Category: NSW News

The Minns Labor Government is providing $5 million in funding to support downstream businesses who have been impacted by the moratorium on timber harvesting within the proposed boundary of the Great Koala National Park.

The new Forestry Industry Supply Chain Program will offer help of up to $100,000 to a downstream business that relied on impacted timber mills so they can meet increased operating costs.

The eligible businesses usually source their hardwood or wood by-products from one of the impacted sawmills. They will now be able to apply for assistance to cover the cost differences of sourcing similar products from a new supplier, including for an increase in freight costs.

Downstream businesses could include specialised, operations that process timber into finished or semi-finished goods, such as furniture manufacturers.

Eligible businesses could also include businesses that use sawdust for biomass energy generation, or use eligible wood by-products such as wood chip, wood shavings, and sawdust.

The NSW Government is working closely with the impacted mills businesses, workers and the broader industry on immediate costs and impacts, while progressing their long-term options and ensuring appropriate support for workers.

Immediate support already being offered to affected workers and their families includes:

• Business Continuity payments flowing to impacted mills to ensure workers are being paid while further support is being finalised
• The Rural Financial Counselling Service providing free and independent financial counselling to businesses
• Training Services NSW providing advice on training to bridge skills gaps and helping to identify suitable job opportunities
• TELUS Health services providing 24/7 confidential mental health and financial counselling services to affected workers and their immediate family.

The NSW Government has also committed $6 million to a Community Grants package which will provide support to small businesses and the community on the Mid North Coast, creating new jobs and investment. Further details will be announced soon.

The NSW Rural Assistance Authority is administering the Forestry Industry Supply Chain Program. Applications will open on Tuesday 7 October 2025 and close on 8 December 2025, or when available funding is allocated.

For further information about the Forestry Industry Supply Chain Support Program, including eligibility and guidelines, go to www.nsw.gov.au/greatkoalanationalpark

Minister for Agriculture and Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“Our Government’s priority has been supporting the impacted mills and their workers, and now we have more details on those businesses operating downstream of the mills we have been able to develop this program of support for them.

“When we announced the proposed boundaries and moratorium for the new park we stated we would provide financial assistance to impacted businesses and this supply chain support program is a demonstration of that occurring.

Minister for Small Business and Minister for North Coast, Janelle Saffin said:

“We are delivering on our election promise to create the Great Koala National park and ensure future generations can see these most precious of species in the wild.

“We are also delivering on our promise to work together to ensure no one is left behind. This decision will ensure downstream small businesses are supported as they search for new opportunities.

“There will also new opportunities created for tourism and small business under a $6 million package that we will develop in consultation with local communities to grow jobs and investment as the Great Koala National Park is established.

The NSW Government will enhance trade and investment opportunities with Singapore through a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focused on innovation and the green economy.

The MoU between Investment NSW and Enterprise Singapore – a statutory board under Singapore’s Ministry of Trade and Industry – was signed today in Sydney, coinciding with Singapore Prime Minister Mr Lawrence Wong’s visit to Australia, and 60 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

The MoU will focus on sectors including energy, urban development, technology and transport, and will facilitate commercial partnerships between NSW and Singaporean companies, investors and entrepreneurs.

Key benefits of the MoU include:

• Encouraging investment from Singapore businesses into New South Wales.
• Enhancing NSW’s role as a home for Singapore startups and high-growth companies.
• Attracting innovators, entrepreneurs and scientists from Singapore to NSW’s innovation districts including Tech Central.
• Enabling NSW exporters to become early-movers in high-growth Southeast Asian markets.

The MoU aligns with the NSW Trade and Investment Strategy 2035, which emphasises government-to-government relationships and maintaining strong formal agreements in priority markets.

Partnerships like this, which focus on Southeast Asia’s technological advancements and economic growth, provide a strong foundation for the NSW Government’s longstanding relationship with the region to expand and deepen.

Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong said: 

“This deal reflects our commitment to building deeper economic ties with Singapore through practical, forward-looking collaboration.

“It will help unlock new opportunities for NSW businesses in one of Southeast Asia’s investment hubs and fast-growing innovation sectors.

“This is a priority market replete with longstanding and likeminded trading partners.

“By working together, we’re strengthening our collective competitiveness, and creating new investment pathways for the future.

“The Australian Government has done a fantastic job strengthening our national relationship with Singapore, clearing the way for important agreements like these.”

Investment NSW Deputy Secretary Rebecca McPhee said:

“This agreement is a strategic step in delivering the NSW Trade and Investment Strategy 2035, with a clear focus on continued international engagement to drive innovation, sustainability and commercial outcomes.

