Month: May 2025

The NSW Government has today reached an agreement with the Combined Rail Unions in the Fair Work Commission, bringing to an end the industrial dispute that has disrupted the network and inconvenienced passengers.

The deal ends protected industrial action by the Combined Rail Unions and allows Sydney Trains and NSW TrainLink to focus on improving reliability across the network

The proposed Enterprise Agreement, facilitated by the Fair Work Commission, delivers rail workers a 12 per cent pay rise over three years plus back pay.

Today’s agreement reaffirms the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to a fair, modern and sustainable wages policy for workers.

It will deliver agreement on a number of technology-based solutions to improve recovery times when incidents on the tracks bring the system to a halt.

For example, train crews will support the introduction of a new digital disruption management system that will end the current practice that relies on a manual system of phone calls and paper-based instructions during recovery from an incident.

This technology will help significantly reduce the time it takes to get the network back to normal when disruptions happen.

Unions have agreed to support the rollout and other tech-based changes to reduce time lost to delays.

The unions and government have also reached agreement to move to a streamlined process for consulting on new fleet, systems and infrastructure projects.

Under the previous agreement signed off by the Liberals, the consultation process had no mechanism to prevent consultation continuing for years before a change could be implemented.

Importantly, the updated consultation process will provide a mechanism for the union to progressively escalate to subject matter experts if there are safety concerns related to a new project.

In regional NSW, the rail unions will support the introduction of the new Regional Rail Fleet.

Sydney Trains and NSW TrainLink will also become one entity during the life of the agreement, reducing duplication but ensuring frontline services remain at the same level at regional stations and on trains. This saving and ongoing efficiency will fund 1 per cent of the deal under the mutual gains framework.

The agreement, which will begin after a successful ballot of employees, will also include back pay to cover the gap the between the last agreement expiring and the new EA starting.

There remains one outstanding clause that the ETU does not support and the Fair Work Commission is assisting to resolve that matter. This does not affect the agreement with the Combined Rail Unions and a request has been made to now put it to a vote of the rail workforce.

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“This agreement will bring relief to the disruption from protected industrial action that a million daily rail commuters have been forced to endure while just trying to get to work and get around.

“This process has strained the patience of train passengers but in finalising this deal we have made a very important investment in reliability.

“This much-needed reset allows us to implement improvements for passengers with the full support of the rail workforce and unions.

“We said we would sign off on a fair and reasonable wage rise for our rail workers that protects taxpayer’s money, and that is exactly what we have done. I want to thank the commuting public for their patience as we got this agreement done.”

NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:

“This is a positive result for rail workers and for commuters.  

“Rail workers will benefit from a fair wage increase, commuters will have greater certainty, and our city will be better off.

“Sydney is a global city, and our public transport system should reflect that. This agreement will ensure our rail network can keep moving forward.”

Minister for Industrial Relations, Sophie Cotsis said:

“This agreement is proof that a responsible government can bargain to reach a deal that’s good for taxpayers and good for workers.

“This has been an intense bargaining process. Each day, one million commuters depend on the Sydney rail network and we thank the workforce and unions for their meticulous efforts keeping passengers safe.

“This agreement provides certainty around consultation between the government and the workforce.”

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Flood impacted farmers and primary producers are being asked to complete the NSW Government’s Primary Industries Natural Disaster Damage Assessment  (PiNDDA) survey, once it is safe for them to undertake the task.

Clean-up efforts are well underway and there is an all-in effort – with boots and equipment on the ground – as quickly as possible to ensure the clean-up is co-ordinated, swift, and effective.

This survey collects information for government that can help shape recovery programs and support.

The damage survey allows farmers to record the number of crops, animals, and infrastructure damaged by the floods, and advise on the severity of damage in their locality.

The PiNDDA survey helps a range of government agencies, industry organisations and communities understand the scale and the impact of a disaster on primary producers, plan for recovery activities and target resources and assistance in an area.  

To make a submission, visit the portal at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/damage 

The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development can view survey information in real time.

The results are used to determine:

• the area the natural disaster has impacted and the scale of the event
• the severity of the impact
• the value of damage to primary production sectors and enterprises
• where and what assistance or resources may be needed.

Farmers requiring animal welfare assistance call AASFA hotline: 1800 814 647 (8am-6pm, 7x days)

NSW Minister for Agriculture and Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“The damage survey is a real time way of determining the true scale of a single event like the magor flooding seen across our east coast in recent weeks.

