Category: NSW News

The Minns Labor Government has today announced the establishment of the Premier’s Flood Emergency Citation to recognise the extraordinary response efforts during the major NSW flood events between 2021 and 2023.

The citation will be awarded to organisations such as the members of the NSW State Emergency Service (SES), other emergency agencies, defence force personnel and other community-based organisations.

It also includes individuals who were part of local ‘Tinny Army’ groups, who played a role in responding during flood emergencies across many parts of the state in an informal or spontaneous way.

The citation honours those who were part of the operational response during those challenging times, including those who assisted with evacuations, or helped people or animals trapped by floodwater.

This recognition is particularly significant given the unprecedented scale and duration of the operational response, with some regions experiencing over 100 consecutive days of emergency activities.

The Premier’s Flood Emergency Citation will be administered by the NSW SES and includes the following specific events:

• Southern and Western NSW floods: 9 November 2021 – 21 February 2022
• Northern NSW and Hawkesbury Nepean Valley floods: 22 February 2022 – 8 April 2022
• Greater Sydney and Hunter Valley floods: 27 June 2022 – 17 July 2022
• Southern and Western NSW floods: 2 August 2022 – 8 March 2023

Recipients of the citation will receive a letter and certificate co-signed by the NSW Premier, NSW Minister for Emergency Services and the NSW SES Commissioner, along with a citation pin.

The NSW SES will contact eligible organisations directly to submit nominations on behalf of members.

Informal or spontaneous volunteers, whose efforts were not as part of an eligible organisation, can self-nominate.

This initiative follows the Bushfire Emergency Citation, ensuring that the unique and vital contributions of emergency responders and volunteers during emergencies are recognised.

While the NSW Government remains focused on helping the communities recover and rebuild, the Premier’s Flood Emergency Citation underscores the Government’s commitment to also acknowledging the dedication and resilience of those who served the community in times of crisis.

To nominate as an individual, visit: www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/premiers-department/citation

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“Our emergency service personnel and volunteers showed immense courage and dedication during some of the most challenging conditions our state has ever faced.

“The Premier’s Flood Emergency Citation is a testament to their tireless efforts and the critical role they played in keeping our communities safe.

“This recognition is not just about honouring their hard work; it’s about ensuring they know that their contributions have made a real difference in the lives of so many people across NSW.”

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“The response to these flood events was extraordinary and inspiring, with volunteers and emergency services personnel stepping up in the face of adversity to protect and assist their communities.

“We know that many of those who served during these floods did so at great personal sacrifice, but they are motivated by a sense of service to others.

“This citation is a symbol of our appreciation for their service and a reminder of the vital role they play in our society.”

Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said:

“I am pleased that Premier Chris Minns made the decision to formally honour our personnel and volunteers in uniform and our ‘Tinny Army’ who saved so many lives in the Northern Rivers three years ago.

“I saw people in my community go above and beyond to get their neighbours to safety, and we saw ordinary people do the most extraordinary things to save lives in flood-affected communities right across the state.

“I want to urge everyone who played their part in that community effort to self-nominate to make sure they receive their due recognition for the things they did in that difficult time. There is no cut-off date for this process.

“I know I express the wishes of the entire community and say that we thank each and every one of our hero rescuers from the bottom of our hearts.”

NSW SES Commissioner Michael Wassing AFSM said:

“The major flooding events of 2022-2023 were felt right across NSW, with countless flood rescues and resupply missions in what was the longest flooding campaign in the state’s history.

“Our volunteers and the community members who helped their neighbours alongside NSW SES members, who gave more than two million hours during these floods, deserve this recognition.”

The NSW Minns Labor Government has passed legislation to provide long overdue protections for transport gig workers as well as modernising the provisions of the Industrial Relations Act that applies to part of the road transport industry.

The legislation is complementary to the Federal Government’s gig workers reform and follows consultation with unions, industry and the community to ensure the changes are fit-for-purpose for the gig economy and the modern transport sector like rideshare.

The legislation provides a mechanism for transport gig workers to access the same legal protections currently offered to owner driver truck drivers, couriers and taxi drivers under the NSW Industrial Relations Act (the Act).

