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New strategy to boost university pathways and workforce readiness in NSW

The Minns Labor Government has unveiled a bold new strategy to ensure universities align with the state’s workforce and community needs over the next five years.

Public Partnerships for Public Benefit: The NSW Higher Education Strategy 2025-29 sets out a strategic framework to enable stronger collaboration between government and universities that targets workforce needs, student pathways, equity and effective public policy. The Government will now work with universities to ensure that academic programs are aligned with current and future workforce demands.

Developed in partnership with the state’s public universities, the strategy is the only one of its kind in Australia.

A key focus of the strategy is prioritising regional workforce development, addressing critical skills shortages in areas such as early childhood education, aged and disability care, nursing and health related professions to support local economies and communities.

The NSW Government will work with universities to streamline credit recognition and transfer systems between vocational and higher education, making it easier for students to move between different types of study and to tailor their learning to suit their career goals.

This is a key pillar of the Minns Labor Government’s broader tertiary education reform agenda, working alongside the NSW Skills Plan, the Industry Policy and Innovation Blueprint to strengthen connections between universities, TAFE NSW, and employers to ensure the state’s workforce is ready for the future.

By 2036, nine out of 10 jobs will require a post-secondary qualification, with around half requiring a university degree, and 44% requiring a vocational education and training pathway.

The NSW Government will collaborate with the Commonwealth, Jobs and Skills Australia, and education providers to deliver these reforms and create a higher education sector that provides the skilled workforce we need today and into the future.

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan said:

“This is an exciting step forward for NSW. Our universities are world-class, and with this strategy, we are ensuring they remain at the forefront of education, research, and industry collaboration.

“We know NSW faces major workforce challenges, and this strategy ensures our tertiary sector is agile and responsive to those needs.

“Importantly, this is about ensuring people—particularly in regional areas— can access the training and education required to fill critical skill gaps.

“By working closely with universities, TAFE NSW, industry, and the Commonwealth, we’re creating a system that empowers students, supports communities, and drives our state’s economic growth.”

Support activated for flood-impacted Western Queensland communities

The Australian Government is providing further support for communities impacted by the flooding in Western Queensland – activating the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP).

The payment will be available for eligible resident in the Barcoo, Bulloo, Longreach, Paroo, Quilpie and Winton Local Government Areas – providing further support for these communities.

This event has impacted people in different ways.

The Australian Government is working closely with the Queensland Government to ensure that supports are available in response to the different challenges that people have experienced.

Commonwealth supports

If a person has suffered the most serious impacts including major damage to their home, serious injury, or loss of a loved one as a result of severe weather, they may be eligible for the AGDRP which offers residents $1,000 per eligible adult and $400 per eligible child.

Residents can check their eligibility for the AGDRP on the Services Australia Website.

Claims for the AGDRP will open at 2pm local time on Tuesday, 1 April 2025.

The quickest way to claim is online through myGov, or via the myGov app. If people need help to claim, they can call the Australian Government Emergency Information Line on 180 22 66.

To change or pause Centrelink debt repayments, affected people can do so online or in the mobile app (through the Money you owe service), or they can call 1800 076 072.

Joint Commonwealth-State supports

If a person lost essential services such as power, gas, water or sewerage for more than 5 days, they may be eligible for the Essential Services Hardship Assistance: a payment of between $150 – $750 depending on household size.
If a person needs help to cover the costs of emergency essentials like food clothing and medicine, they may be eligible for the Emergency Hardship Assistance: a payment of between $180 – $900 depending on household size.
If a person lost essential household contents like bed linen or white goods, they may be eligible for the Essential Household Contents Grant: a payment of between $1,765 – $5,300 depending on household size.
If a person’s home has become structurally unsafe to live in, they may be eligible for the Structural Assistance Grant: uninsured, low income owner occupiers can receive up to $80,000 to help repair home to make it safe, secure and habitable.

These payments are administered by the Queensland Government and people can check their eligibility on the Queensland Government Website.

