The Minns Labor Government has presided over the worst spike in unemployment New South Wales has seen since the pandemic with over 205,000 people now out of work and some communities in crisis.
New figures confirm more than 45,000 jobs have vanished in just two months. The state’s jobless rate has surged to 4.4%, smashing through Labor’s own budget forecasts and taking NSW back to levels not seen since the economic fallout of the COVID lockdowns.
This isn’t just a number on a chart, this is families skipping meals, young people shelving dreams, and workers with decades of experience suddenly without a wage.
Labor’s promise to support Western Sydney has proven hollow. Communities like Parramatta (5.7%), Blacktown (5.4%) and in the South West (5.4%) now face the highest unemployment rates in the state with more than double those in the Eastern Suburbs and Northern Beaches.
Despite this, the Minns Labor Government has no credible plan. Private sector confidence is so low that job creation is stalling altogether.
Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said a government that gets its numbers this wrong can’t be trusted to manage the future.
“This isn’t a spreadsheet issue, it’s real people, real families, and real businesses hurting. Chris Minns needs to stop blaming everyone else and start showing some leadership,” Mr Speakman said.
Shadow Minister for Jobs, Industry, Innovation, Science and Technology, Mark Coure said when you lose your job, you lose more than a pay, you lose your routine, your confidence, and your peace of mind.
“Labor said they’d deliver for working people, but 200,000 families are now wondering how they’re going to pay the rent or put food on the table. Chris Minns has no plan, no answers, and no idea how to turn this around,” Mr Coure said.
In its own budget delivered just last month, the Minns Labor Government predicted unemployment would sit at 4% by June 2025, the actual figure has already blown past that to 4.4%, with every sign things will get worse.
Labor’s secret plan to break its word: privatise bus operations without tender
The Minns Labor Government has been caught red-handed secretly looking to extend the private operations for the Inner West (Region 6) of the Greater Sydney bus network without informing the public or even going to tender.
Reports today flies in direct contrast to Labor’s anti-privatisation stance before the election, revealing once again that they have no new ideas or plans to improve public transport for commuters.
This development is particularly embarrassing for Transport Minister John Graham, who labelled Region 6 a “total failure” and a “failed experiment” in Opposition1, yet in Government he hasn’t bothered to consult the public or even tell them!
The secret plans raise further doubt on what the point of this Labor Government’s overall transport agenda, following confirmation in recent months that there will be:
No new Metro Lines or major projects will be invested in
Nearly one thousand staff cut inside Transport for NSW
No actual plan to improve the consistently shocking on-time running for the Sydney Train network.
Mark Speakman, Leader of the Opposition said Mark Speakman secret deals and secret plans just show this Government has no real agenda to deliver better services for the people of NSW, only spin.
Shadow Minister for Transport and Roads Natalie Ward said this is proof Labor have misled the public.
“Labor’s position was no more privatisation. They have told the public one thing before the election and have done the complete opposition when in Government.
“There will be spin, there will be excuses, but word is your bond and this a broken promise.”
NSW deserves more than easel boards and corflutes with ideas, empty speeches, and cut-and-paste press conferences. We need leadership. We need delivery. We need vision.
1 – https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/Hansard/Pages/HansardResult.aspx#/docid/HANSARD-1820781676-80995
Labor follows opposition lead to shut down dodgy smoke dens
The NSW Opposition has today welcomed the Minns Labor Government’s decision to follow the Opposition’s lead in finally acting on illicit tobacco and vapes, dangerous products peddled by organised crime in plain sight of NSW communities.
Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said while this overdue announcement is a step in the right direction, it’s clear Labor only acted after months of political pressure, media scrutiny and growing community frustration.
“We’ve been calling for this for months. Communities knew it. Small businesses knew it. Parents knew it. And now finally the Premier knows it,” Mr Speakman said.
Shadow Attorney General Alister Henskens said the Minns Labor Government had presided over a surge in illegal tobacco and vapes, while gangs exploited weak penalties and slow enforcement.
“The government ignored what everyone could see, blacked-out shops appearing overnight, with no receipts, no regulation and no accountability,” Mr Henskens said.
Shadow Minister for Health Kellie Sloane said illicit tobacco wasn’t just a law and order issue, it was a growing public health crisis affecting young people, families and local communities.
“We can’t allow another generation to be targeted by criminal operators selling cheap, addictive poison under the counter,” Ms Sloane said.
