Category: NSW News

The Minns Labor Government has delivered an extra 260 support classes in NSW public schools this year, making it easier for students with disability to access high-quality learning environments, closer to home.

With this expansion more than 34,000 students can now access support classes across NSW public schools. Classes have now been established in more than 30 schools without a previous support class provision, giving them the resources to provide extra support.

This work forms part of the Minns Government’s commitment to delivering support for students with disability closer to where they live, with 244 support classes across mainstream schools and the remainder in Schools for Specific Purposes.

More than one-third of the extra support classes delivered this year are in Western and South Western Sydney public schools.

As part of this work an updated enrolment policy will also be rolled out for students requiring additional support, making it easier for students requiring a support class provision to attend a school closer to home and attend the same school as their siblings.

This will also ensure an equitable distribution of support classes across NSW public schools, so schools are better meeting the needs of their local communities.

The Department of Education is also working to develop post-schooling resources to help students with additional needs transition into further study, training, or work.

The Minns Government is also investing $100 million to improve classroom and school accessibility for NSW public school students living with disability.

The investment covers more than 340 projects across NSW public schools, providing much-needed infrastructure including ramps and handrails.

This expansion forms part of the NSW Government’s historic investment in public education across the state.

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to ensuring every student is supported to reach their full potential at school and beyond.

“We’re working to provide stronger support for students with disability to learn in high-quality, inclusive environments closer to home.”

Minister for Disability Inclusion Kate Washington said:

“Families across NSW have told us what they need, and we’re delivering. We’re proud to be making these changes with students and their families, not just for them.

“By building accessibility into our schools, we’re not only ensuring students living with disability can participate fully in their education, but we’re also fostering a culture of acceptance, empathy and understanding.”

The Minns Labor Government has accelerated the delivery of $155 million to undertake a pothole and road repair blitz across regional New South Wales, as part its ongoing work to build a better New South Wales.

The fast-tracked funding will increase state road maintenance funding in the regions to $1.25 billion this financial year, with key works already underway.

This funding is about making regional roads safer, more reliable and fairer— because every community deserves roads they can depend on to get to work, school and home.

It comes after NSW Government funding saw 184,000 potholes across regional communities filled during 2024/25. This came as part of a record level of investment in maintenance and disaster recovery for regional roads.

This investment will deliver safer roads, from Broken Hill to Bega, ensuring that regional communities get their fair share of road maintenance investment.

The $155 million has been brought forward to 2025-26 to prioritise renewal projects, including key corridors that have been under significant pressure due to unprecedented weather. Projects include:

Pavement renewal and resurfacing on major highways such as the New England Highway and Hume Highway.

• Key bridge maintenance and renewal works across regional NSW. 
• Continued slope restorations across a number of our east-west corridors such as Waterfall Way, Oxley Highway, and Victoria Pass. 

Under the Liberal-National government regional road investment was an afterthought. The Minns Labor Government understands that regional roads are essential to the connectivity of our state.

Maintenance crews have clocked nearly four million hours of work in the past 12 months undertaking work including:

• Trimming 53,000 trees for improved safety.
• Repairing 35,000 guideposts.
• Refreshing more than 280,000 kilometres of line markings

Some 150 new permanent staff members have been hired, taking Transport for NSW’s locally-based regional maintenance team to more than 2,000 workers. Another 75 regionally-based apprentices and trainees will start in 2026.

The Minns Labor Government continues investing in regional road infrastructure to build a stronger, more resilient network for NSW communities. This build on reforms to:

• Put road repair funding in the hands of councils sooner by providing upfront grants – rather than forcing councils to fund the work and then reimburse them. More than one third of regional NSW Councils have already signed up to get funding faster.
• Streamline road recategorisation so councils can apply to transfer roads to state funding responsibility. The previous Liberal-National government promised this reform but failed to deliver it.
• Provide transparent open data on the road network by publishing AusRAP data which gives a condition report for state and regional roads, making NSW the first jurisdiction to do so.

Chris Minns, Premier of New South Wales said:

“Regional and rural communities deserve their fair share of investment and upgrades to local roads – this announcement is about getting money out the door and boots on the ground sooner rather than later.

