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Australian Greens thank outgoing ACTU leaders for their service to working people

The Australian Greens thank Sally McManus and Michele O’Neil for their years of leadership and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of working Australians and to pushing for progressive reform.

Their tenure saw the ACTU lead the union movement in fearlessly advocating for workers, helping build campaigns that delivered real improvements to wages, rights, and workplace protections.

The Greens have proudly worked alongside the ACTU and the unions they represent to move the government and secure:

Lines attributable to Leader of the Australian Greens, Larissa Waters:

“Sally McManus and Michele O’Neil have been strong voices for workers who led the union movement with courage, principle and compassion. They have been a powerful duo for almost a decade, and I’m so proud to have had two strong women leading the union movement.

“The Greens are proud to have worked alongside the ACTU to stop governments putting the interests of big corporations ahead of people’s rights at work.

“We also proudly worked together on campaigns that changed lives, and remain very close to my heart. Extending Paid Parental Leave to 26 weeks and the inclusion of super, paid family and domestic violence leave, legislating a positive duty to prevent workplace sexual harassment and discrimination, and supporting the ECEC and aged care worker pay rises have all left women and all Australian workers better off.

“The union movement is strongest when it is bold, independent and willing to put workers’ rights ahead of vested interests. Sally and Michele have embodied that spirit in their leadership pushing the Albanese Labor government to implement a minimum 25% tax on gas exports and for action to address the housing crisis.

“We are entering what could be the most challenging period for Australian workers in recent history. Workers are producing more wealth than ever before but corporate profits increasingly eat into their share of the pie, and AI threatens to widen this gap even further.

“It will be the task of the ACTU’s new leadership to hold governments to account, demand a good living for workers and refuse to allow political parties to tinker and capitulate to vested interests.

The Greens look forward to continuing our productive relationship with the ACTU under its future leadership, and wish Sally and Michele a wonderful next chapter after their incredible leadership.”

Australian Greens spokesperson for finance, employment and workplace relations, Senator Barbara Pocock:

“Sally McManus and Michele O’Neil leave behind a powerful legacy. They have fought hard to improve job security and address low pay. Their leadership has helped narrow the gender pay gap.

“They have led with conviction and set the stage for the next generation of strong union leaders.

“Personally, I have long admired their shared, steadfast commitment to collective solidarity, the principled way they have undertaken their leadership alongside each other, and especially their efforts to protect workers during COVID.”

Albanese must disarm secret divorce, Death Tax land mines, deliver repeal of Widows Tax

“Anthony Albanese’s hidden divorce and death tax that secretly passed the Parliament should be scrapped immediately, just like he committed to repeal his secret widow’s tax”, said Shadow Treasurer, Tim Wilson.

Mr Wilson’s comments follow reports in the Sunday Telegraph / Herald Sun that grieving and vulnerable families will be hit with a hefty capital gains tax bill on the death of a loved one or at the point of a divorce without their assets ever being sold.

“Anthony Albanese’s Budget was full of hidden tax landmines for small businesses and families, and now families grieving from deaths and divorces are being targeted. Every time one of Anthony Albanese’ tax landmines detonates it is everyday Australians who are its target”, Mr Wilson said.

“First, it was a death tax on family trusts, then a widow’s tax, and now we learn CGT can be triggered on death or divorce that are currently exempt, and even when a property is never sold”.

“Tax experts have called the legislation ‘extraordinary’, and warned Treasury the drafting could lead to their divorce and death tax being hard for grieving clients to avoid”.

“The Albanese government’s Budget has been an unfolding trainwreck of shoddy measures and tax grabs, with everyday Australians who work hard targeted”.

“The Albanese government has said its secret divorce and death tax is “under review”. That is code that they thought they could sneak a divorce and death tax through, they got caught, and now they’re trying to disarm the landmine they laid”.

“That’s the same excuse we heard on the widow’s tax, before Labor was humiliated into repealing it within hours of being exposed”.

“Anthony Albanese must come clean, and scrap his secret death and divorce tax immediately”, Mr Wilson said.

