Category: NSW News

Professor Nalini Joshi AO from the University of Sydney has been recognised as the NSW Scientist of the Year in the 2025 Premier’s Prizes for Science and Engineering.

Professor Joshi is one of 10 exceptional researchers, innovators and educators honoured at the Premier’s Prizes for Science & Engineering, held at Government House Sydney.

Professor Joshi’s selection as Scientist of the Year is in recognition of her world-leading work in mathematics. Her transformational mathematical approaches have been applied to reveal real-world phenomena, including how light signals travel in optical fibres and the formation of large and unpredictable surface waves called rogue waves in deep water.

These findings can be used to model how complex systems change over time, with practical applications across weather, climate, ocean waves and tides. They can also be used to show how signals travel, interact and degrade, with significant uses in the development of fibre-optic communications.

Professor Joshi will receive a trophy and $60,000 in prize money for her work.

Nine category winners were also announced last night, each receiving a trophy and $5,000:

• Excellence in Mathematics, Earth Sciences, Chemistry or Physics Professor Anita Ho-Baillie, the University of Sydney
• Excellence in Biological Sciences (Ecological, environmental, agricultural and organismal) Distinguished Professor Brajesh Singh, Western Sydney University
• Excellence in Medical Biological Sciences (Cell and molecular, medical, veterinary and genetics) Scientia Professor Kaarin Anstey, UNSW Sydney
• Excellence in Engineering or Information and Communications Technology Distinguished Professor Vivian Tam, Western Sydney University
• NSW Early Career Researcher of the Year (Biological Sciences) Dr Jennifer Matthews, University of Technology Sydney
• NSW Early Career Researcher of the Year (Physical Sciences) Dr Felix Rizzuto, UNSW Sydney
• Leadership in Innovation in NSW Professor Paul Keall, the University of Sydney
• Innovation in NSW Public Sector Science and Engineering Dr Brad Law, NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
• Innovation in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematic Teaching in NSW Mr Ryland O’Connell, Hastings Secondary School, Port Macquarie

Full details of all winners can be found at: https://www.chiefscientist.nsw.gov.au/events/nsw-premiers-prizes-for-science-and-engineering

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“Professor Joshi’s groundbreaking work helps us make sense of nature’s big mysteries.

“Her research is also working to unlock solutions to complex technological challenges.

“Importantly, in addition to her academic excellence, she is also a role model supporting of our next generation of mathematicians.”

Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“Our state boasts a research and innovation sector that is the envy of the world. These awards are the NSW Government’s chance to recognise the best of the best.

“Importantly, the fine work of those who we saluted last night is being translated into real-world solutions in areas as diverse as space, construction and agriculture.

“I thank our winners for their contributions to the health, social, economic and environmental benefit of NSW.”

2025 NSW Scientist of the Year Professor Nalini Joshi said:

“I am deeply honoured and humbled to be recognised as NSW Scientist of the Year.

“This award is a recognition of the power of the mathematical tools that my collaborators and I have been developing to shine clearer light on the questions of science, particularly the ones that have elusive information hidden within nonlinear models.

“I want to reach out to all the young people who may be daunted by the future and say that it is possible to find answers to questions about the universe by shining the clear light of mathematics on them.

“It is wonderful for me and the amazingly talented people who work with me to be recognised in this way in the company of the brilliant scientists we have in NSW.”

NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer Professor Hugh Durrant-Whyte said:

“Another year, another extraordinary cohort of research and educational excellence. Last night, we saluted leading work in dementia risk reduction, detection and treatment of stress responses in coral reefs, and technology that has improved the lives of literally millions of cancer patients, to name just three areas.

“We acknowledge the career achievements of senior academics and we welcome the impressive innovations of our best new researchers.

“My congratulations to all honoured last night, and especially to the 2025 Scientist of the Year, Professor Nalini Joshi for her highly impactful work in the field of mathematics.”

Thousands of people marched from Randwick to Coogee this morning as part of the annual Step Out Speak Out walk, marking the beginning of the global 16 Days of Activism to prevent and eliminate violence against women.

Community leaders, students, frontline workers, services, sporting organisations and NSW Police, came together to raise awareness of domestic and family violence and call for change across the state.

The group gathered at High Cross Park before walking to Grant Reserve in Coogee, where community representatives, service leaders and NSW Police addressed the crowd. 

This year’s event focused on driving cultural change, promoting early intervention and reinforcing support for victim-survivors.

