Category: NSW News

The NSW Liberals and Nationals have secured important improvements to Labor’s Workers Compensation proposals. 
 
The outcome balances three imperatives: affordability for employers, protection for injured workers, and long-term sustainability of the scheme. 
 
Significantly the agreement will see: 
·                 iCare premiums frozen at the current rate for 18 months  
·                 Improved protections for the most injured workers with an additional 12 months of medical benefits and income support and  
·                 Increased funding for return-to-work programs, including retraining, mentoring and specialist case workers  
Leader of the Opposition Kellie Sloane said from the outset the NSW Liberals and Nationals mounted a case against Labor’s original plan to cut entitlements for injured workers, particularly those with permanent psychological injuries. 
 
“Our consistent position has been that reform should focus on the front end of the scheme, targeting rorts, inefficiencies, and poor return-to-work outcomes that drive premium increases and productivity losses. That remains our position today,” Ms Sloane said.  
 
However, prolonged uncertainty was no longer sustainable.  
 
“Small businesses and charities should not be heading into Christmas facing unknown premium shocks, and injured workers must have certainty of support and recovery pathways. NSW must also have a sustainable Workers Compensation system,” Ms Sloane said.  
 
“As new Leader, my priority was to reset negotiations with the Treasurer to stabilise premiums for business while strengthening protections for workers with psychological injuries,” she said. 
 
“Neither side achieved everything it sought. But this agreement represents a clear and material improvement on the Government’s original position.” 
 
Ms Sloane said the resolved framework delivers stronger protections for the most seriously injured workers, including enhanced return-to-work support and increased access to medical benefits.  
 
The arrangements will remain in place while the State’s Chief Psychiatrist develops a new, clinically robust test for permanent psychological injury. 
 
However, Ms Sloane made clear the Opposition does not endorse Labor’s broader handling of the workers compensation system. 
 
“This agreement resolves immediate instability, but it does not fix the underlying structural weaknesses in the scheme,” she said. 
 
“The Opposition does not support the Government’s overall approach, and we remain committed to pursuing meaningful, long-term structural reform to ensure NSW has a Workers Compensation system that is fair, compassionate, and financially sound.” 
 
“We will continue to hold the Government to account until that reform is delivered.” 
 
NSW Nationals Leader Gurmesh Singh said this deal is a win for business, and a win for injured workers.  
  
“Small business is the lifeblood of regional NSW, and right now they’re doing it tough. Premiums have increased significantly under the Minns Labor Government, putting pressure on bottom lines,” Mr Singh said.  
  
“The Liberal and Nationals amendments put a firm limit in the legislation, making sure the government can’t approve any rise in premiums. It’s a safeguard for employers and a reminder that affordability must stay front and centre. 
  
“More work is needed to shield businesses from bogus claims, but our amendments give employers some certainty as we head into the Christmas period.” 
 
Under the NSW Liberals and Nationals proposal, the NSW Government has agreed to the following: 
1.               The Whole Person Impairment (WPI) thresholds at 25% (in July 2026) rather than the original 31% proposed by the Government.  
2.               The reasonable management action defence may be triggered where it is the significant cause of injury. 
3.               A legislated restriction on iCare premiums, under which no average premium increases may be approved. Existing premium settings will apply with no additional increase. 
4.               A legislated cap on iCare premiums, which will sunset in 18 months, by which time the Chief Psychiatrist’s report is expected to be completed. 
5.               The Treasurer will be given a regulation-making power to adjust the WPI threshold to present settings below the legislated cap where it is in the public interest. 
6.               The establishment of a new “Return to Work Intensive” year, under which a worker with 
7.               WPI above 20% but below the maximum WPI threshold will receive: 
1.               An additional 52 weeks of medical benefits 
2.               An additional 52 weeks of income replacement at 60% of PIAWE 
3.               Appropriate training, mentoring, and other supports to facilitate a return to work 
8.               Increased funding for return-to-work programs, including retraining, mentoring, and specialist case workers. 
9.               The development of a successor program to Business Connect with a comparable budget, informed by expert consultation.  

