Category: NSW News

The Minns Labor Government must explain how urgent surgery referrals were left unread for months at Canterbury Hospital and urgently check referral systems across NSW hospitals to ensure other patients have not been overlooked.

Reports today reveal an unmonitored inbox contained more than 3,000 emails with 16 overdue patient referrals, including four urgent cases requiring surgery within 30 days and 12 semi-urgent cases requiring surgery within 90 days.

Shadow Minister for Health Sarah Mitchell said patients needed immediate care and assurance that referrals were being properly managed across the hospital system.

“Patients were waiting for surgery while their referrals sat unread in an inbox. This is a basic failure with potentially serious consequences,” Ms Mitchell said.

“The immediate question is whether anyone else is waiting for treatment because nobody has read their referral.”

“The Health Minister must urgently ensure referral systems are checked across NSW hospitals. Patients and their families need confidence that this failure is not happening elsewhere.”

Member for Oatley and Shadow Minister for South Western Sydney Mark Coure said the reports were deeply concerning for local families who rely on Canterbury Hospital.

“This also matters to families in my electorate, who are sometimes treated at Canterbury Hospital when St George Hospital is at capacity. We need answers about whether any local residents have been affected,” Mr Coure said.

“Our doctors and nurses work hard under enormous pressure. They need reliable systems and proper administrative support to ensure patients receive timely treatment.”

“Patients deserve more than an apology. They deserve answers, accountability and confidence that their referral will be received and acted on.”

The Australian Alliance for Animals is calling for amendments to the Office of Animal Welfare Bill introduced in Parliament today, warning that ministerial control and weakened expert consultation requirements risk undermining the reform and setting the state back on animal welfare.
The Alliance said the Bill needed to be strengthened to enable the Minns Labor Government to deliver its key election commitment of establishing an Independent Office of Animal Welfare.
Under the proposed legislation, key functions of the office, including reviewing and advising on animal welfare matters, can only be exercised at the written request of the Minister for Agriculture.
Australian Alliance for Animals Policy Director, Dr Jed Goodfellow, said the Bill fails to match the Government’s promise of strengthening animal welfare and creating independent oversight.
“An independent office of animal welfare that is subject to the control and direction of the very Minister it is supposed to have independence from is nonsensical.”
“It defeats the entire purpose of the office and doesn’t pass the pub test.”
“An independent office must be able to examine animal welfare problems without first needing the Minister for Agriculture’s permission,” Dr Goodfellow said.
The Bill also removes the statutory requirement to consult the Animal Welfare Advisory Council, made up of independent experts in animal welfare and veterinary science, on regulations incorporating animal welfare guidelines.
“The Government says this reform will deliver independent advice, yet it removes an existing requirement to consult its expert animal welfare advisory council.”
“That weakens a safeguard for expert input when the Government should be strengthening it.”
Dr Goodfellow said amendments should allow the Office to initiate animal welfare reviews independently and preserve a statutory role for expert advisory input.
“Protecting animals is a shared community concern. Nearly 80% of Australians support an independent authority overseeing animal welfare policy.”
“Without these changes, the Government risks falling short of its promise to establish an independent office.”
“There is still an opportunity to get this right. We urge the Government to work with Parliament to strengthen the Bill and deliver the independence it promised.”

The Minns Labor Government is introducing reforms to make NSW’s roads safer, help save lives and hold dangerous drivers to account.

Legislation to be introduced to NSW Parliament today includes new offences for dangerous driving and hit-and-runs causing actual bodily harm, and for intentionally recording and sharing images of road crash victims. 
Unlawful street racing will also become an aggravated factor for dangerous driving offences, exposing those who engage in this dangerous conduct to higher penalties.

The reforms include important updates to the Crimes Act 1900 to improve community understanding of serious road crimes and modernise the existing offence of wanton and furious driving.

The legislation responds directly to recommendations from the 2025 NSW Law Reform Commission report into serious road crime.

The new offence of dangerous driving causing actual bodily harm will be punishable by up to three years’ imprisonment or five years if there are aggravating circumstances.