Shadow Minister for Regional Health Gurmesh Singh said communities outside Sydney had been particularly vulnerable due to lack of enforcement.
“From the coast to the west, regional main streets had become easy targets,” Mr Singh said.
The NSW Coalition’s original announcement, made publicly on 29 June included:
- Jail time of up to 7 years for serious illegal tobacco crimes
- $1.5 million fines
- Closure powers for NSW Health and the courts
- New offences for landlords who knowingly lease to offenders
- Lease termination rights for landlords
- A clear message NSW would no longer be a soft target
Government continues to make medicines cheaper
The Albanese Government is making cheaper medicines even cheaper – with legislation being introduced to Parliament this week that will mean a prescription on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) will cost Australians no more than $25 from 1 January next year.
The last time PBS medicines cost no more than $25 was 2004 – more than 20 years ago.
This is another key cost of living measure delivered by the Albanese Government.
Having already slashed the cost of medicines – with the largest cut to the cost of medicines in the history of the PBS in 2023 – we’re now going even further.
This is a more than 20 per cent cut in the maximum cost of PBS medicines, which will save Australians over $200 million each year.
Making medicines cheaper is a tangible way we’re helping with the cost of living.
Pensioners and concession cardholders will continue to benefit from the freeze to the cost of their PBS medicines, with the cost frozen at its current level of $7.70 until 2030.
This builds on action we’ve already taken to deliver cost of living relief through Cheaper Medicines, including:
- More free and cheaper medicines, sooner, with a 25 per cent reduction in the number of scripts a concessional patient must fill before the PBS Safety Net kicks in – (July 2022)
- The largest cut to the cost of medicines in the history of the PBS, with the maximum cost of a general script falling to $30, from $42.50 – (January 2023)
- 60-day prescriptions saving time and money for millions of Australians with an ongoing health condition – (Three phases from September 2023)
- Freezing the cost of PBS medicines, with co-payments not rising with inflation for all Australians for the first time in 25 years – (January 2025)
All medicines that pharmacies can discount today can continue to be discounted once the co-payment is cut to $25. The legislation includes specific provisions to protect the availability of discounting.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
“We said we would make cheaper medicines even cheaper – that is exactly what we are doing.
“This is another example of cost of living relief that helps every Australian.
“The size of your bank balance shouldn’t determine the quality of your healthcare. My Government will continue to deliver cost of living relief for all Australians.”
Minister Mark Butler
“The Albanese Government has been focused on delivering cheaper medicines for Australians.
“Cheaper medicines are good for the hip pocket and good for your health.
“For general patients medicines haven’t been this cheap since 2004.
“For pension and concession card holders we’ve frozen your medicine prices at a maximum price of $7.70 until the end of the decade.”
New accessible homes delivered for people with disability in Lake Macquarie
The NSW Government has completed three new purpose-built homes in Wyee – delivering safe, accessible and inclusive housing for people with disability in Lake Macquarie.
The $5.1 million development was delivered in partnership with leading disability provider Aruma and marks a major step forward in expanding specialist social housing for people with high support needs.
A PROJECT DESIGNED FOR DIGNITY AND INDEPENDENCE:
The newly completed Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) homes include:
Two 3-bedroom houses
One 2-bedroom house with an adjoining 1-bedroom villa
Construction on two more homes – each with three bedrooms and space for live-in carers – will begin shortly and are expected to finish by mid-2026.
The project is jointly funded by Aruma and Homes NSW.
This initiative also forms part of the NSW Government’s $6.6 billion Building Homes for NSW program – the largest investment in housing in the state’s history.
NSW Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:
“We’re getting on with the job of building homes that actually work for people, not one-size-fits-all developments, but places that reflect the real needs of the community.”
“We’re building homes that give people safety and dignity – and we’re doing it as part of the biggest investment in housing in our state’s history. Through the Building Homes for
NSW program, we’re delivering the kind of accessible, purpose-built housing people need.”
NSW Minister for Disability Inclusion Kate Washington said:
“The Minns Labor Government is building a more inclusive NSW, by investing in state-of-the-art, safe and accessible housing.”
“We are delighted to be working in partnership with Aruma to ensure more people with disability have great housing options in Lake Macquarie.”
“People with disability have the right to live with dignity, and these new accessible homes offer that and much more – the opportunity to live their lives to the fullest.”