Today’s second damning report from the Commonwealth Ombudsman into the administration of the “mutual obligations” welfare system should leave Labor with no choice but to halt all suspensions of Centrelink payments and compulsory activities, The Greens say.

The “mutual obligations” system, familiar to anyone who has been on JobSeeker, forces hundreds of thousands of people to participate in harmful and time-wasting activities which do nothing to help people find work, but cost taxpayers billions in contracts to private providers to administer every year. 

Today’s Commonwealth Ombudsman’s report into the Targeted Compliance Framework (which operationalises “mutual obligations”) found that privatised employment service providers regularly make inappropriate decisions resulting in a high rate of decisions being overturned, that oversight of job service agencies is poor and lacking in transparency, that communications about income support penalties from DEWR are misleading.

The Ombudsman also affirmed the pointlessness of this punishing and costly system, citing evidence that there are not enough jobs for majority of JobSeekers:

“Stigmatisation of unsuccessful job seekers as people who are reluctant to accept employment may contribute to the limited oversight of providers and possible narrow administration of the program, despite the evidence telling us that the majority of the 652,300 current job seekers are in fact unlikely to find ongoing employment no matter how hard they try, given that current unemployment in Australia is close to the natural level of unemployment with respect to the inflation rate.” (p5)

Under mutual obligations, over a hundred thousand income support suspensions are issued by private providers each month, with dismal accountability and at arms length from the government. 321,995 payment suspensions have been inflicted on 205,870 JobSeekers under this system between May and July of this year alone (14:56)

A previous review of the Targeted Compliance Framework conducted in September found that the lawfulness of these payment suspensions cannot be assured (pg7).

In Senate Estimates in October, the Minister for Youth Jess Walsh, representing the Minister for Employment, refused to say she had confidence that the system was operating lawfully (14:52). Yet thousands of decisions to take essential payments away from JobSeekers continue under this system every day.

Senator Penny Allman-Payne, Greens spokesperson for Social Services:

“Today’s report confirms what any JobSeeker already knows: the ‘mutual obligations’ system is pointless, cruel, and rather than helping people, treats people on income support as disposable.”

“For too long, dodgy companies like Sarina Russo and APM have cashed in millions of dollars on the outsourcing of massive parts of our welfare system.”

“Private job agencies take food off the table of thousands of JobSeekers with almost no accountability, transparency or oversight, and meanwhile Labor doesn’t seem to care if the system is even lawful.”

“Nothing in this report will fix the rotten soul of this system, which grants dodgy private job agencies extraordinary power over people’s lives with no oversight or accountability. The mutual obligations system needs to be abolished.”

“We can’t keep punishing people for not finding jobs which don’t actually exist.”

The Minns Government’s new Drought Coordinator has hit the ground running and will play a key role in strengthening support for communities in southern NSW most affected by drought.

In addition, the NSW Government is also launching a major direct electronic mail, print, radio and social media campaign designed to ensurefarmers and communities in southern NSW are aware of the drought support available from both the State and Federal Governments.

Ray Willis has stepped into the role of Drought Coordinator and brings extensive experience and local knowledge as the General Manager of Riverina Local Land Services.

By hearing firsthand about local drought impacts and the challenges communities face, he will provide on-ground feedback to government, helping to ensure support meets local needs.

Since being appointed in late November, he has met with several key stakeholders, including Snowy Valleys Council, the Drought Innovation Hub and representatives from the Rural Financial Counselling Service and a range of financial institutions.

Over the coming weeks and months, community members can expect the Drought Coordinator to be travelling across southern NSW, attending local events, convening roundtables, and working closely with service providers to strengthen support networks.

He will also bring together government agencies to improve collaboration and enhance how information on drought support is communicated with communities.

