16 News

I want to make clear the NSW Government will not be repealing hate speech laws passed in Parliament last month.

Our laws criminalised intentionally and publicly inciting hatred towards another person, or group, based on race.

They send a clear message: the people of New South Wales stand together against inciting racial hatred in our great multicultural state.

NSW has seen hundreds of antisemitic attacks and incidents.

This racial hatred has caused our Jewish community to live in fear in their own state.

While the caravan was part of a criminal conspiracy – and not the plot of a terrorist organisation – it was still appalling racial hatred.

It targeted the Jewish community. It targeted a racial group to instil terror in our state.

While these laws were drafted in response to horrifying antisemitism, we have always made clear they would apply to anyone, preying on any person, at any time.

In response to calls for the laws to be scrapped, doing so would be a toxic message to our community that this kind of hate speech is acceptable when it’s not.

These laws are very important to maintaining social cohesion.

A new government fund will put Sydney’s second international airport on course for a successful opening by accelerating aviation capacity from day one, boosting the NSW visitor economy and creating more choice for NSW travellers.

The $8 million Western Sydney International Take-Off Fund will incentivise international airlines to fly new routes into Western Sydney International Airport (WSI) ahead of its grand opening in late 2026. The funding will be matched by WSI, representing a combined fund value of $16 million to boost airline capacity.

The new airport will play an important role in achieving the NSW Government’s goal of $91 billion of visitor expenditure by 2035, with the total $16 million funding package forecast to deliver over 162,000 international visitors to NSW and generate an estimated $530 million of visitor expenditure.

The Western Sydney International Take-Off Fund comes at a critical stage for the state’s newest international gateway with airline tickets for WSI flights scheduled to go on sale from late 2025. This fund will incentivise more carriers to join Qantas and Jetstar (domestic) and Singapore Airlines (international) as the airport works to accelerate passenger numbers to 10 million per year.  

The new Western Sydney International Take-Off Fund will be administered by the NSW Government’s lead agency for the visitor economy, Destination NSW.

Allocation of funding provided to airlines will be agreed between Western Sydney International Airport and Destination NSW on a case-by-case basis and will include incentives such as passenger subsidies and marketing support. The funding provided to each airline is subject to the number of services and subsequent number of passengers they carry over the first three years of operation. 

This aviation investment comes on top of $10 billion of joint NSW-Federal funding for roads and transport infrastructure to connect WSI to Sydney’s transport network.

Minister for Jobs and Tourism John Graham said:

“You only get to open a new airport once, that’s why we’re backing Western Sydney airport to land new routes and ensure this once in a generation opportunity is a runway success.

“Western Sydney airport will be a massive growth engine for the NSW visitor economy. This fund will pour jet fuel into that engine.

“The more passengers we can bring in, the more spending across Western Sydney’s incredible food precincts, the sights of the Blue Mountains and the food and wine in the Central West.

“The NSW Government is pulling every lever we can to grow the NSW visitor economy to $91 billion by 2035. This is a crucial one and there’ll be more to come.”

Western Sydney International Airport CEO Simon Hickey said:

“With tickets for our first flights set to go on sale later this year and our opening day rapidly approaching, this initial investment with the State Government is very welcome news and another strong signal that Western Sydney International Airport is well and truly open for business.

“This airport – Sydney’s only 24-hour international gateway – will deliver a major boost to the state’s visitor economy and provide further support for the vibrant and diverse tourism attractions that NSW has to offer for both domestic and global travellers alike.”

“WSI is built for growth, with plans in place that will eventually see it become Sydney’s biggest international airport, handling more than 80 million annual passengers, which is akin to London’s Heathrow airport today.”

Footy fans travelling to CommBank Stadium for the NRL this weekend can travel for free on public transport, with the cost travel included in all match-day tickets this year. 

Integrated ticketing will cover the cost of travel for all NRL and A-League matches at the western Sydney stadium in 2025, making it easier for fans to support their teams.