The new offence of failing to stop and assist after a crash causing actual bodily harm will also be punishable by up to three years’ imprisonment.

Those who intentionally record and disseminate images of a road crash victim without reasonable excuse – and where they know, or ought to know, the victim is seriously injured, dying or deceased –will face up to two years’ imprisonment.

The reforms are based on extensive consultation with law enforcement, government agencies, legal stakeholders and road trauma advocates.

The new offences will complement the range of criminal penalties already available when a driver causes the death of another person, extending up to life imprisonment.

Attorney General Michael Daley said:

“These reforms will help make our roads safer and save lives. Road trauma is a leading cause of death in NSW and shatters entire families and communities.

“We are introducing new criminal offences to better target drivers who risk their own and other people’s lives. The message to those who engage in dangerous, criminal behaviour on NSW roads is clear: you will face the full force of the law.

“The reforms also target bystanders who, rather than rushing to help at the scene of a crash, record victims who lay seriously injured, dying or dead and then share it on social media. This is despicable behaviour which could land you in jail.”

Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“Every life lost on our roads is one too many, and the impact of road trauma is felt by families and communities long after a crash.

“Dangerous driving has devastating consequences, and those who put other road users at risk must be held accountable for their actions.

“These changes will strengthen our ability to hold dangerous drivers to account, while recognising the serious and lasting harm their actions can cause to others.

“Road safety is a shared responsibility, and these stronger laws are another important step towards making our roads safer for everyone.”

The Minns Labor Government is introducing a Bill to Parliament today to establish NSW’s first independent Office of Animal Welfare, delivering on a key election commitment to strengthen transparency and accountability of the organisations responsible for enforcing animal welfare laws in NSW.

The Bill will establish a new statutory Office of Animal Welfare to oversee the performance, and review public funding provided to RSPCA NSW and Animal Welfare League NSW, that is used for enforcement activities and ensure it is used in line with community expectations.

In the 2026-27 Budget, these organisations were allocated $12.8 million in government funding to carry out animal welfare enforcement functions under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (POCTA).  

The Office of Animal Welfare is part of the Minns Labor Government’s broader reform to modernise the state’s animal welfare laws and ensure effective protections for animals, and will enhance community confidence by:

• Delivering independent advice, reviews and recommendations related to animal welfare and to the organisations entrusted with animal welfare enforcement powers
• Making recommendations on issues relating to enforcement funding for approved charitable organisations to the NSW government
• Receiving, investigating and reporting on complaints from the public relating to enforcement actions by these organisations
• Promoting best-practice compliance and enforcement across the animal welfare sector through greater coordination, information sharing and performance oversight.

It is proposed the Office will sit within the Premier’s Department portfolio and report to the Minister for Agriculture with responsibility under POCTA.  

This Bill delivers the final stage of the Minns Government’s comprehensive reform of animal welfare, to modernise its legal framework, its operations and its oversight. At the same time the government has increased annual funding to the RSPCA and Animal Welfare League for enforcement action.  

The Minns Government has strengthened animal welfare in NSW by:

• Banned puppy farms, regulated dog breeders and strengthened rules for selling puppies
• Reforms that prevent individuals convicted of serious animal cruelty offences from keeping animals or working with animals
• Increased funding for RSPCA NSW and Animal Welfare League NSW to expand and enhance their animal welfare enforcement activities
• Proposed improved animal welfare regulations and enforcement powers through the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Enforcement and Operational Powers) Bill 2026 –  the most comprehensive reform to the state’s animal welfare laws in years.

Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty, said:

“The establishment of an independent and statutory NSW Office of Animal Welfare delivers on a major commitment of the Minns Labor Government and represents another significant step forward in our modernisation of animal welfare.

“For the first time, there will be an independent body to review and advise on matters relating to the funding of RSPCA NSW and AWL NSW, which will receive a combined $12.8 million in the 2026-27 financial year from our government.

