Category: NSW News

An independent review has identified no issues with the integrity of the Housing Delivery Authority’s (HDA) statutory decision-making processes.

The review, by eminent former public servant Peter Duncan AM, was commissioned at my request after the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure identified use of unauthorised software in collating information into reports for the HDA.

The Duncan Review found the likelihood of risk or integrity errors from the use of the software was low, concluding:

It is not apparent that the Software used has been more effective than other authorised software available for use within the Department or available elsewhere in the NSW Government. In fact, external Cyber Security specialist advisors reviewed and identified that the software was used as an administrative assistance tool. It appears to have been used to input information from the EOI application and various other inputs from Departmental or public database(s) into a template. This template was included in the Reports provided to HDA members prior to a HDA meeting. The Reports also included a range of other information drafted by planning professionals in the Department.

The Duncan Review makes four recommendations which I have accepted in full, including to:

• Reinforce the NSW Government and Department’s policies on the use of artificial intelligence within the HDA and Department.
• Consider using authorised software to support the work of the HDA.
• Review all unsuccessful EOI reports prepared with support from the software to confirm there are no errors.
• Undertake a previously planned review of the HDA’s first 12 months of operations with a view to making continuous improvement.

The independent review shows the integrity of the HDA and its statutory decision-making processes has not been compromised. All necessary steps will be taken to support the continued function of the HDA.

The NSW Parliament passed legislation in November that provides the HDA with an enduring role in supporting the delivery of housing in NSW. The permanent establishment of the HDA was part of the first proclamation of the Planning System Reforms Act on 15 December 2025.

The detailed recommendations and full report can be downloaded here (PDF 641.19KB).

The Terrorism and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 has passed the Parliament with the support of the NSW Liberal Party.

The NSW Liberals supported the passage of this Bill because community safety must always come first, and the Parliament has a responsibility to act in the wake of such a serious and confronting terrorist attack.

However, we should be clear-eyed about the core issue at stake. Antisemitism was the reason for this attack, and the people of New South Wales rightly expect strong and decisive action to confront and eliminate it.

This Bill was rushed through the Parliament with limited consultation and insufficient engagement with stakeholders. That is not best-practice law-making, particularly in an area as sensitive and consequential as counter-terrorism and social cohesion.

The NSW Liberals have been clear and consistent, confronting rising antisemitism and hate speech must remain a priority of the NSW Parliament. This is why we sought to strengthen the Government’s Bill by reintroducing measurers that we have prosecuted throughout the year. Unfortunately, the Government once again rejected our bipartisan efforts.

We expect the Government to use the next parliamentary sittings to pursue further reforms and encourage the Government to engage in good faith with the Opposition and the Parliament to strengthen these laws where required. We will have more to say over the coming weeks and months on our plan to deliver a stronger and safer NSW.

Our determination is to ensure that NSW has a framework that confronts and defeats antisemitism, hate speech and extremist violence.

Today, the NSW Police Commissioner has made a Public Assembly Restriction Declaration (a declaration) under the new laws which passed Parliament today in response to last week’s Bondi terror attack.

Under the new laws, the NSW Police Force Commissioner is granted power to temporarily declare public areas “restricted” from assemblies following a declared terrorist incident. Today’s restriction follows the declaration made by Commissioner Lanyon that the Bondi attack on Sunday 14 December was a terror-related incident.

The declaration made by the Commissioner today restricts public assemblies in the South West Metropolitan, North West Metropolitan and Central Metropolitan policing areas for 14 days.

During this time, no public assemblies can be authorised under the Summary Offences Act 1988 and Form 1 applications for the authorisation of public assemblies will not be accepted. Any public assembly will thereby be taken to be unauthorised, and participants will not have the protection of the Summary Offences Act with respect to obstructing traffic and pedestrians and may commit offences if they do. If a public assembly had been authorised prior to the declaration, the authorisation will be taken to be revoked.

The declaration was made this afternoon with the Police Executive Panel after considering the new legislation and public safety impacts of further protests in the wake of the Bondi terrorist attack.

