Labor hides $5b of defence cuts and accounting tricks in defence strategy

Defence Minister Richard Marles must come clean on his accounting trickery with a radical new measure of defence spending, as well as his $5 billion of secret cuts.

In today’s National Press Club Speech, the Defence Minister obscured more than he revealed.

Australia faces the most dangerous strategic environment since the Second World War, yet two years on from the last National Defence Strategy and the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, the Albanese government refuses to meaningfully increase defence spending and instead has chosen to hide behind accounting tricks.

Historically Australia has used one way of measuring defence spending as a share of GDP, which excluded military pensions and other expenditure. Now when the pressure is on, Labor are changing the rule book to suit their narrative. Accounting tricks don’t make Australians safer.

Only immediate real increases in defence spending will put tangible capability into the hands of war fighters to protect our country.

Anything less is an insult to the men and women serving in uniform and fails to heed the lessons of Ukraine and Iran.

What we do not need is $5 billion of secret cuts to defence capability. The government must come clean with the Australian people and explain what capabilities will be cut, in addition to their previous cuts to infantry fighting vehicles, self-propelled Howitzers, F-35s, Hunter class frigates and military communication satellites. Even reservists are having their days cut because Labor has failed to fund defence properly.

If Labor was really increasing defence spending these cuts would not be necessary.

The government must follow the expert advice of people like Sir Angus Houston and Professor Peter Dean and increase real defence spending to 3% of GDP to fund important future capability including AUKUS, without cannibalising the rest of the ADF.

Revitalisation of Shepherds Hill Cottage enters final stage

A new chapter in the history of Shepherds Hill Cottage is one step closer, with final touches underway to transform the 130-year-old building into a café with Newcastle’s most stunning views.

Work on the adaptive re-use of the former military mess hall atop King Edward Park has been underway since late 2025, transforming the site into a new hospitality space while maintaining its strong historic character.

Aerial view of Shepherds Hill CottageShepherds Hill Cottage has one of the best vantage points on Newcastle’s coastline.

Expected to open in coming months, Eddie’s at Shepherds Hill café will be helmed by local hospitality duo Noah Leonard and Blake Gontier, who bring experience from popular Hunter Valley venues Arthur’s Pantry, Mr O Wholefoods and Ronnie’s Pokolbin.

Chair of City of Newcastle’s Asset Advisory Committee Councillor Declan Clausen said exploring new uses for the site was an important way to keep it open and accessible for the community.

“Shepherds Hill is an iconic coastal landmark that has played an important role in the history of this city,” Cr Clausen said.

“This project has focused on highlighting the cottage’s historic character while bringing new life to the site, and it’s exciting to think the community will soon be able to enjoy the space and celebrate its heritage as part of everyday life.”

Acting Executive Director Corporate Services Kathleen Hyland said City of Newcastle is committed to protecting the State significant site.

“We understand the importance of preserving and enhancing places like Shepherds Hill Cottage to create ongoing connections between our city’s past and present,” Ms Hyland said.

“This is why City of Newcastle has invested more than $1 million into the careful restoration of the heritage-listed building, under the guidance of a specialist architect.

“Revitalising the cottage with the infrastructure needed for it reopen as a café and restaurant, while also highlighting its unique history with heritage interpretation signage, will ensure it remains an important, accessible part of Newcastle’s story for generations to come.”

Construction on the project is being overseen by a heritage consultant, who has helped guide work on the new dining space, commercial kitchen, amenities building and interpretive signage upgrades. 

This phase of the project is supported by a $465,000 grant from the NSW Government’s Crown Reserves Improvement Fund.

Noke Group Directors Noah Leonard and Blake Gontier said they want to create a space that feels warm, welcoming and accessible to the community.  

“Growing up in Newcastle, this project feels personal. We’ve spent a lot of time in and around this area, so being able to contribute something back to the community here means a lot to us,” Mr Leonard said.

“The heritage of Shepherds Hill Cottage has played an important role in shaping both the design of the space and the overall offering, and we wanted to create something that respects its history while making it part of everyday life again.”

Mr Gontier said Eddie’s is about keeping things simple and doing them well.

