Category: NSW News

The Minns Labor Government is returning 1.6 hectares of parkland to the people of the Inner West thanks to a $4.8 million investment in the 2025-26 Budget.

For years, central areas of Callan Park have been neglected and locked up by condemned buildings which are not only an eyesore but a safety hazard and a target for vandals. 

This Minns Labor Government investment will enable the demolition of nine derelict buildings over two years.

This work is crucial not only to remove unsafe buildings but to deliver more green and open space for the park’s 2.4 million yearly visitors and the area’s growing population. 

By 2041 the five kilometres around Callan Park is expected to be home to 415,000 people.

Unlocking more open space for people to play, relax and gather is a key step as the area welcomes more housing thanks to the Minns Government’s Transport Oriented Development Program and the Low and Mid-rise Housing Policy, which are expected to deliver higher density in well located areas.

Home to the popular Bay Run, Callan Park is a special place not just for locals but for visitors from all over Sydney and New South Wales, and an important link in Sydney’s broader network of parklands and waterways. 

This investment is part of the ongoing transformation of Callan Park into one of Sydney’s significant urban parklands, providing quality open space and recreation areas for locals and people from across Sydney and New South Wales.

The Minns Labor Government is building better communities for NSW by delivering the green and open space needed to support growing populations.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“The Minns Labor Government is putting an end to the neglect of Callan Park and investing to restore more quality green space for the growing Inner West community.

“Callan Park is a jewel in the crown of the Inner West, but these nine buildings have been left to deteriorate beyond repair becoming a stain on the park’s reputation.  

“By demolishing these buildings, we will return 1.6 hectares of green open space to the community which is the equivalent of 4000 large picnic blankets or two football fields.

“We’ve unlocked housing density in the streets and suburbs surrounding Callan Park and this funding will make sure future residents have more quality green space in their neighbourhood.”

Member for Summer Hill Jo Haylen said:

“Callan Park is beloved by the Inner West community as a space to gather with family and friends, relax, exercise, and connect with nature and this announcement will further expand its capacity to support our growing community.

“The Minns Labor government are reclaiming areas of Callan Park that have been neglected for years to again make it an inviting place for today and into the future while celebrating and respecting its past.

“I look forward to seeing green space replace the eyesore of these derelict buildings and returning use back to the community.”

In an Australian first, the Minns Labor Government has mandated all hospitality staff and liquor licence holders receive specialised sexual harassment and sexual violence prevention training.

The training will enable hospitality staff to identify and respond to sexual harassment and sexual violence in licensed venues, is part of an update to the state’s Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) training program.

The additional training is an important step in helping improve workplace safety for hospitality staff across NSW.

RSA training is mandatory for anyone who sells, serves or supplies alcohol in NSW. Certification is valid for five years and must be renewed to remain current.

The new sexual harassment and sexual violence course material was developed by Liquor & Gaming NSW in partnership with Good Night Out, an international campaigning organisation focused on gender-based violence prevention in night-time economies.

Approved training providers must now deliver all RSA courses using the updated materials.

This update builds on last year’s RSA training handbook revision, which included new guidance on drink spiking, and is part of a broader strategy to improve both patron and workplace safety in the hospitality industry.

The strengthened RSA module gives hospitality workers a clear understanding of the law, including the differences between sexual harassment, sexual assault and drink spiking.

It explains how alcohol can affect a person’s ability to consent and the role coercion can play. The training reinforces that alcohol is not the cause of sexual violence and is often used to excuse perpetrators and shift blame onto victims. Staff will also be trained in how to respond when patrons disclose sexual harassment, sexual violence or suspected drink spiking, and how to connect them with appropriate support services.

Licensee training has also been updated to reflect employers’ obligations under the federal government’s Respect@Work legislation, which requires businesses to take proactive steps to prevent workplace sexual harassment, including providing relevant education and training for all employees.

The licensee training now references workplace safety requirements for prevention of sexual harassment in addition to guidance on patron safety requirements.

These changes complement existing initiatives such as Think Safe to Drink Safe and Ask for Angela, reinforcing the NSW Government’s commitment to a safer, more inclusive night-time economy.

Minister for Music and the Night-Time Economy John Graham said:

“We want NSW to be the global gold standard for live music, nightlife and entertainment. That only happens if our venues are safe, welcoming and respectful for everyone who walks through the door.

“The updated RSA training course gives hospitality staff real-world tools and guidance needed to step in, defuse trouble and assist their patrons when it counts.

