Category: NSW News

The Minns Labor Government is continuing to pursue reforms to ‘good character’ evidence at sentencing, after the Greens and Coalition voted to water down changes which would reduce trauma for victim-survivors.

The Government is urging the Greens and Coalition to back this reform, which seeks to remove ‘good character’ as a mitigating factor for all offences including sexual assault, murder, domestic and family violence and road crime.

The Greens and Coalition voted in the Legislative Council last week to gut the Government’s nation-leading reforms by removing ‘good character’ as a mitigating factor only for sexual offences.

Their amendments retained ‘good character’ for all other offences, with the court allowed discretion about whether to give it weight.

The removal of good character references for sexual offences is a step in the right direction, and the Government will not stand in the way of this change.

But it does not go far enough, and the Government will tomorrow introduce legislation to abolish ‘good character’ as a mitigating factor for all other offences.

This will ensure that no victim of crime, or family victim of a person murdered or killed by a dangerous driver, will be forced to sit in court and listen to a convicted offender be described as someone of otherwise ‘good character’.

The Government’s legislation is in line with recommendations from the independent NSW Sentencing Council, which engaged in extensive public consultation and recommended ‘good character’ be removed as a mitigating factor on sentencing for all offences.

The Sentencing Council found the use of ‘good character’ evidence was vague, subjective and perpetuated inequality within the criminal justice system because it was not equally available to all offenders.

Numerous submissions from organisations and individuals also made clear the substantial harm which is caused to victim-survivors by these irrelevant references.

This reform does not affect the fairness of a trial or a judge’s ability to consider the whole person at sentencing. It simply makes the criminal justice system less traumatising for people who are unfortunate enough to find themselves the victim of crime or have lost someone they love.

The Greens and Coalition have another chance to protect all victim-survivors of crime, and we urge them not to squib it again.

Attorney General Michael Daley said:

“Our bill will ensure that all victims of crime are afforded the same protections and spared the trauma that good character references are proven to cause.

“We are determined to fight for the people across our NSW community who are victims of crime.

“By introducing this legislation, we are giving the Greens and the Opposition another chance to back this evidence-based reform to make the justice system fairer and more trauma-informed.”

Motorists who let their registration lapse will now be sent an SMS reminder as another safeguard to stop people accidentally driving unregistered vehicles on the State’s roads.

The Minns Labor Government is introducing the new text reminder to make NSW roads safer and help people who have forgotten their registration renewal avoid fines. Last year, more than 50,000 motorists were fined for driving unregistered and uninsured.

A new campaign has begun urging vehicle owners to sign up for digital registration reminders through Service NSW. It’s part of a broader initiative to make it easier for people to remember to renew their registration and reduce the number of people driving unregistered.

Almost one million people are already taking advantage of digital reminders, receiving notifications via email, their MyServiceNSW Account inbox and the Service NSW app six weeks before, two weeks before and one day after their registration expires.

Motorists who opt in for digital reminders will now receive an additional SMS notification the day after their registration expires to both remind them to renew – and stop them driving an unregistered vehicle by mistake.

This instant phone notification is an extra, convenient contact method in case people miss an email.

Digital registration reminders are optional and customers who don’t opt in will continue to receive a paper reminder in the mail about six weeks before vehicle registration is due.

Messages encouraging up to 4.5 million people to sign up for digital vehicle registration reminders will be sent throughout May and June.

Motorists who fail to renew their vehicle registration must not drive their vehicle on roads until the registration is renewed. Vehicle registration ensures vehicles are roadworthy and have compulsory third party CTP insurance in case of a crash.

For more information and to opt in to digital vehicle registration reminders, visit the Service NSW website or click on ‘Registrations’ in the Service NSW app.

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

“Thousands of motorists are fined each year for driving an unregistered car and I want to make sure a forgotten payment doesn’t cost you a fine.

“We know people lead busy lives and can carry huge mental to-do lists, and the reality is many vehicle registrations are not renewed on time because paperwork is misplaced or simply forgotten.

