16 News – Page 143 – Newcastle and Australian News

Record surge in youth detention exposes Minns Government’s failed bail laws

The latest custody figures from BOCSAR reveal the Minns Labor Government’s controversial bail law changes are driving a crisis in youth detention, with the number of young people in custody surging by 34% in just two years.

As of June 2025, 234 young people were in detention, up from 175 in June 2023, and more than 70% of them are being held on remand without having been found guilty of anything. Almost one in four are detained for a break and enter offence.

The figures also expose the ongoing over-incarceration of Aboriginal young people. In June 2025, 140 Aboriginal children were in detention, making up almost 60% of the youth prison population.

Greens MP and spokesperson for Justice Sue Higginson said “Premier Chris Minns’ youth bail laws are doing exactly what he designed them to do, locking up more children and young people, for longer, before they have even been found guilty of anything. This is not justice, it is demonic political theatre at the expense of vulnerable young people.”

“We warned that these laws would disproportionately target First Nations young people and fuel a surge in youth imprisonment, and the data confirms it. Nearly 60% of the young people in detention are First Nations, and most are being held on remand. That means they are being torn away from family, community and Country before they have been found guilty or convicted of charges.”

“This is a devastating and predictable outcome. We know that locking up kids is the most criminogenic thing we can do to them, it increases the likelihood of reoffending, entrenches disadvantage and drives higher crime rates. The Minns Government has ignored the evidence and the advice of health and social science experts, youth advocates, legal experts, the Aboriginal Legal Service, the NSW Bar Association and the Law Society, and instead they have doubled down on a failed tough on crime agenda.”

“The only way to make our communities safer is to invest in diversion, prevention, and community-led programs, not more prison beds for kids. Every dollar spent on detaining a child, which is currently over $1 million per year to keep a young person, is a dollar stolen from the services that could keep them out of the criminal justice system in the first place.” Ms Higginson said.

Labor disrespects legal process, dodges accountability on salmon

The Greens have slammed the Albanese government for taking extraordinary measures to dodge accountability in the Federal Court on allowing the expansion and continuation of polluting salmon farming in the last remaining habitat of the endangered Maugean skate.

Environment groups waited two years after lodging a reconsideration request of the expansion before the Albanese government sensationally passed legislation in February specifically designed to bypass the reconsideration and allow salmon farming to continue.

The controversial new laws were set to be challenged by the Bob Brown Foundation in Federal Court next week and would have compelled the Minister to reconsider the expansion based on evidence.

To avoid being held accountable in Federal Court, the Minister today confirmed the reconsideration request had been settled and salmon farming would continue.

Greens spokesperson for Healthy Oceans & Senator for Lutruwita/Tasmania, Peter Whish-Wilson:

“The only reason this decision has been made by the Minister now is to scuttle the Federal Court case.

“The Albanese government had two years to make this decision and didn’t, instead it opted to sensationally bring in new legislation that undermines Australia’s already weak nature laws in an attempt to bypass making a decision based on evidence.

“The Minister has disrespected the legal process, dodged accountability, and refused to look at the evidence, all to placate and extend a polluting industry pushing a species to extinction.

“Labor is showing just how far it will go to protect the profits of foreign salmon farming corporations over Tasmania’s environment and the survival of the Maugean skate.”

Greens say deregulation won’t fix the housing crisis

Housing Minister Clare O’Neil’s promise to deregulate home building won’t fix the housing crisis, according to Australian Greens Housing and Homelessness spokesperson, Senator Barbara Pocock.

Greens spokesperson for housing and homelessness Senator Barbara Pocock:

“Today’s leaked Treasury advice shows that this Government has caved to demands of the property lobby. Labor needs to be careful they’re actually tackling the housing crisis, not just doing the bidding of property developers who want to make more money.

