Category: NSW News

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.”

Netball NSW has today announced its 2026 19U State Team, featuring a dynamic mix of returning champions, rising stars and promising debutants ready to represent New South Wales at next year’s National Netball Championships

The 12-netball athlete squad includes five players from the gold medal-winning 2025 Netball NSW 19U Team, alongside four members of the silver medal-winning 2025 Netball NSW 17U Team, demonstrating the strength and depth of the state’s elite development pathway.Three regional netball athletes – Isla Waterhouse (Illawarra), Marley Aplin (Orange) and Matilda Percival (Newcastle) – have also earned selection after standout performances in last year’s 17U State Team.Among the group is Skye Thompson, who was part of the NSW Swifts Academy in 2024 and has been named a GIANTS Netball training partner for 2026. Identified nationally at a young age, Thompson will bring valuable experience and strength to the squad as the only Suncorp Super Netball training partner within this year’s cohort.The team will once again be led by Head Coach Amber Cross, who guided NSW to 19U gold at the 2025 National Netball Championships.“We’re really excited about the netball athletes that have been selected to take on the National Netball Championships in 2026,” said Mardi Aplin, General Manager of Pathways at Netball NSW.“They’re an amazing group of versatile athletes that bring different strengths to the team and can cross many netball positions. It’s a really good mix of younger and top-age athletes — the future is looking good.”The 19U State Team will assemble at the Netball NSW State Camp in mid-December, where they’ll complete fitness testing, strength assessments and team-bonding activities, alongside a media day and sessions designed to build pride in the Waratah.Each athlete will receive a personalised home training program to follow over the Christmas break before regrouping on 16 January for 12 weeks of training in the lead-up to the 2026 National Netball Championships, commencing 8 April 2026.In addition to State Team commitments, athletes will continue to train and compete with their respective Netball NSW Premier League teams.Media Enquiries: Frances Cordaro 0410 484 474 2026 Netball NSW 19U State Team

ATHLETE NAME  POSITION ASSOCIATION PREMIER LEAGUE TEAM
Ellie Hart Shooter CAMPBELLTOWN DISTRICT ERNA HAWKS
Evie Economou Mid Court SUTHERLAND SHIRE South West Mounties MAGIC
Harlym Jennings Defence LIVERPOOL CITY Sutherland Stingrays
Isabella Maher  Mid Court SUTHERLAND SHIRE Sutherland Stingrays
Isla Waterhouse Defence ILLAWARRA DISTRICT IMB South Coast Blaze
Kelis Ogle Defence LIVERPOOL CITY South West Mounties MAGIC
Marley Aplin Mid Court ORANGE ERNA HAWKS
Matilda Fanning Mid Court SUTHERLAND SHIRE Sutherland Stingrays
Matilda Percival Shooter NEWCASTLE North Shore United
Paige O’Neill Defence EASTWOOD RYDE ERNA HAWKS
Skye Thompson Shooter SUTHERLAND SHIRE Sutherland Stingrays
Sophia Martinussen Shooter EASTWOOD RYDE ERNA HAWKS

Twenty-nine trainees from across Western NSW Local Health District have proudly marked the completion of their studies at a graduation ceremony in Dubbo, stepping into the next stage of their careers in healthcare.

Seventeen trainees, including seven Aboriginal trainees, graduated from the Adult Traineeships program, which offers opportunities to earn a qualification while gaining hands-on experience in a range of different disciplines, including Health Service Assistance.

A dozen Year 11 and 12 students also completed their School-Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship (SBAT) studies, including seven Aboriginal trainees funded by the NSW Government’s Elsa Dixon Aboriginal Employment Grant.

Delivered in partnership with the Department of Education, the SBAT program provides students the chance to earn an industry-recognised qualification, working 100 days of paid work experience over two years while studying as part of their Higher School Certificate.

