Statement on road fatalities

We’ve seen a horror period on the state’s roads with five deaths in less than 12 hours.

These are five people who are not coming home and five families who are now dealing with terrible grief.

Our thoughts are with their loved ones and our thoughts are also with the police and other first responders who attended these horrific crashes. It is deeply traumatic to be confronted by such scenes.

We implore everyone to make safe choices on our roads this Anzac Day long weekend – take your time, stay focused, don’t drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs and don’t drive tired.

Double demerits are in force and police are saturating the roads right across the state, however they cannot be everywhere 24/7.

Every driver has a responsibility to themselves, their passengers and other road users every time they get behind the wheel. We all have a responsibility to make smart, safe choices on our roads.

Incidents include:

  • A male learner motorcycle rider aged in his 20s died on Coomba Road, Coomba Park.
  • A male motorcyclist in his late teens died in a collision with a ute at Mount Thorley.
  • A woman in her 70s died after her car hit a tree and caught fire near Wauchope.
  • A man aged in his 60s died after his 4WD crashed and rolled in South Kempsey.
  • A single car crash on Berremangra Rd, Berremangra resulted in one death.

This follows the deaths of three people during the Easter long weekend, bringing the number of lives lost on NSW roads this year to 112, which is five more than the same time last year.

First look at Fairfield Hospital Redevelopment with master plan released

The Fairfield community is being invited to have its say by providing feedback on plans for the Fairfield Hospital Redevelopment, with the Master Plan for the project unveiled today.

The NSW Government is investing $550 million in the Fairfield Hospital Redevelopment to provide the community with new and enhanced integrated health care services closer to home.

The Master Plan outlines the vision for the redevelopment and shows how it will integrate with existing health facilities, while allowing for future development opportunities on the site.

A redevelopment zone at the front of the existing Fairfield Hospital building has been identified, where new clinical facilities could be housed in the future, conveniently located close to the existing hospital to enable integration with existing services. 

The scope for a new clinical services building, to be located within this zone, will be confirmed as part of the next stage of planning. Parking zones located close to either end of the hospital buildings have also been outlined, as well as green zones providing outdoor spaces. 

As part of early planning, hundreds of community members and health staff have provided valuable feedback to help shape the future of the redeveloped Fairfield Hospital, identifying features important to them, including natural light and views, simple drop-off and pick-up areas and a health facility that reflects the vibrant and diverse local community which Fairfield Hospital services. 

In a first for NSW Health capital works projects, new light scanning technology has been used to give precise measurements of hospital buildings helping to guide planning for the redevelopment. The technology relies on a state-of-the-art body-worn scanner which bounces lights off the walls, providing accurate floor plans instantly. 

The new technology enables a room to be measured in a few seconds, and because it does not capture images of people, both occupied and vacant rooms were quickly and easily scanned, without disturbing staff, visitors or patients. In six days, data was captured for 600 internal spaces in Fairfield Hospital as well as key service areas, the cafe, entries, roads and grounds. 

The Fairfield community is being encouraged to have their say on the Master Plan and provide feedback, with community information drop-in sessions planned at:  

Fairfield Hospital main foyer

  • Tuesday, 6 May 12:00pm – 2:00pm
  • Wednesday, 7 May, 7:00am – 9:00am

Bonnyrigg Plaza

  • Friday, 9 May 10:00am – 12:00pm

Please check the website for additional dates and more information. The community is also being invited to participate in a new survey, which can be completed online to help shape planning for the $550 million redevelopment. 

South Western Sydney Local Health District is currently determining clinical priorities for the redevelopment, which is expected to be completed in the coming months. This will help inform the next stage of planning and outline the location and size of the project. 

Construction timeframes will be confirmed once a builder is engaged, and the community will continue to be updated as planning progresses. 

A re-elected Federal Albanese Labor Government will invest an additional $80 million to expand the hospital’s emergency department.

NSW Government is investing more than $3.6 billion over four years for new and upgraded hospitals and health services across western Sydney, one of the largest investments in the region’s health infrastructure in recent years.  

Other projects include:  

  • the New Bankstown Hospital  
  • Canterbury Hospital’s first major redevelopment since 1998   
  • the expansion of Blacktown and Mount Druitt hospitals  
  • the new Rouse Hill Hospital.  

For information on the Fairfield Hospital Redevelopment master plan, including community survey and information sessions visit:  https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/fairfield-hospital-redevelopment

For more information of the project visit: https://www.hinfra.health.nsw.gov.au/fairfieldhospitalredev  

Minister for Health Ryan Park: 

“Fairfield and surrounding communities deserve a hospital that meets their growing healthcare needs.

“I’m so pleased that the Fairfield Hospital redevelopment is a step closer to being realised.

“The release of the master plan is a critical stage when the community can have a first glimpse of the shape of the project and what it has to offer, as well as providing their valuable feedback.”