“Our focus has always been on consistency, making sure that no matter when someone visits, they know they’re going to get great service, great coffee, and a really considered experience,” Mr Gontier said.

“I cannot wait to show what our company is about and be proud of what we can create.”

State Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said the NSW Government was committed to supporting projects that provide enhanced public spaces for all members of the community. 

“Shepherds Hill Cottage is a much-loved Newcastle landmark. I know the community is keen to see it activated and open to the public,” Mr Crakanthorp said.

“It is great to see this project take another step closer to completion and unlocking the potential of this beautiful site.”

The 182sqm building sits at the mid-point on the popular Bathers Way coastal walk and has one of the best vantage points in Newcastle, with expansive views of the Pacific Ocean and the coastline from Port Stephens to Dudley. 

Shepherds Hill Cottage forms part of the Newcastle Recreation Reserve and Shepherds Hill Defence Group Military Installations precinct listed on the NSW Heritage Register. 

The Cottage, battery observation post and gun emplacement were originally designed to defend Newcastle’s burgeoning coal port, later serving as a command position throughout World War II. 

It is the only coastal defence site in Australia crewed simultaneously during World War II by the Royal Australian Navy, Army and Air Force.

Transport plugs into cheaper, greener network-wide power deal

New South Wales will save $130 million on its public transport network power bill after signing on to a $1.9 billion renewable energy contract over seven years.

The money saved will be directly invested back into frontline public transport services across the state.

This will provide a timely investment boost as surging petrol costs drive more people from their cars on to trains, metro, buses and light rail.

The switch over to renewable power will achieve significant emissions reductions, allowing Transport to avoid the equivalent of over 800,000 tonnes of CO2 each year compared to conventional power

This is the first time all public transport operations will be powered under a single supply deal.

Previously, agencies like Sydney Metro and Sydney Trains negotiated their own electricity supply contracts, but the consolidation of modes has given the Minns Labor Government the buying power to drive a better deal for NSW taxpayers.

Transport operations use almost as much power as all other NSW public sector agencies combined.

The successful bidder, Snowy Energy, the retail brand of Snowy Hydro, was awarded the contract following a robust two-year review and competitive tender process.

The renewable electricity that will be supplied under this new contract moves Transport one step closer to achieving its emissions reduction targets of reducing operational emissions by 65 per cent by 2030 and reaching net zero by 2035.

Across Australia, the transport sector is on track to become the largest source of emissions by 2030.

With the weekly fare caps, public transport is one of the most affordable and environmentally friendly ways to get around.

Adult fares are capped at $50 weekly, Concessions and Child/Youth at $25, and $2.50 daily cap for Senior/Pensioner travellers – meaning once you hit those caps, your trips are free.

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“Cost of living pressures are real for household and government budgets. This contract reduces costs and moves us towards better environmental outcomes while we deliver a reliable public transport network.

“Transport uses almost as much electricity as all other government agencies in NSW combined. It’s important we use our buying power responsibly and get the best possible deal for taxpayers, which is what we have achieved.

“We are planning for a sustainable future as our network continues to grow, with new Sydney Trains fleets, more metro services, thousands of emissions-free buses, and Light Rail across the city and Parramatta.

Transport for NSW Secretary Josh Murray said:

“This is the first time all public transport operations will be powered by the same electricity deal.

“Previously, agencies like Sydney Trains and Sydney Metro have been buying their electricity separately – this move consolidates those operations and costs.

“We’ve also been able to deliver significant reductions in energy demand through initiatives like rooftop solar at the new Sydney Trains’ Mortdale train maintenance facility and the Clyde engineering hub.

“At Mortdale alone, 2,000 solar panels have been installed, generating 1,317 Megawatt hours of clean renewable electricity and avoiding around 870 tonnes of carbon emissions per annum, while reducing the amount of electricity that needs to be bought from the grid.”

Snowy Hydro Chief Executive Officer Dennis Barnes said:

“The new contract with Transport for NSW indicates the demand for renewable energy solutions is growing at pace.

“There has been growing interest from businesses and government agencies across the country that are looking for innovative ways to decarbonise their operations.