“We need more housing built more quickly but what we don’t want is poor quality housing in bad locations. There is a dire need to lift productivity in the housing sector but we must be very careful undertaking reforms in this area to avoid greenlighting shoddy developers who will deliver substandard dwellings in inappropriate settings.

“Many of these regulations are in place to protect consumers, protect the environment and to make our urban areas more liveable. We can’t afford to lower our standards on safety and sustainability as we try to improve efficiency. Giving robots control over environmental approvals is not the answer.

“The housing crisis in Australia can’t be solved simply through deregulation. We urgently need to wind back tax breaks for wealthy property investors, such as the capital gains tax discount and negative gearing, to open up a pathway for first home buyers.

“These tax breaks make home ownership unaffordable for too many Australians and turbo charge intergenerational inequality. We need action on housing but we need the right set of policy solutions to ensure equity and liveability in our urban environments.

“If the Government doesn’t tackle the tax handouts to rich property investors, they are not tackling the housing crisis. Unless the Government makes the necessary reforms to the tax concessions for property investors, we’ll continue to see house prices rise and rents spiral and we’ll continue to see levels of homelessness increase, which advocacy groups have said is the worst in living memory. The Greens stand ready to work with Labor to action this urgent reform.

“Ahead of the Government’s productivity roundtable, it’s disappointing that the outcomes have already been decided. We’ve had public debate in good faith on how to boost productivity, and deregulation alone won’t cut it. Labor must deliver on essential tax reform to deal with the housing crisis, ensure workers get their fair share and strengthen flexible working arrangements for women and carers.”

Safety improvements on the way for Hamilton South black spots

City of Newcastle has started work on a $2.1 million project that will make it safer and easier for pedestrians, cyclists, and all other road users to navigate two key intersections on Parkway Avenue.

The work will focus on the approaches to the roundabouts at National Park Street and Smith Street, which both have a history of accidents.

The project is being delivered by City of Newcastle, utilising $469,000 from the Australian Government Black Spots Program, which is administered by Transport for NSW.

Cr Pringle, Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon and Ryan Tranter on Parkway Avenue, Hamilton South.Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon said this is a great day for road safety and active transport in Newcastle.

“Safer, more accessible options for walking and cycling are exactly what our city needs,” Ms Claydon said.

“These upgrades, backed by a $469,000 investment from the Albanese Labor Government, will make a real difference for local residents, families, the Newcastle High School community, and commuters who want a healthier, more sustainable way to get around.

“Better paths and cycleways mean safer streets, cleaner air, and a healthier Newcastle, and I am proud to be part of a Federal Government supporting projects that deliver all of that and more.”

The project will provide traffic calming improvements, including the installation of speed humps and the realignment of the kerb to narrow the lanes, which will enhance safety for all traffic approaching each of the roundabouts.

Further improvements include cycle lanes along Parkway Avenue, with separated off road bypasses for cyclists at each of the roundabouts.

There are also raised shared path crossings across Parkway Avenue at both National Park Street and Smith Street to provide safer and more accessible crossing facilities for the large number of cyclists, pedestrians, and school students who travel through the area.

Chair of City of Newcastle’s Liveable Cities Strategic Advisory Committee, Councillor Joel Pringle, said the upgrades have been shaped by community feedback.

“We received more than 400 submissions from drivers, cyclists and pedestrians and 91% of them were supportive of the proposed changes,” Cr Pringle said.

“Parkway Avenue is an important connecting route for schools, sportsgrounds, shopping centres and beaches so these changes are designed to cater for everyone.

“The Parkway Avenue road reserve, including the Norfolk Island and New Caledonian trees, is locally heritage listed and these trees will be retained and protected during the construction phase.

“This will help to maintain the urban canopy, which provides much-needed shade and reduces heat during summer.”

Executive Manager of Transport and Regulation Ryan Tranter said City of Newcastle has been working closely with the community to ensure the project supports current needs, as well as supporting future development in the area, including the upgrade to Newcastle High School.

