Author: admin

I am pleased the NSW Government’s ban on all future public private partnerships being imposed on the state’s acute hospitals has today passed the NSW Parliament.

As a Labor government, we have always adamantly opposed these sorts of arrangements – and we will continue to oppose them, now and into the future.

The PPP Prohibition Bill has made important amendments to the Health Services Act to prohibit governments from entering into a Northern Beaches-style arrangement to build or operate an acute public hospital.

The private sector can and does play an important part in the delivery of public hospital services. 

However, the use of a Northern Beaches Hospital style public private partnership raises complex issues and risks. 

This Government does not believe, and never has believed, that this is a model that is best for public health care. Local community hospitals that are designed to provide services to public patients should be part of the public health system. 

This Bill honours the legacy of baby Joe Massa. I want to thank Elouise and Danny Massa, Joe’s parents, for their courage and advocacy to make these reforms a reality.

A major Minns Labor Government funding boost for not-for-profit charity the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) will support people in regional, rural and remote NSW to access healthcare.

An additional $15 million in funding for RFDS will be delivered as part of the 2025-26 NSW Budget, as the Minns Labor Government continues delivering better essential services our communities rely on.

Operating for 97 years, the RFDS is a key partner of NSW Health and employs over 390 staff in NSW to deliver a range of services including primary care, dental, mental health, retrieval services and patient and clinician transport to regional communities. 

The $15 million is in addition to funding the Minns Labor Government provides to RFDS to deliver services to communities across NSW, including in regional, rural and remote NSW, such as:

• Rural Aerial Health Service to transport clinicians to rural, regional and remote locations to provide health services.
• Inter-hospital transfers operating from Dubbo and Broken Hill air bases, transporting patients who are a seriously ill or in a life-threatening condition to a suitable hospital.
• Non-Emergency Patient Transfers to provide end-to-end non-emergency patient transport to and from public hospitals and health facilities
• Medical Services Clinics, Oral Health Services and Alcohol and Other Drug Services in Far West NSW.

The additional funding will ensure RFDS can continue to provide comprehensive health services to rural, regional and remote NSW, and continues the Minns Labor Government’s plan to build a better NSW.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“The Royal Flying Doctor Service is an Australian icon. Its team has been keeping people right across remote, rural and regional NSW safe and healthy for many decades.

“This funding boost will help regional people access the healthcare they need with a trusted service dedicated to helping others.”

Member for Barwon Roy Butler:

“I’d like to thank Minister Ryan Park and the NSW Government for this significant funding for the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS). I have worked closely with the Minister and his team to ensure this vital service is supported.

“The RFDS is, and should always be seen as, a core part of the health system, particularly in communities in Regional NSW and Barwon.

“I acknowledge the role of the RFDS in the history of Regional Australia. They not only save lives but also ensure people receive the care they need as soon as possible, particularly in remote areas of the state where services can be difficult to provide. Thanks again to the Minister and NSW Government, this funding will allow RFDS to continue the excellent work they do.”

Greg Sam, CEO Royal Flying Doctor Service (South Eastern Section):

“The Royal Flying Doctor Service (South Eastern Section) (RFDS) welcomes today’s $15 million funding announcement. 

“We thank Premier Minns, Health Minister Park, and the Member for Barwon, Roy Butler, for supporting the RFDS and recognising the important partnership role we play as part of the NSW health system in providing vital emergency and medical health services to regional, rural and remote NSW communities.”

The Minns Labor Government is making a record investment in the new Bankstown Hospital, ensuring we are delivering better essential services that the people of NSW rely on.

The new Bankstown Hospital is a step closer to being delivered with the Government today announcing additional funds, the release of the master plan and a new TAFE NSW site to enable construction of the new hospital.

The new Bankstown Hospital is expected include:  

• an Emergency Department
• operating theatres
• Intensive Care
• surgical and medical services
• services for women and children including maternity
• mental health
• other services to be identified as planning progresses.