This follows the same arrangement that fans enjoy at Allianz Stadium and the Sydney Cricket Ground, and major events at Accor Stadium. 

CommBank Stadium will host three matches in three days this weekend, with Penrith Panthers to take on the Sydney Roosters on Friday night, followed by Western Sydney Wanders-Melbourne Victory on Saturday night and Parramatta Eels and Wests Tigers on Sunday afternoon. 

With the new L4 Parramatta Light Rail services running regularly between Carlingford, Westmead and Parramatta, it’s even easier for sports fans to make the most of the season ahead, with a stop conveniently located just a few hundred metres from CommBank Stadium.

From the Prince Alfred Square Light Rail stop, the stadium is a short walk along Victoria Road. Passengers can take the light rail to connect to Paramatta and Westmead train stations, other local bus services, and ferries at Paramatta wharf. 

There is no need for fans to tap on and off when boarding services – they simply show their match-day ticket to staff.    

In 2025, the Parramatta Eels and Western Sydney Wanderers will be joined by the Wests Tigers and four-time reigning premiers, Penrith Panthers, to call CommBank Stadium home. 

The NSW Government remains committed to enhancing public transport options for major events. Integrated ticketing simplifies the journey to and from events, making a trip to CommBank Stadium more enjoyable and stress-free. 

For more details on upcoming events and travel information, visit transportnsw.info/events. 

Minister for Transport John Graham said: 

“Footy fans should have the same experience whether their team plays in Western Sydney or in the CBD.  

“More than half a million people are expected to visit CommBank stadium this year and we want all of them to think about leaving the car at home and using public transport instead. 

“With the Parramatta Light Rail having recently joined the network, fans will have even more convenient options when going a game at CommBank Stadium.” 

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

“With a bumper 2025 season on the way, we want as many sports fans packing out our stadium as possible. Integrated ticketing for public transport has long been available for matches at Allianz Stadium and the Sydney Cricket Ground so it is only fair that fans attending the sporting jewel of Western Sydney get the same.”  

Member for Parramatta Donna Davis said:

“This is great news for everyone in Parramatta who loves Rugby League and Football. You won’t have to pay to get on public transport if you’ve got a ticket to games at CommBank Stadium.

“This won’t just make public transport more convenient for passengers in Parramatta and Western Sydney, this is about fairness too. It’s no longer one rule for the venues in the east, and another for venues here.”  

Venues NSW Chief Executive Officer Kerrie Mather said: 

“With public transport now included in all NRL/NRLW and A-Leagues match-day tickets at CommBank Stadium, it’s never been easier for footy fans to support their team. 

“CommBank Stadium is set for another huge year with a record 23 NRL and NRLW match days, the WSW Wanderers’ march to the finals and Nitro Circus just some of the events confirmed so far.” 

Parramatta Eels CEO Jim Sarantinos said: 

“Offering integrated transport is important to enhance the overall game day experience for our members and fans.” 

A champion for culturally diverse arts, a passionate advocate for women in refugee communities and a multicultural sports innovator are some of the people recognised at the Premier’s Harmony Dinner last night.

Hosted by the Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper, the dinner was attended by more than 1,600 community members. As part of the event, Mr Kamper announced the winners of the 2025 Multicultural Community Medals and inductees into the NSW Multicultural Honour Roll.

The Multicultural Community Medals recognised 13 individuals and organisations for their role in strengthening NSW’s diverse and inclusive society. 

Amongst the winners were:

• Sandra Morales, who founded Heartdancers, an organisation solely focused on artists from First Nations and culturally diverse backgrounds in the Central Coast and Hunter areas
• Dr. Astrid Perry-Indermaur OAM who has dedicated over 40 years of her career and life to advancing human rights and social justice for women and children from migrant and refugee backgrounds
• Syed Sibtain, founder of Sydney Cricket League, a competition with over 1,000 players from diverse backgrounds, and a community touchpoint for newly arrived migrants to NSW.

