Category: NSW News

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.”

Applications for 2027 entry to NSW selective schools and opportunity classes will open on 6 November 2025, with the Minns Labor Government addressing a growing gender imbalance in coeducational selective schools.

From the 2027 intake onwards, there will be an equal number of selective places available for girls and boys at all selective and partially selective high schools, as well as opportunity classes in public primary schools.

This change aims to address a decline in girls accepting, as well as applying for, places in opportunity classes and coeducational selective schools.

The gender mix in selective high schools is now 58 per cent boys and 42 per cent girls, while in opportunity classes it is 60 per cent and 40 per cent respectively.

The imbalance has grown in recent years, from 45 percent of Year 7 places being taken up by girls in 2019 to only 41 per cent in 2025.

In some circumstances, this has led to imbalanced cohorts that are more than 75 per cent male.

Parent feedback has shown girls have concerns about the over-representation of boys at coeducational selective schools, leading girls not to accept places offered to them.

Introducing an equal number of places in opportunity classes and selective and partially selective high schools ensures a healthy gender balance across classes and schools.

Entry to opportunity classes and selective high schools for boys and girls will continue to be based on performance in the placement test.

All students currently enrolled in a selective high school or opportunity class, or who are offered places for 2026, are not affected by these changes.

Applications for 2027 entry will close on 20 February 2026. As announced earlier this year, testing will be conducted at local public school settings from 2026.

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:

“The Minns Labor Government is working to provide opportunities for students to thrive, with applications to open for 2027 selective school and opportunity class entry in the coming weeks.

“There’s a growing decline in girls accepting places in opportunity classes and selective high schools, and we want to ensure our schools have a healthy gender balance.

“Alongside our work to rollout high potential and gifted education across all of our public schools, we are committed to ensuring every student has the opportunity to reach their potential.”

Twelve months on from the start of the National Housing Accord, the verdict is in: Labor’s housing plan is failing and failing badly.
 
New ABS figures released today show NSW has fallen 43.5% short of its year-one target. Just 42,581 homes have been delivered over the past 12 months. This contrasts with the 75,400 required each year to stay on track for our Housing Accord commitment of 377,000 homes over the next five years.
 
Labor’s own budget papers admit NSW is set to fall 137,000 homes short of the National Accord target, forecasting just 240,000 completions over five years. One year down, and the Minns Labor Government is already far behind with no credible plan to catch up.
 
Feasibility remains the number one problem for new housing supply. Builders and developers are warning that projects simply don’t stack up and the situation is getting worse under the current tax regime.
 
Part of Labor’s failure is the $12,000 Housing and Productivity Contribution. The Minns Labor Government in 2023 introduced this tax on every new home in Greater Sydney, paid before construction even begins.
 
The NSW Coalition has called for the tax to be paused immediately. A Coalition Government would pause the Housing and Productivity Contribution for the life of the Housing Accord until 30 June 2029, and defer its collection to the occupation certificate stage after that.
 
Density needs to be matched with the infrastructure to support new housing growth, which will enable projects to get off the ground in the first place. Under Labor, little to no additional infrastructure funding has been allocated for the 37 TOD precincts or 171 affected suburbs under the low and mid-rise reforms.
 
Shadow Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Scott Farlow, said the latest figures confirm what the building industry and homebuyers already know: there’s no feasible path to delivering the homes NSW needs under Labor.
 
“After one full year of the Accord, it’s clear Labor’s plan is failing. The numbers don’t lie and families across NSW are paying the price. One year in, all Labor have delivered is a worse housing crisis,” Mr Farlow said.
 
“Chris Minns has promised his housing policies would fix the housing crisis. Instead, we’re seeing approvals falling, commencements stalling, and the pipeline drying up.”
 
“At a time when costs are up and confidence is low, Labor has chosen to make it even harder to build. You don’t deliver more homes by taxing the ones you haven’t built yet. Higher taxes and charges continue to make the dream of owning a home even harder for young people and families.”
 
“Labor wants more people to live in communities without the roads, schools, hospitals or services to support them. The concept of master planning has been abandoned by Labor.”
 
