Category: NSW News

Despite the Treasurer’s spin, today’s 2026-27 NSW Intergenerational Report (IGR) shows that NSW will be far worse off in 40 years’ time without serious and widespread reforms now.
 
The Treasurer claimed the State’s outlook is better now compared to five years ago when we were in the middle of a global pandemic, while ignoring the serious challenges that are only growing on his watch.
 
While the Treasurer has put the gloss on today’s report there are eight facts that he doesn’t want the people of NSW to know about the IGR.
 
1.      NSW’s fiscal position is unsustainable
The Treasurer claims that the report shows the long-term fiscal gap has been closed, but the document itself highlights that: “the state’s fiscal position is not on a sustainable path over the long run without changes to existing policy settings.”[1]
 
2.       NSW will pay higher taxes
The report also highlights that taxes will continue to grow faster than our economy in NSW, leaving residents paying more under Labor. The IGR itself says that: “taxation is the only component of revenue that is projected to materially exceed economic growth.”[2]
 
3.       NSW’s population is growing faster than expected
The 2021-22 NSW Intergenerational Report forecast NSW’s population in 2025 to be 8.413 million[3], but due to the Albanese Labor Government’s record unchecked migration levels, the most recent ABS population data for 31 December 2025 shows that the population in NSW was 8.641 million[4], an increase of 228,000 from projected.
 
The IGR acknowledges that this has increased housing pressure, noting that: “Post-pandemic, rapid population growth has also outpaced construction.”[5]
 
Meanwhile, the IGR expects one million people to leave NSW over the next 40 years due to housing unaffordability.[6]
 
4.       More businesses will pay payroll tax
When it comes to payroll taxes the report indicates that it is the Government’s policy to capture more businesses, “this threshold is assumed to remain fixed over the projection period, consistent with current policy, meaning more businesses will exceed the threshold over time[7].”
 
5.       NSW’s productivity rates are falling
In 2021-22 productivity was forecast to grow by 1.2%[8] per year over the next 40 years, but in today’s 2026-27 IGR, NSW’s productivity has been revised down to just 0.8%[9] annual growth, which is concerning when the report itself recognises that: “productivity growth is the primary driver of long-run living standards.”[10]
 
6.       Spending is growing faster than revenue
Expenditure growth is forecast to outstrip revenue growth and provide a fiscal sustainability challenge for NSW.
 
The report highlights that: “expenditure is projected to grow more quickly than revenue in the long term in the absence of policy change. This will weigh on the NSW Budget’s long-term outlook.”[11]
 
7.       Real gross state product per person is getting worse
While real gross state product (GSP) per person is forecast to grow at 35% over the next 40 years, that’s lower than the 70% growth over the last 40 years.
 
The previous IGR forecast real GSP to reach $139,000 by 2060-61,[12] while this IGR forecasts it will only reach $131,000 five years later in 2065-66.[13]
 
8.       Debt bomb looming
Over the IGR horizon gross debt is set to hit 89.9% and net debt is set to grow to 83.5% of GSP.[14]
 
Shadow Treasurer Scott Farlow said that the NSW Government needed to acknowledge that the 2026-27 IGR showed that significant reform needs to be urgently undertaken by the Minns Labor Government.
 
“The 2026-27 Intergenerational Report is sobering reading for the people of NSW, and it shows that things aren’t as rosy as Treasurer Mookhey would have you believe,” Mr Farlow said.
 
“Without significant and widespread reform the promise to the next generation of our State is that they won’t be seeing the same opportunities that their parents had and they’ll be paying more state taxes and left to bear an even greater burden of debt.”
 
“We know the Premier already has his eyes on the exit having declared earlier this year that he ‘won’t be here’ by 2032, and Labor’s lack of a long-term plan for our state’s economy is harming NSW’s future.”

[1] 2026-27 NSW Intergenerational Report, p. 6-21

[2] 2026-27 NSW Intergenerational Report, p. 6-10

[3] Attachment A, 2021 LGR Model Output, 2025

[4] Australian Bureau of Statistics, National, state and territory population, December 2025

[5] 2026-27 NSW Intergenerational Report, p. 3-2

[6] 2026-27 NSW Intergenerational Report, p. 2-2.