“Following droughts, bushfires and floods we are hearing loud and clear that there needs to be more done to repair damaged roads and keep communities connected in the wake of natural disasters.

“We’ve made a start, but we know there’s still more to do and that’s what this accelerated funding will help deliver.”

Minister for Roads and Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said:

“The people and businesses of NSW rely on our road network, and I’m incredibly proud of the road warriors at Transport for NSW.

“Long after storms or bushfires pass, recovery continues for our teams. Whether plugging potholes or undertaking massive multi-year infrastructure rebuilds, the work never ends.

“I want to thank all our frontline road recovery and maintenance crews. Their nearly four million hours of work is an investment in the future of NSW to ensure a safe, strong and reliable network for motorists, commuters and freight operators.”

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“Most of the road crews are locals making a critical difference to ensure reliable, safe roads for anyone living, working or travelling in regional NSW.

“Regional NSW often missed out under the Liberal-National Government which focused its attention on Sydney mega-projects but this Government is redressing the balance.”

Councillor Rick Firman OAM, NSW Country Mayors Association Chair, said:

“This is really good news and we warmly thank Minister Aitchison for this significant further investment in our regional, remote and rural communities.

“Obviously our local citizens will be the ultimate beneficiaries of our Government’s decision to prioritise the road network in the bush, which is effectively our lifeblood.”

The NSW Liberals have slammed the NSW Labor Government for a shocking increase in assaults against hospital workers.
 
The Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District has seen a 62% increase in physical aggression incidents against health workers over four years. Across our state non-alcohol related assaults in hospitals is up nearly 150% since Labor took office in 2023.
 
NSW Liberal Leader Mark Speakman said that the figures are shocking.
 
“Violence in our hospitals has surged under Labor, no one should have to go to work fearing being kicked, spat on, or attacked with weapons, least of all our frontline health workers,” Mr Speakman said.
 
“This is direct result of Labor’s neglect of our health system, where it is becoming harder for people to have safe and timely access to healthcare. We’re also seeing mass resignations from psychiatrists and strikes that are crippling our hospital system. Labor shouldn’t be rewarded for this.”
 
Shadow Minister for Health Kellie Sloane said that this violence is putting staff at risk and undermining patient care.
 
“In Government, the NSW Liberals introduced laws equating assaults on health and emergency workers to assaults on police with penalties of up to 7 years jail. We’re demanding the NSW Government act and outline their plan to keep staff and patients safe,” Ms Sloane said.
 
“Long waits in emergency departments and a broken mental health system are pushing hospitals to the brink. The NSW Labor Government has no plan to keep our staff safe and no plan to fix the crisis.”
 
Liberal for Kiama Serena Copley said local hospitals are being left exposed.
 
“Families in our region are facing longer waits and fewer staff because health workers are being driven out of the system. Labor has neglected the South Coast and locals deserve better.”
 
“I’ll be a strong voice in the NSW Liberal team that stands up for our local healthcare workers and fights to deliver better access to our hospitals for locals.

Netball NSW has begun its second state-wide consultation roadshow, meeting with members in Bathurst to collaborate on shaping the future of the game across New South Wales.

The Bathurst session, held on Tuesday 26 August, marked the second phase of a series of regional forums where Association and Club administrators can contribute directly to the development of Netball NSW’s new Strategic Plan and ongoing governance review.

The Bathurst session was attended by senior leaders from Netball NSW, including CEO Tracey Scott, Executive General Manager Tim Fava and Board Director Janet Torney. Their involvement underscored the organisation’s commitment to collaboration and good governance, ensuring the perspectives of Associations and Clubs are central to planning for the future of the sport.

Topics explored in Bathurst included the development of the new Strategic Plan, a review of governance documents such as the revised constitution, defining what success looks like for netball in NSW, and identifying regional priorities and future focus areas.

Netball NSW CEO Tracey Scott said the Bathurst session set the tone for a collaborative process designed to put members at the heart of decision-making.