“One of the key priorities in the NSW Government’s 24-Hour Economy Strategy is safety for night-time workers and these changes are all about ensuring workers can look after their colleagues and customers.”

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said:

“Sexual harassment and sexual violence have no place in NSW and are completely unacceptable in our pubs, clubs, bars and restaurants.

“That’s why it is so important that RSA courses now include training on how to prevent and respond to sexual harassment and violence and that this training is required to gain certification to serve or supply alcohol in NSW.

“These changes will give the more than 100,000 workers who complete a course each year the skills and confidence to recognise and respond to unacceptable behaviour and is a major step towards making venues safer for everyone.”

Minister for Work, Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said:

“Sexual violence and harassment have no place in any workplace or community.

“SafeWork NSW is committed to educating employers, enforcing Work Health and Safety laws, and supporting respectful, safe workplaces across the state.

“With a dedicated Respect at Work team and the largest investment in workplace mental health in NSW history, we are strengthening protections and expanding specialist inspector roles to prevent psychosocial harm and workplace sexual harassment.

“Every worker deserves to go to work and return home safely to their loved ones.”

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

“The NSW Government has a zero tolerance approach towards sexual violence and harassment, and we are working to stop it before it starts.

“We are implementing the first dedicated Primary Prevention Strategy in NSW to address the underlying and gendered drivers of violence against women.

“It’s important for us to engage with people where they live, learn, work, socialise and play, including the hospitality sector.

“This training is one example of the work underway to change the beliefs and cultures that tolerate or condone violence.”

NSW Women’s Safety Commissioner Hannah Tonkin said:

“There should be no places or spaces where women in NSW feel unsafe. Everyone should feel confident that they’ll be safe when they’re socialising or working in a bar, club, restaurant or pub.

“These changes to RSA training represent an important step in making these spaces safer and more respectful for women. Women will be reassured that staff in licensed venues across NSW will now receive enhanced RSA training, and that this will better equip staff to recognise and respond to unsafe or unacceptable behaviour.”

Full Stop CEO Karen Bevan said:

“Full Stop Australia welcomes the addition of new and updated sexual violence prevention and response content in the Responsible Service of Alcohol framework. We were pleased to support the development of the content.

“Sexual violence is widespread and prevalent across the community, and particularly in nightlife settings. Ensuring hospitality staff are equipped to respond sensitively and safely to disclosures of sexual violence is a positive step towards improving outcomes for victim-survivors. Nights out should be fun and safe for everyone. This change is a step in the right direction to ensure the safety of all workers and patrons in NSW venues.”

Support: Anyone impacted by sexual violence can contact the NSW Sexual Violence Helpline 24/7 on 1800 424 017.

NSW Government taxes and charges on new housing remain at record levels and the highest in the country notwithstanding today’s Government announcement. The Opposition welcomes giving developers a choice to do works in kind to partially meet those taxes and charges, but the total amount they have to meet remains the same.
 
Nearly two years after slapping homebuyers with the Housing and Productivity Contribution, Labor now wants credit for releasing a draft guideline that gives developers a way to do the Government’s job for it — building basic infrastructure. But the tax still stands.
 
Opposition Leader Mark Speakman said Labor is always quick to blame others but slow to deliver.
 
“This announcement is an admission that Labor can’t build the infrastructure needed to support housing — so now they’re begging the private sector to do it instead.
 
But the $12,000 tax per home still exists, driving up costs and driving down supply,” Mr Speakman said.
 
Shadow Treasurer Damien Tudehope said Labor’s move is too little, too late.
 
“The $12,000-a-home tax is still there, it’s still pushing up prices, and it’s still holding up supply.
 
While the Government tries to distract with this announcement, the real sting in the tail is that all HPC concessions come to an end on 30 June. 
 
Today’s announcement is an attempt to soften a policy that’s done nothing but make the housing crisis worse,” Mr Tudehope said.
 
Shadow Planning and Housing Minister Scott Farlow said Labor was pretending to fix a problem it created.
 
“Developers have been asking for this. The Government promised it two years ago and they have been sitting on their hands ever since.
 
This isn’t reform — it’s a panic patch job, and the tax hasn’t gone anywhere. Housing is still less affordable because of Labor,” Mr Farlow said.
 
