Category: NSW News

Students and staff have welcomed the opening of the new Forest High School, as the Minns Labor Government delivers on its promise to build world-class infrastructure across NSW.

The ribbon will be cut on the new campus today by the Premier, alongside the Member for Wakehurst Michael Regan and Principal Nathan Lawler.

Now on Allambie Road, Allambie Heights, the $160 million Forest High School is a comprehensive co-educational high school for up to 1,500 students, with views across the Northern Beaches.

The new school includes 73 classrooms and three special support unit classrooms, a library, canteen and administration spaces, an outdoor synthetic sports field, five basketball courts, landscaped recreation and outdoor learning areas, and more than 180 parking spaces for bicycles and scooters.

Forest High School is a local school of choice. Its supportive environment and strong community engagement help every student thrive, with explicit teaching used across all year levels to help deliver strong academic results.

The new school location remains within the current intake area for The Forest High School, ensuring a smooth transition for students who will continue their educational journey at the existing school site until the completion of the new school.

Over the past two years, two thirds of the school’s HSC students have achieved results in the top three bands, its highest proportion in recent years.

Across NSW, 230 new and upgraded public schools are being delivered as part of the NSW Government’s record $9 billion commitment to rebuild public education.

This record investment is backed by $100 million for new specialist facilities to deliver programs for high potential and gifted students across 33 partner schools through the Inspire program, and by a teacher workforce with the lowest vacancy rate in 12 years.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“Today is an exciting day for students, teachers and families on the Northern Beaches as we officially open the new Forest High School campus.

“This is exactly the kind of investment growing communities deserve – a brand-new public high school with modern classrooms, outstanding sporting facilities and high-quality learning spaces that will support students for generations to come.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

“We’re excited to open the brand-new Forest High School, which shows this Government’s investment in public education in the Northern Beaches.

“There is a strong sense of community and values, and high expectations at The Forest, and the new facilities will be a perfect match for them.

“I am confident it will be a beacon of excellence in the area for generations to come, where every student is inspired to reach their full potential.”

Member for Wakehurst Michael Regan said:

“This is a proud day for The Forest High School and for public education in Wakehurst. It’s great to see the Premier here today recognising the importance of this investment in public education on the Northern Beaches.

“This day has been a long time coming. The vision for this relocated campus was in the works since my early days as Mayor.

“The new school campus is a huge step forward with modern classrooms, facilities and great spaces for sport, performance and student wellbeing.

“I want to thank the teachers, staff, students and families who have carried the school’s strong community spirit into its new home.”

Principal Nathan Lawler said:

“Our state-of-the-art facilities open up wonderful opportunities for our students, and I am especially excited to see our creative students showcase their talents in the performance theatre.

“We have high expectations of our students, and we now have the facilities to match the effort they’re putting in and what we’re expecting from them.

“By working together as one unified community, we will continue to grow and thrive, always focused on serving our students.”

NSW Opposition Leader, Kellie Sloane has announced that a Liberals and Nationals Government would deliver a dedicated 10-year Men and Boy’s Health Strategy by the end of 2027.  
 
The Opposition also committed to hosting a two-day Men’s Health Summit next year, bringing together health professionals, men and boy’s health organisations, researchers and men’s health advocates to help inform and shape the delivery of the Strategy.  
 
Leading men’s health organisations from across NSW joined the Liberals and Nationals at NSW Parliament where Ms Sloane said she wanted the state to have the best health outcomes for men and boys in Australia.  
 
“A 10-year Strategy is about us saying that we don’t accept the status quo and want to deliver a better future for every man and boy in NSW where they have access to the health and support services that will ensure they thrive,” said Ms Sloane. 
 
“The strategy will set clear targets for reducing male suicide, strengthen prevention and early intervention pathways, and improve access to services in regional and outer metropolitan communities.” 
  
Shadow Health Minister, Sarah Mitchell said that too many men were still dying early from preventable causes and that regional communities often face the highest disparity when it comes to premature mortality. 
  
“Every man and boy in NSW, no matter where they live, deserves to grow up happy and healthy. A dedicated Men and Boy’s Health Strategy will ensure we know where to direct government investment and have a way of measuring our progress,” said Ms Mitchell.  
  
Shadow Parliamentary Secretary, Matt Cross said surviving cancer and the birth of his son has shaped his drive to radically improve health outcomes for men and boys in NSW. 
  
