Category: NSW News

A major Minns Labor Government funding boost for not-for-profit charity the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) will support people in regional, rural and remote NSW to access healthcare.

An additional $15 million in funding for RFDS will be delivered as part of the 2025-26 NSW Budget, as the Minns Labor Government continues delivering better essential services our communities rely on.

Operating for 97 years, the RFDS is a key partner of NSW Health and employs over 390 staff in NSW to deliver a range of services including primary care, dental, mental health, retrieval services and patient and clinician transport to regional communities. 

The $15 million is in addition to funding the Minns Labor Government provides to RFDS to deliver services to communities across NSW, including in regional, rural and remote NSW, such as:

• Rural Aerial Health Service to transport clinicians to rural, regional and remote locations to provide health services.
• Inter-hospital transfers operating from Dubbo and Broken Hill air bases, transporting patients who are a seriously ill or in a life-threatening condition to a suitable hospital.
• Non-Emergency Patient Transfers to provide end-to-end non-emergency patient transport to and from public hospitals and health facilities
• Medical Services Clinics, Oral Health Services and Alcohol and Other Drug Services in Far West NSW.

The additional funding will ensure RFDS can continue to provide comprehensive health services to rural, regional and remote NSW, and continues the Minns Labor Government’s plan to build a better NSW.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“The Royal Flying Doctor Service is an Australian icon. Its team has been keeping people right across remote, rural and regional NSW safe and healthy for many decades.

“This funding boost will help regional people access the healthcare they need with a trusted service dedicated to helping others.”

Member for Barwon Roy Butler:

“I’d like to thank Minister Ryan Park and the NSW Government for this significant funding for the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS). I have worked closely with the Minister and his team to ensure this vital service is supported.

“The RFDS is, and should always be seen as, a core part of the health system, particularly in communities in Regional NSW and Barwon.

“I acknowledge the role of the RFDS in the history of Regional Australia. They not only save lives but also ensure people receive the care they need as soon as possible, particularly in remote areas of the state where services can be difficult to provide. Thanks again to the Minister and NSW Government, this funding will allow RFDS to continue the excellent work they do.”

Greg Sam, CEO Royal Flying Doctor Service (South Eastern Section):

“The Royal Flying Doctor Service (South Eastern Section) (RFDS) welcomes today’s $15 million funding announcement. 

“We thank Premier Minns, Health Minister Park, and the Member for Barwon, Roy Butler, for supporting the RFDS and recognising the important partnership role we play as part of the NSW health system in providing vital emergency and medical health services to regional, rural and remote NSW communities.”

The Minns Labor Government is making a record investment in the new Bankstown Hospital, ensuring we are delivering better essential services that the people of NSW rely on.

The new Bankstown Hospital is a step closer to being delivered with the Government today announcing additional funds, the release of the master plan and a new TAFE NSW site to enable construction of the new hospital.

The new Bankstown Hospital is expected include:  

• an Emergency Department
• operating theatres
• Intensive Care
• surgical and medical services
• services for women and children including maternity
• mental health
• other services to be identified as planning progresses.

It follows years of broken promises and delays by the previous Liberal Government who failed to progress the project, failed to select a site and failed to adequately fund its construction.

Delivering better essential services that people rely on

The Minns Labor Government will invest an additional $700 million in the construction of the planned New Bankstown Hospital as part the NSW Budget.

It brings the total investment in the new south-west Sydney hospital to $2 billion, making it the largest capital works investment in a public hospital in the state’s history.

Despite promising a new hospital in Bankstown in 2019, the former government did not progress site selection.

No proper planning was conducted, and as a result, the initial announcement of $1.3 billion in 2019 was always insufficient – and made worse by a period of record global inflation and high demand for construction resources.

This funding boost will ensure the new hospital will meet the healthcare needs of the growing community of South-West Sydney, with the Bankstown population expected to grow by 16 per cent over the next 15 years.

The hospital will be built on Chapel Road at the current TAFE NSW campus in Bankstown’s CBD. 

The NSW Government is also giving the local community a first glimpse at the multi-storey hospital by releasing the master plan, showing its close connection to public transport and amenities.

Zones have also been identified for carparking and future expansion of health services.

