Category: NSW News

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.”

Communities across the Eurobodalla are one step closer to receiving expanded health services as construction for the new $330 million Eurobodalla Regional Hospital reaches its highest point.

The purpose-built hospital will be a modern, world-class health facility, which will improve access to a range of health services, reducing the need for people to travel outside the region and help meet the growing needs of the Eurobodalla Shire, from Narooma to Batemans Bay.

When complete, the new hospital will bring a range of enhanced health services under one roof, supporting better patient care and greater capacity for the Eurobodalla community.

The new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital will be established as a Level 4 health facility and is expected to be complete in 2027. It will include:

• an Emergency Department with capacity larger than combined services at the current Moruya and Batemans Bay hospitals.
• an 8-bed Intensive Care Unit/Close Observation Unit
• increased access to chemotherapy treatments and renal dialysis
• surgical and operating theatres, including a day stay surgical unit
• expanded medical imaging department, including MRI
• ambulatory care for the community and outpatient services
• paediatric and maternity services, and a special care nursery
• mental health beds for short-term care

With the structural works now complete, the project team will continue the hospital’s internal fit-out, services and facade installation and external works.

The new hospital’s design has been developed in close consultation with local health staff, clinicians and the community.

More Triage category 2 emergency patients are being treated on time in the Southern NSW Local Health District, up by 6.2 percentage points compared to three years ago under the Liberals.

Ramping also improved by over 11 percentage points compared to three years ago under the Liberals.

The Liberals opposed building Eurobodalla Hospital as a level four facility.

While Southern NSW grappled with high hospital wait times under the Liberals, the Liberals planned to sack over 26 FTE nurses from the local health district, while suppressing wages for over a decade.

In addition to the new hospital, the Minns Labor Government is investing $24 million in health worker housing in southern NSW, to help attract recruit and retain more healthcare workers to the region.

This investment is part of a broader $200.1 million program and will deliver key worker housing for staff at the Eurobodalla Regional Hospital.

For more information visit: www.nsw.gov.au/new-eurobodalla-regional-hospital

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns:

“This $330 million hospital in Eurobodalla will be a game changer for healthcare, and it’s desperately needed for this growing and ageing region.

“The community has been calling for world class services for a long time, and Dr Holland has been a tireless advocate demanding this region gets its fair share.

“The enhanced services at this new hospital will mean fewer patients will have to travel to Canberra or Bega to receive the complex care they need.”

Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park:

“This is a significant milestone for the entire Eurobodalla community, marking considerable progress on one of the largest health infrastructure projects in the region’s history.

“This purpose-built hospital is an example of how we are delivering enhanced and world-class healthcare closer to people’s front door and meeting the future health needs of regional communities.

“We’re investing more in health than any other time in our state’s history. More staff, more hospitals, lower wait times – it’s as simple as that.

“The Liberals refused to open Eurobodalla Hospital as a level four facility and we know they have had a poor track record of delivering health infrastructure on time.”

Member for Bega, Dr. Michael Holland:

“This new hospital is a key investment in the health and wellbeing of our region.

“The new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital has been designed to provide a welcoming and supportive environment for patients, visitors and staff, with features such as inpatient rooms with ensuites, palliative care rooms, family spaces and beautifully landscaped gardens.

“With construction moving ahead, there are now over 200 workers on site each day, helping to deliver this state-of-the-art health facility and providing a real boost for local jobs and skills.”

Family First NSW Upper House candidate Lyle Shelton today called on Premier Chris Minns to intervene and ensure that children are protected from inappropriate LGBTIQA+ drag influencers targeting them at Sunday’s  Coastal Twist Festival

It is alarming that the festival’s organisers have booked “Frock Hudson” and “Sexy Galexy” to perform in “all ages” programming — including drag storytime and a children’s disco — where children will be present and targeted with sexualised messaging.

Mr Shelton said Hudson’s social media history of  posting pictures of himself grabbing the penises of naked men demonstrates that he is an unfit role model for children. 
 
“What parent would want an individual who thinks it’s fine to fill his Facebook feed with such images reading to their children?”

Mr Shelton also stressed that “no performer whose stage name includes the word Sexy should be permitted to perform to children under any circumstances.” According to Mr Shelton, such acts risk sexualising children and undermining their innocence.
 
“What is the Central Coast Council thinking?”
In addition, Mr Shelton disclosed that he is currently being sued by two drag queens, who are  demanding that he remove posts which documented Frock Hudson’s social media history — specifically, images of Hudson holding the penises of naked men.

These legal threats from taxpayer-funded LGBTIQA+ political activists, Mr Shelton said, only underscore the importance of protecting free speech and exposing harmful influences on children.

