Category: NSW News

The Albanese and Minns Governments are improving access to free mental health care in NSW, with a network of Medicare Mental Health Centres across the state that saw at least 107,500 visits last year.

More than 37,000 people and families across NSW have accessed free Medicare Mental Health Centres since their establishment, without the need for an appointment or referral.

This backs in Labor’s commitment to universal, free healthcare where everyone can get the mental health care they need. These centres take pressure off families by saving time and money, while putting mental health support close by.

In 2025, the Lismore centre saw the most occasions of care overall, with 18,318 occasions of care in 2025, as the community continues to rebuild after multiple flooding disasters.

The busiest centres last year also included Western Sydney locations in Liverpool and Penrith which saw 14,533 and 11,799 occasions of care respectively.

Today also marks the official opening of the new Blacktown Medicare Mental Health Centre, with a $2.4 million investment for its establishment and operation.

Located at 114 Main Street, Blacktown, the new Blacktown Medicare Mental Health Centre offers free mental health support and care for people in distress.

Staffed by multidisciplinary care teams, including mental health clinicians and peer workers, care is tailored to the needs of each person who visits the centres.

The Commonwealth and State Governments have partnered together to build a network of 33 Medicare Mental Health Centres in New South Wales, with 18 currently open and supporting people and communities across the State.

In Western Sydney, additional Medicare Mental Health Centres are open in Canterbury, Liverpool, Penrith, Hawkesbury, Parramatta, and Campbelltown. Centres will also be established in Lidcombe and Green Valley.

People seeking information or support can be connected with Medicare Mental Health by calling 1800 595 212 or visiting www.medicarementalhealth.gov.au.

NSW Premier Chris Minns:

“We know more young people need mental health support, and cutting costs and removing barriers is key to making sure they can get the help they need.

“Providing access to free mental health support, is a simple way to improves the lives of young people, families and our most vulnerable.

Assistant Minister McBride:

“The Albanese Government is putting mental health at the heart of Medicare and quality care in the centre of communities.

“This new Medicare Mental Health Centre offers people living in Blacktown a safe and welcoming place to access mental health support and care close to home.

“Anyone may be impacted by mental challenges, and this new centre offers everyone access to free support, without the need for an appointment or referral.”

Minister Bowen, Member for McMahon:

“This is about making it easier to get help when you need it, close to home, without the barriers that stop too many people reaching out.

“The Blacktown Medicare Mental Health Centre means free, walk-in support is now available right here on Main Street, delivered by a team including clinicians and peer workers.

“Mental health care should not depend on your postcode or your bank balance. This is Labor putting mental health at the heart of Medicare and delivering for Western Sydney in partnership with the NSW Government.”

Minister Jackson:

“These Medicare Mental Health Centres are a gamechanger. Anyone is welcome to walk in, no appointment, referral, or credit card needed.

“Getting help for your mental health should be easy and free – that’s what our Medicare Mental Health Centres are all about.

“Thousands of people are already accessing centres all across New South Wales, particularly in Western Sydney and regional hubs like Lismore and Wagga Wagga.

“Medicare is something Australians rightly take pride in, and these centres strengthen that legacy – public, universal care that puts people first.”

Stephen Bali, Member for Blacktown:

“I’m thrilled to be here to open the Blacktown Medicare Mental Health Centre, where anyone in my community can walk in and get the help they need, no appointments or referrals needed.

“By removing the barriers that stop people from accessing support – particularly the cost – we are improving outcomes for those who need it most.”

Two multi-billion-dollar renewable energy projects with the potential to power over 1 million homes in peak demand have been declared Critical State Significant Infrastructure (CSSI) by the Minns Labor Government.

Worth more than $7 billion, the projects, if approved, would help secure the state’s clean energy future.

The projects declared are:

• The $3.5 billion Western Sydney Pumped Hydro Project at Lake Burragorang, is a ZEN Energy which will have the potential to power 500,000 homes.
• The $3.6 billion Yarrabin (Phoenix) Pumped Hydro Project near Mudgee in Central West NSW, is a ACEN Australia project which will have the capacity to power 600,000 homes.

Both projects, are in the early planning stages and are located on WaterNSW land.

A comprehensive assessment will still be undertaken on each of the projects, including public exhibition and an opportunity for submissions from the community.

The Minns Labor Government has approved more renewables projects in three years than the last twelve years combined. With approved 44 renewable energy projects have been approved since 2023 that, when built, will generate enough electricity to power 5.2 million homes.

