February 2025 – Page 20

Dr Yang Jun

Today marks one year since Australian citizen, Dr Yang Jun, received a suspended death sentence in Beijing.

The past year, and the five years of detention before his sentencing, have been a difficult and dark time for Dr Yang. Throughout, he has demonstrated his inner strength and remarkable resilience.

Today, my thoughts are with Dr Yang, his family and his many loved ones.

The Australian Government has made clear to China that we remain appalled by Dr Yang’s suspended death sentence. We hold serious concerns about Dr Yang’s health and conditions. We continue to press to ensure his needs are met and he receives appropriate medical care.

Dr Yang is entitled to basic standards of justice, procedural fairness and humane treatment, in accordance with international norms and China’s legal obligations.

In his communication with the Government, Dr Yang has made clear he knows he has the support of his country. We want to see him reunited with his family. The Government will continue to advocate for Dr Yang at every opportunity.

GREENS THE ONLY PARTY TO COMMIT TO SOCIAL AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING TARGETS BACKED BY EVIDENCE

The WA Greens have committed to ambitious social and affordable housing targets in the next term of Parliament, including building, converting or purchasing a minimum of 5,000 every single year.

The plan, announced by Dr Brad Pettitt at Shelter WA’s housing forum last night, also includes a minimum 10% social and affordable housing in every new private development and 50% in every new housing development on government-owned land.

The Greens are the only party who have publicly backed the bold, evidence-based targets in Shelter WA’s 2025 State Election Platform.

The plan will cost $2.5 billion annually to deliver at least 5,000 new social and affordable homes every year.

WA Greens MLC Dr Brad Pettitt:

“Everyone deserves a roof over their heads, and a safe place to call home. Whether renting or buying, our housing system should prioritise people over profit.

“Unlike Labor, Liberal and the Nationals, only the Greens have listened to the experts and are willing to put a target next to our plan to solve the housing crisis that is grounded in evidence.

“That’s why I announced last night that the Greens will commit to building, converting or buying at least 5,000 new social and affordable homes every year in line with Shelter WA’s 2025 election platform.

“Every new housing development, whether it’s privately developed or built on government-owned land, should include social and affordable housing. There is no justification not to have these targets in place.

“By outright purchasing the 10% minimum social and affordable housing off the plan on new private developments, the government can kill two birds with one stone; increase the state’s social and affordable housing stock and speed up construction of new housing developments.

“This is such a breathtakingly simple solution and yet the WA Labor government has refused to even consider it for the last four years.

“We need bold, urgent and evidence-based action to ensure every Western Australian has a secure and affordable place to call home; over the last 8 years WA has gone backwards on almost every housing metric, we can’t tinker around the edges any longer.”

Greens slam major parties for delaying childcare reforms in Senate

Greens early childhood education spokesperson Senator Steph Hodgins-May has slammed the Labor and Liberal parties for teaming up to defer the childcare subsidy activity test reform bill, which will now go to an inquiry that reports next month.

The Greens say this delay tactic is a complete betrayal to families and children across Australia.

Just this week, Labor backpedalled on promises for new nature laws and a gambling ad ban.

Now they’re ditching their commitment to universal early childhood education by delaying reforms to the childcare subsidy activity test.

Australian Greens early childhood education spokesperson, Senator Steph Hodgins-May:

“The Greens were ready to work with Labor and get this bill passed this sitting fortnight, which may be the last chance before an election is called.

“Instead, Labor supported the Liberals in pushing this bill off to a Senate inquiry that won’t be finished until late March, effectively ruining its chances before the election.

“We don’t need an inquiry. We already have clear evidence that the childcare subsidy activity test needs reform from the Productivity Commission, multiple expert reports and from children’s and family advocates.

“We want to see relief for parents and families delivered before the election, and we want to see vulnerable kids able to access early childhood education. Only days ago we heard that Labor did too, but they have backflipped in a betrayal of children and families across the country.

“The childcare subsidy activity test is a Morrison-era relic that unfairly punishes families from the most disadvantaged backgrounds. The Greens want to see its abolition entirely but we were prepared to support the Government’s first step, scrapping it for three days per week. We know this reform is too important to be left to a potential Coalition government.