As additional information about impacts becomes available, the government will consider other locations.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“At the worst of times we see the best of the Australian character, and we’re seeing that again in Queensland.

“These are tough times but Queenslanders are tougher. The stock losses in these communities will be particularly distressing.

“We’ve got their back, which is why we’re rolling out support now to help communities get through these floods”.

Minister for Government Services Katy Gallagher

“The government is working hard to support impacted communities in western Queensland during this difficult time.

“The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment will help eligible residents who have experienced severe impacts like major damage to their home.

“Services Australia staff are well practiced in supporting the community during times of emergency and will work round the clock to process claims as quickly as possible.

“I encourage people in the impacted areas to check their eligibility for payments on Services Australia’s website.”

Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister

“We know the current flooding in western Queensland has impacted people in different ways. We’re working closely with the Queensland Government to ensure that there are a range of payments available to meet different needs.

“As we are receiving information about impacts, we are acting quickly to make financial assistance available for people and families who need it.

“We will continue working hand in glove with the Queensland Government to support impacted communities through this event and into recovery.”

Appeal to locate woman missing from Lake Macquarie

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a woman missing from the Lake Macquarie region.

Georgia Savin, aged 19, was last seen in Glendale, about 5pm yesterday (Sunday 30 March 2025).

When she could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.

Police hold concerns for Georgia’s welfare.

She is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 170cm-175cm tall, of slim build and brown hair. She has a panther tattoo on her right hand.

Georgia is known to frequent the Cardiff and Glendale areas.

Humanitarian assistance to Myanmar

Australia will provide an initial $2 million to Myanmar through the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) for immediate humanitarian relief following Friday’s magnitude 7.7 earthquake.

Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this devastating event, which only adds to an already-dire humanitarian situation in Myanmar.

It has caused extensive damage to infrastructure and loss of life in Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw, as well as in surrounding regions, with hospitals overwhelmed. Neighbouring countries, including Thailand, have also been impacted.

Australia’s support will assist ICRC to carry out immediate lifesaving support including to address emergency medical needs.

Australia also welcomes the release of US$5 million from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to support urgent needs such as shelter, food and water. Australia is a longstanding donor to the CERF.

The ongoing crisis in Myanmar is a major threat to stability in our region. Australia continues to provide support in response to the worsening humanitarian situation.

Australia does not provide any direct funding to the military regime and takes proactive steps to ensure our assistance does not legitimise the military regime in Myanmar.

Greens pressure works as Labor adopts policy to make supermarket price-gouging illegal

Campaigning today in the Greens’ target seat of Macnamara, the Australian Greens have said Greens pressure works after Labor adopted the Greens’ plan to make supermarket price-gouging illegal.

The move comes after Labor also adopted the Greens’ plan to triple the bulk-billing incentive for GPs, with the Greens saying a minority Parliament will see a number of other Greens policies implemented.

Last year the Greens introduced a bill to stop supermarket price gouging, which both Labor and the Liberals voted against in October. The Greens also announced a widely-reported election plan to make price-gouging illegal earlier this month.

The Greens have said if the Prime Minister is looking for some more homework to copy, he should get dental and mental health into Medicare, wipe all student debt, cap rent increases, and stop new coal and gas and native forest logging.

After returning from yesterday’s ‘Keep Dutton Out’ rally in Queensland, Greens Leader Adam Bandt will today be campaigning in the party’s target seat of Macnamara in inner-city Melbourne with candidate Sonya Semmens, Victorian Greens Senator Steph Hodgins-May and Wills candidate Samantha Ratnam.

The Greens’ plan to make supermarket price gouging illegal has been incredibly popular in Wills and Macnamara, and the Greens will be doorknocking there today to say today’s announcement is proof the Greens get Labor to act.

The Greens came within 300 votes of winning the Macnamara at the 2022 election. Last election Macnamara saw a 5.5% swing to the Greens and the party has already knocked on more than 65,000 doors this campaign.

