Category: NSW News

The latest BHI data has revealed that one in 10 emergency patients are waiting more than 24 hours for a hospital bed in NSW, while half of all admitted patients are waiting at least nine hours for an emergency bed, as the Minns Labor Government fails to come close to their promised hospital access targets. 
 
Only 30 per cent of NSW patients needing a hospital bed spent fewer than six hours in emergency, falling well short of Labor’s 80% target.
 
Western Sydney Hospitals are among the state’s worst with Blacktown reaching only 12.8%, Westmead at 13.9%, Fairfield at 20.8%, Liverpool at 22.8%, and Bankstown-Lidcombe with 28.3%.
 
Shadow Minister for Health Sarah Mitchell said three years of Labor at a state and federal level has left our health system in this condition.
 
“Chris Minns based his entire election campaign on improving health services so he could get into government – well he has failed miserably, and that’s especially clear in Western Sydney,” Mrs Mitchell said.
 
“While the NSW Opposition has proposed sensible solutions like hospital hotels to help address the worsening ED crisis across Western Sydney, the Minns Labor Government continues to blame their federal Labor colleagues.
 
“Instead of addressing the record-low number of patients receiving timely treatment in the Blacktown emergency department, Chris Minns is orchestrating a photoshoot around the corner by re-opening a mental health centre in February 2026, that was already opened in April 2025.”
 
Shadow Minister for Western Sydney Monica Tudehope said this data confirms what Western Sydney residents already knew – that they are being left behind when it comes to emergency services.
 
“The people and families of Western Sydney don’t want excuses, they just want to see a doctor,” Ms Tudehope said. 
 
“After three years in government, Chris Minns has delivered none of the 600 additional hospital beds he promised for Western Sydney.”

The Premier’s failure to restrain his own Labor MPs who have defiantly declared their intention to participate in today’s planned protest undermines the Premier’s calls for calm, respect and for NSW residents to avoid the Sydney CBD.
 
Shadow Attorney General, Damien Tudehope, has called on the Premier to pull his MPs into line and follow the same standards he has set for the rest of the community.
 
“The Premier has called for calm and respect during President Herzog’s visit, urging the people of NSW to avoid the CBD on Monday afternoon unless it is absolutely essential,” Mr Tudehope said.
 
“How can he expect his calls to be taken seriously when he has taken no action against Labor MPs Stephen Lawrence, Dr Sarah Kaine, and Cameron Murphy who have defiantly declared that they will attend the Monday afternoon’s planned protest, and have personally attacked the character of President Herzog?”[1]
 
Mr Lawrence and Dr Kaine each enjoy an extra $22,328 top up to their salary because the Minns Labor Government has nominated them as the respective Chairs of the powerful Privileges Committee and the Social Issues Committee.
 
Mr Murphy also enjoys an extra $23,220 in salary as Deputy Government Whip.
 
“Those three MPs should not remain in these privileged positions while undermining the Premier’s efforts to preserve social cohesion and assure the Jewish community of safety and support after the horrors of the Bondi massacre.”

The Minns Labor Government has today announced its intention to secure the future of golf at Cammeray Golf Course where Golf has been played for 120 years.

The current lease on the golf course is due to expire in May 2026 and the Government is moving to give certainty to golfers as well as all other users of the park that sporting uses will continue into the future.

The Minns Labor Government is in discussions with Golf NSW, North Sydney Council, Cammeray Golf Club and other stakeholders in relation to the future management of the golf course.

Cammeray Golf Course is part of the wider Cammeray Park reserve which has hosted golf since 1906. It provides the community with a public and affordable 9-hole par 3 course for people of all ages and skill levels, from beginners and juniors to high performance players.

Cammeray Park is also home to tennis courts, croquet lawns, a skate plaza, soccer and rugby matches, and community events.

The Minns Labor Government continues to support Golf at all levels. Today’s announcement follows previous support delivered through the Organisational Support and Level the Playing Field Program to increase Golf participation, as well as Destination NSW sponsorship of more than 54 Golf tournaments over 2024-26.

Minister for Lands and Property and Sport Steve Kamper said:

“Cammeray Golf Course has been part of Sydney’s sporting fabric for more than a century, and we want to secure its future for generations to come.

“The NSW Government is looking to ensure access to golf in the heart of the North Shore to support community recreation and wellbeing.

“We’re proud to back golf as a sport that brings people together and supports local jobs.”

Golf NSW Chief Executive Officer Stuart Fraser said:

“Golf NSW is thrilled Minister Kamper and the NSW Government are providing certainty for golf and golfers at Cammeray Golf Course.