[7] 2026-27 NSW Intergenerational Report, p. 6-12

[8] 2021-22 NSW Intergenerational Report, p. 39

[9] 2026-27 NSW Intergenerational Report, p. 1-1

[10] 2026-27 NSW Intergenerational Report, p. 2-8

[11] 2026-27 NSW Intergenerational Report, p. 6-15

[12] 2021-22 NSW Intergenerational Report, p. 39

[13] 2026-27 NSW Intergenerational Report, p. 2-13

[14] 2026-27 NSW Intergenerational Report, Technical note and sensitivity tables, Table 4.2, p.24

Patients across Western NSW are benefitting from improved access to planned surgery, following the Minns Labor Government’s $30 million investment to expand High Volume Short Stay surgical services across the state.

As part of this investment, high volume short stay surgery model of care has been established across the Western NSW Local Health District.

The model is helping to increase surgical capacity, improve theatre utilisation, and support patients to access surgery in a timely manner while supporting more efficient use of surgical services across the region.

As the WNSWLHD model expands, a range of specialties, including ophthalmology, urology, endoscopy and other short stay surgical procedures, will become areas of focus.

Around 100 surgeries have been completed since the program began.

High Volume Short Stay surgeries are planned procedures where patients are admitted for up to 72 hours.

Statewide, the number of overdue surgeries peaked at more than 18,000 under the Liberals. Since being elected, the Minns Labor Government has reduced the number of people waiting longer than clinically recommended from 14,059 in March 2023 to 3,955 in March 2026.

The $30 million one-off injection builds on the $200 million invested since 2024 to reduce overdue surgeries, and the establishment of the state’s first Surgery Hub at Northern Beaches Hospital, which has been active since 1 July and is expected to perform up to 5,000 additional surgeries per year.

The 2026-27 NSW Budget also included $10.3 billion to support increased capacity across the health system, including to deliver an estimated 2,900 additional planned surgeries.

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“The Minns Labor Government has taken action to slash the overdue surgery waitlist left behind by the Coalition.

“This is a significant boost to surgery services across Western NSW, that will help patients access care sooner, recover faster, and spend less time in the hospital.

“We are investing in surgery services across the state, expanding access to care, delivering surgeries on time, and improving patient outcomes.”

The Minns Labor Government is delivering on a key election commitment with the next and most comprehensive tranche of gaming reforms, giving people and families stronger protections against gambling harm and putting tougher rules around the way gambling is promoted and marketed.

The tranche of reforms,  NSW Gaming Reform package, being announced today are evidence-based and include a statewide exclusion register with mandatory facial recognition technology at the entry of gaming rooms,a third‑party exclusion scheme in hotels and clubs, an increased forfeiture rate of 1 in 2, (from 1 in 3) and the end of VIP programs related to gaming.  

It will also ban gambling advertising on all NSW Government and council-owned assets, ban unsolicited direct marketing to potential customers, and establish a state-based strategy to reduce online gambling harm.

Gambling harm doesn’t stop with the person sitting at the poker machine or online. It can mean bills going unpaid, savings disappearing and enormous pressure being placed on partners, children and families.

According to the NSW Gambling Survey 2024, 3.1% of the adult population experience moderate risk gambling, while 0.9% experience high risk gambling – and for them, and their families it can ruin their lives.  

These reforms put harm minimisation at the heart of our gaming system,making it easier for people to stop, giving families more options to intervene and putting stronger safeguards around gambling in NSW.

Fewer poker machines in NSW

Currently, NSW has around 87,000 poker machines across some 2,100 clubs and hotels. While the number of gaming machine entitlements has steadily declined over the past three years, these reforms will help accelerate that reduction and ensure that when entitlements are removed from circulation, they are removed permanently.

The NSW Government will increase the forfeiture rate when gaming machine entitlements are traded from one in three to one in two – meaning for every two entitlements traded, one will be permanently removed.It will also introduce a new ‘sinking cap’ so the statewide cap falls as entitlements are removed from circulation and tighten existing exemptions that allowed entitlements to be transferred without forfeiture, while giving venues the option to voluntarily cancel their entitlements.  

Introducing a statewide exclusion register and mandatory facial recognition technology

For the first time in NSW, people who choose to exclude themselves from gambling will be able to do so through a single statewide register covering every hotel and club with gaming machines.

