Category: NSW News

Students and staff at Bowral High School are celebrating the opening of a brand new creative and performing arts centre delivered as part of the Minns Labor Government’s $100 million program of upgrades bringing high potential and gifted education opportunities to schools across NSW.

The new arts centre – nicknamed ‘The Theatre’ – will be a new hub for students to develop production skills, along with dance, drama, music, debating and movie-making opportunities.

Industry-standard facilities include tiered seating, the latest audio-visual equipment, and a mirrored dance studio.

Teachers at the school will receive dedicated professional learning to support the high potential and gifted education programs and opportunities at the school, making full use of the arts centre.

The arts centre will also be shared with local primary schools as a resource for all students in the Southern Highlands.

As part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to ensure students in every school across NSW have access to high potential and gifted education opportunities, the $6 million upgrade at Bowral High School also includes upgrades to specialist classrooms:

• Hospitality classrooms fitted out to industry standard
• Visual arts classrooms and science labs
• Wood and metal work rooms

These upgrades ensure local students are learning in state-of-the-art classrooms, enabling them to achieve their full potential.

Bowral High School is one of the 33 schools across NSW to receive a share of a $100 million investment from the Minns Labor Government as part of the high potential and gifted education partner schools’ program.

The program is delivering upgrades and improvements to facilities such as science and technology laboratories, libraries, creative arts spaces, sporting facilities and design workshops, enabling the schools to deliver talent development and extension opportunities across a range of subject areas.

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:

“The completion of this exciting new facility is the first of several upgrades the Minns Labor Government is delivering to Bowral High School to support every child to reach their full potential.

“Bowral High School is just one of the schools across the state to benefit from our commitment to deliver high potential and gifted education opportunities to all NSW public school students.”

Member for Wollondilly Judy Hannan said:

“This major improvement to Bowral High School is a welcome addition to the Southern Highlands.

“I’m sure teachers and students at our local primary schools will relish the opportunity to use this amazing new facility too.

“I’m looking forward to seeing what the students will be able to produce and a greater impact on the community as a result.”

Principal of Bowral High School Safija Bristina said:

“Students at the school are excited and there is a buzz in the air of enormous approval.

“We can bring back dance lessons and develop our students’ talent further, as well using it as a gallery for HSC major works and performances.”

The Minns Labor Government is today announcing the most significant motorcycle safety reforms in nearly 20 years. 

The reforms include targeted, evidence-based measures to protect novice riders and save lives, while complementing the government’s broader efforts to improve road safety infrastructure across NSW.

Coinciding with Motorcycle Awareness Month, the reforms to the Motorcycle Graduated Licensing Scheme (MGLS) form a cornerstone of the Government’s 2026 Road Safety Action Plan – with the long-term vision of zero deaths and serious injuries on NSW roads by 2050.

The reforms follow extensive consultation, including via the 2025 NSW Motorcycle Safety Roundtable, which brought together more than 70 riders, trainers and safety experts. Their recommendations, captured in an independent Insights Report, have directly informed these reforms and are released publicly today.

The Insights Report found overwhelming support for better rider training and education, protective gear standards and enhanced road infrastructure.

Key reforms include:

• Mandatory protective gloves for all learner and provisional riders.
• High-visibility vests for learner riders to improve visibility and awareness on the road.
• Extended pre-learner course, increasing training with experienced riding instructors, allowing for more and improved learning outcomes and skill development.
• New online learning modules and knowledge testing, to expand theory requirements.
• Group on-road coaching and assessment, bringing NSW into line with best practice in other states.

The Insights Report highlighted the growing trauma burden among motorcyclists.

In 2024, 68 riders and passengers were killed on NSW roads, a 34 per cent increase from the previous year. Motorcyclists remain 34 times more likely to die in a crash than other road users.

While motorcycles make up just 3.8 per cent of registered vehicles, they account for almost 20 per cent of road deaths.

Learner and provisional riders face the highest risk on NSW roads, with crash data revealing that learner riders are more than seven times as likely to be killed in a crash compared to fully licensed riders.

