Category: NSW News

Critical road link Mamre Road will be widened to two lanes in each direction as part of a $1 billion upgrade by the Minns and Albanese Governments to ease traffic and improve safety in Western Sydney.

Early designs and an environmental assessment for Stage 2 of the Mamre Road upgrade between Erskine Park Road and Kerrs Road have been released today, showing its transformation from suburban road to major arterial link across the west.

Also released was a flythrough that shows how the 6.1 km route from St Clair to Kemps Creek will be developed to support the growth of local communities. Some 20,000 vehicles currently use the route daily and this is expected to double by 2041.

Mamre Road is a key link to Western Sydney’s growing employment areas, including the future Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport, and the upgrade will support more reliable travel as the region continues to expand.

This project builds on the $290M, 3.8 km Mamre Road Stage 1, already underway, and will improve the connection between the M4 Motorway and Elizabeth Drive.

The community has been asked to have their say on the Review of Environmental Factors (REF) which considers project impacts including noise, traffic, air quality, flooding, biodiversity and heritage. Community feedback on the REF will help shape the final design and reduce potential impacts.

The Mamre Road 2 upgrade is proposed to include:

• New traffic lights with pedestrian crossings at Abbotts Road and Darrabarra Avenue 
• Safer shared paths for walking and cycling 
• Improved bus stops and drainage 
• A smoother, safer drive with less congestion in peak times

Pending planning approvals, construction is expected to get underway in 2026 with construction expected to be completed in 2029.

This is one of several major road projects transforming travel in Western Sydney, including:

• The new toll-free $2.1 billion M12 Motorway (opening 2026) 
• $800 million in upgrades to Elizabeth Drive 
• A $1 billion overhaul of Fifteenth Avenue between Cowpasture and Devonshire roads

The local community is invited to the view plans and environmental report, and have their say by visiting www.transport.nsw.gov.au/mamreroadupgradeS2, emailing mamreroadupgradeS2@transport.nsw.gov.au or call 1800 696 564 (option 2 – toll free).  

Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison said:

“This upgrade is about future-proofing Mamre Road to meet the demands of a growing Western Sydney.

“We’re turning a single-lane road into a safer, higher-capacity route that supports local communities, connects workers to jobs, and keeps traffic moving as the airport and surrounding areas continue to grow.”

Acting Minister for Western Sydney, Courtney Houssos said:  

“Western Sydney is booming, and this investment ensures our infrastructure keeps up.  

“We want to get this right, and that means hearing from the people who use Mamre Road every day. Community feedback on the environmental assessment is critical and will help shape the final design to best meet local needs.” 

Construction of some of the first public preschools to be delivered by the Minns Labor Government is officially beginning today as the government works to deliver the biggest expansion of public preschools in NSW history.

This year, 25 public preschools that are co-located on public school sites will commence construction, with work starting today at Cartwright Public School in South West Sydney.

When built, the new preschools will offer a high-quality early learning to support childrens’ transition into kindergarten and schooling, as well as ease pick up and drop off for parents with older students at the same school.

In addition to state-of-the-art learning areas, each new preschool will include staff facilities, a kitchen, toilet facilities and landscaped outdoor areas.

This is part of the NSW Government’s $769 million commitment to build 100 new public preschools.

The investment doubles the number of public preschools in the state, the largest expansion of public early learning in NSW history.

Once complete up to 9,000 children will benefit from access to fee-free, high quality early education in their local community. Of the 100 new public preschools, 51 are in metropolitan Sydney and 49 in regional NSW, prioritised in areas of highest need based on a rigorous selection process.

The NSW government is making historic investments to giving every child across NSW the best possible start to their education, including:

• $100 million to help community preschools provide more hours and welcome more children
• $60 million to build and upgrade 50 preschools at non-government schools
• $200 million to support Aboriginal-led early learning
• $17 million for capital works at early childhood services in areas of need, and
• More than $29 million for scholarships to increase the number of early childhood workers.

The Minns Labor Government’s work towards delivering universal preschool access across the state is in sharp contrast to the former Liberal National government, who over twelve years failed to build a single public preschool.

With the one new public preschool already open to students, the first built in NSW in almost 20 years, the Minns Labor Government is on track to deliver its commitment of 100 public preschools in full by 2027.

Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns said:

“I don’t think there’s a more important investment we can make than in our kids’ education. These 100 new public preschools will give thousands of children across NSW the best possible start in life.