“By introducing an overdue SMS notification one day after expiry as a final reminder to get your registration sorted, we could save you hundreds of dollars in fines while keeping everyone safe on our roads.

“This is a simple idea that could make a huge difference to people; by giving drivers this option we are offering you a convenient reminder in the palm of your hand.

“It’s quick and easy to sign up via the Service NSW website or app and means you receive a range of email and phone reminders before and one day after your rego is due.”

Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison said:

“We understand that people are busy and it’s easy for rego renewal to slip down the to-do list, but the consequences of missing it can be serious.

“Driving unregistered doesn’t just risk a fine, it means being uninsured and putting yourself and others at risk on our roads.

“These SMS reminders are a simple, practical way to help people stay on top of their rego and avoid an honest mistake.

“I encourage everyone to sign up through the Service NSW app. It’s quick, easy and helps keep you and others safe on our roads.”

Minister for the Environment, Penny Sharpe is in Coffs Harbour to advance plans for the Great Koala National Park, a world leading park which will protect a nationally critical koala population and more than 100 threatened species.

The creation of the park is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to not only save vital habitat from extinction but build a world class tourist destination that protects the environment while boosting tourism and the local economy.

The final creation of the park is dependent on the successful registration of a carbon project under the proposed Improved Native Forest Management method. This is progressing following public consultation in January. The method is expected to be considered by the Commonwealth Government’s Independent Emissions Reduction Assurance Committee.

The future park is rich with opportunities for recreation and we want these to be shaped by community voices at every step. Dozens of consultation sessions, from local market stalls to meetings with recreational groups, have drawn strong participation. More than 4,000 survey responses have explained how people want to protect the forests and develop recreation activities that will make the Great Koala National Park a must-see destination.

The Minister will meet with the Aboriginal Advisory Panel in Coffs Harbour. For the first time, the park will appoint NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Aboriginal cultural heritage rangers, embedding cultural knowledge and care at the heart of park management.

Following extensive collaboration with Elders and Traditional Owners on the Aboriginal Advisory Panel, positions will be created for Aboriginal Rangers.

The area is a significant cultural landscape for the Gumbaynggirr and Dunghutti peoples including places of creation, ceremony and spirituality, traditional camps, resource gathering areas and pathways.

Extensive preparation is underway to ensure the park is ready from day one, including:

• Boosting firefighting capacity with the NSW Rural Fire Service and Forestry Corporation NSW through more fire fighters, new equipment like fire trucks and early detection technologies.
• Refining park boundaries for the best conservation possibilities and working with local tourism, counil and other partners to unlock new visitor and recreation opportunities.
• Preparing legislation to reserve the Great Koala National Park in late 2026.

Minister for the Environment, Penny Sharpe said:

“The Great Koala National Park is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to protect one of Australia’s most important koala populations while recognising the deep cultural connection Traditional Owners have to this landscape.

“The Minns Labor Government has been working closely with the community to ensure planning delivers strong environmental protection, while driving nature‑based and recreational tourism on the Mid North Coast.”

Minister for the North Coast, Janelle Saffin said:

“The Great Koala National Park is a landmark investment in the Mid North Coast, securing our unique environment while driving new local jobs and economic opportunities for our communities. “By putting local voices at the heart of this process, we are ensuring the park’s creation delivers for everyone who lives and works here.

“We are backing new Aboriginal cultural heritage roles, strengthening fire preparedness, and building sustainable tourism to ensure the North Coast continues to thrive as a world-class destination.” 

A new $10.7 million hi-tech biosecurity platform, built on advances made during the COVID-19 pandemic and the latest in DNA technology, will make it easier and faster for scientists and researchers from around Australia to identify pest and disease threats to our primary industries.

The Minns Labor Government is taking the lead on delivering the Biosecurity Trakka, a five-year partnership designed to modernise Australia’s plant biosecurity defences.

Biosecurity Trakka will provide a secure online hub for DNA sequencing, data storage, analysis and aggregated viewing for stakeholders from around the country including scientists and decision-makers nationally.