“Cammeray Golf Course is a unique public facility, welcoming everyone from beginners and juniors to elite players, so we whole heartedly support these moves to ensure its’ long-term future.” 

Central Coast residents are being urged to change a child’s life and become a foster carer, with the Minns Labor Government launching a local foster carer recruitment drive.

Locals are being urged to open their hearts and homes to children who cannot live with their families, with 47 children across the Central Coast in need of the love and stability that foster care provides.

There is also a local need for more respite carers who provide much needed relief to families and carers with vulnerable children. Becoming a respite carer is a great way to start fostering children and even without a full-time commitment, it can change lives.

This recruitment drive is part of the Minns Labor Government’s historic $1.2 billion child protection package, which is investing in improved foster care recruitment, training and support.

In January, the Foster Care Allowance was increased for the first time in 20 years, lifting the base rate by 20 per cent. A foster carer of a typical 14-year-old is now more than $4,500 better off each year.

The Minns Labor Government is also increasing foster carer support through improved training, and more financial and professional assistance, meaning foster carers are better equipped to support the children in their care.

To learn more about becoming a foster or kinship carer, visit nsw.gov.au/fostercare.

Minister for Families and Communities, Kate Washington said:

“Foster care is a life-changing gift of time, support, stability and love. We’re asking people on the Central Coast to consider opening your hearts and homes to the vulnerable children who need your help in your community.

“The government is backing foster carers by increasing their allowance and support for the first time in two decades so they can do what they do best – change a child’s life.”

Minister for the Central Coast, David Harris said:

“Across the Central Coast there are vulnerable children who need the love and stability that foster care provides.

“Our government is making historic reforms to better support people to become foster carers and change the lives of these kids.”

Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch said:

“We have big hearts on the Coast. If you’ve ever considered fostering a child, even just for a weekend, now is a great time to take that first step.”

Member for The Entrance, David Mehan said:

“I am proud to be part of the Minns Labor Government which has invested in the first real increase to the foster carer allowance in over 20 years. Investing in foster carers means they can invest in the children they care for.”

Secretary of the Department of Communities and Justice, Michael Tidball said:
“Foster carers make a huge difference every day. Their commitment and kindness help change the trajectory of children’s lives. We are committed to making sure our carers have the support they need, and we are actively looking to welcome new carers from all backgrounds. If you have room in your heart and your home, please consider joining our foster care community.”

Construction is set to begin on disaster recovery works to Wombeyan Caves Road and Meryla Road, delivering repairs to two critical transport links in the Southern Highlands.

The $6.1 million project follows repeated flood and storm damage across the region.

It is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements and will be carried out by Wingecarribee Shire Council.

The works will include slope stabilisation, drainage improvements and pavement reconstruction to restore safety, resilience and long-term performance across both roads.

Works on Wombeyan Caves Roadwill include reconstruction at seven separate locations, after the road was heavily damaged by floods. Construction is scheduled to start in February 2026 and finish by September 2026.

The Meryla Road repairs will take place at three separate sites. Construction is scheduled to start in February 2026 and finish by July 2026.

Works on both roads will be staged to minimise disruption, with traffic only affected in active work zones.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Kristy McBain:

“These repairs to Wombeyan Caves Road and Meryla Road will deliver safer and stronger transport links for Southern Highlands communities, ensuring locals, visitors and emergency services can travel with confidence.

“After successive floods and storms have repeatedly damaged these key routes, we are delivering a coordinated recovery effort that will rebuild these crucial roads for the communities that depend on them.”

NSW Minister for Roads and Minister for Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison:

“From heavy rain to flooding, extreme weather has undoubtedly taken a toll on our roads, and we’re focused on getting them back to a safe and reliable standard. Good roads keep communities connected, so families, workers, truckies and local businesses can keep moving – no matter the weather.

“These disaster recovery works on Wombeyan Caves Road and Meryla Road will restore vital transport links and ensure they are more resilient to future weather events.”

NSW Minister for Recovery, Janelle Saffin:

“These road repairs are about turning plans into recovery action on the ground for communities in the Southern Highlands who have been dealing with the impacts of repeated disasters for years.

“Wombeyan Caves Road and Meryla Road are critical local connections, and this investment will restore access, improve safety and strengthen community resilience ahead of future floods, storms or fires.

“Getting this project to construction has needed complex planning by Wingecarribee Shire Council and a partnership with the Albanese Government which continues to support recovery in the Highlands region.

Federal Member for Whitlam, Carol Berry MP:

“Southern Highlands’ residents contact me regularly about the state of the local roads, many of which have been damaged by natural disasters resulting in safety hazards.