Mr Shelton is calling on Central Coast Council to withdraw its support for the Coastal Twist Festival immediately, until clear assurances can be given that children will not be sexualised. He is likewise urging major sponsors, such as ING, to reconsider their involvement.

He said: “Council funds and corporate backing must never be complicit in exposing children to sexualised drag performances. If Premier Chris Minns is truly committed to protecting children, he must intervene and demand that this festival be cleaned up or shut down.”

If elected, Family First pledges to introduce legislation that makes it an offence to sexualise children in public performances or programming. “Children deserve a safe space to be kids—not a stage for adult agendas. We will stand up for parents, innocence, and decency,” Mr Shelton said.

A police officer will appear in court today charged over online child abuse material.

Following a joint investigation into online child abuse material by the Australian Federal Police and the NSW Police Force’s Professional Standards Command under Strike Force Lautersee, investigators executed a search warrant at Clemton Park yesterday (Thursday 2 October 2025), seizing electronic devices.

A 26-year-old man – a constable attached to a command in the Central Metropolitan Region – was arrested and taken to Campsie Police Station.

He was charged with four offences including possess child abuse data – use carriage service (two counts), transmit to self – child abuse matter by carriage service and use carriage service – solicit child abuse matter.

Police will allege in court that the man uploaded child abuse material to a social media platform.

He has been refused bail to appear at Bankstown Local Court today.

The officer is suspended from duty without pay and his employment status is under review.

A native bush brewery, barber, clothing labels and artists are among a wide variety of First Nations businesses set to showcase their creativity at the iconic 2025 Aboriginal Affairs NSW Aboriginal Rugby League Knockout this October Labour long weekend in Tamworth.

The Minns Labor Government’s initiative to have an Aboriginal Business Precinct at the country’s largest Indigenous sporting event is running for its second year due to the success of last year.

Backed by the Minns Government’s regional economic development team, the Business Precinct will be delivered by Knockout host Walgett Aboriginal Connection, giving participating businesses the opportunity to promote their products and services to a crowd of thousands.

By removing cost barriers, the Business Precinct gives small and medium First Nations businesses the chance to focus on their products, connect with customers and grow their networks.

The four-day Knockout event will be held at Riverside Sporting Complex in Tamworth from 3 to 6 October, celebrating both the sporting talent of 170 First Nations rugby league teams and the entrepreneurial strength within First Nations communities.

The Knockout is a highlight on the First Nations calendar and is expected to attract up to 30,000 attendees, boost the local Tamworth economy and offer greater exposure and income for businesses featured in the Precinct.

Between matches, players and spectators can explore the Precinct where Aboriginal businesses from across NSW, including Tamworth, Dubbo, Gunnedah, Thornton and Port Kembla, will offer a range of products and services spanning clothing, art, jewellery and beverages.

The event also coincides with Indigenous Business Month, celebrated each October to recognise the diversity and excellence of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses.

This year’s theme, Strength through Collaboration, highlights the role partnerships play in the success of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses. It reflects importance of coming together to share knowledge, support one another and succeed as a community.

For more information, go to Aboriginal Economic Development | NSW Government

Minister for Regional and Western NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“Aboriginal entrepreneurs contribute so much to regional economies and cultural life, whether it’s creating goods, generating jobs, developing skills or delivering services that strengthen community and culture.

“Last year’s Aboriginal Business Precinct was an incredible success, giving participating businesses the exposure and confidence to grow, while offering Knockout crowds something unique to experience or take home between matches.

“This year, the Business Precinct will build on that success, continuing to create opportunities for First Nations businesses to showcase their products and services, connect with new customers and strengthen their networks, without the overhead costs.”

Acting Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty, Jodie Harrison said:

“The Koori Knockout is not just about rugby league it is about celebrating community, culture and connection.

“By having the Aboriginal Business Precinct return for the second year, Aboriginal businesses can gain exposure and promote their services in front of thousands that make the journey to the Knockout.

“NSW is unique in having a specific Closing the Gap priority reform – Reform 5 – that specifically focuses on Aboriginal economic prosperity, jobs and nurturing business, and the precinct is a perfect great example of it in action”

Case study: Makayla Gardener, Rack It Clothing

Proud Aboriginal business owner, Makayla Gardener set out to create something bold, authentic and deeply connected to culture, and that vision became Rack It Clothing.

Rack It Clothing is a lifestyle and streetwear brand made for hunters, lifters and go-getters. The brand creates premium-quality apparel and accessories that combine style, comfort and durability.

From hoodies and tees to fishing shirts, football shorts, caps and lifestyle gear, every piece is built to move with its wearer, in the gym, outdoors or just day-to-day.

Culture sits at the heart of the business, shaping designs that represent strength, resilience and connection, values deeply rooted in First Nations identity. Each product reflects hard work, determination and respect for community and Country.

