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The NSW Government and Transport for NSW have reached an agreement with the M6 Stage 1 consortium, CGU, for it to recommence work and deliver this important project for local communities.

The consortium CGU (CPB/Ghella/UGL) was awarded a Design and Construct contract by the former Liberal-National Government in May 2021 and construction commenced in February 2022.

Following two subsidence events in March 2024, tunnelling works ceased in that area, and all significant underground works ceased on the project in early 2025.

Transport for NSW has been negotiating with the consortium in good faith for more than two years to get this project back on track and protect the interests of NSW taxpayers.  

An agreement has now been reached with CGU, and under this agreement, they will immediately resume all activities required to complete the project, under the terms of the original Design and Construct contract.

Importantly, this agreement is at no extra cost to NSW taxpayers.

The agreement also means Transport and CGU have reached a consensus that there are viable technical solutions to complete the remainder of the project.

Around 90 per cent of tunnelling and close to half of the tunnel fit-out has been completed for M6 Stage 1. Only 250 metres of excavation of the main tunnel remains.

Under the agreement, CGU has also agreed not to pursue contractual claims against Transport or the NSW Government for costs related to the two subsidence events in 2024, and will work to rectify this area.

Transport will provide an update on the expected completion timeline in due course. The contractors have agreed to seek to optimise this delivery further as they remobilise to site over coming weeks.

Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“We have secured an agreement that gets the M6 Stage 1 project moving again and delivers the best value for NSW taxpayers.

“This agreement means construction will resume immediately under the original contract. This agreement is at no additional cost to the NSW Government – protecting taxpayers just like we promised.

“Our priority has always been to complete this project under the existing contract.

“With 90 per cent of tunnelling already complete, we now have a clear path to finishing the job.

“The former government entered into this contract, and when push came to shove, NSW taxpayers were left in the lurch. Unlike the Liberals, we will not hand out blank cheques when contractors try to take NSW taxpayers for a ride.

“We’ve spent every day since coming into government working to secure the best deal for taxpayers.

“That’s exactly what this agreement provides.”

Transport for NSW Secretary Josh Murray said:

“Transport for NSW has negotiated fairly and in good faith with CGU to achieve the result we are announcing today.

“CGU will now work to rectify the subsidence issues that originally paused the contract.

“While there has been a regrettable delay, the contract for the M6 Stage 1 has clear dispute resolution processes and these will be used – ending the threat of walk-offs and the need for termination – with a deed putting the interests of taxpayers, motorists and residents first.”

NSW Motorways CEO Camilla Drover said:

“We have always pursued the best interests of the NSW taxpayer and this agreement reflects that.

“We welcome CGU’s decision to resume delivery of the project as per the terms of the contract.

“CGU will resume work on the project immediately and we will provide an updated timeline for expected completion once we have it.

‘We now turn our attention to building a collaborative relationship with our contractor to complete the project.”

Families across south west Sydney are benefitting from improved access to enhanced health and parenting support services, following the official opening of the new Karitane Fairfield Integrated Child and Family Hub.

The redevelopment of Karitane’s Carramar site to become the Fairfield Integrated Child and Family Hub has been supported by the Minns Government’s investment of $6.5 million. The Paul Ramsay Foundation also provided Karitane a $6.5 million grant towards operational costs for the Hub.

The new Karitane Fairfield Integrated Child and Family Hub integrates parenting support, child and family health services, and community-based care, in one single location, strengthening access for Fairfield and surround communities. The Hub will also deliver virtual services to families across the state, and complement the child and family services offered by South Western Sydney Local Health District.

The new Karitane Fairfield Integrated Child and Family Hub will include:

• Parenting Centre
• Toddler Clinic
• Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Services
• Community Programs
• Service Navigation and coordinated support

Alongside Karitane services, families can access a range of health, parenting and family support services delivered by partner organisations. By bringing services together in one location, the Hub makes it easier for families to connect with the support they need, when they need it.

After years of neglect from the previous Liberal government, Labor is delivering meaningful improvements for south west Sydney, delivering long-term investments into essential health services for the growing community.

The $6.5 million investment in the Hub is part of the Minns Government’s $130.9 million Family Start Package, building on our ongoing commitment to improving access to health and parenting support services. The initiative supports families during the critical First 2000 Days of a child’s life,  with early intervention and prevention programs ensuring families have access to the health and support services they rely on.

Karitane also provides a range of holistic and wrap-around parenting support services across the state.

