Category: NSW News

Today 218 of the State’s future agriculture leaders will graduate from the NSW Government’s Tocal College destined for careers spanning livestock production, cropping, farm management, equine studies and agtech in NSW’s $25 billion agriculture sector.

Tocal College is the State’s leading agriculture education institute with 2,400 students enrolled in courses at 73 locations around NSW, making it one of the biggest and oldest agriculture education organisations in Australia.

The training of students at Tocal College is part of the Minns Labor Government’s comprehensive plan to build the State’s agriculture sector and ensure a well-trained and versatile future workforce.

The graduation took place at Tocal’s campus in Paterson in the State’s Hunter region.

Among the 2025 graduates to receive top honours are:

• Alyvia Lieb, from East Seaham in the Hunter, Dux of Certificate III in Agriculture (Tocal Agricultural Production Program),
• Grace Shields, from Lakesland in the Hunter, Dux of Certificate III in Horse Care (Tocal Stock Horse Breeding and Training Program),
• Sarah Hanks, from Louth Park in the Hunter, Dux of Certificate IV in Agriculture (Tocal Farm Supervisor and Agribusiness Program),
• Natalia Luci, from Mangrove Mountain in the Central Coast, Dux of Certificate IV in Agriculture (Traineeship Program).

Through its practical, industry-aligned training programs, Tocal supports both new entrants to agriculture and those already working in farming, agribusiness and natural resource management.

Its focus on developing skills, lifting safety standards and supporting productivity ensures NSW remains at the forefront of agricultural innovation.

Tocal’s educational outcomes continue to exceed national standards, with full-time program completion rates more than 40 percent higher than the national average. In addition:

• 92 percent of students in full-time training who began training at Tocal in 2025 successfully completed their qualification.
• 22 percent of students in full qualification programs identified as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and just under 50 percent of all 2025 enrolments are women.

As Tocal College enters its seventh decade, it continues to adapt to emerging industry needs, integrating digital agriculture technologies, enhancing regional training delivery, and strengthening partnerships with industry, producers and rural communities.

Visit Tocal College website for information – https://www.tocal.nsw.edu.au/home

Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty, said:

“Today’s graduation is a proud moment for every student, their families, and the broader agricultural community.

“From livestock production and cropping to Agtech and sustainable land management, the training delivered at Tocal ensures students are ready to contribute from day one on the job.

“As agriculture continues to evolve, Tocal College remains agile and forward‑looking, integrating new technologies, modern production techniques and emerging industry needs into its training.

“The achievements of this year’s graduates speak to the exceptional teaching, mentorship and real‑world experience they receive at Tocal.

“Each student has earned the skills and confidence needed to build meaningful careers and contribute to a stronger agricultural future for the state.”

Alyvia Lieb – Dux, Certificate III in Agriculture said: 

“Studying at Tocal has strengthened my passion for agriculture and given me the confidence to start building a career in the industry. I’m grateful for the support of my trainers and the friends I’ve made along the way.”

Grace Shields – Dux, Certificate III in Horse Care said:

“Working with horses every day has been incredible, and the program has pushed me to grow both personally and professionally. I’m excited to take these skills into the equine industry and keep learning.”

Sarah Hanks – Dux, Certificate IV in Agriculture (Farm Supervisor and Agribusiness) said:

“The Certificate IV program challenged me in the best possible way and helped me develop real leadership and agribusiness skills. I’m looking forward to using these skills and stepping into the next stage of my career with confidence.”

Natalia Luci – Dux, Certificate IV in Agriculture (Traineeship Program) said:

“Throughout my traineeship at Tocal I have learnt a lot about different industries in Agriculture. Working and study was a good balance and helped me to learn more. I’m grateful to the Tocal staff/teachers for helping me throughout the course.” 

The Shadow Minister for Families and Communities, Natasha Maclaren-Jones, has condemned the Minns Government over a botched bathroom modification that has left a young person in foster care suffering life‑threatening seizures.
 
“Accessible home modifications are meant to keep people with disability safe, not push them into repeated medical emergencies because basic standards were ignored,” Mrs Maclaren‑Jones said.
 
“The Minister allowed a family’s home to become a danger zone for their child.”
 