The project will be led from the NSW Government’s Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute and is expected to be completed by 2030. The development of the Biosecurity Trakka is an extension of Aus Trakka which was used to support surveillance during COVID-19.

DNA sequencing is an important tool used by all Australian biosecurity departments to rapidly identify the significant number of pest and disease threats to primary industries.

Using the new shared DNA sequencing data platform will reduce response times by enabling quick identification of exotic plant pests and diseases, which can facilitate timely action to mitigate threats.

The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development will lead the project through the core delivery team and steering committee over the five years. Other partners include the vegetable industry and Hort Innovation, Australian governments, universities and Bioplatforms Australia, other plant research and development corporations.

For NSW the project delivers two key benefits:

• By having access to vital information on biosecurity incursions in other jurisdictions we can test and develop new and effective diagnostics tools to detect and respond if interstate outbreaks reach NSW.
• By building capacity in other jurisdictions to successfully detect and respond to biosecurity threats the impact on NSW is dramatically minimised.

The Biosecurity Trakka project brings together leading experts from across Australia including:

• With NSW DPIRD as the lead, the University of Melbourne’s AusTrakka, used to trace the source of COVID infections during the Pandemic, will leverage existing Trakka expertise to lead platform analysis and advise on the data sharing agreement.
• Agriculture Victoria will have design input and deliver beta testing, as well as host a national simulation exercise.
• DPIRD WA will lead the user feedback group to ensure the platform is user friendly.
• The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry will lead the data sharing agreement.
• Australian National University and Bioplatforms Australia will support a Trakka training program to upskill multiple users in each jurisdiction.

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:

“This is a major project that is bringing together the nation’s experts to develop a world-leading tool to defend against some of the country’s most invasive and destructive pests and diseases.

“The collaboration will help expand access to bioinformatics expertise nationwide while strengthening biosecurity preparedness in our state’s $25 billion agriculture sector.

“Pest and diseases have no respect for State borders. This project recognises that the faster and more efficiently we identify and deal with outbreaks then the better off everyone is.

“Biosecurity Trakka will play a critical role in removing delays in DNA sequence sharing during suspected exotic pest outbreaks.

“It is exciting to know our NSW DPIRD staff will take the lead on this project to ensure outcomes are delivered that will enhance biosecurity preparedness not only for our state, but for all of Australia.”

Hort Innovation CEO Brett Fifield said:

“This is a powerful example of what’s possible when industry and government work together. Biosecurity Trakka brings pandemic-proven technology into plant health, delivering faster diagnostics, stronger national coordination and real, on-the-ground benefits for growers facing pest and disease incursions.

“The project is a strong example of innovation through collaboration, bringing together government and all seven plant RDCs to strengthen Australia’s biosecurity infrastructure and safeguard the future of Australian agriculture.”

Director Animal and Plant Biosecurity Research and Diagnostics Will Cuddy said:

“Everyone at the NSW DPIRD’s Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute is excited we are leading this project and delivering critical work to improve Australia’s preparedness for biosecurity threats.

“Our goal is to ensure we’re meeting the project’s outcomes by sharing our expertise and learnings gained from previous biosecurity responses to ensure Biosecurity Trakka supports a national uplift in capability.

“Being able to collaborate across jurisdictions and with key stakeholders makes this a special opportunity to deliver something that can benefit all industries and the economy.”

The Minns Labor Government is continuing its work to roll out the most significant motorcycle safety reforms in nearly 20 years, with the first tranche of changes set to take effect later this year. 

From 1 July all NSW learner, provisional P1 and provisional P2 riders will be subject to a new licensing condition which requires them to wear approved motorcycle gloves while riding, while learner riders will also be required to wear a high visibility vest or jacket.

The new requirements, part of significant reforms to the Motorcycle Graduated Licensing Scheme, have been introduced to improve rider safety and visibility on NSW roads. 

Over the past 20 years, the number of motorcycle licences issued in NSW has risen by more than 65 per cent to over 690,000. Each year, around 27,000 learner licences are issued, with approximately 40 per cent of those held by riders under 25.