Services include virtual home visiting and telephone support services, early parenting centres, virtual and residential parenting services, perinatal and infant mental health services, toddler clinic and a range of community programs which complement child and family services offered by local health districts.

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“We know just how important it is to support parents early, so they have access to the tools and resources to ensure children are given the best possible start in life.

“The new Karitane Fairfield Integrated Child and Family Hub represents a significant step forward in enhancing access to support services for local families with young children.

“By integrating parenting support, child and family health services, and community‑based care services, local families are able to seek advice and support from a diverse range of skilled professionals all under the one roof.”

Minister for Mental Health, Rose Jackson:

“Having a baby can be one of the most joyful times in life, but for many parents it can also be one of the hardest. No mum should feel like they have to struggle alone, and no family should have to wait until things reach crisis point before getting help.

“This investment means more support for mums, babies and families when they need it most – because looking after a baby’s wellbeing starts with looking after their parents too.”

Minister for Women, Jodie Harrison:

“Today’s opening of the Karitane Fairfield Integrated Child and Family Hub is an investment in the future of our children and families.

“We want to make sure children in Sydney’s south west get the best start in life and their families are supported with wraparound care.

“The Minns Government is supporting women’s health and wellbeing, so that their families can build stronger futures.”

Member for Fairfield, David Saliba:

“As someone who was born and raised in Fairfield, I’m proud to see this significant investment in local families delivered right here in the heart of our community.

“The new Karitane Fairfield Integrated Child and Family Hub will make it easier for parents and carers to access the support they need, close to home and at the time they need it most.”

Member for Prospect, Hugh McDermott:

“Families across Prospect deserve access to trusted health, parenting and early childhood support close to home.”

“The new Karitane Fairfield Integrated Child and Family Hub will help give local children the best start in life, while supporting parents and carers when they need it most.”

Member for Cabramatta, Tri Vo:

“As a father whose three children were born locally, I understand the importance of Karitane’s Carramar site. This centre will provide valuable help and support to parents, carers, and children.”

Grainne O’Loughlin, Chief Executive Officer, Karitane:

“Every child deserves the best start in life and every family deserves the opportunity to feel confident, connected and supported as they navigate the early years of parenting.

“The Karitane Fairfield Integrated Child and Family Hub is more than a building or a collection of services. It is a welcoming community space where families can build relationships, access trusted support, connect with their community and find help when and how they need it.

“Designed with families, for families, this Hub reflects what is possible when government, philanthropy, community organisations and families come together around a shared commitment to helping children grow, learn and thrive.”

More buses, better connections and earlier starts are coming to Tweed and Murwillumbah, with 175 additional weekly services hitting the road from 29 June.

Home to growing communities and one of the state’s most popular coastal destinations, Tweed and Murwillumbah are seeing more people choose to live, work and visit the region than ever before.

These additional services will help ensure the public transport network keeps pace with that growth.

Part of the Minns Government’s $150 million Bus Service Uplift Program, the changes deliver an 11 per cent increase in services, double the services on the critical longer-distance Route 605, and responds directly to community feedback.

This is about buses that better fit people’s lives – earlier starts, later finishes, and more services where people need them most. Extended evening and weekend services will also support the region’s growing night-time economy, making it easier for workers, locals and visitors to travel safely and conveniently.

For the first time, residents in the fast-growing Kings Forest community will be connected by regular public transport, with buses operating every 30 minutes linking residents directly to the Tweed Valley Hospital, TAFE NSW Kingscliff and surrounding communities.

One of the biggest wins is on Route 605, where services between Murwillumbah and Tweed Mall will double, with an additional 111 weekly services. Faster, more direct trips will cut travel times by up to six minutes, making every day journeys to work, appointments, education and shopping simpler and quicker.

The service uplift will also benefit healthcare workers, with additional evening and weekend services to the Tweed Valley Hospital better aligned with shift times, providing greater flexibility for staff and improved access for patients and visitors.

The changes include eight additional weekly services between Pottsville and Tweed Heads, extended operating hours for services in Pottsville and improved connections from Pottsville, Fingal Head and surrounding communities, making it easier for passengers to connect at Tweed Mall and travel onwards into Queensland.

The expansion will also create seven additional bus driver jobs and ensure public transport keeps pace with a rapidly growing North Coast.

As the region continues to grow, the Minns Labor Government is delivering the services communities asked for—keeping people connected, supporting local jobs, and ensuring Tweed and Murwillumbah remain great places to live, work and raise a family.

