Category: NSW News

Flood impacted farmers and primary producers are being asked to complete the NSW Government’s Primary Industries Natural Disaster Damage Assessment  (PiNDDA) survey, once it is safe for them to undertake the task.

Clean-up efforts are well underway and there is an all-in effort – with boots and equipment on the ground – as quickly as possible to ensure the clean-up is co-ordinated, swift, and effective.

This survey collects information for government that can help shape recovery programs and support.

The damage survey allows farmers to record the number of crops, animals, and infrastructure damaged by the floods, and advise on the severity of damage in their locality.

The PiNDDA survey helps a range of government agencies, industry organisations and communities understand the scale and the impact of a disaster on primary producers, plan for recovery activities and target resources and assistance in an area.  

To make a submission, visit the portal at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/damage 

The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development can view survey information in real time.

The results are used to determine:

• the area the natural disaster has impacted and the scale of the event
• the severity of the impact
• the value of damage to primary production sectors and enterprises
• where and what assistance or resources may be needed.

Farmers requiring animal welfare assistance call AASFA hotline: 1800 814 647 (8am-6pm, 7x days)

NSW Minister for Agriculture and Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“The damage survey is a real time way of determining the true scale of a single event like the magor flooding seen across our east coast in recent weeks.

“This data will shape recovery programs and tailor government support to the most impacted communities and agricultural sectors.

“Our Government thanks in advance the farmers and primary producers who complete the survey and share their experiences with us. Your estimates and photos are vital in helping government and industry groups better understand immediate impacts and longer term recovery planning.”

An estimated 3,000 eligible home buyers across NSW will soon be able to participate in the Australian Government’s Help to Buy program each year, after the NSW Parliament passed enabling legislation.

Help to Buy will assist eligible low to middle income earners to purchase a home with a contribution from the Australian Government of up to 40 per cent of the purchase price for new homes and 30 per cent for existing homes.

Help to Buy will help to bring the dream of owning a home within reach for thousands of people earning an annual income of $100,000 or less for individuals, or up to $160,000 for couples and single parents.

Eligible NSW Help to Buy participants will be able to purchase property for up to $1.3 million in Sydney and regional centres and up to $800,000 in the rest of the state, with a requirement that the home is the principal place of residence.

10,000 places a year will be allocated across the country, with about one-third available to buyers in NSW.

Help to Buy can shrink the deposit required to buy a home to a minimum of two per cent and avoids the cost of Lenders Mortgage Insurance.

The program will be funded by the Australian Government and administered by Housing Australia and is expected to commence later in 2025.

The Help to Buy program will provide another lever as the Minns Labor Government works to build a better NSW.

That includes the biggest housing reforms in a generation, including transformational rezoning across Sydney and speeding up the delivery of new homes through the TOD program.

Together, we are providing a greater choice of homes, so young people, families and workers have a place to live in the communities they choose.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:

“We want to give more people more pathways to get into their own home and this program will help thousands in NSW do just that.

“Help to Buy can take years off the time it takes to save for a deposit and that’s meaningful relief for families.

“Around a third of the 10,000 places available every year will be right here in NSW.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“As the Minns Government continues to speed up the delivery of homes and tackle our supply challenges, the Help to Buy program will support people to buy those homes.

“In supporting this initiative, the Minns Government is helping to make housing more accessible, more affordable, and more attainable for the people who need it most.”

Minister for Finance Courtney Houssos said:

“The Minns Labor Government understands the real barriers facing families across NSW when it comes to entering the housing market.

“We welcome this important initiative from the Albanese Labor Government to support first home buyers.

“The Minns Labor Government inherited a flawed shared equity system from the previous government. The policy settings of the Albanese Government’s scheme have much better prospects for success.”

Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Rose Jackson said:

“Help to Buy is about fairness.  It’s about making the dream of owning a home achievable again for thousands of people who’ve been let down by a broken housing system.

“Home ownership has felt completely out of reach for working people.  Help to Buy will make it possible for people to own a home of their own, with a smaller deposit and no mortgage insurance.

“Alongside the biggest planning reforms in a generation, our landmark Transport Oriented Development (TOD) program – which delivers more housing near train stations and public transport – and the $6.6 billion Building Homes for NSW program, Help to Buy is one more way we’re building a better NSW where everyone has a fair shot at secure, affordable housing.”

First Nations veterans are being honoured today at the 2025 Indigenous Veterans Commemoration Service which will be held at the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park Sydney.

