Category: NSW News

The NSW Government has announced the opening of an expression of interest process today for Chief Commissioner and Commissioner roles on the NSW Independent Casino Commission (NICC).

On 20 May 2026 the Governor of NSW, on the recommendation of the Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris, re-appointed the NICC Chief Commissioner Philip Crawford, and Commissioner Stephen Parbery for additional six-month terms to 24 November 2026.

The reappointments will ensure stability in the NICC’s leadership in coming months and an orderly transition to new commissioners.

Mr Crawford and Mr Parbery have announced they will retire from public service when their tenures expire in November.

Both were inaugural members of the NICC when it was established in September 2022 in response to the Bergin Inquiry recommendations to strengthen casino regulation and oversight in NSW.

Prior to appointment to the NICC, Mr Crawford served as Chairperson of the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority (ILGA), while Mr Parbery served as an ILGA board member.

Both Mr Crawford and Mr Parbery played crucial roles in the NICC’s response to the two Bell inquiries into The Star and have contributed to strengthening oversight and accountability across the casino sector including the transition of Crown Sydney to an unrestricted licence.

The appointment process for the NICC Commissioner vacancies is being undertaken in accordance with requirements under the Casino Control Act 1992.

This includes establishment of a selection panel to prepare a list of recommended candidates for consideration by Minister Harris, as well as the appointment of a probity adviser.

The expression of interest process is open until Monday 3 August. Further information is available via the I Work For NSW website here: https://iworkfor.nsw.gov.au/job/nsw-independent-casinocommission-chief-commissioner-and-commissioner-587533

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said:

“I thank Philip Crawford and Stephen Parbery for their service and leadership, particularly during a critical period for casino regulation in NSW.

“As Chief Commissioner, Philip Crawford has played a key role in ensuring both casino operators meet strict regulatory requirements, following the various casino inquiries.

“His leadership has been instrumental in overseeing complex probity assessments, remediation programs and contingency planning during a period of significant regulatory reform and scrutiny.

“Stephen Parbery has also made a substantial contribution as Commissioner, bringing considerable expertise and judgement to the Commission’s work.

“Both Commissioners have helped drive important regulatory improvements that have restored public confidence in the integrity of casino regulation in NSW, and I thank them for their dedicated service.”

The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are investing almost $25 million to expand clean energy training facilities and grow the vocational education and training workforce needed to support New South Wales’ energy transition.

The joint investment includes:  

• $16.7 million to upgrade and expand training facilities at six TAFE NSW campuses; and
• $8.1 million to strengthen the capability and capacity of teachers, trainers and assessors delivering clean energy training across NSW. 

The announcement was made at TAFE NSW Campbelltown, where a $3.6 million investment will establish electrotechnology training facilities for the first time.  

The new facilities will help meet growing demand for electricians and clean energy-aligned trades in south-western Sydney, while supporting students to train closer to home.  

The Campbelltown project is one of six training facility upgrades being delivered across NSW, including Cessnock, Dubbo, Tamworth, Wellington, and Wyong.  

On top of new and upgraded training facilities, the investment will strengthen the workforce responsible for delivering clean energy training across NSW.  

The $8.1 million workforce package includes:  

• scholarships to help businesses build workplace training and assessment capability and support existing workers to become qualified workplace trainers and assessors;
• upskilling and retraining for up to 500 TAFE NSW teachers in emerging areas like solar panel installation, battery storage, hydrogen safety and electric vehicle servicing; and
• a shared teacher resourcing pilot between TAFE NSW and the NSW Department of Education to create pathways into renewable energy careers for secondary school students.  

Together, these investments will ensure NSW has the facilities, training capability and workforce needed to support growing clean energy industries.  

Federal Minister for Skills and Training Andrew Giles said: 

“Australia’s clean energy transition is one of the biggest opportunities of our time, and for the first time young people in these communities will be able to train locally and step straight into secure, well-paid jobs in the electrical trade.

“This investment will expand access to high-quality training, delivered in local communities who are set to be at the forefront of this growing industry.

“By partnering with the Minns Government to back TAFE and school partnerships, we are creating a clear path from school to a good job in renewable energy and ensuring Australians are the ones building and benefiting from this transformation.”

New South Wales Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said: 

“The clean energy future of NSW depends on having the skilled workforce to build it, maintain it and power it.

“That’s why we’re investing in both modern training TAFE NSW facilities and the teachers, trainers and assessors who help deliver those skills.  

