Category: NSW News

The Minns Labor Government is rolling out body-worn cameras to protect Sheriff’s officers from violent and aggressive behaviour on the job.

Sheriff’s officers provide security at the courts, manage jurors and carry out civil enforcement duties including seizing property to enforce court orders.

Their frontline role means they are vulnerable to violence including physical confrontations, verbal abuse and threats.

The statewide rollout of more than 350 body-worn cameras builds on a 2024 pilot which found they helped deter aggressive behaviour, reduce violence and made officers feel safer at work.

The body worn cameras will be rolled in coming weeks out across NSW, starting with the state’s busiest courts in Sydney.

The cameras are expected to be fully operational by November in all metropolitan and regional locations.

Attorney General Michael Daley said:

“Sheriff’s officers play a crucial role in the administration of justice and it’s vital they feel safe while on the job.

“The use of body-worn cameras helps de-escalate volatile situations and reduce violence, and we’re making sure all Sheriff’s officers are protected.”

Sheriff of NSW Tracey Hall said:

“These cameras have become a standard piece of equipment for law enforcement across the world and a critical piece of equipment to contribute to the safety of Sheriff’s officers as they interact with the public”.

“The statewide rollout will help Sheriff’s officers de-escalate tense situations and give both them and the public peace of mind that a recording is available if needed.”

The Minns Labor Government has finalised the Coffs Harbour Jetty Foreshore rezoning, paving the way for a vibrant waterfront destination with new homes, tourist accommodation, retail and public open space for locals and visitors to enjoy.

This rezoning is another step in the Government’s plan to address the housing supply challenge, making use of vacant government owned land between the railway line and Jordan Esplanade and better connecting the city centre with the foreshore.

Key features include:

• around 250 new homes and 200 tourist accommodation rooms,
• improved pedestrian and cycling connections linking the city with the harbour,
• new open space and a multipurpose community area,
• retention of additional public recreation land at the Marina Drive entry to the precinct,
• three per cent in perpetuity affordable housing dedication or monetary contribution,
• building heights of two to six storeys,
• design guidelines to support high-quality development and protect key view corridors, and
• rezoning of the former Deep Sea Fishing Club site for tourism uses only.

Following community feedback, several key changes were made, including lower building heights, a requirement for affordable housing contributions, and design guidelines to protect important views towards Muttonbird Island and Corambirra Point.

Future development will be supported by public infrastructure funded through a State Voluntary Planning Agreement (SVPA) being finalised between Property and Development NSW and Coffs Harbour City Council.  

The SVPA will provide $8.2 million for open space and foreshore park upgrades, $750,000 for road upgrades, and a further $1.9 million in applicable Local Government Area wide contributions.

This is part of the Government’s plan to build a better NSW with more homes, jobs, parks and services, so young people, families and key local workers have somewhere to live and work in the communities they choose.

For more information on the finalised rezoning, please visit the Coffs Harbour Jetty Foreshore page on the NSW Planning Portal.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully said:

“The revitalisation of the Coffs Harbour Jetty Foreshore will provide a great destination for locals and visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of this harbour.

“We heard the concerns of the local community, and we have reduced building heights and increased the amount of open space and affordable housing in this finalised plan.

“The NSW Government is acting now to address housing supply. We are committed to delivering more homes and better choices for home buyers and renters across the state.

Minister for Lands and Property, Steve Kamper said:

“This is an important step in revitalising the Coffs Harbour Jetty Foreshore and positioning it as a leading regional tourism destination.

“Development of the foreshore will deliver new homes, support local jobs, and boost tourism opportunities and infrastructure.

“We are backing Coffs Harbour’s future by unlocking this precinct while protecting its natural assets and reinvesting returns back into the community.” 

The Minns Labor Government is inviting the community to help shape the future of Centennial Parklands, with consultation opening today to inform a new Plan of Management for one of Sydney’s most treasured public spaces.

Community feedback will help guide the future management of Centennial Park, Moore Park and Queens Park, to make sure the parklands continue to meet the needs of a growing and changing Sydney.

Led by Greater Sydney Parklands, the consultation is the first stage in developing a new Plan of Management to guide the long-term care, use and improvements of the parklands.

