Category: NSW News

Remote residents of the Far West Local Health District are set to benefit from better access to the Magistrates Early Referral into Treatment (MERIT) program thanks to virtual care.

MERIT is a voluntary pre-plea Local Court diversion program that provides access to a range of alcohol and other drug treatment services for 12 weeks while court matters are adjourned. The virtual Program is in the initial implementation stage for people attending Broken Hill, Wilcannia and Wentworth Local Courts.

The virtual care technology adds an important new care option, helping to meet the unique needs of remote and rural communities in Far West NSW by increasing the reach and flexibility of service delivery.

The technology will support these communities with greater access to drug and alcohol treatment programs to ensure individuals receive support tailored to their needs.

MERIT provides access to a wide range of alcohol and other drug treatment services, such as care co-ordination, psychosocial support and individual counselling. It can also assist with referrals to addiction medicine specialists and NSW residential rehabilitation services.

The program has been shown to have positive outcomes for participants. Some of these benefits include decreased drug use and associated harms, decreased offending behaviour, improved health and wellbeing and the possibility of a better sentencing outcome.

In Far West NSW, referrals to the MERIT team can be made by calling the Broken Hill Mental Health Prevention and Rehabilitation Centre on 08 8080 1142 and through several sources, including magistrates, legal representatives, NSW Police, service providers working with the defendant or the defendant themselves.

MERIT is an inter-agency initiative of the Department of Communities and Justice, NSW Health, the Chief Magistrate’s Office and NSW Police Force.

The expansion of the MERIT program is part of the NSW Government’s response to the Special Commission of Inquiry into the Drug ‘Ice’.

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“Programs like this can be life changing for an individual as it can direct them out of custody and into health programs tailored to their needs, supporting them to get back on track.

“I am pleased people in Far West NSW will have better access to this important program thanks to the innovative virtual care options.”

Acting Attorney General, Ron Hoenig:

“We know programs like MERIT are helping to tackle substance abuse and reduce reoffending.

“The addition of virtual drug and alcohol treatment options will make it easier for those in regional and remote areas to access this support.”

Member for Barwon, Roy Butler:

“This virtual care technology means people in Far West NSW now have better access to essential alcohol and other drug treatment services, as part of the MERIT Program.

“Since starting in 2000, MERIT has helped over 27,000 people in NSW, supporting them to improve their health and wellbeing and reduce contact with the criminal justice system. I am pleased the Program is now more accessible to people in Far West NSW as a result of this technology.”

Remote residents of the Far West Local Health District are set to benefit from better access to the Magistrates Early Referral into Treatment (MERIT) program thanks to virtual care.

MERIT is a voluntary pre-plea Local Court diversion program that provides access to a range of alcohol and other drug treatment services for 12 weeks while court matters are adjourned. The virtual Program is in the initial implementation stage for people attending Broken Hill, Wilcannia and Wentworth Local Courts.

The virtual care technology adds an important new care option, helping to meet the unique needs of remote and rural communities in Far West NSW by increasing the reach and flexibility of service delivery.

The technology will support these communities with greater access to drug and alcohol treatment programs to ensure individuals receive support tailored to their needs.

MERIT provides access to a wide range of alcohol and other drug treatment services, such as care co-ordination, psychosocial support and individual counselling. It can also assist with referrals to addiction medicine specialists and NSW residential rehabilitation services.

The program has been shown to have positive outcomes for participants. Some of these benefits include decreased drug use and associated harms, decreased offending behaviour, improved health and wellbeing and the possibility of a better sentencing outcome.

In Far West NSW, referrals to the MERIT team can be made by calling the Broken Hill Mental Health Prevention and Rehabilitation Centre on 08 8080 1142 and through several sources, including magistrates, legal representatives, NSW Police, service providers working with the defendant or the defendant themselves.

MERIT is an inter-agency initiative of the Department of Communities and Justice, NSW Health, the Chief Magistrate’s Office and NSW Police Force.