“The new Office will ensure animal welfare enforcement functions are carried out effectively and consistently to strengthen public confidence in this important service for the community.

“The Minns Government is committed to improving animal welfare standards and this reform will ensure there is clear, independent oversight to support better outcomes for animals and the community.” 

The Minns Labor Government is partnering with the Cerebral Palsy Alliance to increase awareness of congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV), and support women to have the information they need to reduce their risk of CMV in pregnancy and protect babies’ brains.

CMV is a common virus which can be passed from pregnant mother to baby, and can impact the baby’s brain development, in some cases leading to lifelong disabilities such as cerebral palsy, hearing loss, or epilepsy.

If diagnosed early, antiviral medication can be given to the pregnant mother to reduce the risk of the virus passing to the developing baby.

A $850,000 contribution from the Minns Labor Government will support collaboration between NSW Health and the Cerebral Palsy Alliance to increase awareness of CMV and promote hygiene-based prevention strategies.

The awareness campaign will focus on supporting pregnant women and those planning pregnancy to know how to reduce their risk of CMV infection in pregnancy.

The Minns Labor Government is committed to delivering world-class care for women and their babies. The 2025-26 NSW Budget included $83 million boost to maternity care, including:

• $44.8 million over four years to increase access to midwifery continuity of care models, including ongoing funding for an additional 53 full-time equivalent midwives in regional NSW
• enhanced training for clinicians in respectful maternity care
• enhanced antenatal education and information for women and families
• $26.8 million to maintain seven family care centres, five mobile services and the Macksville residential unit, all in regional and rural NSW
• $5.7 million to support free vaccination to pregnant women to protect them and their babies from whooping cough, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus infection
• $250,000 for virtual paediatrician support to general practitioners across NSW.

Further information on CMV can be found on the Cerebral Palsy Alliance website

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“Expecting a baby can be one of the most exciting times in your life, but it can also bring uncertainty and anxiety for some families. This is about making sure families have the information they need as they get ready to welcome their new bub.

“We know that CMV can lead to lifelong disabilities for developing babies, but we also know it can be prevented.

“Ensuring families are aware of CMV and understand the simple steps they can take to reduce the risk of infection is crucial.

“We are delighted to be supporting the work of Cerebral Palsy Alliance, an organisation which has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to improving the lives of people with cerebral palsy and raising awareness of CMV.”

Cerebral Palsy Alliance CEO, Rob White:

“The Cerebral Palsy Alliance welcomes Minister Park and the NSW Government’s commitment to improving awareness of CMV through this important investment.

“For too long, many women have completed their pregnancies without ever hearing about CMV, despite national guidelines recommending they receive this information. Every expectant parent deserves timely, evidence-based advice that can help reduce the risk of congenital CMV.

“This campaign is an important opportunity to reach women at the right time with practical information that can help protect babies and reduce the lifelong impact of congenital CMV on Australian families.”

Chair of the Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Institute, Professor Nadia Badawi AM:

“Too few women know about CMV, the leading infectious cause of lifelong disability in babies.

“The good news is that there are opportunities to reduce the risk of infection during pregnancy, but women need access to the right information at the right time.

“This investment will help put CMV on the radar for families, giving them the knowledge they need to stay healthy and protect their baby’s brain during pregnancy. It will also equip health professionals with the information they need to support women and families at this important time.

“Because a simple conversation at the right time could change the course of a baby’s life.”

Advocate Stephanie Briggs:

“CMV changed our family forever. It can have devastating, lifelong consequences, yet having the right knowledge, support and resources can make a profound difference in helping to protect families and unborn babies.

“Knowing this investment will help ensure more families have access to the vital information we didn’t have, understand the simple, practical steps they can take to reduce their risk, and feel empowered to protect their babies, is incredibly meaningful.

“This is the kind of change many in the CMV community have been advocating for, giving families the knowledge they need to take action before it’s too late.

“I urge every woman who is pregnant or planning to start a family to learn more about CMV before it is too late.

“My hope is that no family will ever first hear the words ‘congenital CMV’ in a moment of crisis.”