The evidence is clear: as riders progress through their licence stages, the risk of fatality falls, demonstrating that structured training and on-road experience save lives.

These changes strengthen that pathway, giving riders more time and support to build safe, confident habits from day one.

The landmark reforms complement the Minns Government’s investments in road safety infrastructure that helps to keep motorcyclists safe, including rub rails on barriers, improved shoulders, safer line markings and targeted road upgrades.

The Government acknowledges that these reforms may place additional demands on riders. However, NSW’s motorcycle training pathway is subsidised to support high-quality training for riders and will remain one of the most affordable in Australia.

The rollout of these reforms will be staged over multiple years to allow for detailed program design, industry-wide communication and preparation of training providers to deliver the enhanced training.

Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison said:

“We are delivering the most significant motorcycle safety reforms in almost two decades.

“These reforms are about smarter, safer riding. They’re grounded in data, evidence-based and shaped by insights from riders and safety experts and proven to work in other jurisdictions.

“The Motorcycle Safety Roundtable gave us strong direction, as is evident in the Insights Report we’ve released today. Riders want safer roads, better training, and more support to build good riding habits, especially for young and new riders.

“These reforms target novice riders because they are over seven times more likely to die in a crash than experienced riders.

“By strengthening training, improving on-road experience and mandating simple protective gear, we’re giving new riders the best possible start.

“We’re taking a whole-of-system approach: safer people, safer roads and safer vehicles. It’s all part of our Towards Zero vision of eliminating deaths and serious injuries by 2050.

“Every life lost on our roads is one too many. We all have a role to play in keeping NSW roads safe.”

Transport for NSW Secretary, Josh Murray, said:

“Each year Transport for NSW issues around 25,000 learner licences with approximately 40 per cent of new riders being under 25. These changes are designed to reduce the risk to this group who are over-represented in motorcycle trauma.

“Training and protective gear can save lives. Gloves reduce hand and wrist injuries by almost half, and high-vis vests make riders easier to see. These commonsense measures also improve safety appreciation from the start for novice riders.” 

Motorcycle Council of NSW Chairman, Vinnie Bee said: 

“The Motorcycle Council of NSW (MCCNSW) acknowledges and broadly supports initiatives aimed at improving rider safety, including proposed changes to protective gear requirements and the rider training scheme for novice riders.

“The MCCNSW is committed to working through these reforms with all relevant stakeholders to make sure these changes will improve safety for riders and to ensure the demand for an increase in training and supervision can be met while remaining affordable. 

“We await further detail as the proposals are finalised, and will continue to advocate for practical, evidence-based measures that genuinely enhance rider safety.”

The Minns Labor Government is continuing its efforts to strengthen integrity and crack down on corruption across New South Wales.

Amendments to the Surveillance Devices Act 2007 to be introduced to Parliament on Tuesday will strengthen the law by allowing investigative agencies to receive crucial evidence of crime and corruption.

The reforms will introduce a public interest exception so individuals or organisations who come into possession of unlawfully made surveillance recordings, but were not involved in making them, can share them with investigative agencies without fear of prosecution, provided they act promptly.

Currently, there is no such protection for people acting in the public interest to report crime or corruption.

The Independent Commission Against Corruption already has an exemption by way regulation under the Surveillance Devices Act 2007. But this bill will enshrine it in legislation for all statutory investigative agencies.

Recording someone without consent or committing offences such as trespass will remain illegal under these changes.

These reforms will help investigators expose and prosecute corrupt and criminal behaviour while upholding strong privacy protections. It will allow bodies such as ICAC to receive and rely on evidence that it would otherwise be impossible for them to use.

They follow extensive consultation with investigative agencies, legal experts and privacy bodies, and will bring NSW into line with other states.

Attributable to Attorney General Michael Daley:

“The NSW Government will allow investigative agencies to obtain and rely on evidence of criminal or corrupt conduct that would otherwise be unlawful.

“These changes will mean someone who comes into the possession of an audio or visual recording that has been obtained unlawfully will not face prosecution if they provide it promptly to authorities in the public interest.

“This reform has been carefully designed to aid investigations into suspected criminal or corrupt conduct while maintaining important privacy considerations.”