The decision to reform the Act was an election commitment and will allow platform companies, employers and unions to apply to the Industrial Relations Commission for binding determinations on workers’ pay and conditions of employment for the first time.

Once the changes are implemented, eligible gig workers in the transport sector and their representative will be able to apply to the NSW IRC to have contract determinations or agreements that will regulate their pay and conditions.

The NSW Government’s bill will:

• Modernise the existing provisions of Chapter 6 of the Industrial Relations Act, including establishing objects for the Chapter.
• Allow the Commission to determine what is fair and reasonable pay and conditions for rideshare and other gig workers in the transport industry.
• Establish new offences of accessorial liability for those who break the law in a supply chain.
• Ensure there are enforceable standards across road transport supply chains to make sure everyone, no matter how big or small, can recover their costs.

Consistent with the approach of the Commonwealth Government, the existing exemptions for transport of livestock and produce will remain in place.

Minister for Industrial Relations Sophie Cotsis said:

“This new legislation will enable our Industrial Relations system to be fit for purpose when it comes to gig workers in the transport sector.

“The public relies on gig workers in the transport industry every day, and workers can rely on us for the same legal protections.

“This is an important step in supporting the thousands of gig workers to ensure they have the same industrial rights to access the industrial relations commission.”

Sydney Water Managing Director, Roch Cheroux, will conclude his tenure after six years leading the organisation through key operational and planning phases.

Since his appointment in 2019, Mr Cheroux has progressed sustainable water management initiatives and laid the groundwork for major infrastructure projects to improve services across Greater Sydney.

Mr Cheroux has held senior water industry roles across Australia, Europe and Asia, including as Chief Executive of SA Water.

As Sydney Water moves into its next phase of delivery and strategic planning, the Board of Directors has initiated a change in leadership to support this transition.

The process to appoint a new Managing Director will now commence. In the interim, Sydney Water’s Executive General Manager, Paul Plowman, will be the Acting Chief Executive.

Minister for Water Rose Jackson said:

“During his tenure, Roch Cheroux helped guide Sydney Water through a range of challenges including drought, urban growth and climate impacts.

“His leadership has helped lay the foundations for the future of water in Greater Sydney.

“I thank Mr Cheroux for his contribution to Sydney Water and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”

Chair of the Sydney Water Board, The Hon. Niall Blair said:

“On behalf of the Board, I want to thank Roch for his leadership, professionalism and dedication over the past six years.

“Roch has been instrumental in modernising the organisation and preparing it for the long-term challenges of water security, infrastructure delivery and customer service in a rapidly growing city.

“We wish him all the best in his next chapter and look forward to working with Paul Plowman as Acting Chief Executive while we undertake the recruitment process.”

The Minns Labor Government will provide an additional $300,000 to a peak community group to continue its valuable work in helping older people in the Illawarra Shoalhaven region to transition more quickly from hospital to aged care, when they are medically ready to be discharged.

The collaborative regional project, led by the Community Industry Group (CI Group), has spent the past 12 months working to implement sustainable strategies that enable improved transitioning of older people into residential aged care facilities (RACFs) following an initial $300,000 grant in May 2024. 

In its first 12 months, the CI Group has undertaken research into the drivers of discharge delays for older people into residential aged care facilities.

CI Group has also supported the creation of a team of discharge volunteers which assist with the process of transfer from hospital and established a multi-agency regional health and aged care taskforce to oversee these projects and develop a regional health and aged care plan.

The additional funding will enable the group to build on its existing work, while also focussing on engaging other external stakeholders and exploring options to expedite aged care transition process.

CI Group will provide assistance and expert advice, together with Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, to work with RACF providers to implement immediate occupancy expansion initiatives, and to identify and target other aged care options.

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“The lack of available local residential aged care facility beds has been a major challenge across NSW in recent years, particularly in the Illawarra Shoalhaven.

“Getting people out of hospital quicker, and into the most appropriate care is critical for the patient, and the system as a whole, and that is why the work being undertaken by the Community Industry Group is hugely important.

“This additional funding will enable the expansion of existing initiatives including the Supported Transition Assistance Response Scheme within local hospitals and focus on the development of more initiatives that will help ease pressure on our busy hospitals.”