“Chris Minns and Labor must finally face up to reality: NSW can’t tax our way to more housing and new housing must come with infrastructure investment. Labor’s one year anniversary of housing failure makes the need for change even clearer,” Mr Farlow said.

The Hunter’s netball community came alive over the weekend as Netball NSW brought its annual Beyond the Court regional roadshow to Newcastle (17–18 October), connecting directly with schools, young leaders, volunteers, and fans through two days of visits, workshops, and community events.NSW Swifts stars Sharni Lambden and Tayla Fraser joined Netball NSW CEO Tracey Scott, Board Members, and senior executives for the two-day event, which included school visits, a community meet-and-greet, a Youth Ambassador leadership program, and the Beyond the Court development workshops.

Trish Crews, Executive General Manager of Communities at Netball NSW delivers the Beyond the Court Workshop in Newcastle.

Hundreds of students from Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College – Berkeley Vale Campus, Wadalba Community School, and Newcastle Grammar School had the chance to meet the Swifts, ask questions, and hear first-hand what it’s like to play at the elite level.Friday afternoon saw crowds gather at the Newcastle Netball Association for the community meet-and-greet, where fans took photos, collected autographs, and chatted with the athletes. Later that evening, local young leaders took part in the Youth Ambassador Program, discovering their leadership strengths through interactive activities and discussions with the Swifts.

NSW Swifts Tayla Fraser and Sharni Lamden educate netball coaches and officials at the Netball NSW Beyond the Court workshop. 

Saturday’s Beyond the Court workshops drew strong participation from coaches, umpires, and volunteers eager to develop new skills across topics such as inclusion, communication, and volunteer frameworks.“It’s been amazing to get out to Newcastle and meet so many passionate people who love this sport,” said Sharni Lambden, NSW Swifts player. “Whether it’s the students we met at school or the volunteers who keep the game running, the energy and commitment across the Hunter is incredible. We’ve had such a warm welcome.”

There has always been strong support for the NSW Swifts in the region and the 2026 Suncorp Super Netball season looks to be no different, with fans expected to cheer on the red dress when the season kicks off in March. Trish Crews, Executive General Manager – Communities at Netball NSW, said the regional roadshow continues to strengthen ties between Netball NSW and local associations.“These visits are about connection — listening to our communities, sharing knowledge, and recognising the people who make netball happen every week,” Ms Crews said. “The Hunter region has such a proud netball tradition, and it’s been a privilege to spend time here and see the passion that drives the game forward.”The Beyond the Court regional roadshow forms part of Netball NSW’s commitment to ensuring every community across the state has direct access to the sport’s leaders, athletes, and development programs — inspiring the next generation of netballers both on and off the court.

E-bike clutter on footpaths will be cleaned up, government and councils will have the power to regulate operators and recoup the costs of shared scheme management and infrastructure – under new laws being introduced to the NSW Parliament today.  

This Australian first e-bike shared scheme regulation is the culmination of in-depth consultation with councils, operators and user groups and responds to key recommendations from the Parliamentary Inquiry into the use of e-scooters, e-bikes and related mobility options. 

Currently, operators can deploy e-bikes anywhere, without approval from councils or the NSW Government. This has led to poorly parked e-bikes creating clutter, e-bikes without helmets, and no controls in place to ensure devices meet minimum standards.

The Bill will establish minimum regulatory requirements for shared scheme operators and give new powers to Transport for NSW to check operators meet these standards before they can provide services. This will improve consistency and reduce duplication across councils.  

Minimum standards include helmet provision, distribution and collection of devices, adherence to council conditions, device specifications, maintenance, minimum insurances, complaints handling processes, incident reporting and rider education. 

The legislation will also give local councils the power to decide where NSW Government approved shared schemes can operate in their area, set dedicated parking areas, go-slow and no-go zones.  

As part of the reform approved shared scheme operators will pay a fee that funds the approvals, compliance monitoring, council rangers, establishing parking bays, active transport infrastructure and a data sharing platform monitoring shared bike use.  

Transport and local councils will be establishing on street and kerb side e-bike parking bays in town centres, train and metro stations. This will give e-bike users and shared scheme operators more clarity on where to park and reduce clutter for pedestrians and other road users.  