“I am really pleased that Labor Federal and State Governments are collaborating to contribute $6.1 million to fix Wombeyan Caves Road and Meryla Road and that we are working with Wingecarribee Council to deliver these improvements.

“Works on Wombeyan Caves Road and Meryla Road are sorely needed after these roads were heavily damaged by floods.

“I know that local residents will be grateful for these improvements. We will be working hard to minimise disruption while these works are carried out.”

Wingecarribee Shire Council Mayor, Jesse Fitzpatrick:

“Maintaining and upgrading roads is a key focus of Council’s 2025–2029 term. This funding marks a long-awaited milestone, enabling Council to deliver essential disaster repairs.”

“Wombeyan Caves Road and Meryla Road are key local connections, and the commencement of these works is a long-awaited milestone.

“These works are the result of a complex process involving detailed planning, design, and disaster funding approvals, which all take time before construction can begin.

“The works will restore damaged infrastructure and help maintain safe and reliable access for residents, emergency services, businesses, and visitors.”

Last night, the NSW Liberals and Nationals helped defeat the Minns Labor Government’s Surveillance Devices and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 in the Legislative Council after Labor refused to engage with reasonable amendments.
 
The Bill sought to significantly expand the ability of law enforcement agencies to receive and use recordings that were obtained illegally by third parties without prior judicial approval, undermining long-standing privacy protections and judicial oversight.
 
In a rare defeat for the Government in the Parliament, MPs from across the political spectrum united to defeat the Bill for a range of reasons.
 
However, the Minns Labor Government’s failure to consult or consider reasonable amendments before seeking to expand law enforcement powers was critical to the Bill’s failure. A growing habit of this Government.
 
Shadow Attorney General Damien Tudehope said the Opposition could not support legislation that tipped the balance too far in favour of the State at the expense of individual liberty.
 
“This Bill is yet another perfect example of overreach from the Minns Labor Government,” Mr Tudehope said.
 
“For more than 40 years, NSW law has recognised that if law enforcement agencies want to intrude on private conversations, they must first get court approval by way of a warrant.”
 
“This Bill would have weakened that safeguard by allowing law enforcement agencies to rely on illegally obtained recordings based on a vague and undefined ‘public interest’ test.”
 
“In good faith, the Opposition proposed amendments to the Bill which were rejected by the Minns Labor Government out of hand, and as a result we could not support laws that would erode privacy, blur the separation of powers and weaken long-standing safeguards.”

NSW taxpayers will not spend a single dollar extending the operation of the Eraring power station.

Despite Coalition claims that keeping the privatised power station running would cost taxpayers $3 billion, its operator has confirmed it will not seek public support through an underwriting arrangement struck nearly two years ago.

That means not a single taxpayer dollar will be spent and the lights will stay on.

Such an agreement would not have been necessary if the Coalition hadn’t sold Eraring in 2013.

The NSW Government secured an agreement with Origin Energy in 2024 to underwrite Eraring until August 2027, to ensure energy reliability and avoid price spikes for households and businesses.

Last month, Origin notified the NSW Government, the Australian Stock Exchange and the Australian Energy Market Operator it plans to operate Eraring until April 2029.

This decision was independent of the existing underwriting agreement and does not lock the NSW Government into any further commitment.

Current energy security projections show NSW is expected to have sufficient energy supply by Eraring’s anticipated closure in 2029, thanks to new renewable generation and storage coming online.

Minister for Energy Penny Sharpe said:

“This decision by Origin shows the NSW Labor Government made the right call and the right deal when it comes to Eraring.

“NSW families won’t pay a single dollar for this agreement, which has helped keep the lights on as we deliver renewable energy needed to replace NSW’s privatised coal fired power stations.”

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:

“This deal kept Eraring open, delivered energy security and didn’t cost taxpayers a cent.

“It has turned out not to be the horror show the Coalition wildly predicted, as they claimed keeping Eraring open would cost taxpayers billions.

“We will stay engaged with the owners of the privatised station as we get on with the job of delivering clean and reliable power at the lowest possible cost.”

Five stores in Sydney’s Inner West have been closed under the Minns Labor Government’s tough new laws and closure powers targeting the sale of illicit tobacco and illegal vapes. 

NSW Health inspectors found and seized approximately 780,000 illicit cigarettes and 2,200 illicit vapes while implementing the Closure Order at these five premises and a further two premises in Northern NSW.

The stores have been shut down immediately for 90 days. Further investigations will follow and additional enforcement action, including prosecution, may take place. 