The march comes as NSW Police continue statewide efforts to target high-risk domestic violence offenders through Operation Amarok XII. The most recent blitz resulted in more than 750 people charged, over 1,600 offences detected, 275 warrants executed, and the seizure of firearms, prohibited weapons and dangerous drugs.

While we have more work to do the Minns Labor Government has delivered significant reforms this year to strengthen protections for victim-survivors, improve accountability for offenders and expand early intervention and crisis responses. These include:

• A new civil protection scheme targeting high-risk domestic abuse offenders.
• Stronger rental protections for victim-survivors, including safe lock changes, privacy safeguards and penalty-free lease termination.
• A standard non-parole period of 25 years for intimate partner homicide, the first law of its kind in Australia.
• Expanded DFV support services, including crisis accommodation, specialist workers and culturally safe programs.
• Strengthened bail laws for serious domestic violence offences and expanded electronic monitoring for high-risk offenders.

These reforms complement ongoing policing efforts, prevention strategies, and community-led initiatives focused on reducing harm and supporting those experiencing violence.

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley said:

“Last year, police responded to more than 150,000 domestic and family violence-related calls for assistance – that’s one every three and a half minutes. 

“Today’s march was a powerful reminder that no one should suffer in silence and that the community stands with victim-survivors.

“Operation Amarok XII shows the relentless work of our police when it comes to pursuing the state’s worst domestic violence offenders. It sends a strong message that those who harm partners or former partners will be tracked down and held to account.

“Police are doing outstanding work, but we cannot arrest our way out of this. Prevention, early intervention and cultural change are essential.

“If you see something, hear something or suspect something, please speak up. You could save a life.”

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

“Domestic violence is a challenge that touches every community and the government is working hard to address it, from providing wraparound supports for victim-survivors and strengthening protections to earlier intervention and primary prevention. 

“Every year the Step Out Speak Out event draws thousands from the community, to walk alongside victim-survivors towards a future that is free from domestic and family violence. 

“Today’s march shows how we can work together as a community, to stop the violence before it starts. Together we can change attitudes and behaviours that tolerate violence, and create a safer state for women and children.”

Member for Coogee, Dr Marjorie O’Neill said:

“The Eastern Suburbs turned out in strength today to say domestic and family violence has no place in our community.

“Seeing so many young people, local organisations and residents marching together shows how committed our community is to standing with victim-survivors.

“If you or someone you know is experiencing violence, please reach out. You are not alone and support is here.”

NSW Police Force Commissioner, Mal Lanyon said:

“Domestic and family violence in our community is unacceptable.

“It can be hard for victims to speak up if they’re experiencing domestic and family violence.

“Everyone should feel safe. Everyone in the community needs to stand up and speak out, with all of society needing to work together to stop domestic violence.” 

The NSW Government has now responded to all 76 recommendations from the NSW Bushfire Inquiry, transforming the state’s ability to prepare, respond and recover when bushfire strikes.

The final report on the inquiry has been tabled in NSW Parliament, providing an update on the Government’s response and recognising the impact of the fires on the community.

The inquiry, established in the aftermath of the devastating 2019-20 bushfire season, identified dozens of ways to improve the state’s bushfire response and protect NSW communities. 

The 2019-20 bushfire season was among the worst in recorded history, destroying more than 2,000 homes and burning 5.5 million hectares across the state.

In NSW, 26 people lost their lives, including four NSW RFS volunteers and three contracted air crew. Each one of these deaths was a tragedy and greatly affected families, communities and emergency services.

Since 2020, the NSW Government has overhauled bushfire policy, preparedness and response, and is acting on all 76 recommendations from the inquiry, including:

• Delivering over 1,000 new and refurbished trucks to protect our firefighters. Many of these trucks are equipped with advanced safety and firefighting technology to support capability, safety, and effectiveness.
• Embedding the nationally consistent three-tier Australian Warning System.
• Protecting our native wildlife by building the skills of almost 6,000 personnel involved in wildlife first response through practical training.
• Boosting the Public Safety Network by an additional 536 sites, which now covers almost 100% of NSW’s population. The Public Safety Network is our first responder radio network and is one of NSW’s most critical communications networks.
• Strengthening our firefighter and land management capacity by recruiting and training over 500 additional personnel to protect our communities from bushfires.

Priority recommendations were implemented in the immediate aftermath, with long-term recommendations all now underway.

One of the recommendations, night-time waterbombing, was this week achieved when the RFS-owned CH47D Chinook helicopter was successfully deployed to a major bushfire near Lithgow.

