Category: NSW News

The NSW Government continues to transform how businesses interact with government services with new enhancements to the Service NSW Business Bureau’s digital tools providing efficient, accessible, and personalised support. 

Since the Service NSW Business Bureau launched in October 2023, more than 195,000 businesses have used its digital tools, the Service NSW Business Profile, and Service NSW Business Bureau app, to access government support, manage transactions, and save and track industry licences with a few taps. 

Enhancements to the Service NSW Business Bureau App include:

• Sharing access: Business owners can securely invite team members to access their Business Profile.
• Simplifying voucher management: Business owners can update and manage bank details securely. Voucher redemption and financial management can also be delegated to trusted team members.
• Tracking applications in real time: Businesses can view their Voucher and Business Grant application status in real time, providing transparency and certainty. 

The Service NSW Business Profile is a single trusted gateway which helps businesses manage licences, applications and government services in one place. 

It has been enhanced to better support business owners across the State, giving businesses more control and convenience by allowing them to: 

• Receive important updates: Opt-in for SMS and email notifications tailored to their needs, helping them stay compliant with regulation changes and stay up to date with business support opportunities.
• Autofill applications: Save time by pre-filling details for new licence and financial support applications.
• Track progress in real time: See where their applications are up to and get notified of the outcome.
• Find new opportunities: Search for government tenders to help their business grow.
• Get personalised support: Use live chat to connect with a Business Concierge for help where and when they need it. 

The Business Bureau provides digital products to support business owners at every stage of their journey, including:

• License Manager: Search, save, organise, track and renew business, employee and subcontractor licences in one place. 
• Advisor and event bookings: Businesses can schedule an appointment with a free, independent business advisor and register to get advice on marketing, cashflow, and business planning.
• Self-check compliance for motor repair businesses:  An easy-to-use self-assessment tool designed for repair shops, garages and service centres, helping businesses check if they meet industry regulations.
• Business Vehicle Registration: Small businesses can find and access vehicle registration renewal easily through their Business Profile and Business Bureau app. Already, more than 22,800 businesses have accessed this feature. 

There are more than 870,000 small businesses in NSW, making up 97 per cent of all NSW businesses.

NSW small businesses employ 1.8 million people in the private sector, which is around 43 per cent of the State’s private sector workforce. 

For more information on the Service NSW Business Bureau’s digital tools, call 13 77 88 or visit the Service NSW website.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said: 

“The Business Bureau’s digital tools are making it easier than ever for small business owners across New South Wales to access the advice, information, and support they need. 

“We have seen more than 195,000 businesses access the Service NSW Business Bureau app and Service NSW Business Profile since the Business Bureau launched in October 2023, showing these digital tools are helping to make being in business easier. 

“We remain committed to making digital support and services for businesses across NSW more accessible and flexible than ever.” 

The NSW Government has been notified of a proposal by Healthscope seeking to have Northern Beaches Hospital returned to the NSW public system.

The Minns Labor Government has made it clear it does not support public private partnerships being imposed on the state’s acute hospitals.

Patients can be assured that there will be no impact on health services at Northern Beaches Hospital while any potential discussions take place.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey:

“I note the owners of Healthscope are engaged in a market process potentially seeking to exit the business.

“After the way Healthscope has managed this partnership, it should not expect to walk away from the Northern Beaches Hospital with a profit.

“The NSW Government will be watching to ensure that no-one is trying to make a windfall gain at the expense of the people of NSW.

“The Government will engage with Healthscope management after questions of its ownership and whether it remains a going concern are resolved.”

Minister for Health Ryan Park:  

“We have always made clear that we do not support public private partnerships being imposed on our state’s acute hospitals.

“We will carefully consider any proposal regarding Northern Beaches Hospital.

“We can assure the community that Northern Beaches Hospital will continue to operate without interruption during any discussions.”

Enhanced mental health care is just around the corner for Tamworth thanks to a major construction milestone, with the three-storey building structure of the new Tamworth Hospital Mental Health Unit now complete.

The new facility will provide welcoming, comfortable and supportive care and bring a much-needed expansion of mental health services to Tamworth and surrounding communities.

The elevated, modern unit includes a new bridge which will provide a direct connection between the inpatient floor of the new facility and the Tamworth Hospital building.

The 23-metre-long bridge was built off-site, assembled at the hospital campus and craned into position in three sections. Once operational, it will make it safer and easier for people to receive enhanced, integrated care.

