Category: NSW News

The Minns Labor Government is funding and delivering better communities, with investment through the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund helping complete a $2.1 million upgrade of the Griffith Park boardwalk at Collaroy, now open to the public.

Part of the iconic Long Reef Headland coastal loop loved by walkers, families and visitors year-round and a well-known whale-watching spot. The project replaced and realigned around 110 metres of boardwalk and bridge and upgraded a 20-metre beach access ramp. The work restores a vital link previously vulnerable to storm damage and erosion, improving safety and access for the community.

Delivered by Northern Beaches Council, the project included relocating the structure further inland, along with design, site investigations and construction.

From Griffith Park and the adjacent Long Reef Headland, visitors can take in dramatic 230‑million‑year‑old red claystone cliffs, often known locally as ‘chocolate shales’, sweeping panoramic views across the Northern Beaches including Dee Why and Collaroy beaches, and at low tide, extensive rock platforms rich with fossils and marine life.

Long Reef Reserve is a popular destination for walking, whale watching and enjoying the coastline, as well as swimming and surfing. The upgraded boardwalk supports continued enjoyment of this remarkable headland for locals and visitors alike.

Crown reserves play an important role in providing access to valued public places, and the NSW Government continues to invest in maintaining and improving these shared spaces so communities can enjoy them now and into the future.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“This upgrade is a fantastic boost for the local community, making it safer and easier for people to enjoy one of the Northern Beaches’ most loved coastal walks.

“It’s great to see NSW Government funding delivering real improvements that help locals and visitors make the most of these incredible public spaces.”

Local Member for Wakehurst, Michael Ragan said:

“I am wrapped with the result and the positive feedback I’ve received thus far. A great partnership that had Council and State Govt working closely together on this worldclass destination. Glad to have played my part in delivering this for all to enjoy.”

Northern Beaches Council Mayor Sue Heins said:

“Long Reef Headland remains one of our best-loved coastal walks, and this upgrade ensures it is now safer, more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

“We have worked closely with our community and stakeholders to deliver a solution that protects the environment, honours cultural heritage, and enriches the experience for all who enjoy this stunning stretch of coastline.”

Frontline emergency care in the Northern Rivers is set for a major boost, with the location for a new purpose-built ambulance station in Lismore confirmed and plans progressing for a rebuild of the Mullumbimby ambulance station.

In 2025, the Minns Labor Government invested $9.97 million through the Infrastructure Betterment Funding Grants to build a new, flood-resilient ambulance station in Lismore. A further $3.4 million was committed to rebuild the Mullumbimby Ambulance Station on its existing site to modernise facilities and improve flood resilience.

Both stations suffered extensive structural damage during the devastating Northern Rivers floods in March 2022, the third major flood event to impact the region in a decade.

The former Lismore Ambulance Station was decommissioned after the floods, with operations temporarily located to a facility at Southern Cross University’s Lismore campus. With a long‑term land lease now secured, the new Ambulance Station will be constructed on Cynthia Wilson Drive, also within the University grounds.

A principal design consultant has been appointed to develop the design of both Ambulance Stations, with staff and key stakeholders to be consulted throughout the process.

Community members and staff will be kept informed as planning and delivery progress, with both new Ambulance Stations expected to be completed by mid-2027.

These new stations will support local NSW Ambulance paramedics to continue delivering high-quality and mobile medical care to the growing Northern Rivers communities.

Following a thorough evaluation process, new ambulance stations are built at locations which optimise ambulance response performance and meet the needs of local community.

The Infrastructure Betterment Fund is a $200 million joint initiative by the Commonwealth and NSW Governments to strengthen community resilience by investing in more durable infrastructure.

As part of the Minns Government’s Strategic Workforce and Infrastructure Team (SWIFT) program, 51 additional paramedics are now working in Northern NSW zone including 12 additional paramedics for Lismore.

The SWIFT program is delivering 30 additional ambulance stations and 2,500 additional NSW Ambulance staff, including 500 paramedics to rural and regional areas.

The third intake of the 500 regional paramedics has already started rolling out, following 125 paramedics who commenced in regional NSW last year and another 125 who began work in 2024.