The Minns Labor Government will today introduce landmark legislation to enshrine a Standard Non-Parole Period of 25 years for the murder of a current or former intimate partner, as part of its ongoing work to build a safer New South Wales.

This will be the first time in Australia that a specific non-parole period for intimate partner homicide has been legislated. Reflecting the gravity of the crime, the 25-year standard non-parole period will be among the highest of any offence in New South Wales.

Currently, murder carries a standard non-parole period of 20 years. This reform represents a 25% increase, aligning intimate partner murder with other offences that attract the state’s most severe sentencing standards, such as the murder of a child or public officials acting in the course of their duties.

The Crimes Legislation Amendment (Domestic Violence and Sexual Offences) Bill 2025 will amend the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999, following the extraordinary advocacy of Tabitha Acret, mother of Mackenzie Anderson, who was tragically murdered by her former partner in 2022.

The murder of a current or former intimate partner is a heinous crime that causes profound harm to victims, families and communities. This legislation ensures our laws reflect both the severity of these offences and the devastating impact they inflict.

In the five years to June 2025, 59 people in NSW were murdered by a current or former intimate partner – 42 of them women.

This reform builds on the Minns Labor Government’s ongoing commitment to ensure the justice system protects victim-survivors of domestic and family violence and holds perpetrators to account.

This work has included:

• Introducing the toughest bail laws in the country for perpetrators of domestic and family violence.
• Requiring electronic monitoring of people charged with serious domestic violence offences who are on bail.
• Increasing penalties for certain breaches of Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders (ADVOs).
• Establishing Serious Domestic Abuse Protection Orders to better protect victim-survivors.

In addition, the Government has commenced implementation of NSW’s first dedicated Primary Prevention Strategy and delivered record investment in crisis support.

The Minns Labor Government knows there is more work to be done. It remains steadfast in its commitment to working alongside advocates, experts, and victim-survivors to prevent domestic and family violence, ensure accountability, and stop its devastating impact across New South Wales.

Chris Minns, Premier of New South Wales said:

“I want to thank Tabitha Acret for her incredible courage and advocacy following the tragic loss of her daughter.

“No parent should ever have to endure what Tabitha has, yet she has used her voice to drive real change that will help protect others.

“This legislation is about recognising the true severity of intimate partner homicide and ensuring our justice system reflects that and holds perpetrators to account.

“We know laws alone won’t end domestic and family violence, but they do send a powerful signal about what we stand for as a community.”

Michael Daley, Attorney General said:

“When a person takes the life of their partner or former partner, it tears families and communities apart.

“A 25-year standard non-parole period reflects the community’s deep sense of outrage and the lasting harm these crimes cause.

“It is also about consistency and transparency, ensuring courts have a clear benchmark that reflects the severity of intimate partner homicide.”

Jodie Harrison, Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault said:

“Tabitha Acret’s bravery in speaking out after the loss of her daughter Mackenzie has driven this important reform.

“Her advocacy has made New South Wales a safer place for women, and I want to thank her for her bravery and compassion in the face of unimaginable loss.

“While today’s legislation is an important step, we know there is more to do. We will continue working with advocates, experts and victim-survivors to stop violence before it starts and support those impacted to rebuild their lives.”

Tabitha Acret, reform advocate and mother of Mackenzie Anderson:

“I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Premier Chris Minns and the NSW Labor Government-not just for today’s outcomes, but for the series of legislative changes they are putting into place to address domestic and family violence. While no law can bring back the lives we’ve tragically lost, I truly hope these reforms will serve as a powerful deterrent.

“When Mackenzie’s murderer’s sentence was announced, it was another heart break that her case could also be used to help free violent offenders earlier. I am so thankful that part of her legacy will now be that future families will not experience the pain we did through the justice system.

“But laws alone are not enough. The government cannot do this work in isolation – it takes a united community to call out discrimination, to stand against violence, and to build a future grounded in respect and equality. I feel deeply thankful that today’s progress reflects the strength and determination of our community working together.