Trainees graduated with qualifications in a range of disciplines, including Human Resources Management, Cookery, Dental Assisting and Business Administration, which have all been offered for the first time this year.

For more information on WNSWLHD’s scholarship, traineeship, and cadetship programs visit the WNSWLHD website.

Regional Health Minister Ryan Park:

“I never fail to be impressed by all the trainees across our health system. No matter your age or background, completing study while also working takes incredible dedication and drive, not to mention excellent time management.

“I wholeheartedly congratulate all 29 trainees from Western NSW who have graduated this year, and I’m thrilled to see so many completing studies in disciplines offered for the very first time in 2025.

“These programs provide wonderful opportunities for people in our regional communities to kick-start their careers, whether that be by moving directly into employment, undertaking further training or heading to university.”

Labor Spokesperson for Dubbo Stephen Lawrence

“I offer my sincere congratulations to all of Western NSW Local Health District’s graduates and wish them all the very best. These qualifications will open up a great number of opportunities for these graduates, and they should all be very proud of themselves.

“These courses and programs don’t just help to create industry-ready graduates, they also provide pathways into early entry at university. I’m certain as their careers develop, they will have a huge impact on their communities.”

WNSWLHD Executive Director of People and Culture Sandra Duff:

“We’re so delighted to be able to offer this kind of opportunity to people in our communities. This year’s group of graduates are from all corners of the District have different backgrounds and bring an incredible range of life experience.

“We have graduates from major centres like Bathurst, Orange and Dubbo, but importantly well over half of this year’s group are from smaller towns in regions like Dunedoo, Walgett, Molong, Nyngan and Goodooga.

“Along with our senior school students we also have graduates of all ages in our Adult Traineeship program. Their dedication and commitment has been incredible, we can’t congratulate them enough.

“I’m also really thrilled to see the vast majority of our graduates have either indicated they would like to continue working in our Local Health District or have already been directly appointed to roles. Several are also now planning to further their studies, many at university, primarily in nursing.”

Communities impacted by floods are set to benefit from an additional boost to the NSW Ambulance flood rescue fleet, with eight new patient extrication vessels being rolled out for use across the state.

The seven-metre aluminium utility boats, with bow-loader for patient access can hold up to seven people, giving NSW Ambulance greater capability to deliver care to patients in areas impacted by floods. 

The vessels come complete with twin 60 horsepower outboard engines for rapid response in hazardous environments.

The benefits of these larger boats include patient rescue from isolated areas, on-water rescue and ability to transport specialised clinicians, such as doctors and extended care paramedics, to communities that are isolated due to floods.

Supplies and medical equipment can also be transported by the vessels, which were built in Yamba on the NSW north coast.

Over the coming months, Special Operations Unit paramedics will continue specialised training to operate the new boats,  which will be progressively rolled out to regional heavy rescue stations across the state including Tamworth, Rutherford, Cowra, Wagga Wagga and Bomaderry as well as at the Special Operation Team locations of Point Clare and Sydney.

The eight new vessels are designed to be a statewide asset in emergency responses and will be deployed to areas of need as required.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“NSW Ambulance continues to enhance its capabilities to deliver urgent health care to patients in need, no matter where they are located.

“Specialised equipment such as these new rescue boats allow NSW Ambulance paramedics to respond to patients quickly as well as transport vital equipment and specialised staff to remote areas to provide much needed care.”

NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan:

“These new vessels will be invaluable when communities are cut off by flood waters, as we will have greater access to patients, bringing them highly trained health professionals and medical supplies.

“These assets also increase our capability to transport paramedics, doctors and nurses to remote towns that have been impacted by floods to keep our communities safe and cared for.”

The Minns Labor Government is introducing amendments into the NSW Parliament cracking down on public displays of Nazi ideology by giving police and courts greater powers to hold extremists who express these abhorrent views to account.

The Crimes Act 1900 will be amended to ban conduct which indicates support for Nazi ideology by invoking imagery or characteristics associated with Nazism without reasonable excuse and in public. This includes conduct such as Nazi chants or slogans.