Wallsend set for tree change to support wildlife and reduce urban heat

More than 160 staff from City of Newcastle and Hunter New England Health have joined forces to plant a community tiny forest in Wallsend as part of a $500,000 project.

The creation of this tiny forest will be one of two covering an area of 1,185m2 at Collier Street Park as part of the Greening Wallsend initiative, which will also add hundreds of new trees and biodiverse street gardens to the suburb.

Tony forest planting in Wallsend Cr Elizabeth Adamczyk and Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery join staff from City of Newcastle, Hunter New England Health, The Groundswell Collective and NSW Ambulance to plant a community tiny forest at Collier Street Park.

City of Newcastle Executive Manager Environment and Sustainability Marnie Kikken said the project will deliver a mix of innovative, urban greening solutions.

“Wallsend experiences significant urban heat, biodiversity gaps and declining private vegetation cover,” Ms Kikken said.

“This project will deliver 150 new street trees and 70 new park trees at locations such as Whitegates Reserve, a further community planting opportunity at Neals Park, as well as almost 3000m² of biodiverse road verge gardens adjacent to the western corridor road upgrades.

“We started this project by involving local students on Schools Tree Day on Friday and had overwhelming support from the community on National Tree Day, with more than 250 people attending to plant trees, learn about local biodiversity and participate in a range of guided walks.

“The urban forest improves the health of residents by improving air quality and providing a buffer to heat sources, including major roads, while also supporting mental wellbeing and enhancing the liveability of the area.”

The project aims to enhance Newcastle’s urban forest by creating connected canopy cover and vegetation for iconic, threatened and pollinator species including the squirrel glider, while the increase in vegetation will also provide more shade and help to reduce urban heat.

City of Newcastle has partnered with local not-for-profit The Groundswell Collective to plan, deliver and monitor the community tiny forests in Collier Street Park.

Hunter New England Health’s Alana Stoeger said the new Community Tiny Forests near the Wallsend campus will have a positive impact on both residents and staff.

“Extreme heat is a well-documented driver of poorer health outcomes, particularly for vulnerable populations,” Ms Stoeger said.

“Increasing canopy cover will directly reduce that heat island effect and the associated risk of heat related illness while creating green space for nature-based, culturally responsive health interventions that support physical and mental wellbeing.

“This partnership between City of Newcastle, The Groundswell Collective and HNELHD reflects a growing recognition of the inextricable link between human health and planetary health.”

The project is supported by $400,000 from the NSW Government’s Greening our City Grants.

Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery said this is the first time this type of funding has been extended beyond Sydney councils.

“I’m very pleased to see NSW Government funding contribute to more tree planting from City of Newcastle in the Wallsend electorate,” Ms Hornery said.

“These trees will contribute to shading, improve air quality and reduce urban heat, all while contributing to a more aesthetic environment.”

Once they mature, the trees planted during this project are expected to increase canopy cover in Wallsend by almost 13,000m², contributing to City of Newcastle’s targets of 30% canopy cover within road reserves and 40% canopy cover in open space across the city by 2045.

City of Newcastle celebrates six decades of safety

A program that has educated more than 800,000 participants on the importance of water safety made a splash at Hamilton North Public School today to celebrate its 60^th anniversary.

Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz, City of Newcastle lifeguards and students from Hamilton North Public School celebrate 60 years of the Water Safety Education ProgramCity of Newcastle’s free Water Safety Education Program began in 1966 with beach inspectors John Young and Kevin Mongan teaching children about safe surf practices and beach behaviour.

Six decades later, the comprehensive eight-week program also includes advice on locations such as pools and open bodies of water, with lifeguards visiting 50 schools across the Newcastle each year to help kids stay prepared, feel confident and be safe.

City of Newcastle lifeguard Sam Biddle said the program has made an impact on generations of Novocastrians.

“I took part in the program as a student and have now been part of its delivery for more than 10 years,” Mr Biddle said.

“We run the program over eight weeks in Term 3 so children in Newcastle are well-prepared for the popular spring and summer swimming seasons.

“By actively engaging children and empowering them with the knowledge to keep them safe, we hope to prevent drownings, accidents and minimise children getting into dangerous situations around water.”