Lake Macquarie MP Greg Piper said:
“These new homes in Wyee, designed to support people with disability, are an asset to Lake Macquarie.”
“While these much-needed homes are welcome, there is still a great need for more social housing and disability accommodation in Lake Macquarie. I look forward to further investment in our region to meet the diverse needs of our growing population.”
Aruma CEO Dr Martin Laverty said:
“Our goal is to support people with disability to live the life that they want and choose.”
“These homes have been designed with accessibility and liveability in mind, and to provide the level of support our participants need. “
“Importantly, these properties have been built to support independence and honour personal choice. At Aruma, our focus is on creating homes for our participants – not just places to live.”
Appeal to locate man missing near Raymond Terrace
Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing from the state’s Hunter region.
Nicholas McFarlane-Thomson, aged 32, was last seen in Glen Oak (approximately 18km north of Raymond Terrace) about 2pm on Saturday 26 July 2025.
When he could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Port Stephens/Hunter Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.
Police and family hold concerns for Nicholas’ welfare as he has been acting out of character.
Nicholas is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 180cm tall, of thin build and black hair.
He was last seen wearing a dark green shirt, shorts and burkenstock sandals.
Nicholas may also be driving a red Mazda 3 sedan with the NSW registration ETL26D.
He is known to frequent the Raymond Terrace, Maitland and Central Coast areas.
Appeal to locate teen missing from Thornton
Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a teenage boy missing from the state’s north.
Nullan Quinn, aged 13, was last seen in Thornton (approximately 4km north west of Beresfield) about 12pm on Wednesday 16 July 2025.
When he could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Port Stephens/Hunter Police District were notified at 11pm yesterday, Monday 21 July 2025 and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.
Police and family hold concerns for Nullan’s welfare due to his age.
Nullan is described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, about 155cm tall, of large build and brown hair.
Nullan is known to frequent the Thornton, San Remo, Newcastle and Central Coast areas.
Police believe he may have been sighted at The Entrance on the Central Coast yesterday (Sunday 27 July 2025).
Anyone with information into his whereabouts is urged to contact Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Joint Statement by the Foreign and Defence Ministers of Australia and the Foreign and Defence Secretaries of the United Kingdom on Women, Peace and Security
We, the Foreign and Defence Ministers of Australia and the Foreign and Defence Secretaries of the United Kingdom, reaffirm our shared commitment to the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda as a cornerstone of our foreign and defence policies.
Ahead of the 25th anniversary of the landmark UN Security Council Resolution 1325 in October this year, the promise of the WPS agenda remains unfulfilled. Around the world, women and girls continue to be disproportionally affected by conflict and insecurity, and their exclusion from conflict prevention and peace processes is preventing the achievement of lasting peace, security and prosperity.
Australia and the United Kingdom have long championed action across the four pillars of the WPS agenda: Participation, Prevention, Protection and Relief and Recovery. This includes driving progress to eliminate conflict-related sexual violence, and both nations are deeply concerned by its pervasive use as a deliberate and devastating tactic of war.
Together, we remain committed to the full implementation of the WPS agenda, including to:
- Promote women’s leadership across all realms of peace and security, including conflict prevention, peace negotiations, peacekeeping operations, and defence institutions.
- Support women-led organisations and human rights defenders working in fragile and conflict-affected settings.
- Strengthen accountability mechanisms to prevent and respond to sexual gender-based violence, including conflict-related sexual violence.
- Collaborate internationally to share best practices, build capacity, and advocate for the WPS agenda in multilateral forums and through the International Alliance on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict.
We recognise that progress requires sustained political will and inclusive partnerships. As close partners, Australia and the United Kingdom will continue to work together to ensure that the WPS agenda remains central to our efforts to build a more peaceful, stable and prosperous world.
NSW Government will legislate to limit pollie pay
The Minns Labor Government will introduce legislation when Parliament returns in August to limit the pay rises for NSW parliamentarians to 3.5 per cent in 2025-2026.
The independent Parliamentary Remuneration Tribunal (PRT) has awarded a 4 per cent for NSW politicians.
This comes as the Government’s legislated wage freeze of the pay of MPs, senior public servants, judges, the governor, and other office holders for two years came to an end on July 1.
It was a significant budget measure that saved the NSW budget hundreds of millions of dollars.