“It will enable NSW companies to scale into new markets and attract Singaporean talent and investment into our state.

“We’re proud to partner with Enterprise Singapore to turn shared ambition into tangible growth.”

Enterprise Singapore Managing Director Cindy Khoo said:

“Over the years, Singapore enterprises have grown their presence in NSW, leveraging the state’s vibrant innovation ecosystem and push for decarbonisation, alongside the strong support of our partner and government networks in the market.

“With this latest partnership, we look forward to unlocking even more commercial opportunities and progress in areas of green economy and innovation. 

“I am confident that Singapore companies will make good partners, contributing expertise that can complement and support NSW businesses’ in their growth ambitions. These include providing proven innovative solutions and bringing with them relevant experience in Southeast Asia that can help open doors for NSW businesses to expand into the region.”

The Minns Labor Government’s ongoing statewide property audit has identified a further seven government-owned sites with the potential to deliver more than 600 new homes as part of its Building Homes for NSW program.

All sites identified as part of the land audit are first offered to Homes NSW and Landcom, the NSW Government’s developer.

Among the latest tranche of government-owned sites, three are in Greater Sydney and four are in regional centres.

In the Northern Tablelands region, Homes NSW are investigating the former Duval High School site in Armidale which has the potential for over 100 new social, affordable and market dwellings to support regional growth driven by the New England Renewable Energy Zone.

The site at Valla Beach, north of Nambucca Heads and close to the Pacific Highway, could yield more than 160 new dwellings. With sites at Boolaroo in the Lake Macquarie region and Broken Hill capable of delivering 190 new homes.

Among the newly announced Greater Sydney locations, the site at Whalan in the Blacktown local government area currently comprises lots which may support more than 120 new homes. Other sites in North Kellyville and Prairiewood could collectively provide around 19 new dwellings.

The Prairiewood site in particular is suited to low-rise housing using the Government’s recently announced NSW Housing Pattern book, which offers high-quality architect designs supported by a 10-day planning approval pathway to make it faster and more affordable to design and build a home.

The specifics of housing delivery including the quantity and types of homes for all newly announced property audit sites will be available once due diligence, planning and regulatory approvals are complete.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“We are continuing to tackle the state’s housing crisis head-on, these new sites, delivering more than 600 homes, continues our strong response to the housing supply crisis.

“The property audit program is delivering a steady pipeline of new housing development opportunities on unutilised surplus government land, to help address our critical shortage in housing supply.

“While stimulating housing supply in our urban centres is critical, we have also been able to identify key sites in regional cities such as Broken Hill and Armidale to deliver much needed housing to our regional communities.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“As the land audit continues to unlock land for new homes, the Minns Government is identifying sites that suit the NSW Housing Pattern Book designs and their 10-day approval pathway so builders can get straight on with building.

“As we tackle our housing supply challenges, we want to make sure there are homes that are well-designed, sustainable and adaptable to a range of lifestyle choices.”

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:

“Our land audit is delivering real results. Approximately ten thousand potential homes identified in just over a year shows the scale of what is possible when government gets serious about housing supply.

“We are making sure surplus public land is put to work for the community, not left sitting idle. Every one of these sites has the potential to deliver hundreds of homes where they are needed most.

“This is about more than numbers. From Armidale to Broken Hill to Sydney’s west, these projects will mean more people can afford to live near work, near family, and with the security of a roof over their head.

“Whether it is social housing, affordable rentals or market homes, we are determined to build every type of housing people in NSW need. That is the only way to tackle the housing crisis and give people a fair shot at a secure home.”

The Minns Labor Government is taking concrete steps to address the housing affordability and availability crisis across New South Wales. Today, Premier Chris Minns visited Albury to inspect the progress of the $12.8 million East Albury Housing project, which will deliver safe, modern homes for approximately 40 older residents before Christmas.

This project will include 14 one-bedroom and 10 two-bedroom units, providing vital affordable housing for the community.

In addition, planning approval has been granted for another 27 homes in North Albury, offering safe and well-located accommodation for over 40 residents. Located near bus stops serving Lavington and Albury, this development will feature 17 one-bedroom and 10 two-bedroom units, along with 19 car parking spaces, two internal lifts, landscaping, and fencing.

These projects form part of the Minns Government’s historic $6.6 billion investment to create a fairer and more accessible housing system across NSW by significantly boosting supply. Over the past year, the Government has delivered 1,711 new social and affordable homes, the largest increase in government-built public and community housing in over a decade.

