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Minns Labor Government budget delivers for the Central Coast

The third Minns Labor Budget is focussed on delivering on commitments for the Central Coast, building better essential services and the infrastructure we need while investing to grow the economy.

This budget builds on the strong foundations we have already laid to ensure that we continue to build a better NSW for all.

We’ve made a lot of progress, but there’s much more to do. Budget commitments across major areas that will benefit the people of the Central Coast include:

Health

  • Working to ease pressures on our emergency departments with the continuation of the $200 million stage 3 redevelopment of the Wyong Hospital, including:
    • a new Carer Support Unit
    • Nunyara Aboriginal Health Unit
    • Women’s Centre Clinics and workspaces for medical staff
  • $6.4 million for the Wyong Hospital’s Cancer Day Unit expansion to ensure cancer patients can get treatment close to home
  • $1.7 million to expand NSW Pathology services at Wyong Hospital
  • Works have commenced on the new Wyong Palliative Care Unit to support Central Coast residents in their final stages of life that will feature 12 patient bedrooms with ensuites,  communal areas, meeting spaces and flexible outdoor spaces  as part of the existing $93 million World Class End of Life Care program.
  • Ensuring locals get care quicker through the development of the New Lisarow Ambulance Station as part of the continuing $615.5 million NSW Ambulance Infrastructure Program
  • Pregnant women on the Central Coast to benefit from the $83 million in new funding to boost maternity across NSW, including:
    • Funding for an additional 53 midwives across regional local health districts, on the back of the successful recruitment of obstetricians and gynaecologists at Gosford Hospital and last week’s reinstatement of the hospital’s accreditation for obstetrics and gynaecology
  • Delivering $864,138 additional funding for First Nations-led suicide prevention initiatives.

Education

  • Improving secondary education on the Central Coast with upgrades to high schools in Lisarow and Narara Valley, delivered through the High Potential and Gifted Education School Partner Program.
  • Continuing to deliver public preschools at the Tuggerawong and Umina Beach public schools as part of the NSW Government’s commitment of 100 public preschools state-wide.
  • $10.2 million towards upgrading facilities and aligning course delivery across the three Central Coast TAFE campuses to align with the needs of the community as part of the TAFE NSW investment to fund critical investments to upgrade facilities, boost permanent teaching staff, and modernise campuses—laying the groundwork for a more skilled and future-ready workforce.

Transport and Roads

Over the next four years, the Budget contains funding through various NSW and Australian Government-funded projects, including:

  • Continuing the NSW Government’s $84 million commitment to begin work on the $420 million Wyong Town Centre upgrade
  • $75 million for the Terrigal Drive upgrade
  • $50.7 million to continue the upgrade of Avoca Drive in Kincumber
  • $47.8 million to continue the Tumbi Road and Central Coast Highway intersection upgrade.
  • $29 million to continue planning and design for the Gosford Bypass
  • $15 million for the Empire Bay Drive Intersection Strategy
  • Central Coast residents will also benefit from a $150 million state-wide investment to expand bus routes in regional areas and the outer suburbs of Sydney.

Planning, Housing and Infrastructure

  • The Central Coast will benefit from the record $3.4 billion investment in TAFE and skills funding, as part of the Government’s plan to tackle the housing crisis that includes:
    • $40.2 million towards an additional 23,000 fee-free construction apprenticeships over the next two years
    • $13.8 million Construction Workforce Package to upskill 4,800 workers into residential construction jobs over the next two years tobuild the skilled workforce needed to speed up delivery of much-needed more homes across the state
  • $6 million over two years to explore design and delivery of short-term public domain improvements for the Gosford Waterfront while continuing to investigate long-term planning for this prime area
  • The NSW Government is making it easier to deliver more homes on the Central Coast by extending tax concessions for new build-to-rent housing developments; and releasing draft guidelines to speed up the delivery of homes and infrastructure through works-in-kind agreements with developers
  • $10,000 grant for eligible Central Coast first home buyers of a newly built house, townhouse and apartment below $600,000 or land and new house package below $750,000.

Cost of Living

Central Coast residents will benefit from a number of budget measures to help households with cost-of-living pressures, including:

  • Energy bill relief that extends the $150 payment to the end of 2025 for all Central Coast households and eligible small businesses
  • Assistance for eligible Central Coast residents to pay their energy accounts and energy rebates for eligible concession card holders, Family Tax Benefit recipients, seniors and others who rely on mechanical and life support equipment
  • Water rebates for eligible Central Coast pension and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs card holders and community organisations
  • Around 30 per cent discount on the upfront cost of installing small-scale battery systems through the Cheaper Home Batteries Program for eligible Central Coast households and small businesses
  • Doubling the incentive with up to $1,500 discount to set up a virtual power plant
  • Increased solar battery discount from 1 July 2025
  • Expanded free access to NSW National Parks for all our Central Coast Commonwealth Veteran Card holders as part of $5.3 million funding to give NSW veterans a free pass where a vehicle entry fee applies
  • In addition, the Government has reached multi-year pay agreements with employees including school and TAFE teachers, police, correctional officers, school support staff and paramedics (including those in the Central Coast). This is on top of the biggest pay increase to public sector workers in over a decade in 2023-24.