The current plan was adopted in 2018, prior to the establishment of Greater Sydney Parklands, and is being updated to reflect contemporary management practices, legislative requirements and community expectations.

This will be the first Plan of Management developed following significant reforms to the Greater Sydney Parklands Act.

The first phase of consultation will run until 8 November 2026, seeking feedback on how people use the parklands, what they value most and their aspirations for the future.

Feedback will inform the preparation of a draft Plan of Management, which is expected to be publicly exhibited in mid-2027 as part of a second round of community consultation.

The community can participate in a number of ways, including:

• pop-up information sessions across Centennial Parklands
• surveys with park users
• online focus groups
• workshops with community, sporting and stakeholder groups
• an online survey and interactive feedback map via the project webpage
• written submissions

The development of the draft plan will also be informed by recent engagement undertaken across Centennial Parklands, including consultation related to Moore Park South, Moore Park East and engagement with the Aboriginal community.

Following the consultation period, Greater Sydney Parklands will publish a What We Heard Report, summarising the key themes and insights raised by the community and stakeholders.

For more information, including details of upcoming community information sessions and ways to have your say, visit the Greater Sydney Parklands website: www.greatersydneyparklands.nsw.gov.au/centennialpom  

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“Centennial Parklands is one of Sydney’s most iconic and well-loved public spaces, welcoming millions of visitors each year for recreation, sport, events and connection with nature.

“As Sydney continues to grow, it’s important that we plan for the future of these parklands in a way that continues to meet the needs of the community.

“I encourage everyone who has a connection to Centennial Parklands to take part in the consultation and help shape the next chapter of the parklands.”

Chief executive Greater Sydney Parklands Joshua French said:

“Greater Sydney Parklands is the custodian of Sydney’s much-loved public parks, as a place of connection for our city’s diverse communities. The new Plan of Management will help guide the future of Centennial Parklands, and I encourage the community to have their say and help shape the next chapter of these iconic parklands.

“This is an opportunity for us to ensure a balanced approach to managing recreational uses, arts and culture, heritage, and the environment for the community.”
 

Sydney Olympic Park has smashed its visitation record, welcoming 12.3 million visitors in 2025-26, up 2.5 per cent on the previous year and the highest attendance in the Park’s history, including during the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

The numbers tell a clear story: as Sydney grows, Sydneysiders are choosing Sydney Olympic Park more than ever, for major sport and entertainment, for its parklands and wetlands, for its cafes and restaurants, and for the simple pleasure of green open space close to home.

It is proof that when governments invest in great public places, communities show up.

More Sydneysiders and visitors than ever are discovering the Park’s unique mix of green open space, major events, walking and cycling trails, wetlands, playgrounds, cafes and opportunities for recreation and relaxation.

Sporting visitation surged by 310,000 people (up 18 per cent), driven by huge crowds for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup and a bumper NRL season, including 16 matches attracting more than 30,000 patrons each, up from 10 the previous year.

Parklands visitation also climbed, with an additional 60,000 visitors (up 2 per cent) enjoying Sydney Olympic Park’s green spaces, wetlands, playgrounds and walking trails.

With spring in the air, the Minns Labor Government is encouraging families, visitors and locals to explore the Park’s free outdoor experiences, including:

• Badu Mangrove Boardwalk: part of Sydney’s largest remaining mangrove forest.
• Murama Healing Space: home to the Murama Dance Ground and Healing Circle.
• Brickpit Ring Walk: a 550-metre elevated loop overlooking habitat for the endangered Green and Golden Bell Frog, while learning about the history of this unique site.
• Extensive cycling and running trails: including the popular 5km parklands circuit.
• Picnic lawns, playgrounds and wetlands: featuring boardwalks, bird hides and viewing platforms, ideal for family outings.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully said:

“These record visitation figures show why the Minns Labor Government’s continued investment in and activation of great public spaces matters.

“Sydney Olympic Park is one of Australia’s premier visitor destinations, offering a unique mix of major sport and entertainment, parklands, wetlands, walking and cycling trails, cafes and restaurants and free outdoor experiences for families and visitors.