For a summary of changes from Monday 29 June please visit: https://transportnsw.info/news/2026/tweed-bus-changes-from-monday-29-june

Minister for Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison:

“This is fantastic news for Tweed and Murwillumbah and the benefits will ripple right across both communities. With families putting down roots, new neighbourhoods growing, and more visitors discovering what makes this region special, 175 extra bus services every week will make a real difference to everyday life.

“The Minns Labor Government believes regional communities deserve the same investment and attention as anywhere else, and that means services built around how people actually live.

“This is about choice. Beach trip with a stop at the shops on the way home? That should be easy. Now it will be.”

Minister for the North Coast, Janelle Saffin:

“We have listened and are delivering the reliable, frequent and connected bus services our North Coast communities want, need and deserve.

“By doubling services on critical longer-distance routes like Route 605 and unlocking regular public transport for Kings Forest, we are providing more seats and creating more connections across our communities.

“Whether it’s healthcare workers getting to shift changes to help serve our community or locals accessing those essential services and shops, we are making sure our transport network grows as we grow.”   

Labor Spokesperson for Tweed, Emily Suvaal:

“Tweed is a special part of NSW – beautiful beaches, a relaxed lifestyle, and communities that are genuinely growing. People are choosing to move here and visitors keep coming back, meaning public transport needs to be up to par.

“For a lot of families and workers here, the bus isn’t a backup option – it’s how they get to work, reach their GP, drop the kids to school and get home at the end of the day. New weekly services means more people can get where they need to go, without it being a struggle.

“This is about making everyday life on the North Coast even better, and ensuring the buses actually work around the way people here live.”

The NSW Government has now appointed the inaugural SafeWork Advisory Council, a key component of the Minns Labor Government’s reforms establishing SafeWork NSW as a standalone regulator.

The Council was created through changes to the Work Health and Safety Amendment (Standalone Regulator) Act 2025 to strengthen SafeWork NSW’s governance framework and ensure the regulator has access to diverse strategic advice on work health and safety risks, priorities and emerging issues.

The Council is chaired by Emeritus Professor Michael Quinlan, a WHS Expert with over 40 years’ experience.

The tripartite Advisory Council brings together representatives of workers, employers, workplace safety experts and families with lived experience of losing a loved one to a workplace fatality to provide strategic advice to SafeWork NSW and the NSW Government.

Among its lived experience members is Debra Pascall, who tragically lost her son in a workplace incident in 2018 and has since become a passionate advocate for improving workplace safety and preventing future tragedies

The role of the Advisory Council is to:

• monitor emerging risks and trends in the field of work health and safety
• advise the SafeWork Commissioner on the strategic direction and priorities of SafeWork NSW
• advise the SafeWork Commissioner or the Minister on any matters referred to the Advisory Council by the SafeWork Commissioner or the Minister, and
• perform any other functions conferred on the Advisory Council by or under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 or the regulations, or another law.

The commencement of the Advisory Council will support SafeWork NSW in its regulatory efforts to prevent fatalities, serious injuries and illness.

Under the Act, the SafeWork Commissioner is required to consider the Council’s advice when setting the regulator’s strategic direction and priorities.

In 2025 there were 60 fatalities in NSW workplaces, with most of these occurring in the construction, transport and warehousing, and agriculture sectors.

The formal commencement of the SafeWork NSW Advisory Council brings to a close the work of the SafeWork NSW Interim Tripartite Reference Group. The group served as an interim measure prior to the establishment the Advisory Council. 

The Interim Tripartite Reference Group played an important role in ensuring the perspectives of employers, unions, workers and government informed SafeWork NSW’s reform agenda and broader regulatory initiatives during the transition to a standalone regulator and we thank them for their service.

It also supported consideration of practical measures to strengthen work health and safety outcomes while formal governance and consultation arrangements were being established.

More details on the Advisory Council can be found on the SafeWork NSW website at https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/about-us/safework-nsw-advisory-council.

In line with SafeWork NSW’s reporting requirements, a summary of actions taken in response to advice from the SafeWork Advisory Council will be publicly reported.

Minister for Industrial Relations and Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said:

“This is an historic day. This Advisory Council has been a long time coming and marks an important step in strengthening workplace safety in NSW.

“When we came to government, we committed to creating safer workplaces. We established SafeWork as a standalone regulator to strengthen accountability, transparency and its focus on keeping workers safe.