According to Surf Life Saving Australia’s 2025/26 Summer Report, 50 coastal drowning deaths were recorded across the country, with the majority occurring in regional and remote locations.

City of Newcastle’s Acting Executive Manager Community and Recreation Donna McGovern said these swimming spots are typically unsupervised and hard to reach with emergency response services.

“Our lifeguards do an incredible job, but the community also needs to reduce risk-taking behaviour and make safer choices when visiting the coast,” Ms McGovern said.

“Surf Life Saving Australia data shows that 66% of coastal drowning deaths occurred more than one kilometre from a patrolled location, reinforcing the importance of teaching children and young people the skills they need to stay safe at the beach.

“City of Newcastle lifeguards use extensive on-the-job experience and knowledge to educate children about water safety in a fun, smart and interactive way, committing more than 700 hours each year to this program.

“They’re also dedicated to water safety education every day, consistently engaging with the community to promote key messages.”

Water Safety Education Program at Hamilton North Public School Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz said the program is vital for Newcastle’s changing demographic and increasing population.

“A lot of new citizens move to Newcastle because of its stunning coastline, but they are often disproportionately represented in drowning statistics,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.

“This program seeks to interactively educate every child about water safety and covers the beach, pools and open bodies of water such as rivers, lakes and dams.

“Educating our young people empowers them to transfer water safety knowledge to their families, turning students into instructors and creating a powerful cycle of learning.”

Easy access to public transport discounts for 800,000 seniors

From today pensioners and senior public transport users will no longer have to carry their physical Gold Opal card to access $2.50 capped daily fares or their weekly fare cap, with the Opal 2.0 upgrades now allowing them to tap on with their bank card, phone or smart watch.

Passengers can still use their physical cards if they choose, but can now access the new digital option by opening a Transport Connect account online, adding their Seniors or Pensioner Concession card details and linking it to a credit or debit card.

Impacting up to 800,000 public transport users, this Opal upgrade brings senior passengers into line with other concession passengers, who started accessing these upgrades from mid-April when the rollout began with students, apprentices and job seekers.

Over the past three months, almost 8,000 concession holders have signed up, with Transport for NSW modelling predicting between 30-40 per cent of seniors and pensioners will switch to contactless payments over time.

This upgrade is the first stage of the rollout of Opal 2.0, an overhaul of the NSW public transport ticketing system, which will display real-time information on public transport services including screens on buses for the first time, real-time bus tracking and patronage, a new improved Opal app, improved integrated event ticketing technology and digital Opal cards that can be added to your device.

Opal 2.0 will also see 25,000 new Opal readers installed across rail, metro, bus, light rail and ferries, replacing the familiar machines passengers have “tapped on” to for more than a decade and have now reached their end of life.

With Opal 2.0 contracts now signed, detailed design of the new Opal ticketing and bus technology systems is progressing.

The Minns Labor Government is helping families with the cost of transport to help ease some of the pressure on household budgets.

The weekly toll cap has been lowered to $50 for 12 months and toll admin fees – which cost motorists $60 million last year – have been scrapped.

We’ve also taken $100 off the cost of rego for privately owned vehicles.

Opal fare increases have also been frozen for the next 12 months to help people with the cost of public transport.

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“This is a great win for hundreds of thousands of Gold Opal travellers who can now access their travel discounts with a swipe of their phone.

“Just because someone’s over 60, it doesn’t mean they don’t embrace new technology. Now concession holders of all ages can access cheap transport fares without having to carry their physical Opal card.

“We also know many of our Gold Opal card holders love using the physical card – and we want to assure them that it isn’t going anywhere.

“Our senior public transport passengers are our biggest group of concession holders by far, so it’s great we’ve been able extend this new technology to them.”

Minister for Seniors Jodie Harrison said:

“Public transport is a vital service for seniors, helping them to independently travel in a way that is safe, affordable, and accessible.

“This is about making it easier for them to tap on and tap off like everyone else but still be able to access their seniors concession fares of $2.50 a day, and pay no more than $17.50 per week.