The service is hosted by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Veterans & Services Association and is proudly supported by the NSW Government, the education sector and RSL NSW.

Minister for Veterans and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris will attend the service alongside other dignitaries to pay tribute and honour the service and sacrifice of Indigenous veterans and recognise their contributions to the defence of our nation.

This is the 19th annual commemoration since its inception in 2007 and traditionally takes place on the last Friday in May, to coincide with National Reconciliation Week (27 May – 3 June).

The commemoration is attended by schools and focuses on educating the next generation on the history of Indigenous contributions to our defence forces, spanning from the Boer

War in 1899 through to recent operations and peacekeeping.

This year’s commemoration will also be attended by schools participating in the second annual NSW Government Regional Youth Program. This program provides the opportunity for schools from each of the three school sectors to travel from regional NSW to Sydney to attend the Commemoration.

This year students from St Raphael’s Catholic School in Cowra, Clarence Valley Anglican School in Grafton and Kooringal High School in Wagga Wagga will have the opportunity to participate in today’s service.

Students will have the opportunity to meet members of the organising committee including Chair, Uncle Harry Allie who served in the Air Force and Mr Dave Williams who served in the Navy. Master of Ceremonies, Squadron Leader Coen Henry and guest speaker, Lieutenant Colonel Joseph West who will share their personal experiences as current serving members of the Defence Force.  

Minister for Veterans and Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:

“As Minister for Veterans, and the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty, I know how important it is we commemorate and remember the service and sacrifice of our Indigenous veterans.

“This commemoration is an important occasion to recognise and celebrate the invaluable role Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have played in defending our country.

“I would like to acknowledge all the schools who will be in attendance today, by educating your students on the service and sacrifice of our veterans ensures their legacy lives on and inspires the next generation.

“National Reconciliation Week is a time for our community to learn more about our Aboriginal culture, history and achievements and specifically the contributions of our Indigenous veterans and current serving Indigenous members of the Defence Force. I thank you for your service.”

Uncle Harry Allie AM BEM Chair Indigenous Veterans Commemoration said:

“As a proud descendant of the Gudjala people, a veteran of 23 years in the Royal Australian Air Force, and inaugural RAAF Indigenous Elder, it is pleasing to see this important commemoration continue to take place, honouring the service and sacrifice of Indigenous veterans.

“My family’s connection to Defence, and service to our nation commenced with my uncle in the Great War and another uncle, my aunty and father in the Second World War. Like many other Indigenous veterans have experienced, there were mixed feelings about our inclusion early on, but our commitment to service in the Navy, Air Force or Army has never wavered.

“This commemoration continues to offer an opportunity to educate current and future generations of the service and the sacrifice given by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander veterans. To have so many schools and students attending the commemoration here at the Anzac Memorial, or able to view the livestream, is wonderful to see and I hope that each of them has learnt a little more about the contributions made by Indigenous veterans.”

Ms Tobie Kate Hubber student at St Raphael’s Catholic School said:

“It is a wonderful opportunity to participate in the Regional Youth program and learn more about the contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service men and women, and see them get the recognition that they deserve.”

Mr Izaac Christian student at Clarence Valley Anglican School said:

“I’m incredibly honoured and excited to have the opportunity to travel to Sydney for the Indigenous Veterans Commemoration Service. This opportunity allows me to pay my respects to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service men and women who have bravely served our country. I have learned more about their stories and will help to ensure their contributions are remembered and celebrated.”

Ms Harlee Stearman student at Kooringal High School said:

“As a proud Wiradjuri person, it is an honour to visit the Anzac Memorial today and pay tribute to Indigenous veterans for their service and sacrifice. Their courage and dedication to protecting our country deserves our deepest respect and will ensure that their stores are never forgotten. Lest we forget.” 

Netball NSW has launched a statewide Flood Appeal in partnership with the Australian Sports Foundation, aimed at supporting regional netball Associations in northern NSW affected by the devastating May 2025 floods.

“We have lost so much – the flood destroyed our administration building and our canteen, wiping out our stock which is the main source of revenue for the Association,” Jenny Anderson, Manning Valley Netball Association President said.

“We managed to salvage the trophies, a few balls and a couple of post pads. We need to recoup all our equipment.”

