After two years in office, the Minns Labor Government is sending the NSW health system backwards – with patients waiting longer, nurses picketing Parliament, hospital psychiatrists resigning and doctors threatening their first strike since 1984.
New data released today by the Bureau of Health Information (BHI) confirms the system is under unprecedented strain with 802,697 ED attendances and 67,902 patients leaving without or before completing treatment in the December quarter, an increase of 6% compared with the same quarter a year earlier.
Elective surgery waitlists have also blown out to near the COVID peak with 100,235 waiting for surgery – up 13.1% on the same quarter last year.
Opposition Leader Mark Speakman said Labor’s industrial chaos and two years in a row of real cuts to the health budget is having a real impact on patients.
“Chris Minns came to Government promising to cut elective surgery waiting lists, but has only managed to cut the health budget,” said Mr Speakman.
“The fact that elective surgery waiting lists have returned to levels we saw during the height of the pandemic, when elective surgeries were cancelled, demonstrates that Chris Minns and his Health Minister aren’t up to the job.”
Shadow Minster for Health Kellie Sloane said two years in, Labor’s mismanagement of our health system is failing patients and driving frontline staff to despair.
“From doctors threatening strike action to nurses picketing outside Parliament, the message is clear – the health workforce has lost confidence in this Government. And now patients are paying the price.”
“Chris Minns must take responsibility and deliver a real plan to fix the health system. We can’t afford more spin while people continue to wait in pain.”
Shadow Minister for Regional Health Gurmesh Singh said the Minns Government wasn’t prioritising health services in regional NSW.
“Chris Minns is busy fighting healthcare workers when he should be focused on delivering better health services for regional NSW,” said Mr Singh.
“The latest data shows that the time it takes for an ambulance to reach the highest priority P1A cases was continuing to go backwards, with only 52.4% arriving in 10 minutes in rural areas compared with 67% in urban areas.”
Strengthening Medicare: Cheaper medicines to get even cheaper
The Albanese Labor Government is making cheaper medicines even cheaper – with a script to cost Australians no more than $25 under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
This is another key cost of living measure delivered by the Albanese Government which will continue to put downward pressure on inflation.
Having already slashed the cost of medicines – with the largest cut to the cost of medicines in the history of the PBS in 2023 – we’re now going even further.
This is a more than 20 per cent cut in the maximum cost of PBS medicines, which will save Australians over $200 million each year.
Only Labor is committed to delivering cost of living relief for Australians, while strengthening Medicare.
Making medicines cheaper is a tangible way we’re helping with the cost of living.
Four out of five PBS medicines will become cheaper because of this $689 million investment in next week’s Budget.
The last time that PBS medicines cost no more than $25 was 2004.
Pensioners and concession cardholders will continue to benefit from the freeze to the cost of their PBS medicines, with the cost frozen at its current level of $7.70 until 2030.
This builds on action we’ve already taken to deliver cost of living relief through Cheaper Medicines, including:
- More free and cheaper medicines, sooner, with a 25 per cent reduction in the number of scripts a patient must fill before the PBS Safety Net kicks in – $480 million (July 2022)
- The largest cut to the cost of medicines in the history of the PBS, with the maximum cost of a script falling to $30, from $42.50 – $624 million (January 2023)
- 60-day prescriptions saving time and money for millions of Australians with an ongoing health condition – $165 million (Three phases from September 2023)
- Freezing the cost of PBS medicines, with co-payments not rising with inflation for all Australians for the first time in 25 years – $9 million (January 2025)
If re-elected the Albanese Government will pass legislation and $25 maximum PBS scripts will start from January 1 2026.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
“My Government will continue to deliver cost of living relief for all Australians.
“Cheaper medicines is another way we are helping with the cost of living, while putting downward pressure on inflation – our number one focus.
“With cheaper medicines, more free GP visits and a stronger Medicare, we say to Australians: we’ve got your back.”
Minister for Health Mark Butler
“The last time Australians paid no more than $25 for a PBS medicine was over 20 years ago. Cheaper medicines are good for the hip pocket and good for your health.
