Category: NSW News

Ms Sonia Minutillo has been appointed as the new NSW Privacy Commissioner to deliver an independent voice on the administration of privacy legislation.

Ms Minutillo’s appointment allows her to continue promoting, protecting, and enhancing the privacy rights of the people of NSW.

The NSW Privacy Commissioner investigates and conciliates complaints about breaches of privacy, advises government agencies, businesses, and other organisations on how to ensure the right to privacy is protected.

The Commissioner also oversees NSW Government agency reviews of reported breaches with a view to developments in policy, law, and technology that may impact privacy.

Ms Minutillo will continue to provide oversight of and advice to NSW public sector agencies on compliance with the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 and the Health Records and Information Privacy Act 2022 and in protecting the personal information of individuals.

Ms Minutillo was formerly the Director of Investigation and Reporting at the Information and Privacy Commission, leading its regulatory functions including the conduct of reviews, complaints, investigations, and proactive compliance program.

She has been acting NSW Privacy Commissioner since August 2023.

Find out more about the Information and Privacy Commission NSW here.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said:

“The Privacy Commissioner plays an important role in ensuring accountability in NSW Government by ensuring the public sector handles personal information responsibly and take steps to prevent and manage any data breaches.

“Ms Minutillo has demonstrated her expertise in this area while acting as Privacy Commissioner over the past 18 months, drawing on her experience leading programs in the fields of industrial relations and employment rights and obligations under NSW and Commonwealth legislation.

“I congratulate Ms Minutillo on her appointment and look forward to working with her to uphold the privacy of every NSW resident.”

Attorney General Michael Daley said:

“As the NSW Privacy Commissioner, Ms Minutillo will drive integrity and strong accountability in the public sector to underpin robust governance at every level.

“I welcome Ms Minutillo to this significant role. Her extensive experience and qualifications make her well-placed to continue the important work of promoting and protecting the privacy rights of the NSW community.”

The Department of Education will assume responsibility for overseeing home schooling in NSW from May 5, 2025. This change transfers oversight from the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) to the Department, and will align NSW with most other Australian jurisdictions.

The Department of Education has obligations under the Education Act 1990 to ensure students are either enrolled in an approved school or registered for home schooling. These changes will better enable the Department to ensure it is meeting that responsibility.

NESA staff currently involved in the regulatory oversight of home schooling will transfer to the Department of Education, retaining the expertise, working knowledge and relationships that are important to the administration of home schooling in NSW.

The NSW Government will also consider any recommendations made in relation to home schooling in the NSW Auditor-General’s review of Education in alternative settings. 

As in all NSW educational settings, the wellbeing and safety of children remains paramount.

Aboriginal community organisations and groups across NSW are encouraged to apply for grants to support local NAIDOC events and activities that celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture, and achievements.

The Minns Labor Government is providing $300,000 to support community-driven celebrations that align with this year’s NAIDOC theme: The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy. Grants awarded will range between $500 and $5,000.

The NAIDOC Grants Program supports communities to come together, share stories, and showcase culture, while strengthening connections to Country and community.

Events funded under the program must take place between 1 July and 30 November 2025.

Last year, the NSW Government supported more than 120 community-led events through its NAIDOC Grant program. These events included public exhibitions, cultural workshops, NAIDOC-themed sporting activities, and community festivals that bring people together to honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander traditions and achievements.

Applications for the 2025 NAIDOC grants close on 21 April. For more information and to apply go to https://www.nsw.gov.au/2025-naidoc-grants

Aboriginal Affairs NSW is hosting an online NAIDOC Grants Community Information Session on Thursday 27 March from 10:30-11:30am. Details and registration can be found at https://www.eventbaba.com.au/events/2025-NAIDOC-Grants-Community-Information-Session. A recording will be available for those unable to attend.

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:

“These grants are one of the ways that NSW Government supports local communities to lead celebrations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture, and achievements.

“NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for us all – Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people – to connect with community, take part in celebrations and learn from the world’s oldest, continuous living cultures.

“If you’ve got an idea for a NAIDOC event but need funding, I encourage you to apply.

