Category: NSW News

Over 26,000 Central Coast motorists are a step closer to ditching one of the region’s worst bottlenecks, with the first construction stage of the Tumbi Road intersection upgrade wrapping up this week.

As part of a broader plan to improve safety and traffic flow between Wamberal and Bateau Bay, the intersection of Central Coast Highway and Tumbi Road is being upgraded with a $52.4 million investment from the Albanese Labor Government and a $13.1 million investment from the Minns Labor Government.

Delivered in construction stages, the project is already making strong progress on the ground.  

Stage 1 focused on improving traffic movements through the intersection by removing the old concrete medians and roundabout, replacing them with a temporary asphalt roundabout, and relocating critical utilities including water, sewer, gas and electrical services.

Stage 2 will see earthworks on the western side of the project, north of the roundabout, to create the required width for the new traffic lanes. It will also continue installation of the sandstone and concrete retaining walls, as well as property adjustments at businesses along the Central Coast Highway.  

This next construction stage will also see new stormwater drainage installed, upgraded and smoother road pavements and footpaths, and improvements to bus stops to better support the growing communities of the Central Coast.

Since construction began in June 2025, crews have completed extensive vegetation clearing, major earthworks, utility relocations, new street lighting and the construction of a 2.5-metre-high sandstone retaining wall to support road widening and safer pedestrian access.

For the thousands of locals who rely on this stretch of road every day, whether commuting to work or getting kids to school, this upgrade will mean less time stuck in traffic and more reliable trips across the Central Coast.

The full upgrade is on track for completion by mid-2028, with the community to be kept informed as work progresses.

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

“This is an exciting step toward improving traffic flow at a notorious bottleneck for commuters on the Central Coast.  

“The Australian and NSW Governments are committed to delivering the new roads communities need. This safer intersection will mean smoother traffic flows and better connections for everyone using Central Coast roads.”

Federal Member for Dobell, Emma McBride:  

“I’m pleased to see the first construction stage of this important upgrade to Tumbi Road now completed.

“Replacing the roundabout with traffic lights will ease local congestion, improve safety and help reduce travel times.”

NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison:  

“The Central Coast community can breathe a sigh of relief this week knowing we’ve reached the next milestone in this major upgrade.  

“Getting stage one complete means we can now move into the next phase of work to build a safer, more reliable intersection that makes everyday trips easier – whether you’re heading to work, school drop-off or running errands.

“This is about making sure people can get where they need to go safely and with less stress, and we’ll keep the community updated as the upgrade takes shape.”

NSW Minister for Central Coast, David Harris:  

“I’m proud to be part of a government delivering infrastructure to our growing region and in this case upgrades that make a real difference to improving safety, easing congestion and giving people more time back in their day instead of sitting in traffic.

“This project has also delivered for the local economy, supporting 125 local jobs throughout construction.”

Member for The Entrance, David Mehan:

“Seeing stage one complete shows real momentum on a project that will make a lasting difference to how people move around the Central Coast.”

“No matter if you’re heading to the shops, school drop-off or work, this project is about making everyday trips faster, safer and more reliable.” 

A major contractor on the Western Sydney Airport Metro project has been terminated after a probity investigation into supply chains.

The investigation’s findings have been referred to police and integrity agencies.

A Ministerial Direction has been issued to the independent board of Sydney Metro requiring that all future subcontracting is carried out under strict compliance prior to any settlement of claims on the project.

In December 2022, the former Liberal-National Government awarded the largest ever Public Private Partnership contract in NSW to Parklife Metro, known as the Stations, Systems, Trains, Operations and Maintenance contract.

Sydney Metro commissioned the contracting investigation in September 2025 after media reports of potential criminal activity and workplace breaches at Western Sydney Airport Metro.

Initiated under the terms of the project’s contract, the investigation by Max Kimber SC has made several significant findings about Future Form Civil Pty Ltd and numerous downstream contractors it engaged.

These include the suspected underpayment of workers, inadequate insurance coverage and tax fraud.

From July 2024, Future Form was engaged by Webuild under four subcontracts for formwork, reinforcing and concrete pouring services, as well as the provision of construction workers.

Future Form then sourced labour from downstream contractors for which it did not obtain approval for or disclose as required.