Ahead of the 2026 bushfire season, fire agencies across the state are already deploying the latest bushfire science and technology alongside traditional knowledge and ancient land care practices to protect communities.

Agencies and land managers continue to take every available opportunity to undertake hazard reduction burning wherever conditions allow and address potential bushfire hazards at the source.

Aircraft can be pre-positioned in 19 strategic locations around the state, ready to respond to fires alongside ground crews on days of heightened bush fire danger.

While this marks a major milestone in ensuring that NSW communities are safer from the impacts of bushfires, the NSW Government recognises there is always more that can be done, and challenges persist.

We will continue to focus our efforts on investing in projects like the Bushfire and Natural Hazards Research Centre to support data and evidence-based approaches to managing bushfires, and in embedding knowledge and expertise of our oldest living culture through NSW’s Cultural Fire Strategy.

Together, these reforms ensure NSW is better equipped than ever to protect lives, property and the environment in the face of future bushfire threats.

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib:

“The 2019-20 bushfire season was devastating for our communities, our homes, our emergency services and our national parks.

“We’ve listened to the experts and have acted on every recommendation from the NSW Bushfire Inquiry. Some long-term initiatives will take some time to complete but are already well underway.

“These recommendations include practical innovations that will aid firefighters for years to come, including the implementation of night-time waterbombing capability which will make a huge difference to our firefighting efforts. 

“Crews are consistently out there, seizing every opportunity to ensure NSW is in the best position possible as we head into summer.”

RFS Commissioner Trent Curtin:

“The RFS and our partner agencies are achieving major milestones as we act on the recommendations from the Bushfire Inquiry.

“This work reflects years of continued effort to strengthen how we prepare for and respond to bushfires.

“These improvements – from technology, trucks and training to community engagement and volunteer support – are already making a real difference across the state.”

The Clarence Valley community is invited to provide feedback on the Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment planning documents, with the planning application now on public exhibition.

The release of the Review of Environmental Factors planning documentation follows community consultation held in Grafton in September and October of this year, with valuable feedback and input from staff, stakeholders and the community continuing to help shape the redevelopment.

The NSW Government is investing $263.8 million in the Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment to provide new and enhanced health services for the region. It will deliver a new three-storey Acute Services Building including a new Emergency Department, Emergency Short Stay Unit, Medical Imaging and MRI, and inpatient unit.

The Day Surgery and Operating Suite will be expanded to provide two extra operating theatres, increasing overall theatre capacity. The new building will also provide space for maternity services to be relocated in the future, as well as identifying zones for potential further development.

When complete, the new Acute Services Building will seamlessly integrate with the existing hospital via a new hospital street at the current public main entrance. There will also be a new road off Queen Street that will provide ambulances with direct access to the Emergency Department, as well as more than 30 additional car spaces.

Early works are set to start on site in the coming weeks to prepare the site for main works construction. The works will include minor refurbishments to building 25 near the existing main entry to enable the relocation of existing ambulatory care services out of the main works construction zone.

This work will ensure access to health services are maintained while the redevelopment work is carried out. Wayfinding will be provided to ensure staff and patients can continue to access services during this time.

Construction timeframes for main works will be confirmed once planning has been finalised and a builder is engaged.

Work is also underway to transform 36 units at the former Grafton Gaol site, to accommodate health workers. 

The Minns Labor Government allocated $34.2 million to NNSWLHD as part of the wider $200.1 million Key Health Worker Accommodation program.

The Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment Review of Environmental Factors and other supporting technical documents can be viewed here – Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment.

Feedback on the planning application can be provided online until 11:59pm on Friday 19 December 2025. For more information about the project visit Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment.

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:

“It’s an exciting time for the project with early works soon getting underway on the Grafton Base Hospital campus.

“The public exhibition of the planning application for the project marks a significant milestone for the hospital redevelopment and we’re grateful for the valuable input provided by staff and stakeholders in the planning process, which has helped shaped this project.

“When completed, the new hospital building will transform the Grafton Hospital campus, enhancing access and creating a modern facility for the community and staff.”

the Minister for North Coast Janelle Saffin:

“This redevelopment is being shaped by the community every step of the way, and this public exhibition provides another opportunity to continue this critical involvement.

“By working together, we are enabling our fabulous health staff to deliver excellent patient care for the growing Grafton community.

“I am excited about how this redevelopment is progressing and looking forward to the works getting underway.”

Labor Spokesperson for Clarence Emily Suvaal:

“We encourage the community to view and provide feedback the Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment plans and have their say on this important project.