CI Group CEO, Nicky Sloan:

“This additional funding will enable us to build on our research and work over the past 12 months.

“We have collaborated with stakeholders including aged care providers, the Local Health District, the Primary Health Network, local Councils, Dementia Services Australia as well as the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care to deliver three important initiatives that are now in place to support the discharge of older people into an aged care service.

“We are incredibly thankful for the ongoing support of our work so that we can continue to make a dent in the critical issue of our most vulnerable community members being unnecessarily stuck in hospital.”

The Minns Labor Government is helping businesses address energy use, reduce their energy bills and drive ongoing improvements in energy productivity.

The first round of the Metering Plan Implementation Grant has awarded almost $40,000 in funding to support Brisbane Waters Private Hospital in Woy Woy.

This funding enables businesses to install the technology they need to get a clearer picture of their energy use, unlocking potential energy cost reductions of 5% to 15%.

Metering and monitoring systems provide detailed insights into energy use, allowing businesses to optimise equipment performance, pinpoint inefficiencies and improve overall energy management.

By leveraging this data, businesses can significantly reduce energy consumption leading to substantial savings on energy bills.

The round attracted strong interest from businesses statewide, with grant recipients representing a broad range of sectors, including food production, hospitality, manufacturing, retail, private healthcare, education and sports facilitates.

In total, $1.5 million is being invested in 26 projects across NSW, including a $39,860 grant for Brisbane Waters Private Hospital.

The Metering Plan Implementation Grant is part of the NSW Government’s $22 million Business Decarbonisation Program, which supports businesses in adopting practical, cost-effective solutions to accelerate the transition to net-zero emissions.

For more information about both initiatives, visit https://www.energy.nsw.gov.au/business-and-industry/programs-grants-and-schemes/supporting-your-business-decarbonis

Minister for the Central Coast David Harris said:

“By empowering businesses to understand and manage their energy consumption, we are not only helping them reduce costs but also contributing to our broader goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050.

“These grants represent a significant investment in the future of NSW businesses and our commitment to a sustainable energy future.”

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said:

“This important program is essential to supporting businesses to address their power use leading to a reduction in their bills. By connecting businesses to innovative technological solutions, the Minns Labor Government is assisting our local businesses to unlock well needed energy savings.

“This grant will support Brisbane Water Private Hospital to adopt practical, low-cost solutions that will not just lower bills, but also accelerate the transition to net-zero emissions.”

City of Newcastle is asking the NSW Government to part fund a project worth up to $250,000 to help address anti-social behaviour on Beaumont Street.

The Community Building Partnership grant would deliver much-needed positive change to Hamilton Station Park with the proposed project featuring security and ambient lighting, upgraded utilities, as well as accessible seating and landscaping.

Ward Two Councillors Jennie Barry, Joel Pringle and Paige Johnson at Hamilton Station Park.Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge said City of Newcastle has identified several elements that can be implemented to help create a more welcoming and supportive environment for all.

“This is a complex site that requires a collaborative effort between multiple agencies to make sustainable and positive changes to how the park is used,” Cr Kerridge said.

“We want to revitalise the park and make it a safer one too, while at the same time providing economic benefit for local businesses through positive activation.”

The NSW Government’s $41.85 million Community Building Partnership program awards grants for community infrastructure projects that deliver positive social, environmental and recreational outcomes while also promoting community participation, inclusion and cohesion.

Executive Director Creative and Community Services Alissa Jones said the proposal has been developed utilising the principles of crime prevention through environmental design to make the park a safer and more welcoming community space.

“The State Member for Newcastle, Tim Crakanthorp, made us aware of the grant opportunity, informing me that it represented a great opportunity to improve Hamilton Station Park,” Ms Jones.

“City of Newcastle organised cross agency workshops, attended community meetings and conducted consultation with students, members of the public and business owners to develop the plan.”

Another element of the proposal would be a dual-sided noticeboard featuring information about events and local support services on one side and the local Aboriginal cultural story on the other.