The Housing and Productivity Contribution, introduced by Labor in October 2023, adds up to $12,000 per new home in charges. That cost still applies. The only change today is a draft guideline letting developers pay the tax by delivering infrastructure such as roads or schools, or land themselves.
 

The Minns Labor Government has doubled down on spin while commuters in Western Sydney are stuck in traffic and cut off from future rail investment. 

Today’s media release from its Roads Minister referred to “vanity projects”, an apparent reference to generational Metro investments and motorways, a stunning admission of this do-nothing government’s lack of vision and ambition. Instead the Government is now handing out press releases with vague timelines, offering zero clarity for families crying out for real infrastructure.

The NSW Minns Labor Government’s refusal to commit to long-promised Metro extensions to the new Western Sydney Airport – and then apparently calling them “vanity projects” – shows just how out-of-touch this government is with the future needs of our state.

Opposition Leader Mark Speakman said that while the former Liberal–National Coalition Government delivered the North West Metro, the South West Metro, WestConnex, the M12 and the first stage of the Parramatta Light Rail, Chris Minns and Labor are cutting, delaying and spinning.

“Chris Minns needs to explain how his Government can call future Metro connections to a brand new international airport a ‘vanity project’.

If the Roads minister was referring to other projects as ‘vanity projects’, the Premier needs to come clean on what he thinks they are,” Mr Speakman said.

Shadow Minister for Transport and Roads Natalie Ward said families in Western Sydney don’t need spin – they need transport options that work – Labor has ditched real rail investments and is now dressing up planning dollars as progress.

“No new major roads are being built, no trains are being extended, and no congestion is being busted,” Mrs Ward said.  

Shadow Treasurer Damien Tudehope said Labor used to talk about delivering for the suburbs – now they call rail projects to Western Sydney vanity and hope no one notices they’re pulling the pin.

“The only thing getting a green light under Labor is another media release,” Mr Tudehope said. 

The Opposition will fight to ensure the infrastructure Western Sydney deserves doesn’t become just another broken Labor promise.

The Minns Labor Government is taking further steps to help address the state’s housing crisis and build a better NSW, with new Budget measures that make it easier to deliver more homes—alongside the infrastructure and services communities need.

As part of the 2025-26 Budget, the Government will:

• extend tax concessions for build-to-rent (BTR) housing developments
• release draft guidelines to speed up the delivery of homes and infrastructure through works-in-kind agreements with developers.

These reforms are about ensuring we are building the homes NSW needs—while continuing to deliver better essential services for communities across the state.

Extending tax concessions for build-to-rent developments

To give investors long-term certainty and encourage more rental housing supply, the 2025-26 Budget will extend key tax concessions for build-to-rent developments.

Under this change owners of eligible new build-to-rent developments will now be able to access a land tax concession of a 50 per cent reduction in assessed land value indefinitely—rather than the previous 2039 end date set by the former government.

Build-to-rent developments typically make their returns to investors through providing long-term and stable rental income.

This means that build-to-rent housing may offer longer-term lease options, better security for tenants, and more housing choice for people at different life stages.

It also means that the expiry of the tax concession in 2039 is a key factor impacting investment decisions today.

This measure will improve the feasibility of build-to-rent developments, helping to unlock a steady pipeline of secure, high-quality rental homes across NSW.

It’s part of a broader strategy to deliver housing that meets the needs of today’s renters—families, key workers, and young people alike.

Ensuring new housing comes with the infrastructure people need

The Minns Labor Government is making it easier for developers to build the housing we need, along with the infrastructure we need to go with it, with the release of proposed guidelines for works-in-kind.

A works-in-kind agreement allows a developer to dedicate land for public purposes or deliver an infrastructure project, instead of paying a Housing and Productivity Contribution.

For example, rather than paying the state government a monetary contribution for the government to build a state road or school, the developer can instead provide the land for the school or build the road themselves and then hand the infrastructure over to the public authority.

This will help speed up the delivery of homes, especially in cases where critical infrastructure is required to unlock more housing, providing works-in-kind means a project can get underway faster.

The draft guideline outlines how works-in-kind proposals are evaluated, prioritised, and managed under the Housing and Productivity Contribution scheme.

The Government is inviting feedback from industry before finalising the guidelines to ensure they achieve their intent of delivering more housing and infrastructure, more quickly.

The Housing and Productivity Contribution was introduced in October 2023 as a replacement to the former Government’s ad hoc State Infrastructure Contributions.