“When Peter Dutton was Health Minister, he tried to make medicines cost more, not less.”
“Peter Dutton tried to jack up the cost of medicines by up to $5 a script and put free medicines for sick pensioners even further out of reach.”
“In opposition, Peter Dutton and the Liberals voted to block cheaper medicines six times
“The contrast this election is clear: cheaper medicines with a re-elected Albanese Government, or the frankly terrifying legacy of Peter Dutton, who wants medicines to cost more, not less.”
Appeal to locate woman missing from Newcastle
Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a woman missing from the Newcastle area.
Katrina Johnson, aged 30, was last made contact with family members on Thursday 6 March 2025.
When she could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Northern Beaches Police Area Command were notified on Thursday 18 March 2025 and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts, with ongoing inquiries being made by Newcastle City Police Area Command.
Police and family hold concerns for Katrina’s welfare.
She is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 165cm tall, of thin build, with pink and blue hair and several tattoos over her body.
Katrina is known to frequent the Sydney and Newcastle areas.
Anyone with information about Katrina’s whereabouts is urged to contact Newcastle Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Appeal to locate man missing from Newcastle
Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing from the Newcastle area.
Logan Wilson, aged 27, was last seen in New Lambton about 2.20pm on Monday 17 March 2025.
When he could not be located or contacted officers from Newcastle City Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.
There are concerns for Logan’s welfare as his disappearance is out of character.
Logan is described as being Caucasian in appearance, about 170-175cm tall, medium build and brown hair.
He is known to frequent the New Lambton, North Lambton, Rankin Park, Kotara, Adamstown, Cameron Park and Glendale areas.
Anyone with information about Logan’s whereabouts is urged to contact Newcastle Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Motorcyclist dies in crash – Greta
A motorcyclist has died following a single-vehicle crash in the Hunter Valley region.
About 4.45pm today (Wednesday 19 March 2025), emergency services were called to Camp Road, Greta, following reports of a single vehicle crash.
Officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District were told a motorcycle has lost control before it crashed into a tree and the rider was ejected.
The rider – a man believed to be in his 30s – was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics however, he could not be revived.
The body is yet to be formally identified.
There were no other injuries reported due to this incident.
A crime scene has been established and the motorcycle was seized to be forensically examined.
A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.
As inquiries continue, anyone with information about this incident or a dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Safe Places for Faith Community Grant for Charlestown
Charlestown Eastlakes Presbyterian Church has received $10,000 in funding as part of the NSW Government’s Safe Places for Faith Communities Grants.
The funding boost will be used to improve security on site and make it easier for church members to access the building.
The Government has allocated $15 million over four years to this program, as part of its election commitment in 2023. Grants range from $5,000 up to $250,000.
Grant funding supports:
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upgrading security and surveillance systems
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training for staff and religious leaders to improve preparedness and risk mitigation
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building the resilience of faith groups.
For more information on the grants, go to https://multicultural.nsw.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Safe-Places-for-Faith-Communities-Project-Grants-Guidelines-close-9-Jan-25.pdf
Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said:
“I’m proud that the NSW Government is delivering on its commitment to improve safety at places where faith communities get together.
“This funding will assist faith communities to maintain and improve the security of their places of worship so they can continue to be places of guidance and peace for attendees.”
Member for Charlestown Jodie Harrison said:
“Charlestown Eastlakes Presbyterian Church has been an important part of the social fabric here in Charlestown for a long time.
“It’s important communities can come together safely to practice and maintain their faith. The program is focused on building community resilience through prevention, preparedness, response and recovery measures.
“The NSW Government is getting behind our faith organisations to support upgrades and other projects that will make the religious experience safer.”
Women in trades: Newcastle apprentice leads the charge
Women make up just 11.4% of Australia’s trade apprentices, but role models like Newcastle welding apprentice Emily Frazer are changing the game in male-dominated industries.
When an apprenticeship at Kurri Kurri Gas Plant came up, she jumped at the chance.
“I’ve always admired the skill that goes into welding, especially when I see those smooth, flawless welds; they just look incredible. My goal is to someday create welds that look that good. It’s exciting to be on this path and work toward mastering a skill I’ve always been passionate about.”