Transport and councils will be able to issue penalties to operators who fail to meet the minimum standards and Transport will be able to revoke approvals of operators who breach the requirements. Operators that fail to comply with a removal order face a maximum penalty of $55,000 plus $5500 for each day the offence continues. Operators that fail to comply with requests for information face a maximum penalty of $110,000. 

Minister for Transport John Graham said:  

“Shared bikes strewn across footpaths and roads have been an eye-sore and a danger to pedestrians for too long. These Australian first shared scheme laws will clean up the clutter and provide clear standards and consistency for operators and local councils.  

“We know shared e-bikes reduce congestion, connect our transport system and reduce emissions but the current voluntary approach to parking and safety isn’t working. That’s why we’re stepping in to fix the clutter on footpaths and ensure safety standards are met. 

“The popularity of shared devices is growing in NSW, in the last financial year alone the number of daily trips increased by 200% and these reforms will help ensure this mode of transport is a safe and accessible option to move around, while balancing the needs of the wider community. 

“We are setting some of the toughest requirements in Australia for sharing scheme services, to make sure services are safe and meet community expectations.” 

Parliamentary Secretary for Transport Marjorie O’Neill said: 

“This legislation is about creating a clear, consistent framework that allows shared bikes to thrive as part of our active transport network — safely and sustainably. We want to see these schemes grow and succeed, but in a way that works for everyone, whether you’re a rider, a pedestrian, or a local business.” 

“For too long, shared bike operators have been able to act without proper oversight — resulting in cluttered footpaths, safety risks, and frustration for communities. These new laws put safety, accountability and public amenity front and centre.” 

“This legislation has been developed hand in hand with local councils, operators and transport users. It’s a model of collaborative reform — balancing innovation with community needs, and ensuring local voices shape how shared schemes operate in their streets.” 

Secretary of Transport Josh Murray said: 

“Latest Transport for NSW data shows 15 per cent of people in NSW have ridden a shared or rented e-bike, with 6 per cent riding at least monthly.  

“While this number is likely to grow rapidly, we need to address the impact of poorly parked devices, including access to buildings and footpaths which can present challenges for everyone – but particularly impacts people with prams, elderly people and people with mobility needs. 

“These reforms will give Transport for NSW and councils the necessary powers to ensure shared e-bikes meet safety standards, people are wearing helmets and the issue of dumped e-bikes on footpaths is fixed.” 

A landmark plan to address inequities in water ownership will see the NSW Government put water back in Aboriginal peoples’ hands, strengthen their role in water management, and create new opportunities for self-determination.

For the first time in New South Wales history, the Minns Labor Government is launching an Aboriginal Water Strategy to deliver immediate, practical actions that will give Aboriginal communities greater access and control over water.

Aboriginal peoples currently own less than 0.2% of licensed water entitlements in NSW, despite making up more than 3 per cent of the population.

Lack of access to water deprives them of opportunities to exercise self-determination, care for Country, and generate wealth from agricultural production or other commercial activities.  

The first step in delivering the strategy begins today, with the launch of a registration of interest (ROI) process to transfer water to Aboriginal peoples.

Around 26,000 water shares currently held by the NSW Government, including in regulated and unregulated water and groundwater sources, are being made directly available to Aboriginal-controlled organisations or entities.

They can apply to receive general water access licences, which can be used for commercial purposes that support economic benefits like small scale farming operations, as well as for cultural and environmental purposes.

The new strategy also lays the foundation for long-term reform in water management to include Aboriginal knowledge in decision-making and ensure healthy water systems continue to support culture, communities and Country.

Key actions in the strategy include:

• Increasing Aboriginal participation in water planning with paid seats at the decision-making table.
• Removing barriers to cultural water access by simplifying applications and waiving fees.
• Protecting culturally significant water sites.
• Supporting intergenerational knowledge sharing by recognising and respecting Aboriginal cultural practices in water management.

The NSW Government is building a better NSW with more equitable water access, working with Aboriginal peoples to ensure reforms are practical, locally relevant, and deliver long-term benefits. 