“This is not the end for me. I remain committed to pushing forward in the prevention space, creating opportunities for gender equality in every aspect of life. Together, we can make lasting change.”

Support available:

In an emergency, where there is an immediate risk of harm, contact emergency services on Triple Zero (000)

NSW Domestic Violence Help Line: 1800 65 64 63

1800RESPECT: 1800 7377 32

Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14

Kids Helpline: 1800 55 18 00

Further information on if you suspect and want to help someone in a domestic violence situation is available here.

Information on how to spot the signs of coercive control is available here. 

A research project with the ultimate goal to eliminate the need for heart transplants within the decade, is among recipients of a NSW Government grant program investing $3.7 million in 2025 to accelerate collaborative heart disease research and treatments.

Five research teams were awarded the NSW Government’s Cardiovascular Collaborative Grant program funding for 2025 at the Westmead Research & Innovation Conference at Westmead Research Hub last night.

The successful recipients include Westmead Institute for Medical Research cardiologist Professor James Chong who is collaborating with senior researchers in NSW, Queensland and Victoria to progress leading-edge research into heart disease.

Professor Chong’s received $750,000 in funding for a project researching a new therapy, which involves the injection of adult stem cells into damaged heart muscle to repair and regenerate heart tissue.

It is hoped that one day this treatment may be used in place of heart transplants to help prevent heart failure following a heart attack, which affects around one person every nine minutes.

The Cardiovascular Collaborative Grant program encourages collaboration between clinicians and researchers from organisations such as universities, medical research institutes and hospitals, to enable them to answer complex research questions and to support retention of innovative research in NSW.

The other successful 2025 recipients are:

• Professor John O’Sullivan – Restoring energy generation in heart failure. 
• Dr Javad Foroughi – Innovative artificial heart muscles.
• Associate Professor Cheryl Carcel - Blood pressure lowering treatment delivered pre-hospital.
• Professor Robert Graham - Novel delivery systems to empower complete repair of the heart after a myocardial infarct.

The grants are part of the NSW Government’s Cardiovascular Research Capacity Program, a $150 million investment over 10 years, which aims to improve the cardiovascular health of people in NSW. 

For more information visit: https://www.medicalresearch.nsw.gov.au/cardiovascular

Minister for Medical Research, David Harris said:

“Cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of illness and death in Australia and the NSW Government is committed to funding research that will deliver new and innovative heart disease treatments.

“The NSW Health Cardiovascular Collaborative Grant program connects people and resources, encouraging collaboration between medical research institutes, universities and public health services.

“Supporting these five outstanding teams in their collaborative work meets strategic outcomes of the NSW Government’s Research and Innovation Strategy which aims to accelerate research and harness emerging innovations.

“This work will support efforts to reduce cardiovascular healthcare costs in the future, positioning the state as a world leader in health and medical research.”

James Chong, Head of the Cardiac Regeneration Laboratory at Westmead Institute of Medical Research, said:

“The treatment our group has been developing uses specially cultivated stem cells to repair injured and failing hearts.

“Stem cells have the capacity to become any kind of cell in the body, using a process called differentiation, we create cardiac stem cells and deliver them straight to the damaged area of the heart, where they grow new living, beating heart muscle.

“This treatment could revolutionise the management of heart disease, addressing issues such as heart failure and loss of cardiac tissues after heart attacks.

“Our ultimate goal is to cure heart disease and eliminate the need for heart transplants within the next decade.”

Close to 75,000 HSC students will put pen to paper over the next 17 test days as written exams officially get underway, beginning with English Paper 1 this morning.

HSC written exams mark the conclusion of 13 years of schooling for students, providing them with an opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned during their education.

When the written exams finish on Friday 7 November, with Food Technology being the final examination, HSC students will have sat over 400,000 exam sessions in 123 different subjects from Mathematics to Construction.

Students have already completed language oral exams, practical performances, and major projects during Term 3.

Thousands of dedicated teachers, principals, and support staff are working behind the scenes during the HSC, ensuring written exams run smoothly and delivering a fair outcome for every student. Students will receive their HSC results and ATAR on Thursday 18 December.