While Nazi symbols are already banned in NSW, the disgraceful rally outside the Parliament earlier this month highlighted the need to strengthen current laws.

These measures further protect the community from vile Nazism which has no place in New South Wales.

Under the reforms being introduced into NSW Parliament today, someone who engages in this conduct will face up to a year’s imprisonment or a maximum fine of $11,000.

Stronger penalties – up to two years’ imprisonment or a $22,000 fine – will apply to someone who commits this offence near a synagogue, Jewish school or the Sydney Jewish Museum.

The Crimes and Summary Offences Amendment Bill 2025 will also introduce new powers allowing police to order a perpetrator the take down of a suspected Nazi symbol.

Refusing to follow this direction without reasonable excuse will become an offence punishable by a maximum fine of $2,200 or up to three months’ imprisonment.

The Bill will elevate the seriousness of new and existing offences relating to Nazi conduct and Nazi symbols. This means perpetrators will be able to be tried on indictment at the District Court.

It also means NSW Police will be able to order someone to reveal their identity, if the information is reasonably suspected to aid an investigation for an alleged Nazi symbol or Nazi conduct offence.

The amendments will also clarify that people can be charged with these offences even if a public assembly is authorised, putting this beyond any doubt. This includes the offence of inciting racial hatred.  

The Government will refer these amendments for consideration by the Legislative Assembly Committee on Law and Safety. This will give Parliament the time to carefully consider these important matters.

The Government will also remove the three-year sunset clause on the offence of inciting racial hatred to ensure ongoing community protection. We opposed the introduction of the sunset clause which was supported by the Coalition and the Greens earlier this year. These reforms build on ongoing work by the Minns Labor Government to protect the community against racial hatred including making it an offence to: 

• Intentionally and publicly incite racial hatred
• Harass, intimidate, threaten, block or hinder someone entering or leaving a place of worship
• Display a Nazi symbol on or near a synagogue, Jewish school or Sydney Jewish Museum
   

The Government has also expanded the aggravating factor for offences motivated by racial hatred or prejudice.

Attorney General Michael Daley said:

“The deplorable stunt we saw outside NSW Parliament has no place in our society. Nobody should be subject to this vile hatred because of their background or faith.

“We are giving police and the courts additional powers to hold Nazi extremists to account for their abhorrent views.

“These tough new laws are complemented by the suite of legislation the Government has already put in place to protect against racial vilification and hatred.”

More than 1.2 million people who live in strata homes across the state are set to benefit from another suite of reforms being introduced to NSW Parliament in the final stage of the Minns Labor Government’s ambitious program to modernise strata laws.

The new legislation is the Minns Labor Government’s fourth strata reform package since March 2023 and finalises the legislative response to the recommendations made in a 2021 statutory review of strata laws, following inaction by the former government.

The Strata Schemes Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous) Bill 2025 forms part of the Government’s holistic approach to addressing the housing challenge and will ensure that the State’s strata laws give people the confidence to live and invest in strata.

Reforms in the Bill include:

• Allowing compliance action taken by NSW Fair Trading against an owners corporation to be proactively published so prospective buyers can know if there are any issues with repairs and maintenance in the building,
• Giving owners the right to install electric vehicle charging stations on their own lot without fear of unreasonable objection from their strata committee,
• Better protect owners corporations with embedded network supply agreements, such as for electricity, so they are not charged unfair infrastructure costs if they terminate an agreement,
• Removing unnecessary red tape for two-lot schemes such as duplexes, which make up more than 30 per cent of strata schemes, so they no longer need to form committees, hold meetings and submit annual reports to NSW Fair Trading,
• Setting fair limits on when an owners corporation can charge strata residents a bond or fee, for example bonds for access keys or swipe cards that are exorbitantly higher than the replacement cost will no longer be allowed,
• Allowing the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal to terminate an owners corporation’s agreement with a building manager if they breach their duties.