Labor is making the long-term investments into recruiting more staff and building more health infrastructure, including ambulance stations, to better meet the growing health needs of our community and relieve pressure on our health system.

NSW Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“The announcement of the new Lismore Ambulance Station site and progress on the Mullumbimby Ambulance Station rebuild mark important steps in strengthening emergency care for communities in the Northern Rivers.

“These projects will deliver modern, resilient facilities that support our paramedics to provide high-quality care to communities that have endured repeated natural disasters.

“We are delivering more infrastructure and recruiting more staff, so we can continue to deliver the essential services our regional communities rely on.”

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

“Securing the site on Cynthia Wilson Drive and progressing the Mullumbimby rebuild are critical  milestones in providing our community with the durable, flood-resilient infrastructure we need and deserves.

“Our paramedics have been on the frontline through this region’s toughest days, and these new stations ensure they finally have the permanent, modern facilities required to support the community.”

NSW Ambulance Interim Chief Executive, Clare Beech:

“The new Ambulance Stations at Lismore and Mullumbimby will provide first‑class workplaces for our paramedics and improve the resilience of our emergency response network.

“Investing in these health facilities ensures our teams can continue delivering safe, timely emergency care across the Northern Rivers, now and into the future.”

Millions of residents along the future Metro West line are getting their first look at stations that will help deliver reliable public transport and unlock new homes across Sydney, with the release of early design images for stations at Westmead, North Strathfield, Burwood North, Five Dock, The Bays and Hunter Street.

With major tunnelling works now complete, the focus for Metro West is turning to the construction of the train line and the stations.

Early station works will begin this month, including delivery of machinery and equipment, setting up site offices, utilities investigations and survey works. Construction is due to commence by the end of the year.

This project is about more than new stations, it is about delivering the reliable, high-capacity transport Sydney needs as the city grows.

Each station is being designed to speak to the character of the neighbourhood to create welcoming, and functional community transport hubs.

Gamuda as principal contractor with Laing O’Rourke and DT Infrastructure will build five stations of the nine stations

Architecture firms Bates Smart, SAA Architects, John McAslan + Partners, Neeson Murcutt Neille, Stewart Architecture and Aileen Sage Architects will design the five stations, with final design completion expected in early 2027.

Lendlease, Mirvac and Coombes Property Group were awarded the contract to design and construct Sydney Metro West’s flagship city station at Hunter Street. Their work will begin later this year once cavern excavation is complete.

Remaining contracts for Sydney Metro West stations at Parramatta, Sydney Olympic Park, and Pyrmont will be announced by the end of the year.

As the Minns Labor Government delivers new Metro stations, it also planning for the homes that should be built around this world-class transport network.

The new Metro West stations will form the backbone of some of the Government’s most significant rezonings and housing reforms, including:

• Bays West, delivering up to 8,500 homes on government-owned land, including a minimum of 10 per cent affordable housing
• Pyrmont, unlocking up to 7,300 new homes around Wentworth Park while delivering new multipurpose community sporting facilities for the wider precinct
• Sydney Olympic Park, delivering 15,000 homes with up to 20 per cent affordable housing
• Burwood North, delivering up to 18,000 homes around the new station, with 5–10 per cent affordable housing
• North Strathfield, supporting the Homebush Transport Oriented Development Accelerated Precinct, delivering 18,000 homes

These new stations and homes are being planned alongside new jobs, active transport links and great public spaces – building better communities and giving Western Sydney more choice in where to live and work.

When it opens in 2032 Sydney Metro West will double rail capacity between Parramatta and the Sydney CBD, moving 40,000 people an hour in each direction during the morning peak.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“Sydney Metro West is a city shaping project, which has the potential to transform the lives of millions of people by connecting them with world class transport close to where they live.

“We’re delivering an unprecendent amount of new homes along the Metro West corridor at The Bays, Burwood North, Sydney Olympic Park and North Strathfield, so that people can live very close to public transport.

“This line will transform how Sydney operates connecting two of our major work hubs the Sydney CBD and Parramatta with a 20 minute journey.”

