Category: NSW News

The Minns Labor Government is continuing to rebuild essential education infrastructure in regional NSW, with a milestone reached in the recovery of Lismore South Public School and Lismore South Public School Ngulliboo Jarjums Preschool following the devastating 2022 Northern Rivers floods.

This week the school’s first building modules are lifted into place, as construction continues on the new permanent, flood-resilient facilities at the schools’ Phyllis Street site.

The modules are being craned in and installed onto a flood-resilient steel platform. The first school spaces will be assembled in 47 separate crane lifts, with installation of the preschool and remaining classrooms to follow. The rebuild is expected to be completed in late 2026.

The new flood-resilient public school and co-located public preschool will include 13 state-of-the-art classrooms, a library, a multipurpose hall, administration areas, landscaping and outdoor learning areas, and dedicated indoor and outdoor learning spaces for Lismore South Public School Ngulliboo Jarjums Preschool.

The flood-resilient buildings have been designed to meet the long-term needs of preschool and primary school students in South Lismore and minimise potential disruption from any future flood events.

Enhanced planning powers under section 68 of the NSW Reconstruction Authority Act 2022 have been used to fast-track the rebuild of the school. This is the third time these powers have been exercised by the Minister for Recovery to accelerate the reconstruction of a flood-affected public school, supporting the NSW Government’s commitment to deliver safer, more resilient learning environments for local communities. The Minns Labor Government is committed to rebuilding flood-affected schools in the Northern Rivers, ensuring schools are built back better for local communities.

Since 2022, 18 flood-damaged schools have been repaired or rebuilt in the Northern Rivers, including Tumbulgum Public School and Condong Public School, where students returned late last year.

Funding to rebuild nine extensively damaged schools, including Lismore South Public School, has been provided through the Infrastructure Betterment Fund, which is jointly funded by the Commonwealth and NSW Governments through Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

As part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to rebuild public education in NSW, the 2025-26 Budget is delivering $2.1 billion for new and upgraded schools in regional NSW.

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

“This is an exciting milestone for the Lismore South community, with students, staff and families seeing their new school begin to take shape.

“The Minns Labor Government is getting on with the job of rebuilding schools in the Northern River better, and the new, flood-resilient Lismore South Public School will better serve local students and families for decades to come.

“These new facilities will give students in South Lismore access to the high-quality learning environments they deserve.”

Minister for Recovery and Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said:

“Recovery looks different for every family in our community, but for the students of Lismore South it looks like a new school taking shape, module by module.

“We are committed to ensuring our local schools are built back better. By using a flood-resilient steel platform and modern design, we are making sure this school stays at the heart of South Lismore for the long term.

“Our community deserves a school that is built for the future. Seeing these modules lifted into place is a massive step forward in providing our students and teachers with the modern, purpose-built facilities they need and deserve.”

Lismore South Public School Principal Larissa Polak said:

“It is a real turning point to see the first modules of our new school going up. Students, teachers, and local families are so excited to see this progress.

“This new building represents stability and continuity of learning in the face of future challenges. It will be a safe, modern school, built to give every child here the best possible learning environment.

“We are so proud to be on this journey, especially after everything our community has faced, and we cannot wait to call this new school our home.”

The NSW Minister for Energy has issued formal information notices to a number of liquid fuel companies, as NSW responds to fuel distribution challenges arising from the conflict in the Middle East.

Last week the NSW Government sought voluntary information from major fuel companies about historical stocks and sales as well as future orders and forecasts.

The Minister has now issued formal notices to those companies, as well as several smaller providers, compelling them to provide a wide range of information. The information notices have been issued under s 27 of the Energy and Utilities Administration Act 1987.

The companies are required to provide information to the NSW Government to help the state determine if the supply of liquid fuel to NSW is, or is likely to be, significantly disrupted.

The information will help form a more complete view of how the NSW Government can work with the fuel industry, as well as prepare for the exercise of emergency powers if needed.

A Liquid Fuel Emergency Operations Centre is now operational in Parramatta, acting as headquarters for the operational response.

The NSW Government’s message remains that people should only buy as much fuel as they need.

Motorists are encouraged to download the NSW FuelCheck app or visit www.fuelcheck.nsw.gov.au/app for daily information on fuel prices as an indication of availability across the state.

Minister for Energy, Penny Sharpe said:

“We need a clear picture of the situation to best support people and communities as we navigate the challenges posed by this global conflict.