“For too long, families have struggled to find affordable, high-quality early learning close to home. We’re changing that, building public preschools right alongside public schools to make life easier for parents and give every child the opportunity to thrive.

“The former government didn’t build a single public preschool in twelve years. We’re building one hundred, because every child in NSW deserves access to early learning, no matter where they live.”

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:

“The Minns Labor Government is delighted to be kicking off construction on the first tranche of new public preschools, marking a historic expansion in access to early learning for families across NSW.

“For far too long, families in Western Sydney and Regional NSW had limited access to quality early childhood education, especially public early childhood education. Despite being in government for 12 years, the Liberals and Nationals failed to deliver for them.

“The Minns Labor Government, with the leadership of Deputy Premier Prue Car, made this historic commitment because we strongly believe all children should have access to high-quality early education, no matter their postcode.”

Member for Liverpool Charishma Kaliyanda said:

“This is a wonderful opportunity for our families across the Liverpool community to access high quality early learning for their children. 

“With the public preschool on school grounds, it will make children’s transition to kindergarten that much easier, here in the 2168.

“We are very excited to welcome our youngest learners, supporting the beginning of their school journey at a new public preschool at Cartwright Public School, and I know it will make a huge difference for these learners.”

Cartwright Public School Principal Elizabeth Harris said:

“This is a wonderful opportunity for our families across the Liverpool community to access high quality early learning for their children.

“With the public preschool on school grounds, it will smooth children’s transition to kindergarten.

“We are very excited to welcome our youngest learners, supporting the beginning of their school journey at a new public preschool at Cartwright Public School.”

The Minns Labor Government is contracting with private companies to take over parts of New South Wales national parks.
 
Under a new “supported camping” scheme, Labor is handing exclusive control of 23 campgrounds across 16 of the state’s most loved national parks to private operators.
 
These include Kosciuszko, Blue Mountains, Killalea, Bouddi, Mimosa Rocks, Dharug, Booti Booti, Wollemi, Warrumbungle, Ku-ring-gai Chase and Murramarang.
 
Private operators will have the right to book and resell campsites, hire out caravans, tents and equipment, and sell food packages. They’ll be exempt from park entry fees. Families will still have to pay.  Labor says it’s about “accessibility” and “visitor experience”, but those are just buzzwords to hide the truth. This is privatisation of public land.
 
Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said this is gobsmacking hypocrisy from a government that said it was opposed to privatisation. 
 
“Labor promised transparency and fairness, but after three budgets they’ve delivered spin, slogans and now privatisation of camping sites,” Mr Speakman said.
 
Shadow Treasurer Damien Tudehope said that Labor‘s “supported camping” is just a money grab. 
 
  “It’s symptomatic of a government which has lost control of its budget and is now reaching into the pocket of every household that loves getting outdoors,” Mr Tudehope said
 
Shadow Minister for the Environment James Griffin said Labor criticised the former Coalition governments plan to create multi-day walks to ensure everyone in NSW, whether a seasoned hiker or budget conscious family could enjoy our national parks.
 
“This plan from Labor is another example of them picking the pockets of people trying to visit a NSW national park” Mr Griffin said.
 
Shadow Minister for Tourism Kevin Anderson said this could put the great outdoors out of reach in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis.

“Camping has always been a great Australian pastime, with generations of families enjoying some time away from the rat-race in the peace and tranquillity without breaking the bank,” Mr Anderson said.
 
“Our national parks are a huge draw card for rural and regional areas, receiving more than 50 million visits every year, including 1.8 million overnight campground stays, but now Labor wants to put our most treasured natural assets behind a paywall which is absolutely outrageous.”

The Minns Labor Government is turbocharging events and entertainment in Sydney, lifting the cap on major events at Royal Randwick Racecourse to allow up to 10 major cultural events of between 5,000 and 15,000 people each year, in addition to race days.

Previously limited to a single cultural event of over 5,000 people, a consent which expired in 2024, the lifting of this cap will unlock more opportunities for world-class entertainment in our city.

Already home to some of Australia’s premier race days, these new concerts and major cultural events at Royal Randwick are expected to inject more than $19 million into the NSW economy.

The decision will transform the iconic venue into a year-round destination for concerts, cultural festivals, exhibitions, and community gatherings – giving locals and visitors more reasons to enjoy world class entertainment in the city.