“The project’s main aim was to improve cyclist safety by slowing traffic on approach to the roundabouts and provide off-road cyclist bypasses at each roundabout, as well as designated on-road cycle lanes with a clear buffer to parked vehicles,” Mr Tranter said.

“This will help to address the conditions which have led to eight crashes in the past five years at these two roundabouts, with the majority involving cyclists.

“As part of the project we have incorporated two raised shared path crossings on Parkway Avenue in front of the school to improve pedestrian safety in the area, as we also look to improve active transport connectivity between Hamilton South and the commercial areas to the north.

“Our safety improvements align with the transport management plans for Newcastle High School and support NSW Schools Infrastructure’s current campus development project, ensuring the new connections support the expected increase of students coming to the campus.”

Roadworks are expected to commence on 19 August, with the section of Parkway Avenue to be closed to traffic.

The project is due to be completed by early 2026.

Winter upgrades prepare pools for busy summer season

City of Newcastle has used the winter closure period to complete more than $1 million worth of upgrades across its network of five inland swimming pools.

The installation of three new heat pumps at Lambton Park War Memorial Swimming Centre is complete, ensuring swimmers will enjoy warmer water when the facility reopens for the new season on 25 August.

State Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery (middle) with Ward Four Councillors Elizabeth Adamczyk and Callum Pull with the new pool blankets, which were replaced as part of the solar heating upgrade at Beresfield Swimming Centre.

Lambton also has a new platform to improve accessibility, while Beresfield Swimming Centre received an upgrade of its solar heating system supported by a $220,000 grant from the NSW Government.

Families in Stockton will have plenty to celebrate once the warmer weather returns thanks to a $145,000 upgrade at their Swimming Centre that includes new playground equipment, barbecues, picnic tables, shade structures and new accessible footpaths.

City of Newcastle’s Executive Manager Community and Recreation Lynn Duffy said it’s been a busy program of maintenance activity.

“City of Newcastle is committed to providing safe, clean and enjoyable aquatic facilities for the community,” Ms Duffy said.

“During winter all five of our inland pools have received safety upgrades, fresh paint jobs, maintenance of pool tiles and promenades, servicing of plant rooms and equipment, as well as plumbing repairs and improvements.

“New roller shutters have been installed at Wallsend and Lambton to improve security and we’ve delivered lighting upgrades at Beresfield and Mayfield.

“Lambton also received a new platform lift and ramp to make the pool more accessible, as well as an extensive paint job which includes non-slip areas.

“Replacing the solar heating system at Beresfield required pump room modifications and the replacement of rooftop thermal solar matting, which will greatly improve the facility’s energy efficiency.”

State Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery said she was delighted to nominate the project for funding under the Local Small Commitments Grant scheme.

“Beresfield Pool is such an important community asset and the solar heating upgrade was very deserving of funding,” Ms Hornery said.

“Providing this $220,000 from the Minns Government will go a long way to ensuring the pool is kept heated into the swimming season and provide a more comfortable experience in the water for our local swimmers and swimming clubs.”

“I want to thank City of Newcastle for implementing this project.”

City of Newcastle’s inland pools at Wallsend, Mayfield, Stockton and Beresfield will reopen on Saturday 27 September.

$658 million redevelopment of Sydney Children’s Hospital Randwick and Children’s Comprehensive Cancer Centre now complete

Construction of the $658 million Sydney Children’s Hospital Stage One and Minderoo Children’s Comprehensive Cancer Centre project has reached completion. This marks a major milestone in the hospital’s redevelopment, transforming paediatric care for children and their families across the state.

Minister for Health Ryan Park joined the Member for Coogee Dr Marjorie O’Neill to visit the new 12-storey building delivered as part of a more than $1.5 billion investment in health infrastructure within the Randwick Health and Innovation Precinct.

The new building brings together leading clinicians, researchers and educators under one roof, with contemporary health facilities and spaces for families to connect while navigating their healthcare needs.

