Category: NSW News

New figures released from the NSW Health Financial Statements^ show patients and their loved ones are paying more for hospital parking fees under the Minns Labor Government, rising from $51.7 million dollars in 2024 to almost $87* million dollars in 2025.
 
That is an increase of $35.2 million dollars or 68 per cent in just one year.
 
Western Sydney has been hit hardest, paying an extra $6.5 million dollars which is a rise of almost 59 per cent.
 
South Western Sydney rose by 49 per cent and Nepean Blue Mountains by more than 60 per cent.
 
Sydney and Northern Sydney saw increases of 185 per cent and 130 per cent, respectively.
 
Leader of the Opposition Kellie Sloane said the Minns Labor Government is making life harder at the worst possible moments.
 
“We already knew patients were waiting longer under Chris Minns, and now we know they are paying more as well.  People should not be worrying about parking fees when they are walking into an emergency department or sitting with someone they love.”
 
“I want a hospital parking system that is fair, consistent and compassionate, with proper protections for long stay patients, carers and our front-line workers. Patients, their loved ones and staff should feel supported in our hospitals, not squeezed at the door.”
 
“This is blatant hypocrisy from a Health Minister who campaigned on parking fees being a ‘cash cow’ and a ‘cash grab’. He said it before the election, hospital parking fees were a ‘sick tax’, yet he is now happy to take even more money from families who are simply trying to look after the people they love,” Ms Sloane said.
 
The Government needs to explain why parking fee revenue has jumped so sharply and why the biggest increases have fallen on Western Sydney and South Western Sydney. People are already under pressure. The least they deserve is a system that does not punish them for caring.

The restoration of a major wetland in the heart of Byron Bay is part of a $26 million project to reduce the impact of flooding in the tourist destination, as well as keeping pollution away from its celebrated beaches.

In a dramatic transformation, three large retention ponds are the new centrepiece of the 5.5ha Sandhills Wetlands, attracting native birds, animals, residents and tourists alike.

The reopening of the wetlands today (Monday 1 December) celebrates the return of a habitat which had been destroyed by sand mining in the 1960s.

A network of paths connects the site to the town centre, Jarjumirr skatepark and up to Walgun Cape Byron Lighthouse, encouraging nature-based recreation for people of all ages and abilities.

The project is stage one of the overall $26 million Byron Bay Drainage Strategy, which is receiving $11.8m through the Northern Rivers Recovery and Resilience Program (NRRRP).

The NRRRP is a $150 million program delivering 36 flood mitigation and resilience projects across seven local government areas (LGAs) impacted by the 2022 floods, funded by the Albanese Government and administered by the NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA).

Byron Shire Council, who are delivering the wetlands and drainage improvement works, also received $6 million from NSW Government Infrastructure Betterment Fund Grant and $3 million from the NSW Government Open Spaces Legacy Grant towards the Sandhills Wetlands project.

The Arakwal Corporation, Tweed Byron Local Aboriginal Land Council and NSW Crown Lands also provided guidance in co-designing the project.

The Sandhills Wetlands is one part of the overall drainage project, aimed at reducing the impacts and frequency of flooding in Byron Bay. The new wetlands will collect and hold stormwater runoff from surrounding hills, before it’s slowly released towards Belongil Creek.

Work also has started on increasing the capacity of connecting stormwater pipes underneath the CBD, with stormwater concrete culverts, almost double the size of the existing pipes, being installed. Underneath the railway corridor, the largest culverts will be almost seven metres wide to help reduce the current flash-flooding risk to CBD businesses.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain:

“The reopening of the Sandhills Wetlands is a great example of the Albanese and Minns Governments working together to deliver long-term practical flood mitigation infrastructure for communities across Byron Bay.

“By restoring this vital wetland and upgrading the town’s drainage system, we are helping safeguard local homes, businesses and iconic natural assets from the increasing impacts of severe weather.

“This project demonstrates what genuine partnership with local government and Traditional Owners can achieve, creating a more resilient Byron Bay while enhancing public spaces that locals and visitors can enjoy for generations.”

Federal Member for Richmond Justine Elliot:

“As your local MP, I’m proud to have delivered $11.8 million in federal funding towards the Byron Bay Drainage Strategy, which includes restoring these beautiful wetlands in the heart of Byron Bay.

“The restoration of the Sandhills Wetlands will have a positive impact on the local environment and wildlife, reduce the impact of flooding on the Byron Bay town centre and improve water quality at Clarkes Beach.

“The improvements also mean locals will also be able to enjoy this space for years to come.”

NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully:

“Restoring the Sandhills Wetlands has helped preserve cultural heritage, bolster resilience and deliver more community space for everyone to enjoy.

“It is a practical demonstration of how we can adapt to deliver both flood mitigation and environmental benefits.

“This is a great result for the local community and visitors which will encourage more people to get out and about and enjoy nature.”

NSW Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper:

“The Minns Labor Government is focused on building stronger communities, and the Sandhills wetlands restoration project will deliver lasting benefits for Byron Bay.