The expansion of the MERIT program is part of the NSW Government’s response to the Special Commission of Inquiry into the Drug ‘Ice’.

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“Programs like this can be life changing for an individual as it can direct them out of custody and into health programs tailored to their needs, supporting them to get back on track.

“I am pleased people in Far West NSW will have better access to this important program thanks to the innovative virtual care options.”

Acting Attorney General, Ron Hoenig:

“We know programs like MERIT are helping to tackle substance abuse and reduce reoffending.

“The addition of virtual drug and alcohol treatment options will make it easier for those in regional and remote areas to access this support.”

Member for Barwon, Roy Butler:

“This virtual care technology means people in Far West NSW now have better access to essential alcohol and other drug treatment services, as part of the MERIT Program.

“Since starting in 2000, MERIT has helped over 27,000 people in NSW, supporting them to improve their health and wellbeing and reduce contact with the criminal justice system. I am pleased the Program is now more accessible to people in Far West NSW as a result of this technology.”

Over 105,000 homes are set to be fast-tracked following a major investment in regional planning and housing initiatives.

Round three of the Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund will deliver 24 councils nearly $4.4 million to unlock housing supply through strategic planning initiatives.

Grants of up to $250,000 will support councils to develop and update housing strategies, plan for infrastructure and essential services, and amend local environmental plans to bring forward the construction of more diverse and affordable housing.

Successful projects in Newcastle and the Central Coast support the NSW Government’s Transport Oriented Development reforms aimed at boosting housing supply around train stations, as well as the Low and Mid-Rise Policy which promotes more diverse housing.

Other successful projects include the South Orange Sewer Servicing Strategy, the Singleton planning control review and the Narrabri Development Control Plan update.

In 2024, the Minns Government set new housing targets to rebalance housing delivery across the state, regional NSW received a single target of 55,000 homes over five years. The projects funded under this program will support the delivery of this five-year target.

More people are choosing to live in regional NSW, but homes have become more expensive and harder to find, so delivering more regional housing supply is vital.

By funding local housing, planning and infrastructure projects we will build better communities across regional NSW.

Funding for the first two rounds of the Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund allocated $6.88 million to 36 projects.

Key projects delivered so far include the Laffing Waters Master Plan Precinct Contributions Plan in Bathurst, West Dapto Town Centres Master Planning in Wollongong, and the Tamworth Regional Housing Strategy, which will help advance more homes in the pipeline.

This is all part of the Minns Government’s plan to build a better NSW with more homes and services, so young people, families and key local workers have somewhere to live and in the communities they choose.

For more information on the successful councils and their projects, visit Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund | Planning

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“By investing in planning today, we’re helping councils deliver the homes, parks, transport connections, and infrastructure communities need, and making sure young people and families can continue to build their futures in the regions.”

“Good planning unlocks opportunity. Through this fund, we’re giving councils the tools to deliver better-designed, more liveable communities across regional NSW, close to transport, jobs, and essential services.”

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“We’re making real progress unlocking more homes across regional NSW by giving councils the support they need to plan for growth.

This $4.4 million investment will fast-track over 105,000 homes and help ensure our growing regional communities have access to the housing, infrastructure, and services they deserve.”