The Bankstown community is being invited to have its say on the Master Plan through community information sessions planned at:

• Bankstown Hospital Main Foyer on Wednesday 18 June 2025, 11.00am – 1.00 pm
• Bankstown Hospital Main Foyer  on Thursday 19 June 2025, 7.00am – 9.00am
• Bankstown Central shopping centre on Thursday 26 June 2025, 5pm – 7pm

The new hospital will integrate with the existing Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital site, which will remain as a health facility, to deliver contemporary healthcare and a better healthcare experience across a broad range of community and hospital-based services.

Rebuilding education infrastructure

The budget will also deliver $100 million to relocate the TAFE NSW Bankstown campus to enable construction of the new hospital. 

While a small part of the existing site will remain in use, TAFE NSW will relocate most of its training delivery for the next five years to the new Western Sydney University Tower, across the road from the existing Bankstown campus.

This will ensure local staff and students can still access brand new facilities and bespoke teaching and learning spaces in the heart of the Bankstown CBD.

Animal studies, early childhood and care, and some digital business and finance classes will move to the nearby TAFE NSW Padstow campus.

This budget builds on the strong foundations we have laid since coming to government with the delivery of more than $3.8 billion in hospital infrastructure across western Sydney, including:

• $790 million for the new Rouse Hill Hospital plus $120 million from the Federal Government
• $550 million for the Fairfield Hospital Redevelopment
• $350 million for the Canterbury Hospital Redevelopment
• $120 million for additional beds for Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals.

For more information on the New Bankstown Hospital master plan and to provide feedback visit the Have your say web page.

Premier Chris Minns:

“One of the best things about Australia is its healthcare. It’s why we’re ensuring we continue to deliver quality, accessible and affordable healthcare services.

“That starts with hospitals. The new Bankstown Hospital has been a long time coming and while there is still a long way to go, this extra funding is a big step in the right direction to getting shovels in the ground and the hospital up and running.”

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“The previous Liberal Government neglected to progress a site for the New Bankstown Hospital, and as a result, the people of Southwest Sydney have been left waiting for six years.

“Over that time, the money the Liberals set aside for the project has since been overrun by construction cost escalations.

“The Minns Labor Government is getting on with actually delivering on this project by allocating the funds to finish the job.

“The release of the master plan gives the community a first glimpse of what this new hospital will look like and the essential services it will provide, and we’re inviting their feedback on it.”

Minister for TAFE Steve Whan:

“I’m so pleased a suitable site has been found for TAFE NSW teachers and students, which will enable to delivery of a new and much needed hospital.

“Co-locating TAFE and the University will provide even more opportunities for students in south-west Sydney to connect, explore, and experience a broader range of tertiary education pathways and employment outcomes available to them.” 

Member for Bankstown the Hon. Jihad Dib MP:

“Our growing community has desperately needed a state-of-the-art hospital and I’m so proud of the Minns Labor Government for delivering on our election commitment.

“This record investment in healthcare infrastructure will provide our unique multicultural community with a modern hospital to meet their needs.”

Member for East Hills Kylie Wilkinson MP

“I am delighted to be part of the Minns Labor Government that is delivering a brand-new hospital for our community. We’re not only building a modern hospital but also retaining the existing site as a health facility, ensuring even more services and care for everyone.”

Students, teachers and staff are set to benefit from enhanced school cleaning services as part of the Minns Labor Government’s reforms to cleaning contracts, that will see hundreds of cleaners brought back in house for the first time in decades.

From early next year, approximately 600 privately contracted cleaners across the Hunter and the Central Coast are expected to be offered employment with the Department of Education. This marks the first time in 30 years that any school cleaning service has been in public hands.

For the remainder of schools, TAFEs and participating government facilities, new cleaning contracts will be established to drive improved cleaning outcomes, higher hygiene standards, stronger employee protections and conditions, and clearer oversight and accountability.

These reforms follow the Minns Labor Government’s election commitment to review school cleaning contracts. The review was prompted by concerns about the consistency and reliability of cleaning standards in schools as well as working conditions of cleaners.

The changes are part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to building a better NSW with a focus on ensuring we have better essential services.

