Category: NSW News

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.

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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.

The Finley community is a step closer to an improved local health facility with Stage 2 of the Finley Health Service Redevelopment now complete and the project’s final phase of construction to get underway.

The Minns Government is investing $25 million in the Finley Health Service Redevelopment, which will deliver modern, fit-for-purpose health facilities that better support the health needs of Finley and surrounding communities.

Once complete, the redevelopment will provide new and refurbished clinical and public spaces, including:

• a new Medical Imaging Unit
• upgrades to the Emergency Department
• an expanded inpatient unit
• a new main hospital entry with a larger reception space

Stage 2 included a refurbishment of the eastern part of the existing hospital, including the roof, central corridor and staff room, as well as internal works in preparation the next stage of work. 

Stage 3 includes construction of three, 2-bed inpatient rooms with ensuites, a new main entry, reception and administration area, upgrades to the Emergency Department (ED), and a new Medical Imaging Unit.

Works will also continue on the replacement of the hospital building roof, along with internal refurbishments in the hospital’s western wing, to improve functionality and patient experiences.

All hospital services including the ED continue to operate during construction. All the Hospital’s redevelopment activities are being carried out to minimise disruption to patients, staff, and visitors.

To maintain safe access during construction, some health services will be temporarily relocated, including the hospital’s main entry and ED, reception and administration, and inpatient unit.

From 8.00 am Wednesday 27 May, access to the temporary main entry and ED is via the eastern end of the hospital.

Signage is in place to support patients, visitors, and staff accessing the hospital while work is carried out.

Car parking along Dawe Street remains unchanged and is the closest parking option for hospital access. A drop-off and pick-up zone and new accessible parking spaces are available near the temporary main entry to support patients and visitors with limited mobility.

The Finley Health Service Redevelopment is expected to be completed in 2027.

For information about the project visit: nsw.gov.au/finley-health-service-redevelopment

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:

“The Minns Government is continuing to invest in regional health infrastructure so communities like Finley can access high-quality healthcare close to home.

“With Stage 2 now complete and the final stage about to get underway, this redevelopment is one step closer to delivering modern clinical spaces that will support local health services well into the future.”

Member for Murray Helen Dalton:

“This redevelopment represents an important milestone for Finley and surrounding communities.

“The new and upgraded facilities will improve patient experience and support staff to deliver the best possible care, and I thank the community for their patience while construction continues.”

Labor Spokesperson for Murray Bob Nanva:

“It’s great to have Stage 2 of the Finley Health Service Redevelopment finished, and we’re all looking forward to now getting the entire redevelopment completed next year.

“The upgraded facilities will serve the healthcare needs of the people of Finley and the surrounding region for many years to come.”

More renewable energy flowing into the system is helping place downward pressure on electricity prices, with the Default Market Offer in NSW set to fall from July.

The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) has determined the cap on default electricity prices for NSW households will drop by between 3.4 and 7.7 per cent from July, reflecting lower wholesale electricity costs as more renewable generation and storage enters the market.

The determination comes as the Minns Labor Government has accelerated the renewable energy rollout with utility scale wind and solar capacity increasing by 80 per cent in the last three years and today’s determination from the AER shows the Government’s rollout is beginning to place downward pressure on energy costs.

According to the AER, the 7 per cent of households on the default plan will see between $66 and $211 off annual bills, as more renewable energy flows into the grid and lowers underlying wholesale electricity prices.

The 14 per cent of small businesses on the default electricity offer can expect savings of between $432 and $1,303 a year.

Lower wholesale prices help put downward pressure on retail prices across the market.

We recognise that power bills are still high, and families and businesses continue to face cost-of-living pressures.

But this is a welcome sign that NSW households and businesses will soon see the benefits of more renewable energy and storage in the system.

The job is not done but the direction is clear. Reversing course now would cost tens of billions of dollars more and only make power bills worse.

The Liberals and Nationals need to be honest about whether they support the renewable energy and storage NSW needs to replace ageing coal-fired power stations, or whether they would put that investment at risk.

Blocking renewable energy and storage means higher bills, less reliability and more exposure to ageing coal-fired power stations.

The Minns Labor Government will continue to support the effective and consistent implementation of the NSW Benefit-Sharing Guideline, ensuring councils and communities hosting projects receive associated benefits.

More than $180 million in benefits have been committed to communities since the guideline’s introduction in November 2024. This is in addition to the Renewable Energy Zone community and employment benefit funds coordinated by EnergyCo.

Households and businesses can check they’re on the best deal available to them, on the independent Energy Made Easy website: www.energymadeeasy.gov.au.

Premier Chris Minns said:

“We know families and small businesses are doing it tough, so any relief on power bills is welcome news.

“This is the first encouraging sign in a long time that electricity prices are starting to head in the right direction.

“After years of rising prices and pressure on households, people want to know there is a plan to keep the lights on and help bring costs down over time.

“We can’t afford to go backwards now. Walking away from more renewables would only drive prices higher and put more pressure on families and businesses.”

Minister for Energy Penny Sharpe said:

“More renewable energy coming online is starting to drive down wholesale prices, and that’s flowing through to lower bills for households and small businesses.

“The Liberals and Nationals need to declare where they stand. Blocking renewable energy and storage means higher bills, less reliability and more exposure to ageing coal-fired power stations.”

Construction has begun on $31 million infrastructure upgrades at the Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute (EMAI) as part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to protecting the state’s agriculture sector, supporting research and innovation and strengthening our biosecurity capabilities.

The world-class facility in Menangle plays a critical role with a team of renowned scientists working to find new ways to reduce threats to agriculture, the environment, and our community.