This commitment contrasts sharply with the previous Liberal-National Government, which oversaw a dramatic reduction in public housing, decreasing from 110,805 homes in 2014 to just 95,765 in 2023. Between 2017 and 2021, their tenure saw only 2,257 new social homes built, while 3,269 properties were sold off or removed during that period.

The Minns Government remains dedicated to delivering more affordable and accessible housing for all New South Wales residents.

Chris Minns, Premier of New South Wales said:

“Housing affordability and availability continue to be the biggest challenges facing families and young people across the entire state, no matter where they live. 

“Our government is committed to reversing this trend by investing in new supply and cutting red tape to get things built faster. 

“While there’s still more work to do, it’s fantastic to see this project nearing completion, ensuring that 40 people will have safe and secure housing just in time for Christmas.”

Rose Jackson, Minister for Housing and Minister for Homelessness said:

“We announced the start of this project in November last year and here we are today proudly standing in-front of 24 brand new social housing properties which will give approximately 40 older residents a safe and secure place to call home.”

“These new social housing projects in Albury are an important step forward in our work to address the shortage of affordable homes.

“Projects like this are about giving residents stability, security, and a place to call home. Our government is committed to doing just that through significant investment and real action on the ground.”

Today is a day for compassion. It’s a day to remember innocent lives lost in Israel and Gaza, and to stand together as Australians in our shared hope for peace.
 
The Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023, were despicable acts of terror that shocked the world with their brutality and barbarity. The grief for the worldwide Jewish diaspora remains deep, and the later suffering of Gaza civilians is undeniable. Both communities deserve understanding, not hostility.
 
The Sydney Opera House is a symbol of unity and creativity It should never be used as a backdrop for division or protest. It belongs to every Australian, no matter their faith or background.
 
New South Wales is a place where people of all faiths and backgrounds live side by side. What makes us stronger is our willingness to listen, to be respectful if we disagree and to protect one another from hate.
 
There is no place in our state for anyone who glorifies terrorism or celebrates violence. We can condemn terror while showing compassion for those suffering in conflict.
 
I call on all community and faith leaders to speak with calm and decency. The words we use matter. They can divide, or they can heal.
 
Australians have always believed in fairness, tolerance and respect. On this difficult day, we should live those values, together.

Some of the biggest names in Australian netball will hit the court in the Illawarra this weekend for the Netball NSW Masters State Titles, hosted at the Illawarra Netball Association’s Indoor Sports Centre.

Australian Diamonds greats will headline a star-studded player list, joined by NSW Premier League athletes including Emily Keenan. Together, they will showcase the talent, experience and passion that makes the Masters competition one of the highlights on the Netball NSW calendar.

For the Illawarra, excitement is building with the home association fielding two teams, ready to test themselves against defending champions Eastwood Ryde and strong challengers from across the state, including Newcastle, Manly Warringah, Gosford, Shoalhaven and Port Stephens.

“Masters is such a special event because it’s not just about competition, it’s about connection – teammates who’ve shared so much of their careers coming together again. We know the standard will be high, but we’re excited to test ourselves against some of the best netballers in the state,” said Bec Bulley, former Australian Diamond, NSW Swifts and GIANTS player.

“Eastwood Ryde is proud to come into the tournament as defending champions. Our team has a long history together and we are really excited to hit the court again and get our connections firing,” Emily Keenan, former NSW Swift and Eastwood Ryde Premier League athlete said.

“We’re looking forward to coming up against some tough competition, seeing how we can respond and having plenty of fun along the way.” 

With every team playing each other once across the two-day tournament, fans can expect fierce competition, old rivalries reignited and new stories written as the best of the best come together in the Illawarra.

“Illawarra has a proud netball history and it’s really special to bring an event like this to our home court. Having two teams representing our association will add to the atmosphere and give the local community plenty to cheer about,” said Vanessa Sturman, President and Representative Coordinator of Illawarra District Netball Association.

Event Details:
11–12 October 2025
Illawarra Netball Association – Indoor Sports Centre

Teams: Baulkham Hills, Blacktown City, Eastwood Ryde, Gosford, Great Lakes, Hastings Valley, Illawarra (two teams), Manly Warringah, Newcastle, Port Stephens and Shoalhaven.

For detailed Team Lists, visit here.

The NSW Industrial Relations Commission has made a determination today for Staff Specialist Psychiatrists across New South Wales to receive a 10 per cent attraction and retention allowance for a period of 12 months.

This allowance comes on top of the 10 per cent abnormal duties allowance already paid by NSW Health to all Staff Specialist Psychiatrists.

