Category: NSW News

A shocking failure in the prison system has allowed a high-risk domestic violence offender to harass his victim with more than 1,500 phone calls while behind bars at John Morony Prison.
 
The serial offender was allegedly able to add his victim’s phone number to an approved call list, making an average of 20 calls a day over three months—an outrageous breach of protocol that should never have been possible.
 
Shadow Minister for Corrections Adam Crouch said the Minns Labor Government has serious questions to answer.
 
“This is an appalling breakdown in the system. The government has failed in its most basic duty—to protect the community, especially victims of crime.
 
Corrections officers should be stopping offenders from contacting their victims, not handing them an open line to continue their abuse. The Minister has announced an ‘investigation’ and offered an ‘apology’—but that does nothing to fix the problem or reassure victims that they are safe.
 
The offender’s phone access must be suspended immediately, and the government must be upfront with the public about how often these breaches are occurring,” Mr Crouch said.
 
With thousands of inmates given access to phones, how many other victims are being harassed right now? The Minister needs to come clean—how many times has this happened under his watch?
 
How can we expect victims of crime to come forward if the government can’t guarantee they won’t be harassed in this way.

Passengers are urged to avoid non-essential travel and allow extra travel time tomorrow (Monday 17 February) as lengthy delays and cancellations are expected to continue on the rail network next week due to industrial action.

Last week saw severe disruption to train services due to an unprecedented level of unplanned and unnotified staff absences.

Significant impacts are expected to continue into next week. However, the nature of this action is very unpredictable and we won’t have clarity on the impacts until the morning when train drivers and guards start to report for their shifts.

Sydney Trains and NSW TrainLink are urging employees to turn up to work tomorrow and help run a regular timetable. There is no ‘lockout’ in place and all staff undertaking their normal duties will be paid.

For parents of school children who would normally catch the train, our advice is to arrange alternative travel if possible.

We urge passengers to avoid non-essential travel, use alternative forms of public transport, and plan ahead by checking the latest updates on transportnsw.info and live travel apps.

Sydney Trains and NSW TrainLink apologise to our passengers once again for the disruption as our staff work hard to minimise the impacts of industrial action.

The matter will be heard in a full bench hearing of the Fair Work Commission on Wednesday (19 February).

Incident activity

• Ongoing – Today, 11:00pm

Details

Rail passengers are advised to plan ahead and allow extra travel time today due to industrial action. Plan ahead and check the latest updates before travelling. Allow extra travel time and see the news story for further information.

The Minns Labor Government has secured a multi-year pay deal with TAFE NSW teachers, benefiting nearly 9,000 teaching staff. Over 90 per cent of teaching staff, backed by the NSW Teachers Federation, voted to accept the government’s 10.5% baseline pay offer, higher than ever offered under the former government.

This comes after a decade long wages cap by the former Liberal-National Government that left thousands of teachers underpaid and in insecure employment.  

Nearly two thirds of NSW Public sector workers and their union have now signed wage agreements with the NSW Government.

The deal, which delivers on the Government’s election commitment to rebuild TAFE NSW, consists of:

• A 3.5% pay rise, plus a 0.5% superannuation boost for 2024-25;
• A 3% pay rise annually in both 2025-26 and 2026-27, plus a further 0.5% increase to super in 2025-26.

Additionally, the Government will undertake reforms within 12 months to remove TAFE NSW from the former Government’s “Smart and Skilled” competitive market, a key recommendation of the NSW VET Review.

This means TAFE NSW will no longer compete with the private training providers for funding and instead will have a more predictable annual budget.

These changes will slash red tape and give teachers more time to focus on the actual teaching of students.

In addition, the Minns Labor Government has transitioned more than 1700 casual teachers and delivery support staff from the beginning of this semester into permanent roles, providing long-overdue job security and stability for staff who have endured years of uncertainty.

80% of the TAFE NSW teaching workforce now enjoy greater job security, ensuring a stable, experienced workforce to deliver training in priority industries such as construction, manufacturing, and healthcare.

Minister for Industrial Relations, Sophie Cotsis said:

“This pay agreement with TAFE NSW teaching staff reaffirms the Minns Labor Government’s industrial relations framework is working.

“It recognises not only the important service our teachers and educators provide but acknowledges and rewards their efforts.

“This is a good step forward but there is always more work to do to ensure we have the best public service in the world.”

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan said:    

“I’m delighted that the TAFE NSW teaching staff have agreed to the Government’s offer, recognising their contribution to the state. Our teachers are on the front line of delivering the skills education to fill shortages in our critical industries and we value them.”  

“We’ve heard from teachers that they want to see reform in TAFE NSW, and alongside the increase in pay, this agreement builds on reform by no longer requiring TAFE NSW to compete with private training providers for funding.