Due to its complex contractual chain, the investigator believes Future Form was unable to track who was on site, the work they were performing and how much they were being paid.

This includes an inability to verify basic details on invoices worth more than $10 million.

Mr Kimber found at least one worker was asked to come to site to be paid “cash in the hand” before having money transferred to his bank account by an unknown subcontractor.

Text evidence shows the man was instructed to say he was working directly for Future Form, not the unnamed subcontractor.

An email claims “some other workers are on social benefits and working for cash”.

The confidential Kimber report also details a number of labour supply companies were incorporated within days of each other and to the same residential address.

The companies had the same director and secretary and sent invoices and verifying material to Future Form over the Signal app, through which messages later self-delete and erase all information.

The report also flagged potential insurance fraud by at least one contractor, with significant discrepancies between its notification to iCare and its payroll records.

Mr Kimber noted key individuals from subcontracting organisations refused to cooperate with his investigation.

His report is being referred to agencies which have the power to compel witnesses and documents.

These include:

• NSW Police
• NSW Crime Commission
• Independent Commission Against Corruption
• National Anti-Corruption Commission
• Fair Work Ombudsman
• Australian Tax Office
• Revenue NSW

As operating company on the Western Sydney Airport Metro project, Parklife Metro has now removed Future Form and all its downstream contractors.

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“We will not tolerate any impropriety on our building sites, including such an important and generational project as Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport.

“The disturbing findings of investigator Max Kimber SC will now be put in the hands of the right agencies with the coercive powers to investigate this matter fully.

“The Liberals were convinced that public-private partnerships were the best model for projects like this, but we are concerned it has privatised the profit, socialised the risk and kept probity as private as possible.

“I have issued a Ministerial Direction which makes clear to the directors of Sydney Metro that the NSW Government expects this to be fixed.”

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:

“The public is right to demand that anyone working on a taxpayer funded project, big or small, always follows the law and follows the rules. Regardless of whether they are the head-contractor, or a sub-contractor.

“Expect this Government to act when and wherever suspect behaviour surfaces in our $130 billion infrastructure program.

“All members of the infrastructure and construction industries must do the same.”

Community organisations are invited to apply for funding under a special round of the Community Partnership Action (COMPACT) Program, which will deliver $1.2 million to projects supporting whole-of-community initiatives.

Not-for-profit organisations in NSW may be eligible for grants of $50,000 to $100,000 per year for partnership projects for up to 2 years.

The COMPACT program has grown to support a state-wide network of community partners and allies, engaged more than 80,000 young people, and has proven to build social cohesion and community resilience.

COMPACT supports partnerships and collaboration between community, non-government, youth, sports, arts/media, educational, industry and other organisations by providing grant funding for innovative, evidence-based community projects.

Successful projects build youth leadership and support networks, facilitate respectful dialogue and engage young people through sports, art, charity and community service. New projects will join the COMPACT Alliance alongside current partners including Courage to Care, Youth off the Streets, Story  Factory and the NRL.  

Eligible organisations are invited to apply for funding before 4pm on Friday 29 May 2026.

An online information session will be held on 14 May 2026 to provide further information on the program and guidance on the application process.

To apply click here: https://multicultural.nsw.gov.au/compact-grants/compact-sccr-2026-2028/

Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said:

“Communities across NSW have shown extraordinary solidarity in the face of recent acts of hate and extremism.

“This round of COMPACT funding will support community-led initiatives that bring people together across cultures and faiths, strengthening trust, connection and resilience across our state.”

Multicultural NSW CEO Joseph La Posta said:

“Over the past decade the COMPACT program has inspired 80,000 young people to stand together against hate and division.

“We’re now inviting organisations to partner with us to continue delivering initiatives that build strong, resilient local networks.”

The Minns Labor Government is investing $600,000 to help transform the streets, parks, and public spaces of Ettalong, Umina and Woy Woy into cooler, greener environments

The funding will allow Central Coast Council to deliver 360 trees and 1,500 square metres of biodiverse understorey planting, creating more liveable and climate-resilient communities on the Peninsula.

It’s part of the Greening our City program which supports councils to grow tree canopy cover, which helps reduce urban heat and boosts biodiversity, so neighbourhoods are more liveable and climate resilient.

