Category: NSW News

The NSW Opposition is calling on the Minns Labor Government to provide more support for community preschools, as they shut their doors to take part in a series of rallies across the state today.
 
Community preschools across NSW, along with the Independent Education Union, have been pushing for increased state government funding to boost wages for early childhood teachers in community preschools who are currently paid 30 per cent less than teachers in other sectors.
 
Opposition Leader Mark Speakman said it’s important they are given the funding they need to remain competitive in order to attract and retain their staff.
 
“The NSW Government plays a key role as the main funding body for community preschools and they need to take that responsibility seriously,” Mr Speakman said.
 
“The fact hundreds of teachers and educators are preparing to walk off the job today should send a strong message to the Premier that they don’t feel like they are being heard, and he needs to step up and start to listen to their needs.”
 
The Sydney rally is due to commence at 11:30am outside the NSW Parliament, while another event will be held at Spinks Park in Lismore.
 
Shadow Education Minister Sarah Mitchell said community preschool teachers are simply asking to receive the same support as their colleagues given they have the same qualifications and responsibilities.
 
“When you have an entry level primary school teacher on a higher wage than a director of a community preschool, it shows the gap in the system has clearly widened in the past couple of years,” Mrs Mitchell said.
 
“This discrepancy is having a massive impact on the ability for community preschools to keep their highly qualified staff when they can’t offer anywhere near as much pay as their competitors.
 
“Given there are more than 700 community preschools in NSW that provide an incredible service for our children, this is definitely something the Government needs to look at and fix as soon as possible.”

The NSW Opposition will support the Government’s planning law reform bill, with some amendments to make the system fairer, faster and more transparent.
 
The bipartisan approach began last year when Opposition Leader Mark Speakman, Nationals Leader Dugald Saunders and Shadow Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Scott Farlow wrote to the Premier and the Planning Minister proposing cooperation on planning law reform to help to fix the state’s housing crisis.
 
The Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said the Opposition’s focus has always been on getting more homes built without adding cost or complexity.
 
“Planning law reform can’t be about politics or spin in the middle of a crisis. It has to be about helping people into homes they can afford, near the families they love and the jobs they rely on. Our amendments are practical, responsible and aimed at cutting red tape while keeping government accountable,” Mr Speakman said.
 
Under the Opposition’s proposed amendments:
 
The Housing Delivery Authority would be subject to a full statutory review, and further accountability measures would be introduced.
District and regional planning panels would remain.
The Development Coordination Authority would be required to publish annual reports.
The Community Participation Plan would be set out in regulation or equivalent.
The new targeted assessment pathway would not apply to major non-residential developments like mines, waste incinerators, transmission lines, wind farms and solar farms.
 
NSW Nationals Leader Dugald Saunders said the regions cannot be left behind.
 
“Removing regional planning panels runs the risk of reducing the capacity to support regional development into the future, which is why we will push for changes to safeguard those projects that will allow our country communities to thrive,” Mr Saunders said.
 
“I’m also calling for the Government to ensure the legislation won’t make it easier to rush through renewables projects that have been causing angst for residents and businesses in the bush.”
 
Shadow Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Scott Farlow said the Opposition’s changes would make the bill more effective.
 
“We need a planning system that delivers homes, not hold-ups. Our amendments will help build faster, smarter and with greater confidence for investors and communities alike,” Mr Farlow said.
 
While planning law reform is important, the Minns Labor Government should also be removing barriers to affordability, not creating new ones that don’t help to accelerate home ownership.  The Housing and Productivity Contribution is a tax introduced by the Government in 2023 on housing continues to make the dream of owning a home even harder for young people and families.
 
The contribution is costing developers $12,000 per house and $10,000 per unit in Greater Sydney. 

The community is being invited to view and provide feedback on the Glen Innes Hospital Redevelopment planning documents, with the Review of Environmental Factors on public exhibition.  

The NSW Government is investing $50 million in the Glen Innes Hospital Redevelopment to deliver new and enhanced healthcare infrastructure for Glen Innes and the surrounding community.