“Removing TAFE NSW from the competitive (Smart and Skilled) market was a key recommendation of the Government’s VET Review.  It will result in a major reduction in administrative burden for TAFE NSW, but more importantly it enhances the recognition that TAFE NSW is the core provider of vocational training in NSW.  

“Funding certainty and a stable and secure vocational training workforce are crucial to meeting the increasing demand for skilled workers across several critical industries NSW communities rely on every day.” 

NSW Teachers Federation President, Henry Rajendra said:  

“The Federation enthusiastically welcomes the strengthening of TAFE NSW, with more than 1700 teachers transitioning from casual to permanent role starting earlier this term.

We also commend the removal of the constraints of the contestable funding market on TAFE NSW, and the introduction of a new three-year enterprise agreement that delivers solid pay increases to some of the most essential educators in NSW.  

“These are a clear demonstration of the NSW Government’s commitment to rebuilding a strong and stable TAFE NSW. 

“As the heart of the vocational education and training sector in Australia, TAFE NSW is critical to delivering the education and skills for our students, communities and economy across NSW. 

“TAFE NSW has a proven track record of excellence, delivering dependable public education that meets individual, industry and community needs.” 

The Minns Labor Government is continuing work to ensure the New South Wales farmers and agriculture industry are safeguarded into the future with the appointment of Alison Stone as the state’s first statutory Agriculture Commissioner.

Committed to during the state election and legislated last year, the Commissioner will provide independent advice, conduct reviews and make recommendations to the NSW Government on agricultural matters, including productivity, land use conflict and food security.

Commissioner Stone has over 40 years of experience across primary industries equipping her to provide informed advice to the NSW Government on future proofing this vital industry.

This experience has included 25 years as a farmer, policy experience across Land, Natural Resources, Foresty, Heritage and Wildlife Roles and experience in disaster resilience, response and recovery having led the codesign process for the Disaster Wise Communities Network.

Further, the Commissioner served on the NSW Government’s cornerstone Regional Advisory Council, the Victorian Fisheries Co-Management Council and the Commonwealth Government’s Forest Industry Advisory Council.

As Agriculture Commissioner, Ms Stone will serve an initial three-year term with work to include:

• Assisting the NSW Government in developing an ongoing system for defining, identifying, and mapping agricultural lands throughout the State
• Progressing the pilot of a Farm Practices Panel, which will look at ways to reduce conflict between agricultural producers and neighbours on a broader scale
• Providing input and advice to address challenges related to critical renewable energy infrastructure to support our energy transition and the impact it can have on landholders
• Promoting a coordinated and collaborative approach across the Commonwealth Government, the NSW Government and local government in relation to agricultural matters
• Work with the Net Zero Commissioner promoting a cohesive approach to policy making.

The appointment of the state’s first Statutory Agriculture Commissioner is part of the Minns Labor Government’s ongoing work to ensure regional communities and farmers can thrive. This work has included the following:

• The appointment of the state’s first Independent Biosecurity Commissioner Dr Marion Healy
• The creation of the $400 million Regional Development Trust Fund to deliver sustainable and strategic investment that make a real difference to regional communities
• A historic investment of $947 million in biosecurity protection and enforcement.

NSW Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:

“The Minns Government has delivered another key election commitment by ensuring farmers and the agricultural sector has a dedicated and independent Agriculture Commissioner to advise me and the Government on best options for matters such as land planning in regional NSW.

“Ms Stone’s extensive career across both the public and private sectors has made her a respected leader in agriculture and the Government is endorsing her for this role because she has a proven track record of resolving complex and contentious issues in areas such as land management reform.

“With 25 years of hands-on experience as a livestock farmer, she also understands the realities of rural life and the challenges faced by our farming communities.

“The appointment of a statutory Agricultural Commissioner marks an exciting new chapter for agriculture in NSW, and I look forward to working alongside Ms Stone to champion our farmers, protect valuable agricultural land, and build a stronger, more resilient agricultural sector.

Ms Alison Stone, endorsed to be the first statutory NSW Agriculture Commissioner said:

“Agriculture is the backbone of our state, and my role is to collaborate with government, landowners and industry leaders to drive tangible, on-the-ground  outcomes and practices to ensure NSW has a strong and prosperous agriculture sector.”

“NSW’s primary industries sector is one of the most diverse in the country, with a wide range of agricultural commodities and farming systems. While this presents challenges, it also creates valuable opportunities for growth and innovation.

“One of my key priorities is helping government to protect and support our agricultural land, ensuring productivity remains on the government’s agenda alongside its priorities for renewable energy and housing.