Round Three – Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund
Council	Project	Funding	Homes
Central Coast Council	Central Coast Council residential zone review program	$250,000	2558
Griffith City Council	Griffith urban Crown land affordable housing activation business case	$190,000	120
Goulburn Mulwaree Council	Technical studies to inform Goulburn’s CBD and Surrounds Transformation Project	$122,378	4226
Murray River Council	Murray River Infrastructure Strategy for Moama	$99,025	3890
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council	Port Macquarie planning control review to unlock housing	$200,000	1817
Bega Valley Shire Council	Bega Valley Local Infrastructure Contribution Plan for Wolumla	$50,380	1096
Eurobodalla Shire Council	Eurobodalla planning proposal for Batemans Bay Urban Renewal Project	$200,000	8000
Singleton Council	Singleton planning control review to accelerate and unlock housing	$120,671	8860
Lake Macquarie City Council	Supporting works for the Lake Macquarie Housing Strategy	$250,000	2849
Port Stephens Council	Port Stephens infrastructure needs analysis	$249,490	11,100
Shoalhaven City Council	Shoalhaven Estate Renewal Strategy and Delivery Plan for Nowra (joint project with Homes NSW and Southern Cross Housing)	$250,000	500
Uralla Shire Council	Uralla Growth Management Strategy, LEP review and developer servicing plans for water and sewer	$250,000	208
Inverell Shire Council	Inverell detailed drainage assessment and plans for new residential areas	$220,000	1002
Cobar Shire Council	Cobar Local Housing Strategy	$166,840	TBA
Central Darling Shire Council	Central Darling Shire Local Housing Strategy	$156,335	35
Narrabri Shire Council	Narrabri Development Control Plan update	$47,000	5960
Coonamble Shire Council	Coonamble Shire Urban Housing Strategy	$69,916	60
Gilgandra Shire Council	Gilgandra residential master planning project > Towards 5000	$226,930	481
Orange City Council	South Orange Sewer Servicing Strategy	$164,772	2740
Mid-Western Regional Council	Mid-Western Regional Council housing strategy implementation	$210,000	240
Parkes Shire Council	East Parkes Masterplan and Servicing Strategy	$185,799	980
Dubbo Regional Council	Dubbo Master Plan and Servicing Strategy for Montefiores, Wellington	$250,000	1400
Albury City Council	Albury LEP amendment and toolkit for Thurgoona Growth Precinct	$192,000	23,421
City of Newcastle	Accelerate the place-based master planning for City of Newcastle’s Transport Oriented Development precincts	$250,000	23,591

The Minns Labor Government is reminding consumers to behave respectfully, as new figures reveal more than 100 people have been charged under tough laws to help protect retail workers.

The reminder to all customers that ‘violence and aggression against the retail workforce is never okay’ follows the Minns Labor government implementing the Crimes Legislation Amendment in June 2023.

Since its implementation, 136 individuals have been charged with offences under the act with 64 individuals convicted of an offence and 25 individuals receiving a custodial imprisonment sentence.

The new laws make it an offence to:

• assault, throw a missile at, stalk, harass or intimidate a retail worker in the course of the worker’s duty, even if no actual bodily harm is caused to the worker, with a maximum penalty of four years’ imprisonment

• assault a retail worker in the course of the worker’s duty and cause actual bodily harm to the worker, with a maximum penalty of six years’ imprisonment

• wound or cause grievous bodily harm to a retail worker in the course of the worker’s duty, being reckless as to causing actual bodily harm to the worker or another person, with a maximum penalty of 11 years’ imprisonment.

Workplace violence has significant impacts on a person’s physical and psychological health, and includes any incident where a person is abused, threatened or assaulted at work, including physical assault, sexual assault, harassment or aggressive behaviour.

The Retail trade sector is the second largest employment industry in NSW, representing nine percent of the total workforce or almost one in 10 workers.

Anyone can anonymously report an incident of violence in the workplace by calling SafeWork NSW on 13 10 50 or through the Speak Up Save Lives app.

For more information on safety in the retail sector, visit the SafeWork website.

Minister for Work Health and Safety, Sophie Cotsis said:

“As a former retail worker myself, I want people to take a moment to remember that the people who serve you deserve respect.

“If you do the wrong thing, if you threaten or assault a retail worker, you can and will be charged.

“The NSW Government is taking a zero-tolerance approach. Retail workers have the right to feel and be safe when they go to work and these strong laws will continue to protect them.”

Secretary of SDA NSW, Bernie Smith said:

“Everybody deserves to feel and be safe in Australian shopping centres. Sadly, retail workers do not with 88 percent of workers being subjected to abuse including physical violence, with 1 in 10 reporting being spat on. Enough is enough, this must change. Everyone has a right to feel safe at work.