It follows years of broken promises and delays by the previous Liberal Government who failed to progress the project, failed to select a site and failed to adequately fund its construction.

Delivering better essential services that people rely on

The Minns Labor Government will invest an additional $700 million in the construction of the planned New Bankstown Hospital as part the NSW Budget.

It brings the total investment in the new south-west Sydney hospital to $2 billion, making it the largest capital works investment in a public hospital in the state’s history.

Despite promising a new hospital in Bankstown in 2019, the former government did not progress site selection.

No proper planning was conducted, and as a result, the initial announcement of $1.3 billion in 2019 was always insufficient – and made worse by a period of record global inflation and high demand for construction resources.

This funding boost will ensure the new hospital will meet the healthcare needs of the growing community of South-West Sydney, with the Bankstown population expected to grow by 16 per cent over the next 15 years.

The hospital will be built on Chapel Road at the current TAFE NSW campus in Bankstown’s CBD. 

The NSW Government is also giving the local community a first glimpse at the multi-storey hospital by releasing the master plan, showing its close connection to public transport and amenities.

Zones have also been identified for carparking and future expansion of health services.

The Bankstown community is being invited to have its say on the Master Plan through community information sessions planned at:

• Bankstown Hospital Main Foyer on Wednesday 18 June 2025, 11.00am – 1.00 pm
• Bankstown Hospital Main Foyer  on Thursday 19 June 2025, 7.00am – 9.00am
• Bankstown Central shopping centre on Thursday 26 June 2025, 5pm – 7pm

The new hospital will integrate with the existing Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital site, which will remain as a health facility, to deliver contemporary healthcare and a better healthcare experience across a broad range of community and hospital-based services.

Rebuilding education infrastructure

The budget will also deliver $100 million to relocate the TAFE NSW Bankstown campus to enable construction of the new hospital. 

While a small part of the existing site will remain in use, TAFE NSW will relocate most of its training delivery for the next five years to the new Western Sydney University Tower, across the road from the existing Bankstown campus.

This will ensure local staff and students can still access brand new facilities and bespoke teaching and learning spaces in the heart of the Bankstown CBD.

Animal studies, early childhood and care, and some digital business and finance classes will move to the nearby TAFE NSW Padstow campus.

This budget builds on the strong foundations we have laid since coming to government with the delivery of more than $3.8 billion in hospital infrastructure across western Sydney, including:

• $790 million for the new Rouse Hill Hospital plus $120 million from the Federal Government
• $550 million for the Fairfield Hospital Redevelopment
• $350 million for the Canterbury Hospital Redevelopment
• $120 million for additional beds for Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals.

For more information on the New Bankstown Hospital master plan and to provide feedback visit the Have your say web page.

Premier Chris Minns:

“One of the best things about Australia is its healthcare. It’s why we’re ensuring we continue to deliver quality, accessible and affordable healthcare services.

“That starts with hospitals. The new Bankstown Hospital has been a long time coming and while there is still a long way to go, this extra funding is a big step in the right direction to getting shovels in the ground and the hospital up and running.”

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“The previous Liberal Government neglected to progress a site for the New Bankstown Hospital, and as a result, the people of Southwest Sydney have been left waiting for six years.

“Over that time, the money the Liberals set aside for the project has since been overrun by construction cost escalations.

“The Minns Labor Government is getting on with actually delivering on this project by allocating the funds to finish the job.

“The release of the master plan gives the community a first glimpse of what this new hospital will look like and the essential services it will provide, and we’re inviting their feedback on it.”

Minister for TAFE Steve Whan:

“I’m so pleased a suitable site has been found for TAFE NSW teachers and students, which will enable to delivery of a new and much needed hospital.

“Co-locating TAFE and the University will provide even more opportunities for students in south-west Sydney to connect, explore, and experience a broader range of tertiary education pathways and employment outcomes available to them.” 