“With more Gold Opal passengers using the network than ever before, this exciting upgrade means they now can enjoy the convenience of contactless payments using their bank card, phone, or smart watch and keep their cheap fares.

“I’d encourage seniors to sign up, or ask family or friends to help you, so that even if you don’t have your physical card, you won’t have to forego your discount.”

Transport for NSW Secretary Josh Murray said:

“This is another step forward in the evolution of Opal, delivering advanced contactless payment options and discounts for one of our most important passenger groups.

“It means 970,000 passengers including tertiary and TAFE students, trainees and apprentices and now seniors and pensioners can now tap into the ease of Contactless Concessions and ditch their physical Opal card if that suits them.

“We know seniors and pensioners are enthusiastic patrons of the Opal network and while everyone retains the choice to stick with a physical plastic Opal card, we expect this group to be the latest to switch to digital payments in strong numbers.”

Retired insurance professional Chris Grant said:

“I find myself leaving the house with my wallet less and less these days, and paying for things using the credit card on my phone more and more.

“I even forgot to take my wallet and my Gold Opal card with me the last time I travelled on public transport, which meant I had to pay full fare, so I’ll definitely be using this contactless option from now on.”

Retired medical researcher Cate Green said:

“One day I saw a young woman tap an Opal reader with her smart watch and thought: ‘I’d like to do that!

“I spoke to the stationmaster because I’ve got a smart watch too and he told me I couldn’t do so with a Gold Opal card, which was disappointing – so I’m really happy that I can do that now.”

Hospitality roadshow arrives in Canterbury Bankstown

Hospitality venue operators in Canterbury Bankstown can access regulatory guidance, business support and industry updates through the NSW Government’s Hospitality and Racing Regulatory Roadshow.

The NSW Government’s Hospitality and Racing Regulatory Roadshow is hitting Canterbury Bankstown today with a renewed focus to enable on-the-ground support for local venues through the Hospitality Concierge.

Now in its fourth year, the Roadshow will be held at the Canterbury Leagues Club from 9.30am-12.30pm.

The event that brings venue operators, licensees, industry representatives and community leaders together with senior executives from Liquor & Gaming NSW and the Office of Responsible Gambling for information sessions about licensing, compliance, upcoming policy developments and industry support.

Attendees will hear about key regulatory developments, emerging hospitality and gaming trends, and practical initiatives to support compliance, safety and business growth.

Also in attendance is the Hospitality Concierge, the Government’s dedicated, tailored support service for licensed venue operators, helping them understand regulatory requirements, access government support and make the most of new opportunities.

Other support services showcased at the session include:

guidance on licensing and compliance requirements,
advice on incentives supporting live music and extended trading,
insights into the Liquor & Gaming NSW 2026 Regulatory Priorities, and
connections to local Liquor Accords and industry support services.

Information stalls will give operators the opportunity to connect directly with teams across Hospitality and Racing and GambleAware service providers.

Following the Regulatory Roadshow, there is an opportunity to join the in-person ClubGRANTS session at 1.00pm covering key insights from the 2025 round, eligibility and assessment tips, reporting requirements, and preparing your 2026 return, followed by a Q&A session.

The Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner will also be hosting an interactive session on Special Entertainment Precincts at 1.00pm, highlighting opportunities for businesses to operate more flexibly and support a vibrant night-time economy.

As part of the visit, senior leaders from Hospitality and Racing will also meet with local councils, Aboriginal networks and community stakeholders to discuss local priorities and strengthen partnerships around alcohol-related harm minimisation, gambling harm reduction and venue sustainability.

The Canterbury Bankstown Roadshow follows successful visits to Griffith and Moree earlier this year, and Bega Valley, Broken Hill, Albury, the Central Coast and Ballina during 2025. Additional Roadshow events are planned for Deniliquin and Queanbeyan later this year.

For event details and to register visit Canterbury Bankstown Regulatory Roadshow.

To find out how the Hospitality Concierge can help your licensed business visit Contact the Hospitality Concierge.

To register or find information about the ClubGRANTS session visit ClubGRANTS Scheme Information Session for Registered Clubs Canterbury Bankstown.

