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Staff working in Crookwell and surrounding communities will benefit from new Key Health Worker Accommodation. 

This new accommodation will help attract and retain essential healthcare staff to the region.

Crookwell is one of more than 20 Key Health Worker Accommodation projects in rural, regional and remote NSW, as part of the Minns Labor Government’s $200.1 million program.

The recently purchased accommodation includes two single storey duplexes. Each duplex includes three light filled bedrooms, two bathrooms and a double garage.

Southern NSW Local Health District is one of nine local health districts to benefit from the NSW Government’s investment to deliver accommodation for health workers under the Key Health Worker Accommodation Program.

The funding includes the building of new accommodation, refurbishment of existing living quarters, and the purchase of suitable properties such as residential units.

The Minns Labor Government’s $200.1 million program builds on the $45.3 million in accommodation for key healthcare workers in the Murrumbidgee, Southern NSW, and Far West Local Health Districts, which is now complete with all units delivered and fully operational.

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:

“This new accommodation in Crookwell is another example of our commitment to strengthen regional health services because we recognise that improving access to safe, modern, and affordable accommodation allows us to attract and retain nurses, doctors and allied health professionals.

“Healthcare workers are the backbone of our regional and rural communities, and this $200.1 million Key Health Worker Accommodation Program will help ensure they have the support they need to live and work locally.

“We know workforce attraction is one of the biggest challenges facing regional healthcare services and key worker accommodation is a practical investment that delivers real benefits, ensuring people can continue accessing the care they need, when they need it.”

Labor Spokesperson for Goulburn Bob Nanva MLC:

“Improving access to safe, modern and affordable accommodation that is close to the hospital helps to attract and retain nurses, doctors, and allied health professionals.

“This means the Crookwell community will have greater access to the vital services they need.”

Margaret Bennett, Chief Executive, SNSWLHD:

“It is fantastic to see new accommodation for our healthcare workers in Crookwell, which will go some way to helping us attract and retain healthcare staff.

“By reducing the pressure of securing suitable accommodation we can help people focus on their work and experience the best of what Southern NSW Local Health District has to offer.”

The Minns Labor Government has established a taskforce to advise on ways to enhance the safety for staff, patients, and visitors across the NSW public health system.

The NSW Health Safety Taskforce, which met for the first time earlier this week, is made up of representatives from unions, and NSW Health, including Sydney, Western Sydney and Western NSW Local Health Districts. The work of the Taskforce will focus on measures and provide suggestions to the Minister for Health and Minister for Regional Health to:

• improve hospital security systems and workforce capability
• reduce the incidence and impact of occupational violence
• strengthen prevention, response and recovery frameworks for workplace incidents
• ensure consistent and effective approaches across NSW Health facilities
• support workplace safety, wellbeing and retention.

The Taskforce will meet monthly and report progress to the Minister for Health and Minister for Regional Health and the Secretary NSW Health.

NSW Health is also ensuring security staff have the authority to direct and escort individuals from hospital premises when their behaviour creates a risk.

Security staff in NSW Health play a vital role supporting clinical staff in NSW Health. Updated information is being provided to all staff to ensure they understand this role.

Specialised training is being explored to support their work.

These measures add to a number of key strategies already in place across the public hospital system, which include:

• A trial of body worn cameras for security staff at 15 hospitals across the state, which has been extended until November 2026.
• Ongoing risk assessments to identify and manage emerging security risks.
• Safety huddles to share information on patient related safety risk.
• Patient management plans that set out specific arrangements to keep both the patient and healthcare workers safe when providing care.
• Multi-disciplinary Code Black (duress) response teams. This includes the use of NSW Health security staff/Health and Security Assistants to assist clinical staff with the management of incidents.
• Workplaces designed to enhance line of sight for staff, including dual egress at staff stations and in treatments rooms.
• Lockdown arrangements including secure entry points between public and clinical areas and secure perimeters for facilities, particularly after hours.
• Personal mobile and fixed duress alarms for staff to ensure they can summon assistance when necessary.
• Closed circuit television (CCTV) and effective lighting to ensure visibility.
• Procedures to enhance car park security, including regular security patrols.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“The safety of our healthcare staff and patients is a priority and the Minns Government has a zero-tolerance approach to violence and aggression in our public hospitals.

“If you are acting aggressively towards others, you do not have a right to remain on hospital premises.

“The Safety Taskforce will provide valuable insights into how we can build on work already being undertaken by health staff, to reduce instances of violence and aggression in our health system.”

Health Services Union Secretary Gerard Hayes:

“We must eradicate violence and aggression directed at health workers.

“It’s unacceptable that we’ve seen an increase in violent incidents in hospitals, but these new measures will make a real difference in creating safer work environments.