With an additional 9,000 students undertaking at least one exam as part of an accelerated pathway, or completing the HSC over multiple years, it means around 84,000 students will complete an HSC course in 2025.

The2025 HSC written exam timetable can be found on the NESA website, along with the 2025 HSC enrolment snapshot.

The Minns Labor Government has made a record investment in NSW schools since coming to office, with the 2025-26 Budget delivering $9 billion for public education infrastructure right across the state.

Alongside the Minns Labor Government’s investment in education infrastructure, we are making sure there are more teachers in front of students in NSW classrooms and rolling out a new, knowledge-rich curriculum.

We have reduced teacher vacancies by 61 per cent across the state, resulting in the number of cancelled classes in NSW nearly halving since the Minns Labor Government took office.

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:

“On behalf of the entire NSW Government I want to wish students the best of luck as their HSC exams begin today.

“You have done the hard work – now is the time to stay focused, look after yourself, and follow a healthy study schedule.

“Thank you to the hard-working teachers of NSW who’ve prepared HSC students for this moment and to all the teachers who have guided students through their 13 years of schooling.”

NSW Education Standards Authority Chief Executive Officer Paul Martin said:

“The HSC exam period is a major statewide effort, coordinated by exam staff and school communities, to ensure every student has the chance to perform at their best.

“Teachers, families and caregivers have been a constant source of encouragement and support for these young people – and today is as much a milestone for them as it is for the students.”

In a major boost for Ryde and surrounding communities, Ryde Hospital’s first MRI machine will be delivered as part of the $526.8 million Ryde Hospital redevelopment, providing enhanced access to medical imaging services for patients closer to home.

The MRI service will be located in the new seven-storey Acute Services Building and enable patients to undergo scans in the hospital, saving time and improving continuity of care.

Currently, Ryde Hospital patients who require MRI scans are referred to a nearby offsite provider, transferred to a neighbouring Northern Sydney Local Health District hospital, or managed through alternative diagnostic measures.

The Minns Labor Government’s major investment will deliver a world-class health facility with expanded health services in Ryde, helping to meet the future health needs of the growing local community.

The MRI service will support a range of diagnostic capabilities at Ryde Hospital across emergency, neurology, orthopaedics, oncology and general medicine, and assist with more accurate assessments and improved treatment planning for patients.

The Ryde Hospital Redevelopment’s Acute Services Building is expected to be completed in late 2027, with the hospital’s main entrance and landscaping works to follow in 2028.

Main works are well underway, with piling and earth works progressing to establish the foundations for the new hospital building.

The Ryde Hospital Redevelopment project will deliver new and expanded services including:

• A new and expanded emergency department, medical imaging department, intensive care unit, operating theatres and procedure rooms, and surgical/endoscopy day only spaces
• A new purpose-built ambulatory care centre and paediatric short stay unit
• More adult overnight inpatient beds
• Associated clinical and non-clinical support services including pharmacy, pathology, food, environmental, linen and supply services
• Contemporary education, training and research to strengthen tertiary partnerships
• Improved accessibility to the campus, including internal roads, urban spaces, landscaping and wayfinding, and engineering and information and communications technology service infrastructure.

To learn more about the Ryde Hospital Redevelopment visit: www.nsw.gov.au/ryde-hospital-redevelopment

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“The Minns Labor Government is making it easier for people to access the healthcare they need and deserve.

“Patients attending Ryde Hospital will be able to access state-of-the-art MRI scans locally once the redevelopment is complete, without needing to travel to other facilities or hospitals.

“The expanded MRI capability will support the growing Ryde community by enabling faster, more targeted diagnostics for patients and clinicians.

“This will save time, ease pressure on existing services and staff, and provide patients with the confidence that they are receiving contemporary care close to home.”

Federal Member for Bennelong Jerome Laxale:

“Since being elected, I’ve fought for an MRI service at Ryde Hospital. Today’s announcement means our community will finally get the bulk-billed scans we need, right here at our local hospital.