“This data will shape recovery programs and tailor government support to the most impacted communities and agricultural sectors.

“Our Government thanks in advance the farmers and primary producers who complete the survey and share their experiences with us. Your estimates and photos are vital in helping government and industry groups better understand immediate impacts and longer term recovery planning.”

An estimated 3,000 eligible home buyers across NSW will soon be able to participate in the Australian Government’s Help to Buy program each year, after the NSW Parliament passed enabling legislation.

Help to Buy will assist eligible low to middle income earners to purchase a home with a contribution from the Australian Government of up to 40 per cent of the purchase price for new homes and 30 per cent for existing homes.

Help to Buy will help to bring the dream of owning a home within reach for thousands of people earning an annual income of $100,000 or less for individuals, or up to $160,000 for couples and single parents.

Eligible NSW Help to Buy participants will be able to purchase property for up to $1.3 million in Sydney and regional centres and up to $800,000 in the rest of the state, with a requirement that the home is the principal place of residence.

10,000 places a year will be allocated across the country, with about one-third available to buyers in NSW.

Help to Buy can shrink the deposit required to buy a home to a minimum of two per cent and avoids the cost of Lenders Mortgage Insurance.

The program will be funded by the Australian Government and administered by Housing Australia and is expected to commence later in 2025.

The Help to Buy program will provide another lever as the Minns Labor Government works to build a better NSW.

That includes the biggest housing reforms in a generation, including transformational rezoning across Sydney and speeding up the delivery of new homes through the TOD program.

Together, we are providing a greater choice of homes, so young people, families and workers have a place to live in the communities they choose.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:

“We want to give more people more pathways to get into their own home and this program will help thousands in NSW do just that.

“Help to Buy can take years off the time it takes to save for a deposit and that’s meaningful relief for families.

“Around a third of the 10,000 places available every year will be right here in NSW.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“As the Minns Government continues to speed up the delivery of homes and tackle our supply challenges, the Help to Buy program will support people to buy those homes.

“In supporting this initiative, the Minns Government is helping to make housing more accessible, more affordable, and more attainable for the people who need it most.”

Minister for Finance Courtney Houssos said:

“The Minns Labor Government understands the real barriers facing families across NSW when it comes to entering the housing market.

“We welcome this important initiative from the Albanese Labor Government to support first home buyers.

“The Minns Labor Government inherited a flawed shared equity system from the previous government. The policy settings of the Albanese Government’s scheme have much better prospects for success.”

Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Rose Jackson said:

“Help to Buy is about fairness.  It’s about making the dream of owning a home achievable again for thousands of people who’ve been let down by a broken housing system.

“Home ownership has felt completely out of reach for working people.  Help to Buy will make it possible for people to own a home of their own, with a smaller deposit and no mortgage insurance.

“Alongside the biggest planning reforms in a generation, our landmark Transport Oriented Development (TOD) program – which delivers more housing near train stations and public transport – and the $6.6 billion Building Homes for NSW program, Help to Buy is one more way we’re building a better NSW where everyone has a fair shot at secure, affordable housing.”

First Nations veterans are being honoured today at the 2025 Indigenous Veterans Commemoration Service which will be held at the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park Sydney.

The service is hosted by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Veterans & Services Association and is proudly supported by the NSW Government, the education sector and RSL NSW.

Minister for Veterans and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris will attend the service alongside other dignitaries to pay tribute and honour the service and sacrifice of Indigenous veterans and recognise their contributions to the defence of our nation.

This is the 19th annual commemoration since its inception in 2007 and traditionally takes place on the last Friday in May, to coincide with National Reconciliation Week (27 May – 3 June).

The commemoration is attended by schools and focuses on educating the next generation on the history of Indigenous contributions to our defence forces, spanning from the Boer

War in 1899 through to recent operations and peacekeeping.

This year’s commemoration will also be attended by schools participating in the second annual NSW Government Regional Youth Program. This program provides the opportunity for schools from each of the three school sectors to travel from regional NSW to Sydney to attend the Commemoration.

This year students from St Raphael’s Catholic School in Cowra, Clarence Valley Anglican School in Grafton and Kooringal High School in Wagga Wagga will have the opportunity to participate in today’s service.

Students will have the opportunity to meet members of the organising committee including Chair, Uncle Harry Allie who served in the Air Force and Mr Dave Williams who served in the Navy. Master of Ceremonies, Squadron Leader Coen Henry and guest speaker, Lieutenant Colonel Joseph West who will share their personal experiences as current serving members of the Defence Force.  