The number of young motorcycle riders aged 16-25 years who died on NSW roads increased from 12 in 2023 to 17 in 2024 and 21 in 2025. Currently preliminary numbers show three young motorcycle riders have lost their lives on NSW roads so far this year.

Novice motorcycle rider deaths, which includes those with learner or provisional licences, also increased from nine in 2023 to 12 in 2024 and 12 in 2025.

To further strengthen novice rider safety, the Minns Labor Government has also committed to: 

• New online learning modules and knowledge testing, to expand theory requirements
• Extended pre-learner course, increasing training with experienced riding instructors, allowing for more and improved learning outcomes and skill development.
• Group on-road coaching and assessment, bringing NSW into line with best practice in other states
• Introducing an optional learning journal to support novice riders in planning rides appropriate to their skill level and encouraging self-reflection. 

The rollout of these reforms will be staged over multiple years to allow for system development, detailed program design, industry-wide communication, and preparation of training providers to deliver the enhanced pathway. 

For further information, visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/driving-boating-and-transport/driver-and-rider-licences/rider-licences/gear-requirements-for-learner-and-provisional-riders.

Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison said: 

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to reducing the number of deaths on our roads. 

“We are implementing these life-saving reforms to help lower the road safety risks of one of our most vulnerable road users – novice motorcyclists.

“We know the data shows learner and novice riders are over-represented in road trauma compared to fully licenced riders.

“The introduction from 1 July of the requirement that all novice riders must wear motorcycle gloves and learners must also wear a high-vis vest or jacket will help increase safety for our inexperienced riders. 

“Protective gear can save your life and lower your risk of injury, with motorcycle gloves almost halving the risk of hand and wrist injuries while high-vis vests make riders easier to see.

“I am urging all novice motorcyclists to gear up ahead of July – visit a local store to get your gloves and an approved vest or jacket. If you’re not sure what to buy visit motocap.com.au for more information.

“These changes are just the start of our safety reforms, we have listened to the experts and closely examined what the statistics show us.

“We will continue our plans to roll out other lifesaving changes including an increase in training and education for riders.” 

As one bridge opens, another begins its renewal in Dungog Shire, as the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments continue rebuilding and restoring critical infrastructure across regional NSW.

The first stage of the new Clarence Town Bridge is now open to traffic, delivering safer and more reliable journeys for locals, visitors and freight operators.

The new bridge will be transformative for heavy vehicle access to Clarence Town, allowing the return of 42.5 tonne semi-trailers.

At the same time, the heritage listed timber truss Brig O’Johnston Bridge has closed to traffic, marking the start of a major rehabilitation that will preserve its legacy while strengthening it for the future.

The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are jointly investing $22.8 million in the project, with $11.8 million from the Australian Government and $11 million from the NSW Government.

The new Clarence Town Bridge is a significant piece of infrastructure, spanning 130 metres in length and 14.4 metres in width. It features traffic dual lanes designed to accommodate heavy vehicles, as well as a new pedestrian walkway and upgraded road approaches and footpaths.

Single lane traffic will operate across the new bridge while construction work and upgrades continue. Work on the project is expected to be complete early 2027.

Brig O’Johnston Bridge will now be temporarily closed to allow for major rehabilitation work. This work will strengthen the structure to meet current vehicle loads requirements, reduce ongoing maintenance needs, and preserve its status as the oldest surviving timber truss bridge in NSW.

This careful sequencing of works means the community stays connected, while an important piece of the state’s heritage is restored for future generations.

Rehabilitation of the Brig O’Johnston Bridge is expected to be completed by mid-2029.

Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister, Catherine King:

“This investment by the Albanese and Minns governments shows what can be achieved when we work together to deliver practical outcomes for regional communities.

“The new Clarence Town Bridge will make a real difference to daily life. Improving access, reducing travel times and enhancing safety for people living, working and travelling to Dungog.

“Heavy vehicles will no longer have commit to a 52 kilometre detour to bypass the existing bridge, saving valuable time for truck drivers in the area.