Women represent less than 1% of Australia’s welding and fabrication sector, but Emily is determined to flip the script.
“Welding has traditionally been a male-dominated field, and I noticed there weren’t many women represented. That made me even more determined to make my mark,” Frazer said.
“I love every moment of it—the skill, the precision, the satisfaction of creating something lasting.”
Apprenticeship Support Australia mentors Emily, helping her manage exam stress, navigate off-the-job training, and access financial incentives.
Jeffrey Cooke, Apprenticeship Support Australia Regional Manager for NSW North, said: “As a Women in Trades specialist, we are contracted by the Australian Government to provide mentorship to female apprentices to help them complete their apprenticeships. Women identify poor working conditions as the main reason they drop out of their apprenticeships, so we also work closely with employers to help them build safe, respectful, and productive workplaces for female apprentices.”
Mr Cooke said increasing female participation in the trades was key to tackling skill shortages and driving diversity and innovation in Australia’s workforce.
For assistance in hiring apprentices or trainees contact Apprenticeship Support Australia on 1300 363 831 or visit apprenticeshipsupport.com.au
CYCLONES AND HEATWAVES MUST BE WAKE UP CALL FOR LABOR AS GREENS PUSH LARGE SCALE CLIMATE ACTION PACKAGE
Today the Leader of the Victorian Greens Ellen Sandell has called for a large-scale home and community electrification package including extra rebates for batteries and solar panels, home insulation and the reinstatement of the community climate adaptation grants program, which was cancelled by the Victorian Labor Government.
Ms Sandell has called for this climate action package to be included in the upcoming Victorian State Budget, saying that the recent cyclone Alfred that hit Queensland and New South Wales needs to be a wake up call for all politicians that much more needs to be done to avert more climate disasters.
It comes as Victoria also just recorded its hottest summer on record, with many people forced to swelter in recurring heatwaves or face massive energy bills for running air conditioning.
Extreme weather events are costing billions of dollars as recent reports indicate that Cyclone Alfred has cost more than $1.2 billion of damage, people missing work and having their businesses forced shut by ongoing power outages.
The Victorian Greens say that we need to be doing more to prepare communities and prevent them from footing the bill of climate disasters, but instead Labor continues to burn coal and gas and has cut multiple climate programs.
Infrastructure Victoria just outlined that we’re behind on climate targets and the most recent data says that Victoria’s emissions have risen by 5%.
While Labor has cut the Community Climate Change Adaption Program, the battery rebate program, Home Heating and Cooling Program and reduced solar panel rebates as well as continuing to burn coal and gas.
The Leader of the Victorian Greens, Ellen Sandell said that the Victorian Government was not doing enough to prevent climate disasters or prepare communities for extreme weather – and that a large-scale cash-back program to move homes away from gas and install batteries and solar on Victorian homes would reduce energy bills as well as reduce emissions.
Leader of the Victorian Greens, Ellen Sandell:
“Labor in Victoria has cancelled and cut multiple climate change programs while continuing to burn coal and gas which make climate change worse.”
“Communities shouldn’t have to continue to foot the bill for climate disasters while Labor governments cut climate programs and continue to burn coal and gas”
“We’ve just had the hottest summer in Victoria’s history and Cyclone Alfred wreaked havoc on NSW and Queensland, it’s not good enough for governments just to clean up after climate disasters, we need to prepare communities for the future and do everything we can to prevent future climate disasters by reducing our emissions now.”
“The Greens are calling on Labor to reinstate cash-back programs for home batteries, and increase rebates for home solar panels, so that people can afford to move away from expensive gas heating to reduce their emissions and their energy bills”
Greens call for Royal Commission to examine horrific practices in privatised childcare system
In light of Four Corners’ reporting overnight suggesting Australia’s early childhood education and care system is at breaking point, the Greens are urging the Government to set up a Royal Commission.
Investigative reporting from the ABC’s Four Corners program has highlighted a series of deeply troubling revelations including instances of serious abuse, staff misconduct, over-enrolment and other issues caused by a trend of putting profit over care. There is evidence that these issues may be systemic and occurring in centres across the country.
