Category: NSW News

The Minns Labor Government has failed to get a grip on homelessness in New South Wales, with the latest Street Count showing a 42 per cent increase in the number of people sleeping rough across the state since 2023.
 
Shadow Minister for Homelessness, Natasha Maclaren-Jones, said the 2026 Street Count numbers show the most vulnerable in our community are being let down
 
“After the NSW Liberals and Nationals called on the Government to stop hiding the homelessness figures, they have finally been released, and they reveal homelessness has increased by 42 per cent since the Minns Labor Government were elected,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.
 
“The Minns Government’s housing and homelessness crisis just keeps getting worse, with a record 2,308 people sleeping rough recorded this year. That is an additional 685 people since March 2023.”
 
“As the housing and cost-of-living crisis continues to escalate, more people are experiencing homelessness for the first time.”
 
“Rents are skyrocketing, homelessness services are at breaking point, and tens of thousands are trapped in a system that can’t cope.”
 
“This surge in rough sleeping comes as social housing waitlists have jumped 22 per cent to over 68,000 households, showing the system is failing people before they reach crisis point.”
 
“Specialist Homelessness Services are stretched to the limit and are being asked to do more with less. NSW needs more housing, alongside proper wraparound support services,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.

Mrs Maclaren-Jones is also calling on the Minister for Homelessness to broaden reporting to capture all forms of homelessness, including couch surfing and other forms of insecure housing that are not counted in the Street Count.
 
“People are experiencing many forms of housing stress, from rough sleeping to couch surfing and overcrowded accommodation. To address homelessness effectively, we need accurate and timely data that reflects the true scale of the problem,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.
 
The 2026 NSW Statewide Street Count Technical Paper is available here.

The Minns Labor Government has shown a shocking lack of judgement by funding a women’s refuge next to accommodation for transitional prisoners, raising significant safety concerns for women and children escaping domestic and family violence.
 
Shadow Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, Natasha Maclaren-Jones, said the decision should never have been made.
 
“Women and children escaping violence deserve refuges that are safe, secure and properly assessed, not locations that raise red flags before they even open,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.
 
“This is not a minor oversight, it’s a total lack of judgement and failure by the government of their most basic responsibilities.”
 
“Putting vulnerable women and children next to accommodation for former offenders shows a failure to apply basic common sense.”
 
“The Minister owes victim-survivors, service providers and the wider community a full explanation as to why this site was ever considered appropriate.”
 
Mrs Maclaren-Jones said the issue reflects broader mismanagement of the Core and Cluster program.
 
“In a rush to get money out the door, the Minns Labor Government has treated women’s safety like an afterthought, ignoring the most basic principle of service delivery, safety first.”
 
The former NSW Liberals and Nationals Government committed record funding of $484.3 million to expand the Core and Cluster Program for women and children experiencing domestic and family violence.
 
This was the largest single capital investment in domestic and family violence in NSW history. Labor has delayed and mismanaged the rollout, with only 15 of the 49 refuges currently operational.

Our youngest children have been failed by the early childhood education and care system in NSW, according to the report of the Legislative Council’s Education Portfolio Committee Inquiry into the Early Childhood Education and Care Sector in New South Wales.
 
After years of feedback from families and educators, and a number of concerning incidents of harm to children coming to light, this report offers us all an opportunity to revisit the regulatory framework imposed on educators without resourcing to support capability and prevent costs being passed onto already overtaxed parents.
 
Shadow Minister for Early Education, Felicity Wilson, welcomed the publication of the report and thanked those who participated in the inquiry for their commitment to quality education for children across NSW.
 
“We welcome the spotlight on safety and quality which is the foundation of a system which is child-centric,” Ms Wilson said.
 
“Regulation without resourcing is failing families and educators. Reform must come with real, practical support, not just added costs and compliance burdens, or our best educators will walk, and parents and children will pay the price.”
 
“The report highlights how much more there is to do to ensure that early childhood education and care in NSW is high quality, safe, affordable, accessible, and ensures parental choice.”
 
“NSW should be leading the nation, but right now, families and providers are under pressure, and government is making it harder, not easier.”
 