“By supporting events like these we are continuing to close the gap in NSW by giving opportunities for each of us to learn about and connect with the richness and vibrancy of Aboriginal cultures and proudly celebrate those cultures together.”

After two years in office, the Minns Labor Government is sending the NSW health system backwards – with patients waiting longer, nurses picketing Parliament, hospital psychiatrists resigning and doctors threatening their first strike since 1984.
 
New data released today by the Bureau of Health Information (BHI) confirms the system is under unprecedented strain with 802,697 ED attendances and 67,902 patients leaving without or before completing treatment in the December quarter, an increase of 6% compared with the same quarter a year earlier.
 
Elective surgery waitlists have also blown out to near the COVID peak with 100,235 waiting for surgery – up 13.1% on the same quarter last year.
 
Opposition Leader Mark Speakman said Labor’s industrial chaos and two years in a row of real cuts to the health budget is having a real impact on patients.
 
“Chris Minns came to Government promising to cut elective surgery waiting lists, but has only managed to cut the health budget,” said Mr Speakman.
 
“The fact that elective surgery waiting lists have returned to levels we saw during the height of the pandemic, when elective surgeries were cancelled, demonstrates that Chris Minns and his Health Minister aren’t up to the job.”
 
Shadow Minster for Health Kellie Sloane said two years in, Labor’s mismanagement of our health system is failing patients and driving frontline staff to despair.
 
“From doctors threatening strike action to nurses picketing outside Parliament, the message is clear – the health workforce has lost confidence in this Government. And now patients are paying the price.”
 
“Chris Minns must take responsibility and deliver a real plan to fix the health system. We can’t afford more spin while people continue to wait in pain.”
 
Shadow Minister for Regional Health Gurmesh Singh said the Minns Government wasn’t prioritising health services in regional NSW.
 
“Chris Minns is busy fighting healthcare workers when he should be focused on delivering better health services for regional NSW,” said Mr Singh.
 
“The latest data shows that the time it takes for an ambulance to reach the highest priority P1A cases was continuing to go backwards, with only 52.4% arriving in 10 minutes in rural areas compared with 67% in urban areas.”

Ray James OAM has been appointed as Veterans’ Representative to the Anzac Memorial Board of Trustees.

Minister for Veterans David Harris, in his capacity as the Premier’s proxy and the Chair of the Trustees, appointed Mr James who was welcomed by the Trust at its regular meeting at the Memorial on Thursday, 13 March.

Mr James’ long military career includes 20 years in the Royal Australian Navy, service in the Vietnam War and a further 26 years in the Royal Australian Navy Reserve.

He is the most recent past President of RSL NSW, where he worked tirelessly to revitalise and rebuild RSL NSW.

He has also served as a Trustee of the Anzac Memorial for a previous three-year term between 2020 and 2023.

Mr James has remained an active member of RSL NSW since his term ended at that organisation in 2023 and continues to be a strong advocate for the veteran community.

The Veterans’ Representative is nominated by the President of RSL NSW and joins the Trust Board which comprises the NSW Premier, Leader of the Opposition, Lord Mayor of Sydney, State President of the RSL NSW, the Government Architect, the State Librarian, the Secretary of the Department of Education, an Australian Defence Force representative, and community representative, as legislated Trustees under the Anzac Memorial Building Act 1923. 

Mr James will hold the position on the Board of Trustees for three years.

For more information on the Board of Trustees visit https://www.anzacmemorial.nsw.gov.au/board-trustees

Minister for Veterans, David Harris said:

“I am delighted that Mr James is joining the Trust and I look forward to working alongside him once again. He has a wealth of Defence and Government experience that he can bring to the Board.

“Mr James is an active member of the veteran community and a tireless advocate for veterans. Since his tenure as President of RSL NSW ended in 2023, he has continued to raise awareness of the service and sacrifice of veterans and their families.

“On behalf of the Trustees, I congratulate Mr James on his appointment and wish him well in the position.”

The Moree Hospital Redevelopment is a step closer, with the main works contractor appointed and the next stage of work on track to begin in the coming months.