Member for Bankstown the Hon. Jihad Dib MP:

“Our growing community has desperately needed a state-of-the-art hospital and I’m so proud of the Minns Labor Government for delivering on our election commitment.

“This record investment in healthcare infrastructure will provide our unique multicultural community with a modern hospital to meet their needs.”

Member for East Hills Kylie Wilkinson MP

“I am delighted to be part of the Minns Labor Government that is delivering a brand-new hospital for our community. We’re not only building a modern hospital but also retaining the existing site as a health facility, ensuring even more services and care for everyone.”

Students, teachers and staff are set to benefit from enhanced school cleaning services as part of the Minns Labor Government’s reforms to cleaning contracts, that will see hundreds of cleaners brought back in house for the first time in decades.

From early next year, approximately 600 privately contracted cleaners across the Hunter and the Central Coast are expected to be offered employment with the Department of Education. This marks the first time in 30 years that any school cleaning service has been in public hands.

For the remainder of schools, TAFEs and participating government facilities, new cleaning contracts will be established to drive improved cleaning outcomes, higher hygiene standards, stronger employee protections and conditions, and clearer oversight and accountability.

These reforms follow the Minns Labor Government’s election commitment to review school cleaning contracts. The review was prompted by concerns about the consistency and reliability of cleaning standards in schools as well as working conditions of cleaners.

The changes are part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to building a better NSW with a focus on ensuring we have better essential services.

A survey of parents, students, teachers and school staff, facilitated by P&Cs as part of the review, found 54 per cent of respondents raised significant concerns about the cleanliness of toilets, highlighting health risks and discomfort for students.

It also found 36 per cent of respondents were concerned about the frequency and timing of cleaning, which can neglect high-traffic areas such as classrooms, canteens, and corridors during peak times.

Other issues raised included:

• unrealistic workloads and insufficient time for cleaners to complete required cleaning tasks
• cleaners not being replaced when absent, leading to staffing shortfalls
• a lack of connection between cleaners and the school communities they support
• cleaning activities occurring outside school hours, reducing visibility and responsiveness during the day
• inadequate transparency, accountability and supervision, making it difficult for schools to raise concerns or ensure timely follow-up on missed cleaning tasks.

Under the reform, responsibility for managing the whole-of-Government cleaning contracts will transfer from NSW Public Works to the Department of Education, which will lead cleaning arrangements on behalf of participating NSW Government agencies.

Tailored cleaning specifications will be developed to better reflect the unique operational needs of schools, ensuring critical areas such as toilets, receive appropriate attention and frequency of service.

Specialist cleaning, such as carpet cleaning or high-access window cleaning, will be contracted separately, creating greater opportunities for local businesses, particularly in regional NSW.

Currently, about 7,000 cleaners are employed under the whole-of-Government cleaning contract, with the Department of Education and TAFE accounting for approximately 85 per cent of its value. The reforms will also apply to other government sites covered by the current arrangements. 

The new contract arrangements will take effect in 2026.

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

“Delivering high-quality, well-maintained learning environments for students and teachers is at the heart of the Minn’s Labor Government’s commitment to rebuilding public education.

“The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted just how essential our hard-working school cleaners are in maintaining a safe, healthy, and supportive environment for students.

“I’ve heard far too often from parents and teachers about students choosing not to use toilets and risking their health in the process, that something needs to change.

“These reforms are about prioritising health and safety in our schools while improving the working conditions of our valuable, dedicated cleaners.”

Minister for Finance Courtney Houssos said:

“These reforms, which come after an extensive review, will drive safer workloads and a better and more sustainable path forward for both our schools and our cleaners.

“We are proud to be delivering these reforms and improve outcomes at our schools.”

Mel Gatfield, NSW Secretary, United Workers Union said:

“The United Workers Union and cleaners around the state applaud this significant step in transforming how this incredibly important work gets done in schools and other government buildings.

“This has been a 30-year fight to return dignity and respect to cleaners who are too often denied it, and these changes should provide cleaners the time and tools to do their jobs properly.