“There are now serious consequences for offenders who abuse retail workers including increased jail time. Don’t ruin our members’ day with bad behaviour in shops – don’t ruin your life with a bad decision.

“We ask customers to stop, reflect and do the right thing in shops.  Be kind to retail workers, it’s the best present you can give them.”

Chief Industry Affairs Officer Australian Retailers Association Fleur Brown said:

“It’s encouraging to see the progress being made in NSW following the introduction of targeted penalties to help keep retail communities and spaces safe and we commend the work of the government and police to enforce this.

“No one deserves to be spat on, threatened with weapons, intimidated or harassed for simply doing their job. Let’s work together to keep our retail teams safe.”

Coles General Manager Grant Shelton said:

“We are deeply committed to providing a safe working environment for our team members, and we have invested heavily in advanced safety technologies and training programs. 

“Our record-level investments in safety measures, such as body-worn cameras and de-escalation training, underscore our dedication to protecting our team members and customers.” 

Kmart and Target CEO John Gualtieri said:

“Keeping our team members and customers safe is our number one priority at the almost 450 Kmart and Target stores right around Australia and New Zealand.

“The concerning increase in customer threatening situations that is affecting Australian retail is not acceptable and is something that we need to take decisive action to stop.

“As a community we need to say enough is enough and support active measures that we know will increase safety for not only retail workers but for the community.”  

Acting Deputy Secretary SafeWork NSW, Trent Curtin said:

“Workers’ compensation data over the last three years shows us most claims in the retail sector are made by sales assistants at fuel retailers, supermarkets and retail department stores – and around 60 per cent are made by female workers.

“We are asking customers to maintain appropriate behaviour when interacting with retail workers, and to have a little patience and understanding.

“Every worker has a right to go to work and come home safely, and we need to remember this and keep a cool head during peak periods.”

The Minns Labor Government has today announced virtual stock fencing will be legalised across the state providing landholders with a new effective way of controlling cattle.

This is part of the Minns Government’s plan to boost the agriculture industry, reduce costs and better manage agricultural land and primary industries.

The NSW Member of Parliament for Orange, Phil Donato, has been championing the benefits of virtual fencing for primary producers to the NSW Government for the past three years.

The Government has listened to Phil Donato MP and the recommendations of the Legislative Assembly Committee Inquiry into the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Amendment (Virtual Stock Fencing) Bill 2024, plus the NSW Farmers, and animal welfare organisations, and is now moving to legalise virtual fencing.

Virtual fencing is used to contain cattle without the need for physical internal fencing, instead using devices such as neck bands or collars that use GPS technology and sensory cues to manage their movement. These devices can also monitor the activity, health and welfare of cattle.

Using GPS coordinates, farmers will be able to use this technology as internal fencing, rather than having to construct new or maintain existing fencing. Plus, gain insights on the health and movement of their herds.

This assists farmers to reconfigure paddocks and reduce costs on fence repair, plus address other issues shown through data analysis more efficiently and effectively.

This reform brings NSW into line with Queensland, the Northern Territory, Western Australia and Tasmania where virtual fencing is currently used.

The Inquiry Report recommended the development of a code of practise to specify animal welfare requirements.

The NSW Government will ensure necessary safeguards for animal welfare, biosecurity and public safety are in place for the introduction of virtual fencing.

Consultation will be undertaken on the proposed approach to allow virtual fencing in NSW before regulatory changes are made under Prevention of Cruelty to Animals legislation.

NSW Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty:

“The NSW Government has listened to Phil Donato the MP for Orange and to the farming industry and will work with both industry and animal welfare groups to ensure we get the right balance for delivering virtual fencing on farms.

“These changes seek to reduce costs for farming and to enable agile paddock formation across land holdings to meet the needs of farmers while also protecting the welfare of cattle.

“The Government will now consider amendments to the POCTA Regulation and undertake consultation with key stakeholders including industry and animal welfare organisations.”