“It’s fantastic to see Crown land transformed into a new emergency services precinct for NSW Police and Fire and Rescue NSW, new community and recreation space, better roads, and real protection against flooding and pollution for one of our state’s most iconic beaches.

“The Sandhills site is a powerful symbol of renewal, bringing together environmental restoration, cultural respect, and community resilience to show what’s possible when we work together for a better future.”

NSW Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin:

“This wetland stands as a powerful example of what we can achieve when we listen, respect and work together.

“Guided by Aboriginal co-design and supported by all three levels of government, we’ve restored a vital ecosystem, created a place for visitors and locals to enjoy, and strengthened our protection against future flooding.

“This is a project that brings our community closer to Country and prepares us for a more resilient future.”

Byron Shire Mayor Sarah Ndiaye:

“This is an exciting project for Council because it is one of the most significant environmental restoration projects to happen in Byron Bay in recent years.

“Already people are telling me there are more wallabies on and around the site and I am really excited to see the birdlife flourish in this amazing community place which, in the last 18 months, has been completely transformed.

“One of the main objectives of this project was to improve water quality especially around Clarkes Beach and this will have long-lasting benefits for the nearby Cape Byron Marine Park and all the fish, turtles and other marine life.”

NSW Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong will travel to China today, leading a delegation of over 50 NSW businesses and senior NSW government representatives to the 30th NSW–Guangdong Joint Economic Meeting (JEM) in Guangzhou.

The JEM is the cornerstone of NSW’s 46-year sister-state relationship with Guangdong, China’s largest provincial economy, and an important biennial opportunity to meet with senior Guangdong Government representatives to exchange views on bilateral cooperation, including trade.

As part of the mission, the Minister will travel alongside NSW Governor Margaret Beazley and Speaker of the NSW Legislative Assembly Greg Piper to meet with government and industry leaders, attend site visits, engage with NSW businesses and potential investors in Guangzhou, Shanghai and Hong Kong. These engagements will strengthen relationships and create new opportunities for NSW businesses.

The Minister’s mission will include a visit to one of Guangzhou’s leading public hospitals to meet with patients who have received cochlear implants. This follows the 2023 JEM, held in Sydney, which led to a nation-first agreement for NSW-based, global medtech company Cochlear, to supply medical devices across Guangdong’s Greater Bay Area hospitals.

The delegation will also include two recent winners at the NSW Export Awards – NSW Exporter of the Year Southern Star Research and NSW Regional Exporter of the Year Flavourtech.

This mission is an important opportunity to deliver on the objectives of the NSW Trade and Investment Strategy, which sets a bold vision to grow exports by $100 billion, attract $25 billion in investment, and create 30,000 new jobs by 2035.

This mission follows the Australian Government’s patient and calibrated approach to stabilising the bilateral relationship with China, including visits from the Prime Minister, the Hon Anthony Albanese earlier this year, and Minister for Trade and Tourism, Senator the Hon Don Farrell, as recently as early November.

Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“This mission is about putting the NSW Trade and Investment Strategy into action.

“The NSW–Guangdong Joint Economic Meeting plays a crucial role in our economic engagement, and this year’s 30th meeting is a significant mark of our commitment.

“NSW is a trading state and China is a major trading partner.

“The record number of businesses travelling with me to JEM means our world class offerings in decarbonisation, health and life sciences and food and beverage manufacturing will be on show and ready to grow in the China market.”

NSW Exporter of the Year 2025, Southern Star Research Director and Founder David Lloyd said:

“Being part of this delegation is a tremendous opportunity. The Joint Economic Meeting gives us direct access to government and industry leaders in China, helping us showcase our capabilities and explore new partnerships.

“Strengthening these connections is vital for opening new markets, driving investment, and ensuring NSW businesses remain competitive in a rapidly changing global economy.”

NSW Regional Exporter of the Year 2025, Flavourtech CEO and Chairman Leon Skaliotis said:

“Attending the last Joint Economic Meeting was a turning point for our business — it opened doors we simply couldn’t have accessed otherwise.

“Going back again this year gives us the chance to build on those relationships, showcase how far we’ve come, and explore new opportunities in China’s dynamic market. For us, the JEM isn’t just about trade discussions, it’s about real connections that help our business grow and thrive.”

Cancer survival rates in NSW are at an all-time high, with 73 per cent of people surviving at least 5 years after a cancer diagnosis, up from 71 per cent according to a new report from the Cancer Institute NSW.

The Cancer in NSW Report 2025 highlights the state’s collaborative, world-leading efforts to reduce cancer’s burden and how advancements in immunotherapy, genomics and diagnostics, as well as digital health and artificial intelligence are transforming the way we prevent, detect and treat cancer.

The report shows cancer incidence rates are stabilising and mortality rates are decreasing, with bowel and lung cancers having the greatest decrease in mortality rates over the past ten years.