“To create safer workplaces, we need real-world insight. The Council’s tripartite model ensures workers, employers and experts help inform SafeWork’s strategic direction and regulatory decisions.

“By bringing diverse voices to the table, including business, industry, unions and lived experience representatives, we are ensuring workplace safety decisions are informed by practical expertise and emerging risks.”

SafeWork Commissioner Janet Schorer said:

“The primary objective of the Advisory Council is to ensure that SafeWork NSW considers the diverse perspectives of workers and their representatives, industry, subject matter experts and individuals with lived experience when setting its strategic direction and priorities.

“Their input and partnership will support SafeWork NSW in securing safer and healthier workplaces in NSW.”

Advisory Council Chair, Emeritus Professor Michael Quinlan said: 

“It’s an honour to be chair of the SafeWork Advisory Council which is dedicated to improving safety outcomes for workplaces and families in New South Wales.

“The tripartite basis ensures that industry, unions and government get to work together, and we do it as a voice of expertise and lived experience.

“The model demonstrates best practice and provides the opportunity to have input and feedback on emerging issues warranting more attention.”

TWU Assistant Secretary Marija Marsic said:

“These lived experiences come to us from the coal face every single day.

“It’s so important for workers to have that representation from unions so we can advocate on their behalf in a way that is meaningful to policy and change.”

Business NSW Senior Project Manager Liz Greenwood said:

“It’s important to consider the perspectives of the many different voices on this council and to have those robust discussions before decisions that impact the safety of workers are made.”

Debra Pascall, Lived Experience Member said:

“I am honoured to have been appointed to the NSW SafeWork Advisory Council.

For me, safety is deeply personal after losing my son in a tragic, completely preventable workplace incident. Lived experience ensures the human impact of workplace harm remains at the centre of decision-making, reminding us that every policy and every regulation is ultimately about protecting people.

Every worker deserves to come home safely, and I hope my involvement in the advisory council contributes to this.”

The Minns Labor Government is enabling the delivery of around 1,300 new homes across the NSW South Coast, finalising three major rezonings that will transform underutilised land in Nowra and Kiama into vibrant, well-connected neighbourhoods.

In Nowra, the finalised Nowra Riverfront Precinct and Mandalay Sub-Precinct rezonings will enable up to 900 new homes along the Shoalhaven River foreshore, including social and affordable housing, alongside restaurants, cafes and new public spaces that will bring the riverfront to life.

In Kiama, the rezoning of a former council depot just steps from the beach, town centre and train station will unlock around 380 new homes on underutilised council land.

These rezonings will help make sure housing supply keeps pace with growth across the region over coming years, while also making sure that the liveability of local communities is improved.

The rezonings are another example of the Minns Labor Government using planning reforms to remove barriers to housing delivery, unlock well-located land and provide the certainty needed to get more homes built sooner.

Nowra Riverfront and Mandalay Sub-Precinct

The finalised rezonings will deliver:

• at least 30 per cent social and affordable housing on Homes NSW land, and two per cent affordable housing on private land across both areas;
• building heights between five and 12 storeys in the Riverfront Precinct, and up to six storeys in the Mandalay Sub-Precinct, with design excellence requirements for taller buildings; and
• vibrant foreshore activation including boatsheds on Scenic Drive, and restaurants and cafes.

Kiama Depot

The final rezoning has been refined in response to the feedback and will deliver:

• approximately 380 new homes, with a maximum building height of six storeys;
• a minimum of 10 per cent in perpetuity affordable housing;
• 600 parking spaces for residents and visitors; and
• housing that is aligned with the Low and Mid Rise Housing Policy, making sure a diversity of housing is available within walking distance of Kiama’s town centre and train station.
• The final planning controls have been informed and amended following public feedback.

Today’s announcement builds on a suite of major investments transforming the South Coast, anchored by the $440 million redevelopment of Shoalhaven Memorial Hospital.

Once complete in late 2026, the redeveloped hospital will serve as the region’s major health hub, delivering expanded and modernised healthcare services to the growing community.

Beyond the hospital redevelopment, the Minns Labor Government is delivering a new public primary school and preschool in Worrigee, upgrading Nowra East Public School, Vincentia High School, Ulladulla Public School, Ulladulla High School and Milton Public School, and redeveloping the former Shoalhaven Anglican School site for public education use.

Landcom’s construction of 60 new build-to-rent homes in Bomaderry is on track for completion by the end of 2026, helping to boost housing supply in the region.

