Category: NSW News

The Minns Labor Government has secured the future of Revesby Police Station, unveiling a major upgrade and expansion made possible by a critical local road upgrade at a key intersection.

Importantly, the $8.3 million upgrade will deliver better infrastructure to South-West Sydney and keep the station where it belongs – in the heart of Revesby.

Back in 2022, the former Liberal-National Government announced the upgrade of Revesby Police Station but never delivered it.

Our investment means officers will continue operating from a central, long-established and strategically significant location as part of Bankstown Police Area Command, with upgraded and expanded facilities to support modern policing.

The upgrade is made possible through a much-needed road safety fix at the intersection of The River Road, Sphinx Avenue and Marco Avenue.

As part of the project, Sphinx Avenue will be realigned to deliver a safer and more practical road layout for the growing local area, as well as ensuring the current station can not only remain, but be expanded.

The road upgrade will be delivered by Canterbury-Bankstown Council, with support from Transport for NSW, and backed by a $17.7 million commitment from the Federal Albanese Government.

This is a practical investment in police and public safety, and it ensures communities do not lose the local services they count on. It is also a major investment in local transport infrastructure.

While work is underway, policing won’t stop.

In NSW, every police vehicle is a mobile police station, ensuring communities across the state continue to have access to policing 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

This is part of the Minns Labor Government’s long-term plan to rebuild our essential services and ensure frontline police have the resources and capability to continue to fight crime.

The former Liberal-National Government had no plan for police recruitment, no plan for police retention and sent wages backwards for over a decade. Thousands of experienced officers left the force as a result.

We are working hard to turn that around and while there’s still more to do, that work includes:

• Securing a once-in-a-generation pay increase.
• Establishing a scheme to pay recruits to train, resulting in a 70% increase in applications to join the NSWPF.
• Establishing the ‘Be a Cop In Your Hometown’ program to give regional recruits the opportunity to serve in or near their hometown after attesting.
• Establishing the Professional Mobility Program to incentivise experienced officers from interstate and New Zealand to join.
• Launching the new Cadet Traineeship Program to give young, aspiring officers a pathway into the NSWPF.
• Establishing the Health Safety and Wellbeing Command to support existing officers to have long, healthy and rewarding careers with the NSW Police Force.

NSW Premier, Chris Minns said:

“This is part of our plan to help keep communities safer in NSW with more officers, better facilities, and the resources needed.

“This upgrade means Revesby keeps its police station right where the community expects it, close by and ready to respond.

“For local residents, it means faster response times, a stronger police presence and a station that’s fit for the job today and into the future.”

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

“Today we are committing to keeping the Revesby Police Station where it belongs and showing what it will look like – a modern and expanded station in a central location.

“This $8.3 million upgrade backs the officers who serve this area every day and makes sure this community keeps the strong local police presence it relies on.

“The former Liberal member promised the world and delivered nothing. Our police deserve more than a headline and a hollow promise.

“I want to assure the community that while this work is underway, policing does not stop – every police vehicle is a mobile police station, and police are on the job 24/7.”

Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison said:

“This is a strong example of the Minns Labor Government working across portfolios to deliver the right outcome for the community.

“There were genuine safety and traffic issues at this intersection that needed to be addressed, but there was also a very strong case for retaining the location of the police station.

“I want to thank the teams at Transport for NSW, Council and our Federal colleagues for working closely together to achieve this outcome, while striking the right balance between improving safety and preserving an important local asset.

“This collaboration shows what’s possible when all levels of governments work together – delivering real improvements and safer, more reliable roads for our communities.”

NSW Police Commissioner, Mal Lanyon APM said:

“Securing the long-term future of Revesby Police station is an important commitment to ensuring the ongoing safety of the local community.

“Upgrading these facilities, helps us to meet future challenges, including shifts in crime trends and the demands of a growing population.

“It’s also important to ensure our officers have a safe and professional working environment so they can deliver the highest standard of policing to keep the community safe.”

NSW Member for East Hills, Kylie Wilkinson said:

“This is a really important outcome for local families.

“We have worked hard to save the location of the station, keeping it close to the community, close to local services and close to the people who rely on it.

“The unveiling of the preferred design is an exciting step and shows this government is serious about supporting police and delivering for our area.

“The upgrade to the police station will allow this confusing intersection to be made safer and easier to navigate, and I’m pleased to be working with all three levels of government to deliver a coordinated solution.”