“By partnering across state and federal levels, we’ve been able to deliver a safer, more reliable crossing that will serve the Clarence Town area for decades to come.”

NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison:

“The Clarence Town community has waited decades for new investment in their bridge.

“Emergency repairs to the bridge were never made permanent under the former Nationals Government and cost escalations required an increased investment by Labor State and Federal Governments.

The Minns Labor Government is committed to building the infrastructure our communities need while preserving the historic assets that tell the story of who we are.

“This project will deliver a brand new, safer and more resilient crossing over the Williams River, alongside important work to restore and protect the heritage-listed Brig O’Johnston Bridge.

“The building of the new bridge and restoration of the former one have been carefully managed by Transport and Dungog Council to increase access, reduce the need for detours and maintain safety.

“This project is transformative for heavy vehicle operators, removing a 50-minute detour, a major inconvenience costing time and money.”

Labor Spokesperson for Upper Hunter, Emily Suvaal MLC:

“Investment in regional communities like Dungog is critical to supporting long-term growth and liveability.

“The new Clarence Town Bridge will benefit the daily lives of people living, working and traveling to Dungog by improving access significantly, cutting down travel times, and improving safety. 

“It’s also fantastic to see work for major rehabilitation work on Brig O’Johnston Bridge which was built in the 1800s and our oldest surviving timber truss bridge.

“This major rehabilitation work will preserve the historic Brig O’Johnston Bridge and ensure future generations can experience and appreciate our timber bridge heritage.

“Projects like this bridge not only improve local infrastructure but also demonstrate our commitment to ensuring regional towns continue to receive the infrastructure they need and deserve.”

Dungog Mayor, Digby Rayward:

“Seeing traffic move onto the new bridge is a proud moment for Council and the Clarence Town community. It demonstrates the value of long-term planning and determined advocacy to improve critical local infrastructure.

“While this is not yet the end of the project, it is a significant step forward. I thank the Clarence Town community and all the road users of the bridge for their ongoing patience. I’m excited to see the entire project finalised later this year.”

Communities from across NSW are shaping the foundations of the 2031 Road Safety Action Plan, with extensive community consultation underway to guide the state’s five-year road safety strategy.

The Plan is being developed at a critical time for road safety in NSW. As of today, 119 people have lost their lives on NSW roads in 2026.

This figure is a more than a statistic tracked over time. It represents lives cut short, families torn apart and communities forever fractured by loss.

It is a confronting and stark reminder of the devastating consequences of unsafe driving.

In the lead up National Road Safety Week (Sunday 17 May – Sunday 24 May), the Minns Labor Government is calling on drivers across the state to remember some simple messages.

Slow down, stay alert, and never drive impaired or fatigued.

Since March 2026, the Government has undertaken extensive consultation with communities across the state to ensure the next Road Safety Action Plan reflects the experiences and challenges faced by road users across the state.

The consultation has brought together local community, councils, industry representatives, road safety experts and everyday road users – from the bush to the city – to shape the next phase of road safety reform in NSW.

The 2031 Road Safety Action Plan Forum on Monday 11 May, will mark the next stage of this important work, bringing together key stakeholders, experts and community voices.

The consultation forms part the Minns Labor Government’s broader road safety effort underway across the state, focused on stronger enforcement, targeted investment and reforms to reduce road trauma.

Key initiatives include:

• A record $2.8 billion investment in road safety over four years.
• Nearly $46 million for 16 new projects under the Towards Zero Safer Roads Program to reduce crashes and save lives.
• The biggest motorcycle safety reforms in almost two decades, targeting learner and provisional riders.
• More than 6,800 school zone flashing light signs now operating across NSW to help protect children and families.
• Major road safety campaigns targeting speeding, fatigue, drink driving, seatbelts and other high-risk behaviour.
• The introduction of AusRAP data mapping to better target investment to higher-risk roads.
• Stronger enforcement measures and camera technology, contributing to a 60 per cent drop in seatbelt non-compliance offences.