NSW Health Inspectors, together with NSW Police, have now closed down a total of 66 stores since the laws came into effect in November 2025, strengthening tobacco and vaping control efforts across the state. 

NSW now has some of the toughest reforms in the country for the sale and commercial possession of illicit tobacco, including:

• a new offence for the possession of a commercial quantity of illicit tobacco with a maximum penalty of over $1.5 million, 7 years’ imprisonment, or both
• new penalties for the sale of illicit tobacco with a maximum penalty of over $1.5 million, 7 years’ imprisonment, or both
• the introduction of short-term (up to 90 days) and long-term (up to 12 months) closure orders for premises selling illicit tobacco, illegal vaping goods, or selling tobacco or non-tobacco smoking products without a valid licence
• new offences and penalties for anyone who breaches these closure orders, including for entering closed premises or selling products from closed premises
• new lease termination powers for landlords where a closure order is in place
• new nation-leading offences for falsely claiming to be licensed, resisting seizure, and attempting to retake seized products.

From 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2025, NSW Health Inspectors conducted around 1,700 retailer inspections and seized more than 16.2 million cigarettes, over 2650kg of other illicit tobacco products and around 215,000 illegal vaping goods with a combined estimated street value of around $24.8 million.

During this period, NSW Health also finalised 22 successful prosecutions, inclusive of a District Court Appeal, with the courts imposing a total of $784,700 in fines related to vaping goods and tobacco offences.

Interim data shows that between 1 January 2026 to 31 January 2026, NSW Health Inspectors have conducted a further 131 inspections, seizing around 560,000 cigarettes and 98kg of other illicit tobacco products and over 6000 illegal vaping goods with a combined estimated street value of around $830,000.

In this period, NSW Health has also finalised 4 prosecutions with the courts imposing a total of $41,300 in fines related to e-cigarette and tobacco offences. There are currently 23 prosecutions before the Courts. 

The NSW Government is also aware the sale of illicit tobacco and vaping products continues to evolve, with some attempting to obscure and avoid the enforcement activities of

NSW Health Inspectors, by using QR codes and social media communications to facilitate the ongoing sale of illicit tobacco to customers, after a closure order has been issued.  

NSW Police and NSW Health are working together to identify these methods and pivot their enforcement strategies to shut down this activity. 

In NSW, retailers and wholesalers are required to hold a valid licence to sell tobacco or non-tobacco smoking products as part of the new NSW Tobacco Licensing Scheme.

Businesses can apply for a licence online using their MyServiceNSW account via the Service NSW website.

Businesses can get support to submit their licence application by calling the Tobacco Information Line on 1800 357 412.

More information on closure orders and penalties can be found on the NSW Health website: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/tobacco/Pages/tobacco-retailing-laws.aspx

More information on the new Tobacco Licensing Scheme including how retailers and wholesalers can apply for a licence can be found on the NSW Health website: NSW tobacco licensing scheme.

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“We are continuing to ramp up efforts across the state to stop the sale of illicit tobacco and illegal vapes.”

“The recent closures should serve as a reminder for those people in the community who are doing the wrong thing that we are serious and they will be prosecuted.”

“We are actively strengthening our efforts to bolster enforcement activity and will continue to pivot our approach to target even those who feel they can evade the law.”

Chief Health Officer, Dr Kerry Chant:

“Tobacco use remains one of the leading causes of preventable death and disease in our community.”

“These closures show that our teams are ready to act swiftly and are committed to having a stronger oversight of the illicit tobacco and illegal trade to help protect public health.” 

The Albanese and Minns Governments are improving access to free mental health care in NSW, with a network of Medicare Mental Health Centres across the state that saw at least 107,500 visits last year.

More than 37,000 people and families across NSW have accessed free Medicare Mental Health Centres since their establishment, without the need for an appointment or referral.

This backs in Labor’s commitment to universal, free healthcare where everyone can get the mental health care they need. These centres take pressure off families by saving time and money, while putting mental health support close by.

In 2025, the Lismore centre saw the most occasions of care overall, with 18,318 occasions of care in 2025, as the community continues to rebuild after multiple flooding disasters.

The busiest centres last year also included Western Sydney locations in Liverpool and Penrith which saw 14,533 and 11,799 occasions of care respectively.

Today also marks the official opening of the new Blacktown Medicare Mental Health Centre, with a $2.4 million investment for its establishment and operation.

Located at 114 Main Street, Blacktown, the new Blacktown Medicare Mental Health Centre offers free mental health support and care for people in distress.