Federal Member for Banks, Zhi Soon said:

“I grew up in Revesby and as long as I can remember this intersection has been a problem. It is why I promised Revesby residents funding to fix it in 2022.

“The announcement today is exactly the kind of practical solution the local community wants to see, allowing upgrades to the intersection to proceed, and securing the future for Revesby Police Station.

“The Albanese Federal Government is proud to be working with the Minns State Government to make our community safer.”

Mayor of Canterbury-Bankstown Council, Cr Bilal El-Hayek said:

“This is an important outcome for the Revesby community.

“Council has worked closely with all stakeholders to identify a preferred intersection layout that improves safety and traffic movement while allowing Revesby Police Station to remain in place.”

The Snowy Mountains is set to benefit from a boost to frontline emergency care, with an additional 17 paramedics starting work in the community from next month.

These additional paramedics will be based at Cooma Ambulance Station and will deliver emergency and out-of-hospital care across the broader Snowy Mountains as part of NSW Ambulance’s highly mobile workforce, including aeromedical coverage.

This increase in clinical staffing forms part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to deliver 500 additional paramedics to rural, regional and remote areas. NSW Ambulance is working with staff to prepare for their commencement in Cooma on Saturday 16 May.

The cohort is part of the third intake of 125 paramedics planned for regional NSW as part of the regional 500 initiative. They join the 125 paramedics who commenced across the state last year, and another 125 who began work in 2024.

Under this initiative, an additional 41 paramedics are already working across the southern NSW region.

The Minns Government will continue to roll out the additional 500 paramedics for regional NSW next year, with future locations determined through NSW Ambulance’s evidence-based, best practice service, and workforce planning, as well as consultation with staff and the Health Services Union.

Labor is making the long-term investments into recruiting more staff to meet the growing health needs of regional communities and relieve pressure on our health system.

Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park:

“The Minns Government is strengthening emergency health services in regional communities by adding more paramedics to the frontline.

“After 12 years of neglect by the Coalition, we are rebuilding a strong healthcare workforce to ensure our essential services can meet community needs, now and into the future.

“The addition of 17 paramedics based at Cooma will provide vital support to the Snowy Mountains, ensuring the local community receives optimal, high-quality care when they need it most.”

Member for Monaro, Steve Whan:

“Seventeen additional paramedics for Cooma more than doubles the numbers we have had previously.  It is a huge boost for emergency care helping Cooma and the region.  It is also going to be a significant help to our busy and dedicated existing paramedics. 

“I’ve been working with health Minister Ryan Park for the last couple of years on getting more Paramedics for the Snowy Monaro region.  He has visited stations with me and we have discussed response times and needs.  I’m thrilled that the Minns Labor Government has been able to deliver this massive boost.

“This recognises that Cooma is a key hub for the Snowy Monaro, it will enhance services for Cooma but also help Bombala, Jindabyne and Adaminaby along with all the rural areas.  This is a big day for emergency services in our area and I am delighted to be able to deliver. 

“Long term residents will know my commitment to emergency services and ambulance in this region, in my previous period as local member we got new Bombala and Cooma ambulance stations and just recently I announced progress on the new Jindabyne station.”

NSW Ambulance Interim Chief Executive Clare Beech: 

The boost to our paramedic workforce in Cooma will further enhance frontline emergency care for local residents and visitors across the Snowy Mountains.

“Ahead of a busy winter and snow season, this extra staffing will help ensure NSW Ambulance is well‑placed to respond to emergencies and continue delivering timely, high‑quality care when it’s needed most.”

New South Wales will save $130 million on its public transport network power bill after signing on to a $1.9 billion renewable energy contract over seven years.

The money saved will be directly invested back into frontline public transport services across the state.

This will provide a timely investment boost as surging petrol costs drive more people from their cars on to trains, metro, buses and light rail.

The switch over to renewable power will achieve significant emissions reductions, allowing Transport to avoid the equivalent of over 800,000 tonnes of CO2 each year compared to conventional power

This is the first time all public transport operations will be powered under a single supply deal.

Previously, agencies like Sydney Metro and Sydney Trains negotiated their own electricity supply contracts, but the consolidation of modes has given the Minns Labor Government the buying power to drive a better deal for NSW taxpayers.

Transport operations use almost as much power as all other NSW public sector agencies combined.

The successful bidder, Snowy Energy, the retail brand of Snowy Hydro, was awarded the contract following a robust two-year review and competitive tender process.