The NSW Government is investing $105 million in the hospital redevelopment to deliver new health facilities and upgraded health services for Moree and the surrounding communities to ensure their health needs continue to be met well into the future. 

Hutchinson Builders has been awarded the contract following a competitive tender process. 

The $105 million Moree Hospital Redevelopment will include construction of a new Acute Services Building on the existing hospital campus, which will house:

• An emergency department
• Operating theatres
• Medical imaging
• A birthing and inpatient unit
• Pathology
• A new main entry for the new hospital building.

The appointment of a builder follows the recent statutory planning approval for the project. Construction is expected to begin in the coming months.  

The Moree Hospital will continue to operate during construction as a District Hospital, providing care for the Moree and surrounding communities, and will remain networked to Tamworth Hospital for access to specialist services. 

Extensive consultation with staff and the community has been carried out throughout planning for the redevelopment to ensure the new hospital building creates a welcoming environment that reflects the heritage and culture of the region. 

A Language Reference Group is working to inform the inclusion of Aboriginal language and storytelling into signage and wayfinding into the redevelopment, while planning is underway for Arts projects which will be included in the new acute services building.  

For more information about the Moree Hospital redevelopment visit: https://hneinfra.health.nsw.gov.au/projects/moree 

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:  

“We’ve reached a significant milestone in the delivery of the redevelopment which will deliver enhanced healthcare facilities for Moree and surrounding communities. 

“The Moree Hospital Redevelopment will provide staff, patients, families and carers with a modern facility to support the health needs of the community now and into the future.

“All hospital services will continue to operate during construction, which follows significant planning and design work in collaboration with staff, stakeholders and the community.” 

Government Spokesperson for Northern Tablelands, Peter Primrose: 

“The $105 million Moree Hospital Redevelopment is estimated to support approximately 150 direct jobs, with the potential to support hundreds of indirect jobs over the life of the project. 

“This will provide a huge boost to the local economy, and I look forward to seeing work progress in the coming months.”

A new learning space to help foster employment opportunities and Aboriginal cultural connection has been launched at La Perouse Public School, thanks to a $99,000 ‘Community and Place’ grant from the Minns Labor Government.

Grant recipient IndigiGrow is a 100% Aboriginal-owned and operated social enterprise which operates nurseries at La Perouse and Matraville Sports High School, reviving, growing, and delivering native plants and bush tucker across Sydney.

The development of the cultural learning space on Bidjigal Country in Botany Bay is part of IndigiGrow’s broader efforts to grow jobs and broaden cultural knowledge.

The Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty, David Harris, attended the launch with school students, staff, parents and carers to celebrate the transformation of an unused school space, into a thriving hub for hands-on education in native plants, cultural knowledge, and connection to Country.

The launch featured a demonstration on how to propagate banksia pods using fire, given by IndigiGrow’s Peter Cooley.

The NSW Government’s Community and Place Grants has funded $35 million to support community-led programs that advance Closing the Gap outcomes since 2022.

For more information on IndigiGrow visit: https://indigigrow.com.au

Attorney General and Member for Maroubra, Michael Daley said:

“The cultural learning hub will help strengthen young Aboriginal people’s connection to culture.

“Programs like this are crucial to improving outcomes for Aboriginal students and empowering the next generation of community leaders.”

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty, David Harris said:

“The NSW Government is proud to support community-led initiatives that provide opportunities for students to deepen their cultural knowledge, learn from Elders, and gain practical skills that connect them to Country and community.

“Projects like this demonstrate the power of Aboriginal knowledge and leadership in shaping meaningful educational experiences for young people in NSW.

“By supporting IndigiGrow’s work, we are helping ensure the next generation can access cultural learning in a way that strengthens identity, wellbeing, and opportunity to help close the gap.”

Peter Cooley from IndigiGrow, said:

“Having these cultural educational learning facilities in the school environment is so important.

“They provide pathways for our young people to learn cultural knowledge and skills in a culturally safe, supportive and familiar learning environment, enhancing social and emotional wellbeing.”