This is a major boost to the NSW economy, vibrancy agenda and will support more than 100 ongoing jobs and create new opportunities for young people, families, and communities to experience live performances and cultural events.

This proposal is consistent with a key part of the NSW Government’s vibrancy reforms, designed to unlock new opportunities for live entertainment and experiences. These additional event days at Royal Randwick

Racecourse put these reforms into action – making it easier to activate iconic spaces, support local creativity, and build a more vibrant nighttime economy.

This comes as the NSW Government has also lifted concert caps at Centennial Park and the Sydney Cricket Ground precinct, while also launching a redevelopment of the nearby Entertainment Quarter.

The first events are expected from late 2026, adding even more colour and energy to Sydney’s cultural calendar.

With excellent connectivity via light rail, buses, major roads, and parking for over 3,500 cars, the venue is well-located to support easy access from suburbs across Sydney. The venue will continue working closely with councils, NSW Police and Transport for NSW to make sure events are safe, well-managed and enjoyable for all.

The new events at Randwick Racecourse and surrounding venues builds on over two years of vibrancy reforms including:

• A boost to capacity, entertainment and events along with supporting more than 20 local councils to establish Special Entertainment Precincts.
• Ending single serial noise complaints, extending trading hours for venues that host live entertainment, reducing red tape around entertainment and outdoor spaces.
• Making it easier and more affordable to have events like street fairs and community festivals on public land.
• Streamlined approvals for outdoor dining, increased outdoor venue capacity and removed the ban on standing up drinking
• Scrapping the 5km member sign in rule at clubs.
• Rolling out $14.9 million in Uptown Grants to support entertainment hubs.

The NSW Government has granted approval, following extensive community consultation, with strong safeguards in place to manage noise, traffic, and crowd impacts.

Event plans, real-time noise monitoring, and a dedicated feedback hotline will mean the community enjoys the benefits of increased vibrancy while neighbourhood amenity is protected.

Premier of NSW Chris Minns said:

“Sydney is a global city – it should be buzzing not just on our premier race days, but all year round.

“By unlocking this iconic venue to host more events, Royal Randwick is helping drive new life back into our city, supporting jobs, local businesses, and fun.

“We’ve lifted the concert cap at the SCG precinct, Centennial Park and now Royal Randwick. This is good for jobs, good for the economy, and great for the community.”

Minister for the Arts and Night-time Economy John Graham said:

“We need more spaces for outdoor entertainment in Sydney.

“We support opening up Randwick Racecourse for more than just racing. Randwick Racecourse has good existing transport links and is a great place for more entertainment offerings.

“For too long, Sydney has been reined in by red tape. We’ve been removing unnecessary restrictions, lifting the concert cap and changing our noise complaint rules to get the city back up and running.

“The Minns Labor Government wants NSW to be the place where young people choose to live and work which means alongside unlocking more housing, we must also support lively communities and culture.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“Randwick Racecourse is one of Sydney’s great public venues.

“It has excellent transport connections and is built to host tens of thousands of people, and now it can be used more often for everyone’s benefit.

“We’re realising Royal Randwick’s full potential as a cultural and community hub – a space built for big moments and shared experiences. With safeguards in place, we’re making sure we balance both vibrancy and neighbourhood amenity.”

Member for Coogee Dr Marjorie O’Neill said:

“As the local member, I am proud to see Randwick open its gates to more than just racing.

“This is about giving people in the East more opportunities to enjoy world-class events right on their doorstep.

“We have listened to local voices and put in place strong protections in place to manage noise, traffic and crowd impacts. This is a win for our community, our economy and our young people who want more reasons to stay, play, and thrive – close to home.”

The Minns Labor Government is today launching the new NSW Police Force Retail Crime Strategy to tackle retail crime and keep workers safe.

NSW Police will also roll out Operation Percentile statewide – a proven policing model targeting recidivist offending and high-harm retail offenders.

The strategy will tackle offences including assaults, intimidation and threats of violence, repeat offending and theft.

It was developed in consultation with the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees’ Association (SDA), the Australian Retailers Association, National Retail Association and the Shopping Centre Council.

It sends a clear message that the NSW Government and NSW Police Force have zero tolerance for anyone who attacks or instils fear in workers.