The renewable electricity that will be supplied under this new contract moves Transport one step closer to achieving its emissions reduction targets of reducing operational emissions by 65 per cent by 2030 and reaching net zero by 2035.

Across Australia, the transport sector is on track to become the largest source of emissions by 2030.

With the weekly fare caps, public transport is one of the most affordable and environmentally friendly ways to get around.

Adult fares are capped at $50 weekly, Concessions and Child/Youth at $25, and $2.50 daily cap for Senior/Pensioner travellers – meaning once you hit those caps, your trips are free.

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“Cost of living pressures are real for household and government budgets. This contract reduces costs and moves us towards better environmental outcomes while we deliver a reliable public transport network.

“Transport uses almost as much electricity as all other government agencies in NSW combined. It’s important we use our buying power responsibly and get the best possible deal for taxpayers, which is what we have achieved.

“We are planning for a sustainable future as our network continues to grow, with new Sydney Trains fleets, more metro services, thousands of emissions-free buses, and Light Rail across the city and Parramatta.

Transport for NSW Secretary Josh Murray said:

“This is the first time all public transport operations will be powered by the same electricity deal.

“Previously, agencies like Sydney Trains and Sydney Metro have been buying their electricity separately – this move consolidates those operations and costs.

“We’ve also been able to deliver significant reductions in energy demand through initiatives like rooftop solar at the new Sydney Trains’ Mortdale train maintenance facility and the Clyde engineering hub.

“At Mortdale alone, 2,000 solar panels have been installed, generating 1,317 Megawatt hours of clean renewable electricity and avoiding around 870 tonnes of carbon emissions per annum, while reducing the amount of electricity that needs to be bought from the grid.”

Snowy Hydro Chief Executive Officer Dennis Barnes said:

“The new contract with Transport for NSW indicates the demand for renewable energy solutions is growing at pace.

“There has been growing interest from businesses and government agencies across the country that are looking for innovative ways to decarbonise their operations.

“Transport for NSW is a large energy user and they are leading the way in their efforts to reduce emissions. We were able to provide a tailored approach that meets their unique needs and secures long-term renewable matched energy from sources such as the Uungula Wind Farm right here in NSW.”

The Minns Labor Government is enabling the revitalisation of Riverstone Town Centre with the finalisation of a rezoning that could unlock up to 2,850 new homes, 1,200 jobs and a new main street.

The rezoning will deliver an improved flood resilient neighbourhood focusing housing growth close to the train station, while the northern end of the precinct will retain its low-scale character. 

The new controls will allow:

• building heights between 2 and 15 storeys.
• more employment land to support up to 1,200 jobs.
• a new town centre with retail, dining and shopping areas.
• upgraded public spaces and over 10 hectares of new or improved open space.
• improved walking and cycling connections.

Crucially this rezoning will be supported by improvements to flood evacuation routes with the NSW and Australian Governments together investing $276 million to upgrade Garfield Road East and $720 million to upgrade nearby Richmond Road.

New open space, enhanced stormwater management, flood mitigation measures and new laneways will also improve flood safety and evacuation routes.

The final controls were adjusted to reflect further technical studies and community feedback. Key changes include reducing building heights east of Piccadilly Street, improved flood planning, and an expanded open space network.

The proposed homes in the precinct have been reduced from 3,600 to 3,400, including 550 existing homes, to assist with flood evacuation capacity.

The final plan has been developed closely with the NSW State Emergency Services and NSW Reconstruction Authority to consider flood risk, with a final flood planning level set close to a 1 in 500 chance per year flood event.

For more information, visit the NSW Planning Portal.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“This rezoning enables a pipeline of much needed new homes, jobs and an upgraded town centre for Riverstone, while mitigating flood risks.

“This is an important step forward for the Riverstone community which will boost flood resilience and enable the revitalisation of the town centre.

“I commend local MP Warren Kirby for his strong advocacy to achieve this great outcome for his community.”

Member for Riverstone Warren Kirby said:

“This rezoning delivers the vision for Riverstone that our community has been calling for over many years.

“I promised at the election that delivering a workable plan for Riverstone was one of my highest priorities, helping to unlock more homes and jobs while improving flood resilience in the town centre.

“We know parts of Riverstone are flood prone, it’s one of the major reasons previous plans were unviable, and these controls take that into consideration unlocking growth and the revitalisation of the town centre while keeping everyone safe.