As part of round five, eight projects across the Central Coast, Hunter, and Illawarra-Shoalhaven will receive more than $3 million to plant more than 12,000 trees and 14,500 square metres of understorey planting.

It’s the first time the program – which targets councils in fast-growing areas where urban greening will make the biggest difference for growing populations – has been expanded beyond Greater Sydney.

Almost 90% of plantings in the current round will go into sites that have less than 20% canopy cover. These plantings will cool neighbourhoods, improve air quality, and support communities in areas that need it most.

Since 2019, the program has awarded $46.8 million to 164 greening projects across Greater Sydney Central Coast, the Hunter and the Illawarra-Shoalhaven to build climate resilience, improve air quality, and connect communities with nature.

The program is funded by the NSW Climate Change Fund and administered by the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, with applications assessed by an independent panel and overseen by a probity advisor.

A list of successful applicants is available on the NSW Government website.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“This is another example of the Minns Labor Government helping create high-quality green spaces.

“Greening our City delivers beautiful public spaces where people can relax and play in cooler, more liveable communities.

“This grant will make the Central Coast a greener and more enjoyable place to live, work and visit.”

Minister for the Central Coast David Harris said:

“Planting more trees across Ettalong, Umina and Woy Woy is a practical way to help beat the heat in our growing community.

“More trees mean more shade, cooler streets, and a better, more sustainable quality of life.

“The Greening our City program is helping our region grow into a healthier, more resilient place for future generations.”

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said:

“I’ve been fiercely advocating for further investment in greening across the Gosford electorate and I am thrilled to say that the Minns Labor Government is delivering $600,000 to tackle urban heat across the Peninsula.

“This is fantastic for our community and will make a real difference in shaping the liveability of our community into the future.

“This is the kind of investment that makes the Peninsula a better place to live, not just for the residents of today but for the families who will call this community home for generations to come.”

The Minns Labor Government’s legislation to strengthen councils’ powers to shut down unlawful places of public worship has passed the NSW Parliament despite attempts by the Liberals and Nationals to delay the bill in the Legislative Council.

The Local Government and Other Legislation Amendment (Places of Public Worship) Bill 2026 delivers on measures announced in response to the antisemitic terror attack in Bondi on 14 December and provides councils with stronger enforcement tools to protect community safety.

The reforms bolster existing powers by significantly increasing fines for illegal places of public worship and enabling councils, in serious cases, to seek orders to cut off water, electricity and gas where venues breach planning laws and ignore directions to cease operating.

The legislation:

• Allows councils to issue development control orders to stop unlawful activities that breach planning laws or pose risks to public health and safety.
• Doubles penalty notice fines from $3,000 to $6,000 for individuals and from $6,000 to $12,000 for corporations.
• Enables councils to apply to the Land and Environment Court for orders directing utility providers to cut off services to non-compliant venues.
• Increases maximum penalties for failure to comply from $11,000 to $110,000 for individuals and from $22,000 to $220,000 for corporations.

The changes have been complemented by amendments to the Planning System SEPP which came into effect at the end of April requiring councils to consult with NSW Police Commissioner on community safety matters and the prevention of crime before approving development applications for new places of public worship, or changes to the use of existing ones.

These reforms build on previous legislation passed by the Minns Labor Government to combat hate, including new offences for inciting racial hatred, banning the display of Nazi symbols at Jewish places, and strengthening protections for people attending their place of worship.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“There is no place for hate in NSW. If a place of worship is operating outside the law and dividing the community, councils now have the tools to shut it down.

“Recent planning changes have also put public safety first, mandating consultation with NSW police before approving development applications for new places of public worship.

“These strengthened enforcement powers and mandatory consultation with NSW Police are practical steps to keep communities safe.”

Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig said:

“Freedom of religion is a fundamental part of life in New South Wales, and it must always be protected. But it doesn’t provide a licence for hate speech, unlawful conduct, or behaviour that puts the community at risk.

“No one is above the law. Places of worship, like any other premises, must operate within the planning rules that exist to keep communities safe.

“These changes give councils clear authority to act where those rules are ignored, particularly where there are risks to safety or community cohesion.

“This is about upholding the law in a measured and practical way, and making sure local communities are protected.”