“I am honoured to be endorsed by the NSW Government for the first statutory Agriculture Commissioner and to work alongside Minister Moriarty and the farming sector to build a more resilient and prosperous future.

The Minns Labor Government and wind farm developer WestWind Energy Pty Ltd have signed a lease agreement to help facilitate a wind farm with up to 201 turbines on Crown land in south-west NSW. 

WestWind Energy is aiming to construct the wind farm over a 2-3 year period from 2029 to 2032, subject to planning approvals and community consultation.  

The project has an estimated capital expenditure of $3.8 billion and will have an installed capacity of up to about 1,000 megawatts with an annual energy production of approximately 3,400 gigawatt-hours, capable of powering up to 700,000 homes.

The project will also include up to three battery energy storage systems with a total of 1500 megawatt hours storage to provide a more secure and consistent supply of electricity.

The proposed Lake Victoria Wind Farm, could support up to 375 jobs during construction and up to 70 ongoing jobs once completed to maintain the infrastructure and manage ongoing operations of the facility. 

Crown Lands has negotiated the agreement for a special purpose lease which would provide WestWind Energy with an initial 25-year lease with two 7-year options to extend the lease a further 14 years.

The lease agreement allows WestWind Energy to progress planning for its proposed Lake Victoria Wind Farm, would be located about 30 kilometres north-west of Wentworth near the Victorian border. 

The project is listed on the NSW Planning website to be assessed as a State Significant Development once a development application is lodged.  

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“The Lake Victoria Wind Farm proposal has the potential to deliver major economic investment, well paid regional jobs and more green energy for NSW.

“The Lake Victoria Wind Farm is a significant clean energy initiative that can play a vital role in powering our economy for generations to come.

“The rental income will be reinvested into the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund to provide grants to maintain and improve Crown reserves across the state, such as regional showgrounds, war memorials and community sporting grounds.” 

Communities in Scone, Muswellbrook, and Dungog will benefit from a $750,000 funding boost from the NSW Government to upgrade hospitals and health facilities in the region.

The Minns Labor Government is investing a total of almost $12 million in 61 projects as part of the Regional Health Minor Works Program.

Projects for the Upper Hunter region include:

• $250,000 for an Emergency Department expansion at Scone Memorial Hospital, which will convert a temporary overflow area into a permanent space and support the continuation of clinical care
• $250,000 for a new palliative care room at Muswellbrook Hospital, with an ensuite and carer support space
• $250,000 to deliver new staff accommodation at Dungog Hospital, enhancing safety and improving capacity for temporary staff.

Hunter New England Local Health District is planning to complete these projects in the 2025/2026 financial year.

Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to investing in upgrading health facilities to support better health outcomes for rural and regional communities.

“The Regional Minor Works Program will allow Hunter New England Local Health District to expand the size of the ED at Scone, create a more comfortable space for palliative care patients and their loved ones at Muswellbrook and boost the availability of key health worker accommodation at Dungog. 

“The program is one of a number of investments the Minns Labor Government is making to strengthen rural and regional health services, so people have access to the best possible care close to home.”

Labor Spokesperson for the Upper Hunter, Emily Suvaal MLC:

“This Government’s committed to investing in regional, rural and remote healthcare.

“Being in or caring for a loved one in Palliative Care can be incredibly difficult, so the $250,000 investment in the palliative care space at Muswellbrook will be very welcome.

“The Emergency Department expansion at Scone will assist the hard-working staff there in providing the best possible care to the Upper Hunter community”

Acting Executive Director of Infrastructure, Planning, and Sustainability Anna Styles-Tape:

“These investments continue our District’s goal of improving healthcare for regional areas, and we look forward to sharing updates with the local communities about each project as they progress.”

The Minns Labor Government is committing $3 million to improve health outcomes for patients, carers and families with end of life and palliative care needs in NSW.

The funding for The End of Life and Palliative Care Research Grant Program aims to translate research projects into practical benefits and support collaboration between NSW Health, research institutes, community organisations, non-government organisations and Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations.

Eligible agencies will receive up to $300,000 over three years for smaller scale research projects, and up to $600,000 for larger scale research activity.

Recipients of the funding will conduct research in the following priority areas:

• Pharmacological and non-pharmacological management for patients
• Collaborative care models to improve experience
• Culturally and socially inclusive care for Aboriginal, culturally and linguistically diverse, and LGBTIQ+ patients, carers, families and communities
• Psychosocial support for grief, loss and bereavement for patients, carers, families and communities. 

The Program will run a competitive application process to identify research projects. Expressions of Interest applications open on 14 February 2025 and will close on 23 March 2025.

More information can be found on the NSW Health website.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to improving the comfort and experience of people with life-limiting illnesses during what is an extremely challenging time for patients and their families.