“The Safety Taskforce is key to attracting and retaining the health workforce the state needs.”

General Secretary, NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association Michael Whaites:

“We know that physical violence and verbal aggression towards our nurses and midwives is on the rise. Our recently released report, ‘Occupational Violence: has no place in my workplace’ outlined that 88% of nurses and midwives surveyed had experienced violence in the last year, with public sector staff most commonly at risk.

“This is unacceptable. Nurses and midwives should feel safe at work. We welcome the establishment of the Safety Taskforce and will work to ensure that it delivers meaningful change as quickly as possible.”

ASMOF NSW President Dr Nicholas Spooner:

“ASMOF NSW welcomes the establishment of the NSW Health Safety Taskforce as an important step towards improving safety across the NSW public health system.

“Every doctor has the right to come to work without fear of violence, threats, aggression or intimidation. Violence against healthcare workers is unacceptable and should never be accepted as part of working in our public hospitals.

“Our members have repeatedly raised concerns about increasing incidents of occupational violence. We look forward to working with NSW Health, the Government and other unions to ensure the Taskforce delivers meaningful improvements to safety across the public health system.”

Young people in Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains now have better access to mental health care with the opening of the new Nepean Adolescent Mental Health Unit at Nepean Hospital.

It comes as the Minns Labor Government delivers a record $3.3 billion investment in mental health services in the 2026-27 Budget, representing a 20 per cent increase in funding since FY2022-23.

Delivered as part of the NSW Government’s $700 million Statewide Mental Health Infrastructure Program, the new purpose-built unit will provide specialist mental health support to young people between the ages of 12 and 17.

The new unit includes:

• 10 single bedrooms with ensuites.
• Light-filled communal areas and secure outdoor courtyards.
• Specialised clinical spaces, including a sensory room and a media room.
• Learning and recreational spaces to help young people maintain their routine.
• A dedicated carer’s suite, recognizing the vital role families play in recovery.

Doors opened in June with four places for young people. All ten beds are planned to be operational by the end of the year.

The Minns Labor Government is delivering more mental health facilities in New South Wales with new units recently completed in Tamworth and Broken Hill, and construction underway in Maitland and at Westmead Hospital.

The Government is also investing in alternatives to inpatient care, including funding for more community mental health clinicians and community-based care programs, building a network of free, walk-in Medicare Mental Health Centres and expanding support for Safe Havens.

Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson said:  

“Every young person deserves access to the mental health care they need, close to their family, school and support networks.

“This new purpose-built Nepean Adolescent Mental Health Unit at Nepean Hospital means young people in Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains can access specialist support closer to home, in an environment designed specifically for their needs.

“The Minns Labor Government is making record investments in mental health because we know families deserve a system that is accessible, contemporary and focused on recovery.”

Member for Penrith Karen McKeown said:

“This is an important investment in the health and wellbeing of young people across Penrith.

“Families facing some of the most difficult circumstances will now have access to specialist mental health care closer to home, reducing the need to travel and helping young people stay connected to their support networks.

“I’m grateful to have a new facility open its doors and begin supporting young people in my community.”

Member for the Blue Mountains Trish Doyle said:

“We know that access to mental health care close to home matters, particularly for young people and families already navigating challenging circumstances.

“This new unit will ensure young people from the Blue Mountains can access specialist care closer to the people and places that support their recovery.

“The dedicated carer’s suite is a fantastic addition that will make it easier for families travelling to visit loved ones in hospital, helping to ease some of the pressures that can come with extended stays.

“This is a welcome investment for the Blue Mountains community and another step towards building a stronger, more accessible mental health system.”

Staff working in Lake Cargelligo and surrounding communities will benefit from new Key Health Worker Accommodation.

This new accommodation will help attract and retain essential healthcare staff to the region.

Lake Cargelligo is one of more than 20 Key Health Worker Accommodation projects in rural, regional and remote NSW, as part of the Minns Labor Government’s $200.1 million program.

The recently purchased accommodation includes two attached single storey duplexes. Each duplex includes a light-filled living and dining area, modern kitchen, 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, and low maintenance backyards.

Murrumbidgee Local Health District is one of nine local health districts to benefit from the NSW Government’s investment to deliver accommodation for health workers under the Key Health Worker Accommodation Program.

The funding includes the building of new accommodation, refurbishment of existing living quarters, and the purchase of suitable properties such as residential units.

The Minns Labor Government’s $200.1 million program builds on the $45.3 million in accommodation for key healthcare workers in the Murrumbidgee, Southern NSW, and Far West Local Health Districts, which is now complete with all units delivered and fully operational.

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:

“This accommodation in Lake Cargelligo is another example of our commitment to strengthening regional health services.