Reports reveal a teenager in out‑of‑home care, who lives with disability and needs an accessible bathroom, was left without one after the government‑funded renovation was botched. The foster carer was forced to shower the teen on the floor, and the young person has since developed severe, potentially life‑threatening seizures linked to the stress, disruption and unsafe conditions.
 
Despite repeated requests for help, the Minister failed to act.
 
“The Minister needs to explain why she ignored this child’s safety and wellbeing after repeated calls for assistance,” Mrs Maclaren‑Jones said.
 
“The Minister has a duty of care and she has failed this young person and their foster carer. Instead of taking immediate action, she blamed others and shuffled paperwork.”
 
“When a government signs off on works in a foster carer’s home, where a child with complex needs lives, they must ensure the work is done properly, safely and on time.”
 
“The Minister must front up, apologise to this carer, and guarantee that no other child in care will be left in this situation again.”
 
“This young person and their carer have been badly let down.”

Taxi drivers who refuse to accept travel subsidy dockets and cards from passengers with disability or rip off passengers who use a wheelchair face $3000 fines as part of a series of new measures to enhance transport accessibility.

A longstanding loophole has meant taxi drivers who refuse to accept payment under the NSW Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme have faced no penalty.

They will now be fined $3000 for knocking back paper dockets or smartcards under the scheme which provides a 50% subsidy up to $60 per trip to people who aren’t able to use the public transport system.

The Minns Labor Government has been concerned at reports of cab drivers refusing to accept payment under the scheme – and even leaving passengers on the side of the road after disputes over payment.

Some drivers have claimed their taxi is not equipped to take payment under the scheme, but these reforms will compel all taxi service providers to ensure all drivers in NSW are set up to meet the requirements of the scheme.

To protect interstate travelers, the fines will also apply to NSW drivers refusing subsidies from interstate schemes.

The fine for taxi drivers who start the meter before a passenger in a wheelchair is safely secured in the vehicle is being increased from $300 to $3000.

This underhanded tactic has inflated the final fare on numerous passengers who use wheelchairs, costing them and NSW taxpayers.

The Minns Labor Government has tightened penalties and introduced a number of passenger-friendly reforms, including:

• Introducing a disqualifying offence for drivers convicted of two or more refusals of a passenger travelling with an assistance animal or assistance animal in training.
• Tripling the fine for those animal refusal offences to $3000.
• Tripling fines to $3000 for first fare-related offences around overcharging, refusing fares and refusing to use a meter.
• Introducing a $60 flat fare from Sydney Airport to the CBD to eradicate rip-offs that blight the experience of visitors and tourists.
• More than $1 million in fines have been issued by the Point to Point Commissioner to drivers over the past two years.

The NSW Government has also approved the extension of NSW incentives to ACT-based wheelchair accessible taxi operators when serving Queanbeyan residents.

Queanbeyan residents who use wheelchairs rely on ACT-based accessible services but are not prioritised, because those taxi operators are not eligible for incentives under the NSW Wheelchair Accessible Taxi Disability Insurance Scheme.

Transport for NSW and the Point to Point Transport Commissioner are now working to provide access to the scheme for ACT taxi operators to ensure they’re fairly incentivised and compensated for providing their services to Queanbeyan residents.

FARE FACTS

• The Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme was introduced in 1981.
• Provides a 50% subsidy of the total metered fare to a maximum of $60 per trip for approved passengers with disability.
• 93% per cent of trips are paid for by TTSS smartcard.
• Payment by smartcard is made via the Cabcharge terminal, as it provides compliance and trip information to Transport for NSW.

Minister for Transport, John Graham said:

“People with disability have every right to lead their lives fully and the Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme helps ensure they can do so.

“To hear stories of people being refused service by taxi drivers, or meter rip offs against wheelchair-bound passengers, is infuriating.

“These $3000 fines make clear our zero-tolerance for taxi drivers who take advantage of any passenger, disabled or not.

“The majority of cab drivers do the right thing every time and I want to thank them for that, but we will continue to pursue the bad apples in the industry.”

Minister for Disability Inclusion Kate Washington said:

“People with disability are entitled to the dignity of catching a taxi without having to worry about whether legitimate payments will be disputed, or whether they’ll be ripped off or left stranded.

“Taxis play an important role in making our communities more accessible, getting people with disability get to work, visit friends or play sport, so it must be dependable.

“We are increasing these fines to send a clear message to the small number of taxi drivers who are doing the wrong thing, this kind of discrimination will cost you – so cut it out.”  