Minister for Veterans and Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:

“As Minister for Veterans, and the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty, I know how important it is we commemorate and remember the service and sacrifice of our Indigenous veterans.

“This commemoration is an important occasion to recognise and celebrate the invaluable role Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have played in defending our country.

“I would like to acknowledge all the schools who will be in attendance today, by educating your students on the service and sacrifice of our veterans ensures their legacy lives on and inspires the next generation.

“National Reconciliation Week is a time for our community to learn more about our Aboriginal culture, history and achievements and specifically the contributions of our Indigenous veterans and current serving Indigenous members of the Defence Force. I thank you for your service.”

Uncle Harry Allie AM BEM Chair Indigenous Veterans Commemoration said:

“As a proud descendant of the Gudjala people, a veteran of 23 years in the Royal Australian Air Force, and inaugural RAAF Indigenous Elder, it is pleasing to see this important commemoration continue to take place, honouring the service and sacrifice of Indigenous veterans.

“My family’s connection to Defence, and service to our nation commenced with my uncle in the Great War and another uncle, my aunty and father in the Second World War. Like many other Indigenous veterans have experienced, there were mixed feelings about our inclusion early on, but our commitment to service in the Navy, Air Force or Army has never wavered.

“This commemoration continues to offer an opportunity to educate current and future generations of the service and the sacrifice given by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander veterans. To have so many schools and students attending the commemoration here at the Anzac Memorial, or able to view the livestream, is wonderful to see and I hope that each of them has learnt a little more about the contributions made by Indigenous veterans.”

Ms Tobie Kate Hubber student at St Raphael’s Catholic School said:

“It is a wonderful opportunity to participate in the Regional Youth program and learn more about the contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service men and women, and see them get the recognition that they deserve.”

Mr Izaac Christian student at Clarence Valley Anglican School said:

“I’m incredibly honoured and excited to have the opportunity to travel to Sydney for the Indigenous Veterans Commemoration Service. This opportunity allows me to pay my respects to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service men and women who have bravely served our country. I have learned more about their stories and will help to ensure their contributions are remembered and celebrated.”

Ms Harlee Stearman student at Kooringal High School said:

“As a proud Wiradjuri person, it is an honour to visit the Anzac Memorial today and pay tribute to Indigenous veterans for their service and sacrifice. Their courage and dedication to protecting our country deserves our deepest respect and will ensure that their stores are never forgotten. Lest we forget.” 

Netball NSW has launched a statewide Flood Appeal in partnership with the Australian Sports Foundation, aimed at supporting regional netball Associations in northern NSW affected by the devastating May 2025 floods.

“We have lost so much – the flood destroyed our administration building and our canteen, wiping out our stock which is the main source of revenue for the Association,” Jenny Anderson, Manning Valley Netball Association President said.

“We managed to salvage the trophies, a few balls and a couple of post pads. We need to recoup all our equipment.”

The two-week fundraising initiative – running from Friday 30 May to Friday 13 June – will rally the entire netball community to support three of the hardest-hit Associations:

Manning Valley Netball Association
Nambucca Valley Netball Association
Macleay Netball Association
Funds raised will help these communities rebuild their netball facilities, replace equipment, and support the volunteers and athletes who have been impacted. Any additional Associations that have been affected by the floods can also contact Netball NSW for support.

“We’ve had overwhelming interest from across the netball community asking how they can help,” Tracey Scott, CEO Netball NSW said.

“This Appeal is a way to act together – with heart and unity – to support our netball family and provide real relief to those affected by this disaster.”

With many families displaced, courts damaged, and local infrastructure disrupted, the Appeal is a critical initiative to help restore access to the game that is such a vital part of community life across NSW.

“This is not just about netball,” Scott said.

“It’s about helping communities recover and reconnect – and giving our regional Associations the tools to bounce back.”

The launch of the Appeal will coincide with the lead-up to the HART Senior State Titles, one of the largest netball events in the Southern Hemisphere, to be held from 7-9 June across Campbelltown and Camden. With more than 220 teams and thousands of spectators expected, the event provides a powerful platform to raise both funds and awareness.

How to Donate
Donations can be made securely online via the Australian Sports Foundation:
👉 Netball NSW Flood Appeal

All donations $2 and over are tax deductible. For more information on the Appeal, contact Janyne Hogan, Head of Foundation, Netball NSW via email – jhogan@netballnsw.com.