The NSW Government has always committed to upholding the decision of the NSW Industrial Relations Commission and will now deliver this wage rise for Staff Specialist Psychiatrists. 

The Minns Labor Government was elected with a clear mandate to scrap the Coalition’s unfair wages cap and restore the Industrial Relations Commission as an independent umpire for public sector workers.

The Commission noted in its decision that this was a special case distinct from other pay cases. This is important as the Government had been clear from day one that it could not look at any industrial dispute in isolation from other pay offers, which is why it could not meet the immediate pay rise demands of Staff Specialist Psychiatrists.

The NSW Government and the Doctor’s union, ASMOF, both referred this matter to the IRC to ensure a fair, evidence-based, and independent determination of wages for Staff Specialist Psychiatrists. 

Staff Specialist Psychiatrists play a vital role in delivering frontline mental health care and supporting some of the most vulnerable people in our community. 

The Minns Labor Government is committed to a fair, modern and sustainable wages policy for all workers, consistent with our Fair Pay and Bargaining Policy.

NSW Health will now work with the Australian Salaried Medical Officers’ Federation and Staff Specialist Psychiatrists to implement this interim decision immediately. 

Minister for Industrial Relations Sophie Cotsis said:

“I respect the decision of the Industrial relations Commission. This decision goes a long way to address the recruitment and retention issues for our Public Health psychiatrists.

“We have reformed the IRC to ensure it is empowered to resolve these matters independent of a government-imposed wages cap. This decision today demonstrates the system works.”

Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson said:

“After 12 years of wage suppression, we can now deliver a meaningful wage increase to our Staff Specialist Psychiatrists in recognition of the crucial work they do.

“Our psychiatrists are a valued part of the health system and we now look forward to working with them to strengthen mental health care across our state.”

NSW Ambulance has today inducted 12 new paramedics from interstate and overseas, providing a further boost to frontline health services across NSW.

The qualified and experienced paramedics have just completed a comprehensive three-week induction program at the NSW Ambulance Education Centre and begin their nine-week on-road training from tomorrow.

The new recruits come from a wide range of locations and with variety of experience, including Emily Joel who previously worked rurally as a paramedic in the Northern Territory. Emily decided to join NSW Ambulance to further expand her skills and experience.

The latest class of paramedic inductees will be posted across metropolitan and regional locations in NSW for nine weeks, prior to becoming registered paramedics with NSW Ambulance. 

Minister for Health, Ryan Park: 

“This new class of interstate and overseas paramedics will provide a welcome boost to frontline healthcare across NSW.

“These paramedics bring with them diverse clinical experience and a range of skills, further complementing and enhancing the capabilities of our NSW Ambulance workforce.

“The addition of our overseas paramedics showcases the global appeal of NSW.”

NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan: 

“I am proud to welcome experienced clinicians from around the world and interstate, who will bring fresh perspectives and valuable skills that will contribute to positive patient outcomes.

“Their decision to join NSW Ambulance shows confidence in the service’s reputation for excellence worldwide.

“Our world class emergency healthcare in NSW is further enhanced by this newest class of experienced paramedics”

paramedic Emily Joel:

“After obtaining my paramedicine degree, I had a strong interest in working with Aboriginal people in rural locations and I learnt a lot about their culture and traditions.

“I am excited to be joining NSW Ambulance for the exciting opportunities to enhance my skills and develop my career.”

The Minns Labor Government will introduce legislation to improve accountability in inmate misconduct proceedings and better protect Corrective Services NSW staff and the NSW community.

The Government is set to introduce a Bill to amend the Crimes (Administration of Sentences) Act to change the burden of proof for correctional centre offences to “satisfied on the balance of probabilities”, rather than “beyond reasonable doubt.”

These changes will bring NSW in line with most other states and territories across Australia, where the “balance of probabilities” is the standard of proof applied for misconduct hearings.

Criminal conduct behind bars will continue to be dealt with by the NSW Police Force according to the criminal standard of proof.

The Government acknowledges concerns about the impact of current legislative requirements on officer safety.

Enshrining the “balance of probabilities” as the burden of proof will make the discipline process less complex and ensure inmates are held to account.

The new legislation will continue to protect community safety, with Community Corrections reports to the State Parole Authority reflecting these disciplinary decisions in custody.

Minister for Corrections Anoulack Chanthivong said: 

“There is no higher priority than community safety for the Minns Labor Government.

“The Government has the shared goal with the union of making sure correctional centres are the safest environment possible for staff.

“We are introducing this legislation as a way to best meet this shared goal.