“I am proud to announce this initiative which reaffirms our commitment and aims to translate projects into tangible benefits for people with end of life and palliative care needs in NSW.”

Minister for Medical Research David Harris:

“I am pleased our government is committing funding for research and innovation that is so critical to improving the experiences of palliative care and end of life patients and the community. 

“I appreciate all the hard work and collaboration efforts to implement this fantastic initiative.

“Importantly, these priority research areas have been informed through extensive consultation with the NSW palliative care sector, including clinicians, policy managers, academics and advocacy groups.”

Landcom’s build to rent project on the South Coast will start construction in the coming months to deliver much needed housing supply and security for the region’s renters.

The NSW Government developer Landcom has signed with Ulladulla based Zauner Construction Pty Ltd to deliver the construction of 60 new homes in Bomaderry.

The 48 new homes will be provided at market rates for long term rental, with the remaining twelve set aside for affordable housing for households on low to moderate incomes.

The building will demonstrate best practice sustainable design to maximise energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions and provide a healthy environment for residents with fresh air and natural light.

There will be a mix of apartment sizes to suit the needs, lifestyles and budgets of the local community.  Future residents will be close to Bomaderry railway station and have easy access to shops, open space and other amenities.

Construction will take around 18 months with new residents expected to move in by late 2026.

This week the NSW Government announced Landcom’s plans to transform the former WestConnex dive site at Camperdown into 500 new apartments including 200 Build to Rent apartments with discounted rents for essential workers like nurses, paramedics, teachers, police officers and firefighters.

Landcom is also leading the development of 50 new apartments in the NSW Northern Rivers as part of its Build to Rent Program in regional NSW.

For more information about the project visit Landcom: Bomaderry | Landcom

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“Landcom was formed by the Wran Labor Government and under a Minns Labor Government we are seeing a new level of investment and is supporting the delivery of new homes.

“From the regions to our city centres, the NSW Government is getting on with the job of delivering more affordable, well-built and connected homes to those that need it.

“The Minns Labor Government’s program is boosting housing supply in areas where we know people are struggling with the rising cost of rent.

“This will provide a boost to jobs and the local economy in the Shoalhaven region.”

Member for South Coast Liza Butler said:

“The injection of housing is welcome news and will be of great benefit to many families in the area. It is developments such as this that has been the missing link for Bomaderry and the South Coast.

“Long term, secure rental housing is important now, more than ever. I am proud to be part of the Minns Labor Government that is taking action to address the housing crisis in NSW.”

Duty MLC for Kiama Sarah Kaine MLC said:

“This is a great development, backed by responsible investment of government money, to boost housing supply, and tackle the housing crisis head on.

“It’s great to be part of a Government that is investing in affordable housing in our regional communitites and supporting local jobs.

Love takes centre stage at the Sydney Opera House today, with a record 40 couples sharing their vows in one of the world’s most iconic settings on the most romantic day of the year.

This Valentine’s Day, the NSW Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages will host 40 intimate ceremonies at the Sydney Opera House, turning dream weddings into an affordable reality.

Pairs getting hitched on Valentine’s Day will exchange vows in the Yallamundi Rooms, the Opera House’s stunning events space with spectacular harbour views, surrounded by up to 35 of their closest family and friends starting from $1399.

The romance does not stop at the Opera House, with 14 loved-up couples set to make it official in the picturesque Pyrmont Registry wedding rooms, bringing the tally to 53 Registry marriages and one vow renewal on Valentine’s Day.

To make their day even more special, many couples have added extras such as photography, flowers, and an on-site reception to continue the celebrations.

All year round, couples can wed at the beautiful Pyrmont Registry from $479, or further south in the historic charm of the Old Wollongong Courthouse, with ceremonies starting from $659.

The number of couples choosing to celebrate their love with a Registry wedding each year is steadily rising, with 2024’s figure a 32 per cent increase on the 2500 registry weddings held in 2023.

To find out more or to book your own dream wedding, visit the NSW Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages web page.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government, Jihad Dib said:

“Love is in the air today as we celebrate 40 couples exchanging their vows right here in this beautiful setting at the Sydney Opera House.

“The NSW Government is working to ease cost-of-living pressures, offering couples the chance to marry at an iconic location like the Opera House for a fraction of the cost of a typical wedding.

“Congratulations to all the couples getting married on Valentine’s Day, I wish you a lifetime of love and happiness together.”

Registrar for NSW Births, Deaths & Marriages, Theresa Fairman said:

“While Valentine’s Day is hugely popular, our Pyrmont and Wollongong venues offer stunning, budget friendly options all year round.

“The demand for our ceremonies shows that couples are choosing the Registry for a memorable and unique wedding experience.”