“Transport for NSW is a large energy user and they are leading the way in their efforts to reduce emissions. We were able to provide a tailored approach that meets their unique needs and secures long-term renewable matched energy from sources such as the Uungula Wind Farm right here in NSW.”

Riverstone Town Centre future set for more homes and jobs

The Minns Labor Government is enabling the revitalisation of Riverstone Town Centre with the finalisation of a rezoning that could unlock up to 2,850 new homes, 1,200 jobs and a new main street.

The rezoning will deliver an improved flood resilient neighbourhood focusing housing growth close to the train station, while the northern end of the precinct will retain its low-scale character. 

The new controls will allow:

  • building heights between 2 and 15 storeys.
  • more employment land to support up to 1,200 jobs.
  • a new town centre with retail, dining and shopping areas.
  • upgraded public spaces and over 10 hectares of new or improved open space.
  • improved walking and cycling connections.

Crucially this rezoning will be supported by improvements to flood evacuation routes with the NSW and Australian Governments together investing $276 million to upgrade Garfield Road East and $720 million to upgrade nearby Richmond Road.

New open space, enhanced stormwater management, flood mitigation measures and new laneways will also improve flood safety and evacuation routes.

The final controls were adjusted to reflect further technical studies and community feedback. Key changes include reducing building heights east of Piccadilly Street, improved flood planning, and an expanded open space network.

The proposed homes in the precinct have been reduced from 3,600 to 3,400, including 550 existing homes, to assist with flood evacuation capacity.

The final plan has been developed closely with the NSW State Emergency Services and NSW Reconstruction Authority to consider flood risk, with a final flood planning level set close to a 1 in 500 chance per year flood event.

For more information, visit the NSW Planning Portal.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“This rezoning enables a pipeline of much needed new homes, jobs and an upgraded town centre for Riverstone, while mitigating flood risks.

“This is an important step forward for the Riverstone community which will boost flood resilience and enable the revitalisation of the town centre.

“I commend local MP Warren Kirby for his strong advocacy to achieve this great outcome for his community.”

Member for Riverstone Warren Kirby said:

“This rezoning delivers the vision for Riverstone that our community has been calling for over many years.

“I promised at the election that delivering a workable plan for Riverstone was one of my highest priorities, helping to unlock more homes and jobs while improving flood resilience in the town centre.

“We know parts of Riverstone are flood prone, it’s one of the major reasons previous plans were unviable, and these controls take that into consideration unlocking growth and the revitalisation of the town centre while keeping everyone safe.

“I’m proud of this new vision for Riverstone’s future which incorporates the key elements our community have highlighted as their priorities with improved shopping and dining, more places for community connection and greenspace as well as improved walking and cycle paths.

“I thank everyone who made a contribution to help us finalise the plan, the wait is finally over.”

Minns Labor Government targets home building quality and safety in the Hunter

A major joint operation between Building Commission NSW and SafeWork NSW in the Hunter Region aimed at monitoring building compliance, raising industry standards and identifying ways to better support the area’s growing number of local builders has now wrapped up.

During March, staff from both agencies visited several building sites in the region, connected with local educational facilities, and visited TAFE NSW Maitland.

In the lead up to the Hunter visit, Building Commission NSW inspectors visited 36 sites, resulting in the issuing of 18 Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) worth a total of $12,000.

The top offences inspectors identified during the pre-blitz inspections related to unlicensed work, with 11 PINs being issued to contractors for the offence.

Positively, no building orders were issued, with any problems identified either fixed or in the process of being rectified. Two penalty notices were issued for unlicenced contracting as well as a fine for no builder’s signage.

Meanwhile, SafeWork NSW inspectors visited 27 worksites across the region to ensure businesses are protecting workers from the risks of falling from heights and being struck by falling objects and mobile plant. There were 57 improvement notices and five prohibition notices issued.

Several worksites had inadequate site security, with gaps in fences allowing unauthorised persons to enter the site. This can expose them to hazards and risks. There were also sites with inadequate or missing signage listing the contact details of the principal contractor, as well as sites which did not have toilets or handwashing facilities.