The report also outlines key efforts underway to reduce inequitable cancer outcomes, with Aboriginal people twice as likely to die from cancer than non-Aboriginal people, and people with the lowest-socioeconomic status 50 per cent more likely to die from cancer than people with a high socioeconomic status.

Initiatives to boost access to cancer clinical trials, including targeted grants for priority populations, are increasing participation. Nearly 3,300 people enrolled in a cancer clinical trial in 2024–25, up from 2,571 the previous year. The number of unique clinical trials also grew from 795 to 858.

Other key initiatives highlighted in the report helping to improve cancer outcomes include:

• $21 million to support research in prevention and early detection, diagnosis, treatment and living well with and beyond cancer
• 15 behaviour change campaigns on anti-vaping and anti-tobacco, breast, bowel and cervical screening and skin cancer prevention
• The introduction of machine reading technology to support radiologists to interpret mammography images, as well as breast density reporting across BreastScreen NSW.

Now in its sixth iteration, the NSW Cancer Plan 2022-2027 is helping guide the state’s cancer control efforts. As the state’s dedicated cancer control agency, the Cancer Institute NSW is working together with more than 80 organisations across government, non-government and community to reduce cancer’s impact and save more lives.

The NSW Government invests around $180 million each year, through the Cancer Institute NSW, to improve cancer outcomes and lessen its impact for people across the state. 

Key insights from the report:

• The 5-year cancer survival rate is 73% (for 2017-21, up from 71% in the previous five year period)
• 55,719 people in NSW are expected to be diagnosed with cancer in 2025
• 16,241 people in NSW are expected to die from cancer in 2025
• 1 in 2 people will be diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85
• People living in regional and rural NSW have an 11% increased risk of receiving a cancer diagnosis, and an almost 20% increased risk of death from cancer than their city counterparts
• Aboriginal people are 1.4 times more likely to be diagnosed with cancer and 2 times more likely to die from the disease than non-Aboriginal people
• The most socioeconomically disadvantaged people in NSW are 1.5 times more likely to die from cancer than the least socioeconomically disadvantaged
• The 5 most common cancers expected to be diagnosed by the end of 2025 are prostate, breast, melanoma of the skin, bowel and lung cancer
• The 5 most common causes of cancer death by the end of 2025 are expected to be lung, bowel, pancreatic, prostate and breast cancer
• Overall incidence rates of cancer in people under 50 years-old has risen slightly, with the incidence rate 6% higher in 2023 than in 2014
• 269 children aged 0-14 years are expected to be diagnosed with cancer in 2025
• 392 adolescents and young adults (15-24 years) are expected to be diagnosed with cancer in 2025.

Health Minister Ryan Park:

“Cancer is a disease that doesn’t discriminate and has the power to change lives in an instant. While our state’s survival rates rank among the best in the world, collectively cancers remain the leading cause of premature disease related death.

“Our growing and ageing population means the demands on cancer care will continue to rise, so it’s absolutely critical our efforts continue to rise and meet this.

“There’s still a lot more to do, but we’re deeply committed to improving cancer outcomes and addressing the unique needs of our diverse communities, I’m proud to see this highlighted in the report.”

NSW Chief Cancer Officer and Chief Executive Cancer Institute NSW, Professor Tracey O’Brien AM:

“While NSW is recognised as a global leader in cancer outcomes, very few people are untouched by this devastating disease, and we must continue with our efforts to collectively tackle cancer and its profound burden on our community.

“At the heart of this report are the unique perspectives and experiences of people living with and beyond cancer and the world-leading teams of experts and community leaders working together to change the future of cancer.”

The restoration of a major wetland in the heart of Byron Bay is part of a $26 million project to reduce the impact of flooding in the tourist destination, as well as keeping pollution away from its celebrated beaches.

In a dramatic transformation, three large retention ponds are the new centrepiece of the 5.5ha Sandhills Wetlands, attracting native birds, animals, residents and tourists alike.

The reopening of the wetlands today (Monday 1 December) celebrates the return of a habitat which had been destroyed by sand mining in the 1960s.

A network of paths connects the site to the town centre, Jarjumirr skatepark and up to Walgun Cape Byron Lighthouse, encouraging nature-based recreation for people of all ages and abilities.

The project is stage one of the overall $26 million Byron Bay Drainage Strategy, which is receiving $11.8m through the Northern Rivers Recovery and Resilience Program (NRRRP).

The NRRRP is a $150 million program delivering 36 flood mitigation and resilience projects across seven local government areas (LGAs) impacted by the 2022 floods, funded by the Albanese Government and administered by the NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA).

Byron Shire Council, who are delivering the wetlands and drainage improvement works, also received $6 million from NSW Government Infrastructure Betterment Fund Grant and $3 million from the NSW Government Open Spaces Legacy Grant towards the Sandhills Wetlands project.

The Arakwal Corporation, Tweed Byron Local Aboriginal Land Council and NSW Crown Lands also provided guidance in co-designing the project.