Deputy Premier of New South Wales and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said:

“For too long Western Sydney communities have taken on the lion’s share of development without much-needed local infrastructure following.

“Unveiling these brand-new designs means that we’re a step closer to better connecting Western Sydney with the CBD.

“Metro West will transform our communities bringing transport, jobs, and services close to where people live.”

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“These stations will be more than just places to catch a train, these will be gateways to their communities and the rest of the Metro West line.

“We are literally shaping the city with these stations by building tens of thousands of well located homes around them. This is the public’s first chance to get a sense of how these stations will look.

“As construction ramps up, this city-shaping project will continue creating jobs while delivering faster, more reliable metro travel for millions of people.”

Member for Strathfield Jason Yat-sen Li said:

“These new stations will be a game-changer for the Strathfield community, delivering faster, reliable connections to jobs, schools and services.”

“We are not just increasing housing supply, but creating beautiful, vibrant, well-connected communities where people want to live.”

Wagga Wagga will be on show as footy fever hits the Riverina during NRLW Magic Round in August, with tickets going on sale from today.

The 12 NRLW teams will battle it out over two days at Geohex Park in front of up to 10,000 locals and visitors and broadcast live on television and streaming services.

The Wagga Wagga NRLW Magic Round marks the second of a three-year partnership between the Minns Labor Government and the NRL, strengthening regional economies and promoting women in sport.

Following last season’s inaugural NRLW Magic Round in Newcastle, this year’s Festival of Magic will showcase Wagga Wagga and the wider Riverina to a global audience, as well as provide an economic boost to local accomodation, hospitality, tourism and retail.

The partnership between NRLW Magic Round and the NSW Government’s Make the Move campaign highlights the benefits of regional living, using the event to showcase the lifestyle and career opportunities available in regional communities.

Since 2023, the NSW Government has helped more than 6,000 essential workers and their families relocate to regional NSW, including police officers, paramedics, firefighters, teachers, doctors, nurses, veterinary, aged care, disability support and early childhood workers.

Footy fans are encouraged to support their team and use the event as an opportunity to discover more of regional NSW and enjoy what the Riverina has to offer.

As NSW’s largest inland city, Wagga Wagga goes beyond its vibrant CBD – there’s the 42 kilometre Wiradjuri walking and cycling trail which takes in part of the Murrumbidgee River, the famous Dog on the Tuckerbox at Gundagai, Sir Donald Bradman’s Birthplace Museum in Cootamundra, the Temora Aviation Museum, the Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory, the National Art Glass Collection and the Rail Heritage Station Museum.

Two-day passes go on sale to NRL football club members today, and to the general public at 10am AEST tomorrow (Friday 10 April) offering fans the opportunity to see all 6 matches with tickets available from just $58 for a family.

Full ticketing information is available at: NRL.com/tickets

NRLW Magic Round 2026 will be held at Wagga Wagga’s Geohex Park on 1-2 August.

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“I’m thrilled that Wagga Wagga is hosting the second NRLW Magic Round, after a wonderful two days of Rugby League in Newcastle last year.”

“Whether you’re a diehard Rugby League fan or an upcoming young female player, this family friendly event is sure to inspire the next generation of sporting stars.”

“Buying tickets now locks in your opportunity to see your favourite players in action, support regional communities and lock in a great weekend away.”

“Who knows, taking the opportunity to visit Wagga Wagga for a full weekend of womens rugby league while experiencing what the city and the wider Riverina has to offer could open doors for a lifestyle change.”

Minister for Sport and Tourism Steve Kamper said:

“NSW is the home of the NRL, and it’s great to see Wagga Wagga host the 2026 NRLW Magic Round, where locals and those travelling from across NSW and beyond will have the opportunity to witness the NRLW’s biggest names.”

This is a big win not just for NSW sports fans, but for our regional business community. By hosting the NRLW Magic Round in our regional centres, we’ll inject millions of extra dollars into local pubs, hotels and restaurants.”

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“Women’s sport is a driver of confidence, opportunity and equality. By travelling to regional NSW to support elite female athletes, fans are helping to elevate women’s profiles in sport and ensure young girls can see a future where their ambition is matched by opportunity.”

