Category: NSW News

Lung Screening checks are available for Northern Rivers workers as the icare Lung Bus rolls into the Northern Rivers region for the first time in 2026.

The $2.5M dollar Lung Bus (Mobile Screening Clinic) is in Tweed Heads until the 5th of June with several spots available for free screenings.

Local business owners are also encouraged to register for the SafeWork Silica Worker Register and take proactive measures to screen workers exposed to hazardous dust in their workplaces.

The Lung Bus and the Silica Workers Register represent important steps in promoting regular screening and early detection of potentially life-changing hazards in the workplace.

The Register is an online portal for a Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) to enter details for workers that process high-risk crystalline silica substances.

SafeWork NSW uses the data to monitor compliance with work health and safety obligations. It is mandatory for PCBUs who have workers at risk of respirable crystalline silica exposures have access to health monitoring.

14 Norther Rivers businesses are registered on the Silica Worker Register, and the NSW Government is urging others to sign up to ensure the safety of their workers.

Screening spaces available from 1–5 June at the HACC Centre, Corner of Heffron St and Minjungbal Drive in Tweed Heads, with local employers encouraged to contact icare by visiting the Lung Screening Service website or calling 1800 550 027

Eliminating the risks associated with silica is a high priority for the Minns Labor Government and the Lung Bus is one of several measures which have been introduced to reduce the risks of working with CSS in NSW.

These include:

• Strengthening workplace safety through a Silica Worker Register (SWR) which monitors and tracks the health of at-risk workers
• Leading the ban on engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs containing one per cent or greater crystalline silica.
• Establishing the Tunnelling Dust Safety Taskforce to help address silica related health risks for workers in tunnelling projects.
• Establishing a dedicated silica unit within SafeWork NSW which includes a Silica Compliance Team to enforce strengthened regulations, including proactive visits to sites conducting high-risk CSS processing.
• Allocating $5 million in critical funding to the Asbestos and Dust Diseases Research Institute (ADDRI) for action against silicosis to support individuals and their families navigating the health risks associated with exposure to silica dust.
• Introducing a binding WHS code of practice for working with crystalline silica.

Minister for Workplace Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said:

“The Lung Bus is about bringing essential services directly to the communities that need them most. The Lung Bus tour removes barriers like cost and location, ensuring workers across NSW have access to screenings that could save their life.

“Having the Lung Bus in the Northern Rivers is also a timely reminder for local businesses of their screening obligations for their workforce. Annual screening of your workforce who are exposed to hazardous dusts like Crystalline Respirable Silica is critical to early detection of diseases and support for workers and their health.

“The NSW Government is urging businesses in the Northern Rivers and across NSW to sign up to the Silica Worker Register to ensure the safety of their employees. Every worker deserves to come home safe at the end of the day.”

Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin said:

“The Lung Bus is an excellent initiative that helps save lives through early detection of dust-related diseases.

“I encourage workers in the Tweed area to visit the Lung Bus when it comes to town. It’s an easy way to check for any risks and get peace of mind if you work in an industry where you might be exposed to dust.”

The Minns Labor Government yesterday revealed its contempt for integrity, transparency and the Parliament in an extraordinary move to indefinitely defer debate on a Bill to restore powers integral to the Parliamentary accountability process. 
 
Minutes before debate was due to commence on the Parliamentary Evidence Amendment (Attendance of Witnesses) Bill 2026 in the lower house of the NSW Parliament yesterday, Labor brought on a procedural motion to send the Bill off to a Committee stacked in its favour, which will mean these critical powers will not be restored for the foreseeable future. 
 
The Bill, which was passed in the Legislative Council earlier this year and only opposed by Labor MPs, seeks to restore the ability of Parliamentary Committees to compel witnesses to attend for questioning following the decision of Cullen v President of the Legislative Council of NSW [2025] NSWCA 278. 
 
The absence of these powers has already seen witnesses refuse to attend vital committee hearings on matters of public importance, including an inquiry into mould and maggot issues at the Calvary Mater Hospital in Newcastle, and the allegation of leaking of information from the DPP. 
 
Shadow Minister for Government Accountability, Alister Henskens, said the Minns Labor Government’s decision to indefinitely defer debate on the Bill is an attempt to escape any form of accountability and transparency.  
 
“NSW voters expect accountability, not political games designed to run down the clock,” Mr Henskens said. 
 
“Parliamentary Committees are one of the few tools available to hold governments and powerful institutions to account. Weakening those powers, weakens democracy.” 
 