For Makayla, the Knockout is much more than a sporting event. It’s a celebration of culture, identity and unity – a time when communities come together, families reconnect and pride is shared. Being part of the Knockout gives her the chance to showcase Rack It Clothing, connect with mob and give back to the community that inspires her every day.

This year’s Indigenous Business Month theme, Strength through Collaboration, resonates strongly with Rack It Clothing. To Makayla, success isn’t achieved alone, it comes from supporting each other, sharing knowledge and creating opportunities together. When one business succeeds, the whole community succeeds.

Makayla Gardener, Rack It Clothing:

“As a proud Aboriginal business, our culture is at the heart of everything we do. It inspires us to design apparel that represents strength, resilience, and connection – qualities deeply rooted in who we are as First Nations people.

“For Rack It Clothing, being part of the Knockout is an opportunity to showcase our brand, connect with mob and give back to the community that inspires us every day.

“It’s an honour and privilege to stand alongside other Aboriginal-owned businesses in the Precinct. It represents growth, opportunity and representation, proving that we can create, succeed and thrive while staying connected to our roots.

“For Rack It Clothing, it’s also about sharing our story and encouraging others to chase their dreams and turn their visions into reality.

“For us, Strength through Collaboration reflects what community has always been about. Success isn’t achieved alone, it’s built by supporting each other, sharing knowledge and creating opportunities together. At Rack It Clothing, we believe collaboration strengthens not just our business, but our entire community.”

Case Study: Kayleb Waters-Sampson, Ngurrambaa

Kayleb is a proud Aboriginal business owner and founder of Ngurrambaa, a business dedicated to the continuation of Culture.

Through Ngurrambaa, Kayleb delivers a wide range of products and services, from cultural workshops and community facilitation to dance, traditional and digital art, large-scale murals, clothing and apparel.

Family, country, culture and art inspired Kayleb to start his business and they remain the foundation of everything he creates.

For Kayleb, the Knockout is more than a sporting event. Having been involved in Knockouts for most of his life, he says being able to now see his art represented alongside such incredible talent and community spirit is an honour. With this year’s event in Tamworth, he also sees it as a chance to showcase just how strong his community is, culturally and creatively.

For him, being part of the Aboriginal Business Precinct is an opportunity to grow his business, connect with more people and showcase Culture in new ways.

The Indigenous Business Month theme, Strength through Collaboration, reflects his belief in the importance of unity and supporting one another to achieve success.

Kayleb Waters-Sampson, Ngurrambaa:

“Ngurrambaa is a 100% Aboriginal owned business that specialised in the continuation of Culture through workshops, art, dance, weapons, clothing and apparel.

“Having been involved in Knockouts most of my life, to now having my art represented alongside amazing talent and people is an incredible feeling. With the Knockout being held in Tamworth this year, it’s a great opportunity to showcase how culturally strong our community is.

“Being part of the Aboriginal Business Precinct is an unbelievable opportunity. I’m so appreciative for the chance to showcase my business and talent to more people and it’s something I’ll make the most of.

“Strength through collaboration is something I believe a lot of people don’t understand, just how much stronger we are together. The power of coming together and working towards success is something that only works through unity.”

Just days out from the 2025 NRL Grand Final at Accor Stadium, the NSW Government and Australian Rugby League Commission have confirmed an agreement to keep the NRL and NRLW Grand Finals in Sydney in 2026.

The deal secures the game’s biggest event in its traditional home, where it has been played every year since Australian rugby league began in Sydney in 1908 – with the sole exception of 2021 due to COVID-19.

With the 2025 NRL season among the most competitive in recent history and the NRLW continuing its rapid rise in popularity, today’s announcement gives fans from across Australia and New Zealand certainty to plan a long weekend in Sydney in October 2026 for the ‘big dance’.

This weekend, more than 80,000 fans will fill Accor Stadium for one of the nation’s sporting highlights, with the Sydney Roosters facing the Brisbane Broncos in the NRLW Grand Final followed by the NRL Grand Final clash between the Brisbane Broncos and the Melbourne Storm. Fans will also enjoy a show-stopping performance by international superstar, Teddy Swims.

The event will be broadcast to millions of rugby league fans across 51 countries, reinforcing Sydney’s position as Australia’s home of major sporting events in a way few other codes can.

As the NRL expands its audience in the United States and Asia-Pacific, keeping the Grand Final in Sydney ensures the city remains the heart of rugby league and provides a powerful platform to showcase Sydney as an ideal destination for major sporting event experiences to the game’s growing international fan base.

Today’s announcement adds to Sydney’s unrivalled calendar of major sporting events for 2026, including the United Cup, SCG Ashes Test, SailGP, AFC Women’s Asian Cup, State of Origin, The Everest and the TCS Sydney Marathon Abbott World Marathon Major.