In addition to the appointment of the Drought Coordinator the Minns Government will, over the coming weeks, undertake a major communications campaign focused on ensuring farmers, businesses and locals have a full understanding of both Federal and State drought support available.

The communications will include:

• Radio and print advertising: A two-week campaign commencing in January to raise awareness of drought support.
• Social media campaign: Running from 15 December through January and February, highlighting government assistance available to communities.
• Direct mail outreach: A special edition electronic mailout sent to 7,864 recipients in the Riverina and Murray regions, providing detailed information on drought support and outlining the role of the Drought Coordinator.
• Local Land Services offices: Drought support flyers available in offices to ensure information is accessible at the community level.

Support available for farmers through the NSW Government includes:

• Low-interest loans through the $250 million Drought Ready and Resilient Fund
• Farm management tools like MyStockPlanner designed to assist farmers manage variable pasture nutrition, a key challenge in a green drought.
• On-ground support and advice is available through Local Land Services including the Drought Adoption Officer Program.
• Better recognition of drought conditions through the Seasonal Conditions Monitoring Program.
• Mental health services such as the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program.
• $41.5 million has been allocated 2025-26 Budget to support research and development, with a key priority to improve climate resilience.
• Co-funded resilience programs including the Farm Business Resilience Program and Regional Drought Resilience Program.
• Access to a range of other online resources through the NSW DroughtHub.

The Drought Coordinator has been appointed for six months initially. However, the role may extend and expand its reach as needed into other parts of NSW as drought conditions evolve.

Those interested in reaching out and engaging with the Drought Coordinator can contact drought@lls.nsw.gov.au.

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:

“The NSW Government is committed to supporting rural and regional communities in times of drought and has a wide range of support available for farmers.

“The appointment of a Drought Coordinator is one way we’re making sure that impacted communities have a direct line to government about the challenges they’re facing and how support can better meet their needs.

“Our major communication campaign will also ensure everyone who needs to know is fully across the drought assistance that is on offer.

“Ray will provide regular updates on local conditions, highlight emerging issues and challenges, and share advice based off community experience and local expertise to help shape government decision-making.”

Drought Coordinator Ray Willis said:

“Having a dedicated drought coordinator on the ground to serve impacted regions across NSW is another touchpoint for landholders to access the help they need to get through these challenging times.”

“I look forward to meeting and listening to as many farmers, stakeholders and service providers as possible to hear their perspective of the challenges they face and better inform government of the types of assistance and information required to get them through these dry times.”

Sydney will take centre stage in February when the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) returns to Qudos Bank Arena for UFC 325.

On 1 February, Australian sporting icon, and current and two-time featherweight champion, Alex ‘The Great’ Volkanovski will defend his title in front of his home fans for the first time in a blockbuster showdown against Diego Lopes. The event is expected to sell out and attract fans from across Australia and around the globe.

The third, massive pay-per-view card secured as part of the Minns Labor Government’s multi-event agreement with the UFC comes after the previous two events collectively delivered millions of dollars for the state’s visitor economy.

This highly anticipated event will deliver a major boost to the NSW visitor economy – filling hotels, restaurants, pubs and bars, while showcasing Sydney as Australia’s premier city for world-class sporting experiences to a vast international audience.

Hosting UFC 325 supports the Minns Labor Government’s Visitor Economy Strategy 2035, which sets an ambitious goal of $91 billion in visitor expenditure. A key pillar of the strategy is delivering a dynamic, nation-leading calendar of major events that drives visitation and supports the jobs and businesses that rely on year-round tourism.

The announcement adds to Sydney’s stellar line-up of major sporting events for 2026, including the United Cup, New Year’s Ashes Test, Sydney Sail GP, AFC Women’s Asian Cup, Sydney 500, State of Origin, NRL and NRLW Grand Finals, Rugby League World Cup and the TCS Sydney Marathon Abbott World Marathon Major.