“To ensure the NSW Government has complete and accurate information, I have issued formal notices compelling these fuel companies to hand over all requested information.”

Allied health professionals across NSW have been celebrated for their outstanding work and dedication at the annual NSW Health Excellence in Allied Health Awards, held at the Art Gallery of NSW last night.

The annual awards recognise the compassion, commitment, and contributions of allied health clinicians and support staff across the NSW public health system, with 35 finalists considered in seven award categories.

Awards were presented by Minister for Health Ryan Park, Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson, and NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce AM.

The winners in each of the seven categories are:

• Allied Health Professional of the Year Helen McGregor, Podiatrist, Northern NSW Local Health District
• Allied Health Leader of the Year Tia Croft, Speech Pathologist, South Western Sydney Local Health District
• Early Career Allied Health Professional of the Year Nicole Gregoriou, Social Worker, Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District
• Aboriginal Allied Health Professional of the Year Ryan Taylor, Physiotherapist, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District
• Allied Health Assistant / Technician / Support Person of the Year Deanna Stenhouse, Allied Health Assistant, Murrumbidgee Local Health District
• Allied Health Researcher of the Year Meegan Shepherd, Radiation Therapist, Northern Sydney Local Health District
• Allied Health Educator of the Year Georgia Lloyd, Pharmacist, Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network

For more information on the winners and a full list of finalists, visit 2026 NSW Health Excellence in Allied Health Awards.

The Minns Labor Government understands the important role our workforce plays in the health system and has committed to long-term investments in staff recruitment and retention by:

• Abolishing the wages cap and delivering the largest wage increase to healthcare workers in a decade;
• Implementing ratios in our emergency departments;
• Saving 1,112 nurses which the Liberal Government planned to sack;
• Supporting our future health workforce through providing them with study subsidies.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“Every day allied health staff are there for people at every stage of life by stepping up to meet complex challenges, delivering care that exceeds expectations and strengthens our health system.

“The Allied Health Awards help recognise excellence and acknowledge the dedication of all allied health professionals and their support staff across our entire health system. I want to thank all finalists for their contribution to our health system and extend my congratulations to this year’s award winners.

“It was an honour to present the award to NSW’s Allied Health Professional of the Year Helen McGregor. Helen has played an instrumental role in the High Risk Foot Service at Lismore Base Hospital and fostered innovative programs like the Pedorthics multidisciplinary clinic, improving access to custom footwear for local community members. Helen has also been a great support to her colleagues – recognised as a dedicated mentor and educator by her peers.”

Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson:

“The Allied Health Awards reflect the strength of our allied health workforce, whose expertise across many settings- including mental health – plays an important role in improving patient outcomes.

“I want to extend my sincere gratitude to all of our allied health staff for their commitment towards driving the highest standards of care for our communities.”

Minister for Medical Research David Harris:

“Across NSW, allied health professionals and their support staff consistently go above and beyond, supporting patients, families and communities.

“I congratulate all the finalists and would particularly like to highlight the achievements of Meegan Shepherd, winner of the Allied Health Researcher of the Year. Meegan is a radiation therapist with nearly 20 years of experience working in cancer care. Meegan leads and contributes to multiple clinical trials across gastro-intestinal, adaptive-radiotherapy and AI-enabled radiotherapy. Her research has directly improved cancer treatment protocols in NSW, improving outcomes for patients.”

NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce AM:

“I want to thank all of our nominees, finalists, and winners for the incredible work they do in a wide variety of roles, right across the state.

“Allied health professionals, assistants, and support staff make a profound impact and enrich health every day in many ways through their professionalism and dedication towards delivering outstanding patient centric care.”

NSW Health Chief Allied Health Officer Andrew Davison:

“The Excellence in Allied Health Awards are a celebration of individual achievement and recognition of the vital role allied health professionals play in the public health system, across 23 unique professions.”

Shellharbour City Council has completed a major upgrade to Bass Point Tourist Road, delivering a safer, more reliable access to one of the City’s most significant natural and cultural areas.

The project has sealed approximately two kilometres of Bass Point Tourist Road, from the main entrance gates to Bushrangers Bay car park, replacing the previous unsealed surface and upgrading key drainage infrastructure.

The project is jointly funded by the Albanese and Minns Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements through the Infrastructure Betterment fund, with additional funding provided by the Shellharbour City Council.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Kristy McBain, said all levels of government were providing support to ensure communities could withstand future severe weather events.