Premier of NSW Chris Minns said:

“NSW is the home of rugby league and Sydney is unquestionably the greatest rugby league city in the world, so there really is no better place to be hosting the NRL’s showpiece event.

“The NRL Grand Final is one of our nation’s greatest annual sporting events and with NSW representing more than half of the clubs across both the NRL and NRLW competitions, this is great news for the thousands of fans who will come together to celebrate the game in its home city.”

Minister for Jobs and Tourism and Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

“The NRL has done a fantastic job in promoting and expanding the game to new international markets. We need to make sure we cement Sydney’s legacy as the nation’s home of sport and the birthplace of rugby league.

“Regardless of who plays in the Grand Final, rugby league fans from across the nation will flock to Sydney. This a big win for sport fans and fantastic news for pubs, hotels, restaurants and retailers in Sydney, and gives them confidence to start to planning for this iconic event.”

Australian Rugby League Commission Chairman Peter V’landys AM said:

“As Australia and the Pacific’s number one sport, we are pleased to confirm that Sydney will host the 2026 NRL and NRLW Telstra Grand Finals.

“The NRL Grand Final day is the most iconic event on our sporting calendar, drawing global attention and attracting tens of thousands of travelling fans into Sydney and NSW every year.

“This year alone over 40,000 tickets, which is more than half the stadium, have been sold to interstate and international fans, providing a huge economic stimulus to the local economy and a $50 million plus return on investment to the NSW Government.”

“We want to thank the NSW Government for the ongoing support of Rugby League as well as Premier Chris Minns and Minister Steve Kamper who have worked with us to reach an early agreement for next year’s Grand Final. Fans can now start making their plans for 2026.”

The Minns Labor Government is clearing the way for more world-class festivals and events at Centennial Parklands, increasing the cap on major events to support Sydney’s vibrancy agenda while protecting public green spaces.

Building on a legacy of Centennial Park concerts that have hosted Bob Dylan, James Brown, INXS, Flume and Tame Impala – a new Regulation will mean the number of events attracting more than 20,000 people will increase from eight to twelve each year.

The increase will allow Greater Sydney Parklands, as manager of Centennial Parklands, to host more large-scale cultural, sporting and music events – helping to boost Sydney’s economy and night-time vibrancy and lowering costs for festival organisers – while making measures are in place to manage traffic, noise and environmental impacts.

Events of this size will continue to be held on the Brazilian Fields, located at the centre of Centennial Park. Greater Sydney Parklands is also investigating infrastructure improvements and transport solutions to better support these events and reduce disruption for other park users.

In 2024, the Minns Government lifted the SCG precinct concert cap from an average of 4 events a year to 20 events a year. Lifting these restrictions has meant more events, fun and investment in NSW.

The Minns Labor Government is building better communities and that means rebuilding vibrancy and the 24-hour economy which is still recovering from a decade of lockouts and then lockdowns.

The lifting of the Centennial Park concert cap builds on two years of vibrancy reforms including last week’s boost to capacity, entertainment and events, along with supporting more than 20 local councils to establish Special Entertainment Precincts, ending single serial noise complaints, extending trading hours for venues that host live entertainment, reducing red tape around entertainment and outdoor spaces, scrapping the 5km sign in rule at clubs and rolling out $14.9 million in Uptown Grants to support entertainment hubs.

The new cap will take effect ahead of the 2026 events calendar. The Greater Sydney Parklands will continue to work industry and community to support a smooth transition.

Minister for the Arts and Night-time Economy John Graham said:

“We’re lifting the cap on good times, outdoor events and opportunities for artists and workers.

“Centennial Park is one of the most beautiful and versatile parklands in the world, and this is a sensible boost in its capacity to host a great day out.”

“The lifting of yet another restriction on fun, is part of our agenda to restore Sydney back to its 2000 Olympics heyday, where our events and nightlife were the envy of the world.”

“With more events occurring, we are encouraging the opportunity for events to go back to back over a single weekend. That means they can share infrastructure and reduce costs, which should mean lower costs for event organisers and the public. It’s a very practical way of keeping costs down.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“We want Sydney to host more events that people love, so we’re lifting restrictions that have held back the festivals, concerts and cultural celebrations that bring energy and life to our city.

“At the same time, we’re putting in place safeguards to protect our parklands so they can continue to be enjoyed by everyone.

“This is about making Sydney a truly 24-hour city – vibrant, welcoming and full of life.”

Australian Festival Association CEO Olly Arkins said:

“This is a big win for Sydney’s cultural life, which the AFA has long called for. More events mean more opportunities for local artists and businesses, and importantly, the chance for festivals to share infrastructure and reduce their costs. This welcome change gives organisers the certainty they need to invest and deliver world-class experiences in one of our city’s largest and most iconic outdoor venues.”