This is part of the Minns Labor Government’s $3.5 billion investment over four years for regional hospital upgrades across NSW.

The redevelopment will deliver a new acute services building on the existing hospital campus, housing an expanded emergency department, medical imaging ambulance drop-off and bays, and mortuary.  

There will also be a new main entry to the hospital from Ferguson Street, enhancing access to health services for patients, carers and visitors, with a convenient drop-off area located outside the new hospital building.

The community is being encouraged to attend community information sessions where they can meet the project team, provide feedback and learn more about the $50 million hospital redevelopment: The following information sessions are scheduled:

• Wednesday, 5 November 2025 – 1.00pm to 6.00pm Glen Innes Hospital Lecture Room (top floor)
• Thursday, 6 November 2025 – 8.00am to 1.00pm Highlands Hub, 167 Grey Street 

Feedback on the planning documents can be provided online until 11:59pm on Monday, 10 November 2025. 

The REF planning documents and supporting technical documents are available to view at Glen Innes Hospital Redevelopment.

An updated fly-through animation of the new hospital building has also been released, providing the community with a more detailed look inside the new acute services building, including the planned interiors and finishes.

Construction timeframes will be confirmed following planning approvals and the appointment of a building contractor.  

Construction is anticipated to commence in early 2026 and the community will continue to be updated as the project progresses. 

Further information on the redevelopment is available by visiting the project website: Glen Innes Hospital Redevelopment.

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:

“The Glen Innes Hospital Redevelopment will provide patients, families and carers with a modern health facility to meet the health needs of the community now, and into the future.

“The Minns Government is improving access to care in our regional, rural and remote communities following 12 years of neglect by the Liberals.

“More hospitals and more beds, more quickly – lower wait times – it’s as simple as that.”

Labor Spokesperson for Northern Tablelands Peter Primrose:

“It’s great to see the work to deliver the Glen Innes Hospital redevelopment progressing and I encourage all staff, patients, and the community to take part in the upcoming community consultation, to have their say and learn more about this $50 million project.

“The community feedback has already been very valuable and helped shape the design of the new hospital building.”

The first intercity Mariyung train takes to the tracks on the Blue Mountains Line today, bringing a new level of comfort, safety and improved reliability for passengers from Lithgow, through the mountains to Sydney.

Bound for Central Station, the first Mariyung on the line is due to leave Lithgow at 6.24am Monday.

This is a late-running departure of almost six years, based on the former Liberal-National government’s promise to have the new intercity train in service on the Blue Mountains Line by 2020.

It was the Blue Mountains Line that needed a hasty program of modifications to widen tunnels and expand train platforms to accommodate the Mariyung.

The total budget blew out from $2.8 billion to just under $4.1 billion due to the botched introduction by the Liberals.

The inaugural service is scheduled to stop at most stations along the Blue Mountains Line, including Penrith, Katoomba, Blacktown, Parramatta and Springwood. 

The Mariyung fleet will gradually replace the V-Sets that have served the Blue Mountains Line since the 1970s and have become a magnet for vandals and graffiti. The Mariyung has closed-circuit television systems throughout to deter anti-social behaviour.

The Mariyung offer spacious and comfortable two-by-two seating, a quieter, air-conditioned journey, luggage racks, and improved accessibility.  

The seating includes tray tables, arm rests, high seat backs and charging ports for mobile devices, and on-board digital information screens.  

Initial deployment will commence with both 10-car and 6-car train operations. The 10-car trains can seat 823 passengers while the 6-car trains can seat 500 passengers.

Blacktown, Linden, Leura, Hazelbrook, Blackheath and Faulconbridge are among the stations on the Blue Mountains line where platforms are not long enough for 10-carriage trains and doors on certain carriages at the front of the train and will not open at those.    

This is the second phase of the rollout of the Mariyung fleet. The Mariyung first entered service on the Central Coast and Newcastle Line on 3 December last year. The fleet will be rolled out on the South Coast Line in 2026.  

