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The Minns Labor Government has delivered 3,500 new public, community and affordable homes marking a significant milestone that is helping people right across NSW, including victim-survivors of domestic violence, find safety and rebuild their lives.

In the 2024-25 financial year, 1711 new social and affordable were built or brought back into use under the historic $6.6 billion Building Homes for New South Wales program.

Housing affordability and availability is the biggest single pressure facing the people of New South Wales, and for many, building our social and affordable housing stock can mean the difference between sleeping on the street or not being able to leave an unsafe household.

Women over 55 and people aged 55–64 are now the fastest-growing group experiencing homelessness in NSW and across Australia, driven by rental stress, limited superannuation and relationship breakdowns, underscoring the urgency of this investment.

We have already built hundreds of homes this year with months still remaining and are on track to deliver the largest expansion of public housing in modern NSW history.

This milestone represents a clear turnaround after a decade where more public housing was sold than built. For the first time in years, public housing in NSW is growing again.

This follows twelve years of privatisation, sell offs and neglect under the former Liberal National Government, which oversaw a net reduction in the state’s public housing from 110,805 homes in 2014 to 95,765 in 2023.

Between 2017 and 2021, just 2,257 social homes were built, far fewer than the 3,269 homes that were sold or removed over the same period.

The Minns Labor Government is building new homes at scale and restoring public housing as a core part of the housing system.

The $6.6 billion Building Homes for NSW Program is driving this shift, with thousands of new public homes being built and tens of thousands more upgraded.

The project on Cowper Street, Glebe is a clear example, replacing 19 ageing dwellings with 75 new, modern public homes in the heart of the city.

Located within walking distance of bus services and the Wentworth Park light rail, the development keeps residents connected to jobs, services and community.

Just around the corner, Bays West will deliver up to 8,500 new homes, including public and affordable housing, building on the work already underway here in Glebe.

The Minns Labor Government is delivering a comprehensive plan to build more homes across NSW and tackle the housing crisis.

This includes:

• The $6.6 billion Building Homes for NSW Program, the largest investment in public and social housing in a generation
• 8,400 new public homes being built across the state
• 21,000 affordable and market homes to increase supply
• Upgrades to 30,000 existing social housing properties
• The largest planning reforms in a generation to unlock more homes
• Establishing the Housing Development Authority to accelerate delivery
• Building more homes in well-located areas close to transport, jobs and services.

Together, these actions are driving more homes across the system, including public housing, and restoring the role of government in building homes at scale.

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

NSW Premier Chris Minns:

“This is an important milestone. Not only do we have 75 new public homes right in the centre of Glebe, but since coming to office, we’ve delivered 3,500 new public, community and affordable homes across New South Wales.

“This means for the first time in years, public housing in NSW is growing again, not shrinking. Giving thousands of people, including victims of domestic and family violence, a safe and secure place to call home.

“In the last financial year alone, more than 1,700 social and affordable homes have been built or restored through our $6.6 billion Building Homes for NSW program. This is what rebuilding public housing looks like.”

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson:

“Last year we said it was the biggest year for public and affordable housing in our state’s modern history. This year isn’t even over and we’ve already built more.”

“For too long, governments walked away from fixing the housing crisis. We’re tackling it head on, brick by brick, house by house, street by street.”

“For too many people, the Australian dream has slipped out of reach. I want our city to dream again, a future where people can afford a home and live in the communities they love.”

“This is about building more public housing in the right places, close to jobs, transport and services, so people aren’t locked out of their own city.”

“This is about dignity. Making sure everyone has a safe, secure place to call home.”

CEO of Bridge Housing Laurie Leigh:

“We applaud the NSW Government’s and the Kings Trust’s commitment to delivering additional quality social housing. They are ensuring that residents have the certainty of a stable, affordable home and the right foundation to plan their futures.

“This project stands proud in the community through thoughtful design, sustainable building practices, and exceptional craftsmanship of the building façade.  Today is a win for changing lives and strengthening communities.”

On behalf of the NSW Government, I would like to thank Ken Brown AM for his dedicated service as Harness Racing NSW (HRNSW) Chair, following his retirement.

Mr Brown has been a HRNSW Member since 2017 and his long-standing service is a testament to his commitment to the harness racing industry.

During his tenure he has helped guide and shape our state’s harness racing industry into the strong position it is in.

I commend Mr Brown for his dedication, professionalism and deep knowledge of the racing codes.

I wish him all the best in his future endeavours.

I would also like to congratulate Doug Freeman on his appointment by the HRNSW Board as its new Chair.

Mr Freeman brings expertise and a lifelong connection to harness racing and I look forward to working constructively with him during his 12-month term.