Secured by the Minns Labor Government, UFC 325 will showcase Sydney to the sport’s global TV audience of millions, reinforcing the city’s position as a premier destination for unforgettable sporting experiences.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“I am thrilled to see UFC make its return to Sydney for what is expected to be an incredible sell-out event.

“We are laser focused on ensuring we continue to secure a calendar of exclusive, diverse and unmissable events to boost the state’s economy, support local businesses and create more jobs, and that’s exactly what these events do.

“And what better city than Sydney for Wollongong local and Australian UFC legend Alex Volkanovski to defend his featherweight title for the first time on Australian soil.”

Minister for Jobs and Tourism and Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

“It is incredibly exciting that Sydney will take centre stage next February for this blockbuster event, which will draw thousands of fans from across the world and inject millions into the NSW visitor economy.

“UFC 325 will reaffirm Sydney’s position on the world stage as a leading destination for unforgettable, world-class sporting experiences.

“And I know that the whole of NSW will be behind Wollongong’s hometown hero Alex Volkanovski!””

The Minns Labor Government is today launching its landmark strategy to respond to the perpetration of domestic and family violence in New South Wales.

Building Better Responses: NSW Strategy to Respond to the Use of Domestic and Family Violence 2026–2030 is NSW’s first dedicated plan aimed at disrupting domestic and family violence and focusing on those who cause or may cause harm.

The purpose of this strategy is to drive a whole-of-government, coordinated approach to respond to people who perpetrate domestic and family violence and integrates prevention, intervention, response and recovery efforts.

The Minns Government allocated $5 million in the 2024/25 Budget for perpetrator research and effective interventions. Part of that funding was to develop this Strategy, with an Action Plan for implementing it.

New South Wales is only the second state to have a strategy dedicated to addressing the use of violence and holding perpetrators to account, while prioritising victim-survivor safety. 

In 2024, NSW Police recorded more than 100,000 domestic violence–related crimes, and 39 people in New South Wales were killed in domestic violence-related murders.

BOCSAR data reveals that in the last 10 years, domestic violence sexual offences increased by 103 per cent, domestic violence assaults by 31 per cent and breaches of Apprehended Violence Orders increase by 90 per cent.

The strategy focuses on stopping, disrupting and changing perpetrators’ harmful behaviours.

Actions under the strategy will be rolled out over time, including continuing work that is already underway, such as the Men’s Behaviour Change Program, strengthening services, building evidence on effective interventions, improving collaboration between services and evaluating progress.

The government consulted with more than 300 stakeholders, including people with lived experience, service providers, peak bodies, academics and regional communities in developing this strategy, with all calling for stronger, earlier action to prevent the use of violence.

The strategy highlights six priorities to better target the drivers of domestic and family violence:

• Supporting children and young people
• Preventing the use of domestic and family violence
• Strengthening interventions and behaviour-change options
• Ensuring all services and systems work together
• Building the workforce’s skills, resources and capacity to work with or refer people who use violence to appropriate services
• Strengthening data and evidence to guide best practice.

The strategy complements whole-of-government efforts already underway through the NSW Domestic and Family Violence Plan 2022–2027 and Pathways to Prevention Strategy 2024–2028, creating a more holistic and evidence-driven response to domestic violence.

This includes being the first state in Australia to legislate a specific non-parole period for intimate partner homicide and the implementation of NSW’s first dedicated Primary Prevention Strategy alongside record investment in crisis support.

To find out more, https://dcj.nsw.gov.au/service-providers/supporting-family-domestic-sexual-violence-services/domestic-family-sexual-violence-plans-and-strategies.html

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

“Domestic and family violence demands urgent action on all fronts. As a government we continue to ensure victim-survivors receive the crucial wraparound support they need when escaping violence.

“However, safety should not rest on the shoulders of those who have been harmed. More must be done to keep our communities safe.

“It is essential to prevent violence from happening in the first place, with work having already begun in primary prevention.