Member for Prospect Hugh McDermott:

“This master plan is an exciting new chapter for the future of our redeveloped hospital.

“Community and staff feedback is so valuable, I encourage our local community to attend the information sessions and to have their say via the online survey.”

Member for Fairfield David Saliba:

“The project will provide a significant boost in employment. The Fairfield Hospital Redevelopment will support an estimated 1000 jobs with the potential for supporting thousands of indirect jobs throughout the life of the project.”

Member for Cabramatta Tri Vo:

“I’m pleased to see this project is progressing, and I encourage the community to attend the drop-in sessions to see the plans and provide their feedback.”

Chief Executive South Western Sydney Local Health District, Sonia Marshall:

“The launch of the Master Plan for Fairfield Hospital signals an important milestone in providing expanded and enhanced facilities for our staff and community.”

“I am excited that our staff and the community will have the opportunity to give their feedback at upcoming information sessions which will help shape this fantastic redevelopment.’’

Acting Fairfield Hospital General Manager, Cara Egan:

“The momentum is clearly building on the ground at Fairfield Hospital, with staff and the community excited about the announcement of the Master Plan which will guide our redevelopment.”

“This redevelopment will provide contemporary, purpose-built health facilities and services to care for our growing community closer to home.’’

No confiscation? Minns Labor Government must come clean on Obeid’s $30 million

At a time when many are drowning in bills, skipping meals and scraping every dollar to survive, a convicted corrupt former NSW Labor Minister has been allowed to walk away with $30 million.
 
There will be no action taken to confiscate Eddie Obeid’s fortune — and yet the Minns Labor Government is nowhere to be seen.
 
Eddie Obeid wasn’t just any Labor figure. He was at the core of the former Labor Governments — a powerbroker whose name became synonymous with the worst corruption in NSW political history.
 
Now he keeps his $30 million, and the Minns Labor Government has nothing to say?
 
Everyday people in NSW are being punished by the cost-of-living crisis, while one of Labor’s most corrupt figures keeps his millions.
 
We are calling on the Acting Premier and Acting Attorney General to come out from hiding, front up to the people of NSW, and explain in detail why there are no legal proceedings to recover every single cent.
 
This isn’t about legal loopholes — it’s about moral leadership and public confidence in our legal and political systems.
 
The public can’t be left with the impression that that corruption in this state is fine as long as you’re Labor royalty.

Honouring and reflecting on those who have served

Today, as the Last Post cuts the silence of dawn, we pause to honour and reflect on more than a century of Defence service and sacrifice.

110 years ago today, Australian and New Zealand troops landed on the beaches of Gallipoli under heavy fire, in the battle that would begin the Anzac legend.

Little did they know, their story would shape both our nations for generations to come.

Today we honour them, and all those who have served in our Defence Force in the years since. We pay tribute to the fallen, lost in service of our nation.

Members of the Defence Force, veterans and their families will proudly march together, many wearing the medals of their ancestors.

As we recite the Ode of Remembrance, we are reminded of the courage and sacrifices made by generations of service personnel and the families who support them.

The Last Post will ring out over a silent crowd as a solemn farewell to the fallen: their duty done; their sacrifice remembered.

We give thanks to all current and former serving members of the Australian Defence Force and their families.

As our nation comes together in gratitude, we reiterate our commitment to providing the care, support, and recognition our veterans and their families deserve.

We do not forget.

Lest we forget.

Man charged after fatal shooting – Newcastle

A man has been charged after the fatal shooting of a man in Newcastle earlier this week.

Emergency services were called to the Bar Beach carpark on Memorial Drive about 11.40pm (Wednesday 23 April 2025) and found a man with a gunshot wound.

NSW Ambulance paramedics treated the 18-year-old man, but he died at the scene.

A crime scene was established by officers attached to Newcastle City Police District.

Police have been told a group of people were fighting in the car park when a white SUV drove up and a man armed with a firearm got out, fired, and left in the vehicle.

An investigation commenced involving detectives from Newcastle, assisted by the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad.

About 11.20am today (Friday 25 April 2025), a 22-year-old was arrested at Newcastle Police station, where he was charged with murder.

The man was refused bail to appear before Parramatta Local Court tomorrow (Saturday 26 April 2025).

Investigations under Strike Force Bolwarra continue.

Man arrested as investigations continue into fatal shooting – Newcastle

A man has been arrested as an investigation continues the fatal shooting of a man in Newcastle earlier this week.

Emergency services were called to the Bar Beach carpark on Memorial Drive about 11.40pm (Wednesday 23 April 2025), and found a man with a gunshot wound.

NSW Ambulance paramedics treated the 18-year-old man, but he died at the scene.

A crime scene has been established by officers attached to Newcastle City Police District.

Police have been told a group of people were fighting in the car park when a white SUV drove up and a man armed with a firearm got out, fired, and left in the vehicle.