Member for Orange, Phil Donato:

“The platform upon which I was first elected included representing the interests and needs of farmers, and I have maintained that commitment having vigorously advocated on behalf of our state’s farmers ever since.

“I am pleased the Minns Government and the Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty, have listened, worked through the issues and agreed to legalise virtual fencing in NSW through regulation.

“I congratulate the Government for their support, and I now look forward to advising Government to ensure we get the regulatory settings right so our farmers can reap the many benefits virtual fencing can deliver.

“It is imperative that government support scientific research-supported technological advancements in agriculture, so that our farmers have access to innovative tools which benefit the environment, animal management, their ag business and remain competitive in the marketplace.

“The benefits of virtual fencing cannot be overstated; in fact, a multi-generational Tasmanian dairy farmer recently told me that virtual fencing has been life altering for him and his family, and that if virtual fencing had not been made available to the business he manages he would have walked away from the industry years ago – completely burnt out.

“For the past three-plus years I have been lobbying the NSW Government non-stop to legalise this innovative livestock management technology, culminating in my introduction of a bill to legalise virtual fencing.”

Hundreds of families in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven are a step closer to accessing new public preschools with the award of contracts for the construction of the new facilities, co-located with public schools across the region.

The nine new preschools being delivered by the Minns Labor Government will provide places for up to 800 children per week, offering high-quality early learning to support families and give local children the best start to their education.

The public preschools will be fee-free, providing cost-of-living relief for local families.

This milestone marks a new step in a historic building boom, with 100 new public preschools set to open across New South Wales by early 2027, including 49 in regional areas.

As part of the biggest expansion of public preschools in NSW history, the first new public preschool opened at Gulyangarri Public Preschool in Liverpool in October 2024. A contract was also recently awarded to build 40 public preschools co-located with existing public schools across Western Sydney.

The latest tranche of preschools for the Illawarra will be built at Barrack Heights, Berkeley West, Bomaderry, Greenwell Point, Hayes Park, Lake Heights, Lake Illawarra South, Sanctuary Point and Cringila public schools.

Construction is set to begin this year on most of the nine preschools, and the community will be kept updated on progress, including site locations, construction and delivery timelines for each project. 

By delivering 100 new public preschools by 2027, the Minns Labor Government will create places in high quality early education for up to an additional 9,000 children for the year before they begin their schooling.

The Minns Labor Government is rebuilding public education with a record $8.9 billion funding in the 2024-25 Budget for new and upgraded public schools and public preschools.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

“This investment is part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to rebuilding public education and ensuring local families have access to high-quality early education close to home.

“I’m pleased to announce that the contracts have now been awarded, and construction will soon begin on our new public preschools in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven.

“This commitment shows the Minns Labor Government is serious about providing our youngest learners the best start in life, after the former Liberal National government failed to build a single public preschool in 12 years.”

Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast Ryan Park said:

“The first 2000 days of a child’s life are a critically important period in their learning and development, and the development of social, emotional and cognitive skills in preschool is crucial to this.

“A lot of people are doing it tough at the moment, and our government’s investment in fee-free public preschools will make the world of difference to a lot of families on the South Coast.”

Member for Wollongong Paul Scully said:

“This investment will be life changing for so many children in Wollongong and the broader Illawarra-Shoalhaven region.

“These new public preschools will give hundreds of local children now and long into the future the best possible start to their education while providing much-needed cost-of-living relief for families.”

Member for Shellharbour Anna Watson said:

“It is wonderful that these new preschools are being built in fast-growing areas where local families need them most.

“These fee-free public preschools will make a huge difference for young families right across the Illawarra and Shoalhaven.”

Member for South Coast Liza Butler said:

“This is a huge win for families across the Shoalhaven. By delivering these new public preschools, we’re giving local children the best start in life while easing the financial burden on parents.