“The Premier himself said in Question Time yesterday that if the Opposition wanted to debate the Bill we should bring it on for debate, but when the time came for the debate less than an hour later, Labor kicked it out into the long grass with no date for it to resume proving that the Premier just says one thing and does another.” 
 
“If the Minns Labor Government actually believes in integrity they should let this Bill be debated and support it immediately.” 

The state’s planning system is in chaos with the Premier contradicting his Planning Minister and Department over the scope of the Housing Delivery Authority (HDA).
 
Planning and Public Spaces Minister Paul Scully has backed changes that would scale back the HDA in three commercial zones, ensuring commercial space is preserved.
 
However, Premier Chris Minns publicly contradicted that position today, saying the HDA’s scope should be widened.
 
Shadow Planning Minister Chris Rath said the public disagreement between the Premier and the Planning Minister exposed a Government making up housing policy on the run.
 
“This chaos at the top of government is only adding fuel to the fire of the housing crisis with Labor already 40 per cent behind on its National Housing Accord targets,” Mr Rath said.
 
“The experts have recognised that housing growth must happen alongside necessary infrastructure and employment zones, not at their expense, to ensure these areas are liveable.”
 
“Developers will not invest with confidence if the Government cannot decide what land should be protected and communities want to know that they can live in homes close to a job and services they need.”
 
“Chris Minns is so far behind on housing targets that he has abandoned a consistent affordable housing policy and is now threatening to bulldoze the very safeguards that protect Sydney’s liveability.”
 
“NSW needs more housing, and it also needs a government with a plan for the infrastructure and jobs to match.”
 
The Liberals and Nationals have a plan to boost housing supply and invest in infrastructure across NSW, without sacrificing employment precincts. It includes:
 

• 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.
• A $2 billion Community Benefit Fund to fund local roads, parks, schools and services tied to actual housing delivery.

The Minns Labor Government has unlocked another $12 million to help regional communities accelerate housing delivery with the opening of round five of the Low-Cost Loans initiative.

The program which is now open to all 95 regional councils across NSW will provide financial support for crucial infrastructure projects such as roads, intersections, water and sewer upgrades.

The upfront cost of infrastructure is one of the biggest barriers to new housing, so we’re helping councils across regional NSW overcome that with low-cost loans.

For the first time the program has also been expanded to include Rous County Council, Riverina Water County Council, Goldenfields Water County Council, and Central Tablelands Water County Council.

Under the competitive grants program, the NSW Government will cover up to 50 per cent of interest costs on eligible loans, helping councils bring forward projects that unlock new homes sooner.

Examples of projects which have previously been supported include:

• Wollongong City Council – $3.2 million towards the $28 million upgrade of West Dapto Road, from Yard Street to Darkes Road, accelerating delivery of 1500 new homes in Council’s West Dapto Urban Release Area.
• Port Macquarie Council – $7 million towards the $152 million construction of the new Cowarra Water Treatment Plant to support more than 5,300 homes.
• Forbes Shire Council – $153, 536 towards a $6.7 million project to deliver master planning and critical infrastructure upgrades for the Edward Street subdivision in Forbes, supporting the land release for 223 new homes. Works include new roads, drainage, lighting, water and sewer reticulation.
• Griffith City Council – $111,041 towards a $12 million project to provide water, sewerage and electrical upgrades that will support 20 townhouses and 42 housing lots around Dave Taylor Park, in Griffith.
• Berrigan Shire Council – $142,862 towards a $5.2 million upgrade to the Barooga Water Treatment Plant, helping to provide secure water supply to support future housing growth in the region.

Since the initiative launched, the NSW Government has committed more than $31.3 million to support more than $792 million in essential infrastructure projects statewide.

Applications open from today and will close at 5 pm on 31 August 2026.  For more information or to apply, visit: NSW Planning.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“The Low Cost Loans Initiative helps councils right across rural and regional NSW deliver the essential infrastructure needed to support growing communities.

“It reduces borrowing costs, helping councils to fast-track the roads, water and sewer services they need.

“I encourage councils to apply so they can deliver the infrastructure they need to deliver more well‑located housing where it’s needed most.”

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“Regional communities need more new homes and the supporting infrastructure that makes more housing possible.”

“This initiative is helping councils invest in the essential services that support new housing while strengthening the long-term liveability of regional NSW.”

“By partnering with councils on infrastructure delivery, we’re creating more opportunities for people to live and work in our regional communities.”