“This roadshow is about working hand in hand with our Associations and Clubs to shape the direction of netball in NSW. Our members know their communities best, and their insights are vital to ensuring our strategy and governance reflect the needs of the game at every level,” Ms Scott said.

The consultation sessions will continue over the coming weeks in the Illawarra, Kiama, Cessnock, Grafton, Nambucca and Sydney, with additional online opportunities to ensure all members can contribute.

The outcomes of the consultation will directly inform the next Netball NSW Strategic Plan, ensuring the organisation continues to strengthen the sport and its governance while supporting the thousands of players, coaches, umpires and volunteers who make up the state’s vibrant netball community.

As part of its commitment to meeting National Housing Accord targets the Minns Labor Government is injecting $9.2 million across four years into initiatives aimed at increasing the number of building certifiers and speeding up the licensing of building tradespeople.

The critical funding will boost the certifier workforce through reducing red tape and speeding up home building licence application approvals to help fill skills gaps in the building industry.

There are around 1,300 building certifiers across different registration types in NSW working in both private industry and local government, who as public officials play an important role in conducting critical inspections required to finalise residential building approvals.

To ensure the state has enough certifiers to help meet demand as the state pushes towards building 377,000 new homes by 2029, the NSW Government will inject $4.72 million across four years into measures to make it easier for existing certifiers to stay in, and new certifiers to enter, the industry.

Under the changes, new flexible certifier registration options will be introduced, providing pro-rata registration fees for part-time certifiers, and a pause on registration fees for those on extended leave to ensure fees do not disincentivise them from practicing part-time or returning to the profession.

Building Commission NSW will also increase its capacity to process new certifier applications and renewals to facilitate faster entry into the sector.

A free continuing professional development course to support certifiers returning to work after a career break will also encourage those who have been away from the industry to get back into the profession.

Additionally, “Inspecting Up” provisions, which allow restricted building surveyors to conduct critical stage inspections under supervision, will be supported to boost capacity in the industry.

To accommodate the expected increase in the number of trades hoping to enter, re-enter or gain a new licence in the industry, a further $4.48 million across four years will create additional capacity to process home building licence applications.

This will ensure the required rigorous relevant checks and balances are completed at pace when assessing licence and certificate applications as well as renewals.

Building Commission NSW assessed almost 24,000 new home building related licencing applications in the 2024-25 financial year.

Minister for Building Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“Building homes for the people of NSW is a top priority for the Minns Labor Government.

“Certifiers and tradespeople are the backbone of our construction sector, and with this investment we are shifting roadblocks standing in the way of getting more of these vital certifiers and trades on the tools, faster.

“With an average entry age of 49 and exit age of 55, there is a short practicing window for unrestricted certifiers, who are some of the most qualified and experienced professionals in the building industry.

“These reforms will help us attract new certifiers, whose numbers have remained static for years while also overcoming our retention barriers by making it easier to be a part-time certifier.

“The additional funds to boost the licensing team will also help the Building Commission NSW prioritise applications, so new trades can fill the skills gaps the construction sector is facing.”

NSW Building Commissioner James Sherrard said:

“Building certifiers play a critical role in checking the compliance of proposed developments with planning, building and other legislative requirements.

“While we need certifiers to enter or return to the industry to meet housing targets, Building Commission NSW will not let speed get in way of quality, safety, and compliance.

“Building Commission NSW has a strong regulatory regime in place for certifiers and will ensure there is proper oversight as more enter the profession and land on sites across NSW.”

CEO of Association of Australian Certifiers Jill Brookfield said:

“This funding boost will go a long way to ensure we attract the additional certifiers needed to complete the houses we need to build, and to boost consumer confidence.

“This package provides the right incentives to retain the hardworking independent certifiers we currently have in the industry, by supporting upskilling, embracing work life balance and flexibility, and professional development.

We have been working closely with the Minister on the reforms to building certifier registration and practice and welcome the funding as part of the move to more and better quality homes being delivered.”

The Minns Labor Government will deliver Sydney’s first new heavy rail station in more than a decade – enabling up to 10,000 new homes by rezoning land around Woollahra and Edgecliff stations, right next to the CBD, to tackle the housing crisis and rebalance growth across the city.