Minister for the Central Coast and Member for Wyong David Harris said:

“The Minns Labor Government is continuing to build a better NSW by this year focussing on delivery of our election commitments to the Central Coast community and investing in our people.

“We’ve been working meticulously to deliver better essential services that people rely on, to build the homes and infrastructure we need and investing to grow the economy to continue setting up our fast-growing region for long-term prosperity.”

Minister for the Hunter and Member for Swansea, Yasmin Catley said:

“This budget delivers for our residents in the Central Coast – investing in the essential services we rely on, building the infrastructure we need, and supporting families doing it tough.

“Whether it’s better healthcare, more preschool places for our young families, or critical upgrades to our local roads – this is a budget that puts the Central Coast first.

“We’ve made significant progress since coming to government – but we know there’s more to do, and this budget keeps us moving in the right direction.”

Member for The Entrance David Mehan said: 

“Labor’s third budget continues our work to rebuild our essential public services and deliver on the promises made in 2023.”

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said:

“The Minns Labor Government’s third budget is all about building on the groundwork already laid for a brighter future for our Central Coast, investing in essential services while navigating responsible financial management.

“After over a decade of budget mismanagement by the former Liberal-National government, this budget continues to make meaningful investment in the foundations of our community, upgrading major roads, strengthening emergency services, and improving education for all.

“By investing in the services that our community depends on, the Minns Labor Government is reinforcing the strong foundations we have already laid, working towards a fairer, stronger, and more prosperous NSW for everyone.”

One Nation Member Survey Update

Update on our party member survey: the issues important for One Nation to raise in parliament. A few weeks ago we asked our members to tell us what they want raised in Parliament.

We’re proud to report that hundreds of you took the time to share your thoughts, concerns, and priorities. It’s clear that One Nation members are passionate, well-informed, and deeply invested in Australia’s future. Our four Senators are now working through each submission, and thanks to your input, we’re prioritising real issues that matter to everyday Australians. 

Here are just a few of the strong voices we heard:

  • Beatrice from Victoria wants Australia to abandon the ‘Net Zero’ agenda and restore energy independence. And so we will, it is a position that aligns directly with One Nation’s commitment to affordable, reliable Australian energy.
  • Raymond from South Australia asked why multinational giants like Chevron receive our natural gas for free while Australians face soaring prices. This will be raised in parliament, because One Nation has long called for greater resource sovereignty and fairness in our domestic energy market.
  • Firzana from Western Australia questioned the financial and social costs of mass immigration. That’s a conversation One Nation has never been afraid to have, we believe immigration must serve the national interest and preserve social cohesion.
  • Bob from Queensland expressed support for a return to Australia’s traditional values and cultural identity, and these are themes central to our fight against politically correct overreach and revisionist history.
  • Wendy from Queensland asked why original land title deeds are no longer issued, calling for transparency and reform in property law. This will be raised because One Nation supports the rights of Australians to own and defend their property free from bureaucratic interference.
  • Keith from Queensland shared the challenges small business owners are facing due to rising taxes, red tape, and government waste. We’re pushing hard in Parliament for lower taxes and a fair go for small business, and these concerns will form the backbone of our parliamentary debates, questions and search for answers.
  • Pauline from Victoria raised alarm about the growing mental health crisis and its link to family breakdowns and institutional failures. We agree, mental health needs more than lip service, and support needs to reach the people on the ground – especially in rural and regional areas.
  • Adele from Victoria called for a forensic audit into government spending, questioning where taxpayer dollars are going. This lines up with One Nation’s demand for fiscal transparency and our opposition to wasteful bureaucracy. This term we will use this insight to turn a sharp focus on government spending and overreach.
  • Russell from South Australia demanded tougher penalties for youth crime and stronger consequences for repeat offenders. This is so crucial to our members, and One Nation will continue to push for law and order reforms that protect innocent Australians and put victims first.

Each of these examples reflects the kind of practical, grassroots wisdom we’ve come to expect from our members. These are real concerns from real Australians.

Thanks to our Direct Democracy model, we’re not just listening, we’re acting. The feedback we receive through this survey is helping shape the motions we put forward, the speeches we deliver, and ultimately, the policies we push to enact. Once we’ve raised your issues in Parliament, we’ll send responses back to local branches so they can build informed policy from the ground up.

This is what democracy should look like, led by the people, shaped by their voice, and delivered by their representatives.

Thank you to everyone who submitted a response. We will have more surveys and ways to involve yourself in policy development over the coming term of parliament. Together, we’re giving Australia back to Australians.