The new unit, which will replace the nearby Banksia Mental Health Unit, will include:  

• four adolescent inpatient beds 
• 20 general adult beds, as well as a five-bed adult high acuity zone 
• eight bed older persons’ area. 

With structural works complete, the project team will continue the internal fit-out, services installation and exterior works.

Mental health services at Tamworth Hospital remain available during the construction process at the existing Banksia Mental Health Unit, which will continue to operate until the new facility opens later this year.

The project is being delivered by Hunter New England Local Health District and Health Infrastructure as part of the NSW Government’s $700 million Statewide Mental Health Infrastructure Program. Hansen Yuncken is the builder.  

The construction has provided a major boost to the local economy with the employment of local contractors and sub-contractors. To date, more than 400 workers have been inducted on site, with a significant percentage of the workforce coming from the local region.

Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson said:

“It’s fantastic to see the new mental health facility reach this milestone, taking us one step closer to delivering expanded and enhanced mental health services for the Tamworth community.

“With direct access to the hospital, the new unit will support better outcomes for people receiving mental health care, their families and carers.

“We know this new facility means a lot to the community. It will offer a modern, safe and supportive environment to those who need it most, which is why I am thrilled to see this project head towards its final phase before opening later this year.”

Duty Member of the Legislative Council for Tamworth Anthony D’Adam said:

“It’s great to see this important and highly anticipated facility take shape.

“This new mental health unit will make a real difference for the Tamworth community, providing more support close to home in a space designed with care and dignity in mind.

“I look forward to seeing the doors open later this year and the positive impact it will have for the region for years to come.”

Hunter New England Local Health District Mental Health Services General Manager Jonathan Holt said:

“The new facility has been designed in collaboration with staff and the local community to create a welcoming and supportive environment for patients, visitors and staff.

“A new forecourt full of native gardens will be created and used as a place to gather, along with a family room and courtyard, providing space for people and their families to come together and help in the healing process.”

Landholders and communities in western NSW are being urged to prepare for extensive flooding and isolation throughout April and May as significant flows from Queensland continue to move down the river systems into NSW.

Major flooding is occurring on the Paroo River at Wanaaring, and moderate flooding on the Warrego River at Barringhun.

Flows from these river systems are expected to travel downstream with stock owners strongly encouraged to take the opportunity before flood waters peak to move stock to higher ground and ensure adequate fodder is on hand, if possible.

The Minns Government through the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) and Local Land Services (LLS) have activated the Agricultural and Animal Services Functional Area (AASFA), which will support NSW SES in assisting landholders with:

• Animal assessment and veterinary assistance
• Euthanasia of animals and welfare grounds
• Emergency fodder (for up to three days where there is an immediate animal welfare concern)
• Emergency stock water (where there is an immediate animal welfare concern)
• Livestock feeding and management advice
• Aerial support for livestock

LLS will continue to contact landholders in at-risk communities along the Paroo to encourage preparedness..

AASFA will continue to work closely with SES providing support for this flood event, and long-term impacts to landholders.

For updated warnings on the NSW flood event, go to www.ses.nsw.gov.au or download the Hazards Near Me App.

For urgent requests for stock assistance, including animal assessment, veterinary support or emergency fodder, call the AASFA emergency hotline at: 1800 814 647

Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty said:

“With major flooding occurring and likely to last several weeks, I urge landholders and people in at-risk communities to act now. Move stock to higher ground, secure property, and have a plan in place.

“Staying informed during events like these is vital, monitor flood warnings, follow advice from authorities and reach out to emergency services if you need help.

“The NSW Government is committed to helping communities and our agricultural producers through this event, if you are in need of any stock assistance, veterinary support or emergency fodder, please call the AASFA emergency hotline on 1800 814 647.”

Schools across NSW are throwing open their gates for the public to access outdoor facilities outside of school hours every day of the week, in a trial allowing families and communities greater access to green space.

This trial, conducted in 11 schools across the state, will open up school ovals, sports courts and playgrounds for the public to use for personal and recreational use, giving people access to space that has been locked up for no reason for many years.

Participating schools include:

• Kogarah High School
• Bardwell Park Infants School
• Delegate Public School
• Hernani Public School
• Kambora Public School
• Manly West Public School
• Menindee Central School
• Roseville Public School
• Seaforth Public School
• Strathfield Girls High School
• Teralba Public School

The NSW Government’s existing shared spaces program already opens up almost 200 schools’ outdoor facilities during school holidays for public use, however, it does not permit the opening of ovals outside of school holidays.