The declaration will be reviewed and can be extended fortnightly for up to three months.

Gatherings are permitted but police may issue move on directions for people causing obstructions or behaving in an intimidatory or harassing manner, or people who might cause or be likely to cause fear in another person.

Police will also have authority to require removal of any face coverings worn by people suspected of committing offences for identification purposes.

Commissioner Lanyon says this declaration is designed to give police the powers to ensure community safety.

The tragic events at Bondi Beach have left a profound impact on our community and reaffirmed the urgent need for stronger safeguards to reduce fear and increase safety,” Commissioner Lanyon said.

The NSW Police is committed to exercising these new powers responsibly and transparently. This is a time for community to come together and to show respect and courtesy – it’s not a time for large public assemblies and division. The community deserves to be safe and feel safe.

In the immediate aftermath of the attack at Bondi last week, further protest activity would aggravate fear and divisiveness in the community at a time when we need to build safety and confidence.”

We will continue working closely with the Government and community leaders to ensure these laws are implemented in a way that strengthens safety and cohesion across our state.”

Commercial and Residential development in Australia’s newest city, Bradfield is gearing up following the finalisation of a development agreement between the Minns Labor Government and global Australian development and investment company, Plenary.

The more than $1 billion agreement will see Plenary transform the first Superlot, a 5.7 hectare parcel of prime land adjacent to Bradfield City’s First Building, Central Park, and new Metro station into a vibrant mixed-use precinct, unlocking new homes, jobs, and industries in Western Sydney.

The development agreement will deliver:

• The first 1,400 homes in Bradfield City, including at least 10 per cent dedicated to affordable housing.
• A quarter of the site will be allocated to commercial uses including:
  • advanced industries,
  • a hotel
  • a university campus,
  • essential services such as retail, childcare and health facilities and
  • a 1,500 square metre food and beverage venue overlooking Central Park.

This is a foundational step in building Australia’s first new city in 100 years, delivering new homes, industry and vibrancy to Western Sydney.

Development of the site will roll out in stages, generating thousands of construction jobs and boosting Western Sydney’s economy as Bradfield City grows.

Stage 1 of the project will over the next five years deliver the essentials of a great city including lively public spaces, affordable housing and childcare, a university, and dynamic commercial hubs.

In 2026, Plenary will start the market process of finding a university partner and a major commercial anchor tenant, as well as lodging State Significant Development Applications for a food and beverage venue and a Concept Plan for housing, commercial space and a hotel on the northern part of the site.

To provide the most efficient and coordinated planning pathway, developments in Bradfield City will be assessed by the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure as State Significant Developments.

This partnership unlocks new opportunities for businesses to invest or establish themselves in Bradfield City which will be a vibrant destination for residents, workers and visitors alike right next to a 24/7 airport.

Bradfield city will be a thriving, globally connected city, which will deliver 10,000 new homes and 20,000 new jobs building a stronger future for Western Sydney. 

This is part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to build a better NSW with a greater choice of homes, so young people, families and workers have somewhere to live in the communities they choose.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“Bradfield City is coming to life with the release of the first Superlot to global Australian development and investment company, Plenary.

“This more than $1 billion partnership is set to deliver the first homes, a university and essential services like childcare, shops and health facilities providing the foundation for the future growth of Bradfield City.

“This builds on the momentum of the opening of first building, the Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility which is already establishing Bradfield as a hub for innovation with customers across Sydney.”

Acting Minister for Western Sydney Courtney Houssos said:

“The Minns Labor Government is building a city that will support new industries, jobs and opportunities in Western Sydney for the next century.

“This deal is an important step towards creating a vibrant and globally connected, 24/7 city which will deliver high-quality housing, education and jobs at the heart of Bradfield City.”

Plenary Chair Paul Oppenheim said:

“It’s an honour to be entrusted by the NSW Government to be a long-term development partner with the Bradfield Delivery Authority team to help deliver Australia’s newest city, in the heart of Western Sydney.

