.
Julian is described as being Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, about 165cm-170cm tall, of a medium build with short dark hair and brown eyes.

He was last seen driving a Ford Ranger utility with NSW registration DM-07-GZ described as having council signage, a metal tray back, high visibility markings on the side and an emergency light bar on the roof.

Anyone who sees Julian is urged not to approach and contact Triple Zero (000) immediately.

On behalf of the family of Dame Marie Bashir, I am saddened to share the news of her passing.

Married to Sir Nicholas Shehadie AC OBE for 61 years, and a deeply loved mother of three children and six grandchildren, Dame Marie was an extraordinary Australian and one of New South Wales’ most respected public servants.

On behalf of the people of New South Wales, I extend my deepest condolences to Dame Marie’s family, friends and all those who were inspired by her remarkable life.

Dame Marie Bashir served our state with distinction as the first female Governor of NSW from 2001 to 2014, bringing to the role immense dignity and compassion.

Reflecting on her 14 years as Governor, Dame Marie Bashir explained that she deliberately chose not to extend her tenure beyond that point, despite being widely respected, because she did not wish to surpass Sir Roden Cutler as the longest-serving Governor.

It was a decision that reflected her humility and deep respect for those who came before her.

She was a distinguished psychiatrist and a long-standing advocate for mental health, education and social inclusion.

The people of New South Wales held Dame Marie in great respect and affection, reflecting the trust and goodwill she earned over a lifetime of service.

In recognition of her extraordinary contribution to our state and nation, a State Funeral will be held in honour of Dame Marie Bashir. Details will be provided in due course.

Professor The Honourable Dame Marie Bashir AD CVO

Professor The Honourable Dame Marie Bashir AD CVO served as Governor of New South Wales from 1 March 2001 to 1 October 2014 and was the first woman to be appointed to the role.

Born in Narrandera in the Riverina district of New South Wales, and educated at the Narrandera Public School and Sydney Girls High School, Marie Bashir completed a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery at the University of Sydney in 1956.

Professor Bashir taught at the Universities of Sydney and NSW, increasingly working with children’s services, psychiatry and mental health services, and Indigenous health programs.

At the time of her appointment as Governor of New South Wales, she was Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Sydney; Area Director of Mental Health Services Central Sydney; and Senior Consultant to the Aboriginal Medical Service, Redfern and to the Aboriginal Medical Service, Kempsey.

She was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in 1988 for her services to child and adolescent health, and was invested by Her Majesty, the Queen, with the insignia of a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO) in 2006.

In June 2014, Professor Bashir was named as a Dame of the Order of Australia for extraordinary and pre-eminent achievement and merit in service to the administration, public life, and people of New South Wales, to medicine, particularly as an advocate for improved mental health outcomes for the young, marginalised and disadvantaged, to international relations, through the promotion of collaborative health programs, and as a leader in tertiary education.

NSW has recorded its highest housing completion numbers in five years, with 13,057 homes completed from July to September 2025. This is the highest quarter for the state since March 2021.

NSW is also continuing to lead the nation with more than 75,000 homes under construction as new data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows further momentum building in the state’s housing pipeline.

According to the latest ABS data, housing completions in NSW are trending up by 37 per cent in the September quarter compared to the June quarter.

Dwelling commencements are also up nine per cent year one year, hitting 12,887 for the September quarter, which is the highest they’ve been since June 2023.

All of these figures show that the Minns Labor Government’s nation leading reforms and initiatives are starting to work together to build a better NSW.

In fact three quarters of the increase in housing across NSW was the result of SSD applications driven by Minns Government policy changes.

Our reforms include:

• Transport Oriented Development
• Low and Mid-rise Housing policy  
• Infill Affordable Housing Scheme
• The Housing Delivery Authority
• Pre-sale Finance Guarantee

There’s more work to do, but the state’s landmark planning reforms which passed the parliament last year are designed make it easier to build homes in NSW.

The Minns Labor Government is restoring housing choice and diversity and rebalancing housing growth towards existing infrastructure to fill a gap in new housing supply that had been left unaddressed for decades.

Minister for Planning and Public Space Paul Scully said:

“In the last term for the Liberals and Nationals Government housing construction collapsed, we’re turning this around.

“These figures are an encouraging sign that all the work the Minns Labor Government has been doing to turn the planning system around and unlock more homes right across NSW is showing results.