“I’m proud of this new vision for Riverstone’s future which incorporates the key elements our community have highlighted as their priorities with improved shopping and dining, more places for community connection and greenspace as well as improved walking and cycle paths.

“I thank everyone who made a contribution to help us finalise the plan, the wait is finally over.”

The Minns Labor Government has awarded $5.45 million to NSW Surf Life Saving Clubs through the Surf Club Facility Program.

Grants up to $1 million were available across three categories for projects that upgrade, restore or construct surf life saving facilities to ensure they stay modern, inclusive and accessible.

This year’s program included grants for design and planning, ensuring surf club projects are supported from concept to completion.

Projects that encourage participation by women and girls, people with disability, First Nations peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and LGBTQIA+ are a priority of the Program.

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper joined surf life savers at Wanda Surf Life Saving Club to announce the club was among 61 projects to receive funding through the Program.

The club received $782,588 towards its $1.18 million redevelopment project which includes upgrades to amenities, gym, kitchen and multipurpose areas.

Other clubs to receive funding include North Narrabeen which received $600,000 for upgrades to the club hall, café, storage and training areas, and Salt Surf Life Saving Club which received $345,345 for upgrades to the club’s kitchen, deck and bar.

For further information and the list if recipients visit: https://www.sport.nsw.gov.au/grants/surf-club-facility-program

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

“The Surf Club Facility Program provides critical funding to our surf life saving clubs to enable them to better protect beachgoers.

“The awarding of $5.45 million for 61 projects is part of our four-year $21.6 million commitment to ensure our Surf Life Saving Clubs are modern, safe and inclusive.

“Wanda Surf Life Saving Club’s redevelopment project will support lifesaving, unite members and strengthen community connections.

“Once completed, these 61 projects will ensure our surf life saving clubs can continue to deliver a world-class service and keep our beaches safe.

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“Surf Life Saving volunteers play a vital role in keeping people safe right along the NSW coastline, and the NSW Government is backing them with record investment.

“This $5.4 million in upgrades will ensure surf life savers have the resources they need to protect beachgoers when the next patrol season begins.

“Combined with new and upgraded equipment, including Emergency Response Beacons, this investment means our volunteers are better equipped than ever with modern, reliable and safe gear to continue their incredible work.”

Chief Operating Officer of Surf Life Saving NSW Phil Ayres said:

“Across NSW there are 129 surf clubs that are pillars of safety within their communities, sustained by a growing volunteer membership of over 85,000.

“The NSW Government’s support through the Surf Club Facilities Program will assist more than a third of our clubs, through 61 individual projects in 2026, to remain fit for purpose and give our volunteer lifesavers the facilities they need to ensure they can be rescue ready should the worst happen on our coastline.

“Not only this, but the funding from this Program delivers safe, secure, and accessible facilities for members and the communities that they protect.”

Sydney is a step closer to being the best walking city in the world, with new funding allocated for missing links of the  91km Parramatta to Sydney Foreshore Link, and the start of consultation on a NSW Walking Strategy.  

The 91km long route will connect Parramatta Park to the Opera House and Botanical Gardens. 68km of the walk is already accessible via shared pathways, while 23 km of missing links require planning and construction.  

The Minns Labor Government is investing $4.5 million to complete four missing links in the Canada Bay local government area:  

• New and upgraded shared paths, lighting, and raised crossings connecting Allison Park, Campbell Park and Lysaght Park in Chiswick.
• Upgraded path, lighting and a new raised crossing at Wire Mill Reserve in Chiswick.
• New shared pathways and lighting at Shadrack Shaw Reserve, Concord will improve the link between Majors Bay Reserve and the Mortlake and Breakfast Point peninsulas.
• Improved access to the Bay Run with one raised shared crossing with upgraded street lighting at Timbrell Drive and two extra raised pedestrian crossings and street lighting on Henley Marine Drive near Millar Street and Nield Park.   

The 3.5 metre wide shared pathways will be delivered by the City of Canada Bay Council who will deliver the projects, with a construction tender to be released in the coming months.  

$2.36 million of work on missing links in the City of Parramatta has already commenced, with improved lighting and a raised pedestrian and cyclist crossing on Brodie Street in Rydalmere and construction nearing completion for a new shared pathway along George Street East in Parramatta, through Queens Wharf. The Bennelong Parkway Bridge and Connecting Paths will start construction in mid-2026.  

$8.23 million has been invested in planning and design along the foreshore which has informed current projects and future stages of foreshore upgrades.