Minister for Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison said:

“For many people with disability, particularly in regional areas, taxis aren’t a convenience – they are essential.

“This reform closes a loophole that should never have existed. If you operate a taxi in New South Wales, you must be equipped to accept Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme payments.

“Starting the meter before a wheelchair user is safely secured is an underhanded tactic that exploits vulnerable passengers and costs taxpayers. Tripling the fine to $3000 sends a very clear message: that behaviour will not be tolerated.

“We know that the overwhelming majority of drivers do the right thing, and they deserve credit for the professional service they provide every day. But those who refuse fares, refuse TTSS payments, or attempt to overcharge will face serious consequences.”

Point to Point Transport Commissioner, Anthony Wing said:

“Passengers who rely on wheelchair-accessible taxis must be able to travel with confidence, and that begins with drivers meeting their obligations.”

“These strengthened penalties make it clear that refusing a valid TTSS payment or starting the meter before a wheelchair user is safely secured is unacceptable. These actions cause real harm to people who already face barriers in their daily travel, and we will act where obligations are not met.”

“The majority of drivers provide safe and professional service every day, and I thank them for that. Our focus is on the small number who choose not to comply with the law, and we will continue to take firm enforcement action to protect passengers.”

NSW Taxi Council Chief Executive, Nick Abrahim said:

“Taxis play a vital role in transporting passengers with disability. In many cases, these passengers may not have any other alternative transport options for getting around.

“Whilst we are grateful for the majority of drivers who go above and beyond to look after our most vulnerable passengers, we must ensure that those individuals who choose to do the wrong thing are identified and dealt with by the full force of the law.

“The increase in penalties sends a strong message to those choosing to do the wrong thing and we will continue to work with Government and the Disability sector to ensure that people with a Disability have access to a safe, reliable and affordable transport experience.”

The Minns Labor Government is continuing to work with industry to develop new harm minimisation measures to combat high risk gambling.

The government is launching a landmark guide for the use of facial recognition in pubs and clubs which sets out minimum expectations for industry should venues voluntarily operate facial recognition technology.

The code of practice has been developed to provide guidance to hotels and clubs with gaming machines which are already using this technology and prepare industry for future changes to gaming legislation to mandate the use of facial recognition in venues, once the statewide exclusion register is operating.

The implementation of facial recognition technology aims to minimise gambling harm and prevent money laundering, by enforcing statewide exclusions in NSW hotels and clubs.

Given the sensitivity of the biometric data that facial recognition technology collects, the code is a critical guide for industry. The Minister for Gaming & Racing has approved the code of practice under section 48 of the Gaming Machines Act 2001.

The code was developed following a full consultation with a wide range of stakeholders including advocates and experts in the fields of gambling and health, government, the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner, the NSW Privacy Commissioner, industry, businesses and facial recognition service providers.

The government is committed to continuing to work in collaboration with industry and other stakeholders to ensure the appropriate facial recognition technology and practices are implemented along with ensuring hotels and clubs can satisfy all requirements in the code. 

The code can be found on the Liquor & Gaming NSW website here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/business-and-economy/liquor-and-gaming/resources/facial-recognition-technology-hotels-and-clubs

The government is pursuing an evidence-based approach to addressing gambling harm, including:

• Removing outdated exemptions that enabled hundreds of pubs and clubs to operate gaming machines during standard shutdown hours, with over 600 venues required to shut down all gaming machines between 4am to 10am each day by the 31 March 2026 deadline
• Reducing the cash input limit from $5,000 to $500 for all new gaming machines
• Reducing the state-wide cap on gaming machine entitlements, so that every year the number of gaming machines reduces based on forfeiture rates
• Banning political donations from clubs with electronic gaming machines
• Banning external gaming-related signage and internal gaming-related signage that can be seen from outside the venue
• Introducing Responsible Gambling Officers in venues with more than 20 gaming machine entitlements and mandating that extra Responsible Gambling Officers be on duty in venues after midnight
• Mandating that all venues with gaming machines must keep a Gaming Plan of Management and a Gambling Incident Register
• Banning gambling advertising on public transport and the ferries and terminals people catch it from. 

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said:

“I’m pleased to launch a NSW-first code of practice for venues operating facial recognition technology to help pubs and clubs negotiate the complex landscape to best support the identification of excluded patrons.