“When communities get behind elite women athletes, it strengthens pathways, builds belief and puts women’s sport exactly where it belongs — in the spotlight.”

Member for Wagga Wagga Dr Joe McGirr said:

“Events like this are a great way to introduce people to Wagga Wagga, and we hope fans take the time to enjoy the city, support local businesses and see why the region is such a popular destination for both visitors and residents alike.”

“I would encourage visitors to use their stay in Wagga Wagga to get out and experience the cultural attractions, retail, and selection of wonderful cafes and eateries we have in town.”

“As well as showcasing the beautiful Riverina, hosting NRLW Magic Round is a fantastic opportunity to display the capabilities we have to host elite sporting events – having a strong sporting history is something Wagga Wagga is renowned for and we are very proud to continue that legacy on a national stage.”

The Minns Labor Government will inject $2.2 million to upgrade FuelCheck and help the people of NSW manage cost-of-living pressures as compliance activity ramps up.

FuelCheck is the NSW Government’s real-time fuel price transparency tool and provides motorists with instant access to prices from around 2,400 service stations across the state. It puts power back in the hands of consumers by exposing price hikes and ending guesswork at the bowser.

At a time, when the conflict in the Middle East is disrupting global fuel supply and driving up prices, transparency and compliance in pricing strategies is an important cost-of-living relief measure for communities.

The funding will pay for upgrades including:

• Better data collection from fuel retailers, such as making it easier for retailers to enter details about fuel supply.
• Better data analysis to help Government respond to the fuel crisis.
• Design updates for a better user experience.

FuelCheck has become even more essential to NSW drivers during the current fuel supply challenges. Daily visits to the app and website were between 8,000 and 10,000 in January, but by the end of March 2026, this has risen to around 500,000 each day

This is the latest boost to the Government’s efforts to better support NSW’s fuel supply response.

Over the last fortnight, the Government fast-tracked a statewide fuel price compliance blitz to strengthen fuel price transparency and protect motorists from misleading pricing.

Around 75 per cent of stations in NSW were inspected by the beginning of April, with around half located outside Sydney. Inspectors have carried out just under 1,800 service station inspections across the whole state during this period, issuing 93 penalty infringement notices.

Retailers who break the rules face serious consequences, including on-the-spot fines of $1,100, or Court penalties of up to $22,000 for individuals and $110,000 for corporations.

This strong enforcement action joins NSW Fair Trading’s latest efforts to better incorporate customer feedback in compliance activities and support the ACCC’s crackdown on price gouging.

To ensure businesses are properly passing on the cost savings promised by the Federal Government’s fuel excise reduction, consumers are urged to stay vigilant and report fuel price issues via FuelCheck or the NSW Fair Trading website.

This includes mismatches between bowser prices and FuelCheck listings, as well as suspected price exploitation following the fuel excise cuts.

Consumer reports are already directly supporting compliance activity, with NSW Fair Trading issuing 24 user intelligence-based fines this week alone. Consumer feedback strengthens NSW Fair Trading’s compliance work, allowing inspectors to identify issues faster and take action sooner.

NSW Fair Trading will continue to have boots on the ground from the Central Coast to the Central West over the Easter Long Weekend to ensure fuel retailers do the right thing and that motorists are not misled when filling up.

NSW Fair Trading is continuously updating its targets for inspection based on consumer complaints, intelligence and the changing conditions in the marketplace to ensure the most effective compliance response.

The Government has developed a robust inspection forward plan and expects to physically inspect the majority of NSW’s service stations in the coming weeks. As the program progresses, regional areas will remain a key target.

NSW Fair Trading continues to work closely with the ACCC, including by sharing data, to uphold strong consumer protection standards.

Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“Over the past two weeks, millions of NSW motorists have turned to FuelCheck to help find the best fuel price and navigate fuel supply gaps.

“This funding will allow us to make FuelCheck better for the hundreds of thousands of people who use it daily – through better data collection, stronger analysis, and streamlined user experience.