The Parramatta to Sydney Foreshore Link will build on an increasing number of dedicated walks throughout Sydney including the 80km Bondi to Manly walk that was opened in 2019 and the recent opening of the 6km GreenWay which connects the Cooks River Trail, Earlwood with the Bay Run in Haberfield.

To improve the way government and councils plan, fund and design public spaces to encourage walking, the Minns Labor Government is releasing the Walkable NSW Issues Paper, launching a consultation that will inform the development of NSW’s first ever Walking Strategy.  

Further updates on the Parramatta to Sydney Foreshore Link will be shared soon, as Transport for NSW continues to work closely with local councils, to inform the design and delivery of the next priority connections.  

Click here to see the Walkable NSW Discussion Paper.  
 
Minister for Transport John Graham said:  

“The success of the GreenWay and the Bondi to Manly walks, gives you a sense of what’s possible given our incredible geography and exercise culture.  

“Walking is the most popular form of transport in NSW, so it makes sense that we take a strategic approach to maximise our potential as a walking city.  

“The walking strategy will help state government and local councils do a better job of planning, funding and designing our streets and places in a way that encourages walking. We’re starting by asking the community what’s most important.”  

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:  

“This 91km connection will link a number of Sydney’s world class public spaces and encourage more people to get active and explore parts of the city on foot.  

“The new connections across the Inner West will complement plans for a new swim spot along the Bay Run and add to the work we’re already doing at Blackwattle Bay to complete the missing link in the 15-kilometre foreshore walk from Rozelle Bay to Woolloomooloo.”  

Parliamentary Secretary for Transport Dr Marjorie O’Neill said:  

“Whether its locals getting some exercise or international tourists in awe of our city, we have some of the most stunning urban walks in the world, we just need to connect them better.  

“These vital links in Canada Bay are crucial to the ongoing work of connecting this incredible walk.  

“We thank the Canada Bay Council for their work in delivering these projects to connect the existing walking paths along their part of the foreshore walk.”  

Mayor of the City of Canada Bay Michael Megna said:

“We are looking forward to delivering the first new connections of the 91km Parramatta to Sydney Foreshore Link following close consultation with our community.

“This project will bring to life our commitment to a fully-connected, accessible foreshore, as well as open up more opportunities for active transport across the City.”

The Minns Labor Government continues to turbocharge the state’s visitor economy, announcing today that it has partnered with the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) of Australia to secure the historic return of the Australian PGA Championship to NSW for the first time since 1998.

The 2026 BMW Australian PGA Championship will tee off from 26-29 November at The Lakes Golf Club in Sydney, which last hosted the tournament in 1987, becoming the latest major international sporting event to find a home in NSW.

The Lakes Golf Club has a proud history of hosting Australian golf majors, including the 1964 Australian Open won by the legendary Jack Nicklaus and most recently the 2023 Australian Open, demonstrating its capability to deliver a major international golf tournament.

This year’s Australian PGA Championship promises to be another outstanding display of golf that will not only attract the world’s best golfers, but also golf fans from across the nation and around the globe, highlighting Sydney’s reputation as one of the world’s great stages for major international sporting events and providing a significant boost to the NSW visitor economy.

Hosting the Australian PGA Championship in Sydney is estimated will attract around 15,000 visitors to the city, injecting more than $10 million into the state’s visitor economy. This adds to a growing list of 35 major sporting events secured for NSW in 2026 that are projected to attract around 295,000 visitors and inject more than $285 million into the NSW visitor economy.

Sports tourism is booming, with the World Economic Forum recently highlighting it as the fastest-growing segment of the global tourism industry.  

In 2025, sports tourism accounted for 10 per cent of global travel expenditure, with revenues growing at a compound annual rate of 28 per cent since 2020, above the 22 per cent growth seen across all tourism.

The Australian PGA Championship joins an unrivalled list of major sporting events for NSW in 2026, including Men’s and Women’s State of Origin, Tottenham versus Chelsea in the Sydney Super Cup, NRL & NRLW Grand Finals, Bledisloe Cup, Bathurst 1000, Rugby League World Cup, and TCS Sydney Marathon World Major, showcasing NSW as the nation’s home of major sporting event experiences.

Minister for Sport and Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said:

“The Minns Labor Government is thrilled to be partnering with the PGA of Australia to bring the nation’s most prestigious golf tournament back to Sydney for the first time in almost three decades.