Staffed by multidisciplinary care teams, including mental health clinicians and peer workers, care is tailored to the needs of each person who visits the centres.

The Commonwealth and State Governments have partnered together to build a network of 33 Medicare Mental Health Centres in New South Wales, with 18 currently open and supporting people and communities across the State.

In Western Sydney, additional Medicare Mental Health Centres are open in Canterbury, Liverpool, Penrith, Hawkesbury, Parramatta, and Campbelltown. Centres will also be established in Lidcombe and Green Valley.

People seeking information or support can be connected with Medicare Mental Health by calling 1800 595 212 or visiting www.medicarementalhealth.gov.au.

NSW Premier Chris Minns:

“We know more young people need mental health support, and cutting costs and removing barriers is key to making sure they can get the help they need.

“Providing access to free mental health support, is a simple way to improves the lives of young people, families and our most vulnerable.

Assistant Minister McBride:

“The Albanese Government is putting mental health at the heart of Medicare and quality care in the centre of communities.

“This new Medicare Mental Health Centre offers people living in Blacktown a safe and welcoming place to access mental health support and care close to home.

“Anyone may be impacted by mental challenges, and this new centre offers everyone access to free support, without the need for an appointment or referral.”

Minister Bowen, Member for McMahon:

“This is about making it easier to get help when you need it, close to home, without the barriers that stop too many people reaching out.

“The Blacktown Medicare Mental Health Centre means free, walk-in support is now available right here on Main Street, delivered by a team including clinicians and peer workers.

“Mental health care should not depend on your postcode or your bank balance. This is Labor putting mental health at the heart of Medicare and delivering for Western Sydney in partnership with the NSW Government.”

Minister Jackson:

“These Medicare Mental Health Centres are a gamechanger. Anyone is welcome to walk in, no appointment, referral, or credit card needed.

“Getting help for your mental health should be easy and free – that’s what our Medicare Mental Health Centres are all about.

“Thousands of people are already accessing centres all across New South Wales, particularly in Western Sydney and regional hubs like Lismore and Wagga Wagga.

“Medicare is something Australians rightly take pride in, and these centres strengthen that legacy – public, universal care that puts people first.”

Stephen Bali, Member for Blacktown:

“I’m thrilled to be here to open the Blacktown Medicare Mental Health Centre, where anyone in my community can walk in and get the help they need, no appointments or referrals needed.

“By removing the barriers that stop people from accessing support – particularly the cost – we are improving outcomes for those who need it most.”

Two multi-billion-dollar renewable energy projects with the potential to power over 1 million homes in peak demand have been declared Critical State Significant Infrastructure (CSSI) by the Minns Labor Government.

Worth more than $7 billion, the projects, if approved, would help secure the state’s clean energy future.

The projects declared are:

• The $3.5 billion Western Sydney Pumped Hydro Project at Lake Burragorang, is a ZEN Energy which will have the potential to power 500,000 homes.
• The $3.6 billion Yarrabin (Phoenix) Pumped Hydro Project near Mudgee in Central West NSW, is a ACEN Australia project which will have the capacity to power 600,000 homes.

Both projects, are in the early planning stages and are located on WaterNSW land.

A comprehensive assessment will still be undertaken on each of the projects, including public exhibition and an opportunity for submissions from the community.

The Minns Labor Government has approved more renewables projects in three years than the last twelve years combined. With approved 44 renewable energy projects have been approved since 2023 that, when built, will generate enough electricity to power 5.2 million homes.

There are currently more than 50 renewable energy, storage and transmission projects under assessment. If approved, these 13.5 GW of generation projects could produce enough electricity to power about 6 million homes.

A further 196 projects, including solar, wind, battery storage and pumped hydro projects are at various stages in the planning pipeline.

Minister for Energy and the Environment Penny Sharpe said:

“These projects will help stabilise the grid, support energy reliability during peak demand periods and underpin the transition away from coal‑fired power.

“Long‑duration storage like pumped hydro is essential to building a modern energy system that works for households, businesses and industry across NSW.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“These two pumped hydro projects could play a vital role in supporting our energy security together able to generate enough energy to power every home in Greater Perth during peak demand.

“These projects are part of a strong pipeline of renewable energy proposals that shows industry confidence in our planning system and our commitment to delivering the infrastructure NSW needs for a clean energy future.”

Minister for Water Rose Jackson said:

“Water is vital to our everyday lives and these projects could further harness it to power more than a million homes.

“Importantly WaterNSW has already conducted a number of initial assessments to make sure these projects won’t impact water security or quality and we will continue to do analysis regularly, to help inform the planning and assessment processes.”