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This week, 15 highly qualified Intensive Care Paramedics (ICPs) have hit the road across NSW after completing an intensive 27-week specialist training program to advance their clinical expertise and expand frontline critical care capability.

The program includes eight weeks of classroom-based learning at NSW Ambulance’s State Operations Centre, five weeks of hospital and clinical placements, and 14 weeks of supervised, on-road clinical practice alongside experienced ICP mentors.

These newly trained ICPs will now spend up to two years consolidating their skills in dedicated intensive care paramedic units in metro and regional locations, further refining their clinical expertise.

ICPs are specialised emergency paramedical professionals equipped to perform advanced clinical procedures in high-pressure environments and situations. Their training emphasises technical proficiency, strong professional collaboration and the importance of clinical exposure.

ICPs are qualified to deliver advanced airway management, including endotracheal intubation, and provide life-saving interventions for patients experiencing severe chest trauma, traumatic brain injuries, acute cardiac events, and other life-threatening conditions requiring advanced pre-hospital care.

These specialist paramedics come from various locations across the state, including Sarrah Nhoung and Kyle Hibbard who have both relocated to Tamworth to advance their careers.

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“The advanced training of these intensive care paramedics ensures patients across NSW receive the very best emergency care.

“The deployment of paramedics with enhanced skill and capability, means NSW Ambulance is better equipped to help people when they need it most.”

NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan:

“Increasing the number of highly skilled paramedics with enhanced skill sets epitomises our determination and commitment to the people of NSW.

“This is a defining moment in the careers of these paramedics – their new skills will define the quality of care they provide.

“The addition of these intensive care paramedics strengthens NSW Ambulance operationally and clinically, reinforcing a strategic focus on delivering world class pre-hospital care.”

Intensive Care Paramedic Kyle Hibbard:

“Moving here with my young family from Bourke is an exciting new chapter for us all.

“The course has been challenging and intense, but I am excited to have an additional range of extended skills. I am motivated to be as highly skilled as possible and provide the best care for my patients.”

Intensive Care Paramedic Sarrah Nhoung:

“I am motivated to continually grow and expand my capability as a paramedic.

“Relocating from Coffs Harbour to Tamworth has given me the opportunity to work within a new demographic, and I am looking forward to building connections with the community.”

The success of the Minns Labor Government’s outdoor dining reforms continues to grow, with more than 580 businesses across the state making the most of the relaxed rules to host patrons outside their venues.

As part of its vibrancy reforms* that have been rolled out since 2023, the Minns Government streamlined processes for venues to apply for permanent outdoor dining which has led to a booming alfresco and outdoor event scene.

Some of the approvals have been for one-off events, such as festivals and markets, in addition to the 380 ongoing outdoor dining approvals across the state for footpaths, roads and other land adjoining venues to be turned into entertainment spaces.

The NSW Government has continued to save hospitality venues time and money by abolishing the $121 application fee to reapply for temporary approvals to use their outdoor space, as part of the third tranche of vibrancy reforms that came into effect in January 2026.

Hospitality businesses wishing to use footpaths and public spaces can now apply through their local council, which will notify Liquor & Gaming NSW as part of the streamlined approval process.

Previously, businesses had to apply for a development application through councils and then go through another 30-day consultation process with Liquor & Gaming NSW.

The government has also scrapped rules that prevented patrons from standing while drinking outside licensed premises, with more than 420 venues with temporary outdoor dining approvals on footpaths and roads benefitting from the change.

Venues wanting to take advantage of outdoor dining or make the provision permanent, go to: https://www.nsw.gov.au/business-and-economy/liquor-and-gaming/liquor-licensing/apply-manage/change-liquor-licence-boundaries

Advice is also available through the Hospitality Concierge service, which can help with streamlined application processes and assist businesses and local councils to navigate the liquor licensing, planning and regulatory changes introduced through the Vibrancy Reforms.