There are currently more than 50 renewable energy, storage and transmission projects under assessment. If approved, these 13.5 GW of generation projects could produce enough electricity to power about 6 million homes.

A further 196 projects, including solar, wind, battery storage and pumped hydro projects are at various stages in the planning pipeline.

Minister for Energy and the Environment Penny Sharpe said:

“These projects will help stabilise the grid, support energy reliability during peak demand periods and underpin the transition away from coal‑fired power.

“Long‑duration storage like pumped hydro is essential to building a modern energy system that works for households, businesses and industry across NSW.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“These two pumped hydro projects could play a vital role in supporting our energy security together able to generate enough energy to power every home in Greater Perth during peak demand.

“These projects are part of a strong pipeline of renewable energy proposals that shows industry confidence in our planning system and our commitment to delivering the infrastructure NSW needs for a clean energy future.”

Minister for Water Rose Jackson said:

“Water is vital to our everyday lives and these projects could further harness it to power more than a million homes.

“Importantly WaterNSW has already conducted a number of initial assessments to make sure these projects won’t impact water security or quality and we will continue to do analysis regularly, to help inform the planning and assessment processes.”

The Minns Labor Government has finalised planning controls in four more Transport Oriented Development precincts in agreement with the relevant local councils which together unlock more than 31,000 new homes near metro and train stations.

The NSW Government worked closely with Penrith City, Canterbury-Bankstown and Burwood councils to finalise their masterplans around St Marys, Croydon, Belmore and Lakemba stations.

The new tailored plans will have unlocked thousands of additional homes across the precincts by allowing taller, mixed-use buildings in existing centres, with new infrastructure, community facilities and open spaces.

We have now finalised planning controls in 35 of 37 TOD precincts and a strong pipeline of development is underway with almost 18,000 homes the planning system including more than 1700 that have already been approved. 

St Marys

Penrith City Council’s plan will unlock 11,500 homes the new scheme adding an extra 10, 000 homes near the upcoming St Marys metro station, by allowing buildings of up to 18 storeys.

The council plan will also be a major employment booster expected to help create an estimated 8,000 new jobs, rejuvenating Queen Street as a mixed-use entertainment and dining precinct.

Planned improvements include a new ‘Central Park’, future library and community hub, cycle and pedestrian links, and public open spaces.

Belmore and Lakemba

Canterbury-Bankstown Council’s alternative scheme will unlock more than 18,000 homes allowing buildings up to 18 storeys near the soon to open Belmore and Lakemba metro stations.

The plan will see Belmore and Lakemba’s main streets revitalised, with new shop-top housing, shops and services and provide new and improved public open spaces and pedestrian links.

Croydon

Burwood Council has prepared an alternative scheme that protects heritage areas while spreading new homes across Croydon and Burwood North.

The master plan will help deliver about 1,840 homes at Croydon concentrating most of the growth near the station in buildings up to 10 storeys high.

Additional homes originally set to be delivered in Croydon have been redistributed to Burwood North which is expected to deliver a total of 15, 000 homes.

The formalisation of TOD controls means developers can now lodge applications and bypass lengthy rezoning processes.

The Minns Labor Government introduced the TOD program in May 2024 to deliver more affordable, well-designed, and well-located homes within 400m of 37 stations across NSW.

For more information about the Transport Oriented Development program, visit NSW Planning.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“The finalisation of planning controls in each of these Transport Oriented Development areas is a major milestone which will ultimately put more keys in more doors.

“Penrith City Council, Burwood Council and City of Canterbury Bankstown have all stepped up to the plate delivering quality local planning which will enable more homes close to transport, jobs and services.

“It’s particularly great to see councils like Penrith using this as an opportunity to also revitalise local business to create vibrant local neighbourhoods where people want to live.

“Every finalisation builds further momentum behind the Transport Oriented Development program which has already got a strong pipeline of almost 18, 000 homes in the planning system of which around 10 per cent are already approved.”

Public Hospitals in the Illawarra Shoalhaven have welcomed 63 new medical graduate interns, providing a welcome boost to the local health workforce.

Having completed their orientation, the junior doctors are already providing care to local patients and much needed support to the region’s hardworking health staff.

Interns are medical graduates who have completed their medical degree and are required to complete a supervised year of practice in order to gain general registration.

The interns will work with and learn from NSW Health’s experienced and highly skilled medical staff in one of the world’s best health systems.