“Central to the success of this project will be the delivery of 1,400 new homes, including more than 10% as affordable homes; complemented by a masterplanned precinct integrating a university campus, commercial space, childcare, retail spaces and a hotel – all next to the new two-hectare Central Park.

“Our experience in the formation of long-term partnerships to deliver complex projects here and overseas make us ideally placed to perform the role of development partner, and we look forward to delivering on the exciting vision for Bradfield.”

The Minns Labor Government is continuing its work to rebuild public education across NSW, with construction underway on an upgrade for Orana Heights Public School in Dubbo.

Despite the former government promising much-needed school upgrades for the families of Dubbo, students at Orana Heights have spent years learning in demountables and ageing classrooms.

The upgrade work will include replacing all eight ageing, temporary demountables at the school with permanent modern classrooms, as well as refurbishing 18 existing classrooms. The school is also receiving an expanded school hall and improvements to the library.

The Minns Labor Government is delivering these upgrades for the families of Dubbo ahead of Day 1, Term 1, 2027.

The upgrades are being delivered as part of record education funding in the 2025-26 Budget, including $2.1 billion for new and upgraded schools in regional NSW. This targeted investment will ensure growing communities have access to a world-class public education, close to home.

On top of the upgrades at Orana Heights Public School, the Minns Labor Government recently completed much needed upgrades and repairs at Dubbo South Public School.

This work was required after a fire in December 2021 destroyed several classrooms, with students moved into temporary demountables.

Despite the former Liberal National Government promising to deliver permanent replacement classrooms for Dubbo South, no construction had begun when Labor was elected in March 2023.

In addition to completing upgrades and building new schools where they are needed, the Minns Labor Government’s work to rebuild public education includes ensuring each NSW classroom has a qualified teacher.

Since March 2023, the Minns Labor Government has reduced teacher vacancies by 61 per cent across NSW, leading to the number of cancelled classes in NSW nearly halving.

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said: 

“The Minns Labor Government is delivering upgraded facilities for the Orana Heights school community, as part of our record investment in regional education and communities.

“Our government, with the leadership of the Deputy Premier, is delivering modern permanent classrooms that students in Dubbo deserve after years of neglect by the Liberals and Nationals.

“For too long under the former government, families in regional NSW were promised the world, while little was delivered to the regions.”

Minister for Western NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“Students in regional NSW deserve access to high quality schools, and the Minns Labor Government is continuing to make significant investment in regional communities.

“Our government is rebuilding the NSW public education system to ensure all students have access to a world-class public education and the opportunity to succeed, no matter where they live.”

Duty MLC for Dubbo Stephen Lawrence said:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to delivering much-needed regional school upgrades to communities left behind by the Liberals and Nationals.

“Only a Labor government delivers the much-needed schools for our growing regional areas.”

Orana Heights Public School principal Annie Munro: 

“At Orana Heights Public School our staff, students, and community are excited to be receiving new and improved facilities.

“We look forward to seeing our school community grow and thrive in these wonderful new and refurbished spaces.”

Southern NSW’s primary industries are in good shape ahead of the summer season with millions of dollars in fire protection measures completed to help protect local communities and critical softwood plantation timber from bushfire threats.

The seven completed projects, valued at $3.2 million, are part of the Minns Government’s $12.9 million Southern NSW Timber Plantations Fire Protection funding package.

While the projects will protect plantation resources, they also provide increased protection for local residents and businesses in the area following the 2019/20 devastating bushfires and play a vital role in protecting the remaining critical timber supplies in the Murray region.

Funding recipients including Forestry Corporation of NSW, Southern Cross Forests and NSW Rural Fire Service have completed a number of projects within the region, including:

Forestry Corporation of NSW

Tumut – $1,537,800 – Firefighting Forwarder with water tank and high flow pumped water distribution

• Firefighting Forwarder with water tank and high flow pumped water distribution that will improve tactical and operational response and enhance firefighter safety. It will enable delivery of large volumes of water in difficult terrain and situations and reduce exposure of firefighters to overhead hazards and manual cutting and lifting tasks.