The Sandhills Wetlands is one part of the overall drainage project, aimed at reducing the impacts and frequency of flooding in Byron Bay. The new wetlands will collect and hold stormwater runoff from surrounding hills, before it’s slowly released towards Belongil Creek.

Work also has started on increasing the capacity of connecting stormwater pipes underneath the CBD, with stormwater concrete culverts, almost double the size of the existing pipes, being installed. Underneath the railway corridor, the largest culverts will be almost seven metres wide to help reduce the current flash-flooding risk to CBD businesses.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain:

“The reopening of the Sandhills Wetlands is a great example of the Albanese and Minns Governments working together to deliver long-term practical flood mitigation infrastructure for communities across Byron Bay.

“By restoring this vital wetland and upgrading the town’s drainage system, we are helping safeguard local homes, businesses and iconic natural assets from the increasing impacts of severe weather.

“This project demonstrates what genuine partnership with local government and Traditional Owners can achieve, creating a more resilient Byron Bay while enhancing public spaces that locals and visitors can enjoy for generations.”

Federal Member for Richmond Justine Elliot:

“As your local MP, I’m proud to have delivered $11.8 million in federal funding towards the Byron Bay Drainage Strategy, which includes restoring these beautiful wetlands in the heart of Byron Bay.

“The restoration of the Sandhills Wetlands will have a positive impact on the local environment and wildlife, reduce the impact of flooding on the Byron Bay town centre and improve water quality at Clarkes Beach.

“The improvements also mean locals will also be able to enjoy this space for years to come.”

NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully:

“Restoring the Sandhills Wetlands has helped preserve cultural heritage, bolster resilience and deliver more community space for everyone to enjoy.

“It is a practical demonstration of how we can adapt to deliver both flood mitigation and environmental benefits.

“This is a great result for the local community and visitors which will encourage more people to get out and about and enjoy nature.”

NSW Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper:

“The Minns Labor Government is focused on building stronger communities, and the Sandhills wetlands restoration project will deliver lasting benefits for Byron Bay.

“It’s fantastic to see Crown land transformed into a new emergency services precinct for NSW Police and Fire and Rescue NSW, new community and recreation space, better roads, and real protection against flooding and pollution for one of our state’s most iconic beaches.

“The Sandhills site is a powerful symbol of renewal, bringing together environmental restoration, cultural respect, and community resilience to show what’s possible when we work together for a better future.”

NSW Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin:

“This wetland stands as a powerful example of what we can achieve when we listen, respect and work together.

“Guided by Aboriginal co-design and supported by all three levels of government, we’ve restored a vital ecosystem, created a place for visitors and locals to enjoy, and strengthened our protection against future flooding.

“This is a project that brings our community closer to Country and prepares us for a more resilient future.”

Byron Shire Mayor Sarah Ndiaye:

“This is an exciting project for Council because it is one of the most significant environmental restoration projects to happen in Byron Bay in recent years.

“Already people are telling me there are more wallabies on and around the site and I am really excited to see the birdlife flourish in this amazing community place which, in the last 18 months, has been completely transformed.

“One of the main objectives of this project was to improve water quality especially around Clarkes Beach and this will have long-lasting benefits for the nearby Cape Byron Marine Park and all the fish, turtles and other marine life.”

The Minns Labor Government today unveiled a $25 million investment program to boost the growth of agricultural industries across New South Wales, by funding agricultural businesses to embed innovation and productivity enhancements, plus lower operational greenhouse gas emissions.

The new Agriculture Industries Innovation and Growth Program will, through smart investments, deliver significant economic benefits to regional communities by helping agricultural businesses increase production, revenues, and deliver new jobs.

The grants will support the modernisation of NSW’s producers by investing in projects that the business is co-funding, and are ready to go. Projects that will deliver technology and equipment into operations to immediately scale-up production lines or enable new products, or reduce emissions.

This initiative is part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to keep building up the agricultural sector following the Government’s recent announcement that the state’s primary industries reached a historic highpoint of $25.5 billion Gross Value of Production (GVP) over the last year.

The new Agriculture Industries Innovation and Growth Program covers the following:

• Grants of between $500,000 and $4 million for eligible applicants covering businesses, cooperatives, and for-profit organisations operating in the agricultural sector
• Upgrades to on-farm and off-farm processing facilities to improve the value add of NSW agricultural products and enabling the purchase of production equipment and Agtech that will lower emissions.

Examples of the type of projects that could attract the grant funding may include:

• Production of new higher efficiency fertilisers from agricultural waste that improve outputs and deliver improved environmental outcomes
• Installation of equipment that enables the production and packaging of plant-based protein products or new crops
• Equipment to increase production of new feed additives that have been developed and designed to contribute towards reduced emissions in the beef sector
• Construction of production equipment for new future fuels that enables scalability and ability to take product to market
• Purchase of equipment for beverage processing or product packaging that enables new products to reach national and export markets
• Installation of new produce processing technology that reduces wastage and improves output for growers.