Five people were also posthumously inducted into the Multicultural Honour Roll, for their lasting impact on fostering an inclusive, resilient and peaceful society.

Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said: 

“The Premier’s Harmony Dinner is an opportunity to say thanks to the people and organisations who give their time and energy to make NSW more inclusive and connected.”

“This is one of the largest multicultural celebrations in the state, bringing together people from different cultures to celebrate, find common ground and maintain a strong foundation for social cohesion in NSW.”

Multicultural NSW Chief Executive Officer Joseph La Posta said:

“The individuals and organisations we celebrate tonight are the heart and soul of multiculturalism in NSW.”

“Their unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusion makes our state stronger, more vibrant, and more connected than ever before.”

“In addition to celebrating the stellar contributions of these worthy winners, this event is a reminder of the rich contribution of migrants to the everyday lives of everyone in our great state.”

2025 Multicultural Community Medal winners

Medal	Winner	Bio
Arts and Culture Medal in honour of Carla Zampatti AC sponsored by Powerhouse	Sandra Morales	Sandra founded Heartdancers – the only organisation in the Central Coast, Hunter and Newcastle areas that solely focuses on collaborating with artists from First Nations and culturally diverse backgrounds.
Dr G.K. Harinath OAM Sports Medal sponsored by Sydney Thunder	Syed Sibtain	Syed founded Sydney Cricket League (SCL) in 2016. SCL has over 1000 players from diverse backgrounds and acts as a community touchpoint for people new to Australia.
Human Rights Medal sponsored by SSI Equality for Life	Sabrina Khan	Sabrina is an international human rights lawyer and an advocate of women and children’s rights. Herself a survivor of domestic violence, she worked with Afghan, Palestinian, and Iranian women refugees to foster respectful and meaningful cross-cultural dialogue through the arts.
Lifetime Community Service Medal sponsored by SBS	Dr. Astrid Perry-Indermaur OAM	Dr. Astrid Perry-Indermaur OAM is an Australian women’s rights activist and a passionate advocate for multicultural communities. She has dedicated over 40 years of her career and life to advancing human rights and social justice for women and their children, from migrant and refugee communities.
Multicultural Not for Profit Medal sponsored by NSW Department of Communities and Justice	Dubbo Nepalese Community Australia	Dubbo Nepalese Community Australia is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to cultural preservation and community unity in Dubbo. Established to serve as a cultural bridge, DNCA enhances social cohesion through various initiatives that celebrate Nepalese heritage while promoting multiculturalism. It organised the Nepali Language School, volunteer initiatives, support during crisis.
Multicultural Youth Support Medal sponsored by STARTTS	Ahmad Zarar	Ahmad is a coach and mentor at Melrose Park Football Club. He arrived in Australia from Afghanistan in 2022 on a humanitarian visa. He is now an inspiration to the young Afghan refugees he coaches.
Regional Unity Medal sponsored by My Guardian	Ashley Young	Ashley Young is a passionate leader in the delivery of equitable and accessible healthcare. He led statewide reforms in Aboriginal Health, Disability Funding, Emergency Department Access, and Immunisation Services.
Stepan Kerkyasharian AO Community Harmony Medal sponsored by Commonwealth Bank of Australia	Syed Shah Khan Amin Zada	Syed is an Afghan refugee who is a passionate advocate for social cohesion in New South Wales. He organised multicultural festivals, art exhibitions, and food fairs, and established mentorship programs that connect young people with community leaders and professionals.
Community Languages Teacher Medal sponsored by NSW Department of Education	Maida Kulic Vugdalic	Maida is principal and teacher at Bosnian Ethnic School. Under her guidance, the school has connected people with their Bosnian heritage. She has also led the strategies to heal intergenerational trauma from the war in Bosnia in the 1990s.
Interpreters and Translators Medal sponsored by NAATI	Neena Sinha	Neena started interpreting and translating in the 1980s. During her career she helped improve cultural awareness of issues relating to domestic violence. She was one of the founders of Indian Women’s Social Organisation which gave a social outlet to Indian women in Sydney.
Multicultural Marketing Campaign of the Year sponsored by Anti-Discrimination NSW	CulturalPulse	CulturalPulse’s Multicultural Fan Engagement Program for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup set a new standard for sports marketing. The campaign drove record match attendance, overcame language barriers, and reached communities previously unfamiliar with women’s sports.
Best Report in Multicultural Media	The Jewish Independent	‘Generation Change’ is a monthly column that elevated and represented the experiences of young Australian Jews. The report profiles community leaders under 40 who are creating a positive impact and addressing often taboo social issues.
Multicultural Publication of the Year sponsored by Village Place	The Greek Herald	The Greek Herald has been the voice of the Greek-Australian and Cypriot-Australian community since its establishment in 1926. It is the largest and only daily Greek newspaper in Australia, and has an international readership.