“While parents continue to struggle in a cost of living crisis, Labor and the Coalition simply don’t have the courage to take real action.

“The Greens won’t give up on universal, free early childhood education and care. With the Greens in the balance of power, we’ll fight to keep Dutton out of government and push Labor to get it done.”

Community dives in to shape next steps of Newcastle Ocean Baths revitalisation

City of Newcastle is progressing the development of its plans for the final stage of the Newcastle Ocean Baths upgrade following feedback from the community.

A comprehensive engagement campaign conducted between 17 June and 5 August last year generated significant interest, with the community engaging with project information almost half a million times.

Following a recent workshop to bring newly elected Councillors up to speed on this priority project, City of Newcastle has published the outcomes of these community engagement activities on its website.

City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath acknowledged the importance of the Newcastle Ocean Baths.

“The Baths are a much-loved heritage icon for our city, with so many memories created and celebrated by both residents and visitors, making community engagement on the site integral to its upgrade,” Mr Bath said.

The concept plans incorporate the revitalisation of the pavilion buildings including the Art Deco façade, while also enhancing the upper promenade and surrounding areas.

The project involved an extensive social media campaign, as well as a series of in-person events. More than 500 pieces of feedback were received, representing a wide range of views and suggestions from the community.

Executive Director City Infrastructure Clint Thomson reflected on the value of the feedback provided by a broad cross section of the local community.

“The community feedback we received included a broad range of views on the proposed design, with themes of interest including provision of seating and shade, the layout of change rooms, and calls for both changes to and support of the proposed roof design,” Mr Thomson said.

“The detailed design phase will explore the results of this consultation in combination with technical studies, to inform how, what, and where refinements and enhancements can be facilitated.

“Our team is exploring a north – south split within changerooms in the northern pavilion building following feedback from the community about the proposed east – west layout, as well as ways to incorporate natural lighting and ventilation through the roof space of the change rooms.”

Prepared by highly regarded Principal Design Consultant Tonkin Zulaikha Greer, the design continues to be informed by community engagement and feedback as well as industry leading heritage expertise, with input from environment, engineering and architecture professionals.

The baths site is protected as a heritage item of local significance by the Newcastle Local Environmental Plan 2012 in accordance with the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979.

The design for both stages of the upgrade takes this, and the requirements of a possible State Heritage Listing, into account.

Following revisions to the design based on the engagement campaign, City of Newcastle will seek planning approval through a development application process, which includes Heritage NSW. This will be followed by detailed design for Stage Two, with the aim of having the project tendered and construction commenced within the current Council term.

A quality experience for swimmers remains a core focus for City of Newcastle, with upcoming inspections and a deep clean planned later this month.

“It’s been just over a year since the pool re-opened for swimming following the Stage One upgrade, and since the peak holiday period has passed, it’s now time to take a closer look at the pool to see how it has fared in its first year,” Mr Thomson said.

“On Monday 24 February our team will close and drain the Baths, and use machinery to move large volumes of sand that has built up to enable inspection of the pool floor and walls.

“While we are there, we will also take the opportunity to complete a deep clean of the Baths to maintain water quality for swimmers in the months ahead.”

The Baths are expected to be closed for up to a week, depending on weather conditions.

Swimmers are able to enjoy Merewether Ocean Baths, nearby beaches or our inland pools during this short-term closure of Newcastle Ocean Baths.

The Engagement Report can be viewed at newcastle.nsw.gov.au/yoursay

The latest information about cleaning and closures of our Ocean Baths can be found at newcastle.nsw.gov.au/oceanbaths

Citizen of the Year leads the way for Indigenous literacy

A Worimi man who completed a 4,500km journey from Western Australia to Newcastle raising funds to improve Indigenous literacy has been selected as Newcastle’s Citizen of the Year 2025.

Twenty-three-year-old Bailey Myers received the award at City of Newcastle’s Citizen of the Year ceremony today for his solo walk in March 2024, which spanned almost six months and raised nearly $16,000 in donations.

Image caption: From L-R Khuslen Batmandakh, Dr. Helen English, Associate Professor Michelle Kelly, Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge, Evelyn Collins and Bailey Myers accept their award at City of Newcastle Citizen of the Year awards ceremony. Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge praised Bailey’s endurance and strength, saying his efforts have demonstrated true leadership for all communities.