The two-week fundraising initiative – running from Friday 30 May to Friday 13 June – will rally the entire netball community to support three of the hardest-hit Associations:

Manning Valley Netball Association
Nambucca Valley Netball Association
Macleay Netball Association
Funds raised will help these communities rebuild their netball facilities, replace equipment, and support the volunteers and athletes who have been impacted. Any additional Associations that have been affected by the floods can also contact Netball NSW for support.

“We’ve had overwhelming interest from across the netball community asking how they can help,” Tracey Scott, CEO Netball NSW said.

“This Appeal is a way to act together – with heart and unity – to support our netball family and provide real relief to those affected by this disaster.”

With many families displaced, courts damaged, and local infrastructure disrupted, the Appeal is a critical initiative to help restore access to the game that is such a vital part of community life across NSW.

“This is not just about netball,” Scott said.

“It’s about helping communities recover and reconnect – and giving our regional Associations the tools to bounce back.”

The launch of the Appeal will coincide with the lead-up to the HART Senior State Titles, one of the largest netball events in the Southern Hemisphere, to be held from 7-9 June across Campbelltown and Camden. With more than 220 teams and thousands of spectators expected, the event provides a powerful platform to raise both funds and awareness.

How to Donate
Donations can be made securely online via the Australian Sports Foundation:
👉 Netball NSW Flood Appeal

All donations $2 and over are tax deductible. For more information on the Appeal, contact Janyne Hogan, Head of Foundation, Netball NSW via email – jhogan@netballnsw.com.

Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong has welcomed the appointment of the new NSW Strata and Property Services Commissioner.

NSW Fair Trading has announced the appointment of Angus Abadee as the state’s new Strata and Property Services Commissioner.

The Strata and Property Service Commissioner leads NSW Fair Trading’s oversight of the strata and property sector and is focused on raising performance and accountability standards across strata, property services, retirement villages, and residential land lease communities.

Mr Abadee will lead initiatives to enhance industry integrity and lift consumer confidence within the state’s strata and property services sectors, as well as providing strategic advice to Government on its policy reform agenda.

Mr Abadee brings extensive regulatory and sector experience, having held senior positions in NSW Fair Trading, Building Commission NSW and Liquor & Gaming NSW, and has performed the role of Interim Strata and Property Services Commissioner since the role was vacated in December 2024.

He has established and led the Strata and Property Taskforce since that time, with a regulatory focus on practices causing consumer harm, including targeting underquoting in the real estate sales sector, as well as the failure of strata managing agents to act in the best interests of owners corporations and meet disclosure obligations.

This work included a sector-first permanent disqualification of Result Strata Management Pty Ltd and its general manager Michael Lee from working in the NSW strata sector.

Before joining the NSW Fair Trading leadership team in July 2024, Mr Abadee was Director Policy in Building Commission NSW where he was responsible for the design of the NSW Government’s reform agenda across the building industry, including key reforms that aim to restore confidence in strata living.

For more information on the Strata and Property Services Taskforce, please visit the New strata laws ensure fairer rules for fees and charges web page.

Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong:

“Protection for real estate consumers and those living in strata schemes is one of the top priorities for the Minns Labor Government.

“I would like to congratulate Mr Abadee on his appointment.

“This is a critical time in the development of regulations and responding to consumer concerns across a growing and changing industry which will see almost half of Greater Sydney’s population living in strata communities in 2040.

“Mr Abadee’s appointment underscores the NSW Government’s commitment to fostering a fair, transparent, and sustainable strata and property sector.

“We want people to feel confident and safe when purchasing a property, living in a strata property, and dealing with property professionals, and that is exactly what our reforms are doing.”

Strata and Property Services Commissioner Angus Abadee:

“I am absolutely thrilled to be appointed NSW Strata and Property Services Commissioner.

“We have an opportunity to drive proactive and visible regulation across the industry, focusing on improving agent behavior, cracking down on individuals and agencies and empowering consumers.

“Along with the Fair Trading team, I want to ensure that practitioners do not just see themselves as running a business – they recognise they are members of a profession that comes with benefits and obligations.”

Under the Minns Labor Government, the Aviation Attraction Fund will welcome direct flights from Perth to Newcastle for the first time, connecting the west coast capital with NSW’s second biggest city.

In September 2025, Qantas will launch a new route between Perth and Newcastle that will facilitate much easier travel between the coastal cities and provide a significant boost to both the Hunter and Mid-North Coast visitor and business economy.

Backed by the NSW Government’s Aviation Attraction Fund (AAF), the new service comes at a transformational time for Newcastle Airport, which is preparing to open its new terminal later this year. Once complete, the expanded terminal will unlock opportunities for the region, welcoming more visitors and turbocharging local tourism and trade.