Mums, dads and young people from across Sydney are a step closer to being able to enjoy a brand-new park with sports fields, courts, outdoor fitness equipment, a nature playground, shaded picnic spaces with barbecues and more.

The Minns Labor Government has today released the final plan for the new 20-hectare park and 12‑hole public golf course at Moore Park South, based on extensive feedback from the local community, sporting groups and councils.

The plan, which is supported by a $50 million investment from the Minns Labor Government, will deliver a great new public open space for one of the most densely populated areas in Australia, with the population within 5km of the new parkland projected to rise to almost 790,000 by 2041.

The community surrounding Sydney’s newest park will be able to enjoy new sporting and community facilities, including:

• new pathways for running, walking and cycling
• a fenced off-leash dog area
• a full-size community sports field, multi-purpose sports courts and outdoor fitness equipment
• large areas of parkland for people to picnic and relax
• new amenities such as toilets, park furniture, space for food kiosks and lighting
• a reimagined golf offering designed in consultation with Sydney’s golf community.

The final design responds to feedback received during extensive community consultation and site analysis, including:

• increasing the golf offering from 9 holes to a 45 par 12-hole golf course, without reducing the area for the new park
• improving connectivity and recreation by delivering more entry points and pathways which link to the park’s perimeter loop
• minimising tree loss by relocating the sports field
• relocating the nature playground to a more centralised area of the park.

Golf which caters to all ages and abilities will remain an important part of Moore Park South.

The reconfigured 12-hole golf course will be delivered as part of the new golf offer at Moore Park South. This change reflects valuable feedback from golfers and the broader community on the draft Establishment Plan, with the length of the reconfigured course increased from 9 to 12 holes.

Working closely with a respected golf architect and stakeholders, the new 45-par course has been designed to be challenging and utilise existing fairways, while retaining a finish at the Golf House.

The course will also be supported by:

• an expanded driving range with up to 90 bays
• an 18‑hole mini‑golf course
• putting and chipping greens.

Works to establish the new park will commence from July 2026, with access for the community available immediately. For the most substantial upgrades and additions to the park, construction is expected to be completed by 2028.

Throughout the transition the public will be kept updated on changes to parkland access and the phased opening of parkland recreation facilities.

Importantly, a minimum of nine holes will be available to play until the 12-hole course is opened in 2027.

Public consultation on the draft Establishment Plan was completed between 28 October and 24 November 2025.

The final plan was also informed by the results of soil testing which found common contaminants deep underground which will not impact Moore Park South’s future use as a parkland. The findings are to the results of testing at the now popular Sydney Park in Alexandria.

This is part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to build a better NSW, supporting families, young people and downsizers with the great public spaces and community facilities to exercise, gather and relax.

To see the final plan or read the ‘What we heard’ report visit centennialparklands.com.au/mooreparksouth

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“This plan delivers quality open space which will act as a backyard for thousands of people in one of Australia’s most densely populated communities.

“We’re re-imagining Moore Park South and delivering a new 20-hectare park with everything from a new community sporting field, walking, running and cycling paths and trails and relaxation and picnic areas.

“Alongside the great new open spaces we’ve worked with Golf NSW and a golf architect to increase the golf offering from 9 holes to a 12-hole golf course.

“Moore Park South will have something from everyone whether people want to play sport, enjoy time outdoors, walk the dog or play a round of golf.”

Greater Sydney Parklands Chief Executive Joshua French said:

“Community and stakeholder feedback has been central to decision-making; ensuring the new public park and golf offer provides for a range of activities and users.”

“Over the next three years, we’ll be focused on delivering a park that is welcoming, accessible and well-managed, with facilities that respond community needs, now and into the future.”

CEO Golf NSW Stuart Fraser said:

“Golf NSW acknowledges it has been consulted by the NSW Government in determining the future of Moore Park Golf Club and more specifically the course layout.

“The preference has always been to retain 18 holes however this was physically not possible.

“Internationally recognised Golf Course Architect, Harley Kruse, has however configured a 12-hole layout that would be practical and still offer a challenge for golfers of all abilities.”

This Minns Labor Government is transforming mental health care in Kempsey, with two new initiatives improving access to critical mental health support.

A free, walk-in mental health service has today opened its doors on Wide Street, offering accessible, stigma-free and culturally responsive suicide prevention support to the local community.