A survey of parents, students, teachers and school staff, facilitated by P&Cs as part of the review, found 54 per cent of respondents raised significant concerns about the cleanliness of toilets, highlighting health risks and discomfort for students.

It also found 36 per cent of respondents were concerned about the frequency and timing of cleaning, which can neglect high-traffic areas such as classrooms, canteens, and corridors during peak times.

Other issues raised included:

• unrealistic workloads and insufficient time for cleaners to complete required cleaning tasks
• cleaners not being replaced when absent, leading to staffing shortfalls
• a lack of connection between cleaners and the school communities they support
• cleaning activities occurring outside school hours, reducing visibility and responsiveness during the day
• inadequate transparency, accountability and supervision, making it difficult for schools to raise concerns or ensure timely follow-up on missed cleaning tasks.

Under the reform, responsibility for managing the whole-of-Government cleaning contracts will transfer from NSW Public Works to the Department of Education, which will lead cleaning arrangements on behalf of participating NSW Government agencies.

Tailored cleaning specifications will be developed to better reflect the unique operational needs of schools, ensuring critical areas such as toilets, receive appropriate attention and frequency of service.

Specialist cleaning, such as carpet cleaning or high-access window cleaning, will be contracted separately, creating greater opportunities for local businesses, particularly in regional NSW.

Currently, about 7,000 cleaners are employed under the whole-of-Government cleaning contract, with the Department of Education and TAFE accounting for approximately 85 per cent of its value. The reforms will also apply to other government sites covered by the current arrangements. 

The new contract arrangements will take effect in 2026.

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

“Delivering high-quality, well-maintained learning environments for students and teachers is at the heart of the Minn’s Labor Government’s commitment to rebuilding public education.

“The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted just how essential our hard-working school cleaners are in maintaining a safe, healthy, and supportive environment for students.

“I’ve heard far too often from parents and teachers about students choosing not to use toilets and risking their health in the process, that something needs to change.

“These reforms are about prioritising health and safety in our schools while improving the working conditions of our valuable, dedicated cleaners.”

Minister for Finance Courtney Houssos said:

“These reforms, which come after an extensive review, will drive safer workloads and a better and more sustainable path forward for both our schools and our cleaners.

“We are proud to be delivering these reforms and improve outcomes at our schools.”

Mel Gatfield, NSW Secretary, United Workers Union said:

“The United Workers Union and cleaners around the state applaud this significant step in transforming how this incredibly important work gets done in schools and other government buildings.

“This has been a 30-year fight to return dignity and respect to cleaners who are too often denied it, and these changes should provide cleaners the time and tools to do their jobs properly.

“We look forward to working with the NSW Government on this transition and ensuring that cleaners have fair, safe and secure jobs.”

Judith Barber, NSW School Cleaner and United Workers Union delegate said:

“Cleaning schools and government buildings should not come with the risk of injury and challenging conditions we face every day.

“Direct employment will be a game changer for cleaners like me and deliver better outcomes for all users.

“All NSW school cleaners will look forward to once again being seen as valued members of their school communities.”

Aresha Quaass, President, P&C Federation NSW said:

“Bringing cleaning services back under public management is a promising shift that puts students first and delivers cleaner schools.

“Ensuring that critical areas like toilets receive appropriate attention is something every public school parent and student will welcome. Clean, safe and healthy environments aren’t optional – they’re a human right, essential to learning and wellbeing.

“School communities have told us when cleaners are part of the school community there is greater care, accountability and responsiveness. The NSW Government has listened to parents, students, principals and teachers, and acted.”

Gemma Quinn, CEO, P&C Federation NSW said:

“Parents and communities spoke up and their feedback has improved how our public schools are cleaned and maintained. This is the power of genuine consultation in action.

“School communities have been calling for a review of cleaning contracts for years. This in depth review with real outcomes is exactly what schools have been asking for.

“We’ve called for cleaning services that reflect local needs, with on-the-ground insight and a clear line of accountability. These reforms take meaningful steps toward that goal.”

NSW Teachers Federation Deputy President, Amber Flohm said:

“The privatisation of school cleaning was a short-sighted decision that was motivated by cost cutting rather than the best interests of students and teachers.

“This decision is an important step forward and one the Teachers Federation fully endorses.”