Brodie Taylor Becomes First Badged Wheelchair Netball Umpire in NSW

Eighteen-year-old Brodie Taylor from Albury-Wodonga has made history-becoming the first known badged wheelchair netball umpire in New South Wales, and possibly Australia, after recently receiving his C Badge accreditation.

Brodie’s journey into umpiring is remarkable not just for the milestone it represents, but for the determination and collaboration that made it possible.

“I honestly wasn’t planning on getting badged this year,” Brodie said. “I was just umpiring at a local Schools Cup event when Amanda [McLachlan] from Netball NSW came up to me and said, ‘Look, we’ve all been watching you-we’re very impressed. Would you consider going for your badge?’ I thought, why not? My mum’s badged, and this felt like a good achievement-something I never thought I’d do.”

Brodie lives with acute transverse myelitis, a rare neurological condition that caused a spinal cord injury when he was just seven months old. He has spent his life in and out of power wheelchairs and undergoing surgeries. Despite the challenges, netball became a constant-thanks to his mum.

“I was always around the courts with Mum on Saturdays. My sister was off dancing with Nan, my brother was with Dad at rugby, and I just sat with Mum. I started out doing stats as her team manager. I love my stats-that’s what got me hooked.”

Brodie moved into coaching in 2023 and instantly made an impact, taking a club team to a premiership win and continuing to grow as a leader. His desire to empower young players shines through.

“I believe in showing our girls that they have potential-that they are just as capable as anyone else. That’s what I see as my role in netball.”

This year, he took up umpiring more seriously-just for fun at first-only to discover he had a knack for it. His talent didn’t go unnoticed.

Behind the scenes, Netball NSW worked hard to support Brodie’s accreditation journey. With guidance from Netball NSW Workforce Manager Chris Hall, the organisation worked with Netball Australia to navigate existing umpiring frameworks and make the pathway accessible for Brodie. Adjustments were made without compromising the integrity of the game or the standards required for badging.

Brodie’s C Badge assessment took place at Hume Netball Association in Jindera, south west NSW-cementing his place in netball history.

His story is not only a celebration of personal achievement, but also a reflection of what an inclusive sport netball is. With support, belief and opportunity, Brodie is proving that barriers can be broken-on and off the court.

2025-26 Budget deliver for the Hunter

The 2025-26 NSW Budget builds on the strong foundations the Minns Labor Government has laid since coming to office – continuing our plan to deliver better essential services, build the homes and infrastructure our growing state needs and invest in the future of the Hunter.

This year’s budget reflects a responsible and people-focused approach to economic management. It continues our record of structural reform – including reducing gross debt, lowering expense growth and delivering savings on interest payments – while investing in the long-term prosperity of communities across NSW.

In the Hunter, the 2025-26 Budget funds the continued delivery of key projects and vital new investments to keep our communities strong, safe and supported.

Hunter specific commitments across major areas includes:

Health

$7.5 million to increase car parking capacity at the new Maitland Hospital
Continuing delivery of the:

$835.0 million John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct
$180.0 million Lower Mid North Coast Health Service (Manning and Forster-Tuncurry)
$138.0 million Cessnock Hospital Redevelopment
$45.0 million Muswellbrook Hospital Redevelopment – Stage 3
Transport and Roads

An additional $35 million for Thornton Bridge duplication project
Partnering with the Australian Government to deliver:

$2.3 billion for restoration works to repair local and state roads damaged in major flood events, including in the Hunter and Northern Rivers
$741.7 million to continue the M1 to Raymond Terrace extension and Hexham Straight widening
$294.9 million to continue construction of the Singleton Bypass
$267.0 million to fast track the Muswellbrook Bypass
$100.0 million for the Westbound Overpass at the Maitland Roundabout
$10 million towards delivering the $275.0 million duplication of Nelson Bay Road from Williamtown to Bobs Farm
$5 million additional funding to upgrade the Speers Point roundabout, bringing the total commitment to $16 million.
Education

Upgrades to high schools in Lake Macquarie and Muswellbrook as part of the High Potential and Gifted Education School Partner Program
Net Zero Manufacturing Centre of Excellence at TAFE NSW Tighes Hill in Newcastle – training the future net zero workforce
The Minns Labor Government’s investment to address the teacher shortage crisis has resulted in a 64 per cent decrease in teacher vacancies across the Hunter Local Government Areas, compared to the peak of the teacher shortage crisis in 2022
Continuing delivery of:
A new primary school and high school in Huntlee, including a new preschool
An upgrade at Thornton Public School
A new high school at Medowie
The redevelopment of Gillieston Public School
The redevelopment of Newcastle High School
An upgrade to the Hunter River High School
Continuing delivery of the NSW Government’s 100 public preschools, including at:
Booragul, Cessnock, Ellalong, Gillieston, Kearsley, Kurri Kurri, Maryland, Moorland, Nulkaba, Shortland, Taree, Tenambit, Teralba and Weston public schools
Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water