The area is known as Ahwar-tah Bulboolba, which translates to ‘flat it is, Wallaby Place. A place of sand flats covered in tea tree scrub and an abundance of wildlife.’

“The local Aboriginal community will be involved in the park improvements, interpreting and displaying artwork and the Indigenous history of the area, contributing to feelings of pride and inclusion,” Ms Jones said.

Other elements of the project include the removal of the park’s perimeter fence to improve sight lines and deter anti-social behaviour, the installation of a water filling station, as well as electrical connections and a hard stand that can be used for pop-up events.

Ward Two Councillors have backed the Beaumont Street project as part of ongoing efforts to improve community safety and wellbeing.

“We know crime prevention through environmental design can be successful in Newcastle, as we have seen with the renewal of Islington Park, which was at one time experiencing similar social and safety issues,” Cr Jenny Barrie said.

“City of Newcastle started work on improving the space in 2023 with the Hamilton Station Park Graffiti Management project, which began to reduce the incidence of graffiti vandalism on the walls and improved the visual appearance of the area.

“If we can make the park an even more welcoming and supportive environment it can be enjoyed by residents and visitors, and become a venue for outreach support activities and community events.”

Councillor Joel Pringle said the project takes into consideration the retention of urban green space and amenity in the space.

“The proposed plan maintains existing vegetation and addresses root protection for the iconic fig trees,” Cr Pringle said.

“It’s great to see projects like this that enhance our community spaces for all to enjoy.”

The park’s free community pantry is proposed to be relocated to a well-lit location closer to Beaumont Street and upgraded with a purpose-built structure to provide better protection from rain and sunlight.

Councillor Paige Johnson noted the Hamilton Station Park proposal is part of the ongoing collaboration to deliver improvements for Hamilton.

“There has been a lot of positive conversations with stakeholders on infrastructure needs for the space which will continue as the design for the project progresses, to get the best outcome for our local community,” Cr Johnson said.

Should the NSW Government provide the maximum $100,000 grant to the project, City of Newcastle will contribute $150,000, bringing the total to $250,000.

Each State electorate is allocated $450,000 to award grants for community, infrastructure projects that deliver positive social, environmental and recreational outcomes.

Should the NSW Government commit less than the requested $100,000 grant funding then the project will require rescoping.

As part of the Minn Government’s plan to strengthen the State’s primary industry sector the Government is calling on stakeholders to provide feedback on the development of an industry-wide strategy designed to create a more resilient and skilled NSW primary industries workforce.

The consultation, which was a 2023 election commitment, is an important step in ensuring the NSW agriculture and primary industries have a workforce suited for the constant changes within the State’s $20 billion primary industries sector.

Consultation on the proposed NSW Primary Industries Workforce Strategy 2025-2030 has opened today, with key stakeholders across the agriculture, fisheries, aquaculture and forestry industries urged to review and provide advice and input into the strategy to ensure it is fit for purpose.

The proposed strategy identifies three key priority areas for government and industry to concentrate their actions, including improving business management, adaptability and innovation, fostering a diverse workforce accessible across NSW and building on careers and capabilities across the industry.

Your feedback via the Have Your Say website closes on 30 April 2025:

www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/primary-industries-Workforce-Strategy

NSW Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Tara Moriarty said:

“Once the strategy has been finalised, all industry stakeholders will have an opportunity to develop plans, initiatives and programs that deliver the shared vision for a highly skilled and versatile NSW agriculture workforce.  

“We’re pleased to launch this consultation today and I encourage all stakeholders to get involved.  This consultation will play a big part in helping coordinate workforce strategies between both government and industry.  

“It’s important to highlight the wide range of rewarding careers available in primary industries.  

“The NSW primary industry sector is full of opportunity and innovation and together, we can develop plans that support and sustain the workforce that is vital to the sector’s growth.”

NSW Farmers’ Association President Xavier Martin said:

NSW Farmers’ is pleased to see this election commitment come to fruition and take this key step in creating a more resilient and skilled workforce across the agriculture industry.

“We know farmers play a vital role in feeding and clothing people both here and abroad, and that’s why having a strong agricultural workforce strategy is so important. 

“We look forward to providing feedback to ensure the strategy is robust and relevant.” 