Michael Burgess, State President, NSW Primary Principals Association said:

“Our schools need cleaners who are visible, valued, and part of the team. This change is a win for our cleaners, students, staff and school communities.

“Clean, safe learning environments matter. This decision means cleaning will be more consistent, more responsive, and better aligned with the needs of our primary schools.”

Denise Lofts President NSW Secondary Principals Council said:

“Cleaning and care of our schools is something our secondary principals have long advocated for as essential to delivering a world-class education system.

“This announcement is strongly welcomed by the NSW Secondary Principals’ Council and is a significant step towards ensuring clean, tidy, and well-maintained learning environments for our students and NSW public schools.”

A new website to help South-East New South Wales communities prepare for natural disasters has been launched at NSW Parliament by Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty.

Developed by the Canberra Region Joint Organisation (CRJO), the website supports the Blueprint for a Resilient South East NSW, a practical guide for councils and communities to build resilience in the face of natural disasters and a changing climate.

The website helps its users understand the disaster risks facing their local area and provides access to resources on how to prepare, from ensuring households have an emergency response plan to building more resilient homes, infrastructure and adapting land management practices.

The Blueprint covers the ten local government areas within the CRJO – including Bega Valley, Eurobodalla, Queanbeyan-Palerang, Snowy Monaro and Yass Valley – as well as associate members from the ACT Government, Wagga Wagga City Council and Canberra Airport.

To promote the Blueprint, CRJO will run hands-on workshops with council staff to embed resilience planning into everyday operations.

The project received $2,780,632 from the jointly funded Australian and NSW Governments Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain:

“Communities like ours know too well the importance of being prepared for natural disasters.

“It’s great to see more resources out there providing advice on how to prepare and respond when disaster hits.

“We know that our climate is changing, and Australians can expect to experience more intense and more frequent natural disasters, which is why the Albanese Government is acting to prepare and protect communities from natural disasters and their impacts.

“I’m pleased to see all levels of government working together to reduce the risks and impacts Australians face during disasters. This means better outcomes for our communities.”

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty:

“We all have a role to play in strengthening the disaster resilience of regional communities, including increasing their capacity to recover after a disaster strikes.

“The Blueprint is a practical starting point for anyone involved in building stronger, more disaster-ready communities.”

“It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach – it offers a range of actions and ideas that councils, communities and organisations can adapt to suit their own needs and responsibilities.”

“I congratulate the CRJO on making these resources accessible to the public, supporting a shared approach to resilience where people are empowered to take action and work together on practical solutions that make a real difference.”

Canberra Region Joint Organisation Chair and Bega Valley Shire Council Mayor Cr Russell Fitzpatrick:

“The Blueprint focuses on climate risks, disaster history and how events like bushfires, floods and storms are expected to become more frequent in the future.

“We’ve looked at local experiences and data to understand what different communities might face – and how councils can plan for that.”

“Even though this came from the bushfire recovery program, it takes an all-hazards approach. It’s about being better prepared for whatever comes next.”

“The Blueprint helps councils take steps toward better practice in areas like land use, infrastructure and emergency planning.”

“It also helps clarify roles in disaster preparedness and recovery, while supporting smarter investment in resilient infrastructure and services.”

This weekend more than 220 teams and thousands of passionate players, coaches, officials and supporters will descend on Camden and Campbelltown for one of the largest community sporting events in the Southern Hemisphere – the 2025 HART Senior State Titles.

At its heart, the Senior State Titles is more than a competition – it’s a celebration of spirit and resilience. Associations from across NSW bring their finest 15s, 17s and Opens players to vie for pride and points in what many describe as “the annual derby” of community netball.

“It’s an incredible display of not only competition, of agility, of skills, but also of wonderful spirit,” said Sallianne Faulkner, Chair of Netball NSW. “Players wear their association colours with pride. They’ve trained hard all season, played local carnivals, and now take the stage to test themselves against the best.”

The HART Senior State Titles is a flagship event within the Netball NSW pathway. The three-day tournament showcases the strength of grassroots netball, with players from across the state coming together to play the game they love – many representing their associations for the very first time at this level. The event is an opportunity for emerging athletes to be talented identified for the Netball NSW pathway.