Access the Hospitality Concierge here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/dciths/liquor-gaming-nsw/contact-us/hospitality-concierge

Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy John Graham said:

“Raise your glasses! To have 580 more businesses embracing outdoor dining is a great result for NSW and a clear sign that the former government had tangled these businesses up in too much costly red tape.

“This is a great example of the way we’re cutting red tape and reducing costs for business to bring the fun back to Sydney.

“In the most beautiful city on earth, with great weather all year round, it was almost criminal to let red tape stop us from embracing outdoor dining.

“When you combine the increased outdoor dining, the big boost in live music venues and the rising number of special entertainment precincts – you can see that we’re leaving the lockout era well and truly behind.”

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said:

“It’s wonderful to have all these great new alfresco dining and entertainment options at bars, clubs and restaurants for people to enjoy while they’re out and about across our great state.

“Venue owners are embracing these Vibrancy Reforms that are making it easier to make the most of their space, add value to their offer and increase revenue.

“It’s great to see the positive impacts for premises and patrons alike, while boosting employment opportunities and the NSW economy.”

Business Sydney CEO Paul Nicolaou said:

“The Minns Government deserves credit for these practical reforms that are helping hospitality businesses thrive.

“By cutting red tape and making it easier for venues to activate outdoor spaces, the government is supporting cafes, bars and restaurants to welcome more customers and create vibrant street life across our communities.

“These changes are a real boost for the hospitality and tourism sectors. Outdoor dining enhances the visitor experience, encourages people to stay longer and spend more, and helps create the lively atmosphere that makes our cities and neighbourhoods attractive destinations for both locals and visitors.”

The Point* Group CEO Brett Robinson said:

“Since opening, The International and our nearby venue The Shell House have played a role in shaping the CBD’s dining culture and we are always looking to elevate the guest experience.

“The updates to both venues allow us to create more alfresco moments for people to enjoy.

“We are thrilled about these developments, which allow us to provide more outdoor dining at The International and standing options for patrons at the Shell House and see this as an opportunity to further energise the CBD, paving the way for a lively dining landscape of a global standard similar to big international cities like London.”

*Vibrancy reforms

The first tranche of Vibrancy Reforms in December 2023 delivered improvements that:

• Ended single noise complaints from shutting down pubs and other licensed venues
• Made it easier to activate streets for festivals and events (Open Streets program) and a regulatory model that allows streamlined approvals for repeat events (Permit, Plug, Play)
• Expanded Special Entertainment Precincts that empower local councils to change the rules around noise and opening hours in a designated area to support live entertainment and nightlife
• Increased incentives for live music and live performance, with two hours extended trading and an 80% reduction in liquor licence fees for licensed venues offering live music and performance
• Created easier pathways for extended trading hours for major events like the Olympics and World Cups.

The second tranche of reforms in October 2024 included:

• Scrapping baffling restrictions on the development consents for licensed venues that included “no entertainment” clauses or dictated what genre of music or even how many musicians could play
• Requiring property buyers to be notified that they are moving into an existing entertainment zone to protect the intent of Special Entertainment Precincts and reduce the friction between venues and their neighbours
• Ending the antiquated rule that prevents people living within 5km of a registered club from signing in without first becoming a member
• Amending the Major Events Act to make it easier to support foundational events like Sydney Festival and Vivid Sydney
• Empowering the Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy to refer live music and performance venues with legitimate disputes to mediation.