“These aren’t just numbers, they are real homes being delivered for the people of NSW. Each completion means a new key in a new door to help address the state’s housing challenges and give people the ability to choose the neighbourhoods they want to live in.

“We know there’s still more work to be done but more houses are being approved and more houses are being built and that’s welcome news.”

The Minns Labor Government’s world-leading Pre-sale Finance Guarantee program is helping fast track new homes with a redevelopment in the Inner West receiving the first guarantee under the $1 billion scheme.

More than 225 new apartments, including 59 affordable homes, will now start construction sooner as part of the $285 million Rozelle Village revamp of the derelict former Balmain Leagues Club site on Victoria Road, which received state significant development approval last year under the Infill Affordable Housing pathway.

The mixed-use precinct also includes retail spaces, community facilities, and a public plaza.

The Guarantee is supporting 32 affordable homes off the plan, giving developer PERIFA confidence to secure construction finance and deliver much-needed homes in the Inner West.

This arrangement gives the developer time to lock in a Community Housing Provider to purchase and manage the project’s affordable homes, with a guarantee the Government will buy the 32 units if the level of qualifying pre-sale requirements is not met prior to project completion expected in 2028.

Since the launch of the program in October, 31 Expressions of Interest have been received from developers across the state, with a third of these already invited to submit full applications.

In addition to the Rozelle Village project, over $100 million worth of pre-sale commitment requests have been received and are currently under assessment. If approved, this support will unlock the construction of over 350 new homes across metropolitan Sydney and regional NSW.

Under the Pre-sale Finance Guarantee, the Government may commit to buy, off the plan, up to 50 per cent of homes in approved developments, valued at up to $2 million each. Support can range from $5 million to $50 million per project, the Guarantee then allows developers to achieve commercial construction finance.

Up to $1 billion in pre-sales over the next five years will be supported through the revolving fund, making sure more projects can move from approval to construction.

The challenge of meeting pre-sale requirements is one of the most common issues cited by stakeholders in securing finance, and has been outlined as a key hurdle for industry in the NSW Productivity and Equality Commission’s Review of housing supply challenges and policy options for New South Wales. Only developers and projects that meet strict criteria for credibility, capability, and capacity to deliver are approved and invited to participate in the program.

• The Pre-sale Finance Guarantee is just one of the measures introduced by the Minns Labor Government to speed up the delivery of housing in NSW, including:
• Landmark reform to the State’s planning legislation
• The NSW Housing Pattern Book

The largest rezoning in the state’s historyFor more information, or to apply, visit the Planning website.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:

“This is exactly what the $1 billion Pre-sale Finance Guarantee was designed to do – move approved projects from paper to construction.

“By providing a targeted pre-sale guarantee, we’re giving the market the confidence it needs to secure finance and start construction, without the Government having to spend a dollar upfront.

“This is a smart use of the State’s balance sheet, stepping in where the market has stalled, but only on projects that are credible, approved and ready to build.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“The Pre-sale Finance Guarantee uses the Government’s strong credit standing to help bring to life prime housing developments, including sites like this one in Rozelle that sat dormant for years. It allows more new homes to be delivered faster, creating jobs, and easing housing pressure for families across NSW.

“Rozelle Village is a great example of how our housing reforms and initiatives are working together to deliver great results.

“This project was approved under the Infill Affordable Housing Pathway to deliver 59 affordable homes and now, through the Pre-sale Finance Guarantee, we’re making sure those homes are built sooner.

“By removing planning and financial roadblocks, we’re giving developers and lenders certainty, boosting housing supply, and creating vibrant communities where people want to live which means more people in more new homes quicker.”

PERIFA Group Managing Director Fabrizio Perilli said:

“Rozelle Village is set to become the Inner West’s most vibrant, mixed-use precinct catering to the local community and residents.

“The location provides excellent access to local employment and the critical Infrastructure that key workers rely on every day.  Strong demand for our development is already evident, with pre-sales for market homes exceeding expectations.

“As the first developer to be accepted into the NSW Government Pre-Sale Finance Guarantee, we are now able to accelerate construction of these much-needed homes, while working to secure the right Community Housing Provider, ensuring long-term social impact and community benefit.”

Exactly 12 years since the lockout laws were announced and began damaging Sydney’s night-time economy, the Minns Labor Government is removing the final major lockout conditions, including the 3:30am ‘last drinks’ rule.

