Category: NSW News

Families across Western NSW are under real pressure. Vast distances, higher energy and water costs and fewer local alternatives mean the cost of mortgages, rent, groceries and fuel is felt acutely across the region, from the Central West to the Far West.

This Budget acts on a simple principle: relief for today, reform for tomorrow, discipline always – building a state working Australians can afford.

Relief for cost-of-living pressures

Relief in this Budget is practical and immediate, and it reaches Western NSW households where costs bite hardest, on the road and in power bills. It delivers:

• $100 off private vehicle registration, worth $435 million across 4.4 million vehicles, with an $80 cut for motorcycles (excluding caravans and trailers). This is relief that matters most where people rely on cars, utes and longer drives.
• $557.1 million through the Home Energy Saver program: interest-free loans and discounts to install energy-efficient appliances and cut power bills over time.
• A $1,000 cost-of-living payment for more than 120,000 NSW Government employees, triggered because Sydney CPI growth exceeded 4 per cent between the March quarters of 2025 and 2026.

These relief measures sit in a wider statewide package, comprising:

• The weekly toll cap cut from $60 to $50 for 2026-27, going further than last year’s $60 cap.
• Scrapping toll administration fees from July, saving at least $10 a notice, and ending a charge that cost motorists $60 million last year, in some cases twice the toll itself.
• Opal fares held at 2025 prices for the year.

Healthier Western NSW communities

Health is the largest single commitment in this Budget.

Across NSW, a historic $10.3 billion increase in health funding over four years, delivered with the Australian Government, will recruit 9,000 more health workers and fund around 2,900 more planned surgeries a year.

This sits alongside $11.9 billion for heath infrastructure including 32 new and upgraded hospitals and more than 2,500 beds.

Regional NSW shares fully in that program. Of the $11.9 billion statewide, nearly $3.0 billion is invested in regional hospitals and health facilities over the next four years. In Western NSW, this includes $23.1 million for the Dubbo Alcohol and Other Drug Residential Rehabilitation Centre.

Nurses and midwives receive the largest pay rise in more than twenty years, and the largest ever for enrolled nurses, backed by an additional $2.9 billion in this Budget.

Western NSW nurses, midwives, teachers and police are among those benefiting from the high wage economy this Government is building.

Better schools, closer to home

Every child deserves a world-class education, wherever they live. This Budget invests $9.2 billion statewide over four years for new and upgraded schools, of which $2.3 billion is for regional NSW. In Western NSW, this includes the Willyama High School rebuild in Broken Hill.

The Minns Labor Government is delivering new and rebuilt schools across regional NSW, close to the communities they serve.

Transport and connectivity

Reliable transport keeps Western NSW connected and moving. This Budget invests:

• $31.8 million for a heavy-vehicle bypass route at Gilgandra.
• $29.9 million for the Newell Highway upgrade and the new Dubbo Bridge.

Safer Western NSW communities 

Domestic and family violence is disproportionately higher in rural and regional areas.

This Budget makes a $184.1 million investment in six frontline domestic and family violence
programs, helping thousands more women, children and people impacted by violence access specialist support and stay safe. This is a 50 per cent increase phased in over four years.

Community workers also receive a 4.75 per cent pay increase under the Fair Work Commission determination.

Investments in emergency services protect communities and keep families and businesses safe.

This Budget provides $470.1 million over 10 years to enhance emergency response and better protect communities by transferring the state’s red fleet from councils to the NSW Rural Fire Service.

The Budget also continues the major upgrade of Bourke Police Station, backed by $16.2 million.

Building for Western NSW’s future

This Budget includes investments in Western NSW, including:

• $10.5 million to upgrade Western NSW airports including the White Cliffs airstrip and Bourke Airport to improve safety and reliability for emergency and general aviation.
• $10.4 million to deliver major upgrades to the Dubbo PCYC that will boost local sporting facilities and deliver life changing opportunities for young people.
• Continuing the $10 million Western NSW Work force activation package to establish, expand or upgrade early childhood education and care, giving women across western NSW greater opportunities to re-enter the workforce.