$530.0 million to build the Belmont Desalination Plant – delivering up to 30 million litres per day of rainfall-independent water
$115.5 million to build the Newcastle Logistics Precinct – a key hub for the delivery of affordable renewable energy
$82.1 million over four years for the Hunter Valley Flood Mitigation Scheme Repairs and Rebuilding project
$21.5 million over five years for sand nourishment at Stockton Beach, protecting assets and rehabilitating the coastline
Communities and Justice

$49.2 million for purpose-built or upgraded residential housing for children in out-of-home care aged 12 years and over with complex needs, including in the Hunter
$4.6 million to enhance the local community and visitor experience at the Tomaree Lodge site
Continuing delivery of:

A once in a generation pay rise for police
Paying police recruits to train which has resulted in a 71 per cent increase in the number of applications to join the NSW Police Force
Establishing a pathway for regional recruits to serve in or near their hometown after graduating the Goulburn Police Academy
Primary Industries and Regional Development

$27.3 million to establish the Future Jobs and Investment Authority to coordinate economic opportunities in coal-producing regions like the Hunter
Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism and Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley said:

“This budget delivers real results for the Hunter – from more hospital parking in Maitland to upgrades at local schools and a major investment in our region’s water security.

“With $530 million for the Belmont Desalination Plant and funding for flood mitigation, renewable energy logistics and coastal protection at Stockton, we’re securing the Hunter’s future.

“We’re fast-tracking the Muswellbrook Bypass, upgrading high schools in Lake Macquarie and Muswellbrook, and building a new westbound overpass at Maitland Roundabout to ease congestion.

“We’ve made real progress, but there’s more work to do – and this budget helps build a better future for the Hunter and for NSW.”

Minister Families and Community and Disability Inclusion and Member for Port Stephens, Kate Washington said:

“This Budget is about delivering on the things that matter most to our community – safer roads, better schools and more support for the places we love.

“Major upgrades like the M1 extension to Raymond Terrace and the widening of Hexham Straight will cut travel times and boost safety.

“Our government’s investment in our kids futures continues with a new Medowie High School on its way, major upgrades to Hunter River High School underway and we’re delivering a bigger and better hall for the Shoal Bay Public School students and families.

“We’re also backing Tomaree Lodge with more support to secure its future community use. It’s a place with deep cultural and community value – and this funding ensures it will play a meaningful role in the life of our region for decades to come.

“This is a Budget that backs Port Stephens – investing in what matters, now and into the future.”

Minister for Roads and Regional Transport and Member for Maitland, Jenny Aitchison said:

“The Hunter is a fast-growing community that needs new and improved road links to bust congestion and improve safety.

“This budget includes $35 million for the Thornton Bridge duplication for a total of $50 million combined with previous funds to get the project going.

“This is on top of $100 million to deliver a Westbound Overpass on the New England Highway at Maitland, recently committed by the Albanese Labor Government.

“This is on top of major Hunter Road projects such as the Singleton Bypass, the Muswellbrook Bypass, M1 to Raymond Terrace and Hexham Straight Widening and the Newcastle Inner City Bypass.”

Minister for Women, Seniors, the Prevention of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Member for Charlestown, Jodie Harrison said:

“This budget continues the work on building important infrastructure in the Hunter, including the John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct and social and affordable housing in the Charlestown electorate.

“Transport and road upgrades funded under this budget will also improve traffic flow and safety.

“The NSW Government continues to invest in the future of local communities and ensuring better regional communities.”

Member for Newcastle, Tim Crakanthorp said:

“This Budget is focussed on building a future-ready Newcastle.

“We’re investing in our people and places – a modern learning space for Newcastle High School students, improved conditions for commuters along Hexham Straight and critical protection efforts to preserve Stockton Beach for generations to come.

“The Budget is preparing Newcastle to be the epicentre of the renewable energy revolution, from establishing a Net Zero Manufacturing Centre of Excellence to train our future workforce, to locking in vital local jobs at the Newcastle Logistics Precinct.”

Member for Cessnock, Clayton Barr said:

“This budget delivers on key health infrastructure and projects including the Cessnock Hospital redevelopment.

“We will continue to rebuild NSW through investment in education, with the continued delivery of a new preschool, primary school and high school in Huntlee, over 100 public preschools including 6 new preschools in the Cessnock Electorate.”

Duty MLC for the Upper Hunter, Emily Suvaal said:

“The Budget delivers for the Upper Hunter – funding that speaks to who we are and what we value – strong hospitals, safer roads and quality education.

“We’re laying the foundations for stronger services, better facilities and a more connected region.

“When our communities speak, we listen and this funding reflects what matters most to people in the Upper Hunter.”

No US wars: Albanese must choose peace

President Donald Trump’s claim today to have bombed Iran directly is such a fundamental threat to world peace that the Albanese Government must immediately take steps to distance Australia from these attacks and condemn them.