“These are uncertain times, but we want the people of New South Wales to have the utmost confidence in the real-time price transparency data provided by FuelCheck.

“Because when it comes to the cost-of-living, the Minns Labor Government’s message is clear: transparency, accountability and fairness matter.”

The Minns Labor Government is boosting support for emergency foster carers by more than doubling the immediate crisis care payment, recognising the vital role foster carers play when children need a safe home urgently.

Emergency foster carers provide safe and loving homes for children or sibling groups at short notice, while child protection caseworkers find a longer-term placement. The crisis payment is intended to help carers with essential items such as clothing, nappies, food and other immediate necessities.

Emergency foster carers with the Department of Communities and Justice will receive $200 for each child to cover immediate purchases, up from $75 and the first increase to the payment in over two decades.

All foster carers are provided with an ongoing Care Allowance, along with additional financial and practical support to assist with the care of children. This year, the Minns Labor Government delivered foster carers their first real increase to the allowance in over two decades, boosting the fortnightly payment by 20 per cent. A carer for a typical 14-year-old is now more than $4500 better off each year.

The emergency crisis payment increase is part of broader changes to ensure more support is available whenever a child is placed into out-of-home care with minimal notice, whether during business hours or overnight, improving consistency and fairness across the State.

The increase to the emergency payment responds directly to feedback from carers and Carer Advisory Groups. It builds on substantial reforms to improve support for foster carers including paid parental leave for public sector workers, increased investment in training, and independent assistance and advocacy.

The Minns Labor Government is undertaking comprehensive reforms of the foster care system backed by an historic $1.2 billion child protection package.

This Easter, the NSW Government is calling on more people to consider opening their homes and hearts by becoming a foster carer. For more information, visit nsw.gov.au/fostercare or call 1300 770 240 Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.

Minister for Families and Communities, Kate Washington said:

“Emergency foster carers do something truly remarkable. They care for children in crisis at short notice, providing them with a safe and loving home when they need it most.”

“When we came to government, I heard from foster carers that they hadn’t felt valued in years. Our reforms are designed to value and respect foster carers as key partners in keeping children safe.”

“This is a practical reform that reflects what carers have been asking for. Step by step we are delivering systemic improvements to make a difference for foster carers and improve outcomes for kids in care.”

CEO for Carers for Kids NSW, Renee Leigh said:

“Emergency Carers open their home at a moment’s notice to children arriving at their door with minimal belongings. Carers in our Carer Advisory Groups have raised the need for addressing set-up payments to assist carers purchasing immediately needed necessities including clothing and nappies. It is a win that their requests are being actioned, so they can sustain their vital roles.”

Department of Communities and Justice Secretary, Michael Tidball said:

“Emergency carers play a critical role in providing immediate stability and safety for children at a time of crisis.”

“This increase acknowledges the realities carers face when bringing a child into their home at short notice and strengthens our ability to support them to provide care that is safe, stable and responsive to children’s needs.”

The Minns Labor Government’s world-leading $1 billion Pre-sale Finance Guarantee is building momentum in the housing pipeline, with a further 300 new homes in Pyrmont and Westmead set to start construction sooner thanks to the scheme.

The Guarantees will support 38 of 280 new apartments in the $900 million Pyrmont Place project on Wattle Street, Pyrmont; and 13 of 30 new apartments, including six affordable homes, in the Elodie development on Good Street, Westmead.

This certainty will help developers, Landream and Gaby Group respectively, secure construction finance and start building sooner.

Pyrmont Place will deliver a mixed-use neighbourhood, supporting the Government’s wider Blackwattle Bay urban renewal plans; while Elodie will provide housing and childcare facilities on the doorsteps of the Parramatta CBD and Westmead’s emerging health and innovation district.

These commitments build on the support we’ve provided for the Rozelle Village revamp of the derelict former Balmain Leagues Club site which will deliver more than 225 new apartments, including 59 affordable homes.

Since launching in October, the Pre-sale Finance Guarantee has gained extraordinary traction from industry, with 45 expressions of interest already received from developers across the state – one third of which have already been invited to participate. It is also being adopted by other states.