Around 3,500 patients in Western Sydney will benefit from improved access to planned surgery following the Minns Labor Government’s $30 million investment to expand High Volume Short Stay surgical services across the state.

As part of this investment, short stay surgery models have been established at Nepean Blue Mountains and Western Sydney local health districts.

At Nepean and Hawkesbury hospitals, the expansion of services as a result of the $30 million program is expected to deliver an estimated 500 surgeries by 1 July 2027, with the High Volume Short Stay model expanding to gynaecology, ear, nose, and throat surgeries.

In Western Sydney Local Health District, Auburn Hospital has enhanced its High Volume Short Stay service for those needing cataract surgery, increasing capacity to deliver more than 1,400 procedures each year.

The model helped Western Sydney Local Health District reduce its number of overdue planned surgery patients in the latest BHI Quarterly to less than 5, down from 2,021 in the same period four years ago. At Auburn, Westmead, and Mount Druitt Hospitals, the number of overdue planned surgeries reached zero.

High Volume Short Stay surgeries are planned procedures where patients are admitted for up to 72 hours.

Statewide, the number of overdue surgeries peaked at more than 18,000 under the Liberals in 2022. Since being elected, the Minns Labor Government has reduced the number of people waiting longer than clinically recommended from 14,059 in March 2023 to 3,955 in March 2026.

The $30 million one-off injection builds on the $200 million invested since 2024 to reduce overdue surgeries, and the establishment of the state’s first Surgery Hub at Northern Beaches Hospital, which has been active since 1 July and is expected to perform up to 5,000 additional surgeries per year.

The 2026-27 NSW Budget also included $10.3 billion to support increased capacity across the health system, including to deliver an estimated 2,900 additional planned surgeries.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“We do not want people in NSW to have to wait longer than they need to for their planned surgery. That’s why we have taken action to slash the overdue surgery wait lists left behind by the Coalition.

“We know the impacts of waiting for a planned procedure can be life-limiting, painful, and stressful.

“By investing in these innovative models, we can deliver more surgeries, help patients access timely care, and recover faster.”

Member for Penrith Karen McKeown:

“This investment is great news for patients and families across Penrith and Western Sydney, helping more people access the planned surgery they need sooner.

“By expanding short stay surgical services at Nepean and Hawkesbury hospitals, we’re increasing capacity, reducing wait times, and helping local residents get back to their everyday lives sooner.

“The Minns Labor Government is focused on delivering better healthcare closer to home and ensuring patients receive timely, quality care when they need it.”

Member for Blue Mountains Trish Doyle:

“It’s an extremely difficult time waiting for surgery. This model that makes inroads into the planned surgery wait list for residents of the Blue Mountains and surrounds, is very welcome indeed.”

Member for Auburn Lynda Voltz:

“Auburn Hospital is a crucial part of our local services. The addition of expanded Short Stay Surgeries at Auburn will not only make a significant difference to our community but will take pressure of Westmead Hospital helping everyone across Western Sydney.

“This is the NSW Labor Government at its best delivering services to local communities.”

A new campaign demanding an end to mounting small business costs should be a wake-up call for Chris Minns and Anthony Albanese, as NSW business owners face pressure from Labor governments in both Canberra and Macquarie Street.

The campaign, backed by Sydney mortgage broker Joseph Daoud, launches today as business owners warn rising costs, interest rates and federal tax changes are threatening their livelihoods.

The reports detail concerns about proposed changes to discretionary trusts, the cost of professional advice and restructuring, and businesses having to absorb card payment fees or pass them on to customers when surcharges are banned.

In NSW, those pressures are compounded by an economy that has flatlined, and a payroll tax threshold that remains frozen at $1.2 million, exposing businesses to higher tax bills as wages rise.[1]

Leader of the Opposition Kellie Sloane said Labor is punishing businesses instead of recognising their contribution to economic growth.

“Business owners are crying out for help after putting everything on the line, only to find the Minns and Albanese Governments taking more,” Ms Sloane said.