2025 Multicultural Honour Roll inductees

Inductee	Bio
Ms Nadia Lozzi Cuthbertson OAM	Nadia was the first head of the newly created Ethnic Affairs Commission serving as Executive Officer until 1985. She was considered the ‘right hand’ of Ethnic Affairs Commissioner Dr Paolo Totaro’s in the formative years of the agency and an influential figure in early ethnic affairs policy in NSW.
Mr Mohmad El Dana	Mr El Dana founded Al Amanah College in Bankstown and Al Amanah College in Liverpool in 2002 and supported the creation of sister schools—Salamah College and Glenroy Private in Melbourne. In 2008, Mr El Dana led the Building Identity and Resisting Radicalisation (BIRR) Initiative.
Mr Emmanuel Alfieris	Emmanuel Alfieris was a passionate advocate for the Greek Australian community, known for his unwavering dedication, leadership, and generosity. His deep connection to his roots inspired his lifelong efforts to unite empower the Greek Australian community.
Mr Den Chen	After fleeing Cambodia, Mr Chen and his family settled in Australia, where he became an active volunteer with the Salvation and Cambodian Culture Association from 2000. He worked tirelessly to help refugees and migrants in similar situations. He was also an active fundraiser for Cambodian Buddhist organisations.
Mr Jack Passaris OAM	A Founding and Life Member of the Ethnic Communities’ Council of NSW (ECCNSW), Mr. Passaris remained deeply involved with the organisation from its establishment in 1975 until his passing. His commitment never wavered, and his contributions were instrumental in shaping its success.

Cooma Gaol’s challenging history as the only known prison in the world specifically used to incarcerate gay men, transwomen, and non-binary people, has been formally recognised with its listing on the NSW State Heritage Register.

Established in 1873, NSW’s oldest operational gaol was exclusively used between 1957 and 1984 to imprison men based on their gender identity or sexual orientation.

The inclusion of the gaol on the State Heritage Register acknowledges the gaol’s legacy and the individuals who suffered within its walls.

For decades, gay men, transwomen, and non-binary people were incarcerated at Cooma Gaol for the crime of homosexuality, a crime that remained illegal in NSW until it was decriminalised in 1984.

Cooma Gaol was central during the early push for law reform, serving as a focal point for the first public campaigns to decriminalise homosexuality.

The formation of the Homosexual Law Reform Society in Canberra in 1969 and Campaign Against Moral Persecution (CAMP) Inc in Sydney in 1970 were direct responses to the injustices faced by those imprisoned at Cooma.

Today, the site is known as Cooma Correctional Centre and remains operational as a minimum and medium security facility.

The Cooma Correctional Centre now also features the ‘Crime Through Time’ museum, a living museum that showcases the history of corrective programs and services in NSW since 1788.

The listing of the gaol on the State Heritage Register will be marked with an appropriate and respectful permanent commemoration at the centre.