Kempsey has also been chosen for an innovative pilot program, with Mental Health Hospital in the Home launched in February this year.

Together, these initiatives are redesigning mental health services in Kempsey to better meet the needs of the local community and remove common barriers that prevent people from accessing support, like stigma and hospital-related trauma.

Safe Haven

The newly-renovated, Aboriginal-led Safe Haven is a free, non-clinical space where people can walk in without an appointment or referral to receive immediate mental health support.

Safe Havens offer an alternative to accessing mental health services through a hospital emergency department.

The Kempsey Safe Haven will be staffed by Aboriginal peer workers who bring cultural knowledge, lived experience and strong community connections to their support while also working alongside the existing Aboriginal Specialist Wellbeing Service.

Located on Wide Street in Kempsey, the service is now open Thursday to Sunday from 9am to 4pm and is available to everyone in the community.

Mental Health Hospital in the Home (HiTH)

Mental Health Hospital in the Home is an acute mental health service that provides hospital level care to voluntary patients in the comfort of their own home or community.

This type of care is proven to prevent the impacts of prolonged inpatient stays like physical and cognitive decline and is designed to give patients more options and improved continuity of support.

As part of the pilot, capacity has increased at Port Macquarie Base Hospital’s Mental Health Inpatient Unit where people requiring hospital admission can continue to receive high-quality care.

Two reviews will assess the effectiveness of the HiTH pilot at the 6-month and 12-month marks.

The transformation in Kempsey is another step in the Minns Labor Government’s plan to modernise and improve access to mental healthcare in New South Wales, including:

• Building a network of Medicare Mental Health Centres, where anyone can access free, walk-in mental health support.
• Investing in more than $64 million in community mental health programs, to help people with mental health challenges live independently in the community.
• Embedding suicide prevention into government decision making, with our world-leading Suicide Prevention Act 2025.

The Mental Health Line is available 24/7 on 1800 011 511 to connect people with mental health services. For crisis support, call 13YARN (139 276) or Lifeline 13 11 14 or text 0477 13 11 14.

Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson:

“People should be able to get the right care at the right time, in the least restrictive setting possible. That is exactly what we are delivering in Kempsey with the Mental Health Hospital in the Home pilot and the new Aboriginal-led Safe Haven.

“By investing in free, walk-in community-based services we are redesigning mental health services to improve outcomes and to better meet the needs of the local community.

“We’re still in the early days of the HiTH pilot but I’m excited to see how that model can improve outcomes for the patients in the Kempsey community who may not be suited to traditional inpatient care.

“The new Aboriginal-led Safe Haven is another powerful example of what better mental health care looks like — culturally-led, inclusive, and designed by Aboriginal people, for Aboriginal people. It reflects a commitment to services grounded in culture, community and lived knowledge, where people feel safe, respected and understood.

“That matters, because when someone is in distress, getting help early and locally can make all the difference.”

Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin:

“Kempsey has been chosen as a key site for these transformative programs because we recognize the vital need for enhanced mental health support in our regional centers. This pilot is a major win for the North Coast, putting our community at the forefront of modern, compassionate healthcare.”

“For the people of Kempsey and the Macleay Valley, these services are a gamechanger. They remove the traditional barriers to care—like the stress of a hospital emergency department—and provide support that is local, accessible, and culturally safe.

“By delivering hospital-level care at home and opening an Aboriginal-led Safe Haven, we are ensuring that the people of the North Coast have more options to receive the right help, in the right place, at the right time.”

Kempsey Shire Mayor Kinne Ring:

“Our community deserves services that are welcoming and easy to access, and I’m pleased to see this new approach shifting toward more community-based support and greater choice in how our residents can access care.

“The Safe Haven is a genuinely important addition. A free, walk in space where anyone can access support without an appointment or referral. Being local, accessible and culturally safe will make a real difference in helping people feel comfortable seeking help when they need it.

“The Hospital in the Home program also represents a meaningful shift in how care is delivered, bringing hospital level support directly to patients in their homes or community. Kempsey is a close-knit and supportive community, and this model opens up new opportunities to deliver mental health services in a way that genuinely improves access for local residents.”