“Through the Infrastructure Betterment Fund, our focus is to provide opportunities to local governments like Shellharbour so they can identify priority projects that will make their communities more resilient to natural disasters,” Minister McBain said.

“This upgrade was a massive undertaking, and I’d like to thank council for this achievement.”

NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin, said this critical investment by the NSW and Federal Governments will ensure Bass Point can be safely enjoyed for years to come.

“Bass Point Reserve is a special place, both environmentally and culturally, and this major upgrade will not only assist with keeping community connected during severe weather events, but will preserve access to important landmarks,” Minister Saffin said.

“Bass Point also plays an important role when it comes to the local economy and this investment in infrastructure improvements will make it easier for locals and visitors to enjoy the area more easily.”

Member for Whitlam, Carol Berry MP, said: “Bass Point is a place of deep cultural significance for the local community and a vital asset for the Shellharbour visitor economy.

“I am proud to be associated with this project where all levels of government have partnered to deliver this important project at Bass Point for the local Shellharbour community.

“These upgrades are helping future-proof the area against severe weather events and will protect this iconic landmark for locals and visitors alike.”

Member for Shellharbour, Anna Watson MP said “This is the kind of practical infrastructure upgrade that strengthens our community, improves the visitor experience and helps protect one of Shellharbour’s iconic coastal destinations and I welcome this important improvement for Bass Point, which balances better public access with the need to respect and preserve the unique environmental and heritage values of the Reserve.”

“Bass Point holds a special place in the heart of our community, and this project ensures future generations will continue to enjoy safe and reliable access to this remarkable local landmark.”

Shellharbour City Mayor, Chris Homer, said the upgrade makes a real difference for locals and visitors who value Bass Point, improving safety and access while protecting what makes this place so special.

“Sealing the tourist road and improving drainage will make a noticeable difference to safety and reliability, particularly in wet weather, and reduce ongoing maintenance needs,” Mayor Homer said.

“The project was carefully designed and managed to preserve the Reserve’s important environmental and heritage values, and we thank the community for their patience while the works were underway.”

The upgrade addressed long-standing issues with erosion and poor surface condition, while maintaining the existing road footprint to safeguard the sensitive vegetation and heritage features of Bass Point Reserve.

The Reserve is home to rare littoral rainforest, diverse marine life and important Aboriginal and European heritage sites.

Signage across the reserve has also been upgraded to clearly identify designated parking areas, shared zones and speed limits, helping guide visitors near car parks and stopping points, discourage verge parking and improve safety for all road users.

For more information on this project visit: www.shellharbour.nsw.gov.au/council/council-works-and-projects/current-projects/bass-point-tourist-road-improvements

The NSW Liberals and Nationals have criticised the Minns Labor Government over another child protection failure, following revelations that more than 550 children in the care of the Minister for Families and Communities are barely going to school.
 
Shadow Minister for Families and Communities, Natasha Maclaren-Jones, and Shadow Minister for Education, Mark Speakman, expressed alarm that hundreds of children in out-of-home care are routinely missing school, warning that the government’s inaction is jeopardising their safety, development, and long-term opportunities.
 
“Every child in NSW deserves a safe home and access to a proper education, yet this government is failing on both fronts,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.
 
“When children are taken into the care of the state, the Minister becomes the parent, and that parent is now failing to get hundreds of kids through the school gate.”
 
Mrs Maclaren-Jones said the reports highlight a growing pattern of neglect across the child protection system under Minister Washington. 
 
“From children in care regularly missing school, to cases of young people being placed with violent offenders, and repeated safety warnings from frontline staff and whistleblowers, the problems are widespread,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.
 
Shadow Minister for Education, Mark Speakman, emphasised there must be improved coordination between the Department of Education and the Department of Communities and Justice. 
 
“No child should be left behind in their learning. Missing school can set children back for life. It’s essential the government act now to coordinate services properly and get these vulnerable children into the classroom,” Mr Speakman said. 

The Minns Labor Government has delivered 3,500 new public, community and affordable homes marking a significant milestone that is helping people right across NSW, including victim-survivors of domestic violence, find safety and rebuild their lives.

In the 2024-25 financial year, 1711 new social and affordable were built or brought back into use under the historic $6.6 billion Building Homes for New South Wales program.