Cooma Gaol’s inclusion on the NSW State Heritage Register acknowledges the resilience of the LGBTQIA+ community and honours those who were unjustly confined within its walls.

the Minister for Corrections Anoulack Chanthivong:

“The inclusion of Cooma Gaol on the State Heritage Register is important in that it ensures the stories of those who were unjustly treated are acknowledged and preserved for generations to come.

“This recognition comes following the NSW Government’s apology last year for the trauma endured by people of diverse sexualities for past convictions under discriminatory laws that criminalised homosexual acts and saw them sent to prisons such as Cooma Gaol.

“By acknowledging the past injustices faced by LGBTQIA+ people at Cooma Gaol, we take a vital step towards healing the past.”

the Member for Monaro the Hon. Steve Whan MP:

“Cooma Gaol’s imposing gate and towering granite walls have stood as an enduring feature of Cooma, serving as a visible reminder of our heritage as one of the state’s original prison towns.

“The State Heritage listing is a recognition of the Gaol’s historical significance, not a change to its current operations and I want to assure the community that the prison will continue to function as a correctional facility, just as it is.”

After almost three years, none of Labor’s bureaucratic housing policies have delivered a single new home.

Now ABC’s Media Watch has exposed Labor’s false claims that their Housing Australia Future Fund has completed 340 new homes.

ABC Transcript

YouTube Link 

Media Watch confirmed what we learned at Senate Estimates: these houses were converted and acquired, not new houses built.

It is clear that Labor is more focused on spinning, not building.

Their desperate attempts to cover up their failures have taken housing stock out of the market, making the problem worse, not better.

The reality is that Labor’s housing policies have delivered no new homes. Zero, zilch, a duck.

Residents in Northern NSW have been using the Hazards Near Me app in their thousands over the past week, keeping up with the latest emergency information as ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred passed through the region.

As the cyclone approached last Friday, the number of people using the Hazards Near Me app was almost four times higher than average, with more than 166,000 active users up from an average of 47,000. 

The app allows users to set up a Watch Zone to personalise the information received with location-specific alerts and up-to-date warnings during a natural disaster like ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.  

With input from the NSW State Emergency Services (NSW SES) and NSW Rural Fire Service, the app is constantly evolving to provide the most current information available including weather warnings and advice on how to stay safe during times of natural disaster for impacted communities.  

During a natural disaster, people are also encouraged to prepare an emergency kit with essential items including identification documents, medications, torch, mobile phone charger and a battery-operated radio.  

As evacuation orders for communities in Northern NSW are progressively lifted, information about returning home with caution can be found via the Hazards Near Me app as well as the NSW SES website.  

For assistance during floods and storms call the NSW SES on 132 500 or Triple Zero (000) for life threatening emergencies. All emergency service agencies are ready to support affected communities.   

For the latest information on Essential Energy power outages visit Power Outages. For information on what to do before, during and after a power outage visit What is a power outage and what to do. 

Keep radios tuned to your local ABC radio station for broadcast emergency warnings and alerts.  

People who require mental health support can call the Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511. It is a free service operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is staffed by specialist mental health professionals who offer mental health advice, and referrals to local mental health services.  

The Hazards Near Me app is available for both iOS and Android systems. For more information, go to Hazards Near Me app | NSW Government.  

For more information about Recovery efforts in Northern NSW visit www.nsw.gov.au/cyclonealfredrecovery. 

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:  

“The NSW Government through our emergency services agencies is working to ensure people can access the most up-to-date information whenever and wherever they need it. 

“We want to thank communities across Northern NSW who prepared for ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred and encourage them to continue to follow the advice of emergency services as the response continues. 

“In times of emergency or disaster, I encourage people to go to trusted government sources for information and the latest warnings and advice to understand what is happening in their area and what they need to do to stay safe. 

“As we start the work of recovery, the NSW Government stands ready to support the community to get back to normal.”  