For information about the Special Entertainment Precincts session visit Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner Special Entertainment Precincts information session.

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said:

“It’s wonderful to bring the Regulatory Roadshow to the vibrant hospitality area that is Canterbury Bankstown.

“The Roadshow reflects the NSW Government’s commitment to working closely with the hospitality sector and ensuring venue operators have access to the broad range of support, information and services available to them.

“Hospitality businesses play a key role in local economies and communities like those in Canterbury Bankstown, including helping shape the character and identity of these places.

“By bringing government agencies, industry experts and local stakeholders together, the Roadshow helps strengthen relationships and supports a more vibrant and sustainable hospitality sector.”

Member for Canterbury Sophie Cotsis said:

“Canterbury is a wonderful multicultural hub that’s bursting with amazing eateries and venue-packed entertainment strips making it the perfect location for the Regulatory Roadshow.

“The Roadshow is a fantastic opportunity for local venue operators to get face-to-face with industry experts to source all the information and support that’s on offer to help run their businesses even better.

“I encourage local venue operators to make the most of the great opportunity to not only soak up all the invaluable information on offer at the Roadshow but to also feedback with ideas and ways things could be done better.”

Australia’s first Blue Plaque Trail commemorates the 1965 Freedom Ride

Australia’s first Blue Plaque Trail has been unveiled to commemorate the 1965 Freedom Ride, a landmark civil rights journey that played an instrumental role in raising awareness of racial injustice and building momentum for reconciliation action in Australia.

Warning: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this media release contains the name of a person who has passed away.

In February 1965, a group of 30 students led by Dr Charles Perkins, travelled for two weeks by bus through regional NSW. Called the ‘Freedom Ride’, the journey brought national attention to discriminatory laws, practices and segregation, and pushed for greater equality and recognition for Aboriginal people.

Six newly unveiled Blue Plaques now mark significant locations along the original route, creating a Trail that invites visitors to retrace the journey and discover the stories, people and events that contributed to lasting social change.

Through interactive QR codes at each location, visitors can uncover the stories behind the 1965 Freedom Ride, ensuring the legacy of those who travelled the route in pursuit of equality continues to educate and inspire.

The new plaques join two existing Blue Plaques on the Trail, located at the Wayside Chapel on Gadigal Land in Sydney and Freedom Ride Memorial Park on Gomeroi Country in Walgett.

The Trail includes new plaques at:

Dubbo, Wiradjuri Country: Former Fire Station
Gulargambone, Weilwan Country: Two Eight Two Eight Information Centre
Moree, Kamilaroi Country: War Memorial Hall
Boggabilla, Bigambul and Gamilaraay Country: Leonard Victor Waters Memorial Park
Bowraville, Gumbaynggirr Country: Bowraville Theatre
Kempsey, Dunghutti Country: McElhone Swimming Complex

The Trail’s route was developed with the input of more than 100 community members and organisations, who helped identify the towns and significant locations to be recognised with Blue Plaques.

The 1965 Freedom Ride Blue Plaque Trail has been established by Heritage NSW.

For more information visit: environment.nsw.gov.au/blue-plaques

Minister for Heritage Penny Sharpe said:

“The 1965 Freedom Ride is one of the most significant civil rights events in our state’s history.

“NSW was profoundly changed because Aboriginal people and their allies spoke up against discrimination, and the Freedom Ride helped bring those injustices into the open.

“It’s never been more important to recognise the shoulders we stand on and the people who fought for change.”

Treasurer Daniel Moohkey said:

“Australia’s first Blue Plaque Trail means the public can follow in the footsteps of a movement that shaped NSW and our nation.

“The Freedom Ride will be visible, accessible and remembered from town to town, for generations to come.

“This trail connects visitors to places where important conversations about equality and justice unfolded.”

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:

“The NSW Government is committed to reconciliation and working in partnership with Aboriginal communities and organisations to close the gap and improve the lives and opportunities for Aboriginal people living in NSW.

“The Blue Plaques Trail acknowledges the courage, resilience and strength of the original Freedom Riders and all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples who, now and in the past, have led the way for racial equality in Australia.”