This Bill follows three earlier tranches of strata reforms, which include:

• Increased penalties for strata managing agents who don’t disclose conflicts of interest or kickbacks to owners,
• Requiring payment plans to be offered to owners in financial hardship before debt recovery action can be taken and prohibiting blanket rules to refuse payment plan requests,
• A world-first in strata regulation by allowing NSW Fair Trading to issue compliance notices and enter enforceable undertakings with owners corporations that do not meet their duties to maintain and repair common property. This will ensure serious maintenance issues and defects can be fixed without expensive and time-consuming litigation through the courts or tribunal,
• Protections for owners from bill shock by requiring developers to have initial levy estimates in new strata buildings to be independently certified, including increased penalties for non-compliance,
• Banning strata managing agents from taking a commission on insurance products when they don’t play a role in finding the best deal for owners,
• Introducing itemised insurance quotes so owners know exactly how much is going to agents and brokers in commissions and fees,
• Making it easier for owners to do minor renovations,
• Removing barriers to the uptake of sustainability measures such as solar panels and electric vehicle charging by prohibiting bylaws that block the infrastructure due to external appearance,
• Ensuring goods and services are obtained at competitive prices, by requiring owners corporations to get a second quote when the bill for work will be over $30,000. 

This Bill also follows NSW Fair Trading’s recent steps to make it easier for people living in strata to find the right strata manager, and to better understand the strata insurance broker fees they are paying. The Strata Managing Agent Engagement Planner on the NSW Strata Hub helps people assess their current and prospective strata management fees by giving like-for-like comparisons on costs and services from different strata managing agents.

NSW Fair Trading has also this week released a report by John Trowbridge OAM which examines insurance broker fees and commissions on strata insurance. The Benchmarking Strata Insurance Broker Pricing report sets out the typical prices strata insurance brokers charge for their services and gives consumers an understanding of what they may reasonably be expected to be charged by insurance brokers arranging insurances.

Feedback from key stakeholders has informed the final Bill to ensure it will deliver intended benefits and meet the evolving needs of strata residents, owners, industry and the broader community. For more information on strata law changes, please visit: www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/fair-trading/news/changes-to-strata-laws

Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“If we want more people living in higher-density developments, then we need to make the experience of strata living as attractive as possible.

“Effective and transparent strata management is a significant part of this Government’s plan to improve housing quality in New South Wales, and we are delivering on it. 

“This final suite of legislative changes in response to the statutory review into strata laws is a key milestone for NSW.

“This ensures our laws are up to date for what is expected when living in multi-dwelling complexes.”

Strata and Property Services Commissioner Angus Abadee said:

“While this has been a huge uplift in the rights for residents and responsibilities for owners corporations, it is not the end of the journey for modernising strata living.

“Work will continue to ensure the benefits of the Government’s strata reform agenda are not only realised but sustained through fair, transparent, and responsive regulation.

“These changes ensure we have the right rules for strata – backed up with more support from NSW Fair Trading to ensure strata living is fair for all.”

The Minns Labor Government is increasing busking locations across The Rocks, Darling Harbour and Barangaroo by nearly two thirds.

Our harbour precincts already host 22 existing busking locations. As part of our ongoing vibrancy reforms we’re turning up the volume, working with the busking community to deliver 16 new locations. 

The additional locations include:

• Four spots in Barangaroo, bringing busking to Barangaroo for the first time
• Seven additional spots in The Rocks
• Five additional spots in Darling Harbour

The Rocks, Darling Harbour and Barangaroo attract millions of tourists and locals every month, making them the perfect place to platform talented street performers.

The additional busking locations are now available and have been selected based on existing suitability assessments and engagement with the busking community to make sure they meet their needs.

This builds on the Minns Labor Governments on-going vibrancy agenda which has recently seen event caps lifted and red tape around entertainment, outdoor dining and events slashed.