Unlocking this extra green space outside of school hours is especially important at a time when we are encouraging more young people to get off their devices and to get active, following the introduction of mobile phone bans in schools and social media restrictions championed by the Minns Labor Government.

The shared spaces trial will also provide more critical green space and outdoor recreation as we continue to build much needed new homes and apartments for young people and families across the state.

Kogarah High School is one of the schools opening its sports field for community access as part of this trial, following a recent upgrade.

The sports field, which had been shared between the school and the public outside of school hours for decades until this was ended under the former government, has been upgraded to provide students and the community with a safer environment to learn, play and exercise in.

Fencing has been replaced on several sides of the field to improve safety and access to residents, and two new stair entrances and an access ramp and gate have been installed to improved accessibility.

The sports field will be open to the public from 4pm to 8pm Monday to Friday, and 8am to 8pm on weekends. During school holidays, it will be open to the public from 8am-8pm every day.

Upgrades on nearby Kogarah Public School are also progressing. This upgrade will include the construction of 24 new classrooms in a three-storey building, a new multipurpose hall and the removal of 10 demountable classrooms.

The upgrades are part of the NSW Government’s plan to rebuild public education, with record education funding in the 2024-25 Budget including $8.9 billion for new and upgraded schools to ensure all children in NSW have access to a world-class public education.

A full list of schools taking part in the Share Our Space program, including the trial, can be accessed here.

NSW Premier and Member for Kogarah Chris Minns said:

“I’ve never been a fan of locking up school grounds to the public. I want kids and families to be able to use the grounds outside of school hours.”

“It seems like a waste to keep hundreds of school ovals locked up at night, over the weekends and during school holidays.

“It’s why we’re throwing the gates of this public land open – it means people who live in apartments have more space to enjoy the outdoors, and kids have more options to get off their devices and play outside.

“I’m really pleased that one of the schools taking part in this trial is Kogarah High School who are also getting to enjoy an upgraded oval, with new fences, gates, stairs and an access ramp, ensuring this space is accessible to all who wish to enjoy it.

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

“The new trial of the Share Our Space program will give people across the state greater access to green spaces throughout the school term.

“The upgrade to nearby Kogarah Public School is part of the Minns Labor Government’s work to rebuild public education, which includes record funding for new and upgraded schools that ensure all children have access to a high-quality public education.”

Key workers, students, cleaners, and childcare workers are all a step closer to better access to affordable housing in central Wollongong with the approval of 145 new homes including 25 affordable units.

Since the introduction of the Minns Government’s Infill Affordable Housing Bonus in late 2023, where projects can receive up to a 30 per cent increase in height or Floor Space Ratio (FSR) if they maintain at a minimum 10 per cent for affordable housing for at least 15 years, there has been a strong pipeline of projects with recent approvals in North Sydney, Rhodes and Burwood.

But Wollongong is set for a housing boost with the first project approved under the pathway outside of Greater Sydney, providing greater access to private and affordable homes alongside shops, cafes and more parking.

The project, worth nearly $70 million, will provide 145 apartments, including 25 affordable housing units, within two 10-storey buildings above a shared podium.

The mixed-use development, led by The Smith Street Development Partnership, will be built at 106 and 120-122 Smith Street and 3A Charlotte Street in Wollongong.

The affordable units will be managed by community housing provider, Evolve Housing, to make sure they remain available to low and moderate income households for the next 15 years.

The development includes ground floor commercial and retail spaces as well as parking for 185 cars, and easy access to public transport, schools, and other essential services

The project is expected to create 305 jobs during construction, with 30 ongoing jobs as part of the new retail space, once completed.

During the public exhibition period the proposal received three submissions. The concerns outlined in these submissions have been addressed through conditions of consent relating to flood management and road upgrades to support the development.

Choice and diversity are at the centre of the Minns Government’s planning reforms, choice of where you want to live, when you want to live there and the variety of services and amenities you have access to.

The development has been approved as a State Significant Development (SSD) as part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to delivering well-located housing close to transport, shops, and job opportunities.

Under the Infill Affordable Housing pathway, there are currently 29 projects under assessment, which if approved would deliver approximately 8,000 homes, including 2,400 affordable homes.

There have been nine affordable housing projects determined since 1 July 2024, which once constructed will deliver 2,010 homes, including 536 affordable homes.