Australia cannot be dragged into another brutal US war in the Middle East. President Trump’s claim to have bombed nuclear sites in Iran is a blatant breach of international law.

The Greens join with millions of Australians to oppose any involvement of Australia in the ongoing violence and call on the Albanese Government to take material action towards peace.

The Albanese Government must under no circumstances let the US re-fuel or use Australian airspace to perpetuate the bombing of Iran, and all Australian Defence personnel on secondment in the US military must be withdrawn, including the dozens on US nuclear submarines.

The International Atomic Energy Agency has made clear that there is no evidence Iran was moving into a nuclear weapon capability.

Greens leader Senator Larissa Waters said:

“This is a terrifying and catastrophic escalation by the USA, and Australia must condemn it.

“From Iraq to Afghanistan, we have seen Australia follow the US into devastating and brutal wars that have done untold damage to the people of the Middle East. We know that you cannot bomb your way to peace.

“Australia must always work for peace and de-escalation. Australia is not powerless, and we cannot be involved in another brutal war in the Middle East.

“Australia must take this opportunity to get out of AUKUS, have an independent foreign policy that centres peace, and must not allow the use of Australian US military bases like Pine Gap in this conflict.

“Only when countries like Australia push back and hold to principles and international law and back them up with material actions, will there be a chance for peace.”

Senator David Shoebridge, Greens spokesperson on Defence and Foreign Affairs, said:

“The world is at a crossroads and the Albanese Government must choose to be a force for peace not for war.

“With US President Trump’s bombing of Iran showing clearly that he is no friend of peace, and the Albanese Government must distance Australia from these actions.

“That means ending the AUKUS agreement, prohibiting the use of US military bases in Australia, including Pine Gap, from being used in this conflict, and clearly opposing military action by the US and Israel against Iran.

“Like every war, the cost will not be carried by governments, but by people, families and communities who face destruction.

“The impact of war is always inflicted on ordinary people. The Iranian people, who currently face oppression under the Iranian regime, are only put at further risk of violence and persecution by these US and Israeli attacks.

“The world must now isolate the US and Israel and come together through peace and diplomacy to end this war and support a pathway that protects the people of Iran.

“The Greens for nearly two years have joined with millions of Australians in calling for our country to be a force for peace and to oppose the ongoing genocide in Gaza.

“The Albanese Government has politically attacked those calling for peace, and this has only empowered bullies like Trump and Netanyahu, who again respond with bombs and killing.”

Hearings For The Inquiry Into The Demolition Of The 44 Public Housing Towers Start Tomorrow

The first day of hearings for the Victorian Parliamentary inquiry into the Victorian Labor Government’s decision to demolish and privatise Victoria’s 44 public housing towers starts on Tuesday. 

It is the first of a number of hearings to be carried out over the following months. The committee will hear directly from public housing residents, housing and human rights experts, service organisations, architects and planners.

The Labor Government’s plan, announced in September 2023, has been met with overwhelming dissent from residents, housing experts and the public. 

This inquiry has garnered over 800 written submissions, the vast majority expressing serious concerns or outright opposition to Labor’s plan to demolish the towers. Including submissions from the Law Institute of Victoria, community legal centres, the CFMEU, Senator Lidia Thorpe, former Supreme Court Judge and human rights expert Kevin Bell, plus over 30 organisations.

Victorian Greens Housing spokesperson, Gabrielle de Vietri:

“Labor has doggedly refused to provide any evidence whatsoever to back up their disastrous decision. In its absence, the public is stepping up to put its evidence on the record.

“If Labor thinks it’s going to demolish 10,000 people’s homes, they need to at least front up to how their plan would uproot communities and disrupt lives. After hearing this evidence, there is no way they’ll be able to claim that there is no alternative, and that they were unaware of the serious ethical questions around their plan and its implementation so far.”

The Albanese Government’s support for Trump’s War will haunt them

The Albanese Government’s support for the illegal bombing of Iran by United States President Donald Trump is unprincipled, contrary to international law and another blow to international peace. The Greens condemn Labor’s support for the US attack.

The decision to side with Trump and Netenytanu, reckless warmongers, over the people and peace will follow the Albanese Government for decades to come.

Senator David Shoebridge, Greens Spokesperson of Defence and Foreign Affairs, said: “The Albanese Government is slowly dragging Australia into another US war in the Middle East, learning nothing from the countless deaths and destruction following Afghanistan, Libya and Iraq.

“Foreign Minister Penny Wong has been actively misleading the Australian public by repeating Trump’s talking points on Iran’s nuclear capabilities. It is 2025, and we are watching the lie of Iraq’s ‘weapons of mass destruction’ repeat itself.

“The Albanese Government’s acceptance of Trump’s justification for bombing Iran is disgraceful, especially as the IAEA has stated publicly, repeatedly and categorically that it had no evidence Iran was pursuing a nuclear weapon.