It helps fund the delivery of state infrastructure in high-growth areas of NSW like Greater Sydney, Central Coast, Illawarra-Shoalhaven, and the Lower Hunter.

The NSW Government is also preparing Infrastructure Opportunities Plans to identify and sequence the infrastructure required to support housing and industrial land targets.

The draft Works-in-kind Guideline is on exhibition for public feedback until 17 July 2025 on the Housing and Productivity Contribution Scheme Works-in-Kind Guideline web page.

Building more homes for NSW

The Minns Labor Government is pulling every lever available to address the housing crisis.

This is all part of the Minns Government’s plan to build a better NSW with more homes and services, so young people, families, and key workers across the state have a place to call home, in the communities they choose.

We know there’s much more to do, but we’re getting on with the job of building the homes NSW needs by:

• undertaking the most extensive rezoning in the State’s history, through the Transport Oriented Development and Low and Mid Rise policies
• rebalancing housing to areas better serviced by existing infrastructure, through the 5-year housing targets
• establishing the Housing Delivery Authority, which provides a faster and more certain approvals pathway for major housing developments, with over 53,000 homes already declared State Significant
• delivering 30,000 new homes on surplus government land, including 8,400 new social housing units in the biggest housing investment in the State’s history.

The draft Works-in-kind Guideline is on exhibition for public feedback until 17 July 2025 on the Housing and Productivity Contribution Scheme Works-in-Kind Guideline web page.

Premier of NSW Chris Minns said:

“You can’t build new homes without roads, parks, and schools to match, and the community shouldn’t have to wait for them.

“Whether it’s new tax incentives, planning reforms or fast-tracking infrastructure, we’re focused on making it faster and easier to build the homes and communities NSW needs.”

Treasurer of NSW Daniel Mookhey said:

“These measures will give industry the certainty they need to build more homes, faster.

“We are making sure we build the homes we need, along with the essential infrastructure we need to go with them.

“Extending the tax incentives for build-to-rent will make it easier for developers to build, and give renters more choice.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“Local infrastructure was an afterthought with the former Liberal-National Government. We’re doing things differently, making sure homes are delivered alongside parks, roads and schools.

“The Minns Government is delivering more homes and better choices for home buyers and renters across the state.

“Works-in-kind is an important part of the mix in our provision of infrastructure. The Works-in-kind Guideline provides a clear, consistent approach to when and how it can be used.” 

The Minns Labor Government is teaming up with the Albanese Labor Government to get critical road projects shovel-ready in North West Sydney, signalling a major boost for one of the country’s fastest-growing regions.

A joint investment of $156 million, announced as part of the 2025-26 NSW State Budget, this funding will accelerate planning and development of critical upgrades in the booming suburbs of Blacktown, Rooty Hill, Marsden Park, Schofields and Rouse Hill.

The funding will lay the groundwork for construction projects that will help ease congestion and improve travel times – making it easier for North West families to get where they need to be, safer and faster. 

Projects include:

• $49 million in additional funding for planning upgrades and future duplication along the Richmond Road Corridor from the M7 to The Driftway in Richmond. This takes the total investment to $74 million for one of the region’s busiest and most congested arterials (NSW and Australian Government funded)
• $30 million towards planning the duplication and future connection of Townson and Burdekin Roads in Schofields (NSW and Australian Government funded)
• $27 million to plan the upgrade of Garfield Road West in Marsden Park (NSW and Australian Government funded), adding to the NSW Government’s existing commitment to widen Garfield Road East
• $25 million for enabling works for the upgrade of Toongabbie Bridge (100 per cent Australian Government funded)
• $10 million to plan for critical road infrastructure around the future Rouse Hill Hospital (with a further $10 million from the Australian Government committed), ensuring the precinct is well connected when the hospital opens. Works include:
  • widening Windsor Road between Mile End Road and Commercial Road to three lanes plus a bus lane in each direction
  • upgrading the Windsor Road and Commercial Road, Windsor Road and Mile End Road, and Commercial Road and Caddies Boulevard intersections
  • constructing a shared path on the eastern side of Windsor Road
  • delivering new and upgraded bus infrastructure with dedicated bus lanes along Windsor Road between the existing T-way and Mile End Road.
• $3.5 million to plan for a new Francis Road rail overpass at Rooty Hill (100 per cent NSW Government funded)
• $1.5 million for a major congestion pinch point intersection upgrade at Flushcombe and Bungarribee Roads in Blacktown (100 per cent NSW Government funded).