“Men are far less likely to visit a doctor. I know this firsthand, as I delayed seeking help when I was anaemic. There are lots of reasons. Fear of the unknown. Worried it feels weak. Embarrassment. It’s even a misguided bravado and pride. It’s all dangerous and it must change,” said Mr Cross. 

New data from the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) shows NSW Police are bringing more domestic violence offenders than ever before the courts, as the Minns Labor Government continues its crackdown on domestic and family violence.

There has been a 17 per cent increase in the number of adults remanded for domestic violence offences in the four months to March.

More than 40 per cent of the additional people remanded since December are charged with a domestic violence offence.

Over the past year, the proportion of domestic violence incidents resulting in legal action within 30 days rose from 66 to 74 per cent.

People in custody charged with domestic violence offences now represent more than a quarter of the overall prison population.

Domestic and family violence is occurring at an unacceptable rate across NSW.

The Minns Labor Government will continue to target these crimes at every stage, through prevention, early intervention, stronger laws, tougher enforcement and better support for victim-survivors.

NSW Police are sending a clear message to offenders: there is nowhere to hide from the consequences of domestic violence offending.

These strong policing results follow a series of reforms to keep the community safe including:

• Introducing legislation to strengthen stalking laws
• Bringing in Serious Domestic Abuse Prevention Orders (SDAPOs) to provide the strictest possible monitoring of high-risk offenders
• Making it harder for people accused of serious domestic violence offences to get bail and ensuring those who are bailed are electronically monitored by Corrective Services
• Strengthening penalties for serious, repeat breaches of Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders (ADVOs)

Since coming to Government, we’ve increased funding for domestic and family violence programs in every budget to support victim-survivors.

This includes $272 million in the most recent budget to support frontline services, $6.6 billion for social and affordable housing with half of new builds prioritised for victim-survivors, $130 million to increase crisis accommodation and expanding access to important programs such as Staying Home Leaving Violence Program.

The Minns Labor Government continues to address violence against women and children, including implementing NSW’s first dedicated Primary Prevention Strategy and investing in programs focused on changing harmful attitudes and behaviours that can lead to violence against women.

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said:

“Our police are the frontline. They are often the first through the door, the first to see the harm, and the first to act to protect victim-survivors.

“These figures are sobering, but they also show our tough laws are working. Police are moving earlier, acting harder and bringing more domestic violence offenders before the courts.

“Our message to perpetrators is clear: there is nowhere to hide. If you use violence, intimidation or coercion, police will come for you.”

Attorney General Michael Daley said:

“Domestic violence is a horrendous crime. It’s cowardly and destructive and causes intergenerational trauma.

“The Government has given law enforcement and the courts more tools to hold domestic violence offenders to account.

“NSW Police have been relentless in pursuing domestic violence offenders and that‘s exactly what this data shows.”

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said:

“The government has been working hard to keep victim-survivors safe and hold perpetrators to account.

“These figures show our tough bail laws are keeping domestic violence perpetrators off the streets, and making sure they are brought before the courts.

“Behind every statistic is a person who has experienced real and often devastating trauma, as well as a family and community impacted by that violence. That is why the Minns Labor Government is taking action to ensure victim-survivors have access to ongoing wraparound support, while also working to break cycles of violence before they begin.”

For the first time, every NSW public high school will be able to offer the most academically demanding HSC courses with a new HSC Subject Guarantee, as the Minns Labor Government continues to grow the Inspire High Potential and Gifted Education program.

From 2027, all students across NSW, including Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong, will be able to study HSC courses via the state’s virtual public school, Aurora College.

Until now, access to HSC courses via Aurora College has been limited to students in remote and rural areas of NSW. The Minns Labor Government is expanding access to ensure students can study more academic courses, regardless of where they live or which public school they attend.

While Year 11 and 12 students can choose from more than 120 HSC courses, not every school can offer every subject via face-to-face teaching. Aurora College’s high-quality virtual learning addresses this challenge by expanding access to subject-specific specialist teachers across NSW, allowing more students to access advanced and extension subjects.

As part of the Minns Labor Government’s HSC Subject Guarantee, the following 11 HSC courses will be offered virtually to all public school students for the first time: English Advanced, English Extension 1, English Extension 2, Mathematics Advanced, Mathematics Extension 1, Mathematics Extension 2, Chemistry, Physics, Science Extension, Economics and History Extension.

This expansion means more students than ever before can study the HSC courses aligned to their ability and aspirations, setting them up for future success.

Expanding advanced HSC subject access builds on the Minns Labor Government’s Inspire program, which is expanding opportunities for high potential and gifted students across NSW public schools.