“At a time of record business closures, we must support businesses, because they are the key to economic growth and ensuring NSW returns to the top of the pack.”

Shadow Minister for Small Business and NSW Nationals Leader Gurmesh Singh said business owners needed relief from both levels of government.

“This campaign reflects the frustration of people who have poured their savings and years of hard work into a business, only to find it getting harder to keep the doors open,” Mr Singh said.

“Anthony Albanese is adding tax uncertainty in Canberra while Chris Minns leaves businesses exposed to rising payroll tax bills in NSW.”

Shadow Treasurer Scott Farlow said the reforms would address a cost the NSW Government had direct power to reduce.

“A higher wages bill does not mean higher profits, but with the threshold frozen under Chris Minns, businesses can face a bigger tax bill simply for keeping pace with wages,” Mr Farlow said.

“When it comes to discretionary trusts, NSW has also left the door open to adding insult to injury by collecting stamp duty on small businesses who are forced to change their arrangements as a result of the Albanese Government’s tax grab.”

A NSW Liberals and Nationals Government will:

• Raise the payroll tax-free threshold from $1.2 million to $1.5 million.
• Reduce the payroll tax rate from 5.45 per cent to 4.75 per cent for businesses with a total Australian payroll below $10 million.
• Index payroll tax thresholds to CPI to end bracket creep.

The NSW Liberals and Nationals will introduce legislation to deliver payroll tax relief, challenging the Minns Labor Government to back small and family businesses struggling with rising costs and taxes.

The legislation will put the Liberals and Nationals’ signature payroll tax policy before the Parliament, giving Labor the opportunity to support reforms that reduce the cost of doing business, encourage investment in NSW and grow the economy.

Accountant Belinda Raso said this week that businesses have had “a year from hell”, with business confidence falling to record lows, lower than during the pandemic, and 6,200 businesses closed their doors last year.

The Liberals and Nationals plan to back business will create the most competitive payroll tax regime in the country which includes:
Raising the payroll tax threshold from $1.2 million to $1.5 million.
Reducing the payroll tax rate from 5.45 per cent to 4.75 per cent for businesses with a total Australian payroll below $10 million.
Introducing CPI indexation to payroll tax thresholds to eliminate bracket creep.
NSW Liberal Leader Kellie Sloane said when the NSW Liberals and Nationals were in government, NSW businesses benefitted from NSW having the strongest economy in the nation.

“Every time I visit a local business, I hear about the pressure of rising taxes and costs. The NSW Liberals and Nationals’ legislation gives the Government the opportunity to do something about it,” Ms Sloane said.

“We want business owners to have the confidence to take on another worker or apprentice, expand their operations and invest in their future.”

“Backing business is essential to get the NSW economy moving again at a time when growth has flatlined and Labor should back that push by supporting this legislation.”

Shadow Minister for Small Business and NSW Nationals Leader Gurmesh Singh said business owners needed relief that made a difference to their bottom line.

“Small businesses are fighting to stay afloat as extra taxes, fees and charges eat into already thin margins, yet the Minns and Albanese Labor governments keep asking more of the people who can least afford it,” Mr Singh said.

“Behind every local business are people who have put their savings, their homes and years of hard work on the line and Labor should support them by backing this legislation.”

Shadow Treasurer Scott Farlow said payroll tax reform would strengthen NSW’s ability to compete for jobs and investment.

“Payroll tax makes it more expensive to employ people. Reducing that burden gives businesses more room to grow and NSW a stronger case to attract investment,” Mr Farlow said.

“Labor can support payroll tax relief or explain to employers why it wants to keep the burden in place.”

NSW Ambulance has deployed 11 newly trained Extended Care Paramedics (ECPs) following the successful completion of their training program at the State Operations Centre.

Already registered paramedics with NSW Ambulance, the ECPs come from a diverse range of clinical backgrounds and bring a wealth of experience to their new roles.

After completing an intensive education program, the new ECPs will be on the road as independent clinician across the Sydney region from next week.