The introduction of the Mariyung will allow for the Oscar fleet, which debuted in December 2006, to be fully refurbished as it transitions to Suburban running.  

Minister for Transport John Graham said:   

“Let’s acknowledge the bleeding obvious here, that long-suffering Blue Mountains Line passengers waited far too long to see this new intercity train in service. Six years too long, in fact, due to the botched introduction overseen by the former government.

“The Blue Mountains Line was ground zero for this debacle when it became obvious to the Liberals that the trains they bought overseas were too wide for some tunnels in the Mountains and too long for a string of stations.

“The very good news is the Mariyung has arrived, and it will significantly improve the commute back and forth to Sydney for the communities along its length.

“As we focus on improving the reliability of the whole Sydney Trains system, introducing trains that are up to 50 years younger than the existing fleet can only be an improvement for this line.”

Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said:  

“Today marks a major step forward for regional transport in NSW.

“From Lithgow to Sydney, the Blue Mountains Line is a vital link for thousands of regional commuters. The new Mariyung trains will make those journeys safer, smoother and more enjoyable – connecting people to jobs, education and essential services.

“This rollout is about more than new trains, it’s about investing in regional infrastructure, creating local jobs, and ensuring our transport system meets the needs of communities outside the city.”

Member for Blue Mountains Trish Doyle said: 

“My community in the Blue Mountains has felt every long month and year as we waited on the new trains promised by the former government.

“My thanks to the railway workers and RTBU who insisted on attending to some serious initial deficiencies and concerns with the NIF design, to ensure passengers and crew can travel safely.

“The V-sets have served Blue Mountains train passengers with distinction, but we are very much ready for the new chapter on our intercity line.” 

Member for Penrith, Karen McKeown OAM said: 

“I know Penrith passengers are looking forward to enjoying the benefits of these modern trains, and I am looking forward to seeing these trains out on the tracks.  

“People of all abilities can now travel with confidence and independence on the Blue Mountains line, with dedicated spaces for wheelchairs, accessible toilets, and easier boarding.” 

Member for Blacktown, Stephen Bali said:  

“Rail commuters in Blacktown will experience a reliable, accessible and safe service on the Blue Mountains line starting from today.” 

“The state-of-the-art Mariyung intercity trains with their improved accessibility, safety, and amenities with provide a smoother and more comfortable service for Blacktown commuters.”  

Member for Parramatta, Donna Davis said: 

“Passengers travelling from Parramatta on the Blue Mountains line will have a more comfortable travelling experience for decades to come.  

“It’s fantastic that the new Mariyung trains have hit the tracks today. The upgraded fleet will make travelling a much more pleasant experience for Parramatta residents, and all that board that train.” 

Staff and students at Darcy Road Public School are returning to a transformed school on the first day of Term 4 which is nearly five times the size of the original school, following a fast-tracked completion of the major redevelopment.

This project, a Minns Labor Government election commitment, has seen nearly every existing building removed and replaced with brand new, state-of the-art facilities – the largest upgrade the school has seen since it opened in 1955. The original school hall will be retained, with an extension, refurbishment, and additional landscaping due for completion by late 2026.

This major upgrade increases the school’s permanent capacity from 255 to 1,000 students and will see all demountables removed from the site by the end of this year, freeing up more than 3,600 square metres, or eight basketball courts, of play space for the students.

Two new multi-storey buildings featuring 45 new permanent classrooms, new administration facilities, library, canteen and covered outdoor learning area (COLA) are now complete and open almost four months ahead of schedule.

For over a decade, the former Liberal National government neglected public schools in Western Sydney and failed to upgrade Darcy Road Public School, despite promising to do so. Before the upgrade, two thirds of the school’s student population were being taught in demountables – 13 of which were installed by the former government alone.

The upgrade to Darcy Road Public School is among 16 new schools and major upgrade projects being delivered across the greater Parramatta region, that will see more than 200 demountables removed and replaced with more than 300 new, permanent classrooms.