“We can’t wait to welcome some of the best golfers on the planet for the Australian PGA Championship in November at The Lakes, one of our country’s most iconic golf courses.  

“This is a fantastic coup for our local golf-loving community. But most importantly it will provide a significant boost to the NSW visitor economy, attracting thousands of visiting fans, players and officials.

CEO of the PGA of Australia and the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia Gavin Kirkman said:  

“We are delighted to have the opportunity to partner with the NSW Government in bringing the BMW Australian PGA Championship back to Sydney.

“The city is synonymous with world-class sporting events and we are thrilled that we are able to return to The Lakes Golf Club. The venue has a rich history in hosting Challenger

PGA Tour of Australasia events, so we know we are in for a warm welcome in November.” 

The Southern Tablelands is set to benefit from a boost to frontline emergency care, with an additional six paramedics starting work in the community from tomorrow.

These additional paramedics will be based at Yass Ambulance Station and will deliver emergency and out-of-hospital care across the Southern Tablelands as part of NSW Ambulance’s highly mobile workforce.

This increase in clinical staffing forms part of the NSW Government’s commitment to deliver 500 additional paramedics to rural, regional and remote areas.

The cohort is part of the third intake of 125 paramedics working across regional NSW as part of the regional 500 initiative. They join 125 paramedics who commenced across the state last year, and another 125 who began work in 2024. Under this initiative, an additional 41 paramedics are now working across the southern NSW region.

The Minns Labor Government will continue to roll out the additional 500 paramedics for regional NSW next year, with future locations determined through NSW Ambulance’s evidence-based, best practice service and workforce planning, as well as consultation with staff and the Health Services Union.

Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park: 

“The Minns Labor Government is continuing to strengthen emergency health services in regional communities by delivering more paramedics for the frontline.

“These extra six paramedics in Yass will provide much-needed support and help ensure the local community receives optimal care when they need it most.

“The Coalition criticised the Government for hiring too many health workers, but we know that recruiting additional paramedics will allow the local community to continue benefitting from timely, high‑quality care.”

Labor Spokesperson for Goulburn, Bob Nanva, MLC:

“Six additional paramedics at Yass will strengthen frontline healthcare for patients throughout the Southern Tablelands.”

“Growing the ambulance workforce is improving access to emergency care across regional and rural NSW.”

NSW Ambulance Interim Chief Executive Clare Beech:  

“Boosting the paramedic workforce at Yass will strengthen our ability to respond to emergencies and provide enhanced support to teams across regional NSW.

“As demand for ambulance services continues to increase, these extra resources will help ensure we maintain a high standard of care for the community.”

Minister for Police and Counter Terrorism, Yasmin Catley, has been caught out misleading the public as part of a political stoush with Fairfield Mayor Frank Carbone over policing in the Fairfield Local Area Command. 
 
On Monday, Minister Catley told 702 ABC Sydney Breakfast that local police were not aware of, or involved in, a decision to fence off Fairfield’s Crescent Plaza in response to ongoing violence and anti-social behaviour. 
 
The Minister also called the Mayor’s claim that police in Fairfield were under resourced “absolute garbage” and pointed to 64 recruits being allocated to the Fairfield area on her watch. 
 
However, this morning on 2GB, Mayor Carbone called out the Minister, pointing to multiple emails showing local police were engaged with council and were aware of the decision to fence off Crescent Plaza well in advance. 
 
Mayor Carbone also pointed to analysis which shows police numbers in the Fairfield Local Area Command have fallen from 290 officers in 2021 to just 221 in 2025, a loss of 69 officers while the local population has only grown. 
 
Shadow Minister for Police and Counter-Terrorism, Anthony Roberts, said the Minister must come clean and owes both Mayor Carbone and the Fairfield community an apology. 
 
“Minister Catley has been caught out here and needs to front up and apologise for misleading the public,” Mr Roberts said. 
 
“The reality is police numbers are going backwards in Fairfield and across Western Sydney, and the Minister needs to stop pretending otherwise.” 
 
“This is about community safety. You cannot have fewer officers, a growing population, and claim everything is fine when people’s real experience is that crime is only getting worse.” 
 
Mr Roberts also pointed to broader concerns about police resourcing in the area. 
 
“Under this Minister, key local resources have been scaled back, including the reduction of operating hours at Weatherill Park Police Station from 24 hours to 12 hours.” 
 
“The people of Fairfield deserve honesty, accountability, and proper police resourcing, not blame games from an underperforming Minister.”