“Building the clean energy workforce takes more than new infrastructure. By investing in training facilities, industry capability and teacher development, we’re delivering the skills that work for the jobs NSW will need in the decades ahead.”  

Member for Macarthur Dr Mike Freelander said:

“The work to build Australia’s future industries starts right here at Campbelltown TAFE. Cutting-edge skills training and facilities on offer for locals, without having to travel to get the qualifications they need for a great career.

“This is what Labor Governments do – deliver real support and real change for the people of south-western Sydney.”

Member for Campbelltown Greg Warren said:

“This investment is fantastic news for Campbelltown and south-western Sydney, creating new opportunities for local people to train for careers in electrical and clean energy industries close to home.  

“For the first time, TAFE NSW Campbelltown will deliver electrotechnology training, giving more students access to the skills and courses needed for secure jobs in a growing sector.”  

The Minns Labor Government has delivered a new $1.37 million public jetty to improve boat access to Wallis Island on the state’s Mid North Coast, enhancing accessibility and safety for residents and visitors. 

The new jetty, built on the northern side of the island, will make it easier and safer for residents, visitors, emergency services and Traditional Owners to access Wallis Island, while helping protect the island’s sensitive foreshore from damage caused by informal boat landings.

Crown Lands worked with NSW Public Works and the Lakkari Traditional Owner Aboriginal Corporation on the jetty, which comprises a floating pontoon with a reinforced concrete shell and aluminium gangway, connecting via a footpath to a foreshore reserve.

The jetty, with disability access, can accommodate up to 20-person vessels, and will help minimise the environmental impacts from informal boat landings on the island. It will also better support emergency services responses, and provide ongoing cultural access for local Aboriginal groups.

The jetty has been fitted with solar-powered lighting to enhance navigation safety at night and the visibility of moored vessels.

This project reflects the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to delivering practical infrastructure in partnership with Aboriginal communities, while protecting the natural and cultural values of the places we all share.

The project was delivered by M&J Marine Services, a contractor from Port Stephens with strong experience in marine infrastructure.

An Aboriginal artist will be commissioned to produce images which will later be applied to the structure via aluminium panels along the gangway sides and a vinyl wrap at the top of the pontoon piles.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“I’m very pleased to see this jetty built in partnership with the Lakkari Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation to improve access to the island and the appeal of an area so important to the Forster and Tuncurry communities.

“Wallis Island has rich Aboriginal cultural heritage and its pristine environment supports recreational activities like fishing, boating and nature walks.

“This is what good government looks like: working hand in hand with Traditional Owners to protect country while making it safer and easier for the whole community to enjoy.”

Minister for North Coast Janelle Saffin said:

“This new jetty is a fantastic result for our Mid North Coast community. It replaces makeshift landings with a safe, accessible, and environmentally friendly gateway to Wallis Island.

“By working alongside the Lakkari Traditional Owners, we’ve delivered a space that protects the island’s sensitive environment while opening up safer access for local residents, visitors, and emergency services alike.”

Housing completions have fallen more than 30 per cent in the last quarter in a damning indictment on the Minns Labor Government’s approach to the housing crisis in NSW.
 
Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Building Activity Data shows just 8,883 new homes were completed in NSW during the March quarter, down from 13,513 in the previous quarter.
 
Just 44,804 homes were completed in the 12 months to March 2026, well below the 75,288 homes required each year to meet Labor’s National Housing Accord target.
 
Leader of the Opposition Kellie Sloane said government taxes, charges and contributions are challenging the viability of projects.
 
“Rather than making up ground Labor is falling further behind, now 40.8 per cent behind its National Housing Accord target,” Ms Sloane said.
 
“When taxes and charges make up almost half the cost of a new home, builders walk away, families miss out and NSW falls further behind.”
 
Shadow Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Chris Rath said the Minns Labor Government had nothing for housing in the budget and had no plan to solve the crisis.
 
“Instead of pursuing real reform and delivering the homes needed, Labor is pushing forward with a broken model,” Mr Rath said.
 
“Labor makes a big song and dance about its approach, but the harsh reality exposed by this data shows that is not resulting in completed homes.”
 
Over the coming months, the NSW Liberals and Nationals will continue rolling out our plan for a stronger NSW. Housing policies already announced include:

• Pausing Labor’s $13,000 tax on every new home until 30 June 2029.
• Cutting payroll tax for small and medium construction businesses.
• Repurposing the Long Bay Jail site for 12,000 new homes.
• State-led rezoning in Erskineville, Macdonaldtown, Newtown and St Peters for 10,000 new homes.
• Delivering the Camellia-Rosehill Place Strategy for a further 10,000 new homes.
• Negotiating a new Western Sydney City Deal to provide a long-term plan that delivers the roads, parks, schools and essential infrastructure our growing city needs.