These measures are already making a difference, while helping shape a longer-term approach to road safety focused on prevention, education, enforcement and safer infrastructure across NSW.

The final 2031 Road Safety Action Plan is expected to be released by the end of 2026. It will outline the NSW Government’s priorities and actions to reduce deaths and serious injuries on NSW roads over the next five years.

Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison:

“Road safety extends far beyond those who are just behind the wheel. It encompasses entire communities, on and off the road. From the early morning runner crossing the road at dawn, the children waiting at the school bus stop, to the person cycling to work. You don’t need to be behind the wheel to be at risk.

“For this reason, the 2031 Road Safety Action Plan, must reflect every voice.

“With National Road Safety Week approaching, it is an important reminder that every decision we make behind the wheel has consequences. Consequences that we might not be able to come back from.

“We have lost 119 lives in 2026 already.

“This week is about remembering those lives lost, supporting those impacted by road trauma, and reminding every road user that we all have a role to play in keeping each other safe.

“This next Road Safety Action Plan will help guide how we continue working towards our goal of zero deaths and serious injuries on NSW roads.”

The Minns Labor Government is opening the doors to The Cutaway at Barangaroo with a vibrant weekend of free music, art and culture, inviting Sydneysiders to experience the newly transformed world-class venue for the first time. 

Across Saturday 30 May and Sunday 31 May, visitors can enjoy a packed program of live music, immersive performances, interactive workshops and family friendly activities in one of Sydney’s most unique cultural spaces.

On Saturday 30 May, The Cutaway will come alive with music, large-scale projections, live art making and cultural workshops, offering a sneak peek into the venue’s exciting future as a major arts and events destination.

On Sunday 31 May, festival goers can get hands-on with weaving, flower crown making and jewellery workshops, alongside a range of free activities for all ages.

A diverse lineup of Sydney-based musicians, DJs and performers will showcase the creativity and energy of the city’s contemporary art scene, with performances from Kee’ahn, Ngaiire, Alice Ivy, Sophie Penkethman-Young, Shal, DJ Toaka and DJ Charlie Villas.

The popular Barangaroo Markets will also return for the special weekend celebration, transforming the streets of Barangaroo South with food, fashion, design and artisan stalls bursting with flavour, creativity and community spirit.

Festivities across the precinct will continue with free Aboriginal Cultural Tours and Yoga on Country as part of the Damulay Nguarang program, celebrating culture, connection and community throughout the weekend.

The reopening of The Cutaway forms part of the Minns Labor Government’s broader work to revitalize Sydney’s cultural and nightlife economy by supporting live music, lifting concert caps and investing in world-class events, public spaces and cultural experiences across NSW.

Now transformed into a dynamic underground cultural destination, The Cutaway is set to host major events including the National Indigenous Art Fair, Sydney Festival and Vivid Sydney, alongside exhibitions, performances, festivals and community events, cementing Barangaroo as one of Australia’s leading cultural precincts.

What’s on:
Live music and art
Date: Sat 30 May, 1.00pm – 5.00pm
Location: The Cutaway

Barangaroo Markets
Date: Sat 30 & Sun 31 May, 10.00am – 4.00pm
Location: Barangaroo South, Waterman’s Cove
Visitors can grab a bite to eat or pick up something unique while supporting local businesses and creatives.

Cultural workshops
Date: Sat 30 May, 1.00pm – 5.00pm
Location: The Cutaway, Waranara Terrace Rooms
Young creators can drop in at any time to explore art, culture, movement, and discovery through fun, guided activities designed to spark curiosity. With stations running throughout the day, kids and young teenagers can wander, experiment and learn together in this vibrant, playful celebration of creativity and community.

Aboriginal Cultural Tours
Date: Sat 30 May, 10.30am – 1.00pm & Sun 31 May, 1.30pm – 4.00pm
Location: Barangaroo Reserve
Experience the rich history and cultural significance of Sydney Harbour with Aboriginal Cultural Tours at Barangaroo. Led by a team of knowledgeable Aboriginal educators, these tours immerse visitors in the native history of the area and the deep cultural importance of the land to the Gadigal people.