Deputy Chair of the Legislative Council’s Education Portfolio Committee, the Hon. Rachel Merton MLC, said that families should be at the heart of decision-making.
 
“I have worked for over a year to ensure the committee reflects on the experience of families, children and educators in the sector,” Ms Merton said.
 
“Parents are crying out for more choice, it is critical that this is recognised.”
 
Ms Wilson called on the Government to listen to the insights shared and take action.
 
“What concerns me is that educators and providers are being asked to do more, without the support to do it, and it is families who are paying the price, including through higher fees expected following the Minns Labor Government’s up to tenfold annual service fee increase starting from July,” said Ms Wilson.
 
“Families and educators aren’t asking for much; they want a system that is appropriately regulated and adequately funded. The Minns Labor Government now has the opportunity to deliver a system that is clear, consistent, and focused on what matters, quality outcomes for children,” said Ms Wilson.
 
The committee’s report can be found here

People passionate about improving healthcare in regional, rural and remote areas of NSW are invited to apply to join the Regional Health Ministerial Advisory Panel.

Expressions of interest (EOIs) are now open due to the conclusion of the current Panel’s three‑year term in July 2026.

The Panel is an independent advisory body that provides strategic advice to the Minister for Health and Regional Health, and the NSW Health Secretary.

Its role is to identify opportunities and solutions that improve healthcare access, outcomes and service delivery across hospitals and health support services in regional, rural and remote NSW.

The Panel also plays an important role in strengthening community engagement and ensuring local perspectives inform the design and delivery of healthcare services.

Applications are encouraged from people who can represent the interests of regional communities, including Aboriginal people, and those who have knowledge, experience, or expertise in one or more of the following areas, aligned with the NSW Government’s priorities for regional, rural and remote health:

• Strengthening and supporting the regional health workforce
• Enabling better access to safe, high-quality, and timely health services
• Keeping people healthy and well through prevention, early intervention and education
• Keeping communities informed, building engagement and seeking feedback
• Expanding integration of primary, community, and hospital care across regional, rural and remote settings
• Harnessing and evaluating innovation, technology, and digital solutions to support a sustainable regional health system.

The Panel members may be appointed for a term of up to three years and will meet at least every three months.

For more information, including how to apply, visit EOI Regional Health Ministerial Advisory Panel or contact MOH-ODS-Regional@health.nsw.gov.au. Applications close on Friday 29 May 2026.

For more information on regional health initiatives, visit www.health.nsw.gov.au/regional.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“The NSW Government is investing in regional health services so communities across the state can get the care they need, closer to home.

“No matter where people live, they deserve access to safe, high‑quality healthcare. Listening to our local communities is central to tailoring our health services to what families need.

“That is why the Regional Health Ministerial Advisory Panel is so important. Its members bring the voices of regional, rural and remote communities to the table, helping us deliver safe, sustainable and high‑quality healthcare with real outcomes for people who live outside our major cities.”

Land purchased through the Resilient Homes Program at sites in the Northern Rivers and Central West will now have more flexible land uses, allowing them to be repurposed for community benefit.

The NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA) will work with local councils to plan the future of these buyback areas as parklands, community hubs, or environmental projects. In specific cases where flood risk is strictly managed, some sites may also be used for commercial or industrial purposes. Meaning valuable land can continue to serve a public purpose.

However, the fundamental requirement remains: buyback land cannot be returned to residential use.

RA is partnering with local councils to ensure the future of these sites is informed by the community. Over 1000 parcels of land will be integrated into local planning, with work already progressing in key areas:

• Lismore – Planning is underway for more than 600 properties across four precincts. Residents will be invited to share feedback on preferred land uses and locally supported outcomes to ensure the transition reflects community needs.
• Tweed Shire – Work has begun on a resilience-focused master plan for South Murwillumbah. A specialist consultant has been appointed to lead a comprehensive design and engagement process with the local community.
• Northern Rivers Expansion – Future planning will also extend to buyback clusters in Richmond Valley, Kyogle, Byron, Ballina, and Clarence Valley.
• Central West – RA is working with Cabonne Shire Council on future land use for Eugowra and Molong, ensuring outcomes reflect the unique character of these towns.