Responsible decisions make these investments possible

This Budget can provide cost-of-living relief and continue investing in essential services because the Government has spent the past three years making responsible and difficult decisions to strengthen the state’s finances.

That work has been done without privatisation and without bringing back an unfair wages cap, while keeping public assets in public hands and maintaining an independent umpire for wages and conditions.

As global uncertainty and higher fuel prices place additional pressure on families and businesses, this Budget provides support now while continuing the work of returning the state’s finances to surplus in 2027-28.

It’s about supporting families today, while securing NSW’s future.

The Minns Labor Government will invest an additional $184.1 million to increase funding by 50 per cent for six frontline specialist domestic and family violence programs over the next four years to help keep more women and children safe.

This is the largest across-the-board increase in core funding for specialist domestic and family violence programs in decades. It represents a landmark investment in the services women and children rely on when escaping violence.

Domestic and family violence is one of the biggest social challenges facing our state.

Demand for support continues to grow across NSW, with specialist services facing increasing pressure as more victim-survivors seek help.

Safety is the first step in helping victim-survivors rebuild their lives. This investment will help ensure that when someone makes the difficult decision to leave violence, they can get the support they need, when they need it.

The funding will expand access to safety planning, counselling, case management and tailored support, while also growing the frontline workforce and strengthening the long-term sustainability of the sector.

We have listened to the sector about the challenges they face. This investment is designed to stabilise services, expand capacity and fund hundreds of additional specialist workers in communities across NSW.

It builds on the Government’s work to move key domestic and family violence programs to five-year contracts, helping provide greater certainty for service providers and continuity of care for victim-survivors.

It also lays the foundation for longer-term reform and a stronger, more sustainable domestic and family violence support system for the future.

Where the funding goes 

The $184.1 million is delivered across six frontline programs:

• $76.1 million for the Safer Pathway program, providing coordinated support for victim-survivors across NSW.
• $54.0 million for the Staying Home Leaving Violence program and the Integrated Domestic and Family Violence Services program to help women and children remain safely in their homes after violence, and provide intensive case management for high-risk families.
• $19.3 million for Men’s Behaviour Change programs, to reduce and prevent violent and abusive behaviour.
• $17.5 million for the Domestic Violence Response Enhancement program, providing after-hours assistance to people experiencing domestic and family violence.
• $17.2 million for Specialist Workers for Children and Young People, providing trauma-informed support for children and young people escaping violence.

Community-sector workers who deliver these services also receive a 4.75 per cent pay increase, in line with the Fair Work Commission determination and which the Minns Labor Government is passing on in full.

Reform for the future 

A further $6.3 million will support frontline services and long-term reform through continuing work on the Common Approach to Risk Assessment and Safety (CARAS). These reforms are part of a broader package totalling $190.4 million.

This builds on the $5.1 billion committed in the previous Budget for new social housing, with 
half of new builds prioritised for victim-survivors of domestic and family violence. It also follows from our $245.6 million investment to expand support services and improve domestic violence prevention to build a safer NSW.

Building a safer future 

This investment builds on the Government’s broader work to expand support services, deliver more social housing and strengthen prevention efforts across NSW.

Because when women and children make the decision to leave violence, they deserve to know help will be there

Families across the North Coast are under real pressure. Long distances, higher energy needs and the lasting toll of natural disasters mean the cost of mortgages, rent, groceries and fuel is felt acutely across the region.

This Budget acts on a simple principle: relief for today, reform for tomorrow, discipline always – building a state working Australians can afford.

Relief for cost-of-living pressures

Relief in this Budget is practical and immediate, and it reaches North Coast households where costs bite hardest, on the road and in power bills. It delivers:

• $100 off private vehicle registration, worth $435 million across 4.4 million vehicles, with an $80 cut for motorcycles (excluding caravans and trailers). This is relief that matters most where people rely on cars, utes and longer drives.
• $557.1 million through the Home Energy Saver program: interest-free loans and discounts to install energy-efficient appliances and cut power bills over time.
• A $1,000 cost-of-living payment for more than 120,000 NSW Government employees, triggered because Sydney CPI growth exceeded 4 per cent between the March quarters of 2025 and 2026.