Currently in NSW, people can enter into a voluntary self-exclusion agreement to ban themselves from the gaming areas of certain hotels and clubs or from the entire venue. However, the enforcement of this is largely left up to individual venues and staff to monitor compliance.

In a significant change, the new NSW Statewide Exclusion Register will replace this fragmented system with a single statewide framework backed by mandatory facial recognition technology at the entry of gaming rooms – meaning when someone makes the difficult decision to exclude themselves, that exclusion can follow them from venue to venue.

It will also support NSW Police efforts to prevent gaming machines being used for money laundering and other criminal activity.

Mandatory Facial Recognition will be introduced at the same time as the NSW State Exclusion Register in 2028, helping venues identify people who have excluded themselves and ensure those exclusions are enforced.  

Building the foundations for account-based play

As part of a staged approach, the Government will put in place the necessary infrastructure to facilitate future account-based play.  

Account-based play is a model that enables a person to use a registered account to play a poker machine, rather than gambling anonymously. However, a significant proportion of gaming machine infrastructure rely on legacy technology.

The Government will upgrade the Centralised Monitoring System (CMS) over the next two years to allow for a transition to this technology, which would better allow venues to enable account-based play at their discretion.

Rapid advancements in technology since the Cashless Gaming Trial have demonstrated there are many account-based play solutions that can be implemented to meet the anti-money laundering and harm minimisation benefits of cashless, while allowing players to continue using cash if they prefer.  

Stronger regulations and broader harm minimisation

The  NSW Gaming Reform  package will also strengthen protections against harmful gambling advertising and marketing, including banning VIP programs linked to gaming, prohibiting gambling advertising on NSW Government and council-owned assets, and addresses unwanted direct marketing by outlawing betting service providers to market directly to people via calls, email or text messages without receiving their express consent in advance.

New transparency requirements will apply to gambling promotions by affiliates and social media influencers, alongside restrictions on commissions linked to higher-risk gambling products.  

The Government will commit to developing a NSW strategy to reduce online gambling harm and strengthen enforcement against betting providers and illegal gambling platforms, with new offences, tougher penalties and stronger regulatory powers.

The suite of reforms has been developed in response to issues raised in a number of key reports, including the Roadmap for Gaming Reform prepared by the Independent Panel for Gaming Reform, the Crime Commission Inquiry into Money Laundering via Electronic Gaming Machines in hotels and clubs, and consultation with stakeholders and the broader community.

The reforms deliver on a key election commitment from the Minns Labor Government and have been developed in consultation with a range of stakeholders, including gambling counsellors, family and domestic violence experts and law enforcement.

The Minns Labor Government is investing $95.2 million over 4 years to fund this next tranche of e reforms, sourced by the money remaining in the $100 million gambling harm minimisation fund and an increase in licence fees for clubs and hotels with gaming machines.

The NSW Government will also work with industry to support hotels and clubs to diversify their hospitality, events and live entertainment offerings to reduce their reliance on gaming machine revenue.

The reforms provide a $20 million boost to the Responsible Gambling Fund over the next two years to support delivery of its array of services and programs to prevent and address harm, including the GambleAware support services.

These reforms significantly build on the array of harm minimisation measures the Minns Government has introduced since coming into office.  

For more information on the reform package download a summary here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/business-and-economy/liquor-and-gaming/gaming/gaming-reform-package/gaming-reform-package-summary

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said:

“The Minns Labor government is introducing wide-ranging reforms to help combat gambling harm across the state.

“These are common sense reforms that have been developed alongside industry, harm minimisation groups, stakeholders and privacy experts to address gambling harm while supporting the industry and protecting the livelihoods of the many people it employs.

“By combining new technology, stronger exclusion tools, strengthened regulation and increased funding for harm reduction, we are building a safer system for the future.

“Our government will continually explore and implement emerging technology to ensure NSW has the most up-to-date safety measures available built into our gambling industry.” 

The Minns Labor Government is investing $11.6 million to expand the Educational Pathways Program (EPP), giving thousands more NSW public high school students a direct pathway into trades, vocational training and skilled careers.

The investment across four years will expand the highly successful program into three more regions and an additional 24 public schools.