Given the Tribunal’s decision to award a higher increase than the base increase offered to essential public sector workers, the Minns Labor Government believes the most responsible and fair course of action is to align the parliamentary pay rise with the pay offer of 3.5 per cent to the general public sector workforce last financial year.
This ensures consistency with broader public sector wage settings and reflects the Government’s commitment to responsible budget management and fairness.
This will mean in the first three years of the Minns Labor Government, essential workers will have received a minimum pay rise of 10.5 per cent, three times higher than the 3.5 per cent plus super which politicians will have received in three years.
Premier Chris Minns said:
“We removed the wages cap so we could deliver fair pay increases to the essential workers who keep NSW running — like teachers, paramedics, nurses, firefighters and police.”
Special Minister of State John Graham said:
“While the government has settled the majority of public sector pay claims, there are still important pay disputes underway. We have taken the view it is the wrong moment for parliamentarian pay to increase by 4%.”
SafeWork NSW issues over 500 non-compliance notices in biggest safety blitz in a decade
The Minns Labor Government’s move to strengthen SafeWork NSW is delivering results, with the largest compliance blitz in a decade leading to over 500 non-compliance notices issued across NSW.
Marking its first days as a standalone regulator under its new Commissioner, SafeWork NSW carried out unannounced inspections targeting close to 400 high-risk workplaces and industries.
SafeWork NSW inspectors issued 506 notices for non-compliance, comprising 435 improvement notices, 61 prohibition notices and 10 fines worth almost $50,000.
Unsafe work from heights and the unsafe operation of moving plant, vehicles and fixed machinery were the top two safety risks across worksites.
Key hazards associated with falls from heights include unprotected edges and fragile surfaces.
Businesses were issued with 192 notices for non-compliance with safety requirements relating to work at heights.
Inspectors issued 285 notices for the unsafe operation of moving plant, vehicles and fixed machinery. Some examples include lifts, cranes, scaffolding components, conveyors, forklifts and amusement devices.
Hundreds of SafeWork NSW staff travelled across regional and metropolitan NSW between 1 July and 4 July to conduct unannounced compliance checks to ensure safety obligations were being followed to keep workers safe on the job.
Inspections occurred across the state – from a construction site in Wollongong and farm outside Orange to a manufacturer in Dubbo and nursing home in Ballina.
They were focused on SafeWork NSW’s five regulatory priorities and harms which cause the greatest risk to workers:
- falls from heights,
- harms to workers in the healthcare and social assistance sector,
- psychosocial risks at work including sexual harassment,
- exposure to hazardous chemicals including silica, asbestos and welding fumes, and
- injury from mobile plant, vehicles or fixed machinery.
Inspectors also engaged with workers, businesses, health and safety representatives and union delegates during these visits.
The compliance operation coincided with SafeWork NSW’s formal transition to a standalone agency on 1 July and the publication of its new Annual Regulatory Statement for 2025-26.
The statement outlines what SafeWork NSW aims to deliver over the next 12 months and the regulatory priorities it will focus on.
This includes SafeWork NSW’s approach to compliance, enforcement, programs targeting harm prevention and outlines the agency’s key measurable actions to deliver on its regulatory priorities.
For more information on how to manage the risks of working at heights, mobile plant safety and how to how to manage psychosocial risks in construction visit the SafeWork NSW website at www.safework.nsw.gov.au.
Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said:
“The results speak for themselves. With over 500 compliance notices issued during the largest blitz in a decade, we’re showing that we are serious about protecting workers across NSW.
“There is zero-tolerance for putting worker safety at risk. The Government together with employers and unions have an important role to play to better protect workers.
“By establishing SafeWork NSW as a standalone regulator, the Minns Labor Government is sending a clear message: workplace safety is non-negotiable.
“This move strengthens our ability to enforce work health and safety laws, support businesses to meet their obligations, and drive real cultural change to prevent harm.”
SafeWork NSW Commissioner Janet Schorer said:
“SafeWork NSW’s first compliance operation as a standalone regulator was the agency’s largest proactive and targeted verification program is the past decade.
“The hundreds of unannounced site visits reflect SafeWork NSW’s determination to be a visible regulator.
“However, there is still more work to do to ensure workers are not placed in potentially hazardous situations.
“SafeWork NSW will continue to focus on falls from heights hazards and the unsafe operation of moving plant, vehicles and fixed machinery as a priority in the year ahead.”