The North West Sydney growth area, which will be home to around 250,000 people when complete, is one of the fastest-growing parts of Australia, with new housing, schools and hospitals placing increased demand on the road network.

Despite this growth, the former Liberal-National Government focused on mega-projects and drew lines on maps in congested suburbs without providing funding.

The Minns Labor Government and Albanese Labor Government are committing significant funding this year to ensure the next round of construction can get underway – kickstarting critical planning for North West Sydney.

This joint investment of $156 million in new funding is part of a broader roads and transport investment in the 2025–26 Budget, which focuses on ‘must-have’ infrastructure in our suburbs and regions that support liveability and growth—not vanity mega-projects.

Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“The Minns Labor Government is building better communities and are investing to get critical road projects shovel-ready. 

“Roads are essential infrastructure for the growing communities of North West Sydney and that is why we are partnering with the Albanese Government to invest $156 million to kickstart planning for a series of major arterial road projects. 

“Unlike the previous government which focused on mega-projects and ignored the suburbs, we’re investing in ‘must haves’ – congestion busting improvements to roads that are supporting fast growing suburbs.

“This is about new and widened roads, new intersections, roundabouts and safety improvements – all supporting new homes, expanding suburbs and new facilities.

“The Minns Government is stepping up with a plan to build the roads the North West needs. These projects are critical to keeping pace with growth and ensuring our communities remain liveable.”

Acting Minister for Western Sydney Courtney Houssos said:

“For too long Western Sydney families have been stuck in congested roads which haven’t kept up with development. This investment reflects the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to getting the basics right.

“Western Sydney roads have been a priority for Deputy Premier Prue Car and the Minns Government, and this boost means hardworking parents in our growing North West suburbs can get home to their families sooner.

“Our 2025-26 Budget builds on the Minns Government’s plan to build a better NSW and a better Western Sydney—delivering more homes, stronger essential services, and the infrastructure our growing communities need to thrive.”

State Member for Riverstone Warren Kirby said:

“This funding is fantastic news for Riverstone and the broader North West. Upgrades to Richmond Road, Garfield Road West, Burdekin and Townson Roads will make a real difference to daily commutes and local connectivity.

“The Riverstone community has been left behind when it comes to infrastructure and progress on these projects is long overdue. It’s great to finally have governments investing in the major road improvements we need.”

State Member for Mount Druitt Edmond Atalla said:

“Rooty Hill families know how frustrating traffic congestion can be. This investment to plan the upgrade of the Francis Road rail overpass and other local roads shows the Minns Labor Government is listening to our community and delivering the infrastructure we need.”

State Member for Blacktown Stephen Bali said:

“This is a huge win for our community. Areas like Blacktown are growing rapidly, and the intersection of Flushcombe and Bungaribee Roads is a major pinch point. This package ensures we can start the process to deliver the infrastructure our growing area needs, that was neglected for so long under the previous government.”

State Member for Prospect Hugh McDermott said:

“After years of being overlooked by the previous government, it’s great to see Prospect and the broader North West receive this critical boost, including upgrading Toongabbie Bridge. This package will help our growing communities stay connected and keep families moving safely.”

Police families across Australia will be honoured this week with the launch of the inaugural National Police Legacy Day, a new annual event dedicated to recognising the vital support provided to the loved ones of police officers who have lost their lives.

Held for the first time on Tuesday, 17 June 2025, the day is being led by NSW Police Legacy in partnership with Police Legacy organisations across the country.

It will include fundraising activities, local events, and blue light tributes, including the illumination of the Sydney Opera House with the Michaelmas Daisy – the symbol of Police Legacy.

National Police Legacy Day is about shining a light on the often unseen but life-changing work Police Legacy organisations carry out.

Since 1987, NSW Police Legacy has supported more than 1,500 legatees through education and career grants, counselling, camps, and personal support – always reminding families that they remain part of the policing family.

Tonight, the sails of the Sydney Opera House will be illuminated with the symbol of National Police Legacy Day.

For more information on how to participate in National Police Legacy Day, visit the NSW Police Legacy website.

Premier Chris Minns:

“Police Legacy organisations provide vital support for families when they need it most.

“Today, we honour Police Legacy organisations and the resilience of our police families.

“Our police officers safeguard our communities – and behind every fallen officer is a family that deserves care and support.”

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley:

“This first-ever National Police Legacy Day is more than just a date on the calendar – it’s a powerful reminder that behind every fallen officer is a family still living with that loss.