“Mr Myers embodies the values of the Citizen of the Year title. His inspirational walk should be a reminder to us all of the power of resilience, determination, and the impact one person can have in creating positive change,” Cr Kerridge said.

“His journey is a testament to the strength of community and the importance of supporting Indigenous voices and education.”

Inspired by his parents who are both teachers, Bailey said supporting the Indigenous Literacy Foundation was an easy choice as providing academic support to First Nations communities, particularly in remote areas is crucial.

“Literacy is fundamental, and I want to do my part to support Indigenous stories and education. I want to inspire young people, especially those who have faced disadvantage, they’ve seen the worst life can throw at them which means they can also do the most,” Mr Myers said.

“I’m proud to be a Worimi man, and this journey was about more than just the walk, it was about connecting to Country, honouring my ancestors, and giving back to my community. It’s an honour to be recognised by my peers and it’s something I’ll always be proud of.”

Donations were made online through the Indigenous Literacy Foundation website, with additional contributions from generous individuals Bailey met along his journey.

Making his way across the country, Bailey pushed a homemade cart carrying his belongings, decorated with the handprints of students from his former high school, Callaghan College Waratah.

Beginning his journey in Perth, he navigated highways, dirt roads, and the vast Nullarbor Plain, camping on roadsides along the way before completing the trek in his hometown of Newcastle.

City of Newcastle also recognised other outstanding community members as part of the 2025 Citizen of the Year Awards.

Sixteen-year-old Khuslen Batmandakh was named Young Citizen of the Year for her dedication to improving literacy and community engagement.

After learning her neighbourhood of Jesmond had one of the lowest literacy rates in the country, the high school student established the book nook at her local shopping centre, providing access to free books for local families.

Khuslen continues to launch initiatives through the Leos Club at Merewether High School, including the ‘Love from Leos’ program to connect isolated aged care residents with young people and championing Bus Driver Recognition Day by organising care packs for drivers.

Citizen of the Year award winners with Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge, Councillors, and State Member for Newcastle Tim Crankanthorp.
The Senior Citizen of the Year title was awarded to Evelyn Collins, a clinical nurse deeply committed to the welfare of patients with Parkinson’s disease. In her own time, Evelyn will regularly travel from Newcastle to Sydney to accompany patients through surgery.

She has played a key role in establishing and continues to coordinate essential services for the Hunter region including the Hunter Deep Brain Stimulation service and DBS support group.

The Community Group of the Year was awarded to The Unforgettables Dementia Choir, a choir dedicated to supporting people living with dementia and their carers. Co-founder Dr Helen English says music has great power to trigger memory and foster social connection.

The group meet every Saturday afternoon at the Newcastle Conservatorium of Music, providing a welcoming space where participants can engage with music.

In addition to their weekly gatherings, the group also host an afternoon tea during the week, offering another opportunity to connect and support one another in a relaxed setting.

City of Newcastle’s annual Citizen of the Year awards formally recognise the outstanding contributions of extraordinary Novocastrians over the past year.

Exciting activities to keep seniors connected with $840,000 grant

A new range of activities to help NSW seniors reduce social isolation will soon launch after the NSW Government provided $840,000 in funding as part of the 2025 Connecting Seniors Grant Program.

From singing to storytelling, cooking classes to croquet lessons, the funded projects will empower older people to engage with their communities and combat loneliness in innovative ways.

Some old favourites from 2024 will also be making a comeback, including water safety classes, Foodies Clubs and Community Circles.

Activities will be delivered across NSW through 28 organisations divided into five categories including Aboriginal, Multicultural, Creation, Enhancement or Expansion, and Local Council.

The Aboriginal and multicultural categories are new this year and projects include activities such as Aboriginal dance workshops, technology mentorship, excursions, and a range of classes such as exercise and art.

In 2024, COTA NSW’s Voice of Solitude: Loneliness and Social Isolation Among Older Adults in NSW found 60 per cent of people aged over 50 were lonely with 25 per cent experiencing extreme levels of loneliness, and 50 percent feeling socially isolated.

The Connecting Seniors Grant Program builds on previous grant rounds, which have been proven to reduce social isolation for thousands of seniors in NSW. The program supports the Ageing Well in NSW: Seniors Strategy 2021-2031, demonstrating the NSW Government’s commitment to creating a more inclusive community and addressing isolation and loneliness.