In a major win for Hawkesbury communities, the New Richmond Bridge and surrounding road projects will now be delivered sooner. 

The Albanese Government has committed $114 million and the Minns Labor Government has committed $29 million to deliver Stage 2 of the project in full, with construction to begin later this year.

The additional funding brings the total investment in Richmond’s new bridge, bypass connections and road upgrades to $658 million and means the full Stage 2 scope of work can now be delivered at once.

This will accelerate the delivery of this critical infrastructure while reducing long-term disruption for residents.

While Stage 2 of the project was initially planned to be delivered in stages 2A and 2B, the Albanese and Minns governments heard loud and clear from the community that they wanted the full project delivered at once, and this additional funding will now make that possible.

The existing bridge between Richmond and North Richmond is a vital crossing of the Hawkesbury River, carrying around 31,000 vehicles every day on a single lane in each direction – making it a key congestion point and critical route during floods.

Stage 2 of the project will deliver:

• A new four-lane bridge over the Hawkesbury River
• Road widening improvements through North Richmond
• Intersection improvements
• A new bypass south of Richmond town centre
• Improved pedestrian and bicycle user connections.

The new bridge has been designed with two lanes in each direction to support future growth and will sit around 10 metres higher than the existing crossing to improve flood resilience for the community.

The existing bridge will be converted into a dedicated active transport connection for pedestrians and cyclists between Richmond and North Richmond, providing a family friendly crossing over the iconic Hawkesbury River.

Once complete, the project will ease congestion, improve connectivity and strengthen evacuation access during major flooding events.

Fulton Hogan has been awarded the contract to finalise the design and deliver Stage 2 of the project.

Construction is expected to start late 2026.

Construction is already underway on Stage 1 of the project, including upgrades to two intersections along The Driftway, with completion expected in 2027.

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

“The Australian Government knows how important this infrastructure is for the Hawkesbury Community which is why we have allocated an additional $114.4 million to get this critical project delivered in one go.

“The Australian Government is proud to partner with the NSW Government to deliver this important project for the region”.

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

“For too long, Hawkesbury families have sat in traffic, dealt with flood disruptions and have been told by the Liberals to keep waiting – residents here deserve better than delays and excuses.

“The Minns Labor Government has invested the additional funding needed to deliver a safer, more reliable crossing over the Hawkesbury.

“The delivery of this project will mean local residents will have faster access to the infrastructure the region needs – spending less time in traffic and more time with their families.”

NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison:

“Stage 2 of the New Richmond Bridge will make a tangible difference to people living in the Hawkesbury, improving traffic flow and making journeys safer.

“It will also improve resilience during future flood events, meaning families can stay connected when it matters the most.

“This project, jointly funded by the Albanese and Minns Labor governments, is delivering safer, stronger and more robust roads for locals.”

Federal Member for Macquarie, Susan Templeman:

“This project is incredibly important for local families and businesses who rely on this crossing every single day, which is why I have been such a strong advocate for it since 2010.

“Building the new bridge around 10 metres higher than the existing crossing will make a real difference for the Hawkesbury as that height bridge would have remained open during every major flood event since 2020.

“Converting the existing bridge into a dedicated walking and cycling connection will give it a new life for future generations to enjoy our beautiful river.”

The following is a statement from Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper

Following almost a decade of service to Multicultural NSW, including seven and a half years as CEO and two years on the Multicultural NSW Advisory Board, Joseph La Posta will conclude with the agency to take up a new senior role in the NSW public service.

During his tenure, Joseph has made a significant contribution to the people and communities of NSW. Under his leadership, Multicultural NSW expanded its support for refugee settlement and community programs, while the agency’s Language Services Division grew from a bespoke team to a well-utilised statewide service.

At some of the most challenging moments in our state’s history, Joseph has been on the frontline leading our state’s multicultural communities.

He led our multicultural society throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring urgent health advice and business support was communicated to our multilingual communities.  

He served as Coordinator General on the Bondi terror attack community response, working across government, non-government organisations, charities and the private sector to ensure those affected received the support they needed.

A respected leader, mentor and advocate for multicultural communities, Joseph has built strong relationships across government and the community sector, championing inclusion, social cohesion and stronger outcomes for culturally diverse communities across the state.  

I want to thank Joseph for his leadership and lasting contribution to Multicultural NSW and the broader public sector.  

His dedication and compassion have had a profound and lasting impact on communities across NSW, and he leaves Multicultural NSW stronger, more connected and well positioned for the future.