Key elements of the strategy include:

• Conducting high-visibility policing operations, including knife scanning operations in retail precincts to deter violent behaviour.
• Running intelligence-led retail theft operations to target and disrupt crime.
• Establishing dedicated points of contact within each police region to support faster communication, coordination and response to incidents.
• Further supporting retailers through educational initiatives, such as the distribution of Retail Safety Packs, along with undertaking Safer by Design site assessments, delivered by local Crime Prevention Officers.
• Developing a communication package for officers to increase frontline police awareness and understanding of retail crime and its impacts.
• Holding monthly meetings with NSW-based retailers to discuss emerging threats and issues raised by peak bodies.

Police prosecutors will apply to prevent recidivist and violent offenders from re-entering retail premises with a Place Restriction Order after a conviction. Operation Percentile is a key element of the new strategy.

It has run across Central Metropolitan Region since August 2024, proving so successful that police are rolling it out statewide.

Since launching in August 2024, 1,080 people have been charged with more than 1,395 offences with an estimated recovered stock value of $960,500.

Operation Percentile is formally recognised by the National Retail Association for excellence in law enforcement and its impact in retail crime prevention.

The strategy follows the Minns Labor Government cracking down on retail assaults, threats and abuse with tougher laws, penalties and prison time.

The 2023 laws created three new offences with penalties of up to 11 years’ imprisonment. Since July 2023, 189 individuals have been charged with 239 offences.

The Minns Labor Government has established a “tripartite working group” collaboration with SDA and the retailers to address violence against retail workers and potential penalties for misconduct.

Anyone can anonymously report an incident of violence in the workplace by calling SafeWork NSW on 13 10 50.

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley said:

“No one should be attacked for simply doing their job which is why the NSW Police, backed by the Minns Government, is taking decisive action by giving police everything they need to keep the community safe.

“Violence and aggression towards workers is intolerable and the presence of police tells people in no uncertain terms that this behaviour will not be tolerated and there are real consequences for those who cross the line.

“Today’s announcement strengthens our commitment to protect workers and with this new strategy, police will have the resources they need to respond swifty and effectively.

“We are deeply grateful for the dedication and professionalism of our police officers. They work tirelessly across every facet of their work, and this strategy will only strengthen that work.”

Minister for Work Health and Safety, Sophie Cotsis said:

“The NSW Police Force Retail Crime Strategy is yet another important step towards tackling retail crime and keeping workers safe.

“The Minns Labor Government’s tough laws to help protect retail workers include greater penalties and time behind bars with more than 100 people charged since June 2023. We have seen over 3,300 requests for service in the retail sector made to SafeWork NSW over the past five years.

“I have formed a tripartite working group along with SafeWork NSW, SDA and the retailers to address violence and abuse against workers in the retail sector and ensure compliance. This work is also backed by SafeWork NSW’s Respect at Work team who create tailored guidance preventing harassment in the retail sector.

“The NSW Government is taking a zero-tolerance approach. Retail workers have the right to feel and be safe when they go to work and this strategy will continue to protect them.”

NSW Police Commissioner, Mal Lanyon said:

“It’s deeply concerning that a small proportion of offenders are responsible for a significant share of retail crime, with devastating consequences for those affected.

“This strategy outlines clear objectives and a comprehensive suite of tactics to disrupt repeat offending and drive intelligence-led retail operations across the state.

“Police will continue to collaborate closely with retailers and industry bodies to refine our disruption strategies and respond swiftly to emerging threats.

“While prevention remains our priority, we will also enforce place-based restrictions to prevent recidivist offenders from causing further harm.”

Secretary of SDA NSW, Bernie Smith said:

“This new Retail Crime Strategy is a crucial step forward to protect frontline retail workers from the escalating wave of customer violence and abuse.

“It builds on years of campaigning by retail workers through the SDA’s ‘No One Deserves a Serve’ campaign.

“We’ve had enough of retail workers being treated like punching bags.

“Cops in shops are especially welcome; high visibility policing in shopping centres will send a strong message that violence and intimidation won’t be tolerated anywhere.

“No area is safe from retail crime. We welcome the fact that this is a truly statewide effort, from Albury to Alstonville, from Dubbo to Mount Druitt, and everywhere in between.”

Chief Executive of the Australian Retailers Association, Chris Rodwell said:

“The NSW Government is showing genuine leadership in addressing the devastating impacts of retail crime – first with toughened legislation, and now with the strengthened commitment to police resourcing and the apprehension of repeat offenders. It follows extensive consultation with the government, including direct discussions with the Premier.