Community members are encouraged to participate in upcoming consultations and track the progress of these projects at nsw.gov.au/resilienthomesprogram

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said:

“The Albanese and Minns Governments are continuing to work constructively through the Resilient Homes Program to help ensure Northern Rivers and Central West communities thrive in their recovery.

“Our aim is to move people out of areas that are prone to flooding so that they, their families, and their homes are safer and better prepared during the next flood emergency.

“This change to the Resilient Homes Program will ensure these communities will also benefit from new community and commercial spaces.”

Federal Member for Richmond Justine Elliot said:

“Our recovery continues in the North Coast following the devastating 2022 flooding event.

“As your strong voice in the Albanese Labor Government, I’m proud to be working with the NSW Government and local councils to unlock this land for community use.

“This ensures we can build back better for our community and improve our resilience against future flooding events.”

Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said:

“The Resilient Homes Program has already given hundreds of families across our regions certainty and peace of mind.

“Now that we are moving into a vital new phase – we are giving this land back to the community in a way that is safe and sustainable.

“We are creating space for new opportunities. Whether it’s parklands, community hubs, or environmental projects, the future of these sites will be shaped by the people who live there.

“It is essential that the community has a direct say in how we restore these connections and grow our local communities and economies.”

NSW Reconstruction Authority CEO Kate Fitzgerald said: 

“We welcome the Australian Government’s confirmation that flood buyback land can be used for things other than housing, such as community spaces, environmental projects, businesses, or industry, if planning rules allow it and the flood risk is manageable.

“It’s an important next step in the recovery for the Northern Rivers and the Central West communities.

“This decision shows the value of the existing planning and flood risk management frameworks in NSW, which guide what can be built in flood-prone areas.

“We will make these decisions with councils and communities, with the main focus on reducing future flood risk and supporting strong local communities.”

Work is now underway on a major upgrade of the Golden Highway at Merriwa, making one of regional NSW’s key freight routes safer forlocals and freight operators.

The Minns Labor Government is investing $23.7 million to deliver a new westbound overtaking lane on the Golden Highway near Merriwa.

For more than a decade, the Liberal–National Government failed to deliver the safety improvements communities along the Golden Highway desperately needed, leaving residents of the Upper Hunter languishing.

This project gets on with delivering the improvements that should have happened years ago.

The Golden Highway is a critical east–west link connecting communities, industry and freight between Newcastle and Dubbo, playing a central role in supporting the Upper Hunter’s economy.

Transport for NSW has been progressively upgrading the Golden Highway since 2016, investing $109 million as part of the NSW Government’s Regional Freight Pinch Point and Safety Program with an additional $24 million contribution from the Australian Government’s Heavy Vehicle Safey and Productivity Package.

The ongoing investment into the Golden Highway will ensure the corridor is able to support safer and more efficient journeys for all road users.

This $23.7 million commitment includes $12 million announced during the 2023 election campaign and a further $11.7 million allocated in the 2025–26 NSW Budget.

The investment builds on the more than $133 million jointly invested by the NSW and Australian Governments to improve the Golden Highway between Newcastle and Dubbo.

Site establishment will start from today (Tuesday, 19 May). Construction is expected to take around ten months to complete, weather permitting.

Acting Minister for Roads, John Graham:

“Communities along the Golden Highway spent years hearing the same promises from the former Government, while critical safety upgrades were left sitting on an ever-growing list of projects that never got off the ground. We’re getting on with the job to make sure that changes.

“Investments like this are about more than a single overtaking lane or safety upgrade – they are part of a broader effort to strengthen and future-proof critical regional roads like the Golden Highway for decades to come.

“We said we would invest in safer, more reliable regional roads, and that’s exactly what we’re doing here in Merriwa.”

Minister for the Hunter, Yas Catley:

“Hunter locals know better than anyone the significance of the Golden Highway for the region.

“From coal, grain, livestock, fertiliser and other goods, this stretch of road is part in parcel of the Hunter’s booming economy. It connects towns like Merriwa, Denman and Dubbo to jobs, services, markets and most importantly, to each other.

“This new overtaking lane will help locals and freight operators move more safely and reliably across the region at a time when demand on this road continues to grow.

“The Minns Labor Government said we would invest into this road, and that is absolutely what we are doing.”