“We look forward to working with the NSW Government on this transition and ensuring that cleaners have fair, safe and secure jobs.”

Judith Barber, NSW School Cleaner and United Workers Union delegate said:

“Cleaning schools and government buildings should not come with the risk of injury and challenging conditions we face every day.

“Direct employment will be a game changer for cleaners like me and deliver better outcomes for all users.

“All NSW school cleaners will look forward to once again being seen as valued members of their school communities.”

Aresha Quaass, President, P&C Federation NSW said:

“Bringing cleaning services back under public management is a promising shift that puts students first and delivers cleaner schools.

“Ensuring that critical areas like toilets receive appropriate attention is something every public school parent and student will welcome. Clean, safe and healthy environments aren’t optional – they’re a human right, essential to learning and wellbeing.

“School communities have told us when cleaners are part of the school community there is greater care, accountability and responsiveness. The NSW Government has listened to parents, students, principals and teachers, and acted.”

Gemma Quinn, CEO, P&C Federation NSW said:

“Parents and communities spoke up and their feedback has improved how our public schools are cleaned and maintained. This is the power of genuine consultation in action.

“School communities have been calling for a review of cleaning contracts for years. This in depth review with real outcomes is exactly what schools have been asking for.

“We’ve called for cleaning services that reflect local needs, with on-the-ground insight and a clear line of accountability. These reforms take meaningful steps toward that goal.”

NSW Teachers Federation Deputy President, Amber Flohm said:

“The privatisation of school cleaning was a short-sighted decision that was motivated by cost cutting rather than the best interests of students and teachers.

“This decision is an important step forward and one the Teachers Federation fully endorses.”

Michael Burgess, State President, NSW Primary Principals Association said:

“Our schools need cleaners who are visible, valued, and part of the team. This change is a win for our cleaners, students, staff and school communities.

“Clean, safe learning environments matter. This decision means cleaning will be more consistent, more responsive, and better aligned with the needs of our primary schools.”

Denise Lofts President NSW Secondary Principals Council said:

“Cleaning and care of our schools is something our secondary principals have long advocated for as essential to delivering a world-class education system.

“This announcement is strongly welcomed by the NSW Secondary Principals’ Council and is a significant step towards ensuring clean, tidy, and well-maintained learning environments for our students and NSW public schools.”

A new website to help South-East New South Wales communities prepare for natural disasters has been launched at NSW Parliament by Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty.

Developed by the Canberra Region Joint Organisation (CRJO), the website supports the Blueprint for a Resilient South East NSW, a practical guide for councils and communities to build resilience in the face of natural disasters and a changing climate.

The website helps its users understand the disaster risks facing their local area and provides access to resources on how to prepare, from ensuring households have an emergency response plan to building more resilient homes, infrastructure and adapting land management practices.

The Blueprint covers the ten local government areas within the CRJO – including Bega Valley, Eurobodalla, Queanbeyan-Palerang, Snowy Monaro and Yass Valley – as well as associate members from the ACT Government, Wagga Wagga City Council and Canberra Airport.

To promote the Blueprint, CRJO will run hands-on workshops with council staff to embed resilience planning into everyday operations.

The project received $2,780,632 from the jointly funded Australian and NSW Governments Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain:

“Communities like ours know too well the importance of being prepared for natural disasters.

“It’s great to see more resources out there providing advice on how to prepare and respond when disaster hits.

“We know that our climate is changing, and Australians can expect to experience more intense and more frequent natural disasters, which is why the Albanese Government is acting to prepare and protect communities from natural disasters and their impacts.

“I’m pleased to see all levels of government working together to reduce the risks and impacts Australians face during disasters. This means better outcomes for our communities.”

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty:

“We all have a role to play in strengthening the disaster resilience of regional communities, including increasing their capacity to recover after a disaster strikes.