During the Hunter Region visit, Building Commission NSW also visited local high schools for the first time, connecting with students at Rutherford Technology High School and Hunter Trade College. Building Commission NSW staff shared their industry experience and career pathways with around 105 students

Building Commission NSW staff, along with NSW Building Commissioner James Sherrard, also visited the TAFE NSW Maitland campus where they connected with around 100 students currently learning the ropes of their trade.

Community pop up events were also held at Charlestown Square where Building Commission NSW staff spoke with locals in a free, accessible and welcoming environment, designed to help navigate building-related concerns.

For more information on how to manage the risks of working at heights, mobile plant safety and how to how to manage psychosocial risks in construction, visit the SafeWork NSW website at: https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/your-industry/construction.  

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:

“The Hunter builds this state and there’s no excuse for cutting corners. This roadshow was about being on the ground, working directly with builders to lift quality and ensure compliance across the board.

“In the Hunter, we back our workers and that means zero tolerance for unsafe sites. Every worker deserves to walk off the job in the same condition they walked on and anything less is unacceptable.

“This wasn’t just about enforcement – it was about education and support. By working with local builders, apprentices and training providers, we’re helping set the Hunter up with a strong, skilled and compliant workforce for the future.”

Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said:

“While most businesses are doing the right thing there are still too many not adhering to work health and safety regulations, particularly relating to working at heights.

“A fall from as little as two metres can cause catastrophic injury or even death.

“The NSW Government has a zero-tolerance approach to workers lives being placed at risk and SafeWork inspectors can and will issue on the spot fines for serious safety breaches, as well as stopping work from happening on site.

“Every worker has the right to return home safely, and these inspections are about raising industry standards and ensuring building compliance to ensure the safety of workers.”

Minister for Building Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“It’s great to see the Hunter community engaging with Building Commission NSW to lift standards and boost consumer confidence across the region.

“Since Building Commission NSW was established as the dedicated regulator in 2023, it has prioritised work like this to help boost consumer confidence in the sector in every corner of NSW.

“With over 700 active construction sites and an estimated 17,000 license holders in the region, there has never been a more important time to support local practitioners in their work to build a better NSW.”

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said:

“Connecting TAFE NSW students directly with industry regulators gives them a clear understanding of the standards expected on the job from day one.

“With demand for skilled workers continuing to grow, initiatives like this are an important part of building a strong pipeline of qualified tradies in regions like the Hunter.”

NSW Building Commissioner James Sherrard said:

“It was a pleasure to get out to the Hunter to connect with so many outstanding local tradies and community members, who are doing an incredible job continuing to build this region.

“While we are generally pleased with the results from our recent inspections, the number of unlicensed workers is a concern, and something our inspectors will be cracking down on statewide.”

SafeWork Commissioner Janet Schorer:

“While most businesses are doing the right thing and we are seeing improvements in worksite safety, there are still areas for improvement.

“Findings indicate that building companies in the Hunter need to focus on ensuring any work at heights is being undertaken safely, sites are properly fenced, pits covered, scaffolding maintained and plant and equipment secured at the end of the day. There is no excuse for unsafe practices on construction sites.”

$5.45 million awarded to NSW surf clubs

The Minns Labor Government has awarded $5.45 million to NSW Surf Life Saving Clubs through the Surf Club Facility Program.

Grants up to $1 million were available across three categories for projects that upgrade, restore or construct surf life saving facilities to ensure they stay modern, inclusive and accessible.

This year’s program included grants for design and planning, ensuring surf club projects are supported from concept to completion.

Projects that encourage participation by women and girls, people with disability, First Nations peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and LGBTQIA+ are a priority of the Program.

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper joined surf life savers at Wanda Surf Life Saving Club to announce the club was among 61 projects to receive funding through the Program.

The club received $782,588 towards its $1.18 million redevelopment project which includes upgrades to amenities, gym, kitchen and multipurpose areas.

Other clubs to receive funding include North Narrabeen which received $600,000 for upgrades to the club hall, café, storage and training areas, and Salt Surf Life Saving Club which received $345,345 for upgrades to the club’s kitchen, deck and bar.