To date pre-sale guarantees have been issued to accelerate the delivery of more than 540 new homes, with further pre-sale guarantee requests under assessment that, if approved, could unlock construction of over 130 new homes in regional NSW.

To keep the momentum building the Government has also appointed Australian property investment executives Deb Coakley and Tim Hallam as chair and deputy chair of the Pre-sale Finance Guarantee Advisory Committee.

Ms Coakley and Mr Hallam bring their expertise in governance, finance and project delivery to the committee, which assists in providing robust and independent evaluations of applications.

Under the program, the Minns Labor Government may commit to buy, off the plan, up to 50 per cent of homes, valued at up to $2 million each, in a residential development project. Support can range from $5 million to $50 million per project, depending on need.

By guaranteeing up to half of pre‑sales, the Government removes lender risk, unlocks finance, and gives developers certainty to get more homes built.

Up to $1 billion in pre-sales over the next five years will be committed through the revolving fund. For more information, or to apply, visit the Planning website.

The Pre-sale Finance Guarantee is just one of a suite of measures introduced by the Minns Labor Government to speed up the delivery of housing in NSW, including:

• Landmark reform to the State’s planning legislation
• The NSW Housing Pattern Book
• The largest rezoning in the state’s history

For more information, or to apply, visit the Planning website.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:

“This is about using the NSW Budget to help the household budget.

“In a dual cost of living and housing crisis, we are pulling every lever to support the delivery of desperately needed new homes.

“As demand for this program grows, we’re on track to support more building projects that create homes and economic opportunity right across NSW.”

Planning and Public Spaces Minister Paul Scully said:

“NSW needs new homes sooner. The Pre-sale Finance Guarantee is breaking down barriers and fast-tracking the start of construction for hundreds of much-needed homes for our communities.

“It’s great to have another two guarantees in place helping build momentum in both the scheme and the housing pipeline.

“I welcome the appointment of advisory committee chair, Deb Coakley, and deputy chair, Tim Hallam, who will bring outstanding leadership as the program continues to scale up.”

Landream Head of Development NSW, Chris Pratt, said:

“Pyrmont Place will deliver world-class residences within a mixed-use precinct which will create significant public amenity and much-needed hotel accommodation in this part of the city.

“There has been strong demand for the development which is reflected in the pre-sales achieved to date. This, coupled with the NSW Government Pre-sale Finance Guarantee, will allow us to now accelerate the delivery of 285 new homes.”

Director of Gaby Group, John Nehme, said:

“The Pre-sale Finance Guarantee has provided much-needed certainty, allowing us to move forward with confidence and accelerate the delivery of new homes in Westmead.

“Elodie represents our commitment to delivering well-designed, well-located affordable housing that supports the continued growth of the Parramatta and Westmead precinct.”

All fuel companies have complied with the NSW Minister for Energy’s direction to supply information that will help the Government map the supply chain and ensure fuel is delivered where it is needed.

Minister Penny Sharpe issued formal information notices to a number of liquid fuel companies as the State responds to fuel distribution challenges arising from unrest in the Middle East. The notices require businesses to outline how they will work with the NSW Government to support the supply and distribution of diesel and petrol, particularly to regional areas.

The Minns Labor Government thanks the fuel companies contacted for complying with the direction.

The responses are now being reviewed to:

• Assess whether the supply of liquid fuel to NSW, or any part of NSW, has been or is likely to be significantly disrupted.
• Build a clearer picture of the liquid fuel supply chain from import terminals to service stations and bulk customers.
• Support planning and preparation for further potential actions if required, such as maintaining supply to regional communities.

In parallel, the Liquid Fuel Emergency Operations Centre in Parramatta remains in regular contact with importers, distributors, suppliers and retailers. The team has contacted more than 200 retail fuel sites and established relationships with around 30 suppliers and independent distributors.

Fuel sales during the early stages of the shock were extraordinarily high, reaching around five times normal levels for some fuel distributors. Recent reports indicate sales are around double normal levels.

With the Easter school holidays underway, the NSW Government is urging people to continue with their travel plans. Where possible, public transport is a good alternative to driving.