“These changes come after many months of consultation and engagement on a revised inmate misconduct system between Corrective Services NSW and the PSA.

“New South Wales has been out of step on this issue for too long, and we welcome these efforts to bring our state up to the standards of other jurisdictions.

“We are confident these changes will better protect Corrective Services staff members on the job and streamline action relating to allegations of inmates’ misconduct.”

General Secretary of the Public Services Association Stewart Little said:

“We welcome this commitment to introduce legislation and will work with the Government to see this legislation succeed.

“We want to ensure prisons are safe for everyone and this change is incredibly important to ensure our members can maintain a safe working environment for staff, inmates and visitors.”

The Minns Labor Government has renewed its commitment to protect workers from dust diseases with its new $2.5 million state-of-the-art Lung Health Mobile Clinic which is providing lung health checks to thousands of people across New South Wales.

The new lung bus has arrived in Newcastle to provide free lung screening checks. These lung health checks can be lifesaving by ensuring early detection and treatment of dust diseases like asbestosis, silicosis and mesothelioma.

The lung bus program provides free lung screening checks to more than 5,000 workers annually in regional NSW.

The icare Lung Bus is travelling the length and breadth of the state, including visits to Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, Taree, Tuncurry, Spears Point, Tweed Heads, Gosford, Nowra, Shellharbour, Port Kembla, Bathurst, Dubbo, Broken Hill and Tamworth.

The new mobile clinic features several innovations including:

• Digital chest X-ray technology, providing precise and reliable first instance imaging.
• Enhanced spirometry (lung function) testing equipment to evaluate breathing capacity and respiratory performance.
• Digital monitoring systems to streamline diagnostics and care.
• A backup power supply to ensure uninterrupted operation in remote locations.
• Greater accessibility and comfort, with larger clinical space designed to support both staff and clients.

The brand-new Lung Bus continues the legacy of the state’s original mobile service which served the community for nearly 16 years.

That Bus travelled more than 700,000km (more than 17 times around the world), screening more than 53,000 people, and visiting over 300 destinations across NSW.

This is one of many measures to protect workers from dust diseases, including those caused by silica and asbestos.

The Minns Labor Government has established a new Expert Taskforce to help address silica related health risks in tunnelling projects, following revelations of rising silicosis cases in tunnelling leading up to 2023 and led the campaign for the national ban on engineered stone which started last year.

The NSW Government is funding a team of dedicated silica safety inspectors to ensure businesses are complying with its strengthened laws.

The Lung Health Mobile Clinic will be in Newcastle at The Station on the corner of Scott and Watt St until Friday 10 October.

The new Lung Bus will next travel to the following destinations:

Tamworth: 27-28 October, Newcastle: 1-5 December, Gosford: 17-19 December

Whilst lung bus bookings are at capacity, for more information on lung health checks or to arrange a screening, visit:

https://www.icare.nsw.gov.au/employers/employer-obligations/lung-screening-service

Workers can also arrange a free lung screening at icare’s Sydney CBD clinic, or with local providers regionally when the lung bus is not in that part of the state. To book a free lung health check, contact icare on 1800 550 027.

Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said:

“The new Mobile Clinic underscores the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to removing barriers like cost and location, ensuring workers across NSW have access to the critical support and care they need to safeguard their health.

“Along with enforcement of the recent ban on engineered stone, the new Lung Bus demonstrates our commitment to improve outcomes for workers exposed to hazardous dust across NSW.”

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“I welcome the $2.5 million investment into the new icare Lung Bus which will provide thousands of health checks for people living in regional NSW.

“Our regional communities remain front and centre when it comes to ensuring early detection and treatment of dust diseases like asbestosis, silicosis, and mesothelioma.”

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:

“We want to make sure that people in the Hunter have access to the healthcare they need, when and where they need it.

“For too many, life gets in the way of regular check-ups so by bringing this service directly to the community, we’re removing one more barrier to staying healthy.

“Whether you’re working in construction, mining, manufacturing or just living in the area – we’re urging everyone to take a few minutes to get checked.”

Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said:

“I welcome the arrival of the icare Lung Bus to Newcastle. This is a terrific initiative that plays a vital role in keeping workers safe and healthy.

“These health checks can be lifesaving by enabling the early detection and treatment of dust-related diseases.

“By bringing these essential services directly to the communities that need them most, the icare Lung Bus is helping to protect the health and futures of our workers.”

Icare Group Executive of General Insurance and Care, Britt Coombe said:

“A lung health check could save your life.

“Early detection is critical to effective treatment, and we’re here to make sure every worker, no matter where they live, has access to world-class care.”