“Planning for the redevelopment has been carried out in close consultation with clinical staff, ensuring a strong focus on delivering on identified clinical priorities.

“Staff and the community will continue to be updated as works get underway on the hospital campus.”

Western Sydney communities are set to benefit from more beds and modern health facilities, with planning documents for the Mount Druitt Hospital redevelopment now on public exhibition, marking a key step in delivering expanded care services.

The redevelopment is being delivered as part of the NSW Government’s $120 million commitment to Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals to help meet the growing health related needs of Sydney’s west. This investment will deliver further state-of-the-art healthcare facilities to serve one of the state’s fastest-growing communities.

The project will deliver expanded clinical and non-clinical support service areas and help increase capacity across Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals with the delivery of 60 additional beds, including 30 new beds at Mount Druitt Hospital.

The community is being encouraged to attend an information session where they can meet the project team, provide feedback and learn more about the plans.

Information session:

• Wednesday, 3 December 2025 – 2.00pm to 3.30pm at Mount Druitt Hospital Main Entrance 

The Review of Environmental Factors (REF) planning documents and other supporting documents can be viewed here: https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/blacktown-and-mount-druitt-hospitals-additional-beds

Feedback on the planning application can be provided online until 11:59pm on Friday 19 December 2025.

The detailed design for Mount Druitt Hospital is expected to be completed by the end of this year, with construction timeframes to be confirmed next year following planning approval and the appointment of a building contractor.

This investment builds on the $700 million expansion of Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals completed in 2020, which delivered expanded capacity at both hospitals, a new emergency department, cancer centre, and inpatient facilities at Blacktown Hospital, as well as additional renal dialysis and inpatient facilities at Mount Druitt Hospital.

The 2025-26 NSW Budget includes $1.3 billion of additional funding to support the delivery of health facilities across Western Sydney including:   

• an additional $700 million for the new Bankstown Hospital, bringing the total investment to $2 billion
• additional State funding of $90.0 million to provide the full range of maternity and birthing services as part of the new Rouse Hill Hospital, with a further $120 million announced by the Commonwealth Government towards the new maternity and birthing service
• $120 million for additional beds for Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals
• $492 million to develop a Statewide Pathology Hub on the Westmead campus
• $40.1 million to fit out level 13 of the new Paediatric Services Building at Westmead in partnership with the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation
• $22.3 million to establish a new paediatric hospice at the Children’s Hospital at Westmead

Other projects in the Western Sydney region include upgrades at Nepean, Liverpool, Canterbury, Fairfield, Camden and Campbelltown hospitals.

For more information about the Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals project visit: nsw.gov.au/bmdh-additional-beds

Minister for Health, Ryan Park

“The public exhibition of the planning documents for the Mount Druitt Hospital is an important step forward, highlighting our commitment to investing in the health and wellbeing of this growing community.

“By expanding bed capacity and clinical spaces, we’re supporting local health staff to continue delivering the best possible care for patients and their families.

“It’s part of the NSW Government’s delivery of more than $3.4 billion in hospital infrastructure across Western Sydney over the next four years to support growing Western Sydney communities.”

Member for Mount Druitt, Edmond Atalla

“We’re delighted to see planning for the Mount Druitt Hospital progressing, and encourage our staff, patients, and community to have their say and provide feedback.

“Community feedback plays a key role in shaping how the hospital evolves to meet local needs and deliver the highest quality healthcare to our community.”

Today, the Minns Labor Government passed legislation through NSW Parliament to bring greater clarity and accountability to inmate misconduct proceedings. 

The Crimes (Administration of Sentences) Amendment (Standard of Proof) Bill 2025 changes the standard of proof for determining correctional centre offences to the civil standard of ‘the balance of probabilities.’ 

The amendments passed today align NSW with most other Australian jurisdictions, where the civil standard of the ‘balance of probabilities’ is applied in disciplinary proceedings.

The Bill responds to concerns about the potential impact the current legislated burden of proof on correctional system and community safety.

Enshrining the ‘balance of probabilities’ as the burden of proof will make the inmate discipline process more straightforward, maintain good order and security in correctional centres, and ensure inmates are held to account for their conduct.

The Bill is a crucial part of the Government’s efforts to strengthen staff safety at correctional facilities across the state, and its passage through Parliament complements a review of the way Corrective Services NSW (CSNSW) classifies inmates that was announced earlier this month.

This comprehensive review will assess the effectiveness of the classification, placement and case management processes of inmates across the state. It will ensure an inmate’s behavioural record in custody carries appropriate weight when decisions are being made about an inmate’s classification.