“For too long, families have struggled to find accessible and affordable early childhood education. This investment will change that, ensuring every child – no matter their background – has the opportunity to thrive.

“I look forward to seeing construction begin next year and keeping our community updated as we deliver these much-needed preschools for the Illawarra and Shoalhaven.”

Labor spokesperson for Kiama Sarah Kaine MLC said:

“I am pleased that the contract for the construction of the Bomaderry public preschool has been awarded. This public preschools will provide long term benefits for children and families in the Kiama community.”

Students and staff at Forbes Public School are celebrating as they return to their upgraded school two and a half years on from the destructive 2022 Central West floods, with school improvements making way for the return of play space and the removal of demountables.

Forbes Public School’s flood rebuild project, delivered by the Minns Labor Government, features 14 refurbished classrooms, library upgrades, an upgraded school canteen, 12 new air conditioning units and two new bubbler stations.

The school’s toilet facilities have also been upgraded with new water-saving toilets and taps, handbasins, and partitions.

The project also included updating 11 school buildings with new doors, fresh paint, new carpet and laminate flooring, and essential electrical infrastructure upgrades. These improvements involved repainting and refurbishment of the shade structure, resurfacing the main sports court, landscaping of outdoor play areas, and the installation of new seating.

Overall, 1,050 litres of fresh paint was applied across interior and exterior walls and surfaces, and 1,080 square metres of new flooring was installed.

25 demountable classrooms used temporarily to support the school during the works will begin to be removed next month, including those on the school oval, with works on track for completion by Term 3.

Once cleared, the oval will be topsoiled and turfed, returning outdoor space for students and the school community to enjoy.

The Minns Labor Government is investing a record $8.9 billion investment to build and upgrade schools across NSW, including a historic $1.4 billion for school infrastructure projects in regional NSW.

Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

“After the devastation of the 2022 floods, it is fantastic that we are now welcoming students and teachers back to permanent, upgraded facilities at Forbes Public School.

“The floods have been particularly impactful for our regional communities, and the Minns Labor Government has worked hard to restore these important schools.

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to upgrading vital infrastructure like schools to communities in the Central West, so all young people and families have the high-quality facilities they need in their local area.”

Member for Orange Phil Donato said:

“I am pleased to see this important local school upgraded and returned to the Forbes community.

“This has been a difficult time for Forbes and the wider Central West community as we chart the long road to recovery from the 2022 floods.”

Duty MLC for Orange Stephen Lawrence said:

“The return of this school to the Forbes community will give local students, families and teachers a welcome boost as we continue the long recovery from the floods.

“I am proud to be part of the Minns Labor Government that is focused on returning vital infrastructure to local communities and rebuilding public education across the state.”

Megan Staples, Forbes Public School Principal said:

“The devastating floods of November 2022 had a significant impact on our school and the wider community, forcing us to relocate to temporary facilities.

“The time since has been an incredible testament to the dedication of our staff, the resilience of our students and the wonderful support from our wider school community.

“Thank you again for your patience, understanding and support.

“We cannot wait for students to resume their learning journeys today and embark on an exciting new chapter for Forbes Public School.”

Following the release of the NSW Innovation Blueprint 2035, innovations that transform industries and tackle some of the state’s most pressing problems will be celebrated today at the 2025 NSW Commercialisation Showcase.

Held at University of Technology Sydney, the day-long event offers an important opportunity for researchers and entrepreneurs to learn from each other and help ensure the ongoing growth of high-tech industries in NSW.

45 companies will have their technology on display, and the audience of 450 government, academic, and industry stakeholders will hear from 20 companies in a three-minute ‘Pitchfest’ and a further 20 via presentations.

Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology Anoulack Chanthivong will deliver the closing address.

The Showcase features innovative technologies tackling challenges in five areas:

• Digital Transformation and Connectivity
• Natural Hazards and Resilience
• Advanced Manufacturing and Net Zero
• Space and Defence
• Medical and Health.