Garry Williams, Freedom Rider said:

“The late Charles Perkins and I, as the first Aboriginal students at Sydney University, were joined on the bus by about 30 other members of Student Action For Aborigines (SAFA).

“I am pleased that Australia’s first Blue Plaques Trail will commemorate the 1965 Freedom Ride that Sydney University students undertook to highlight the blatant discrimination and social injustice suffered by Aboriginal people in the towns and cities of NSW.

“I know that Aboriginal people in these towns are looking forward to seeing the Freedom Ride commemorated in this way.

“It is fitting that plaques along the trail will include Moree and Kempsey, where we demonstrated against the exclusion of Aboriginal children from swimming pools, Walgett, where we demonstrated against the exclusion of Aboriginal ex-servicemen from the RSL club, and Bowraville, in my home country, where we broke the colour bar in the local hotel.

I was able to join the bus in Bowraville and Kempsey. Following the Freedom Ride, I saw, in Sydney, an influx of young Aboriginal people from those areas who were now inspired by the actions of the Freedom Riders, and were more confident to come to the city.”

Charles Perkins Jr, Grandson of Charles Perkins said:

“The legacy of Dr. Charles Perkins and the Freedom Riders cannot be understated. Their revolutionary spirit lives on within every Australian, Indigenous or not.

“That momentous action to directly confront the racial discrimination and segregation in New South Wales gave courage and hope to Aboriginal people across Australia. It inspires us, as his direct family, to continue on in his spirit regardless of the obstacles that Aboriginal Australians still face.

“We are honoured that this history can be physically etched into the country where it took place. Undoubtedly, the recognition of the NSW Government through the fantastic Blue Plaques Program can give a small peace to the members of communities that the Freedom Ride inspired.”

Minns Labor Government backs NSW exporters to unlock new global opportunities

The Minns Labor Government is strengthening support for businesses in New South Wales to expand into international markets, launching a renewed suite of export programs designed to help local companies grow, create jobs and reach more customers around the world.

Exporting can be a game changer for local businesses – unlocking new customers, creating new revenue opportunities and building resilience through market diversification.

The programs support the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to growing the state’s international trade performance and ensuring NSW businesses are well positioned to capture opportunities across Asia, North America, Europe, the United Kingdom and the Middle East. They also seek to build momentum on Australia’s recent Free Trade Agreements with the European Union and the United Arab Emirates.

To help businesses seize these opportunities, the NSW Government is delivering targeted support at every phase of the export journey, from helping early stage businesses lay the groundworks to export, through to connecting established businesses with new customers, partners and buyers in international markets.

Export Capability Building Program (ECBP)

The refreshed Export Capability Building Program will deliver 13 workshops throughout 2026-27, providing businesses with structured guidance to assess export readiness, develop market entry strategies and build practical exporting skills.

Communities of Practice (CoP) for Exporters

Complementing this, a new Communities of Practice for Exporters will connect experienced exporters with businesses looking to expand internationally, creating industry-focused networks across agrifood, digital technology, and life sciences and healthcare.

Over four sessions, the program aims to connect more than 100 businesses through peer learning, mentoring and the sharing of market insights.

2026/27 Going Global Export Program (GGEP) and Going Global Trade Missions (GGTM)

Over 30 Going Global Export Programs and Going Global Trade Missions are planned for 2026/27, giving NSW businesses the opportunity to travel to key overseas markets, participate in international trade shows, meet prospective buyers and build valuable business connections.

Delivered by Investment NSW and in partnership with the Australian Government through Austrade’s Accessing New Markets Initiative, the programs are designed to help businesses expand their global footprint and turn export opportunities into commercial outcomes.

GGEPs support small and medium-sized businesses to enter new markets or diversify their export footprint through tailored market insights, expert advice and international business connections.

GGTMs support experienced and high-growth exporters to accelerate expansion into priority markets and pursue new commercial opportunities overseas.

The GGEPs and GGTMs will target key markets across Southeast Asia, North Asia, China, India, North America, UK, Europe and the Middle East, with opportunities spanning sectors including agrifood, digital technology, life sciences and healthcare, clean energy, manufacturing and mining equipment, technology and services (METS).