“Incredibly, the State Liberal’s didn’t budget for an MRI Machine at Ryde during their time in Government. After raising this with Minister Park, I’m glad that the Minns Labor Government has listened to our calls for a public MRI machine to be part of the new Ryde hospital.

“And with reforms to MRI licensing to be finalised by 1 July 2027, the Federal and State Labor governments are working together to make Medicare stronger and more accessible.”

Ryde Councillor Lyndal Howison:

“It’s genuinely exciting to see the Ryde Hospital redevelopment take shape now thanks to the Minns Labor government, and the addition of MRI technology is deeply appreciated.

“In 2023, doctors at Ryde told me about the vital role that MRI technology would play for our community, and I shared their ambitions for a local hospital in Ryde that had the facilities to deliver best-practice care, close to home.

“I’m so pleased that Premier Minns and Minister Park have responded to the needs of our growing community with this investment.”

Northen Sydney Local Health District Chief Executive Anthony Schembri:

“Ryde’s population is projected to exceed 180,000 by 2041 and this service will play a vital role in supporting better patient outcomes as part of the $526.8 million Ryde Hospital Redevelopment.

“It is fantastic that the Ryde community will soon benefit from the advantages of an on-site MRI to facilitate improved diagnostics and treatment planning. This technology supports more accurate assessments, leading to better outcomes and enhanced care standards for patients.”

High-tech K9 pods and a detection puppy are joining the firefighting frontline to help investigate the origin and cause of fires, alongside 133 new firefighters graduating from the Fire and Rescue NSW academy today.

Today, 62 permanent firefighters and 71 paid on-call firefighters join the emergency services family. Importantly, 73 per cent of the new permanent firefighters have previously served as on-call firefighters, bringing more than 383 years of combined experience and service into full-time roles.  

The graduating firefighters hail from diverse backgrounds including teaching, surfboard manufacturing, disability support, plumbing, electrical trades, surf lifesaving, media, other emergency services and Defence.

Also joining the firefighting frontline is Garvey, a five-month-old brown and white Springer Spaniel puppy, training to join FRNSW’s world-leading Ignitable Liquid Detection Canine (ILDC) program.

To support Garvey and his canine colleagues, the Minns Labor Government has invested $320,000 in two new custom-built FRNSW K9 pod vehicles, strengthening the ILDC program that has been the benchmark in Australasia for three decades. 

Designed in collaboration with the FRNSW canine team, the pod-style vehicles feature advanced communications and comfort systems for both handlers and dogs, including:

• A purpose-built kennel with air-conditioning and remote temperature monitoring via mobile app
• Multi-compartment design to carry one or two dogs safely and comfortably
• Access ramps to reduce manual handling and avoid stress injuries to dogs
• Full washout capability for hygiene and ease of maintenance
• Modern cab features to improve safety and comfort for handlers 

The vehicles also include a powerful dual battery to support operational communications and vehicle safety systems, enhanced stowage space, and technology connected via mobile and satellite networks.

Paired with dedicated handlers, the dogs can detect minute traces of ignitable liquids at fire scenes and are an essential tool in determining the cause of fires and assisting criminal investigations.

Garvey’s training is focused on getting him used to real-life fire scenes, helping him become comfortable with debris, smells, and textures that are part of his future work. With his acute sense of smell and energetic demeanour, Garvey is expected to join the frontline within 12 months.

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib:

“We know how much courage and discipline firefighting requires – it takes a special person to step into that uniform. The firefighters graduating today embody those qualities, and they should be proud of the positive impact they have made and will continue to make in their communities for many years to come.

“I’d encourage people to become on-call firefighters, it’s a great pathway to joining the ranks full-time. As today’s graduating class shows our strategy for recruiting more firefighters, as part of our plan to rebuild emergency services, is working.

“The addition of these new canine vehicles gives handlers the very best tools to do their job safely and effectively, while also ensuring our detection dogs are well cared for.”

FRNSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell:

“Our newest recruits will now join metropolitan and regional crews across the state, putting their intensive training into action.

“From today, they are part of an organisation where community trust and safety are at the heart of everything we do. I congratulate them as they embark on their firefighting careers.”