Macnamara has one of the highest proportions of renting households in the country. 51.5 per cent of households are rented and a further 24 per cent have a mortgage, which means 3 in 4 households in the electorate are being heavily impacted by the rental and housing crisis.

In addition to Macnamara, the Greens are targeting Wills (VIC), Richmond (NSW), Sturt (SA) and Perth (WA). The party is also seeking to return its four Lower House MPs and all its Senators who are up for re-election.

Greens Leader, Adam Bandt MP:

“Greens pressure works. After adopting most of our plan to see the GP for free, Labor has now followed the Greens’ plan to make supermarket price gouging illegal.

“The Greens get Labor to act. If Labor had voted for our bill last year shoppers would have cheaper groceries already, but this move is better late than never.

“The Greens are leading the way this election, and with a minority Parliament coming, we can keep Dutton out and get Labor to get dental and mental health into Medicare, wipe all student debt, cap rent increases, and stop new coal and gas.

“With more Greens MPs in Parliament, like Sonya Semmens in Macnamara and Samantha Ratnam in Wills, we can keep Dutton out and get Labor to act.

“This election, we can’t keep voting for the same two parties and expecting a different result.

“Right now, one in three big corporations pays zero tax. We should tax big corporations and billionaires to fund dental into Medicare, cap rent increases and lower mortgages, bring back free GPs and take strong climate action.

“Last minority government the Greens got dental into Medicare for kids, and now we want to get it for everyone.

“If you want change, the first step is to vote for it.

Greens economic justice spokesperson, Senator Nick McKim:

“While Mr Albanese is browsing the Greens’ website looking for policy ideas, he should also copy and paste our plan to get dental into Medicare and end native forest logging.

“Because the Greens don’t take donations from the supermarket corporations, we have led the charge on taking on the duopoly.

“Our leadership and pressure has led to the Nationals and Liberals supporting supermarket divestiture and now Labor is backing our plan to make price gouging illegal.”

Greens candidate for Macnamara, Sonya Semmens:

“In Macnamara more than half the households are renting and they’ve been smashed by the cost of living crisis.

“This election, nothing changes unless your vote does.

“In a minority government, the Greens will keep Dutton out and get Labor to act on housing, cost of living and the climate crisis.”

New leadership for Sydney Water

Sydney Water Managing Director, Roch Cheroux, will conclude his tenure after six years leading the organisation through key operational and planning phases.

Since his appointment in 2019, Mr Cheroux has progressed sustainable water management initiatives and laid the groundwork for major infrastructure projects to improve services across Greater Sydney.

Mr Cheroux has held senior water industry roles across Australia, Europe and Asia, including as Chief Executive of SA Water.

As Sydney Water moves into its next phase of delivery and strategic planning, the Board of Directors has initiated a change in leadership to support this transition.

The process to appoint a new Managing Director will now commence. In the interim, Sydney Water’s Executive General Manager, Paul Plowman, will be the Acting Chief Executive.

Minister for Water Rose Jackson said:

“During his tenure, Roch Cheroux helped guide Sydney Water through a range of challenges including drought, urban growth and climate impacts.

“His leadership has helped lay the foundations for the future of water in Greater Sydney.

“I thank Mr Cheroux for his contribution to Sydney Water and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”

Chair of the Sydney Water Board, The Hon. Niall Blair said:

“On behalf of the Board, I want to thank Roch for his leadership, professionalism and dedication over the past six years.

“Roch has been instrumental in modernising the organisation and preparing it for the long-term challenges of water security, infrastructure delivery and customer service in a rapidly growing city.

“We wish him all the best in his next chapter and look forward to working with Paul Plowman as Acting Chief Executive while we undertake the recruitment process.”

Minns Labor Government passes new laws to protect gig workers and owner drivers in the road transport sector

The NSW Minns Labor Government has passed legislation to provide long overdue protections for transport gig workers as well as modernising the provisions of the Industrial Relations Act that applies to part of the road transport industry.