All public schools are now embedding high potential and gifted education into their schools and their teaching, with each school’s Inspire offerings now published on their school website.

As part of this commitment, the Minns Labor Government is investing $100 million to build state-of-the-art learning facilities at 33 high potential and gifted education partner schools across NSW and rolling out new extension class opportunities.

This expansion is underpinned by the Minns Labor Government’s work to rebuild the teaching workforce, with teacher vacancies now at a 12‑year low following Labor’s historic wage rise and additional policies to reduce teacher workload.

NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

“Every HSC student in a NSW public school should be able to choose the courses they want to study, setting themselves up for success, regardless of their postcode or which public school they attend.

“That’s why the Minns Labor Government is expanding access to advanced and extension HSC subjects, ensuring all students can reach their full potential at school.

“Our government will ensure every student can pursue their passion and strengths as we continue our work to build a stronger public education system.”

The NSW Government is reminding families to take advantage of free routine health services already available in NSW including free urgent and virtual care; more bulk-billing GPs; and free flu nasal spray vaccines.

Families are encouraged to use these fee free health services ahead of an expected busy winter season. A family of four with two children under 5 could save almost $1,200 this year by using these health services.

Save on GP visits

Families can potentially save on GP costs by accessing a doctor for free through one of NSW’s urgent or virtual care services. The Minns Labor Government recently expanded virtual care so that it is available statewide and all NSW residents can access it.

The Minns Labor Government’s rollout of the Bulk-Billing Support Initiative has also seen more GPs continue to keep bulk-billing meaning NSW residents have more bulk-billing options.

The average out-of-pocket GP cost is $44.00. Australians need to see a GP on average six times a year. These reforms mean an individual could save up to $264.00 a year or family of four could save up to $1,056.00.

Since 1 July 2025, NSW residents have used urgent or virtual care services over 145,000 times. But one in 10 patients presenting to an emergency department say they “thought their condition ‘definitely’ could have been treated by a GP or other health professional.”

The NSW Government invested $224 million to deliver and continue the operation of 25 Urgent Care Services. These services are located in Sydney, Illawarra, Central Coast, Murrumbidgee, Mid North Coast, Northern NSW, and Western NSW.

By using urgent or virtual care ahead of a busy winter people could potentially spare themselves an unnecessary visit to a busy emergency department or an out-of-pocket GP cost.  It’s as simple as phoning Healthdirect on 1800 022 222.

Free needle-free flu nasal spray vaccine

The Minns Labor Government recently announced the rollout of the free needle-free Flu Mist flu nasal spray vaccination for children between two and four years old. This can be accessed via your local GP, Aboriginal Medical Service or community pharmacy.

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia estimated the cost of obtaining the spray privately at between $70-80.

A family of four with two children under five could save up to $140.00 this winter.

While influenza and COVID-19 both remain at low levels currently, last winter saw influenza presentations to hospitals peak at 1,100 a week. Families are encouraged to take advantage of the new needle-free tear-free flu vaccine for under 5-year-olds.

Other free health services to take advantage of this winter

Free child and family health services for parents and carers of children up to five years old

These are free and offer health and development checks for your child, as well as providing support on a range of parenting issues, such as sleeping and settling, feeding, development and behaviour, and parental or carer wellbeing. Child and Family Health services often work in partnership with GPs and could be a suitable alternative for child and parenting related issues. NSW Health estimates that visiting a Child and Family Health Service could save a family $396.

Free dental care for children in NSW

All children in NSW are eligible for free dental services provided at NSW Health Public Dental Services. Regardless of eligibility for Child Dental Benefits Schedule, there will be no cost to you. The Minns Labor Government recently committed to expanding the NSW Health Mobile Dental Van program with new dental vans, which will be used as part of the NSW Health Primary School Mobile Dental Program and to provide outreach services in regional and rural areas. NSW Health estimates the average cost of living saving is $658.62, based on the equivalent cost of private dental services.

You can book a free dental appointment by contacting your nearest public dental service on 1800 679 336. 

Free mental health care at 24 Medicare mental health hubs

NSW funding towards our Medicare Mental Health Centres and Kids Hubs means adults and children have access free mental health care in the network of 24 clinics. Service varies from centre to centre but can include psychological support, support from social workers, drug and alcohol workers. Hubs that have been funded by the Minns Labor Government are located in Wagga Wagga, Dubbo, Canterbury, Muswellbrook, Bathurst, Young, Blacktown, Kempsey, Tamworth, Broken Hill, Central Darling and Tweed. NSW Health estimates the average cost of living saving is $90 – 180 per session based on the equivalent cost of private mental health services.