Among the graduating class is Jason Bui, a paramedic with NSW Ambulance for 11 years and an intensive care paramedic for the last five, who began the course just weeks after welcoming his first child with his wife.

This graduation marks the 27th Extended Care Paramedic (ECP) course delivered by NSW Ambulance since the program began in 2007.

ECPs are paramedics with specialist knowledge and skills required to care for patients whose clinical needs can be appropriately and safely managed without requiring transport to an emergency department.

ECPs can be deployed to areas of greatest need, including during the recovery phase of severe weather events, and other multi-patient incidents requiring chronic and complex care.

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“Our highly specialised Extended Care Paramedics make a real and measurable difference for patients and for our hospitals.

“This new class of ECPs will provide a significant boost to the emergency care services and treatment options available to communities right across Sydney.

“We are glad to have this latest class complete their training, and look forward to seeing them on the road.”

NSW Ambulance Interim Chief Executive Clare Beech:

“Our Extended Care Paramedic program is a clear indicator of how NSW Ambulance continues to innovate to deliver better care for our patients. ECPs provide options that keep people well and supported in the community.

“This latest intake of Extended Care Paramedics has demonstrated outstanding commitment and compassion throughout their training, enhancing their capabilities to deliver positive outcomes and make a real difference to the people of NSW.”

Extended Care Paramedic Jason Bui:

“It has been a busy few months, but my wife Mel has been amazing – as an ECP herself, she has been very supportive of me taking on the course.

“The course has been challenging but I am looking forward to being able to provide more rounded care to my patients.”

Young people across NSW will have more opportunities to connect, make friends and learn skills, with the Minns Labor Government opening applications for more than $4 million in youth grants.

It’s part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to better support young people in New South Wales, led by the newly-established Office for Youth.

The Office for Youth has found that young people consistently ask for more government support to build third spaces where they can find a sense of community and belonging offline.

The enhanced funding package will support projects that help young people aged 8 to 24 make friends, develop confidence, and access new opportunities in the school holidays, regardless of where they live.

The $4 million youth grants package brings together funding through Connect IRL Phase 2, Youth Week 2027 and Holiday Break Autumn and Winter 2027.

Building on the first round of Connect IRL funding, which was developed in response to young people’s calls for more opportunities to connect face-to-face and foster a sense of belonging, the centrepiece of the package is the next round of Connect IRL grants.

More than $3 million available to councils, not-for-profits and community organisations to deliver practical initiatives that help young people strengthen social connections, build independence and create pathways into education and employment.

It comes as thousands of young people across NSW take part in free activities funded through the latest Holiday Break Spring and Summer 2026-27 round.

More than $780,000 has been awarded to 93 councils and community organisations to deliver activities ranging from sporting clinics and robotics workshops, to drumming, dumpling-making and outdoor adventure programs.

The Minns Labor Government is committed to ensuring young people can access meaningful opportunities regardless of where they live, with programs reaching metropolitan, regional, rural and remote communities across the state.

Applications for all three grant programs will be open from 9 October 2026 to 6 November, with successful applicants notified in early 2027. Visit the NSW Government grants and funding finder to find out more and apply. 

Minister for Youth Rose Jackson said:

“Young people have told us they want and this is about acting on it. We’re investing in programs that will create new spaces for young people to connect with each other and their communities.

“These grants are about backing local organisations and councils that know their communities and can create meaningful opportunities for young people close to home.

“Whether it’s creating a new youth hub, delivering a Youth Week event, or running holiday activities, these programs will help ensure young people have more places to meet and hang out in real life.”

Advocate for Children and Young People Katherine McKernan said:

‘We know positive outcomes are strongest when programs are designed around what young people need and value, and children and young people have played an important role in shaping the priorities behind this investment.

‘These grants will support local organisations to deliver practical initiatives that help young people navigate important stages of life, from developing independence and employment skills to building stronger support networks in their communities.

‘Importantly, young people’s experiences and insights have helped shape these funding priorities, ensuring investment is directed towards areas where it can make the greatest difference.’