“Retail crime is at a crisis level in Australia, with a ripple effect on every retail worker, business owner and retail customer. Too often our front-line workers bear the brunt of this crime wave with unacceptable levels of customer aggression, abuse, assault and weapon-related threats and attacks. By conservative estimates, retail theft costs retailers $9 billion every year. Every customer faces the impact of that because it ultimately leads to increased prices at the check-out.

“We know 10 percent of offenders are responsible for around 60 percent of total harm, which is why the emphasis on repeat offenders is strongly welcomed in today’s announcements.

“There is no single solution to this ongoing challenge, but this latest action by the NSW Government and NSW Police is a great example of what can be achieved by listening and collaborating with retailers. We are committed to working with them and communities across the state to reduce retail crime and improve the safety of every person working in retail.”

Chief Executive of the Shopping Centre Council of Australia (SCCA), Angus Nardi said:

“The shopping centre industry strongly supports the NSW Government’s new Retail Crime Strategy.

“Our industry thanks the NSW Government for their engagement, and we look forward to partnering further with the Government, NSW Police and other stakeholders to ensure community safety in shopping centres and other retail settings.

“It is particularly pleasing that the Strategy has a strong focus on repeat and high-harm offenders, and also sends a strong signal that aggression, violence and intimidation in retail settings will not be tolerated.”

The Minns Labor Government has secured an historic three-year partnership to support NSW libraries as vibrant hubs for NSW Grandparents Day celebrations.

The partnership with the NSW Public Libraries Association locks in almost $180,000 for 112 NSW libraries to host activities over the NSW Grandparents’ Day weekend.

NSW Grandparents’ Day activities may include short programs, performances, and Storytime.

This is the first time a three-year partnership has been established in recognition of the invaluable contributions of grandparents and older role models to families and communities across the state.

Libraries provide inclusive spaces for seniors to stay connected and active in their communities. They offer engaging opportunities including educational programs, social activities, and digital literacy workshops. 

Coordination of NSW Grandparents’ Day events is identified as a key action to support participation in inclusive communities as part of the Ageing Well in NSW Action Plan 2025-2026.

NSW Grandparents Day has been a feature of the NSW Ageing Strategy for 14 years.

Events are an opportunity for family members to make grandparents feel loved on their special day.

For more information and celebration ideas, visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/family-and-relationships/grandparents-day

Minister for Seniors Jodie Harrison said:

“Each year, NSW Grandparents Day recognises grandparents and the diversity of grandparent relationships we have with older people in our community.

“We all have a special place in our hearts for grandparents and it’s fitting for us to make them feel special for everything they do for us.

“This three-year partnership puts libraries at the centre of NSW Grandparents Day celebrations and helps foster a culture of connection and lifelong learning. 

“This NSW Grandparents’ Day on Sunday 26 October is the perfect opportunity to honour grandparents, the lives they have lived and the contributions they have made and continue to make.” 

CEO NSW Public Libraries Association Adele Casey said:

“Through our ongoing partnership with the government, NSWPLA is thrilled to see more than 110 libraries marking Grandparents’ Day this year.

“Three years of dedicated funding ensures that Grandparents’ Day events thrive in libraries across NSW and continue to strengthen intergenerational bond, foster community spirit and honour the lasting contributions of older people.”

NSW Ambulance proudly welcomed 40 new paramedic interns and 21 trainee emergency medical call takers today, officially inducting them into the service during a ceremony at the State Operations Centre in Sydney Olympic Park.

With this latest intake, NSW Ambulance has now added around 800 new paramedic trainees, along with more than 150 emergency medical call takers since the start of the year, providing an important boost to frontline health services across the state.

The recruits bring with them a diverse range of skills and experiences, including paramedic intern Shoallea Attoe, who overcame several personal obstacles to fulfill her dream and Niko Auer, who previously worked in media and will be joining the ranks of our emergency medical call takers.

Paramedic interns will now begin the on-road phase of their 12-month internships at various locations across NSW, before taking up permanent positions in both metropolitan and regional communities.

The trainee emergency medical call takers will be posted to the Sydney control centre.

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“I’m so proud to welcome these incredible new paramedics and emergency call takers to NSW Ambulance.

“These additional recruits will play an important role in supporting our community in emergencies, strengthening our frontline workforce and helping form the backbone of our healthcare system.