The program is part of the Minns Labor Government’s $400 million Regional Development Trust to support smart projects that make regional communities more resilient and deliver local jobs, investments and businesses.

The program aligns with the Investment NSW Trade and Investment Strategy and complements existing NSW Government initiatives such as Farms of the Future (Agtech), and the Net Zero Manufacturing Initiative.

Applications will open on Monday 1 December 2025 and close on Friday 23 January 2026.

For more information, and to view the full program guidelines, visit: nsw.gov.au/aiigp

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“Investing in agricultural businesses is investing in a key foundation of our regional economies and creating new jobs for the future.

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to growing the agricultural sector in NSW by driving its modernisation, and movement to lower emissions, plus scaling up its ability to export.

“We know smart investments in projects ready to go have immediate positive impacts on the business and the local community. The stock and station brokers, truckers, grain handlers, suppliers, grocery store, mechanic, and bakery, all busier with a thriving local economy.

“We need to keep fostering and accelerating our agricultural businesses to become more digital, more efficient and more sustainable so they can ride the volatility of the changing global environment.”

The Minns Labor Government is calling on cemetery operators and communities to help shape the future of cemeteries and memorial parks across the state, with the release of the draft Perpetual Care Framework for public consultation. 

Cemeteries and memorial parks are more than resting places, they are spaces for remembrance, reflection, and community connection. The draft Perpetual Care Framework sets out a plan to ensure these special places are cared for, respected, and accessible for generations to come.

The proposed framework will:

• Provide a clear definition of what is meant by perpetual care
• Provide opportunities to keep cemeteries as vibrant and valuable spaces into the future, even when they have reached full capacity
• Hold cemetery operators accountable for perpetual care and ensure ongoing safe access for families and communities
• Give families certainty that cemeteries will be maintained with dignity and respect, even after they are no longer active
• Manage maintenance costs most effectively through long term planning
• Respect the diverse religious and cultural needs of NSW communities
• Allow for innovative and respectful uses for cemeteries, such as new green spaces, so these valued places can continue to benefit the community in new ways.

The draft Perpetual Care Framework shares real-world examples of what a well-planned approach to perpetual care can look like in practice, citing the Melbourne General Cemetery in central Melbourne, and Camperdown Memorial Rest Park in Sydney as alternative approaches.

Project Cultivate – Melbourne General Cemetery

This initiative has transformed traditional cemetery landscapes into thriving native grasslands, reducing water use and chemical inputs while enhancing biodiversity. It demonstrates how cemeteries can honour memory and contribute to environmental resilience. 

Camperdown Memorial Rest Park

Once a cemetery, this site is now a vibrant public park, showing how inactive cemeteries can be repurposed to serve communities while preserving heritage. 

Have Your Say 

Cemetery operators and communities are invited to provide their feedback to ensure the final framework meets the needs of all and supports a strong, sustainable future for NSW cemeteries.

Feedback can be provided by completing a survey or by emailing ccnsw.regulatoryreform@cemeteries.nsw.gov.au. Responses must be received by 27 March 2026. For more information, visit cemeteries.nsw.gov.au/industry-regulation/perpetual-care-framework.

Minister for Lands and Property, Steve Kamper said: 

“The framework is a major step forward in ensuring cemeteries remain respectful, sustainable, and well-maintained for generations to come. It gives families certainty that cemeteries will be maintained with dignity and respect, even after they are no longer active.

“Perpetual care is about dignity, respect, and sustainability. This framework sets out how operators can plan for the long-term maintenance of cemeteries while embracing innovation and community expectations.”

David Raper, Acting CEO of Cemeteries & Crematoria NSW said: 

“We want to hear from everyone – operators, families, and communities – about what perpetual care should look like. Together, we can respect the past and ensure cemeteries benefit families and communities well into the future.”

Residents are beginning to move into 148 newly renovated public housing units at Telopea, as part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to address the housing shortage and give more people a safe place to call home.

Up to 240 people will be moved into the three towers – known as ‘The Three Sisters’ – before Christmas and construction will soon begin on another project delivering 423 new homes across the road at Polding Place.

The refurbishment of the Wade Street units comes just over 12 months after the Minns Government ended the  ‘dud-deal’ Liberal/National partnership with Frasers Property Australia that would have seen the demolition and privatisation of the towers.

Under the former Liberal/National Government’s plan these homes would have been sitting vacant and unused for almost a decade – all during the worst housing crisis the state has faced.

The upgraded units on Wade Street include thoughtfully renovated kitchens and bathrooms, new flooring and painting, enhanced safety and security systems, fresh landscaping and new community spaces for residents.

These homes will be built alongside a 6000 m² community plaza and park with play equipment, sports court, BBQ and picnic areas, paths, lighting plus road and pathway upgrades.

The refurbishment works started in Feburary 2025 and have been completed on time and on budget.

This is part of the largest investment in housing in the state’s history, with the Minns Labor Government investing $6.6 billion into the Building Homes for New South Wales package.