---

The following is a statement from Multicultural NSW Chief Executive Officer Joseph La Posta said:

It has been an absolute privilege to serve the communities of NSW and to work alongside people from so many diverse backgrounds who make this state stronger, more vibrant and more connected.

I have also been fortunate to work with an extraordinary group of colleagues at Multicultural NSW. Their professionalism, care and commitment to the community inspires me every day.  

I am deeply grateful for the broader network of public servants, Advisory Board members, Faith Affairs Council and community leaders across the sector who are dedicated to delivering better outcomes for the people of NSW.

The work of Multicultural NSW is ultimately about people, belonging and opportunity, and I leave incredibly proud of what we have been able to achieve together.

The Parkes Special Activation Precinct is set for a major economic boost, with three companies planning to establish operations in the precinct in a move expected to generate $65 million in private investment and more than 100 new permanent jobs for the region.

A further 100 jobs will be created during the construction and establishment phase, in what is expected to be one of the largest and most significant local investments in many years.

Attracting these businesses to the Parkes Precinct is part of the Minns Government’s plan to grow regional economies and create new local high value jobs across regional NSW.

The three businesses are:

• Soul Origin – proposing a cold storage, warehousing and distribution centre
• Ecotech Enviro – proposing operations that will process raw steel materials into fabricated steel components for use in construction, infrastructure and industrial projects
• Maya Recycling – proposing an advanced plastic recycling facility to process mixed plastic waste and convert it into higher value products.

The businesses have recently exchanged contracts securing land within the Parkes Precinct and will now progress through the required planning and approvals processes prior to land settlement.

It is expected that the businesses will be operational from 2029.

These latest investments signal the Parkes Precinct continued rise as a hub for employment, logistics and industry, adding to the momentum within the Precinct and its contribution to regional communities and local economies.

The Parkes Precinct is now home to 12 businesses, who are all working to contribute to job creation and economic growth.

The Parkes Precinct land release drew strong interest from both national and international businesses, seeking industrial land capable of supporting a diverse range of industries.

This expansion of the Parkes Precinct represents a significant step toward unlocking new industry, investment, and employment opportunities for the region.

For further information please visit: Parkes Special Activation Precinct

Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“This marks an important step forward for the Parkes Precinct. This investment will continue to help attract new industries, create jobs and strengthen economic opportunities for the region.

“The strong response to the latest land release shows that industry has real confidence in the future of the Parkes Precinct. These developments will help unlock new investment and deliver lasting benefits for the community.

“From cold storage to recycling and resource recovery, the businesses joining the Precinct reflect the diverse and sustainable industries we want to see growing in this region.

Soul Origin Australia representative said:

“As Soul Origin continues to scale nationally across both retail and manufacturing, we are investing significantly into infrastructure, innovation, and supply chain capability to support the next phase of growth across Australia and New Zealand.

“Central locations such as Parkes represents an exciting opportunity due to its strategic location, logistics connectivity, and future scalability, making it a compelling location to support future operational expansion as the business continues to evolve.”

Ecotech Enviro, General Manager, Alex Soukie said:

“Parkes has emerged as a key location of interest due to its connectivity, infrastructure investment, and alignment with our long-term development objectives.

“We believe our investment will support the economic growth of the region through job creation, local procurement, and long-term operational presence.

“Ecotech Enviro will produce fabricated steel components, structural steel assemblies, truck bodies, and custom steel products for use in construction, infrastructure, and industrial projects. The finished products will be supplied to construction and infrastructure projects across NSW and regional areas.

Maya Recycling, Director, Vishal Patel said:

“A key driver for Maya Recycling investment in Parkes is the precinct’s strategic location, strong infrastructure, and streamlined planning framework, which provide a solid foundation for delivering large-scale circular economy projects.

“Maya Recycling is committed to employment and workforce development, prioritising hiring from the Central West. Our support for local suppliers and contractors during construction and operation will contribute to regional economic growth.”

Women, mothers and families on the South Coast have been abandoned after the Minns Labor Government admitted it had broken their election promise to restore birthing services at Milton Ulladulla Hospital.

The criticism follows the Minister for Health’s recent comments, where he conceded that returning birthing services at the Hospital was “not really possible to do it here at the moment.”

The admission stands in direct contrast to repeated promises made by Labor and the local Labor Member, Liza Butler, before the last election.

Ms Butler repeatedly pledged to restore birthing services to Milton Ulladulla Hospital – on social media, through local media outlets, in Parliament, and even through campaign signage distributed prior to the election.