“The Minns Labor Government knows that investing in additional paramedics and emergency call takers is vital for the evolution of NSW Ambulance, as it continues to deliver exceptional patient care.”

NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan:

“I am delighted to welcome this latest group of paramedics and emergency call takers, with both roles critical in delivering timely and high-quality care.

“The diverse background and experiences of these new recruits will enrich the service and benefit communities across the state.

“Welcoming new staff is not just about increasing numbers; it is about building a team that patients can trust to deliver world class responses and treatment.”

paramedic intern, Shoallea Attoe:

“I had dreams of becoming a paramedic, but as a teenage mum it felt so far out of reach that I dismissed it.

“I am so proud of how far I’ve come, and of the example I’ve been able to set for my daughter that no matter your background, dreams that once felt impossible can be reached.”

trainee emergency medical call taker, Niko Auer: 

“I wanted to find a more meaningful job, something community focused and with a positive career progression.

“To be such an integral part of an emergency service is the right direction for me.”

The Entertainment Quarter is one step closer to a vibrant new future with the NSW Government today opening the tender process for the revitalisation of the site, supported by a new long-term lease.

Currently, the Entertainment Quarter (EQ) at Moore Park is falling short of meeting its full potential as one of Sydney’s key hubs for entertainment, sport and creative industries.

In a prime location, the EQ sits alongside the SCG and Allianz Stadium, is 300 meters from the light rail, and is within walking distance of Centennial Park. The potential for the former Sydney Showgrounds site is immense.

The market is encouraged to submit their interest in delivering a world-class redevelopment of the EQ, ensuring it flourishes well into future, supporting more visitors, live performances and public events.

The process will allow all interested parties to put forward their plans to redevelop the precinct.

The open tender process will seek proposals that:

• Deliver a hub of activity, driving increased visitation all year round, including midweek and at night.
• Celebrate the history and cultural heritage of the site, integrating with the broader sports and entertainment precinct and parklands.
• Create spaces that can host substantial audiences for live performances, with the potential for an indoor arena of 15–20,000 seats as part of the vision.

The process will be conducted openly and transparently, with independent probity oversight to ensure value for money and a fair opportunity for all proponents.

Revitalising the 10.96 hectare site aligns with the Government’s vibrancy reforms and vision for the state’s night-time economy: to cement NSW as a world-class nightlife destination for visitors, locals and workers alike.

Tender responses must be submitted by Friday, 5 December 2025.

To enable the open tender process, the NSW Government has secured agreement from the current leaseholder, Carsingha Investments Pty Ltd, for a conditional exit from its existing lease, which has a maximum term expiring in 2046.

The tender process follows initial market soundings, along with stakeholder consultation to develop a framework to guide the evaluation of proposals.

To view the tender documentation and for more information on the opportunity to revitalise the EQ, visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/investment-nsw/why-nsw/entertainment-quarter.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“The NSW Government wants to see the EQ at Moore Park reach its full potential.

“We will do this through a long-term lease, which will allow the successful proponent to make the necessary investments.

“We want to transform the EQ into a world-class precinct that Sydney can truly be proud of.”

Minister for Music and the Night-Time Economy John Graham said:

“In opening the EOI process we’re getting closer to seeing entertainment at the Entertainment Quarter.

“We want to draw out world-class ideas that make the most of the great location and amplifies its role as Sydney’s premier sports and entertainment precinct, with a range of day and night entertainment opportunities for the community.

“Sydney is crying out for a new large live music and performance space. Complementing the lifting of the concert cap at Centennial Park, a revitalised and vibrant Entertainment Quarter will help us continue to unshackle our entertainment culture from the dark days of the lock-out era.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“Sydney is a world class city that deserves the facilities in the Entertainment Quarter to match, so we can attract events and performances NSW has been crying out for.

“The expressions of interest and assessment process will make sure we are getting the best outcome possible for the people of NSW. 

“This builds on the Minns Labor Government continuing vibrancy reforms that are re-igniting our state’s spark.”

The Minns Labor Government has passed legislation strengthening penalties for vandals who seriously damage war memorials.

The Crimes Legislation Amendment (War Memorial Offences) Bill 2025 passed Parliament on Wednesday afternoon, creating an aggravated offence of intentional or reckless property damage or destruction applying to war memorials.

It increases the maximum penalty from five to seven years’ imprisonment for intentionally or recklessly damaging a war memorial.