The new doctors starting their internship will be entering a training program with networked hospitals throughout the state, providing formal and on-the-job training.

They receive two-year contracts to rotate between metropolitan, regional and rural hospitals to ensure the diversity of their experience.

The interns also rotate across different specialties during the intern year, including surgery, medicine and emergency medicine.

The Minns Labor Government is building an engaged, capable and supported workforce, by:

• Abolishing the wages cap and delivering the largest wage increase to healthcare workers in a decade;
• Implementing ratios in our emergency departments;
• Saving 1,112 nurses which the Liberal Government planned to sack;
• Supporting our future health workforce by providing them with study subsidies; and

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“These new medical graduate interns already play an important role in helping to provide high-quality care in our public hospitals. We are proud to have them on our team.

“Choosing to work here in NSW means these new junior doctors will have the opportunity to learn from some of the country’s very best, as part of Australia’s largest health system.”

“From doctors, to nurses, paramedics and allied health professionals – we are rebuilding an engaged, capable and supported workforce.

Member for Wollongong Paul Scully

“This is another great boost to our local health workforce which will make sure people can access quality healthcare when they need it.

“These junior doctors will bolster the already great staff of nurses, paramedics, doctors midwives and allied health professionals which serve our community everyday.” 

Member for South Coast Liza Butler:

“Welcoming 63 new medical graduate interns to our Illawarra Shoalhaven public hospitals is a real boost for patients, staff and the future of local healthcare. These junior doctors are already making a difference on the ground, while gaining invaluable experience alongside our highly skilled health professionals. It’s a clear example of our commitment to building a strong, supported health workforce that delivers high-quality care close to home.”

Member for Shellharbour Anna Watson:

“Welcoming 63 new medical interns to the Illawarra Shoalhaven is a fantastic boost for our local health services and our community,”

“These junior doctors are the future of our health system, and through the Minns Labor Government’s investment in wages, training and workforce support, we’re ensuring they have the skills, experience and backing they need to deliver high-quality care for patients across our region.”

Member for Kiama Katelin McInerney

‘It is wonderful to have more junior doctors boosting the capacity of our local health system. The Minns Labor Government is delivering for regional communities by investing in health workforce as we prepare for the redeveloped Shoalhaven District Memorial Hospital and the new Shellharbour Hospital.’

The NSW Labor Government’s energy affordability crisis is spiralling out of control, with the Government’s own annual reports revealing a shocking 12% year-on-year surge in families needing emergency crisis payments just to pay their power bills.

Shadow Minister for Energy James Griffin said the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water’s 2024-2025 annual report[1] exposed a catastrophic worsening of the energy affordability crisis on Labor’s watch, with an extra 9,000 families pushed into crisis in just one year.
“In their first full year in government, 75,000 NSW families needed crisis help with their power bills. Just one year later, that number has exploded to 84,000 – a 12% increase,” Mr Griffin said.

Mr Griffin said the 12% year-on-year increase represented real NSW families being pushed further into hardship under Labor.

“Every one of those 84,000 crisis payments represents a family in desperate circumstances who are choosing between heating and key items like food. The NSW Government can no longer hide from the fact that their energy transition is failing,” he said.

“That’s 9,000 more NSW families in desperate crisis this year compared to last. Under Labor, the energy affordability situation isn’t improving – it’s getting dramatically worse.”
 
Mr Griffin said despite Labor throwing billions of dollars at the problem through various rebates and relief packages, the underlying energy affordability crisis had worsened dramatically.

The annual reports reveal the devastating scale of Labor’s energy policy failure across two consecutive years in government:

• 2023-24 (Labor’s first full year): 75,000 households in crisis, $30.6 million in emergency support
• 2024-25 (Labor’s second year): 84,000+ households in crisis, $33 million in emergency support

“Since Labor came to power, there have been 159,000 instances where NSW families couldn’t afford to keep their lights on without emergency government intervention,” Mr Griffin said.

“Labor promised affordable, reliable renewable energy. Instead they’re delivering soaring bills, looming blackouts and a renewable energy roadmap that’s hopelessly failing,” Mr Griffin said.

“NSW families deserve an energy policy that delivers affordability and reliability, not one that drives thousands more into crisis every year. This Government has proven beyond doubt it cannot deliver either.”

The Bondi Junction tragedy was a senseless attack that shocked our state and the eastern suburbs community. 

We continue to remember the six innocent victims who were murdered that day, Pikria Darchia, Ashlee Good, Dawn Singleton, Jade Young, Cheng Yixuan and Faraz Ahmed Tahir. 