For further information and the list if recipients visit: https://www.sport.nsw.gov.au/grants/surf-club-facility-program

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

“The Surf Club Facility Program provides critical funding to our surf life saving clubs to enable them to better protect beachgoers.

“The awarding of $5.45 million for 61 projects is part of our four-year $21.6 million commitment to ensure our Surf Life Saving Clubs are modern, safe and inclusive.

“Wanda Surf Life Saving Club’s redevelopment project will support lifesaving, unite members and strengthen community connections.

“Once completed, these 61 projects will ensure our surf life saving clubs can continue to deliver a world-class service and keep our beaches safe.

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“Surf Life Saving volunteers play a vital role in keeping people safe right along the NSW coastline, and the NSW Government is backing them with record investment.

“This $5.4 million in upgrades will ensure surf life savers have the resources they need to protect beachgoers when the next patrol season begins.

“Combined with new and upgraded equipment, including Emergency Response Beacons, this investment means our volunteers are better equipped than ever with modern, reliable and safe gear to continue their incredible work.”

Chief Operating Officer of Surf Life Saving NSW Phil Ayres said:

“Across NSW there are 129 surf clubs that are pillars of safety within their communities, sustained by a growing volunteer membership of over 85,000.

“The NSW Government’s support through the Surf Club Facilities Program will assist more than a third of our clubs, through 61 individual projects in 2026, to remain fit for purpose and give our volunteer lifesavers the facilities they need to ensure they can be rescue ready should the worst happen on our coastline.

“Not only this, but the funding from this Program delivers safe, secure, and accessible facilities for members and the communities that they protect.”

Progress on missing links for Sydney’s longest walk

Sydney is a step closer to being the best walking city in the world, with new funding allocated for missing links of the  91km Parramatta to Sydney Foreshore Link, and the start of consultation on a NSW Walking Strategy.  

The 91km long route will connect Parramatta Park to the Opera House and Botanical Gardens. 68km of the walk is already accessible via shared pathways, while 23 km of missing links require planning and construction.  

The Minns Labor Government is investing $4.5 million to complete four missing links in the Canada Bay local government area:  

  • New and upgraded shared paths, lighting, and raised crossings connecting Allison Park, Campbell Park and Lysaght Park in Chiswick.
  • Upgraded path, lighting and a new raised crossing at Wire Mill Reserve in Chiswick.
  • New shared pathways and lighting at Shadrack Shaw Reserve, Concord will improve the link between Majors Bay Reserve and the Mortlake and Breakfast Point peninsulas.
  • Improved access to the Bay Run with one raised shared crossing with upgraded street lighting at Timbrell Drive and two extra raised pedestrian crossings and street lighting on Henley Marine Drive near Millar Street and Nield Park.   

The 3.5 metre wide shared pathways will be delivered by the City of Canada Bay Council who will deliver the projects, with a construction tender to be released in the coming months.  

$2.36 million of work on missing links in the City of Parramatta has already commenced, with improved lighting and a raised pedestrian and cyclist crossing on Brodie Street in Rydalmere and construction nearing completion for a new shared pathway along George Street East in Parramatta, through Queens Wharf. The Bennelong Parkway Bridge and Connecting Paths will start construction in mid-2026.  

$8.23 million has been invested in planning and design along the foreshore which has informed current projects and future stages of foreshore upgrades.

The Parramatta to Sydney Foreshore Link will build on an increasing number of dedicated walks throughout Sydney including the 80km Bondi to Manly walk that was opened in 2019 and the recent opening of the 6km GreenWay which connects the Cooks River Trail, Earlwood with the Bay Run in Haberfield.

To improve the way government and councils plan, fund and design public spaces to encourage walking, the Minns Labor Government is releasing the Walkable NSW Issues Paper, launching a consultation that will inform the development of NSW’s first ever Walking Strategy.  

Further updates on the Parramatta to Sydney Foreshore Link will be shared soon, as Transport for NSW continues to work closely with local councils, to inform the design and delivery of the next priority connections.  

Click here to see the Walkable NSW Discussion Paper.  
 