The bill also amended the Summary Offences Act to allow the court to order a convicted person to pay up to $4,400 in compensation for any loss or damage caused.

This discretionary order means local councils, RSLs or other community organisations that maintain war memorials will not have to foot the bill for remediation.

One war memorial desecrated is one too many. The NSW Government is making sure the courts have the toughest possible penalties available to deter this unacceptable behaviour.

The protection of our war memorials is vital. Local war memorials play a crucial role in honouring the service and sacrifice of all those who have served.

They provide a space for communities to gather, reflect and educate the next generation.

Attributable to the Attorney General:

“The passage of this important legislation sends the clear message that the vandalism of our war memorials is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

“It provides the strongest possible penalties for this unacceptable conduct and also means local organisations will not be left with the bill to repair any damage caused.”

Attributable to the Minister for Veterans David Harris:

“This legislation demonstrates this Government’s commitment to our veterans and their families and honouring their service and sacrifice.

“The strengthened provisions will ensure those who act inappropriately and desecrate the memories of veterans will feel the full weight of the law.

”We’ve listened to veterans and acted.”

A nation-leading program is giving sick children and their families in NSW a new option for care, allowing some children who would previously have been admitted to hospital short stay units to be safely managed at home.

This Virtual Care Awareness Week, the Minns Government is shining a light on the success of virtual care programs in NSW.

More than 100 paediatric patients have been admitted to the virtualKIDS Emergency Department (ED) Short Stay Unit since the trial began in March 2024, with 80 per cent recovering in the comfort of their own home.

The program developed in collaboration with the EDs and virtualKIDS at Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network has been proven so successful, it has now been awarded a $500,000 funding boost to expand services as part of the Translational Research Grants Scheme (TRGS).

TRGS funding will allow care provided through virtualKIDS ED Short Stay Unit to include state of the art home monitoring devices.

Suitable patients will be sent home with wearable devices which enable clinicians to remotely monitor vital signs such as oxygen levels and heart rate, enhancing the accuracy and effectiveness of virtual healthcare.

This will mean children with respiratory illnesses can avoid a hospital admission, while receiving ongoing care at home. The roll out will be staged and is expected to be underway by December.

The model is also being assessed for statewide expansion, with a potential roll out to regional partners in Dubbo.

The Minns Labor Government’s 2024-25 NSW Budget delivered a half a billion-dollar investment to relieve pressure on EDs, by creating more pathways to care outside the hospital, as well as improving patient flow inside the hospital.

Across the state, virtual care programs are providing much-needed relief to busy emergency departments while ensuring people receive quality care when they need it.

Families can access virtual care services by first phoning healthdirect, where you will speak to a registered nurse, who will assess what pathway is most appropriate.

healthdirect helps people access the right care – whether it’s advice on how to look after yourself at home, finding a nearby GP, or being connected to a doctor, urgent care service or other healthcare provider online.

Around 178 callers per day avoided unnecessary trips to the ED and were referred to an alternative health care provider during the last financial year.

This is a 42 per cent increase compared to the previous 12 months.

This helps to reduce pressure on NSW public hospitals while ensuring patients receive timely care through more appropriate care pathways.

The community is reminded to use the healthdirect service for non-life-threatening conditions. If you or someone you are with is experiencing a medical emergency, please continue to call Triple Zero (000) immediately.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“We are relieving pressure on our hospitals and emergency departments by investing in alternative care pathways.

“The virtualKIDS ED Short Stay Unit has already helped more than 100 children and their families avoid an extended stay in hospital while receiving expert medical care from home, for free.

“This research funding will help expand the already successful service, so we can continue to improve access to health care for everyone in NSW.

“More pathways to care outside of the hospital; more staff; more hospitals; lower wait times – it’s as simple as that.”

Minister for Medical Research David Harris:

“Programs like this innovative virtual short stay unit are a great example of how medical research can be translated into practical programs that have real positive outcomes for patients.

“It is particularly pleasing that this program is enabling sick children to receive state-of-the art care they need in the comfort of home with their family.

“The Translational Research Grants Scheme is an important part of our efforts to strengthen research capacity to ultimately improve the delivery of our health services.”

Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network Director of Research Adj A/Professor Paula Bray:

“This innovative program allows us to personalise care to eligible families, improving health outcomes and responding to the state’s evolving paediatric healthcare needs.

“It means families can access care that’s not only tailored to their needs but also backed by the latest scientific evidence.”