You can access it or find a location near you by searching ‘Medicare Mental Health’, or make a free call to the national phone service on 1800 595 212

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns: 

“Basic healthcare shouldn’t be difficult or prohibitively expensive to access.

“We recognise families are under real pressure right now, with the rising cost of mortgages, rents, food and fuel, and we don’t want basic healthcare to take a backseat.

“These free or low-cost initiatives for families through the public health system, provide some relief right now which will keep money in the pockets of families.”

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“More people could be taking advantage of these services and I am encouraging more people to use them ahead of a busy winter.

“It could not only save you money but it could also spare you an unnecessary visit to the ED, which are typically very busy during winter.

“Young families could save almost $1,200 on health care costs this year by taking advantage of easy to access vital health services offered through NSW Health.”

Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson:

“Getting help for your mental health should be easy and free. That’s why we’ve invested more than $58 million to establish a network of free mental health hubs for adults and children in every corner of our state.

“Thousands of families across NSW are already making the most of these centres, with Lismore, Liverpool and Penrith some of the busiest centres in 2025.

“The Minns Labor Government is delivering on its commitment to universal, free healthcare and that rightly includes access to critical mental health support.”

New England and Upper Hunter communities will share in an initial $60 million investment to deliver local infrastructure, services and employment opportunities as part of the New England Renewable Energy Zone.

The Minns Labor Government is making the funding available through the Community and Employment Benefit Program so it can be invested in priorities that matter to local communities, to create lasting benefits that support long-term regional prosperity alongside renewable energy development.

This funding is being brought forward to ensure initiatives can start to be delivered well before REZ projects begin construction.

EnergyCo will get input from councils and the community on the design of the funding program.

This investment is just the beginning of further benefits to the region that will be unlocked by the New England REZ. It will be amplified in years to come by renewable energy generators that connect to the REZ.

This approach builds on the success of the Central‑West Orana REZ, where community benefit funding has been delivered to projects including key worker accommodation in Mudgee, water security initiatives in the Warrumbungle Shire and early education services for children in Dunedoo. It has also supported targeted employment initiatives for young people, returning workers and people transitioning into renewable energy careers.

These investments help to ensure host communities are well‑placed to benefit from the jobs and economic opportunities generated by renewable energy development.

The Minns Labor Government is delivering the New England REZ as part of a once-in-a-generation transformation of NSW’s power system, to keep the lights on and put downward pressure on prices as coal-fired power stations retire.

The REZ is expected to bring more than 6,000 full-time construction jobs and 2,000 ongoing operational jobs to the region.

Minister for Energy, Penny Sharpe:

“Renewable energy projects will deliver meaningful and lasting benefits for regional communities in New England and the Upper Hunter, and we’ve taken action to ensure investment will begin to flow well before projects come online.

“This initial $60 million for legacy benefits means communities can start seeing practical benefits early. And it’s just the start – there will be more investment, more local jobs, and significant work for local businesses.”

EnergyCo Chief Executive Officer, Hannah McCaughey:

“I am excited to see funding start to roll out for communities in another Renewable Energy Zone. This is just one of the ways we will see renewable energy translate into regional development.

“EnergyCo is committed to working closely with communities and organisations across New England to deliver strong, long‑term outcomes from renewable energy infrastructure. We invite residents to participate in upcoming consultation so local voices can help shape the region’s future.”

About the New England REZ:

The New England REZ is a critical energy project for NSW that will deliver clean, reliable power to homes and businesses across the state.

The REZ, centred around Armidale, has some of the best wind resources in NSW. Its 8 gigawatts of network capacity will provide energy to consumers as coal-fired power stations go offline.

The REZ is expected to bring more than 6,000 full-time construction jobs and 2,000 ongoing operational jobs to the region. It will also create additional demand for workers in local manufacturing, retail and transport, and in the supply of goods and services.

More information is available at energyco.nsw.gov.au/cebp.

Faith communities across NSW are set to benefit from a $5 million investment to strengthen safety in places of worship, with 127 organisations sharing in the latest round of the Safe Places for Faith Communities Grants.

This funding round honours the Minns Labor Government’s $15 million commitment over four years to support the safety and security of places of worship and other locations where religious groups gather regularly. Since 2023, a total of 355 organisations have been supported.