The NSW Reconstruction Authority will launch three new Community Outreach services next week to ensure communities on the Mid North Coast and in Northern NSW continue to get the help they need after Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

Mobile Recovery Outreach services can be found at the following locations and times next week:

• Dorrigo – Dorrigo Community Hall, 36 Hickory St, Dorrigo
  Tuesday 1 April from 10am – 4pm
• Bellingen – Bellingen Citizens Centre, 29-31 Hyde St, Bellingen
  Thursday 3 April from 10am – 4pm

Recovery Assistance Points will also operate at the following location and time next week:

• Chinderah – Chinderah Scout Hall, 2A Chinderah Rd, Chinderah
  Wednesday 2 April from 9am – 5pm
• Tweed South Community Hall – Corner Heffron Street and Minjungbal Drive, South Tweed Heads
  Monday 31 March to Wednesday 2 April from 9am to 5pm

The RA has helped more than 5680 people through Recovery Assistance Points and Community Outreach at Lismore, Tweed, Ballina, Maclean, Woodburn, Kyogle, Ocean Shores, Mullumbimby, Murwillumbah, Byron Bay, Coraki, Grafton, Coutts Crossing, Wardell, Yamba, Dorrigo, Bellingen and Nana Glen.

Services available at the Community Outreach points include help with the NSW Government’s Personal Hardship Assistance Payment and general recovery support.

Residents who have experienced lengthy power outages or evacuation orders are eligible for a Personal Hardship Assistance Payment of $180 for individuals and up to $900 for a family of five through Service NSW.

Service NSW has already distributed over $2 million in Personal Hardship Assistance payment to help people across the Mid North Coast and Northern NSW get back on their feet. 

Anyone who needs support can visit a Community Outreach Pop Up or Service NSW Centre to apply. You can also apply online through Service NSW at www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/northern-nsw-storm-relief-grant-individuals-march-2025;

Small businesses and primary producers in Local Government Areas included in the Natural Disaster Declaration may be eligible for concessional loans up to $130,000 and primary producers may also be eligible for transport subsidies of up to $15,000.

Applications can be made online via the Rural Assistance Authority – https://www.raa.nsw.gov.au/disaster-assistance/ndrl;. Primary producers and small businesses can also call 1800 678 593 or email rural.assist@raa.nsw.gov.au for help with their applications.

Information on where to find help and the assistance available, including eligibility criteria for grants and how to apply, can be found at www.nsw.gov.au/cyclonealfredrecovery;.

NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said:

“We are opening up these new Community Outreach pop ups to ensure people have access to the support they need when they need it the most. This is about making sure people can get back to their day to day lives as soon as possible.”

“Going through a storm like Alfred is a very traumatic thing, and recovery can often seem overwhelming. If you need help please come one of our pop up community outreach services or to one of our Recovery Assistance Points because the Reconstruction Authority is here to help.”

NSW Reconstruction Authority CEO Mal Lanyon said:

“While the impact of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred may have passed, we know that many people are only starting their recovery journey and some have never experienced anything like the recent storms, which is why we are operating these Community Outreach pop ups in new locations so people can access support services.”

“The Reconstruction Authority has been on the ground before, during and post Alfred, and will continue working with anyone who has been impacted until the Mid North Coast and Northern NSW has recovered.”

The Minns Labor Government is today announcing sweeping legislation that will ban all future public private partnerships being imposed on the state’s acute hospitals.

The legislation will protect hospitals which provide services such as emergency, surgical and inpatient services from any future government entering into such partnerships which limit public control over hospital services.

The Health Services Amendment (PPP Prohibition) Bill 2025 (NSW) will achieve this by preventing governments from entering into a Northern Beaches-style arrangement to build or operate an acute public hospital.

This law will honour the memory and legacy of toddler Joe Massa who tragically died in September last year.

The protection of the state’s acute hospitals will apply to any future government who seeks to pursue a privatisation agenda.

Health Minister Ryan Park will introduce legislation in the NSW Legislative Assembly to amend the Health Services Act 1997 (NSW) to this effect.