“This strategy is the next step. Real change requires addressing the perpetration of violence, to strengthen our responses to people who use domestic and family violence.

“There is no room for domestic and family violence in our community. The NSW Government is working to stop violence at its source so that everyone can live free of fear and violence.”

NSW Women’s Safety Commissioner Dr Hannah Tonkin said:

“We need action on multiple fronts to address the shocking rates of domestic and family violence we see in NSW. Policies and programs focused on people who use violence are essential to improve accountability, prevent further violence, and keep women and children safe.

“This new strategy represents an important step towards a more holistic approach to addressing domestic and family violence that includes prevention, early intervention, response and recovery efforts. I welcome this strategy and believe it has the potential to make families and communities safer.”

CEO No to Violence Phillip Ripper said:

“No to Violence welcomes this historic moment in Australia’s efforts to end men’s use of family violence.

“The release of NSW’s first dedicated strategy to stop violence at the source is a landmark achievement by the Minns Government and a significant shift toward genuine prevention.

“By placing responsibility back on the source of harm, the Minns Government is leading the nation. We now call on the Commonwealth and all other states and territories to follow NSW’s lead and develop a coordinated national approach focused on people who use violence.

“We thank Premier Chris Minns, Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison, and the NSW Cabinet for their leadership and commitment in delivering this important reform.”

CEO Domestic Violence NSW Delia Donovan said:

“We welcome the state’s first strategy dedicated to addressing people who use violence. It offers a significant opportunity to build a more effective, accountable and holistic approach to preventing and responding to domestic and family violence.

“As the strategy is implemented, it’s essential that the specialist domestic and family violence sector is recognised and engaged as a key expert in designing and embedding programs and responses for people who use violence. Genuine impact will also depend on meaningful and sustained funding to ensure that services are properly resourced to deliver the actions proposed and meet the strategy’s objectives.

“With these essential elements in place, this strategy has the capacity to drive long-term change, strengthen accountability, and ultimately contribute to a safer future for victim-survivors across NSW.”

Support:

For information on Men’s Behaviour Change Programs operating in your local area, contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491.

If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, call the Police on Triple Zero / 000.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence, call the NSW Domestic Violence Line on 1800 65 64 63 for free counselling and referrals, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For confidential advice, support, and referrals, contact 1800 RESPECT or 13 YARN.

The Minns Government is investing more than $6.38 million in two major projects in the New England region to strengthen the local economy and create new jobs, as part of its broader plan to drive economic development across regional NSW.

This funding reflects the Government’s commitment to working with local partners to deliver smart, targeted investments that make a real difference to regional communities.

Through the NSW Regional Development Trust, the Government will contribute $6.38 million, with the two local businesses adding a further $7.16 million — bringing total investment to $13.5 million to support new training, skills development and job creation in the New England region.

The two projects receiving funds are:

• International Flight Training Tamworth – $6.61 million for major upgrades to the Tamworth facility to attract new tenants and investment
• Upgrades will include new lighting, replacing heating, and new ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems to ensure the facility meets industry standards.
• The project will bolster the Tamworth Aviation Precinct’s reputation as a leading pilot training hub in Australia and across the Asia-Pacific region, creating new employment opportunities and driving economic growth while meeting critical global demand for Australian-trained pilots.
• The investment will increase pilot training capacity to over 200 pilots annually, creating direct and indirect business and employment opportunities.
• NSW Government will contribute $5 million and the Tamworth Council will contribute $1.61 million to the project
• Medicinal cannabis manufacturing company, ABC CAN – $6.93 million to invest in infrastructure and create 20 jobs at its Armidale facility
• Facility upgrades will include improvements to cultivation areas, processing rooms and secure storage, helping to strengthen efficiency, quality and future export readiness.
• The improvements will see the company significantly increase throughput to meet growing domestic and export demand and create 20 new jobs on top of its existing 80 staff across cultivation, manufacturing, quality and logistics.
• The project will also grow local capability by expanding in-house curriculum and practical training for specialised roles in cultivation and manufacturing, supporting career opportunities in a regional industry with national growth potential.
• NSW Government will contribute $1.38 million and ABC CAN will contribute $5.55 million to the project

Investments through the NSW Government’s Regional Development Trust represent a new approach by the Minns Government to funding shovel-ready regional projects that create jobs and attract fresh investment.