The Minns Government is helping build-up and protect the state’s primary industries with $100 million invested over the last year in agricultural research and more than $1 billion in biosecurity systems and programs.

The latest upgrades at EMAI include:

• a $15 million high-containment insectary that will strengthen NSW’s capacity to protect agriculture and the environment from damaging insect and mite pests.

The facility will enable rapid, secure research to respond to exotic incursions, and improve biosecurity preparedness for industries such as grains, horticulture, livestock, forestry and cotton, as well as the environment, by increasing the likelihood of a successful response.

This facility was funded by the NSW Government with a $2 million contribution from the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC).

• $6.5 million to renovate the existing greenhouse complex to support plant biosecurity research and diagnostics. This includes the host diversity of new and emerging pathogens, developing new surveillance methods, and improved control options.

Plant industries depend on pathogen-tested propagation stock, so upgraded greenhouse facilities will strengthen early detection of exotic and emerging pathogens.

• $4.8 million to extend the animal house facility to support priority biosecurity research.
• $4.7 million to other critical laboratory and infrastructure upgrades across the EMAI campus.

The greenhouse research complex, animal house research facility extension and critical laboratory and infrastructure upgrades are funded under the Minns Government’s $60 million Critical Infrastructure Uplift Program.

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:

“The Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute is one of the world’s leading primary industries research centres and the Minns Government is committed to making it even better.

“The work undertaken by the dedicated scientists has aided biosecurity response capacity for red imported fire ant, Xylella, khapra beetle, Japanese encephalitis virus and white spot syndrome virus, protecting the State’s multibillion dollar primary industries sector.

“The Minns Government recognises how crucial biosecurity research is with this $31 million investment in labs, greenhouses, and research facilities at the Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute.

“NSW Government scientists continue to deliver world-first breakthroughs which have long-lasting benefits to agriculture, the environment and our community. This funding recognises the critical role our scientists continue to play in preventing biosecurity incursions and improving our preparedness.

“Collaboration is a key component for EMAI scientists who have been able to deliver world-firsts, such as developing a vaccine for foot-and-mouth disease this year. Investing in these facilities gives our researchers the opportunity to continue their studies and work with international counterparts to protect our industries.”

“Our scientists and researchers are delivering world-first and Australia-first discoveries that are helping protect our industries, strengthen our biosecurity, improve productivity and support farmers right across the state.

“From cutting-edge science to practical innovations that directly benefit regional communities, EMAI is where some of the brightest minds are pushing the boundaries of research and development right here in NSW.

“This work often happens quietly behind the scenes, but it is absolutely critical to the future of our primary industries and reinforces NSW as a national leader in agricultural innovation.”

Case studies:

FMD Vaccine World First

• Researchers at EMAI played a critical role in developing the world-first vaccine.
• This is a once-in-a-generation development that puts Australia at the forefront of the development of these types of vaccines.
• Protecting our livestock from devastating animal diseases, including foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and lumpy skin disease (LSD), is a vitally important initiative for Australia.
• An outbreak of FMD could cost the Australian economy up to $80 billion through trade disruption and response to the disease.

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) response

• The Virology Laboratory at EMAI was the first lab in Australia to identify the presence of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) in foetal pig samples.
• The lab’s virologists and veterinary pathologists were unable to resolve what was causing illnesses in pigs, so the team ran a broader virus diagnostic to detect the group of viruses that includes JEV.
• The detection of JEV in Central NSW and south to the Murray River was an unexpected and significant finding.
• After the diagnosis, health authorities were able to confirm JEV in human cases of encephalitis which up until then had an undiagnosed cause.

Varroa and suspect Polyphagous shothole borer (PSHB) samples

• Collaboration between the molecular entomology and biotechnology teams at EMAI, using Advanced Gene Technology Centre (AGTC) facilities, led to successful barcode sequencing to confirm or deny the presence of serious exotic pests in less than 24 hours.
• In the case of varroa in 2022, the team confirmed varroa the morning after samples were received at EMAI.
• For two suspect Polyphagous shothole borer samples, the team followed up on suspect protein fingerprint profiles that indicated the material could be PSHB, with barcode sequencing undertaken overnight to confirm NSW was still free of PSHB.

Today is National Sorry Day, a time when we acknowledge the lasting impacts caused by the forced removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families.  

Survivors and their descendants continue to demonstrate incredible strength and resilience, ensuring their stories and truths are shared.  

National Reconciliation Week, which starts tomorrow, is a reminder of the role we can all play in strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Reconciliation Week (27 May to 3 June) begins each year on the anniversary of the successful 1967 referendum and ends on the anniversary of the historic 1992 High Court Mabo decision recognising Native Title.

This year’s Reconciliation Week theme, ‘All In’, is a call for all Australians to commit wholeheartedly to reconciliation; not just today, but every day.  

The NSW Government is committed to work in partnership with Aboriginal organisations, communities, and people to Close the Gap.

We know that when Closing the Gap solutions are designed, led, and implemented by Aboriginal people and communities, in partnership with Government, we get better outcomes.

Our focus is on shared decision-making.

Going ‘All In’ can mean taking practical action in your workplace, school, sporting club or community. It can mean attending or holding a reconciliation event, supporting Aboriginal businesses and artists, learning about the history of your local area, listening to Aboriginal voices, or starting a conversation about reconciliation with family and friends.  

Communities across NSW will mark the week with walks, cultural events, language workshops, exhibitions, performances and community gathering. There are dozens of events to get involved in.

Visit the https://www.reconciliation.org.au/ website to find an event near you.