“As Sydney grows, places like Sydney Olympic Park will become even more important, vibrant, connected destinations that support healthy lifestyles, attract visitors, strengthen local economies and bring communities together.”

Minister for Sport, Steve Kamper said:

“Record visitation shows Sydney Olympic Park is one of Australia’s great sporting and entertainment destinations, and its appeal continues to grow.

“From the AFC Women’s Asian Cup to a bumper NRL season, we’re seeing more major sporting events draw bigger crowds to Western Sydney.

“Every packed stadium, busy restaurant and visitor exploring the area is a win for Western Sydney’s visitor economy.

“Sydney Olympic Park has the venues, transport links, open space and scale to keep attracting major events and visitors from across Australia and around the world.”

Member for Parramatta, Donna Davis said:

“Sydney Olympic Park is one of the great assets of Western Sydney, and these figures show just how much locals and visitors love spending time here.

“From the mangroves to the Murama Healing Space to the roar of the crowd on NRL match day, this precinct has something for everyone, and it belongs to our community.

“I am proud to represent an electorate that is home to a destination the whole of Sydney wants to visit, and I will keep backing the investment that keeps it growing.”

Sydney Olympic Park Authority Acting Chief Executive Officer, Chris Martin said:

“What’s particularly encouraging is that we’re seeing growth across both major events and our parklands.

“People increasingly see Sydney Olympic Park as more than an event destination. It’s somewhere they can exercise, connect with nature, spend time with family and enjoy free outdoor experiences year-round.

“With warmer weather on the way, there’s never been a better time to discover everything the Park has to offer.”

A re-elected Minns Labor Government will legislate to protect workers and businesses from dodgy labour hire providers.

This comes following an independent probity investigation into Western Sydney Airport Metro project, which resulted in the termination of a major contractor.  

The Kimber Report found a number of labour supply companies had been incorporated within days of each other at the same residential address, with the same director and secretary, and were using encrypted messaging apps to send invoices and supporting material.  

The investigation found suspected underpayment of workers, insurance fraud, tax fraud, and unaccounted invoices worth more than $10m.  

Farmers, unions, businesses and the Modern Slavery Committee have raised similar concerns about labour hire providers operating in the horticulture sector and beyond.    

A re-elected Minns Labor Government will release a bill in the first 100 days to establish a labour hire licensing scheme, that will protect all public and private sector supply chains from unscrupulous operators.  

The scheme will be consistent with the national principles on Labour Hire Licensing, and will require labour hire providers in all industries and sectors to be licensed in NSW.  

Under the scheme, host employers must only use the services of a registered labour hire provider, with appropriate education for businesses to ensure compliance with a new scheme and penalties for non-compliance.

The Scheme will build on the work the NSW Government has been doing to crack down on dodgy labour hire operators including:

• The introduction of measures enabling data sharing agreements with Federal bodies and SafeWork NSW, allowing the sharing of this vital information with the ATO, Border Force and AFP to help stop these companies from closing down and setting back up again once they catch wind the regulators are onto them.
• Working to establish a memorandum of understanding between SafeWork NSW and the Anti-slavery Commissioner, including training inspectors to identify indicators of modern slavery and establishing referral pathways for suspected cases.
• The development of a Labour Hire Code of Practice. Since 1 July, compliance with SafeWork NSW’s codes of practice has been mandatory, meaning labour hire providers that fail to comply may be found in breach of the Act and face significant penalties.
• Establishing a Supply Chain Compliance Program to target unlawful workplace practices and ensure government contracts support businesses doing the right thing.
• Launching the NSW Migrant Workers’ Centre to help migrant workers understand their workplace rights and access support.

The NSW Government will continue to consult with unions, industry and workers to develop a scheme that is fit for purpose.  

NSW will examine the schemes operating interstate and which features are working well or need improving, to ensure a scheme in NSW is the best in the country.  

Minister for Workplace Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said:

“We have been engaging with industry, unions and stakeholders and a re-elected NSW Labor Government will regulate labour hire.  

“The NSW Government has zero-tolerance for the exploitation of workers, and this commitment builds on the work we are doing to stamp out dodgy labour hire firms.  