These relief measures sit in a wider statewide package, comprising:

• The weekly toll cap cut from $60 to $50 for 2026-27, going further than last year’s 
  $60 cap.
• Scrapping toll administration fees from July, saving at least $10 a notice, and ending 
  a charge that cost motorists $60 million last year, in some cases twice the toll itself.
• Opal fares held at 2025 prices for the year.

Healthier North Coast communities

Health is the largest single commitment in this Budget.

Across NSW, a historic $10.3 billion increase in health funding over four years, delivered with the Australian Government, will recruit 9,000 more health workers and fund around 2,900 more planned surgeries a year.

This sits alongside $11.9 billion for health infrastructure including 32 new and upgraded hospitals and more than 2,500 beds.

Regional NSW shares fully in that program. Of the $11.9 billion statewide, nearly $3.0 billion is invested in regional hospitals and health facilities over the next four years. On the North Coast, this includes:

• $265.0 million for the Port Macquarie Base Hospital redevelopment.
• $263.8 million for the Grafton Hospital redevelopment, including delivering a contemporary maternity unit with dedicated birthing rooms and improved inpatient accommodation.

Nurses and midwives receive the largest pay rise in more than twenty years, and the largest ever for enrolled nurses, backed by an additional $2.9 billion in this Budget.

North Coast nurses, midwives, teachers and police are among those benefiting from the high wage economy this Government is building.

Better schools, closer to home

Every child deserves a world-class education, wherever they live. This Budget invests $9.2 billion statewide over four years for new and upgraded schools, of which $2.3 billion is for regional NSW. On the North Coast, this includes:

• The Lennox Head Public School relocation.
• Upgrades at Casino High School.
• A new community open space for Pottsville High School.

The Minns Labor Government is delivering new and rebuilt schools across regional NSW, close to the communities they serve.

Transport and connectivity

Reliable transport keeps the North Coast connected and moving. This Budget invests:

• $227.3 million for the Coffs Harbour bypass.
• $30 million to plan upgrades to the M1 Pacific Motorway from Tweed Heads to Byron 
  Bay (in Partnership with the Australian Government).
• $22.1 million to continue improvements to Waterfall Way.

Safer North Coast communities

Domestic and family violence is disproportionately higher in rural and regional areas.

This Budget makes a $184.1 million investment in six frontline domestic and family violence programs, helping thousands more women, children and people impacted by violence access specialist support and stay safe. This is a 50 per cent increase phased in over four years.

Community workers also receive a 4.75 per cent pay increase under the Fair Work Commission determination.

The Budget also continues the Regional Police Station program for the Northern Rivers, backed by $28.0 million in 2026-27.

Investments in emergency services protect communities and keep families and businesses safe.

This Budget provides $470.1 million over 10 years to enhance emergency response and better protect communities by transferring the state’s red fleet from councils to the NSW Rural Fire Service.

Responsible decisions make these investments possible

This Budget can provide cost-of-living relief and continue investing in essential services because the Government has spent the past three years making responsible and difficult decisions to strengthen the state’s finances.

That work has been done without privatisation and without bringing back an unfair wages cap, while keeping public assets in public hands and maintaining an independent umpire for wages and conditions.

As global uncertainty and higher fuel prices place additional pressure on families and businesses, this Budget provides support now while continuing the work of returning the state’s finances to surplus in 2027-28.

It’s about supporting families today, while securing NSW’s future.

The Minns Labor Government has slashed almost $225 million from the Office of Sport budget, dealing a major blow to community sporting clubs, athletes and local sporting infrastructure across New South Wales.
 
