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Under the Minns Labor Government, the Aviation Attraction Fund will welcome direct flights from Perth to Newcastle for the first time, connecting the west coast capital with NSW’s second biggest city.

In September 2025, Qantas will launch a new route between Perth and Newcastle that will facilitate much easier travel between the coastal cities and provide a significant boost to both the Hunter and Mid-North Coast visitor and business economy.

Backed by the NSW Government’s Aviation Attraction Fund (AAF), the new service comes at a transformational time for Newcastle Airport, which is preparing to open its new terminal later this year. Once complete, the expanded terminal will unlock opportunities for the region, welcoming more visitors and turbocharging local tourism and trade.

Along with the new Perth route, the upgraded terminal will allow for ongoing international flights into Newcastle for the first time. The NSW Government is working with Newcastle Airport to secure new international routes through the AAF.

The new route also links Newcastle to Perth Airport’s network of airlines and destinations, which currently includes direct daily flights from London Heathrow and Paris, and seasonal direct flights from Rome. Visitors from these destinations will soon be able to access one-stop trips to Newcastle.

With three flights a week between Newcastle and Perth, this direct connection also means easier getaways for residents of Newcastle and the Hunter and Mid-North Coast, giving them easier access to holidays, family and friends on the west coast.

The announcement is part of the NSW Government’s broader strategy to grow the state’s aviation capacity. It follows recent international flight wins for Sydney Airport, including new services from Istanbul (Turkish Airlines) and Shanghai (Juneyao Air), also secured through the Destinations NSW managed Aviation Attraction Fund.

Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley said:

“We’re opening the door for more people to discover our beautiful region – while also giving Hunter locals greater access to everything Western Australia and the world has to offer.

“Whether it’s wine, beaches, food or events – we have so much to offer. More flights mean more tourism and that’s a win for local operators and the wider economy.

“This new connection is another step forward in making the Hunter not just a great place to visit, but an even better place to live – and we’re excited to see where it leads.”

Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said:

“The Minns Labor Government is proud to have worked with Newcastle Airport and Qantas to secure this new route that will boost the region’s economy and unlock a new connection with Western Australia.

“This is the last piece in the domestic puzzle – Newcastle will soon have direct flights from all major Australian population centres.

“These are exciting times for the visitor economy in Newcastle, the Hunter and the Mid-North Coast, and I look forward to working with Newcastle Airport to secure further new routes.”

Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington said:

“This is a game-changer for our region. Connecting Port Stephens and the Hunter directly to Perth opens up incredible opportunities for local tourism, business and jobs.”

“We’ve long known our region is worth visiting – now it’s easier than ever for people from across the country, and the world, to experience it for themselves.”

“With connecting flights from London, Paris and Rome now within reach, this is a powerful example of what we can achieve when we back our regions by investing in great local infrastructure.”

Newcastle Airport CEO Linc Horton said: 

“This new route gives travellers direct access to both ends of the country and beyond. It’s a major win for the region’s global footprint helping us to be the airport our region deserves. It connects Newcastle and the Greater Hunter directly with WA’s resources sector, creating enormous potential for business travel and Fly In Fly Out operations. It also brings loved ones together and unlocks international one-stop connections via Perth to cities like London, Paris, Johannesburg and seasonal to Rome.”

QantasLink CEO Rachel Yangoyan said:

“QantasLink is proud to the first airline to offer a direct air link between Newcastle and Perth. 

“These flights will boost connectivity for Newcastle residents and mean they no longer have to drive to and from Sydney when they want to travel to Perth. We know many customers, particularly those working in the mining and resources sector, are having to do that today. 

“We’d like to thank Newcastle Airport and the NSW Government for helping make the new route possible.”  

The NSW Opposition acknowledges and respects the decision of Australian Turf Club (ATC) members to vote against the sale of Rosehill Gardens Racecourse. Their democratic voice has been heard – and while the racecourse will remain, the housing crisis facing young people, families and future generations continues to grow.

The parliamentary inquiry last year into the Rosehill proposal exposed serious failings in the way the Minns Labor Government managed this process. The inquiry found:

• The Premier’s office misleadingly described a key meeting as a “meet and greet” despite it involving a long-time associate and discussion of the proposal.
• The Premier and Government breached the Unsolicited Proposals guidelines by championing and announcing the proposal before it had even cleared the first stage of the unsolicited proposals process.
• Communication with stakeholders, including ATC members and the public, was poorly handled.
• There remains uncertainty about the financial viability of the proposal.

So far the Government’s housing delivery record is poor, hitting long term lows for approvals and commencements of new homes.

We know the only way to address the housing crisis is through scale, ambition and follow-through. We remain absolutely committed to housing supply, housing choice, and housing opportunity – but we won’t support chaos, secrecy or spin dressed up as policy.

Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said we respect the decision of the ATC members – but the real issue remains. 

“The housing crisis hasn’t been solved,” Mr Speakman said. 

Shadow Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Scott Farlow said the inquiry showed what happens when process is ignored, and transparency is tossed aside. 

“The Government had a plan finished for Camellia / Rosehill that they iced for 18 months while they chased this mirage,” Mr Farlow said.

The NSW Opposition stands ready to work constructively on solutions that deliver more homes, backed by infrastructure and public trust – because fixing the housing crisis means everyone has to be at the table.

The Opposition has today offered its support for the Government’s changes to the way people with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can access treatment in NSW.