Removing these restrictions aims to boost the nighttime economy right across the former lockout areas: Kings Cross, Oxford Street and the Sydney CBD.

As part of this final farewell to the laws the NSW Government is also repealing the mandated use of plastic cups and the requirement for RSA marshals after midnight for certain venues, and the blanket per person drink limits and the ban on the promotion of shots during late trade in the precincts.

After targeted consultation and a downward trend in alcohol related nighttime assaults, a review by Liquor & Gaming NSW found these conditions were no longer fit for purpose and safety could be maintained through a targeted, case-by-case approach and ensuring individual venues are adhering to existing RSA requirements, Plans of Management and licence conditions. This ensures good operators are not punished just because they’re operating in the former lockout area.

The review determined three measures should be retained – the violent incident registers, preserving crime scenes and a ban on Outlaw Motorcycle Gang colours or insignia.

Announced by Liberal Premier Barry O’Farrell on the 21^st of January 2014, the lockout laws were imposed on the Sydney CBD and Kings Cross in response to the violence problem at the time. This involved a package of measures applied to all licensed venues in the designated area, including the 1:30am lockout provision after which no new patrons could enter a venue.

This policy had the unintended consequence of damaging the city’s live music scene and Sydney’s reputation as a global city, with over half our music venues going out of business in the following decade.

In January 2020, just weeks before the pandemic arrived in Australia, the former government removed the 1:30am lockout provisions from the CBD and Oxford Street, followed by Kings Cross in 2021. Since that time, alcohol related night-time assaults have followed a downward trend in the former lockout areas.

Since coming to office in 2023, the Minns Labor Government has introduced three tranches of vibrancy reforms that have banned single-neighbour noise complaints, reformed the noise complaints system and removed unnecessary regulations that increased the cost and administrative burden for hospitality operators and decreased the enjoyment of patrons. Those regulations included rules that forced patrons to sit down outside venues, sign up for memberships at clubs if they were living within 5kms and even dictated which genres of music venues could program.

The $110 billion NSW night-time economy is undergoing a revival across a wide range of precincts, with eight new Special Entertainment Precinct going into trials in locations including Fairfield, Rozelle and Marrickville.

In total, there are 20 local councils working to establish Special Entertainment Precincts including Kiama, Tamworth, Manly, Cronulla, Burwood and Liverpool.

Live music is at the centre of the revival with more than 521 venues now taking up the government’s extended trading hours for programming music, which is almost four times the number of venues than when the government took office.

For more information –L&GNSW Sydney CBD and Kings Cross precincts – liquor licence conditions.

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

“Twelve years to the day since they were announced, we are now declaring the lockout laws have been completely abolished. I’m delighted to say goodbye to this chapter of Sydney’s nightlife story.

“The lockouts had good intentions but a diabolical impact on the night-time economy and the reputation of our city. These were the laws that saw Madonna and Justin Bieber not allowed into their own afterparties, and the decimation of the club scene that spawned Rufus Du Sol and Flight Facilities.

“Once we had a closer look at all the regulations restricting the NSW night-time economy, we realised the lockouts were just the tip of the iceberg. Since coming to office we’ve been slashing the red tape that was pushing venues out of business and stopping grown adults having fun.

“We’re rebuilding the night-time economy neighbourhood-by-neighbourhood so that people right across NSW have exciting and diverse nightlife options closer to home.”

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said:

“I’m pleased to call time on the lockout laws after a thorough and considered review by Liquor & Gaming NSW found no compelling reason to single out licensed venues in the Sydney CBD and Kings Cross with outdated restrictions.

“Instead we’re being far smarter with safety via targeted, risk-based regulation of venues rather than blanket conditions to ensure those doing the right thing are not hammered by a blunt instrument.

“The Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research has confirmed downward trends in alcohol-related violence in the Sydney CBD and Kings Cross over the past five years following earlier changes to lockout laws. These included an extension of last drinks from 3am to 3.30am and the repeal of the 1.30am lockout.

“Existing measures under the Liquor Act, such as Responsible Service of Alcohol laws and the ability to still impose restrictions on high-risk venues, will help continue to ensure a safe, responsible and vibrant hospitality sector.”

Australian Hotels Association Director of Policy Chris Gatfield said:

“This is great news – Sydney couldn’t be considered a truly 24-hour city until these lockout restrictions were removed.

“This is another very welcome reform by the Minns Government – it comes on the back of many others which have already made a real impact on Sydney’s nightlife.”