The third tranche of reforms that passed the NSW Parliament in October 2025 included (timings are November 2025 to various times in 2026):

• Adding an exemption allowing licensees and venue staff limited discretion to permit an intoxicated person to remain on a licensed premise if they require medical care or require transport home, rather than being evicted
• Making it easier for the Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority to revoke a competency card where an individual is not considered ‘fit and proper’, or where the person has committed a prescribed sexual offence or other relevant offence
• Further enabling the Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority to cancel a liquor licence if a licensee has failed to create a safe working environment
• Changes to live music incentives:
• Expanding the timeframes for eligible performances to qualify for live music incentives to allow more flexibility from 6pm on weeknights and from midday on weekends in all live music venues, rather than 8pm
• Changing the criteria from two performances per week to 10 performances per month for venues in metropolitan areas, encouraging more performances while offering more flexibility about when it happens
• Making it easier for regional venues to qualify for the incentive by allowing them to count live performances over an annual basis rather than monthly, recognising that programming in regional areas can be irregular due to seasonality and artist availability
• Changing the requirement for regional venues to have a ‘dedicated space’ for performances to a ‘space that is predominantly or frequently used’ for live music.
• Supporting outdoor dining and alfresco activation by removing the requirement for liquor to be sold in ‘sealed’ containers for restaurants and small bars that are already authorised to sell takeaway liquor, so that customers may consume alcohol in legally permissible areas, such as plazas or outdoor alfresco areas shared by restaurants and businesses
• Enabling clubs to host events away from their main club location, such as community events in conjunction with sporting organisations and other groups
• Supporting tourism by expanding the Special Event Extended Trading to allow for 24 hours prior to the event, recognising the attendees who travel to events will often arrive the day before
• Allowing venues that offer primary entertainment of pool tables or juke boxes to apply for an on-premises liquor licence
• Removing the ‘midnight’ restriction for temporary boundary extensions for footpaths and roads meaning licensed venues can participate in late night events, subject to council approval for late night outdoor dining. 

The Minns Labor Government-funded rebuild of Halstead Drive in Casino, has been completed, delivering long-term flood-resilient public access to the Richmond River after the original road was destroyed in the devastating 2022 floods.

The $2.5 million project was funded through the Crown Lands Flood Recovery Program and delivered by Richmond Valley Council.

Halstead Drive, which runs along the banks of the Richmond River, provides the only public access to the waterway for recreation, community events, cultural activities, bridge maintenance and emergency response.

The Minns Labor Government provided a $980,000 funding injection last year so Richmond Valley Council could finalise the engineering and reconstruction stage after initial works to remove debris, undertake geotechnical investigations and prepare a resilient rebuild design were completed.

The reconstruction of Halstead Drive reflects a broader NSW Government priority to move beyond simple replacement. By applying a ‘build back better’ lens, the government is delivering community facilities that are more durable, sustainable, and capable of maintaining essential public access during future flood events.

Reconstruction works included:

• major stabilisation and anchoring of the river embankment to prevent future erosion
• new drainage infrastructure designed to handle runoff
• installation of retaining walls and gabion structures to reinforce the shoreline
• revegetation using native plants to naturally strengthen the riverbank
• reconstruction of the road to contemporary, flood-resilient standards.

The restored road will be used as a safe, shared community space, with access limited to pedestrians and essential emergency and maintenance vehicles.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“The Minns Labor Government is focused on building stronger and more resilient communities. This project will deliver lasting benefits to the Casino community which was hit incredibly hard by the 2022 floods, including the loss of Halstead Drive.

“Restoring this road to a resilient, modern standard means locals, emergency services and visitors once again have safe access to the Richmond River.

“This is what recovery investment is about – rebuilding essential community infrastructure stronger and better than before.”

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

“This project is a blueprint for how we approach recovery across the North Coast: rebuild with purpose and prioritise resilience.

“By transforming Halstead Drive into a flood-resilient pedestrian and emergency corridor, we are safeguarding vital river access while strengthening the riverbank itself.

“This is a win for local safety, connection, and the long-term endurance of the Casino community and I thank the Richmond Valley Council for their work.”

Richmond Valley Mayor Robert Mustow said:

“Restoring this access point to the river through Halstead Drive is a vital part of our community’s recovery following the flood.

“It provides a pedestrian link to the river and allows for the continued maintenance of the Irving Bridge and our stormwater outlets.