When it comes to the Australian culture and Australian community, nothing connects us all like Sport. Whether it is the current or future Socceroos, Matildas or Olympic athletes, the Minns Government is happy to stand next to them but will not invest in our future sporting stars.
 
Sport is how communities come together, how young people learn teamwork and resilience, and how we celebrate our national identity on the local field and the world stage.
 
The Liberal and Nationals Government’s record on local community sport investment included:
 
Active Kids vouchers, helping families with the cost of children’s sport and recreation activities.
First Lap vouchers, introducing thousands of young children to learn-to-swim programs and improving water safety outcomes.
Nearly $900 million invested through community infrastructure grant programs to improve the accessibility and quality of sporting infrastructure across New South Wales.
 
Shadow Minister for Sport Natalie Ward said the cuts were a betrayal of the thousands of volunteers, families and local clubs who need support to keep sport accessible and affordable.
 
“Sport brings Australians together. It is an essential community activity. Every dollar cut from sport is a dollar taken away from opportunities for young people, local clubs and future champions.” Mrs Ward said.
 
The Minns Government must explain why sport has once again been forced to pay the price for its budget decisions.”

The NSW Liberals and Nationals have today slammed the Minns Labor Government’s Budget, saying it confirms that NSW is going backwards and Labor has no plan to grow the economy, support families or back business and jobs.
 
Labor’s fourth Budget reveals:

• NSW is entering a per capita recession, with economic growth forecast at 1% while population increase is forecast to be 1.1%.
• Labor will never deliver a budget surplus; despite promising a surplus by 2024-25 before the last election Labor has not delivered a budget surplus during its term.
• Taxes are up by 31% since Labor came to power, with every NSW family paying $3,500 more in state taxes per year, and stamp duty and payroll tax takes at record highs.
• No new major infrastructure projects and a shrinking pipeline, with funding down every year.
• No measures to address housing supply at a time when Labor is 40 per cent behind its National Housing Accord targets.

Leader of the Opposition Kellie Sloane said after more than three years in office, Labor has failed to provide the vision and leadership needed to help NSW reach its potential.
 
“This Budget confirms what families and businesses already know – Labor has no plan to help people get ahead and no plan to grow our state’s economy,” Ms Sloane said.
 
“Families are working harder than ever but too many are going backwards, meanwhile businesses are facing rising costs and a government that is taking more off them in payroll tax.”
 
“New South Wales should be leading the nation, but under Labor we have the weakest economic growth in Australia, declining business confidence and cost of living support that is too little, too late.”
 
“When Labor came to office we were leading the nation on economic growth, now we’re coming last.”
 
“This Budget should have been about restoring confidence and setting a clear direction for our state’s future. Instead, it confirms Labor has run out of ideas for NSW.”
 
Leader of the Nationals Gurmesh Singh said regional communities were also being left behind by Labor’s latest Budget.
 
“Regional New South Wales has always been a key driver of our state’s success, but too often communities are being asked to do more while receiving less,” Mr Singh said.
 
“Whether it is infrastructure delays, housing shortages, energy policy or essential services, regional communities deserve their fair share and deserve to be heard, but under Labor they are simply ignored.”
 
“The NSW Liberals and Nationals believe every part of our state should have the opportunity to grow and prosper, regardless of your postcode.”
 
Shadow Treasurer Scott Farlow said Labor’s Budget showed that Labor is not up to the job of running our state’s economy.
 
“The Budget reveals that under Labor, our state is headed for a per capita recession, as our population growth will outpace our economic growth. This means that despite their hard work families and businesses will fall further behind,” Mr Farlow said.
 
“Despite promising a return to surplus before the election, Labor has not delivered a surplus and its fanciful projections mean it never will.”
 
Shadow Minister for Finance Monica Tudehope said Labor’s answer is always the same, more taxes, more charges and more pressure on household budgets.
 
“Under Labor, taxes have increased by 31%, leaving families and businesses worse off with only more bad news to come as our economy slows.”
 
Ms Sloane said she would outline the NSW Liberals and Nationals ambitious plan for a stronger NSW this Thursday.
 