For more information go to: nsw.gov.au/regionaldevelopmenttrust

Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“This funding is about delivering new jobs and investment for regional communities.

‘Working with two local dynamic and innovative businesses we are supporting projects that create jobs, grow local businesses and improve essential services.

“By investing in infrastructure and innovation, we’re helping communities thrive now and into the future.

“The International Flight Training investment is about securing NSW’s place as a leader in aviation training.

“By upgrading international training facilities we’re helping ensure NSW remains at the forefront of global aviation standards.

“ABC CAN is doing incredible work to provide safe, high-quality medicinal cannabis for patients who need it.

“By supporting this company we are also supporting the New England region in diversification of crops and industries to help grow economic resilience.”

Tamworth Region Mayor, Russell Webb said:

“We are grateful to the NSW Government for this investment in the International Flight Training Tamworth, a facility our community is very proud of.

“With over 300 favourable flying days annually, Tamworth is the ideal setting for cadets looking to take off in their aviation careers.

“Funding infrastructure like this supports regional communities like Tamworth to contribute to the growth and success of the aviation industry locally, and internationally.”

ABC CAN Chief Financial Officer, Max Taylor said:

“We are honoured to be a recipient of this grant, which represents a strong endorsement of our contribution to regional NSW and Australia’s emerging medicinal cannabis industry.

“As Australia’s largest exporter of medicinal cannabis and one of Armidale’s largest employers, we are committed to strengthening sovereign manufacturing capability and advancing the development of a skilled regional workforce.

“This investment will help accelerate sustainable growth, create high-quality jobs and enable the delivery of premium-grade, Australian-grown plant medicine – supporting both local and international demand.”

Bed block in state hospitals has surged by over 50 per cent over the past year.

Despite this, emergency department (ED) treatment times are continuing to show signs of turning around with the state achieving another yearly improvement in T2 emergency treatment times.

Data released today in the latest Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) MyHospitals update reinforces this improvement, showing that despite having the highest demand for emergency care in the country, NSW hospitals had the shortest emergency care wait times in the country for 2024-25.

T2 emergency treatment times continue to turn around

The latest Bureau of Health Information (BHI) quarterly report shows ED treatment times are turning around during this same period.

NSW hospitals recorded a third consecutive increase in a quarter of the number of T2 emergency patients being treated within ten minutes, when compared to the same quarters in 2024. 

It follows increases in the number of T2 patients being treated within ten minutes in the March 2025 quarter as well as the June 2025 quarter, compared to the same quarters in the previous year.

T2 emergency patients are among the most unwell including those suffering from chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe fractures, serious abdominal pain and sepsis – and need to be treated within ten minutes.

Some of the state’s busiest hospitals saw significant increases in the proportion of T2 emergency patients being treated within ten minutes when compared to the same quarter the previous year:

• Bankstown Hospital – increasing by half (from 31.6 per cent to 47.4 per cent)
• Blacktown Hospital – increasing by over a half (from 22.4 per cent to 35.2 per cent)
• Campbelltown Hospital – more than doubling (from 11.8 per cent to 30.1 per cent)
• Liverpool Hospital – almost doubling (from 33.6 per cent to 61.9 per cent)

It is particularly noteworthy given the July-September quarter is generally regarded as the busiest of the year, as winter illnesses circulate the community.

This improvement is part of the Minns Labor Government’s broader work to rebuild essential health services, by recruiting more health workers, delivering more  beds, expanding urgent care options, and fixing the problems too long ignored.