“Every worker deserves fair pay, access to their entitlements, and to work and live in a safe environment and a labour hire licencing scheme is an important step in ensuring safer workplaces for labour hire workers.”  

Unions NSW Secretary Thomas Costa said:  

“Until now, dodgy labour hire operators have come to NSW when they’ve been banned everywhere else. We have seen appalling abuses, with workers paid as little as 2-3 dollars an hour to do backbreaking work. The Minns Government has our full support in cleaning out the shonks and putting a floor under wages and conditions.

“This licensing reform means workers on building sites, berry farms, aged care facilities and other workplaces will know their employer has passed a basic test of honesty and propriety. It stops honest businesses being undercut by shonks. Unions have fought hard for this reform and we’ll be enforcing it.”  

Australian Fresh Produce Alliance Chief Executive Officer Veronica Papacosta said:

“The Australian Fresh Produce Alliance (AFPA) welcomes the commitment to legislate for a mandatory, economy-wide labour hire licensing scheme. Industry has been seeking this reform for some time therefore a commitment to introduce a bill within the first 100 days of a re-elected government is a clear and welcome signal. We look forward to working closely with the Minns Government to ensure it is delivered and provides improved worker protections for NSW.  

“NSW businesses rely on good labour hire providers, and a licensing scheme that aligns with the national principles will improve worker protections, provide compliant businesses with improved visibility and supply chain integrity. The AFPA supports this announcement and look forward to working with the Minns Government to ensure the scheme is practical, proportionate and enforceable as soon as possible.”  

The Minns Labor Government is strengthening protections for NSW beef and dairy industries, today releasing the state’s Cattle Tick Strategy as part of the government’s efforts to reinvigorate the NSW Cattle Tick Program.  

Earlier this year the Minns Government announced a significant investment of $7 million to rebuild the program to better meet the needs of farmers in northern NSW, after years of inaction under the former National-Liberal Government allowed the problem to grow.  

In the three financial years from 2026/27 the Minns Government will invest $21 million on cattle tick management including the $7 million announced earlier this year.

The strategy released today builds on that funding and the recommendations put forward by the Independent Biosecurity Commissioner following a review of the Cattle Tick Program requested by the NSW Government.  

In the past the Cattle Tick Program only focused on properties that self-reported cattle tick. The Independent Biosecurity Commissioner has found this is not an effective approach to eradicate cattle tick from NSW.

Designed to meet the stated needs of producers, the strategy sets out clearer program priorities, stronger surveillance, consistent communication and engagement, and practical operational and treatment plans to support cattle tick management on affected and at-risk properties.

The strategy’s goals will be achieved by undertaking a new best practice approach of dealing with this biosecurity problem with a landscape wide approach rather than by individual farms, recognising that cattle ticks infest a region and don’t stop at the fenceline.  

This risk-based geographic approach will section NSW into high; medium and low-risk areas, with resources directed to focus on the high and medium risk areas. The strategy will drive operations forward over the next six years to:

• Reduce the number of cattle tick-infested properties in the Northern Rivers region and decrease the size of the area containing cattle tick-infested properties.
• Support producers with a targeted and transparent approach to surveillance, treatment and on-ground response.
• Survey a region and determine independently if cattle tick is found across an area.
• Implement area wide movement controls where required to prevent the spread of cattle tick from infested properties within and outside an area.
• Upgraded treatment schemes will then be implemented to remove cattle tick from the infested properties and area.

Biosecurity risks require coordinated management between government, industry and the community. The strategy was developed with feedback from beef and dairy industry stakeholders, technical experts and far north coast communities.

Working with stakeholder groups, the Cattle Tick Consultative Committee and the Technical Advisory Group, the cattle tick team will review treatment arrangements and prepare regulatory and operational frameworks for the Cattle Tick Program.

The delivery of the Cattle Tick Strategy forms part of the Minns Labor Government’s work to protect the State’s agricultural industries, including investing more than $1 billion in biosecurity measures.  

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

“The coming year has a strong focus on improving our understanding of cattle tick distribution, strengthening awareness and education, plus boost tracing and stakeholder engagement.