On behalf of the NSW Opposition, we extend our ongoing condolences to the families of the victims and all those who still live with the trauma and injuries of that day. 

Today will not be an easy day for many. The State Coroner’s finding’s and 23 recommendations will not heal the hurt the victims and families of that day live with, but they do provide a pathway forward. 

The State Coroner made a number of recommendations in relation to mental health services, which I call on the Government to adopt. 

The Bondi Junction tragedy reminded us of the incredible bravery of our first responders and everyday Australians. 

We honour the bravery of Inspector Amy Scott. As a police officer she has spent her career protecting others, often in the toughest of circumstances. The eastern suburbs community and our entire state stand with Amy as she battles cancer. 

The Opposition support’s the State Coroner’s recommendation to the Council for the Australian Bravery Decorations that Inspector Amy Scott, Ashlee Good, Noel McLaughlin, Damien Guerot (Bollard Man) and Silas Despreaux be recognised for their actions on that day. 

Reforms to repair the NSW workers compensation system have passed state parliament. 

Businesses and community sector providers will be spared significant increases to their workers compensation premiums as a result, and workers will have a much stronger pathway to recovery.

The resolution was based on a breakthrough compromise put forward by crossbench members in the lower house last year.

It won endorsement in the Legislative Assembly on Wednesday after passing the Legislative Council on Tuesday night. It includes:

• A legislated 18-month restriction on average premium increases.
• Retaining the Whole Person Impairment (WPI) thresholds moved by Lower House crossbenchers.
• A new “Return to Work” intensive program that provides an additional year of medical benefits and income replacement.
• New powers enabling the Treasurer to lower the WPI threshold, if in the public interest.
• A replacement program to Business Connect.
• Changes to terminology surrounding the reasonable management action defence.

It is the most significant reform to workers compensation in a generation. It stabilises the system and puts it on a path to financial stability. It prioritises prevention and improves return to work rates.

Without the reform, premiums for employers facing no claims against them were expected to rise by at least 36 per cent over three years.

The result follows extensive consultation over the past year with business and unions, as well as the community and not-for-profit sector.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey:

“These reforms finally allow us to stabilise the workers compensation system and return it to a secure footing.

“The scheme has been failing injured workers, employers, the non-profit sector and taxpayers for too long. That has now come to an end.

“I want to acknowledge Business NSW and the state’s major business organisations, as well as NCOSS and charities and not-for-profits for their advocacy. I also thank the Labor caucus and the union movement for its engagement through many difficult but necessary conversations.”

Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis:

“These reforms ensure early support to injured workers, a road to recovery and return to work.

“It puts the scheme on the path to sustainability so that it can continue to care for injured workers and be affordable for business to fund. 

“The reforms will help small businesses and not-for-profits, especially in regional areas, retain staff and create jobs.”

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government, Jihad Dib:

“These changes are about protecting the workers compensation scheme for the long term, so it remains strong, fair and able to support the people who rely on it.

“Workers now have the certainty they need and the confidence to get on with their recovery and their working lives, knowing the system will be there when they need it.”

The Bondi Junction tragedy has left a lasting impact on the community, and the delivery of the coronial findings today will be difficult for anyone impacted.

The final report contains 23 recommendations, 12 of which relate to the NSW Government, these include:

• Considering options to support the roll-out of appropriate co-responder models so that they are more widely available throughout NSW.
• Monitoring and assessing the trial of the amendments to the Law Enforcement Powers and Responsibilities Act 2002 (NSW) in respect of “wanding”.
• Promoting, by way of an advertising campaign, the principles of “Escape. Hide. Tell.”

The NSW Government will now carefully consider the Coroner’s recommendations to assess how they can be implemented to further strengthen our mental health system and improve community safety.

Over the past 18 months, the NSW Government has undertaken work to identify systemic contributors to this tragedy and take proactive steps to address them.

In direct response to the Bondi Junction tragedy, the NSW Government delivered a $111 million package to strengthen community mental health services.

This included leading national work to establish a principles-based framework to improve interjurisdictional information sharing for both voluntary and involuntary mental health consumers.

In September 2025, all Ministers for Health and Ministers for Mental Health across Australia formally endorsed the framework, reflecting a shared national commitment to safer, more connected mental health systems.