During all peak holiday periods, travellers are encouraged to plan ahead, check local conditions and download FuelCheck, particularly when travelling longer distances or through regional areas.

The NSW community can help by:

• Only buying the fuel you need.
• Staying friendly at the servo.
• Taking FuelCheck with you to find the lowest prices.

Acting Premier of New South Wales, Prue Car said:

“NSW is taking action in a responsible way, in line with the National Fuel Security Plan developed with the States. That includes seeking information from businesses, and we appreciate their cooperation.

“This is the right plan for our State in uncertain times, supporting families and communities today while building a stronger NSW for tomorrow.”

Minister for Energy, Penny Sharpe said:

“I issued these information notices to get a clear picture of how fuel is moving across NSW.

“This information puts us in a strong position to work with industry and keep supply flowing where it is needed most.”

The Minns Labor Government is rolling out free nasal spray flu vaccines for 2-4 year olds to increase influenza vaccine uptake in young children following the worst flu season on record.

Under the NSW Nasal Spray Influenza Vaccination Program, the free nasal spray flu vaccine will be available for children aged two, three and four years across NSW through GPs, Aboriginal Medical Services and community pharmacies.

The vaccine is sprayed into the nose with one spray into each nostril. It is gentle, painless, and needle-free.

About a quarter of children (24.4%) under 5 were vaccinated in NSW in 2025, which is below the 40% target set in the NSW Immunisation Strategy 2024–2028. 

Last year’s extended flu season saw more than 24,500 cases of influenza (flu) in children under 5 in NSW.

In 2025, there were more than 4,600 presentations in children under 5 for influenza-like-illness to emergency departments in NSW and more than 960 admissions in children under 5 to hospitals. Compared to 2024, this is a more than 40 per cent increase in both presentations and admissions.

Across all age groups in 2025, NSW recorded its highest number of influenza cases on record, with 186,768 notifications. This is a 15.8 per cent jump (25,548 more) than in 2024 and a 79 per cent jump (82,439 more) compared with 2023.

The Minns Labor Government is urging the wider community to also book in now for their annual flu vaccination, both to keep themselves and their families healthy, and to help ease pressures on busy emergency departments over the winter period.

The flu vaccine is recommended yearly for everyone six months and over and offers the best protection against serious illness. The community is encouraged to get vaccinated early before cases begin rising again.

The 2026 flu vaccine injection is available for free under the National Immunisation Program for:

• children aged six months to under five years
• pregnant women
• Aboriginal people aged six months and over
• anyone aged 65 and over
• people with serious health conditions.

The community can book their flu vaccine at their GP, community pharmacy, or Aboriginal Medical Service.

The community are reminded there are a few simple steps they can take to protect themselves and others from respiratory illness, including:

• staying up to date with their vaccinations
• staying home if they’re sick and wearing a mask if they need to go out
• avoiding crowded spaces and getting together in well-ventilated spaces
• consider doing a rapid antigen test before visiting people at higher risk of severe illness
• making a plan with their doctor if they’re at higher risk of severe illness
• practicing good general hygiene, like regular handwashing.

If an illness is not serious or life-threatening, such as a mild case of influenza, the community is encouraged to call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222, for advice 24-hours a day. A nurse will answer your call, ask some questions and connect you with the right care.

For more information on respiratory illness, including to book your flu vaccination, visit: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/respiratory/Pages/default.aspx

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“I know how unsettling it can be for some parents taking a child to receive a vaccine, so being able to offer a needle-free alternative is a real win for those parents.

“We hope this option will help increase vaccine uptake in this age group, who we know are at higher risk of becoming more seriously unwell from influenza.

“The influenza vaccine is the best chance of protection against serious illness and I urge everyone in NSW to protect themselves and their families this winter.

“If you do get sick this winter, and it’s not an emergency, I encourage everyone to use our out-of-hospital care options, like healthdirect and our urgent care centres, so we can keep our emergency departments for the people who need them most.”

Member for Heathcote Maryanne Stuart:

“After the increase in children presenting to emergency departments last year, the nasal spray influenza vaccination is an important step in keeping our children out of hospital.