“Our high-level netballers have put in a significant amount of training in the lead-up to this event. The State Titles are a pivotal part of the journey,” Faulkner added. “It’s a moment where grassroots meets greatness – and we’re proud of how our pathways support that.”

Also taking centre stage at the 2025 HART Senior State Titles is the Male Open divisions, showcasing the growth of male athletes within the netball community. In addition, six Male 17U teams and five All Abilities teams will compete in their State Challenge – a powerful reminder of netball’s commitment to inclusion, where players of all abilities can shine on the same stage.

A beloved feature of the event is “Tent City” – a temporary village of marquees where teams set up camp between matches.

“Tent City becomes the homes of all of these teams,” said Faulkner. “Whilst they’re competitive on the court, back in the tents they mix, laugh, and bond. It’s an amazing way to meet like-minded people from all over the state – and for many, friendships that start here last a lifetime.”

The off-court experience is just as vibrant. With sausage sizzles, lollies, merchandise stalls and even parents in costume, the atmosphere is equal parts sporting contest and community carnival.

“This netball facility becomes a little town over the weekend,” Faulkner smiled. “There are incredible volunteers running food outlets and cheering louder than anyone. Last year, I had a photo with a group of dads in fancy dress supporting their daughters – it’s that kind of energy that makes the State Titles so special.”

The Senior State Titles mark the first of Netball NSW’s two major representative weekends each year, with Junior State Titles to follow in July – a testament to the sport’s enormous footprint and inclusive spirit across New South Wales.

“About 4,000 participants, families and visitors swell the local area. That’s really valuable not just for the economy, but for our whole netball ecosystem,” Faulkner said. “It showcases what netball is all about – connection, community, and courage.”

The 2025 HART Senior State Titles will be held across venues in Campbelltown and Camden from Saturday 7 to Monday 9 June. Entry is free and spectators are encouraged to come and experience one of Australia’s most vibrant community sporting events.

The Minns Labor Government has this week announced an investment of $2 million in the upcoming NSW Budget to start rolling out the State’s first Aboriginal Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Plan to better support victim-survivors of domestic and family violence.

It responds directly to calls from the Aboriginal community for a dedicated response to domestic, family and sexual violence in Aboriginal communities.

Aboriginal women in New South Wales are eight times more likely to be recorded as a victim of domestic violence than non-Aboriginal women.

Co-designed and developed in partnership with the Aboriginal Legal Service NSW/ACT, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, Aboriginal community stakeholders and the broader domestic violence sector, the standalone Plan will elevate and integrate the voices and lived experiences of Aboriginal children, women, and communities impacted by domestic, family and sexual violence.

The NSW Aboriginal DFSV Plan will support the Government’s commitments under the National Agreement to Closing the Gap, including Target 13 – to bring about a significant and sustained reduction in all forms of violence and abuse against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children towards zero.

The Plan will be released in late 2025.

Today’s funding announcement is in addition to the $20 million allocated from the Commonwealth National Partnership Agreement on Domestic and Family Violence to progress Target 13 initiatives.

It is also part of the Minns Labor Government’s $272.7 million domestic and family violence package to strengthen and build a more robust system to support victim-survivors of domestic and family violence.

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:

“We know that Aboriginal communities experience domestic and family violence at much higher rates than other communities and this funding is another vital step in helping to keep more Aboriginal women and children safe.

“All the evidence tells us that when Aboriginal communities drive change in partnership with Government, better outcomes are achieved, and we’re fully committed to that.

“We are continuing to turn our Closing the Gap commitments for shared decision making into action, by working with Aboriginal organisations to lead the way in keeping families safe.”

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said:

“Family violence wreaks devastation throughout the community. The number of Aboriginal families experiencing domestic and family violence is tragic and unacceptable.

“We are working closely with Aboriginal organisations in developing our first dedicated Aboriginal Domestic and Family Violence Plan, and will continue to do so as we roll out programs to address domestic violence in Aboriginal families and communities.

“We know that co-designed initiatives and approaches lead to better outcomes for Aboriginal women and children, supporting self-determination, healing and recovery.”

Premier Chris Minns and NSW Minister for Veterans David Harris today announced the 20 NSW students awarded a NSW Government scholarship to participate in an international history tour to the Republic of Korea and Singapore in September.