“The NSW Liberals and Nationals plan will be one that helps families get ahead and stay ahead, and backs small and family businesses to invest, grow and create jobs,” Ms Sloane said.
 
“Unlike Labor, our plan is one to grow our state’s economy, build the homes, roads, rail, schools and hospitals our growing communities need, and restores the ambition that once made NSW the leading state in the nation.”
 
“The people of New South Wales deserve a government with a vision for the future and with the NSW Liberals and Nationals that’s what they’ll get.”

The NSW Liberals and Nationals have welcomed overdue cost-of-living relief for drivers, with the weekly toll cap reduced from $60 to $50, while noting it falls well short of the toll reform Labor promised three years ago.
 
The change will save eligible drivers up to $520 a year, providing some relief for households who rely on Sydney’s road network every day.
 
The scrapping of toll administration fees is also welcome given the pre-election commitment and the millions raked in since while Labor sat on that election promise.
 
NSW Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane said families and households are paying more for just about everything under Labor, and relief is overdue.
 
“Labor promised toll reform three years ago, yet drivers will still face toll price increases in a matter of days,” Ms Sloane said.
 
“Under Federal and NSW Labor, families and households are paying more for groceries, electricity, insurance, fuel and mortgages, and some cost-of-living relief is long overdue.”
 
Shadow Minister for Roads Mark Coure said for many in Western and South-Western Sydney tolls are unavoidable.
 
“This change will provide welcome relief for families across West and South-Western Sydney as well as Southern Sydney, who rely on their cars every day to get to work, take their children to school, attend appointments and support local businesses,” Mr Coure said.
 
“It is a step in the right direction, but drivers are still waiting for Labor to deliver the meaningful toll reform they promised before the last election.”
 
The NSW Liberals and Nationals will continue to focus on practical measures that ease cost-of-living pressure and put money back into people’s pockets.

The Minns Labor Government’s new Hemp Industry Development Plan is set to unlock new opportunities for NSW businesses and add value to the state’s low-THC hemp industry, which is forecast to become a $100 million Australian industry by 2032.

The plan, available at NSW Hemp Industry Development Plan, outlines a roadmap for industry growth through targeted research and development, stronger supply chains, market expansion and a supportive policy and regulatory framework.

The Hemp Industry Plan will focus on:

• Identifying opportunities to grow the hemp industry by attracting private investment, improving access to processing and value-adding facilities, and supporting Aboriginal businesses to participate in the industry.
• Improving the NSW hemp licensing system and reviewing legislation to make it easier for the industry to operate and grow.
• Strengthening research partnerships and providing hemp businesses with better information and advice on growing, production, biosecurity, and business development.
• Working with other states and the Australian Government to create a more consistent approach to hemp regulation across Australia.

Developed in consultation with industry stakeholders, the plan sets a vision for hemp to become a mainstream crop of the future, creating new opportunities for farmers, manufacturers and regional communities across NSW.

Industrial hemp has huge potential for use as a fibre for textiles, rope, composites and building materials with additional environmental benefits in providing biomass for soil improvement and carbon capture.

Hemp seeds can be used to produce oils, food ingredients, protein powder and cosmetics.

Globally, it is estimated that hemp is used in more than 25,000 products spanning nine sub-markets, including agriculture, building materials and textiles.

Collaboration between industry, stakeholders and government will be critical to delivering the plan with the NSW Hemp Industry Taskforce reinstated to monitor the progress of the plan’s delivery. 

The plan focuses on areas where government, industry and stakeholders can collaborate to address local needs and position the NSW industrial hemp industry to capitalise on the potential global and domestic growth of this emerging industry. 

NSW Government amendments are planned to enhance the regulatory framework for hemp licence holders in NSW. 

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty, said:

“The Minns Labor Government is backing industrial hemp as a new growth industry for regional NSW — creating jobs, attracting investment and supporting sustainable regional development.”

“The Hemp Industry Development Plan is a game changer, positioning NSW to build a modern, innovative and profitable hemp sector.”