Projects being delivered in the greater Parramatta region include:

• Carlingford West Public School upgrade
• Cumberland High School upgrade
• Darcy Road Public School upgrade
• Dundas Public School upgrade
• Ermington West Public School upgrade and new public preschool
• Girraween Public School upgrade
• Melrose Park – new high school
• Melrose Park Public School redevelopment
• Newington Public School upgrade
• Northmead Public School upgrade
• Parramatta East Public School upgrade
• Rydalmere Public School upgrade
• Rydalmere East Public School upgrade
• Telopea Public School upgrade
• Wentworth Point Public School upgrade (Stage 2)
• Westmead Public School upgrade.

These upgrades will provide capacity for almost 7,000 additional students in the area.

The Minns Labor Government is also building three new public preschools in the Parramatta region, offering 280 places per week for the area’s youngest learners. The public preschools will be co-located with Melrose Park Public School, Ermington West Public School, and Oatlands Public School.

The NSW Government’s record $9 billion school infrastructure Budget for 2025-26 includes $3.9 billion for new and upgraded schools across Western Sydney.

Premier Chris Minns said:

“Students at Darcy Road Public School have been learning out of uncomfortable temporary facilities for far too long.

“Upgrading this 70-year-old school, adding brand new permanent classrooms and removing demountables will be a game changer for the school community.

“We want teachers and students to have access to high quality schools, and I am proud we’re delivering on that promise.”

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning and Western Sydney Courtney Houssos said:

“The Minns Labor Government has fast-tracked and delivered world-class education facilities for the Darcy Road Public School community because we believe Western Sydney families deserve world-class education facilities.

“Demountables should only be used as a temporary measure, but under the former Liberal National government they’ve become a permanent fixture at far too many schools in Western Sydney and across the state.

“There’s more to do, and we are working hard to undo the mess left behind by the Liberals.

“With every teacher vacancy filled and every demountable removed, the Minns Labor Government is building better public schools for our children.”

Darcy Road Public School Principal Trudy Hopkins said:

“Our new classrooms, library, canteen and admin facilities are a game-changer for our students and staff – who now have the space and modern tools they need to achieve their best.

“Our students are excited to be learning out of their brand-new classrooms today and to have more play space at the school once all demountables are removed.

“This is an exciting milestone for our entire school community, and we look forward to the final stage of the upgrade nearing completion next year.”

Today, community leaders, experts and advocates joined NSW Minister for Women to discuss lived experience of menopause and perimenopause, and the importance of supportive workplaces.

In the lead up to World Menopause Day on 18 October, the NSW Government hosted this discussion panel, which featured:

• renowned menopause advocate Em Rusciano
• Dr Sarah White, CEO of Jean Hailes for Women’s Health
• Professor Elizabeth Hill, Deputy Director, Australian Centre for Gender Equality and Inclusion at Work
• Karen Willis OAM, Gender Equity Officer, Unions NSW

The panel discussed lived experiences of menopause and perimenopause in all areas of life, including women who experience menopause earlier than the average age of 51 due to medicine or surgery.

It covered the importance of addressing employee stigma, creating safe and inclusive workplaces, increasing manager awareness, as well as sharing initiatives on improving women’s overall health and wellbeing.

With more than three quarters of working women in Australia affected by perimenopause and menopause symptoms, this event is part of the Minns Labor Government’s work to raise awareness around this important women’s health issue.

The government provides several resources to support women and workplaces navigate the menopause transition, including the Menopause and Perimenopause Toolkit – a central resource containing information to support women, families, workplaces and health professionals.

It is easily accessible, gives women and employees confidence, enhances their understanding of treatment, and supports their autonomy by offering practical strategies for everyday challenges and managing symptoms at work. It includes:

• A downloadable menopause symptoms checklist, translated into eight languages, easy read and tailored for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.
• Menopause videos that explain the symptoms of menopause and how they impact day-to-day life. Translated videos are also available.
• Employment resources for managers and employees.
• A podcast series exploring common symptoms and experiences.
• Guides for partners and families.