The addition of Aboriginal and Multicultural categories in 2025 aligns with the NSW Government’s Closing the Gap commitments and the Multicultural NSW Strategic Plan 2021-2025.

Since its launch in 2020, the grant program has funded more than 120 projects with over 30,000 seniors taking part across 82 Local Government Areas across NSW.

For more information about the Connecting Seniors Grant Program and the full list of recipients, visit: https://dcj.nsw.gov.au/community-inclusion/seniors/ageing-well-in-nsw-seniors-strategy-2021-2031/events-and-projects/connecting-seniors-grant-program-2025.html

Minister for Seniors Jodie Harrison said:

“With 28 projects funded in 2025 across the state, there is something for everyone to get involved in.

“These projects can provide a social lifeline for seniors who often live alone. They help older people stay connected and age well.

“It’s important that we provide as many opportunities as we can for seniors to stay engaged with their communities and even try new experiences.

“Congratulations to the recipients – I’m looking forward to seeing our seniors make excellent use of the programs and activities on offer.”

Ian Westmorelandfrom Kintsugi Heroessaid:

“We are thrilled to receive this grant which will enable us to use the power of storytelling to inspire and provide hope to seniors who may be experiencing life challenges like elder abuse, loneliness and social isolation.

“Focusing on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, the seniors who share their stories will be invited to speak at community events around the Hornsby LGA area to encourage other seniors to engage and connect.”

Single Employer Model grows with 29 new doctors starting work across regional NSW

The NSW Government’s successful Single Employer Model is continuing to boost the regional health workforce, with another 29 doctors joining the Rural Generalist Single Employer Pathway (RGSEP) this week.

RGSEP is an employment pathway for doctors seeking a career as a rural generalist who work across both primary care and hospital settings.

Rural generalists are General Practitioners (GPs) who have an extended skill in a specialty area such as anaesthetics, obstetrics, paediatrics, emergency medicine, mental health or palliative care.

RGSEP trainees are offered a length-of-training contract with a Local Health District (LHD) in regional NSW. This allows trainees to retain and use their NSW Health Award entitlements during GP training.

Rural generalist trainees also receive the same pay and conditions as their hospital trained counterparts.

The new recruits bring the total number of doctors participating in the Program to 44 across Far West, Illawarra Shoalhaven, Hunter New England, Mid North Coast, Murrumbidgee, Northern NSW, Southern NSW and Western NSW LHDs.

RGSEP trainee Dr Marty Ryan has worked across health facilities in Temora, Cootamundra Gundagai and Wagga Wagga and is encouraging other doctors to consider becoming a rural generalist.

Regional Health Minister Ryan Park:

“I’m excited to welcome 29 new trainees to the Rural Generalist Single Employer Pathway, all with a commitment and passion for regional healthcare and communities.

“The program supports rural generalist trainees throughout their training, helping to prepare them for a career providing our regional, rural and remote communities with the essential care they need.

“This year, we have trainees working in regional centres such as Broken Hill, Tamworth and Dubbo, but also in GP practices in our smaller regional communities like Condobolin, Guyra and Tumut.

“Being a rural generalist means being a part of the community. It’s a unique, challenging and rewarding career, and it’s exciting to see our trainee numbers continue to grow year on year.”

Dr Marty Ryan, Rural Generalist Trainee:

“The beauty of this model is it allows the seamless transition from the primary setting into a hospital under the one contract.

“The breadth of experience you get as a rural generalist gives you so much job satisfaction and variety.

“One moment you’re at a hospital treating someone with pneumonia and the next hour you’re back down at the general practice clinic. It’s constant mental stimulation. That’s why I love the job.

“Growing up in a country town I know how deep the community spirit runs through them in the hard times as well as the good. It is such a special role and every day there are always compliments from patients who are so grateful to have you here.

“I thoroughly recommend this program to other doctors who are thinking of becoming a rural generalist.”

Wollongong businesses encouraged to pursue growth opportunities in South East Asia

The huge trade potential of Wollongong and the wider Illawarra area will be the focus of the latest NSW Government ASEAN Market Update for NSW Businesses series being held in Wollongong today.