“The misleading of the Australian public by Minister Wong to justify an illegal attack is an assault on Australia’s collective intelligence.

“The Labor government’s refusal to even discuss the involvement of US bases in Australia, such as Pine Gap and North West Cape, once again prioritises their secret military ties with Donald Trump over their democratic responsibilities to the Australian people.

“Labor’s actions show it wants to keep Donald Trump more informed and happy about military assets in Australia than the people who voted them in.

“The Albanese Government must prevent Australian and joint military bases from being used to fuel this war. We have international legal obligations not to engage in another illegal US war, which also means withdrawing Australian troops from placements in the US military and preventing Australian airspace from being used to feed bombers into the conflict.

“The last 48 hours have demonstrated clearly to millions of Australians what a danger AUKUS poses to our independence and why the government must withdraw from this toxic deal.

“The escalation in conflict comes in the context of nearly two years of genocide in Gaza. The Albanese Government’s failure to uphold international law by implementing meaningful sanctions on Israel despite the genocide paved the way for this recent attack.

“The Iranian regime has for decades oppressed people in Iran, in particular women, ethnic minorities and the LGBTQI+ community. Repeated bombings by foreign militaries on Iran will only put those people at further risk of harm, as it risks even more hardline responses and hardening of undemocratic control.

“The history of US wars in the Middle East shows that you cannot bomb your way to peace or democracy.”

Reforms to strengthen support for victim-survivors of sexual violence and hold perpetrators to account

The Minns Labor Government is continuing work to build a safer New South Wales, with new legislation to strengthen protections for victim-survivors of sexual violence and toughen penalties for perpetrators.

A suite of reforms will be introduced to parliament next week which will bring New South Wales into line with other Australian jurisdictions and respond to gaps in existing legislation.

To continue to strengthen protections for young people, amendments to the Crimes Act 1900 will raise the age threshold for the definition of ‘child’ from 16 years to 18 years of age for the purposes of the child abuse material offences. This brings New South Wales into line with relevant Commonwealth offences and increases protections from sexual exploitation.

Child abuse material offences cover the production, possession and dissemination of this material as well as offences related to administering or encouraging use of digital platforms to distribute this material.

The Crimes Act will also be amended to make it easier to prosecute people who commit sexual acts in the presence of children, but with improper intent because of the presence of the child.

This reform brings New South Wales into line with community expectations that the law must always protect the safety and wellbeing of children.

Closing an existing hole in New South Wales laws, a provision will be added to the Act to ensure that sexual offenders who either sexually assault someone or indecently interfere with their body after death are unable to escape prosecution when the time of death is unknown, making which specific crime occurred unclear.

Under this provision, when it is clear beyond a reasonable doubt that one of these two crimes occurred, but it is uncertain due to the timing of death which one, the accused will be sentenced on the basis of whichever offence has the lesser maximum penalty. Previously they would have been unpunished.

This reform is in direct response to an issue raised in the coronial inquest into the tragic deaths of Mona Lisa and Jacinta Rose “Cindy” Smith and the tireless advocacy of their families for reform.

The penalty for indecently assaulting a deceased person will also be increased.

This suite of reforms will also strengthen laws criminalising female genital mutilation, ensuring they are in line with community expectations. These reforms will clarify that female genital mutilation is a crime regardless of the reason or motivation or age of the victim, while ensuring medically necessary practices are protected into the future.

This is part of the Minns Labor Government’s legislative agenda which works to build a safer New South Wales, where women and children are protected and perpetrators are held to account. This reform work has also included:

  • making it harder than ever for alleged domestic violence offenders to get bail
  • introducing electronic monitoring for alleged serious domestic violence offenders
  • strengthening laws to protect against repeated breaches of ADVOs
  • making changes to bail courts across New South Wales to ensure bail decisions are made by magistrates and judges – not registers.

This legislation will be introduced the day after the Minns Labor Government hands down the 2025-2026 NSW budget, which includes more than half a billion in funding to increase support for victim survivors and support stronger responses against perpetrators across the justice, support services and corrections spaces.

Attorney General, Michael Daley said:

“The Minns Labor Government stands with victim-survivors.

“We are ensuring that women and children are better protected from sexual abuse and exploitation.

“Our Government is closing loopholes and strengthening the law to make it easier to prosecute those who commit acts of sexual violence.

“I thank the families of Mona Lisa and Jacinta Rose ‘Cindy’ Smith for their bravery and advocacy in the face of tragedy to strengthen New South Wales laws to better protect victims.”

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, Jodie Harrison said:

“We are working to build a safer New South Wales for women and children, and these reforms are vital in ensuring our laws provide the protection that victims deserve.

“Sexual and abuse and exploitation is unacceptable, at the same time as we are investing in support services for victim survivors, we are ensuring that perpetrators are held to account.

“We will continue to work with experts, advocates and victim survivors to address the impact of domestic and sexual violence across our state.”