An exodus of businesses from NSW to other Australian states has again highlighted the need for important reforms to payroll tax proposed by the NSW Liberals and Nationals.
 
Analysis of Bureau of Statistics data by Business NSW has found NSW lost more than 3,000 businesses in the last three years, attributed to high operational costs and tax settings.
 
Queensland welcomed more than 4,000 businesses in the same period.
 
Under changes announced by the NSW Opposition, a Sloane Liberal and Nationals Government will create the most competitive payroll tax regime in Australia by:

• Raising the payroll tax threshold from $1.2 million to $1.5 million.
• Reducing the payroll tax rate from 5.45 per cent to 4.75 per cent for businesses with a total Australian payroll below $10 million.
• Introducing CPI indexation to payroll tax thresholds to eliminate bracket creep.

These reforms will remove around 4,000 businesses from the payroll tax system altogether and ensure a further 25,000 businesses receive the lowest payroll tax rate of any Australian state.
 
Industry groups including Business NSW, the Pharmacy Guild, the Housing Industry Association, Australian Industry Group and Motor Trades Association of Australia have applauded the proposed reform.
 
Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane said another 6,200 businesses permanently closed their doors last year alone and NSW had gone from top to bottom of all states on economic output.
 
“Businesses are voting with their feet because NSW has become too expensive to invest, employ and grow,” Ms Sloane said.
 
“NSW needs tax settings that reward growth, investment and job creation, which is exactly what our payroll tax reforms are designed to deliver.”
 
NSW Nationals Leader and Shadow Minister for Small Business Gurmesh Singh said businesses should be rewarded for hiring and encouraged to expand.
 
“When businesses are leaving the state in record numbers, that’s not just a statistic, it’s a warning that NSW needs reforms and businesses need us to back them.”
 
“Businesses are leaving, confidence is at record lows and Labor still has no plan to make NSW competitive again, but the NSW Liberals and Nationals do.”

New insights from the Department of Customer Service have revealed that the state’s renters are feeling empowered, protected and confident in the first year of the Minns Labor Government’s landmark reforms.

Over the last 12 months, the Government has made renting fairer by banning no-grounds evictions, limiting rent increases to once per year, ensuring renters have fee-free ways to pay rent, banning illegal fees for background checks, making it easier to have pets in rentals and announcing the launch of Smart Rental Bonds later this year.

The new laws are working – and renters are now feeling the effects. An exclusive survey by the Department has revealed that:

• Almost three in four renters feel better protected with the reforms.
• 76% of renters stated the reforms provide more security and stability.
• Nearly four in five renters stated they feel safe knowing they will not be evicted from their property without a valid reason thanks to the Government’s ban on no-grounds evictions.

Renters have lauded these changes, with 85% happy with fee-free ways to pay their rent, 82% glad they no longer have to pay for a background check, and 82% pleased that rent increases are limited to once per year.

Renters are increasingly seeking information about their rights and reporting potential breaches as well, with visits to the NSW Government’s rental website increasing tenfold.

The NSW Rental Taskforce has also worked hard to enforce new cost-saving laws, refunding around $180,000 to renters stung by illegal rent payment and background check fees over the past year.

84% of renters have also responded positively to the planned roll-out of Smart Rental Bonds in mid-2026, which will save them thousands of dollars each time they move by allowing them to transfer their bond from one property to the next.

The 2.3 million renters across NSW are set to receive more certainty in the coming months thanks to Government’s laws making it easier for victim-survivors to leave rental properties. The Government also has legislation before NSW Parliament to protect renters’ privacy and crack down on rental ads that have been digitally altered to mislead them.

This is all part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to create a fairer, more transparent property market and make renting fairer.

To find out more about rental reforms and how they benefit renters, please visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/fair-trading/news/changes-to-rental-laws

Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“One year ago, the Minns Labor Government delivered historic reforms to make renting fairer.

“Now, we’re seeing the results.

“This new data shows overwhelmingly that our rental reforms are making a real difference, giving renters greater security, more certainty and putting money back in their pockets.

“Because we’ve pulled every lever and done the hard yards to deliver a system that works for renters in every corner of NSW.

“The Liberals gave renters broken promises. Only a Labor Government can deliver results.”

NSW Rental Commissioner Trina Jones said:

“Nearly three in four renters are telling us these reforms are working because they feel more protected, more secure, and more confident in the system.