Mid North Coast Local Health District Chief Executive Jill Wong:

“The launch of the new Mental Health Hospital in the Home model of care is a significant milestone for our region, allowing people to receive intensive, high-quality mental health care safely at home and in their community, close to family, culture and supports.

“Most people seeking mental health support don’t need to be admitted to hospital and in Kempsey we now have a full suite of supports from the walk-in options at our Safe Havens to Mental Health Hospital in the Home and stronger community mental health services. This ensures people receive the right care, at the right time, in the right place.

“The Safe Haven is more than a building, it’s a welcoming front door to compassion and hope, a place for community to connect and to feel safe, enabling clinical teams, working alongside Mental Health Hospital in the Home, to connect people to the support they need, when they need it most.”

Mid North Coast Local Health District Acting Aboriginal District Coordinator Tianna Bailey:

“The Aboriginal led Safe Haven will be vital to support the healing and wellbeing of the Aboriginal community members in Kempsey and across the Macleay Valley, as part of the broader network of community-based care that includes community mental health teams and Mental Health Hospital in the Home support.

“Operating alongside the Aboriginal Specialist Wellbeing Service and complementary models such as Mental Health Hospital in the Home, the Safe Haven will ensure mob have access to culturally safe suicide prevention and wellbeing support.

“This is a significant step forward for Aboriginal led services and programs and reflects the Mid North Coast Local Health District’s strong commitment to listening to Aboriginal voices and delivering culturally appropriate, responsive and community driven models of care.

“The inclusion of Aboriginal stakeholder and community governance groups is central to this model, ensuring the cultural integrity of both the Aboriginal Specialist Wellbeing Service and the Aboriginal led Safe Haven, while strengthening connections with broader mental health services and ensuring continuous improvement is aligned to community priorities.”

Last night, the Opposition and the Legislative Council crossbench voted to support amendments to the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Amendment (Good Character at Sentencing) Bill 2026 which would prevent good character evidence from being used at sentencing for any and all sexual offences, and to give courts discretion to ignore good character evidence at sentencing for all other offences.
 
These important amendments were introduced to Labor’s bill by both the Opposition and The Greens to address the serious concerns raised by key victim-survivor support groups through the parliamentary inquiry which the Minns Labor Government tried to block.
 
Not a single member of the Legislative Council crossbench voted with the Government against the sensible amendments to the Bill.
 
Shadow Attorney General, Damien Tudehope, welcomed the widespread support for the amendments in the Parliament and called on the Minns Labor Government to pass the bill immediately in the Legislative Assembly next week to protect victim-survivors of sexual offences.
 
“The Attorney General Michael Daley should speak with the Premier today to make passing this bill in the lower house an immediate priority for when Parliament resumes next Tuesday,” Mr Tudehope said.
 
“Any attempt to delay it by playing parliamentary games now only risks more victim-survivors of sexual offences having their perpetrators benefit from good character evidence.”
 
“Disgracefully, Labor wanted to ignore the serious concerns raised by key stakeholders, like Domestic Violence NSW, the Aboriginal Legal Service and Public Defenders, about removing good character evidence altogether.
 
“We chose to listen to those concerns and strike a balanced approach that excluded good character evidence for sexual offences and gave the courts the ability to ignore good character as it sees fit.”
 
“A key example of why Labor’s blanket approach was wrong, is the example called out by Domestic Violence NSW, the Aboriginal Legal Service NSW and Public Defenders where a female victim of domestic violence who, after years of abuse, may commit an out of character domestic violence or other violent offence where  that kind of offender should not be deprived of the opportunity to have someone speak to their otherwise good character.”
 
“The Government did not attempt to speak with the Opposition before bringing the reform in and has not engaged in good faith negotiations through the entire process.”
 
“Now is the time for them to act and pass the laws that the Upper House has passed and not delay it any further.”
 
The Australian Lawyers Alliance’s spokesperson, Greg Barns SC, has welcomed the sensible amendments secured by the Opposition and Legislative Council Crossbench.
 
“Every person and every criminal case is unique,” said Mr Barns SC.
 
“Enforcing blanket rules that apply across the board denies procedural fairness to individuals and removes the discretion of the courts.”
 
“The removal of the use of character references for every crime limits the ability of the court to make informed sentencing decisions.”
 