This legislation forms part of the Government’s broader response to ongoing community concerns in relation to the quality and safety of health services delivered at Northern Beaches Hospital, including:

• A parliamentary inquiry into the hospital;
• A review of the systems and processes surrounding paediatric care at Northern Beaches Hospital, led by the Clinical Excellence Commission;
• A roundtable to improve the accessibility of the REACH protocol (Recognise, Engage, Act, Call, Help is on its way);
• Requesting a coronial inquest; and
• A commitment to ensure Healthscope implements all recommendations of the Serious Adverse Event Review into Joe Massa’s death.

Premier Chris Minns:

“Today we are announcing that under ‘Joe’s Law’, NSW will ban all future public private partnerships being imposed on the state’s acute hospitals.

“As a Labor government, we believe critical public services like acute hospitals should remain in public hands, safeguarded from privatisation.

“The NSW Government is committed to delivering the healthcare that the people of NSW rely on to keep our communities safe.”

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“Today, we are announcing a ban on public private partnerships being imposed on our state’s acute hospitals.

“From the very beginning, we’ve adamantly opposed these sorts of arrangements – and we will continue to oppose them, now and into the future.

“What we are doing today is to deliver further protection of our hospitals – honouring the memory and legacy of toddler Joe Massa.

“Joe’s Law will mean that public hospitals which provide services such as emergency, surgical and inpatient services, will be protected under this government and from any future government that wishes to enter into such partnerships with private providers.

“Our major and local community hospitals should be run by the people.”

The NSW Opposition is pushing for strong and immediate legislative reform to stop repeat serious youth offenders from carrying out crime sprees across regional NSW.
 
Shadow Attorney General Alister Henskens will introduce the Crimes Legislation Amendment (Youth Crime) Bill 2025 in Parliament after in-depth collaboration between the Liberals and Nationals.
 
It will offer stronger measures than Labor’s changes to the Bail Act that were passed last week, by:
 

• Expanding the definition of repeat offences beyond serious break and enter and motor vehicle theft, to include all serious indictable offences like murder or sexual assault.
• Introducing electronic monitoring and a mandatory curfew as conditions of bail.
• Revoking bail if there is a breach of the bail conditions, if another charge is laid while on bail, or if there is any interference with the electronic monitoring device.
• Elevating the voice of victims in the court through the use of victim impact statements.

 
NSW Opposition Leader Mark Speakman said the Opposition bill builds on the Coalition’s efforts to strengthen Labor’s bill after the Minns Government refused to support any amendments.
 
“Chris Minns has been all talk but little action on youth crime — and regional communities are paying the price,” Mr Speakman said.
 
“This Coalition response draws on the work of Dugald Saunders, who has been listening carefully and regularly to our communities, and the direct advocacy of Opposition regional MPs. We now have a united position on how to achieve tangible change.”
 
NSW Nationals Leader Dugald Saunders said this will provide swift and decisive action while leaving the door open to more reforms.
 
“Our residents are living in a constant state of panic and fear, as their homes are broken into, cars are stolen – and even worse, loved ones are hurt,” Mr Saunders said.
 
“We need an immediate circuit-breaker to stop repeat youth offenders from holding our communities to ransom and we will continue discussions with the Shadow Attorney General around potential changes to doli incapax along with diversionary programs.”
Shadow Attorney General Alister Henskens said he will continue working with regional MPs on further measures, but these initial changes can’t wait.
 
“The Coalition wants to demonstrate clearly to the community that it understands the anxiety that is being felt and the need to enhance community safety,” Mr Henskens said.
 
“Electronic monitoring for repeat serious criminal offenders will assist in deterring crime while these offenders are on bail, while mandatory curfews bolstered by this monitoring will help keep these repeat offenders off the streets and to stop them committing crimes until their matters are heard in court.”
 
Member for the Northern Tablelands Brendan Moylan said the Opposition bill builds on his initial private member’s bill.
 
“This crisis is the number one thing people in the regions are talking about right now and it’s becoming worse and worse by the day,” Mr Moylan said.
 
“Our team of Nationals MPs have been fighting to make their communities safe again, and we have been working hard as a Coalition to come up with changes that can actually deliver that.”