For more information visit:  The Rocks, Darling Harbour or Barangaroo.

Minister for the Music and Night-time Economy John Graham said:

“We want more busking on our streets, not less. That’s why we’re unlocking new places for buskers to play – and new places for people to enjoy their performances.

“Welcoming more music into the streets of Sydney’s harbour precincts makes sense. Busking brings our city streets alive, buskers surprise and entertain locals and visitors alike.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“We are backing in Sydney’s busking community, boosting arts and culture and bringing back fun.

“The Rocks, Darling Harbour and Barangaroo are hubs of activity which welcome millions of locals and visitors, expanding the busking activity here will bring a soundtrack to our streets as people explore the city.

“This is another example of the Minns Labor Government unlocking opportunities which support Sydney to be a bustling and vibrant city.”

Busker Roshani Sriyani Everett said:
“I’ve spent years busking around The Rocks and Circular Quay, and some of my favourite memories were made there — playing by the water, connecting with people from all over the world, and feeling the city come alive around me.

“Busking gave me a stage when I had no stage, and I’ll always be grateful for the way those streets supported my music and helped me grow.

“I fully support the introduction of new busking spots in the Barangaroo precinct. Live music brings a place to life, creates real connection, and gives artists a chance to grow while adding colour and energy to the community.”

Modern workplaces are evolving, with digital work systems offering enormous potential to boost efficiency and unlock creativity, drive productivity, innovation, and job opportunities.

However, guardrails are required around the safety of these tools’ use in workplaces. That is why the Minns Labor Government is introducing legislation to safeguard the wellbeing of workers.  

The proposed reforms to Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws clarifies the responsibility around the use of digital work systems.  A Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) will be required to ensure these important tools do not lead to unsafe workloads, unreasonable performance tracking, excessive surveillance or discriminatory work allocation.   

This clarifies and adds to the existing workplace safety duties under the Work Health and Safety Act (2011) that require employers to provide safe workplaces. By embracing technology responsibly, NSW is setting the standard for workplaces that are innovative, productive, and safe for everyone. 

The Minns Labor Government has also committed to continuing to work with other jurisdictions through the SafeWork Australia process on how digital systems can be kept safe at work.  This Bill provides for a review provision if model WHS laws are developed by SafeWork Australia which address the same subject matter to ensure alignment with model laws.

The Bill responds to relevant recommendations of the Select Committee on the Impact of Technological and Other Change on the Future of Work and Workers in NSW (reported in 2022) regarding the rise of digital systems and their real impacts on worker psychosocial health. The committee received 53 submissions and held seven public hearings. The committee also conducted a site visit to the Amazon Distribution Centre.

This reform follows the Minns Labor Government’s broader packages aimed at creating better, safer workplaces, which prevent injuries before they occur, support injured workers to recover faster, and ensure the workers compensation scheme remains sustainable for business. These reforms include: 

• Establishing SafeWork NSW as a standalone regulator, including 20 new psychosocial focused inspectors targeting psychosocial harm to identify risks early.
• A new Psychosocial Advisory Service that will provide advice to businesses and workers on how to manage psychosocial safety in the workplace
• A $344 million Workplace Mental Health package, strengthening mental health support and injury prevention strategies in NSW workplaces. 

Minister for Industrial Relations Sophie Cotsis said:

“As digital systems become more common in workplaces, the Minns Labor Government is making sure that these systems help businesses without undermining the health and safety of workers. 

“This is about protecting workers’ mental health, preventing harm before it occurs, and giving everyone confidence that workplace technology is used responsibly.

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to strengthening a culture of prevention, early intervention, recovery, and effective return to work through a series of reforms. If a system tracks you, times you, and pushes you beyond safe limits – it’s not innovation, its exploitation.

“These include major reforms to SafeWork NSW, including investing in more inspectors to focus on psychosocial harm prevention.”