The new building will welcome patients and their families from late 2025, following an operational commissioning period.

The $658 million project includes:

A new and enhanced children’s intensive care unit
A new and larger children’s emergency department  
Co-located laboratories to support the Minderoo Children’s Comprehensive Cancer Centre’s research, education and training
A new medical short stay unit 
A new neurosciences centre 
A new virtual care centre and hospital command centre – KidsHQ
Inpatient units for medical, surgical and sleep studies
A day oncology centre and inpatient units, along with a dedicated bone marrow transplant unit
A new children’s hospital pharmacy
Improved family amenities, including single patient bedrooms with a carer bed and ensuite
Indoor and outdoor recreational spaces for families to take a break from clinical settings
Education, training and clinical simulation spaces.
New playground and pet visiting space

In a first for Australia, childhood cancer research and the clinical care of children with cancer will integrate into one paediatric facility, accelerating the translation of research discovery into improved clinical practice.

The Minderoo Children’s Comprehensive Cancer Centre will be housed within the new hospital building and adjacent UNSW Health Translation Hub.

The Centre will include advanced laboratory spaces and deliver integrated, specialist cancer treatment, education and research programs, with this aim to transform childhood cancer treatment and become one of the world’s leading paediatric cancer centres.

The new building will also enable significant enhancement of paediatric neurology services, with the top floor dedicated to a new Neuroscience Comprehensive Care and Research Centre, providing integrated specialist services to improve the care and treatment of children with a range of neurological conditions.

This project has been delivered by NSW Health Infrastructure in partnership with the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network and Children’s Cancer Institute, with John Holland as principal contractor.

Almost 1.95 million construction hours have been worked throughout the life of the project, which will also enable a pipeline for 500 roles within paediatrics across the Randwick Health and Innovation Precinct.

The 2025-26 Budget confirmed a $12.4 billion investment over four years for health infrastructure to continue building a modern, resilient health system that meets both current needs and future demand. This includes the NSW Government’s announcement of $11.25 million to support the planning of upgrades to the Royal Hospital for Women, further investing in the Randwick Health and Innovation Precinct.

For more information on the new children’s hospital and research centre and other Randwick Campus Redevelopment projects, visit www.nsw.gov.au/randwick-campus-redevelopment.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“I’m delighted to see first-hand the completion of this state-of-the-art paediatric health facility designed to transform children’s care in this state for generations to come.

“The new building will bring together clinicians, researchers and educators in one place, which will significantly improve health outcomes for children and their families.

“The upgraded health facilities will attract clinicians, professionals and academics, support employment, drive innovation and productivity, and support to generate strong economic benefits for the community.”

Member for Coogee:

“I’m proud to be part of a government which is strengthening paediatric health care, research and innovation, which will be a game-changer for the local community and beyond.

“The new paediatric hospital has been designed to support families during their toughest times, including more single-patient rooms, family-friendly zones, play areas, and a pet-friendly zone to provide a welcoming environment and promote healing.

“It has been so exciting to watch the new children’s hospital and research centre come to life, which has involved more than 1,000 children, parents, carers and staff providing input throughout the planning of the new building, shaping the design of welcoming, home-like spaces that promote health and wellbeing, family togetherness, and patient-centred care.”

Cathryn Cox PSM, Chief Executive, Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network:

“Since 2020, we have been planning with our staff, families and community to reimagine our hospital environment.

“The modern facilities, technology and equipment will give us room to grow, tailor care to improve health outcomes, and respond to the state’s evolving paediatric healthcare needs.

“This is an exciting moment for our Network, as we move into a facility that matches the world class care our clinicians provide every day to some of the sickest children in the state.”

Swim spot set to make a splash on the Bay Run

A new $3.8 million swimming spot is on the way for the Bay Run with a development application lodged and the NSW Government and Inner West Council finalising a funding agreement and signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

The MoU outlines how both levels of government will work together to develop the Callan Park Tidal Baths which are expected to make a splash, at the Iron Cove foreshore.