Tumut – $100,000 – Two trailer mounted quick fill water pumps

• The provision of two high volume, trailer mounted water pumps will facilitate rapid refilling of bulk water transport trucks and larger capacity fire tankers (Cat 1, Cat 6) for tactical firefighting operations significantly reducing turnaround times.

Green Hills/Tumut – $456,000 – Firefighting water transport equipment

• Two 32Kl semi-trailer tankers for delivery of bulk water for firefighting operations undertaken by all agencies. Tankers will be fitted with high volume capacity pumping for delivery to firefighting appliances. The tankers will be set for deployment utilising trucks from the existing industry log fleet.

Southern Cross Forests

Mt Ikes, TableTop and Mt Flakney – $325,000 – Additional fire detection cameras

• The installation of three additional cameras and associated AI platform to help in the early detection of fires. The installation of these cameras adds to the existing extensive detection network in the region.

Rural Fire Service

Southern NSW – $329,490 – Improved data quality with additions to the Automated Weather Stations network

• A network of Remote Automated Weather Stations (RAWS) that will provide granular and timely data to the Bureau of Meteorology and help inform fire preparedness and response.
• This will provide the ability for the BOM to provide an improved and accurate forecast fire weather conditions for the South Eastern Local Government Areas of Snowy Valleys, Greater Hume, Cootamundra-Gundagai and Wagga Wagga City. This will also provide valuable live weather data for fire behaviour practitioners and Incident Controllers to predict fire spread and make timely decisions to combat existing fires based on accurate weather conditions.

Snowy Mountains Forests 

Ellerslie and Bobs Creek – $70,625 – Firefighting water storages in strategic locations – private plantation land

• The installation of bulk water tanks in strategic locations where firefighting water is limited, particularly in dry seasons. All firefighting agencies will benefit from these tanks being able to quickly source bulk water for fire suppression when required in these locations.
• This project will see two 110,000 litre tanks installed in the Takejo Plantation and a further 250,000l tank in the Bobs Creek Plantation complex. These tanks will be zincalume and have RFS compliant store fittings to enable the rapid filling of firefighting units.

Snowy Valleys Council

$387,106 – Specialist tractor and mulcher for fire management

• Purchase of a tractor and mulcher with reach attachment for heavy-duty fuel reduction activities along strategic road corridors to undertake larger area growth suppression and no-burn hazard reduction works along key fire control corridors.

A total of 15 projects were approved for funding under the Southern NSW Timber Plantations Fire Protection package. These projects will form a network of enhanced fire protection initiatives across the Murray region, including Greater Hume, Snowy Valleys, Cootamundra-Gundagai, Albury and Wagga Wagga LGAs.

The remaining eight projects, valued at some $9.7 million, on track to be completed over this fire season include:

• Expanded (Public Safety Network) PSN radio network for plantation and council workers
• Tumut Aerodrome water supply for fire management
• Improved data quality with additions to the Automated Weather Stations network
• Australian Fire Danger Rating System – plantation tools
• Upgrade fire towers for ongoing early detection
• Tumut Aerodrome – hangar for fire suppression aircraft
• Fire Trails Bondo, Bago, Carabost, Jingellic
• Upgrade of priority strategically important fire trails for the protection of at-risk plantation estates

These projects will be administered as a pilot program, with monitoring and evaluation to be undertaken by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) to help determine the potential to broaden this program across the State.

The NSW Government’s $12.9 million Plantation Fire Protection funding package is preventing bushfires by supporting fire preparation with fire management equipment and strategic fire trail upgrades.

All projects were identified by representatives from the NSW Rural Fire Service, DPIRD, the Softwoods Working Group, Forestry Corporation NSW and plantation managers with the Softwoods Working Group, facilitating input from additional plantation owners, local councils and local fire authorities.

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“This is about making sure our firefighters have the best equipment and resources to protect our communities and our forests.

“These projects have been identified to deliver the maximum fire protection, hazard reduction and response capabilities across southern NSW.

“We are delivering on the latest technology in fire detection cameras to aerodrome-based water supplies for firefighting.