An investigation is now underway involving detectives from Newcastle, assisted by the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad.

About 11.20am today (Friday 25 April 2025), a 22-year-old was arrested at Newcastle Police station, where inquiries continue.

LNP desperate to pretend they care about women

Responding to reports the LNP has committed $90m toward a domestic violence strategy Greens leader in the Senate and spokesperson on Women, Larissa Waters said:

“The LNP are clearly desperate to pretend they care about women.

“More than 20 women killed in Australia this year by violence and Dutton’s allotted a measly $90m in the LNP’s ‘domestic violence strategy’, announced just nine days before the election.

“$90 million is what Mr Dutton thinks ending FDSV is worth, when frontline services have been saying they need $1 billion a year. Only the Greens have committed to fully funding frontline services.

“DV disclosure schemes are one piece of the puzzle, but not the most important one.

“The LNP’s plan is not about protecting anyone. If Mr Dutton truly cared about protecting women and children, he’d match the Greens $15 billion commitment to fully fund frontline services and prevention efforts.

“The Greens’ plan prioritises survivor-centred policies and if we made the 1 in 3 big corporations that pay no tax contribute their fair share, we could make sure women and children are safe.”

Council Budget continues to support growth of Newcastle

One hundred and fifty-nine million dollars will be invested into infrastructure projects as part of City of Newcastle’s draft Budget for 2025-26.

This will facilitate the delivery of critical upgrades such as the renewal of Longworth Avenue and Minmi Road in Wallsend, the continued protection of Stockton’s coastline, multimillion-dollar improvements of local centres in the Hunter Street Mall and Georgetown, along with the finalisation of the design for stage two of the Newcastle Ocean Baths upgrade and a year-round aquatic facility at Lambton Pool.

Total expenditure of more than $430 million is proposed across 348 projects in line with the Council’s community strategic plan to ensure Newcastle continues to grow as a vibrant, welcoming city, offering boundless opportunities for residents, workers, and visitors alike.

The 2025-26 draft Budget and Delivery Program will go to Council on Tuesday night seeking support for it to be placed on public exhibition for community and stakeholder feedback throughout May.

CEO Jeremy Bath said financial sustainability remains at the heart of everything City of Newcastle does.

“Our careful financial planning ensures we can continue to invest in the services and projects that matter most to our community, whilst forecasting a small Budget surplus of $510,000 for next year,” Mr Bath said.

“Prudent economic management has allowed us to increase our investment and services for our community without risking City of Newcastle’s track record of financial sustainability.

“We have worked extremely hard to diversify our income to make our Budget less reliant on rates with 47% of our income next year to be funded via sources other than rates. This is why we will invest $2,145 per property on infrastructure projects, while limiting the average residential rate to $1,881.71.

“The projects in this year’s Budget are designed to support Newcastle’s growth while preserving the character and natural assets that make our city unique.”

Budget highlights include:

• $42.2 million on road rehabilitation, resurfacing and footpaths including $24.3 million on Longworth Avenue and Minmi Road Western Corridor Upgrades

• $22 million on recreation, aquatics and sports improvements including Foreshore Park

• $12.9 million on Coastal, City and Urban Centres including East End, Hunter Street Mall, and Georgetown Local Centres

• $9.4 million on waste management and the Summerhill Waste Management Centre

• $7.5 million on street and park trees, bushland and watercourses and Blackbutt Reserve

• $6.2 million on city-wide stormwater upgrades and flood planning and management works including Cooks Hill

• $5.5 million on footpath and pedestrian projects

• $5.4 million on cultural facilities including the Art Gallery, Libraries, Museum, Fort Scratchley and Civic Venues

• $5.2 million on coastal management including Stockton coastline protection work, estuary and wetlands

• $4.5 million on affordable housing

• $4.2 million on cycleway projects

• $1.5 million on climate action and sustainability initiatives

“Lambton Pool will be one of the big winners from this year’s Budget. Not only will the old roof of the grandstand be replaced, but $1 million has also been set aside to progress the design of a year-round indoor pool as promised by the previous elected Council,” Mr Bath said.

“Lighting will also be upgraded, and a platform for both the 25m and 50m pools will be installed to improve accessibility to help all swimmers safely enter the pools. 

“For the third year in a row Council will allocate $1 million to a sinking fund to ensure that when the time comes, Council has the money for the upgrading of Lambton Pool. On top of this another $1 million will be spent over the next 12 months on infrastructure upgrades at all of our five swimming pools.

“A second platform to improve pool accessibility will also be installed at Mayfield Pool over the winter recess break.

“Stockton swimming pool will also get a makeover with the playground equipment, barbecues, and picnic tables to be upgraded, along with new shade structures to be installed.

“Half a million dollars is included in the Budget to complete the design of the second stage of Newcastle Ocean Baths in anticipation of the development application being approved later this year.”

Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge said the draft Budget will see City of Newcastle engaging with the community to shape a Newcastle that thrives for all.

“We recognise that our strength lies in collaboration, and we remain committed to working closely with the community to shape the future of our city,” Cr Kerridge said.

“I’m pleased the works program in the draft Budget has an increased emphasis on renewal and repair over new works.

“We are determined to strengthen Newcastle through prudent investment in service delivery, infrastructure, public spaces, and local communities.”

New fans flock to see SIX Queens tell their story

Global phenomenon SIX the Musical has attracted a host of new visitors to Newcastle’s Civic Theatre with almost 23,000 tickets already snapped up midway through the show’s purple reign.

More than 37% of tickets have been purchased by first time visitors, with theatregoers from every state in Australia travelling to Newcastle to witness the six wives of Henry VIII step out of the shadow of their infamous husband and reclaim their own narratives.

Written by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, the modern pop-inspired musical brings to life the historical figures of Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anna of Cleves, Katherine Howard, and Catherine Parr, portraying them as fierce and influential pop stars.

SIX the Musical at the Civic TheatreSIX the Musical at the Civic TheatreCivic Theatre Manager Leonie Wallace said ticket sales have spiked since the show opened on 10 April.

“Word of mouth is spreading and our audiences are making sure their family and friends don’t miss the opportunity to see this Tony Award-winning production,” Ms Wallace said.

“SIX the Musical offers something for people of all ages, and each performance has seen incredible audience energy and participation.

“With only 10 days left in the season, SIX the Musical shares the highest attendance positions at the Civic with other musicals Come From Away and The Rocky Horror Show proving once again there’s a strong appetite for international-quality touring productions at the Civic Theatre.”

Producer of the Australian production, Louise Withers, said Newcastle has proved to be a fitting location for the finale of this tour of Australia and New Zealand.

“More than 3.5 million people enjoy SIX the Musical across the world every year and the Civic Theatre crowds have been just as enthusiastic as any of them,” Ms Withers said.

“We first saw the show in London’s West End in 2018 and knew instantly the celebration of 21st century girl power would resonate with Australian audiences.

“The positive feedback from fans in Newcastle and word of mouth has created a real buzz around town so thankfully there’s still time for people to come and enjoy this funny, informative, inspirational, and all-round fabulous night in the theatre.”

Tickets are available for the remaining shows with SIX on stage at the Civic Theatre Newcastle until the curtain comes down on 4 May.

The performance at 3pm on Saturday 26 April is Auslan interpreted.

Visit civictheatrenewcastle.com.au for more information.

New figures show sharp increase in crimes solved by NSW Police

The Minns Labor Government welcomes data from the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) showing a sharp increase in crimes solved by police.

The study, Trends in police legal action rates 2009-2023, examines the rate of legal action taken by police across 11 categories of offences over 15 years.

It reveals a significant increase in charges laid over violent offences including robbery (up 20 percentage points), between 2009 and 2023.

There were also increases across the rates of legal action for domestic violence-related assault (up 7 percentage points), non-domestic assault (up 2 percentage points), sexual touching and other sexual offences (up 2 percentage points).

The rate of legal action taken over malicious damage to property offences rose 14 percentage points over the same period.  

Significant increases were also recorded across non-dwelling break and enters (up 13 percentage points), dwelling break and enters (up 8 percentage points), motor vehicle theft (up 8 percentage points) and steal from motor vehicle (up 3 percentage points).

The Government pays tribute to the hard work of the NSW Police Force in delivering these results, which show the risk of being caught is higher than ever before.

It is their diligence in thousands of cases over that time – pursuing leads, examining evidence, and working alongside victims – that has delivered this result.

The fact this was achieved amid the former government’s chronic shortage of police officers is a testament to the skill and dedication of police.

The Minns Labor Government is backing our police force through boosting pay for officers, along with paying recruits to attend the Goulburn academy as part of our commitment to community safety.

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said:

“Police are bringing more people to court than we’ve seen in a long time – a clear sign that their hard work is making a difference.

“Police don’t just catch offenders – they put in the tough, behind-the-scenes work to make sure those people are held accountable a process that is often complex, relentless, and doesn’t always get the credit it deserves.

“This is yet another example of the incredible work our officers do day in and day out. I want to give a genuine thank you to every officer out there giving their all to keep our community safe.”

Acting Attorney General Ron Hoenig said:

“These figures reveal more alleged domestic violence offenders and perpetrators of serious property crime are being charged and brought before the courts.

“Community safety is the priority of the NSW Government. We are continuing to invest in stronger protections for domestic violence victim-survivors and have made it harder for alleged offenders to get bail.

“At the same time, we have tightened the bail test for young people accused of repeat break and enter and motor theft offences to break the cycle of youth offending.”