“Parents in our community want simple, stress‑free ways to keep their children healthy, and this needle‑free nasal spray vaccine delivers exactly that.

“If more of us are vaccinated this winter, we not only protect ourselves but also help ease pressure on our busy hospitals, so I strongly encourage taking up this free vaccine option.”

Executive Director Health Protection NSW, Dr Kerryn Coleman:

“The nasal spray influenza vaccine is a really simple option for children who are aged two, three and four. It is quick, pain-free and can be provided at your GP, Aboriginal Medical Service or community pharmacy.

“The injectable influenza vaccine is also now available and we are asking everyone to go out and get vaccinated. The earlier you get vaccinated, the sooner you will be protected.

“The most important way we can help reduce the spread, and try to prevent the prolonged influenza season like we saw last year, is to get you and your family vaccinated.”

Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) NSW/ACT Chair, Dr Rebekah Hoffman:

“Having needle-free vaccines for children aged two–four, at no cost to parents, is a game-changing policy.

“Two thirds of kids, and about a quarter of adults, have a strong fear of needles. As GPs, we know that’s a big barrier to achieving the immunity our young patients need.

“For these children and their parents, that barrier is now gone. More young children will be vaccinated, and that means fewer families in hospital and less pressure on our health system.

“Everyone over six months old is recommended to get a flu vaccine each year, but it’s especially important for anyone who is under five, over 65, pregnant, or at risk of severe illness. There were a record number of flu cases in 2025, so we want all of our patients to roll up their sleeves this flu season.”

NSW will no longer have the power to surveil conversations between incarcerated people and legal practitioners, after a disallowance motion moved by Greens justice spokesperson Sue Higginson passed the Legislative Council with the support of the Opposition and the entire crossbench.

Members of Parliament, police, and legal practitioners are exempt from surveillance under regulation, meaning any phone calls or letters between those persons and inmates cannot be monitored or recorded. A regulation made earlier this year restricted the surveillance exemption to legal practitioners who gave legal advice to specific inmates.

The 2024 Inquiry into prison guard Wayne Astill’s sexual offending against female prisoners raised concerns that prison guards had “systematically” used information “gleaned from monitoring inmate calls, visits and letters as a means of intimidation”.

Greens MP, spokesperson for Justice and solicitor Sue Higginson said:

“Conversations between lawyers and incarcerated people should not be monitored by the state.

“Incarcerated people have a right to access lawyers free of state interference, lawyer and client confidentiality and legal professional privilege are important basic tenants of access to justice,

“Women in prison who were victims of Wayne Astill’s heinous sexual offending were terrified of raising their experiences because they knew prison guards were spying on their conversations with lawyers unlawfully. This practice has continued under the Minns Labor Government and Minister for Corrections Anoulack Chanthivong, and to date he has done nothing to protect the privacy of vulnerable people in custody, he has only made regulations that increase the risks of this happening again,

“The Minns Labor Government made a clumsy and authoritarian attempt to intercept conversations between lawyers and incarcerated people by regulation, but this attempt has failed after the parliament disallowed the regulation,”

“The ramifications of breaching legal professional privilege by spying on conversations with lawyers are severe. The Supreme Court has been clear that Courts can permanently stay any proceeding where a breach of legal professional privilege has been identified, meaning this regulation could have risked entire criminal cases being thrown out,

“I have no doubt that Corrective Services routinely spy on conversations that inmates have with me, even though Members of Parliament are also exempt from surveillance. Prison guards often retaliate against incarcerated people who are seeking my assistance with urgent health issues and matters of injustice,

“I have written to the Minister for Corrections raising these concerns and I have been ignored. It wasn’t until Minister Chanthivong was questioned by journalists that he gave any assurance that my allegations of unlawful conduct were being investigated. It shouldn’t be journalists’ job to persuade the Minister to do his job,”

“The Minister for Corrections is wilfully overseeing a system of rampant non-compliance with the law in which privileged conversations can be spied upon. His continued inaction has created a significant mess and he must act to clean it up, or the parliament and the press will keep doing it for him,” Ms Higginson said.