“We’re also proud to welcome Garvey, who represents the next generation of this unique and highly valued program.

“Our Ignitable Liquid Detection Canine team play a vital role in determining the cause of suspicious fires and supporting police investigations.” 

The Minns Labor Government is delivering on a key commitment to support and grow the Creative Industries in NSW, with $3.2 million to deliver a writing and literature strategy.

Stories Matter: A Writing and Literature Strategy for NSW is our state’s first ever dedicated literature and writing strategy. Stories define our identity, reading and writing underpins educational success, promotes social cohesion, builds empathy and cultivates critical thinking.

The sector in NSW also generates around $1.3 billion annually in publishing and retail activity, supports up to 22,000 jobs, and delivers global recognition through rights sales, screen adaptations and tourism. Yet writers on average only earn $18,200 a year from their creative practice.

This strategy outlines a targeted framework to expand access to reading and writing, grow audiences, and build a sustainable, inclusive and globally connected literature and writing sector.

Developed in consultation with writers, publishers, educators, festivals, libraries and cultural organisations, Stories Matter is built upon five strategic pillars:

1. Reinforce our foundations: develop state and federal partnerships and co-investment to increase the effectiveness of existing programs and organisations.
2. Invest in authors: to make writing a sustainable career and enrich the sector as a whole.
3. Promote reading: use the library network, schools and festivals to connect readers with authors, and address declining reading rates, especially amongst younger people.
4. Strengthen the ecosystem: through strategic partnerships with schools, universities, libraries, cultural institutions and local government to expand opportunities for writers and increase the reach and impact of writing and literature across the state.
5. Address structural challenges: Introduce freedom to collect legislation;advocateacross jurisdictions to support the sector.

The strategy commits to the following new key initiatives to grow the sector:

• $100,000 to strengthen Western Sydneyliterature organisations, starting with Westwords, to deliver a Western Sydney school focused program and emerging writers academy.​
• $500,000 Literary Fellowships Fund for authors, playwrights and illustrators.​
• $225,000 for 3 x co-funded Writing Australia collaborations:​
  • LitUp Pilot for regional schools and communities to host events with authors and illustrators.​
  • International Market Development programs to promote opportunities for international sales.
  • Program to support writers to tour internationally or translate and publish their books for new markets
• $200,000 for First Nations writers and publishing professionals’ development fund. ​
• Collaborate with public libraries to launch a membership campaign and invest $630,000 for research and a pilot program to improve women, girls and gender diverse people’s access to libraries and their surrounding precincts.

Minister for Arts, John Graham said:

“Here in NSW, we have an incredible legacy of writers and the biggest publishing industry in the country, but there are still challenges.  

“Writers’ incomes remain low, publishers and reading rates are under pressure from digital media and artificial intelligence poses a profound threat to the publishing industry.

“This requires direct action, because there is too much to lose, and so much to gain, from a strong literary sector in NSW.

“We want our stories to be told, we want to be part of the global literary conversation, and we rely on the social cohesion that comes from the nuance and empathy that books build.”

Stories Matter strategy co-chairs, Brooke Webb and Olivia Lanchester said:

“Our stories aren’t created in a vacuum. Although writers are the primary producers at the heart of the literature sector, they are nurtured and supported by a complex ecosystem of publishers, booksellers, libraries, schools, tertiary institutions, literary festivals, literary organisations and community networks such as book clubs and reading groups.

“It is imperative we invest in the foundations of literary life: in writers and writing, in organisations that support creative development, and in the places and programs that connect people with books and ideas.

“This three–year strategy proposes a clear path forward. It outlines targeted actions to create meaningful career pathways for writers, support publishers and booksellers and grow diverse reading communities across the state.”

James Bradley, Author and working group member said:

“The NSW government’s new literature strategy will make a material difference to the lives of the state’s writers by investing in creators, strengthening the literary ecosystem, and fostering a range of new partnerships with universities, cultural institutions and other organisations.

“But it also helps ensure the benefits of reading and writing are available to everybody by investing in programs to improve literacy and promote reading in schools, supporting First Nations writers and publishing professionals, and allowing readers of all ages to connect with writers through events in libraries and elsewhere.”