The Minns Labor Government has committed $2 million to help deliver the project, which was first identified in the Parramatta River Masterplan, prepared by the Parramatta River Catchment Group in 2018.

The new swim spot set to offer a spot for a dip along the Bay Run will also benefit users of nearby parks and sports fields such as Leichhardt Oval and King George Park. This location will make sure the investment can be enjoyed by the Inner West community and beyond, including swimmers, pedestrians, joggers, cyclists and families.

Designs for the tidal baths include an accessible pathway and ramp, a generous fixed jetty, pontoon and shark net.

Following approval construction is expected to take six months, allowing the Baths to be open for the summer in 2026.

Greater Sydney Parklands is preparing a Callan Park Foreshore Master Plan to support integration of the swim site with the waterfront areas of Callan Park which will be shared for community consultation in the coming months.

For more information on the Callan Park Tidal baths visit the Inner West Council website.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“We made a commitment to deliver a swim site in Sydney’s Inner West and this MoU plunges us to the next stage of the project.

“The iconic Bay Run and surrounding parklands are already a community hub for family fun, sport, relaxation and exercise, so adding a swim spot where people can cool off in summer will be the perfect addition to an already thriving public space.

“This $2 million commitment is in addition to the $4.8 million the Minns Labor Government committed in the Budget to demolishing derelict buildings and return 1.6 hectares of parkland.”

Member for Summer Hill Jo Haylen said:

“This is great news for the Inner West because we’re closer than ever to having a free spot to take a dip in, to take the edge off summer heat without having to travel out of our local neighbourhood.

“We look forward to working with Inner West Council to develop this project so we can enhance this Callan Park for the enjoyment of the whole community.”

Inner West Council Mayor Darcy Byrne said:

“The Callan Park Tidal Baths will be a spectacular addition to the Bay Run which is already one of the best used recreation facilities in Sydney.

“This swim site in the next step in incredible rehabilitation of the Parramatta River and will attract swimmers’ and families from all over the Inner West to take a dip in Callan Park.”

Greater Sydney Parklands Chief Executive, Joshua French said:

“Callan Park holds a special place in the hearts of the community who want to see the park reach its full potential.

“The Callan Park swim site will continue our foreshore improvement program and will be a place for families and visitors to enjoy the waterside location and relax on the beautiful foreshore.”

Lismore flood recovery hits major milestone

Lismore’s long-term recovery from the devastating floods of early 2022 has taken an important step forward, with a contract awarded to a joint venture between CMC Group and JF Hull Holdings for the region’s largest road restoration package.

The major construction contract will enable critical repairs to restore roads from more than 60 landslips, improving reliability and reconnecting towns.

This marks a key milestone in restoring essential transport links across the Lismore region, with more than 50 road and transport infrastructure projects already completed, and almost 140 other projects currently in progress or under development.

Some projects have experienced delays or faced further damage due to the severe weather brought by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred in March 2025.

Work will be staggered over three years to reduce impacts on local communities and make full use of a locally based workforce from the Lismore local government area.

Jointly funded by the Commonwealth and NSW Governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), the permanent repairs are now underway, with the reconstruction projects giving communities confidence in the safety, reliability, and resilience of their roads for decades to come.

Additionally, close to $17 million in new funding is being provided to Lismore City Council to help restore its road infrastructure and make it more resilient against future flooding.

Through the Regional Roads and Transport Recovery Package (RRTRP) and Essential Public Asset Reconstruction funding under the DRFA, several causeways across the region will be replaced to withstand future floods and improve road resilience.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain:

“This contract is an important step in Lismore’s recovery journey, delivering critical repairs that the community has been waiting for since the 2022 floods.

“By investing in resilience, we are not just fixing what is broken – but we’re building back better to protect local residents from future flood events.