Together, these three initiatives support the NSW Trade and Investment Strategy, and align with the priorities of the NSW Industry Policy, helping businesses expand and diversify exports while driving economic growth across the state.

One business already benefiting from the NSW Government’s export support is Apollo Engineering, a Tamworth-based manufacturer of cleaning equipment for heavy machinery in the mining and transport industries.

After participating in an ECBP workshop in 2023, Apollo took part in a GGEP that connected the company with distributors in Indonesia. The business subsequently secured new distribution agreements, generating export sales and creating a strong pipeline for future growth.

Other businesses supported include:

Biointelect – NSW life sciences company that, with NSW Government support, expanded into the United States and Republic of Korea, building international partnerships and growing exports.

PowerStack – Wollongong-based clean energy technology company that secured export sales in the Middle East and expanded into global markets with support from the NSW Government.

Renovatio – Sydney health and wellness business that has grown into a multi-million-dollar exporter, expanding into the United States through major retail and distribution partnerships while creating demand for Australian-grown produce.

For more information on how the NSW Government is supporting businesses to export visit www.nsw.gov.au/business-and-economy/export-from-nsw.

Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“NSW businesses have world-class products, services and expertise, and the Minns Labor Government wants to see more of them competing – and winning – on the global stage.

“Strong exports create local jobs, drive investment in NSW and strengthen our economy, which is why we’re investing in practical support to help businesses expand into new international markets.

“The NSW Export Support Program 2026-27 delivers on our NSW Trade and Investment Strategy and complements the NSW Industry Policy by helping businesses reach new customers, enter new markets and grow their global footprint.

“In a rapidly changing global trading environment, diversifying export markets has never been more important. These programs will give NSW businesses the confidence, skills and connections they need to seize new opportunities and grow.”

Member for Wollongong Paul Scully said:

“PowerStack is a great example of the innovation and manufacturing capability we have here in the Illawarra.

“The NSW Government’s export support programs are helping businesses like PowerStack access new markets, grow their customer base and create new opportunities for local jobs.

“It’s fantastic to see an Illawarra company exporting world-leading clean energy technology and showcasing our region’s expertise on the global stage.”

Business Sydney Executive Director Paul Nicolaou said:

“NSW businesses have enormous potential to grow through exports, but success in international markets requires the right connections, insights and support.

“The NSW Export Support Program 2026-27 will help more businesses take advantage of global opportunities and strengthen New South Wales’ position as Australia’s leading trading state.

“We look forward to continuing to work with government and industry to support NSW businesses to grow their global footprint and strengthen the state’s trade performance.”

PowerStack Energy Chief Executive Officer Michael Bragg said:

“There are numerous global markets that are a natural fit for our technology, particularly in regions where rapidly deployable, off-grid energy solutions are in high demand.

“Support from the Investment NSW has helped us access new markets and showcase our technology to key customers and stakeholders. The guidance they provided has proven invaluable in navigating entry to these markets.

“That has been critical in helping us grow our export pipeline and position the business for further expansion globally.”

Renovatio Founder Dr Vincent Candrawinata said:

“Expanding into global markets has been a key driver of our business growth, allowing us to showcase Australian grown apples and patented technology in our innovative health supplement, healthy pantry and skincare range to the world.

“The incredible connections, guidance and support provided through Investment NSW programs have been instrumental in helping us scale into the US market.

“It’s enabled us to grow our operations at home while increasing demand for Australian-grown produce.”

Apollo Engineering Managing Director Dave Errington said:

“Exporting has opened up entirely new growth opportunities for our business and allowed us to take Australian-made manufacturing to global markets.

“The support we received helped us build the right connections on the ground in Indonesia and navigate the complexity of entering a new market.

“It’s enabled us to scale with confidence and continue growing our international footprint from regional NSW.”

Biointelect Chief Executive Officer Leah Goodman said:

“Support from Investment NSW has been an important element in enabling our business growth into international markets and connecting with the right partners, particularly in the United States and Asia.”