“This plan will unlock new investment and opportunity in regional NSW, strengthening the state’s emerging industrial hemp industry for the future.”

“We’re working closely with the NSW Hemp Industry Taskforce to turn this vision into action and deliver a strong, sustainable future for the hemp industry.”

The Minns Labor Government is investing an additional $300 million in the 2026-27 NSW Budget to fast-track critical upgrades to Elizabeth Drive and Fifteenth Avenue, accelerating delivery of two of Western Sydney’s most important road projects.

The NSW Government’s investment will be matched by the Albanese Labor Government, delivering a combined $600 million boost to get these critical projects underway sooner.

As Western Sydney continues to grow, so does the demand on its road network.

This major investment will expand the scope of the projects and bring construction forward, with work on both projects set to begin in late 2026, a year earlier than planned.

This will ease congestion, improve safety and strengthen connections to the new Western Sydney International Airport.

The Fifteenth Avenue Upgrade will receive an additional $400 million, with the Australian and NSW Governments each contributing $200 million, bringing total project funding to $1.4 billion.

The Elizabeth Drive Upgrade will receive an additional $200 million, with the Australian and NSW Governments each contributing $100 million, bringing total project funding to $1 billion.

Together, these projects represent a $2.4 billion investment in Western Sydney’s future, delivering the roads and transport connections needed to support growing communities, unlock new housing and jobs, and ensure residents can benefit sooner from the opportunities created by Western Sydney International Airport.

Fifteenth Avenue Upgrade

The additional funding has enabled key design improvements in response to community and council feedback, including:

• improved bus infrastructure and better integration with future public transport needs; and
• enhanced road connections and access to surrounding residential and industrial estates, including an extension of Edmondson Avenue into the project scope.

The upgrade between Cowpasture Road and Devonshire Road will deliver two lanes in each direction, improve connections to surrounding local roads, enhance access to Western Sydney Parklands and provide safer crossings for local wildlife.

Planning will also continue for a future dedicated bus corridor along Fifteenth Avenue, supporting the region’s long-term public transport needs.

Elizabeth Drive Upgrade

The additional investment comes in response to community and industry feedback and will deliver extra scope including:

• 1.5 kilometres of additional road duplication from South Creek to the M12 interchange with Western Sydney International Airport; and
• A major upgrade of the Elizabeth Drive and Martin Road intersection, completing a key connection to the airport, surrounding industrial estates and supporting the growing Aerotropolis.

The project has also been refined to deliver safer and more efficient intersections at key locations along the corridor including a new, signalised intersection at Clifton Avenue, improved bridge connections across Badgerys Creek and South Creek and reduce impacts on local business and community facilities.

This investment builds on more than $7.4 billion the NSW Minns Labor Government has funded for Western Sydney roads since 2023 and is part of our plan to build the infrastructure growing communities need now, for a better future.

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

“These are welcome investments that will help us deliver the roads Western Sydney needs, sooner.

“With airport operations ramping up over the coming months, Western Sydney’s upgraded road networks will soon be put to the test.

“These additional upgrades, now jointly-funded by the Albanese and Minns Governments, will mean people and goods can continue travelling in and out of the airport efficiently as traffic volumes increase.”

NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney, Prue Car:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to upgrading roads across Western Sydney so families can spend less time in traffic and more time together.

“This investment delivers what the former Liberal National government failed to do when they allowed development to run rampant across South West Sydney without the essential roads and infrastructure needed.”

NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison:

“The Minns Labor Government knows Western Sydney deserves better, and this additional $600 million investment in the NSW Budget makes sure that happens. Better roads, less time stuck in traffic and infrastructure that finally matches the ambition of this extraordinary region.

“Western Sydney is one of the most exciting places to live, work and raise a family. Cranes are on the skyline, new businesses are opening their doors, and a brand-new international airport is putting this region on the world map.