“We’re also seeing strong support from landlords, with around two‑thirds saying changes like Smart Rental Bonds are positive. That’s exactly what good regulation should deliver clearer, fairer rules and greater certainty for everyone in the rental market.”

The Minns Labor Government is speeding up the delivery of thousands of new homes through the Housing Delivery Authority which has created a pipeline of 150,000 potential new homes in just 18 months.

The latest round declared a further 94 proposal state significant adding more than 22,000 potential new homes to the state significant planning pathway to help speed up housing supply across the state and help address NSW’s housing challenges.

This clears a backlog of EOIs in the HDA pathway, created by significant demand, and will enable the Government to meet the ongoing commitment to have HDA EOIs considered within 60 days.

The Housing Delivering Authority is helping increase supply right across NSW with projects declared in close to 50 local government areas, so people can live in the communities they choose.

If all 484 declared proposals are lodged and approved, it could create more than 134,000 homes in Greater Sydney and close to 16,400 homes in regional NSW, including affordable housing.

To date fourteen HDA projects have been approved, unlocking more than 2500 homes and a further 74 development application have been lodged representing around 26,000 potential new homes.

Since being established in December 2024, the Housing Delivery Authority (HDA) has evaluated more than 1,100 expressions of interest from industry against published criteria, identifying proposals that will deliver homes in well-located areas that can be assessed and constructed quickly.

The HDA cuts months from standard development timelines, with strict timelines requiring proponents to lodge their SSD applications within 9 months of Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARs) being issued and construction to begin within 12 months of a project’s approval.

The HDA is now a permanent part of the planning system thanks to landmark reforms designed to make the system faster and fairer that passed Parliament with almost universal support last year.

The HDA is part of the Minns Labor Governments broader housing delivery agenda, alongside landmark planning reforms, the NSW Housing Pattern Book and the largest rezoning program in the state’s history.

Together these reforms have sped up the planning system dropping assessment times by close to a third and increased housing supply with approvals up 20 per cent from 2023 and close to 80,000 homes currently under construction.

For more information visit the Housing Delivery Authority web page.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“The Housing Delivery Authority is delivering real results for housing in NSW, creating a pipeline of more than 150,000 potential homes so families, young people and downsizers can find a home sooner.

“I look forward to seeing these HDA projects progress through the planning system to then become the homes NSW needs.

“The initiative has far exceeded expectations and each of the homes currently in the pipeline demonstrate why we made it a permanent planning pathway.

“The HDA has been crucial to the Minns Labor Government’s broader plan to increase supply right across the state, helping NSW have more homes under construction than any other state.”

Western Sydney communities including Narellan, Oran Park and Mt Druitt are now connected by five new permanent bus routes launched this week, bringing the total number of new services installed by the Minns Labor Government to 5,910.

The new routes from Liverpool (825 and 860), Campbelltown (845 and the enhanced 840), Penrith (790) and Mount Druitt (772) will connect communities that have been underserviced by public transport with train stations, shops, hospitals, jobs and the new Western Sydney International Airport.

These services will run every 30 minutes from 5am to 10pm, seven days a week, totalling 2,626 services across the week.

This $302.7 million investment is part the Minns Labor Government’s work to rebuild and expand bus services in NSW, after the 2024 Bus Industry Taskforce found buses had been “neglected” and “underfunded” under the former Liberal-National government.

In the recent budget the Minns Labor Government announced an additional record investment of $6.5 billion for hundreds of new electric buses and electric bus depots to reduce our reliance on foreign fuels, meet the needs of the growing community and underpin a revival of domestic bus manufacturing.

To support the new services, the NSW Government is also investing in bus infrastructure. This includes upgrading driver facilities at some of the busiest interchanges in the state such as Mt Druitt, Blacktown, Bankstown, Parramatta and Fairfield and installing new signs at bus stops across Western Sydney.

The NSW Government is also partnering with selected Western Sydney councils to deliver more than 30 new bus shelters along the new routes as part of the $1.5 million trial Bus Shelter Program.

Since coming to office, the Minns Labor Government has:

• Added nearly 6000 new bus services, the majority in Western Sydney.
• Restored the popular M52 Parramatta to CBD via Ryde service and the 301 Rosebery to Eastgardens service.
• Reduced the bus driver shortage down from over 500 to under 200.
• Ordered 923 new buses including 50 new articulated (bendy) buses and 10 new decker buses.
• Increased local content to over 50% of over half the buses ordered.