Labor Spokesperson for the Upper Hunter, Emily Suvaal:

“Communities across the Upper Hunter have been calling for upgrades to the Golden Highway for years, and this project is finally delivering those long-overdue improvements.

“This upgrade will make daily journeys safer and less stressful for the thousands of motorists and heavy vehicle operators who rely on this route every day.

Family First NSW Legislative Council candidate Lyle Shelton has re-committed Family First to restoring fairness and safety in girls’ and women’s sport by banning biological males from female sporting competitions if elected next March.
 
Mr Shelton said the issue had again exploded into public debate following revelations on Sydney radio today that biological males are competing in women’s community AFL competitions in NSW under policies which allow self-identification alone to determine eligibility.
 
“These policies are madness and Family First has been saying this for years while both sides of politics have remained silent,” Mr Shelton said.
 
“Women and girls should not have to wait until someone is seriously injured before sporting administrators and politicians rediscover biological reality.”
 
Mr Shelton said it was deeply unjust that his friend, women’s rights advocate Kirralie Smith, would next week be back in the NSW Supreme Court appealing a $95,000 vilification penalty after publicly raising concerns about biological males competing in women’s soccer competitions.
 
“Kirralie Smith simply highlighted publicly available information about men playing in women’s sport, yet she has been dragged through the courts and hit with a crippling fine,” Mr Shelton said.
 
“That should alarm every Australian who believes women deserve fair competition and safe changerooms.”
 
Mr Shelton said NSW Premier Chris Minns was attempting to straddle both sides of the debate while refusing to confront the consequences of his government’s gender ideology agenda.
 
“Chris Minns talks tough about protecting women’s sport one day, yet his government changed birth certificate laws so biological sex can effectively become a matter of personal declaration.”
 
Mr Shelton also criticised NSW Minister for Women Jodie Harrison after she refused this week to define what a woman is.
 
“It is absurd that the Minister for Women cannot tell the public what a woman is,” Mr Shelton said.
 
“If Labor politicians cannot define womanhood, they cannot protect women’s rights.”
 
Mr Shelton said there was also little reason for confidence in the Liberal Party under Kellie Sloane.
 
“Kellie Sloane marched in the Mardi Gras political parade — an event explicitly designed to pressure politicians and institutions into embracing radical LGBTQA+ ideology, including gender fluidity,” Mr Shelton said.
 
“The major parties have enabled this madness for years. Family First will be the clear voice for common sense, biological reality and the rights of women and girls.”
 
Mr Shelton said Family First would pursue legislative protections for female-only sport, changerooms and other sex-based spaces if elected to the NSW Parliament next March.
 
“Women and girls should never be forced to surrender fairness, privacy or safety to satisfy ideological activism,” Mr Shelton said.
 
“Family First will fight to restore common sense to NSW law and public policy.”

The Minns Labor Government is calling for more recruits to join the NSW Police Force, with a new Police Academy class to be added this year, giving more people the opportunity to join the force and protect their communities.

In a major boost to recruitment, the NSW Police Academy will move from three attestation classes to four, creating a larger, faster pipeline of new probationary constables for commands across NSW.

This follows the recent attestation at the Police Academy of another record-breaking class, with Class 368 being the largest in more than 13 years – underscoring the Government’s commitment to rebuilding and strengthening frontline policing across the state.

The new class will be backed in with a new advertising campaign, calling on the community to sign up and be a part of the best police force in the country.

The new recruitment program is just one part of the Government’s effort to rebuild the NSW Police Force after more than a decade of neglect, underinvestment and the Liberal-National’s wages cap that made it harder to recruit and retain officers.

Since coming to office, the Minns Labor Government has:
Delivered a historic pay rise for police
Introduced paid study for recruits, resulting in a 70 per cent increase in applications
Established the Be a Cop In Your Hometown program to allow regional recruits to return to or near their community after training
Established new recruitment pathways for experienced officers from interstate and New Zealand.

The Government has been clear, NSW needs more police and we will pull every lever to make it happen.

Recent months have shown us that our police are being asked to do more than ever: responding to domestic and family violence, confronting organised crime, keeping roads safe and protecting communities in every part of the state, sometimes on their darkest days.