To learn more visit: Perimenopause and menopause toolkit

For women experiencing severe and complex menopause symptoms, the NSW Government has set up four Menopause Hubs around the state, with a multi-disciplinary team of specialists to provide holistic support. The Hubs are networked to a number of referral sites across New South Wales, improving access to specialist care. To learn more about menopause services, go to: Menopause services.

Minister for Women and Seniors, Jodie Harrison said:

“Menopause is a natural part of life, yet it remains one of the most misunderstood and under-discussed health transitions.

“This is despite the fact that most women – around 83 per cent – report at least one menopause symptom that affects their work. These symptoms can affect women’s lives, careers and retirement.

“This World Menopause Day, we’re creating space for open conversations, practical support and recognition of the diverse ways menopause affects women across New South Wales, particularly within the workplace.

“We need to continue the conversation about the impacts of menopause and make sure women are empowered to speak about it and access the appropriate supports.”

Dr Sarah White, CEO of Jean Hailes for Women’s Health, said:

“Jean Hailes’ National Women’s Health Survey found that 17 per cent of women aged 45 to 64 take an extended break from workforce participation due to illness. Menopause is a significant factor in this decision. We need to empower women with practical, evidence-based solutions so we don’t lose the incredibly valuable skills, knowledge and experience that women in midlife bring to the workplace.”

Em Rusciano, perimenopausal advocate and keynote speaker:

“Perimenopause hit me in my late 30s – much earlier than I ever expected. I thought it was a ‘later in life’ problem, but instead it’s been a brutal, seismic shift I was utterly unprepared for. And that’s exactly why I’m talking about it now: because menopause has been buried under shame and silence for generations. Puberty and pregnancy are resourced and respected; menopause deserves the same. Saying it out loud is how we peel back the shame and push the systems to finally catch up.”

The Minns Labor Government is planting the seeds for a new wave of primary production manufacturing across regional NSW, unveiling a prospectus designed to harvest the economic benefits of the growing plant-based protein sector.

This prospectus is part of the Government’s plans to strengthen regional economies, build new industries and drive jobs and investment.

The prospectus is aimed at metropolitan and international food manufacturers and is designed to encourage them to consider regional NSW as a base for their operations.

The prospectus highlights the competitive advantages regional NSW has including:

• Access to premium raw commodities suitable for plant-based protein food and beverage manufacturing with the ability to scale and meet growing demand
• Consumer market access with regional NSW ideally positioned and able to deliver goods to 81 percent of Australia’s domestic market overnight
• Skilled workforce with relevant educational backgrounds, export-ready ports, and affordable industrial land.
• Research and development ecosystem that actively encourages collaboration between researchers across universities, DPIRD, CSIRO, Government and agribusiness

The Prospectus also identifies five key regions particularly suited to plant-based protein manufacturing:  Riverina Murray, New England North West, Central West Orana, North Coast and Hunter Central Coast.

Advantages of these regions are identified in the “NSW regional location profiles” in the prospectus at Invest Regional NSW. 

The prospectus will be launched today in conjunction with AltProteins 25 conference in Sydney.

Plant-based protein manufacturing is the process of turning crops such as chickpeas, soybeans, lentils and grains into high-protein food products like meat alternatives, protein powders, dairy-free drinks and snacks without using any animal products.

The global population is set to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, meaning agricultural and food production will need to increase by up to 61 per cent.

Regional NSW produces millions of tonnes of plant protein crops each year, offering ideal conditions for manufacturers with strong market access, a skilled workforce and world-class research.

Developed by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development in partnership with Investment NSW, the prospectus also showcases government programs supporting industry growth, innovation and streamlined approvals for investors.

To view the NSW Plant-Based Protein Manufacturing Prospectus, visit: Invest Regional NSW. 

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“With more than 4,500 food and beverage manufacturing businesses and high-quality research and development facilities we have the skills and the infrastructure to turn high-quality crops into premium plant-based protein products.

“Regional NSW offers the ideal combination of resources and advantages, from efficient transport networks and export-ready ports to skilled workforces and affordable industrial land, creating a compelling case for investors and manufacturers.