To address the vacancies on the HRNSW Board, I have made the following appointments, effective 17 March, in accordance with the Harness Racing Act 2009:

• Maggie Hundertmark as a member of the board for a four-year term, expiring 16 March 2030.
• Mark Holton as a member of the board for a two-year term, expiring 16 March 2028.

The Minns Labor Government has started design work on a proposed major safety upgrade of the level crossing at Mary Gilmore Way, Bribbaree, south of Grenfell, while interim improvements will also be delivered on the road approach to the crossing.

The proposed upgrade would transform the crossing from a passive crossing into an active one, delivering new retro-reflective boom gates, updated signage, LED flashing lights and warning bells to better protect motorists, freight operators and local communities using this important regional road.

Starting design work now will allow construction of the active crossing infrastructure to be fast tracked once the remaining 19 high priority projects under the Regional Level Crossing Upgrade Fund are completed.

While design and development work for the proposed major upgrade progresses, the Minns Labor Government is also delivering practical interim safety improvements on the road approach to the Mary Gilmore Way crossing.

These improvements include installing rumble strips and investigating photoluminescent line markings, known as glow roads technology, to improve visibility for drivers approaching the crossing. 

Transport for NSW will also review the size and placement of advanced warning signage and increase it where appropriate.

Until the crossing is upgraded to an active crossing, Transport for NSW will retain the existing Augmented Stop Signs and Advance Warning Signs system and investigate upgrades to its hardware so it can take advantage of emerging machine learning technologies.

The Augmented Stop Signs and Advance Warning Signs technology was installed in 2023 as a trial. It uses radar to detect approaching vehicles, activating flashing LED lights on stop signs at the crossing and advance warning signs on the road approach.

The solar powered system provides an additional visual warning for drivers and has already resulted in a marked improvement in the number of motorists stopping or significantly slowing compared with static signage alone.

Transport for NSW and the Australian Rail Track Corporation are jointly funding the design work for the proposed upgrade to an active crossing. Designs are expected to be completed by the end of the 2025 to 2026 financial year.

The proposed upgrade would then be delivered by ARTC under Transport’s Level Crossing Improvement Program, with construction timing to be determined once the current program of upgrades under the Regional Level Crossing Upgrade Fund is complete.

Transport for NSW will continue to keep the community updated as work progresses.

Minister for Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison said:

“Level crossing crashes can have devastating consequences for regional communities, which is why the Minns Labor Government is getting on with the work needed to improve safety at crossings across the state.

“The community has been clear that Mary Gilmore Way at Bribbaree needs attention, and I thank Weddin Shire Council for its strong advocacy on behalf of local residents.

“We have started design work on a proposed major upgrade that would deliver boom gates, flashing lights and bells, transforming this crossing from a passive crossing into an active one.

“Importantly, we are not waiting for the long-term upgrade before taking action. We are also delivering practical interim improvements on the approach to the crossing, including rumble strips, improved signage and investigating glow road technology.

“By combining targeted infrastructure upgrades with new technology, the Minns Labor Government is working to make this crossing safer and help prevent serious crashes on regional roads.” 

Labor Spokesperson for Cootamundra, Stephen Lawrence said:

“People in our region know how dangerous this crossing can be, and they deserve to feel safe every time they travel through it.”

“This is exactly the kind of practical investment regional communities need, getting on with the job of improving safety while planning for the long term.”

“Upgrading this crossing from passive to active will make a real difference, but it’s just as important that interim measures are being rolled out now to reduce risk immediately.”

“Regional roads carry a heavy toll when it comes to serious crashes, and targeted upgrades like this are critical to turning that around.”

Mayor of Weddin Shire Council, Paul Best said:

“I am extremely pleased to see that further risk mitigation measures are being organised until a permanent solution is delivered. 

“Given the serious risk this crossing presents to both road users and rail operators, seeing this matter being attended to is welcomed.  

“I would like to thank members of the community who have advocated for improvements to level crossings in our region.  

“This is welcomed news.  

“I would also like to thank ARTC and Transport for NSW for working together with Council on this, to make it safer for our community.”

Director Infrastructure Projects, ARTC, Heather Parry said:

“ARTC manages more than 1,500 level crossings in NSW and we know the risks they can pose, particularly on regional roads. Tragically, level crossing incidents remain the leading cause of railway-related fatalities involving members of the public. 

“Trains cannot stop quickly, especially when carrying heavy loads, which is why upgrading Mary Gilmore Way from a passive to an active crossing is such an important safety improvement. 

“We are proud to partner with Transport for NSW to help deliver safer outcomes for the Bribbaree community and all road and rail users.” 

The Minns Labor Government has unveiled designs for a major new park near the Bella Vista Metro station, to be delivered as part of a $520 million investment in the Transport Oriented Development (TOD) Accelerated Precincts.

The designs for the three-hectare park are now on public exhibition so the community can help shape the park’s future.