Shadow Minister for Health, Sarah Mitchell, said the Minns Labor Government had broken one of the most significant promises ever made to South Coast families.

“This is one of the most extraordinary political backflips the South Coast has seen,” Ms Mitchell said.

“Women and families in the region were repeatedly promised that birthing services would return to Milton Ulladulla Hospital if Labor was elected. It wasn’t a passing comment or an aspiration – it was a direct commitment made repeatedly.”

“Now, after securing votes on the back of those promises, Chris Minns and Ryan Park are openly admitting it isn’t possible.”

“Families deserve honesty. Instead, they have received excuses.”

Shadow Minister for Women, Felicity Wilson, said the Labor Government had failed women who require local access to maternity care.

“Women living on the South Coast should not be treated as an afterthought by this Government,” Ms Wilson said.

“Expectant mothers and young families need confidence that they can access safe, local healthcare services close to home.”

“This is a shameful betrayal of women, mothers and families across the South Coast.”

“For many local women, this promise represented access, certainty and support during one of the most important times in their lives. Instead, they have been left with disappointment and unanswered questions.”

The NSW Liberals and Nationals also criticised Labor for failing to deliver another key election commitment – a CT scanner for Milton Ulladulla Hospital.

Ms Mitchell said the pattern of broken promises was becoming impossible to ignore.

“We were promised birthing services. We were promised a CT scanner. Communities were led to believe these commitments would be delivered under a Labor Government.”

“Now we are hearing arguments about needing an entirely new hospital, but without any funding commitment attached to it.”

“Simply saying we need a new hospital is becoming a distraction from a Government that cannot even deliver the commitments it has already made.”

“The most basic responsibility of any government is to keep its promises, and on Milton Ulladulla Hospital this Government has failed.”

Last night, The Minns Labor Government and the Greens teamed up to block tough new powers that would have allowed police to seize e-bikes from ratbags terrorising communities across NSW. 
 
The NSW Liberals and Nationals amendments designed to crack down on reckless e-bike ratbags would have enabled the NSW Police to seize any e-bike based on the behaviour of the rider. 
 
As a result of blocking the amendment, device specifications will now determine if ratbag riders face a consequence. 
 
As an example, if two teenagers ride through a shopping mall or a netball gathering giving the middle finger to the community a poor police officer will have to determine first which e-bike is legal or illegal before they can take any action.  
 
If the ratbag was on a legal e-bike they will now be untouchable.  
 
Shadow Transport Minister Natalie Ward said the community will continue to suffer as a result of Labor’s actions.  
 
“To put ratbag teenagers who terrorise the community, rip up golf courses and recently attacked a netball community day, ahead of the community, is a disgrace,” Ms Ward said. 
 
“This proves Labor’s tough talk on e-bikes is completely hollow. They want the headlines, but when it comes time to act, they fold.” 
 
“The community is fed up with dangerous riders intimidating pedestrians and acting like the rules do not apply to them. Until behaviour is addressed, nothing will change.” 
 
The Liberals and Nationals will act, while the Labor Government continues to waffle.  
 
The Opposition continues to advocate for a simple, low-cost registration identification scheme for riders under the age of 18, shared services and riders who use e-bikes for a commercial purpose. 

The Minster for Police must urgently clarify the status of Operation Shelter at the time of the Bondi terrorist attack, after she contradicted evidence given to the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion.
 
The Royal Commission heard yesterday:
“There was no Operation Shelter in December 2025.”
“It didn’t exist at that time.”
 
This position is supported by a statement by the NSW Police Commissioner on 15 December 2025:
“This morning, we commenced Operation Shelter. It is an operation that we have previously run.”
 
Today Deputy Commissioner David Hudson said in 2025 Operation Shelter existed in “name only”.
 
Yet today, the Minister for Police repeatedly stated:
“I have been advised Operation Shelter never ceased.”
 
This follows comments in the Parliament in February 2026 where she said:
“Operation Shelter has been operating since October 2023”
 
The Minister must be clear – could Operation Shelter resources have been called on for Hanukkah by the Sea in 2025, as it was 2023 and 2024, or not?
 
It is not good enough that a day after Premier Chris Minns made extensive public comments regarding intelligence failings, his Minister is now using the Royal Commission as a shield against answering these questions.
 
The Jewish community deserves to know that assurances provided by the Government regarding matters impacting their safety are accurate.
 
This is a matter of significant public interest, and the public deserves transparency and honesty from the Government.