“This is an important step forward as we work to build on the resilience of this important regional softwood timber industry.

“The NSW Government has a plan for developing regional NSW and a plan for delivering more housing. Protecting softwood forests and production is critical to delivering on both.”

This Christmas-New Year break, communities across NSW are being encouraged to plan ahead to stay safe these holidays in the surf, on the water and as they visit bushfire-prone areas.

Emergency services including the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS), Surf Life Saving NSW (SLSNSW) and Marine Rescue NSW are reminding everyone to be prepared, make safe decisions and look out for one another.

Already this summer, NSW has experienced storms, fires and a full range of weather conditions – and while our emergency services are well prepared for the warmer weather, we’re urging communities to be prepared too.

Since the start of July, firefighters have responded to more than 4,000 bush and grass fires. This includes fires at Bulahdelah on the Mid North Coast and Koolewong on the Central Coast earlier this month.

This season the RFS Chinook waterbombing helicopter has already completed more than 400 drops, including at Koolewong, delivering more than 3.2 million litres across NSW firegrounds. Last financial year, 47 new and upgraded RFS brigade stations were completed along with 281 new and refurbished trucks.

With increased temperatures, dry conditions and more people travelling, the RFS is asking residents and holidaymakers to take the following steps:

• Know the local fire danger rating and weather conditions.
• Have a bush fire survival plan and discuss it with family.
• If travelling, know what fire risks you may face and where you will go if fire threatens.
• Download the Hazards Near Me app and set Watch Zones for where you live and the area you are travelling through.

In the last year, SLSNSW has significantly upscaled its rescue capability and boosted measures at unpatrolled locations.

This includes the installation of more Emergency Response Beacons, bringing the total to 67 across the state, along with the rollout of 25 additional jet skis and a trial of AI camera technology which targets rock fishing safety at blackspots.

SLSNSW is reinforcing its core safety messages heading into the summer holidays:

• Always swim between the red and yellow flags at patrolled beaches.
• Avoid swimming alone, especially at unpatrolled locations.
• Actively supervise children.
• Check for rip currents and speak with lifesavers for the safest place to swim.
• Never mix alcohol with swimming or water activities.

Following successive record months in September and October, Marine Rescue NSW volunteers are prepared for a demanding summer season.

More than 3,500 Marine Rescue NSW volunteers are ready to assist boaters in distress across the state at any time of day or night this summer.

Last December and January, Marine Rescue NSW crews performed 1,379 search and rescue missions, including 346 emergency responses, and safely returned 3,425 people to shore.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib:

“There are simple actions you can take to prepare, like checking the weather, reviewing your bush fire survival plan, swimming at patrolled beaches, and supervising children at all times.

“We want everyone to be safe these holidays. By taking a few minutes to plan ahead, you’re helping protect yourself, your family and our emergency services.

“Our volunteer lifesavers and lifeguards are such an important community asset, and this summer will be no different. I encourage you to follow the directions of lifesavers and only swim at patrolled locations – it’s the safest way to enjoy your holiday.

“Be sure to download the Hazards Near Me App and stay across any warnings to keep you and your families safe.”

Rural Fire Service Commissioner Trent Curtin:

“Our firefighters do what they can to prepare, but it is a shared responsibility. Now is the time to prepare your property and family for the threat of bush and grass fires.

“We’re urging holidaymakers to think ahead, check conditions and fire ratings and understand what to do if a fire starts nearby. Review and discuss your bush fire survival plan. Know when you’ll go, where’ll you go and what you’ll take with you.”

Surf Life Saving NSW Chief Executive Officer Steven Pearce:

“Our 21,000 volunteer lifesavers will be on duty to protect people on beaches across the state throughout the summer.

“Our message is simple: please choose a patrolled beach, supervise your children and swim between the flags.”

Marine Rescue NSW Acting Commissioner Todd Andrews:

“With large numbers expected to enjoy our waterways over the summer holidays, we are reminding boaters to ensure their vessels are in working order, with batteries fully charged and adequate clean fuel on board, with plenty in reserve.