NSW Liberals and Nationals guarantee frontline jobs in AI race

A Sloane Liberal and Nationals Government will guarantee frontline workers are not replaced by artificial intelligence, while also harnessing new technology to lift productivity, deliver better government services, cut waste and strengthen the NSW economy.

After the 2027 election, the NSW Liberals and Nationals will appoint a dedicated Minister for Artificial Intelligence to lead the responsible adoption of AI across government and drive productivity improvements throughout the public sector.

A NSW Jobs Guarantee and AI Efficiency Act would also dictate the responsible use of artificial intelligence across government protecting key workers including nurses, police officers, paramedics, and teachers.

Key parts of the legislation include:

No frontline worker will lose their job to AI.
Government agencies will be required to identify practical ways AI can improve services and reduce unnecessary waste.
All significant government decisions involving AI will retain human oversight and be subject to strong privacy, governance and independent auditing requirements.

Leader of the Opposition Kellie Sloane said the NSW Liberals and Nationals have a plan to capture the productivity benefits of AI without abandoning frontline workers and public trust.

“Our frontline workers are the backbone of NSW and under a government I lead AI will be used to support them, not replace them,” Ms Sloane said.

“There is a huge opportunity through the use of AI to lift productivity across government by reducing paperwork, speeding up decision making and giving frontline workers more time to do what the community relies on them for.”

“A dedicated Minister for Artificial Intelligence will be responsible for driving this reform, measuring productivity gains and ensuring they translate into a government that works harder for people in NSW.”

The NSW Liberals and Nationals will also establish a NSW AI Solutions Fund, bringing government, universities and technology sector together to support public interest projects.

Shadow Minister for Digital, Artificial Intelligence and Investment James Griffin said the fund would help finance projects in areas which include disaster response, traffic congestion and future infrastructure planning.

“NSW should be leading the Asia-Pacific region in responsible use of AI, attracting investment and creating jobs while also ensuring a benefit to the community,” Mr Griffin said.

“We want to bring together government, universities and industry to solve real problems, from improving disaster response to better congestion management on our roads to get people home quicker.”

“At a time when people feel like they’re working harder than ever, NSW cannot afford to ignore technology that ensures government is also working as hard as possible for them.”

The legislation builds on the work done by the former Liberal and Nationals Government in creating Service NSW, the NSW Data Analytics Centre, Australia’s first Data Sharing Act in 2015, and the NSW Government Data Strategy in 2021.

New data raises fresh concerns about NSW skills pipeline

Concerns have grown about the State’s ability to meet future workforce demand, with the latest National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) data showing New South Wales’ skills pipeline continues to weaken with falling qualification enrolments.

Shadow Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Justin Clancy said businesses across New South Wales continue to warn they cannot find the skilled workers they need, and the latest data suggesting the pipeline is moving in the wrong direction.

“Everywhere you look, employers are telling us they need more skilled workers. The latest NCVER figures suggest we’re producing fewer of them,” Mr Clancy said.

“The warning signs have been there for some time, so this latest NCVER data should be sounding alarm bells for the Minns Labor Government.”

“Apprenticeship and traineeship commencements in New South Wales have fallen from 65,265 in 2022 to 39,630 in 2025, a decline of almost 40 per cent. The number of apprentices and trainees in training has also fallen by almost 25 per cent.”

“Alongside falling apprenticeship commencements, qualification enrolments are now declining at a time when employers across New South Wales continue to report persistent skills shortages.”

Mr Clancy said the latest figures showed there was an increasing disconnect between what the Minns Government said about skills and what was actually happening on the ground.

“When apprenticeship commencements are down and the number of apprentices in training are down, the Minns Government must explain how their policies are delivering the outcomes New South Wales needs,” Mr Clancy said.

“Businesses don’t need more announcements. They need more qualified workers on their books.”

Mr Clancy said the Liberals and Nationals are committed to rebuilding the skills pipeline by strengthening apprenticeships, backing employers and ensuring training better reflected the needs of industry.

“We need to make it easier for employers to take on apprentices, strengthen career advice in schools and ensure training better reflects the needs of industry.”

“Right now, the evidence suggests we are falling short. That’s not good enough for students, employers or the future of New South Wales.”