For more information visit Shoptop housing with in-fill affordable housing Smith Street, Wollongong | Planning Portal – Department of Planning and Environment

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces and Member for Wollongong Paul Scully said:

“The need for affordable housing close to transport, jobs and amenities is not just something that needs to be delivered in Sydney, cities like Wollongong need this diversity of housing stock too.

“This will help health workers, teachers and other front-line workers or low to medium income families be able to work closer to home in a modern, purpose-built development with excellent new amenities.

“The infill affordable housing bonus scheme is generating strong interest with proposals for thousands of new homes being considered across the state.

“The centre of our cities need to provide homes for a mix of people across all income levels and the Minns Government’s approach allows the delivery of affordable housing, alongside market housing, in good locations.

“The Department reviewed the application closely, in consultation with Wollongong City Council, the community and other relevant stakeholders. The approved development will see the development of a vacant site close to the Wollongong city centre to provide much-needed housing.”

The Minns Labor Government’s handpicked education head wants to eliminate school choice and abolish private education in New South Wales.
 
In extraordinary comments provided online ahead of ABC’s Australian Story last night, NSW Education Secretary Murat Dizdar openly questioned whether private schools should exist. He flagged his desire for a national debate on scrapping all non-government schools and enforcing a one-size-fits-all model of public-only education.
 
Mr Dizdar tried to recover the situation by some later comments published on the Education Department website, but did not walk away from his earlier questioning whether private schools should exist at all.
 
This is an attack on every parent in NSW who dares to make a choice about their child’s education. It is an insult to every Catholic and independent school community. And it is a betrayal of every teacher, principal and staff member working outside the public system.
 
The NSW Opposition believes in school choice—public, Catholic or independent.
 
If the Minns Labor Government truly believes in the continuation of Catholic and other private schools, it’s untenable to have as its education boss someone who wants to abolish them. His views are not merely about, say, a particular curriculum or pedagogical issue, or even as to the appropriate share of funding, but goes to the heart of the structure of the NSW education system and whether two of the three sectors should exist at all.
 
Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said parents in NSW work hard, pay taxes and make sacrifices to send their children to the school that best suits their values, beliefs and needs.
 
“Labor’s Education Secretary wants to take that choice away from families. That’s unacceptable and untenable,” Mr Speakman said.
 
Acting Shadow Minister for Education Justin Clancy said we back our public schools and the teachers and support staff who working tirelessly to lift up the next generation.
 
“But we also back parents. School choice is not a privilege—it’s a right. Mr Dizdar’s comments are out of step and wildly inappropriate for someone in his position. The Premier and Education Minister have handed over the education department to someone who wants to abolish private schools altogether,” Mr Clancy said.
 
This is not about pitting sectors against one another. It’s about demanding leadership that respects the diverse fabric of our education system.
 
The Minns Labor Government must decide—do they stand with parents, or with a bureaucrat ideologue who wants to abolish their rights?

Another strike. Another crisis. Another day the Minns Labor Government fails to deliver the healthcare people in NSW deserve.
 
For the first time this century, doctors are walking off the job.
 
Surgeries are being cancelled. Emergency departments are under pressure. And the Premier can’t even be bothered to meet with doctors and negotiate an outcome.
 
This comes off the back of failed negotiations with nurses, midwives, and the mass resignation of public hospital psychiatrists.
 
NSW Opposition Leader Mark Speakman said Chris Minns is running a government of excuses, not outcomes.
 
“Chris Minns leads the Do Nothing Government — they don’t do leadership, don’t do reform, and they certainly don’t do new delivery. NSW doesn’t need another press conference. We need a government that actually does something,” Mr Speakman said.
 
Shadow Health Minister Kellie Sloane said this week, patients in NSW hospitals will pay the price for the Minns Labor Government’s industrial chaos.
 
“They will pay for it in longer waits in our EDs and cancelled surgeries. The Government has admitted that patient safety may be compromised – this is an unacceptable outcome.
 
“Doctors, nurses and psychiatrists have all say the same thing – this government isn’t listening, and it isn’t negotiating in good faith,” Ms Sloane said.
 
After two years of Labor:

• Health is breaking.
• Trains are delayed.
• Housing has stalled.
• The budget is busted.

This isn’t a government. It’s a slogan factory with no follow-through.
 
The Do Nothing Government is running out of excuses, won’t take the blame and is out of its depth.

The Australian Salaried Medical Officers’ Federation (ASMOF) has advised it will proceed with planned strike action between Tuesday and Thursday this week – in breach of the orders of the Industrial Relations Commission (IRC).