The Bill now returns to the Legislative Assembly which is due to meet again on Tuesday, 12 May 2026.

The Australian Alliance for Animals has welcomed the introduction of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Amendment (Enforcement and Operational Powers) Bill 2026 into the NSW Parliament, while expressing disappointment that the reforms fall well short of the NSW Government’s commitment to modernise the state’s outdated animal welfare laws.

The proposed amendments introduce a number of sensible enforcement and operational improvements to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979, including refinements to existing offences and compliance powers. However, the legislation does not replace the nearly 50-year-old Act with a new contemporary animal welfare framework, as promised by NSW Labor prior to the 2023 election.

Alliance Policy Director Dr Jed Goodfellow said the reforms represented a missed opportunity for more meaningful change.

While we support measures that strengthen enforcement and improve the operation of the existing Act, these amendments do not deliver the comprehensive modernisation that was promised to the NSW community,” Dr Goodfellow said.

NSW still has the oldest animal welfare legislation in Australia. The community expects animal welfare laws that reflect contemporary science, modern community values, and current understanding of animal sentience and welfare.”

The Alliance noted that animal welfare reform has been the subject of extensive consultation processes over many years, with strong engagement from community members, animal welfare organisations, industry stakeholders and experts.

Over 7,000 submissions were made to previous consultations processes aimed at delivering a new Animal Welfare Act for NSW, yet it now appears this work has simply been shelved,” Dr Goodfellow said.

There is overwhelming public support for stronger animal welfare protections in NSW. People want laws that move beyond simply prohibiting cruelty and instead establish clear, modern standards for the care and treatment of animals.”

The Alliance said key reforms still absent from NSW law include recognition of animal sentience and a modern duty of care framework placing proactive obligations on people responsible for animals.

We remain hopeful that the NSW Government will continue the reform process and build on these amendments to deliver the modern animal welfare framework it committed to introducing,” Dr Goodfellow said.

In a major assault on feral deer in western NSW, the Minns Labor Government is targeting large swathes of private land and national park to proactively prevent the spread of the destructive pest.

In a joint effort, Local Land Services and NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) will undertake aerial culling across some 726,000 hectares of mostly flat, open terrain in Western NSW.

Western Local Land Services is currently delivering a targeted aerial shoot across private land in the Hillston-Euabalong area until 19 May, through the NSW Government’s Good Neighbours Program.

This will be followed by a series of shoots delivered by the NPWS throughout May and June in the neighbouring Hunthawang, Nombinnie, Round Hill and Yathong national parks.

Western Local Land Services is working with about 60 private landholders to coordinate control efforts through the Good Neighbours Program, which aims to increase collaboration between public and private land managers to more effectively manage pests and weeds across the state.

Feral deer compete with livestock for pastures, trample vegetation, degrade water quality and pose a public safety risk on roads.

They are listed as a priority pest in the Western Regional Strategic Pest Animal Management Plan, with fallow deer being the most widespread species.

All land managers in NSW have a general biosecurity duty to manage pest animals on their properties, including feral deer.

Local Land Services provides advice and support to land managers to manage feral deer and helps facilitate landscape-scale coordinated control programs, such as the western NSW program.

Landholders are encouraged to participate in coordinated control programs and report feral deer activity to their local biosecurity officer or via FeralScan.

Visit the Local Land Services website for more information about the Good Neighbours Program.

Minister for the Environment, Penny Sharpe said:

“Deer are a feral pest that are destroying public and private land across NSW.

“These operations are about preserving our natural environment, improving safety for regional communities and protecting agricultural productivity.”

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“The Minns Government is taking decisive, coordinated action to get on the front foot and stop feral deer from spreading further across western NSW.

“While there are fewer species of feral deer established in western NSW compared to other regions, that doesn’t mean we can become complacent. In fact, it presents an ideal opportunity to work together to keep on top of feral deer populations and prevent the spread.

“That’s why we’re taking proactive steps now to bring together public and private land managers to bridge borders and set them up for success.”

Information for media

NPWS West Branch has conducted more than 480 hours of aerial shooting so far this financial year.

This has removed just over 27,000 feral animals, including 22,000 goats and 4,000 pigs.

NPWS also uses ground baiting, mustering, ground shooting and trapping to remove feral animals.