“Connection to our rivers is highly valued by our community and I thank the NSW Government and Crown Lands for funding the rebuild of this essential public asset.”

New South Wales will receive its lowest GST relativity share since the GST was introduced, leaving Australia’s largest state with $1.4 billion less GST revenue in 2026-27 than Victoria, despite having 1.5 million more people.

The complex and opaque calculations used by the Commonwealth Grants Commission once again highlight a broken and unfair system in urgent need of reform. 

As cost-of-living pressures continue to rise for families, essential workers and young people, the Minns Labor Government is again calling on the Commonwealth Grants Commission to reform its GST distribution formula, which has left Australia’s largest state sending nearly one in every five dollars of the GST we have paid across the border to other states.

In the latest determination, NSW’s share of the GST pool has fallen to 82.0 cents in the dollar, down from 86.0 cents last year, and 92.4 cents in 2024. This means that for every dollar that NSW residents hand over in GST, the State gets back 82 cents.

Today’s determination leaves NSW with its lowest share since the GST was introduced in 2000.

Despite this, NSW continues to maintain its strong credit ratings and is currently rated AAA by Moody’s and Fitch Ratings, and AA+ by S&P Global, after inheriting record state debt of $188 billion from the former Liberal-National Government.

Since coming to office, the Minns Labor Government has focused on repairing the state’s finances and being disciplined in its spending. Annual expenses growth was 2.8 per cent in the first two years of this Government, the lowest rate for any Australian government, and below inflation. This is compared to expense growth averaging over 6 per cent in NSW between 2011 and 2023. Gross debt is projected to be the second lowest in the country, after being forecast to reach over $188 billion in 2026 by the former Government.

The Government will continue to invest in the infrastructure and essential services required to support the state’s families, workers and young people.

As part of the current Productivity Commission inquiry, the Government will also continue to advocate for fairer reforms to the Commonwealth Grants Commission’s GST distribution system.

This includes that GST distribution would be fairer on a per capita basis, with the Commonwealth stepping in to support horizontal fiscal equalisation for the smaller states.

The Minns Labor Government has introduced a suite of reforms to cut red tape, provide cost-of-living relief for families and attract major capital investment to New South Wales including:

• Landmark reforms to the state’s planning legislation.
• Reforming workers compensation to reduce premiums for businesses.
• Introducing a toll-cap and lifting the Liberal-National Government’s unfair freeze on wages.
• The establishment of the Investment Delivery Authority.

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

Acting Treasurer Courtney Houssos said:

“This decision again demonstrates the need for a fairer allocation of how the GST is distributed across the states and territories.

“Successive NSW governments have identified the need for reform. We will continue to engage with the Commonwealth and work towards a more transparent system which can deliver NSW our fair share.

“Having inherited a record deficit from the previous Liberal-National government, we are working hard to improve the state’s fiscal position so it can withstand external shocks.

“We will maintain our fiscally disciplined and prudent approach, as we continue to invest in the schools, hospitals and essential public services that families and households rely on.”

A former female police officer is before the courts charged with allegedly making a false police report last year in regard to domestic violence.

In October 2025, officers attached to Camden Police Area Command commenced an investigation into reports of a domestic incident in Oran Park.

Following inquiries, police arrested and charged a 25-year-old man over the alleged incident; however, following further information those charges were withdrawn.

On Friday 7 November 2025, police charged a 24-year-old woman – who at the time was a probationary constable attached to a South West Metropolitan Region command – with knowingly make false/misleading statement.

She was issued a court attendance notice to appear before Campbelltown Local Court on Tuesday 13 January 2026.

Following further inquiries, the woman was also charged with make false accusation with intent subject other to investigation, false representation resulting in police investigation, and contravene prohibition/restriction in AVO (Domestic).

She was issued a court attendance notice to appear before Campbelltown Local Court on Tuesday 17 March 2026.

The former officer has since resigned from the New South Wales Police Force.