“But this doesn’t change the reality of locals who are feeling the impact. Due to the lack of any investment in Fifteenth Avenue by the former Liberal Government, daily commutes that should take 20 minutes are taking an hour. People are staying late at work to avoid gridlock traffic. That time should be spent with family.

“Over $7.4 billion has been invested by the Minns and Albanese Labor Governments since we came to office to get Western Sydney moving again. Local MPs have been advocating for years and finally have a Minns Labor Government building better communities right across Western Sydney.”

Federal Member for Werriwa, Anne Stanley:

“Western Sydney is home to one of the fastest-growing regions in the country, and these investments ensure its infrastructure keeps up.

“By bringing forward delivery of Elizabeth Drive and Fifteenth Avenue, we’re supporting jobs, industry and better connections to Western Sydney International Airport.”

NSW Member for Leppington, Nathan Hagarty:

“For too long, locals have told me about being stuck in traffic just trying to do the everyday things – getting to work, dropping the kids off or getting home.

“This investment means easier, quicker and safer trips for the people who live and work here”.

The NSW Government and Transport for NSW have reached an agreement with the M6 Stage 1 consortium, CGU, for it to recommence work and deliver this important project for local communities.

The consortium CGU (CPB/Ghella/UGL) was awarded a Design and Construct contract by the former Liberal-National Government in May 2021 and construction commenced in February 2022.

Following two subsidence events in March 2024, tunnelling works ceased in that area, and all significant underground works ceased on the project in early 2025.

Transport for NSW has been negotiating with the consortium in good faith for more than two years to get this project back on track and protect the interests of NSW taxpayers.  

An agreement has now been reached with CGU, and under this agreement, they will immediately resume all activities required to complete the project, under the terms of the original Design and Construct contract.

Importantly, this agreement is at no extra cost to NSW taxpayers.

The agreement also means Transport and CGU have reached a consensus that there are viable technical solutions to complete the remainder of the project.

Around 90 per cent of tunnelling and close to half of the tunnel fit-out has been completed for M6 Stage 1. Only 250 metres of excavation of the main tunnel remains.

Under the agreement, CGU has also agreed not to pursue contractual claims against Transport or the NSW Government for costs related to the two subsidence events in 2024, and will work to rectify this area.

Transport will provide an update on the expected completion timeline in due course. The contractors have agreed to seek to optimise this delivery further as they remobilise to site over coming weeks.

Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“We have secured an agreement that gets the M6 Stage 1 project moving again and delivers the best value for NSW taxpayers.

“This agreement means construction will resume immediately under the original contract. This agreement is at no additional cost to the NSW Government – protecting taxpayers just like we promised.

“Our priority has always been to complete this project under the existing contract.

“With 90 per cent of tunnelling already complete, we now have a clear path to finishing the job.

“The former government entered into this contract, and when push came to shove, NSW taxpayers were left in the lurch. Unlike the Liberals, we will not hand out blank cheques when contractors try to take NSW taxpayers for a ride.

“We’ve spent every day since coming into government working to secure the best deal for taxpayers.

“That’s exactly what this agreement provides.”

Transport for NSW Secretary Josh Murray said:

“Transport for NSW has negotiated fairly and in good faith with CGU to achieve the result we are announcing today.

“CGU will now work to rectify the subsidence issues that originally paused the contract.

“While there has been a regrettable delay, the contract for the M6 Stage 1 has clear dispute resolution processes and these will be used – ending the threat of walk-offs and the need for termination – with a deed putting the interests of taxpayers, motorists and residents first.”

NSW Motorways CEO Camilla Drover said:

“We have always pursued the best interests of the NSW taxpayer and this agreement reflects that.

“We welcome CGU’s decision to resume delivery of the project as per the terms of the contract.

“CGU will resume work on the project immediately and we will provide an updated timeline for expected completion once we have it.

‘We now turn our attention to building a collaborative relationship with our contractor to complete the project.”

Families across south west Sydney are benefitting from improved access to enhanced health and parenting support services, following the official opening of the new Karitane Fairfield Integrated Child and Family Hub.