Recent reports by the NSW Productivity Commission have warned that Sydney is losing twice as many young people as we are gaining, while also finding that Woollahra is the most feasible Local Government Area (LGA) in New South Wales to build new housing.

Despite this, housing approvals in Woollahra consistently lag well behind other LGAs, and the population has declined by 11 per cent over the past 50 years while Greater Sydney as a whole has grown by 74 per cent.

The new station that will be an 8 minute trip from Sydney CBD, will be located on the Eastern Suburbs train line in Woollahra, where a station build was started in the 1970s but never completed.

To enable the delivery of new homes the NSW Government will lead a rezoning of Woollahra and Edgecliff stations similar to other state led rezonings to allow additional homes to be built around the stations.

Affordable housing will also make up a proportion of development on the site with the final amount of affordable housing required, to be determined as part of the rezoning process.

The area surrounding the new station is within walking distance of major green and recreational space including Cooper, Trumper, Rushcutters Bay and Centennial Parks.

The Eastern Suburbs train line between Bondi Junction and Sydney CBD also has the lowest passenger usage rates during the AM peak of any line on the Sydney network, with only 43% of operating capacity during the AM peak currently being utilised by passengers.

Additionally, there is also significant capacity in essential services with existing capacity for hundreds of additional students at public primary and high schools.

Sydney Water and Infrastructure NSW have confirmed there is capacity in the water and wastewater systems to accommodate the proposed 10,000 dwellings without major upgrades.

The rezoning is expected to take around two years and will further support the Government’s housing targets that rebalance the delivery of new homes around existing infrastructure.

Value capture will also be used to ensure the public retains some of the value unlocked through the rezoning and to offset the cost of bringing the station online.

We know that housing costs are the biggest single cost of living pressure facing the people of NSW with Sydney ranked as the second most unaffordable city in the world to buy a home.

That’s why the Minns Labor Government is committed to building more housing in the right places, where people want to live – to improve affordability, reduce building and infrastructure costs and to build a better New South Wales.

Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns said:

“We are delivering on our promise to rebalance the delivery of new housing from the West of Sydney that has accepted the overwhelming number of new homes without infrastructure, towards the East and North of Sydney where there is existing infrastructure.

“For too long, young people and families in NSW have been forced to choose between moving away from the Sydney CBD or not being able to afford a home at all.

“This new train station will allow us to deliver up to ten thousand new homes right here in the heart of Sydney, close to jobs, public transport, green space and essential services.”

Minister for Transport, John Graham said:

“I applaud Neville Wran for his foresight, including a future station at Woollahra when his government completed the Eastern Suburbs line. That future has now arrived, and will deliver housing and transport close to the Sydney’s CBD.

“For decades, this site has been an opportunity squandered to provide an eight-minute, direct train trip to the Sydney CBD and allow more people to get out of their cars in the eastern suburbs.

“We look forward to working with the local community to provide an accessible station that complements active transport and other transport connections.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully said:

“The Minns Labor Government is getting on with the job, beginning a state led rezoning around Woollahra and Edgecliff to unlock up to 10,000 new homes close to the CBD, transport and greenspace.

“Completing Woollahra train station will help keep us on track to rebalance Sydney’s housing growth and tackling the state’s housing challenges.

“It has always been the Minns Government’s approach that opportunities for new homes and jobs should be pursued alongside new transport investments.”

Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Rose Jackson said:

“For so many the Australian dream has slipped out of reach and if nothing changes our city will be one with no grandchildren. I want our city to dream again – a dream of affordable homes for all and a future for every family.

“That’s why we’re locking in a dedicated portion of affordable housing from the start, giving people from all walks of life a fair chance to live in quality homes, close to opportunity.

“We are not afraid to take on NIMBYs to deliver more housing where there is the space and infrastructure to support it. This new station just makes sense.”

The Minns Labor Government is today announcing that healthcare workers in Shoalhaven will soon benefit from new key worker accommodation, with nine townhouses in Bomaderry now purchased and final touches underway to welcome the first residents in the coming weeks.