The EPP currently operates in 183 high schools across 11 regions, with the expansion set to reach an extra 7,500 students each year and bring the total number of participating schools to 207 from next year. Seven new schools in the Central West and Orana, seven in the Camden region, eight schools in southern NSW and two new schools in south-west Sydney will benefit from the expansion.

The EPP helps students connect with expert guidance, hands-on learning in real industry settings and access to VET pathways, school-based apprenticeships and traineeships (SBATs), work experience and employment.

Our government is boosting school-based vocational education, with commencing enrolments in NSW public schools surging 36.5 per cent from 29,005 students in 2024 to 39,605 in 2025.

The expansion is part of the Minns Labor Government’s record $3.46 billion investment in skills, training and TAFE NSW in the 2026-27 Budget, helping rebuild vocational education and deliver the skilled workers needed for more homes, major infrastructure and clean energy projects.

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said:

“The Minns Labor Government is making sure more young people can get the skills that work and the pathways they need into good jobs.

“Not every student wants to follow the same path after school, and that’s exactly why the Educational Pathways Program is so important in setting up our kids for future success.

“Whether it’s a school-based apprenticeship, a traineeship, TAFE, or another vocational pathway, we want young people to know the opportunities are there and help them take that next step. Those pathways can lead to rewarding, secure jobs in key industries like construction, clean energy, agriculture and manufacturing that our economy depends on.

“This National Skills Week, and every week, we’re backing our commitment to build the skilled workforce our state needs while giving young people, regardless of their location, the confidence and support to pursue rewarding careers close to home.

“As we deliver more homes, major infrastructure and renewable energy projects across NSW, it’s critical we have enough skilled workers in the pipeline, and this $11.6 million boost will help with exactly that.”

The Minns Labor Government is continuing its commitment to supporting businesses across regional NSW holding a business forum in Cessnock. 

The forum will provide over 50 local businesses with practical advice, resources and insights all geared towards helping better manage their workers compensation premiums and save on their premiums.  

With the gross incurred workers compensation cost at $33M per year in the Cessnock Local Government Area (LGA), the forum will include sessions on injury prevention, early intervention, and return to work strategies.  

Sessions will also include information on how workers compensation premiums are calculated, how businesses can unlock savings on their premiums and understand what newly legislated reforms will mean for them.   

With psychosocial claims on the rise, businesses will also hear about practical ways to manage psychosocial risks, invest in the wellbeing of their workforce and recovery support for mental health at work. 

The Minns Labor Government has made the most significant reform to workers compensation in a generation, ensuring injury prevention, early support to injured workers, a road to recovery and return to work. 

The reform also puts the workers compensation system on the path to sustainability so that it can continue to support injured workers and be affordable for business. 

The reform has seen the average premium rate for small businesses frozen from July, preventing what would have been a 36% hike to workers compensation premiums.  

It also strengthens employer defences against compensation claims ensuring reasonable management action does not result in claims made against businesses. 

Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said: 

“Small businesses are the lifeblood of the NSW economy, contributing over $535 billion every year and the key to successful small businesses, is the workers at the heart of them. 

“We know that navigating the workers compensation system can be difficult and we’re committed to helping local business navigate the system, saving on their premiums and provide resources to keep their workforce safe. 

“Helping businesses keep their workers safe, support recovery, and ensure everyone goes home safely isn’t just good for health and wellbeing – it saves businesses money.” 

Minister for Small Business Janelle Saffin said:  

“When our small businesses succeed, regional communities thrive.  

“We’re committed to creating an environment where local employers can focus on what they do best – growing their business, creating jobs, and serving their community.  

“This forum in Cessnock is a fantastic opportunity for local small business owners to cut through the noise, learn how to lower their premiums, and build safer, healthier workplaces.  

“I encourage local businesses to attend and take advantage of the support on offer.” 

Member for Cessnock Clayton Barr said: 

“Small businesses are the backbone of the local economy and drive innovation, create local jobs, and build vibrancy across the Hunter and regional NSW.  

“The electorate of Cessnock has close to 8,340 local businesses employing more than 36,000 people. Forums like this support these local businesses and their workers to navigate government systems and help them grow.” 

icare Manager Mobile Engagement Team Manager David Huxley said: 

“We are here to help local business owners understand the impact their unique claims history and other risk factors have on the premium they pay and explain the savings and incentives that are often available to them. 