The legislation is complementary to the Federal Government’s gig workers reform and follows consultation with unions, industry and the community to ensure the changes are fit-for-purpose for the gig economy and the modern transport sector like rideshare.

The legislation provides a mechanism for transport gig workers to access the same legal protections currently offered to owner driver truck drivers, couriers and taxi drivers under the NSW Industrial Relations Act (the Act).

The decision to reform the Act was an election commitment and will allow platform companies, employers and unions to apply to the Industrial Relations Commission for binding determinations on workers’ pay and conditions of employment for the first time.

Once the changes are implemented, eligible gig workers in the transport sector and their representative will be able to apply to the NSW IRC to have contract determinations or agreements that will regulate their pay and conditions.

The NSW Government’s bill will:

Modernise the existing provisions of Chapter 6 of the Industrial Relations Act, including establishing objects for the Chapter.
Allow the Commission to determine what is fair and reasonable pay and conditions for rideshare and other gig workers in the transport industry.
Establish new offences of accessorial liability for those who break the law in a supply chain.
Ensure there are enforceable standards across road transport supply chains to make sure everyone, no matter how big or small, can recover their costs.

Consistent with the approach of the Commonwealth Government, the existing exemptions for transport of livestock and produce will remain in place.

Minister for Industrial Relations Sophie Cotsis said:

“This new legislation will enable our Industrial Relations system to be fit for purpose when it comes to gig workers in the transport sector.

“The public relies on gig workers in the transport industry every day, and workers can rely on us for the same legal protections.

“This is an important step in supporting the thousands of gig workers to ensure they have the same industrial rights to access the industrial relations commission.”

Specialised aged care transition project for Illawarra Shoalhaven patients extended

The Minns Labor Government will provide an additional $300,000 to a peak community group to continue its valuable work in helping older people in the Illawarra Shoalhaven region to transition more quickly from hospital to aged care, when they are medically ready to be discharged.

The collaborative regional project, led by the Community Industry Group (CI Group), has spent the past 12 months working to implement sustainable strategies that enable improved transitioning of older people into residential aged care facilities (RACFs) following an initial $300,000 grant in May 2024.

In its first 12 months, the CI Group has undertaken research into the drivers of discharge delays for older people into residential aged care facilities.

CI Group has also supported the creation of a team of discharge volunteers which assist with the process of transfer from hospital and established a multi-agency regional health and aged care taskforce to oversee these projects and develop a regional health and aged care plan.

The additional funding will enable the group to build on its existing work, while also focussing on engaging other external stakeholders and exploring options to expedite aged care transition process.

CI Group will provide assistance and expert advice, together with Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, to work with RACF providers to implement immediate occupancy expansion initiatives, and to identify and target other aged care options.

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“The lack of available local residential aged care facility beds has been a major challenge across NSW in recent years, particularly in the Illawarra Shoalhaven.

“Getting people out of hospital quicker, and into the most appropriate care is critical for the patient, and the system as a whole, and that is why the work being undertaken by the Community Industry Group is hugely important.

“This additional funding will enable the expansion of existing initiatives including the Supported Transition Assistance Response Scheme within local hospitals and focus on the development of more initiatives that will help ease pressure on our busy hospitals.”

CI Group CEO, Nicky Sloan:

“This additional funding will enable us to build on our research and work over the past 12 months.

“We have collaborated with stakeholders including aged care providers, the Local Health District, the Primary Health Network, local Councils, Dementia Services Australia as well as the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care to deliver three important initiatives that are now in place to support the discharge of older people into an aged care service.

“We are incredibly thankful for the ongoing support of our work so that we can continue to make a dent in the critical issue of our most vulnerable community members being unnecessarily stuck in hospital.”

Grants awarded to drive energy savings for Central Coast business

The Minns Labor Government is helping businesses address energy use, reduce their energy bills and drive ongoing improvements in energy productivity.

The first round of the Metering Plan Implementation Grant has awarded almost $40,000 in funding to support Brisbane Waters Private Hospital in Woy Woy.