Bomaderry is the first of more than 20 projects to be completed in rural, regional and remote NSW, under the Minns Labor Government’s $200.1 million Key Health Worker Accommodation Program, which will help attract and retain healthcare staff in the regions.

The new modern two storey townhouses include four three-bedroom, two-bathroom units and five two-bedroom, two-bathroom dwellings. 

Each townhouse is fully furnished and features a light-filled living and dining area, modern kitchen, ensuites and a private courtyard.

The accommodation includes onsite parking, low maintenance grounds and is conveniently located next to Bomaderry CBD, only minutes from the train station.

The connection of services, furnishing, fixtures and equipment has been completed and installed to ensure the new units will be fit-for-purpose and comfortable for healthcare workers.

This $200.1 million investment by the NSW Government in key health worker accommodation across rural and regional areas was made as part of the 2024-25 NSW Budget.

This is a Minns Labor Government initiative, from start to finish as part of our commitment to rebuild regional health services.

By contrast, the former Liberal National Government capped wages for health workers, teachers firefighters and police for 12 years, tried to privatise Shellharbour Hospital, and even left 1,112 nurses and midwives funded only temporarily — including 61 jobs on the South Coast. Labor had to step in and save them.

This investment in key health worker accommodation builds on the Minns Labor Government’s efforts to improve access to care in regional communities like the South Coast, including:

• Lifting the Liberals’ wages cap and giving all health workers the largest pay rise in over a decade, resulting in more health workers in our hospitals;
• Upgrading Shoalhaven Hospital and building a new Shellharbour Hospital complete with a helipad;
• Delivering safe staffing levels at Shoalhaven and Shellharbour Hospitals
• $83 million to boost maternity care in the bush;
• doubling rural health incentives and delivering study subsidies for regional health workers;
• Providing payroll tax relief to GPs that bulk bill making it easier to see a GP and reducing the strain on our emergency departments;
• boosting doctors in our regional GP surgeries as well as hospitals through the single employer model; and
• delivering an extra 500 regional paramedics.

Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns said:

“While we’re upgrading Shoalhaven Hospital and building a new Shellharbour Hospital, we know that it’s health workers that are the backbone of our regional and rural communities, which is why we’re heavily investing in dedicated accommodation right here in Bomaderry.

“This project is especially important in the Shoalhaven, where housing is hard to find and increasingly expensive — making it even more difficult to retain the essential workers our communities depend on.

“To keep this momentum going, Kiama needs Katelin McInerney – a strong local voice inside the NSW Government who will fight for this community and make sure projects like this keep getting delivered.”

Minister for Health, Ryan Park said:

“Accessible and affordable housing is critical to attracting and retaining essential healthcare workers, including right here in Bomaderry.

“Today, we’re announcing new accommodation will be available for health staff in the Shoalhaven with the acquisition of 9 new townhouses in Bomaderry.

“This is the first of more than 20 key health worker accommodation projects being rolled out across regional, rural and remote NSW under a $200.1 million investment from the NSW Government.

“More staff, more hospitals, more investment, lower wait times – we’ve got a way to go, but we’re making good progress.”

Labor candidate for Kiama, Katelin McInerney said:

“This is just another example of the Minns Labor Government delivering the essential services our community needs – from brand new and upgraded hospitals to accommodation for the incredible health workers in them.

“It’s projects like this that a strong local voice in the Minns Labor Government will deliver for our community, so that we have access to world class health care.

“Bomaderry’s key health worker accommodation townhouses look fantastic, are well designed and equipped, which will make it easier for healthcare staff to live comfortably and enhance delivery of care in the Shoalhaven.”

Liberal candidate for Kiama Serena Copley welcomed the commitment by NSW Liberal Leader Mark Speakman that a NSW Liberal Government will deliver a lifesaving helipad for the new $780 million Shellharbour Hospital.
 
Ms Copley said she has been listening to the local community and health workers, who have very clearly said that a helipad at Shellharbour Hospital is vital to saving lives.
 
“In an emergency, every minute matters and a helipad for the growing Shellharbour population is essential. The current hospital has one and the new hospital should have one too.
 