These investments focus on streamlining access to state mental health services to reduce fragmentation and barriers to care, expanding assertive outreach models to better engage transient and hard-to-reach individuals, and enhancing mental health housing for people living with severe and persistent mental illness.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“This will be a difficult day for many, particularly for the families who lost loved ones, those who were injured, first responders, and everyone in the Bondi community whose lives were changed forever.

“We will now carefully consider the Coroner’s recommendations and work to implement measures that strengthen our mental health system and community safety.”

Minister for Health Ryan Park said:

“I want to commend the bravery, skill and compassion shown by NSW Ambulance, hospital staff and all first responders who worked under immense pressure to save lives on that tragic day.

“The effects of the tragedy have been felt far and wide. I extend my deepest sympathies to the families, friends and loved ones of those who were affected.”

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said:

“My thoughts are with the families who will forever be affected by this horrific event and I thank the Coroner for her diligent work and her recommendations.

“I cannot overstate the bravery of our police officers that day. Their actions epitomised the very best of the NSW Police Force, confronting danger to protect others. I particularly want to acknowledge Detective Inspector Amy Scott for her remarkable actions.

“It’s critical that people experiencing a mental health incident receive the help they need which is why we are working with Health on a mental health led response to incidents in our community.”

Attorney-General Michael Daley said:

“The NSW Government thanks the Coroner for her thorough investigation and findings. We will take the time to consider the recommendations before formally responding.”

Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson said:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to supporting people with complex mental health concerns to access support services.

“We’ve taken immediate action in the aftermath of the Bondi Junction tragedy to strengthen community mental health supports and improve information sharing across all Australian jurisdictions, but there is always more work to do.”

NSW Public hospitals have welcomed more than 1,000 new medical graduate interns, as an interim pay rise begins to land in the accounts of doctors employed by NSW Health.

The Minns Labor Government reached an interim agreement with the Australian Salaried Medical Officers’ Federation NSW (ASMOF) and the Health Services Union NSW (HSU) to increase pay and enhance conditions for more than 16,000 doctors, with the pay rise landing in bank accounts from February.

At the same time, the latest cohort of junior doctors have joined the NSW public health system, providing a welcome boost to the health workforce across the state.

Having completed their orientation in January, the junior doctors are already providing care to patients and much needed support to NSW’s hardworking health staff.

Interim agreement for doctors’ pay

The agreement provides for an interim 3.5 per cent pay increase (inclusive of 0.5% superannuation) for doctors employed in NSW Health, paid retrospectively from 1 July 2024, and a further 3.5 per cent pay increase (inclusive of 0.5% superannuation), paid retrospectively from 1 July 2025. This represents an immediate effective 7% pay increase (inclusive of superannuation), with backpay.

Doctors will also see improvements to their working conditions with mandated minimum rest periods between shifts, a maximum 14-hour shift length for rostered shifts for non-specialist medical officers, recognition of the unique training requirements of doctors when accessing paid parental leave,  enhanced access to training, education and study leave for new staff specialists; and a right to access to union services if a doctor chooses to. This settles a number of claims in the arbitration case.

The NSW Industrial Relations Commission will continue to arbitrate additional awards claims by ASMOF.

NSW Health continues to work with ASMOF and the HSU to progress the arbitration in a timely manner.

Welcoming junior doctors to NSW Health

Interns are medical graduates who have completed their medical degree and are required to complete a supervised year of practice in order to gain general registration.

The interns will work with and learn from NSW Health’s experienced and highly skilled medical staff in one of the world’s best health systems.

The new doctors starting their internship will be entering a training program with networked hospitals throughout the state, providing formal and on-the-job training.

They receive two-year contracts to rotate between metropolitan, regional and rural hospitals to ensure the diversity of their experience, they’ll also be rotated through different specialities.

The Minns Labor Government is building an engaged, capable and supported workforce, by:

• Abolishing the wages cap and delivering the largest wage increase to healthcare workers in a decade;
• Implementing ratios in our emergency departments;
• Saving 1,112 nurses which the Liberal Government planned to sack;
• Supporting our future health workforce by providing them with study subsidies; and

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“These new medical graduate interns already play an important role in helping to provide high-quality care in our public hospitals. We are proud to have them on our team.

“Choosing to work in NSW means these new junior doctors will have the opportunity to learn from some of the country’s very best, as part of Australia’s largest health system.

“This agreement gives doctors a pay rise now, whilst allowing a pathway for ASMOF’s remaining award claims to be determined by the NSW Industrial Relations Commission.

“As this new cohort of junior doctors commence with NSW Health, this agreement provides for better conditions including enhanced protections against fatigue.