“The Minns Labor Government takes gambling harm minimisation seriously and while the Coalition sat on their hands during their 12 years in government, we are continuing to work with industry to develop new and innovative measures to minimise patrons’ harm.

“We will continue to deliver evidence-based reforms to ensure we are striking the balance of addressing gambling harm while supporting an industry that contributes billions to the NSW economy and employs more than 150,000 people.”

NSW Government-funded cyclone repair works at Belongil Beach have been completed, with a vital access point used by emergency services in the region restored

Crown Lands provided an emergency grant of $50,000 to Byron Shire Council after damage caused by Cyclone Alfred left Belongil Beach’s vehicle ramp unusable.

Heavy seas, large swells, and strong onshore winds caused erosion in March 2025, undermining the ramp’s foundations by dislodging rocks and removing sand, as well as damaging a safety rail.

A 2.5 km stretch of coastline just north of the Byron Bay town centre, Belongil Beach is popular among both locals and tourists for surfing, swimming, and snorkelling. The beach is noted for its strong rip currents and occasional shark activity, making emergency access vital.

Ambulances, police cars, and lifeguards rely on the ramp to access the beach, which extends northwest from the seawall at Byron Bay’s Main Beach car park up to the mouth of Belongil Creek.

Emergency services now have access restored after the ramp was extended to meet the beach, and its foundations were strengthened by adding sand and backfilling rocks for wave protection.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“Infrastructure like the emergency vehicle ramp at Belongil Beach is vital to ensure the safety of the local community and the many tourists who visit Byron Bay throughout the year.

“The Minns Labor Government is focused on building better communities including supporting those impacted by extreme weather events such as storms, floods, and bushfires.”

Minister for Recovery and Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin said:

“This project is a testament to what we can achieve when state and local governments collaborate to build back better.

“Belongil Beach is a jewel of the North Coast, and this work ensures that our emergency services have the robust, reliable infrastructure they need to respond rapidly to extreme weather.

“Recovery isn’t just about putting things back the way they were, it’s about making sure our communities are more resilient than they were before. By reinforcing this vital access point, we aren’t just fixing a ramp—we are protecting the lives of locals and visitors alike.”

Labor Spokesperson for Ballina Emily Suvaal MLC said:

“Restoring access at Belongil Beach is a practical but critical step in keeping people safe on our coastline. Whether it’s lifeguards, paramedics or police, emergency services need to be able to reach people quickly when it matters most.”

“This investment ensures that both the local community and the many visitors to Byron Bay can continue to enjoy the beach knowing that support is there when it’s needed.”

Byron Shire Mayor Sarah Ndiaye said:

“Belongil Beach is one of the most loved and visited stretches of coastline in New South Wales and maintaining safe, reliable access following storm events is critical for our community and visitors alike.

“Storms are a natural part of our coastal environment but they significantly impact how people connect with and enjoy the beach.

“The reinstatement of access at Belongil ensures locals and visitors can once again safely experience this beautiful place and we thank the NSW Government for its continued support.”

The Minns Labor Government has today announced the establishment of the Great Western Highway Community Coordination Taskforce.

The Taskforce is a whole-of-government initiative chaired by the NSW Reconstruction Authority and Transport for NSW, designed to streamline support to those impacted by the prolonged closure of the Great Western Highway.

The NSW Government recognises the significant and ongoing disruption this has caused across the Blue Mountains and the Central West for communities, local businesses freight and industry.

The NSW Reconstruction Authority’s coordinating role in recovery makes them the ideal agency to support the whole-of-government response for this disruption. The Taskforce will provide a single point of contact for those affected to raise issues with the NSW Government and enable direct collaboration between state agencies to ensure support can be directed where it’s needed most. 

The Taskforce will include representatives from NSW Government agencies, local councils, industry and community stakeholders to ensure government decision-making is informed by the needs of residents and businesses. It will hold its inaugural meeting this Friday, 20 March 2026.

The closure of the Great Western Highway remains in place following a serious geotechnical failure at Mitchell’s Causeway. While testing and monitoring remain underway, Transport for NSW continues to observe significant cracking and movement at the closure site, reinforcing the need for a cautious and safety-led response.

Transport for NSW remains the lead agency for managing the closure, site investigations, detours, traffic operations and public transport alternatives.