The updates provide local businesses with information about trends and export opportunities across Southeast Asian markets.

The ASEAN bloc is NSW’s second-largest trading partner, with two-way trade in goods growing by more than nine per cent in the past year. Continued rapid growth is expected in sectors where NSW businesses excel, such as food and beverage, health, and the digital economy.

Held in partnership with Asialink Business, today’s session will bring together around 80 participants, including Wollongong businesses, industry groups, and diplomatic representatives from Southeast Asian nations, at iAccelerate within the University of Wollongong’s Innovation Campus.

Speakers at the forum include NSW exporters who have already utilised Investment NSW’s export support services to build connections and drive export sales across Southeast Asia.

The NSW Government is focussed on promoting ASEAN market opportunities to NSW businesses, with the region expected to become the world’s fourth largest economy by 2040.

The ASEAN Market Updates series, is supported by other initiatives led by Investment NSW to help small and medium businesses pursue international growth objectives in Southeast Asia and other important export markets around the globe.

In 2024/25, these include supporting cleantech companies to export to Malaysia and Singapore, and wine to be exported to Vietnam.

The ASEAN Market Updates series began with a session in Western Sydney last October and will continue in the coming months with events in the Northern Rivers, the Hunter and Wagga Wagga.

For more information on how the NSW Government supports business to export, visit Investment NSW: https://www.investment.nsw.gov.au/export/

Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“The ASEAN region is entering a golden age, propelled by a young population, industrialisation and technological advances, which present significant opportunities for NSW exporters.

“ASEAN nations are actively pursuing economic growth, with an increasing focus on sustainable development, food and health resilience, the digital economy and skills.

“My ASEAN Market Updates series is all about unlocking the potential of NSW businesses to export and partner with Southeast Asia, where our two-way trade is worth $33.6 billion and continuing to grow.

“The attendance of so many senior ranking diplomats, including Ambassadors and Consuls General shows the international attractiveness of the NSW economy and is a big vote of confidence in the Illawarra region.”

Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast Ryan Park said:

“The Illawarra is home to innovative businesses with enormous export potential, and Southeast Asia presents a golden opportunity for growth.

“The NSW Government is here to support Wollongong businesses every step of the way to ensure they can compete and thrive on the global stage.”

Member for Wollongong Paul Scully said:

“I’m more than willing to take any opportunity to help sell Wollongong to the world.

“Wollongong has strong connections with the ASEAN region, but there remains enormous potential to take our trade and investment relationship to the next level.

“The University of Wollongong has opened three campuses across Malaysia and has several research partnerships, which is just one example of how we’re cultivating deeper connections with the ASEAN region.

“Today’s ASEAN Market Updates series is an important opportunity for our local businesses to learn more about this dynamic region and how exporting their products and services could turbocharge their growth.”

Tougher laws against antisemitism and hatred in NSW

The Minns Labor Government is announcing a series of tough new measures to crack down on a recent escalation of troubling graffiti, racial hatred and antisemitism in the community.

The package of reforms will help give police and the community additional powers and resources to respond to disgusting acts of racial violence and hatred.

It sends a clear message to people who commit these crimes or intend to commit them that these acts have no place in NSW, and they will face severe and harsh penalties if they do.

In response to recent appalling attacks, the NSW Government will:

Introduce a new criminal offence for intentionally inciting racial hatred, with a proposed maximum penalty of 2 years’ imprisonment.
Introduce a new offence in section 93ZA of the Crimes Act 1900 directed at the display of a Nazi symbol on or near a synagogue, with an increased maximum penalty to 2 years’ imprisonment, and clarify that that graffiti is a ‘public act’.
Expand the aggravating circumstance that applies on sentence when an offence is motivated by hatred or prejudice to ensure that it applies whether a crime is partially or wholly motivated by hatred or prejudice.
Amend the Graffiti Control Act 2008 to create an aggravated offence for graffiti on a place of worship.
Introduce a new offence in the Crimes Act 1900 to stop people in or near a place of worship from intentionally blocking access to the place of worship without reasonable excuse, or from harassing, intimidating or threatening people accessing places of worship, and provide police with associated move on powers. This new offence is proposed to have a maximum penalty of 2 years’ imprisonment.