This funding enables businesses to install the technology they need to get a clearer picture of their energy use, unlocking potential energy cost reductions of 5% to 15%.

Metering and monitoring systems provide detailed insights into energy use, allowing businesses to optimise equipment performance, pinpoint inefficiencies and improve overall energy management.

By leveraging this data, businesses can significantly reduce energy consumption leading to substantial savings on energy bills.

The round attracted strong interest from businesses statewide, with grant recipients representing a broad range of sectors, including food production, hospitality, manufacturing, retail, private healthcare, education and sports facilitates.

In total, $1.5 million is being invested in 26 projects across NSW, including a $39,860 grant for Brisbane Waters Private Hospital.

The Metering Plan Implementation Grant is part of the NSW Government’s $22 million Business Decarbonisation Program, which supports businesses in adopting practical, cost-effective solutions to accelerate the transition to net-zero emissions.

For more information about both initiatives, visit https://www.energy.nsw.gov.au/business-and-industry/programs-grants-and-schemes/supporting-your-business-decarbonis

Minister for the Central Coast David Harris said:

“By empowering businesses to understand and manage their energy consumption, we are not only helping them reduce costs but also contributing to our broader goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050.

“These grants represent a significant investment in the future of NSW businesses and our commitment to a sustainable energy future.”

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said:

“This important program is essential to supporting businesses to address their power use leading to a reduction in their bills. By connecting businesses to innovative technological solutions, the Minns Labor Government is assisting our local businesses to unlock well needed energy savings.

“This grant will support Brisbane Water Private Hospital to adopt practical, low-cost solutions that will not just lower bills, but also accelerate the transition to net-zero emissions.”

Additional humanitarian support for Gaza, Myanmar and Afghan women and girls

Australia will provide a further $11 million in lifesaving humanitarian assistance for civilians in Gaza, and an additional $15 million in critical support for people affected by humanitarian crises in Myanmar and Afghanistan.

The additional funding to Gaza will address urgent needs, including healthcare, food and water.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, and Australia reiterates calls for sustained, unimpeded aid to those who desperately need it.

Additional assistance will be provided to those impacted by rapidly escalating humanitarian crises. It includes:

$7 million in lifesaving food assistance for Rohingya refugees who have fled Myanmar, as well as their host communities in Bangladesh. More than one million Rohingyas in Bangladesh depend on humanitarian support, with no legal status or right to work.
$3 million in lifesaving assistance to provide food, health, shelter and protection support for displaced people on the Thai-Myanmar border.
An additional $5 million will also be provided to enable United Nations partners to deliver services for Afghan women and girls that address critical sexual and reproductive health needs, gender-based violence and displacement.

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong:

“Helping others in crisis reflects Australian values, but also supports our interests in a peaceful, stable world. Australia’s contribution will provide lifesaving assistance to people enduring immense suffering.
“Australia is engaging diplomatically as part of the international call for all parties to return to the ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza. We continue to press for the protection of civilians, the release of hostages and unimpeded and sustained humanitarian aid.
“Humanitarian needs have increased twenty-fold since the Myanmar coup. We call on the military regime to prioritise civilian safety and immediately cease violence and ensure unhindered and safe humanitarian access across the country.
“Australia is steadfast in its support for Afghan women and girls, who have shown incredible courage in the face of the Taliban’s systematic human rights violations and abuses.”

Minister for International Development and the Pacific and Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery, the Hon Pat Conroy MP:

“Humanitarian crises contribute to regional instability and global insecurity.
“Australia is providing lifesaving healthcare and assistance for civilians in need, as part of an international effort to reduce the devastating human toll of the Israel-Gaza conflict.
“Protection for women and girls in humanitarian emergencies is a central pillar of the Humanitarian Policy we released in 2024. We know the situation under the Taliban is particularly egregious and we are proud to be supporting the provision of critical health services to Afghan women and girls.
“We will continue to play our part to support people in humanitarian need, both in our region and globally.”