Current plans will deliver a premier family-friendly open space which will provide shaded areas for nature-based recreation, community gatherings, and inclusive, accessible play.

Key design features include:

• A community green bordered by open woodland, which can be used for both casual ball games and community events.
• An amphitheatre for small performances with nearby picnic spaces.
• Extensive woodland and native plantings and a generous tree canopy to create cool shaded environments.
• Family-friendly play zones, including forest-themed play area, interactive waterplay and spaces for casual sport and active play.
• Terraced lawns and quiet gathering areas.
• A network of accessible paths and walking trails, winding through shaded groves, linking key play and gathering areas.
• Culturally enriched spaces informed by Traditional Knowledge to support learning and reflect Connection to Country principles.

This is one of seven major parks to be delivered alongside the Transport Oriented Development (TOD) Accelerated Precincts.

Bella Vista Park celebrates the Cumberland Plain Woodland and will connect to the nearby Kellyville Centre Park, with the designs for both parks now on public exhibition for community feedback.

The Minns Labor Government has worked in close collaboration with the local community, The Hills Shire Council and Traditional Custodians to deliver the design.

The TOD Accelerated Precincts will support the delivery of almost 60,000 homes and more than 126,000 commercial and retail jobs around key transport hubs.

The Bella Vista District Park design is on public exhibition until 5pm Thursday, 23 April. For more information and to have your say, attend an in-person pop up in the local area and visit, NSW Planning.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said:

“The Minns Labor Government is working to deliver well-located, affordable homes near transport, jobs and amenities.

“Housing growth goes hand-in-hand with high-quality places for people to relax and play.

“This is the type of local infrastructure that we want to see come in preparation for new homes.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“This is another example of the Minns Labor Government delivering quality open spaces to support housing growth.

“The new Bella Vista park will be a place for people to come together to relax, play, exercise and enjoy nature for generations to come.

“The draft design has taken inspiration from the nearby Cumberland Plain Woodland to deliver a three-hectare park which reflects the area’s natural environment.”

Member for Riverstone, Warren Kirby said:

“This park will provide locals access to a great new open space right in the heart of Bella Vista where they can unwind, spend time together, and enjoy the great outdoors.

“As our communities grow, so too does the need for open spaces, I encourage people to have their say now to help shape the future of this great new park.”

Families across New South Wales are continuing to face relentless cost of living pressures, with new figures showing Sydney inflation remains higher than the national average.

Figures for the year to February 2026 show Sydney’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) sitting at 3.8 per cent, confirming a trend of persistent, high inflation under Chris Minns and Labor.

Crucially, these figures represent the economic landscape prior to the launch of the Iran conflict on the final day of February and the resultant global economic shock.

With Sydney’s cost of living already higher than the national CPI (3.7%), Melbourne (3.3%), and Brisbane (3.7%), Labor’s failure to rein in costs during the pre-conflict period has left already struggling families dangerously exposed to the coming global price shocks.

The following essentials have seen increases well above the 3.8% headline inflation rate in the year to February 2026:

• Electricity: up 14.5%
• Child Care: up 8.9%
• Beef: up 7.8%
• Gas: up 7.3%
• Property Rates: up 7.1%
• Urban Transport Fares: up 5.2%
• Medical and Hospital Services: up 4.5%

Shadow Treasurer, Scott Farlow, said these figures show the cost-of-living crisis in NSW is far from over and is getting worse every day.

“These inflation figures are bad news for families,” Mr Farlow said.

“What is worse is these figures are from before the shocks from the Iran conflict. Transport costs in particular will add further pressure in the months ahead.”

“Families are being squeezed at the supermarket, at the petrol pump and on their electricity bills with real risk this gets worse before it gets better.”

“While the cost of housing, food and essential bills continues to rise, state taxes have grown by 30 per cent since this Government came to power. Everywhere people look there is another tax or charge to pay under Chris Minns and Labor,” Mr Farlow said.

“The Minns Labor Government is sitting on their hands and has no plan to ease the cost burden on NSW families.”

The NSW Opposition is demanding the fuel excise be cut immediately to deliver critical cost-of-living relief to NSW families and businesses. 
 
The Liberals and Nationals are also urging the Minns Labor Government to pick up the phone to their Federal colleagues and ask for the fuel excise reduction, instead of choosing to remain silent.  
 
With petrol prices surging past $3 a litre in parts of NSW and global supply issues there is a great deal of uncertainty which is placing enormous pressure on households. 
 
Leader of the Opposition, Kellie Sloane, said a temporary cut in fuel excise would provide immediate and meaningful cost-of-living relief. 
 
“The Liberals and Nationals have continued to put forward measures to provide transparency, reliability and support families throughout the fuel crisis,” Ms Sloane said.  
 