“The Blueprint is a practical starting point for anyone involved in building stronger, more disaster-ready communities.”

“It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach – it offers a range of actions and ideas that councils, communities and organisations can adapt to suit their own needs and responsibilities.”

“I congratulate the CRJO on making these resources accessible to the public, supporting a shared approach to resilience where people are empowered to take action and work together on practical solutions that make a real difference.”

Canberra Region Joint Organisation Chair and Bega Valley Shire Council Mayor Cr Russell Fitzpatrick:

“The Blueprint focuses on climate risks, disaster history and how events like bushfires, floods and storms are expected to become more frequent in the future.

“We’ve looked at local experiences and data to understand what different communities might face – and how councils can plan for that.”

“Even though this came from the bushfire recovery program, it takes an all-hazards approach. It’s about being better prepared for whatever comes next.”

“The Blueprint helps councils take steps toward better practice in areas like land use, infrastructure and emergency planning.”

“It also helps clarify roles in disaster preparedness and recovery, while supporting smarter investment in resilient infrastructure and services.”

This weekend more than 220 teams and thousands of passionate players, coaches, officials and supporters will descend on Camden and Campbelltown for one of the largest community sporting events in the Southern Hemisphere – the 2025 HART Senior State Titles.

At its heart, the Senior State Titles is more than a competition – it’s a celebration of spirit and resilience. Associations from across NSW bring their finest 15s, 17s and Opens players to vie for pride and points in what many describe as “the annual derby” of community netball.

“It’s an incredible display of not only competition, of agility, of skills, but also of wonderful spirit,” said Sallianne Faulkner, Chair of Netball NSW. “Players wear their association colours with pride. They’ve trained hard all season, played local carnivals, and now take the stage to test themselves against the best.”

The HART Senior State Titles is a flagship event within the Netball NSW pathway. The three-day tournament showcases the strength of grassroots netball, with players from across the state coming together to play the game they love – many representing their associations for the very first time at this level. The event is an opportunity for emerging athletes to be talented identified for the Netball NSW pathway.

“Our high-level netballers have put in a significant amount of training in the lead-up to this event. The State Titles are a pivotal part of the journey,” Faulkner added. “It’s a moment where grassroots meets greatness – and we’re proud of how our pathways support that.”

Also taking centre stage at the 2025 HART Senior State Titles is the Male Open divisions, showcasing the growth of male athletes within the netball community. In addition, six Male 17U teams and five All Abilities teams will compete in their State Challenge – a powerful reminder of netball’s commitment to inclusion, where players of all abilities can shine on the same stage.

A beloved feature of the event is “Tent City” – a temporary village of marquees where teams set up camp between matches.

“Tent City becomes the homes of all of these teams,” said Faulkner. “Whilst they’re competitive on the court, back in the tents they mix, laugh, and bond. It’s an amazing way to meet like-minded people from all over the state – and for many, friendships that start here last a lifetime.”

The off-court experience is just as vibrant. With sausage sizzles, lollies, merchandise stalls and even parents in costume, the atmosphere is equal parts sporting contest and community carnival.

“This netball facility becomes a little town over the weekend,” Faulkner smiled. “There are incredible volunteers running food outlets and cheering louder than anyone. Last year, I had a photo with a group of dads in fancy dress supporting their daughters – it’s that kind of energy that makes the State Titles so special.”

The Senior State Titles mark the first of Netball NSW’s two major representative weekends each year, with Junior State Titles to follow in July – a testament to the sport’s enormous footprint and inclusive spirit across New South Wales.

“About 4,000 participants, families and visitors swell the local area. That’s really valuable not just for the economy, but for our whole netball ecosystem,” Faulkner said. “It showcases what netball is all about – connection, community, and courage.”

The 2025 HART Senior State Titles will be held across venues in Campbelltown and Camden from Saturday 7 to Monday 9 June. Entry is free and spectators are encouraged to come and experience one of Australia’s most vibrant community sporting events.