These changes come after extensive consultation and engagement on a revised inmate misconduct system with the Public Service Association.

They will guarantee that the State Parole Authority is provided an accurate record of inmates’ custodial conduct and can make considered, consistent decisions about release to parole to support public safety.

Earlier this year, the Government also introduced an internal mechanism enabling inmates to request reviews of discipline decisions made within correctional centres. The addition of an internal review mechanism, made at the NSW Ombudsman’s recommendation, provides an extra safeguard for inmate safety to lowering the burden of proof.  

Serious criminal misconduct behind bars will continue to be referred to the NSW Police Force for consideration of prosecution on the criminal test of beyond reasonable doubt.

Minister for Corrections Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“Community safety remains the Minns Labor Government’s top priority.

“This legislation is an important, practical step forward in achieving our shared goal with the union of making sure our state’s correctional centres are the safest environments possible.

“By bringing New South Wales in line with other Australian jurisdictions, we are confident the changes to the inmate disciplinary process enhance safety in prisons and support community safety at large.”

General Secretary of the Public Service Association Stewart Little said:

“We welcome the passing of this legislation through NSW Parliament and will continue to work with the Government to see the amendment succeed.

“These changes will make sure our members can operate prisons that are safer for staff, inmates, visitors and the wider community alike.”

The Minns Labor government together with players and coaches from the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs NRL club are marking the start of construction on the club’s $51 million Centre of Excellence at Belmore Oval.

The project reflects the important role sport plays in bringing communities together, creating opportunities for young people, and strengthening the neighbourhoods that support their local teams.

The new centre will be a state-of-the-art home for the club’s NRL and NRLW teams and serve as a training base for the club’s junior pathways athletes.

The facility will include a gymnasium and training areas, medical and aquatic rehabilitation facilities, meeting rooms, office space, and changerooms for both elite players and users of the adjacent Peter Moore Fields.

The NSW Government has contributed $40 million to the project, originally granted by the former government in 2023.

The Centre of Excellence is scheduled for completion by January 2027.

Premier Chris Minns said:

“Everyone knows 2026 is the year of the dogs.”

“It’s great to see construction underway on the Belmore Centre of Excellence. This is an important project for the Bulldogs and for the wider community.

“Some of the Bulldogs’ greatest names like Terry Lamb, George Peponis, Hazem El-Masri and Jacob Kiraz have come through their development pathways. The club has a long history of developing local talent, and this facility will help support that work into the future.

“What stands out is that this centre will benefit both the Bulldogs’ elite squads and the broader community who use these fields and facilities.”

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

“The Bulldogs Centre of Excellence will provide a high-performance training, education and administration facility that supports the development of promising young and high-performance male and female rugby league players.

“Once completed, the of dream of local juniors to wear the Bulldogs jersey will become more attainable with the facility providing a focal point for the development of women’s rugby league in Western Sydney in particular.

“Vitally, the Centre’s community facilities will support local clubs and community groups, strengthening the club’s connection with its passionate supporter base.”

Member for Canterbury, Sophie Cotsis said:

“The Bulldogs remain a celebrated symbol of success and a source of great pride for the people of southwest Sydney.

“This Centre of Excellence is not just an investment in elite sport but in our multicultural community and our young athletes.

“This is amazing news for our community, and this new facility ensures future generations of players, fans, and families will continue to be part of something special right here in our backyard.

“Once completed, this Centre will create a significant legacy that will benefit both the club and the wider community.”

Bulldogs CEO Aaron Warburton said:

“Today marks the start of an incredibly exciting new era for our Club.

“This moment has been years in the making – the vision, the planning, the collaboration and the enormous amount of hard work behind the scenes has led us to finally breaking ground on a home that will elevate every part of the Bulldogs’ football program.

The NSW Government is injecting an extra $2 million into helping 18 regional councils manage critical water infrastructure, securing high quality, reliable water supply for communities across the state.

The Advanced Operational Support (AOS) initiative is supporting local water utilities with hands-on technical training to optimise existing water treatment plants and extend the lifespan of these essential assets.

The Minns Labor Government has invested more than $10 million into the AOS program, including $4.1 million in direct grants to local water utilities, to build better regional communities with a dependable supply of quality drinking water.

Under this phase of the program, participating councils will benefit from engineering and technical support to give them the tools and skills they need to improve water operations, saving tens of thousands of dollars each year.