Charlotte Wood, Author said:

“Literature is routinely ignored or omitted from general discussion of ‘the arts’, even from within arts organisations themselves. Literature has long been the most poorly funded art form in this country, despite all the studies showing how crucial reading is for our brains and social cohesion, and despite the fact that the book industry contributes more than $2 billion to the Australian economy – on the back of writers’ efforts. It is the most democratically available art form there is – anyone with a library card can access works of literature in the original form, wherever they are and no matter how much money they have. 

“I’m hopeful the strategy will recognise that Australian literature is not merely decorative, a nice thing somehow separate from the rest of life. Because its literature is absolutely central to the intellectual life and psychology of any nation. Australian books and writers are a dynamic contributor to the cultural, economic and political thinking that shapes our society. And unless governments begin to take reading and literary contribution seriously, that flourishing intellectual life is doomed to evaporate.”

The Minns Labor Government is rebuilding essential education infrastructure in regional NSW, with students turning the first sod to mark the beginning of construction on new permanent buildings for Lismore South Public School and Lismore South Ngulliboo Jarjums Preschool.

Both the public school and co-located public preschool are being rebuilt at their original Phyllis Street site following the devastating 2022 Northern Rivers floods.

The new flood-resilient public school and preschool include 13 modern permanent classrooms, a library, a multipurpose hall, undercover learning and play areas, and a games court.

The flood-resilient buildings have been designed to meet the long-term needs of preschool and primary school students in South Lismore and minimise potential disruption from any future flood events, including early evacuation.

The new buildings are being manufactured offsite and will be delivered to the school site and installed by crane onto a flood-resilient steel platform, in early 2026.

Enhanced planning powers under section 68 of the NSW Reconstruction Authority Act 2022 have been used to fast-track the rebuild of the school. This is the third time these powers have been exercised by the Minister for Recovery to accelerate the reconstruction of a flood-affected public school, supporting the NSW Government’s commitment to deliver safer, more resilient learning environments for local communities. The Minns Labor Government is committed to rebuilding flood-affected schools in the Northern Rivers, ensuring schools are built back better for local communities.

Since 2022, 16 flood-damaged schools have been repaired or rebuilt in the Northern Rivers, including Blakebrook Public School which opened to students earlier this year. Work is also underway rebuilding Condong Public School and Tumbulgum Public School in the Tweed.

Funding to rebuild nine extensively damaged schools, including Lismore South Public School, has been provided through the Infrastructure Betterment Fund, which is jointly funded by the Commonwealth and NSW Governments through Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

As part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to rebuild public education in NSW, the 2025-26 Budget delivered $2.1 billion for new and upgraded schools in regional NSW.

This targeted investment ensures growing regional communities can access a world class public education. 

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:

“Construction beginning on the Lismore South Public School rebuild is an important step forward for this resilient community.

“The Northern Rivers has been through so much and our government, with the leadership of Deputy Premier and Education Minister Prue Car and local champion Minister Janelle Saffin, is ensuring students can return to a brand-new permanent school.   

“The flood-resilient design will minimise potential future disruptions, supporting these students and the community for years to come.”

Minister for Recovery and the North Coast Janelle Saffin said:

“This project is more than a rebuild – it’s an investment in the future of the South Lismore community, ensuring students have the facilities they deserve and reducing the risk of disruption from future floods.

“Rebuilding Lismore South Public School and Lismore South Ngulliboo Jarjums Preschool is a central part of the recovery work the Minns Labor Government is undertaking to create more resilient communities following the 2022 floods.

“I want to acknowledge the incredible resilience and strength of the South Lismore community, who have faced significant challenges. Together, we’re building back a better, brighter, and more resilient future.”

Lismore South Public School Principal Larissa Polak said:

“Breaking ground on our new school rebuild is an exciting moment for our entire school community. 

“It’s the start of a great new chapter that’s going to be beneficial for our students, staff, and the Lismore South community for generations to come.

“This rebuild will deliver resilient school buildings to cater to the needs of our community, and we look forward to seeing our future school take shape.”