“Today, we come together across the nation to say: we see you, we honour you and we will stand with you – always.

“When tragedy strikes a police family, Police Legacy steps in with strength, compassion and practical support. National Police Legacy Day is our chance to say: you are not alone.

“Every officer deserves to know their family will be cared for if the worst happens. Police Legacy gives that assurance – and National Police Legacy Day celebrates that quiet, vital promise.

“From education to emotional support, Police Legacy walks with families through the hardest times. On June 17, we shine a light on their extraordinary work and the lives they’ve helped rebuild.”

Graduate nurses and midwives are being encouraged to start their careers in Australia’s largest public health system, with applications now open for NSW Health’s GradStart program.

GradStart is an annual, state-wide recruitment process for graduate nurses and midwives, which provides a vast range of employment opportunities across more than 150 health facilities in metropolitan, regional, rural and remote NSW.

Applications for NSW Health’s 2026 GradStart intake opened today (17 June) and close on 30 June 2025. Students are eligible to apply if they:

• Are completing a nursing or midwifery degree between 1 June 2025 and 31 May 2026.
• Will meet all the requirements to be registered as a Registered Nurse or Midwife with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.
• Are an Australian Citizen or hold a visa that allows ongoing full-time employment in Australia.

Candidates may also be eligible for scholarships.

Working in NSW Health provides a large variety of employment possibilities and experiences to start graduate nurses and midwives on their career journey.

GradStart can also provide candidates an opportunity to experience six months of work in a rural setting and six months in a metro setting through the Metro Rural Exchange.

More information on the GradStart program, including details on how to apply, is available on the NSW Health website here: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/nursing/employment/gradstart/Pages/default.aspx

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“Our nurses and midwives are essential to the NSW healthcare system, playing a vital role across our hospitals and health facilities. They care for people throughout every stage of life and are there for patients during their most vulnerable moments.

“By starting your career in the NSW public health system you will have access to comprehensive professional development, a wide variety of clinical experiences and ongoing training and support.

“Graduate nurses and midwives also have the opportunity to work across different locations in our fantastic state, and I hope graduates consider rural and regional settings which offer both a great lifestyle and exciting professional opportunities.”

The Minns Labor Government will deliver a record $9 billion over four years for school infrastructure in the 2025-26 Budget — continuing the work of rebuilding public education in NSW.

This investment in our future includes $2.6 billion that will be spent over the coming financial year alone, to deliver our record pipeline of new and upgraded schools to support growing communities across NSW.

Importantly, every new public primary school is being delivered with a co-located public preschool, honouring the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to deliver 100 new public preschools by 2027, including 49 in Western Sydney.

This budget includes the following additional new schools and upgrades:

New schools

• Emerald Hills – new primary school
• Grantham Farm – new primary school
• West Dapto – new primary school
• Wilton – new high school

Major upgrades

• Newington Public School
• Excelsior Public School
• Thornton Public School
• Rydalmere East Public School
• Rydalmere Public School
• Ermington West Public School
• Asquith high schools
• Bayside High School (provisional name)
• Northern Beaches Secondary College Freshwater Campus

These new schools being funded in the 2025-26 Budget will deliver approximately 140 new classrooms that are estimated to accommodate 2,500 students.

The new school that is being announced for the first time today for Emerald Hills, near Leppington, will open for more than 550 students on Day 1 Term 1, 2028, with facilities including modern classrooms, a multipurpose hall, canteen, library and sports field.

Leppington was one of a number of growth areas within the South-West and North-West growth corridors identified by the Government’s Enrolment Growth Audit as the top 10 areas for student growth in the state.

The audit found the former Coalition government failed to accurately reflect the rapid population growth in these areas and failed to build the schools to match it.

Since being elected, the Minns Labor Government has commenced construction on more than 25 new and upgraded schools for growing communities across NSW, with another 30 set to begin before the end of 2025.

In addition to these, the NSW Government has fast-tracked schools to open in temporary facilities while their permanent facilities are built in Box Hill, Nirimba Fields, Tallawong and Gledswood Hills.

This has meant that families in growth suburbs like Marsden Park, Leppington, Tallawong and Gledswood Hills were able to enrol in schools years earlier than planned by Liberals and Nationals.

This is all part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to rebuild public education following a decade of neglect that saw new schools and upgrades promised but never delivered by the former government.