Highlighted NSW Government initiatives include the Medical Devices Fund which has supported the development of 48 devices over 12 years, with a total funding of $92 million, and the Clean Technology Innovation Program which is investing up to $195 million to fast-track emerging solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Programs run by the NSW Research Networks, including the NSW Smart Sensing Network, Defence Innovation Network and Space Research Network are also on show.

The NSW Innovation Blueprint 2035 sets clearly defined goals and priority action areas to guide how the NSW Government designs programs, allocates funding, and works with innovation stakeholders.

Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology Anoulack Chanthivong:

“The 2025 NSW Commercialisation Showcase is an inspiring event which highlights the importance of supporting our state’s most innovative small businesses to tackle our most pressing challenges.

“Today is a day to truly appreciate what can be achieved when our innovative new companies are supported and nurtured.

“The recently released NSW Innovation Blueprint 2035 sets the NSW Labor Government’s vision to achieve more of these success stories in the decades ahead.

“I congratulate the many companies sharing their groundbreaking technologies and look forward to ensuring the NSW Government’s support for high-tech industry only increases moving forward.”

Minister for Recovery, Small Business and the North Coast Janelle Saffin:

“This year’s Showcase of 45 small businesses at the cutting edge of technological innovation will build on the success of last year’s inaugural event.

“I’m interested in all five areas of research and development, but particularly around natural hazards and risk reduction given my Recovery portfolio.

“The NSW Government is investing heavily in a range of initiatives which have the potential to transform industries, and ultimately, benefit consumers.”

Construction of the state’s largest mental health facility has commenced today in Western Sydney as the Minns Labor Government continues work to build a better New South Wales by investing in the essential services people rely on.

$540 million has been invested to deliver the Westmead Integrated Mental Health Complex. Set to be completed in 2027 it will deliver an uplift in beds, addressing the growing demand for mental health services in the area and providing best-practice care for Western Sydney communities.

Designs for the new complex were developed in close concert with key stakeholders including hospital staff, clinicians, community members and those with a lived experience in the New South Wales Mental Health System. This engagement will continue throughout the construction process.

The new Westmead Integrated Mental Health Complex will include:

• acute mental health beds, including beds for youth, adolescents, adults, older persons and people living with eating disorders
• mental health intensive care and high dependency units
• a mental health assessment area
• sub and non-acute mental health beds
• multidisciplinary ambulatory and outpatient mental health support services.

Importantly, the construction of this complex will include a link bridge connection to Westmead Hospital, providing better integration between mental health care and other services including the emergency department and psychiatric emergency care.

As part of this project, existing mental health inpatient and outpatient services at Cumberland Hospital West Campus will be relocated to the new Integrated Mental Health Complex at Westmead Health Precinct.

There will be no disruption or changes to patient care until the Westmead complex is complete, and it is absolutely safe to do so.

Today marks a milestone in the Minns Labor Government’s ongoing work to support community mental health and wellbeing by increasing the essential help available to the people of New South Wales when they need it.

This work has included:

• investing $8.2 million to support lifeline to expand text and webchat services for NSW residents
• investing $17.1 million in Kids Helpline, to provide greater access to free counselling services for children and young people
• hosted a state first forum to shine a spotlight on men’s mental health
• launched a parliamentary inquiry into Loneliness and its impacts
• employing additional school counsellors to support student wellbeing across NSW schools
• launched a new mental health and wellbeing strategy for first responders
• commenced community consultation on landmark whole of government suicide prevention legislation.

Premier Chris Minns said:

“Today is a really important step forward in building a more accessible and integrated mental healthcare system for New South Wales.

“Mental health is an important and ongoing conversation. This investment is about ensuring when people need help, they can receive it, in a place that has been designed to provide the best care possible.

“We know that mental health care can not and should not be separated from other forms of healthcare, which is why it’s so important that this project includes a bridge connecting the mental health services to Westmead Hospital.”

Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson said:

“The new Integrated Mental Health Complex will be a game-changer for New South Wales and will ensure people can receive the best possible care in an environment that prioritises their wellbeing.