Minister for Transport John Graham said:  

“The success of the GreenWay and the Bondi to Manly walks, gives you a sense of what’s possible given our incredible geography and exercise culture.  

“Walking is the most popular form of transport in NSW, so it makes sense that we take a strategic approach to maximise our potential as a walking city.  

“The walking strategy will help state government and local councils do a better job of planning, funding and designing our streets and places in a way that encourages walking. We’re starting by asking the community what’s most important.”  

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:  

“This 91km connection will link a number of Sydney’s world class public spaces and encourage more people to get active and explore parts of the city on foot.  

“The new connections across the Inner West will complement plans for a new swim spot along the Bay Run and add to the work we’re already doing at Blackwattle Bay to complete the missing link in the 15-kilometre foreshore walk from Rozelle Bay to Woolloomooloo.”  

Parliamentary Secretary for Transport Dr Marjorie O’Neill said:  

“Whether its locals getting some exercise or international tourists in awe of our city, we have some of the most stunning urban walks in the world, we just need to connect them better.  

“These vital links in Canada Bay are crucial to the ongoing work of connecting this incredible walk.  

“We thank the Canada Bay Council for their work in delivering these projects to connect the existing walking paths along their part of the foreshore walk.”  

Mayor of the City of Canada Bay Michael Megna said:

“We are looking forward to delivering the first new connections of the 91km Parramatta to Sydney Foreshore Link following close consultation with our community.

“This project will bring to life our commitment to a fully-connected, accessible foreshore, as well as open up more opportunities for active transport across the City.”

Australia PGA Championship to tee off in NSW for first time in almost 30 years

The Minns Labor Government continues to turbocharge the state’s visitor economy, announcing today that it has partnered with the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) of Australia to secure the historic return of the Australian PGA Championship to NSW for the first time since 1998.

The 2026 BMW Australian PGA Championship will tee off from 26-29 November at The Lakes Golf Club in Sydney, which last hosted the tournament in 1987, becoming the latest major international sporting event to find a home in NSW.

The Lakes Golf Club has a proud history of hosting Australian golf majors, including the 1964 Australian Open won by the legendary Jack Nicklaus and most recently the 2023 Australian Open, demonstrating its capability to deliver a major international golf tournament.

This year’s Australian PGA Championship promises to be another outstanding display of golf that will not only attract the world’s best golfers, but also golf fans from across the nation and around the globe, highlighting Sydney’s reputation as one of the world’s great stages for major international sporting events and providing a significant boost to the NSW visitor economy.

Hosting the Australian PGA Championship in Sydney is estimated will attract around 15,000 visitors to the city, injecting more than $10 million into the state’s visitor economy. This adds to a growing list of 35 major sporting events secured for NSW in 2026 that are projected to attract around 295,000 visitors and inject more than $285 million into the NSW visitor economy.

Sports tourism is booming, with the World Economic Forum recently highlighting it as the fastest-growing segment of the global tourism industry.  

In 2025, sports tourism accounted for 10 per cent of global travel expenditure, with revenues growing at a compound annual rate of 28 per cent since 2020, above the 22 per cent growth seen across all tourism.

The Australian PGA Championship joins an unrivalled list of major sporting events for NSW in 2026, including Men’s and Women’s State of Origin, Tottenham versus Chelsea in the Sydney Super Cup, NRL & NRLW Grand Finals, Bledisloe Cup, Bathurst 1000, Rugby League World Cup, and TCS Sydney Marathon World Major, showcasing NSW as the nation’s home of major sporting event experiences.

Minister for Sport and Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said:

“The Minns Labor Government is thrilled to be partnering with the PGA of Australia to bring the nation’s most prestigious golf tournament back to Sydney for the first time in almost three decades.

“We can’t wait to welcome some of the best golfers on the planet for the Australian PGA Championship in November at The Lakes, one of our country’s most iconic golf courses.  

“This is a fantastic coup for our local golf-loving community. But most importantly it will provide a significant boost to the NSW visitor economy, attracting thousands of visiting fans, players and officials.

CEO of the PGA of Australia and the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia Gavin Kirkman said:  

“We are delighted to have the opportunity to partner with the NSW Government in bringing the BMW Australian PGA Championship back to Sydney.