The ROI process to apply for surrendered water access licences is open to all Aboriginal-controlled organisations and entities for 8 weeks, from 15 October to 5pm 10 December 2025.

Progress will be reported publicly to ensure transparency and accountability.

For more information, visit: water.nsw.gov.au/aboriginal-water-strategy 

Minister for Water Rose Jackson said:

“For too long, Aboriginal peoples have been left out of decisions about water and denied the opportunity to benefit from it.  

“This strategy is about real, practical outcomes – from expanding access to water for community use, a stronger voice in water planning and making licenced water directly available to Aboriginal peoples for the first time in NSW history. 

“It won’t solve everything overnight and we know there is plenty more work to do, but it is a practical first step towards greater ownership and self-determination.” 

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:

“I am proud to be part of a government that is making it a priority to put Aboriginal people in greater control of water, a resource so central to culture, community wellbeing and economic opportunity. 

“We know that when Aboriginal communities drive change in partnership with Government, better outcomes are achieved, and we’re fully committed to that. 

“We are continuing to turn our Closing the Gap commitments for shared decision making into action and the Aboriginal Water Strategy is a great example of that. I encourage all eligible entities to make a registration of interest.” 

Gamilaroi Elder, Professor Phil Duncan said:

“This has been a long journey involving huge amounts of time, effort and collaboration from our communities, the department and key stakeholders to deliver the landmark strategy.   

“As we look to the future we also look to the past for lessons. Water is central to a quality way of life, longevity of life, and a quality cultural way of life.  

“I feel extremely honoured and grateful to be a part of this announcement that presents a wonderful opportunity for us for move forward together.” 

The Minns Labor Government is further strengthening workplace safety with the launch of the new Silica Worker Register (SWR) to monitor and track the health of at-risk workers undertaking high-risk processing of crystalline silica substances (CSS).

Under the new Work Health and Safety Amendment (Silica Worker Register) Regulation 2025, persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) will be required to register all workers engaged in high-risk CSS processing as soon as reasonably practical and no more than 28 days from the date that the worker commences work.

Processing of a crystalline silica substance involves tasks such as cutting, drilling, grinding or polishing.

Silica dust-induced diseases such as silicosis, are caused by inhalation of very fine crystalline silica dust particles, with workers at greatest risk in the mining and construction, tunnelling and engineered stone industries.

Since January 2024 to present, over 100 site inspections have been undertaken in tunnelling sites in the Sydney metro area.

While since 2018, SafeWork NSW inspectors have conducted more than 5,200 workplace visits related to silica.

Over this period, SafeWork NSW has issued 2,496 improvement notices, 181 prohibition notices and 33 penalty notices related to silica dust across industries.

Tragically, there have been 516 cases of silicosis and 36 deaths due to the disease in NSW since 2017.

Eliminating the risks associated with silica is a high priority for the Minns Government and the silica worker register is one of several measures which have been introduced to reduce the risks of working with CSS in NSW.

These include:

• The Minns Government has led the ban on engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs containing one per cent or greater crystalline silica. This included a national ban on its importation from January 1, 2025.
• Establishment of the Tunnelling Dust Safety Taskforce to help address silica related health risks for workers in tunnelling projects. The Taskforce is made up of Government, medical, industry and union representatives and provides expert guidance to prevent and manage silica and other dust related disease associated with tunnelling projects in NSW.
• The establishment of a dedicated silica unit within SafeWork NSW which includes a Silica Compliance Team to enforce strengthened regulations, including proactive visits to sites conducting high-risk CSS processing.
• $5 million in critical funding for silicosis research and a patient support program for individuals and their families navigating the health risks associated with exposure to silica dust. The grant funding, administered collaboratively by icare and the Dust Diseases Board, will be provided over three years to the Asbestos and Dust Diseases Research Institute (ADDRI).
• $2.5 million for a state-of-the-art Lung Bus which is currently travelling NSW to protect workers from dust diseases. The icare Lung mobile lung clinic provides specialised lung health assessments to current and retired workers who are at risk of developing a workplace dust disease, such as mesothelioma, asbestosis or silicosis.