This budget continues to ensure students across NSW no matter where they live can attend a public school close to home, and that these schools deliver a world class education to the next generation.

This is all part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to rebuild public education and improve student outcomes by addressing over a decade of neglect by the former Government.

We know there’s much more to do, but we’re getting on with the job of rebuilding public education by:

• banning mobile phones in all public schools, which has meant reduced distractions in school
• paying our teachers more, which has seen a 40 per cent drop in teacher vacancies since coming to office. That means more teachers in front our classrooms
• this has meant that the number of merged and cancelled classes have been almost halved
• making more than 16,000 teachers and school support staff on temporary contracts permanent.

Premier Chris Minns said:

“New and upgraded schools are essential, but nothing matters more than having a great teacher in every classroom.

“That’s why we delivered the biggest teacher pay rise in a generation — cutting permanent teacher vacancies by 40 per cent and slashing the number of merged or cancelled classes across NSW.

“This announcement today continues our record investment in public education with new funding for schools in the communities that need them most, fast-growing suburbs that were overlooked for far too long.

“Families in Western Sydney were promised schools that never came under the former government. We’re fixing this — building the schools that these communities need and deserve.”

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:

“The Minns Labor Government, with the leadership of Deputy Premier and Education Minister Prue Car, has invested record funding to build new and upgraded schools across growing parts of NSW that were neglected for too long under the Liberals.

“Our investment also includes new, fee-free public preschools co-located with public schools as part of our commitment to build 100 public preschools across NSW. These will be a game-changer for families in suburbs where access to high quality, affordable early education is scarce.

“For more than a decade, the former Liberal National Government failed to keep pace with population growth in these suburbs and towns. We are fixing that with real investment, building world-class local public schools and early education for families close to home.”

Member for Leppington Nathan Hagarty said:

“I was elected on a commitment of delivering schools for our growing community.

“This new primary school and preschool at Emerald Hills is another example of the Minns Labor Government’s investment in public education – alongside the new Leppington High School, an elective sports stream at Eagle Vale High School, five new public preschools, and four major school upgrades across the Leppington electorate.

“We’re making sure every family has access to quality local schools, close to home.”

In a nod to those who’ve served our country, the Minns Labor Government will expand free vehicle access to national parks in NSW to all Commonwealth Veteran Card holders.

The 2025-26 NSW Budget measure will enable more veterans from around Australia to apply for a free pass to enter the 45 national parks in the state where a vehicle entry fee applies.

The pass is currently available for some categories of Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card holders, and this decision by the Minns Labor Government will ensure all DVA Veteran Card holders are able to apply, including those with a White Card or Orange Card.

It will increase veteran access to our network of national parks and have the added benefit of boosting veterans’ physical and mental health.

NSW has an incredible network of 895 national parks and reserves that conserve close to 10 per cent of the state, protecting unique ecosystems across deserts, Alpine regions, coastal areas, rainforest and Ramsar-listed wetlands.

Only 5 per cent of parks and reserves in NSW have vehicle entry fees. They range from $4 to $12 a day, and up to $29 a day for Kosciuszko National Park in winter. Removing the charge will make it easier for all Commonwealth DVA Veteran Card holders to enjoy more of these natural wonderlands.

Commonwealth DVA Veteran Card holders will be able to apply for the pass from Monday, 7 July 2025, by visiting https://pass.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/concession/application.

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service also offers discount or concession annual passes for eligible seniors, pensioners and visitors who renew their NSW vehicle registration.

Premier Chris Minns:

“Our veterans have given so much to Australia – this is about giving something small but meaningful back.

“Access to nature can have a powerful impact on wellbeing, and we’re proud to reward more veterans with free vehicle entry to enjoy these incredible places.

“The invite to visit the best national parks in the country extends to all those who’ve served our nation – whether you’re from NSW or interstate.”

Minister for the Environment, Penny Sharpe:

“National parks are one of NSW’s greatest public assets, which are loved by people from within our state, across Australia and internationally.

“The Minns Labor Government is pleased to be able to provide this opportunity, to help all DVA Veterans Card holders enjoy them. This is a small way we can thank veterans for their service.”

Minister for Veterans, David Harris:

“Veterans served in defence of this great land, so it makes sense that they have earnt free access to our beautiful national parks.

“We know that many NSW servicemen and servicewomen carry injuries or mental and emotional impacts from their service, so it is important to make it easier for them to access the restorative powers of our state’s great outdoors.”