The Safe Places for Faith Communities Grants take a resilience-based approach to safety and security by equipping organisations to prevent, prepare for, respond to and recover from incidents.

Initiatives funded under the program include upgrades to security systems and infrastructure, incident management, first-aid training and safety and wellbeing support services.

For more information on the program, please visit: Safe Places for Faith Communities Program – Multicultural NSW.

NSW Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said:

“All faith communities in NSW have the right to gather and practise their religion in safety and without fear.

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to supporting our diverse communities, and our $15 million investment in strengthening security at places of worship reflects that commitment.

“This funding will help grant recipients deliver practical upgrades that make their communities safer and more secure.”

Multicultural NSW Chief Executive Officer Joseph La Posta said:

“This funding will deliver long-lasting benefits for faith groups by helping them to provide peace of mind in their places of worship.

“We thank the faith organisations across NSW who have come forward and identified practical solutions for their communities so that we can deliver targeted support.”

NSW Opposition Leader, Kellie Sloane has announced that a Liberals and Nationals Government would deliver a dedicated 10-year Men and Boy’s Health Strategy by the end of 2027.  
 
The Opposition also committed to hosting a two-day Men’s Health Summit next year, bringing together health professionals, men and boy’s health organisations, researchers and men’s health advocates to help inform and shape the delivery of the Strategy.  
 
Leading men’s health organisations from across NSW joined the Liberals and Nationals at NSW Parliament where Ms Sloane said she wanted the state to have the best health outcomes for men and boys in Australia.  
 
“A 10-year Strategy is about us saying that we don’t accept the status quo and want to deliver a better future for every man and boy in NSW where they have access to the health and support services that will ensure they thrive,” said Ms Sloane. 
 
“The strategy will set clear targets for reducing male suicide, strengthen prevention and early intervention pathways, and improve access to services in regional and outer metropolitan communities.” 
  
Shadow Health Minister, Sarah Mitchell said that too many men were still dying early from preventable causes and that regional communities often face the highest disparity when it comes to premature mortality. 
  
“Every man and boy in NSW, no matter where they live, deserves to grow up happy and healthy. A dedicated Men and Boy’s Health Strategy will ensure we know where to direct government investment and have a way of measuring our progress,” said Ms Mitchell.  
  
Shadow Parliamentary Secretary, Matt Cross said surviving cancer and the birth of his son has shaped his drive to radically improve health outcomes for men and boys in NSW. 
  
“Men are far less likely to visit a doctor. I know this firsthand, as I delayed seeking help when I was anaemic. There are lots of reasons. Fear of the unknown. Worried it feels weak. Embarrassment. It’s even a misguided bravado and pride. It’s all dangerous and it must change,” said Mr Cross. 

Families across New South Wales will foot the bill for Labor’s big tax budget that breaks their election promise and leaves the state worse off.
 
The Albanese Government’s budget will increase the tax burden on families and business across NSW, following the lead of the Minns Labor Government who have presided over a 30 per cent increase in taxes since they have come to Government.
 
NSW will receive its lowest level of GST funding since the tax was introduced at 82 cents in the dollar and $1.25 billion less specific purpose payments in 2026-27 (compared to 2025-26) which includes infrastructure spending.
 
NSW infrastructure funding declines by 28 per cent over the forward estimates, with NSW receiving $5.557 billion less than Victoria and a staggering $7.945 billion less than Queensland.
 
NSW Liberal Leader Kellie Sloane said that NSW families will be left with the bill for Labor’s budget.
 
“Labor went to the last election promising not to remove negative gearing or the capital gains tax discount, but Labor has shown they’ll say one thing to win an election and do the opposite when they’re elected,” said Ms Sloane.
 
“NSW will receive its lowest level of GST on record, $1.4 billion less than Victoria despite having more than a million more people.”
 
“When families are struggling with higher costs and 6,200 businesses a year are shutting their doors, Labor’s tax grab on aspiration and enterprise is only going to hurt the NSW economy more.”
 
Shadow Treasurer Scott Farlow said the Premier can’t negotiate with his Canberra mates and is dragging NSW down with him.
 
“Every person in NSW is $1,101 worse off than every Victorian and $405 worse off than every Queenslander from the Federal Government,” said Mr Farlow.
 
“While raising $77 billion in additional taxes from these changes over the next ten years, NSW families will be footing the bill and we will see a declining share in our GST and spending, including on infrastructure.”
 
“NSW needs a Premier and Treasurer who are prepared to stand up to Canberra and not roll over as their lap dogs.”