Damulay Ngurang
Date: Sun 31 May, 9.30am – 2.00pm
Location: The Cutaway
On Sunday, gather in the spirit of ‘Damulay Ngurang’ – meaning ‘friendship place’ in local Sydney language. Celebrate the resilience of First Nations people across the country under this years National Reconciliation Week theme “All In” — a call for action, responsibility, and collective effort to advance reconciliation and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rights.

Yoga on Country
Date: Sun 31 May, 9.30am
Location: The Cutaway

Welcome to Country
Date: Sun 31 May, 10.10am
Location: The Cutaway

Craft workshops
Date: Sun 31 May, 11.00am – 1.00pm
Location: The Cutaway

For more information, visit: https://www.barangaroo.com/whats-on/campaigns/barangaroo-live

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“Sydney’s newest arts, cultural and events space, The Cutaway, is throwing open its doors to welcome everyone for a weekend of free festivities.

“As part of the Minns Government’s commitment to bringing more free entertainment and cultural experiences to our harbour precincts, Barangaroo Live on Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 May will showcase the incredible transformation of The Cutaway into a world-class arts and cultural venue.

“There are many fee activities to take part in while enjoying one of Sydney’s most iconic harbourside locations. It’s a great opportunity to check out Barangaroo and have some fun without breaking the budget.”

Shadow Minister for Homelessness, Natasha Maclaren-Jones, is calling on the Minister for Homelessness to immediately release the results of the 2026 Street Count, conducted in February and March this year.
 
“With rising cost-of-living pressures and an ongoing housing crisis, more people are being forced onto the streets. The Minister’s failure to release this data raises serious questions about what they are trying to hide.” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.
 
“The Minister must release the 2026 Street Count report without further delay. At a time when homelessness is rising, the public deserves transparency, not silence. This delay is unacceptable.”
 
“Homelessness NSW estimates the number of people experiencing homelessness in NSW could be as high as 80,000 and Specialist Homelessness Services are stretched beyond capacity.”
 
Mrs Maclaren-Jones also called on the Minister to expand reporting to better capture the full spectrum of homelessness, including couch surfing and other forms of insecure housing that are not reflected in the Street Count.
 
“Homelessness is not just rough sleeping. It includes people couch surfing, living in overcrowded homes, or stuck in insecure housing. Right now, we are only seeing part of the picture.”
 
“If the Government is serious about addressing this crisis, it must start by being honest about it,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.
Since 2023, the public‑housing waiting list has blown out to 68,247 people, a 22 per cent increase. 

“The NSW Government must invest now in Specialist Homelessness Services, transitional housing with wrap around supports, and stop families falling through the cracks. Anything less is just more empty rhetoric from a government presiding over a housing crisis,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.

The annual Street Count plays a critical role in providing a snapshot of homelessness across New South Wales and relies on the efforts of hundreds of volunteers.

Safety on the M5 is set for a major boost, with work now underway on the $380 million M5 Westbound upgrade to eliminate dangerous weaving and deliver a smoother, more reliable journey for thousands of motorists. 

The short stretch between Moorebank Avenue and the Hume Highway results in last-minute merging, lane switching and unpredictable delays on one of Sydney’s most important highways.

The Minns and Albanese Labor Governments are changing that.

Both contributing $190 million, the jointly funded upgrade will create a safer trip for motorists travelling from southwest Sydney areas like Liverpool, Casula and Moorebank towards the Hume Highway and beyond.

The project will separate westbound traffic from the M5 near Moorebank Avenue from traffic on Moorebank Avenue joining the M5. This will remove a major conflict point between motorists entering and exiting the M5 and minimising impact to commuters, businesses, and the community during its construction.

The existing bridge over the Georges River, connecting the M5 Motorway to the Hume Highway and Moorebank Avenue, carries more than 2,500 trucks a day from the Moorebank Intermodal Terminal Precinct onto Sydney’s motorway network.