“The Cattle Tick Strategy is built upon the important review and recommendations from the Independent Biosecurity Commissioner, and the Technical Advisory Group, which includes epidemiologists, veterinarians and other specialists, and Cattle Tick Consultative Committee, which offers practical insights from farmers and the community.  

“This work to boost the cattle tick program underpins our Government’s commitment to eradication, a goal the former National Liberal Government let drop due to mismanagement and poor funding.

“This important work is firmly focused on making sure the program is working to protect the beef and dairy farmers in NSW with the latest biosecurity management practices and the required resources.” 

As the first stage of the Thriving Kids program begins today, the NSW Liberals and Nationals have raised concerns that families across New South Wales still lack practical information about how the program will work.
 
Shadow Minister for Disability Inclusion Natasha Maclaren-Jones said Thriving Kids was announced more than a year ago, yet families still have unanswered questions about what supports will be available, where they will be delivered and how children can access them.
 
“Parents and carers deserve clear, timely information about the services available in their local area, who is eligible, how referrals will work and what, if any, will change for their child’s existing supports,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.
 
“Instead, families are being asked to navigate a staged rollout while key details about service availability and access pathways remain unclear.”
 
The Government was unable to provide detailed answers to Budget Estimates questions about Thriving Kids, citing procurement activity that was still underway and saying further information would be published as it becomes available.
 
“The NSW Government has provided only vague assurances that existing services will continue, with no detail on eligibility, access pathways or timelines for targeted therapy and specialist supports,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.
 
“Families need more than general assurances that services will continue. They need to know which organisations are delivering supports, how to contact them, when services will be available and how children can access targeted therapy and other specialist assistance.”
 
“Families cannot be expected to navigate a system that is still being built without clear, accessible and up-to-date information from the Government.”

The NSW Liberals and Nationals are encouraging everyone to shop local this Small Business Month, as struggling businesses face rising costs, weak confidence and record insolvencies.

Supporting small business also means reducing the costs of running one, which is why the NSW Liberals and Nationals will deliver significant payroll tax relief while the Minns Labor Government continues to squeeze businesses with high taxes and charges.

NSW Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane said a stronger local economy means more local jobs and a stronger future for the families running small businesses.

“Confidence has fallen to record lows under the Minns Labor Government, with more than 6,200 NSW businesses closing their doors in 2025,” Ms Sloane said.  

“I want people to shop local and support small businesses in October but we must do better when it comes to the taxes and charges under Labor.”

“Business is what drives our state, it’s creating the jobs in communities, and we need to give them a reason to hire and take on that extra apprentice which is why the NSW Liberals and Nationals will deliver the most competitive payroll tax regime in the country.”

The NSW Small Business Commissioner’s July Momentum Survey showed that:

• Only six per cent of business owners expected profitability to increase, compared with 63 per cent expecting a decline.
• Just nine per cent of businesses were confident about their local economy.
• Almost 70 per cent were extremely or fairly worried about their own business prospects.

NSW Nationals Leader and Shadow Minister for Small Business Gurmesh Singh said it’s never been harder to operate a small business in NSW.

“Small businesses are the lifeblood of our communities, especially in regional NSW. They provide jobs and contribute to local organisations like schools and sporting clubs,” Mr Singh said.

“Under the Minns Labor Government, red tape and inflation are increasing and margins are shrinking. Only the Liberals and Nationals have a plan to restore business confidence across NSW.”

Small Business month runs from Thursday 1 October to Saturday 31 October.

Family First National Director and NSW Legislative Council candidate Lyle Shelton has called on the Australian Federal Police to urgently investigate Melbourne Islamic preacher Abu Ahmad and, if the evidence establishes an offence, charge him over reported remarks urging Muslims to “take up arms” against the enemies of Allah.

The Age/SMH and News24 today reported that Abu Ahmad, a preacher associated with Melbourne’s Al Bayyinah Islamic Centre, told followers in a July sermon not to take “the Jews and the Christians for friends” and spoke of an obligation “to take up arms against his enemies”.

“This is chilling language which demands an urgent response from law enforcement,” Mr Shelton said.