Improvements in ED performance come as the number of semi-urgent and non-urgent presentations to EDs have decreased by almost 20,000 in the July-September 2025 quarter compared to the same quarter the previous year.

In addition, half a million people called Healthdirect in the year to September 2025 – almost 55 per cent of these or 222,000 were referred to an alternative pathway to an emergency department, which includes GPs, virtual care, urgent care or allied health. This is a direct result of the Minns Labor Government investing into more pathways to care outside the ED through Healthdirect and the expansion of urgent and virtual care.

The Bureau of Health Information also released its survey results for the patients’ experiences in emergency departments in 2024-25. Around one in 10 patients (11%) said they thought their condition ‘definitely’ could have been treated by a GP or other health professional. The most common reasons for not seeing a GP or health professional included that the service was closed or they couldn’t get an appointment within a reasonable time.

The ED performance improvements are a result of over half a billion dollars in major initiatives by the Minns Labor Government to relieve pressure on our hospitals, including:

• Completing the rollout of nurse safe staffing ratios at 18 hospital EDs and recruiting for nurse safe staffing ratios at a further 28 hospital EDs;
• Expanding virtual care across the entire state;
• Establishing more short stay units and expanding hospital in the home; and
• Freeing up more GPs by empowering pharmacists to treat less complex conditions.

The Minns Labor Government is getting on with the job of delivering the hospitals the community needs and deserves, after the Liberals failed to build Rouse Hill and Bankstown hospitals; and failed to deliver enough beds for Blacktown and Mount Druitt.

Commonwealth bed block surges 

The number of patients exceeding their estimated date of discharge in NSW public hospitals because they are waiting to access a Commonwealth aged care or National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) placement increased from 747 to 1,151 in the year to 30 September 2025.

The number of these patients increased by 5.6 per cent in the September quarter alone.

The biggest yearly increases have occurred at some of the state’s largest hospitals:

• Westmead – from 33 to 60
• Wyong – from 28 to 48
• Campbelltown – from 26 to 42
• Calvary Mater – from 6 to 42
• Nepean – from 25 to 41
• Gosford – from 12 to 39
• St George – from 5 to 30
• Blacktown – from 7 to 18
• Shoalhaven – from 6 to 16
• Wollongong – from 5 to 14

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“Commonwealth bed block has surged in NSW hospitals by over 50 per cent in just a single year, and this is simply not sustainable. 

“Commonwealth bed block has serious consequences for our state hospitals – from wards, to surgeries that can’t be conducted, to people waiting for beds in the ED.

“Imagine if Westmead and Mount Druitt hospitals were ripped out from our health system, that’s what Commonwealth bed block is doing to NSW right now.

“I want to thank our health workers for delivering another yearly improvement in ED T2 emergency treatment time performance.

“This is a result of fewer people presenting with semi-urgent and non-urgent conditions, thanks to people contacting Healthdirect and receiving treatment through virtual and urgent care.

“I do want to reiterate, if you have less urgent conditions, you can expect longer wait times, and you can spare yourself a wait in an ED by phoning Healthdirect on 1800 022 222, where you can speak to a registered nurse who will advise you of your pathways to care outside of the hospital.

“No one will forget that the Liberals decimated the health system by planning to sack over 1,100 nurses; refusing to implement safe staffing ratios in EDs; failing to build Rouse Hill and Bankstown Hospital; failing to deliver enough beds for Blacktown and Mount Druitt; and planning to privatise six acute public hospitals across the state.”

The waste levy has been waived for four Local Government Areas (LGAs) affected by the recent bushfires across NSW.

Until 30 April 2026, residents impacted by bushfires can dispose of damaged items at landfill sites without paying the waste levy fee.

The exemption applies to bushfire-related waste on public and private land, including damaged building materials, furniture, carpet, fallen trees, garden debris and other items.