“This prospectus is about building on those strengths to grow jobs, drive innovation and ensure NSW captures its share of a rapidly expanding global market for healthy, sustainable food.”

Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“Trade is a key contributor to our economy and by backing innovative industries like plant-based manufacturing, we’re securing NSW’s place in the future of food.

“For government and industry alike the prospectus outlines the opportunities and benefits of investing in regional NSW and invites collaboration, attracts investment, and sets the tone for long-term success.

“This prospectus is a powerful tool for showcasing NSW’s strengths to the world, demonstrating our vision, our capabilities, and our commitment to sustainable growth whilst providing investors with clarity and confidence they need for opportunities.”

University of Sydney Professor of Legume Biology and Molecular Genetics Professor Brent Kaiser said:

“We’re seeing a major shift in how people think about food, from what they eat to how it’s produced. This is being driven by multiple factors, including changing dietary needs, and increasing awareness of health, sustainability, and climate in response to future population growth.

“By 2050, we’ll need to increase global agricultural crop calorie production by around 47–61% just to keep up. That’s a huge pressure point on the production of sustainable protein sources – the development of plant-based protein foods offer a big part of the solution.

“New South Wales is already an agricultural powerhouse. We have a $20 billion sector producing a lot of wheat, canola, legumes and horticulture products and more.

“The real value is transforming these commodity-driven products into value-added foodstuffs. We can add value here by transforming these crops into high quality, plant-based food and beverage products.”

Ben Furney Flour Mills CEO Sarah Furney said:

“Regional centres like Dubbo, where we produce flour and specialty milled products, offer the perfect environment for innovation and growth in the plant-based protein manufacturing space.

“With immediate access to grain supply, skilled labour and transport infrastructure, it’s benefits like these that make regional NSW an ideal base for advanced food manufacturing and allow businesses like ours to compete in a growing market.”

“Looking to the future, Ben Furney Flour Mills is investing in cutting-edge packaging and warehouse systems, expanding its Textured Vegetable Protein product line and continuing to grow its regional workforce.

“With a strong focus on sustainability, innovation, and export growth, the company is positioning itself as a pioneer in alternative proteins and value-added food manufacturing.”

Sydney turned gold on Monday night as Diwali celebrations lit up the city, with the Opera House sails glowing in tribute to the Festival of Lights.

The lighting of the sails is part of the NSW Government’s annual Diwali event – first held in 2011 – at the Museum of Contemporary Art, bringing together 200 community members, faith leaders, and dignitaries.  

The evening was a vibrant celebration of colour, culture, and connection.

Diwali, or Deepavali, is celebrated across New South Wales by Hindu, Sikh, Jain and some Buddhist communities, and which signifies the power of light over darkness and good over evil.  

These communities continue to contribute immensely to New South Wales, where their positive impact across multiple areas of life enriches all of us.

Premier of NSW Chris Minns said:

“The symbolism of Diwali couldn’t be more relevant in our multicultural society than right now.

“One of Diwali’s messages is that good triumphs over evil, to come together in joy and unity, working together to overcome darkness and division.  

“On Monday night, we lit the sails of the Opera House in honour of Diwali and the communities that celebrate it.  

“The evening served as a reminder of NSW’s vibrant multiculturalism. and how celebrations like Diwali bring all different people and communities together, in a spirit of joy and unity.”

Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said:

“Diwali brings light, joy, and togetherness. It’s a time to honour tradition, celebrate community, and share in the warmth of connection.

“NSW is proud to celebrate alongside our communities and sends its warm wishes to all who mark this beautiful occasion.

“Diwali celebrations will be happening across the state, from Harris Park, Parramatta, Blacktown to Queanbeyan and Newcastle, and we encourage everyone to come along to celebrate.”  

Sydney’s train network is now less reliable than ever, leaving commuters stranded, frustrated and late. Under the Minns Labor Government, one in every ten trains has been late for almost two years straight.
 
Despite three budgets, three reports and two separate reviews, the Minns Labor Government has failed to fix the basics.
 