“Australians should not have to tolerate preachers using places of worship or social media platforms to promote hostility towards Christians, Jews or anyone else, let alone language about taking up arms.

“The AFP should examine the full, unedited sermon and all relevant material and determine whether Commonwealth criminal laws have been breached. If the evidence establishes an offence, Abu Ahmad should be charged.

“Australia has religious freedom, but religious freedom is not a licence to incite violence.

“If Islam is a religion of peace, Australian Muslim leaders should be among the strongest voices condemning rhetoric about taking up arms against Jews and Christians.

“There should be no ambiguity. There should be no excuses. Muslim community leaders should make clear that incitement to violence against people because of their faith has no place in Australia.

“Someone found to be inciting religious violence should not be free to continue preaching that message in Australian Islamic worship centres.

“Governments should examine what lawful mechanisms are available to prevent people found to have incited violence from using religious institutions as platforms for further extremist preaching.”

Mr Shelton said authorities should also investigate the Al Bayyinah Islamic Centre itself, including the material it has published and any relevant organisational or financial links.

The Age/SMH reports the centre was established in Springvale in 2024 and has been supported by Sydney preacher Wisam Haddad. It also cites an April 2025 ABC Four Corners investigation which described Al Bayyinah as an affiliated Melbourne prayer centre in a wider network associated with Haddad.

“The vast majority of Australians, whatever their religion, want to live peacefully alongside their neighbours,” Mr Shelton said.

“That peace depends upon authorities drawing a clear line at incitement to violence.

“Australia must remain a country where Christians, Jews, Muslims and people of every faith or none can live without being threatened because of what they believe.”

Families, locals and visitors can now enjoy easier and safer access through one of Brunswick Heads’ most popular foreshore destinations, with the NSW Government completing a package of improvements at Torakina Reserve.

Set between the Brunswick River and Torakina Beach, the reserve is a much-loved community space where people gather to picnic, swim, walk, fish and spend time outdoors. The improvements will help people enjoy the foreshore while protecting and enhancing one of the area’s most valued public spaces for future generations.

The NSW Government provided $220,950 through the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund to deliver new pathways, landscaping, signage, bollards and car park improvements to make moving around the reserve easier and safer.

The works improve movement through the reserve, create clearer separation between pedestrian and vehicle areas, and help safeguard landscaped sections from unauthorised vehicle access.

Delivered by Byron Shire Council, the project contributes to the ongoing care and enhancement of the Brunswick Heads foreshore precinct, ensuring the reserve remains a welcoming place for the community to enjoy.

The Crown Reserves Improvement Fund helps communities across NSW improve and maintain public reserves that support recreation, tourism, cultural and sporting activities, and recreational life of communities across NSW.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:
“Torakina Reserve is a much-loved community space in one of the North Coast’s great seaside villages.

“This investment has delivered practical improvements that will help the reserve continue to serve the Brunswick Heads community and welcome visitors for years to come.”

“Crown reserves like Torakina are important public spaces for communities across NSW, and we’re proud to invest in keeping them accessible, safe and enjoyable for everyone.”

Minister for the North Coast, Janelle Saffin said:

“Torakina is where Brunswick Heads comes together. Where families spend their weekends, kids learn to swim, and locals catch up by the water.

“These practical improvements make this beloved space safer and more accessible for everyone who calls the North Coast home, while making sure it’s protected for future generations.”

Member for Ballina, Tamara Smith said:

“Torakina is one of those special places that captures so much of what we love about Brunswick Heads – families swimming, picnicking and spending time together in a beautiful natural environment.

“I’m delighted to see this investment making the reserve safer and more accessible while protecting the natural beauty that makes it so special. Our public spaces should be welcoming and accessible to everyone, and these improvements will help ensure Torakina can be enjoyed by locals and visitors for generations to come.”

Byron Shire Council Mayor Sarah Ndiaye said:
“Torakina Reserve holds a special place in the heart of Brunswick Heads, where locals and visitors come to swim, fish, walk and enjoy time by the river.

“These improvements make it easier and safer to move through the reserve and better protect the garden areas for everyone to enjoy.

Thank you to the community for your patience during the works and for the input that helped shape this project.”