The Premier’s Anzac Memorial Scholarship (PAMS) students come from all corners of the state from Armidale in the north, Jindera in the south and Orange in the west. They will visit a number of sites significant to the war history of both nations.

The tour of the Republic of Korea will include Gapyeong – the site of the Battle of Kapyong; Maryang San, the Incheon landing site and the UN First Battle Memorial. In

Singapore, the tour will include sites such as the Kranji War Memorial, Changi Prison Chapel and Museum and the Fort Siloso and Surrender Chambers.

More than 150 students from 112 NSW high schools throughout New South Wales applied for the scholarship, from a range of government and non-government schools in cities and the regions.

Applicants submitted a personal essay and a letter of recommendation from their school, initially assessed by current and former history teachers. A shortlist was then reviewed by representatives from NSW Government, the History Teachers Association of NSW, and two former PAMS accompanying teachers.

The tour takes place in the Term 3 school holidays from 29 September to 10 October 2025. Accompanied by a military historian, students will receive insights into our nation’s military past and develop their understanding of the importance of commemoration.

Minister Harris will formally welcome the students at the Anzac Memorial in July alongside two Korean War veterans for a comprehensive tour briefing. The students will also receive their research tasks, meet with the tour historian and accompanying teachers and attend a commemorative service in the Hall of Memory.

More information about the Premier’s Anzac Memorial Scholarship is available on the Premier’s Anzac Memorial Scholarship (PAMS) web page.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“A huge congratulations to our scholarship recipients.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to learn first-hand about Australia’s military history.

“It is heartening to see how many young people applied for this scholarship and are engaged in our nation’s military history.”

Minister for Veterans David Harris said:

“As a former school principal I am a big supporter of this program and know how important it is our government continues to support the current generation to continue to learn about the military history of our state and our nation.

“More than 15,000 Australian soldiers were captured in Singapore, more than 7,000 would die as prisoners of war. Only five years after the end of the Second World War, Australia became involved in the Korean War; sadly there are only a small number of Korean War veterans still with us.

“This trip will be a deeply meaningful experience for these students as they visit such important historical sites and learn more about the service and sacrifice of our veterans.”

2025 PAMS Accompanying Teacher, Helen Rook, Coffs Harbour Senior College said:

“There is no substitute for standing where history was created – to feel its weight. Immersive journeys bring the past alive, allowing us to glimpse the truths of war, pay respect to our service men and women and learn deeply, alongside the privilege of guiding the bright minds shaping tomorrow.”

Syedda Nazeeya from Macarthur Girls High School said:

“This opportunity is a powerful way to honour the sacrifices of those who served, and reflect on how they shaped the history and values of our country. I’m excited to stand where history unfolded and deepen my understanding of Australia’s role in each region we visit.”

Angus Jeffery from James Sheahan Catholic High School said:

“I am really looking forward to the opportunity to travel overseas to past Australian battlefields and learn more of our military history. My great-grandfather was a prisoner of war in WW2 and spent time in Changi. This trip will not only expand my knowledge of Australian history but I’m looking forward to representing my family, my school and Central West NSW.”

List of the 2025 Premier’s Anzac Memorial Scholars

Student name	School name
Hannah Buckpitt	St Patrick’s College for Girls Campbelltown
Tiare Ceran-Jerusalemy	Burwood Girls High School
Isabella Cheng	Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College
Grace Gallaher	Karabar High School
Rachel Gooley	Armidale Secondary College
Flynn Greenow	Narrabeen Sports High School
Oliver Griffin	Saint Mary Mackillop College Albury
Liam Harrison	Merewether High School
Matilda Hawkins	St Benedict’s Catholic College
Angus Jeffery	James Sheahan Catholic High School
Benji Loh	Sydney Grammar School
Daniel Morozov	Edmund Rice College
Syedda Nazeeya	Macarthur Girls High School
Bianca Nguyen	St George Girls High School
Hilary Nguyen	James Ruse Agricultural High School
Vanessa Rutkowska	Batemans Bay High School
Nicholas Seibright	Nowra Christian School
Scarlett Sheridan	Green Point Christian College
Matilda Webb	Our Lady of Mercy College, Parramatta
Alice Zhang-Kim	Pymble Ladies College

The Minns Labor Government is continuing its work to keep communities safe with the NSW Police Force Marine Area Command to benefit from modern, cutting-edge capability and infrastructure with a new vessel funded in the 2025-26 Budget.