In the interim, the NSW Government is also providing the following support:

Transport

• Extra rail, coach and bus services have been introduced to support Blue Mountains and Central West communities, while amended school and regular route bus services are helping reduce journey times for students affected by the closure.
• The Bells Line of Road remains open and continues to carry most detoured traffic.
• Crews are taking advantage of the final weeks of warm weather to complete essential road works on the Darling Causeway, including widening shoulders on the narrow route to improve safety and support traffic flow during the closure.
• An incident management team has been established to coordinate with local councils, freight operators, the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator and other agencies, while the NHVR has established an enforcement site at Mount Boyce to strengthen oversight of the freight task and traffic movements.

Local business

• The Acting Small Business Commissioner is meeting with Lithgow and Blue Mountains Business Chambers and local businesses to identify the support needed to navigate the closure.

Tourism

• Destination NSW is working with Destination Central West, Blue Mountains Tourism and local councils to understand the challenges facing tourism operators and identify where support can be provided, including through coordinated promotional activity and visitor messaging.
• A broader regional response is already underway, including business engagement with industry, work on a regional tourism and communications approach, and ongoing coordination with councils and local stakeholders.

The NSW Government is committed to providing regular updates as testing and work continues on the site, across the detour network, and through the wider community support effort.

This remains a serious public safety issue. The Government’s focus is on reopening the road safely, managing the disruption and ensuring communities are kept informed throughout.

Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison said:

“This is a serious disruption that is having an impact on community, business, freight – this is why our response must be broader than the road itself; we want the community to help inform our response.

“I reaffirm that Transport for NSW remains focused on the operational task: managing the closure, the detours, the transport network and the technical work needed to reopen this road safely and as quickly as possible.

“At the same time, we are making sure the broader community impacts are being addressed, including for small businesses, tourism operators, schools, freight and essential services through this whole of Government response.

“This is a serious geotechnical failure on an essential connection and people deserve clear, regular and honest updates, and that is exactly what we are committed to providing.”

Minister for Jobs and Tourism, Steve Kamper said:

“We know this closure is creating uncertainty for local tourism operators across the region.

“That is why Destination NSW is working closely with Destination Central West, councils and local tourism bodies to understand the impacts and identify the right support and promotional opportunities.

“The Blue Mountains and Central West remain open for business, and we want to make sure communities and operators are supported through this disruption and well positioned for recovery.”

Minister for Recovery and Small Business, Janelle Saffin said:

“The establishment of this Taskforce is about making sure communities are not left to navigate this disruption on their own. 

“Our focus is on creating a formal mechanism to streamline information across all levels of government, ensuring clear and consistent public information as the situation evolves.

“The NSW Reconstruction Authority’s specialised experience in coordinating large-scale recovery efforts is exactly what’s needed to navigate the challenges of this current disruption.

“I am pleased the NSW Reconstruction Authority is able to support Transport for NSW in ensuring the state’s resources are aligned to the needs of the community.”

Member for Blue Mountains, Trish Doyle said:

“This closure is being felt right across the Mountains and beyond, and local residents, businesses and communities need coordinated support.

“I welcome this stronger whole-of-government response and practical support.

“We know this is a very difficult period for many local businesses and families, and it is important that government continues listening and responding as the situation develops.”

NSW Labor spokesperson for Bathurst, Stephen Lawrence MLC said:

“I have been speaking directly with local residents, businesses and industry who are feeling the impact of this closure.

“This taskforce is about ensuring local voices are heard.” 

NSW families and small businesses have been dealt another devastating blow following the Reserve Bank’s decision to lift the cash rate by a further 25 basis points to 4.10%, the second consecutive rate rise this year, and the 5th rise since the Minns Labor Government came to power.
 
This interest rate rise did not come out of nowhere and is the direct consequence of Labor’s inflation crisis that continues to tighten its grip on household budgets across the state.
 
The figures tell a damning story of Chris Minns and Labor’s economic failure in NSW:
NSW inflation is at 3.9%, higher than the national rate of 3.8%
Electricity costs are up 30.8% and utilities are up 25.7%
State taxes up 30% under the Minns Labor Government
6,200 NSW businesses collapsing into insolvency in 2025
The slowest economic growth in the nation at 0.9%
NSW Liberal Leader, Kellie Sloane, said yesterday’s second consecutive rate rise for 2026 will be devastating for families already stretched to breaking point.

