Category: Australian News

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.”

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.

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.”

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 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.”

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.”

Family First supports the Israeli and US bombing of Iran’s nuclear facilities.

National Director Lyle Shelton said:

Their limited military action has done world a favour by stopping the world’s biggest sponsor of Islamic terrorism obtaining nuclear weapons.

It is regrettable that the Albanese Government is unable state similar support for two nations who have been and should remain strong allies of Australia.

Labor under Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong is a far cry from Labor under wartime Prime Minister John Curtain and post-war External Affairs Minister “Doc” Herbert Evatt.

Curtain famously said “Australia looks to America”, paving the way for the US alliance which has protected Australia ever since.

As President of the UN General Assembly in 1948, Evatt was a key player in the formation of the state of Israel.

In contrast, Albanese and Wong continually distance Australia from the US and have abandoned support for Israel in its war for survival against Islamic terrorism.

The US alliance is crucial to Australia’s security and Family First urges Labor to look to its history so Australia is not left friendless in the face of an assertive Chinese Communist Party regime in Beijing.

Family First urges the Albanese government to stop pursuing an anti-Western foreign policy.

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.”

On World Refugee Day, the Minns Labor Government has announced the creation of the NSW Settlement Advisory Council to improve the settlement experience for people from refugee and refugee-like backgrounds living across the state.

The Council – NSW’s first – will be chaired by Professor Peter Shergold AC, the NSW Coordinator General for Settlement.

It will put refugees and people at the heart of policy and process, working to ensure a smoother settlement experience and a better connection to services in their new NSW home.

The Council will provide expert advice and policy support to Multicultural NSW, while championing the NSW Settlement Strategy.

A formal consultative mechanism to Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper and Multicultural NSW, the Council will focus on:

• complex settlement policy challenges and targeting improvements
• contributing to the success and evaluation of the NSW Settlement Strategy
• ensuring a coordinated, whole-of-government approach to delivering settlement services
• identifying opportunities for better alignment between the NSW and federal governments on settlement.

The CEO of Multicultural NSW will soon appoint the members of the Council with an announcement to follow.

Multicultural NSW provides independent advice to the NSW Government on settlement-related issues. The NSW Settlement Strategy brings together new and existing government programs to improve the lives of people coming to NSW through humanitarian programs.

The strategy is informed by the lived experience of refugee communities in NSW.

Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper:

“This announcement builds on the fantastic work we’ve done through the NSW Settlement Strategy.

“A first of its kind, the NSW Settlement Advisory Council is illustrative of the Minns Labor government’s commitment to improving the lives of different people and communities across our state.

“The Council will hold this state to account in supporting people seeking safety and a new start in our great state and ensure refugees start their new beginnings on the right foot.

“I look forward to the valuable work of the Council under the strong leadership of Professor Shergold.”

CEO of Multicultural NSW Joseph La Posta:

“People from refugee backgrounds have made an enormous contribution to our vibrant multicultural state.

“This is a significant step forward in improving our response in NSW so these communities can thrive.   

“The formation of this Council ensures the government’s approach to settlement is continually improving—guided by real insights and lived experiences.”

Professor Peter Shergold AC:

“A key focus of the Council will be to create stronger collaboration with the Australian Government, and other states and territories we’re working with to drive better outcomes.

“By bringing all these pieces together, we can create better opportunities for refugees to find their feet and become full and active participants in our community.

“This is great for everyone – refugees can realise their potential, and the people of NSW benefit from their skills and expertise.”

The Minns Labor Government’s 2025-26 Budget will deliver a record $3.4 billion investment in TAFE and skills funding, as part of its plan to tackle the housing crisis by building the skilled workforce needed to construct more homes across the state.

The Government is investing $40.2 million over two years towards fee free apprenticeships and traineeships which will fund an additional 23,000 construction apprenticeships, providing people with access to free training for jobs including plumbing, carpentry and electrotechnology.

These investments are complemented by $13.8 millionConstruction Workforce Package, designed to upskill and support 4,800 workers into residential construction jobs over the next two years—boosting the number of tradies on job sites and accelerating the delivery of much-needed homes.

Together, these initiatives aim to fast-track a new pipeline of skilled workers ready to meet the housing challenge head-on.

The Construction Workforce Package will aim to train people already in the workforce, support career changers and skilled migrants, and engage young people considering careers in the building trades. It includes: 

• $7 million for 800 existing workers and skilled migrants to gain formal trade qualifications through tailored assessment, training and trade testing.
• $4.8 million to support 4,000 existing workers to upskill or transition into trades, providing training for labourers, semi-skilled workers, and those changing careers, helping them move into higher-skilled construction roles or retrain in new technologies and methods.
• $2 million to fund school careers fairs, industry school partnerships, try-a-trade opportunities for up to 3,000 school students to pursue a career in the construction workforce through programs including Tiny Homes and Girls Can Too. 

In addition to the targeted Construction Workforce Package, the Minns Labor Government is delivering broader reforms to strengthen TAFE NSW and ensure it remains a modern, accessible, and high-quality training provider.

This year’s record $2.8 billion investment includes critical investments to upgrade facilities, secure teaching staff, and support strategic campus relocations—laying the groundwork for a more skilled and future-ready workforce.

Key measures include:

• $121 millionto repair TAFE NSW campuses statewide, including modernising learning and teaching spaces and investing in digital equipment ensuring teachers and students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities and technology.
• $78 million to continue to convert eligible teachers from casual to permanent roles, strengthening job security and helping TAFE NSW attract and retain high quality educators to shape the future workforce.
• $100 million to support the strategic relocation of teaching operations from TAFE NSW Bankstown to Western Sydney University Tower and TAFE NSW Padstow to facilitate construction of the new Bankstown Hospital while ensuring continuity in education delivery.

This is a record investment in TAFE NSW and skills funding, reversing over a decade of underfunding by the former Liberal-National Government and re-establishing vocational education as a key solution to the housing and workforce challenges facing NSW.

We know there’s much more to do, but we’re continuing to rebuild the sector by:

• Establishing three Manufacturing Centres of Excellence at TAFE NSW campuses in the Hunter, Illawarra and Western Sydney, in partnership with the federal government.
• Providing 85% of the TAFE NSW teaching workforce greater job security by converting approximately 3000 casual teaching staff into temporary and permanent positions, ensuring a stable and experienced workforce.
• Upgrading 129 campuses across the state by providing new air-conditioning, lights, 15,300 new smoke detectors and Wi-Fi upgrades.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:  

“This Budget brings together housing and skills to meet the state’s future needs.

“You can’t build homes without workers and this Budget delivers both. It ensures our investment in housing is backed by an investment in people. 

“It’s a targeted investment that delivers immediate benefits while building long-term capacity in the NSW workforce.” 

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said: 

“TAFE NSW is crucial to delivering the skills we need now and, in the future, and this landmark investment will ensure TAFE continues to meet the needs of industry and the community.

“Whether you’re already working in construction, new to the industry, or just starting out at school – the Construction Workforce Package will open new pathways into construction for thousands of people across the state.  

“This government is funding the training and skills development needed to grow our construction workforce and help tackle the state’s housing challenges.”