For important travel advice and to plan your trip on public transport visit transportnsw.info/trip-planner

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

“As Western Sydney grows, the public transport network needs to grow with it, and this is exactly what the Minns Labor Government is delivering.

“Whether it’s public transport, schools, roads, or hospitals, the Minns Labor Government is working to ensure Western Sydney has the essential services that our communities deserve.”

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“These services will connect hundreds of thousands of Western Sydney residents with the new airport, months before it opens for passenger services.

“Some of these communities have never had decent public transport. These services will change people’s lives by giving them regular connection to train stations, jobs, health service and the new Western Sydney International Airport.

“The former government privatised bus services, cut routes, created a driver shortage, failed to order new buses and sent bus manufacturing jobs offshore. We are doing what the Bus Industry Taskforce recommended – rebuilding the bus network for the people of New South Wales.

“Under a Labor government you’re seeing more buses, bus services, bus drivers and bus shelters; and we are rebuilding local bus manufacturing.”

Member for Camden Sally Quinnell said:

“Camden is one of the fastest-growing communities in the country, and these new bus routes will give local families better access to jobs, education, healthcare, and essential services while improving connections across south-west Sydney.”

Member for Campbelltown Greg Warren said:

“As our region continues to grow, it is so important that we have appropriate and effective public transport options and infrastructure. The Minns Labor Government is delivering just that for my community in Campbelltown, and across Western Sydney more broadly.”

Member for Leppington Nathan Hagarty said:

“These new bus routes are a positive step forward for our growing communities across Leppington and South Western Sydney.

“They’ll make it easier for people to get to work, school, healthcare and the new Western Sydney International Airport. As our area continues to grow, we need to keep investing in the public transport our community needs and relies on.”

Member for Liverpool Charishma Kaliyanda said:

“For more than a decade, Western Sydney was left behind when it came to public transport. The Minns Labor Government is changing that by delivering the permanent bus routes and services that Liverpool’s growing community has been calling for.

“Whether it’s getting to work, school, Liverpool Hospital or the new Western Sydney International Airport, these new bus routes will make everyday travel easier for local families and help keep our growing community connected.”

Member for Mount Druitt Edmond Atalla said:

“This investment is about delivering the public transport Western Sydney deserves with more frequent services, better connections and cleaner electric buses that will benefit our growing communities for years to come.”

Member for Penrith, Karen McKeown, OAM said:

“The new 790 bus service will be a gamechanger for Penrith, giving residents a direct and convenient connection to the WSI Airport precinct.

“This is exactly the kind of practical transport investment our community deserves as Western Sydney continues to expand.

“It will also improve access to local jobs, training, healthcare and education facilities, helping residents get where they need to go more easily and supporting a better-connected future for Penrith.”

NSW Surf Life Saving Clubs can now apply for a share of $5.5 million through the Minns Labor Government’s Surf Club Facility Program, to upgrade, rebuild or future-proof the facilities that keep our beaches safe.

The program backs projects from concept to completion, with grants of up to $1 million available across three categories, including design and planning.

This year’s funding round has a focus on climate resilience, ensuring clubs can withstand extreme weather and severe storm events, as well as boosting participation so more people from all backgrounds can get involved in surf life saving.

It’s part of the Minns Labor Government’s ongoing commitment to investing in frontline community infrastructure, backing the volunteers who keep our beaches safe every single day.

Applications for Category 1 close 1pm Monday, 17 August 2026. Applications for Categories 2 and 3 close 1pm Monday, 31 August 2026.

For further information and to apply visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:  

“Our surf life savers turn up rain, hail or shine. This funding makes sure their clubs can too.

“Storm-proofed clubhouses, more volunteers through the door, safer beaches for everyone. That’s what this program delivers.

“From the Northern Rivers to the South Coast, we’re backing the clubs that keep our beaches safe all year round.”

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:  

“As we prepare for the upcoming patrol season, this program, alongside other recent investments in surf lifesaving, means our dedicated volunteers can continue their incredible work of protecting beachgoers along the NSW coast.”

President of Surf Life Saving NSW Elissa Hancock said:  

“Surf Life Saving NSW is proud to boast a passionate and ever-growing membership base of over 86,000 across the state who volunteer their time for the benefit of their communities.

“Programs such as this one allow us to provide safe, secure and accessible facilities to those members and the communities they protect.

“We’re extremely grateful to the NSW Government for making this funding available to our 129 surf clubs once again – ensuring they are fit-for-purpose is vital to their continued relevance and value.”