“This is another brutal announcement for NSW families who are already at breaking point, making the impossible choices between paying bills, buying essentials, and making mortgage repayments” Ms Sloane said.
 
“NSW families were promised life would be easier under Labor, but the reality is that they costs are up, our state’s economy is slowest economic growth in the nation, and now a second straight rate rise this year.”
 
Shadow Treasurer Scott Farlow said Labor had no one to blame but itself for the economic pain now being felt by families and businesses across NSW.
 
“This rate rise is a consequence of bad economic decisions, and NSW families are paying the price,” Mr Farlow said.
 
“A family with a $500,000 mortgage now must find $1000 this year to cover this rate rise, let alone the previous rise.”
 
“”The sad reality is that NSW families are being punished for Labor’s economic mismanagement, and with global instability now added to the mix, things are sadly only set to get worse. This is Labor’s economic legacy and NSW families deserve better.”

New data released today by the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) has laid bare the growing pressure on New South Wales Police, with rising crime across key categories.
 
Shadow Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Anthony Roberts, said these figures, combined with reports this week of a sharp decline in police numbers across NSW, confirm our Police Force is stretched thin, and communities are ultimately less safe.
 
“Fewer officers are having to do more, and that is putting enormous strain on the men and women who work tirelessly to keep our communities safe,” Mr Roberts said.
 
The data shows breaches of Apprehended Violence Orders have surged from 15,526 in 2016 to 27,491 in 2025, and tragically 32 people were victims of DV murder in the 12 months to December 2025.
 
“This is deeply concerning. AVOs are put in place to protect vulnerable people, and rising breaches point to serious risks in the community that require strong policing responses,” Mr Roberts said.
 
Blackmail and extortion offences have increased ten-fold, drug-related offences are also rising, with amphetamine use up nearly 15 per cent in two years, alongside a sharp increase in retail theft to more than 30,000 incidents in 2025.
 
Parts of Regional NSW are also experiencing significantly higher crime rates across murder, Domestic Violence assault, and break and enter, all at more than double or triple the state average.
 
“These are not marginal differences between our cities and Regional NSW – murder rates more than four times higher, domestic violence assaults more than three times higher, and break and enters more than triple the NSW average are shocking statistics,” Mr Roberts said.
 
“Regional communities deserve the same level of safety and protection as those in metropolitan areas, but right now they are being left behind.”
 
“These trends all point to one thing; more Police should be on our streets to keep us safe.”
 
Mr Roberts reiterated that the Minns Labor Government must take responsibility and urgently address both falling police numbers following the release of today’s BOSCAR data.
 
“The Minns Labor Government will attempt to reassure the community that they are safer,” Mr Roberts said.
 
“But tell that to the families seeing shootings every week in the news, the small businesses facing increasing theft, and regional communities seeing waves of major crime unlike our cities.”
 
“The Minns Labor Government must outline their plan to properly resource, staff, and support our police force to meet the challenges our communities are facing.”

New data from the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) exposes the Minns Labor Government’s failure to address rising sexual assault and domestic violence, with incidents surging across the State.
 
Shadow Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, Mrs Natasha Maclaren-Jones, said sexual assault reports have exploded by 7.9 per cent across NSW in just the two years under the Minns Labor Government.
 
“Under Labor’s watch, sexual violence is not falling it’s accelerating, with recorded sexual assaults rising to 12,925 incidents in December 2025 up from 10,560 in December 2023.” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said
 
“Nearly 2,400 additional women, men and children have been assaulted and reported to police, yet conviction rates continue to fall and services are overwhelmed. The Government must explain why prevention programs are underfunded while assaults climb.”
 
The two-year trends are even more damning in regional NSW, where Labor’s neglect is hitting hardest:

• Far West and Orana: Sexual assault up 28.6%.
• Southern Highlands and Shoalhaven: Up 16.3%.
• Newcastle and Lake Macquarie: Sexual touching, acts and other offences up 12.9%.
• Illawarra: Domestic Violence related assault up 12.1%.
• Blacktown: Domestic Violence related assault up 6.3%.

 
“These are more than statistics; they are families, women and children. From Western Sydney and the Illawarra, to the Far West, the Highlands and the Hunter, people are urgently needing help, but local services are overwhelmed by demand for services and underfunding.”
 