Along with the new Perth route, the upgraded terminal will allow for ongoing international flights into Newcastle for the first time. The NSW Government is working with Newcastle Airport to secure new international routes through the AAF.

The new route also links Newcastle to Perth Airport’s network of airlines and destinations, which currently includes direct daily flights from London Heathrow and Paris, and seasonal direct flights from Rome. Visitors from these destinations will soon be able to access one-stop trips to Newcastle.

With three flights a week between Newcastle and Perth, this direct connection also means easier getaways for residents of Newcastle and the Hunter and Mid-North Coast, giving them easier access to holidays, family and friends on the west coast.

The announcement is part of the NSW Government’s broader strategy to grow the state’s aviation capacity. It follows recent international flight wins for Sydney Airport, including new services from Istanbul (Turkish Airlines) and Shanghai (Juneyao Air), also secured through the Destinations NSW managed Aviation Attraction Fund.

Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley said:

“We’re opening the door for more people to discover our beautiful region – while also giving Hunter locals greater access to everything Western Australia and the world has to offer.

“Whether it’s wine, beaches, food or events – we have so much to offer. More flights mean more tourism and that’s a win for local operators and the wider economy.

“This new connection is another step forward in making the Hunter not just a great place to visit, but an even better place to live – and we’re excited to see where it leads.”

Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said:

“The Minns Labor Government is proud to have worked with Newcastle Airport and Qantas to secure this new route that will boost the region’s economy and unlock a new connection with Western Australia.

“This is the last piece in the domestic puzzle – Newcastle will soon have direct flights from all major Australian population centres.

“These are exciting times for the visitor economy in Newcastle, the Hunter and the Mid-North Coast, and I look forward to working with Newcastle Airport to secure further new routes.”

Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington said:

“This is a game-changer for our region. Connecting Port Stephens and the Hunter directly to Perth opens up incredible opportunities for local tourism, business and jobs.”

“We’ve long known our region is worth visiting – now it’s easier than ever for people from across the country, and the world, to experience it for themselves.”

“With connecting flights from London, Paris and Rome now within reach, this is a powerful example of what we can achieve when we back our regions by investing in great local infrastructure.”

Newcastle Airport CEO Linc Horton said: 

“This new route gives travellers direct access to both ends of the country and beyond. It’s a major win for the region’s global footprint helping us to be the airport our region deserves. It connects Newcastle and the Greater Hunter directly with WA’s resources sector, creating enormous potential for business travel and Fly In Fly Out operations. It also brings loved ones together and unlocks international one-stop connections via Perth to cities like London, Paris, Johannesburg and seasonal to Rome.”

QantasLink CEO Rachel Yangoyan said:

“QantasLink is proud to the first airline to offer a direct air link between Newcastle and Perth. 

“These flights will boost connectivity for Newcastle residents and mean they no longer have to drive to and from Sydney when they want to travel to Perth. We know many customers, particularly those working in the mining and resources sector, are having to do that today. 

“We’d like to thank Newcastle Airport and the NSW Government for helping make the new route possible.”  

The NSW Opposition acknowledges and respects the decision of Australian Turf Club (ATC) members to vote against the sale of Rosehill Gardens Racecourse. Their democratic voice has been heard – and while the racecourse will remain, the housing crisis facing young people, families and future generations continues to grow.

The parliamentary inquiry last year into the Rosehill proposal exposed serious failings in the way the Minns Labor Government managed this process. The inquiry found:

• The Premier’s office misleadingly described a key meeting as a “meet and greet” despite it involving a long-time associate and discussion of the proposal.
• The Premier and Government breached the Unsolicited Proposals guidelines by championing and announcing the proposal before it had even cleared the first stage of the unsolicited proposals process.
• Communication with stakeholders, including ATC members and the public, was poorly handled.
• There remains uncertainty about the financial viability of the proposal.

So far the Government’s housing delivery record is poor, hitting long term lows for approvals and commencements of new homes.

We know the only way to address the housing crisis is through scale, ambition and follow-through. We remain absolutely committed to housing supply, housing choice, and housing opportunity – but we won’t support chaos, secrecy or spin dressed up as policy.

Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said we respect the decision of the ATC members – but the real issue remains. 

“The housing crisis hasn’t been solved,” Mr Speakman said. 

Shadow Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Scott Farlow said the inquiry showed what happens when process is ignored, and transparency is tossed aside. 