These changes will enable GPs to provide ongoing ADHD prescriptions for children and adults who are on stables doses of medication, without the need of a formal arrangement. A smaller number of GPs will be enabled to diagnose and initiate medication where appropriate. 

Under the Minns Labor Government our mental health system is in crisis and families know it has never been harder or more expensive to access mental health support. 

These changes recognise the expense and length of time it can take for children and adults to receive a diagnosis as well as prescription medication for ADHD, particularly in regional NSW. 

A timely ADHD diagnosis for a child can mean the world of difference to their development and mental health. 

Given the nature of these changes and the prescribed medications involved, the Opposition will be seeking assurances around what professional training and what evaluations and ongoing clinical oversight will be undertaken to ensure the changes are meeting their intended outcomes.

Significant reforms to the state’s victims registers passed the NSW Parliament last night, ensuring victim-survivors of serious crimes receive a mandatory notification about their right to sign up as a registered victim, to receive critical information about an offender.

The three NSW victims registers include the Corrective Services NSW Victims Register, Youth Justice Victims Register, and Specialist Victims Register for victims of forensic patients.

Those who opt-in will receive timely, accurate and trauma-informed updates regarding the perpetrator’s progress through the custodial system. 

This may include details about the offender’s location, sentence, parole eligibility, and any changes that may affect the victim’s safety and well-being. 

Registered victims also have the right to make a submission about an offender’s parole where relevant.

Over several months, Corrective Services NSW has hosted consultation meetings with victim-survivors, victim advocates, and victim support services to ensure these changes reflect the views of the people the registers serve.

Eligible victims of serious offenders will receive a mandatory notification letting them know about the relevant register and their eligibility to opt-in.

If victim-survivors do not want to make a decision at the time, they will have the option to be contacted at a later date to discuss the benefits of registration and decide whether they would like to be registered.

Generally, the serious offenders that will cause a mandatory notification about the Victims Register to be sent to a victim-survivor or family member will be:

• An offender who has committed murder
• An offender who is serving a sentence of life imprisonment
• An offender who is serving one or more sentences, totalling a minimum of 12 years in custody, for offences such as attempted murder, serious sexual assault, abduction, and aggravated robbery.

Ensuring victim-survivors continue to have the choice to register is considered to strike the appropriate balance between ensuring that victim-survivors are aware of their right to be on the register, while importantly maintaining victims’ choice and avoiding re-traumatisation.

Work will also be done to make the sign-up process simpler, with fewer technological or communication barriers for non-English speakers.

The Minns Labor Government acknowledges the severe impacts for people directly or indirectly exposed to crime.

A person who has experienced personal violence can suffer long-lasting trauma and the feeling that their safety and security are under threat.

It is for this reason the Minns Labor Government has passed these important reforms to the three victims registers to bolster support for victim-survivors of serious crimes.

Minister for Corrections Anoulack Chanthivong:

“Community safety is the top priority of the Minns Labor Government.

“Now that these significant reforms have passed the NSW Parliament, they will ensure victim-survivors of serious crimes know about the victims registers, and have a clear opportunity to sign up and benefit from being registered.

“We have listened to the voices of victim-survivors, and we are responding to their call to improve the system, whilst balancing the critical need to avoid re-traumatising those victim-survivors who do not wish to be re-exposed to the heinous crimes of their offenders.

“Signing up to the victims registers allows victim-survivors or their family members to receive vital information and a choice to engage in fundamental legal processes that will directly impact their lives – things like opposing the perpetrator’s parole and being informed if they are going to be released from prison.

“No-one chooses to become the victim of a violent crime, and that is why the NSW Government is doing everything within our power to support and empower victim-survivors.

“Eligible victims of serious offenders deserve the choice to be on the victims registers and be given the knowledge and agency to engage with the justice system, ensuring no-one is left behind.”

Attorney General Michael Daley:

“Community safety is at the heart of this reform allowing victim-survivors to opt-in to the relevant register and receive important updates about an offender’s location, sentencing and parole.

“This is an important step to help victim-survivors engage in the legal process in a way that is empowering, trauma-informed, and promotes recovery.”

Corrective Services NSW Commissioner Gary McCahon PSM:

“Corrective Services NSW works tirelessly to support victim-survivors through the CSNSW Victims Register. 

“Our highly trained, trauma-informed staff have seen first-hand the impact that good communication can have on the healing process.

“From the moment an offender enters custody, we keep registered victims up-to-date on all significant information about the perpetrator’s progress through the custodial system.

“We can also assist victim-survivors to have their voices heard and make submissions when important decisions are being made regarding an offender’s release.

“Our aim is to give victim-survivors back some of the power they lose when they are directly or indirectly exposed to crime.

“A person who has experienced personal violence can suffer long-lasting trauma and the feeling that their security is under threat.

“Knowing that information will be made available at key milestones, particularly around the timing of release to the community, can provide reassurance to those victim-survivors who choose to receive such information and help them to better plan for their safety.”

Victims Advocate Howard Brown OAM:

“These reforms will ensure that victim-survivors of serious crimes have knowledge and information about the victims registers, and the opportunity to sign up to them if they choose to.

“The victims registers provide the kind of timely, accurate and trauma-sensitive information that victim-survivors may feel that they need to be able to take back control of their lives and well-being, sometimes many years after a serious crime has been committed against them.

“Maximising free and full access to such a vital resource like the victims registers is a major step toward healing for victim-survivors of violent crimes.”