“The calculations behind icare’s premiums are risk-based, and businesses with strong safety performance are usually rewarded with discounted premiums. Our talk is packed full of top tips for local businesses looking to build safety and to help their injured workers get back to work faster.” 

A NSW Liberals and Nationals Government will restore Moore Park Golf Course to a full 18 holes after the next election, reversing Labor’s decision to carve up one of Sydney’s most popular public golf courses.
 
The commitment follows repeated attempts by the Opposition to force greater scrutiny of the Minns Labor Government’s plans for Moore Park, including a proposed Upper House inquiry which Labor voted against.
 
Community opposition has continued to grow, with 32,529 people now signing the petition to save the 18-hole course.
 
Leader of the Opposition Kellie Sloane said Labor should immediately pause work and start listening.
 
“Labor has refused to listen, but the NSW Liberals and Nationals have and if elected we will restore Moore Park to a full 18-hole public golf course while also releasing 18 hectares of new public green space for the community to enjoy,” Ms Sloane said.
 
“This never needed to be a choice between protecting public golf and creating more open space. There was a sensible solution that could have delivered both, but Chris Minns chose not to take it.”
 
“More than 32,000 people have now put their names to the campaign to save Moore Park. They deserve more than a government that simply ignores them.”
 
Shadow Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Chris Rath said Labor had been determined to push ahead with its plans despite sustained community opposition.
 
“We have tried every avenue to make Labor listen, including taking the fight to Parliament and seeking an Upper House inquiry into the factors behind this decision,” Mr Rath said.
 
“Moore Park is a popular and affordable public golf course. It should remain that way, and a Liberals and Nationals Government will make sure it does.”
 
The NSW Liberals and Nationals have consistently supported a compromise put forward by golfers that would retain an 18-hole course while also providing additional public green space.

The Blayney Multipurpose Service redevelopment has reached a major milestone, with the completion of a significant concrete pour supporting the next stage of construction.

The Blayney Multipurpose Service (MPS) redevelopment, delivered as part of the NSW Government’s $297 million Multipurpose Service Program, will improve access to contemporary aged care and healthcare services, and help to meet local community needs now and into the future.

The concrete pour marks a key step in progressing the next phase of the redevelopment, which will lay the foundations for a new HealthOne facility, emergency department, entry, and reception area, waiting room, staff facilities, and ambulatory care zone.

With concrete works now underway, the structure of these new facilities will begin to take shape in the coming months.

The redevelopment is being delivered in stages to ensure all existing clinical services, including the current MPS, continue to operate while construction progresses to help minimise disruption to residents, patients, staff, and visitors. Construction is expected to be complete in 2027.

The local community is now benefiting from a new residential aged care wing, which was delivered as part of Stage 1 of the redevelopment. The new wing features single rooms with private bathrooms, additional inpatient beds, and chair-based services, with space for future expansion.

The Blayney MPS redevelopment is being delivered by Health Infrastructure and Western NSW Local Health District, in partnership with Taylor Construction Group.

The Minns Labor Government is investing in more beds and more hospitals in regional NSW, with nearly $3 billion invested in regional hospitals and health facilities as part of the 2026-27 Budget.

For more information on the project, visit: nsw.gov.au/blayney-multipurpose-service-redevelopment

Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park:

“We are investing in world-class health facilities to ensure rural communities have access to the care they need close to home.

“This is an exciting milestone for the community, as we move into the next phase of the Blayney MPS redevelopment.

“Once complete, this project will deliver modern, fit-for-purpose facilities that support patients, residents and our dedicated healthcare staff now and into the future.”

Labor Spokesperson for Bathurst Stephen Lawrence:

“It’s fantastic to see construction continuing to progress at Blayney, bringing us closer to delivering improved health facilities for the community.

“People in Blayney and surrounds deserve contemporary healthcare services, and a high-quality aged care environment close to home. This redevelopment gives it to them.”

More than 1500 Central-West Orana students will have access to vocational education, training and job opportunities to kick start their careers, under the Minns Labor Government’s $3.9 million expansion of the Educational Pathways Program (EPP) to the Central-West Orana region.

The EPP will be expanded to seven new schools in the Central-West Orana region from next year.