Housing affordability and availability is the biggest single pressure facing the people of New South Wales, and for many, building our social and affordable housing stock can mean the difference between sleeping on the street or not being able to leave an unsafe household.

Women over 55 and people aged 55–64 are now the fastest-growing group experiencing homelessness in NSW and across Australia, driven by rental stress, limited superannuation and relationship breakdowns, underscoring the urgency of this investment.

We have already built hundreds of homes this year with months still remaining and are on track to deliver the largest expansion of public housing in modern NSW history.

This milestone represents a clear turnaround after a decade where more public housing was sold than built. For the first time in years, public housing in NSW is growing again.

This follows twelve years of privatisation, sell offs and neglect under the former Liberal National Government, which oversaw a net reduction in the state’s public housing from 110,805 homes in 2014 to 95,765 in 2023.

Between 2017 and 2021, just 2,257 social homes were built, far fewer than the 3,269 homes that were sold or removed over the same period.

The Minns Labor Government is building new homes at scale and restoring public housing as a core part of the housing system.

The $6.6 billion Building Homes for NSW Program is driving this shift, with thousands of new public homes being built and tens of thousands more upgraded.

The project on Cowper Street, Glebe is a clear example, replacing 19 ageing dwellings with 75 new, modern public homes in the heart of the city.

Located within walking distance of bus services and the Wentworth Park light rail, the development keeps residents connected to jobs, services and community.

Just around the corner, Bays West will deliver up to 8,500 new homes, including public and affordable housing, building on the work already underway here in Glebe.

The Minns Labor Government is delivering a comprehensive plan to build more homes across NSW and tackle the housing crisis.

This includes:

• The $6.6 billion Building Homes for NSW Program, the largest investment in public and social housing in a generation
• 8,400 new public homes being built across the state
• 21,000 affordable and market homes to increase supply
• Upgrades to 30,000 existing social housing properties
• The largest planning reforms in a generation to unlock more homes
• Establishing the Housing Development Authority to accelerate delivery
• Building more homes in well-located areas close to transport, jobs and services.

Together, these actions are driving more homes across the system, including public housing, and restoring the role of government in building homes at scale.

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

NSW Premier Chris Minns:

“This is an important milestone. Not only do we have 75 new public homes right in the centre of Glebe, but since coming to office, we’ve delivered 3,500 new public, community and affordable homes across New South Wales.

“This means for the first time in years, public housing in NSW is growing again, not shrinking. Giving thousands of people, including victims of domestic and family violence, a safe and secure place to call home.

“In the last financial year alone, more than 1,700 social and affordable homes have been built or restored through our $6.6 billion Building Homes for NSW program. This is what rebuilding public housing looks like.”

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson:

“Last year we said it was the biggest year for public and affordable housing in our state’s modern history. This year isn’t even over and we’ve already built more.”

“For too long, governments walked away from fixing the housing crisis. We’re tackling it head on, brick by brick, house by house, street by street.”

“For too many people, the Australian dream has slipped out of reach. I want our city to dream again, a future where people can afford a home and live in the communities they love.”

“This is about building more public housing in the right places, close to jobs, transport and services, so people aren’t locked out of their own city.”

“This is about dignity. Making sure everyone has a safe, secure place to call home.”

CEO of Bridge Housing Laurie Leigh:

“We applaud the NSW Government’s and the Kings Trust’s commitment to delivering additional quality social housing. They are ensuring that residents have the certainty of a stable, affordable home and the right foundation to plan their futures.

“This project stands proud in the community through thoughtful design, sustainable building practices, and exceptional craftsmanship of the building façade.  Today is a win for changing lives and strengthening communities.”

On behalf of the NSW Government, I would like to thank Ken Brown AM for his dedicated service as Harness Racing NSW (HRNSW) Chair, following his retirement.

Mr Brown has been a HRNSW Member since 2017 and his long-standing service is a testament to his commitment to the harness racing industry.

During his tenure he has helped guide and shape our state’s harness racing industry into the strong position it is in.

I commend Mr Brown for his dedication, professionalism and deep knowledge of the racing codes.

I wish him all the best in his future endeavours.

I would also like to congratulate Doug Freeman on his appointment by the HRNSW Board as its new Chair.

Mr Freeman brings expertise and a lifelong connection to harness racing and I look forward to working constructively with him during his 12-month term.