“Labor campaigned on safety but instead, cases of sexual violence are surging under their watch. NSW deserves better,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said

A new report from Cancer Council’s Generation Vape research project shows fewer teenagers are taking up vaping since the NSW Government introduced tough vaping goods laws.

New findings show the number of NSW teens surveyed in the Generation Vape project who have tried vaping has declined from 29.6 per cent in April 2024 to 20.1 per cent in October 2025.

The report presented findings from NSW teens (14-17 years) on changes in vape use, access and perceptions between April 2024 and October 2025.

The encouraging decline follows the commencement of new laws introduced by the Minns Labor Government in December 2024, which banned vapes from being sold in retail settings across NSW. The laws also mean vaping products can only be dispensed from a pharmacy for smoking cessation and management of nicotine dependence.

NSW has some of the toughest penalties in the country for the sale and commercial possession of illicit tobacco with further reforms introduced in July 2025, targeting the sale of illicit tobacco and illicit vaping goods. Under these laws, the maximum penalty for supplying illicit vaping goods is now $1.54 million, and/or seven years imprisonment.

Other key findings NSW finding from the latest Generation Vape report include:

• 88.2 per cent of respondents reported little (only had a few puffs) or no experience with vapes
• The number of respondents who vaped 100+ times dropped from 6.4 per cent to 2.6 per cent
• Teens are less likely to think vaping is common among their peers
• Most teens agree vaping is unsafe and addictive.

NSW Health is taking action to protect the community, particularly young people, from the harms of vaping. Preventing uptake of vaping and supporting teenagers and young people to quit vaping remain key priorities for NSW Health.

More than 10, 000 young people have sought support to quit vaping through Cancer Institute NSW’s Pave app, since its launch in February 2025.

The Australian-first evidence-based vaping cessation app provides users with helpful tips, motivation, tracking tools, distractions for when cravings hit, as well as activities and information to navigate common barriers to quitting vaping.

NSW Health also developed the award-winning ‘Every vape is a hit to your health’ campaign, which uses powerful advertisements to encourage young people to consider the proven health harms of vaping, such as nicotine addiction, lung damage, breathlessness, nicotine poisoning and burns from exploding vapes.

The NSW Health Vaping Toolkit ensures there is evidence-based vaping resources to support parents and carers, teachers and health professionals to start conversations with young people about vaping, recognise nicotine dependence, understand signs of withdrawal, and support young people with practical tips to quit vaping.

The reforms, the Generation Vape survey results and the PAVE app success follow the NSW Government’s Vaping Roundtable held in November 2023. The Roundtable heard first-hand accounts from students, teachers, principals and evidence from health experts and researchers, about vaping behaviour and how it is affecting young people.

For support and advice about quitting vaping, young people are encouraged to contact their GP download Pave or call Quitline on 13 78 48.  

More information on vapes and their health harms is available on the NSW Health website here: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/tobacco/Pages/e-cigarettes.aspx and in the Vaping Toolkit here: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/vaping

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“Our Government has introduced vaping reforms designed to protect young people and these encouraging findings show this legislation is working.

“Before our changes, getting access to vapes was legally confusing. They were clearly marketed to children and young people with brightly coloured packaging and cartoon images and available from retailers on what seemed like every corner – but that’s no longer the case.

“While we have made it harder for young people to get their hands on vapes, NSW Health’s comprehensive support to help quit vaping as well as its award-winning public health awareness and education campaigns about the dangers  of vaping, have pleasingly led to more teens trying to quit, and less trying it in the first place.”

NSW Chief Cancer Officer and CEO Cancer Institute NSW, Professor Tracey O’Brien AM:

“The Pave app is providing practical support to quit vaping and it’s encouraging to see the impact it’s making, with thousands of people using the app as part of their efforts to quit.

“It’s important that people avoid taking up vaping or seek help to quit. Quitting can be hard but with the right support, it is possible and can be life changing.”

NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant AO PSM:

“Vaping remains a significant public health issue. Vapes are highly addictive and can cause serious health harms.

“Whilst we have a strong legislative framework in place, continuing efforts to address youth vaping is critical.

“The Generation Vape results show us that NSW’s comprehensive approach based on strong partnerships and co-design with young people is working, with more young people understanding the harms of vaping and making healthy choices.”