“The Government had a plan finished for Camellia / Rosehill that they iced for 18 months while they chased this mirage,” Mr Farlow said.

The NSW Opposition stands ready to work constructively on solutions that deliver more homes, backed by infrastructure and public trust – because fixing the housing crisis means everyone has to be at the table.

The Opposition has today offered its support for the Government’s changes to the way people with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can access treatment in NSW.

These changes will enable GPs to provide ongoing ADHD prescriptions for children and adults who are on stables doses of medication, without the need of a formal arrangement. A smaller number of GPs will be enabled to diagnose and initiate medication where appropriate. 

Under the Minns Labor Government our mental health system is in crisis and families know it has never been harder or more expensive to access mental health support. 

These changes recognise the expense and length of time it can take for children and adults to receive a diagnosis as well as prescription medication for ADHD, particularly in regional NSW. 

A timely ADHD diagnosis for a child can mean the world of difference to their development and mental health. 

Given the nature of these changes and the prescribed medications involved, the Opposition will be seeking assurances around what professional training and what evaluations and ongoing clinical oversight will be undertaken to ensure the changes are meeting their intended outcomes.

Significant reforms to the state’s victims registers passed the NSW Parliament last night, ensuring victim-survivors of serious crimes receive a mandatory notification about their right to sign up as a registered victim, to receive critical information about an offender.

The three NSW victims registers include the Corrective Services NSW Victims Register, Youth Justice Victims Register, and Specialist Victims Register for victims of forensic patients.

Those who opt-in will receive timely, accurate and trauma-informed updates regarding the perpetrator’s progress through the custodial system. 

This may include details about the offender’s location, sentence, parole eligibility, and any changes that may affect the victim’s safety and well-being. 

Registered victims also have the right to make a submission about an offender’s parole where relevant.

Over several months, Corrective Services NSW has hosted consultation meetings with victim-survivors, victim advocates, and victim support services to ensure these changes reflect the views of the people the registers serve.

Eligible victims of serious offenders will receive a mandatory notification letting them know about the relevant register and their eligibility to opt-in.

If victim-survivors do not want to make a decision at the time, they will have the option to be contacted at a later date to discuss the benefits of registration and decide whether they would like to be registered.

Generally, the serious offenders that will cause a mandatory notification about the Victims Register to be sent to a victim-survivor or family member will be:

• An offender who has committed murder
• An offender who is serving a sentence of life imprisonment
• An offender who is serving one or more sentences, totalling a minimum of 12 years in custody, for offences such as attempted murder, serious sexual assault, abduction, and aggravated robbery.

Ensuring victim-survivors continue to have the choice to register is considered to strike the appropriate balance between ensuring that victim-survivors are aware of their right to be on the register, while importantly maintaining victims’ choice and avoiding re-traumatisation.

Work will also be done to make the sign-up process simpler, with fewer technological or communication barriers for non-English speakers.

The Minns Labor Government acknowledges the severe impacts for people directly or indirectly exposed to crime.

A person who has experienced personal violence can suffer long-lasting trauma and the feeling that their safety and security are under threat.

It is for this reason the Minns Labor Government has passed these important reforms to the three victims registers to bolster support for victim-survivors of serious crimes.

Minister for Corrections Anoulack Chanthivong:

“Community safety is the top priority of the Minns Labor Government.

“Now that these significant reforms have passed the NSW Parliament, they will ensure victim-survivors of serious crimes know about the victims registers, and have a clear opportunity to sign up and benefit from being registered.

“We have listened to the voices of victim-survivors, and we are responding to their call to improve the system, whilst balancing the critical need to avoid re-traumatising those victim-survivors who do not wish to be re-exposed to the heinous crimes of their offenders.

“Signing up to the victims registers allows victim-survivors or their family members to receive vital information and a choice to engage in fundamental legal processes that will directly impact their lives – things like opposing the perpetrator’s parole and being informed if they are going to be released from prison.

“No-one chooses to become the victim of a violent crime, and that is why the NSW Government is doing everything within our power to support and empower victim-survivors.

“Eligible victims of serious offenders deserve the choice to be on the victims registers and be given the knowledge and agency to engage with the justice system, ensuring no-one is left behind.”

Attorney General Michael Daley:

“Community safety is at the heart of this reform allowing victim-survivors to opt-in to the relevant register and receive important updates about an offender’s location, sentencing and parole.