“The Minns Labor Government has rejected all our proposals and has refused to use the levers available to them. At the very least Chris Minns must pick up the phone and demand the Prime Minister cut the fuel excise to provide immediate relief for motorists. His silence is a choice.” 
 
“The fuel excise currently sits at 52.6 cents per litre. A reduction like this at the bowser would significantly reduce current pressures people are facing.” 
 
Leader of the NSW Nationals, Gurmesh Singh, warned that rising fuel costs are having an even greater impact on our regional communities. 
  
“Truck drivers, farmers and regional families do not have the luxury of frequent public transport or short travel times. In regional and rural NSW, higher fuel costs flow through to everything from getting to work and transporting goods, to putting food on the tables of families in the cities,” Mr Singh said. 
  
“It’s time for Chris Minns to step up and stand behind the people of NSW.” 
 
Shadow Minister for Roads, Mark Coure, said the Minns Labor Government has not done enough to prevent this crisis from worsening.  
 
“Beyond their roundtable, the Minns Labor Government has failed to put pressure on Anthony Albanese or take meaningful action at a state level to stop motorists being slugged at the bowser,” Mr Coure said. 
 
“The NSW Liberals and Nationals have already put forward practical legislation for daily fuel price transparency and cap reporting and called for free public transport over the Easter long weekend which Labor has refused to even consider.” 

The Minns Labor Government must act following reports of a “campaign of disruption” by unions, impacting apprentices in Sydney. 
  
Industry leaders have raised serious concerns after former CFMEU officials now with the ETU exercised their right to entry at a Sydney training centre, with NECA NSW and ACT Executive Director Mark Stedfut warning it is a “calculated campaign of disruption that does nothing to benefit those apprentices”. 
  
Shadow Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Justin Clancy, said apprentices are being caught in the middle — and the Government is failing to step in. 
  
“Our apprentices deserve to be learning their trade in a stable and supportive environment — not caught up in what has been described as a campaign of disruption that does nothing to benefit them,” Mr Clancy said. 
  
“When you have repeated disruption targeting the same group of young workers, it’s clear this has nothing to do with supporting apprentices and everything to do with pushing an agenda.” 
  
Mr Clancy said the issue goes to the heart of the state’s skills crisis. 
  
“Only around half of apprentices in New South Wales complete their training — and yet we are allowing disruption that makes it even harder for them to stay engaged and finish,” he said. 
  
Mr Clancy said the Minns Government cannot claim to be rebuilding TAFE and skills while failing to protect apprentices on the ground. 
  
“This is the test — will the Government stand up for apprentices, or will it stand back and allow this disruption to continue?” he said. 
  
“If the Government is serious about fixing skills shortages, it must start by protecting apprentices — because without them, there is no pipeline.” 

This is a joint release between the Australian Federal Police, NSW Police Force, Australian Security Intelligence Organisation and the NSW Crime Commission

A 16-year-old boy is set to appear in a NSW Children’s Court today (25 March, 2026) charged with terrorism offences following an investigation by the NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team (NSW JCTT).

The NSW JCTT began an investigation on 10 December, 2025, following a report of an individual posting threats of extremist violence online.

Investigators executed a search warrant at a home in Sydney’s Inner West on 11 December, 2025, and reviewed a number of electronic devices. A gel blaster and a flick knife were located and seized.

The young person was charged with:

• One count of possessing  an unathorised pistol, contrary to section 7(1) of the Firearms Act 1996 (NSW), and;
• One count of possessing a prohibited weapon without a permit, contrary to section 7(1) of the Weapons Prohibition Act 1998 (NSW).

These offences each carry a maximum penalty of 14 years’ imprisonment.

The young person appeared before a NSW Children’s Court on 12 December, 2025, where he was formally refused bail. They were subsequently granted bail by the same court on 19 December, 2025.

A further review of the young person’s electronic devices identified information relating to extremist violence. It will be alleged the young person held a mixed ideology and outlined plans for acts of violence. 

On 24 March, 2026 NSW JCTT investigators laid further charges on the young person:

• One count of collecting documents likely to facilitate a terrorist act, contrary to section 101.5 of the Criminal Code (Cth). This offence carries a maximum penalty of 15 years; 
• Two counts of making documents likely to facilitate a terrorist act, contrary to section 101.5 of the Criminal Code (Cth). This offence carries a maximum penalty of 15 years; and
• Two counts of did possess violent extremist material contrary to section 474.45C of the Criminal Code (Cth). This offence carries a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment.

The young person is expected to appear at a NSW Children’s Court today (25 March, 2026).

The NSW JCTT is comprised of members from the NSW Police Force, Australian Federal Police, Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) and NSW Crime Commission.

Anyone with information about extremist activity or possible threats to the community should come forward, no matter how small or insignificant you think the information may be. The National Security Hotline is 1800 123 400.