“The city is synonymous with world-class sporting events and we are thrilled that we are able to return to The Lakes Golf Club. The venue has a rich history in hosting Challenger

PGA Tour of Australasia events, so we know we are in for a warm welcome in November.” 

Additional NSW Ambulance paramedics for Yass community

The Southern Tablelands is set to benefit from a boost to frontline emergency care, with an additional six paramedics starting work in the community from tomorrow.

These additional paramedics will be based at Yass Ambulance Station and will deliver emergency and out-of-hospital care across the Southern Tablelands as part of NSW Ambulance’s highly mobile workforce.

This increase in clinical staffing forms part of the NSW Government’s commitment to deliver 500 additional paramedics to rural, regional and remote areas.

The cohort is part of the third intake of 125 paramedics working across regional NSW as part of the regional 500 initiative. They join 125 paramedics who commenced across the state last year, and another 125 who began work in 2024. Under this initiative, an additional 41 paramedics are now working across the southern NSW region.

The Minns Labor Government will continue to roll out the additional 500 paramedics for regional NSW next year, with future locations determined through NSW Ambulance’s evidence-based, best practice service and workforce planning, as well as consultation with staff and the Health Services Union.

Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park: 

“The Minns Labor Government is continuing to strengthen emergency health services in regional communities by delivering more paramedics for the frontline.

“These extra six paramedics in Yass will provide much-needed support and help ensure the local community receives optimal care when they need it most.

“The Coalition criticised the Government for hiring too many health workers, but we know that recruiting additional paramedics will allow the local community to continue benefitting from timely, high‑quality care.”

Labor Spokesperson for Goulburn, Bob Nanva, MLC:

“Six additional paramedics at Yass will strengthen frontline healthcare for patients throughout the Southern Tablelands.”

“Growing the ambulance workforce is improving access to emergency care across regional and rural NSW.”

NSW Ambulance Interim Chief Executive Clare Beech:  

“Boosting the paramedic workforce at Yass will strengthen our ability to respond to emergencies and provide enhanced support to teams across regional NSW.

“As demand for ambulance services continues to increase, these extra resources will help ensure we maintain a high standard of care for the community.”

Catley must come clean on Fairfield policing

Minister for Police and Counter Terrorism, Yasmin Catley, has been caught out misleading the public as part of a political stoush with Fairfield Mayor Frank Carbone over policing in the Fairfield Local Area Command. 
 
On Monday, Minister Catley told 702 ABC Sydney Breakfast that local police were not aware of, or involved in, a decision to fence off Fairfield’s Crescent Plaza in response to ongoing violence and anti-social behaviour. 
 
The Minister also called the Mayor’s claim that police in Fairfield were under resourced “absolute garbage” and pointed to 64 recruits being allocated to the Fairfield area on her watch. 
 
However, this morning on 2GB, Mayor Carbone called out the Minister, pointing to multiple emails showing local police were engaged with council and were aware of the decision to fence off Crescent Plaza well in advance. 
 
Mayor Carbone also pointed to analysis which shows police numbers in the Fairfield Local Area Command have fallen from 290 officers in 2021 to just 221 in 2025, a loss of 69 officers while the local population has only grown. 
 
Shadow Minister for Police and Counter-Terrorism, Anthony Roberts, said the Minister must come clean and owes both Mayor Carbone and the Fairfield community an apology. 
 
“Minister Catley has been caught out here and needs to front up and apologise for misleading the public,” Mr Roberts said. 
 
“The reality is police numbers are going backwards in Fairfield and across Western Sydney, and the Minister needs to stop pretending otherwise.” 
 
“This is about community safety. You cannot have fewer officers, a growing population, and claim everything is fine when people’s real experience is that crime is only getting worse.” 
 
Mr Roberts also pointed to broader concerns about police resourcing in the area. 
 
“Under this Minister, key local resources have been scaled back, including the reduction of operating hours at Weatherill Park Police Station from 24 hours to 12 hours.” 
 
“The people of Fairfield deserve honesty, accountability, and proper police resourcing, not blame games from an underperforming Minister.”