The Greens early childhood education spokesperson, Victorian Senator Steph Hodgins-May, says the Prime Minister cannot keep ignoring alarm bells, such as those identified in the Four Corners report, and must set out a clear roadmap to reform via a Royal Commission, similar to the one into Aged Care Quality and Safety.
Greens early childhood education spokesperson, Senator Steph Hodgins-May:
“The Prime Minister can’t keep ignoring the alarm bells that are ringing so loudly within the childcare sector. It’s time for a serious overhaul.
“The Greens are urging the government to initiate a Royal Commission, like was done with the crisis in the aged care system, to make sure that every childcare centre in the country is operating safely for both the kids in care as well as the staff.
“The reports we know about are likely just the tip of the iceberg. A Royal Commission into privatised early childhood education would bring to light the extent of the problem, and help pave the way for reform.
“The current system is riddled with problems after years of neglect and marketisation of policy—it is too expensive, inaccessible and, at times, even harmful.
“Labor’s childcare subsidy encourages for-profit providers to minimise costs, increase fees and make greater returns often at the expense of our kids. It’s a broken system.
“The Greens believe in free universal education for all—right through from children to university—but we recognise a low-cost flat fee of $10 a day would be a significant improvement on the current approach.
“With more Greens in Parliament, we can fight for free, universal and high-quality early childhood education.”
Greens launch electrification plan to get homes and businesses off gas, reduce emissions and bring down energy bills
The plan will also see households and businesses with solar supported to install battery
storage.
With the climate crisis leading to increasing climate disasters around the country including
more intense cyclones and devastating fires and floods, the government should be doing all
it can to reduce emissions.
The Greens say supporting people to electrify their homes is one of the cheapest ways to
reduce emissions and would bring the greatest benefits to households.
Under the Parliamentary Budget Office-costed plan, households and small businesses would
receive financial assistance to disconnect from gas appliances and install electric
alternatives.
Households would be able to access a grant of up to $10,000 and low-interest loan of up to
$20,000 to install eligible technologies such as induction cooktops and heat pumps, while
small businesses would be offered grants of up to $25,000 and low-interest loans of up to
$100,000.
Similar financial assistance would be offered to install battery storage as well, to maximise
the benefits of rooftops solar.
Households would be able to access grants of up to $5,000 and low-interest loans of up to
$10,000 to install household storage technology, while small businesses would be offered
grants of up to $10,000 and low-interest loans of up to $50,000.
Over the forward estimates, helping households and small businesses get off gas would cost
$5.1b, and support for households to install batteries will cost $2b, and support for small
businesses to install batteries will cost $1b.
Gas is as dirty as coal – non-renewable, unsustainable, and damaging to our health and the
environment. Household gas is responsible for 12 per cent of childhood asthma while
costing significantly more than renewable alternatives.
Meanwhile, upfront financial costs are a clear barrier to rooftop solar and storage uptake,
with a 2019 study showing over 35 per cent of people without solar said they didn’t have it
because of upfront costs.
The electrification of homes and businesses coupled with future Greens announcements on
support for electric vehicles will turn homes and businesses into powerhouses.
Household electrification with solar and storage also improves energy security through
decentralising energy production and storage and reduces investment needed in the grid as
power is generated right where it is needed.
The announcement builds on $2.2 billion previously secured by the Greens in negotiations
with the government for electrification for renters, apartments and social housing.
With a minority government likely following the upcoming federal election, the Greens say
they’re ready to keep Dutton out and get Labor to act on climate and implement more of the
Greens’ electrification plan.
Leader of the Australian Greens, Adam Bandt MP:
“In a wealthy country like ours, everyone should have clean, cheap energy. The Greens want
to turn every house into a powerhouse.
“Getting homes off gas reduces pollution and helps bring down energy bills. It’s good for your
health and it’s good for the environment.
“We will electrify our homes and businesses and energise our country, leading to greater
safety and prosperity.
“This election, there is hope. The Greens are within reach of winning new seats across the
country. With a minority government predicted, the Greens will keep Dutton out and get
Labor to act.”