“People on the South Coast have been ignored by the Labor Government, but we deserve access to healthcare services that we need – and only the Liberals have the proven record of delivering infrastructure and services for Kiama,” said Ms Copley. “Labor should not be rewarded for neglecting our region.”
 
“The former NSW Liberal Government had a strong track record of delivering for the Illawarra and South Coast, while the last Labor government neglected the region for 16 years.
 
“That’s why the former Liberal Government invested $780 million to build the new Shellharbour Hospital and $440 million for the Shoalhaven Hospital redevelopment.
 
“While the Labor Government is refusing to commit to building a helipad that the community has been crying out for – a Liberal Government will deliver it.”

A further 28 projects have been declared as State Significant Development following recommendations from the Housing Delivery Authority (HDA).

Of these proposals, 25 are in metropolitan Sydney and 3 in regional NSW.

If lodged and approved, this could create more than 8,877 homes, including affordable housing across New South Wales.

To date, 215 proposals amounting to more than 79,094 potential homes have been declared state significant.

Since the formation of the HDA in January this year, 71 projects have had Secretary Environmental Assessment Requirements issued and 5 Development Applications have been lodged.

Recommendations from the HDA are published as required under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 before the SSD declaration.

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

The Ministerial Order can be found here.

The National Reconstruction Fund (NRF), Bradfield Development Authority (BDA) and the Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility (AMRF) announced a strategic partnership aimed at significantly strengthening Australia’s sovereign industrial capability.

The collaboration will help accelerate the development of new and emerging manufacturing firms, drive growth and productivity, and create skilled, well-paid jobs.

Bradfield will build an innovation cluster for emerging manufacturing firms, with the partnership building a pipeline of referrals between AMRF and NRF. This will help businesses looking to build out their supply chain from pre to postproduction, including R&D, design, logistics, production, distribution, sales and more.

With New South Wales contributing 30% of the nation’s manufacturing output and accounting for 37% of the proposals received by the NRF to date, this facility is well-positioned to deliver meaningful impact by aligning the AMRF with the NRF to create maximum impact.

This partnership reflects the Federal and State Governments’ joint commitment to investing in sectors where Australia has a competitive opportunity.  

By combining national and state-level expertise, this collaboration sets a new standard for how policy and industry can work together to support innovation and investment. This is a united effort to strengthen Australia’s advanced manufacturing sector creating skilled jobs, boosting exports, and enhancing global competitiveness.

Partnerships like this are central to the NRF in delivering impact and driving a Future Made in Australia. 

Federal Minister for Industry, Innovation & Science Tim Ayres:

“NRFC’s partnership with the AMRF will help to build out Australia’s industrial capability and create highly skilled jobs in the manufacturing industry.

“The innovation ecosystem being established at Bradfield brings significant opportunity for industry to thrive.

“With AMRF’s technical expertise being available to support NRF investment decision making, this partnership will deliver impact and drive a Future Made in Australia.”

NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully:

“As Australia’s first new city in 100 years located on the doorstep of the Western Sydney International Airport, Bradfield presents a significant opportunity to establish a global hub of industry innovation in Western Sydney.  

“We’re focused on creating high value jobs and a place for advanced industries to thrive.

“The AMRF, while based in Western Sydney, is very much an asset of national strategic importance – businesses around the country are already doing projects with the AMRF.

“The Minns Government’s commitment to building NSW manufacturing capacity.”

NSW Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong:

“This is a practical demonstration of the Minns Labor Government’s NSW Industry Policy, with investment in initiatives that will transform the future industrial landscape.

“The AMRF will offer technical advice and assistance to ensure businesses better prepare themselves to attract private capital.

“Partnering with NRF will help grow and develop the state’s innovation ecosystem and industry even further. 

“Alongside the existing agreements the AMRF has with 11 NSW and ACT universities, this will support the entire manufacturing supply chain from R&D through to full scale commercialisation. 

“The NSW Government is committed to developing the future focused manufacturing capability that will be critical in building a more secure, resilient and prosperous Australia.”