$46.3 million will fund a new Class 1 Vessel (Nemesis) – replacing the current vessel which is approaching end-of-useful-life after almost 20 years on the water.

The Nemesis is invaluable to the NSWPF’s marine operations. It can operate in the harshest offshore maritime environments – with a patrol range of 1500 nautical miles or 2800kms – for extended periods.

The vessel gives officers the capability to conduct extended offshore operations including search and rescue, maritime and counter-terrorism protection and target maritime crime and illegal drug importation.

It protects NSW’s economic interests, assists marine counter-terrorism operations, polices major water events – including New Year’s Eve on Sydney Harbour – and is the response vessel to Lord Howe Island for emergency management.

Since becoming operational in 2008, the Nemesis has intercepted and seized 8.1 tonnes of narcotics including one tonne of methamphetamine, seven tonnes of cocaine and interrupted the shipment of 240 tonnes of illicit tobacco.

The Nemesis has completed countless major rescues, including in September 2024 when two stricken sailors were rescued off the Shoalhaven area in eight metre seas.

The new vessel will have an extended patrol range, allowing for 12-day patrols, advanced satellite communications, military-grade surveillance and infrared camera, seven metre boarding vessel, along with emergency management capabilities to support Lord Howe Island.

This investment builds on the Minns Labor Government’s work to deliver better frontline services and rebuild the NSWPF.

The former Liberal-National Government had no plan for police recruitment, no plan for police retention and sent wages backwards for 12 years. As a result, thousands of experienced officers left the force.

We are turning that around by:

• securing a historic pay rise for officers
• paying recruits to train resulting in applications to join the NSWPF soaring by 70 per cent
• creating a pathway for recruits to serve in or near their hometown after attesting the Goulburn Police Academy
• establishing the Professional Mobility Program for serving officers across Australia and New Zealand to join the NSWPF and keep their equivalent rank up to Senior Constable
• introducing the Health, Safety and Wellbeing Command to look after officers.

The 2025-26 Budget builds on the strong foundations we have already laid to build a better, safer NSW for all – work which the Minns Labor Government will continue to do.

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said:

“The Nemesis is absolutely critical when it comes to the capability of our Marine Area Command to keep our waterways and streets safe.

“The role of this vessel cannot be overstated – from intercepting illegal drugs, to policing major events and conducting offshore rescues – the Nemesis does it all.

“Today’s announcement builds on our work to invest in our hardworking police and ensure they have the resources, equipment and capability to continue to keep us all safe.”

NSW Police Force Deputy Commissioner Peter Thurtell said:

“We are the only police force in Australia with this capability.

“This new vessel puts us even further in front in the fight against drugs and other serious crime.

“Marine Area Command officers are trained to deal with everything from significant drug detections, and terrorism to major boating emergencies.

“This new vessel is a major weapon for our Marine Command, and its’ team of elite officers, in the fight against what can be some very serious crimes right across their patrol.”

The Minns Labor Government is getting on with delivering the Western Harbour Tunnel Project, with the largest tunnel boring machines (TBMs) in the Southern Hemisphere set to arrive in Sydney later this year, to excavate the final stage of the first harbour road crossing in almost three decades.

The 6.5 kilometre Tunnel is set to open to traffic in 2028 and importantly, will remain in public hands. These enormous tunnel boring machines will excavate 1.5 kilometres of the twin motorway tunnels with three lanes in each direction.

Once launched tunnelling will be 24/7 with 40 people working on them at any one time.

The TBMs are expected to take around a year to complete their work.

In a sneak peek, footage of the TBMs rolling off the assembly line shows the extraordinary complexity of these state of the art machines that will link northern, inner western and southern Sydney via the Western Harbour Tunnel.

The mega machines are 102 metres long and 15.7 metres in diameter, each weighing 4,350 tonnes. They will work under Sydney Harbour, between Birchgrove and Waverton, up to 50 metres below sea level.