This plan will build 8,400 new social homes, prioritising at least 50% for victim survivors of domestic and family violence, and restore a further 30,000 to make them safe and liveable again.

Over the past year, Homes NSW has also helped rehome 7,796 households, providing thousands of families with a safe and stable place to call home.

This is in sharp contrast to the previous Liberal National Government, who sold off more than 4,730 homes in 12 years.

While this historic progress is promising, there is still more to be done, which is why the Government is keeping its shoulder to the wheel to rebuild the public housing system after a decade of neglect.

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:

“We’re getting on with the job of delivering homes people can move into today, while laying the foundations for long-term renewal that will transform Telopea into a thriving community.

“The former government signed a dud deal and left these towers empty for years during a housing crisis – locals started calling Telopea a ghost suburb because the Wade Street Towers were left vacant for so long.

“We tore that deal up, brought these homes back to life and now we’re getting people housed. That is what a Labor government focused on people, not privatisation, looks like.

“Refurbishing the Wade Street towers and pushing ahead with the first stage of new homes shows our new approach to housing in NSW and a public housing system that is being rebuilt after a decade of neglect.”

The Minns Labor Government has approved a modification to the Bulli Seam Operations coal mine in the Illawarra that will deliver significant environmental benefits and support jobs in the Illawarra region.

Under the approval, Illawarra Coal Holdings Pty Ltd will construct and operate a pilot regenerative thermal oxidiser at its Appin Mine ventilation site. This system captures ventilation air and heats it to break down methane into carbon dioxide and water, reducing emissions released into the atmosphere.

Methane gas is one the most potent greenhouse gases, and over 80 times more impactful than carbon dioxide. It’s estimated that using the oxidiser to convert emissions from methane to carbon dioxide will reduce the mine’s greenhouse gas emissions by 36,000 tonnes each year when implemented at full scale. This is equivalent to taking 8,500 petrol cars off the road for a year. 

The approval marks a major step forward in advancing emissions reduction technologies in the mining sector and are a critical part of the plan to meet the state’s legislated climate targets.

The Bulli Seam Operations primarily produces metallurgical coal for steelmaking, a key component of domestic and international supply chains. The approved modification does not change how much coal the project is able to extract.

The mine employs around 1,100 people, and construction of the oxidiser will create around 20 to 30 jobs over 12 months.

The modification also includes ancillary infrastructure and minor site works, such as vegetation clearing and earthworks, at the site located 25 kilometres northwest of Wollongong.

Minister for Planning and Public Space Paul Scully:

“The approval of this modification allows the Appin mine to improve its environmental performance while continuing to provide coal for steelmaking. 

“Once complete the new regenerative thermal oxidiser will cut green gas emission by 36,000 tonnes every year.

“Innovations like this one reduce emissions to progress towards our legislated emissions reduction targets.”

Minister for Finance and Natural Resources Courtney Houssos:

“The Appin mine has been a major employer in the Illawarra for many years, and this approval demonstrates our commitment to the industry’s sustainability.

“This is a good example of the investments being made by the coal mining industry to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, while continuing to extract the metallurgical coal critical to producing steel.

“This means fewer emissions and more jobs – a win for the environment and for the NSW economy.”

Thank you, Chair. And let me add my appreciation for your service to our Party, not only as Chair of the Management Committee, but over many years and decades of contribution.
 
Members of the Management Committee, delegates, friends – our Liberal family.
 
Thank you.
 
It is a privilege to stand before you as the Leader of the New South Wales Liberal Party and NSW Opposition.
 
I want to begin by thanking Mark Speakman for his tireless leadership and commitment to our cause.
 
Mark is a compassionate, conviction-driven Liberal who held our team together and navigated difficult terrain. His leadership has set the foundations for the next 15 months, and I know he will continue to play a valuable role as we approach March 2027.
 
To my Parliamentary colleagues here today, thank you again for the trust you have placed in me. 
 
I’m proud of our team – one the most impressive in the country. A mix of experience – former government ministers and fresh faces. Six of our team under the aged of 40. Broad life experience. Read to govern again.
 
To my deputy, Natalie Ward, thank you for your support and partnership – I am proud to stand alongside you.
 
As a team, we owe it to everyone in this room, and to every person across our great state, to put in the hard work. To stay focused on the people of New South Wales: their concerns, their ideas, their aspirations.
 
And to every Liberal Party member here today – thank you. I speak for all of my colleagues when I say we would not be here without your commitment, dedication and hard work.
 
I want to acknowledge our great friends in the Nationals. We are stronger together. The new leader Gurmesh Singh and I will not just be coalition partners, but firm friends as we chart a course to victory together.
 
We have a monumental task ahead of us in the next 15 months, and we will need every one of you by our side. This year has been challenging – one of the hardest. But we are here. Not only with an opportunity before us, but with an obligation to rise to this moment and meet it head-on.
 
We owe it to our Party.
 
We owe it to our State.
 
And we owe it to Australia.
 