For more information, including details on how to register and what information employers need to provide, visit the silica worker register notification page on the SafeWork NSW website:

https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/notify-safework/silica-worker-register-notification

Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to ensuring workers across the state are safe at work and the new Silica Worker Register is an important step in the fight against silicosis.

“The new register will help us target high risk areas, minimise exposure, inform health screening services and improve health outcomes for workers across the state.

“The Silica Worker Register is another important step towards protecting workers from dust diseases and builds on the Government’s recent actions including the ban on engineered stone, the establishment of the Tunnelling Dust Safety Taskforce and a dedicated Silica unit within SafeWork NSW and the recent $2.5m investment into the icare Lung mobile clinic.

“Every worker has the right to go to work and return home safely.”

SafeWork NSW Commissioner Janet Schorer said:

“Workers who undertake high-risk processing of crystalline silica substances may be exposed to respirable crystalline silica dust, which can cause serious health issues, such as silicosis and lung cancer.

“The silica worker register is a valuable measure to ensure at-risk workers are receiving health monitoring and ensure any changes to an individual worker’s health are detected as early as possible.

“This is an important step in the fight against silica-related illnesses.

“SafeWork NSW continues to work with industry to ensure compliance with existing safety standards when working with crystalline silica.

“I call on all businesses to be aware of their legal obligations to register all workers who undertake high-risk processing of crystalline silica substances at their workplace.”

Icare CEO Geniere Apin said:

“The Silica Worker Register is an important step towards further strengthening workplace safety for those who work with respirable crystalline silica.

“Together with SafeWork, we’re helping employers meet their obligations and protect workers’ health.”

AWU NSW Branch Secretary Tony Callinan said:

“This register is about protecting workers for the long haul. Silicosis is a devastating disease that can take years to develop, and we owe it to every worker to make sure exposure is tracked and their health comes first.

“A silica register will mean no worker falls through the cracks. Whether they’re on a tunnel site or in manufacturing, employers and government will now have no excuse not to act to prevent silicosis.

“The AWU has been sounding the alarm on silica dust for years. Today’s announcement is an important win for worker safety, but it must be backed with strong enforcement and proper medical follow-up.”

Goulbourn-Mulwaree is set to host a stellar line-up of top-class festive performers as the NSW Seniors Regional Christmas Concert fast approaches.

Drawcard entertainers including renowned jazz vocalist Emma Pask, former Hi-5 star Nathan Foley, acclaimed musical theatre artist Silvie Paladino, and celebrated tenor Lorenzo Rositano will headline two free concerts at the Goulbourn Performing Arts Centre on 5 December.

There will be six free Christmas Concert performances across the state exclusive to Grafton, Goulburn and Port Macquarie, as part of the annual NSW Seniors Festival series of events this year.

The NSW Seniors Festival is the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, attracting more than 500,000 people across the state to attend free and low-cost activities and events with a focus on art, sport, music, entertainment, technology, travel, health, wellbeing and recreation..

Goulbourn Seniors Regional Christmas Concert

Location: Goulbourn Performing Arts Centre, 163 Auburn Street, Goulbourn

Date: Friday, 5 December 2025

Times: 10.30am and 1.30 pm

Free tickets for the Goulbourn-Mulwaree Christmas Concert will be available from 10am on Tuesday, 28 October 2025 until the allocation is exhausted.

Tickets go quickly, so don’t miss your chance and book via https://www.nsw.gov.au/arts-and-culture/seniors-festival/whats-on/christmas-concerts

Minister for Seniors Jodie Harrison said:

“The NSW Seniors Regional Christmas Concerts is a unique opportunity for seniors in Goulbourn to kick off the festive season on a high note.

“Seniors are encouraged to come together and sing along to classic Christmas songs with some of our top performers.   

“Every year, the concerts are extremely popular and seniors are encouraged to book their tickets quickly once they come online.”

Labor spokesperson for Goulbourn Bob Nanva:

“The line-up for these concerts is absolutely outstanding – I encourage all Goulbourn-Mulwaree seniors to get along if you can!”

Performer Lorenzo Rositano said:

“It’s a joy to bring great entertainment to seniors across the state. These concerts are a true celebration of community, we enourage everyone to come along, make a day of it and be merry.”