“The focus on local workforce and staged construction outlines the commitment from the Australian and New South Wales Governments to support the Lismore region’s economic and overall recovery whilst minimising disruption to residents.

“I would like to commend everyone that has been affected by the devastating natural disasters that have impacted the Lismore community for their strength, resilience and commitment to supporting each other in getting through difficult times.”

Minister for Recovery and North Coast and State Member for Lismore, Janelle Saffin:

“The Lismore region is getting its old mojo back, as we step up our rebuild with some great new developments.

“Our mission as we build back and emerge from recovery is to be improving the resilience of our infrastructure as we go.

“This announcement means we can invest in our roads so that they are better able to withstand the weather events of the future.”

Minister for Roads and Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison:

“The Minns Labor Government has quadrupled disaster recovery funding, from $190 million a year under the previous government, to an average of more than $800 million a year.

“We know landslips across the Lismore local government area had a massive impact on residents immediately after the flood and this contract to repair a further 60 landslips will keep up the momentum for action.

“Our objective has been to speed up support to councils dealing with disaster damaged roads.

“Together with the Albanese Labor Government, the vital $2.2 million investment under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements is rebuilding and reconnecting the Lismore community.”

Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg:

“We’ve come a long way already and there’s still more work to do. These projects will reconnect villages and support our local economy.

“Lismore is not just rebuilding – we are rising.”

Medibus brings specialist diabetes care to Forster and Taree

Access to holistic diabetes care is set to improve for Lower Mid North Coast communities with the new Diabetes Alliance Program Plus (DAP+) Medibus visiting Forster and Taree this week.

The custom-built Medibus is a fully equipped mobile health clinic which brings a multidisciplinary team of specialists, including an endocrinologist, diabetes educator, Aboriginal health worker, and podiatrist.

The clinical team will support patients directly and up-skill local general practitioners (GPs), nurses, and allied health professionals to provide gold-standard diabetes care within the primary care sector.

Diabetes remains one of the most critical health challenges for the Hunter and New England region, with an estimated one in eight people living with the condition, and many more undiagnosed.

If left unmanaged, diabetes can result in serious complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, blindness, amputations, and premature death.

Diabetes disproportionately impacts those living in low socio-economic communities and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, who are three times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.

The service is fully booked for this visit, however the Medibus will return to the Lower Mid North Coast in November. Access to the Medibus is via your GP or a local healthcare provider.

The Medibus is an initiative of the Diabetes Alliance Program Plus (DAP+), first established in 2015 by Hunter New England Local Health District and the Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network.

In 2023, a five-year, $12.4 million donation from the Colonial Foundation enabled the program to expand. This included welcoming new partners, including the Hunter Medical Research Institute and the University of Newcastle, to lead innovative research and evaluate the program’s impact on patient outcomes and the broader health system.

Further information can be found on the dapplus.org website.

Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park:

“The DAP+ MediBus is exactly the kind of healthcare innovation our regional communities need.

“By bringing specialist diabetes care close to people’s home we are ensuring everyone, regardless of where they live, can access the support and care they need to manage diabetes.

“Everyone deserves equitable access to expert, evidence-based health care. This initiative is delivering tailored, best practice diabetes management directly to regional communities and I’m proud to see the mobile clinic visiting Forster and Taree locals this week.”

Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley:

“When we announced the Medibus rollout across the Hunter earlier this year, I was excited to see lifesaving healthcare travelling to people who might otherwise struggle to access the support they need.

“Our goal is to make it easier for people to get the care they need without the stress or burden of travelling long distances, especially in regional and rural areas.

“Diabetes can lead to serious complications, so we’re making it easier for people to seek help early. We’re looking forward to seeing the Medibus reach even more communities across the Hunter later this year.”

Labor spokesperson for Myall Lakes, Emily Suvaal:

“I’m very happy to see the Medibus visiting our area and bringing expert, evidence-based diabetes care to those who need it most.