Grants of up to $150,000 will also support a range of projects at water treatment plants, including:

• installing new monitoring equipment for 24-hour water quality oversight
• upgrading filtration and treatment systems to improve water purity
• implementing high-tech automated systems to enable councils to respond faster to potential water quality issues

AOS is part of the successful $52.8 million Town Water Risk Reduction Program, which has provided support to local water utilities across regional NSW addressing issues including water quality, dam safety and training for utility operators.

More information about the program and participants is available here.

Minister for Water Rose Jackson said:

“We know regional towns need a leg up to get the most out of their water treatment plants and lock-in a clean, dependable water supply.

“Infrastructure is one piece of the puzzle but on-the-ground operational support is also extremely valuable.

“This program empowers operators with the skills and knowledge they need to problem-solve and consistently deliver quality water to their communities.”

Full list of successful councils and water treatment plants:

• Snowy Valleys Council – Talbingo and Batlow
• Brewarrina Shire Council – Brewarrina
• Lachlan Shire Council – Lake Cargelligo and Condobolin
• Snowy Monaro Regional Council – Cooma
• Warrumbungle Shire Council – Coonabarabran
• Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council – Gundagai
• Moree Plains Shire Council – Mungindi
• Liverpool Plains Shire Council – Quipolly
• Tenterfield Shire Council – Tenterfield
• Central Darling Shire Council – White Cliffs
• Uralla Shire Council – Bundarra
• Richmond Valley Council – Casino
• Bellingen Shire Council – Dorrigo
• Balranald Shire Council – Euston
• Forbes Shire Council – Forbes
• Muswellbrook Shire Council – Muswellbrook
• Wentworth Shire Council – Pooncarie
• Dubbo Regional Council – Wellington.

The Minns Labor Government has delivered on its commitment to modernise 100-year-old legislation and strengthen protections for the Anzac Memorial, enshrining it as NSW’s most significant monument to honour sacrifice and service.

Last night the NSW Parliament voted to pass the Anzac Memorial Bill 2025, to update legislation around the state’s principal war memorial that has remained largely unchanged since the Anzac Memorial Act was passed in 1923 and its accompanying by-laws in 1937.

These updates consolidate the Act and by-laws into a single piece of legislation to streamline governance and bring outdated provisions into the 21st century.

The legislation ensures the status of the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park as the principal war memorial in NSW and further protects the amenity of the building and its surrounds which are now defined by a new map that incorporates the Pool of Reflection and Water Cascade.

In addition to these updates this legislation also now makes it an offence to ride a bike, scooter, or skateboard in or on the memorial building. It also enables authorised security officers to direct people to leave the memorial area if the officer is of the opinion that the person is committing an offence under the Act.

Recent acts of vandalism and anti-social behaviour at the memorial have highlighted the need to ensure appropriate protections are in place and this updated legislation will ensure that the service and sacrifice of our veterans are protected.

The Bill complements the NSW Government’s Crimes Legislation Amendment (War Memorial Offences) Bill 2025 which passed Parliament on 22 October 2025 to increase penalties for vandals who seriously damage war memorials across NSW, including the Anzac Memorial.

That legislation increases the maximum penalty from five to seven years’ imprisonment for intentionally or recklessly damaging a war memorial.

Minister for Veterans David Harris said:

“I am proud that the Minns Labor government is delivering for our veterans and their families with legislation that enshrines in law the Anzac Memorial as our state’s pre-eminent memorial and strengthens protections around it.

“Our government is committed to honouring our veterans and their families and this updated legislation sends a clear message to the community that any act to disrespect or damage to the memorial is totally unacceptable.

“These changes come thanks to extensive consultation with key stakeholders Their input has been instrumental in shaping a modern, practical, legislative framework that reflects the Memorial’s enduring significance in the modern context.”

The NSW Liberal Party congratulates the newly elected leader of the Parliamentary Party Kellie Sloane.
 
Chairman of the NSW Liberal Party Management Committee, Nick Greiner, welcomed Kellie’s unanimous election as the NSW Leader, to set the Party on a course for victory at the 2027 state election.
 
“I congratulate Kellie on her election. She has aways been driven by community service – from her almost 20 years in journalism to her work as the National CEO of Life Education – striving to deliver real change for our community.
 
“Liberal Party members across the state are behind Kellie, as the parliamentary and volunteer wings of our Party work together towards a Liberal election victory that will deliver a thriving NSW.
 
“Now is the time for a unified approach behind Kellie and Natalie Ward to ensure the Party looks outward and forward as an alternative government with a laser focus on winning in 2027.”