After Natural Disaster Declarations were made, the Waste Levy Exemption applies to the following LGAs:

• Central Coast
• MidCoast
• Upper Hunter
• Muswellbrook

Landfill operators may still charge their own operational cost to manage waste, also known as a gate or tip fee. Residents should check with their council before visiting their local tip to ensure it can accept waste.

Councils can activate the exemption by contacting the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and nominating which facilities they would like to use to dispose of disaster waste.

The EPA will continue to monitor conditions and consider additional exemptions if required.

Minister for the Central Coast David Harris said:

“As people begin to pick up the pieces of their lives after the devastation of the weekend, it’s important we support them in any way we can.

“Lifting of the waste levy fee not only frees up a financial burden, it streamlines the process of clean up for people, which in turn enables them to get on to the rebuild phase.

“Our community is resilient, and we will support each other throughout this disaster and the clean-up and rebuilding process ahead.”

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said:

“As our community moves to clean-up and rebuild from the devastation of this weekend’s fires the lifting of the waste levy fee is an important way to ease financial pressures on our community.

“The removal of the waste levy fee ensures that damaged material is disposed of quickly and safety, while eliminating some of the stress in such a difficult time.

“Our community has come together in the face of this disaster, and I know that we will also face the clean-up and rebuild process together.”

The Minns Labor Government is delivering for the Mid North Coast, today joining with Port Macquarie-Hastings Council (PMHC) to announce the completion of the long-awaited Ocean Drive Duplication in Port Macquarie.

The $123 million project, jointly funded by the NSW Government and PMHC, has transformed 3.2 kilometres of Ocean Drive into a modern, safe, four-lane corridor that will reduce congestion, improve travel times and better connect a rapidly growing region.

Ocean Drive is one of many projects moving forward along the Coast as part of the Minns Government’s $30 billion-a-year infrastructure program, which is building and improving the essential services and transport links regional communities rely on.

The completion makes it easier for locals and visitors to travel along Ocean Drive, following the duplication of sections between Greenmeadows Drive and Matthew Flinders Drive, and upgrading intersections.

The upgrade of Ocean Drive delivers:

• A new four-lane divided carriageway
• Upgraded intersections to cut bottlenecks and improve reliability
• New shared pedestrian and cycling paths
• Better crossing points and road safety features
• Koala-exclusion fencing and a dedicated fauna underpass
• Major upgrades to water, wastewater and utility infrastructure delivered alongside the road works

These improvements help to future-proof the corridor for growing traffic demands and enhance connections to schools, health services, local businesses and key coastal destinations.

The work also forms part of a broader long-term transport network improvement, including planning for the Lake Road Duplication.

The opening today will be marked with an official ribbon cutting ceremony, with Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison, Mayor of Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, Adam Roberts and other state, local and community representatives in attendance.

Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison said:

“The Minns Labor Government working with the local council to deliver for the Mid North Coast. We know the community has been calling for this upgrade, and today we’re delivering safer, faster and more reliable trips for locals and visitors across the Coast.

“This upgrade responds to strong population growth in this region, providing improved access for residents to local services, including health, schools and small businesses.

“We’re the first government in decades delivering the homes, infrastructure and essential services communities need, all at once, as part of one plan. And that includes long-overdue road upgrades like this one.

“This project shows what happens when State and Local Government roll up their sleeves and get on with the job.”

Mayor of Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, Adam Roberts said:

“The completion of the Ocean Drive Duplication Project marks a landmark achievement for our region and is Council’s largest investment in road infrastructure to date. 

“This is more than just a road upgrade. Our commitment to meeting current and future water and wastewater infrastructure needs has also been considered, with close to five kilometres of upgraded pipeline network integrated into the delivery of this project. 

“The appointment of Ditchfield Contracting has also created new jobs and boosted the local economic profile of the region. This project shows what can be achieved when we invest in infrastructure that supports growth, enhances liveability and strengthens our regional economy.”