Work is also underway on the major upgrade of the Jervis Bay Road and Princes Highway intersection, part of the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments’ $1.96 billion investment in improving safety, connectivity, and reliability along the Princes Highway corridor.

Shoalhaven City Council will now prepare a site-specific Development Control Plan for the Nowra precincts to guide detailed design, while Kiama Municipal Council will determine next steps for the depot site with future development applications to be publicly exhibited for community feedback.

For more information, visit Nowra Riverfront Precinct, Mandalay Sub-Precinct and Kiama Depot.

Minister for the Illawarra and South Coast Ryan Park said:

“These are exactly the kinds of projects our region needs by turning underutilised but well-located land into thriving neighbourhoods where people can live, work and stay connected to their community.

“Whether it’s revitalising the Nowra riverfront or unlocking new housing opportunities in the heart of Kiama, these rezonings will deliver lasting benefits for the South Coast.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“For too long, families have struggled to find somewhere to live, and activating underutilised sites allows us to deliver the new homes these families need.

“The Minns Labor Government is getting on with the job of unlocking well-located sites close to transport, jobs, and town centres and building the homes our communities need.

“These rezonings are about removing barriers to housing delivery and making sure land is put to better use so more people can find a place to call home within the communities they choose.”

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:

“Social and affordable housing is key to a strong housing system that is accessible for everyone and that’s exactly why we’re delivering it here.

“These rezonings are about turning plans into homes, giving more people in Nowra and Kiama a safe, affordable place to live.”

Member for South Coast Liza Butler said:

“Nowra’s riverfront has enormous potential and these plans will finally unlock it by bringing new life to the foreshore while delivering the homes our community desperately needs.

“Combined with the $5 million in federal funding to upgrade public spaces along the Shoalhaven River, this is a genuine transformation for Nowra City Centre.”

Member for Kiama Katelin McInerney said:

Finding a home, particularly one that suits the needs of our older residents looking to downsize, young people looking to get a foot in the ownership door, or workers looking for well-located homes close to their jobs, has become an insurmountable barrier in our pricey electorate.

Rezonings like this are crucial to providing diverse housing options in our community and utilising existing infrastructure and infill to achieve this.

It will also provide a significant boost to much-needed affordable and social housing, helping some of our most vulnerable community members into a home.”

A Liberal and Nationals Government will deliver a $100 registration rebate for NSW drivers as part of a broader plan to ease the cost of living and reduce the cost of driving.
 
Under our plan, individuals will be able to claim a $100 rebate on the registration of a private-use vehicle, with drivers eligible to a rebate on up to two private vehicles. The rebate will be available for 2027 vehicle registrations.
 
Leader of the Opposition Kellie Sloane said families across New South Wales were being squeezed from every direction and deserved practical support.
 
“Families are working harder than ever but too many are going backwards,” Ms Sloane said.
 
“Every bill is going up, every trip to the supermarket costs more, and getting behind the wheel is becoming more expensive under Labor.”
 
“This $100 registration rebate will put money back into the pockets of families and help ease the pressure on household budgets.”
 
“The NSW Liberals and Nationals have a plan to support drivers. We have already announced our Fuel Price Guarantee, which will require fuel retailers to publicly report and lock in their maximum daily fuel prices, giving drivers greater transparency and confidence before they fill up.”
 
“Whether it is the cost of fuel or the cost of registration, we are focused on practical measures that make life easier for families.”
 
Shadow Minister for Roads Mark Coure said drivers had been hit with a stealth tax under the Minns Labor Government.
 
“Since Labor came to office, annual registration charges for the most common private vehicle weight bracket have increased from $400 to $462, an increase of more than 15 per cent,” Mr Coure said.
 
“Motor vehicle tax revenue is forecast to grow from $3 billion to more than $4 billion by 2028-29, an increase of almost 36 per cent.”
 
“On Treasury’s own forecasts, drivers could be paying almost $100 more each year in registration charges by 2028 compared to when Labor came to office.”
 
“Drivers are being treated as a revenue source for this Government. We believe that money should stay in the pockets of the people who earned it.”
 
Ms Sloane said a stronger NSW starts with helping families get ahead and stay ahead.
 
“Families don’t expect government to solve every problem, but they do expect it not to make life harder.”
 
“Our registration rebate is practical cost of living relief. Combined with our Fuel Price Guarantee and the restoration of the Regional Seniors Travel Card, it shows the NSW Liberals and Nationals have a clear plan to support families and ease pressure on household budgets.”