“This is an important step to help victim-survivors engage in the legal process in a way that is empowering, trauma-informed, and promotes recovery.”

Corrective Services NSW Commissioner Gary McCahon PSM:

“Corrective Services NSW works tirelessly to support victim-survivors through the CSNSW Victims Register. 

“Our highly trained, trauma-informed staff have seen first-hand the impact that good communication can have on the healing process.

“From the moment an offender enters custody, we keep registered victims up-to-date on all significant information about the perpetrator’s progress through the custodial system.

“We can also assist victim-survivors to have their voices heard and make submissions when important decisions are being made regarding an offender’s release.

“Our aim is to give victim-survivors back some of the power they lose when they are directly or indirectly exposed to crime.

“A person who has experienced personal violence can suffer long-lasting trauma and the feeling that their security is under threat.

“Knowing that information will be made available at key milestones, particularly around the timing of release to the community, can provide reassurance to those victim-survivors who choose to receive such information and help them to better plan for their safety.”

Victims Advocate Howard Brown OAM:

“These reforms will ensure that victim-survivors of serious crimes have knowledge and information about the victims registers, and the opportunity to sign up to them if they choose to.

“The victims registers provide the kind of timely, accurate and trauma-sensitive information that victim-survivors may feel that they need to be able to take back control of their lives and well-being, sometimes many years after a serious crime has been committed against them.

“Maximising free and full access to such a vital resource like the victims registers is a major step toward healing for victim-survivors of violent crimes.”

The Minns Labor government is continuing to build a safer New South Wales for women and children escaping domestic and family violence, with two new refuges in south-west Sydney opening their doors this month.

Muslim Women Australia will operate two new Core and Cluster refuges in the Canterbury-Bankstown area, providing secure, self-contained crisis accommodation that caters for larger families with children, including multi-generational households.

The NSW Government recognises the unique needs of migrant and refugee women who face multiple challenges that increase the impact and severity of violence and add barriers to seeking support and securing safety.

With that in mind, the government has invested $5.1 million into these two sites to ensure the design and support services provided are sensitive to families from culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

The new refuges are designed to enhance privacy, flexibility and support, while ensuring culturally safe environments for clients with diverse needs, including women and children with disability.

Both sites have access to a nearby service hub, where residents will receive culturally appropriate, trauma-informed support that prioritises their safety and recovery.

Other services will include immigration advice and spiritual support alongside counselling, legal assistance, education, and employment assistance.

The NSW Government has invested $426.6 million over four years in the Core and Cluster program to ensure support for more than an additional 2,900 women and children fleeing domestic and family violence across the state each year. The program will see 49 new refuges built across NSW.

The NSW Government is addressing domestic and family violence from all angles, with last year’s budget of $245.6 million invested in boosting crisis and frontline response, justice reforms, earlier intervention and primary prevention.

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:

“It’s our absolute priority that women and children who take the significant step of leaving violence and abuse can find the support they need in a community they feel safe and familiar with.

“Victim-survivors of domestic and family violence should never have to choose between homelessness or staying in an abusive relationship.

“These latest refuges will mean more women and children in south-west Sydney can access safe, emergency accommodation and support to heal from trauma and rebuild their lives.”

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

“People from multicultural backgrounds, including migrant and refugee women’s, experience of domestic and family violence can be overlaid and compounded by many factors, and they are less likely to seek help.

“This new refuge in the Canterbury-Bankstown LGA will ensure that women and children who flee violence will have a safe place to sleep at night, and support to rebuild their lives in their communities.

“It’s vital that women and children from all diverse backgrounds have access to safe spaces that encourage recovery and healing, and culturally appropriate support.”

Maha Abdo CEO of Muslim Women Australia said:

“Informed by client voices and frontline experience, this significant expansion of MWA’s crisis accommodation services ensures privacy without isolation, cultural and faith-informed care, and flexible, dignified support for recovery and healing.”

Member for East Hills Kylie Wilkinson said:

“This is an important initiative for women and children escaping domestic and family violence in my electorate of East Hills.

“MWA are empowering survivors to rebuild their lives and create better futures by providing secure accommodation alongside comprehensive support services. This crucial work and funding will save lives and make a difference in our community for generations.”

Support:

If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, call the Police on Triple Zero / 000.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence, call the NSW Domestic Violence Line on 1800 65 64 63 for free counselling and referrals, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For confidential advice, support, and referrals, contact 1800 RESPECT or 13 YARN.