“This interim deal heralds a stronger, more resilient relationship between the NSW Government and our public hospital doctors, where together we can build an even better health system for the people of NSW.

“We are recruiting more doctors, nurses, paramedics and allied health professionals, and rebuilding an engaged, capable and supported workforce.”

Minister for Industrial Relations Sophie Cotsis:

“We welcome this interim agreement with the Australian Salaried Medical Officers’ Federation NSW (ASMOF) and the Health Services Union NSW (HSU) to increase pay and enhance conditions for more than 16,000 doctors.

“We are proud to support those who care for our communities day and night.

“The Minns Labor Government continues the work of rebuilding the state’s essential services and reforming the industrial relations system.

“That work began with the scrapping of the Coalition’s wages cap which was in place for 12 years, introducing a fairer, modern bargaining framework, setting up an Industrial court and amending the Industrial Relations Act to include a new Object to achieve gender equality in the workplace.”

New data reveals that 3,370 first home buyers have found their dream hone on the Central Coast thanks to help by the Minns Labor Government, saving an average of $22,008 off the cost of their first home.

The popular initiative provides a full stamp duty exemption of $30,412 for first home buyers purchasing a property up to $800,000 and a concession for homes priced between $800,000 and $1 million.

It replaces the previous Liberal-National Government’s forever tax on first-home buyers, which left first-home buyers paying an annual tax back to the Government.

Gosford was the top suburb to benefit across the region, with 969 first buyers helped into homes, sharing in $20.6 million worth of savings, putting the Coast’s capital as 6^th in the state for new homeowners helped.

Wyong was close behind with 814 first buyers sharing in $17.5 million in savings, followed by The Entrance with 482 first buyers saving a combined $10.5 million.

Across NSW, 82,174 first home buyers have benefited from the First Home Buyers Assistance since July 2023. Of those, 58,111 people paid no stamp duty at all, while 24,063 individuals paid a reduced amount.

The scheme also works with the Albanese Labor Government’s 5% Deposit and Shared Equity schemes, making it even easier for people and families to buy their first home.

Housing is the number one cost-of-living pressure on young people, families and downsizers.

Helping first home buyers is a critical piece of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to address these cost-of-living pressures and make sure NSW can be an accessible and affordable place to live.

That’s why the Minns Labor Government is delivering more homes to rent and buy, re-building essential services that families rely on, and providing long overdue investment in critical infrastructure across the Hunter, Newcastle and Lake Macquarie.

The First Home Buyers Assistance Dashboard has more statistics by suburb and Local Government Area and can be accessed at https://www.revenue.nsw.gov.au/help-centre/resources-library/statistics/fhba-dashboard

Minister for the Central Coast and Member for Wyong David Harris said:

“It is wonderful to see so many people making the most of this Minns Labor Government program, with 3,370 families, couples and singles able to have a place to call home sooner in our growing region.

“Our region is such a great place to live, work and play and this scheme is turning the home-owning dream into reality for so many Coasties saving up for a deposit by wiping an average of more than $22,000 off the money they need.”

Minister for the Hunter and Member for Swansea Yasmin Catley said:

“The Central Coast is an amazing place to live, work and raise a family, and these figures show real confidence in our community’s future.

“When we came to government, we made a clear commitment to help people access the basics, including a place to call home, and we’re getting on with delivering exactly that.

“I’m proud to see more than 645 first-home buyers calling Swansea home, giving more locals the chance to put down roots in a community that offers opportunity, connection and a great lifestyle.”

Minister for Finance Courtney Houssos said:

“This is a critical piece of the puzzle in the Government’s plan to help families enter the housing market.

“Saving up to $30,000 on stamp duty means more money in the pockets of families and more opportunities for them to achieve the dream of home ownership.”

Member for The Entrance David Mehan said:

“The Minns Labor Government is helping people save tens of thousands of dollars on stamp duty which can be the difference between continuing to rent and finally owning a home.

“It’s fantastic to see so many first home buyers across the Central Coast getting real, practical cost of living relief that helps them take that first step into the housing market and build their future.”

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said:

“Already, 969 first-home buyers across Gosford have benefited from this important scheme, saving more than $20.6 million in total and turning the dream of home ownership into a reality.

“This scheme is just one of the ways that the Minns Labor Government is committed to addressing the cost of living across our community, ensuring that Coasties can realise the dream of home ownership and build a bright future right here on the Central Coast.”