The latest figures obtained by the NSW Opposition through Budget Estimates show infrastructure-related defects on the rail network hit record highs between April and August this year. June alone saw 39,634 faults, followed by 38,932 in July and 38,912 in August.
 
While the former NSW Liberals and Nationals Government delivered world-class, transformative infrastructure that has changed the face of Sydney forever, Labor has shown no progress on what they deliver or do.
 
Piggy-backing on the hard work of the former government does not make you an originator. It shows a government with no ideas, no drive and no capacity to deliver its own vision for NSW.
 
Only the NSW Liberals and Nationals have the track record and the know-how to get NSW building again.
 
These figures expose a government that has chosen political spin over performance. With a Labor-appointed mate as the NSW Secretary of Transport, it stands to reason that Sydney Trains operates on a PR footing rather than a delivery footing.
 
Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said Labor’s obsession with image has replaced real management.
 
“Chris Minns promised better transport but has only delivered delays. Families are waiting longer because Labor is focused on PR, not performance. They inherited a world-class network and turned it into a reliability crisis,” Mr Speakman said.
 
Shadow Minister for Transport and Roads Natalie Ward said the Minns Labor Government puts politics before passengers.
 
“The Minns Government talks about accountability but delivers excuses. With a Labor insider running Transport, the focus is media management, not commuter outcomes. Sydney Trains has become a PR machine while commuters pay the price,” Ms Ward said.
 
The NSW Opposition is calling on the Minns Labor Government to prioritise investment in maintenance, reliability and performance to restore confidence in Sydney’s transport network and deliver the service commuters expect in a global city.

As students and teachers settle back into classrooms, the Minns Labor Government is copying the Coalition’s homework by falsely claiming Labor built the schools across Western Sydney to which they are returning.
 
The Premier and Acting Education Minister put out a media release this morning saying the area was “neglected” under the former government, when in fact more than $2 billion was invested in 50 new and upgraded school projects before the 2023 election.
 
Some of the projects Labor is trying to take credit for includes Darcy Road Public School, Carlingford West, Cumberland, Girraween, Melrose Park, Parramatta East, Rydalmere, Telopea, Wentworth Point and Westmead, which were all funded and approved by the Liberals and Nationals.
 
Piggy-backing on the hard work of the former government does not make you an originator. It shows a government with no ideas, no drive and no capacity to deliver its own vision for NSW.
 
Only the NSW Liberals and Nationals have the track record and the know-how to get NSW building again.
 
Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said the Government has no ideas, no drive and no capacity to deliver its own vision for the state.
 
“The Minns Labor Government is claiming credit for projects it did not start, that were funded by the former government that believed in building for the future. You don’t earn credibility by cutting ribbons on someone else’s work. You earn it by delivering your own,” Mr Speakman said.
 
Shadow Education Minister Sarah Mitchell wished all students well for Term 4 and said they shouldn’t be distracted by Labor’s constant lies.
 
“Parents, students and teachers deserve transparency and honesty and should be concerned by the fact the school infrastructure pipeline has dried up under this government. It’s all good and well to bombard people with media releases, but what’s more important is ensuring there’s a strong future for education in NSW,” Mrs Mitchell said. 
 
Member for Winston Hills Mark Taylor said Darcy Road Public School sits right in the heart of his electorate, and every parent knows it was the Coalition that made the project a reality.
 
“Too often Labor’s ‘facts’ and figures don’t add up, but its media spin can’t hide the truth.  It’s the Liberals and Nationals that have the track record and the know-how to get things building again instead of delivering empty slogans,” Mr Taylor said.
 
Member for Epping Monica Tudehope said families want less talk and more things delivered.
 
“This desperate announcement today is a classic case of smoke and mirrors and shows a government completely out of its depth and running out of ideas,” Ms Tudehope said.
 
Member for Ryde Jordan Lane said in the Ryde electorate locals can see right through this performance.
 
“The projects Labor lists were already locked in and funded by the Liberals and Nationals and things have slowed to a crawl in the past two years under this do-nothing government,” Mr Lane said.