“Plan and prepare – every safe trip starts before you hit the water. Carry the correct safety equipment, always wear a lifejacket, monitor conditions at all times, and always log on with Marine Rescue NSW via the app or VHF Channel 16.”

To provide certainty to industry and councils, the NSW Government has announced waste levy rates will not rise above the Consumer Price Index in the 2026–27 financial year.

The NSW Government is continuing its detailed consideration of options to reform the waste levy, which is an important tool to reduce waste sent to landfills and drive recycling and resource recovery in the state.

It follows the release of a NSW Government issues paper that explored a range of reforms, such as potential adjustments to the levy rates and area boundaries, to improve the effectiveness of the levy and its administration and drive a safe, circular economy in NSW.

We acknowledge the decision to hold levy rates stable in 2026–27 may be disappointing for some in the waste and recycling industry.

The NSW Government will continue to carefully consider the feedback on the issues paper from local government and industry stakeholders about what the future levy rates should be.

We have also taken seriously the views of local government, which has expressed the need for greater support for waste and recycling programs to meet growing service and infrastructure demands.

The NSW Government will provide further updates on the future of the waste levy in the first half of 2026.

Minister for the Environment, Penny Sharpe said:

“The waste levy is an incredibly important tool that can shape our state’s recycling and resource recovery efforts, drive investment in waste infrastructure, and protect our environment.

“Any changes to the current program must strike the right balance in ensuring our waste is managed appropriately and meeting community expectations in a cost-of-living crisis.

“We will report back in the first half of 2026 on the future of the waste levy as we work together to drive a flourishing circular economy in NSW.”

The Minns Government will today issue an urgent plea for motorists to drive safely ahead of the busy holiday period, as traffic volumes increase across New South Wales and double demerits come into force. 

Double demerits will apply statewide from midnight tonight until Sunday, 4 January 2026 inclusive, targeting high risk behaviours such as speeding, mobile phone use, seatbelt and motorcycle helmet offences.

A second double demerits period will also be in effect over the Australia Day long weekend, from Friday, 23 January 2026 to Monday, 26 January 2026.

This warning comes at a sobering time. 347 lives have already been lost on NSW roads this year – 25 more than this time last year.

Drivers are urged to make safe choices every trip by:

• Obeying speed limits and driving to the conditions
• Putting mobile phones away while driving
• Wearing seatbelts correctly and ensuring all passengers are properly restrained
• Never driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Resting when fatigued and taking regular breaks on long journeys

Every life lost on our roads is one too many. These holidays, slowing down and making safer choices behind the wheel can mean the difference between getting to your destination safely and not getting there at all.

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley said:

“Police will be out in force across New South Wales over the Christmas and New Year period to help keep the community safe, with a strong focus on deterring dangerous behaviour on our roads.

“Double demerits are in place to reinforce the importance of following the road rules, particularly during busy holiday periods when traffic volumes are higher.

“People must take responsibility for their actions. Every choice on the road has consequences and it’s up to each of us to ensure we don’t put ourselves or others at risk.

“The NSW Police will not tolerate reckless or dangerous behaviour on our roads and will use every power at their disposal so everyone can celebrate safely this holiday period.”

Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison said:

“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility, and the Christmas and New Year holiday period is one of the busiest times on our road network.

“The Minns Government is pulling every lever to make our roads safer, and we need every motorist across NSW to ensure they’re making safe choices behind the wheel.

“Every death on our roads is one too many, and we are urging all drivers to make safe choices so they can get home safely to their loved ones this holiday period.

“The number of deaths on our roads is not just a number. Every single person who has died on our roads this year left behind family, friends and loved ones.

“The grief, trauma and sadness after the loss of a loved one lasts a lifetime. We must do all we can every time we get behind the wheel of a car, or ride a motorbike, to ensure that everyone comes home safe.

“Double demerits are in place to deter dangerous behaviour and remind motorists that speeding, using a mobile phone, not wearing a seatbelt or riding without a helmet can have devastating consequences.”