We can win this
 
Friends,
 
We are 15 months away from the next state election.
 
The task ahead of us is huge.
 
Many have already said it can’t be won. In fact, history would suggest it can’t be won.
 
But I didn’t put my hand up for this job to take a back seat to history.
 
I’m here to make history.
 
New South Wales needs a strong alternative government.
 
An Opposition that holds Labor to account and puts the interests of the people of this state first.
 
Because under Chris Minns and Labor, we are seeing a government that reacts instead of leads.
 
A government that is slow to deliver.
 
A government that is becoming defined by excuses rather than outcomes.
 
A Government without vision.
 
Infrastructure investment is being cut. Cost-of-living support has been wound back. Housing shortages are getting worse. Pressures in our hospitals are intensifying. Services that families rely on are becoming less dependable.
 
The people of NSW deserve better.
 
They deserve a government with a clear plan for the future and a commitment to deliver for families, households and businesses across our state.
 
That is exactly what we are offering.
 
Under Chris Minns and Labor, New South Wales is stalling. NSW Labor has paused, delayed or cut projects that are fundamental to our long-term prosperity. The momentum that once drove our state forward has been allowed to drift.
 
The Liberal Party has a plan to change that. A plan to build the infrastructure our communities need, to deliver the essential services our families rely on and to restore the economic confidence that will shape the next decade.
 
The Liberal Party I lead will drive an agenda focused on keeping the infrastructure pipeline moving, including new Metros, road links and regional transport.
 
On delivering practical cost-of-living relief.
 
On strengthening our frontline services.
 
On modernising the public service so it works for the people it serves.
 
On delivering more housing in the right places.
 
And on maintaining responsible budget management.
 
This is the long-term plan New South Wales needs. And under my leadership, it is the plan the Liberal Party will deliver for the future of our state.
 
I’ll come back to this soon – but first, let me tell you a little bit about myself.
 
I live in one of the most heavily populated city electorate, but I’m a country girl at heart.
 
I grew up with a very service minded family in regional South Australia.
 
First in the tuna-fishing town of Port Lincoln and then in the Barossa.
 
Mum and dad were always involved in local community and sporting groups.
 
They taught me that you put family and community before yourself.
 
Those early lessons of family and community shaped my life and they remain core to the values I have brought to my time in Parliament, and that I will bring as Leader of our Party.
 
Before entering Parliament, I built a career in journalism that spanned almost two decades. I started in ABC radio, then moved to ABC TV and later to the Nine and Seven Networks.
 
I told the stories of everyday Australians, often in moments of crisis or uncertainty, and I learnt the importance of truth, transparency and personal accountability in public life. I saw first-hand the power of good government, but also the consequences when government falls short.
 
I later served as the National CEO of Life Education – Healthy Harold – working to improve the health and wellbeing of children and young people.
 
As I said in my first press conference, despite all these jobs my most important job is as a mother and wife.
 
My husband Adam and I have three teenage boys.
 
They are our purpose.
 
They are the reason I want to make this state a better place
 
I want that for every single young person in NSW.
 
That they can hope for a better future and opportunity.

My story is grounded in the principles that define the Liberal Party.
 
We believe in aspiration.
 
We believe in backing people to succeed.
 
We believe in rewarding effort, championing enterprise and ensuring that government serves the public, not the other way around.
 
Those values shaped my upbringing, guided my professional life and drive my work in Parliament today.
 
New South Wales cannot afford a government that is not ready for the future.
 
Yet that is exactly what we have under Chris Minns. Labor is a government without direction and without purpose.
 
It is a government that has allowed drift, delay and short-term politics to overtake vision and long-term planning.
 
The result is broken promises, missed opportunities and mounting costs for every family, household and business in New South Wales.
 
Labor has slashed the infrastructure pipeline at the very moment the state needs it to grow. Investment has been halved over the forward estimates. Metro West delayed and a clear commitment to no new Metro lines. Regional road upgrades cut. Western Sydney communities left without the transport links they were promised.
 
These choices do not just stall projects. They kill jobs, choke productivity and leave fast-growing communities stranded.
 
For all Labor’s talk on housing – completions are down while demand surges. First Home Buyer Choice scrapped. Taxes and charges on new homes increased. The result is fewer homes, higher prices and young families being pushed further out of reach of ownership. Labor talks about planning and housing and development – we will talk about building homes and communities.
 
On cost of living, Labor abandoned the very supports families relied on. Active Kids, Creative Kids and Back to School vouchers axed.
 
Labor even cruelly cut support for couples with fertility issues, making it harder for people to start their family.
 
Our health system is under strain, with countless stories on our screens of people sleeping on the floors of emergency departments and elective surgery waiting times blowing out to be worse than they were before COVID.
 
When it comes to Labor’s Budget – debt is heading towards $200 billion by 2028, the highest in our state’s history.
 
There is no credible path to surplus, no plan for repair and no protection against future shocks. And when Labor runs out of money, it comes after yours.
 