“Diabetes is a significant health challenge for many people in our region, and timely access to care is vital.”

Hunter New England Local Health District, DAP+ Implementation Manager, Morag Joseph:

“Our aim is to increase awareness of diabetes and work alongside local health professionals in Forster and Taree, so that patients can receive the best possible care, now and into the future.”

Fostering Innovation Sponsorship Program to provide a ‘Remarkable’ boost to collaboration across the innovation ecosystem

Remarkable, an initiative of the Cerebral Palsy Alliance aimed at empowering Disability Tech innovators, is just one of 13 organisations the Minns Labor Government will support as part of the latest round of the Fostering Innovation Sponsorship Program.

$400,000 in funding will go towards delivering a range of innovation-themed events and initiatives over the coming months including pitch nights, hackathons, and tech summits, as well as projects that have the potential to lead to the creation of new businesses and attract investment in target areas.

The first of these initiatives will take place tonight with a UNSW Founders Pitch night in Southwest Sydney.

Other initiatives will follow all over the state, with a report and forum zeroing-in on the gender funding gap hosted at Tech Central, a medtech and health innovation workshop in Wagga Wagga, and the Remarkable Disability Tech Summit 2025 at Sydney Town Hall.

The Fostering Innovation Sponsorship Program boosts collaboration and partnerships across the innovation ecosystem, delivering a key action in the Innovation Blueprint 2035, with the latest funding round delivering a diverse mix of activities across Sydney and regional NSW.

Applications opened earlier this year, with a record number received.

In line with the Minns Labor Government’s strategic, whole-of-government approach to its Industry and Innovation policy frameworks, the Fostering Innovation Sponsorship Program supported initiatives that aligned with the Innovation Blueprint 2035, along with the Housing, Net Zero and Local Manufacturing priorities of the NSW Industry Policy.

This consistent strategic vision demonstrates how the Minns Labor Government is committed to building a better NSW with a thriving innovation ecosystem, so businesses can create more economic and social opportunities for our people and help tackle the state’s most important challenges.

For more information on the Fostering Innovation Sponsorship Program visit the Fostering Innovation Sponsorship Program web page.

Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“Innovation in tech, housing, and manufacturing is one of the top priorities of the Minns Labor Government.

“Collaboration is key to delivering a more prosperous innovation ecosystem, and through the Fostering Innovation Sponsorship Program, we’re ensuring entrepreneurs and startups at various stages of growth can connect, learn, and develop.

“Our strongest assets are our people, and it’s through collaborative initiatives where ideas flourish, and connections and partnerships are made.

“This is another step the Minns Labor Government is taking to bring our Innovation Blueprint to life which is helping to cement NSW as the innovation powerhouse of the nation.”

Remarkable (Cerebral Palsy Alliance) Founder Pete Horsley said:

“The Remarkable Disability Tech Summit 2025 represents a pivotal moment where we can lead the world in ensuring AI and emerging technologies are designed inclusively from the ground up.

“With over 1 billion people globally needing assistive technology and less than 10% having access to what they need, we’re not just talking about closing gaps – we’re talking about unlocking a US$1.9 trillion opportunity for innovation and economic growth.

“Remarkable is part of the Cerebral Palsy Alliance and with Investment NSW’s support through the Fostering Innovation Sponsorship Program, we’re bringing together the global tech leaders, researchers, and decision-makers to actively re-wire the future of disability tech.”

UNSW Founders Program Manager Julie Pham said:

“We are grateful for the support provided by the Fostering Innovation Sponsorship Program.

“This funding enables us to expand Pitch Night South West supporting diverse, early-stage founders in one of the state’s most dynamic growth regions – and deliver the MedTech Innovation Workshop in Wagga Wagga to help regional innovators translate ideas into real-world health solutions.

“Investment NSW’s commitment to backing diverse and regionally focused innovation is instrumental in strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem across NSW.”

Fostering Innovation Sponsorship Program – Round 3 Recipients