Lisa Maller, Principal of La Perouse Public School said:

“IndigiGrow shares invaluable knowledge about bush tucker and significant local plants, deepening students’ awareness of the natural world and its cultural significance.

“The creation of the yarning circle will provide a vital communal space for cultural exchange and connection, offering students profound learning experiences that celebrate both environmental and cultural heritage.”

Some of the busiest emergency departments in Australia have seen significant reductions in hospital ramping, according to the latest Bureau of Health Information quarterly results.

One of the key indicators of hospital ramping is the proportion of patients transferred from paramedics to ED staff within 30 minutes – also known as Transfer of Care (TOC).

St George Hospital – which received over 82,000 ED attendances last year – saw a 25 percentage point improvement in transfer of patient from paramedic to ED staff in the December 2024 quarter compared with the same period the previous year.

Blacktown Hospital – which received over 67,000 ED attendances last year – saw a 23.2 percentage point improvement.

Campbelltown Hospital – which received over 92,000 ED attendances last year – saw a 9.3 percentage point improvement.

Liverpool Hospital – which received over 90,000 ED attendances last year – saw a 7.2 percentage point improvement.

These improvements come despite the health system recording the highest ever number of patients arriving to EDs by ambulance – almost 200,000 in a single quarter.

The Minns Labor Government has invested half a billion dollars into ED relief, which includes:

• $189 million in tax relief to incentivise GPs to maintain bulk-billing rates, meaning people with non-life-threatening conditions don’t need to present to the ED
• $171.4 million to expand statewide virtual care services helping 180,000 avoid a trip to the ED
• $100 million to back in our urgent care services to become a mainstay and key instrument of the health system in providing a pathway to care outside of our hospitals for an estimated 114,000 patients
• $70 million to expand emergency department short stay units to improve patient flow to reduce ED wait times by nearly 80,000 hours
• $15.1 million for an Ambulance Matrix that provides real time hospital data to enable paramedics to transport patients to emergency departments with greater capacity and reducing wait times
• $31.4 million to increase Hospital in the Home across the state allowing over 3,500 additional patients each year to be cared for in their home rather than a hospital bed
• $53.9 million to improve patient flow and support discharge planning by identified patients early on that are suitable to be discharged home with the appropriate supports in place.

NSW Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“Relieving pressure on our emergency departments and ensuring people receive care in a timely manner have been top priorities of our government.

“Such significant challenges have been met with a significant half-a-billion dollar investment in ED relief.

“Today, I’m so pleased to see encouraging progress in our effort to reduce ramping.

“But I don’t want us to get ahead of ourselves, because there is still much more to do.

“I do want to reiterate that people who present to hospitals with non-life-threatening conditions can still expect to wait long periods in the ED.

“So if you do have a non-life-threatening condition, I strongly encourage you to phone HealthDirect on 1800 022 222 where you can avoid an unnecessary wait in the ED, and receive care outside of the hospital including through urgent or virtual care services.”

The Minister for Planning and Public Spaces has declared a further 15 housing proposals as State Significant Development (SSD) following recommendations from the Housing Delivery Authority (HDA).

These new housing proposals, if approved, could deliver more than 7,000 new homes.

After three briefings in two months a total of 44 housing development proposals have been declared state significant under the HDA, with the potential to deliver more than 22,000 new homes, once proposals are assessed.

Since the first meeting, nine projects have also had Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements issued, the first step in the assessment process which signals a good flow of projects progressing quickly along the SSD pathway.

To date, the Authority has received over 250 expressions of interest. At its latest meeting, 32 proposals were examined.

The authority is prioritising high-quality housing projects with detailed plans that can be submitted within nine months and can begin construction within 12 months of approval. To be declared state significant, proposals submitted to the HDA that are already being assessed via another planning pathway need to be withdrawn from that pathway.

All proposals declared as SSD will have their development applications assessed by the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, without needing to be approved by councils. This can cut approval times and speed up the delivery of new homes.

This is all part of the Minns Government’s plan to build a better NSW with more homes and services, so young people, families and key local workers have somewhere to live and in the communities they choose.