To address the vacancies on the HRNSW Board, I have made the following appointments, effective 17 March, in accordance with the Harness Racing Act 2009:

• Maggie Hundertmark as a member of the board for a four-year term, expiring 16 March 2030.
• Mark Holton as a member of the board for a two-year term, expiring 16 March 2028.

The Minns Labor Government has started design work on a proposed major safety upgrade of the level crossing at Mary Gilmore Way, Bribbaree, south of Grenfell, while interim improvements will also be delivered on the road approach to the crossing.

The proposed upgrade would transform the crossing from a passive crossing into an active one, delivering new retro-reflective boom gates, updated signage, LED flashing lights and warning bells to better protect motorists, freight operators and local communities using this important regional road.

Starting design work now will allow construction of the active crossing infrastructure to be fast tracked once the remaining 19 high priority projects under the Regional Level Crossing Upgrade Fund are completed.

While design and development work for the proposed major upgrade progresses, the Minns Labor Government is also delivering practical interim safety improvements on the road approach to the Mary Gilmore Way crossing.

These improvements include installing rumble strips and investigating photoluminescent line markings, known as glow roads technology, to improve visibility for drivers approaching the crossing. 

Transport for NSW will also review the size and placement of advanced warning signage and increase it where appropriate.

Until the crossing is upgraded to an active crossing, Transport for NSW will retain the existing Augmented Stop Signs and Advance Warning Signs system and investigate upgrades to its hardware so it can take advantage of emerging machine learning technologies.

The Augmented Stop Signs and Advance Warning Signs technology was installed in 2023 as a trial. It uses radar to detect approaching vehicles, activating flashing LED lights on stop signs at the crossing and advance warning signs on the road approach.

The solar powered system provides an additional visual warning for drivers and has already resulted in a marked improvement in the number of motorists stopping or significantly slowing compared with static signage alone.

Transport for NSW and the Australian Rail Track Corporation are jointly funding the design work for the proposed upgrade to an active crossing. Designs are expected to be completed by the end of the 2025 to 2026 financial year.

The proposed upgrade would then be delivered by ARTC under Transport’s Level Crossing Improvement Program, with construction timing to be determined once the current program of upgrades under the Regional Level Crossing Upgrade Fund is complete.

Transport for NSW will continue to keep the community updated as work progresses.

Minister for Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison said:

“Level crossing crashes can have devastating consequences for regional communities, which is why the Minns Labor Government is getting on with the work needed to improve safety at crossings across the state.

“The community has been clear that Mary Gilmore Way at Bribbaree needs attention, and I thank Weddin Shire Council for its strong advocacy on behalf of local residents.

“We have started design work on a proposed major upgrade that would deliver boom gates, flashing lights and bells, transforming this crossing from a passive crossing into an active one.

“Importantly, we are not waiting for the long-term upgrade before taking action. We are also delivering practical interim improvements on the approach to the crossing, including rumble strips, improved signage and investigating glow road technology.

“By combining targeted infrastructure upgrades with new technology, the Minns Labor Government is working to make this crossing safer and help prevent serious crashes on regional roads.” 

Labor Spokesperson for Cootamundra, Stephen Lawrence said:

“People in our region know how dangerous this crossing can be, and they deserve to feel safe every time they travel through it.”

“This is exactly the kind of practical investment regional communities need, getting on with the job of improving safety while planning for the long term.”

“Upgrading this crossing from passive to active will make a real difference, but it’s just as important that interim measures are being rolled out now to reduce risk immediately.”

“Regional roads carry a heavy toll when it comes to serious crashes, and targeted upgrades like this are critical to turning that around.”

Mayor of Weddin Shire Council, Paul Best said:

“I am extremely pleased to see that further risk mitigation measures are being organised until a permanent solution is delivered. 

“Given the serious risk this crossing presents to both road users and rail operators, seeing this matter being attended to is welcomed.  

“I would like to thank members of the community who have advocated for improvements to level crossings in our region.  

“This is welcomed news.  

“I would also like to thank ARTC and Transport for NSW for working together with Council on this, to make it safer for our community.”

Director Infrastructure Projects, ARTC, Heather Parry said:

“ARTC manages more than 1,500 level crossings in NSW and we know the risks they can pose, particularly on regional roads. Tragically, level crossing incidents remain the leading cause of railway-related fatalities involving members of the public. 

“Trains cannot stop quickly, especially when carrying heavy loads, which is why upgrading Mary Gilmore Way from a passive to an active crossing is such an important safety improvement. 