Traffic congestion worsens during the afternoon peak, as vehicles entering the motorway westbound at Moorebank Avenue merge with traffic exiting at the Hume Highway. Truck volumes are also expected to grow as more sections of the Moorebank Intermodal Terminal Precinct come online.

This outcome has been achieved through the focussed efforts of Transport for NSW and Seymour White Pty Ltd, and Jacobs working closely together to refine the design to provide a safe and cost-effective enhancement to the M5.

The new design will see the M5 West turnoff moved immediately west of Moorebank Avenue to make navigation easier to follow and improve safety along the busy motorway.

Instead of fighting to merge across lanes in heavy traffic, drivers will have a clear, dedicated path – cutting down sudden braking, near-misses and the frustrating stop-starting traffic conditions that builds up in the afternoon peak.

The project includes:

• A new 300m long, three lane bridge over the Georges River and the Southern Sydney Freight Line, T2 and T5 railway lines, improving the connections between the M5 Motorway, Moorebank Avenue and the Hume Highway
• Removal of the high-risk weaving section between Moorebank Avenue and the Hume Highway
• Provision of extra lanes that will remove the need for around 2,600 vehicles per day to weave between lanes and other road users when navigating the entry and exit points at the Hume Highway and Moorebank Avenue
• A new shared path for cyclists and pedestrians

Major construction is now underway with Seymour Whyte Constructions Pty Ltd and Transport for NSW working closely to minimise impacts to the community, businesses and motorists.

During construction motorists will see some changes on the road, including reduced speed limits and occasional lane closures, with work carefully staged to keep traffic moving.

For more information about the project, go to nswroads.work/m5westbound.

Work is scheduled for completion in 2029.

Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister, Catherine King:

“The Albanese and Minns Labor Government are working together to deliver the infrastructure that really matters for our growing communities.

“This new westbound connection will simplify this busy section of the M5 through Liverpool, making it an easier and safer drive for everyone behind the wheel – especially during the afternoon peak.

“It will also help freight move more smoothly from the Moorebank Intermodal terminal and the M5, or to the Hume Motorway without having to enter the main flow of the M5.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney, Prue Car:

“For far too long families across Western Sydney has seen vital infrastructure like roads not keep pace with the growth of their communities.

“This upgrade will give South-West Sydney residents a more direct run through one of the busiest roads in Sydney.

“This project one of several key road upgrades the Minns and Albanese Labor Governments are carrying out across the region, to ensure that Western Sydney residents can spend less time on the road and more time with their families.”

Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison:

“Anyone who drives this stretch of the M5 is no stranger to the nightmare that is peak hour traffic. When everyone is trying to move across lanes at the same time it can not only be dangerous, but inevitably slows things down creating stop-start traffic. It’s not exactly how anyone wants to start their day.

“What this upgrade will do is take that pressure point out, giving drivers a clear run instead of forcing those last-minute merges. It means traffic can flow more smoothly and people can get through this section with a lot less stress.

“This is an important upgrade for Western Sydney, where communities and businesses can now enjoy safer drives, less congestion, and an easier daily commute.”

Federal Member for Werriwa, Anne Stanley:

“Work is now underway and this is welcome news for residents of Werriwa who utilise this road every day.

“The additional bridge will improve traffic flow and take the stress out of driving over this part of the M5. I look forward to the completion of this long awaited and necessary section of road.”

Federal Member for Hughes, David Moncrieff:

“Local residents in our have been frustrated by this unsafe stretch of road for too long, especially during peak hour. This upgrade gives residents of southwestern Sydney more time with their families and less time stuck in unpredictable traffic.

“This upgrade puts an end to needing last-minute lane changes and means fewer unpredictable delays for a smoother, safer run home.”

Member for Liverpool, Charishma Kaliyanda:

“For communities like Liverpool, the M5 is part of the daily commute, but on this section in particular, safety has always been a major concern.

“That’s why this upgrade is so important. We’re making sure Liverpool residents can get where they need to go with a clear run and confidence.”