These schools will gain three staff members to help design and deliver the vocational education and skills initiative based on the school and community’s needs:

• Dubbo College Senior Campus
• Dubbo College Delroy Campus
• Dubbo College South Campus
• Narromine High School
• Trangie Central School
• Warren Central School
• Wellington High School

The EPP already operates in 183 high schools across 11 regions in NSW.

It aims to introduce students to skilled-based careers and aligns VET pathways with emerging industry opportunities to address regional skills shortages.

Thanks to this investment by the Minns Labor Government, the program has already driven a 30% increase in school-based apprenticeships and traineeships in participating schools across the state. This means more students are earning while they learn, gaining a fee free qualification, and on the tools helping deliver the essential services that their communities need.

The EPP provides students with expert guidance, hands-on learning in real industry settings and access to vocational education and training (VET) pathways, school-based apprenticeships and traineeships (SBATs), work experience and employment.

The expansion will help ensure more local students can develop the skills that work and access pathways into industries critical to the future of the region, including construction, electrical trades, renewable energy, manufacturing and other skilled occupations.

Initiatives under the program include deeper partnerships with TAFE NSW and local industry including vocational taster courses; pre-apprenticeship or pre-traineeship courses; job readiness workshops; and support for students to transition from school to vocational training or employment.

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said:

“The Minns Labor Government is making sure more regional students get the skills that work and the pathways they need into good local jobs. The Educational Pathways Program helps young people explore their options, build confidence and connect with vocational education, training and career opportunities while they’re still at school.

“The Central-West Orana is experiencing significant growth, with strong demand for skilled workers in construction, electrical trades, renewable energy and other industries that are helping power the region’s future. Through the Education Pathways Program, we want young people in Dubbo, Narromine, Trangie, Warren and Wellington to see those opportunities and have the support they need to take that next step.

“As the Minns Labor Government delivers more homes, major infrastructure and renewable energy projects across NSW after a decade of neglect by the former Liberals and Nationals Government, it’s critical we have a strong pipeline of skilled workers. This investment will help connect local students with local opportunities while building the workforce our region and state need for the future.”

The Minns Labor Government is delivering more fee-free early learning for families across Queanbeyan, with two new public preschools now open for up to 160 children each week.

Queanbeyan East Public Preschool and Queanbeyan South Public Preschool have officially opened today, giving local families access to high-quality, fee-free early learning in the year before their child starts school.

Each new public preschool can welcome up to 80 children each week, and features two state-of-the-art learning spaces, dedicated staff facilities and landscaped outdoor play areas. The preschools are staffed by qualified early childhood teachers and School Learning Support Officers, providing children with a high-quality, play-based early learning program.

Queanbeyan South and Queanbeyan East are the fourth and fifth new public preschools to open as part of the Minns Labor Government’s historic program to build 100 new public preschools across NSW by early 2027. They are part of 49 new public preschools being delivered in regional NSW under the program.

More early learning places are also on the way for communities across Monaro, with construction underway on a new public preschool at Jindabyne Public School, which will also provide places for up to 80 children per week.

A new public early learning service is also being delivered alongside the new public primary school planned for Googong, set to welcome students from Day 1, Term 1 2028.

The new preschools build on the Minns Labor Government’s significant investment in public education infrastructure across the region, including the new Googong High School, the new permanent Bungendore High School and the expansion of Jerrabomberra High School.

The Minns Labor Government is investing $769 million to double the number of public preschools across the state and provide up to 9,000 additional children with access to high-quality, fee-free early learning.

The rollout forms part of the Minns Labor Government’s work to rebuild public education, backed by a record $9.2 billion investment in new and upgraded schools across NSW, including $2.3 billion for regional public schools.

Families interested in enrolling their child can contact Queanbeyan East Public School or Queanbeyan South Public School to submit an expression of interest.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

“The Minns Labor Government wants every child to have the best possible start, no matter where they live, and that means delivering high-quality public early learning close to home.

“These two new public preschools are part of the biggest expansions of public preschool education in our state’s history, with 49 of our 100 new public preschools being built in regional NSW.

“From Queanbeyan and Jindabyne to right across regional NSW, the Minns Labor Government is investing in the state-of-the-art schools and preschools families need and deserve.”