Across the public sector, there is no innovation agenda, no productivity plan and no technology strategy to support frontline workers.
 
The Minns Labor Government is not ready for the future. But your Liberal team and I are. And that is the choice New South Wales faces in 2027.
 
You will hear me talk a lot about families, because they are critical to the future success of our state.
 
Without strong families, we do not have strong communities.
 
And when I say families, I am not limiting that to the traditional model. Families come in many shapes and sizes.
 
They deserve to be empowered. They deserve every opportunity to succeed and thrive. We should reward hard work and unlock opportunity wherever we can.
 
Because this has always been central to who we are as Liberals – that is what sits in our Liberal DNA.
 
Robert Menzies spoke of the forgotten people who shoulder the real responsibilities of national life.
 
John Howard reminded us that the strength of the nation begins in the strength of the household.
 
Those principles still matter. Supporting families is not only sound policy, it is our duty. It will guide the agenda we take to the people of New South Wales.
 
On day one in the job, I gave my pledge to the people of NSW that families would be at the heart of everything we do.
 
New South Wales needs a practical and future-focused plan that delivers for NSW families. 
 
A plan built on disciplined financial management, long-term thinking and a commitment to making life easier now while creating opportunity for the years ahead.
 
That is the plan the NSW Liberals will take to the people.
 
Our approach will be anchored in delivering reliable services, responsible infrastructure and a smarter, more productive public sector – one that protects jobs and delivers better outcomes for our State.
 
Our Plan will set the foundations for a thriving state built on strong economic management.
 
Our Plan will once again build transformational infrastructure that keeps NSW moving and improves daily life.
 
Our Plan will deliver healthier and safer communities supported by preventative health and modern service delivery.
 
We will be a government that listens, plans and delivers.
 
A government that rewards effort, supports families and backs business.
 
Our first priority is infrastructure and economic growth. New South Wales cannot afford a slowdown. We will restore the long-term pipeline, expand Sydney Metro and strengthen regional transport links so that jobs, productivity and connectivity grow across the state.
 
Our second priority is to lift the standard of living through more housing and practical cost-of-living relief. We will increase supply with planning reform, incentives for downsizing and reduced taxes and charges on development. We will reinstate First Home Buyer Choice, deliver Active Kids.
 
Our third priority is renewing our public services and improving the health system.
 
As the Shadow Minister for Health, I made it clear that public health and community safety must always come before commercial interests and organised crime.
 
One of the most serious threats facing our communities is the rise of illicit tobacco. It is fueling violence, driving criminal activity and undermining the integrity of our health system.
 
I led the work on a comprehensive legislative package to crack down on illegal tobacco, strengthen enforcement powers and hold offenders to account.
 
These laws will shut down the illegal stores and go after the organised crime gangs behind them.
 
That legislation was drafted by the NSW Liberal Opposition and adopted by the Minns Labor Government because it was the right policy for New South Wales.
 
It shows that even from Opposition the Liberal Party can deliver reforms that improve the lives for people here in New South Wales and builds a healthier and safer state.
 
My colleagues have shown that. Alister Henskens on crime. Robyn Preston on tougher laws for the vandalism of memorials.
 
We will build on this by strengthening preventative care, improving chronic disease management and improving surgery wait times.
 
Under Labor, at Liverpool Hospital, patients are waiting 381 days for surgery.
 
An additional 172 days since the Coalition left Government.
 
We will work with doctors and the private sector to reduce wait lists, so patients get their surgery sooner.
 
We will leverage technology to reduce pressure on frontline workers and improve reliability.
 
And we will cut red tape to boost productivity, streamline agency operations, support small business through payroll tax relief and reinstate Business Connect.
 
Our commitment is simple.
 
We will reduce pressure on households and businesses, deliver reliable services, build the homes and infrastructure our growing state needs and ensure New South Wales works for you.
 
It has been a busy week since I became Leader, but it has also been energising.
 
I have met with families, small business owners and community leaders across Sydney and I’ll travel to Regional New South Wales in the coming weeks.
 
They have all told me the same thing. They want a government that listens. They want a government with vision. They want a government that understands the pressures they face. And they want a government that does not waste your time, money or opportunity.
 
I am under no illusions about the work ahead.
 
The road to March 2027 will be demanding.
 
It will take discipline, unity and relentless focus.
 
But I believe deeply in our Party, in our values and in our capacity to rise to this moment.
 
We have done it before. And we will do it again.
 
We will win because we stand for aspiration.
 
We will win because we back families and reward effort.
 
We will win because our plans are practical, credible and grounded in common sense.
 
And we will win because the people of New South Wales deserve a government that works for them.
 
So to every member of our Liberal family, I say this.
 
Stand with me. Stand with your candidates. Stand with your communities.
 
Over the next 15 months, we will take our message, our plan and our values to every corner of this state.
 
We will fight for every seat. We will fight for every vote. And together, we will deliver a Liberal Government for New South Wales in March 2027.
 
Thank you.