“By combining acute, non-acute and sub-acute services under the one roof, this will be a space that not only addresses the immediate needs of people in crisis but also fosters long-term recovery.”

Minister for Health Ryan Park said:

“It’s great to see work getting underway for the new state-of-the-art health facility, which will revolutionise mental health care in NSW. 

“The new Complex will further cement the Westmead Health Precinct as one of the largest health, research, education and training precincts in the world, and provide enhanced access to mental health care in a contemporary health care facility.”

Member for Parramatta Donna Davis said:

“I’m very pleased to see progress on this project. As this Complex comes to life it will bring us closer to the delivery of a new 21st-Century mental health facility right in the heart of Western Sydney.

“Turning the sod on this new Complex opens a new chapter in the history of mental health services in Parramatta that has spanned more than 175 years.

“This new build also provides a welcome boost to the local economy, supporting almost 1000 direct jobs with the potential for supporting thousands of indirect jobs throughout the life of the project.”

Residents of south west Sydney will have greater access to renal dialysis services as a result of a $5.2 million funding grant from the Minns Labor Government.

Camden Hospital will soon welcome a new renal dialysis unit servicing the local and broader Macarthur community, reducing the need to travel for this ongoing and frequent treatment.

Campbelltown, Bowral and Liverpool Hospitals will also expand their existing renal dialysis services, allowing more patients to receive critical care close to home.

The funding will purchase the specialist equipment needed to provide the services at all four hospitals and capital works at Camden and Liverpool Hospitals to repurpose existing spaces into state-of-the-art services.

The additional and expanded renal services are expected to be operational in 2026 and will provide for around 120 additional sessions per week.

Renal dialysis is a life sustaining treatment for people who have end stage kidney failure. The treatment filters blood when a patient is experiencing kidney failure, removing excess fluid and waste products.

Patients requiring dialysis usually attend treatment several times per week, for several hours at a time.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“This $5.2 million funding boost will offer more people greater access to this life saving and life extending treatment and care closer to home.

“Renal dialysis is a life sustaining treatment and with the expected increase in population across south western Sydney, we are delivering new these new facilities to ensure capacity can meet demand.”

Member for Camden, Sally Quinnell:

“This funding boost to our local Camden hospital is crucial in ensuring our community has access to timely, accessible and quality healthcare.

“Delivering essential healthcare services across the Macarthur region means travel time will be reduced for patients and families, making lives easier.

“I’m proud to be part of a government that is bringing Camden’s healthcare opportunities back into the forefront of planning.”

Member for Liverpool, Charishma Kaliyanda:

“Dialysis is not optional—it’s essential. The expansion of services at Liverpool Hospital means our community can access this lifesaving treatment closer to home.

“This will make a real difference for many renal patients who, at present, are travelling long distances to access care.”

Member for Campbelltown, Greg Warren:

“This funding boost of $5.2 million will allow residents of Campbelltown, and the broader Macarthur region to access this critical treatment and care closer to home.

“As demand for these services continues to rise in Southwest Sydney, it is crucial that we continue to support our hospitals to meet that demand.

“For patients in South West Sydney who have to regularly attend dialysis, giving them options for care close to home can make a major, positive impact.”

Member for Wollondilly, Judy Hannan:

“This is a wonderful funding boost to a historic Hospital that means so much to the Macarthur region.

“I welcome this funding and thank the Government for their investment that matches the growth that our area is facing.

“I hope this funding shows the community the ongoing support for Camden Hospital, I look forward to further investments in future in Wollondilly and the surrounds and continuation of clinical services that are provided there at the moment.”

Sonia Marshall, Chief Executive, South Western Sydney Local Health District:

“Renal dialysis requires frequent and often lengthy treatments, allowing patients in kidney failure to live longer and maintain their quality of life.

“The expansion will mean more people than ever before across our district have access to life saving treatments that deliver for our communities.”