This additional class is about getting more recruits through the Academy, curbing the attrition of retiring and experienced officers and placing more probationary constables into commands in every corner of New South Wales.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

NSW needs more police, and this addition means more recruits coming through the Academy and onto the frontline every year.

This is about opening the door to more people who want to serve their community and making sure we can get them trained and into the field as quickly as possible.

We know we can’t make the job of a cop safe, you just need good, brave people willing to step up.”

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said:

We are putting more police through the Academy and onto the frontline.

This is about rebuilding the force, strengthening the pipeline and getting more boots on the ground in communities right across New South Wales.

We have worked hard to recruit and retain more officers, be it with better pay, paid study at the Academy, and new pathways for experienced police to join our police force.

Under the Coalition’s decade of neglect our police were treated as a spreadsheet. Their wages were capped, their conditions worsened and our force was not adequately invested in. We are turning that around each and every day we govern.

We will keep backing them, because keeping NSW safe starts with a strong, supported and growing police force.”

The Port Kembla community is set to benefit from a major boost to local facilities, services and programs, with Marine Rescue NSW among 11 recipients of funding through the latest round of grants from the Minns Government’s Port Kembla Community Investment Fund.

A grant of $240,000 has been awarded to the volunteer-run Marine Rescue Port Kembla for refurbishments to their vessel base, ensuring the facility remains safe, operational and accessible for volunteers and the wider community.

For so many Australians, spending time on the water is part of their way of life, and Marine Rescue volunteers are there to keep us safe.

During the last boating season from October 2025 to April 2026, Marine Rescue Port Kembla performed 79 search and rescue missions, including 45 emergency responses, safely returning 166 people to shore.

Marine Rescue volunteers play a vital role in keeping our communities safe on the water, often in the most challenging conditions. The recent tragedy off Ballina, where volunteers lost their lives during a rescue operation, is a stark reminder of the work they do protecting others.

Across Port Kembla, community projects including upgraded and improved facilities, support for sporting clubs and enhanced local events will share in almost $1 million in funding.

The 11 initiatives supported through the fund will help activate and enhance the Port Kembla Precinct, boost visitation, strengthen community connections, supports jobs, and encourage greater participation in cultural and artistic activities.

Other successful projects funded in this round include:

• $40,000 – Port Kembla Junior Football Club to construct an equipment storage shed at Darcy Wentworth Park
• $82,761 – Wollongong Conservatorium of Music Limited  for its Steel Town Sound project delivering a coordinated program of school-based music education and community music
• $54,253 – Port Kembla Chamber of Commerce to construct two new shades and an accessibility ramp at the PK Skate Park
• $250,000 – Illawarra Aboriginal Corporation to replace roofing at its Services Hub
• $65,549 –  Our Community Project to help fund its Creative Connections program
• $81,639 – Regional Arts & Cultural Development Australia for the Port Kembla Festival 2027
• $10,000 – George Cross Falcons Community Centre Inc to upgrade kitchen appliances
• $75,000 – Buckaroo Leatherworks Pty Ltd for upgrades at the Buckaroo Leatherworks manufacturing facility
• $35,228 – Our Community Project for upgrades at Tender Funerals
• $55,000 – Coomaditchie United Aboriginal Corporation to upgrade fencing at the Coomaditchie Hardcourts

The Port Kembla Community Investment Fund provides grants of between $10,000 to $250,000 for projects that will help create a more vibrant, accessible and welcoming Port Kembla precinct, ensuring the community continues to benefit from meaningful investment and long‑term vision.

The Minn Labor Government is committed to working closely with local organisations, businesses and council to deliver projects that enrich the Port Kembla area and support the community’s ongoing growth and development.

The fund is enabled by the long-term lease of the Port Kembla and has now provided $12.89 million to 82 projects since 2016.

Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“These projects highlight the passion and commitment of the Port Kembla community. Each initiative will help activate the precinct, improve public spaces and create new opportunities for people to come together.

“We’re proud to support projects that strengthen Port Kembla’s identity and enhance the precinct for residents and visitors. This investment reflects our commitment to backing regional communities with ideas that deliver real outcomes.