Ferry wharf to connect Sydney’s new Fish Market to the Harbour

Six million visitors a year will have the option of arriving at the new Sydney Fish Market via the greatest harbour in the world, with NSW Budget 2025-26 funding construction of a commuter ferry wharf at the $836 million architectural marvel on Blackwattle Bay.

A commuter wharf is part of a $70 million investment by the Minns Labor Government to improve transport options to what will become a major tourist magnet when the market opens later this year.

The wharf is part of the Government’s agenda to build a better NSW with infrastructure to connects key precincts and drives our nation-leading visitor economy. 

Upon completion of the wharf, the new Fish Market will be served by a ferry service linking it to Barangaroo.

An investment of $30 million is going to planning and construction of the wharf.

The nearby Wentworth Park light rail stop will receive a major $40 million accessibility upgrade to facilitate a sharp rise in fish market visitors from 4.5 million to a forecast six million in the new market’s first year.

The community will be consulted on plans to improve safety and accessibility, with features likely to include new lifts, ramps, platform upgrades, improved lighting, signage, landscaping and CCTV. 

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“The new Sydney Fish Market will become an integral part of the western harbour and bays precincts and a huge magnet for tourists.

“This investment opens the new market up to perhaps the most scenic way to arrive at any fish market anywhere in the world – a trip on Sydney Harbour.

“We are investing $70 million in better transport options to the new Fish Market which includes bringing Wentworth Park light rail stop up to the highest level of accessibility and safety.” 

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“The new Sydney Fish Market is set to be the next iconic addition to Sydney’s beautiful harbour, and today’s announcement will make it even easier for locals and visitors to access this landmark.

“More than 6 million visitors a year are expected to access the new Sydney Fish Markets, more than double the number going to the current facility. It will also serve as the perfect bookend to more than 15 kilometres of unbroken waterfront promenade from Rozelle Bay all the way to Woolloomooloo.

“The new Sydney Fish Market will be must-visit destination for everyone, now that it is nearing completion, we are starting to get a sense of how impressive and spectacular the new Sydney Fish Market will be.”

Investment Delivery Authority to turbocharge business investment in NSW

NSW is set to secure our place as a global hub for innovation and investment with the creation of the Minns Labor Government’s Investment Delivery Authority and nearly $80 million in innovation funding as part of the 2025-26 Budget.

The Government’s third Budget puts investment, productivity and economic growth front and centre, delivering reforms that will make NSW an attractive place to invest and start a business, and securing the future of our state.

Investment Delivery Authority to attract and accelerate major investment

The Minns Labor Government is investing $17.7 million in the 2025-26 Budget to establish and support the work of an Investment Delivery Authority.

Modelled after the successful Housing Delivery Authority, the Investment Delivery Authority will accelerate approvals for major projects across all industries, including advanced technologies and energy.

Businesses have said that making major investments in NSW is too complex and too time consuming, which is slowing down productivity.

The Investment Delivery Authority will address this by helping cut through red tape, coordinate across government, and encourage investment.

It is expected to assist around 30 large projects per year, bringing forward up to $50 billion of investment each year.

It will provide advice on how best to navigate the planning system while evaluating projects for fast-track assessment and coordinating the necessary infrastructure to deliver them.

The Investment Delivery Authority will also be able to identify reforms to remove hurdles for private investment, and offer government assistance to support a proponent if their project is chosen.

This makes it easier for businesses to invest, build and create jobs in NSW.

The Investment Delivery Authority will accept expressions of interest from eligible domestic and international investment projects valued over $1 billion and will come into effect in the 2025-26 financial year.

A multi-agency Investment Taskforce, in Investment NSW under the Premier’s Department, will support the Authority’s work.

The Investment Delivery Authority will comprise Premier’s Department Secretary Simon Draper, Treasury Secretary Michael Coutts-Trotter, Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure Secretary Kiersten Fishburn, and Infrastructure NSW Chief Executive Tom Gellibrand.

It will make recommendations to the Treasurer, the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, and the Minister for Industry and Trade.

Eligible projects must be able to commence development quickly and aligned with NSW Government priorities, as set out in policies including the NSW Industry Policy and Trade & Investment Strategy.

The Authority will not be restricted to a specific industry or sector. Major projects able to be considered may include hotels, data centres, renewable energy projects, and commercial developments.

Innovation Blueprint: Growing the economy through investment to secure NSW’s future

The Minns Labor Government is working to cement NSW as a global hub for innovation and technology through the recently launched Innovation Blueprint.

The 2025-26 Budget includes nearly $80 million of new funding to deliver the Innovation Blueprint, which will establish NSW as the best place to innovate, connect with investors, and scale a business.

With NSW accounting for 65 per cent of the nation’s venture capital investment in 2024, and being home to five out of eight Australian unicorn companies (privately held companies valued at over $1 billion), the state is already a recognised leader in driving economic growth through innovation.