“We are proud to partner with Transport for NSW to help deliver safer outcomes for the Bribbaree community and all road and rail users.” 

The Minns Labor Government has unveiled designs for a major new park near the Bella Vista Metro station, to be delivered as part of a $520 million investment in the Transport Oriented Development (TOD) Accelerated Precincts.

The designs for the three-hectare park are now on public exhibition so the community can help shape the park’s future.

Current plans will deliver a premier family-friendly open space which will provide shaded areas for nature-based recreation, community gatherings, and inclusive, accessible play.

Key design features include:

• A community green bordered by open woodland, which can be used for both casual ball games and community events.
• An amphitheatre for small performances with nearby picnic spaces.
• Extensive woodland and native plantings and a generous tree canopy to create cool shaded environments.
• Family-friendly play zones, including forest-themed play area, interactive waterplay and spaces for casual sport and active play.
• Terraced lawns and quiet gathering areas.
• A network of accessible paths and walking trails, winding through shaded groves, linking key play and gathering areas.
• Culturally enriched spaces informed by Traditional Knowledge to support learning and reflect Connection to Country principles.

This is one of seven major parks to be delivered alongside the Transport Oriented Development (TOD) Accelerated Precincts.

Bella Vista Park celebrates the Cumberland Plain Woodland and will connect to the nearby Kellyville Centre Park, with the designs for both parks now on public exhibition for community feedback.

The Minns Labor Government has worked in close collaboration with the local community, The Hills Shire Council and Traditional Custodians to deliver the design.

The TOD Accelerated Precincts will support the delivery of almost 60,000 homes and more than 126,000 commercial and retail jobs around key transport hubs.

The Bella Vista District Park design is on public exhibition until 5pm Thursday, 23 April. For more information and to have your say, attend an in-person pop up in the local area and visit, NSW Planning.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said:

“The Minns Labor Government is working to deliver well-located, affordable homes near transport, jobs and amenities.

“Housing growth goes hand-in-hand with high-quality places for people to relax and play.

“This is the type of local infrastructure that we want to see come in preparation for new homes.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“This is another example of the Minns Labor Government delivering quality open spaces to support housing growth.

“The new Bella Vista park will be a place for people to come together to relax, play, exercise and enjoy nature for generations to come.

“The draft design has taken inspiration from the nearby Cumberland Plain Woodland to deliver a three-hectare park which reflects the area’s natural environment.”

Member for Riverstone, Warren Kirby said:

“This park will provide locals access to a great new open space right in the heart of Bella Vista where they can unwind, spend time together, and enjoy the great outdoors.

“As our communities grow, so too does the need for open spaces, I encourage people to have their say now to help shape the future of this great new park.”

Families across New South Wales are continuing to face relentless cost of living pressures, with new figures showing Sydney inflation remains higher than the national average.

Figures for the year to February 2026 show Sydney’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) sitting at 3.8 per cent, confirming a trend of persistent, high inflation under Chris Minns and Labor.

Crucially, these figures represent the economic landscape prior to the launch of the Iran conflict on the final day of February and the resultant global economic shock.

With Sydney’s cost of living already higher than the national CPI (3.7%), Melbourne (3.3%), and Brisbane (3.7%), Labor’s failure to rein in costs during the pre-conflict period has left already struggling families dangerously exposed to the coming global price shocks.

The following essentials have seen increases well above the 3.8% headline inflation rate in the year to February 2026:

• Electricity: up 14.5%
• Child Care: up 8.9%
• Beef: up 7.8%
• Gas: up 7.3%
• Property Rates: up 7.1%
• Urban Transport Fares: up 5.2%
• Medical and Hospital Services: up 4.5%

Shadow Treasurer, Scott Farlow, said these figures show the cost-of-living crisis in NSW is far from over and is getting worse every day.

“These inflation figures are bad news for families,” Mr Farlow said.

“What is worse is these figures are from before the shocks from the Iran conflict. Transport costs in particular will add further pressure in the months ahead.”

“Families are being squeezed at the supermarket, at the petrol pump and on their electricity bills with real risk this gets worse before it gets better.”

“While the cost of housing, food and essential bills continues to rise, state taxes have grown by 30 per cent since this Government came to power. Everywhere people look there is another tax or charge to pay under Chris Minns and Labor,” Mr Farlow said.

“The Minns Labor Government is sitting on their hands and has no plan to ease the cost burden on NSW families.”