Minister for Mental Health and Minister for the North Coast Rose Jackson said:                                                                                                                                        

“The Hazards Near Me app provided North Coast communities with real-time updates to help keep families and homes safe as ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred threatened the region. 

“We know this is an incredibly tough time, with many in the community still recovering from previous floods. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, reach out – the Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511 is available 24/7.”

The Rural Allied Health Educator Pilot Program, a joint venture between NSW Health and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), is helping build a pipeline of allied health clinicians in regional and rural NSW by boosting student placements in Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD).

In WNSWLHD, there have been 435 allied health student placements since the introduction of the Rural Allied Health Educator Pilot Program, with 11 new services offering placements in 2024/2025.

The program is enticing allied health students to stay and take up full time roles in rural, regional and remote locations.

A survey of students participating in the program found prior to commencing placement only 56.2 per cent were interested in working for NSW Health in a rural area as a graduate.

Following completion of placement, 85 per cent were more interested in working for NSW Health in a rural area as an allied health graduate and 95 per cent of students were satisfied with their placement experience and would recommend a rural placement to other students.

Allied health clinical placements typically take 4-8 weeks and up to 25 weeks, and give students experience across a range of clinical areas relevant to their profession. The program includes occupational therapy, speech pathology, social work, dietetics and exercise physiology students.

The allied health educators work with universities to coordinate student placements, develop innovative placement models to address unique rural challenges, and support other allied health clinicians to increase student placement opportunities in regional NSW.

Dietetics students Olivia di Coio and Caitlin Yu are on placement in Canowindra where they have been impressed by the breadth of rural practice. While Caitlin was open to working in a rural town, Olivia had not considered it before her placement. Both will complete their next placement in Dubbo.

The $1 million Rural Allied Health Educator Pilot Program is a joint venture between NSW Health and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development across Hunter New England, Western NSW, Far West, Murrumbidgee and Southern NSW Local Health Districts.

DPIRD has invested $1 million per year over three years into the Rural Allied Health Educator Pilot Program. 

For further information visit: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/workforce/alliedhealth/Pages/professions.aspx 

Regional Health Minister Ryan Park:

“Staffing is one of the most critical issues we face in the healthcare system, and in regional, rural and remote locations that problem is amplified.

“I am really proud a program like this is having great results at encouraging allied health students to take up a rewarding role in the bush.

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to boosting our allied health workforce by increasing training and education pathways for students in rural and regional NSW.”

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty:

“We support the Rural Allied Health Educator Program through funding these important regional allied health workforces.   

“Getting essential workers into regional NSW is a major focus of the Government and this program plays a role in that plan. 

“The students also have the opportunity to participate in The Welcome Experience while on placement. 

“The Welcome Experience is a service which provides essential workers the support they need to make the move into live and work in regional communities by assisting them to get to know the local area and people first.”  

Labor Spokesperson for Dubbo, Bathurst and Orange, Stephen Lawrence, MLC:

“Rural and regional NSW benefit from programs like this so communities can reach their full potential, which is why it is so great to see the success of the Rural Allied Health Educator Program to date under the Minns Government.”

Member for Orange, Phil Donato:

“I support initiatives such as this, which form part of the longer-term solution in growing the health workforce we desperately need across regional NSW.”

“Our country communities embrace newcomers, and most people soon discover that the social vibrancy throughout rural and regional NSW holds a lot of appeal, making it a great place to work, live and raise a family. 

“I welcome Olivia and Caitlin on their placement in Canowindra, and I know the local community will throw their arms around them while on placement there.”  

Allied Health Student, Olivia Di Coio:

“Our supervisor (Dietician) Courtney (Pearce) is a sole practitioner, so we get to see a lot more variety of patient presentations than we would in Sydney. Courtney’s a champion.

“I would never have expected to work rurally before this placement, but Canowindra is a really nice community. I would be open to living and working in a rural town in the future.”