The funding package for the Innovation Blueprint will promote more global success stories like Afterpay, Atlassian and Canva in the years ahead through the following groundbreaking initiatives:

  • $38.5 million to turbocharge Tech Central, Australia’s largest technology and innovation hub
  • $20 million for Emerging Technology Commercialisation to drive growth and productivity in key areas such as Housing and Energy
  • $6 million to extend the existing Minimum Viable Products Ventures program to support more startups at the early stages of development
  • $6 million to support manufacturing businesses to adopt innovative technologies
  • $4 million to promote housing construction through the Housing Innovation Network and the Innovation in Construction Fund
  • $4 million to support tech founder diversity by providing training programs for female founders and our future tech leaders living and working in Western Sydney and regional NSW
  • $700,000 to extend the operation of National Space Industry Hub.

Premier of NSW, Chris Minns said:

“The fact is major projects from the private sector are getting bogged down in red tape, which is making it harder to do business in NSW when we should be doing everything we can to get things moving.

“Our state is open for business and this change will encourage more people to bring their best ideas to life in NSW, all backed by our government.

“We’ve made great progress with the Housing Delivery Authority. This reform is a big signal that NSW is not just open for business—it’s serious about being a global leader in innovation, industry, and investment.”

Treasurer of NSW, Daniel Mookhey said:

“We have listened to what we are being told, loud and clear: everything in NSW is awesome, except for how long it takes to get major projects done.

“We are creating a way to address the blockages, speed up the process and ensure NSW is properly open for business.

“The Investment Delivery Authority is the turbocharger to drive economic growth across the state.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully said:

“Lifting productivity growth is a critical issue for NSW and we recognise the challenges businesses and investors face when it comes to bringing their projects to life.

“The Investment Delivery Authority, supported by the Investment Taskforce, will identify and clear barriers that businesses may face, while advising on reforms that promote investment, competition and productivity in NSW.”

Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“With this nearly $80 million of funding, we will ensure we nurture, grow, and support the next Afterpay, Atlassian, and Canva from the early stages through the most vulnerable periods of a startup’s life cycle – particularly just before the jump to commercialisation.

“The funding package will allow Tech Central – the largest tech innovation ecosystem in the country – to flourish as a melting pot for groundbreaking innovation, research, and lifestyle.

“We also understand that the best and brightest tech ideas aren’t just born in the inner city of Sydney, so we are providing startup support to our future tech superstars right across the state.”

Author of Pounder Review and Former Chair of the Tech Council of Australia, Kate Pounder said:

“This significant investment in innovation will cement NSW as a world leader in the tech sector.

“Most hearteningly, this money will also go where it is needed most – to female founders, and those from diverse cultures and backgrounds, as well as our budding tech giants living and working in Western Sydney and regional NSW.”

CEO of Business NSW, Daniel Hunter said:

“This is a game-changing step forward for New South Wales.

“With a clear plan to streamline approvals and coordinate government agencies, the new Investment Delivery Authority is exactly what NSW needs to turn ambition into action.

“Coupled with the Innovation Blueprint and nearly $80 million in new funding, this initiative will help transform breakthrough ideas into global enterprises—fostering the next Atlassian or Canva right here in our backyard.”

CEO & Managing Director of NEXTDC, Craig Scroggie said:

“In today’s geopolitical environment, trust and sovereignty are economic assets. As a Five Eyes nation, Australia is uniquely positioned to lead the next industrial era, and New South Wales is stepping up to that role. The Investment Delivery Authority is about execution. It reflects a deep understanding of the five pillars now shaping global AI infrastructure: speed, scale, security, sustainability, and sovereignty.

“Speed and scale are the new currency of global leadership. The Authority creates a faster path from planning to execution – reducing friction, aligning government, and providing the regulatory certainty private capital requires. NEXTDC has over $15 billion in AI infrastructure projects planned across NSW – including AI factories, high-density data centres, and mission-critical operations centres. This reform allows us to build the digital backbone of the future – faster, and at global scale.

“AI infrastructure has outgrown traditional planning systems. These aren’t just data centres – they’re sovereign-scale assets designed to power the AI era. Conventional frameworks are now facing first-of-a-kind scale challenges. This reform clears the path for accelerated approvals and long-term certainty – unlocking the investment required to deliver national capability and positioning NSW as a global destination for next-generation digital infrastructure.”

Managing Director, Corporate and International, AirTrunk, Carly Wishart said:

“Streamlining planning and approval processes for development permits and power allocation is essential if Australia is to capitalise on the data centre growth opportunity and become a smart economy.

“If Australia is to be a leading digital economy and build its own artificial intelligence capability, then it must have the necessary digital infrastructure and renewable energy needed to support it.

“AirTrunk welcomes the NSW Minns Government announcement in recognising that the race to build AI infrastructure is a global one and speed to build is the critical factor.  We look forward to working with the Investment Delivery Authority to hasten planning processes, ensuring that NSW and Australia get the productivity boosting benefits of AI.”