The HDA builds on the Minns Government’s recent reforms to the planning system to speed up the delivery of more homes, including:

• The development of the NSW Pattern Book and accelerated planning pathway for those who use the pre-approved patterns.
• The largest rezoning in NSW history around transport hubs and shopping centres to address the “missing middle.”
• The largest ever investment in the delivery of social and affordable housing in NSW.
• $200 million in financial incentives for councils that meet the new expectations for development applications, planning proposals and strategic planning.
• $450 million to build new apartments for essential workers including nurses, paramedics, teachers, allied health care workers, police officers and firefighters.

Recommendations from the HDA are published as required under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 before the SSD declaration. For more information visit Housing Delivery Authority | Planning.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“These latest projects that I have declared as State Significant Developments have the potential to deliver more than 7,000 new homes including affordable housing.

“The Housing Delivery Authority is not a silver bullet to our housing supply challenges, but it’s certainly a step in the right direction.

“In three briefings, I have declared projects that could deliver more than 22,000 dwellings into a state-assessed planning pathway, proponents now have nine months to prepares their planning documents, and must commence construction if they are approved within 12 months, because the need for housing is too urgent.”

The Minns Labor Government’s crackdown on knife crime has seen more than 90 dangerous weapons seized from our streets since the NSW Police Force began wanding operations in December.

The force has conducted 34 wanding operations across metro and regional NSW, scanning 4,147 individuals, seizing 91 unlawful weapons and charging 67 people with 71 weapons offences.

Weapons seized include knives, tasers, sling shots, knuckle dusters, machetes and folding kitchen knives.

Under Operation Ares, officers are conducting high-visibility policing operations and using handheld scanners or electronic metal detecting ‘wands’ to scan individuals within a designated area for dangerous weapons.

Locations of the operations include Sydney CBD, Liverpool, Campbelltown, Blacktown, Mt Druitt, Parramatta, Newcastle, Coffs Harbour, Dubbo, Wollongong, Wagga Wagga, Nowra, Bomaderry, Albury and Lavington.

The Minns Labor Government has taken decisive action to give police further resources to create a safer NSW and send the clear message that knife crime will not be tolerated.

Under the powers, modelled on Queensland’s Jack’s Law, police can stop and scan individuals without a warrant at designated areas.

When switched on by NSW Police, the powers can be used in public spaces including public transport stations, shopping precincts, and certain sporting venues.

These police powers complement other measures introduced by this Government to address knife crime, including:

• Doubling the penalty for selling a knife to a child under 16 to $11,000 and introducing a custodial sentence of up to 12 months for the offence; and
• Creating a new offence for selling knives to children aged 16 or 17 without a reasonable excuse.

The NSW Government remains committed to reducing knife crime and building a safer NSW through continued legislative and operational policing efforts.

Premier of NSW, Chris Minns said:

“The number of weapons that have been seized already is shocking.

“To have taken almost 100 knives and other weapons off our streets is as horrifying as it is important.

“Our tough knife laws are working and getting weapons out of our community.

“The NSW Government and NSW Police are confronting knife crime and sending a strong message that it is not tolerated.”

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

“Everybody deserves to feel and be safe in public and it’s clear that these new laws are making NSW a safer place.

“I want to thank the NSW Police who are working around the clock to seize dangerous weapons and keep our community safe from the devastating effects of knife crime.

“There are very few excuses to carry a knife in public – anyone thinking about leaving home with a dangerous weapon should think again. The NSW Police are cracking down hard and you will be caught.”

NSW Police Force Public Transport and Public Safety Command Assistant Commissioner Stephen Hegarty said:

“During the 34 operations we have not only seized dangerous knives and weapons, but we have arrested 67 people with offences and put them before the courts.

“There are only very few purposes for anyone to have a knife in their possession in public. In most circumstances, it is illegal and will only lead to tragedy and the death of innocent people.

“We want people to feel and be safe while they go about their daily lives at shopping centres or on public transport.

“Our high-visibility operations are designed to send a message to people and deter them from carrying knives and weapons.”