Member for Monaro Steve Whan said:

“Queanbeyan has some fantastic preschools, but for as long as I can remember there have been waiting lists or families who just couldn’t afford to send their kids.

“That’s just not good enough, which is why I’m delighted the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to Queanbeyan South and Queanbeyan East has not only been delivered, but delivered early.

“After more than a decade of inaction from the Nationals, who built no public preschools in Monaro, the Minns Government is building four across the region.

“That’s what investing in public education looks like, and it’s wonderful to see these new preschools opening their doors and giving local children the chance to learn, grow and build those important early connections within their own community.”

Queanbeyan South Public School Principal Kelly Broomham said:

“We are thrilled to welcome our youngest learners and their families to our new public preschool.

“Our preschool will provide access to high-quality early learning programs and a place where our little ones can start their educational journey in a safe, nurturing, and inspiring environment.

“Having a public preschool on our school grounds allows local children to become part of our school community from the very start. This connection will help make their transition to kindergarten smooth and natural.”

Queanbeyan East Public School Principal Danny Scott said:

“Opening our doors to this new preschool is a wonderful moment for our school community. Our qualified early learning educators have worked hard to create a space where children can explore, play, and learn every single day.

“This preschool gives our youngest learners access to high-quality early education right here in their own community, supported by dedicated teaching staff and purpose-built learning spaces.

“We look forward to supporting this next generation of learners as they grow within our school community.”

The home of Tamworth Country Music Festival will now see a boost to its night-time economy all year round as it launches NSW’s first regional Special Entertainment Precincts.

Tamworth Regional Council have established two precincts – one in the CBD and the other at the Sports and Entertainment Precinct – which will have tailored trading hours and sound rules that support hospitality and entertainment operators to thrive.

The trials will support the growth of the region’s live music, sporting and nightlife offerings, encourage investment in entertainment venues, support local artists and performers, and provide certainty for businesses, developers and residents in Australia’s Country Music Capital.

This brings the total number of Special Entertainment Precincts in NSW to 11, with over 20 more in various planning stages.

SEPs also allow councils to future-proof their entertainment precincts by notifying residents and prospective home buyers that they will be living in a defined area where later trading hours and higher levels of sound are supported by the council, and complaints about business noise will be handled with reference to the settings for the area.

For Tamworth, where iconic music venues need to co-exist with new residential development, these protections are vital to making sure the gigs continue year-round and residents and visitors alike can enjoy great entertainment.

Tamworth Regional Council received $200,000 funding under the NSW Government’s SEP Kickstart Grant program to establish two SEP trials in the CBD and the Sports and Entertainment Precinct.

For more information, visit Special Entertainment Precincts.

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

“Tamworth is famous for its music and nightlife during the country music festival, this will help locals boost vibrancy all year round.

“Congratulations to the Tamworth Regional Council for leading the charge and becoming the first regional city to establish a Special Entertainment Precinct, we know others will soon follow suite.

“To see these precincts roll out in regional settings demonstrates how versatile this model is, where local councils decide where to boost entertainment and hospitality and we cut the red tape that allows them to do it.”

24-Hour Economy Commissioner Michael Rodrigues said:

“The great thing about the Special Entertainment Precinct model is that it has been designed to be adaptable to different settings. Councils are best placed to work out what makes sense in their context.

“As both residents and country music festivalgoers know, Tamworth has some great nightlife offerings in different areas of town, so it’s great to see these two trials now getting underway. Exploring Purple Flag accreditation will also uplift the Council’s night-time economy planning and encourage greater collaboration.

“Consultation is key, and these SEP trials will help councils work with local businesses, creatives, residents, police and other local leaders to get the settings right.”

Tamworth Regional Council Team Leader – Strategic Planning, Mitch Gillogly said:

“Tamworth is uniquely positioned to lead this trial as the first regional city in NSW to trial the Special Entertainment Precincts.

“Unlike other precincts established to date, Tamworth’s trial includes two distinct entertainment areas, recognising both our vibrant CBD, which is synonymous with live music and the Tamworth Country Music Festival, and our Sports and Entertainment Precinct, which hosts major concerts, equine and sporting events.

“This trial will provide valuable insights into how Special Entertainment Precincts can support regional economies, encourage investment in live entertainment, and create vibrant, safe destinations while balancing the needs of local communities.”