“Port Kembla plays a vital role in the Illawarra’s economy and community life. These projects will help strengthen that role by revitalising key spaces, supporting local organisations and creating new opportunities for people to come together and enjoy everything the precinct has to offer.”

Minister for Illawarra and South Coast, Ryan Park said:

“Port Kembla continues to grow and shine as a community‑driven precinct. These projects will help activate local spaces, support events and create new opportunities for people to connect.

“These initiatives show the strength and creativity of the Port Kembla community. By backing these ideas, we’re helping build a precinct that is vibrant, welcoming and ready for the future.

“Port Kembla is a vital part of the region’s identity, and these projects will add even more energy to the precinct. This investment supports local organisations to deliver improvements the whole community can enjoy.”

Member for Wollongong, Paul Scully said:

“It’s great to see local organisations leading projects that will make a real difference to Port Kembla. These initiatives will improve facilities, activate community spaces, supports jobs and the area’s ongoing revitalisation.

“These projects show what can be achieved when the community drives the vision. They will leave a lasting impact on Port Kembla and help strengthen the area for future generations.

“This funding supports practical improvements that Wollongong’s southern suburbs have been calling for. These projects will help create a more connected, accessible and welcoming area.”

Marine Rescue Port Kembla Unit Commander Kevin Bradley:

“We are grateful to the Port Kembla Community Investment Fund for its support and thank the NSW Government for backing our mission of saving lives on the water.

“These important improvements will support our volunteers as they continue to provide emergency response to both local and visiting boaters across the Illawarra region.

“Marine Rescue Port Kembla covers a large operational area, from the coastline of the Royal National Park through to the southern Illawarra, regularly assisting boaters and supporting emergency services both offshore and on enclosed waters.”

Wollongong Conservatorium of Music CEO, Annette Brown said:

“This funding makes a real difference for our community. It means young people in Port Kembla can learn music, play together and then step out onto a stage and be part of something bigger.

“We’re proud to be working with our First Nations music educators to make sure these opportunities are inclusive, connected and genuinely reflect the community they’re part of.

“We’re incredibly grateful for this support. Funding like this creates real opportunities for young people and will have a lasting impact well beyond the life of the grant.”

Sydney Harbour will be the stage for the first trial of an electric ferry, with contracts signed to build the locally-designed, Australian-made vessel.

Shipyard Richardson Devine Marine will begin building the trial vessel later this year.

The seven Australian-built Parramatta River Class ferries, representing an investment of $49.6 million, have been a success after their staged launch since May 2024. 

After it’s built, the new 24-metre, battery electric ferry will be trialled for 12 months from early 2028 and is likely to service the new Sydney Fish Markets route when it enters passenger service in 2029.

Shoreside charging infrastructure will be installed at Barangaroo Wharf to enable the trial.

The first electric ferry is modelled on the new Parramatta River Class ferries, designed by Sydney-based naval architects Incat Crowther.

The performance of the Australian-made ferries has contrasted with the River Class ferries purchased overseas by the former Liberal government which hit the water mired in controversy due to steering defects, asbestos contamination and a threat to passenger safety when passing under low bridges on the Parramatta River.

The electric trial will provide valuable insights as the NSW Government considers the wider transition away from diesel-powered ferries over coming years.

No decisions have yet been made to invest in more electric fleet until Transport for NSW and private ferries operator Transdev Sydney Ferries assess the performance and service range of the first electric trial.

Since 2023, the Minns Labor Government has invested $120 million in our ferry fleet, including new River Class vessels and upgrades to the Freshwater fleet.

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“The first trial of an electric ferry on Sydney Harbour is an important moment for our iconic ferry fleet which will transition from diesel propulsion over coming years, informed by this first vessel.

“This Northern Beaches-designed, Australian-built ferry will provide a quieter ride and cleaner air on the Harbour.

Transport for NSW Co-ordinator General Howard Collins

“This 12-month trial is an important learning opportunity. It will allow us to test the vessel’s performance, reliability, and charging systems in real-world conditions while gathering feedback from passengers and crew.”

“Once in regular service, the ferry could also operate on new routes, including services to the new Sydney Fish Market, expanding access to one of Sydney’s most popular waterfront destinations.”