The redevelopment of Karitane’s Carramar site to become the Fairfield Integrated Child and Family Hub has been supported by the Minns Government’s investment of $6.5 million. The Paul Ramsay Foundation also provided Karitane a $6.5 million grant towards operational costs for the Hub.

The new Karitane Fairfield Integrated Child and Family Hub integrates parenting support, child and family health services, and community-based care, in one single location, strengthening access for Fairfield and surround communities. The Hub will also deliver virtual services to families across the state, and complement the child and family services offered by South Western Sydney Local Health District.

The new Karitane Fairfield Integrated Child and Family Hub will include:

• Parenting Centre
• Toddler Clinic
• Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Services
• Community Programs
• Service Navigation and coordinated support

Alongside Karitane services, families can access a range of health, parenting and family support services delivered by partner organisations. By bringing services together in one location, the Hub makes it easier for families to connect with the support they need, when they need it.

After years of neglect from the previous Liberal government, Labor is delivering meaningful improvements for south west Sydney, delivering long-term investments into essential health services for the growing community.

The $6.5 million investment in the Hub is part of the Minns Government’s $130.9 million Family Start Package, building on our ongoing commitment to improving access to health and parenting support services. The initiative supports families during the critical First 2000 Days of a child’s life,  with early intervention and prevention programs ensuring families have access to the health and support services they rely on.

Karitane also provides a range of holistic and wrap-around parenting support services across the state.

Services include virtual home visiting and telephone support services, early parenting centres, virtual and residential parenting services, perinatal and infant mental health services, toddler clinic and a range of community programs which complement child and family services offered by local health districts.

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“We know just how important it is to support parents early, so they have access to the tools and resources to ensure children are given the best possible start in life.

“The new Karitane Fairfield Integrated Child and Family Hub represents a significant step forward in enhancing access to support services for local families with young children.

“By integrating parenting support, child and family health services, and community‑based care services, local families are able to seek advice and support from a diverse range of skilled professionals all under the one roof.”

Minister for Mental Health, Rose Jackson:

“Having a baby can be one of the most joyful times in life, but for many parents it can also be one of the hardest. No mum should feel like they have to struggle alone, and no family should have to wait until things reach crisis point before getting help.

“This investment means more support for mums, babies and families when they need it most – because looking after a baby’s wellbeing starts with looking after their parents too.”

Minister for Women, Jodie Harrison:

“Today’s opening of the Karitane Fairfield Integrated Child and Family Hub is an investment in the future of our children and families.

“We want to make sure children in Sydney’s south west get the best start in life and their families are supported with wraparound care.

“The Minns Government is supporting women’s health and wellbeing, so that their families can build stronger futures.”

Member for Fairfield, David Saliba:

“As someone who was born and raised in Fairfield, I’m proud to see this significant investment in local families delivered right here in the heart of our community.

“The new Karitane Fairfield Integrated Child and Family Hub will make it easier for parents and carers to access the support they need, close to home and at the time they need it most.”

Member for Prospect, Hugh McDermott:

“Families across Prospect deserve access to trusted health, parenting and early childhood support close to home.”

“The new Karitane Fairfield Integrated Child and Family Hub will help give local children the best start in life, while supporting parents and carers when they need it most.”

Member for Cabramatta, Tri Vo:

“As a father whose three children were born locally, I understand the importance of Karitane’s Carramar site. This centre will provide valuable help and support to parents, carers, and children.”

Grainne O’Loughlin, Chief Executive Officer, Karitane:

“Every child deserves the best start in life and every family deserves the opportunity to feel confident, connected and supported as they navigate the early years of parenting.

“The Karitane Fairfield Integrated Child and Family Hub is more than a building or a collection of services. It is a welcoming community space where families can build relationships, access trusted support, connect with their community and find help when and how they need it.

“Designed with families, for families, this Hub reflects what is possible when government, philanthropy, community organisations and families come together around a shared commitment to helping children grow, learn and thrive.”