ASMOF’s strike plans will disrupt our hospitals and health facilities across NSW – both to emergency departments as well as planned surgeries – contrary to the union’s claims patient care will not be impacted.

Preparations are now urgently underway to manage impact on our patients.

Patients with surgeries postponed will be contacted.

We remind the community that if you need advice, treatment or care and it is not a life-threatening emergency, HealthDirect should be your first call on 1800 022 222.

You can continue to phone Triple Zero (000) in the event of an emergency.

We do not want this. We reinstated the independent IRC for this very reason.

The IRC allows workers to advance their claims without the limits of the wages cap the previous government imposed, without endangering the welfare and safety of the community.

This is not something the government devised on our own – unions and workers fought for it too.

And we have always said our government would accept a determination of the IRC, whether it rules in our favour or not.

I share the community’s desire to see our healthcare workers paid more – it’s why we’ve offered a 10.5 per cent multi-year wage increases (on top of the 4.5 per cent already in pockets) and sat down with unions over many years to deliver those pay increases.

This is not a union without options – it is inexplicable ASMOF would actively choose to jeopardise patient safety over resolving its claim in the IRC.

I say to ASMOF, it is not too late to return to the IRC.

The Minns Labor Government today officially opened the first new Crown cemetery in 85 years at Varroville in Sydney’s South-West.  

This followed an independent report that found that years of indecision and infighting by the previous government increased the risk that Sydney would run out of cemetery space. 

The new $125 million Macarthur Memorial Park, will help ensure future burial supply for Sydney, covering 113 hectares and providing capacity for 136,000 burial plots and over 300,000 ash interments, catering for all religious and ethnic groups. 

Premier Chris Minns and Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper joined Crown cemetery operator Catholic Cemeteries and Crematoria Limited and religious leaders at Macarthur Memorial Park prior to its opening to the public on Wednesday. 

Macarthur Memorial Park has been designed as a contemporary cemetery with the local community at heart.  It includes 35 hectares of publicly accessible parklands including six lakes and eight kilometres of walking and bike tracks available to the public during daylight hours, as well as a cafe. 

For members of the public laying loved ones to rest, Macarthur Memorial Park is primarily a lawn cemetery with areas for natural burial, cremated remains and monumental lawns. There are 20 dedicated burial areas for specific religious and ethnic groups. 

The memorial park features three chapels, called The Sanctuary, with seating for up to 500 people, and a separate function centre for a variety of family and community events with seating for 250 people. 

Development has been restricted to protect the visual landscape. There will be no headstones visible from nearby roads and screen plantings will conceal burial plots.  There are no mausoleum, crypts or crematoria on site. 

Catholic Cemeteries and Crematoria Limited will manage Macarthur Memorial Park which will remain under the ownership of the NSW Government as a Crown land cemetery. 

Premier Chris Minns said: 

“Macarthur Memorial Park is a sustainable and multi-denominational cemetery that will provide burial space to Sydney families for generations to come while also providing the local community with much needed recreation space.  

“The new Crown cemetery will ensure thousands of people can continue to lay loved ones to rest, and that we can continue to offer burial space to meet the religious and cultural needs of those for which burial is the only option.” 

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said: 

“The cemeteries sector has been in a crisis. Macarthur Memorial Park is the first crown cemetery to open in nearly a century and ensures that people of all faiths will benefit from this facility.  

“It is imperative that the people of NSW have access to sustainable and affordable burial and cremation services that are respectful of culture and faith and provided in a compassionate and accountable way. 

“The Minns Labor government has prioritised addressing the serious challenges around cemeteries and crematoria inherited from the previous government.  

“We have reformed the Crown cemetery sector and are implementing our strategy with strong consumer protections, sustainable practices to encourage new burial supply, and certainty for operators. 

Member for Leppington, Nathan Hagarty said: 

“This new Macarthur Memorial Park is a welcome addition to South-West Sydney.  

“It ensures access to culturally appropriate burial options, meeting the needs of a growing and diverse community.  

“It’s a place where families can honour their loved ones, and where locals can enjoy peaceful, open space.  

“It reflects the values of respect, inclusion, and forward planning.” 

Catholic Cemeteries and Crematoria Chief Executive Officer Lauren Hardgrove said: 

“We are delighted to provide this park for the people of NSW and look forward to the community embracing this unique facility in the Scenic Hills.”