“Healthcare workers are the backbone of our regional and rural communities, and this $200.1 million Key Health Worker Accommodation Program will help ensure they have the support they need to live and work locally.

“We know workforce attraction is one of the biggest challenges facing regional healthcare services and key worker accommodation is a practical investment that delivers real benefits, ensuring people can continue accessing the care they need, when they need it.”

Member for Barwon Roy Butler:

“It is fantastic to see the delivery of new accommodation for our healthcare workers in Lake Cargelligo.

“Improving access to safe, modern and affordable accommodation allows us to attract and attain nurses, doctors and allied health professionals and ensures the community has greater access to the vital services they need.”

Labor Spokesperson for Barwon Stephen Lawrence MLC:

“Through the Minns Labor Government’s $200.1 million program, we’re delivering real, practical investment in Lake Cargelligo — building the modern accommodation that attracts and retains the nurses, doctors and allied health professionals our regional communities deserve.”

Murrumbidgee Local Health District Chief Executive, Emma Field:

“By reducing the pressure of securing suitable accommodation in Lake Cargelligo, particularly for agency staff, we can help people focus on their work and experience the best of what Murrumbidgee Local Health District has to offer.”

The Minns Labor Government is investing in the next generation of community leaders, with seven new projects funded under the Multicultural NSW Community Partnership Action (COMPACT) Program.

A total of $1.2 million has been awarded to the seven projects involving 24 partner organisations across NSW, who will become part of the state-wide COMPACT Alliance dedicated to engaging with young people to build resilience.

Bringing young people together across cultures through respectful dialogue, sport, storytelling and art, the projects will build understanding, empathy, confidence and leadership skills.

Among the seven new projects taking place over the next two years are:

• Young Voices, Strong Communities, a school-based youth podcast and digital literacy program will engage students across South West NSW. Young people will produce podcasts on themes of community, belonging, culture and resilience while also building skills in cross-cultural storytelling, audio production and journalism.
• Peace of Mind, which empowers young people across Western Sydney with leadership skills to become peer facilitators of intercultural discussion groups.
• Project NOAH, a cross-cultural program that invites school and university students into the Jewish community to build an understanding of Jewish culture, values and traditions.
• Bachar Houli Foundation’s sport programs, will engage Muslim youth through AFL alongside coaches and mentors. The program creates opportunities for interschool competitions and pathways into traditional sports programs and community clubs.

Now in its tenth year, the COMPACT program has engaged more than 80,000 young people, and this investment builds on the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to a stronger, more cohesive multicultural NSW.

NSW Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said:

“It’s fantastic to see more community organisations joining the COMPACT program, backing more young people to become leaders and make a real difference in their communities.

“The Minns Labor Government knows that a strong, resilient NSW is built on understanding and respect between communities. These projects are helping shape the next generation of leaders who will carry that forward.”

Multicultural NSW Acting CEO James Jegasothy said:

“Over the last 10 years, COMPACT has equipped thousands of young people with the skills to lead with empathy and to take a stand against divisive forces.

“We welcome seven innovative new projects, bringing the COMPACT Alliance to 89 organisations working across NSW to connect communities across difference and empowering young people to shape the future of their communities and our multicultural society.”

1,194 days ago, The Minns Labor Government started its toll reform review that has only achieved cost shifting and spin. Today, they have been caught out secretly increasing toll enforcement while collecting millions in unpaid toll fines, despite making multiple promises to leave drivers better off.
 
Under the new scheme, the Government has dramatically reduced the amount of time motorists have to pay an unpaid toll before enforcement action begins. Under the new system, motorists have just 21 days before toll road operators ensure debt collectors and fines are sent to drivers, compared with 78 days under the previous scheme.
 
When Labor promoted the removal of $10 toll notice administration fees as cost-of-living relief, it failed to tell motorists they would have less than one-third of the time to rectify an unpaid toll before facing penalties.
 
For comparison, if a driver failed to pay a toll after 21 days, under the old system they would be responsible for a $30 of admin fees in addition to the toll. Under Labor’s scheme, they will now be fined $237 in addition to the toll.
 
The changes also mean registered vehicle owners will be responsible for unpaid tolls incurred by anyone driving their vehicle, placing an additional burden on families and small businesses.
 
Shadow Minister for Transport and Roads Natalie Ward said the figures expose a Government that is more interested in raising revenue than helping motorists through the cost-of-living crisis.
 
“The Government made plenty of noise about scrapping the $10 administration fee but stayed very quiet about cutting the payment period from 78 days to just 21 days before motorists can be hit with a $237 fine.”
 
“Honest mistakes shouldn’t become another revenue stream for the Minns Government. It is cost shifting that will see people fined or have their licence suspended so the Minns Labor Government can chase a headline.”