A 500-tonne crane will be used to assemble the TBMs in their launch chambers deep underground Birchgrove. Around 13,000 concrete segments, set to be precast in Western Sydney, will line and support this section of the tunnel.

The TBM cutterheads are adorned with artwork to honour their namesakes – Aboriginal women Barangaroo and Patyegarang – in a tribute to Sydney’s past as the TBMs prepare to shape its future.

When completed the Western Harbour Tunnel will provide a seamless connection from the Warringah Freeway and North Sydney to WestConnex at Rozelle Interchange.

For more information visit the Western Harbour Tunnel web page.

Fast facts

Using Western Harbour Tunnel will save drivers:

• up to 20 minutes from Sydney Olympic Park to North Sydney
• up to 20 minutes from Leichhardt to North Sydney
• up to 15 minutes from North Sydney to Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport.

Western Harbour Tunnel will reduce traffic:

• on the Western Distributor by 35 per cent
• the Sydney Harbour Tunnel by 20 per cent
• the Sydney Harbour Bridge by 17 per cent.

Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“The Minns Labor Government is getting on with projects that are transforming our city and delivering the infrastructure our community needs.

“These magnificent machines are going to deliver on the Future Sydney vision by carving out our second under-harbour road crossing.

“These are the largest TBMs in the Southern Hemisphere – which gives you a sense of the magnitude of this project that will revolutionise the way our city moves.

“Three whole Sydney Metro tunnels could fit within the diameter of the Western Harbour Tunnel, and each TBM is around the same weight as four Freshwater ferries.

“When complete, the Western Harbour Tunnel will link the northside and city, inner west and airport while taking pressure off the Harbour Bridge and Tunnel, Anzac Bridge and Western Distributor.”

Workers compensation reform in NSW has overcome a key hurdle, with legislation passing the parliament’s lower house despite the Coalition teaming up with the Greens to try and block its progress.

The Workers Compensation Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 is now expected to go before the upper house on Thursday.

The NSW Government is calling on the Parliament to pass this legislation so workers compensation can be protected for future generations.

The current system isn’t working, and it is not sustainable. It is failing injured workers, failing businesses and failing the state.

Since 2018, the number of psychological claims has doubled. Since 2020, the average cost of psychological injury claims has almost doubled.

Under the status quo, just 50 per cent of workers with psychological claims are back at work within a year. For physical injuries, the rate is 95 per cent.

The Government’s reforms will ensure businesses are not hit with an unnecessary $1 billion per year insurance premium increase. Without the reform, the premiums paid by businesses are set to increase by 36 per cent over three years to 2028.

Governments of both persuasions have put $6.1 billion since 2018 into bailing out the Treasury Managed Fund, which insures public sector workers.

The Bill currently before the Parliament has been informed by consultation with unions and experts, including through the release of an exposure draft and a parliamentary inquiry.

It includes a range of refinements to proposals that were contained in the exposure draft and is complemented by $344 million in new funding for a Workplace Mental Health package.

The legislation before Parliament will reform the way workers compensation system deals with psychological injury by addressing:

• the lack of focus on preventing psychological injury at work
• the low rate of recovery and return to work for psychologically injured workers
• the sharp rise in premiums for business and cost explosions for the NSW public.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:

“The Government has been able to get the workers compensation bill through the Legislative Assembly. This is despite the Liberals teaming up with the Greens to block this important reform.

“They should now unite to pass this legislation in the upper house.

“This Bill is about creating a modern system that will better protect workers from psychological injury and provide better help when they need it. I want to ensure that future generations of workers have a workers compensation system they can rely on.”

Industrial Relations Minister Sophie Cotsis said:

“The workers compensation system has failed injured workers. In particular it has failed workers with psychological injuries. It is designed to keep workers in the system.

“We are building a better system, one that supports workers to not only get help as soon as possible, but to return them back to a safe workplace as soon as they are able and not left languishing for many years.”

Minister for Customer Service Jihad Dib said:

“We are putting in place widespread reforms for workers that ensure those with the greatest need continue to receive support, and those who can return to work are supported.

“We need a workers compensation scheme that can serve injured workers into the future – that means it needs reform now, supported by greater effort on preventing injury, treating the injury and supporting the worker to make sure it can be sustainable.”