In addition to these strengthened laws, the Minns Labor Government is also announcing:

Increased funding to support the crucial work of the NSW Police Force Engagement and Hate Crime Unit by $525,000. This will allow for boosted engagement and communications with the community, including additional synagogue and school visits.
An increase to the NSW Local Government Social Cohesion Grants Program by $500,000.
Training to support local governments address rising prevalence of hate crimes.

These reforms build on the significant work of the police over the summer:

The NSW Police Force launched Operation Shelter on 11 October 2023 to respond to public safety in relation to the current conflict in the Middle East.
More than 300 proactive patrols are conducted under Operation Shelter every day. These centre around significant sites such as places of worship.
Resources from Traffic and Highway Patrol, the Regional Enforcement Squad, dog unit and Pol Air have also been brought in to help local police on the ground.
Strike Force Pearl has been established to investigates these hate crimes – and doubled its fulltime dedicated detectives from 20 to 40.

The reforms send a strong message about the seriousness of committing acts of racial hatred and antisemitism, and the NSW Government’s commitment to send a clear message to perpetrators that they will be held responsible for these acts.

Premier Chris Minns said:

“We have seen disgusting acts of racial hatred and antisemitism.

“These are strong new laws, and they need to be because these attacks have to stop.

“NSW is a multicultural state, and these acts designed to intimidate and divide will not work.

“These laws have been drafted in response to the horrifying antisemitic violence in our community but it’s important to note that they will apply to anyone, preying on any person, of any religion.

“If you commit these acts, you will face severe penalties, and we make no apologies for that.”

Attorney General Michael Daley said:

“Blocking access to places of worship, graffitiing sacred sites, or inciting hatred are wholly unacceptable behaviours that have no place in our society. These proposed changes strengthen penalties and expand police powers to maintain order across the community.

“The Minns Government is expanding the criminal law to send a clear message that inciting hatred is not just unacceptable, it will soon be criminal.

“The entire community will be safer as a direct result of these changes. The proposed changes will mean that divisive and hateful behaviours will not succeed in dividing our community.”

Minister for the Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said:

“Police are doing everything they can to disrupt and investigate these vile crimes. Today’s announcement will further strengthen their capability to continue this critical work.

“Our community thrives on diversity and mutual respect. We refuse to let those driven by hate divide us.”

Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said:

“Our multicultural society is one of our greatest achievements, but it is not something we can afford to take for granted. It requires our constant attention.

“The Minns Government will continue to proactively address bad faith actors and explore every avenue to ensure social harmony and that our multicultural society is protected.”

Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig said:

“It’s vital that all tiers of government are united in the effort to stop antisemitism.

“I welcome the additional support and training for councils so that they can expand their work promoting unity and harmony within local communities.”

Chris Minns fumbles the NFL, and Victoria is running it in for a touchdown

The Minns Labor Government has once again been caught napping, allowing Victoria to swoop in and snatch the rights to host in-season NFL matches—an opportunity that should have been Sydney’s to claim.

This is a government with no vision, no strategy, and no idea.

Chris Minns, John Graham and Steve Kamper were handed a golden opportunity to bring one of the world’s most lucrative sports to Sydney. Instead, they sat on their hands while Victoria did the deal. Sydney didn’t lose this event—Labor lost it for us.

Sydney will now miss out on three in-season NFL matches from 2026, set to be played at the MCG. This comes despite Sydney’s superior stadium, local NFL talent like Jordan Mailata, and the clear economic benefits the event would have delivered to NSW.

Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said the Government couldn’t see the value in bringing tens of thousands of tourists, international media, and millions in economic activity to Sydney.

“This is a government that reacts instead of leads. A government that always turns up late and empty-handed. And a government that is fast becoming the worst advertisement for doing business in NSW,” Mr Speakman said.

Shadow Minister for Sport Eleni Petinos said the Minns Labor Government has completely dropped the ball on this one—while Victoria runs away with the win. NSW had every opportunity to secure these NFL games, but Labor let it slip through their fingers.

“NSW had the home-ground advantage, but Labor fumbled it away,” Ms Petinos said.

Victoria will now host one of the worlds’ biggest sporting codes while NSW is left to watch from the sidelines under a Labor government too weak to even get in the game.